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- “You're a gallant little engine!”
- ― The Thin Controller, "Gallant Old Engine"
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Rheneas is a narrow gauge tank engine.
Bio
Rheneas was built by Fletcher, Jennings and Co. at Whitehaven and arrived on the Skarloey Railway sometime around 1866.
Unlike Skarloey, Rheneas was stern and thoughtful, and fell out with Skarloey after the latter called him a "stick-in-the-mud" following an argument over cabs. The two reconciled after Rheneas saved Skarloey from a landslide.
Rheneas literally saved the railway by keeping service through through a very lean period in the late 1940s. By 1950, Skarloey was in need of repairs, leaving Rheneas to run the line. He managed to pull a full train home one rainy day despite jammed valve gear, and thus was rewarded with an overhaul. Rheneas returned to the Skarloey Railway sometime between 1960 and 1962.
Rheneas returned to service in 1999 after a major overhaul involving firebox repairs and an extensive mechanical overhaul; as part of the overhaul he has been fitted with air braking equipment.
Persona
In the fourth season, Rheneas is happy and cheerful, but because of his age, he often breaks down. From the ninth season, Rheneas has become somewhat immature and reckless.
Basis
Rheneas is based on the Talyllyn Railway's "Dolgoch".
Livery
In the Railway Series Rheneas is painted in the Skarloey Railway's red livery and blue-and-yellow lining. In the television series he is painted vermillion with gold and black lining.
Merchandising
- ERTL (normal and metallic; discontinued)
- LC Wooden (reissued in three-pack and "Rheneas and the Roller Coaster" set with shocked face)
- TOMY/Trackmaster
- Take-Along
- My Thomas Story Library
Trivia
- In "New Little Engine" Rheneas is depicted as an 0-4-2.
Gallery
