Coming to rest: behind the scenes of sudrian railways

by gwrbrony13

Let me tell you a tale about Sodor's famous railways. A new branchline is under construction just a few miles southwest of the Ballahoo tunnels, and a disaster during construction sets back work considerably. The engines learn that fame doesn't always mean you have the most to say or do, as we learn of the engines that never got the limelight in the TVs or RWS. I do not own T&F.

3. Fast awakening

Henry rushed towards Crovans gate in a blind panic, Oakley stood on the flatbed behind with his tender on another and several parts that where severed from his cold, lifeless body in two other trucks. Edward had been left at the crash scene with one of the branch's residents to clean up what was left and begin to repair the damaged line, however, he hadn't been much use though due to his current state of mind. Neither was Henry really, he would have let Edward take him as he knew it would have eased his mind, but Henry was faster, more efficient, and too rapped up in his own thoughts to realise where he was. He only realised where he was when he was two miles away, and had to rapidly decrease speed for the points into the works. He clattered into the yard with a terrible screech as his wheels rattled over the rails. The green five awoke a sleeping Wendell as he whistled loud and long to signify his arrival and get the workmen's attention. The works diesel made his way over from his shed groggily.

"Henry I thought I already told you I'm sure your tires will... DEAR BRUSH OAKLEY WHAT IN THE NAME OF ROBERT STEVENSON HAVE YOU DONE TO YOURSELF!?"

"Wendel, this is no time for jokes or messing about!"snarled Henry as he began to run round his train "Oakley derailed near Ballahoo junction, he came off pretty bad, as you can see, and you screaming and waking everyone up from here to Vickarston is not helping!"

The two bustled inside, Henry pushing Oakley on his flatbed ahead of him, a million thoughts going through his head, would Oakley survive, would the railway struggle without him providing extra help on the suburban survives, how would they cope? He felt extremely pressured by these thoughts, and was about to dash away back to Tidmouth to seek comfort from is colleges, when Henry gasped.

Oakley had opened his eyes.

"Morni'n lad" he said painfully, then he looked at his bruised, battered boiler. "Outch, that's gonna sting in the morning" he sighed heavily as he noticed Henry's horrified look of despair and distaste at the statement."Well, I've seen a lot worse in my time." He said reassuringly "once I heard of an engine who went through ripping his wheels clean off. I believe it was on your old Mid Sodor Railway, happens to their No 2 I believe, he still ran afterwards though. Could still be a heck of a lot worse!"

"As a generator might add." Muttered Henry. "Well, I'd love to stay, I really would, but I need to get back to Tidmouth, sorry Oakley"

"Don't worry Henry" counselled Wendel "we'll do what we can for him."

"I agree, you best get back now, we need a big engine to take up the slack that I've caused by trying to rush home, and what happens if one of their main motive powers is out of action huh? Well we'll be screwed." Oakley added, stifling a chuckle. And with that, Henry left.

It was going to be a long winter season.