SOMETHING FISHY

An adaptation by J. Smith

Based on the original television story by Paul Larson

The Fat Controller suggested that Arthur rested a few days before returning to work, but neither his crew would allow it - "We have come to help you sir", they said, "And that is what we shall do"

Arthur settled in nicely with the other engines. He swiftly earned the respect and curtsey of Gordon, Henry and James, and made good friends with Edward, Duck and Oliver. Occasionally, he would take goods trains down the branch line, where he would meet Percy and Toby – but he never spoke to Thomas once.

Thomas' crew, meanwhile, were ashamed of their engine, and thought he deserved a punishment. They spoke to an inspector about it, who forwarded their thoughts to the Fat Controller - "And I know just how to go about it", smiled the good manager, "Leave everything to me"

One evening, Arthur had finished his duties at the dockyard early, and was returning home along a different route. This was how they came to discover the fishing village, a quaint coastal town near the seaside famous for its little fishing port. Despite being a popular spot for tourists, this particular village is a vital link in the chain of fish traffic for the Fat Controller's railway. Fish boats and shrimpers bring their catch here, the men pack the fish into boxes and load it into a special train. This is then brought down to Brendan Docks, and transferred to Henry's train – The Flying Kipper.

As Arthur passed through spellbound, he noticed little rows of shops selling ice cream, chips and teas, beautiful little cottages, boathouses and bait shops. The fresh sea air cleared his smokebox and the sun would sparkle on the gentle waves in the quay.

"It's so peaceful", he sighed, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could work here all the time"

"You never know when a miracle is just around the corner", smiled his driver, "I heard from some workmen at the docks that the engine that usually runs along this route is retiring soon. They'll need an engine to take over permanently"

Arthur thought happily about it all the way home, but when he arrived back at Tidmouth sheds, he was surprised to find Thomas there too. He had been held back at the junction and had to spend the night before heading back in the morning. As soon as the two engines saw one another, they looked away uncomfortably. Arthur backed down on the opposite side of Percy. There was an awkward silence until the Fat Controller arrived.

"Very soon", he announced, "A vacancy for a permanent pilot on the fishing village route will be opening. I have been asked to select an engine that will be able to look after the line when the engine currently running it is retired in a week's time. This will be an advantage for us, as we will be able to boost our fish traffic. Do I have any volunteers?"

Thomas tried to back into the darkness of the sheds. Arthur on the hand forgot to feel awkward and beamed broadly. He wanted to step forward, but he felt very nervous about it. The Fat Controller pretended to ponder before making his decision…

"Thomas", he said at last, "You shall be the new fishing village pilot"

Thomas wrinkled his nose – "But sir!", he spluttered, "I don't like fish! They smell and…"

The Fat Controller ignored him and turned away – "Maybe it will teach you not to upset other engines for your own selfish needs"

Thomas feel silent and looked over at Arthur. But Arthur felt very sad. He had lost his opportunity. Both engines had a very restless night.

A few weeks later, Thomas grumbled away to the fishing village on the evening before the Flying Kipper's weekly run and Arthur was sent to take coal trucks to the steel works. He enjoyed himself, but he would have enjoyed working the fishing village route a lot more. When he returned late the following morning, he rolled into the yard to find Thomas talking to Emily.

"Do I smell a fishy engine?", chuckled Emily.

"Yes!", spluttered Thomas, "The Fat Controller knows I can't stand fish! He's doing this on purpose. Smelly fish! Smelly new line!"

Arthur backed slowly away – deep down, he felt sorry for Thomas!

The following week, the Flying Kipper was to depart again. Thomas clanked to the fishing village, seething with fury. He found the vans waiting for him, and the boxes of fish stacked high along the quayside.

"Hurry up!", he hissed to the men, "I'm a busy engine!"

"And an inpatient one too!", chuckled one of the fishermen, "Just enjoy the fresh smell of the fish!"

"Pooh!", Thomas retorted indignantly and sulked whilst the fish was loaded into the vans. When he finally pulled away, shunting the vans from behind, he was still grumbling dreadfully. He felt so 'put upon' that he forgot all about the points.

The men had warned Thomas to take care along the route. A difficult pair of faulty points lay ahead. They had been in need of repair for a long time. Engines had to go slowly over them so as to avoid accidents. Thomas was pushing from behind, and had to rely on the guard to warn him from the brake van in front. The guard saw the points and signalled to the driver with his arms.

"Okay Thomas", said the driver, and slowly closed the regulator. But Thomas wasn't trying. He was more determined to get the fishing task completed so that he could go back to the yard for a wash-down.

He felt a jolt as the vans rattled over the points and thought nothing of it, until quite unexpected; he veered off course and was diverted onto a siding. When Thomas saw where he was heading, he shut his eyes in shock – "HORRORS!"

Thomas shuddered helplessly along the pier, pushing barrels and tyres aside. One moment his wheels were on the rails – and the next they were not. Thomas squealed with discomfort as he landed with a SPLASH. He didn't dare open his eyes…

"He's fallen in the water!", laughed the trucks from above. The faulty points had kept them on the line, but sent Thomas the wrong way.

Thomas slowly opened his eyes and found that they were right. He was sitting, dazed and surprised in a merky tide-pool, perched upon some rocks. He was almost wheel deep in icy seawater. A small wave sprayed his side – "Brrr!", he shivered, "What a silly engine I am!"

His driver and fireman had jumped clear – "Yes indeed!", they snapped, "We warned you to take care, but you were too impatient. You can stay there until we are ready to 'fish' you out!"

"But in the meantime", interrupted the guard, "We must concentrate on getting this fish to the docks!"

When the Fat Controller received the telephone call he didn't know whether to be ashamed or amused – "Thomas is in a tide-pool? Leave him there for a while. It'll teach him not to be impatient and to obey orders. We'll worry about him later. Send Arthur to bring the fish instead"

And so it was arranged. The message reached Arthur at the goods yard just down the line. But when he learnt that Thomas was in trouble, he was rather reluctant to go – "Come on fella!", said his driver, "If the fish doesn't get to the docks in time it may rot. And that'll never do!"

"Yes indeed!", said Arthur with determination, and once his fire was burning nicely, he set off along the fishing village route. By the time he arrived, the fish was indeed beginning to rot away in the scorching sun. Thomas was feeling his position deeply, but when he saw Arthur he thought him the most splendid sight he had ever seen.

"Are you alright Thomas?", Arthur called.

"Arthur! I'm so glad you've come", whimpered Thomas.

"What'll we do about Thomas?", asked Arthur's driver.

"Don't worry about him!", answered Thomas' fireman, "We'd appreciate it more if this fish were delivered on time"

They wasted no further time. Arthur was coupled to the vans and without a moment to loose, he steamed swiftly away bunker first. The scorching sun was burning, but Arthur had plenty of steam as he clattered along the coastal route and on to the docks. Sure enough, they pulled in with time to spare just as Henry pulled backed down onto the Flying Kipper.

"I've made it!", sighed Arthur.

"Welldone youngster", Henry winked, "You did a splendid job, and in style too. Maybe you should take over the route instead of Thomas. It makes sense of have an engine do a job that they enjoy"

Arthur blushed, and then remembered Thomas. He fetched a crane and returned to the tidal-pool as evening drew on. The tide was beginning to come in, and Thomas was shivering from the cold. The water had washed onto his footplate and put out his fire. By the time he was back on the rails, his side littered with seaweed, he found his wheels were too cold and stiff to move. So Arthur pulled him to the works on a flat truck.

"Thank for saving me Arthur", sighed Thomas, "I don't know what I would have done if the tide had come in fully"

Arthur laughed - "It is I who should be thanking you!"

"Whatever for?", asked Thomas.

Arthur told him all about his love for the fishing village, and how ever since he discovered it, he had dreamt of running the route permanently.

"You like fish?", spluttered Thomas in disbelief.

"Yes indeed!", smiled Arthur, "Why? Don't you?"

"Most certainly not!", Thomas pouted, "They're smelly and awkward things!" – and he went on to tell Arthur all about the time he had gone fishing and how some fish had gotten into his tank. The pair were soon laughing and joking like old friends. By the time they arrived back at the works, Thomas had realised something…

"Say", he said to Arthur once he was lowered to the rails, "Why don't you ask the Fat Controller if you can take over from me as the permanent pilot of the fishing route? I don't like fish at all. It makes sense if you were take my place"

Arthur had much to think about.

Thomas had damaged his side-rods, and repairs were scheduled to take a few weeks. The Fat Controller was concerned, but satisfied that the naughty little engine had been taught a lesson. But there was still the problem of finding a pilot for the fishing village. He spoke to Thomas' crew – who told him something very interesting…

He visited the sheds a few nights later - "With Thomas out of service", he explained, "Another engine will have to take his place as pilot for the fishing village route…"

Emily and Murdoch grinned and looked skyward. Arthur perked up immediately.

"Excuse me sir…", he began.

"…and", the Fat Controller continued as if nothing had happened, "I have decided to give Arthur a chance at running it permanently"

There was a chorus of whistles and cheers as Arthur was struck with silent joy. At last he pulled himself together – "Thank you very much sir", he stuttered, "But wasn't my service only temporary? Won't I have to go back home soon?"

"Not now", smiled the Fat Controller, "I've spoken to your controller and he says that you need a change. You are welcome to stay, as long as your crew agree. The men down at the port have promised to build you a shed by the quay. Salty says he will be happy to come down the line and give you a hand freighting the fish to the docks if need be…"

But he didn't even finish his sentence, for the shed had erupted with the sound of joyous whistling. Arthur whistled loudest of all – for at last, he had found a true home on the Island of Sodor.

Arthur is now a permanent pilot at the fishing village. He brings the catch down to the docks every other day and when he is not busy, he often helps with shipping operations at the docks. He is never lonely, and has made many new friends since being given his new job. Salty and Harvey occasionally visit him and bring the news – but Thomas often beats them to it.

And of course, he is always careful when crossing faulty points!