Chapter 130: Jock
"Do you know what I think?" Bert asked one evening over dinner.
"I wasn't aware that you could. Learn something new every day."
"Its not like you do much thinking either, Mike."
Rex laughed while Mike fumed. Bert continued his train of thought.
"Something is going on in the workshop."
"Like work?"
Bert just rolled his eyes while Mike and Rex laughed.
"I think that the men are building something. While I was waiting for my train yesterday, I caught a peek inside. It wasn't much, but there was something on the floor inside. It looked like a boiler."
Mike and Rex stared unimpressed.
"Really? That's your big hunch?"
"Its just a spare for our engines, I'll bet."
"There has to be more to it than that. There were wheels as well. I think..."
He glanced around before leaning in dramatically.
"...They're building a new engine. My fitter said he heard a rumor, and it would certainly make sense."
All three looked hopeful. When The Small Controller arrived the next morning, they decided to ask him.
"Are the men building a new engine."
The Small Controller gaped in shock.
"How did you find out? I told everyone to keep it under wraps."
"My fitter mentioned a rumor about it."
The Small Controller shook his head.
"Old Ivan never could keep a secret. Yes, we are building a new engine. Its supposed to make the work load lighter for your engines. After all, if any of
them fail we'll be in trouble. And Bert, once its completed we'll be sending your engine away for a complete overhaul. Once its complete she'll run like
new."
The three engine drivers smiled, before something dawned on Mike.
"Pardon me, sir, but who will drive it? Have you hired anyone yet?"
The Small Controller shook his head.
"No, I'm afraid not. I've been conducting interviews, but no one has the experience or mechanical know how to operate it. But don't worry, I'm sure I'll
find somebody."
But even by the day the new engine was ready for tests a candidate had not been chosen. Mike, Bert, and Rex had some free time and decided to watch.
The new engine sat on a turntable, bright yellow paint gleaming in the sunshine. A workmen was on the table as well, giving it a final polish.
"What a weird looking engine," remarked Mike, "look at the square-top dome."
"I'm with you," agreed Rex, "And look at the awful yellow color."
"Oh, come on you, two," sighed Bert, "What's wrong with yellow? I happen to like it."
The workmen turned to the three and smiled.
"So do I. If it were up to me, it would keep it, but the foreman says its just an undercoat. We'll put the real coat of paint on after all of the tests are
complete. I'm Jock by the way."
"Nice to meet you, Jock. I'm Bert, that there is Mike, and he's Rex."
Before long, the tests were well underway. At first, everything went smoothly. But all of a sudden, large bursts of steam shot out from the cylinders, hiding the engine
from sight.
"What's wrong?" Shouted The Small Controller.
Before anyone could stop him, Jock sprinted into the cab and got to work. He quickly shut off steam, then began tinkering with the engine. After he was done, he turned to The
Small Controller.
"Cracked safety valve. It must have hit the floor when we were building it. It wasn't bad at first, but the stress of these tests widened it. Shouldn't be a hard fix."
The Small Controller gaped in awe.
"How do you know so much about steam engines?"
"My father used to work on a small railway on the mainland. Taught me everything I know, and I became a workmen at the works to continue his legacy. Its been my dream
to one day drive one."
The Small Controller smiled broadly.
"Well, I think we can make that happen. How would you like to drive her? We'll have to give you some training, of course, but you're clearly capable."
Jock couldn't believe it.
"Y-Yes Please, sir. I would love that. Can we keep the yellow paint, though? I quite like it."
"I don't see why not. Ladies and Gentleman, lets hear it for Jock, our newest engine driver!"
Everyone cheered, except Jock, who just smiled sheepishly.