It was a sunny morning on the Mainland. At Whitehaven Sheds, all the engines were asleep…except Marcus. He was so excited, he was up bright and early.

When the others finally woke up, Marcus could hardly contain his excitement. "This is so exciting. I can't wait!" he puffed.

"Wait for what?" yawned Nathan.

"The new space exhibit at the Eskdale Museum! There will be space suits, moon rocks and even a space rocket!"

"That is exciting," agreed Tracy.

"I heard that space rockets are so fast," added Kana. "Even faster than me."

When the engines arrived at the Shunting Yard, they looked around for the rocket, but there was nothing tall anywhere.

"Oh no!" Kenneth suddenly cried, "the rocket fell apart!" Everyone looked to see a lot of shiny rocket parts loaded on flatbeds.

"It's alright, Kenneth," said the Tall Controller. "It's not a real rocket. It's a big model for the Museum that looks just like the real thing."

"Well, even if it's not real," said Marcus, "it still looks exciting."

"It is, and these pieces must get to the Museum before it can open."

Marcus was happy to help deliver the display to the Museum…until he saw what his delivery was. It wasn't very big and didn't look very exciting. "What is this?" he asked.

"That's the generator," the Tall Controller answered. "It's what powers the exhibit to make it work."

"But I wanted to carry something exciting."

"It's still very important," said his Driver.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled overhead. "And you'd better hurry," the Tall Controller added. "The Museum can't open until everything is ready. The rocket must be finished before the storm comes or all the visitors will have to go home."

"Right away, Sir," whistled Tracy.

Marcus was disappointed as the other engines set to work, but as he took on more water, an idea flew into his funnel. "Maybe my friends need some help. I can help get the rocket done faster before it rains." And before his Driver could check him, Marcus raced out of the Yard.

First, Marcus found Tracy waiting at a signal. Tracy was one of the smallest engines on the railway and he was sure she could use some help.

"That load looks heavy, Tracy," said Marcus. "Do you need any help?"

"Don't worry, Marcus," replied Tracy. "I'll manage."

Then, Marcus saw Kenneth. He was pulling the model satellite. "This is…heavier than it looks," he panted.

"Do you need any help, Kenneth?" Marcus asked.

"No, I can do it, but where's your generator?"

"Bust my buffers!" cried Marcus. "I must have left it in the Yard!" And he raced away as fast as his pistons would pump.

"Hurry, Marcus!" called Kenneth.

Then there was trouble.

Marcus was puffing as fast as he could…until he saw Nathan. A tree had fallen across the line and Loni was helping to clear it. "Are you alright, Nathan?"

"No, I had to stop so quickly that I damaged my brakes."

"Marcus, can you take Nathan's load while I take him back to the Repair Shed?" asked Loni.

Marcus was excited, but he saw how sad Nathan looked. "Of course, I can, but I can do better than that. I can take Nathan back after the delivery, so he doesn't miss the opening of the new exhibit."

Loni agreed and Nathan was very grateful. It was hard work pulling Nathan as well as his train, but Marcus wouldn't stop.

At the Museum, the sky was getting darker. Finally, Marcus puffed in with Nathan and his load.

"You made it!" whistled Kenneth, "and you got to deliver something exciting after all.

"And now, the new exhibit can open," added Marcus.

"Not quite," said the Curator. "We're still missing the generator."

"The generator!" cried Marcus. "Nathan was in trouble, and I forgot about it!"

"Rusty radiators," groaned Nathan. "Now the exhibit won't open on time."

"Not if I can help it," huffed Marcus and he steamed quickly away once more.

Marcus raced into the Shunting Yard, collected the generator and was on his way again. His wheels whirred and the signal lights shone green as he passed.

Then…thunder rumbled once more. "Oh no," panted Marcus, "I don't know if I'll be fast enough."

"Did someone say 'fast'?" said a voice. It was Kana. "Then it's a good think I'm here."

"What about your passengers?"

"Don't worry. I can easily help you over the next hill before the junction."

Marcus changed tracks and Kana buffered up behind. Together, they charged at the hill and raced down the other side to the junction. Then, Kana slowed down as Marcus set off for the Museum.

Everyone was waiting. The Curator paced nervously, and the visitors were getting anxious. At last, they heard Marcus' whistle as he raced up to the Musuem. "I made it!" he wheeshed.

The workmen quickly unloaded the generator, and it wasn't long before the new rocket exhibit was ready. The visitors crowded inside just as the rain began to fall. "Well done, Marcus!" said the Curator.

Marcus smiled. "I suppose my job was important after all."

"All jobs are important," said Tracy, "no matter how exciting they are." And everyone agreed.