Chapter 2.
Working On The Railway

Along their journey, Thomas was explaining everything about the construction work to Ashima.
"The Fat Controller said it will attract visitors and take them to the highest point of Culdee Fell in the mountains," he told her. "Fascinating!" replied Ashima. I can't wait to deliver these trucks there." It wasn't long before they reached Killdane Station. The brakevan was uncoupled, and Ashima put it into a small goods shed. When the engines turned around and changed places, Ashima was at the front this time. When everything was ready, they set off again. Only this time, the engines went down a set of tracks with electrical wires for electric engines.

As the engines came closer to Kirk Machan, Ashima couldn't help admiring how beautiful the scenery was. "Thomas, this place is amazing," she called. "Oh, just wait," said Thomas. "You haven't seen anything yet." Rocky was waiting for the rack rails and materials when Thomas and Ashima arrived at Kirk Machan.
"Thank you for bringing this train here, Thomas and… uh?" "Oh," chuckled the Nilgiri Mountain Engine. "My name is Ashima. I'm from India." "Well, thank you for the delivery, Ashima," said Rocky politely. "Anytime," smiled Thomas.

When the engines left the train for Rocky to unload, Thomas decided to show Ashima the Peel Godred Branch Line's scenery. "That small track right there is for the Arlesdale Miniature Engines," he said. "I've never heard of a railway that small," said Ashima. "I think you'll like meeting the engines that run it if the chance comes someday," Thomas assured, and he winked at Ashima. Next, he showed he the aluminum works on the Branch Line.

When Thomas and Ashima returned to Killdane Station, Thomas turned around on the table to face Ashima. But he couldn't resist staring into her beautiful eyes, almost losing his train of thought. "Ashima," he said, "thank you so much for coming back. I know I was not nice to you when we first met, but in meeting you again and after helping each other…" Thomas broke off as Ashima spoke next.
"…I look forward to working with you, and working on this railway." Then the two engines inched more closer to each other, giving one another an affectionate kiss, followed by a nose nuzzle.

"And if you ever feel like relocating to Sodor, I'm sure The Fat Controller will be pleased to have you as part of his railway," Thomas added. Ashima was touched. Five minutes later, Thomas and Ashima were on their way to Knapford. Halfway there, they stopped for coal and water at Welsworth.

"I have to get back to Brendam Docks," he told her. "If you follow this main line past Elsbridge and Lower Tidmouth, then Henry's tunnel, you'll arrive at Knapford. My coaches, Annie and Clarabel, will be waiting for you, and The Fat Controller."
"Dhanyavaad, Thomas," said Ashima. Thomas looked bewildered. "What did you say?" he asked. "That's Hindi for 'Thank You'," she laughed. Even Thomas had to smile and laugh. After Ashima had topped off with coal and water, she trundled down the line, repeating what Thomas said so she wouldn't get lost again.

When Thomas returned to Brendam, Carly and Cranky were unloading a ship with more supplies for the mountain railway. Edward was there. He would be there to help Thomas moving the heavy trains from there to Kirk Machan. "Are these more of my trucks?" he asked. "Yes," said Carly. "This should be the last of them," huffed Cranky. "My crane arm is starting to hurt." Edward couldn't help laughing. "Don't worry, Thomas," he assured. "I'm sure it's for the best of Sodor and and the mountain railway." Soon, Thomas was coupled to the front with Edward in the back, and the two set off together.

Later, Ashima arrived at Knapford station. The Fat Controller was waiting for her.
"Ah, Ashima," he smiled. "Welcome back to Sodor." "Namaste, Sir," she smiled warmly, and she explained her hello in Hindi. "I trust Annie and Clarabel are waiting for me to start work on Thomas' Branch Line?"
"Yes," said The Fat Controller. "They're waiting for you at Platform 3. You will be working with Nia, Percy and Toby." "Yes, Sir," whistled Ashima.

A few moments later, Ashima turned around, changed tracks and was coupled up to Thomas' coaches. Upon hearing the guard's whistle, Ashima departed. Annie and Clarabel were pleased to see her again. "Is Thomas all right with you taking us again?" asked Annie. "Don't worry," smiled Ashima. "The Fat Controller told him I would be looking after you while he was working with the other engines at Kirk Machan. And he told me, so he's okay with it this time." The coaches were pleased.

Ashima was enjoying her visit on Thomas' Branch Line. She loved the scenery, and how quiet it sometimes was. When she stopped at Maithwaite to let off passengers, she saw an orange engine coming the opposite direction with a short line of trucks." "Hello," she said. "Who are you?" "My name is Ashima. I came from India. Who are you?" "I'm Nia. I came from Africa after going around the world with Thomas. So now I live on Sodor since I lost my old home there."
"Oh, dear," sympathized Ashima. "That's terrible. But it's good that you live here." "Thank you," said Nia. "Nice meeting you, Nia," said the Indian engine. "I must be off now, but I'll see you around." "See you later, Ashima," whistled Nia as both engines departed.

Over the next four weeks, Thomas worked on the Kirk Machan and mountain railway busily. Often times other engines would take it in turns to help him out with the work. And Ashima worked on Thomas' Branch Line busily. Sometimes she took Annie and Clarabel. Sometimes she helped Nia, Percy and Toby with trucks. Sometimes she filled in for Thomas' shunting at Knapford. The troublesome trucks behaved well, and there were no reports of accidents or incidents. And even the passengers were pleased.

Half a week later, work at Kirk Machan and the mountain railway was completed. It looked splendid, yet breath-taking. The Fat Controller gathered his engines at the sheds. "I'm very proud of you all, especially Thomas and Ashima. Thomas because of his hard work and helping other engines when they took turns, and Ashima because she did magnificently with Thomas' work on his Branch Line." The engines were all proud of Thomas and Ashima. "If I may, sir," asked Thomas, "May Ashima be have the honor of taking you, the Mayor and other controllers to the Grand Opening?" Ashima gasped excitedly and slowly. "I would normally say that this would be your special job, Thomas, but that is a very grand idea! Would you like that, Ashima?"

"Oh, Sir, yes please!" she said excitedly. And so it was arranged.
The day of the Grand Opening had arrived. All the Branch Line engines from Harwick, Kirk Ronan, Ffarquar and Suddery gathered at the station. Edward and James were there, and they had brought Skarloey and Bert of Arlesdale who were each on a lowloader.
Ashima puffed proudly in with the Mayor, Sir Topham Hatt, Mr. Percival, Mr. Fergus Duncan, and Lady Hatt.
Thomas was proud for his love interest.

"Ladies, gentleman and engines," announced the Fat Controller. "Kirk Machan is open for passengers, tourists and holiday makers who want to take a trip to the mountains of Culdee Fell. Although the rack railway is completed, and has extended to the summit of Culdee Fell, we will be receiving the mountain engines to run this railway within a few days." The engines were excited. Then Thomas had a thought.
"Who will be running the CFR, Sir?" he asked. "That would be me, Thomas," said a smartly-dressed man in a green suit. "Engines," said Mr. Percival. "This is Mr. Walter Richards. He will take charge of the Culdee Fell Mountain Railway when the mountain engines, their coaches and trucks arrive." "Without Further ado," said Mr. Duncan. "We declare this mountain railway open!" said all four controllers at once. The engines cheered and whistled.
After the cheers died down, Ashima was given the honor of taking the first express down the line to Peel Godred.