Chapter 203: Trouble on the Line

The Museum people worked hard, and by the time they were done the bufferbeam had been straightened and a new buffer was bolted on. It wasn't long before Thomas's engine was as good as new, much to his relief.

"I don't think the visitors would like it very much if my engine was stuck in the workshops the whole time," he told Emily as they waited for their ride to the hotel.

"Indeed," giggle Emily, "That wouldn't do very well at all."

"I can't wait to reach our hotel room," Annie commented, "All that traveling has worn me out."

"Me too," agreed Clarabel, "I wonder where our transport is."

They weren't left waiting long, however, as a small car pulled into the station yard. A man about Thomas's age with brown-green streaked hair poked his head out the driver window.

"You guys the party from Sodor?"

"We sure are."

"Well hop in, I'll take you to your hotel. I'm with the Museum, name's Arnold. No need for introductions, I already know who you are."

And so, the four climbed into the car, Thomas taking the front passenger seat while the girls crammed into the back. On the way to their hotel, they chatted with Arnold. It turned out he was an engine driver who drove the trains down the demonstration lines, as well as gave tours around the site on foot.

"Well, here we are. Everything should be set up for you guys by tomorrow afternoon, so I hope you're ready for a long day of work."

"Oh, don't worry. We will be!"

The very next day, the four of them got up early, had breakfast and went back to the site. Things were still be set up, so they decided to explore the Museum while they waited. First, they went to the Library.

"Look, Thomas! The Thin Clergyman's books are here too."

"Well, what do you know? I guess we are part of the Museum after all."

After that, they went to the workshops to see which engines were busy being restored. Arnold was there and showed them his favorite, a LNER V2 named Green Arrow.

"Wow, a LNER V2! I wonder if Gordon know one of his engine's cousins still exist?"

"I'm sure it will put a smile on his face."

At last, everything was ready and they headed for the demonstration lines. There was three of them, and their engine was on the center track. To their left was a narrower set of tracks, and to their right was a wider set of tracks. On this broader set sat the Iron Duke replica, whose driver explained everything.

"This track size was referred to as Broad Gauge," explained the tour guide, "The Great Western Railway used this up to 100 years ago."

"Wow," breathed Annie, "Do you think Duck knows about Broad Gauge?"

"Maybe," Clarabel giggled, "But if he doesn't, then it'd be nice to teach him a thing or two about the Great Western Way."

Thomas and Emily spent the whole afternoon traveling up and down the line with the tourists.

"Sure is a nice change of pace from the branchline," Thomas said, to which Emily agreed.

The next day was the same, but trouble lay ahead. A careless onlooker had not been paying attention to what he was doing, and carelessly tossed his lunch bag onto the track and went off somewhere else. By the time they had seen it, it was too late. With a loud BANG! The bag exploded, causing everyone to jump in alarm. Luckily, no one was hurt, but they were badly shaken. One child who had been right at the front was crying hysterically.

"Mommy, I don't want to ride this train anymore! Its scary!"

The mother consoled her crying child before turning to Thomas and Emily.

"Shame on you for scaring a defenseless child! I'll be speaking to the manager about this!"

Thomas and Emily groaned in despair. They weren't looking forward to that conversation. But to their amazement, the manager had an understanding look on his face.

"We're sorry, sir. We didn't mean to..."

"Its alright, you two. I've spoken to the woman, and while she's not coming back I've managed to prevent her from making a fool out of herself in court. And the person responsible has been fined for littering."

Thomas and Emily breathed a sigh of relief.

"Besides, this does prove on thing."

"What's that?"

"No engine can stop at once!"