Few engines feel as comfortable in their own paint as Rheneas. And why not? He’s freaking Rheneas!
Rheneas was very serious when he and Skarloey first came to the Island of Sodor. While Skarloey was bouncy and feisty, Rheneas kept his nose to the grindstone. He never fussed, and he rarely laughed. The “stick in the mud” incident is a critical moment in what forged them into the dynamic duo we know them to be, and also helped Rheneas to see the humor in things.
The occasional levity was essential, because he had been tasked with an incredible burden. Whether or not Rheneas could complete his next journey was the one thing keeping the railway from closing. Thankfully, his gallant actions (and endurance) are what saved the railway in the end, and inspired Skarloey a great deal. It was the moment he had become a living legend. While he was whisked away to be repaired, the railway felt a huge void that took time to fill, and though engines were found to handle the work, they were never a 1:1 replacement for “the real deal.”
Despite the scale of his accomplishment, it did not go to his smokebox. Perhaps that’s just because he doesn’t see it that way. Rheneas is humble and doesn’t even realize that the newer engines (particularly Duncan) see him as a hero. He knew Skarloey missed him, but he’s not quite aware of how much he talked about him to the other engines. Had he had known, perhaps he would be more prepared to come home to all these new faces who already looked up to him.
Over the years, Skarloey and Rheneas’s early temperaments seemed to rub off on each other. Skarloey matured, and Rheneas learned to lighten up. It also helped that the railway now had a larger roster, so an engine breaking down or getting into a scrape was not “the be all end all” anymore. The stakes were much lower. It was a huge relief, which helped Rheneas discover his sense of humor. Despite their age and wisdom, he and Skarloey can be quite cheeky when they find an opportunity, which is usually at Sir Handel or Duncan’s expense. To be honest, those two usually deserve it.
Skarloey and Rusty are Rheneas’ closest friends. It took a little time for him to get a feel of Rusty (Rheneas had never met a Diesel before), but Skarloey’s glowing endorsement got them off on the right wheel soon enough. Despite those, Rusty knows that no one can scratch the surface of Skarloey and Rheneas’ incredible bond, but the little diesel is happy enough to be in their orbit. The 3 are great friends who will do anything to help one another.
Rheneas gets along with everyone on the railway, but Sir Handel’s entitled behavior has impressed him the least. If Sir Handel became aware of this, it might be a wake-up call.
Despite his cheerfulness and sense of humor, Rheneas still takes his responsibilities to the railway seriously, especially if something is wrong. The conspiracies surrounding Proteus, Sir Robert Norramby, and other strange happenings have heightened his concerns and desire to save the railway if need be. This “can-do” energy, in recent times, had been hard to Skarloey to match, especially when his own fears have made him more prone to worry and indecisiveness.
Rheneas, at his best, is definitely an optimist, but the stress of the railway’s recent misadventures may have worn him down in some areas. It is strange that the worst of his cynicism seems to be directed at Young Tucker, who he believes to be more trouble than he’s worth. Perhaps it’s easier to pin problems to a young engine that means well, as opposed to the great questions with answers that seem to float by like a passing ghost, and seem so far and out of reach.