DEAR FRIENDS,

Some of you may wonder if certain events actually happened to our friends on Sodor. Well, there were a several that did happen, but from the way they were shown on television, you may question some of our friends' actions.

There were times when stories were either heard wrong by some people on the production team or they wanted to truly emphasize what was going on to the viewers. As a result, some stories are not as accurate as they should be.

I am very pleased to finally share these stories in full and, hopefully, answer your questions.

THE AUTHOR

The engines on the Island of Sodor keep very busy; there are always lots of jobs to do. Sometimes, there aren't enough engines to handle all the work and that is when new engines come to the island. Some new engines come to live on Sodor while others only stay for a short time. Some visitors become good friends with the Sodor engines, but sometimes, they're rude and are later sent away in disgrace.

One morning, the Fat Controller came to Tidmouth Sheds. "A new engine has arrived on the island," he announced. "His name is Neville. You must all make him feel welcome. A happy engine is a useful engine."

Later, Thomas was stopped at a signal. The Signalman called down to him. "The bridge to Peel Godred is broken. Thomas, you are to go to Brendam Docks and collect a piece of ironwork so the bridge can be repaired."

"Yes, Sir," huffed Thomas.

At the Docks, 'Arry and Bert were with Neville the new engine. Neville was a steam engine, but he had a very square shape and almost looked like a diesel. 'Arry and Bert liked playing tricks on other engines and saw a chance for mischief.

Neville was backing up towards some trucks. "We'll help you shunt those trucks," said Bert.

Then there was trouble.

'Arry and Bert pushed Neville very hard, and he went sliding back into the trucks. "Watch where you're going, clumsy wheels," 'Arry laughed. Neville looked sad.

"It's not our fault you're a silly steamer," oiled Bert and they laughed even harder.

When Thomas arrived at the Docks, he thought he saw 'Arry and Bert laughing with Neville. That must be the new engine, he thought. How strange that he's getting on with 'Arry and Bert so quickly?

After delivering the ironwork, Thomas arrived at Knapford Station. "Have you seen the new engine yet?" asked James.

"Yes," said Thomas, "I saw him at the Docks with 'Arry and Bert. They were laughing together."

James was shocked; he knew 'Arry and Bert could be trouble. "How can anyone be friends with those two?!" As Thomas left, Edward pulled in. "Have you heard about the new engine?" asked James and he started to tell Edward all about Neville.

Later, Edward was taking on water and was talking to Percy. "You should be careful, Percy," he puffed with concern. "I heard the new engine, Neville, is already friends with 'Arry and Bert."

Percy remembered 'Arry and Bert's tricks too. "How do you know?" he peeped.

"James told me, and Thomas told him," explained Edward. "I don't believe it, myself, but I would still be careful."

Then, Percy met Emily at a red signal. "Watch out for Neville the new engine," he told her. "He's best friends with 'Arry and Bert. He could cause trouble for us and Edward thinks so too."

When Thomas arrived back at Abby Station, the Fat Controller was there. "Thomas, I have a very important job for you," he boomed. "Repairs to the bridge will start soon and I want you to help. Until then, you must warn all engines not to use the bridge until it is repaired. They must take the other junction at Killdane."

Thomas felt proud; it was a very useful job. Just then, he heard a whistle. Someone was coming; Thomas had to warn them. It was Neville…pulling Annie and Clarabel. Thomas was shocked; Annie and Clarabel were his carriages.

"'Ullo," puffed Neville cheerfully.

"What are you doing with my coaches?!" Thomas huffed crossly.

Neville was surprised. "Er, I'm sorry, I didn't know they were yours-"

Then, Emily pulled into the Station. Neville thought he would try again. "'Ullo," he said happily.

Emily let out a wheesh of steam. "Leave me alone and you can tell your best friends, 'Arry and Bert, that you won't cause trouble for us!"

Thomas was surprised, but the Stationmaster blew his whistle and Neville puffed sadly away. "Where did you hear that Neville was best friends with 'Arry and Bert and that he would cause trouble for us?" Thomas asked Emily.

"Don't you know?" Emily huffed. "You saw the new engine first."

"But I only said to James that I'd seen Neville with 'Arry and Bert."

Before Emily could reply, Toby arrived. "Have either of you seen Neville?" he puffed. "Salty and Henry saw 'Arry and Bert being horrible to him at the Docks."

Thomas and Emily were shocked; 'Arry and Bert weren't friends with Neville after all. "Where was Neville going?" Emily asked quietly.

"Cinders and ashes!" cried Thomas, "Neville's heading for Peel Godred! I must stop him!"

Neville was speeding through the countryside as fast as he could, but the Signalman had accidentally left the points switched to the broken bridge and Neville was feeling so sad that he didn't notice the barrier on the track…and bashed right through it. He was surprised; he looked all around, but he didn't see anything wrong.

Suddenly, Neville saw another barrier ahead of him. He slammed on his brakes…but it was too late. Neville's front wheels went over the broken end of the bridge; he was in terrible trouble.

Thomas came racing up and saw what had happened; he knew it was all his fault. Then, he had an idea. Thomas steamed slowly and carefully onto the bridge. He gently bumped Clarabel and was coupled up.

Thomas was very scared. Slowly and steadily, he began to pull Neville back from the edge. The bridge made a creaking noise; Thomas knew he had to hurry. He pulled as hard as he could and with one big puff…he pulled Neville's wheels off the bridge and to safety.

Thomas had done it; he had saved Neville, Annie and Clarabel. "Thank you," whistled Neville, "what a relief."

"I should've warned you," puffed Thomas, "and I should've known better than to believe how things looked. I thought you didn't like us, but now, I know I was wrong. Can you forgive me?"

"Of course," peeped Neville and Thomas gave him a long friendly 'peep' in return. From then on, he wanted to be the best friend Neville had ever had. Neville was happy too; at last, he knew he had a good friend on the Island of Sodor.