The Island of Sodor needs many resources to keep the railways and other businesses running smoothly. One of these resources is coal. Without this dirty stuff, none of the steam-powered engines and vehicles could go anywhere and work all around the island would slow down and inevitably grind to a halt.
The main place to collect coal is at The Coaling Plant near Crosby. Mr. Hobson is the manager here and is always busy, especially during the winter months. The coal deliveries just never seem to end!
Mr. Hobson: A few more cars are needed on Siding 2, Paxton. Oh, Molly, once Nia is done arranging those cars over there, you can take them up to Wellsworth. And Percy, the workmen down at The Coal Mine have a consist waiting for you to bring up here.
Percy: I'll get it right now, Mr. Hobson!
Mr. Hobson: Much appreciated! Oh, my, it's such a busy day and it's not even lunchtime yet...
Just then, Gordon puffed into the coaling plant, hauling a train of empty freight cars behind him.
Mr. Hobson: Ah, Gordon, there you are. I see you brought those extra freight cars I wanted.
Gordon: Indeed, Mr. Hobson. Where do you want them?
Mr. Hobson: You can put them under the hopper for now, Gordon. But be careful; there are lots of cars that haven't been shunted into their proper place yet. The yard is a bit cluttered at the moment...
Gordon: Oh, how cluttered could it possibly be?
As it turns out, the yard was more cluttered than Gordon thought. So cluttered in fact that the big engine had to carefully push full freight cars from underneath the hopper just so he could replace them with his empty ones.
Gordon: Huh. This place really is cluttered, huh, Hector?
Hector, who was among the coal cars waiting to be shunted, just had to agree.
Hector: You said it, Gordon. I've been waiting to be shunted onto a train all day!
Mr. Hobson: Ok, that's enough, you two. I'm aware that this place is a bit of a mess right now, but I promise it'll all get sorted out soon. At least when Logan gets here, he'll be able to help out when the other engines are busy.
Gordon: Logan? Who's Logan?
Logan: Here I am!
At that moment, a small blue and yellow steam engine puffed into The Coaling Plant.
Mr. Hobson: Ah, there you are! Hector, Gordon, this is Logan. He's going to be The Coaling Plant's dedicated shunting engine from now on.
Logan: I sure am. Hello, everyone! So, Mr. Hobson, where would you like me to start?
Mr. Hobson: Well, the cars that Gordon just brought in are being loaded with coal, so you can look after them once he leaves. And when that lot is all filled up, put them in a siding and arrange another consist. Oh, and make sure you shunt Hector onto it.
Logan: Will do!
And with that, Logan puffed away. Hector and Gordon were surprised.
Gordon: He doesn't talk much, does he?
Mr. Hobson: Well, no; I heard from his original controller that Logan prefers to keep to himself most of the time. But you wait and see, Gordon. Just because Logan isn't a chatterbox doesn't mean he lacks a strong work ethic!
Mr. Hobson was right. Logan worked very hard to keep the cars at The Coaling Plant in order. At first, they tried to figure out which one of their tricks would aggravate him the most. But they soon learned that playing tricks on the little shunter was a big mistake.
Coal Car: I wouldn't play tricks on Logan if I were you! Did you see what he did to that line of freight cars earlier today?
Coal Car: Perish the thought of playing tricks on Logan! Although, feel free to tell me what he did to those cars...
The engines that visited The Coaling Plant also noticed how well Logan was working and wouldn't stop praising him.
Edward: You're doing great, Logan!
Rebecca: Keep up the good work!
James: I wish all shunting engines were like you. For all your hard work, you should be deemed 'Leader Of The Coaling Plant'!
Rebecca and Edward agreed. Logan was flattered.
Logan: Thank you, thank you. I value all of your praise; really, I do! But I'm just doing my job and if it helps my new friends get their work done faster, that's enough for me. Although I do like the nickname 'Leader Of the Coaling Plant'; it has a nice ring to it!
Edward: Proud of the work he does but has the ability to not get all puffed up in the smokebox about it? You could certainly learn a thing or two from Logan, James.
Everyone laughed, even James.
A few days later, Oliver brought in some cars from the mainland to help out with the extra coal deliveries. One car was painted orange and the other was turquoise, which certainly made them stand out from the usual black and gray color scheme of The Coaling Plant.
Hector: Hello, Oliver. Who are these two?
The orange car looked up at Hector and scowled.
Fred: Ask us yourself, bulky buffers!
Hector chuckled. He wasn't going to be phased by this freight car's attitude.
Hector: Temperamental little thing, aren't you? Well, based on what's written on your side, I'd say your name is Fred. As for your little turquoise friend...erm…
Roland: The name's Roland! Now where's the engine that works here? Me and Fred would prefer it if we were loaded up with coal and away from all of you as soon as possible!
Hector: Huh. In that case, you'd want Logan, Leader of the Coaling Plant. Yeah, he should be coming back soon.
As if on cue, Logan returned from The Coal Mine, hauling some loaded cars behind him.
Logan: Hey, Oliver. Hi, Hector. I see we have some new faces in the yard today, huh?
Oliver: We certainly do. Logan, meet Fred and Roland. They have a bit of an attitude, so, I'd be careful around them if I were you.
Oliver then looked at the cars that Logan was pulling. The Great Western Engine instantly recognized the one that was directly behind the blue and yellow shunting engine.
Oliver: Oh, Logan; I see you're pulling S.C. Ruffey, the former ringleader of the freight cars! I'd recommend being cautious around him as well, but I'm sure his troublesome days are over after I tore him apart years ago. At least those new frames he got are still holding up strong!
Oliver puffed away, chuckling at his joke. Roland and Fred overheard this and found it rather amusing as Logan began to move them towards the chute.
Fred: So you're the S.C. Ruffey that got pulled apart, huh? And you were the freight cars' ringleader at one point? Just pathetic! You'd never see something like that happen to me Roland!
Roland: On our old railway, we always reminded the engines that came into our yard that we cars had the high ground and that they were useless without us!
Roland then turned his attention to Logan.
Roland: As for you, Logan, Mr. Leader Of The Coaling Plant, show us what you can do!
Logan: Hah, with pleasure!
As Logan resumed shunting, Roland and Fred started playing tricks and making jokes in order to irritate him, despite the other cars telling them not to do so.
Coal Car: I wouldn't do that if I were you!
Fred: Oh, please; he's just a little shunter! I'm surprised he even has the strength to pull one freight car!
S.C. Ruffey: You don't know what Logan is capable of!
Roland: Oh, shut up, S.C. Ruffey; don't you have somewhere to get pulled apart at? Anyway, if Logan is such a leader, then why is he staying quiet instead of shouting out orders at you lot?
Logan overheard this and grinned smugly as he puffed up behind Roland.
Logan: Because not all engines work the same way. I think you'll find that actions speak louder than words!
And with that, Logan bumped Roland into a set of buffers. At first, Logan didn't think much of Fred and Roland's antics. He thought they were just acting like how cars always acted. But every engine has their limits and after a few days, Roland and Fred decided it was time to take those limits and see how far they could push them.
A few days later, at The Coal Mine, Fred and Roland were within a consist of cars that Logan was pulling. Without warning, they slipped on their brakes, making it difficult for Logan to move them! The other cars did their best to help Logan, but it was no good.
Logan: I know you two have their brakes on! Take them off already!
Fred: Why should we? Surely something like this would be no trouble for the Leader of the Coaling Plant!
Roland: Hold back, hold back!
Then, it happened. Fred and Roland were holding back so much that the coupling between Logan and the first car broke! Logan shot forward without his train, leaving Roland and Fred in hysterics!
That was enough to make Logan snap. He angrily and quickly reversed back towards his consist, unaware that Fred and Roland had now slipped off their brakes! The consist was bumped hard, rolled back into their siding and smashed through the buffers at the end of the line!
Mr. Hobson was talking to some workmen when he heard this and they all ran towards the siding. They were shocked to see the mess!
Mr. Hobson: Logan! What happened?
Fred: He was letting his new nickname get to his smokebox! He bumped us much too roughly!
Roland: Oh, my poor axle...I think it's broken...ow...
Of course, Fred and Roland were only pretending to be hurt, but Mr. Hobson didn't notice this. He was too busy looking at the derailed cars, the broken set of buffers and at Logan. The Coaling Plant Manager was lost for words.
Mr. Hobson: This isn't like you, Logan. Is that what really happened?
Logan: I mean…well...
Mr. Hobson: Never mind, you'll have to tell me later. I have to call Sir Topham Hatt and see if Harvey can come over to help you clean up this mess. After these last few days of working so well, I expected more from you, Logan; honestly...
As Mr. Hobson walked back to his office, Fred shot a very smug look at Logan.
Fred: Oh, dear, Logan. Mr. Hobson doesn't seem too pleased with you now. I guess that makes me and Roland the new Leaders Of The Coaling Plant!
Fred and Roland laughed and laughed as they waited for Harvey to arrive. That night, after the mess was cleared up, Logan puffed into a siding at the mine and slept there. He had no idea that S.C. Ruffey and Hector had been watching the whole incident...
Next morning, Hector and S.C. Ruffey were among the loaded coal cars Logan quietly took from the mine to The Coaling Plant. As he puffed along, Logan looked all over for Mr. Hobson. But he was nowhere to be seen.
Logan: Thank goodness for that. I don't know if I have the courage to face him at the moment...
Roland and Fred were already at The Coaling Plant when Logan arrived.
Fred: Hello, Logan! Good to see that you're not feeling too upset after what happened yesterday.
Roland: Don't worry; I'm sure you'll feel even worse whenever something like this happens again!
But Logan was concentrating on his work and cautiously looking at the frost that had fallen onto the rails the night before. He was much too focused to pay the two cars any attention.
All morning, Logan shunted cars to and from the hoppers, arranged consists for the other engines, completely oblivious to what the cars were discussing amongst themselves. That afternoon, a workman told Logan that he was to take a line of coal cars to Knapford Yards.
Workman: You'll also need to drop off some cars on the upper level of the shunting yard. But be careful when you're up there. The rails are slippery today and I wouldn't want you to accidentally fall down the slope like Thomas did when he and some other engines went off to The Big City all those years ago.
Logan: Don't worry. I'll be extra careful.
Fred: Pfft, good luck with that.
Logan quietly arranged his consist and began pushing it to Knapford. As he puffed along, Hector and S.C. Ruffey began talking to the other cars again.
Hector: You sure that's where you want to do it?
Coal Car: Might as well. I don't see another opportunity to do something like this on the horizon.
S.C. Ruffey: Good point. And with these slippery rails, it'll only make our plan easier to pull off.
S.C. Ruffey relayed the information to the other cars in the consist. They were happy to help, but were also very careful to say too much, in case Fred and Roland, who were at the front of the train, overheard them.
At last, Logan reached Knapford Yards. He left some cars on the yard's lower level and then made his way towards the upper level. Fred and Roland decided that this was the perfect moment to cause some more trouble.
Fred: Be careful, Logan! I heard that there's a set of buffers up ahead.
Roland: Don't make the same mistake in two days!
Hector: Shut up! If anyone is making the same mistake in two days, it's the both of you!
Ronald: And what would that be, bulky buffers?
S.C. Ruffey: Obviously, it's giving Logan a hard time for no reason!
Fred: Oh? And what are you going to do about it? Break apart again?
S.C. Ruffey: No; we're going to do this instead! On, on, on!
As soon as the train was officially on the upper level, S.C. Ruffey, Hector and the other cars pushed into Fred and Roland! The two were caught off guard, but quickly regained their composure.
Fred: Oh, look, Roland! They're sticking up for their friend Logan!
Roland: That's awfully cute, but it's not going to work! Brakes on, Fred!
But try as they might, Fred and Roland's brakes weren't enough to stop the other cars from pushing into them! Logan was very surprised!
Logan: Hey, you lot, what's happening up there?
Hector: Payback!
At last, the end of the line came into view! As soon the cars saw this, they pushed into Roland and Fred as hard as they could, sending them through the buffers! The coupling between them and the rest of the train snapped and Roland and Fred slid down the slope!
S.C. Ruffey: See ya!
At the bottom of the slope, Jack and Terence were busy clearing snow off the road. Once they had finished, they pulled over and admired their work.
Jack: I think we did a pretty good job, eh, Terence?
Terence: We sure did! Thanks for your help, by the way, Jack. You really have gotten used to wearing that snowplough, huh?
Jack: Sure have! Nothing can go wrong now!
But not long after Jack said that, Roland, Fred and the brake van crashed through the brick wall at the bottom of the slope. The rolling stock then tipped over, skidded for a bit and came to a stop on the road!
Jack: Oh, come on!
Later, Butch, Harvey, Rocky and Nelson arrived at the scene to help the workmen recover the rolling stock. And they also brought Sir Topham Hatt and Mr. Hobson.
Sir Topham Hatt: What happened here?
Logan: Sir, Mr. Hobson, believe me! This wasn't my fault, honestly! It was these cars and…
Mr. Hobson: Do you really expect me to believe that, Logan? Especially after what happened yesterday?
S.C. Ruffey: Well, if you're not going to hear Logan out, then, at least, hear us cars out!
S.C. Ruffey, Hector and the other cars began to elaborate on what had happened to Roland and Fred was something they had thought of.
S.C. Ruffey: The thing is...Logan has gained respect from all the cars up at The Coaling Plant because of his strong work ethic. We wouldn't dare play tricks on him! But those two down there have been nothing but an annoyance to us and Logan! So we thought we'd give them a...push in the right direction, so to speak.
Logan: Wow, S.C. Ruffey...that was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. I...I don't know what to say.
Sir Topham Hatt: Neither do I.
Mr. Hobson: Well, I have something to say: I'm sorry, Logan. I was more disappointed than angry at you yesterday, but I definitely should've given you a chance to explain yourself instead of rushing off to get assistance for the cars you derailed yesterday. At least I know now who really caused it...
Logan: That's ok, Mr. Hobson, I forgive you. But...why weren't you at The Coaling Plant this morning?
Mr. Hobson: Truth be told, I was talking to Sir Topham Hatt about your accident yesterday and what we should do with you. But I think after what just happened, it's only fair to keep you as...uh...what was that nickname of yours?
Logan: Leader Of The Coaling Plant?
Mr: Hobson: Yes, that! It's only fair that you keep your nickname and keep your job! Isn't that right, Sir Topham Hatt?
Sir Topham Hatt: It sure is, Mr. Hobson.
And for the first time that day, Logan felt happy. He's now back at The Coaling Plant, keeping the cars in order and doing a fine job living up to his nickname. But there was still something that puzzled Logan.
Logan: I know Hector is respectful towards the engines, but I never expected this type of behavior from the other cars and I certainly didn't expect it from S.C. Ruffey. From being the freight cars' ringleader to...whatever you are now, how did you get so wise of a sudden?
S.C. Ruffey: Well, I wouldn't say I'm wise now, Logan. Let's just say I learned a lot after Oliver pulled me apart all those years ago. However, I'm still willing to teach lessons to those that actually deserve to be put in their place.
Logan: Well, if I get to keep my title as Leader Of The Coaling Plant, I think it's only fair that you regain your title as ringleader, S.C. Ruffey. What you and the other cars did for me was absolutely amazing and I think you deserve it after all the hostility Roland and Fred gave you.
Hector: Yeah, c'mon, S.C. Ruffey!
The other cars began chanting in favor of S.C. Ruffey regaining his title.
S.C. Ruffey: Heh, ok, ok, if it'll shut you lot up, I, once again, declare myself as the ringleader of all of you! Thanks for suggesting this, Logan.
Logan: Hey, you help me and I help you. Heh, that's funny. I never thought I'd see the day where freight cars willingly helped one of us engines.
Coal Car: Actually, Logan, it wouldn't be the first time we helped an engine and it certainly won't be the last!
And the cars began telling Logan stories of holding back a troublesome diesel that claimed to be the world's strongest engine or falling into an impatient barge that thought he wasn't being loaded with stone fast enough...
As for Fred and Roland? Well, they were both recovered from the crash site and both still work on Sodor, but they were sent to work at Whiff's Waste Dump for the rest of winter.
Roland's front axle had been bent out of shape in the accident, but Sir Topham Hatt left it as such as a reminder to Roland to not be so full of himself...metaphorically, of course.
But because his axle remained in its deformed state, Roland would rock up and down as he traveled along the line. And it wasn't too long before those around the turquoise car christened him with the nickname Rickety. Needless to say, this was one nickname that Rickety would rather forget…