Chapter 104: Triple Header

Gordon loves taking the express, but he does find it tiring.

"Its hard work to keep the train running smoothly," he told Thomas one day in the common room, "You have to shovel coal while keeping an eye on the pressure gauge, otherwise the whole thing could explode.

"I think you're overexaggerating to make yourself feel important."

"I am important, but I'm not overexaggerating. The express is not a job to be taken lightly, dear Thomas, but I doubt you'll ever get a chance to find that out. The last time you took a mainline passenger train, you left the coaches behind."

"Are you ever going to forget that?"

"I tease because I care, Thomas."

"You sure do have a funny way of showing it."

A week later, Gordon's engine was sent to the Steamworks to have its tubes replaced. Henry took over for the express, but one morning he was to sick to get out of bed.

"Send for another engine immediately," said Sir Topham Hatt.

"There's only Thomas, sir," said the stationmaster, "But he can't manage it on his own."

"Then get Percy to help him."

"Still not enough. Maybe with Duck they could make it to Crovan's Gate, where we could get a diesel from The Other Railway to meet them."

And so, it was arranged. The three arrived at the big station, they were told of the plan, and the three backed their engines onto the train. Thomas was nearest the coaches, Duck in front of him, and Percy lead the cavalcade. It was hard going at first, but slowly but surely the heavy train set off.

"If only Gordon could see us now, guys," Thomas laughed.

"Remember, Thomas, we're only going as far as the works station."

"I know, Duck, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the run.

They couldn't go as fast as Gordon, but the passengers didn't mind. They knew that the three engine drivers were doing their best, and they had more chances to enjoy the scenery. But even so, they trip was hard going for the three. Unlike branchline or local trains, express trains don't stop at every station, meaning there is less chances to refill the engine's tanks with coal or water. Tender engines can manage just fine, since their tenders can hold enough coal and water to last until the next stop, but Thomas, Percy, and Duck found themselves having to conserve as much water as they could. Still, they managed to get through the trip with minimal issues until they reached Gordon's Hill.

They managed to get up the hill just fine, but as they reached the top Percy could feel his engine get weaker and weaker. He blew the signal to stop the train, and the cavalcade ground to a stop.

"My engine's leaking steam," he told Thomas and Duck, "I don't think it can pull the train much longer."

"We can't take it off the train," said Duck, "Just try to keep the brakes off and help in any way you can."

And so, the train started off again, but Thomas and Duck found their job to be even harder now. Percy tried to help, but his engine just didn't have the strength to pull the train.

Soon enough, the work's station was just in sight.

"We're almost there, guys. If we can just get the train a few more feet, we'll be home free."

But just before they reached the platform, Duck's engine broke down as well. Thomas knew his engine could not push the train to the platform by itself and brought it to a stop just outside the station.

A High-Speed Train took the passengers to the mainland, while Victor (i.e. The same character from the show, but he drives a standard gauge engine like his basis is in real life) brought the three engines into the Steamworks.

"You three did an excellent job," he told them kindly, "You should be proud of yourselves."

"I know I am."

All four turned to see Sir Topham Hatt.

"You three put in a good day's work," he told them, "You have proven that you really are really useful engine drivers. As a reward, you each may have the next three days off from work paid. You deserved it."

Thomas, Percy, and Duck gave a weary thank you before retiring to the common house behind the workshops. Gordon was in the kitchen, and as the three passed him he winked to Thomas. Thomas said nothing. He knew what Gordon meant.

A/N: And done. Out of all The Railway Series Books, Really Useful Engines is a favorite of mine and I'm glad I did this. I hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did. And as for who was driving The High-Speed Train, take a wild guess.

With Net Neutrality being officially repealed on Monday, I don't know what the future holds for this site and the many authors who use it. But rest assured that as long as I am able I shall continue to publish my stories here. Hopefully, net neutrality will be preserved in some way.