Rusty's Ghost Engine was a narrow gauge saddletank engine who supposedly worked on the Skarloey Railway.
Biography
Thomas & Friends
According to legend, the engine was returning home one misty night. As the engine was travelling across the Old Iron Bridge, he suddenly lost control and fell off the bridge, plunging into the Cattle Creek ravine below. No one was able to find his remains. However, in the light of the full moon, several workmen claimed to have seen his ghost repeatedly trying to cross the bridge, only to disappear half way every time.
Rusty told the story to Duncan, after Duncan teased Peter Sam for allowing his trucks to derail and fall into the ravine. At first Duncan did not believe the story, but the next day Peter Sam and Duncan's crew arranged a plan to teach him a lesson.
While crossing the bridge during a full moon, the crew used fireflies to help form the ghostly appearance of an engine and secretly threw a large rock from his cab into the ravine. Duncan believed that the bridge was haunted and the engine was trying to cross the bridge at the same time as him. This frightened Duncan, and he quickly ran back to the safety of his shed[1].
In the magazine story, Creepy Cutting, the ghost engine was mentioned by Skarloey who suspected that he was haunting Echo Pass.
Technical Details
Basis
The Ghost Engine is based on the Talyllyn Railway's "Talyllyn", a Fletcher Jennings Class C 0-4-2 tank locomotive that Skarloey is also based on.
Livery
Rusty's Ghost Engine appeared to be painted red with white lining prior to his demise, while the ghost apparition was bluish white all over.
Appearances
Trivia
- The Ghost Engine shares the same whistle sound as Percy's.
- The engine formed by the fireflies resembles Rheneas, Smudger and Dolgoch.
Quotes
- "A long time ago, a little engine was returning home. It was a misty, moonlit night. As the engine crossed the old iron bridge, he suddenly lost control and plunged over the side into the swamps below. He was never found again. But many a workman will tell you that when the moon is full, they have seen the little engine trying to get home... but he never reaches the other side."
Gallery
Thomas & Friends
Model Series
Promotional Material
Behind the Scenes
References
- ↑ S5 #24 "Duncan Gets Spooked"