Introduction
Hi all, just a quick explanation about these stories.
As a child, my favourite program was Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. I remember playing the Rock 'n' Roll video day in, day out. The series has never entirely left me, and I decided to turn my hand to trying to write some stories in that classic style.
Couple of rules; only characters, locations, and concepts up to season seven of the original show will ever be featured. This is a little after my time on the original run though, but on a recent re-watch, the divergence in tone was distinct enough for obvious reasons to provide a clear cut off. Second, the goal is to write adventures that would fit in tonally and stylistically with the original show.
I hope you enjoy what I have to offer.
Road Works
The roads near Thomas' branch line were undergoing repair. This often made Bertie late. One day, Thomas was waiting for Bertie to arrive.
"Hurry up" he said to himself. "There's only so much time I can make up!"
At last Bertie arrived, and in a bad mood.
"What's got you so cross?" asked Thomas.
"It's those road works!" said Bertie. "They hold me up at traffic lights and make me go so slowly, and worst of all is their steam roller!"
Thomas gave Bertie a knowing smile. "This wouldn't happen to be George, would it?"
"Yes it would!" replied Bertie. "He's rude and slow, and he won't stop talking about tarmacing the railways."
"He's not changed then. The only thing you can do is to ignore him."
"Easier said than done" said Bertie.
The roadworks used traffic lights to let one direction through at a time. Sometimes, no traffic was allowed through whilst George did his work. Drivers in their cars got annoyed at the wait, and honked their horns at George.
"Be quiet!" he snapped. "You'll get through when you get through."
But George was lazy, moving as slowly as he could. He grumbled that he was waiting on supplies, even though there was plenty of work he could be doing in the meantime.
At last, Bertie lost patience.
"You always talk about how rails would be better than roads, and yet you make us wait so!"
"Once the road is done, you won't have to worry about the railway again."
"I don't worry about the railway George. Thomas and I are good friends, we help each other. He sometimes teases me, but really he knows we're better when we work together."
"Pah!" replied George. "What kind of bus are you? Buses should replace out of date branch lines."
Bertie said no more, and left as promptly as he could when the lights turned green. George grumbled to himself. "Silly bus."
Later that day, Thomas was bringing supplies for the roadworks to the nearest station. He saw Elizabeth waiting for him.
"On time for once, I am amazed" said Elizabeth.
"Good afternoon to you too" said Thomas. "This should be the last for today."
"It won't be enough for George" said Elizabeth. "He gives road vehicles a bad name."
On that at least, Thomas and Elizabeth could agree.
When Bertie was making his return trip to the station, he saw George again. George was resting whilst his Driver spoke to the Foreman.
"Looks like I'll be late again" said Bertie to himself. "Thomas is sure to tease me about this."
George sensed an opportunity.
"There's no-one coming the other way" he said. "If you want to beat Thomas to the station and get your passengers home on time, you can pass the light now." Bertie and his Driver was unsure, but George was insistent. "I'm part of the road crew, I know it's safe."
Bertie crept past the red light. He was surprised to see no workmen and tools in the road at all.
"Looks like George was telling the truth."
Then there was trouble. Elizabeth was coming the other way fast, assuming there was no-one else in the road. Both Bertie and Elizabeth swerved to avoid each other. Bertie ran into a pile of gravel, and Elizabeth spilled her load all over the roadworks.
The road workers began cleaning the mess immediately, and the Foreman spoke to George.
"You silly steam roller! You knew it was unsafe for traffic to pass through here. You've caused greater delays for everyone!" The workers left George out of steam at the side of the road. They borrowed Buster from Miss Jenny to get the work done.
After the work was finished, George was left at one of the stations on Thomas' branch line as he waited for his next job. As he saw Thomas and Bertie working together each day, he longed for his next job to come through. He was glad when it did, as were Thomas, Bertie and Elizabeth. They could all get back to working in peace.
Race the Train!
For many years, Skarloey and Rheneas have run their railway together. It weaves through the hills and mountains, through quiet villages and countryside up to the slate quarries. For a long time, it was the only safe route you could take. In recent years, better roads have been built throughout the area, and the increased traffic has kept the engines very busy.
One day, Skarloey was pulling in to the top station when he saw a vintage car parked up. She looked out of breath. Skarloey decided to cheer her up.
"You've done well to make it all the way up here" he said kindly.
"Thank you" wheezed the car. "I'm Caroline."
"I'm Skarloey. What brings you all the way up here?"
"My driver and his friends. They've taken to going on walks all through these hills. Cricket last year, hiking this, I just don't see the point in it."
"We get a lot of passengers who like to do that. Why don't they take the train? You could rest your wheels."
"He thinks cars are faster than you engines. You're only small after all."
Skarloey was about to retort when Caroline's driver came back, so he went to run around his train for the return. As he got ready to leave, Caroline pulled up alongside. Her Driver called out to Skarloey's crew.
"Fancy a race to the bottom station?"
"Oh dear" said Caroline.
As the Guard blew his whistle, the race began! Skarloey puffed down the line making good time. As he paused at stations, he saw Caroline bucketing along, looking quite miserable. At last, he pulled into the bottom station. Caroline pulled in shortly afterwards, looking exhausted. Her Driver called out to Skarloey.
"Well done! We'll be back up there tomorrow though, we might beat you yet!"
Caroline groaned.
Over the next few days, Caroline was raced against Skarloey and Rheneas as they each took the last train down.
"You'll wear me out, you'll wear me out!" she moaned. Some days the engines won, but some days Caroline got to the bottom station first.
"I'm concerned about Caroline" said Skarloey to Rheneas. "Driver is too, he says that to do the trip as quick as us, they must be going quite fast."
"I know what you mean. At least the roads that follow our line are better than they were."
"Not all of them. There's still that narrow bit by the middle station."
The next day, Skarloey saw Caroline and her Driver ready to race.
"Please be careful" he said.
"I'm trying" said Caroline, "but Driver will insist on going fast."
The Guard's whistle blew, and Skarloey set off cautiously. Caroline and her Driver set off at full speed. They rocketed down the quiet roads, tooting whenever they saw the train.
"Why must we chase those silly little engines?" said Caroline to herself. "We'll get there all the same."
At the middle station, the main road goes through the centre of a small village. The station is near the edge of the village, and there are sharp corners on the narrow roads. All vehicles using the road must slow down here. In the excitement of the race, Caroline's Driver had forgotten this. He rushed towards the village at full speed. Suddenly, he saw an oncoming car in the middle of the road. He tried to stop, but he was going too fast. He swerved, and Caroline ran straight into a muddy ditch. Luckily no-one was hurt, but Caroline was well and truly stuck. Everyone tried to push her out, but all they achieved was getting muddy.
Skarloey pulled into the middle station where he could see Caroline's predicament.
"Are you alright?" he called.
"Yes" replied Caroline "but I can't get out!"
"We can't get a crane up here" said the Stationmaster "and we can't push her out."
"We could reach her with a chain from the yard" suggested Skarloey. "I can't leave my passengers stranded, but we can let the next engine we see know."
The Stationmaster and Skarloey's Driver agreed.
"Stay put Caroline, we'll get you out soon."
"It can't be soon enough" she groaned.
Skarloey saw Rheneas at the next station, and let him know about Caroline. Rheneas hurried to the rescue. Workers linked a chain between Rheneas' coupling and Caroline's bumper. Puffing hard, Rheneas pulled Caroline back onto the road.
"Thank you" said Caroline. "I couldn't bear being in that ditch a moment longer."
The Stationmaster turned to Caroline's Driver.
"I hope you've learned your lesson about driving safely." Caroline rather hoped he had too.
Henry's Parcels Train
There are many different types of train that travel on the main line. Gordon's express, and other trains like it, are high priority trains, they always get let through if it is safe to do so. Stopping passenger trains are quite important, and only get shunted for the expresses. Goods trains are mostly long and slow, and almost always get shunted to let other trains pass. It wouldn't do to keep passengers waiting for anything less than urgent.
One day close to Christmas, Henry was pulling a long train of coal trucks. He was making good time and the trucks were behaving well. Soon he came across a signal telling him to head into the passing loop.
"Bother" he said, "just as we were going nicely."
Henry's driver reduced steam and guided him gently into the loop where he came to a halt. All they could do was wait. It seemed to take an age for the following train to arrive. Then they heard a familiar whistle.
"Hurry hurry hurry!" boomed Gordon as he rushed by Henry. "Goodbye slow coach!"
Henry hissed steam crossly. The signal dropped, and soon he could start making his way again.
That night at the sheds, Henry spoke to Gordon.
"There's no need to make such a fuss when you pass another train."
"You've not pulled the express in a while, you've forgotten how important it is. My express must get through, there is no goods train as important."
"The Flying Kipper is a non-stop train" said Henry.
"Pah! You pull that train when no-one else is awake, of course you can run non-stop then! I have never been shunted on a passenger train, and that's the way it should be. It's only proper. Passengers are important." And with that, Gordon went to sleep.
"Never mind" said Edward kindly. "Goods work is just as important, Gordon's just getting too big for his buffers again." Henry knew that Edward was correct, but he still didn't feel any better.
The next morning, the Fat Controller came to see Henry.
"I have an important job for you today Henry."
"Thank you sir. Is it passengers or goods?"
"Goods" said the Fat Controller. "Please head to the big station as soon as you can."
"Yes sir" said Henry, and steamed off to get ready.
When Henry arrived at the big station, Gordon was waiting with a passenger train. Henry was surprised to still see him there.
"Not left with the express yet?"
"It's the new winter timetable, my express doesn't run until later. This is a stopping train. Still, more important than your goods job, I'm sure." The Guard blew her whistle and waved her green flag, and Gordon set off. The Fat Controller walked up to Henry.
"Ah, you've arrived just in time!" At that moment, Percy rolled in with a line of long mail vans. "Around this time of year" said the Fat Controller, "many people send parcels to and from the island. Percy can manage to mail traffic on the island itself, but the outbound and inbound trains need a bigger engine." Henry was excited, and backed down onto the train as quickly he could. He suddenly had a thought.
"Sir? If I get held up in a loop, won't the post be delayed?"
The Fat Controller laughed. "Don't worry Henry, you have priority over all other traffic. We've moved the express to run later so you can have a nice clear run."
"Oh thank you sir!" beamed Henry.
It was soon time to leave. Henry puffed proudly out of the big station. He made good time along the line, and people waved to him as he passed by. As he approached the first station, he noticed a large bag of mail suspended on a pole. "What's that doing there?" said Henry.
"Wait and see" replied his driver. As the train got closer, a net from the rear coach was extended. The mail bag was caught by the net, and the net was brought back into the coach.
"My goodness!" said Henry. His driver laughed.
"This means we don't have to stop to pick up parcels, and the post people on the train can begin to sort them and save time."
"Non-stop post, non-stop post!" puffed Henry.
Meanwhile, Gordon was waiting in a loop outside a station further down the line. He had been making good time, and was waiting impatiently for the signal to drop.
"Come on, come on!" he moaned, "My passengers are being kept waiting!"
Soon, he heard a familiar whistle. Henry thundered though the station, picking up the mail as he went.
"Goodbye slow coach!" he called. Gordon decided that there was no need for Henry to make such a fuss, and that he was being a very silly engine.
Waddling Duck
One day, Duck the Great Western engine was sitting at the big station with his train. He was waiting for Toby to arrive with passengers for his branch line. Emily was also waiting with her train for Toby to clear the line.
"Come on Toby" said Duck, "I'll be late if I don't leave soon."
"Toby's a reliable engine. If he's running behind, it'll be for a good reason" said Emily.
"I know, but I'm still going to be late" said Duck. Soon, Duck and Emily heard an awful rattling, knocking sound. It was quiet at first, then grew steadily louder. At last, Toby trundled into view.
"Is everything alright Toby?" asked Emily.
"My sideplates are loose, they're knocking against my connecting rods. I'm going to have to go to the works."
"At least you don't need your bell today" chuckled Duck. "Everyone can hear you coming from miles away!" Duck had only mean to tease Toby, but Toby was cross.
"I've heard enough of that from Thomas and Percy, thank you. I thought you might be more sensible Duck." And with that, he clanked away to be mended.
"Toby's right, you know. That wasn't very nice."
"He knows I'm only joking." Emily gave Duck a stare.
"How would you like it if he teased you?"
"I could manage" retorted Duck. "I can take a joke, thank you." And with that, Duck puffed away. "Silly Emily" he said. "Toby knows I didn't mean anything by it."
He was in a much better mood when he finished his journey. When he reached the end station, the Station Master came up to Duck's crew. "A large load of ballast is due at Knapford" she said. "Donald, Douglas and Oliver are busy, you'll have to take it Duck. It's a bigger load than normal, so take care."
"We'll get on it right away" said his Driver. Duck was soon coupled up to the long line of heavy trucks. He struggled to start, and his wheels began to slip on the rails. With a big effort, he finally got the train moving.
As he puffed down the line, Duck soon began to feel unusual, and he told his Driver.
"You might need to join Toby in the works soon!" laughed the Driver. But just after he passed the junction for the main line, there was a loud snap. His driver quickly brought him to a stop and checked him over for damage.
"It looks like some of your springs have failed, and your connecting rods have become loose. We'll have to call for another engine."
"No, please" said Duck "I still feel alright, I can finish the journey. I'm sure it'll be safe if I go slowly." The Driver was unsure, but agreed.
As Duck began to move, his weight shifted from side to side. His connecting rods clanked loudly as he traveled down the line. He felt very embarrassed as he passed through busy stations, the passengers all covering their ears. Emily was waiting further down the line, when she saw Duck pass by.
"I know now why they call you Duck, with that waddle!" she laughed. Duck shuffled by as quietly as he could.
The big station was finally within sight.
"Thank goodness it's empty" said Duck, "I don't think I could manage anyone else seeing me today."
But as he approached the last signal, he finally ground to a halt; he could travel no further. His Fireman damped down the fire whilst his Driver went to telephone for help. Before long, Toby arrived.
"I guess you don't need your whistle today Duck, what with the noise you were making."
"I'm sorry Toby" said Duck. "Thank you for coming to help me."
"That's alright" smiled Toby. "You did very well to get the train all this way. Come on, let's get you mended."
And with that, the friends pulled in to the big station together.
Duke and Duncan
After a long time in the works, Duke the Lost Engine was finally returning to the railway. All the engines were excited to see him come back. All except for Duncan.
"Duke sleeps in a shed for years and everyone loves him. Meanwhile, I pull trains here day in, day out, and no-one pays me the slightest bit of attention."
"Nonsense!" said his Driver. "Today's no day for your complaining!"
Duke was lowered back onto the rails and greeted by the other engines. Sir Handel and Peter Sam were giddy with excitement. The Fat Controller greeted him warmly.
"Welcome back Duke! You've returned just in time for our Open Day. You'll be hauling a special demonstration train up to the slate quarry."
"Thank you sir" said Duke. "I'm looking forward to it, and to getting to know everyone here!"
He soon made firm friends with Skarloey, Rheneas, and Rusty. But Duncan remained distant.
"It's not your fault" soothed Peter Sam. "Duncan just likes being grumpy."
"Young scallywag. He'll soon learn sense" said Duke.
"I wouldn't count on it" said Rusty. "He's just built that way. At least he works hard."
"His ill spirit creates bad atmosphere" replied Duke. "It would never suit his Grace."
The next day, the Open Day was upon the engines. Visitors were guided around the sheds, stations, workshops and yards to see how everything worked. Lots of special trains were put on, and the big engines brought more and more visitors to the transfer station.
"My my!" said Edward. "I haven't seen the line this busy in ages! I hope you'll all be able to cope!"
"Don't worry!" smiled Duke. "Us old timers still have a lot to give!" And he puffed away to begin his demonstration train.
Duncan was shunting the yard at the middle station, showing off the various movements of trucks that could be achieved.
"All the others get to pull special trains, and I'm stuck here going backwards and forwards all day" he grumbled.
"Yes, and look how many people have come to see you work!" said his Driver. "Cheer up old boy, you'll spoil everyone's photos!"
Duncan tried his best to keep his spirits up, and worked hard that afternoon. He felt better when he saw Duke puffing up with his demonstration train. Instead of special coaches, Duke was pulling a long line of slate wagons. Duke paused at the station to take on water.
"Look at this, the great Duke pulling a goods train on this special day!" Duke was unfazed.
"It doesn't matter what kind of trains we're asked to pull, only that we pull them well."
Duncan looked back along Duke's train. He noticed that most trucks had someone riding on them.
"Is that entirely safe?" asked Duncan.
"Perfectly" said Duke. "These people are professionals, they know what they're doing."
"I know it might be before your time, but we have these things called coaches now. Your passengers might find them a lot more comfortable."
Duke ignored Duncan, and set off further up the line. Duncan satisfied himself with shunting.
Later, Duncan saw people gathering by the main running line with their cameras. He was about to ask what was going on when he saw Duke's train running back down the hill by itself, with Duke nowhere in sight. The passengers were still riding the trucks as the train rattled past. Duncan was alarmed.
"A runaway train! Why is no-one doing anything!"
Shortly Duke came coasting down the hill. Duncan called across to him.
"How did you manage to lose your train?"
"Lose it?" said Duke. "We set it off on purpose."
"And why would you do that? There's bound to have been a terrible accident!"
Duke chuckled. "Come and see for yourself."
So Duke and Duncan headed to the bottom station. There, they found the train of slate trucks, safe and sound. Duncan was amazed, so Duke explained.
"The trucks all have brakes that can be applied by the people riding on them. They can slow or stop the train exactly as they need."
"It's how they used to bring the trucks down before we arrived!" chimed in Skarloey. Duncan felt very silly.
"I'm sorry for snapping at you Duke" said Duncan. "I didn't understand."
"That's alright" said Duke kindly. "Did you want to pull the next train together?"
Duncan was excited. The Fat Controller agreed, and so the pair pulled the next demonstration train to the top station. Duncan saw the braking system in action, and was happy to be part of the demonstration train.
Later in the shed, Peter Sam whispered to Duncan "do you see why we were all excited for him to come home?"
"He's okay, I suppose" replied Duncan.
That, from Duncan, is high praise indeed.
Donald's Day Alone
Donald and Douglas can often be seen working together, whether it be hauling heavy goods trains or running back and forth with their snowplows to clear the line.
One day, the Fat Controller came to their shed.
"Douglas, I would like you to help Murdoch today. We're expecting a lot of goods traffic from the mainland today, and we need another engine at that end of the line."
"Of course sir" said Douglas, and set off at once.
"Donald, I'm afraid I can't spare another engine to be with you all day, but I've let the others know that you may need some help. Don't hesitate to ask."
"I won't need help sir" said Donald "I'm sure I can manage."
At first, Donald could manage. He kept his trains to time, and even managed to cover a few of Douglas' jobs. Then came the first train he had to pull without Douglas; a long train of coal trucks. BoCo was just finishing shunting the last trucks.
"Are you sure you can manage?" asked BoCo. "I'm ahead of schedule here, I can help at least part of the way."
"These trucks'll be nae bother" said Donald. "I can keep them in line."
And with a great effort, he got the train moving.
Once he was up to speed, Donald found it easier. But as they approached Gordon's Hill, Donald's steam pressure began to drop. He found himself going slower and slower.
"They won't beat me, they won't beat me" he puffed to himself. Sure enough, he made it to the top of the hill. But he had to go slowly back down again to keep the train under control, and he couldn't make up steam. At last, very late, he pulled into the goods yard.
"I need to rest a minute" said Donald. "Get my strength back."
"No time I'm afraid boy" said his driver. "Your passenger train is due very shortly."
With a weary sigh, Donald got himself ready.
He struggled between stations, losing minutes as he went along. The passengers were all very cross, and said what a bad railway it was. Donald's driver tried to explain but no-one wanted to hear. This left Donald in a foul mood.
Next was another job meant for two engines, as Donald headed to the quarry to pick up a large train of stone trucks. As he wheezed back into the yard, he heard a pair of whistles. Bill and Ben arrived with the last few trucks.
"Look here Bill! They can only afford to send us one engine now!"
"They still can't afford to give him a proper coat of paint though Ben. Plain black, how dreary!"
"Now yellow might suit you much better."
"Or red!"
"He's halfway there Bill, by the looks of his face."
"Do you two ever stop?" interrupted Donald. "I'm in no mood for your nonsense today."
"Temper temper!" called Bill.
"All work and play makes Donald a dull engine!" said Ben.
Soon Mavis arrived.
"Back to work you two" she said, "or else I won't fetch you any more trucks all day."
This soon got the twins back to work. Mavis could see how tired Donald looked.
"Did you want me to push the train for you?" she asked.
"No" said Donald, "I can manage, thanks." And with that, he got the heavy train into motion.
The quarry lies at the bottom of a hill. This is normally no problem for the engines, but today Donald couldn't make it. His steam pressure dropped, and his train slowed to a crawl until finally he stopped.
"You silly engine!" said his Driver. "If you weren't so stubborn, this wouldn't have happened." Donald knew he was right.
"I think I could get the train up if we split it up into two."
His Driver considered. "There's no-one else due on the line, and there's a loop at the top. We'll leave the Guard here, pin down the brakes on the other trucks, and let the Signalman know at the top."
Donald was able to get the front of the train moving. But the trucks left behind were not happy.
"Why don't we get to go with the others? We don't like being left here all alone!"
They slipped their brakes off, and the weight of them began the train moving back down the hill. The Guard applied the brakes in her van but it was no use. She jumped to safety and whistled a warning down the line.
Back in the quarry, Bill and Ben were still playing tricks. Suddenly, the Foreman heard the warning.
"Get clear!" he called. Bill and Ben started to move, but not fast enough. They saw the trucks racing towards them. There was a mighty smash! Luckily no-one was hurt, but the quarry was a mess.
Donald rushed back immediately when the Signalman told him what had happened. He and Mavis began to help clear up the wreckage. Soon the Fat Controller arrived, he spoke sternly to Donald.
"I expected better from you" he said. "You should know to accept help when it is offered. You shall spend a week working here. Maybe that will teach you to work well with others."
"Don't worry sir" said Bill, "I'm sure Ben and I have a lot we can teach him!"
Donald hoped the week would go by very quickly indeed.
Percy and the Autocoach
Oliver and Duck both work the Little Western branch line. They are kept busy day in and day out, particularly when holiday makers arrive at the island. They don't mind the hard work, but one day Oliver was feeling worn out.
"I feel run off my wheels" he said to Duck. "All that running around the coaches. It's times like this I could do with an autocoach."
"A what?" asked Duck.
"An autocoach. It's a special kind of coach with a cab and controls at the rear. Driver could drive me normally to the end of the line, then drive me backwards safely from the cab in the coach. It would save so much time."
"You should tell the Fat Controller" said Duck.
And so he did, and soon afterwards a new autocoach called Isabel arrived on the Little Western. Oliver was much happier, and he and Isabel worked wonderfully puffing backwards and forwards along the line. But his new coach made some of the engines jealous.
"It isn't fair!" said Percy.
"What isn't?" asked Thomas.
"Oliver has his autocoach, Toby has Henrietta, you have Annie and Clarabel, even Emily has her own coaches! I've never had coaches of my own."
"You have to earn them" said Thomas. "I only got to use Annie and Clarabel after I started working this branch line." Thomas puffed away. But Percy was still upset.
"I work this branch line too, I should have something special like an autocoach" he said to himself. But his chance soon came.
One day, Oliver felt unwell, but the Little Western was still very busy. Percy was sent along to help, and Oliver's Driver joined Percy's crew on the footplate.
"We'll be using Isabel today, could you couple us up Fireman?"
Percy was excited as his Fireman set to work. Not knowing about autocoaches, he didn't know what the extra connections did, and seeing as Percy didn't have anything for them to connect to, he left them alone.
"All set" he called as he climbed back into the cab.
The run to the end of the line went well. Percy stopped at all the right stations and made good time. As he reached the last station, Oliver's Driver headed to the cab at the end of the coach.
"Now I'll see what's so special about an autocoach" said Percy. The Guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag. The driver rang the bell in the coach and open the regulator, but nothing happened. The passengers began to get concerned.
"Come on, come on" called Percy, "why is he taking so long?" His crew couldn't answer. Eventually, Oliver's Driver walked up to Percy.
"You are able to work autotrains, right Percy?"
"Autotrains?" asked Percy.
Oliver's Driver laughed and explained. Percy was most embarrassed as he ran around the train to take it back down the line. Percy hoped no-one would find out about his mistake, but the story soon spread.
For a long time after, Thomas was quick to remind Percy about his time on the Little Western.
"You want your own coaches Percy? You'd better make sure you know how they work!"
Percy thought Thomas was being very silly indeed.
Mind Your Head
Bill and Ben, the tank engine twins, work with Mavis at the quarry. They love mischief and playing tricks on the other engines, and Mavis does her best to keep them in order.
Recently, a large amount of stone had been required for a large building project on the island. The engines felt worked off their wheels. That evening, the Fat Controller came to see them.
"It is clear to me that you are doing your best, but you need help. Diesel will be sent here to assist for the time being." Bill and Ben groaned, they had heard tales about Diesel and how difficult he could be to work with. "I want you all to be on your best behavior" said the Fat Controller, with a look to Bill and Ben.
"Yes sir" they responded.
Diesel arrived early next morning.
"Welcome" said Mavis. "The Foreman will soon let you know what to do."
Diesel scowled. "We are diesels. We already know what to do." And with that, he oiled away.
"Barrel of laughs, isn't he?" said Bill.
"Positively boring" said Ben.
"He's here to help us" reminded Mavis, "not to entertain us. I'll make sure he knows where to go."
Over the next few days, Diesel growled around the yard, getting in the way of the other engines. The twins tried to help him, but Diesel wouldn't listen. They began concocting a plan to get rid of him.
Bill and Ben are much shorter than other engines. The top of their cabs line up with the trucks they pull. This means they can pass under low bridges and structures that the other engines can't. There is a short line from the main quarry where only Bill and Ben can go for this reason.
The twins saw Diesel approaching them, their chance had come.
"Say Ben, Diesel's doing rather well, don't you think?"
"Yes Bill, very well indeed. It's just a pity he can't do every job in the quarry."
Diesel growled, then spoke up.
"I can do every job there is here. I am up to date and modern."
"Then why haven't you taken these empty trucks back where they came from?" said Bill.
"That line over there. Only we can do that" said Ben, looking towards the line with the low bridges.
"Just watch me. I'll do both your jobs at once!" said Diesel, and ran off immediately to collect the trucks.
"It's too easy" said Bill.
Diesel coupled up to the trucks, and began to take them down the line. The line was narrow and twisty, but Diesel persevered.
"I'll show those steam engines how easy this job is."
He began to pick up speed as he traveled along. Then there was trouble. A low bridge came into view.
"Stop!" he called, but it was too late. Diesel collided with the bridge, the trucks behind him derailed, and loose stones fell onto the road the bridge carried.
Diesel's driver found a phone and told the Foreman what had happened. Bill and Ben arrived to clear up what they could, but it was difficult work with no space for a crane. The bridge was quickly closed, Butch and the road repair crew came to make sure the bridge was safe. Bill and Ben pulled Diesel clear and back to the quarry. The Fat Controller was waiting for them.
"I thought I told you to behave yourselves, not play tricks!"
"Yes sir, sorry sir" said the twins.
"Diesel now has to be repaired, and I can spare no other engine. You shall have to work without assistance."
After that, Bill and Ben worked as hard as they could to get everything done on time. Finally the work was done, and the twins were exhausted.
"That's the spirit" said Mavis, "isn't it much better to be really useful?"
Bill and Ben wanted to retort, but didn't have the breath to say another word.
Worth the Weight
Thomas' branch line was in need of some repair. The line was closed for a short time as workers began strengthening the bridges along the route. The Fat Controller needed an engine much heavier than Thomas, Percy or Toby to travel down the line to test that the bridges were safe for the route to be re-opened.
The engine he picked was Henry, who was not pleased.
"Why me?" he moaned. "Why not Gordon? He loves traveling down branch lines he shouldn't."
"Gordon is busy with the express, and the other engines are too light. You are the best engine for the job." said the Fat Controller.
"But I'm too big for the curves" complained Henry.
"What's the point in you big engines if you can't even go round corners!" laughed Percy.
"That will do" said the Fat Controller, and Percy left quickly with his train. "Henry, you have a job to do, and you will do as you are told." Henry slowly steamed out of the yard.
He soon arrived at the junction for Thomas' branch line, and found Old Slow Coach and a strange truck waiting for him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I'm the engineers coach" she said proudly. "I'll be carrying the workers and their equipment so they can carry out their checks."
"Checks? We're not stopping surely? We're just heading straight up the line?"
"I'm afraid not Henry" said the Inspector. "The whole point is to make sure the bridges show no faults at all so we can reopen the line. Slow and steady is the order of the day." Henry bit back a retort. He knew better than to argue with Inspectors. He looked at the truck. It seemed to have a small cage and a metal arm attached. His curiosity got the better of him.
"Sir, what is that?" The Inspector smiled.
"Wait and see."
Henry trudged up the branch line. He wanted to go faster, but his driver kept him in check.
"This day will last forever" he said to himself. "How does Thomas cope here? This branch feels so small compared to the main line." As he passed a sharp corner, his wheels squealed against the rails, making an awful noise. "I'm too long for the bend! This can't be good for the rails!" he said.
"The rails are getting replaced anyway" said the Inspector. "Just go slow and steady." Henry wished he didn't have to.
Soon they approached the first bridge. Henry slowed to a crawl as the Inspector and workers watched carefully. At last they reached the other side. Henry was relieved until his driver brought him to a stop, then started him backwards.
"Driver stop!" said Henry. "We've already tested this bridge, we don't need to do it again!"
"The workers need to check under the bridge as well" said Old Slow Coach.
"And how are they going to do that?"
"This is where your truck comes in" said Old Slow Coach with a smile.
Henry watched as the Inspector and some workers climbed into the small cage. Then the metal arm lifted the cage off the truck, sideways into the air, and started to lower until it was underneath one of the bridge arches.
"I've never seen a truck do THAT before!" exclaimed Henry.
"You're normally too busy running them as fast as you can down the main line" said Old Slow Coach. "There's lots you can see when you slow down."
Soon they were finished, and headed down the line to test the other bridges. Henry suddenly found that Old Slow Coach was right. Villages he had never seen before, unfamiliar fields and farms, Terence the tractor hard at work. Mrs Kyndley waved to Henry as he passed. He hadn't seen her in a long time and he gave her a cheerful whistle back.
At last, after all his work was done, Henry arrived at the last station, where Thomas and Percy were waiting.
"Well, well, well!" said Percy, "have you enjoyed playing tank engine? Squeezed yourself round those corners?" Henry decided to ignore him.
"Thank you for your help today Henry" said Thomas. "We're one step closer to get back to work."
"Not so bad a day's work, eh?" said Old Slow Coach. Henry could only agree.
Spencer and the Express
Spencer had returned to the Island of Sodor with the Duke and Duchess of Boxford. None of the engines were pleased with this, they all thought Spencer was a terrible show-off.
"At least he's only pulling his special train" said James. "I couldn't bear it if we had to work with him all day."
But James had spoken too soon. Gordon began to feel unwell, and the Fat Controller decided to send him to the works. That evening, he came to speak to the other engines.
"I have spoken with the Duke and Duchess, and they have agreed to let Spencer help out on Gordon's express duties whilst he is away. Please do your best to help and make him feel welcome."
"Yes sir" said the engines, but they weren't happy about it.
The next morning, James and Edward were waiting at the station with their trains. It was past time for Edward to leave, but his signal still showed danger.
"I wonder what's happening" he said.
"And where's Spencer?" said James. "Gordon's normally here by now!"
The answer to both their questions came soon. Spencer was slowly backing down towards the station, crossing Edward's line as he did so.
"Hurry up Spencer!" called James. "You're late!"
"Nonsense" replied Spencer. "I don't have to leave for several minutes."
"But Edward does, and you're blocking his path!"
"Pah!" said Spencer. "You'll just have to make up the time. That is, if you can."
James let off steam indignantly, but Edward ignored Spencer. He started away smartly with his local passenger service.
"You'll have to keep better time with your train" said James. "Pulling the express is a difficult job."
"Maybe for you" said Spencer. "You're only a goods engine after all. I can go much faster than you, this'll be easy!"
The Guard blew his whistle and Spencer got ready to leave. He tried to rush away, but his wheels slipped terribly against the heavy train.
"Easy? Sure!" laughed James.
"Shut up!" hissed Spencer. "The silly coaches aren't behaving, that's all."
Spencer's Driver eased him up, allowing his wheels to get a grip on the rails. At last, he pulled out of the station.
Spencer was soon flying down the main line as fast as he could puff, feeling very pleased with himself.
"Look at me go, look at me go" he sang to himself. But he soon found himself in trouble. Ahead was a signal showing danger. Spencer wanted to go faster, but his Driver slowed him to a stop.
"Why have we stopped? I thought the express didn't stop for ages!"
"Edward's train is on the section ahead, and there's no loop. We can't enter until he's cleared."
"Gordon never has this issue" said Spencer.
"Gordon gets to the station quickly enough that Edward can leave on time" chided his Driver.
Spencer hissed steam angrily.
At last, the signal cleared, and Spencer set off once again. "Let's make up lost time!" he said. But before long, he found he had to stop again at another signal at a station.
"This is silly!" said Spencer. "The express is more important than Edward's train!"
"Our passengers matter too!" said Emily, who was also resting at the station. "You have to be aware of other trains on the main line!"
The signal cleared, and Spencer started again. He passed Edward, who had finally reached the loop.
"About time" called Spencer angrily, and wheeshed steam at Edward. "At last, we can get a good fast run!"
But he couldn't. Spencer was going so fast that he kept catching up to slower trains, and so kept having to stop. The constant starting and stopping was wearing him out. The other engines tried to tell him.
"Stick to the timetable, and you won't have this issue!"
But Spencer wanted to prove he was faster than Gordon, and wouldn't listen. The passengers were very annoyed with him. They thought that being held up would make them late. The Guard tried to explain, but the passengers wouldn't listen. When they reached the last station, the passengers rushed to the Stationmaster and told him what a bad railway it was.
The Fat Controller spoke severely to Spencer that night at the shed.
"Pulling the express is about more than just going quickly! It's clear to me that you're not cut out for the job. You'll be working local trains until you learn to follow a timetable." He turned to James. "Would you like to work the express until Gordon gets back?"
"Yes please sir!" replied James.
So until Gordon returned, James pulled the express, and pulled it very well. Spencer eventually got the hang of timetables, though between you and me, he still likes to think the railway is just there for him to run fast. He still has a lot to learn, doesn't he?