John is a very unique engine. He's not as old as Edward, and not as young as Belle. He is a mixed-traffic engine which means he can pull both trucks and coaches easily. John was brought to Sodor to help the Fat Controller's engines, but as John has learned, even he needs help sometimes.
One morning, John didn't feel well. He couldn't get up steam and James had to take his first train. His Driver and Fireman had finished cleaning his tubes when Edward puffed up alongside.
"Good morning, John," he said. "What's the matter?
"I can't get up steam this morning," John sighed. "I don't understand it. This doesn't usually happen."
Edward looked thoughtful. "Well, John, you are getting older, and older engines need to be looked after more, like me."
"But the Fat Controller brought me here to help all of you. It doesn't feel right if you start helping me all the time.
"We all help each other," said Edward kindly. "That's what friends are for, remember? And if you do have problems, don't be afraid to ask for help."
John gave a small smile. "Thank you, Edward."
John was soon out on the Main Line with another local train. The sun shone, birds sang, and trees swayed gently in the wind.
John was feeling a little better, but as he approached Brendam Docks, he felt short of steam.
"Steady, boy," said his Driver. "There's no hurry."
John tried not to worry, but he didn't want to cause trouble for his passengers.
"Excuse me," he said. "Can we ask for a banker engine on Gordon's Hill today?
"Of course," replied his Driver. "I thought that would be best myself."
When John reached Wellsworth Station, he was surprised to see Bill and
Ben the Tank Engine Twins waiting in the sidings. "Hello, you two. What are you doing here?" he asked.
"We were waiting for some empty trucks to take back to the China Clay Works," said Bill.
"Derek was needed elsewhere, so we were sent to collect them," added Ben.
"Well, do you two think you could help me up the Hill?"
"I suppose," replied Bill.
"It's no fun just sitting here anyway," agreed Ben.
Bill and Ben had never been banker engines before, but John was glad of the help. As some passengers got off and others climbed aboard, Bill and Ben came up behind and buffered up.
Banker engines are never coupled up to the train. This allows the train to run on by itself at the top of the hill. This is usually handled without fuss, but this time, there was trouble.
Bill's Fireman was new; he had never helped on a banker engine before. As he went around checking the couplings, he also coupled Bill to the back of the train and Bill, who had never been a banker engine, didn't realize his Fireman's mistake.
At last, the Guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag.
"Peep, Peep! We're ready!" whistled the Twins.
"Peep, Peep! So am I!" John whistled back and puffing together, the train set off from the station.
Bill and Ben could never go very fast, so John had to go slow as they approached Gordon's Hill. They pulled, pushed, and puffed, but with all three engines working together, it wasn't that difficult.
In no time, they reached the top and John began to go faster. The Twins waited for him to stop, but he didn't.
"What's happening?!" called Ben.
"He's not stopping!" shouted Bill.
The Twins were worried; they had never gone so fast.
Up front, John was feeling better; the train was now running smoothly. Suddenly, he heard whistling coming from behind.
His Fireman looked back. "Oh, Glory! The Twins are being pulled behind us!"
"We have to stop!" said John. "They'll have to collect their trucks soon!"
"We can't stop between signal boxes," said his Driver. "We'll have to run on to the next station."
When they finally reached Maron, Bill and Ben were puffed out; their wheels were sore, and their pistons ached. They were quickly uncoupled and puffed slowly to the sidings. John wanted to say something, but the twins were so tired, they took no notice.
Some days later, John was mended and was resting in the Yard when Bill and Ben arrived to collect more trucks. John was quick to apologize. "I'm sorry for taking you two on a roller coaster ride the other day," he said.
"And we're sorry if we caused any trouble," said Bill.
"We've never worked as banker engines before," sighed Ben.
"It seems you two have a lot to learn about being banker engines if this ever happens again," said Edward.
"Yes," replied the Twins, "we do."
"Anyway," said Bill," at least we finally got to see what it was like to travel with the Express on the Main Line for once."
"Express?" said John in surprise. "That was just my local train."
The twins gasped and looked at each other. John and Edward couldn't help laughing and you know, neither could the Twins.