Author's notes: I really like this one because we get another bit of history about the SkR. It's also interesting to note here that Duncan was complaining. That would make sense because he has worked in a factory before coming to the SkR. Hmm, I need to make a note to do a backstory of Duncan's past. Anyway, here we go.

Gallant Old Engine

Narrator: Skarloey scolded Duncan severely.

Skarloey: I'm ashamed of you Duncan! You should think of your passengers!

Duncan: Pah! Passengers are just nuisances, they're always complaining!

Narrator: Skarloey, the other engines, foals and the main 4 drivers were shocked and appalled.

Skarloey: THAT'S NO WAY TO TALK DUNCAN! Passengers are our coal and water! No passengers means no trains! No trains means no railway! And we'd all be on the scrap heap my dear engine and don't you forget it.

Narrator: Peter Sam and Sir Handel shuddered, they knew exactly what Skarloey meant.

Skarloey: Thank goodness Rheneas is coming home! Perhaps he'll teach you sense before its too late!

Duncan: What has Rheneas to do with this?

Narrator: Skarloey was ready to answer that question and surprisingly were Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens.

Skarloey: Rheneas saved our railway.

Peter Sam: Please tell us about it!

Rachel: Yes please. It must have great moral!

Princess Luna: Thou would like to hear thy tale of thou brother Rheneas as well.

?: Yes please. Do tell!

Narrator: Then engines looked over. Standing there were the Mane 6 ponies Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity along with Princess Luna. Skarloey cleared his throat and began the story. The foals, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Roberts, Rusty, Rachel, Sir Handel and Peter Sam listened excitedly

(Flashback)

Skarloey narrating: Well this story dates back to 1940 and 1953. As you may know, back in those days, me and Rheneas were the only 2 engines operating the line at time. But anyway, 13 years ago before any of you engines, new preservationist or younger ponies came, things were very very bad. We were on our last wheels. Mr. Hugh was our Driver and Fireman, while the Thin Controller was our guard. He did everything else too and helped Mr. Hugh mend us in the shed. When they were not busy on the Fat Controller's railway, Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden offered to help us too, with every single job.

Thin Controller: We expect 2 fresh engines in 1952 to help out with the increasing work load. Until they come, we must keep the trains running.

Mr. Hugh: If we don't, our railway will close down.

(Flashback pauses).

Fluttershy: Oh my…

Peter Sam: How awful…

Sir Handel: You took the words right out of my mouth Peter Sam.

Rachel: Oh dear, that sounds dreadful. I'm surprised you guys made it through that.

Featherweight: I am so sorry about that

Pipsqueak: Great Trottingham. However did you manage through those dark times.

(Flashback)

Skarloey narrating: Well like Mr. Hugh and thin controller said, Rheneas and I had to keep the trains running 13 years until Sir Handel and Peter Sam could come and help. We pulled all the goods trains and passenger trains and sometimes even combined the two trains to help keep them running. Even with Rheneas' help, I found myself be used the most. I don't know why, probably for popularity purposes. But come world war 2 things, went form bad to worse. Because I had been used the most I had started falling into poor state of repair I got worn out easily. My wheels ached and my tubes leaked and yet for awhile I managed to keep going until 1944. I had to take passenger train up to the top station and then back again but I felt strange. I felt like something was leaking inside but I didn't want to let our railway down so I just soldier on regardless. I reached the top station safely just as Rheneas came in with a slate train.

Rheneas: Are you alright? You look as though someone cut your steam tubes off.

Skarloey: (panting) Don't worry. I'll be alright. Just a little tired, that's all.

Rheneas: Alright, but try to take it easy.

Skarloey Narrator: He departed with his train full slate. As soon as he cleared the section, I started back with Agnes, Ruth, Jemima, Lucy and Beatrice. At first the first few miles back down to Crovans Gate were alright and without any problem. As soon as we left Glennlock however, things started to get very hard. I gave it everything I had and was just about to make it back to the platform at Crovans Gate when….

(Skarloey trying to pull the passenger train into Crovans Gate)

Skarloey: come on! come on! come on ! come on!

SKarloey Narrating: With a loud bang and a hiss of steam, I started to loose steam as it hissed everywhere, coughing and wheezing painfully. I grounded miraculously into the station platform but I was bad shape. Miss Ravens whom was driving me with Mr. Holden put out my fire out and Rheneas took me to sheds. I felt so bad now. Rheneas had to manage the line all by himself.

Skarloey: (Cough) (Cough) I'm sorry Rheneas.. (Cough)… (Cough)… I just can't go any further… (COUGH) (WHEEZE)

Skarloey Narrator: Rheneas just smiled in sympathy.

Rheneas: It's perfectly alright my brother. It's my turn now to take over. You've done more than your fair share of the hard work.

(Flashback Pauses)

Fluttershy: Oh my. I'm so sorry that happened to you Skarloey,

Skarloey: It's alright. I couldn't help it. Just happened.

Narrator: And the others remarked in sympathy, all expected Duncan whom was remaining strangely quiet.

Twilight: So does that mean Rheneas was on his own?

Skarloey: Yes he was Twilight Sparkle.

Applejack: What in tarnation?! You have gotta be kiddin me.

Skarloey: I'm not. He had to run the whole railway on his own.

Sir Handel: (Looks over to Peter Sam, quietly) That sounds familiar. Don't you think?

Peter Sam: (Quietly) Yes. It sure does.

Skarloey: What sounds familiar youngsters?

(Toink!)

Sir Handel/Peter Sam: Uh… nothing!

Peter Sam: Um… please proceed Skarloey. Sorry about that.

Sir Handel: Yeah, please go ahead. Sorry we distracted you.

Skarloey: Heh, quite alright. Anyway,

(Flashback)

Skarloey narration: And so Rheneas, handled the bulk of the traffic of the Skarloey railway. Slate, general goods and passengers, each day of the week. But because Rheneas operated at a slightly lower boiler pressure than I did and had slightly smaller cylinders, Rheneas had less tractive effort than I did. Despite this, Rheneas always struggled on, determined not to let the railway down. Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens often took turns with Mr. Hugh and the Thin controller both at Rheneas's footplate and in the machine shops to help fix me up as best as they can. Every day, Rheneas puffed along our rough rails, every time he ran over a rail joint a new crack would develop or a small item straining to hold him together would break and fall off, yet year after year kept going keeping the railways routine passenger and goods service. He was also short of steam, but he always struggled to the stations and then rested their

(Flashback pauses)

Skarloey: That is most important with passengers.

Narrator: Scootaloo and Mr. Roberts scowled at Duncan who just rolled his eyes.

Duncan: Psshaa!

Narrator: He had stopped on viaduct yesterday and hadn't cared at all.

Skarloey: Now, passengers do not mind stopping at stations. They can get out and walk about, that's what stations are for. But they get very cross if we stop at wrong places like viaducts, then they say we're a bad railway and never come again. I do remember a time when Rheneas did stop in a wrong place once, he couldn't help but he made up for it in the end.

Mr. Holden: I remember that day too.

Miss Ravens: And so do I.

Narrator: Everyone was surprised.

Rusty: He did?

Skarloey: Mmmmhmm. And this is what happened.

Flashback:

Skarloey Narrating: It was july 1st 1951. That afternoon, Rheneas had damp rails and full train. There were even passengers in Beatrice the Guards van. Mr. Hugh was driving him that day and Mr. Holden was helping out as firemen whilst the thin controller was the guard and Miss Raven was to there too with tools and buckets of sand ready on hand in case of an emergency. It wasn't a comfortable ride all from what Rheneas told me. His wheels slipped furiously on the steep bit after Crovans Gate at Cros-Ny-Curin. But after much sanding, his wheels at last gripped the rails again.

Rheneas: The worst is over, now we're away! Come along! Come along! Come along!

Agnus: We're coming Rheanes.

Ruth: Don't you worry about that.

Lucy: We'll get the passengers home safely.

Beatrice: Not far now.

Jemima: WHAT?!

Ruth: Oh, not again.

Lucy: I said 'We'll get the passengers home safely'!

Jemima: Oh! Why didn't you say so?

Agnus: (Sighs) We need a hearing aid for…

Skarloey narrating: Suddenly, with a loud BANG, his wheels locked into place.

Rheneas:AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'VE GOT CRAMP!

Agnus/Ruth/Lucy/Jemima/Beatrice: RHEANEAS!

Skarloey Narrating: And Rheneas stopped on the loneliest part of the line. There was not a road, town or telephone for miles. The Thin Controller, Mr. Hugh, Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden examined him carefully. The passengers watched and waited, Rheneas eyed them anxiously. Some looked very cross. At last, the Thin Controller stood up.

Thin Controller: Your valve Gear on one side has jammed. We've unfastened the eccentric rods and tied them up underneath the boiler lagging bands. Now Rheneas, we need to reach the next station and then take the train back, can you get us there on one cylinder?

Rheneas: I'll try sir, but the next station isn't the right station. Will the passengers be cross?

Thin Controller: Don't worry. I've explained the situation and they know we can't reach the top station today.

Rheneas: I understand sir. I'll give it everything I've got.

Mr. Holden: That's great Rheneas. Me and the thin controller will be up on your footplate sanding the rails since your sanding gear has also failed.

Miss Ravens: But don't worry. I'll be your fireman, or uh firewomen, and keep your steam up. Just do your best, that's all we can ask.

Skarloey narrator: The Thin Controller and Mr. Holden sanded the rails. Some passengers from pushed from Beatrice and climbed back into the train. Mr. Hugh gently eased out the regulator, Miss Ravens shovelled for dear life. The train jerked and began to move.

Rheneas: I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll do it!

: (Singing) When your feet are dragging on the ground Stand up and face whatever you're afraid of.

Mr. Hugh: (Singing) When pandemonium is all around.

Miss Ravens: (Singing) That's when you find out what it is you're made of.

Thin Controller: (Singing) If you will just believe it's true Then there is nothing you can't do.

Mr. Hugh: (Singing) There's not a mountain that you can't climb

Miss Ravens: (singing) There's not a river you can't make it over

Mr. Holden: (Singing) There's no tomorrow that you can't find if you try.

Thin Controller (singing) I know you're gonna make it Nothing can stop you now!

Rheneas: I'll do it I'll do it I'll do it I'll do it I'll do it I'll do it I'll do it I'll do it !

Everyone: (singing) There's not a mountain that we can't climb! There's not a river we can't make it over! There's not tomorrow that we can't find if we try! You know we're gonna make it! Nothing can stop us now!

Skarloey narrating: Everyone cheered, but Rheneas Heard nothing.

Rheneas: The Thin Controller is relying on me! If I fail the railway will close IT MUSTN'T! IT MUSTN'T! I'LL GET THERE OR BURST TRYING!

Miss Ravens: Go on old boy! Keep at it!

Mr. Holden: You're doing great!

Skarloey narrator: Rheneas's vision blurred. He could hardly breath, he's too tired to move another yard. But he did, and another! And another! And another!

Rheneas: Just one more mile!

Skarloey Narrator: At last, tired but triumphant he finally reached the station.

Rheneas: I've got there at last! (sighing with relief)

Miss Ravens: That a boy Rheneas old lad! Well Done! HAHAHA!

Mr. Holden: Great Job you gallant old hero!

Skarloey Narrator: The Passengers cheered and locals thanked Rheneas and crew. Once everyone had left the platform, the thin Controller had quiet word with Rheneas.

Thin Controller: You didn't really think you could do it, did you?

Skarloey Narrator: Rheneas looked at his buffers.

Rheneas: No sir. If I am completely honest with you I didn't

Skarloey Narrating: The Thin Controller Mr. Hugh, Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens were delighted.

Thin Controller: Well I'll let you catch your breath before the journey down. It's proud of you I am indeed. You deserve a good easy run down.

Skarloey narrator: All Rheneas remembered about the Journey down was having to go on going on.

Everyone: (singing) There's not a mountain that we can't climb! There's not a river we can't make it over! There's not tomorrow that we can't find if we try! You know we're gonna make it! Nothing can stop us now!

Skarloey Narrator: At last, battered and worn out but triumphant Rheneas reached the Crovans gate. Everyone got out and thanked Rheneas and the crew.

Passengers: Thank you for getting us home! We expected a long walk back, but we didn't need it. We'll come again and bring our friends.

Skarloey Narrator: Mr. Holden, Mr. Hugh, Miss Ravens and the Thin controller were proud.

All 4: You're a gallant little engine! When you're rested we'll mend you ready for tomorrow.

(End flashback)

Peter Sam: was Rheneas always ready for tomorrow?

Narrator: Skarloey smiled.

Skarloey: Always… And no matter what happened. Rheneas always pulled his trains.

Narrator: It was Duncan who broke the silence.

Duncan: Thank you for telling us about Rheneas. I was wrong. Passengers are important after all.

Narrator: All the little engines were at the wharf when Rheneas came home. The foals members were there as well as the Mane 6 ponies and mane 4 drivers. Some of the Fat Controllers engines were there too. The Fat Controller, Princess Cadence, Princess Luna, Prince Celestia, and The Thin controller the owner and Mr. Hugh were also present. Edward pushed his truck into the transfer siding where Skarloey pulled him neatly to his own rails. The is was the signal for giant chorus from engines large and small you. Never heard such a noise in all your life. The owner, Princess Luna, Rheneas and other important people and ponies made speeches, the band Played. The mane 6 ponies, the foal memebers, the engines and the main 4 drivers all sang out loud and proud.

Skarloey: (singing) Gonna shout it from the mountaintops

All narrow gauge engines: (singing) A star is born

Miss Ravens: (singing) It's a time for pulling out the stops

Mr. Holden Mr. Hawkins. Mr. Roberts: (singing) A star is born

Sweetiebelle: (singing) Honey, hit us with a halleluia

Scootaloo: (singing) The kid came shining through

Applebloom: (singing) Girl, sing the song

All foals: (singing) Come blow your horn

A star is born

Rainbow Dash: (singing) He's a hero who can please the crowd

Mane 6: (singing) A star is born

Edward: (singing) Come on ev'rybody shout out loud

Mainline engines (singing) A star is born

Cadence/Celestia/Luna: (singing) Just remember in the darkest hour

Within your heart's the power

For making you

A hero too

Rheneas: (singing) So don't lose hope when you're forlorn

Everyone: (singing) Just keep your eyes upon the skies

Ev'ry night a star is

Right in sight a star is

Burning bright a star is born

Narrator: Everyone was very happy but Rheneas the gallant old engine was the happiest of all. In his own place that night next to his old friend and brother Skarloey.

Rheneas: (Sigh) This helps an engine feel that at last he has really come home.

Yeah, this story is one of the fan favourites too, and I can definitely see why. What's next? 'Stepney The Bluebell Engine'. Oh boy. Get your tissues ready because there will be a very powerful and emotional letter coming up.