Next chapter coming up right now.
I do not own Thomas the Tank/Thomas & Friends or I would have kept them in their models forms.
Henry was miserable.
Number 3's steaming problems have gotten much worse, to the point sometimes it won't even start.
The other drivers could see the misery he was in and gladly volunteered to take care of his work when he is unable to start his engine. Even Gordon and James offered to handle his work when Henry is unable to get his engine started.
One morning Henry couldn't get his engine started again and Sir Topham Hatt arrived to see Henry which made Henry dread.
"I'm sorry Henry, but we have given Number 3 so many repairs which all haven't done anything to help. At this rate we might get a new engine to replace her, I'm sorry my lad." He said sympathetically to his employee who now looked ready to cry. Henry had driven Number 3 ever since he first got her when he started working here and it broke his heart if he were to lose her.
That night the other drivers tried their best to comfort him once they heard what Sir Topham Hatt had said and they could understand his pain as they too treasured their engines, it would kill them inside if they were to lose their engines too.
Next morning Henry was able to get Number 3 started and was asked to take the three Old Coaches to Maron.
When he pulled to Knapford he was surprised to see Sir Topham Hatt there, but he wasn't in his suit and hat as he wore the overalls. He got into Number 3's cab and rode with Henry as they started off.
Henry was determined to not fail with Sir Topham Hatt obversing, but again no matter what he did he just couldn't get Number 3 going well.
They eventually came to a stop at Wellsworth and Sir Topham Hatt had arranged for Edward to take over for the rest of the run while Henry pulled off to the side. Henry now had tears in his eyes as he felt it was over for Number 3 and it was going to be scrapped for now.
He was however, surprised to see a Inspector appear and take a look at the inside of the cab instead of the outside. He eventually came out not long after explaining what he saw.
"I think I figured out the problem. Number 3's firebox is too small for engine of its size and thus isn't a good steamer. I think better coal would work for him seeing you had a bad lost recently, but the other engines have appropriately sized fireboxes for their make and model. Number 3 I think needs some Welsh coal to make up for her small firebox." The Inspector explained and Henry was surprised to hear that as it only did occurred him that his engine's firebox was indeed small for the size of Number 3's water tank. Thus, provided so little heat for the water to heat up and steam up to power the engine. So, they were all looking in the wrong place as they only did work on the outside and didn't look inside for the problem.
Sir Topham Hatt rubbed his chin in thought. "Welsh Coal is expansive, but Number 3 deserves another chance." He said and Henry was happy to hear that.
Sir Topham Hatt called James and asked him to head over to the Mainland that night to fetch the load of coal he had ordered. James hearing this was for Henry quickly said yes as he wanted to help out his friend in any way he can.
The next morning James had returned with the Welsh coal and the other drivers helped load it into Henry's tender while Henry was nervous as this was the last chance for Number 3 to show it can work properly.
Soon he started putting into the firebox and watched on nervously for the fire to catch, but was delight how well it heated up. Soon Number 3 roared to life and he was to Knapford to take the Old Coaches for a local run.
Sir Topham Hatt stood on the platform to see if Henry's engine was now working fine and he too was surprised to see Henry arrive in good time.
"Well Henry it appears that coal really did do the trick. No record breaking though." He said smiling at his employee who grinned back. "I will try to hold her back sir as she now feels ready to go."
Henry had a good day of work as his engine operated like it was brand new and his fellow co-workers were impressed with Henry now able to reach Gordon's speeds and he had arrived at Elsbridge before Thomas.
Everyone agreed they never seen Henry so happy before as he now didn't have to worry about fearing his engine would be scrapped now as he could handle any job now just fine.
Hoped you all enjoyed.
