	Our hero. Rusty is the little steam train who works in the freight yard. Everyone thinks he is slow and old-fashioned but he longs to prove that he can win the races. He also wants to make Pearl 'his' coach on a rather more permanent basis, by proving to her that steam is the best.
	Greaseball is the diesel train and the reigning champion. From the USA, he's macho, powerful and all the coaches love him, especially 'his' coach, Dinah. He can be big-headed and arrogant, but he knows when he's beaten. His 'Gang' follow him about and do whatever he says.
	This swish new electric train is stylish, but also arrogant and cold. All the coaches fall at his feet, even though he has his group of components to race with. He initially charms Pearl but soon finds himself out of luck - all the coaches prefer someone who can whistle at them.
	Poppa is Rusty's father and also a steam train. He was once a champion and is determined to prove that steam is the greatest. He hangs out in the freight yard and likes to sing the blues. Poppa is respected, but generally thought slightly mad to even suggest that steam has any hope.

	Pearl (the observation car) has a very complicated love-life. She is beautiful, intelligent and very flirtatious, but also confused and indecisive. All the trains want to race with her and this brings her much heartache, but nothing compared to the heartache she gives them (Rusty in particular).
	Dinah the dining car is Greaseball's coach and also from the USA. Greaseball gives her a bit of a hard time when he decides to race with Pearl, but Dinah emerges triumphant.
	Ashley is the smoking car. For lots more information on Ashley, see Ashley's Domain, run by my friend Lone.
	The buffet car. Friends with the other coaches - generally speaking a backing singer, really.
	Belle was written out of the London show in 1992 and only ever appeared in London and New York. She was a sleeping car and friend of Poppa's who raced with Rusty in the second qualifying heat.

	Three box cars. Generally held to be brothers. They hang out with Poppa, Rusty and the other freight trucks and are pretty loyal to steam, although they don't always think that it can win.
	Dustin is the big hopper. He believes in steam and the Starlight Express, and his friendship is invaluable when all the other coaches and trucks desert Rusty.
	A brick truck, sometimes found with the other freight trucks, but Flat-top's loyalies are divided - he can just as often be found helping Greaseball's gang.
	Written out of the London show in 1992, but given a place just 'cos I like him, CB is a brake truck and generally evil. He misleads poor Dinah, and scuppers Rusty's chances, but somehow I can't help liking him. Don't ask me.

	The French 120mph Sudest.
	The Italian Rome to Milan Express (the Settebello).
	The German Intercontinental Express (formerly known as Weltschaft).
	The Russian Trans-Siberian Express.
	The Japanese Shinkanssen Bullet Train (formerly known as Hashamoto).
	The British Royal Train (formerly known as The City Of Milton Keynes).