Emily had known for some time that Henry had needed special coal at one point. But she hadn't heard how that was resolved.

So one night at Tidmouth, she decided to ask.

"How did you get rid the problem with your special coal, Henry?" She asked curiously.

The others of course, recognized that she had not been on the railway as long as them. SO, they decided to tell her Henry's story.

"When Henry first came to the railway, he had a small firebox." Edward began. "His plans had been stolen from his original designer, you see, and he was built as a mix between a GNR A1 Pacific and GNR C1 Atlantic as a result."

"We also had some coal delivered one year," continued Gordon. "It was not a great quality load of coal delivered, but most of us could cope- however, Henry was let down by the coal."

"He might have been let down by the bad coal, but he wasn't held back!" Thomas cut in enthusiastically. "He tried his best to ensure that he kept going, and he got many new parts to help him through it all- but nothing worked."

"So the Fat Controller brought in Welsh coal- which we knew as the special coal." James chipped in. "It made a world of difference to him. One day he was sluggish and slow, the next he was giving Gordon a run for his money and records!"

They laughed.

"Now Henry works at our railway with few troubles!" Peeped little Percy happily. "But then he had an accident and had to be sent away for repairs."

"Yes," Toby told her. "Henry was taking the Flying Kipper out early one morning one he saw that a yellow signal was down. it was meant to be up, but the snow had forced it down."

"So he collided with another train waiting waiting in the siding." Percy rejoined.

Emily gasped loudly.

"What happened next?

Well I was sent to Crewe." Explained Henry. "I was given a bigger firebox- and a new shape too. It was nice at Crewe. I made a few friends there, and it was nice to go somewhere new. But I am glad that I returned to Sodor." He finished.

Emily was stunned.

"I can't believe you got through that Henry!" She exclaimed. "That's amazing!"

"I'm just glad I made it through." Henry replied. "Because now I'm as useful as you are!"

"I second that sentiment!" Declared Emily, and the engines cheered happily for their friend, Henry and for his triumph against the imperfections of a steamie.

...

Request for tate310. Hope you enjoyed!