Old Faithful
Sir Handel was still in the shed for being naughty, he had not been out for several weeks. But one day, Happy was ill and Peter Sam needed some repairs. So Grumpy and the Thin Controller decided to give Sir Handel a second chance.
Sir Handel tried his best to be kind to the coaches, but it was very clear that they didn't trust him one bit. They were awkward and rude to Sir Handel. He even tried to sing them little songs, but it was no good. It was most sudden that some careless sheep had strain onto the line and Sir Handel had to stopped suddenly.
Coaches: He's bumped us! Let's pay him out!
The coaches knew that the engines had to take care when reaching the top station, but they were so cross with Sir Handel, that they didn't care what they did. As Sir Handel was nearing the station, they surge into him making him lurch off the line.
Grumpy: Oh come on, now!
Luckily no one was hurt, but Sir Handel had to go back to the shed. Grumpy, Doc, and the Thin Controller inspected the damage.
Sir Handel: I-I'm sorry, sir! I-it wasn't my fault, sir. I…
Grumpy: It's alright, sonny. I admit it wasn't your fault this time, but it's clear that the coaches don't trust you one bit.
Thin Controller: This is terrible. We need to take the village people home and fetch the tourist! But with Peter Sam at the works, Happy being ill, and the coaches not trusting Sir Handel, we're screwed!
?: What about me, sir?
They all turned and looked a Skarloey.
Doc: Skarloey. Are you sure about this? I mean you haven't been out in such a long time and you haven't been to the works yet, either.
Skarloey: Please, let me try. We mustn't disappoint our passengers. I promise I'll get them home.
The Thin Controller and Doc agreed. They were a bit worried, but they had no other options at the moment.
So Doc and Skarloey's fireman started him up and for the first time in months he was finally out of the shed and ready to work. He reached the top station where the coaches were waiting for him. He approached crossly at them.
Skarloey: I'm ashamed of you! Such behavior!
Doc: I agree. Are you coaches or troublesome trucks! Just think what would've happened if you've hurt your passengers!
Coaches: We-we're sorry Skarloey and Doc. W-We didn't think. It's that Sir Handel, he's…
Skarloey: No tales!
Doc: Now look, I know you gals and Sir Handel are not on good terms with each other, but that's still no excuse for what you've done today!
Skarloey: And don't you dare try any tricks on me!
Coaches: Oh no Skarloey. Of course not.
?: On my! Edward, looks who's finally out and working again!
Skarloey: Hello, Lady. It's nice to see you and Edward again. How was the works, Edward?
Edward: It went great. I feel like a new engine.
Skarloey: I wish I could say the same for me, but I'm glad to finally be working again for so long.
Lady: I believe in you. Show these passengers what an old engine can accomplish.
Skarloey: You've got it!
Just then the guard blew his whistle and Skarloey started off. Skarloey was very happy. He remember all the gates and styles where he had to stop, and he was making good time, too.
Skarloey (Thinking): This is lovely!
Soon they began to climb, Skarloey was feeling a little ill.
Doc: Take your time, old boy.
Skarloey (Thinking): I'll manage, I'll manage!
He was grateful when they reach the top station. He stopped for a rest and he ran around to the front of his train ready to pull forward.
Skarloey (Thinking): It'll be better downhill.
But once they started again Skarloey began to ache again, finally his spring gave weight, and with an awful crack, something broke and Skarloey was tilted at an angle.
Skarloey: I feel all crooked!
He stopped suddenly, Doc inspected the damage.
Doc: That's done it! We'll have to get a bus now for our passengers.
Skarloey: No! Please, I'll get these passengers home, or brust!
Doc wanted to say something, but he knew Skarloey wouldn't take no for an answer.
Doc: Alright, but I'm making you go slow so you won't hurt yourself.
At the big station, the Thin Controller was worried as he paced the platform looking at his watch. James and Jock were waiting, too. Suddenly they heard a horse…
Skarloey: PEEP PEEP!
And there was Skarloey still tilted on one side, groaning and clanking all the way to the station.
Skarloey: I'll do it! I'll do it! I'll… I've done it!
He was very thankful when he made it to the station. The passengers all made it to their train safely. James and Jock said nothing and respectively puffed away from the station.
Next day Skarloey was very worried in the shed.
Skarloey (Thinking): What will the owner say? He'll send me to the scrap yard for sure.
Suddenly Doc had to cover Skarloey's eyes.
Doc: Sorry if I surprised you, old boy. But you have visitors and they wanted me to surprise you.
Skarloey: Oh come one, Doc. I'm, sorry, but I'm afraid nothing is going to make me feel better right now.
?: Not even if I came and visit?
Doc let go of Skarloey's eyes and he was shocked to see Lady with her husband, Tramp, and their pups.
Skarloey: Oh my… Tramp… wow, you've really groan the last you were working here.
Tramp: I could say the same about you. I heard you weren't feeling well from Grumpy and Jock told us what happened to you. So we thought we would come and cheer you up.
Skarloey smiled
Skarloey: Thank you. I really wanted to see you again, Tramp. It's been so long. And these must be your pups, you four certainly look a lot like your parents.
Collette: We get that a lot. Some say we even act like them too.
Lady: How're you feeling, Skarloey?
Skarloey: Not so good. I feel like I've let the railway down.
Tramp: No you didn't. You did what you had to do! You're brother would have done the same thing! You're a hero.
Skarloey: I don't feel like a hero, I feel like I'm ready for the scrap yard.
?: No you don't!
They turned to Sir Handel.
Sir Handel: I've heard all from Doc, and what you've just did was something I think was very brave of you! I honestly thought you would have given up after that, but you've prove me wrong, that's actually inspiring! Tramp's right, you are a hero!
?: Yes, a big hero indeed.
Now they turn to see the owner of the railway, his name is Sir Handel Brown.
Skarloey: Sir!
Owner: Hello, Skarloey. Hello, Tramp. I've heard you're working on the railway again.
Tramp: Good morning sir, haven't seen you in a while.
Skarloey: Sir, I'm very sorry if I caused you a lot of trouble. You were right, old engines can't pull trains like the young ones can.
Owner: You're right about that, old boy. However old engines can still pull trains, if they are mended, old faithful.
Skarloey: ?
Owner: Skarloey, the Thin Controller and Doc has told me all about your most heroic deed of all, and I'm proud to say that for your reward, you will go to the works and be mended. You deserve it.
Skarloey: Oh, sir!
Lady: Congratulations!
Owner: As soon as Peter Sam gets back from the works, you'll leave for the works, and you'll come back feeling like a new engine.
When Peter Sam and Happy came back, they help put Skarloey on a flatbed and took him to the works, which meant more work for Sir Handel and Peter Sam, Sir Handel didn't mind, because he thinks Skarloey is the most wonderful engine, and he and Grumpy never had any more trouble with the coaches, because they always managed them in Skarloey and Doc's way.