Another Thomas rewrite, this time it's "Wayward Winston" from Season 17. Enjoy and comment.

The engines on Sir Topham Hatt's railway always make sure that the railway tracks are safe to use. This is very important because accidents happen on tracks that aren't kept in good shape.

Thomas was taking Sir Topham Hatt and his family to Ulfstead Castle, when they came across some very bumpy track.

Thomas didn't want to derail, so his driver applied the brakes, and stopped the train.

Sir Topham Hatt was concerned.

"This track must be repaired as soon as possible." he said. "Carry on Thomas, but go nice and slow."

So Thomas puffed slowly away.

Soon, workmen began repairing the bumpy track.

Sir Topham Hatt came in Winston, his inspection car, to see the progress being made.

But Sir Topham Hatt was not used to driving Winston.

"Don't worry sir." said Winston. "It's all good."

As Winston drove past, other engines laughed at him.

"Here comes wobbly Winston!" laughed Henry.

The next day, Sir Topham Hatt and Winston arrived to check in with the workmen, and inspect the work being done on the track.

While Sir Topham Hatt was talking to the workmen, Percy pulled up.

"What's the matter Winston?" he asked.

"Sir Topham Hatt isn't really a good driver." replied Winston.

"I figure he's just learning."

"Well I wish he would learn a bit faster! Sometimes, I wish I could go off without a driver."

Percy laughed.
"Don't be silly Winston! You always need a driver."

Then, Sir Topham Hatt returned. He got back in Winston, and drove away to where the other track was being repaired.

Then, there was trouble. Sir Topham Hatt forgot to apply Winston's brakes! This caused Winston to move forward... without his driver!

Sir Topham Hatt didn't notice. He was too busy talking to the workmen.

Winston was excited, until Sir Topham Hatt noticed.

"Come back!" said Sir Topham Hatt.

Then, he saw Thomas.

"Stop Thomas!"

Thomas came to a stop.

"Winston has set off without me! Follow him!"

Sir Topham Hatt boarded Thomas's cab, and Thomas puffed away.

Meanwhile, Winston raced by Gordon and Emily.

"Look at Winston go!" exclaimed Emily. "And he has no driver!"

"Young Winston is heading for trouble." said Gordon. "BIG trouble!"

Winston was having the time of his life! He was rolling down the line, all on his own.

But Thomas was catching up to Winston, until the signalman accidentally switched the points, causing him onto the branch line!

"Not this way!" boomed Sir Topham Hatt.

But another signalman switched back onto the main line.

"We're catching up!" exclaimed Sir Topham Hatt. "Well done Thomas!"

Meanwhile, danger lied ahead for Winston. Bertie the Bus was waiting at the crossing, but he didn't know Winston was coming.

Winston sped through the crossing, making it just in time!

More trouble was coming. At a signal light, he saw Paxton up ahead.
"Watch out!" cried Paxton's driver. He applied his brakes, just in time!

Now Winston was worried.

"I don't like this anymore!" he cried. "I wish I can stop!"
But worse was to follow. At Tidmouth Sheds, he noticed some freight cars ahead!

Winston had no driver, and he bumped into the freight cars!

"I've stopped at last."

Then, Thomas puffed in with Sir Topham Hatt. He was not impressed.

"I am very disappointed in you Winston. Going off without me is very dangerous!"

"I'm sorry sir." said Winston, "but you forgot to apply my brakes."

Then Sir Topham Hatt realized he had made a big mistake.

"You're right Winston. I forgot to put on your brakes."

Soon, the tracks were repaired, and all the engines were very pleased.

Winston had learned not to go off without Sir Topham Hatt anymore.