During his first weeks on Sodor, Lionel the Autocar had worked very hard. He had been a big help on Thomas' Branch Line and all the passengers were delighted to meet him.
One evening, Lionel and Daisy were resting together at the Sheds near Tidmouth Station when the Fat Controller arrived. "Lionel, the summer holidaymakers have been very impressed with you," he said, so I have a special job for you and Daisy tomorrow. You are to collect holidaymakers from Knapford Station and take them to Kirk Ronan and back. I want to show them how useful the two of you can be working together." Lionel and Daisy smiled. They had never been a special attraction before.
The next morning, the platform was crowded. Lots of holidaymakers had come to see Sodor's two railcars working together. Lionel and Daisy were coupled back-to-back. Daisy kindly let Lionel go in front. "Lots of holidaymakers will want to see you," she said.
At last, Lionel and Daisy had all the passengers they could carry. The Guard blew his whistle, and their journey began.
It was a splendid day. The sun shone, the sky was blue, and flowers blossomed in the fields. People gathered along the tracks and on bridges to see Lionel and Daisy roll by, cheering and waving as they passed.
The two railcars had never felt so special, but after they left Wellsworth, Daisy's engine began to feel funny. For a moment, her Driver heard a strange sound and then, it stopped. Daisy began to feel anxious, but she felt better after they climbed Gordon's Hill.
Lionel and Daisy stopped again at Maron Station. They began to set off when suddenly, Daisy's engine coughed and shuddered. Then, a cloud of black smoke billowed around her wheels. "What's happened?" coughed Daisy.
Her Driver examined her carefully. "That's torn it," he said at last. "We'll have to find someone else to take our passengers."
Daisy felt sad, but Lionel was not ready to give up. "Sir," he said, "Daisy's engine may be broken, but mine is all right. I'm sure we can still make it to Kirk Ronan."
Lionel's Driver wasn't sure. "You and Daisy may be lighter than most engines, but you're still heavier than coaches," he said. Are you sure you can do it?"
"Even if I can't, I will still try," Lionel replied confidently. After the Guard telephoned ahead to explain what was happening, Lionel whistled bravely and, with a roar from his engine, he slowly rolled out of the Station.
It wasn't easy pulling Daisy and carrying her passengers as well as his own, but Lionel was determined. People along the line had heard about what had happened and they cheered even louder than before when the two railcars passed by. "Go it, Lionel!" they cheered.
By then, Lionel was feeling very tired, but he wouldn't stop. "I can't let our passengers down," he said to himself. "I'll make it to the Station or bust."
Lots of people were waiting at Kirk Ronan and so were the Fat Controller and his family. They had also heard what had happened and they were worried.
Suddenly, everyone heard a whistle in the distance and, at last, Lionel and Daisy rolled up to the platform. "Hurray for Lionel!" cheered the passengers.
Lionel was very tired as he panted to a stop, but he couldn't have felt happier, and Daisy was very grateful.
The Fat Controller walked up. "Lionel, I am very proud of you," he said. "Thanks to your determination, you managed to bring Daisy and all of your passengers to the Station safely and you have proven yourself to be a Really Useful Engine indeed." Lionel was too worn out to answer, but he smiled brightly as his face went redder than ever.
Lionel continues to help on Thomas' Branch Line and the passengers are always pleased to see him. He and Daisy still take passengers together sometimes and Daisy will never forget the time when Lionel saved the day.