The Sodor race

Thomas woke up to find Tidmouth Sheds were empty. He knew why though. Today was the day of the annual Sodor race. "Everyone must be getting their joints oiled and at the wash down to make themselves look their best", thought Thomas. "I'd better get ready too", and he hurried out of the shed.

At the carriage sheds he met Duck, who was collecting Alice and Mirabel and two other coaches. "Hi, Duck", said Thomas. "Why are you taking four coaches? My line runs through more populated land than yours, and I only need two". "Ah, well", replied Duck. "With all these people wanting to see the Sodor race the traffic on my line has a remarkable increase. Donald's out there running trains right now. He and Douglas want to prepare their axles for the race this afternoon. I'd better be on my way. See ya Thomas". "See you Duck", said Thomas. He coupled himself to Annie and Clarabel and puffed off to the junction.

At Elsbridge he met James. "Hi James", said Thomas brightly. "Why aren't you taking the express? I thought it was your turn today". "Gordon's taking it" said James. "I'm pulling an all-stations train to Knapford. There are lots of people who want to see the Sodor Race, and see you will win. I'd be willing to bet miney that Spencer will win, if I had any" James chuckled. "Everybody on my line has put bets on Spencer and Gordon" said Thomas. Just then Thomas's guard blew his whistle and jumped into Clarabel. "I'd best be off" said Thomas. "Nice seeing you James" and he puffed away.

Thomas puffed along his branchline. Everybody was waiting for Thomas to go back to Elsbridge, so they could change onto the main line trains and go to various spots along the line to watch the race. Eventually Thomas reached Lower Suddery. Edward was already there. "Hello there Edward" said Thomas as he pulled in. "Ready for the race?". "Yes" said Edward, "although I'll probably come last". "No you won't" encouraged Thomas. "You won't come first, like Spencer or Gordon, but not last, like Diesel". "Why would Diesel come last?" asked Edward. So Thomas explained how Diesel had a high front, so the air had a large area to push against him, slowing him down. "I see" said Edward. "Anyway, you have a good day" he said as he puffed away. Thomas whistled and followed Edward to Dryaw.

By the time Thomas arrived at Dryaw, Edward was long gone. "Only one more station, Ffarquarr. I'll see Mavis and Toby when I get there" he thought. He pulled away, and stopped to let Mavis pass with a train of rock. "Why are you down here?" asked Thomas. "Toby said who were taking the trucks to the station and letting the lorries take them to Knapford". "The lorries ran into roadworks" explained Mavis, "so Toby and I are taking them to Elsbridge for the big engines to take to Knapford. You don't mind if we use your brach line, do you?". "Of course not" said Thomas, "but tell Toby that from the amount of people wanting to go to Elsbridge, I may need to take Henrietta with me when I go back". "No problem" said Mavis. "I'm sure he won't mind". She hinked once and pulled away. Thomas puffed away to Ffarquarr.

When Thomas reached Knapford with Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta, Toby, Mavis, Gordon, Henry, Spencer, Duck and Percy were at the starting line. Spencer was bragging to Gordon and Henry about how he would win for the fifth time in a row. Niether Gordon nor Henry seemed interested. As Thomas reversed onto his track between Percy and Duck, he whispered to Percy "why didn't Toby enter the race?". "He can't go fast, and he got really tired last time he entered, and only just finished" Percy whispered back. "He'll be at the first coaling stop, don't worry. I know a few tricks that will get us ahead of everybody but the fast engines early one"." Good thing" whispered Thomas. "Ssssh, The Fat Controller's making his announcement. The Fat Controller stepped onto the podium. "It is my honour" he announced grandly, "to start the Sodor Race for this year. On your marks". Thomas rolled back a little. "Get set" Thomas turned to forward gear. "GO!" And they were off!