One day the Fat Controller came to Tidmouth Sheds with a very important announcement.
"Tomorrow will be the 50th anniversary of the construction of Knapford Station. I have arranged a special party to celebrate this important event. I have also arranged for a photographer to take a photograph for a special billboard that will be displayed outside the station." He boomed.
There were loud whistles and cheers from the engines "Who will be on the Billboard, sir?" Gordon asked "Me, I imagine."
"Yes you will Gordon, along with the rest of you, Toby and Diesel." The Fat Controller replied.
"Diesel?! Why's Diesel on the Billboard sir?" Henry asked.
"He's been Really Useful recently so I think he deserves a reward. Now off to work all of you!" He ordered.
The engines hurriedly left shed one by one, all of them excited by the Billboard. All except one. James slowly left shed, he was worried, he didn't want to be on the Billboard. Edward noticed this and decided to ask him about it when he had the chance.
A little later Edward was working in Wellsworth Yard when he saw James arrive at the Station with a passenger train. He decided now was the best time to ask him why he was worried.
"James! Wait a moment. I need to talk to you" He called as he rushed over.
"Hello Edward, what do you want?" James asked. Edward could tell he was still worried.
"I want to know what you're worried about" Edward said.
"Me? Worried? I... I never worry! I'm perfectly fine." James lied, but Edward was not convinced.
"James, don't lie it's a bad thing to do and I can tell your worried, so please..." Edward realised what he was worried about "Your worried about being on the Billboard aren't you?"
"No! Ugh maybe. Fine, yes I'm worried about being on the Billboard." James admitted.
"Why James I would of thought you would of been the most excited to be on a billboard, the chance to show off your splendid red livery is something you always enjoy. Why are you worried?" Edward asked.
"It's just... I... Sigh. Do you remember the time a photographer came to take photographs of you?" James asked.
"Yes, you were rather jealous of me, and caused an accident, by accident. What's that got to do with you being worried about being on a billboard?"
"It's just after that I don't think I deserve to be on a billboard. I ruined the poster, damaged you and caused confusion and delay. All because I believed I was the only engine who to deserved to be on a poster. But I'm not, I don't deserve to be on a stamp let alone a billboard!"
"James, you do deserve to be on the Billboard. While your vanity often means you do reckless things, you're still a Really Useful Engine. Your also one of railways most important and longest serving engines, there are few engines who deserve to be on this important Billboard more than you!" Edward encouraged.
"Really? Thanks, that really means a lot coming from you Edward. I guess I shouldn't be worried. Now I need to finish this train and then head to washdown. The billboard will be ruined if I'm not looking my best. Hmm, might even head to the Steamworks and ask Victor for a new coat of paint." He rushed off as Edward chuckled to himself.
"You'll never change, James." And he went back to work.