Enter the Steam Giants Part 1
The weird weather phenomenon that had happened a few days ago was still in people's minds. However, work still needed to be done, and the Grand Central Railroad was no exception.
One sunny day, Seamus was on his way to the works. He had just taken another heavy freight train. Seamus had been pulling heavy freight trains lately because the other freight engines were busy with their own loads. But Seamus wasn't used to pulling heavy freight trains, and when he had taken his last freight train, he had blown two of his four pistons. Now he was slowly making his way to the works to get repaired. "I hope I can go back to taking log trains soon" said Seamus as he switched onto the line that would take him to the works.
Soon Seamus rolled into the Work's main building. There he could see that Tenzin, and Royce were in the works getting some repairs done on them. Seamus could also see that they were covered in mud.
"I take it from the mud that you two are covered in you had a run in with the Elementals right?" Seamus asked. "Pretty much," Royce said, "I thought we saw the last of them years ago."
"So did I Royce," Tenzin said, "So did I." "Hey wait a minute if you two are here then who is doing your work?" Seamus asked.
"William is covering it," Tenzin said, "He's the only mixed traffic engine the Narrow Central has so manager figured he'd do our jobs while we're getting fixed."
"Speaking of fixed we just had a bit of weird weather there lads," Merida called from another part of the shop, "Is it true that the Elementals are back?"
"I'm afraid they're back Merida," Royce said, "And as you can see Seamus strained himself from pulling yet another heavy goods train."
"No offense but Mr. Copper needs to look into getting a stronger steam engine," Merida said in her Scottish accent seriously, "With Seamus out of action due to repairs Josh and Spike can't keep up the workloads alone and they need another engine. A big and powerful freight engine."
"Well do you know any freight engines?" Tenzin asked, "The only ones I can think of are the JNR D51s and as strong as they are I seriously doubt one can be built in time before something happens."
Then, Merida puffed over to the three. Her newly repaired and polished piston was gleaming in the light.
"In that case I better get going," Merida said, "Mr. Copper wants me, Albus, and the rest of the big four at the Sheds. He said something about asking us if we knew some freight engines that could help us." And with that, Merida puffed out of the works.
Soon she arrived at Ramsey Sheds. Albus, Matthias, and Jaime were already there. "Merida, good to have you back" said Jaime. "Thanks Jaime" said Merida as she reversed into her berth. "So, can we start the meeting" she asked. "Can't; Roku and Mr. Copper aren't here yet" said Albus. But just seconds after Albus spoke, Roku arrived. "Hello everyone" said Roku as he was spun around on the turntable. "Hey Roku, where have you been" asked Merida. Roku reversed into his berth and looked at the others. "I was getting Mr. Copper" he said with a smile. The four engines looked confused "Where is he then" asked Jaime. "Right here" said a voice, and then Mr. Copper climbed down from Roku's cab. He walked onto the turntable and faced the five engines.
"I'm glad all of you got here fast" said Mr. Copper. "Is there something wrong sir" asked Albus. "As you all know Seamus has broken two of his four pistons from his recent heavy freight train," Mr. Copper said.
"I saw him in the works today," Merida said, "he was in very bad shape."
"Pardon me sir but what does this have to do with us?" Jaime asked. "If you're asking us to help take the goods trains we'd love to but we have our own work to worry about."
"We can't be everywhere and I doubt Josh and Spike can pick up the slack," Roku said.
"We need help," Matthias said.
"Exactly right Matthias which is why I'm asking you to suggest ideas for a new engine," Mr. Copper said.
"Oh, how about an LMS Stainer Black Five," Merida said, "They're strong and powerful and can go anywhere and do anything."
"Merida we need a goods engine not a mixed traffic engine," Matthias retorted, "I was proposing a DRG Class 44 Steam engine. They're very strong and reliable and they make excellent mountain engines."
"Guys we need an engine with Knuckle Couplings to take the weight off of Seamus," Jaime said, "A Selkirk locomotive with the 2-10-4 arrangement would do the job."
"I was proposing a JNR Class 9600," Roku suggested, "They make great engines and they even influenced the JNR D50 Mikado Class which in turn influenced the JNR D51 Class."
"Roku I seriously doubt we'll be able to get another Japanese Engine right now," Albus spoke, "Why not pick a USRA Heavy Mikado?"
"That's enough everyone, I need a strong engine, and I hoped that you could help me" said Mr. Copper sternly.
"Oh, how about a Peppercorn A1 sir. They are strong and good looking" said Merida with a big smile. "Thanks Merida, but Peppercorn A1's are getting hard to come by. Also, Jaime is right; we need an engine with Knuckle couplings so Seamus can go back to tacking log trains" said Mr. Copper.
While the others were talking about how their suggestions would work best, Albus was thinking about a different engine to suggest. "All the places I have been, I should know one type of locomotive that would work" he thought. He remembered New York, Florida, and many other important places he had been. "Come one Albus, think" he said to himself.
Then, suddenly, it hit him. He opened his eyes and smiled "I Got It" he said loudly. He said it so loud that Mr. Copper and the others looked at him. "Got what Albus" asked Matthias. "I know the perfect engine" said Albus. "Well don't keep it to yourself; tell us" said Merida.
"The engine we need is Selina" said Albus with a smile. But the others looked at him blankly. "Uh, who is Selina" asked Jaime. "She's an engine I met when I worked on the Southern Pacific Railroad. She's an AC-8 Class locomotive. She's perfect for hauling heavy freight trains" said Albus.
Mr. Copper smiled "Great idea Albus, I will go and see if Selina is available". And with that, Mr. Copper hopped into Roku's cab. "Well, bye guys" said Roku, and he puffed away towards Heartland Station.
After Roku left, the other engines looked at Albus. "So, what is Selina like" asked Matthias. "Well, she is kind of a tomboy, very friendly, and she is a big history buff. She loves learning about historic railroads" said Albus with a smile. "Well, she sounds like fun" said Merida. And the other engines agreed with her.
Meanwhile, Mr. Copper was inside his office at Heartland Station. He was on the phone talking to the manager of the Southern Paciffic Railway about Selina. "And recently our best logging locomotive blew two of his pistons, which is another reason we need a strong engine to take our freight trains" said Mr. Copper. "Right, I do see the predicament you have there. Anything we can do to help" asked the manager. "I heard about one of you engines, her name is Selina" said Mr. Copper. "Oh yes Selina; she's one of our freight engines" said the manger. "Well, I was wondering if there is any chance I could buy Selina so we can have some help with our freight trains" said Mr. Copper. The SPR manager thought for a moment "Well, Selina really doesn't have much work to do with our new locomotives doing the big work. I suppose we could sell Selina".
"That's good, but before I ask for a price, I would like to come and see Selina" said Mr. Copper. "I don't see any problem with that" said the manger. "Great; I shall be there as fast as I can" said Mr. Copper, and he ended the chat and walked out of his office.
The next morning at Ramsey Sheds, the engines were all getting ready for a hard day's work. Well, all except Albus. His driver had been instructed to keep Albus in the shed until further instructions had been given. Albus was upset, because today was to be his first day back at his normal job. "Now I have to sit here while everyone else gets to do their normal jobs" said Albus huffily. "Cheer up Albus, I'm shure you'll have a job to do soon" said Sam. But Sam probably wasn't the right person to say that, mainly because he was doing Albus' work at the moment. Albus just remained silent, and looked down at the tracks in front of him. "Sam is right Albus, I'm shure Mr. Copper has a job for you" said Samantha. But Albus remained silent.
He was still silent even after the engines had left to do their jobs. "This is ridiculous" said Albus. "Orders are orders" said his driver. Albus gave an annoyed huff. But then, a black Model T Ford pulled up, and out stepped Mr. Copper. "Good Morning Albus" he said with a smile. Albus was surprised "Hello sir. Uh, what are you doing here" he asked. Mr. Copper smiled "Today Albus, you will be taking me to the Southern Pacific Railroad. I am to meet with the manger to discuss about buying Selina".
Albus gasped "Really sir, you may buy her" he asked. "If she is what you said she is" said Mr. Copper. "Well, you won't be disappointed sir" said Albus. "I hope you're right" said Mr. Copper, and he walked over and climbed into Albus' cab. After Albus' fire had been lit, his driver pulled him out of the sheds, and towards the line to the Southern Pacific Railroad.
It took a few hours, but soon they arrived at a big station on the Southern Pacific Railway. As Albus pulled into the station, he looked like he was holding back something. Then he shouted out "I'M BACK" so loud that many people turned and looked at him. "Whoa, keep the voice down Albus" said Mr. Copper as he climbed out of Albus' cab and stepped onto the platform. Then a man in a nice blue suit walked over to them. "Mr. Copper, so nice to have you visit our railway" said the man. "The honor is all mine Mr. Lanes" said Mr. Copper. "So, who is this" said Mr. Lanes looking at Albus. "This is Albus, he is the fastest engine on the Grand Central" said Mr. Copper. "Nice to meet you sir" said Albus. "Same here" said Mr. Lanes. Then he turned to Mr. Copper "I expect you would like to see Selina now". "Yes, that would be great" said Mr. Copper. "Alright then, I'll show you the way" said Mr. Lanes, and he and Mr. Copper climbed into Albus' cab. Then they puffed away from the station.
Soon Albus pulled into a huge shunting yard. There were Coaches and freight cars everywhere. "Selina should be in one a shed near the loading dock" said Mr. Lanes. Albus chuffed all around the yards, until he found the loading dock.
Albus looked and smiled; there was a shed near the loading dock. And sticking out of the shed was Selina. However, she looked very different from other engines. It looked like her cab was facing the front, and her tender was coupled to the other end. But on her cab, was a smiling face. "ALBUS, it's SO good to see you" said Selina. "Same here, you know; you haven't changed a bit" said Albus with a smile. "I hope so, I like how I look" said Selina with a bigger smile "So what are you doing here"?
Then Mr. Copper and Mr. Lanes walked up to her. "Oh, hello sir" said Selina. "Hello Selina, I have someone for you to meet" said Mr. Lanes. He waved his hand over to Mr. Copper. "This is Mr. Copper; he is controller of the North Central Railway. He has come here to see if you are good enough to work on his railroad" said Mr. Lanes.
Selina was silent for a moment, and then she screamed out loud. "YA, I GET TO DO WORK" she yelled. It was so loud Albus wished he could cover his ears… if he had any. "Alright, calm down Selina. Mr. Copper has come to see IF you can work on his railroad" said Mr. Lanes. Selina's face went red "Sorry sir, so how can I prove I'm good enough"?
"Well, I need a freight engine, so if you can prove you are strong, you can join my railroad" said Mr. Copper. "I suggest we bring her back to the Grand Central and give her a trail" said Albus. Mr. Copper smiled "Great idea Albus" then he turned to Mr. Lanes. "Would that be alright" he asked. "Well, we don't have any work for Selina right now… so I say that's a great idea" said Mr. Lanes. Selina and Albus smiled "Get Ready for some hard work Selina" said Albus. "Never thought I'd hear those words again" said Selina with a laugh.
After Selina's driver and fireman had arrived and lit her fire, Mr. Lanes talked to her. "Now Selina, I expect you to be on your best behavior while at The Grand Central. You aren't just trying to impress Mr. Copper; you are supporting the Southern Pacific to" he said seriously. "Yes sir, I will do my best" said Selina. "Alright then, let's go" said Albus, and he started to puff away. Selina looked around "This may be the last time I see this place for a long time". And with that, her driver moved her out of her shed and fallowed Albus.
A few hours later, Albus and Selina pulled into Heartland Station. "Welcome to Heartland Station Selina" said Albus. Selina looked all over; she had never seen a station this big, not even on the Southern Pacific. "This place is huge" said Selina. "Well, now's not the time for sight-seeing; it's time for work" said Mr. Copper after climbing down from Albus' cab. "Okay sir, so what is my task" asked Selina.
"Well, I have to look and see what orders we have" said Mr. Copper, and he walked away towards his office.
But he wasn't gone long, and he soon came back with a piece of paper in his hands. "Good news Selina; there is a big load of stone to be taken to the yards. They need a strong engine, so this is your chance to prove you're the right engine to work on my railroad" said Mr. Copper.
Selina smiled "Yes sir, I won't let you down". Then Mr. Copper turned to Albus. "Albus, I want you to show Selina where the quarry is. If she does end up working here, she needs to learn the line" he said smiling. "Right sir" said Albus, and he puffed out of the station. "I'll do my best sir" said Selina as she fallowed Albus out of the station. "I hope you do" said Mr. Copper, and then he walked back to his office.
It wasn't long before Selina and Albus arrived at the quarry. Selina looked around at all the machines and workmen busy at work. "Wow, this place is really busy" said Selina as she and Albus rolled to a stop. "Yep, a quarry is never quiet" said Albus.
Then, Samantha rolled up to Albus. "Hi Albus, who's your friend" she asked with a smile. "This is Selina, she's on a trial. If she can prove she is a strong engine, she gets to work on the railroad" said Albus. "Wow, that's great. So I guess you're here to collect the stone train" said Samantha. "Yes, so where is it" asked Selina. "Fallow me" said Samantha, and she puffed away. "Alright, let's go" said Albus, and he fallowed Samantha. "Wait for me" said Selina, and she puffed after the two engines.
Samantha led Albus and Selina over to the loading dock, where workmen were loading the freight cars with stone. "Here you go" said Samantha, and she puffed off to do her work. But Albus and Selina didn't even say goodbye to Samantha, because they were staring at the load of stone. The train was very long, almost FORTY CARS!
"I didn't expect that many cars" said Albus "this may be too heavy". But Selina wasn't worried "Don't worry Albus, I can take this train" she said bravely. But was surprised "Are you shure" he asked in a concerned way. Albus could see the fire in Selina's eyes "yes, I will prove that I can work on this railway" she said fiercely. And then her driver reversed her back to the turntable to get her facing the right way.
When Selina had backed down onto the train, she looked at Albus. "I can do this Albus, I know I can" she said seriously. "I believe in you Selina, you go and prove you can work on this railroad" said Albus with a warm smile.
Selina smiled to, and then she spoke to her driver. "Okay, I'm ready… Let's go" she said confidently. So her driver opened the throttle, and began to move Selina. She groaned and huffed at the big load, and she slowly began to puff out of the quarry. "Good Luck Selina" said Albus. "Thanks Albus" said Selina as she puffed away. Soon she left the quarry and turned onto the main line.
Selina huffed and puffed as she pulled the heavy stone train. This was the biggest load Selina had pulled in a long time. Her pistons were hurting and her axels aced, but she continued to puff with all her might. "Must (huff) prove (huff) myself" huffed Selina. But soon, the train became easier to pull. "Wow, this is easier" she said as she continued to puff toward the yards.
But then, she arrived at a very steep hill. As she began to puff up it, the whole train began to go slower and slower. "The train is too heavy" said Selina's driver. "Maybe we should stop and call for help" said the fireman.
But Selina was determined to keep going. "No, I can do this" she said firmly. "But the train is slowing down" said the driver. "I can do it. I will prove I can work on this railroad" said Selina. Her face was red and she was crawling up the hill, but she didn't stop. Her driver thought for a moment, and then he turned to the fireman. "Shovel more coal in, we have a job to finish" he said seriously. The fireman nodded, and he began to shovel more and more coal into Selina's firebox.
Soon Selina was beginning to pick up speed. "We can do it" said Selina. "We will do it" said her driver.
At last, Selina reached the top of the hill. "I knew we could do it" said Selina. But then there was trouble. As soon as Selina puffed over the top, she began to pick up speed. "Probably want to slow down now" said Selina nervously. "I'm trying, but the trains too heavy" said the driver as he pulled on the brakes. But they didn't do much, and soon Selina was flying down the other side of the hill. "Whoa" screamed Selina as she flew down the tracks. They reached the bottom and raced past a signal box. The signalman saw them rush past, and he called ahead to warn the yards. "Watch out, and engine is coming in too fast" he to the yard manager. "Right, we'll be ready" he said before hanging up.
Soon Selina rushed into the yards, her wheels sparking as she tried to gain control. "Come on brakes, work" she said, still trying to hold back the train. But when Selina looked ahead, she saw that there were some cars filled with freight ahead. "Oh no, I've got to stop quickly" she said still trying to regain control. But then, and idea flew into her head. "I got it" she said happily. Then, Selina bumped the cars fiercely.
Then, the train slowed down a little. She did it again, and again, and again. Soon she grinded to a complete stop; with the freight cars just a few inches from her face. Her driver climbed out of the cab and up to her. "Great job Selina, you stopped just in time" he said smiling. Selina smiled to "I'm just glad it's over". After her driver had uncoupled the cars, he moved Selina over some points that lead out of the yards towards Heartland Station.
That night, Selina was sitting on a line near Ramsey Sheds. She was telling the engines about her trial. "And when Mr. Copper heard about what happened, he said he needed time to make up his mind" said Selina. "Well, I'm shure you've proved yourself" said Albus. "Being able to stop a train of forty cars is pretty impressive" said Sam. "I couldn't have done it" said Samantha.
Selina's face went a little red "thank you guys, but just being able to stop a train isn't enough to convince Mr. Copper to let me stay". "Rubbish, you do belong here" said Rose. "This railroad could use an engine like you, and I'm not talking about your class" said Roku. "I agree" said Jaime. A small tear came into Selina's eye "Thanks guys that means a lot".
Then, a black car pulled up, and then Mr. Copper stepped out. He walked up to the sheds and looked at Selina. "Well Selina, I have thought hard about what happened today, and I have come to a decision" he said with a serious face. The engines, especially Selina, all held their breaths. Then, Mr. Copper smiled "I have decided to allow you to stay on my railroad. You were able to stop a very heavy freight train, and that, along with the fact that you did get the train to the yards, prove you are an engine I want on my railroad".
The engines were silent for a moment, and then they screamed louder than Selina did when she was told about her trail. "YAY' they all cheered "WELL DONE SELINA"! Selina smiled her biggest smile, and then she looked at Mr. Copper. "Oh thank you sir, you won't regret your decision" she said happily. "I hope so, now I expect you to be ready for tomorrow. Work on a railway never stops" said Mr. Copper, and he walked back to his car.
The engines continued to cheer, but Albus looked at Selina. "I always knew you could do it Selina" he said with a smile. Selina's face turned red "thank you Albus" she said nervously. Nothing could be better for Selina, because now she was here to stay.