The Valley Railway Series
Book 2: Valley Engines
Expectations
Smudger felt much better the next day. He was determined not to let any of the other engines let him feel down.
"I'll work much harder today," he promised his Driver.
"We'll see about that," chuckled his Driver. Once Smudger was steaming nicely, he began to shunt all of the trucks into different trains, ready for other engines to collect them.
In a nearby shed, there were some coaches. Smudger quietly brought them to the nearby station platform. He wanted to take the train himself, but he knew he couldn't; this train was for Edward Mann to take.
As he waited in the siding for Edward to arrive, he saw another engine appear on the line from the Big Railway. It was a small, green tank engine who was attached to a long, blue coach. Smudger was very surprised. He had never seen an engine like her before.
"Hello there!" she said cheerfully as the passengers left her coach. "You must be the Little Railway's new engine."
"Yes, I am," said Smudger nervously. "My name is Smudger."
"Interesting name," chucked the tank engine. "My name's Naomi. It's a real pleasure to meet you."
Naomi told Smudger all about the Big Railway. Takao had begun to build it, and by the time she arrived nearly 50 years ago, the railway had nearly stretched from one end of the island to the other.
"Takao is a very hard worker, despite his age," she said gleefully. "Hiro's friendly too, and he works twice as hard as anyone."
"Who is Hiro?"
"He's a special engine built right here at our own works," Naomi explained. "He's an engineering marvel, they say. He works for the Other Railway, but our drivers all call him, 'Master of the Railway'."
Just then, a long, black engine rushed by the station, whistling proudly. He was pulling a goods train longer than any train Smudger had seen before.
"That was him," Naomi said with a romantic sigh. "There's no other engine like him out there."
The signal dropped, and all of Naomi's passengers had gotten into the little coaches. "Edward will be here to take them soon," said Naomi. "It was a pleasure to meet you!" And she chuffed away.
As she left, however, the Stationmaster appeared. He spoke to Smudger's Driver.
"It seems Edward's broken down, and he can't take the train," the Driver told Smudger. "I know you haven't gotten used to the line yet, but can you take it for him?"
"I'll give it my best," said Smudger confidently, remembering his promise.
Smudger was soon coupled to the train. The Guard blew his whistle and waved his flag, and then hopped into the Guard's van as Smudger puffed away.
He passed the mine where Candy was working the other day, and sped on into the open country. Smudger smiled as he puffed faster down the line. He was being very careful not to ride rough; pulling this train was too much fun, and he didn't want to ruin it now.
Along the line were little houses. People came out and waved at him, and Smudger happily whistled back.
At long last, Smudger arrived at the North Station. The passengers all thanked him for the lovely ride, and Smudger shunted the coaches into their siding.
Exhausted but happy, Smudger rested by the platform. Next to him, much to his surprise, was Hiro, waiting with a flatbed.
"You must be Smudger," he said with a kind smile. "Your Controller wants you to go to the works now, and have your new buffers fitted."
Smudger was still tired but he forced a grin. "Yeah, thanks," he said sheepishly, "but can I take a quick break? That run wore me out..."
"Of course," laughed Hiro. "I know just what you mean."
The sun was setting as Hiro pulled Smudger to the works. The two engines chattered all the way there.
"Hey, listen," said Smudger. "I know you've only been here a little while longer than I have, but do you like it here?"
"I love it here," replied Hiro warmly. "There's lots of track to stretch your wheels on, and plenty of work to do. Trust me, once you work here, you won't want to work anywhere else."
Smudger looked up. He yawned as he watched the sun slowly sink over the horizon. "I hope so," he muttered quietly as the gentle rocking of the flatbed lulled him to sleep.
