Conrad was an engine who had been borrowed from the Mainland to help build the North Western Railway. As he wasn't needed back immediately, the Fat Controller sent him to help build a new branch line to Arlesburgh. When services on the line stopped, Conrad was left in his shed and forgotten about. Many years passed until, quite by accident, Duck found him and the old engine was taken to the Steamworks to be repaired.
Some days later, the Fat Controller came to Tidmouth Sheds. "I have some exciting news," he said. "It has been decided that we will be reopening services to the Old Wharf near Suddery."
"Suddery has a Wharf?" asked Emily.
"It did, once," replied Edward. "Even before I came here, the tracks that would become my Branch Line ran to a Wharf near Suddery, but when the line was extended to Brendam, the Wharf closed, and a new Station was built."
"Quite right, Edward," said the Fat Controller. "The Old Wharf is now part of a Marina and once we repair the old tracks, we will be carrying passengers there."
"How wonderful," wheeshed Nia.
The Fat Controller made his way to the China Clay Works. Marion, Timothy, Bill and Ben were excited to hear the news. "Now, Bill and Ben, your Manager has agreed to let me borrow you to inspect the old tracks, but only if you behave yourselves."
"Yes, Sir," promised the engines.
The Clay Pits hadn't been very busy lately and the Twins were happy to stretch their wheels. After delivering some trucks to Wellsworth, they collected the workmen and hurried back to Suddery.
The old tracks were rusty and overgrown, but the Twins were very excited. "This is the greatest adventure we've ever had," said Bill.
"I hope we find something exciting," added Ben.
Sometimes, the Twins had to stop for the workmen to clear the tracks, but they soon reached the old Wharf where some workmen were waiting. "Almost everything's been cleared around here," said the Foreman. "We just have to check the old sheds and you engines can get to work."
The workmen took their tools and broke the lock on the shed doors. Then, they made their way inside. "…Well, I never!" cried a voice. "Everyone, come and look at this!"
Bill and Ben watched as more workmen ran into the shed. "What do you think it is?" asked Bill.
"I don't know," said Ben.
A workman appeared from the shed. "Come on, Bill and Ben. We'll need you for this."
"Whatever it is," said Bill's Driver, "it must be something big."
The Twins rolled up the old shed. "What do you see?" asked Ben.
Bill peered into the darkness. "It looks like…some dark shapes." Then, Bill's Driver turned on his lamp. "Bust my buffers!"
When the Fat Controller heard the news, he soon arrived at the Old Wharf onboard Timothy. "Oh my!" they exclaimed.
There, sitting outside the old shed, were three engines. Two of them were tank engines, one red and the other dark green, while the third was a small tender engine.
The Fat Controller could hardly believe it. He knew who these engines were. "Malcolm, Adrian, Pierce, what are you all doing here?!"
"I'm sorry, Sir," said the first engine. "We ran away."
"Don't blame Malcolm, Sir," the other tank engine cut in. "It was all my idea. We didn't want to be scrapped, and we love it here."
"I was already here, Sir," the tender engine spoke up. "When Malcolm and Adrian found me, I let them hide here."
"Settle down, you three," said the Fat Controller calmly. "I'm sure you have quite the story to tell, but for now, we must get you to the Steamworks as soon as possible."
"You mean…you're not going to scrap us?!" asked Malcolm.
"Of course not, but we will get you out of here."
Bill and Ben pulled the three engines back to the Junction where Belle was waiting to take them to the Steamworks. Everyone was very surprised to hear about the three engines and wanted to know how they got to the Old Wharf in the first place…but I mustn't tell you anymore, or I shall spoil the next story.
