Rheneas in his CGI version.
Rheneas is a narrow gauge tank engine and the Skarloey Railway's second engine. Dolgoch from the Talyllyn Railway is his twin and Skarloey is his brother. He is also one of the engines who prevented the railway from closing down, despite his valve gear being jammed.
Bio[]
He 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 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. His overhaul took place in 1961 and was returned to the Skarloey Railway soon after. Rheneas returned to service in 2002 after an overhaul that was started in 1999.
Appearance[]
Rheneas is a gallant little engine, who kept the railway from falling out of business in bad weather. He has a tall black funnel, and a dome with a whistle on it. He has two red piston cylinders with four driving wheels, and he has the number two painted on his coal bunker. Rheneas also has two round buffers and a lamp on his left lamp-iron.
Personality[]
Rheneas has been called a "gallant old engine" before and deserves such a title. Rheneas is highly determined, brave and courageous. He is a tough, committed worker despite his age and takes great responsibility in his work. He is keen to keep his friends smiling and, although he is a level-headed engine, he can be a bit of an adventurer too. Though he may often try to struggle on alone, Rheneas knows when it is time to call on the help of his friends. Nevertheless, Rheneas is always highly dedicated to the task at hand.
Trivia[]
- Rheneas' relationship to Skarloey as brothers is the only time that engines of different classes are referred to as such.
- This is also a relationship only mentioned in the Railway Series.
- Rheneas holds the reputation of being Misty Island's only narrow gauge visitor and the last engine to visit it to date, although it was implied that Thomas visited in King of the Railway during the search for Stephen.
- His whistle sound from Blue Mountain Mystery onwards was reused for Gina and Raul, though in slightly different pitches.
- Willie Rushton, Ben Small and John Hasler give Rheneas a Welsh accent, reflecting to his basis' origins.
- Also, his voice actors in the television series both voice Thomas in the UK dub (Ben Small formerly, John Hasler currently).
- Rheneas’ whistle was Stepney’s whistle.
- Rheneas’ CGI Whistle is two-toned of Raul’s, at two steps higher-pitched.
- Rheneas will meet Pooh and his friends in Pooh's Adventures of Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery and Tigger refers to him as "Rheneas boy".
- After Stuingtion's films, Rheneas will have 2 AK-47's (with shoulder press).
- Rheneas along with Skarloey are best friends with Twist.
Gallery[]
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