Time of Trials
My second chapter of Gordon's untold story. Gordon's in green paint and ready for his mainline tests. If anyone's read The Eight famous engines you'll see that Gordon will go to London for the first time here. Enjoy!
Gordon waited anxiously for the signal to drop so he could begin his trial runs to London. "Hurry up!" he puffed. "I want to get going as soon as possible. My trial runs are important!" Just then, the signal finally dropped and Gordon took up the strain of the coaches. He pumped his pistons and slipped a little but he was soon out and away from Doncaster in no time. Gordon had a wonderful day. He went flying along the line all the way south, 'till he at last arrived at London. As he pulled into the platform, he read the station name. "London, Kings Cross" he said. There were lots of people at Kings Cross that day, and they all wanted to see the strange new engine which had come from Doncaster.
One little boy dragged his father toward the engine and shouted. "Look, daddy. Look at this engine. Isn't he funny looking?" This made Gordon cross and he let off steam angrily. The father picked up his son.
"Now Wilbert, just because we've never seen an engine like this one before, doesn't mean that he's silly." The boy subsided and said nothing else.
"That's right, Wilbert. In fact, I think that engine looks very smart," His mother added. That made Gordon feel much better. The family introduced themselves as the Awdry's. They were a kind family who enjoyed trains and railways.
"What's your name?" Asked Wilbert's father.
"Gordon, Sir," Said Gordon.
"Well, Gordon may we have the pleasure of riding in your train?"
"Of course," he said. They spoke to the driver and fireman who agreed. And so the Awdry's boarded the train and Gordon set off on the trip to York. Gordon found that York was farther away from London than Doncaster. But he didn't mind. He was enjoying his run all the same. After arriving at York, they made the return to Doncaster. And on the way, the driver let the Awdry's ride in Gordon's cab. The children had a wonderful time as the driver pointed out all the gauges and leavers to them. As Doncaster came into view, Gordon slowed to a stop at the platform and waited for the Awdry's to leave his cab.
"Well, thank you driver for letting us ride in the cab," Mr. Awdry said.
"Your very welcome, Sir." Mr. Awdry turned to Gordon.
"And thank you, Gordon for a very nice ride." Gordon felt flattered.
"Thank you, Sir," said Gordon. He felt very proud.
Later that day, Gordon was in the sheds at Doncaster, when Mr. Gresley arrived. "Hello, Gordon."
"Hello, Sir."
"I have some news for you. We've been looking over my designs in the office and all the defects have now been sorted out, I'm pleased to say."
"Oh, good. How did my trial runs go?"
"I'm sorry to say this, Gordon but… you passed all the mainline tests!" Gordon was so happy he whistled 'till he thought he'd burst his boiler. Mr. Gresley smiled and held his ears. "All right, Gordon, all right. But I'm afraid you will no longer be in service here." Gordon's smile soon faded.
"What do you mean?"
"We've decided to sell you to a Mr. Charles Topham Hatt in charge of the North Western Railway."
"I'm being sold?"
"I'm afraid so, Gordon. We're sending you out tonight."
Gordon said nothing and just backed into the shed.
Later that evening…
Gordon had the light engine head code as he prepared to leave Doncaster for the last time. The workmen were sad to see him go. But they all knew he'd been bought by a good man. And with a last whistle, Gordon puffed out of Doncaster cheered by all the workmen. Gathering speed, he set off into the night. The next destination for him would be the works at Crewe.
So, that's the end of chapter two. Poor Gordon, he's been sold. But hey, things happen for a reason. He'll survive modernization in the years to come. And The Fat Controller will give him a good home. Review please!
