After their time on Sodor, as well as meeting the LNER P2 Thunderbolt, Shadow and Braedey came home to their railway. Once they got home, they immediately got to work with handling the workload and passenger trains, everything soon returning as normal as can be. Braedey and Shadow handled everything well, and it was a much-needed relief for the others, some of them undergoing overhauls and repairs to keep them all in tip-top shape for the 21st century.
On a casual Tuesday morning, Braedey was making his way along the mainline towards Barrow-in-Furness with his regular passenger service. He was also going to collect a goods train of supplies that are needed for a rail extension over on Sodor. The extension is outside of Wellsworth, but Braedey doesn't know what it is. He'll find out what is it when he eventually gets there.
After arriving at Barrow-in-Furness, Braedey sat by in a nearby siding, waiting for the goods train to arrive with the supplies needed for the rail extension. He sits and waits for the next ten minutes, while getting his water and coal topped up. As he waits, he then heard the rumbling of a diesel engine approaching, as well as an air horn. Braedey waited, and he saw a green diesel roll up alongside. He eyed it and saw it's a BR Class 40 diesel locomotive, one with a BR green paint, though it looks to be a few shades lighter.
"Oh, don't tell me that diesel is the same horrid one the others have mentioned..." Braedey muttered as he rolls up alongside it. But to his surprise, he saw the diesel showing a genuine smile instead of a snarky one, and the number under the cab windows shows 'D262'. "Oh. Guess I was wrong..." Braedey wondered.
"Oh, hello there. Are you the engine that's been waiting for the supplies here needed for a rail extension?" The Class 40 asked.
"Yes." Braedey answered, while staring on.
"Is there... something wrong?" The Class 40 asked to Braedey in confusion. "Is there something on my face I didn't clean off before coming here?"
"Oh! Sorry there. I'm just taken aback by memories." Braedey answered back. "I mean, I thought you were someone else."
"Oh, I understand completely. You must have been thinking about my arrogant twin brother, D261." The Class 40 realised and he introduced himself. "My name is Mack, also known as D262."
"Really? Didn't know that blowhard had a twin brother." Braedey commented, Mack laughing in response. "Hey, why don't you and I take that train together?" He offers to him. "I can show you the way."
"I'd like that, thank you." Mack thanked to the engine. "I'd also like to try and fix things between the others."
Braedey pulls up ahead and switched to Mack's line. He then coupled up ahead of the Class 40, ready to go. With a toot of Mack's horn, as well as Braedey's whistle, the two engines made their way out of Barrow and head on forth to Sodor.
"So, first time on Sodor?" Braedey asked.
"Yes. I've heard a lot about it from others, and my crew read the Railway Series books to me." Mack answered. "Well, when I say to me, I meant to their kids, and I just happened to listen in."
Braedey chuckled. "I know what you mean. My old driver and fireman told their kids the stories, and I had overheard and even saw the books and pictures."
The two share a laugh as they cross over the Vicarstown Bridge, ending up on Sudrian rails as they go onwards to Sodor.
Down not far away from Wellsworth, some workers and the works train had been set up on one of the mainline tracks. A speed limit had been allocated to this stretch of line during the rail extension, with the timetable now being adjusted to compensate with expected delays. The engines have been informed about this and they all understood, though Gordon wasn't too pleased of hearing his express would be delayed.
Mack and Braedey soon arrive at the worksite with the supplies needed. The foreman spoke to Braedey and Mack's drivers, the two engines looking to see them pointing and talking to one another, before the drivers walked back over to their engines.
"Good news. We can leave the supplies here to be handled by the workmen and The Pack." Braedey's driver explained. "We can head down to Knapford to rest up, and help out wherever we can."
"What about the others back on the J.R?" Braedey asked.
"I'm sure they'll be fine." The crimson engine's driver reassured.
"Let's get going, then." Mack called.
With that, the two engines were uncoupled from the supply train, and they head off down the mainline. As they go along, some engines were surprised to see Mack, some of them initially thinking that Bowler has come back to the island, though both Edward and BoCo were not so fast to assume so.
When they arrived at Knapford, Braedey uncoupled from Mack and pulled up alongside. As the two take a moment to rest, Thomas arrived with Annie and Clarabel alongside. They were taking workmen to the rail extension project.
"Hey, Braedey. Hello-" Thomas stopped and stared at the Class 40. "Bowler?? Is that you?"
"Thomas, this is Mack. He's actually Bowler's twin brother. See? His number is D262." Braedey introduced to the blue tank engine.
Thomas was surprised, but he then smiled. "Wow. Well, it's nice to meet you, Mack."
"You too, Thomas." Mack smiled. "Hope we get the chance to talk more. You taking those workmen to the project?"
"Yes. Percy will be collecting The Pack so they can help out with the rail extension." Thomas answered.
"That sounds good." Mack smiled.
"Who is 'The Pack', Thomas?" Braedey now asked. He had heard the name, but he didn't know who or what they are.
"Oh. They're the Sodor Construction Company, also known as The Pack. They're over at Toryreck." Thomas clarified as he whistled to depart. "They involve with work like building, demolishing and even transport." With that, the tank engine puffed away.
"I see." Braedey wondered. He looks to Mack. "Guess we'll be here for some time and meet a few new friends every now and then."
"Yes, I agree." Mack smiled back. "You take care now."
Braedey chuffed away to go and get himself refilled. Mack now goes off to try and find some work. He goes to help out with a stopping train, to the surprise of Edward, as he travels along. Mack got the chance to speak to some of the engines, explaining about who he is and about his agenda, while also apologising about his twin brother's words and what he had done.
That evening, Mack was with the engines at the sheds, the former Class 40 talking to the engines regarding about his past and about what's happened to Bowler after what happened when he was on Sodor in 1962.
"So, what did you do back on the mainland?" Henry asked to Mack.
"I worked with express passenger uses, then found a bit of work on secondary passenger and freight, mostly in places like the West Coast Main Line, East Anglia, and the Western Region." Mack explained. "I have also met a number of steam engines in my time, many of them I got along with, and they were all rather friendly."
"I guess you have gained a following." Edward said.
"That, and also been a peace talker among diesels and steam engines." Mack added. "However, other diesels aren't too pleased about me even conversing with the steam engines, saying that I'm a betrayer."
"Ah, don't let them get to you." Thomas now spoke up. "Those diesels are just being total pains in the bunker."
"Thanks, Thomas." Mack smiled back. "However, my twin brother doesn't see it my way. He still resents all things that are steam-related, regardless of what others say to him."
"He's just too stubborn in the engine block." James huffed.
"You have no idea, James." Mack agreed. "I mean, he just can't take the hint that steam engines will always have its place here in the 21st century. Class of engines like him have fallen out of favour years ago." He added.
"True. Our class or engine might be out of action, but people like us for the way we are." Gordon agreed with Mack.
Just then, Mack saw Peter, the LMS 2-8-0 8F steaming by with a late night goods train. The others watch him go, knowing he'll be gone for most of the night, and all the while, Mack watched on in curiosity and such.
"Was that Peter?" Mack asked.
"Yes. He's our heavy goods engine. He and I, as well as Murdoch, Neville, even James, Edward, and others, we all handle the goods and freight across Sodor." Henry explained to him. "Maybe you can help us out?"
"I'd be honoured to help out." Mack answered back. "Anything to do to make your railway better."
Just then, Braedey's driver walked up after talking to a hard foreman. "Looks like we're getting an early start for tomorrow, big guy. We'll be going to Toryreck to collect The Pack for the extension project."
"Toryreck? But isn't that on Thomas' branchline?" Braedey questioned. "I thought engines around my size or even bigger can't run on those branchline tracks."
"Not all of it. There is the Loop Line where we can go along on Thomas' branchline, and it connects with the mainline." Edward clarified to the crimson locomotive.
The Loop Line is part of the mainline and Thomas' branchline. Sometimes, local trains are diverted along Thomas' branchline from Knapford. The double track on his line of the branch before Elsbridge allows other engines to pass Thomas without either having to wait at a passing loop. Gordon was once switched onto the Loop Line by mistake, and had to go around and back to Knapford. Sometimes, engines who come from here were delayed at Elsbridge for connecting with Thomas. The stations on the Loop Line are Knapford, Dryaw, Toryreck, Elsbridge, Tidmouth, and Lower Tidmouth.
"Oh, I see. That makes more sense now." Braedey understood. "Guess I'll see The Pack tomorrow, then."
"They'd be happy to see you." Thomas added in.
Eventually, everyone had fallen asleep, Henry having left to take the Flying Kipper. As the others sleep, Mack looked at the engines while they sleep. He was excited about working alongside the NWR engines.
The next morning, Braedey woke up early, and he made his way to the shunting yards. As he got some well-wagons ready, he saw Thomas going past him with both Annie and Clarabel coupled behind him. The blue tank engine whistled to Braedey, the crimson locomotive whistling back in response. As Thomas left, Braedey heads down Thomas' branchline to Toryreck, and arrives at the Sodor Construction Company's yard, where he can see The Pack getting ready to move out.
Among those who are being set up are Jack, Alfie, Kelly, and Ned. Byron, Nelson, Oliver, Max and Monty have already left to Wellsworth to get started before the others arrive.
Jack is the front loader. He is a Nuffield tractor with an added front loader arm with bucket. Jack is painted red with the top half of his cab and his wheels painted cream. He has the number 11 painted in cream on his sides.
Alfie is a little green excavator, and friend of Jack. He is a 1960 K1C10 excavator, painted green with the number #12 painted on his sides, and on the back of his cab in white.
Kelly is a crane truck. He is an Austin K6 lorry, built with a mobile crane body. Built from 1942, according to Royal Air Force order, these lorries were used by the British land forces during World War 2. Kelly is in navy blue with red lining and a cream crane arm. His wheels are navy blue with red lining. He has the number "17" painted on his sides in cream.
Ned is a steam shovel machine. He is an Erie Type B Steam Shovel sharing features with a Thew Type O Steam Shovel (early 20th Century). Ned is painted two-tone orange with a grey roof and bucket, and a brown arm and chassis. The number "19" and the words "Sodor Construction Company" are painted on his sides in yellow.
"Alright, everyone. You'll be going to meet up with the others down at Wellsworth." Miss Jenny, the owner of the S.D.C, informs to her team of construction vehicles. "Do your best out there, and always remember to work together."
"Yes, ma'am." The construction vehicles respond, and they make their way onto the well-wagons to get strapped down and ready for departure.
Miss Jenny now walked over to Braedey. "Ah, Braedey. Right on time."
"Thank you, Ma'am." Braedey smiled back.
"Now, you'd best make your journey quick. This job can only be done when everyone works together." Miss Jenny said to the crimson engine.
"Yes, ma'am." Braedey acknowledged. He looked to the four construction vehicles. "Good to meet you all." He greeted them as the workers get The Pack chained down and ready for transport. "So, what is this project about, exactly?" He asked, just as they get underway.
"They're planning on a rail extension near Wellsworth." Jack called out.
"It'll help engines coming and going from Brendam to go onto the mainline without having to run around their trains at either Knapford or Wellsworth." Kelly added.
"I see. Sounds like a plan." Braedey commented back as they go down the line. 'That'll make trains efficient.' He thought to himself. 'On top of that, engines leaving Brendam to get on the mainline can take this junction, and trains that take the mainline from Vicarstown bound for Brendam can take this new junction. Without it, trains heading from Wellsworth to Brendam would have to stop at Edward's station, engines having to turn around and head the right away, which could make the train late or delay it.'
Eventually, Braedey arrived on the scene where work on the new worksite for the rail extension. The Pack were unloaded from the well-wagons, and they all soon got to work with the project, alongside their other members Nelson the Scammell 15LA ballast tractor, Oliver the big excavator, Max and Monty the 1949 Scammell Mountaineer 4-wheel drive dump trucks, and Byron the Caterpillar bulldozer.
Braedey watched as The Pack worked together, all of them moving the earth, getting trees cleared out of the way in a caring and gentle manner, while also prepping the ground for the ballast that'll carry the double track. He was curious, then he'd take away the trucks loaded with rubble, and he'd come back with more trucks.
But as Braedey was about to take another set of trucks, he heard a familiar horn of a diesel. He looked over to see Mack rolling up. "Mack? What's going on?"
"Just thought I'd come along to help you out. I'll take over for you for the time being." Mack now smiled back to him. A workman then walked up to the Class 40. "Is there something wrong?" Mack asked.
"Just need you to move the cranes into the right place for us." The workman answered, Mack smiling and he rolls forward to couple up to the cranes.
"You take care of yourself now." Mack said to Braedey, the crimson steam locomotive whistling in response as he leaves the worksite, leaving Mack to go ahead and help out The Pack with the construction.
"I'm glad to see Mack. He's much better than Bowler." Braedey said to himself as he chuffed along down the mainline back towards Knapford.
Throughout the week, Mack had helped out with some local passenger trains around Sodor, even the goods. Many of the engines got along with the Class 40, Mack also getting along with them, and Mack even offered to double-head some trains. They all thanked Mack very much for his assistance and hard work.
"Have to say, Mack is a big help." Henry now said to the others, he and the others down at the shunting yards to get their next trains ready.
"I agree. Even though I don't particularly get along with diesels, Mack, BoCo, Mavis, and Salty are the definite exception." Gordon admitted.
"That's something I never thought you'd say." James laughed, Gordon giving him a raised eyebrow. "What?"
"Well, I thank you for your kind words." Mack called as he rolled into view. "Have to say, you engines are the best kind in the world."
"Thanks so much." Henry smiled.
Just then, Sir Topham Hatt walked up. "Mack, just the engine I needed to see."
"Hey, sir. What brings you here to see me?" Mack asks in curiosity.
"I've gotten word from Miss Jenny and The Pack that the construction progress of the new junction is now complete." Sir Topham explains to the Class 40 diesel. "However, we require an engine to traverse these new rails with a fully-loaded train, just to see if they'll be able to hold against the rigours of hard work."
"You wish for me to take that train, sir?" Mack asked.
"Of course. A test train will be awaiting you at Brendam Docks for you to take." Sir Topham nodded his head. "Best you get going so we can get that new line open. Once you make it through the new section of line, you can stop before Gordon's Hill. I'll be seeing you there." Mack toots his horn in response, and goes off to the docks. Sir Topham waved his hat over to the diesel as he departs from the shunting yards.
Mack soon arrived at the docks while going down Edward's branchline to start with. He now collected the heavy goods, and began to make his way back down the line once again, the heavy freight wagons rolling behind him. As he does so, he travels along at the speed limit, passing through Suddery, now coming up to the new junction, branching off towards the right.
"Here we go..." Mack said to himself.
The Class 40 rolls onto the new section of track, going on through the forest along the new line. In fact, it only took him three minutes until he reached the mainline and switched onto it, making his way to Gordon's Hill, now coming to a smooth stop with a hiss of his brakes.
"Have to say, those tracks felt nice under my wheels." Mack commented to the workmen as he looks to them. "The others will definitely like these new rails and get a good kick out of them."
"After final examination of this test, the railway board will send forth their report." Sir Topham informed to Mack, the Class 40 smiling in response. "Great work, Mack."
After that, Mack returned to Tidmouth Sheds to tell the others about the good news regarding the new section of track. They were all curious and felt these new rails, and after hearing Mack tell them what those new rails will do, on top of the fact they'll be able to make time with the turn arounds at Wellsworth and get in and out of Brendam much faster than before.
A little later, Sir Topham now arrived at the sheds with good news. "Everyone. I now have great news from the railway board. The new junction for Brendam and the mainline is officially open." He announced, the engines all whistling or blowing their horns in response. "Now, any trains going to Brendam from Knapford will take the main junction, but those coming from the other side of Gordon's Hill will take the new junction to Brendam." He informed to them.
"That is all for now. Braedey and Mack." Sir Topham looked to the two engines he called out. "I've gotten word from your controllers, and wish for both of you to come back to your homes tomorrow morning. We thank you for what you've done here, and hope to see either one of you again."
"Thank you, Sir Topham. And thank you, everyone." Mack thanked to the other engines. "I've enjoyed my time here, and hope one day, I get the chance to come back here."
"And thanks for having me here as well." Braedey smiled. The engines of the North Western Railway blew their whistles in chorus, all happy for their friends and hoping for a safe journey home.
By the next morning, both Mack and Braedey soon left the sheds and travelled off down the mainline forth to get to Barrow-in-Furness on the mainland. They pass by the new junction, just as they saw Peter and Richard pass by on the new track with goods trains coming and going from Brendam. To both Mack and Braedey, they can both agree the new junction will be worth it.
Eventually, the two parted ways when they arrived at Barrow-in-Furness, Mack hoping one they they'll cross paths soon, and Braedey wishing Mack a safe journey home. With that, the two left and head on for home, the Class 40 smiling to himself happily as he travels forth, Braedey going back onto familiar rails as he goes onto the tracks leading to the Josephine Railway.