By morning, the storm was over and when the engines woke up, they didn't see much damage. "It seems the branch line is clear," said the Manager, "so we can carry on as usual."
Thomas and Brooke collected the coaches and started off. The rails were clear, but some trees had been blown down and a building had been damaged. Then, they arrived at the harbour…and the yard was in a dreadful muddle, and they were stopped before they could reach the station.
Thomas' Driver saw a workman by the line. "What's happened?" he asked.
"There's been a landslide on the Main Line. The ground must have been weakened by the storm last night. Now, engines and goods are stuck in the yard and the passengers can't get to their stations."
"This is terrible," said Brooke. "How can anyone get through now?"
…Suddenly, Thomas had the answer. "THAT'S IT!" he cried.
"What's 'it?'?" asked the workman.
"Sir, why don't you send the passengers and goods down Brooke and Swan's line?! Their tracks are still clear."
"Of course," Brooke beamed. "Sir, that could work. Our track may not be strong enough for heavier engines and it may take longer to get everyone and everything to their destinations, but they can still get through."
"What a good idea, Thomas," said Brooke's Driver and he left to speak to the Harbour Master.
As soon as their line was clear, Thomas and Brooke took their coaches to the station. Thomas was uncoupled and went to help sort the trucks. It took some time, but at last, Thomas was ready to leave with the first train.
"Mr. Wayneright is sending Swan to help too," said the Harbour Master, "so we'll have some extra help."
"That's good," wheeshed Thomas. He was already starting to feel tired.
Thomas set off back down the branch line. The trucks were heavy, but he kept on puffing. It wasn't long before Swan passed with the morning goods. "Go it, Thomas!" she whistled.
Thomas smiled. "Swan's bigger and stronger than either of us," he panted. "That will be a big help."
Thomas was right. Before Brooke was due to leave, Swan was away with a very long line of trucks and the platform was crowded as everything started moving again. There were so many passengers that Brooke needed an extra coach and at the other end of the line, the Manager sent Thomas to help her.
The branch wasn't as fast as the Main Line, but the passengers didn't mind. They knew engines were doing their best. Some of the Main Line engines were light enough to go on Brooke and Swan's line and that meant more coaches and trucks could be moved at once.
The engines were busy all day and when they got back to the sheds, they were worn out. "I've never shunted so many trains before," Ferris panted.
"This is the busiest Swan and I have been for a long time," wheezed Brooke.
"Even I'm tired," said Swan. "I must be out of practice."
The Manager arrived. "Well done, all of you," he said. "The Harbour Master is very proud of us; we have saved him a lot of bother today. I have heard that the landslide has been cleared, but the tracks have been damaged. That means we will be busy again tomorrow, so please get some rest."
"Yes, Sir," sighed the engines and they fell asleep at once.
The next day, the branch line was busier than ever. Engines rumbled and roared, coaches swayed and swerved and trucks rattled and clattered.
Thomas and Brooke were on their way back to the yard station with their coaches when suddenly…Thomas blew off steam loudly and the train ground to a halt. "What's wrong?" asked Brooke.
"I think something's broken," wheeshed Thomas.
"You're right," said his Driver. "You've burst a steampipe, Thomas."
Brooke was worried. "But I can't push Thomas and pull the train myself. What can we do now?"
"We phone for help," replied the Driver and he made his way to the farm nearby.
Back at the yard, Ferris was still shunting when a porter ran up. "Leave those trucks, please, Ferris," he said. "Thomas and Brooke are in trouble and need your help."
Ferris was surprised. "But I can't pull trains. I'm too small."
"No choice, I'm afraid. You're the only engine available and we can't keep the passengers waiting."
So, Ferris took on more fuel and set off as fast as he could. It wasn't long before he found Thomas and Brooke stranded.
"Ferris," said Thomas, "what are you doing here."
"The station porter sent me to help."
"Well, do your best, Ferris," said Brooke and the little diesel was coupled in front.
When everyone was ready, Ferris pulled as hard as he could while Brooke pushed behind Thomas with the coaches following behind. Thomas felt sorry for his friends. Luckily, he still had steam and did his best to help.
The three engines struggled slowly along the line, but they were relieved when they reached the station. The Manager apologized to the passengers for being late, but they cheered for the engines and their Crews for their valiant effort.