Got Steam?
Toby was a small tram engine that worked on Thomas' Branch Line. His main job was to take workmen to the quarry on the old tramway behind Ffarqhuar. He has two coaches, Henrietta and Victoria, who take the men and they all get along well.
It was the beginning of Summer and Toby was doing more commercial work as holidaymakers poured in by the dozen.
"I'm so tired I wouldn't be surprised if my axles fell off!" Henrietta grumbled when they pulled into Knapford one day.
"Stop grumbling and be glad that you didn't turn into a henhouse." Toby snapped back as they passengers poured out. He was very nice to his coaches, but he did not like them grumbling. Though to be fair, even Toby was getting a bit tired of all the extra work as he watched James' train leave and Bear arrive with a fresh lot of passengers.
The Fat Controller came to the sheds one day.
"A number of enthusiasts will be coming to Sodor over the next few weeks. One of the first groups is arriving at Knapford Harbour next week. They are on this branch for a few days. We need to start making arrangements now." He explained. The engines were very excited. They loved seeing enthusiasts. Everyone was given their jobs and then the Fat Controller hurried away to a meeting.
"Oh, I love seeing enthusiasts!" Percy said, squealing with excitement. He loved to show off the harbour to visitors.
"I hope driver gives me a new coat of paint." Daisy twittered. However, Thomas was grumpy.
"Why do I have to do a double header? It's my branch, I can take a train by myself." He huffed. Toby, who was doing the double header with Thomas, glared at him.
"If you think your so important, why don't you try calming down and stop acting immature. Besides, you'd probably drive them into the stationmasters house if you were on your own." Percy and Daisy laughed loudly and Thomas fumed.
"Just leave all the work to me." Thomas grumbled and he slinked back into the shed
The engines and coaches were all spruced up by the time the enthusiasts arrived, but Thomas was still dreading his train. Toby was finding it rather funny. Victoria was very puzzled by this.
"I like Thomas, but I think he is acting very rude about it." She huffed during one journey.
"That's a lot you don't know about Thomas the Tank Engine." Toby replied as they pulled into the platform. Gordon was shimmering, waiting impatiently for them. He had overheard the conversation.
"Ruddy tank engine, more trouble than he's worth." The express engine puffed. Victoria was shocked by this comment, but Henrietta just giggled.
"Gordon, watch your mouth." Victoria exclaimed. Gordon looked at her and scoffed and ignored them until his passengers were all aboard. Victoria complained about rude tender engines all the way to Elsbridge, but Toby could only laugh.
The next day, it was time for Thomas and Toby's train. Toby came down with his coaches and shunted them into a siding as they waited for Thomas. The enthusiasts photographed Toby while they waited and looked around his cabs. When Thomas arrived, a foul look on his face, Toby shunted Annie and Clarabel together while Thomas was photographed.
"I hope your tank is full Toby. I don't want our train to be late while your filling up at Elsbridge." Thomas grumbled. Toby just smiled. The enthusiasts got onboard and Thomas buffered in front of Toby. The cavalcade set off down the line. The coaches twittered merrily together.
"Cheer up Thomas, nothing's going to go wrong." Toby said.
"I am sure that there'll be some sort of problem." Thomas grunted back.
Water is an essential part of how steam engines work. If there isn't enough water, the engine can't produce enough steam in order to power itself, and then the engine can't move by itself
The water is held inside different sorts of tanks. Toby has a smaller tank then most engines and he must top up at Elsbridge every journey or he would break down. His crew is always careful to make sure he has enough water. Thomas, however, occasionally forgets about how important it is to top up on water even if you have large tanks.
Today, this would be Thomas' demise.
The rails climbed after they left the harbour and both engines worked hard to climb to the top and managed to reach Dryaw. Enthusiasts got out for a few minutes to take pictures of Harold who was resting.
"Are you two feeling alright?" Harold called.
"Of course, I'm at my peak!" Toby chortled. Thomas ignored both of them. He left out some steam as the guard blew the whistle and the train set off again. It was quicker getting downhill and they managed to make up some time. As they chugged steadily along, they began to approach a bit where the track rose again just before Elsbridge.
"We'll give you a nice top up when we reach the station." Toby's driver told him.
"That'll be nice, I am starting to feel tired." Toby smiled.
However, Thomas was completely tired.
"He's out of water!" His driver exclaimed. "You should have told us you were getting tired."
"You should have being paying attention." Thomas puffed. His fireman pulled a chain which set off Thomas' whistle, trying to tell Toby's crew and the guard to apply their brakes. Toby's driver got the message and slowed Toby down and applied the brakes. The guard and Thomas' crew walked down to Toby.
"Thomas doesn't have enough water left to get up the hill." The driver explained.
"I think Toby will be able to manage for both of them." Toby's fireman said proudly.
"Of course I can! I have enough puff left for one hill." Toby boomed. So it was agreed. Thomas' fireman dampened down the fire while Toby's fireman stoked the fire to make more steam. The guard loosened the couplings between the coaches and waved his green flag to show he was ready. Toby's driver rang his bell and Toby started off.
"You can do it Toby!" The coaches all called in unison. The enthusiasts poked their heads out of the windows and watched as Toby pushed and pulled his way to the top. His wheels were slipping and he could feel the weight of the coaches behind him dragging him down while Thomas seemed to weighing him down. Toby's fireman added more coal and his driver checked he had enough water before allowing Toby to go a bit faster. The coaches tried to help Toby and Thomas' crew helped by putting sand on the line ahead. Toby gripped the rails better now and with a final push, they reached the top of the hill. The crew, passengers and coaches cheered as they sailed down the other side and rolled into Elsbridge. The enthusiasts poured out and started taking photographs of the engines and shaking the guard and crews hands. When they cleared away, Toby was uncoupled and pushed Thomas to the water tower. Thomas had a nice big drink before Toby had his. Thomas then trundled behind Toby.
"I think it's only fair if I'm behind you." Thomas said and Toby just rang his bell, smiling.