Chapter 142: Thomas and Stepeny

Thomas loves his Branchline very much, and wouldn't want to be anywhere else. He thinks its the pride of the North Western Railway, and talks endlessly about it. This annoys his co-workers greatly.

"I swear he's as bad as Duck and his Great Western Railway."

"No, he's worse. At least Duck is capable of talking about other things. All Thomas ever does is talk about how great his Branchline is."

"Oh, come off it, you two. Thomas worked hard and deserved that Branchline. Remember how he rescued you after your accident, James?"

James just snorted off. He didn't like anyone bringing up his past accidents.

One day, Thomas stopped at a signal. Percy was there, and he saw his chance to boast.

"Morning, Percy. Lovely day to be on the Branchline isn't it?"

"Uh, yes Thomas."

Percy wasn't in the mood to listen to Thomas's boasting, but Thomas wouldn't take a hint.

"My Branchline is the pride of the whole island. Maybe the whole United Kingdom!"

"Well, um, its just that-"

Thomas was starting to get impatient.

"But what, Percy? Out with it!"

"Well, there are other famous lines, not just yours. Have you heard about The Bluebell Railway?"

"In passing."

"Well, its a famous preservation line in England, and one of their engine drivers is coming to visit. His name is Stepney, named after the first engine

the railway saved."

"When?"

"Pretty soon, from what I heard. Oh, there's my signal. I must be going. Bye, Thomas."

And Percy drove off quickly, leaving Thomas spluttering in confusion.

(East Sussex, England)

Stepney does enjoy working on the Bluebell Railway. He loves seeing the sights, and most of all the rail enthusiasts who keep interest in steam

alive. But his line isn't very long, and he does wish to see the world.

One day at the top station he was speaking to fellow driver Primrose about it.

"I do love working here, I do. But it is rather short, and I long for a good run."

Primrose nodded her head sympathetically.

"Maybe you should talk to Mr. Holden? I'm sure he could arrange a rail tour for you or something."

Taking her advice, he talked to the president later that night, whom to his surprise agreed with him.

"I'll tell you what, I was planning a trip to the North Western Railway in a month. I'll arrange with Sir Topham Hatt to work there during our stay, if you'd like."

Stepney was excited.

"Oh, yes sir!"

"Good, but keep this on the down low. I don't want the others getting jealous, especially Captain Baxter. You know how bad he can be."

"Yes sir, I will sir."

A month had passed, and all of the engine drivers were waiting at the big station in excitement. The whole yard was decorated for the occasion, with a large banner

reading "Welcome Bluebell Railway" hanging from the canopy.

"Is he here yet? I can't see."

"SSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHH!"

Just then, an unfamiliar whistle sounded from down the line, and before long, Stepeny drove his engine into the station, a train of three coaches following them.

Mr. Holden stepped out of the first coach to shake Sir Topham Hatt's hand.

"Sir Topham, good to see you!"

"Same here, Bernard. Welcome to the North Western Railway."

A chorus of cheers and whistles erupted, leaving Stepney blushing bright red.

"Thank you all for such a nice welcome. It feels lovely to meet new friends."

Thomas, however, growled in silence.

"He's not so special. Who does he think he is?"

He was feeling much better that evening though as he got ready to leave with his evening train. But just as he was about to leave, an alarm sounded, making him, his

passengers, and the guard jump in fright.

"Good heavens, what was that!"

Just then, the stationmaster came up.

"Sorry, Thomas, but the signalman just told me we need to clear the line for a special. Move your train on to the siding."

Thomas grumbled dreadfully, but oblidged. It wasn't long before he heard a familiar whistle.

"Oh no. Please don't tell me that's who I think it is."

But it was. Stepney drove his engine round the corner, pulling a special coach. He whistled to Thomas as he passed, but Thomas was too cross to reply. All of the passengers on the platform cheered as Stepeny passed, but Thomas scowled to himself.

"Shunted! On my own Branchline! The nerve!"

He was still cross the next morning as he sat in the common room, brewing some tea.

"Push me off to a siding, will he? Why I oughta... next time I see him I'll give him a piece of my mind, I will..."

Stepney entered. He saw Thomas was upset and tried to make amends.

"Hey, Thomas. Im sorry about last night. You see, an important passenger arrived last minute and demanded a special train. I wanted to wait until you had left, but he insisted on leaving right away. It was a nice run, but..."

Thomas smiled a little, feeling better.

"But it can be nerve wracking if you don't know the line, especially at night."

"Exactly," Stepeny smiled meekly, "You are an expert. Sir Topham Hatt is lucky to have someone like you working for him."

The two of them spent the rest of the morning before work telling stories, and before long were good friends.