The engines of Sodor love Brendam Docks. New people constantly arrive in from places far away and some interesting stories to tell.
One day, a new engine arrived at the Docks.
He was red and had the number '27' painted in yellow- but what was most unusual about him was that he had a crane arm.
This is Harvey the new crane engine. The Fat Controller announced. He will be having a demonstration tomorrow-if it goes well he will join our railway."
The engines thought that Harvey looked different and they didn't like it.
...
That evening after a hard day's work, Thomas returned to the Sheds to see that his friends were talking about Harvey. None of it was positive.
"Harvey's different." Said Henry bluntly.
"He doesn't even look like an engine!" Edward added.
Thomas was shocked. The fact that Edward of all engines to say something so unkind! Was Harvey so bad? It was unusual but no one had been hurt by it.
"Surely The Fat Controller won't let pull coaches." Gordon sniffed pompously.
"He's just Cranky on wheels!" Snapped James.
"He's not taking my mail!" Said Percy.
Harvey felt very upset at hearing all this.
Thomas was annoyed that no one could how see how their words were affecting him- but he smiled at Harvey kindly instead, feeling sorry for him.
"Don't worry- sometimes it takes time to make new friends."
But Harvey wasn't convinced.
He felt awkward and alone that night.
...
Next morning, all the engines were working hard. But poor Harvey didn't want to be somewhere where no one could accept him.
Well Thomas was nice but it wasn't enough.
"Sir I just don't think me coming here was a good idea." Harvey admitted sadly.
"Nonsense!" said the Fat Controller "the demonstration's supposed to decide that!"
"But the engines don't like me because I'm different." Harvey persisted.
"Well, it's them that needs to change, not you. You're useful because you're different." The Fat Controller replied. "Besides, I'm sure the engines will come to their senses soon enough."
...
Meanwhile Percy was having trouble with the trucks.
"Faster along, faster along, pull him pull him along don't let him slow!" they sang.
"Help!" Percy cried in distress.
His driver applied the brakes, but it was no use. His engine went off the rails at Bulgy's Bridge!
No one was hurt, but Bertie, who was taking the men to the demonstration, was cross.
"You blocked the road!" He huffed. "Now I'll be late!"
"Sorry Bertie!" Percy replied, looking in horror and dismay at the chaos below him.
...
As soon as the Fat Controller heard the news, he went straight to Harvey.
"Harvey, I need you to rescue one of my engines he's derailed at Bulgy's Bridge."
"I'll try my best sir." promised bravely and set off.
He arrived soon enough and set to work.
With all his might, he lifted Percy then the trucks back onto the rails, taking the utmost care he could.
"Phew-thanks Harvey!" said Percy. "You're Really Useful."
"Percy's absolutely right!" Boomed the Fat Controller. "I was looking for the Railway Board, but it already seems that they'd found their verdict due to your live demonstration- you're staying on my railway, Harvey!"
"Hooray" Cheered Percy and Bertie.
"Thank you!" Harvey expressed to the Railway Board gentlemen and the Fat Controller.
...
That evening all of the engines heard about the rescue and praised Harvey.
"Well done Harvey!" Gordon said
"Very useful." Added James, sincerely.
"You can take my mail when you like!" Percy peeped.
"Well, I'm impressed Harvey-and penitent." Edward said. "I'm sorry I said you weren't like an engine."
"That's alright," replied Harvey. "I'm just glad I'm accepted now."
And he was right.
The engines had accepted him.