Fizzling Fireboxes
Narrator
The water collums on Sodor are very important for the railway. Without them, the steam engines on Sodor would grind to a halt. The fire in their fireboxes turns the water into steam which gives engines their speed and strength.
One day, the fat controller put in a new water collumn up just outside the big station. Most water collumns have a valve that the engine crew has to get out of the cab and turn the valve manually. The new water collumn used the engines weight to turn on the valve and allow water to flow into the engines water tank. However, the pipe must be placed back in it's off position after the engine is filled or the weight of an engine on the pad will turn on the water. One day, the railway was busier than ever. Percy felt exhausted as he pulled his train to the junction. Henry was cross with his being late.
Henry
Where were you? You should have been here ten minutes ago.
Narrator
...he grumbled.
Percy
It...felt like...I'd never get that train up the hill. I...feel alittle...out of puff.
Narrator
...he sighed. Henry grunted indignatly.
Henry
If you were a tender engine like me, you'd have more strength. With a tender, you'd have more water to turn into steam. More steam, more strength and stamina. But, I guess that is what I should come to expect from little tank engines.
Narrator
...he said importantly. Percy was too tired to respond. And Henry left in a huff to make up for lost time.
Meanwhile, at Knapford, the water collume pipe was out over the line. Gordon had stopped earlier to be refilled before leaving on his next journey, but it had taken so long to get him filled, that by the time the gaurd blew his whistle, Gordon's crew had left in such a hurry, they had forgotten the close the pipe.
Henry pulled into the station, right on time. He didn't see the water collum pipe sticking out over the line, neither did his driver. Henry's driver brought him to a stop right under the pipe. Henry's weight opened the valve and water poared down his funnel.
Henry
HELP, I'm drowning!
Narrator
...he sputtered as water flowed into his smokebox. The water flowed through his flue pipes and into his firebox. Henry's fire fizzled as the water smothered his fire. He began to feel cooler as his steam condenced back into water.
The fireman moved the feed pipe away from Henry's funnel, but Henry was already starting to cool down. His driver went to talk to the station master while the shunter uncoupled Henry from the train.
Driver
Well, that's done it. Henry's fire is out and it will take too long to start a new one. We better send for another engine immediatly.
Narrator
The station master arranged for Donald to take the train. While Donald was coupled up, Henry was moved into a siding out of the way. Donald pulled the train away right on time, while Henry fumed in the siding. The news about Henry's accident soon spread. That night, the engines couldn't stop talking about water collums.
Percy
I know more water means more steam, Henry. But it looks like your extra water did the opposite.
Narrator
...giggled Percy. Henry pretended he hadn't heard.
Donald
Ach, hooshed by elephants, and drenched by water collums. What could be next for ye?Narrator
...chuckled Donald. Henry snorted and pretended to be asleep.
