James was taking some trucks from the Coaling Plant one warm afternoon when his fireman became worried.
"James you need to stop- your water tank's low again."
"What a pity- but I'll be late to Brendam if I don't deliver these trucks!" He cried.
So he hurried on past the water tower they had just started to slow down at, and he sped on towards Brendam Docks.
...
The trucks were delivered on time, but Porter wasn't feeling very well, so James had to take him to the Steamworks as his next job.
"Feel better soon matey!" Called Salty as they left Brendam.
"Thanks Salty- I hope you can handle Cranky on your own while Im away!" Porter mumbled weakly.
"Argh, I've done it before, matey! I can do it again!" Salty exclaimed indignantly as they left Brendam.
...
James continued to chuff to Crovan's Gate.
On the way, however, he noticed that he was slowing down, and no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't speed up!
"James, are you alright?" Asked Porter.
"I'm fine." lied James. He knew he was running low on water, but he had no intention of filling up with water- he was too afraid.
Soon however, at Wellsworth, poor James was out of water.
"You lied to me didn't you?" sighed Porter.
"Yes- sorry Porter. Now I'll never get you to the Steamworks." He sighed dejectedly.
"Come on, James- never is a word that should be spoken on our railway!" laughed Edward, who had emerged.
"Edward- boy am I glad to see you!" The red mixed traffic engine said.
"What happened James?" He asked, curiously.
James flushed. He explained all that had transpired between the Coaling Plant and his current scenario- during which he let loose his fear of taking on water.
At the end of it, Edward smiled gently at the younger engine.
"James, engines need water." He explained. "We need to generate sufficient steam in order to be able to perform at our best you know."
"I know that now. I'm sorry Porter."
"That's alright James." Replied Porter.
"Here, I'll push you to the water tower in the yards." Edward offered.
"Yes please." James said, meekly.
So as James and Porter were shunted to Wellsworth by the railway's number 2 to the water tower, James learned that he needed water to be healthy and living.