"Sodor's Strongest Tank Engine"

One morning at the Sodor Search & Rescue Centre, workmen discovered that Belle's watercannons were not working.

"We'll have to order some new parts," said the Rescue Centre Manager. "We don't need any supplies collected today, so we may have to find you some other work." The Manager telephoned the Fat Controller and he soon returned. "Lucky for you, Belle, the Fat Controller would like to see you at Knapford Station."

"Yes, Sir," answered Belle and with her boiler bubbling and steam wheeshing, Belle raced away as fast as she could.

When Belle arrived at Knapford, she saw Arthur waiting in the Station.

"Good morning, Belle," said Arthur.

"Same to you, Arthur." Belle was pleased; she didn't get to see Sodor's other big tank engine very often. "What are you doing here?" she asked.

"The Fat Controller wanted to see me."

"Same here," said a voice. It was Samson from the Mainland.

Just then, the Fat Controller arrived. "Well, you three have been quick."

"What is this about, Sir?" asked Belle.

"Some important goods need to be delivered to the Mainland, but the only engine they could spare was Samson. So, as the other engines are busy too, I want you and Arthur to help him."

"But Sir, what about my fish trains?" asked Arthur.

"Don't worry, Arthur," the Fat Controller replied. "Oliver can handle your work until you get back."

"What's the job, Sir?"

"You must collect some stone from Elsbridge Junction, goods from Brendam Docks and iron from Abby Station."

"Wow, that is a big job," wheeshed Belle.

"Not for the strongest engines on Sodor," puffed Samson with determination. "We'll get the job done, Sir."

"Splendid," smiled the Fat Controller and he left.

Belle, Arthur and Samson were soon on their way to Elsbridge.

"Samson, I thought Hank and Murdoch were the strongest engines on Sodor," puffed Belle.

Samson didn't like it when he got things wrong. "Well, okay, the strongest tank engines on Sodor, then."

Arthur was curious. "Belle and I are bigger than you, so how can you be as strong as us?"

"Years of hard work, young Arthur," said Samson proudly. "I'll prove it."

When they arrived at Elsbridge, the stone trucks were waiting in the sidings and there were a lot of them.

"Maybe I should take the most trucks," said Belle thoughtfully.

"No need, Belle," smiled Samson. "I've pulled lots of stone in my day. I shall pull the most trucks."

Belle and Arthur watched as Samson shunted a long line of trucks together. "Are you sure you can pull that many?" asked Arthur.

"Of course. As I said, I'm very strong." Samson pulled hard to get his trucks out of the way, but Belle and Arthur were not so sure.

They soon arrived at Brendam Docks where trucks of heavy machinery were waiting for them and, once more, Samson took the most.

The Dock Master walked up to them. "I'm afraid the points near Lower Suddery are jammed. You'll have to take another route to Abby Station."

"But it will take us forever if we have to go back to Knapford and take Duck's Branch Line," sighed Belle. "We could've collected the metal from the Smelter's Yard ourselves."

"No need for that," said Samson confidently. "We'll just go back to Wellsworth and cross Gordon's Hill."

"I don't think that's a good idea," said Arthur. "Our loads are getting heavy."

"Nonsense, I've pulled heavier loads than this many times before and we must finish the job on time."

Belle and Arthur were even less sure than before, especially as they watched Samson strain and wheeze with his long line of trucks.

When the three engines reached Gordon's Hill, Samson was puffed out. "Are you alright, Samson?" asked Belle.

"Just…catching my breath," Samson panted. "I'll need it to tackle a big hill like this."

Belle felt sorry for her new friend, but then, an idea flew into her funnel. "What if I pushed you to the top? We can get the job done faster that way."

Samson thought for a moment. "Hmm, an excellent idea, Belle," he said at last. "Buffer up." So, Belle went to the back of Samson's train and started to push. Samson pulled as hard as he could, and they were soon near the top. "Well done! We're almost there!" And with a last big effort, it all came easier for the two engines. "That's it, Belle!" Samson called. "I'll take it from here!"

Then, there was trouble.

Samson started coasting down the other side of the hill, but his trucks nudged him as he gathered speed. "Woah!" Samson gasped. His Driver applied the brakes, but his wheels started to slide. "WOAH!"

The trucks saw their chance. "Hurrah, hurrah! Faster, faster!" they laughed.

"Oh, no!" cried Belle. Arthur heard Samson and the trucks too and they quickly gave chase.

The Maron Stationmaster heard Samson whistling to warn him. He ran out to keep the waiting passengers safe, but he was too late to switch Samson to the runaway siding before he rattled through. He quickly went to telephone ahead.

Samson and the trucks were rattling on, but the Signalman before Abby knew what to do. He switched the points and sent Samson onto a disused section of the Branch Line.

Samson rattled through the junction. The old tracks were weak and rusty and at the next bend they gave way completely. "WOAH!" Samson cried again as he and the trucks ran off the bend and came to a stop alongside the Main Line.

The Signalman had seen everything and telephoned for help and soon, Edward arrived with Rocky. By then, Belle and Arthur had caught up with Samson and were waiting with him.

The Fat Controller was onboard, and he was not happy. "What has happened here?" he asked.

"Samson lost control of his trucks on the hill," said Belle.

"We told him to be careful with how many he took," added Arthur, "but he said he could manage them."

The Fat Controller groaned. "Samson, you have caused confusion and delay. An engine like you should know his limits by now and you should've let Belle and Arthur handle the heavier loads; that's why I asked them to help you."

Samson felt embarrassed and ashamed. "I'm sorry, Sir, and I'm sorry to you too, Belle and Arthur."

After Samson and his trucks were back on the rails, Samson gave Belle and Arthur some of his trucks. Then, they set off to Abby Station to collect the iron.

It was evening when they reached Vicarstown and found Henry and Hiro waiting.

"Henry and I will be helping Samson from here," Hiro explained.

"I'm sorry for causing so much trouble for you two," said Samson to Bell and Arthur. "You're clearly stronger tank engines than me."

"Maybe," said Arthur, "but just because you're not stronger than us, that doesn't make you any less useful."

"It's true," agreed Belle.

Samson smiled at his new friends. "Thank you." And with a cheerful whistle, he left with Henry and Hiro to finish the big delivery.

Samson still thinks highly of himself as he is that sort of engine, but he is no longer shy to ask for help when he needs it.