Chapter 124: Its Only Snow

Christmas was fast approaching, and everyone was working hard to make the island pop. Lights and decorations covered the stations, and the refreshment

stands served hot chocolate to the customers. But with winter comes the snow, and with snow comes snow ploughs. Thomas hates his snow plough. It

doesn't fit his engine properly, and it bangs about, causing more harm than good.

One crisp winter morning, Sir Topham Hatt came to Ffarquhar Sheds.

"Heavy snow fall is expected in the next few weeks," he said, "All engine drivers must have a snow plough fitted to the front of their engine's at all times."

Thomas groaned once Sir Topham Hatt had left. Toby and Percy laughed, but Emily looked confused.

"What's wrong, Thomas?"

"Thomas is afraid of snow, that's what."

"Not funny, Percy. I hate using my engine's snow plough. It never fits properly, and the banging gives me a headache. I often worry that it'll come loose and leave me stranded."

"Yeah, and Terence won't be around to rescue you."

"That's not funny," snapped Emily, "Thomas is right to worry about that. Snow can cause all sorts of trouble, especially on the tracks."

Percy and Toby ignored her and went away laughing, but Thomas was feeling a little better.

"Thanks Emily. Those two mean well, but they don't know when they're taking a joke too far."

"Don't mention it, Thomas. Anyway, I need to go get my snow plough fitted. We still going out tonight?"

"You know it. Love you."

"I love you too."

After a quick kiss goodbye, Thomas and Emily went their separate ways.

Thomas arrived at the fitter's yard, hoping to get it over with quickly, but he was soon proven wrong.

"You're old snow plough is damaged beyond repair," said the foreman, "The stupid crane operator dropped it, and we can't fix it. You'll have to use a spare."

The new snow plough was old and rusty, and much to big for Thomas's engine. Thomas groaned nervously.

"Don't you have any others?"

"Sorry, but this all we have I'm afraid."

At long last, The snow plough had been fitted and Thomas was on his way. He stopped at the junction to pick up a special from Edward. His mood brightened

when he saw a big Christmas tree sitting on a flatbed.

"Morning, Edward. Is this my special?"

"Yes indeed. Its for the town square in Ffarquhar. Be careful with it, Thomas."

"I'll try, Edward."

Before long Thomas had coupled his engine to the flatbed and was off. The journey went well, except for the clanging of the snowplough giving Thomas a headache. They soon

reached Elsbridge, where he met Toby, who'd act as his back engine.

"I sure am glad you brought your snow plough, Thomas. My tram's cowcatchers won't be much help."

"No problem, Toby. Just leave the snow to me."

Once Toby was ready, the two set off. But neither Toby or Thomas knew that danger lay ahead. A rock on the track was buried by snow. When Thomas's snow plough hit it,

it snapped, awkwardly leaning to the side. Thomas was horrified.

"Stop, Toby, stop! My snow plough is broken."

But before they could, the plough hit a nearby water tower, smashing it to bits.

"Cinders and Ashes!"

Toby walked up sadly.

"I'm afraid we can't go any further," he told Thomas, "Without a working snow plough, its too dangerous to go ahead in the snow, and there's no one to help us."

"But the villagers need this tree. We'll just have to try."

It was hard going for them, but Thomas refused to give up. Every time they came to a snow drift, Thomas opened the throttle and pushed his engine forward, ramming through

with some difficulty. No matter how many they ran through, Thomas refused to give up, until at long last they reached the top station. All of the villagers cheered for them as

they came to a stop.

"Well done, Thomas! Well done, Toby!"

Thomas couldn't say anything. He was all out of breath.

The next day, Sir Topham Hatt sent for Thomas.

"Oh dear," he thought, "Sir Topham Hatt must be cross with me."

But to his surprise, Sir Topham Hatt was rather pleased.

"Well done, Thomas. I've heard from the villagers about your bravery, and I am most pleased with you."

Thomas breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your snow plough has been fixed, but it's been discovered that it was made for a main line engine, not a branch line engine, so I've sent it to Knapford's fitting yard. I've

ordered a new one for you that should fit much better, but it won't be here for another week. Until then, you'll just have to do without one."

Thomas just beamed.