Lots and lots of engines work on the Fat Controller's Railway and Edward has worked on the railway the longest; he knows everyone and everyone knows him. Edward is also very wise and experienced, so he knows what to do if anyone needs help and that makes him a Really Useful Engine indeed.

One summer morning, Edward arrived at Brendam Docks to pick up some heavy pipes. Gordon and Thomas were already there.

Thomas was very excited; a new crane had just arrived on the island. "He looks so strong," puffed Thomas. "I'm sure he could even lift you up, Gordon," he chuckled. Gordon didn't think this was funny and Thomas chuffed away.

"What do we need another crane for anyway?" Gordon sniffed. "We already have the Breakdown Train and Harvey is Really Useful too."

Edward looked at the crane. "Now, Gordon," he said slowly, "the Breakdown Cranes have been on this railway for many years; they're very old now and the railway is much bigger. What would happen if they were needed in one place and there was trouble in another? Besides, Harvey can only lift so much on his own. This new crane could be Really Useful to us."

Just then, Percy arrived; he was also very excited to see the new crane. "He will only get in the way," wheeshed Gordon. "new-fangled nonsense." And he chuffed off.

"What's a new-funneled nuisance, Edward?" asked Percy.

"New-fangled nonsense, Percy," explained Edward. "It's something that is new and not really needed. Gordon doesn't think this new crane can be useful to us, but I know he's wrong."

Edward's trucks were right by the new crane; he smiled at Edward. "My name's Rocky."

"I'm Edward," puffed the blue engine kindly, "welcome to Sodor."

"What did that big engine say?" asked Rocky.

"Don't worry about it," smiled Edward. "That was Gordon; he says we have three cranes already and don't need another one, but we can always use more help on this railway." Rocky looked a little bothered. "Would you like to come with me? You can help me with these heavy pipes."

"Thank you, Edward, but I have to wait for my inspection."

"I hope I'll see you later," Edward whistled, and he puffed off quickly…but no one knew that the pipes had not been tied down properly.

Later, Edward was approaching a signal; he was still thinking about Rocky. Suddenly, the signal changed to red. Edward screeched to a stop as quickly as he could. The trucks jolted about, and their sides collapsed; steel pipes toppled all over the tracks.

"Bust my buffers!" cried Edward; he looked at the heavy pipes and wondered what to do.

Thomas had said Rocky was very strong and Edward asked his Driver telephone the Docks first…but Rocky was still being inspected. Next, the Driver telephoned for the Breakdown Train…but the cranes were helping to repair some broken track; only Harvey was available, but he was determined to do his best and he puffed and chuffed as fast as he could to the rescue.

Soon, Harvey steamed up and started to move the pipes, but they were so heavy that he could only lift a few at a time. "This is going to take me a very long time," he gasped.

Just then, Thomas and Emily arrived with a goods train; they saw the red signal and looked at the pipes. "We have to get through soon," said Thomas. "Why don't you go and get Rocky?

Edward explained the situation, but Emily didn't like waiting. "We have a very important job to do!" she pouted, but there was nothing anyone could do.

Then…they heard Gordon coming and they could tell he was racing along very fast. Gordon's Driver saw the signal and applied the brakes, but there was a strange sound…and Gordon couldn't slow down.

"LOOK OUT!" everyone shouted.

"I CAN'T STOP!" Gordon cried; he hit the pipes with a loud crunch…and came off the track. It was a terrible mess.

"I can't lift Gordon!" sighed Harvey. "He's too heavy!"

"Edward! we need Rocky!" whistled Thomas.

Gordon sniffed again. "New-fangled nonsense."

But Edward knew this was an emergency; there were no other cranes available, and he knew that Harvey couldn't lift Gordon. There was only one thing to do. "I'll go and get Rocky," Edward wheeshed and he raced off.

Luckily, Rocky was still at the Docks. The Inspector was still looking over the new crane when Edward steamed in.

"Rocky, we need your help!" Edward whistled. "It's an emergency!"

"I'm ready and waiting, Edward!" whistled Rocky happily. So, Edward buffered up and together, they left for the junction.

Edward pulled Rocky up hills and down valleys, and everyone cheered and waved at them. Even though they were racing to an emergency, Edward felt very proud to be pulling the newest arrival on Sodor.

Edward soon pulled up with Rocky. Gordon lay groaning in the pile of pipes.

"I can fix this," Rocky smiled.

Edward moved Rocky into place beside Gordon and with his mighty crane arm…Rocky lifted Gordon back onto the track. Gordon was surprised. "Thank you, Rocky, good work!"

Then, Rocky lifted all the pipes off the rails. The job was done in no time, and all the engines were very impressed.

"Now, Gordon," said Edward sternly, "do you have anything to say to Rocky?"

Gordon sighed. "Yes, I do. Rocky, I'm sorry; I was silly to think you were a new-fangled nonsense. We might have three cranes already, but that doesn't mean you can't be Really Useful too. Welcome to our island!" And everyone whistled and cheered for Rocky.