Rusty

Rusty, named after her makers, Ruston and Hornby, is a diesel that works on the Skarloey Railway.

Rusty's debut in the Railway Series was in "The Little Old Engine" when she came to help Sir Handel and Peter Sam and do maintainence work while Skarloey was away. She helped Peter Sam after his accident with the slate trucks, and helped Skarloey off his truck when he returned. Duncan, who came while Peter Sam was recuperating, initially took a dislike to her, calling her smelly, but stopped after Rusty helped him after he drailed. Rusty stayed on afterwards.

In the Sodor Island Fourm's "Extended Railway Series" thread, it is revealed in "Quarry Engines" that he worked on the old Railway with four other diesels. In the same thread, his driver is revealed to be named Charlie.

In the television series, she was first seen by Harold when he was coming to help repair the lines. Duncan also still seems to dislike her (as he does with all other diesels), even though Rusty has helped him out many times. In this incarnation, she was given an orange livery, unlike his black livery in the Railway Series. In the fitth season, some of the narrow gauge engines received larger models, and Rusty obtained a slightly larger face than the one in his previous model. This has remained throughout the rest of the series apart from the usage of her small model in "Calling All Engines".

Rusty the girl
In some American ninth season episodes, Rusty was referred to as female by Michael Brandon, But the episodes were re-narrated when they were released on DVD.

Basis
Rusty is based on the Talyllyn Railway's "Midlander".

Livery
In the Railway Series, Rusty is painted charcoal-black with gold lining. In the television series, he is painted orange with yellow lining and white lettering. Incidentally, this is the TaF's explanation for his naming.