Skarloey and Rheneas are the best of friends. They have worked on Sodor longer than any other engine and they love working together.


That summer, some men from the Sodor Museum had found some very old bones and when they put them together, they made the skeleton of a dinosaur. One morning, a Photographer arrived on the island to photograph the dinosaur and Thomas was to take the Photographer to the Transfer Yards.


The Thin Controller spoke to the engines. "The dinosaur will soon be ready to go to the Sodor Museum," he said. "I will need two very careful engines to collect it. It's going to be a very busy day, so whoever gets back to the Yard first will collect the dinosaur." The engines were excited; they all wanted to bring the dinosaur to the Yard.


Rheneas had to take coal to the stationhouses, but the trucks were very heavy. His pistons pounded and his axles ached, but he kept on going. "Must take the dinosaur, must take the dinosaur," he puffed.


Later, at the Transfer Yards, the Thin Controller was waiting. When Rheneas arrived, he could see no other engines about.

"Well, Rheneas," said the Thin Controller, "it seems that you will be one of the engines collecting the dinosaur."

"But where's everyone else, Sir," asked Rheneas.

"They're still busy with their other jobs, but someone should be along soon."

"When is the Photographer coming, Sir?"

"He will be arriving with Thomas at teatime."

Rheneas realized that it was taking a very long time for the engines to get their jobs done and he didn't want to delay the Photographer. "Please, Sir," he said, "I can try collecting the dinosaur on my own. I did work very hard pulling all those heavy trucks."

The Thin Controller pondered. "Are you sure you can do it on your own?"

"I have to try, Sir. The dinosaur mustn't be late."

"Hmm…very well."

"Thank you, Sir!" whistled Rheneas happily and he raced quickly away.


Rheneas chuffed cheerfully through the hills…but when he arrived to collect the dinosaur, he was surprised. The dinosaur was very, very big, but Rheneas was sure he was strong enough to pull it. The men from the Musuem watched as Rheneas was coupled up to the flatbed and he pulled with all his puff.


On his way back to the Yards, Rheneas whistled as he puffed through Middle Station. Everyone thought the dinosaur skeleton was wonderful and they all gave Rheneas a big cheer.


Rheneas was very proud…but then, he came to a hill…and the flatbed started to strain on his coupling. His puff was going, and his pistons could hardly pump. His went slower…and slower…and then, he started to roll back down the hill.

Rheneas' Driver applied the brakes, but it was no use; the flatbed was too heavy. They rolled all the way to the bottom of the hill and could go no further.

"Oh no," moaned Rheneas, "how will we get the dinosaur to the Transfer Yards now? I'm so sorry, Sir," he said to his Driver. "I didn't want the dinosaur to arrive late."

"Never mind, Rheneas, you did very well to get so far on your own. We'll just have to wait until another engine comes by."

Rheneas sighed. "I wish someone was here to help us now."


Meanwhile, Skarloey had collected empty trucks from the Timber Yards. As he came round a bend in the line…he saw Rheneas with the dinosaur. "What happened, Rheneas?" he whistled.

"I was the only engine at the Transfer Yards," Rheneas explained, "and I knew the dinosaur had to arrive on time, but I didn't know it would be this big…or this heavy. I was silly to think I could pull it on my own."

"If you can help us up the hill," said his Driver, "I'm sure we can still arrive on time."

Skarloey smiled. "Of course, I can," he said," and then, we can deliver the dinosaur together. I only have empty trucks anyway."

Skarloey buffered up to the flatbed and together, the two engines pulled and pushed the dinosaur safely up the hill. Then, Skarloey went back for his trucks and when he reached the other side of the hill, he was coupled behind and they steamed all the way back to the Yards.


Skarloey and Rheneas puffed in just as Thomas arrived with the Photographer. Rheneas and his Driver explained what had happened, but the Thin Controller was happy they were all safe.

Skarloey and Rheneas were pleased with themselves and delighted when they had their photograph taken with the dinosaur. "All the visitors at the Museum will know of your hard work," said the Photographer proudly and the two little engines couldn't be happier.