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Act One

Late in the evening, a child is playing with his toy trains. He takes the role of “Control� and sets up a championship race to decide which of his trains is “the fastest in the world�. While he is playing, he falls asleep. But in his dreams, the championship begins�

Control introduces the engines: Ruhrgold (a German intercontinental express), Turnov (a Trans-Siberian Express from Russia), Nintendo (a Bullet Train from Japan), the Prince of Wales (a “frightfully British� Royal Train) (“Rolling Stock�), and the reigning champion from the USA Greaseball (“Rolling Stock�). After a pause the Control reports that due to a delay on Network Rail, the Prince of Wales is late and will not be competing. Next to arrive is Rusty, a steam train. He is mocked by Greaseball, who reminds him of steam’s inferiority compared to diesel. However, Rusty is adamant nonetheless that he will win the championship (“Call Me Rusty�). Control then calls on the Coaches to identify themselves. They are