Stepney the Bluebell Engine is one of the oldest engines on the Island of Sodor. He works on a special Branch Line that everyone calls the Bluebell Railway. It runs from Ballahoo on the Main Line to Norramby near the seaside. One part of the line is surrounded by bluebells, and that is why it is called Bluebell Valley.
The Narrow-Gauge Railway runs alongside Stepney's Line for a short distance. The Narrow-Gauge Engines meet Stepney at Bluebell Valley Station and carry their passengers on to Crovan's Gate. Rusty is Stepney's best friend. The little diesel had saved the old engine from Scrap many years ago and they are always happy to see each other when Rusty comes to inspect the line.
One day, Stepney was waiting with his coaches in Bluebell Valley Station when Rheneas puffed in with his passengers. "Good morning, Stepney," he whistled. "Lovely day."
"Oh, it is. How is everything in the hills?"
"Beautiful as always. The passengers are enjoying themselves, the Blue Mountain Quarry is busy, and we engines are rushed off our wheels."
Stepney sighed. "I wish I was as busy as you. If only my line wasn't so short."
"Doesn't the Fat Controller ask you to help out?" asked Rheneas.
"Yes, and I'm glad when he does, but I haven't been able to help with any jobs for a while."
"You can always ask your Manager," said Rheneas. "It can't hurt."
"Well, I don't want to let my passengers down," said Stepney thoughtfully, "but I just might do that."
Later, Stepney's Driver spoke to the Manager and that evening, he came to Shed. "Stepney, I am pleased with your work, but I know there is always more you can do. I've spoken to Sir Topham Hatt, but I'm afraid he has no work for you right now. I'm sorry, old boy."
"Oh well," sighed Stepney, "it was worth a try."
Next day, there was a new weather report. A big storm was coming, and everyone had to be ready for it.
Thomas arrived at Kellsthorpe Road Station when the Stationmaster ran out. "Some storm supplies are needed at Great Waterton urgently," he said. "The Fat Controller wants you to collect them from the Wharf."
"What about Annie and Clarabel?" Thomas asked.
"Henry is on his way with a local train. He can take them back to Knapford."
As Thomas raced to the Wharf, he could hear the thunder rumbling in the distance. When he arrived, Colin was loading his trucks.
Rheneas was shunting nearby. "You had best be quick, Thomas," he said. "I don't like the sound of that thunder."
Then there was trouble.
The Dock Master appeared. "There's been a landslide in the cutting. Thomas' line is blocked."
Thomas was worried. "What will do now?"
The Dock Master turned. "Rheneas, you will have to get the supplies up to the Transfer Yard. Another Engine can take it from there."
"But Flora might not be strong enough to take those supplies by herself," said Rheneas. Then, an idea flew into his funnel. "Ask Stepney. He may be the nearest engine."
The Dock Master telephoned Stepney's Manager who agreed and Colin transferred the supplies from Thomas' trucks to Rheneas'.
"Will you be able to pull all that?" Colin asked.
"I will have to make two trips," said Rheneas. "If something happens, it will be better if the townsfolk run short on supplies than having none at all."
"It's risky," agreed his Driver, "but we don't have a choice."
Rheneas' train was divided into two sections and with a determined whistle, he raced away as fast as his little wheels would carry him.
"Good luck!" called Thomas.
Rheneas wasn't as fast as Thomas and even with half his trucks, the load was still heavy. The thunder became louder, but he still kept on.
Sometime later, Rheneas raced into the Transfer Yard where Stepney was waiting. "Take this load to Great Waterton as fast as you can," the little engine panted, "then come back for the rest." Rheneas was uncoupled and steamed back to the Wharf.
Dark clouds gathered, and the thunder boomed louder, but Rheneas wouldn't stop. He screeched into the Wharf and bumped the trucks. "Please Hurry!" he called and raced off again.
"Go, Rheneas!" cheered Thomas and Colin together.
The Driver was concerned. "You're running low on water."
But Rheneas didn't care. All he could think about were the townsfolk in the hills. "We must get through. We must," he wheezed.
Stepney was still waiting. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and it was starting to rain. Suddenly, he heard a whistle…and red in the face and hissing fit to burst, Rheneas steamed in.
"You made it!" called Stepney.
"Only just!"
The workman loaded the last of the supplies and Stepney set off for Great Waterton. Rheneas took shelter in the Goods Shed and had a long, long drink.
"Well done, Rheneas," said his Driver. "The Thin Controller will be pleased to hear about this." And he was right.
Next morning, the storm had passed. As the Driver and Fireman got Rheneas ready for work, the Thin Controller arrived. "Rheneas, your Crew told me how you and Stepney braved the oncoming storm, and I am very proud of you both. They may call Stepney the Bluebell Engine, but I say that you both performed gallantly, and Stepney's Manager and I agree that, as a reward, you two are to be inspected, cleaned, repainted, and polished at the Steamworks."
"Oh! thank you, Sir," grinned Rheneas.
After leaving Great Waterton, Stepney collected Rheneas and they left for the Steamworks together. By teatime, their new paint sparkled in the sun and their brass shone like gold. Some people from Great Waterton had even come to say, 'thank you,' and took their photograph. The two engines even made the front page of the newspaper, and more passengers came to their railways just to see them.
Stepney was happy to be busier and Rheneas was happy for his friend. They knew everything would quiet down after a while, but no matter what, they would always be famous engines in the Sodor hills.