Old Fashioned
Edward is an old engine on the Island Of Sodor. However, there are other old engines of the island as well. Like Skarloey, Rheneas, and Duke. Edward likes sharing his branch line with American, who Edward loves to spend time talking to American about the old days and how marvelous they were. But Edward talks British and American talks American.
American also had made friends with the narrow gauge engines. He also made friends with Mavis, Boco, Bear, Harvey, the Arlesdale engines and the Culdee Fell Mountain engines. American made friends with almost everyone on the island.
One day, Edward puffed up to American when they didn't have any work to do. "So, American," said Edward, "What have you been doing all these years?" "Hanging out in a museum," said American, "And traveling the world."
"Wow," said Edward, "I wish I could travel the world." "You will someday," said American. "You know," said Edward, "I think we have something in common." "What's that?" asked American. "I'm an old fashioned engine like you are," said Edward.
"I see," said American. "There are times when other engines say I'm no good anymore," said Edward. "I know," said American, "Some people and engines think the same about me." "Well, everyone had second thoughts when I proved to be really useful," said Edward.
"I'm sure they changed their minds," smiled American. "What?" said Bill and Ben, "What are you saying?"
"Bill and Ben," said Edward, sternly. "Sorry," said Bill and Ben and they puffed off for work. "Okay," said Edward, "Ready to get back to work?" "Sure," said American. And they puffed off together to move a goods train. Edward and American enjoyed doing their work together.
However, it was announced that American would be leaving Sodor in four days to visit another railway. Although the engines enjoyed American's visit, they knew American would have to go. "So, American," said Thomas, "Thanks for telling us the story of John Bull."
"You're welcome," said American. So for the next two days, the engines worked with American with passenger trains and goods train. They had a good time together.
Thomas enjoyed shunting trucks for American to take to the coaling plant, Emily enjoyed pulling passenger trains with American, and Gordon enjoyed pulling the express with American. But American enjoyed spending most of his time with Edward and Toby.
"So, Edward," said Toby, "You and American want to go traveling with me?" "Sure," said Edward and Toby. So, Edward, Toby and American set off together to wherever they want to go. "But," said Edward, "Where do we want to go?"
"How about a windmill?" suggested Toby. "Good idea," said American, "Let's go!" So American, Edward and Toby set off to the windmill. "I know which one to go to," said Edward.
When they arrived on a part of Thomas' Branch Line, they looked at the windmill nearby. "Well," said Toby, "Here we are." "Well," smiled American, "Nice windmill." "Thanks," said Toby, "It's been hear for years."
"I see," said American, "I only seen a few windmills." "Well, here's your chance," said Edward, "To see one before you leave." "Well," said Toby, "I do like one windmill not too far from here." "Really?" asked American.
"Yes," said Toby, "It almost closed down because of me, but I helped save it." "That's good of you," said American. Soon enough, Thomas puffed up with Annie and Clarabel. "Hey, American," said Thomas, "I see that you like our windmill, American." "I do," said American.
"So," said Toby, "Wanna go look for more?" "More what?" asked American. "More old fashioned things," said Toby. "Of course," said American. "Well, you saw some," said Thomas, looking back at Annie and Clarabel. "See ya." Thomas puffed off. "Good," said American. Edward, Toby and American steamed off to find Henrietta, Toby's coach. "I like Henrietta," said Toby, "She's my coach. I like to take her along many journeys."
"Good," said American. So Toby decided to take Henrietta along for the ride. For the rest of the afternoon, Edward, Toby, Henrietta and American all talked about the old days, old-fashioned things and really useful engines. They enjoyed their time together.
And had a good laugh too. Toby told American about the time when a stationmaster wanted to use Henrietta as a henhouse.
Edward told American about the time he pushed Gordon up a hill. Lastly, they talked about the time Toby wanted to be a special attraction, but plans didn't work out the way he wanted it. The friends had a good time together. Soon enough, the day came for American to leave. "So, will we meet again?" asked Thomas.
"One day," said American. "Thank you for visiting us," said Edward and Toby. "Thank you," said American, "I'm glad to spend time with you. "Where are you going?" asked Toby. "I'm heading off to Japan," said American. "Well," said Percy, "Have fun being Japanese."
"Thanks," chuckled American. American gave three toots with his whistle and steamed off. The good-byes continued until American was out of sight. Edward, Toby and Henrietta agreed to be really useful engines and remain old-fashioned as well, because they are just as useful.