STEEL, STRENGTH & DETERMINATION
Bill and Ben had been working over night at the China Clay Works. They had just completed an important job, and were making their way to the port with a special train of china clay, which was to be sent to the mainland by ferry. With Bill in front and Ben behind, they sped merrily along the line as the sun slowly began to rise above the tree tops.
"What perfect timing! What perfect timing", they chuckled in chorus.
They were just approaching Edward's station when Bill noticed the signal was up, meaning that they had to stop. He quickly whistled to Ben and they brought the train to a halt.
"Why have we stopped?", called Ben impatiently from the back of the train.
"I don't know!", replied Bill, who was equally anxious, "But if we don't get there on time, we can't get the contract for this china clay"
Just then, a guard came running down the line towards them. He stopped at Bill's cab, panting for breath.
"Has there been an accident?", asked Bill's driver.
"Not exactly", answered the guard, "But there's been a blockage on the mainline. We'll need Bill and Ben to help clear it"
"But what about our trucks?", cried Bill hotly.
"There will be plenty of time to get to the port", soothed his driver, "But it seems we have a more important job at the moment"
Bill waiting reluctantly as his fireman uncoupled him from the trucks and the guard ran back to inform Ben's crew. Within minutes, the twins had set off down the line on the next track towards Edward's station. They were very surprised when they finally arrived.
A very long and heavy looking train was stranded on the mainline beside the platform, blocking the entire line. The train was made up of long flat trucks each loaded with a set of long, steel pipes. A diesel engine of whom Bill and Ben didn't know the name of was sitting crossly at the head of it, looking very upset indeed.
"You can't rest here", said Ben cheekily as they rolled up alongside, "Your blocking the line!"
"I know", replied the diesel impatiently, "I can't move, and unless I'm fixed before tonight, we'll loose the steel contract to the other railway"
Bill and Ben were confused. "Surely if you were going to get a contract you wouldn't be careless enough to break down", teased Bill, "We have a contract to collect too you know"
The diesel went to replied, but before he could even speak, the marshalling operation began. Bill ran back to the end of the train and Ben buffered up in front. Steam poured from their funnels and sparks flew up from their wheels as they tried to push the entire train back to a siding beyond the station, but no matter how hard they tried, they simply couldn't move it. The diesel rolled his eyes.
"There's no use in trying", he said flatly, "Unless you can find a stronger engine, this whole operation is pointless"
Bill and Ben were most offended. Just at the moment, Boco cruised into the station to take on fuel.
"Bill, Ben", he said at once, "Aren't you supposed to be at the port?"
"We were heading there", said Ben instantly, "But this big bully is blocking the line!"
Boco took a glance at the long, heavy train and laughed.
"You two should run along", he said, "It's best for you not to waste anymore time"
Bill and Ben steamed hotly away. Boco waited until they were out of sight.
"Do excuse them Bear", he smiled to the diesel, "They are a maddening pair"
"It doesn't bother me Boco", chuckled Bear, "I am used to such taunts"
After a short chat of current affairs, Boco returned to the matter at hand.
"So tell me, what seems to have been the problem here?", he asked.
"I've been travelling all night with this special delivery of steel from the steel works", explained Bear, "I have to get this train to Kirkronan Dockyard on the other side of the island by tonight so as to get the contract for the steel works. The only problem is, that early this morning, I burst one of my pipes and now I'm stranded here"
"I see", said Boco thoughtfully, "Something must be done, and soon"
Just at that moment, the station master appeared on the platform.
"I've done all I can to find another engine", he explained to Bear's crew, "But there are none available. This is a very big problem indeed"
Suddenly, Boco had a very bright idea.
"Excuse me sir", he called across to the station master, "But why don't I take over from Bear?" "Nonsense Boco", replied the station master, "You are due to collect a goods train for the mainline in a few minutes"
"That's alright", said a kind voice, "Boco can take over for Bear. I'll take his trucks for him"
Everyone looked back to find Edward, who had just steamed in from his morning train. The station master pondered for a moment. He disappeared into his office for a few moments and emerged a short while later, looking rather worried.
"I have spoken to Sir Topham Hatt", he explained, "He said that it would be alright for Boco to take the steel, but you must hurry and get the line cleared before there are any more delays"
Boco wasted no time at all. He quickly helped Bear onto a maintenance siding and backed down onto the train of steel. The moment he was coupled on, the guard blew his whistle. Boco took a big breath and with all his might, heaved the heavy train forwards.
"Come on! Come on! Come ON!", he growled.
The flat trucks were big, heavy, metal things that were even longer in length then Boco himself. They were also extremely stubborn. It was almost as if they were refusing to move. Boco's motor roared and his wheels spun uncontrollably. Edward could see that Boco was struggling.
"Hold on a moment Boco", he called, "I'll help you"
He ran around to the back of the train and after a few moments rest, pushed with all his might against it, helping Boco forwards. Boco could slowly feel the train begin to move as his wheels gripped the rails. With one last mighty heavy, he was able to set off, at a slow speed, off down the line, the train gliding silently along behind him. Edward and Bear cheered him on, as he rounded the corner up ahead and disappeared.
*
The train was soon passing through the open meadows of the Sodor countryside as evening began to draw on. Boco enjoyed admiring his surroundings, but he knew that he had to keep focused on his task. The trucks were silent and solid, yet Boco noticed that their heavy load was causing them to sway slightly as they cruised along. The train was also very long, which meant he had to keep control at all times, as well as on the track ahead.
"I must keep control", he thought out loud, "I must get the steel contract. Everyone is relying on me"
Up ahead was a junction. One way led to Kirkronan. The other, an old branch line which was no longer in use, also went there and was much quicker, only the engines had been warned that it was to be used only in emergency situations, as it was extremely dangerous to pass through. Boco was just approaching the junction when he saw a red flag. They brought the train to a stop.
"Bother", he thought, "And we were running so nicely too"
"There's been an accident", explained the signalman, "One of the trains has derailed and now the line is blocked"
"We have to be at the port on the other side of the island by night fall", said Boco's driver, "We've wasted enough time already"
"Head quarters warned us of your arrival", the signalman went on, "Which is why we've been given the go ahead to allow you to use the branch line"
"Are they mad?", exclaimed the fitter, "That branch line won't take Boco's weight, not to mention this freight of steel"
"It's the only clear path", said the signalman sadly, "We thought the same way, but there is no other option"
Boco was worried, but he was determined to get the contract. His driver and fitter climbed back into his cabin and they slowly set off down the branch line, with the flat trucks trailing silently behind.
"Go steady Boco", called the driver, "This could be tricky"
Boco was trying not to hesitate. They slowly guided along the old line, which was running downhill slightly, making it difficult to keep at a constant speed. The train rocking and swaying behind him. He felt happier as a signal up ahead announced that the line ahead was clear.
"At least we won't run into any trouble", he though.
The line continued to run downhill very discreetly. They soon came to a very sharp curve in the line, which led them to an old viaduct over a rushing stream. Boco's driver brought him to a stop before the curve.
"It's impossible", pondered the driver, "We won't be able to get across it. The train's too heavy"
"I suppose that means we're stranded", muttered the fitter solemnly, "We'll have to go back and explain to Sir Topham Hatt that we just can't get through"
But Boco wasn't prepared to give up that easily, not when he had come this far.
"Wait", he cut in, "We can't let this contract go. Everyone is depending on us. We have to cross the bridge"
"But that viaduct won't hold your weight, let alone all this steel", said the driver, "It would be too dangerous"
"It's worth a try", said Boco with determination, "All we have to do is go as slowly and carefully as we can, and keep the train under our control"
*
Within minutes, Boco was raring to go. His driver, fitter and the guard had checked the entire train and made sure that each of the couplings was fastened tightly. Boco was nervous, but he was determined to move over the viaduct more then ever. His driver moved him slowly around the curve and over the viaduct.
A stream was rushing below. The once sturdy bridge was constructed of brick, but over the years, bad weather and the constant battering of the water in the stream had weakened the foundations. Pieces were already crumbling away.
"Easy does it", called the driver, checking the train at all times, "Go steady Boco. Your doing fine!"
Boco keep his eyes on the opposite side of the viaduct, not daring to look down. The first few trucks were now on the bridge and he could feel it moaning, almost in complaint as the weight on it's pillars began to increase. Boco's wheels shuddered at the thought, but he quickly pulled himself together.
"I can do this! I can do this!", he told himself, as the middle trucks rolled silently onto the bridge. They were almost three quarters of the way across now. And then...Boco stopped.
"What's going on?", shouted the guard from the brake van, which was still at the far end of the bridge, "Why have we stopped"
Boco's driver didn't reply for a moment. He seemed to be in a state of panic. He glanced back and cupped his hands over his mouth to amplify his voice.
"We're out of fuel!", he called back, "We're stuck!"
Boco groaned with discomfort.
"Bother", he muttered, "We shouldn't have gone so slow!"
"Don't worry old fellow", soothed his driver, "We'll head back and get help"
But help was soon to arrive. From somewhere behind, the sound of two, high toned whistled pierced the air.
Within moments, none other then Bill and Ben came steaming up behind the stranded train, their head lamps shining brightly. Boco's crew ran back to them in an instant. Boco, on the other hand, was overcome was joy. "Bill! Ben!", he called, "You've come to save me!"
"Of course we have!", chimed the twins, "Don't worry Boco, we'll be on our way in no time!"
The twins buffered up behind the brake van. Boco's crew returned to the cabin to take the lead and took the emergency brake off to help the twin's push.
"We can do it! We can do it!", they chanted softly, as with all their strength and might, they heaved all their weight against the train, Boco and his crew cheering them on all the way.
With a lot of pushing, panting and wheel slipping, the twins managed to slowly marshal the entire train across to the opposite side of the viaduct. Not far down the line, Boco's driver found a tank of fuel, and soon Boco was able to head the train all the way to Kirkronan, with Bill and Ben pushing at the rear. When night finally fell, the long and heavy train rolled into the dockyard depot. Boco was exhausted, but he was more then content.
"Thank you Bill and Ben", he said as they rolled up alongside, "I don't know how I would have done it without you. But I don't understand. How did you find me?"
"The port master told us you were behind schedule", explained Ben, "So Sir Topham Hatt sent us up the line to see if you were in trouble"
"And I mighty fine job you did too", said a familiar voice - Sir Topham Hatt was standing on the platform beside them, a very proud smile upon his face, "Boco, your driver has told me everything. I am very proud of you, for your determination and bravery, as well as your readiness to help out with Bear out of service. Not only that, but you have also gained us the contract for the steel works"
"Thank you sir", said Boco modestly, "I am very glad I could have helped out"
"As a reward for your troubles", the Fat Controller went on, "You shall receive a full maintenance check at Crovan's Gate tomorrow when you return"
Boco, Bill and Ben spent the night at the dockyard and set out early the next morning. The twins, who still had plenty of steam left, buffered up at either end and helped him all the way back to Edward's branch line. When Boco returned from Crovan's Gate some weeks later, he soon learned that during his absence, the twins had spoken most highly of him...though they never admitted to it.
*****
Bill and Ben had been working over night at the China Clay Works. They had just completed an important job, and were making their way to the port with a special train of china clay, which was to be sent to the mainland by ferry. With Bill in front and Ben behind, they sped merrily along the line as the sun slowly began to rise above the tree tops.
"What perfect timing! What perfect timing", they chuckled in chorus.
They were just approaching Edward's station when Bill noticed the signal was up, meaning that they had to stop. He quickly whistled to Ben and they brought the train to a halt.
"Why have we stopped?", called Ben impatiently from the back of the train.
"I don't know!", replied Bill, who was equally anxious, "But if we don't get there on time, we can't get the contract for this china clay"
Just then, a guard came running down the line towards them. He stopped at Bill's cab, panting for breath.
"Has there been an accident?", asked Bill's driver.
"Not exactly", answered the guard, "But there's been a blockage on the mainline. We'll need Bill and Ben to help clear it"
"But what about our trucks?", cried Bill hotly.
"There will be plenty of time to get to the port", soothed his driver, "But it seems we have a more important job at the moment"
Bill waiting reluctantly as his fireman uncoupled him from the trucks and the guard ran back to inform Ben's crew. Within minutes, the twins had set off down the line on the next track towards Edward's station. They were very surprised when they finally arrived.
A very long and heavy looking train was stranded on the mainline beside the platform, blocking the entire line. The train was made up of long flat trucks each loaded with a set of long, steel pipes. A diesel engine of whom Bill and Ben didn't know the name of was sitting crossly at the head of it, looking very upset indeed.
"You can't rest here", said Ben cheekily as they rolled up alongside, "Your blocking the line!"
"I know", replied the diesel impatiently, "I can't move, and unless I'm fixed before tonight, we'll loose the steel contract to the other railway"
Bill and Ben were confused. "Surely if you were going to get a contract you wouldn't be careless enough to break down", teased Bill, "We have a contract to collect too you know"
The diesel went to replied, but before he could even speak, the marshalling operation began. Bill ran back to the end of the train and Ben buffered up in front. Steam poured from their funnels and sparks flew up from their wheels as they tried to push the entire train back to a siding beyond the station, but no matter how hard they tried, they simply couldn't move it. The diesel rolled his eyes.
"There's no use in trying", he said flatly, "Unless you can find a stronger engine, this whole operation is pointless"
Bill and Ben were most offended. Just at the moment, Boco cruised into the station to take on fuel.
"Bill, Ben", he said at once, "Aren't you supposed to be at the port?"
"We were heading there", said Ben instantly, "But this big bully is blocking the line!"
Boco took a glance at the long, heavy train and laughed.
"You two should run along", he said, "It's best for you not to waste anymore time"
Bill and Ben steamed hotly away. Boco waited until they were out of sight.
"Do excuse them Bear", he smiled to the diesel, "They are a maddening pair"
"It doesn't bother me Boco", chuckled Bear, "I am used to such taunts"
After a short chat of current affairs, Boco returned to the matter at hand.
"So tell me, what seems to have been the problem here?", he asked.
"I've been travelling all night with this special delivery of steel from the steel works", explained Bear, "I have to get this train to Kirkronan Dockyard on the other side of the island by tonight so as to get the contract for the steel works. The only problem is, that early this morning, I burst one of my pipes and now I'm stranded here"
"I see", said Boco thoughtfully, "Something must be done, and soon"
Just at that moment, the station master appeared on the platform.
"I've done all I can to find another engine", he explained to Bear's crew, "But there are none available. This is a very big problem indeed"
Suddenly, Boco had a very bright idea.
"Excuse me sir", he called across to the station master, "But why don't I take over from Bear?" "Nonsense Boco", replied the station master, "You are due to collect a goods train for the mainline in a few minutes"
"That's alright", said a kind voice, "Boco can take over for Bear. I'll take his trucks for him"
Everyone looked back to find Edward, who had just steamed in from his morning train. The station master pondered for a moment. He disappeared into his office for a few moments and emerged a short while later, looking rather worried.
"I have spoken to Sir Topham Hatt", he explained, "He said that it would be alright for Boco to take the steel, but you must hurry and get the line cleared before there are any more delays"
Boco wasted no time at all. He quickly helped Bear onto a maintenance siding and backed down onto the train of steel. The moment he was coupled on, the guard blew his whistle. Boco took a big breath and with all his might, heaved the heavy train forwards.
"Come on! Come on! Come ON!", he growled.
The flat trucks were big, heavy, metal things that were even longer in length then Boco himself. They were also extremely stubborn. It was almost as if they were refusing to move. Boco's motor roared and his wheels spun uncontrollably. Edward could see that Boco was struggling.
"Hold on a moment Boco", he called, "I'll help you"
He ran around to the back of the train and after a few moments rest, pushed with all his might against it, helping Boco forwards. Boco could slowly feel the train begin to move as his wheels gripped the rails. With one last mighty heavy, he was able to set off, at a slow speed, off down the line, the train gliding silently along behind him. Edward and Bear cheered him on, as he rounded the corner up ahead and disappeared.
*
The train was soon passing through the open meadows of the Sodor countryside as evening began to draw on. Boco enjoyed admiring his surroundings, but he knew that he had to keep focused on his task. The trucks were silent and solid, yet Boco noticed that their heavy load was causing them to sway slightly as they cruised along. The train was also very long, which meant he had to keep control at all times, as well as on the track ahead.
"I must keep control", he thought out loud, "I must get the steel contract. Everyone is relying on me"
Up ahead was a junction. One way led to Kirkronan. The other, an old branch line which was no longer in use, also went there and was much quicker, only the engines had been warned that it was to be used only in emergency situations, as it was extremely dangerous to pass through. Boco was just approaching the junction when he saw a red flag. They brought the train to a stop.
"Bother", he thought, "And we were running so nicely too"
"There's been an accident", explained the signalman, "One of the trains has derailed and now the line is blocked"
"We have to be at the port on the other side of the island by night fall", said Boco's driver, "We've wasted enough time already"
"Head quarters warned us of your arrival", the signalman went on, "Which is why we've been given the go ahead to allow you to use the branch line"
"Are they mad?", exclaimed the fitter, "That branch line won't take Boco's weight, not to mention this freight of steel"
"It's the only clear path", said the signalman sadly, "We thought the same way, but there is no other option"
Boco was worried, but he was determined to get the contract. His driver and fitter climbed back into his cabin and they slowly set off down the branch line, with the flat trucks trailing silently behind.
"Go steady Boco", called the driver, "This could be tricky"
Boco was trying not to hesitate. They slowly guided along the old line, which was running downhill slightly, making it difficult to keep at a constant speed. The train rocking and swaying behind him. He felt happier as a signal up ahead announced that the line ahead was clear.
"At least we won't run into any trouble", he though.
The line continued to run downhill very discreetly. They soon came to a very sharp curve in the line, which led them to an old viaduct over a rushing stream. Boco's driver brought him to a stop before the curve.
"It's impossible", pondered the driver, "We won't be able to get across it. The train's too heavy"
"I suppose that means we're stranded", muttered the fitter solemnly, "We'll have to go back and explain to Sir Topham Hatt that we just can't get through"
But Boco wasn't prepared to give up that easily, not when he had come this far.
"Wait", he cut in, "We can't let this contract go. Everyone is depending on us. We have to cross the bridge"
"But that viaduct won't hold your weight, let alone all this steel", said the driver, "It would be too dangerous"
"It's worth a try", said Boco with determination, "All we have to do is go as slowly and carefully as we can, and keep the train under our control"
*
Within minutes, Boco was raring to go. His driver, fitter and the guard had checked the entire train and made sure that each of the couplings was fastened tightly. Boco was nervous, but he was determined to move over the viaduct more then ever. His driver moved him slowly around the curve and over the viaduct.
A stream was rushing below. The once sturdy bridge was constructed of brick, but over the years, bad weather and the constant battering of the water in the stream had weakened the foundations. Pieces were already crumbling away.
"Easy does it", called the driver, checking the train at all times, "Go steady Boco. Your doing fine!"
Boco keep his eyes on the opposite side of the viaduct, not daring to look down. The first few trucks were now on the bridge and he could feel it moaning, almost in complaint as the weight on it's pillars began to increase. Boco's wheels shuddered at the thought, but he quickly pulled himself together.
"I can do this! I can do this!", he told himself, as the middle trucks rolled silently onto the bridge. They were almost three quarters of the way across now. And then...Boco stopped.
"What's going on?", shouted the guard from the brake van, which was still at the far end of the bridge, "Why have we stopped"
Boco's driver didn't reply for a moment. He seemed to be in a state of panic. He glanced back and cupped his hands over his mouth to amplify his voice.
"We're out of fuel!", he called back, "We're stuck!"
Boco groaned with discomfort.
"Bother", he muttered, "We shouldn't have gone so slow!"
"Don't worry old fellow", soothed his driver, "We'll head back and get help"
But help was soon to arrive. From somewhere behind, the sound of two, high toned whistled pierced the air.
Within moments, none other then Bill and Ben came steaming up behind the stranded train, their head lamps shining brightly. Boco's crew ran back to them in an instant. Boco, on the other hand, was overcome was joy. "Bill! Ben!", he called, "You've come to save me!"
"Of course we have!", chimed the twins, "Don't worry Boco, we'll be on our way in no time!"
The twins buffered up behind the brake van. Boco's crew returned to the cabin to take the lead and took the emergency brake off to help the twin's push.
"We can do it! We can do it!", they chanted softly, as with all their strength and might, they heaved all their weight against the train, Boco and his crew cheering them on all the way.
With a lot of pushing, panting and wheel slipping, the twins managed to slowly marshal the entire train across to the opposite side of the viaduct. Not far down the line, Boco's driver found a tank of fuel, and soon Boco was able to head the train all the way to Kirkronan, with Bill and Ben pushing at the rear. When night finally fell, the long and heavy train rolled into the dockyard depot. Boco was exhausted, but he was more then content.
"Thank you Bill and Ben", he said as they rolled up alongside, "I don't know how I would have done it without you. But I don't understand. How did you find me?"
"The port master told us you were behind schedule", explained Ben, "So Sir Topham Hatt sent us up the line to see if you were in trouble"
"And I mighty fine job you did too", said a familiar voice - Sir Topham Hatt was standing on the platform beside them, a very proud smile upon his face, "Boco, your driver has told me everything. I am very proud of you, for your determination and bravery, as well as your readiness to help out with Bear out of service. Not only that, but you have also gained us the contract for the steel works"
"Thank you sir", said Boco modestly, "I am very glad I could have helped out"
"As a reward for your troubles", the Fat Controller went on, "You shall receive a full maintenance check at Crovan's Gate tomorrow when you return"
Boco, Bill and Ben spent the night at the dockyard and set out early the next morning. The twins, who still had plenty of steam left, buffered up at either end and helped him all the way back to Edward's branch line. When Boco returned from Crovan's Gate some weeks later, he soon learned that during his absence, the twins had spoken most highly of him...though they never admitted to it.
*****
