1937...

The American Controller, Sir Jason Eaton, was looking through the pages of the newly formed British Railways, looking for a Mixed Traffic Engine for the railway.

"Hmmmm," he thought to himself, "Which one. There's a Great Western Hall, and a there's an LNER V2. Oh, an LB C2 Class? That will be perfect for shunting as well."

Sir Jason Eaton made the call, and was told that the engine would arrive the next day.

The next day, Belle had just finished shunting the trains in place, when a whistle was heard. From the distance, came an engine, only not the one that was envisioned. This engine was a bit larger, with a 4-4-2 wheel arrangement, and was painted in Southern Railway Green.

"Hello!" said the engine, "Here's Annie!"

"You're Annie?" asked the American Controller confused.

"Yes I am!" said Annie, eying the coaches, "Am I to take that passenger train?"

"I thought I ordered the LBSCR C2."

"Wait, C2?! I'm an H2!"

"An H2? Well, there seems to be a mistake. I'll see to this mess. However, until then, you will help out on the railway. There's a goods train that needs to be taken down the line."

"Goods train!? But... I'm a passenger engine Sir!"

"I just want to test your verticality Annie," said the American Controller, "Belle, please arrange the train for Annie."

"Yes sir," said Belle, as she left to fetch some trucks.

Annie sat in the sighting, and watched the other engines coming and going. As she did, there was a large visiting engine leaving the station.

"Wow," said Annie, "That is an impressive paint job."

Just then, Belle came up, with the trucks, and said, "Here's your trucks Annie."

"Why do I have to pull trucks?" asked Annie.

"At least you get to pull trains," said Belle, "I've been station pilot since the opening in 1924. Hardly ever came out of the yards here. I have known how to pull the occasional goods train every now and then."

"You've pulled goods before?" asked Annie.

"Yeah," said Belle.

"Could you show me? I've... never pulled trucks before."

"Really?" asked Belle, "Well, how about we double head this train?"

Soon, the arrangements were made, and Belle and Annie pulled the train down the line. Belle showed Annie the stops, and how to shunt when the situation called for it. They charged up the incline, and made it to the top, and headed into Salem, where Talyllyn was waiting for them.

After exchanging their goods, they headed off towards the mainland, and arrived in record time. Annie and Belle then headed back to the big station at the other end of the line. There, the American Controller was waiting for them.

"Annie, I'm impressed with your work today," he said, "And thus, I have decided to keep you, considering what your fate would've been if you returned."

Annie looked a bit pale, as Belle asked, "What would her fate be sir?"

"Scrap."

Belle shivered at the word.

"Anyway, Annie, I have decided to keep you as a mixed traffic engine. And, you will have a new coat of paint, and the number five. And Belle, because of your kindness to help Annie, you shall have a branch line all to yourself!"

"My own Branch Line?!" asked Belle, "Oh Thank you Sir!"

The next day, Annie arrived at the works, and was asked what color she wanted. She thought back to the big engine she saw the other day, and asked for a dark red.

Annie is proud to be a mixed traffic engine. It shows how versatile she was. But she never feels too important to give Belle a whistle when passing her junction, with her three coaches.

Jessie

Alice

And Morgan.