The Steamworks and the Dieselworks are both very important places. Steam engines and diesels go there when they breakdown, but they also visit when they need to be inspected.
One evening, Gordon returned to Knapford Station with the Express. The Fat Controller was waiting for him. "Gordon, it's time for inspection at the Steamworks," he said.
Gordon was worried. He knew inspections were important, but he was worried about his jobs. "But Sir-"
"I'm sorry Gordon, but I must go now," the Fat Controller interrupted. "Don't forget, you are the last engine to be inspected, so you must go the Steamworks in the morning." And he walked away.
That night, Gordon kept thinking about going to the Steamworks. Who will do my work and who will pull the Express? he thought.
The next morning, Gordon's fire had been lit and he was ready to go. Then he looked at the clock. The Express was due to leave soon. Gordon thought hard. It doesn't feel like anything is wrong. Maybe I can go one more day before my inspection. So, Gordon left for Knapford Station.
He slowly backed up to his coaches. Luckily, the Fat Controller was not around. Soon, the Guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag, and the Express was on its way.
As Gordon sped along, his steam swirled, and the rails hummed. He felt very proud. At last, he reached Crovan's Gate, but as he pulled to a stop, he heard a small squeak from his wheels. Conner was collecting more passengers to take to back to the Mainland and heard Gordon squeaking. "Are you okay, Gordon?" he asked.
"Yes, Conner," Gordon replied. "You know an engine's brakes squeak every now and then." By this time, Gordon had completely forgotten about his inspection at the Steamworks.
The next day, Gordon woke up early and left Tidmouth Sheds right away. His coaches were ready, and the passengers had boarded. Gordon buffered up and steamed out of the station. Then, Thomas pulled in. "Gordon, why didn't you go the Steamworks yesterday!?" he called, but Gordon was too far away to hear.
As Gordon stopped at the stations, his braked continued to squeak, but he took no notice. Gordon reached Maron Station, and he stopped to let his passengers off and he was soon ready to leave again.
Then there was trouble.
Gordon tried to puff away, but his wheeled wouldn't turn. Gordon puffed as hard as he could, but all he heard was squeaking. "What's happened?" Gordon asked.
"Your brakes are jammed hard on!" called his Driver. "We'll have to get help."
Then, Gordon remembered that he hadn't gone to be inspected. "How disgraceful," he groaned.
Soon, Belle arrived with some workmen to unlock Gordon's brakes. The Fat Controller was on board. He was cross. "Gordon, I told you yesterday that you had to go for your inspection, but Conner told me he saw you at Croven's Gate with the Express."
"I'm sorry, Sir," Gordon sighed. "I was worried about my jobs and who would do them if I wasn't available. When I got to Croven's Gate, I had forgotten."
The Fat Controller sighed. "Gordon, you know I would have sent another engine to do your work and inspections are an important part of routine maintenance. Engines must be checked over and have small problem fixed so they don't break down somewhere."
At last, the workmen had unlocked Gordon's breaks and he puffed on to the Steamworks while James took the Express. When Gordon arrived, Victor and the engineers were waiting for him. While his's breaks were fixed properly, other problems were found as well. One of his brake pipes needed replacing, some lamp irons were loose, and a gauge needed to be adjusted.
By teatime the next day, Gordon was as good as new. "You see, Gordon?" said Victor. "It's a good thing you came to see us when you did. Otherwise, you would've had more trouble out on the tracks; very 'undignified' if you ask me."
Gordon agreed. "The Fat Controller was right. An inspection is an essential part of routine maintenance." And whistling cheerfully, he puffed back to work.