One evening, the Fat Controller arrived at Tidmouth Sheds with some exciting news. "Today, Gordon has set a new record for pulling the Express," he announced, "and to celebrate, there is to be a special presentation at Knapford Station later this week. Afterward, Gordon will take a special train across the whole island with two specially painted coaches."
All the engines whistled together. "Congratulations, Gordon!" cheered Thomas.
"Well done," smiled Edward.
When the Fat Controller left, James sniggered. "Well, Gordon, this certainly went better than the first time you tried to set a new record."
"James!" exclaimed Thomas.
"Why?" asked Emily. "What happened?"
"It was a very long time ago before you arrived," explained Henry.
"Henry, please," Gordon whispered.
"Oh, come on, Gordon," said Edward, "that was years ago, and you made up for it in the end."
Gordon sighed. "Alright, but I'm not proud of what happened that day." And the big engine began his story.
Long ago, there were fewer engines on the Fat Controller's Railway, but a lot had happened since then. Thomas was given his own Branch Line and coaches, James and Percy had arrived on the island, and the big engines had gone on strike.
Henry the Green Engine had a different shape back then, he was even painted blue for a while, but he was a poor steamer and couldn't work as hard as Gordon and James. Then, the Fat Controller brought in special Welsh coal from the Mainland and Henry felt like a much better engine indeed. Gordon, James and Thomas were most surprised.
One morning, the Fat Controller came to see, Gordon. "We want to change your timetable on the Express," he said. "You will have to complete your return trip to Knapford early. If you can do that, not only will your Express be more efficient than it already is, but you will also set a new Sodor record."
Gordon was excited. "You can rely on me, Sir," he replied.
"Hurray for Gordon!" whistled Thomas and all the engines joined in.
Gordon steamed over to the coal bunkers. When he arrived, there was just enough left for him and the workmen filled his tender as quickly as they could.
Gordon started puffing away when he heard the Yard Manager call out. "Stop, Gordon, you've been given Henry's special coal by mistake!"
Gordon knew that Henry needed his special coal, but then, he thought Henry's coal would help him go faster. So, he pretended not to hear, and his Driver and Fireman suspected nothing.
Henry had to deliver tar wagons across the island. He rolled up to his coal bunker…and found that it was empty.
"I'm sorry, Henry," said the Yard Manager, "there is no special coal left. You will have to use ordinary coal today."
Henry was worried; using ordinary coal meant that his small firebox couldn't make enough heat, but he knew he had work to do. "It's only for one day," he said bravely. "I will try my very best."
Meanwhile, Gordon arrived at Knapford Station and backed up to his coaches. His passengers boarded and he happily set off right on time. Soon, Gordon was chuffing as fast as he could; he felt very pleased with himself. He didn't know if it was Henry's coal or the crisp bright air, but that day, it felt good to be Gordon.
It didn't feel good to be Henry. His tar wagons were very heavy, and he felt short of steam as he puffed along.
Gordon steamed across the island. People waved as he passed, and he whistled loudly. "The record is mine, the record is mine," he puffed.
Henry was having a terrible time. He didn't have enough steam, and he had to go slowly. His coupling strained as the tar wagons followed behind. "The workmen are waiting, the workmen are waiting," he gasped.
Percy had been asked to take some trucks along the Main Line when Henry struggled past. Percy thought he looked very poorly indeed.
Gordon was already on his way back to Knapford. He was making good time and feeling grand.
Then, Percy puffed in. "Have you seen, Henry?" he asked worriedly. "He looks very poorly."
"I'm sure Henry is fine," Gordon grinned.
"But his face was as red as James."
At that moment, Gordon started to have a funny feeling in his boiler, a feeling he had never felt before…but he still wanted to set a new record. So, when the signal changed and the Guard blew his whistle, Gordon puffed on…but no matter how fast he went, he couldn't get away from that funny feeling and it seemed to get stronger and stronger with every turn of his wheels. He wasn't enjoying being Gordon anymore.
Later, Gordon had to stop at Wellsworth Station. Henry was there taking on water; his face was red, and he let off hardly any steam at all.
"Are you…feeling alright?" asked Gordon quietly.
"I didn't get my special coal this morning," Henry panted. "I've been running late all day."
Then, Gordon realized what his funny feeling was…he felt sorry for Henry. He wanted to say more, but it was time for him to leave.
"Hurray for Gordon!" wheezed Henry. "You'll set a new record for sure!"
Gordon carried on and raced through Henry's tunnel. He was early; he had beaten the new timetable and was going to set a new record. Gordon knew the Fat Controller was waiting…but by then, his bad feeling was so strong, he thought his boiler would burst. Suddenly…he slowed to a halt.
"Gordon, what are you doing?!" cried his Driver. "You're going to be late!"
"I don't care!" wheeshed Gordon and his Driver had to let him reverse in order to move at all. The passengers were very confused.
Gordon soon reached Henry. Henry had stopped for a signal at Crosby Junction and was surprised to see Gordon.
"Henry," Gordon sighed, "I took your special coal this morning; I wanted to go faster than ever. I'm very sorry, but now, I have a good idea."
Gordon's Driver spoke to the Signalman…and Gordon and Henry swapped tenders. Soon, Henry's firebox was full of special coal; he felt better right away. "Thank you, Gordon!" he whistled happily, and they set off for Knapford Station together.
When Gordon and Henry arrived, the Fat Controller was very confused. Gordon and his Driver explained what had happened. The Fat Controller pondered. "I am disappointed in you, Gordon…but it was brave of you to own up and fix your mistake."
"I'm sorry you didn't set a new record today," said Henry.
"And I'm sorry I took your coal," wheeshed Gordon.
"Never mind, Gordon," chirped Percy, "you still managed to arrive on time."
Gordon looked at the clock. "You're right!" he beamed and everyone laughed.
"What a story," said Emily, "but why don't you use special coal anymore, Henry?"
"That winter, I pulled the Flying Kipper for the first time," Henry replied, "but cold weather had caused trouble, and I had a terrible accident. I was so damaged that the Fat Controller sent me to Crewe on the Mainland. The engineers gave me a new shape with a larger firebox, and I haven't needed special coal since."
"He even pulled my Express again and made me jealous," Gordon added.
"Now, now," yawned Edward, "we can talk about that another time. For now, we should get some sleep." And that's just what they did.