LUCKY ON THE MAINLINE
Lucky is proud of his new brakes. Now that he no longer has to worry about them failing, he works much more efficiently. Being a strong engine, he can take heavy loads with ease and can control the trucks easily. Within weeks, he grew so familiar with his surroundings that he now knows the quarry from end to end.
"Your work here has been exceedingly good", the manager smiled one day, as Lucky pulled into the loading bay with his morning load of stone trucks, "I'm proud of you. Soon you'll be able to work here on your own"
Lucky felt much better after that. A few days later, the manager received an important telegram from the port. He came to see his engines at their shed.
"I have important news", he said, "We have been offered a contract for the stone works down at the port. If we can meet their demands, we'll win their company contract"
Mavis and Lucky tooted their horns excitedly. They enjoyed important tasks.
"It'll mean twice as much work", added the manager gravely, "Are you sure you up for it? Your involvement is a key link in the chain"
"Don't worry sir", smiled Mavis, "You can leave it to Lucky and I to get the job done without fuss"
"That's what I like to hear", said the manager proudly, "Now run along the both of you and collect the trucks. They should be waiting at the depot"
The two diesels set to work immediately. The manager was right. They soon found themselves busier then ever, doing twice as much work as usual. But this didn't stop them. They were determined not to let the company down. Lucky loaded the trucks with stone from the chute and Mavis shunted them into place. Very soon, a long line of loaded trucks stood waiting at the loading bay. The manager was very pleased.
"Excellent work the both of you. Now Mavis, I'd like you to take the train to the port first thing tomorrow morning"
Mavis was pleased and excited, but Lucky felt slightly down-hearted. He had hoped that he would be selected to take the important load, but he also knew that Mavis had experience of the line beyond the quarry.
"It would be far too dangerous for you to leave without a guild", she had told him some time after his return from Crovan's Gate, "It can be pretty dangerous if you aren't used to it"
Lucky understood, but he had always wondered what it would be like to travel down the Mainline. He had seen part of it when Douglas had taken him to Crovan's Gate, but this wasn't enough. "It would be nice", he thought, "To leave the quarry once in a while"
*
The next morning, the inspector was called urgently to the sheds. Lucky waited outside with his crew as he disappeared inside with the manager. They immerged some time later, looking very anxious.
"Mavis is feeling unwell", he said to Lucky's crew, "She will have to go out of service while we look into it"
"But we need an engine to take the stone trucks to the port", said the manager anxiously, "The contract will be taken if it isn't there by tonight"
Lucky was worried, but he finally plucked up the courage to speak.
"Excuse me sir", he whispered modestly, "Maybe I could replace Mavis"
"Are you sure Lucky?", asked the inspector, "You haven't any experience of the Mainline. It could be risky"
"I'm prepared to do anything to win the contract", said the little diesel with determination, "I don't want to let the company down"
The manager was concerned, but the inspector was impressed. He liked engines with determination and pride. He spoke to the manager.
"I think it would be a splendid idea for Lucky to take the train", he said, "There are no other engines available and it would prove to be good experience"
The manager was still reluctant, but he considered the consequences. At last he agreed and Lucky jauntily backed down onto the trucks.
"Remember", said the manager, as the train was checked by the shunter, "Take your time and do not hesitate. If you don't loose yourself, you will do fine"
"I will do my best sir", whispered Lucky.
When the final procedures were complete, the guard climbed aboard the brake van and waved the green flag. With a roar of his motor, Lucky tooted his horn and with a mighty heave, pulled the train out of the loading bay and out of the quarry. Mavis watched from the sheds.
"Be careful Lucky!", she called.
"Don't worry everyone!", the little diesel called back, "You can count on me"
*
Before long, Lucky and the heavy stone trucks were cruising along the Mainline. The signalman had been warned of their arrival and the path was clear. Lucky had plenty of oil and had the trucks completely under his control. Things were going well and the passengers were impressed as he cruised past.
"What a funny looking engine", they commented, "Yet he runs so smoothly"
"What perfect timing", Lucky hummed with content, "If things go well, we'll have the contract in no time"
They soon arrived at Cronk, where Percy was shunting. He had made good friends with the little diesel the day he had arrived on the island.
"Lucky", he said, "What a surprise. What are you doing here? I thought you were only a quarry pilot"
"I'm standing in for Mavis", explained the little diesel as he took on more oil, "We have to get this stone to the port before tonight"
"Your very brave to go at it alone on your first time", said Percy, "I remember when I first arrived here. It can be frightening sometimes, especially when the bigger engines don't know who you are"
He re-called the time when he had run away by accident. Lucky was concerned.
"Don't worry", he said, "I'll be on the look out"
And before long, he set off once again with the stone trucks rattling along behind him. But he was slightly concerned with what Percy had told him. His surroundings were unfamiliar and as they continued further and further towards the port, the number of trains passing them by increased. They cast him strange looks.
"What's he doing here?", whispered Henry to James who were waiting on a siding as Lucky passed through the station, "Isn't he that jinx everyone was talking about?"
"A jinx?", repeated James, "He should be sent back to the quarry before we're all cursed!"
This made the little diesel upset.
"Ignore them", soothed his driver, "We'll soon show them once we get the contract"
This made Lucky feel slightly better, and much more determined. Yet at the same time, he was beginning to feel like a little engine in a big world.
*
The new signal box had just finished being built. The old one had been taken down after a series of point-failures. It stood at the Mainline on the boarder of Cronk with Kirkronan, where the port was to be found. The railway board had also appointed a new signal man to it. He was new on the job but he was feeling rather hesitant. He had been told that Lucky was due to pass that afternoon, and that he should switch him to the outer lane in order to allow Gordon to use the Mainline for the Express.
At present, Lucky was approaching with the stone trucks. He tooted his horn. The signalman, who had been absorbed in a book, jumped.
"Oh dear", he thought and quickly jumped to the levers immediately. But he had been far too absorbed by his book to remember to switch the points in time. He quickly dashed for the main lever as Lucky cruised past with the long and heavy train, straight onto the Mainline. He gasped and dashed for the telephone.
"Halt all traffic!", he called with panic in his voice, "The stone train for Kirkronan is on the Mainline"
But it was far too late. Lucky, on the other hand, hadn't noticed that he was on the wrong track.
"Something doesn't seem right", said his driver thoughtfully, "I could have sworn we were supposed to be switched to the outer lane. We'd better stop all the same"
He brought Lucky to a stand still. The little diesel was confused.
"What's going on?", he asked, "Why have we stopped? We were making excellent progress too"
"Not anymore", said the guard, who had joined them at the cab, "We'd better run ahead and warn the station. The Express is due at any moment"
Lucky gasped, as he realized he was on the wrong lane.
"Oh dear", he cried, "What'll we do"
His driver was about to run up ahead when a distant whistle sounded. They all looked up in horror to see Gordon thundering towards them on the same track at a dangerous speed with the Express. He saw them and blasted his whistle with rage.
"Get out of the way!", he boomed, "GET-OUT-OF-THE-WAY!!!"
His driver quickly shut off steam, reducing speed, but Lucky was far too frightened. His own driver was about to climb aboard when he lurched backwards and within moments was cruising backwards with the heavy stone trucks behind him, back towards the signal box.
"Percy warned me of this!", he whimpered, "What'll I do? What'll I do?"
The signalman saw him approaching and quickly directed him onto an old quarry siding, hidden by a tall mound of Earth. He slithered, shaken and silent out of way and came to a halt as his automatic emergency brake came on. Gordon was furious.
"You silly little diesel", he boomed, "You've made me late"
"I...I...", began Lucky.
But Gordon let off a hiss of steam as the signal man quickly set the points back and the Express glided away, Gordon looking crosser then ever. Lucky's driver and the guard soon came running onto the siding to see him, the signal man stepping down from his box wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.
"What happened to you Lucky?", asked his driver, half amazed, half shocked, "You've never reacted like that before"
"I was so frightened", whimpered the little diesel, "I had to move before there was an accident"
"It's my fault", said the signal man anxiously, "I'm new on the job. I should have set the points before you came by"
"Strange man!", scolded the guard, "There could have been an accident! That's what we get for hiring youths..."
"Lets not argue", said the driver, "At least Lucky get out of the way in time. We had better get going before it's too late"
They climbed aboard once again, but Lucky wouldn't stare. He was frozen, stiff with fear and whimpering with fright. He couldn't move.
*
Toby was content. The operation had been a success and he was glad that he could have helped. The large-scale unloading of the oil tanker at Kirkronan had gone well and the job was complete in no time. He was a little put off by the smell of diesel oil that had stuck to him since, but was looking forward to getting back to the quarry.
"I hear a new diesel has been hired to stand in for me", he chuckled to his driver, "According to Bill and Ben he was a jinx. Mavis must have had a fun time looking after him"
"I'm sure Sir Topham Hatt wouldn't hire a jinx", replied the driver with a smile, "Let's hope the place isn't wrecked"
They reached the points and crossed onto the outer-lane. The express had passed and the line ahead was clear. Toby was looking forward to a rest at Cronk but to his surprise, he was flagged down by the signalman.
"We need your help", he said, his voice full of panic, "Lucky is too frightened to come out of the siding"
"Lucky?", thought Toby, "Who might he be"
He soon found out. The little diesel's crew had tried everything they could to coax him out of the siding, but it was no good. He was simply petrified.
"What if another big engine comes along again?", he whispered, his wheels shaking slightly, causing the stone trucks to rattle behind him.
The signalman whispered to Toby, who smiled warmly.
"You needn't worry", he said kindly, "The line is clear now. Everything is safe. If you leave now, you'll make it to Kirkronan just in time".
Lucky looked up.
"Do you think so?"
"Of course", said the elderly tram engine, "But do as all useful engines do, and see it as experience. Everyone makes mistakes every now and again"
The signal man turned away, his face flushing a bright pink with embarrassment. Toby kindly helped Lucky out of the siding and back onto the outer lane. He was in no hurry and much to Lucky's gratitude, he offered to help take the train to the port.
"If we work together", he said as he backed down infront, "The contract will be ours"
And so, with a ring of his bell and toot of Lucky's horn, the two engines set off with the heavy trucks cheering them on.
*
The workmen finished repairing Mavis and in no time, she was ready and willing to work once more. It was evening, but Lucky had yet to return. She was beginning to feel concerned.
"I do hope he is alright", she said thoughtfully, "Being on a new part of the line can be a difficult experience"
Just then, a familiar sound filled the air as Toby the Tram Engine puffed happily into the yard, with Lucky cruising cheerfully along behind. They came to rest outside the shed. Mavis was amazed.
"Toby", she smiled, "Lucky! You made it back in time!"
"It took a lot of effort", smiled the little diesel, "But we've won the contract. Of course, I couldn't do it would Toby's help" Toby smiled modestly.
"I was just passing..."
"Good old Toby", said a familiar voice.
The three engines looked down to find the quarry manger standing beside them with a broad and proud smile.
"I have never been more proud of my engines", he said with kind words, "Lucky, I heard everything from the signal man at Cronk. The incident wasn't your fault and the Fat Controller has been made aware. But above all, your teamwork with determination has won us the stone contract"
Lucky beamed happily and looked down at his buffers.
"I hope now that we are all back together we can resume work as usual and provide for the stone company efficiently", the manager continued, "Now that we have the contract, that will mean that we shall be providing for the stone company around the clock. This will mean much more work you understand"
"No need to worry sir", smiled Toby, "Lucky is a strong engine. He may have been spooked by Gordon, but then again, who isn't?"
*
Lucky, Toby and Mavis are all good friends. Lucky has not returned to the Mainline since his last visit, but the manager has promised only to send him in emergencies, and with Toby or Mavis to guide him. He has never been happier, and Toby is proud to say that he has learnt fast. Like all engines, Lucky is creditable to say that he is one of the Fat Controller's Engines.
*****
Lucky is proud of his new brakes. Now that he no longer has to worry about them failing, he works much more efficiently. Being a strong engine, he can take heavy loads with ease and can control the trucks easily. Within weeks, he grew so familiar with his surroundings that he now knows the quarry from end to end.
"Your work here has been exceedingly good", the manager smiled one day, as Lucky pulled into the loading bay with his morning load of stone trucks, "I'm proud of you. Soon you'll be able to work here on your own"
Lucky felt much better after that. A few days later, the manager received an important telegram from the port. He came to see his engines at their shed.
"I have important news", he said, "We have been offered a contract for the stone works down at the port. If we can meet their demands, we'll win their company contract"
Mavis and Lucky tooted their horns excitedly. They enjoyed important tasks.
"It'll mean twice as much work", added the manager gravely, "Are you sure you up for it? Your involvement is a key link in the chain"
"Don't worry sir", smiled Mavis, "You can leave it to Lucky and I to get the job done without fuss"
"That's what I like to hear", said the manager proudly, "Now run along the both of you and collect the trucks. They should be waiting at the depot"
The two diesels set to work immediately. The manager was right. They soon found themselves busier then ever, doing twice as much work as usual. But this didn't stop them. They were determined not to let the company down. Lucky loaded the trucks with stone from the chute and Mavis shunted them into place. Very soon, a long line of loaded trucks stood waiting at the loading bay. The manager was very pleased.
"Excellent work the both of you. Now Mavis, I'd like you to take the train to the port first thing tomorrow morning"
Mavis was pleased and excited, but Lucky felt slightly down-hearted. He had hoped that he would be selected to take the important load, but he also knew that Mavis had experience of the line beyond the quarry.
"It would be far too dangerous for you to leave without a guild", she had told him some time after his return from Crovan's Gate, "It can be pretty dangerous if you aren't used to it"
Lucky understood, but he had always wondered what it would be like to travel down the Mainline. He had seen part of it when Douglas had taken him to Crovan's Gate, but this wasn't enough. "It would be nice", he thought, "To leave the quarry once in a while"
*
The next morning, the inspector was called urgently to the sheds. Lucky waited outside with his crew as he disappeared inside with the manager. They immerged some time later, looking very anxious.
"Mavis is feeling unwell", he said to Lucky's crew, "She will have to go out of service while we look into it"
"But we need an engine to take the stone trucks to the port", said the manager anxiously, "The contract will be taken if it isn't there by tonight"
Lucky was worried, but he finally plucked up the courage to speak.
"Excuse me sir", he whispered modestly, "Maybe I could replace Mavis"
"Are you sure Lucky?", asked the inspector, "You haven't any experience of the Mainline. It could be risky"
"I'm prepared to do anything to win the contract", said the little diesel with determination, "I don't want to let the company down"
The manager was concerned, but the inspector was impressed. He liked engines with determination and pride. He spoke to the manager.
"I think it would be a splendid idea for Lucky to take the train", he said, "There are no other engines available and it would prove to be good experience"
The manager was still reluctant, but he considered the consequences. At last he agreed and Lucky jauntily backed down onto the trucks.
"Remember", said the manager, as the train was checked by the shunter, "Take your time and do not hesitate. If you don't loose yourself, you will do fine"
"I will do my best sir", whispered Lucky.
When the final procedures were complete, the guard climbed aboard the brake van and waved the green flag. With a roar of his motor, Lucky tooted his horn and with a mighty heave, pulled the train out of the loading bay and out of the quarry. Mavis watched from the sheds.
"Be careful Lucky!", she called.
"Don't worry everyone!", the little diesel called back, "You can count on me"
*
Before long, Lucky and the heavy stone trucks were cruising along the Mainline. The signalman had been warned of their arrival and the path was clear. Lucky had plenty of oil and had the trucks completely under his control. Things were going well and the passengers were impressed as he cruised past.
"What a funny looking engine", they commented, "Yet he runs so smoothly"
"What perfect timing", Lucky hummed with content, "If things go well, we'll have the contract in no time"
They soon arrived at Cronk, where Percy was shunting. He had made good friends with the little diesel the day he had arrived on the island.
"Lucky", he said, "What a surprise. What are you doing here? I thought you were only a quarry pilot"
"I'm standing in for Mavis", explained the little diesel as he took on more oil, "We have to get this stone to the port before tonight"
"Your very brave to go at it alone on your first time", said Percy, "I remember when I first arrived here. It can be frightening sometimes, especially when the bigger engines don't know who you are"
He re-called the time when he had run away by accident. Lucky was concerned.
"Don't worry", he said, "I'll be on the look out"
And before long, he set off once again with the stone trucks rattling along behind him. But he was slightly concerned with what Percy had told him. His surroundings were unfamiliar and as they continued further and further towards the port, the number of trains passing them by increased. They cast him strange looks.
"What's he doing here?", whispered Henry to James who were waiting on a siding as Lucky passed through the station, "Isn't he that jinx everyone was talking about?"
"A jinx?", repeated James, "He should be sent back to the quarry before we're all cursed!"
This made the little diesel upset.
"Ignore them", soothed his driver, "We'll soon show them once we get the contract"
This made Lucky feel slightly better, and much more determined. Yet at the same time, he was beginning to feel like a little engine in a big world.
*
The new signal box had just finished being built. The old one had been taken down after a series of point-failures. It stood at the Mainline on the boarder of Cronk with Kirkronan, where the port was to be found. The railway board had also appointed a new signal man to it. He was new on the job but he was feeling rather hesitant. He had been told that Lucky was due to pass that afternoon, and that he should switch him to the outer lane in order to allow Gordon to use the Mainline for the Express.
At present, Lucky was approaching with the stone trucks. He tooted his horn. The signalman, who had been absorbed in a book, jumped.
"Oh dear", he thought and quickly jumped to the levers immediately. But he had been far too absorbed by his book to remember to switch the points in time. He quickly dashed for the main lever as Lucky cruised past with the long and heavy train, straight onto the Mainline. He gasped and dashed for the telephone.
"Halt all traffic!", he called with panic in his voice, "The stone train for Kirkronan is on the Mainline"
But it was far too late. Lucky, on the other hand, hadn't noticed that he was on the wrong track.
"Something doesn't seem right", said his driver thoughtfully, "I could have sworn we were supposed to be switched to the outer lane. We'd better stop all the same"
He brought Lucky to a stand still. The little diesel was confused.
"What's going on?", he asked, "Why have we stopped? We were making excellent progress too"
"Not anymore", said the guard, who had joined them at the cab, "We'd better run ahead and warn the station. The Express is due at any moment"
Lucky gasped, as he realized he was on the wrong lane.
"Oh dear", he cried, "What'll we do"
His driver was about to run up ahead when a distant whistle sounded. They all looked up in horror to see Gordon thundering towards them on the same track at a dangerous speed with the Express. He saw them and blasted his whistle with rage.
"Get out of the way!", he boomed, "GET-OUT-OF-THE-WAY!!!"
His driver quickly shut off steam, reducing speed, but Lucky was far too frightened. His own driver was about to climb aboard when he lurched backwards and within moments was cruising backwards with the heavy stone trucks behind him, back towards the signal box.
"Percy warned me of this!", he whimpered, "What'll I do? What'll I do?"
The signalman saw him approaching and quickly directed him onto an old quarry siding, hidden by a tall mound of Earth. He slithered, shaken and silent out of way and came to a halt as his automatic emergency brake came on. Gordon was furious.
"You silly little diesel", he boomed, "You've made me late"
"I...I...", began Lucky.
But Gordon let off a hiss of steam as the signal man quickly set the points back and the Express glided away, Gordon looking crosser then ever. Lucky's driver and the guard soon came running onto the siding to see him, the signal man stepping down from his box wiping his forehead with a handkerchief.
"What happened to you Lucky?", asked his driver, half amazed, half shocked, "You've never reacted like that before"
"I was so frightened", whimpered the little diesel, "I had to move before there was an accident"
"It's my fault", said the signal man anxiously, "I'm new on the job. I should have set the points before you came by"
"Strange man!", scolded the guard, "There could have been an accident! That's what we get for hiring youths..."
"Lets not argue", said the driver, "At least Lucky get out of the way in time. We had better get going before it's too late"
They climbed aboard once again, but Lucky wouldn't stare. He was frozen, stiff with fear and whimpering with fright. He couldn't move.
*
Toby was content. The operation had been a success and he was glad that he could have helped. The large-scale unloading of the oil tanker at Kirkronan had gone well and the job was complete in no time. He was a little put off by the smell of diesel oil that had stuck to him since, but was looking forward to getting back to the quarry.
"I hear a new diesel has been hired to stand in for me", he chuckled to his driver, "According to Bill and Ben he was a jinx. Mavis must have had a fun time looking after him"
"I'm sure Sir Topham Hatt wouldn't hire a jinx", replied the driver with a smile, "Let's hope the place isn't wrecked"
They reached the points and crossed onto the outer-lane. The express had passed and the line ahead was clear. Toby was looking forward to a rest at Cronk but to his surprise, he was flagged down by the signalman.
"We need your help", he said, his voice full of panic, "Lucky is too frightened to come out of the siding"
"Lucky?", thought Toby, "Who might he be"
He soon found out. The little diesel's crew had tried everything they could to coax him out of the siding, but it was no good. He was simply petrified.
"What if another big engine comes along again?", he whispered, his wheels shaking slightly, causing the stone trucks to rattle behind him.
The signalman whispered to Toby, who smiled warmly.
"You needn't worry", he said kindly, "The line is clear now. Everything is safe. If you leave now, you'll make it to Kirkronan just in time".
Lucky looked up.
"Do you think so?"
"Of course", said the elderly tram engine, "But do as all useful engines do, and see it as experience. Everyone makes mistakes every now and again"
The signal man turned away, his face flushing a bright pink with embarrassment. Toby kindly helped Lucky out of the siding and back onto the outer lane. He was in no hurry and much to Lucky's gratitude, he offered to help take the train to the port.
"If we work together", he said as he backed down infront, "The contract will be ours"
And so, with a ring of his bell and toot of Lucky's horn, the two engines set off with the heavy trucks cheering them on.
*
The workmen finished repairing Mavis and in no time, she was ready and willing to work once more. It was evening, but Lucky had yet to return. She was beginning to feel concerned.
"I do hope he is alright", she said thoughtfully, "Being on a new part of the line can be a difficult experience"
Just then, a familiar sound filled the air as Toby the Tram Engine puffed happily into the yard, with Lucky cruising cheerfully along behind. They came to rest outside the shed. Mavis was amazed.
"Toby", she smiled, "Lucky! You made it back in time!"
"It took a lot of effort", smiled the little diesel, "But we've won the contract. Of course, I couldn't do it would Toby's help" Toby smiled modestly.
"I was just passing..."
"Good old Toby", said a familiar voice.
The three engines looked down to find the quarry manger standing beside them with a broad and proud smile.
"I have never been more proud of my engines", he said with kind words, "Lucky, I heard everything from the signal man at Cronk. The incident wasn't your fault and the Fat Controller has been made aware. But above all, your teamwork with determination has won us the stone contract"
Lucky beamed happily and looked down at his buffers.
"I hope now that we are all back together we can resume work as usual and provide for the stone company efficiently", the manager continued, "Now that we have the contract, that will mean that we shall be providing for the stone company around the clock. This will mean much more work you understand"
"No need to worry sir", smiled Toby, "Lucky is a strong engine. He may have been spooked by Gordon, but then again, who isn't?"
*
Lucky, Toby and Mavis are all good friends. Lucky has not returned to the Mainline since his last visit, but the manager has promised only to send him in emergencies, and with Toby or Mavis to guide him. He has never been happier, and Toby is proud to say that he has learnt fast. Like all engines, Lucky is creditable to say that he is one of the Fat Controller's Engines.
*****
