Destination Films

and

Fanfiction

Present

Based on the Railway Series by the Reverent W. Awdry

and

TV Series and Movie by Britt Allcroft

Starting

Peter Fonda

Mara Wilson

Scarlett Johansson as Ms. Conductor

And

Belle the Tank Engine

"Hello, my name is Ms. Conductor, and I'm here to tell you a story about trains, folks far apart, and the magic railroad that brought them together."

On the mainline on an island off the southern coast of Britain, puffs a small LBSCR A1 'Terrier' Tank Engine, with six small wheels, a tall funnel, a short boiler and dome, and green paint.

The London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) A1 Class is an English class of 0-6-0T steam locomotive. Designed by William Stroudley, 50 members of the class were built in 1872 and between 1874 and 1880, all at Brighton Works. The class has received several nicknames, initially being known as "Rooters" by their south London crews. However, the engines were more famously known as "Terriers" on account of the distinctive 'bark' of the exhaust beat. Between 1911 and 1913 twelve A1's were re-boilered under the instruction of Douglas Earle Marsh, Stroudley's successor as CME of the LB&SCR, with another four so treated after the Great War these engines formed the A1X Class with an increased weight of 28.2 long tons (28.7 t). Other changes made during the rebuilding were the extension of the smokebox removing the smokebox 'wings', and moving the sandboxes from this same area.

This is Belle, the number one engine on the railway.

"All stories, like a railroad, has it's heroes. Like Belle, our number one hero."

"Hello!"

Belle is then seen puffing over a bridge with her three coaches, Jessie, Alice and Morgan.

"This is the Southern Isle of Britain. An island that is only similar to the Island of Sodor. It's home to the Southern Island Railway and it's fleet of engines."

A scene of the big station Homestead is seen, and engines are busy. Annie the Red Atlantic Engine was taking a train of flatbeds filled with supplies. Jack the GWR Auto Tank was taking a train of tankers down the line, passing Nicholas with a small stopping service with his faithful coach, Marry. Stevenson the Express Engine pulls out of the station with the express.

Under a bridge, John the Black Engine is seen taking a long train of goods down the line.

"I like helping out here. But the invitation of Sir Jason Eaton of course."

A bridge scene shows Stacy the Maroon Engine with a stopping service, and Jinty the LMS Engine with a Coal Train. Under the bridge, Jack and Belle pass each other, while Marty the Bus passes them, and honks a hello to them.

At Brixe Station, Stevenson is waiting for Belle. Stevenson is one of Sir Nigel Gresley's greatest locomotives to many people. He is an LNER A4 Streamlined 4-6-2 Pacific. He has silver paint, and a large number four on his Corridor Tender.

The LNER's Express Pacific designs were probably the most famous of the LNER locomotives. And of these Pacifics, the A4 is probably the most famous of all. Its distinctive streamlined casing has come to be a symbol of 1930s luxury and fascination with speed. Even today, it is an A4 which holds the world speed record for a steam locomotive.

By the 1930s, the railways were beginning to see increased competition from road and air travel. It was clear that services between the major cities had to be faster, more reliable, and more comfortable.

Also, a number of high-speed diesel trains were attracting the world's headlines. In May 1933, the German State Railways diesel-electric Fliegende Hamburger entered service, with long stretches of 85mph required by the scheduled timetable. By 1934, the US Burlington Zephyr had reached 112.5mph during a longer 1015 mile journey.

Gresley travelled on the Fliegende Hamburger and was impressed by the need for streamlining, although he realised it was only useful at the highest speeds. From this, he calculated that a streamlined and modified A3 design would be able to haul trains of eight or nine carriages at similar speeds. Both the Fliegende Hamburger and Burlington Zephyr were much smaller (2 and 3 carriage units respectively).

A series of trials were carried out, to confirm that a modified A3 design would be sufficient. During these, A1 Flying Scotsman broke 100mph, and A3 Papyrus managed average speeds almost as fast as Fliegende Hamburger but with a larger coach capacity! On this latter run, Papyrus managed to set a speed record of 108mph. With these trials under his belt, the LNER Board gave Gresley the go-ahead to create the "Silver Jubilee" streamlined trains.

The "Silver Jubilee" was designed as a complete streamlined train including streamlined coaches. These had valences between the bogies and flexible covers over the coach ends. Although this restricted their use, it maximised the streamlining effects and proved useful for publicity! The train had capacity for 198 passengers on 7 coaches: twin-articulated brake third, triple-articulated restaurant set, and a twin-articulated first class.

"Five... Six... Seven... Eight," counted Steven.

"Who do we appreciate!"

Steven looked at the opposite platform, seeing Belle pull in with her coaches.

"Practicing your numbers Steve? That's a good engine."

"I'm counting how many seconds late you are Belle," said the big silver engine, "What, does that sign say?"

Belle eyed the sign next to her.

"Southern Island Railway. Really Reliable, and Right on Time."

Steven huffed at this.

"Sorry for delays during repairs, we are making this a better railway.

"Signed, Sir Jason Dean Eaton."

"Wait, WHAT?!"

"That's what is actually says," said Belle, "See for yourself."

Steven took a quick look, and saw that it did indeed say that last part.

"Uh, so... it seems it does. But, you weren't on time, Little Belle."

"Oh please, not like I was 8 minutes or HOURS late. Tell me, does eight seconds really sound that bad compared to those?"

Steven just huffed, and looked away.

"That's what I thought. Now, please excuse me, I'm meeting Ms. Conductor. She's looking after us, while the American Controller takes a much needed holiday."

"Oh I think we can take care of ourselves," said Steven indignantly.

Just then, a rumbling was heard, and a voice yelled, "GET OUTTA MY WAY!"

Dust and Grime flew all over Belle, Steve, their coaches and passengers, as a large diesel came by. It was painted tan brown, with olive stripes on it's sides.

"Goodness!" shivered Steven, "What was that?"

"THAT," said Belle, "Is trouble. He's named Diesel 10. 10/10 for devious deeds and brutal strength. And to top it off, he hates steam engines."

"Maybe, we do need, Ms. Conductor here, after all. On time too," said Steven.