Chapter 115: Diesel Does it Again

Duck and Oliver loved working on their branch line, but it does get strenuous. Day in and day out, they take trains up and down the line, ending at Arlesburgh Harbor. Normally, they don't mind the work, but it does get exhausting.

"I've taken so many trains that I don't know whether I'm coming or going."

"I agree, Duck. I've collected enough Ballast from The Arlesdale Railway to fill a landfill. What we need is another engine."

Donald and Douglas helped when they could, but they were needed on the main line, leaving Duck and Oliver to work by themselves. One day, Sir Topham Hatt came to see them.

"I know that you two work hard, and I am proud of you. However, I also realize that you two cannot do the work alone, so I got a engine on loan from The Other Railway to help out. It and its driver shall arrive tomorrow."

"Thank you, sir," Duck and Oliver chorused, and spent the night awaiting the new arrival.

The next morning, the two were getting their engines ready when they heard horn in the distance.

"That's odd. There isn't a ship due in for another hour."

Duck just gaped in horror.

"Oh no. Please, anybody but him."

Duck's fears were proven correct when a black BR Class 08 rolled into the yards. Diesel stepped out of the cab.

"Hello again, Duck. And you must be Oliver. Pleased to meet you."

"Diesel. What are you doing here?"

"Your worthy top- I mean, Sir Topham Hatt has gotten me a trial. I'm to shunt some trucks, I understand.

"Where?"

"Where? Why from here to there! And again from there to here! Easy isn't it?"

Duck eyed him suspiciously.

"You'd better be on your best behavior, Diesel. I still haven't forgiven about the last incident that you caused."

"Oh, Duck, you really must stop living in the past.'

"I could have died!"

"But you didn't, and isn't that enough to be thankful for? Now if you excuse me, I have some trucks to collect. Goodbye."

And before Duck or Oliver could say anything else, Diesel scuttled away.

"He's going to be trouble, isn't he?"

"I'm afraid so, Oliver."

Duck's fears were proven to be correct. It wasn't long before Diesel was causing trouble. He bashed the trucks, yelled at the workmen to hurry up, and cut Oliver off at the junction.

"Railhog!"

"You snooze you lose!"

Things didn't improve the next morning. Duck was sleeping in bed when Diesel snuck in. He held up an airhorn to his ear and blew, causing Duck to jump out of bed.

"What was that for?"

"Get dressed, Duck. There's work to be done, and I don't want to do your work as well as my own."

"it's 5:00 in the morning! Work doesn't start until 6:30!"

Needless to say, Diesel was a terror. That night, while Diesel was working the night shift, Duck and Oliver met in the common room.

"I CAN"T STAND DIESEL! WHY DID SIR TOPHAM HATT HAVE TO BRING HIM BACK!"

"Erm, I'm right here, Duck. No need to yell."

"Sorry, my ears are still ringing from Diesel's prank."

"You're telling me. He slipped hot sauce into my sandwich at lunch. My lips are still burning."

"Its not just us, either. Bert said he called their railway a toy railway and moved his trucks to early, causing Ballast to fall onto the track. It took the workmen hours to clean it up."

"I say we go on strike tomorrow. Say we won't work with Diesel."

"Agreed."

And they did. The next morning, they refused to prep their engines for work, leaving Diesel to work loudly and alone. The harbor was a mess. Crates were strewn about, ships were delayed, and everyone was complaining about what a bad railway it was.

Sir Topham Hatt came immediately.

"Duck and Oliver, what is the meaning of this?"

"Beg pardon, sir, but we cannot work with Diesel any longer. He's rude, selfish, and only cares about himself."

"Oliver is right, and we're not the only ones. You know what Diesel's like sir. You said you sent him packing."

Sir Topham Hatt sighed.

"I understand your frustrations, and believe me I wouldn't have sent for him if I had any other choice, but I had to give him a second chance. He was the only one The Other Railway could spare. I brought him here to help you, now you must help me."

Duck and Oliver sighed sadly and went back to work.

Diesel's behavior became worse as time went on. One day, he was shunting Ballast Trucks and wasn't watching where he was going. The buffers ahead were old and weak, and lead straight to the sea. Before anyone could warn him, Diesel's engine pushed them right through the buffers and into the water, sinking into the abyss.

The salvage crew worked hard into the night. The trucks were recovered, but the ballast was lost.

Sir Topham Hatt was cross when he heard the news.

"I gave you a second chance to prove yourself, and look what you've done. Duck and Oliver told me all about your behavior, and I am not please. I will send you and your engine back to The Other Railway with specific orders for you not to return. Duck and Oliver, do you think you can manage?"

"Oh yes sir, please sir."

"Anything is better than working with him"

Duck and Oliver quickly set back to work, while Diesel sulked away to pack his things.