Some days later, Thomas arrived at the Rescue Centre with more building supplies. Bash, Dash and Ferdinand were delivering more Jobi Wood. "Good morning, you three," he whistled.

"Good morning, Thomas," they replied.

Thomas noticed the two smaller engines looked sad. "What's the matter, you two?" he asked.

"We're bored," said Bash. "Everything works well, and nothing ever changes."

"There was always something new to see on our old line," added Dash. "As trees came down, new tracks would be laid and there was always something new to see at the Docks."

"And Ol' Wheezy and Hee-Haw would make us laugh sometimes."

"It can't be that bad," said Thomas, kindly. "I'm sure it's fun when you collect and deliver wood at the Timber Yards, and you have a good home here where you can be Really Useful. Everyone really likes you too."

Ferdinand smiled. "That's right. Come on, Bash and Dash. Cheer up."

The Twins tried to smile.

"I suppose you're right," agreed Dash.

"Yes, better bored than scrapped," finished Bash.

As Thomas puffed away, the two engines were thoughtful.

"Hmm, Really Useful; I like the sound of that."

"Me too."


That night, a big storm rolled in. The sky became darker than ever, lightning lit up the sky, thunder boomed, strong winds whistled wildly, and heavy rain pelted down everywhere.

The Logging Locos had taken shelter at Brendam Docks.

"What a storm," cheered Dash.

"It must be the biggest we've ever seen," chortled Bash.

But Ferdinand was nervous. "I only hope we're safe here," he said. "I've seen falling trees and buildings cause lots of damage."

"Yarr! the seas may be extra rough this evening," grinned Salty, "but you needn't worry, me hearty. The buildings are strong, and our cranes and ships are secure. Of course, I've weathered storms much worse than this in my time."

With the storm keeping the engines awake, Salty tried taking their minds off of it with some of his old sea stories. Bash and Dash liked them and soon stopped talking about the storm. Ferdinand was grateful.


By morning, the storm was over. Salty was right. The ships were safe, and the cranes and buildings were still standing, but the storm had still made a mess of the Docks.

The Dock Master came to see them. "Is everyone all right?" he asked.

"Snug as crayfish in a Capn's Cabin," tooted Salty.

"Good. Now, Bash, Dash and Ferdinand, the Fat Controller wants you at Tidmouth Sheds urgently."

"Yes, Sir," they replied and steamed away as quickly as they could.

As they traveled, the three engines could see storm damage everywhere. Trees were blown down, some buildings were damaged, and debris lay everywhere.

"All of a sudden, this place feels more like home," said Dash quietly.

"That's right," agreed Bash and Ferdinand together.


Lots of other engines were waiting outside Tidmouth Sheds as the Logging Locos puffed in.

"This is one of the worst storms Sodor has ever seen," boomed the Fat Controller. "You will all have to work very hard if we are to get everything moving again." He paused impressively. "It will be a long job just to clear the trees from the Main Line to get the passengers through," he sighed.

"Excuse me, Sir," Ferdinand interrupted, "Did you say trees are blocking the Main Line?"

"Yes. There are fallen trees all over the island; Henry's Forest, the Whispering Woods and along the Branch Lines."

Ferdinand smiled. "I think we three can help there, Sir."

"How?"

"We hauled lots of fallen trees on Misty Island, Sir," explained Ferdinand. "Trees had to be cut down before we could take them to our Logging Station. Some trees were bigger than others and some caused damage, but we always knew what to do. If you will allow us, Sir, Bash, Dash and I can sort out the fallen trees quickly, but we will need some help."

The Fat Controller thought Ferdinands plan was a very good idea. "Very well, Ferdinand. You, Bash and Dash will be in charge of clearing the tracks. Harvey and Rocky will help you wherever possible."

When the meeting was over, the engines set off. Bash and Dash collected empty flatbeds from the Timber Yards and Thomas and Ferdinand fetched the Breakdown Train.