1974
When tourists come to the North Western Railway, they have many questions about the books that the engines are featured in. With the retirement of Wilbert Awdry, the engines did feel like they had bigger responsibility on telling visitors about their railway and enjoyed telling children all about it.
But there were some questions engines get that they would find a little odd. One of them was from one of the pictures in the first book of the series. In The Sad Story of Henry, a red engine had appeared to push Henry, but looked exactly the same as James but instead of his black, it had red wheels instead. The engines would say they couldn't answer but only one engine could answer.
Edward was the only engine who knew the engine was in the picture, even though he knew it was James by accident, it had been known that James hadn't arrived until the dealership with the LMS, and that engine oddly looked like another who tried to push Henry out of the tunnel. His name was Eagle, the Midland Engine.
Eagle wasn't apart of the Fat Controller's railway. He was loaned engine, for a company who loaned all types of machines, cars, lorries, vans, even boats! But Eagle was their only engine they loaned out. It was for an experiment, to see whether a steam engine can be loaned source of income all time round but it was seen as nonviable. The company gave the drawings to the Furness Railway who made a few adjustments to the design so the design would become the D5 class, making Eagle the only engine of his class to be a mogul, just like James. Even the permanent loan engine experiment had failed, the Fat Director at the time found Eagle to be a hard worker and was quite fond of him and loaned him to stay, he did try to buy, but the company denied it and Eagle remained on loan and has been working on the Kirk Ronan branch line since the early 1920s.
He was very reliable, rarely getting into trouble, the most eventful thing that has happened to him was when he was chased by a rogue German plane back in the first world war and the time Henry crashed into the back of his returning goods train early in the morning with the Flying Kipper.
But no matter what, Eagle loves to work on Sodor and hoped it never changed.
Although, a month before the Easter holiday, Eagle came into Edward's station with his usual mainline slow goods, with a worried look across his face. Both engines were very good friends, they were actually the first two engines to have an proper friendship when they both came here and enjoyed each other's company and could tell what the engine's feelings were. So, Eagle didn't even bother hiding his feelings as he came into the station's yard.
Edward saw Eagle's face. "Dear me Eagle, what's the matter?" he asked.
"Oh, it's just the CEO of my company," he sighed, "he had a heart attack last night, he went to hospital in an ambulance, just don't know whether he'll make it."
"I see," said Edward, "well... I hope he get's better soon, do you know anything else?"
"No, not really," replied Eagle grimly.
"Hmmm," Edward pondered, "why don't you ask the Fat Controller? He's bound to know more information."
"It isn't the Fat Controller's right to tell me Edward," said Eagle, "he's not my controller."
"You are loan to him though," said Edward, "just try."
"Sorry Edward," Eagle sighed, "I just think it's impolite."
He quickly shunted his trucks onto his train and was on his way once more down the mainline. Edward sighed, but he knew what he had to do.
*
"So, I've heard BoCo's brake tender was sent to the works a few days ago."
"Indeed," replied Edward, "BoCo has been worrying a bit."
Gordon chuckled lightly. "BoCo is an example to us all," he said grandly, "shows his character, cares for others and shows the diesel stereotype is wrong."
"I agree with you without no hesitation," smiled Edward, "have you heard about Eagle's company?"
"Who hasn't?" said Gordon, "Alice told me once I got back, don't tell Eagle I said this, but I don't think his... CEO will make it through this night."
Edward looked stunned at Gordon's words. "How could you say that?" he said crossly, "you don't know."
"Oh, but I do know my dear Edward," said Gordon, "he's over seventy, I thought he would retire by now, but I guess not."
"We still don't know the facts."
"Edward," Gordon nearly cut in the blue engine's words as he spoke, "I've heard that man has not stopped working since his own father passed away in the thirties, and that'll would eventually take a tole on someone's body, especially at his age!"
"But he might've not have been working."
"From what I've heard, they found him at his work desk, writing!"
Edward groaned, he didn't like the sound of this one bit. They all had to cope with the passing of Sir Bertram Hatt, even though not all were as mournful as others, but Eagle was even closer to his owner, and knew if his owner died, Eagle would be distraught.
"I'm sorry Edward," said Gordon, "but, humans are different to us engines, we must let people live their lives until they're called upon by whatever takes them away."
The guard then blew his whistle and Gordon, with headlamps beaming into the night, puffed away, his long, heavy train in towe. Just then, the Fat Controller walked up to the blue engine, the man usually took Edward's train back to Wellsworth, where he would drive the rest of the way to his manor.
"I do apologise Edward," he said kindly, "but I was just eavesdropping your conversation with Gordon."
"You were sir?"
"I think I was," he then paused for a split second, "it doesn't look good for Mr Davis, he is currently being treated on, but there's not much the doctors can do."
"Oh," said Edward sadly, "I don't know what to say."
"It's indeed an unfortunate thing," sighed the Fat Controller, but the heart is too damaged, he would probably be saying goodbye to his family right now. He paused for a second, sighing mournfully at the thought of someone's passing. "Do not tell Eagle about this," he said sternly to Edward, "I know he is your friend but I think it's best if I tell him tomorrow morning in the sheds. Mr Davis will be gone by then."
"Will Mr Davis' son be taking over the business sir?" asked Edward.
The Fat Controller shook his head. "Sadly, he's in his first semester in university and is too young to look after the company," he said grimly, "one of the people in their board will become CEO in a few days after the passing of Mr Davis."
"I see," the blue engine responded, "do you who'll be the main candidate?"
The Fat Controller's frown deepened. "I'm afraid so," he said, "and it's not a good one I'm afraid."
Edward gulped as the Fat Controller continued. "His name is Mr Callum Keymans," he said, "I've only met him a couple of times and seems like a pleasant chap at first, but from some of the workers at the company, I'm afraid he's been called a pinch-penny, so it looks like the company may be struggling if he does get the promotion."
Just then, the guard blew his whistle and the signal above changed to green. The Fat Controller hurried to his coach and Edward moved off. But he couldn't help but worry about Eagle, he knew it would be a troubling time for him with his manager's death, but he was also worried about what that Mr Keymans was going to do with Eagle...
*
The Fat Controller was unfortunately true to his word. Mr Davis sadly didn't make it through that night and the newspapers covered over the specifics that morning. The Fat Controller went to visit Eagle at his shed to not only tell him the news, but to read a letter from Eagle's late manager. The midland engine wasn't seen for two days, Donald had to look after his branch line until Eagle got better.
He soon did, but the Fat Controller made sure to keep the Scottish Twin on the line, just in case Eagle couldn't steam properly.
A week had past and Edward was waiting patiently in his yard, he was expecting the mainline slow goods train Eagle would usually take. But when he heard a whistle, he knew it sounded nothing like his old friend's. Donald pulled in with a angry look on his face.
"I cannae believe it!" he said, before Edward could open his mouth, "it's unfair!"
"What's unfair?" asked Edward curiously.
"A week has just gone by after Eegal's manager has died, yet the new guy, Mr Keyman, thinks it's a groovy idea tae put Eegal out of servace until furtha' nootice! What a muckle nuisance I tell yae!"
Now, Edward was very worried. "Is Eagle alright?" he asked.
"Och! He wants to work, but he cannae do that until his company says so," replied Donald crossly, "the Fat Controller cannae do anything either cause of the contract he's signed! Stupid contract if yae tell me."
Edward knew what Donald meant about the contract. A new one was made after Henry's Flying Kipper accident and made Eagle very annoyed and confused by it. Part of it said that if Eagle was to run along the NWR, he will be maintained by their own company but will take him out of service if they want to until they say he could go back into it. It had never been used, but Edward now understood why. The contract lasted until 1985, and that seemed a bit too long for Mr Keyman, especially with the fact they needed to give him maintenance themselves! The blue engine knew they were planning to take Eagle out of service and scrap him.
"Oh dear, oh dear," he mourned sadly.
Donald knew Edward was troubled and gave him a apologetic look at him. Both he and Douglas were fond of Eagle and didn't want to go either. Suddenly, an idea bounced into his funnel and rattled around in his smokebox. "Tell yae what," he said, "you go to Tidmooth with my goods and I stay here until yae get back!"
"Oh, well... thank you Donald," Edward said kindly.
It was quickly arranged. Donald remained in the yard, whilst Edward took the slow goods to the big station at the end of the mainline.
He eventually arrived at the yard. He immediately informed a confused foreman to get the Fat Controller to come and speak with him at the depot. The yard foreman, still confused on why Edward had Donald's goods train, obliged and went to call the station.
Half an hour later, the Fat Controller came strolling up. Edward was expecting him to be very cross with him, though he did look stern, he didn't look as mad as the blue engine thought he would be.
"Edward," the Fat Controller greeted, "I'm guessing you've come up hear to tell me something urgent."
"Well... yes and no sir," replied Edward hesitantly, "it's about Eagle."
The blue engine then told his controller everything, by the end, the Fat Controller was looking very stern indeed. "I have predicted that is the reason myself Edward," he agreed, "Mr Keymans hasn't told me anything about why Eagle is shut up in the shed. But I promise you, I will get to the bottom of this and Eagle won't be scrapped. Not when he's running on my rails."
He tipped his hat, and left. Edward felt slightly assured after that!
*
Eagle remained in his shed, he hadn't been out for several days and longed it get out again. Suddenly, the doors flung opened, Eagle's eyes squinted from the bright, morning lights surrounding the dark sheds. Once his eyes adjusted, he looked down to see two, familiar men standing in front of him. One of them was the Fat Controller, the other was Mr Keyman.
"Morning Soaring Eagle," said Mr Keyman, standing tall, chin high up, even though Eagle was probably more than twice the size of him. "I'd like to ask you a question?"
Eagle blinked. "Well... erm... sure!" he said.
"There's no doubt about it that I'm going to have to withdraw you from service since you're too expensive to run and very unsustainable for the company," began Mr keyman, "but the Fat Controller wants to give you a proposition."
"A proposition?" echoed Eagle curiously.
"Indeed I do," smiled the Fat Controller, "if you'd like to stay here on your line, or want to even remain running at all, I'd like for you to work officially on my railway."
Eagle's eyes widen. "You mean, be apart of your railway? Forever?"
The Fat Controller nodded. "You have been working here for half a century Eagle," he smiled warmly, "my father has always seen you as a really useful engine and would've done the same thing, and I'm sure it's time for you to come into my fleet properly."
Eagle was giddy with excitement. He loved working for his loaning company, but had always wished to be apart of the North Western Railway properly. "I'd love to sir!" he exclaimed joyfully.
"Good," smiled the Fat Controller, "me and Mr Keyman will make the arr-"
"There won't be any arrangements Mr Hatt," cut in Mr Keyman sharply.
Both Eagle and the Fat Controller turned to look at the slim man in surprised. The Fat Controller cleared his throat. "You said that if Eagle agreed he would be sold to us," he said sternly.
"I never said that!" scoffed Mr Keyman, "I said that we could hear his opinion before I made a final statement on the matter! I'm sorry Mr Hatt but he won't be sold to you."
Mr Keyman walked out of the shed. The Fat Controller shook his head. "I do apologise about getting your hopes up Eagle," he said crossly, "but I was sure he was going to let me buy you."
"With all due respect sir," said Eagle, "but I think he was only making sure of what I wanted and didn't want."
The Fat Controller looked up at Eagle, one of his eyebrows raised up. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"I'm afraid Mr Keyman holds a grudge on me sir," replied Eagle, "do you remember that incident back in 1962?"
"Indeed I do," sighed the Fat Controller, now understanding why Mr keyman wasn't wanting to sell Eagle to him. Back in 1962, Mr Keyman had barged an elderly man out of the way whilst getting in a train to the mainline, Eagle, who was late with his passenger service, saw this whilst coming into the platform and instantly knew who it was, since Mr Keyman was the newest member of the board. Nobody but Eagle saw it, but the midland engine still told the police inspectors on what he saw and Mr Keyman was charged. Mr Keyman was allowed on at the company, but was kept a close eye-on and was on the risk of being broke.
Mr Keyman blamed Eagle for the charges pressed onto him, and now wanted to get Eagle back, either being put up as an unfunded display at a park or simply scrapped!
The Fat Controller thought long and hard for a few seconds, then he smile, he had gotten an idea. "Do not fret Eagle," he said, "I'll get this sorted."
He tipped his hat, and walked off, closing the doors behind him. Eagle stayed in the darkness once more and sighed.
*
Mr Keyman walked towards the conference room at one of their headquarters at Peel Godred, there was apparently a meeting organise at the last minute with all the members of the board staying for a bit longer. It was odd to him that some even considered staying when they had to get a train. But as he opened the conference doors and saw everyone there, all ten members, five on each side of a table, an one man stood at one end of the table, furthest away from Mr Keyman which caught his eye and then everything was explained to him.
Sir Charles Topham Hatt smiled broadly at Mr Keyman. "Ahh, I see you're here Mr Keyman," he smiled, "good! We can get started then!"
Mr Keyman's face went a little red, he knew what was about to happen. He walked over to his chair and sat down on the other side of it. Charles began his presentation.
"As you maybe aware of now," he said, "that Eagle has been put out of service and be fully withdrawn within the coming future."
"Eagle?" said one of the members, clearly one of the newer, younger ones.
"He means The Soaring Eagle," said another member, clearly the eldest one out of them all. "The engine we loan to the North Western."
"Ahh yes," smiled another member warmly, "my daughter found him to be most intriguing when we came hear on holiday, poor darling cried her eyes out when we had to leave so we went to see him again for one last time!"
The members of the board chuckled. Mr Keyman's fist tightened.
"Yes, but what do you mean Mr Hatt with 'fully withdrawn within the coming future'?" asked a fourth member.
Mr Hatt paused. "I'm sorry," he said, "I thought you knew?"
"Knew what?" asked a fifth.
"...That Mr Keyman was planning your only steam engine was being withdrawn from service, either being put on display or scrapped."
A mumbling came from the members until the eldest member finally spoke. "How do you know this Mr Hatt?"
"He told me and your engine about it yesterday morning," replied Mr Hatt.
The members of the board turned to Mr Keyman who was glaring back at Mr Hatt. "Mr Keyman," said one of the members sternly, "why didn't you tell us?"
"I thought to send a letter for each of you later today," said Mr Keyman.
"Even so," said another elder member, "do you even remember the contract you signed when agreeing to becoming the CEO of this company?!"
"I do yes."
"Then explain to us why you thought of gallivanting off to take our steam engine out of service without us all agreeing to it!"
"Well, he's a steam engine Mr Jones, it's like taking one of our cars out of service," explained Mr Keyman, slightly nervous.
"I see that you don't get it," groaned another member, "he's our only steam engine Mr Keyman, this similar to taking all of our cars out of service."
"Well it isn't really," chortled Mr Keyman.
"But this is a big deal," said the eldest member, "if we are to withdraw The Soaring Eagle from service, all of us in the board must have a say in it!"
"I see someone hasn't fully read the contract," smirked one of the younger members.
Mr Keyman glared at the member. "Don't speak to your boss like that," he ordered.
"And you don't ignore the agreements you signed within the contract Mr Keyman!" said another member.
"I'm sorry Mr Hatt," said one of the members, "but what was your proposal on our engine."
"I was hoping to buy him you see," said Mr Hatt, "since you all won't be needing him anymore, I might as well... take him for myself, so to speak."
Mr Keyman's left eye twitched, whilst the other members nodded and mumbled.
"This is very important for us Mr Hatt," said the eldest member loudly, "we'll need you to step out whilst we'll discuss this with our CEO."
Mr Hatt nodded and walked out of the conference room. He sat outside for quite sometime. Eventually, he was called back in. He quickly glanced at Mr Keyman to see any expression on him, but none seem to be clear on him. He went to the other side of the table where every member of the board could still see him.
"We've made a decision with The Soaring Eagle Mr Hatt," said the eldest member, "we've decided that he won't be need for our future visions and we will sell him to you, but there will be a catch."
Mr Hatt tilted his head. "What is the catch may I ask?"
"We will sell him, but his nameplates will remain in the company's hands."
Mr Hatt blinked. "You mean, you'll be stripping away of his name?"
"I'm afraid so," said the eldest member, "but it was the only agreement we could all come to."
"He can't even be called Eagle?"
"Not that either."
The Fat Controller sighed. "I understand," he replied. He then looked up to see a glint in Mr Keyman's eyes, as he sat calmly in his chair.
*
Eagle was brought quickly by the North Western and was put back into service. All the engines were pleased for him to come back. But sympathised with the loss of his nameplates, they had to call him red or the midland engine. Thomas and Edward joked a little about it with how nostalgic it was to call him that. The midland engine smiled at that, but at the same time, mourned for his name.
The Fat Controller wasn't too pleased on it either. He knew new names weren't going to easy to find for his new engine, but he wanted to try. So he thought of names, some relating to old Sudrian tales, others that related to important people. And then, he found one which he smiled at.
One evening, a week after the midland engine had been brought by the railway. The Fat Controller headed out of his office, and instead of taking Edward's train back to Wellsworth, he took Gordon's instead, which he gave special permission for him to stop at Kellsthorpe Road, the midland engine's own junction.
It took time, but soon, Gordon rumbled into the station. The Fat Controller thanked the big engine and walked to the sheds, where the midland engine was sizzling down for the night with his crew still there. They were most surprised to find their new controller to come at a time like this.
"Good evening," greeted the Fat Controller.
"Good evening sir," smiled the midland engine, "I wasn't expecting you!"
"Neither was I," chuckled the Fat Controller, "I might have to order a taxi so to go back to Wellsworth!"
"I see," said the midland engine, "so what are you doing here then? Mind me asking sir?"
"Not at all!" laughed the Fat Controller, "I'm with a proposition!"
"A proposition?" echoed the midland engine intrigued.
"Indeed," the Fat Controller said, "my grandfather was an workman back in the 1800s, he helped build railways and eventually, he came here with his family to work for the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway. He managed to get quite high up eventually, not enough though, but he managed to help his son, who was my father, be able to get in a good position so he would soon become chief mechanical engineer of the railway. I never met my grandfather, who died two years before I was born."
The midland engine was amazed. "What his name sir?" he asked.
"Winston."
The midland engine paused for a second. "I'm guessing you want me to have his name sir?" he said.
And the Fat Controller nodded. "Would you like to have it?"
"Well sir..." beamed the midland engine, "it would be my honour! I like the name very much sir!"
"It'll definitely suit you," added the Fat Controller, "now, tomorrow I'll order for you to go to the works for a repaint with a number and some nameplates by next week."
"Actually sir," interjected the midland engine, "can I just have the repaint with the new number? I want to fit in properly like the rest, minding Donald and Douglas I say."
The Fat Controller smiled warmly. He completely understood.
*
And so it was arranged the newly named Winston was sent to works almost immediately to get a new number and he came out two days later with the number thirteen on his side. By then, news had spread across the island about Winston's new name and the engines were impressed. It took some time getting use to, but the other engines soon got it.
Winston still works on the Kirk Ronan branch line and is still popular with the engines and passengers alike. He still gets questions on how he was around on the railway without anyone outside of Sodor fully knowing. And Winston will always tell them about how he came to Sodor, how he got his branch line, how he become one of the Fat Controller's engines and how he came to be known as Winston the Midland Engine.