Ruth is an inventor from the United States and is good friends with the Earl of Sodor. She first came to Sodor for the Technology Fair at Ulfstead Castle and now lives at her Workshop near Maithwaite on Thomas' Branch Line. Ruth loves inventing new and exciting things and she is good friends with the engines too.
One day, Thomas was making a delivery to the Steamworks. He was surprised to see Ruth nearby. "Hullo, Ruth. What are you doing here? Are you inventing something new and exciting for the railway?"
"Not exactly, Thomas," chuckled Ruth. "I'm just helping to repair Neville's valve gear."
Thomas was puzzled. "But…I thought you were an inventor, not an engineer."
"Well, actually, I'm both. Inventing uses both science and engineering to create something new. Remember when I told you that when I was a little girl, I wanted to be a railway engineer? Well, I may be an inventor, but my job is being an engineer on the railway. So, you'll be seeing me around here a lot from now on."
Ruth was right. When the engines didn't see her at her Workshop, she could usually be found doing repairs at the Steamworks. Her work in inventing and engineering proved to be a big help to everyone. She managed to rescue Toby, Henrietta and even Sonny when the Rickety Old Bridge collapsed, and she helped Kenji to travel on the railway without needing electric cables.
Sometime after Kenji left, the engines noticed some protective curtains at the back of the Steamworks and Ruth kept walking behind them. "Are you building a new invention back there?" asked Percy.
"I'm afraid I can't tell you," she said, "but it's going to be a big surprise."
Days went by, then weeks and then, months. Sometimes, strange noises could be heard behind the curtains. Everyone kept asking Ruth what was going on, but she always gave the same answer. Soon, a whole year had gone by, and the engines had forgotten about what Ruth was doing.
One morning, the engines were getting ready for another hard day's work when the Fat Controller arrived at Tidmough Sheds. "Good morning, everyone," he said. "Today, I have an announcement to make…or should I say, Ruth does? She has something special and exciting that she wants to show us at the Steamworks, so I want all of you to be there this afternoon."
"Yes, Sir," said the engines and after giving them their jobs, the Fat Controller left.
"What do you think Ruth's surprise could be?" asked Percy excitedly.
"It must whatever she has hidden at the behind those protective curtains," replied Thomas. "It could be a new invention she designed."
"Maybe it's a new, modern railway coach," said Emily.
"Or a new, modern boiler design," said Nia.
"It could be a big washing machine like the ones cars, busses and lorries use, but for railway engines!" exclaimed Rebecca.
The engines set off from the Sheds feeling very excited. They all wanted to finish their work quickly to see what Ruth's surprise was.
That afternoon, all the engines were ready and waiting outside the Steamworks. Even Edward and Henry were there and so was a small crowd of people.
The Fat Controller stood in front. "Welcome, everyone. It gives me great pleasure to open this presentation. A year ago today, our good friend, Ruth Larson, arrived on Sodor. She has proven to be quite special indeed and today, she has called us here to show off her newest and most special project.
Suddenly, there was a purring noise from inside the Steamworks. To Thomas, Gordon and Emily, it almost sounded familiar.
Ruth stepped forward. "Thank you, Sir Topham and now, ladies and gentlemen, engines and coaches, may I present to you…the newest…most modern…and most up-to-date machine on the rails…
…Kana the Electric Engine!"
A shiny new engine rolled out of the Steamworks and into the daylight. She had a similar shape to Kenji, but she was much smaller and had buffers on her front and her paint was so shiny, her metal sides were like mirrors. Everyone gasped, then they cheered. The engines whistled excitedly and what followed was a friendly toot from the new engine.
Ruth smiled proudly. "You may remember our friend, Kenji, from the Technology Fair. I was so fascinated by him that I spoke with some engineers from Japan about a new design I came up with. Kana may be an electric engine, but her design is slightly different. She still runs on electricity, but instead of electric cables above the tracks, she has the most modern form of battery pack there is. Kana has many other modern parts too, which is why she does not have a passenger section like Kenji does. This also allows her to be smaller and more flexible, allowing her to pull either coaches or trucks easily.
"You could say that Kana is an experimental engine. If she proves herself to be Really Useful, then newer engines will be built using her design. Now, please welcome Mr. Charles Nicholas Hatt!" Thomas and Percy remembered that name.
A man stepped to the front of the crowd. He wore a top hat, and his suit was similar to the Fat Controller's, but he was much taller.
"Charles is the brother of our own Sir Topham Hatt," said Ruth, "and he is in charge of the Cumbria Central Railway on the Mainland. Once Kana has been put through her paces, she will be going there for her trial."
Mr. Hatt came alongside Ruth. "Thank you, Ms. Larson. I am honoured for my railway to be the home of such a unique engine as Kana. Much like my brother, Sir Topham, my engines also work hard to be Really Useful. Kana, we wish you the best of luck and are happy to have you on our railway.
After more cheers and whistles, the crowd gradually became smaller, but Mr. Charles Hatt stayed behind with the Fat Controller and Ruth. Thomas was excited to meet the new engine. "Hullo, Kana. I'm Thomas and this is Percy."
"Hullo," said the new engine.
"Now Kana," said the Fat Controller, "as Ruth said, after you learn how to handle trucks and coaches, you will be going to my brother's railway to work. You will start with Edward in Knapford Yard tomorrow."
"Yes, Sir."
Kana was soon at work and Edward taught her everything he knew about trucks and coaches. Kana did make some mistakes, but she proved that she could handle many jobs. She pulled local trains on the Main Line and heavy stone on the Branch Lines. She even learned how to shunt in the Yards.
Kana proved herself to be quite fast too, but all the engines warned her to be careful not to go too fast. Luckily, while she had some trouble on twisty tracks, she was proving herself to be Really Useful indeed.
At last, the day came when it was time for Kana to leave. Many of her new friends came to Vicarstown to see her off and so did Ruth and the Fat Controller.
A passenger train arrived with Mr. Charles Hatt onboard. "Well Kana," he said, "Sir Topham has been telling me how well you've been getting on and I am looking forward to having you work with us." He turned to the other engine. "This is Laurence, and he has worked on my railway for many years. When we get back to our railway, he will show you around and introduce you to the other engines."
"Pleased to meet you, Laurence," said Kana politely.
"And it is an honour to meet you, Kana," the old engine replied.
"I wish you could stay with us, Kana," wheeshed Percy sadly. "We'll miss you."
"We all will," added Thomas.
"Well, you will still be able to hear about her," said the Fat Controller. "I have recently made arrangements with Charles to run a passenger service between his railway and Vicarstown. You may even be able to come back and visit yourself, Kana."
Kana sounded her horn happily. "Electric! Thank you, Sir! I would love to come back one day!"
"And I know your friends here will be glad to see you."
Kana buffered up in front of Laurence and waited to leave. "Goodbye, everyone!" she called. "I can't wait to see you again!"
"Goodbye, Kana," called Thomas, "and good luck!"
The Guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag and Kana set off happily with Laurence for her new home, once more to the sound of cheers and whistles.