Rusty the steam engine is the protagonist of the musical play Starlight Express by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe, which has been revised by other authors for revival productions since its 1984 debut. Rusty enters a race against other sentient railroad engines to determine "the fastest in the world," competing against more advanced and up-to-date vehicles. While preparing for the race, Rusty romances Pearl the Observation Car.
Rusty the steam engine was an important Webberite transport in the Sondheim-Webber battle, ferrying an army of feline warriors to fight against the Sondheads on the woodland front. Rusty was also used as a weapon himself, crushing the Sondhead champion Jack beneath his wheels. However, a well-aimed bullet from Charles Guiteau caused Rusty's boiler to explode.[1]
Thomas the Tank Engine, the popular children's book character on whom Rusty is based. Rusty's character was written to be Thomas, but was changed after the theatre company lost the rights to the character.
