Winter was on its way, but it was already very cold. While the steam engines had their hot fireboxes to keep them warm and the diesels had their warm engines, they still felt chilly as the icy wind blew.

One morning, James and Nia were taking on water. James shivered as his Fireman opened his water injector which let water from his water tank into his boiler. "Why does the water have to be so cold too?" groaned James.

"Because the water can't be heated before we take it on," said Nia.

"Then why do you never shiver when you take on more water in this weather?"

"Because I'm a tank engine. My tanks are close to my boiler and the heat from my firebox makes the water warm. Your water tank is in your tender, so there is nothing to heat the water before it goes into your boiler."

James sulked. "Well, right now, I wish I was a tank engine. Then, I wouldn't have to shiver."

"Remember, James," advised Nia, "I still have to stop for water more often because I can't carry as much water as you and the Fat Controller needs you on the Main Line." James just snorted and left the Yard.

Late that afternoon, Belle was sent to collect supplies for the Search & Rescue Centre from Vicarstown. She made good time and soon started back, but she neared Kellsthorpe Road, her Fireman checked water in her boiler. "We should stop at the Station for more water," he said.

Belle agreed, but when she stopped at the water tower, nothing happened. "The water must be frozen," said her Driver. "We'll have to go on."

As they set off again, the Fireman was concerned. "If we don't get more water soon, we'll be stranded." And he was right.

Before they could reach the next station, Belle started to feel very hot. She didn't have enough water. They damped down her fire and struggled on, but it was no good. Belle ran out of steam and came to a stop.

"Bother," sighed the Fireman, "we should've gone back to Crovan's Gate." And the Driver went to telephone for help.

James was delivering trucks bound for Brendam Docks. He stopped for more water at Crovan's Gate and the icy water made him shiver more than ever.

The Stationmaster ran up. "The water tower at Kellsthorpe Road Station is frozen and Belle has run out near the Whispering Woods. You must go and help her."

"But what about my trucks?" asked James.

"We can stop at the Rescue Centre on our way to the Docks," said his Driver, "but we must help Belle. If you're cold now, imagine how she feels without a fire."

James felt sorry at once. "Then, let's go before she freezes too." And when his water tank was full, James raced to the rescue.

Belle's fire had gone out and she was feeling very cold. Then, she heard a whistle.

"It's James!" called her Driver.

"I'm sorry to trouble you," shivered Belle.

"Never mind that," replied James. "Let's get you out of here." James was coupled behind and pushed as hard as he could.

It was hard work and James started feeling tired, but he wouldn't stop. Finally, he made it to the Search and Rescue Centre.

"Oh, thank you, James," sighed Belle. James was happy to help, but he still had to deliver his trucks and he puffed away quickly.

When James reached the Docks, he was late. "Where have you been?" snapped Cranky. "Now, the ship is delayed."

"That doesn't matter," said the Dock Manager. He had heard about the situation and understood. "You did very well, James. Now, go and get some rest."

Salty and Porter were waiting for James when he reached the Shed. They had also heard about him rescuing Belle.

"Well done, Matey," said Salty. "A Really Useful Engine braves the harshest of weather." James still felt cold, but he was very pleased with himself.

"So, James, do you still think us tank engines have it easier than you in the cold?" asked Porter.

James thought. He hadn't needed to refill on water since he left Crovan's Gate and he still managed to push Belle back to the Rescue Centre. "You know," he said, "even if I do feel chilly, sometimes being Really Useful is enough to still make you feel warm inside."