Edward is one of the oldest engines on he island of Sodor. He's not as fast or as strong as some of the other engines. But regardless, Edward always tries to do his best.
It was December on the island and that meant Christmas was right around the corner. The Duke and Dutchess of Boxford decided to spend the holiday season on the island of Sodor. They rode with their private engine called Spencer. Spencer was really fast and had a tendency to show off. This made the other engines cross.
One day The Fat Controller had an announcement to make at Knapford station. The Duke and Dutchess have rented a mansion to spend their Christmas in he boomed. Spencer will get them to the mansion and I need an engine to take their furniture. The engines saw the opportunity for a race. Please sir said Thomas, Percy, Gordon, and James at once. May I go? You all have other work to do said The Fat Controller. Edward will be the one to take the furniture. This is going to be a piece of cake said Spencer. I'm definitely going to win against an old kettle on wheels. Edward is more than just an old kettle said James. One time he pulled a passenger train with a broken crank pin said Gordon. The two began to feel nervous as all of the furniture cars were coupled to Edward. There looked to be at least twenty. Edward was slow to start. The train was heavy and the rails were icy. His wheels just kept slipping. Spencer had no issue and took off like a rocket. I'VE WON ALREADY! he yelled. At last Edward was finally moving. He couldn't go very fast with how heavy the train was.
Spencer was miles ahead of Edward. He did have to stop at Wellsworth so the Duke and Dutchess could by some tea and cakes. This allowed Edward to catch up. He rolled through the station wishing that he could have a rest too.
Before long he had to tackle the extremely difficult Gordon's hill. Edward began going even slower as he went up the hill. The rails were icy and Edward's train was holding him back. When he was halfway up there was a sound of grinding metal and Edward came to stop. OOOOOWWWWW! he shouted. Spencer then raced past him. Hurry up old boy he said. I can't have you finishing too far behind me. Edward's crew got out to inspect the damage. Your valve gear is jammed said the driver. We're not getting anywhere now said the fireman. No, I can still get to the mansion and win the race said Edward. I've done it with a broken crank pin so a jammed valve gear will be nothing. Back then the load wasn't nearly as heavy said his driver. I at least want to try said Edward. Very reluctantly the driver and fireman went down the train to loosen the couplings. When Edward started again he was in serious pain. The rails were slippery, the train was heavy, and it didn't help the fact that he was starting halfway up a hill. The first car moving help to start the second, the second helped to start the third, and so on. It took a lot of effort but Edward finally made it to the top of the hill. He raced down the other side and began chasing Spencer.
Far ahead of him Spencer's crew alerted the signalman to set the points so nobody would crash into him. The duke wanted to stop and take some photographs. As he was doing that Spencer closed his eyes. Nothing to worry about he thought. Edward was gaining ground and despite how much pain he was in he wouldn't give up. He passed by Donald and Douglas who were taking on water. HOORAY FOR EDWARD! shouted Donald. HE'S THE PRIDE OF THE NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY! shouted Douglas. Despite how much he was hurting Edward couldn't help but smile.
Up ahead the Duke had finished taking photographs. Time to go said Spencer's driver. Spencer was too busy dreaming of victory. He didn't hear his driver, and he didn't hear Edward puffing past him. When he finally opened his eyes he saw Edward heading towards the mansion. Nearly there, nearly there panted Edward. Spencer was horrified and took off at full speed. These are very old tracks and you are a very heavy engine said The driver. It doesn't help that the rails are slippery, you must go slowly. Spencer had no choice, he had to slow down. With Every click and every clack, Spencer knew he had lost the race.
Battered, weary, but unbeaten, Edward pulled up to the mansion. I've done it he panted, i've won. Edward was absolutely exhausted. He had achieved the impossible and was proud that he could get the job done.
Authors note: I don't know what your opinions are but Edward the great is my favorite episode of the HIT era. It's one of the very few episodes where the writers actually get his character right. I decided to add my own little twist to it and make the stakes higher.
Thank you for reading and please have a great day.