ThomasNATION Classic Reviews - Rusty Saves the Day

Anyone who has ever traveled along the Skarloey Railway and met Rusty knows that he is trusty, tame and friendly for being so little. He (or she? Where did we land on that?) is a dedicated worker, often maintaining the line, while understanding and respecting the importance of his duties. He also has a rather distinctive two-tone horn which annoyed the other engines at first, but we never speak of that episode. Rusty is quick to remind others with regards to proper conduct, particularly Duncan, who was initially very suspicious of the little diesel. But despite their arguments, they both seem to make amends in the end because of how kind and tolerant Rusty is...that is until "Trusty Rusty" in Season 7, but that's a story for another day. Rusty has a good working relationship with both Skarloey and Peter Sam in particular. Caring, calm, and quick-thinking, Rusty is modestly a credit to the Skarloey Railway, and when it comes to today's story, it looks like this little diesel may be what is needed to come to the rescue when Skarloey and Rheneas' line is in need of a complete overhaul, or it may be in danger of being shut down for good when "Rusty Saves the Day"!

RUSTY SAVES THE DAY: Skarloey and Rheneas' line closes down, and they are relocated to the quarry. But Rusty decides to use the fortnight of blasting time to help Elizabeth repair the line.

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    Excellent, although it was not only Rusty who saved the line. Without Elizabeth, they probably would not have completed clearing it and Sir Topham Hatt would not have reopened it. The title lied, where's my refund? But speaking of the controller, why would Sir Topham Hatt close down lines? Is he the Dr. Beeching of Sodor?  If you don't know who he is, look up the man!  Sir Topham Hatt actually re-opened a branch line in the Railway Series book "Oliver The Western Engine"; that being The Little Western.  Unless if he has money trouble for their line which would make sense, it just doesn't here in this episode.  The overall message to never give up is an important part of this story.  Sometimes, things aren't done in time but the idea to keep pushing no matter what the odds tell you is just as significant to understand.  Rheneas and Skarloey should remember that best after seeing their experiences back in "Four Little Engines" and "Gallant Old Engine" of Season 4.

However, it is strange seeing Skarloey just wanting to give up on cleaning up his line considering that he's one to never give up in the face of adversity.  But don't worry, the true start of Skarloey's character assassination is yet to come.  Music-wise, this entry had a favorable variety of motifs.  The Skarloey Railway theme is abundant among the story, Sir Topham Hatt's theme is there and Boulder's theme as well as Elizabeth's complexly intricate cue.  The visuals here for the most part repeat those of "Dunkin Duncan". Skarloey Bridge, Rheneas Viaduct and the Slate Quarry are shown again.  There was also the Cattle Creek Bridge which we've never seen before.