Chapter 147: Backing Signal Problems

Bill and Ben were feeling restless. They had grown bored of shunting in the yards and itched for excitement.

"I'm Boooored."

"I know, Ben. You said that five times already. You're not the only one you know."

"But there's nothing to dooooooooo."

This gave Bill and idea.

"Well, then we'll need to make something happen."

And he whispered his idea to Ben. Ben grinned and nodded.

"That's perfect! Now we just need someone to dupe."

A name came to them instantly as a familiar whistling was heard.

"Molly."

The two pretended to be in the middle of conversation as Molly walked in.

"Good morning Bill, morning Ben. What are you two chatting about?"

Bill tried to hide his knowing grin.

"Morning, Molly. Ben and I were talking about a new kind of signal they use on the main line. They're called backing signals."

Molly looked puzzled.

"Backing signals?"

"Oh yes, they're all the range on the mainland. Would you like us to explain it to you?"

Molly had never heard of them, but not wanting to look foolish, shook her head.

"No, thank you. I'm sure I'll figure it out. Goodbye."

And with that, she hurried off to begin work. Bill and Ben quietly snickered to themselves.

"She's in for it now."

"I only wish I had a camera to document this."

Later, Molly was taking some empty trucks to Thomas's Branchline when she met James. He was stopped at a signal.

"Hello, James. How are you today?"

"Well, I'd be better if this signal would hurry up and change. Otherwise, I'll be late."

Just then, the signal moved to say all clear. But instead of moving down as usual, it shot straight up. James was cross.

"Great, now this thing is busted. Just my luck."

But Molly had her own ideas.

"Lets see; down means go, up means stop, but upper still? Oh, it must be one of those backing signals!"

"Backing signals? Molly, what are you-HEY!"

Before James could stop her, Molly was already backing down the line.

"Molly, stop! What are you doing?!"

"Its a backing signal! I need to reverse!"

And she told him what Bill and Ben told her. This made James go red in the face.

"Oh, those two are always up to no good! I'm afraid they got you this time, Molly. There's no such thing as backing signals."

Molly went bright red with embarrassment. James felt sorry for her, and put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, its okay. These things happen to all of us. And trust me, Bill and Ben will get their comeuppance soon enough."

Molly felt a lot better at this.

"Thanks James."

"Now come on, looks like your line is clear."

That night, Bill and Ben teased Molly endlessly about her mistake

"I can't believe you fell for that! Crickey, you are gullible."

"Oh, I can't wait to pull more tricks on you."

"SHUT UP!"

Everyone turned to Molly in shock.

"Grow up, you two. You should be ashamed of yourselves for pulling a trick like that. Someone could've been seriously hurt."

"Well put, Molly."

Everyone turned to see Sir Topham Hatt standing with the Clay Pits Manager, Steven Stone.

"You two have caused Confusion and Delay, not to mention hurting poor Molly's feelings. If it were up to me, I'd suspend you. But I believe Steven here has jurisdiction, so I defer to him."

Bill and Ben gulped nervously as Mr. Stone stepped forward.

"Thank you, Sir Topham. As for you two, I have had it with your shenanigans. Seeing as you two are always causing trouble together, I'm separating you for the next month. Bill, since this was your idea I'm sending you to the waste dump while Boco will be keeping a close eye on you, Ben."

With that, the two men walked away as the others laughed at Bill and Ben's flustered faces. But no one laughed harder than Molly.