Finally put together the potential main chars for a series I wanna write called VIC Magic.
⬇️VIC Magic lore and explanation⬇️
It'll take place mainly in the heart of Victoria, but will occasionally branch out to the further lines and other railways (within Australia). The main events take place within magic state of VIC and bring in the idea that once crossing out of VIC, an engine will lose its powers. But once crossing back into the South-Eastern state, they regain their powers.
Locomotives that were not built for the Victorian Railways (VR), are a visiting loco or were simply not meant to work in VIC (e.g. works for NSWGR) will experience weaker, diluted magic rather than the full magic an engine such as Anchovy can wield.
Powers are strongest when traversing the old Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway line, but no one knows why.
VIC Magic follows loosely to the irl events of the VR, but will not always retain realism when a railway line has closed or locomotive class has gone extinct. Locos such as the Belgian R Class, despite the last one being scrapped 1920, will still be seen puffing along the lines. For context, VIC Magic takes place in the 1950s/60s. Fictional locomotives can also exist such as S305 and Z258.
An engine will not be scrapped unless it will be utterly useless to attempt to fix/restore. The magic of the VR keeps them from wearing down fast. (Which is why locos such as the Belgian R are still puffing about).
No class has the exact same power. A similar power? Yes. But the exact same? No.
E.G. One class can mind control while another class can full-on possess.
Sub-classes, however, will have the same powers.
E.G. D¹, D², D³ and D⁴ class locos can all wield fire the same way.
What if the locomotive doesn't have a class?
They can sort of act like chameleons in a way, being able to flick through other engine's powers they come in contact with until they find one that they like. But they have to be quick about it for they only get a week to sort it out. What if they don't come into contact with another loco with powers when the week is over? They remain powerless for the rest of their service life. It's the harsh reality of not belonging to a class.