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(This book being the sole depiction of the Culdee Railway feels like a pretty major component of it, and not a fact that should be relegated to the trivia section.)
(Undo revision 1760501 by BrianSpark52 (talk))
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{{Quote|You be thankful, Sir Handel, that we're not a mountain railway."​<br>"A mountain railway! What's that?"<br>"A railway that climbs mountains, of course."<br>"But it can't! Its engine's wheels would slip!|Rheneas and Sir Handel arguing about mountain railways}}
  
{{Quote|You be thankful, Sir Handel, that we're not a mountain railway."​<br>"A mountain railway! What's that?"<br>"A railway that climbs mountains, of course."<br>"But it can't! Its engine's wheels would slip!|Rheneas and Sir Handel arguing about mountain railways}}
−
'''''Mountain Engines''''' is the nineteenth book in [[The Railway Series|the ''Railway Series'']]. It is notable for containing the only appearance of the [[Culdee Fell Railway]], the one major railway in the [[Railway Series]] to not have any stories adapted for television.
 +
'''''Mountain Engines''''' is the nineteenth book in [[The Railway Series|the ''Railway Series'']]. It is notable for containing the only appearance of the [[Culdee Fell Railway]], the single major railway in the Railway Series to not have any stories adapted for television.
   
 
==Foreword==
  
==Foreword==
 
Dear Friends,<br />
  
Dear Friends,<br />
−
A [[Culdee Fell Railway|Rack Railway]] climbs the mountain called [[Culdee Fell]]. [[Lord Barrane|Lord Harry Barrane]] is Chairman of the railway company. Lots of people travel on it in the summer.
 +
A Rack Railway climbs the mountain called [[Culdee Fell]]. Lord Harry Barrane is Chairman of the railway company. Lots of people travel on it in the summer.
   
−
Mr [[Walter Richards]], the Manager, does not have an easy time. There are seven engines, one of whom, [[Shane Dooiney|No. 5]], is still away being mended. Another, No. 6, was named [[Patrick|Lord Harry]]. This was a mistake. It made him conceited and... But you must read the stories for yourselves.
 +
Mr Walter Richards, the Manager, does not have an easy time. There are seven engines, one of whom, No. 5, is still away being mended. Another, No. 6, was named Lord Harry. This was a mistake. It made him conceited and... But you must read the stories for yourselves.
   
 
I hope you will enjoy this book about a different kind of railway.<br />
  
I hope you will enjoy this book about a different kind of railway.<br />
Line 28: Line 28:
 
==Stories==
  
==Stories==
 
===''Mountain Engine''===
  
===''Mountain Engine''===
−
Sir Handel is grumpy and complains about the coaches for causing trouble for him. [[Rheneas]] tells him that he should be grateful that he does not work on [[Culdee Fell Railway|a mountain railway]]. Sir Handel does not believe such a thing exists, and an argument ensues until Donald arrives with [[Culdee]], a queer-looking mountain engine. When Culdee wakes up, he tells the little engines about his line, and an adventure he had on the first day when he learned how to use his automatic brakes during a thrilling journey down a mountain.
 +
Sir Handel is grumpy and complains about the coaches' causing trouble for him. Rheneas tells him that he should be grateful that he does not work on a mountain railway. Sir Handel does not believe such a thing exists, and an argument ensues until Donald arrives with Culdee, a mountain engine. When Culdee wakes up, he tells the little engines about his line, and an adventure he had on his first day when he learned how to use his automatic brakes during a thrilling journey down a mountain.
   
 
===''Bad Look-Out''===
  
===''Bad Look-Out''===
−
[[Duncan]] is in a bad mood because [[the Thin Controller]] says he kept a bad look out, so Skarloey and Rheneas change the conversation by asking Culdee about [[Culdee Fell Railway Coaches|his coaches]]. The conversation soon drifts to Culdee's automatic brakes, and the story of [[Godred]], an engine who held too much faith in his automatic brakes. Even though everyone tried everything, they found nothing wrong, but Godred continued in his way. Then one day, Godred fell off the rails and was sent to the back of [[Culdee Fell Railway Engine Sheds|the shed]], where he was cannibalised for his parts. Sir Handel and Duncan are scared and remain silent, but Skarloey and Rheneas do not mention the tale was made up.
 +
Duncan is in a bad mood because the Thin Controller says he kept a bad look out, so Skarloey and Rheneas change the subject of the conversation by asking Culdee about [[Culdee Fell Railway Coaches|his coaches]]. The discussion soon drifts to Culdee's automatic brakes, and the story of Godred, an engine who held too much faith in his automatic brakes. Despite frequent discipline and investigation into his behaviour, Godred continued in his way. Eventually, Godred fell off the tracks and down the mountainside. Since the manager had no money to repair Godred, he was sent to the back of the shed, where over time the drivers cannibalised Godred for spare parts to mend Culdee and the other engines. Sir Handel and Duncan are mortified and remain silent, while Skarloey and Rheneas do not mention that the tale was made up.
   
 
===''Danger Points''===
  
===''Danger Points''===
−
Donald brings Culdee home, where he discovers that three new engines have arrived - [[Alaric]], [[Eric]] and [[Patrick|Lord Harry]], the last of whom is loud and risk-taking. The next day, Culdee makes fun of Lord Harry's "super-heat" and Lord Harry determines to pay him out. Unfortunately, he derails at the summit, preventing Wilfred from taking his "down" train. Lord Harry is rescued and sent to the back of the Shed in disgrace.
 +
Donald brings Culdee home, where he discovers that three new engines have arrived: Alaric, Eric and Lord Harry, the latter of whom is loud and impulsive. The next day, Culdee makes fun of Lord Harry's "super-heat" and Lord Harry determines to pay him out. Instead, he derails at the summit, preventing Wilfred from taking his "down" train. Lord Harry is subsequently rescued and sent to the back of the Shed in disgrace.
   
 
===''"Devil's Back"''===
  
===''"Devil's Back"''===
−
Lord Harry is punished by having his name taken away, now being referred by his #6, and, after hearing Culdee's story of Godred, asks the Manager to be let out. The Manager agrees, but forbids him from pushing passenger trains, so #6 is kept taking supplies and [[workmen]] to [[Culdee Fell Summit|Summit]] Hotel. One day, he is preparing to continue up [[Devil's Back]], a difficult part of the line, after a message arrives about a group of injured climbers. Despite the strong wind, #6 perseveres and the leader of the climbers asks the Manager to rename #6 after a friend who helped him when he was injured. Nowadays, #6 is renamed Patrick and only takes risks when absolutely necessary.
 +
Lord Harry gets his name taken away, now being referred by his #6, and, after hearing Culdee's story of Godred, asks the Manager to be let out. The Manager readily agrees, but forbids him from pushing passenger trains, so #6 is kept taking supplies and [[workmen]] to Summit Hotel. One day, he is preparing to continue up Devil's Back, a difficult part of the line, after a message arrives about a group of injured climbers. Despite the strong wind, #6 perseveres and the leader of the climbers asks the Manager to rename #6 after a friend who helped him when he was injured. Nowadays, #6 is renamed Patrick and only takes risks when absolutely necessary.
   
 
==Characters==
  
==Characters==
  +
===Mountain Engine===
  +
* [[Skarloey]]
  +
* [[Rheneas]]
  ⚫
* [[Sir Handel]]
 
* [[Donald and Douglas|Donald]]
  
* [[Donald and Douglas|Donald]]
  +
* [[Culdee]]
  +
* [[Ernest]] {{Note|cameo}}
  +
* [[Wilfred]] {{Cameo}}
  +
* [[Alaric]] {{Cameo}}
  ⚫
* [[Godred]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  +
* [[Shane Dooiney]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  ⚫
* [[Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima and Beatrice]] {{Mentioned}}
  +
  +
===Bad Look-Out===
 
* [[Skarloey]]
  
* [[Skarloey]]
 
* [[Rheneas]]
  
* [[Rheneas]]
Line 46: Line 59:
 
* [[Duncan]]
  
* [[Duncan]]
 
* [[Godred]]
  
* [[Godred]]
  +
* [[Culdee]]
  +
* [[Walter Richards|The Manager]]
  ⚫
* [[Catherine]] {{Does not speak}}
  ⚫
* [[The Thin Controller]] {{Mentioned}}
  ⚫
* [[Godred MacHarold]] {{Mentioned}}
  +
* [[Ernest]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  +
* [[Wilfred]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  +
* [[Shane Dooiney]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  +
  +
===Danger Points===
 
* [[Ernest]]
  
* [[Ernest]]
 
* [[Wilfred]]
  
* [[Wilfred]]
 
* [[Culdee]]
  
* [[Culdee]]
−
* [[Patrick|Lord Harry/No. 6/Patrick]]
 +
* [[Patrick|Lord Harry]]
 
* [[Catherine]]
  
* [[Catherine]]
−
* [[Walter Richards]]
 +
* [[Walter Richards|The Manager]]
  +
* [[Donald and Douglas|Donald]] {{Does not speak}}
⚫
* [[Minor Human Characters in the Railway Series#The Rockclimbers|The Rockclimbers]]
  
−
* [[Alaric]] {{Does not speak}}
 +
* [[Alaric]] {{Mentioned}}
⚫
* [[The "Trucks"]] {{Does not speak}}
  
 
* [[Eric]] {{Mentioned}}
  
* [[Eric]] {{Mentioned}}
  +
⚫
* [[Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima and Beatrice]] {{Mentioned}}
  
  +
==="Devil's Back"===
⚫
* [[The Thin Controller]] {{Mentioned}}
  
  +
* [[Wilfred]]
⚫
* [[Godred MacHarold]] {{Mentioned}}
  
  +
* [[Culdee]]
⚫
* [[Shane Dooiney|No. 5]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  
  +
* [[Patrick|No. 6/Patrick]]
−
* [[Lord Barrane|Lord Harry Barrane]] {{Note|mentioned in forward}}
  
  +
* [[Catherine]]
  +
* [[Walter Richards|The Manager]]
  ⚫
* [[Minor Human Characters in the Railway Series#The Rockclimbers|The Rockclimbers]]
  +
* [[The "Trucks"]] {{Do not speak}}
  +
* [[Godred]] {{Mentioned}}
  +
* [[Ernest]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  +
* [[Shane Dooiney]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  +
* [[Alaric]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
  +
* [[Eric]] {{Note|not named; mentioned}}
   
 
==Locations==
  
==Locations==
  +
===Mountain Engine===
−
* [[Skarloey Railway Engine Sheds]]
 +
* [[Skarloey Engine Sheds]]
  +
* [[Devil's Back]]
  +
* [[The Mainland]] {{Mentioned}}
  +
  +
===Bad Look-Out===
  +
* [[Skarloey Engine Sheds]]
 
* [[Culdee Fell Summit]]
  
* [[Culdee Fell Summit]]
  +
⚫
* [[Kirk Machan]]
  
  +
===Danger Points===
 
* [[Culdee Fell Railway Engine Sheds]]
  
* [[Culdee Fell Railway Engine Sheds]]
  +
* [[Poll-ny-Chrink]]
  +
* [[Kirk Machan]]
  +
* [[Culdee Fell Summit]]
  +
  +
==="Devil's Back"===
 
* [[Devil's Back]]
  
* [[Devil's Back]]
  +
* [[Culdee Fell Summit]]
  +
* [[Culdee Fell Railway Engine Sheds]]
 
* [[Wellsworth Hospital]] {{Mentioned}}
  
* [[Wellsworth Hospital]] {{Mentioned}}
   
 
==Trivia==
  
==Trivia==
 
* This is the first Railway Series book not to have any of its stories televised.
  
* This is the first Railway Series book not to have any of its stories televised.
−
* This was the first and only appearance of the Culdee Fell Railway and its locomotives. The railway would not be mentioned in the series again until [[Thomas and his Friends]] in 2011.
 +
* This was the first and only appearance of the Culdee Fell Railway and its locomotives. The railway would not be mentioned in the series again until the final book, [[Thomas and his Friends]] in 2011.
 
** [[Christopher Awdry]] has stated that the reason there are no more books about the Culdee Fell Railway is due to the safety precautions and limited traffic - meaning no more story opportunities.
  
** [[Christopher Awdry]] has stated that the reason there are no more books about the Culdee Fell Railway is due to the safety precautions and limited traffic - meaning no more story opportunities.
−
* [http://www.sodor-island.net/episodeguide/rgg.html According to an interview], one of the reasons this book did not have any episodes for the [[Thomas & Friends|television series]] based on it was because the Culdee Fell Engines were not very merchandisable because of the railway's climbing rack track, the engines' strange angled bodies and also their limited storylines.
 +
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190317133132/http://www.sodor-island.net/episodeguide/rgg.html According to an interview], one of the reasons this book did not have any episodes for the [[Thomas & Friends|television series]] based on it was because the Culdee Fell Engines were not very merchandisable because of the railway's climbing rack track, the engines and Catherine's strange angled bodies and also their limited storylines.
  +
* The story "Mountain Engine" is based on [[Moel Siabod]] making an inspection with two coaches before the Snowdon Mountain Railway opened to the public.
 
* The story "Bad Look Out" is based on the [[Snowdon Mountain Railway]]'s opening day accident with their first engine, [[L.A.D.A.S.]]
  
* The story "Bad Look Out" is based on the [[Snowdon Mountain Railway]]'s opening day accident with their first engine, [[L.A.D.A.S.]]
  +
* The story of Godred is diagetically stated to be fiction. However, [[The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways]] shows that Godred indeed crashed and was then dismantled. This is because Awdry amended this story for Mountain Engines to give it a child-friendly ending.
 
* The Reverend acknowledged the help given by members of management and staff of the Snowdon Mountain Railway Ltd. in the preparation of this book.
  
* The Reverend acknowledged the help given by members of management and staff of the Snowdon Mountain Railway Ltd. in the preparation of this book.
−
* The present day events of this book took place in 1963. The flashback events took place in 1900.
 +
* The present day events of this book take place in 1963. The flashback events take place in 1900.
  +
* In the Korean versions of the book, the faces on the rears of the mountain engines were removed, presumably because having two faces might be considered slightly confusing to a younger audience.
  +
** Along with this, ''God''red's name in the Korean version of the book was changed to Louis, most likely to remove any possible connections to Christianity.
   
 
==Goofs==
  
==Goofs==
 
* In the first illustration, Sir Handel's cab roof is white.
  
* In the first illustration, Sir Handel's cab roof is white.
 
* Skarloey has a numberplate on the back of his cab in the third illustration of "Mountain Engine".
  
* Skarloey has a numberplate on the back of his cab in the third illustration of "Mountain Engine".
  +
* In the first illustration of ''Danger Points'', the catenary-power lines are missing.
 
* In one of Culdee's flashbacks Alaric appears, but Culdee did not learn of Alaric's existence until he returned.
  
* In one of Culdee's flashbacks Alaric appears, but Culdee did not learn of Alaric's existence until he returned.
 
* Donald has [[Donald and Douglas|Douglas]]' tender in the first illustration of "Danger Points".
  
* Donald has [[Donald and Douglas|Douglas]]' tender in the first illustration of "Danger Points".

Revision as of 23:37, 26 May 2020

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“You be thankful, Sir Handel, that we're not a mountain railway."​
"A mountain railway! What's that?"
"A railway that climbs mountains, of course."
"But it can't! Its engine's wheels would slip!”
― Rheneas and Sir Handel arguing about mountain railways

Mountain Engines is the nineteenth book in the Railway Series. It is notable for containing the only appearance of the Culdee Fell Railway, the single major railway in the Railway Series to not have any stories adapted for television.

Foreword

Dear Friends,
A Rack Railway climbs the mountain called Culdee Fell. Lord Harry Barrane is Chairman of the railway company. Lots of people travel on it in the summer.

Mr Walter Richards, the Manager, does not have an easy time. There are seven engines, one of whom, No. 5, is still away being mended. Another, No. 6, was named Lord Harry. This was a mistake. It made him conceited and... But you must read the stories for yourselves.

I hope you will enjoy this book about a different kind of railway.
The Author

Stories

Mountain Engine

Sir Handel is grumpy and complains about the coaches' causing trouble for him. Rheneas tells him that he should be grateful that he does not work on a mountain railway. Sir Handel does not believe such a thing exists, and an argument ensues until Donald arrives with Culdee, a mountain engine. When Culdee wakes up, he tells the little engines about his line, and an adventure he had on his first day when he learned how to use his automatic brakes during a thrilling journey down a mountain.

Bad Look-Out

Duncan is in a bad mood because the Thin Controller says he kept a bad look out, so Skarloey and Rheneas change the subject of the conversation by asking Culdee about his coaches. The discussion soon drifts to Culdee's automatic brakes, and the story of Godred, an engine who held too much faith in his automatic brakes. Despite frequent discipline and investigation into his behaviour, Godred continued in his way. Eventually, Godred fell off the tracks and down the mountainside. Since the manager had no money to repair Godred, he was sent to the back of the shed, where over time the drivers cannibalised Godred for spare parts to mend Culdee and the other engines. Sir Handel and Duncan are mortified and remain silent, while Skarloey and Rheneas do not mention that the tale was made up.

Danger Points

Donald brings Culdee home, where he discovers that three new engines have arrived: Alaric, Eric and Lord Harry, the latter of whom is loud and impulsive. The next day, Culdee makes fun of Lord Harry's "super-heat" and Lord Harry determines to pay him out. Instead, he derails at the summit, preventing Wilfred from taking his "down" train. Lord Harry is subsequently rescued and sent to the back of the Shed in disgrace.

"Devil's Back"

Lord Harry gets his name taken away, now being referred by his #6, and, after hearing Culdee's story of Godred, asks the Manager to be let out. The Manager readily agrees, but forbids him from pushing passenger trains, so #6 is kept taking supplies and workmen to Summit Hotel. One day, he is preparing to continue up Devil's Back, a difficult part of the line, after a message arrives about a group of injured climbers. Despite the strong wind, #6 perseveres and the leader of the climbers asks the Manager to rename #6 after a friend who helped him when he was injured. Nowadays, #6 is renamed Patrick and only takes risks when absolutely necessary.

Characters

Mountain Engine

Bad Look-Out

Danger Points

"Devil's Back"

Locations

Mountain Engine

Bad Look-Out

Danger Points

"Devil's Back"

Trivia

  • This is the first Railway Series book not to have any of its stories televised.
  • This was the first and only appearance of the Culdee Fell Railway and its locomotives. The railway would not be mentioned in the series again until the final book, Thomas and his Friends in 2011.
    • Christopher Awdry has stated that the reason there are no more books about the Culdee Fell Railway is due to the safety precautions and limited traffic - meaning no more story opportunities.
  • According to an interview, one of the reasons this book did not have any episodes for the television series based on it was because the Culdee Fell Engines were not very merchandisable because of the railway's climbing rack track, the engines and Catherine's strange angled bodies and also their limited storylines.
  • The story "Mountain Engine" is based on Moel Siabod making an inspection with two coaches before the Snowdon Mountain Railway opened to the public.
  • The story "Bad Look Out" is based on the Snowdon Mountain Railway's opening day accident with their first engine, L.A.D.A.S.
  • The story of Godred is diagetically stated to be fiction. However, The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways shows that Godred indeed crashed and was then dismantled. This is because Awdry amended this story for Mountain Engines to give it a child-friendly ending.
  • The Reverend acknowledged the help given by members of management and staff of the Snowdon Mountain Railway Ltd. in the preparation of this book.
  • The present day events of this book take place in 1963. The flashback events take place in 1900.
  • In the Korean versions of the book, the faces on the rears of the mountain engines were removed, presumably because having two faces might be considered slightly confusing to a younger audience.
    • Along with this, Godred's name in the Korean version of the book was changed to Louis, most likely to remove any possible connections to Christianity.

Goofs

  • In the first illustration, Sir Handel's cab roof is white.
  • Skarloey has a numberplate on the back of his cab in the third illustration of "Mountain Engine".
  • In the first illustration of Danger Points, the catenary-power lines are missing.
  • In one of Culdee's flashbacks Alaric appears, but Culdee did not learn of Alaric's existence until he returned.
  • Donald has Douglas' tender in the first illustration of "Danger Points".

In Other Languages

Language Title
Chinese 高山小火车
Japanese 山にのぼる機関車
Korean 등산 철도 기관차들
Writers Wilbert Awdry | Christopher Awdry | George Awdry | Brian Sibley
Illustrators William Middleton | Reginald Payne | C. Reginald Dalby | John T. Kenney | Gunvor and Peter Edwards | Clive Spong | Stephen Lings
Publishers Edmund Ward | Kaye & Ward | William Heinemann | Egmont Publishing | Random House Books
Narrators Wilbert Awdry | Johnny Morris | Willie Rushton | Ted Robbins | John Gielgud | Andrew Sachs | Michael Angelis
Characters Railway Series characters | Railway Series-exclusive characters | Awdry-created characters
Other The Sad Story of Henry (1953) | The Railway Stories | Eric Marriott
Books W.A. The Three Railway Engines | Thomas the Tank Engine | James the Red Engine | Tank Engine Thomas Again | Troublesome Engines | Henry the Green Engine | Toby the Tram Engine | Gordon the Big Engine | Edward the Blue Engine | Four Little Engines | Percy the Small Engine | The Eight Famous Engines | Duck and the Diesel Engine | The Little Old Engine | The Twin Engines | Branch Line Engines | Gallant Old Engine | Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine | Mountain Engines | Very Old Engines | Main Line Engines | Small Railway Engines | Enterprising Engines | Oliver the Western Engine | Duke the Lost Engine | Tramway Engines
C.A. Really Useful Engines | James and the Diesel Engines | Great Little Engines | More About Thomas the Tank Engine | Gordon the High-Speed Engine | Toby, Trucks and Trouble | Thomas and the Twins | Jock the New Engine | Thomas and the Great Railway Show | Thomas Comes Home | Henry and the Express | Wilbert the Forest Engine | Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines | New Little Engine | Thomas and Victoria | Thomas and his Friends | Barry the Rescue Engine
Other Thomas's Christmas Party | Thomas Comes to Breakfast | Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree | Thomas and the Evil Diesel | Thomas and Gordon Off the Rails | Thomas and the Hurricane | Thomas the Tank Engine: The Complete Collection | Thomas the Tank Engine: The New Collection | Annuals | Mini Books | Pop-up Books
Companion Twelve Happy Engines | The Railway Series: Surprise Packet | Railway Map of the Island of Sodor | The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways | The Thomas the Tank Engine Man | Sodor: Reading Between the Lines
Lectures Narrow Gauge Rails in Sodor | Railways of Sodor
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