I do not own Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. They are strictly the property of both the Awdry Family and Britt Allcroft, this story is purely for entertainment and not ever profit.
Episode 17: Trouble in the Shed, Original Airdate: 27th November 1984
It was a beautiful night on the Island of Sodor. Just as he had promised her earlier that day at playschool Thomas was going to tell her the story of how Percy came to work on the North Western Railway. Lucy had just had her dinner and Thomas had given her a bath.
He had just finished drying her off and was putting on her pyjamas. Lucy was giggling in excitement as it would soon be story time, Thomas noticed this and smiled. He knew full well that his daughter loved his stories.
"You excited for story time Lucy?" Thomas asked his daughter as he put on her pyjama top.
"Daddy Uncle Percy story" said Lucy excitedly.
"Well then do you want to hear it?" asked Thomas.
"Yes please" Lucy said happily.
Thomas smiled as he picked Lucy up and carried her into her bedroom. He pulled back her duvet and lay her in it before pulling the duvet over her, he then pulled up the chair and sat down in it.
"Alright Lucy here is the story of how Uncle Percy came to Sodor" Thomas told his daughter.
"Uncle Percy story" grinned an excited Lucy.
"Alright then Lucy" said Thomas as he began his story, "this began the day after Uncle Gordon and James' trouble with the turntable".
(Story Begins)
It was a bright clear day on the Island of Sodor; however, the mood that people were in wasn't. Over at Knapford station Sir Topham Hatt was in his office trying to do some work, however he couldn't due to the angry noise coming from outside.
Outside on the platform, passengers were complaining angry about something. At first Sir Topham Hatt believed that they were just in a bad mood and tried to continue with his paperwork, however eventually the noise became to much and he just gave up.
"Bother" he said in annoyance, "how can I work with all that noise outside".
Just then the stationmaster came into his office. He looked flustered.
"Hello there Harry" Sir Topham Hatt greeted him politely, "what's with all the noise out there?".
"I'm afraid there's trouble in the bunkhouse at Tidmouth Sir," said the stationmaster.
"Trouble what sort of trouble?" asked Sir Topham Hatt in confusion.
"Henry is sulking and because there's no train" the stationmaster informed him, "and because there's no one to pulling the morning train the passengers are running late, as a result they're getting angry and calling this a bad railway".
"Are they know, we'll see about that" said Sir Topham Hatt as he stood and put on his hat.
Sir Topham Hatt then left his office and headed for his car. 10 minutes later he arrived at Tidmouth sheds and sure enough Henry, Gordon and James' engines were still in their berths. Wanting to get to the bottom of this Sir Topham entered the bunkhouse, he found Henry, Gordon and James sitting at the table looking very cross.
"Come along Henry it's time for your train" Sir Topham Hatt told him.
"Henry's not going" said Gordon pompously as he stood up.
"I beg your pardon Gordon" said Sir Topham Hatt in surprise at Gordon's tone.
Normally Gordon had great respect for Sir Topham Hatt, but to have him speak to him like that was beyond strange thought Sir Topham Hatt. Gordon however firmly stood his ground.
"Our engines will not shunt like common tank engines, that was Thomas and Lady's jobs. We drive important tender engines, you will fetch our coaches Sir and we will pull them, tender engine drivers don't shunt Sir and that's that," said Gordon as Henry and James stood up as well.
"Oh, indeed we'll see about that" said Sir Topham in surprise before he looked sternly at the trio, "employees on my railway do as they are told, and no one is above shunting. Now either you three get to work right now or the three of you are fired".
Sir Topham Hatt then left the bunkhouse and headed back to his car. As he drove away Henry's expression changed from prideful to concerned, the way Sir Topham Hatt said that last bit, Henry could tell that he wasn't joking.
"Gordon do you really think this strike is a good idea?" asked Henry in concern.
"One hundred percent Henry" said Gordon prideful, "I'm so sick and tired of how we've been treated that its time that we took a stand".
"But surely talking to him would have been a better option?" asked Henry.
"I'm afraid that he probably won't listen to us Henry, I'm afraid that this was the only choice we had" said Gordon shaking his head.
"Well, I think that we should all get to Knapford station or else we can kiss our jobs goodbye" said Henry as he went to start up his engine.
Meanwhile Sir Topham Hatt was in his car.
"The yard hasn't been the same since Thomas left to run his branch line" Sir Topham Hatt said to himself sadly.
He then drove straight to Wellsworth Station, he decided that Edward would help with the shunting until he could sort things out. Edward was a kind-hearted and hardworking man who drove a tender engine like Gordon, Henry and James, but unlike them he didn't mind shunting.
As he stopped his car and hopped out, he saw Edward was shunting some trucks in the yard and had just finished. Sir Topham Hatt then walked over to him was he brought his engine to the water tower to fill up its water thanks, Edward saw his employer and smiled.
"Hello there Sir" greeted Edward politely, "may I ask what brings you here?".
"I want you to leave the trucks here and so some shunting up at Knapford for a change" said Sir Topham Hatt.
"That would be a nice change, but why do you want me to Sir?" asked Edward.
Sir Topham Hatt then explained the situation with Gordon, Henry, and James. Once he was finished Edward gave a frown.
"That is utterly ridiculous Sir" said Edward in disbelief.
"I agree with you fully Edward" said Sir Topham Hatt in agreement.
"I mean Gordon and James I understand, but Henry too" said Edward not believing Henry would participate in such a stupid thing.
"Well let's give it a few days and it probably blow over" said Sir Topham Hatt, "now hurry along now".
With that Sir Topham Hatt then went back to his car and drove off. Edward finished filling up his engines water tanks and headed off for Knapford, Sir Topham Hatt then drove to Kirk Ronan where found Lady and Burnett delivering a goods train. They had just shunted the goods into a siding when they saw Sir Topham Hatt coming up to them.
"Good morning, Sir" greeted Lady politely.
"What brings you here?" asked Burnett.
"I'm wondering if you two would like to help shunt up at Knapford for a few days?" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"That actually would be nice" said Lady, "but may I ask why?".
Sir Topham Hatt explained about the situation between Henry, Gordon and James. When he was done both Lady and Burnett were shocked by the news.
"I honestly can't how those three could be so arrogant," said a shocked Burnett.
"Especially Henry" said Lady, "I thought that he was the sensible one out of the three".
"Well, we'll worry about that later" said Sir Topham Hatt, "right now I would very much like for the two of you to head to Knapford".
"Will do Sir," said Burnett.
Sir Topham Hatt then went back to his car and headed off whilst Lady and Burnett uncouple her GWR 116 and headed off to Knapford. Thanks to both Edward and Lady, trains ran to schedule that day and the passengers stopped complaining.
However, Edward and Lady were both tried annoyed with Gordon and James' arrogance and rudeness, Thomas and Howard both later learned about what was going on and they too were shocked. Henry remained polite to his colleagues and tried to defuse things.
"Please you must understand" Henry pleaded to the others later that night in the Tidmouth bunkhouse, "Gordon says that we must stand up for our rights".
"And rights might they be?" Thomas demanded, "the right to be lazy and pompous".
"And to give the North Western Railway a bad name" added Howard sternly.
"And to speak to Sir Topham Hatt of all things" added Lady angrily.
"Have you two no shame?" Burnett asked Gordon and James.
Both Gordon and James were having their dinner when they heard the accusations. Gordon put down his fork and looked towards the four angry people.
"You four just don't understand," said Gordon.
"And what might that be Gordon?" asked Thomas.
"The three of us drive important tender engines" said James, "we have an image to maintain".
"That's right and to have us shunt our own trains well then it's just simply not done" said Gordon in a prideful tone.
"Honestly Gordon, can you and James just stop been prideful for once" said Edward angrily, "this whole tenders' engines don't shunt is just utter bullshit".
"That's right" said Lady in agreement, "if anything you three are being incredibly petty".
"Petty" splutter Gordon, "we're not being petty, we're just pointing out the facts".
"Gordon's right, not that you'd know anything blondie" said James rudely.
The word blondie made Thomas very cross, it was one thing to tease Lady. But to imply that she was a dumb blonde was something he would not tolerate, he shot straight over to James and threw his dinner to the ground.
"THOMAS WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" shouted James.
"Never ever speak to Lady like that again" spoke Thomas through clenched teeth as he grabbed James by the collar and hoisted him up.
"Thomas stop that" said Edward and Howard together as they didn't want him to do something he might regret later.
Thomas' anger cooled as he let go of James.
"I'm going to bed" said Thomas as he left the bunkhouse kitchen.
Both Lady and Howard looked at Gordon and James before following Thomas out of the room, to see if he was okay. Burnett soon followed leaving Henry, Gordon and James with Edward who looked at them angrily.
"Was that really necessary James?" asked Edward crossly.
"I'm afraid it was Edward" said Gordon, "young Lady has no idea what important image is".
"I'm afraid that your important image is nothing more then selfish pride" said Edward crossly, "and you three better watch yourselves or Sir Topham Hatt may punish you very severely".
"That's coming from a driver whose engine has black wheels" said Gordon rudely.
Edward was shocked but said no more that evening. The next morning Sir Topham Hatt arrived at Tidmouth sheds where he found Thomas, Lady, Edward, Howard and Burnett at the goods station. Edward had a sad look on his face and decided to see what the problem was, as he walked onto the goods station platform. Gordon was passed by with three green express coaches and whooshed steam at the four much to Sir Topham Hatt's shock.
"Bless me" he said, "what are noise".
"They've been doing that all morning" signed Thomas.
"Gordon and James have been going on about that whole, tender engines don't shunt shit" said Edward sadly, "and last night they said that my engine has black wheels, it doesn't Sir?".
"No Edward" Sir Topham Hatt said sternly, "your engine has smart blew wheels and I'm very proud of you".
"And tender engines do shunt Sir?" asked Lady.
"That's right Lady they do" Sir Topham Hatt then signed, "but the North Western Railway could use another tank engine".
"I agree Sir, Thomas and Lady both have their branch lines to run," said Burnett.
"That's right Burnett" said Sir Topham Hatt, "I just wish I knew where to find one".
At those words an idea flew into Thomas' head.
"You said we need another tank engine Sir?" asked Thomas.
"Yes, I did Thomas, why do you know anyone?" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"That I do Sir" smiled Thomas, "just let me make a phone call" asked Thomas.
"Go right ahead there young Thomas" smiled Sir Topham Hatt, happy that Thomas may have found a solution to their problem.
Thomas pulled out his mobile phone and dialled a number. Over on the Great Western Railway on the mainland a young man was looking over his engine, he was the same age as Thomas and had black hair. However, he wore green overalls and was slightly chubby, his engine was a green saddle tank engine that similar in build to the Avonside SS Class saddle tank engine with a yellow number 6 on its cab.
His phone started to ring as he pulled it out and answered it.
"Hello" he said.
"Hello Percy" came Thomas' voice on the other end.
"Thomas" said the young man in surprise at hearing his best friend again, "it's been nearly two years, how've you been".
"I'm there Percy, hey remember how you once said that you hoped that you would one day work on the Island of Sodor?" Thomas asked his best friend.
This news made Percy's ears perk up. Although he lied working on the Great Western Railway, working on the Island of Sodor was a lifelong dream of both his and Thomas.
"Yes, why is there a job for me there?" asked Percy excitedly.
"There sure is, I'll put Sir Topham Hatt on, and he'll explain," said Thomas.
Thomas then handed his phone to Sir Topham Hatt who then spoke to Percy about what was going on the North Western Railway. He then asked Percy if he was good at shunting trucks and coaches, Percy explained that he was.
"If I hire you, will you work hard" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"Yes Sir, I will Sir" said Percy happily, hoping that he would get the job.
Pleased Sir Topham Hatt then hired Percy right on the spot much to his joy and happiness.
A few days later Percy then packed up and left the Great Western Railway and made his way to the Island of Sodor. As he left the Great Western Railway, he passed his friend Montague who drove a green 57xx Class 0-6-0 pannier tank engine with the words G.W.R written in yellow on its sides and a yellow number 8 on the cab doors. Montague then waved his friend goodbye.
"Goodbye Percy I hope enjoy the North Western Railway" Montague called as Percy passed him.
"Thanks Montague, I actually hope that you'll be hired someday" called Percy.
"That would be nice" called Montague as Percy disappeared into the distance.
Two days later he arrived on the Island of Sodor and made his way to Tidmouth. When he arrived, he saw Sir Topham Hatt and Edward waiting for him at the Tidmouth Goods Station.
"There you are young Percy" smiled Sir Topham Hatt, "I see you've arrived safely.
"That I did Sir" said Percy happily.
Sir Topham Hatt then turned to Edward.
"Edward, I wonder if you would be so kind as to show Percy Avonside the ropes?" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"I will not let you down Sir," said Edward.
Please Sir Topham Hatt then sent both engine drives on their way. Percy was a quick leaner and soon learned everything there was, the two of them had a wonderful afternoon. The next afternoon Henry came back hissing as usual, as he passed them Percy's engine let out a big wheesh of steam.
"What the" Henry cried in fright as he ran back to the shed.
"How beautifully you wheeshed him Percy" said Edward in amazement, "my engine can't wheesh like that".
"Oh, it's nothing" said Percy modestly, "I used to have to do that on the Great Western Railway just to be heard".
The next morning Sir Topham Hatt called Henry, Gordon and James into his office saying he wanted to have a serious talk with them. Needless to say, both Gordon and James didn't feel so proud and confident now, they entered Sir Topham Hatt's office and sat themselves on the chairs in the office.
"I have had it up to hear with this arrogant behaviour" Sir Topham spoke angrily to them, "you three have caused nothing but trouble and give my railway a bad name with your tender engines don't shunt nonsense by demanding that I get your trains ready instead of you shunting them yourselves".
"Yes Sir" the three of them spoke together.
"And wanting Thomas, Lady and Edward to do your shunting for you, don't you three realize that they have branch lines to run?" Sir Topham Hatt asked angrily.
"But Sir" said Gordon nervously.
"Do not interrupt me when I'm talking Gordon" snapped Sir Topham Hatt as he turned to face, "James it's to my understanding that you called Lady a dumb blonde?".
"No Sir" said a shaking James, "I just called her a blonde, not a dumb blonde promise".
Sir Topham Hatt then turned to face Henry.
"And you Henry" said Sir Topham Hatt, "I' am surprised that you are involved in this, I honestly thought better of you. I heard from Edward that you wheeshed him and Percy".
"But Sir I didn't do out of malicious intent" said Henry, "I did it because I was pressured, you know Edward and I are good friends".
"If you two really were good friends then wouldn't have participated in this stupid strike would you" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"No Sir I wouldn't have" said Henry sadly.
Sir Topham Hatt then decided to calm his nerves for a few minutes before speaking to his three employees.
"Its quite clear that you three have become too arrogant for your own good, which is why I'm suspending you with reduced for a while until you've come to your senses and until then your engines are to remain inside of the shed, do I make myself clear" spoke Sir Topham Hatt crossly.
"Yes Sir" Henry, Gordon and James spoke pathetically.
Later he went to Tidmouth where he found Thomas, Lady, Edward, Percy, Howard and Burnett waiting for him.
"Right, you six do you know why I brought you here?" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"Yes Sir" said Thomas.
"Good" said Sir Topham Hatt, "I've suspended Henry, Gordon and James from work until they've come to their senses, which means that you'll have you manage all the work. Do you think that you could do that?" asked Sir Topham Hatt.
"We'll do our best Sir" said Lady, "after we do want to be".
"Really useful" Thomas, Lady, Edward, Percy, Howard and Burnett all said together.
Sir Topham Hatt smiled, soon he and the drivers all went their separate ways. Thomas, Howard and Edward worked the mainline, greeting each other as they passed by. Percy and Lady both worked the branch line, Howard was a little anxious about leaving Annie and Clarabel in Percy's care. However he trusted Percy and he promised to take care of them.
There were fewer trains on the North Western Railway, but the passengers didn't mind it. They all knew that the other three were being taught a valuable lesson for their behaviour. Gordon, James and Henry were miserable, they wished now that they hadn't been so silly.
"Maybe talking to Sir Topham Hatt would have been a more sensible thing to do" said Gordon sadly.
"You think" both James and Henry said annoyed.
(Story Ends)
"But don't worry Lucy" said Thomas as he finished his story, "Sir Topham Hatt soon out Uncle, Gordon, Uncle James and Uncle Henry".
Thomas saw that Lucy had fallen fast asleep. Smiling Thomas then kissed her on the forehead before turning out the light and heading out her room.
And done, I'm sorry it took so long. It was due to laziness for which I have no excuse, I promise that I will try to update on a regular basis. Please comment you do think Montague is and as always please leave a preview and as always, see you next time.