Chapter 219: Gordon Proves His Point

One morning, Gordon drove the express into Barrow-in-Furness to find the platform crowded.

"What's all this about?" He asked a porter, who was struggling to load the train with how busy it was.

"Its a railtour. These folks are headed to Carlisle, but the engine hasn't arrived yet."

Just then The Stationmaster arrived, looking rather worried.

"Just got off the phone with the sheds. 10751 has failed, and the railtour is already 10 minutes late. Gordon, could you take the railtour?"

"I'd love to, sir, but I'd need Sir Topham Hatt's permission first."

Sir Topham Hatt was all too happy to help, but had to find a replacement for Gordon's return trip. The stationmaster quickly rang telephoned the sheds.

"We need another engine for the Wild Nor Wester's return trip to Sodor. Are there any engines ready?"

"Only the High Speed Train that arrived yesterday," replied the yard master. "One of the Power Cars is faulty, but it should manage."

"Good. Tell them to be at the station at 2:00."

Phillipa, or Pip for short, and Emma were delighted to be of service. The end Power Car had a faulty cooling system, but that wouldn't stop them. They couldn't wait to visit the famous North Western Railway.

A while later, James was stopped at Crovan's Gate with a stopping train. He was about to leave when the stationmaster came up.

"The High Speed Train has failed, and The Wild Nor Wester is stuck. You'll have to push them to the next loop, then run around and pull them home."

"But what about my train? The express only stops here before Knapford, and their passengers won't want to wait at our stops."

"They'll have to live with it, I'm afraid. Off you go."

James found Pip and Emma not far from the station, examining the two failed Power Cars.

"I'm sorry, Emma. I should've had that cooling system checked while we were in London, but the idea of visiting Sodor..."

"It's alright, Pip. Look, here comes someone now."

James easily pushed the train to the next station, where he ran his engine around front to pull it around front.

"Sorry we can't help," Emma sighed, "But these are lightweight coaches, if that helps."

"That's good. Makes my job easier."

Fortunately, they experienced no further troubles on their way. And if the express passengers had any problems with the extra stops, they didn't say. But James was worried when he saw Sir Topham Hatt waiting on the platform for them.

"I'm sorry we're late sir, but as you can see..."

"Don't you worry about that, I'm just glad you're all safe and sound. Now while I make arrangements to get these lovely ladies home, do make sure they are made to feel at home."

Needless to say that wasn't a problem. While the others were a bit weary at first, they were quite pleased to find the two were nice and friendly.

"Its a good thing Gordon's away," James whispered to Molly. "He would just make a fool out of himself trying to show them up."

Molly could only giggle in agreement.

The next morning, Gordon pulled into Knapford to a chorus of cheers and whistles. Sir Topham Hatt had to wait until the noise died down before he could get a word in.

"Well done, Gordon! You are a really useful engine driver. By the way, I'm sorry for being upset about the top hat. It turns out it wasn't you that caused it, but a steward emptying out an ash tray from a window. Besides, its just a hat. I have plenty of those."

"It's alright, sir. I'm just glad to be home."

"Now, I see you've met Pip and Emma. While you were away, they took the express, but their high speed train has failed. So while Douglas takes it and them home, I want you to take their train. Show them how we do things back on Sodor!"

"With pleasure, sir."

And show them he did. With a good head of steam in the boiler, Gordon had the run of his life. On his way he passed Douglas, Pip and Emma in a siding. With a mighty "Poop, Poop!" of the whistle, he was gone. Pip and Emma watched in awe, as Gordon chuckled.

"Aye. Gordon may drive a high speed engine, but I'm the one pulling a high speed train."