The German representative in the Championship Race is the InterCity Express (ICE).
Personality[]
Weltschaft is presented as cold, proud, and determined, a racer to be fearful of in the great tournament.
Ruhrgold is generally portrayed as focused on the race and determined to win. He's less interested in the politics and bickering, he just wants to prove he's the best.
Tickovers: He can be seen screaming a fierce battle cry, or pointing his finger in the air.
Story[]
In the original London production, Weltschaft raced with Joule in Heat 2, losing to Electra and Pearl. Originally, the German engine was named Weltschaft. He was later renamed Ruhrgold. In the London production, Ruhrgold collapsed on the floor when he lost his heat. His partner Joule hauled him up by his couplings, and spanked him as they left the stage.
In Germany he swapped roles with The French Engine, so that he wins the 2nd Heat and takes Joule to the final, but gets damaged, preventing him from taking part in the rerun.
In the Japan/Australia tours, Weltschaft had a double named the "Flying Hamburger". The Flying Hamburger raced in Heat 1 with Joule 2, Joule's double. Weltschaft racing in Heat 2 and Final with Joule 1, before crashing and unable to participate for the re-run.
In the UK and 2nd US tours, Ruhrgold raced with Caboose.
In the 2017 workshop, he was named Rhinegold, racing with Joule in Heat 2.
In 2018, for the German production's 30th anniversary, the show was re-written and Ruhrgold now races with the new Luggage Van, Carrie.
History[]
The German engine has gone through a few name changes: Weltschaft, Ruhrgold, and also holding the name Rhinegold for the 2017 Workshop.
Although for simplicity's sake the character in the original green costume is often referred to as Weltschaft, and the modern ICE costume is known as Ruhrgold, many productions staggered the changes.
- The London production changed the character's name in 1992, to Ruhrgold, as part of "The New Starlight Express", but kept the green costume all throughout the run.
- Bochum changed the character's name to Ruhrgold in 1992, keeping the green costume until the following year in 1993 when he recieved his new 'ICE' design.
Appearance[]
Gallery[]
Role[]
|
| Audition Notices |
Cast[]
London
as Weltschaft
| 1984 - 1985 | Mark Davis |
| 1985 - 1986 | Simon Caine |
| 1986 - 1987 | Nils Seibaek |
| 1987 - 1988 | Eamon Geoghegan |
| 1988 - 1989 | ? |
| 1989 - 1990 | ? |
| 1990 - 1992 | Scott Pattison |
as Ruhrgold
| 1992 - 1994 | Kevyn Waby |
| 1994 - 1996 | Dale Branston |
| 1996 - 1998 | Dennis Silkwood |
| 1998 - 1999 | Mark Pollard |
| 1999 - 2000 | Matt Raynor |
| 2000 - 2001 | Jamie Capewell |
| 2001 - 2002 | Craig Scott |
Broadway
| 1987 - 1989 | Michael Berglund |
Japan / Australia Tours
| 1987 | as Weltschaft | Christopher Lipari |
| as Flying Hamburger | Scott Austin | |
| 1990 | as Weltschaft | Rod McCune |
| as Flying Hamburger | Shaun Fernandes |
Bochum, Germany
| 1988 - 1989 | Jens Klarskov |
| 1989 - 1990 | David P. Swan / Preston Simpson |
| 1990 - 1991 | Jaymes Hodges |
| 1991 - 1992 | Preston Simpson |
as Ruhrgold
| 1992 - 1993 | Freddy Moretine |
| 1993 - 1996 | Jan Apel |
| 1996 - 1997 | Ray Strachan |
| 1997 - 1999 | Paul Ramsay |
| 1999 - 2000 | Jason Jones |
| 2000 - 2001 | Andrew Millar |
| 2001 - 2002 | Chris Barron |
| 2002 - 2007 | Jan Apel |
| 2007 - 2008 | Graham Harvey |
| 2008 - 2009 | Nick Bower |
| 2009 - 2010 | Gareth Bailey |
| 2010 - 2011 | Jos Hoetjes |
| 2011 - 2012 | Chris Southgate |
| 2012 - 2013 | Adam Sheffield |
| 2013 - 2015 | Graham Harvey |
| 2015 - 2018 | Karl Seal |
| 2018 - 2019 | Will Luckett |
| 2019 - 2020 | Kristian Jacobs |
| 2020 - 2021 | Cole Dunn (Cancelled due to Covid) |
| 2021 - 2023 | Cole Dunn |
| 2023 - 2025 | Owen Broughton |
US Tour 1989 - 1991
as Weltschaft
| 1989 - 1991 | Fred Tallaksen |
Las Vegas 1993 - 1997
as Ruhrgold
| 1993 - 1994 | Danny Metcalfe |
| 1994 - 1995 | Freddy Moretine |
| 1995 - 1996 | ? |
| 1996 - 1997 | Scott Carlyle |
US Tour 2003 - 2004
| 2003 - 2004 | Kristopher Stock |
UK Tours 2004 - 2008
| 2004 - 2005 | Chris Thatcher |
| 2006 - 2007 | Ryan Dixon |
| 2007 - 2008 | Kris Manuel |
NZ Tour 2009
| 2009 | Jos Hoetjes |
UK Tour 2012-2013
| 2012 - 2013 | Kris Manuel |
| Asia 2013 | Paul Shipp |
Fan Theories[]
See Here for Fan theories about Weltschaft / Ruhrgold.