"Looks like we're in for a busy day tomorrow," said Henry, "Driver told me there'll be an island-wide pub crawl. Lots of people will be coming to our railway to get between different pubs. Try not to break down."
"Rubbish!" said Gordon, "I never break down!"
"I hope they won't make too much noise," said Edward. "I like to have a bit of peace and quiet on my journeys."
"Trust a small engine like you to be scared," grunted Gordon, "If you were as strong as me or Henry you'd be glad for the challenge."
"I don't mind a challenge," replied Edward, "I just don't like it when the noise of the countryside is drowned out by rowdy passengers."
"Sure, keep telling yourself that," said Gordon, "But we all know the truth. You're weak and useless, you should be preserved."
The next morning, Edward went to collect some passengers. They were all talking to each other excitedly. Edward smiled, he liked to see people enjoying themselves. Some of them came and took photos of him.
"It's a shame we can't go with them," the driver said to the fireman, "It's been a while since I've done anything like that."
"I don't see the point," said Edward.
A man in a lorry was inspecting the terrain around Sodor for safety risks. He parked it at the top of a slope while he went for his coffee break.
When they emerged from Henry's tunnel Edward looked on in horror – a lorry slipped from an embankment onto the tracks in front of them, blocking their path. The driver slammed the breaks but it was too late. Edward crashed into the lorry.
Luckily, no one was hurt. The driver and fireman came out to inspect the damage. They determined that Edward wouldn't be able to take the train any further and another engine would be needed to collect the passengers. Edward felt very embarrassed at having an accident, but was relieved that he had been able to stay on the rails.
Percy came to collect Edward's train and Thomas buffered up to Edward to help him back to the sheds.
"Never mind, Edward," said Thomas, "It happens to all of us sometimes. At least you didn't fall down a mine like I did!"
Thomas was usually a cheeky engine, but he liked Edward and knew that he would be feeling bad after his accident. Edward stayed silent. He appreciated what Thomas had said, but it still didn't make him feel any better.
Gordon was in the shed that night, "Hmph!" he said, "I knew you wouldn't be able to manage! Leave it to the proper engines like me!"
"So they can all get stuck on hills?" asked Edward. After that, Gordon was silent.