The little engines of the Narrow-Gauge Railway were always busy; they went uphill and downhill all day long. Rusty's favorite journey was along the Sodor Castle Causeway. He liked to toot his horn there; the sound echoed around the hills.
Rusty had been away for repairs. His horn had broken and couldn't be fixed, so the workmen gave him a new one. This horn had two notes, one high and one low. The workmen said the new horn was special and had a very tuneful toot…but Rusty was disappointed; his new horn was very loud. When he returned to work, the other engines tried to make him feel better. Rusty was grateful, but he was still unhappy.
One morning, the Thin Controller had a special announcement to make. "The Brass Band is coming to play in grand concert this evening," he said, "and Sir Topham and Lady Hatt will also be coming."
The engines were very excited; they loved the sound of the Brass Band. The steam engines whistled in delight and Rusty tooted his new horn happily.
That day, the engines helped to get ready for the concert. Skarloey and Rheneas brought tables and chairs, Duncan and Peter Sam brought apples and pears from the Orchard and Duke was to collect the Brass Band and bring them to the concert.
Later, when Rusty returned to the Transfer Yards, he tooted his horn to let everyone know he was there. At that moment, Thomas chuffed in with the bandstand. "What was that wonderful sound?" he asked.
"That was Rusty," said Peter Sam. "They gave him a new horn when he was repaired, but he doesn't like it very much."
"Well, I think it's very special."
Rusty couldn't help smiling. "Thank you, Thomas, at least someone likes my new horn."
Just then, the Thin Controller arrived. "Duke has broken down," he called worriedly, "and the other engines are busy. Rusty, you will have to collect the Brass Band."
Rusty was very surprised; he didn't usually pull passengers. "Yes, Sir."
Rusty collected Duke's coaches and set off as quickly as he could and arrived at the station right on time. The Brass Band was soon onboard and started to tune their instruments. Rusty was very happy and forgot all about his horn.
It was starting to get dark as Rusty purred smoothly towards the Causeway; the Castle looked magical in the sunset. Rusty was halfway across the lake…when his engine coughed and he shuttered to a stop. "What was that?" he asked.
"You've broken down," said his Driver, "but I don't know why." Rusty was worried and so was the Brass Band.
Later, Thomas puffed into the Transfer Yards with the Fat Controller and Lady Hatt…but the Thin Controller looked very unhappy. Rusty had not returned with the Brass Band and everyone was worried.
The Band Leader was worried too. "How will anyone know where we are?" he asked.
Suddenly, Rusty tooted very loudly. "That's it!" he cried. "My horn always echoes here. If you all play and I toot my horn very loudly, our sound will echo all the way down to the Yards. Then, everyone will know where we are."
The Band Leader thought this was a very good idea. The Players got their instruments ready, and the Band Leader waved his baton. "One…two…three!" he called. The Band started to play, and Rusty tooted his two notes louder than ever before.
Back at the Yards, everyone heard the sound. "That's Rusty!" exclaimed Thomas.
"And the Brass Band!" chuffed Duncan.
Everyone listened; they could hear Rusty's horn and the Brass Band's music echoing down the valley.
"They must be in trouble," said Thomas.
The Thin Controller turned to the engines. "Duncan, Peter Sam, follow the sound of Rusty's horn and the music. Then, you'll be able to find them."
"If Rusty's horn is that loud," said Skarloey, "he must be at the Causeway." And Peter Sam and Duncan set off at once.
The Brass Band played as loudly as they had ever done. Rusty was sure the whole of Sodor could hear them. Then…he saw engine lamps coming towards them, and Peter Sam and Duncan arrived.
"We heard your horn and the music," said Peter Sam.
"So, we knew where to find ya," added Duncan. Rusty and the Brass Band were very grateful, and Duncan and Peter Sam pulled them all the way back to the Transfer Yards.
Everyone was pleased to see that Rusty, his Driver and the Brass Band were all right. "You really do have the most special horn of all," wheeshed Skarloey.
"I shall never be shy about my special horn again," smiled Rusty.
"Now, let the concert begin," boomed the Fat Controller.
The Brass Band made their way to the bandstand, and everyone gathered around to listen. The Band started to play, all the steam engines blew their whistles, and Rusty tunefully tooted his two-toned horn loudest of all.