Later that evening, a loud shrill whistle was heard outside Vicarstown Station and a large green LMS Stainer "Black 5" 5MT locomotive steamed in at precisely twenty five past six.
"I'm ...I'm sorry ...I'm late ...sir." He panted.
"That is an understatement." The Fat Controller said crossly. "Where have you been? You should have been back here two hours and ten minutes ago, Henry!"
"I know sir. I... I had to help double head a goods train going from Barrow in Furness to Fleetwood as I was the only one available after one of their own broke down at the last minute . Mr Wright tried to phone you sir, but he couldn't reach you. I'm sorry, sir..."
Never mind, Henry. At least you're back safe and sound." The Fat Controller assured calmly.
"I'm not sure about that, sir. I'm awfully tired." Henry replied wearily. "I've been on my wheels all day- not that there's a moment we're not, but I'm sure you understand what I mean, sir."
"I understand perfectly, Henry. You can rest in a spare shed tonight if you like. I'd have Gordon help you, but he fell ill shortly after you left, and he's not due out of the works until noon tomorrow."
"Are the other engines alright sir? I know it hasn't been easy lately." The big green engine inquired anxiously
"I know Henry. They're tired, but they're doing their best. Now, in order to make life easier for you, I've ordered a new engine from Doncaster to help out with the workload. It'll have two tenders like Gordon's brother Flying Scotsman, and it will arrive in a few months. That's all I know, I'm afraid." The Fat Controller explained.
"Well, I'm sure things will work out sir." Henry said hopefully.
"I hope so, Henry. I hope so. Even with you two back, you still have to work hard until the new engine arrives. I'm just glad everyone else can ease up a little."
"I'm glad too." Henry yawned, and he set off to find a shed.
"One last thing I have to say to you, Henry."
"Yes sir?"
"Welcome back."
...
The next morning, when Henry was on his way back at Tidmouth, he was surprised to meet up with Gordon coming back from the works early, and the two friends chatted as they continued their journey together. Gordon complained to Henry about being cooped up in the works for over three days, and Henry told him about his trip to the Mainland.
"I'm glad you're feeling better Gordon." Henry told him sincerely.
"Only marginally," The blue engine groaned. "We still have to deal with James' ego today."
They both laughed heartily as they approached the sheds, whilst the others were just waking up.
"Gordon Henry! Welcome back!" Edward exclaimed warmly. "I trust all is well with both of you?"
"Yes very much Edward." Henry replied. "I met up with Gordon on the way here."
"Well I got lucky. They saw no reason to keep in there any longer so I was sent back here." Gordon explained.
"Hello Gordon! Hello Henry!" Thomas and Percy peeped.
"Did you enjoy the peace and quiet without us?" Thomas asked teasingly.
"Only for so long, little Thomas," Gordon answered. "Believe it or not, I may have missed your company when I was away."
"We're sorry we couldn't visit, but we were really busy." Toby informed.
"That's alright." Gordon answered.
"And did your trip to the Mainland go swimmingly Henry?" James asked.
"Well, for so long, yes. But then before I could leave, I had to help double head a goods train to Fleetwood from Barrow."
"Then what happened?" Thomas asked.
"We got there, delivered the goods, and then I had to turn back and head all the way back to Barrow and then cross back to Vicarstown. I was too tired to move any further, so I stayed in an old shed nearby overnight."
After they all expressed sentiments of delight about reuniting, conversation quickly turned over to the subject of the new engine.
"The Fat Controller told me it'll be from Doncaster." Henry said.
"Yes!" Gordon exclaimed proudly. "This new engine and I will get along nicely; I have no doubt of that." He boasted.
"And you said dealing with James' ego would be bad." Henry muttered.
"Did he say anything else?" Thomas asked curiously. "About the new engine, that is?"
"Nope, not really - apart from the fact it will be one with two tenders." The big green engine explained.
"This will be an interesting engine to meet." Edward said thoughtfully. "I never thought an engine with two tenders will come to the Island."
"It's likely it'll be used for long distance goods and passengers trains." Toby mused. "It wouldn't need to make as much stops as we do."
"Well, we will make the new engine feel welcome and at home." Edward reminded them.
"Yes, and help make sure he or she knows what to do!" Percy peeped enthusiastically. The other engines all agreed that this was what they will do.
Soon, the Fat Controller filled them in. He was indeed surprised to see Gordon back again, but he welcomed him back, and said that everyone was glad to have them back – both as friends and fellow workers. He filled everyone in on the new engine, though Henry had told them everything prior to this.
Once he finished, he set everyone off on their jobs again, with Henry and Gordon relieved to be back to their regular duties once more.
They all worked hard that day, and everyone, including James and Edward were relieved at the change in workload. No longer were they on beck and call to the Wild Nor Wester or the Flying Kipper, meaning they were less stressed and exhausted by the end of the day.
And that was the way things remained for months, with the occasional engine having to temporarily retire from service in order to be repaired after accidents or illness.
Until, early one morning at Knapford Station, the Fat Controller, his wife, and everyone from Tidmouth was gathered minding to keep Platform One clear.
Suddenly, a loud whistle was heard echoing round the station and a large apple green engine with two tenders chuffed in. He wore a number which the engines saw was 4462, and a shining nameplate bearing a name, but the engines couldn't make it out at first.
"Hello sir. Am I at Knapford Station?" He asked the Fat Controller.
"Yes you are. And you're just in time too! What's your name?" The Fat Controller asked politely.
"I'm Kristoff, sir."
