The morning sun shone upon the Dieselworks. The diesels were being warmed up to start work.
The Dieselworks Manager approached the shed. "Derek and Norman, you are both to wait at the sheds this morning," he said. "The Fat Controller has a surprise for you."
Derek and Norman were confused. "I wonder what it is," said Norman.
"It must be something good," Dennis smiled.
Later, when Thomas arrived at Brendam Docks, he saw some large crates were being unloaded.
"You must take these important crates to the Dieselworks," said the Dock Manager.
Thomas was surprised. The crates were very large. I wonder what's so important about these crates, he thought.
Derek and Norman were still waiting when Thomas arrived. Then, the Fat Controller walked up. "Derek and Norman, I have heard that you have done well with your new jobs, and I am pleased with you, but you can't do small jobs all the time. As you may know, your engines have proven to be very troublesome. Therefore, I have spoken to the Mainland Controller and his engineers, and I believe we have found solutions to fixing your bothersome engines once and for all."
The two diesels could hardly believe their ears. They were so happy they honked their horns as loudly as they could. "Thank you, Sir!" they cheered together.
Derek and Norman stayed in the Dieselworks for a long time. There was hustle and bustle and workmen inspecting them carefully as their repairs commenced.
At last, the day came when they passed their final inspections and Derek and Norman rolled out to the shed. The Fat Controller was waiting. "We must make sure that your new engines work properly," he said. "So, I have arranged for you both to take Hiro's train to the Docks."
Derek and Norman were worried. They could still remember what happened when they took Murdoch's train. "What if we break down again, Sir?" said Derek.
"Hopefully, that won't happen."
When the two diesels arrived at the Shunting Yards, they saw Stafford. "Hello, Norman. Good to see you out and about. The same goes to you, Derek." The diesels smiled, but inside, they still felt nervous. They backed down onto the train and were coupled up. The Guard blew his whistle, Derek and Norman tooted back and the cavalcade rolled out of the yard.
As they rattled along, the diesels felt stiff. "It's that long stay in the Dieselworks," said Derek's Driver. The next signal was green, and Derek and Norman started going faster to stretch their wheels.
Soon, they whizzed through Wellsworth Station and saw Edward shunting. Derek began to feel nervous. "Maybe we should ask Edward to help," he called.
But Norman was determined. "We'll be fine on our own," he called back. Soon, they reached Gordon's Hill. "Don't slow down," said Norman. "We can do it."
The two diesels roared and raced up the hill. They started to feel the drag of the trucks behind them. Black smoke began to billow from their exhaust stacks. Oh no, thought Derek, it's happening again. Derek closed his eyes, expecting the worst…but nothing happened.
"Derek!" shouted Norman, "we made it!" Derek opened his eyes. They had indeed reached the top of the hill and were coasting down the other side with no sign of any problems.
"We've done it! We've done it!" the diesel's shouted together.
"Steady boys," called their Drivers and they eased them off as they raced on.
At last, tired but triumphant, Derek and Norman rolled into Crovan's Gate. The diesels hooted and tooted loudly as they pulled in. The Yard Master was impressed. "Right on time," he said.
The Fat Controller grinned. "Well done, both of you," he said. "I knew you could do it." Derek and Norman were happier then then they had ever been. "I see I made the right choice when I didn't give up on you two," said the Fat Controller. "Now, at last, you are both Really Useful Engines."
Derek and Norman were so pleased, they could do nothing but smile.