Toby is a steam tram. He looks very different from the other engines; he is square, and his body is made of wood. Toby isn't as strong as the other engines either, but he always tries his hardest.
One day, Toby was delivering some milk trucks. He puffed across the island and up Gordon's Hill. The Hill was steep, and Toby puffed hard; it was a long climb.
Meanwhile, Gordon arrived at Wellsworth Station. That day, the Express was heavy, and Gordon needed Edward's help over the Hill.
Edward puffed out of the Yard and buffered up behind the Express. "Ready!" he whistled and off they set. Edward pushed, Gordon pulled and together, they managed to get the Express up the Hill.
Toby had finally reached the top when Gordon puffed past. "Slowcoach," Gordon huffed.
"I'm trying my hardest," gasped Toby.
"Pah! you're not even a proper engine." This made Toby cross.
That night, the Fat Controller came to see Toby. "Edward is needed at Brendam Docks tomorrow," he said. "I want you to work at Wellsworth Yard in his place."
Toby wasn't sure. "Do you think I can do it, Sir? I'm not as strong as Edward and I can't race about like I used to."
"I know you can," the Fat Controller smiled. "You are one of my engines and Really Useful too."
The next morning, Toby puffed out of his Shed and left for Wellsworth…but on the way, he had a thought. "I hope no one needs pushing up Gordon's Hill," he puffed to himself.
At last, Toby arrived. Thomas was there; he was delivering goods to the Docks. In the Yard, the siding arrangements were awkward, there were lots of trucks and they looked very heavy.
"It will take a long time to shunt all those," Toby sighed.
"You can do it, Toby!" called Thomas. That made Toby feel much better and he set to work at once.
It did take a long time, but Toby managed to get the trucks in order. He shunted coal for Henry, slate for Donald and even fruit and vegetables for Douglas. "Maybe I can do it," he chuffed.
But then…Toby heard Gordon's whistle and watched as Gordon pulled into the Station; he was pulling the Express with lots of coaches. "Bother," Gordon huffed as he slowed to a stop.
The Yard Manager walked up to Toby. "You'll have to push Gordon to the top of the Hill."
"Yes, Sir," said Toby quietly.
"Don't worry," Thomas called, "you can do it, Toby!"
"I'll do my best," Toby sighed.
Gordon huffed. "Toby's only a steam tram. He'll never be able to push me up the Hill."
Toby buffered up behind Gordon and rang his bell. "Ready!" he called, and the two engines puffed towards the Hill.
Gordon and Toby pulled and pushed with all their might…but the Express went slower…and slower…until they came to a stop. "Is that the best you can do?" Gordon snorted. "They should've sent a proper engine."
This made Toby very cross, but then, he remembered what Thomas had said. "I can do I, I can do it," he puffed. Toby pushed harder…and harder…His firebox flared, and his traction rods groaned…
Suddenly…Gordon's wheels started to move. Toby kept pushing and the Express started up the Hill once more.
Percy came the other way and saw Toby pushing; he whistled with excitement. "You can do it, Toby! Go it!" he cried.
Toby huffed…and puffed…and chuffed as hard as ever he could…but at last, he pushed Gordon right to the top of the Hill. Gordon was impressed…and happy. Now, his Express would run on time.
Toby slowed down and watched the Express roll away as he coasted down the Hill. He was tired, but he was very proud of himself. "I…did it!" he panted excitedly.
That evening, the Fat Controller came back to Toby's Shed. "Well done, Toby," he smiled, "I've heard all about your hard work today and I can see you are still as Useful as ever."
"Thank you, Sir," beamed Toby and he went to sleep feeling as proud as he had ever been.