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Chapter 49: Saved From Scrap

One day Edward was taking some trucks to Crock's Scrap Yard. The scrap yard is a dreary place where old machinery is cut up and loaded into cars where Edward takes it to the smelters to be melted down and used again.

"Morning, Reg," Edward called as he pulled into the yard. Reg is the crane operator at the yard, and a good friend of Edward's.

"Morning, Edward," Reg called from his cab, "It's going to be a minute or two. Lots of old parts that need to get there."

Edward didn't mind, however and decided to stretch his legs. As he walked around the yard, he noticed someone he hadn't seen before. He was standing next to a rusty old traction engine, and was looking rather sad.

"Hello, there," Edward said as he strolled up next to him, "You don't appear to work here. What seems to be the matter?"

"My name's Trevor," said the man, "And this is, or was, the traction engine I used to drive. They're going to cut it up next week. I'd buy it, but without a job I can't afford it."

"What a shame," Edward said kindly.

"All she really needs is some fresh paint and some polish," said Trevor, "But the yard manager wants to get rid of it as soon as possible. Says no one will buy such an outdated piece of machinery."

"People say that my engine is too old to be useful," said Edward, "But I don't pay any mind. Sir Topham Hatt says that it is really useful, and so am I. What is it that you did?"

"My employer would send us from farm to farm helping the farmers with their harvest," Trevor said, "We did everything from threshing corn to hauling logs, and anything else that you can think of. Children loved to see us, and with permission I gave them rides in a cart."

Trevor smiled happily.

"That was always my favorite thing," he said, "Seeing their bright smiles and making their day. Sadly, my employer passed away and none of his kin had any interest in keeping this engine running, so it was sold to this scrap yard, and I was out of a job. I've tried looking everywhere, but no one seems to be hiring."

With that Trevor started to cry. Edward felt sorry for him.

"I'll try to see if anyone will buy it and hire you," he told Trevor.

"Alright, Edward, all ready to go," Reg called, and with that Edward walked back to his engine and left.

Edward thought long and hard, but could think of no one who needed a traction engine, nor anyone who needed any help.

"If only there was someone who could help out," he thought sadly. Then, just as he pulled into the next station, it hit him.

"Of course," he thought to himself, "Why didn't I think of it sooner?"

There, standing on the platform next to his children, was the Vicar of Wellsworth.

"Hello, Edward," the vicar said kindly, "You seem to be distressed about something. What's the matter?"

Edward told him about Trevor.

"Please, sir," he begged, "He's a hard worker, and his engine is very versatile."

"Hmm," the vicar said thoughtfully, "We'll see. Tell you what, I'll come over on Saturday for a demonstration. I can't promise anything, though."

Edward smiled and drove out of the station.

On Saturday afternoon Edward had a break and decided to go and watch. He found Trevor in the same place as before.

"Good news, Trevor," he said excitedly, "The vicar of Wellsworth is coming. If your engine works hard, he just might buy it and hire you."

Trevor brightened up immediately.

"Do you think he will?" he asked hopefully.

"He will once we've lit its fire and cleaned it up."

It took a lot of hard work, but by that evening they had it looking good as new. The Vicar arrived shortly thereafter.

"Show your paces, Trevor," he said.

Trevor drove it around the yard, showing as many of its capabilities as he could. An hour later the vicar came out of the manager's office holding a piece of paper.

"Good news, Trevor," he said excitedly, "I managed to get it cheap. I now own the engine, and I am more than happy to hire you to operate it. I have a guest house at the orchard that you are more than welcome to stay in.

Trevor just beamed.

Now whenever Edward passes the orchard he sees Trevor cheerfully driving his traction engine around the yard, doing whatever work needs done. But his favorite day is the church fair, where he gives rides to the children. And at night he snuggles deeply into the covers of his new home, happy with his new life.