The Modern Railway Series No. 22
SNOWPLOUGHING ENGINES
Original stories by Andrew Brenner, Helen Farall, Davey Moore & Lee Pressman
Foreword
Dear friends,
Winter on Sodor can be a wonderful season, with its Christmas holiday and fun in the snow. But sometimes, snow can be a serious issue to deal with. That's why the engines on the railway wear snowploughs to keep themselves safe from getting stuck in the snow. These stories will show you how useful these tools really are to the engines.
The author
Snow place like home
It had been snowing a lot on the Island of Sodor. Many lines were blocked and engines were finding it hard to do their work. But although snow was causing problems for some of the engines, there was somebody who loved it.
Kevin was outside the Steamworks playing the snow. He was having a wonderful time. Victor had warned him not to go out in this weather, but Kevin didn't listen to him. Then there was trouble. Kevin ran out of control, and slammed into the snow beside the Steamworks. "Oh no! I'm stuck!" exclaimed Kevin. And then, more snow from the roof towered down on him, burying him further. "Now I'm really stuck…" he moaned.
Meanwhile, Thomas was at Tidmouth Sheds, when the Fat Controller came to see him. He had bad news. "This weather is causing all sorts of problems. I have tracks that are blocked, trucks that are stuck, and Emily's still out of action at the Steamworks." "Anything I can do to help, sir?" asked Thomas. "You can go to the depot and rescue that truck with Emily's new piston rods on it and take it to the Steamworks," said the Fat Controller. "No problem, sir!" said Thomas as he puffed out of the sheds. The weather was getting worse and poor Thomas struggled through the swirling snow.
Meanwhile, Victor was looking for Kevin. "Where are you, Kevin?" he called. "Emily, have you seen Kevin?" Emily was up on the gantry waiting for her new piston rods. "I can't see him from up here," she replied. "Maybe he's gone to the depot to collect my new piston rods!" "What?" gasped Victor. "You think he's gone out in the snow?" "He did seem very keen," said Emily. "Oh, Kevin, my brave little buddy," groaned Victor as he glanced outside. "He won't stand a chance in this blizzard. I have to go and find him!" "But Victor, you hate the snow," said Emily. "Yes I do, Emily," replied Victor as he got his snowplough fitted. "But poor Kevin is out there and he may need my help!" Victor puffed bravely out of the Steamworks and into the snow. "Kevin! Hang on, my friend, I'm coming to save you!" Kevin heard Victor and got excited. "Victor? Is that you? I'm over here!" But Victor didn't hear him. More snow piled on top of Kevin, nearly covering him completely. "Oh no… now they'll never find me…" gasped Kevin, shivering from the cold.
Then, he heard another engine enter the Steamworks. "Who's that? Yoohoo!" he called. But no one answered. "Nobody can see me…" thought Kevin. "Come on, Kevin. You have to do something!" Kevin struggled with all his might, until finally, he got his crane arm free from the snow. "I did it!" Kevin knocked his crane arm against the window again and again. He kept on knocking, until he heard an engine approach him. It was Thomas. "Kevin? Is that you?" he called. "I'm over here!" exclaimed Kevin in delight. "Wait there, Kevin, I'm coming!" said Thomas. Kevin was relieved to have been saved. Soon, he was back inside the Steamworks.
Then, Thomas raced through the snow in search of Victor. Victor was looking for Kevin in the raging snow. "Kevin! Where are you? Oh dear, it's even worse now, and still no sign of my little friend!" "Victor!" called Thomas as he caught up with him. "Stop! Come back!" "I can't, Thomas!" replied Victor. "I have to find Kevin!" "Kevin's safe, Victor!" said Thomas. "He's back in the Steamworks!" "What?" gasped Victor. "You found Kevin?" "He was there all along!" said Thomas. "Stuck in the snow!"
Thomas, Victor and Kevin were pleased to be back in the nice warm Steamworks. "I can't believe you went out there in that horrible blizzard just for me, boss!" said Kevin. "That's what friends are for, Kevin," smiled Victor. "You are my best friend." Kevin felt overjoyed. "Excuse me?" called Emily. "Any chance of getting my new piston rods now? I'd really like to be useful again!"
Emily got her piston rods fitted, and was able to be really useful again. And from then on, Kevin learned to be more careful about snow. But he still couldn't help but have a little fun in it all the same.
Love me tender
Engines 9 and 10 on the Fat Controller's railway are strong and able workers. Practical, peppery, and proud. Donald and Douglas, the Scottish engines are also brothers. And so, like all brothers, they sometimes argue. But no matter how many times they fall out, Donald and Douglas always get back together again.
Snow had come early to the Island of Sodor. It was heavier than usual, and there were many lines to clear. Donald and Douglas had their snowploughs fitted, and were coupled up to a coach, clearing snow like they did back when they first came to Sodor. Donald came to a stop at a junction. "Hey, Donal'?" said Douglas. "Hoo aboot we head down Edward's branch line?" "Eh, I don't think so, Douglas," replied Donald. "It'd be really useful for us to clear a path to the docks," said Douglas. "I think it's better if we stick to the main line for now," insisted Donald. The signal changed to 'clear', and Donald carried on.
Later, Donald and Douglas were faced with another choice. Donald suggested to go to the Search and Rescue centre. Douglas insisted that they stayed on the main line. "But the Search and Rescue centre is important! It won't take long," said Donald. Douglas was frustrated. And all the arguing between the two brothers was causing a strain on their couplings.
Finally, the line was clear, so they headed back up to the main line for their next job. "Aboot time!" muttered Douglas as he headed back. But then, they had to slow down, because Toby was clearing the line in front of them. "I told you we should'ae cleared this line first!" said Douglas. "Noo we're stuck behind that wee engine. Look, he can barely see over the snow!" "Wheesht, Douggie!" hissed Donald. "Will ye pipe down? I cannae go any faster!" At last, Toby got out of the way at a junction. "On you go, Donald!" "Thanks, Toby!" replied Donald.
Soon, Donald and Douglas were faced with yet another choice and this time, there was trouble. When Donald asked Douglas where to go next, Douglas refused to decide. "You're boond to do the exact opposite of whatever I say!" he huffed. "Wheesht!" snapped Donald. "Don't act like you're any different! You always do what you want to do, and that's all there is to it!" Donald and Douglas argued as they pulled each other back and forth, this way and that. Suddenly, the big strong coupling between Douglas and his tender was broken. Donald puffed away with the coach and Douglas' tender, while Douglas ended up stranded in a siding.
Toby came by. "Hello, Douglas! Where's Donald?" "I don't know, but I dinnae care," replied Douglas. "We've parted ways, that's all." "But what about your tender?" asked Toby. "Do you need some help?" "Och, no. I'm fine, Toby. I'm just cross with my brother," sighed Douglas. "Away ye go." Douglas' driver and fireman boarded Toby, and the steam tram went away. Douglas was fine for now. His firebox was still warm enough to melt the snow.
Meanwhile, Donald was up ahead on the line. As he came to a water tower to refill, James came out to let him in. Then he noticed something peculiar. "Donald? Why are you pulling two tenders?" James asked him. "You've got your own tender, and Douglas' as well." "What?" asked Donald in disbelief. "But that means…" And he gasped when he realized what had happened. "Oh no! I've got to find him!"
So Donald sped off to find his brother. "Douggie! Douggie!" he called. But he couldn't hear anything over the fierce wind. Donald met Toby resting in a shed with his own and Douglas' crew. "Toby! Have you seen Douglas?" he asked him. "Yes I have. He was back at the junction where you left him," replied Toby. "Oh dear, I'd better get going quickly, before the snow gets any worse!" worried Donald as Douglas' crew boarded him.
Donald returned back to the siding, calling for his brother. Douglas, whose firebox had been out by then, and covered in snow, noticed him and perked up. "Donnie! Donnie! Over here!" Soon, Donald had found Douglas. "Douglas, Am I glad to see you!" exclaimed Donald with joy. "Me too, Donal'. I thought I was gonna be stuck here forever," said Douglas. "Aye, and we might be stuck in here fer a while longer," sighed Donald. "I've got 'ne water…" "You've got my tender," said Douglas. "Maybe there's a wee drop left in there!" "Brilliant!" exclaimed Donald. "That means I can shunt ye to the Steamworks! We'll soon get ye warmed up again, Douggie!" "Just knowing my brother came back for me, has already warmed me up," smiled Douglas.
So Donald shunted Douglas to the Steamworks to have his coupling repaired and his tender reattached. Like all brothers, sometimes Donald and Douglas argue. But no matter how many times they fall out, Donald and Douglas always get back together again.
Letters to Santa
It was just before Christmas on the Island of Sodor, and all the children had been busy writing letters to Santa. It was their last chance to mail them to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Once the postman had collected all of the letters, Percy would take them by train to Vicarstown. Then Henry would take them across to the Mainland, and from there, they would go by plane to the North Pole. Percy struggled to get the mail delivered to Vicarstown through the heavy snow. And whenever Harold the helicopter offered to help, Percy declined his offer. "Why does that whirly-bird think he's so much better than everyone?" he thought to himself, fuming with annoyance.
On the last day that the letters can be sent, Percy raced out of Dryaw station as quickly as he could. But a workman ran across the platform. "Wait, Percy! You've still got one more sack!" he called. But Percy was too far away to hear. "I can help!" offered Harold, who was watching nearby.
Harold flew after Percy. "Percy! Wait!" "Sorry, Harold, but I'm in a hurry!" replied the tank engine. Percy had no idea that Harold was trying to help. He thought he was just making fun of his speed again. "Percy! Please listen!" called Harold. "I'll show him," muttered Percy. "I'm not slow!" Percy raced like the wind along the track. "Percy! Look out!" cried Harold. Percy saw snow blocking the entrance of Henry's tunnel. Percy applied his brakes, but it was too late. He came to a stop right in front of the snowbank.
"I don't believe it," gasped Percy. "And I suppose you think this is funny." "Not at all," replied Harold. "I was trying to tell you, that you left a sack of mail behind at Dryaw station. I brought it for you." "Well it doesn't make any difference now," sighed Percy. "I can't get through this snowdrift, so none of the letters will get to the North Pole. Christmas is ruined…" "Perhaps I can take them across the island to Vicarstown for you," offered Harold. "Then the letters will still get to Santa on time!" "That's very kind of you, Harold," said Percy.
Soon, all the mail was loaded and Harold was ready to leave for Vicarstown to pass it on to Henry. "Thank you, Harold!" called Percy. "It's my pleasure!" replied Harold as he took off and flew in the air. Travelling in the wintry weather wasn't easy for Harold either. So Harold was late with the letters too, and Henry couldn't wait at Vicarstown any longer. He had to go. Henry hurried across the bridge and onto the Mainland. "Henry! Stop!" called Harold. "I can't stop, Harold!" replied Henry. "I'm already late! I waited for Percy to bring the mail but he never came!" "But that's why I'm here!" said Harold. "Percy got stuck in a snowdrift and I've got his mail for you!" Henry was surprised to hear this. So he stopped to let Harold bring the mail onto his train.
That night, Percy told Toby what had happened. "I've let everyone down," sighed Percy. "It's not your fault the weather stopped you doing your job, and isn't the important thing that the children's letters get to Santa on time?" assured Toby. Percy realized he was right. "And didn't you always say that Christmas is a time of goodwill to all people and engines?" said Toby. "Maybe Harold was just showing the Christmas spirit by helping you." Percy couldn't help but smile back at Toby.
But the next morning, Toby had bad news. "Harold didn't return to the Search and Rescue centre last night!" he told Percy. "Oh no! I hope he's okay!" gasped Percy. Percy delivered his trucks to the shunting yard and raced off to find out what had happened. Soon, Percy found Harold on the Mainland. "Harold! Are you okay?" called Percy. Harold told Percy that he did get the letters to Henry, but he had run out of fuel. "I might have to spend Christmas in this field," moaned Harold. "I won't let that happen, Harold!" said Percy as he raced back to Sodor. "One good turn deserves another!"
And so Percy came back with a Christmas surprise for Harold. "Percy!" gasped Harold as he saw the green engine return. "You've brought me my fuel! Oh, I don't know what to say!" "You helped me when I was stuck yesterday, so I'm now helping you," said Percy. "Oh, thank you, Percy," whispered Harold. "It's like I always say," beamed Percy. "Christmas is a time for goodwill to all people and engines and even whirlybirds!" Percy and Harold realized that they were both really useful in their own ways. And together, they had made sure that the children of Sodor got the gifts they had asked for on Christmas Day.
Last train for Christmas
It was Christmas Eve and people were still hurrying home to families on the Island of Sodor. Connor was on the Mainland collecting passengers for Sodor, but there were too many people and his coaches were full. Connor promised one more train before Christmas. It was already late by the time Connor reached Knapford station. "Sir, if I can get some more coaches, then I can make one more run to the Mainland and back, and everyone will be home for Christmas!" Connor told the Fat Controller. "You will have to be quick, Connor," warned the Fat Controller. "More heavy snow is on the way." "Don't you worry, sir," said Connor. "I'm a very fast!"
Connor searched Knapford Yard, looking for more coaches. Just then, Duck came up to him. "Hello, Duck," said Connor. "I'm looking for more coaches for my last passenger train. Have you seen any?" "Why, of course!" replied Duck. "You can borrow my slip coaches!" and he presented Connor with his coaches, Jonathan, Rebecca, and Steven. "You can uncouple them on the move, and let them roll into the stations, so you won't have to stop!" "Perfect!" said Connor. "I'll be faster than ever if I don't have to stop."
Connor hurried back across the island, pulling the slip coaches. But the snow was getting heavier, and the snow was the trouble. The engines were struggling to keep the track clear. That was when the Fat Controller decided to make an announcement. "The snow is too heavy," he told the engines at Knapford station. "The main line is blocked. I'm afraid we won't be able to run any more trains tonight." "But what about Connor, sir?" asked Thomas. "And the passengers waiting on the Mainland? What about the last train?" "We can't have passengers stranded in the snow," said the Fat Controller. "But the snow is stopping," protested Thomas. "We can clear the tracks! We just have to get ploughing!" The Fat Controller thought for a moment, then perked up. "Thomas is right. You must all work together and clear the snow to help Connor and the last train for Christmas!" The engines whistled in unison and set out to work.
There was a lot of snow on the line. The engines had to work hard to make sure as many tracks as possible were cleared for the last train. Thomas and Percy were clearing the track up to Wellsworth. Edward and Henry cleared the track beyond Maron. Whenever the engines saw something flying in the sky, they thought it was Santa Claus. But it turned out to be Harold the helicopter, searching for any passengers stuck in the snow.
But the snow was deepest out near Vicarstown and Emily was running out of steam. She couldn't clear the track to the Mainland. "The Fat Controller was right…" she groaned. "The last train would have to be cancelled." Emily reversed onto a siding. Then she noticed something amazing in the distance. "It's Gordon!" Gordon was ploughing from the other direction, and now the line was clear for Connor's last train.
Connor released the first slip coach at Kellsthorpe Road station. James helped a broken down Paxton back out of the way to let Connor pass through with his passenger train. Connor released the second slip coach at Maron. Thomas had just finished clearing the line at Wellsworth station, when Connor raced through and released the last slip coach. But it didn't stop. Connor hadn't uncoupled it too close to the station. "Cinders and ashes! The passengers would be stranded in the snow!" exclaimed Thomas. Thomas puffed out of the siding, and backed onto Jonathan just in time. He was able to get the coach back into the station.
At last, Connor arrived at Knapford station in time, and all the engines were gathered with him. "You have done a great job tonight, Connor," boomed the Fat Controller. "Thank you, sir," said Connor. "But I couldn't have made it without my friends!" He glanced at the other engines. "Yes, of course. It is thanks to all of you, that the last passengers got back to Sodor in time for Christmas!" said the Fat Controller addressing them. "Merry Christmas, engines! Merry Christmas, and goodnight!" "Merry Christmas, sir! Goodnight!" chanted the engines and they whistled with pride.
As they began to head for home, Thomas stayed back for a minute and glanced up at the sky. He saw something fly up high. "Merry Christmas, Harold!" he called as he left Knapford station and followed the other engines. But it wasn't Harold. Do you think it could really be Santa Claus?