In the days when Sir Handel was known as Falcon, he worked on the Mid Sodor Railway, along with Peter Sam, then known as Stuart, and Duke, the hero of the story.
The Thin Controller was very pleased with Falcon.
"You have done very well on your work so far, so now I want you to learn the Mountain Road. You shall double head with Duke- he knows the line like the back of his buffer and he will teach you the line."
Of course, the prospect of working with Duke was not appealing to Falcon in the slightest, as he thought Duke a right old fusspot.
...
Duke insisted on the order when he and Falcon had met at the station.
"I'll lead." Duke puffed. "I have to show you what to do."
"No- I'll lead!" Argued Falcon. "How can I learn the line if you're in front?
"Alright, if you insist. But remember- keep your eyes on the track. The view is never as important as the track."
...
"Mind the track Mind the track!" Puffed Duke sternly.
"Fusspot! Fusspot! Fuddy duddy! Fuddy duddy!" sang Falcon.
Presently, they came to a tunnel and headed through it.
It was pitch black and curved, and he didn't like it a bit!
...
Soon they emerged from the tunnel.
But the coaches just began to clear the tunnel when suddenly, Falcon swerved on a curve- and derailed, hanging perilously over the edge at the top of a valley.
...
"Young idiot!" Was all Duke could say. Then; "stop shaking I can't hold on if you keep shaking!"
The crews worked together to ensure that the engines would be stable. But then came more trouble- Duke was low on water.
Luckily for them, a workmen's cottage was nearby and he was willing to lend them anything with water holding properties.
So he, his wife and the passengers all formed a chain between the cottage and Duke.
The work was hard, for Duke needed all the water he could get.
But at long last, they filled his tank- and Falcon was rescued.
...
At the Top Station, the passengers were thrilled about the adventure, and they thanked Duke and his crew for preventing an accident.
"Thanks for saving me Granpuff." Falcon said earnestly. "I'm sorry I was so rude to you earlier."
"That's alright, young un'- we all make mistakes. Besides, it'd have been a pity if you ruined your new coat of paint rolling down the hill!"