Gallant Old Engine

Gallant Old Engine was first published in 1962. It was written by the Reverend W. Awdry and illustrated by John T. Kenney.

=Stories=

Special Funnel
Winter is approaching, and one day a washout washes a bridge away. The workmen manage to repair it by Market Day, during which time the weather has become frosty. Peter Sam, who is taking the passenger train, has his already-loose funnel knocked off by an icicle in a tunnel. His crew soon replace it with a drainpipe, until his new funnel, a Giesl, arrives. Although the engines tease him about its design at first (Sir Handel and Duncan continually ask him why he sat on it), they soon become jealous of it.

Steamroller
Sir Handel is always slipping between the rails, so he is given new wheels with broad tyres. The engines call him a steamroller, until Skarloey tells him about George, the anti-railway steamroller working near the line. The next day, Sir Handel is taking a special train home when he sees George rolling home. Sir Handel tries to pass, but George refuses and eventually they crash. Rusty and Mr. Hugh arrive to clear the way, and next day a fence is put up to separate the road and rail and George leaves. Sir Handel thinks he made George go away, and is more conceited than ever - at least until some boys start talking about the "race"!

Passengers and Polish
Nancy the guard's daughter is giving Skarloey a polish when Duncan asks if he can get polished too. Nancy doesn't have the time, however, and Duncan starts to sulk. Later that day, one of Skarloey's coaches derails and Duncan is sent to take the passengers home. He arrives in time for his own train, and is so annoyed he stops on the viaduct. Skarloey comes to take him to the Top Station, and the passengers are furious at the delay.

Gallant Old Engine
Duncan is still complaining, so Skarloey tells him and Peter Sam the story of Rheneas. ..

The year before Peter Sam and Sir Handel came, the Skarloey Railway was facing hard times. Skarloey was tired, so Rheneas offered to do some of his work too. Then, one day, he was pulling a full train home when his valve gear jams. The Thin Controller and Mr. Hugh manage to fix him so he can struggle to the next station. It's hard work, but he manages to get there. The passengers are so grateful that they promise to come back with all their friends. Duncan realises he has been silly and thanks and apologises to Skarloey.

The next day, Edward brings Rheneas back to the Skarloey Railway, and a huge celebration ensues. But Rheneas feels the happiest when he's with Skarloey.

=Featured Characters=
 * Skarloey
 * Rheneas
 * Sir Handel
 * Peter Sam
 * Rusty
 * Duncan
 * Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy and Beatrice
 * Cora (cameo only)
 * Edward (non-speaking role)