Lots of passengers were traveling on the Fat Controller's Railway. With the Earl's new Railway Museum now open to the public, people were coming from far and wide to see it. The visitors were most impressed to see the new museum and its exhibits. They also enjoyed the extended tours on the North Western Railway.

Along the coast, Duck's Branch Line was undergoing repairs. Duck, Oliver, Donald and Douglas took it in turns to help with the work. "Ach, it doesn't feel that long ago that this line was reopened," said Donald one evening.

"Reopened?" asked Ryan.

"Yes," said Duck. "This line was closed before I came here. Back then, I shunted in the Yards at Knapford when Percy left to work on Thomas' Line."

Ryan was interested. "I wonder who worked this line before?"

"From what Edward told me, there was another tank engine who used to work here, but he helped in the Yard too when the other engines were busy. His name was Conrad."

"I wonder what happened to him," said Ryan.

"I don't think anyone remembers what happened after this line closed," sighed Douglas.

"Wherever he is, I hope he's all right."

As repairs on Duck's Line continued, restoration work was also being done at Arlesburgh Harbour; docks were being strengthened and rails were being inspected. Old sheds and warehouses also were being cleaned.

One day, Duck was asked to take some trucks to one of the old sheds. It was a part of the Harbour that was hidden away and that wasn't really used anymore. The old shed used to be a repair shed for the Branch Line and when the line was closed down, the shed was locked up and left untouched for years.

As Duck steamed into the siding, the bushes were overgrown, and the trees hung over the tracks. "Oh my," he puffed to himself, "this place really has been abandoned for a long time."

"It's a shame," said his Driver, "but at least the Fat Controller is trying to make use of it." Duck understood. The Fat Controller had asked them to inspect the shed and report back to him as soon as possible.

The workmen opened the shed doors and Duck looked inside. It was dark and very dirty.

"…Who…Who's there?"

Duck jumped. A small, tired voice had come from the darkness. "…H-hullo?" he answered.

"Over here."

The Driver switched on Duck's lamp…and everyone gasped. There, standing rather dusty in the dim light of the shed, was an engine. "Who are you?" Duck asked.

"My name is Conrad," said the engine. "I used to run this Branch Line."

"You're Conrad?!" Duck cried. "You've been here all the time?!"

Duck's Driver telephoned the Fat Controller right away, and he arrived as quickly as he could. "Conrad!" he exclaimed, "I haven't seen you for years! I thought I sent you back to the Mainland."

"No, Sir, I wasn't, but I remember my Driver and Fireman saying my line might have to close, but they hoped it would be busy again one day and I would have my more work to do. Then, one morning, they didn't arrive.

"I waited…and waited. Years went by and I thought my Branch Line had finally closed, but no one ever came looking for me. I thought I had been forgotten about."

The Fat Controller sighed. "Oh Conrad, "I am so sorry. If I knew you were still here, I would have been able to find work for you. The Railway has become very busy over years and a lot has changed…but now, I think you deserve to see all of it." He turned to the Great Western Engine. "Duck, I want you to take Conrad to the Steamworks at once."

Conrad beamed. "Oh, thank you, Sir!". He was so happy, he nearly cried.

Later that day, the Earl arrived at the Steamworks. "My!" he exclaimed, "what a find this was!"

"Well Conrad," said the Fat Controller, "I'm sure your more than ready to be Really Useful again."

"Oh yes, Sir. Will I be going back to my Branch Line?"

"Not exactly. Conrad, this is Sir Robert Norramby, the Earl of Sodor. I have told him all about you and now, he has a special job for you."

"Conrad, it has been decided that you will become a member of my Railway Museum. You can tell visitors about the old days as well as taking them on tours around my estate and Sir Topham's railway and he is more than welcome to borrow you whenever the Railway gets busy."

Conrad was almost speechless. "Thank you, Sir! This is more than I could ever hope for!"

The Fat Controller smiled. "After what happened to you, you deserve it."