Chapter 170: The New Crane

Cranes fulfill an important role on the Island of Sodor and its railways. Whether it be loading and unloading cargo at Brendam Docks, working in construction sites, or clearing away debris after an accident, cranes are versatile and strong machines.

One day at Brendam Docks, a new railway steam crane arrived Rosie, Edward, and Spencer watched as the workman made their final preparations.

"Woah, look at the size of that thing. Its huge!"

"Well Rosie, the bigger they are the stronger they are. Why, I bet it could lift Spencer's engine easily."

Spencer snorted indignantly.

"Please, it couldn't be that strong. And even if it could, it'll just be in the way. A new fangled nonsense, that's what it is."

Rosie was puzzled.

"What's a new fangled nonsense?"

"Something that is useless and only takes up space, like that hunk of scrap. It doesn't even have an engine, meaning someone will have to waste time fetching it whenever there's an accident. At least Harvy's engine is capable of moving on its own. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a stopping passenger train to collect."

And with that he drove snootily away. The operator of the new crane waved at him.

"Hi there! My name's Rocky, what's yours?"

Spencer didn't reply, he just blew steam at him, leaving Rocky feeling hurt and wet. Edward and Rosie walked over to him.

"Are you alright, there?"

"I'm fine, but what's his problem?"

"That's Spencer, and he's like that with everybody. He's just upset that the Duke and Duchess let Sir Topham Hatt borrow him and his engine while they attend to business on the mainland. Most of the time, though, he's harmless."

"I'm Rosie, and he's Edward. What's your name?"

"I'm Rocky, operator of this fine machine. Nice to meet ya."

Just then the Harbor Master came over.

"Edward, you're to take some pipes to Vicarstown. They're rather heavy, so ypur engine will need to push from behind to make sure the chains don't snap."

"Yes sir."

"Would you like some help, Edward?"

Edward smiled and kindly shook his head.

"No thank you, Rocky. You should stay here in case you're needed. I'll see you later, Rosie."

"Bye, Edward."

Later that day, Spencer thundered furiously down the line. Sir Topham Hatt had told him to take some Coal trucks to the Waste Dump, and the smell was making his bad mood eve worse.

"Imagine the embarrassment or the Duke if he had a Private Engine that looked more black than silver. I'll need at least five wash downs to get all of the coal dust out of my engine's paint work."

Just then, he saw Edward coming down the line with his train of pipes. Spencer gasped in horror.

"Edward, look out!"

"Huh? OH NO!"

Both drivers slammed the brakes hard on. While both engines remained on the rails, Edward's pipes slid right off, blocking the tracks.

"Edward, are you alright?"

"I'm okay. What about you?"

"I'm alright, but the track is blocked!"

"I'll go call for Rocky!"

Just then, a familiar whistle was heard as Harvey and his crane engine came into view. This made Spencer smile.

"No need, Edward. Harvey, can you give us a hand, please?"

"I'll try, but it might take a while."

So Harvey set to work. But it was slow going. The pipes were so heavy that he could only lift them one at a time. Thomas and Emily came along with their own train of building supplies. Their line was blocked too, and they were most annoyed.

"At this rate, our train won't reach Miss Jenny until supper!"

"Why hasn't anyone called for Rocky yet?"

This made Spencer go red with fury.

"WE DON'T NEED THAT NEW FANGLED NONSENSE! Harvey is doing just fine, you can't rush-"

"Spencer, watch out!"

"Thomas, its not polite to- OH MY!"

In his rant, Spencer had accidentally turned off the brakes. By the time he had realized what had happened, his engine had hit a pipe and tumbled off of the rails. Spencer wasn't hurt, but he did feel rather silly. Harvey looked on in horror.

"I can't lift his engine. It's too heavy."

Spencer sighed in defeat.

"Alright, someone go call for Rocky."

Back at Brendam Docks, Rocky helping some Workmen unload some crates when Rosie drove up in a hurry.

"Rocky, come quick! There's been an accident. Spencer's engine is off the rails, and pipes are blocking the line."

"Lead the way!"

It wasn't long before Rosie and Rocky arrived on the scene. Rocky quickly got to work, rerailing Spencer's engine before helping Harvey with the pipes. In no time at all, the mess was cleared, and everyone could get back to work.

"Three cheers for Rocky! Hip hip..."

"Hooray!"

"Hip Hip..."

"Hooray!"

"Hip Hip..."

"Hooray!"

As Rosie took Rocky on home, Edward turned to Spencer with a smile on his face.

"I guess even New Fangled Nonsenses have their uses, huh Spencer?"

Spencer said nothing as his face turned a bright shade of red.