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 Fat Controller's Railway love Brendam Docks. There's always lots of work to keep them busy and they enjoy seeing new arrivals onto the Island of Sodor.

One exciting new arrival was an engine Cranky the Crane was unloading one day, but it was very heavy. "This engine makes my chin ache," he groaned.

The Fat Controller stood nearby. "This is Harvey the Crane Engine," he said proudly.

The other engines thought Harvey looked strange, but he did look friendly. "Nice to meet you, Harvey," said Thomas kindly. "I'm Thomas and these are my friends, Percy and Bertie."

"Hullo," smiled Harvey and he sighed with relief, "I am glad to be back on firm rails again. I may be used to lifting things, but I don't like being lifted up myself."

Some important-looking gentlemen stood nearby and looked at the new engine. "These gentlemen are the Railway Board," the Fat Controller said. "Tomorrow, Harvey will give them a demonstration. If it goes well, he will join the railway."

"What's a dimmer station?" asked Percy quietly.

"Demonstration," said Thomas, "it's when you show off what you can do."

"Like when Thomas and I have a race," said Bertie. "Vroom! Vroom!"

That evening, Thomas had just returned from a hard day's work when he saw Harvey parked near the Sheds looking sad. Gordon and James were making rude remarks about him.

"Harvey may be different," protested Henry, "but every engine deserves the chance to be Really Useful."

"That's right," agreed Edward.

"Pah!" snorted James, "he doesn't even look like an engine. He's just Cranky on wheels."

"Surely the Fat Controller won't let him pull coaches," sniffed Gordon.

"Well, he's welcome to take my mail if he wants to," huffed Percy.

Thomas felt sorry for Harvey. "Don't worry, sometimes it takes time for Gordon and James to make new friends."

"Thank you, Thomas," said Harvey quietly, but he wasn't sure he wanted to stay where he wasn't wanted.

The next morning, the Fat Controller sent the engines off to a useful day's work. Harvey stayed behind and watched everyone bustling about.

"Maybe my coming here wasn't such a good idea, Sir," Harvey chuffed sadly.

"Nonsense," said the Fat Controller, "an engine like you could be very useful to the railway."

"But some of the other engines don't like me, I'm too different."

The Fat Controller smiled. "'Different' is what makes you special. There are lots of different engines all over Sodor. They are just as useful as the rest of them, and you can be too." And that made Harvey feel better.

Meanwhile, out on Thomas' Branch Line, Percy was having trouble with his trucks. He was shunting them past the Seaside Village when they suddenly surged forward. "On! On! On!" they cried. The line went downhill here, and the trucks gathered speed; they were delighted. "Faster we go, faster we go, pull him along, don't let him slow!" they sang.

"HEEEEELP!" cried Percy. His Driver applied the brakes…but it was too late, and he went off the rails at Bulgy's Bridge. Percy stopped, still on the embankment, but stone spilled everywhere as the trucks tumbled down the slope and piled in a heap with some of them falling to pieces.

Luckily, no one was hurt…but a traffic jam started to grow. Bertie was the first to arrive; he was pleased Percy was alright, but he was also very cross. "You've blocked the road!" he snapped.

"It wasn't my fault!" Percy called back.

Bertie was worried. "How will I get the gentlemen of the Railway Board to Harvey's demonstration on time now?!" he honked.

When the Fat Controller heard the news, he went straight to Harvey. "I was hoping to keep you clean for the demonstration, but I need you to rescue one of my engines. The line is steep, and the bigger cranes may not be heavy enough."

Harvey was worried, but determined. "I'll do my best, Sir," he said bravely, and set off immediately.

At the bridge, workmen were already trying to move the stone and broken trucks out of the way. Harvey soon arrived and went to work too. He swung his crane arm round, and his hook was coupled to some strong chains attached to Percy's front.

"Don't worry, Percy," wheeshed Harvey, "I'll get you and your trucks out of this."

"Thank you, Harvey."

Everyone watched anxiously…but in no time, Percy was back on the tracks. The gentlemen of the Railway Board were very impressed. Harvey pushed Percy back and started clearing the unhurt trucks out of the way.

At last, the road was clear, and the Fat Controller was proud of Harvey. "That was the best demonstration of all. The Gentlemen of the Railway Board have decided you shall join the railway."

"Oh, thank you, Sir!" said Harvey happily.

That night, Harvey heard the engines talking again…but this time, it was different. "Isn't he clever?" chuffed Gordon. "Well done, Harvey, and…I'm sorry about what we said yesterday, he added sheepishly.

"We are," added James. "What you did was very useful indeed…and brave."

"You can still take my mail anytime," said Percy.

"You see?" said Thomas. "'Different' can be good."

All the engines agreed. "Welcome to the Sodor Railway!" they called, and Harvey smiled happily.