Hello, everyone! Welcome to my very first story on ! Sodor Bladers is a humanized Thomas the Tank Engine AU where all the characters are humans working on a "human only" railway (called the Bladeway) because Sir Topham Hatt doesn't believe in machinery doing work for others. All of the characters use rollerblades of different styles and types, and yes I know it is very strange for young to elderly men to haul coaches and pull trains, but I'm really doing it for the novelty and absurdity and I think it works very well, even if it is a bit dangerous! If you have any other questions about my AU, and you wish to critique it, go right ahead on my account page, I have a link to my twitter account, you can DM me there or shoot me a message here on ! I'm always looking for ways to improve and as I'm still relatively new to the Thomas fandom, I would love to make new friends :). I hope you enjoy my story!

This is part one of two of "The Three Bladeway Workers" it adapts Edward's Day Out & Edward and Gordon. The next chapter, which hopefully will go out tomorrow, or even later this evening will be "The Three Bladeway Workers (Part 2)" which adapts The Sad Story of Henry & Edward, Gordon and Henry.

- StrawbearyBoba

Sodor Bladers

S1 E1 – The Three Bladeway Workers (Part 1)

Edward's Day Out –

Narrator – "Edward is an older gentleman who works on a Bladeway on the Island of Sodor. He is skinnier than the other workers, and shorter too. The other workers, when they come back from their jobs and stay in the Vicarstown Living Quarters, speak to Edward in jest."

Edward is sitting on the side of his bed, staring far into the distance, something seems to be on his mind. Gordon sits across on his bed, and turn to Edward to speak

Gordon – "Ha! Look who wasn't asked to do any work once again. It might be high time for you to retire, little Edward!"

Edward looks at Gordon for a bit, saying nothing. Cut to Henry, who is laying on his sides looking down at Edward from above, since he is on the top bunk.

Henry – "Indeed, these trains and freight are too big for someone like you to carry, you're so old you might throw your back out! Us bigger workers help things run smoothly, we can take them with ease!"

Gordon – "Right, Henry. A old little thing like you will tire out much too easily!"

Edward just stares toward the Living Quarters Door

Narrator – "Edward sat in quiet sadness, paying their comments no mind was hard. It was true he hadn't been asked to work in a long time, but he knew where Gordon, the big blue prideful one, was taunting, Henry, the big green worrying one, was at least showing some sort of care even if his wording wasn't the best at showing it."

Edward looks up at Henry again after deep thought, and gives a sad but genuine smile

Edward – "Never mind, Henry. It's no problem. Even if I am not given work, I am glad I can still stay on the Bladeway, and Gordon, I'm sure my time to retire will come eventually, but that day is not anytime soon."

Gordon – "Pah! Living in the quarters but not lifting a finger, it should not be legal! We work for our bread and butter, but you just sit and mutter!"

Narrator – "Some workmen came in to assign the Bladers their jobs for the day, but before they got to Gordon and Henry, they looked at Edward, sitting aloof. Staring at things far away that it seemed only he could see."

Worker 1 – "Would you like to come out and work today, Edward? You look quite forlorn."

Worker 2 – "Henry and Gordon have full schedules today, and there's a train that neither of them can pull, would you like to take it so we do not have to wait until tomorrow?"

Worker 1 – "You'll have to pull some passenger coaches down to Cronk. Think you can handle it?"

Narrator – "Edward was delighted"

Edward – "Oh, yes please. Yes sir! I shall get ready right away! I shall work my hardest!"

Narrator – "Edward put on his rollerblades and rode to the coaches, blowing his whistle along the way"

Edward – "Look at me, look at me, Look at me! It's like I'm a brand new man! *triumphant laughter*"

Gordon crosses his arms indignantly

Gordon – "Grrr. He's left us behind and is acting silly at that! How trite!"

Henry stares out at Edward, riding away, then turns to the workers, anxious for his job. The workers however, are admiring Edward and getting distracted

Henry - *light but awkward chuckle* (impatient) "Yes, it's a sight to see, but may we get our work now, please?"

Worker 2 – "Whuh? Oh! Rather quite. Indeed. Excuse us. You will be…"

Fade to Edward coupling himself up to some coaches.

Narrator – "After Edward has found the coaches, the Coachers, who watch over the Bladers to make sure all is going well and there are no injuries, plead with him."

Charlie Sand – "Oh please, Edward. Do not bump our dear coaches like the other workers do! They are so rough; it could damage their nice looks and give us headaches…"

Edward – "No need to worry, Charlie! I'll handle your coaches and passengers with care!"

Charlie Sand – " Have you checked your brakes and stretched your muscles?"

Edward – "Yes, and given all my couplings a thorough check to ensure there's no rust or degradation."

Charlie Sand – "Wonderful! I do believe we are ready to be taken to Cronk! Handle us with care, it's good to see you again Edward."

Edward makes his way to the station, making conversation with his coacher on the way, eventually he makes his way onto the station and all the passengers get on.

Edward – "Here we are! Here we are! *blows whistle* Come on in! We shall leave shortly!"

Charlie Sand – "Well done, Edward! Right on time! Now… where is the guard so we can be on our way…"

Edward – "Oh, calm, Charlie. All we need to do is wait, and he is surely to arrive."

Narrator – "Edward and Charlie waited, and waited, and waited. Yet the guard had not shown up. Still, with a smile on his face, Edward was determined he would be there eventually."

*beat*

Narrator – "Edward and Charlie waited, the passengers waited and waited, yet the guard still had not shown! The passengers and Charlie were beginning to become cross. Even Edward, though he was still smiling bright, was getting a bit weary.

Edward – "If the guard doesn't come soon, I will be late… and the workers might not let me pull trains again if this how it goes on my first outing back!"

Charlie Sand – "WHERE is that blasted guard!? What gives?!"

Female Passenger – "Bother! What a horrible Bladeway! There's not even a guard ready and waiting to do his job!"

Male Passenger (Jeremiah Jobling) – "Indeed! What hogwash! This is why railways and automated machinery will ALWAYS be better than a Bladeway riddled with human error and easily avoidable mistakes!

Edward cringed and looked embarrassed

Narrator – "Edward's heart began to sink. Even though what was happening was not his fault, he still felt horrible."

Edward – "Oh what do I do, what do I do?"

Edward looks around sternly in thought, when he perks up at the sound of a voice

Guard – "Hey! Hey! Gravely sorry! I was running dreadfully late!"

The Guard caught his breath, after which, he apologized to Edward, Charlie, and the Passengers greatly. He blew his whistle and waved his green flag, and off Edward went with his coaches.

Edward – "Never mind, Guard! What matters is that you pulled through and made it!"

Charlie – "Phew! What a wait, huh Edward?"

Edward chuckled – "Indeed, but we'll make up for lost time, won't we, Charlie?"

Charlie – "Haha! Yes we will!"

Narrator – "Edward and Charlie rode down to Cronk, it was a smooth ride, and the passengers became kind and relaxed after the Guard had expressed deep regret at being late, and they absolutely loved the mood of Edward. He was quite the sight to see, even little girls and boys came by the Bladeway fence to express hellos and good wishes, and Edward and Charlie whistled and waved happily back."

Fade out on Edward and Charlie waving and happily laughing as they ride across the rails, three boys hanging onto the fence, cheering and waving as Edward goes by.

Narrator – "Edward said his goodbyes to Charlie and returned to the Vicarstown Living Quarters. He walked into the room and said:"

Edward – "The workmen said due to my performance they'll let me work again tomorrow! What do you think of that?"

Narrator - "smugly to Gordon and Henry. But he didn't hear their answer, as he had flopped onto his bed in a joyful exhaustion and fallen fast asleep."

Gordon – "In his work clothes… oh, the indignity!"

Henry has a crooked but soft smile – "Should we put him on the bed correctly?"

Gordon groans – "I suppose we should. (smirks) What did we tell you, old man. All that work would surely tire you right out."

Fade Out on Edward positioned nicely on his bed, surely dreaming nice dreams with a smile on his face.

Edward and Gordon

Fade In on Edward and Gordon waiting outside the Vicarstown Living Quarters.

Gordon – "Just you wait and see, little Edward, while you work on your little siding, I shall be pulling the express! Won't that be an impressive sight?"

Workers 1 and 2 roll their eyes as they walk up, having heard Gordon's boasting

Worker 1 – "Alright, Gordon. You're up, let's go."

Gordon – "Yes, I can see it now! I'll ride up with my rrroyal blue clothes and my marvelous navy jacket, and everyone, including you will stare in awe as I shout "Express coming through!"

Narrator – "Edward stood there smiling as Gordon walked importantly away. He put on his rollerblades and waited for the workers to state what he was to do today. They said his work was to shunt trucks to ready them for the other workers, and Edward quickly left to the yard he needed to work on.

Cut to Edward pushing trucks and freight about. Organizing the yard.

Narrator – "Edward was happily shunting trucks, three Truckers out by the line were observing. Truckers are much like Coachers, except they are moodier, and don't like it when the Bladers are rough with their trucks, so they act up and cause trouble. Edward enjoyed shunting trucks, he would pull them back and push them forward, and the truckers would yell:"

Truckers – "Oh! What are you doing! Stop that, stop that!

Narrator – "But Edward paid them no mind."

Edward – "Nothing to worry about, you all! I have shunted many trucks and I know what breaks them and what doesn't!"

Truckers – "Play with the trucks less and work more, why don't you!"

Edward chuckled – "Quite, I'll be on my way then."

Narrator – "Edward continued to shunt until all the trucks were organized and out the yard, in their places so the rest of the workers could gather them and fulfil their duties. When that was finished, Edward decided to take a rest by a siding, and Gordon stopped by Edward. He was cross."

Edward – "What's the matter, Gordon? You look upset! Aren't you happy to be up and about pulling-"

Gordon – "A GOODS train, a GOODS train! Oh, the SHAME of it, OH the SHAME! Such an important worker like me shouldn't even be getting NEAR a train like THIS!"

Edward chuckled – "If you say so, Gordon."

Narrator – "Edward left to find more trucks, and Gordon pulled his train with a tight scowl and a rough attitude, the trucks rattling, and the truckers watching over Gordon getting upset and getting queasy. Gordon made his way up to his hill, and jolted the trucks forward as he got into position to skate uphill. When going uphill, Gordon must always be careful as to not get stuck or fall right down, but he was so cross he didn't seem to care at all."

Truckers – "Easy on us, easy on us! You're going to make us hurl!"

Gordon – "Oh QUIET back there! Can't you see I am NOT in the mood!?"

Truckers – "You're going too slow, you're going too rough! You're going to get us stuck!"

Gordon – "Bugger off! I shouldn't even have to pull your trucks!"

Gordon tries to up his speed, but it doesn't work. He's straining and he finds himself stuck on the hill. His heels to the ground as the brakes are practically digging into the ground to keep him in place.

Gordon – "Ohhh the INDIGNITY!"

Trucker – "You're not even going to try to get uphill further?!"

Gordon – "If I do that, the weight of this train will send me careening back down the hill! Would you LIKE to get into an accident!?"

Trucker – "Oh, you've got to be kidding me!"

Gordon – "Maybe if you let me do my work without a fuss, we wouldn't be having this conversation! But here. We. Are!"

Narrator – "The Trucker, who's name was Brain, called the two workers to notify them about what had happened."

Worker 1 – "Gordon's stuck up on the hill? That's not good…"

Worker 2 – "What can we do?"

Brain, annoyed – "What you can do, is send someone to help push Gordon up the hill! We need someone to help push us up and start momentum! Send whichever worker is free to help or we'll be stuck!"

Worker 2 – "Pushing a train?!"

Worker 1 – "Pulling it is one thing, but pushing is something else entirely!"

Brain – "Well what other choice do we have!? It's not like the boss allows any heavy machinery to HELP with this sort of thing!"

Narrator – "The workmen were anxious. There was no other worker free to push Gordon up the hill. Nobody except Edward, that is. But as he was just recently put back into work, the workmen were hesitant."

Worker 1 – "What else can we do? We'll have to get Edward to push the train and help Gordon uphill."

The workmen go to Edward, who was waiting by the Vicarstown Living Quarters speaking with Charlie, he was about to take his work clothes off to put on some casual pants and a vest, but Worker 1 called his name.

Worker 1 – "Edward! Edward!"

Edward looked up, confused: "Yes, sir? Something the matter?"

Worker 2 – "Gordon is stranded on his hill and we need your help to push him upward!"

Edward – "P-pushing Gordon uphill, sir? That sounds-"

Worker 1 – "Crazy, we know. But there's no other way."

Edward looked shocked, but thought for a moment and then nodded.

Edward – "Of course, sir. Right away."

Narrator – "Edward rode up quickly to Gordon, and greeted him kindly."

Edward – "I'm to push you and the truckers uphill, Gordon!"

Gordon scoffed – "Edward? There's no way, a scrawny man like you? I'll be stuck here, forever!"

Edward looked determined and pushed upward, the trucks moving slightly, but the wheels turned as Gordon looked around wearily, and he refused to leave his brake position.

Edward – "Come on, Gordon! Try!"

Edward was pushing hard, he was blushing and some sweat was forming on his forehead, he was clearly trying his hardest.

Gordon – Oh, fine!"

Gordon got out of his brake position and got in the V-position to pull upward with the train. The train began to move and as the wheels turned and Gordon felt some of the weight come off his shoulders, he was going up steadily. Even the truckers were trying to add force by pushing themselves forward.

Gordon – "I can't do it!"

Edward – "I will do it!"

Gordon – "I CAN'T do it!"

Edward – "I WILL do it!"

Gordon – "I.. I.."

Gordon finds himself near the top of the hill and he opens his eyes as the hill's decline is coming within his line of sight.

Gordon – "I'VE DONE IT! I'VE DONE IT!"

Gordon laughed as he made his way down the hill, his brakes applied lightly for a smooth ride down, Edward at the top of the hill, wiping the sweat off his brow.

Edward catching his breath – "Not even so much as a… thank you? Hmph!"

Narrator – "Edward got himself a much needed drink of water, and a towel to wipe the sweat and dirt off his face. When he made it back to the Vicarstown Living Quarters, the other workers were poking fun at Gordon for what had happened."

Henry chortled – "Stuck on a hill with a goods train? That doesn't sound so dignified, Gordon!"

Brandy (87546) – "Right! And needing little ol' Edward to help him up! When walking across the street, YOU help the elderly, it's noy supposed to be the other way around!"

Gordon groaned – "Ohhh!"

Conrad (98462) – "Pffhaha! This was such a nice visit! Tomorrow, before we go, do you think you'll need Edward's help pulling the express too?"

Gordon – "Oh PLEASE! I don't need help with the express!"

Edward – "Oh, Gordon. It's okay if you do need help, don't be afraid to ask! After all, back in my day, I used to pull big express coaches much like the ones you do today~!"

Gordon looked at Edward shocked, and the rest of the workers laughed

Fade Out and Back Into the Living Quarters, this time in a hallway. Edward is sitting on a sofa eating some food when Gordon comes up to him.

Gordon – "Edward."

Edward – "Oh, hello Gordon. What brings you here? Food?"

Gordon – "Uhh- *ahem*, how are your back and shoulders? I saw you straining quite a bit back there and the express can sometimes do a number on my posture so-"

Edward – "What's this? You're asking how I am after pushing your train? You're too kind Gordon."

Gordon sputters – "WHA- PSH- Well! Who do you think I am!?"

Edward laughs – "It's okay, Gordon. I'm not teasing. And don't you worry. I won't tell anyone you were worried about me, would you like to have a bite to eat, have a chat?"

Gordon – "No, thank you, Edward. I must get all the rest I can for tomorrow. Because you see, THAT will be the day I shall be wondrously and impressively pulling… the EXPRESS!"

Narrator – "Gordon walks importantly away, leaving Edward to reminisce on times of old. Edward chuckles to himself, the other workers are surprised that he has gained the respect of someone like Gordon. But Edward knew that he already had Gordon's respect, he was just too proud to admit it, and that was just fine."

So that was it! Did you like the story? Read and Review! If you couldn't tell, I took Edward's Coacher's name from RWS (he's his driver) and for the Trucker's names I watched TheUnluckyTug's "Unanswerable Thomas Questions", the names for the two visiting workers I came up with on the fly. The ending to Edward and Gordon is a bit different from canon, but that's what's so fun about adapting a story like this. The changes and things you can do to make the characters more human than ever! Gordon may be a pompous and prideful fellow, but we all know deep down he's a big softie who looks out for the other engines (workers in this case)!

For this story, I'll try to combine RWS and TVS series things together, as well as using some CGI characterizations I like. I like Henry as a little anxious, so I'm keeping that. But he's still going to be prone to being a bit of a jerk, so don't worry about him being too different. When I get around to adapting Thomas the Tank Engine (the book) I'll be taking mostly from The Adventure Begins because I love that special. I saw people on Twitter today say it was trash but in my opinion it's lovely.

I hope you will stick around for "The Three Bladeway Workers (Part 2)"!

Thanks for reading :)

- StrawbearyBoba