Chapter 43: Pop Goes the Diesel

Duck is very proud of his Great Western Heritage, and talks endlessly about it. He's a hard worker to, and makes everything run like clockwork. Although his boasting does get on people's nerves.

"There's two ways of doing things," he would say, "The Great Western Way, and the wrong way. I'm Great Western, so…"

"We know!" Gordon, James, and Henry would say. The others didn't mind as much, but did have to admit that Duck could go a too far at times.

The next week they were surprised to see a newcomer come into the yard, but even more surprised to see the engine he drove. It was black and boxy, and didn't look like a steam engine.

"It must be one of those new diesel engines," Gordon said, "I heard some drivers from the Other Railway talking about them the other day."

Sir Topham Hatt soon came to greet the newcomer.

"Everyone, this is Nathaniel…"

"Beg pardon, sir," Nathaniel interrupted, "But I prefer to be called Diesel. It's an odd choice, I know, but I like it. Much more casual."
"Erm, very well, Diesel it is," Sir Topham Hatt continued, "Anyway, I have loaned his engine from the Other Railway. If all goes well I shall purchase it and have him transferred. Duck, I want you to show him around and teach him all he needs to know. Everyone else shall do their usual work."

And with that he walked back to his office. Diesel turned his attention to the other drivers.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Duck," he said in a smooth voice, "And is that Edward, Gordon, and James? Henry too? My oh my, I am honored to be in the presence of such famous engine drivers."

The employees were rather pleased by his compliments, except for Duck who got the feeling that there was more to Diesel than meets the eye.

"Come on, Diesel," he said, "You can follow me and help me with my work for today.

With that he drove his engine out of the sheds, with Diesel following close behind. Things went well for the morning, but Duck couldn't help but shake his feeling from earlier. At lunch Diesel spoke up.

"Your worthy Topham…"

"Sir Topham Hatt to you," Duck interrupted. Diesel was taken slightly aback, but continued.

"Your worthy Sir Topham Hatt thinks that I need to learn," he said, "but he is mistaken. You see, I have had the best training one can possibly get to become an engine driver. I know everything there is to know about shunting. Not to mention, my engine is much more modern than your steam kettle. Anything it can do, mine can do better."

Duck was not amused. He was not opposed to modern technology, but he knew that newer did not mean better.

"Well, if you're so great," he said, "Why don't you fetch some trucks for my next train while I fetch coaches for the afternoon express?"

Diesel agreed and left to find some trucks. But since Duck didn't specify which ones he needed he had to take a wild guess and ended up using some old trucks that had not been used for a long time.

A while later Duck had returned to find Diesel struggling. Realizing his mistake he tried to get Diesel's attention, but he was too busy trying to move the trucks.

"Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!" Diesel groaned as he opened the throttle as far as he could. Unfortunately the truck's brakes got jammed in the sleepers, making the whole train unmovable. No matter what Diesel did he could not get them unstuck, wasting the whole hour.

Duck, having had a good laugh, collected another line of trucks.

"Thank you, Diesel," he said kindly, "but I really must be going."

"Don't you want this lot?" Diesel asked incredulously.

"No thank you."

Diesel was furious.

"Why didn't you say something?"

"I tried, but you wouldn't listen. Oh well, lesson learned. Goodbye!"

Diesel was speechless.

Later that day Diesel had to help the workmen clean up the mess. He hated it. Some of the sledgehammers saw the accident and though it would be fun to tease him with a song.

"Trucks are waiting in the yard,

Tackling them with easel,

Show the world what I can do,

Gaily boasts Mr. Diesel.

In and out,

He creeps about,

Like a big black weasel.

When he pulls the wrong trucks out,

Pop goes the Diesel."

"Grrrrrrrrrr!" Diesel said, and drove away to sulk in the house.