Marcus and Kenneth are best friends. They like to work together whenever they can. Sometimes, their jobs take them to different places, but they still see each other at the end of the day to talk about their adventures.

One morning, Marcus woke up late. He had been very busy during the night and the Tall Controller had let him get some rest. After taking on more coal and water, Marcus made his way to Whitehaven Yard. When he arrived, he was surprised to see…small houses being loaded onto flatbeds.

"Ah, Marcus, you're awake," said the Yard Master. "Perfect timing."

"Good morning, Sir," yawned Marcus. "What's going on?"

"These new beach houses are going to Silverdale. Some lorries were delivering them, but the roads are blocked, so the Tall Controller wants us to help."

Marcus looked at the beach houses. "But…they're so tall and wide. Won't that be dangerous?"

"It will be a tricky job," the Yard Master agreed. "That's why we need an engine up front and behind to deliver each house and the supplies that's needed."

"Is Kenneth helping too?"

"He is. I've already sent him off with Tracy."

"But what about me?" Marcus asked. "When Kenneth and I are on the same job, we like to work together."

"I know, but I heard you were up late last night. The Tall Controller didn't think you would be able to help."

Marcus was disappointed. "What am I going to do now?"

"You and Nathan are to deliver the last beach house," the Yard Master replied.

"That's right," honked Nathan, "and you can be my back engine."

Marcus sighed as he buffered up behind. "Now," said the Yard Master, "these houses are very heavy, which is why you will be working together and Marcus, because this load is so big, you must keep an eye out when passing though low and narrow spaces and remember, you must be very careful."

"Yes, Sir," said the engines and they were off.


Nathan was enjoying their smooth journey, but Marcus still felt sad. Suddenly, he heard Kenneth's whistle in the distance. "It's Kenneth and Tracy," he called. "Come on, we can catch up to them." And he started to speed up.

"Woah, Marcus, slow down," cried Nathan. Then…he saw the bend ahead. "Brakes, Marcus! Sharp bend!"

The two engines applied their brakes and managed to slow down just in time. "Phew," sighed Marcus, "that was close."

"Yes…but it was a little exciting, but remember, we have to be careful."

"You're right."

Nathan could tell his friend was sad. "Is something wrong, Marcus?"

"I was just thinking about Kenneth."

"We're all going to Silverdale. You two can talk when we get there."

"But when we can work together, we always do," Marcus puffed.

Nathan smiled. "I understand. You and Kenneth spend so much time together that it feels strange when you're apart, but didn't Thomas and Duck say that their friends, Donald and Douglas, have felt the same way before?"

Marcus thought "…Yes, they did say that, and Donald and Douglas are twins, so it could've felt worse for them."

"I wouldn't be surprised if Bill and Ben have felt the same way before too."

Marcus felt better. "Thank you, Nathan."

"That's alright, that's what friends are for."


Then, they came to the last hill before Silverdale. "Do you think we can make it?" asked Marcus.

"We can if we go a little faster," replied Nathan.

"Let's charge it!" Marcus' pistons pumped and Nathan's engine roared.

Then there was trouble.

Nathan's coupling creaked and groaned. Then…it snapped. "Woah!" cried Marcus. His Driver quickly shut off steam and applied the brakes as they slid back down the hill.

"Hold on, Marcus!" called Nathan as he raced along behind.


The load was so heavy, Marcus' wheels kept sliding along the rails. Nathan's engine growled loudly as he chased after him. He honked loudly to the Signalman, who sent him onto a loop siding. He raced passed Marcus and back onto his line.

Nathan's Driver eased him off and Marcus gave him a bump. Their brakes screeched and sparks flew…but at last, they came to a stop.

Are you alright, Marcus?" asked Nathan.

"I think so. What a ride."

"Yes, that was scary."

Suddenly, the two engines burst out laughing. "That was scary!" Marcus gasped.

"And very exciting!" added Nathan.

"It was certainly a surprise."

"Yes, indeed."


The two friends quickly went back to work, but at the loop siding, they swapped jobs. Marcus led the way while Nathan pushed from behind. They both agreed they should've done that from the start and had another good laugh and it wasn't long before they arrived at the Beach.

As the beach houses were being unloaded, Kenneth pulled up. "Marcus, you're awake. If I knew you would be at the Yard so soon, I would've waited for you."

"That's alright," said Marcus happily. "Nathan and I had a great time too."

"It was very exciting," added Nathan.

"But I'm glad we still got to see the houses being unloaded together."

"I'd love to hear about it," Kenneth grinned.

"That can wait until later," chuckled the Foreman. "It's time for you all to leave for your next jobs."

And the three friends set off once more.