The Harbour by the Big Station was very important for Sodor's economy. Smart passenger ships brought tourists hoping to see the sights of Sodor. Cargo ships brought in important goods traded elsewhere. Fishing boats brought fish by the dozen. The fish was either sent to shops or to places further away in an important train.
The workmen called it the 'Flying Kipper.'
Henry pulled it often he made a good job of it too.
One winter's night Henry's driver told him they had to take the Flying Kipper again.
"Don't tell Gordon, but I get the feeling that if we do a grand job with, then the Fat Controller might let us pull the Express."
"Oh, that would be splendid!" Cried Henry.
He was ready at five o'clock the next morning and soon he was off.
"Come on! Come on! He huffed to the vans.
"Trick Truck! Trick Truck! We're coming! We're coming!"
"That's better! That's better!" Henry puffed happily.
Soon a yellow signal loomed in the distance.
Henry's driver was set to slow his engine down, but it was down.
"All good to go, old boy!" Called his driver.
But what was unknown to them was that the points between the mainline and a siding ahead were frozen.
James was waiting in the siding for the Flying Kipper to pass. Inside the brakevan his driver and fireman were having cocoa.
The guard checked his watch.
"Not long till the Flying Kipper passes." He announced, gravely.
"Who cares? This is great cocoa!" The fireman exclaimed delightedly.
"Well come on- we better get ready." Replied the driver.
"Oh come on! I haven't finished my cocoa yet." Grumbled the fireman, exiting the brakevan after his driver.
Just as they got out of the brakevan, a loud crash resonated through the landscape.
...
Henry was in shock from the crash. Luckily his crew had escaped before the derailment.
Their engine lain on his side looking as white as the snow beneath him. He couldn't speak.
James' crew ran to see if everyone was alright
Thankfully, no one was hurt badly.
"You clumsy great engine!" fumed James' fireman. "You spilled the best of cocoa I have had!"
"Bother your cocoa! Call for help!" ordered his driver, who was trying not to grin.
...
"The signal was down sir." Explained Henry nervously to the Fat Controller later.
"Cheer up Henry- none of this was your fault." This wretched snow caused the accident. Im sending you to Crewe, Henry instead of our works. It's a grand place for sick engines. You'll be given a bigger firebox and a new shape. Wouldn't that be nice?"
"I think so sir." replied Henry doubtfully.
...
But he had no need to worry.
The people at Crewe did an excellent job with his new shape. His firebox was bigger too.
When he was manned by his crew, they were most impressed with the change in performance.
So were the people of Sodor, who cheered when he passed by.
Now, I am most pleased to say that Henry now no longer relies on Welsh coal. He has pulled the Express too, and he did such a grand job that Gordon got jealous at one point.
But that tale will be told elsewhere, for this one is finished.
