After about a week in the workshop, Thomas soon got some new axles and brakes, and he now felt better than new. Still, he was given light work in the yards and small passenger runs around the Josephine Railway. Thankfully, Jane and the other small engines helped out the LBSCR E2 tank engine whenever they can, and Thomas thanked them greatly for it.
On a calm Autumn morning, Braedey had been called in to the National Railway Museum in York, the GWR 4900 locomotive been asked by special recommendation from the museum director to be part of a GWR event, the museum showcasing many locomotives and rolling stock from the Great Western Railway from the years the GWR operated. It means that Braedey will be gone for a few days or weeks. As a result of their heavy express locomotive being gone for the next few days, Mr. Franklin had to go and outsource for another engine to take Braedey's place. He had attempted to try and get Shadow, Madeline, or another engine that's familiar to the railway, but to no avail. He had to get a different engine to help out. He soon informed to the engines that the new engine will be arriving by the next morning.
At the sheds, all the engines were settling down after getting the news of what happened, but they were now thinking about the engine, all the while concerned about which engine it could be.
"I just hope that this engine is friendly." Diana said to the others.
"If this engine is anything like Croghan or even that black shunter diesel Thomas talked about, we'd best be ready for any rude comments." Max added in. "If he does, I'm gonna bash into him so hard, he'll go from a water-cooled diesel into an air-cooled one."
"I'm gonna keep my distance if this engine is nothing but trouble." Liliana muttered to herself.
The engines won't know who the locomotive might be until tomorrow morning.
The next morning, Jane and Thomas were both now getting the first trains of the day for the other engines ready to go. Thomas offered to help out, and Jane thanked him for the assistance. The two E2 engines worked together like they've done this all before, and they got all of the trains ready for later in the morning. For the others to watch the two E2 tank engines work together and be so happy, it was nice, especially when they think about Thomas' situation. Seeing him with Jane, in a sense his youngest sibling or relative, it was nice to see them be so happy.
As they finished up arranging the trains, Thomas and Jane now heard the sound of a whistle in the distance, and the chugging of an approaching locomotive. The two tank engines waited patiently for the engine to arrive, as they heard the sound of hissing steam and brakes screeching. They looked to see the locomotive over by the signal box, sitting at a red signal.
The locomotive is an LNER B12, or originally known as a GER Class S69 4-6-0 locomotive. This engine is painted in LNER apple green livery with yellow linings, the number 3 in yellow on the cab sides, and the letters LNER in yellow on his tender.
The Great Eastern Railway (GER) Class S69, and known as 1500 Class, and later classified B12 by the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) is a class of 4-6-0 steam locomotive designed to haul express passenger trains from London Liverpool Street station along the Great Eastern Main Line. Seventy-one S69 locomotives were built between 1911 and 1921 and numbered 1500–1570. Fifty-one of these were built at the GER's Stratford Works and the remaining 20 by William Beardmore and Company. A further 10 locomotives were built by Beyer, Peacock and Company for the LNER in 1928.
Jane eyed the green B12 locomotive with a suspicious expression, not feeling like she could trust this engine. Thomas, however, he felt a bad feeling going through his boiler and firebox about this engine. Slowly, he chuffed out of the yards without anyone even noticing his departure.
Jane decided to take the first move and she chuffed up towards the B12 locomotive, just as Mr. Franklin walked up to the locomotive. "Hello. I'm Jane. What's your name?" The E2 engine began.
"I am Alfred, as in Alfred Jovington of the London & North Western Railway." The B12 locomotive said with pride in his voice.
"Just to be clear, Alfred, you are only here to do what you're told." Mr. Franklin said to Alfred in a stern tone of voice, as the man walked up from nearby. "You are to only operate how I decide so. For now, you are to go top yourself up with coal and water, and I'll have another engine get a train ready for you."
"Very well, sir." Alfred replied snidely, and with a snort of steam at Jane for no reason whatsoever, he puffed off to the water tower and coal bunker nearby.
Jane spluttered and coughed, then narrowed her eyes at the departing B12 locomotive. 'He's gonna cause some trouble later.' She thought, then realised that Thomas wasn't with her. 'Wonder where he went?' With that, she headed off to try and find Thomas.
Jane managed to find Thomas sitting in a lone shed nearby. She asked to the blue LB E2 engine why he left, and he hesitantly explained to Jane about the situation, which was a shocker to Jane as Thomas told her about the situation with Alfred.
Alfred was built around 1911, originally for the Great Eastern Railway, was later named after Alfred Jovington of the LNER and arrived on Sodor in 1922, along with Henry, who was in his old shape between a GNR Class A1 and a GNR C1 Atlantic, and another engine called Crovan (87546), who seemed to resemble a LBSCR H2 Class but with a 4-6-0 wheel configuration, also resembling a GNR Class C1/C2 with modifications, and as well as an LNER B4. Alfred and Crovan were very rude and nasty to Henry, treating him very horribly mainly because of his flawed design. The two were also rude to the other engines, even calling Edward an old kettle, and Alfred would even bump Thomas about or berate him for his work or for no apparent reason. After rescuing Crovan, who ran out of water since he was too impatient to take on more, Henry became the number 3 of the NWR, which angered Alfred and Crovan greatly. Out of anger, Alfred viciously insulted the other engines, which made the Fat Controller scold him severely for insulting the engines and tell him he was a disgrace to the man he was named after. Angered by this, Alfred became determined to prove his worth and show him the "ways of the LNER". The next day, he tried to do this by speeding down the rails recklessly at high speed with his passenger train, racing through the station and into the harbour, but it caused him to crash into a line of vans, come off the rails and crash into a building. As a result of this accident, it was clear to the Fat Controller that Alfred's name and LNER heritage had made him rather arrogant and impertinent. So, to resolve this, he had Alfred repainted to NWR blue like Thomas and Edward and had his name withdrawn to number 98462 in order to "prevent disgracing Sir Jovington". When Gordon arrived in 1923, Alfred believed he could be redeemed. He tried to manipulate Gordon and lied to him by making up his reason why his name and LNER apple green livery were removed, but this didn't work out after the engines told Gordon about Alfred's arrogant and horrid nature later that evening. The next day, when Gordon was tasked taking the first high-speed express service to Vicarstown, he confronted Alfred with what the other engines had told him and once again, Alfred tried to manipulate Gordon. When Gordon returned to Knapford, Alfred spitefully mocked Gordon for his 100mph achievement on his express run, only to be silenced by the Fat Controller. When he made Gordon the number 4 engine, Alfred crossly said the Fat Controller would give him and Crovan the next numbers, but the Fat Controller sternly made it firm and clear to him they would only earn those numbers if they behaved, which they hadn't, and they had been nothing but trouble ever since the day they arrived on Sodor. After that, in the year 1925, The Fat Controller finally decided to send Alfred back to the LNER on the mainland in disgrace, finally realising that nothing was ever going to make him change his vile ways in the slightest no matter what. After that, nobody has heard of Alfred since that day... until now.
"Whoa..." Was all Jane could say.
"Yes. When he left the island, it was a relief for all of us." Thomas agreed with Jane. "I can't trust that big engine, no matter what. He insulted me and my friends back in the 1920's, and he just causes nothing but trouble. I'll send a message to the others." Thomas said to Jane, now chugging off to go and find the others, Jane going to get the trains ready to go.
"Good idea." Jane called.
Jane headed over to collect two red/white coaches, coupling up to them, and she began to pull them to the station platform. She slowly made their way towards the station, coming to a smooth stop with a hiss. Just as she was uncoupled from the coaches, Alfred suddenly reversed in and he bumped into the coaches, which bumped into Jane.
"Hey! Be careful with these coaches, Alfred." Jane called out.
"Oh, don't worry so much about it." Alfred scoffed back at her. "I know what I am doing." He then chuffed away as he pulled the coaches along. Jane huffed, and she pulled away to arrange some more trucks.
Throughout the day, Alfred has been going along at speed around the railway, pulling coaches and trucks. However, the coaches weren't too happy with being bumped like they were trucks, much to theirs and the passengers' frustration. Alfred stayed clear of trucks and freight, to the annoyance of the other engines, for them having to take the extra weight.
This was going to be a long and stressful time for the engines on the Josephine Railway.
Meanwhile, at the National Railway Museum in York, Braedey was enjoying himself with many people taking their pictures with him, Braedey telling his backstory to those who asked, as well as allowing kids to sit on his footplate or in his cab to look around at his gauges and controls.
"My, my. You really are friendly with kids." A voice spoke up. Braedey looked to see one of the Rocket replica locomotives smiling to him. "How do you do it?"
"Oh, I've been around young ones back on my railway. You just have to take your time and be patient with them." Braedey replied casually.
"I must say, though." Duchess of Hamilton spoke up, getting Braedey's attention. "After hearing what have you been through, you deserve the freedom you have on your railway."
"Thank you, dear Duchess." Braedey thanked.
"And hearing you travel from your own railway to Sodor, it made me think back to when I first travelled to that railway years ago." A voice then spoke up.
Braedey looked to the turntable, and to his surprise, he saw one of the most famous steam engines sitting by. It was none other than Flying Scotsman, or Scott, an LNER Class A3 4-6-2 '4472' steam engine, the engine who holds the record for being the first locomotive to officially run at over 100mph. Flying Scotsman is in LNER apple green with black and white lining, black frames with red lining, red-backed nameplates and crests on the sides of his cab. His former company's initials, LNER, (first) and his number 4472 (second) is painted on the sides of his tenders in yellow. This livery is of a variation of the apple green livery.
Flying Scotsman is an A1 (later A3) Pacific built on the 23rd of February, 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster Works, to a design by Sir Nigel Gresley. In 1928, he pulled the LNER's first non-stop 'Flying Scotsman' service from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Central, equipped with a specially-built corridor tender allowing his crew to be changed mid-journey. Flying Scotsman set two world records for steam traction, becoming the first steam locomotive to be authenticated at reaching 100 miles per hour (160.9km/h) on 30th November 1934. While in preservation, he later set a record for the longest non-stop run done by a steam locomotive, where he ran 422 miles (679km) on 8th August 1989 during his tour of Australia. Now, Flying Scotsman is owned by the National Railway Museum, and he would occasionally haul mainline railtours and visiting heritage railways across the United Kingdom.
"Well, well, well. The legendary Flying Scotsman himself..." Braedey smiled to the locomotive. "An honour to be within your presence."
"Please, Scott is more than enough." The LNER A3 engine clarified to him. "And it is a pleasure to meet you as well."
"Very well. So, what was that you said about going to Sodor years ago?" Braedey asked to Scott.
Back in 1967, Flying Scotsman had gone over to Sodor to cheer up his only surviving brother of their LNER class, Gordon. He had two tenders at the time he arrived, causing Henry to feel jealous. During his visit, he got on well with most of the Fat Controller's engines and took charge of "the Limited" in place of Bear when Henry rescued both him and D199 when both diesels failed. After his visit, Flying Scotsman left with his owner when the Fat Controller announced that steam engines will still be at work on the North Western Railway.
"Wow. That's something else." Braedey noted about what Scott just told him. "Well, you and Gordon are lucky to be around to talk to one another."
"Of course." Scott nodded. "It also makes me think of that engine from Australia... what was its name or number?" He grumbled in exasperation. "Well, isn't that embarrassing. I can't remember the engine."
"Wasn't it 3801?" Mallard then asked, the other engines looking to the A4 Pacific with bewilderment.
"How did you know that, Mallard?" Scott asked with a raised eyebrow to the LNER A4 Pacific.
"The museum curator told me that locomotive is back in steam." Mallard explained to them all.
3801 (Thirty-eight o-one) is Australia's best known and most widely travelled steam locomotive operated by the New South Wales Government Railway. The streamlined locomotive was designed to haul express trains such as the Newcastle Flyer and Melbourne Limited for the NSWGR. 3801 is the only steam locomotive to visit every mainland state and territory in Australia. During its preservation career, it was operated by the non-profit organisation 3801 Limited until the company's 20-year lease on the locomotive expired on 26 November 2006. The locomotive then returned to the custody of the NSW Rail Transport Museum where it performed for the public on rail tours.
Built in 1943 by Clyde Engineering, 3801 was the first of 30 38 Class locomotives built to haul express trains, replacing the 36 class on these premium workings. 3801 - 3805 were built in Sydney by Clyde Engineering to a streamlined design, whilst the other 25 locos in the class were built by the NSWGR and unstreamlined. 3801 was the first engine completed late 1942 and entered service in January 1943 to little fanfare. It became known at the time as the "Grey Nurse" due to its drab, all grey colour scheme - a wartime economy. In early 1947, 3801 was given a heavy overhaul and was painted in its colour scheme of green with yellow lining. A Waratah emblem was added to the top of the nose cone in later years. In 1955, 3801 was overhauled again, painted black with red lining as a cost-cutting measure. It's around this time diesel locomotives started appearing on NSW rails. These would take the "glamour workings" away from the 38 class, who'd be confined to all-stations passenger and goods trains. In December 1956, 3801 was the first in its class to reach 1,000,000 miles (1,600,000km) of service. In 1960, the 38 class were transferred from Eveleigh to Broadmeadow sheds to reflect their decreased importance and in 1962, 3801 was slated for withdrawal. A "final run" was organised in September 1962. However, 3801 continued working into December. In early 1963, 3801 was given an overhaul, returned to green paint and service. 3801 was used on special services operated by railway heritage organisations, the most famous being a non-stop run from Sydney to Newcastle on 28 June 1964. Just failing to break the 2-hour barrier, this remains the fastest journey from Sydney to Newcastle by rail (2 hours 1 minute 51 seconds). On the return journey, 3801 again fell short of the two-hour mark. In October 1965, the locomotive was found to have boiler problems, so was withdrawn and placed in the care of the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum. The museum contributed 18,000 to return 3801 to service and the boiler from 3819 was fitted.
In October 1966, 3801 returned to service, but the following year boiler problems reemerged, and the loco was withdrawn. Another boiler exam gave the loco a reprieve and allowed it to return to service. During this time, it operated a train celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Newcastle Flyer on 31 May 1969, as well as the Western Endeavour special across the continent to Perth between 22 August and 12 September 1970. From the end of April 1974, all steam trains were barred from NSW rails, but during June and July of that year, 3801 was allowed back to be used as the star of the award-winning film A Steam Train Passes. After this, 3801 was deeded to the Rail Transport Museum and called upon to help transport exhibits when the museum forced to move to from Enfield to Thirlmere. 3801 hauled "dead" (not in steam) engines 5711 & 1905, three carriages and a brake van. The engine was then used on tours until December 1976, when boiler problems forced it to be a static exhibit. In November 1980, David Hill, Chief Executive of the NSW State Rail Authority (now RailCorp) enquired about the suitability of restoring 3801. Hill had the 1988 Bicentenary of British settlement in Australia in mind and saw a restored 3801 as a representative of Australia's railways. The boiler was the major item repair and an investigation needed to be carried out to ascertain if restoration was viable. A visit made to the South Maitland Railways (at the time still used steam engines) to learn about modern boiler techniques. It was discovered many advances had been made and it's possible to return boilers to service which previously would've been scrapped. The next step was to examine the boilers of other preserved 38 class engines - 3820 and 3830 (though 3813 survived, it was stripped and in two separate locations) - and compare them with 3801's boiler. It was decided to use the boiler in 3801, but the inner firebox had suffered thermal fractures and would need extensive repairs. Restoration was deemed possible and a fund-raising appeal began. With some finance raised, 3801 was taken to Newcastle for restoration by the Hunter Valley Training Company - an apprenticeship scheme involved in the restoration of 3830. This was due to the railway's workshops being stretched by regular work. The firebox was to be completely replaced, but the dies and jigs used to press the boiler metal had been scrapped, so the old firebox was used as a template. The new firebox had a different shape, reducing the boiler pressure to 215psi. It's decided to weld the new firebox and some conservative engineers were skeptical as to whether this'll work. Repairs and reconditioning of other components were carried out. The tender tank was so rusted, it needed to be replaced. The new tank was welded rather than riveted and resulted in a sleek, plain tender. On 8 November 1986, a fire was lit for the first time. By 10 November, 3801 was running around nearby sidings. More short trials followed and on 15 November, 3801 was handed over and hauled a train to Maitland. More trial runs followed and on 19 November 1986, 3801 headed from Newcastle to a grand ball on the concourse of Sydney's Central Station.
Since restoration 3801 has crossed the continent for the second time, visited Australia's "red centre" and run with LNER 4472 Flying Scotsman. 3801 was restored for Australia's Bicentenary so it was the natural choice to lead the Bicentennial Train. This train visited every capital accessible by rail (Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne) in 1988. During 1988-89, LNER 4472 Flying Scotsman visited Australia and 3801 joined it on many trips including a number of doubleheaders. In 1992, 3801 visited the "red centre" - Alice Springs - for the first time, using the standard gauge track laid in 1980. 3801 is also a regular at the Hunter Valley Steamfest where the loco travels to Newcastle, Paterson, Singleton, Branxton or Dungog. Despite a campaign by 3801 Limited to retain custodianship of the locomotive, on 26 November 2006, the custodianship passed back to the New South Wales Rail Transport Museum (who 3801 Ltd had leased it from for 20 years). The locomotive hauled day trips and longer excursions with the NSWRTM throughout 2007.
"...And ever since that day, that Australian locomotive has undergone many restorations and overhauls, and now, it is back in full steam once again, performing rail tours all around the state of New South Wales, and is considered one of the most famous in Australia." Mallard finished up.
"Wow. That engine has been running since the 40's, and has been given second chances to live a new life." Braedey said in amazement. "It's just like most of us, whether it be running in service, or being preserved."
Braedey then thought about his friends back on his railway. 'I wonder how they're doing now.' He thought to himself.
That evening, back on the Josephine Railway, the engines were all having an indignation meeting in the sheds regarding Alfred and his behaviour, as well as his work ethic.
"This Alfred has caused nothing but trouble ever since he arrived here." Jane began the meeting. "He bumps the coaches like they're trucks, gives no concern about other engines, and he doesn't even pull his weight."
"I agree." Max spoke up. "I told him that he needed to take a goods train out to Barrow-in-Furness earlier in the day, but he just blew steam at me, called me a little generator on wheels, and he just left me to do the heavy work."
"Same here." Austin agreed with Max.
"He didn't bother to take the tourist train, and I had to abandon my duties to pick up his slack." Belle added.
"He even called me an old relic." Diana included. "And that really hurt my feelings."
"And Alfred even called me a tiny toy train." Liliana sighed in exasperation. "Talk about an insult."
"Alfred is like a déjà vu of Croghan, except he is horrid, rude and spiteful." Thomas spoke next. "We must find a way to get rid of him, or maybe get him in trouble."
"Yeah. It's to get rid of him, is what we'd be wanting and bring Braedey back." Diana agreed with them. "But how do we do it?"
Nobody answered her question. They were all lost in their own thoughts as to what they can do with Alfred, or have a plan to try and sabotage the LNER B12. They all had to try to think of something, but to make sure that Alfred doesn't get wind of it. Finally, the engines soon opted to do what little work they can, so Alfred will have no choice but to pick up the slack and do the jobs.
Over the rest of the week, the Josephine Railway engines began to put their plan into action. Austin and Max worked like normally at the coal yards, but when Alfred would appear, they'd act like they're suffering from either piston problems or engine issues, so Alfred would have to do some shunting, to his frustration and annoyance. He also had to deal with other trains such as shifting goods and moving coaches, but he would do a bad job of it. Liliana, Jane, Thomas, and Diana would also act like they were feeling unwell, much to Alfred's annoyance and frustration, as he had to work in their place.
Throughout the week, Alfred's actions have been closely monitored by Mr. Franklin, as well as getting the attention of others. He even got phone calls from angry folks, much to his concern, but he knew it was because of Alfred, so Mr. Franklin had to make a phone call to the owners of the LNER B12, so he could tell them his review about Alfred, and get his locomotive back.
Back at the N.R.M (National Railway Museum), the engines in the museum were once again having their pictures taken, told their stories to people, and even answering questions to those who asked. Braedey, meanwhile, he's having his paint waxed and polished to make him look cleaner and shinier than before, like he just rolled off the production line.
"By the way, I'd like to ask this question: did you always have that crimson red paint you have on now?" Truro now asked to Braedey, getting the latter's attention.
"No. I got this red paint when I was bought by the Josephine Railway. I was originally in GWR green, then wartime black, then to GWR green, until I decided to have my crimson red repaint." Braedey clarified. "Sure, I didn't mind the green of the GWR, but I rather prefer red over green. It makes me feel special."
"I see, and I respect your decision." Truro understood.
Just then, the museum curator walked up to Braedey, although he seemed concerned. "Braedey. News just came in from your owner on the Josephine Railway. He wants you to come back at once." He said to him.
Braedey now looked concerned and serious. "Very well. Sorry, everyone, but I've got to go." He said to them, his crew getting him fired up and ready to go.
"Goodbye! Take care!" Many engines called out, as the crimson red GWR 4900 locomotive steamed out of the museum onto the mainline.
It took some time for Braedey to get from York to Barrow-in-Furness, and since most steam engines are banned from running on the mainline in Britain, so he had to get permission to travel on them. He got over to Barrow-in-Furness, where he saw some goods trains in the sidings for his railway, but nobody was collecting them. So, Braedey headed off down the line to go and see what's happened.
When he arrived at the main station on the Josephine Railway, he was in for a shock by what he could see: the yard was in a mess. Coaches were blocking the tracks, trucks were strewn about with their loads fallen out, and people were all complaining about what a bad railway this was.
"What in the name of Sir Nigel Gresley himself is going on around here?" Braedey now demanded with a loud tone of voice, everyone looking over to him with wide eyes. They didn't even know Braedey came back.
"It was because of Alfred." Liliana puffed up next to Braedey, getting his attention. "Ever since you left, he's been causing all manner of trouble. He's been shirking his responsibilities and not taking up the goods, leaving us to take the extra loads. He's also called us bad names and such." She huffed in exasperation.
Braedey decided he should confront this Alfred, and give him what for. He and Liliana now began to shunt the trucks and coaches back into their proper sidings and their allocated positions, people taking note and they were relieved to see Braedey back on the railway. After about half-an-hour, the yard was back to the way it was: everything arranged and cleaned up.
After that, Braedey headed off to go and find Alfred. He made his way out of the shunting yards as Liliana left to tell Mr. Franklin the news. The crimson GWR 4900 engine soon found the green LNER B12 sitting in a siding nearby with a smirk on his face.
"You!" Braedey stormed up, wheeshing steam at Alfred. "So you're the Alfred the others have spoken to me about."
"And what of it?" Alfred huffed, not intimidated by the red GWR locomotive. To him, he considered any engine that's not an LNER-based engine like him inferior.
"You have caused nothing but trouble for my railway and my friends, and I really don't take too kindly to that." Braedey fumed, just as Mr. Franklin began to walk up to the two tender engines. "I'd have half a mind to take your wheels away, and leave you to the side to be a stationary boiler-"
"That'll be enough, Braedey." Mr. Franklin walked over to Alfred with a stern expression. "Alfred. After seeing your performance here on my railway, I am sending you back to your railway and owners, and not requesting you back here."
Alfred scoffed in exasperation. It seems like nobody took him seriously or understood his feelings. After that, and a quick phone call to his own managers about what had happened, the green LNER B12 soon left the Josephine Railway for good, not to be seen or heard from again.
About an hour later, a deep LNER whistle echoed out, the engines in the shunting yards stopping in confusion and wondering who owned that whistle. Braedey, on the other hand, smiled as he knew that sound. Then, Gordon steamed into view, coming to a gentle stop just at the platform.
"Gordon. Well, this is a rather interesting surprise." Braedey greeted, chuffing up with Thomas and Jane by his side. "What brings you out here?" He asked.
"Oh, hello there, you three." Gordon greeted warmly. He took note of Jane. "My, this is rather interesting. Another E2 tank engine..."
"I've heard about you, Gordon." Jane said calmly. "A big blue engine with a bit of an ego, but you mean well. I'm Jane." Gordon was surprised by Jane's maturity, but he smiled to her.
"And as for why I'm here..." Gordon began, just as a familiar stout gentleman walked up next to the blue LNER A0. "Well, Sir Topham will tell you."
"Braedey. Pleasure to see you again." Sir Topham greeted with a tip of his hat. "I trust you had a good time at the National Railway Museum?" He asked.
"Yes, sir. I did. I even got to see Flying Scotsman there, too." Braedey replied, Gordon smiling at the mention of his brother. "So, what brings you and Gordon here to our railway, sir?" Braedey asked, just as Mr. Franklin walked out of his office to see what's going on.
"Well, I've come here to bring back Thomas." Sir Topham explained, Thomas steaming up. "Ah, Thomas. I'm glad to see you're alright. And I see you've been given some new parts." He noted.
"Yes, sir. I have, and I'd like to thank Mr. Franklin and his engines for helping me." Thomas said to Braedey and Mr. Franklin with a smile.
"Well, you'll have a lot to tell us about when we get back home." Gordon said, now buffering up to the blue tank engine. "Percy and Toby have been wondering where you've gone for the last few days.
"Yeah. Sorry about that." Thomas apologised.
"No. I should be sorry." Anna now chuffed up, everyone looking to her. "I was the one who dragged Thomas away without my knowledge. I'm at fault here."
"Anna. It's alright. That accident wasn't your fault." Sir Topham spoke up, the crimson LSWR Class T14 locomotive looking at him with some surprise in her eyes. "It was just a combination of bad luck and an error in judgement." He reassured her.
"And I forgive you, Anna." Thomas added, his crew now coupling him up to Gordon. "It wasn't your fault."
"Sir Topham, your No.1 tank engine Thomas has been a big help here on the railway." Mr. Franklin said to the stout gentleman, the two shaking hands. "Hope one of us could do an exchange of sorts in the future."
"I'd like that." Sir Topham tipped his hat to Mr. Franklin before stepping into Gordon's cab. "Hope to hear from you soon."
With that, Gordon and Thomas blew their whistles, and the two blue engines puffed off down the line, leaving the Josephine Railway, and heading off back to Sodor. It was sad for Jane to see Thomas go, but she knew he has a home and family who need him, and she does too.
After all of that, life returned to normal on the Josephine Railway, Braedey back on his regular passenger and freight services, Anna now back taking the Josephine Flyer train, the others glad to have their red engines feeling themselves again.