S.C. Ruffey (affectionately known and pronounced as "Scruffey") was a cruel ballast truck who was the ringleader of the other Troublesome Trucks.
Biography[]
S.C. Ruffey was a "Private Owner" wagon and like many such wagons was not kept in the best state of maintenance.
When Oliver returned from the Works after falling into a turntable well, S.C. Ruffey and the trucks sang rude songs about the event. Toad, worried by the lack of respect for the engines, consulted with Oliver and Duck and made a plan. Oliver shunted S.C. Ruffey and some of the other ballast trucks into a train and prepared to pull them. S.C. Ruffey rallied the trucks into holding back, but this only resulted in S.C. Ruffey being pulled apart.
The Fat Controller attributed the incident to the wagon's poor condition, but told Oliver not to disclose the fact, saying it was "bad for discipline". After receiving his comeuppance, S.C. Ruffey's remains were scrapped. Since this incident, Oliver has become much more well-respected by the trucks, out of fear they will meet S.C Ruffey's fate.
Personality[]
S.C. Ruffey was known to be an insufferable and ruthless advocate for bad behaviour of the trucks to the engines of the Little Western. However, his antics would eventually lead to him being pulled apart by Oliver and then being scrapped, resulting in his death.
Technical Details[]
Basis[]
S.C. Ruffey is based on a 5-plank open wagon with fixed ends. Numerous examples of these wagons were once employed across the British railway network, and many are preserved today on heritage railways. S.C. Ruffey in particular is based on the variant produced by Wrenn Railways in OO scale.
Livery[]
S.C. Ruffey was painted black with the words "S.C. RUFFEY & Co. BALLAST CONTRACTORS TIDMOUTH SODOR" painted on his sides in white. On Awdry's own model of S.C. Ruffey, his lettering also had a red drop shadow.
Appearances[]
The Railway Series[]
Companion Volumes[]
- 1976 - Famous Engines
- 1987 - The Island of Sodor: Its People, History and Railways (mentioned)
- 2005 - Sodor: Reading Between the Lines (mentioned)
Official Description[]
From Official Media:[1]
“ | Scruffey: A Private Owner wagon, actually the property of S C Ruffey, and like many such wagons, not kept in the best state of maintenance. Unfortunately he makes the mistake of trying to throw his importance about, and an idea suggested by Toad, means that his that his bragging comes all too literally apart. One is left with the feeling that the Fat Controller, for all his expressed regret, is neither greatly dismayed nor surprised. | ” |
Trivia[]
- Several heritage railways across the United Kingdom have (or have had) trucks painted in S.C. Ruffey's livery. These include:
- Southern Railway 5-plank open wagon No. 9608 on the Bluebell Railway.
- 7-plank open wagon No. 558 at the Midland Railway Centre, Butterley.
- BR 13 ton steel-sided open wagon No. 11 at the Caledonian Railway, Brechin.
Gallery[]
The Railway Series[]
Main Series[]
Days Out with Thomas[]
References[]
- ↑ RWS "Sodor: Reading Between the Lines" (2005)
Locomotives | Duck | Donald and Douglas | Oliver | |
---|---|---|
Rolling Stock | Passenger | Alice and Mirabel | Isabel and Dulcie |
Goods | Toad | Fred Pelham | |
Former | S.C. Ruffey | |
Non-Rail Vehicles | Bulgy | Bulgy's Friend | |
Stations | Tidmouth | Haultraugh | Arlesburgh West |