The next morning, the Fat Controller arrived. "Good morning, everyone," he said. "I hope you all had a pleasant night."

"Yes, Sir," replied the engines.

"And I'm sure you would like to get back to work, Simon."

"Yes, Sir. I do, Sir."

"Well, Simon, we have been making improvements to the railway lately and it's been getting busier, so I want you to start by helping at Knapford. You will begin work in the Shunting Yard and another engine will show you what to do."

Edward had to collect some trucks and he and Simon set off together. When they arrived, Simon looked all around him. "Bust my buffers," he said, "I've never seen a yard this big."

"You'll be fine," said Edward confidently. "Just wait here and someone will help you." And Edward went to find his trucks.

Just then, Paxton rolled up. "Hello. Are you Simon? Pleased to meet you. I'm Paxton."

Simon was confused. "Yes…I'm Simon," he said. "I'm…waiting for someone to…tell me what to do."

"Oh, Stanley will be along in a moment, but I must be going to. Goodbye."

Simon watched Paxton leave. Suddenly, a whistle made him jump.

"Oh, I'm sorry. You must be Simon. I'm Stanley."

"Hello."

"I'm glad you're here to help," said Stanley. "Follow me."

As the two engines started shunting, Simon spoke up. "Stanley, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"That…Paxton I saw earlier…what is he?"

"I might have known you never saw an engine like him before," Stanley replied. "Paxton is a diesel. He's more modern than us. Instead of using coal and water, his engine runs on diesel fuel like buses and lorries."

"Oh," said Simon. "Are there…many diesels on Sodor now?"

"Yes. Some of them think steam engines are old and out of date, but many of them are friendly."

"Do all modern engines run on diesel fuel?"

"Not all of them," said a voice. Simon jumped again. He didn't know anyone else was there. "Oh, did I scare you? Sorry about that. I'm Stafford."

Simon was quiet for a moment. "So…are you an engine too?"

"Oh yes," replied Stafford. "I'm an electric engine. Some of them use electricity from wires hung over the tracks, but I run on electric batteries."

"I see."

"Anyway, let's get back to work," said Stanley and the three engines started again.

Simon got on well with Stanley and Stafford and he met other engines too, but as the day went on, he started feeling bothered. The diesels were like giant metal boxes. Their engines usually made purring sounds, but sometimes, they seemed to growl like lions and tigers. Stafford on the other hand was very quiet and kept surprising Simon. He also had a strange shape, and like the diesels, Stafford had an air horn and they surprised Simon too.

The Shunting Yard became very busy and very noisy. Simon felt like he had never heard so much noise. Everything around him seemed to become louder and louder until…

Stafford sounded his horn. Simon jumped and some trucks went flying. "Oh, oh, oh," they cried, bumping into each other.

"Simon, are you alright?" Stafford asked.

Simon took a deep breath. "Yes," he sighed. "What is it?"

"Well…you were blocking my way," said Stafford slowly, "but now, my path is clear."

"Oh."

Stafford could see that his friend was troubled. "Simon, you don't look alright. What's the matter?"

Simon paused. "I…I think I need a rest," he said at last.

"Of course," said Stafford. "You'll find our shed at the far end of the yard. Don't worry about the trucks and coaches. Stanley and I have things under control."

"Thank you," said Simon and he puffed slowly away.

At the shed, Simon's Driver and Fireman inspected him. "Nothing looks out of order," said the Driver. "What is it, Simon?"

"I think…I need some time alone," Simon answered.

The Driver was puzzled and concerned, but he and the Fireman left to tell the Yard Manager.

Simon sat in the shed for the rest of the day. He could still hear the hustle and bustle of the yard, but it was quieter where he was now. "What is wrong with me?" he said sadly to no one in particular, but there was no one around to hear, so he just looked at his buffers.

When evening came, Simon heard some engines coming. He looked up to see Thomas and Edward with the Fat Controller.

"Hello, Simon," said Edward kindly.

"Hello."

The Fat Controller spoke next. "Simon, I heard from the Yard Manager that you were upset and left Stanley and Stafford on their own, and Thomas said he saw you here. What's wrong?"

Simon took a deep breath. "Sir, when can I go back home?"

"Home? Do you mean the Mainland?"

"Yes, Sir. I don't think I fit in here anymore. The railway's so big, the yards are so busy and noisy and all of these new diesel and electric engines; it's too much for me."

Now, it was the Fat Controller's turn to look uneasy. "Simon, I'm afraid your old home isn't there anymore."

"What?"

"After they found you, I tried to telephone your old Manager. Your old line closed down some time ago. Your friends were sent to work elsewhere, and your shed was demolished. I'm sorry." Simon looked worse than ever. "I did say you were one of my engines now and as a member of my railway, we want to help you."

"Sir, I think I know what's wrong with Simon," Edward spoke up. "Simon hasn't seen our railway in years and it's very different from what he remembers. It was much smaller back then. Also, after all that time being stuck in the swamp, Simon isn't used to the hustle and bustle like he used to be. That is why he's been so anxious. All of this is too much for him to handle at once."

"I think that is how I feel," said Simon. He looked at the Fat Controller. "Sir, is there somewhere else I can work, somewhere quieter?"

"Sir," said Edward, "why not have Simon work at Wellsworth tomorrow? It has a much smaller yard, and I can easily take over for him here."

The Fat Controller pondered. "Yes, that could work. What do you think, Simon?"

The Little Blue Engine smiled. "I think I would like that."

When the Fat Controller left with Thomas, Edward stayed behind to keep Simon company. When Stanley and Stafford arrived, they asked Simon why he was so bothered earlier. The two blue engines soon explained.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Simon," said Stafford.

"It's not your fault," said Simon, "and it's not mine either. It just happened."

"But everything will be alright," said Edward. "Simon just needs some time."

And as the engines talked into the night, Simon started to feel better.