The tales of the North Western Railway

by SMD2509

Summary:

This will be a series of original Thomas and Friends stories revolving around original characters and official characters.

Chapter 1: The arrival of the caledonians

Summary:

In this story some new engines come to the island on trial In order to help out. but one of them seemed to be hiding something? what it is and how she can be held we will just have to wait and see.

things on the island of sodor have been going great ever since the gold dust engines joined the Railway.

All of them have settled into their new roles very well and we're making the Fat Controller very proud by working very hard.

Soon a full year had passed and it was now 1930. The traffic had been increasing ever since the previous year and even with the gold dust engines helping out it was clear that more engines needed To come to the island.

Luckily for sir topham hatt Some of his friends on the LMS had recently been trying to get rid of some locomotives and were offering for him to bring some of them on trial to see if they fit his railway.

The day before they arrived sir Topham had gathered all of his engines at Tidmouth sheds.

the Fat Controller: “ now engines I have some very big announcements today. First up we're getting some new engines on trial. They will be coming from Scotland and will arrive tomorrow. I expect each and every one of you to give them a warm welcome.”

all of the engines began murmuring towards each other about the new engines until the Fat Controller silenced them so he could continue.

The Fat Controller: “ and secondly the sheds here at Tidmouth will be rebuilt to Accommodate our growing fleet of engines. all of you will have to return to knappford sheds for the time being. but the shed reconstruction will not happen until next week. so for the time being you can enjoy the sheds.”

After that he left and all of the engines went to do their jobs.

The next day all of the engines were getting fired up for the day's work when a cavalcade of steam locomotives approached the sheds of all different shapes and sizes.

The largest was a 4-6-0 With a very big tender. but it had no visual valve gear or outside cylinders.

The second largest was a massive 0-8-0 goods engine in Black.

The third largest one on the other hand did have outside cylinders but was overall just a tiny bit smaller while also being a 4-6-0.

The second smallest was a 4-4-0 similar in size like Edward and Tara.

The final one had a 4-2-2 Wheel arrangement Also known as a single. She looked very elegant and had a kind hearted expression on her face.

The single was the first one to speak up.

the Single: “ hello everybody is this Tidmouth sheds? we were told by the Fat Controller that we needed to report to all of you?”

Thomas, like everybody else, was looking at the group of newcomers. all of them look like they came from the LMS since all of them were painted red and black. but all of their designs looked pretty old. Thomas recognizes them as probably being pre-grouping designs like himself and Timothy.

Thomas also at that moment saw that Timothy was looking towards the 4-4-0 with stars in his eyes.

Edward after a while of nobody speaking spoke up: “ yes this is Tidmouth sheds. you guys must be the engines sir topham had told us we're here on trial.”

the single with a big smile: “ yes we are, my name is Ignis-Aestivus or just Ignis If you want. I am the former Caledonian Railway number 456. and these are my colleagues from the same railway.

The big engine over there is a Caledonian Railway 903 Class or “Cardeans” ironically named Cardean.”

Cardean With a big smile: “ hello everyone.”

Cardean then blew her whistle which was very loud.

James after getting his bearings back from the noise of the whistle: “ what kind of whistle is that? it's EXTREMELY Loud!”

Cardean gently blushed: “ sorry. I was Outfited with a steam boat whistle since they didn't have any other whistles at the Works and I have grown quite attached to it. I promise I won't be as loud as today.”

Gordon grumbling under his breath: “I hope not. and what about the rest of you?”

At this moment the engine with outside valve Gear spoke up.

outside valve Gear engine in a snooty tone: “ I am Sophie A Caledonian Railway 956 Class And the next obvious choice to become part of the northwestern railway.”

all of the engines were a bit taken aback by her assumption that she would be the next member of the northwestern railway just like that without even proving herself.

After that the big 0-8-0 got her turn: “ hello my name is Katie And I am a Caledonian railway 600 class. I will primarily be working around here as a freight engine but I hope I can be of assistance in any other way while I am here.”

The engines liked her chipper attitude very much.

The small 4-4-0 looked a little bit nervous as she introduced herself: “ hello everyone. My name is Amelia and I am a Caledonian Railway 721 Class also known as Dunalastair’s. I hope we can work together and get to know each other better.”

All of the engines greeted them warmly after they made their introductions and all of them began splitting up.

Cardean Would be working on the main line with Gordon handling Express passenger duties. Gordon surprisingly didn't mind since this allowed him to catch his breath in between Express runs.

Ignis When to work with lux aurea and jackland On the gold dust railway. She would be working mostly passenger runs with some shunting here and there. She would also take the occasional train down the line to the junction at elsbridge.

Katie was working all over the island pulling heavy mineral trains filled with: coal, slate, iron and copper ores, balased and many other things. but she could also be found working as the banker on Gordon's Hill whenever Edward was called away to do another job.

Sophie was assigned to pulling coaches along the loop line. with the occasional freight train here and there to allow Henry to take more heavy Freight across the island. Sophie of course hated pulling trucks and grumbled all the while. Her grumbling even made Gordon annoyed.

and finally Amelia was assigned to the Ffarquhar branch and was assigned to pull a special train that didn't stop at knapford. her train would continue on down the arlesburgh branch line All the way to arlesburgh west. She also had to pull the occasional freight train. but unlike Sophie she didn't mind pulling goods trains and passenger trains. In fact she seemed to prefer pulling good trains a lot more than Passenger trains.

but Timothy, Thomas and Lady notice that she wasn't really giving it her all and that she looked afraid of something.

This tendency to hold back did cause some problems. She was often late at elsbridge for her guaranteed connections and never gave any good excuses why she was doing it.

One day Timothy was at Elsbridge with some Stone trucks for Katie to take up to the big Harbor on Edwards branch line when Amelia pulled into the platform for her guaranteed connection with Sophie.

She was 10 minutes late and Sophie gave her a smug look.

Sophie: “ late again I see? What is this the 10th time this week?”

Amelia nervously defended herself: “ it's only been the third time!”

Sophie just scoffed: “ yes but next time it will be four times then six times and so on and so forth. you know for such a reliable class you are definitely not reliable. and I don't understand why you're so slow. but then again I don't really care. because at the end of the day you'll be sent off the island and I will be running passenger services here.”

Before Amelia could say anything to Sophie her guard blew his whistle and she went off without a care in the world.

Timothy noticed how sad Amelia looked as she Departed and couldn't help but wonder: “why Amelia wasn't doing her best?”

???: “ Nobody really knows why she's not doing her best.”

Timothy jumped bumping into his trucks accidentally as Katie had arrived with some other ore wagons.

Before Timothy could ask anything, Katie continued: “ back on the Old Caledonian Railway she was one of our best engines and would fly down the line as fast as fire! We even called her blazing Amelia because of her speed. but one night everything changed. We don't know what happened but one night She came home to our sheds completely shocked and wouldn't say anything to anyone. We never figured out what happened but she began working slower and not as intensely as she used to. It was quite sad to see and none of us could help. We did try and ask but we ended up never getting an answer. even our manager back where we used to work never told us because he never cared to find out. or he just didn't remember. but in any case we always try to help her and understand but she would never tell us what was really bugging her.”

Timothy was finally able to speak: “That is weird. What would have scared her so much that she is the liberately holding herself back? I mean I can see that she has great potential but that she doesn't use it. and the way Sophie is treating her is no way to treat a fellow engine. I'm pretty sure that she won't be staying on the railway.”

Katie chuckled: “ you're probably right there. but anyway let's get your trucks attached to my train. I've got a good long run ahead of me and I really enjoy those.”

Timothy agreed and attached his trucks to Katie’s train.

Timothy had left his break van for him to take back to knapford.

As Katie left she shouted out to Timothy: “ if you want to help Amelia then you're welcome to. Maybe somebody she doesn't know can help her.”

Timothy looked a bit stunned at her words as she left. After Katie cleared the section Timothy went back to knapford to collect his last goods train for today.

The whole way there he kept thinking about Amelia. He wanted to help her but if he didn't know what was going on how could he help? It began Weighing on his mind all the way to knapford.

Eventually Timothy took his goods train all the way Back to elsbridge. It was just a general merchandise train that had no perishable goods on board and could be taken in the morning down the branch. But some of the cargo had to be unloaded in the yards for trucks to take them to their final destinations.

Timothy's train was being unloaded when one of the signalmen came up running towards Timothy and his crew.

Timothy: “ What's wrong?”

Signalman while completely out of breath from running: “ Amelia has completely seized up further down the line. she won't move and we need her off the branch line.”

Timothy looked a bit concerned for Amelia: “ is she all right?”

Signalman: “ from what I heard she is just in some sort of shock and isn't moving. Her passengers aren't very happy and nobody knows why she has seized up. she was supposed to make her way here and you are ordered to take the train all the way here Timothy. Do you think you can do that?”

Timothy just gave a quick Grunt of affirmation and immediately set off to find Amelia.

Luckily it didn't take long to find her as she was on the single track section between Maithwaite and hackenbeck.

But when he found her she looked absolutely terrified. Timothy didn't know what the thing was as he slowly made his way to couple up to her.

Timothy: “ Amelia are you alright?”

but the only thing he got out of her were whispers: “ not again, not again, not the fire again.”

Timothy was confused at this until he noticed a small campfire nearby in one of the fields. normally you wouldn't notice this during the day but because it was night the fire glowed a lot brighter.

Suddenly Timothy had a feeling of what was going on with her but wasn't going to press the subject right now. he had to get the train moving again.

It took some time but they were eventually able to get her breaks off and allowed Timothy to take her all the way back to ellsbridge where Henry took over the train the rest of the way to knapford.

Timothy decided to take Amelia all the way back to Ffarquar since he knew nobody would be there right now so they could have a private little Chat.

The sun had completely gone under when Timothy was finally able to put Amelia in the sheds at Ffarquhar. Timothy uncoupled from her and Rolled back slightly. The two of them were left on the same track in the sheds with only a small lamp to light the room as their Crews left to find a place to sleep for the night.

Timothy and Amelia both remained in silence for a while until Timothy spoke up.

Timothy: “ how are you feeling Amelia?”

Amelia just gave a somber look: “ not great at all… I let all of those passengers down and myself too.”

Timothy: “ don't worry the passengers were made aware why you seized up. but I don't really understand why you are afraid of a small campfire?”

Amelia looked shocked at Timothy's words: “ how do you know about my fear? no other engine has ever noticed why I seized up. So why did you?”

Timothy: “ because I am a very observant Tank Engine. but why are you so afraid of a campfire?”

Amelia: “ it isn't the campfire that scared me… it was the fire itself.”

Timothy: “ Okay so why are you afraid of Fire? you do realize we have fires in our fireboxes right?”

Amelia: “ I do but… I don't see it. I don't see it burning inside of me and I know it's safely contained in my firebox. But I am scared of what can happen if it gets out of our fireboxes.”

Timothy now had a more curious look on his face than ever: “ what do you mean?”

Amelia lets out a very deep sigh: “ what I'm about to tell you I have never been able to tell anybody else. so please keep it between us and don't tell anybody else.”

Timothy agreed even though he didn't understand why she wanted to keep her fear of Fire to herself. but he did understand that she wanted to keep it a secret and he would respect that.

Amelia began her story: “ back on the Caledonian Railway I was one of the fastest members of my class. I would race down the line like fire. they even called me blazing Amelia. Sparks would shoot out of my funnel like fireflies. People were amazed as they saw me flashing by and I loved the attention. until one day during a very dry summer I accidentally lit some of the track side on fire. even though my crew tried to put it out it began to grow and grow and grow. Soon it was engulfing everything around us including myself. The fire department did come soon enough and we're able to put the fire out before any serious damage could be done. but I heard that there were some children playing in one of the fields that accidentally lit a Flame thanks to me. they did survive but with severe burn injuries. ever since that day I have been absolutely afraid that I would start another fire and even fire in general began to scare me. I just don't want to risk anybody getting hurt by me ever again.”

Amelia gently began sobbing as Timothy looked sympathetically at her.

Timothy: “ Did you ever tell your controller about this?”

Amelia while still Sobbing: “ I tried but he wouldn't listen to me. And I never told the other engines because I was afraid they would laugh at me! I just don't want to be made fun of because of my fear and I can't stop it. no matter how hard I try I can't stop being afraid of Fire.”

Amelia at this point began laughing self-deprecatingly: “ how useless am I? A steam locomotive afraid of a few flames? pathetic right? I am nothing but a pathetic locomotive that can't get over her fear!”

she began crying even more.

but Timothy spoke up: “ you are not useless Amelia! you are just afraid of something because of a bad experience. Nobody expects you to get over it in a day. It's going to take time and effort to get over it. and maybe one day you will be able to do it. but for now you can take it in baby steps to conquer your fear. And if you need anybody to talk to, my shed door is always open.”

Amelia looked incredibly touched by his words: “Thank you Timothy. I was certain you were going to laugh at me but I'm pleasantly surprised.”

Timothy gave her a grin: “ that's okay. And don't worry about what anybody will think about your fear just focus on conquering it. and little by little you will be able to prove yourself. heck you might be able to finally shut Sophie up.”

Amelia began chuckling at that statement. The two of them continue chatting for a little while until both of them fall asleep.

Amelia Wasn't certain if he would be able to conquer her fear of Fire. but if Timothy was willing to help her and believe in her then maybe she could give it a shot.

to be continued in episode 2 trial by fire.

Chapter 2: trial by fire.

It had been several months since the caledonian locomotives had arrived on the North Western Railway. all of them had been settling into their roles very well.

But Amelia still struggled with her fear of Fire. but she was slowly working on that with Timothy and she was at least on time now.

but still her overall performance was not that good.

Sir topham hatt kept an eye on her and kept noticing how her performance seemed to be improving slightly. but still not enough.

One day Amelia and Timothy were at the shunting yards collecting a goods train to double head up to crovan's gate.

The whole trip Amelia was silent. Timothy decided to break the silence when they were stopping to take on more water at wellsworth.

Timothy: “ Is everything alright Amelia? you know you can talk to me?”

Amelia just gave a sigh: “ to be honest Timothy I don't know. I don't know if I will be able to stay on this island if I don't improve faster.”

Timothy looked confused: “ what exactly are you talking about Amelia? you have been making incredible progress with your fear of Fire. you no longer seize up but instead you just slow down. That is incredible progress.”

Amelia: “ I know but it might not be enough progress. I heard sir topham hatt talking over the phone with my former manager on the London Midland and Scottish railway. He was talking about sending one of us caledonians back. and I am pretty sure it is me.”

Timothy looked absolutely taken aback at what Amelia told him.

Timothy: “ That is completely absurd! I'm pretty sure that the Fat Controller would want you to stay! you are an amazing engine!”

Amelia sadly let steam out of her cylinders: “ but I have caused him so much trouble as well. my trains are repeatedly late even with my improvements against my fear but it might not be enough. if I just can get over my fear faster somehow maybe he would consider keeping me.”

Timothy: “ Amelia I don't think you're going to get over your fear of Fire unless you look your fear into the eyes and say no more. but I don't know how we're going to do that. maybe it's best that you just enjoy your time on the island first as long as it lasts.”

Amelia didn't say anything in reply but Timothy knew that she was thinking about it.

The two of them eventually made their delivery to Crovan's gate and they went they're separate ways.

Timothy's words kept bouncing around in her smoke box For a couple weaks afterwards. she kept trying to figure out how she would stare her fear in the face and say no more. but nothing came to her mind. In the end she just decided to focus on her work and try to improve on that.

Soon it was summer though and a massive heat wave had hit the island. luckily it wasn't too hot but the Fat Controller decided to inform the engines at knapford sheds one morning about what the fire chiefs had told him.

the Fat Controller: “ now listen everyone. The fire Chiefs of Sodor have told me that due to the heat wave we are currently experiencing, the chance of a Line Side fire growing out of control is very likely. so please try and not cause too many sparks from your funnels for the next couple of weeks. we don't want to risk anything catching on fire and injuring anyone now don't we?”

all of the engines agreed. but as the Fat Controller left Sophie spoke up.

Sophie: “ I don't understand why we have to be careful. it's not like a fire just going to happen by us working hard like we're supposed to.”

Edward decided to speak up: “ it's true that we have to work hard Sophie but we also have to work safely. we cannot endanger anyone along the line. that would be reckless of us to do.”

Sophie just scoffed: “ alright old timer. if you excuse me I have a passenger run to take all the way to Vickers town today. and I intend on arriving early.”

All of the engines watched her leave the sheds with angry expressions on their faces. Tara was especially angry at how Sophie had spoken to her partner. but Edward was able to keep her calm and just remind her that if Sophie keeps up that attitude that she won't be staying on the island for much longer.

Most of the engines that mourning tried to be more careful about Not creating too many sparks from their funnels. even Gordon was traveling a little bit slower with the Express to make sure he wasn't blasting Sparks everywhere.

Amelia on the other hand felt great about this arrangement. Now she didn't need to give an excuse why she was working so slowly. because she was working slowly to be careful and to keep people safe.

Later that day during tea time she was waiting at Kellsthorpe Road to let Sophie and Timothy pass with their passenger trains for her to Proceed with a small goods train after them.

Amelia had only been there for about a minute or two when all of a sudden she heard a familiar whistle blasting from behind her.

it was Sophie and she was coming in really fast and a couple minutes early from her usual time.

Sophie blasted through the station while shouting to Amelia: “ Now this is how you work hard Amelia!”

Amelia instead of being annoyed looked a bit concerned. going at such a fast speed meant she was working really hard Especially considering her train was 12 coaches long. so that could cause Sparks to come out of her funnel. Amelia had a bad feeling about this.

Sophie was having the time of her life running at incredible speeds. but just like Amelia feared Sparks were flying from her funnel. Luckily none had caught anything on fire yet.

but as they were passing through Henry's Forest one of the Sparks was able to ignite a small pile of leaves which began growing into a small fire.

Timothy was only 10 minutes behind Sophie with his passenger train but he had a front row seat to what her actions had brought.

The whole Forest was on fire! Timothy stopped near a signal box and shouted to The Signalman.

Timothy: “ fire, fire! call the fire department!”

The Signalman did so and jumped out of his signal box to get onto Timothy’s train. but as he was backing out of the forest suddenly his safety valve burst causing him to lose all of his Steam .

Timothy at that moment realized he was trapped in the fire, which was growing bigger!

meanwhile back at Kellsthorpe Road Amelia could see the smoke in the distance.

Soon The Station Master came running up to her and her crew.

Amelia: “ What's wrong sir?”

Station Master: “ there's a fire in the forest up ahead! The fire department has been called but there is traffic on the roads and they won't make it for a while! one of the passenger trains that passed you hasn't come out of the forest!”

Amelia's eyes went wide in fear: “ Timothy… he passed me not 15 minutes ago! he must be trapped in there!”

Station master: “ yes! We don't know why they haven't come back but if they stay there he and his passengers will most likely be injured or possibly worse! no other engine can help, all of them are too far away so Do you think you can help them?”

Amelia hesitated for a moment remembering the last time something like this happened. but now one of her good friends was in danger and she had a choice to make. she could either leave him be and cower in fear. Or she could finally stand up to her fear and save her friend.

Station Master: “I understand it's asking a lot but if those people don't…”

Before the station master could say another word Amelia blew her whistle long and loud as she was being decoupled from her train and with a lot of noise she began racing down the line to save her friend.

Amelia was racing down the Main Line towards Henry's Forest and she was not letting anything stop her! But as she was descending the hill just before the forest she noticed that the whole Forest seemed to be on fire! She began to hesitate for just a second when she remembered that Timothy was in there along with all of his passengers and that she was their only hope.

Amelia: “I will not let the fire stop me from helping my friend!”

Amelia raced into the forest. The fire and smoke was everywhere and it made it difficult to see at first. but soon she was surrounded by fire everywhere! but she continued bravely on until she finally found Timothy near the signal box in the forest.

Luckily Timothy was not on the main track and Amelia could roll past him to couple to his front.

Timothy was absolutely shocked to see Amelia come to his rescue. but he didn't say anything as the Signalman who had remained in his box switched the points so she could couple up to Timothy and pull the entire train out of the forest.

The Signalman after switching the points left his box and began running towards the train down some stairs which had also caught fire. He was almost down the stairs when suddenly one of them broke underneath him and he fell back onto the other ones which also broke making him land hard on the ground unconscious.

Luckily Amelia's driver rushed out to help him alongside her firemen. The two of them were able to get him into one of the coaches with some help from the passengers.

During this time the flames came closer and closer to Timothy and Amelia and it was beginning to burn their paintwork. but as soon as the Signalman was on board they left.

Amelia kept running and running, not letting the flames distract her from getting her friend and his passengers out of this burning Inferno!

Soon they were out of the forest but the fields next to it were also on fire and the two engines could see the firefighters trying to battle back the flames.

Amelia didn't pay much attention to them as she continued to run as far as she could. but once they were a little bit further away from the fire Amelia began slowing down. She was out of breath but happy. Timothy and his passengers were safe now and that was all that mattered.

The two of them proceeded to go all the way to knapford To a bunch of confused and worried looking engines. Thomas especially looked worried alongside Howard and Tanya.

After the train came to a stop Thomas immediately began questioning his brother about his condition. Timothy just chuckled and told him that he was fine besides a few burn marks from the fire and a busted safety valve Everything was fine.

Meanwhile some of the Caledonian locomotives question Amelia if she was alright too. but just like Timothy she just chuckled and told them that she was perfectly fine but that she did need to get herself repainted after this.

both of them immediately went to knatford sheds to get checked over.

The rest of the engines had gone off to do their jobs or wait from sir topham hatt to know what the heck was going on with the forest.

but sir topham hatt First went towards Timothy and Amelia to get their side of the story.

Timothy: “ Well to be honest sir I don't really know what happened. I don't know how the forest was on fire. but by the time I reached the forest it was already on fire.”

The Fat Controller had one of his Men note down what Timothy had said.

Then it was Amelia’s turn and she gave some interesting details: “ well sir I don't know if it's the cause for sure but I did see Sophie going at a rather reckless speed just before the forest caught on fire.”

the Fat Controller hummed in thought: “ do you think she could have caused the fire with sparks from her funnel?”

Amelia: “ I don't know sir. I know she was reckless back on the Caledonian Railway but I very much doubt she would be this reckless. but I wouldn't put it past her either.”

sir topham hatt: “ well thank you for the information you too. you were both very heroic today. but now I think you should rest and recuperate.”

The two engines agreed as the Fat Controller walked away.

Timothy then looked over towards Amelia with a small smirk: “so you were finally able to stand up your fear today?”

Amelia Returned his smirk: “ I guess I did.”

Timothy: “ So what made you get the bravery to stand up to it?”

Amelia: “ the thought of you and your passengers suffering a very painful end. I wasn't able to save those kids from getting burned. so I wasn't going to let you suffer that fate… even though you could definitely use a repaint right now.”

Timothy chuckles glad that her fear of Fire’s seems to have been conquered. but then he got a more serious expression on his face.

Timothy: “ Do you think Sophie was the one who started the Fire?”

Amelia: “not intentionally but without proof we can't say anything. That's why I said what I said to the Fat Controller. but I'm definitely going to keep my eye on her from now on.”

Timothy: “ we both will. because if she was so reckless to start a forest fire then I don't think she deserves to be on sodor. we don't put our passengers or anybody else at risk on this island.”

Amelia wholeheartedly agreed with that.

For the rest of the day the two of them continued to chat happily towards each other. slowly beginning to develop a bond. a bond that would become stronger but maybe tested at the end of The trial.

to be continued in SMD2509 Thomas and Friends episode 3: Caledonian Judgment.

Chapter 3: Caledonian Judgment.

Everything has been a little bit… tense on the railway ever since the fire of Henry's Forest. The firefighters were able to put the fire out But over 90% of the forest had been burned to the ground.

Henry was absolutely devastated when he heard this. but sad to say the forest Wasn't the only thing that got burned. Some of the fields outside of the forest had also caught fire and had left terrible burn marks.

The local Media extensively covered the investigation into the accident. but sadly the only 3 Witnesses either didn't have all the information or were in a coma.

until the signalman on duty that day woke up from his coma they would not be able to know what started the Fire.

but both Timothy and Amelia knew that it was Sophie's fault. But without proof neither of them decided to say anything but kept a close eye on her.

The media also did cover Amelia's heroic actions in saving Timothy and all of his passengers from the Blazing Inferno.
Meanwhile While the island was buzzing about her heroics, Amelia's Performance Had gone through the roof! She didn't just arrive on time at each station… she was often early!

Amelia felt so happy that she was able to go back to her old self. She still sometimes flinched at the site of fire but knows that she isn't scared of it anymore. As long as she is able to focus on the job and not let fear control her she can continue to do her work.

She had also caught the eye of the Fat Controller who had complimented her often on her great performance much to the annoyance of Sophie.

One day Amelia was once again at ellsbridge waiting for Sophie with her guaranteed connection train. she had arrived seven minutes early!

Amelia looked at the clock and smiled: “ you did it again blazing Amelia.”

also with the extra time some of the Passengers came over to compliment her on her very smooth ride. Amelia took all of these compliments in stride. She wasn't trying to be the best, she wanted to provide the best service to her passengers and that was enough for her.

Eventually Sophie arrived at the station… four minutes late.

Amelia couldn't help but chuckle at her but decided to hold her tongue. she didn't exactly have the time to tease her anyway. but she did give her a smug look.

Sophie looked absolutely Furious at being late. a signal fault near Wells worth had caused her to be delayed. She was also absolutely pissed at the smug look Amelia gave her. but she couldn't say anything since Amelia departed as soon as her passengers entered her coaches.

Meanwhile Timothy was in the yards doing some shunting And was happily looking towards The two Caledonian engines with a smile.

Amelia was no longer being pushed around by Sophie and Sophie absolutely hated that.

Timothy couldn't help but sigh as Amelia left the station.

???: “ you like her don't you?”

Timothy jumped when he looked next to him to see his brother Thomas sitting on the Tracks next to him with a knowing grin.

Timothy with a deep red blush: “I don't know what you're talking about! there's nothing between us!”

Thomas just chuckled: “come on Timothy it's clear as day that you like her. I recognize that look in your eyes from when I'm looking at lady. you love her. Admit it. I won't tease you about it.”

Timothy looked surprised at this: “ and why won't you?”

Thomas looked Sheepishly away: “ because lady would be really upset if I did… and make me sleep outside in the rain the next time it rains.”

Timothy then burst out laughing: “ So I guess we know who is wearing the pants in the relationship.”

Thomas just chuckled at his brother's respondes: “ yes we do. and I think it's better for the whole Island that she keeps me in check. who knows what I would do without her.”

Timothy: “ probably a lot more stupid stuff.”

Thomas: “ yeah you're right about that. but still I think you and Amelia would be Good for each other. I mean the two of you have developed quite the Bond.”

Timothy then looked down a little bit saddened: “it might be true. but considering she might be sent back to Scotland after her trial is over… I don't think our relationship would go anywhere.”

Thomas With a big smile: “ then try and tell her how you feel before she leaves. because you will never get another opportunity then right now. and if you don't want to do it for yourself do it for her. because I believe she has a right to know.”

Timothy looked a bit surprised at Thomas' advice: “ when did you give such good advice?”

Thomas: “Ever since Iaspis Has been giving me tips about how to be a good partner.”

The two brothers continued chatting for a little bit longer before both of them had to leave to continue to do their work.

But little did Timothy know that he wouldn't get the chance to talk to her before her trial was over.

2 weeks before the trial of the Caledonian locomotives was supposed to be over the Fat Controller came over to Amelia while she was alone in the sheds getting ready for the day's work.

The two of them began exchanging words as Tanya was shunting nearby. She couldn't make out everything over the Clatter of the trucks but she definitely Heard something about “going to the Works” and “ the end of the trial.”

When she related this to Timothy the next time they met he began fearing the worst. but Tanya was able to calm him down and remind him that the Fat Controller would never scrap an engine and would fight tooth and nail to prevent that.

Meanwhile, Cardean Had been working very hard on the Express. She was able to keep to time comfortably and was able to provide a smooth ride for her passengers. but her loud whistle still made her feel a little self-conscious every time she used it. She did love the whistle but understood that some people might not want to be woken up by something so loud if they were taking a midday nap.

This inevitably ended up with Sophie teasing her.

One day about a week after Amelia had entered the Works cardean was sitting at the station platform at knapford waiting for her passengers to board when Sophie came next to her with her own passenger train.

Sophie in a smug tone: “ make sure you don't blast your whistle too loud today cardean. I've heard several complaints about it last time I was at elsbridge.”

Cardean looked quite annoyed as she blushed: “ shut up Sophie! it's not that bad!”

Sophie ignored her comment and continued: “I mean they say it literally rattles every single window in their houses when you pass by. I mean I have always found it annoying but I never knew your whistle could do that.”

Cardean was now blushing a very deep red: “ Sophie just shut up and leave me alone!!”

But Sophie continued: “I mean seriously why can't you have a normal whistle? It's so stupid and big. like you.”

Cardean at this point had enough and blew her whistle long and loud in the station causing everyone to wince at the noise. After she was done, Cardean surveyed the damage and was extremely embarrassed.

Cardean in a weak and timid voice: “ sorry…”

her passengers began grumbling as they got into her coaches. Cardean was sad about using her whistle like that. it wasn't fair on the Passengers to have to take the abuse from her when they did nothing wrong.

but after the guard blew his whistle she blew hers very Softly and went on her Express run.

Sophie meanwhile called out to her as she left: “ see I was speaking the truth! maybe you should get that whistle Replaced with a toy whistle!”

Sophie was laughing while cardean was extremely sad and almost to the point of tears.

Unfortunately for Sophie, Katie was approaching from the goods line and had seen everything.

Katie in an angry tone: “you are really a nasty piece of work you know that?”

Sophie just smugly grinned at Katie: “that doesn't matter. not when I'm the next in line to become the newest member of the northwestern railway. My work has been outstanding these last couple of months. I would be surprised if sir topham hatt doesn't pick me.”

Before Katie could say anything else Sophie’s guard blew his whistle and she was on her way leaving behind a very irritated engine.

Katie never liked Sophie. She was the youngest out of the 5 Caledonian engines and always acted like she knew best. even if it got into her trouble. That was one of the reasons their old manager wanted to get rid of her. she would always argue with him when she would need to take good strains or do anything that she didn't like or didn't make her feel important. and she was acting just like that right now as well. only this time she wasn't acting like it in front of the management.

Katie just continued to grumble as she took her empty train of cold trucks to the coal mine.

But as Katie arrived at the coal mine she was surprised to see Ignis Connected up to a small line of coal trucks.

Katie: “ What are you doing here Ignis? I thought I was the only one on the coal runs today?”

Ignis chuckled: “ I'm just here to collect a small shipment for shining time. The houses on the island have been running a bit low on coal recently. so I was sent to pick some up. How have things been with the others? I haven't really gotten a chance to talk to them yet.”

Katie gave Ignis the rundown about what was happening with the rest of their colleagues. Ignis was happy to hear that Amelia had returned to her former self. but she wasn't so happy about what Sophie had been doing around the Railway, and especially what she had done to Cardean Earlier.

Ignis: “That is definitely disgraceful! Honestly, what is she thinking?”

Katie: “ to be honest I very much doubt she is thinking. She believes she's going to be the next member of the North Western Railway just because she works hard. and I am pretty sure she won't be staying on the railway much longer. but I also hope that Cardean Will be alright in the long run…”

Ignis Noticed the little blush she had on her face when mentioning Cardean. It was no secret that Katie had a crush on Cardean. but due to the social standing of same-sex relationships around the world and the stigma that would come with it she decided to just keep her feelings for her to herself. But Ignis had a feeling that if they got together here things might be different for them.

Ignis: “ I hope so too. I also hope that Sophie is realizing what she is doing to herself.”

Katie looked a bit surprised and Confused at what Ignis had said.

Katie: “I thought we both agreed that she wasn't even thinking when she is bullying the other engines?”

Ignis just closes her eyes with a Thoughtful expression on her face: “ I am not talking about her bullying, I am talking about her mechanical condition. she has been running so fast recently I am fearing that she is wearing down her parts much faster than intended. she could end up breaking down one of these days.”

Katie began thinking about that: “ it is true that she has been working herself really hard recently. but I very much doubt she would run herself to bits. Because I am pretty sure the Fat Controller doesn't want to pay for her repairs if that's the case.”

Ignis agreed with Katie. The two of them soon got back to work and they never mentioned their conversation to the others.

Soon it was the final day of the trials. at the newly rebuilt tidmouth sheds Sir Topham hatt would reveal the engines he had chosen to become part of the northwestern railway.

tidmouth sheds had been rebuilt based on the model of the sheds on shining time Island. It was a very big Square building with lots of tracks inside for engines to just rest their weary wheels. but also every single engine that was owned by the northwestern railway had been given their own berth’s to sleep in as well as some guest berth’s In case they had visitors. In total they could fit 30 engines in there.

They also had a beautiful skylight that had a lot of glass so the engines could see into the night. It did also have a special mechanism that the drivers and firemen would have to activate in the morning to minimize the dirt from the smoke dirtying the glass panels.

All the engines excitedly talked About the new sheds as they were preparing for work at knapford sheds.

Gordon: “ The sheds look absolutely marvelous! a grand shed for a grand and engine like me.”

James: “ and it's also splendid! like me!”

Henry could only chuckle: “ well it is nice that we're all getting our own berths in the sheds.”

Edward agreed: “it would be nice to finally stop arguing about who sits where in the sheds. Sir topham hatt even says we are allowed to customize some of our spaces. but not to go overboard of course.”

Thomas and Timothy were both sitting in the sheds a few tracks away from the big engines. but they weren't listening. They were talking about something else.

Timothy: “ I don't understand why Amelia had to go into the works and why it's taking so long for her to come back out? I mean yes her paint is still Fire damaged but so is mine. So why keep her in the works for so long?”

Thomas: “ I don't know Timothy. Maybe The Fat Controller wants to repaint her before she is sent back?”

At this point Sophie had overheard the two tank engines: “ she's probably in the Works to be Cut up for scrap. I mean she's not as useful as some of the other engines around here.”

Timothy went red in the face with anger: “ you listen Sophie! Amelia is an amazing engine and I will not have you talking about her like this! She has earned the respect of every other engine on the railway! you on the other hand have not earned anyone's respect!”

Sophie just scoffed: “ why should I have to earn your respect little Tank Engine. I am a big and important engine that can do things 10 times better than you.”

before Timothy could reply Gordon spoke up.

Gordon: “While it may be true that bigger engines like me are bigger and stronger than little tank engines like Timothy. it doesn't mean we can do everything better than him.”

Henry: “ like we can't go down any of the branch lines without risking ourselves and our passengers.”

James: “ and Timothy has a point! you haven't earned the respect of anyone around here! you keep Boasting about your work but your attitude could really use some polish.”

both Edward, Thomas and Timothy were shocked! the big 3 engines actually telling off another big engine in Defense of a Smaller engine.

Sophie on her part just scowled at all of them and went to collect her train. The other engines said nothing as she left but they were all secretly hoping that she would not join the North Western Railway today.

All day the engines were working hard And trying to make Sir Topham hatt proud. but Sophie was just annoyed all day and was pounding the tracks very hard.

her driver and firemen had noticed that she had been developing Weird sounds. But she didn't care and only wanted to continue working.

but unfortunately this would backfire against her in a big way.

She was pulling her last passenger train of the day and had just Departed maron when the weird noise began again.

Sophie's driver: “ I think there's something seriously wrong with her. maybe we should stop and get another engine to take the train on?”

Sophie in an annoyed tone: “ that will take too long. Let's just go on regardless!”

So they did. Sophie figured that she could still make it even with the weird sounds coming from her.

but she had reckoned without Gordon's Hill.

Sophie raced up the hill giving it everything she got! but as she was just about halfway there was an Almighty clang and a bang! and within a cloud of her own steam she came to a halt Unable to move another inch.

Sophie: “ what happened?! why can't I move!?”

Sophie's driver and fireman climbed down from the cab and inspected the damage. The results of the inspection were very clear cut.

Sophie's driver: “ You have blown Both of your cylinders and your connecting rods have been bent all out of shape on both of your sides. The only thing that seems to be in working order is your Center cylinder. but that won't be enough to pull the train up the Hill. I'm sorry Sophie but you won't Be able to go anywhere until you have these things repaired. we will have to inform the signalmen that we're still on the Hill. otherwise we might have somebody driving into us from behind.”

The fireman agreed and began with the guards' help placing detonaters along the tracks behind Sophie as well as a red oil lamp.

Sophie meanwhile was Grumbling about how this wasn't her fault and that if her crew had maintained her better she wouldn't be in this mess.

her fireman ( who had been dampening down her fire) just ignored her. He knew this was her own fault for running around so recklessly.

But after a while they could hear the puffing of another engine coming from behind them and coming to a stop.

her driver then came over towards the cab to explain what was happening.

Sophie's driver: “ we are in luck. another engine was coming this way. They are going to push us all the way to knappford. but we will have to activate the brakes since they won't be able to run round us since we're already very late.”

Sophie was absolutely Furious at hearing that she would be pushed all the way to knapford.

Sophie: “ I absolutely refuse to be pushed all the way! I'd rather pull myself the whole way! tell that other engine that they can leave and I will proceed all on my own!”

Despite her protest her driver and Fireman just straight up ignored her. Nobody could be sure but it was said that that day was the first day that any fireman on sodor had flipped the bird at his engine.

The engine behind her blew there whistle two times and began pushing her and the entire train over the hill. The noise was spectacular!

The people were cheering for the engine that was pushing the train while completely ignoring their own engine. Sophie was both embarrassed and humiliated. She was also very pissed off. It took them a while but the train finally arrived at its destination of knapford.

The Passengers climbed out of the coaches and wanted to thank the engine that had pushed them all the way. but it had disappeared before anybody could even see it.

After a while all of the engines returned to the sheds and got into their designated berths for the first time.

all of them looked in all as the stars were shining brightly above them along with the moon.

Lady mesmerized by the site above her: “ this is absolutely beautiful…”

Thomas: “ not as beautiful as you lady.”

Lady both chuckled and blushed at the compliment.

Meanwhile Sophie Was sitting in her shed berth looking absolutely miserable. The damage done to her had been more extensive than first thought. not only was her whole valve Gear completely wonky but her frames had also been damaged during her breakdown. she would not be able to get back to work for months. Despite all of this she still felt that she had a pretty good chance of becoming the next engine of the North Western Railway.

Soon sir topham hatt entered the sheds and greeted all of the engines.

Sir Topham hatt: “ I hope everyone is enjoying the new sheds?”

Henry: “ We are sir. we particularly enjoy the skylight you have put in for us.”

Sir Topham hatt chuckled: “ I had a feeling that you guys would like that. but anyway I am here to give you guys the result of the trials. Due to their excellent performance I will be keeping the following: Cardean. Her timings with the Express have been pretty great and I have got a new service in mind that she would be perfect for in between Express runs.”

Gordon looked over towards his new colleague with a smile: “ welcome to the northwestern railway Cardean.”

Cardean just blushed. she felt incredibly humbled that the Fat Controller would keep her.

sir Topham hatt: “The next engines are Ignis and Katie. Both of them have been performing excellently in their assigned tasks and have both been willing to do more than I have asked of them. so I am expecting that you guys will continue that as part of my railway.”

Both Ignis and Katie were excited to continue working on the northwestern railway.

All of the other engines were also excited about the 3 of them joining the Railway but Timothy looked a bit worried.

Timothy: “ And what about Amelia and Sophie? will they be staying?”

Sir Topham hatt: “Sadly I will only be keeping one of them.”

Sophie had a smug look on her face and was about to say something when a whistle was heard from the shed entrance. It was a very familiar whistle but the engine coming in looked very unfamiliar to them.

entering the sheds was a beautifully painted blue 4-4-0 steam locomotive. everybody looked in amazement at the newcomer. and all of them noticed the letters NWR on its tender.

But what caught Timothy's attention was the name painted on the sides of one of the splashers. and it read…

Timothy in surprise: “Amelia!?”

Amelia turned on the turntable with a smile as she chuffed into the berth next to him.”

Amelia: “ Yes Timothy?”

Timothy: “ You are part of the northwestern railway now! and you're painted blue!”

Amelia chuckled: “ yes sir topham hatt told me that he had already bought me and sent me over to the Workshops to get repainted. he originally intended to keep my original red paint. but I requested a paint job similar to what I saw on one of my sisters once. a royal Train paint schem. But without all the royal bits and bobs added of course. and I must admit the men of the Works do great work.”

Timothy just looked up and down at her new paint with little stars in his eyes: “ you look beautiful…”

Both he and Amelia blushed intensely when they realized what he had just said. all of the other engines just chuckled at the site… all except Sophie.

Sophie: “ And what about me sir?”

the Fat Controller looked at her: “ what about you?”

Sophie: “Are you going to keep me?”

the Fat Controller: “ no.”

Sophie looked completely shocked at this answer: “ but I have been doing so much work and I work really hard!”

the Fat Controller: “ so hard that you run yourself to pieces! I appreciate a hard worker but I also appreciate somebody who has common sense. and don't think I don't know about your attitude you have been having towards the other engines and especially how you've been bullying your fellow Caledonian machines!”

Sophie looked absolutely terrified now. because her past was catching up with her.

the Fat Controller: “ and the final reason I won't be keeping you is because you started the forest fire that destroyed 90% of Henry's Forest!”

all of the engines looked completely shocked at this news! especially Henry.

Sophie ouldn't believe what she heard: “ even if that's true what does it matter? I wanted to be on time so I had to work hard.”

sir Topham hatt: “I know it is true thanks to the testimony of both Timothy and Amelia. but also the testimony of the Signalman. he came out of his coma last week and told me that he saw sparks coming from your Funnel before the Fire started! so it's only logical that you started the Fire. I don't need reckless engines on my railway! Especially if they don't listen to good advice or what I tell them! you will be sent back to the LMS tomorrow morning on Henry's freight train. That will be all for tonight.”

Before Sophie could say anything the Fat Controller walked away leaving her both shocked and angry. she felt she was worthy of staying on sodor and that this was an Unfair assessment of her! but sadly there was little she could do as she noticed everybody else talking amongst themselves.

After a while everybody went to sleep ready for another busy day to come tomorrow.

it didn't take long for the Caledonian locomotives to fit right into sodor. all of them had received the Caledonian blue livery after being bought by the Fat Controller. Although Ignis Decided to go for a unique paint scheme but still with similar colors to Amelia.

As for how the relationship between her and Timothy will go? Well that is a story for another day.

the end.

to be continued in episode 4.

Chapter 4: Cardean Powers through.

Notes:

This episode is inspired by this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN0swzbTJaQ

I hope you guys enjoy and please read until the very end because I've already set up the next story.

It had been several months since the Caledonian steam locomotives had been officially inducted into the north western railway.

All of the engines had settled in well and were performing their jobs perfectly.

but one day Cardean had been requested to come to Crovan's gate works For a surprise.

Cardean had no idea what the Fat Controller had in mind as a surprise for her but she hoped it would be a pleasant surprise.

When she arrived at Crovans gate works The Fat Controller was standing outside of the wagon and carriage facilities.

the Fat Controller: “hello Cardean. I am sure you are wondering why you are here.”

Cardean: “Yes sir. Does this have anything to do with that job you mentioned a couple of months ago? Because I have not heard anything about it and the other engines are wondering about it too.”

the Fat Controller chuckles: “ yes my surprise has to do with that but it's also for your regular work. You see, I have always wanted to offer a boat train service from Vickers town all the way to Knapford But never had the proper engine for the job. Gordon would not be available to do these runs Since he is often busy on the Express. But with you arriving and Becoming Part of my railway I will finally be able to run that Boat train Service.”

Cardean Looked absolutely excited: “ it would be a great honor to pull that boat train for you sir!”

the Fat Controller smiled: “I hopet you would say that or else I would have to find another use for these.”

Before Cardean could say anything the door to the Works opened and something very familiar to her was sitting inside of it.

Cardean looked completely stunned: “ are these…”

the Fat Controller with an even bigger smile: “ how about you pull them out and you can have a look for yourself if you think they are what they are?”

Cardean immediately coupled up to the rolling stock inside of the Works and pulled them out. The train she pulled out was so long it almost didn't fit outside.

Cardean rolled up alongside with an enormous grin on her face. because sitting on the track next to her were 6 six wheeled bogie coaches. but not just any coaches…

Cardean With one of the biggest smiles of her life: “ I can't believe it! Caledonian Railway 65ft Grampian Coachs! and they're even in their original colors! I can't even remember the last time I saw them in those colors!”

the Fat Controller walked over to her with a smile on his face: “so I gather you like these coaches?”

Cardean: “Sir I absolutely love them!”

the Fat Controller: “ that's good to hear because these will be your coaches. you will be using them on the new boat train service but also on your regular Express runs so we can clean out our old Express Coaches in a more relaxed time. The cleaners have been complaining that the coaches don't have enough time to be cleaned before the next Express run.”

Cardean was now absolutely aesthetic: “ thank you sir! you won't regret doing this!! I'll make sure that my first run with the boat train will be one of my best!”

The Fat Controller: “ I'm sure it will be. The Maiden Run of the boat train will be in three weeks time. but for now I want you to take these coaches out on regular passenger trains and a couple of Express runs to break them in. We don't want anything going wrong with them when the big day comes. so if you think anything is wrong with them please tell a Workman about it okay?”

Cardean: “I will sir.”

the Fat Controller: “ that's a good engine. oh and if you see Amelia or Ignis Tell them that I have some coaches for them in the works but they're still under restoration.”

Cardean agreed to do that and the two of them chatted about some of the details of the first boat train run alongside some of the upgrades that have been done to the coaches.

After that was done Cardean Took her new coaches out for a spin on some local runs on the loop. The Passengers admired the new paint and how smoothly they rode.

but eventually the day came to an end and she had to put them away into decidings next to the regular Express Coaches which didn't look so grand anymore compared to the new coaches.

As she entered the sheds she could hear Gordon complaining to the others about Cardean's new job.

Gordon: “ I mean seriously why have a newbie run such an important service? I would be much better suited to the task and why give her such big coaches?”

Amelia: “ because they are coaches her class pulled back on the Caledonian Railway. Plus it's nice that the Fat Controller decided to bring some Caledonian coaches to the island. I remember how much Cardean Loved pulling those coaches. I only hope they're not gas lit.”

Henry looked over curiously: “and why would that be a bad idea?”

Cardean spoke up, surprising everyone: “ because of what happened at Quintinshill Back during the war.”

Everybody went silent after Cardean Said that… except for lady.

Lady: “ what war? and what happened during it?”

Thomas gently looked over to his girlfriend: “were talking about the Great War when the whole world went insane! Everybody was fighting everybody. Heck both me and Timothy were built just a few months Before the War Began. and believe me it was absolute hell. bombs coming from the sky and everything. you're lucky you weren't around back then lady. because it wouldn't have been pretty.”

Lady looked absolutely shocked as her boyfriend described the war.

Lady: “ That sounds absolutely horrible. but what Happened at Quintinshill?”

The former Caledonian locomotives looked at each other in Silent agreement as Cardean Started the story.

Cardean: “ it was one of the biggest disasters on the Caledonian Railway if not the biggest. It happened back during 1915 near the passing Loops of Quintinshill Signal box.

Two overnight Express trains were running late and so the local passenger train had to be put aside to let them pass.

But there was a problem. A northbound freight train was occupying the northbound loop line and an empty jellico special coal train was coming the other way Going back to Wales and would have to be shunted aside as well in order to let a troop train go past.

So in order to let the two Express trains pass the night signalman ordered the local train to Switch over to the southbound mainline track and wait there for further instructions. This allowed the coal train To occupy the other loop.

These arrangements actually provided a Convenient stop for the day signalman who was on the local train.

From what I understand, they had some sort of weird arrangement that allowed the day signalman to pretty much arrive a little bit later and allow the day signalman to copy everything he wrote down on a piece of paper.

And after a certain point the guards of both freight trains came into the signal box and began chatting about the war. Unfortunately this distracted both signalmen after the first northbound express past without incident.

But when the second express train and the southbound troop train were accepted into the block, disaster became unavoidable. both of them had forgotten about the local train that was sitting on the southbound track! What happened next was a complete disaster.

The troop train plowed into the local train causing a big wreck. Then the second northbound Express hit the wreckage and also derailed.

the gas canisters on board the trains burst open with fire! In the end it was a disaster. a disaster of Fire, Shredded metal and splintered wood. Not many people survived the disaster and it was one of the darkest periods of the Caledonian Railway.

We were criticized in the investigation about our operations since we were still operating our normal services alongside the wartime services But nothing really came of it. in the end the engines of the troop train and the engine of the local train were damaged beyond repair and scrapped…”

Cardean Began tearing up remembering this part of the story. all the engines wondering why she was getting so emotional until Katie explained everything.

Katie: “ The engines Of the express train caledonian railway 140 Number 140 Dunalastair IV and caledonian railway 43 Number 48 were not that badly damaged and were repaired and put back into service. but the engines of the troop train and the local train: Caledonian railway 139 class Number 121 and finally A Caledonian Railway 903 class number 907 were damaged beyond repair and scrapped…”

All of the engines looked over to Cardean And understood why she felt so sad.

Lady: “ I am so sorry that happened to you Cardean. I may have been a one of a kind build but if any of that happened to my friends or my family I would be heartbroken.”

Cardean sniffed a little: “ it's fine… really it's fine… it's just a hard memory to remember. I have gotten over it but I still feel a little bit sad at remembering how my sister met her end. but at least I and my fellow siblings will be able to carry on her memories. But that accident was also the reason why all coaches are now built with electric lamps to lighten them up within dark tunnels and for night runs. It is just a lot safer.”

Nobody said a word after that as all of them went to sleep.

Luckily the bad mood did not last long and everybody did tell her that they would support her through anything. she only had to ask.

Over the coming weeks Cardean Put her new coaches through their paces. She did ask some workmen at the end of the day to give them an inspection to make sure nothing was amiss. but fortunately they Never had any faults. This put her mind at ease.

One night Cardean Came home rather late due to a broken signal on the line.

she was going towards the sheds when she noticed Katie sitting outside having some workman look at her.

Cardean slowly approached her: “is everything alright Katie?”

Katie gave her a small smile: “Everything is fine Cardean. I'm just having some trouble with my brakes. They have been sticking a little bit more than usual recently. but at least it's nothing serious. but I am going to take it a little bit more carefully from now on until I have time to go to the works.”

Cardean: “why don't you go to the Works tomorrow?”

Katie: “Because the next two days are going to be busy for me. I have a huge amount of minerals to deliver Tomorrow and sir topham hatt told me that there will be a big slate delivery on the same day you are taking your boat train. it's going to be a very important shipment so I cannot afford to be delayed. anyway let's go to the sheds I am knackered.”

Cardean looked a bit worried as Katie slowly made her way towards the sheds. She was worried for her friend and hoped that Katie wouldn't have anything go wrong with her with her big slate delivery.

Soon the big day had arrived. Cardean Was sitting at the platform simmering happily. She couldn't wait to set off on her very first journey with the boat train.

After all the passengers and the luggage was loaded into her coaches she was finally permitted to set off.

Cardean’s run up the line went incredibly well. The coaches rode extremely smoothly over the track and she was making excellent time being a few minutes ahead of schedule.

but then it slowly began to Rain. Cardean Wasn't worried about this. it had been predicted in the forecast that there would be some rain and a small storm coming over the island. all the same she began putting on a bit more power to make sure she would be able to keep ahead of schedule but still be safe.

But when she was aproaching killdane There was a red signal so she had to stop. but as she came to a stop at The Platform she noticed something else. Katie was sitting on the platform next to her looking absolutely miserable and not just because of the rain.

Cardean: “Is everything alright Katie?”

Katie: “ no my brakes are stuck on and I can't turn them off again. My driver and Fireman are trying to fix the problem but we might miss the boat that will take this slate. I really don't want to let sir topham hatt down but there's nothing I can do.”

Cardean Looked sympathetically over towards her friend. She wanted to help but there was nothing she could think of that could help her… until something sprang in her mind.

Cardean: “ Katie the slate has to go to knapford harbor right?”

Katie looked a bit confused: “yes? Why do you ask?”

Cardean: “If I were to attach you to the back of my train I could help you keep the brakes off and get you there on time before the boat leaves!”

Katie looked absolutely shocked: “Cardean are you absolutely serious! I mean I'm glad that you are willing to help me but I don't know if I will be able to keep up with you and with this weather Gordon's Hill is going to be extremely slippery.”

Cardean gave her a reassuring smile: “that's okay I'll just tow you behind me until we get to the hill then you provide all the power you can When we begin climbing.”

Katie wasn't sure about Cardean’s plan but she didn't see any other options to get her train to the end destination on time. so it was a range for her to be attached to the back of the boat train and the two of them set off.

Katie had never gone at the speeds of an express train before having usually been stuck with slow goods workings. so this was a brand new experience for her and she was enjoying herself immensely.

After a short while they passed maron And began approaching Gordon's Hill. Cardean decided to accelerate without warning Katie. Katie on her part was shocked by the sudden increase of speed and was able to apply her brakes causing the whole train to stall halfway Up the Hill.

Cardean looked back down the hill: “ what was that Katie? I'm supposed to help you keep your breaks off and not continue to apply them.”

Katie: “ I'm sorry I paniced! I didn't expect you to accelerate so quickly!”

Cardean just let out a sigh as the two of them decided to back up and try for the hill again.

The two of them made their way all the way back to Maron before giving another big effort to get over the hill. as they sent off again they put down sand onto the tracks which helped them accelerate just a little. but unfortunately they once again came to a stall on the Hill.

Katie realized that without her Cardean would be able to make it over the hill on her own since her train was a lot heavier than Cardean’s.

Katie: “Cardean you can't take both of me and your own trains over the hill even with my help. just leave me on a siding and I'll…”

but Cardean cut her off: “ I will not give up! Let's give it one more run with everything we have!”

Katie wasn't sure that was a good idea. but Cardean did sound determined so the two of them backed up down a little bit further from Maron towards the first signal before it.

Cardean With a determined look in her eyes: “ okay on the count of three! one! Two!! Three!!!”

The two engines gave it everything they got. The sand left over from their last attempt helped them gather up a great amount of Speed. As soon as the thunder and lightning surrounded them they began The Climb. The noise was spectacular as were the sites of these two mighty beasts battling the hill with lightning and thunder surrounding them everywhere. Katie was a little bit worried that they might not be able to make it this time. but she could feel on her coupling hook that Cardean was giving it everything she got and she felt encouraged to give it everything she had too.

Cardean on her end wasn't going to let anything stop her from getting her train to its destination on time and had a determined look on her face which turned into a happy one as she was finally able to make it over the top.

Cardean looked back towards the end of the train: “ Katie we did it!”

Katie couldn't believe it as she also passed over the top of the hill and gave her friend a big blast of her whistle.

Katie: “well done Cardean! now let's get to knapford!”

Cardean gave her a blast of her very loud whistle in return as they continued to run towards Knapford With their long train.

Sir Topham hatt was anxiously pacing the platform of a knapford docks station where the boat train was supposed to arrive.

He had been given some information from the station master at Maron that the boat train could possibly be delayed.

he was almost going to go to the station master to ask if anything else came through about the boat train when he could hear a familiar whistle.

It was Cardean Approaching the station platform right on time.

she came to a gentle halt and all of the Passengers burst out of the coaches! The Fat Controller was concerned that they had complaints about the service. but instead they were singing the praises of both Cardean and Katie along with their crews.

They were telling him that Cardean wouldn't give up when they were not able to make it over Gordon's Hill.

The Fat Controller was incredibly proud of both Cardean and Katie.

After all the passengers and luggage had been transferred towards the ship both Katie and Cardean left their coaches and trucks into their proper sidings and went to the sheds.

the sheds were completely empty and it would just be the two of them.

The two of them sat in silence for a while when Katie broke the silence.

Katie: “ Thanks for helping me today. It was really kind of you.”

Cardean with a big smile: “ your welcome. I would do anything to help my friends.”

Katie let out a little sigh: “ yeah… friends…”

Cardean looked a bit worried about Katie's reaction: “ did I say something wrong?”

Katie: “ no, no. it's just… I kind of see you as more than just a friend. I mean you are amazing, beautiful and will never give up! So over time I slowly began developing feelings for you… I understand if you don't have any feelings for me and if you don't want to be in a relationship with me because you know… the viewpoint of same sex relationships… but I just wanted to get it off my steam chest tonight…”

Cardean looked surprised at what Katie had said: “ Katie… Do you want to be my partner?”

Katie: “yes… but again if you don't want to because of the reputation surrounding same sex couples…”

Cardean cut Katie off: “ I would be happy to be your partner!”

Katie was absolutely shocked: “Really!”

Cardean chuckled: “to be honest I also had a crush on you because of how you didn't treat me as a kid when I was first built. and I also love how strong you are, even if you're not fast. I really like you too Katie and I don't care what anybody else thinks. as long as we are together I feel unstoppable.”

Katie gave her a smirk: “like feeling so unstoppable that you would try and climb a hill in the middle of a rainstorm while pulling an extra long train? because if that is how unstoppable you feel with me then the heavens are going to have to throw down the biggest storm they can manage to even put a dent on you.”

The two of them began laughing and slowly Falling into a comfortable silence.

They ended up telling their friends about their new found relationship when all of them Returned. Despite some initial hesitation all of them accepted their relationship.

The successful run of the boat train allowed the Fat Controller to schedule more of them. one would run every week on Friday with Cardean at the front of them. Of course Gordon got his runs with the boat train as well but the Passengers had more fun when Cardean was at the front.

but at the end of the day everybody ended up being happier and the railways of sodor became even more popular than ever before.

but one day sir Topham hatt entered his office when he heard the phone ring. so he picked up the phone.

Sir Topham hatt: “Hello this is the office of the northwestern railway speaking this is Sir Topham hatt How can I help you?”

???: “Hello Mr hatt. My name is Herbert Ashcombe Walker, general manager of the Southern Railway and I need to ask a favor of you. if you're up for it of course.”

Sir topham hatt raised an eyebrow: “That depends on what the Favor is?”

Herbert Ashcombe Walker: “I need to borrow Thomas,Timothy, Rex-Iaspis and Rex-Frigidus.”

the end.

Chapter 5: The Brighton Experiment

.

It was late evening on the island of sodor and almost all the engines had returned to the sheds.

They were talking about the day's work when the final engines arrived.

Rex-Iaspis and Rex-Frigidus had returned from their late night passenger trains along the loop and the main line and were both exhausted.

Frigidus: “ Man, it was tough today. First I was delayed by a red signal and then a Fallen tree. but at least I was able to make up the time but I'm now exhausted.”

Iaspis: “I agree with you there brother. It was very tough dealing with the passengers on the loop line. They were complaining endlessly about anything and everything. Seriously, I had half a mind to just leave the coaches on the main line and tell them that if they're so willing to complain that they should be willing to pull the train themselves.”

At that moment Katie came into the sheds covered in coal dust.

Katie: “That's why I will stick to goods traffic. Goods can't mouth off at you. That being said It is quite a dirty job. and I'm finally getting why the Caledonian Railway and the LMS refused to paint me anything other than Black.”

Cardean Chuckles: “ because black is a much easier color to wash. That being said, you look quite beautiful in blue as well. and the coal dust makes you look like a really useful goods engine.”

Katie smiles sweetly as she backs down into her berth Next to her lover.

Katie: “That's so sweet of you to say Cardean. But I am definitely getting a wash down tomorrow. I don't want to sound vain but I want to keep my blue paint clean as much as I can.”

At that moment the Fat Controller walked into the sheds.

The Fat Controller: “hello everybody I have some very big news today. somebody on the mainland asked me if I was willing to send some of my engines over for a very big event.”

everybody began murmuring until Thomas asked his question: “ what is the event sir?”

the Fat Controller: “ it is the celebration of a workshop's opening. so they asked me if I was willing to send over some of my engines that were built there.”

Gordon immediately spoke up: “ well I am certainly willing to go sir. such a large and Grand engine like myself is an obvious choice to go to such an event.”

all the engines began groaning.

the Fat Controller: “ actually Gordon the workshop in question isn't Doncaster it's Brighton Works and they have specifically requested Thomas, Timothy, Iaspis and Frigidus To come to the event.”

Everybody looked Shocked at the 4 Brighton buildt locomotives who were grinning very widely.

Thomas: “ You mean sir we get to go back to Brighton? our birthplace.”

the Fat Controller noded: “ yes. they specifically requested the four of you. But they also requested that I send an extra engine just in case something goes wrong with any of you. and I have already chosen that engine: Henry.”

Everybody looked shocked at hearing that, especially Henry.

Henry: “Sir, what about my trains? somebody's going to have to handle them while I'm away.”

Sir Topham hatt: “ don't worry Henry, I have split your duties between the other engines and they will be more than capable of handling them. Now all five of you will be leaving tomorrow evening. so tomorrow I want all of you to get a good wash down, load up with coal and get ready to leave. Henry, make sure you take a truck of Welsh coal with you. we don't want you to have any problems on your little trip do we?”

Henry tentatively agreed as the Fat Controller left. The whole shed began exploding into conversation once the door had been closed. all of them asking what Brighton was like for the four Brighton locos. Of course the four of them were more than happy to answer the questions for their friends.

Henry on the other hand was a little bit nervous about going to a railway that isn't the fat controller's railway. remembering that he was just a failed experimental loco and how the other engines at Brighton would react to him.

late in the evening of the next day all five of them were ready to go. Thomas and Timothy were going to be towed for the long journey ahead with Henry, Iaspis and Frigidus Pulling them all the way.

As they started their journey Henry was still very nervous.

It took them a couple of days traveling along the LMS Before they reached London. After making their way towards the Southern railway Terminus stations they immediately began rolling down the familiar line.

After about an hour they finally reached Brighton.

The four former Brighton engines began chuckling as they looked around.

Iaspis: “this place hasn't changed a bit.”

Frigidus: “You can say that again. I wonder if some of our siblings are still around?”

Thomas: “ I personally hope none of mine and Timothy siblings are around. after how they treated both of us I don't want to see their ugly faces again.”

Timothy hummed in agreement.

Henry just looked around at the Grand station he was in. He didn't say much as all 5 of them made their way towards the engine sheds. as they entered the sheds a huge group of engines began gasping, murmuring and then finally cheering!

An E4 tank: “ well looky here. It's Thomas the Tank Engine back from his Adventures on the island of sodor. Are you here to stay or are you just visiting?”

Thomas chuckles: “we are here to visit For the celebration of Brighton works. after that we are heading home.”

all of the Brighton engines continued to ask questions to their four former colleagues.

Meanwhile Henry felt a little bit uncomfortable.

The next day the celebrations began.

Iaspis and Frigidus were handling some special passenger runs with Pullman coaches. Thomas and Timothy were seen around Brighton shunting coaches and trucks around for the bigger engines to take out. but they were also allowed to take some smaller commuter runs down the line with special coaches.

Henry meanwhile was pretty much free to roam around and pull some goods trains here and there.

Two days after they arrived Henry had to take a small goods train to a yard Just a few miles away from Brighton.

He pulled into the yard and saw one of the k class locomotives sitting in the yard waiting to depart with its goods train.

k-class locomotive: “ hello there you must be Henry from sodor. it's a pleasure to meet you.”

Henry: “ Thank you.”

Before either of them could say anything else Henry overheard a man screaming towards an engine.

Henry looked over towards the argument and saw a big Tank Engine setting a couple Sidings over being yelled at by a man in a works overalls. but he didn't look like he worked at Brighton. on the engines huge side tanks was the name Eleanor.

Man screaming: “broken down again!! it was just a simple goods run! how are you able to screw up everything!”

Eleanor in a small and timid voice: “ I'm sorry I tried my best but…”

Man screaming even louder: “ I don't want to hear any of your excuses! I don't even know why I built you in the first place! you better do better on your next run or else you will not like the consequences!”

the man angrily walked away leaving Eleanor a crying mess.

Henry: “ Who is that?”

the k-class locomotive looked over somberly: “ that is Eleanor and the man that just walked away is her Builder.”

Henry: “ What do you mean? wasn't she built in Brighton as well?”

the k-class locomotive: “ not entirely. part of her frame and smoke box come from my class ironically. that man Joseph hammerman sees himself as a rival to Mr Billington. The two of them apparently were rivals back in high school from as far as I know. He even got his own engineering workshop and actually bragged to Billington that he could build a better goods engine than he could from my class. so Mr Billington offered him a frame and a Smoke box alongside some cylinders, connecting Rods and wheels and that he could build the rest. and the results in the end was Eleanor. Unfortunately she did not perform to Mr Hammerman's Expectations. She was a very poor steamer with many problems. In the end he lost the bet and it ended up Costing him more than he bargained for. He lost a huge amount of money because he had been marketing her as a brand new class of steam engines to some investors who in the end were disappointed with the end product. He constantly tried to modify her but nothing worked. In the end he lost almost all of his money and his workshop got foreclosed on because he didn't pay off some loans at the bank he also had to take to build her. She's also technically owned by the bank but they're trying to find out if anybody would buy her. but in the meantime he is still her owner. I personally hope she finds an owner soon. but who wants a Failed engine?”

Henry didn't respond as the k class gently puffed away with its goods train.

Henry could see Eleanor crying in the siding and couldn't help but feel some sort of a kindred spirit within her.

Henry spend the rest of the day thinking about Eleanor and trying to find a solution. He also hoped to be able to talk to her at one point which luckily did happen.

Later in the evening Henry had just delivered another good strain to the same yard. It was very late and he didn't feel like Chuffing all the way towards the main sheds back at Brighton. so he decided to look around and see if any other sheds were available.

and luckily for him there was one available. but it had one more occupant in it.

Henry noticed that Eleanor was sitting on the track next to him and she was crying.

Henry gently approached next to her: “ are you okay?”

Eleanor jumped a little as she noticed Henry: “ I'm fine… I am perfectly fine…”

Henry just let out a sigh from his cylinders: “ I know that you're lying. I saw your owner earlier today yelling at you for breaking down. So please tell me truthfully this time, are you okay?”

Eleanor burst out into tears again: “no I am not! no matter what I do it's never good enough for him! I always try my best but I'm always being held back because of my design! I can never do what any other engine can! I'm just a weak useless piece of scrap metal! Nobody wants to buy me and give me a chance! I will almost likely end up getting scrapped! my entire life has been a joke! Why am I cursed to be a failure!? Why!??”

Henry felt incredibly sorry for her. He could see that she was definitely hurting on the inside more than on the outside. He also noticed a scar on her left cheek. Henry had never seen another engine with a scar before. Mr Hammerman was definitely abusing her and taking out his frustrations on her. so Henry decided to begin comforting her.

Henry: “hey it's okay… I am technically a failure too.”

Eleanor looked over at that piece of information: “ what do you mean? you're a big powerful Pacific! I have seen you around you are amazing! how can you say you are a failure?”

Henry chuckles a bit: “ well… I was actually built from stolen plans from Sir Nigel gresley. but the person who stole the plans accidentally screwed up because they took a Plan that was a hybrid between a Gnr C1 Atlantic and one of his pacifics. I ended up being the result and having a firebox that was too small. I was sold to the northwestern railway and had a myriad of problems. Eventually my controller decided to purchase Welsh coal to help with my steaming issues. and it worked! I am now capable of Performing at the best of my capabilities.”

Eleanor: “ well then… you're lucky to have a controller who actually cares about you… I wish he was my controller… maybe he would even give a failure like me a chance…”

Suddenly an idea came into Henry's smoke box. but he needed to contact the Fat Controller first.

The two of them spent the rest of the night talking to each other until they fell asleep.

The next couple of days were a blur for Henry. he had been helping out Around Brighton while the special events were still going on.

He had sent a message to Sir Topham hatt but hadn't gotten any response yet.

but soon it was time to leave.

The five locomotives were attached to one big train to pull out of Brighton with.

They pulled the train all the way to London. many people were on board and along the track sides waving them Farewell.

but before they could leave London they were ordered to pick up something from a small yard. all of them went into the small yard and found that there was only one thing waiting for them…

It was Eleanor!

Thomas: “ hello who are you? Are you the thing we have to pick up here?”

Eleanor with a nervous smile: “ yes… I have been recently bought by your controller and he wanted me to come along with you guys since you were already heading back to sodor… he figured that you would be able to take me with you… if it doesn't trouble you guys?”

Timothy with a big smile: “ it's no trouble to us. but we will put you at the back if you don't mind?”

Eleanor: “ I don't mind…”

Iaspis: “Okay then. let's couple you up and we'll get out of here.”

She was coupled up behind Henry and the cavalcade of engines made their way back to sodor. along the way Eleanor had many questions like: what is the island like? How many other engines are there? What kind of work do you guys do? Do you think the others are going to like me? and so on and so forth.

After a couple of days they returned back to sodor.

Eleanor was given a very warm welcome by the other engine's. She was still pretty nervous about meeting so many new engines and hoped that she wouldn't mess up on her first day.

On the morning of her first day she had been scheduled to pull a passenger train along the loop line.

Eleanor was nervously waiting at platform 3 in Knapford waiting for her passengers to board.

 

Henry slowly approached on platform 2 with his stopping service to vicarstown.

Henry: “Are you okay Eleanor? you look a little bit nervous.”

Eleanor looked over to Henry: “ to be honest I am nervous. this is the first time I'm pulling a train for my new owner and I don't want to screw it up.”

Henry: “ then take a calming breath and just do your best. as long as you try to get your train to the station I think that sir Topham hatt will be more than happy.”

Eleanor could only hope so as her guard blew his whistle and she set off.

She was traveling down the loop line and so far nothing had gone wrong. Eleanor was hoping that this would be a faultless run. but unfortunately when they passed toryreck She felt something loose in her right cylinder. then all of a sudden steam began hissing from it! Eleanor was shocked that this was happening.

But despite that she decided to press on. heaving and wheezing all the way to Elsbridge just in time for the branch line connection.

Thomas was on the other platform heading towards Tidmouth. He looked a bit concerned towards the newcomer.

Thomas: “ Is everything alright? you seem to be leaking steam like crazy.”

Eleanor in a nervous and panic voice: “Don't worry I am fine! I will take this train all the way down to knatford without any more troubles! don't worry about me.”

Thomas wasn't sure that she would be alright. but sadly he couldn't do anything because his guard blew his whistle and he needed to go.

a short while after Eleanor was traveling down the main line and was gently puffing along with Steam still leaking from her. but she wouldn't give up. but unfortunately she finally ran out of steam and was stuck a few miles out of knapford.

Eleanor began crying. thinking that she has blown her one chance to impress the Fat Controller.

Henry was called out to rescue her and the train. Henry could see that Eleanor was in no mood to talk and just pulled the train all the way to knapford. After they arrived at Knapford Henry pulled her towards Tidmouth sheds.

Once the two of them were there some workmen took a look at her and began trying to fix the problem.

At that moment sir Topham hatt walked into the sheds.

Eleanor immediately began talking and crying: “sir I am so sorry for failing today! I didn't mean to! I tried my very best to get the train to its end destination but I just couldn't! I am so sorry! please don't send me away or scrap me or anything I will do better I swear!”

Both Sir Topham hatt and Henry looked surprised at her reaction.

The Fat Controller: “ calm down Eleanor. I am not sending you away or sending you for scrap. I just came here to see if you were okay.”

Eleanor sniffed a little: “ really?”

the Fat Controller: “ really. to be honest I'm actually kind of impressed that you made it as far as you did. According to your driver, your failure began just passed toryreck. But you made it all the way past lower knapford. That is quite an impressive feat. besides I know about your past of being an experimental designer. so you don't have to worry. I understand if you will break down once in a while. and I will also try to find a solution to this problem but for now I think one of the better Solutions is to just fix up what we can. Your driver also noticed some steaming issues so I've suggested that you also take some of Henry's Welsh Coal to help sort that problem too. And for now I'm temporarily pulling you from the Passenger Services and you can help Henry with the tree deliveries to the forest.”

As Sir Topham hatt begun walking away Eleanor looked over towards Henry with a bit of confusion.

Eleanor: “ Why do we need to bring trees to a Forest? doesn't it have enough trees already?”

Henry: “ normally yes… but we had an engine on trial About 3 years ago And she ended up torching the whole Forest during a heat wave. over 90% of the forest was burned down. The council of sodor decided to rebuild the forest instead of turning it into a residential zone, seeing the forest as a natural beauty that must be maintained. so the railway offered our services to help replant the trees. I offered to help out on this since I absolutely love the forest. It's very quiet and the Fat Controller even put in a Siding for me so I wouldn't block the railway operations when I'm there. I do have to tell the signal man I am there before I can stay there. Have you ever been in a forest?”

Eleanor: “ not really I spent most of my time on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. they don't have that many lines that run through forests.”

Henry: “ Then you're going to like this.”

At that moment the workman came over to the front of Eleanor: “ well we sorted the problem. turns out you just had a loose bolt that we have just tightened up. you are clear to re-enter traffic.”

Henry: “ That's Splendid! she could help me with my first tree deliveries of the day.”

Eleanor wasn't really sure about working in a forest. but considering the Fat Controller had told her to do this she decided to go. plus it did sound quite interesting.

Both Henry and Eleanor connected up To a long line of trucks filled with trees.

The two of them headed down the line and enjoyed the quiet atmosphere that Sodor's countryside offered.

Soon they arrived at the Forest. Eleanor had not been able to see the forest properly when she arrived on the island because it was dark. but now she could see what Henry was talking about with the fact that the forest had been burned down. although a large section of it had already been replanted. much more needed to be done before the forest was to be back to normal.

Eleanor and Henry went to his special siding and watched the workman unload the train and replant the trees.

Eleanor looked around in amazement: “ I get why you like the forests so much… it's beautiful even in its burned state.”

Henry chuckled: “ while yes. I like the forest because it sometimes reminds me about my own self.”

Eleanor: “ What do you mean by that?”

Henry looked over towards a burnt section of the forest which was still covered in Ash. a workman steps over it and the two engines could see a small seedling growing out of the dirt and Ash.

Henry: “ Whenever I see new trees beginning to grow it reminds me that I myself have a lot of growing to do. and that even in the face of Tragedy there will always be a little bit of hope. I personally hope one day I might not be this failed experiment of a locomotive. I don't know if that will ever come true but at least the forest reminds me that there is a little bit of hope for that to happen.”

Eleanor understood what Henry meant. and she looked at the little seedling popping out of the ground and she could also see herself in it. she may not know what her future would bring her. but she was definitely happy that she was somewhere that would take care of her and have friends and a controller that had her back.

but little did the two know that a few years later their prayers would be answered in a very unfortunate way.

The end

Chapter 6: The flying kipper.

It had been a few months since Eleanor joined the team and was still getting used to everything. She still had breakdowns from time to time but the men did try and fix her the best they could.

Besides that, she was able to make friends with the others. engines especially the other female engines. Especially Tara.

She was happy living on the island of sodor. but she was still worried that her Builder would come after her and take her back to Brighton.

and one day she found out that her fears were justified.

One day she was passing through knapford station With a small goods train when she saw a frighteningly familiar face angrily coming out of the fat controller's office.

it was Mr hammerman!

he immediately noticed her coming into the station and began yelling at her: “ what are you doing pulling that! I did not order you to pull that! you are coming back With me to brighten now!”

 

Eleanor was frightened by him yelling at her and immediately blasted through the station towards the docks.

she heard him yelling at her to come back but she didn't.

She was so frightened she tried to find the deepest and darkest siding in the yard and hid there.

Unfortunately Mr hammerman found her hiding.

Mr hammerman: “ there you are you useless piece of scrap! you are not allowed to hide from me! you are coming back to brighten with me now!”

Eleanor in a timid voice: “ but sir I don't want to leave. I have friends here and.”

but Mr hammerman cut her off screaming: “ I do not care about your stupid friends! you are returning to Brighton and that's final! and if you say one more thing to me now I will take you apart right here right now!”

Mr Hammerman tried climbing into her cab when suddenly another engine came and buffered up behind Eleanor making him fall off her stairs.

When Mr Hammerman looked up he saw Katie looking absolutely Furious at him.

Katie: “ what in the name of the Caledonian Railway do you think you are doing here?”

Mr hammerman: “reclaiming my property you idiotic a goods engine!”

Katie: “ idiotic am I? well I may be a goods engine but I'm at least capable of knowing that you are trespassing and stealing northwestern railway property!”

Mr hammerman stood up and screamed at her: “She is my property! I built her! therefore she is my property!”

Katie was about to reply when Tara came over.

Tara: “ actually according to what we have been told from Henry and sir Topham hatt the bank owned her After you didn't make your payments on that loan you owe them. therefore they have the legal right to Seize your assets and sell them off to cover your debts. and Eleanor was included in that sale. So since sir Topham hatt had legally purchased her she is now his property and you don't have the right to take her away. If anything we now have the right to basically get you sued for trespassing. And if the railway workers can’t take you away we are certain the police would be more than willing to hear your story.”

Mr hammerman began growling but wisely decided to leave… for now.

Eleanor was close to tears as Tara gently approached on her left.

Tara: “ are you okay Eleanor?”

Eleanor: “ no… I don't understand why he has to be so mean to me. what did I ever do to him?”

Katie gently approached on her right: “ nothing really. He just expected you to be better so that's why he poured all of his money into you. but in the end you didn't turn out so great and cost him everything. Now this isn't your fault! you didn't ask to be built and it's all up to him. He is just projecting his frustrations out on you. which if you ask me is the lowest thing you can do in such a situation.”

Tara raised one of her eyebrows: “If that is what is happening.”

Katie: “ That's definitely what's happening.”

Eleanor: “ But how are you so sure of this?”

Katie: “ because I have seen it before.”

Eleanor and Tara looked at her in surprise: “wear/ when?”

Katie chuckled: “ how about I tell you When we are done with our work and we go back to tidmouth sheds? Since there's still a lot of work to be done. I and my fellow Caledonian locomotives will explain everything.”

The two other female engines looked at Katie leaving to Collect her next train and followed her.

That evening all of them had heard about Eleanor's Encounter with her old Owner.

Regina: “It's absolutely disgusting that he thinks he can just take you like that without even thinking about what you want! I mean I know we are just machines but we have just as much right to object to things as humans do!”

Howard: “ You're right about that Regina. I am absolutely disgusted at that man's behavior!”

Suddenly everybody heard chuckling coming from one corner of the sheds. all of the engines looked towards the caledonians who were chuckling about something.

James: “ and what is so funny about the situation?”

Amelia: “ We're chuckling because this has happened to us before.”

Edward looked a bit curious: “ what do you mean by that? did another engine have to go through this?”

Tara: “ I'm curious to hear about this too. Katie did tell me and Eleanor that she would tell us when we were all back together here in the sheds.”

Katie began chuckling again: “ I did. Well Back on the Caledonian Railway there was a junction station where all of us passed through or just stopped to pick up passengers and goods. Now in the town that the station served was a young girl who was absolutely beautiful and was a little ray of sunshine for everyone as she worked in the tea room of the station. but we learned a terrible truth about her upbringing.”

Cardean: “It turns out her father wanted to start his own business but thanks to him making his girlfriend pregnant he had to also take responsibility for that Child by his parents orders. They were successful business people but unlike most Tycoons they actually had hearts of gold and treated their workers like family. but their son was nothing like them.”

Amelia: “he was absolutely cruel every single time he came to the station. yelling at his daughter since apparently thanks to her his own business failed because he couldn't get enough money to operate it since he also had to pay for her. to be honest it was absolutely disgusting to see him yelling at a poor and defenseless girl.”

Ignis: “We would often see her crying on her breaks in some random corner of the yards. it was absolutely heartbreaking to see her like that.”

Katie: “ So one day I decided to talk to her since I had some time While the workmen were still loading up my goods train. She told me everything and that her father blamed her for the downfall of him and his business. I told her that none of that was her fault. she didn't ask to be born and she didn't ask him to be her father. At the end of the day it's his fault what happened to him. and I don't know if it was that conversation or just pent up anger over everything but she decided to tell her grandparents about the horrible treatment she had received from their son and they were even more disappointed and Furious at him than ever. They straight up disowned him for his actions and cut off the financial support they had been giving him since he had all but spent it on gambling with no returns to show for it. after that day that girl was happier than she had been in her entire life.”

Amelia: “ well until her wedding a couple of years later.”

Cardean on controlably chuckling: “ she even requested to have the wedding ceremony in the Rail Yard so that Katie could attend. She even had her decorated in flowers. she looked so cute!”

Katie was blushing now: “ please Cardean don't bring that up in front of the others. it was kind of embarrassing.”

Amelia smirked: “You didn't seem to complain when you were also given the opportunity to pull their wedding train to their honeymoon Location.”

Katie: “okay I definitely think we are getting off Topic here. I was trying to tell the story to cheer up Eleanor and give her some good advice.”

Eleanor: “ what advice? I didn't wrong him in any way.”

Katie: “ yes but in his eyes you did. He lost a ton of money because you didn't turn out to be the breakthrough locomotive he imagined you to be. but in the end that is his failure as an engineer. you didn't ask to be built and you didn't ask for him to be your designer. In the end it's his own fault and you don't owe him anything. and the next time you see him remember that he is no longer in charge of you. you are free from his control”

Eleanor began thinking about Katie's words as the rest of the engines went to sleep. as Eleanor looked up towards the sky she noticed that snow began to fall.

The next couple of weeks were rough for the engine's. snow and ice was everywhere and made work on the railway very difficult.

But for Eleanor, having Mr hammerman around was the worst part. she could handle the snow but she couldn't handle his persistence that she was his property.

Eventually he began to take things further and further. Sometimes he even tried to go into her cab and drive her off the island but he was always stopped.

This was starting to have a toll on her mental health and one day she didn't return to the sheds. Henry went out to look for her and found her in the forest. Most of it had been replanted at this point but there was still a lot of work to do.

Henry gently approached her: “are you feeling okay Eleanor?”

Eleanor: “ no I am not! Why can't he just leave me alone?! I don't want to have anything to do with him anymore! I am not the reason his business failed! and why does he want me so badly? Does he want to scrap me or something?”

Henry let out a sigh: “ I don't know. and I'm not going to say I understand what you are going through because I don't. I don't understand why he is so desperate to get you back or why he's doing all this crazy stuff. but all that I know is that you are not to blame for his failings.”

Eleanor: “ I just want him to leave me alone. I like it here. The engines around me treat me like a respected member of the team rather than a sad charity case. I have friends here and a life I want to live. so why can't he just let go of me and move on with his life?”

Henry didn't have the answer. All that he knew was that he needed to find a way to cheer up his friend.

Then something Flew into Henry's smokebox: “How about to help keep your mind off this, You help me with the flying Kipper The day after tomorrow?”

Eleanor raised one of her eyebrows: “ the flying kipper? that fishtrain you pull at the crack of dawn?”

Henry: “ that's the one. I think the Fresh Morning air could help you clear your mind. So what do you say?”

Eleanor sighs: “ okay. I really Don't mind the smell of fish and I think I really could use a change of pace.”

Henry: “ okay I'll make the arrangements with the Fat Controller tomorrow. right now I think we should head back to the sheds. it’s gonna be a busy day tomorrow.”

As the two engines Went back to the sheds they didn't notice a certain man hiding behind some trees with a very devious smile on his face.

The next day Henry asked the Fat Controller if he could double-head the flying Kipper with Eleanor to the mainland. The Fat Controller wasn't certain at first but decided that it was okay.

The day after that in the early morning hours the two engines were being prepared for the flying kipper. Henry's driver even joked that if they pulled the flying Kipper really well Henry might be able to pull the Express. Both engines chuckled at this as they made their way out of the sheds and towards Knapford Harbor.

They arrived at the harbor and coupled up to the train 15 minutes before 5:00 In the morning. Henry would be at the front and Eleanor would be right behind him and would be the one connected up to the train. The two of them were simmering nicely waiting for the final load of fish to be loaded up.

Meanwhile along the main line Mr Hammerman tracked his way through the snow and made his way towards a signal with some tools.

Back at the harbor Henry and Eleanor were having a very fun chat with each other when the Last Door banged, the guard Showed his green lamp and The flying Kipper was ready to go!

The two engines departed in clouds of steam rising high from their funnels. it was a spectacular site to behold if anybody was awake in the town to see it. they slowly passed through the sleepy station of knapford. A short while later they passed through Tidmouth passing the sheds as well where all their friends were sleeping except Rex-Iaspis Who had a late night delivery run to do. After that they ran into the countryside.

The two engines were making excellent time as they rocketed down the line. luckily the snow and ice wasn't as bad this morning but it was still a concern.

The two engines rocketed over the viaduct and over Gordon's Hill With the light of the Sun slowly coming out over the horizon creating a spectacular view from the top. they passed through maron and Over the suspension bridge And approaching cronk When they noticed the approach signal being yellow.

Henry: “ we better slow down and see what the home signal is like.”

Eleanor: “ That would be the best option.”

The two of them slowed down and then when they approached the Home Signal saw that it was bright green so they accelerated. But they didn't notice that the signal and switch had been tampered with, leading the flying kipper down a siding.

further up the line a small goods train pulled by Iaspis was sitting in the siding waiting for the flying kipper to go past. The driver and Fireman were in the brake van alongside the guard drinking cocoa to keep themselves warm when the Guard looked at his watch.

The guard looked at the two gentlemen: “ the kipper is due fellas. you best be getting back to your engine.”

Rex-Iaspis’s fireman: “ who cares! this is good Cocoa.”

Rex-Iaspis’s driver got up: “ come on firemen back to the engine you can drink the rest of your Cocoa there.”

The guard also decided to join them in order to warm himself up before continuing the journey since the stove in his brake van didn't have enough coal.

they got out just in time!

Henry and Eleanor came racing down the siding and when Henry saw the brake van ahead of him He tried to put on his brakes but it was too late.

Both he and Eleanor crashed into the waiting goods train, forcing it a few meters forward, destroying the brake van and throwing both of them off the tracks. their own train crashed into the back of Eleanor completely destroying her coal bunker and crushing the cab into a pancake. some of the debris even punctured her tanks! Henry meanwhile slid across the ground for a few meters damaging his sides immensely!

When everything finally came to a halt fish and debris laid everywhere.

Iaspis’s crew and guard were shocked and immediately called help.

Luckily the drivers and firemen of both engines jumped clear before the crash but had several cuts and bruises and broken bones but no severe injuries.

The sun had come up when the rescue was finally on its way. The Fat Controller had arrived on the scene and was supervising the recovery effort.

Most of the wagons were being recovered first because they were in the way of recovering the engines. After that he also gave the two of them a quick inspection and noticed that it would require enormous amounts of repairs For them to even be able to function again.

He then approached Henry.

Henry in a confused and dazed voice: “ the Home Signal was down sir. I don't know why this happened.”

Before the Fat Controller could answer a policeman came over. and he had a very familiar face in handcuffs.

Eleanor: “ Mr hammerman!?”

Mr Hammerman glared at Eleanor and then turned to the police: “ officer, that's my property! She belongs to me! I did absolutely nothing wrong!”

police officer: “ except messing with signals and points causing a massive derailment.”

Everybody at the scene looked confused until the officer explained everything.

Officer: “ I arrested this man earlier today when I was on my early morning Patrol. I noticed him tempering with the signals and the switch leading into the siding here. I had to wait for the right time to apprehend him since he was Caught red-handed but unfortunately while I was calling in the arrest over the radio the goods train passed, not giving me enough time to stop them. so I'm very sorry to the both of you for what happened here.”

Henry, Eleanor and the Fat Controller looked completely shocked at the information.

Eleanor: “ Why did you do that Mr hammerman?!”

Mr Hammerman struggled against the police officer: “ because you are my property and if that fat idiot didn't want to give you back willingly then I was certain he would give you back once you were turned into a piece of Scrap! I mean nobody would want an engine like you around now! I am your only option for a life! I am your…”

Before he could say anything else Eleanor finally burst out in Anger!

Eleanor in a very ticked off voice: “ shut up Joseph! Just because I didn't turn out the way you wanted me to doesn't mean it's my fault what happened afterwards! I never asked to be built! I never asked you to be my builder! and I never asked to be a failed design! I never asked for any of it! you have been the bane of my existence! you have constantly been emotionally and physically abusing me! The scar on my cheek is thanks to you! And you know what after everything you put me through this is by far the worst! four people are going to the hospital today thanks to you all for what!? What do you want by keeping me?! What do you think you will gain by keeping me?! because I can tell you exactly what will happen if you keep me! you will gain nothing but the reminder of your failure! and I am absolutely done with you. I do not care for how long you go to prison! Once you get out, never come back to this island! and never come back to me! because I will personally run you over if that happens!”

everybody now looked at Eleanor who was breathing heavily in Anger at her Builder. Nobody, not even Mr Hammerman expected her to react like that. The police officer afterwards escorted him towards his car and locked him inside.

After both of them were recovered they were brought to the main yards where the workman could examine them. The diagnosis was not good.

The fat controller sitting front of the two engines: “ well it appears both of you have taken severe damage. for Henry it's mostly to his side he landed on. but you Eleanor have much more severe damage to your entire body.”

Both Eleanor and Henry looked sad at what he told them. both of them knew that crovens Gate works Wouldn't be able to fix them. Because despite it being able to rebuild Stephen It didn't have the facilities to do any major repairs and most of the equipment wouldn't be up to the job.

but to their surprise sir topham hatt was smiling: “Cheer up you two. I have arranged for the both of you to go to crewe and brighten respectively to be rebuilt with many improvements. trust me by the time the two of you return you'll feel like different engines.”

The Fat Controller was as true as his word the next day both of them were sent off to their respective workshops.

It took a couple of months and Eleanor was unconscious for most of that time but eventually she woke up to a group of smiling Workman.

Workman 1: “ how are you feeling Eleanor?”

Eleanor still waking up: “ I feel… lighter. and my cab feels a little bit more exposed and I feel shorter?”

Workman 2: “ well you should after your rebuild.”

Eleanor was a bit confused: “ What do you mean? what happened to me?”

a third workman came up with a big mirror for her to look in.

Workman 3: “ have a look for yourself.”

When Eleanor looked into her reflection she didn't see the failed Experimental Tank Engine anymore. instead in the mirror was a London Brighton and South Coast Railway k class!

Eleanor was so happy she was lost for words: “ this is… but… why? I thought you were going to rebuild me in my original shape?”

Workman 4: “ well your owner didn't want that. We were aware of who built you and that he built you out of k-class parts so we figured that it would be easier to convert you into a tender engine instead of Rebuilding you as a tank engine. Plus your rear end was damaged beyond repair but your middle and front end were still good. we even have finished your new tender.”

Eleanor could feel her new tender behind her and it felt wonderful. but she did Noticed one thing as she continued to look at herself in the mirror from multiple angles.

Eleanor: “ Why am I Grey?”

workman 5: “well your owner wants you to pick your livery before you leave here. So what do you want as your livery?”

Eleanor begins thinking about her livery when she notices a fellow class member in a dark green livery. at that moment she knew what her livery was going to be.

Over the next few days the men began painting her into a dark green with red and yellow lining creating a beautiful piece of art.

After her paint had dried and she got steam up she was allowed to leave the works.

She gently made her way onto the main line and was ordered to take a passenger train towards London before heading towards Crewe to meet up with Henry.

Eleanor coupled up to the coaches in Brighton and happily traveled all the way to London.

After which she had to refuel since she only took on enough to take her to London. She went into the Maintenance depot And began refueling on water and coal when another member of her class pulled up.

K-class: “well I'll be. I never expected another member of our class to be built. Who are you?”

Eleanor immediately recognized him: “ it's me 2347.”

2347 didn't immediately understand until he noticed the scar on her cheek.

2347: “ Eleanor? is that you! man you have changed! what happened?”

Eleanor smiled: “I was in a wreck a couple of months ago and was sent back to Brighton to be rebuilt into this shape. I'm currently refueling to go back to Sodor with a stop at Crewe to pick up the second engine that was in the crash.”

2347: “ Well it's nice seeing you again Eleanor. And just out of curiosity how are you handling your new shape?”

Eleanor chuckled: “ It's a thousand times better than my old one. I can tell you that much.”

The two engines continued to chatter away until Eleanor finally had to leave for crewe.

It took her a couple of days but eventually she made it to crewe railway works.

She was approaching the main building of the Workshops When she noticed one of the doors opening and an engine was coming out.

she looked in amazement at the engine that was coming out.

It was an 4-6-0 tender engine with a Belpaire firebox. A very big tender and a very familiar bright green livery with the number three on its tender.

Eleanor: “ Henry is that you? you look amazing!”

Henry smiled as he saw Eleanor a few tracks over: “ yes it's me Eleanor. They really did a good job on my rebuild. I was even able to keep my old smoke box because it miraculously fits a black five boiler.”

Eleanor: “ So you have become a black five? Interesting.”

Eleanor then looked over to one of the sidings where a lot of trucks were sitting loaded with scrap metal. but as she kept looking she noticed that some of the parts looked very similar to What Henry used to look like. This included his old boiler on a flatbed.

Eleanor: “ So I'm guessing those are your old parts?”

Henry: “The parts they couldn't reuse on me, yes. they're going to be sent to the scrap yards to be melted down for something more useful. It is quite weird to see my own boiler sitting on that flatbed but I am glad I'm no longer stuck with it. I just hope something useful can be made out of it.”

Eleanor: “me too. but enough chatting around we have to get back to sodor! I can't wait for our friends to see us again!”

Henry chuckled: “ we probably should. but before we leave I have to say one last thing to you. I absolutely love your paint job.”

Eleanor blushed a little at the compliment.

The two of them eventually began making their way to sodor. when they returned people were waving along the line side happily cheering for their return.

all the other engines were also happy to see them again and complemented them on their new shapes.

Eleanor also learned that her former owner would be imprisoned for the next 50 years with no possibility of parole.

that new's made Eleanor happier than anything else.

She was now free to enjoy her life on the island of sodor with her friends and with Henry.

the end

Chapter 7: The new engine.

It was late one evening on the island of Sodor as Sir Topham Hatt was sitting in one of the conference rooms of Knapford station.

sir topham hatt sitting at the head of the table: “ good evening gentlemen. I hope everybody is feeling alright today because we have a new member joining us as our financial director.”

Steve, the man in charge of the maintenance of the Railway, spoke up: “ what happened to George?”

sir topham hatt: “ George Henderson has been fired Because of his conduct and I've recently discovered that he has been embezzling some money which has luckily been recovered. Although it did take a short time I was able to hire the new one pretty quickly. He has been working in our financial department for a few years now and has all the experience required. so may I introduce Jonathan Howard.”

Jonathan who was sitting next to the Fat Controller gave a small wave to the rest of the board members who are all much older than him but gave him a warm welcome.

Jonathan: “ thank you sir topham it's an honor to be here. but I think we should get onto business since the pleasantries are now out of the way.”

sir topham hatt agreed: “ okay then do you have anything to report?”

Jonathan: “ Yes sir. I have been looking around the railway for a couple of weeks now looking for any inefficiencies and places that have become a financial burden for us. I am happy to report that I only found two cases of financial burdens.”

Allen, the board member in charge of public relations raised one of his eyebrows: “and what exactly are those two points?”

Jonathan pulled out his papers: “the first one has to do with the rebuilds of Henry and Eleanor and the second one has to do with the pre-grouping engines.”

Steve now looked curious as well: “ and what exactly is wrong with them? last time I checked both the engines of the S&M, TK&E and W&S We're all in tip top shape.”

Jonathan: “That may be true but it's more to do with Neil, Clive and Matthew alongside glynn. they just don't seem to have the power we need on the railway right now. they have just become too weak to handle most of the trains around here and just keeping them a shunters isn't really working out. They have become quite a financial burden of late especially since glynn is the last coffee pot and his parts are very difficult to find and or produce ourselves in our limited facilities.

Now don't get me wrong I do not think they should be scrapped. that is just a waste of potential seeing as they have been lovingly maintained over the years. but I definitely think that we need to use them for something else. and that brings me onto my second point.

After the flying Kipper accident it has been made clear to me that our railway workshop facilities are not up to standard in case of major repairs so we have to outsource the repairs to other companies. Now I'm not saying it's a bad idea to keep good relationships with other companies but it is very expensive for the engines to be transported all the way from here on the island of Sodor to any workshop on the mainland.”

all of the Board members murmured in agreement at the two points their new financial director had brought up.

Robert the chief mechanical engineer spoke up as well: “he has a point there. it would have been easier if we could have just done the repairs in our own workshops. the kroven's gate works have been good to us these last couple of years but… they are just too small to do anything big. and Neil, Clive, Matthew and glynn Have been in for maintenance a lot more than the others. but how are we going to solve our problems? I mean if you're not going to scrap them what are you going to do?”

Jonathan gave a big smile and pulled out even more papers and passed them around the table: “I'm so glad you asked. because I have the idea of expanding the crovan's Gate works! Now before you guys bombard me with questions here is my plan for the future:

Now of course this new workshop will not be built within the year. My Vision for it is for it to be capable of not only completely overhauling our current stock. but also be capable of constructing completely new locomotives!

I've already scouted out the location for it with the help of a surveyor who pointed out that there is a giant piece of land just a mile outside of crovan's gate that would be perfect for it.

It will be along the main line so we don't have to go far in order to get our engines in for overhauls, repairs or any other maintenance related items that we need to do.

Also, if you're wondering how we are going to run such a big workshop, that's where our little 0-4-0 friends come in.

With their compact size and short wheelbase they will be perfect as the Workshops shunting engines. Having all four of them stationed there means that it wouldn't be under staffed in terms of engines and that some of them could have a break while others do the rest of the work. and having them in the workshop means if they break down they will bevery close to the place to get the repairs done!

but I am not only intending this place to be used for our railway.”

Everybody now looked confused again as Jonathan continued.

Jonathan: “ I think it would also be in the best interest of the Skarloey Railway that they also have access to the workshop too. That way they can also have their own engines overhauled their too.

I've already talked it over with Mr Percival and he agrees that it would be more beneficial for both railways and that he's willing to put some money into this project as well. He also says that Victor and Kevin can also come and work around the Workshops and help its narrow gauge network.

and if you're wondering what we are going to do about our old workshops? well I have the idea of repurposing it as a larger carriage and rolling stock repair facility. allowing us to repair more than just a couple coaches at a time as our current workshops are not big enough to restore multiple wagons.

I expect this project to take at least until June of next year if it is green lit. but I've also been calculating the cost and it is well within our budget to do so and it won't be such a major dent in our finances that we cannot recover.

That is if all of you approve of this plan. none of this has been set in stone yet and there is room for any suggestions all of you may have to add. So what do you guys think?”

The board members began muttering to themselves leaving Jonathan very nervous hoping that announcing these plans on his first day wasn't a big overstep.

 

Then Robert spoke up with a smile: “ I think it's definitely a good idea to do. it would also give me the bigger facilities I have been needing for a long time now. also I know that those four engines are very reliable and having Kevin and Victor work there too would definitely help.”

Allen: “And we could hire out construction companies to help us out with the construction as well as recruit volunteers from the workless population we have right now during this Depression. it would definitely be a major opportunity for good public relationships.”

Steve: “and I don't have anything against it. So what do you say sir?”

Everybody looked towards the Fat Controller who had his chin on his hands in thought.

the Fat Controller: “well… I definitely like the idea. and I already have some engines in mind who can help with the construction.”

Jonathan: “Who?”

the Fat Controller: “I'm thinking about Howard and Tanya. they have experience with construction projects and they are very reliable engines. it will leave us short-handed at napford yards and docks But I have been looking get another engine to help out with the trains on Thomas's branch line and it would be very good experience for whoever I choose to first begin with shunting and work their way up. so we all in favor for the expansion of the Works?”

Jonathan again looked nervous since not many of the board members had spoken up but he was surprised it was a landslide victory with nobody but himself not raising their arm.

sir topham hat with a big smile: “ that is settled then. Now let's continue with the rest of the meeting.”

The meeting continued on for a couple more hours with the board members talking about incredible new developments that would be made over the next Couple of years.

about a week later the Fat Controller came over to the sheds to explain the new arrangements that will be happening for the next couple of months.

all the engines listened Attentively until the Fat Controller had finished.

Fat Controller: “ and I have already been to a workshop and have purchased my new engine. He is fresh out of the works so he will need to learn the ropes around here. so he will be handling the shunting at knapford until Howard and Tanya are done with the new works. So Thomas I want you to teach him how to be a shunter.”

Thomas gave a big smile: “ okay sir I'll do my best. What is the engine's name and what type of class is he?”

The Fat Controller: “ he is a unique one-of-a-kind design similar to Lady. but instead of a side tank he is a saddle tank. He is painted green and his name is Percy. he should have already arrived and is in the yards waiting for you. so you better get going.”

Thomas: “ right away sir!”

Thomas puffed on to the turntable and turned around to go out of the sheds straight towards the yard behind the station.

Thomas looked around the yards trying to find Percy. There were a lot of trucks and coaches strewn around the place and Thomas knew that all of these needed to be shunted into the right trains.

but Thomas couldn't find Percy anywhere.

that was until…

???: “BOOO!!!”

Thomas jumped backwards as a small green saddle Tank Engine burst from behind some coaches and scared him.

Thomas after recovering from his shock: “what was that about? and who are you?”

green Tank Engine: “I'm Percy, the new engine here. and you must be Thomas right?”

Thomas: “Yes I am. the Fat Controller told me that I'm going to be teaching you how to shunt the trucks around here.”

Percy scoffed: “I already know how to shunt trucks. I had to do it all the time back at the workshop.”

Thomas chuckled remembering how he was when he was fresh out of the Brighton works: “that may be true Percy but that was in a factory, this is a yard. We have a timetable to keep here and make sure that all the right coaches and right trucks go to the right engine's. So how about we get cracking at it alright? Gordon is expecting his Express Coaches at platform one sharpish.”

After that the two tank engines set to work. Things went all right for a couple of days but soon Percy grew bored of shunting in the yards and decided to begin playing some pranks.

One day Gordon was at the platform waiting for his Express coaches to be coupled up.

Percy brought them to the platform as instructed… but it wasn't just the regular Express coaches that he had attached! He had also Attached Cardean’s Express Coaches to Gordon's train!

Gordon did it notice as he was in a bit of a hurry because a passenger had delayed his departure.

nobody else noticed what Percy did either. He just cheekly began giggling and whent back to the yards.

Thomas was shunting some trucks for Howard to take to the new construction site when he noticed Cardean Looking around nervously.

Thomas slowly came over to her: “is everything okay Cardean?”

Cardean gave Thomas a slightly panicked look: “ my coaches they're gone!”

Thomas was shocked at hearing that news and confused: “what do you mean they are gone? they should be in the coaches siding like always?”

Cardean: “Well they're not there now! and I can't seem to find them. I've got a train to pull in 10 minutes and I can't pull the train without coaches!”

Thomas Understood what she meant: “okay then. I will see if I can get you some coaches but I can't promise anything on what you get.”

Cardean just gave him a smile: “thank you very much Thomas. I don't care if it's branch line coaches as long as I have something to take my passengers in. I just hope I can find my regular coaches before the boat train this afternoon.”

Cardean went off to get some extra coal and water and Thomas went off to find her some coaches.

Thomas was able to find a couple of them but only a small set of four-wheeler coaches. it was barely enough to fit all of the passengers inside of and they were complaining about the Shotty state of them. The coaches Hadn't been maintained for some time but were scheduled to get their maintenance the next day.

Cardean Left the station looking incredibly embarrassed.

Meanwhile Thomas had to race back to the yards in order To get Howards train ready before he arrived. It took him half an hour more than it should have taken him to get everything ready but at last Howard was able to leave with his train.

Thomas was exhausted and then he overheard giggling coming from one of the sidings. He looked over to see Percy trying to contain his laughter as he was shunting some tankers.

Thomas: “ What's so funny Percy?”

Percy giggling uncontrollably: “well (giggles) I attached a little bit more than the regular Express coaches to Gordon's train (giggles) I put some extra coaches on him and I'm pretty sure he will get stuck on his Hill again!”

Percy burst out laughing while Thomas just looked completely shocked.

then Thomas's shock turned to anger: “ you did what! do you realize how much confusion and delay that has caused!”

Percy dying down from his laughter: “ Come on, it's only a prank.”

Thomas sounded annoyed at Percy's answer: “ there's a time and place for pranks and right here and right now is not the time! We are half an hour behind schedule and will have to work triple time to make it up! So get those tankers ready for Eleanor to take out on the triple now!”

Thomas then raced away in order to get everything else sorted out.

Percy pouted his lips in annoyance: “ you don't tell me what to do. and besides, my prank was hilarious. I guess I'll just have to prove it to him.”

and so he did. ever so often he would prank one of the engines by either giving them more trucks or coaches than they needed. or deliberately putting the wrong trucks on different trains.

This caused a lot of problems for Thomas who had to deal with the aftermath of it. Luckily none of the engines blamed him for Percy's behavior. not even Gordon, Henry and James. but all of them agreed that his pranks were getting out of control!
One Night They began complaining about Percy in the sheds While the engine in question was sleeping in the yards in the shunters Shed.

James in an annoyed tone: “ it's bad enough that I have to take trucks but for him to give me the wrong train on purpose is even more annoying! I had to run myself to bits just to make up time!”

Cardean didn't usually get mad easily but even she had nothing positive to say about Percy: “also what was the big idea with mixing mine and Gordons Express Coaches! especially on one of the days I have to run the boat train! It took us both half an hour before we could get on our way with our right coaches! And I was even late departing with the boat train! it's lucky that the captain decided to wait a few more minutes for me to arrive!”

Eleanor: “ I can't understand why he's pulling all of these pranks? they are not funny and we have told him so on multiple occasions!”

Edward: “ Come on guys he is just a young engine and discovering how the world works. it doesn't help him if we continue to bad mouth him behind his back.”

Lady: “ But Edward these pranks are getting out of hand and no matter how many times we tell him to stop he just doesn't listen! And he's also working poor Thomas to the frames!”

Everybody looked over to Thomas who looked absolutely exhausted! every breath was labored and every his of steam was Barely There.

Thomas: “ I've got to admit Edward everybody does have a point about the pranks going out of hand but I also agree that we shouldn't bad mouth him behind his back. I'm also secretly hoping that I wasn't this bad with Tanya and Howard?”

Iaspis gave Thomas a sympathetic look: “ from the stories Howard and Tanya told me you were never as bad as Percy. They also told me that you learned Not to pull so many pranks after Gordon pulled you along on one of his Express runs.”

Thomas blushed with embarrassment after being reminded of that incident.

Timothy spoke up next: “ That is true but how are we going to teach Percy that pranking his fellow engines so much isn't a good idea? I mean I don't want to traumatize the poor kid by doing anything extreme.”

all of the engines began thinking about Solutions but none came up.

but what none of them knew was that sir topham hatt had been listening in on the whole story and an idea had popped into his head.

The next day the engines were being fired up for the day's work when the Fat Controller walked into the sheds and went straight to Thomas.

the Fat Controller: “ Thomas there's been a change of plans. I need you to work with the permanent way gang today on doing some routine maintenance on the loop line between Toryreck and elsbridge. I need you to go with some workman to help replace the worn out track there. a slow order will be in place for the rest of you guys for the safety of the workforce.”

All of the engines understood what sir topham hatt had meant but Thomas looked a bit concerned.

Thomas: “ But sir Who is helping Percy in the yards?”

the Fat Controller: “ Nobody, I want him to work alone today and see how he handles a full workload on his own.”

Before Thomas could say anything, Sir topham hatt winked at him and walked away.

Thomas didn't get it as he was making his way to the yards to collect the wagons for his train along with the Works coach and a couple of cranes.

But as he was making his way down the loop line he suddenly realized what the Fat Controller was doing.

Thomas chuckled to himself: “ well played sir, well played.”

as Thomas was enjoying his time with the track layers. Normally he would have found this assignment extremely boring but he was just grateful that he didn't have to move the trucks so often and was able to relax.

Percy on the other hand wasn't able to relax!

he had pulled a prank on Katie by attaching an entire van train to her empty coal wagons. but it backfired on him spectacularly!

The van train was supposed to be for Tara to take down to Bremden and Katie was heading in the completely different Direction!

meaning Tara had to head to the coal mines and then had to make her way all the way back towards Bremden meaning she was late to take her next train and wouldn't be able to take the next train that had to get out of the yards for Percy to shunt more trucks!

Everything was in chaos! Almost every single train was late and Percy was running around like mad trying to sort out his mess and was getting overwhelmed.

Meanwhile Thomas was sitting at elsbridge waiting for a ballast delivery. He was kind of getting impatient as he was waiting for the ballast to be delivered.

Then Timothy came racing into the yards with the ballast on his goods train.

Thomas was less annoyed seeing how tired his brother was: “what's wrong Timothy? "What Took You So Long to Get here?”

Timothy out of breath: “everything has gone to Hell in the yards! all the trucks and coaches are everywhere! I was barely able to find my own ballast wagons and the rest of my train before I had to depart! believe me I don't know why the Fat Controller had assigned you to a maintenance train when you're clearly needed back there!”

Thomas then chuckles: “ I see that sir topham hatt's plan is working perfectly then.”

Timothy now looked confused: “ what are you talking about? What was his plan?”

Thomas: “ for Percy to deal with the consequences of his pranks. I've had to deal with them for the last couple of days so now it's his turn to deal with them. That's why he had me assigned to track maintenance today. and I must admit it is a boring job but at least I'm able to rest between movements.”

Timothy looked both surprised and impressed: “ whoa. Our controller is both kind Hearted and understanding but also quite devious when he needs to be. I'm impressed. Now if you don't mind Thomas I have to go. I'm running late enough as it is.”

Thomas with a big smile: “ that's okay and have a good run!”

Timothy Departed and Thomas coupled up to the ballast wagons and pushed them towards the work site.

As the day went on Percy continued to have to work very hard in order to make up the time he lost Thanks to his prank.

By the end of the day he was totally exhausted and stressed out over everything!

Then he noticed the Fat Controller walking over to him with a smile on his face and a cup of tea in one hand.

Fat Controller: “ good evening Percy.”

Percy looked a bit nervous: “good evening sir. what brings you here?”

The Fat Controller begins drinking his tea: “ I'm here to talk about all of those delays that happened today.”

Percy still looking nervous: “I don't know what you're talking about Sir! everything ran to Clockwork!”

the Fat Controller begins chuckling: “is that why Tara was late with her parts delivery? and why Edward was late with his banana Delivery? or Gordon being late with the Express?”

Percy lets out a sigh: “ how did you know?”

the Fat Controller once again begins chuckling: “ do you really think anything happens on the railway that I don't know about? like that you have been pulling pranks on the other engines and that's why some of them have been late over the last couple of days? or that Thomas has been the one to clean up your mess every single time and make sure that everything ran to the timetable?”

Percy: “ it was just a simple prank sir!”

the Fat Controller gave him a serious expression: “and now you know that your pranks have consequences on the rest of the Railway and on you. Thomas has been taking up the slack you created but now without him you can't do it yourself correct?”

Percy in a sad tone of voice: “ your right sir. I'm not able to pick up the slack without Thomas. but I was just so bored being stuck in the yards! I wanted to do more than just shunt!”

the Fat Controller with a smile: “ I know that Percy but you are only fresh out of the factory. you need time to learn things. It's okay to pull a prank but make sure that It doesn't hurt anyone. plus you're only temporarily assigned here.”

Percy now looked surprised: “ what do you mean sir? I thought I was to be stationed here?”

the Fat Controller began chuckling again: “ no no no you're only assigned here since my more experienced engines are on an important job which only they are qualified for. I had already been interested in purchasing you to help out on Thomas's branch line since the traffic has been increasing lately. but I also wanted to give you the opportunity to learn and grow and understand how things work around here. so it seemed best to try and kill two birds with one stone. But now I think I might have made a mistake.”

Percy slowly began getting tears in his eyes thinking that he might be the mistake.

the Fat Controller: “I should have never placed you here as a Shunter. I think Wellsworth Would have been a far better place for you. much less traffic and you could slowly learn the ropes. Maybe I should have put Timothy and Thomas in charge of the yard.”

Percy was surprised at what the Fat Controller had said but he was also happy that the Fat Controller didn't see him as a mistake. but he also knew what he needed to do now.

Percy: “ I'm sorry sir for creating so much confusion and delay. I promise I won't pull any more pranks on the engines ever again!”

To Percy's surprise sir topham hatt began laughing: “ Percy it's okay if you want to prank some of them but make sure it doesn't interfere with their work.”

Percy looked confused at this until the Fat Controller spoke up again.

the Fat Controller: “ if you ask me I think some of them need to be taken down a peg or 10 sometimes. especially some of the bigger engines. so don't feel too bad about pulling pranks Percy. just make sure that the next time you prank an engine it doesn't interfere with your work or their work. understood?”

Percy with a smile: “ yes sir!”

The Fat Controller smiled and began walking away knowing that Percy had learned his lesson.

The next day Percy apologized to everyone and made sure that he did his job properly! He would still be working with Thomas for the foreseeable future in the yards but at least he was learning how to handle trucks and coaches properly.

The fat controller did let him take small good strains between the yards and Tidmouth but that was about as far as he would be allowed to go for now.

but for now that was enough for Percy.

to be continued

Chapter 8: two old steamers

It was a Beautiful Day on the island of Sodor in 1936.

After many months of hard back breaking work the new and improved crovan's gate works were open for business!

There was a big ceremony in front of the workshop for the entire crew that spent so much of their time building it.

The Fat Controller had a plaque made with all of their names to hang inside of the Works so people could remember who built the workshop.

Everyone was extremely humbled.

The workers at the Old croven's Gate workshops were very pleased with the new facilities. It was much bigger with multiple tracks and the transfer table And a turntable to allow much easier Handling of the space they now had.

And it was barely a week before the first customers arrived.

Thomas, Timothy , Amelia, Edward and Tara have all been scheduled for some essential maintenance. nothing major but just routine maintenance And repaints.

The workman inspected them and began making lists of all that needs to be done. Unfortunately a lot needed to be done so They would be in the workshop for a long time.

The first evening soon approached and all of them grew bored as they were sitting in the works without anything to do.

Amelia finally broke the silence that had persisted for hours: “ okay anybody feeling bored right now?”

everybody gave hums of agreement.

Timothy, who was sitting next to Amelia waiting to get his wheels retired, spoke up: “ well it is pretty boring waiting to get your parts fixed. but I'm certain we will fall asleep soon.”

But Amelia couldn't sleep. she then looked over towards Edward and Tara who were sitting next to each other waiting for a repaint.”

Amelia: “ Edward, Tara, is it okay if I ask you something?”

Tara gave her a small smile: “of course Amelia. what do you want to know?”

Amelia: “how did the two of you end up together? I mean as a couple. there must be a great story behind that I'm sure.”

Both Edward and Tara began chuckling.

Edward: “ There is actually a good story behind that. but it is quite a long story so are you willing to listen?”

Amelia: “ We've got nothing to do in this workshop until the workman comes tomorrow. so might as well hear the story to pass the time now that it is quiet.”

The two older engines once again began chuckling and so began their story.

Sodor 1915.

It was a busy time on the newly formed northwestern railway. A lot was happening with the expansion project to link all of Sodor's standard Gauge railways to form one whole railway.

Luckily the railway wasn't without locomotives. They had engines from the S&M, TK&E and W&S Railways.

The biggest engine they had was a g&swr class 8 But instead of being painted in green she was painted in a beautiful Sapphire blue livery with black and white lining.

This engine was Tara. She was the former Express engine of the S&W and had arrived in 1900 To help with the extension all the way down to Brendan And helped build the line alongside the other engines of the S&W.

She worked so well that she was painted in her special livery which she was very proud of. She also enjoyed being able to run non-stop Express services even if her line was pretty short.

When in 1912 her railway and the Neighboring TK&E Railways merged she had a lot more track to run on than normal and enjoyed that very much.

but only three years later the whole railway network came together and it was almost completed.

Tara entered the yards where Thomas and Timothy were shunting. The two of them had been brought in to help construct the line and to eventually act as station pilots.

Tara with a big smile on her face began boasting: “ sometimes it's so difficult to be a large and important Express engine like myself. I mean I don't know what the railway would do without me. I am the biggest engine on Sodor after all.”

Both Thomas and Timothy just roll their eyes in annoyance. They had heard her Boasting about how big and Grant she is ever since they arrived. and both of them were getting quite sick of it.

Timothy in an annoyed tone: “ yes we get its Tara! you're a big and important engine and the biggest engine on the whole railway! you don't need to spout it out every 10 seconds!”

Thomas in an equally annoyed tone: “ beside you won't be the biggest engine around when the new one arrives tomorrow.”

Tara looked surprised at this. She had no idea they were expecting a new engine.

Tara; “ what do you mean? what new engine?”

Thomas normally would have acted cheekily at this moment. but he decided not to since his brother was there.

Thomas: “ haven't you heard? Since the main line is longer than both me, Timothy or any of the other engines can handle,the fat director decided to bring in another tender engine to help out with running the Railway. Apparently he actually is from the Neighboring Railway on the mainland. you know the furness railway.”

Tara: “yes I heard of it but why would the fat director purchase another engine when I'm clearly all he needs!”

Timothy: “ because he expects the main line to be pretty busy and you can't do all of the jobs. I mean you can't pull goods trains and passenger trains at the same time. no engine can do that.”

Thomas: “ Besides, it will mean you have some help. especially since you are getting a bit outdated.”

Tara went red in the face: “ outdated! I'll have you know I am the peak of passenger Express locomotives!”

Thomas: “ maybe on this island but there are stronger expresse engines on the mainland.”

Tara: “ Okay then can you give me an example!?”

Thomas: “ Well there is the H1&2 4-4-2 Atlantics On our old railway and they could do twice the work you could. And I've also heard they're building a couple of Express passenger tank engines. so I'm pretty certain that that means you're out of date.”

Tara still had an angry expression on her face and just huffed away.

Thomas and Timothy just didn't care at this point because they still had work to do.

Meanwhile Tara was taking a Goods train down the newly completed main line and was muttering to herself.

Tara: “I am not out of date and I am not in need of help. you know what I will prove it to the fat director. I will do more work than that engine could ever do!”

The next morning Tara's mood had not improved as she was preparing for work at Vickerstown When she noticed a red tender engine puffing into the yards.

They looked very similar to Tara with only a few minor differences here and there.

The engine came to a halt in front of the entire engine shed and gave them all a warm smile.

Engine: “ hello everyone. Is this the sheds Belonging to the North Western Railway?”

Thomas with a smile: “ yes it is. you must be the new engine. The fat director told me I was supposed to bring you to the workshops today. oh but where are my manners. I am Thomas and this is my brother Timothy. “

Timothy who was sitting next to him just said hi.

Thomas: “ and those 3 boxy engines over there are Neil Clive and Matthew the former sodor and mainland railway engines. and this is…”

Thomas was about to introduce Tara when she caught him off.

Tara in a Boastful manner: “ I am Tara the Express passenger steam locomotive of the Wellsworth and Suddery Railway and our current Express locomotive.”

Despite everybody else groaning at Taras boastfulness the engine just gave an Innocent smile.

Engine: “Well I am the furness railway K2 class Number 21 but please call me Edward.”

Tara was about to reply when Thomas spoke up.

Thomas: “ Well it's nice to meet you Edward. how about We go to the Workshops now so you can be repainted?”

Edward: “ That would be a splendid idea. Do you think I can choose my color? I am not quite fond of this red I'm currently wearing.”

Thomas: “I am certain the Works will have a color that you like. Now come along we have no time to waste.”

Both Thomas and Edward left the yards to go to the Workshops.

Meanwhile Tara started complaining about Edward and how he was pretending to be so nice to everyone and he was just waiting for the moment to replace her!

but nobody listened to her and just let her rant on and on until she had to leave to take her goods train.

Over the next couple of weeks both Edward and Tara were busy working on the main line helping put on the finishing touches on some of the stations before the railways grand opening next month. Edward had been repainted into the northwestern railways own bright blue paint work similar to What Thomas was now wearing as well.

All the while Tara kept complaining about Edward and even told him in his face that she knew he was there to replace her and that he shouldn't get comfortable because he won't be staying for long as soon as the fat director saw how useful she was.

But despite everything she told him Edward just gave her a kind smile every single time. which only makes her more Furious at him.

One day Edward and Tara were in the yards at Vickerstown getting filled up with water for the day when the fat director came up to them.

fat director: “ Greetings you too I have great news. Thanks to your efforts the railway is complete and the inaugural Express run will be leaving next week.”

Edward in an excited tone: “That's great sir! Who will be pulling the train?”

The fat director: “I haven't decided yet. but I'm certain that it should be one of you since you two are Express engines. So which one of you impresses me the most at the end of this week will get To pull for the inaugural run.”

The fat director walked away and Tara immediately began boasting.

Tara: “ it will definitely be me. I do twice the work you do in one day.”

Edward looked a bit more concerned than annoyed at Tara’s words: “ just don't overwork yourself. you won't be able to pull the train if you do not take it easy. I am more than capable of helping you.”

Tara just angrily scoffed at him: “ I don't need your help! We engines of the G&SWR don't need help to do Our work! so how about you just let me do my work and I'll let you do yours and we'll see who impresses the fat director the most!”

Tara then blasted off leaving a worried Edward behind.

Over the next week Tara pushed herself to her limits. pulling longer trains and running faster than she'd ever done in her life!

Edward meanwhile was just doing the job at his own pace and being careful with the trucks.

but he did also try and talk Tara out of her reckless behavior multiple times. but she just mouthed off at him and continued to be as reckless as ever.

But on the Last day of the week everything came to a head.

Tara was about to pull a goods train filled with important supplies to one of the stations when Edward came over.

Edward: “Now Tara these trucks are very heavy so I suggest not putting too much strain on yourself.”

Tara once again scoffs at him: “I think I know my limits pretty well and I don't need advice from you!”

she began barking away loud and hard with Edward just looking disappointedly as she was Leaving The yard knowing that this could very well be the day she finally breaks.

Tara was racing down the main line, her trucks rattling behind her.

She continued to Mutter to herself that Edward did not know what he was speaking about and that she could pull such a heavy train without any problems.

but soon the station came into view and she tried to stop but her brakes Wouldn't engage.

Tara in a slightly panicked tone: “ driver breaks please.”

Tara's driver tried and tried to activate the brakes but they wouldn't come on.

Tara's driver: “ Your brakes aren't working! I can't stop the train!”

Tara was now panicking as she raced through the station unable to stop herself. she was now really panicking and screaming for help!

her driver tried to use the tender break to help slow them down which did work but not fast enough.

Luckily further down the line both Thomas and Timothy were working a light engine movement towards Vickerstown when a signalman told them about the runaway.

The two of them quickly made a plan.

Timothy Would try to get in front of Tara as she passed by and began breaking while Thomas Would try to couple up to the back of the train and try to stop it that way.

Soon they could hear Tara coming down the line.

Timothy with a serious expression on his face: “ it's now or never Thomas!”

Both Thomas and Timothy got ready and immediately sprung their plan into Action.

Timothy got onto her line and raced down it hoping that by also being in motion the impact he would feel will be a lot less.

As soon as he was buffered up Thomas approached from the back and thanks to the guard's help was able to couple up to her break van and began breaking as well.

After a couple of miles the train finally came to a halt.

Thomas and Timothy let out a sigh in relief but Tara was still shaking from the whole ordeal.

Later that evening Tara had been returned to the shed's at knapford and people inspected her and it didn't look good.

The fat director looked extremely disappointed: “ well Tara it appears your brake cylinder has failed and you can no longer apply your brakes on your own.”

Tara looked devastated. This meant she could no longer work and wouldn't be able to pull the inaugural Express run.

Tara: “ Surely sir you can fix it?”

The fat director just shook his head solomonly: “ we need to replace the entire brake cylinder so we can't fix it. I am sorry Tara but you won't be able to pull the inaugural train tomorrow. I was planning to use you but it appears Edward will have to do it.”

Tara looked absolutely devastated and did not know what to think or say. As the Fat director walked away Tara began crying. Luckily there were no other engines besides Edward at the sheds at that time so only he could see her cry.

she then looked over to him with tears in her eyes: “ I guess you must be happy. you get to pull the inaugural Express run that will open the railway officially. I should have heeded your advice and shouldn't have been so reckless. but now I am paying the price for my actions… I just hope you can enjoy your train tomorrow… while I will stay here… thinking about my actions.”

Edward didn't say anything and just looked at her disappointed face as she slowly went to sleep. but just before he went to sleep an idea came to his head.

The next day Tara was sitting in the sheds and noticed that Edward was no longer there. She figured he was at the station waiting for the Fat director to finish his speech and then leave to go on a wonderful Express run. meanwhile she would be sitting here all alone awaiting her replacement parts.

but then she noticed That she had a fire in her firebox and steam was bubbling in her boiler. Then a familiar blue tender was approaching her.

Tara: “ What's going on? I thought you were supposed to be pulling the train today Edward?”

Edward just smiled As his crew was coupling him up to her. After he was coupled up he slowly began pulling Tara out of the sheds.

Edward: “ Well I know how much you love the idea of pulling the very first Express on the northwestern railway and that is why you were working so hard. I felt bad that you couldn't pull the train on your own but I figured that since you can still power yourself and just need somebody to help you with braking. so I figured that you and I could pull the train together. the Fat directorapproved this and since your brake lines are still in order we can do Pull the train together.”

Tara was speechless! she never figured Edward would do something like this for her after how terrible she treated him. She could not say a word to Edward Pulled her to the station and coupled her up to the coaches.

The fat director was on the station platform giving a great big speech about the railway, the engines and many other things that Tara just didn't pay attention to. she just felt incredibly touched that Edward would do this for her.

soon the final words of the fat director's speech approach: “ and now ladies and gentlemen boys and girls engines and coaches. I hear by Declare that the North Western Railway running from napford all the way to vicarstown on the mainland is now open for business!”

There was a cheer from the crowd as the fat director cut the ribbon and all of the important guests got onboard the coaches.

Edward then gave a blast of his whistle and they pulled out of the Big station.

The run went incredibly smoothly with everybody on board the coaches complimenting the engines on a very smooth and fast ride. but tara couldn't focus on that. All she could focus on was Edward and the nice thing he did for her.

Soon they arrived at the end of the line and everyone jumped out of the coaches and complemented the engines on a smooth ride.

The rest of the day went by in a blur for Tara until evening approached. and once again it was just her and Edward in the sheds.

Both of them hadn't said a word to each other since that morning. being too busy with the work that needed to be done but finally they were alone and Tara had something very important to tell him.

Tara: “ I'm sorry.”

Edward looked over confused at what Tara meant: “ what do you mean? What are you sorry for?”

Tara: “ for being so mean and nasty to you. it's just… I wasn't really treated that well by my siblings back on the G&SWR. in fact they often bullied me for being the youngest member of our class and would constantly be picking on me. I was so sick of it, but I was so happy when I was sent here to work as an Express passenger locomotive. I was the biggest engine on the line and I guess it went to my head. I just feared that you might replace me so I am sorry for that.”

Edward didn't say anything for a few minutes and then he asked a simple but confusing question.

Edward: “ Tara when were you built?”

Tara: “1870… why do you ask?”

Edward: “I was built in 1896 So I was built 26 years after you but yet you acted like a younger engine with your immaturity.”

Tara once again felt bad about what she did until Edwards spoke up again.

Edward: “ But that's not your fault. if your siblings had treated you a lot better than you may not have been the engine you are today. And I must admit my siblings didn't treat me any better even though I was the oldest member of my class. But over time I just decided to ignore them and it made my life much better. So I can understand why you would act the way you did towards me. but let's leave that in the past and become friends instead. So what do you say?”

Tara Just gave him a smile with a few tears in her eyes: “ as long as you are willing to listen to my constant complaining and my fascinating facts about sodor and its history.”

Edward gave her a warm smile: “ I would be more than happy to listen to you. So do you have any interesting facts now?”

Tara: “Yes I do. Did you know that The pass at crovan's gate was the Site of a truly legendary battle. so legendary that the town was named after it?”

Soon the two engines were chatting like old friends late into the night.

back at the works in the present day.

Tara: “ and from that night onwards we became close friends. I also decided to change my livery to be similar to Edwards with the red and yellow lining and all. but I still kept my original blue just so I can remember where I came from. 10 years later Edward asked me to become his partner and I accepted. We bicker from time to time but that's just how it is with some couples. But we still love each other very much.. ”

Amelia was amazed at the story: “ that's amazing. and I cannot believe you used to be like Gordon, Tara. That must have been a case of Deja vu when he began acting like that.”

Tara chuckled: “ it was. but I was also glad I was no longer the main Express engine and could take it easy. things certainly have changed on the railway but I know one thing. all of us will always have a home here.”

all of the engines could only agree. and after a while all of them slowly fell asleep.

Even though all of them knew that they would always have a home on this railway none of them knew that one day that would be tested… but that dear readers is a story for another day.

the end

Chapter 9: Atlantic’s and Paint

It was a Beautiful Day on the island of sodor. All of the engines were working hard as usual and making sure that the northwestern railway was running Like Clockwork.

3 of their newest assets the Atlantic trio of Rex-Iaspis, Rex-Frigidus and Regina-Auream We're working especially hard.

Iaspis and Frigidus Spend the most of their time as mixed Traffic engines along the main line.

Their usual route took them around the loop line but also to the other end of the line at vickers town.

but despite being passenger engines they actually preferred goods trains over Passenger trains. they would handle some Express Freight runs across sodor that were usually filled with perishable goods like fruit and vegetables.

They also went down the coastline up to Arlesburgh As part of their usual run to connect up to the mid-sodor railway. They were the only engines to regularly travel on the line besides Amelia. so they had a good connection with the small engines there.

but Regina Exclusively worked commuter runs all along the main line. She was quite happy with this job since it allowed her to take an easy and steady pace.

The Passengers also loved looking at her and her very beautiful livery. Although she, Lady and lux aurea All share the same livery Regina Apparently looked absolutely stunning in that paint scheme. especially since she had been painted green when she first arrived on the gold dust railway Like the rest of her class on the Great Northern Railway.

so naturally she was a big draw with the passengers whenever she was at a stop or just passing by people just waved and smiled at her. Everybody loved seeing her and her beautiful livery… well all except one.

James was sitting in a siding at knapford waiting for clearance to take his goods train And he Angrily glared over towards Regina

James: “ I don't understand why people think her livery is so beautiful. I mean why look at somebody who shares a paint scheme with two other engines while I share my paint scheme with nobody!”

Eleanor who had been filling up on water let out a groan: “ can you just leave it James? She is a very useful engine and a welcome addition to the fleet.”

James just continued to Complain: “ a really useful addition to the fleet? Come on, all she does is Pull passenger trains! She is perfectly capable of taking some goods trains now and then and giving some of us other engines the spotlight! besides the other two Atlantics are perfectly capable of taking goods trains so why can't she?”

Before Eleanor could reply Frigidus Pulled up beside him and had an annoyed look on his face.

Frigidus: “ because she isn't as powerful as me and Iaspis. Both of us are a lot stronger than her and thus capable of handling freight wagons as well as passenger coaches. That's also the reason she has been put on commuter service. she isn't powerful enough to handle anything else.”

James, still looking annoyed: “ then why doesn't the Fat controller just retire her if she is so weak? I mean it just seems like she's a liability to us now.”

Frigidus: “Because the Fat Controller has plans to give her some upgrades that would most likely give her some more power. but with Thomas, Timothy, Amelia, Edward and Tara in the works at the moment they don't have the time to give her her upgrades. especially since they are a little short on Manpower.”

James lets out a huff: “ well I still think she's a liability and not Deserving of the attention she gets. I honestly don't know what your brother sees in her. She is nothing special.”

Frigidus Gave James a disapproving look: “ you better not say that when my brother is around.”

James: “ And why is that?”

Frigidus closed his eyes: “ because my brother has a way of getting even and is very protective of those he loves. That includes his girlfriend. so you better leave her alone or it will end badly for you.”

Frigidus then left to collect his next train.

but typically for James he decided to ignore his warnings and tried to think of ways to get the spotlight from Regina.

Meanwhile Frigidus Had arrived at Tidmouth with a small goods train and noticed Regina being filled up with coal nearby alongside his brother.

he could see that the two of them were being very lovey dovey with each other and he could only chuckle.

Frigidus: “ the two of you really need to get a shed of your own if this keeps up.”

Iaspis Also began chuckling at his brother's comment: “ come on Frigidus you know how we get when we're around each other. Besides, we continue to do our work.”

Regina: “Besides we are both resting before our next train so there won't be a delay. but enough about us, how are you doing today?”

Frigidus: “Pretty good actually. I did have a slight argument with James before coming here.”

Regina now looked interested: “and what were the two of you arguing about?”

Frigidus: “He was complaining about you getting so much attention from the passengers and that you could exclusively handle passenger work Regina. I did tell him that you only did passenger work because you're too weak to handle freight work. no offense.”

Regina: “ non-taken. and to be honest I am not exactly fond of all the attention. yes I have a unique livery but it doesn't mean i am different than any other member of my class.”

Iaspis With a smile: “ and that's what I like about you. you are a really modest engine Regina.”

Regina Now has a small blush on her face: “ stop you're making me blush.”

Iaspis now gained a serious expression: “ but I hope that James doesn't try to do anything stupid against you my love. because I will not rest until he is made to pay for his actions!”

Frigidus: “I Warned them about that too. But I am pretty sure he is going to do something to try and get the attention back on himself. after all it is James we are talking about.”

All three of them began laughing knowing that James would most likely try and do something stupid and they would just have to wait and see what it would be.

Over the next week James kept thinking of ways to get the spotlight back.

One day the Fat Controller came into the Yard. We're both lady and Regina We're having a small conversation waiting for him.

Lady: “ Good day sir. How can we help you today?”

the Fat Controller: “ I have exciting news for the bow for you. an artist from France has been looking for inspiration to make a new collection of paintings. So he asked me to select a couple of my engines to be painted. and of course with all the attention one of you has been receiving recently I figured that both you and Lux would be perfect for a painting.”

Regina gave a humble reply: “ we are very honored to do this sir. but will only the 3 of Us Be used?”

the Fat Controller chuckled: “ no. I will be having the Brighton boys at his disposal as well. I think the four of them with their matching liveries to each other would make for an interesting painting.”

Lady: “I definitely think that will be interesting. Anybody else?”

the Fat Controller gave a shrug: “to be honest I don't think I can spare any more of you. and I do believe that the seven of you will be the most appealing to the artist. He will be arriving Next week so please make sure you look clean. I heard he's a pretty picky person about what he turns into a painting. and he also doesn't have a lot of time to begin the sketching process.”

Regina: “ And why is that sir?”

the Fat Controller: “ because the gallery he's making it for has given him a deadline and he would like to meet it as soon as possible. so make sure you do not make yourself any more dirty than you have to be okay?”

The two female engines both agreed to it and when back to work. what nobody realized was that a certain red tender engine had heard everything and was now even more jealous.

He was still ranting to himself as he went down the main line. racing at a very high speed with a goods train.

but as he was speeding along he did not notice that a painter was painting the canopies at Wellsworth. James went through at such a high speed that the painter began losing his balance on the ladder he was standing on with his pained cans.

At that moment after James had passed Regina Came along at the moment where the painter completely lost his balance and fell down. luckily he did not fall down into her path and was completely unharmed. Unfortunately Regina could not say the same as the paint can slammed onto the ground throwing its content everywhere covering her right hand side completely in green paint! and due to the heat of the boiler the paint quickly began to dry.

Regina looked absolutely terrible and was extremely worried about what the artist would say about this.

luckily it was her last run of the day so she immediately decided to go and get a wash down.

Unfortunately The paint wouldn't come off. so she had to be entirely repainted!

The workman did make her repaint a priority since Thomas and Timothy had gone through some modifications the Fat Controller wanted to perform on them and were ready to leave the Works alongside Edward, Tara and Amelia.

but once again bad luck seemed to strike her. they didn't have the paint they needed to repaint her and it would take five days for it to arrive.

The Fat Controller was now whacking his brain to find a replacement engine in case Regina Wouldn't be able to be finished in time.

and with little options available to him he decided to pick Janes. who you can imagine took it all in stride.

It was the day before the artist would arrive and James was boasting non-stop.

James: “I mean it's only natural for the Fat Controller to Pick me. With my shiny red paint and shiny brass I am the perfect engine to be in a painting. I bet people will pay millions to have a portrait of me.”

all of the engines began Groaning.

Thomas in an annoyed tone: “ we know James! We know! you have been going on about this for days! and you're not going to be the only one to be put into a painting remember.”

James just scoffed: “ yes but I am going to be the more popular one. believe me people are going to flock to sodor just to get a look at me.”

James then Departed the sheds in a cloud of his ego and steam.

James of course knew that he was the reason the painter Fell and the paint splattered all over Regina. but he didn't care. He was going to get the spotlight back!

or at least that's what he thought.

As he was running down the main line he wasn't really paying attention to what he was doing. He was pulling a small freight train. They were just some general merchandise but they were pretty heavy.

James was racing down the main line continually boasting to himself about how people would love seeing him in a painting. He was so busy boasting he didn't know the Red Signal and just raced right through it.

further up the line Eleanor was taking a small train of tanker wagons filled with tar. She was taking it slow and steady when she had to stop for a red signal.

Meanwhile back up the line James was racing still being full of himself until he saw Eleanor parked in the middle of the main line!

James blows his whistle and screams: “ get out of the way!”

Eleanor did not know what was happening until it was too late! she suddenly felt a massive bump from behind her pushing her forward a few feet.

She didn't derail and luckily her crew were fine, only a bit shaken.

but James on the other hand was in a far worse condition. He had rammed straight into the Tar wagons after smashing up the brake van. Luckily the guard was riding with the crew in Eleanor's cap since the brake van's floor had broken and was deemed that it was too dangerous to ride in it.

James’s crew on the other hand had several injuries that they would need to go to the hospital for. otherwise they were fine.

James Meanwhile was covered from smokebox to cab in dark sticky tar. it went all over his boiler and covered his beautiful paint.

James let out a Groan: “ not again.”

Half an hour later the wreckage was being cleared up.

James had been put back on the Tracks and was being inspected to see if any damage had been done.

Meanwhile Eleanor came next to him looking very much annoyed with him.

Eleanor: “ What were you thinking James!? didn't you see the Red Signal back there?”

James: “ I didn't see the Red Signal. I was just distracted okay.”

Eleanor: “ Distracted with what? thinking about how you were going to be in a painting? you do realize many other steam engines have been In paintings before right? besides I don't think you can be cleaned and repaired soon enough for the painter.”

James: “ I still have time. He arrives tomorrow.”

Eleanor: “ Actually he arrived today. I saw him at Vickerstown while I was picking up some passengers before this freight run. and there's absolutely no time to repaint you James. so I'm sure you will not be in a painting.”

James now looked both shocked, annoyed and sad.

James while muttering to Himself: “I can't believe after I accidentally splashed paint on Regina I still don't get to be in a painting.”

Unfortunately for James he was loud enough for a certain gentleman to hear him.

Sir Topham hatt in an angry tone: “ you did what James!?”

James quickly looked over to see the Fat Controller standing there With his Arms crossed across his chest. He had arrived on board Iaspis who also looked extremely angry at James.

Fat Controller: “ I cannot believe you would do something so reckless James! honestly I expected better from you!”

James looked towards his buffers in shame: “ I am so sorry sir.”

the Fat Controller: “ I'm glad that you are sorry but I'm still not happy with you. it's clear to me that your paint job has made you quite vain. maybe I should repaint you blue like I promised all those years ago!”

Before James could say anything Iaspis spoke up.

Iaspis with a mistyvious smile: “ actually sir I think I know of a better punishment for James. and trust me I'm certain he will not forget what he did.”

The fat controller looked a little bit confused at the Blue Atlantic when he noticed the smirk on his face and decided to go along with it.

6 months later all of the engines had gathered in the sheds to see the paintings that had been set aside for them.

The artist had a wonderful time and actually promised to them that he would leave a few paintings just for them and that they would not get sold.

All of the engines were marvelling at the paintings. There were a grand total of 15 of them! The first seven were depicting the engines doing various tasks around the Railway. with the ones about Thomas, Timothy, Iaspis and Frigidus All being themed with the Different Seasons.

Thomas was running down a beautiful forest in spring with beautiful flowers and trees.

Iaspis Running alongside a beach line in summer with the sun reflecting off his boiler.

Timothy was waiting at a station collecting passengers in Fall with leaves falling around him.

Frigidus Was running with a snow plow through the snow in winter with a mail train behind him and snow gently falling.

The next 3 were about Lady, Regina and Lux.

 

He was a bit more creative with these three paintings.

Lady’s was of her riding through a beautiful field of flowers with golden rails Beneath Her and mountains in the far distance. It looked incredibly beautiful.

Regina’s was of her Running through the same field but her steam looked like golden clouds coming from her cylinders and funnel.

Lux’s was of her sitting in front of what looked like a sun casting beautiful lights over her with an elegant expression on her face.

the next we're just a couple of paintings of pears of engines.

one of Thomas and Timothy working hard in the yards.

one of both Iaspis and Frigidus Running parallel down the line.

one of all three of the gold dust railway engines next to each other.

one of all the Brighton boys together.

then a Painting of Thomas and lady together sitting next to each other near a Cove with the evening sun behind them.

then one of both Iaspis and Regina running next to each other on the beach line with the sun reflecting off their boilers.

then one of all seven locomotives together in one giant painting.

all of the engines were looking at the paintings with wonder…

all except for one.

Thomas looked over to James with a cheeky smile: “ well James you wanted to be in a painting and now you are in two of them.”

Iaspis Looked over to his fellow engine in blue with an equally cheeky smile: “ I don't think he wanted to be in a painting like that Thomas.”

all of the engines began laughing as James glared at the paintings.

One of the paintings was of his crash the same day the artist had arrived. and it was quite detailed. then he had made a painting of James's…. current condition of being painted extremely bright pink.

James absolutely hated it and even more as the painter had painted a picture of him where he was also pulling dirty goods wagons rather than some gleaming Express Coaches.

James continued to look cross when Frigidus Spoke up, chuckling.

Frigidus: “ Well I did warn you James. you do not mess with my brother's girlfriend without him getting some Payback.”

Regina: “And I definitely think he got his payback with you. and just as a reminder to everyone the protectiveness goes both ways. so don't you dare mess with my boyfriend!”

everybody burst out laughing again as they agreed to that.

the paintings would eventually be hung within knappford station in its waiting room But for now the engines could enjoy the paintings.

and James definitely learned his lesson after being stuck wearing pink for 7 months.

The end

Chapter 10: The last train of Christmas

It was Christmas Eve on the island of sodor and everybody was still making their way home for Christmas.

all of the engines had been working hard all day clearing the tracks as well as doing their work.

Thomas, Timothy and Percy had been tasked to clear the tracks of snow. all three of them ended up meeting in the Elsbridge Goods yard when more snow gently began falling down.

Percy: “not more snow! I have just cleared the entire branch line!”

Timothy: “At least we won't have to wear our snowplows tomorrow.”

Thomas: “That's right and we can stay in our nice warm shed.”

Percy looked confused: “ what are you guys talking about?”

Thomas: “ Tomorrow is Christmas silly. we don't run trains all day.”

Percy now smiled: “ that will be wonderful. I like keeping warm and staying out of the cold and snow.”

At that moment Iaspis stopped next to them, dropping off some empty goods wagons.

Iaspis: “ you're definitely right there Percy. I like keeping warm too. but my brother on the other hand is a different story. He loves running in the snow.”

Percy: “ really?”

Iaspis Chuckled: “ There is a reason why he is named Rex-Frigidus you know.”

At that the four of them Departed to continue their work.

Meanwhile Frigidus Was on the mainland collecting passengers to go to sodor.

but there were a lot of people and there was just no room inside of his coaches.

a small family came up to the door only for a porter to close it.

the son, who was in crutches, pointed at the door with his Crutches : “oh no. the train will be leaving without us.”

Frigidus Looked over and gave him a smile: “ don't worry little one I'll be back soon. I promise.”

Frigidus heard his guards blow his whistle signaling it was time to depart.

Frigidus: “ There's still one more train before Christmas.”

and after a quick blast of his whistle he made his way to sodor.

After he crossed the bridge that connected the island to the mainland he noticed another engine passing him by heading towards the mainland light engine.

Frigidus Stopped at all of the stations along the main line excluding ellesbridge.

but it was very late when he finally arrived at knapford.

Frigidus noticed the Fat Controller on the platform and called him over.

Frigidus: “ Sir there are still plenty of people on the mainland who Want to come to sodor. if I can get some extra coaches I can go back and collect them all.”

The Fat Controller Gave a bit of a concerned look but decided the go with his engine's idea.

the Fat Controller: “ okay. but you will have to be fast. there's more snow on the way.”

Frigidus gave a big smile: “ thank you sir. and don't worry I am a very fast engine when I need to be. After all, I was built for Express passenger service.”

Frigidus then departed the Station to go and find some extra coaches.

Gordon was passing him by and that gave Frigidus an idea.

Frigidus: “ Gordon! can I have a minute!”

Gordon stopped and looked back at the Silver Atlantic: “ Yes, what do you need?”

Frigidus: “ can I use your Express Coaches? I'm going for one more run to the mainland and I will need some extra coaches.”

Gordon: “ of course you can use them. I'm not going to be using them since I'm on my way to Tidmouth sheds. just make sure you're careful with them.”

Frigidus gave a big smile: “I will and thank you Gordon.”

After he Attached Gordon's Express Coaches to the mix, Frigidus now had a train of 20 coaches! That would be more than enough to bring everybody to sodor.

But as he was leaving the station to travel non-stop to the mainland, he noticed that the snow had begun coming down even harder than expected.

He passed Percy along the way and noticed how much he was struggling just to move the snow.

Frigidus knew that it would be tough work but he had made a promise and he was going to keep it. He reminded himself of this as he passed over the bridge with the snow howling in the wind.

Half an hour later the Fat Controller had received a phone call stating that the weather had pretty much shut down the main line even though the snow was now beginning to disappear.

so he had to make a tough decision.

He walked out of his office to see Thomas, Percy, Edward, James, Amelia, Timothy, Iaspis And the three single engines.

The Fat Controller: “ I just got news the snow is too heavy and the main line is blocked. I'm afraid we won't be able to run any more trains tonight.”

everybody looked surprised but Iaspis looked worried.

Iaspis: “ But what about my brother on the mainland and all of his passengers? What about the last train?”

James (who was still painted pink): “ It looks like the last train will have to be canceled, Iaspis.”

The Fat Controller agreed with James: “James is right. we can't risk having passengers stranded in the snow.”

Thomas then spoke up: “but the snow has stopped falling. we can clear the tracks! we just have to get plowing!”

James: “it's too late Thomas. it's already dark and the stations will begin closing.”

the Fat Controller: “ James is right Thomas. it's dark and it's late.”

Percy then spoke up when the Fat Controller Noticed a family getting ready to leave the station to go to their home for Christmas.

Percy: “ But what about all those people they're trying to get home for Christmas sir?”

the Fat Controller shook his head and smiled: “ you are right Percy! You must all work together to clear the tracks for the last train before Christmas.”

all of the engines gave a Toot of their whistles as they began to plow the snow. Unfortunately there was a lot to clear so all the Met split up the clear sections of the main line faster!

While Thomas, Percy and Timothy would handle the section up until Wellsworth where Iaspis Edward and Amelia would plow the section between there and kellsthorpe road.

But the final section would be left up to Ignis-Aestivus, Jackland and lux aurea. But unfortunately the snow was the deepest there and they were running out of steam.

Ignis Was pushing at the front: “ man. I have never seen snow so deep before.”

They continued on towards the bridge and almost reached it but the snow was just too deep for them as it began piling up in front of them creating a massive snowbank that they just couldn't push away.

Jackland: “ it's no use. The Snow's too deep. Maybe James was right. the last train will have to be canceled.”

the three of them began backing down into a siding to receive clearance to run back all the way to knappford when suddenly they heard the puffing of another engine coming from the Bridge.

Jackland: “ What's that?”

They were able to hear the powerful chuffs, the sound of snow being shoved aside and a very familiar loud steamboat whistle.

Ignis With a joyous expression on her face: “ it's Cardean!!”

And indeed it was Cardean. She was plowing from the other side clearing the way for the last train. Cardean noticed the big snowpile and rammed it with everything she had, breaking it into a million pieces and finally clearing the way.

she went into the same siding as the singles to let Frigidus And his last train thunder through.

Frigidus whistled thank you to them as he passed by.

He made all of his stops whistling to the engines and thanking them.

but finally after the long long trip he arrived at knapford and the Passengers began to disembark.

The little boy in crutches stepped off the train and went up to him.

little boy: “ thank you for coming back and have a Merry Christmas!”

Frigidus just gave the little boy a warm smile: “ you are quite welcome. Now go and enjoy Christmas.”

The Fat Controller came over to see Frigidus with a very big smile on his face.

the Fat Controller: “ great job Frigidus thanks to you everybody was able to make it home in time for Christmas.”

Frigidus Smiled and looked over to see all his friends arriving back.

Frigidus: “thank you sir. but I would not have made it without all of my friends and family.”

the Fat Controller chuckled: “Very true. Thanks to all of you everyone got home in time for Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone and good night.”

Everybody wished the Fat Controller good night and Departed to go to Tidmouth sheds.

but as Frigidus finished putting his coaches away and heading to Tidmouth sheds he noticed something in the sky and he just smiled and chuckled.

Frigidus with a big smile on his face: “ Merry Christmas Santa. Merry Christmas indeed.”

and indeed it was Santa flying overhead going to deliver the presence he carried to the good boys and girls of the world.

the end.

Chapter 11: Gordon goes foreign.

Summary:

This is the last story I will be posting in 2023. see you in 2024

It was a rainy day on the island of sodor. The Fat Controller was in his office when he heard a knock at the door.

the Fat Controller: “ come in.”

The person who came into the office was his son Charles. He had been working for the railway for a few years now and was basically the second person in charge behind his father.

Charles: “ Hello Dad. I hope your mood is better than the weather.”

the Fat Controller chuckled: “ it is Charles. But what do I owe this visit for ? Last I heard you were on the mainland for a couple of months.”

Charles: “ That is because I have been talking to Representatives from the LMS about the interchange at Vickerstown. They have been complaining that it takes too long to swap engines around or to swap the people from one set of coaches to the next.”

The Fat Controller now had a more serious expression on his face. He had been made aware of these problems before and that is why he sent his son over to talk to them and come to a new arrangement that would benefit everyone. He knew that Charles was a very good Negotiator and often was able to get clients to drop their prices for them.

The Fat Controller: “ So were they able to understand that we don't really have a choice?”

Charles just shook his head: “ I'm sorry Dad. they were pretty determined that we had to change our operations in order to Minimise problems on their end.”

the Fat Controller began massaging his forehead: “ but there is nothing we can do. unless one of their engines comes to our metals and pulls the train directly to London. but that would cause too much interference with our own services. not to mention Gordon’s reaction when he doesn't get to pull the Express anymore or have to share the main line with an engine of a rival company.”

Charles: “ But Dad, you do know there is another way right?”

the Fat Controller looked confused: “ you mean run our trains all the way to London? you know we can't do that. We are not allowed onto the LMS metals without paying them a fee which will be too expensive in the long run for us. and there's no other way to get to London other than the LMS.”

Charles: “not necessarily. while I was gone I met up with a certain man who was willing to help us for a favor.”

the Fat Controller: “and who would this man be?”

Charles: “ Sir Nigel Gresley.”

the Fat Controller almost fell out of his seat at the mention of his name.

the Fat Controller: “you spoke with Sir Nigel Gresley?! But how?”

Charles: “I accidentally got onto the wrong train trying to get home. I met up with him while I ended up at Doncaster. He recognized that I came from Sodor and gave me an interesting proposition. He is planning on modifying his a3’s But wants to know if it would be worthwhile to implement it on all of his pacifics. so after a quick discussion I would tell him that I would ask you if they could use Gordon as a sort of guinea pig.”

The Fat Controller now looked a bit skeptical: “ they want to use Gordon for what kind of experiment?”

Charles: “ apparently they're going to be trying some kind of new blast pipe system or something that could improve fuel efficiency and drafting. so if it works Gordon could even be better than he is already.”

the Fat Controller: “and what would we gain from this arrangement?”

Charles: “We would be allowed to run a non-stop Express service to London via the tracks of the LNER instead of the LMS. and we wouldn't even have to pay them to use the track. We will have to pay for fuel but that's about it. I think it's a great deal compared to the one the LMS gave us. but nothing has been set in stone and I wanted to wait for your approval before proceeding with anything else. So what do you think dad? Should we go through with it?”

The Fat Controller began thinking about it for a few minutes. This would be a great opportunity but it could also be a disaster if the supposed ‘improvements’ ended up being a complete flop. He then made a decision.

the Fat Controller: “we will go ahead with these modifications to Gordon but he will have to do it in our own workshops. plus if successful he has to provide us with a corridor tender for him afterwards.”

Charles smiled: “ I will contact him right away!”

and so as he watched his son leave his office the fat controller could only wonder how Gordon would act once he realized what was going to happen.

Gordon“ I cannot believe this!”

Gordon was at the Works With a big smile on his face. He was excitedly looking around to see his designer.

Neil came running up to him with a flatbed with some weird components on them.

Neil: “you might want to calm down Gordon. or else you might pop a safety valve again.”

Gordon: “ I'm so sorry Neil but I'm so excited to see him again. I haven't seen Nigel since before I was sent here. so I'm excited to see what he has planned for me.”

???: “ then you won't have to wait long.”

Both of the engines looked over to see a well-dressed Gentleman with a very fabulous moustache walking over to them. Neil didn't recognize him but Gordon definitely did.

Gordon: “ hello Nigel. it's good to see you again. but Should I say Sir Nigel now or can I just still call you Nigel?”

Sir Nigel Gresley chuckled: “ Nigel will be more than enough gordon. It is good to see my prize prototype again. And I am grateful for you willing to test out some new technology I am planning on putting into the rest of your class.”

Gordon: “ I am quite excited to test them sir. but what will these modifications be?”

Nigel looked over towards the wagon of parts in front of Neil: “we are going to modify you with a new blast pipe that could improve your efficiency. The men have also told me that they have recently invented a new feed water heater and wanted to test it on you. I won't have anything to do with that but hopefully it will improve your fuel economy. I'm also planning on adding roller bearings to you. After that you will be put through some trials and we'll see what the results are.”

Gordon remained excited as Nigel walked away. only A few weeks later Gordon had been fully modified.

but despite the modifications not very many visual differences were applied. The only Major difference was Gordon having a longer chimney and a new Dome.

Gordon was immediately put to the test on the Express.

Many important engineers were on board in case Gordon had any faults. although his run towards the end of the line was promising There wereseveral problems.

for one Gordon's driver couldn't see because of the bad drafting over the boiler. The smoke just kept getting in the way. Also the feedwater heater had a malfunction for a short while which turned out to be a component that was not properly installed.

On the first day of the tests things did not go as Gordon had hoped.

Gordon was once again in the Works awaiting the repairs on his modifications.

Gordon: “ Oh the indignity. I made a fool out of myself today. in front of my own designer too. what will he think of me?”

unbeknownst to Gordon his Designer was listening in the whole time. He also noticed Matthew parking next to Gordon.

Matthew: “ That today brought out some great data.”

Gordon looked up in shock to Matthew sitting next to him with a smile on his face.

Matthew: “ Gordon We do test runs in order to make sure that equipment works. so if there's a failure we can learn from it and repair and tweak until it works. Considering the results of today's trial we will have to perform some modifications for everything to work. but rest assured you have not disgraced Your designer or yourself in any way. just keep your chin up and we will wait for the rest of the results.”

As Nigel began walking away With a smile on his face Gordon realized that Matthew was right. Just because today was a failure doesn't mean tomorrow would be.

The Workman worked through the night to make sure that the modifications worked. but eventually Gordon was ready again at Knapford with a passenger train.

He did look slightly different. He now had little flaps around his chimney. They were hoping that this would help block away the smoke as they were traveling.

He was also pulling an observation wagon behind him that would be feeding data on his performance to the men inside.

Soon it was time for the off and Gordon blew on his whistle long and Loud and Departed from the station.

Gordon remained focused on just doing a good job and not focusing on what could go wrong with his modifications.

but when they arrived at Killdane he overheard a conversation between Nigel and his driver.

Gordon's driver: It's no good sir. Both me and the fireman still can't see anything with all that smoke even with those little flaps.”

Nigel: “ Then what do you think we should do?”

Gordon's driver: “maybe try some German styled deflectors? I mean they would probably work.”

Nigel: “ okay. I will design a couple of smoke deflectors for the rest of the trip. Otherwise, are there any problems?”

Gordon's driver: “ besides him slipping a bit while starting nothing really has been a problem. the new feed water heater has definitely improved from last time.”

Nigel: “ good. Let's continue the test.”

Gordon was happy to hear this as this meant he was just that bit closer to proving that the modifications could be spread to the rest of his brothers and sisters.

Over the next 5 weeks Gordon was thoroughly tested and examined.

But finally it came to an end. Gordon was once again in the Works when Nigel came up to him.

Nigel: “ Well Gordon I must admit this has been an interesting time and I have good news to give you. Besides some problems with the applications of the feed water heater the rest of the Modifications have been successful. especially with those new smoke deflectors we added.”

Gordon: “ Good to know Nigel. and I'm grateful that you considered me to test these out. It was an absolute pleasure working with you again and I will miss you when you are gone.”

Nigel: “ Well I will also miss you. It was nice to see my prototype again. although I have heard you've become quite pompous and arrogant while you are here.”

Gordon began blushing with embarrassment. But before he could say anything Nigel continued.

Nigel: “ While I am a little bit displeased to hear that, I am not disappointed. many of your brothers have been the same from what I've heard. well except for Scot after his crash. but that does not mean I don't expect you not be capable of changing your attitude. You may be an Express engine of my design but I expect all the engines I designed to pull their weight on all trains regardless if they're pulling passengers. So please go on and make sure you do not forget that you can do so much more than what I designed you for. and that includes pulling goods trains.”

Gordon didn't say anything for a few minutes then smiled and he spoke: “ I will Nigel. I will try to be a better engine and pull my weight even if it is on goods trains.”

Nigel gave his prototype a smile: “ now that's what I like to hear. I will be leaving tomorrow and I just came here to tell you that thanks to your upgrades going smoothly you will now be allowed to run on the North Eastern metals again. but I think you will need this in order to pull your new Express service.”

Gordon looked over to see Matthew pushing a very big tender next to him. It was painted in the northwestern railways blue with a big number four on the tender.

Gordon had a surprised look on his face: “ is this… a corridor tender?”

Nigel chuckled: “ yes. I even had it painted blue to match you. and This will be my final gift to you. Farewell Gordon and good luck on your Express run next week.”

Gordon was confused as some of the workmen came over to him with weird curved plates. but once they presented the plates to him he was both incredibly surprised and Incredibly humbled.

They were a set of name plates with the name ‘Gordon Gresley’ on them.

as the workman began putting the name plates on Gordon began thinking about Nigel's words. yes he was incredibly honored to receive these gifts from his creator but at the same time he also knew he was right. he had gotten a bit arrogant lately and maybe it wouldn't be bad to pull a goods train once in a while.

When he left the works for the final time he traveled slower than usual to the sheds. He had a lot on his mind.

When he finally did arrive everybody was in wonder of his upgrades and his new name plates.

Everybody kept trying to ask him a million questions about his upgrade but Gordon didn't listen. That was until a certain pink engine spoke up in annoyance.

James: “ why does he get a name plate? I mean a splended engine like myself deserves a name plate!”

Thomas: “ Come on James Gordon is an Express engine and all Express engines have name plates. just look towards Iaspis, Frigidus and Regina For example.”

Regina Gave a little blush: “technically our names are painted on us. so we don't have name plates but I get Where you're coming from Thomas.”

James, still looking annoyed: “ well I still think I am deserving of a name plate!”

Gordon let out a sigh and would say something that would surprise everyone in the sheds that night.

Gordon: “It's just a name plate James. It doesn't do anything special. Besides name plates or not I can still do my work. now if you excuse me I want to get some rest.”

as Gordon went to sleep everybody was surprised at his very modest reaction. especially James who had always known Gordon to be pompous and proud. he figured Gordon would be boasting until the cows came home about his new name plates. he didn't expect him to not make a big deal out of it.

The next day Gordon had just returned from an Express run and was resting in the sheds when Edward came over.

he did have a little bit of a concerned face but Gordon just gave him a reassuring smile.

Gordon: “ hello Edward. How are you doing today?”

Edward as he began turning on the turntable: “ I'm doing fine Gordon. but are you doing fine?”

Gordon: “ Yes I am perfectly fine Edward. Why do you ask?”

Edward back down into his shedroad: “ well you have been acting strange since last night. I mean you aren't as arrogant as I remember? did the workman change out your smoke box as well?”

Edward ment it as a joke but Gordon gave him a serious look anyway.

Gordon: “No Edward, I was just talked to by my designer. He had heard of my arrogance and told me that he was disappointed in me. but he did expect me to change as well. so I will be trying to do that. and I think getting rid of my better than everybody else attitude might be a good first step.”

Edward: “ Well that's certainly surprising. but I am glad you're going to change. and if you ever need help you know who to ask.”

Gordon chuckled: “ I will Edward. but I will also not listen to James's advice. The Engine really has a bigger ego than I do. for being such a small engine I bet he wishes he was as big as me. or maybe he does think he's as big as me?”

Edward chuckled: “ you are definitely right there. but anyway, are you looking forward to your new Express service next week?”

Gordon: “ I am but I'm also concerned about the Express back here. I mean we are pretty busy nowadays and I don't think The Fat Controller can spare one of the Atlantics to pull the Express. I mean they're powerful but both of them can't really handle the Express service without causing problems with their own jobs.”

Edward: “ You are definitely right there. Even if the Fat Controller gets some extra small engines we need another Express engine or two. But let's hope the Fat Controller figures something out.”

Gordon agreed.

Gordon was up bright and early that Monday morning.

He had collected his coaches from the yard and placed himself on platform one. A lot of people were standing on the platform and A great deal of them were taking photos of him. Gordon remembers to smile and make sure that this run would be memorable.

Soon the Fat Controller began his speech: “ladies and gentlemen today Marks and historic event for the North Western Railway. For the first time we will be able to run a non-stop Express service from here at knapford all the way to London Kings Cross! I would like to thank the London North Eastern Railway and their chief Mechanical Engineer Sir Nigel Gresley for making it possible. Thanks to them our Express engine Gordon Gresley has now received the proper modifications to run this great journey. Although they cannot be here today I am certain that he would be proud to see his prize prototype finally at its maximum potential. Now without further ado, I officially declare that this run will be officially known as The sodor Flyer!”

The Fat Controller then revealed a headboard that had been hidden next to him under a tarp. The headboard Had the name sodor flyer on it with little wings. but between the Wings was not only the name of the service but also an outlining of Gordon himself!

Gordon was absolutely surprised and humbled at this gesture from his controller. As soon as the headboard was placed on him and the Passengers boarded the train Gordon prepared himself mentally for the journey ahead.

Gordon in his head: “ okay Gordon. do not panic and just do your best on your first non-stop run.”

As soon as the guard blew his whistle Gordon departed with a lot of noise. as he was traveling along the island he kept thinking about the long distance run and was excited. as soon as he passed Vickerstown and barrow in furness He was truly off!

Gordon began racing down the line faster than he had ever gone on sodor. but it still took him a while to get to New Castle. From there he joined the LNER main line.

Over the next couple of hours Gordon passed through many more cities including Doncaster. He wasn't certain but he could swear he saw Sir Nigel Gresley standing at one of the platforms watching him go by.

but as the light was fading away Gordon finally arrived at Kings Cross. Gordon looked in amazement the station was just like he remembered it. a big massive multiple platformed station bigger than any station on sodor!

There was a little bit more fanfare and then he was finally able to go to the sheds and rest.

He soon arrived at the depot and found an empty shedroad. He was hoping to get a little bit of sleep before the return journey tomorrow. but a pleasant surprise was waiting for him.

???: “ Gordon is that you? you've changed, brother.”

Gordon looked over to see his brother Great Northern Or just North for short.

Gordon smiled: “Yes it's me North. It's good to see you again. I haven't seen you since I pulled my last train on the Great Northern.”

North: “ I remember. I also remember that you were sold some island I'd never heard of. what was it called again? soda or…”

Gordon: “sodor.”

North: “yes that was it! I must admit I did not think an island of that size needed a big Express engine like you. but at least you have a home and I hope you have a good controller.”

Gordon: “ Yes, the Fat Controller is a very good man and has been looking after us very well.”

North looked a bit concerned and confused: “is it alright for you to call your controller fat? I mean I don't think we could ever call our controllers on the northeastern railway anything like that.”

Gordon chuckled: “ it's a nickname. although he is quite plump. but I think his heart is what fill’s most of his body. He is a good man and his son really takes after him. I wouldn't be surprised if he runs the railway in the future.”

North: “ That's good to hear. But what are you doing here in London Gordon? I mean I'm glad to see you but what are you doing here?”

Gordon smiled: “ Well we have a new Express service that runs straight from the main station on the island right here to Kings Cross. I just came back from pulling the inaugural train and I will be doing the return journey tomorrow. so you'll be seeing a lot more of me for the foreseeable future.”

North began smiling: “Well then I think we're going To have to make room in the sheds for you. believe me it gets quite crowded here sometimes.”

Gordon began to laugh and catch up with his brother. This may have been just the first run but it was hopefully one of many more good runs to come.

but he was still worried about what would happen with the rest of his duties on the island while he was running services on and off the island?

but I shouldn't say anymore or I will spoil the next story.

Chapter 12: a crimson whirl

The new Express service to London had been running at a complete success. Gordon was able to pull the train flawlessly but was quite modest about it too.

Unfortunately this created problems back on the island. The wildnorwester had to be covered by someone and Cardean Couldn't do it all the time on her own.

The Fat Controller did have some of the Atlantics take over but this created other problems somewhere else.

The other engines tried their best to help out but it was definitely obvious that they needed another Express engine. Unfortunately the Fat Controller was unable to locate a permanent one. but luckily through his contacts he was able to get somebody to temporarily cover the Express until he could find a permanent replacement.

and she arrived a month after the new Express service started.

Iaspis Was pulling a fast freight train when suddenly a crimson blur passed him at great speed!

Iaspis In shock: “ holy mother of Mary what was that?”

nobody had an answer and he wouldn't find out until he arrived at knapford motive power depot.

It was a small depot dedicated to refueling and turning around the engines when they reached the end of the line.

Iaspis had put his trucks away at the docks and was just going to refuel when he noticed the big Pacific also refueling on coal.

Iaspis Looked a bit confused at the engine. indeed it was a Pacific engine from the LMS. from what he had seen it looked to be a princess royal Pacific. but she didn't have any valve gear or cylinders on the outside.

All she had was one single set of connecting rods connecting all three of her driving wheels. as he approached her front he looked in amazement and curiosity.

the engine just gave him an uninterested look: “ what are you looking at?”

Iaspis: “Nothing… I'm just surprised… I've never seen an engine like you.”

the Unknown engine let out a slow exhaust: “ nobody has on this island. I'm an experimental design from the LMS.”

Iaspis: “ really? What kind of experiment?”

the Unknown engine chuckled: “ I am actually a turbine driven locomotive.”

Iaspis looked confused: “ a turbine driven locomotive? I've never heard of such a thing.”

the Unknown engine: “ well there aren't many of us out there in the world and most of us are just experiments including myself. for what I've heard the rest of the turbine engines weren't as successful as their designers hoped.”

Iaspis: “And is the same true for you?”

unknown engine: “ not really. The inspiration from my creation actually came from a couple of engines in Sweden. My designer William Stanier wanted to replicate the technology with one of his own engines. I am the result of that experiment. Unfortunately I didn't quite reach the Expectations but I wasn't a complete failure. but I have trouble going in reverse since my turbine for going backwards is smaller than the ones for going forward.”

Iaspis: “Okay. but may I ask what brings you here?”

the Unknown engine: “I'm here to help out on your primary Express service while one of your Express engines is occupied running trains to London.”

Iaspis: “ really? That's great! I hope you can get along with the rest of the engines and that we can become good friends.”

the Unknown engine chuckled: “I'm not here to make friends. I'm just here to do a job. I'll just let you do your job and I'll do mine. speaking of which my tender is full and I should get on with the next Express run.”

Iaspis Looked a bit confused as the Unknown engine began moving off with a whirl from her turbines. did she really just see this as another assignment? and what kind of an engine didn't want to socialize with others? he was just really confused.

but before she left the Unknown engine spoke to him one more time.

unknown engine: “ also you may call me Anne if you want.”

Iaspis didn't reply as Anne continued on her way.

The whole day she was pulling trains up and down the line. but she didn't speak very much and just got on with her work. even when the Passengers began praising her she didn't say anything but just gave them a smile.

That night at the sheds all of them minus Gordon we're talking about Anne.

Tanya: “she really is a unique locomotive. I mean I have heard of turbine locomotives before but they are very rare.”

Eleanor: “it is exciting to have another experimental engine on the island. I wonder what she's like? I haven't heard her talking ever since she arrived.”

Iaspis: “Well I had a conversation with her when she was refueling at the motive power depot.”

Edward: “ really? What is she like?”

Iaspis: “She's a very… Direct engine. She told me she just wanted to do her job and not really make friends. I just don't understand why an engine doesn't want to make friends?”

Howard: “ some engines like to keep to themselves and don't really talk a lot. they're not anti-social per se but they just like being alone.”

Iaspis: “ do you think she likes to be alone?”

Before anybody could reply James spoke: “Well I think she's just a big Show off!”

Everybody let out a grown at James 1 millionth complaint of the week.

Thomas in a sarcastic tone: “ and how is she a show off?”

James: “ don't you guys get it!? she's red just like me!”

Tara: “ so? aren't you technically pink right now?”

James: “ That doesn't matter! red is a color you need to deserve! you can't just go around flaunting it!”

Timothy raised one of his eyebrows: “ like you do?”

James: “ precisely! I am the only engine worthy of the color red!”

all the engines once again began groaning. but then they heard a whirring sound approaching the sheds. Anne came into the building and ran onto the turntable having heard everything.

Anne: “ James, almost all of the Express engines on the LMS are crimson Lake. so it only makes sense for me to wear the same livery. besides it is just paint at the end of the day.”

James looked extremely offended: “ how dare you! Red is a beautiful livery that should be worn with a great deal of Pride! Not that you know anything about that! considering everybody is red on the LMS apparently!”

all of the engines were concerned that this would break out into an argument but Henry noticed that Anne was smirking.

Anne: “ if red is such an important color here on sodor then why are you painted pink? did they put you in the wash With something white?”

The engines could barely contain their giggling as James his face began turning red.

James looked annoyed: “ I'm only pink because of circumstances beyond my control!”

Anne was still smirking: “That's not what I heard. I heard through some rumors that you were boasting too much that you were going to be in a painting and ended up Crashing into some tar wagons for the second time. do you have a problem with tar wagons or…”

James Screaming: “ That wasn't my fault!”

Eleanor: “ technically it was. you were so full of yourself that you didn't notice the Red Signal and crashed into the back of my goods train.”

Anne had at that point turned around and went to an empty shed Road that had not been allocated to anyone yet.

Anne: “So you are vain and encompetent. no wonder you hit tar wagons twice.”

James was Now more red in the face than he had ever been in his life: “ well at least I'm not some kind of one-off experiment that failed!”

everybody gasped at that insult from James. but once again Anne was smiling.

Anne: “technically I'm not a failure. I just didn't perform to the Expectations they had for me but I didn't fail. secondly aren't you technically an experimental engine too?”

Everybody looks confused including James.

James was still annoyed: “ what are you talking about? I am not an experiment?”

Anne continued to smirk: “ Well what your brother Winston has told me both of you were experimentally modified with a bogey wheel in front of you since the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway class 28 are too front heavy when Breaking. so technically that makes you and your brother an experiment as well.”

James looked shocked: “ how do you know Winston?!”

Anne: “ The Lancaster and Yorkshire railway was absorbed into the LMS when the grouping happened. Your brother is working for us now. and you might even see him soon.”

before James could reply Percy spoke up.

Percy: “ what do you mean?”

Anne: “ in order to help soften the Blow of this new arrangement you guys are having with the LNER. your controller has Allowed us to work the Norramby Branch line. since Winston hasn't been busy they have been considering putting him on the line.”

Timothy: “ That would be interesting. and would help us a lot. We don't normally work on the Norramby branch line as much and we don't have a dedicated engine for it. so you guys would also be doing us a favor.”

Anne Smiled: “ I think that was the idea. But if you guys don't mind, I would like to go to sleep now. I have a lot of Express runs to do tomorrow.”

Everybody agreed with her and went to sleep. but James was still very much angry at the visitor and was thinking about ways to pay her out.

Over the next couple of weeks Anne pulled the Express quite well without delay. even Gordon was impressed when he got to meet her and was more than happy for her to handle the Express even though she was technically from a rival company.

but unlike the other engines she spent a lot of time alone in sidings resting. She didn't talk very often and was very quiet but she did occasionally chat to engine's.

James meanwhile was still thinking of a way to pay her out when he overheard one of the workmen talking about her turbines and that she isn't as strong in reverse. This gave him an idea.

One day Anne had just returned from vicarstown with an Express run and went into the motive power depot to turn around. When she noticed the turntable had a wagon in it!

Anne was confused: “ what's wrong?”

Workman: “one of the wagons accidentally ended up in the turntable well. We are trying our best to get it out but it won't be operable for a while. I guess you're just going to have to take your next train tender first.”

Anne: “But I can't take my train tender first!”

the workman just Shrugged his shoulders: “ I don't think you have any other choice.”

The workman then went back to trying to get the wagon out as Anne now had a worried look on her face. She knew she could run in Reverse but that she didn't have as much power. but like the workman said she didn't have much of a choice. so she went to the station and buffered up to her coaches in the tender first position.

At that moment the Fat Controller came out of his office and looked quite perplexed.

the Fat Controller: “is everything alright anne? Why are you running tender first?”

Anne: “because the turntable apparently has a wagon in it. I don't know what caused it but I won't be able to turn around. and I don't think I can afford to find another Turntable since the Express has to leave in 10 Minutes. but I'm also worried that I won't have enough power to pull the train.”

the Fat Controller: “ but I have seen you operating and you have lots of power at your disposal.”

Anne: “ That's only when I'm going forwards backwards I have less power then I'm going forwards. so I don't think I will be able to make it over that big hill. or any other Hills for that matter.”

The Fat Controller was now also concerned about the Express.

Meanwhile James was in the yards facing the right way with a smile on his face. He had deliberately let a wagon roll into the turntable well so it would be unusable. He was hoping that the Fat Controller would take Anne off the train and replace her with him.

but unfortunately his plan only half worked as the Fat Controller noticed him.

the Fat Controller: “James! Can you please couple up in front of Anne? the two of you plus a banker should be able to make it up Gordon's Hill.”

James was disappointed that he wouldn't be pulling the trains solo but at least he would be able to show her what a real engine could do. if only he knew.

The two of them made steady progress down the main line. Anne was trying her best but with her smaller turbine with only four blades it was hard work. James on the other hand had forgotten how heavy the Express was nowadays but was still determined to show the visitor how it was done.

That was until they made it to Gordon's Hill. Katie luckily was in the yards and was willing to give them a push up the Hill.

The 3 of them began charging the hill with everything they had.

James: “ Come on, come on, come on, I can do it, I can do it!”

Anne Was making her turbine spin as fast as she could and Katie was giving it everything she had. progress was slow but just before they were able to make it over the hill allowed hissing of steam came from the front of the train. The train then became heavier and heavier as Katie felt more and more weight on her front buffers.

Katie: “ what's going on up there?”

before anybody could answer the train stopped… and then immediately began rolling down the hill faster and faster. It was difficult but luckily they didn't get far and stopped at the bottom of the hill.

The guard went up to see what had happened and was surprised to see James in a cloud of his own steam.

Guard: “ What in the name of Godred Happened here?”

James’s driver: “ he has burst a cylinder trying to pull the train up the Hill. I guess the train was just too much for him.”

Guard: “ Well that's great! we'll need another engine to come and help us out. there's no way we can start the train again.”

Anne Felt terrible about this. The train was now delayed and they had to wait for another engine in order to get the train up the Hill.

but apparently they didn't have to wait for long. Another engine had arrived at Tidmouth that morning And was coming to assist them.

They went all the way back to Wellsworth awaiting the other engine.

They then heard a shrill blast of a whistle coming from the distance. Anne couldn't see very much past the coach in front of her. But what She could see really made her look in wonder. The engine that passed her looked like a London North Eastern Railway A4 Pacific. but it had a longer cab and she could make out an extra wheel underneath the cab. she did not know what this engine was but she felt it looked beautiful.

Soon the Unknown engine Coupled up to her tender After James had been put into a siding awaiting to go to the Works. with a blast of her whistle she pulled the Express up and over the hill Without breaking a sweat. Even Katie was impressed by the power of this new engine.

Soon they arrived back at Vickerstown and Anne was finally able to get back to the front of the train facing the right direction. Both her and the Unknown engine at the back would be running top and tail for the rest of the day.

Luckily the damage at the turntable wasn't as great as the workman originally thought. it would be back in operation the next day.

Meanwhile the Fat Controller had been informed that James was responsible for the turntable not working. somebody had seen him push the truck towards the turntable and jamming it.

Of course he wasn't happy about this and had some Stern words for James when he went to the Works to visit him.

Meanwhile all of the engines had come back to Tidmouth sheds. All of the engines were curious at what the new engine would be like. They had seen them pass by with the Express but nobody was able to talk to them until now.

They all heard a chime whistle coming from outside and the massive engine finally entered the sheds.

It was indeed very similar in looks to an A4. but it did indeed have an extra trailing wheel underneath the cab which itself was bigger.

They turned around the turntable and took the shedroad next to Anne and had an excited look on her face.

New engine in an energetic tone: “ hello everybody how's your day?”

Everybody was surprised at the energy of the newcomer who had just spent all day running up and down the line with the Express non-stop.

Thomas was the first one to speak: “ well we've had a good day besides James of course. but Welcome to the Northwestern railway. What's your name?”

new engine: “ I don't really have a name, just a number. 10000. but many people called me hush hush.”

Henry: “ And why is that?”

hush hush at a very rapid pace: “ because when I was first built I had this experimental marine boiler typically used on ships. It was an experiment by Sir Nigel Gresley to see if a high pressure boiler would be a good idea. but it turned out that I had many problems that were just two on economical for the LNER to deal with and so they had me rebuilt into this more conventional shape but I did remain with my extra Pony truck which has allowed me to get this bigger cab. I'm also fittedWith a corridor tender and…”

she was then cut off by Eleanor: “ slowed down there. we have the time to talk. you know not everybody here is an Express engine.”

hush hush blushed in embarrassment: “I'm so sorry but I'm just so excited to be here! Even though I've only been around for about 8 years, give or take. but I've heard a lot about this island and I'm so excited to become a permanent addition to it!”

everybody chuckled at the exciteable nature of their news edition.

but both Thomas and Lady noticed that Anne seemed to have a particular look about hush hush that they knew all too well.

At that moment the Fat Controller entered the shed with a smile.

the Fat Controller: “ I'm glad to see you are making our newest member of the Railway feel very welcome.”

Tara: “ we are sir. and I'm actually surprised you were able to get such a big engine.”

the fat controller: “well I did want a bigger engine capable of hauling bigger Express trains alongside Gordon and Cardean. And the lner offered her to me at a good price so I jumped onto the opportunity. Plus she won't just be hauling the Express here on the island.”

Everybody looked confused until hush hush explained what he meant.

Hush hush: “he's basically planning for me and Gordon to work together on the non-stop Express service to London. While one of us remains here on the island the other will be running the Express service on a monthly basis. so you will still be seeing your friend While he's working here.”

the Fat Controller: “ precisely! but we do have a bit of an issue. James’s new cylinder block won't be able to get here until next month. Since sadly we do not have the plans to make new one’s in our workshops. but they are sending a full set of drawings with the new cylinder set. but in the meantime I am going to make him useful.”

Regina raised one of her eyebrows: “And how exactly are you going to do that sir?”

the Fat Controller gained a devilish smirk : “ let's just say he will be painted red again. But it won't be with paint.”

Everybody still looked confused but he continued on: “ Therefore I have requested that Anne stay until next month. That way the Atlantics can help cover James’s duties. That will be all for tonight.”

The Fat Controller began walking away when suddenly He turned back towards hush hush.

the Fat Controller: “ but before I forget 10000 me and the railway board have already decided on a name for you. so first thing tomorrow I want you to go to the Works to get your new name plates fit it.”

hush hush looked incredibly excited at the prospect of finally getting a name.

The next day Anne was pulling the Express and had to stop at Wellsworth Due to a faulty signal meaning she could not proceed. and she was looking around for something to pass the time when she noticed that the yards looked completely different than usual.

many different tents were set up in a small corner of it with all kinds of stuff in them like food and games and children running all over the place. at least where They were allowed.

Then she noticed something else. James was sitting in one of the sidings with a clown cut out placed on his smoke box and him wearing some makeup to make him look like a clown. the children were throwing Tomatoes at him! and not just at his face! They were also throwing tomatoes everywhere they could throw them. including his shiny brass Dome.

James was continuously trying to argue with the children to stop what they were doing. but none of them were listening to him and just continued to throw Tomatoes at him!

Anne was laughing hysterically at his Predicament and made a mental note never to get on the fat controller's bad side.

Soon the signal was fixed and she proceeded on towards her next scheduled stop at Crovan's Gate. After stopping there and having a chance with one of the Narrow she engines she continued on.

But when she passed the Works she saw the naming ceremony and slowed down a bit.

Apparently hush hush had been officially named sodor Enterprise. Despite everybody there cheering she noticed that Hush hush apparently didn't look happy with her new name but she still smiled.

but that's a story for another day.

to be continued.

Chapter 13: Sodor Enterprise’s nickname

It had been A few weeks since Anne and Sodor Enterprise had arrived on the island and things were okay.

Anne handled some of the Express services as well as Express Freight alongside Sodor Enterprise so that the Atlantics would be able to help cover James's work while he was still in the works.

Anne was having a lovely time and absolutely loved running across the island with any type of train behind her. but she did notice that sodor Enterprise didn't seem as bubbly as she used to be.

One day both of them were at Vickerstown motive power depot refueling on coal and water. so she decided to stir up a conversation.

Anne: “ Is everything okay sodor Enterprise?”

Sodor Enterprise in an uninterested tone: “ yeah I'm fine. Why do you ask?”

Anne: “because you're not as bubbly as when you arrived. Is something wrong?”

Sodor Enterprise Let out a deep sigh from her cylinders: “It's just… I don't really like my name. I mean I am grateful for receiving one but I just feel it… just doesn't fit me.”

Anne: “Well I do think sodor Enterprise does fit you in terms of your size and might. but I can understand not liking the name you have been given. I mean I was called the turbomotive But I decided on Anne as my nickname.”

Sodor Enterprise Still looking down: “ I wish I had a nickname…”

Anne looked at the sad Baltic locomotive in front of her. She didn't like seeing her so sad. but then an idea flew into her funnel.

Anne: “ How about we come up with a nickname for you then?”

Sodor Enterprise looked confused but Anne continued.

Anne: “ you will still be called sodor Enterprise officially but we can use a nickname for you that you actually like to be called. How does that sound?”

Sodor Enterprise gave a big smile: “ I would absolutely love that! But my tender has just been filled up and I need to get on to the next Express run. so maybe we can talk later?”

Anne: “ sure. we are supposed to double head that big freight train from knapford remember. I think we can try and come up with some nicknames then okay?”

Sodor Enterprise: “ okay see you later.”

The two big engines Went back to work on their respective jobs.

The two big Express engines didn't stop thinking of nicknames all day long. But neither of them could come up with anything.

They even asked the other engines if they could come up with any nicknames. but none of them came up with anything good.

Soon it was late evening and the two of them were at knapford connecting up to a massive goods train.

Anne Would be trailing behind Sodor Enterprise for the long journey.

Tanya and Howard rolled up next to them after having finished assembling the train.

Tanya: “ Now remember you two this train needs to be delivered to Doncaster, crewe, Swindon And then finally Eastleigh. you have to pick up and drop off goods along the way. also remember that you are representing the northwestern railway so make sure you don't embarrass yourselves and us.”

Anne rolled her eyes with a smile: “ don't worry Tanya will make sure of that.”

Sodor Enterprise did look a bit confused: “ why do we have to run such a goods train? wouldn't it have been easier for an engine of each company to pick them up?”

Howard: “ this probably would. but considering the train Started From Here it made more sense to the higher ups to have us deliver it all the way. The big four has given us all permission to run on their network for the special train so we should better take advantage of this and make some good public relationships with them.”

Sodor Enterprise: “that makes sense… I think. anyway it's gonna be a long run for us.”

Anne: “ but we will get to see places we've never seen before. So let's get going!”

Sodor Enterprise chuckled and blasted her chime whistle long and hard as the massive goods train left for the mainland.

They were traveling their way towards Doncaster as their first stop. Meanwhile the two of them were thinking of nicknames for sodor Enterprise.

they did get past many of the LNER engines who gave them weird looks. the two of them didn't care. They were out here doing a job and they were going to do it right.

Soon it was dark and the two of them had arrived at Doncaster. The shunters began taking apart their train as the two of them went over towards Doncaster Carr locomotive shed.

The two of them gently rolled into the sheds and one of the engines recognized Sodor Enterprise. The engine was a silver painted streamlined Express engine.

silver Express engine: “ well as I live and breathe it's hush hush back again so soon?”

Sodor Enterprise gave a big smile: “ it's good to see you too Silver link. And I'm no longer hush hush. I have officially been named Sodor Enterprise!”

Silver Link Began chuckling: “ well it's about time you were given a name. but I do have one question. What is an LMS engine doing here?”

Anne at this point looked shocked and amazed so Sodor Enterprise had to talk for her.

Sodor Enterprise: “ she is the LMS turbomotive but she prefers to be called Anne. She's actually on loan to the northwestern railwayand was there before I arrived. but sadly one of the northwestern railways' own engines had a… accident shall we say and they're no longer capable of operating for the rest of the month. so she staying on the island a little bit longer but after that she will be sent home.”

Silverlink: “ I guess that makes sense. But why is she looking at me like I'm a piece of art?”

Anne suddenly burst out: “ because you're the Legendary Silver Link! The first streamlined Express passenger locomotive in the United Kingdom! you're an absolute legend! I've even heard about you on the LMS. believe me you and your class have really rattled the LMS board of directors.”

Silver Link now looked curious: “Have we really?”

Anne: “ yes! I've even heard they're cooking up a new type of engine at crewe works to try and beat you!”

Anne Then realized she just leaked some information to one of their biggest competitors.

Anne: “ I… probably shouldn't have told you….”

but to her surprise Silver Link began laughing: “ don't worry. we in the lner already know that the LMS are trying to build an engine to beat us. and to be honest I'm quite curious to see what they came up with.”

Anne let out a sigh: “Well that's a relief.”

The 3 locomotives kept chatting until they fell asleep. The next day they went to crewe and delivered their section there. Some of the LMS engines were not pleased to see Sodor Enterprise. Especially considering she's technically an engine from a rivall company. but Anne made sure that none of them bullied her friend.

After that they had it to Swindon.

When they arrived it was once again very late and they Headed to stay at the Swindon sheds surrounded by many great westerners.

While Sodor Enterprise felt incredibly nervous Anne was surprisingly calm.

Anne looked over towards her friend and gave her a reassuring smile: “ it's okay. Nobody here is going to hurt us.”

Sodor Enterprise Just continued to nervously smile as the Great Western engines continued to give them glares. one of them a hall spoke up

GWR Hall: “What are You two outsideers doing? You do realize this isn't your railway? you can't just come into any shed you want!”

Sodor Enterprise In a nervous tone: “ we are only visiting for tonight… we will be gone by morning…”

gwr Hall with an angry expression: “ well you should leave right now!!! we do not want your kind in our sheds! Now leave!!!”

All of the other engines began chanting for them to leave, making Sodor Enterprise feel very uncomfortable and scared and Anne incredibly angry. but before anybody could do anything allowed Whistle was heard and then the engine came rolling into the shed next to the two other Express engines.

It was a very big 4-6-0 With four cylinders and a massive presence. the nameplate on the side red : King George V.

King George V in a stern voice: “ have all of you forgotten your manners so easily!! they are our guests and they should be treated like such!”

gwr Hall: “ but George they're Outsiders! they're from our rival companies!”

George: “ That doesn't matter! They are still our guests and must be treated with respect! regardless if they are our rivals! and must you not forget that William Stanier was trained here at Swindon? that practically makes one of them family. So does anyone else want to be a smart engine?”

Everybody in the sheds went quiet and didn't say anything. The Hall decided to just ignore the two of them and go to sleep.

George looked over towards the visitors and gave them a smile.

George: “ I'm so sorry for the behavior of my colleagues. they really need to know better.”

Anne just smiled back: “ no worries George. at least it's good to know that some great western engines have class. By the way my name is Anne and this is my friend Sodor Enterprise.”

George smiled: “Sodor Enterprise. that's quite an impressive name.”

Sodor Enterprise smiles at him too but is a little nervous: “ yes it is… but we are still looking for a nickname from me since I don't want to be called Sodor Enterprise every time somebody is trying to talk to me.”

George: “ completely understandable my dear. And once again I'm sorry for my colleagues' behavior. we can be stuck up in our ways but hard design practices have given us an edge when it comes to standardization.”

Sodor Enterprise: “ can't argue with you there. I mean I have an extended A4 boiler considering my frames are longer. so I would need a completely newly designed boiler instead of a spare one from another A4. so I can understand that standardization is a way to be more efficient. Even though all of you look the same. no offense!”

George burst out laughing: “ none taken my dear. I must admit if you put me and a castle next to each other you really need to know the details but between us. Anyway, what brings you here?”

Anne: “ We are taking a special goods train all the way to Eastleigh with stops at every single major railway works along the way. Swindon is our last stop until Eastleigh locomotive works. After that we are heading back to sodor. were also using this opportunity to think up a nickname for her. but sadly nothing has come up.”

George looked over towards the big Baltic Locomotive: “Don't worry. I'm certain you'll come up with a brilliant nickname before you go back to sodor.”

Sodor Enterprise Looked over with a timid smile: “ you think so?”

George: “ I know so.”

After that they all went to sleep.

The next day was a pretty simple run. They delivered the last of the wagons at Eastleigh and immediately began heading back to the island.

luckily the journey back was a lot easier since all they had to do was head to London. Gordon had left behind some extra coaches for the two of them to use for another King's Cross to knapford run.

Everything went well until they arrived at York. instead of being sent through the station they were sent into a platform instead and forced to stop.

Soon The Station Master came running up to them: “ sorry You two. The Flying Scotsman has been delayed and has been given priority over your train. don't worry it will only be 10 minutes.”

The two engines began Groaning , not knowing what they were going to do for ten minutes other than trying to come up with a nickname for Sodor Enterprise. Then suddenly they heard a Commotion from the platform.

A father and a mother were walking on the platform when they're young daughter noticed Sodor Enterprise and began running towards her.

Father: “ Jessica don't go running off like that!”

The girl Jessica looked to be about five years old and began pointing towards the big 4-6-4 at the station.

Jessica shouting excitedly: “ look daddy, it's hushy!!!”

The father catched up to his wayward daughter and immediately grabs her hand that was pointing towards sodor Enterprise.

Father: “ I can see that but you shouldn't run off without us in such a big station. also it's not very nice to point at people or engines. now say you're sorry to hushy.”

Jessica gave a somber look towards sodor Enterprise: “ I'm sorry hushy.”

Sodor Enterprise Just began chuckling: “ it's okay sir. I'm just glad you're teaching her good manners. now remember little one don't run away from your parents in big places such as this. There can be very nasty people around here. You don't want them to find you do you?”

Jessica again hugging her father's leg: “ no. I'll stick with my parents. thank you hushy.”

The family left and at that moment the Flying Scotsman Express service passed by and the two of them were shortly after allowed to proceed.

On the way back Anne realized something that was the solution to the big problem they have had since they left sodor. But now a solution has finally presented itself.

After a long journey the two of them arrived at knappford exhausted.

As the two of them went to the motive power depot to refuel for the journey to the sheds, Sodor Enterprise noticed that Anne was smiling.

Sodor Enterprise: “ what are you smiling about?”

Anne: “ I just came up with the best nickname for you ever! Hushy!”

Sodor Enterprise With a raised eyebrow: “ hushy?”

Anne: “you know what that kid called you at York while we were waiting there. I think it's quite cute and fits your personality.”

Sodor Enterprise began blushing: “ you really think it's a cute nickname?”

Anne also Began blushing realizing what she just said: “ yes… I figured would be a really cute nickname for you hushy.”

Sodor Enterprise with a big smile: “ Well then then I will be known as hushy From Here On Out!”

Anne smiled at her friend as the two of them finished loading up on coal and water and went back to the sheds.

Everyone began questioning the two of them on their little holiday off the island. The two of them tried to answer as many questions as they could. They also explained about hushy's new nickname. everybody was surprised but accepting of her new name.

Anne loved seeing how happy hushy was. as she continued to talk to her friends. sadly this would be her last night on the island since James would be returning the next day to work.

The next day Anne was attached to a passenger train bound for her Home Depot.

hushy came up next to her: “I'm going to miss you anne. It was fun having another experimental Engine here.”

Anne let out a sigh: “ me too. I am going to miss having you around as well. I haven't met anybody as bubbly as you back on the LMS.”

hushy gave her a warm smile: “ well if you want we can write letters towards each other? you know so we can keep in contact.”

Anne was surprised by the suggestion but happily accepted it.

As soon as her guard blew his whistle Anne was off , with a whirl from her turbines.

hushy continued watching until she was out of sight.

James did return… and complained as usual. but nobody cared. They eventually got some peace and quiet when he accidentally got an apple branch stuck in front of him and some apples in his mouth.

hushy and anne did write letters to each other explaining how their days have been and what they have been up to.

They absolutely loved the system and always wished each other good luck.

little did they know that one of them would need it more than the other.

But that's a story for another day.

end

Chapter 14: The single of great waterton.

It was a late evening on the island of Sodor and all of the engines had returned to the sheds for the night. A big storm had been raging outside resulting in every single engine on the island being at Tidmouth sheds. including the workshop engines that since their own shed didn't really stand up to the high winds earlier that day.

Neil: “ thank you guys again for allowing us to stay here until the storm passes. we really appreciate it.”

Thomas with a big smile: “ our pleasure. It's nice to have all of the engines gathered here once again. although it is sad that Gordon isn't here. but I think it's best for him to stay in London until the storm passes. The Fat Controller does not want to run any trains for fear of any accidents happening.”

Timothy raised one of his eyebrows: “ Thomas we literally have accidents happen on the island every single day. I mean I'm surprised we haven't been sued before.”

Edward: “ I think it has to do with his legal team being so scary nobody wants to take us on.”

everybody began chuckling at that.

Matthew: “ Anyway it's good to have a roof overhead. our shed at the workshop isn't exactly the best we've ever had.”

Clive: “ You are right there Matthew. but I must admit the sheds at Great waterton were much worse than the one we have now.”

All the engines now suddenly looked confused at what the old box tank was referring to.

Henry: “ sorry but what is great waterton? I've never heard of it.”

Edward: “ I don't think I've heard of it either.”

Tara: “ Well I have. It was an old mining town on the east side of the island. never went to it myself since it was closed down in 1901.”

Neil hummed in agreement: “ indeed it was. The Sodor and mainland railway built the line leading to the town through a very forested area. It was at the time one of our most prosperous areas of the Railway and helped fund a lot of our projects. but after a series of mine collapses as well as the spring that powered the Giant water wheel dried up there was very little the S&M could do to make the whole place profitable.”

Matthew: “ especially after the accident with number four.”

James (who was still painted pink): “ whose number four? I thought it was only you three on the S&M?”

Clive: “ We never said that. We did have a number four. They were also our only tender engine on the entirety of the S&M. and one day they had a terrible crash and the railway just couldn't afford her repairs at the time. so she was left in the sheds at Great waterton. but after the railway closed to that particular section in 1901 I don't think she was ever recovered. at least nobody on the board of director's ever told us what happened to her.”

Neil: “ for all we know they are still at the sheds there. I just hope they are still standing upright. especially after this storm.”

All the engines looked upwards to see the storm raging above them.

By the time the storm came to an end there was a lot of damage that needed to be repaired.

Most of the branch line engines began cleaning up the Line towards Ffarquhar and arlesdale.

Ignis And the other singles were requested to help out with the main line and the repairs needed on that since they were pretty lightweight engines compared to the other tender engines. also the bridge leading to their home would have to be inspected for storm damage before they could return.

Ignis was taking a maintenance train down towards croven's Gate.

The train was relatively heavy for her since she had to take a lot more trucks than she had originally planned and progress was slow going. The trucks were getting bored.

troublesome trucks: “we are bored! hurry up and get us where we need to go!”

Ignis just ignored them and rolled her eyes. The trucks didn't like that. So they decided to plot some mischief.

just before kellsthorpe road there's a big hill. It can be difficult for some engines to keep their trains in check on this section so that's where the troublesomes trucks decided to play their prank.

Ignis was about to Crest the top of the hill when the trucks bashed into the back of her pushing her faster and faster down the hill!

Ignis yelling: “ you stupid trucks! don't you realize if we crash that you will be destroyed on Impact!”

The trucks stopped laughing the moment they realized she had a point.

troublesome truck: “ we didn't think that would happen.”

Ignis With one of her eyes Twitching: “ sometimes I wonder if you Trucks qualify as intelligent life!”

all of them were racing down the line Completely unstoppable! luckily when the line flattened out Ignis was able to get some control back but unfortunately not enough.

she then blasted through croven's gate.

The signamen tried everything he could think of to try and stop her but nothing worked as she passed by his signal box.

But unbeknownst to anyone, an old set of points that hadn't been switched over in years had been knocked loose by a piece of a tree knocking it into another position leading straight into the forest.

Ignis raised over the points and straight into the forest racing down the old and rusted tracks without the ability to stop!

But luckily she was finally able to stop a few miles down. She was definitely annoyed with the trucks.

Ignis In a stern tone: “ I don't know what you trucks were thinking pushing me down the hill like that but I'm certain it was not a good idea!”

The trucks didn't say anything as they looked ashamed of their actions. Ignis decided to cut them some Slack. At least nobody got hurt or derailed this time.

She did take in her surroundings and noticed she was very deep in the forest. so deep in fact she wasn't even certain if the main line was nearby. The forest was very quiet and peaceful with the birds still singing in the trees. She even noticed a flock of birds flying by and it gave her a smile.

She was about to back up to get back to the main line when she noticed something.

Ignis shouting to her driver: “ driver stop!”

Ignis' driver immediately applied the brakes: “what is it old girl? is there something damaged?”

Ignis: “not that I am aware of but look!”

Her driver leaned out of the cab and noticed what his engine noticed. Through the trees and the bushes he could see the outline of what looked to be an old Bridge. It looked very rusty and overgrown.

Ignis’ driver: “ why would anybody Build a Bridge out here?”

Ignis noticed that there were tracks underneath the bridge that led through the bushes.

Ignis: “maybe we should have a look, it doesn't look like anything has grown through the tracks. and why are there so many tracks here?”

Ignis was referencing the fact that there were 3 lines leading Under the Bridge.

The driver didn't know but decided to follow his engine's suggestion and slowly pushed through the shrubs.

Ignis Had to close her eyes because of the bushes slamming into her face but when she opened them on the other side she and her crew looked in amazement.

There right in front of them in clear daylight was an old town and railway station! it all looked very overgrown but still beautiful in a way.

Ignis’ firemen: “I had no idea there was an abandoned town on the island. What is this place?”

Ignis immediately realized where they were!

Ignis: “ We are at Great waterton! The other engines were talking about it back during the big storm! I can't believe I'm really here!”

Ignis gently moved forward as they were looking around. She noticed the old Water Tower and water works looked very dilapidated and most of the roofs had collapsed. When she came to stop at The Platform she noticed something weird sitting on one of the tracks. It was an old rusty tender.

It looked similar to Regina’s Tender. The only difference was that this one was completely rusted.

Ignis’ driver Looked at the tender with curiosity: “ looks like an old Great Northern style tender. similar to What ragina has. But what is it doing all the way out here?”

Ignis: “Probably left over from one of the engines that used to work here. The old box tanks did mention that one of their engines had an accident. Anyway I think we should look for a place to turn around. no way I'm heading backwards down that line without seeing where I'm going.”

her crew agreed and proceeded onwards. There was a slight uphill further up the line but soon after climbing to the top of the hill she was at an old Engine Shed. it looked like it had already collapsed and the other half didn't look much better having a tree fallen onto it. It was also covered in Ivy and bushes all in front of it covering up what was inside.

Ignis Could not believe the damage and now understood why the former S&M engines didn't like the old sheds here. she couldn't even see the remnants of doors so she assumed none of them had any.

She also noticed an old turntable near the sheds.

her crew went to inspect it as she continued to look around the Sheds.

Her crew had a look at the turntable. Although it was pretty rusty it was still in rather good condition. they were even able to turn it a full 180 degrees. but it did make a horrible amount of screeching Noises. but still it was better than nothing.

Ignis’ driver: “ Well it's not pretty but it will do. so let's get you turned around and back to the main line.”

before she could even move however all of them heard something.

???: “hello?”

Everyone was silent at that moment! nobody could see anything or anyone the Voice could have come from. but then it came again. this time sounding a little bit more desperate.

Voice: “Please if anybody's out there don't leave me here!”

Ignis then realised that the voice was coming from the sheds.

Ignis: “I think it's coming from the sheds. Mind Having a look?”

her crew grudgingly went into the sheds. It only took them a few minutes and they immediately Returned.

Ignis: “ did you find anyone?”

Ignis’ fireman: “yes but they're going to need your help to get out. it's fortunate that we picked up some chains before leaving.”

Ignis Didn't know what her crew meant but went along with it.

they switched her over onto a track which leads to one part of the sheds that Hadn't collapsed.

Her crew then attached the chains To her coupling and attached the other end to whatever was in the sheds.

After her driver got back into her cab she began pulling whatever it was out of the sheds. She did struggle not being a very powerful engine and her single set of driving wheels was constantly slipping. but she pressed on.

her fireman was helping the driver out on the ground with hand signals. The branches and bushes began breaking apart as They continued to pull whatever it was out of the sheds. but whatever or whoever was in the sheds was very heavy. but finally after a lot of struggling the bushes finally broke!

Ignis was able to pull the thing out of the sheds. and to her surprise it was another engine! and not just any other engine it was a single like her!

Although they did look very different from each other. While they were both 4-2-2’s Ignis had Inside cylinders and a big cover over her driving wheels With a straight running board and had a dome.

The engine in front of her had outside cylinders a running board with a Big Curve At her driving wheel. They also didn't have a dome and had a safety valve cover similar to what lux had. She also looked very rusty with only a few spots of her original green paint remaining. They had a very badly dented front buffer beam and her funnel seemed to have cracked off in an accident. other than that she was in pretty good condition.

The engine also didn't have a tender. Although Ignis Had a pretty good idea where it was.

She also recognized the design from back in her days working on the Caledonian Railway. It was one of the Legendary 8 footers Or better known as Sterling singles.

Ignis Was definitely surprised. She remembered hearing that almost all of them had been scrapped by 1916.

The Sterling single needed a few minutes to adjust to the light but eventually they were able to open their eyes.

Sterling single Finally spoke: “thank you for helping me. my name is Emily and I am the former sodor and mainland number four.”

Ignis gave a smile: “ it's very nice to meet you Emily. I am Ignis-Aestivus The Caledonian railways second single engine. I'm certain you have heard of my sister 123.”

Emily: “ I certainly have. according to what I've heard you and your sister were built for some sort of exhibition but proved to be better than everybody expected. What are you doing here on the island? Shouldn't you be in Scotland Ignis-Aestivus?”

Ignis Chuckled: “ Just Ignis will do Emily. And I was in Scotland until a few years ago. you see the Caledonian Railway was absorbed into the LMS and they didn't need us anymore. So some of us came to Sodor on trial and most of us got to stay besides One engine I do not like to mention.”

Emily looked a little confused but decided not to Pry any deeper about that one engine that was sent back.

Emily: “Okay but what are you doing here? Are you here to finally rescue me?!”

Emily had a hopeful expression in her eyes but it disappeared as soon as Ignis spoke up.

Ignis: “actually I came here by pure accident. I'd heard about this place from your former colleagues who now help operate the new crovens Gate works. but I was pushed by those trucks over there and ended up on this old line. in fact nobody even knew you were still here. so I'm sorry I didn't come here to rescue you but it doesn't mean I won't.”

Emily was a bit disappointed that nobody had come to Rescue her in the years she had been trapped. but she was happy to finally be capable of leaving

Emily: “ well… that's a bit disappointing. but do you also know where my tender is? it was pushed down the line during the storm last night and I don't know where it is.”

Ignis gave her a big smile: “don't worry it's at the station nearby. we should be able to couple you up fairly easily.”

Emily was overjoyed as Ignis helped her to the old station. Luckily her crew was able to operate the points manually so they were able to run round as soon as Ignis was turned around and coupled up to Emily who was then Via chains coupled up to the trucks until they got her coupled up to her tender.

As they slowly proceeded down the line Ignis Decided to ask a question She had been dying to know ever since the box tanks mentioned Emily.

Ignis: “ Emily, your former colleagues mentioned that you were in an accident and clearly from the damage I can see that you were. So what happened?”

Emily looked a bit ashamed: “ I was pulling a passenger train that was just a little bit too heavy for me. As you know the hills leading into Great waterton go downhill so it was kind of difficult to stop even with my regular trains. My class isn't known for having the best braking systems in the world. so when I was pulling the train and heading downhill I couldn't stop in time and ended up smashing into a goods train pulled by one of our box tanks. I smashed up my buffer beam and my funnel broke off. The railway at the time was already seeing its decline so they just put me in the sheds to repair me later. but as you know the S&M went bankrup in 1901. so I was just left here. I guess they forgot about me after the company went bankrupt. Over time bushes began to grow and parts of the sheds began to collapse. I was very lucky none of them collapsed on me. I was really lonely there with only a couple of birds to keep me company from time to time. well until you arrive.”

Ignis felt a bit sad at Emily's predicament. but then an idea came to her smoke box to cheer her up.

Ignis: “ you know Emily once we get you restored I'm pretty certain the fat controller will have work for you.”

Emily raised her eyebrow at that: “ Fat Controller? doesn't that seem pretty… rude? I mean some of the directors of the S&M were pretty chubby but I wouldn't call them fat.”

Ignis once again chuckled: “it's just a nickname for him everybody uses.”

Emily still wasn't convinced: “ okay but even if he can get me restored, what kind of a job does he have for a single driver engine? I mean it's not like I can do much.”

Ignis: “ Well there's this little line near Ulfstead Castle. It goes up to the north of the island to the old Gold Dust railway which me and two of its former engines are now running as a tourist attraction. it has gotten Busier so having a second engine join us would definitely lighten the load.”

Emily was surprised. She figured nobody would keep single driver engines around since they were not as powerful as any other type of engine. but still she was happy that there was a possibility for her to finally get to work again.

They soon arrived at Great waterton and began attaching Emily to her old tender. luckily it was already facing the right way and all they needed to do was couple her up.

After that they made their way down the line.

It took them a while but they were able to make it back to the main line.

they arrived at croven's Gate and Ignis dropped off her wagons for the workman to finally start clearing up and repairing the damages done.

She meanwhile went to the Works and dropped Emily off.

Ignis: “There you are Emily. safe and sound. Now I just have to convince the Fat Controller to get your Repaired and you'll be back in action before you know it. the people here work wonders.”

Emily wasn't really convinced since she had never seen this workshop before. but she was going to give them the benefit of the doubt.

but before Ignis could leave Frigidus kame running up to the workshop. and he looked very concerned.

Frigidus in a concerned tone: “Ignis Thank Douglas Earle Marsh You're safe! I was worried when the workman told me you were a runaway and Disappeared for a couple of hours! Are you damaged in any way?!”

Ignis Just chuckled at her friend's concern: “ don't worry Frigidus I'm fine. I wasn't damaged at all. but our friend here will need some repairs. I just have to talk to the Fat Controller.”

Before either engine could say anything the Fat Controller stepped out of Frigidus Cab.

the Fat Controller: “Well I'm right here so what do you have to say?”

Ignis Was surprised to see him but remained professional: “ sir I wasn't expecting to see you so soon. I was having trouble with the trucks and I accidentally rediscovered great waterton. while there I discovered this old engine here named Emily. she used to work for the S&M and I think she could be a valuable addition to the gold dust line Fleet.”

The Fat Controller looked behind her to see Emily. He wasn't immediately impressed with her looks considering she was an Rusted wreck. but he did see potential in her.

the Fat Controller: “ well this is definitely an interesting Discovery Ignis. although she will need a lot of work I do think she would be perfect to join you and the other singles on the gold dust line.”

Emily looked hopeful. maybe she could get repaired faster than she imagined. That was until the fat controler spoke up again.

the Fat Controller: “ but unfortunately we do not have the room in the Works to repair her. especially after the storm damaged a handful of rolling stock and the Old workshop isn't capable of handling all the repairs needed. so they are being sent here so they can get repaired as fast as possible. But don't worry Emily, we will not leave you in a Siding . you can go into the gold dust Lines sheds. That way you can get to know your new colleagues better. and you do not need to worry about being left alone. I have another engine I've sent over there so you'll at least be in good company.

Emily was disappointed but was also grateful that the Fat Controller didn't immediately send her for scrap.

After a few minutes Ignis began pulling her down the main line at a gentle pace and switching on to the branch line At elsbridge And proceeded to go down the branch line. Luckily the branch line engines didn't have to repair any major damages. The branch line seemed to have survived quite happily. Once the pair reached ulfstead They switched onto the gold dust line. the bridge which luckily survived the storm as well and finally made it to shining time.

As Ignis Pulled into the sheds she noticed her fellow singles talking to what looked like a clerestory roofed coach with big windows at the front and the back. Then she noticed a second coach that looked almost identical to the first one but only had small round windows.

Both of them did look in a shabby state but still in a better condition than Emily.

Lux notices her fellow single coming into the sheds.

Lux: “Ignis, it's great to have you back. and it looks like you have brought us another visitor. Who is this fine engine?”

Ignis Smiled as she was glad that the turnedtable was big enough so she could turn Emily and push her into the road for her without having any problems.

Ignis: “this is Emily. she is a former S&M engine that will be joining us on this line.”

Emily looked in surprise to see so many other singles around her.

Emily looked towards Lux first: “you're a Great Western Railway 3031 Dean single! I was Under the impression that your class hasn't been around since 1916.”

Lux chuckled: “ well I only worked for the Great Western Railway for a while. I spent most of my life here on this island. It was not really challenging work but it was something. and yes I am aware that my brothers and sisters have been scrapped. such a sad fate for them. but at least I'm still around to continue their Legacy.”

Emily agreed with that and then turned her attention towards jackland.

Emily: “ and you're a GER P43? I thought your class was extinct too.”

Jackland just burst out laughing: “ well you'll find that on this island there are many engines that are supposedly extinct. I mean you yourself shouldn't exist since there's only one other sterling single left.”

Emily immediately shot to attention at the mention of another member of her class still being around.

Emily: “ Who was preserved!?”

Ignis after parking in her Road: “well from what we heard it was number one.”

Emily looked surprised and happy: “ number one is still around? man I would love to meet her again. I haven't seen her since I went to sodor. it would be nice to meet her again.”

Jackland: “ maybe once you're restored the Fat Controller can organize the both of you to reconnect?”

Emily lets out a content sigh: “ maybe. but anyway who's this?”

She Gestured towards the two coaches. The one with the big Windows looked a bit nervous but the one with the small round ones looked very confident.

big windowed coach: “ hello my name is Velvet. I am the North Eastern Railway Autocar number 3171 But you may call me velvet and this is my trailer coach Coco.”

Coco: “yo.”

Emily was surprised. She had never heard of an autocar before.

Emily: “ What exactly are you? You look like a coach but you say you are an autocar? Can you drive down the roads?”

velvet nervously chuckled: “ no… I am a self-propelled coach. I know that sounds a bit weird but that's what I am.”

Emily looked intrigued: “ really. a coach that propels itself? That's really A Revolutionary idea. Do you use steam?”

Velvet: “ no I use an internal combustion engine. although I am not as successful as you steam engines.”

Emily: “ what do you mean?”

Velvet looked a little bit nervous again: “ well both me and my sister 3170 were pretty weak performers and we barely could even climb a small incline let alone a hill. they had to upgrade our engines not once but three times. Also, I cannot carry as many passengers as a normal coach because of my engine compartment. That's why I have a trailer coach. It's not ideal but it does work. They actually wanted to use me as spare parts for my sister after they discovered I wasn't really that good. but luckily the Fat Controller bought me but sadly he didn't have the time to fix me since he was designing a new engine for me. so he told me I could stay here after the yard I was previously stored in back on the mainland wanted me gone to get some extra space. and that brings me to Here and Now. I cannot wait to get restored and upgraded! He says I'm supposed to be working on the Ffarquhar branch line with engines called Thomas, Timothy, Lady and Percy. I am just so excited!”

Emily: “me too! I just hope it doesn't take too long for us to get restored.”

But as all of the singles and the autocar began talking none of them realized that very shortly an absolute hell storm was about to be released.

but that my dear readers is a story for another day.

Chapter 15: war and love.

September 1st 1939 was a day that no engine on the northwestern railway would ever forget. That radio broadcast stated that peace talks with Germany had failed and now Great Britain was once again at war.

Luckily the Fat Controller had already seen the signs coming and had been making sure that the whole island was ready for the conflict.

major industrial sectors gained many new anti-aircraft guns and the more populated sections of sodor had already been evacuated to the Country as soon as war was declared.

The fat controller who did fight in the first world war knew that being prepared was better than being caught off guard.

He personally hoped that it would never come to this. but unfortunately there was no going around it. The second world war had just begun.

luckily his engines were more than willing to do their parts. Trains of munitions men and equipment cross the island daily. The fat controller had also suspended most of the Passenger Services in favor of goods traffic.

Although this was a big change for the engines their reactions were surprising.

James of course did complain as usual but Gordon didn't.

He was actually pulling his weight and making sure that all of his trains ran like Clockwork.

but surprisingly the 3 engines that were working the hardest were Thomas Timothy and Rex-Frigidus.

They were working their axles to Bare metal every single day. Only stopping to fuel up on water and coal and to sleep. All of the other engines were surprised at their seriousness. especially from Thomas who usually was very cheeky. but now he was extremely serious making sure to take extra care with any truck marked with a red x.

lady looked a bit worried for her partner's well-being as she was sitting next to Rex-Iaspis Both refueling on coal and water.

Lady: “ I have never seen him like this before. It's honestly quite scary.”

Iaspis Hummed in agreement: “I have to admit your right there. even my brother has been acting differently. they must have seen some horrific things during the First World War.”

lady looked over to him and raised her eyebrow: “ First World War?”

Iaspis: “ That's what they're calling the Great War now. to be honest I am glad we were not there to see that conflict.”

lady agreed with him on that.

Lady: “ I just hope they don't work themselves to bits. I really don't want that to happen to him. Maybe I should go and have a talk with him?”

Iaspis: “That's definitely the smart thing to do. Meanwhile, I'm going to talk to my brother. I just hope he isn't in a stubborn mood.”

Lady hummed in agreement and then went off to talk to Thomas.

Both of them were working the yards that day so they had plenty of time to talk together.

lady began talking to him as she was shunting some trucks nearby: “Thomas can I please have a word with you?”

Thomas in a serious tone: “ no time to stop lady. We have to keep these supplies moving!”

lady moved out of the siding where she had left the trucks and followed him to collect some more from the nearby docs.

Lady: “ I understand that Thomas but do you think you're not taking this a little too far?”

Thomas genuinely looked confused at lady: “ what do you mean?”

lady let out a sigh from her cylinders: “ Thomas you and your brother haven't stopped working ever since the war was declared. The only times you stop are to refuel and to go to sleep. I barely heard anything from you.”

Thomas looked a bit ashamed but remained serious: “ I'm sorry lady but there's so much important stuff that needs to happen and… I just want to end this war's quickly as I can…. for everyone’s sake ”

lady raised her eyebrow in concern: “ what do you mean?”

The two of them had reached the docs and grabbed the empty trucks that had just been loaded onto a Freight train so they could be loaded with something else.

Thomas as they were being coupled up: “ back during the First World War I witnessed a few things that I wish I never have to see again… or for anybody to go through that again. When the soldiers came back some of them were missing limbs and many of them also had severe shell shock. What people had to go through I could only imagine and it still haunts me today. Especially after what both me and Timothy witnessed that day.”

The two of them began backing out so they could get the trucks into the yards and Could be sent off on another goods train.

Lady: “ Do you want to talk about it?”

Thomas didn't really want to but knew that he couldn't hide this from her.

Thomas: “ I didn't see the whole thing but I did see the aftermath. One shell shocked soldier went completely crazy and grabbed a nearby gun thinking he was still on the battlefield. He began shooting everywhere, almost killing a couple of people. Luckily they were able to restrain and calm him down. After that he just broke down… it was a terrible site to see… and both me and Timothy swore up and down that if another war would break out that we would do our very best to ensure it ended sooner rather than later. That's why we've been so serious these last couple of months… we just want the war to end so nobody else would have to go through such horrible things…”

lady looked absolutely horrified at her boyfriend's story! She also felt sympathy for that man and for both Thomas and Timothy for having to witness something so horrible.

Lady: “ I guess that is a noble intention Thomas. but I think you and Timothy are getting too serious about this. I'm not going to pretend I know what you went through. because that would be an insult to you and Timothy. but please take a breaver and enjoy the little moments of Peace you have here. you don't have to work yourself Around the Clock to end this war. it's also not only up to you and Timothy to stop this war. all of us have to play our part. So please relax a bit. I miss that cheeky Tank Engine I fell in love with.”

Thomas looked into lady’s eyes and realized that she had a point. Both he and Timothy were taking things a bit too serious. So as they continued their shunting duties Thomas took things a little less seriously. The two of them began chatting and eventually Thomas became his old self again.

Unfortunately the same could not be said for Timothy and Frigidus. The two of them were very stubborn and didn't talk to anybody if they were trying to convince them to stop and take things less seriously and it wasn't just up to them to win the war.

For many months everybody tried to talk to them. Thomas didn't want to talk to his brother about this because he didn't want to seem like a traitor in his brother's eyes and nobody forced him to.

but one day Amelia finally had enough and decided to confront him as the two of them were filling up on water.

Amelia: “Timothy you have to get rid of this attitude of yours! you have ignored your maintenance for the last couple of months! Everybody is getting worried about you and your well-being!”

Timothy in an annoyed tone of voice: “ why does everybody try to convince me that I should stop doing my part to win this war!”

Amelia: “ We are not! We just want you to take it easy.”

Timothy with an angry scowl on his face: “ do you think the Germans will give us the time to “take it easy”? NO!! they will come after us regardless! and we cannot let anything distract us from playing our part to end this war!”

Amelia with a more desperate tone to her voice: “ I understand that Timothy but you are literally pushing yourself to the breaking point! You won't be able to do anything if you're broken.”

Timothy now begins screaming at her: “ I am perfectly fine Amelia! And I don't need you and the others to tell me what to do!!!”

Amelia actually looked frightened at Timothy yelling at her. She had never seen him like this.

Amelia: “We're not trying to tell you what to do. we are just-”

she didn't even get to finish as Timothy screamed at her louder than ever before.

Timothy: “ I don't need help from some tender engine that's afraid of Fire! maybe you should have burned in that wreck at Quintinshill!!”

Before she could reply Timothy chuffed away angrily. Amelia was really hurt. Having the engine that helped her get over her fear of Fire insult her like that was just too much. She broke down crying as she went back to work.

and unfortunately she will not be the only one.

Frigidus and Ignis also had an argument which ended up in the same way with Ignis being insulted by frigidus.

After a while the two Caledonian engines were at ellsbridge collecting goods trains and waiting for clearance as they were talking to Thomas and Iaspis.

Amelia with a few tears in her eyes: “ I cannot even believe he said that to me… he knows how much it would hurt me and he still did it… I just can't believe it.”

Ignis had a solemn look on her face but agreed with her fellow Caledonian machine.

Thomas: “ That was absolutely horrible what he said to you Amelia. I'm so sorry.”

Ignis looked over towards the E2: “ do you think you could talk to him? He is your brother after all.”

Thomas: “ I'm sorry but there's nothing I can do. when he is in such a mood he will never listen to anyone. Not even me, Howard or Tanya.”

Iaspis: “ same with frigidus. when he is in such a mood he won't listen to me either. but even though we can't do anything we need to figure out a way to knock the sense back into them before it's too late.”

all of them agreed on that but they didn't know how to do that. but fortunately they didn't have to figure it out because something would happen that finally knocked the sense back into the two of them.

One night an material and an an munitiond trains had to be delivered to the mainland since no harbor on the island could handle the massive load. There are also various other materials on board that also had to go to the mainland.

The Fat Controller had no choice but to doublehead each train since there was no way he could allow such a mammoth train to run on the railway.

Unfortunately the only four engines available were Thomas, Iaspis, Timothy and frigidus.

Timothy and Frigidus would head out first with the materials train then followed shortly after by their blue counterparts.

They would be arranged so the Tank Engine would be at the front and the tender engine would be behind them attached to the train.

the two groups of London Brighton and South Coast railway engines attached to their respective trains.

Neither group of Brothers said anything to each other.

Soon it was time for Timothy and frigidus to depart.

as they began moving off Thomas spoke up.

Thomas: “ Please be careful.”

he didn't get a reply from either silver engines. Both him and Iaspis looked at their brothers departing hoping that they didn't end up breaking down.

As the two of them began racing down the main line their crews were a bit worried about them as well. They were going way too fast for a freight train of this size and weight but there was nothing they could do. They weren't going over the line's speed limit but it was still concerning.

Meanwhile, the two engines were having a conversation.

Timothy: “I just can't believe the engines don't understand that we are trying to do our best to help win this war!”

Frigidus: “I know right! I saw some pretty horrific things back on the LBSCR during the war as well. Nobody should have to go through that. man or machine.”

Timothy: “ Then why don't the other engines understand !?”

Frigidus: “ I don't know. but they should just let us do what we need to do to win this war and stay out of our business!”

Timothy: “ especially Amelia and Ignis.”

Frigidus agreed. but before they could continue their complaining they heard the whirl of an airplane above them.

Frigidus looked up into the sky but could not see anything: “that's strange? I don't recall the Fat Controller saying anything about an air Patrol tonight.”

Timothy also looked up in the sky: “Neither did I. So if it's not one of our boys then who is it?”

before either of them could say anything else an aircraft dived downwards and began shooting at them!

luckily they missed but both engines were extremely frightened now.

Frigidus: “ their Germans! we need to floor it!”

There was no argument from Timothy as they began charging ahead. Luckily They had passed Croven's Gate and we're on The Home Straight to vicarstown. They knew there was a Spitfire Squadron located there. They hoped that they would be able to get close enough so the Spitfires could take out the enemy plane.

but unfortunately they will not get that luxury.

as they were traveling along they noticed a much bigger aircraft, the one chasing them coming straight towards them! it dropped a bunch of bombs and two of them exploded right next to them on their left side.

Then after that Darkness came for both of the engines.

Meanwhile Thomas and Iaspis were stopped at kellsthorpe road waiting to proceed with the ammunition train when suddenly the station master came running up to them.

Station Master: “ Thomas! Iaspis! There has been a terrible accident with your brothers! they were attacked by a bomber!”

Both of them looked horrified by this news.

Iaspis: “ are they okay!?”

The Station Master shook his head: “ I don't know. There isn't much information right now. but we have to hide this ammunition train in case of any other bombers and get help to your brothers. I've already informed the yards at Tidmouth and they're sending over a couple of engines with the breakdown crane. you two have to find a place to hide the ammunition until we know it's safe so they can be transported to the mainland.”

Thomas then had an idea fly up into his funnel: “ what about the old great waterton line? nobody off the island knows of its existence. It would be the perfect place to hide this train.”

Iaspis: “ that is if we can even reach that line.”

station master: “ the bombing happened past crovan's gate so the junction should still be accessible to you guys. Just be careful, okay.”

Thomas: “ We will.”

He and Iaspis then set off towards the great waterton.

Meanwhile Amelia and Ignis began racing down the line with the breakdown cranes.

When they arrived at the accident site they were completely shocked! The freight train was laying all around the tracks. The wagons had split open and lots of heavy machinery layed everywhere. Timothy and frigidus were buried under a heap of trucks and heavy equipment.

The two Caledonian engines immediately went to work recovering what they could.

They were soon joined by the two blue brothers as they helped clear the mess.

It wasn't until morning when the mess had been cleared up. Unfortunately the track was damaged and needed to be replaced before anything could reach the mainland again.

Meanwhile Timothy and frigidus were brought to Croven's gate works for repairs.

Both of them had major damage to almost every single part of their bodies.

Frigidus’s tender body had been squashed and his cab ripped off. the connecting Rods on his left side had been completely blasted off along with parts of the wheel. His cylinder on the left side was also severely damaged as well.

Timothy also had damage to his wheels and connecting Rods on his left side but also his side tanks on both sides had been crushed inwards and his cab also got crushed.

Fortunately the drivers and firemen of both engines survived… barely and were in hospital recovering.

Both Timothy and frigidus also had scars on their left sides from the explosion.

they were unconscious for an entire week.

When they came to, they were both shocked and confused.

Timothy with a groggy voice: “ what happened? Why are we back at the Works?”

Frigidus in an equally groggy tone: “ I don't know… the last thing I remember is the bomb and… that's it.”

???: “ the two of you were caught in an air raid.”

The two engines looked over to see sir Topham hat walking to them with a relieved expression on his face.

the Fat Controller: “ both of you had bombs explode near you causing the entire train you are pulling to derail. your cruise did survive but barely. They're still in the hospital recovering.”

Both Timothy and Frigidus looked relieved to know that their crew at least survived.

the Fat Controller: “ the workmen have been able to fix everything they needed to on you guys. however due to war department regulations I had to get you guys painted black. I hope you don't mind?”

The two engines didn't say anything about their paint jobs. but they just gave the Fat Controller a look that they understood.

After their new Crews came they were allowed to leave the Works. The both of them left the Works to go back to work. but while they were on their way back the Both of them had a really big think about what they said to their friends. Especially the two Caledonian engines.

After they reached elsebridge they split up.

Timothy had gone down the branch line to Ffarquhar and Frigidus went down the main line to napford so each of them could collect a train.

When Timothy arrived at Ffarquhar Amelia was waiting in the sheds being steamed up.

The both of them notice each other and Timothy awkwardly tries to look away. But Amelia just had a worried look on her face.

Amelia: “ Are you okay Timothy?”

Timothy didn't reply but Amelia continued after noticing his scar.

Amelia: “ I guess that accident did leave behind scars after all. How are you feeling?”

Timothy still didn't look at her but did say something: “ why?”

Amelia looked confused at Timothy: “ what do you mean why?”

Timothy: “ Why are you still talking to me? after everything I told you… why do you still want to talk to me?”

Amelia: “ because you're my friend.”

Timothy somberly began shunting the trucks he had to collect.

Timothy: “ no we're not. I yelled at you and I used your fear of Fire against you. that is not the behavior of a true friend… I'm nothing but a bully…”

As he continued shunting Amelia remained silent for a few minutes. Then she finally spoke up.

Amelia: “ You may be a small engine Timothy… but that doesn't mean you can't be the bigger person.”

Timothy now looked over to her confused.

Amelia smiled at him: “ it takes a great amount of courage and humility to admit when you're wrong Timothy. you're not a bully. you just pushed yourself to your limits and were tired and exhausted. Of course I was hurt when you used my fear of Fire against me but I won't hold it against you. I'm your friend and that will never change Timothy.”

Timothy looked at Amelia with tears welling in His Eyes which even surprised her.

Timothy: “ I really don't deserve you Amelia. not as a friend or as a partner… I really don't.”

Amelia looked surprised at Timothy's reaction.

Amelia: “You seriously think you're unworthy of being my partner? Timothy, think about everything you've done for me ever since I arrived on sodor! you helped me conquer my fear of Fire, you've been my best friend and you've always been there when I need you. Even with your reckless attitude lately I will never forget the good things you did. you are worthy to be my partner Timothy. and I really mean that.”

Timothy once again looked completely shocked and emotional at her as he began sobbing. Amelia just stays there and gives him comforting words.

Meanwhile on the other side of the island frigidus and Ignis Had the same emotional conversation making the big Atlantic also cry.

For the rest of the day Timothy and Amelia were working together on the branch line. Timothy kept thinking about what Amelia told him and so that night he decides to finally ask the question if she wants to be his partner.

and of course she said yes.

It was the first time since the War started almost a year ago that he felt happy. but five more years of absolute hell will pass. but at least Timothy knew that he could handle it and that the war would end One Way or Another.

to be continued.

Chapter 16: Old friends and old Bullies.

It was currently December 1941 And things were not looking good for the northwestern railway. Even though Timothy and frigidus were acting like their old selves again things were going wrong.

During the Blitz many of the important sheds on the island of Sodor were damaged including the one at Tidmouth.

meaning the engines had to basically sleep Wherever they could find room.

The branch line engines were lucky enough to find places to sleep on the branch line. The main line engines had to do with what they could find.

Gordon was even sleeping in a tent!

and that was not all. Even with all of the engines working as hard as they could there still was too much work for all of them.

Even with some of the tank engines triple heading some freight trains to the mainland it still wasn't enough.

Luckily the fat controller was able to get 3 engines to come and help out on the railway.

Thomas was puffing towards Knapford With a train of empty vans when he heard another whistle coming from behind him.

Thomas raised an eyebrow: “ that whistle sounds familiar… but it can't be…”

At that moment a big tender engine began puffing next to him with a train of loaded vans.

Thomas immediately recognized him: “ Alfred! what are you doing back here?”

Alfred smiled: “I'm here to help out with the wartime traffic. I hope you don't mind?”

Thomas just gave him a big smile: “ I don't mind at all. but I suggest you hurry up. I don't know what you're pulling but I think it's important.”

Alfred gave him a smile: “ you got a point there. but I just wanted to say hello before I hurry off. it's good to see you again Thomas.”

Alfred began charging ahead, his wagons rattling behind him.

Thomas couldn't help but smile. It was great to have a good friend back on the island.

After a short while Alfred arrived at knappford harbor. As he stopped for his firemen to Uncouple his train he looked around.

Alfred chuckled: “ this place certainly has changed a lot. I wonder what else has changed?”

After his fireman went back in his cab he moved off to the Motive power depot to refuel. It was a long journey from the mainland and he desperately needed a refill.

As he arrived he noticed a certain Pacific engine also refueling.

Alfred: “Gordon it's so good to see you again!”

Gordon smiled: “it's also nice to see you again Alfred. how have you been?”

Alfred chuckled: “I've been great. I've been pulling trains All over the East Coast. also Scott says hi.”

Gordon chuckled. Scott had been the nickname of his famous brother the Flying Scotsman so he was happy to hear it.

Gordon: “ I'm glad to hear it. but what are you doing here?”

Alfred: “ I'm here to help with the wartime traffic. after that I'm back to the mainland.”

Gordon: “ Well that's a shame. it would be nice having you on the railway permanently.”

Alfred smiled: “ I know but I kind of would miss my home on the East Coast. besides I've heard that you already got a few more Express engines.”

The two of them began chatting like old friends. lady who had arrived with some trucks from great Waterton looked confused. She had never seen this engine before and yet he was treated like part of the family.

she designed that they ask Thomas the next time they had a moment together.

luckily they would get that opportunity.

Both of them have been assigned to get some munition vans from Great waterton. The Old Town had been used to place highly explosive materials since nobody knew of its existence outside of the islands. The military also placed guards to make sure that nobody could steal the valuable shipments.

as Thomas and Lady began pulling the train away she began asking about Alfred.

Lady: “ I just don't know what is so special about him. I mean he just arrived on the island that everybody's already treating him like he's an old friend. Was that all about?”

Thomas chuckled: “ That's because he is an old friend. He was actually onloan from the Great Eastern Railway back when the main line was first built. Of course he wasn't the only one but he was the most friendly of the lot. In fact he even offered to do some shunting when we tank engines were busy. He was by far the best engine onloan to us. Unlike some of the others.”

lady raised an eyebrow as they entered the main line: “Okay, which other engines were loaned to the NWR?”

Thomas: “ a few but none of them really stuck around besides Gordon. but I definitely can say that the two worst were 87546 and 98462!”

Lady: “ And who were they?”

Thomas with a growl: “ 98462 was Alfred's brother and quite frankly one of the rudest engines you could ever meet! He would always boss us around and constantly insult us tank engines saying we have no sense of Duty just because we couldn't get his coaches immediately! 87546 was like his partnering crime. The two of them often cornered me and bashed me against the buffers to “ teach me” a lesson about respect. Luckily Timothy and the other engines including Alfred always stood up for me. In fact those two were sent away before their loan period was up because the fat director the previous fat controller Had had enough of their attitudes. I just hope we never have to-”

???: “ out of the way, shrimpy!”

Thomas was suddenly caught off Guard as a fast freight train passed doubleheaded by two big tender engines.

Lady looked completely shocked as the train ran off into the distance.

Lady: “ Who in the name of the gold dust railway are those two?!”

Thomas let out a growl: “87546 and 98462… what are they doing back here?”

lady didn't have an answer. but she secretly hoped that those two wouldn't cause as many problems as they did previously.

after a while the two engines arrived at knappford harbor and dropped off their goods train.

They then noticed Percy shunting nearby.

98462: “ hey you there tiny! make yourself useful and take our trucks away.”

Percy looked taken aback by the overly superior attitude 98462 was showing.

Percy: “ I'll shunt it in a minute. I have another train to arrange first.”

87546 grumbled: “ typical tiny Tank Engine. no sense of Duty whatsoever. Let's go 98462. I'm feeling pretty low at the moment.”

98462: “Me too 87546. we expect our trains to be ready by the time we get back little caterpillar.”

Percy felt insulted and was about to reply but the two big engines were just chuffing off to the motive power depot.

Later that evening some of the engines gathered at Knaphford sheds. mostly the main line engines although some of them like the Atlantic Trio were sleeping at shining time.

all of the engines there began complaining about 87546 and 98462's behavior.

Gordon: “ I can't believe the fat controller allowed those two back on the island!”

Hushy agreed with Gordon: “I met those two back on the mainland when they were working on the East Coast. they were some of the snobbished and rudest engines I've ever met! even the LMS engines didn't treat us as bad as them!”

Henry with a growl in his voice: “ they even still refer to me as a failed engine even though I've been rebuilt!”

Eleanor who usually didn't get angry looked absolutely Furious!

Eleanor: “ that 87546 stole my goods train and told me that I was a useless excuse for a tender engine!”

Alfred who was listening in on the whole thing let out a Sigh.

Alfred: “ I hope that the two of them would have learned after they got sent away the last time. but apparently my brother is as stupid as ever. I'm sorry for all the trouble he is causing.”

Eleanor: “ It's not your fault Alfred. you can't control your brother.”

???: “ yeah, like I can't control James.”

At that moment another red Engine chuffed into the sheds. He looked almost identical to James. but didn't have a number five on his tender And his wheels were painted red as well. and this engine's name was Winston.

Winston: “ Believe me Alfred I understand what you're going through.”

Alfred: “ but at least James isn't as pompous as 98462. there's a reason why the manufacturer has only been renting him out to Railways rather than him being bought by one.”

Hushy Raised an eyebrow: “ What are you talking about Alfred? I remember seeing them on the LNER working alongside you.”

Alfred let out a sigh from his cylinders: “ only because he was onloan to the LNER. to be honest the only reason they even wanted the two of them to work for them was because they were desperate for more locomotives. I don't even know what will happen to them once the war is finished.”

Gordon now also had an eyebrow raised: “ what do you mean by that? Surely somebody could use an engine like him?”

Alfred: “ yes but thanks to his reputation nobody wants to buy him. to be honest I think he'll end up in the scrap Heap if he doesn't change his attitude.”

All of the other engines could only agree.

Over the next couple of months the North Western Railway was able to keep up with the wartime requirements.

Unfortunately the attitudes of 98462 and 87546 had not improved.

Over the next seven months they continued to harass and insult the tank engines of the Railway. Alfred tried to warn the both of them but they just brushed him off.

Unfortunately this would have some serious side effects for them.

One day during August of 1943 A big shipment of munitions had to be delivered to Knapford Harbor. Apparently this has to do with something called operation: Overlord. Although none of the engines actually knew what it was about they had a feeling it was a very important part of ending the war.

all the munitions have been stored at the abandoned site of great waterton And has to be collected.

Unfortunately the only engines available to collect them were 98462 and 87546.

They were preparing to leave in the motive power depot when Timothy came alongside.

Timothy: “ Now listen you two. you are going to be handling highly explosive material. so you can't bump around the trucks or speeding! One single accident can cause a major disaster! so you have to treat the trucks carefully!”

98462 just scoffed at Timothy: “ listen here you tiny Tank Engine. We don't need angels like you telling us what to do. we are bigger and stronger and thus we know best! So why don't you Go along and find a nice little siding to play in while we big engines handle the important business.”

before Timothy could say anything both of them departed for Great waterton. they had to be turned around at croven's Gate Since the turntable at the Old engine shed wasn't big enough for them.

the two of them roughly coupled up to the train.

one of the soldiers noticed this and began yelling at them.

Soldier: “ the two of you better be careful!! if any of these wagons explode because of rough handling will know who is to blame!”

but even the soldiers' words were not heeted.

the two of them again pulling out of the siding with a lot of Steam and noise! causing small Sparks to fly.

Soon 98462 and 87546 were powering down the main line! they wanted to get this assignment over with so they could have a nice well-deserved rest.

Unfortunately they were trapped at Elsbridge Due to a red signal.

98462 grumbling: “ why are we even stopped?! We are holding vital materials here! we should be given priority above everything!!!”

At that moment Alfred came up with a troop train.

Alfred was sitting on the other platform: “probably something outside of our control. Besides, it's important that everything remains safe. Plus for how you two handle trains it's probably for the best.”

98462 snarled at his brother: “ and what's that supposed to mean?”

Alfred: “ You handled the truck so rough I'm surprised none of them have exploded!”

87546 with a smug tone: “That's because we're so skilled nothing happens.”

Alfred lets out a frustrated sigh from his cylinders: “ no it's because the two of you have had an incredible strokes of good luck! But luck will run out! you guys really need to get your smokebox’s out of your tenders and realize that there are consequences for your actions!!! Why do you think nobody wanted to buy you guys after you were kicked off sodor? because of your poor attitude! one day it's gonna come and bite you back in the tender and I won't be picking up the pieces!”

98462 Scowled at his brother: “ you really think we need your help? we can handle things on our own! and I don't need some Goody Two Shoes brother telling me what to do!”

At that moment the signal cleared and the two big engines powered out of the station. Alfred was just glaring after them. she could not believe that two and just could be that stupid. he just hoped that one day they would learn their lesson before it was too late.

but what he didn't know was that it was already too late.

Thomas, Timothy, Howard, Tanya, Amelia and Lady were all shunting at knapford.

There was a lot of military equipment that needed to be put on ships. so all five of them were pretty busy when 98462 and 87546 arrived. Luckily Amelia had decided to help out with the shunting. Although she was a tender engine she wasn't above shunting trains.

they arrogantly puffed into the harbor.

98462 then noticed Amelia and gave a confident Smile at her as he and his buddy were being uncoupled.

98462 In a smooth voice: “ hello there gorgeous. How about you and I go somewhere and have a little Chat?”

Amelia just looked at him disgusted!

Amelia: “ How about you just leave me alone? I have work to do here! Besides, I'm already in a relationship and I'm not going to betray my partner for somebody like you!”

98462 smirked: “ Come on, I'm certain whoever it is can't compare to me.”

Amelia: “ you're right he can't compare to you because he's a hundred times better than you! Now leave me alone!”

98462: “Come on, we can get to know each other even better if you just give me a chance.”

At that point Timothy approached the two of them with a Furious expression on his face!

Timothy: “ leave my partner alone you bully!”

98462 was taken aback. He never expected an engine as elegant as Amelia to end up With somebody as insignificant as Timothy in his eyes.

Meanwhile Thomas noticed something on the train the two big bullies had just delivered. smoke was coming from underneath one of the vans . but from the distance he was at he couldn't see if it was a hot box or something else. so he decided to approach it.

On Timothy's end he was looking at 98462 with ice in his eyes!

98462 then burst out laughing: “you're telling me an engine as elegant as Amelia ended up with such a weak pathetic Engine as you? don't make me laugh! you're nothing but a tiny, weak, pathetic-”

Suddenly Timothy raced forward and biffed 98462 so hard he almost flew off the tracks!

Timothy sternly looked at him: “ I am not tiny and I'm not pathetic! I may be Weaker to you but strength isn't everything!! you have been acting so arrogant ever since you returned!! you and that body of yours 87546 are so arrogant you don't realize when you have made mistakes! and don't tell me you don't make mistakes!!!!! because trying to ask my partner out is a big mistake! especially when you don't leave her alone!!! so I'm going to make things crystal clear with you! you do anything against her or me or anyone I care about on this island and I will personally shunt you into the nearest body of water I can find!”

98462 would never admit it but he was actually terrified of Timothy at that moment! He never expected such a small engine to have such big bearings! But that fear quickly turned to anger!

98462: “ you really think you can just threaten me!? I'll show you where you belong!”

Timothy didn't back down. but instead the ice in His Eyes turned into an ice storm!

Timothy: “ And what exactly would you do? you big bully!!!!!”

98462 yelling: “this!!!!!!!!!!!!”

he backed up straight into the train behind him!

Unfortunately for him he also hit 87546’s tender causing both of them to derail! but they continued and knocked the vans back! causing many of them to derail!

98462 looked Furious! Both him and 87546 couldn't move now. he was about to yell at Timothy when suddenly Thomas shouted from behind them!

Thomas: “fire! there's a fire in one of the vans!”

Everybody looked to see Thomas Was Right! One of the vans had catched fire!

the general who was overseeing the loading immediately sprung to Action.

General: “Everybody evacuate! On the triple!”

Everybody did it and abandoned what they were doing and got as far away as they could! Everybody knew that trying to put out the fire was a lost cause! there was a strong wind helping fuel the fire!

all of the engines began evacuating along with the personnel. all except two.

98462 and 87546 were stuck with the van train behind them!!!

Soon everybody was out of the harbor and running as fast as they could! Then the explosion happened!

It was massive! shaking the ground for miles!

all the personnel looked back to see a giant cloud and many flames littering the dock side! several other explosions happend afterwards! It was an amazing site to behold.

but the general was more concerned about how many people would be dead after this.

The fire Crews arrived and began trying to put out the fire. but it wasn't until early the next morning when the sun came up that the fire was put out.

The firemen were looking around the docks to see if there were any bodies. The general went over a list of everyone who was at the harbour at the moment of the explosion. Luckily nobody had died. but there were several injuries.

A makeshift hospital was set up in one of the fields next to knapford. Thomas, Timothy, lady, Tara, Howard and Amelia were sitting in the sidings next to the field being inspected. miraculously none of them had been damaged.

They then looked over towards the general as he came walking over.

Thomas: “ Is there any bad news general?”

General: “ Besides the loss of a massive amount of ammunitions? not really. All the personnel got out in time. it could have been a lot worse. It's fortunate that none of our ships were here. they were supposed to be at the harbor but were delayed thanks to a storm.”

 

Howard: “ That's good to hear general. if the Royal Navy had any of their ships here it could have been disastrous.”

Timothy looking at his buffers: “there wouldn't have been a disaster if I had just kept my mouth shut.”

Amelia Now had a fire in her eyes: “ don't you dare blame yourself for 98462s actions! you did nothing but stand up for me! he was the one who decided to bump a train full of ammunition to the point that they explode!”

Thomas with a thoughtful expression on his face: “ if that even is what happened…”

everybody now looked over towards the blue Tank Engine with confused looks.

Lady: “ What do you mean?”

Thomas: “before 98462 hit the train I noticed smoke coming from one of the vans. when the train derailed the doors flew off and I saw the Flames inside of the van.”

everybody now looked shocked at Thomas's statement!

but the general gained a deep frown on his face: “ are you saying there was a fire on board of the train?”

Thomas: “ yes general.”

Tanya: “ do you think it could have started thanks to a spark form one of the two engines? I mean from what I've heard from station staff they do seem to rush their work even if there are explosives behind them.”

Thomas: “ No, the fire started from inside the van not from on top of it. if it was from the top we would have noticed the fire immediately upon them entering the harbor.”

the general now had a concerned face: “ somebody sabotaged that train.”

Thomas: “ That would be my best guess. but I don't think the target was knapford harbor itself alone. they probably wanted to take out some Royal Navy ships as well. luckily we only had cargo ships at the harbor.”

Timothy: “ So what you're saying is that we have a Saboteur on the island?”

While everybody was holding their conversation nobody noticed a black locomotive rushing Away from the station. all except Amelia. She could have sworn that the shape was very familiar to her but she didn't see it long enough to make that distinction Clearly.

A few hours later some military people came to check if all the explosives had detonated and if there were any left that would pose a danger to the personnel. fortunately everything had exploded with no casualties… except two. When the people came into the harbor they noticed 98462 and 87546 lying a couple hundred meters away from where they're train had exploded. their tenders were totally ripped apart and their cabs had several Fragments of the tenders in them.

their boilers had been almost completely ripped open and some of their wheels had cranked completely! other wheels were missing!

they were in the worst state any engine has ever been on the island of sodor.

After a while the two of them were loaded onto two flatbeds and sitting in the main yards which fortunately were not damaged at all.

The two of them were grumbling about how they weren't being taken into the works when the Fat Controller came up to them with an angry look on his face.

the Fat Controller: “ I cannot believe you two! you too are by far the most reckless engines I've ever met in my life! why I ever allowed you back onto our metals I'll never know! but before I tell you what will happen to you, do you regret what you did?”

98462 scoffed: “ you mean trying to put that tiny Tank Engine in his place? No, I don't regret anything!”

the fat controller's angry face became more rageful: “ I was talking about blowing up the harbor! Do you have any idea how long it will be until we can rebuild?! It will be years before the harbor is back at full capacity! We now have to send out our loads via the smaller harbors around The Island! all thanks to you 98462 trying to prove you are better than Timothy!”

98462 now also had an angry face: “ I am better than that tiny, useless-”

the Fat Controller: “ I don't want to hear it! the two of you are nothing but Trouble! I'm glad you're going to be sent away!”

87546 now scoffed: “ me too! maybe we can find a better railway who knows how to treat its engines properly!”

the Fat Controller crossed his arms: “ who says you're going to another railway?”

Both of the engines now looked confused.

98462: “ what are you talking about? we're going to be sent to get repaired obviously!”

the Fat Controller: “ no you're being sent to the nearest scrap yard and be cut up for scrap metal!”

For the first time in their lives both of the engines now looked terrified.

87546: “ you can't do that! you don't own us! once our owner finds out what you did to us you'll be in so much legal trouble-”

?: “ Enough!!”

The two engines looked over to see a well-dressed Gentleman with orange hair walking over to them with a Furious look on his face!

98462 now smirked at the Site of his owner: “ Mr Johnson what a surprise to see you. Are you here to tell this rude man that you are not allowing us to be scrapped?”

Mr Johnson in a flat voice: “ no.”

Both of them once again looked in surprise.

87546: “ no?! what do you mean no?”

Mr Johnson: “ I am not having the two of you fixed! in fact I was the one who suggested that the fat Controller to scrap you!”

98462 Looking completely terrified: “ but why?! we have been very loyal to you, why would you scrap us?!”

Mr Johnson: “ because the two of you have brought me nothing but headaches ever since you were built! every single place I send you, you guys just make a fool out of me and cost me way more money! to be honest I was already considering scrapping you before you guys damaged yourselves. and even if I want it to repair you guys you are too far gone. I will not waste any more of my money on two useless engines who aren't even worth my time!”

At that point Alfred came up to collect the two of them to be sent to the other railway for scrap.

98462 desperately looked over to his brother: “Alfred please help us! we'll do anything!”

but Alfred just looked at his buffers sadly: “The two of you had many chances to improve yourselves. but you never did. You were always nasty and rude to everyone! even me! I tried to warn you over and over and over again! but you wouldn't listen. so I am not going to help you now. I'm taking you to the scrapyard and that's final!”

98462 and 87546 desperately tried to argue their case but nobody was listening to them anymore. Alfred took them to Vickerstown and from there they were sent on a train to a nearby scrap yard.

nobody would ever see them again. but it is said that on cold nights you could hear them scream coming from the scrap yards where they spent their final moments. I wonder if the people are right, aren't you?

Chapter 17: Traitors and love.

It was now May 10th of 1944. things have been rough for the northwestern railway. After their main Harbor was blown up at Knapford many trains had to be sent out via the smaller harbors.

But that wasn't all their troubles. Over the last couple of months little sabotages had been happening all over the island. and every single one of the Sabotages was a military shipment.

Everybody was on high alert but somehow whoever was doing the sabotages always got away before anybody could see them.

There was only one engine who saw the engine the very first night they were on the island.

Amelia was pulling yet another trainload of rubble away from the Harbour to be properly disposed of.

She kept thinking about the engine she saw after the Harbor was destroyed. it seemed very familiar yet she can't place her buffer on it.

She was at ellsbridge when Timothy arrived with a trainload of food that would have to go to kirk ronan Harbour. Both of them were waiting at the signals when Timothy noticed his partner's puzzled look.

Timothy: “ Is everything all right Amelia?”

Amelia: “ to be honest I am fine Timothy. just a bit confused.”

Timothy: “And what exactly are you confused about?”

Amelia: “ that night at the harbor when it was destroyed I could swear I saw an engine and it wasn't any of ours. but the most confusing part of it is I felt I had seen it before. I don't know where and I don't know when but I definitely think I know that engine. I just can't place my buffer on it.”

Timothy: “ don't worry Amelia. I'm certain we will figure it out.”

Amelia now smiled over towards her partner: “ and why exactly would it be one of your issues?”

Timothy with a big smile: “ well we are partner's. it would be foolish of me not to help my partner with a problem.”

Both of them burst out laughing as they were happily waiting for the signal to drop.

Meanwhile back at the Harbor there was still a lot of clean up that needed to be done.

a construction company from Ireland had sent over some machinery to help with the cleanup.

One of them was a Heavy holler lorry Named Nelson. He was helping by taking away some of the rubble that the railway couldn't reach. since 90% of the dock had been destroyed this was definitely needed. but he didn't have to go far. only far enough to a collection point where he would tip out the load for a steam shovel named Ned to load them into the wagons.

There was also a bulldozer named Byron and a crane truck named Kelly. Kelly was actually on loan to the business from the military. but enjoyed the work still the same.

There were other machines from the other places on the island like the Ffarquhar Quarry Which was closed due to Renovations.

Charles was overlooking some of the clean-up when he heard James arriving with the next load of empty wagons to be loaded up.

James grumbling: “ why am I assigned to these clean up trains? Why can't Alfred do this? I mean it was his idiot brother that caused this!”

Charles just shook his head as he came walking over: “ James, my father has his reasons. plus you are a midsize Mix traffic engine. you are perfectly suited for this job. Besides, if you stop complaining it might actually get you some brownie points with Dad.”

James grumbles as the dust begins flying everywhere and landing on his paintwork again.

As James was grumbling about dirty work Charles just chuckled and tried to turn around but he accidentally bumped into someone and both of them went down onto their bums.

Charles Trying to get up: “ I'm so sorry I didn't see you and-”

before he could say anything Charles realized he knew this woman! sitting before him was one of his old childhood friends amanda croarie!

Charles: “amanda? what are you doing here?”

As the two of them got up Amanda dusted off some of the dust that had assembled on her but she was still smiling.

Amanda: “ I'm here to help my Good friend Jenny Packard. She needed some help because their family construction business was hired out to help with the cleanup since none of the construction businesses on sodor were really equipped to handle this kind of demolition. plus their companies are the only ones that are certified to deal with high explosives That could get here on such short notice during war.”

Charles: “ Well that's nice to hear. so I'm guessing you volunteered to help her out?”

Amanda chuckles: “ yes. I've also been volunteering on the railway since most of the men have been off to war. including my brother Robert.”

Charles looked a bit confused: “ I never imagined that Robert would be the soldier type. Especially after your father expressed his Disapproval to any of you doing anything with the military. even getting a desk job.”

Amanda Lets out a sign: “ well that was a slight bit of contention between my father and my brother. He said he wanted to do his part to help the war effort. Dad of course was adamantly against him being a soldier. After all, he went through hell on the battlefields of Belgium. But still he wanted to play his part. After he stormed out we haven't heard from him in the last 3 years. I just hope he's okay.”

Charles: “ me too. Anyway I think I should… well… That I shouldn't disturb your work. just make sure that Jenny knows that me and my father want everything gone as soon as possible… please.”

Charles said this in a professional but yet nervous manner. He did hope that Amanda didn't notice this as she was walking away. He didn't know what came over him at the end but he just grew nervous around her.

That's when he turned back to James to see him having a cheeky smirk on his face.

Charles looked confused: “ what?”

James: “you like her sir.”

Charles splattering: “ no I… well I… I don't know I… what does it have to do with you? as I recall you still have a run to make!”

James smirked at the man that would one day be his controller.

James: “Come on sir I'm around engines who can't stay away from each other too long without feeling Sad. I can definitely see that you're in love. Plus My Wagons still need to be loaded up. so I can give you some advice to make sure you score her.”

Charles was hesitant to believe James could help him. but he decided to give the red Engine the benefit of the doubt.

Charles: “ Okay James how exactly do I “ score her”?”

James smiled: “ all you gotta do is act confident. The ladies love confident men who pretend like they don't have any time to spare for them. They love the bad boys. so act more like that and I'm certain she'll fall head over heels for you.”

Charles wasn't sure if that was good advice but decided to follow it the next time he saw her.

Later that evening Winston was pulling a small Train of empty wagons to be filled up with rubble tomorrow. The cleanup would take several months to complete and the North Western Railway still had to fulfill its wartime contracts.

Winston had been pulled away from his branch line. This branch line was one of the smaller ones on the island. It went to the town of Norranby and the harbour there. besides knaphford and Brendam it was the only place where deep waterships could go. so the military made sure to send as many shipments as they possibly could fit into the harbor. Unfortunately since Winston was the only one working the line he couldn't shunt the trains himself. Luckily the former S&M engines offered their assistance to shunt the Harbour while he was away.

Winston was talking to his driver: “ I really appreciat that the box tanks are looking after the harbor while I'm gone. They are Lifesavers.”

Winston's driver: “ I don't disagree with you there old boy. Still, this situation at the harbor is a little too dangerous for my liking. They got fuel and ammunition in the same place. from my experience that's a dangerous combination.”

Winston's firemen: “ I have to agree there. especially with that Saboteur on the loose. I hope the military's covering their rares.”

Winston hummed in agreement.

At that moment a small fog began rolling In. Winston still could see quite far ahead but slowed down to make sure he wouldn't hit anyone. He didn't think it would be a good idea to put the northwestern railway out of another engine.

He then saw the station of kellsthorpe road. it wasn't a station he usually stops at but considering the fog he was going to make an exception.

Winston: “ driver, firemen I think it's best that we stop here until the fog clears. we don't need to take any chances.”

his crew agreed.

Kellsthorpe road had 3 platforms. two for the main line and one for the now defunct Kirk Ronan Branch line That had been shut down during the The 1930s when the stock market crashed. It was the only branch line that didn't produce enough revenue to justify keeping it open. especially when the new croven's Gate works was being built.

he went on to the platform of The Old abandoned branch line. The tracks were rusted and very overgrown. but as his driver and Fireman went to explain to the station master ( the main line section had not been shut down) to a form them of their delay Winston began looking around.

There was a small yard next to him And a small engine facility that desperately needed some TLC. but as he was looking he also noticed What looked like the outlining of another engine at the edge of the Fog.

He wasn't certain about who this was but it was definitely none of the northwestern railways engines. Before he could get a closer look his driver and Fireman Returned with good news.

Winston's driver: “good news Winston there are no other trains ahead of us and we can proceed as long as we stop at each station before we reach knapford Harbor.”

Winston didn't reply to his driver but the driver didn't really take time to listen.

That's when Winston's driver began talking about the shipments arriving at their Harbor again.

Winston's Driver: “ I just hope they're being careful with loading up those munitions and fuel. one wrong move and the entire Place could go up in flames.”

Winston's firemen: “I definitely agree with you there. Let's just hope nothing goes wrong. I heard a big shipment was supposed to go out Within the next month. it will be ashamed to see all those explosives wasted like what happened in knappford.”

As Winston continued he could have sworn he saw the engine travel back down the line. He was definitely going to tell somebody about this. hopefully one of the military personnel.

Unfortunately he wouldn't get the chance before something big was going to happen.

the next day there were still a lot of cleanup to do at knappford. some new engines had been put on rotation for cleanup Duty and the construction vehicles were doing their best.

Amanda was overseeing some men when Charles came walking up to her looking overly confident and rude.

Charles: “ Hey there Amanda.”

Amanda was already A bit put off by his attitude. She knew Charles well enough that this wasn't how he normally acted.

Amanda in an unsure tone: “ hey Charles. what brings you down here?”

Charles tried to act smooth: “ can't a guy come and visit a beautiful girl like yourself?”

Amanda looking a bit creep out: “ no but I'm on the clock right now… so maybe…”

Charles cut in: “ maybe you and I should go somewhere? you know the two of us? Maybe a nice restaurant?”

Amanda was now really creeped out. Charles had never been this forward with her and it was freaking her out!

Amanda with an extremely uncomfortable expression on her face: “hey you know what I think I overheard Jenny calling me from… the other side of the harbor! I really should go and see her right now! Bye!”

Charles tried to call her back but unfortunately she was too far gone.

Charles didn't know what he had done wrong? He followed James's advice and it blew up in his face! What was he to do now?

That's when he heard a couple of Voices coming from behind him.

???: “ That was weird.”

???: “ I definitely don't disagree. Are you alright sir?”

Charles looked around to see Thomas and Iaspis where waiting for their trucks to be loaded up and had seen everything.

Charles: “ How long were the two of you standing there?”

Thomas: “ the whole time sir. what happened?”

Charles while brushing the back of his neck: “ I tried to ask her out using the advice that James gave me and it backfired. I don't think she wants to be around me anymore after that fiasco.”

Both of the blue engines began laughing their wheels off.

Iaspis while trying to contain his laughter: “ well I certainly think she isn't into the bad boy type. or an overconfident type either.”

Thomas now chuckling: “ and no wonder it failed you asked James for advice.”

Charles: “ Well technically I didn't ask him for advice he just gave it to me.”

Iaspis raised his eyebrow: “ and you figured the advice of an engine who isn't even in a relationship or has ever been in a relationship would be good advice?”

Charles wanted to argue but realized they had a solid point.

Thomas then gave a reassuring smile to Charles: “ Listen sir, as somebody who is in a relationship I can definitely tell you the way to any woman's heart. rather they be engines or humans!”

Charles: “ And what way would that be?”

Thomas/Iaspis: “ be yourself!”

Iaspis: “Do you really think Regina or lady would even give us the time of day if we acted like James?”

Thomas: “girls don't like boys that are trying to put on a show. They like engines or humans who are honest and faithful to them. so they don't feel like the moment they see a More beautiful engine that they would leave them for them. All you have to do is be yourself and be faithful. That's what ladies are interested in.”

Charles considered the two blue engines words and realized that they had a point.

Charles: “ Okay I'll take your advice into account. Anyway, I'll be busy today. there's a huge shipment at noramby and father requested I overlook the operation.”

Charles then left as the two blue engine’s wagons were being loaded up. He definitely knew that he shouldn't have listened to James and he was going to have a few Stern words for him. but now he has to focus on his job and then he could also focus on trying to earn himself.

Soon it was late evening and all the box tanks for working hard at noramby. This was a very important shipment so they were going to have to work through the night to make sure that everything was in order.

Winston had just delivered a fully loaded munitions train and was reloading on coal and water for his next journey to collect more munitions from Barrow in furness.

Charles was looking around everywhere making sure everyone was working safely and diligently. He also specifically instructed that nobody was to have a smoke break! they weren't even allowed to have their lighters on hand! because one single spark could be a disaster here!

Charles looked at the long line of vans and open wagons parked With explosives to the Brim.

He also looked up towards the cranes. They were old and hadn't had proper maintenance. luckily many precautions had been made and the cranes were only to load half of their normal maximum capacity!

Charles looked at the foreman who was standing next to him: “I hope everything is going to schedule?”

Foreman: “ it is. It's fortunate I hired a lot of new people When the War started. Even with the cranes that have limited capacity the extra Manpower has been a big help to make sure we stay on schedule. Let's just hope nothing goes wrong. there's still one more train to be delivered.”

Charles hoped this as well. but as he was walking with the foreman he could have sworn one of the workmen looked familiar to him. but he knew better than to ask him in a situation like this where every second the munitions weren't being loaded could spell disaster.

20 minutes later Neil, Clive and Matthew had just shunted the last of the munition trains that Winston had brought into the correct dock side towards one of the so-called liberty ships SS Iceberg.

The train was extremely heavy so all of the box tanks had to push it together.

Winston meanwhile was still being loaded up with coal. The coal shoot had been disabled due to bad maintenance and they had to load him up by hand which took a long time.

Winston was bored And frustrated. He had tried all day to talk to one of the military personnel about the mysterious engine he saw. Unfortunately none of them spared him a moment since this was an important job that needed to be done. Unfortunately for them, if they had listened to him what happened next might not have happened.

as he looked around and noticed somebody on the roof of one of the nearby buildings! he was not sure but it looked like he had something in his hands!

before he could say anything a gunshot was heard! Everybody looked around but nobody was wounded or even dead. Unfortunately the person who was now fleeing from the roof had shot one of the cables which was lifting up a platform with a box of ammunition on it!

Neil, Clive, Matthew Winston saw the crate shift and fell into the whole of the ship!

luckily the ship had not been fully loaded yet but a fire had broken out on board!

The captain of the ship realized there was no point in trying to save the ship but at least try to save as much of the crew and the people at the dock side as possible!

Captain Neptune: “ everyone get out of here now! she's going to blow!”

everybody did so! except the box tanks.

Winston was trying to get away when he saw the box tanks going back to Wards the burning ship!

Winston shouting: “ what are you doing!? get out of there!”

Matthew: “we can't leave these trucks here they're full of explosives! just get out of here we'll catch up with you!”

Winston didn't have the choice his driver and Fireman wouldn't let him stay and powered him down the line!

Neil, Clive and Matthew buffered up to the wagons and forced them down the docks as fast as they could! They then stopped and let the wagons roll. they burst through the buffers and went into the sea!

Neil: “ Now we have to get out of here!”

all of them began backing up hoping to get out of the way fast enough!

Meanwhile Charles began helping with the evacuation! He was not going to leave until everyone was out!

He then saw the box tank engines pass the burning ship. He secretly hoped that the ship wouldn't explode. or at least not near one of his engines. Unfortunately that wouldn't be the case.

Meanwhile Amelia was at Ballahoo Waiting for clearance to go to Brendam To be unloaded there. she then noticed Winston rushing into the station!

Amelia: “ What's wrong Winston? why are you in such a hurry?”

before Winston could say anything there was a massive explosion!!!! it shook everything around them! some of the potted plants of the station fell down and both engines feared that they would be shaken off the tracks!

When the shaking subsided both of them looked to see a massive red cloud erupting into the night sky!

Both of them knew what this meant!

Meanwhile Charles was regaining consciousness after He saw that the entire dock side had gone up in flames! The iceberg was completely ripped into two. its bow sections sitting at an angle in the water! The other ships around it had also exploded and had been completely destroyed! The entire dock side was on fire, everything was in chaos! He also couldn't see the box tanks anywhere! it's like they had disappeared into thin air!

people were running away and he was about to run away too when he heard somebody crying out for help!

He then saw the man that looked familiar to him pinned underneath a beam and couldn't get out! The flames were quickly spreading towards him and Charles only had minutes to decide what he was going to do! There was no time to ask anybody for help so he decided to rush into helping himself.

Charles when he reached him: “ don't worry sir I'll get you out of here!”

Charles quickly grabbed the beam and together they were able to pull it off him. Unfortunately the man couldn't move! his legs were injured and he couldn't stand up!

dock worker: “ go save yourself! I'll be fine!”

Charles Gained a determined look in his eyes as he pulled the man and swung him over his shoulder.

Charles: “ I am not leaving you behind!”

Charles rushed away with the fire right on his heels! but soon he made it to a safe location!

He then noticed a bunch of ambulances coming towards them alongside the firefighters and the police.

He rushed to one of the ambulance people with the man on his shoulder.

Charles: “ get this man to a hospital now!”

The ambulance people didn't hesitate and put him in the ambulance to be taken to the nearest hospital.

The firefighters began putting out the fire but it would be a long battle!

by the next morning the flames had been put out and only wisps of smoke went into the air from the extinguished flames.

Winston and Amelia looked at the damage. the entire Dockside was gone! all the buildings had collapsed! and still there was no sign of any of the box tanks!

Winston looked devastated: “ why… Why did this happen?”

nobody had the answer. they all just looked at the devastation before them. Charles was especially shocked. but he did try to comfort Winston.

Charles: “ this wasn't your doing Winston. it was whoever fired that gun at the Rope. The only question I have now is who that person was. and was it the same person who destroyed knapford?”

Winston sniffled a bit: “ it could be. but I don't think he was working alone.”

Everybody now looked confused, especially the military general that had been called in to look over the scene of Destruction.

General: “ what are you talking about?”

Winston: “ about a night ago I was pulling an empty train when I noticed an engine going down the old Kirk Ronan Branch line. I didn't recognize the design but I do think they are working with the Saboteurs.”

the general began to stroke his chin: “and are you sure it's not just a regular train going down the line?”

Charles: “ definitely not sir. that line hasn't been used since the 1930s. We closed it down because the traffic had been decreasing on that line. and now that I think about it it would be the perfect place to hide a steam engine.”

The general: “ okay then. then it's best we go down that line and see if they're still there. if they don't know we know their location now we have the element of surprise! Will one of you take us down there?”

He looked towards Winston and Amelia. Amelia realized that Winston wasn't up to doing anything right now. especially after the loss of the box tanks.

so Amelia volunteers to take them down the Old branch line.

The general gathered a few soldiers and they climbed into a break van that was nearby.

Amelia then quickly made her way down the line. when they arrived at kellsthorp Road she slowly made her way down the Old branch line. the tracks were very old after all. even though they've only been out of service for about a decade they still took it slow and steady. they also had taken a few extra wagons with them as a security measure.

The line was an uphill journey from the mainline connection station up to the point of Rolf's Castle. There was a small station there with a passing loop. Amelia left one of the wagons at one end of the passing loop blocking any engine coming the opposite way from passing through unless they ramped into the wagon. They also jammed the points to make sure that this would happen in case they tried to make a run for it.

Then they coasted down the line on the downhill journey all the way to Kirk Ronan station. It was very similar to Rolf's castle. it was a small station with a passing loop but that was about it. They also did their previous thing with the wagon they did at the other station too just in case.

they then travel down the Line towards the docks where skarloey had arrived all those years ago.

The place indeed looked abandoned since the docks itself Hadn't seen any traffic so it was closed down as well.

there was nothing there… except for a goods shed. And since they had rolled in via gravity nobody knew they were there. they soon could hear voices from within the Old goods sheds.

They were talking in a German accent.

they could all hear that they were now planning on targeting Brendam Harbor next. but then Amelia heard a very familiar voice.

???: “ I'm so grateful I can lend my assistance, gentlemen. This island definitely deserves all it's been getting recently. especially after what it did to me! and are you certain that the Führer appreciates my efforts?”

German spy: “ don't worry. He is very much aware of your contributions and will be more than happy to accept you back into Germany as a hero. you'll be preserved once we win the war.”

Meanwhile, while they were talking some of the soldiers and the general approached the old door. Unfortunately it was locked but they had Anticipated this. They quietly attached a chain to Amelia who then quickly pulled the door off of its hinges and all the soldiers aimed their guns inside.

Everybody in the shed looked surprised and shocked! they had no idea they had been discovered and had no weapons on them!

General: “ hands in the air where I can see them! all of you are under arrest for espionage! Now you can come along quietly and we might be able to get you a lighter sentence or fight us and possibly face death! your Move!”

The German spies knew that The Jig was up. even if they stormed into the engine in the sheds there was no way they could escape fast enough! they could also see that they had an engine outside and that would complicate the escape even more. so all of them raised their hands and were arrested.

a grand total of 10 German spies were arrested. and All of the spies were arrested. Amelia got a rope attached to her so she could pull out the engine in the sheds.

Amelia couldn't believe who it was! there sitting in front of her was Sophie! but she was no longer painted red. She was now painted an LMS black with red lining.

Amelia looked completely shocked: “ what are you doing here Sophie?! and why are you helping these spies destroy this island?”

Sophie with a deadly glare: “ isn't it obvious! I'm taking my revenge on this island for the way you all treated me! I should have been allowed to stay here, not you! this island destroyed me! After I left nobody wanted me! I would have been turned into scrap metal but these people saved me! And you know what, I don't even care that I was a Traitor in my country! What have they done for me? other than just throw me aside if Something new came along! I will happily watch this entire country burn!”

Sophie sounded absolutely deranged! and scared everybody there, even the general. Unfortunately for Sophie Amelia wasn't intimidated at all.

Amelia buffed her hard in the buffers knocking her back several feet! Nearly knocking her off the rails.

Amelia: “ all of that was your own fault! your arrogance caused you to lose the opportunity to work here! you were the one who burned down an entire Forest because you're too stupid to listen! you're the one who was so arrogant that you didn't think it would have consequences! you decided that you were more worthy than anybody else! well news flash girl! Nothing in life works like that! you don't deserve anything out of life! you have to earn it! like me and the other Caledonian engines that are working here! we earned our place on this island! and if I hear you speak any word right now I will personally make sure that you'll never see the light of day again!!”

Sophie was slightly intimidated at Amelia's words. but she tried not to show it as she remained quiet.

After that all of them were taken away to be imprisoned. Sophie was left in the goods sheds under heavy guard.

A few days later the general came back to talk to Charles and Amelia.

General: “ Sir I'll think you'll be glad to know that we found out that these spies were not only responsible for the destruction caused at knapford Harbor but also at noramby. they have been arrested and will be put on trial next month.”

Charles let out a sigh. his father would usually be dealing with this but he had been feeling a little bit ill recently. So he had been taking over a lot more duties and normal. Still, he did like working on the railway.

Charles: “ That's good to hear. But what about Sophie?”

the general: “ you mean the engine that assisted The spies? Well, we're leaving her punishment up to you. The government Doesn't know how we can punish her and given her history here they felt you'd be much better at dealingwith her. you have total Freedom to do what you wish with her.”

Charles looked confused. He did not know how he could punish an engine who did such a horrible thing. but luckily for him Amelia knew exactly what to do.

The next day Amelia was given permission to take Sophie from the goods sheds for her punishment.

they made their way to croven's Gate. there they were turned around so Amelia would push Sophie instead of pulling her. Amelia also had a coach and vans with her Full of men with equipment.

Sophie wasn't sure about what they were doing but was arguing with them the whole way. telling them that what they are doing is unfair, that she didn't do anything and all that garbage. but nobody spoke a word against her.

Soon they traveled onto the Old tracks of the great waterton line. But instead of stopping at Great waterton they took the junction before it and went right.

They then crossed an old rickety Bridge that was surprisingly sturdy. The bridge was made out of 3 components. two smaller spans and one big span in the middle. After that they stopped near what looked to be like an old mine. it hadn't been used in many decades. but the tracks leading into it remained. It was also big enough for an engine like Sophie to fit in.

Sophie tried to Ask what they were doing.

Sophie: “ What are we doing here? Why have you brought me here?”

again nobody answered her as Amelia left the train behind but pushed Sophie into the mine!

Sophie slowly began to panic: “ this isn't funny anymore Amelia! what are you doing!?”

Amelia again said nothing as they traveled deeper into the Mines.

They eventually found themselves about a mile underground.

Sophie was now really panicking!

Sophie: “ Please Amelia say something! Why are we here?”

Amelia said nothing as wheel chocks were placed under Sophie's wheels.

Amelia was on coupled and slowly began making her way back down the mine.

Sophie in a panicked tone: “ where are you going?! Come back! don't leave me here! I don't deserve this!!”

Finally Amelia spoke in a quiet and dark tone: “ this is what you deserve for everything and everyone you killed or injured…”

Sophie now looked extremely paniced as Amelia slowly was backing away. her only source of light was a small oil lamp but that was about it.

Meanwhile, outside Amelia watched some of the workers work away at the side of the Mountain above the mine entrance. It looked like they were planting some small charges. not enough to blow up the side of the Mountain. but at least enough to make it move.

After getting a safe distance away the workman blew up the side of the Mountain and it came crashing down in front of the mine entrance ceiling it forever.

After that Amelia began puffing back to just before the Old Bridge.

After a while the men Returned having rigged up explosives on the Tracks and on the other side of the bridge.

Amelia made sure she was on the right side of the bridge before the men blew it all to Smithereens.

As soon as everything and everyone was safe the men detonated the explosives! all down the tracks Amelia could see explosives heading towards the mine! The track and the track bed were completely ruined! no way anybody was laying new tracks on that especially when the rain comes.

finally it came to the bridge. They exploded only some light charges near the span furthest from them.

they exploded it and the bridge began to shake!

The first section began to break away but didn't fall.

the explosives expert who had accompanied themlooked confused: “ that's weird? I'm certainly the explosives we use were powerful enough to-”

Before anyone could say anything that section collapsed and fell down the Ravine into the river below! Then the middle section began shaking violently from left to right causing its support beams to fall and it followed suit. as it fell down the Ravine it's scraped along the sides until it fell down at the bottom!

After that they all went to the junction just before it. The men were instructed to rip up the tracks as far as they could. It took them until the end of the day but pretty much most of the track leading to the bridge has been completely ripped up and tossed aside.

After that Amelia went home.

Meanwhile while all of that was happening Charles went to see the man he had saved in the Hospital. he was asked to show up when the worker requested it.

as he entered his room there was a prize waiting for Charles.

sitting in the hospital bed was the worker he had saved but Standing next to him was Amanda and her father!

the worker excitedly pointed to him: “ that's him Amanda ! he is the man who saved me when the dock’s went up!”

Amanda and her father looked surprised.

Amanda: “ Did you really save my brother?!”

Charles nervously scratching the back of his head: “ I… well… I did… but I had no idea he was your brother. or what he was even doing there? I did think he was familiar when I saw him working but I never expected this.”

Finally their father George spoke up: “ what were you doing there Robert? I thought you were going to fight in the military?”

Robert smiled: “ I never entered the Military service because I didn't feel it was the right thing for me to do. I felt I needed to stay here and help out in any way I could. That's why I volunteered to help out at both Knapford and Normanby Harbors. Well… before they both exploded! I'm definitely not going to any harbors anytime soon. but I wouldn't be here at all if Charles hadn't come to my rescue. I did tell him to leave me behind once he had freed me but he wouldn't leave me behind. He is a true hero.”

Both Amanda and her father looked at Charles with smiles on their faces.

Charles just blushed: “ I was just helping you out because I saw nobody else bothering to. I'm no hero.”

Amanda: “maybe not. but you're definitely a good person. By the way, can you come outside with me for a minute?”

Charles didn't know why she wanted that but went with her anyway.

When they got outside of the hospital Amanda spoke up.

Amanda: “Thank you for saving my brother. That was really kind of you. but also I wanted to discuss one other thing with you right now.”

Charles raised his eyebrow: “And what would that be?”

Amanda with a cheeky smirk: “ did you seriously take dating advice from James?”

Charles turned Red: “ how did you know about that!?”

Amanda chuckled: “ Thomas told me before he left. and to be honest now I understand why you were acting so weird. just so you know I'm not into bad boys. I am into people I can rely on. people that make me feel loved and who would do anything even if there's no reason for them to do it. people like you. the real you. and that's the person I want me to ask out on a date. not some overconfident jockey that thinks the world belongs to him.”

Charles now chuckled: “ well then? When the war is over do you want to go out sometime? or just have dinner at my place? I don't live with my father and I do have my own small place so we can have some privacy.”

Amanda smiled: “ I would very much like that.”

the two of them then embrace in a tender hug. They were silent for a few minutes until Amanda asked something.

Amanda: “ so… have you come up with a punishment for James for giving you such bad advice?”

Charles: “ he'll be on cleanup duty until the end of the war. then I am highly suggesting that he performs maintenance duties for the next couple of months after the war.”

Amanda: “ That's definitely a good idea. Also, I'm sorry to hear about those S&M locomotives. I've heard they stopped searching for them?”

Charles now looked somber: “ they have. The government has decided that there's no point in trying to fix the Old Harbor so they've decided to allocate land for a new one and sell the old one off. I don't know, I just hope my father can do something. in the meantime we have decided to place a plaque above the rebuilt Tidmouth Sheds to Honor them.”

Amanda: “ That will definitely be a great way to remember them.”

Charles: “ yeah. At least the engine responsible is now facing the ultimate punishment we can think of. and before you ask I cannot disclose since I don't know what will happen to her. all I know is she will be permanently out of our hair.”

Amanda gave him a nod and the two of them went back inside.

Charles continued to chat to Amanda Robert and their father.

Charles was sad at the loss of the box tanks but he also knew that with time and help from his engines and therapist that the pain would pass. For now he wanted to enjoy this peaceful moment he had.

To be continued at the end of World War Two!

Chapter 18: End of War and New Beginnings

Notes:

This chapter contains original characters belonging to rooster teeth and Bluefireproductions

More specifically the character of Aoihi Moeruhi.

Please give some of his stories a read they are pretty damn good!

September 2nd 1945 was a day nobody will forget.

A young boy had just heard over the radio the news from the continent.

A young boy shouting at all the passengers and Workman at Knappford: “ the war is over! The war is over! Germany surrendered!”

None of the passengers and Workman could believe it. Everybody tuned into the radio and indeed it reiterated what the boy had told everyone. Everybody at the station and all over sodor threw whatever they could into the Skies in celebration! They were incredibly happy that the war was finally over!!

The engines of the North Western Railway especially were celebrating!

It was said that that day you could hear steam engines from all over the island whistling so loud you could hear it from Scotland!

The end of the war was celebrated all over the world. But after the celebrations the hard work of rebuilding continued.

The engines were working hard to make sure that everything would be rebuilt on time. there was still a lot of suffering around with many people having lost their homes. But beside that there was still a lot of hope.

but one day Charles had been asked by the council of the island to come sit in on a very important meeting. They actually asked his father but he was still very sick and nominated his son to take his place.

Charles walked in to where the meeting was going to take place… which was an old warehouse since the meeting Hall for the island Council had been destroyed and not been rebuilt since it wasn't considered a priority.

Several people were sitting at the table representing some of sodors biggest people.

There was Mr Forest. He was in charge of the agriculture of the island making sure that the Farmers were treated with respect and got prayed the proper amount.

Then you had Mr Goliath. He was in charge of the overall economic sector of sodor.

Then you have Mrs Summer Rose. She was part of the architect committee who helped make sure that everybody on sodor had safe buildings.

There was also Mr Turner. He was in charge of the transportation of the island. so he was a member Charles was all too familiar with.

There was also Mr Walker. He was in charge of Foreign Relations and trade. Also somebody Charles was familiar with.

Then finally there was Mr Green. He was the man overall in charge of the council. He was a man born and raised on the island and had earned the respect of everyone. He was also the one who basically invented the rule that anybody that wanted to be part of a certain sector's higher authorities must spend a certain amount of time working hands-on in those sectors.

but sitting at the table were two men. One appeared to be Japanese and the other appeared to be German.

as Charles took his seat at the table the councilman looked confused.

Mr Green: “Charles we weren't expecting to see you here. Is your father coming with you or?”

Charles: “ he's having some medical difficulties but nominated me to be his replacement. rest assured I will take this meeting and what's to be talked about here extremely seriously.”

All the councilmen nodded and decided to address why they were here.

Mr Green: “ Okay this session was called in because of our guests here Mr Yamato Sakura and Mr Nicholas schnee. They are representing Japan and Germany respectively. Now can you please explain to us why you wanted this meeting?”

Everybody looked towards their guests as Mr Yamato spoke up first.

Mr yamato: “ first of all we are honored that you would speak to us after our… shall we say disagreements?”

The councilman knew that they were talking about the war. it was very well known that Japan and Germany didn't have the best reputation at the moment. Especially with Germany being basically split down the middle.

Charles spoke up: “ yes we will just say that what happened were disagreements and leave it at that. I think everyone wants to move on from the conflict.”

Mr yamato gave a quick and respectful nod: “ well we are here to talk about the certain herbs for our medicines and other materials that we can only find here on the island. we were wondering if sodor was still open to trade after our… actions the last five years.”

The councilman all looked at each other with thoughtful and regretful looks.

Mr Walker: “ I regret to inform you that… we do not see it in our best interest to continue trade with your countries.”

The two representatives did look a bit disappointed but understanding as well. But before they could say anything Charles spoke up.

Charles: “ Are you absolutely certain about this you guys? I'm sorry if I'm speaking out of term here but I don't think it's a good idea for us to just stop trading with these countries.”

Mrs Summer Rose raised an eyebrow: “ and why would you say that Charles?”

Charles: “ because a lot of those things have become big businesses and Japan and Germany are our biggest customers. removing them from the equation could cause more problems economically speaking than it would solve. and especially with our current state of reconstruction we need every penny. but I do understand that the wounds of the war are still fresh. believe me we lost three locomotives on my railway and the sting of that loss is very much in the back of my mind right now. but I don't think it will be in the best interest of sodor if we completely ignore them. I do think we can renegotiate but cutting them off completely could be a disaster for sodor.”

Mr Green gained a thoughtful expression on his face: “ you have a point Charles. But what exactly do you think we should do? I mean I'm open for renegotiations. But how can we be certain we can trust them?”

before Charles could reply Nicholas cleared his throat: “ you do realize we are both sitting right here at the same table as you? but if it's proof of trust you want, how about we give you something free of charge?”

Mr Goliath raised his eyebrow now: “ and what exactly would that be?”

Nicholas: “ Well for our continued Trade we will give you something that you think sodor would benefit from. we have nothing to lose and everything to gain here for us.”

Mr Yamato: “and if you want me to commit seppuku Right here right now I will gladly do it!”

Mrs Summer Rose hastily raised her hands in front of her: “there's no need to do that! there has been enough blood spilled and I don't think it would be a good idea.”

Mr Turner: “yes but what exactly do we request right now? I mean I can't think of anything that you guys could give us that would benefit us in the long run.”

Charles then had an idea: “how about locomotives?”

Everybody looked at him in confusion.

Charles clarified: “my railway is in desperate need of some extra engines. Even with Alfred staying behind to help us with the cleanup we still need a more permanent solution since he has to go back to the mainland within the month. so if you were able to give us one of your engines from each of your countries that would be an enormous help.”

Both the representatives looked at each other then back at Charles and gave him a node.

Yamato: “ I think that's a fair trade.”

Nicholas: “ and I don't think either of our countries would be objecting. So what type of engines are you looking for?”

Charles thought for a moment: “ I need a heavy goods engine and a new Tank Engine to help with shunting. That's about it.”

Nicholas: “ All right then. I will try and find you a shunting engine from my country.”

Yamato: “ and I think one of our D51 Class would be perfect. They are meant for our narrower gauge of course but we can widen them for standard gauge tracks. I think I should be able to send one to you within a month or so.”

Charles: “ That's very generous of you. but are you certain you don't need one of those class?”

Yamato smiled: “ Don't worry we have hundreds of them. I think we can spare one. plus I have one in mind that I think would fit in on this island spectacularly well.”

Charles: “ Well then that's okay with me. Mr Schnee, take your time please with finding an engine. but do try and get it here within the end of the year. there's a lot that needs to be rebuilt on my Island.”

Nicholas: “ Don't worry I will. plus I have to keep my son in law from ruining my company. I swear he never learned after the first time Willow began whipping him.”

Everybody at the council looked weirded out.

Nicholas: “he is literally abusing his children every single day…”

Everybody then let out a sigh of relief. because they had heard of his son-in-law and he was apparently a very terrible person. so his wife putting him straight wouldn't be the worst thing to happen.

After some paperwork was signed the council disbanded for the day and everybody went back to work.

About a month and a week later the rolling bridge across the river went down and a big black locomotive pulling a dark brown coach came across the bridge.

as he began traveling down the line the engine noticed some other locomotives passing him by and giving him weird looks. but he didn't care. He knew he had to report to Tidmouth and he was going to be on time.

Meanwhile, Sir Topham hatt and Charles were in his office discussing his recent health problems.

Charles: “ Dad you really should see a doctor. you have been in terrible shape ever since the war. We are all getting worried about you.”

the Fat Controller let out a cough: “ Charles I'm fine. There's still a lot of paperwork that needs to be done. and I can't leave the railway in such a state.”

Charles: “ Then let me take over. you know I am more than ready to fill your shoes.”

the Fat Controller let out a sigh: “ Charles… I don't want you to be burdened by the work of a controller. especially when the railway is in the condition that it is. I will retire once the railway is back to a sense of normality.”

Charles realized he wasn't going to change his father's mind. But he also knew that his father was extremely stubborn but was a man of his word. He just hoped his sickness wouldn't do him in before he could retire.

the Fat Controller looked up from his paperwork towards his son: “ but if you do want to help me. you can welcome the new engine. He is arriving today and will be coming with his own driver.”

Charles looked a bit confused: “ why did they send a driver over with them?”

the Fat Controller: “ Apparently they were afraid that none of our drivers would be able to handle one of their steam engines. plus the locomotive and the driver apparently have quite the connection with each other. so they sent him over as well. they should be arriving any minute now so please make sure you give them a proper sodor welcome.”

Charles nodded and quickly grabbed the first train to Tidmouth.

he slowly made his way into the yards as an unfamiliar deep whistle Sounded out. He then looked to see a big steam engine puffing into the yards.

As it came to a halt Charles could really appreciate the size and power of this locomotive.

It was a massive 2-8-2 Mikado Locomotive. which was painted black with red wheels and gold bandings all around the boiler. It also had a name plate which read: Hero on it.

After the locomotive came to a stop his driver stepped out. It was a young man around 21 years old in a train driver's uniform. but he did have the emblem of a fox on the sleeves of his uniform.

Charles walked over to them: “ hello there you must be our new recruits.”

he stuck out his hand for the driver to shake but the driver didn't. He looked very hesitant and Charles understood that this might be a bit difficult for him being in a new country and all that.

Charles after pulling back his hand: “ well I welcome you to sodor. I hope you will have a pleasant time here. What are your names?”

The driver didn't speak up so the Mikado did it for him.

The Mikado in a calm and gentle voice: “My name is Hero And this is my driver Aoihi Moeruhi. And we are honored that you accepted us onto your metals. we will perform our very best to make sure you won't regret having us on the island.”

Charles nodded: “ Well hero and Aoihi we're glad to have you. Now what exactly are you good at, Hero?”

Hero: “ I am a heavy freight locomotive. but I'm also capable of pulling passenger trains although my top speed is only about 55 mph.”

Charles nodded: “okay then. The two of you will be assigned to pull heavy freight then. For now that will mean building supplies.”

hero raised his eyebrow: “ And why would most of my cargo be building supplies?”

Charles: “ We're still rebuilding our main Harbor at Knapford after a sabotage plot. were also doing an expansion of the harbor as well so a lot of building supplies are needed to be delivered. especially since the roads around here cannot cope with such large loads.”

Hero hummed in acknowledgement: “ okay then. what will our first job be?”

Charles raised his hands for a minute: “ hold on Hero. The two of you have just arrived and I think it would be best that you get familiar with the rest of the fleet first. you'll be staying at Tidmouth sheds here. That way you can speak to all of the engines and get to know each other. After that we can give you your first jobs tomorrow. Besides, it's getting late and I think you need some rest before your work tomorrow. so Mr Moeruhi I'll show you to your quarters.”

Aoihi raised his hand: “ that won't be necessary. I brought my own accommodations with me.”

Charles looks confused and that's when he notices the dark brown 12 wheeled coach behind hero with an observation deck.

Aoihi: “It's been modified so I can live in it. if it's not too much trouble with you I would like to live inside of the coach here in the yards. That way I can get up even earlier to prepare Hero for work tomorrow.”

Charles did find this a bit weird since none of the other drivers live near the Engine Shed. but decided to allow this.

The coach was placed next to the entrance of the sheds.

After that hero was placed on his designated berth and slowly began relaxing in the peace and quiet.

Tidmouth sheds had once again been rebuilt and were now even bigger than they used to be. There was now a grand total of 50 berth’s! More than enough to house the current fleet of the northwestern railway and possible future additions. Plus the turntable inside had been enlarged to handle engines larger than a Pacific.

Soon engines came into the sheds and looked at him with Curiosity and amazement In Their Eyes.

Soon all of the engines minus hushy were in the sheds. She was pulling the Express to London today so she wouldn't be here to see the new engine.

all of them began asking Hero about his home country.

frigidus: “ what's it like in Japan?”

Hero Chuckled: “it really depends where you are allocated. Some sections of the line are beautiful. Especially when you're running near a track full of cherry blossoms. Especially when the petals begin falling. That's really the best time of the year.”

Gordon: “How many of your class are there?”

Hero: “Well I don't know precisely but I think we're about up to maybe 900 or 1000?”

everybody looked gobsmacked at this.

Lady: “ So there could be another thousand of you out there?!”

hero once again chuckled: “ maybe. but like with every family there are some good and some bad people in there. But one I was particularly close with was 51 200. He was a kind engine. Although where I worked I was the first of my class to appear. They nicknamed me: Master of the Railway. Although back where I come from we pronounce it as: 鉄道の達人 (Tetsudō no tatsujin).”

Iaspis Smiled: “ that sounds pretty cool. You know mine and my brother's names are actually Latin. Mine means King diamond and my brother's means King cold. It's very interesting.”

Hero: “ most definitely. I'm looking forward to working with you all.”

Percy then spoke up: “ hero may I ask why your driver is living inside of a coach? I mean none of our own drivers do that.”

Hero looked a bit unsure but decided to answer: “ he has some… trust issues thanks to the war. according to what I've heard and what he has told me his parents were accused of being spies. They try to run but his father was shot dead and his mother is in a coma. Unfortunately it was proven they weren't spies. The Japanese government wasn't really happy with the idea of… well… them killing one of their own for no apparent reason. it would have made the motivation for the war effort go down even more than it already was. so they offered him a job and he became my driver after a few years. His mother is still in a coma but will be transferred here. Apparently the hospitals around here are pretty good. Ever since then he has trouble trusting people. I've been trying to help him trust more people but it is slow going. one more thing the war was responsible for. I still didn't understand why my country did what it did but I am so sorry for any suffering that has occurred here.”

the engines could sympathize with his driver's plight. None of them would want to go through what he went through.

Then hero had a question: “ By the way, what is the significance behind the copper plaque at the entrance of the sheds? it seems to be of 3 boxy engines. yet I don't see them here. Are they on another part of the Railway?”

The engines looked a bit somber, at the mention of the old box’s tanks.

hero looked around in confusion: “ Did I say something wrong?”

Thomas: “ it's not that Hero… is just… those 3 engines died last year…”

Hero looked sympathetic and curious at the same time: “ what happened?”

Amelia: “ According to what Winston told me a German spy shot one of the cables holding up a crate full of explosives that was being loaded. it fell into the whole of a ship causing a fire to happen on board. The box tanks were near a train fully loaded with explosives. last anybody saw they were pushing away the trucks and letting them roll into the harbor waters. After that they were backing away and then… nothing… they just disappeared. but their actions did prevent the explosion from being any bigger than it actually was. so in a way they did do some good before their demise. Luckily we were able to punish the engine who was working with the German spies and she's now going through the most torturous punishment we can think of.”

Hero gave a sympathetic look: “ that's terrible to hear. but at least they went down like true warrior's. you all should be very proud of their accomplishments. and let us all keep their memories alive. They were truly Heroes.”

all of the engines agreed.

The next day hero and Aoihi were off to Vickerstown. They had some empty wagons with them to be loaded up and reused. They had been assigned to supply trains going to knapford harbor for its reconstruction. Unfortunately the construction would still be going for a few more years than planned. The damage apparently was too great and the entire Harbor had to be rebuilt from the Ground Up. Fortunately this also allowed them to expand and future proof the harbor as well.

Hero and Aoihi were making good progress. The trucks behaved themselves and the rails were dry. So the journey was very easy for both of them. They soon arrived at Vickerstown goods yards. This was a large facility on the outskirts of the city. It could hold extremely long freight trains. longer than any engine on the northwestern railway could actually pull. but the Fat Controller Justified this by saying that trains are always getting stronger so having a bigger yard made sense.

The yard manager gave them their trucks which were fully loaded with many kinds of building materials including steel.

Aoihi made his final checks and then went back into Heroes cab.

Aoihi: “ Okay Hero. Everything checks out, we are clear to proceed.”

Slowly and steadily Hero made his way onto the main line. Soon he was up to cruising speed.

they would have a long journey ahead so hero decided to strike up a conversation.

Hero: “ How was your sleep last night? we didn't keep you up did we?”

Aoihi while concentrating: “no you guys didn't. but I overheard your conversation about what happened to my family.”

Hero: “ Are you upset that I brought that up?”

Aoihi let out a sigh: “ no not really… it's just… really hard to remember sometimes.”

Hero: “ I understand Aoihi. but I am certain that everything will be better at the end of the day.”

Aoihi just rolled his eyes. He had heard this coming from his engine for years. and he didn't really see anything getting better.

Soon they arrived at Wellsworth. They had to pick up a few extra supplies here. luckily they were just on a siding and Aoihi Double an even triple checked that they were the right trucks. After a slow but quick shunting maneuver the trucks were attached to Heroes' train.

after that they had to head down To ellsbridge to pick up a large order of Stone for the harbor. but as they arrived in the goods yards at elsbridge the train wasn't there waiting for them like at Wellsworth. They waited… and waited… and waited. but yet the stone didn't turn up. After 15 minutes Thomas and Timothy came rushing into the yards with the heavy stone delivery.

Thomas: “ Sorry Hero. There were some sheep on the line and… well they can be pretty stubborn. The farmer was in the business of repairing his fence when they Broke Free so we are cutting in some Slack. We're sorry about the delay.”

hero smiled reinsuringly: “ Don't worry my friend. We understand. Now let's hurry and get this stone attached to my train.”

The two tank engines immediately attached the stone to the very back of the train. After that hero went off again.

But as they arrived at knapford harbor a woman with white hair, blue eyes and a scar over her Left eye was standing there tapping her foot with a clipboard in her hand. and she looked extremely annoyed.

White-haired woman: “ You are 10 minutes late!”

hero and Aoihi Look surprised at the woman's rude remark.

Aoihi jumped out of the cab and walked over to her to explain what happened.

Aoihi: “ I'm sorry for our delay. the stone was held up by-”

white-haired woman raised her hand in annoyance: “ I don't care about your excuses! I am in charge of the yards here and I cannot have trains coming in late and disrupting everything! Now if you excuse me I have to- ( looks over to see a girl with Silver eyes and black hair with red tips walking off With a bag of cookies) Ruby how many times have I told you! you cannot eat cookies while you're working!”

the silver Eyed Girl apparently named Ruby began running away: “ you can't tell me what to do weiss!”

the white haired woman apparently named Weiss began running after Ruby in annoyance.

Both the engine and driver looked extremely confused.

That's when a blonde girl put down a heavy crate next to them.

blonde haired girl chuckling: “ she really should know that there's no way she can keep cookies from Ruby. By the way my name is Yang. Yang Xiao Long And the girl that Weiss schnee is chasing over there is my half sister Ruby Rose. So what's your name?”

Aoihi looked over to her: “ my name is Aoihi Moeruhi.”

Yang with a bright smile: “ That's nice. And aren't you going to introduce me to your locomotive friend here?”

Aoihi nodded: “ this is Hero. He is a Japanese national Railway D51 class freight locomotive. But he can also pull passenger trains.”

Yang: “ That's great to hear. We don't really have many freight trains out here so it's great to finally have a dedicated freight locomotive.”

Aoihi nodded. Before he could say anything else a black cat jumped on to the crate Yang just put down.

Both the engine and driver looked confused but Yang looked annoyed.

Yang: “kali you know you're not supposed to be out here while we're working. you're supposed to stay at the house.”

Before anybody could say anything else a woman with black hair and golden eyes similar to the cat came up and grabbed it.

before she could say anything Yang spoke up.

Yang: “Blake sweetie you know you're supposed to keep the cats at home. It's not safe for them to be around the Railway.”

The woman apparently named Blake looked a bit sad.

Blake: “ I know Yang but just look at her! you can't say no to this face!”

The cat gave an acute look along with the woman holding her.

Yang just crossed her arms and shook her head: “ Blake you know the sad Kitty routine doesn't work on me. Besides, we have work to do here. so I suggest you bring her home and will just buy some extra cat toys when we are on our way home. How does that sound?”

Blake still wasn't happy that she had to put her cats in doors but agreed to Yang's request.

Aoihi looked a bit confused as he watched Blake walking away.

Yang elaborated: “ she is very fond of cats. She even named that one after her mother who was equally crazy for cats. but hey that's my girlfriend for you. also don't take what the ice Queen says to heart. She's just really puffed up since she is basically in charge of the docks and yards now Thanks to her Grandpa's suggestion. Just do your job to the best of your capabilities and that will be enough for the rest of us.”

Aoihi just gave her a nod and went back to Hero.

They spent all day working together. Unfortunately what Weiss had said was still ringing around Aoihi’s mind.

he did hope that maybe it was a one-time thing. that once she settled into her role she would be a little more forgiving.

Unfortunately that wouldn't be the case. Over the next two months he was late because of various things that were completely out of his control.

like one time Gordon was a bit late pulling the Express due to a points failure delaying him as well. or another time Percy had a breakdown and had to be shunted out of the way before he could proceed.

and every single time Weiss would complain to him and wouldn't even listen to him thinking he just came up with excuses.

Well one day this came to a head.

Today was a very windy day and the weather forecast called for a big storm. So the Fat Controller had ordered all engines to complete their work and then immediately report back to Tidmouth sheds.

Aoihi and hero were once again ordered to pull a supply train to the docs. Things went like on their first day. but this time they didn't have to pick up a supply of stone at elsbridge.

The two of them arrived at Wellsworth and we're looking around for their train.

But it wasn't there. They waited for five minutes with Aoihi getting more and more agitated by the delay. He knew that the “ice Queen” was going to have something to say if he didn't get there on time.

Aoihi in an annoyed tone: “ where in the chuffing hell is our train! We are already going to be late!”

Hero remained calm and collected: “ it's okay Aoihi we'll just have to make up lost time on route.”

2 minutes later Edward arrived looking exhausted.

Edward: “ I'm sorry for being late. There was a little bit more to shunt than I had anticipated.”

hero was about to say something when Aoihi spoke up in an annoyed tone.

Aoihi: “ yeah yeah just get your train Hooked Up to ours so we can get going already!”

Edward felt a bit insulted but just did what he told him to. After a few minutes hero and Aoihi were on their way again.

but hero was a bit worried. They were going faster than usual and were still accelerating.

Hero: “Aoihi I think we're going too fast. mind slowing down a bit?”

Aoihi just ignored his engine. He was trying to make up for lost time and wasn't paying attention.

They then reached Heroes top speed of 55 miles an hour.

Unfortunately this wasn't a good thing. because when they passed Tidmouth hero realized that they were going way too fast! and might not be able to stop in time with the heavy load!

Hero shouting: “Aoihi you have to slow down! if you do not we are going to crash!”

Aoihi still didn't listen. That was until he noticed they were at Knappford station!

Aoihi’s eyes went wide in shock! He immediately activated the full emergency break and began slowing down.

Hero screeched through the station.

Meanwhile Weiss was looking at her watch.

Weiss: “ that supply train should have been here a minute ago! Why can't that guy keep on time?”

Ruby, who was standing next to her with a bag of cookies, looked confused.

Ruby: “ Which guy are you referring to?”

Yang putting down another heavy box smirked.

Yang: “ she's talking about the hot one.”

Weiss without thinking: “ yes that one. the one with the cute blue hair.”

she then realized what she had blurted out and the two sisters began laughing.

Ruby: “ you really think he's cute? that's adorable! Ice Queen has finally found somebody who is able to melt her frozen heart!”

Weiss looked indignant: “ I have not! I'm just annoyed with him that he is always late!”

Blake chuckled: "Weiss, we all know that you're doing a good job. you don't have to keep berating him for him being late. especially since every time he's been late it's been something outside of his control. It's not good for anyone if you constantly belittling him.”

Weiss let out a sigh: “ I know I know. Look, I just want to make my grandfather proud. he is the reason I got this job in the first place. I don't want to let him down.”

Yang sat on a crate and smiled: “ we understand that weiss. but you don't have to be a perfectionist. if they're late and it's not because of their own doing then you should cut them some Slack. that might boost your public reputation with everyone around here. plus you've been working here for months now and you've already got a pretty bad reputation as a stick in the mud. maybe you cutting Aoihi some slack for being late today might work in favor of improving your image.”

Weiss wanted to say that the blonde haired woman was wrong… but she couldn't. She also decided to take Yang's advice to heart and not be angry at Aoihi for being late and to actually listen to why he was late.

then suddenly they could hear screeching into this distance.

Blake looked around curiously: “ what's that screeching?”

Ruby: “ it sounds like… metal grinding On metal?”

That's when they noticed hero coming towards them at high speed!

The girls hit the deck as hero passed them by.

Both the engine and driver did not know what to do as he continued to roll down the line. Meanwhile further up the workman had been laying new tracks and were just about to lay in another section when Hero raised past them and onto the concrete of the harbor. This finally brought him to a stop.

Both the engine and driver were completely shaken from the experience. But grateful that they finally stopped.

Two hours later the workmen were preparing to get hero back onto the tracks.

Meanwhile, the Fat Controller was talking to Aoihi.

the Fat Controller: “ why were you speeding along the main line? Don't you realize how dangerous that was?!”

Aoihi truly looked ashamed. He was about to speak up when Weiss came over.

Weiss also looked ashamed: “ Sir this accident was partly my fault.”

the fat controller looked confused: “ why exactly is this your fault?”

Weiss looked over towards the blue haired driver: “ I have been reprimanding him every single time he was late even though it was outside of his control. I believe he was trying to make up for lost time causing him to not Focus enough and thus leading to the accident. So if anybody deserves to be punished here it's me. I will gladly give up my position if I must.”

The Fat Controller now began stroking his chin deep in thought.

he then turned around to his new driver: “ is it true what she said?”

Aoihi gave a nod.

the Fat Controller let out a sigh: “ Well nobody got hurt and all of the supplies are not damaged and hero will not have to go to the works so I will let this slide. as long as the two of you learned to work together. Understand?”

The two gave him a nod.

After another two hours hero was back on the tracks and put inside of Tidmouth sheds for the rest of the day.

Aoihi was in his coach to relax. But then he heard a knock on the door to the observation deck.

When he opened it Weiss was standing there with a basket full of muffins.

Aoihi raised an eyebrow: “what are you doing here?”

Weiss Held out the basket: “I'm here to apologize. for everything. I didn't know what you would like so I got you some muffins.”

Aoihi grabs the basket of muffins and places them on a counter near the door.

Aoihi: “ thank you but I'm not really a muffin kind of guy. But I do appreciate the gift.”

Weiss nodded: “ thank you. and again I am so sorry for my attitude. I just didn't want to let my grandfather down who got me the job in the first place. but I guess he won't like it if I cause an accident in my first year.”

Aoihi chuckled: “ I definitely agree on that. but hey I do think your grandfather would be proud knowing you are the bigger person and apologized. And I'm sorry for any distress I've caused you.”

Weiss smiled. That's when they heard a thunderclap and noticed some dark clouds on Horizon.

Aoihi: “I guess the big storm is coming.”

Weiss nodded: “ I think I should better head home. and maybe you can ask one of the tank engines to shunt your coach into the sheds. I think it will be much safer for you.”

Aoihi nodded and he was about to go inside when he noticed how bad things were going with the weather.

Aoihi let out a sigh: “ If you want you can stay with me tonight. I don't think it's safe for you to travel home at this hour. Especially with the storm quickly approaching.”

Weiss looked up and noticed that he had a point. The storm was getting closer and she did live at Knappford and considering the trains were cancelled it was her best option.

Weiss let out a sigh: “ok. but please don't make this weird. Yang will never let me hear the end of this.”

Aoihi nodded. A few hours later all the engines were in the sheds. Percy had shunted Aoihi’s coach into the berth next to Hero who looked ashamed.

Thomas: “ Is everything okay Hero?”

hero let out aside: “ not really Thomas. I had an accident today. I was going too fast and couldn't stop until I was off the tracks. I am truly ashamed.”

Aoihi walked out onto the observation deck of his coach and leaned against the railing.

Aoihi: “ We both are. I should have been paying more attention. so we are sorry for any delays this might have caused any of you.”

but to both the Japanese driver and engine Surprise everybody just laughed.

hero looked completely confused: “ why are you all laughing? It's not polite to laugh at somebody's misfortune.”

Gordon barely contained his laughter: “ Hero today you have truly become one of us!”

hero now looked even more confused along with his driver.

Aoihi: “ What exactly are you talking about?”

Henry also barely contained his laughter: “ it's practically a traditional round here!”

hero still looking confused: “ what is a tradition around here? Can anybody just tell me?”

Edward chuckling: “ Hero it's okay that you had an accident today. You don't truly belong on the North Western Railway until you've had your first accident. Practically all of us have had accidents on this island in the past.”

Thomas: “ some of us have multiple accidents. like me and Timothy for example. I mean I derailed while shunting some coaches on my first day.”

Timothy: “and I fell down the old mine on our branch line.”

lady looking a bit ashamed: “ I accidentally ran over a lunch box. It was quite embarrassing.”

Regina: “ I had an accident with paint.”

Frigidus: “ and I once derailed while pulling out of Tidmouth.”

Iaspis: “Point is Hero there is nothing to be ashamed about. Everyone here has had an accident on the island at one point or another. So you truly have nothing to be ashamed of.”

Hero felt a lot better hearing this. and even though he was still a little bit embarrassed he was at least happy to know that nobody will hold it against him.

After a few hours all of them went to sleep. Things were quiet.

That was until the engine shed door was flung open and shut again! it woke up most of the engines as a man walked into the sheds. He had a small moustache and very little hair on his head.

as he was walking into the shed he shook some of the rain water off him.

As he walked over towards the turntable (which is covered in wood like the Baltimore and Ohio museum turntable) he looked around and saw that some of the engines were away.

mysterious man: “ I'm sorry for interrupting your rest. I accidentally got left here and well with the blinding rain I did not know where I was. I just went in the first place I could open the door. which apparently was your sheds. I'll get out of here when the storm passes.”

Gordon looked up at the glass roof. He could see that the storm was very bad and probably won't clear up until the day after tomorrow.

Gordon while still being a bit groggy: “ very well. just don't try to mess with our components or else the Fat Controller will sue you!”

Henry barely Awake: “ what brings you here and you anyway?”

James: “ Yeah. you know this is private railway property? So who do you think you are to just barge in?”

The mysterious man looked a bit ashamed of himself and began scratching the back of his head. That's when a certain group of engines began waking up.

mysterious man: “ sorry where are my manners. My name is-”

Thomas, Timothy, Tanya, Howard, frigidus, iaspis and Eleanor: “ Lawson Billinton!!!!!!!”

Indeed standing there in the middle of the turntable was none other than Lawson Butzkopfski Billinton. The former locomotive engineer for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway.

and consequentially the designer behind Thomas, Timothy and Eleanor. But what was he doing here? and why did he show up?

well my dear readers since the story has already gone on long enough you're just going to have to wait until next time.

the story will continue in The tales of the North Western Railway: Thomas and Timothy's origins part 1

Chapter 19: Thomas and Timothy's origins part 1 The Beginning.

standing in Tidmouth sheds was none other than Lawson Billinton. the former locomotive engineer Of the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. and thus consequently the designer of Thomas, Timothy and indirectly Eleanor.

The two E2 Brothers Looked absolutely shocked to see their designer again!

Thomas: “Lawson Is that really you?”

Lawson chuckled: “ it is Thomas. It's so great to see you and your brother again. but I am surprised that one of my k-class ended up here?”

Eleanor looked a bit awkward: “I'm technically not one of your k class. I was originally the experimental locomotive that Mr Hammerman built all those years ago based on a set of frames from your k-class.”

Lawson raised his eyebrow: “Really? I heard about that Tank Engine. but I never assumed I would meet It face to face. but why are you a tender engine now?”

Both Henry and Eleanor looked a bit Awkward as they explained the events in 1935.

Lawson Nodded after hearing the whole story: “ well I can't say I didn't see that coming. but at least you're having a better life now Eleanor.”

Eleanor just smiles with happiness. That's when Edward finally spoke up.

Edward: “ not that we're not happy with your presence here but what exactly are you doing here? and I don't just mean in our shed I mean on sodor?”

Lawson smiled: “ I wanted to see how my two prototypes were doing. I haven't seen them since I sent them to Sodor in 1915. It's good to see that the two of you are doing well. and I didn't expect to see the two of you again, Rex Frigidus and Rex Iaspis.”

The two H2 Atlantics gave him a happy smile as well.

that's when Regina spoke up: “ sir if you wouldn't mind me asking why did you send Thomas and Timothy here back in 1915? I mean from what I've heard from frigidus the e2's were not that great of an engine class at all. So why send your two prototypes here?”

Lawson Looks at his two prototypes and then back at the Great Northern Atlantic: “ well that's actually quite a story. Would you like me to tell you? it will be quite long and Thomas and Timothy will have to tell some of it themselves.”

all of the engines and Weiss and Aoihi (who were both Awakened by the commotion) We're very interested.

Lawson with a smile: “ well it all goes back to 1912. That year I became the locomotive engineer for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. I had been tasked with Designing a new class of shunter. Unfortunately nothing came to mind. That was until I heard about a prototype on a certain small island that was built at Brighton as well. so I decided to go to the island…”

and this is the story he told.

sodor 1912 It was a busy time for the railways on sodor. The Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway and the Wellsworth and Suddery Railway had recently amalgamated into the Tidmouth, Wellsworth, and Suddery Railway And things were busy.

The coffee pot engines would be working the branch line to Ffarquhar but would also be helped from time to time by Howard and Tanya.

One day Howard and Tanya were taking on water and talking about a recent event.

Tanya: “ I still feel bad for all of those passengers on the Titanic. all of those people drowned in the ice cold water.”

Howard: “ more like frozen to death (shivers) I would not wish that on even my worst enemy.”

Tanya: “ still all of those lost lives for nothing.”

Howard: “ Well to be honest I do think they were being a bit overzealous building such a large ship without providing more lifeboats. I mean come on it takes a tragedy to finally change things. they should have realized they needed more when they were building her and that the rule book was out of date.”

Tanya hummed: “ quite right.”

At that moment the two engines noticed a well-dressed gentleman walking next to their manager.

Manager: “ ah Howard Tanya just to engines I wanted to see. This is Lawson Billington and he has come here with a request.”

The two engines looked towards each other and then back to the man that was apparently called Lawson Billington.

Howard with a curious look: “ okay what do you want to ask Mr Billington?”

Lawson: “ well I have recently obtained the position of locomotive engineer for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway on the mainland. They are asking me to design a new shunter and small goods engine. I didn't really get any inspiration so I heard about your Design Howard. apparently you were made at Brighton too right?”

Howard: “ That's correct sir. I was built at Brighton and shipped out here to sodor. but why do you bring this up?”

Lawson: “ well I'm here to perform some tests on you over the next couple of months. And if the tests prove successful I would like to mass produce you as a class of engine. that is if you approve?”

Howard looked over to Tanya who usually had a better sense of things than him. She gave him an encouraging look and he let out a sigh of steam from his cylinders.

Howard: “as long as it doesn't interfere with my work I am fine with it. How long will these tests take? I have a lot of Work that needs doing and I hope this won't interfere with it.”

Lawson with a smile: “only a couple of months. After that we'll see about performing a feasibility study on your Design and if any improvements need to be made. and if any improvements come out will also apply them to you as a token of our gratitude.”

Howard wasnt really interested in being a guinea pig. but if improvements to himself could be made it might make him even more useful than he already was.

Over the next six months Howard was tested to his limits.

Lawson and a team from the LBSCR began studying his records and him in the field. They watched him on all kinds of services as well as requesting a few trains that he needed to pull in order to help with the tests.

Howard did all of this and more! By the end of October of that year Lawson had all the data he needed.

On the night he was to leave He had requested that the TW&S Send over some of Howards spare parts to make assembly of the class quicker so they could get the two prototypes Lawson promised to the board Built.

the manager agreed for a small fee. it got paid and he promised that the parts would be shipped out as soon as possible.

Lawson went back to Brighton to prepare for the parts' arrival.

But when they arrived in November he was unpleasantly surprised.

He was sitting in his office when one of the workmen came up to him.

Workman: “ Mr Billington we have a bit of a problem.”

Lawson looked up from his paperwork: “ and what exactly would that problem be?”

Workman: “ those parts for the new Tank Engine you ordered from sodor… well you didn't receive all of the parts…”

Lawson raised an eyebrow: “ what do you mean exactly? Are some of the parts missing?”

the workman looked a bit awkward: “ it's not that it's just… we kind of got the wrong parts.”

Lawson now looked extremely confused and went with the workman to have a look at the parts delivered.

indeed some parts had arrived like the cab, bunker, cylinders and part of the running board that belonged to Howard.

but to his surprise the frames, boilers, wheels and connecting rods were from a completely different engine!

Lawson looked over the parts with extreme confusion: “ how could this have happened? do you think there was a mix up with the parts we ordered?”

Workman: “ probably. we better send the wrong parts back and get the right parts in.”

Lawson: “ That won't be possible. I promised the board I would have two tank engines ready to go by February of next year. and if we have to send these parts back it will take forever for them to send the right parts over.”

The Workman scratched the top of his head: “ then what are we going to do with these parts?”

Lawson didn't have any clue. He went back to his office and to his drawing board. He was looking at the design papers of Howard and the design papers of Tanya. apparently the parts that had been sent over were also hers. Howard did not really know a lot about Tanya's class, only that she was the prototype of the South Eastern and Chatham Railway (SECR) P class.

They had also sent her drawings over along with the parts. Lawson remained in his office for a long time trying to figure out what he was going to say to the board.

Lawson: “I promise them two working prototypes. But how am I supposed to do that when I don't even have the proper parts! I don't even have all the drawings to make the rest of the parts Howard has! and I can't just REdesign them from scratch. that will take too much time!”

infrastration he threw the two drawings off his table. They then landed on the lamp he was using to light the room. He was about to lose all hope when he noticed something peculiar. The light was shining right behind the two locomotive designs On the paper. but they were overlapping in a weird way.

as Lawson looked into the lamp he suddenly came to an idea!

He immediately grabbed a fresh sheet of paper and began designing!

The next week he had a full set of blueprints!

they were going to combine the parts of both engines together!

Of course they had some modifications done to make sure all the parts fit but he accounted for this in the designs so it was good.

Lawson looked over the frames that had just been assembled. The boilers had been assembled and were put onto the frame which also had a running board. The next component was the side tanks. Both Howard and tonya had normal standard side tanks so they are planning on using standard one’s as well.

That was until Lawson was informed of a mistake that happened.

He walked over to a workman to see one of the side tanks had a gaping hole in the front!

the workman looking panicked: “ I'm sorry Mr Billington! I accidentally cut into the metal in the wrong place. I guess we're going to have to chuck the whole piece out now.”

Lawson Looked at the ruined tank and suddenly got an idea.

Howard: “ no leave it as it is and attach extra pieces of metal to extend the tanks. and do it on both sides so the tanks are well balanced.”

The workman looked surprised but did as he asked. The work was hard and rough going throughout the day and night. a lot of parts had to be disassembled and reassembled because there were just so many things wrong.

but eventually In February of 1913 almost at midnight they were finally performing the steam tests on both tank engines.

Lawson and his team looked exhausted but triumphant as the two tank engines were being steamed up for the first time.

The two prototype machines just had Grey works undercoats for the time being. but as they were being steamed up it was two minutes to midnight.

works Foreman: “well it's been a long journey Mr Billington. but we can finally steam up your two prototypes.”

Lawson looked exhausted and worried: “ I just hope That it's all been worth it.”

At that moment they heard the clock strike midnight. but at that same moment they heard somebody yawning. they then looked over to one of the prototypes which had finally Awakened!

The prototype engine slowly woke up and began looking around: “ what is this place? where am I?”

Lawson smiled: “ you are in Brighton works. You are a prototype of my design. My name is Lawson Billington. but you can call me Lawson if you want.”

The prototype engine looked confused and what he exactly meant but was at least happy for his creation.

The two of them began talking when they heard the clocks Strike one o'clock and they heard somebody else yawning.

They both looked over to see that the other prototype had woken up.

second prototype yawning: “ man I feel like I've been asleep forever. What is this place and who are you people?”

Howard and the first prototypes smiled and chuckled. Lawson went through the same speech as he went through with the first prototype. Soon the two prototypes were simmering nicely with Warming fires in their boilers.

That's when a workman made an observation: “ hey the first prototype was woken up at midnight when the clock hit zero. and the other one woke up At 1 o'clock. so we Got a zero and a one! ain't that funny.”

all the workmen began laughing including the engines.

second prototype in a cheeky tone: “ so how does it feel to be number zero?”

first prototype smiling with a cheeky undertone: “ I don't know but how does it feel to be number one?”

the two engines began laughing. That's when Lawson had the numbers zero and one painted on them as temporary placeholders.

The next day the two engines puffed out of the Workshops in front of a big group of people and all of them were wearing suits. The two tank engines didn't notice them. they were all in the world around them. number one especially couldn't wait to see more of it.

They then overheard the last part of the speech Lawson was giving.

Lawson: “ These two tank engines will be fine additions to our railway. They are compact, they are powerful and I am certain they will meet all your expectations.”

one of the board members just gave him a disinterested look as the rest of them were leaving having seen all they needed to.

board member: “ we shall see Mr Billington. we shall see.”

as the board members were walking away Lawson knew that this was only half the battle. The tank engines still have to prove themselves.

to be continued in part 2 :trials of the prototypes.

Chapter 20: Thomas and Timothy's origins part 2 trials of the prototypes

After their introduction to the board number one and number zero were sent to the sheds On the other side of the main tracks leading into the station. when they arrived there they were given some weird looks. many of them had never seen tank engines like them before.

number one and number zero were surprised how crowded the sheds were and stuck together.

At that moment an engine with a 4-4-2 wheel arrangement chuffed into the sheds next to the two new tank engines.

4-4-2 engine: “ are you two the new engines we have heard about?”

number one and number zero looked a bit confused but answered.

number one: “ yes we were only just completed this morning.”

the 4-4-2 engine gave them a weird look: “ and what exactly was Mr Billington trying to achieve with the two of you. making some toy trains?”

The two tank engines were offended by this!

number zero: “ hey we're not toy trains!”

the bigger engine grinned at them: “ really? because the two of you look like toy trains.”

Number one looked Furious: “ and you look like a big fat sausage with an even bigger and fatter ego!”

The 4-4-2 engine looked absolutely disgusted at this remark: “ sausage! I look like a sausage to you! show some resp-”

Number one with a cheeky smile: “ with that big fat boiler yes you do!”

the engine looked enraged and screamed at them: “ do you have any idee how i am!?”

Number 0 with a disinterested look: “ does it look like the two of us care?”

the engine looked even more enraged: “ I am la France! one of the Prestigious H1 atlantics! and you little one will treat me with the respect I deserve!”

Before number one or zero could say anything two other voices spoke up as two other engines entered the sheds.

One of them looked exactly like la France but had a more mature vibe around him and on one of his splashers it read Rex-Frigidus.

The second engine that arrived in the shed was another 0-6-0 Tank Engine like Number one and number 0. only he was a little bit smaller and had some buffers raised above his running board slightly. On his side tanks it read Box Hill.

Box Hill with a Furious expression: “ you want respect from these two? well I don't think you deserve it! especially after you insulted them on they're very first day!”

Frigidus with an equally Furious expression: “ and you should know better than to treat the shunters badly! Remember the last time you treated an engine like this? you ended up merely having a derailment! so I suggest you shut your mouth la France!”

la France Remain respectfully silent as he chuffed deeper into the sheds.

number one and number 0 looked in amazement at the two engines.

number 1: “ that was amazing! you really shut him up!”

Frigidus chuckled a bit: “ well I've been doing it as long as I can remember. to be quite frank I think he's gotten puffed up in the smoke box after pulling the royal Train. I mean it is an honor to pull that train but it's caused his smoke box to puff up with his high opinion.”

Box Hill grumbling: “ I should have shunted him off the dock the moment I had the chance.”

The two tank engines looked a bit confused but soon the two older engines chuckled.

Box Hill: “ sorry Young Ones. Welcome to the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. My name is Box Hill. I am a London Brighton South Coast Railway terrier And the Works engine of Brighton works.”

Frigidus: “and my name is Rex frigidus but you may call me frigidus for short. And again welcome to our railway. Do you two have names?”

number one looking a bit self-conscious: “ we don't. we are just numbers zero and number one for now….”

Box Hill gave them a sympathetic look: “ that's okay young one. you'll get your names one day. but I suggest you two get some rest. you're going to be put on Trials tomorrow as station pilots alongside me. from there you can work your way up to do other jobs.”

The two young protypes eagerly went to sleep wondering what their trials would be like.

The next day the two of them were woken early and prepared for work. After a couple of hours they went out of the sheds to get the first trains of the day.

Box Hill brought them towards the carrot shed.

Box Hill: “Alright young one’s coaches have to be treated carefully! one wrong bump and you could set the crockery inside of them everywhere! and believe me the managers and Mr Billington will not be pleased! so watch what I do carefully!”

Box Hill slowly approached a bunch of coaches and slowly buffered up. His driver's Disembarked his cab then coupled him up and he gently pulled them out of the siding and brought them towards the station.

number one and number zero try to do what Box Hill did. only they buffed up to the coaches a bit too roughly. luckily it wasn't so bad that anything was broken inside but it was definitely noticeable even for the two tank engines that the coaches were grumbling about rough handling!

but slowly insteadly they brought the coaches to the platform and were instructed to go to the back of the trains.

As the two young tank engines made their way to each of their respective trains they saw Box Hill who explained this part of their job for them.

Box Hill: “ starting these big trains requires a lot of power. so we have to give them a boost when they leave. they'll give you a whistle and you push with all your might! just be sure you're uncoupled before you do anything!”

The two Tank Engines just nodded and waited for their drivers and firemen to check their couplings. Only number one’s driver was temporarily distracted by a particularly beautiful woman passing by And completely forgot to check the coupling. number one Didn't check it either since he would have been told his driver and fireman would be his eyes and ears on the ground and around his couplings.

Soon all the engines came to collect their early morning trains. Number 0 pushed his commuter train which was destined to stop along each station all the way to Victoria London. Box Hill was pushing a fast passenger train which only stopped at a few stations.

but Thomas was Attached to the Express that would go all the way to London non-stop!

At that moment frigidus, la France and an old LB&SCR B4 class Couple down onto their trains. Once they're passengers where all on board all three engines get a blast from their respective big engine whistles. la France and Box Hill would be Departing First pushing them as far as the end of the platform. from there they would have the back down and wait for clearance to get the next set of coaches.

After the two other engines were gone, Frigidus was clear to depart. They had been delayed due to a passenger complaining about the first class accommodation on the train. The woman was complaining that the train wasn't luxurious enough even though it was entirely made up of Pullman coaches. granted they were due for maintenance but they were still pretty luxurious nonetheless.

He was eager to make up for Lost time so Frigidus Departed with a lot of noise putting on all of his power!

Unfortunately he didn't hear an engine whistling behind him. nor did he hear the yelling.

he had unwittingly taken Number oneon the ride of their lives!

Frigidus was luckily able to make up for lost time and was racing down the main line. Unfortunately he was so focused on getting the train to the destination that he ignored many signalmen trying to stop him. Unfortunately he was already halfway to London before the signalman could stop him so they just had to let him through.

By the end of the journey Frigidus had made up two minutes and he was very pleased with himself. That was until he chuff away from his coach just to get them picked up so he could get refueled at the depot. That's when he noticed number one at the back of his train!

Frigidus in a panic tone: “ number one what are you doing here?! you're supposed to be back at Brighton!”

number one looking completely exhausted: “ I'm sorry frigidus. but I just couldn't… get through to you… apparently… my driver... got distracted back at Brighton… and forgot to decouple me… so… you took me on to London! this is London right?”

frigidus nervously chuckled: “ yes it's our Terminus station Victoria here in London. but let's forget about that and get you rested and filled up for the return journey. and I'm very sorry for dragging you all the way out here.”

number one didn't reply as frigidus when Round and coupled up to him to drag him to the motive power depot.

The two of them began taking long drinks at the water Towers.

Frigidus remained looking ashamed for not realizing he dragged the poor young engine all the way to London without even realizing it! but as he looked at the Water Tower he noticed that number one was actually chatting to some other engines in London. One of them was even Box Hill's brother Stepney. unfortunately Stepneycouldn't stay for long And left mid conversation. leaving the two of them relatively alone.

Frigidus: “ I'm still so sorry number one. I mean I should have recognized that you were behind me. I am truly sorry.”

but number one to his surprise looked excited and happy!

number one with stars in his eyes: “are you kidding me! I may have been exhausted but I got to see so much of the world! It was wonderful. thank you frigidus.”

Frigidus looked surprised but was glad he was at least able to give the tank engine something good to remember.

But before he said anything number one gave him a cheeky grin: “ besides you are definitely faster than your brother. I mean I saw him pulling that semi-fast train and he looked exhausted. Maybe the big sausage should do some hard work like you.”

Frigidus couldn't help but burst out laughing at the engine's cheeky remark.

Frigidus barely contained his laughter: “ he really should. she barely does anything if it's not his royal Duty. and thanks I haven't laughed that hard in a while. especially after my brother left.”

number one looked confused: “ your brother? How many brothers do you have?”

Frigidus smiled: “ well I actually have about 6 siblings. but I am the closest with my sibling Rex Iaspis. you remind me of him quite a bit.”

number one raised an eyebrow: “ really? how so?”

frigidus Chuckled: “ he was just as cheeky as you. you're like him, just smaller! But just as fun.”

He then let out a sigh and looked to the skies.

Frigidus looked a bit sad: “ I do miss him very much.”

Thomas felt sympathetic for his big friend. He might not have known him for a very long time ( having only been alive for practically two days) but he did feel a connection to the bigger engine. especially since he showed respect towards him.

Number one then looked at him: “ I'm certain he misses you too. and I am 100% certain that the two of you will reunite one day! no matter where he is! “

Frigidus did feel a little bit better at this. but he was pretty sure that he would never see his brother again after he went to the island of sodor.

After the two of them Returned back to Brighton Mr Billington had had a look over all of number one's mechanical systems to see if anything had gone wrong. surprisingly nothing did! all of his parts were in tip top Shape!

Some of the Railway board were impressed when they heard this a week later.

After that fiasco Box Hill took them a bit closer on their Wing. He taught them everything he knew about being a station pilot Before getting back to his real job of being Brighton works engine .

number one and number zero would also be reallocated. to one of the biggest harbors In the United Kingdom.

Southampton! The LBSCR had been given permission to test their Prototypes since some of the engines working there had broken down and needed repairs.

The docks were extremely busy with ships blasting their horns everywhere.

number one and number 0 looked a bit intimidated at first. but eventually the two of them got into the swing of shunting.

They were able to be a bit rougher with the trucks but not too rough.

The two of them began shunting them around the docks where they were needed.

And they were surprisingly flexible. they were even able to go down tighter corners that other engines just couldn't do! plus they found out that they were pretty strong for their small size. not strong enough to pull an Express of course but still strong enough.

Only a month after they arrived the dock manager came up to them.

dock manager with a smile on his face: “ well I don't know what those people at Brighton were doing when they built you. but I can definitely say they built you right. I've never seen engines do what you guys do around here. Mr Billington really has struck a gold mine with you guys.”

number one and number zero looked extremely humbled.

number zero: “where only doing our job sir. plus we're still just in the testing phase. there could be something wrong with us that we don't know.”

the dock manager just chuckled: “ well I'm certain you two can handle it. Anyway, there's a small goods train that needs to go to a yard not too far from here. would the two of you be capable of taking it?”

The two of them did look a bit nervous. they had never handled a freight train before. but they just decided to give it their best try.

Luckily the train wasn't very long nor was it very heavy. but still the two of them loved working together so they did.

as the two of them were traveling along, many people were able to see them.

Many people kept looking at them with one child shouting to his mother.

Young child: “ look mommy! Those two look like toy trains! they're so cute!”

Although many people agreed with the young boy's statement, there was one who didn't.

one of the board members William de Guise Forbes The general manager looked absolutely horrified! He feared this might have negative implications on the railway if the people didn't take them seriously.

so he began thinking of a way to remedy the situation.

As the board member climbed onto his passenger train it suddenly came to his realization what he and the board could suggest to Lawson Billington at the next meeting in April.

During that board meeting the tests of numbers 1 and 0 came up.

Edward Ponsonby, 8th Earl of Bessborough Was the chairman of the board and was very interested in the results.

Lawson with a big smile on his face: “ in short the tests on numbers one and zero have been a complete success! and pending approval by the board we can start mass production of them within a fortnight.”

Most of the board members did look satisfied with the results but they also knew there was something else to discuss.

Edward Ponsonby: “ That's good to hear Mr Billington. but I don't think we will be pushing for an entire class based on numbers 0 and 1.”

Lawson looked confused: “ and why would that be?”

Edward Ponsonby Began stroking his chin: “ because we've been hearing a few things about them. mostly about their aesthetics. many people are saying they are like toy trains.”

Lawson again looked confused: “ and why is this a problem?”

William de Guise Forbes cleared his throat: “Well Mr Billington it's to do with our image. We can't have the public see us using locomotives that look like Toy trains. it would be bad for our image. so the board would like to request that you…. maybe enlarge them to look more impressive?”

Lawson looked extremely confused and a little bit annoyed: “ you guys do realize I had to improvise their design on the fly right? I mean I was given the wrong parts by accident and I was still able to build two very successful tank engines regardless of their aesthetic looks. I understand they look a little bit like toy trains you play with but is it really that bad?”

He and the board Continued to argue for a few more minutes. but eventually Lawson lost the battle and had to build brand new engines. The board did have suggestions to use the boiler and set of cylinders from another engine they already had lying around To make the building easier.

Lawson just went along with what the board said. Unfortunately his two prototypes didn't really like to hear what their designer told them and began complaining about it in the sheds later that same evening.

number one: “I can't believe those pencil pushers want Lawson to build bigger versions of us just because we look like toy trains! I mean the nerve of some people!”

number zero was a little bit calmer than his brother but was still pretty annoyed.

number zero: “ I understand this Number one but we can't really do anything about it.”

Frigidus who was sitting next to them preparing to go to sleep yawned.

Frigidus: “ he has a point Thomas. I mean they began building bigger and better versions of Us h1's when they built the h2’s two years ago. just give them a chance okay. you can't say you dislike them when you've never even met them.”

number one wasn't really sure. but he decided to go along with what his friends told him and went grumpily to sleep.

Over the next month Lawson designed a new Tank Engine that was a bit bigger and used the high pressure boiler from an l-class Tank Engine and high pressure cylinders as requested by the board.

He did base most of the design practices on the numbers 1 and 0 but that was about it. They were bigger and longer than those two. and in June 1913 the first of them rolled out of the Works.

number 1 and 0 were there to see the engine being unveiled. it was a pretty big Tank Engine all Things Considered. It had already been painted into an official LBSCR color scheme and had a number one hundred.

The board who was there for the unveiling looked extremely satisfied and placed an order for nine more to begin construction immediately!

Lawson wasn't certain that this was a good idea since the Tank Engine had not been tested yet. but there was nothing he could do to change their minds as they walked away talking to each other like they just won the lottery.

That night the Tank Engine came to sleep in the sheds and gave a cocky look to numbers 0 and 1.

number 100: “ So you two are my predecessors huh? well I at least say that you won't take up Much space.”

number one looked annoyed at number one hundred: “ and what's that supposed to mean!”

number one hundred again looked cocky at him: “ come on number one you're so small and tiny you're practically a shrimp. In fact I'll call you that from now on. Shrimp.”

number one’s boiler pressure began shooting up again in Anger.

Number one: “ just because you're bigger than US doesn't mean you're better than us!”

number 100 smirked: “ we'll see about that tomorrow when I pull my very first train without any problems. now if you don't mind an important engine needs to get his rest.”

number one wanted to say something more but number 0 stopped him.

number zero: “He isn't worth it number one. Let's go to sleep and see what happens tomorrow.”

number one Angrily agreed.

The next day number 100 was put at the front of a goods train bound for the yards a few miles up the line. It wasn't a long journey nor a challenging train but number one hundred made a big deal out of it as he passed his predecessors.

number one hundred smugly: “ look at me now old timers. soon they Won't will need you anymore.”

Both number one and number zero didn't say anything. They just went back to work shunting the coaches ready to be used for the bigger engines.

an hour and a half later The Station Master came walking up to the both of them after they had just pushed an extra long express train.

Station Master: “ numbers 0 and 1 I need you for a rescue mission.”

The two of them looked curious as the Station Master continued.

Station master: “ number 100 has stalled a couple of miles up the line. He nearly ran out of water and won't make it to the next Water Tower. Can the two of you get him and his train there? He should be able to make the rest of the journey by himself.”

number one and zero were delighted! and immediately jumped to the rescue.

They then saw number 100 stuck on the line waiting to be rescued.

The two of them didn't say anything as they pushed him all the way to the next Water Tower and then went back to Brighton.

Later that evening the two of them had cheeky looks as number one hundred back down into the sheds.

number one: “ well well so much for being better than us. you seriously ran out of water before you reached the next Water Tower? how can that even happen?”

number one hundred looking frustrated and embarrassed: “I must have had a leaky tank, nothing more!”

number 0: “ really? That's weird. Neither me or number one here have problems with a leaky tank. So how do you have a problem with a leaky tank?”

number one hundred looking Furious as all the other engines in the sheds began chuckling at the two smaller engines Teasing their bigger counterpart.

number one hundred with a fury in his voice: “ you can laugh now but I bet the rest of the class will be amazing and we will out shine you two to the point nobody will even remember you!”

Unfortunately he was proven wrong.

Over the next couple of months and into the next year More of their brothers were built and officially designated as e2's. But numbers one and two were designated as e2p meaning E2 prototype.

but the regular production e2's have many problems! They poor ride quality, their tanks can't hold much fuel and their brakes weren't all that good. They were useless as passenger engines and freight engines as they could barely go above a walking pace without reaching zero in the boiler.

They also didn't have enough fuel capacity so they didn't have a very large range. they were too long for some sidings meaning that shunting capabilities were also very hampered.

One of them had even struck a power line causing Sparks to fly everywhere! luckily the engine number 103 Who had named himself Spartacus now had the nickname Sparky which he greatly enjoys.

Most of the e2's were very arrogant except for Sparky. and even though numbers 1 and 0 continue to outshine them in every single aspect the railway board was not willing to build any more of their Prototypes .

one day numbers one and zero We're talking to frigidus before he was about to leave for an Express run.

number one: “ well we gave them a chance but apparently the production models of the E2 aren't as good as the prototypes. at least Sparky is a pretty nice guy.”

number zero: “definitely and I hope somebody finds a use for at least him.”

Frigidus: “ I'm sure somebody is out there that would love to have an engine like him. He at least has a sense of humor unlike the rest of your siblings.”

number one: “ well not everybody can be like him. and anyway I think it's about time for you to leave frigidus. should I give you a push?”

frigidus with a cheeky smile: “ as long as you don't remain connected to my train or I will drag you all the way back to London.”

The 3 of them began chuckling and laughing as Thomas got into position.

but as he got into position he overHeard something on the radio.

radio broadcast: “ repeat this day The 28th of July 1914 The Archduke Franz Ferdinand has been murdered! The people of Europe are now engaging in war!”

number one looked nervous as he pushed the train out of the station: “ this isn't good.”

He then looked at the sky hoping that the conflict wouldn't last very long. oh how wrong he was.

Thomas: “ But that's a story for tomorrow.”

Everybody Initially began groaning and shouting that they wanted to hear the story until the end and it was just getting good!

Thomas: “ Come on everybody it's getting late and I want to get some sleep. Even though the storm will last until the day after tomorrow I still want to be able to sleep tonight.”

Everybody agreed as Lawson went to sleep with Weiss and Aoihi.

All of the engines went to sleep really excited to hear the rest of the story.

To be continued in The tales of the North Western Railway: Thomas and Timothy's origins part 3 New siblings and a new home.

Chapter 21: Thomas and Timothy's origins part 3 New siblings and a new home.

The next day everybody woke up to see that the storm was still very much going on.

Henry: “ man it's still going. I hope the forest will be okay.”

Eleanor looked at her partner with a smile: “ Don't worry Henry. even if there are parts of it destroyed, we will help rebuild it again.”

Henry smiled at the reassurance from his partner.

Katie: “ this is one of the worst storms I've ever seen. and we worked in Scotland and the storms there can be pretty bad.”

Cardean Hummed in agreement: “ You're definitely right there Katie. I hope the Fat Controller isn't putting us on a job today. I don't want to go out there.”

At that moment they heard the telephone ring in the ShedMasters office and Aoihi was able to pick up the phone. After a few minutes he came out of The Office.

Aoihi looking at the engines: “ Well the railway will be shut until tomorrow. They predicted by then that the storm would pass. So we're all still stuck here until tomorrow.”

The engines looked relieved. The humans meanwhile began eating pancakes on the observation deck of Aoihi’s coach.

Meanwhile the engines looked expectantly towards Thomas and Timothy.

Timothy looked confused: “ Why are all of you looking at us like that?”

Hushy: “because we want to know the rest of your story! How did you guys get here?”

Gordon: “ and how did you get your names?”

Thomas chuckled: “Slow Down you two. We will continue with the story. But this next part will take place during 1915.”

Lady looked a bit confused: “ why start your story in 1915? The Last Story ended in 1914.”

Timothy: “ Well nothing really happened in between those years. so it makes more sense to tell the story from the points where the real interesting self happens.”

Edward: “ Well then can we get on with it I am quite curious to hear this myself.”

The two brothers looked at each other and began the Story Again.

Brighton 1915

The war had officially been going on for one full year and things did not look good. With some devastating losses at sea and with the war becoming a stalemate on the battlefields of Belgium things were not good.

Luckily the engines of all the railways in Britain worked together to supply trains for the war effort.

This included the London Brighton and South Coast railway engines.

numbers 1 and 0 would often have to take small consignments of goods from multiple places towards docks and other Industries.

Meanwhile the second batch of their brothers and sisters was being produced.

Only two of them have been produced so far. and both of them had complete opposite personalities.

number 106 named himself Hunter and was a complete narcissistic and egotistical engine. He fitted it with extended sight tanks because the board wanted Lawson to try and fix the production models. Unfortunately there was much he could do without doing another complete redesign. so the board recommended he just extend the side tanks to increase their fuel range.

Hunter was fitted with those tanks. He felt extremely important because of these tanks and that he was allowed to pull passenger trains… even though that didn't go very well due to his oscillation issues.

but still he was a complete and alternate narcissist! who only cared about himself.

number 105 on the other hand was very kind. He was given the name bilster and he looked very different from any other production model.

because when they were building him last June there was a sortage of materials to build a new engine. So Lawson was able to convince the board to build one more E2P engine since they took less materials to build and would be doable. this became bilster who was named after one of the workmen who sadly died during his construction. But he didn't let that keep him down.

bilster was a kind and hard-working Tank Engine.

unfortunately with all the extra e2's running around numbers 1 and 0 didn't have very much work to do despite them needing all of the engines.

They were often left at the back of the sheds because nobody wanted to use them or they were not needed. This went on for a while although they did get to go out now and again.

On one of these days they were at the goods facilities at Brighton. The lines for this good facility went right under The Workshops on a steep grade. The two of them were shunting alongside bilster.

number one in an annoyed tone: “ I mean we were left in the sheds for two weeks! Two weeks! they seriously didn't need extra engines for two weeks?”

numbers zero sounding equally annoyed: “ I know right! it's not fair that we're being treated like this! I mean there's a flipping war going on and they leave us behind while giving everybody else jobs!”

bilster gave a sympathetic look towards his brother's: “I understand that you guys are frustrated but at least be happy that you have worked to do now.”

number one lets out a sighfrom his cylinders: “I guess so. but still I would like to know why they don't want to use us?”

Unfortunately for them it had to do with the board. The board still wasn't happy that they had locomotives that look like toy trains. but they didn't know how to get rid of them. They were willing to keep bilster since he did prove to be a hardworking engine and since he was only just built and they paid for construction and figured they might as well get the most use out of him.

still they were trying to figure out how to get rid of their two prototypes.

One day they got a Visit which would change everything.

numbers 1 and 0 were once again shunting in the small goods yard when Lawson walked up.

The two prototypes are excited to see their designer again.

Number one with an excited tone in his voice: “ hello Lawson it's been a while. What brings you down here? Shouldn't you be up there in the Works?”

Lawson with an awkward expression on his face: “ well no. you see… I don't know how to tell you guys this but number one the board no longer wishes to keep you.”

number one looked mortified: “ what do you mean they no longer want to keep me!”

Lawson Shrugged: “ I'm sorry number one but they just don't see it in their “best interest” to keep you around. I tried convincing them that your performance has been exceptional even compared to some of our other tank engines but… well you know how people like them are. desk jockeys who just don't care about anything else. But fortunately we will not send you for scrap.”

number one looked confused as number zero came chuffing up to see what the commotion was about.

Lawson: “thanks to some of my… connections I was able to find a new home for you. It's on a small island on the west coast of the United Kingdom. They are currently building a new railway up there and they need an extra engine to help out. so I recommended you. they are still finishing up with the paperwork but you should be ready to go within about two weeks if everything goes all right.”

number one now has an excited look as did number zero.

number one: “ a whole new railway! that's amazing! I can't wait for the both of us to go there!”

number one looks towards his brother who looks equally excited. But their designer looked incredibly uncomfortable.

number zero raised his eyebrow: “ is something wrong Lawson?”

Lawson tried to find the words: “ number zero… you won't be going to the new railway.”

The two brothers looked absolutely shocked!

number zero: “ what! Why?”

Lawson: “ they could only afford to get one new engine and considering number one's extended side tanks he was the better option. I tried to convince them but they just don't have the money to afford to get you guys there. At least not the both of you.”

The brothers looked devastated. Lawson didn't have anything else to say and walked away realizing that his two prized prototypes were going to have some hard times coming up in the next two weeks.

and of course they did.

One day about five days after the announcement number zero was pushing some coaches into the station for a Troop train.

He wasn't paying attention and accidentally biffed the coaches into the buffers at the end of the station a little bit too hard.

The Station Master angrily walked up to him.

Station Master: “Look what you're doing, you clumsy engine!”

number zero looked a bit ashamed as he pulled the coaches back from the buffers so he could run around and push the train out of the station.

After pushing the troop train out of the station he went over to the Works to get some repaired wagons.

Box Hill was there too shunting a damaged engine into the works when he saw number zero coming over.

Box Hill: “ the wagons are in the Wheels and cylinders shop number zero.”

number zero didn't say anything as it slowly buffered up to the trucks a little bit harder than normal. The workman was giving them a final inspection before he could move so Box Hill decided to have a little conversation with him.

Box Hill: “ is everything alright number zero? I heard about your brother going away in a couple of days. How are you feeling about that?”

number zero giving a forced smile: “ I'm fine. The fact that my brother is going to live on a railway far away from me and my future on this railway is pretty much unsecure is perfectly fine. I am perfectly fine!”

Box Hill gave him a flat-faced look and numbers zero couldn't keep a smile up and confessed the truth.

number zero: “ nothing's all right. I just.. I don't think I have a future on this railway without my brother. We've worked together ever since we were built two years ago. it will be a big change and who knows if I'll even be around much longer.”

Box Hill raised his eyebrow: “ and what makes you think that?”

number zero: “ because I overheard some of the board members talking at the station and they were talking about how to get rid of me. They didn't think I was listening but I was. I really don't want to lose everything here. but there's nothing I can do. at this point I think they would use any excuse to get rid of me.”

Box Hill trying to lighten the mood: “ come on there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. you just have to go into the darkness to get there. and who knows maybe the other railway will want a second engine and you could be that second engine!”

but despite his efforts number Zero's mood didn't improve.

number zero: “ I appreciate you trying to cheer me up Box Hill but… ( let's out steam from his cylinders) I don't think anything is going to change my fate.”

He slowly pulled out the wagons and went back to shunting.

but unbeknownst to him two engines had overheard the conversation between the elderly Tank Engine and the newer Tank Engine.

Hunter and La France. The two of them didn't really like number 1 and 0. Hunter didn't like that the two engines were constantly trying to boss him around and tell him what to do. At least that's how he interpreted what they were doing. In fact they were trying to teach him to treat the coaches and trucks better and not just throw them around.

la France still didn't forgive that sausage comment when they were first in the sheds together.

Hunter With a devilish smile: “ well if the board wants to get rid of him then we might as well do them a favor and help them get rid of him. Wouldn't you say that's a good idea La France?”

la France also with a devilish smile: “ I definitely think that would be a good idea. and who knows they might end up scrapping him if nobody else wants him. Either way the both of them will be out of our way permanently!”

The two of them quickly made a plan to be carried out when they were next together in the yards.

One week after the announcement that number one would be going to the new railway Timothy was having trouble making up Steam. His fire went out and they couldn't generate enough heat to produce steam.

It was nearly time for an important passenger train to depart the station.

Unfortunately, number 1 had to pull a small goods train and wouldn't be available to do it.

number zero: “ why is it so difficult to make steam today.”

Driver: “ I don't know boy but if this keeps up the train will be delayed. No way La France can get his own coaches.”

Hunter smiled towards his elder brother: “ I can handle it for you. I got a train to take within an hour and the train leaves before me. I will shunt his coaches onto the platform.”

before number zero could say anything Hunter went off. number zero definitely knew something was up. Hunter had never offered to help him before.

Hunter grabbed the coaches so he could put his and La France’s Plan intermotion. The plan was to create an accident big enough and important enough that number zero would be blamed for.

Hunter was quickly shunting the coaches over towards the station. a little too quickly!

as he was passing over the bridge that went over the road one of the coaches jumped the tracks because the signal man put the points right. Hunter didn't stop and actually pushed the other coaches forwards!

They then jumped the other tracks and began blocking Multiple tracks! Only when he couldn't push the coaches any further did Hunter stop and quickly go away.

number zero by this point had fired up and could see the damage done by Hunter!

but before he could say anything The Station Master came running up to him and looking completely red faced with anger.

Station Master: “ use stupid engine! I told you to be careful and look at what you've just done! It's going to take hours to clear this up and we've got trains that need to go in and out! This has caused massive delays! I hope you're proud of yourself!”

Number 0 didn't know what to say. He knew he didn't do anything and tried to tell this to the station master. but the Station Master wasn't interested.

Station Master: “you are assigned to pilot Dutys today and nobody else left the sheds! and thank to you we won't be running any more trains out of here until this is cleared up! so everybody else is stuck here as well!”

As the Station Master began walking away number zero he could hear the groaning coming from behind him as well as some of his fellow engines giving him disapproving stairs.

It took the entire day to get the coaches removed. especially since some of them somehow found their way dangling over the road and needed to be secured before they could lift them.

This caused a massive delay and the board had had enough!

Edward Ponsonby With an angry tone: “ we need to get rid of that engine immediately! he has caused an enormous delay and the army is breathing down my neck to come up with an explanation!”

the rest of the board agreed except for Lawson.

Lawson: “ Mr Chairman I agree that the delays yesterday were very… bad but just throwing the blame onto number 0 won't change anything. Plus we don't have much information at the moment and the investigation is still ongoing. so I suggest we just give number zero a chance to redeem himself.”

but none of the board were interested in giving number zero a chance.

Edward Ponsonby in an annoyed tone: “ Mr Billington I understand that engine holds sentiment of value because it's one of your price prototypes. but we cannot afford to have such a reckless and quite frankly toy-like engine on our railway causing these kinds of disturbances.”

Lawson looked confused: “ What kind of disturbances? He's only had one accident. just one. we're going to turn our backs on one of our own engines just because he caused one accident?”

Edward Ponsonby: “One accident is too many! especially one of this magnitude. I don't care how you get rid of him but you just have to get rid of him!”

Lawson first wanted to protest but then realized he had an idea. but he wanted to make sure that the board wouldn't interfere.

Lawson: “ So I am allowed to get rid of the engine in any way I choose?”

Edward Ponsonby annoyed at his question: “ yes you can get rid of him as long as it doesn't cost me any more money! I don't care if you scrap him or just turn him into a stationary boiler. Just. get. Rid. of. Him! And that's final!”

Lawson was smiling internally as he had a plan op his sleeve.

After the board meeting was over he immediately went to the telephone.

Lawson: “ hello… yes it's me… I was wondering if you could use an extra engine… yeah I know you already bought one of ours but I was wondering if you needed an extra engine on top of that… Well, money won't be an issue. you see we've got this very useful engine that the board wants to get rid of…. no no it's not for bad behavior. They just want to get rid of him for their own personal reasons. and you don't have to worry about spare parts. He is the exact same model as the one you've already bought. they just don't have the extended side tanks as I've described…. yes he is very useful even if he doesn't have the same fuel range…. well we can send him alongside the one you've already ordered and it won't cost you an extra penny…. you will? Thank you! we will send them next week!”

He then hung up the phone and excitedly went to sleep. by the next day number one and zero were once again working in the small goods yard.

It had been 5 days since the incident and neither brother spoke about it.

Both of them knew that this was a sore subject for number zero which he didn't want to remember.

especially since every other engine besides frigidus, billster and Box Hill kept blaming him for keeping them cooped up in the sheds all day.

number zero looked over towards his brother. He also knew that his brother would be leaving within two days. so he wanted to at least give them some good final memories together.

number 0 puffed next to his brother: “ hey number one. Remember you're going to your new railway within two days. Are you excited?”

number one with a somber look in his eyes: “ I am but… I'm also afraid that I will never see you again. and I'm worried about what's going to happen to you when you're here alone. I definitely don't want you to suffer at the hands of those engines that are angry at you. Especially after Hunter caused that accident!”

The two brothers immediately realized that Hunter was responsible for everything not number zero. but unfortunately neither of them could prove it so they just decided to leave it.

At that moment they noticed Lawson coming up to them with a big smile on his face.

number zero: “ hello Lawson. you look happy today. Did you change something in your coffee?”

Lawson with a big smile: “ well I did have six cubes in my coffee rather than two but that's not why I'm so happy!”

number one raised his eyebrow: “ so why are you so happy then?”

Lawson with a big smile: “number one you do realize you're going to your new railway within two days right?”

number one looked a bit sad being reminded of that again.

number one: “ yes Lawson. I remember.”

Lawson while still smiling: “ and you also know that number 0 wasn't originally going to join you right?”

Both brothers now looked confused at the mention of “originally” in his sentence.

number zero: “ what do you mean sir?”

Lawson looked towards number 0 with a smile: “ the board is holding me after your little accidents to get rid of you in any way possible. so we're basically giving you to the same railway company that number one is being sold to for absolutely nothing!”

Both the engines looked extremely shocked!

Number zero almost being overfilled with joy: “are you serious Lawson!”

Lawson raised some paperwork up in the air: “ the board has already officialized your sale and are even offering to pay for the ship to take you! The both of you will be going to the new railway together!”

The two engines were extremely excited! Unfortunately Lawson couldn't stay because he had some paperwork to fill out in the office. but still he was so happy that the brothers would not be split up.

The night before they left the two of them alongside billster, Frigidus and Box Hill had one final chat together.

frigidus Chuckled: “ it's going to be weird not having you around. with all your cheeky antics you pulled back before the War happened.”

Box Hill chuckled as well: “ yeah like the time you put the Break coach of La France train in the center rather than at the back. That was hilarious!”

Billster: “ or that time you had to rescue Hunter for the 15th time and pretended you were going to leave him there after he insulted you! Now That was absolutely hilarious!”

The two brothers began laughing along with their friends. Much to the other engines' chagrin. especially La France and Hunter. The two of them had expected that number zero would have been sent for scrap not Center way to another railway.

Hunter growling: “This was not supposed to happen. He was supposed to have been sent for scrap not to another railway!”

La France Looking Furious: “ one of us should have gone instead of that… stupid little stumpy Tank Engines! at least Both of us would represent our railway the best.”

Hunter could only agree but there was nothing either of them could do without exposing that it was their idea to cause the accident.

unbeknownst to the two of them their conversation was overheard by practically almost every single engine in the sheds. None of them knew what said that they were the ones responsible for the accident but they did feel a little bit uneasy around them. Especially with the hateful aura coming from them.

One of the engines who overheard their conversation was frigidus. He was always suspicious of his brother and Hunter. But like the two e2p’s he had no proof so he decided to just leave it and enjoy the final conversation he had with his friends (if only he knew what we knew).

The next day the two of them made their way to Southampton to be loaded up onto a cargo ship.

luckily they had been able to say goodbye to their friends before they left.

The two of them were pretty scared on the ship. They weren't scared about being on board a ship but more of what was lurking outside of the ship and underneath the waters.

They have heard stories from soldiers about u-boats being around that area since it was their favorite Hunting Ground. and since the two of them were deep inside of the hull they couldn't see anything.

It was a tense day and a half. but fortunately they arrived unharmed at a place called Brendam.

as they were being unloaded 3 other tank engines came running up to them.

One of them had a 4-4-2 Atlantic Wheel arrangement like frigidus but instead of being a tender engine he was a maroon Tank Engine with a number three on him.

The second engine was a 0-4-4T With the same gold and maroon paint job as the other engine only having a number two on her.

The final one was a saddle tank 0-4-0 locomotive with a number one on his side.

The 3 of them gave them warm smiles.

Atlantic engine: “ you two must be the new engine's we have been hearing about. what are your names?”

number one: “we don't really have names. but I am number one and that's number 0.”

The Saddle tank raised his eyebrow: “ why would you give an engine the number 0?”

number 0 chuckling: “because when I was born it was precisely midnight. so that's where my number comes from. My brother was born an hour later so that's why he has the number one. By the way, what are your names?”

0-4-4T engine: “Yeah we forgot to introduce ourselves boys. well my name is Lily, former Wellsworth and Suddery Railway Number two. and these are my colleagues Adam and Colin. numbers 3 and 1 respectively.”

Adam smiled: “well with the pleasantries out of the way I think we should get you guys over to Tidmouth. The controller is waiting for you there.”

(I would like to make note that the characters of Colin Adam and Lily belonged to Wildnorwester. Please check out his YouTube channel and deviantART page if you're interested to see what he does)

Adam and Lily buffered up to numbers one and zero and dragged them all the way to Tidmouth.

The two brothers looked at the luscious landscape around them. they had never been to an island this beautiful before. They could not believe that they were now living here.

Soon they arrived at Tidmouth.

along the way their fires had been lit so they would be able to work as soon as they arrived at Tidmouth.

The two of them looked at the still under construction station. it wasn't very grand like Brighton was but still it looked decent enough.

At that moment a well-dressed gentleman came up to them with a smile on his face.

Adam and Lily had already departed to continue their work. but did wish them good luck.

well dressed gentleman: “ it's nice to see that my new acquisitions have arrived safely. my name is Topham hatt but you may call me sir.”

number one and number 0: “okay sir.”

Topham hatt: “That's good. What are your names?”

number one: “ we don't really have names sir. we just go by number one and number 0.”

Topham hatt looked a bit confused at this but allowed it.

Topham hatt: “Very well then. after the both of you are ready to go report to ellesbridge. there is a train of stone coming from the branch line and I need you to take it to the construction site just passed balladrine Station. We are still extending the line to kellsthorpe road but we'll need the extra stone as ballast. Do the two of you think you can do that?”

numbers 1 and 0 in an excited tone: “ sir yes sir!”

Topham had with a smile: “ now that's what I love to hear. carry on!”

He then walked away and numbers one and zero made their way to the station called Elsbridge.

It took them a few minutes to get there. but eventually they arrived but their stone train hadn't been delivered yet.

They waited for a few minutes and then they heard the puffing of two engines coming from down the branch line.

but when they arrived Thomas and Timothy looked completely surprised!

They were both 0-6-0 tank engines that looked like them! at least one of them looked like them in terms of style and the other one looked like them in terms of size.

The four engines looked at each other in confusion.

Then the two arrivals spoke up as the smaller engine (who was leading) gently puffed next to her bigger friend.

Big Tank Engine: “ well this is surprising. you two must be the new engines. What are your names?”

number zero: “we don't really have names. we go by number 0 and number one. and before you ask, it's a long story and I don't want to repeat myself.”

the little tank engine hummed in understanding.

little Tank Engine: “well it's good to have you here. but where are my manners. My name is Tanya and this is my partner Howard. we help out on the branch line to Ffarquhar.”

Number one: “well it's nice to meet you Howard and Tanya.”

Howard was looking at them with curiosity: “it's a pleasure to meet the both of you as well…”

The two new tank engines looked a bit unsettled by his looks.

number zero: “ did we do something wrong?”

Howard looked apologetic now: “ no it's just… the two of you look slightly familiar for some reason… Where were the two of you built? and what type of design are you”

number one: “Well we are technically a hybrid engine Built from two different engine designs. According to what we were told one of them was a TK&E class one and a SECR Class P And we were both built at Brighton. The reason we are hybrids is because the wrong parts were accidentally shipped over and that's why we are hybrid engines. mind you we do work better than our production variations which are much bigger than us. But still we… are…”

number one shot his mouth when he realized the shocked expressions on Howard and Tanya's faces!

number one looking a bit nervous: “ did I say something wrong?”

Howard and Tanya still didn't reply.

Howard: “ it can't be… can it?”

number zero: “ can what? Why are the two of you so shocked about our class?”

Howard: “because I am the TK & E class 1.”

Tanya: “and I am the SECR class P which your parts came from!”

number one and number zero now looked completely shocked as well! the engines of which their parts came from were sitting right next to them!

number one: “ whoa… this is heavy…”

number zero: “ So are parts came from the two of you?”

Tanya chuckled nervously: “ apparently… no wonder my parts were missing when I went in for maintenance.”

Number one: “ So does that technically make you our parents? You know how kids are made with humans?”

Howard: “ I guess so? still it's quite weird to have engines that were based on my design be here. but I am thankful that I got to meet you. Anyway, as much as this has been fun I think we should get back to work. The two of you need to take this stone train after all. afterwards you can come to Tidmouth sheds and you can meet the other engines.”

The two brothers did so and went off with the stone. They worked together for the rest of the day and until the sun went down.

By the time they returned to the sheds they noticed Howard and Tanya sitting inside alongside Adam, Colin and Lily and a fourth engine.

The fourth engine introduced herself in a pompous and arrogant tone.

forth engine: “ well you two must be the new engines I've heard about. I am Tara. the new North Western Railway Express engine and the former Express engine of the W&S. you should feel honored to be in my presence.”

number one gave his brother a cheeky look before replying: “ yes it is a great honor to be in your presence. but you don't really look like an Express engine. You're too small.”

Tara looked taken aback: “ how dare you say that to me! I am the biggest engine we have here!”

number zero quickly picked up what his brother was doing and followed up.

number 0: “ not compared to The Atlantics back on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. They could race circles around you.”

Before Tara could reply, Tanya spoke up .

Tanya: “ And let's not forget that I am technically an Express engine as well. But I only served the TK&E.”

Tara didn't say anything and Grumpily went deeper into the sheds.

the engines began laughing. it was definitely clear where the two of them got their cheekiness from.

Tanya: “ Well the two of you will definitely not let the bigger engines around here push you around.”

number zero: “ well there were plenty of big engines trying to push us around back at Brighton. so we did have a few friends. It was sad that we had to leave them behind but we do hope we can see them again. and we promised to keep in contact. We do miss them.”

Howard: “ and I'm certain they miss you too number 0…. man that is still so weird to say. the two of you should really get names. Practically every engine on this Island has a name.”

Tanya excitedly: “ That would be a great idea! Do the two of you have any names in mind?”

number one thought for a moment but couldn't come up with anything.

number one: “ nothing is springing to mind. but anyway we can leave the names for later. I kind of want to know what this branch line and Ffarquhar I like.”

Howard chuckled: “ it's not really much. plus it's currently being run by a small fleet of coffee pots.

They are vertical boiler engines but virtually work the same as us normal steam locomotives.

Ffarquhar itself has quite an interesting history. The name of the station is actually pronounced as Farker But everybody calls it Ffarquar. The story behind the town's founding is actually pretty interesting.

According to The history books It was founded by the brothers Sir Thomas Farker and sir Timothy Farker. It was said that they were incredibly powerful swordsmen. But despite being brothers they did wear different outfits. Thomas's outfits were mostly a bright blue and he wielded two swords.

His brother on the other hand only wielded a single sword and had a silver color scheme. The two of them did argue from time to time but despite that they stuck together to the end. They even founded the town and the people named it in their honor.

and although they have long passed, people still remember them. not only for their heroics but for their cheekiness. They loved playing pranks on the people of their town. kind of like you two.”

The two tank engines began laughing as it was true that they did like pulling a prank or two back at Brighton now and again. That's when Tanya suddenly had an idea!

Tanya: “ how about we name you two after them? I mean you do have similar personalities.”

number one and number zero thought about it for a minute. They didn't really think they were worthy of being named after such great figures. but on the other hand it would be great to finally have names.

The two of them then gave a hum of agreement.

Howard: “ okay then. we'll name you an order of birth. sir Timothy Farker was the older brother so number zero will name you after him.”

Tanya: “ And that leaves you number one as Sir Thomas Farker!”

The two tank engines are extremely happy with their new names.

Sir Thomas Farker looked over towards his brother: “ So what do you say Timothy? want to keep these names?”

Timothy with a smile: “ definitely. although we might want to drop the sir parts and the last name and just go with Thomas and Timothy. I think that will suit us much better.”

Thomas Chuckled: “ Thomas and Timothy? I like that!”

back in the Present

Thomas: “ and a few weeks later we were brought to the paint shops to get repainted and become the official first engines of the North Western Railway. but we did request that we keep our original numbers since they did hold sentimental value. The fat director at the time thought it was a bit weird but let us keep them.”

Timothy: “ and we were even allowed to choose our own paint colors. so we decided to choose the paint colors of our namesakes. and we've been like this ever since.”

all the engines and the 3 humans looked in awe at their story.

Then Lady spoke up: “ Wait wait, you're named after Sir Thomas?”

Thomas looked a bit confused: “ yeah what about it?”

Lady: “ I was named after lady Petra Allcroft! The woman that would eventually marry him!”

Amelia: “ and I was named after the great Scottish warrior Queen Who pretty much single-handedly almost Conquered The Island only to stop in exchange for women to be treated equally: Amelia Macintosh who would eventually marry sir Timothy…”

The four engines looked surprised at this realization. Then Thomas gave a small chuckle.

Thomas: “ Well then you could say that the four of us were meant to be together…”

The other engines agreed to that.

Lady: “ Well… that was an incredible story Thomas.”

Tanya with a cheeky smile: “ yes it appears that my little TomTom still has some surprises in store for all of us.”

Everybody began laughing at the nickname making Thomas in barrassed.

Thomas: “ Tanya I told you not to use that nickname in public.”

Timothy: “ the same with mine!”

Tanya, still looking cheeky: “Come on Tim Tim don't be so embarrassed.”

Both the E2P’s went red with embarrassment.

Gordon after finally containing his giggles spoke up.

Gordon: “ That was quite the interesting story Thomas. But do you have another story for us? I mean you're on a roll so keep the ball rolling.”

Thomas began thinking for a moment.

Thomas: “ sorry but I don't think I got another story right now. or at least one that I can remember besides… oh! yeah besides the story of how me annie and clarabel We're fighting when we were first working together.”

Everybody now once again looked in interest at the Blue Tank Engine.

but I won't say any more or else I will spoil the next story.

The tales of the North Western Railway: Thomas and Timothy's origins part 4 Troublesome coaches.

Chapter 22: Thomas and Timothy's origins part 4 Troublesome coaches.

It was 2 weeks after James's accident in the cow field. Thomas and Timothy had come to the rescue and for their heroics they were awarded their own branch line. but the fat director told them that they needed to first learn how to operate on branch lines and thus he sent them to the Brandam branch to work alongside Adam, Collin and Lily to understand how branchline operations worked.

But the two of them would be given their own coaches!

The two of them were eagerly waiting in Knapford yards for their coaches.

the yards and the harbor at knappford were brand new after having been completed when the Great War came to an end.

Thomas: “ I am so excited to have our own coaches! I wonder what they will be like?”

Timothy: “ I don't know brother but I really hope I get along with mine. I mean I do prefer pulling trucks over pulling coaches but you know it is nice having my own coaches.”

At that moment they heard the familiar whistle of Edward coming into the yard pulling a set of four coaches.

One set of them was painted green with cream But the other two were completely Orange.

the fat director stepped out of the cab alongside a very familiar face.

Thomas/Timothy: “ Lawson! what are you doing here?”

indeed it was Lawson Billington that stepped out of the cab alongside the fat director.

Lawson smiled at the site of his two prototypes: “ well number one, number zero it's been a while. how have the two of you been?”

Thomas excitedly: “ we have been doing great Lawson. but we have names now. my name is Thomas and number 0 is now named Timothy.”

Timothy: “ hello.”

Lawson began chuckling: “ Well then. That's great to hear. Anyway, the reason I am here is because of your new coaches.”

Thomas: “ And why is that?”

Lawson: “ Because these are push pull coaches Thomas. That means that your driver can control you from the cab in one of your coaches. This means you no longer have to run around your train. you can just let your driver get into the coaches cab and let them drive you from there. I did base the system on some of the great westerns plans but Made my own personal modifications.”

Timothy: “ That sounds amazing! but I've heard about the systems too. don't we need some special equipment to operate them?”

Lawson: “ yes but you too have been fitted out with it from the start. I had always planned for you to run with auto/push pull coaches. But the board never allowed me to build the coaches that would go along with your system. heck none of your brothers and sisters have it. not even billster who is based on your plans. But fortunately the fat director here was more than willing to fund the construction of these coaches.”

Both the brothers looked over to the fat director with appreciative smiles.

Lawson: “ Okay now as for which coaches Are For Whom: Timothy you will be paired up with Anise and Claudia And Thomas you will be paired up with Annie and clarabel.”

The two brothers hummed in acknowledgement and when to connect up to their respective coaches.

It was a bit weird at first as their special linkages were engaged. but after a while they got used to it.

They made their way towards Wellsworth with their coaches.

Lily was waiting inside of the goods yard with a small train from the docks.

Lily: “Ah, the two of you have finally arrived. and I see you have your coaches with you. Great!”

Thomas: “ We are ready to roll! Which one of us will be going out first and where will we be going?”

Lily: “ there are two trains that need to go out. One of them will go to brendam docks and the other one will be going back to knapford. Timothy you can take the train down to the docks and Thomas you can go back to knapford. and before you ask the fat director already informed me about the push pole capabilities of your coaches. so don't worry, I think this will be a perfect time for you to test them .”

Thomas and Timothy hummed and took their positions. Both of them were sitting on opposite sides of the station facing the same way. but as their guards blew their whistles Thomas was going backwards and Timothy was going forwards.

As Timothy began traveling down the line he decided to have a conversation with his coaches.

Timothy: “ So you two are Anise and Claudia. Pretty names. Are you fresh out of the Works?”

Anise Nervously replied: “ We are fresh out of the Works Mr Timothy. we are both hoping to do a good job isn't that right Claudia?”

Claudia is also pretty nervous: “ that's right Mr Timothy. we really want to do a good job!”

Timothy began chuckling at their nervousness and their sincerity.

Timothy: “ That's good to hear. also there is no point in calling me Mr Timothy. we're working together as equal partners here. so you can just call me Timothy.”

The two coaches hummed in agreement as they arrived at their first stop at Lower Suddery. They were a little bit early so they could relax as they were waiting on the platform.

After a few minutes they had to depart. but as Timothy was just beginning to move Claudia activates her breaks!

Timothy in a concerned tone: “ is everything okay you two? Why did you activate your brakes?”

Claudia: “There's an elderly couple coming to take the train. The man fell so I didn't want him to miss his train. I'm sorry Timothy.”

Timothy smiled as he looked back on the platform to see the elderly couple trying to get closer to the train. He then slowly backed up so they would have easier access.

The elderly couple got on board and Timothy set off again. After making one more stop at Upper Brendam They arrived right on time at Brendam station.

The station was next to the ferry docks so people could catch their ferry.

The elderly couple came up to Timothy with big smiles on their faces.

Elderly man: “ thank you for stopping for us. we are sorry for any delays it might have caused.”

Timothy smiled: “ don't worry sir I made up for all the lost time on route. also you have to thank my coaches for stopping me. all I did was back into the station so you could get easier access to my coaches.”

the elderly woman smiled at Anise and Claudia: “Thank you both. You truly are wonderful coaches. Thanks to the both of you we can see our grandchildren in Ireland now. bless your souls.”

Anise and Claudia looked extremely humbled. They felt incredibly happy at the response of their very first passengers.

after that they began running the service going all the way back to knappford from Brendam.

Meanwhile Thomas wasn't having as much luck with his coaches.

The two of them were complaining all the way as they made their way to knapford.

they complained that Thomas was pushing them too hard or that he wasn't pushing hard enough. that he was bumping them backwards and forwards and that he was whistling too loud. they complained about anything and everything they could complain about!

Thomas didn't want to lose his patience with them. He realized that they were still young coaches fresh out of the Workshops so it might be just their inexperienced talking or something like that.

plus he hoped that the journey down the branch line would be a lot more peaceful than the journey on the main line. boy was he wrong.

Annie looked disgusted: “why are we traveling down the branch line? we should be traveling down the main line.”

Clarabel agreed with her: “Indeed. we are far too great to be working down a dirty branch line.”

Thomas let out a grown but continued on his way.

Thomas: “ We are working on a branch line because that's the route we're supposed to be traveling. Besides, look on the bright side. It's a sunny day, The tracks are dry and were a little ahead of schedule. meaning we can take a longer break at the stations.”

but despite Thomas trying to make them see reason the two coaches did not like it and kept complaining about working on a dirty branch line.

they were especially complaining once they arrived at the docks.

Annie looked disgusted at all the machinery: “they really expect us to work around here? With all of this dirty machinery around here. it's absolutely disgusting!”

Clarabel smelled the fish from some of the fishing boats that had just arrived.

Clarabel With a disgusted look on her face: “ and this is definitely not a place worthy of Us! we should be working on the main line, not some dirty branch line!”

Thomas just ignored them as they went backwards down the branch line. At the end of the day Thomas and Timothy shunted their coaches into the coach sidings at the docks and went into the sheds with the W&S locomotives.

Adam: “ So how was your first day with your new coaches?”

Timothy with a smile: “ actually quite Pleasant. Anise and Claudia are very nice. On our very first run they stopped me to let an elderly couple get a board. We did lose a couple of minutes but I made up the time on route. They have very nice hearts.”

Thomas scoffed: “Well at least you had a better day than me.”

All the engines looked a bit confused, especially Timothy. he had never heard Thomas react to something he said like that before.

but before he could say anything Thomas let out a sighfrom his cylinders and gave his brother an apologetic look.

Thomas: “sorry Timothy. I didn't mean to sound mean to you. it's just… My coaches have been quite the handful.”

Lily looked a bit confused: “ What do you mean Thomas?”

Thomas groaned: “ they went on and on and on about how they didn't want to work on a quote “dirty branch line” and wanted to work on the main line!”

the former S&W engines were speechless!

Colin looking Furious: “how dare they say that about our home! I helped build these lines myself and I can tell you for certainty that every part of it is beautiful!”

Thomas: “ oh I know that but try convincing annie and clarabel! All they care about is getting onto the main line! That's it! they only talk to me about how they want to go on to the main line even when we're going down to knapford! Seriously, they're driving me nuts! and this is just the first day!”

Thomas let out a grown of frustration as well as steam from his cylinders.

Timothy felt bad for his brother. These coaches are meant for him and they're treating everything like a joke. branch line had their importance too. and if the story is he heard from frigidus and some of the other Express engines like remembrance where anything to go by mainline life wasn't for everyone. especially with the extreme fast-paced life compared to branch line work.

Lily then gave Thomas a reassuring smile: “ don't worry Thomas I am certain that things will calm down after a while.”

Thomas smiled thinking that she was right. it was his first day with them after all maybe things will improve once they get to know each other better….

oh how wrong he was.

Over the next couple of weeks Annie and clarabel kept complaining and complaining and complaining About being stuck on a branch line and not working on the main line!

Thomas was slowly losing his patience with the two of them! Sometimes in the mornings he deliberately gave them a rough buff if they began complaining again. he made sure he didn't do it when there were passengers on board but he began treating the trucks better than his own coaches.

One day he was shunting some trucks together at Wellsworth for a small freight train he had been assigned to when Timothy came into the station.

Timothy looking at his brother's grumpy face: “ Is everything okay Thomas? you seem… grumpier than usual?”

Thomas: “It's those two coaches again! They kept complaining all the way down to the docks and they wouldn't stop even when I told them that there was no point in complaining! Honestly, I'm reaching my limit with those two. even the trucks don't act as bad as them! and they push me down a hill!”

Timothy remembered that day when Thomas swapped jobs with Edward for a day and ended up Being a runaway.

Timothy looked sympathetically at his brother: “ I don't understand what you are going through Thomas but I hope we find a solution soon.”

Anise spoke up: “ us too. We are also sick of them complaining all the time about being stuck on a branch line! We've tried to tell them that they should be grateful to even have a job. I mean I've heard about many coaches that have been turned into holiday homes never to run again! and that might well happen to them if they don't improve And become really useful.”

Thomas now looked concerned for his brother's coaches: “ they are also complaining to the both of you? don't they have any decency?”

all of them began sighing as they went back to work. Thanks to the conversation Thomas's anger had gone down slightly. but it was replaced with disappointment. It had almost been a month since he got his new coaches and they haven't stopped complaining once. At some points they even gave him a biff when they grew Annoyed with him.

He really enjoyed the opportunity of pulling passengers without leaving the coaches behind. He just wished that he wasn't given such rotten coaches. He also hoped that maybe after a month they will finally get used to this.

Unfortunately once again they were wrong.

Annie and clarabel were becoming worse! They even bumped Thomas sometimes even when they had passengers Aboard .

Thomas had slowly grown sadder and sadder. his brother and the other engines tried cheering him up but he just couldn't smile.

Then one day it all came to a head. The branch line was having some track maintenance done meaning the engines had to go a little bit slower than usual due to the bumpy track conditions.

Thomas was aware of this and tried to be careful but he was once again forced to listen to the coaches complaining.

Annie: “ I mean seriously we should be flying on the main line not going at a snail's pace on a branch line! It's absolutely Disgraceful! we are bogey coaches and deserve to be treated like Express Coaches!”

clarabel: “Indeed. we don't deserve to be treated like Common stock!”

Thomas just ignored them and sadly continued on. They were stopped at lower suddery when one of the workmen came over to the station.

Workman: “ Sorry to bother you but we have some trucks you need to take down to the harbor. They are an urgent shipment and cannot afford to be delayed any longer. Normally Adam would have taken them but his train was already too heavy for him so he had to leave these behind. can you please take them?”

Thomas and his crew didn't see anything wrong with it. but Annie and clarabel were absolutely Furious with this!

Annie: “ they dare put trucks behind us! we are coaches to be respected not to be treated like Common stock!”

Clarabel hummed in agreement: “ I think we need to teach them a lesson about our standing on the railway!”

Annie agreed with her sister's idea: “we will do it when we come to the docks!”

The two of them remained quiet after that as Thomas arranged the trucks behind his coaches. Thomas thought that they had finally shut their mouths and we're going to come along quietly.

Unfortunately he didn't realize that they were planning something.

as they were traveling down the line they came to a particularly bumpy section that Timothy had told him about earlier. It was just before they entered the harbor. Unfortunately this is where Annie and clarabel did Their Trick.

they pushed into Thomas forcing him to go faster! The trucks on the other hand were surprised and tried to hold back. This Caused Thomas to hit the rough section Hard and then without warning to derail forcing the train to suddenly stop. The Passengers inside the coaches were flung around and some of them even landed on the floor.

Annie and clarabel along with the trucks were still on the Tracks. but Thomas lay dazed and surprised.

Unfortunately he was not given a moment to recover when the Passengers jumped out of the coaches and began walking up to Thomas yelling at him and his crew about their rough handling and that they were going to bring this up to the fat director and so on and so forth!

Thomas felt overwhelmed and didn't know what to do. so he did the only thing that felt right… he began crying. and not silently he was loudly crying for the first time in his life he just felt so sad that he didn't know what to do. The Passengers realized that they weren't helping the situation after Thomas began crying and respectfully began making their way towards the station under supervision of the guard.

the trucks who had seen everything now looked shokt! They may play a prank now and again but they never did anything like this.

The lead truck looked Clarabel in the face: “The two of you are horrible! look what you did to poor Thomas!”

Annie and clarabel didn't answer. they just didn't care what they did. They hoped that this would show that they didn't Belong on a branch line and we're going to be transferred to the main line.

unfortunately for them when the Fat Controller came to inspect the damage the trucks told him everything! The Guard riding with them in the brake van even confirmed that the trucks did not push Thomas but it was the coaches. The fat director had a thoughtful expression on his face as he then looked back at the coaches.

At this point Adam had come with the breakdown train To put Thomas back on the tracks.

The Fat Controller: “ Adam, once you're done with Thomas, bring those two coaches back to knapford. the Yardmaster will point you to where they will be stored.”

Adam just gave him a whistle and acknowledgement and began using the breakdown crane to lift Thomas back onto the tracks.

Fortunately there hadn't been much damage done and Thomas was only a bit shaken up. but he was still sniffling as Colin gently pulled him towards the sheds to rest for the rest of the day.

Meanwhile Adam was able to couple up to Annie and clarabel and Pulled them all the Way to knapford.

Once at Knapford the two coaches Expected to be pushed into the coaches siding to be used on a “proper train” as they called it so many times.

but instead they didn't even stay in the yards. They even went past the engine sheds (which look like the ones in the TV series mixed with the railway series) and went behind a small line that passed the sheds. They soon found themselves in an old yard. The tracks looked pretty overgrown but still in pretty good condition. They could see several other trucks and coaches sitting there.

After that Adam left them in the sidings and went back to work. For the rest of the day the two coaches just sat there. not moving and not being used on the main line. They didn't say anything. That was until the fat director came walking up with a very Stern expression on his face.

the fat director: “ what is wrong with you two!”

The coaches Didn't know what he was talking about. That was until he continued speaking.

the fat director: “ bumping your engine like that causing him to derail not only put yourself at risk but your passengers as well! What if the trucks didn't hold back? what if they smashed into you and crushed you?! honestly what were you thinking?!”

Annie with a snooty expression on her face: “We were showing him that we do not appreciate being treated like Common stock! we did not deserve to work on a branch line we deserve to work on the main line!”

Clarabel agreed with her sister's statement.

Unfortunately this was the wrong thing to say to the wrong person.

the fat director looked absolutely Furious at them!

the fat director: “ So this is what this has all been about?! the two of you not being allowed to work on the mainline and being stuck on branchline services! You two were specifically built for that work! and even if you weren't I am not going to put coaches Like You on the main line! and I'm also not tolerating coaches or engines that don't do as they are told!! We don't always get what we want in life! I wanted that my father didn't die during the war! but yet he did! you two want to work on the main line instead of a branch line? well I don't want you on the main line! and if you don't want to work on a branch line then tough luck! I am not reassigning you to the main line and I am definitely not allowing you two to operate any longer!”

The two coaches looked absolutely shocked at this!

Clarabel: “ you can't do this to us sir! We are bogey coaches! we are meant for the main line!”

the Fat Controller just turned around and began walking away: “ no you are coaches regardless if you have Bogies or not! you do the work you are assigned and that's it! and until you can realize that you will be staying here!”

Annie and clarabel were speechless as they watched the controller walk away.

Over the next month The two of them remained in the sidings. They were left there in all kinds of weather conditions. One time there was a fierce wind which almost broke some of their windows. another time there was a heavy rain and their roofs almost began leaking. they were in terrible shape as their paintwork also began fading away since they haven't been polished in a long long time.

to make matters even worse for them none of the coaches wanted to talk to them that were stored there. All of the coaches have been handled by Thomas before since he and Timothy were station pilots before getting their branch line. so none of them liked what they did to him!

even the trucks didn't want to speak to the two of them. Although they could cause mischief when unjustly treated they never did it when they were being treated justfully.

This went on and on and the two coaches still couldn't see where they went wrong. they still believed they were destined for the main line Not a filthy branch line as they kept saying.

That was until one day Adam shunted some coaches into the sidings next to Annie and clarabel. they weren't like the other coaches they had seen be pushed into the Sidings here from time to time.

They were painted cream and green like the Express Coaches but looked a lot older. in fact they had single axles instead of bogeys unlike the newer coaches.

There were five of them in total that Annie and clarabel could see.

One of them was a baggage coach, another one was a first class coach followed by two third class coaches and finally a third class Break coach.

all five of them gave Annie and clarabel curious looks. This surprised the two coaches. Normally other coaches would give them sneers. Why didn't they?

That's when the baggage coach spoke up: “ So the two of you are the improper coaches we have been Hearing about?”

The two orange coaches looked offended!

Annie: “ How dare you! We are proper coaches! we have bogeys!”

one of the third class coaches began chuckling after hearing this.

third class coach: “ you can't be serious? just because you have bogies doesn't mean you're better than anybody else.”

Clarabel huffed: “ well we are more suited to do our jobs than you old relics! We will soar down the main line faster than you will ever be able to go! especially since you can only run on branch Lines!”

There was a moment of silence… then the five coaches burst out laughing!

other third class coach: “ you seriously believe that we don't work on the main line? Just because we have single axles doesn't mean we can't work on the main line. besides, mainline life isn't exactly for everyone and isn't that much different from running on a branch line.”

first class coach: “in fact I actually prefer working on a branch line than a main line.”

The two orange coaches couldn't believe this. why would a coach not enjoy working on a mainline rather than a stinking branch line.

Annie: “why would you rather work on a branch line than the main line? don't you realize The Prestige of it!
The respect?! Working on the main line is more glorious than working on a branch line!”

the Break coach just rolled her eyes: “you guys really think so highly of the main line? it's not much different than running on a branch line. I mean you have to keep to an ever increasing time table without a moment to rest. you're constantly going so fast you feel your wheels are going to break off at one point. and the Passengers can be even ruder than on a branch line because they don't really care about how they get to their destination, they just want to get there. the main line is just a headache for everyone.”

Baggage coach: “ Besides, working on the branch line is more fulfilling than the main line.”

clarabel raised an eyebrow: “ and why is that?”

first class coach: “ because you really feel part of a community. you're not just delivering services that nobody appreciates. out there the pace is a lot slower and people enjoy a ride regardless if it's luxurious or not.”

Second third class coach: “ and there's much more out there than on the main line that you can see, feel and smell. It's much more beautiful to take the slower pace and really get to know the people around you. you will never get that chance on the main line. plus you have a big responsibility on a branch line that's even bigger than the main line. you are responsible for getting your passengers to their destination along with your engine. and your engine has an even greater responsibility than you. they have to serve those people and if they don't it might end up being bad for them and for the Railway.”

First third class coach: “there are places along those branch lines at the main line just doesn't reach. especially with those big engines. Who’s personally feels is little ( clears her throat) too fat for my liking. well except for Edward of course he's sweet.”

All of the coaches let out a sigh at the mention of Edward.

baggage coach: “ that 4-4-0 really knows how to handle coaches unlike those big engines. especially 98462 and 87546! I remember the one time some of our sisters got their couplings ripped off because they were treated so badly. I mean we may no longer be Express coaches but we still have a duty to treat our passengers well regardless of our job at the moment.”

Annie and clarabel didn't know what to say! That was until Annie finally spoke up.

Annie in a shocked voice: “ you five used to be expressed coaches!”

the baggage coach chuckled: “ yes we used to be. By the way my name is eda. introduce yourself girls!”

The first class coach spoke up: “My name is Amani. It's nice to finally meet you face to face.”

the first third class coach Who had a pair of glasses: “charity.”

The second third class coach Who had an eye patch to Annie and clarabel Shock: “ aila and before you ask I lost my eye during an incident back during the war before you two were built! and no I don't want to talk about it!”

Finally the Break coach: “and I'm Moody. We all used to be part of the Express long ago. but sadly after coaches like yourself came around we were no longer needed. Most of our brothers and sisters were sent to the scrap yard or reused for other things like garden sheds.”

Annie and claribel didn't know what to say about that . fortunately eda did.

Eda: “Listen and listen well you two. I understand that you girls want to work on the main line but trying to pretty much ruin the experience of a young Tank Engine eager to work will not get you there. you may get a shot of working on the main line if you prove yourself worthy on the branch Lines. but even then you have to understand you are just coaches like the rest of us. it's better you learn now than wait until it's too late and you have already turned into a garden shed or a hen house! Because believe me it will happen if the fat director doesn't think you two are still willing to do the work that you are told. and don't think he won't! many of our brothers and sisters thought the same thing and they're no longer around.”

The two bogey coaches remained silent as they didn't know what to say but realized they had a lot to think about.

A few days later the fat director came up to the pair. They had been left there for a month and two weeks and finally they were visited by him.

the fat director crossed his arms: “ now you two. Have you learned your lesson?”

The coaches didn't say anything but the looks in Their Eyes gave the Fat Controller his answer.

the fat director let out a sigh: “ I don't like it when I have to punish my coaches or my engines. but it's important to give you guys a lesson in discipline now rather than you learning it when there are passengers inside of you. I will give you a second chance but if you misbehave you'll be right back here and next time you're staying here for two whole months! is that understood?”

Annie and clarabel: “ yes sir.”

After that the Fat Controller walked away and Thomas came to pick them up.

Back in the present.

Thomas: “ it was pretty tense for a while but eventually the 3 of Us began working together as a team. and a good thing too I really didn't feel good taking timothy's coaches from him.”

Timothy: “ I told you back then and I'm telling you now Thomas I just think you deserve to have some good coaches after what you went through. besides at least you got some more practice in with your push pull equipment.”

Thomas chuckled: “ That's true. anyway after another month or so we finally took control of our branch line relieving Glynn from his duties. It was quite weird running on our own branch line for a while but we got used to it. and I befriended all of the people on that line. I mean Farmer McColl. He is really friendly. but you better not make him angry because the last person who did that was cursed out in his deep Scottish accent. and he will especially curse you out if you threaten his dog Katie.”

Katie perked up with excitement: “ hey me and the dog have the same name! What are the coincidences?”

Thomas chuckles: “ who knows. maybe there's an alligator out there named Thomas, maybe even a pig!”

all the engines and humans began laughing. They began exchanging more stories including some old history facts about sodor.

Like that the pass between croven's gate and vicarstown was named that because of a bloody battle that happened there centuries ago.

some of the other engines discovered that their names were also related to some of the Legendary knights of sodor.

But they eventually ran out of stories and went to sleep.

The next day things were rough. A lot of cleanup work had to be done. Henry and Eleanor hoped that the forest survived. James hoped that Winston was okay on his branch line. and lady and Regina were wondering about their friends up on the gold dust railway.

As they all Departed to begin the cleanup operations Gordon and hushy were requested to stay behind.

Gordon with a raised eyebrow: “what do you think this is about?”

Hushy then heard the doors opening to the sheds: “ I think we're about to find out.”

The Fat Controller entered the sheds but another well Dressed gentleman was walking with him.

Gordon: “ Good morning. sir, who is this man you've brought with you today?”

The Fat Controller looked a bit somber as he gestures over towards the man to his side.

the Fat Controller: “ this is Mr Brown. he is here to talk to you about… your designer.”

The two Express engines looked a bit confused until Mr Brown spoke.

Mr Brown: “ I am the lawyer in charge of Mr Gresley's Estate. so I'm here to inform you that you will finally receive your portion of his Estate.”

Both of the engines processed what he meant for a minute and then both of them immediately realized what he was talking about.

Gordon with some tears in his eyes: “ you mean… Nigel is…”

the Fat Controller: “ yes Gordon he is dead…”

to be continued

Chapter 23: passings and records

Notes:

Note: “ Listen to this if you want to imagine how the music was sand between sections (1) and (2):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61VYB08kBW0

And if you want to hear what music I would play at the end listen to this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3HvdBkJQxI

Both of the engines processed what he meant for a minute and then both of them immediately realized what he was talking about.

Gordon with some tears in his eyes: “ you mean… Nigel is…”

the Fat Controller: “ yes Gordon… he is dead…”

Both Gordon and hushy couldn't believe it. Their designer was gone… forever.

Mr Brown continued: “ he died back in 1941. but he didn't want anybody to tell you until the war was over so you could focus on the war effort. and that you would have the time to finally grieve in times of peace. I'm sorry I have to give you this news so late.”

Both Gordon and hushy didn't say anything which Mr Brown decided to take as a sign that he could continue.

Mr Brown: “ however he did leave some things behind for the two of you. including a letter that I have to read to you before you are told what you got in the will.”

Mr Brown pulled out a piece of paper and Began reading it: “ to Gordon and hushy in case you are hearing this that means I am dead.

I hope that the conflicts in Europe didn't end up in war and that you were able to hear this soon after my death. but if not then I am so sorry you had to wait for so long to hear about my death. I knew the two of you would be saddened and the war effort couldn't have that. but I do push you to grieve now that you have the time.

you're not gonna get over my death in a day or even in years. but please don't let my absence Make You Forget Who You Are. Gordon, you are my very first Pacific and the prototype for all my A class locomotives.

Thank you for proving to the board of the directors back on the GNR I was able to build the legends that would come after you. and Sodor Enterprise you might not have been a great success with your original boiler but you were always optimistic and a very energetic engine.

and I even heard you finally got a nickname: hushy. I think it's quite cute. and I hope both of you will make me proud by doing what is right by your railway. Goodbye.”

After Mr Brown stopped the two big Express engines took in deep breaths but still didn't say anything as Mr Brown Finally revealed what they would be getting in the will.

Mr Brown: “ Okay now let's proceed to what you guys get in the will. sodor enterprise you will actually be given new name plates.”

hushy Looked confused as some workman brought a crate which they placed two metal bars on top covered by a cloth.

and when they pulled the cloth away hushy saw two sets of name plates Reading “hushy Gresley”. this made her cry at the very thoughtful gift from her now deceased designer.

Mr Brown then turned towards Gordon: “ As for you Gordon you are given this.”

Mr brand gestured towards a new whistle! but it wasn't just any whistle. It was a new chime whistle!

Mr Brown: “this whistle was specially ordered for you Gordon. it has been fully tested and is ready to be applied to you. but there are two more things that your designer left for you.”

The two Express engines continued not to say anything as Mr Brown went on to explain what else had been left to them.

Mr Brown pulled out some other papers: “ this was actually something that happened before the war. Your controller placed an order for coaches similar to the ones used on the coronation and The Silver Jubilee. Those coaches have finally been finished and are being sent to the island right now. Sir Nigel Gresley Also placed an order with the timken roller bearing company for sets of custom-made roller bearings for the two of you and your coaches. the ones on the coaches have already been installed and the two of you just need to get the rest installed on you. That will be all. Do you have any questions?”

again the two of them didn't say anything and Mr Brown and the Fat Controller took this as their Q to leave.

Gordon and hushy did not know what to think at that moment. their designer was just… gone… he did leave them behind very Personal gifts that they would treasure for the rest of their lives. but still he was gone and he had been gone for years and they didn't know. It really hurt them.

Fortunately for them there were no trains to the mainland since the vicarstown rolling Bridge had taken some heavy damage during the storm and needed to be repaired before any trains could come and go off the island.

The two of them were noticeably more quiet than they had ever been. Both of them had been ordered to take Supply trains to the other Side Of the island to see how they could help.

Gordon made his way towards Henry's Forest to see if he could be any help there. When he arrived he saw a scene of devastation that resembled how he felt. many trees had been ripped from the hillside and it just looked so bad.

He didn't say anything as he helped take the logs down to the lumber yard for them to be sawed up into multiple pieces to be used for furniture, fence posts and the like.

Both he and hushy were the first engines back at Tidmouth sheds and remained quiet.

Soon the sheds filled up with other engines as they began talking about the storm damage.

Lady: “ you guys wouldn't believe the amount of damage done on the branch line. I mean the bridge over the river near Elsbridge looked like it was about to collapse. Fortunately I'm light enough so I and Percy were able to run over it safely but it will need quite substantial repairs before we can run any more trains. as if we weren't busy already with the stone deliveries for Knapford Harbor.”

Frigidus: “ not to mention the damage done on the line to Arlesburgh. I mean some of the Sea defenses We're going to need a lot of Stone. but how was the forest Henry?”

Henry let out a deep sigh from his cylinders: “ well it looks worse than it actually is. Many of the trees will have to be replanted but fortunately the Sodor Council is willing to help us on that. It is a shame what that Forest has been through. I mean it gets burned down and now it gets damaged by a storm. it's absolutely terrible.”

Everybody gave their tree loving friends sympathetic looks and words of encouragement.

but Edward noticed that Gordon and hushy We're unusually silent.

Edward: “ Is everything okay you two? The two of you have been silent ever since we arrived. Is there something wrong? Does it have anything to do with the reason the Fat Controller requested you stay behind?”

the two Express engines didn't say anything for a moment…

but then hushy spoke up.

Hushy: “ we are silent Edward because… we got some pretty bad news today?”

Thomas looked a bit concerned: “ are the two of you being retired?”

Gordon scoffed and snapped at him: “ we are not being retired Thomas! but something else.”

Thomas was taken aback and wisely remains quiet.

Tanya on the other hand: “ then what is wrong with you Gordon? Maybe we can help?”

Gordon lets off steam from his cylinders as he begins calming down: “ no you can't help me on this. it's something both me and hushy will have to process on our own.”

Iaspis Looked a bit concerned now: “ Gordon it's never good for anyone to process anything negative on their own. It's always good to tell the people or engines you care about. so please just tell us what's wrong with you two.”

Gordon looked at all of his friends and just decided to come clean.

Gordon: “ It's our designer Sir Nigel Gresley… he passed a few years ago. We weren't told because he didn't want us to grieve during a time of War. but now we just feel even sadder that he is gone and we weren't informed the year he died.”

Hushy: “He did leave us behind some very beautiful presence in his will but it will never replace him. at least I now got a new name. Hushy Gresley. and Gordon got himself a new whistle. but still… we never got to say goodbye…”

Everybody remained silent until Tara spoke up.

Tara: “ I understand how you feel. My designer James Stirling died before the end of the First World War. It was hard but eventually you'll be able to live with the pain of losing him. I'm not saying you should move on from him but just keep his memories alive okay?”

The two big Express engines considered her words and replied that she did have a point. it wouldn't be easy but they were definitely going to try and keep his memories alive.

a few weeks later the two of them were brought to croven’s gate to get their new roller bearings fitted. it it took them a couple of hours but eventually their old bearings were replaced with the new roller bearings on all of their axles including their Tenders.

they had to stay overnight as they were being steamed up. but they already felt a bit weird on their axles since they felt… lighter than usual.

The next day the two of them made their way towards Knapford breaking their new roller bearings in as they were doing so.

Gordon: “ I must admit this isn't bad. I mean I feel like I'm Riding a lot smoother than I'm used to. and my bearing's do feel a bit tingly but that's about all the complaints I have. What about you hushy?

Hushy gave a toot on her whistle in acknowledgement: “ they're very nice. I can't wait to see what they will do for Us at speed. also the new nameplate does look good on me. How is your whistle?”

Gordon gave a blast of his new chime whistle which had been installed near his smoke box. He still had his original whistle but his new whistle had just been attached as an extra one.

Gordon: “feels quite incredible especially with the amount of noise it makes. I now finally understand why Cardean and you like these whistles so much.”

Hushy Chuckled: “well it wasn't really a choice for me but I can understand why she would like them. Anyway, I'm looking forward to our new coaches. and I've also been thinking about something.”

Gordon raised his eyebrow as they stopped at the signal to let the Express hold by Cardean Pass. But they still had two minutes.

Gordon: “ And what exactly would that be?”

Husky: “ I've been thinking about a way that we can honor Nigel's memory. and I think you can agree that it will be fitting.”

She then explains her whole plan and by the time Cardean passed them and the two of them could continue, they were in an agreement.

When they arrived at Knapford yards they were directed towards the coach facilities. These were smaller facilities than the wagon and works department back at croven's Gate only able to do general maintenance but it was still a very important part of the Railway.

When they arrived Gordon looked completely shocked! These were coaches he had never seen before.

They looked to be a set of 11 passenger coaches but some of the bogies were underneath the point where the coaches met. Gordon didn't know what to think until hushy spoke up in excitement.

Hushy: “ articulated coaches! man I haven't seen these in a while.”

Gordon looked over curious at his fellow Express engine: “ what are articulated coaches? I've never heard of them.”

Hushy excitedly began explaining: “ articulated coaches are coaches where The Bogey is between the connection point of a pair of coaches. This reduces the amount of friction and thus allows us to hit higher speeds. The LNER first used these back in 1935 On the Silver Jubilee Express. They were also used on the LNER coronation train. only that one had a special observation wagon and these ones don't. These were also purposely streamlined to reduce air resistance. and I can't believe the two of us are now partnered up with them!”

At that point the fat controller walked up to the two of them with a smile.

the Fat Controller: “ I see the two of you are happy with your new coaches.”

Hushy: “Absolutely sir! I can't wait to run these guys in!”

the Fat Controller chuckled: “ don't worry about that they've already been run in before they arrived here. now I want to discuss something with the two of you.”

Gordon: “ And what would that be sir?”

the fact can controller: “ the sodor expressed to London has been quite popular and I have been requested to put on more trains. and with the two of you being my only corridor tender fitted locomotives the two of you are naturally my selection for the services.”

The two engines found this exciting but yet Gordon was a little worried as well.

Gordon: “ Sir, while I am very honored to pull this service, this will result in the same problem that started when I Began running the services to London in the first place. We don't have many Express engines to cover our duties while We are away. and even if the other engines try they have responsibilities elsewhere. especially with the harbor reconstruction.”

The Fat Controller began chuckling at Gordon's concern: “don't worry Gordon, I have already planned for that and have lined up two new engines.”

Hushy now raised her eyebrow: “Two new engines sir? isn't one extra engine enough?”

The Fat Controller obtains a more serious tone now to begin explaining his reasoning.

the Fat Controller: “ I understand that logically only having one extra Express engine would be more beneficial to us. as this new situation has clearly demonstrated it's always best to have a backup. Besides, the engine I was originally intending to buy won't be available until the end of 1952. So that led me to buy another engine. but fortunately this one was quite cheap since it needed an overhaul. I was also able to Pick up some extra passenger coaches so each of you will be able to run with your own train. Which reminds me Mr Brown forgot to mention there was one last item on the list that Nigel sent us.”

The two Express engines now looked curious as the Fat Controller had some workmen bring what looked like a set of headboards. but when they were placed on a crate in front of the two engines they were shocked and humbled at the same time.

the Fat Controller: “ this Gordon belongs to you.”

He showed a headboard which read “ the sodor shooting star”.

the Fat Controller then Gestured to the second headboard: “ and this one hushy is yours.”

husky’s headboard said “ the hushed Scotsman.”

Both of them felt extremely honored to have these custom headboards which now gave each of them a special train to poll.

the Fat Controller: “ now that both Of you have had your roller bearings installed we are planning a special little celebration of the new service. Gordon you'll be starting here from knapford and hushy you'll be starting from King's Cross. you will both leave at the same time and arrive at your expected destinations on your schedule times. hopefully to provide an excellent service. and don't worry about having to do this every day; the service only runs Monday to Friday for 3 weeks. allowing us to do proper maintenance on all of you. other any questions?”

Gordon and hushy looked at each other and hummed in acknowledgement.

Gordon: “Sir when is this new service going to be put into the time table?”

the fat controler: “ if everything goes all right within two months. we are still negotiating with the LMS and LNER.”

Gordon hummed in acknowledgement: “ understood sir. But do you think the LMS and the LNER would be more inclined to let us do these Services if we gave them a Demonstration of our power?”

the Fat Controller now you looked curious: “ and what exactly do you mean by that Gordon?”

The two Express engines smiled at each other and told the Fat Controller everything they had discussed on the way up.

The Fat Controller was intrigued at this idea and went away to make the arrangements.

one month later Gordon was sitting at knapford and hushy was sitting at King's Cross.

It was going to be a great day. It was a clear day with dry rails. the perfect day for the demonstration of the new service.

Gordon was attached to his lightweight train of articulated coaches.

Each of them had been named after one of the stations along the line and were painted in the same green and Cream livery as the regular Express Coaches.

their names were: Knapford, Tidmouth, Elsbridge ( which was a 3 coach set kitchen car/ restaurant) , maron And finally croven's Gate.

Hushy was also waiting In Kings Cross with her own set of coaches. She had also been repainted from the typical LNER blue into a beautiful Gray livery. her coaches had also been painted in gray and blue instead of the typical cream and green the Express Coaches were usually painted in.

Her coaches were named: Crosby, Wellsworth, barrow in furness (Also a restaurant / kitchencar set), cronk And finally Vickerstown.

Both of them were sitting at the platform waiting for the Fat Controller to finish his speech which was being broadcast to the mainland via radio. There was also a news crew ready to film The Runs on each end. The fat controller had said that there was a surprise along the way but didn't elaborate further.

and to add to the mystery everybody could see that Gordon and hushy technically had a 12 coach with them. but this one had one giant wheel and didn't look like it belonged on an express train. It only said dynamometer car.

The Fat Controller: “ now ladies and gentlemen of both sodor and The mainland. I would like to remind you that today is all about proving that my engines can handle these services. with the new sodor shooting star and the hushed scottsman running between Kings Cross and knapford will revolutionize connection between our great countries. Now without further ado I think it's about time we get this show on the road. isn't that right Gordon?”

Gordon only gave the public a blast of his brand new chime whistle as confirmation. all the important dignitaries that had arrived Boarded the first class coaches. and at exactly 8 pm both Gordon and hushy began puffing out of their respective stations. (1)

The roots they would be traveling on were very simple. Gordon would have to make his way to New Castle and just before the station they would be switched on to the LNER main line. hushy on the other hand would have to do the opposite of the run Gordon was making.

they would pass each other at one point but neither of the new witch.

all they knew was that this was going to be the greatest runs of their lives.

As soon as Gordon left sodor hushy was able to get out of London's suburbs.

That's when they finally put on their real Power!

the two of them began accelerating faster and faster! Gordon and hushy were making excellent time and both of them had reached 90 miles per hour when they both reached their 1 ⁄ 4 marker in their journey. but both of them knew this wasn't what they were here to do.

Soon both of them began accelerating even more! They began pushing themselves with some help from their drivers and firemen trying to coax as much speed out of them as possible.

The firemen of both engines furiously shoveled in the coal trying to build the strongest fire possible.

Soon the people in the dynamometer cars recorded a speed of 100 MPH for both engines. but even that wasn't enough.

Gordon in his mind: “ I didn't set out to break the Ton. I set out to prove that Sir Nigel Gresley’s workmanship will live on even though he has passed. so I won't be satisfied with a mere hundred!”

hushy was thinking the exact same thing and both engines accelerated even more!

Reaching 101MPH, An 102, an 104, an 108! The drivers couldn't believe how fast they were going and they were still increasing!

the two of them passed each other South of York.

The two Express engines whistled to each other as they blasted past. The scientists on board were amazed with the speed that was being achieved. Gordon was currently going 110 and hushy was going 120 miles per hour respectively!

scientists in Gordons dynamometer car: “ this is amazing! I've never recorded speeds this high from a non-streamlined engine before!”

another scientist only nodded as they continued to watch the speed rise.

further up the line the Flying Scotsman Express service pulled by Scott was put onto the slow line to let another express pass.

Scott was a bit annoyed: “ why are we put on the slow line? I mean I know we're still traveling 75MPH but still. why do we-”

Before he could continue Gordon blasted past him! He was so fast the only thing Scott could see was a blue Blur!

After he realized it was Gordon that past him he grew excited seeing his brother going at such a high speed!

Scott shouted after Gordon: “ I'll see you in London Gordon!”

Gordon didn't hear him as he was continuously pushing himself! he passed Peterborough and his driver And fireman gave him just that little extra push!

hushy‘s crew did the same Pushing her to Go even faster before they had to slow down for the speed limits on sodor.

After a while both engines arrived at their respective destinations hours after they had Departed.

Gordon arrived at Kings Cross exhausted. He looked at the clock and he realized he was over an hour early!

Gordon chuckled to himself: “Oh yes.”

(2)

At that point a scientist burst out from his dynamometer car excitedly dancing around with a piece of paper in his hand.

The driver and Fireman leaned out of the cab with confused looks on their faces as the scientist came up to them.

Driver: “ what's going on why are you so excited? I know we're over an hour early but that's still no reason to go this wild.”

the scientist still excited: “ you don't realize what you've just done right? you and your engine have just broken the world steam speed record for Non-streamlined steam locomotives at 115 miles an hour!”

Gordon and his crew were shocked! as was the fat controller and the important people that had joined them on this trip.

the Fat Controller: “ 115 Miles per hour! Are you absolutely sure about this?”

the scientist Nodded: “absolutely sir! your engine is now a world record holder! as the fastest non-streamlined steam engine in the world!”

The Fat Controller looked extremely proud of Gordon. Gordon himself still couldn't believe it. He wanted to achieve a high speed in memory of his designer. But he never wanted to break a world record! it still felt amazing!

At this point several reporters had overheard what had been said and began running up to the Fat Controller and Gordon in his crew asking them a million questions and taking a million photographs.

Gordon chuckled and began thinking: “ This is going to be front page news tomorrow.”

After the reporters were finally pushed away and his coaches had been pulled away he went to the sheds to have a nice long rest.

but about two hours later he was awoken by Scott backing down next to him.

Scott: “ Gordon I saw you on your run today! you were on fire! I barely could see you as you went past! you were like a blue Blur!”

Gordon only chuckled at his younger Brothers excitedness: “ Well I certainly felt like it. but I ended up doing a little bit more than just running fast Scott. you are currently looking at the world record holder for fastest non-streamlined Express passenger locomotive.”

Scotsman's jaw almost hit his running board when he heard that. He then immediately got stars in his eyes.

Scott: “ That's amazing! you really did your railway proud! and I'm certain Nigel would have loved to see that happen. well if he didn't die during the war.”

Gordon could sense sadness coming from his brother and decided to cheer him up a little bit.

Gordon: “ yes it is sad. but at least we will be able to carry on his Legacy of fine engineering. won't we Flying Scotsman?”

Scott could only laugh as the two brothers chatted until finally going to sleep.

The next day Gordon made his way back to sodor.

The Fat Controller Had some important news the next morning. Both the LMS and LNER were extremely impressed by their performance and would give them permission to run the new services. as long as they didn't expect special treatment every single time they did it.

Gordon was more than happy that both him and hushy were able to convince those two to allow them to run the services.

speaking of her hushy also achieved a record. although she wasn't the fastest engine in the world. She was at least the fastest engine on sodor at 124.8 miles per hour.

Gordon was very, very proud of his colleague.

When he arrived back at Knapford it was dark and the station was quiet. After his passengers disembarked he shunted his coaches into the proper Sidings and went back to Tidmouth sheds to rest. all the other engines were asleep.

Except for hushy who was looking up towards the Sky with pride.

hushy whispering: “ I hope he was looking down on us yesterday. because that was truly our finest hour.”

Gordon chuckled before replying as he also looked at the stars.

Gordon: “ you're right there. I hope we made you proud Nigel. rest in peace old friend.”

The two of them began sleeping but didn't notice what looked like the Spirit of a man they knew looking at them standing on the turntable with a smile before disappearing in flakes of light.

the end

Chapter 24: The silver Blur

It was a Beautiful Day on the island of sodor. It had been about three weeks since Gordon and hushy’s Record breaking runs.

things have been quiet after all the storm damage had been repaired. Knapford Harbor did suffer some damage but nothing new that they couldn't fix.

The engines were performing their regular duties.

Frigidus was taking a small goods train of repaired wagons from croven's Gate back to the yards.

he was happily chuffing along when suddenly a blur of silver passed him by at high speed!

Frigidus a bit shaken: “What in the name of Brighton was that!”

All along the main line People and engines were surprised to see the Silver blur passing them!

That was until it arrived at knabford.

Cardean Was sitting at the platform waiting to take her Express service down to vicarstown when a silver engine stopped just before the station.

she looked in amazement. This engine was indeed painted in a silvery color with Gray sides and bore a striking resemblance to hushy. only this engine didn't have a name plate or an extra Pony wheel Under its cab and was overall a little shorter.

It also had a dashing silver moustache.

The silver engine looked towards Cardean And smiled: “ hello there my name is Silverlink. I am the newest engine of the North Western Railway. Can you please tell me where I can leave my coaches and where I can refuel? It's been a long journey from Doncaster and I'm feeling a little bit low at the moment.”

Cardean was surprised at how plight the engine was so decided to answer his questions.

Cardean: “ you can leave them in the main yard behind the station. don't go straight through you'll end up at the harbor which is still under repair. you can leave them there and a shunter will put them away for you. There's also a depot where you can refuel on coal and water there as well. you can ask one of the workmen. and welcome to sodor.”

SilverLink with a brilliant smile: “ thank you miss. It will be a great honour to work with you. I hope we can get to know each other over the next week.”

SilverLink gently pulled away leaving Cardean a little bit swoon. she would never dream of betraying her partner but still he was definitely a very nice engine.

Silverlink proceeded to make his way to the yards and noticed the coach sidings. where coaches like his own were being maintained.

Silverlink noticed a Workman nearby and called him over.

Silverlink: “you there my good man can I leave my coaches here?”

the workman smiled at the engine: “ of course you can. I'll have Howard or Tanya shunt them into the coach sheds as soon as possible. say you're new around here aren't you? have never seen a locomotive like you before. well except for hushy.”

Silver Link chuckled: “ yes I am new around here. and as for my likeness too hushy well you could say ver cousins. and anyway where's the motivepower depot around here? I wish to refuel as soon as I can.”

the workman gestures down the line: “ just about half a mile of the line to your right. just in front of the sheds. There's a Turntable there as well. you should be able to turn around there.”

Silverlink hummed and set off to the depot.

As he arrived and turned around he noted how quaint everything looked compared to the hustle and bustle of the mainland's motivepower depots where engines were coming and going. there were barely any engines here being refueled besides himself.

Silver Link: “this is definitely not what I expected. I thought that the northwestern railway would be a bit more… busy.”

He said this as he ran under the coal Tower to get his tender Reloaded with coal.

“Normally we are a bit busy but today is a quiet day.”

Silverlink looks around to see a well-dressed Gentleman with a top hat walking over to him.

Silverlink smiled: “ ah you must be sir Topham hatt I assume?”

The Fat Controller chuckled: “ just sir will do Silverlink. I'm glad to see you made it here in one piece. and your coaches are presumably in the yards?”

Silverlink smiled as he moved towards the Water Tower to get his tender refilled with water: “ yes sir. I left them there and some Tank Engine named Howard or Tanya will most likely be handling them at this moment. I do hope they are careful with them; they've just been repainted and would be ashamed to damage the paintwork this soon. although I am not assuming that they're bad in their shunting capabilities. that would be incredibly rude of me especially if I haven't met them.”

the Fat Controller smiled: “ that's good to hear Silverlink. anyway if you wish you could go to Tidmouth sheds and rest after your long journey here.”

Silverlink looked a bit disappointed: “ I'm sorry sir but I would rather be working than resting. isn't there anything I can do?”

The Fat Controller then begins thinking: “ well most of our trains are covered for. So there is realistically nothing you can do-”

Before the fat controller could say anything a workman began running up to him.

workman out of breath: “ sir… we have a problem… Regina-Auream… Has broken down… nothing too serious but it will take hours to fix her… we needed an engine to cover… her local stopping train…”

the workman began leaning against a pole to get his breath back. The Fat Controller meanwhile smiled knowing he had the perfect engine for the job.

the Fat Controller: “ well Silverlink it appears there's an opening on our stopping service. it isn't a high speed Express but I think you should do quite well. plus it will allow you to get to know the other engines around here. but I suggest you don't use your proper Silver Jubilee coaches. we have some local coaches that should be good enough for the job.”

Silverlink gave him a toot on his whistle and immediately went to the yards to collect the coaches he would need.

When he arrived he began looking for the coaches available in the sidings.

Silverlink: “ Now which of these are for the stopping service?”

“Are you talking to yourself?” asked a mysterious voice.

Silver Link jumped back for a moment as a small 0-6-0 Tank Engine Came Running next to him.

Silverlink tries to get his composure back: “ yes I am looking for some passenger coaches for a local stopping service. Do you know where I can find them?”

The small Tank Engine raised an eyebrow in confusion. Normally all the engines know where the coaches are. That's when the penny dropped for her.

small Tank Engine: “oh you're that new engine that just arrived. Howard took the coaches to platform 4. just couple up to them and you should be fine. Also, I am Tanya. It's great to meet you Silverlink.”

Silverlink smiled. He already knew she read his name painted onto his sides so this Didn't Raise any confusion in how she knew his name.

Silver Link: “ Well then I think I should go and collect my coaches. Also, where are my normal coaches? you know the ones painted to match me?”

Tanya: “ Percy already took them over towards the maintenance facility we have for our coaches to give them a good wash down. The 3 of us are currently working in the yards at the moment. We are waiting for another supply train for our dock’s so we can continue fixing it.”

Silverlink and Tanya began making their way towards the station as Tanya needed to collect some wagons from the yards next to the station.

Silverlink: “And why exactly do you need to rebuild your dock’s?”

Tanya with a scowl on her face: “because thanks to a treacherous no good daughter of scrap assisting some German spies back during the war it got blown to Smithereens! We have to completely demolish everything and build everything back up from the ground! ( she began calming down) but at least that engine is currently facing the worst punishment ever.”

Silver Link raised An eyebrow: “ and what exactly would that punishment be?”

Tanya: “ I have absolutely no idea. we were just told that it would be the perfect punishment for them. nobody knows what it is and anybody who does know has been sworn to secrecy. so you'll probably never get the answer. but hey at least they are out of our hair. Anyway, have a good first run.”

Tanya said this as the two of them split their ways in order to get what she needed from the small yards next to the station.

Silverlink just chuckled: “well Alfred was definitely right about everything regarding the engine's characters. they're definitely very nice.”

Silverlink slowly made his way through platform 2 to get to platform 4. After going over the crossings in front of the station he gently coupled up to his coaches he was going to be using.

At that moment he saw a train coming into platform 3 puffing in backwards! He had never seen this before and was surprised as the blue Tank Engine stopped next to him.

the blue Tank Engine looked at him and smiled: “ hello you must be the newcomer?”

Silver Link smiled: “ yes I am! my name is Silverlink! and what might your name be?”

blue Tank Engine: “ I am Thomas. I hope you are having a pleasant time on sodor so far?”

Silverlink chuckled: “ definitely. but why are you pushing your coaches into the station? shouldn't you be pulling them?”

Thomas smiled: “ normally that would be the case but I am autofitted. meaning I can push my train into the station and along my branch line without having to worry about anything. anyway I see you're taking the local?”

Silverlink: “Yes I am. I am covering for an engine called Regina-Auream. what type of engine is she?”

Thomas chuckled: “ she is a Great Northern Atlantic. one of the small boilered variants. also I would stay away from her if you're interested in her romantically. her partner Rex-iaspis Is quite protective of her.”

silver link chuckled: “don't worry I don't want to steal anybody's partners. I personally don't have any feelings towards anyone. I like just focusing on myself and making sure I am a good engine at heart.”

Thomas could only agree.

At that moment silverlinks guard blue his whistle and The Silver engine had to get going.

Silverlink gave Thomas a Happy toot on his whistle as he was leaving the station.

Silverlink enjoyed taking the slower pace in life now and again. He was able to notice so much when he was traveling slower than if he was travelling fastor.

He Stopped at every station along the route including elsbridge.

He was waiting there for a guaranteed connection with one of the branch line trains. he was confused by this because he didn't know if any other trains ran along the branch line.

That's when he heard a whistle coming from behind him.

coming into the platform next to him was a 4-4-0 in brilliant shades of blue.

the engine looked over to the big Express engine and smiled.

Engine: “ hello you must be the new engine. my name is Amelia. and I can clearly see that your name is SilverLink.”

SilverLink: “ That's right. and I must admit you look dashing Amelia especially with those coaches behind you. What type of coaches are those?”

Amelia: “They are Caledonian Railway 45ft Non-Corridor coaches. These ones are specifically allocated to me for my branch Line Express service.”

Silver Link now looked interested having never heard of a branch Line Express before.

Silver Link: “ I've never heard of such a service? where does your Express actually go?”

Amelia: “my Express run usually takes me between knapford and Ulfstead Castle. I used to go down the coastline towards Arlesburgh But that line hasn't been seeing much traffic lately. Especially since the narrow gauge railway at the end of the line Hasn't been producing much lately and the board of directors has been struggling to justify keeping it open. it's a beautiful line but it's not generating enough income.”

Silverlink with a thoughtful expression: “ maybe they should shut it down for a while if there's no more Revenue. it might be in the best interest to temporarily shut the Branch line until more interest in it has been generated.”

Amelia now gave Silverlink a confused look: “ and you think that could work? because that narrow gauge railway does rely on us In some areas. but I do see where you're coming from. nobody knows if that railway will last much longer.”

Silverlink gave her a smile: “ then let's hope it does. anyway I think it's about time we get going. I think I heard our guards blowing their whistles a second ago.”

indeed they did and both engines headed off down the lines.

Silverlink continued traveling down the line looking at the beautiful countryside, going over the viaduct, climbing the hill and enjoying the View from up top, working his way down station per station and meeting more engines. It was really a good time for him.

but by the end of that run there were no more jobs left for him so he finally made his way to Tidmouth sheds.

The sun was slowly going down but there was still enough light out for him to see without needing a headlamp.

He soon arrived within the sheds and was amazed at its size! It was easily the biggest shed he had ever seen!

as he was being turned around he noticed there was an engine sitting next to him that didn't look familiar.

The engine's nameplate said Hero.

Silverlink: “ hello hero is it?”

Hero gave Silverlink a smile: “ That is true. My name is Hero. you must be the new engine Silver Link everybody has been talking about. I must admit it is a great honor to meet the prototype of an entire class of locomotives.”

silverlink chuckled: “ well it's nice to hear people have been telling you nice things about me. and yes I am the prototype of the A4 class. fun fact both me and The Silver Jubilee train itself were ordered and constructed within 25 weeks. and despite that record time I performed flawlessly for the first couple of weeks of the Silver Jubilee Express. In fact I did more than 500 miles a day between Kings Cross and Newcastle with no mechanical problems. I must admit it was quite a feat. all the same I was glad when Quicksilver came into service.”

hero chuckled: “ it must have been. How many of you A4s are there?”

Silver Link: “ well if you don't include me there are about 35 Others out there. We are the top link Express engines on the East Coast mainline. at least for now.”

Hero now looked a bit confused: “ and what do you mean for now?”

Silverlink closed his eyes as he let out a deep sigh from his cylinders: “ hero, we both know that one day there will be an engine that can do twice our work for less hassle. We are living proof of that. As long as the Hammers keep forging they will always be something new to replace the old. So I'm enjoying my time without worrying about being superior. because at the end of the day that will make me happy.”

Hero could only agree: “ very wise words of you Silver Link. it's very rare that I get to see an engine as down to earth as you. The last one was my brother d51 82. He was a very wise and Noble engine. for the very few times I was actually able to meet him he gave me some pretty good advice that I carry with me to this day.”

Silverlink smiled and chuckled: “ it's good to hear you had such a good brother. By the way, what class are you? I've never seen an engine like you anywhere.”

Hero gave him a smile: “I'm actually not from around here. and by that I mean I'm not from sodor or the United Kingdom. I'm from Japan.”

SilverLink now looks shocked: “ you are an engine from Japan! Why are you here? and what class are you? The only two other mikado’s I know of are the LNER p1 and p2. Plus those little engines on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.”

Hero just continued to smile: “ I am a Japanese government railways d-51 class. We are Japan's most mass-produced class. I don't know the precise number as of now but as far as I'm aware there are at least over a thousand of Us. And they're still continuing to build us. I myself was completed before the war. I ended up working on this branch of the main line. I wouldn't call it a branch line but it was busy enough to keep me and my driver on our toes. We were very well liked… well at least me. my driver still has some… trauma from the war he's working through.”

SilverLink with a sympathetic look in his eyes: “ don't we all. We lost one of our Brothers during an air raid over York. His loss still affects us all to this day.”

Hero now looked towards Silverlink with a sympathetic look in his eyes.

Hero: “ I'm so sorry for your loss.”

Silverlink then chuckled: “ don't apologize. it's not like you drop the bomb. Besides, the pain may hurt us now but we can move on with time. But why exactly are you here Hero? I imagine you're not returning to Japan any time soon.”

Hero glanced up through the glass ceiling as the stars were coming out.

Hero: “ I have been given to the island as a way of Mending diplomatic relations. I am honored that I was chosen for this. but still I do miss my friends and family back home. but the engines around here have made me feel at home as well.”

Silverlink chuckled again: “ well they certainly do on this island. but still I do have a few questions from what I've learned but I'm sorry to say I don't think you'll be able to answer them since you Haven't been here as long as the others.”

hero just hummed in agreement as the two of them began waiting for the others to come into the sheds.

Soon Almost all of the engines were back in the sheds as the stars had come out. Howard, Tanya And Percy were still doing some Late Night Shunting since the harbor reconstruction was going on 24/7.

Both Gordon and hushy were extremely excited to have another one of Sir Nigel Gresley’s locomotives on the island.

but fortunately the two didn't hug all of their fellow Gresley Machine attention and allowed everybody to have an opportunity to ask them questions.

but soon it was Silver Link who had a question.

Silver Link: “ So just out of curiosity why do you guys have a line to a castle? I've never heard such a thing before in my life. I mean even Newcastle Isn't within a castle.”

Thomas: “Well both me and Timothy weren't there when the line was built but Howard and Tanya have told us the story of Its origins. The line was originally supposed to be the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway. They had intentions to go all the way up to Ffarquhar since all the Mines were located up there. Unfortunately the Earl of Sodor at the time didn't want the line to reach that far and straight up band The Railway for coming anywhere near the town. Of course this could not happen because the railway needed the stone from the mines in the Minds needed the railway to transport the stone. so they were kind of in a stalemate since the Earl did not want to change his mind being adamantly against railways.”

Timothy now took over: “but fortunately the board of directors was able to… convince him to allow the trains to run. but They were only able to do that by promising that they would build a railway connection straight to his front door.”

Silverlink now raises an eyebrow: “ and how exactly did they build a railway connection to his front door? Where did he live?”

Thomas with a cheeky smile: “ he Lived up at Ulfstead Castle Itself on top of a cliff on one of the highest mountains on sodor.”

Silverlinks' eyes almost shot out of his face: “how exactly was that a reasonable condition to build a railway line?! that would have been a massive engineering effort!”

Timothy just chuckled: “ it was definitely a mammoth undertaking. The line up to Ffarquhar apparently was able to be built quite easily. The lineup to the Castle would take another year. The Earl at the time actually thought that the people building the line would stop at the first hurdle and he could just turn the whole railway line into a new carriageway or something. but he was genuinely surprised to see many people even volunteering to build the line. There was a ridge leading up to the Castle which was fortunately perfectly capable of having tracks laid on it. it just needed to be regraded slightly to allow heavy trains to run up there.”

Thomas: “ and so in 1887 the line was completed all the way up to the Castle and they even built a small station halt for it. They even built a turntable inside of the Castle! It was a massive undertaking but they did it and the Earl was genuinely surprised that they were able to do all of this. so he accepted his defeat and Allowed the railway to operate. but the railway actually did him one better and had a special private engine built for him.”

Silverlink looked curious: “and what exactly was this engine?”

Timothy: “ I runically a Brighton and South Coast Railway B1 class 0-4-2 tender engine. but she had been covered in more gold and royal blue than any other engine should be. I mean No offense to you lady but the amount of gold on her makes you look cheap in comparison. again sorry”

lady just let out a Sigh: “it's fine I will let it be water under the bridge. But you will have to take over my goods and shunting Duties for the next month. Or else I will see if the Fat Controller would allow you to be assigned to shunting the flying kipper for the next month.”

Timothy was shocked at her. but Thomas just chuckled. his brother definitely had this coming.

Thomas then continued: “it was also discovered that there were crystals underneath the castle and a mine was built to harvest them making the engine the one and only member of the crystal Light Railway. and her name was Cristallo. But although you have to spell it with two L's it was accidentally spelled with only one L on her splasher. still could be worse. She was a great engine to talk to whenever she was allowed out of the castle grounds and onto the main line. She was very wise and kind.”

Silverlink looking a bit excited: “ well is she still there? I would very much like to meet her someday.”

Thomas and the other engines of the Ffarquhar branch line now looked a bit somber.

Thomas: “That's not possible because during a blizzard back in 1929 Some men stole very valuable pieces of art and hijacked her. They were able to get away in the Blizzard and nobody found them. Still to this day her location is a mystery. or even if she is still alive. the men were never caught and the treasure and her remain lost.”

Silverlink now had a sympathetic look on his face: “ I'm so sorry for your loss. at least you have your memories of her. nobody will be able to take those away from you.”

Thomas smiled: “ thank you. It means a lot. Although…”

Everybody now looked confused as Thomas just went silent as he looked up to the stars.

Lady gave a concerned look at her boyfriend: “Is everything alright dear? Why did you stop?”

Thomas then suddenly came back down to Earth and chuckled: “ sorry I was just distracted for a moment… I realized how much time I've been spending on this island… heck I've only spent time here and Brighton… I realized how little I've seen of the world. Maybe I need a vacation.”

Timothy hummed in agreement: “ you're definitely right there brother. I definitely wouldn't mind a vacation or A change of scenery.”

hero then spoke up: “ I could definitely use a vacation as well. even with my help the heavy freight traffic is still too much to handle.”

Katie: “you're definitely right hero. we need more heavy goods engines.”

everybody in the sheds could agree on that.

Tara: “ Speaking of vacation. how do you think Charles is getting along on his vacation?”

Edward smiled: “ I'm certain he and his girlfriend are having a fun time. and we shouldn't worry about him. Charles is a tough Boy. after all we all saw him grow up into the man he is today.”

Silverlink and Hero looked away. they didn't get to see the man grow up. and kind of felt left out of this moment.

That's when Eleanor smiled at them: “ don't worry if he and his girlfriend ever have children you'll have the luxury of watching them grow up.”

This did make the two of them feel a little better.

Silverlink: “ still it will be an honor to work alongside you fine engines.”

Gordon: “and we are proud to have you Silverlink.”

Iaspis With a cheeky smile: “and don't worry when you have your first accident Silverlink. around here that's an initiation thing.”

silverlink now looked confused as everybody began laughing.

Silverlink eventually joined them since he had heard of the many many incidents that happened on the northwestern railway. but still he was very proud to be a member of its Fleet.

the end

Chapter 25: The new recruits.

It was a sunny day on the west coast of the United Kingdom. Charles was on a bit of a family outing with his girlfriend and father Jabez Croarie.

Jabez Croarie Had decided to take Charles with him for their little family outing this year. it was something they did every year but this year was a bit different.

Jabez had actually got a letter to come and visit some old buddies of his that were living in Liverpool.

After they got off the train Jabez took in a breath: “ it's been a while since I was back here.”

Charles raised his eyebrow as he carried his suitcase with him off the train.

Charles: “ really? I thought you lived most of your life on sodor.”

Jabez chuckled: “ I did after the War kid. I left because my Tour of Duty had been done and I was allowed to go home. plus having a mild case of trench shock did help. Still, it will be fun to see some of my old buddies again.”

 

That's when two men with walking sticks came up to the small group as they were making their way out of the station entrance.

Jabez smiled to see his old friends: “ Alexander, George! it's so good to see you again.”

The two men apparently named Alexander and George hugged their old friends.

George: “ It's good to see you old friend. for a minute I was worried that you died in the last war.”

Jabez laughed: “if a grenade couldn't finish me off then I'm certain a bomb couldn't either! besides we were relatively unaffected where I lived.”

Alexander chuckled: “ That's good to hear. Also, how's your son? After what you told us we were worried for him after he joined the army.”

Jabez looked a bit awkward now: “ actually he didn't join the army. He was working at the harbor that got blown up back during the war. In fact he's not with us now because… well… he's injured and we left him home to recover. The doctor says he will make a full recovery but it will take him a few years to learn how to walk again. ( he then pulled Charles towards him) but if it wasn't for this brave young man here my son wouldn't be breathing now.”

Charles looked a bit awkward as the two older men just smiled at him.

Alexander: “ well it's good to hear our good friend has friends on Sodor that are willing to stick their neck out for people. What's your name son?”

he asked this while extending his hand. Charles took the Hand and shook it very nervously as he was looking towards Amanda for instructions on what to do next. she just smiled and Shrugged. she knew how her father's old friends could get.

Charles just took a deep breath and spoke: “ I am Charles Topham hatt. Son of the Legendary Controller of the northwestern railway sir Topham hatt.”

Both Alexander and George were surprised! more so as Amanda came up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek before speaking.

Amanda: “ He's also my boyfriend.”

the two old men then burst out laughing. they definitely didn't expect this.

Alexander: “ Well there's a surprise. but I'm certain there are more surprises waiting for us. So how about we get to our home and have a little chat. you'll be living with us for your stay here in Liverpool.”

Everybody just nodded as they went to the home of Alexander and George (They're not gay! They just live with each other because their children now have children of their own and they just Want company. plus both their wives are dead) . It was actually quite a nice house in quite the nice neighborhood.

As they entered it was full of War decorations. several guns news articles, some propellers and everything. Then Charles noticed something mounted on the wall. It was a builder's plate of a locomotive built in 1902 From a workshop apparently called cockerill.

Alexander walked over next to him: “ you're interested in that builder's plate boy?”

Charles: “ Yes I've never seen one quite like it. And I used to Apprentice in a locomotive workshop along with Sir William Stanier. so I got to see quite a lot of builders plates. not to mention my railway is pretty diverse in its locomotive Fleet.”

Alexander chuckled: “ well you got me there. but this builder's plate came from an engine not from the United Kingdom but from Belgium. One day our Company was attacked while we were riding on some flatbeds. We were attacked by the Germans who put a Mine underneath the tracks. The locomotive was destroyed and unfortunately didn't make it. I took his builders plates in order to remember him. We worked with him for quite some time while we were there. We did work in the railway operating division after all. Unfortunately most of us were hunted down by the Germans afterwards and shot. only 4 of Us survived.”

Charles gave the 3 older men a respectful look as he heard the story.

Charles: “ thank you for the sacrifices you gave to our country. I hope Your fellow soldiers didn't suffer too much.”

George chuckled: “ thank you young one.”

But then something hit Charles like a ton of coal.

Charles: “ hey you said there were four of you that survived. where's the fourth member?”

the older gentleman began laughing again.

Jabez: “ he is the person in charge of the military base here in Liverpool. We don't get to see him Often and so every time we do it's A special occasion. besides that ain't the reason I brought you 2 here.”

Both Charles and Amanda looked confused until the latter's father continued to speak after taking a seat in a big chair.

Jabez : “ Charles I've heard you've been stressing yourself out so consider this a vacation On my dime.”

Charles was surprised and wanted to deny this but Jabez just raised his hand to silence him.

Jabez: “Like I said Charles you've been stressing yourself out. plus the two of you haven't been able to have some time to yourselves so I figured you could do that while we're here. just take a load off this week. there's plenty of relaxing things to do around here.”

Charles wasn't certain but Amanda just decided that her father had a point and began dragging him out of the front door.

Amanda shouted to her father: “ thank you Dad and we'll see you later!”

Jabez just chuckled as he was now looking towards his old friends.

George with a raised eyebrow: “ why is he so stressed? It's not like he's running the Railway.”

Jabez gave a quick nod: “ that's true. but his father has been having some health difficulties and he has been taking up a lot more duties. He can handle the duties quite fine but it is just his father's health and they're freight sector that has been stressing him out.”

Alexander in his chair: “ and what is wrong with their freight sector?”

Jabez: “ they have a lot more to do than they have heavy freight locomotives to deal with it. They've got plenty of Express engines that are trying to even help out surprisingly. but they need more heavy goods engines. even the engine from Japan isn't enough to cover everything. That's why I decided to bring him with me when I was coming here. figured it would be a nice treat for him. but even on the train ride over here he was still stressing out. if only I could help him solve this problem. but not like I can make a fleet of heavy goods engines appear out of nowhere.”

his two friends gave him a nod.

George standing up: “ okay now that all your baggage is here how about we get to the base. we all know how Albert gets when we don't get there on time.”

Jabez chuckled: “ yes I do.”

The 3 of them slowly made their way out of the house and down to the base. It was a pleasant day. The weather wasn't bad and not good. It was typical British weather.

When they arrived at the gates of the base they were amazed at the size. it wasn't the biggest base they had ever seen but it was definitely big and impressive.

when they entered the guards immediately stopped them.

Guard 1: “ sorry gentlemen but this facility is only for authorized personnel. we please ask you to return from where you came from.”

before the gentleman could say anything the second guard spoke up.

guard 2: “ you heard him. get out of here you old geezers!”

The 3 former soldiers felt insulted and were about to rip him a new one when a voice with a lot of authority spoke up.

Voice: “ That will be enough private! you are guarding this facility And you are representing this facility to the public. I don't think the public will appreciate that you're rude to 3 elderly gentlemen. especially since they took part in the First World War!”

The second guard grew a bit nervous and remained respectfully silent knowing that anything he says now could lead to him getting Court Marshalled.

Jabez Chuckled: “ good to see you again Bob. and it's good to see that you're putting your soldiers in their place when they need to be reminded of the chain of command.”

The general in charge of the facility was Bob Robinson. he was a very well respected man back during the First World War. He was part of their Platoon but wasn't there for the great accident that the Platoon Went through. but he was still a brave soldier of the railway operating division and performed his Duty until the very end of the war and further. being promoted to general in record time and being placed in charge of this base.

Bob hugged his old friends: “ it's good to see you all. especially since I will be joining you guys in retirement within a week.”

George chuckled: “ That's quite sad. you still look very healthy.”

Bob also began chuckling: “ yes but there's more to life than just being a soldier. Besides that I wanted to give my Platoon mates one look around the base before I have to leave. But still there's a lot I want to show you guys around the base. so let's get moving!”

The four old soldiers began looking around and reminiscing about their own days back in the barracks while they were still training. They also saw some new recruits undergoing training.

Alexander looked nostalgic: “ remember when that was us boys? our drill instructor made us into men!”

George smirked: “That's not what happened when you try to quit after your first week!”

Alexander looked a bit embarrassed and frustrated: “ hey I was young and stupid back then!”

Jabez With a cheeky Smirk: “ Andb now you're old and stupid?”

Alexander let out a growl of frustration as everybody began laughing. but eventually Alexander couldn't help but laugh as well.

That's when they were walking past the Railway facilities of the base. It was connected to the main line via a small branch line specifically for the military base. They have a small yard complex and locomotive facilities. nothing too big, nothing too small.

but that's when Jabez noticed a tent on the Tracks.

Jabez looking towards Bob: “ Bob why do you have a tent in your Railway Yard? and why is it so big?”

Bob looked over to the tent: “oh that's where we store some steam locomotives that have come back from the continent.”

everybody now looked surprised. they had no idea some engines had come back from the continent. They expected that all the engines that were part of the War department were left in continental Europe helping with reconstruction. So what were they doing here?

Jabez: “ why exactly do you have them under a tent? shouldn't you be putting them in the Service?”

Bob just Shrugged: “ Command decommissioned those locomotives since they were considered surplus to requirements even backing Europe. There's word going around that some areas are planning to Electrify and thus they don't really need that many steam engines. but these ones were actually brought back by the War department. There was originally a plan to try some experimental conversions but the plans fell through due to funding. so they've just been left here. I've been ordered to get rid of them but no railway currently has the funding to take care of these engines or are interested in them.”

George with a raised eyebrow: “ and why wouldn't they be interested? after all the railways around here need all the engines they can get.”

Bob shrugs: “nobody's interest in some old War locomotives. even though these engines are actually in pretty darn good condition if the reports are to be believed. Well good condition for old military locomotives. still they will be scrapped soon if I can't find a buyer for them by the end of the week.”

After that Bob, Alexander and George began walking off. But Jabez stayed behind for a moment and then realized something. He did know of somebody who would be more than willing to have them and wouldn't care if they were old military engines.

Jabez began Running Up to Bob: “ Wait Bob! I think I know somebody who's willing to purchase these engines from you!”

Bob looked confused: “ really? Who would want a bunch of old War locomotives? they're not built to last forever.”

Jabez just got a determined look in his eyes: “ before I answer, are some of these locomotives designed by Robert riddles?”

Bob looked a bit confused but answered his question: “ yes. There are four engines under that tent. Two of them are designed by Robert Riddles, but the other ones are designed by some guy in America I can't remember the name of. but again who would be desperate enough to take on Old War locomotives?”

Jabez only smirked and began making arrangements with Bob to have a certain gentleman join them on their next visit tomorrow.

hours later Charles and Amanda were coming home from their little excursion that day. Amanda was a little disappointed in herself that she wasn't able to make her boyfriend relax. He was constantly trying to think of solutions to the railways freight hauling issue. but there was nothing he could come up with.

Amanda looking concerned: “ Charles you should leave the problems of the Railway behind while you're on vacation. I understand it's your family's Legacy and you just want to help out your father but please you're going to get a heart attack if you don't stop. and I want to be able to walk down the aisle before my boyfriend croaks of stress.”

Charles looking apologetic: “ I'm sorry. but I just can't get this problem out of my head. I know this isn't healthy and I really should see a psychiatrist about this. maybe it's still the after war stress? but still I wish there was a solution to my problem.”

When they arrived home the old men had already gone to bed and the two of them just simply decided not to talk to them or wake them up and went to their separate rooms.

The next morning Charles came down to breakfast after getting ready for the day when he noticed the smirks on the Old Mens faces Along with Amanda.

Charles looked a bit creeped out: “Ok what's going on here? Why are all of you looking at me with those creepy smiles?”

Amanda gestures towards the seat at the kitchen table next to her: “ you might want to sit down for this one. believe me they just told me and you're gonna love it!”

Charles was still a bit on edge but decided to go along with it. as he said down the Old Men finally began explaining themselves.

Jabez With a smile: “ Charles my daughter has been telling me that even though we took you on this vacation you still were stressed about everything happening back home. especially where the freight sector of your railway is concerned.”

Charles gave him a nod and let him continue.

Jabez: “ Well we have recently come to know that there are some engines for sale. and they are right here in Liverpool.”

Charles immediately perked up at this news.

Charles with a big smile: “ really! are they heavy freight engines? because that's what we really need.”

Alexander also with a smile: “ yes. we had to look at the paperwork before we left yesterday and we are 100% certain that they are engines you will be more than happy to have on your railway.”

Charles now looked a bit confused: “ how were you guys able to see the paperwork? Did you ask somebody for it? because for what I recall you guys were going to your friend's military base?”

George With a smirk: “ where do you think we found the engines?”

Charles only began laughing realizing that all of his problems would be solved if he could just buy a couple of those engines.

After breakfast they immediately went towards the military base. Fortunately the guards treated them with respect this time. Although they were in the presence of former military personnel they were still escorted to wear the engines were located. only Charles was allowed inside the tent alongside Bob. for security reasons obviously.

Charles looked around the tent in amazement! There were a grand total of four engines! One 2-10-0 and 3 2-8-0 consolidations! They were parked next to each other on two different tracks. with one austerity at the front of each track and one of the American build locomotives at the back.

Charles looked like he was a kid in a sweet shop.

Charles: “ an riddles austerity 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 And 2 s160’s! This is amazing! Can I have a look around them?”

Bob Shrugged: “ certainly. But wouldn't you like a mechanic to have a look at this?”

Charles just waves him off with a smile: “ no need. I studied at Swindon when I was younger. alongside Williams Stanier if you could believe it.”

Bob looked surprised as Charles began looking at the 2-10-0 and having a look at its connecting rods, axle boxes, lubricators and everything else.

Bob: “ You really trained alongside William Stanier?”

Charles now looking at one of the s160s: “ yeah but we weren't really friends. We were just fellow students at the Works. By the way, these engines are in remarkably good condition. I am surprised that they're going to be sold. And also surprise that two s160s came back to the United Kingdom. I figured they would remain in continental Europe.”

Bob again Shrugged: “ Well they were accidentally transported here. but the military doesn't want to ship them back to Europe and nobody in Europe wants to buy them because of the transport costs. so they're stuck here.”

Charles only nodded and after a few minutes he had done his rounds around all the engines.

Charles put his hands on his hips and looked proudly at the Engines who hadn't said a word the whole time he was looking at them.

Charles: “ Well you got a couple of fine locomotives here.”

Bob smiled: “ That's good to hear. now which ones will you be buying.”

The engines now began looking a bit sad. they know whoever of them wouldn't be bought will most likely end up in the scrap Heap. but that's when Charles turned around towards the engines with a smile.

Charles: “all four of them!”

Bob looked surprised: “ are you certain about this? I mean they're old war locomotives and I highly doubt there will be many spare parts for them.”

Charles just turned back to him with a smile: “ back on my railway there are very few standard locomotives so we built all of our spare parts in house. so I highly doubt spare parts will be a problem. plus I'm certain I can get the blueprints for these locomotives.”

Bob just shook his head and accepted that this was happening.

Bob: “ okay then. we can start negotiating on price.”

Charles and Bob went to the latter's office. Charles did need to make a call to the financial director back on sodor about the purchase. Even though this was a good idea he was still a little bit worried about the price. Especially since he wasn't certain if the railway had the funds and if you would have to negotiate the price down as much as he could.

Fortunately Jonathan Told him that money wasn't going to be a problem since he had secretly placed some money in a separate account for the railway as an emergency fund considering the political climate in Europe back When he first filled his position. Now that the war was over he felt there was no need to keep this money for the Railway any longer since they did need it.

So after the prices were discussed and the paper signed the northwestern railway officially was the proud owners of four new engines!

Charles was even able to have it arranged for them to run on the LMS on their way back to sodor.

Bob had them cleaned and Fired Up for that trip to their new home.

but how will the other engines react upon seeing their new colleagues? well their readers that is a story for another day.

To be continued.

Chapter 26: No Mountain too high, no valley too low.

Regina was exhausted as she arrived at Barrow-in-Furness. she had been assigned to freight operations all week!

She was assigned to this because no Other engine was available. Iaspis Did take over her trains so she was certain that they were in the right buffers. but still the constant hard non-stop running wasn't doing her much good.

She had been becoming more and more exhausted over the last couple of weeks because her parts were beginning to wear out and she needed them to be replaced and to get a general overhaul done.

Since there was nobody available for the Freight Services she wasn't able to be put in the workshops for that overhaul.

as she slowly backed into the sheds that were specifically built for the northwestern railway she let out a sigh from her cylinders.

Regina: “ another hard day down and another hard day tomorrow. I really want a break from all of this freight work.”

???: “Ask and you shall receive.”

Regina looked in surprise as Charles stood there with a smile on his face.

She was definitely confused by the sight of him. She did know as the others that he was on vacation in Liverpool and that he would be returning soon but why was he in the rail yard and not at home?

Regina: “ What do you mean sir and what are you doing here?”

Charles put his hands behind his back and continued to smile: “ I wanted to see if there were any engines in here to help welcome our new recruits to the team. and I'm so glad it's you and not James. believe me I don't think he will like the aesthetic appeal of our new colleagues.”

Regina grew confused not knowing what he was talking about.

That's when she saw four locomotives backing down into the sheds.

Charles: “ These are our newest recruits. I purchased them back at Liverpool during my vacation. I was able to get quite the bargain too.”

Regina looked at the engines. All of them were quite impressive but the most impressive was a 2-10-0 austerity locomotive. She had heard about them but none had visited Sodor before being sent over to the continent.

she had also never seen American s160s before so this was truly something new she had never experienced.

She could also see the numbers on their Cabs.

The austerity 2-8-0 was numbered 7000.

The 10 wheeled engine had the number 3660.

And the two s160’s were numbered 3600 and 3601 Respectively.

Charles smiled: “ Regina, tomorrow you will be put on your regular duties and I will let these fine engines take over the heavy freight work. for now I suggest you get to know each other. Their cruise will be here tomorrow. Meanwhile I'm going to grab a ride on Percy's nighttime post train. I miss my bed.”

all the engines could only chuckle at that reply.

Regina Looked over towards her new colleagues: “well welcome to the northwestern railway. I am Regina-Auream. But please call me Regina. Do you guys have names?”

3600 smiled: “Well my name is Alec and my brother is named Baldwin.”

Baldwin in a cheerful voice: “hello.”

Regina hummed: “ okay and what about you two?”

she looked over towards the two austerity designs. The smaller one looked a little bit nervous but as it replied.

7000: “ I don't have a name. I've always been known as seven thousand.”

3660: “ same with me. I've always been known as 3660. we weren't given the option to have a name. although I would like one.”

Regina smiled: “ don't worry you'll get a name soon enough. I mean if hushy could get a name while on this island then there is no reason you guys can't find your names.”

The four engines looked confused and so Regina explained the whole story behind their biggest Express engine’s name.

3660 Chuckled: “ That is a funny story. and it's quite a nice gesture from her Designer to give her those name plates.”

Regina smiled: “ it really was. Anyway, do you have any other questions about the railway itself?”

7000: “ Yeah. What will be our first job tomorrow.”

Regina thought for a moment: “ well there are over a dozen wagons that need to be brought to knapford harbor at the end of the line. all of them should be at the freight facilities next to Vickerstown. then it's just a straight shot to Knapford. Hero will handle the stone deliveries from the Ffarquhar branch line. so I guess the four of you could split the loads tomorrow.”

Alec hummed in agreement: “ okay but what's the root Like? and anything we should be worried about?”

Regina: “well besides the Hill between maron and welsworth nothing really. just don't overdo it. anyway I'm gonna get some shut eye. I've been working all day.”

The four new recruits only smiled as she went to sleep. The four of them soon followed as they had nothing to talk about between the four of them.

The next morning their cruise had arrived and we're getting them ready for the day. The Fat Controller had managed to find people who actually drove similar engines back during the war so they would have experience with them. Some of them did have experience in other areas of the war but we're still qualified for the job. Fortunately these drivers and firemen were more than willing To move to the island.

The four of them then made their way to vicarstown freight yard.

The four of them saw a lot of freight wagons ranging from flats to open wagons.

The yard Forman approached the four engines.

yard Foreman: “ alright you four must be the new recruits. Now we've got a lot of freight to get out of here. sadly there has been a delay so you guys are gonna have to work extra fast today to get everything done.”

3660: “What needs to go to the end of the line and does it all have to go there?”

The yard Foreman pulled up his clipboard and began looking at what needed to be taken and what was scheduled for them.

yard Foreman: “ well I got about 135 wagons that are all destined for knappford Harbor. it's quite a lot so you'll make several trips over the day I assume.”

Baldwin: “ why don't we just take everything at once? if all of this is going to the same place and we don't have to make any more stops along the route it doesn't make sense for all of us to just take a small bit. plus it will save time. at least if they have the room over there.”

the yard Foreman began stroking his magnificent beard and then went to his office to make a call. 6 minutes later he came back with more information for them.

yard Foreman: “ I've spoken to the yard Foreman schnee and she says there is more than enough room for all of this to be brought in at once. especially since they already began relaying the track yesterday. so you have permission to take all of this at once. but I highly doubt that one of you could pull this alone.”

7000 smiled: “ don't worry sir, we're going to pull this train together.”

Alec: “ me and Baldwin will take up the rear. the two of you better go to the front. we'll top and tail the train.”

all the engines agreed and went to work arranging the long train of: 20 double bolsters loaded with gerders, 20 double bolsters loaded with large pipes, 20 double bolsters loaded with small pipes, five double bolsters loaded with trusses, 15 plate wagons loaded with steel plates, 30 12 ton vans Loaded with building supplies, 30 12 ton open wagons loaded with bricks, 15 tankers that could hold 9,900 gallons each and finally 2 20 ton brake vans one at each end.

It was by far the heaviest train the northwestern railway has ever seen! even compared to some of the military shipments back during the war.

The engines slowly coupled up to the rear and the front respectively.

7000 would be leading followed by 3660 and finally Alec and Baldwin were at the back.

with a lot of noise and effort the four of them got the train underway.

It was definitely hard work and the engines were making a lot of noise. people came to the line side to see what the noise was all about. Only to see this long and heavy train passing by. other engines passing by looked impressed at the might of their newcomers.

Then they came to Gordon's Hill.

7000 shouting back at everyone: “ okay let's give it everything we've got! no holding back!”

all the engines agreed and charged at the Hill! The noise they were creating was tremendous as they struggled up the hill almost seeming to come to a halt!

Meanwhile Hero and Katie were pulling a train towards killdane. It was some parts the electric company had ordered and they needed to be delivered. Unfortunately although the line was electrified it still had no permanent engines and was still steam operated. Fortunately the electric company didn't need many supplies, ever more than happy with the current arrangement.

When both hero and Katie were almost near the top they could hear a lot of noise coming from the other side.

Katie who was leading: “ hero do you hear that?”

Hero: “yes I do. but what is making that noise?”

The two of them reached the top at the same time as 3660 and 7000 and the two of them could see the mammoth train the two engines were pulling. compared to the train they were pulling it was tiny!

as they passed the s160s who were still working hard to get to the top they couldn't believe that this massive train was even running!

Hero: “That was amazing! Did you see those engines!”

Katie with a smile: “I guess those are gonna be our new colleagues for the heavy freight duties around here.”

The two of them could only Chuckle as they continued on their way.

The quartet of engines continued to make their way with their train. with other engines that were passing by Looking In amazement.

It took them a while but eventually they arrived at knapford and proceeded through its station to go to the yard on the other side.

What they didn't expect was that the board of directors of the Railway were on the platform alongside Charles and his father. The board looked in amazement as the engines pulled the massive train passed.

Even in the yards it was an amazing site as the train finally came to a halt.

Howard came up to them: “ Well I'll be. This is the biggest train I've seen on the railway! You guys really did a good job.”

The two Austerity engines smiled at him as the s160s came up next to them.

Alec: “ It was definitely hard work. but we got the whole shipment here in one go!”

Tanya smiled as she approached the train as well.

Tanya: “ well I guess you guys should head off to the motive power depot and get refueled. And don't worry about any other trains that need to go out today. We are actually a bit ahead of schedule thanks to this. There will be some other freight runs you'll have to take over the day but for the rest there's nothing really big we need all of you put together for. So take your time and we'll see what you can do alright?”

The four engines agreed and went to be refueled as their mammoth train was being split up over the sidings.

When they arrived the drivers and firemen of the engines were congratulating their locomotives on a job well done.

3660 firemen: “ man you did an absolutely amazing job On that hill! I mean the noise coming from your chimney was amazing! I haven't had that much fun firing a boiler since I worked on the Illustrious.”

7000 firemen walked up and chuckled as well: “ the same with me but only with the Unicorn.”

The two engines looked confused at what their firemen were referring to.

3660: “What exactly are you two talking about?”

3660 firemen chuckled: “ we're talking about two aircraft carriers from back during the war. the HMS Illustrious and the HMS unicorn. Both of them are fine ships. although the Unicorn was seen as a smaller version of the illustrious it doesn't mean she wasn't a fine ship.”

7000 firemen then suddenly had an idea.

7000 firemen: “Hey how about we name you two after those ships? I mean you are relics of war yourselves so it would be fitting. plus after the performance you put on today you definitely deserve a name.”

Both engines weren't certain of this until a Gentleman with a top hat walked up to them.

This was the Fat Controller. he had a very big smile on his face as he walked over to the engines having heard everything.

the Fat Controller: “ I wholeheartedly approve of the idea. So what do you say? want to be named after those ships?”

The two engines looked at each other and then smiled in agreement towards the gentleman and their Cruise.

the Fat Controller: “ very well then 3660 since you're the biggest I'll name you illustrious and 7000 you're being named unicorn if that's okay with the two of you?”

7000: “ I'm okay with it. I mean I am the smaller one of the two of us.”

3660: “ and I don't mind being named illustrious.”

the Fat Controller: “ Okay then From This Moment forward you are unicorn and illustrious!”

The two engines were happy to finally have names. Alec and Baldwin were also happy for their friends and blew their whistles in celebration.

When everything had calmed down the Fat Controller Began explaining their duties for the day.

with the construction train delivered in one shot the engines only have to do some lighter duties. mostly taking some mineral trains here and there as well as a few stopping Passenger Services when engines have broken down or were otherwise delayed.

It wasn't really that hard work but they enjoyed it.

When it was finally time for them to go to the sheds it was already fully loaded with almost every single engine on the railway. as each of them went into their designated tracks in the sheds they let off steam and began conversing with their new colleagues.

Many of them asked questions about the Continent and how it was over there.

Illustrious: “ to be honest we didn't really get to see anything beautiful during our time there. everything was destroyed , even engines. It was absolutely horrible.”

Alec: “ you got that right illustrious. But I especially hated seeing those concentration camps. I was happy that I was allowed to help destroy some of them.”

Baldwin: “Let alone that time the two of us were attacked by a German Platoon. but thanks to our quick thinking we were able to turn the tide of battle by running away back into a cutting, limiting the German forces as they advanced towards us. I even gained the nickname Sergeant Baldwin. They even painted the Insignia on my Cab side.”

Alec chuckled: “ and at the same time as me but I was only a sergeant. Still There's No Glory during war. but I love our brothers and sisters that remained behind. I wonder how they are doing and if we can ever see them again.”

Thomas: “ Maybe you will. I mean both me and Timothy haven't seen our brothers And sisters in years. even when we returned to Brighton for a while we didn't see them. but we keep in contact with our favorite brother bilster. He is still out there doing his best.”

Unicorn: “ That's great to hear Thomas. I'm also surprised that you guys are doing such a big reconstruction of your Harbour.”

everybody now looked a bit confused at this.

Henry: “ What are you talking about?”

Baldwin: “no offense but you guys are literally rebuilding your Harbor from the Ground Up. I don't think that's a very smart idea. I know you guys have other harbors around the island but still why have your main Harbor be completely shut down for a rebuild? it's not like something happened to it.”

all the engines now went silent including hero and Silver Link. Although those two were also very much newcomer's they have heard the reasoning for the harbors reconstruction as well as the new norranby Harbor being built.

Before anybody could say anything the four former war locomotives immediately looked regretful.

Baldwin: “ I'm sorry for what I said.”

Tara: “ What do you mean?”

Alec: “ he means he is sorry because it was insensitive of him to say what he did.”

Baldwin Hummed in agreement.

Frigidus looked confused: “ how do you guys know?”

Illustrious with a somber look: “ you guys have the same look on your faces as many people who lost their homes. after a while you don't need to tell your story anymore for us to understand that we say something wrong.”

Timothy gave a little smile: “ thank you for your understanding. It really wasn't easy. both are Harbor at knappford and norranby got blown up during the war thanks to Sabotage. we also lost three good friends at norranby.”

Unicorn looked curious: “ and who are these engines?”

Gordon with a somber look: “ Neil, Clive and Matthew. They were a set of old Nielsen box tanks. They were the very first steam engines on sodor. They worked the sodor and mainland railway Before it was closed and absorbed into the northwestern railway. We miss them very much.”

Baldwin: “ What happened to them?”

all the engines went into the long story of what happened during the sabotages and what happened to the box tanks. The Old War locomotives took everything in and understood where they were coming from with their grief.

Unicorn: “ I'm so sorry to hear that. but it does remind me of my sister. Back during the war she was pulling a train which mostly consisted of bombs and other components for the war effort when near the town of Soham She and her crew noticed that the wagon right behind her was on fire! They also knew it was filled with explosives but still decided to stop and decouple the Wagon from the rest of the train and pulled away as far and as fast as they could. unfortunately they didn't make it too far.”

Henry: “ Wait, we've heard of this before! The station in that area was completely destroyed as well as some other buildings nearby being damaged but it was overall still in good condition. also although your sister's fireman died the driver is still around correct?”

Unicorn: “yeah he is. He and the fireman were given medals for their heroism. Only my firemen Was awarded posthumously Since he died along with a signalman. The tracks were rebuilt as was she. I don't know where she is right now but I do hope that one day we can reunite.”

all the engines could agree on that.

Thomas: “ very well said unicorn. But do you guys know any engines from the continent? I mean they can't all Have been German locomotives?”

Alec: “ Well there was this one locomotive back in Belgium that we talked to for a while. He was one of the country's pacifics. but he was one of the older ones built in 1913 if my memory serves me correct?”

Baldwin jumped in: “you're right! The engine was built in 1913 and had the number 10.018 but I think he nicknamed himself Raymond. Apparently that time wasn't the first time he was captured by the Germans. He was captured by the Germans back during the First World War so he had quite gotten used to being rescued. a very good guy and very interesting to talk to. as we're most of the engines on the continent.”

Percy: “ do you sometimes miss it there?”

Illustrious just smiled: “ as long as we have worked to do, I'm happy to be right where I am.”

the other former military locomotives agreed.

That Night They spent the rest of the night talking until all of them went to sleep.

Over the next couple of days the extra engines really helped the heavy freight sector allowing everybody a much more relaxed timetable. all of them were fitting in quite well.

but they weren't going to be the only newcomers to sodor… or should I say they aren't the newest engines the North Western Railway is going to add to their Fleet?

to be continued

Chapter 27: German Adventures: A single return.

Notes:

note: Bluefireproductions assisted with this story and Aoihi Moeruhi belongs to him.

It had been months since the end of the war and things were turning out great for sodor. With the arrival of Alec, Baldwin, Unicorn and illustrious, the freight sector had been doing great and some of the other engines could do their regular jobs and even take longer breaks between jobs.

the croven's Gate works had also been busy over the last couple of months. With all of the different locomotives the North Western Railway now had there was a lot of maintenance that needed to be done.

but that wasn't their only job. Both Emily and velvet had been moved to the works while Coco had been moved to the wagon and coach workshops for restoration.

Emily was being restored the day after the war had ended. she was being thoroughly restored to working order. Many of Her smaller components did need to be outright replaced as well as major ones like her cab which had also suffered a lot with her time outside. Fortunately most of her was in pretty good condition so it was only to be refreshed.

The Works had been working tirelessly but unfortunately she wasn't ready until 5 months into 1946.

Emily was getting the final coat of paint done to her when the Fat Controller walked in alongside his son Charles as they were discussing something very important.

Charles: “Weiss has spoken with her grandfather and he has told her that he is trying but Germany is really dragging their feet with giving us a steam engine. so the council has actually doubled their demands and they demand they send us two engines to compensate for the long wait.”

the Fat Controller just shook his head: “I know Germany is going through a lot right now but still they shouldn't drag their feet like this. the council is already considering dropping negotiations if they don't do anything soon!”

Charles: “at least with the extra freight locomotives I was able to secure we are able to cover that area very nicely. still I can't wait until Germany finally gives us a couple of steam engines.”

the Fat Controller muttered: “ me too Charles. me too.”

The two gentlemen stopped in front of Emily who had a confused look on their face but decided to remain quiet about what they were talking about.

Emily: “ hello Sirs. Are you here to see me?”

Charles: “Yes, we are Emily. we have been informed that you are already to go tomorrow and begin working. so we want to see you before you're off.”

Emily smiled: “ that's very kind of sirs. And I promise to do my very best as a member of the North Western Railway.”

The two men smiled and walked off. they had lots to discuss with the railways of Germany.

The next day Emily left the Works leaving velvet behind. The Fat Controller had made her a low priority since he wanted to experiment refining her a decent engine to run on. something that would be powerful enough to get her over the hills on sodor but would be compact enough to fit inside of her small body.

As Emily Arrived at kellsthorpe road she had a look around. The station was a lot bigger than she remembered. Instead of the single platform station she had been used to, it now had two platforms with one of them being an island platform.

She also could see what remained of the former kirk ronan Branch line. The line that used to be The Terminus for the S&M was now nothing more than just some overgrown tracks and a small yard.

Emily in her mind: “ this place used to be so beautiful back in the day. now it's been left to ruin.”

After a few minutes her signal turned green and she proceeded onwards along the main line. It was very early in the morning and most services weren't running yet so she had the line to herself mostly. The only train she was told that was running was the “flying kipper” and that had already passed back home.

as she continued down the line she was amazed at the rest of sodor. She had never seen the rest of sodor having been stuck on its eastern side.

She continued traveling and made her way to knapford. she was in amazement at the size of the station! It was by far the most impressive station she had ever seen on the island. granted she Hadn't been working all over the island but still.

She slowly made her way into the motive power depot and began turning around and refueling. That's when a small blue Tank Engine approached the Water Tower next to her.

blue Tank Engine with a smile: “hey you must be the new single. my name is Thomas and we'll be seeing a lot of each other.”

Emily raised her eyebrow sounding a little bit nervous and confused: “ and why would that be Thomas?”

Thomas: “well the gold dust railway runs along part of my branch line. so yeah you'll be seeing me and the branch line crew a lot.”

Emily, still looking a bit confused: “ okay…”

Thomas just continued to smile: “ I get it. it's all new to you.”

Emily let out a sigh from her cylinders: “ yeah… I mean it's a lot to take in… I've never been to this part of Sodor before. I mean I didn't get to see a lot of it when I was being towed to the sheds on shining time. so yeah… I mean… all of this is new to me… this isn't the railway I remember back in 1901…”

Thomas chuckled: “I can understand that feeling. The railway has grown so much since me and my brother arrived back in 1915. A lot has changed but you get used to it. plus if you need any help dealing with the changes around here or anything new go talk to Tanya and Howard.”

Emily raised an eyebrow: “ Who are Tanya and Howard?”

Thomas chuckled: “ they're kind of like my mom and dad since parts of me came from Howard and parts of me came from Tanya. but they are two of the engines That have been working here the longest. they have seen the railways evolve as well and might be able to help you deal with it.”

Emily didn't say anything and just began thinking about Thomas's advice.

Soon her tender was full and she went to collect her coaches. It was a simple set of four-wheeled branch line coaches.

She backed down onto platform 2 waiting for her passengers to board when she noticed a long rake of coaches sitting at platform one.

That's when she noticed a massive blue tender engine approaching the coaches. This was by far the biggest engine she had seen so far! the massive driving wheels and those little plates on the smoke box looked a bit weird to her. She read the nameplate which said: Gordon Gresley.

Gordon Gresley smiled at Emily: “ ah you must be Emily. we've heard a lot about you.”

Emily: “ really? what have you heard about me?”

Gordon with a smile: “ that you were the Express engine for the S&M. at least before it's bankrupture back in 01.”

Emily let out a sigh: “ that's true. and you.. Gordon Gresley… are the newest Express engine?”

Gordon chuckled: “Just Gordon will suffice and yes I am an Express engine but I am not the newest. That would be my cousin Silver Link. he only arrived on the island last year.”

Emily sounded a bit down: “so I guess I won't be an Express Engine anymore…”

Gordon gave her a sympathetic look: “slower work isn't that bad. you can see a lot more when you're not speeding along the main line at 90 miles an hour.”

Emily let out another sigh: “I can't go that fast Gordon. my top speed is supposedly 85…”

Gordon: “well that's still a very respectable speed. and don't worry the branch line has a 45-mile per hour speed limit.”

Emily just continued to look a bit down as her guard blew his whistle and she had to leave. She stopped at every station including Tidmouth and watched Gordon fly by at high speed. She's Couldn't believe engines have gotten so fast in the last 40 years. still she had a job to do and was going to do it.

She did admit that the branch line was pretty beautiful.

she finally made her way onto the goldust railway and arrived at droghan-y-claghan.

This was a small town along a river that fed into one of the Lakes further down. The town was built along the river bank and was quite impressive. but this was just one of her stops. After that she stopped at the beach head which was a small Hamlet with two platforms so people could stop and go to the beach. finally she made it to shining time itself.

She left her coaches at The Platform to go into the sheds and finally relax.

When she arrived she could see that Lux remained in the sheds as the other two Singles were continuing to run the line.

Lux with a smile: “ how was your first run Emily?”

Emily in a nonchalant tone: “ good… it was good..”

Lux Now looked a bit concerned as her fellow single engine turned on the turntable to get into a shedroad.

Lux: “everything alright Emily? you seem a bit down?”

Emily lets out a sigh for the 100th time that day: “ I just feel a little overwhelmed… I mean the railway has changed so much since 1901… I hardly recognize the place I used to call home…”

Lux Chuckled: “I can understand that. me and my fellow gold dust railway engines felt the same as we were stuck up here for a long time. When we finally could leave the island we were… shocked to say the least. But after a while we got used to it.”

Emily felt a little better at her words. Over the course of the day Emily pulled trains backwards and forwards over the island from Knapford to shining time.

She pulled a variety of trains along the line including some goods trains. but at the end of the day she was back at knapford motive power depot.

Emily was just simmering as she was being refilled with water, when a certain red 2-6-0 came rolling up beside her, showing off as he applied his brakes suddenly.

Red 2-6-0 Looking at Emily: “and what exactly are you doing here?”

Emily rolling her eyes: “I'm refilling on water can't you see?”

The Red Engine scoffed: “ an old relic like you deserves to be in a museum.”

Emily Raised her eyebrow and gave a sarcastic reply “ Well I'll be saving a place for you in the museum as well. you don't look as young yourself. you are what 30? 40 years old? I think you would perfectly fit inside a Museum. if you're over inflated ego allows you Through the doors at least.”

The red Engine was going red in the face: “ I'll have you know that I am one of the greatest engines on this island!”

Emily Rolled our eyes: “ says you. and what exactly have you done that sooooo great?”

Before the red Engine could reply another Mogul tender engine Parked next to the third water tower and began Listing off The Red Engine’s many achievements.

Engine: “well let's see: he crashed on his first day and had to be rescued out of a cow field, Soaked the controllers brand new hat, crashed into some tar tankers while trying out a special entrance, He also bumped his coaches so hard he had to fix the brake pipe with leather bootstraps and some newspaper, then when he got jealous about one of our atlantics being prettier and more popular than him he caused a painter to lose his balance and accidentally Spill paint all over their beautiful paintwork, then he crashed into tankers behind me for the second time, then he was painted pink and caused a visiting engine to not be able to turn around does having to help doublehead the Express causing his cylinders to break, he was then used as a carnival piece allowing children to throw Tomatoes at him and finally during the war gave our controller son terrible dating advice. Fortunately Thomas and the Atlantic Rex-iaspis Who made sure that the controller could actually score with the girl he wanted. and that pretty much wraps up all of the glorious achievements of James the red Engine. And by the way my name is Eleanor.”

Emily burst out laughing alongside Eleanor as James turned red and began pouting.

James: “and what about your accident Eleanor? you crashed With the flying kipper!”

Eleanor rolled her eyes: “ That was because somebody sabotaged the points, remember? my accident was Sabotage you we're just reckless.”

Emily: “ he certainly was! I mean even my accident was a complete accident and not something Caused by my stupidity.”

The two female engines were laughing their Smoke boxes off as James, having refilled on coal chuffed away in annoyance.

Emily: “ Thank you for telling me all of that. Is he really that accident prone?”

Eleanor chuckles: “ Well I'm certain everyone on the island has had at least one accident in their life. I mean just last week our Newest Express engine Silver Link derailed because some workmen accidentally pushed the points in the wrong direction. It took us hours to get him back on the tracks. but you know what they say: you're not a true North Western Railway engine unless you've had at least one accident!”

Emily once again burst out laughing. The two engines continued to chat until it was time for both of them to head back to their respective sheds.

The two of them passed through knapford which was completely silent of all activity as they were slowly making their way down the line next to each other.

Emily: “ So let me get this straight, an engine literally burned down an entire Forest?”

Eleanor: “ for what I understand about 90% of it. to be honest that Forest has been through a lot of these last couple of years. I mean just last week a lumberjack tried to cut down a few trees only for him to get crushed underneath one of them. well at least one of his arms did. It was pretty funny to see the forest fight back but that man literally lost his entire career because he tried to cut down a tree.”

Emily chuckled: “ I'm certain his wife didn't like that.”

Eleanor smiled: “from what I heard his wife made his life even harder because he was cheating on her. he really was an idiot.”

Emily: “ kind of like that James. I mean seriously why is he like this? so arrogant and stupid?”

Eleanor with a thoughtful expression on her face: “ I don't know… Winston, his brother, told us that we don't really know the real James. but to be honest from the day I met him he wasn't really the kindest of engines. Still it could be worse.”

Emily was now the one deep in thought about what she had been told. It was definitely weird that there was supposedly a true version of James that he wasn't showing.

still she decided that that was something to find out for another day. as she went back to shining time she noticed a white-haired woman talking to a blue haired boy.

They were standing outside of a coach within the yards of Tidmouth. She overheard their conversation as she approached them.

white-haired woman: “ I still can't believe the German railways are trying to drag their feet About giving us an extra pair of engines. I mean if they gave us an extra pair of engines we might have been able to handle that freight crisis last year.”

blue haired boy: “I am honestly going to start blaming everything that goes wrong on your father, Weiss. Heck! Ruby’s uncle Qrow certainly needs a break from being seen as the bringer of bad luck.”

Weiss began chuckling: “ he certainly does. plus Aoihi I do think my father does need to be taking down a peg or 10.”

Aoihi: “Maybe we should double-check to see if he’s bribing the railway company higher-ups. I am sorry, but I really hate the guy and he should be in jail. From what you told me about him, he would try to separate us all so he could marry you off to some rich dingus.”

Emily: “ And who is this dingus you're talking about?”

Aoihi: “Any one of many random rich men that would only want Weiss for superficial reasons. Like seriously! They only care about getting a cut of her darn money!”

Weiss as she leaned on the balcony railings of the coach: “ Let's just say my father is a true piece of work who if he ran a railway he would be swimming in lawsuits. and using his money to get out of them.”

Emily: “sooo like every single politician.”

Everybody chuckled and then Emily noticed something about weiss.

Emily: “ have we met before weiss? you seem very familiar…?”

Weiss Looking confused: “ I don't think so. I mean I've only been on the island since the end of the war last year. so I haven't been on this island a long time so how could I have met you?”

Emily: “ it's just… I kind of remember seeing somebody like you a long time ago.”

Weiss with a raised eyebrow: “ and when was that?”

Emily began racking her memories for a moment: “ it was back in… 1928 or 29. I was sitting in the sheds during a very big blizzard. it even caused one of the sheds to collapse next to me. to be honest it was nothing short of a miracle that I'm still here. Seriously, those old sheds really were falling apart. anyway I wasn't certain at first but I saw an engine passing me on the line past the Old sheds.”

Aoihi raised his eyebrow: “ what is past the Old sheds? from what I understood there was some military shipment stored there back during the war. but nobody passed the Old shed building you were stored in. So what's past it?”

Emily: “ Well it's quite a bit further up the line but that was the location of the old workshops of the S&M before the Workshops were moved down to croven's Gate. Anyway the engine went down the line but never came back. After that a couple of hours later some men tried walking through the Blizzard. One of them was a young kid no more than 16 or 17 years old. He also had blue eyes and white hair. but I never understood why they left? the guy seemed to have something hidden under his jacket but to this day I don't know what it was or what they were doing down there.”

Aoihi and Weiss Began thinking about this information. It was weird that somebody who looked similar to Weiss Was on the island back in the late 20s.

but that's when a half forgotten memory came back to aoihi.

Aoihi: “ wait! I think I know what you're talking about Emily!”

Emily was now the one who looked confused: “ what do you mean?”

Aoihi: “Back in 1929 Some Priceless pieces of art were stolen from Ulfstead Castle alongside the engine used to run on that line! the engine was never seen again after it ran into a blizzard! but neither the art or the engine wherever located and nobody was ever able to get clues to what happened.”

Emily looked shocked: “ so you're telling me that I possibly solved a decade's old mystery by just having a simple conversation with the two of you?”

Aoihi: “ possibly.”

Weiss: “ Okay but how can we be certain of who did it?”

Aoihi then had an idea: “weiss do you have family photos in your wallet?”

Weiss scoffed: “of course I do. who doesn't keep their family close to their heart and their money?”

Aoihi sighed: “Show it to Emily.”

Weiss Pulled out her wallet and showed a family picture of all of the Schnee family members when she was just a little kid. Emily immediately gasped as she recognized her father!

Emily: “ That's it! the man with the extremely stupid mustache is the same boy I saw all those years ago!”

Aoihi winsing dramatically: “ stupid mustache? that's got to hurt. (Pulls out his wallet and his family picture) and what about my old man? How does his mustache look?”

Emily looked a bit confused about where this was going: “it looks pretty good. but why are we talking about mustaches?”

Weiss: “ Just something we can shove in my father's face later after we get the police involved.”

Aoihi began stroking his chin: “ but now we have a new mystery to solve? what exactly did he keep with him?”

Weiss then suddenly remembered something from her childhood.

Weiss: “ Wait, my father had this really old vase that he never allowed anybody to touch in his private study. it had depictions of a great battle within a narrow channel. I think it depicted the Battle of croven's gate. You think my father is stupid enough to do such a crime?”

Aoihi: “Do you want my brutally honest answer, Weiss?”

Weiss thought for a moment and then shook her head: “To be honest no. Now that I think about it he would definitely commit those crimes just to get ahead. I mean he almost supported the German high commands by funding some of their projects only for my mother to keep beating his ass into the ground.”

Emily looked shocked: “ your mother seems like a very violent woman.”

Weiss: “ she has literally been abused her entire marriage so I think it's time my father felt the pain she has been going through.”

Emily smiles: “ Well then if she needs anybody to run him over I am more than happy to do so.”

All three of them began laughing. Emily returned to her home in shining time as the two humans went to their respective homes as well to sleep.

Both of them were wondering how they were going to confront Weiss' father back in Germany when they're both needed on the island.

but the next morning both of them were called into the fat controller's office. only to see Charles sitting in his chair.

Weiss with a raised eyebrow: “ Charles what are you doing in your father's chair?”

Charles: “my father is feeling a bit under the weather and gave me temporary control of the Railway until he feels better. to be honest I don't think he will. He should really retire for his own health but you know fathers can be stubborn.”

Aoihi: “Well let's just hope your grandma isn't going to take over the railway again. last time she did Percy was pulling the Express and He never got over Gordon's Hill before he ran out of water and coal.”

Charles shuttered remembering how much of a mess his grandma had caused and how much the pr team had to work in order to make the railway not look like a bunch of idiots. And that was all last week!

Charles: “Anyway I got an important mission for the two of you.”

Aoihi: “And what mission would that be, sir?”

Charles: “to go to Germany and get our new steam locomotives. the German railway company has finally! given us the locomotives we can take and they should be there. There's going to be a big ceremony for the handing over of the engines to us but sadly neither me or my father can go and I'm definitely not trusting my grandma to handle this so I decided to send the two of you.”

Aoihi: “Well what took them so long to give us the engines?”

Charles let out a frustrated sigh: “ it was weiss Father who was bribing them not to give us the engines as some kind of Revenge against Nicholas.”

aoihi With a smug look: “ well I guess I called it. but don't you need the two of us here? I mean there's nobody else who knows how to drive hero and Weiss is in charge of knapford yard. won't it be difficult for us to leave our positions?”

Charles smiled: “ hero is due for maintenance at
croven’s gate and weiss has several vacation days stored up so the two of you can see this as a vacation. heck, invite your friends if you want just make sure you pick up the engines on your way back. you will leave tomorrow. so take the rest of the day off and invite whoever you want to go on the trip with you.”

Weiss smiled as she was going to return to her home country for the first time in a long while: “ thank you sir. we won't let you down. but where exactly in Germany will we be Going?”

Charles: “ you'll be going to Hamburg. They have a big enough Harbor there for the engines to be transferred. I believe your family lives near the city as well.”

Weiss nodded: “ yes they do. We can bunk with them and that will lower our travel costs. Besides, I want to see my family while I'm back in my home country.”

Charles: “ understandable. now the two of you should get packing. it's gonna be a long voyage.”

The two of them gave him a respectful nod and went off to get packing.

Weiss invited her friends: Ruby Rose, Blake belladonna and yang xiao long.

Blake was first scared about her “ babies” being lonely as they were left behind for a few weeks. Yang was able to comfort her girlfriend telling them that they would be fine. she was gonna have her mother raven come and help out take care of them. along with her second mother summer rose but between her duties as a councilwoman.

The next day the five of them were on a ship bound for Germany!

Weiss and aoihi we're standing on the promenade deck as they realise that this was a golden opportunity to finally solve the mystery of what happened back in 1929.

to be continued in. The tales of the North Western Railway: the Adventures of team RWBYA in Germany!

Chapter 28: German Adventures: the Adventures of team RWBYA in Germany!

It had been one day since they left Sodor for Germany and the Rwbya Gang was hanging out on the ship. It was not an ordinary ship, it was an ocean liner heading for Germany.

The src (schnee railway Company) had paid for at least 70% of their tickets so they were enjoying many luxuries on the ship.

Ruby Was wearing a single piece 1940s swim dress and was shoving cupcakes into her mouth like a squirrel: “ this is the best vacation ever!”

Yang just shook her head While wearing a two-piece swim dress.: “Ruby stop hogging all of the cupcakes! you know they have cookies as well?”

Ruby at that moment stopped and ran off after the cookies!

Blake began chuckling as she was wearing the same swimwear as her girlfriend: “ you shouldn't have said that yang. I highly doubt the ship has enough cookies on board for your sister.”

Aoihi scratching the top of his head, who was in shorts and a simple shirt: “to be honest I'm so surprised she doesn't gain weight from all the sweets she eats?”

Yang lets out a sigh: “ Apparently the Rose family are legendary for having an extremely high metabolism and basically need to continuously eat anything they can. Ruby does eat her vegetables and fruit as well but she also eats an absurd amount of it.”

Weiss with a raised eyebrow: “ and is the same true for you or…”

Yang: “ yes but To a lesser extent. I mean it doesn't go as crazy as ruby’s but it's still weird sometimes.”

Blake sitting down on the sun chair: “ well it's also a bit in my family. I mean my father currently is second place for most fish eaten in 15 minutes. He ate 15 barrels!”

Everybody looked slackjawd .

Aoihi: “ I'm gonna Regret asking this but who's in first place?”

Blake with a smile: “ my mom and me. We are both tied at 17 barrels each. the only reason we didn't have more is because they ran out of fish.”

Yang finally realised something: “so that's why you've invested in those large ponds in our backyard. and all those fish you are breeding in there. it's all just for dinner?”

Blake looked annoyed: “yes because the fishmongers won't allow me anywhere near their stands anymore. I mean I accidentally take a couple of fish one time without paying and suddenly I'm outlawed everywhere!”

Weiss Rolling her eyes She was wearing a two-piece swim dress: “ Blake you're basically a cat burglar! you literally stole all of those fish and they banned you for a full year because of that!”

Aoihi Whispering to yang: “ Sometimes I think she might be part cat. either in this or another universe. we Better keep her away from the sushi buffet On deck 7.”

At that moment they noticed Blake was gone running like 75 miles an hour Through the ship running over every single person In her way! including multiple deck hands passengers and the captain! There was even an old elderly couple who she just jumped over like a cat.

Yang let out a sigh as she began running after her: “ Blake how many times have I told you! you can't have all the fish!”

Sitting on the sun chair, Weiss noticed that she missed an area on her back and looked over to Aoihi who was stretching on his.

Weiss looked a bit flustered: “Hey, Aoihi, can you help me with getting some sunblock on an area I missed?”

Aoihi Rolled his eyes: “Sure common sit in front of me please. I won't be able to do it otherwise.”

Weiss blushed as unfortunately the sun chair didn't have enough room so she basically had to sit on his lap. the two of them were deeply blushing. This was pretty awkward but the two of them were also enjoying themselves.

an hour later the two of them were relaxing when they overheard one of the crew members talking.

crew member: “ seriously I'm certain that woman set a new record for the most raw fish eaten in 10 minutes! She ate 20 barrels full! The captain is having us catch as many fish as we can along the way to Germany! Seriously I don't understand How that woman has it in her to eat so much raw fish. it's just not natural.”

The two of them immediately realized it was Blake who personally beat her own record. But the two of them kept their heads down making sure that nobody recognized them as friends of the crazy woman.

Five days later they arrived in Germany.

They were wearing Their regular clothing. but surprisingly aoihi was still in his train driver uniform.

Weiss: “aoihi I understand you're dedicated to the job but do you seriously have to wear that?”

Aoihi Shrugged: “ These are my best clothes. besides My Closet got blown up during the Second World War.”

Yang looked confused: “ and how exactly is that possible?”

Aoihi rolled his eyes: “ some drunk soldiers accidentally let off an explosive in My Closet not realizing it wasn't the commander's closet. Let's just say I never saw these people again. at least not in military uniform since they were peeling potatoes until the end of the war. I think They are still peeling potatoes to this day.”

Everybody began laughing as they were making Their way Out of the docks and into the main city. Unfortunately there was still a lot of rebuilding to be done since the city had been bombed back to the Stone Age. but there was a lot of growth and at least the trams were still working. They took the tram along the street and Weiss gave a sad look as she saw the state of what was once her home.

She had been able to get back in contact with her family after the war ended so they were at least on some pleasant terms. but it was still hard to see what was once her home being destroyed. Fortunately there was one thing just across the office of the railway station that did remain from her childhood.

Weiss smiled: “ Well at least my favorite Bakerie is still around.”

Everybody looked to see a very old-looking bakery across the street from the railways main office in the area. it had a sign on top of it saying leckere Süßigkeiten.

The group went inside and saw a myriad of different kinds of sweets! cookies! buns and anything else.

Ruby immediately began drooling over the sweets since they all looked delicious.

At that moment a small bald man with a mustache came out and looked extremely happy to see weiss.

bald man: “weiss schnee it's great to see you again! I haven't seen you since the War started.”

Weiss smiled: “ it's good to see you too Klein. How has business been?”

Klein chuckled: “ it's been going great. I mean I did have to shut down for a brief period in the war but I must admit the soldiers did pay good to get some sweets. Those rations they were given are absolutely dreadful. And are you here on visit or are you here to stay?”

Weiss just smiled: “ no I'm here only on business. I will be returning to Sodor within a few days. we're just here to pick something up for the Railway.”

Klein just continued to smile: “ that's great to hear. Anyway, what does your little red friend over there want?”

Ruby kept drooling at all of the sweets and cookies around the store leaving her older sister to just sigh in embarrassment.

Weiss pulled out a massive amount of money: “ how about two of every single cookie or sweet you have?”

Klein smiled and immediately got to work. 50 minutes later and a couple hundred less in the bank the group went over to the railway office to get the paperwork and to go to the yards to see the new steam engines they had acquired.

Yang, Blake and Ruby stayed outside of the office as this part was extremely boring and drawled on for at least two and a half hours!

At that time Ruby had almost eaten every single sweet in the bag she had been given.

but finally Weiss and aoihi came out of the meeting room.

Yang lets out a sigh: “ what took you guys so long? wasn't it just picking up the papers and leaving it at that?”

Weiss Just shook her head: “no we also had to pick up some paperwork regarding spare parts and how Germany is going to be supplying some blueprints as well. they will be sent over by mail.”

Aoihi nodded at what Weiss was telling them: “ the same thing had to happen with me and Hero. but we can finally go and see our new purchases for the northwestern railway.”

The group was finally able to get out of the office and into the rail yard where they were Led over towards two steam locomotives.

One was a DRG Class 80 0-6-0 Tank Engine. It was quite frankly a very impressive looking Tank Engine who didn't seem quite interested in the new arrivals.

then you have the massive 2-10-0 DRB Class 52! This was definitely an impressive beast and would help out on the freight services like all the other big engines they've had recently.

Weiss in a professional tone And in German: “
Hallo 80 001 und 52 1942 8, mein Name ist Weiss Schnee und ich wurde losgeschickt, um Sie für Ihre Lieferung an die Nordwestbahn auf der Insel Sodor abzuholen. Sie beide werden nächste Woche vom Hafen abreisen. Sie werden also vorerst Ihren regulären Aufgaben nachgehen, bis Sie nach Sodor fahren. Haben Sie beide das verstanden?”

Translation (hello 80 001 and 52 1942 8 My name is weiss schnee and I have been sent to pick you up for your delivery to the North Western Railway on the island of sodor. the two of you will be leaving from the harbor next week. so for now you will be continuing with your regular duties until you are going to sodor. do the two of you understand?”)

80 001 looking completely disinterested: “ yes. Now can I get back to work? Also the two of us speak perfect English so no need to speak German around us. if we're going to live in England we might as well speak English.”

Weiss looked surprised but understanding: “that's okay. but sodor isn't exactly-”

52 1942 8 Looking annoyed: “can you just let us go back to work? there's so much work that needs to be done around here.”

Weiss wasn't exactly happy with the Attitude but allowed the two of the engines to go back to work.

Blake looked around the group: “ So what do we do now?”

Weiss with a smile: “ we're gonna be paying my family a visit.”

They made their way out of the rail yard and towards the tram station to take the tram to the closest location to Weiss's family home.

The tram was pretty crammed and there Wasn't much Space to sit. So Weiss was forced once again to sit on Aoihi's lap. It was quite embarrassing but again the two of them felt that this was right somehow.

When they arrived at the station next to Weiss's Childhood home they were surprised at how big it was!

it was a flipping mansion with seven Stories! a gated off the area and a giant gate!

Aoihi: “Why do I get the feeling that your father is a delusional man who believes himself to be a king?”

Weiss With a smile: “ trust me… he is. or should I say he was.”

Blake looked curious: “ and what exactly do you mean by that?”

Weiss as they were walking through the gate: “ my father tried to help out the German government during the war by paying them a lot of money. fortunately my mother had had enough of his abuse and decided to simply begin beating him up every single time he gave them money.”

Yang With an oddly excited smile: “ can I join in on that too?”

Aoihi Looking shocked: “ Yang, that is her father! I agree that the guy is a horrible person but even he deserves some-”

Weiss: “ Give me a hundred pounds and I'll give you one hour with him.”

Yang pulled out a £100 bill: “ deal!”

Ruby, Blake and aoihi just looked incredulously as Weiss stuffed the money in her wallet and Yang continued to look excited.

At that moment they arrived at the front door and knocked. A few seconds later a slightly older looking woman opened the door and smiled at the site of weiss.

Woman: “ it's good to see you weiss. mother has been waiting for you all day. I Haven't seen her so excited since you first began beating father.”

Weiss Giving a respectful bow: “ it's good to see you too winter. But just a question: do you know where father is? I promised my blonde friend over here that she could begin beating him up for an hour.”

winter smiling: “down the hall first door on your left. He is the guy with the stupid moustache. And if you rip that thing off you'll be fine.”

Yang immediately dashed in the direction that winter had instructed and five seconds later they could hear screaming coming from that place.

Aoihi shaking his head: “ I can't believe you guys are beating up your own father and even getting people to pay you to do it.”

winter Shrugged as they were going towards her mother's private study.

Winter: “ the German government has actually given us permission to do so since he not only mistreated Prisoners of War but also his own regular employees. I mean to the point that even the regular justice system can't really deal with it. plus he scammed the government out of millions. Fortunately my mother was able to negotiate a contract So we can give the government back their money by having people pay to begin beating him up. it has proven quite lucrative and we have already well paid off our debt to the government.”

Ruby as she is still eating some of the sweets: “ and why are you guys continuing to do that?”

winter with a wicked smile: “ he also beat me up back during my childhood and this is the closest I will ever be able to get To paying him out.”

Aoihi begins to see their point even more: “ Too bad you don't have any swords, otherwise you'll be able to whack them up with those.”

Winter let out a sigh: “ very true. Unfortunately the government has forbidden us from using weapons to punish him but at least we are capable of using our fists.”

Weiss Sighing: “ if only we were in a universe where carrying weapons is allowed. then we would give him what's for.”

After saying that they arrived in the study and an even older looking woman than winter immediately rushed up and gave both her daughters a bear crushing hug.

Woman: “ It's so good to see both my daughter's Reunited.”

Winter barely being able to breathe: “ mom! Weiss has barely come home and you're going to squeeze her to death!”

The woman immediately dropped both of them and noticed the group giving her weird looks.

Woman: “ I'm sorry it's been such a long time Since I've seen both my children together. By the way my name is Willow schnee.”

Weiss Trying to catch her breath back: “ well it seems your workout routine really keeps you fit mom.”

Ruby looked curious: “ What is your workout routine Mrs schnee?”

Willow gave a smile: “ Just Willow Will Do and my workout routine is actually fighting a bear Three times a day. sometimes four because the bears sometimes try to Sneak into my bedroom. I usually try to let them go after my husband for a while to make him sweat and then I wrestle them to the ground.”

Ruby with stars in her eyes: “ that is awesome!”

Willow smiled: “ I'm not that awesome. it's just my regular routine.”

Blake: “ still… it's amazing that you're able to wrestle 3 bears every day.”

willow blushed: “ stop you're making me blush. Anyway, I hope you guys will enjoy your stay here on the Mansions grounds. We got an indoor swimming pool and some other sports you can try out. including Kendo.”

Aoihi: “Wait? You have a Japanese kendo dojo here?”

Willow smirked: “of course. Feel free to use it. But before you do anything can you please introduce yourselves?”

Ruby: “ I am Ruby Rose! My sister Yang xiao long Is currently the one beating up your husband and this is her girlfriend Blake Belladonna (comes closer Willow's ears and whispers) PS stock up on all the fish. Oh and this boy here is Aoihi Moeruhi. He is one of the drivers on the northwestern railway and he drives this awesome JNR D51 named Hero!

Willow then looked at Aoihi with a shocked expression: “Moeruhi? Wait! You look just like the husband of an old friend of mine that used the dojo here, before she went back to Japan after her marriage. The name of Yuki’s husband is Ryo I think.”

Aoihi gasped: “Wait? You know my parents?!”

Willow with a very big smile: “So you are their child! I knew you looked familiar! How are the two of them doing? Are they still in Japan or did they move with you to sodor?”

Aoihi With a solemn look: “my dad is dead and my mother is currently in a coma. Some idiot named Theodore Ashward blamed them for being spies against the Empire only for them to be proven innocent mid moment of them trying to murder them and me. Unfortunately for me it was very traumatizing. but Theodore was killed for basically attempting to murder and for spreading false rumors to the military. also for being a very dishonorable person. I think they just buried his remains at Sea or something. I don't know. All I know is that my mother is still in a coma back on sodor and there are no signs of her waking up anytime soon. plus it's eating deep into my budget since the hospital won't accept our insurance from Japan. and my current insurance doesn't cover my mother's medical bills. I'm making enough to live and pay the medical bills but it is quite a tight budget. I mean I live inside a converted coach. it's very cozy but still it's not really a way to live.”

Willow gave him a sympathetic look: “ don't worry aoihi I'm certain Yuki will pull through. She is one of the most stubborn people I've met. she'll pull through this. in the meantime just take this time to relax. and enjoy your time here.”

2 hours later Yang had rejoined them as they were all having dinner. It was surprisingly luxurious although there were plenty of fish and cookies for both Blake and Ruby.

At that moment Jacques Walked into the dining hall and gave Yang a glare.

Jacques: “ you! you're gonna pay you stupid blonde!”

Aoihi with a smug look: “Says the idiot with the stupid Mustache.”

Jacques Glaring at him: “don't speak to me like that boy! I will have you thrown in prison and take everything you own!”

Willow Slammed her fist on the table: “Jacques shut up before I have him beat you up with a training sword. plus he is the child of an old friend of mine who most likely trained him to be pretty darn good at Kendo. so unless you want to be under the receiving end of a Kendo sword I suggest you keep your mouth shut.”

Jacques didn't remain quiet: “ shut up you stupid woman! you have no right to treat me like this! I will make sure you-”

At that moment Willow jumped and ran across the table, tackled her husband and held him in an arm lock while stretching his back in an unnatural angle.

Willow: “Do I need to remind you that I wrestle bears at least 3 times a day! you do anything wrong and you're gonna find out what happens to the bears!”

Finally Jacques remained silent as he painfully went to take his seat at the dinner table.

Over the next couple of days, Things were very interesting.

Jacques was constantly trying to tell everybody what to do only to end up being attacked by yang , bears, ruby, Bears, Blake while she had a new army of cats, bears, weiss with her training sword for her fencing, bears, His wife while she was wrestling bears, bears, aoihi by accident when he was practicing Kendo and didn't see him standing there, 5 mountain lions ( nobody knows where they came from and they disappeared shortly after), An alternative version of weiss and her friends from another dimension, a robotic lion from the same dimension and even a freckled boy with a green coat got in on the action as they continue to smack him with a random cane. That was highly unlogical but the guy deserved it so it does go to show he is not liked in any world he is in.

Meanwhile Weiss and aoihi felt more and more awkward around each other as there were some kind of lingering feelings between the two of them. They couldn't understand what it was and so spent a few days apart.

but one day winter found aoihi training in the dojo and his technique was in her words…

Winter: “ your technique is getting sloppy aoihi. is there something bothering you?”

Aoihi quickly replied: “ there's nothing wrong with me! I'm just a bit… off balance today.”

Winter: “ Is it because of my sister?”

Aoihi stopped his attack on the dummy for a moment and looked over to winter in shock.

winter with a smile: “aoihi I worked as a secret agent for the United Kingdom during the entirety of the war. I am very observant and I know that you have feelings for my sister. Now are you going to discuss this as a man or do I have to get one of the training swords and we have to do this the old fashioned way?”

Aoihi Pointed his training sword at Winter who grabbed a helmet and sword and took her stands.

as they were trading blows winter began speaking.

Winter: “Now when exactly did you start having feelings for my sister?”

Aoihi after blocking one of her attacks: “ a few months ago (pushes her away) to be honest I don't even know when I Began having feelings for her. but I'm not certain if I'm the right guy for her!”

He began slamming his sword against Winters who Expertly parried and pushed back causing the two of them to be in a blade lock.

Winter: “ I don't know, you seem like a responsible, reliable and really useful person. why do you think you won't be a good match for my sister?”

Aoihi: “because she comes from a rich family who can afford amazing things for her and I don't exactly have much to offer her. I live inside a coach!”

He then pulled back to allow him to strike winter in the chest making her fall onto the ground. but winter rolled back up and began trying to strike at aoihi.

Winter: “my sister doesn't really care about all the money! she told me as a child she would give it all the way if she could just have a normal life! our father treated us like pawns on a chess board our whole lives! he was even going to marry her off to Hitler himself! I definitely think an honest guy like you is definitely her type.”

Aoihi Began losing Energy in his strikes: “ even so… will she actually accept me? and what about your mother? will she be able to take me into the family if things do get serious?”

Winter took off her helmet and put her sword down: “aoihi my mother would be thrilled to have you in the family. Besides, even if things don't work out you guys can still remain friends and colleagues. things don't really have to change. just take it one step at a time.”

Aoihi took in a deep breath and sighed: “The thing is I just hope things do go well. I mean no offense but when it comes to romantic relationships I was taught to value commitment. It's literally one of the first few rules in what my dad called the Moeruhi Code of Honor. It's just a list of rules that my ancestors made to ensure we stay honorable.”

Winter smiled: “ really you guys have such a code of Honor?”

Aoihi Nodded: “ Well my family is the direct descendants of the most legendary Samurais in history. It is said that my ancestors would walk through a battlefield and people would just drop their weapons without even putting up a fight. and those who did put up a fight were only destined for death!”

Winter: “ Then channel the Spirit of your ancestors and Conquer what you want!”

Aoihi looked shocked: “ I don't want to kill your sister! maybe your father but not her!”

winter gave him a confused look: “no I meant use the Spirit of your ancestors to help you ask my sister out.”

Aoihi Looking Sheepish as he was rubbing the back of his head: “ oh.. Okay… sorry sometimes I have a bit of difficulty Understanding people. I don't know why that is but thank you for the advice. Do you know where your sister is?”

Winter smiled: “ she's by the pool. so go Conquer her brave samurai warrior!”

Aoihi Rolled his eyes but smiled: “ fine winter. we'll tell you and Willow how it went!”

As winter saw the blue-haired boy run Out of the dojo without the rest of the equipment on him she had a feeling that things would be fine in the end.

Meanwhile at the pool Weiss was swimming laps and constantly thinking about Aoihi and how she made him feel when he arrived at the pool. She got out and greeted her friend.

Weiss: “aoihi how are you doing today?”

Aoihi took a deep breath before speaking: “ I am doing fine weiss. but I have something important to tell you.”

Weiss tilted her head in curiosity: “ and what would that be?”

Aoihi mustard all the bravery within him: “ would you like to go out with me on a date? I mean I have been developing these feelings for you and I really want to give this relationship a chance and I want you to know that I will remain loyal to you to the very end of time if I have to! I'll do anything to prove my loyalty and that I will take this relationship 100% seriously! I'll do anything!”

Weiss was surprised at this since she also had the same feelings for him. still she knew that he wanted her to give him a trial but she just couldn't think of what. That's when the perfect opportunity came walking into the pool having heard everything.

Jacques Stomping over yelling: “weiss you will never date this stupid boy! he isn't even of high class and works with those dirty steam locomotives! Those things are old, dirty and useless! especially the ones built in Japan! nothing good ever came from Japan! Germany were fools that aligned with them! so I will not allow you to date him!”

Weiss glared at her father but then smiled over towards aoihi who was already Seaving with rage and appeared to have steam come out of his ears, nostrils and mouth.

Weiss with a Sickly sweet smile: “aoihi if you want to prove yourself worthy of being my boyfriend, then teach my father a lesson in manners.”

Jacques scoffed: “ like that boys going to do anything to-”

Aoihi immediately jumped and began beating him up and particularly targeting his crown jewels. Then he pulled his mustache off.

Aoihi showing what remained of his mustache hair: “ my father had a better mustache than this! and he's dead!”

Before Jacques could say anything aoihi lifted him above his head and then let him fall onto his knee and then threw him into the pool. Fortunately Jacques was able to swim to the other side in incredible amounts of pain.

Aoihi was breathing heavily and prepared to do a lot more when Weiss gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Weiss with a smile: “ I think that's enough. you have more than proven your worthiness of becoming my boyfriend and something more.”

Aoihi looked a bit confused at this: “ something more? what do you mean by that?”

Weiss just gave a cheeky smile and didn't answer him as she was walking to the dressing room.

Later that evening they told everybody about their new relationship which caused everybody to immediately dog pile the two of them in a big hug. Willow was overjoyed at the situation.

But later that evening as they were all sitting near the fireplace telling stories about the northwestern railway both Weiss and Aoihi remembered the second reason they came to Germany.

Weiss: “ mother do you remember that vase father said was a family heirloom?”

Willow rolled her eyes: “ that stupid thing? Yeah. to be honest I don't understand why he was so possessive of the thing. It was just An old vase. but I must admit that the depiction of the battle was quite beautiful. I still have no idea what it's from.”

Aoihi: “ it's actually from the Battle of croven's gate centuries ago. It's a bit long to explain but the short and sweet of it is that it was a brilliant strategic move that made the Narrow Valley that used to be there legendary. the vase is also an ancient artifact belonging to the Earl of sodor.”

Both Willow and Winter looked shocked as Jacques ( who was sitting in a kid's chair) tried to hide away as much as he could.

Winter: “ What are the two of you talking about?”

The two of them then went on to the long story about the missing treasure and the missing engine. After the story was completed Willow glared at her husband.

Willow: “ you stole from the island of sodor and you never told me? Do you want another beating today?”

Jacques squeaked: “ no…”

Willow cracking her knuckles: “Then you better start explaining before I break your jaw!”

Jacques raising his hands in Defense: “ okay okay I will explain! I used to be part of a gang on sodor who pulled off many heists. small ones at first but we were slowly working to the big prize. We knew that the Earl of sodor had many highly valuable items in his collection. so we were training in order to go and steal them and then give them back for a huge ransom! It was the heist of a lifetime! We were even able to take his pride in joy. Some stupid steam engine that was decorated With way too much gold and ran away with it. Unfortunately we were caught in a blizzard and sent onto some random Line towards some abandoned town in the woods! We left the engine at the very end of the line near an old Workshop which was near an old mine and decided to leave the Loot there. I took the vase with me as a souvenir. Unfortunately thanks to the Blizzard we got separated. We had put on civilian clothing so nobody would Recognize us and most of us ended up dead. I am the only survivor and I am not telling you where the treasure is! and I am the only one that knows it's location and you better start treating me With respect or I will never tell you-”

Aoihi nonchalantly: “you hid it on the Old abandoned Line towards great waterton on the island of sodor.”

everybody looked shocked that aoihi knew where the treasure was.

Yang: “how do you know this for sure aoihi?”

Weiss smiled: “Emily told us on her first day of service before she went back to shining time. She saw my father in the Blizzard after they left the engine at the Old workshops. We wanted to confront you before we informed the police. but I'm certain we can arrange everything since we're going home tomorrow. Now are you going to come with us willingly or do we have to force you?”

Jacques Had been through enough that day so he just accepted his punishment. hoping that at least imprisoned he would be beaten up less.

The next day the RWBYA Gang was standing at the docks at Hamburg awaiting the two steam engines to be ceremoniously loaded up onto the ship to be delivered to sodor. The ceremony lasted four hours and the entire group was tired from the ceremony.

Ruby: “ That ceremony took forever! I can't wait to go home and lie in my own bed again.I'd rather stack 100,000 crates that listen to One More word that guy had to say.”

Yang nodded: “ two true little sis. but hey at least he's good at doing a long haul!”

everybody growns at the blondes pun.

The 5 of them made their way onto the passenger ship that would be taking them back to sodor. It was scheduled to leave before the freighter there was taking the two engines.

Weiss was happy to see her mother and her sister standing there. but what surprised her was that they had an enormous amount of bags with them.

Weiss: “Mother, Winter, why do you have so many bags with you? aren't you here to just say goodbye?”

Willow smiled: “ actually weiss we're going with you to sodor. I think it's time for us to have a change of pace from our life here in Germany.”

Winter: “ Besides, we have this very important cargo to deliver to the police department.”

She Gestured towards a big crate with the label: fragile handle with care on it.

Everybody could hear somebody attempting to yell but it was muffled. everybody began sniggering as they realized who exactly it was in the crate that was now being loaded onboard of the ship.

Weiss smiled: “it will be nice to have the both of you on sodor with me. But what about the mansion? That has been our family's home for generations. we can't just abandon it.”

Willow smiled: “and that's why I'm having it move to sodor as well.”

everybody now looked shocked after this revelation.

Aoihi: “you guys are seriously going to move hundreds of tons of Bricks, glass and everything overseas? how are you going to do that?”

Winter: “ Simple, we're having it disassembled and it's going to be rebuilt at a new location that we're still trying to figure out. until then everything will be packed and shipped over to sodor. mother has also just entered a partnership with the North Western Railway this week so it's much more logical for us to live on the island. Besides, we've already sent over several of our greatest engineers from our workshop here in Germany today.”

Blake: “ see you guys are moving the entire business to sodor?”

Willow: “ pretty much. Anyway, enough chit chatting. it's time to head to our new home.”

Everybody agreed as Weiss and Aoihi walked hand in hand onto the ship. as they sailed off to a new chapter of their lives.

To be continued

Chapter 29: German Adventures: German style.

After another five blissful days on the ship the RWBYA Gang alongside winter and Willow arrived at brendam docks. As they were disembarking Ruby and Yang noticed a woman that looked very similar to Ruby but had white clothing instead of red.

Ruby/Yang running towards her: “ mom!”

They immediately tackled their mom to the ground as the woman began chuckling.

Woman: “ It's so good to see you again. I hope you enjoyed your trip?”

Ruby jumps up: “ it was amazing! we Stayed in this big mansion and we were given such delicious food! And the greatest sweets I ever tasted! although the fruit and vegetables didn't taste so good. but then again they're still rationing over there so I can cut them some Slack.”

the woman just giggled: “ that's my little Rose. guess who also came along to say hello.”

The two girls look down to see an adorable black and Gray corgi looking at them wagging its tail and barking at them.

Ruby immediately picked him up and he began licking her: “ zwei! who is a good boy! who is a good boy! You are! you are!”

Yang and Blake could only chuckle at the sight of Ruby Cuddling their pet Corgis zwei.

Meanwhile Willow approaches the woman: “ hello my name is willow schnee. and what's your name?”

Woman: “ My name is Summer Rose. I'm one of the council members of sodor. I'm so glad that you were willing to accept my daughters into your home. I understand it must have been quite the bother.”

Willow just Shrugged Summers concerns of: “ it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Besides, they left my house in good condition so I'm not going to complain. besides I'm actually moving to the island and I'm planning on moving my entire mansion over here as well. I'm still handling the paperwork but we got something else I think you should know about.”

summer raised an eyebrow in curiosity. after going to one of the nearby pubs to explain everything summer was extremely surprised to learn the information that they were giving her.

Summer: “ So you're telling me that the Earls' lost art pieces and engine are still on the island? Just at the abandoned site of great waterton?”

Aoihi nonchalantly: “ that pretty much sums it up. anyway we've already shipped off jacques To the police department. we'll be going to retrieve everything as soon as I explain everything to the Fat Controller.”

summer now looked a bit uncomfortable: “ you're not going to be able to contact him.”

Yang after giving Blake a piece of tuna: “ what is he on a business trip or something?”

Summer staring at the table: “ no… his condition has been getting worse… The doctors have told him that he needs to remain in bed and rest if he wants to get better. Charles has been taking over but he's also very concerned about his father. I still hope his father will pull through. He is a great man but he also deserves to rest after everything he's done for the island. but anyway I do think you should tell Charles about what's happening. I think the rediscovery of an old engine would definitely make him feel a little bit better. it might also keep his mind off his father's illness.”

Weiss nodded at Summers' suggestion: “ I think the next train will leave in about 10 minutes. If we catch it and go straight to Knapford if that's where he is?”

Summer: “ he doesn't have any other plans on his schedule today as far as I know. you should be able to find him there.”

Willow: “ thank you Miss Rose. It has been an honor to meet you and I hope we can speak more. You seem like quite an interesting woman.”

Summer smiling: “ and you too miss schnee. we should do this again.”

After that the group left on one of Edwards trains that went straight to knapford.

After a couple of hours they arrived at the station and immediately went towards the controller's office.

they knocked as Charles let them enter. After some explanation Charles had his hands in front of his mouth as he was thinking.

Charles: “ So you are saying that the Lost Treasure of the Earl of Sodor is at the abandoned site of great waterton?”

Winter: “ That's right sir. If you would allow us we would be more than happy to recover the items and bring them back along with the engine. we will pay for the damages our family has done to the island if you allow us.”

Charles lets out a deep sigh and looks at the group collected in front of him.

Charles: “ fine fine. We can go tomorrow. Aoihi I want you to bring Hero with you as well as Emily. She knows the line better than anybody else and Hero will have the power we are looking for to help out. His freight duties can be covered by the other engines so you don't have to worry about that. Now you guys get some rest. will be leaving early tomorrow because the line will be less busy then.”

Everybody gave him a nod as they all went home to relax. Aoihi Brought over the Schnee family back to Tidmouth to see his coach.

Aoihi stood in front of his coach gesturing towards it: “ ta-da! this is my home!”

the two older schnee women didn't immediately look impressed. It looks to be an old passenger coach with an observation deck.

Aoihi Just smiled: “ I know it doesn't look like much on the outside but the inside is a lot better.”

The two older schnee women decided to take his word for it and till they got inside. It was a beautifully decorated home with a bedroom, kitchen, a small bathroom and many decorations of Japan. including two straight blade katana's standing on a traditional rack underneath a photo of Rio.

Willow: “ you have quite the beautiful home aoihi. although doesn't it get noisy around here? I mean you're right next to the Engine Shed.”

Aoihi shrugs: “ I've been living next to engen sheds my whole life. It's basically background noise from me at this point. still it does make it a lot easier to fire up my engine in the morning.”

Weiss walked over towards her boyfriend: “ how about you introduce your engine to my family aoihi? I think it would be very interesting to see since we're here.”

Aoihi nodded: “ That's okay with me. also we do need to tell him about the arrangements for tomorrow.”

Weiss nodded as she led her mother and her sister into the Engine Shed where Hero was sleeping.

but he woke up as soon as he heard somebody coming in.

Hero: “konichiwa aoihi, weiss. It's good to see the two of you again. and who are these two with you?”

Willow: “ I am Weiss's mother Willow and this is her sister winter.”

Winter gave hero a respectful bow before speaking: “ it's a great honor to meet you Hero. we've heard about you from aoihi on our way over. You are definitely a very powerful looking engine. and definitely more stylish than the ones we have back in Germany.”

Hero smiled: “ ah so you are from Germany. That makes sense. Aoihi told me he was collecting the engines from Germany. when will they be arriving?”

Aoihi began thinking: “ well if there aren't any delays they should be here within 5 days. The ship they are on has to make a few stops before coming to sodor. Anyway, hero, we have a very important job tomorrow.”

hero raised his eyebrow: “ and what would that be?”

Weiss with a big smile: “ we are going to retrieve some very important artifacts and we're going to need your help. alongside Emily's. it's also a matter of Honor for my family that we do this so we will be coming along with you tomorrow.”

Hero smiled: “ Well if it's a case of Honor then I'm more than happy to help you. I suggest you all get some rest before we go out tomorrow. it must have been a long trip from Germany to here.”

Willow begins stretching: “ very true. Come on you guys, it's time for us to go and get some rest. I forgot how much I hate traveling by sea. if only there was a faster way to go from Sodor to Germany.”

Winter and Weiss giggled as they went to Weiss' Home for the night. Weiss did give her boyfriend a goodbye kiss before they left.

hero could only smile as he witnessed his driver finally opening up to people.

???: “ How sweet!”

The two of them jumped as they saw Rex-iaspis and Regina-Auream Sitting in Their shedroads smiling.

Aoihi Looking embarrassed: “ How long have you been standing there?”

iaspis With a cheeky smile: “ we've literally been here all day. and besides that it seems you were finally able to melt the ice Queen's heart. good on you bro. I always knew you had a chance With the ladies.”

Regina With a big smile: “ regardless of what my partner is saying I always knew the two of you would end up together. You are just such a beautiful couple. just make sure you treat her right or else she might begin beating your ass or they will punish you like I'm going to punish my partner by having him sleep outside the next time it rains!”

iaspis Still looking for a cheeky smile: “ worth it!”

Aoihi: “Well, I don’t have to worry too much. Got my family’s moral code.”

Iaspis smiling not so cheekily : “ yeah just make sure you treat her well okay? Believe me you do not want to make your partner angry with you or else you might be sleeping out in the rain. And Let me tell you it's very uncomfortable.”

Aoihi Just rolled his eyes and smiled at his advice. After a good night's rest hero and Emily made their way towards the Old Town of great waterton.

Willow, Winter, Charles, Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang were riding in a coach behind Hero as Emily led the way through the heavily forested area.

Willow: “ So this line leads to the old town of Great Waterton? Why was the town abandoned?”

Charles: “ well according to the records the sodor and mainland railway Couldn't Keep open after a while of financial problems and basically shut down. with no other transport that could make it through the rugged terrain the town basically became abandoned. There's no other way to get there but by rail. We used it during the war to store ammunition and after that it was abandoned again.”

Willow: “ interesting.”

After a few minutes they arrived at the Old Town of Great Waterton where the two steam engines would rest for a few minutes before going further up the line. mostly because Emily was sick of getting leaves in her face!

Everybody goes out to stretch their legs and explore the town a little bit.

Willow and winter grew fascinated by the entire area. it was definitely in bad condition but everything seemed to be structurally sound.

Weiss sitting next to her boyfriend on the platform looking at the town: “ I wonder what this place was like back in its heyday?”

Emily: “ It was A hive of activity. Many people came to the Mines to work or find work in the shops around here. but after the Mines dried up there was no reason for people to come here and eventually this place became abandoned. what I wouldn't give to see this place back to its former glory.”

Emily let out a sigh from her cylinders.

After 10 more minutes they made their way past the old railway shed where Emily had been abandoned for years. She was also surprised to see that the road she was on had been completely buried by the collapsing building.

Emily in her mind: “ I'm lucky I was discovered when I did. otherwise I would have been crushed.”

After five more minutes they arrived at the Old workshops of the S&M.

Blake and winter began looking at the door to the Workshops which seemed it Hadn't been opened for years.

winter after having no luck pulling it open: “ we need a key to open this door. unless anybody else has some-”

Blake: “ it's open!”

Everybody looked shocked, especially winter.

Blake just Shrugged: “ I used to be part of a gang back in the day. I have some experience picking locks. I am finally using that technique for something useful.”

Both Willow and winter looked a bit concerned at this information but decided to Roll With It. When they opened the doors they could see the tender of a small engine.

Small engine groaning: “ what's going on? Who's out there?!”

The humans slowly made their way to the front inspecting the engine. The engine looked very Shabby but surprisingly there was little rust. Most of the components look to be in very good condition. When they got to the front they could see that the engine had been covered in Dust including its face.

The engine looked very confused as the humans surrounded her at the front.

small engine: “ who are you guys? Are you vandals? Please don't break any of my components! All of the treasure is right there underneath the tarp!”

They all look towards a tarp covering some old wooden boxes. After they were able to pry them open they could see that they indeed contained all the items stolen from the earl of sodor.

Winter: “ everything seems to be here. we can return everything to the Earl now.”

The engine seemed a bit disappointed thinking they were only here for the treasure. That is until Weiss approached the engine and placed a gentle hand on her buffer.

Weiss: “ That also means you. Cristallo.”

Cristallo Looked shocked and then smiled: “ I haven't heard that name in such a long time… I thought that everybody had forgotten about me… it's so nice to hear it again. But how did you guys find me? nobody's been here for years.”

Aoihi came over: “ Well you can thank Emily for that. She was left here after the s&m closed down all those years ago. she saw one of The Robbers take you over here and then come back without you. We were able to confront the last surviving member of those robbers and recover you. don't worry Cristallo, we will bring you back towards the duke and everything will be fine.”

Cristallo looked concerned: “ but do you think he still wants me? I mean I don't look as beautiful as I used to and I'm certain there are more powerful engines he could have.”

Yang walked over: “ from the stories we've heard I'm certain that the duke would be more than happy to have you back. I mean he even placed a 14 million pounds reward on anybody who could find you. I wonder if the reward is still up?”

As Yang kept thinking about what she could do with that money her sister came up to Cristallo.

Ruby: “Don't Worry Cristallo we are first going to have you restored to your former glory before we hand you back over to the earl. isn't that right Charles?”

Charles smiled: “ we will. We were able to inform the earl that you're actually still around and he has given us enough money to restore you back to full working order. He wants you back on his railway ASAP!”

Cristallo smiled the biggest smile she had smiled in a long time.

After a couple of hours they were able to get her out of the Workshops and were once again passing through the Old Town when Willow decided to ask Charles something.

Willow: “Charles, are there any plans for this town?”

Charles shook his head as they were passing through: “ no we don't see the value in This Old Town without the Mines.”

Willow: “but isn't there a shortage of housing at the moment?”

Charles scratching the back of his head: “yes but it's gonna be a while before we can rebuild everything. many people have lost their homes during the Blitz and we haven't really had the time to repair anything properly besides the railway infrastructure.”

Willow: “Then why don't we rebuild the town here? it looks structurally sound enough. plus I'm willing to invest some of my own money into this project if you want. It would help both of us since I could build my home around here. I love this forested area.”

Charles looked Shocked but realized that Willow had a good point.

Charles: “ Okay then. The harbor is nearing the halfway point of completion. Once that is done I can allocate a few engines to the restoration of this town.”

Winter then realized something: “maybe you can put your new German steam engines on the job of restoring This place. I mean no offense but I think having them be on the area of the island that's the least visited by the general public might help soften the blow. I mean we German people don't exactly have the best reputation right now.”

Charles nodded in understanding: “okay. I will have both of them assigned to the restoration of great waterton. We can begin with the paperwork tomorrow. I'm already going to be knee deep in paperwork thanks to our little adventure here so I would appreciate it if you gave me a break before we start on all of this.”

Willow smiled: “ That's okay with me. Also, what has happened to my ex husband?”

meanwhile on the prison Island misty Island.

Jacques Was forced to listen to 3 Hillbillies from America singing some weird songs. it was absolute torture for him. but the other prison inmates enjoyed it.

To be continued

Chapter 30: German Adventures: Frieden, Lokomotive

It had been several months since the northwestern railway had officially acquired two steam engines from Germany as a “gift” from the German government.

80 001 who had named himself marklin After a model manufacturer back in Germany was quiet and didn't speak a lot.

52, 1943, 8 On the other hand remained silent as she was put on supply runs for Great waterton. She didn't speak to any of the engines on her first day and instead of going to Tidmouth she slept at knapford.

Despite both of their newcomers pretty much trying to shut everybody out, all of the other engines actually understood why they were like that. Germany at this point didn't really have the best reputation globally thanks to that idiot who decided to wage war against pretty much everyone at one point.

so it was quite reasonable for the engines to assume that… well… the two of them would need some time to be accepted by everybody on the island. Fortunately for them everybody was able to see the hurt on their faces as they couldn't look even a single passenger in the eye or even the workers who worked with them.

hero and aoihi were at knapford motive power depot refueling when they noticed 52, 1943, 8 roll into the other coalling stage.

Hero: “ konichiwa 52, 1943, 8. It's quite a beautiful morning today.”

52, 1943, 8 just huffed as her crew began reloading her with coal.

aoihi just let out a sigh: “ you know you really should try opening up to the engines around here. they're not as judgmental as the rest of England.”

52, 1943, 8 looked over towards the Japanese driver who just gave her a smile.

aoihi: “ I too was… closed off for a long time. but when I came here I opened up. you have been here for a few months now. I really think you really should start opening up to the other engine's and let them help you feel more comfortable.”

52, 1943, 8 just let off steam from her cylinders: “ it's not that easy. after what Germany has done and what I have done to all those Innocent civilians… I feel like a monster…”

Hero gave his new colleague a sympathetic look: “I can understand that. but we must not forget that you were never given the choice to choose your own path. but let me ask you this: if you would have known what you were doing, would you have stopped when you had the option?”

52, 1943, 8 just chuckled self-deprecatingly: “ you guys seriously think I didn't have a choice? I did and I chose to just… do my work… How sick of me is it to say that I saw the murder of Innocent civilians as work… I can never forgive myself for what I've done… Neither can any of my class…. people will always see us and remember the war. I mean we are literally called war locomotives for crying out loud! maybe it would have been better if we were never built.”

Aoihi shook his head as he was oiling some of Heroes Joints.

aoihi: “ then Germany would have built another class of locomotives to replace you In the story of the war. let's not forget you're a type 52 and you worked alongside the type 50s. there will always be locomotives connected to the war. I mean me and Hero quite frankly are also connected to the war since we helped with the war effort against the allies. but yet I was welcomed with open arms here. And I really suggest you give this place a chance 52, 1943, 8 and get yourself a real name as well. it's kind of getting annoying referring to you by your number.”

Both the Japanese driver and locomotive chuckled but the German war locomotive didn't really see the funny side but understood what they meant.

After both engines were refueled they went back to work.

The Reconstruction of the harbor at Knapford Has almost reached completion! but it wasn't exactly like it was before. new passenger facilities alongside much larger facilities for cargo ships to come in alongside a brand new Container Terminal! this was something the Fat Controller had pushed for in the plans. he realized that the future of transportation wasn't individual wagon freight but containerized Freight! this new Container Terminal would be able to store and ship out containers alongside load those containers up from individual wagon Freights.

most of the physical reconstruction in terms of buildings and all had also been completed with a few warehouses to be built over the next couple of months.

Fortunately this meant there was more than enough supplies for the reinstatement of great waterton. The Council was more than happy to Grant Willow schnee permission to bring great waterton back from the Ashes! In fact Willow didn't even have to spend any of her own money but was granted a huge amount of money for the reconstruction of great waterton.

of course marklin and 52, 1943, 8 were put on the Works trains. The tracks had been significantly strengthened over the last couple of months to handle heavier locomotives. while marklin would be shunting around the several sites including the construction of a brand new shed which was way bigger than the old one.

52, 1943, 8 Was in charge of the supply trains towards great waterton. This included getting supplies from all the other stations as well as from the mainland. all of which had to be brought to the construction site of great waterton.

A couple of hours after her little chat with the Japanese driver and locomotive she arrived in great waterton and came to a halt within the station area. This was the nearest area to town where she could be unloaded.

standing there with her men ready on the platform was winter schnee. She had been placed in charge of the reconstruction efforts so her mother could Focus on the mansion's relocation.

winter: “ put your backs into it men! The council expects us to have this project completed within the next two years! if you keep lazing about it won't be ready and the council will cut our funding! and I don't want my mother to spend a dime of her own money if it can be prevented!”

52, 1943, 8 chuckling: “ you really need to take it easy on your men. They Might rebell against you if you keep going like this. I mean remember what happened to the ZAR of Russia?”

winter rolled her eyes: “ you 52, 1943, 8 were not even built at that time. and yes I do remember… at least the storys my mother told me.”

52, 1943, 8 smiling: “ By the way, how is your mother doing?”

winter lets out a Sigh: “ she is currently wrestling every single wild animal on the island. Apparently it gives her a Kick in her old age. sometimes I really don't get how my mother can do all of that.”

52, 1943, 8 if she had arms she would have Shrugged: “ Well anyway this is your latest supplies.”

Winter noticed a bit of a downer tone in The Locomotives Voice and grew concerned.

winter: “ is everything alright 52, 1943, 8? you seem a bit down?”

52, 1943, 8 let out a hiss of steam from her cylinders: “ to be honest I'm kind of… worried and stressed out… I guess… I mean I see plenty of people whisper when I pass through the stations with my heavy freight trains. I don't know if they whisper about me being here especially after what those spies did back during the war.”

Winter put her hands behind her back and began walking in front of the locomotive: “ what happened during the war was not your fault. you weren't the Locomotive that was responsible Behind Those bombings and besides you have done nothing to these people.”

52, 1943, 8 rolled her eyes: “ besides possibly killing some of their family members. or because I was too much of a coward to stand up to our former government.”

winter let out a deep sigh: “ nobody is blaming you for that. you didn't ask to be Built . And you never asked to be given the jobs that you were. And quite frankly many people have overheard your conversations with Marklin about how bad you feel and have been spreading the word. Many people across the island feel like you are not Monsters since you are willing to admit what you did was wrong. even if you didn't have a choice.”

52, 1943, 8 once again rolled her eyes infrastration this time: “ why do people say I didn't have a choice! I did have a choice and I chose the wrong option! I should have rebelled against him and get the other engines involved too! maybe the war Would not have been as long if I did.”

winter just shook her head in disappointment. she was hoping that the big engine would stop blaming herself and start enjoying her new opportunity she had been given. clearly that was never going to happen. she just walked away as The supplies were being carted away to the construction sites.

If anybody's wondering why they don't just use trucks, it is because there's no road and the terrain around there is way too dangerous to build a road to Into Great waterton.

Anyway once her train was empty 52, 1943, 8 went back up the line tender first since they hadn't finished building the turntable yet.

as she was going back to knapford to pick up some extra trucks to go down to vicarstown she had to stop at Elsbridge Because of a red signal and had to wait. At that moment an emerald green Engine with a big driving wheel stopped on the other platform.

Emily looking at the behemoth of a German locomotive: “ wow… I've never seen a locomotive as big as you before…. well if you don't count illustrious. but still you're quite impressive.”

52, 1943, 8Just gave a small smile: “ thanks… I think? Anyway, what kind of locomotive are you? I've never seen anything like you ever in my life.”

Emily smiled: “ well you haven't been around for very long have you? I am a Great Northern Railway sterling single! but you can just call me Emily. it's a lot shorter and sounds better than all of that.”

52, 1943, 8 chuckled at the single's nervousness at the last part of her sentence.

52, 1943, 8: “ so you're a single driver? never seen anything like that before in my country either. I mean we have plenty of engines with eight couples driving wheels and of course thousands of us 10 coupled driving wheel locomotives. still it is impressive to see an engine like you. When were you Built?”

Emily: “I was built in 1870. a very long time ago.”

52, 1943, 8 looked impressed: “ Well such an old locomotive like you still being in service is definitely impressive.”

Emily blushed a bit: “Well I was stuck in an old shed for most of my life… in fact it's at the location you are currently restoring.”

52, 1943, 8 was now the one smirking: “ and we are upgrading it! I mean we even tore down that old shed of yours and built a brand new structure with doors.”

Emily looked flustered and angry: “ why couldn't we have had doors on our shed Back in the day! Seriously, every time it rained we were covered by it! I love the sodor and mainland railway but still why couldn't they have given us a proper shed!”

52, 1943, 8 finally began laughing hard at Emily's Outburst.

52, 1943, 8 barely containing her laughter: “ well… you should come visit when it's fully built. Believe me, Marklin has already been telling me about how much he enjoys the new shed. even though he can't be Stabled there yet.”

Emily smiled: “ well as long as the place is getting restored and improved I'm happy. I'm also happy about living on this island. You know there are some really fine engines and people around here. besides James he's a bit of a jerk.”

52, 1943, 8 gave a big smile: “ do you want me to put him in his place for you?”

Emily gave a show of thinking: “ I'll take you up on that offer at another date.”

52, 1943, 8 Just chuckled as her line became clear and she made her way down to knapford. Maybe aoihi was right and she needed to open herself up to the other engines. but still she couldn't shake the fears of her past.

That night she was once again stabled at knapford sheds. it was quiet… It was lonely but she preferred to sleep like this. back in Germany she rarely got sleep alone and had to constantly hear her brothers and sisters yelling at each other and she could barely get any sleep. here she was finally able to get some sleep…. But unfortunately it wasn't a pleasant dream.

She was having a particularly bad nightmare tonight. She was near one of the old concentration camps and she could see many of the dead people that she had brought to their graves trying to pull her in to be destroyed. They called her a monster and said that she deserved to rot alongside them. and no matter how hard she tried no matter how hard her wheels pounded the rails they're kept pulling her in closer and closer and closer until-

she finally woke up when she could hear somebody calling out her number.

she could see it was winter once again. and again like earlier that day she had a concerned look on her face.

52, 1943, 8 breathing heavily: “ winter? What are you doing here?”

Winter still looking concerned: “I came here to check on you and Clearly that was a good idea. where you having a nightmare?”

52, 1943, 8 didn't say anything but winter had Comforted Her sister more than enough times to realize when somebody wasn't telling her the full truth.

winter looking a bit Stern now: “ locomotive 52, 1943, 8 I am ordering you to tell me what you are dreaming about just now!”

 

52, 1943, 8 didn't want to say anything but winter Stern gaze finally broke for her Defenses and she spilled everything about her dream to win her who patiently listened to her.

When she was finished winter gave the big giant locomotive a sympathetic look.

Winter: “ you feel guilty that you couldn't prevent all of those people from being murdered. isn't that right?”

52, 1943, 8 just lets out a sigh : “ yes ma'am… I know what everybody else is saying is true that I really didn't have much of a choice… but still I feel like I should have stood up much sooner.”

Winter leaning against the closed doors crossed her arms and smiled.

Winter: “ I know that same feeling.”

52, 1943, 8 now looked surprised. She was aware that winter was part of the Underground rebellion in Germany during the Second World War but she didn't know all the details.

Winter looked up at the roof as she began explaining.

winter: “Back during my youth when my sister was born my parents… didn't really get along… My mother and my father were always arguing and Weiss was really neglected at most points. I took my responsibility deeply as the big sister and tried to comfort my little baby sister the best I could. I try to make my parents stop but my dad would just Slap me in the face and tell me to stay out of it. my mother would then try to defend me and the arguments began all over again. and the older we got the Worse it got for us. mother eventually took the drinking for a while to cope with the stress of the situation since thanks to the war there wasn't really any time for a divorce. but even before that the political situation wasn't exactly good for us.

Father wanted us to help the German high command but my mother and my grandpa were very much against it. One night though my father took it too far. 2 years before the war he tried to attack my sister with A knife causing her to get a scar over her Left eye. she was bleeding and crying and I tried my best but… I didn't know what to do… and my father got away with it because my mother was just too drunk to do anything. I felt guilty and constantly was telling myself that I was a bad sister for letting that happen to her.

I had nightmares and I couldn't sleep. so to alleviate my guilt I became part of the underground resistance. Fortunately my father has gotten his Justice since the German government allowed us to… well… give us good as we got shall we say. I still wrestle with the Guilt I felt from that night from time to time.

but I know that my sister is surrounded by good people and that she's moving on from her past. maybe that's something the both of us can work on together?”

52, 1943, 8 didn't say anything but winter didn't need an answer as she began walking out of the sheds.

as she did so a few snowflakes began falling.

winter catching one in her hand: “ I guess it's going to be a white Christmas.”

Unfortunately that was not the case. It wasn't just an ordinary snowfall. it was a blizzard! and one of the worst the island had seen in years. The constructions at both Great waterton and the harbor had been temporarily shut until the weather improved. Unfortunately many people were stuck in their houses during the Blizzard and the railway had also been nearly shut down.

It had been two days since the snowstorm had started trapping some people where they were. This included the signalmen but fortunately the fat controller had told them to stockpile extra food and Fire wood In case they were trapped in their signal boxes. which were fortunately very warm.

Winter, Weiss and Willow were in Weiss's house in Knapford which was pretty decent but wasn't really big enough to house three people. still they made it work.

Weiss was making dinner as winter was looking outside of the window at the snow storm.

Winter: “ It's really snowing heavy tonight. Do you think the Fat Controller will shut down the Railway?”

willow Sitting at the dinner table: “ most likely. It's too dangerous to run trains out during such a blizzard. Besides, I'd highly doubt any of the crew are brave enough to keep operating. there's also no point with all the businesses shut down alongside all the stations closing due to no passengers showing up.”

winter could only agree. but that's when they suddenly heard a yelp from the kitchen. The two older women ran into the kitchen to see Weiss coughing and wheezing and holding her chest as she fell down onto the floor.

Willow immediately went towards her child as winter called a doctor.

It was fortunate that the phone lines had not been blown down in this blizzard.

The doctor immediately made their way towards them in the Blizzard.

When he arrived at the front door Willow immediately let her in.

Doctor as she was wiping off snow from her coat: “ where's the patient?”

Willow: “ upstairs! we got her into bed as soon as possible.”

The doctor immediately rushed up with her bag full of supplies and the moment she got into Weiss's room she immediately pushed winter away. she was holding her sister's hand rubbing circles as her sister kept coughing.

After 10 minutes the doctor gave a grave look.

Doctor: “I'm afraid she has contracted sudrian fever.”

Both the Elder schnee’s looked confused.

Willow: “ What is sudrian fever? we've never heard of that.”

the doctor began packing her bags: “ that's because it's a sickness that happens here on sodor. It's a very rare form of fever that… slowly kills you if not treated. It causes immense pain in the chest, coughing and eventually… well… you know… it's been happening all over the island. and it always comes during blizzards.”

Both Willow and Winter look shocked as Weiss was barely conscious now.

Willow almost to the point of tears: “ Is there anything we can do?”

The doctor pulled out a flask from her bag and shook her head as she was shaking it, showing that it was empty.

Doctor: “ I'm sorry but I'm fresh out of The Cure and everybody else as well.”

Winter then grabbed the doctor and slammed her against the wall!

winter screaming: “ then where do we get more!”

The doctor was now nervously trying to get winter off her.

Doctor: “there was supposed to be a shipment coming in a few days ago with The Cure but it hasn't arrived yet. and there's no way we can get to it because the roads are pretty much frozen over and even if we wait for the storm to pass it would be far too late! your sister needs to get the medicine within two days.”

winter let's the doctor go as she realized there was nothing she could do… even if she was able to drive there it would be far too dangerous to drive back on the roads….

Then suddenly winter had an idea but she needed to confirm something.

Winter: “was the medicine supposed to be delivered by train?”

The doctor was trying to get off the floor where she had fallen when she was let go looking extremely afraid of the Elder Schnee daughter.

Doctor nervously: “ yes. it's still at the yard in barrow in furness! But there's nobody crazy enough to drive through this blizzard! And besides, the tracks are covered in snow!”

Winter realised once again that the doctor had a point… there was no way she was able to get a crew out here and she didn't have any experience driving a steam engine… well except for…

Winter suddenly got a fire in her eyes and was making her way down to the door grabbing her coat along the way.

Willow was following her looking concerned at her eldest daughter's actions.

Willow: “winter what are you doing?”

Winter looked back at her mother with fire in her eyes: “ I failed her once and I'm not going to fail her again!”

Willow, still looking concerned: “What are you planning winter?”

Winter: “ I am going to get the medicine myself!”

Willow looked shocked at the answer of her eldest daughter: “but you heard the doctor! there is no way you can get there by road and there's nobody crazy enough to drive on the railway through this blizzard! And even if you are willing to do so you have no experience on any of the engines!”

Winter just turned towards the door and opened it as some of the wind howled around her.

winter without looking back: “ But I do have experience with one type of locomotive.”

That’s when she immediately began running and running and running through the snow. Willow wanted to stop her but she couldn't see her after a short period of time thanks to the blinding blizzard. so she decided to make a call to somebody That might be able to help.

Meanwhile winter had arrived at her destination. knapford sheds. as she made her way in she could see 52, 1943, 8 Sitting there with a snow plow still attached to her front.

Winter immediately ran up into her cab and saw that the fire was still burning as her crew had only recently left her behind.

52, 1943, 8 looked confused as winter immediately began running around her, oiling her joints and throwing new coal onto the fire making it burn hotter again.

52, 1943, 8 sounding confused: “ winter what are you doing? I'm supposed to be cooling down. there are no trains for me to pull.”

winter shouting at her: “ yes you have one more job to do! and it's an emergency!”

52, 1943, 8 looked shocked. she was still unaware of what the emergency was though but if winter was here then it truly was an emergency.

52, 1943, 8 getting a more serious look: “what’s the emergency?”

Winter: “ it's my sister. she has contracted a local sickness that if we don't treat her within the next two days she will die! the medicine is at Barrow and there is no way anybody can get there… at least by road. I am betting that you and I can make it by rail.”

52 1943 8 was now even more surprised: “ wait you expect me to drive through that blizzard? Are you crazy!”

Winter looked at her with a determined look in her eyes: “ maybe…. but I know your class was specifically built to go to the Russian front. you guys have dealt with blizzards like this before.”

52, 1943, 8 looking a bit unsure: “ still… it is quite a risk I will be taking… not only for my own safety but yours… have you ever Driven a 52 before?”

winter looking desperate now: “ yes I have Back during the war as I had to hijack a couple of you for British High command. But please! I need your help! I failed my sister once before and I'm not going to fail her now! Please… I don't want to lose her…”

winter was beginning to cry. 52, 1943, 8 looked at her and the desperation in her eyes as Tears began falling onto the shed floor. She looked in front of her and could hear the wind and the snow howling against the doors and making them rattle slightly. Then she made her choice.

52, 1943, 8 turning on her lights: “then we have no time to lose! get on board we are getting that medicine!”

Winter smiled and wiped the tears from her face as she got into the engine's cab after opening the doors. There was indeed a lot of snow as high as her buffer beam but with her snow plow it Was easy work.

they passed through knapford station which was completely dead with not even the lights on. After passing Tidmouth they Couldn't see the shed in the blinding snow but winter could have sworn she saw a light piercing through the snow.

as they were passing through Henry's tunnel they got a short rest bite from the Blizzard.

winter was constantly checking all of 52, 1943, 8 systems to make sure she was running at peak efficiency. they were only going about 30 miles an hour which wasn't really fast but that was to be expected for a heavy freight engine.

but as they continued the line became more and more snowed in. The snow was already above her cylinders when 52, 1943, 8 and winter approached wellsworth. Both of them knew what was up ahead.

52, 1943, 8 shouting back at Winter: “winter I need you to keep fueling me. I need all the Steam I can get over the hill!”

winter just blew her whistle in reply and began shoveling more and more coal into the firebox. they charged up the hill but the snow kept pushing them back… and back… and back.

52, 1943, 8 could feel her wheels beginning to slip even with her sandboxes fully engaged.

Winter kept trying every trick in the book she knew from her limited experience to try and get 52, 1943, 8 over the hill. but as they were about to reach the top the pile of snow in front of them stopped them in their tracks.

no matter what they did the snow was just too deep and they couldn't make it.

Winter Fell to her knees inside of the cab and began hitting the floor crying that this couldn't be happening. She was shouting her sister's name and she was having a full breakdown.

52, 1943, 8 couldn't help but listen and felt Heart broken for her. She had already lost several siblings during the war and she knew the pain. They were about to give up when suddenly they received a shove from behind shaking winter off balance and onto the floor for a brief moment. she then got up and looked out of the cab backwards to see…

Winter shouting over the Blizzard: “aoihi! Hero!”

indeed it was both aoihi and hero behind them! they were helping her over the hill! but it wasn't just then. It was illustrious, unicorn, Alec and Baldwin! All of them were pushing winter and 52, 1943, 8 through the snow!

Aoihi stuck his head out of the window and shouted towards her: “ Winter keep going! don't stop! we're behind you all the way!”

winter couldn't help but shed a tear at the amount of engine drivers and locomotives that were willing to come out to help her and 52, 1943, 8.

52, 1943, 8 was also moved by the display of motive power.

The two Germans decided not to give up and began charging down the hill at full speed! they kept making their way Along the line with the snow piling higher and higher!

but they wouldn't give up! Soon they passed through Henry's Forest. Fortunately the snow wasn't as bad there because the trees were helping absorb most of the snow Onto their branches.

The Signalmen along the way were surprised to see them but made sure that all the points were set for them to reach Barrow. Fortunately the snowstorm was a lot less intense at Barrow but there was still a lot of snow falling around them.

as the Japanese and German drivers made their way towards the yardmaster's offers they realized it was locked.

winter shivering: “ okay… this is really annoying! now we have to find a key!”

Aoihi screamed and kicked the Door Down!

Winter smiled: “ that works.”

The two of them began rifling through the paperwork to find which wagons held the medicine.

Winter: “why did you come and help us? I didn't call you.”

Aoihi while rifling through the papers: “ no but your mother did. she explained what was happening to your sister and I am not going to let her die! She's my girlfriend after all and my family's Code of Honor says I have to protect my loved ones at all costs! Besides, I knew you wouldn't be able to make it through this Blizzard alone. It's fortunate I was able to convince the other drivers to come with us. I knew all of the wartime locomotives working together could make it through.”

Winter could only smile and hope that Weiss wouldn't be stupid enough to mess up this relationship. because a man like Aoihi is a man you only meet once in your lifetime.

Finally they were able to find the paperwork and made their way out of the office. not before aoihi gingerly attempted to put the door back on its hinges before they left. unfortunately The door did fall, so Aoihi left behind a note… Carved Into the door.

Aoihi’s note: “ sorry for breaking your door down. We really need the medicine so we can save the people of Sodor and we can't bother with keys. and if you want to sue me go ahead!”

The two of them immediately made their way back towards the engines and got them turned around! After coupling up the convoy left the yards with 52 1943 8 leading the charge!

Fortunately the Blizzard seemed to be subsiding but there was still quite a lot of snow on the Tracks. They stopped at every station dropping each of the wagons off for their medicine to be dispersed by whatever means necessary. Fortunately, thanks to the snow falling gently now, people were able to get to the medicine by either running or sledding.

they finally only had one shipment left! and that was for knapford.

Many doctors and some of the Railway board members as well as the public were waiting for the train to come in with the suppliesThey had been informed by the signalmen that the medicine had been picked up and was on their way. When the Lights of 52 1943 8 were shining in the distance people began cheering!

52, 1943, 8 felt incredibly touched. Even though she knew they were cheering for her since she was bringing them the medicine it still felt amazing that people were actually cheering for her.

When she finally came to a halt, winter and aoihi immediately got out of their respective engines and grabbed one of the vials of the medicine and began running towards Weiss's home.

Both hero and 52, 1943, 8 looked worried as they were running out of the station.

52, 1943, 8: “Viel Glück, Winter … "Viel Glück.” (godspeed winter… godspeed)

The two of them arrived at the house where Willow was waiting for them and immediately hugged the both of them. They gave the doctor the medicine, who immediately went up towards her patient's room and ordered all of them to stay downstairs.

The hours passed and all of them were nervously sitting at the table awaiting the verdict.

but finally as the first light of the Sun finally began rising over the horizon they got good news.

doctor with a smile as she came down the stairs: “I have good news. Miss schnee will make a full recovery. but she will have to stay in bed for a few days as the medicine does its job. she's also asleep so I would highly suggest you keep things quiet around here.”

The doctor then left and Willow tearfully hugged both winter and aoihi. winter felt better as she realized she finally was able to do what she wasn't able to do as a kid. help her sister when she really needed it.

Meanwhile on Misty island Jacques Was lying in the snow Half buried by it clutching his chest in pain listening to the Hillbillies singing out of a megaphone! It's also rumored in Legend that he went insane and jumped into the ocean and was immediately attacked by hundreds of sharks! where the hell the sharks came from nobody knows but they were never seen again.

a day later 52, 1943, 8 Was once again in the sheds. but this time she was actually in Tidmouth sheds. the other engines had invited her and Riding on her Newfound confidence she went in. Although initially she felt awkward she after a while began opening up and laughing, crying and joking with the other engines. especially at the expense of James. He was her main item for roasting.

After the morning came and went the Fat Controller came into the sheds With a big smile on his face.

The Fat Controller: “52, 1943, 8, Hero, illustrious, unicorn, Alec and Baldwin! The 7 of You Have really proven to be really useful engines. especially you 52, 1943, 8. I've heard many thanks for you guys from the people you saved. thanks to you only one person died.”

Alec with a Raised eyebrow: “ and who is the person who died?”

the fat controllers just Shrugged: “ just some prisoner of misty island that I can't remember the name of. I think Jack or jacques Or something like that. to be honest I don't really care, everybody else is really thankful to you guys. so considering all of Your hard work I've decided to give you guys brand new coats of paint as well as putting some of you in for overhaul a lot sooner than expected. especially you 52, 1943, 8. Many people told me that you and winter were the first ones out there. and have much respect for you. you've really shown us how really useful the German locomotives can be. so you will get a complete overhaul so we can replace some of your plastic components with proper metal components and give you a brand new coat of black and red paint.”

all the other engines looked impressed but 52, 1943, 8 had something else in mind.

52, 1943, 8 with a timid smile: “ sir if it's not too much to ask I would like to be repainted into another color. and I would also like to be given a name. I think it's time I leave my number behind.

the Fat Controller looked confused but allowed this: “ very well then what would you like to be painted in and what will be your name?”

52, 1943, 8 Just smiled.

to be continued

Chapter 31: New years and New Beginnings.

It had been 3 weeks since the Blizzard hit and everybody was still recovering. Weiss was able to make a full recovery. although she did have to stay at home for at least a month by doctor's orders.

Meanwhile winter had been officially offered a job as the driver of 52 1943 8 due to her sterling Performance during the crisis. Winter of course accepted the job but was told that her engine was in the Works currently going through an overhaul. but that she would be ready by the time of the New Year celebrations.

Everybody was looking forward to one thing: the annual New Year's party. This Was an annual thing where all the engines And Staff would be invited to a single location, usually Tidmouth sheds, so all the engines and drivers could attend and just hang out and have some fun. The Staff were even allowed to bring their children with them as well. It was the most anticipated event of the year on the northwestern railway.

all the engines continued to Chit and chat all day and the event finally happened. every single engine on the railway that was in operation was at Tidmouth sheds. The sheds had been decorated from top to bottom with Stringers, lights, balloons and everything! even the engines have been decorated to get into the festive cheer.

many tables have been placed around the turntable and many people were milling about. The engine's two were talking to their drivers and firemen along with their children. It was a very social atmosphere.

Winter and Willow had even shown up to partake in the Festivities when they noticed Weiss and aoihi feeding each other some of the food that had been brought over from one of the nearby restaurants.

Willow could barely contain herself: “ there's such a cute couple. I really hope one day they get married.”

Winter chuckled at her mother's antics: “mother the two of them have barely been dating for a couple of months now. let them take things at their own pace.”

?: “Your daughter is right willow. you don't want to push themtoo far or else they might begin hating you.”

Both older schnee’s looked behind them to see a woman around the same age as willow. But unlike the white-haired woman, the black haired woman was wearing a yukata instead of an Dress which had many swirling patterns on it. She also had a fox mask on which she took off and put on her shoulder when she had finally approached the two Elder schnees.

Willow immediately hugged the woman: “ yuki! It's so good to see you again, old friend. I'm glad to see you finally came out of your coma.”

Yuki brushed the back of her head: “ you and me both. I can't believe how much I've missed. and I'm kind of sad about what my son had to go through but I'm also happy that he's had such great friends supporting him. and a wonderful girlfriend. although there's one thing that I'm a bit annoyed about.”

winter looking curious: “ and what would that be?”

Yuki with a serious look: “I would have loved to teach both that Theodore Ashwood and your father a lesson before they Died. also where did although Sharks come from? I mean I don't know any sharks native to this area.”

Willow placed a hand on her friend's shoulder: “ take my advice yuki. don't question a good thing. I mean back in Germany a bunch of mountain lions came out of nowhere and attacked him. even some versions of my children from another dimension. I don't even know how that's possible. although I was certain we were all high at that moment. well again not gonna question a good thing.”

Yuki nodded and turned back to winter: “ so winter you're going to be working on the northwestern railway. I'm actually surprised since according to what I've heard you were actually part of the rebellion back in Germany. Why didn't you stick with a military career?”

winter just Shrugged: “ I only did it because I hated the government of my country back then. plus I would rather lead a peaceful civilian life than a high Stakes military one. Besides, civilian life has more to offer. although I haven't really had much practice with my engine since it has gone into the works to be Overhauled and repainted. I still wonder what color she wanted to be repainted in. She had also requested a name but nobody's told me what the name is and I'm getting kind of Curious and impatient. I really wish somebody would tell me.”

At that moment a whistle was heard from outside which sounded very familiar to everyone. but the engine that came into the shed surprised everyone. it was indeed 52 1943 8.

But instead she was painted in a pearl white with royal blue and slate blue frames and connecting rods alongside the letter's N and W alongside the schnee family symbol on her tender.

but what was most surprising was her name plate which said: winter schnee.

everybody looked surprised as she was being turned around ( and all the tables managed not to be knocked over along with the food) And back down into her shed Road next to Marklin who looked completely dumbstrucked at his colleague's new appearance.

Marklin: “52 1943 8 What have you done to your livery?”

Winter schnee smiled: “ I decided it was time for a change. Besides, I do think I look good in this. Also, you can call me snowy from now on. I figured it would be easier than people constantly having to refer to me by winter schnee.”

Marklin Smiled: “ That's okay with me snowy.”

At that moment a man in blue red and yellow Overalls stepped out of Snowy's cab and made his way to the front of the engine Looking at his handy work.

That's when Aoihi recognized the man.

Aoihi with a big smile: “ Whoa! Matthew! Never knew you were on Sodor.”

The man apparently named Matthew turned around and smiled at him.

Matthew: “heeeeeeee aoihi it's been a while. What in the name of George Stephenson are you doing here?”

Aoihi: “to help smooth over Trade relations between Sodor and Japan I was sent here with my engine to… help out on the railway as a permanent member of the fleet.”

Matthew stroked his chin: “ so that's why you're coaches outside. I was wondering why you have your coach here. still it must be better than being back in Japan where people try to murder your family.”

Aoihi rolled his eyes: “ Well at least my mother is alive. and the traitor was justifiably executed for spreading false truths during a time of War so I won't have to deal with him.”

Matthew nodded and looked towards the white haired woman next to his friend.

Matthew with a big smile: “ ah you must be weiss schnee! it's great to finally meet you.”

Weiss looked confused: “ how do you know me? and for that matter who are you?”

Matthew smiled as he began robbing the back of his head: “My apologies. I am Matthew “Mats” Warbler. but you may call me Mats. It's a lot shorter. I'm an old friend of Aoihi's back before the War started when I was living in Japan for a short while.”

Weiss looked even more confused: “ Wait, you lived in Japan?”

Mats Shrugged: “ only for a little while. I was working on the railways there to make sure everything ran Like Clockwork. I've actually been going from country to country and seeing the world. I also Met Your Mother a while back. just before the war I think. I'm so happy she was finally able to divorce that quite frankly idiot of a man who I shall not name.”

Weiss could only agree: “ well what brings you to sodor Mats?”

mats with a big smile: “ well I'm going to be the new chief mechanical engineer for the Railway. I've already signed on the paperwork and got myself a house near croven's Gate. it's quite a bit out of the city but I do have flexible hours.”

Aoihi chuckled: “ So things are going Full Circle again right Matthew?”

Mats smiled: “ yes they are aoihi. yes they are.”

At this moment Ruby Yang and Blake approach them and have heard the last part of what he had said.

Blake while stuffing her face with a fish: “ and what is coming full circle?”

Mats puffed out his chest with pride: “ my family is very much connected to the railways of sodor! I mean my great great grandfather helped build the line up to Ulfstead castle. My great grandfather helped build the line that helped connect the TK&E and the W&S Together and my grandfather helped build not only most of the Rollings stock on the railway including the original Express Coaches but he also helped build the connection point of the main line. So yeah my family has a long history with this railway. heck it's only my father who really doesn't do anything with the railways.”

Ruby while stuffing her face with cookies: “ then what does your father do?”

Mats shrugs: “ works in the logistical department of some grocery store chain. Anyway, I hope to get to know each and every one of you over the next couple of years. I'm really excited to start working here on the island.”

Meanwhile while this was happening winter walked over to snowy with a shocked expression on her face.

winter looking shocked: “ why did you decide to get painted like that? and why did you choose my name?”

Snowy smiled towards her namesake: “you showed me that it's never too late to make the past right. so I wanted to be named after you. I hope you don't mind.”

Winter smiled: “ well it will take some getting used to snowy but I am honored that you considered me to be your name sake. but please don't make it go to your head. we are going to be working together after all.”

snowy smiled as she and winter continued to talk while Willow, summer, Raven and Kali were chatting at one of the tables. The four mothers really hit it off and slowly began placing bets on whose children would marry first.

Raven was betting on her own daughter while Willow was betting on her own daughter.

Ruby was walking around the sheds trying to find more cookies when she accidentally bumped into a small Boy with a tan complexion, hazel eyes and freckles on his cheeks.

Ruby immediately tried to apologize as the boy did the same and the two of them began blushing immediately in awkwardness.

Ruby stiffly sticks out her hand: “Sorry for bumping into you. I'm Ruby Rose, what's your name?”

brown-haired boy: “ Oscar Pine. I'm Matthew's Apprentice. He's teaching me everything I need to know to become a railway engineer. although his teachings can be quite… extreme.”

Ruby with a raised eyebrow: “ how so?”

Oscar: “ One time he had me do some brake repairs underneath a passenger car On my own.”

Ruby still not getting it: “ so? that seems quite reasonable to me?”

Oscar: “ while the train was still moving. at high speed…. it was the most terrifying repair job I've ever done.”

Matthew shouting over: “ hey you got the job done and you always perform at your best when you're under pressure! besides you got paid extra for that!”

Oscar just blushed as Ruby began giggling.

Meanwhile, Summer was smiling over towards her daughter and the brown haired boy. Raven smirked as summer continued to stare at Ruby.

Raven: “ honey you shouldn't keep staring at our daughter's or else you might give them the wrong message.”

summer letting out a sigh: “ I know my little bird but I can't help it. our little girls are finally growing up! and now we'll be left with Nothing At Home except our dog.”

Raven chuckled and began comforting her wife by giving her some cookies… at least once their daughter Hadn't been able to get to.

Willow looks between them as she was sipping her wine: “ So the two of you are married? When did that happen? and have the people around here accepted you.”

Raven smirked: “ you're looking at the bandit queen of sodor. nobody messes with me and lives to tell the tail…. well except my little White Rose here.”

Summer chuckled as both Kali and Willow smiled.

Summer: “ Yes they have accepted us Because of the ancient laws governing sodor back when the Macintosh Clan basically tried to invade sodor and only would stop when it was promised that women would be treated equally to men.”

Raven: “ or else they would get their private parts Cut off.”

Both kali Willow were shocked for a minute until Willow spoke up again.

Willow: “ it's quite sad I didn't meet those women when I was still married to my husband. they would have had a field day with him. not that his Crown Jewels were very big to begin with.”

Everyone began laughing at that.

Raven after getting her composure back: “ anyway the story behind the two of us getting together is a long one. I mean when we first met each other there was definitely a spark between us but we weren't certain if we were attracted to women. Eventually I went out with this guy who accidentally got me pregnant and I had yang.”

Summer: “ I went out with the same guy a short while afterwards and got pregnant with Ruby. Tai definitely was a good man but he wasn't the man for us. Eventually we discovered we did love each other and well we got married. and marrying the Legendary bandit queen of sodor does have its perks.”

Kali tilted her head like a cat: “ and what would that be?”

Raven: “ anybody who tries to assassinate her will have to deal with me.”

the four women again laughing As they continue to chat, laugh and eat.

Meanwhile, some of the engines were talking amongst themselves.

Thomas: “ I can't wait until the new year! there's so much I want to do!”

Lady with a smile: “ like finally getting married?”

Thomas blushed and some of the other Engines were laughing.

Thomas: “ lady engines don't get married.”

lady smiled: “ says who? there's no law against it.”

Thomas still blushing: “ yes but… are we really ready for such a big step. I mean we're still young and-”

lady with a flat expression and tone: “ Thomas you are 33 years old and I am 32. I think we're more than old enough to get married. Besides, we've known each other for 16 years. I think it's okay if we tied the knot.”

Thomas continued to blush as some of the other engine's tried teasing him. The only one who didn't was Frigidus and Iaspis Who remained respectfully silent. as was Timothy.

Gordon was chuckling at Thomas's discomfort but then remembered something from his past as he looked up at the stars.

Edward: “ Is something wrong Gordon?”

Gordon sighs: “Nothing, just missing an old friend from back in my youth.”

Tara: “ and who would that be?”

Gordon with a little smile: “ Alice. She was a Great Northern Railway Atlantic and a good friend. We spent everyday together until I came here. I haven't seen her in London and it's been a while since we've been in contact as she's being transferred all over the LNER. how I wish I could see her.”

Eleanor with a smile: “ maybe you'll get to see her again one day.”

Gordon chuckled: “ maybe. but as long as I have my work and my friends I'm happy.”

the engines could only agree. That's when the fat controller began tapping his glass to get everybody's attention.

the fat controller with a big smile: “ hello everyone I hope you are enjoying the New Year's party. It is one of the best events on the railway. It's the marking of the old giving way to the new and for change and we've seen quite a lot of changes this year. we have new engines joining us not only from our own country but from around the world.”

He looks towards the austerities, the s160s , the German locomotives and heroe. Alongside Silverlink.

the Fat Controller: “I've seen this railway begin from its humble Beginnings as individual railways all the way up to now when we're one big railway. one big happy family. It's been an honor to see all of you grow and evolve over time. but unlike you engines we humans can't really be repaired when we're coming to the end of our ticket. so it's with a heavy heart that I am officially announcing my retirement!”

the whole sheds began gasping. they had heard about his health issues but didn't think he would stand down so suddenly. as they continue to murmur the Fat Controller smiles.

the Fat Controller: “ not to worry everyone. I've already got a successor who has more than Proven himself worthy of the title of Fat Controller. Charles would you please come on to the stage and say a few words?”

Charles slowly walked up to his father and began addressing everyone.

Charles: “ I know my father's sudden retirement may seem out of the blue but both he and his doctors have agreed that it is time for him to stand down. but that does not mean he is going to just disappear from the Railway. he'll still be around making sure that everything is running to Clockwork and just taking more of a back seat to everything until I'm on my own feet. My father is one of the greatest men to ever walk on the island of sodor and I am extremely honored to be his son. so I hope that we all can Continue to work towards the future together! both humans and machines!”

Everybody cheered at his speech when the clock struck midnight.

There was even a louder amount of Cheers as everyone looked at the fireworks outside.

And of course as per Tradition those capable of kissing each other did. Even though yang and Blake were a bit too… excited to kiss each other it was still a pretty nice evening. It was a new day in a new year with a new controller at the helm.

Chapter 32: The Great Beer flow.

It had been several months since the northwestern railway was under new management. Charles was doing his best to fill his father's shoes. The railway was running smoothly.

Great waterton had been reopened and was a massive hit with many people flocking to live there. Willow was able to build her Mansion just on the outskirts of town and had a huge parceland a forest where she was able to build a decently sized garden where she could relax and wrestle whatever animal trespassed onto her land.

Meanwhile the Harbour had been finished and it was a massive increase to the northwestern railways Prophets! bigger trains and bigger ships were able to come and go from the harbor keeping the engines there very busy.

and Charles had also been able to do some charity work. Jenny Packard had been wanting to start her own business on the island of Sodor but unfortunately lacked the facilities.

Charles had found out that an old clothing factory was shutting down at Wellsworth. The factory was next to the railway line and was a massive complex. The complex was actually owned by the railway but they saw no use for it. so Charles donated it to Jenny and she was able to start up her own company. the sodor construction company. She was still in the business of rebuilding it to fit her new company but it was going along steadily. plus the railway had been contracted to bring in supplies so everything was good.

The council meanwhile had ordered some repairs to be done to some of the water mains around knapford.

particularly next to an old brewery that had been complaining that their water supply hadn't been coming in as regularly as it used to due to the pipes having developed some cracks so they needed to be replaced.

the council had put their newest supervisor in charge. Cardan Winchester. He was a big muscled man with surprisingly Microscopic brains who only got the position thanks to a favor from somebody… thanks to… let's say on conventional means.

He was working with other council workers jaune Arc, pyrrha Nikos, lie ren And finally Nora valkyrie.

The four of them have been working together for years and were a very tight-knit team.

unfortunately cardan showed his incompetence on day one.

Cardan in a commanding tone: “ okay you guys are gonna dig up the Old pipes and replace them with new ones. and get it done by the end of the day! we don't have a lot of time to get this done!”

Jaune tries to speak up being one of the most experienced members of the team: “ okay but which pipes are exactly ours? You haven't given us any of the paperwork. So which pipes do we need to dig out?”

Cardan just rolled his eyes: “ are you so incompetent that you can't do it yourself? just dig up the pipes and replace them with the new ones. now if you excuse me I'm gonna have a talk with the owner of the Brewery.”

and so cardan left off to have a “ talk” with the owner of the brewery who was an old friend of his.

Meanwhile, team JNPR (Their little nickname) began digging up the Old pipes. It took them a few hours but they found the pipes they needed to replace after digging for two hours straight.

Pyrrha Looked in the hole and Looked in the hole and saw two sets of old Pipes. Both of them look equally degraded.

Pyrrha looked back at her boyfriend: “jaune, which pipes should we replace?”

Jaune Shrugged as he looked over at the pile of pipes they had been given.

Jaune: “we might as well repair both of them. we might actually be doing the brewery of favor. Besides, we do have quite The overflow of extra pipes that we need to get through.”

nobody questions him and they just began replacing both sets of pipes. fortunately they were the same diameter so there wasn't really much of a mess. They constantly marked every pipe with a one or a two signifying which pipe they were.

Unfortunately There was a junction at the very end of where they needed to replace the pipes. This was a junction for water flowing out of the facility and back into the main system as well as water flowing in. The other pipe which was the second pipe they were replacing did not carry water but none of them knew what they were replacing.

Eventually it was time for their lunch break and all of them began sitting on crates. Unfortunately that's when Cardan Returned and he looked ticked off.

cardan shouting: “Why are you Lazy lay about sitting here! you're supposed to be replacing those pipes!”

Ren while remaining calm and eating his noodles: “we are on break. and it's mandatory for us to take a break around tee time.”

Cardan still looked angry as he pointed towards the hole: “you can eat when the job is done! Now get back to work!”

Nora just burped as she had finished her cup of noodles that her boyfriend had provided… and then she promptly began eating her second cup of noodles.

Nora: “ No way! I am not working during my lunch break!”

cardan Growled in frustration and decided to finish the job himself. Even though he didn't know what the hell he was doing! He then “fixed” the final part of the job and ordered them to fill in the hole and begin paving!

Pyrrha with an Innocent smile: “ Sorry. but we don't have the equipment to do that and we're supposed to Pave it over tomorrow as per the job order.”

Cardan just rolled his eyes and went back to talk to his friend. Unfortunately the four of them did not check if they're Supervisor did the job correctly Since that was his job.

so they covered it up and prepared to go home for the day. Unfortunately nobody realized that all the water in Knapford had become contaminated.

The next day the engines woke up with Tanya, Howard, Lady and Percy being sent to work in the yards. Unfortunately they hadn't been able to refue the day before and so they went each to one of the water Towers to fill up.

Percy: “ it's been really nice with Charles in charge. I mean he's really doing a good job filling his father's shoes.”

Howard began laughing: “ I've watched that boy grow up over the years and he's finally fulfilling his destiny. not to say that he didn't have the opportunity’s to do something different but he chose the railway life.”

Tanya chuckling: “ you mean the railway life chose him.”

Lady just rolled her eyes at her now mother and father in law. Yes, Thomas and Lady got married. It was just a small ceremony within the sheds with all their friends and family there to celebrate the moment. Matthew even officiated the wedding apparently having a license to do so.

Lady: “Anyway, today's going to be a busy day. so let's make sure our tanks are filled to the Brim.”

They did so but nobody noticed the weird smell coming from the water Towers. They soon went to work and other engines came to use the water Towers including: Edward, James, Henry, Eleanor, Tara, hero and Snowy.

things were normal for a couple of hours. That was until at one moment Lady began feeling a bit weird in the smoke box.

her crew began checking her but nothing was wrong.

lady’s firemen Looking confused: “ we've checked her all over what do you think is wrong?”

lady’s driver looked confused when their engine started giggling: “ what so funny lady?”

Lady with the biggest smile on her face: “ oh nothing… just imagining.. Me.. and Thomas.. As.. dragons!”

Both of her crew members looked confused as she continued the babble on about the Adventures of her and Thomas as dragons which made no sense to the crew.

She then began shouting about how she's magical and has all kinds of amazing powers, runs a Magic Railroad in the shadows where nobody's looking and all of that.

That's when her crew also noticed that the same thing was happening to Howard, Tanya and Percy. although all of them had different reactions.

Howard was bawling his eyes out shouting that Tanya didn't love him anymore and he was just a crying mess.

Tanya meanwhile was angrily shoving the trucks causing them to deRail.

Weiss Looked absolutely shocked at what was happening.

she ran over towards Tanya's driver. who was trying to talk her down as she was yelling at a truck was now on its side looking very scared

Weiss: “what in the name of all that holies going on!”

Tanya's driver: “ I have absolutely no idea! One moment she was fine and then the next she’s acting crazy like this!”

Tanya while shouting at the truck: “ you miserable excuse of metal and wood! if you ever get back on the Tracks I will smash you into a million pieces and then put you back together and smash you again!”

everybody looked so confused. Meanwhile other engines all over the Railway began being infected too.

Edward was pulling a passenger train on his branch line when he finally was affected too.

Edward Sounding out of it: “ you know… I can really go for a cup of tea right now…. and a few chicken Pie's.”

Edwards' crew looked confused as the Old engine continued babbling about drinking pies and eating cups of tea.

Tara wasn't any better as she pretended she was a ballet dancer but kept pushing trucks off the docks.

Meanwhile James had made his way onto the goldust railway and cornered Emily confessing his Undying love towards her. Emily was completely creeped out and threatened to bash his cylinders into a million pieces if he didn't shut up.

Hero meanwhile was on the main line Pulling a heavy freight train speaking in Japanese and shouting that he was a samurai warrior and he was going to Conquer this island in the name of the empire!

Aoihi had a hard time controlling him as well.

Meanwhile Charles was getting phone calls left, right and Center as more engines began acting crazy!

his phone kept ringing so much he actually threw it at the wall!

At that moment Matthew walked into his office.

Matthew: “ Is there a reason why every engine is acting so weird?”

Charles throwing his hands up into the air: “ how in the name of Godred am I supposed to know! All I know is that one minute they act normal and The next they act all crazy like this! what in the name of Godred is going on!”

Matthew stroking his chin: “ what do all of these Engines have in common?”

Charles looks at the schedule and realizes they all had one thing in common! all of them went to knapford motive power depot!

The two of them quickly made their way towards it and began checking everything. Charles was checking the coal while Matthew climbed up the Water Tower to see what was going on.

When Matthew opened the lid a foul smell greeted him.

He then put his finger into the tank and smelled it again and realised he recognized this smell.

Matthew shouting from the top of the ladder: “ Charles no need to continue investigating I found the issue.”

Charles looked hopeful: “ really! and is there a solution?”

Matthew after sliding down onto the ground from the ladder: “ yes and no.”

Charles now looking confused: “ what do you mean yes and no? Can we fix the problem or not?”

Matthew with his arms crossed: “ yes we can fix the problem and know we can't fix the problem. and before you ask again What I mean I'll just explain it to you. the Water Tower is full of beer!”

Charles looked gobsmacked: “ what do you mean the tower is full of beer?”

Matthew just Shrugged: “ like I said the tower is loaded with beer. where it came from I have absolutely no idea but I think it's messing with the engine's. steam Locomotives are not supposed to have beer in their systems and we clearly see why.”

the two of them heard in the distance as Tanya once again smashed another wagon off the tracks and began shouting at it.

Charles looked desperate at that moment: “So what do we do about this?”

Matthew looked at the water Tower: “ well we can drain all the water Towers for now and just have the engines load up at aother water Tower that they're drivers check beforehand. or we can just get water from the river that will be much easier. just make sure you instruct the Cruise to make sure there are no fish in them. we don't want a repeat of what happened to Thomas.”

Charles Letting out a small chuckle: “Then I guess we won't be having fish and chips. But what about the engines that have already been affected? Is there anything we can do to get them back to normal?”

Matthew smirked: “the good old remedy of time. we just need to put them into the sheds for a few hours… or maybe days and drain the alcohol from their tanks And boilers.”

Charles still didn't like this but ordered all the crews to get the engines back to the sheds and drain their tanks and boilers.

They did so and all the engines were loudly complaining about being stuck in the sheds or not having the freedom to do stuff or just crying and crying and crying.

but to everybody's surprise Snowy was able to do her work with no problem.

when snowy arrived at knapford having heard everything she was chuckling.

Snowy: “ fancy that. steam engines drinking beer. now I've heard everything.”

Winter looked confused at her engine: “ why aren't you affected?”

Snowy: “ I guess I just have a higher alcohol tolerance than the rest of them. still I can't wait to get the stuff drained from my systems.”

and so it was. It took a while to drain all the beer out of the engines, tanks, tenders And boilers. as well as all the water Towers.

Matthew was personally overseeing the cleaning when summer came up to him.

Summer: “ Matthew is everything okay? the council heard about what has been happening.”

Matthew looked at her and just Shrugged: “ to be honest I have no idea. engines aren't supposed to have alcohol in their systems and Now we know why they shouldn't have after this disaster. All I'm going to say is They are gonna have massive hangovers tomorrow. and anyway is there any more damage besides on the railway?”

summer let out a sigh: “ yes. There are multiple reports of drunk driving and people being high as a kite on the streets. it turns out the railway wasn't the only water supply affected. the entire City's water supply has been filled with beer! we're currently launching an investigation but it's too soon to say anything.”

Matthew let out a sigh: “ Today's gonna be a long day for both of us.”

and it was. The investigation quickly found out that the rushed repair job at the Brewery was the cause of the incident. Team JNPR explained what happened that day and all the blame rested on cardans shoulders.

things were even worse for the brewery than the Railway. because of the massive loss of inventory they couldn't sell any beer and it Had to cancel multiple orders costing them millions! In the end they couldn't recover and had to shut down. Cardan was of course fired and arrested for the whole incident and forced to pay out Damages to all the people that have been affected by the Great Beer flow.

The engines had massive hangovers the next day and couldn't work. besides snowy who was filled up with fresh clean water and got back to work.

It took several days for the hangovers to go away and the railway to return to normal.

Matthew had to supervise the rebuilding of the water network towards the water Towers to make sure nothing like this happened again.

He wasn't really happy with the situation but got it done. one night he was in his office at croven's Gate works One evening. He was about to turn in for the night when he got a phone call.

Matthew on the phone: “ you say it will be here in 30 minutes? yes just bring it up to the workshop! I'll handle it from there.”

Matthew eagerly jumped out of his office and began making his way downstairs when he noticed Charles at the bottom of the stairs.

Matthew looked confused: “ Charles? What are you doing here so late?”

Charles let out a sigh: “ I'm here to apologize for all of your overtime hours you had to do to make sure that there would be no more beer in our water systems back at knapford. I'm really sorry for that.”

Matthew smiled: “ hey it's okay Charles. Besides, it wasn't you Who put beer inside of all the engines. but I do think it will take a few days for everything to get back to normal especially with all delays that were incurred.”

Charles nodded in understanding. but that's when the two of them heard somebody knocking at one of the doors of the Workshops. Matthew went to open it only a little bit and saw a mainland driver standing there with his engine in the background.

mainland driver: “Hey your deliveries here. where do you want it?”

Matthew looked over to see the Mainland locomotive had something behind it covered under a tarpoland. he smiled and gestured for it to be placed inside of the Workshops. after an hour of shunting Maneuvers the driver and the engine left as Matthew began removing the tarpaulin.

Charles was now looking confused: “what is this Matthew? I don't recall buying anything recently.”

Matthew smiled over to him as he cut the last rope holding the tarpaulin over the item: “You didn't. this is just a personal item I bought before I came here sodor.”’

Charles looked confused until Matthew finally took the tarpaulin off and Charles could properly see what the thing was that Matthew had bought.

Charles looked shocked as he could see the frames of a steam engine! but there were no cylinders, no boiler, no cab or connecting rods. It was all just the frames And a set of wheels. but the frames look to be all wrong. It was a very big set of frames but the wheel rangement looked weird. it was a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement like hushy. the only difference was there didn't seem to be A connection point to attach a tender.”

Charles: “What is this?”

Matthew with a big smile: “ this my friend is the last remaining set of frames of a London Brighton and South Coast Railway L class.”

Charles again looked confused: “ weren't all of them rebuilt and where did you get this?”

Matthew began leaning on the frames with his arms crossed: “ well it all started a couple of months ago before I officially joined the northwestern railway. I wanted a project engine to work on and rent out to other railways. this is before you gave me the job offer last year by the way.

anyway apparently these frames have been shuffled all over the Southern Railway and ended up on a siding in London. by a great stroke of Fortune I was in the area and saw the frames just lying around and I inquired about them. Apparently this is supposed to be the frames of the Eighth member of the class. the one that was ordered but never finished.

so I inquired about it and was able to purchase it for quite a good price. I think they just wanted to get rid of it. unfortunately it took me a while to organize transport to bring it here. but now that it's here I want to start building this thing and finishing what Brighton never finished.”

Charles looked shocked but also intrigued: “ that's quite a story. but you are aware of the problems these engines had, right?”

Matthew chuckled: “ that they're very top heavy, yes. That's why I'm also planning on performing a few modifications to the original design which I was able to get out of the archives at Brighton. Still, this is going to be a project I'm going to be working on over the next couple of years. with how many accidents thenorthwestern Railway has every day I'm certain I will be kept plenty busy.”

Charles nodded: “ very well. I'm even willing to support your little project Matthew under the condition that the engine is primarily to work on the northwestern railway. I've got a couple ideas for such an Express engine if you don't mind?”

Matthew once again chuckled and placed a hand on Charles's shoulder: “ hey you're the boss. as long as you remember that it will be my engine and I have the final word to say about anything that happens to it.”

Charles nodded and the two of them separated as Matthew immediately began taking notes on what needs to be done. This was going to be a long Project.

to be continued

Chapter 33: Little engines and Little Creatures.

It was currently mid 1947. It had been a slow day on the northwestern railway. not that the engines minded since this meant some of them could have a rest.

but hero and aoihi were called up on the Arlesburgh Branch line for a special job. Neither of them knew what it was because the branch line had actually not produced much traffic recently. In fact the railway board couldn't find any reason to keep the line operating. Even the local passenger traffic wasn't enough to justify keeping the line open despite their very best efforts.

so the line had been scheduled to be closed but fortunately not ripped up in case there was a reason the line would be profitable again. it would just be sleeping and not dying.

When hero and aoihi arrived at Arlesburgh they were surprised to see a lot of narrow gauge engines and trucks sitting on flatbeds ready to get shipped off.

when they came to a halt the yard Foreman came up to them.

Foreman: “ These engines need to be taken to peel godred To work at the aluminum works there. Apparently they're expanding and they need engines to help out with the expansion. you're to take these engines and trucks there. unfortunately we don't have a turntable here big enough for you so you're going to have to run back tender first.”

Aoihi nodded as both him and the foreman went into the office to collect the paperwork. Meanwhile, Hero looked at the two engines. They were both 0-4-2 saddle tanks but one of them seemed to be a little taller than the other.

As Hero had to wait for his driver to come back he decided to strike up a little chat with the engines.

Hero: “ Hello there my name is Hero. What are your names?”

the taller engine who was at the front spoke up: “ well my name is Stuart and behind me is my colleague Falcon. we are the midsodor railways former numbers 3 and 4.”

Hero looked a bit confused: “ and why are you the former numbers of the mid-soldor railway?”

Both engines looked glum as they looked back at the tracks on the raised platform next to them.

Stuart: “ because the railway closed at the beginning of the year. We were sold to help cover some of the costs but the railway couldn't be saved.”

Hero once again looked confused: “and why couldn't the railway be saved?”

Falcon looked Furious: “it's because of you standard gauge engines! The Peel godred electric company wanted to use our railway to transport their materials to their new site appeal godred! but apparently our railway was too small so they had to build that standard gauge branch line you're going to take us down so we can work at the aluminum company there! This shouldn't have happened! they should have manufactured the components to fit within our clearances!”

stuart glareed at Falcon: “ we both know that that could not be done Falcon. besides they would still have to transport everything through the city. it would not have been efficient like grand puff told us!”

Falcon remained silent as hero once again looked confused.

Hero: “ Who is this Grand puff you're speaking of? is he your mentor?”

Stuart smiled: “ yes he was. He was the oldest engine on our line and unfortunately has been left behind since nobody wanted to buy him. although our manager still owns the land so he won't be scrapped and the railway will remain behind until something else can be done with it. Although he did tell us most of the railway lines will be ripped up in the next couple of months and sold for scrap. It's still nice to know that Duke, which is his real name by the way, will remain alive. even though we don't know what will happen to him.”

Hero gave a sympathetic look towards the little engines. He himself did not know the Fate of his brothers and sisters back in Japan and often thought about them during the night. Still, he did know something that could help the little engines feel a little better.

Hero: “how about you tell me some of the stories surrounding you and this railway? we have a while before my driver has to return and will have a longer time since we have to go slowly down the branch line.”

Both Stuart and Falcon Smiled and began telling stories.

like the time Duke saved Falcon from Almost falling down a mountain or the time both of them called Duke old when he had broken down. only for him to show both of them that he can't be beat as he tricked everybody to think that Stuart who had come to rescue him was the one who had broken down.

After a while aoihi Returned and they slowly began making their way back up the branch line.

Falcon: “ and of course we have this old saying that we always said to him.”

stuart/Falcon: “engines come and engines go but grand puff goes on forever!”

all the engines began laughing as they slowly were making their way along the branch line which would not see trains for the Foreseeable future.

Hero: “ all your stories sound fantastic. But what about Stanley? What happened to him?”

Falcon looked a bit somber but replied: “ Well over time when his wheels were taken away from him he began seeing things from the manager's point of view. in the end a few spills did matter.”

Stuart: “ he was sent to the only open mine we had at the time to act as a new pumping engine. Even though Duke had suggested to him that he could be repaired and turned into a real engine again and sold to another railway or something like that he outright refused. Apparently he told Duke: “ I have to pay for my mistakes and if me working at that mine means the railway remains open then so be it.” Apparently it made Duke cry.”

Falcon: “ he worked at the mine for some time. According to Duke it was the hardest he had ever seen him work in his entire life. Unfortunately, thanks to the mine owner's son’s greed Things went from bad to worse.”

Hero raised one of his eyebrows: “ And how exactly did his greed impact the mine and by extent your railway?”

Stuart Looking angry: “ nobody liked him because he was lazy and always yelled at everybody to work harder! He even took some of their paychecks for himself! of course he didn't make it seem obvious but over time it was quite obvious somebody was taking money from the workers. even Stanley suffered because he was not getting maintained as regularly as he should have been. during a routine inspection of the Mines Stanley finally gave out. We could hear his scream of pain all the way down from our sheds. The mines began to flood and many people got trapped. Very few survived. the inspector noted that Stanley had not been maintained properly causing him to break down and by extension the entire accident. The owner of the mine, a very nice gentleman by the way, was actually Appalled by this. he had sent over many paychecks to get Stanley fixed up properly.”

Hero gasped knowing where the story was going.

Falcon: “it turns out the son had been stealing those paychecks and giving them to himself! He basically swindled the mining company out of its own money! but let me tell you Justice was sweet that day. The father officially disowned his son and told him he would not get a dime if he died and everything will be going to his sister who is now also in charge of the mine on the other narrow gauge railway on sodor. Although I've heard they're also going through bad times, I'm certain they'll bounce back. they've got a little bit more financial backing than we did. plus apparently that mechanic Matthew is helping them out from time to time so I'm Certain they will bounce back.``

hero hummed in agreement. He had first hand witnessed Matthews mechanical magic. Charles had had water troughs installed along the main line. Unfortunately some problems have come to light with the system when James accidentally got splashed with water by Gordon.

Fortunately Matthew had already Engineered a solution which basically pulled up the water scoops when the tender was full even without input from the fireman. it was highly successful and even hero himself had been fitted with one.

Hero: “ Matthew does seem to have the touch when it comes to mechanics. Anyway, what happened next?”

Stuart Sadly chuckling: “ Well of course the son wasn't really happy but ultimately there was nothing he could do. He was even arrested for manslaughter and is now facing some serious jail time. Unfortunately the Mine owner could not afford to repair the mine and pay the victims back. The railway had to pay back some of the families of the victims as well. but the first ones they paid were the Howells. Their son Clive died During the accident. They did keep it a secret until last month when they finally recovered his body. They gave him a full burial. He was a good friend and did not deserve what happened to him. Fortunately his father is now working at the other site as a supervisor. still they haven't forgotten the loss of their child and neither has the manager and the owner.”

Hero remembered hearing about this in a newspaper aoihi had been reading one morning while he was building up Steam.

Hero: “I remember my driver telling me about that. didn't they commission a painting of him to be hung up in his hometown?”

Falcon chuckled: “ actually two paintings were commissioned. want to hang in his home town and want to hang in the mine owners office. just as a reminder of his good friend and loyal worker. of all the loyal workers who died in the mine honestly. to be honest it was kind of a sweet Touch.”

Hero smiled: “ it definitely was. and what happened to Stanley? is he still at the mine or is he being sold as well?”

Stuart and Falcon looked at each other before Falcon replied.

Falcon: “ Well last we heard he refused to be sold and wanted to remain where his friends were now buried. Still one day he might be able to move on. but that takes time. I'm still going to miss our old railway. we've had so many memories there.”

Stuart smiled: “yes but maybe we can find a new railway and then we can have Grand puff come there and keep us in order.”

Both of the small engines laughed as hero joined them.

It took a couple of hours but eventually hero was able to make it to Peel godred And dropped off the engines so they could help with the expansion of the new aluminium works.

For the rest of the day hero and aoihi continue to do their work. Although aoihi had been noticing one of Heroes springs on his driving axles looked like it needed replacing. Fortunately Matthew was able to take them in today.

but they still needed to complete their work that day. Unfortunately that meant aoihi had very little options but to take his coach with him and sleep at the croven's gate works.

as they were traveling through Henry's Forest it had started raining. fortunately no trains would be running besides the flying Kipper so they could go at a much more relaxed pace.

but that's when aoihi heard something in the woods!

he then through the trees saw a small puppy that was chained around a tree being attacked by wolves!

Aoihi immediately stopped hero grabbed the shovel and raced towards the small pup.

The puppy was constantly being attacked and trying to evade. Fortunately he Hadn't sustained any injuries so far but he was getting tired and soon one of the wolves would be able to strike him down.

as one of the wolves tried to bite him he prepared for the end when the wolf was sent flying!

The puppy looked up and saw Aoihi with his shovel in hand growling at the Wolves who were growling back. They tried to flank him only for Aoihi to continue fighting them regardless of how many there were.

he even slammed one that was on his back into a tree by running backwards into it!

After a few minutes the Wolves again surrounded him but. aoihi Let out a big roar-like scream and the Wolves finally backed down and left to go back into the forest.

Aoihi after catching his breath looked at the puppy who still looked scared. It was alone, it looked hungry, It looked scared.

Aoihi felt sad for the puppy and thus used his shovel to break the chain ( it was a very heavy duty shovel) and gently picked up the puppy who initially tried to back off but eventually just began shivering against the driver.

Aoihi slowly began making his way back to Hero. When Hero saw the puppy he didn't need to be told anything. The puppy looked terrified and hungry.

the two of them continue towards croven's Gate with the puppy in one of Hero’s driving seats in a ball trying to keep warm.

two hours later they arrived at kroven's Gate. aoihi opened the doors and drove hero inside alongside his coach.

It was extremely late and the Workshops had gone quiet but he could hear one loan figure still working. The noise came from behind a long tarpaulin in one of the corners.

aoihi calling out: “ Matthew are you here? I have brought Hero so you can have a look at his Springs!”

he could hear Matthew from behind the tarpaulin groaning a bit.

Matthew: “I'll be right-”

At that moment something clanged onto the floor and apparently from what aoihi could gather onto Matthew's foot.

and Matthew did not sound happy.

Matthew shouting and groaning: “You mother ( steam engine whistle) you son of a ( steam engine whistle) well I ought to (steam engine whistle) and then shove it( steam engine whistle) just to make sure you ( steam engine whistle) learn your lesson!”

About 20 minutes of Matthew cursing like a sailor followed this until he finally came from behind the tarpaulin.

Matthew, still looking a bit ticked off: “Sorry about that. something fell on my foot. anyway it's getting too late for me to inspect Hero. just leave him here and I'll give him a look over in the morning. it's fortunate I already began building some extra springs for him yesterday.”

Aoihi nodded and then the two of them could hear what sounded like a very weak bark coming from Hero’s cab.

The two of them went inside to see the small dog barking because it was hungry.

Matthew immediately got stars in his eyes and forgot about the thing that had fallen onto his foot immediately.

Aoihi on the other hand immediately went And gently grabbed It and held it to his chest to calm it down.

Matthew: “ Now where did you find this little guy?”

Aoihi carefully began making his way towards his coach with Matthew following behind him.

Aoihi: “I found him in Henry's Forest. he was chained to a tree. he was being attacked by wolves which I was able to scare off. still this little guy should not have been out there all alone.”

Matthew gave a respectful nod: “ well it was lucky that you came around when you did. I don't think it would have survived with all the rain outside. still what are you going to do with it?”

Aoihi looked at the puppy in his arms and made his decision.

Aoihi with a serious look: “ I'm going to adopt him. and I'm going to give him the home he needs.”

Matthew began stroking his chin: “ Well, a dog is a big responsibility. but considering you've kept hero going all this time With very little things going wrong I'm certain you can handle it. Besides, you got your girlfriend to help you out. I heard that you guys were talking about getting a pet recently?”

Aoihi chuckled as the two of them entered the coach. He put the dog down on his couch that doubled as his bed and began looking through his freezer ( it runs off a battery or of the mains) to see what kind of food he could give the dog. Fortunately there was some meat that hadn't completely frozen that he could give it to eat.

Aoihi: “ yeah. We have been talking about that. We can leave it at her place until we move into our new place.”

Matthew raised one of his eyebrows: “ where are you moving? and what's going to happen to this coach?”

Aoihi smiled as he had put the meat in a bowl and placed it in front of the puppy who hesitantly sniffed it before eating it.

Aoihi: “We have already found a house on the outskirts of the city that's quiet and very much what we're looking for. It has a big garden so he will be able to live there as well. What's going to happen to my coach? Willow offered to store it at great waterton. I think that is a pretty good arrangement.”

Matthew smiled: “ So the two of you are going to be living together? That's great to hear.”

The two of them looked at the dog who was now sleeping after eating the entire piece of meat.

The two of them smiled as they left the coach so it could sleep.

Aoihi looked around the Works. It was quiet with the only engine visible being Cristallo Who was in the final stages of being repainted before being brought back to the Earl.

The only other thing in there was the thing behind the tarpaulin that Matthew had been working on when he arrived.

Aoihi pointed at the tarpaulin: “ Hey Matthew, what are you working on behind there?”

Matthew smiled And gestured for his friend to follow him.

when both of them were behind the tarpaulin aoihi looked in amazement! It was the frames Matthew had bought a few months ago. but it looked very different than when Charles saw them. They now had cylinders and side rods and the floor of the cab had already been laid. still there was no boiler, tanks, or cab to be seen. But it was amazing progress.

Aoihi: “wow. Is this the little project Charles mentioned you were working on in your spare time?”

Matthew smiled: “ yeah. I'm building a brand new London Brighton and South Coast Railway L-class. although I am modifying it significantly with more modern materials and techniques to make it less top heavy.”

Aoihi gave a quick nod as the two of them went into Aoihi's coach to sleep. or at least aoihi did. Matthew was taking a nap in his office. Apparently he hung a hammock up there So he could sleep in the workshop. Apparently his neighbor drove him crazy and he would rather sleep in his office.

The next day Aoihi woke up to see the puppy running around as the sunlight was coming through some of the windows and shining onto the dog, making him jump up and down left to right and even doing a small backflip!

Aoihi smiled as he saw how excited his dog was in the sunlight.

He gently picked him up as the dog smiled at him.

Aoihi with a big smile: “ You seem to be really excited in the sunlight. Hey, why don't I name you sunlight? Would you like that?”

Sunlight gave a bark of confirmation and the two of them began making their way back to knapford. Aoihi said goodbye to Matthew Who was actually on the phone with his neighbor who was complaining once again about his grass. Aoihi could only chuckle as he heard Matthew cursing out his neighbor and yelling at her that she should mind her own business!

When aoihi arrived at Weiss's home he opened the door with his key knowing that his girlfriend had the day off today alongside him and that she had a surprise waiting for him.

Aoihi called out: “ hey weiss! I'm here! I know you have a surprise for me but I also have a surprise for you!”

Weiss began walking down the stairs with a smile on her face.

Weiss: “ Well I am excited to see what it is but I also hope that you… are… prepared… for… my… surprise…”

The Two Lovers looked at each other as both of them had puppies in their hands.

It was silent for two minutes before they both burst out laughing and the dogs jumped out of their hands and began running and smelling each other.

Weiss: “ I guess we're gonna be stuck with more than just Luna. By the way That's her name. What is the name of the dog that you got and where did you get him?”

Aoihi smiled: “ His name is sunlight and it's quite an interesting story about how I got him.”

After he explained everything the Two Lovers began playing and training their new puppies as well as giving sunlight a bath. Which he was surprisingly okay with.

At the end of the day their little family had grown. and it wouldn't be the last time.

the end

Chapter 34: Cristallo returns.

It had been a few days since hero arrived at the croven's Gate works. His Suspension springs on all of his driving axles had to be replaced due to some smaller cracks having developed that aoihi Hadn't been able to spot during his earlier inspection.

Fortunately this was a good thing since Hero was able to talk to the other engine in the workshop. Cristallo was quite good company as she was finishing the last stages of her repaint. The royal blue and golden engine continued to talk about her time stuck in the shed.

Cristallo: “ hero it was absolutely awful. I spent nearly two decades in that God forsaken shed. I'm so glad I will be finally going home. even though I am fully aware A lot has changed up there.”

Hero hummed in agreement: “Yes because some of the former W&S locomotives are now working up there as well. mostly to help with the tourists around the estate. at least that's what I've heard.”

Cristallo hummed as she was waiting for Her paint to dry. The next day Matthew officially cleared her to go back to the Castle.

Cristallo was ecstatic as she was being fired up for the first time in years.

After she made her way down the main line she marveled at all the changes around the Railway. It had been a long time since she was out on the main line and revelled in all the changes.

she soon went past ellesbridge and made her way onto the branch line. when she reached hackenbeck She had to stop in the passing loop for another train to pass her.

But as she was waiting, The Station Master came up to her.

Station Master: “ Percy has broken down up ahead. Can you please bring him here? you're the closest engine and we cannot afford to keep the branch line blocked for so long. you won't have to take him anywhere but here if that's okay?”

Cristallo Gave a gentle toot on her whistle as she went off to find Percy. which luckily wasn't long. it was only about one mile ahead of her so it wouldn't be much trouble.

Percy did look embarrassed as the royal blue and golden engine approached him.

Percy: “ I'm so sorry about this. my injector has failed and no more water is getting into the boiler.”

Cristallo gave a motherly smile: “ that could have happened to any engine Percy. no need to be embarrassed. my own injector has failed on a couple of occasions.”

Percy was surprised that the engine knew his name as she was pulling him back towards the previous station.

Percy: “ how do you know my name? I haven't told you?”

Cristallo burst out laughing: “ you may not have but the Station Master did give me your name. and since you're the only Engine here I only assumed. anyway let's get you into the passing loop so I can return to the Castle.”

Percy was confused. Why would this engine be heading towards the Castle? but after a few minutes it came to him.

Percy: “Wait, are you the engine that the Earl lost back in 1929?”

Cristallo smiled: “ yes I am. I've only recently been restored and I'm looking forward to going back home. I understand there is a new Earl up there eager to meet me. from what I've heard he's just like his father.”

Percy smiled: “ yes he is. Some people might consider his ideas a bit crazy but he has turned the castle into a tourist attraction rather than just a private Estate with a railway.”

Cristallo chuckled: “ so the castle is finally open to the public.”

Percy as they finally arrived at the loop: “ yes. He is even thinking about expanding. I mean he has a lot of land up there.”

Cristallo chuckled as she was uncoupled from Percy and made her way back to Ulfstead castle.

It took a few more minutes for her to get up to Ffarquhar. but after passing it she powered upwards to the Castle. She had made the climb so many times she knew exactly how to tackle the climb the best. she didn't even realize she did it since it was basic muscle memory for her now.

at the very top she began making her way through the gates with a big smile. She Hadn't seen these gates for over two decades and was very happy to see them again.

even more so to see three very familiar tank engines alongside an engine she didn't recognize.

but while she did recognize where the former W&S locomotives: Adam, Lily and Colin.

The engines gave her a big welcome blasting their whistles As a greeting. She came to a stop in a massive 6 tracked yard. One of the tracks had a narrow gauge line built into it for when Proteus came to visit them. or at least he used to back in the day. that line had been ripped up during the First World War for the extra metal. Fortunately the Earl had reinstated the tracks in case of Narrow gauge engines coming to visit the Castle.

Sir Robert Norrambywalked onto the small platform with a big smile on his face.

Sir Robert Norramby: “Cristallo it's so good to see you again. I haven't seen you since I was a little boy. I see the men at the Workshops did an excellent job of restoring you to your former glory.”

Cristallo smiled: “ it's good to see you again too sir. Also, who is this engine?”

She was referring to a small 0-2-2 tender engine with the name plate rocket attached to the boiler. although it didn't look anything like any steam engine she had ever seen with its cylinders being mounted to the boiler diagonally from the back instead of the front.

sir Robert looking at the engine: “ ah this is my latest acquisition. may I present to you the stephensons rocket. But you may call him Stephen. if you wish.”

Stephen Smiled: “ It's good to finally meet you Cristallo. The Earl has told us so much about you and it's a true honor to meet such a legend of the railways on sodor.”

Cristallo humbly replied: “ oh please I am no more legendary than you stephen. the Legendary winner of the Rainhill trials. it's an absolute honor to meet you as well.”

As the two older engines began conversing the former w and s locomotives only chuckled as they went back to work. The Earl used them to help entertain the Tourists as well as Doing general shunting around the area as well as collect specific supplies for the castle when the northwestern railway engines were busy.

Cristallo was also set to work again. connected up to the Earls private coach she was ordered to take him down to great waterton to talk to Willow schnee.

Cristallo carefully puffed down the hill Saying goodbye to Stephen who began taking some of the people who had just arrived from Amelia's branch Line Express on a tour of the Castle.

as she was making her way down the main line she admired the scenery. although she would soon be surprised. as she was traveling along a sudden blur of silver passed her by almost causing her to jump off the rails in surprise!

Cristallo looked shocked: “ What in the name of Brighton was that?!”

her driver chuckled: “ that must be Silver Link. he arrived on the railway not too long ago and is now in charge of the London bound services. although today I think he's scheduled on the local expresse. quite a nice guy too. maybe one day you get to talk to him.”

“ If he isn't doing 200 miles an hour,” Cristallo jokes, as she continues to make her way to Great waterton.

when she passed croven's Gate and got onto the line leading to Great waterton She couldn't help but admire how beautiful the line was now. When she first made her way down here back in 1929 she was constantly being hit in the face with tree branches.

But now she could gently make her way down to the Old Town. When she arrived she was definitely surprised. The town was bustling with activity.

people selling food on the streets, shops being open and selling their products and having happy customers leave their establishments and people just generally being happy.

a white haired woman with blue eyes stood on the platform as she stopped.

This was willow schnee. She and her family were largely responsible for getting the town back on its feet and for her restoration.

as the Earl and Willow made their way to her mansion on the other side of the Tracks where the warehouses used to be. Cristallo began making her way to the sheds and getting prepared for the journey back to the Castle. but when she arrived she was surprised to see a massive turntable and a brand new up to date shed. it wasn't really anything special but it was definitely not the same sheds she remembered passing all those years ago.

The turntable was so big that her and her single axle coach We're able to be turned without having to be uncoupled.

as she slowly backed down into the sheds she could see another engine. This was an engine not much bigger than her but still looking very intimidating.

Cristallo gathered her courage and smiled: “ hello my name is Cristallo I'm the Earl of sodors private engine. and what is your name good sir?”

the engine just rolled his eyes and went to sleep. Cristallo found that this was quite rude. but at that moment another engine way bigger than the two of them arrived in the sheds. Unlike the other engine this one was painted white with blue Wheels. as the massive engine came to a stop it smiled over at the unfamiliar locomotive in her shed.

massive locomotive: “ hello there. My name is Snowy. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

Cristallo looked in surprise as she could see that on the engine's name plate bolted to her smoke Deflectors it clearly stated her name to be “ winter schnee” so it was rather confusing.

but before she could say anything snowy chuckled: “ you must be wondering about my name plate?”

Cristallo only gave a hum of acknowledgement before snowy could continue.

Snowy: “ I'm actually named after my driver. She really inspired me and I'm honored to be named after her. but currently she's off Duty and I have been given a relief Driver. Apparently she's helping her sister move into her new home alongside her boyfriend. She is really a good sister so I am honored to be named after her. to make sure that people don't confuse the two of us I've decided to go by snowy because schnee is German for snow.”

Cristallo raised an eyebrow: “ so the two of you are German locomotives? I must admit I am quite surprised that we have German locomotives on the island. but I am also curious what the story behind that is. That is if the two of you want to speak about it?”

snowy looked over towards Marklin who was still very much asleep. She rolled her eyes at her fellow German locomotive's behavior and began explaining everything about why she and her fellow locomotive ended up here.

By the end of the conversation Cristallo was impressed.

Cristallo: “well you have certainly proven yourself as a North Western Railway locomotive snowy. helping all those people get their medicine and putting all rivalries and grudges aside for the greater good. That is truly the sign of a good hearted engine.”

snowy chuckled: “ thanks. You know I was actually kind of worried when I first arrived here on sodor that people wouldn't accept me. but they really have proven me wrong. engines and people alike have given me so much love and acceptance on the island I can't thank them enough.”

Cristallo just smiled. At that moment her driver and firemen prepared to leave and pick up the Earl to bring him back home.

Cristallo smiling: “ well it's been nice to meet you snowy. I hope our paths will cross again someday.”

snowy only chuckled as her Newfound friend went to collect the Earl.

After the Earl boarded her coach she began making her way back up the branch line. as she was traveling down the main line she couldn't help but feel happy. Even though a lot had changed around the railway some things did remain the same. like how the people on the railway and on the island are very accepting and understanding.

When she finally came home the sun was going down. As she was turned on the turntable inside of the main area of the Castle she could see that her fellow engines were already asleep and so she tried to be extra extra quiet so she wouldn't wake anybody up.

Today was a good day for her and she hoped that many more good days would come.

But unfortunately there wouldn't be many good days ahead.

but that my dear readers is a story for another day.

Chapter 35: The trouble with the roads.

Summary:

I would like to credit Bluefireproductions Who helped with the writing of this story.

https://archiveofourown.org/users/Bluefireproductions/pseuds/Bluefireproductions

It was a Beautiful Day on the island of sodor. Fall was approaching and with it the harvest season. This was the time when the railways would be extra busy. Especially Thomas's branch line Seeing as it passed by many farms.

Normally the branch line engines would go to designated stops along the line to pick up produce like fruits and vegetables alongside animals.

but this year something would change.

Percy was shunting at the harbor when a crane unloaded a set of lorries. Percy was surprised. all of them looked brand new and ready to get to work.

That's when a man in a purple suit arrived to inspect the lorries.

he looked very pleased: “ finally my lorries have arrived. Now I can begin revolutionizing the transportation on this Backwater island.”

Percy looked confused as the man was inspecting the lorry next to him.

Percy: “ What exactly do you mean by revolutionizing the transport on this island? We engines have been handling everything quite nicely.”

the man turned around and gave a condescending smile to Percy: “ well yes but road travel is the future of the world. you Locomotives are so slow and unreliable. My Lorries can do 10 times the work you can do and for less overhead. Trust me, as soon as my Lorries have proven to the residents of the island that they are far superior than you they will scrap you and turn everything around here into a nice Road. I would start counting your days caterpillar. because they are numbered.”

The man turned away and Percy looked extremely offended.

Later he joined up with Thomas and Timothy who were equally anointed with the man's reply.

Thomas Sounding annoyed: “the railway isn't out of date or anything! and Lorries can't carry as much as we can in a single trip! I mean it would take them 100 trips to do what we can do in a single trip!”

Timothy Sounding equally annoyed as his brother: “ and even if he does there aren't many big roads on the island and there isn't much room to build them now. it would cost the Council a Fortune to do that. not to mention congestion would become a big problem.”

Percy looked a little bit worried: “ but what if they do take over our work? what would become of us?”

Thomas smiled to his little friend: “ don't worry Percy, I'm certain we have a home on this Island no matter what!”

but Percy wasn't so sure.

The next day was the first day of the harvest season. Thomas was in charge of the first harvest train. He was excitedly traveling down from Ffarquhar with empty trucks when he arrived at the first stop. but he was surprised. There were no farmers, no fruits and vegetables and no animals to pick up.

Thomas looked confused: “ where is everyone? normally we would be loading by now?”

his driver scratched his head but knew they couldn't stay much longer. they had to meet their schedules after all. They waited until their scheduled time for departure and went off onto the next collection point.

but just like with the previous stop there was nothing for them to collect. so they went on to their primary stop along the line.

Farmer McColl had the luxury of having his farm be right next to the railway line. His family had a long standing history with the Railway and he was more than happy to keep this going. especially since he had a lot less overhead to pay.

When Thomas arrived he was surprised at how empty his train was.

former McColl Sighing: “ I guess that guy was able to convince them after all.”

Thomas's driver came over as the farm hands began loading the fruit and vegetables on board the trucks.

Thomas’s driver: “ Who was able to Convince Who?”

farmer McColl let out another sigh: “Palatinate Charmant. he's some rich guy from the mainland who decided to increase his wealth by building a road Empire here on the island since the market apparently is very profitable here. over the last week the guy had tried to offer me his services which according to him were much cheaper than the Railway.”

Thomas looked a bit concerned remembering what Percy was talking about the day before.

Thomas: “And is that true?”

former McColl Chuckled: “ not at all Thomas. you guys charge a pretty fair rate. but the other farmers don't have the same luck as I do being right next to the railway line. It's hard work working on a farm and it is quite tiring to take everything down to the railway line just for collection. I think the other farmers are just doing it for convenience. still the council did say this was only a trial operation. so this might not be permanent but I would be Careful Thomas. rich people like him will always play Dirty to get ahead.”

Thomas agreed with his old friend. He soon departed with Katie barking a goodbye as Thomas took his mostly empty train.

Thomas in his mind: “ I hope that guy doesn't get a positive review on his trial.”

Unfortunately he did. The trial lasted a few weeks and the Sodor Road group was now an official company. and unfortunately they began taking more and more work from the branch line.

businesses that used to be loyal customers like the flower Mill and the dairy immediately switched over to the new company's services leaving the railway with nothing.

This really began to worry the branch line engines as their work was practically drying up overnight.

About a month after the new lorries arrived and began taking their work Thomas, Timothy, Tanya, Howard, lady and Percy were together in the main yards talking about what was going on.

Tanya looked concerned: “ in all my years of working here I've never seen anything like this. I know it's more convenient for the Farmers but they're really leaving us with very little to do.”

Howard: “even with the Passenger Services things aren't looking good.”

Percy Looking extremely concerned: “ what if they have to close the branch line? what if it's going to be ripped up and the rest of the island follows!”

Timothy tries to call him down: “ it's gonna be okay Percy. There's no way the lorries can carry passengers so we still have that to keep those busy. and the stone work at the quarry. Charles informed me this morning that we will be taking a lot more stone trains since we have the time now. so we better show them we can do a good job!”

Thomas: “ here here I am not going to lose my branch line to a bunch of stupid hoard lorries!”

the engines whistled in an agreement. but secretly Palatinate Charmant had overheard them. he gained a wicked smile on his face and went off to make a few arrangements.

as the harvest season continued the engines found themselves increasingly working on stone trains. even though it wasn't much they did their absolute best taking longer trains than ever out of the ffarquar Quarry.

The passenger timetables had also been tightened and the engines were running a little bit faster than usual. but this was causing a little bit of trouble for the gold dust engines since their trains had to fit around the new tighter schedule as well. This took some time but eventually they got used to it.

Unfortunately even this was starting to be problematic.

Thomas was puffing into Maithwaite when he noticed there weren't many passengers on the platform. He then noticed why that was. There was a brand new Cream and green bus collecting the Passenger.

Thomas: “ What's going on? Who are you and why are you taking my passengers?”

the bus gave him a smug look: “ these aren't your passengers they're my passengers. My name is Roger and I'm here to replace you. We buses are formerly convenient for the Passengers you see. they don't have to walk all the way to a station just to jump on. We can pick them up right from their homes. something you can’t do. Now if you excuse me I have to go and deliver these fine paying passengers to their destinations. Toodles.”

and with that Roger drove away. Thomas was absolutely flabbergasted. but there was nothing he could do as he continued to go up and down the branch line with fewer people in his coaches Than ever before.

Just like with the lorries the buses began taking away a lot of their work to the point that Charles had to cancel the branch line Passenger Services until further notice. From that moment on the Branch line only operated as an industrial line with the only passenger service along it being the gold dust railway services and the trains to the Castle.

One day Thomas made his way up to the Castle to deliver some supplies for the Earl. He was a bit down about the increase of buses and lorries along his branch line and feared that it would close .

but as he arrived in the main yard he saw a very interesting site. it was the Earl and Palatinate Charmant And the two of them appear to be having an argument.

Sir Robert Norrmanby: “ Absolutely not! I refuse to have a road built up here! there's absolutely no need for it!”

Palatinate Charmant with a Confident smile: “ but come on sir let's be realistic here. the branch line won't survive with services only to your Castle and to that little Island. having a road be built here would be much more economical for you.”

Sir Robert Norrmanby crossed his arms: “ my family has had a longstanding relationship with the railways since its very early beginnings! and I refuse to give that connection up! Besides, there is Nowhere to build a road! And if you suggest ripping up the railway to build one then you will be disappointed! I own this land and I will not let the Railway fall!”

Palatinate Charmant rolled his eyes as he began walking away: “fine. but don't come crying to me when the branch line is closed.”

The Earl just let out a big sigh and went back to entertaining the tourists not realizing that he had made Thomas’ day. Since the Earl owned most of the Land that the branch line was built on at least it was some reassurance that the branch line would at least not be ripped up. and maybe just maybe there was still some light at the end of the tunnel.

Unfortunately he was wrong. Palatinate Charmant Didn't like that the Earl rejected him alongside the owner of the Farquhar Quarry. so he decided to… solve the problem.

One day Howard and Tanya were traveling down the quarry line with a heavy line of stone trucks.

The quarry line Snakes through the Hills up to the quarry. It was quite the grade to climb up and go down but the engines could manage. especially when they are double heading.

but there was also a Road near the top. This road was the only road to go to the quarry. but to go to the quarry you have to cross a section over the railway line where there were no gates and only warning signs. This was in a very dangerous place since it was just past a cutting and a curve. That's why engines had to whistle beforehand so whoever was blocking the crossing could get across.

Howard and Tanya were travelling down the cutting and saw the board indicating them to whistle.

They did but as soon as they rounded the bend for the cutting they saw a lorry sitting on the crossing!

Howard: “ Tanya stop! there's a Lorry on the line!”

Tanya immediately activated her brakes alongside Howard but unfortunately with the downhill grade and the heavy stone train it was little wonder what happened next.

Howard smashed into the Lorry pushing it forward and then underneath his wheels Pushing him up causing Tanya to bash into the back of his bunker. The two of them then derailed with the stone trucks pushing their bodies a little bit further along the tracks.

When the train finally came to a halt there was a massive pile up. stone and bits of trucks laid everywhere. it was a mess.

Thomas and Timothy immediately went up there with the breakdown crane to see what they could do.

They looked devastated as their parents lay there on the ground not saying anything.

They quickly put them onto flatbeds and took them towards the Works.

When they arrived Matthew was already informed about what happened and prepared to work his magic.

as Matthew began inspecting them Thomas and Timothy nervously weighed for the verdict.

Timothy nervously: “ is it bad?”

Matthew sighed after inspecting Tanya: “ they're both pretty banged up. still nothing I can't fix. you guys said they hit a lorry?”

Thomas: “ yes. I don't know how but they did from the wreckage I could see.”

Matthew now had a little bit of a confused look on his face: “ okay but why was the Lorry in the middle of the crossing? and was there anybody there?”

The two tank engines didn't have an answer. but fortunately somebody did.

Charles: “ there was nobody inside of the lorry fortunately. The police are currently investigating what happened. but so far they have not gathered any evidence. they did promise to keep me updated.”

The two tank engines looked over to see Lady and Percy had arrived alongside Charles. all of them had worried expressions for their friends.

Charles walks over to Matthew: “ how long is it going to take to get these two back in order Mathew?”

Matthew lets out a deep sigh: “ to be honest I would say it's between four to five months. and that is if we prioritize their repairs. but the work is currently a bit backed up since we still have the Atlantic being overhauled in here.”

Charles looked over to see the Atlantics currently undergoing their overhauls sitting in one of the corners of the Works. He knew their overhauls were only a few weeks away from being completed but still this definitely was bad.

Charles took in a deep breath and turned to his tank engines: “I'm sorry this happened to you guys. And I don't want to rub salt into the wound but I'm cancelling the services along the branch line. besides the gold dust and the Castle trains. With this current accident the quarry has been cut off and we'll have to rely on the lorries to deliver the stone. I'm sorry.”

The engines looked absolutely devastated. It seems Percy's worries from before were very much justified.

but Charles did give a little smile: “ but you guys won't be sitting Idol. I have arranged for you guys to go work on the mainland at Southampton. Apparently some of their engines have broken down and they desperately need more motive power. I'm certain the four of you would be more than suitable for the jobs that need to be done there.”

Thomas and Timothy immediately perked up at this. they hadn't been back to Southampton in decades! this would be a blast from the past.

Thomas: “ That's great to hear sir! And don't worry we will make sure to act on our best behavior!”

Charles smiled as he walked away to make the arrangements.

Meanwhile Palatinate Charmant was having the time of his life. His business was doing well ever since the quarry became available for contracts.

His new bus company was also doing great and he was certain the branch line was going to be out of commission sooner rather than later. He now only needed to find a way to get onto Shining time Island and convince the Earl to go for buses instead for trains.

This unfortunately had an effect on Charles. He was stressed out about the problems with the branch line.

One evening he was having dinner with his girlfriend's family.

He was gently poking his meat when his girlfriend noticed his stressed look.

Amanda Looking concerned: “ Is everything okay Charles?”

Charles sighed: “ not really. The Ffarquhar branch line has been under attack from lorries and buses recently. I've had to shut down the entirety of the line to the quarry until the investigation into the accident up there is completed. and with that Shut down and all of the Farmers taking the roads now I'm struggling to find reasons to keep the branch line open. might have to shut it down like the Arlesburgh Branch Line.”

Amanda's family gave sympathetic looks towards her boyfriend.

Robert: “ You mean that stupid trucking company? man, I have heard many complaints about that company.”

Charles grew curious at hearing this: “ what do you mean?”

Robert as he was cutting his meat: “ well Does sodor Road group isn't exactly doing well reputation-wise. especially with the local townspeople. They absolutely hate the bus service because it's not very convenient. Yes they stop in front of their houses but it makes the journey that much longer compared to the railway. and with all the extra trucks driving on the road there have been a few traffic jams along the country Roads. I heard the guy in charge try to approach the sodor council to upgrade the roads up there. fortunately the council said no but that hasn't stopped him from running his trucks more often.”

Charles smiled a little bit at this information: “ so I might not have to shut down the branch line after all.”

Jabez Chuckled: “ don't worry Charles. The railway will still have a use at the end of the day. I don't think that Road Company is going to last much longer since I don't think they have any plans after the harvest season. still I do think the guy has a point.”

Everybody at the table looked at the old man with raised eyebrows.

Amanda: “ And what exactly do you mean by that father?”

Jabez As he was cutting his meat: “ there is a huge market on road travel nowadays. but how that guy is going to try to dominate everything won't really work out. and I'm certain he won't consider working together with the Railway. if only there were some other companies capable of handling this kind of stuff.”

After that there was a silence as both Charles and Robert got ideas into their heads.

Charles: “ Well at least My engines are still busy back at Southampton. but this also gives me a rare opportunity I've been wanting to do for a while now.”

Amanda: “ And what would that be Charles?”

Charles: “ double tracking the branch line. With the increased traffic recently there has been a lot of delays due to Bottle necking In some areas of the line. I think double tracking the line would be more beneficial for us. we have been able to set aside the money and with the branch line closed to all traffic besides a couple of the excursions it might be a good idea to do it now.”

Amanda Looking a bit concerned: “ But what about the other services that use the branch line? what would the Gold dust railway and the Earl's railway do?”

Charles giving a reassuring smile to his girlfriend: “the Earls track leading up to the castle is going to be shut down for maintenance anyway Plus he shutting down the castle for maintenance as well. The Gold dust railway isn't as popular during the fall and Winter months so it will be easy to shut them down. plus the engines will be helping out with the engineering works. so I think doing it now might be beneficial for all of us.”

Amanda couldn't argue with that.

Over the next couple of weeks both Charles and Robert began enacting their plans.

Charles was looking into an investment he wanted to do as well as the double tracking of the branch line. Matthew was put in charge and he was as efficient as he was in the Workshops.

 

While most of the line could easily be double tracked There was one tunnel between Maithwaite and hackenbeck That would need to be widened. so he decided to make that a priority and start work on winding the tunnel immediately. There was a small Cottage on one end of the tunnel belonging to Mr and Mrs kindly.

The two of them didn't mind all of the work going along near their home. In fact they often offered the workers tea and biscuits during their lunch breaks.

Meanwhile Robert had taken out a small loan with the bank and bought a plot of land near knapford and began building a shed for Road vehicles.

Charles was wondering why he did this until one day he came into his office.

Robert: “ Charles do you have a minute?”

Charles looked up from the paperwork he was working on: “ Sure Robert what do you need to talk about?”

Robert after sitting down: “ it has to do with this new Road company and its bus services. I think I might have a solution that could benefit both you and me.”

Charles looked intrigued. Both he and Robert had Gotten to know each other after he saved him back at the Old Normby Harbor During the war. He knew that Robert wasn't an idiot and would think things through to the very end. so his proposal could be a good thing.

Charles: “ And what is your proposal?”

Robert with a smile as he brought paperwork out from a briefcase he had with him: “ I've recently started my own company. The sodor bus company. I think the name is self-explanatory about what my company is going to do.”

Charles raised his eyebrow in curiosity as he looked over the paperwork: “ you're starting up your own bus company? that's very interesting but what does this have to do with me?”

Robert smiled: “ I was on one of the buses from the other company and it took me so long just to get to the end of the branch line from knapford. so I took my bike and cycled a route that I think would be much more economical to run. and a lot of the Stops on my route crossed the railway line or even stopped near the stations. My proposal is that my company becomes a subsidiary of the northwestern railway and that we work together to provide the best services we can. That way we have both the advantage of road and rail.”

Charles looked very happy with this proposal: “ well I would have to run it past the board but I do think the sodor bus company and the North Western Railway working together might be more beneficial than we both believe. and it would also work with my own idea.”

Robert now tilted his head in curiosity: “ and what is your idea Charles?”

Charles smiled and began explaining: “ what your father said to me really made sense. it doesn't really benefit the Farmers to have to take everything down to the branch line just to get it transported. plus a lot of those places take a long time to load up. so I decided to start my own truck company. Sodor Road freighters. The trucks will take the fruit and vegetables from the farms and bring them directly to the railway with a small percentage increase of what the farmers have to pay us. not too much more but still enough to make the operation viable. plus we're not making it just a standard load on and load off service.”

Robert now looked intrigued as Charles brought forward some new designs for wagons and Lorrie trailer's.

Charles: “ These new wagons and trailers will allow us to put specialized containers on them and just have them be picked up at the Farmers and dropped off near the railway to only be lowered down to the wagons without the fruits and vegetables being unloaded even once! plus it will work with our Container Terminal we already have on the island. this will revolutionize everything and cut down unloading and unloading time. former McColl has already agreed to try out one of the new wagons and several other farms are interested in the ideas well.”

Robert smiled: “ That is amazing! How many other farmers have signed up?”

Charles: “ only 3 out of the 10 farmers in the area. but still the trucks would also be able to do more than just farm traffic. They will also be able to unload trainloads onto their trailers and deliver them to their destinations where the railways can't reach. this way the company will also have work to do even if the harvest season isn't around.”

Charles and Robert continued to talk and negotiate on the merger.

Meanwhile, the doubling of the branch lines track had gone without a hitch. The track was doubled all the way up to Ffarquhar. Still there were a few more upgrades that needed to be done to the stations. such as adding extra platforms and signaling.

Once again this was proceeding without a hitch.

Unfortunately for Palatinate Charmant Things were not turning out so well for his company as the harvest season was grinding to a close. Many of the Farmers were complaining that a huge amount of their produce got to their end destination but were completely ruined and had to be thrown out. of the hundreds of trips their lorries made the company had to reimburse the Farmers for at least half of the loads they carried.

The passenger side of the company was also not doing so great. Many people had complained about the time and the Ride of the Buses. Most of them felt that they were riding on a bouncy castle with how rough the drivers handle the roads.

and most importantly many of the people along the Road began complaining about the noise and traffic jams that Came from all of this.

Palatinate Charmant Was talking to one of his advisors.

Advisor: “ Sir the company isn't doing as financially well as we should be.”

Palatinate Charmant rolled his eyes: “ yes I know that! But why? My company can do things the railway can't even do! plus we still have the stone contract from the quarry. why aren't we making money from that?”

The advisor nervously brought out some charts: “ Well sir, as you can clearly see here, although the stone traffic is giving us a lot of Prophets, fuel and maintenance budgets outweigh the cost of the operation. especially since we had to pull some of our lorries from their Farm runs in order to accommodate this.”

Palatinate Charmant again rolled his eyes: “ then order more lorries!”

The advice once again looked nervous: “ that isn't really in our budget right now and we already have about a 100 lorries. it's just not efficient to carry so much Rock in lorries. especially since the roads there aren't designed for such heavy traffic. I mean we've already had 17 popped tires and 14 engine failures in the last month.”

Palatinate Charmant again rolled his eyes with a more annoyed tone to his voice: “ so what? we have the money to fix them so we just fix them.”

the advisor: “ yes but it is eating into our budget. especially since we have to import the parts needed to fix them. plus we won't have the Stone contract for much longer.”

Palatinate Charmant now looked shocked And stood up from his seat: “ what do you mean! we have been delivering the stone quite reliably!”

the advisor took a step back and nervously smiled: “ well the owners of the quarry didn't give us a permanent contract. only a temporary one. Once the Branch line is back up and running they will be switching back.”

Palatinate Charmant Enraged punched the table: “ get out!”

the advisor looked confused: “ what sir?”

Palatinate Charmant Screaming in Anger: “ Get out!”

The advisor immediately ran out of the room as Palatinate Charmant began trashing the place!

Palatinate Charmant as he was throwing things around: “ after everything I've done! Nobody appreciates my efforts to bring this island into the modern era! all of them are stuck in their back Water ways! I am not going to let this company die! not after everything I did to get me here! I will make this company successful if it's the last thing I do!”

and so he did. He put in a promotion and then anything else he could think of. Unfortunately it didn't help. Especially after the branch Lines double track program had been completed and more trains than ever could run down the line. During the last week of the harvest season the tank engines had returned alongside a brand new friend. Rosie the United States Army Transportation Corps S100 Class dock shunter. She had the Honor of pulling the first Farm container train.

which proved to be an absolute success! It took them less time to load and unload at each stop. This allowed for massive savings in labor costs. plus the new fleet of trucks perfectly and safely delivered all that needed to be delivered to the collection points which were separate from the main branch line so as not to block any other services.

Charles looked happy as the last train of the harvest season came in behind his newest engine.

Charles walking over to Rosie: “ smashing job Rosie! Now everything can be taken to market. this new way of doing things has really boosted our profits.”

Rosie in her American accent: “ it sure did Sir. and I cannot wait to help you out on the branch line sir. This place is definitely better than working at the docks.”

Charles smiled as he began walking back to his office.

but as he was walking there somebody stopped him by shouting his name.

?: “ Charles, we need to talk!”

Charles turned around to see Palatinate Charmant furiously stomping Over to him.

Charles just rolled his eyes and crossed his arms as Palatinate Charmant approached him.

Charles: “ what is it Mr Charmant? don't you see I have a railway to run?”

Palatinate Charmant glaring at him: “ and apparently a new Road company! Why did you decide to do that! my company was handling everything perfectly!”

Charles raised his eyebrow: “ really? because the last I heard of your company you had to pay over half your profits of the Last couple of months back to the Farmers for loss of products. not to mention the losses you took when you took the stone contract over from us.”

Palatinate Charmant gritting his teeth: “ I was handling everything perfectly! you had no right to come onto my turf and take my clients from me!”

Charles smiled as he put his hands behind his back: “ that is the price of business. besides the Farmers are much happier with my more flexible service as are the people along the roads your buses and lorries traveled on. with the sodor bus company’s more efficient routes on the branch line we are offering greater services at a significantly lower cost than your company.”

Palatinate Charmant still grinding his teeth: “ that doesn't matter! you took my business from me! and I am going to make sure that you Will regret that!”

Before Charles could reply Weiss walks over with a clipboard in her hand.

Weiss Nonchalantly: “ sir after you're done talking to this Dingus here are the reports you want of the yards efficiency. which by the way you'll be pleased to see is going up. Also, what are you doing here Palatinate Charmant? last time I heard your father kicked you out of the family for costing them money back in Germany. What was the reasoning again? oh yeah you swindled your customers and caused a major PR disaster.”

Palatinate Charmant glared at weiss: “ how do you know about that?”

Weiss Smirked : “although most of my family lives on this island now my grandpa remains in Germany. he keeps my family up-to-date on everything we need to know about our country. and your little Scandal did make the news After all.”

Palatinate Charmant continued the glare at her: “ so what? Those people deserve what they got!”

Weiss Just rolled her eyes: “ and that's why your business is failing. You have no idea what you're doing and You are only interested in yourself. you don't care about anybody but yourself. and I know from your family's previous dealings with my father that you have no scrub balls about doing anything to get an upper hand on the competition. I bet you had something to do with that accident on the quarry line.”

Palatinate Charmant scoffed: “ you have no proof that I parked the Lorry there on purpose!”

Weiss smirked: “ I never said you did.”

Palatinate Charmant Look shocked and tried to Backtrack: “ I didn't mean.. Well… it was.. I…”

Charles looked shocked: “ you mean you deliberately caused an accident! you could have killed my crew!”

Palatinate Charmant finally found his voice: “ So what if I did! it doesn't matter. What has happened has happened and there's nothing you can do about it! you have no evidence!

Weiss pulled out some paperwork from her pocket: “ yeah I hired a private eye and he was able to do some digging within your company records. There was no reason that Lorry should have been Where it was. plus your confession in front of hundreds of people would make a valid case to the police. face it Palatinate. you have lost.”

Palatinate Charmant eyes went as wide as plates. He had been caught out and would most likely be going to prison. well he was not going to go down without a fight!

Before anybody could do anything he grabbed Weiss and held a gun he had in his pockets to her head!

Palatinate Charmant screaming: “ nobody move! Make one move and I will fire!”

Charles looked shocked as everybody else did! but he also noticed somebody walking behind Palatinate Charmant and he didn't know this.

Charles with a smile: “ I would let her go if I was you. it might end up better for you in the end.”

Palatinate Charmant began laughing: “ really? you do realize I hold all the cards here right?”

Charles smirking: “Yeah but her boyfriend has his own cards to play.”

Palatinate Charmant looked confused before he was grabbed by the neck and flung onto the ground. Weiss almost fell to the ground when Aoihi caught her and pulled her clothes to him.

Aoihi Looking concerned: “ are you okay?”

Weiss With a smile: “Yes. Just glad to be out of that idiot’s grasp. Even AFTER Grandad’s intervention and cancelling the engagment between, me and him, Palatinate Charmant seems to still have some serious issues, especially when holding me in his grasp.

Aoihi widened his eyes: “you don’t mean…”

Weiss sighed: “I unfortunately do. That man does NOT know how to treat a woman like anything beyond an object for his perverse desires.”

Aoihi with a creepy smile on his face: “ Give me a moment my love. I think I need to teach him some manners.”

Palatinate Charmant Groaned as he stood up trying to find his gun. Unfortunately aoihi got to it first and threw it into the water. Palatinate Charmant did try to fight him hand to hand. only to end up in an arm lock with his back in a very uncomfortable angle. A few minutes later the police came and took him into custody.

The police let The Japanese driver off the hook since he helped them take down a very notorious criminal and his entire gang! so they felt they owed him one. although they did warn him not to make it a Habit. Although Aoihi could swear he saw a smile on the police officer's face.

a couple of hours later he was brought to the police station under the charges of corporate espionage, corporate sabotage, Reckless driving and reckless endangerment, drunk driving (separate incident), Bribing the police ( so he wouldn't get a ticket for drunk driving), conspiracy to sabotage, tax evasion, tax fraud, missing tax payments, money laundering, public intoxication ( he escaped his cell and raided a local pub for all of their booze), public nudity ( he had way too much to drink), attacking officers of the law, attacking a judge, animal abuse for hitting a cow on the face, machine abuse for the lorry he destroyed, employee abuse, creating a toxic work environment, Multiple counts of public disturbance, bribing officials ( again separate incident), a legal immigration ( he did not have to proper paperwork), slavery ( apparently here the couple of Slaves in his house), building a house on heritage land, sexual assault (He did this through a couple of his employees), missing child support payments, child abandonment. and the list goes on.

In Grand total he ended up with 250 separate charges… the most charges anybody had ever been convicted of in the history of sodor.

By the time his trial came to an end the judge was wondering how one man can get so many charges in just a couple of months? So he decided instead of going to prison he would show him the value of hard And honest work. He would have to spend the next 15 years Doing community service and then the next 15 years Working on a farm. then another 30 years working on the railway and finally 40 years cleaning the streets. He also lost all of his money and his business.

although another Man by the name of Jeremiah Jobling Took over the bus company and was planning some big things.

but those are stories for another day. I need a drink.

Chapter 36: Trip to Southampton

The engines looked absolutely devastated. It seems Percy's worries from before were very much justified.

but Charles did give a little smile: “ but you guys won't be sitting Idol. I have arranged for you guys to go work on the mainland at Southampton. Apparently some of their engines have broken down and they desperately need more motive power. I'm certain the four of you would be more than suitable for the jobs that need to be done there.”

Thomas and Timothy immediately perked up at this. they hadn't been back to Southampton in decades! this would be a blast from the past.

Thomas: “ That's great to hear sir! And don't worry we will make sure to act on our best behavior!”

Charles smiled as he walked away to make the arrangements.

The next day the four tank engines were attached to a goods train And began hopping from Station to Station until they finally reached Southampton two days later.

Thomas and Timothy were smiling as they recognized the Old Harbor. it had changed a little bit from what they remembered but still it was like a great feeling being back.

Thomas looking at Timothy: “ brings back memories right brother? working here before we even got our names. so many memories.”

Timothy chuckled: “ not all of them good. but hey let's show these people how engines of sodor handle a Harbor!”

The four engines whistled as the Harbor master arrived.

Harbor master with a big smile: “ number one, number zero it's been a while since I've seen the two of you.”

Timothy smiled: “ it's been a while too Mr star. but please call me Timothy and number one Thomas.”

Mr star chuckled: “ finally got names? well Thomas and Timothy you and your friends are going to be working around here for a while. most of our Other engines are down and I only got 2 other engines in operation so it would be nice to get some backup.”

lady with a gentle smile: “ what needs to be done sir?”

Mr star: “ First there are a bunch of wagons that need to be taken from the Western side of the docks. Then we need to get some more trucks because there's gonna be a big cargo ship arriving in 15 minutes and we need to unload it and get it rolling. There's also a passenger train that's just arrived that needs the coaches switched around. so you can see we are plenty busy today.”

The engines gave quick whistles as they're drivers got their orders and they went off to work.

Thomas and Timothy were working around the western Docks. They were very much used to the routine and expected not many surprises. That was until they noticed an unwelcome surprise for them.

Hunter was there and smirked at his two older brothers: “ well well well. if it isn't number one and number zero. the two of you have finally been sold back to the harbor? I expected it would have happened sooner or later.”

Timothy glared at his younger brother: “ it's Sir Timothy Ffarquhar And Sir Thomas Ffarquhar to you Hunter!”

Hunter rolled his eyes: “ oh so you got names now? not like you deserve them. You are just little Tank Engines that have grown too big for their buffers.”

Both Thomas and Timothy now smirked and in unison: “says the Tank Engine who had to be rescued by Tiny tank engines because he didn't have enough water.”

Hunter growled and was about to say something else when suddenly he was biffed from behind.

They didn't see the Tank Engine but they could hear her from the other end of the train.

The Tank Engine had an American accent: “Shut your trap and get moving! We need this track cleared for the next goods train going out! don't make me get the harbor master again! you know both of you are not on good terms!”

Hunter just growled and glared at his brother's as they puffed away to collect the trucks and he had to move the other trucks out of the way.

By the time the two older e2's arrived at the back of the train they saw the Tank Engine that had just told their brother what is what.

but the Tank Engine did surprise them.

It wasn't an ordinary Tank Engine since its boiler had more domes than a camel. it also had a small wheel base just like Thomas and Timothy but it didn't look like it was built in this country.

Thomas: “ Hello there. What's your name?”

the engines smiled over to them: “ my name is Rosie. and I am a United States Army Transportation Corps S100 Class.”

Timothy: “ So you're not from the United Kingdom?”

Rosie smiled: “ no I'm from the good old United States of America! me and my class were actually brought here during the war. Now that the war is over most of us are being sold off to whatever railroad needs us.”

Thomas raised his eyebrow: “ don't you mean railway?”

Rosie chuckles: “ sorry. I just like Sticking to my American roots. So sorry if I confuse you. Now let's get back to work. these cars ain't gonna shunt themselves.”

Thomas and Timothy agreed although it took them a while to get what she meant.

Over the coming days the four sodor engines worked their hardest keeping all the trains around Southampton on time.

Hunter occasionally tried to be rude to his brothers but they just try to Ignore him. That was until one day hunter made the greatest mistake of his life.

lady was fueling up on water when Hunter puffed next to her with a creepy smile on his face.

Hunter: “ hello there beautiful. What is an engine like you doing with an engine like my brother? How about you ditch him and go out with me? I'm certain I can give you a good time.”

lady just rolled her eyes: “ Hunter, leave me alone. I am perfectly happy with Thomas and I am not going to change my mind.”

Hunter didn't listen and pressed on: “Seriously what do you see in my brother? he's nothing more than a useless Tank Engine and you deserve so much better. so how about you just dump him and take me.”

lady whistled in Fury: “ I am not going to dump my reliable and trustworthy boyfriend for somebody who would dump me for the next pretty face!”

Hunter glared at her: “ listen to me you stupid engine. you're going to dump my useless excuse of a brother and go out with me and that's final! or else I'm going to have to teach you a lesson.”

Hunter had made these threats many times before. In fact the reason the other engines had been damaged was because of Hunter's temper. but because there were no other engines available Mr star had to keep him on.

lady glared at him wanting to respond only for hunter to suddenly be slammed from behind and pushed harsily into the buffers!

When both of them looked behind him they could see Thomas furiously spinning his wheels almost digging grooves into the rails Before He Stopped putting his brakes hard on squeezing his bigger brother between him and the buffers which were groaning.

Hunter glaring: “ what are you doing you-”

but before he could say anything Thomas began screaming: “ you listen here you know No good excuse of a brother! If you ever try to harm my wife I will personally shunt you into the sea! I've had quite enough of your attitude towards me and Timothy. If you do anything to hurt either of us or our friends then trust me you're gonna find out just how much Me and Timothy have learned over the years! Now fuel up and leave both of us alone!”

Hunter didn't say anything. nobody had ever spoken up to him like that and nobody had ever biffed him against the buffers. but as Thomas and Lady left Hunter he just growled thinking about how he could pay his brother out.

Meanwhile Percy was dealing with his own problems.

He was doing his work very well And nothing was going wrong there. but every time he saw Rosie he just froze up for a brief moment and blushed.

One day he was talking to Lady as they were both shunting a long line of wagons to be emptied into a big cargo ship.

Percy: “I don't know what's wrong with me lady. Every time I see Rosie I just… freeze up. I don't know what's wrong with me. Do you think some of my parts are wearing out?”

lady only giggled from a moment before responding: “ Percy what you're going through isn't a mechanical fault. it's love.”

Percy looked a bit surprised and blushed even deeper now: “ I'm not in love with Rosie.”

lady smirked: “ never said you were. but take my advice. make sure if you do love her that the feeling is mutual. and even so don't try to rush into it.”

Thomas approached on the other line with a bunch of empties and was passing them. he had overheard some of what his wife and best friend were talking about and decided to put his own two cents in.

Thomas: “and make sure not to put on an act! girls like honest men!”

lady smiling at her husband: “ too right we do! just take that advice Percy and maybe one day you and Rosie can have a relationship. for now I advise you to just focus on your work and see if these feelings last.”

Percy decided to take his friend's advice and began thinking about his work and about his feelings for Rosie.

Over the next couple of weeks the engines continue to work at Southampton. but soon it was coming up to the end of their contract period and they would be sent back to Sodor on the next goods train.

Thomas smiling next to his brother: “Just a week to go until we're Going back home. I wonder how the doubling of the track will affect our branch lines performance?”

Timothy: “ I don't know brother. but I am going to be glad that I no longer have to use the token system. that can be such a nightmare.”

before Thomas could reply another whistle broke through their conversation and another one of their brothers appeared. although this one was almost the spitting image of Thomas! The only difference was this one had glasses!

Thomas and Timothy with big smiles on their faces: “billster!”

And indeed it was their brother billster. the only other e2p in existence!

billster with a big smile: “ it's so good to see you two again. so the two of you have been replacing me around here for the duration of my repairs?”

Timothy chuckled: “ yes we are. By the way, how did you get damaged?”

billster with a flat expression: “ Hunter. He tried to teach me a lesson and got me damaged and sent to the Works to be repaired. Mr Star was not happy about that and warned him that he's on his last warning. he does anything now it will probably end up costing him his career.”

The two older brothers agreed on that.

Over the next couple of days Billster met Lady and Percy and got along with them swimmingly. even calling lady his sister-in-law. Which made her blush much to the Delight of her husband.

but soon it was the last day of their work. Thomas was shunting a row of trucks towards One of the tips of the harbour that was out way further into the ocean. This area was notorious for having sharp bends. Thomas knew this from his time working around here during his testing back in the 1910s. so he took all the curves gently.

He was at the outer tip when suddenly he heard Hunters whistle.

Hunter came charging up behind him going at full speed!

Thomas didn't even bother trying to stop him and just quickly and carefully made his way through the sharp corner!

He made it safely but unfortunately for hunter he didn't! He tried to stop but he was going too fast and he slid on the rails. his driver and Fireman jumped clear as Hunter crashed into the water After his wheels left the rails and falling off the pier.

Thomas looked to where his brother was sinking into the water and just rolled his eyes: “ he really shouldn't have done that. What was he thinking?”

nobody had a reply as Hunter was well under the water. Later that evening they were able to pull Hunter out of the water but his wheels were damaged along with his tanks since he had landed on his side.

Mr star walked up to him looking Furious as he was put on a flatbed: “ you really are a nasty piece of work Hunter! First you damage my engines and now you throw yourself off the docks! I am absolutely done with you! and so is the Southern Railway!”

Hunter just smirked, not realizing the gravity of his situation: “ whatever. just send me to the Works. maybe they will finally send me to a proper place to work.”

Mr star just glared at him: “ you will not be sent anywhere because you will not be repaired! you'll be broken up and used as spares for the others!”

Hunter now for the first time in his life genuinely looked shocked and panicked.

Hunter: “ You can't do that! I am the Pride of the LB&SCR And the Southern Railway! you can't just break me up for spares!”

Mr star Crossed his arms and shook his head: “ I don't care what you think you are Hunter. My decision is final. especially since some of your parts have been damaged like your boiler and firebox.”

Hunter glaring at the harbor master: “ Then use one of the other members of my class to fix me! you need me! I am the most important engine here!”

Mr star just turned away and gestured for the engine that brought the breakdown crane to take Hunter away. Hunter continued to scream. yelling that he couldn't be broken up for spares.

When he saw Thomas he snapped at him.

Hunter: “You did this to me! your reason I ended up in the water! I will have my revenge! you hear me! I will have my-”

Thomas rolled his eyes and yelled: “ shut up Hunter! and leave all in peace!”

After that he went back to work leaving Hunter shocked and surprised.

Hunter was brought to the Nearby Works where he was taken apart and some of his spare parts went into storage. what couldn't be saved was turned to scrap.

That evening Thomas , Timothy, Percy and Lady were preparing to leave when to their surprise Rosie was being coupled up behind Percy.

Percy blushing slightly: “Rosie what are you doing?”

Rosie smiled: “isn't it obvious? I'm going with you to Work on your Railroad.”

all the engines looked shocked And confused. that was until Mr star came up with a smile next to them.

Mr star: “ I couldn't really afford to have so many engines come here since the railway needed to pay your controller somehow. so in exchange for his services I would give him an extra engine. and I think there's no other engine that deserves to go to the island of sodor than Rosie. She has truly been a great worker here and I think she will be a wonderful addition to your railway.”

Thomas gave Mr star a smile: “well after seeing her in Action I definitely think you made the right call. Welcome to the North Western Railway Rosie.”

Rosie smiled and Lady whispered something to Percy.

Lady: “ I guess you will have a chance to discover if your feelings are genuine for her.”

Percy blushed extremely deeply as lady just chuckled. After a few minutes the freight train was underway and they were making their journey back home. After two days they finally arrived back on sodor. Then the whole thing with the roads happened and the Engines were happy that they were getting their old jobs back.

especially with the new container train services for the harvest season.

As for what happened between Rosie and Percy? well dear readers that is a story for another day.

Chapter 37: a new engine and New Adventures!

It was currently November the 12th Of 1950 on the island of sodor.

things had changed around the island in the last couple of years as in the larger world.

new clay beds had been discovered near Brendam And so the sodor China clay company was formed and had two tank engines built and customised for the root towards the China clay Quarry. The route passed Under a very narrow Bridge which didn't allow standard locomotives like Edward or Tara to pass under it.

So the tank engines called Bill and Ben were based on another Tank Engine called Judy who had a very similar issue in her working environment.

The two of them were troublesome but Edward was able to keep them in line alongside Tara.

In order to celebrate the new partnership between the northwestern railway and the sodor bus company both companies decided to hold a special event which became a race from napford all the way down to ffarquar.

Thomas and the sodor bus company's newest acquisition Bertie were the ones to do the race. It was a thrilling event but Thomas did win in the end.

but despite his loss Bertie was a very good sport and the two of them have been firm friends ever since. even though the Temptation of having a rematch was tempting.

The big four railway companies had become one big company called British railways. It was the newly nationalized company of the United Kingdom. fortunately sodor was independent from the government control of the United Kingdom and thus its railways remained untouched by the national company.

it still had to Honor contracts with the northwestern railway but that was about it.

and unfortunately not many people thought it was a good idea.

Matthew: “ I'm telling you aoihi British railways won't be profitable for long.”

Matthew and aoihi were at the Works late one evening having a couple of drinks together. The two of them did this as often as they could but it only happened about once a month.

Aoihi would always lend a listening ear to Matthew's many complaints. most of them revolved around his neighbor who still wouldn't leave him alone. Matthew was just one more complaint away from a massive lawsuit against her. but today he was talking about British railways and how he didn't believe in it.

Matthew: “ I know it might seem like the right idea but I think They are rushing into things. and I would also like to see the Plans they have for the future. I just hope they don't get over ambitious.”

Aoihi nodded as he poured himself a glass of some traditional Japanese alcoholic (Nothing too strong).

Aoihi: “ I agree with you there. Japan was very ambitious when they decided to attack America and look how that turned out. I just hope the rest of my family in my home country is okay.”

Matthew chuckled: “ Your family are the toughest people I've met and I've met a lot of people. it will take a lot to take them down.”

Aoihi just rolled his eyes at his friend's words: “ Anyway, speaking of British Railways, have you heard about their new designs?”

Matthew: “ yeah I have. apparently it's going to be a Pacific with all the best parts of the big four included. They are calling it their standard designs. to be honest I would really love to see how those perform. Especially since they will have the latest mod cons like a self-cleaning Smoke box. now wouldn't that be fun to have on your engine?”

Aoihi burst out laughing: “ yes it would! The amount of Ash I have to clean up out of his Smoke box makes me glad that hero is painted black. but speaking of engines, how is your little project engine going? having seen it in a while.”

Matthew smiled and raised his old can that he was using as his glass to drink out of: “Actually I finished it.”

Aoihi spat out his drink which ended up on the floor of the workshop: “ you finally finished it?!”

Matthew just continued to smile: “ yeah and got a warming fire going right now. I'm just waiting for it to wake up before I start the tests. mind you I did test the boiler outside of the frames and I already got a borders certificate for it. So all I need to do is test its mechanical systems and we are good to go.”

Aoihi smiled: “ That's great news to hear Matthew. also I have my own great news to tell you and also something I want to ask of you.”

Matthew chuckled and gave his friend a gentle punch to the shoulder: “ hey man whatever you need of me I will be willing to give it. except my home. Because nobody deserves to live next to that banshee of a woman.”

Aoihi chuckled remembering Mrs Karen and how he reacted to him being a “ immigrant to sodor” and that he doesn't belong on the island. only for him to Turn it around and tell her that since she is also an immigrant she doesn't not have any right to dictate who is and who isn't allowed on the island.

Both he and Matthew couldn't stop smiling for a full month after that.

Aoihi: “Neither would I Matthew. but what I want you to do for me is be the best man at my wedding.”

Matthew was now the one spitting out his drink: “ really? you and the ice Queen are finally getting married?!”

Aoihi chuckled at his now fiance's nickname. He was certain he picked it up from Yang who always called Weiss the ice Queen due to her cold behavior while at work.

although when aoihi was around the ice Queen would melt instantly. Many people were happy that aoihi was a frequent visitor to the yard since it kept her iyer away from them.

aoihi: “ yeah I finally proposed to her. I did it on the top of culldee fell mountain. It was quite romantic. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Matthew poured himself another can of Japanese alcohol and raised it to him: “ well then let's toast not only on the completion of my engine but also on your engagement!”

the two of them clinked their glass and can together when suddenly the two of them heard the traverser moving outside and the doors being opened.

Matthew looked confused as Thomas and lady came into the works: “ Thomas, lady, what are you two doing here?”

Thomas: “ my auto Gear has been acting up. They did a check on the coaches and it was me. so I was sent here since they couldn't fix it back at the sheds.”

Lady: “ and my breaks are a bit faulty. they keep sticking on when I activate them.”

Matthew let out a sigh. He was hoping that tonight he wouldn't have anything else to worry about but the Awakening of his own engine.

He put his can down and began having a look as both drivers and firemen of the engines left to go home on the late night express.

Matthew after doing the ones over: “ well some components of your auto Gear need to be replaced Thomas and the same goes with some of the brake components on lady. Fortunately I have got a stockpile of spare parts so it should be a quick fix. but the two of you will be here for a week.”

Thomas and lady solemnly looked at their buffers knowing that the work would keep piling up on the branch line even with an extra engine helping them out.

but that's when Thomas noticed something being covered by a tarpolan and smoke coming from behind it.

Matthew was about to reply when all of them could hear somebody yawning like they just woke up from a very very long nap.

Matthew and aoihi immediately walked up to the tarpaulin and pulled it aside. and what greeted them was one of the greatest sites in the world. Life.

Thomas was especially shocked as what was revealed to him was something he hadn't seen or at least heard of for quite some time.

Thomas: “ What in the world is a London Brighton and South Coast Railway L tank doing here?”

Matthew smiled as behind him indeed was an L tank from the LB&SCR. but unlike the ones that Thomas had seen back at Brighton when he Returned there with the Atlantic twins and Henry and Timothy this one was painted in the typical umbre livery.

Matthew: “ This Thomas is my pet Project I've been working on over the last couple of years. this my friends is Hudson! the first engine ever built at the crovens gate works!”

Thomas lady and aoihi looked in amazement as Hudson nervously smiled at them.

Hudson: “ hello… it's nice to meet you….”

Thomas with a big smile: “ Well Hudson welcome to the land of moving parts. ( he then looked over to Matthew) why did you name him Hudson?”

Matthew: “Because of his Wheel arrangement. back in the United States of America a 4-6-4 it's considered a Hudson. They named it after the Hudson River. also I figured it sounds a bit better than Baltic. Especially when you consider it as a name.”

lady smiled: “ That is a fair point Matthew. but is Hudson going to join us as an engine of the northwestern railway?”

Matthew began gesturing with his hands: “ kind of and kind of not. you see Hudson does not belong to the North Western Railway. he belongs to me personally.”

Thomas raised his eyebrow: “ so that means he is a private engine? So does that mean he's going to have to drive you around when you want to get around the island?”

Matthew chuckled: “ You really think I would use such a big and impressive locomotive just to drive me around with a couple of carriages behind him? That wouldn't be efficient.”

Aoihi began laughing as he realized how stupid that would be. I mean even the Royal Train only runs on very special occasions.

Aoihi after catching his breath from laughing: “ Okay that was funny but what are you going to do with him?”

Matthew smiled: “ well I've been considering starting up some sort of rent a train business. mostly so I can get some extra money in. since I'm certain the lawsuits against my neighbor are gonna keep coming for years to come.”

Everybody there besides Hudson understood what Matthew was talking about. Karen was a notorious Passenger on the railway. you either travel too fast or too slow, the ride was bumpy and everything else you could complain about.

She was even kicked off a few trains because of her constant complaining.

even Thomas and his branch line engines were not immune to her.

Thomas: “ That woman is just the worst!”

Matthew chuckled: “ she really is. anyway Hudson here will be working alongside you on the main line as an extra Express engine. but both me and Charles have agreed that he will also be working the local trains. somebody needs to cover those.”

Thomas smiled: “ So he's going to do the same job as his siblings.”

Hudson now spoke up: “ wait I have siblings? where are they?”

Thomas nervously explained: “ your brothers and sisters are not around on the island and most of them have been rebuilt into tender engines. they're still around but I haven't seen them since the 1930s. just before the rebuilds so I wouldn't know what they look like now.”

Hudson looked a bit disappointed. He was hoping to meet his siblings.

Thomas tried to reassure him: “ but both me and my brother Timothy are also from the London Brighton and South Coast Railway and worked on it for a while before arriving here on sodor. If you want I can tell you stories about it and what I've heard About your siblings?”

Hudson smiles: “ That would be great! Also, are there any other engines from the LB&SCR? If so, I would love to meet them one day.”

lady smiled: “ Only two others my dear. a pair of atlantic's named Rex-Iaspis and Rex-frigidus. and don't worry they're very nice engines. in fact they used to be Express engines like you.”

Hudson sounded very interested: “ really?”

Thomas smiled: “ yes. They were some of the greatest Express engines on the LB&SCR. Frigidus even helped me out back when I was first built.”

as the engines continue talking Matthew and aoihi just continue to watch.

Matthew: “ I think Hudson will be in good hands while I'm away.”

Aoihi now looked confused: “are you going somewhere?”

Matthew let out an Sigh: “ yeah I owe a favor to some guy in Africa. so I'm going to take up my vacation days and go to Africa for about a month or two. I don't know how long it will be but I will most likely be back before Christmas. Oscar is going to do all the testing on Hudson while I'm away. although I was worried about what engines I would ask Charles to mentor Hudson during his first days on the railway. but I think I have found the engines for the job.”

Aoihi looked back at the tank engine's and realized what Matthew meant.

Aoihi nodded: “ That's a good idea Matthew. Anyway, I'm going home now. I don't want my fiance wondering where I am.”

Matthew chuckled: “don't want the ice Queen to get grouchy now do we?”

Aoihi burst out laughing as he made his way home.

After a few days Thomas and Lady were fixed as well as Hudson having passed all of his tests.

Matthew at this point had gone off to Africa leaving Hudson on his own.

As Hudson Thomas and lady made their way towards Knapford Hudson looked incredibly nervous.

Hudson: “ What if I mess up today? I really want to make a good first impression. what if the other engines tease me because I'm a tank engine for Express work?”

Thomas just gave him a warm chuckle: “ don't worry about it Hudson. you're gonna do great. and both me and Lady will be there to help you out alongside the rest of our friends.”

Hudson felt better for this but still was nervous as they finally arrived at knapford. Hudson was amazed by the station's canopy roof and all the trains coming in and out.

When they arrived at platform 2 Charles was waiting for them.

Charles: “ah you must be Hudson, Matthews engine?”

Hudson gave a nervous smile: “Yes I am.”

Charles looked confused at the engine. Hudson did not know what he did wrong until Thomas with spirit behind him.

Thomas: “ sir. You're supposed to call him Sir.”

Hudson got it: “ yes I am sir.”

Charles nodded in approval: “ well as you can see here Hudson this is a very busy railway and I am a very busy man. so I expect you to make yourself really useful right away. Thomas and Lady will show you the ropes around here. and don't worry you will get to pull passenger trains. I just want you to get used to handling trucks and coaches before I let you out of the yard.”

Hudson understood this and gave a small tooth on his chime whistle ( Matthew had a thing for chime whistles) And was about to leave when he saw Charles almost falling over some luggage left on the platform and was caught by one of the Porters.

Charles looked a bit embarrassed: “ yeah… really useful.. Hehe.”

as Charles walked away Thomas, lady and Hudson began laughing.

Thomas and lady then immediately went into teaching Hudson everything about shunting.

Although he did sometimes bump into them and into the trucks in the sidings shaking them a bit. he always looked embarrassed but Thomas and Lady never held it against him.

After a couple of hours Thomas was shunting Gordons Express Coaches behind him for his next run to Vickerstown when Hudson was passing on platform one.

That's when James had to pass and blew his whistle in Annoyance causing Hudson to try and get out of his way.

James in an annoyed tone: “ just what we needed. another Tank Engine to get in the way.”

Thomas looked a bit offended: “ James I'm just teaching him the ropes. Just give him time.”

Gordon with his own cheeky smile: “ Besides little James all you do is get in the way as well.”

James now looked extremely annoyed: “ I don't get in the way Of anyone!”

Gordon Chuckled: “ yes you do. You get in the way of really important engines like me and Thomas.”

James now looked even more annoyed: “ and what's that supposed to mean?”

Gordon with a big smile: “ Both me and Thomas are in the North Western Railway Express passenger blue. That automatically makes us more important than you James. especially since Thomas is running his own little flyer along the branch line with the special coach he collects from the end of my train normally.”

Thomas chuckling from behind Gordon: “ That's right James! Besides, almost every single engine on the railway has their own little special train besides you. so how about you get out of here and let us really important engines get on with our work.”

James just huffed and went off to collect his unimportant goods train.

Gordon: “ and remember not to crash into any hard tank tankers! we don't have an endless supply of them we know?”

James angrily rolled his eyes and went off not saying a word.

Thomas then appeared next to Gordon and the two of them silently smiled to each other as they felt a little bit closer in their friendship than they used to be.

You could say they had a stronger Alliance than ever before.

Hudson did try his best but often ended up bashing the trucks a bit too hard or getting in the way of other engines.

By the end of the day he made it into the sheds and looked really embarrassed.

Hudson: “ Today was really embarrassing.”

Thomas gave him a reassuring smile: “ it's not so bad. You just need some time to learn the ropes around here. but trust me once you're fully trained you'll be able to fly down the line.”

Lady: “ Besides, you could have made worse mistakes. like when my husband accidentally went all the way to London On his first day.”

Thomas blushed knowing exactly what his wife was talking about. but Hudson was a bit confused and was about to ask about what they meant when another engine came into the sheds and Overheard the conversation.

Frigidus: “ That was definitely a very embarrassing day for both of us. still at least you got to see London Thomas.”

Hudson looked over to see a very good looking Atlantic engine. He had seen this engine a couple of times throughout the day but never had time to talk to him. Now he did.

frigidus after turning on to the turntable and running into his birth: “ so you're the new build L tank? to be honest I haven't seen one of you since my days back at Brighton.”

Hudson gave a nervous smile: “ Well then I hope I can bring you some enjoyment of the past Mr Rex frigidus.”

Frigidus just bursts out laughing already loving the new engine: “ it's just frigidus my dear engine. you don't have to call me by my full name. and don't worry about your first day. as Thomas can attest you can have worse first days.”

Thomas again looked a bit embarrassed but could only agree with his Atlantic friend.

Hudson: “ thank you frigidus. I still really want to prove myself worthy to pull the Express. But I might never get a chance at this rate.”

At that moment Gordon came into the sheds and gave the newcomer a big smile as he was being turned.

Gordon: “ don't think so negatively Hudson. You will get a chance to pull an express train. I'm certain of it. your class was designed for it after all as was mine.”

Hudson gave his fellow Express engine a big smile and the two of them began talking about how to handle Express trains with Frigidus giving his own two cents.

After a while all of the engines returned to the sheds.

Hudson eagerly talked to every single one of them. including Hiro (sorry I've been misspelling his name all the time) who was giving him advice on how to handle freight trains alongside the other heavy freight engines.

Thomas gave a proud look at the L tank: “ not a bad first day Hudson. not a bad first day.”

Timothy smiled over to his brother: “ well he has a great father helping him out.”

Thomas blushed: “ I'm not really his father you know. we're not really of the same class.”

Howard spoke up then: “ yeah but you were present at his Awakening. so in a way you are his father. plus I've seen you giving him advice on how to do things around here and I do think you do make a pretty good father figure.”

Tanya: “ and Lady makes a good mother figure as well. The two of you will help this young engine blossom into a good Express engine one day. I know it!”

Thomas and Lady just continue to blush. Even though they had gotten married a few years ago they didn't feel ready to be parents. Still they were tasked by Matthew to take care of Hudson. so that's what they were going to do.

To be continued

Chapter 38: Hudson to the rescue.

It had been several weeks since Hudson was created and he had drastically improved in that time.

under the supervision of Lady and Thomas the two of them molded him into a pretty good shunting engine and good commuter engine.

Hudson would pull commuter trains alongside the loop. but of course he would also pull the commuter trains along the main line as well so he could have some first hand experience with the layout.

During Christmas that year snow began falling. This made everything a little bit more difficult but that didn't mean they were going to be able to slow down.

a lot more people wanted to travel since the Christmas period was coming up. This meant more trains and thus that the engines were even busier than usual.

Fortunately with Hudson working alongside them things were very manageable.

One day Thomas and Lady were fueling up on water and coal when Charles came up to them.

Charles: “Good Morning you two. Do you know where Hudson is?”

lady with a smile: “he is shunting some trucks over at the harbor. Why do you want to know this? Is he in trouble?”

Charles chuckled: “no no no. I wanted to congratulate him on his commuter runs. The Passengers have been Giving him glowing reviews.”

Thomas smiled: “ I knew all those passenger lessons would pay off one day.”

lady smiled as well: “ He did have a fantastic teacher.”

The two engines chuckled. they had really taken to being his Guardians and parents while Matthew was away. Hudson had even heard that other engines called them his mom and dad so he decided to call them that.

first as a joke but over time as they got to know each other better it kind of just felt… right somehow.

Charles smiled at his two tank engines: “ Well, With his excellent performance on the commuter trains I have decided that he has finally gotten enough experience to get on with the Express.”

The two tank engines' smiles Fell from their faces and now we're replaced with looks of worry. They knew that this day would come but they hoped they had a little bit more time.

Lady: “ sir are you absolutely sure you want to put him on the Express now? Can it wait until next year? you know, let him build up his confidence a little bit more?”

Charles just shook his head: “ I need to run more Express Services and Hudson is the only engine available. especially since the atlantic's are all busy on their own Passenger Services and goods services.”

Thomas is still looking nervous: “ but he has never pulled an express train before. how is he supposed to handle running an express train when it is his first time?”

Charles just let out a sigh: “ it will be a trial by fire Thomas. but I'm certain he will perform marvelously.”

but this didn't reassure Thomas. but then he had an idea that made him feel a little bit better about the situation.

Thomas: “ Charles, I would like somebody to accompany Hudson on his first Express run.”

Both Charles and Lady looked confused as Thomas continued to explain.

Thomas: “ I am worried that Hudson won't be able to handle the pressure of an Express engine. He's never been one up to this point so I think having somebody with a little bit more experience might be the best for us right now.”

Charles stroked his chin and realized that his number one did have a point. Hudson had never pulled an express before and with the snowy and icy conditions it might be best for somebody with a bit more experience to help him. plus he could also double the amount of coaches used on this run to accommodate the extra engine.

Charles sighed: “ okay Thomas. If you can get one of the Express engines to help Hudson out then I will be more than happy to switch them onto his trains for the next couple of weeks. but after that I have to put them back onto their regular duties. Is that okay with you?”

Thomas blew his whistle and smiled: “ yes sir. And I already know who I want to ask.”

Before either lady or Charles could say anything Thomas went off having his bunker and tanks fully refilled during their conversation.

He immediately made his way to the shunting yards where the engine was backing down onto his freight train.

Thomas shouting: “ Gordon do you have a minute?”

Gordon looks surprised to see Thomas racing into the yards. Gordon fortunately was not Meant to leave for another few minutes since his driver and fireman needed to inspect the train first.

Gordon: “ Of course Thomas. is there anything I can help you with?”

Thomas smiled: “ Actually it's not me who you can help but Hudson.”

Gordon raised his eyebrow: “ and how exactly can I help him? aren't you and Lady teaching him everything you know? after all you are his father.”

Thomas chuckled at the joke but continued: “ Well the expertise he needs for the next step in his development is something that both me and lady don't have. the experience of an Express engine. So I was wondering if you could double head some of Hudson's Express trains. Only for a couple of weeks of course! after that you can go back to your own work.”

Gordon considered this for a moment. There was a lot of work to do and him being off the extra goods work and passenger work would make things a little bit difficult. but Thomas did have a point about asking him to help out the newest Express engine. even he had help from Alice back on the Great Northern on how to pull Express trains. so it's time to pay it forward.

Gordon with a smile: “ of course I will help him Thomas. I can't let a fellow Express engine make a fool out of the rest of us now can I?”

Thomas chuckled: “ know you cannot. and thank you. this really means a lot to me.”

Gordon smiled: “ well I am one of the most experienced Express engines on the island. but I guess if those two atlantics aren't going to step up to the plate then I must.”

Thomas smiled as he began puffing away to continue his work: “ actually Gordon. you were my first pick.”

Gordon looks shocked and humbled. The two of them had really come a long way since the 1930s. a long way indeed.

The next day Gordon was attached to the Express. he was waiting for Hudson to back down and couple up. Hudson was incredibly nervous as he gently buffered up to Gordon.

Gordon chuckled: “ don't worry Hudson. just remain calm and everything will be fine.”

Hudson truly wished he could believe Gordon's words but was still panicking on the inside. He had heard about the incident that basically got his entire class rebuilt Into A Tender engines. Even though it was thanks to bad track he was still very worried.

As the two of them slowly but gently began Gathering speed on the icy rails Hudson began to enjoy himself.

It was a thrilling Experience running at high speed but Gordon did remind him that they had to be safe due to the ice and snow and to keep an eye out on the tracks and the signals.

Hudson did so but still enjoyed the High speed nonetheless.

They soon arrived at Vickers town a few minutes ahead of schedule.

before they could uncouple another engine from the mainland when to couple up to their train.

This was a Jubilee named Mars. She was back down onto her train and began chuckling at the site of Hudson.

Gordon looked a bit annoyed at the LMS engine: “ what is so funny?”

Mars continued chuckling: “ did you have a Tank Engine on an express train? Is your railway so desperate for motive power that they resort to using tank engines on expressed trains now? How pathetic .”

Hudson grew a little sad from this remark. Gordon immediately jumps to his Defense.

Gordon: “ he may be a Tank Engine but he was designed to pull Express trains! besides you are only a jubilee. you don't really have much bragging rights like the duchesses or the princess royals. So how about you get your big fat tender out of here and leave us in peace.”

Unfortunately Gordon's insults did not have the Desired effect.

Mars only smiled: “ you can say whatever you want deer but you know it's true. now watch as a real engine pulls an Express.”

Mars departed the station with elegance and Grace as she raced towards the bridge.

Gordon could see that hudsons infusiasm on the run up the line was all but gone now. She knew that for a young engine having confidence in yourself was just as important as learning how to do things.

but he also knew that he might make things worse if he said anything.

On the way back the trip was very quiet. When they arrived back at Knapford Hudson immediately went back to shunting and Gordon went to refuel. They had done their expresse run for the day and would go back to their regular duties.

As Gordon began refueling on coal and water Thomas came up alongside him with a big smile on his face.

Thomas: “ Hey Gordon how did Hudson's first Express run go?”

Gordon let out a sigh from his cylinders: “ it went great until a stupid LMS engine decided to strike at Hudson's confidence. all because he's A tank engine pulling express trains.”

Thomas looked both shocked and angered: “ what did they say?”

Gordon went into the whole conversation with the jubilee. Thomas was Furious and would have given that engine a piece of his mind if he was given the opportunity.

Gordon just suggests that he help rebuild his confidence for the next couple of weeks while the two of them are scheduled on the Express together.

Thomas also hoped that this might help Hudson's confidence.

but unfortunately as the weeks rolled by Hudson's confidence did not improve.

Mars was always at the station and always ready with her snarky reply about Hudson's status as a Tank Engine pulling Express trains.

Gordon tried his best to cheer up his fellow Express engine but nothing got through to Hudson now. his confidence was very much shaken up.

One day a few days before Christmas Hudson had pulled a local passenger service into vicarstown and Mars was waiting with her passenger train to the mainland.

When she saw him she burst out laughing. she was looking to everybody else to laugh with her: “ look everyone that Tank Engine that thinks he's an Express engine. oh how cute.”

Hudson tried to make himself as small as possible hoping that nobody would look at him. but unfortunately for him they did. Hudson was well and truly ashamed of himself.

and Mars wasn't helping any of it: “ don't be ashamed of who you are. You should just stick to branch line operations and leave the main line for real engines. Also I think you'll be happy to know that later today I will be pulling a special Christmas train for the Duke and Duchess of Boxford for a special charity gala. They specifically requested me because I am an excellent and elegant engine. unlike yourself. I hope you'll be able to see me fly by like a rocket to Mars.”

she chuckled and puffed away. Hudson quickly went to Vickerstown sheds to get turned around for his journey home.

the whole way he kept thinking about what Mars had said. Was he even a real engine? Was he even meant to pull Express trains? the more he began thinking about it the more confused he felt.

When he arrived back at the main yards he shunted his coaches away and went off back up the main line.

As he arrived at Wellsworth Edward was shunting some trucks in one of the sidings.

Edward noticed the tank engines' Depressed look as he gently rolled into the yards next to the station.

Edward: “ Is everything alright Hudson? you seem rather down.”

Hudson let out a sigh of steam from his cylinders: “ I am. There's this engine at Vickerstown who keeps teasing me and telling me I'm not a real engine. and I guess it's starting to get to me. I just don't know if I'm a real engine or if I'm a real Express engine.”

Edward began chuckling at Hudson's explanation: “ is that really all she's saying? that you're not a real engine or a real Express engine just because you're a tank engine?”

Hudson just gave Edward a confused look which made Edward burst out of laughter

Edward: “ if I had a lump of coal for every time people have called me stuff like that I would have enough coal to run around the world! There will always be bullies like her out there, Hudson. she's probably unsatisfied with her position on the railway and thus is trying to make you feel lesser than she is. what class is she?”

Hudson looked confused but answered: “ she was a Stanier Jubilee if what Gordon told me is true.”

Edward now chuckled even more: “ well if she is one then she isn't as unique as you.”

Hudson was now genuinely surprised and not in a bad way: “ what do you mean by that Edward? why isn't she as unique as me?”

At this moment Tara came into the yards and stopped next to the big Tank Engine: “ because the Staniard jubilees Have a grand total of 191 members. while your class Only has eight members. and you are the only one of the eight that is still a tank engine. plus you were extensively modified with more modern fittings than she is. In a nutshell you are more unique in every single way Hudson. And don't allow what other engines say to get you down. both me and Edward don't allow that to get us down so why should you?”

Hudson felt a little bit better but still didn't feel like the old engine's words apply to him: “yes but I'm an Express engine.The two of you are just mixed Traffic engines.”

Both Edward and Tara looked at each other and then burst out laughing again.

Tara: “We both used to be expresse engines Hudson. We just couldn't handle the Heavier passenger coaches these days so we were given lighter duties. I bet the two of us couple together could still make any Express engines run for the hills.”

Edward chuckled at his partner's words: “ probably my dear. but I am certain that we can’t hit the same Express speeds as we used to.”

The two older engines chuckled and this eventually made Hudson chuckle as well.

maybe the two engines were right and what the other engines said were just empty words.

Hudson remained in the yards for a couple more hours. He had been rostered on banking duties for the day since Edward and Katie were too busy to do so. plus the other freight engines had their own extra freight work to take care of with the Christmas rush.

He was waiting at one of the platforms as his driver wanted to talk to the station master when suddenly they heard a panicked whistle coming from up ahead. up ahead was Gordon's Hill. This was the most notorious stretch of incline on the island. Gordon would know since he got stuck on there once.

It was a very difficult grade to go up and down. but the engines of sodor knew this and knew to be careful regardless of the weather. but unfortunately the engine that was pulling the train did not know. Hudson saw Mars racing down the main line whistling fit to burst!

Mars: “ help! Help! my brakes have failed! my brakes have failed!”

Hudson, Edward and Tara Looked in shock as the train flew by. but before anybody could say anything Hudson raced after the train bunker first!

his driver and Fireman knew that their engine could run as fast in Reverse as he did forward? but they were wondering if he was fast enough to catch up to the jubilee.

Fortunately he was. as they passed Crosby Hudson was already near the front of the train and was still increasing his speed! The driver of Mars was trying his best to slow down but her regulator handle had also stuck itself on full open.

 

The fireman tried dumping the fire but there was still plenty of steam in the boiler. They also tried using the tender break but it only slowed them down slightly and not enough before they would reach the harbor at the end of the line.

Hudson was able to pass them before the tunnel that would lead to elsBridge

lady and Thomas were at the station platform. The two of them were double heading a Extra long passenger train to Knapford when Hudson flew through the station.

lady looking confused: “ what was that about?”

but before Thomas could answer Mars came through with her train at full speed.

Thomas shouts to the station master: “ runaway train! clear the lines!”

The Station Master immediately ran into his office and telephoned all the signalmen to let the runaway through.

but one of the signalmen before Henry's tunnel had gotten a piece of coal with a message to switch Hudson onto the middle track where the runaway was on. The Signalman immediately did so.

Hudson was now on the middle track and Mars was running straight into him!

Mars shouting: “ get out of the way you stupid Tank Engine! you're going to get us all-”

she stopped as Hudson Breaked causing her to Biff against him. not hard enough to derail her but it was definitely felt by the passengers who were all in a panic.

Hudson gently applied his brakes and threw all the sand on the Tracks that he had.

they raised through tidmouth and through lower tidmouth.

Hudson put everything he had into stopping the train. As knapford came and went they were definitely slowing down.

but Hudson feared it might not be enough. still if he was going out he was going out fighting to stop the train.

Everybody braced for Impact as they were nearing the end of the tracks at the harbor.

but just then Hudson felt a gentle tap on his rear buffers and realized that neither him or the train were in the water. He had successfully stopped the train!

the workers and engines around him began cheering.

Thomas and lady had followed him down the line as fast as they could to see if they could help. but when they arrived they could only look at their son with pride.

Lady her eyes welling up with pride “ well done Hudson! you saved the train!”

Thomas looked over to Mars with a cheeky smile: “and you said my son wasn't a real engine because he was a tank engine. well a real engine has working brakes. So what does that make you?”

Mars For Once in her life didn't say anything. A few minutes later Thomas and Lady were able to bring the coaches back to the station while Hudson gently shunted Mars into a siding out of the way for an inspector to have a look at her breaks.

as Hudson was leaving he could hear Mars's driver yelling at her for not having her brakes checked before they took the train.

Hudson went to get more fuel to go back to Wellsworth to continue banking duties for the rest of the day when suddenly a well-dressed man and woman came up to him alongside Charles.

Charles pointed to the well-dressed people: “ Hudson these are the Duke and Duchess of Boxford. they would like to have a word with you.”

Hudson was truly honored: “ It's a true honor to meet you two. and I'm sorry for what happened to your train today. I imagine it wasn't what you planned?”

the duke let out a deep sigh: “not really. if we had known that the engine was so careless we would have never chosen her. but then again she was the only engine the mainland were willing to give us for this trip.”

Hudson now looked confused: “she told me that she was specifically chosen? because of her Elegance or something like that?”

Both the Duke and Duchess began laughing.

the Duchess: “absolutely not my dear engine. We only selected her because she was the only engine British railways was willing to lend us for this occasion. and I must admit she really frightened all of us. they were enjoying some nice tea and biscuits when suddenly they were in for the Ride of our lives that could very well end them.”

the duke smiled at the Hudson locomotive: “ but that is when you bravely stepped in and rescued us. we owe you our lives.”

Hudson humbly smiled as he saw Thomas and Lady slowly approaching: “ it was nothing sir. just doing my job.”

the duke raised his eyebrow: “ your job? is your job rescuing runaway trains? I guess it would be useful on this island but that does seem like quite a dangerous job.”

Hudson laughed: “no no no sir. What I meant is my job is to keep the Passengers on our railway safe. That's what my parents have told me. That and that I have to be Responsible, reliable and really useful.”

the Duchess chuckled: “ That is certainly good advice from your parents. but we came over here to ask if you would be willing to take our train back to the mainland tomorrow? considering we do not trust that jubilee to finish the journey and for us to remain in one piece.”

Hudson smiled: “ I would be honored to do so. but only if my owner agrees first.”

The duke gave a smile: “ I'm certain that Charles here would be more than willing to lend you to us. it will only be until Vickerstown.

Charles smiled and looked towards the Duke and Duchess: “ I would be more than happy to lend you Hudson but he's not really one of my engine's.”

the Duchess raised her eyebrow: “ then who is his owner?”

?: “That would be me!”

At that moment the people and the engines look to see Matthew walking over to them. having Returned from a trip to Africa.

Matthew with a big smile: “ I would be more than willing to lend you Hudson. After all, after a sterling Performance like today he more than deserves it.”

Hudson looked surprised at what his owner said: “ you heard all of that?”

Matthew: “ I heard it? I saw it! I was driving down the road in my new Land Rover Series 1 when I saw you bravely get in front of the train to stop it! you really made me proud today boy. so consider this a little treat from me. I also heard from Gordon what that Jubilee called you. and trust me I'm going to have some very Stern words with her later. but for now I want you to enjoy this okay?”

Hudson just smiled as everybody went away to make the arrangements.

A few minutes later the whole city could hear Matthew yelling at Mars for not only her recklessness but for what she called Hudson.

it was said that you could hear Matthew's voice all the way to the top of culldee Fell. Needless to say Mars remained silent as she was towed away back to the mainland for repairs as Matthew and Charles had no intention of fixing her.

Hudson returned to Wellsworth and continued banking.

but when he returned to the sheds there was a course of whistles and cheers.

Hudson was getting so many praises and compliments that he didn't know what to do with it. but he did remember something Gordon taught him.

“You may be an Express engine but don't let it go to your head. you don't want to disappoint your designer or Builder.”

Hudson understood what Gordon meant. And so took all the complements in stride.

The next day Hudson pulled the Duke and Duchess of Boxfords Christmas train back to vicarstown.

where a princess royal Pacific was waiting to take the train on.

Unlike her Jubilee counterpart this engine was very polite.

Princess Royal: “ You must be Hudson. the engine that bravely rescued Mars the other day?”

Hudson smiled as he uncoupled from his coaches and ran around to the next platform so that the Princess Royal could couple up.

Hudson: “ That's right your majesty.”

the princess Royal Chuckled: “ no need for such a formality. My name is Princess Royal. and again I'm so sorry for Mars’s behavior. She has always tried to stand out from her siblings and not in a good way. I figure after What your builder told her she won't be causing any more trouble for some time.”

by this point Princess Royal had coupled up to the coaches.

Hudson: “ Well I must admit she did get what she deserved in the end. at least I was able to prove to her and to myself that I am a real Express engine!”

Princess Royal chuckled again: “ you were always a real Express engine Hudson. it doesn't matter if you're a tank engine or a tender engine. if you build an Express engine then you will always be an Express engine. even if you do other work.”

At that point the two of them heard the guards whistle signaling it was time for Princess Royal To depart.

Princess Royal: “bye-bye Hudson. may our paths cross again someday.”

Hudson only chuckled as he made his way back up the line.

After a few more weeks it was finally time for the annual New Year's party.

Once again the sheds were full to the Brim with the cruise and their families talking.

Hudson was looking in amazement at all of the people around him. Some of the children were sitting on his buffer Beam alongside their fathers drinking some hot cocoa. One of them offered some of it to him but Hudson politely refused.

Hudson: “ I don't think engines can drink Coco. but I appreciate the gesture all the same.”

At that moment Charles stood in the center of the sheds and clanked his glass with a fork.

Charles with a big smile: “This year has truly been one of the greatest in the history of The Island. Not only did I get married but we also received some wonderful gifts this year. including our newest engine to be… well on loan to us from Matthew. Hudson the London Brighton and South Coast Railway L tank Express engine!”

Everybody gave a quick cheer for Hudson Who blushed at all the attention being deferred to him.

After the cheering subsided Charles continued: “ I'm certain there will be many more changes ahead. but with the strong men and women here I am certain that the northwestern railway has a very bright future. now if you please listen to weiss schnee as she will sing for us tonight.”

all the engines and people went silent as Weiss stood on top of a box and began singing her hard out. her voice was beautiful as it echoed Through the sheds.

Aoihi was sitting next to one of Hiros' smoke deflectors and was able to hear everything beautifully.

Aoihi after taking a sip from his drink: “That's gonna be my wife.”

hiro chuckled: “ and that's gonna be my driver's wife. let's just hope she's willing to put in the extra work in cleaning up my smoke box.”

the two of them burst out laughing.

Meanwhile at Mrs Karen's place she had unexpectedly received hundreds of pounds and thousands of packages. but each and every one of them were sent with copies of a lawsuit paper! With compliments from Matthew who sends hundreds upon thousands of individually printed letters to her.

Mrs Karen began screaming to the heavens complaining about Matthews' lawn, his slight house colors, and his stupid pet lion!

hold on? Pet Lion? How did Matthew get a pet lion you may ask?

Well my dear readers. That is a story for another day.

to be continued

Chapter 39: great mistakes

Matthew was sitting on an oil barrel pinching the bridge of his nose in a Railway Yard in the Southern region of British railway in the spring of 1951.

Matthew had gotten a client for Hudson on the Southern region because one of their Engines that pulled inter regional trains had failed and was going to the Works to be repaired.

Since no other Engine was available and Matthew had advertised his rent a locomotive business they immediately asked if they could have Hudson for the period of time the repairs would need to be done.

of course Matthew did so but sent them a contract with strict guidelines.

Unfortunately when Hudson arrived a female Shed master did not believe using Hudson on the inter-regional trains would be a good image for British railways and put him on local trains and goods trains.

Hudson of course tried to stand up to her but every single time she threatened him!

Hudson wasn't really happy with this but he wasn't in a position to just go back to sodor. because the contract said he had to be working for British railways for at least one month and then he would be sent home.

Fortunately he wasn't really without good company. He was able to meet all of his siblings Including remembrance.

The two of them immediately became best friends talking to each other like they had known each other their entire lives.

She even tried to stand up for him against their horrible shed master but she wouldn't listen.

and one day the shed master decides to make good on her threat to Hudson to have him rebuilt into a tender engine too so he could never pull Express trains again.

This was a very big threat because from what Remembrance and the other LB&SCR engines told him the N15x’s were well known for their poor quality ride at high speed thanks to their rebuild.

Hudson was immediately sent to Brighton to not only get rebuilt but also painted in the British railway corporate colors.

Fortunately Remembrance was able to get there in time and pull him away and get somebody to inform Matthew who in turn informed British railways that he wanted to speak to them at the sheds.

and now here they are.

Hudson was parked behind Remembrance who refused to move from the siding she had put Hudson in.

Matthew began looking at both the shed master who was also named Karen ( not the same one that has been giving him a headache back home) and the representative of the British railways board who nervously looked at the chief mechanical engineer of the nwr.

Matthew pointed at Karen: “ So let me get this straight, you threatened my engine that you would turn him into a tender Engine so he could never pull Express trains again just because he talked back to you. Then you decided to actually Go through with it and sent him to Brighton so he could go through his rebuild. The only reason this isn't happening right now is because Remembrance here was able to rescue him and have somebody contact me about this brazen idiodyssey.”

The Karen shed master just crossed her arms not saying anything as Matthew looked over towards the British railway representative.

Matthew: “and you and the other British railway board members went through with the paperwork even though the engine does not belong to British railways but belongs to me. do I have everything correct so far or their details that I'm not getting?”

the British railway representative nervously spoke up: “ yes sir. everything you said is the truth.”

Matthew let out a very deep sigh: “ and nobody bothered to read the contracts stating that if any repairs need to be done I need to be informed? and that any repairs would have been out of my own pockets? meaning I would have had to pay for the rebuild even though I never Authorised it. does British railways know how many clauses they've broken in my contract?”

At this point the shed master Karen spoke up: “ what does it matter? Having a Tank Engine pull our into regional trains does not provide the modern image British railways want for the Railway. besides you should be thanking me that I had him send the Works to get rebuilt. as a tender engine he would have been much better.”

Matthew raised his eyebrow at This Woman's level of stupidness but it was rememberance who spoke up first.

Remembrance: “You're kidding me right? don't you realize that I was once one of the L tanks? when me and my siblings were converted to tender engines we became worse! we can't even do our original purpose of pulling Express trains anymore! Hudson might be a Tank Engine but he is far more stable than any of us and he was extensively modified to be even smoother! So how about you stop being an idiot and realize that you made a continental mistake!”

the Karen shed master glared at her: “ shut up 32333! It doesn't matter what I have done! Hudson wasn't rebuilt so there's nothing wrong here!”

the British railway representative nervously raised some paperwork. This was the contract that British railways had signed before Hudson was sent over.

British railway representative: “ Actually we are in a huge amount of trouble thanks to you.”

The Karen shedmaster looked confused as she grabbed the paperwork: “ it can't be that bad? besides we used his engine and thus he has nothing to sue us for.”

Matthew got off the barrel and crossed his arms: “ actually I do have a lot I can Sue you for. because you didn't use Hudson on your inter regional trains you didn't use him for the specified reason within the contract. In addition you went against the contract by sending him to the Works and having the paperwork to offerize his rebuild signed by your head office. This is also forbidden in the contract. even getting him repainted into the British railways corporate colors is completely illegal! you guys have pretty much broken every single condition in my contract meaning you owe me over 800 million pounds.”

Both Karen and the British railway representative quickly looked through the contract after hearing this. Unfortunately for them what Matthew said was true. The Breaking of the contract had major repercussions for British railways. especially since it was highly illegal to send his engine to the workshops or scrap yards without his explicit consent.

plus not utilizing his engine on the inter regional trains had a massive penalty fees within the contract which now had really stacked up.

Hudson and Remembrance could only smile.

remembrance with a cheeky smirk: “ I always heard that Matthew always had a trick up his sleeve but this really takes the cake for me.”

Hudson chuckled: “ That's only half the amount of tricks my build Builder knows.”

As the two engines began chuckling at Karen and the British railway representative tried to find a loophole in the contract but there wasn't one they could utilize.

the British railway representative looked desperately over towards Matthew: “ Mr Warbler there must be room to negotiate here right? We are really young and our finances are not that great so we cannot take a hit like that. So is there anything else we can do to… well… get out of paying you 800 million pounds?”

Matthew considered this for a moment. Of course being given the 800 million pounds would be a financial boost for him. but he was certainly going to have to fight British railways in a court of law which could take time and Resources that he didn't really want to spend.

but he did also realize that he now had all the cards in his hand and thus had the right to negotiate. so he came up with an alternative.

Matthew with a small smile: “ okay I'll give you an alternative to me suing you for the money you owe me.”

the British railway representative smiled. He hoped that this would be something that the board wouldn't have to find out. Unfortunately for him what Matthew said next knocked the smile off his face.

Matthew with a bigger smile: “ you give me 17 locomotives of my choosing for no more than two pounds each. and I get to choose them. You don't get a single say in it. British railways will also be still allowed to use the locomotives but under contract as rented or loaned locomotives.”

Both the representative and Karen look shocked!

Karen now in an angry voice: “ there's no way we will ever agree to that! you could have the 800 million pounds we won't give you any of our engines!”

The board representative quickly slapped her on the back of the head and told her to be quiet. He knew that even if Matthew would spend a lot of money suing them it would ultimately end up with them being found at fault. and he had heard about Matthew's stance on negotiations. You get only one shot with him. so he decided to take it.

British railway representative: “ we accept your terms. I will send all the information here to the Head office and I assume your legal team is going to send us a contract?”

Matthew gave a nod and the representative continued.

British railway representative: “ So I assume you will be looking around British railways for a while looking for the 17 engines you want to buy?”

Matthew smiled and looked towards remembrance: “ actually I've already found my first engine I wanted to buy. so I only need to look for 16 more.”

The representative and Karen looked confused when Matthew pointed to Remembrance.

Matthew: “ I'm going to buy Remembrance right here right now.”

He pulled out 2 one note bills out of his wallet and handed them over towards the representative. The representative was surprised but realised that at least Matthew was a man of his word.

British railway representative: “ okay then I will have her paperwork sent to your home as soon as possible. what should we do with her for now?”

Matthew crossed his arms: “ Hudson has to be returned to me back to sodor at the end of the week. I want Remembrance to join him On the return journey. After that we can continue negotiating for other locomotives. For now I want you to send what we negotiated here to your head office and a warning to any other shed Masters or British railway staff. touch my engines and you're gonna get burned!”

The representative immediately went Off to find a phone to Call Head office and the shed master Karen immediately went off to Continue her work muttering under her breath about stupid contracts.

Remembrance and Hudson both smiled at Matthew.

Remembrance: “ thank you for purchasing me Matthew. I can call you Matthew right?”

Matthew chuckled: “ that will be just Prime rememberance. Besides, I wanted Another one of your class for a while now. especially after I finished Hudson.”

Remembrance looked a bit confused: “ and what would that be?”

Matthew just smiled: “you'll have to wait and see until you return to sodor rememberance. meanwhile I have some shopping to do.”

The two siblings just chuckled as Mathew went away to do some “shopping” as he put it.

Over the next two weeks Matthew traveled all over the United Kingdom writing down names and numbers of locomotives he wanted to buy from British Railways.

When the British railway board found out about the whole incident with Hudson they were shocked but also glad that the representative was able to negotiate and that Matthew was feeling generous.

So they ordered every single yardmaster, Station Master, shedmaster and everybody else in a position of power to give Matthew a tour of their facilities if he was interested in buying one of their engines.

Matthew was interested in buying a couple of engines. but he did tell them that for now British railways can keep them where they are until he requests them to be transferred to sodor. He did request that they paint the letters SMD on their tenders or tanks so they could be identified as his property.

but he would be taking one engine home with him to sodor.

Charles was waiting at the platform of Ulfstead castle. Both he and the Earl were going to have a meal with Matthew as respectable businessman. the Earl had invited the both of them but Matthew was a bit late in Arriving.

Charles raised an eyebrow as he looked at his watch: “ what's taking Matthew so long? Normally he's pretty punctual.”

the Earl stroked his beard: “ maybe he wants to make a big entrance?”

Before Charles could say anything they heard an unfamiliar whistle coming from the other side of the closed drawbridge.

when the drawbridge was let down they looked in absolute shock!

there puffing into the castle was a London southwestern railway A12 class! with Matthew behind the controls.

The engines stopped and Matthew got out of the cab smiling.

Matthew: “ Charles, Robert what do you think about my latest acquisition? pretty good deal for two pounds?”

Both Charles and the Earl looked in shock. This was an engine which they believed its class to be scrapped! But yet here was one standing right in front of them!

but then Charles began chuckling: “British railways really were idiots weren't they?”

Matthew was now the one chuckling: “ did you seriously not believe what Remembrance and Hudson told you?”

Charles continued to Chuckle: “ I didn't really believe it until now. you really were able to buy a bunch of engines for just two pounds each?”

Matthew smiled and handed over a huge file of paperwork for at least 15 more engines!

Both Charles and the Earl went through them and were amazed at the lineup of engines he was able to secure.

Matthew smiled as he looked at their shocked faces: “what can I say boys. I am just that intimidating. And don't worry Charles all these engines will also be available for use on the North Western railway for no cost to you. as long as you're willing to pay the maintenance fee.”

Charles just chuckled: “before we get into signing contracts how about we go and grab ourselves some lunch. we've been waiting for you and now that you're here we can finally begin. I am starving.”

the Earl and Matthew began laughing.

Matthew then turned towards his engine as a temporary crew would bring her into the sheds to be turned around and prepare for the journey back home.

Matthew: “ wilamina how about you help out the estate engines for now. this dinner might last for a while and I know you've been sitting idle for way too long.”

The engine called Willemina was more than willing to help out.

Over the next couple of hours the men had a brilliant time eating, chatting and discussing business plans and ideas.

Meanwhile, Willemina was helping out The estate engines that now included Glynn. he had been transferred from the Workshops at croven's gate here because he wanted a change of pace and to pull real trains again. of course this was Arranged and Matthew had already bought a battery electric shunting engine cold Sparky.

He was a very happy and cheerful engine who was more than happy with his work at the Works. especially since he only needed to shunt a few things at a time and was able to recharge his battery afterwards.

When the meal was over and the discussions ended Matthew climbed a board willemina and went off for home. Matthew was given permission to store his small fleet of engines at knapford.

but he had requested that remembrance would be brought back to the Works for a big surprise.

what that surprise would be? well dear readers, that is a story for another day.

To be continued

Chapter 40: A surprise to remember

A few months had passed since British railways Titanic blunder with Hudson and the purchase of several new engines by Matthew including Hudson's sister remembrance.

but although she arrived a week after on the island she was only at knapford For a day before immediately being brought back up the line to the Works where she has been for several months!

The engines were getting worried since none of them had gotten to meet remembrance before she went into the works and none of them had mechanical faults so they couldn't get into the works. Matthew was pretty Adamant on not allowing anyone in the Works unless it's a true breakdown.

Charles and the rest of the Railway board weren't really in a hurry to change this because they didn't want to pay the workman unnecessarily. But they didn't even know Why Matthew was so secretive.

but two people We're going to find out.

Weiss, aoihi and Matthew were in his new house in the countryside not too far away from croven's Gate. you could still see the railway line from his front door but that was about it.

The three of them were in his living room having some wine with Matthew still drinking out of an old can.

Weiss with an eyebrow raised: “ why are you drinking out of a can?”

Matthew Shrugged: “ it's just a habit I picked up. You see a lot of times I didn't really have any silverware, plates or glasses to drink or eat out of. So I often improvised with what I could find. which Most of the time were some old cans. To make sure they're perfectly safe to drink out of them since most of the cans I drink out of our old food cans. still it does make a nice change.”

Aoihi nodded and looked around: “ well I must say Matthew, your new home is really something. it's like a small manner.”

Matthew chuckled. indeed his new house was basically a small manner. but the biggest thing about it was its backyard which was enormous! plenty of room to host an entire wedding of over 200 people!

Weiss again raised an eyebrow: “ how are you actually able to afford this? I know being the chief mechanical engineer of the northwestern railway pays well but not this well.”

Matthew smiled: “ do you realize how many people try to screw me over in business deals? After the first couple of times I decided that every single time they signed a contract they should be fully aware that screwing me over isn't a good idea.”

Aoihi was now the one raising his eyebrow: “ what do you mean by that?”

Matthew: “ People always try to screw me over because they think I'm stupid because I'm autistic. but here's the thing. I rely on that stupidity for them to realize that they just put themselves in a very awkward position. Because every single time they think they can pull one over me there is a clause in my contract which costs them way more than they were originally meant to pay me. In fact I've got stocks in over 150 different companies around the world. heck even some of the governments try to screw me over and even took me to court a couple of times. none of them have ever won against my contracts. they are truly ironclad! so I am pretty much richer than most people in the world.”

The couple looked shocked at this. They knew Matthew could be intimidating but knowing that people try to screw him over multiple times and always failed was pretty fun to hear.

Weiss with a confused look on her face: “ Then why Do you continue to work for the northwestern railway? you're practically set for life and you don't need to work for money? So why not just live the rich life?”

Matthew leaned back into his chair. It was an old one he had found at a flea market. He had restored it and it was pretty darn good and comfortable.

Matthew: “because I like to keep busy. Besides, I don't want to be one of those pompous idiots who drinks fine wine every day. no offense to you weiss but that life ain't for me. I like being like the commoners. no big social expectations other than to just work. Now that's the fun life. I still do fun things with my money but I know to be responsible with it. I mean one day I might lose all of it. so at least I have good relationships to fall back on. and in return if your family loses everything they can fall back on me. That's the most important thing in life. friendship and family.”

The two of them agreed on that.

Aoihi: “ Speaking of family, where is Leo?”

Matthew smiled: “probably out back in the garden running around enjoying his new Living Space.”

At that moment a little lion cub ran into the living room and jumped onto Matthews lap. Matthew was shocked for a minute but then began Stroking his head giving him a lot of love.

Matthew chuckling: “ Leo we're going to have to teach you not to do that at some point. Have you been playing nice with your friends?”

At that moment sunlight and Luna rushed in and began barking at Leo who jumped off Matthew's lap and began playing with the two dogs. They were play fighting and Leo was even letting them win even though he was about the same size as them. Weiss just smiled at the cute sight of their dogs making a new friend.

Aoihi smiled and looked back at Matthew: “ you know you never told me why you decided to adopt a lion? I mean you returned from Africa and suddenly you have a lion with you? what gives?”

Matthew chuckled: “ Well As you know I owed a favor to this guy who runs his own wildlife protection service. he wants to make sure that people just don't Hunt these creatures down and kill them without reason. I do understand him but I've also heard about a railway bridge in Kenya that was stopped from being built because two lions kept eating all the workmen. not that it was the fault of the lions because let's face it to them it was just a giant source of food to sustain them. Anyway there were these very ruthless Poachers who love to capture Lions and sell them on the black market.”

Weiss looked shocked: “ That's awful. how can people like that sleep at night?”

Matthew once again leaned back into his chair swirling the wine in his can: “ pretty well I think. Some people do anything they can for just a quick Buck. Anyway, those people have actually attacked my acquaintance's friends, putting them all in the hospital. The guy knew where they were headed and knew that they would continue to attack Lions all over Africa until they were practically extinct. so he called the most qualified person he knew to take care of the problem.”

Aoihi smirked: “ And it's not bold of us to assume that is you? I mean I've seen you in a bar fight I'm pretty sure nobody Would want to mess with you.”

Matthew smiled remembering the time some muggers tried to threaten him for his money. Matthew remembered the confidence in Their Eyes when they held him at gun and knife point.

And then they regret everything because Matthew was capable of beating their butts into the dirt! with minimal damage to the bar. Fortunately he wasn't arrested since it was classified as self-defense but still nobody's tried to mug him ever since.

Matthew: “ yeah he really did make a wise choice. I was able to track them down but unfortunately they already captured and killed a small lion pride. I heard they were planning on turning the killed Lions into coats. The only cubb to survive was put in a cage and loaded the corpses of his family onto the back of their truck. Unfortunately for them while they were loading they didn't expect me. I was quickly able to overpower them. even though one of their bigger mates came at me with a machete! let me tell you I was glad I brought my Trusty hammer with me.”

The two of them were aware that Matthew had the tendency to take a hammer with him almost everywhere he goes. He says that you never know when you're going to need a good hammer.

Matthew: “ The fight after that was over in a few minutes. After they were all knocked out and tied up I put them in the cages and decided to give the pride a proper burial. burying them in the ground. I let the lying cub go but I kept with it knowing that it wouldn't survive without a mother. I slept with the cub and the next day we went back to the city. It was a long drive and the two of us bonded. I really didn't think of it as bonding but I think the cub took a liking to me. When I arrived in the city I put him up in a shelter and I would have let them take care of it. but as I was walking away I could hear the cub crying out for me. To be honest my heart was calling out to him but I feared I couldn't bring him back to sodor with me.”

Aoihi had an Understanding look: “ well I Can understand that. it wouldn't be the same as if you were adopting a Stray cat like Blake. it's a lot more primal than a normal cat.”

Matthew nodded: “ yeah. But after my favour was cached in I Began making plans to go home. but I heard rumors about the lion cub that I had left at the shelter. it wouldn't eat and barely slept and wouldn't let anybody get near him. nobody could figure out why but I realized it missed me. so I realized that I just couldn't leave it behind since… well it wouldn't survive. so I contacted summer and the rest of the council and asked if I would be allowed to bring in a lion cub to sodor and keep it in my own home.”

Weiss had her hand on her chin being very engrossed in the story: “ and what was their verdict on the whole thing?”

Matthew poured himself more wine: “ they were surprisingly okay with it. Especially after I explained the story and they understood that the lion really Wouldn't live much longer if I didn't take care of it. They did tell me I Couldn't Keep him in a populated area in case he went wild. so I arranged for this plot of land and built my new home here. I was temporarily allowed to live in my old home with Leo as long as I kept him inside. You can imagine how Karen was about that. by godred I am glad I don't live next to her anymore. but still she continues to complain about me.”

Aoihi now looked confused: “ how? you literally don't live there anymore and it's not like you're near her so why does she complain about you?”

Matthew rolled his eyes: “ because apparently she wanted to buy this plot too. I don't know why I just think she wants a reason to complain. and anyway back to the story I went back to the shelter and saw the little lion cub lying there somberly looking at its pause until I came into the room And the spark of Life returned to him. The shelter was surprised that I was willing to take him in. they gave me all the requirements I had to do to raise him and yeah that's how I got Leo. believe me I was incredibly nervous on the flight back home Not knowing how he would acclimatise to a new country. but he has adapted quite well. and I think he especially enjoys Luna and sunlight's visits. He really looks up to those too.”

They looked over to see Leo And the two dogs sleeping next to each other as they had exhausted themselves while playing.

Aoihi smiled: “ while we raised them well. And if it's okay with you we can leave them here during our honeymoon.”

Matthew: “That's okay with me. Speaking of which, when is your wedding going to be and where are you going for your honeymoon?”

Weiss smiled as she put her glass down: “ we are going to Japan to visit Aoihi's family. I am quite curious to see the country for myself. As for when the wedding is going to be, we are planning to have it in winter. I don't know what it is about the cold weather but it just makes me smile.”

Matthew could only chuckle: “ that's good to know ice Queen. but since you guys are going to Japan can you do me a small favor?”

Weiss huffed in her seat as she was blushing at the nickname. her fiance on the other hand chuckled and looked at his best friend and best man.

Aoihi: “ Sure thing Matthew. What kind of favor are you asking of Us?”

Matthew puts down his can on the coffee table which was also from a second hand store.

Matthew: “ I've got a favor with the Japanese government railways I want to cash in. I recently heard they had Converted some of their 2-8-2 makados into four six four hudsons. and I want to buy one. I figured having another engine on the island from Japan would be interesting. Plus I really want to get my hands on another Hudson and I don't want to buy one from America. I just don't owe any favors with any American railroads at the moment. plus I really liked the look of hiro. So having my own engine from Japan would be quite nice.”

Aoihi chuckled: “ You really have a thing for hudsons don't you? Besides, don't you already own one.”

Matthew smirked: “ oh I own more than just one.”

Weiss and Aoihi were confused for a minute. they didn't know what Matthew meant since Hudson was his only Hudson type locomotive he had. the only other locomotive that could possibly be a Hudson would have been…

Aoihi and Weiss suddenly realized what Matthew meant.

Weiss: “ you didn't.”

Matthew gave a big smile: “ I did. I did all the tests over the last couple of weeks and everything is good.”

Aoihi: “ So when will she be released to traffic?”

Matthew took another sip of his wine: “actually tomorrow. I've sent her to Tidmouth sheds. She should be arriving any minute now.”

The two lovers realized that tonight was going to be one big surprise for the engines.

meanwhile back at Tidmouth sheds the engines were discussing their work that day.

Eleanor: “ I'm telling you those new containers really help out on the freight runs. I've had to stop less to do more work. I'm surprised the mainland doesn't follow this standard.”

Tara: “ Well the mainland is being run by a bunch of idiots. I don't really like the idea of British Railways. I just got a bad feeling that they're going to make the railways a lot worse than this right now.”

Hudson: “ Well maybe. I mean after what they did to me I wouldn't put it past them. I understand they have a railway to run but still they should take a queue from Charles and his family on how to talk to engines. They don't even call us by our names! The Karen shed master just kept calling me 334! believe me if I had my way I would have had her fired. but again after what she did she was completely fired and her entire career has been ruined.”

Timothy: “ probably for the best. I mean Costing your company 800 million pounds won't exactly go over well even if they didn't have to pay that amount.”

All the engines began laughing. That was until they heard a very loud whistle coming from the entrance to the sheds. all of them looked to see a blue tender engine running into the sheds onto the turntable. but this was no Ordinary tender engine.

In fact it's tender's bogeys had six wheels instead of just four or eight! The engine was long and had a big firebox! And just like Hudson it was a 4-6-4 hudson/baltic type locomotive. but her curved name plate gave her identity away.

Hudson with a raised eyebrow: “remembrance?”

Remembrance Smiled as she backed down onto the shed road next to her younger brother.

Remembrance: “yep it's me. So what do you think about my new Look?”

Hudson: “ well… I'm almost lost for words. you look really awesome!”

Frigidus smiled: “How does it feel to be a Baltic again?”

remembrance with a very big smile: “amazing! without all my tanks my center of gravity is a lot lower and with my rear Pony truck back I can now run a lot faster than I ever was capable back when I was an n15x! best of all I'm also stronger! well only by about 25% but still!”

Frigidus chuckled: “ So no more throwing your driver and Fireman around to the point they quit? and break rule 55?”

remembrance Chuckle that Rex frigidus: “ yeah. At least now those two won't have anything to complain about. During my high speed tests over the main line with and without loaded trains the ride in my Cab was reported to be quite smooth. I also love having my old wheel arrangement back!”

Iaspis raised an eyebrow: “ yes and you apparently have a very very big tender. I've never seen a tender that big before.”

Remembrance smiled: “ yes Matthew apparently wanted to build a bigger long-range tender for Gordon whoever that may be but decided to modify it for me. it has a corridor built into it so I can do non-stop runs.”

Gordon chuckled: “ I knew it was a Corridor tender the moment I laid my eyes on it. I still prefer my original corridor tender that I got from my designer. you're more than welcome to the tender remembrance. By the way, I am Gordon. I am one of the Express engines on this railway. I imagine we will be working together a lot while you're on the island and not being Loaned out to British railways.”

Remembrance Chuckled at this: “ yeah Matthew isn't really happy with British railways now and he won't loan me out to them for a while. plus he's been wanting to get this new service off the ground that he and the railway board have been cooking up.”

Henry raised his eyebrow: “ and what kind of service would that be?”

Rememberance: “a dining train service. Apparently your railway doesn't have one and Matthew figures that having one could boost our public image. Plus this train will consist of Pullman coaches so it will be luxurious. although he is also catering to the second and third class as well. Since this train is not going to run as an express train per se it can run at a more relaxed time. both me and Hudson have been scheduled to pull it.”

all the engines were impressed. except for James.

James: “ really? They're Gonna Put two newbies on such an important train? Why didn't the railway board or Charles ask any of us? most specifically for me to pull such a train?”

Rememberance Rolled her eyes and was about to speak but it was.

Iaspis And frigidus that spoke up first.

Iaspis: “ because James Dose coaches are pretty heavy. they require a lot of strength to move and you just don't have that. and that was back in my day when I worked for the LB&SCR before I came here.”

Frigidus: “ Besides, if Charles and Matthew have agreed with this then we don't have anything to say about it. besides, their class was specifically built to handle those trains.”

James just continued to grumble: “yes that's all good but they should have gotten a splendid red Engine like myself to pull it. I mean why would Charles entrust such an important train to those two? Remembrance hasn't even proven herselve yet! Besides what kind of a name is Remembrance anyway? Plus that's stupid tender looks way too big!”

rememberance couldn't take any more of James’s insults and decided to put him in his place.

Remembrance: “ I'm called Remembrance in honor of the 532 men That worked for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Who gave their lives for this country during the First World War! I even carry a plaque on my middle splashers to make sure people know this! I may enjoy a good laugh but I do take my jobs seriously James! and just because I got a big fat tender doesn't mean it's any less useful than yours! at least mine has a corridor!”

James remained quiet as Remembrance caught her breath. He was around before the first world war kicked off and did see a lot of the damage it did to people. but he never went to the front lines. but some of his brothers did go.

Winston ironically being one of them.

Remembrance was now a lot calmer: “Besides. This train does not belong to the North Western Railway, it belongs to Matthew. the railway will just receive some of the profits.”

Edward broke the uncomfortable silence that followed Remembrance's sentence.

Edward: “ Anyway, welcome to the northwestern railway remembrance. it's a true honor to have you here.”

Remembrance Smiled at the Old engine: “ it's a great honor to be here. I've heard quite a lot about this Island from the books the Reverend wrote about you guys. Is it true that Thomas was pulled behind Gordon? And is it true that Some of the big engines went on strike because they didn't want to shunt their own coaches?”

the engines chuckled. they had heard about the railway series as it was called from some of the passengers. Although initially it didn't feel right to them and some of them were quite annoyed at the depictions of them, they've grown to love it over the years.

Thomas chuckled: “ Well some of it is true. but other things about it were just reinterpretations of things that happened to us during our lives. For example I wasn't pulled behind Gordon. I was pulled behind frigidus because my driver got distracted by a pretty woman.”

Gordon: “ and just so you know me Henry and James didn't go on strike. That was a suggestion Henry came up with when he wanted some inspiration for a story. to be honest I do think it is quite funny. but we do have a point about tender engines not being able to shunt. it's just not safe for our cruise or the ground staff. but I am more open to the idea of pulling freight trains now and again. even though I am one of the great Express engines on the island and its first Pacific.”

Remembrance Chuckled: “ okay then. What are some of the true stories that happened on the railway then? like why do you guys have so many Express engines and why do you guys have Japanese , Americans and some German locomotives on the island?”

the engines smiled and began explaining the whole series of events from when the goldust engines were rediscovered back in 1929.

the Caledonian engines arriving in 1930.

Eleanor's experience with Mr hammerman and the flying Kipper accident during 1935 That cause both her and Henry to be rebuilt into their current shapes.

Percy's arrival on the railway and the expansion of croven's Gate works.

the time the Brighton boys and the gold dust girls were in a set of paintings alongside James in his pink livery.

the daring mission to get all the people that wanted to get home for Christmas to sodor and for frigidus to fulfill his promise to a little boy.

The time that LMS turbine locomotive came to visit and helped hushy get her nickname.

The rediscovery of great waterton and Emily, the years of War where Timothy and Amelia were finally able to confess their feelings for each other.

the fact that 98462 and 87546 got themselves blown up and scrapped due to their own arrogance.

How one of the former Caledonian engines helped a bunch of German spies.

the reason they had Hiro and his driver come to sodor to help mend some trade relations.

The story of Thomas and timothy's first days at Brighton before she was even billed and how Timothy got Framed for something their brother Hunter did and was only absolved of blame after the war.

but he never forgave the LB&SCR for being such idiots and not believing him even though a million people saw Hunter leave the sheds first.

how Thomas and Timothy got their branch line for rescuing James out of a cow field and Thomas's struggles with Annie and claribel in the beginning.

Gordon and hushy discovering the Fate of their designer and pulling off great speed records in his honor alongside the start of a new non-stop Express service both ways between knapford and King's Cross on the mainland, Silverlinks arrival.

Charles finding and buying unicorn, illustrious, Alec and Baldwin to help out with the Freight sector.

the whole Adventures of the RWBYA Gang in Germany, Winters Daring Rescue to get the medicine that was needed to save many lives.

The New Year's party where the railway officially changed hands.

The Great Beer flow accident which made lady and some of the other engines affected by the alcohol blush, The Beginnings of Hudson's construction.

The return of christello, The trouble they had with the New Road company and the tank engines trip to Brighton which saw the end of Hunter.

Hudson's completion and his Daring Rescue of the Duke and Duchess of boxfords special Christmas train ( this one made remembrance feel very proud of her brother) And finally the accident that caused her to be purchased which she already knew about in detail.

Thomas: “And that basically covers everything. Again welcome to the North Western Railway remembrance. I hope we can make you feel right at home.”

Remembrance Smiled and winked to her brother: “ sure thing Dad.”

Thomas blushed and was shocked: “remembrance I'm not really your dad you know.”

Remembrance just kept smiling: “ but Hudson is your son so that makes me your daughter correct Dad?”

lady also blushing a bit: “ technically but… well…”

remembrance with a cheeky smile: “ come on Mom don't I have your looks? I mean you do look beautiful for a Tank Engine.”

lady blushed at both the compliment and the fact that she was being called mom.

Tanya and the other engines burst out laughing: “ well they definitely inherited your cheekiness TomTom.”

Thomas shouted in embarrassment: “ I told you not to do that Tanya!”

Hudson joined in: “come on Dad don't be so mean to Grandma. she's a very sweet lady.”

Now it was Tanya's time to blush. Howard just remains silent knowing that it was pointless to say anything. but Timothy wasn't so wise.

Timothy: “ good one remembrance.”

remembrance smiling: “ your welcome uncle Timothy.”

Now Timothy was the one blushing.

Amelia on the other hand had pride in her eyes: “ she really is one of the billingtons with her level of cheekiness. and you can call me aunty Amelia if you want to sweety. and remember I will always be here for you if you need some advice.”

Hudson/ remembrance: “ thank you Aunty Amelia.”

Amelia smiled with pride. The engines continue to laugh, chat and talk well until the stars come up. This was one of the rare moments where all the engines could laugh together. Still it's moments like this that made them feel like a real family.

to be continued.

Chapter 41: Toby the tram engine.

On a little line Near Ipswich in the east of the country was a small little tramway. This was a very old Tramway and the engines that used to run it… well they were also very old. Relics from a bygone age.

One of these Old Relics was Toby the tram engine.

Toby had worked the line for many years with his fateful Coach henrietta always behind him.

ever since he was built in 1914. He had seen quite a lot of change around the little tramway. Many people came and went over the years but Toby was always there to help the new generation.

Unfortunately the new generation didn't need him anymore. at least not like they used to.

henrietta grumbling: “ it's not fair Toby! I have barely any passengers since those buses arrived and we are only pulling four trucks! that's not worth coming out of the sheds for! especially when we used to pull nine or 10!”

Toby chuckled at henryetta's grumbling. He understood that she was just upset at the fact that she didn't have as many passengers as she used to.

Toby: “I understand that henryetta. but at least we have some work to keep us busy. Besides, maybe one day they'll realize they still need us. I mean those buses and lorries constantly seem to be having accidents. I can't even remember when my last accident was.”

henrietta just rolled her eyes and forgot to be Cross: “ your right Toby. still… it would be nice to carry passengers again.”

Toby just continued to smile as he arrived at the next station. He was expecting it to be empty. but to his surprise there were a couple of people on the platform.

These were of course Amanda, Charles, Robert and Matthew. But Toby Didn't Know this yet.

As Toby stopped Robert pointed at him.

Robert: “ hey look guys they got a tram here. But where is the power cable? I mean trams do run on electricity.”

Toby was offended and hissed steam angrily.

Amanda gave her brother a gentle slap on the shoulder: “ be quiet! you've offended him!”

Robert began robbing his sore shoulder: “ but all tram engines are powered by electricity?”

At this point Matthew chuckled: “ not all trams are powered by electricity. Some like this one are powered by Steam. it's very rare to find but it is still a beautiful sight to behold.”

Toby perked up at this. He could see that Matthew had a lot of respect for engines like him.

he was about to depart when Charles shouted over to the guard.

Charles: “ hold please guard! we want to ride the tram!”

The guard looked shocked, but more than happy to let them on board.

After all of them took their seats Toby Departed still grumbling about what Robert had said. but as soon as they arrived at the last station of the line Charles stepped down and approached him.

Charles: “ I'm sorry number 127. My brother-in-law can be a bit Blunt but he is a very good person. he didn't mean to offend you.”

Toby smiled and chuckled: “well… I guess I can forgive him. and by the way sir you can call me Toby. it's much more formal than just my number.”

Charles nodded: “very well then. then you can call me Charles.”

Toby: “Well Charles you and your little group here have made Henrietta's day. she was grumbling earlier about not having any passengers. I hope you're gonna be sticking around for a while?”

Charles smiled: “ well I am on a two week vacation with my family and my friend. so we will be coming by as often as we can.”

Toby smiled as he went off to get more water for his next journey.

Meanwhile the group had gone to a local pub to get some drinks. The pub wasn't really busy but it was definitely cozy.

After they ordered their drinks they began having a conversation about their jobs and how things are going for them in their personal lives.

but that's when Amanda noticed Matthew looking at the server who had collected their order 5 minutes ago.

Amanda with a smile: “be careful Matthew. if you keep staring too long you might give her the wrong message.”

Matthew immediately blushed and pointed his head towards the table and raised his hand to block her from view.

Both Charles and Robert laughed at seeing this.

Charles: “ Well I never thought I would see the day that Matthew warbler the man that single-handedly took out some very dangerous criminals and fears No man or creature is afraid of a waitress at the pub.”

Matthew blushed deeply: “ shut up Charles! you don't want her to hear you!”

Robert gently gave him a shove: “ why not. We know you've been Sodor's most eligible bachelor for years now. I mean you literally got yourself an entire fleet of steam locomotives and you own your own lion! who wouldn't want to date you?”

Matthew gently put his hands on the table: “ it's not that… Many girls have tried to get into my pants so they can get a piece of my money. I mean the amount of times girls just throw themselves on me is ridiculous! I mean seriously I'm interested in girls who are interested in me! not in what I can offer them! I mean seriously one day I could lose all my money and they will just leave me for the next guy with money.”

Amanda nodded: “ some women can be so stupid. but still you'll never know what she's like unless you-”

At that moment they Heard shouting from the pub's owner at the girl who had accidentally dropped their drinks.

pub owner: “this is the fifth drink you spilled today ember! You really need to get your act together!”

The girl named Ember began cowering in front of her boss.

Ember: “ But sir! you know I broke my arm yesterday! I asked you if I could just take the day off since I have plenty of vacation days stored up.”

the pub owner just rolled his eyes: “ I don't care! Now you better get those people their drinks and I'm taking the spilled drinks out of your paycheck! you stupid waitresses can't ever get anything right!”

Ember sadly went to go back behind the counter to get the group's drinks again. But to her surprise and to everybody at the table's surprise Matthew stood up, walked over to them, Grabbed the tray that they're drinks were on and put it in the owner's hands.

The pub owner looked shocked: “ what's the meaning of this?!”

Matthew crossing his arms: “ I think the thing missing on this pub's menu is a piece of Humble Pie. Which is something you need in abundance! Have you ever been a waitress in your entire life?”

Meanwhile back on sodor, Aoihi suddenly stood up from his kitchen table where he was having dinner with his fiance.

Weiss looked confused: “ is everything okay aoihi?”

Aoihi: “ my roast senses are tingling! somebody I know just gave the perfect roast!”

back in East Anglia

the pub owner narrowed his eyes: “no! but what has that to do with anything!”

Matthew rolled his eyes: “ and there you go you don't understand how hard it is to work like this! and especially with a broken arm! I mean seriously you expect her to work with a broken arm and I don't care how much those drinks cost, I'm paying for the spilled ones!”

the pub owner tried to square up to Matthew: “ listen here! I don't care who you are but nobody talks to me like that in my own pub! And I don't care if you're a customer or not! I will beat you into the dirt right here right now!”

Matthew looked around. besides his own group there was literally nobody else in the pub in terms of customers.

Matthew: “ really because it seems you could use our income. I mean I have seen deserts with more life in it than this place.”

The owner continued to growl. It looked like he was about to attack Matthew.

Ember quickly interrupted as she presented the drinks to Matthew.

Ember with a weak smile: “ here you go sir. Here are your Drinks. and I'm sorry for spilling your previous ones.”

Matthew smiled as he grabbed the tray and began making his way to the table when the boss grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him back causing him to Spill everything onto the ground!

The pub owner growling: “don't turn your back on me you fool! I'm not done with you! and you're going to pay for those extra drinks you dropped on the floor!”

Matthew now glared at him as Ember began to cower behind the counter. She had seen her boss beat up multiple customers which was the reason nobody went there. Nobody wanted to be beaten up. even the police were scared of him!

but as the man was squaring up against Matthew Again. Charles and the rest of their group realized that the man had gone way over his head.

Matthew: “We are not paying for anything! you're the one who pulled me aside so I spilled the drinks Thanks to you! and I am not paying for drinks I never received! so me and my friends are going to leave and find another pub. good day sir!”

Matthew was about to leave when the owner grabbed him and punched him against the counter!

Matthew fell down onto the floor feeling that his nose was just beginning to bleed. The pub owner looked extremely satisfied with his handy work.

as Matthew got up he began gloating: “ nobody turns their backs on me you idiot! you're going to pay what you owe me and-”

Before he could say anything Matthew grabbed him and smashed his face onto the counter causing it to crack! Then he pulled him back slamming against the wall! He then grabbed one of the chairs and smashed it against him!

the owner tried to get up but Matthew just jumped onto him and slammed his legs down onto his back!

the owner cried and the police quickly came in alongside what looked to be a nurse. It seems it was pretty common for the police to be accompanied by a nurse in this town.

The police were hoping that there wasn't another victim thanks to the pub owner's fiery temper. but to their surprise Matthew had them with his hands behind his back and kept punching him in the face!

police officer: “ sir! Sir! That is enough sir! we can take it from here.”

Matthew jumped off him and the pub owner while still being on the ground pointed at him.

the pub owner: “officer arrest this idiot! he attacked me for no reason!”

Ember at this moment had enough and shouted: “ that's not true sir! the owner attacked him first over some spilled drinks! he even punched him first!”

The officers looked at the trail of blood underneath Matthews Nose and that was all the evidence they needed.

The pub owner was pulled up and began being pulled out kicking and screaming.

the pub owner glared at Ember: “ you ungrateful little rat! you'll never get a job like this again! you are-”

Ember slamming her fist onto the counter Cracking it: “ I quit! I'm sick and tired of you treating me like dirt! The only reason I even worked for you is because I was desperate! and I don't care if I end up on the streets! because nothing is worth this torture!”

the pub owner began screaming as he was being pulled away.

Matthew sat down in one of the chairs he hadn't destroyed and began catching his breath as Ember quickly gave him a hug.

Ember: “ thank you sir! that man really was terrible!”

Matthew just chuckled: “ everything is okay. but hey. at least I was able to do something good for this community.”

ember chuckled: “ very true. ( let's out a deep sigh) but now I'm out of a job…”

Matthew smiled: “ Then why don't you come work with me?”

Ember looked shocked: “ really? you would offer me a job?”

Matthew began robbing the back of his head: “ well I am kind of responsible for you losing your last job. so I might still make it up to you. By the way, what are you good at?”

Ember Smiled as she remade their drinks for the third time: “used to be a blacksmith specializing in railway equipment. I used to work that job during the war but… unfortunately once the war was over and the men came back I was forced to get another job… I really loved working on the railway.”

Matthew smiled and looked over to Charles who just gave him a thumbs up.

Matthew: “ then you can come and work with me back at the Workshops I work at. It isn't the largest but is pretty busy and we could use a woman with your resume. especially since our last blacksmith retired just a week ago.”

Ember was happier than ever before in her life.

After that she joined their friend group and their vacation.

Meanwhile while all of this is going on Toby has returned to his shed. It was now late evening but he couldn't forget about Charles.

Toby in his thoughts: “ that gentleman really knows how to speak to engines like me. I hope he sticks around for a while.”

and they did! For the next two weeks the friend group rode the tram engine up and down his line. riding in henrietta who was singing for the first time in years. sometimes in the open trucks.

but on their last day they were given a treat. They were allowed to ride inside the cab!

They had a wonderful time. but all the same it was sad to see all of them go.

They were at the Terminus with the main line as they waved Toby goodbye.

Robert crossing his arms: “ it's quite sad to see him go. He is a lovely sort of engine. and from what I've heard from some of the villagers there seems to be talks about closing this line in the next couple of months. Maybe you can buy him Charles?”

Charles just shook his head: “ I don't really have a need for a tram engine.”

Mathew: “ And I can't do it either because I already have so many engines and I really don't need an extra engine at the moment.”

Amanda gave a sad look as Toby trundled in the distance: “I just hope somebody can give him a good home. he more than deserves that for his years of service.”

all of them could agree on that as they made their way back home.

back on sodor A couple of months later Thomas was doing an early morning delivery from the quarry. He had gently traveled up the Old Tramway that Leads to the quarry. Part of it ran through the town so he always had to be careful there and stay under eight miles an hour.

He always used his whistle to make sure people knew he was coming. as did every engine on the branch.

as he was returning he saw a police officer trying to shake a stone out of their boots.

Thomas had a good image of policemen. In fact the Constable that retired was a good friend of his. He was hoping that this other police officer would be just as friendly.

so to be friendly he gave him a gentle blast of his whistle. Unfortunately this did startle the policemen which caused Thomas to stop.

Thomas wanted to say something but he could see that the policeman was now absolutely Furious with him!

Police officer: “disgraceful! why did you do that?”

Thomas looked a bit sheepish: “I was just trying to give you a friendly whistle.”

the police officer just crossed his arms: “ well then. you certainly didn't give me a good first impression of you. I didn't get a wink of sleep last night and now you're here blasting that thing everywhere! and where are your side plates and your cow catchers?!”

Thomas and his driver and fireman looked confused.

Thomas: “ but… I can't catch cows.”

the police officer pulled out his booklet and began writing stuff on it: “ that's still no excuse! all engines running on public roads must have their wheels covered and have cow catchers installed! you don't so you are a danger to the public!”

Thomas’s driver rolled his eyes: “ rubbish. We've been along here hundreds of times for years now. we've never had a single accident!”

the police officer shouted: “ that makes it worse! you guys have been traveling along the public road for years without the proper safety equipment! and since you guys are regular rule breakers I am prohibiting you from running on this section of the road until all of you are fitted with cow catchers and side plates! you May continue on this run but you will not be welcomed back!”

Thomas looks both sad and confused. the Constable before him never told them off like this.

Meanwhile Charles was having his breakfast of toast and marmalade. Amanda was just about to pour him more coffee when the butler came in.

Butler: “Sorry to interrupt your breakfast sir but you are Wanted on the telephone.”

Charles rolled his eyes: “ bother that telephone! what is it now?”

Charles got onto the phone and found out what had transpired only a half an hour earlier.

Charles: “ Thomas in trouble with the police? being a danger to the public? we'll see about that! I'm on my way! no don't tell Matthew to come. he has enough to deal with his new lady in his life.”

Amanda chuckled at that last bit. Ember and Matthew definitely had something between them but nobody was going to rush them. a relationship should develop naturally.

Charles walked back into the dining room: “ I'm sorry honey. Thomas needs my help against some idiot police officer.”

Amanda just gave him a kiss on the cheek: “ it's okay Charles. just make sure you don't have to be arrested yourself.”

Charles chuckled and gulped down his coffee and went to speak with the officer.

He found him in Ffarquhar Village as he had blocked the railway line that went through it towards the Mine’s. Fortunately the line to Ulfstead castle And town wasn't blocked so Amelia would be able to continue doing her runs since this track went around the town.

Charles walked up to the officer: “ and what do you think you are doing? you are blocking the railway from performing its Duty. I demand that You allow my engines back onto this stretch of line!”

the officer crossed his arms and glared at him: “ not until all your engines have been outfitted with cowcatchers and side plates!”

Charles was confused and the two of them began bickering and arguing about it. Soon a crowd had gathered to watch what the two of them were arguing about. some other policemen came over but weren't much help since they agreed with their colleague. The law was the law and they couldn't change it.

Charles eventually had to admit defeat. Fortunately he wouldn't have any tickets on the ground of this being a first offense. but if this happened again then he will get a ticket for every train that went on to the line.

As Charles approached Ffarquhar Station he could see Thomas refueling on water and looking apologetic.

Thomas: “ I'm so sorry Charles. if I had known-”

Charles raised his hand to silence his Tank Engine.

Charles: “ It's not your fault Thomas. our legal team should have made me aware of this. still we were able to get off with a warning today but… unless we fit you with cow catches and side Plates we can't do the quarry deliveries anymore…”

Thomas realized what this meant. The quarry was a major client on the branch line. the biggest next to the coal mine just before ulfstead. losing that major client could cost them a lot of money in the long run.

Thomas: “ I know sir but… we can't have those things fitted to me or any other of our engines. it will make us all look like trams and we don't need them for the whole line. it would be a waste of time and energy.”

Charles agreed for a minute but then realised what Thomas had said.

Charles began bursting out with laughter: “ Thomas you are a genius!”

Thomas looks confused: “ I am?”

Charles: “ why didn't I think of this before! We need a tram engine! I met this amazing one on my holiday! his line isn't seeing much traffic anymore and if I recall it might be closing soon. I'll write to his controller right away!”

and Charles did so. hoping that the night mail would reach them in time.

Meanwhile back in East Anglia Toby had completed his last ever run along the Tramway. He had been placed in his shed alongside henrietta. The two of them were now awaiting their fate.

It was Storming outside but yet neither of them could hear it.

Toby then gave a small smile to Henrietta: “well… we've had a good run… much longer than most steam engines…”

Henrietta just let out a sigh: “ yes… but still… Is this really How It Ends?”

Toby just continued his small smile: “ I'm afraid it might be my dear…. but at least we'll face it together… like always…”

Henrietta only smiled: “ you're right Toby. if this is the end I wouldn't want to be anywhere else with anybody else.”

Toby smiled as both of them went to sleep. The storm outside is nothing more than background noise to them now. They both knew that this might be the end for them. but if this was going to be their final curtain call… then they would bow out together….

but to his surprise his doors were flung wide open the next day! His crew was dancing outside jumping and cheering. a piece of paper in his driver's hands.

before he could say anything his driver spoke up: “Toby! Toby! The mail has just come in! and you won't believe this! you have a new home!”

Toby looked shocked as his driver began Reading the letter.

“ Dear controller of the Tramways in East Anglia. I am Charles hat of the northwestern railway. I would like to purchase number 127 Toby for use on my own railway. I will pay whatever price you wish. that is if he is still in one piece. sincerely Charles hat.”

Toby couldn't believe it! he was saved! he would have a new life!

As his crew began preparing him for his long… long journey ahead he looked back at Henrietta. there was no way he was going to leave her behind.

The crew kept them coupled up and they went on their way. although they did hear the Station Master yelling that they were taking away his new hen house! but the two of them just laughed.

Over the next couple of days Toby travelled the furthest distance he had ever traveled! He had to stop at multiple stations to refuel and make his way to his new home.

As he passed by he could see many engines that used to be painted red now being painted in many liveries like apple green, ultramarine blue, royal blue or Olive green.

He had seen this happen a few times but still. He hoped that British railways wouldn't be too stupid with their decisions.

He soon arrived at Barrow in Furnace. as he passed over the bridge he took in a deep breath and smiled as he touched Sudrian soil for the first time.

As he continued to travel over the railways mainline he saw many different engines passing him by from all over the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.

When he finally arrived at ellsbridge Charles was waiting for him.

Charles: “ Now that's a good engine Toby. I hope the journey wasn't too long?”

Toby chuckled: “ not at all sir.”

Charles looked behind him and smiled at Henrietta: “ I see you brought Henrietta with you.”

Toby: “ I hope you don't mind sir. The Station Master wanted to use her as a hen house and that would never do.”

Charles only smiled: “ certainly not. Now you better get going Toby. there are some workmen at Ffarquhar that want to get up to the quarry and a whole bunch of wagons that need to go up there.”

Toby smiled as he went to the nearby yard and Collected the trucks and made his way along the branch line. After collecting the workman he took them to the quarry and began shunting up there.

Over the next couple of days Toby began working his way into the branch line Fleet. all of them accepted him except for one.

Thomas wasn't really happy with him being on his branch line. In reality he was jealous that Toby could go on the track leading to the quarry without any restrictions. so he gave Toby the cold buffer.

at least that was until one day.

Thomas was sitting in the yards at Ffarquhar preparing to take his next train up as Toby arrived with a fully loaded stone train that Rosie would take over and he would bring more empties up to the quarry.

as he was shunting the trucks into a siding Thomas and him could hear somebody peddling on a bike.

They then saw the policemen that caused this entire mess to begin with entering the yards. and he looked absolutely ticked off!

He marched straight up to Toby and pointed a finger at him.

Policeman: “ you! what were you playing at ringing that bell of yours!”

Toby gave an Innocent smile: “I don't know what you are talking about officer. I just gave you a friendly hello.”

the police officer became red in the face: “ you engines really should be seen but not heard! you can't just ring that bell whenever you like!”

Toby just continues to give his innocent smile: “ but officer I have to ring My Bell. otherwise pedestrians will Not know when I am coming. I am required to ring it by law. and as you clearly stated the law is the law and we cannot change it.”

the police officer looked flabbergasted to have his own words thrown into his own face!

nearby Thomas was barely containing his laughter.

the police officer got his composure back and pointed straight at Toby: “ you are not to run on public roads and till you're learned to be more respectful of that bell of yours! We cannot have you create a public disturbance!”

Toby just continued to give his innocent smile: “ but officer if I don't Ring my bell I could be a danger to the public. And wasn't that the whole reason you banned the other engines from going up to the quarry? I am not certain if the quarry or the railway would appreciate you shutting down the line again for no good reason. besides I do have side plates and cowcatchers. So what else is there to complain about?”

the police officer didn't have anything to respond with. so he decided to do the only thing he thought he could do.

He began scribbling on his notebook and then ripped off a page to show it to Toby.

police officer: “ I'm here by giving you a ticket for noise pollution! and I'm banning you from running on that section of line until you pay the fine!”

Toby just continued to smile: “ but officer I'm a tram how am I supposed to pay something if I don't have money or hands to pay you with?”

Thomas burst out laughing as well as everybody else in the yard. The policeman looked around as everybody laughed at him. he felt insulted and began storming away red faced.

Thomas slowly calmed down from his laughing high and looked over to Toby.

Thomas: “ That was the best thing I have seen all year! you really showed that police officer his place Toby.”

Toby just continued to smile: “ all I was doing was following the law like he wanted. He can't really blame me for that. besides I highly doubt he knows anything about railway operations.”

Thomas smiled: “ Plus I don't think the council or his police chief will like the fact that he tried to close down the line when it was being operated 100% legally.”

The two engines laughed and from that day on they became firm friends.

To be continued

Chapter 42: sodor's little tramway.

It had been a few months since Toby arrived on Sodor and he was fitting right in. especially after Thomas finally accepted him as part of the branch line. The two of them did become firm friends and often chatted about anything and everything when they had the chance.

but they did understand that work came before pleasure.

Toby actually sleeps at Ffarquhar rather than Knapford because it's closer to the quarry and more comfortable. During the double tracking process the entire yard had been upgraded. a bigger Engine Shed to fit all of the branch line engines including Amelia. a turntable for engines as big as Amelia to turn around and better goods facilities.

but Toby definitely enjoyed the Engine Shed which was warm and nice. He especially liked it when some of the other engines came to visit because they had work in the morning. The two that often visited were Thomas and Percy.

On one such night Thomas, Toby and Percy were in the sheds laughing and chatting as the sun was going down.

Percy was giggling as he explained what happened earlier that day.

Percy giggling: “ and then he crashed into tar tankers for the third time and got completely covered in tar! me and Toby were sent to help rescue him since we were the only engines available. believe me we had some good fun with him!”

Thomas could barely contain his laughter at hearing this.

Thomas: “ serves James Wright for calling him a dirty object. Toby has done wonders for this branch line. But Toby, why didn't you try and stand up for yourself? or make it clear that you're not to be taken lightly?”

Toby just chuckled: “oh I find it easier to have the younger engines make fools of themselves all on their own. Sometimes you have to let somebody touch fire in order for them to learn it's hot.”

Thomas hummed in agreement: “ very true Toby. but just out of curiosity, how old are you actually?”

Toby smiled: “I was built on 30th June 1914. Just a few months after the first world war really kicked off. but a few days after the archDuke Ferdinand was killed. but I didn't really see much of the war. me and my brothers worked on a Tramway for most of our life’s until… well… you know buses and lorries came to take our work.”

Thomas gave a sympathetic look: “ yeah we had that happen here as well. Fortunately the guy running the business was an idiot and the buses that are running now really help us out like collecting passengers that we just can't get to. and they're really friendly.”

Toby: “ Yes, Bertie really is a nice fellow. But Thomas, since I told you when I was built, when were you built?”

Thomas smiled: “me and Timothy were built at Brighton works on the second of February 1913. Timothy's older than me by about an hour. That's why we have these numbers.”

Toby raised his eyebrow: “well that's quite interesting. and that makes you older than me by a year. funny how that works.”

Thomas smiled again: “Well they do say you're as old as you feel.”

Toby chuckled: “ That's true. My old friend back on the Wisbech and Upwell Tramway Set the same thing and he was a lot older than me.”

Percy now looked curious: “ Were there other engines on your tramway? Or was it just you and brother's and sisters?”

Toby chuckled: “ no. no Percy. There Were other tram engines that came before my class was even thought about. They were a bunch of four coupled engines. they ran the line from its beginning in 1883 all the way until they became obsolete ....”

Both Thomas and Percy looked sad. they didn't really understand what Toby was going through since Thomas had all of his favorite siblings with him besides bilster of course. Percy on the other hand was a single design. a one-off contractor's engine.

Thomas: “ What was your friend's name?”

Toby gave a small smile having grown a little sad as he was retelling about his old life on the Tramway.

Toby: “ His name was Tom. He was number 133 back on the line owned by the GER. oh how I miss him. I really hope that wherever he is he's alright. He told me most of what I know you know.”

Percy chuckled: “ well if he taught you how to talk to policemen in the way you do then he would be more than welcome on the branch in my opinion.”

Thomas: “ same with me. By the way, how has that obnoxious policeman bin? I've heard he's been stalking around the quarry line.”

Toby now rolled his eyes: “ yes he is still there Thomas. I'm just ignoring him because he's just making a fool out of himself. I bet you a hundred coal wagons that he's just waiting to hit us with another ticket. Well, I am not going to give him the opportunity! he may only be doing his job but he can go about it a lot better.”

all the engines agreed.

And indeed the police officer had been stalking Toby ever since he arrived on the island. just waiting for the moment to strike him with a fine and get him banned from the tramway.

And one day he would get his chance.

Toby was coming down from the quarry with a decently sized stone train. Everything was going well for them. The trucks behaved, the weather was clear and nothing was going wrong.

That was until Toby heard a pop from inside his body. he then slowly began going slower.. And slower… and slower. until he came to a complete stop feeling incredibly weak.

Toby: “ Is there something wrong driver?”

His driver quickly gave Toby's Interior mechanisms a once over and realized something.

Toby's driver: “ Toby your safety valve has burst! you can't pull the train anymore.”

Toby's fireman now spoke up: “ and that ain't the worst part of it.”

Toby didn't know what his fireman was talking about until he looked where he had stopped. He was stopped in the middle of town on the Tramway! And to make matters worse, nobody could get around him. at least not without it being dangerous for pedestrians.

Toby's driver went to find a telephone while Toby's fireman helped Direct traffic around him and keep things safe.

Toby on his part remained calm and waited for rescue. He wasn't certain if any other of the engines would be allowed to come down the tramway. especially since they didn't have side plates and cow-catchers. Still he had hope.

A couple of minutes later his driver came out of One of the nearby houses.

Toby's driver: “ good news old boy. Matthews having one of his engines come down to rescue us. apparently he was already on his way up the branch line and will be here within 40 minutes.”

Toby smiled And thought in his mind: “ well at least things can't get worse.”

? “Now what is this?”

Toby's smile Fell: “ I spoke too soon.”

There, coming up the road with his bike was the police officer and he did not look happy.

police officer as he climbed off his bike: “ what is the meaning of this? Why is your tram engine blocking a public road?”

Toby's driver just rolled his eyes: “officer we have broken down and are waiting for a rescue vehicle to come. he will be here in about 40 minutes. in the meantime me and the fireman will Direct traffic around Toby and the train so the wouldn't be much obstruction to traffic.”

The policeman didn't seem interested in the explanation: “I do not care for excuses! your tram engine is blocking a public street! I will write you a ticket for this!”

as the policeman began scribbling in his notepad the driver who had gotten quite annoyed with him spoke up again.

Toby's Driver: “ you're seriously going to write us a ticket for something we cannot control? I understand that the law is the law but a little bit of leeway and understanding would also be appreciated here!”

the police officer looked sternly at him: “ do not take that tone with me sir. I am doing my job!”

Toby's fireman now joined the argument: “ really? because if you're doing your job why don't you direct traffic around the train? Besides, we're not really causing that big of a disturbance to traffic. Heck, we're even trying to keep traffic moving! So why don't you instead of writing us a ticket help us? Isn't that your job?”

the policeman sternly pointed at the fireman: “I do not appreciate the tone firemen! I am doing my duty as an officer to uphold the law and if you do not appreciate it then I will ban you and your tram engine from running on this line! in the name of public safety!”

Toby's driver had enough: “ Toby is perfectly safe in public as long as everybody is following the rules! Besides, it doesn't matter! Once Toby's Out of Here He won't be a disturbance to traffic anymore and I highly doubt you have the power to stop us from coming up here and doing our jobs!”

The argument continued for what felt like ours. The policemen tried to argue that they are being a public nuisance Now by having the argument and Toby's crew just argued back that he is being a total idiot about this!

Toby himself was also getting annoyed at this especially since the police officer was being completely unreasonable!

but at that moment Toby Could hear another engine approaching from the Tramway. and the tram engine that greeted him was a shock to him!

as a tram engine came to a halt Matthew stepped out of its cab and was approaching the arguing Trio.

Matthew breaks up the argument: “ what is going on here?”

the police officer turned towards him: “this crew and engine are blocking a public road! I am giving them a fine and they are arguing it! for which I will give them another fine for creating a public disturbance!”

At that moment the tram engine behind Matthew spoke up: “Are you sure you're writing the tickets to the right person? Because the only one I see here creating a public disturbance is you.”

everybody chuckled at the reply of the tram engine except the policemen.

Policemen: “ Watch your tongue you shed on Wheels! I am protecting the people of this Village!”

the Tram engine raised his old eyebrow: “ Protecting them from what? your incompetence at doing your job?”

Everybody continued to Chuckle at the Old tram engine's words.

the policemen now red in the face: “ I am doing my job of protecting these people from dangers like you! And you know what, after this day neither you nor your colleague will be welcome on this tramway!”

The tram engine gave a smile: “ really? because I don't think the public is interested in you closing down a perfectly legal tramway. And from what I can look around here nobody really likes your attitude. plus you are now blocking a rescue operation that Would have gotten rid of the obstruction to begin with. So are you going to keep spouting hot air or do you want to continue this pointless argument and block the streets for more time than necessary?”

everybody burst out laughing at that. The policemen had quite enough of the disrespect and straight up yelled at the tram engine.

Policemen: “you better move that sorry excuse of a shed out of here and I never want to see you on my streets again!”

At this point Matthew spoke up with a smile as he saw somebody coming behind the police officer.

Matthew: “ Actually you don't really have the power to close the Tramway. Although the road does belong to the council the Tramway belongs to the northwestern railway and they are the ones who can actually shut this place down. Besides, I think you should stop speaking so disrespectfully to mine and the northwestern railways tram engine’s. because I'm certain that the chief of police will not be happy with your attitude.”

the police officer crossed his arms and glared at the mechanic.

police officer: “ it's your word against mine!”

?: “ Then it's lucky I've witnessed your behavior first hand officer.”

Everybody turned around to see the chief of police stepping from his own bike and glaring at his officer. who at this point had lost all of his provado.

Policemen: “ Chief, what are you doing here?”

the police chief crossed his arms: “ I was informed by the Guard of the train that you were causing a lot of trouble here. and from what I've seen now I can agree that you are causing a lot of trouble. and I might want to point out that what Matthew is saying is true. you do not have the power to ban any vehicle from running on this road without a valid reason. While I can agree that Thomas running on this line can be dangerous, these two engines are perfectly safe and there are no reasons to keep them off the Tramway. Besides, they only run Through the town for what like a mile? I don't even see the point about having side plates and cow catches anyway if they are not going to travel all along an entire tramway.”

the policeman tried to plead his case: “ but sir they are-”

but the police chief cut him off: “ I don't want to hear it! you and I are going to have a lot of words when we get back to the office. for now you go back on your Patrol and let these people get on with their rescue operation. they already had to suffer enough delays.”

The police officer did what his chief told him and continued on his patrol. After Matthew coupled the two tram engines up they began making their way towards Ffarquhar with Toby having a mile long smile.

Toby: “ Tom! Is that really you?”

Tom chuckled: “ Of course it's me Toby. man it's been a while since we've seen each other.”

Toby: “ Yes it has. so I am assuming you're one of the engines Matthew purchased?”

Matthew leaning out of one of Tom's windows: “ your darn right I did! I won't let a beautiful piece of Engineering like this go to waste! Especially since so few of them are left I wanted to preserve one of them. unfortunately I couldn't buy one of your brothers Toby so I hope you don't think less of me?”

Toby just chuckled: “ don't worry Matthew I understand. you can't save all of us. but at least you saved my best friend.”

Tom with a big smile: “ next to Henrietta of course.”

The two tram engines chuckled as they began arriving at Ffarquhar. they shunted off the train so rosy could take it all the way down the branch line. Matthew gave Toby a quick once over and found out That there were a few things that needed addressing back at the works but fortunately nothing that would keep Toby out of service for more than about two weeks.

Toby: “ Well at least I know the Tramway will be in safe hands.”

Tom gave a smile: “ I will make sure that those trucks know not to mess with me Toby. Even if I'm not as strong as you I'm certain I can do my very best.”

Toby smiled: “ I know. you did teach me most of what you know.”

The two tram engines laughed and laughed which eventually spread to everybody else in the yards.

Over the next two weeks Tom took over Toby's duties. The other engines quickly warmed up to him, especially Thomas. quite the turnaround from when Toby first arrived but still very much welcome by everybody on the branch line.

When Toby finally came back from the Works he and Tom ran the tramway together. while Tom would shunt at the quarry Toby would take the trucks down since he was a lot stronger. but sometimes they did double headed to make sure that everything was delivered on time.

Although they were doing this more and more often they still enjoyed the work. and even at night the two tram engines could be found reminiscing about the old days and listening to the stories of the other engines. The two tram engines had truly found a new home.

to be continued

Chapter 43: James’s Bad day .

Fall was coming to the island. This meant The Familiar green trees began turning orange, yellow and brown.

This was a busy time on the railway. especially along the Ffarquhar branch line, train loads of farm Produce had to be delivered to market.

even along the main line heavier trains were running filled with produce. Fortunately the railway wasn't without strong and fast engines to take these trains that were heading towards the mainland.

Remembrance and Hudson helped out with these Farm Express trains as they were nicknamed by Matthew. The two of them loved these long fast runs where they could really use their power and feel important.

They were also looking forward to the Maiden journey of the sodor dining train services the North Western Railway would be offering in conjunction with Matthew.

Both Matthew and the railway board realized that they should Run 2 trains. one train would remain on the island while the other would go all the way to London.

The island's dining train would depart from Knapford And do a round around the loop before continuing towards Vickers town. then it would run back to knappford with another load of passengers.

this service would be in the capable buffers of Hudson. The second dining train would run behind remembrance.

The two of them were excited as the Pullman coaches arrived on the island a few weeks before the service was due to start. They were still figuring out names for the dining services but nonetheless it was an exciting time.

but one of The engines that wasn't having a good time was James. After his Accident with the Tar tankers he began… being quieter… the other engines couldn't understand it.

Normally he would be boasting or complaining that he wasn't being given any important jobs. nobody really understood why he was that way except for his brother Winston. James would often take jobs that took him to Norramby To see his brother.

Even though the other engines asked what was wrong with him Winston would always say the same thing. that it was something just between the two brothers.

One day James’s Regular crew were out sick so he was given a relief driver and fireman. Weiss has taken a few days off to go wedding dress shopping with Ruby, Yang and Blake. so a temporary yard master was appointed.

This was Mr Robert Dickinson. He was a very uptight man who didn't listen to anyone and ruled the yards with an iron Fist.

James’s crew on the other hand were newbies who thought they were the best of the best. They didn't listen to anybody either.

the three of them would put together an event that would cause utter chaos.

The night before the pre-launch train Remembrance and Hudson were talking excitedly.

Hudson: “this will be my first time pulling pullman's! I'm really excited!”

Remembrance Smiled at her younger sibling: “ you should be. pulling Pullman trains was one of the greatest jobs I was ever able to do. plus these Pullman trains are comprised of six axled Pullman coaches! I still can't believe Matthew was able to get them.”

Iaspis chuckled: “ from what I understand the Pullman company owes Matthew millions since he helped develop the design for their more modern pullmans. so he was willing to drop some of their debts in exchange for some of their Pullman coaches.”

Frigidus: “ he did request for them to be mostly made out of Steel with only wood paneling on the outside. According to what he told me and Iaspis he wanted to future proof these coaches. I don't know why but hey he is the engineer.”

Hudson: “ Still, I cannot wait until tomorrow. and what about you James, what is your job tomorrow?”

James looked up towards the big Hudson Tank Engine but didn't say anything. He just went to sleep. Everybody began looking Worriedly at their friend.

Everybody looked towards him and then towards each other without saying a word.

The next day James was the first one to leave for the main yards at knapford having an early shift to take some supplies to his brothers branch line.

When he left everybody began talking.

Edward in a concerned tone: “I've never seen James act like that before.”

Tara: “I know what you mean Edward. James has been acting quite strange after he crashed into those tar tankers for the third time.”

Gordon: “ Do you think it is some kind of trauma?”

Henry hummed as he was Thinking about it: “ I don't know Gordon. but whatever it is James has really been shaken up. maybe it's something with his new crew? I did hear them argue yesterday.”

Eleanor: “ I don't think it's something to do with his crew. It started when he still had his old crew. So… it could really be anything.”

Thomas looked around the sheds as he was being prepared for work: “ have any of you asked Winston?”

Illustrious: “I did ask him a few times but he always said it was something between him and James.”

Unicorn: “we have even asked Charles if he knows what's going on with James. He is just as much in the dark as we are on this. should we be worried?”

the engines began thinking about this. Despite James‘s both foolness and quite frankly borderline arrogance he has always been a loyal friend.

Hiro decided to put his two cents in: “ I think it's best that we wait until James is ready to tell us what is wrong with him, himself. and we shouldn't force it. it might make whatever James is going through worse. I think we should just focus on the festivities of the day with the trial run of the new dining service.”

The engines agreed as all of them began being prepared for work.

James had arrived at the yards. two trains were ready to go. One was the dining train and the other was his goods train.

It was not very long because James can't pull long trains up steep hills. his old crew knew this and knew not to overburden him. but his new crew liked testing his limits as they like to put it.

James had gone to the motive power depot and refueled for his journey. but when he went to collect his trucks Mr Dickinson walked up to him.

Mr Dickinson in his usual annoyed tone: “ What are you doing?”

James in a low voice: “ collecting my train Sir?”

Mr Dickinson shook his head in annoyance: “ you are not to pull the freight train you have to pull the Pullman Train! see the schedule says so.”

James’s temporary driver and Fireman got out and saw that indeed James was scheduled onto the Pullman Train.

His driver and Fireman just Shrugged and didn't confirm With anybody else not realizing that Mr Dickinson had made a mistake and Confused Hudson and James’s timetables.

James tried to correct this: “ but sir those Pullman coaches are way too heavy for me. I'm not supposed to be pulling that train, it belongs to Hudson.”

Mr Dickinson just rolled his eyes as he was walking away uninterested in the engine's comment: “ my timetables are never wrong. You are going to pull the Pullman train and that's final. no Excuses, I have some paperwork to attend to.”

James was shocked at the blatant disrespect he received from the new yard master.

as he was being coupled up to the Pullman's he tried to argue with his driver and fireman.

James: “ Come on you guys I'm certain this train belongs to Hudson and not me. I'll never be able to make it over the hill with such a heavy load.”

But his driver and firemen didn't listen and continued doing their job.

When they arrived at the station James was hoping for Matthew to be there and sort out the situation. Unfortunately Matthew was not there and thus the caterers began loading up all of their ingredients on board the Pullman coaches.

As James was waiting for the first group of passengers to enter the train and for all the food to be prepared he tried once again to rectify the situation.

James: “ I'm telling you guys this train belongs to Hudson not me! we should really wait until Hudson gets here so he can take the train from me.”

his driver just rolled his eyes: “ just shut up James! you are perfectly capable of handling this train. we're just going to have to push it a little bit more today.”

his fireman agreed as he was stoking the fire extra hot. Unfortunately this didn't sit well with James.

Soon it was time for James to depart. The first diners ordered their food and the guard blew his whistle.

James slowly made his way out of the station struggling to keep grip on the track as the train of 10 coaches was very heavy. but eventually he was able to get it moving.

but he was extremely exhausted as he was doing so.

he passed Tidmouth as he was slowly traveling along the line Hudson passed him looking extremely confused and James mouthing help to him.

Hudson immediately went to the yards at knappford where Matthew was looking in confusion as the Pullman coaches For the islands dining train were gone.

Matthew: “Where in the name of George Stephenson are those bloody coaches?”

Hudson: “ They're apparently attached behind James.”

Matthew now looked completely shocked: “ Wait, why is James pulling the dining train? He was supposed to pull a train towards his brother's branch line?”

At that moment Mr Dickinson walked up to Matthew giving off an air of arrogance and superiority: “I had number five pull that train since the caterers arrived early. I Could not afford to delay the service so I had him take it.”

Matthew took a deep breath before asking his question: “are you kidding me right now? you do realize James is not a good engine to handle a heavy dining train consisting of pullmans correct?”

Mr Dickinson looked back towards his clipboard: “ I don't see any problem with my decision. James is a very capable engine and he will be able to do the job.”

Matthew's eye was now twitching at this idiot: “ and you do realize James can not pull heavy trains Up Gordons Hill?”

Mr Dickinson gave an uninterested reply: “ I'm certain he will make it over the hill without any troubles. now if you excuse me I have-”

Matthew grabbed him by his coat and screamed into Mr Dickinson's face.

Matthew: “ that train doesn't just belong to the North Western Railway but to me as well! you're supposed to tell me when any changes to the roster are to be made on that train! Miss Schnee left specific instructions about that! Now I'm going to go chase after James to make sure he doesn't damage himself! because if he does I'm going to have Charles take it out of your paycheck! and Need I remind you that you're only in charge of this yard temporarily! As soon as Miss Schnee Returns I'm gonna make sure you never get to be in charge of this yard again! and if anything goes wrong with the test group I am blaming you!”

Matthew got into Hudson's cab and they began making their way down the main line backwards.

Meanwhile James was pulling the train and had completed a round around the loop and was now approaching Gordon's Hill.

James felt himself accelerating as his crew tried to tackle the incline.

James desperately tried to talk to his crew: “ I can't pull this train up the Hill! we have to stop and wait for a banker or at least Until Hudson can get here!”

his crew just ignored him as they charged up the Hill!

James felt the heavy train pull on his coupling as he began moving slower and slower. As he expected, the train was too heavy for him.

At one point he finally came to a halt, his wheels spinning on the Tracks very close to the top.

James’s driver: “ come on James! you can do it! stop being stubborn!”

James once again tried reasoning with his crew: “ I can't pull this train up the hill, it's too heavy! We have to go back to Wellsworth and wait for a stronger engine to take the train!”

His fireman just kept shoveling more coal onto the fire making it burn even hotter: “ just shut up and get this train over the hill!”

James struggled and struggled and struggled but he just couldn't make it over the hill and he felt the coaches slowly trying to pull him back down the hill.

He wanted to try once again to tell his crew to stop when suddenly two incredible feelings of pain came from his firebox and his cylinders.

he felt something drop from his firebox and felt his cylinders burst! in a cloud of steam and smoke James's wheels came to a complete halt.

He then began slowly rolling back down the hill.

As he did so he could see what remained of his fire on the Tracks realizing that his fire had burned so hot his firebars had melted causing significant damage to himself and the track.

Fortunately he was still able to use his brakes so the train came to a halt.

His crew didn't immediately realize what had happened until they saw the empty gaping hole where James’s fire was supposed to be.

they then angrily walked over to James's front and began shouting at him.

James’s driver: “ why in the name of God did you drop your fire!?”

James had finally had enough and angrily spoke to his crew: “ I didn't drop my fire, you guys just made it too hot and it melted my firebars! And if you Haven't noticed, my cylinder is also cracked due to overuse! I'm not getting this train over the hill like I told you! and now thanks to your incompetence I'm a wreck!”

His crew was about to yell at him again when Hudson arrived with Matthew on board on the center track. Matthew did not look happy at the situation. He looked towards the driver and Fireman with an angry look.

Matthew: “ So what do you two Joker's have to tell about this incident?”

The driver and firemen didn't say anything. they knew better than to mess with Matthew. Matthew gave James the quick once over and gave him a grave look.

Matthew: “ I'm sorry James but your fire bars have completely been destroyed and your cylinders are only useful for scrap metal now. and unfortunately it will take a while to get your spare parts made. Amelia is also going into the Works today to begin her overhaul . Charles is not going to be happy with this.”

James looked down at his extended buffer beam and didn't say anything. Matthew did try to cheer him up.

Matthew: “ hey don't look sad James. today it really wasn't your fault. It was the fault of your blatantly idiot crew. I'm certain Charles will have some Stern words for them when you get back. for now Hudson will take you to the Works alongside the rest of the train. at least you didn't stop suddenly and everybody is just a bit annoyed at the delay. I was able to give them a free dessert to calm them down.”

James didn't say anything as he waited for Hudson to couple up to his front and be dragged all the way to the Works.

When he arrived he saw Eleanor, Amelia and Katie also in the works.

Matthew looked confused as he looked at the female engines while Hudson returned to the train to continue the test run.

Matthew: “ What are the two of you doing here? only Amelia was supposed to be in the Works today so why are the two of you here?”

Katie looked a bit ashamed: “One of my axles failed and some of my Springs need to be replaced on my tender. it also has a leak…”

Eleanor: “both of my injectors have failed completely. I also have several other smaller issues…”

Matthew took a deep breath and gave them all a quick inspection. It was very bad news. there were more things wrong with them than initially thought. so he had to pull all of them out of Service and into the workshops for repairs. Unfortunately for him both hushy, Gordon and Cardean were also in for overhauls.

And Even more unfortunately their supply of materials to make spare parts had almost dried up. Unlike other places the croven's Gate works needs some parts to be imported onto the island. Which unfortunately meant it could take a while for them to arrive. mostly just Steel and other types of metals.

Matthew's day continued to get worse as he was on the line with his supplier who basically told him that they couldn't do it not seeing it as “profitable” in their words.

Matthew furiously hung up and leaned back in his chair letting out a grown of frustration when Charles arrived.

Charles Looking concerned: “ is everything alright Matthew?”

Matthew brushed his hand over his face before replying: “I just got off the word with our supplier of Steel and metal. they apparently don't think it's profitable for them anymore for us to be one of their clients. apparently they found a bigger buyer and are now selling to them exclusively.”

Charles looked shocked knowing what this meant: “ but we need that material! our own stockpile is drying up and we won't have enough to repair all of the engines!”

Matthew frowing his hands into the air: “Don't you think I know that! and worst of all we don't have enough material to fix up our Express engines! and it will take us months to find a new supplier.”

Charles took a seat in one of Matthew's spare chairs. This would mean that Silverlink was the only engine in charge of the Express heading to London. he may be incredibly Reliable but it was still a possibility and then they would really be up the creek without a Paddle.

The two men remained silent for a moment until Charles came to a decision: “ then we're going to expand the croven's Gate to where we can process raw iron for ourselves!”

Matthew nodded: “ I don't think the rest of the board would reject that proposal. but that still won't get us out of our current predicament. With the dining trains scheduled to start next week we can't use remembrance. especially since the restaurants stipulated in their contracts that if we don't run the service on the Promise days then they will stop supplying their food to us.”

Charles putting his hand on his face: “ along with all the catering staff. not to mention will also be in trouble with the castle excursions. Those have been fully booked for the rest of the year. We cannot afford not to run them but the branch line engines aren't powerful enough to pull that many coaches up that steep incline. what are we to do?”

The two men remain silent when suddenly something hit Matthew!

Matthew: “ there might be a way! will just need to find some extra engines on the mainland that can help us on the mixed traffic duties.”

Charles looked at Matthew confused: “ okay but that will leave us with most of our Express Fleet out of action. Hudson can't handle the local Express and the boat train at the same time.”

Matthew smiled and pulled out some paperwork from his filing cabinet: “you do realize you're talking to a man who has his own fleet of engines on the mainland. Now I don't have any mixed Traffic engines that I can get to the island in a pinch. however I got three Express engines that are scheduled to come here for a repaint.”

At this point Matthew pulled out the paperwork of the locomotives in question and spread them across the table for Charles to view.

Matthew: “ I know none of them have corridor tenders but they are our best shot. we can use one of them with an extra stop at York to get some extra water so they would be able to make the journey.”

Charles looked at the engines and smiled. He was certain that these three classes of locomotives would be more than Adequate to pull the express trains to London. but that would still leave their mixed Traffic Area open without enough engines to fill it.

Charles: “ and what about our mixed Traffic Area? and the Castle excursions? those are going to have to be covered and none of these engines have the axle loading or the power to do so?”

Matthew smiled: “my engines are currently at shrewsbury shed. At the drop of point for the Cambrian Coast Express. I think I might be able to poke around for a short while and maybe see if there are any engines willing to come here to sodor on trial. then you can make out if they're good for the Railway or if you just want to send them back. I'm certain British railways would be more than willing to do so when I'm the one negotiating with them.”

Charles knew Matthew had a point and just nodded.

The next day Matthew took Wilhelmina and went on a journey. a journey to the west.

to be continued in Matthew's journey to the west.

Chapter 44: Matthew's journey to the west.

At shrewsbury shed In the western region of British Railways there were three engines. All of them have been taken off their regular duties and were placed in the sheds for the rest of the day.

None of them had been told why. only that somebody very important wanted to talk to them.

The engines were a Great Western Railway star class named Rising star. but she preferred her nickname Swallow. She got that nickname because she was accidentally hit in the face by a whole flock of swallows.

The next engine was North Star. the original prototype star class of the Great Western Railway but was turned into a castle later in her life. She quite enjoyed her new more powerful body but still spoke respectfully to her siblings on both sides.

finally was one of the greatest locomotives of the Great Western Railway. a king Class locomotive. Unlike the other two she had no name. She was only known by her number 6030. Unlike the other two she didn't really like talking to other engines.

The two of her colleagues understood why and gave her space. Still today things were a little different.

North Star: “ why do you think we've been put out of service for today? I mean, aren't there Express trains that need to be pulled?”

Swallow: “ I don't know North Star. but whatever it is I'm certain it is important.”

At that moment they heard an unfamiliar whistle approaching the yards.

all of them looked out to see to their surprise a small 0-4-2 tender engine approaching them.

they had never seen an engine this small before. or at least a tender engine.

The engine came to a halt in front of them and introduced herself.

engine: “ hello. you three must be the engines my owner spoke of. My name is willemina. I am a London southwestern railway A12 class.”

north Star smiled: “ well hello wilamina. I'm North Star that's my sister swallow or rising star. and this is 6030.”

The two engines gave a hi and a Grunt respectively at the newcomer.

Willemina smiled: “ the Three of you will be perfect for what my owner has planned.”

swallow raised her eyebrow: “and what exactly does your owner have planned for us?”

At that moment a man climbed down willamina's Cab and walked up to them.

Man: “ hello. I am wilhelmina's owner Matthew mats warbler. and I'm not just her owner I'm also the owner of all of you.”

The three engines looked Shocked as Matthew began explaining everything including the reasoning why they are his property now.

North Star: “ okay so… let me get this straight… after they tried to basically rebuild your engine against your will. They owed you so much money that they had to give you a whole bunch of engines for next to nothing so that they won't have to pay the debt?”

Matthew smirked: “ in a nutshell yes.”

Swallow: “ So why did you come here then? you've already purchased us so why do you want to see us?”

Matthew let out a deep sigh: “I work for the northwestern railway as their chief mechanical engineer. Recently we've been experiencing some troubles with our supplier of raw material for the Works.

Basically our stockpile has been drying up and we don't have enough to get all the engines overhauld or repaired. and it will take us months to get a new supplier.

and we can't send any of the engines somewhere else because it's just not economical. And none of the other workshops have our expertise.”

6030 in an uninterested tone: “ can you please get to the point. I would like to get my work done today.”

Matthew: “Actually you won't be doing any more work around here because you'll be coming to the island of sodor to fill in for our Express engines that are going in for overhaul.”

The three Great Western Express engines looked shocked. They had heard about the island of sodor from a few acquaintances and friends over the years. Now they were going to have a chance to work on the island they'd Heard so much about.

swallow smiled with Glee: “ really! We get to work on the Legendary North Western Railway!”

Matthew chuckled: “ yep. you guys will be handling the trains from knapford to King's Cross. Normally these would be non-stop runs but considering you guys aren't built With corridor tenders we will have an extra stop in the middle of the lines so that the cruise can change.”

North Star smiled: “ So when Are we leaving?”

Matthew crossed his arms and smiled: “ the day after tomorrow. I first have to look around here for some extra engines to cover the other engines that are currently in the Workshops.

I need a couple of mixed Traffic engines and I was hoping that I would be able to get a manor from around here. I heard they're pretty lightweight engines but still have enough power to get the job done.”

North Star smiled: “sir if you allow me I think I know the engines that can help us.”

Matthew smiled and gestured for her to go find the engines That she thought would be a good fit for sodor.

Matthew: “ go ahead. and by the way just call me Matthew. none of this sir busines.”

North Star smiled as she went off to find the engines.

A couple of hours later she arrived back with two gwr 4300’s And like Matthew hoped a single manner.

North Star: “ Matthew May I introduced Torquay Manor and Ron and Remi. I think they will fit in perfectly on the island of sodor.”

Torquay Manor excitedly began speaking to Matthew: “ hello there Mr warbler! I am Torquay Manor! but you may call me Ashley because I was originally supposed to be called Ashley Manor. I mean I actually prefer Ashley manor over Torquay Manor. it just goes a bit better off the tongue if you know what I mean. And-”

Matthew chuckled and gestured for her to slow down: “ I get it I get it. anyway I hope the Three of you are going to do your best once you're on sodor. because if you do your best Charles might actually consider buying you.”

The three engines gave a quick hum of understanding.

Ron in a slow and quiet voice: “ when will we be leaving sir?”

Matthew smiles: “ tomorrow. It's only a 3-hour drive to Sodor but I want you guys to have the chance to say goodbye to any of your friends here. because it will be a while before you guys will be able to see them again.”

all the engines smiled and fanked Matthew for his understanding. all except 6030. she just remained quiet.

That evening the engines spoke with their friends for one last time before heading off to sodor.

When morning came they were all coupled up and made their way to sodor.

rising star was leading and was pulling all of them since Matthew didn't want to waste coal by having all of them be powered.

The journey took about 4 hours To arrive at Barrow-in-Furness. After that it was a quick sprint down the main line to knapford.

Charles was waiting in the yards to see the collection of engines Matthew was able to secure. to say he was impressed was an understatement.

Charles as Matthew climbed out of Rising Stars Cab: “ well Matthew you do know where you can find engines. you've made quite good purchases.”

Matthew smiled: “Well that happens when you read railway magazines in your spare time. anyway all these engines are ready for service except the manor. I want to work some of my magic on it to make sure that its steaming problems are taken care of.”

Charles nodded. He had heard about the manors' steaming problems And had full Faith in Matthew's abilities to fix them.

Charles: “ but I assume the others are ready for service?”

Matthew gave him a nod: “ yes sir. they should be ready to go as soon as they are fired up tomorrow. By the way, how did remembrance’s dining train go?”

The two men began walking away as the engines were then taken to Tidmouth sheds so they could be fired up for the next day.

Soon the shed began to fill with the other engines who all smiled at the newcomers.

Gordon: “ Well I must say it is a surprise to see so many Great Western engines here. we haven't seen any of you on the island before.”

North Star chuckled: “ Well then I think it's time for the Great Western to make their mark on the island. and I must admit Gordon it's an honor to meet you.”

Gordon gave a humble reply: “ it's also a great honor to meet you. the Legendary Express locomotives of the Great Western Railway. I will be eager to see how you will do on the wildnorwestester as well as the trains to London.”

North Star chuckled: “ well I'm certain I'm not gonna be able to break your record. still I'm certain I will be able to give a reliable performance.”

As the engines began talking about other things Thomas and Timothy noticed that 6030 didn't say anything. she just remained quiet.

The next day Torquay Manor Went to the Works to get some modifications done to help her steaming issues.

Meanwhile the 2 4300’s were Taking up Eleanor and Katie's work along the branch line. especially from the coal mine on Thomas's branch line.

the two of them didn't say very much during the day. at least to most of the engines. when they were around their fellow wartime locomotives they actually were very chatty and could talk for hours.

Even with snowy, they were able to have great conversations.

North Star began filling in on some of the Express runs so the other engines could take some rest before their overhauls.

The only one that didn't speak was 6030. She remained quiet and distant, never even talking to the other engines. She always had a grumpy look on her face and even the Passenger's looked a bit nervous around her.

But she wasn't rude to people. she just didn't speak to anyone.

She also began sleeping at knapford. Matthews fleet was also allowed to sleep at Tidmouth and most opted to but 6030 remained at knapford.

She apparently liked the piece and quiet the place offered since nobody else slept there.

That was until one day she received two visitors.

Thomas and Timothy rolled in to their sheds next to her with smiles on their faces

Thomas: “ hello 6030 sorry if we are intruding on your private space but we have to sleep here tonight since we have some shunting to do tomorrow.”

6030 said nothing and just looked away from the two tank engines.

Timothy raised a curious eyebrow: “ is something wrong 6030?”

she again didn't say anything but grew more frustrated wanting to be left alone.

Timothy rolled his eyes before continuing: “ come on you haven't said a thing since you arrived here. if you have problems you shouldn't bottle it up and just speak to people. So come on, what is wrong?”

6030 Growled as she was speaking: “ nothing is wrong just go to sleep.”

Timothy raised an eyebrow again: “Okay but I definitely feel there's something wrong with you. Can you just tell us? trust me you'll feel better if you do.”

6030 finally had enough: “can you just shut up! I won't spend all night telling you about my life story! or the fact that my family mistreats me because I'm the unwanted King!”

Thomas now spoke up: “ the unwanted King? what do you mean by that?”

6030 was growling but eventually realized that she accidentally opened the door for them to ask more questions. a door she was certain nobody would be able to close at this point.

she let out a small sigh from her cylinders and began explaining: “okay okay… I'll tell you about my life story but don't interrupt me!”

The two tank engines smiled in agreement as she began her story.

6030: “ it all started back in 1936. my brother King William III had been in an accident. one that he didn't survive. The Great Western Railway didn't want to be without its 30 King class locomotives so they decided to build a new version of him. Unfortunately somebody made a clerical error and they accidentally built 2 extra Kings. the one they ordered and an extra one.

By the time the Great Western discovered what had happened that engine had already been built.

They were puzzled but knew there was nothing they could do. but instead of giving the engine a name they only gave it a number and dismissed it from the moment of its creation. they never showed any kind of respect and mostly kept it in the sheds.

It's brothers and sister's constantly reminding it of being the Forgotten or unwanted King! just because they don't have a name doesn't mean they're worth less than another engine!”

The two Billington Brothers realized that 6030 was talking about herself. As she continued They remained respectfully silent.

The two Billington Brothers realized that 6030 was talking about herself. As she continued They remained respectfully silent.

6030: “ and because of that the engine felt she could never have a connection with anybody. because even engines that were supposedly her friends talked scrap behind her back about her! she couldn't trust anyone! and now she's on an island in the middle of nowhere with engines she doesn't know if she can trust!”

6030 finally came to the end of her story and began slowly Calming down and looked incredibly sad now.

The two Billington Brothers give her sympathetic looks.

Thomas: “ It's quite sad what you had to go through. in a way we can understand but in other ways we can't.”

6030 raised an eyebrow: “ really? you can understand being mistreated by your family? and basically being made the laughing stock of an entire railway just because you were an unplanned construction?”

Timothy: “ We can't relate to that. but we do know what it's like to be ridiculed by your brother's and sisters. I mean me and Thomas here are the prototypes for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington E2’s.”

6030: “ I heard about those. pretty bad engines for what I heard.”

Thomas: “ and their attitude was as bad as their performance. When the first one number one hundred came out of the factory He was constantly Boasting about how superior he was. Both me and Timothy had to rescue him on his first day. but unfortunately the others besides bilster and Sparky were rotten to the core.”

Timothy: “ especially our brother Hunter. Fortunately he's now nothing more than a pile of scrap after trying to push Thomas into the sea. but not before he framed me for an accident back during the First World War. I was pretty much ostracized by most of the engines after that. It was only about two years after the war was over that I was finally found innocent. The London Brighton and South Coast Railway's management even came up here to try and apologize to me but I just blew steam at them. I did not care about their apologies. I already had a better manager anyway.”

6030 remained silent for a few minutes thinking about what the two brothers had said. Then she spoke up.

6030: “ I'm sorry guys. I didn't mean to snap like that, it's just…. After everything it's hard to trust people and engines…. I'm not even certain if Matthew will do the right thing for me.”

Both Thomas and Timothy chuckled.

Thomas: “ don't worry 6030. Matthew has a good head screwed onto his shoulders.”

Timothy: “ He might be a bit crazy. but he always has the best intention for everyone at heart. I mean he adopted a pet lion who otherwise would have died without him.”

6030 raised an eyebrow at that but decided not to question it.

The three engines continue to talk about their respective Pasts . Thomas and Timothy explaining how they got their names and their true names were Sir Thomas Farker and Sir Timothy Farker And the history behind their names.

The conversation made 6030 feel a little bit better. but still she wasn't 100% certain that she could trust anyone on the island.

but soon she would discover that she could.

but I mustn't say anymore or I will spoil the next story

Chapter 45: The city of knapford

It has been a few weeks since the Great Western locomotives had arrived on sodor and things had been going smoothly.

Torquay Manor’s Steaming problems had finally been solved by altering her Blast pipe and tweaking the superheaters. After that she was an incredible steamer.

so good in fact that the British railways board wanted to know the secret behind this improvement. Matthew did so… for about 500,000£ cash. after which British railways was able to perform the modifications on the remaining members of her class.

Ron and Remi We're also doing their best. All of their trains were on time and the trucks didn't give them any trouble. They were still pretty quiet around the other engines besides the wartime engines but they did give their fellow engines a friendly toot from their whistles.

Matthews trio of Great Western engines also began fitting in a lot better. 6030 didn't speak to anyone still besides Thomas and Timothy but she did sleep at Tidmouth now.

One evening there was a very very thick fog. Charles had shut down the railway due to it being completely unsafe to drive in such a fog. plus all the island's residents remain inside of their homes because it was too dangerous.

This was actually something enforced by the council. If the fog became too thick then they recommended that all citizens remain in their homes until the fog lifts.

This happens fairly Often enough that everybody was prepared for such an event.

The fog had been around for two days and the engines were getting a bit bored.

Percy groaned: “ Come on! When will this stupid fog clear up! We've been stuck in here for days!”

Tanya rolled her eyes: “ Percy it's far too dangerous to go out there. even with detonaters. plus there are no passengers or freight for us. it's just best that we Wait it out.”

Henry: “ I agree with her Percy. It's far too dangerous to drive through fog like this. I need to remind you what happened to me back in 1935.”

Percy remained quiet. all the engines did understand that he had a point. they had been stuck in here for days. And all of them we're getting bored. so Edward decided to try and entertain them.

Edward: “ you know it is approaching Halloween? So how about I tell us a ghost story? you know, just to pass the time.”

All the engines looked at each other and all agreed with Edward.

so Edward kept telling them ghost stories from back in the day. As the night continued the Great Western engines suddenly had something on their minds. something that they never were able to confirm but now had the opportunity to.

Ron: “ sorry if I'm interrupting Edward. but I want to ask you something.”

Edward smiled: “sure thing Ron. what do you want to ask?”

Ron: “ Have any of you ever heard about the City of knapford?”

All the engines went silent. Thomas, Timothy, Tanya, Howard, Edward and Tara all looked extremely uncomfortable.

Howard: “ where did you hear that name?”

Ashley raised an eyebrow In confusion: “We heard about it from city of Truro. Apparently there was a 21th member of the class built. numbered 3443. it didn't stay long on the Great Western and was immediately transferred here according to what he told us.”

6030: “ it has become quite the Urban Legend on the Great Western Railway. We call it the legend of the Lost City.”

North Star: “ but that can't be true. I mean even Swindon themselves confirmed that there were only 20 City class locomotives built.”

Edward in a quiet tone: “ there was a 21th member of the class…. and he worked here… on the island… a long time ago…”

all the engines went quiet and looked towards the group of engines that were here before all of them.

Henry looked confused: “ I have been here for years and I've never heard about this “city of knapford” before?”

Howard: “ you wouldn't have… he arrived a year before you did Henry. but he didn't last long…”

all the engines were confused and curious about this so-called “lost city” And the fact that the 6 Engines knew something that they had never told them.

Thomas realized they couldn't keep the secret Any longer so decided to begin explaining.

Thomas let out a deep sigh: “ Okay okay… we're not going to sugarcoat this story because what happened was really really bad.”

Gordon: “ Why is it so bad?”

Timothy: “ Trust us Gordon you just have to listen to the story and you'll know everything you need to know.”

all the engines went quiet as the six pre-grouping engines began their tail. and this is the story they told.

back in 1921 the newly formed North Western Railway was becoming busier and busier. Many of the pre-grouping engines were doing the best they could but unfortunately this was enough.

especially since the main line needed as many big engines as they could get. Unfortunately only having two big tender engines meant they had very limited options.

especially with the new extension to knapford nearing completion.

So one day the Fat Controller walked up to the sheds at Tidmouth to discuss this.

the Fat Controller Walking up to the engines: “ good morning engines. I have some very important news.”

The engines in the shed at the time were Thomas, Timothy, Howard, Tanya, Edward and Tara. the S&W, TK&E, S&M engines were running on their respective branch lines.

Thomas: “ Good morning sir, what is the big news?”

the Fat Controller took a deep breath before explaining: “ as you know we have been…. experiencing some technical difficulties in regards to… well… the main line.”

The engines muttered in agreement to that. They did try to chip in but there was too much work with the extension and the regular passengers and freight that needed to be transported.

the Fat Controller: “so to lighten the load I have requested the Great Western Railway on the mainland to lend us an engine. This engine will be handling the Express duties along the main line while Edward and Tara will handle the mixed traffic duties. If this engine proves himself worthy he will become a permanent member of the family. he will be arriving tomorrow and I expect all of you to give him a big sodor welcome.”

The engines smiled at him and promised they would.

The next day the engine arrived at the sheds.

Edward and Tara were the only two there. beginning to refuel for the next journeys.

The engine wasn't much bigger than them. It was definitely a great western engine with the copper cap chimney and the safety valve bonnet in the middle of its boiler. The most striking difference was that this one had outside frames.

They could also see big Curved name plates on one of its splashers Reading “city of knapford” and it was quite an impressive engine.

Tara decided to introduce herself: “ hello there you must be the new engine. my name is Tara and I am-”

city of knapford Scoffed and cut her off: “an old Timer well past her Prime.”

Tara was taken aback: “ what did you just say?”

city of knapford rolled his eyes: “ I said you were an old Timer who has passed her Prime. I mean You're a G&SWR class eight. you are over 50 years out of date. and quite frankly should have been on the scrap Heap long ago. Wasn't the last member of your class scrapped 4 years ago? you really shouldn't be working right now. Maybe you should go to a museum. that's where an old relic like you belongs.”

Tara just glared at the newcomer. Edward decided to speak some sense into the engine.

Edward: “ Now listen here! Tara here has proved herself as a useful member to the fleet. you have only arrived and have proven nothing to anyone.”

city of Knapford again rolled his eyes: “ whatever you say old-timer.”

Edward glared at the young engine: “ I'm not that much older than you. You are a great western City right? Your class was only built 7 years after mine. I still have plenty of life left in me.”

city of knapford smirked: “ but you can't reach 100 miles an hour. My class is capable of doing such speeds. Just ask my brother city of Truro. he was capable of going that speed.”

Tanya smirked at this: “ we have heard of that run. back in 1904. but it was never confirmed that he went 100 miles an hour. it could only be speculated. so technically he could have never reached that speed.”

Edward: “ Besides, it is quite dangerous to go at such speeds. especially on this island. the Railway isn't built for such high speed.”

city of knapford just scoffed as he began making his way out of the yard: “ watch me. I will reach 100 miles an hour and proof once and for all that the Great Western cities are the greatest engines to come out of Swindon! And soon all of you all timers will be replaced with us great westerners!”

Edward and Tara said nothing as the engine left. Over the next couple of days city of Knapford Began undergoing his trials.

The chief mechanical engineer at the time Raymond warbler was definitely impressed at his construction and speed. but was worried about the brakes. Every time he was on the footplate he could swear he heard them rattling. and he did place some concern with the crew about their engines' high speed.

it was wreaking havoc on the track bed. especially since it was never built for such high speeds.

The crew understood but told him that they could barely keep their engine under control. especially at high speed.

Of course city of Knapford didn't care. in his mind he was proving the superiority of his class over every other engine on the island. and he wouldn't shut up about it. to every engine he spoke he continued to Boast about his superiority.

The engines often tried to talk Sense into him but he wouldn't listen.

He also really abused his brakes during stops slamming them hard on. This was uncomfortable for the passengers and many complaints were raised against him.

but unfortunately the Fat Controller couldn't replace him with another engine at the moment but did give him a stern talking to.

the Fat Controller: “ while I appreciate your enthusiasm to be on time it should not come at the risk of our passengers. and I highly suggest you take the advice of the other engines. you might regret it one day.”

But city of Knapford wouldn't listen to even the controller.

He continued to push himself to show his superiority. faster and longer trains than ever before. He often grabbed as many coaches as he could to fit in as many passengers and get them to their destination extremely fast.

but one night this would come to bite him in the tender.

He was preparing to pull a train From Vickerstown one night. like usual he had grabbed more than the usual amount of coaches.

Normally he was only allowed to pull 5 bogey coaches. but tonight he had 10. the five he was supposed to pull and the five he had collected himself.

Timothy, who was acting as the station pilot of vicarstown at the time, looked at the long train that was assembled.

Timothy: “ Are you sure you want to pull that much? no offense but it does seem like it's going to be quite a strain up the Preston incline.”

city of Knapford just scoffed: “ I think I would know a little bit more about handling long trains than an engine who spends most of his time fetching bigger engines, coaches and trucks. Now if you excuse me I have some distance to cover. and I intend to be early.”

city of Knapford left as soon as he heard the guards whistle. There was a lot of wheel slip but he managed to get the train going. Timothy felt a little bit concerned. he swore he heard some kind of cracking sound as city of knapford’s brakes released. He had a feeling that this might be the last time he saw him in one piece.

city of Knapford was making its way down the line going faster and faster and faster.

This speed allowed him to easily get over the hill and speed down the other side picking up even more speed and momentum.

as they passed elsbridge his driver tried to activate his brakes. city of Knapford was expecting himself to slow down. but instead he continued at the same pace past the station.

he looked towards his driver who was frantically Meddling with the controls.

city of knapford: “ driver we need to stop. the last station is approaching.”

his driver shouted at him: “ we are trying! but your brakes won't activate! and your regulator is stuck wide open!”

city of Knapford now looked panicked as he was racing through Tidmouth with no way to stop. His driver and Fireman tried using the tender break but it didn't have enough breaking power on its own.

The guard tried to apply the emergency brakes but they were already past lower knapford.

by the time the station came into view… it was all over.

the people of the city woke up to hear a massive explosion and the sounds of groaning metal, blazing fire and screaming people.

The city’s firefighters immediately tried putting out the fire. but it wouldn't be until morning that the fire was out.

Unfortunately the train had wrecked in the main station itself. right in one of the Bay platforms.

The only thing that was left were wrecked coaches and the remains of a locomotive.

back in the present all the engines look shocked! they truly didn't sugarcoat what happened.

Unicorn in a timid voice: “ what happened next?”

Tara took a deep breath: “ an investigation began into the accident. Fortunately the crew survived having been thrown out of the cab since the bookshop Hadn't been built. Unfortunately they did lose the use of some of their limbs. they're still around but they don't talk about what happened that night anymore.”

 

Alec raised an eyebrow in curiosity: “ and what happened to city of knapford? how bad was the damage?”

Thomas: “ his boiler had exploded from the impact. that's what ultimately lit the coaches ablaze since all of the Gas-powered lights didn't have any gas in them.”

Timothy: “Not many people survived the wreck. out of the over three hundred people aboard about 75 survived.”

the engines went silent. That was a massive loss of life. but something was nagging at remi now.

Remi: “ if the Accident was as bad as you say then why wasn't it in the news all over the United Kingdom?”

Tanya let out a deep sigh: “that has to do with the investigation. during the investigation it turned out that not only had his brakes failed but pieces had just been broken off the brake rigging itself.”

Howard: “ they found the pieces in the tunnel between elsbridge and Tidmouth. They were components that were directly linked to the brake shoes and thus he didn't have any breaks on his main driving wheels. His tender breaks were also very close to breaking off so they didn't provide much breaking Force. and by the time the emergency brake was activated it was already too late.”

6030 looked in confusion: “how can components like that just break? Swindon's quality control is of the highest standard.”

Edward: “it turns out that city of knapford was a late addition to his class. and thus his construction was a little bit rushed. That isn't Saying that they didn't put high quality parts into him. It turned out there was a clerical error that labeled parts that were supposed to be sent for scrap due to the poor quality metal to be fitted to him during construction. along with several other faulty components. That is also the reason the regulator failed. He was just a disaster waiting to happen.”

North Star: “ Okay this is all well and good but again why isn't it so well known if the investigation proved the cause?”

Thomas: “because Swindon didn't want this to get out. thinking it would ruin their reputation they basically paid off the survivors of the crash as well as the victims families on the condition that they remained quiet about the accident. the northwestern railway had already provided full funeral services for the dead but we were also basically bribed to keep our mouths shut. and thus the city of knapford became nothing more than a legend.”

Timothy: “ although after the crash and the station's completion people swear they saw him running down the main line to knapford. desperately trying to stop. but he never will.”

Henry gave a confused look: “ ghosts? Do you really believe in that sort of thing?”

Thomas: “ well I've never seen it and neither has Timothy and he worked at night most of the time. so rather it is true or not is up to you. but I do recommend you also don't tell this story to anyone. it might have been years ago but it might be for the best that it remains a secret.”

Tanya: “ at least until we are given permission from Swindon themselves to explain the story.”

The engines went silent after that. And one by one they went to sleep. but the six Great Western engines remained up a little bit longer. wondering about the lost city. Meanwhile out in the Fog a fogman was walking down the tracks as he heard an engine coming.

The fogman wasn't scared. He just watched as a train went by, racing to its inevitable Fate.

to be continued.

Notes:

The story was made with the blessing of Nictrain123. The city of Knapford belongs to him.

Chapter 46: A white day

It was a beautiful winter on the island of sodor. like usual the island was covered in snow and the engines were having trouble with the snow and ice on the Tracks. fortunately the construction of the new croven's gate works extension was still going on.

The engines fortunately could get some of their minor maintenance done at the shed itself. although it was nowhere near the quality they could have gotten at the works it will still be decent enough.

The Christmas rush was also starting in full swing. Most of the engines were thrilled because Christmas was Approaching. others didn't really like the extra work especially since they would barely get any rest.

but one engine that seemed… indifferent was 6030. he didn't say anything.

she didn't say anything to anyone. she just… wanted to be left alone… not even Thomas and Timothy understood why. They thought they were making progress with her but now she had really clamped up and the only thing she said was that she wanted to be left alone during the Christmas season.

so that's what they did. Most of the passengers and staff thought that she didn't like the Christmas season and that she was a Christmas Grinch.

But she never said humbug or anything like that. she just… remained grumpily silent.

But despite her… silent approach to the holidays something else was happening this winter. aoihi and weiss we're finally getting married!

After months of planning the wedding was finally happening. it would be happening in Matthew's backyard. mostly because it was the only place on sodor where they were allowed to use it for free.

it wouldn't be a very elegant affair, it was just a wedding between the two of them With friends and family. but Matthew actually had hired out a truck so hiro could attend the wedding. He did need to knock down part of his fence but he said it was worth it.

On the day of the wedding there was a very very light snowfall which cast a beautiful mood around the couple as they were standing at the altar.

they were just beginning to give each other their vowels.
Aoihi: “Weiss When we met each other for the first time you yelled at me about being late. and then you continued to do so for a long time until I had an accident. But after that you really opened up.

you showed me a side of you that I love. the kind hearted side. The side that I love. and even if you're still the so-called ice Queen when you're working I'm more than happy for you to be the way you are.

besides we both know those workers sometimes need to be taken down a peg or two.”

Weiss giggled and began her vowel: “ when I first escaped to this Island back in 1941 I didn't know what my life would bring.

but I'm so happy it dropped you into my life. and I swear that nothing will get in between us. If we have problems we'll talk to each other. If you're sick I will stay by you and help you get better.

you're truly the man i love and nothing in this whole universe and beyond will stop us from being together.”

the priest: “ if somebody disagrees with this Union raise your voice now or forever hold your silence.”

?: “ I am against this Union!”

Everybody looked in shock as Jacques Gelè Appeared wearing a shark's hide as a hood and swinging around a mace with shark teeth in it.

Yuki and Willow just groaned.

Willow: “ why did you have to come back? we were all so happy that you were dead!”

Jacques menacingly swung his mace: “ oh you wanted me to be dead! you want to take my money! well Dear wife I'm not going to allow you! I'm going to take my half of the money and-”

Willow pulled out some papers from her purse: “I filed for divorce when you were imprisoned.

and since I'm officially a sodor resident I didn't need your permission. plus you never realized you Signed a prenup when you married me meaning you never actually owned anything that belongs to my family.

and since you sold all your family Items And heirlooms while we were married you have literally nothing. so you don't have any money Jacques. and can you please get out of here? you are ruining Weiss's wedding!”

Jacques growls: “ I don't care! I will not allow my daughter to marry such a piece of filth! And I don't care Who you or your friends are! I am her father and I will not allow her to get married to him!”

Yuki Couldn't take it anymore.

She got up and got into his face: “ let me tell you something Jacques! You are not Weiss's father! you only care about having control over her! you only care about the money you had! you only care about yourself! a father puts their children's needs and wants over their own! and you are definitely nothing like that!”

Jacques glared at her: “ and where is his father then? let me guess he became a deadbeat dad and left you to raise that boy on your own! Ha! knew somebody like him couldn't have come from a good family! if his father is such a deadbeat that he doesn't even want to show up to his own son's wedding then the bar is pretty low.”

everybody gasped as all of them were pretty well aware that Ryo was shot dead back during the war. And he did so protecting his own son from the Soldiers. taking the bullets that were meant for his son and dying of blood loss.

Yuki was so enraged she Clenched her fist and decked Jacques so hard in the face he was sent flying Into the wall of Matthew's house! Then she began running up to him and repeatedly punching him in the face.

Yuki: “My husband died protecting my son! He was willing to take a bullet for him! I will make sure you understand that you shouldn't talk disrespectfully about The Dead! Do you hear me!”

Jacques Didn't say anything as he was being beaten for an hour straight.

Matthew brought out some popcorn for everybody to eat out of his kitchen. Jacques desperately tried to fight back. but was no match for the mama Fox’s rage.

At one point Willow Joint in alongside raven and summer. The two latter ones didn't really have anything to do with it but they Wanted to join in on the Beat Down.

After another solid hour the ceremony Resumed and the two of them were officially married. many people were crying tears of joy with the loudest surprisingly being Hiro.

At the reception inside of Matthew's house everybody was mingling and congratulating the couple On the new phase in their life

Matthew called an ambulance for Jacques but purposely dumped him on his driveway so the ambulance ran him over. Matthew was surprised that that didn't kill him. but apparently the universe wanted to keep him alive for him to suffer so he was not going to question it. plus the ambulance people were people he screwed over in the past so they were more than happy to run him over.

During the reception, Aoihi was talking to some of his fellow drivers when he noticed Matthew and Ember having a conversation. Aoihi smiled at Matthew's blushing face. He knew that he was trying to gather courage to ask her out for months. and now It appeared He finally had the courage.

After the reception was over the couple left driving the truck that Hiro was on and delivered him back to the yards before heading home.

The next week the two were at knapford harbor preparing to take the ship to Japan.

Yuki: “ you have all the things you need with you aoihi?”

Aoihi smiled: “ yes mom. even all of the gifts for everyone back in Japan. man it’s going to be great being back with the family. and visiting dad's grave.”

Yuki could see that this made her son a little bit sad. And to be honest it made her sad too. she would have loved nothing more than for her husband to be alive to see his son get married. but she hoped that wherever he was. in heaven or in another dimension that he was looking down upon his son with pride.

Yuki: “don't worry about that right now. think about all the fun you're going to have with your wife. that is ultimately the most important thing.”

Aoihi And gave his mother a hug: “ please look after hiro for me. Matthew told me he would come by and regularly maintain him but I just want some Assurance that it's done right.”

Yuki just chuckled and promised her son.

Meanwhile Weiss was talking to her family about something completely different than an emotional goodbye: “and you're certain that he won't escape a second time?”

Willow while Crossing her arms with a smile: “ both his legs are completely shattered and won't ever be able to be used as legs again. I'm pretty certain he will never escape.”

Winter: “ besides. I think he now knows not to mess with a schnee's good friends.”

the three women Chuckled.

Weiss: “Anyway. I'll make sure to bring you guys something back from Japan. I hope everything will go well for the two of you.”

Winter smiled: “ don't worry. Both me and Snowy will be covering some of Hiro’s trains. so you don't have to worry about that. I'll be busy.”

The two sisters gave each other a hug before Weiss had to leave.

The two schnee women kept waving until the ship was out of sight.

A few days later It was the night before Christmas. all the engines were stabled at Tidmouth sheds for the night. except for 6030 who had to pull a late night post train to Barrow .

she didn't mind this since she would be the only engine out since the flying Kipper didn't run tonight.

She was also planning on sleeping at Barrow Since the nwr had their own sheds here. she really just wanted to be alone tonight.

As she was just about to leave for the sheds she saw a man with a big white beard running up to them.

Bearded man: “ excuse me can you help me? I need to get to knapford! it's very important that I get there as soon as possible! please can you give me a lift there?”

Her crew looked hesitant. They were just about to clock off shift and go to a nearby hotel before heading home by bus. but before they could answer, 6030 spoke up.

6030: “ of course we can give you a lift. We just need to check with the Station Master if there's a free path for us to take. Driver, fireman can you go and check?”

The driver and Fireman wanted to protest but they also realised that their engine had made up her mind and there was nothing they could do to change it. they worked with her long enough to know this.

as they Went into the station Master's office the bearded man looked over to her.

bearded man: “ thank you so much for this. it's truly kind of you to take me all the way to knapford.”

6030 smiled: “don't worry about it. I mean nobody deserves to be left behind just before Christmas. Besides, if you say it's important that you need to go there then I'm more than willing to get you there. That is my job after all.”

the bearded man smiled and looked a bit confused at the same time. 6030 noticed this and Decided to ask if there was anything wrong.

the bearded man only smiled: “ nothing's really wrong. I just heard that people around the island said that you don't like Christmas.”

6030 chuckled: “ I don't hate Christmas. I just don't like this time of year.”

The man sat down on a nearby bench to listen to her.

bearded man: “ and why is that? I mean if it's not that you don't like Christmas then why don't you like this time of year?”

6030 didn't want to respond to the man. she didn't want to let out her personal secrets to a stranger she had never met before. but at the same time there was something about this man's Aura that made her feel comfortable. so checking around that it was only the two of them she spilled her secrets.

6030: “ because this is around the time I realized my boyfriend was cheating on me.”

the man looked shocked at this news: “really? what did he do and who was he?”

6030 Let out a sigh from her cylinders: “ his name was Bowden Hall. He was one of the famous hall class of the Great Western Railway. He and I were together for a couple of years. He said to me that he didn't mind me not having a name. that he loved me for… me… and I truly believed him… that was until back in December of 1940.

I found out that dating me was basically a dare his girlfriend was doing. and he loved every moment about playing with my emotions. I mean he said so as the two of them were hiding out in an old good shed just outside of Swindon. I think they never realized that that's my private spot Where I like to be alone.

so one night I went there needing some quiet time when I overheard them. to say my non-existent heart was broken would be an understatement. they just ripped into me saying I was nothing more than just a useless excuse of metal.

it didn't matter I could pull 10 times that he could pull. This really messed me up. and the fact that my friends revealed their True Colors the same month didn't exactly help matters.”

the bearded man gave a sympathetic look: “that's definitely a terrible thing for you to go through. and I hope one day that hall gets what's coming to him.”

6030 chuckled at this: “oh he did get what was coming to him a year later when he was destroyed by an air raid by the Germans. funnily enough his lover was also destroyed. I think it was karma for what he did to me. but to be honest I don't get joy from seeing other engines get hurt. Still have to say that I never really enjoyed this time of year after that. it always reminds me of the fact that I Have No Name.”

the man gave her a small smile: “ just because you don't have a name doesn't mean you're worth less than any other engine. and you know that. Now come on keep your steam up. I know that everybody appreciates your work. but I do think you should tell them about what's going on with you. from what I've heard they're getting really worried about you.”

6030 once again released steam from her cylinders: “ I know… it's just… really hard to open up After everything I went through. but maybe I should make more of an effort. These are a bunch of understanding engines. they've never teased me about not having a name and… I really feel at home here…”

the man stood up and smiled at her: “ well that's good to hear. By the way my name is Chris. and I think your crew will take us to Knapford.”

her crew walked out of the office and gave the man a smile.

6030’s driver: “ you're in luck sir. There's one slot open and we are the only engine that will be traveling there. it will be a non-stop run with no red signals.”

Chris smiled: “ that would be lovely. Now let's not Waste any time and get moving. I need to get there as fast as possible.”

The driver and Fireman just rolled their eyes and got into their engine with their guests sitting in the fireman’s seat.

Fortunately the journey didn't take too long as there weren't any other trains and they were able to get Green signals all the way.

as they arrived at knapford station Chris disembarked and gave 6030 and her crew a smile.

Chris: “ Thank you. how can I ever repay your kindness?”

6030 smiled: “ Just pay it forward and that will be enough for me.”

Chris smiled and nodded as he walked away. her crew didn't want to go all the way to Tidmouth after such a long shift and their homes were in knapford anyway so they decided to leave her at knapford for the night.

she didn't care since it was empty and quiet. although she did miss the banter of the other engines. she had gotten used to that over time. It helped her get to sleep. not that she had a hard time sleeping but it was just different.

but as she was sleeping a Certain man was flying overhead in a red and golden sleigh with nine reindeer.

The next morning 6030 was woken up as the doors were flung open. Matthew had come in Alongside Ember carrying two plates in their arms. they were quite big and they needed to put them on her buffer Beam just for her to get A rest .

Matthew smiled up at his engine: “ good morning 6030 and Merry Christmas.”

6030 smiled back at her owner: “Merry Christmas to you too Matthew. But what brings you here? shouldn't the two of you be celebrating Christmas with your families?”

Matthew shruggs: “my family's all the way back in Belgium. I do send them postcards but it's quite difficult to get together during the holidays.”

Ember: “and my family is back in China and they don't really have any plans to come to sodor anytime soon. Not that they don't like me but it's more like they are extremely busy.”

Matthew: “ Besides, we wanted to give you a little gift.”

6030 raised one of her eyebrows: “ and what exactly would that gift be? and why are you giving me a gift at all? None of my other managers have ever done that. they always have us do more work.”

Matthew smiled: “well I know that you engines have emotions and I want to make sure that you're happy. and I have heard from Thomas and Timothy that you aren't really happy with your… name situation at the moment. I understand that and I've actually been working on something for that.”

6030 was still confused until Matthew pulled up one of the plates. but it wasn't just any plate. They were name plates! and it read “King Philip” On it!

6030 looked in shock at the name plates. she then looked towards her owner before asking.

6030: “ are these… mine?”

Both Matthew and Ember chuckled before shouting in unison: “ Merry Christmas!”

6030, now officially named King Philip, began crying tears of joy. For so many years she had wanted a name but nobody on the Great Western or British railways even bothered to give her one. but Matthew… Matthew did.

After a couple of minutes the two of them were able to bolt her new name plates onto her splashers and give them a quick Polish.

Matthew standing back in admiring their work: “looks great on you King Philip.”

King Philip smiled: “Philomena.”

The two humans looked confused as they walked up to her front.

Ember: “What do you mean by that? your name is King Philip now.”

King Philip: “ Yes, but it's a man's name and I don't want to be teased about that so we can use Philomena as my nickname.”

Matthew Shrugged: “works for me. Anyway, let's get to Tidmouth sheds. all the engines are waiting for you.”

Philomena only chuckled as she could see sparky coming up with his battery wagon to pull her all the way to Tidmouth sheds.

When she arrived she was in shock at how beautifully decorated the inside was. stringers and Christmas ornaments hung everywhere and a beautiful tree adored the turntable. fortunately not the part where she would run on but it was still impressive and There were presents underneath the tree. big ones.

After being placed on her Road she looked towards North Star to explain this.

North Star: “We don't know why the shed was decorated during the night. I mean when we all were sleeping it wasn't even decorated and there was no tree. And why would Somebody leave us presents?”

nobody was certain but Matthew and ember spent a good while moving all the presence to their respective engines and unboxing it for them. Many of them got things they wanted like new paint and other things. But Philomena’s gift was a bit special.

As Matthew opened it, it was a headboard Reading “the last of the Kings” and a set of Beautifully decorated Great Western Lamps. but on the back of the headboard it said.

“ Dear 6030, I'm sorry that I deceived you. I was told by a friend of yours that you might need some cheering up. and I figured I would be more than happy to do so. Although I thought that you had something against Christmas itself. but when I realized it was just the time of year I knew there was nothing wrong with your Christmas spirit. and again thank you for the ride to knapford. and like you said I did pay your kindness forward. I know all of you engines are on my nice list. and I hope this good behavior continues or you won't be getting coal for Christmas.

from your good friend Santa Claus.”

Philomena looked confused as Matthew just gave her a wink and gesture for her to remain quiet.

Philomena never did find out if Matthew had something to do with it. But she didn't care as she looked at the happy faces of her friends. this was truly the best Christmas of her life

To be continued

Chapter 47: Big changes And big challenges.

Many months have passed and it is now October of 1952. and many things happened in those months.

The Skarloey railway officially got two new engines called Peter Sam and Sir handel. They were the former mid-sodor railway engines Stuart and Falcon. This Allowed Rheneas To go to the mainland for repairs.

A couple months after his departure the croven's gate works had finally finished its extension and immediately went into work overhauling all the engines. The Express engines were given priority and fortunately their overhauls had gone quickly and without faults .

The smaller mix Traffic engines were released back to traffic a few weeks later than the Express engines.

James had made the request when he was put back into traffic to go work with Winston for a while. Charles saw no harm in it and allowed him. but he hasn't said much to The other engines.

Besides that Matthew had been requested by the board of directors to begin ironing out some of the curves around the railway to increase Top speeds along the line.

Matthew was more than happy to do this but it would require some of the engines to slow down in certain sections as they were relaying it.

He also informed them that the section between wellsworth and maron would not be able to be completely straightened out due to Gordon's Hills geography.

But he was able to iron out most of the curves. Unfortunately he had also found out that the track Hadn't been properly maintained for some time.

so he also continued on a year-long project maintaining every mile of track. including the old Arlesburgh Brunchline. Although this line was no longer in use the board felt that it was paramount that they keep maintaining it with a reduced budget. just in case the line would ever need to be reopened then there would be less work for them to do. plus they can more than afford it.

Unfortunately Matthew couldn't rely on the northwestern railways engines to help him out on the branch line since all the available engines were too big and too heavy to run on the line.

fortunately he had gotten the opportunity to bring two of his own engines to the island. but one of them was nothing like what any of the engines have ever seen before.

Tanya and Howard were shunting in the yards when they heard a weird sound. It sounded like a car engine but much more powerful.

After a few minutes they saw a blue engine with a wasp stripe front and back approaching them.

This was definitely something that they had never seen before. This engine did indeed have six wheels like them but it had no boiler or Funnel to spew steam out of.

The engine gave them a nervous smile.

unknown engine: “ hello. My name is Darby works but you can call me Darby for short. you two must be Howard and Tanya. I was told to ask you where my train was. you know the maintenance train To go down that branch line?”

Howard and Tanya still remained shocked and the engine finally noticed this.

Darby: “ oh… yeah… you're probably shocked at… well the fact that I don't spew steam out everywhere…”

Howard got his composure back: “ yes… sorry for staring but we have never seen an engine like you before. what exactly are you?”

Darby smiled: “I am a Diesel electric locomotive built at Darby works. I'm actually powered by diesel oil rather than coal and water. I'm one of the first members of my class so I am pretty new and eager to learn. but people have told me that I'm revolutionary but I don't care. I mean I'm revolutionary for now but maybe one day somebody will replace me?”

Tanya: “ good point. as long as the Hammers keep forging there will always be something better down the line. anyway your train is on track D-16.”

Darby gave a quick toot on his whistle ( yes early diesel locomotives did have whistles!) and quickly got his train. but it wasn't really as quickly as one of the Tank Engines could travel since he was only at the top speed of about 15 mph.

Howard and Tanya were surprised at how Slow he moved.

Darby just smiled: “ see why I don't consider myself revolutionary? I'm just too slow to do anything else but shunt.”

Howard and Tanya laughed alongside Derby as he collected his train and began making his way out of the yard. Tanya was following besides him, having to do a shunting maneuver.

Tanya: “ Is it only going to be you working on that section? no offense but with your top speed I don't think you're gonna make it back to the sheds.”

Darby smiled: “ don't worry Matthew told me that my partner in crime so to speak will be coming to the island today as well. Apparently a Colliery on the mainland has been mistreating her and she wanted to be transferred here.”

Tanya immediately understood what this meant: “so the two of you are property of Matthew correct?”

Darby as they arrived at the signal and stopped: “ that's correct ma'am. I'm proudly owned by the steam machines department or SMD for short. apparently that's what Matthew is calling his company.”

Tanya just chuckled: “ Well, have a good first day. and remember if you have an accident don't be embarrassed you'll be part of the family.”

Before he could ask anything Tanya chuffed away leaving him alone not understanding the whole initiation thing on the northwestern railway.

He still looked confused as he was allowed onto the main line. It took him a few hours to travel all the way down to the construction site on the branch line next to the coast but he was happy. He only needed to complete a few shunting Maneuvers and for the rest of the day he could rest.

He did ask the workman some questions on what he needed to do and what was expected of him. The workmen were very happy with him. He could turn off his engine and save fuel and he could quickly be started up again as well.

but his slow speed meant they couldn't get the supplies in as fast as they would like.

But around lunchtime when they were at Haultraugh They heard a whistle coming from Behind. The train rounded a corner and a small Tank Engine was puffing behind it.

It was a Great Western 5700’s. Darby had heard of this kind of engine before. The Men Who Built him had told him there was a massive order to be filled out of the exact same class as him. they compared him to one of those engines since they would be doing similar jobs.

By the time the engine came to a halt Darby looked at the engine with wonder in his eyes. The engine was beautiful to him. even though its paintwork was covered in coal dust to him she looked absolutely beautiful.

the engine looked over and gave the weird box on Wheels a hesitant smile: “ hello… you must be Darby works correct?”

Darby gave a smile: “ yes I am ma'am! I am the brand new diesel electric shunting engine! built at Darby works! but please man call me Darby. I think it's a lot more of a ma'am than just Darby works.”

the Tank Engine chuckled: “ well okay then. I am Samantha but You can call me Sunny. It's my nickname.”

Darby smiled: “ of course sunny. but why are you nicknamed Sunny?”

Sunny smiled: “ it's because I worked on the sunshine line for a while. People always say I could brighten their day and it kind of stuck after that. believe me us panniers can get some weird nicknames. and not all of us do get along but you know we're family all the same.”

Darby raised a curious eyebrow: “ how exactly do you guys not get along? I mean I've only been alive for a couple of months so I don't really have many siblings that I have contact with. So why don't you guys get along?”

Sunny rolled her eyes and looked out at the sea: “ because of my brother Montague. He is the station pilot at Paddington at the moment. For the last couple of years I had to work around Paddington and my brother was constantly boasting about the Great Western Railway to the point all of us got sick of it. The main line engines don't treat him with respect because they feel he doesn't listen to them when he needs to stop talking about the Great Western. believe me it was frustrating when he wouldn't listen when he needed to stop.”

Darby: “ did he ever stop?”

Sunny chuckled: “ he did. after all of us came up with the embarrassing nickname of duck for him. It shot him up for a good long while but he began talking as soon as he got used to the nickname. still whenever he heard somebody quacking he would shut up for a minute.”

Darby barely held back a chuckle at the nickname: “ and why exactly did you name him duck?”

Sunny also barely contained her laughter: “ because when he came back from his overhaul one of his wheel tires wasn't profile properly and it made him wobble like a duck! It was so hilarious! Even though he has now had that problem fixed it's still hilarious to remember.”

The two engines burst out laughing and began chatting before getting back to work.

Meanwhile on top of the cliffs nearby Matthew watched as the two engines went their separate ways. he was hoping that Darby would be a nice engine since he had bought him just off the blueprints last year after British railways monumental mistake with Hudson. quite cheap too for two pounds.

but his main concern had been that he might be a bit too… arrogant and thinking himself better than everybody else. but he was happy to see how he was humbler then he gave him credit for.

as he walked away he knew that the two of them would be great friends. but even he didn't know how far their relationship went.

meanwhile hushy had been doing great after her overhaul. with the new higher speed limit of a hundred and twenty miles an hour she was really able to put her power down on the Tracks much more than she used to.

she was also still getting her letters from Anne which became a weekly occurrence for them. She would send a letter to Anne on Monday and she would usually get a response on Wednesday or Friday depending when Anne got the letter and when she had the time to write a response.

It was like clockwork. but On the 8th of October 1952 there was no letter. and on Friday there was no letter either. She was confused when a couple of days passed and nothing came for her.

That was until she was waiting at kellsthorpe road Because of a broken signal. The Station Master had his radio out which had been playing music for a few minutes until a news broadcast came out.

news broadcaster: “it's been a terrible week for British railways as one of its biggest accidents To date has happened. three trains collided at Harrow and Wealdstone Station.

Due to extreme foggy conditions a local train got rammed from behind by The Perth to Euston Knight Express.

shortly followed by the Express service Heading to Liverpool and Manchester.

The collision was brutal as many of the wooden coaches were splintered like matchwood.

The locomotives caught in the accident were British railways Fowler 4p number 42389, coronation class Number 46242 City of Glasgow, Jubilee class number 45637 Windward Islands and finally Princess Royal number 46202 Princess Anne All got caught up in the derailment.”

Hushy eyes went wide with fear as she heard thenews broadcaster continue to speak.

news broadcaster: “ The amount of dead has not been calculated yet but it is to be assumed to be at least over a hundred people and many more are injured. The Clean up operations are starting but with the impact of the crash which stopped the clock tower at exactly The moment of impact demonstrated the immense power of this disaster.

The Jubilee has been recovered and has been deemed beyond repair as it barely resembles what it used to look like before the crash. The Princess Anne on the other hand has been taken away but its current location is not available to the public. The board of inquiry will update us when they have more news but it does seem that the weather did play a large part in this accident.”

Hushy didn't hear the rest of the broadcast. she now knew why Anne didn't respond to her letter…. and now she did not know where she was. when the signal cleared and she began to set off her driver and Fireman could immediately notice a serious drop in performance.

By the time he came back to Knapford Charles was waiting for her on the platform. but by the look on her face he knew that what he had to tell her… came far too late…

Charles sounding remorseful: “ I'm sorry hushy…. I really am.”

Hushy let out a sigh from her cylinders: “It's okay sir… just… give me some time to process this.”

Charles nodded and watched the railway's first streamlined engine puff away.

hushy went to knapford sheds to sleep that night. and the next day Hudson had to be taken off his dining train service so that he could cover the Express for her.

Nobody complained. they all understood the bond between the two of them and the friendship they have kindled over the years. but it must have been heartbreaking for her to lose such a good friend and never be able to say goodbye.

often when the shunters passed the sheds or anybody refueled nearby they could hear her cry. she would ask anyone and nobody why this had to happen.

Everybody gave her her space. when she did come out again she wasn't the same. she would still keep to the Express time table but she wasn't the energetic engine everybody knew. she was more subdued and closed off.

A few nights later Matthew and Ember were in his office drinking some tea when they heard a knock at the door.

Matthew opened it and Charles walked in.

Matthew: “ Charles, I did not expect you?”

Charles looked to see Ember in the corner and cheekily smiled at Matthew: “sorry Matthew was I interrupting something between you and miss long?”

Matthew blushed and immediately shut the door a bit harder than he intended to: “ none of your business sir! But what brings you here at this time of night?”

Charles sat down in one of the spare chairs as Matthew took his seat behind his desk.

Charles: “ I have a project I want you to take on. and this one is very important to both me and the Railway.”

Matthew raised his eyebrow: “ and what exactly would this project be?”

Charles gestured for him to follow him and the two of them went with him out into the main area of the workshop to see a long flatbed with something big on it that made both Matthew and Ember gasp.

Charles pointed at the item: “ I want you to restore this!”

Both Matthew and Ember looked even more shocked at this.

Matthew: “ You seriously want me to restore that? I may be good but I don't think I'm that good! Besides, do you know how much that is going to cost?”

Charles put his hands behind his back: “ you don't have to worry about the costs since British railways was responsible for this they will be Footing the bill.”

ember nervously looked at the item: “ even so this is a… Titanic undertaking. and that's putting it mildly. we don't even know if there's anything salvageable on this or what kind of repairs are needed?”

Charles took a deep breath: “ I know this is asking a lot from the both of you and I do not expect this to be done within the next couple of months. but if you can work on it then I swear to you I will pay you double what I pay you right now to get this worked on.”

Matthew looked at the item and knew that this would be an enormous amount of work and probably wouldn't even be possible to get the thing repaired.

Matthew let out a deep sigh: “ Charles I'm not certain if I'm capable of doing this.”

Charles placed a hand on his shoulder: “ Matthew I would not ask any other person in the world to do this. I know you are capable of getting this repaired. I wouldn't ask if I didn't know you were capable.”

Matthew took one last look at the item and let out another deep sigh: “ okay, okay, I'll do it. but this is going to be an extremely long-term Project. since we still got velvet’s rebuild going on as well. but I'm certain that I can get this done. we'll start Dismantlement tomorrow.”

Charles smiled as Matthew and Ember began making a list of the items that would need to be replaced or repaired as they were climbing on top of what looked to be an engine that had gone through a very very bad accident.

But who is this engine and will they be able to fix it? well dear readers that is a story for another day.

To be continued

Chapter 48: Inner reflection.

The North Western Railway was currently in the early stages of winter. snow was lightly falling onto the ground but engines were still required to wear snow ploughs.

Some of the engines like Thomas didn't like wearing them because it felt really uncomfortable. Although this year Charles had Matthew make a custom one for Thomas which was much more comfortable for him.

Still the snowfall this year wasn't as bad as it was in previous years but they weren't going to count their chickens until they hatched.

all the engines were busy except the engines of the gold dust railway. their Island home didn't see many passengers during the winter months mainly being a vacation Island with some quarries here and there. but they were too weak to handle the quarry runs so usually engines like Katie or Ron and Remy would collect those.

so most of them were basically stuck in the sheds.

Fortunately the Earl had asked Charles if he could borrow three of them for excursions around the island he had been wanting to do for a while now. Charles saw no problem with this and decided to lend him: lux, jackland And Ignis.

Unfortunately this left Emily with nothing to do. That was until the Fat Controller sent her to the norranby branch To help out with the extra passengers there so Winston and James could focus on the goods traffic.

she wasn't really happy with this arrangement as she would have to be working with James. the two of them had not gotten along very well since her restoration was completed.

and although she had heard about his recent… condition she still believed it was just a ploy for him to get attention.

She arrived at Ballahoo With a set of coaches for her to use along the branch. Winston was there having just arrived with a goods train from the new Harbor.

Winston smiled as Emily pulled in: “ hello Emily welcome to my branch line. How is your day going?”

Emily rolled her eyes: “ it was going great until I found out I was going to have to be working with James until next year.”

Winston lets out a deep sigh from his cylinders: “I understand that the two of you haven't gotten off on the best wheel. but James isn't really a bad guy. just give him a chance.”

Emily just continued to roll her eyes: “ I'll believe it when I see it. now I understand I'm primarily handling the passenger traffic? How many stations are there?”

Winston: “ There are only two stations this being one of them. you will have to head down to norranby. there's a small area where you can turn around for the next trip up. but remember there's a passing loop in the middle where you have to stop so that other trains can pass before collecting the token. you're not running on the Ffarquhar branch anymore. So there are some different rules here.”

Emily acknowledged this and went to work.

For the most part, she really didn’t see James as much because their timetables were different. However, there would be a portion of the line where she did run into him. While he said nothing, Emily would still pass by, glaring at him darkly. Not once did she notice the more timid and solemn expression on the red engine’s face.

But there was a time when she did get to see him. It was late in the evening and she had just finished her last passenger run of the day. The Engine Shed was located at the harbour and that's where her last passenger train went so she would have to sleep there.

as she approached she could hear something that made her question a lot of things.”

James: “ I don't even know what I'm doing anymore Winston. I don't even know who I am anymore. Every single time I Act vein it always blows up in my face. why does life have to be like this?”

Winston tried to cheer his brother up: “come on James you're just having a rough patching your life. maybe you should just wait and see what the next day brings. I'm certain everything will be Alright tomorrow.”

Emily wasn't certain what they were talking about since she Hadn't heard the whole conversation. but decided to sleep in the nearby good sheds to not disturb the brothers.

The next day things went as normal on the branch line. The two brothers would be handling the goods while Emily was handling the passenger trains.

She was at the dock’s station when Winston rolled in.

Emily looked curious: “ Winston I overheard you and James talking last night. what were you talking about?”

Winston began shunting away some of his trucks as he answered: “ nothing really. just something James wanted to get off his Steam chest. nothing you need to worry yourself about.”

Emily just raised her eyebrow: “ really because everybody has been noticing James acting differently. I mean he's not boasted about his paintwork in months. and that's not like the James we know.”

Winston: “ Well you don't really know the real James.”

Emily just rolled her eyes: “ oh come on Winston we all know how James is really like! I know you're his brother but you really should stop defending his actions like that.”

Winston also rolled his eyes: “ and as his brother I have known him the longest out of all of you. I know things that the others don't.”

Emily: “ Then why don't you enlighten us? you know tell us who the real James is?”

Winston let out steam from his cylinders: “ I can't. I promise James that I wouldn't tell anyone anything if he didn't want to. and I'm not going to betray my brother's Trust!”

Emily just grunted and made her way up the branch line. shz was incredibly frustrated that Winston didn't tell her anything. and she still wanted to know what this “ real James” thing ment. so she decided to confront him that night.

Meanwhile James was still in his little funk. He couldn't shake it. he couldn't understand why he was in it but decided to just go with it. His paintwork had also gotten a lot dirtier than usual. He did get regularly cleaned but it wasn't as precise as he was used to and didn't really want to.

That night he hoped to talk to Winston again. but unfortunately Emily was the Only one in the sheds.

James slowly chuffed next to her and remained quiet As his crew left him for the night. Emily on the other hand wasn't quiet.

Emily with an annoyed face: “ you can drop the act James.”

James looked confused: “ what are you talking about Emily?”

Emily: “ this whole act that you're doing to just get some more attention. It's really pathetic James.”

James looked shocked now: “ it isn't an act Emily! I really am in a funk.”

Emily rolled her eyes: “ sure you are. you're in such a “funk” that you don't want to talk to anybody but your brother. you know I spoke to him earlier today and he said there was a real version of you. but I don't believe that. I know you were always a selfish arrogant engine James. so you can cut the act and just stop acting so pathetic.”

James looked a bit sad at this: “ I am not acting Emily! I'm really in a funk and I don't want to talk about it with you!”

Emily just looks angry: “ really because you Wanted to talk to me the day we met. you know when you acted so Boastful and stupid! I still can't believe that you're anything else but an arrogant and stupid engine who's always yearning for attention like some little kid!”

James looked really sad and a bit desperate to get the conversation over with: “ I'm not doing this just for attention Emily!”

Emily was also done with the conversation. James said nothing logical to her. so she decided to ask the question that she knew everybody was asking.

Emily: “ Then why are you acting so Arrogant and selfish James?! Why!”

James finally had enough and screamed: “ because I don't want to be forgotten!”

Emily actually looked shocked at this. She was also very confused. Why didn't James want to be forgotten? Nobody could really forget him with his bright red paint and blue stripes.

but before Emily could ask her question James began explaining.

James: “ me and my brother are experimental versions of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Class 28. We had an extended buffer Beam and a front Pony truck. it made us stand out from our fellow engines. I was very proud of it since unlike Winston I was actually rebuilt into this shape. I was so happy with this modification I kept telling everybody about it for days. but then… everybody just began… forgetting me… I don't know why but I suddenly became forgotten by all of them.

I tried standing out and got into my fair share of trouble. but no matter what I did I always felt so… lonely and forgotten…. The only one who would talk to me was Winston and even then we didn't get to see each other often… eventually the L&YR decided to get rid of me and sold me here. When I had my accident on my first day I saw those two narrow gauge engines at Crovan's Gate and asked if I could be repainted to look like them.

They looked so splendid in their red livery and I hoped having something like that would make me stand out… and I also became a little bit more arrogant and Boastful because I thought that would make people remember me… but in the end it made me look like a fool… and now…. I don’t know what to do… I'm just afraid of people forgetting me… I don't want to Be Forgotten again…”

James said nothing more. and just went to sleep.

Emily on the other hand felt incredibly guilty. She finally knew the real reason why James acted this way. and in a way she could understand. She was one out of 53 Of her Class built. she often felt… overshadowed by some of her sisters and brothers. except for number one she was nice.

but she didn't think she could understand how James was feeling now and how to help him. heck she didn't believe he wanted her help after how she treated him.

she just decided to give James his space.

over the next couple of weeks the branch line was… tense… James had informed Winston of what happened that night and he wasn't really happy with Emily cornering his brother like that when he had nowhere to go. so she spent most of her time in the goods shed at the other end of the docks. or sleeping at the junction. trying to give him their space.

She felt really bad for him but still didn't know what to do.

That was until one day she arrived at Ballahoo With her passenger train when she noticed an engine sitting at the platform she didn't recognize.

This engine Looked very similar to Winston and James. but it had some significant differences like: the smoke box, the lack of a Belpaire firebox And was an 0-6-0 instead of a 2-6-0 mogul.

Emily stopped at the station and looked confused.

Emily: “ hello I don't think I've seen you around here before. Who are you and where did you come from?”

the engines smiled: “I am John. I'm here to take some passengers from your branch line to the mainland. I was called in because the engine that would usually handle this had broken down. Anyway, I want to ask you something: do you have an engine by the name of James?”

Emily was now extremely confused: “yes but how do you know James?”

John chuckled: “ because I used to work on the L&YR with him and Winston. I am a class 27. The class that his class was based on. I can't wait to see him again.”

Emily once again looked confused: “ and why would that be?”

John chuckled uncontrollably: “Because back when he used to work for us we decided to play this big prank on him by constantly ignoring him And pretending we forgot him. and it wasn't just me the whole system basically agreed to do it. We never told Winston about it and believe me it was incredibly funny! He was so desperate to get our attention that he even tried pulling an express train once and Failed! having the directors yell at him was so funny!”

Emily now looked shocked at this. the whole reason for James's fear of being forgotten was because of a prank?! she was not going to stand for this!

Emily With a low growl: “ you basically ignored him for a joke?”

John, unaware of the growl, continued to Chuckle: “ yes the whole system did. It was the funniest joke ever! heck maybe you should join in? I've heard he's quite arrogant around here and I think knocking him down a peg or a million might be good for him.”

Emily finally lost it: “You guys were the absolute worst! you literally gave him a fear of being forgotten all because you wanted a cheap laugh?! How Disgraceful, disgusting and despicable are you!?”

John looked taken aback. as did all the passengers on the platform who quickly decided to get into the coaches to avoid Emily's wrath.

John tried to Calm her down: “Come on, it was all in good fun. Besides, we all had a good Laugh at the end of the day.”

Emily's safety valve shot a fierce jet of steam into the sky: “it was funny for you but you ruined James's life! He feared about being forgotten for the entire time he's been here!

every single accident he's been in and every single thing he’s ever done could have been prevented if you guys had just stopped the joke!

But you decided that having fun at somebody else's expense was worth it! I know what I hope you get scrapped! I hope you and every other engine of the L&YR get scrapped for what you did to Jane's!”

John looked absolutely terrified at Emily and once again tried to justify himself.

John: “come on we didn't mean any harm by it and-”

but Emily cut him off: “ didn't mean any harm?! you literally scarred him for life! you absolute heap of scrap! get out of my station and get off my Island! never come back here or I'll push you into the sea personally!”

John, having heard his guards whistle, immediately raced out of the station. Even though she was a single and he was a six coupled locomotive he didn't want to rescue it. especially with all the crazy things that happened on this island.

After the train was out of sight Emily went to the Water Tower to refill on water and cool down. she couldn't believe that they basically made a joke out of James's life to the point that he was afraid of being forgotten. She wanted to tell the brothers about it but didn't know if they would believe her.

Fortunately for her, one of them saw everything.

That evening Emily was once again in the goods shed. She was trying to go to sleep when James approached her.

The two of them remained silent for a few minutes until James broke the silence.

James: “ hello Emily… had a rough day today?”

Emily: “ not really. Why do you ask?”

James: “ because I heard About your little blow up at the station.”

Emily blushed: “ you heard all of that?”

James smiled: “every word of it. I was bringing in a goods train When I overheard you yelling at John. and to be honest I'm kind of angry at him as well. He and the entirety of the L&YR ruined my life for some laughs. but I was also happy to hear your reaction and how fiercely you stood up for me.”

Emily smiled: “ well… I couldn't let them treat you like that. especially after everything I put you through These last couple of weeks… and I am sorry for what I said. Winston was right about you. there's more to you than meets the eye.”

James just chuckled: “ That's very catchy. there's more to you than meets the eye. Maybe somebody should use that for a toy or something.”

The two engines chuckled and remained comfortably silent. before James broke the silence.

James: “ you know you can sleep in the sheds tonight if you want?”

Emily gave him a gentle smile: “ thanks for the offer James… but I think I'll stay here tonight. you go keep your brother company. I'd like some time alone.”

James also gave a gentle smile: “ suit yourself. and thank you for standing up for me. both are one of the nicest things anybody has ever done for me.”

Emily just smiled as James made his way back to the sheds.

The word quickly spread about James's true history and all the engines were more sympathetic to him. James on the other hand began feeling happier and happier by the day.

The other engines found these changes in him very appealing. He became his old self again but improved. He still boasted about his paintwork but wasn't really as arrogant as before. He did pull goods trains and passenger trains again.

even when the new year rang in, James was still his improved self.

he and Emily even began talking more and more. some of the other engines (more particularly Thomas and Lady) noticed that there was something between the two of them. but they decided not to say anything to them. letting their relationship blossom on their own.

things on the North Western Railway began returning to normal. but every time they got visitors from the former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway They would look at them with suspicion and distrust.

Still things were only looking up for James.

the end

Chapter 49: Tommy

It was a beautiful spring day on the island of sodor. The engines were just getting ready for the day's work.

but as Gordon was preparing to take his Express across the island he noticed that Henry looked a bit sick.

“ Is everything alright Henry?” he asked, looking concerned.

“not really.” Henry said as Gordon could see his firemen cleaning out Henry’s fire box. “I took on some bad coal yesterday… it's really blocking up my pipes. I should be ready to go in a few hours. but I got a freight train to take to vicarstown today and a special delivery to killdane afterwards.”

Gordon smiled as he noticed that all the other engines had gone off to do their work. so he decided to make an offer.

“Tell you what Henry, if you're willing to take the Express today I'll be doing your goods deliveries.”

Henry looked shocked at this. “ Are you certain Gordon? you really want to give up your Express duties for the day?”

“It's only one day.” Gordon said with a smile. “Besides, the Express won't leave for another couple of hours. you got plenty of time to get cleaned out. for as I recall your next freight train should be leaving in about half an hour.”

Henry realised that Gordon had a point. so allowed his friend to take his goods. As Gordon got out of the sheds he felt happy that he was able to help a friend.

and after quickly explaining things to Charles and getting his approval he collected his train from the yard and made his way to vicarstown . Fortunately this was a fast Express Freight so he didn't have to stop at any of the stations along the way.

When he arrived at vicarstown he saw Howard shunting about.

This was quite usual since Howard and Tanya would often work around here alongside at knapford from time to time. since the Ffarquhar branch line had more than Enough engines.

“Hello there Howard. Do you know where the special load is for killdane?”

“ yes…” Howard said, looking a bit confused. “ But that's supposed to be Henry's load? why are you asking for it?”

“Well me and Henry are swapping duties for the day. He will be handling my Express runs and I will be handling his freight runs. And Before you ask Charles has already been informed and he approved it. so please tell me where the special load is?”

“ it's on track 16. and I must warn you it's a bit of an odd sight.”

After that Howard gently began puffing away to do some more shunting. Gordon didn't understand what he meant but just went along with it and found his way to track 16.

as he arrived the oddest sight greeted him. sitting on the track was a boxy looking rail vehicle. it didn't look like any piece of rolling stock he'd ever seen before. It looked like some kind of van but it had Windows so was it a coach?

Gordon finally found out his answer as he stopped right next to it and the bright green engine greeted him with a smile.

“ hello there my name is Tommy what is yours?”

Gordon looked confused but answered the engine's question. “ My name is Gordon gresley. but you may call me Gordon for short. I guess you must be the special delivery for killdane.”

“ Yes I am. But why is that place called killdane?”

“Well it's actually a shorter version of the sudrian word for church of the devil. Apparently some… interesting folks hang out in the woods further up the line. There's even a set of standing Stones there that nobody can explain. but you shouldn't worry about it. It's also the start of the Peel godred branch line. Which is where you will be working and living.”

Tommy looked excited as Gordon switched tracks to couple up to him.

Tommy became even more excited as they continued travelling down the line.

“ The island is as beautiful as the other engines told me. you must be lucky to live here.”

“maybe.” Gordon said with a chuckle. “ but I have had my fair share of problems. I mean just last week I accidentally ended up falling into a ditch because my driver forgot to put on the brakes properly. although I did have some fun with the accident afterwards.”

“ really?” Tommy asked, confused. “ I think falling into a ditch would be really embarrassing?”

“ Oh it was. But the Reverend Wilbert Audrey came to visit again for some new story inspiration and I suggested that he turned it into a story where I was refusing to take a goods train. I think there might be a good lesson for youngsters like you to learn.”

“ Well I'm not actually that Young.” Tommy chuckled. “I was actually built at Doncaster in 1941. I was designed for the Woodhead route. but since it wasn't electrified I've spent most of my working life in the Netherlands. apparently they run on the same voltage as the route I was intended for.”

“ Then what are you doing here? surely they would need an engine like you now since I've heard that the route is being electrified.”

“ well… my designer had Given me to the northwestern railway in his will. apparently I was built the same year as he died.”

Gordon was very curious about this. He didn't know of any other designers that died that year besides…

“ Wait a minute!” Gordon shouted as they stopped at a Red Signal. “ You were designed by Sir Nigel Gresley?”

“ yes. I was his final design ever built. did you know him?”

Gordon gave a big smile. “ Of course I do. I was his prototype Pacific. I was even used to try out some of the modifications that would later be applied to the rest of my siblings. it's nice to have another gresley machine on the island.”

Tommy could only agree.

After a while they arrived at killdane. Gordon left him underneath the pantagraph wires. He Gave him a friendly toot on his whistle, said goodbye and went back to work. Tommy immediately enjoyed the flow of electricity through his system.

And after a while Tommy began exploring around the branch line. He hadn't been given any orders yet so he decided to at least explor a line. It was nothing like the old Woodhead route. He enjoyed the steep climbs but enjoyed the quieter atmosphere. especially since The beginning and end of the line were in big cities.

so Tommy enjoyed the quieter pace of life around here.

He passed a small station called Abbey.

He then proceeded to Kirk Machan.

He saw that this particular station was shut down. since there were no passengers or station staff there. A few miles later he approached a bridge that went over the line but he couldn't see anybody travelling over it.

After a while he had to pass through a tunnel underneath the massive city of peel godred.

He couldn't see the town but he thought he could hear a lot of people going about.

Then he arrived at the station which wasn't anything spectacular. but as he came to a halt he could see a man surveying an enormous amount of land next to the station.

“ Hello sir? what are you doing?” Tommy asked, causing the man to jump up and hold his hand over his chest.

This of course was our friend Matthew. the crazy chief mechanical engineer of the north western railway and CEO and owner of steam machines Department his own private company.

“ Jesus, you scared me. I didn't hear you coming.” Matthew then looked up at the Pantographs and smiled. “ Then again electric engines are very quiet. so I guess you're the new engine Charles has told me about?”

“ Yes, I am sir.” Tommy said with a smile. “ I am the North Western Railways newest engine. By the way, are there any other electric engines around? I haven't really seen anybody else on the line since I arrived.”

“ sad to say no.” Matthew said while shaking his head. “ This line has been electrified since the 20s but sadly we have been unable to secure an electric engine to operate it. Fortunately the power company doesn't really need that many supplies brought in ever since the completion of the power plant. so our Current engines have been able to handle the line's freight work for some time. We normally also run a passenger service but that had to be cancelled during the war and we haven't really started it up until now.”

Tommy smiled at hearing this. He was looking forward to working with passengers and goods again.

“ but to answer your first question I've got a project in mind that Charles has already given me approval for.”

“Charles? Who is Charles?” Tommy asked not knowing who Charles was. so Matthew decided to enlighten him. “Charles is your owner. He is the controller of the northwestern railway and has been Following in his father's shoes very well. in fact the nwr has become more profitable than British railways on the mainland.”

Tommy now had an annoyed expression on his face at the mention of British Railways. “ don't remind me. Those guys are complete idiots! I mean I've heard from the steam engines I used to work with that they are really not tackling the real issues of British Railways and are constantly trying to modernise. they are already putting in their dieselization program! And heck they didn't even try to work out the bugs in my class!”

Matthew rolled his eyes but also smiled knowing that there was at least one other person on the island that also hated British railways.

“ By the way, what is your plan going to be? I mean do you really need such a large Plot of land?”

“ well.” Matthew started with a very big smile. “Both me and Charles alongside the Earl of sodor realised that we don't really have a place where the people can really interact with you locomotives. And it's also a bit inconvenient to leave some of them in the sheds while waiting for overhauls. Plus with all of my engines there might not be enough room in the sheds. so we have decided to begin the planning phase of the Sudrian Railway Museum!”

Tommy looked surprised but also excited for this project.

“Although we're still in the planning phase, we all agree that this would be the best location. it would bring more visitors to the town and we have a large Plot of land here to work with. especially since the council of peel godred is more than willing to help with the construction. it will give people more of a reason to visit here especially since the culdee fell mountain railway is closed During the winter months.”

Tommy once again looked confused at this and Matthew noticed so he explained.

“There's a mountain railway at the last station you pass by. It's closed now but will be reopening within a week. The engines up there are really kind. although one of them had to learn a very important lesson about working on a mountain railway.”

“and what would that be?” Tommy asked, being very curious about what Matthew's talking about. but Matthew on his end just continued to Chuckle. “ I think it's best that he tells his story. Anyway, take the rest of today to relax along the branch line. there are no trains coming up here until later this week when the first passenger train for the culdee fell railway comes.”

Tommy nodded and allowed Matthew to catch a ride in his cab. After they went down to the main station, Tommy went back up the line to the station where the mountain railway was.

When he stopped there and really looked around he noticed a small engine that looked to be in a very sorry state. It looked like most of his parts were made out of wood rather than being made out of metal. and it looked like the wood had begun rotting as if he had been there for years.

Tommy Slowly approached the engine trying not to startle it. Fortunately for him the engine was wide awake.

“I was wondering when you would want to have a look at me. I'm certain Matthew has already told you about me.”

“yes…” Tommy said in a quiet voice. He didn't know what to do next. but the engine did. “ Well my name is godred. named after his majesty the king of sodor. it's very nice to meet you… Tommy? That is what it says on your name plates right?”

“yes… I was named after the nickname The soldier's of Britain were given. I was actually given it while I was working in the Netherlands since there were no railway lines for me to run on here. well no railway lines with electric cables I was compatible with.”

“ well… I think it's a wonderful name Tommy… It's nice to see a new face around here. especially since We don't get many visitors up here. especially me…”

“And why is that? and why are you in such a state?” Tommy asks, looking at Godred’s rotting wooden parts. “ And why are your parts made out of wood?”

“ their cosmetics…” he said with a Gruff voice. “ They took my parts to fix the other engines.”

Tommy was Shocked at this. He had heard about railways cannibalising other engines to use their parts to fix the others but seeing an engine who had been through that was something else. but they were surprised that the reaction to his shock wasn't sadness but chuckling from godred.

“You don't have to worry about me, youngster. after all this is what I deserve for being reckless.”

Tommy once again was confused about what he meant. no engines deserve to be treated like this just because they were reckless.

“ Why are you being taken apart? why do they need to use your parts to fix the others?”

“ well…” godred said, chuckling. “ It all started about 53 years ago. me and my four Brothers arrived on the island from Switzerland back in 1900. The line had been finished and we had only been open for a month when… I was being reckless relying too much on my automatic breaks. so I eventually tumbled off the mountain.”

Tommy Winst at hearing that. he had seen his fair share of damaged locomotives back in the Netherlands. some that were never repaired.

“After I was recovered from the side of the Mountain the manager angrily told me there was no way they could fix me since they didn't have the money. That gave me the reality check I really needed. they put me at the back of the sheds originally. but after a few years one of my brothers needed some spare Side rods. Unfortunately they couldn't contact the factory in Switzerland who built us. I remember hearing the manager shouting at our maintenance team to figure out something. “we couldn't afford being down an engine” was the line he used if I recall. I knew my side rods miraculously survived my tumble down the mountain. so I told the manager to just take my components.”

Tommy looked surprised at this but Godred just continued to Chuckle.

“ That was the same look he gave me. He even asked me if I was sure I wanted to do that. I told them I wasn't going to be useful to anyone without repairs so he might as well use me to do something good. and over time when we were tight on budget they would use some of my parts. heck the only parts that remain on me that are original are my frames, boiler and funnel. everything else was taken to fix my brother's. and I don't regret it a single bit.”

“ really?” Tommy asked with a raised eyebrow. “ You really don't regret giving up your own parts? I mean I would do anything for my siblings but that seems a bit extreme.”

“ well… It might be but after everything I've done to this railway I might as well help out and make myself useful at last. Still after a while our finances got better and they stopped using me for spare parts. They still didn't have the money to repair me to full working order so they just made some wooden components that looked like my originals. Then about 30 years ago around the time that this branch line was being built they put me on display. and I have remained here ever since.”

Tommy now gave the Old engine a sympathetic look. It wasn't much of a life being stuck in one place for an unknown period of time. I mean he was stuck inside of a shed near Doncaster since he was built during wartime and there wasn't really a line that he could run on. but 53 years was a long time.

But once again godred just chuckled. “Don't you worry yourself about my fate, youngster. just remember not to be overconfident in your abilities. or else it will come back and bite you.”

Tommy could only agree as he slowly rolled back down to killdane to sleep for the night.

What neither engine noticed was that a man had overHeard the entire conversation and began making plans.

but I shouldn't say anymore or I will spoil what happens next

Chapter 50: Rescues and queens

Notes:

This chapter is extra long since it is the 50th chapter. hope you enjoy it.

It had been a great couple of weeks since Tommy's arrival and he had been getting used to life on the nwr. His branch line wasn't really that busy since it was mostly a dedicated freight line.

but still it kept him busy.

One evening the engines were discussing their latest acquisition.

“ I must admit he is quite a strange engine but a kind one.” Eleanor said as her fireman began emptying her firebox.

“Well he is a Gresley designed locomotive so he is likely to be one of the greats one day.” Gordon said with a hint of Pride for his Fellow Gresley locomotive. But Thomas burst his bubble. “And you're not saying that just because you too are from the same designer?”

everybody began giggling while Gordon Pouted for a second but eventually joined in.

James who had finally Returned actually decided to make a big announcement.

“ you guys, I have something I want to tell you.” Everybody looked towards the red Engine who took in a deep breath. “I will be moving to the Norramby branch line to be closer to my brother. I enjoyed working down there and the more relaxed pace of life would do me some good.”

all the engines looked shocked. They knew James had been through a lot in his life, especially after what his previous railway did to him. But this did seem like a drastic step.

Fortunately, his friends supported him.

“Well if that is what you want James. We will support you in that. We do hope you will come to visit from time to time. It won't be the same without you.” Edward said while his smoke box was being cleaned out.

“ Don't worry Edward, I will still come down the main line from time to time. Winston will mainly be handling the trains along the branch line while al-handle trains that go a little bit further afield.”

The engines continue to chat with each other about James's new position when Charles and Matthew come in with big smiles on their faces.

“ Hello you two.” Rex frigidus said with a smile. “ what brings you here?”

Charles looked extremely excited. “ Well I have some great news and a little bit of bad news but mostly great.”

“ Well then.” Timothy said. “ What is the good news sir?”

“ Well the first piece of good news is that weiss and aoihi we'll be returning from their honeymoon this week.”

all the engines looked excited at this. Those two had been incredibly missed on the island in the last year. Especially Weiss. She may have been a bit cold but she managed to keep the trucks and her ground staff in line. The current yard master didn't do such a good job.

“ That's great to hear.” unicorn said as she looked to her fellow goods engines. “ That new yard Master isn't really doing a good job. I can't wait to have the Ice Queen back on her throne.”

all the engines chuckled at hearing that. They had all picked up that little nickname for Weiss from Yang.

“ It will be great to see him again.” Hiro said this having missed his driver a lot last year. “ Even though he sent me postcards for a while, I do miss him. but I wonder why it took so long for him to get back?”

“ Well there are two main reasons.” Matthew said as he began explaining. “I asked him before he left if he could help me cash in a favour with the Japanese government so I can get another Hudson locomotive.”

“What? are me and Hudson not good enough for you anymore?” Remembrance said in a cheeky tone. This caused Hudson to laugh as well. Thomas gave a proud look to his daughter. “ They grow up so fast.”

lady just rolled her eyes at Thomas but gave him a smile anyway.

Matthew on the other hand also laughs. “Yes, the two of you are more than enough for me but those engines from Japan are pretty cool. plus having another engine from Japan around here Might also be pretty good for Hero. you know, somebody else who understands what it's like to miss his homeland.”

Everybody looked at Hiro who had occasionally expressed that he missed his homeland.

“ and the second reason.” Matthew said as he began continuing the explanation. “ Well apparently his family gave him a pretty big wedding present slash part of his inheritance and unfortunately he couldn't bring it back with him on a plane. and he couldn't really trust anyone with it so they had to wait until a big enough cargo ship could be chartered to bring everything to sodor in one go. and we just got a radio signal that they will be arriving at Knapford later this week. So that's the first part of the good news.”

“ the second part.” Charles said all giddy with excitement. “Queen Elizabeth the second is coming to sodor!”

all the engines were both shocked and amazed! This was big news. The last time somebody from the royal family had actually visited sodor was back during The sodor England War. so having one visit during peace times was a big deal.

all the engines began excitedly chatting about the Queen when Charles raised his hand to keep them quiet.

“ Yes, Her Majesty will be Visiting sodor. and apparently she has a gift for the island. What that is I have no idea. But whatever it is, I hope that you make her visit worthwhile.”

“Who will be pulling the royal Train?” Rex-Iaspis excitedly asked.

“the Queen gave me the responsibility of giving her an engine once she arrived at barrow in furness. But I have not made my decision yet. But I still have two weeks to decide so please don't do anything reckless in that time.”

The engines all looked at each other wondering which of them would be pulling the royal Train.

but before that could be decided between them Charles and Matthew had one last important piece of information.

“but for some more serious news the sheds here will be temporarily closed while we repair the damage from last month's storm.”

all the engines looked up at their chief Mechanical Engineers words. The windows on top of the sheds had been broken since a month ago. Most of the glass had either shattered or had cracks in them.

“Therefore I think it's in our best interest to temporarily move you all back to knapford sheds. there should be enough room for all of you there. Now we will begin the preparations for the Queen's visit next week. but be warned a storm will be coming this week and apparently it's going to be a fierce one. so I want you to continue doing your jobs but the moment you hear the storm warning you highball it back to the sheds. Is that understood?”

all the engines whistled in understanding. As the two men left all the engines began chatting about who would pull the Royal train.

“ It should be one of us Atlantics.” Rex-Iaspis spoke up. “ After all, one of our siblings did pull the royal Train once. so it would be a great opportunity for one of us to do it now.”

“Yeah but you guys aren't as strong as me or Hudson.” remembrance said. “‘Besides Hudson, here is the youngest out of all of us. It would be a great opportunity for him to pull such a special train.”

“Come on everyone it's obviously going to be me.” Henry said. “ I've got the speed and power to handle that train.”

“ but so does Gordon.” Edward said. “ he is our main Express engen. and heck hushy and Silverlink would probably be good candidates as well. They are express engines after all.”

“ no thank you Edward.” Gordon said, surprising everyone. “ Somebody else should handle that kind of responsibility. Besides I've had my time in the spotlight with the new services. It will be nice for somebody else to be in the spotlight for a change.”

“ and I'm still a bit depressed about what happened to Anne.” hushy said as she went back to quietly mourning her lost friend.

“ And I don't really enjoy having so much spotlight on me.” Silver Link said as he was being cleaned. “You guys can fight it out amongst yourselves. We three will be handling our Express trains.”

Everybody looked confused. but this did stop the arguing as one by one the engines fell asleep.

but over the next few days a storm was brewing. not only in the sky but also with the other engines. Everybody wanted to be the one to pull the royal Train.

but the tank engines fortunately had a better smoke box on their shoulders and decided to wisely stay out of the arguments.

Everybody was still arguing about who would be the better engine to pull the train while the installation of the new Windows was being installed and everybody went back to Knapford to sleep.

but fortunately one event would put all the arguments aside even if it was just temporarily.

A couple of hours away from sodor a big cargo ship was sailing through the ocean. It was a bit choppy but nothing the blue and white couple couldn't handle.

Aoihi: “I can’t wait to be back home.”

Weiss: “Same here, love. Darn, I hope the yard is not too messy.”

Aoihi: “Or Hiro’s controls are not too messed up.”

The couple chuckled. At that moment the captain of the ship, a Mr Neptune, walked up to them trying to pull off some pick up lines on weiss.

“ Hey there, beautiful. Are you a siren? because your voice keeps calling to me.”

Weiss just groaned and faced palms. She has had to deal with this for months now. and if he wasn't the captain of the ship she would have kicked him where the sun doesn't shine.

Her husband was also extremely annoyed with the captain. He would have gladly thrown him Overboard but then again without him the ship wouldn't function. so they were just going to tolerate him… for now.

“Captain, I do appreciate you taking us all the way home. But I have a strong urge to remind you that my wife is Taken! And I am an inch away from throwing you overboard.”

The captain just rolled his eyes because he had heard this 100 times.

At that moment as the captain began walking back to the wheelhouse the couple heard lightning coming from above.

“ looks like there's a storm coming.” aoihi said glaring at the sky. It was beginning to turn grey and they could feel small droplets of water coming down.

Weiss also looked up at the sky. “Well if a storm is coming let's hope that captain incompetent gets us to our destination without sinking.”

Aoihi could only agree with his wife.

A couple hours later the storm hit with full force! The ship was being tossed and turned about steadily making its way to sodor.

Meanwhile all the engines had made their way back into the sheds. but hiro was the only one to still be out. waiting to see if aoihi would be coming. Both Matthew and Ember were with him keeping him company in his cab.

Unfortunately the rain was so heavy he could barely see.

Meanwhile on the ship everything was going okay. They could see the light from the harbour through the rain but it was barely visible.

The captain ordered full ahead trying to get to the harbour before the storm got any worse.

but as they got within range a lightning bolt hit the ship. Normally that wouldn't have been a problem but this ship didn't have a steam engine but a diesel engine.

Before anybody could do anything, all whites went out and the engines stopped making any noise.

Meanwhile in their cabin Weiss and aoihi were preparing their suitcases when the lights went out.

they went out to see what was wrong and a crew member accidentally hit them within the corridor.

As they got up Weiss asked the question they were both thinking. “Why did all the lights go out?”

“lightning strike.” the crew member said out of breath. “ It took out the engines and the generator. We are a drift. with no power!”

The crew member immediately continued to run towards the captain hoping that the captain had an idea on how to solve this.

Meanwhile, Hiro was excitedly watching the ship come into view with all of its lights. only to see the lightning bolt hit and all the lights to go out. It quickly stopped moving and slowly began moving away from the docks.

“ What's going on?!” hiro said in a panic.

“The lightning must have shorted out the engine.” Matthew said as he gave his assessment from his cab. “ They are a drift with no power.”

Ember look towards her boyfriend. “ And how bad is that?”

“ Very bad.” Matthew explained. “ With no power they will have no choice but to stay adrift. But in this storm that could be dangerous. Nobody will be able to get rescue craft out to them with this weather!”

Everybody both on the docks and on the engine began panicking.

“ there has to be something we can do!” hiro said as he desperately wanted to help out his friend.

Matthew began thinking and a crazy idea came to him.

“I have an idea but it's totally crazy and I will need some parts.”

He quickly outlined his plan and got some of the dock workers to get him the parts he needed.

Meanwhile back on the ship Weiss and Aoihi have made their way to the wheel house and saw that the captain was panicking, desperately meddling with all the controls.

“ what is going on!” aoihi shouted at the captain. and the captain didn't really appreciate this. “stop shouting at me, I am doing my best!”

“ Really?” aoihi said, crossing his arms over his chest. “ If this is your best then I would hate to see your worst. We are set adrift with no power and no way to be rescued!”

Neptune suddenly got a stupid idea. “We can use the life rafts! we can put them in the water and-”

“and we would be crushed against the ship thanks to the waves.” Weiss said, also crossing her arms mimicking her husband's appearance. “There is no way we can get to land in this thing and has anybody actually tried getting the engines going again?”

At that moment the chief engineer came up from the engine room covered in oil. “ It's a no-go. The engines are completely fried and need to be replaced. we're dead in the water with no power and no way to ask for help.”

everybody felt the Doom in the air except for aoihi and weiss.

“ maybe not.” aoihi said. “There Might Be Somebody on the Island that can rescue us.”

Neptune just scoffed. “ oh please they would have to be absolutely crazy to even-” at that moment something broke through the window. When they saw what it was everybody was surprised. It was a small anchor Hook with a note attached to it.

Aoihi quickly got the note off the hook and read it. By the end of it he smiled.

Weiss looked at her husband. “What does it say?”

Aoihi turned around with a big smile as he held The Peace of paper up. “It says that there is somebody crazy enough to actually rescue us. but we need to hook on as many of these hooks as he is going to throw at us.”

everybody was confused until two more hooks were launched into the wheelhouse. one of them hitting Neptune, knocking him out for the rest of the emergency.

Weiss quickly grabbed the note and read the instructions on it and began ordering the crew to begin attaching the hooks and the ropes to anchor points on the ship.

Meanwhile, on the docks Matthew had gathered all the workmen he could and got ropes that he used an improvised mortar to launch to the ship with hooks attached to them.

hiro had also been attached to a rope. The plan was to pull the ship back to the docks. It was a crazy plan and even Matthew wasn't certain that it would work but they had to try.

what they didn't expect was a news screw to actually be filming this incredible rescue attempt.

They were all waiting for a green signal lamp to be lit or when the ropes became too tight to begin pulling.

“ Okay everyone the moment you see a green light or the rope lifts too much you pull like There's No Tomorrow!”

everybody nodded and hiro gave one long toot on his whistle!

On the ship they had finished attaching all the lines to the ship. Weiss then quickly lit a green signal lamp waving it around hoping that it could be seen through the darkness.

fortunately it did and everybody began pulling. Hiro gave all of his might with his wheels sparking. Everybody began pulling and pulling with all of their might. The ship was being held steady but there weren't enough of them to pull them back.

“ Keep pulling people! lives are at stake!”

Everybody nodded and kept pulling harder and harder. But unfortunately it wasn't enough. They began slipping forward as the ship began pulling them!

Hiro desperately tried to pull back but he was being pulled forward with his wheels spinning in reverse.

Matthew then realised that there weren't enough of them. They needed more!

Meanwhile the news screw began live reporting.

“ Hello everyone I am Glynda Goodwitch Reporting live from Knapford Harbor in this incredibly dangerous storm. We are currently witnessing an incredible rescue attempt which seems to be going wrong!” Glynda Goodwitch shouted over the sounds of the storm. “ A ship a few moments ago was struck by lightning and is currently drifting out to sea. Everybody is attempting a rescue attempt but unfortunately it doesn't seem there are enough of them to do it.”

Everybody was watching the news intently. But one man who saw the news got up and began running out of his home.

Meanwhile back at the docks Matthew and the rest of his team were slowly approaching the edge of the harbour. Everybody tried to pull back but it was no good.

He then quickly closed his eyes hoping for a miracle.

but then suddenly he felt the Rope being pulled back!

as he looked back even more people began grabbing onto it! not just dock workers or railway workers but also normal people!

and it wasn't just them! all the standard gauge engines from all over the island had quickly come to lend their assistance. from the engines sleeping at knapford to the engines working at norramby. even the Earl's private engines came to help.

as Matthew felt everybody pulling back he slowly began making his way back with a lot of strength and a lot of noise.

all the engines had coupled behind Hiro, Alec and Baldwin. the latter two having new ropes attached to them that some people had let go before.

It was a tremendous amount of noise! even the sound of the lightning and thunder couldn't be heard over the massive amount of power being exhibited at that very moment.

And the news crew was getting all of it!

Slowly but surely they were able to pull the ship into Port. the moment it was in they tied it up and everybody went to find shelter.

It was quite difficult for the engines but eventually all of them were able to be safe from the storm.

The next day the storm had passed although there was still a little bit of rain forecast within the next few days.

Everybody was relieved and exhausted.

but the crew and Weiss and aoihi were extremely thankful.

The next day they were in their home relaxing after the excitement of the rescue with Matthew and Ember being there with them.

“ well that was… intense…” Weiss said. she was still trying to cope with the fact that she could have almost died. “ I hope we don't have to go through anything like that again anytime soon.”

“ Don't count on it.” Matthew said with a light chuckle. “ crazier things have happened. especially on this island.”

Aoihi agreed with Matthew. “ yeah you got a point there. Still it's nice to know you got our backs Matthew.”

“ anytime. and by the way I've been quite curious, what was your wedding gift slash inheritance you got from your family in Japan?”

“ a whole bunch of Sakura trees.” he said while drinking some tea to calm his nerves. “ My great grandpa died and he willed me his entire Sakura Tree Farm. and that included over 500 Full grown Sakura trees. It was fortunate they were able to survive the journey since I was taking care of them according to my ancient family traditions. but still I have no idea what I'm going to do with them.”

“Just put them in Henry's Forest.” Ember said bluntly. “ I'm certain the Council wouldn't mind. Plus it would look beautiful. And from what I've heard the forest has once again had some of it destroyed during the storm last night. so it might also be a good thing to cheer Henry up with. plus save the council a lot of money.”

Aoihi considered it for a moment and agreed that it was the best option. but he was going to keep a couple of them in the backyard since there was plenty of space for two or three of them.

“And Matthew, we were able to get you an engine. and a set of coaches.” Weiss explained. “By the way, what exactly did you do to get such a big favour from the Emperor of Japan himself?”

“ I've actually been wondering that myself.” aoihi said as he began stroking his chin. “ from the People's reactions when we explained we were looking for an engine for you it was like you were the goddess Amaterasu herself! what exactly did you do?”

Matthew gently shaked his can before replying.

“Oh I saved the emperor of Japan's children. Then during the war some idiot thought I had stolen the katana blade I had been given for my heroic action. he then got me working on The Thai Burma railway alongside the other Prisoners of War.”

Everybody now looked shocked at Matthew's quite casual like explanation.

“you worked on the death railway!” aoihi shouted, not believing what he was hearing!

“Yeah I did. Only for a short while since I escaped. and let me tell you, those guards never saw me coming.”

“ You never told me you were captured in Japan?” Ember explained having never heard this before.

“ of course you wouldn't have. that information was top secret until a while ago. I was actually a secret operative back during the Second World War. I spent a few years in Germany sabotaging its railway network. And I was known as the mysterious hammer man.”

Weiss' eyes went wide when hearing this. “ You are the hammer man? the man who the German armed forces was never able to capture and the only sign that he had been there was a hammer Mark in a wall?”

Matthew just chuckled. “ That's me. although I must admit they did get close a couple of times. but I guess I played my part of being stupid a little too well.”

Everybody was shocked at the part of Matthew's past that he had just revealed.

“ so… how exactly did you escape? I mean there were hundreds of people there and as far as I'm aware not many of them had the opportunity to escape.”

“ Well I was more physically healthy at the time as we were building the Bridge Over the River Kwai. It was quite an undertaking, let me tell you. but the moment those guards began beating me I fought back. I even threw a couple of them into the river before making my escape.” He then took a sip from his tea. “After that I slowly began making my way to mainland Japan. Unfortunately for Japan, thanks to my escape, they weren't able to bring me in front of the emperor himself so he could apologise and hear me out since I'd hidden the instructions for my mission inside of my blade scabbard. so when the emperor found out that I was there on a peace mission he was Apoplectic and immediately ordered that I'd be retrieved.”

“ Suffice to say they couldn't easily recover you?” ember said as she drank some of her tea. “ Pretty much. I actually slowly made my way to Japan. but it took me years since I had to be extremely careful not to get caught. In fact I think some of my hidden bases are still out there somewhere. probably collapsed after all these years. Still when I returned to the capital of Japan the emperor immediately had the guy who had me arrested brought to me so I could decide his fate.”

“ And who was this guy?” aoihi as he took a sip from his tea.

“ your old friend Theodore Ashwood.”

Aoihi spat out the tea in complete shock.

“ Wait, he was the one who got you captured!”

“pretty much. and don't worry I heard about him killing your father so I decided tip for tat and he was going to be executed. I even requested that the Emperor of Japan witnessed the execution to make sure he didn't escape. In fact I was even allowed to guard him. so yeah he was executed for being a traitor and for causing a lot of problems for Japan.”

Matthew then took another sip from his tea.

“ Unfortunately that whole incident caused a lot of time to be wasted and… well… the atomic bombs dropped before Japan could really consider the surrender proposal I gave them. It was a brutal moment for the emperor. Although he wanted to go out fighting I was able to convince him that if he surrendered he wouldn't be surrendering as a coward but surrendering as a leader. because he couldn't put his own people at risk with those kinds of weapons pointed at them. Fortunately I was able to arrange with the Americans for a more favourable surrender terms. after that I stayed in Japan for a long time. mostly helping to rebuild what was destroyed before coming to sodor a few years ago to take up my position as chief mechanical engineer.”

Everybody was both shocked and intrigued at Matthew's life story up to this point.

After a while of drinking tea all of them made their way to the docks.

Aoihi would be contacting the council to donate the trees to Henry's Forest.

but as the ship was being emptied it was finally time from Matthews Engine to be delivered.

as it was being unloaded Matthew was actually surprised. The engine looked a little bit familiar to him. but he wasn't certain until after the engine and its tender had been unloaded.

“Wait a minute?” Matthew said as he walked up to the engine. “ Is that you Sakura?”

The engine, apparently named Sakura smiled at seeing Matthew.

“ Hello Matthew. It's been quite some time. I am certain you have noticed how different I look.”

“ I certainly did.” Matthew said while chuckling. “ I must admit I like the new look.”

Everybody looked confused until Matthew began explaining things again.

“ I met her back while I was working in Japan. I actually worked alongside her for quite some time back when she was a D52 class. I must admit when I left Japan I never thought I would see her again.” he then turned back towards Sakura. “ I was even the one to give her a name. so yeah it's quite a shock to see her again.”

“It's also good to see you again Matthew. When I Heard your friends were looking for an engine to bring back to sodor I immediately volunteered. I really felt indebted to you since you were the one who gave me my name. so I am more than willing to become part of your fleet of steam locomotives. and the emperor even gave me a set of passenger coaches. by the way he does not consider this paying off his debt to you so your Favour with him still stands.”

Matthew chuckled at hearing this before getting down to business as the coaches began being unloaded.

It was a set of seven coaches.

One JNR Mani61 baggage-car

One JNR SuhaNi31 Combine passenger car.

four JNR Suha32 passenger-car

And finally one JNR Observation car Similar to the one that aoihi had when he first arrived on sodor.

Matthew smiled at the impressive collection of Rolling stock. “ I'm certain I can find a use for all of this. But for now aoihi can you go to Hiro? I need all of this lot to go to the Workshops for a quick inspection to see if there hasn't been any damage done to them. After that I should probably get the preparations going for the Queen's visit.”

Aoihi nodded and went to fetch his engine, who was ecstatic to see him again.

but when he arrived at the docks hiro immediately began blushing at seeing Sakura. Even in her ordinary black paint work she was incredibly beautiful to him.

As he shunted her and her coaches together he didn't say a word being too embarrassed even to come up with one word.

Aoihi notices this and refrains from teasing his engine… until their job was done.

Fortunately after being delivered to the works it was proven that Sakura had no problems. but she would still be in the works for a few more days as she was being repainted in a one of a kind Livery in white With blue and gold accents.

She exited the Works a day before the Queen's arrival. as she passed hiro his entire face went red like a tomato.

Sakura found this incredibly cute. and decided to tease him a little bit more later. But for now she had a job to do.

Meanwhile at Knapford Henry was preparing to leave with a small goods train. He was excited since Charles had chosen him for the royal Train.

Unfortunately for him a painter was standing next to him painting the canopy roof in a beautiful shade of White when a jet of his steam shot up into the sky. This caused the painter to lose his balance and he and the ladder fell down with the paint pot slamming straight onto Henry's dome causing it to go completely white.

Fortunately the painter wasn't hurt having landed on a soft bed of coal…. he had to go to the hospital to make sure he had nothing that was broken.

Meanwhile Charles looked at the damage to Henry's paintwork.

“Well this isn't a pretty picture is it Henry? you look like an iced cake.” Charles said knowing that there was no time to repaint him. “That won't do for the royal Train. I must make other arrangements.”

At that moment he saw Gordon coming in with a small goods train.

“ Gordon, can I have a minute of your time?”

Gordon slowly came to a halt. “ sure sir. what do you want to talk about?”

“ How would you like to pull the Royal train tomorrow?”

“ I would be honoured sir. but surely somebody else can also do that job?”

“while you're the only engine here and I don't really have time to make another decision. your to report directly to barrow in furness and get yourself cleaned and polished. people there will get you equipped with all the fittings required for the royal Train. Edward will clear the line for you and all you have to do is pull the train like a professional.”

Gordon gave a humble smile as he went off to turnaround and headed to the end of the line.

The next day the sun was shining and all the engines were at Knapford awaiting the Queen's arrival.

Edward shortly arrived and began blasting on his whistle and saying that the Queen was arriving.

At that moment Gordon slowly and carefully rolled into the station with an elegant Grace truly worthy of a royal engine.

When the train came to a halt Queen Elizabeth the second stepped out of the coach with Charles standing at attention.

“ Greetings your majesty. Welcome to our humble Island.”

The Queen spoke with elegance and grace.

“ It is a great honour to come onto your island sir. I've heard many things about your island and the railway that serves it. I can also see you have quite the diverse fleet of engines here.”

She looked towards all of the engines that were at Knapford. pretty much every single standard gauge steam engine on sodor was there. Even Tommy had been brought down by illustrious who gave the Queen a smile.

“ Still even without such a large fleet I think you can do with an extra one if you don't mind?”

“ Not at all your majesty. The more the merrier as they say.”

“then I hope you'll enjoy this.” the queen said as another Pacific slowly made its way down the line and stopped next to Gordon.

“This is one of the British railway standard steam locomotives. the standard class 6. This is the original prototype machine named after the warrior clan that lives on this island. clan McIntosh. I hope you will make her feel at home.”

“ We will your majesty.” Charles said as he began introducing the Queen to all of the engines. including Henry with his paint pot stain still over his Dome. which made the queen giggle especially after hearing how it happened.

She did spend a little bit more time with Thomas since she had heard about him thanks to the railway series.

When it was time to depart the Queen truly got a sodor farewell as all of the engines blew their whistles As she Departed.

but little did they know that the Queen would play a big part in their future.

but my dear readers as the story has already gone long enough I'm going to cut it here. because what happened next is a story for another day.

Chapter 51: The figures of godred.

One night Tommy was handling a late night freight train. This was actually very uncommon for him. Normally He wouldn't be out near midnight. especially since he had heard that some unpleasant people were in the woods next to the railway.

He had never encountered them and never planned to but hoped if he did he could get away as quickly as possible.

as he traveled the line he remembered the Queen's recent visit. It had only been two weeks since she had visited but still the whole island was still talking about it like it happened yesterday.

He felt incredibly honoured that the Queen even spoke to him.

still he hoped she would be around for a long time. and hoped that she would come again.

as he travelled past Abbey there was a very thick Forest. This was the area where those unpleasant people usually hung out.

Tommy was extra careful. He didn't want to mess with people that spent a lot of time in the forest.

but as he approached The end of the forest Something darted across the tracks very quickly. He couldn't see what it was but for some reason rose petals were everywhere.

He also swore he could hear somebody reprimanding someone for being reckless.

“ That's odd?” he thought. “ Maybe I'm seeing things because I'm tired? yeah that's probably it.”

he said as he began making his way to peel godred. The late night delivery was building materials for the Railway Museum.

The museum had been planned out. The idea was to create multiple different hall’s representing different era’s of the railways. with one grand hall in the centre. big enough to hold at least one of the larger tender engines like Illustrious or Snowy alongside seven coaches with a turntable at the very end that people could walk on which would lead the engines into the different halls.

The turntable would be big enough so that engines like Sparky and Darby could shunt these one of the locomotives into their proper halls.

There would also be an outdoor eating area as well as an indoor one where the people could eat next to the locomotives. but the outdoor area was reserved for Henry and Eleanor.

Jenny Packard had been hired to begin the construction. most of the foundations had been laid. All they really needed now was a ton of brick, tracks and metal girders.

Matthew intended the Railway Museum to have somewhat of an engine shed like feel but also a more modern approach to construction.

with the front of it having a lot of glass panes so the engines could look outside and not feel like they were trapped in some building.

Fortunately an extra siding has been installed to leave all the materials on.

so as he approached he could see the very familiar place where he needed to drop off the supplies.

but to his surprise he could see what appeared to be Matthew looking at the foundations. but there was something different about him.

He had some kind of weird outfit on and had two hammers strapped to his sides.

“ Hey Matthew!” Tommy called out to him. “ What are you doing here? weren't you supposed to be at crovan's Gate?”

the person that looked like Matthew froze for a second before running into the forest next to the station.

Tommy was extremely confused now. His driver Hadn't seen any of this and just thought that his engine was delirious from being up for so long.

as they used the run round loop and began heading down the line Tommy kept thinking about what he had seen.

“ why would Matthew run into the forest? and what was he doing up here anyway?”

Tommy then suddenly noticed something as they were running out of the forest again. It looked like a man in a sort of metal armour. but like everything else it disappeared into the forest.

Tommy was really confused at this point.

“ Okay I must be delirious from having so little sleep. there's no way I just saw that. it's all in my imagination.”

He kept telling himself this as he finally made his way back to the shed at the junction station.

The next morning he woke up slowly and did some shunting around the small yard. That's when he noticed Matthew walking To him

“great job Tommy. you're really adjusting to your new environment well.”

“ Thank you Matthew.” Tommy said, beaming with pride. “ By the way, were you at the museum site last night?”

“ What do you mean by that?” Matthew asked, looking confused.

“ Well I saw you come up to the museum site last night. you did have some weird hammers strapped to your hips.”

Matthew now looks extremely confused. “ Okay Tommy, but I Wasn't there last night. I was too busy finalising the plans for the narrow gauge railway connection to the museum.”

Now it was Tommy's turn to look confused. “ Okay but I also saw you at the museum site… you know what Matthew Forget it. I probably imagined it. just like I imagine that blue, red and yellow figure in the woods. I was probably tired out of my mind.”

“ Well that can happen.” Matthew said with a chuckle. “ Just make sure you call any other strange behaviour that could be a danger to the operations on the branch line.”

“ We'll do Matthew.” Tommy said as he continued his shunting.

he was thinking that he was right and was probably all in his imagination.

but over the next couple of days he kept seeing things.

He could see Matthew at the museum site and at the site of the culdee fell engine sheds.

But that wasn't the only thing.

He could see many figures moving around the place with them.

They all looked familiar but he didn't know these people.

One was a black-haired girl with red tips. He particularly remembered her because she threatened him with what looked to be a giant scythe? and she disappeared in flower petals.

Another one was a white-haired woman with blue eyes that looked very familiar to how the yard master at knapford was described.

Along with this white-haired woman was a man who looked similar to Aoihi. only with a scar over his right eye.

Then there was a black haired woman with what looked to be cat ears on her head. with a blonde-haired woman with some kind of a metal arm.

Tommy constantly justified this stuff saying that he was probably not getting a good night's sleep.

But one day about a week after the strange things began happening Tommy saw Matthew alongside a whole bunch of other people standing next to him on the platform waiting for his train.

“ Hello everyone.” Tommy said looking a bit confused. “ What brings you all here?”

“ We came here because of all these visions you have been getting.” Blake said as she was patting one of her cats.” They remarkably resemble us. although I don't have cat ears. “ she then puts her cat in front of her face. “ although I would love to be part cat. they're just so cute!”

“ anyway.” Yang interjected, rolling her eyes at her now wife’s behaviour. “ We are going to stop at the place where they're most active and camp out there and see if we can find anything. and if we do find something we're going to… make sure they're not here to threaten anyone.”

Yang said this while punching her fists together.

Tommy wasn't certain that this would work but decided to help them out anyway.

After dropping them off at Kirk machan He went back to his shed.

as he travelled back down the line he couldn't help but wonder what was going on.

As he reached his shed and gently began falling asleep he didn't Notice as the railway tracks underneath him began glowing in a bright blue.

The next morning Tommy returned to pick them up.

but as he arrived he noticed that everybody was smiling.

“ Is everything okay with you guys? Did you find out what caused the strange Occurrences?”

“We did.” Weiss said with a smile on her face. “ But you don't have to worry this won't happen again.”

“ and why won't it?” Tommy asks with a raised eyebrow.

“ some things are better left unsaid.” Ruby said as she was chomping down on a cookie.

Tommy decided to go along with this and took them back down to the main line station.

After which he continued working along his branch line. like they told him no more weird occurrences happened and eventually he forgot all about them.

and he didn't really need to figure it out. because some things are better left on said.”

that night aoihi and weiss were in their home having just finished dinner.

As Weiss was the dinner plates aoihi was Cleaning his swords alongside Weiss's rapier.

Weiss Was done and was about to put the dishes away when she was frightened by something at their glass sliding doors.

Aoihi immediately ran up with one of his swords in his hands ready to defend his wife.

only to relax as a pale blue eyed and white-haired ghostly figure waved at him from behind the glass door.

Weiss meanwhile had fallen on the floor. she looked extremely confused at how Casual her husband was being about this.

“ Why are you not scared that there is a ghost in our backyard?”

“ well.” aoihi began. “ It's quite an interesting story.”

The End. Happy Halloween.

Chapter 52: Sakura Clan

It had been about 2 months since the Queen's visit and things were changing around The Island.

With the arrival of two extra engines the work around the railway became much easier.

Sakura helped out cardean with some of the boat trains and stopping Passenger Services along the main line.

But she would also run trains to Great waterton so Snowy could focus more on the freight that needed to go in and out of the town.

She enjoyed this line of work. She especially loved running through Henry's Forest with the Sakura trees being planted everywhere.

Fortunately this new species introduced to sodor would not interfere with the previous plant growth so there would be no fighting over resources from the trees.

Henry was especially happy with this.

The trees looked absolutely beautiful and he and Eleanor could spend hours on their special little Siding admiring their beauty.

but although Sakura was fitting in well the same couldn't be said for Clan McIntosh.

“Come on! work with me here!”

She was having a harder time to adjust. She was currently desperately trying to pull a train of vans out of a siding.

their constant giggling at their prank made her mood even worse as they had slipped their brakes on.

“ Come on! I don't have time for this!”

The trucks just giggled and then slipped their breaks off. This Caused her to shoot forward and almost knock her driver and Fireman off their feet.

She quickly came to a halt and glared at the vans.

“ You guys are real pieces of work, you know that?”

The vans only chuckled.

“ you know I could give you some pointers if you're having trouble with the trucks?” unicorn said as she was attached to her own train of vans.

but despite her kind offer the standard class 6 just rolled her eyes.

“ I don't need help from an old war relic. Now let me do my job!”

with a lot of steam she began puffing out of the yards with the trucks still giggling behind her.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the yard waiting for their own trains to pass their inspections , Sakura and Hiro watch the interaction.

“She really does have an attitude about her, does she?” hiro said as he watched the standard class six puff out of the yards.

“ be patient with her.” Sakura said with a patient smile. “ She's only three years old and feels like she has a lot to prove. After all she does have bigger siblings.”

“ You mean the standard class 7’s? I do hear that they are quite reliable.”

“ and I have heard in my short time here that her class has many problems due to their rushed construction. She probably has some self-esteem issues from that. especially since her class quite directly replaced another class in service.”

Hiro was always surprised at Sakura’s very analytical mind. She could deduce a lot about other engines just by spending a few moments around them. and that's to say not even talking with them. She has a complete understanding of the personality of an engine just by looking and listening. It was impressively scary.

“ So you think she has some self-esteem issues?”

Sakura gave him a smile. “ I know it. She wants to prove herself that she can be a great engine. maybe even as great as the standard sevens. and that will ultimately lead to her having an accident.”

“ And why do you think that?”

Sakura now looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “You do remember that we are on the island of sodor right? this island is Notorious for its railway accidents.”

hiro wanted to say something but realised that she had a point.

After that the two Japanese engines went off with their trains.

Sakura had to take a small train to Wellsworth. Ironically Clan McIntosh Was there too. She was picking up some wagons from Edwards branch line. as Edward was shunting them to the back of her train he once again tried to suggest he helped her with her truck problem.

but just like with Unicorn she brushed him off and as soon as her brake van was attached she hurriedly puffed away.

Edward looked a bit concerned as Sakura carefully and gently rolled into the yard.

“ You are concerned about them aren't you?”

Edward looked at the female Japanese engine and let out a deep sigh from his cylinders.

“ Yes. She reminds me too much of James. I don't want her to have so many accidents to the point that she's mentally broken.”

Sakura just smiled and gave the Old engine a chuckle.

“ Don't worry. Her ego is a lot more fragile than James was. It will only take one accident for her to hit her low.”

Edward now looked confused at the C62 With a raised eyebrow.

“ How do you know that for certain?”

Sakura closed her eyes and smiled as she was gently reversing to drop off her wagons.

“ I've always been observing. I could see the tiniest detail in a person's or engine's personality. Sometimes they say I can predict the future. but to be honest nobody held that power. it all due to personal experiences that have either been shared to me or I have lived through.”

Edward now looked extremely confused.

“And what exactly do you mean by that?”

Sakura just continued to smile as she went off Light engine back to Knapford to collect her passenger coaches.

Meanwhile Edward tried calling out to her again wanting an answer. only for his partner to come up next to him and chuckle.

“ You know dear you're never going to get an answer out of her. She is as mysterious as fog.”

“ Yes Tara. Still, it would be nice to know what's going through her head. out of all the new engines that have ever arrived on sodor she is kind of an Enigma to us. I mean she likes to keep so much of her past hidden. The only thing I know about her is that she was named by Matthew and got herself rebuilt from a mercado into a Hudson. That's it. She really likes keeping her cards to her chest.”

“ Sometimes dear, that's the best thing to do. She'll reveal things at her own time and pace. Besides, I think she's pretty cool.”

Edward just rolled his eyes and went back to shunting.

Sakura wasn't wrong. Clan McIntosh constantly tried her best with the trucks only to always end up being late or short of steam thanks to having to work harder.

and one day it finally came to a head.

She was placed in charge of a coal train that had to go to vicarstown.

Unfortunately Katie was having her wheels retired after some flat spots had developed. Fortunately She would be back the next day as Matthew had already prepared a new set of tires well ahead of time. but she would not be available for this coal run.

She was once again having trouble getting started as the trucks slipped on their brakes and did the exact same trick as the vans did.

“ Can you guys stop doing that!” she shouted as the trucks just continued to giggle. “ I am in absolutely no mood to deal with your nonsense!”

The trucks only giggled.

“ will give her nonsense alright.”

finally she was off and leaving the yards.

Meanwhile, Sakura volunteered to be the relief for the day. but she had volunteered for the role because of one particular reason.

because an hour and a half later an emergency call came in. She didn't need to be told what happened as she got the breakdown crane and made her way to the accident site.
She arrived at Marin to see that the entire Coal Train had derailed with the coal flying everywhere. Fortunately Clan McIntosh was still on the rails and didn't look to be damaged.

but she was completely covered in coal and coal dust.

As Sakura carefully chuffed next to her she could see that she was silently crying. so the Japanese C62 didn't say anything as she carefully cleaned up the mess.

A couple of hours later she was bringing the still crying class 6 to crovens gate works to get an inspection done on her to see if anything was damaged.

“You know it's not your fault that the trucks derailed.”

Sakura said in a sweet and calm tone. But Clan McIntosh still continued to cry.

“ Yes it is! I let them get the better of me! I'm so embarrassed and… tired…”

“ tired of constantly trying to prove yourself that you're as good as the standard class 7s?”

Clan McIntosh now looked shocked! she had never told anybody this. But before she could ask Sakura Answered her question.

“ I've learned to read engines and people like their open books. but I really didn't need to read you to understand how you were feeling. I kind of felt the same way years ago.”

“And why would that be?” Clan McIntosh asked as they passed through Henry's Forest.

the recently planted Sakura trees looked absolutely beautiful and gave a very calm and relaxing atmosphere.

“ Well.” Sakura began. “ back in my homelands in Japan I was first built around 1945 and I was… pretty young and stupid. I also wanted to make a name for myself as I was just known by my number which I have sadly forgotten.”

Clan McIntosh looked a bit confused about this. Engines would normally forget their numbers. But she decided not to ask more about that.

(PS the reason I am not saying Sakura's original number is because I don't know what her original number would have been as a D52 class. If you do know then please send me a comment.)

“I was desperately trying to do anything to stand out for my siblings. but sadly I really didn't. no matter what I did I was never able to distinguish myself from my sisters and brothers.

That was until Matthew came into my life. He took a liking to me. He listened to me and was quite the good conversation partner. He actually understood that I was looking for a way to distinguish myself so he suggested a name.

Unfortunately we couldn't come up with one right away so we put a pin in the conversation and went back to work.

but one day he noticed me sitting on a siding that overlooked a Valley full with blossoming Sakura trees.

He said he noticed that I… looked to be in a trance when I looked at these trees. and I told him that I just loved looking at these trees. They're simple beauty really inspired me every single day of my life.

so he decided to name me after the trees that I love so much.”

Clan McIntosh smiled at hearing the story. “ So you finally found a way to distinguish yourself from your siblings.”

“ Yes. I had a name and I was incredibly grateful to Matthew. and after he left I began looking at more than just the trees. I began looking at people and engines and how they interacted with the world. and from that I developed the observant personality you see today. Even when I was rebuilt as a C62 I still felt unique from my siblings. And I guess that's what you're looking for in your life.”

Clan McIntosh looked down at her buffer Beam. “ you hit the nail right on the head. Me and my siblings are always being compared to the Britannia's. We often are put on the same type of trains as they would be. only for us not to be able to handle it. So when I was brought here I really wanted to make a name for myself and my class. but I only succeeded in making a fool of myself. The others are certainly going to laugh at me.”

“not necessarily.” Sakura said as she was smiling towards the young engine. “ every single engine on this island has had at least one accident. They tell me it's some kind of an initiation thing. I mean I had my first accident when a box full of fish accidentally broke open and landed on my tender. it was quite embarrassing but at least my crew got this so-called fish and chips I've heard about.”

Clan McIntosh chuckled. Sakura was happy to see the Pacific smile.

When they arrived at crovens gate works the two of them were surprised to see that Matthew was nowhere to be seen. Instead it was Oscar who greeted them.

“ Thank you Sakura for bringing Clan McIntosh here. We'll get on the inspection straight away.”

Sakura smiled as she switched tracks to be on the track next to Clan McIntosh.

“ It's good to be of service Oscar. But where's Matthew? I was expecting to see him here.”

“ as was I to be honest.” Clan McIntosh said, also looking as confused as the Hudson next to her.

Oscar just gave a quick shrug. “ Apparently the Queen forgot to give the design drawings for the standard class 6 over to us when you were given to us Clan McIntosh. so he is currently at the crew works trying to get the blueprints. He should be back in a couple of days.”

The two engines understood. After saying their goodbyes Sakura went to work doing the jobs that Clan McIntosh was supposed to be doing for the rest of the day.

Meanwhile Matthew had just arrived at crew works and was being guided towards the office where Robert Riddles himself was currently doing some paperwork.

After a polite knock he let them in.

“ Mr warbler. It's quite a pleasure to see you. I've heard quite a lot about you.”

Matthew smiled as he took a seat opposite from the desk Robert Riddles was sitting at.

“ only good things I hope.”

“ quite. I heard you were able to improve remembrance's rough riding at speed by reconverting her into a Hudson.”

“ yeah I did that.” Matthew said, leaning back in his chair. “ but I did keep her as a tender engine since the tanks would have added extra weight on top that she didn't need. plus it allowed me to utilize the Corridor tender building for Gordon. Anyway I'm actually here to pick up the plans for the standard class 6 you designed.”

Robert begins stroking his chin. “Those plans? weren't you given a copy when 72001 was gifted to you by our Queen?”

Matthew shrugged and shook his head. “ nope. so I came all this way to get my hands on them. That is if you don't mind giving me a copy.”

Robert gently got up from his chair with a smile. “ Certainly not Matthew. I'll gladly give you a copy.”

as Robert went to find a copy of the design drawings in the filing cabinets Matthew Noticed a blueprint for a big Pacific locomotive With three cylinders.

“ Hey Robert.” Matthew shouted over. “ Is this the blueprint for the standard class 8?”

Robert looked back as he had found the plans Matthew came for. “ Yes, those are the plans for the Duke of Gloucester.”

“ Well then.” Matthew said this as he was looking over the plans. “ This is a mighty impressive locomotive. although why build it with three cylinders since I'm certain British railways only allows you to build locomotives with two cylinders.”

“because to reach the power classification of eight I needed more power. So I decided to use the Caprotti valve gear since it is a great piece of technology. I even used puppet valves for it. This way the maintenance could be downed compared to other forms of valve gear.”

“ Well then. This must be quite the impressive locomotive.”

At this Robert riddles let out a deep sigh.

“ You would think that but it's not.”

“ And why is that?” Matthew asked with a raised eyebrow. “From the design drawings it would be an amazing engine.”

“Yes, from the design drawings. but unfortunately the real engine has several flaws. primarily of which is a huge choke area due to the incorrect blast pipe having been installed. You see, I was supposed to have a Kylchap blastpipe installed to handle the fierce exhaust from the valve gear. Unfortunately instead of paying the extra money to have that blast pipe be built they fitted a standard Swindon one in. which is causing the choke area. causing the engine to underperform.”

“Have you tried performing any other modifications?”

“haven't been allowed by the board. They've already been considering dieselization for a while and they don't want to spend any more money on it than they already have. Heck they didn't want me to build a power class 8 Pacific. but we needed one after the terrible accident at Harrow and Wealdstone. So after years of me trying to convince them they finally allowed me to build one. and it turned out to be a big flop. I know that engine has untapped potential but the British railway board doesn't want me to spend any more money on it.”

Matthew could see that Robert wasn't really happy with this. as he looked at the plans an idea came to his head.

“Then how about I build one?”

Robert looked taken aback at hearing this. “ You seriously want to build a standard class 8 for the north western railway? I figured you already had enough big Express engines.”

“not for the northwestern railway.” Matthew chuckled. “ I want to build one for myself. Of course I already have a couple of power class Eights under my belt but having a standard might actually be a good thing. plus I'm willing to invest my own money into making the engine of your dreams. heck if you want you can even come down to crovens Gate and help me Build it.”

Robert looked extremely confused and bewildered.

“You seriously want to build another standard class 8? even after hearing all of the problems I'm having with them?”

Matthew just chuckled as he pulled the plans up and showed them to him. “ That's because they didn't follow the plans. Plus I think I can make a few of my own personal improvements on the design while still sticking to it. plus I'm certain the NWR board of directors wouldn't really mind me working on another passion Project. especially since I do pay to use the works for my own personal projects. at a very reduced price.”

Robert still couldn't believe that this was actually happening but decided that there was no point arguing with Matthew.

“ Well since the plans are not going to be used to build any other members of the class. then it might be best for you to have them in your hands. and if you are willing to build a standard class 8 to the original blueprints I wonder how good it will actually be. because I have heard that you can work miracles.”

Matthew smiled as the two men continued to discuss certain aspects of this new engine.

but as for what the engine would be like, well you're going to have to wait until 1955.

I need a drink.

Chapter 53: A great western arrival and the rise of the Duke

It was currently February of 1955. A lot had happened in the previous year. such as Mrs kindly rescuing Thomas from a landslide by stopping him even though she was feeling unwell.

They all thanked her with a big Christmas party at Tidmouth sheds with her as the guest of Honor.

but now that the festivities were over the board held its first meeting of the year.

“ Well everyone, welcome to our first meeting of the year. I know it's a bit late but with all of us being so busy it was kind of hard to organize this.”

Charles looked over towards the rest of the board who just Nodded along.

“ Anyway the first subject on our list is the reopening of the old Harbor at Tidmouth.”

“ Yes, so we can alleviate some of the stress put on Knapford harbor .” Jonathan said as he looked over the paperwork. “ and according to the reports that Matthew has given us things are proceeding on schedule. even though we are having Percy be scheduled to work there. why didn't you supply one of your own locomotives, Matthew?”

Matthew was taking a drink from his can before he answered. “ because I already have Darby working at Vickerstown and Sunny at knapford. it would have been extremely difficult to justify putting either one of them on the job. especially since we don't have a permanent station pilot up here yet. especially after Thomas and Timothy got promoted to operate that branch line of theirs.”

the board muttered in agreement.

“ You have a point Matthew. not only about why your engines cannot help but that we do need a more permanent solution to the station pilot situation here.” Steve says as he looks over to Charles. “ The trains have recently begun running a little bit later because the tank engines are either busy somewhere else or currently having their maintenance be done like with Howard and Tanya at the moment. Sunny is also doing all she can but she also has to juggle shunting in knapford yard as well. I do think it's time we get a more permanent solution.”

“ and that's why I had Matthew here negotiate to get a station pilot from British railways on the mainland.” he gestured over to Matthew before continuing to speak. “ and from what he has told me this engine has a lot of experience in station piloting. so at least we know knapford will be in good hands.”

the board began muttering in agreement at this again before they all turned towards Matthew.

“How is the progress in the Works?” Jonathan asked. “ How are the projects going?”

Matthew smiled as he brought out some paperwork. “ The secret project is going along at a steady pace. but to be quite frank, what I was given really didn't leave me with a lot of options and I'm still contacting people to help me out in areas that I don't have experience with yet. As for the overhaul of Howard and Tanya, that's also a bit of bad news.”

“ How so?” Jonathan asked with a raised eyebrow. “We scheduled their maintenance like usual.”

“ Well there were a few more undetected faults that we are currently working out.” Matthew said as he went over the paperwork. “ Fortunately the problems aren't severe enough that it will impact the deadline too much. we'll only have to extend them a day or two.”

“ That's good to hear Matthew.” Charles said, stroking his chin. “ And how is velvet doing? It's been quite a while since I've heard of her.”

“well… that's also a bit of bad news.” Matthew said, scratching the back of his head. “ I've been experimenting in giving her a diesel engine that fits your specifications Charles. Unfortunately I'm a steam engineer. I don't really know much about diesels at the moment. although I am asking people in America if they could Lend their expertise. Especially since I'm struggling in building an engine that's powerful enough but compact enough.”

“ Well if you think these people can help then I don't mind you getting some extra expertise in. but I am also curious about your little extra project on the side you've been doing. how is that coming along?”

Matthew smiled at hearing this. He was very excited to tell them.

“ It's done! We have already completed her trials during the night and she will be ready for service tomorrow.”

“That's good to hear.” Steve said. “ although I am a bit disappointed that you didn't give it more fanfare that you have completed a new engine. I mean you didn't even do a big ceremony for Hudson’s completion or remembrance’s Rebuild.”

Matthew just chuckled. “ Well, I am not really into those big showcases. plus the engine that's currently finished isn't really a class people associate with big success. but during testing she has given promising results. I cannot wait to see how she would actually do in a real working environment.”

“As would I.” Charles said as the meeting continued.

The next day sunny was shunting inside of the yard. She had just arranged a set of plank wagons filled with bricks for Percy to take down to the Tidmouth Harbor reconstruction project when she heard Weiss talking to someone.

“ This must be that new engine Charles was talking about last week.” she thought as she began rolling towards the conversation. She was more than happy to welcome a new engine to the island. but unfortunately this new engine was all too familiar to her.

as she approached the two of them having their conversation she saw that the engine looked remarkably similar to her. The only differences were this engine had round Cab Windows instead of her more square ones. He also had extended sandboxes to hold more sand and had the number 5741 On its number plate.

When Weiss noticed her it was already too late for her to run away.

“ Ah, Sunny, it's good to see you here. now if you don't mind I would like to introduce the new-”

“ What are you doing here, duck!” Sunny shouted with frustration.

The engine, apparently named duck, just smiled at her. “ Hello there, sonny. it's good to see you again. and I see you've been repainted into a proper great western Green. although you might want to change out that logo for a proper Great Western One.”

Sunny just glared at Duck. “ I am perfectly fine with having my owner's Insignia on my side, Montague. And you haven't answered my question! what are you doing here?”

“oh I'm to be the new station pilot for knapford. you know the western region sent me here thanks to my immense experience as a station pilot at Paddington. although knapford is nowhere near the size of Paddington. but it will do. Anyway, are there any other Great Western locomotives on this island? If so , I would love to meet them.”

“ no.” Sunny said as she began puffing away.

Sunny immediately went back to work for the rest of the day shunting around the yard trying to stay away from Duck as best as she could.

Unfortunately she did see him quite a lot of times when he was putting coaches into the yards. and he began Doing Things the Great Western Way the moment he began working. Unfortunately this did mess up the system they had before.

Many engines found it hard to get used to the way the station was being handled. because it was very awkward for them and not really as efficient as the previous system they had.

That evening all the engines were in Tidmouth sheds. and all of them were complaining about Duck.

“ I understand he wants to do things his way but quite frankly putting some of my articulated coaches onto other trains because it was more “ efficient” really wasn't a bright idea.” Gordon said as he had to pull one of his Express trains with only half of his regular coaches. The others had been split over the whole railway and it would take him days to get them all back.

“ I understand how you feel.” Timothy said as he also had a bad experience with duck. “he gave me some of the old branch line coaches rather than Claudia and Anise. I had to run around my train, wasting precious time that I didn't have. and then he has the nerve to say that I'm 8 seconds late!”

“ Well normally I don't like talking badly about a newcomer but it was kind of idiotic to put timothy's coaches on my train because they were bigger and could hold more passengers.” Edward said, looking equally annoyed. “ My branch line isn't even that busy in terms of passenger work.”

“ That's true. my brother needed his auto coaches more than you did Edward. I mean Timothy didn't even get a chance to explain that they were auto coaches. all he said was that it was the Great Western Way or the wrong way.” Thomas explained as all the engines had heard that phrase all day.

“I see why you don't like that particular sibling of yours sunny” Eleanor said she also had the wrong coaches for her train Thanks to duck.

“Yeah, he used to work at Paddington back on the mainland. He was an absolute nightmare there! He always had to do things the Great Western Way! and every single engine was sick of it! we understand he's only trying to do his job and we should cut him some slack because it is his first day but still he needs to learn to do things in different ways.” Sunny said as all the engines agreed.

“It's good that Ron and Remy are undergoing their overhauls currently Along with Ashley Manor.” Tara said as she was listening to all the engines complain about their new station pilot.

at that moment the duck entered the sheds.

“evening all.” he said as he began turning on the turntable and stopped next to the Sunny.

“ Well it's good to be in a Shed together again sister. It's been quite a while since we've spoken to each other.”

Sunny didn't say anything. She just wanted to go to sleep when a chime whistle came from outside.

“Who was that?” Remembrance asked as nobody recognized that whistle.

Soon a big Pacific locomotive rolled into the sheds. She was absolutely massive! She looked very similar to Clan McIntosh. She was only bigger and had a weird long stick attached to her cylinders With a small block of a yellow dot connected to her wheels. She also had the number 71001 On her cab side and the name “ Duke of Crosby” bolted to her smoke Deflectors.

The engine looked around nervously at all the other engines as she noticed all of their eyes on her.

“hello. My name is Duke of Crosby but you may call me Cross if you want?” the engine said nervously as all the eyes were still on her.

Everybody was extremely confused at her size and weird stuff hanging off her sides. but that's when Clan McIntosh realized what she was.

“ You're a standard class 8 aren't you?”

“ Yes I am.” Cross replied with a small smile. “ and you must be the standard class six I've heard about. the one who got covered in coal and coal dust?”

Clan McIntosh blush remembering that. “ Yeah, that's me. I was a bit too foolish with my trucks and they got away from me. but I'm trying to get better. but enough of me I want to know more about you. from what I recall there was only one standard class 8 built.”

“ Are you talking about my brother the Duke of Gloucester?”

“ yeah! I heard he was going to be the only member of his class.”

“ Well that was until I decided to build her.”

Everybody looked to see Matthew climbing out of her cab with a big smile on his face.

“When I went to get the plans for your class Clan McIntosh I talked with Robert Riddles and eventually we decided that I would build another class 8 Pacific. but I did make several improvements over the original design. but I shall not bore you with the details. I have to go home. Ember is waiting for me at home and I have something big planned for her and I do not want to be late.”

Matthew immediately ran out of the sheds Getting on board of willamina and racing back to crovan's gate backwards.

After he left Hudson looked at the new engine.

“ Matthew is really crazy sometimes. By the way, my name is Hudson. I was actually built by Matthew as well.”

“ really?” Cross asked with curiosity in her voice. “ He built you as well?”

“ Yes he did. although I was originally just a set of frames moving around the South of England. Apparently I was supposed to be built back at Brighton with the rest of my class. but thanks to circumstances that never happened. so I was moved from yard to yard collecting dust and Rust. at least until Matthew found me and finished my construction. and I'm so grateful for that.”

“I am also glad he did.” Remembrance said as she joined the conversation. “ By the way my name is remembrance. I was named in honor of the 532 Men who died from the London Brighton and South Coast railway in the First World War. I'm also Hudson's sister.”

“ Well it's great to meet you Remembrance. but why are you A Tender engine and Hudson a tank engine?”

“ Well because I was rebuilt back during the 30s into an n15x. which gave me many many flaws. Fortunately Matthew was able to purchase me thanks to the quite frankly stupidness of British Railways back on the mainland. So to help fix some of my problems Matthew rebuilt me back into a Hudson. and now I work for him here on the island as well as do the occasional trip down to the mainland. but mostly I stay here on the island.”

“ That's very interesting.” cross said.

Remembrance Chuckled and then notice Thomas and Lady talking to each other and an idea came into her head.

“ you know since you're technically built by Matthew as well doesn't that make you our sibling?”

Everybody went silent at this as Cross actually began considering this. “ Well if Hutson was built by Matthew and I'm built by Matthew then in a way that could make us siblings.”

hearing that Remembrance shouted over to Thomas. “ Hey Dad, you have a new daughter! And I definitely think she inherited some of moms looks!”

everybody began chuckling as Thomas once again blushed deeply.

“Remembrance she isn't even of the same designer. yes he was built by Matthew but-”

“ Well technically she was built by Matthew as Hudson was. so that definitely makes her your cousin or niece. or daughter if you really want to be technical about that. And that technically means both me, illustrious and clan McIntosh are also your family.” Unicorn Said with a cheeky smile

“ Oh god.” Thomas said He could feel his smoke box hurting from all this information. Unfortunately for him his daughter wasn't willing to let this little thing go.

“ So guess you're now an uncle as well. or do you want us all to call you dad instead? you know us and your adopted children.”

Thomas didn't say anything as he didn't want to make anything worse. Lady on the other hand smiled.

“ Well, I don't mind. but please stop calling us Mom and Dad. it makes me feel really old.”

Hudson now joined in at hearing this. “ But Mom, you are 41 years old and dad is 40 years old. You guys are old.”

all the engines chuckled at hearing this. fortunately Timothy decided not to join in on the teasing.

Unfortunately for everyone, Duck decides to finally speak up.

“ Well this is all really ridiculous. just because you share the same Builder doesn't automatically make you a family.”

Sunny now rolled her eyes. “ Funny because we're both 5700s but you were built at The north British locomotive works while I was built at Swindon. so technically that doesn't make us siblings either.”

“ That's different.” duck said as he began looking annoyed at Sunny. “ we're both members of the exact same class and that makes it different. Besides, even if I wasn't built in Swindon I still do things the great western way and not the wrong way.”

Everybody Groaned hearing this except for Cross who just raised her eyebrow at this.

“ that sounds… as a really narrow view of doing things. I may only have been around for a week but I know there are different ways of doing things.”

Duck raised an eyebrow at the young Pacific. “ that may be so. but I don't think you should have much to talk about. I mean if I recall your brother really doesn't perform that well. I mean he can barely keep up to the time table of the trains he has been given.”

Cross looked a bit sad after hearing this. She knew that her class didn't have the best reputation, especially with everything her brother was going through. but that's when sunny finally had a smile on her face.

“ Actually, dear Montague, one of the reasons the Duke of Gloucester isn't performing so well is because of a Swindon issue. The double blast Pipes installed on him can't handle the fierce exhaust Beat of his Caprotti valve gear. so technically the reason he's failing is partly due to a great western issue.”

Duck looked incredibly embarrassed at hearing this. “ well.. That's… you know… it still doesn't prove anything!”

“ it actually does.” Timothy said. “ The Great Western Way isn't always the right way of doing things. all railways have their own way of doing things which make them unique from each other. and there's no point in trying to take down anybody else here because everybody has flaws. I mean isn't your class known for having water capacity issues?”

“and the fact that you have to be at 7:00 on your wheels for your driver to reach the oiling points?” Thomas now jumped in.

“ and your class's root availability isn't as high as many other tank engines.” Lady now spoke up.

“ Plus like my class you're not exactly Sure Footed on Hills.” James said as he joined in the conversation.

and now it was Edwards turned to do the same. “Plus your bunker didn't really perfectly line up with the Great Western loading shoots so coal could often be wasted.”

all the engines smiled as ducks problems were now being laid forward. but unfortunately Duck did not keep his mouth shut.

 

“That may be so but her class has had nothing but problems ever since they were introduced. and I am certain that she will have the same problems as her brother.”

“I don't know.” Cross said as she began explaining things. “ Many modifications have been done to me to make me more efficient than my brother. My firebox dampers have been widened and some modifications to the firebox itself have been done. I have been given spheroidal graphite iron cylinders, I have the Kylchap blast pipe installed and many other features. so I definitely think I have a chance as a reliable engine.”

Duck just scoffed. “ Well, we'll see about that tomorrow. I'm supposed to give you a 20 coach passenger train to be taken down the West Coast Main Line to crewe. Let's see how good you are then.”

all the engines now looked a bit curious and worried towards the newcomer. This would be a massive undertaking for any engine. especially since the West Coast Main Line was very well known for its many ups and downs in its terrain.

but Cross was determined to prove Duck wrong.

The next day Duck shunted the coaches ready for Crosse’s first train. And he was grumbling all the while.

“ I don't understand what is so special about her. She's just a Pacific. nothing like the grand Kings And Castles back on the Great Western.”

“ Well she's only one of two members of her class Montague. that does make her unique." Sunny says as she shunted Hudson's dining train coaches ready on platform 5.

“ Besides, you should focus on making a better impression on the other engines. they don't really appreciate being forced to use the Great Western way of doing things.”

Duck looked taken aback at hearing this. “ How dare you even say that! you're a great western engine too you know!”

“ yes.” Sunny says as she was slowly puffing away to collect some wagons for James’s goods train down to norranby. “ But I am not obsessing over it brother. and if you're going to work in my yards then you better get to learn that. I've already had enough of a headache getting all of Gordon's coaches back.”

Duck didn't say anything as he too went off to collect Thomas's coaches for his morning passenger run.

A few minutes later Hudson had back down onto his dining train and was waiting for his passengers To get on board and began ordering their food.

As he was waiting he noticed cross coming in a little bit too fast to couple up to her coaches.

“ Slow down! you don't need to bump the coaches around!”

Cross heard this and immediately slowed down to a crawl just before her buffers reached those of the coaches. with a gentle tap she made contact and her crew began connecting her up.

“ see like that. that was pretty good for a first try.”

“ You really think so?” Cross asked with a little bit of hope in her voice.

“ definitely! you will need some extra training over time but I'm certain if you lean on the experience of Us other Express engines for high speed passenger trains or just commute Runs you'll go far.”

“I certainly hope so.” cross said in a nervous voice. “ I've only handled trucks up to this point. so I really want to do a good job on this.”

“ Well, just pull away gently and don't Shake the Passengers around too much and you'll be fine. trust me, in my five years of experience I've learned a lot.”

The two engines chuckled as Thomas arrived to connect up to Annie and clarabel Happy to see that his coaches were at the platform and not stuck somewhere else on the island.

 

He then looked over to cross and gave her a fatherly smile. “ Have a good run, sweetie.”

Cross blushed. she didn't really think that Thomas would like the idea of being a father to her. and this was really awkward for her.

After the other two had left it was finally The time for Cross to leave. she remembered Hudson's advice and gently but firmly pulled away.

What she didn't know was that Matthew was on board. as they made their way across the island she felt herself increasing in Speed as all three of her cylinders were working hard to keep the train moving. but she was actually able to make it over Gordon's Hill without any problem.

She was actually at a decent 85 miles an hour across the whole Island. dhe even increased her speed to 90 miles an hour once off the island.

as she kept going she felt herself going even faster up to 95. That's where she wanted to be. she didn't want to go ridiculously fast but she didn't want to go too slow.

After a short two hour journey she arrived at crewe.

She actually arrived a full 15 minutes early.

She was soon detached from her train and went towards the sheds To be refueled and turned around for the journey home in the afternoon. She had no idea why she was brought here.

But as she rolled into the sheds a big surprise was waiting for her.

sitting in the shed road next to her was an engine that looked almost exactly like her!

The only difference was she had the letters SMD on her tender and this engine had the British railways logo on it.

The two engines looked at each other then cross spoke up.

“ So you must be Duke of Gloucester. I've heard a lot about you.”

“ yes… I am…” he said this looking extremely confused and he noticed that cross noticed this. “ I'm sorry for staring but… I was under the impression that I was the only member of my class. Why did British railways build another one?”

Cross smiled. “ I'm not owned by British railways. I am owned by Matthew Mats warbler. He actually completed me a week ago. I've been undergoing testing ever since. Today was my very first experience pulling a passenger train.”

The Duke of Gloucester now looked a bit sad. “ Let me guess… you didn't Live up to the Expectations… did you…”

Cross saw how depressed her brother was and just gave a gentle smile.

“ not really… I was actually given modifications based on the problems you had. I actually performed very well and arrived 15 minutes early. I'm sorry if it makes you feel bad knowing that I perform better than you.”

Now it was the Duke of Gloucester’s turn to smile.

“ don't worry about it. I am glad that there is one member of my class that actually has a good performance. By the way, you can call me Gloucester if you want.”

Cross smiled. “ and you can call me Cross. It's short for Duke of Crosby. it's one of the towns the railway I currently work on serves.”

The two engines continued chatting as Matthew and Robert riddles looked over towards the two of them.

Matthew had organized this entire trip so that Cross could meet her brother. and to show Robert the locomotive he knew the standard class 8 could be.

After the two of them spent a solid six hours talking to each other it was finally time for Cross to go home. The two of them promised to keep in touch with each other via letters.

as she returned home cross couldn't be happier. She had an amazing life ahead of her. She knew there would be ups and downs but she had a feeling that the other engines would support her.

Meanwhile back in the yard, Sunny's eyes began twitching with an extreme Force.

“ Montague how in the name of all that is Holy did you manage to put the Express Coaches in between the branch line coaches and pretty much mess up the entire system we have here! and where in all that's holy are silver links coaches?”

suffice to say Duck spent the whole night cleaning up his mess.

Chapter 54: The return to Brighton.

It was a rainy day on the island of sodor. Charles was sitting in his office doing some paperwork. The railway has been running smoothly and been making more of a profit in the last year than British railways did in five years at this point.

Charles was happy with this because it meant that his railway even with its antiquated machinery was still able to keep up with the modern demands.

especially since his road company had also been doing well. Because unlike the previous Road company it was more willing to work with the railway and thus a perfect balance could be struck.

and since the north western railway wasn't under the same common carrier status they could divert some of the work that would be unprofitable for the Railway to the road company.

Yes, things were definitely looking up.

but that's when he heard somebody knocking at his door.

“ It's open.”

he said without even looking up from his paperwork until he heard the familiar voice of Matthew complaining about the weather.

“I know rain is important but I do hate it when my car breaks down and then I have to walk all the way here in it.”

Charles looked up to see Matthew absolutely drenched in water. He bit back a chuckle as Matthew shook the water out of his clothes.

“ Well Matthew, what brings you to my office?”

Matthew first took a seat Across from him before replying.

“ Well it's actually a very interesting thing. you see the London to Brighton Line has had a problem with its electric locomotives and track infrastructure.”

“ And what exactly do you mean by that?.” Charles said with a tilted head.

Matthew then gestured an explosion with his hands. “ boom. their entire electrical system had been overloaded causing many of their locomotives to have all of their electrical systems fried. and it wasn't just the engines in motion but also the engines that were in the sheds. all of them got fried.”

“really?” Charles asked with disbelief. “and how are British railways dealing with it?”

“ not well if they decided to contact me if they could borrow a few of my engines.” Matthew said with a hint of a smirk on his face. “ Apparently they don't have enough locomotives to cover the passenger services on the Brighton line. So they decided to ask if they could borrow Remembrance and Hudson for a while. along with a few other locomotives.”

“ Okay then. I'm certain we can spare them for a while. we have more than enough engines to cover their work.”

Charles said as he looked down at his paperwork again. but when he looked up he realized that Matthew had a little bit of a sheepish look on his face.

“ Well there's kind of a problem… They require me to send a few more engines including some tank engines to handle station piloting at Brighton. Unfortunately I can't send Sunny because we don't have anybody else that can cover her duties here. plus she's told me in the past that she does not want to return to the mainland anytime soon and I want to respect that.”

Charles then realized what Matthew was getting at.

“ So you want to borrow some of the engines of the NWR then?”

Matthew nodded in response.

“ with all proceeds from the rent of those engines going directly into the bank of the NWR of course. I was wondering if I could borrow a few engine’s to give them?”

Charles leaned back in his chair and put his hands together in front of his face thinking. He knew he could trust Matthew that his engines would be safe but he still had some reservations about giving them to British railways.

especially with their current financial status being very well known to be in the red. still he couldn't see the harm in it.

“Alright then. I'll give you frigidus, Iaspis, Regina, Thomas, Timothy, Lady and Amelia. We have more than enough engines to cover the Ffarquhar branch lines duties and we can just cancel the dining services until I can get some other engines to cover them. how long will this loan period be?”

“ a couple of months from what they told me.” Matthew said while crossing his arms. “Although we should plan just in case they need to stay longer.”

Charles noted. “ very well Matthew. I will make the arrangements. and you should probably get home before you catch your death. and say hello to the Mrs for me.”

Matthew blushed a deep shade of scarlet as he immediately made his way out of Charles's office.

Meanwhile Charles was chuckling. He was spending way too much time around Thomas, Timothy and the others. but he can't help but tease Matthew since he and Amber had been living together for quite some time now.

Everybody began taking bets on how long it would take Matthew to propose. Charles had said that he would propose to her before the end of the year. Well many people didn't realize that Charles already knew Matthew had bought her a ring.

he had accidentally discovered this while Matthew was moving some boxes and it fell out of his pocket. oh yeah you could say Charles had an unfair advantage there.

A couple of days later after a lot of negotiations and contract signing with the NWR, SMD and British railways the engines were finally put on loan.

The Brighton built boys were especially excited. all of them were in the sheds excitedly talking about their trip to their birthplace.

“Man, we haven't been back to Brighton since before Henry and Eleanor were rebuilt. It will be so amazing to return.”

Iaspis said as his crew was preparing him for the long journey tomorrow.

“I can definitely agree with that brother.” Frigidus said excited as well. “ I mean I can't wait to see how much things have changed. or how little they have changed.”

“ Well I'm happy I can return to Brighton and not be treated as a criminal.” Timothy said remembering the time Hunter framed him back in 1915. “ Still, it will be nice working there again.”

“ An’ it will be nice to see where you Lads were built ma love.” Amelia said looking equally excited for the trip.

all of them were excited…. well except for one.

Hudson didn't really know what to think about Brighton. sure his frames were built there but he was finally completed at croven's Gate works.

and although he went to the Southern region he didn't go to Brighton. so he never went to what would have been his birthplace in his entire life.

So he was a little bit nervous.

especially as he was preparing to leave the next morning and noticed that remembrance was nowhere to be seen.

“ Have any of you seen my sister? I thought she would be going with us?”

“ Well Matthew told me that she needed a different tender fitted in order to run on the old LB&SCR Lines since they don't have a turntable big enough to turn her with her corridor tender.” Thomas explained as he and lady had been put just behind him so he and the other tank engines could be dragged by the tender engines all the way to London Victoria. From there they would work the Old London Brighton and south coast lines .

As all of them left for Brighton Hudson remained nervous.

It took them a couple of hours to get to London. They did have to maneuver their way throughout the chaotic London network in order to get from the Midland main station to London Victoria.

After a while they arrived at Nine Elms shed. all of them were exhausted and wanted a rest from their long and exhausting travels.

but unfortunately for one of them they would not be given that luxury.

“Well well well well if it isn't one of the Legendary Baltic tank engines.”

Hudson, who was just about to sleep, looked over to see A West Country Pacific named Bideford.

“I can't believe there's still one of you L-tanks around. shouldn't you have been rebuilt?”

Hudson just yawned not wanting to get into an argument after the long journey.

“ I was never finished in Brighton with the original batch and was completed only five years ago. so no I have not been rebuilt. and leave me alone. It's been a long journey and I want some sleep before work tomorrow.”

but Bideford Just continued on.

“ I mean there's a reason why the railways don't trust Express trains with their big tank engines. you'll just topple over cab overwheels at the first Curve.”

Hudson just tries to ignore him and get some sleep. Bideford did try for a few extra minutes to try and get under Hudson's Paint. but unfortunately for him Hudson was now fast asleep and not saying a God darn word to him.

The next morning Hudson arrived at London Victoria station and was connected to a set of six axelled Pullman coaches. These were like the ones he handled back on sodor. so he already had lots of experience with them.

He was hoping to have a nice relaxing morning when Bideford came next to him preparing to leave with his passenger train destined for Southampton.

“ well finally awake Baltic?”

“ My name is Hudson.” Hudson said, sounding a bit annoyed wanting the Passengers to get on faster.

“ whatever. just be careful that you don't jump the tracks. I don't want to have to clean your mess up. really take after me and get yourself converted to A Tender engine. you'll be much better off being something like me.”

“You mean I should be like a design that is known as spam cans?”

Bideford looked shocked at this; he wanted to reply but Hudson beat him to the Punch.

“ or do I have to be like you in the fact that you can't break without smashing into the station at 15 miles an hour?”

“ that's-”

“ or do you want me to be like you in the fact that you Consume more oil per mile than any other steam engine in Britain? I mean even an oil burning engine doesn't burn through as much oil as you.”

Bideford now looked absolutely ticked off. “ Listen here you little piece of scrap. you're going to show me respect or things will get very heated here!”

“ Well it's better not get too heated because your fireman and driver might die of a heat stroke from your incubator cab.”

“You little! when I get my buffers on you Sparks are gonna fly!”

“ you mean like they fly off you when you're on fire?”

Bideford didn't say anything as it was very well known that the spam cans could light themselves on fire. At that moment Hudson's guard blew his whistle And he began racing off.

Hudson traveled for the next hour down the line.

doing his best to provide a smooth and gentle ride for the very important business people that are riding on board his train.

When he finally arrived at Brighton he felt… underwhelmed. It was an impressive station to be sure but nothing really that impressive compared to knapford or vicarstown.

as his coaches were being taken away Hudson moved to the Motive power depot to get refueled. as he was being refueled he noticed how many other engines were sitting in quite frankly a very small space.

As he went into the sheds To rest up before his journey back to London Victoria he noticed many of the engines looking at him.

He didn't really care since he realized that some of the engines were from the Old London Brighton and South Coast Railway. So they would have probably seen his class back when they were built as Baltics.

He was just about to rest up for a nap when one of the engines spoke up.

“ Well this is something I haven't seen in a while. a London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington l class. Fascinating.”

Hudson opened his eyes and looked towards where the voice came from. sitting next to him was an engine that looked almost identical to Rex-Iaspis and Rex-frigidus.

The only difference was that This Atlantic had a straight running board compared to the more curvy one of the Atlantic twins.

“Can I help you?” Hudson asked not really interested in making any conversations and just wanting some rest.

“ well it's just… I haven't seen one of your class in decades… at least not in this condition… who built you? I would have remembered if we built another Baltic?”

Hudson chuckled at the Atlantic. “ while technically I would have been built here as the last Baltic Tank Engine for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. Unfortunately the order to build me was cancelled when my frames and wheels were completed. they basically began floating around for a while until Matthew mats warbler found them and built me. so yeah I'm technically partially built here.”

“ That's fascinating!” the Atlantic said as she looked over the umber paint job of Hudson. “ Man, I wish I could wear that paint scheme again. this boring BR black one just doesn't suit me.”

Hudson chuckled at the atlantics words. “ Thank you for understanding that. anyway my name is Hudson.”

“ Beachy Head.” the Atlantic said with a smile. “ My name is Beachy Head. but you may call me beachy. it's a lot simpler to say.”

“Well beachy it's fun to meet you. It's kind of nice to meet other engine’s that worked on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. I mean I've got the Atlantic twins back home along with my sister but to meet other engines that worked here is an honor.”

Beachy Head raised an eyebrow. “ Really I didn't know any other engines from Brighton worked on sodor. I mean the last time I heard about it was when one of my older cousins went there. we never really heard from him again but you're saying that Frigidus works there now?”

“ yes. alongside his brother of course. My sister remembrance also works there now. although she doesn't look anything like you would have remembered her.”

“ really what happened to her?” Beachy asks, being very Interested in the young Baltics story.

After he finished it was almost time for him to get back to work.

“That's very fascinating, Hudson. I do hope we get to talk more before you leave.”

“ You and me both beachy. you and me both.”

As Hudson chuffed towards the station ready to get the Pullman service going back the other direction he noticed that another engine was waiting on the platform next him. It was Bideford Sitting at the platform with his own high-speed train.

“ Well I hope you'll enjoy pulling these coaches. because you won't be pulling them for much longer.”

Hudson just rolled his eyes as he was coupled up to the train and the inspection was on it’s way to make sure nothing went wrong with the journey back.

“ You know.” Bideford Said as he was trying to get under the young engine's paintwork. “ I bet I could smoke your time to get back to Victoria. I bet you won't even know what hit you.”

“ Oh, just give it a rest.” Hudson said as he looked over towards the tender engine. “I don't give two Toots about your little inferiority complex. all I care about is getting my train to its destination.”

Unfortunately for Hudson Bideford did not care about the younger engines wise words.

“ Of course a little engine like you would say that. your class has always been smaller than mine. even when you were rebuilt into tender engines. there's no way you would ever beat me in size and power!”

Hudson smirked. He had been made aware that his sister had arrived and was currently heading down the line to brighten. And since Bideford would leave first he would be given and nasty surprise.

“ You know my sister is bigger than you, you know? even with a smaller tender.”

“ What do you mean?” Bideford ask looking a bit confused and annoyed.

“ you know my sister rememberance has gone through a rebuilt that makes her much bigger and maybe just as powerful as you! who knows she might even show you up.”

Bideford began laughing, not believing the tank engine's words. but before Hudson could say anything else the Pacific had to leave. although there was a lot of wheel slip before he could leave the station.

Hudson just smiled as the engine began traveling out of the station.

Bideford Was rushing down the main line. Here the non-stop Express service was Straight to Victoria and he was enjoying every second of it. he still couldn't believe that Hudson would say that remembrance was now bigger than him.

“ I mean she is a 4-6-0 10 wheeler now. I am a 4-6-2 Pacific. there's absolutely No way that she is-”

His train of thought Derailed and crashed as he heard a loud chime whistle coming from up ahead. He tried to look at what the engine was coming only to be shocked as an engine Resembling an N15x approached him going south. but the moment they passed he could see that the engine's nameplate Reads remembrance but it wasn't the 10-wheeler he was familiar with!

He could see that she now had her original wheel arrangement back and was once again a Baltic! and even though her tender was slightly smaller than her sodor one she was still much bigger than him.

Later that evening remembrance and Hudson were together at Nine Elms.

The both of them had been asked to double-head a train back from Brighton as kind of a celebration of their class.

but as they were talking Bideford Arrived and was uncharacteristically silent. He hoped nobody would notice him but Remembrance did.

“ Hey if it isn't Bideford? man that has been a While little guy. How was the view when you passed me earlier today?”

Bideford said absolutely nothing as he got deeper into the sheds.

Over the next coming months the sodor engines enjoyed their stay on the railway.

but a week before their last day Remembrance and Hudson We're called to a yard a few miles out of London. It was a massive Hump yard that had recently been decommissioned due to lack of traffic. but still the tracks were in pretty good condition since it had only been a day or two since it had been pulled out of traffic.

they hadn't been told why they were there but only that they were to be on specific tracks.

“ Why do we need to be here?” Hudson asked as he looked around at the abandoned yard. “ It doesn't look like there will be any goods for us to pick up so why were we ordered to be here?”

“I don't know.” his sister said. “ But whatever it is, it must be important.”

but as they waited they heard a bunch of engines coming into the yards behind them.

and the engines that arrived were quite frankly a shock to both Remembrance and Hudson.

“Trevithick? Hackworth? Stephenson? Cudworth? Beattie? Stroudley? What are you guys doing here?” Hudson asked. He hadn't seen his other siblings in years. so this is a very welcome surprise.

“Well we were ordered to come here.” terrific said with a smile. “ because your owner wanted a picture of us all together.”

The two Baltics looked at their Siblings as a photography crew came over to begin setting up for the photos. The setup would take some time so the engine still Able to talk to each other.

“I can't believe we're all together again.” Remembrance said looking extremely happy. “ how many years has it been since all of us were together?”

“Too long.” Beattie Said while looking at the camera crew setting up their equipment. “ and this couldn't have come at a better time.”

“ What do you mean?” Hudson said looking confused.

That's when there other siblings look sadly at their buffer beams.

“ This will be our last year and service.” Beattie said as she sadly looked at her remaining siblings. “ don't worry, we've known this was coming for a long time. we're not happy with it but at least we will be happy knowing that two members of our class will remain to represent us in the future.”

Both Hudson and Remembrance were incredibly sad but also happy to know that at least they would have this Final moment together.

But what they didn't realize was that an unknown gentleman had other plans.

as the photographer asked them to be in multiple different positions the engines followed the directions without any objections.

Soon they had beautiful pictures of all of them together that will be sent back to sodor.

 

Hudson and Remembrance went back to work after the photo session was completed along with their siblings.

When the week was up all of them Returned back to sodor.

Hudson and Remembrance continued with their work. but the Fate of their siblings back on the mainland continues to frighten them. they just didn't know if their siblings would survive or not.

But as the snow began to Fall they would have more than their own siblings to worry about.

Chapter 55: The great Christmas surprise.

Snow had been falling all over the island of sodor. It made things a little bit more difficult but fortunately this year the snow wasn't As heavy as it usually would be. so the engines could do their jobs no problem.

Everybody was rushing around for the Christmas season.

Lots of goods were coming to the island of both toys and anything else. The post trains were becoming so long so stronger engines had to be allocated to them due to the increased letters going to Santa.

Passenger numbers had also gone up as people began traveling to see loved ones or to go buy stuff for the holidays.

It was Also a very big year. because Cross the BR standard class 8 Pacific built by Matthew earlier this year would celebrate her first Christmas.

She was absolutely aesthetic and kept working hard as she kept flying through the snow with her valve Gear spinning at high speed.

She was really happy. She also noticed that her two Half siblings Remembrance and Hudson Have been acting pretty down. not only them but hushy had also for a long time not been her usual bubbly self. but everybody gave her a pass because of what happened to Anne.

nobody knew where the former turbine engine was since she had disappeared right after the accident had been cleaned up. nobody knew her whereabouts and nobody knew if she was even alive. Many people Began spreading rumors that she had been scrapped. others that she was still around.

but nobody knew what to believe.

Cross was at the harbor waiting for some passengers that were coming from the dock’s. she could barely contain her boiler pressure in excitement.

“ only a few days until Christmas! my first Christmas! I can't wait to celebrate it with my family and friends!”

“and get gifts.” Percy said as he prepared some trucks to be loaded from a nearby cargo ship. “ Santa always brings us presents every year. I can't wait to see what I got this year.”

cross just chuckled. “ isn't Santa's whole thing that he gives presence to good boys and girls? I mean I heard you've been pretty cheeky this year. maybe you're on the naughty list?”

Percy just pouted. “ you've been hanging around Thomas too much.”

“ Well, he is my dad.” Cross said as she heard the whistle of her guard. She went off slowly but carefully leaving the docks.

Along the way she saw Hudson and Remembrance doubleheading an extra long passenger train.The three of them began running alongside each other.

“Hey you two! isn't it a beautiful day?”

“ yeah.” Hudson said we're very little energy in his voice.

Cross looked confused as they continued to travel. “ What's wrong with you two? you guys have been acting strange ever since you guys returned from your trip down south. Is there something wrong and can I help?”

The two London Brighton and South Coast machines looked at each other before looking at their half sibling.

“ It has to do with our siblings back on the Southern region. This year Is there last year in operation and we might be the only two left come the new year. It's been really hard to realize that. so sorry you can't really help us.”

Remembrance said as she and Hudson sped up and began running faster on the line as Cross had to stop at the next station.

cross kind of Could understand where they were coming from.

She was worried about her brother back on British railways and if he would still be around. With all of his problems and British railways refusing to do the same modifications Matthew did for her to him it would only be a matter of time before he was withdrawn.

She had also heard from some of the other engines that they were planning a modernization plan which included the mass withdrawal of steam engines.

but still she wanted to make them happy.

So as she continued to do her job she kept thinking about things she could give them to make them happy. She even did some of their jobs for them so they would have some free time.

Unfortunately this was not really doable and one day Matthew decided to speak to her about this.

“ Cross I don't know what's Gotten into you recently but you've been working a lot harder than you need to. I understand that we all need to pull our weight for the Christmas season but that doesn't mean you have to run yourself to pieces.”

“I know Matthew.” cross said as the two of them were sitting in the yards and cross was refueling on water. “ I just want to make it a little bit easier on Hudson and Remembrance. you know what’s been happening to their siblings back on the mainland.”

Matthew didn't say anything but cross Realised that this was Matthew understanding what she meant.

“ So I want to give them something. you know to keep them off their siblings' deaths. and I figured me doing some of their work would be a great surprise for them. but I guess I can't really do that.”

Matthew took a deep breath and gave his engine a sympathetic look. “ I understand you want to help them but maybe you can do it in another way than just running yourself to pieces. you're less than a year old and I don't want to see you in the Works anytime soon. especially since I'm going to be busy next year. A lot of the mainline engines need their overhauls Starting next year. I've already called in a few of my engines back to cover their trains.”

Matthew began explaining as he began walking backwards and forwards across the tracks.

“ Since all the engines that have corridor tenders besides remembrance are going in for overhaul I had to bring one of my other engines that has a corridor tender in to handle the knapford to London runs. And before you ask you cannot do them because you don't have a corridor tender.”

Cross remained silent knowing that her builder had a point.

“ and this is where you will be helping the local passenger trains need covering. Unfortunately British Railways asked us to take a few trains from Knapford to Manchester For the next 6 months so I had to call some other of my engines to cover that. So yeah it's gonna be a pretty busy year for me. so please keep yourself from any major accidents.”

“I will Matthew.” cross said as Matthew began walking away. but then something hit her. “And Matthew, what about the museum?”

“ right. Right.” Matthew said as that gave him yet another thing to add to his to-do list. The museum will have its grand opening next year. Unfortunately he didn't have any engines to exhibit yet. Charles wanted all main line engines to be overhauled ASAP.

Unfortunately this meant that there wasn't really much time for him to figure out which engines could go into the museum. In fact he thinks Charles also forgot about it.

still there wasn't much they could do.

“yeah I really should get back on that. I hope the Skarloey railway has finished its extension to peel godred. I haven't been able to check in with them for a while. ”

This was yet another thing that had been happening on the island in the last couple of years. with the museum opening the skarloey railway And the Earl had decided to extend the narrow gauge network to connect both the Castle and the museum together as one. This will make it a unique place on the island where two different gauges of track would Unite.

Matthew also Justified this in two ways. 1giving the skarloey railway an extra mountainous section allowing them to serve some of the smaller Communities along them and 2 it would make transport easier to get the engines to the museum .

especially since lorries can't get to the station in any shape, way or form. especially since it was beneath the city so it would have been impractical to build a vehicle ramp.

Despite all of this Matthew still had one more thing to do. proposed to his girlfriend.

Meanwhile Cross went back to work and continued to think about anything she could give to her two siblings.

The work carried on as Christmas soon approached. Unfortunately cross still hadn't figured out anything for a Christmas gift for her half siblings over the next two weeks.

Soon it was the night before Christmas and the railway was going quiet. The last few trains began running as all of them Began making their way to the sheds to rest.

Cross was pulling her last freight train of the day towards vicarstown. She had just delivered her trucks and had turned around ready for their journey home after some quick refueling.

but that's when a man who looks similar to Matthew approached her.

“ Hey sorry to ask but I got a delivery to go to sodor and I really need an engine to take it there.”

Cross did not know what to think. She was wondering why this man was trespassing on railway property. and why were his eyes slightly glowing?

She Shook it off thinking she was just imagining it.

“Sure but what are you doing here? and do you have permission to be here?”

The man just gave a reassuring smile.

“don't worry, I already informed the foreman I am here. All you need to do is grab the train on track 6. From there you have to take them to Tidmouth. I will also be Riding with you if you don't mind? I have to get there myself.”

Cross found this a very strange request but decided to go along with it.

Soon she arrived at Track six and was being coupled up to her train. But there was definitely something weird about the wagons. they didn't look like any wagons she had ever pulled as they had been covered up completely. They also had an abnormal amount of wheels for rolling stock.

still she couldn't really Understand why this man wanted her to take him to Tidmouth. still as they got on their way cross just focus on the journey ahead.

But as they were passing crovens Gate her passenger requested that they stop. he said he needed to go to the bathroom and would be back in a few minutes.

A few minutes later he did but he seemed a bit exhausted for a minute.

“ Is everything alright?” her driver asked.

“I am perfectly fine.” the man said, trying to get his breath back. “ Let's just get going.”

Cross once again looked confused but just went with it.

A short while later they arrived at Tidmouth.

as they left the Wagons in the sidings the man gave her crew some extra money for the trouble.

cross herself just wanted to go to sleep. because tomorrow was Christmas and she definitely wanted to see what Santa brought the other engines.

but as she was left in the sheds she swar she heard… shifting metal? and somebody outside shunting? she just thoughts she was too tired and decided to just go to sleep.

The next morning all the engines woke up to a big party.

all the engines that could make it were there.

Unfortunately the gold dust railway engines and the Earl's engines Couldn't make it. but fortunately they had their own Christmas parties to look forward to.

Everybody smiled as they were having a good time.

Weiss and aoihi Had their first child with them. Fortunately she was a very quiet child and Wasn't easily disturbed from her rest.

but the moms of the group couldn't help but admire her cuteness. even Yang and Blake couldn't help but smile.

Summer even made a joke to Ruby that she should get married and have a child of her own someday. Which made the silver-eyed girl very embarrassed.

but as the celebration went on she noticed Sparky coming into the sheds and beginning to pull out remember and Hudson.

“I wonder what that's about?”

Then before she could ask anything, hushy was being pulled out by sunny.

as sunny was pulling hushy away from the sheds Sparky had arranged both Hudson and Remembrance to face some covered pieces of rolling stock.

the same ones that cross had brought in last night.

“What is this Matthew?” Hudson said as Matthew Began on tying some of the ropes covering whatever was underneath.

“ Well this morning I got some paperwork in the mail. very interesting paperwork.”

“ What kind of paperwork?” Rememberance Asked with a raised eyebrow.

“ well… It was paperwork revolving around maintenance records, logbooks, technical drawings, that kind of stuff. but all of them were for a very specific class of engines. one that you are very very familiar with.”

Matthew said as he finally finished untying all but one rope on each Truck.

Both Baltics looked confused. but then as Matthew rapidly pulled on the ropes all 6 covers flew off revealing.

“ Trevithick! Hackworth! Stephenson! Cudworth! Beattie! Stroudley!” both Baltics shouted as indeed all members of their class ( I know their n15x's not l-class or LX class. bite me!) all of them were smiling as they looked at their two younger siblings.

“ you won't believe it!” Beattie Said excitedly! “ We have all been purchased from British railways! and we have been handed over to Matthew apparently.”

“ really?” Hudson asked with a hopeful expression. Matthew could only chuckle at his first engine. “ Yes, They are my property now. but I don't know who gave them to me. but whoever they are, I think We owe them a great debt.”

Remembrance couldn't help but cry as all her older siblings were safe and sound.

“ I can't believe you're all here. This is a true Christmas miracle! I can't wait to have you in service with me.”

“ Hold your horses there Remembrance. These guys need an overhaul before they can work again. and with the Works bookt up for the next seven months with all the other engines going in for overhaul it will be some time before I can put them back in service.” Matthew explained and so all the engines around him began looking a little bit somber.

Matthew fortunately had some good news for them.

“ But I can pull the two of you out of service since the railway Museum will be opening at the beginning of next year. and since I need some exhibit pieces I was already thinking about putting the two of you on display. and now with the whole class here we can have all of you put on display in the museum for the visitors to see. you all will have the Honor of being the first engines in the museum.”

Now all the engines began cheering up. but one of them looked a little bit nervous as he spoke up.

“ Excuse me Matthew. may I have a request?”

Matthew turned around to look at Trevithick. “Sure thing Trevithick, what do you want to talk about?”

“ if it's all the same with you. I would love to be rebuilt into my original shape. as a Baltic Tank Engine.”

Everybody looked surprised especially Matthew.

“ And do you have a reason for that?”

Trevithick looked up at the sky as the blue glow gave him a warm feeling. “I just miss being able to run at high speeds. ever since I was rebuilt as an n15x I've missed that. so if it's possible I would really enjoy it now.”

Matthew scratched his chin for a moment. but eventually he decided on his answer.

“ Sure thing. I got a lot of spare parts left over from Hudson's construction. I'll simply be able to use that to rebuild you. Does anybody else want to have a rebuild?”

“I would like to be rebuilt as a Tank Engine too.” Hackworth said as he spoke up.

“ I would actually like to be rebuilt like remembrance.” Beattie Said with a smile “I would love to remain A Tender engine but get the stability of my old wheel arrangement back.”

“ And I don't want to be left in the dust either.” Stroudley said with a very proud expression on its face. “ I would also like to be rebuilt as a Baltic tender engine.”

Matthew couldn't help but chuckle. “ Well I'll talk it over with Charles and see when I can bring you guys in. but as soon as my list of overalls is done all of you will be brought in for overhauls and rebuilds. that includes the two of you too Hudson, remembrance.”

The two Baltic engines just chuckled as Matthew began walking back to the party.

he left his engines to chat and catch up.

but as he walked into the sheds he saw a man standing near one of the office entrances smiling.

it was the same man cross had encountered earlier. but he looked slightly different. His skin was a metallic Gray and he seemed to have blue, red and yellow Armor on.

Matthew looked confused and yet he had seen this person before. but now he was wondering what he was doing here again? but that's when he realized it as he looked back at the happy little family reunion. He smiled and looked back at the figure and gave him a Smile as he re-entered the Christmas party.

The man only chuckled as he looked at The family reunion. Suddenly a small burst of energy was released from his foot and flowed unseen directly into Cross giving her all the information she needed to know.

Cross was originally confused as she looked towards Matthew who clearly knew more than he let on but just Gestured it for her to remain quiet. still she was happy that her half siblings were happy now.

but when Matthew told Thomas everybody chuckled as he shouted.

“ Matthew, please stop giving us children! 3 is already enough!”

Lady just remained quiet being a little bit overwhelmed that she now had nine children! oh boy was Lux going to have a field day with her.

meanwhile hushy had been moved towards the engine shed at knapford.

But as she was being pushed into the sheds an engine was waiting for her. one that looked very familiar.

“ hello hushy.” Princess Royal said with a smile. “ It's nice to finally meet you.”

“What are you doing here?” hushy asked, looking shocked to see the prototype of the entire Princess Royal class on the island of sodor. “I thought you worked on the mainland? Did British railways send you here?”

Princess Royal just chuckled. “ not exactly. You see, a while back I was purchased by a certain chief mechanical engineer of yours. I've been working proudly for him for some time now. When my shed master informed me that I would be heading back here to work the trains on the main line as well as some going to Manchester alongside my cousin coronation I was more than happy.”

“ really?” hushy asked with a raised eyebrow. “And why exactly are you happy?”

“because I finally got a chance to talk to you.” princess royal said with a motherly smile on her face. “ I know you and my sister Anne had a special connection. and that you were… are still devastated at her loss. I just hope that when I got the chance to come here and comfort you and hopefully be able to grieve with you.”

Hushy looked at Princess Royal with a week's mile. “ thank you Royal. It's nice to have an engine who understands how I'm feeling about the situation. and I'm also sorry for your loss.”

“ Thank you. but you know while she was around we talked a lot. and every time we spoke about you she only had high praise for you.”

“ really?”

“ really.” Princess Royal said with a big smile. “ I realized immediately that my sister had a crush on you. and what I know from what I heard about how much you were grieving I assume you have feelings for my sister too?”

hushy just gave a light chuckle. she didn't know what it was but Princess Royal had this aura around her that made her feel extremely approachable.

“ yeah I do… I just can't explain it but the more we kept in contact the more I felt… connected to her…. but I never thought it could work out…. I mean the distance…”

“ That doesn't really matter.” Princess Royal said during the gift her some good advice. “ even if you would be hundreds or thousands of miles apart. as long as you love each other that distance does not matter. and I know for a fact that she loved you too. It was all she really talked about when we were together. and I don't know where she is but I know for a fact that if she is still alive she wants to find you. and maybe one day that can happen. you just have to believe and hope That she is still out there.”

“ thank you princess royal.” hushy said with a light chuckle. “ but I don't think that's ever going to happen.”

As the two engines remained silent Princess Royal did not tell the Baltic that she knew something that nobody else knew.

but what is that you may ask? well that's a story for another day.

Merry Christmas 2024

Chapter 56: Grand openings and grand reunions.

Summary:

This was written in collaboration with Tankengine389 and Bluefireproductions.

It was a beautiful clear warm day on the island of sodor in 1956. The new year was rang in with a bang as Charles had decided to make a fireworks display over the sheds… which accidentally blew up Matthew's old neighbor Karen's car…. Fortunately this was because Karen tempered with the fireworks display and people had seen her.

her insurance would not cover the damage and she now had to buy a whole new car.

Let's just say Matthew was laughing so hard he fel on his back.

but after all of that hilarity Matthew was actually a bit nervous.

because a month after New Years the Railway Museum was officially going to open.

The engines had been put into the new building at the end of the Peel godred branch line thanks to the help of Tommy and Sparky.

but unexpectedly a few other engines needed to be in the works too but they didn't have the time with all the main line engines being in there.

Howard, Percy, Tanya and Rosie also needed repairs.

Percy due to an accident he had a few days before where he accidentally rammed into some trucks causing his buffer Beam and cylinders to be damaged.

Rosie had been damaged when some idiot tried running his sports car across a Crossing and accidentally getting stuck causing Rosie to crash into them.

Fortunately ( and unsurprisingly if you know the show) nobody got Hurt.

Howard and Tanya accidentally…. well he did not know what happened. All he knew from the report was that it involved chickens, rocket launchers, 500 cases of industrial strength glue and two twins from the clay pits.

Let's just say Bill and Ben weren't exactly on Matthew's good side after that.

Fortunately Matthew had already anticipated Something like this and had a section of the Museum dedicated to workshops.

so he was able to place them all in there for the time being showing people what he had to deal with on a daily basis on this island.

and as promised Hudson and Remembrance would be able to join their siblings in the museum for a whole 4 months until they would have to be put back into service.

After Matthew had done his final round the Museum he was proud of himself.

The multiple halls of the museum had multiple different areas dedicated to different things about railways. From Passenger to Freight, maintenance and experimentation.

There was something for everyone. He was also able to somehow convince a toy manufacturer located in Wellsworth to supply him with plushies of every single steam engine on the island!

that included all the Narrow gauge engines!

Matthew was particularly proud that the railway Museum was multi-gage. and none of the tracks were really concreted into the floor so in case another gauge on the island would appear they would easily be able to be altered.

He knew that the BBC would be here to film the opening of the Railway Museum. and since this was technically his Railway Museum ( since he put the most money into this thing and is legally the owner of the building) it was a big thing for him to give a speech.

He looked at the crowd outside of the Railway Museum and took a deep breath.

“ this is it. this is the moment I've been waiting for all these years.”

“and we will be right by your side.” Matthew looked back to see all the N15X’S alongside Hudson and Remembrance smiling at him.

“ I know you will do great Matthew.” Hudson said as he looked at his Builder. “ After all, you did Build Me.”

Matthew just chuckled as he saw Ember looking at everyone outside as well.

“ It is Certainly a big crowd. I hope we have enough stock in the gift shop for all of them.”

“ don't worry I packed extra just in case of an event like this.” Matthew said as he walked over to her. “ besides before I can open the museum I have one last thing I wanted to do.”

“and what would that be?” Ember asked as she was turning around wondering what her boyfriend was thinking when she looked at him in shock.

There sitting on his knee was Matthew with a ring in a small velvet box. all the engines also looked surprised as Matthew decided to propose to Ember.

“Ember Long would you do me the Unbelievable Honor of becoming my wife? to care for me in sickness and in health. and the long hours I have to spend at the works because all these engines can't go a day without having a crash?”

ember chuckled at that last bit. but as Matthew looked up at her she didn't give him an answer, only a deep passionate kiss.

That was all the answer Matthew needed. as he placed the ring on her ring finger Ember had a cheeky smile.

“ So if we get Divorced who will get the locomotives?”

Both Matthew and the engines began laughing. “ Well I'm keeping the engines but any engines you buy will belong to you. sound fair?”

“I'll make sure to put that in our Prenup.”

The two of them began laughing as Matthew made his way outside. He could see both Charles and the Earl standing on the podium and the cameras just in front of him.

There was a little stand made for him so he could officially give his opening speech.

As he stood there cameras all around him taking photos and news videos he knew that the eyes of the world were on him and he was going to deliver the best speech he could.

“ Ladies and gentlemen, engines and coaches. Today we are here to celebrate the opening of Sodor's Railway Museum. the Sudrian Railway Museum.”

Matthew paused as everybody began taking pictures and videotaping him.

“ This museum has been years in the making. This place will represent our railways past and future. I would like to thank Jenny Packard who helped us build the museum as she had to cancel a lot of other jobs to solely focus on this so please give her a round of applause.”

Jenny was standing there smiling along with Charles's brother-in-law as the two of them got married last year.

After the applause died down Matthew continued.

“ this building will not just be filled with engines that are permanently on display.

This is more like a waiting room for them at the doctors or the dentist for them to go into the railway’s workshop.

and I recently got my hands on a lot of engines that need overhauls and are going to be rebuilt.

We also have some engines that have been damaged so people can see what I have to deal with on a daily basis.”

everybody began chuckling at this as Matthew said it in a jokey tone. even Charles and the Earl had to laugh.

“ But for all seriousness I hope that the engines can enjoy their stay here until their time to go into the works. This building was also built so they could have as much view of the outside world as possible.

The roster of engines that are currently in the museum will also change over time.

it is our hope that every engine on the island will be in this museum at one point or Another.

from the standard gauge to the narrow gauge and any other gauges that come up in the future.

Now I think I've Been talking about the museum long enough. so if my beautiful fiance will hand over my hammer I will cut the ribbon.”

Everybody looks confused as two Museum workers brought a lint attached to poles with a very weird mechanism with a big button on top.

Ember happily handed Matthew his hammer and Matthew went off the stage and took one good swing at it, cutting the ribbon into two pieces.

Matthew put his hammer on his shoulder and gestured to the museum. “ ladies and gentlemen the museum is officially open!”

Everybody cheered as Matthew led the way into the museum.

Everybody was amazed at all of the engines on display. Especially since a lot of them had access to the cabs and they were allowed to touch all the pieces in there. although the fireboxes had been sealed off for safety concerns.

Matthew also ensured there was a lot of accessibility for people in wheelchairs or in crotches. He was also in the business of upgrading some of the rolling stock to have disability access. Gordon, hushy’s and silverlinks coaches were currently having these accommodations fitted.

as everybody kept looking through the museum the biggest surprise in it was an entire Gauge one model railway layout.

It was incredibly detailed and all the engines seem to be working without any trouble.

the Earl actually looked impressed at this as we're leaning over a balcony over a giant pool of chlorinated water . Which was glowing a bright blue as the railway went through a day and night cycle.

“ This is quite impressive Matthew. how did you get the engines to run so smoothly?”

Matthew let out a deep Sigh at this. “ Trust me it wasn't easy. And to be quite frank I don't even know. I hired a model manufacturer from Germany to handle this. Apparently they made all the models from scratch but also used some of their own already existing pieces. that's why the wheels don't look accurate to the real life Loco’s.”

“ well that's to be understandable.” the Earl said as they watch Thomas pull into knapford before automatically decoupling and running around and automatically recoupling.

“I also have a question Matthew. with four of the Ffarquhar branch Lines engines here on display due to their accidents, who is covering their work?”

Matthew let out a deep sigh as he was massaging his head. “Yeah that was kind of a headache. I decided to lend Willamina for the goods trains since that is what she is designed for. lady’s also covering the goods work but we needed another engine to cover some of the extra Passenger Services.”

“ oh yes I remember you calling me about that. I'm so sorry I couldn't lend you any of my engines but I need them back on my Estate railway.

Colin Adam and Lily are very useful for Getting the supplies I need to keep the castle running .

especially since the crystal railway is also reopened. Those crystals are quite valuable.”

“and Don't I know it.” Matthew said as he began turning around and leaning with his back against the railing. “ Fortunately I had a connection in the south who owed me a massive favor.

so I was able to convince them to lend me an engine. if this engine does well I might add them to my own Fleet.

but to be honest I want to see how he handles everything on sodor before I make any decisions.”

“ And what type is this engine?” The Earl asked With a raised eyebrow.

Matthew only chuckled as he looked at him. “ one we all know all too well.”

Meanwhile at Ffarquhar Thomas and Timothy were resting in the sheds.

They have been working hard to keep up to the Timetable but they desperately needed an extra engine.

That's when they heard a whistle coming from the distance.

“ Whose that?” Thomas asks, looking a bit confused.

“ it sounded like… no It can't be? what would he be doing all the way out here?” Timothy said, looking just as perplexed as his blue brother.

but coming from around the bend and approaching the shed was none other then…

“ billster!” Thomas and Timothy shouted at the same time. and indeed their younger brother bilster was sitting there smiling wearing a coat of BR black.

“Hey guys!” Billster greeted. “So this is Sodor, huh? Really nice place. Way better than Brighton.”

The two Brothers still looked dumbfounded but finally Timothy spoke up.

“Bilster , what are you doing here?”

“I was sent to lend a helping Buffer.”

“Really?” Thomas asked, looking a bit surprised but also happy. “ Have you ever done branch line work before? I know you worked at Southampton but working on a branch line and working at the harbor are two different things.”

“Um…. I'm afraid that I haven't worked on a branch before.” Billster remarked. “But I am not blind to the responsibilities and basics, Thomas, so I am more than willing to learn.”

The two older E2P’s looked at each other and then back at their brother with a smile.

“ Okay then. I will show you around the branch line and what you'll need to do since you'll mostly be covering the Passenger Services alongside The occasional goods train here and there. and you don't have to worry, all the engines around here are very friendly.” Thomas said as he began chuffing out of the sheds to get Anny and clarabel.

After a brief moment the two brothers Were coupled up together. Thomas had decided to let his brother run in front of him so he could learn the route .

After a brief moment of the Passengers getting On board the guard blew his whistle and the two of them made their way down the branch line.

Billster along the way had a lot of questions for his older brother. mostly revolving around the time table how he needed to handle the coaches and if there was anything else he needed to know.

Thomas happily answered all of the questions. He was happy that bilster was more than happy to learn.

But as they entered Knapford from the loop line Billster looked in amazement. It was an incredibly busy station with trains coming and going.

but what surprised him was that he saw an engine class that he had never seen before.

This of course was Sakura pulling her regular train to Great waterton. but he didn't know that and decided to ask his brother.

“ I don't mean to be rude, but what kind of engine is she?”

“Oh you mean Sakura? She is a Japan national Railways class c62. She actually belongs to Matthew and not the Railway. She's basically here on permanent rent and runs the special directly to Great waterton. she actually arrived on the railway after we had to rescue the ship she was on.”

“Huh. I heard About that on the radio. Regardless, it's kind of interesting to see engines from other countries here. You could learn some interesting things from them. Like from the S100s as one example if you remember.”

Thomas chuckled as they arrived on platform 2.

“ definitely. We still have Rosie around here but they are the only two international engines. We also have Hiro, the first Japanese locomotive to work here and was basically a gift to us to help the relationship between Japan and sodor After the war.

We've also got two s160s named Alaka and Baldwin. They usually handle the heavy freight but they're currently in the Works getting an overhaul.

but we also have two German locomotives, Snowy and Märklin. They work on the great waterton line and we don't usually see them. I'm usually only here at the station and they usually are in the goods yards beyond the station. They have the same reason for being here as hiro.

We have quite a few international engines here. anyway it's time for us to head to the motive power depot. I need a top-up.”

Billster chuckles as he and his brother make Their way to the Motive power depot.

but as they arrived Thomas saw lady refueling on water and coal as well.

“ Hello lady. how are you doing?” Thomas said after having turned around alongside his brothers since the turntable was big enough for the two of them to turn around together.

“ I'm doing well Thomas. And it's good to see you too bilster. man it's been so long since we took our visit to Southampton.”

“Indeed it has.” Billster replied as he parked next to Lady and began to top up on Coal and Water. “The stooge siblings in Brighton are starting to realize that they are too long and faulty to be in any use in South Hampton. Not to mention the rumors and ghost stories now surfacing.”

“What kind of ghost stories?” Thomas asked as the two brothers lined up next to Lady and also began loading their tanks up with water.

“Well, I am sure you remember Hunter, Right?” Billster remarked bluntly. “I… don't want to insinuate anything, or assume, but me and others swore we heard his whistle and screams of anger and vengeance at night, shouting yours and Timothy's names, Thomas.”

“Really?” Thomas asked sounding a bit concerned but fortunately Billster gave him a reassuring smile

“Yeah. But even IF he's a ghost, what can he do? Spook the bolts off of me?”

all three tank engines began laughing loudly as their tanks were being filled up with water.

“ It's nice to have my brother-in-law on the island. now we can spend some more quality time together.” lady said not Catching billsters wide eyes.

“ Wait… you and Thomas got married?”

Thomas looked over towards his brother sheepiestly. “ Yeah, we have been married for quite a few years now.”

“Why didn't you invite me to the ceremony?!”

“To be honest it was more like an imprompt wedding and we couldn't realistically invite the whole family. I mean I would have to invite so many engines that were built by Lawson back from the London Brighton south Coast railway And I didn't really think to tell you because both me and lady have been busy with the kids and-”

Bilster cut off his brother at hearing that he now had children!

“What do you mean you have kids? We engines can't have children?”

“ Well we didn't have them the way humans did but we kind of mentored one of them and now we're stuck with over 10 kids I think.” lady said, trying to remember how many children she had.

“I think I'm getting more and more confused by this.”

“Don't worry.” Thomas said, giving his brother a sympathetic look. “ but do you remember the L tanks that were rebuilt into the N15X?”

“Yes but what about them?” Billster asked looking a bit confused at this.

“ well they're basically our children now.” lady said with a smile. “ it all started with the youngest which is Hudson. he was uncompleted at Brighton and was finished here at croven's Gate works. we kind of took him in and later remembrance.”

“ Then we had Cross who was also built by Matthew and who basically considers us their parents and last Christmas we got the rest of the N15X's. as you can see we are a happy and growing family.” Thomas chuckled. “ although I don't think I want any more children anytime soon. I'm happy with the ones we have. anyway bilster you should find yourself some coaches. I'm taking Annie and Clarabel out again and you'll need to find your own.”

“Alright.” Billster replied, before puffing off to find some coaches.

As he kept looking around the yard most of the coaches were either being maintained or already being used by other engines.

but as he rounded a corner to a less traveled section of the yard he found a rake of five coaches.

one baggage coach, one first class coach, two third class coaches and finally one Break coach.

They were painted in the cream and green livery of the Express Coaches but they looked like they Haven't been out of the sidings for quite some time. but they still looked excellently maintained.

“Hello there. You look like you haven't been out for a while.”

“We haven't.” the baggage coach said. “My name is eda and these are my sisters, Amani The first class coach, charity and aila The third class coaches and Moody our Break coach. We used to be part of the Express but with the bigger bogey coaches coming in we haven't been used in a long time. they do maintain us but they really haven't used us for a long time. we've been stuck in these Sidings for years now.”

Billster smiled kindly at them. “Well if it is any consolation, I am in need of some coaches to help my brother on his branch with passenger runs. Would you like to help me?”

The coaches were overjoyed and immediately agreed. and even though they realized that the engine didn't have much experience pulling coaches he did know how to treat them well.

after a short while bilster was at nappford sitting in platform 4 waiting for his passengers to board so he could take them along the loop.

but as he did he noticed a streamlined Pacific in a British railway's royal blue livery coming into the platform next to him. the engines nameplate red Falcon. billster of course nude this was one of the Legendary A4s. but he Didn't know there was one on sodor.

“Oh. Hello. Wasn't expecting any A4s on Sodor. From what I heard from this rude and quite frankly stuck up one in silver while I shunted at the London Station, the A4s were above the Island.”

Falcon just rolled her eyes. “ You must have talked to my brother Spencer. let me tell you even though I am a magnificent Express engine there is no job beneath me. If I have to pull coal trucks then I will. I do not care if I was built for high speed, I am an engine that can do anything that's asked of her.”

she didn't say this in a pompous tone more as a suggestion of her usability. She then looked at the small Tank Engine and gave him a smile.

“ don't believe everything you hear from that guy. He's as delusional as they come. He keeps saying he's the fastest engine in the world; but he only reached 99 before he broke down. Seriously, he really needs to get a grip on reality. Anyway, what's your name, little Tank Engine?”

 

“Billster. I was going to be named something similar, but I had to settle for this nickname thanks to a very annoying orange saddle tank who doesn't like listening to rules and orders.”

“Really?” falcons said already being 1 million percent done with this engine and she had never met him before. “ What was his name and where is he now?”

“Billy. I worked with him very shortly in the war. Even though he was MUCH older than me, he was never around explosives. I was because I was sent to the USA for a short while to help shunt some imported gunpowder and explosives for the war effort. As you can see, that time caused me to pick up their accent. Anyways, I was told of the hazards and was taught to be careful. I did warn Billy, but he didn't listen. ‘I am older than you and so I know more than you.’ He always said, so he bumped the trucks and BOOM!”

“That was pretty stupid of him.” Falcon said as she gave the Tank Engine another smile. “ Anyway I think Billster sounds better Anyway.”

At that moment the two of them heard their guards' whistles blow and they had to set off.

as the two of them traveled next to each other for a short while the both of them knew that they would be fast friends.

bilster enjoyed his run along the branch line. Although he had only seen the loop line and the main branch he felt that this was really a place he would love to stay. especially with the modernization plan looming in the very near future.

Soon he arrived at ellsbridge and had to wait for a connecting service from the main line.

he had only stopped for a few minutes when a deep tone whistle sounded out. That's when he noticed a royal blue 4-4-0 locomotive running in red and cream coaches. She stopped at the signal awaiting permission to go along the branch line when she noticed the new engine.

“Weel looky here. It's another E2! An’ considering yer number of 105 Ye must be billster. my boyfriend's brother.”

“Yeah, I am. Guess you're talking about Timothy?”

“Yes lad. An’ Am actually quite happy to meet ye. I've wanted Tae meet ye ever since Timothy mentioned ye at eh sheds. Believe me, he An’ Thomas couldn't stop talking about ye for a month after they returned from Southampton.”

Billster chuckled. “Yeah, I suppose older siblings can be like that at times. Regardless, Sodor is a much nicer place. I'm not criticized for my American accent.”

“Aw, aye, Sodor’s a right bonnie place tae live fer everyone, it is! Even fer ma fellow Caledonian engines, Cardean an’ Katie. The two o' them are lovely lassies in love, ye ken? An’ as ye might know, that kinda love ain't always welcomed everywhere. So it’s a pure joy fer them tae be able tae love each other without a care in the world. An’ dinnae forget, we’ve got a couple o’ American engines here too! It’d be a bit hypocritical o’ us tae mock yer accent, wouldn’t it? I mean, I’d be a proper hypocrite meself, havin’ this thick Scottish brogue, aye. By the way, the name's Amelia, in case ye were wonderin'!”

“Nice to meet you Amelia.” Bilster Said with a smile as Amelia's signal went green.

“Well, ah’ll talk wi’ ye later, lad. But for noo, have a guid time oan Sodor, Bilster. Aye, I hope ye can bide here for a lang time.”

Billster hoped this too. Soon the next service arrived, pulled by Princess Royal who didn't say much but gave the new Tank Engine a smile.

After Billster finished his run up to Ffarquhar he prepared for the return journey.

That's when he noticed some trucks sitting in a siding with no engine to pull them. At that moment the yardMaster came up to him.

“ Hello there you must be new around here. Anyway, can you please take those trucks with you on your journey down? they are urgent freight and cannot afford to be delayed.”

“I can certainly try.” Billster replied confidently.

Hidden quickly shunted the trucks behind his coaches and made his way down the branch back to ellesbridge where the yard master had instructed him to deliver them to.

When he arrived he left his coaches at The Platform and quickly shunted his trucks into the goods yard nearby.

He was wondering who would take them up when suddenly a Loud whistle echoed around the station.

a big 2-8-2 Mikado with red wheels, golden boiler bands and black paint arrived with a decently sized goods train. As the engine came to a stop Billster looked impressed.

“Whoa! That's a long haul. Goes to show that every country has their talents in making locomotives.”

Hiro only chuckled. “ You must be that engine Sakura mentions she saw earlier today.”

“Is she a friend of yours?” Billster asked with a straightforward yet curious tone.

Hiro blushed a little. “ well… yes… but I… well…”

“ She's his girlfriend.” Aoihi stated bluntly with a smirk after climbing down from his engine's cab.

hiro Blushed as he shouted “ we've only been hanging out for two months! we are not official yet!”

his driver began laughing at his normally composed engine's current predicament.

He then looked over towards the small Tank Engine with a friendly smile.

“The name is Aoihi Moeruhi. My engine here is Hiro. We came from Japan as part of the country’s way to help repair trade relations. Though I got to say, you look very close to Thomas and Timothy. Are you their brother?”

Billster smiled. “I am. My name is Billster. I came here to assist Thomas on his branchline.” He then sighed. “You guys are lucky to be here. The mainland isn't as kind. As a matter of fact, it's becoming more unkind to steam engines as of late.”

“I see.” Aoihi replied, now looking a bit more troubled. “How Is everything over there?”

“Budget cuts on our maintenance, older steam engines being phased out and withdrawn, and even them putting more money into making Diesel engines. I mean, I don't mean to be prejudiced against them. Some of them are nice, but too many are honestly quite nasty.”

“That's true.” hiro said as he listened to the conversation. “ Most of the diesel engines I have seen on my travels on the mainland have been quite nasty to us steam engines. it's very rare that we actually meet nice ones.”

Billster sighed and let off a weesh of steam. “Ironically enough, these diesels who are nasty to us steam engines are all delusional and lazy. They think they are invincible, irreplaceable, and would never be scrapped if damaged in the worst condition.

I may be younger than my brothers, Thomas and Timothy, but I have seen enough engines with that same attitude scream with horror and fright as they are sent for scrap. Hunter is one such example.”

Both the Japanese driver and locomotive felt that the younger E2P definitely had a point.

“ They'll learn in time.” hiro said. “ As one of the engines here once told me on his first day on the island none of us are immune on the mainland. as long as the Hammers keep forging there will always be something newer to replace us. and I bet these diesel engines will learn when it's too late.”

Billster smirked. “Heh, wait until the electric engine’s are successful and more efficient, then the nasty Diesels would be screaming for mercy.”

All three of them could agree on that. Soon it was time for the Japanese driver and locomotive to depart with The Extra goods attached to their train.

Billster watched them go off into the distance before returning back to his train.

He was happy that he was making so many friends on the island and that all the engines were much nicer than the diesel engines and electric engines he had been used to.

He did have respect for the nicer ones but not for the nasty ones. But little did he or anybody else know that one of those nasty diesels would make their way to the island.

But that my dear readers. That is a story for another day.

Now if you excuse me I'm gonna go drink two whole tankers of water because I'm thirsty.

Chapter 57: Familial ties and Big bankers

It had been 6 months since bilster had arrived on the island. He was quite enjoying his lone period on the North Western Railway.

He absolutely loved seeing his brothers and working alongside them on the Legendary Ffarquhar branch line. He was able to meet Toby and Tom as he helped deliver some Stone as well as meet all the goldust railway engines.

He was having the time of his life. until he accidentally ran into a farmer's trailer.

Fortunately the Farmer was alright with no injuries. and he wasn't actually mad about the destruction of his trailer because it had gotten stuck on the crossing and he had spent the last 10 minutes trying to get it off the tracks and calling a tow truck.

Unfortunately by the time the tow truck arrived it was already too little too late.

billster had to be sent to the Works to be mended. He was being pulled by Katie To the Works.

But before they reached the works they made a stop at killdane. That's when Billster noticed that all the N15X’s were sitting in the yard next to the station with two engines at the back he didn't recognize.

One of them was one of the Baltic tank engines he remembered from his days working at Brighton.

The other one was a big tender engine!

“ Hello there, who are you?” billster asked the big tender engine. not noticing the name plate and plaque on its middle splasher.

the engine only smiled at seeing billster on the Siding next to her.

“don't you recognize me billster? it's me remembrance!”

Billster blinked. “Oh… well you have changed a lot.”

“Well Matthew did rebuild me into this more… powerful shape. and I won't be the only one starting today. some of my siblings have decided to Be Converted into my shape and others into Hudson shape.”

“ hello.” Hudson said from behind remembrance’s massive tender! “ You must be uncle billster! I just want to tell you you owe me a lot of birthday presents!”

Billster did not know what to say for a moment before bursting out laughing. “I see you picked up Tommo’s cheek. Son like father, I guess is what they say.”

Hudson began laughing as his uncle was attached to the front of the train while Katie was looking for a break van.

“Tip for ya, Hudson, never trust non sentient tractors that are a wreck. They aren't as reliable as Terrence.”

Hudson began laughing again as he knew that that was true even though he had never met Terrence before. but he did hear about the time his father was accidentally trapped in a pile of snow and Terrence had to come to his rescue.

as the train set off to the Works bilster and the whole n15x family began talking all the way to the Works. When they arrived Katie began shunting them into the Workshop one by one where Matthew was waiting for them.

“You're all finally here. we can finally get to work on you now that all the main line engines have gone through their overhauls.”

Matthew then walks up to billster with a pleasant smile. “ As for you Billster. I've got good news. We've got plenty of spare parts for your brothers around so we should be able to get you back up and running within a week. as for your rent time here you still got more than a year on the schedule.”

“and why is that?” Billster asked with erased eyebrow.

“Because the tank engines in the museum won't be able to get into the Works to get fixed because the railway board promised me I could maintain my own Fleet after I was done with the main line locomotives.

plus I had a look inside of the other engines and I found out that they have a few more issues that we didn't originally know about. plus they weren't scheduled for any maintenance this year so I can't take them in until I finished my own personal projects.

so this gives you an extra couple of months next year.”

Matthew said as he walked away, beginning to inform his work crew of the jobs that day.

As Bilster looked around he Noticed there were two other engines in the Works. they didn't look like they needed repairs. In fact they were just being inspected by an inspector and we're already in steam.

but they both looked very odd. One of them was a 0-10-0 tender engine which looked absolutely massive compared to him!

and next to her was a Garratt steam locomotive. He had never seen one before but he had heard of them from some of the people that came to Brighton.

“Hello there! Mind if I ask about the story of you two? Just curious is all.”

The big tender engine smiled. “ My name is Big Bertha or Emma if you want and this is my good friend worsbrough.”

“Hello.” Worsbrough said as the inspectors continued to look at his valve Gear. “ It's quite interesting to see so many engines here at once. We only arrived a few weeks ago after we were overhauled at Doncaster and Darby works. we are just being given our final inspections before we are allowed to leave.”

“I see.” Billster replied. “But why exactly are you here? Are you two goods engines?”

Bertha burst out laughing with such a loud laugh you could feel the ground Shake. “ no no no. Both me and worsbrough here are banking engines. We were specifically designed to push trains up steep inclines. although both of us have been retired from said Duty. That was till the north western railway purchased us to help on the incline between maron and wellsworth.”

“ Apparently the trains have become heavier and heavier and they need extra engines to help bank trains on the Hill. From what we understand that was usually the job of an engine called Edward and Katie who we have already met beforehand. they tried their best but with their own jobs having to be done elsewhere on the railway it became a little too much.”

Worsbrough explained as all the men stopped looking at their components.

“ so the two of us will be working together there. Apparently they've already built us a shed at wellsworth and two turntables, one in the yard at wellsworth and one just beyond Marron. I'm actually looking forward to getting back to work.” big Bertha said with a smile. “ I have been stationary for far too long.”

“ Well then you won't have to wait for long.” Matthew said as he approached the big banking engines. “ The inspectors have told me that you're ready to go. so I want you to leave the Workshops now if you can. There's also a goods train that needs to be taken to Wellsworth as well. so please take that on your way there.”

The two big engines gave him a whistle as they left the Works.

Over the next few days Billster was being fixed as he saw his nephews and nieces being put under and taken apart to begin their overhauls and rebuilds.

Unfortunately he wouldn't be able to stick around as his repairs were completed.

He left them hoping to see them in their completed forms before he left to go back to the mainland.

as he was taking a small consignment of goods to be dropped off at wellsworth he once again began worrying about his return to the mainland and to British railways.

“Sodor is the only place kind to steam engines anymore.” Billster thought . “I would hate the moment that I would have to leave Sodor. For British Railways are not all they crack up to be.”

As the black Tank Engine rolled into welsworth he once again saw big Bertha in one of the Sidings refueling on water.

“ hey if it isn't billster. It's nice to see you out of the Works. any trouble climbing the hill?”

“nope! Small train. But thanks anyway.”

“Good to know. anyway you might have to wait for a while to get your path back to the branch line. this section has been quite busy and you'll be stuck here for at least two hours”

billster groaned. He had hoped for a smooth Run back to the branch line so he could talk to his brothers in the sheds. but now he had to stay here with nothing to do.

but then a thought struck him as he looked at the big tender engine.

“you know I only met you once and you're already acting quite friendly so to give you more of a reason to act like that how about you tell me more about yourself?”

Bertha Smiled. “ Well, I was built by the Midland railway back in 1919. I was specifically built to work on the licky incline. one of the steepest railway inclines in Britain. I spent all my life pushing and Rolling Back Down that grade. In fact I was given this lamp on the top of my smoke box so I could see in foggy and dark conditions. I wasn't perfect but I didn't really care. I was able to do my job and I loved it! although some interesting things did happen during my time there.”

At this point more of the workmen began listening in on Bertha’s story as she continued to explain.

“ I wasn't the only engine to bank there. There were often four tank engines pushing the trains of the Hill when I was Indisposed . yeah it was really funny to see those little engines try to push the bigger trains of the hill that I could handle with ease. Especially this one engine who decided to prove they were better than me and ended up blowing a cylinder! they were in the works for months.”

Bertha said laughing as Billster also began laughing.

“Ha! Serves them right!”

“He really did.” Bertha Said while smiling remembering that day. “ Anyway one of my favorite memories is actually one with Worsbrough when he was actually allocated to the licky incline for a short time. He was pushing a train up the Hill pulled by one of the LMS Garretts. only for both of them to get stuck and me having to push both of them up the hill! believe me I couldn't let that go for months!”

The whole yard erupted with laughter as the titular Garrett began rolling In. Nobody Noticed him but he did hear them laughing. but he also heard what big bertha said next.

“ But in all seriousness the guy has a great work ethic and did his absolute best to push the trains of the Hill despite all of his mechanical issues. I really love the guy. in more ways than one.”

“ I love you too Emma.” Worsbrough said as he gently backed down into the Siding next to also refuel.

The three engines continued to talk for a while until billster’s line was going to clear.

“ You two are so lucky to work here but why did you guys stop working on the licky or on the incline that you worked at Worsbrough?” billster asks curiously.

The two big engines looked at their buffers before responding.

“ For me it was because of my mechanical issues and British railways just not finding a place for me.” Worsbrough said as Bertha hummed in agreement.

“They just replaced me because I was non-standard so they wanted to get rid of me to cut down on cost. believe me I didn't like it but there was nothing I could do. We are just lucky that the NWR wanted us. we would have most likely ended up on the scrap Heap. as most of our steam engine brothers and sisters will be. count yourself lucky that you were able to spend even a year on this island. you might never get the chance again.”

bilster didn't say anything as his signal cleared and he began making his way back to the branch line.

By the time he returned it was already dark. He slowly made his way into the sheds and noticed that his brothers were asleep. He didn't mind, he wanted to think about what The big tender engine told him. Every day could be his last back on British railways. And it just made him more worried for his future.

to be continued.

Chapter 58: Goodbye Britt Allcroft Special.

Summary:

This chapter is a semi cannon special in order to remember the absolute legend of Britt Allcroft may she rest in peace.

It had been the first week within 2025 and all the engines of the island of sodor were happily running around doing their jobs.

but then over the radios across the island they all heard that Britt Allcroft the creator of the Thomas and friends TV Show had passed away…

and like they had done with the passing away of topham Hatt and Matthew mats wobbler All the engines gathered at knapford for a small ceremony.

The current controller sir Stephen Topham hatt tapped on the mic on the stand he was standing on to address the crowd with his engines behind him.

“ A few days ago we got confirmation that Britt Allcroft, the woman behind the Thomas and friends TV Show and the reason why my railway is so famous has passed away… we are sad to hear this. She was 81 when she passed and she gave us all so much. like everyone of us she stumbled here and there but she got up and tried her best. and if that woman Hadn't mortgaged her own house in order to make the pilot of “down the mine” none of us would be the same.”

The people in the audience gave him a small clap as all of them were really sad. He then looked over towards Thomas and Lady who wanted to say a few words.

after the Mics were said in front of their mouths they began.

“Britt Allcroft was quite frankly an amazing woman.” Thomas began with a small smile. “ she was not only the woman who made a TV show but in a way she helped railways all over the world. I bet you not as many people would know anything about steam engines if it wasn't for the show she created. and yes I do think it is stupid that she tried to sue the Bluebell railway over stepney's name but In all honesty sometimes we all make mistakes.”

“During the filming of Thomas and the Magic Railroad She often came to have the studio make measurements of me so they could make a fake prop of me. I mean it was kind of funny and I do love that she gave me a voice. I owe her a lot as well. and I hope Wherever she is that she can smile down upon us. Goodbye Britt Allcroft. may you sore amongst the angels.”

After that all the engines blew their whistles long and loud. overhead they could swear they saw her face in the clouds smiling down upon them.

That's when all of them realized that her Legacy will always live on in them and in the show.

goodbye Britt Allcroft goodbye

Chapter 59: Ember's great discovery.

It had finally happened! Matthew and Ember got married!

It wasn't a big affair since neither of them wanted anybody else but members of the family there as well as a couple friends.

Ember was able to meet Matthew's parents for the first time who lived all the way in Belgium after moving there. After all their children had grown up.

Matthew's sister and her boyfriend were also at the wedding. Matthew's sister worked in a hospital on the mainland and the two of them rarely get to meet.

Matthew's brother also made an appearance. Like his sister his brother wasn't able to come Often either because well… he was very busy as an electrical engineer.

Matthew was just happy to have all of them there on his special day.

They had the wedding in their own backyard with Leo being the ring barrer. Leo was more than happy to have a new person in his life. especially since Matthew had found and rescued another lion this time a female one.

The two of them got along swimmingly and Matthew let them do their business.

The two of them left sodor to go on their honeymoon for which Charles had let them borrow cardean to take them to their honeymoon. but she was sent back as soon as they arrived.

Unfortunately Matthew wasn't able to finish any of his own engines before his honeymoon and he didn't want to call any of his other engines in because they were all busy as well on British railways.

but fortunately they did have a wonderful time.

The two of them began their honeymoon by exploring the northeastern region for locomotives to buy. Matthew had heard that steam engines were being withdrawn left right and Center on British railways and decided to have his wife buy some of them as a wedding gift.

Ember was absolutely aesthetic about buying her own engines. They looked around and found a quartet of Holden B12’s That had just been withdrawn. They were able to buy them for an absolute steal.

They were sent back to sodor to be put in the museum for the time being. since their boiler certificates had expired they would need overhaul. but since The railway had plenty of passenger engines and didn't really need any more. So they were put in the museum for safe keeping.

still it was a good addition to the museum. The two of them then headed up towards the Anglo Scottish border to just relax for a while.

The two of them went off exploring not really expecting to find anything but just for a little sense of adventure.

One day Matthew was sitting in the hotel exhausted from their previous night's activities.

Ember on the other hand was still full of energy.

“ I'm going on a little hike Matthew. If you need anything you can call room service.” she said cheerfully as she had gotten out of the bathroom and gotten some clothes on before grabbing a backpack with all of her supplies.

“ Enjoy yourself! and be safe!” Matthew said as he was barely lifting his arm. He couldn't feel his legs or anything else for that matter. He was completely limp.

Ember just smiled as she was walking out of the hotel and into the nearby Woods.

She had heard that there was an abandoned mine nearby so she wanted to make sure to avoid it.

She looked around her surroundings and smiled. “I can't believe I finally married Matthew. I know mom and dad would be very proud to see this. even though they couldn't be there. at least spark could make it. although I got a feeling he might need more time to warm up to Matthew.”

Ember sighed as she continued to walk through the forest. her younger brother had come from China for her wedding alongside the rest of her family. The two of them Hadn't seen each other for quite some time but kept in touch through letters.

The reason they didn't see each other was because she had to Stowaway on a ship to England in order to make sure her brother would have a good future. you see their parents died in a mining accident and the rest of their families couldn't take in both of them.

so she let them take in her brother and she would find a way to make it on her own. so she decided to stow away on a ship to England and hopefully make enough money there to survive.

It did take her a long time to make sufficient money but after being able to secure an Apprentice position on the railway and proving that she was capable of the work She was hired.

Unfortunately after the Second World War had wrapped up she was Cast aside and had to get that awful job in that pub where Matthew found her.

“ Those people really shouldn't have fired me! I mean the guy they got to replace me didn't even know the first thing about forging!”

As Ember continued to ramble she suddenly fell down a small ledge causing her to slide on Loose rocks. Fortunately there wasn't anything at the bottom that could cause her any injury and she was able to get up quickly again after tuck and rolling.

“ What was that?” She looked back at the edge where she had fallen from and noticed that the area looked man Made.

as she looked around she saw old rusty equipment and many tunnels going in and out of the big hill nearby.

“ This must be the mine The locals told us about. I must admit this does look like quite the impressive operation. and it looks like it hasn't been abandoned for more than a decade.” as she walked around she noticed that some pieces of rolling stock had been left behind and had been completely rotted through.

she grabbed one of the wooden planks of a six plank wagon. she was able to just pull it apart without much effort.

“ This truck must have been here much longer than a decade for it to be in this Shabby condition. but then again they can build a half dozen of these in the time it takes them to build one locomotive.”

She dropped the piece of wood in her hand and continued to explore the mine. She didn't want to go inside of them and also looked for things to help block the entrances to make sure nobody accidentally got in there.

but as she did she noticed an old Engine Shed. The shed was actually fairly large for a facility like this.

“I wonder what's in that shed?” She said as she approached it and grabbed the handles. unfortunately it broke off in her hands.

Ember looked frustratedly at the metal piece in her hand before turning back to the door. “ looks like we're doing this the hard way!” She then ripped open the door causing it to fall off the hinges and what was inside surprised her.

there were two steam locomotives inside! but to her surprise they didn't look like tank engines. they weren't even small enough to be considered tank engines.

The two of them were big black 2-8-2 Mikado’s! as she continued to look around she couldn't help but think of Gordon when she looked at them. They had similar boilers and smoke boxes to him. The only real difference was the wheel arrangement.

At that moment she heard a voice.

“Hey, why did you rip our door down?”

Ember walked up to the front again and realized the two steam engines have been sleeping for quite some time.

“ Sorry, I just accidentally wandered in here while on a hike. My name is Ember Long Warbler. What are your names?”

The two engines looked at each other before looking back to the woman who had so rudely ripped the doors off their hinges.

“We don't have names. We were never blessed with names but we do have numbers. my number is 2393.”

the other locomotive spoke up. “ and my number is 2394. you're the first person we've seen in a long time, Ember.”

“Why is that? And what exactly are two main line locomotives doing out here in the middle of nowhere?” the recently married woman asked, being very curious as she was sitting on the Remains of the door.

“ We try to escape from scrap.” 2394 Said as she looked a bit down trodden. “ You see, we are the 2 of a kind Gresley p1s.”

“ really?!” Ember said with a little bit of excitement in her voice! “I've heard of you two for quite a long while. you were fitted with boosters as an experiment before they were deemed a failure and they were removed.”

“That's us.” 2393 said with a more cocky smile. “ We worked ourselves to bits during the war and were hoping for at least an overhaul to get back to work. but the Railway and the Chief mechanical engineer Edward Thompson Decided that since we were non-standard we were going to be scrapped.”

“We didn't want that of course and so we decided to hide. We had heard about this mine from our drivers. It was the only mine to own enough locomotives to build a shed that would be big enough for us. Fortunately it had already closed since it couldn't keep up with the wartime demand. so we were basically hijacked and placed here.”

“Our drivers and firemen promised that they would find us a new home. But we haven't seen them since they left us here and quite frankly we don't believe we will ever find a new home. Besides, who would want engines like us?”

Ember looked at the big goods engines with a sympathetic look. The two of them had been lost for a decade with no hope and what most likely would be left here until somebody found them and scrapped them.

as she looked at their sad faces she realized she had to do something.

quickly saying goodbye to the two engines she rushed back towards the hotel.

Once there she basically grabbed the bellboy and demanded to know where she could use a phone.

The BellBoy, being more than terrified, showed her the direction to their telephone.

Amber quickly dialed in the number that she was familiar with and waited for the other side to pick up.

After a short while somebody picked up.
“ Hello, this is Mrs warbler.

no you're not in trouble with my husband.

I just found something very interesting and I need your help.

no it won't cost you a penny.

great tell them I want the big boys on the phone.”

Meanwhile, while Ember was making her phone call with whoever was on the other side of the line, Matthew had managed to gather the strength to get out of bed and down to the restaurant that was attached to the hotel.

He overheard his wife talking to the person on the other end of the line and was very curious about what she was arranging.

Over the next week they stayed in the hotel with Matthew becoming increasingly more intrigued as paperwork kept appearing that Ember had to sign that some other man took away.

He knew that she wouldn't Cheat on him or have an affair. she wasn't that kind of woman. but still he definitely wanted to know what was going on and so he decided to corner her one day.

Ember was about to leave to go to a very big appointment when Matthew stopped her.

“Okay what is going on?” Matthew said, crossing his arms with an annoyed expression on his face. “ you have been acting weird for a whole week now and I want to know why?!”

Ember nervously tried to play dumb. “ I don't know what you're talking about honey. I Haven't been acting weird.”

“ really?” Matthew said in a sarcastic voice. “ you have been receiving lots of paperwork and you won't tell me what it's for. I don't even know what's going on but it stops now!”

Ember didn't want to tell him so decided to show him.

They made their way towards the mine where the two p1s were still sitting with their shed doors still on the ground.

Matthew looked at them with his arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his face.

“So you found these locomotives out here after you accidentally slip down a small hill into this mine. Then you decide to purchase them and get them to sodor without my knowledge?”

“ I was going to tell you eventually.” Ember said while nervously rubbing her arm. “ I just didn't know how to… tell you… I didn't want to keep it from you but you know… I had to be certain that the plans wouldn't fall through…”

Matthew didn't look impressed at his wife's actions but looked back towards the engines. Ember was hoping that he wouldn't stop the purchase because she really didn't want to leave them behind to be scrapped. especially since British railways now knew of their existence and there would be no place for them in the modern network.

“ You two look in decent condition.” Matthew said as he began inspecting them. “all your parts are still here. All you would really need is a good overhaul and you'll be good to go. but still I don't think there would be anybody crazy enough to do that.”

He climbed out of the cab of 2393 and walked back up to the front with his same neutral expression.

All three females looked incredibly nervous. but that's when Matthew asked something that cut them off guard.

“What are your names?”

The two engines looked at each other again and then at Matthew.

“ We don't have names. we've only been known by our numbers.” 2394 said looking both confused and a little nervous.

but then to both of their surprise Matthew smiled. “ I can't have engines working for the SMD company that don't have names.”

Amber looked at her husband with equal amounts of surprise as the two big tender engines.

“ You mean we can keep them?”

“ Of course we can keep them!” Matthew said, laughing loud enough that the birds began flying away. “ You really think I'm going to leave two pieces of history to be cut up for scrap when I have the chance to save them? You really have a lot to learn about how crazy I am, my dear wife. But I think my craziness is also rubbing off on you.”

Ember only chuckled as the two of them looked back at the two Tender engines. “I guess my husband approves of my purchase.”

“ I do but the two of you will still need names and you won't be able to get into the work since we really don't need the two of you and service right away.”

The two engines smiled at Matthew.

“ Thank you Matthew. and we promise we will work our hardest when we are put back into service.”

“ Well I hope so. And I'm certain my wife has already arranged for you to be transferred to sodor.”

“ I did. I also threatened to sue them if they dare bring so much as a blow torch towards them.”

Matthew couldn't help but smile. The two big Tender engines looked a bit worried at this.

but soon an engine arrived to take them away from the mine and to the museum on the island of sodor. although Matthew and Ember decided to catch a ride.

They were heading back anyway since their honeymoon was over. They had to get back to work after all.

After they arrived at Vickerstown they had asked Henry to take them to killDane so Tom could take them towards the Museum and their new home.

The two of them made their way towards Knapford to catch up with Charles and see what they had missed while they were off on their honeymoon.

but when they arrived in Charles's office they saw him crying at his desk while his wife was trying to comfort him.

“ What's wrong Charles?!” Matthew said immediately running over to him.

“ It's my father.” Charles said with tears still coming from his eyes. “ He's dead.”

to be continued.

Chapter 60: Sir Topham hatt

It was the end of a very hard day on the nwr. and for once almost every single engine of the Railway was in Tidmouth sheds.

All of them were exhausted and ready to go to sleep when Matthew slowly walked in looking a little bit nervous.

"Hullo, Matthew," Amelia said, smiling at the man. "Did ye enjoy yer honeymoon?"

“ I did Amelia… but I have some unfortunate news to share with you all.”

“ Did your wife constantly need attention?” James asked with a raised eyebrow.

“ no no no! nothing like that James… it's just… I don't really know how to articulate this toward you all…”

“ Are ye movin' tae anither continent, are ye?”

Katie asked.

“Or, are ye maybe havin' a wee one on the way?” Cardeans said with a smile.

“ no… no little ones yet… and I'm glad you try to ask but it's really difficult for me to tell this.”

“Then what is it?” Thomas asked With a smile. “ I'm certain whatever it is we can-”

“ Last night Sir Topham Hatt, your former controller passed away in his sleep…”

all the engines looked wide eyed in shock! even some of the engines that didn't know sir Topham hatt had at least heard from him in the books. Still the idea that he was no longer here… was quite shocking and upsetting for the engines that had been here since he became the controller.

“ you're saying… he is dead….” lady asked as some tears formed in her eyes.

Matthew gave a Solem nod. “ Like I said he passed away in his sleep. His doctor's confirmed that he was dead when they came to see him. Charles is… really devastated to hear this since he only learned about this a few hours ago.”

Gordon, Silverlink and hushy looked around at the engine's. every single one of them either had tears or tried so hard not to let them fall.

so Gordon decided to ask the all important question.

“ When will his funeral be?”

“ next week. and don't worry it was in his will and last testimony that all of you were to attend the funeral. he did also request that one engine would be bringing him to his designated resting ground. now I know this is a big ask but you're going to have to decide amongst yourself who will be-”

“Glynn!” Everybody shouted catching the chief mechanical engineer of guard.

“ Okay I heard you Loud and clear.” he said after robbing his ears. “ But why him?”

“ because he was one of the engines tophem built with his own hands. it's his right to take his builder to his final resting place!” Gordon said with a big smile but there were still tears in his eyes. “ It's truly what any engine would want.”

all of them agreed as Matthew saw Ember standing next to the door so he decided to give them some space to process everything.

As soon as the door closed everybody looked down at their buffers.

“ I can't believe he's actually gone…” Thomas said in a low voice. “ I knew his health wasn't the greatest but… still I can't believe he's gone…”

“ What was he like to work for?” billster asked both out of curiosity and to get to know the man better.

Henry chuckled as he began remembering.

“ He was a man that wasn't above showing His disappointment. I mean I remember him saying: “ I wanted an Atlantic! and that F**** send me that!” He was not pleased that I arrived on the railway initially. but he was also a man of compassion. he never gave up on me and even imported special coal so I could work.”

“He gave me a chance when nobody else would and gave me a home and a family that I Love with everything in my heart.” Eleanor said, smiling also remembering the day she was allowed to go to the island of sodor.

 

“ If it wasn't for that man's generosity to take me in after the London Brighton and South Coast Railway wanted to get rid of me I would not be here today.” Timothy said very well knowing that if the Fat Controller had not brought him to the island he might have been Scrapped.

“ He has always been Stern but fair.” Edward said as he looked around at all the engines. “He was willing to give a shy steamer like me a chance and even had me upgraded so that I could run much better.”

“He kept me and the other pre-grouping engines on even though we didn't have the power of the bigger engine's. even if some of us did spend some time in the sheds before being let out again.” Tara said as her and her boyfriend began laughing remembering the month they spent in the sheds before a couple of nice drivers let them out again.

"He gied us a richt guid second chance at a job, too, efter the LMS wanted tae get rid o' us," Amelia said as she looked over to her fellow Caledonian machines."A' oor classes would hae gone extinct if it wisnae fur him, ken?"

“He also had a sense of humor.” Percy said as he began tearfully chuckling. “ I remember in my first year on the railway he basically made me face the consequences of my actions by sending Thomas a way to do some track maintenance. and he did tell me that I shouldn't just pull pranks that could hurt the railway as a whole. but he still allowed me to pull the occasional prank here and there.”

all the engines laughed as they began reminiscing about their controller.

“Sir Topham hatt didn't just give us a place to live.” Thomas said, looking at all of his friends. “ He gave us a home and a family. Yes, we Bicker but which family doesn't?”

“ you're right there Thomas.” lady said, smiling at her husband. “ if it wasn't for him none of us would be here.”

“ you're right about that. the two of us would have never seen each other again if it wasn't for him.” Rex-Iaspis said smiling over to his brother who was also smiling.

“ I guess all we can do now is continue running like we normally do.” Illustrious said with a smile but tears were definitely hitting her running board.

“ He was a true soldier.” Alec said.

“your darn right brother!” Baldwin said with a big grin on his face. “ He saw this railway through two world wars and was still left standing afterwards. And even though he's now gone we should always remember him for the brave warrior he was.”

all the engines blew their whistles in agreement.

Over the next couple of days they barely saw Charles. and when they did see him he was a shell of his former self. but he didn't shut everybody out. He took some time off and spent it with his kids and remaining family.

Everybody gave him space, especially the engines and the board.

The board of directors was more than willing to give him the time off especially since Charles hadn't taken a day off ever since he became controller.

Meanwhile Matthew continued to work on his engines alongside his wife. They were almost complete and would be ready a day or two after the funeral.

On the date of the funeral all the engines were gathered at knapford station. Everybody was allowed to attend as long as they were wearing black. The engines had been covered with black sheets as well as the coaches having black curtains drawn across their windows.

The only one who wasn't dressed in black was Glynn. He was still in his bright red and sorrowfully had a flat wagon behind him with Sir Topham hatt’s casket on it.

as all the engines were allowed to give eulogies and speeches at the ceremony everybody could only say good things about him.

but soon as the clock struck 12 it was time for Glynn to depart with his grim cargo.

Charles had also attached a coach to the back so he could take his family to see his father's final resting place.

The engines blew all of their whistles as Glenn departed out of knapford.

It wasn't a very long journey since Topham had left specific instructions at where he wanted to be buried.

He wanted to be buried on a hill overlooking the viaduct between Crosby and wellsworth. it was his favorite place to just go and relax when the world became too much for him.

and now it became his final resting place. Charles, who had been driving Glynn, stopped the engine and all of them carried the casket to the top of the hill and buried it in the right spot.

After the last of the soil had been placed on top of the casket and the sun began going down, all of them looked across towards the bridge and they could feel their father/grandfather's presence amongst them.

as all of them looked around they couldn't believe that this was really happening.

Charles didn't say anything as he brought Glynn back to the Earls Estate and then decided to go for a drive to Matthew's house.

After knocking Matthew opened the door and he immediately saw that his boss really needed to talk to someone.

Matthew decided to get the good wine out and even Brought out his finest silverware. which was again bought from a second hand shop but Charles at that moment didn't care.

“ How are you holding up Charles?” Matthew asked genuinely concerned for his boss and friends.

“ not well Matthew. I just… can't believe he's really gone… I knew he didn't have the best health but I expected him to last a little bit longer.”

“ We all do. but sometimes the Universe has different plans for us.”

“ it hurts Matthew… it really hurts…”

Matthew took in a deep breath and gestured for Charles to follow him outside.

The two men did so and Matthew pointed towards the stars.

“ you know they say that a star once it dies that its light still remains?”

“ maybe…” Charles said not really getting what Matthew was talking about.

“ Even though the star is gone, its light still shines. Just like the memories of your father will Shine in your mind. he may be gone but the love you felt for him and the love he felt for you will always live on. and if you need somebody to lend a listening ear then I'm certain some of the engines here will be more than willing to talk to you. I mean some of them lost their siblings on the mainland after all.”

Charles chuckled as he gave Matthew a hug. Matthew felt a bit awkward but decided to hug his boss back.

After finishing his drink Charles went back home. He wasn't going to get over his father's death anytime soon. But he knew what his father would want him to do…

run the railway to the best of his capabilities.

and soon he would have new locomotives to add to his roster. but my dear readers that is a story for another time.

Rest In peace Britt Allcroft. You've earned it.

Chapter 61: The L class return.

It had been a whole week since the funeral of Sir Topham hatt. things were still a little bit… somber around the railway but everybody kept going. knowing that that's what he would have wanted More than anything else.

To keep the railway going at all costs.

So the engines continue to work hard to make their former controller proud wherever he may be.

Soon snow had fallen and the engines had it a little bit more difficult with the tracks being covered in snow.

One day some of the engines were at Tidmouth sheds discussing the cold.

“It always reminds me of that time back in 1935 with the flying kipper.” Henry said, looking at all the snow that gathered on the glass above them. “Snow can be extremely dangerous. even though it does look pretty.”

“ I can agree on that.” Thomas said remembering the time Terence the Caterpillar tractor had to rescue him after he got stuck in a snowbank. “ Thank goodness we now all have custom made snow plows. my old one was so uncomfortable.”

Thomas said as his crew was preparing his new snow plow that Matthew had custom built for him to be more comfortable.

“I actually quite like it.” Willamina said as he looked at his fellow branch line engine. “ It's always so fun to see the kids playing in the snow. sometimes I wish I could join them.”

“Well not me.” Lady said as she shivered as her fire had not been lit yet. “I absolutely hate the cold! I can't wait for the Fire Lighter to come and light my fire!”

At that moment they all heard a familiar chime whistle.

It was Hudson and Remembrance! The two of them had finally returned from their intermediate overhaul.

“ Hudson! Remembrance!” lady shouted at her children as they turned on the turntable into their shedroads with smiles on their faces. “ It's so good to see you two again. Did you two enjoy your break?”

the two engines chuckled Before Hudson replied.

“ We did Mother. We also enjoyed our little chat with Uncle billster as well as catching up with our siblings.”

“ They are ready?” Thomas asked, looking at the entrance.

At that moment they heard multiple chime whistles.

Soon one by one the other members of the l-class Family enter the sheds.

first was Trevithick. She was back in her original London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington l class form. but she wasn't painted in the passenger Express umber that the LB&SCR usually painted their engines in. She was in works Grey by her own request.

it did make her look absolutely beautiful especially with the lined out livery.

Next came Hackworth Who was just like his sibling back into his L tank form but he was painted in the Southern Railway Brunswick Green And just like his sister his name was painted on his side instead of the usual railway logo or lettering.

And after the two of them got settled in their shed roads that's when the next two siblings arrived.

Stephenson Was still in her n15x form. but she was painted in a beautiful royal blue with Yellow lining. She looked absolutely stunning and ready to pull the royal Train.

Next came Cudworth. He had been painted in a beautiful Brown livery. similar to Toby's wood but a little bit more… refined.

Then finally came Beattie and Stroudley. The two of them had been rebuilt to the same shape as remembrance. but instead of being the same northwestern railway blue the two of them were painted into the NWR red and green Liveries.

While Beattie was painted red her brother was painted Green.

It was Definitely a surprise for most engines to see the three Baltics being the same colors as Gordon, Henry and James.

the three of which actually looked shocked.

“ well… this is quite unexpected.” Gordon said looking at the railways biggest Express engines. “ but I must admit you do pull off the colors pretty well.”

“ But why did you choose to use our colors?” Henry asks with a raised eyebrow.

“ because they had plenty of it back at the paint shop.” Stroudley said, looking at the three big engines of the Railway. “ besides we want to look our best for the new service.”

“ What new services?”

Thomas asked, looking a bit confused.

“ Oh Dad, we're not going to be stuck on the island! we're gonna be taking Express trains to Southampton!”

all the engines looked shocked at hearing this.

“really? Edward said as he had just arrived and began turning on the turntable. "That is quite a long journey you'll have to undertake.”

“ don't worry Edward with our corridor tenders, we should be able to make the journey.” Beattie said giving a reassuring smile to the old engine.

“ Besides, it won't be just us three.” Remembrance said with a smile. “ These trips will not be non-stop runs and thus Cross will be able to join us in our duties alongside Falcon.”

“She's staying on the island?” Gordon said a bit surprised but more than happy to have another Gresley built machine on the island on a more permanent basis.

“ Yes she is.” Hudson said smiling. “ But you don't have to worry about the rest of us. Us tank engines will remain on the island to help out with the local Express and any other fast trains.”

“ and let us not forget the holiday Seasons.” stroudly said, smiling. “ It's going to be very busy with the holidays coming around. but all of us will be more than willing to pull our weight around the Railway.”

“ especially now that Matthew has modified the two of us to be more stable at high speeds.” Stephenson Said looking at her brother. “Thanks to him we can now reach 80 miles an hour Without shaking our cruise about. it's gonna be wonderful to travel at high speed again.”

“ So what will this new service to Southampton look like?”

“Well we start from here and go all the way to Manchester And then we go to Birmingham. And then we go to Reading Running non-stop straight to Southampton. Should take around 6 hours to do so. It's gonna be real fun!”

all of them chuckled as their newest Express engines continued to talk about their service. They were definitely happy to have them on the team.

While the new service had not gotten off the ground yet Matthew had put them all into service pushing snow off the track as well as helping the workman.

The only two that weren't helping were remembrance and Hudson. They couldn't help because they still had their dining train services to handle. Even though they wanted to work alongside their siblings keeping the tracks clear of snow. Especially with more snow falling!

but later that evening all the L class Siblings had made their way down to Knapford shed. This was for one simple fact that there wasn't enough room in Tidmouth sheds for all of them. and since they wanted to spend their first night together on their first day of work they all went to knapford because it was rarely used.

“ So how was everybody's first day?” Hudson asked, looking at his older siblings.

“ It was definitely interesting.” Cudworth said with a smile. “ This island certainly is beautiful even with all the snow. I could get used to living here.”

“ Me too.” Stephenson said with a big smile. “This railway is absolutely one of the best I've ever worked on! Everybody here treats us engines with respect and everybody calls us by our names. I can't even remember the last time our shed master called us by our names.”

“That's because she never did.” Stroudly said. “I mean that woman was way too big for her shoes. anybody would think that she was the Queen with how she acted.”

“ I know what you mean stroudly.” Hudson said, rolling his eyes remembering that woman.“But in a way we can thank her for basically getting Remembrance bought by Matthew and many of the other engines being protected by him.”

all the engines murmured in agreement. At that moment Falcon, Willamina And sunny came into the sheds, all of them smiling.”

“ What are all of you doing here?” Hackworth Said looking Curious to see all of these engines in the same sheds as them. “ aren't you guys staying at Tidmouth?”

“ We wanted to sleep with our fellow Steam Machine department locomotives.” Sunny said with a smile. “Besides, my brother is at Tidmouth and I don't want to be around him today. He is so annoying!”

all the other engines laughed having dealt with duck in one way or another.

Over the next coming months the new additions to the north western railway and the SMD began adjusting to their new home.

Their service Wouldn't kick in until 6 months into the new year. but as They rang out 1956 and rang in 1957 an unfortunate event would occur that would Stick with the engines for a long long time.

one that anyone who knows the railway series would know.

but that my dear reader's is a story for another day.

Post credit scene: a black boxy shape rolled across the vicarstown rolling Bridge onto the island of sodor in June 1957

Chapter 62: The diesel Saga.

Summary:

This story is by far the longest chapter within this series. combining all the stories from the book duck and the diesel into one big continuous story. I hope everybody enjoys it because it was a hell to edit.

It has been a few months since the north western railway entered 1957 and Things were quite interesting.

especially as a rail tour was coming to the island and the Visitor would stay for a few days. not only that but Matthews Great Western locomotives were also coming back to get some overhauls done.

but they would also be put on the display alongside the visitor since they were some of the most powerful engines on the Great Western.

Duck of course was more than enthusiastic about the visitor.

“an engine of the old Great Western Railway is coming to the island! oh how exciting!” Duck said as he was shunting some trucks into a siding.

Sunny, who had been listening for weeks after the announcement to her brother's rambling about the Great Western Railway, looked extremely annoyed.

“ Yes Montague, we know an engine from the Great Western Railway is coming to visit. you don't have to keep reminding us every 10 seconds!”

She pulled away some wagons from one siding only to put them into the siding next to them to be loaded up.

“ Come on Sunny, isn't it great to have some more of us westerners on the island?”

“ I just hope they're nothing like you duck! the Great Western is gone and you must live with that!” she said as she began rushing out of the yard hoping to get away from Duck.

Darby rolled up next to him with some coaches for Gordon.

“Your sister is right, you know? you don't have to keep telling us every day about this rail tour engine.”

“oh what would you know you shoe box on Wheels.” duck said as he went away to collect some more wagons.

Darby just sighs. Ever since Duck Had met the diesel he always seemed to have a chip on his tanks for the diesel. Darby didn't know why but he didn't really care.

If Duck didn't want to be his friend or at least be civil to him, that was his own fault.

Soon the next day, Duck had prepared all the trains necessary for the morning and he was now eagerly awaiting for the excursion to arrive in the station as he was sitting in the shunters siding.

Soon he heard a shrill whistle. Then from around the bend came a great western City class. the city of Truro.

 

Duck was absolutely excited and blew his Whistle long and loud!

As he came to a halt, City of Truro smiled for the cameras as plenty of them were being taken of him on the platform.

Duck soon rolled along and smiled at the visitor.

“City of Truro! I can't believe that you're taking the special Excursion! it's so nice to see a great western City again.”

city of Truro only chuckles. “ Well my dear it's very nice to meet you too. you must be the former station pilot of Paddington and now the station pilot of knapford?”

“ Indeed I am!” Duck said with a big smile! “ but most people call me Duck. It's a nickname some of my fellow engines gave me after one of my wheels made me wobble. it has been fixed but the name has stuck.”

“Okay then duck. Can you please take my coaches away so I can go to Tidmouth sheds? Apparently I'm to be photographed with the other 4-4-0’s on the island And some fellow Great Western machines. and I have a few questions for everyone.”

Duck was more than happy to and quickly took the coaches away and put them in the siding for them to be cleaned ready for the rail tours return the next morning.

the city of Truro went back to Tidmouth and was put on display with Tara and Edward.

The three 4-4-0’s had a lovely time as they were being photographed. And his fellow Great Western machines enjoyed it too but they didn't get to stay for long as they were put in the Works later that day.

but it wasn't until that evening that everybody could get a good talk with the visitor.

“ I must admit it is nice to have a visitor on the island.” Thomas said smiling.

“ Well it is also nice to see the famous railway series engines. I've heard quite a lot about you but where is Gordon?”

“Oh you don't want to meet him.” Duck said as everybody Groaned at what he said next. “ Gordon wouldn't understand our ways. I mean there are only two ways to do things: the Great Western Way or the wrong way.”

At that point the big blue engine arrived and looked very annoyed at Duck.

“ Duck, I think you should let our guest decide for himself if he wants to speak to me or not! besides, I've also wanted to meet him for quite some time now.”

Everybody looked confused as Gordon rotated on the turntable and slowly and carefully rolled back onto his Shed road.

“ and why is that?” Henry asks Gordon, who was smiling.”

“because I want to know what his 100 mile an hour run was like.” he then turned towards the visitor. “ how big of a rush was it to go at that speed!?”

city of Truro just chuckled. “ Gordon even I doubt I went that fast. I know there's been this great debate between people about who went a hundred miles an hour first. me or your brother the Flying Scotsman. And to be honest I don't really care about it. Scotsman has evidence and I don't besides I am grateful for the LNER.”

“ and why is that?” unicorn asked with raised eyebrows. “ wasn't the LNER one of your rivals?”

City of Truro once again chuckled. “ yes but they actually preserved me when the Great Western was getting rid of both me and my siblings. sad to say I was the only one of my siblings to remain. all of them have been scrapped.”

“ I know what that feels like.” Edwards said, smiling at their visitor. “ all other Furness Railway K2’s Are scrapped. and Tara here can say the same for her class.”

Tara just gave a hum of agreement as City of Truro smiled at them.

“ Thank you. but I want to ask all of you.”

“ And what would that be? hushy asked with a raised eyebrow.

“ What happened to the city of knapford?”

all the engines look shocked for a minute except Duck.

“Oh come on, City of Truro. the city of knapford is just a myth!”

“ no it isn't.” Thomas said towards Duck before looking towards City of Truro. “Before we tell you you must swear upon your life that you will not tell another soul unless Swindon themselves give us permission to. understand?”

“Understood Thomas. Now please tell me what happened to my brother.”

so all the engines went into the story of what happened to the city of knapford and the ghost story attached to it.

City of Truro only chuckled at hearing this. “I always expected he would go out like that. He seemed like the reckless type. Anyway, enough about him. Tell me about all the adventures you guys have had over the years?”

The engines continued to chat throughout the night as their famous visitor was more than happy to learn all about the history and the events of the Railway.

but one engine didn't really understand what the fuss was all about.

The next morning after City of Truro had left the engines were still talking about it, especially Duck.

but one engine still didn't get it.

“I don't understand why everybody's making such a big deal out of him.” Hackworth said as he was gathering his freight train. “ I mean everybody is saying how great he is but I don't see how that is? He doesn't even have a steam Dome and that's just not how an engine is supposed to look.”

“ Well my son, people say he did reach 100 miles an hour first.” Lady said as she was shunting her own train together. “ Besides, he's a one of a kind Design now that the rest of his classmates are gone. I should know what that feels like since I don't have any Other siblings.”

“ Even so, I bet I could hit 100 miles an hour!”

“don't be so stupid hackworth!” Lady shouted. “ You may be more stable like this but it would still be reckless if you tried that! And trust me I'm going to punish you if you even attempt something like that”

“lady you're not really my mom.” Hackworth rolled his eyes.

Meanwhile Hudson looked absolutely terrified as lady grew more irritated.

“fine attempt a 100 miles per hour run. but don't come crying to me when it blows up in your smoke box!” lady said as she blasted away with her freight train.

Hudson meanwhile Decided to remain silent. He knew from what Remembrance told him that hackworth often overestimated his abilities.

Soon Hackworth had delivered his freight train to the end of the line and was taking a fast passenger service back down the line. It only stopped at Killdane to swap passengers with the electric railway. for the rest he was basically allowed to run as fast as the timetable allowed.

but Hackworth decided after his stop at killDane that he would prove that he could reach 100 miles an hour!

“ I'll show them that City of Truro is nothing special! I'll show them all!” he thought as he was making his way Past Maron.

Fortunately his train wasn't that heavy so he didn't need a banker. He knew with the downhill stretch and the more banked track at the bottom that he could reach some serious speed!

So the moment he reached the top he pushed himself to the Limit rushing down the hill increasing his speed from around 70 miles per hour to 90 miles per hour!

His driver fought for control but unfortunately it was no use.

Hackworth began going faster and faster as he passed through Wellsworth, surprising both Edward and Tara who were waiting to go with passenger trains each way along the main line and the branch line.

but as he began running faster he felt that something was loose on top of his boiler. but he ignored it as he tried to push himself beyond 90!

Unfortunately he Hadn't Accounted for the Viaduct! The viaduct was well known to have wind around it from time to time.

nothing too dangerous to knock an engine off but still it was quite dangerous.

But as Hackworth rushed over the bridge the wind went around his Dome and since it had been shaken loose due to high speed It flew off and went down into the river below! smashing against the rocks!

Hackworth felt extremely uncomfortable as he began slowing down. The wind going over his Dome at high speed made him feel incredibly uncomfortable.

His driver and Fireman decided to stop him at Elsbridge to do a quick inspection.

when they arrived they saw that the Dome had completely removed itself!

“I'm afraid there's nothing we can do, old boy.” his driver said, scratching the top of his head. “ you're going to have to go to the works for a new one. for now we can only bring you back to the sheds when we have a clear path.”

Hackworth felt incredibly embarrassed. and unfortunately for him Lady and Thomas had just arrived and had heard everything as they double headed an extra long passenger train.

“told you you shouldn't have gone 100 miles an hour hackworth!” Lady said looking incredibly disappointed.

Thomas just slowly rolled past and told him. “ You should have really listened to your mother. trust me 99% of the time she knows best.”

Hackworth didn't say anything as he carefully continued his journey.

He spent the rest of the day in the sheds cooling down before he would be towed to the Workshops the next day.

As all the engines arrived in the sheds everybody began laughing at him for his weird appearance.

“He doesn't even have a steam dome and that's not how steam engines are supposed to look.”

Hackworth heard this but wasn't sure who it was.

 

He was sent to the works for repairs as they couldn't get the old dome back. Matthew also had a few Stern words for him which made him fall in line.

but unfortunately Hackworth's antics weren't the only thing happening on the railway.

duck had become increasingly more annoying! After city of Truro’s visit He went on and on about the Great Western Way and that the great western was the best railway driving everybody insane!

Even Edward, who was normally an extremely patient saint , said nothing because he didn't want to get into an argument with the Pannier.

Sunny meanwhile just wanted to push him into the sea! The only reason that she didn't do it is because she didn't want to get into trouble with Matthew thanks to how hard he was yelling at Hackworth after she delivered him to the Works.

But one day everything would change.

Matthew arrived at the Engine Shed as all the engines were once again hearing from Duck how great the Great Western was.

Matthew just rolled his eyes and shouted. “ Can you please stop quacking duck and listen to me!”

duck looked offended but everybody was happy that he was quiet for a moment and all of them gave Him their undivided attention. especially aoihi who was preparing Hiro for the morning jobs but could barely contain his Snickering.

“ we're gonna have a new engine on trial tomorrow. so I want you all to give him a proper welcome.”

“And what kind of class will it be?” Tanya asked, having just been returned from the Works alongside Howard.

“ he will actually be a BR Class 08 shunter. similar to Darby but he does have a few differences here and there. I expect all of you to give him a warm welcome.”

All the engines were chattering about the new engine but Duck just rolled his eyes. He didn't really like diesel engines from the start thinking they were nothing more than just cheaper alternatives to real engines.

So when the black diesel arrived the next morning, Duck didn't really like him.

The diesel turned on the turntable and entered an empty shed road as he looked at all the engines.

Charles arrived and gestured towards the new engine. “ Everyone, I'd like you to meet diesel. I've agreed to give him a trial to see if he would be useful on the railway. Please give him a warm welcome.”

“Good morning everyone.” Diesel said in an oily voice as he looked towards everyone. “It's such an honor to meet such famous engines. Do I spot Gordon, Henry and James?”

The railway's three big engines looked very flattered at Diesel but duck just rolled his eyes.

Charles turned towards duck. “ Duck, I would like you to teach diesel everything he needs to know about running the yard. now you should hurry up before the trains are late.”

As the two of them left the engines were actually impressed with how polite diesel was. but others like Thomas and lady had a feeling that there was a little bit more to diesel than meets the eye.

As they were running around the yard diesel spoke to duck.

“You're worthy fat-”

 

“ Sir Charles Topham hatt!” Duck corrected him. Already annoyed with the new engine.

“Your worthy Sir Charles Topham hatt, thinks I need to learn? But he is very much mistaken in that view. We diesel engines don't need to learn. We are modern and up to date. we come to a yard and improve it because we are revolutionary.”

“ Oh yeah!” Duck said, not Liking the attitude of the new shunter. “ Well if you're so Revo Revo whatever that you can fetch the trucks for lady’s train!”

Duck then ran off To collect Gordon's coaches.

Diesel was delighted that he was given the opportunity to prove he was superior.

He was told that the wagons needed for the train were empty plank wagons.

so he found some in a siding. But unfortunately for him they were very old and empty and were not meant to be moved.

Duck had brought Gordon's coaches to the platform and pushed him off so he went to see how diesel was doing. He saw the diesel approaching the Old trucks.

He knew that those trucks were not meant to be moved but decided not to say anything.

diesel couples onto the trucks and tried to pull them out of the Siding . only to find out that they Wouldn't move! he pulled backwards and forwards bashing the trucks and straining their couplings!

but still duck didn't say anything as he went off to fetch the right wagons. At that moment both Darby and Sunny, who had been staying in the yard shed and talking while the steam engine got steam up, saw diesel struggling.

but unfortunately it was too little too late to help him As the trucks Surged forward bashing against diesel who stopped suddenly causing more of them to bash against each other and derailing. The yard was filled with metal screeching wood snapping and the overall noise of trucks getting derailed.

diesel looked incredibly embarrassed. especially when duck rolled by with the right empty trucks.

“ Thank you for arranging these diesel. but I must bring these to Lady.”

diesel looked confused. “ don't you want this lot?”

“ no thank you. they weren't actually supposed to be moved. and you have just proven why.”

diesel now looked angry! “ I went through all of this trouble for nothing! why didn't you tell me these trucks are not supposed to be moved?!”

“you never asked?” Duck said in a Cheeky voice. “Besides You were having so much fun being Revo finger game and I didn't want to spoil your fun. and by the way the breakdown crane is In the siding next to the station. make sure to take off their brakes before moving them!”

duck laughed as he rolled away smiling. Diesel meanwhile looked absolutely Furious! As was sunny. she knew that he had something against diesels but this was uncalled for!

so she decided to get the breakdown crane to help him out.

Darby meanwhile continued to shunt but the trucks that were still in the yard decided to make a little song commemorating diesel's first accident.

“Trucks are waiting in the yard tackling them with easel. Show the world what I can do, Galey boasts the diesel. In and out he Creeps about like a Big black weasel! When he pulls the wrong trucks out pop goes the diesel!”

Diesel just growled as he took the damaged trucks away on flatbeds to be taken to the scrap yard at killdane for recycling.

Meanwhile, Sunny confronted her brother.

“ That was really mean of you duck!”

“ What are you talking about?” duck asks as he was taking on water.

“ how you treated the newcomer! you knew that he couldn't pull those trucks out and you let him anyway! that isn't right!”

“Come on sis!” Duck said, annoyed with his sister. “He needed to be taken down a peg or two. Besides, no real harm was done to the trains. and those trucks were meant to be recycled anyway.”

“ that isn't the point!” Sunny shouted! “ this was his first impression on the railway! and you made him look like a fool!”

“I didn't make him look like a fool, he did it to himself!” duck protested.

“That isn't the point duck!” Thomas said, rolling alongside him looking equally annoyed at the pannier. “ He is a new engine that needs guidance and not To be made to look like a fool on his first day! And I definitely think it's not the great western way to make fools out of Anyone!”

Sunny agreed and the two tank engines went off to do their work leaving duck annoyed but also with something To think about.

That night diesel slept in the yard being extremely angry with duck.

“That stupid steamy made me look like a fool! He could have told me that I didn't need to move those trucks and now all of them are singing that's stupid song about me! I will get my revenge on him! I will!” Diesel said in his thoughts although he didn't have any idea on how to do it yet.

Meanwhile at Ffarquhar Thomas told about the incident to both Timothy and billster.

“Duck definitely shouldn't have done that.” Timothy said looking as disappointed at the Panniers actions as everybody else.

“ While I am suspicious of that diesel, I wouldn't have done something so petty. Perhaps gathered evidence and warned him on his behavior but nothing discriminatory like what duck did.” Billster said, looking at his brother.

“ you're probably right billster.” Timothy said with a smile before changing the subject. “ so this will be your last month on the island. it will be sad to see you go.”

“I know.” Billster replied. “I HATE BR! I swear! Some of the humans there are psychotic supremacists!”

“and quite frankly bone stupid!” Thomas said, remembering the story his son had told him. “at least we're safe on the island from British railways. Charles would definitely not have anything happen to us while he's in charge.”

“That's not what they say on BR.” Billster huffed. “Some higher ups are insane! Insane to the point where they call the North Western Railway the North Western region of British Railways. They think they own it all, even Matthew's engines.”

Both Thomas and Timothy chuckle after hearing this.

“ they are definitely more crazy than Matthew if they think that is real! Matthew is one of the craziest people we've ever met in our lives! He will let nothing happen to the engines he owns! absolutely nothing!” Timothy said with a smile.

“I wish I was a genuine Sudrian engine. You know, owned by the NWR or Matthew. Then I won't have to be stuck around unethical yahoos.” Billster said looking at the stars As all three brothers truly understood the hatred their youngest brother felt for British railways.

The next day diesel was once again shunting in the yard with all the trucks singing that annoying song pop goes the diesel.

he growled as he biffed and bashed all the wagons.

Darby wasn't really happy seeing his brother so angry and decided to talk to him.

“ You know diesel none of us agree with what Duck did.” he said as he gently rolled up alongside him, coupling up to some wagons. “ and believe me he has gotten flak from both the other engines and his own sister. He's not getting away Scot free.”

“ but yet he hasn't been punished!” diesel growled as he roughly pulled the trucks away!

Darby on the other hand just gently pulled his trucks away as he continued to talk to his brother.

“That may be true but Matthew has told him that if he breaks down he won't be put in the museum and be left in one of the Sidings before he can be repaired. He will face consequences but you don't have to take out your anger that you feel now on the trucks. Believe me, that's not a good idea.”

“ oh whatever!” Diesel said as he pushed a truck into another one at high speed ( at least high speed for him.) “ all these steam engines are the same! they can get away with everything while we diesels get away with nothing!”

“ That's not true!” Darby said as he gently coupled up the wagons for Henry's goods train. “ These steam engines do get in trouble if they do something wrong. just ask James. he has been punished more times on this island than anybody else.”

“yeah but at least duck has gotten away without punishment!” diesel said as he rolled away to get more trucks.

Darby just rolled his eyes trying to get through to his brother.

“ All I'm saying is maybe you should cut him some Slack. if you prove yourself beyond the accident than you might be able to stay on the railway permanently.”

“ I should be the one To stay on the railway permanently anyway! we diesels are revolutionary and will one day replace all of those steamies!”

Darby once again rolled his eyes. “ and then one day we will be replaced by other engines. Just because we're revolutionary now diesel doesn't mean we'll always be. One day we'll be out of date just like the Steam engine's. And I would like to have a friendly relationship with them before that time.”

Diesel just continued to growl as he went away to another section of the yard to collect more trucks as Darby awaited some more instructions.

At that moment Sunny came up towards her friend and looked towards the Black diesel rolling away.

“ The conversation with your brother didn't go well?”

“ What do you think? your brother has really tainted his views on steam engines. and I don't blame him. duck should have never let him take those trucks out of the Sidings.”

“ we all agree on that.” Sunny said as the two of them made their way to refuel. “ My brother can be very, very annoying to deal with. I understand that diesel needed to be taken down a peg or two but that doesn't mean duck should just make a fool of him!”

As they began refueling Darby looked towards sunny.

“I really wish Duck was more like you.” he said without thinking about it. “ You're kind, gentle and not Afraid to speak your mind but you always make sure to get your work done too. I really admire that about you.”

Sunny blushed as she looked at the diesel. “Well, I also admire you for your professionalism and humble attitude. I'm certain most diesels would look at an engine like me and see something that needs to be replaced.”

“ Well I don't.” Darby said, smiling at the pannier. “ I love your Design it's so beautiful and elegant yet functional. and yes I know the old saying that all great western engines look the same but even with you and Duck looking almost identical I can definitely say I like you more than him.”

At that moment Darby realized what he had just said and began blushing like a tomato.

The two engines remained quiet for a minute trying to figure out what this meant.

Meanwhile, Diesel was shunting some wagons nearby when he overheard a conversation between Duck and Gordon.

“ For the last time Gordon, why do you need those stupid articulated coaches? there are plenty of Regular Express Coaches for you to use!" Duck said as he had assembled a rake of the old Express Coaches ( The Bogey ones not the single axle ones). “they're just as good.”

“ Those coaches were given to me by my designer!” Gordon shouted looking extremely annoyed at the pannier. “ they were given to me after his passing! so you should show a little bit more respect for them! and just because they're not like the ones used on the Great Western doesn't mean they're any less good! now put these away and get me my real coaches!”

Gordon then puffed away to get refueled as duck was muttering under his breath.

“ That big blue whale really should know better than to talk down to a great western engine. I mean the castles could outperform him any day of the week!”

As duck kept muttering under his breath diesel overheard every single word. and he had an idea. If duck wanted to play a little trick then he was going to play a trick back.

as he oily rolled around the yards he whispered to the trucks about some great jokes they could tell the other engines. the trucks of course not knowing Better ate it up.

The moment the other engines arrived they began laughing and joking about them!

They called James rusty red scrap iron and Henry old square wheels.

hushy was called a galloping sausage and they even made jokes about Anne and that she hadn't gotten over it yet.

along with the other engines that came into the yards regularly all of them were given embarrassing nicknames or insensitive jokes made about them! All the while the trucks kept saying that duck was the one who told them.

Later that day most of the engines had gathered in the sheds.

“ I cannot believe duck would say such a thing!” Gordon shouted as he was now extremely Annoyed with the pannier.

“ agreed!” said James, who was incredibly red in the face with anger. “I mean my color isn't rusty red! And how dare they call Emily an old paddle steamer! her elegant curves are nothing to make jokes about!”

“And how dare they bring up Eleanor's Past of being a failed design!” Henry said “And calling me old square wheels is going too far!”

Hushy was crying in the corner of the sheds having been reminded of her best friends and possible girlfriends death. she had still not gotten over it because it really hurt very deep inside.

As all the engines discussed duck's actions They decided to teach him a lesson.

The duck was exhausted after shunting trucks all day and wanted to go back to the sheds.

but the bigger engines were blocking his way and Hissing steam at him shouting to keep out!

“ What's all of this nonsense? I'm tired and I want to rest in the sheds!” Duck said as he tried once again to go past the engines but they just Hissed more steam at him.

“Keep out duck!” Gordon said glaring at the pannier. “We don't want you in our shed!”

“ yeah! you spread nasty rumors about us to the trucks!” James said, backing up his blue Colleague .

“ and we don't appreciate that!” Henry said glaring at the Pannier as well.

“ I've done no such thing!” duck Protested.”

“ Yes you have!”

“ no I've not!”

“yes. you. Have!!”

“ no. I've. not!”

“ What is going on?”

Everybody looked over to see Matthew appearing out of nowhere looking at the little standoff.

“ What is going on here guys? Why are you blocking duck from entering the sheds?”

Soon everybody explained their side of the story with duck trying to interfere but Matthew just raised his hand to keep the pannier silent.

“Well those are some big Accusations.” Matthew said, stroking his beard. “I will have a look into these rumors but I do agree that you can't stay here until the heat dies down.”

“ But Matthew, you can't seriously kick me out of the sheds! where am I supposed to go?”

“ You can stay at Edward station. Their yard Could use a little Shunter like you. In the meantime diesel will take over most of your duties. and maybe it will also teach you not to play jokes on other engines.”

duck still looked annoyed. “ Matthew, you're making a mistake! I've not done anything wrong!”

“ Duck, I will believe you once I have evidence.” Matthew said, crossing his arms. “Right now we're in a he says she says situation and I do not want to get involved in that! now please go!”

Duck just looked sad as he began making his way to Edward station.

The big three engine's looked satisfied Until Matthew turned back towards them.

“ And I don't want you to bad mouth duck while he is away! I will look into these allegations but until then duck is Innocent! . do. you . under. Stand?”

Matthew said in a dark and low voice as all the engines quickly agreed with him. they knew Matthew was nobody to mess with.

Diesel meanwhile had seen everything and smiled as he Oiled the way with some trucks.

When Duck arrived at Edwards station he looked absolutely miserable.

He did a few shunting moves before sitting in one of the sheds on the property. It was neither a very big shed nor a very comfortable one. but a shed was a shed.

“ I can't believe those fools believed all those false rumors about me! I would never bad mouth anyone to their face!”

“ Well that's very hard for us to believe.” Tara said as she shunted a few trucks in a siding next to duck. “ We don't exactly have the best image of you Duck.”

“ and why is that?” duck asked, looking a bit annoyed at the older engine.

“ because you're constantly on about the Great Western Railway and the Great Western Way are grinding us down! ever since you arrived on the island it's been great Western this and Great Western that.” she explained, looking extremely annoyed. “ And ever since city of Truro visited you've only become worse! so forgive us for having some healthy skepticism. besides Matthew is looking into the allegations so as long as you're speaking the truth that you didn't do anything you're in the clear.”

she then rolled away Leaving the pannier with a lot to think about.

Meanwhile that evening, Sunny decided not to sleep at Tidmouth. she had heard about what her brother had done and she was… confused… She knew her brother better than anybody else on the island. she knew for a fact that he wouldn't do something like this. but she didn't have any proof to kill her his name.

At that moment billster came into the sheds. He had some shunting to do in the yard in the morning for his morning freight train down the line so he decided to sleep there.

As he looked at the Panniers face he realized exactly what she was thinking.

“You don't think the Quacker boy made those rude remarks Sunny?” Billster said with a smirk on his face which made the Pannier chuckle.

“ You hit the nail right on the head billster. I've worked with my brother for years and I know for a fact he would never do something like this. I mean the worst he ever did back on the mainland was keep the bigger engines out of the sheds for disrespecting him and the other small engines but that's it. Nothing to This degree.”

At that moment Darby came to the sheds Having heard what Sunny had said. “Then I don't blame him for doing that so the bigger engines learned a lesson. but still what are we going to do? If duck is innocent, who spread the rumors to those trucks? I highly doubt it would be Thomas or Timothy.”

“I can confirm that Darby. Thomas and Timothy May be well overprotective over their lovers but I doubt they would do anything like that unprovoked. Let alone to that extent word wise that is. Especially to their friends.” Billster said defending his brothers

“Then who would be the only engine we know that would do something like this?” Sunny asked as the three Shunters then immediately realized there was only one engine on the island that would have done something like that!

“ diesel!” all three of them said at the same time!

“I honestly should have seen that one coming. I don't mean to sound discriminatory but the Diesels who go about saying how revolutionary they are are usually the ones most Petty and devious no offense to you Darby.” billster said.

“Non taken.” Darby said Relieving the younger E2P “ but it also makes sense to me because he did seem rather angry at Duck the other day. so he must have spread rumors to those trucks making them think they came from Duck.”

“ and trucks not knowing better decided that it was a great idea to follow his advice.” Sunny said, delivering the final parts of the puzzle. but then something else came to her mind. “ But that being said trucks are never that smart either. I mean they tried to constantly cause accidents which would get themselves more likely killed than us. why would they do that?”

“Now come to think of it, how many funerals does the Hat family have to pay for?” Billster said, actually sounding curious about that.

“From what I understand they don't give the trucks funerals because otherwise they would have run out of money by now.” Darby said having been around the railway long enough to know how many trucks get destroyed every year. “ But that being said, now we have to figure out how we get diesel to confess. Matthew is looking into this but it might help clear duck's name if we Gather some evidence by ourselves.”

“oh I won't worry about me trying to look for evidence.” The three engines jumped and looked down to see Matthew leaning against one of the walls smiling at the three engines.

“ I may not have known duck as long as you sunny but there's one thing I know. spreading false rumors about other engines isn't the Great Western Way. and as for how we can get diesel to confess in front of Charles and everyone else… I've got two friends that are more than willing to help us.”

At that moment the shed doors opened and two massive locomotives rolled into the sheds. The two engines looked over with a smile as Matthew explained his plan.

Over the next couple of days Diesel felt very smug. duck was gone and now he could run the yard as he pleased. Unfortunately, that wasn't very good.

trucks and coaches were everywhere and the yard was so disorganized Charles had to put Percy, Howard and Tanya alongside Sunny and Darby in order to keep the yard going.

During that time Matthew and the group were biting their time. waiting for the right moment to get diesel alone.

One day about four days after duck had been sent away, diesel was shunting in the yard alone when too big red and Yellow diesels rolled into the yards.

they were much bigger than diesel and also a lot prettier to him.

The two diesels slowly purred over and smiled at Diesel.

“Well hello there shunter.” One of the big diesels said. “ We are new to the island and would love to get to know the other diesels working here.”

The diesel grew a little flustered as the engine was talking in a slightly seductive tone.

“ well.. I'll be more than happy… to… hee introduce you to the other diesels…” Diesel stuttered trying to get his composure back. “ By the way, who are You two?”

“ We Are the LMS twin diesels 10,000 and 10,001. but you can call me mirajane Or mira for short and this is my sister Lisanna. We are owned by Matthew and he told us that you would show us around.”

Diesel was more than happy to show them around the yard, especially the new diesel pumps. all the while the two engines kept smiling at him until at one moment Lisanna asked him something.

“ You know I heard a rumor about you. that you were willing to send one of those filthy steam engines away from these yards because he played an awful trick on you.”

“ Well that might be true.” Diesel said with a smile not realizing what was happening. “ I mean he did play an awful trick on me but I have no idea what people are talking about? I didn't do anything.”

“ But what if you did? what would you have done?” Mira said, batting her eyelids, “You can tell us. we won't tell a soul.”

Diesel just smiled and began explaining everything.

“ First I would have to get information on the engines to then tell the trucks. it was quite easy to convince them since those idiots never think things through. Plus Duck has such a horrible reputation that it was quite easy to turn the engines against him.”

Diesel said being completely unaware of how he was phrasing everything.

“then it was only a matter of time before the engines would turn on him. I'm certain that miserable Pannier learned never to mess with me again.”

“Wow, you are so brave.” Lisanna said, sounding very impressed. “ I would have been too scared to be found out by management to do something like that. but you're definitely brave enough to do that.”

Diesel smirked, completely letting his guard down.

“Yes I was. Now that miserable Pannier is gone, maybe I should make everybody Hate his sister as well? you know one engine is as good as another.”

“ That would be amazing of you to do.” Mira said with a smile. “ But there's just one little thing wrong with what you're planning.”

“And what would that be?” Diesel asked, sounding very confused but still confident.

“ because you just confessed everything you've done right in front of the chief mechanical engineer and the controller of the Railway you're on trial on.”

Matthew said climbing out of mira’s cab while Charles got out of Lisanna’s. Matthew was actually smirking realizing that his plan had gone perfectly.

“ Thanks for the help, girls.” he said looking towards the engines.

“ It was our pleasure Matthew.” Lisanna said with a big smile. “it's always our pleasure to bring engines like him down a peg or a million.”

“ Wait, the two of you set me up!?” Diesel asked in panic! realizing what has just happened.

“ Yes we did.” Mira said smiling. “We know we are incredibly beautiful. especially with this stunning LMS maroon Matthew has provided us with. thanks again for that Matthew.”

“ you're welcome.” Matthew said while tipping his hat.

“ so it would be quite easy for you to let your guard down around us so we could… squeeze the information out of you without you even knowing it.”

Diesel gulped and he knew he was in big trouble. especially with the Furious look on Charles's face.

“while I understand the prank pulled on you wasn't fair you had no right to frame Duck the way you did! what you have done was disgraceful, despicable and disgusting.” Charles said glaring at the O8 Shunter. “ I must remind you that you were here on trial. you would not be considered part of the north western railway until you'd pass your trial here. which I can say you have failed spectacularly.”

At this point Matthew took over. Listing everything that Diesel had done wrong. “ You Caused damage to the rolling stock even if it was unintentional, you have spread False rumors about one of your fellow engines, you've also kept the yard in terrible shape and worst of all you didn't listen to Darby. He gave you some great Advice to let things go but instead you Decided to cling on to your emotions of hate. Let me give you a golden Tip. engines like you who use deception and framing to get what they want will always face the consequences down the line.”

Diesel was speechless; he then tried to defend himself.

“It's all the Panniers' fault! if he hadn't made a fool out of me I wouldn't have done the things I did!”

“ While that may be true it doesn't excuse what you have done.” Matthew said while crossing his arms. “ You deliberately framed one of your fellow engines and that's something we cannot abide by on the north western railway. I figured it would be best for both the railway and yourself that you leave the island tonight!”

Diesel looked shocked! “ You can't send me away! I am one of the most modern engines on the railway. You cannot get rid of me!”

“Yeah, and what of it?” Billster said as he, sunny and Darby approached the group cornering diesel between them and the buffers behind him. “No one gives a scrap at how new you are! If you aren't a good engine at heart then you have no right to be a Sudrian!”

the two other Shunters chuckled as diesel just went red in the face.

“ And what do you know about it! I know about your class! You e2’s are some of the worst engines on British railways! it will only be a matter of time before my class replaces yours!”

At that moment, Billster began to laugh Hysterically causing the others to look at him in surprise.

“An E2? You mean those oversized wrecks that over glorify themselves that claim to be my family? Oh! It seems you aren’t unfamiliar with Lawson Billinton’s work. However, I’m not like those rejects!” Bilster said with a smile that was both impressively intimidating and creepy. “I mean no offence to my ACTUAL brothers, Thomas and Timothy, but unlike them, my experience and knowledge of the world is higher than theirs. I was shipped to numerous fronts across the world during the 2 world wars, mostly in the US, shunting Munitions left, right, and center! But what others don’t know is that I actually also shunted Rail guns into place and fired them when needed. All engines of your personality and mindset are always the unluckiest in the darkest of moments, for no one would come to save their worthless rear ends.”

Diesel was shaking in his frames, not saying a word. Darby, who was right in front of him, slowly rolled away so Diesel could quickly make his escape!

His driver put him in one of the Sidings as far away from the others as possible. Matthew turned towards Billster with a smile.

“ impressive bilster. though I wasn't aware you had such a long and traveled history. I thought your whole class worked only here in the United Kingdom?”

“I'm the only reliable member on the mainland.” Billster remarked. “I worked in the US area for so long, well… you can see how it affected my accent. Regardless. What I said is true. Engines who acted like diesel did, never last long. For that behavior is unwanted. It’s why I hate BR. They have no soul or heart, just greed and corruption on the brain.”

Matthew chuckled at hearing the Young E2P’s words. “ an engine after my own heart. it will be sad to see you go tomorrow. and don't worry you'll be able to say goodbye to your brothers since we cleared their schedules. if you go to Ffarquhar right now you'll be able to have until first light tomorrow to chat with them.”

Billster cracked a smile. “I appreciate it. I certainly won’t take the time for granted.”

Billster chuffed off to go and have one final chat with his brothers.

Charles meanwhile looked at Matthew confused.

“ Why didn't you tell him you purchased him last week?”

Matthew just smiled as he saw the black Tank Engine move out of the yards. “ I wanted it to be a surprise for him when he was officially pulled out of service with BR. I wanted him to be able to be permanently assigned here without BR interfering. I think he will make a great addition to the Ffarquhar branch line crew when he does officially join my company.”

Charles only smiled and gave him a nod.

Meanwhile, one of the Workers had run over to them and explained what happened to duck.

“ He crashed into a barber shop?” Matthew said, scratching the top of his head. “ That sounds so ridiculous it might have been in a book.”

Charles just rolled his eyes. “If you go and help duck then I will inform the other engines of what has been happening.”

“No need sir.” Darby said with a smile. “ Matthew placed radios inside of our cabs when we went in for repairs and repaints.”

“He also placed a speaker in the sheds so diesel was able to be heard by every single engine. I highly doubt he will be welcomed in the sheds before he goes away tomorrow." Sunny said with a big smile.

Charles looked surprised at hearing this. Apparently his chief mechanical engineer was more clever than he gave him credit for.

It took some work but eventually with sunny and Darby's help Matthew was able to get duck out of the barbershop and into the works. The other engines of course felt guilty for believing what the trucks had said. they had actually been thinking about it and how Unusual it was for duck To say those things when Matthew gave them all the evidence they needed.

That evening Thomas, Timothy, billster, lady and Amelia along with Toby and Tom were in the Ffarquhar sheds having one last conversation with the youngest Of them.

“It's gonnae be sad tae see ye go.” Amelia said with a small smile. “Ah kin’ o’ like havin’ ma’ boyfriend’s wee brither aroon’.”

“I liked being on Sodor too.” Billster remarked. “So, I will miss you all as well.”

“I hope you get to visit again before… you know…” Thomas said Sounding a bit somber. He knew that steam was on the way out in Britain.

British railways seemed really Hell Bent on getting this modernization plan off the ground including the Mass Replacement of steam. This might be the last chance he and his brother could be together for as far as he knew.

“Same here.” Billster replied. “The people on British Railways are very terrible.”

“Still maybe we can convince Charles to buy you?” lady suggested.

“I highly doubt British railways would want to sell him, lady.” Toby said, looking at her and then back to Tom. “ They were more than willing to scrap both of us even though we were saved in the end.”

“ Even so Toby, it's a nice thought.” Timothy said as he smiled towards his younger brother. “ Just know if you want to run away from the Southern region and you want to go anywhere just come straight here and we'll hide you in the quarry!” Timothy joked as all the engines began laughing.

“I genuinely loved being here, and it’s honestly so sad that I have to go. But, Thomas, Timothy, I have spent my years in the two world wars staring death in the face, shunting dangerous loads. And, nothing lasts forever, but I’m fine with that. You two are going to be the legacy of our class, and I’m so happy to have you both as my genuine brothers.” Billster said with a big smile.

“And what about the rest of us?” Lady asked with a cheeky smile on her face. “ didn't you have a good time With us?”

“I did.” Billster replied. “And I know you and Amelia will keep Thomas and Timothy here in order.”

Amelia chuckled as she looked at the brother of her boyfriend. “ Dinnae fash yersel', Billster. Ah'll mak' sure tae keep Timothy in line, aye. Just like Ah've aye Always done.”

All of the engines burst out laughing and continued to chat for the rest of the night.

Billster looked up at the stars. This might be the last time he would be in a shed with his brothers but at least he had the best time of his life on the island of sodor.

The next day he was given a special farewell as Thomas and Timothy escorted him all the way to Vickerstown before letting him roll back to the mainland under his own power. blowing their whistles long and loud until he was out of sight.

The two of them were quiet for a moment before Thomas broke the silence. “ Do you think we will ever see him again?”

“I don't know.” Timothy said looking ahead where his brother had been. “but considering everything he has done in his career he might have a chance of actually being preserved. and let's just hope that his new owners would be more than willing to reunite all three of us.”

Thomas could only agree as the two of them made their way back up the main line to start their work.

But when they were leaving they didn't notice Matthew smirking at The Platform. he had heard everything.

“ don't worry boys. I'll be more than willing to reunite him with you two. we just have to wait until British railways is done with him.”

Matthew said as he began walking away to start his work for the day.

Duck Returned a few days later to a thunderous applause and cheers. He had also been given a lot of time to think in the Works and realized that he might need to tone down the Great Western supremacy for everyone's sake. but regardless everybody was happy to have the Great Western engine back amongst them.

the end

Notes:

note from the owner of the character of billster: While he’s usually a trainsona, for purposes of this TTTE AU, he’s more of an original character. So any history he has is for story purposes.

Chapter 63: British failway.

It had been a year since diesel and billster had left the island And things had gone back to normal. Duck was less of a great western supremacist which everybody appreciated but he did have his moments about the Great Western Way.

things were looking up for the Railway. but that was until Matthew approached Charles one day in his office with a letter he had gotten from British Railway.

As Charles looked over the letter he looked extremely confused as to what the letter said.

“Dear Mr warbler. We are the British railway board and we are asking you if you are up for a little friendly competition. We have new diesel prototypes that we want to show off to the public in order to reignite public confidence in our machines. so we feel having a little race between one of your engines and one of ours would be highly entertaining. rest assured we will make sure that if you lose you are not too publicly humiliated. please respond when you have the time.”

“ are they seriously suggesting you race them?” Charles said as he couldn't believe his eyes. “ I knew British railways were stupid but not this stupid. Those engines are prototypes and are bound to have flaws. how are they going to win against you?”

Matthew leaned against the wall looking out of the window at the station as engines were coming and going.

“ they are probably really sure that their diesel engines will embarrass my own steam engines. however I do not believe I should take them lightly. for all we know these engines could be amazing.”

“ So what are you going to do?” Charles asked, looking once again at the letter before Matthew gave him a second letter.

“I accepted their challenge and even gave them some conditions. If I win they help me get some extra engines that I have been wanting to buy for a while. and they won't be cheap because some of them actually come from overseas. but if they win I will promise to give them 50% of my entire bank account.”

Charles looked shocked as the letter in his hand did say that they had accepted his conditions and had even signed the contract that Matthew had sent with the letter.

“ Are you absolutely sure about this Matthew? 50% of your entire bank account will be a major financial hit to you.”

“ probably.” Matthew let out a deep sigh. “ but I can't resist an opportunity to show British railways one four. Besides, I've already picked my engine. Cross is my youngest engine and the most reliable engine in my entire Fleet. In the nearly three years since I've built her she has not gone wrong once. She is really reliable and I'm certain she will put on a great show. All I need now is your permission to race from here all the way to Kings Cross.”

Charles considered it for a moment. He knew that Matthew would never accept a challenge that he couldn't win. still this would be a Titanic Gamble. but he did have faith in his chief mechanical engineer.

“very well Matthew. I'll organize the Race for next week. I want you to put Cross into the works and examine her from every rivet to every Bolt. she has to be in the shape of her life.”

Matthew chuckled before giving a little mock salute. “ sir yes sir.”

He then walked out of the office with Charles wondering how much the engines were going to cost that Matthew wanted from British railways.

Soon the day of the race had arrived. Cross was simmering at the station in the early morning. She had 16 coaches behind her as would the diesel on the other end of the line per the agreement.

Charles was sitting in his office looking at the train as it was being prepared. Passengers have been climbing on board for a while now as Matthew did one final check around cross alongside Ember.

“ Everything looks good, Cross. Are you ready to race?”

“ absolutely!” Kross shouted feeling absolutely over energized. “ I am 100% certain that I will be able to go faster than the diesel!”

Matthew chuckled for a minute. “ you would be but I also suggest you don't go too fast. it's not just speed I'm looking for but reliability. I've got a feeling that that diesel isn't exactly going to be the best of quality.”

“ and why would that be?” Cross asked, confused.

“Because nobody in this country has built mainline diesels before in bulk. The only exceptions are the diesel twins which Matthew owns. and even then they're not perfect. Nobody in the United Kingdom has the experience needed to build diesel engines that can rival steam engines. so there's a high chance something might go wrong with the diesel.” Ember explained.

“and as per the agreement if they can't fix it on the spot their race is over.” Matthew said, crossing his arms as he looked up at his engine. “ So I want you to remember that. don't run yourself to pieces. or else it could be all over.”

Cross hummed as they looked at the clock. It was now 7:55 only 5 more minutes before the race would begin.

Matthew and Ember wished her good luck one more time before climbing into the coaches. The two of them wanted to be on board in case anything went wrong.

Meanwhile, Aoihi was sitting with his wife and child inside of the coach behind the one Matthew and Ember were in Since they had booked tickets for this train.

As Weiss was rocking the baby to sleep she looked at her husband.

“ Do you think Matthew is going to win this race?”

Aoihi only smiled. “Considering how stupid British Railways are? They seriously need to rename themselves to British Failways. Matthew's handy work is 1000 times more reliable.”

Meanwhile at King's Cross the British railways board looked smug as one of their brand new class D600 was at the head of a 16 coach train. They had organized multiple aircraft to follow the new diesel engine as well as cross as she left the island.

They were definitely sure of their Victory.

and as soon as 8 o'clock rang the diesel growled out of the station and cross barked out of knapford and the race was on!

(1)

As Cross was making her way across the island she kept herself to a constant 70 miles per hour. she knew any faster than that would be too fast for the island to handle.

but as soon as she passed through vicarstown and Barrow-in-Furness the true race could finally begin.

She began pushing herself to go faster and faster eventually reaching 95 miles per hour.

Unlike when Gordon and hushy raced past each other on their record-breaking runs she wasn't out to set a record. She wanted to prove that Matthews engineering was superior to British railways.

as she kept Racing through the countryside Matthew and Ember were constantly on guard. hoping that nothing would go wrong today.

After a while they were able to relax and Matthew even went over to aoihi and Weiss and had a small chat with them.

After a couple of hours they arrived in York. as they stopped here for a quick water stop as well as allowing passengers on and off as well as switching out Crosses crew Matthew remembered that the diesel would be stopping here too.

because cross couldn't run non-stop because she didn't have a corridor tender she would have to change crews here. so to make sure that the diesel Couldn't take advantage of this it also had to make a stop at York to let passengers both on and off.

Cross was regaining her breath looking around the station but she couldn't see the diesel anywhere. She was so focused on the track ahead of her that she didn't notice any other trains passing her.

“ He could have passed me already. I need to push myself on this next bit! time to show the East Coast what the BR standard class 8 can really do!”

As soon as her guard blew her whistle she asked her driver to place as much sand on the Tracks as she could to get as much grip as she possibly could muster.

Soon her mighty exhaust rang throughout the station as she once again raced down the main line of the east coast.

She kept passing through stations Increasing her speed more and more.

She passed through Doncaster at 87 miles per hour. She then travelled along some beautiful countryside slowly increasing her speed to 90 miles an hour.

When she went through Peterborough she was at 99 miles per hour.

and a mile or so down the line she reached 100 and she kept increasing her speed even more. She was careful not to overdo it in order to make sure her parts didn't wear out.

but she could feel the rush in her system as she had passed the Ton. As she continued down the main line she noticed a couple of tunnels ahead of her.

This was according to what she had remembered from her first time running on the route, the indicator that she had reached the London Suburbs and began slowing down.

She was running through the City and she tried to keep a steady pace. even though she was near the home stretch she didn't want to give the diesel an edge.

but soon she saw the tunnels leading into Kings Cross station.

as she slowly and carefully pulled in and screeched to a halt she looked around. nobody was cheering yet meaning the race must not be over yet.

Matthew and Ember stepped out of the Coach and walked over to the British Railway board.

“Has your diesel engine already arrived at knapford? We didn't see it pass us before we entered York or after we left. So did you guys win the race?”

The British railway board looks confused. “ You Didn't see it flying by?” one of them asked but Matthew and ember just shook their heads.

that's when a porter came over with some bad news for them.

“ um sirs we've got a bit of a problem. I've just heard a report that the diesel engine broke just outside of Doncaster. They weren't able to fix it and by the time Matthews engine passed it it had already been brought into the works and there was nothing they could do. from the reports it farted out a flame before completely burning out its engine”

Matthew and Ember burst out laughing and began rolling around on the station floor with even cross Bursting out in laughter.

“ well.” Matthew said, barely containing his laughter. “ You guys seem to have bet on the wrong racehorse. By the way, here's my list of engines I want you to purchase for me. and by the way, they're not gonna be cheap.”

He handed over the list and began walking away to get cross to the Engine Shed so she can have a well-deserved break.

The board members meanwhile grew Furious.

“ How dare he insult us like this! We are the British railway board of directors! We deserve respect! especially from such a small region of ours.”

“ to true.” another one said before getting a very dark smile. “ Perhaps we need to teach them a lesson in who they are dealing with?”

as they went away to make the arrangements what none of them knew was that what they were going to do was going to blow up so hard in their face there would be nothing left of it.

to be continued.

Chapter 64: Matthew Strikes Back.

It had been months after Matthew had beaten British railways in a race. Matthew was still waiting for them to deliver his engines that he had legally won in their race.

Unfortunately they hadn't arrived yet. Matthew wasn't expecting them to arrive within a week but it had been five months since he had won the race so he expected them to arrive pretty soon.

In the meantime Charles decided to take a vacation leaving Matthew and charge.

“ Are you absolutely certain you want me in charge Charles? I'm certain there are some other qualified people on the board.”

“ The board has voted to put you in charge Matthew during our last meeting that you couldn't make because of your duty as chief mechanical engineer.”

Charles said as he was in his office filing some paperwork that needed to be done before he left.

“ Besides, all you have to do is tell the engines what to do. all the paperwork will be handled by the board.”

“ Okay if you trust me then I will make sure nothing happens to the engines around here.”

Charles just smiled as he filed away the last piece of paper, gave Matthew a handshake and went off to go on to Gordon's train to London.

From there he would make his way to the coast so he could go to Belgium.

He and his family were going to take a year-long vacation to explore the country and to just relax.

Charles was able to do this because he Hasn't taken a vacation ever since his last one with Matthew where they found Ember and Toby.

so The board was more than happy to allow this. they knew how much he had to do behind the scenes so it was more than easy to approve this vacation time.

After Charles left Matthew and went back to his home and sat down in one of his couches. He felt the weight of the entire Railway on his shoulders. That was until Ember came over and gave him a massage on his shoulders.

“ you're going to do great Matthew. you've been running the SMD company for a while now. this is just the same but a little bit bigger.”

“ I know. it's just… it's a lot of responsibility and I don't want to let the engines down.”

Ember moved in front of the couch and held her husband's hands.

“ Listen to me, you are Matthew Mats warbler. the same guy that survived being a prisoner of the Japanese and made his way back to the main capital of Japan undetected, the man who saved me from an abusive boss who's still in the hospital by the way And you are the man who single-handedly built and operated multiple steam engines across the United Kingdom. you have got this! and I will stand by you throughout the whole journey!”

Matthew just chuckled as Leo and his girlfriend approached and gave Matthew gentle licks.

“ All right. I will do my best! and nobody, not even British railways, is going to stop me!”

unfortunately he would be partially wrong there.

because a week after Charles had gone on his vacation he noticed something weird.

As he was passing by one of the stations he saw that every single steam engine on the island ( at least the standard gauge ones) had been connected behind some diesels.

“ That's strange. the board never said anything about them all needing maintenance? Maybe I should check in with them?”

But as Matthew arrived in Tidmouth to see if there were any steam engines there he noticed something incredibly disturbing!

The entirety of Tidmouth sheds had been completely boldosed and they were just beginning the cleanup!

Matthew immediately ran towards the foreman in charge of this operation.

He could also see that many people were listening and watching as the shed that had been there for decades was now completely torn down.

“ What is the meaning of this!?” Matthew shouted, grabbing the foreman by his vest! “ I didn't offerize any demolition works! Which board member gave you permission to do this?!”

“ the British railways board sir. they ordered the immediate demolition and reconstruction of the sheds to fit the new modern vision for the island of sodor.”

“ what?!” Matthew said, sounding both confused and angry at the same time. “ British railways have no power here! how did they authorise this?”

“ Listen, I'm only the contractor. will be starting the rebuilding process tomorrow.”

but before he could do anything summer raced up to the man and punched him in the face!

“ you and your men will be leaving this island tonight! you have illegally demolished north western railway property! The council of the island has not given permission So this action is illegal! and where are all the engines?”

“ British railways had them all towed away besides the ones at the Earls Estate according to what I've been told.” the foreman said, nursing his swollen cheek. “ And by the way did you have to hit me?”

“ you're lucky I didn't kill you because that's now my legal right!”

“ Wait what?!!!” the foreman said looking absolutely terrified.

“Your company does not belong to the island of sodor and thus legally your demolition and the illegal removal of the north western railway locomotives has now sparked a war between sodor and the United Kingdom! only unfortunately you guys can't fight back because of the contract your king signed centuries ago that still holds up today! We are now legally allowed to go to London and execute the queen in front of everyone! and who is going to join me?!”

Everybody that was watching the demolition works cheered and began grabbing improvised weapons. The demolition crew immediately high-tailed it off the island. They did not want to become the first victims of this war.

Matthew meanwhile looked absolutely stunned.

He knew that British railways were idiots but this was astronomically idiotic!

He immediately raced to find the nearest phone and dialed in a number that he had memorized a long time ago.

Meanwhile in London in Buckingham Palace the Queen was having some tea when the phone rang.

“Your majesty the phone is ringing for you.”

“bothered that phone.”

She put down her tea and grabbed the phone her Butler presented to her. she smiled as she replied.

“Hello, who am I speaking with?”

“Elizabeth, it's me Matthew! And your life is currently in danger!”

“ What do you mean?” the queen asked, sounding a bit skeptical until Matthew continued speaking.

“ British railways has decided to Take Over Control of the railways of The Island and even removed all the steam engines as well as demolished the main engine shed! and now there is an angry mob Gathering more people and I'm pretty sure you're going to have the entire Island at your front door by next morning!”

The Queen grew more serious now. “How long will it take you to get here?”

“ Well without my own steam engines or any of my own engines it might take me a day? I don't know! I'm just going to try my best! let's just hope I can recruit a few people that can help me!”

“ Find an engine and take them all the way to London. I will make sure that all signals will be green for you! But use the west coast mainline. I figured it might be faster.”

Matthew quickly hummed in agreement and immediately began driving in his Land Rover to vicarstown. He parked his car in the parking lot as he knew that he couldn't get onto the mainland from here with his car since there was no Bridge for the cars to drive on.

As Matthew walked onto the platform he saw multiple diesels Growling at the platforms doing the jobs the steam engines normally did.

He then spotted aoihi standing on the platform looking frantic with one of his katana blades with him.

“Matthew, do you know what’s going on here? I don’t recognize these diesel engines here and I see none of the Steam Engines. Heck, I haven’t seen Hiro all morning.”

“ British railways has screwed up and pretty much taken over the entire Islands railway network and sent all of our steam engines to the scrap Heap!” Matthew quickly said, trying to catch his breath. “ and currently the whole Island is on a warpath to the capital of the United Kingdom to kill the queen! And if we don't get there first things might get even worse! it could be a world war all over again!”

Aoihi froze for a moment, processing what Matthew said, holding the expression for a good few seconds, before his blue eyes looked over at one of the diesels. Particularly the one who had the same goods consist that Hiro Usually handled. His face is now very angry.

“Hey! You! Don’t you DARE touch that train! It isn’t yours!”

“Get lost you Japanese filth!” the diesel said with a smirk only for him to immediately regret it as aoihi stabbed his air intake with his katana blade. and Matthew then proceeded to smash him with his hammer. (always have a hammer with you).

“No, you stupid diesel-fueled discriminatory degenerate! YOU get lost! The same goes for your driver who is discrimory to! Get off of Sodor and NEVER come back, before I find a cutters torch to use on you, and use my katana on your driver!”

The diesel immediately ran away with his goods, with his driver praying to whatever deity above to save him from the maniac with the sword.

“Yeah you run you coward! I just hope British railways are as easily scared as them. even with their stubbornness.”

Aoihi huffed and spoke in a cold and blunt tone. “I don’t care what the British railway freaks say. Send my engine to scrap, and I’ll send you to your death.”

“ That is really overkill and I like it.” Matthew said, chuckling a bit before realizing something. “ but we still need to get to London and with everybody else having a head start it might not be as easy. They took all of my own engines that I had on the island including willemina. so unless one of my other engines is close by we're pretty much stuck.”

At that moment they saw a weird looking steam engine backing down into the station tender first. it didn't look anything like an ordinary steam engine.

It had a weird streamlined casing that looked like a tin of spam, its wheels had all kinds of holes in them and it didn't have any visual valve Gear.

as the engine slowly made its way into the platform Matthew immediately recognized it!

“ That's one of my engines! Spitfire!”

At that moment two British Railway employees got out of the cab and looked around.

“ I guess the scrap train has already left. whatever we should take it to killdane. I heard they have a scrap yard there.”

Before the British railways employees could do anything Matthew grabbed them, smashed them onto the ground, hit them both on the head knocking them out and threw them into a luggage bin.

He then ran up to the front of the engine called Spitfire.

“ Spitfire, what are you doing here?”

Spitfire looked a bit somber as he replied. “I was running away from British railways hoping to come here and work here for a while after they ignored my feelings after my accident last year… I hope you don't mind?”

“ Okay I don't really mind but why were there British railways personnel inside of your cab?”

“ They found me and decided to bring me here since the scrap train would be sent from here so they Could take me away with them. I'm sorry Matthew if I have violated any contracts you have with British railways but I really didn't want to work for them anymore after-”

“ don't worry that's all in the past and quite frankly I was gonna rip their contract with you anyway if this is how they treat you but right now we have to go to London and save the life of the Queen and the rest of your colleagues and friends!”

Spitfire looked confused but decided to go along with it.

Matthew then looked over towards aoihi as he made his way towards the cab grabbing the shovel that the British Rail employees had dropped after being hit on the head.

“ Do you know how to drive a Bulleid Pacific?”

“Not really, but still, controls for big tender engines should be similar, right?”

“Yeah practically. Now let's get going, we don't have a minute To waste! I'll be your firemen!”

At that moment Weiss and Ember appeared on the platform.

“ we're coming along! and don't you dare-"Weiss said before being picked up by Matthew and put inside of the cab.

“ We don't have time to argue so let's go!”

Ember and aoihi looked a little surprised at how strong Matthew was but they decided to go along with it.

Soon Spitfire was racing out of the station and onto the west coast mainline.

Like the Queen promised, all trains had been halted, even the highly valuable post trains and the Express trains.

Everybody was confused as a Bulleid Pacific going at least 100 miles an hour was racing towards London and was given extreme priority Over everyone.

Fortunately they arrived in London when it was beginning to get dark.

as they rolled into St Pancras Station Matthew noticed some of the Queen's Guard waiting for them.

“Matthew the Queen has informed us of the situation and we are Here to escort you directly to the palace!”

“ Then let's get going, we don't have time to waste! and make sure my engine does not get moved from this platform for any reason!”

the Guard nodded and two of his fellow Guards stood next to the engine guarding it with their lives.

They quickly got into the car outside of the station and raced directly to the palace.

as Matthew looked out onto the busy streets he noticed that nobody from sodor was there yet.

“I think we made it. we're here before everybody else.” Matthew slumped down into his car seat feeling exhausted as he had shoveled at least over 5 tons of coal Over the last couple of hours. “ I really failed the engines, didn't I?”

Ember gave him a gentle punch on the shoulder. “ You haven't failed! British railways just decided that they were idiots and took over the Railway. now they're going to find out how badly they've screwed up!”

“ besides.” Weiss said, putting a hand on her husband's. “both me and aoihi will back you up in any situation.”

Matthew let out a deep sigh of contentment. “ That's great to hear. By the way, where's your baby?”

“We left her at my mother's place. she and winter will take care of her until we get this all resolved.”

Matthew nodded as they arrived at the palace. They were immediately escorted to where the Queen was sitting.

After hearing the whole story the Queen had ordered that the British railways board of directors be brought to the palace immediately even if they were asleep.

Fortunately the police were more than willing to help in this as after hearing that the Queen's life was in danger they immediately went to every board member's house and smashed the Door Down! shouting that they were ordered to the palace immediately!

all of the board members groggly got ready at their own pace before heading to the palace.

The Moon was well above the Palace by the time the border arrived.

They were surprised to see Matthew standing next to the queen with both of them having their arms crossed.

“Your majesty, what exactly are you doing with Mr Warbler here?"

The Queen ignored his question and decided to ask one of her own. “ Which one of you is going to tell me who's bright idea it was to take control of the North Western Railway network?”

another board member smugly spoke up. “ Your Majesty the NWR was amalgamated into the British railways company when all the other companies were. We've only allowed them independence as a courtesy. But after the humiliation of that race Mr wobbler here decided to do. We felt it was appropriate that we remind them who is in charge.”

Matthew was about to yell at them when the Queen beat him to it.

“ The North Western Railway has been independent from British railways since the beginning!” she shouted, actually surprising the British railways board of directors. “Those engines and the infrastructure you have already destroyed were not your property! and to make matters worse you've caused a massive political crisis!”

“ What do you mean?” another board member asked nonchalantly. “ sodor is part of the United Kingdom and thus its railway network is also part of our-”

He was caught off as a brick that had been catapulted from the roof of a nearby building smashed through the window.

everybody looked outside to see the whole of the island of sodor at the Queen's front gates with the guards barely holding them back!

Aoihi, Weiss and Ember were trying to help the Queen's Guard while Matthew was talking to the British railways board. The girls had to use improvised weapons since they didn't bring any of their own with them.

Matthew gestured towards the angry mob which also included pitchforks and torches. “ That is the political tension you have caused!”

“ Why are they like this? it's not like they have any reason to be like this.” yet another board member said nonchalantly not realizing the seriousness of the situation.

Matthew just brushed his hand across his face and decided to lay out what happened.

“ Do you remember what ended the Anglo Sudrian War?”

The board members looked confused.

one of them scratched the top of his head. “ I didn't know there was a war between Sodor and the United Kingdom.”

“ Well there was.” Matthew said crossing his arms. “ and the only reason sodor won the war was because some Scottish warrior women helped us out. in order not to lose all of his Men the king at the time entered a peace treaty with us. The English were allowed on Sudrian soil but they could not take any control of the island in any form! Unless a war breaks out that threatens both parties like the two world wars that happened previously. but that's the only exception.”

“ and this treaty still stands to this day! and it's a treaty that you guys have used to wipe your bums! you have single actively caused a war all over again! only this time we can't fight back because we were the ones who tried to Take Over Control of the island!”

“ Okay, what exactly are you saying?” Yet another board member said.“we can just pay them off.”

“ That's not how it works.” Matthew said, shaking his head. “ Because you decided to take over the railway network on sodor and make it into a government entity of the United Kingdom this has activated the clause in the contract that states that now the people of the island can claim the Queens Head along with all of the people responsible. which means your lives are now on the line!”

all the board members gasped realizing that they were in deep doo doo.

one of them decided to try and negotiate. “ Mr warbler, how about we rent you out some of our diesel engines to run your magnificent railway?”

Matthew just walked up to the board member and punched him in the face!

“ That's not how it works! Those engines are legally property of the NWR and we want them back! In addition you'll be paying damages for sending all of my own engines to be scrapped as well! And I will be suing you all personally for damages done to them if there's even a single bolt missing!”

“ you're being unreasonable Mr warbler.” one of the board members said. “ you can just have our diesel engines and we can just scrap those useless tin-”

Before the board member could finish his sentence Matthew grabbed them by the neck and push them through the open window with the only thing holding him up was Matthew himself.

“ Let me make one thing clear to you! I don't care about having the most modern traction! I don't care if they're old tin kettles! They are part of my family and I will defend them to my very last breath! Now either you're going to fix your mistake or I'm going to drop you!”

The board member kept flailing his legs and trying to hold on to Matthews arm.

That was until the Queen spoke up.

“ Matthew, that is enough! I think they get the message.”

Matthew just threw the man back into the room who began Heathing and trying to catch his breath.

unfortunately he wouldn't be given much of a rest.

“ I've already sent the military to retrieve all the engines! And you better pray to whatever deity you worship that they are not totally broken up! or else I will make sure that you'll never see the light of day again!”

“In addition the North Western Railway will be seeking compensation for all the damages you have already done. we Also demand that you hand over one of your main lines that goes to London to us. more specifically the former mainline of the London North Eastern Railway!” Matthew said Crossing his Arms once again with a glare at the Board.

“ Are you crazy! we'll never hand over one of our main lines to you!” one of the board members said ready to throw fists at Matthew.

only for Matthew to pull out his hammer from God knows where and holding it menacingly towards the board members knees.

“you're not giving it to me, you're giving it to the NWR. Also, that's only their compensation. I still need my compensation!”

The board members were reminded of what happened to Hudson and the fact that they would have owed Matthew 800 million pounds. they were now hoping that they wouldn't owe Matthew such an astronomical amount now.

but unfortunately Matthew knew what he wrote in his contracts. “ You owe me 1000 billion! And this time I intend to collect every single penny!”

The board went pale as a freshly polished marble floor. but that wasn't all as Matthew just remembered something.

“ Also you technically we're going to scrap an engine that didn't even belong to the nwr.”

“ What do you mean?” the queen asked, looking as confused as the board.

“ Well the JNR d51 named Hiro Is co-owned by the nwr and my best friend Aoihi Moeruhi. So he is also very pissed off at you and I think he's coming up here with his katana blade. so you better begin praying for mercy the moment he gets up here.”

The board went even paler now. realizing that their own lives were on the line but they did try to appeal to the Queen.

“ Your majesty, you can't let him kill us!”

The queen just Shrugged. “ Under the rules Of the treaty that you destroyed he is perfectly legally allowed to chop off your heads and your families can't do anything about it.”

The board then began crawling on their hands and knees in front of Matthew desperately begging.

“Please we will do anything. just spare our lives!!”

Matthew just let out a deep Sigh knowing that there was no point in asking for the money since British railways was practically Broke and there was no way the board had the money individually.

so he decided to come to a compromise.

“ Get me the engines I asked for in addition to me getting Brighton works and you giving a public apology to everyone out there.” he pointed outside where the angry mob was still trying to climb over the fence. “ and I will let everything slide.”

“and in addition you will be paying for any and all damages or reconstruction needed on the island.” the Queen added Crossing her arms. “Now do we have a deal or do I have to drag you out there and let you deal with the angry mob yourselfs.”

The board of British Railways finally realized that they couldn't win this fight. so reluctantly they agreed to the terms.

as they went outside they were bombarded by rocks and bricks as they were given their apology. The Queen also apologized saying that the British Railway board will undo all the damages.

Everybody cheered knowing that they had won against the British Railway board. Everybody went home leaving Matthew and his friends in London to gather up all the engines and see what damage had been done.

but not before robbing a few pubs and becoming absolutely sloshed.

a day later all the engines of the nwr and the SMD companies were brought to a yard outside of London.

Not all of them had arrived yet but Matthew was able to give the engines that did arrive a once over . and unfortunately it wasn't good news.

“ most of the engines have parts missing and others have partially been scrapped!” Matthew said as he looked over his own engine fleet with parts missing, holes cut in the boilers and much more damage.

The only members of his fleet that weren't damaged were Hudson, remembrance and willamina alongside Spitfire and the diesel twins. The rest of them would need to be repaired.

Fortunately the engines that were still on rent with British railways were perfectly fine as the Queen had them also scouted out. they were all still perfectly functional but not exactly happy hearing what happened to their colleagues. still they were perfectly fine.

He was glad to hear this and decided to be courteous and allowed British railways to continue using them for an increased fee of course. but unfortunately it Wasn't just his own engines that were in trouble.

over 80% of the entire nwr fleet was out of action! mostly the big tender engines that ran the main line as well as the mixed traffic Fleet.

Fortunately most of the tank engines were fine.

but all their mixed Traffic engines besides James and Edward were in terrible shape.

and that's when the worst of the lot came in.

Matthew saw the Caledonian engines rolling In and the one that made him gasp the most was Cardean!

Her boiler was completely gone! as was her cab and most of her valve Gear. The only thing remaining of her tender were the frames And wheels! She was in the worst condition of any of the engines.

The only thing that remained was her smoke box and she looked to be crying in pain with Katie trying to comfort her.

Matthew looked absolutely devastated to see her like this.

“she was literally the last of her kind left and this is what they do with her!? They are just Monsters!”

Matthew was then able to arrange for the diesel twins to take all the engines back home.

Matthew put as many as he could into the works and those who couldn't fit in would be sent to Brighton.

most of the Caledonian engines were sent there. Matthew sat down at Charles's desk and let out a deep sigh.

most of the fleet was just gone! The railway would be operating at limited capacity until he could figure out a solution. He couldn't bring in any of his own engines since their contracts to British railways Hadn't expired yet and unfortunately he couldn't cancel any other of them besides the one with Spitfire.

Since they neglected his emotional well-being that was more than enough for him to allow the contract to be terminated.

The rest on the other hand would still have to suffer under the BR regime.

“ This is a disaster! I promised Charles I would look after the engines and now look where we are!” Matthew said after slamming his fist down onto the desk. That's when he heard the phone ring and he picked up to hear Charles's voice on the other end.

“ Hey Matthew, how's everything going back home?”

“ Not so good Charles.”

Matthew then went into the whole explanation of what happened between him and BR.

Charles let out a deep sigh but luckily he wasn't disappointed in Matthew.

“ You did the best you could Matthew. it wasn't like you let them take the engines. but I might have a solution to our problem. at least if you think we need extra engines?”

“ We definitely do need extra engines Charles. but what do you have in mind?”

“Just before I tell you how long do you think it will be until you can get the whole fleet back to operational condition?”

“years. I'm already having some of my wife's engines pulled out of the museum in order to get them restored since they are quite frankly our best hope at the moment. but for the rest… I have no idea.”

“ Well then it's lucky I just so happened to purchase a few extra engines.”

“ What do you mean?” Matthew asked curiously.

“ Just call British railways and buy a few extra engines from them for the NWR and I will bring some surprises from Belgium.”

Matthew once again looked confused as Charles explained what he was going to do.

but I shouldn't say anymore or I will spoil the next stories.

Chapter 65: Aftermath And new arrivals

.

It had been a few months since British railways made their universal mistake of taking away most of the steam engines on the island besides the gold dust railway engines which were at the Earl's Estate at the time on exhibition.

Matthew unfortunately was left to deal with the aftermath of the whole ordeal.

The Ffarquhar branch line fleet had fortunately not suffered any losses. but the rest of the railway network had suffered.

Most of the corridor tender engines had been damaged and needed repairs. Gordon was the only one still left to run the services to and from the mainland.

Remembrance unfortunately had suffered some damage that Matthew wasn't aware of previously and would also have to go to the Works to get some repairs done.

Hudson was the only other Express engine in service and he was suffering under the extra workload. Not only having to do his own work but the other Express engines work as well.

The Earl had lent them the former Wellsworth and Suddery engines but they could only do so much.

they're Mix traffic and heavy duty Freight Services had also suffered because almost all the engines had been withdrawn because they needed repairs!

James was also struggling on the ballahoo branch line since his brother had also suffered damage.

Fortunately he was willing to handle the Freight Services quite happily as long as somebody could cover the Passenger Services.

Matthew basically had to reassign Emily to that line to cover the Passenger Services while James covered as many of the good services as he possibly could.

Matthew was definitely feeling the heat as much as the other engines.

One day he was in a cafe at knapford drinking his fifth bottle of Cola hoping that the sugary drink could help him relax.

At that moment aoihi decided to take a seat at his table wondering if his friend was actually alright.

“Hey, Matthew, You okay?”

“Honestly aoihi I am barely holding it together right now. The railway is in such a bad position right now and I don't know what to do. Most of our freight engines need all kinds of repairs and half of our passenger stock is just basically gone. to put to that I have to organize the reconstruction of the main sheds. I kind of feel a lot of pressure right now.”

Matthew said after Downing his sixth Bottle of cola.

“ The only thing keeping me sane at the moment is my wife. Ember is really a person that I don't deserve. She's so incredibly patient and she and the workshop guys are working overtime to get all the engines back into Service .But some of them have been pretty difficult, Hiro and Sakura being the most difficult.”

“And why is that?” aoihi being a little curious since hiro had been out of service for months. It did give him more time with his family especially since Weiss hadn't had much sleep lately due to the baby keeping her up at night.

But Fortunately aoihi even when he was still working very late shifts, always made sure that his wife could get some sleep. they were in it together after all.

but he could see more Similarities between his best friend and his wife in How exhausted they both looked.

“Because the Japanese government forgot to give me the plans for both of them so I can't make any more spare parts. hiro has been so reliable and has never really visited the Works besides to get his Springs repaired. so I have placed an order for spare parts from Japan for both him and Sakura. the two of them alongside the old World War 2 locomotives are going to be the best chance we've got in getting engines back in steam besides my wife's two big Mikado’s.”

Matthew said, slumping his face down onto the table.

“ It's a miracle that those two engines don't have more damage than was originally thought. and since we can exchange the boilers we should be able to get them back into service by tomorrow. I really feel sorry for the workshop gang. they're working so hard. I just wish we could give them a day off but we just can't afford it right now.”

“ I guess we gotta do what we got to do.” Aoihi bluntly remarked before he smirked and scratched his chin.

“ Oh no I know that look aoihi. what are you thinking?” Matthew asked, recognizing the look in his best friend's eyes. because he had seen it a hundred times before.

“We ask the queen of England to force BR to pay for ALL the damages or pay with their lives!” Aoihi spoke with a crazed tone. “I think she would happily help us get the funds we need or at least pay back those fools. However I mean to the point where they have NOTHING left.”

Matthew chuckled before looking at his seventh Coca-Cola.

“It's not really that easy aoihi. They still have their own railway to Run and we are not just taking money from a Railway company we're taking it from the United Kingdom government. plus they are already forced to pay out of their own pockets for the damage to Tidmouth sheds. if we take them for everything we've got it wouldn't make us any better than them. Besides it's not money that we need, we've got plenty of that. we need more locomotives, that is our main issue. if only I could get more locomotives here!”

“Maybe we can contact my aunt on my mother's side. She lives in the capital of Japan and maybe she can forward a message to the Japanese emperor about the urgency of those parts For the Japanese engines? Maybe he can speed up the process? I mean he still owes you a massive favor?”

“I already informed him and to be honest he was already Furious about the British government harming the ‘presence’ as he called them to both sodor and me. so he was more than willing to send the parts with as he called it Express mail. Still it could be months before-”

At that moment a porter came up to Matthew and said the one thing he needed to hear at that moment.

“Mr warbler, we have been given news from the docs that 5 engines have arrived along with a bunch of spare parts both for the wartime engines and the Japanese engines. do you think we should-”

Before the porter could finish both Matthew and aoihi rushed away to the docks! Matthew did leave behind enough cash to pay for his drinks as they rushed towards the docks!

and once they arrived they saw the five engines being unloaded.

three of them looked very familiar to the driver and chief mechanical engineer.

The other two were a little unfamiliar.

one was a austerity 2-8-0

a austerity 2-10-0

and finally an s160.

The other two were a Japanese Government railways c58 class and the other one was a German railways 23 class prairies.

Matthew felt an enormous amount of relief as the parts that he needed to fix both Hiro, Sakura and the other wartime engines were unloaded as well.

Matthew walked up to them with a big smile.

“ Welcome to the island of sodor! We are very happy to have you here. My name is Matthew Mats Warbler, your owner. you'll be working here on the northwestern railway since we are currently facing a locomotive crisis. but unfortunately it will take until tomorrow to get your boilers all lit up. I will try and get one of the Shunters to move you as fast as possible. By the way, what are your names?”

the big 2-10-0 austerity smiled. “ I am HMS victorious but you can just call me victorious for short. and it's very nice to meet you sir.”

Matthew just chuckled. “ please to meet you victorious. And please call me Matthew. It's much less formal and I prefer it that way. And what about you?”

he asked the 2-8-0 austerity who nervously smiled.

“ I am HMS javelin but just call me javelin Matthew. It's nice to be working on the Legendary North Western Railway.”

“And it's nice to have you javelin. And what about you?”

He looked towards the American locomotive who looked kind of sleepy. “ I'm… USS laffey… It's nice to… meet you…. Sleepy….”

the consolidations said as she fell asleep. Both Matthew and aoihi looked a bit confused but just rolled with it.

Then they turned their attention towards the two prairies.

the Japanese one spoke up first. “ I am IJN Ayanami. Named after the destroyer of the same name. it's an honor to be here Matthew.”

“ And it's also nice for you to Grace me with your presence.” Matthew said, giving her a respectful bow before looking at the German buildt locomotive.

“ And what about you?”

“I am Z23!” the engine said, looking a bit annoyed. “I do not wish to have a name! I want to be referred to as Z23 and that's how it's going to be!”

Matthew was a bit taken aback at the Rudeness of this engine but he did understand this was a brand new country for her. plus the reputation of the German engines had really Hadn't gone away even with snowy and marklin’s efforts to make a more positive impact on the island.

“ Very well you guys will be brought to knapford sheds and you'll be steamed up ready for the morning. In the meantime I'm going to have somebody else deliver the parts so your colleagues could get into service. That will be all for today.”

As Matthew walked away he made sure that the engines were brought into the sheds. Henry took the parts to crovan's gate and fortunately he was able to get hero and Sakura back in working order a week later.

The two Japanese engines were more than thrilled to be back in action.

Sakura handled the local Express trains so Hudson could have some rest from time to time.

With the other freight engines back into Service the freight sector became more stable. Unfortunately the mix Traffic Area was a little bit unstable. That was until Matthew was able to bring one more engine to the island. and Edward would have the pleasure of meeting him as he was waiting at world's worth to double head the train up the line.

“ where are they?” Edward questions as the goods train he had to take down the line couldn't wait any longer.

but that's when he heard a very familiar whistle and chuffing coming from behind him.

“ no… it can't be… they were all gone!” but to Edwards' amazement and surprise, chuffing on the track next to him was another furness railway K2! and it wasn't just any K2!

“Gull you're alive!” Edward shouting Gained the attention of some of the Passengers waiting at the platform.

Gull just smiled at his brother. “ Yes, I Am Alive dear brother. and I will explain how as we go up to the harbor. but I think we should leave now before the train is late.”

Edward agreed as the two of them coupled up with Edward being attached to the train and gull being attached in front of him so he could learn the route .

As they slowly and gently made their way of the ranch line gull began explaining his story.

“ You see Edward, I never really got scrapped because I ran away from the scrapyard. I actually hid in an abandoned shed not too far from here and one day Matthew just ended up finding me. He restored me a couple of years ago and I have been roaming the British railways network ever since doing Odd jobs here and there.”

“ Then what brings you here?” Edward asked genuinely curious.

“ Well my contract with British railways expired and Matthew after all the… experiences with British railways decided not to renew my contract. so now I am assigned to help you out on your branch line as well as handle some mixed traffic trains down the main line alongside an engine called Spitfire apparently.”

Edward was happy to know that one of his siblings did survive. and the two of them can continue to chat about all the adventures Edward had been on ever since the two of them split up all those years ago.

Meanwhile the two LNER P1’s were enjoying themselves.

They were able to pull long and heavy trains at a slow pace like they used to do back Before they were withdrawn at the end of the Second World War.

They'd also been able to get names After the reverend wilbert Audrey's daughters.

Number 2393 Became Veronica And her sister became Hillary.

One evening they were sitting in the motive power depot having a Chat with the diesel twins. The two red diesels were talking about an event that happened a couple of years ago but still could make them burst out laughing. and the goods engines had to agree it was a pretty good story.

“ So let me get this straight.” Hillary said, barely containing her laughter. “ You basically seduced diesel into telling you everything he had done? man, how stupid was he?”

“ pretty stupid.” Mira said While chuckling. “ I mean he literally laid out his entire plan right in front of us! He didn't even know we were basically transmitting his entire conversation to the other engines and so nobody accepted him into the sheds when he tried to sleep there for the night.”

“I must admit I do kind of feel bad for him.” lisana said. “I mean duck did make a fool out of him. But then again he didn't have the right to stoop as low as that pannier.”

“ definitely!” Veronica said. “ I understand sometimes having to put an engine in their place but you don't do that by trying to destroy their lives. I've seen too many engines go down that path back during the war.”

The two diesel engines looked at each other before looking back at their steam engine counterparts.

“ You know my sister and I were built after the war. so we never experienced The Horror of the war. but was it as bad as the other engines have described?” lisana asked as the two steam engines looked a bit down remembering those bloody years.

“ Well if they said that it was constantly being in a state of fear of when the next bombs are going to drop or the Tracks are going to explode under you or if your loads will catch fire And Explode on you then yes that is exactly how they described it.” Veronica said.

Hillary agreed with her sister. “There were very few acts of heroism but there were a few. It is still a shame we Engines didn't get metals for our service in the war. Both me and my sister worked ourselves down to the frames and all we got was forced retirement. it's lucky that we ran away towards that old mine otherwise we wouldn't be here today.”

“and that Ember is such an understanding woman.” Mira added. “ I also think she's the only person in the world that can keep Matthew in check.”

The four engines chuckled as Matthew had actually overheard them and was also chuckling. one of the workmen looks surprised at this thinking Matthew would be annoyed at this but he just Shrugged.

“ Hey, they're not wrong. Anyway, get back to work. I have to go to a board meeting to discuss an apparent project they want me to have some input in.”

Matthew made his way towards where the board wanted him to meet which was the demolished sight of the old sheds.

as Matthew looked around he felt a bit sad. this shed had been a symbol for Unity on the railway as well as hosting so many Christmas parties and New Year's events.

He still remembered his first Christmas on the island and how Oscar and Ruby met and how he explained about the one time he had to fix a broken brake under on the passenger train while it was still moving.

It was kind of sad to see such a magnificent building go. but soon he found the board or at least some of them.

“ So what is it that you want to talk about? and why did you want to have it here instead of in an office?”

One of the newest board members jaune arc Cleared his throat. He had been able to get a position on the board thanks to a recommendation from one of the old members. he was currently in charge of the public's relations and publicity alongside his wife pyrrha.

“ Well Matthew, we've been thinking about what happened here. I know it's kind of early but we need to rebuild the sheds.”

 

Matthew crossed his arms as he looked at the damage the demolition crew had done. a few walls were still standing but had crumbled and were basically useless and would have to be demolished even further.

“I get that but why do you want me to have some input?”

“ because we figured That we wouldn't just rebuild it as it was but also bigger and better!”

Matthew looked a bit confused as Jonathan Began Explaining.

“You see with the increase of locomotives that we currently have and the locomotive that is coming from Scotland in a couple of weeks time we need more storage space and the sheds at knapford aren't going to cut it forever.”

Jonathan began as he began Rifling Threw some papers he had with him in a suitcase.

“ and with your own expanding Fleet it might be best that we include your engines in the total number for the sheds. plus we know British railways will be withdrawing their engines soon so we figured we might as well build the biggest sheds anybody has ever seen in the United Kingdom! big enough to store all of our engines including yours alongside some visiting equipment.”

Matthew began stroking his beard, being interested in this.

“ That's quite a good proposal but isn't this going to cost us like a fortune?”

Jonathan just chuckled. “ you do remember that British railways are going to have to pay for this as they destroyed the old one? plus this building will also serve as a monument towards our victory over British railways. you could say we're giving them one giant middle finger.”

Matthew burst out laughing as did the rest of the board members. Matthew quickly signed the paperwork off for them to begin construction.

Matthew did request that he would be allowed to have paintings made of the sheds that came before the new one and the old one.

The board was more than happy to commission these paintings and they would hang inside of the nearby station. so people could remember how they used to look before all of this.

They were also planning on making a more elegant memorial to the box tank engines that died during the war.

Over the next coming weeks Matthew began feeling less and less stress as the engines kept doing their best and a few more were able to get back into service. but still they would need the engine from Scotland to help level out the playing field.

They already had to cancel so many trains because they didn't have any Locomotives for them or group Them together in bigger trains.

Matthew was in The Office in Knapford filing a few pieces of paperwork he needed to do for his own engines when an inspector came in.

“Hello inspector, is There Something I can do for you?”

“yes Mr warbler. the engine that the railway had purchased from Scotland has arrived.”

“Great to hear. Now where is he?”

“ They are waiting in the yards for you Mr warbler.”

Matthew Wasn't certain that he heard him correctly. he could have swore he said “they” instead of “he” .

“ Excuse me inspector? we only ordered one engine.”

“ Yes Mr Warbler, I am aware of that but to engines have arrived.”

“ Well if we got two engines, which one is 57646? the other one isn't supposed to be here so send that one away.”

“ There's actually a little complication with that Mr warbler. The engines are exactly identical down to the voices. I can't really tell them apart.”

“ Well, engines have numbers inspector. just see which one we had ordered and send the other one back.”

“ That's the problem Mr warbler, the engines are identical and they say they lost their numbers on the way over here.”

Matthew looked absolutely dumbfounded. In all his years working on the railway he had never heard anything like that happen before.

“inspector engines can't just lose their numbers. Are you playing a joke on me because it's not funny.”

“I'm telling you the truth sir. the engines are exactly identical and I can't figure out which one is which.”

Matthew just grew frustrated and decided to just look at the engines himself.

“Let's just go inspector. we're never going to resolve this until I see the engine’s.”

and so they left the office to go to the main yards. and when Matthew arrived he was shocked to find two BR lined black Caledonian Railway 812’s!

to be continued.

Scotland is calling.

Chapter 66: Donald and Douglas Saga.

Matthew looked at the two Caledonian Railway locomotives standing in front of him. He wasn't really certain which one was which because like the inspector told him they were exactly identical. even their whiskery eyebrows looked identical.

“Hello there I am Matthew Mats warbler. Now I think there's been some confusion here. We only ordered one engine to come here. Now which one of you is 57646?”

“Och, weel sir, we aye told the inspector that oor numbers had slipped oaf on the way here.” the engine on the right said with a smile.

Matthew just pinched the bridge of his nose. “ engines can't just Lose numbers like that. numbers are either painted on or bolted on a number plate. So how did you lose them? And again which one of you is 57646?”

“ We dinnae remember, sir.” the engine on the left said. “ We've had sae mony numbers o'er the years we cannae tell ye wha's wha. We cannae see our cab sides.”

Matthew took a deep breath and decided to make a decision. “Okay then what are your names? maybe I can ask your controller back home which one of you is which?”

“ Well, oor names are Donald an' Douglas, but ye won't get any muckle help frae oor controllers.”

“Aye, they dinnae even ken oor names. We gied oor sels thae names when we lost oor numbers.”

Matthew began getting more frustrated with the situation. He was pretty certain the railway had only ordered one engine and he wasn't sure how to convince Charles to buy the second engine. so he made the only logical decision and turned towards the inspector.

“ Inspector give them the numbers 9 and 10 and put them to work immediately.”

the inspector nodded and got some workman to paint the numbers on the tenders. painting over the BR logo.

as the two engines were enjoying getting new numbers Matthew looked at them sternly.

“ Listen, I know one of you isn't supposed to be here and I do not like being made a fool of! I'm going to find out which one of you is which and send that one back home understood!”

“Aye sir.” the two engines said, looking a bit hesitant before Matthew decided to take a breath and calm down.

“ But if the two of you prove yourself useful then I will consider telling the controller to keep both of you on understand?”

The two engines perked up at this and immediately agreed with him.

The twins immediately were sent to work shunting and pulling freight trains. The other engines immediately began enjoying their company.

The two brothers Were hard workers and could often tell good jokes but would not be made fun of.

Henry and Gordon learned that the Hard way after teasing them about their deep whistles.

The two engines also didn't really enjoy the company of some of the diesels on the island. they didn't speak to them and weren't outright Hostel to them. but everybody could see there was some Tension there.

The diesel engines actually didn't mind. They were fully aware that steam was on the way out on the mainland and so the hostility from the twins was well founded.

still they weren't gonna give up trying to try getting in the twins good graces.

Now every day the local Express has a special coach at the end of it for Thomas's branch line.

either Thomas or Timothy would collect them from the junction and take them up the line. The coach always had to be shunted in the Bay platform to be collected by Thomas or Timothy.

Everybody knew this and thus usually everything went Like Clockwork.

only The twins weren't as familiar with the timetable yet.

One day Douglas was looking after the yard at Tidmouth Shunting and pushing the coaches and rolling stock around.

as he collected the coach from the platform he was thinking about how much he was enjoying his time on the railway. but that led to the thought about him possibly getting sent away since he knew he wasn't supposed to be here.

he was actually engine 57647 and he wasn't ordered by the nwr at all. In fact he had stowed away with his brother because he was afraid of being scrapped if he returned to the mainland.

“Ah hope me an' Donnie are able tae convince him tae tell the controller tae keep baith o' us. Ah dinnae want tae go back tae the mainland.”

He was so deep in thought about this that he had forgotten that he needed to put the special coach in the Bay platform for Thomas to collect later.

He left it on a Siding amongst some other coaches and went to get his tender refilled with water.

an hour or so later Donald had arrived with building supplies for the new sheds. The construction was going at a rapid pace considering the demolition work had already been done.

The twins were looking at the sheds being built, imagining the two of them being in it together with the other engines as fully-fledged engines of the north western railway.

but that's when they heard an angry whistle coming from the station.

“ Where is it!” the Voice shouted.

The 2 twins looked over to see Thomas angrily looking around the station. he spotted the two tender engines and shouted over to them.

“ Have either of you seen my special coach? it was supposed to be in the Bay platform and I can't find it!”

Donald looked confused but Douglas gulped realizing what had happened.

“Ah havenae seen yer coach Thomas.”

“Well, I must go and find it! I can't leave without it!”

Thomas rushed off to try and find the Coach and that's when Douglas confessed to his twin what happened.

“Donnie, ah made a messake an' ah pit the special coach wi' the ither! Maybe if ah go retrieve it, ah can-”

“tae late!” his brother said looking where an angry group of people were marching out of a coach and shouting about how bad the railway was and this was unacceptable!

As they approached the station The Station Master quickly called Matthew over from the construction site as he had just arrived.

the Passengers swarmed him with complaints! Matthew was trying to figure out what happened and the twins meanwhile Panicked!

“Whit dae ah dae, Donnie! If he finds oot ah messed up, he’ll send me back fer sure!”

“Dinnae worry, ah huv a plan! Jes' dae as ah say!”

The twins quickly while Matthew was distracted switched their tenders with Douglas taking his brother's tender and Donald taking his tender.

as Matthew approached what he believed to be Donald after calming the people down and telling them that he will get an engine to connect the coach up to the train so they can continue their run looked absolutely annoyed.

“Douglas, what is the meaning of this? why was the special coach shunted in the siding?”

“ Ah dinnae ken, sir, ah wisnae the one wha shunted it there.”

“ then was it your twin who did? and where is he right now?”

“He’s taken ma empty wagons tae be filled wi' stone frae the quarry oan the branch line.” Donald said, trying to sound as much like his brother as he could.

Matthew didn't look convinced.

“So you're saying your brother is taking your job and yet He also shunted to coach away?”

“Aye sir.” Donald said with an Innocent smile. “Now if ye'd excuse me, sir, ah've got some shuntin' tae dae since ma brother's takin' ma train.”

Donald then moved off and blew his whistle. and that's when Matthew knew it.

“Donald, what are you doing with your brother's tender?”

Donald immediately screeched on his brakes and looked back at Matthew.

“Ah'm no Donald, ah'm Douglas.” he tried to say face but Matthew just shook his head.

“ Donald I've heard many whistles over my time including those of the Caledonian Railway. I can tell them Apart by just listening to them.” Matthew then looked over towards a Workman. “you contact ellesbridge and tell them to stop Douglas there. I want to have a word with them. together with their correct tenders!”

He then turned back towards Donald. “and you are not to move until I tell you so! you two have made a fool out of me and I do not like that!”

Matthew then walked off annoyed.

Meanwhile Darby who had been helping out with the construction had heard everything. He was fully aware that Matthew didn't like being made a fool of because many people had done so in the past. They had always gotten their just Desserts but still he wasn't really certain that Donald and Douglas deserved the fate that would wait for them if either of them was sent back to the mainland.

Meanwhile after Thomas had gathered his coach and was able to make his way up and down the branch line he noticed Douglas sitting in the goods yard looking somber.

Thomas was originally angry at being late and the special coach going missing. but as he noticed the tears in the Caledonian engines eyes he felt less angry and more concerned.

“Douglas what's wrong? Why are you crying?”

“I've made a right mess, haven't I?” Douglas said, looking at his buffer beam . “Ah had wan chance tae make a guid first impression oan the railway and ah blew it! Noo ahm gaun back tae the mainland an' gettin' scrapped!”

“ Why would you get scrapped?” Thomas asked, being a bit curious about this.

“Cause ah wisnae meant tae be here, Thomas!” Douglas finally shouted out, seeming very depressed about this. “ I was going to be withdrawn by the end of the year and sent for scrap. but since Donald was coming here on trial we figured that we could both come here. But we are so alike that if you remove our numbers nobody can tell us apart. so we hope if we temporarily tricked the controller of the Railway then we might be able to convince them to keep us both. but now I have made such a mess of things he might send me back immediately!”

Thomas looked into the Caledonian tender engine's eyes and felt sympathy for him.

“I know what you feel.”

Douglas looked confused but before he could ask anything Thomas continued.

“Me and my brother used to work for the London Brighton and South Coast Railway back on the mainland until 1915. I was purchased by the northwestern railway to help the construction of the line and to be a station pilot. but my twin brother Timothy was not originally supposed to come with me.”

“You mean he stood away with you?” Douglas asked shocked but Thomas only chuckled.

“not really. but after an accident caused by one of our other brothers he could very well have ended up on the Scrap Heap. It was only thanks to our builder's connection with the Fat Controller at the time that he was able to be purchased as well. and I wouldn't worry too much about Matthew Douglas. he might be annoyed with you at the moment but give it time and he might see the funny side of this.”

Douglas wasn't certain as Thomas went back to finish his passenger run.

As Douglas arrived at Tidmouth He saw both his twin and Matthew. the latter of whom looked extremely annoyed.

As soon as the engine came to a stop Matthew laid into both of them.

“Now I perfectly understand making a mistake of the coach but I do not appreciate the two of you pulling a switcheroo on me! you made me look like a fool today and like I said before I do not like that! I'm supposed to make a decision of which one of you will be going back to Scotland and which of you will be staying! but right now neither of you have made any good arguments for yourselfs to stay! Do you have anything to say?”

The twins wanted to say something but they didn't know the words. but that's when Darby slowly rolled in next to them.

“ sir if I may I understand you don't like being fooled but I don't think it was unreasonable for them to do what they did.”

“and why would that be?” Matthew asked with a raised eyebrow.

“ Sir, you and I both know what's going on with steam engines on the mainland. I'm certain whoever wasn't supposed to be here was scared about being found out and sent back and scrapped.”

“ that's right Matthew.”

Thomas said pulling alongside them as well.

“Douglas told me as much himself. they're just afraid of going back and ending up on the scrap heap Matthew. Maybe you need to give them a second shot?”

“Besides, they didn't do it out of malice unlike my brother did when he was on trial here. and we can all see that they are sorry for what they did. and if somebody is sorry you should give them a chance for Redemption right?”

Matthew brushed his hand through his hair as He considered the engines words. he also remembered what British railways was doing with their own Steam locomotives and realized that his engine and Thomas were correct.

“ Okay I will forgive them for this but they must not trick me again! understood you two?”

Donald and Douglas immediately hummed and switched around their tenders. The drivers even took some paint and wrote their names on their cab sides so there wouldn't be any more miscommunication about who was who.

as Matthew left alongside Thomas the twins looked at Darby.

“ Cheers fer standin' up fer us. An' we're sorry if we've been a bit cauld to ye.” Donald said as Darby gave him a smile.

“don't mention it guys. like I said unlike my brother you did it out of Fear and not out of malice. just try your best to stay out of trouble for now. Alright?”

the two twins whistled and went back to work.

They realized it wasn't a good idea to try and fool anyone and They would try their best to stay out of trouble.

But there was this one spiteful brake van. Everybody hated him because he always made his trains late.

Douglas had the unfortunate luck of being paired with him more often than not. Every single time he went out he was delayed significantly. The brake van seemed to enjoy Causing so many delays for the new engine.

That was until Donald decided to get involved.

“Ye're a muckle nuisance." said Donald In an angry Scottish voice. "It's ta leave yer behind I'd been wanting.”

“ you can't leave me behind.” the van smiled. “ I am essential.”

“Och are yer?" Donald burst out. "You're nothing but a screechin' and a noise when all said and done. Spite Dougie would yer?! Take that!”

Donald then gave the brake van a mighty biff down the siding reminding him of just how much damage Donald could do to him.

Donald didn't really want to do anything bad to the brake van; he just wanted to remind him what could happen if he misbehaved.

Fortunately for a few weeks nothing happened with the brake van.

but something else did happen.

One day Donald Was shunting at Tidmouth and was just about to go into a siding for a rest.

unfortunately an oil tanker had leaked the night before and nobody had noticed this and until Donald crew Tried to stop him.

“driver Shoudn't we be slowin' doon?” Donald asked as he felt his wheels sliding along the tracks.

Before his Driver could say anything his tender hit the side of the signal box. Fortunately most of the signal box equipment inside was undamaged . Unfortunately Donald's tender had some damage done to it.

nothing major that Can't be fixed within a While but it would still need to go to the Works alongside him for a full inspection.

Donald was concerned that Matthew would be furious with him.

but when Matthew arrived he just looked tired.

“ Well I Definitely didn't expect all of this drama when the two of you would arrive on the island, Donald. and don't worry you're not in trouble since the oil was on the tracks without anyone's knowledge.”

Matthew said, looking at the oil on the Tracks. Donald two looked at the oil and looked towards Matthew.

“Ah'm sorry, sir. Ah kno’ after the coach incident that both me an’ Donnie dinnae exactly hae the best appearance in yer mind, but ah am sorry aboot this.”

Matthew just rolled his eyes.

“don't worry this won't affect my final decisions since it really wasn't your fault. but Javelin is going to have to do your work while you're going to the Works.”

Donald understood and soon was taken to the Works.

Javelin was able to keep up with the workload since Laffey was doing her jobs.

Unfortunately, the Spiteful brake van did not fear her like he did the twins. so he constantly pulled the same tricks on her as well.

One evening she was at the motive power depot.

“I can't believe how bad that brake van is being!” javelin said being absolutely annoyed. “ what have I ever done to it?”

“ nothing.” James said as he was also getting refueled like javelin. “ he just wants to cause trouble for troubles sake.”

“ besides.” Gordon said as he rolled up to get his tender refilled with water. “ That isn't the worst thing the brake van has ever done to an engine.”

javelin raised an eyebrow looking confused when James cleared his throat.

“He was the brake van assigned to my train when I had my accident with the Tar wagons… at least my first accident with the Tar wagons… he didn't even activate his breaks. I do hope that karma strikes soon! He's really nothing more than a nuisance.”

all the engines agreed on that.

and one day the spiteful brake van got his comeuppance. He was assigned to a freight train that James was hauling to norranby. It wasn't a very long freight train. but the brake vans constantly turning on its brakes and then off again made it incredibly difficult.

As he arrived at Wellsworth he noticed Douglas Sitting in the bankers siding.

The two usual bankers Big Emma and Worsbrough had also been damaged and were still being repaired since they had extensive damage done to their frames as well.

James looked over to Douglas looking absolutely exhausted.

“ I'm sorry to ask you Douglas but with how badly these trucks are behaving can you please just give me a push over the hill?”

Douglas smiled and immediately made his way to the back of the train.

As the two engines began puffing up the hill the trucks and the brake van decided to hold James back.

James tried his best but unfortunately his wheels began spinning.

Douglas decided to put more effort in and even began talking to the brake van.

“Can ye please just deactivate yer brakes? It’ll mak' the journey a lot better for both o' us.”

he didn't say this in a mean way but the brake van just rolled his eyes and kept his brakes hard on. but unfortunately that would ultimately be his undoing.

The weight of the train alongside Douglas pushing him up the line caused an enormous amount of strain on his body.

The guard and Douglas noticed this but before he could shut off steam the brake vans floors began snapping!

the guard jumped out of the train as the brake van was crushed into splintered wood!

James immediately activated his brakes as Douglas who looked absolutely horrified as the Remains of the break van laid in front of him.

“Ah cannae believe it…. Ah just crushed him tae death!”

“ It wasn't your fault.” the guard said approaching the engine. “I always told him if he keeps playing those tricks it will come back to bite him in the coupling. and unfortunately he didn't listen.”

“Still... ah cannae believe ah did this tae him. Ah should’ve stopped... ah’m a monster...”

“no you're not!” the guard said but with a Stern expression on his face. “ you feel remorse for what you've done! a monster would feel nothing for killing his victim!”

Soon Edward arrived with the breakdown crane to clean everything up.

James had been allowed to continue since there was another brake van he could take down the line.

He did have to travel slowly and carefully. but fortunately the trucks were so traumatized by what they saw they didn't play any more tricks for the rest of the journey.

Matthew looked over the wreckage and just sighs.

Douglas wanted to speak but Matthew just raised his hand and walked away.

Douglas was now worried. having Matthew saying nothing was worse than having him say something.

Later that week The twins had a conversation while waiting at elsbridge.

“D’ye think Matthew's gonnae hae the controller keep us baith or just wan o' us?” Donald asked, looking a bit somber.

“ I dinnae know.” his brother answered. “Neither o' us hae painted oorselves in the best licht. Ah guess a' we hae tae dae noo is try an' stay oot o' trouble… that's aw we kin really dae…”

Donald could only agree with his twin as both of them looked up to see the first flakes of snow falling.

As it kept falling everybody realized that winter had come a little earlier to the island than originally thought.

and with winter came a lot of snow and snow drifts on the line.

Most of the engines hated snowplow Duty. Especially since the Atlantic duo of Rex-Iaspis and Rex frigidus were still in the Works nobody really wanted to volunteer.

especially since the snow drifts this year were much bigger than usual.

but two engines were the exception to this.

Donald and Douglas were More than used to heavy snow having handled a lot of big snow drifts back on the Caledonian Railway.

Back to back the two of them ran down the main line with a works coach between their tenders pushing and pulling each other in and out of snow drifts.

They were making quick work even though they were delayed for a while after having to dig out Henry.

He was returning from his run with the flying Kipper when he got stuck in the snow drift.

no damage had been done and he Hadn't derailed but he was stuck under the snow.

It took a couple of hours but Henry was able to be pulled out of the snow.

He thanked the two Caledonian engines but he could also see that they were still a bit somber about the silence they had gotten from Matthew.

The two of them Hadn't heard from Matthew in close to a month.

they were worried that one of them would be sent away.

As Henry, Gordon, James and Percy were sitting in the motive power depot refueling Donald and Douglas rolled in with somber expressions on their faces.

“ Hae ye heard… the controller's cumin back… ah guess this may be the last time the twa o' i'll be working together…”

“ don't say that.” Percy said, trying to lift their spirits. “ Maybe Matthew has decided you both should stay? I mean after all you two have been doing excellent work with the snow clearance.”

Percy hoped that this would cheer up the twins but it didn't.

As the twins left to continue their Snow clearance the other engines continue to talk.

“ It isn't fair!” Gordon said watching the twins leave. “ Those two have been excellent. yes they have misplaced a coach and accidentally smashed up a signal box and brake fan but it wasn't there fault.”

“ Plus that brake van had it coming too!” James added having had the brake van attached to the back of his train a lot of times too.

“ plus their work in the snow has been excellent. and it would be A shame not to have both of them here. They work really well together.”

The engines desperately wanted to help their friends but they didn't know how.

so Percy decides to go to Edward to ask what they should do.

he had to deliver some trucks to Wellsworth anyway.

When he arrived Edward gave him some good advice.

“ What you need is a deputation.”

“And what exactly is a deputation?” Percy was unsure of what that word meant.

“ It basically means you tell Matthew or the controller that there's something wrong and that you want to have it be put right. maybe you suggest that to the other engine's.”

Percy did… and then ended up being shanghaied to the job.

Percy was not happy as he tried to find Matthew. and he found him with another engine he Hadn't seen in a while.

Ignis Was talking to Matthew who had his arms crossed.

"Mathew, ah ken thae twa hae been causin' a fair deal o' trouble since they arrived, but they dinnae dae it ootside o' malice like diesel, so they dinnae. They're an amazin' pair thegither when they're workin' thegither, as ye've seen wi' their snaw clearance duty. There's jist so few o' Us Caledonian locomotives left ower, so it would be a shame tae sentence ane o' them tae their deaths. So, please, Mathew, mak' the right cairl."

she said, hoping to get through to the chief mechanical engineer.

Matthew just took a deep breath before speaking.

“Ignis I've already made my decision what should happen with Donald and Douglas. and trust me I took everything into account of what their time on the island has been like so far. it's now all in the hands of Charles I'm afraid.”

Percy then came over looking a bit nervous.

“ And what exactly were your recommendations Matthew?”

Matthew turned towards Percy and gave him a small smile. “ Wait and see Percy. wait and see. Charles has just returned and is in his office. before we discussed everything and you don't have to hold a deputation by the way.”

Percy looked surprised at hearing this. “ How did you know we were going to do a depot station?”

“deputation.” Matthew corrected with a chuckle. “And Edward already told me when I went to see him on his opinion on Donald and Douglas.”

“ oh…” Percy said, being surprised that he didn't really have to do the job he was shanghaied to do.

Later that evening all the engines were in knapford Sheds awaiting Charles's return and more pressingly the Fate of Donald and Douglas.

as Matthew and Charles walked up to them Charles looked a bit surprised at the tense atmosphere around the sheds.

“ Well I definitely didn't expect this kind of reception when I got back. aren't you all happy to see me?”

“We are Charles.” Thomas said as he then looked over towards the two Caledonian engines. “ We just want to know what your decision has been on Donald and Douglas.”

Charles immediately took a deep breath knowing that this was coming. so he decided to just cut to the chase.

“Well I have heard about all the incidents that they have had over their time on the railway. and I must admit a lot of those incidents might have been avoided.”

The engines grew a bit tense feeling the dread in the air as everybody looked towards Donald and Douglas who are the most stressed out they've ever been in their entire lives.

“ However, their work in the snow has been absolutely fantastic and that deserves a reward. Now Donald and Douglas, how would you like a new coat of paint.”

The twins look perplexed at this.

“Ummm thank you sir?” Donald asks hesitantly.

“ Well that Settled then.” Charles said, clapping his hands together. “ Now what color would you two like to be painted in.”

The two engines looked at each other confused. Why would Charles be asking them all these questions? but they decided to humor him and ask for some thing they've wanted for so long.

“We'd like tae be Caledonian blue, sir.” the two of them said simultaneously and Charles just smiled.

“ very well. but we will have name plates attached to your Smoke boxes. so there will be no more of this switching identity nonsense.”

“ Okay.” The twins said in unison again before Donald realized something.

“Wait… does this mean that… both of us….”

Charles chuckled. “ well under the advice of Matthew I have decided that-”

but nobody ever knew what Charles had said that day. because everybody was blowing their whistles long and loud for their numbers 9 and 10 Donald and Douglas.

Donald and Douglas were absolutely thrilled that they finally had a new home and they would never be apart again.

They went to the paint shops the next day and after a week were both shopped out in Caledonian blue with the NWR lettering on their tenders and their numbers on their Cab sides.

The two tender engines remained as Practical peppery and proud as they've ever been.

but now the two of them felt indebted to Charles and particularly Matthew.

apparently Matthew had given them a glowing review.

In his report he stated that they were a little rough around the edges but would definitely be some of the best workhorses the railway has ever known.

and as they Wrong in the new year Donald and Douglas were the happiest they have ever been in their lives.

but as we all know something is going to happen in 1960 that will also be a great story to tell. and maybe the story will be a little different than what you know.

but for now as the story has gone on for so long I suggest we all go down to the pub and bring Donald and Douglas with us and sing our hearts out.

See you later folks.

Chapter 67: Velvet daisies

it had been over two months since 1960 had gone into effect and everybody on the island was still riding on the cloud of happiness.

Ever since Donald and Douglas have been officially inducted into the ranks of the nwr things have been going pretty smoothly.

on the Ffarquhar branch line things had also been proceeding as planned. freight operations were still going strong. The passengers were happy and everybody was having a good time.

One evening Thomas arrived back at the sheds chuckling to himself after having shunted Annie and Clarabel into the coach sheds next to the main engine sheds at Ffarquhar.

As he rolled into the sheds he began speaking to the others.

“Hey guys my driver told me the most amusing thing today.”

“and what would that be?” Percy asked, curious as to what his friends had heard from his driver.

“Well he said I don't need him anymore since I pretty much know at what stations I need to stop at. How stupid would that be? I wouldn't even be able to stop myself if I went all The way down the branch line without him. I'd crash into something.”

everybody else chuckled at hearing this. Lady then remembered something she was supposed to tell Thomas and Timothy.

“Just so you know we will be having another engine join us on the passenger runs. Apparently Charles is testing out this new diesel rail car from the mainland to see how valuable she would be to the branch line.”

“ Well, let's just hope they are better than the last diesel engine That visited the island.” Tanya said remembering all the things she had heard about diesel.

“quite so.” Howard said having also heard about the despicable actions of diesel. “Still we should give this engine a fair chance. Anyway, we should get some sleep now. We have A busy day tomorrow. me and Tanya are on supply duty for the new sheds for the next couple of months.”

all the engines agreed and went to sleep.

The next morning the firelighters and cleaners came to the sheds to get them ready for their work. One of the cleaners was cleaning the interior of Thomas's cab when he noticed there was a little bit of steam in the boiler.

He had always wanted to drive engines and that's why he joined the Railway. He was kind of sick and tired of cleaning engines and wanted a chance to drive a real engine even if it was for just a mile.

so sneakily without anybody looking he deactivated Thomas's handbrake and opened the regulator. but nothing happened.

He then tried the same with Timothy but nothing happened there either.

disappointed he finished up his duties and went off.

without closing the regulators in either of the engine's.

Thomas was slowly waking up as he felt himself moving. He had been parked the opposite way from the main yards since his driver was too tired to spin him around on the turntable.

he figured he would be going backwards to get to the turntable and spin around for his morning trip. but as he felt himself moving he realized he was moving forwards not backwards!

as he looked in horror as he was picking up speed he saw the station Master's house in front of him.

“Why can't there be buffers there!” Thomas shouted as he was correct since nobody had bothered putting buffers in. only a silly white pole with a red circle on it was in his way.

Thomas crashed through it. his wheels dug into the asphalt of the street behind the fence he had destroyed. He raced into the front yard and then smashed through the wall into the dining room!

As the dust and falling plaster settled Thomas saw the Station Master and his family having breakfast.

The wife of the Station master was extremely angry and began screaming at Thomas that he ruined their breakfast and that she was going to have to make more.

but before she could continue a piece of plaster fell on her head and she went on conscious for a few minutes.

Thomas looked at The Station Master -.

“ I am so sorry for this, I don't know what happened.”

the Station Master just chuckled. “ while I would have liked you to talk to me while we were at work I can at least say this is the most interesting breakfast I've had in a while. and you finally managed to get my wife to shut her mouth for a few minutes so let's just say I'm not mad.”

Thomas let out a sigh of steam as some extra plaster hit his smoke box but the Station Master just chuckled along with his children.

“Well at least it's only one of you that crashed through our home.”

Meanwhile in the other home Matthew's old neighbor Karen was having a fight with her husband.

“We are getting a divorce and According to our prenup I'm taking the car And the house!”

At that moment Timothy went into their living room bunker first crushing the car on his way through.

Her husband looked at Karen and realized something.

“ You can have the house and the car. I won't need them.”

He then quickly made his way out of the house shouting that he was finally free from that abusive woman!

The Only reason he stayed with her for this long was because they had a prenup meaning he would lose everything if he tried to divorce her.

Now there was nothing for him to lose, Because it was all destroyed!

besides their bank account which was rightfully his.

It was the happiest day of his life.

A couple of hours later and with some help from Donald and Douglas the two E2P’s had been retrieved and Matthew was having a look over the damage that happened to them.

“ Well this is definitely the weirdest crash I've ever seen. and Thomas next time you're coming to breakfast with somebody you might want to send them a notice that you're coming.”

Thomas grumbled as a bush was stuck to his front as his buffer beam had also seen better days.

“The bad news is you and Timothy will be out for a while so that new diesel is going to have to fulfill your duties. The good news is it should be easily fixed since most of the main line fleet is back in action Or in the museum for storage.”

At that moment Charles came into the yards and began laughing his hat off as he saw the bush attached to Thomas's face and the bush attached to timothy's bunker.

“ Well Thomas at least you can now say you're growing facial hair. and don't worry you're not in trouble. but this is going to put us in a bit of an awkward position since Howard and Tanya are now gone and I can't put them back on the branch line to cover your duties. and even with that new diesel rail car it will be difficult for us to do the normal passenger Service with all the Freight that has to be shipped off this branch line.”

Matthew looked at Charles with a big smile as you cleaned off his hands.

“Actually Charles, that new diesel rail car won't be the only one that we can put into service.”

“ What exactly are you talking about?” Charles said not realizing what Matthew meant and till Matthew gave him a confident smile. “ You were actually able to build an engine for Velvet?”

“that fit your exact specifications. I did have to get some help from America but we were able to build an engine that's compact enough but yet powerful enough to pull her coach and one extra coach fully loaded up and down Gordon's Hill. She and her coach will be ready to go the day after tomorrow.”

“ That will be great.” Charles said feeling a little bit relieved. “ The new diesel rail car will be arriving tomorrow anyway. let's just hope things don't get any worse on the branch line from Here on Out.”

everybody did.

The next day.

Thomas and Timothy were taken away from the branch line and towards the Works the rest of them were waiting for the diesel railcard to arrive.

She soon arrived in a dark green with cream lining livery.

as the diesel swerved into the yards she had an air of superiority around her. lady didn't like her one bit and the diesel engine Hadn't even said a word.

“Hello everyone. My name is Daisy. I will be your new and improved passenger engine on this quaint little branch line.”

“Well that will only happen if you pass your trial.” Rosie said as she was shunting some trucks ready for her morning freight train.

“oh I am certain I will become a permanent addition to this branch line. me and my sisters are highly sprung and up to date. we can do 10 times the work of those old rickety coaches.”

The coaches in the sheds felt incredibly insulted by Daisy's words.

and Lady felt more and more certain that Her first impression of the diesel was right. She was an overly arrogant snob.

“ Well if you want to be part of this branch line then you better get your Square behind to the platform. The first passenger train is to leave in seven minutes.” lady said as she made her way out of the sheds.

Daisy just rolled her eyes and made her way to the platform.

The Passengers did indeed Marvel at her more modern and minimalist appearance. Daisy was soaking up all of the attention. That was until lady shunted the milk van behind her.

The Farmers on the branch line still used milk jugs as a security measure in case one of them was contaminated so it wouldn't spoil the whole batch when it was transferred into tankers to be shipped off somewhere else.

Daisy looked absolutely appalled at the van being coupled up to the back of her.

“ What is the meaning of this? I'm supposed to be Carrying passengers, not filthy trucks. they are bad for my swerves.”

lady just looked annoyed. “My husband and my brother-in-law don't complain about doing this. it's just part of the job and you're just going to have to adjust to this.”

“ No I'm not. have that big American take it. she is so fat she might actually need the exercise.”

Rosie was offended by this. “I'll have you know my design is as compact as it can be! Besides, I was made during a time of War! so don't you dare insult my looks! because at least I'm not a box on Wheels!”

Meanwhile aoihi immediately went stiff as a board while having breakfast with his wife and Child.

Weiss looked over after giving their kid a spoon of food. “something wrong?”

“I feel a disturbance in the force.”

Weiss Looks confused at this . “ how do I get the feeling some movie is going to quote that line?”

Meanwhile back at the yard Daisy absolutely refused to take the milk van and Began shaking violently!

her driver tried to keep her under control but she wouldn't stop shaking violently.

The Passengers that got in her immediately jumped out of her not wanting to end up with injuries due to her shaking.

Eventually everybody had to consider Defeat and decoupled the Wagon from Daisy. She felt very smug as a Passenger got on board again and she went off without the milk van.

Meanwhile one of Lady’s eyes was twitching in annoyance.

“ I hope Thomas and Timothy get back soon… because I don't think I'll be able to handle miss highly sprung for more than a couple of days!”

Everybody in the yards including the workman knew that lady was now extremely irritable and not to be angered.

Toby meanwhile looked over towards Percy.

“I got a feeling that Daisy needs some of my chaotic neutralness to learn her lesson.”

Percy could only agree.

Daisy kept trundling up and down the branch line happy as could be as she wasn't pulling anything.

That evening she rold towards the sheds but looked disgusted at the sheds where the steam engines were sleeping in.

“I won't sleep in there. it's all filthy. it will spoil my image." She then looked over towards the carrot shed where all the coaches were sleeping and had an idea.

The coaches were still asleep as Daisy moved them out of the way so she could have the whole sheds to herself.

“ Finally a shed worthy of me.” she said this as she happily went to sleep.

The next morning Lady found that Annie, Clarabel, Anise, Claudia and Henrietta were outside shivering as they had been left there ever since Daisy took over the whole Carriage sheds.

Unfortunately they had to shunt them back in since they wouldn't be used until Thomas and Timothy got back besides Henrietta of course.

Everybody immediately knew who was to blame. and to add insults to injury Daisy wasn't even pulling the milk van this time As well.

Lady was having enough of Daisy's attitude as she shunted Annie and clarabel back into their sheds.

“ I can't believe she's so selfish to push the coaches out of their own sheds! she doesn't own the branch line just because she is here on trial!”

“ I agree.” Rosie said being incredibly annoyed. “ I mean the comment she made about me being too fat is completely unfounded! I was built in America, everybody's as big as me over there! heck even bigger! Bilster could attest to that.”

At the mention of the Young E2P the engines grew a bit silent. they heard that British railways was going to start scrapping the e2s next year. so they knew that his time was running out.

At that moment they heard a whistle that sounded a bit weird to them. it was indeed a whistle but it didn't belong to a steam engine.

because rolling into the yard looked to be a pair of old clerestory roof coaches!

as the two coaches came to a stop the first coach introduced themselves. a bit nervously though.

“ Hello, my name is Velvet. me and my coach coco here are going to be working on this branch line with you guys…”

The engines looked at velvet. She was quite different from any other engine they'd ever seen. She was quite a unique vehicle especially in her dark brown livery.

“ hey are you guys going to tell us where we need to go? because we've been stuck in the works for decades and it's time for us to really get back to work.” Coco said being excited to finally be on the move again.

lady shook herself back to reality and greeted the two warmly.

“Welcome to the branch line you two. I'm Lady and the engines over there are Rosie, Percy, Toby and Tom. you'll be working with us mostly. although I do imagine you will have a few trips down the main line too.”

velvet hummed in acknowledgement. “ okay but is there any work for me?”

“ Well you could handle the next passenger train up to the main station at knappford. you will have to go via the loop line and then you're going to have to run down the main line until you reach Elsbridge and then head back up the branch line. you got that?” Percy said memorizing the timetable Thomas told him from the times he pulled passenger trains.

“ understood.” velvet said She then looked towards the milk van Daisy had left behind. “ Do you want me to take that to the main station as well?”

“ if you can.” Rosie said with a smile before letting out a small Huff. “ Your colleague that will be handling the passenger Services alongside you left it behind.”

Velvet didn't ask any more questions as she coupled herself up to the milk van.

As the Passengers got on board her and Coco. The two of them got a lot of compliments on the softness of their seats even in third class.

Coco would be leading for that trip down the branch line as she was also auto fitted like the auto coach’s in the sheds.

as they began slowly rolling out of the station everybody was surprised to hear how quiet she was.

there was definitely a little bit of noise from her engine but nothing compared to Daisy.

and as they continued the Passengers felt so relaxed even with a few bumps in the track.

as they stopped at each station the Passengers kept complimenting them on a smooth ride. That was until they reached elsbridge.

Daisy was waiting to go up the branch line when she saw velvet rolling In and burst out laughing.

“ What is this? Are they seriously using a coach like you?”

velvet didn't really like that she was being made fun of and decided to stand up for herself. “Actually, I am an auto car. aka your predecessor.”

Daisy continued to laugh. “ That's funny. We diesel rail cars are just recently getting into production. there's no way you're like us.”

“ That's true.” Coco said with a smug expression on her face. “She actually Predates your construction by 57 years!”

Daisy now looked perplexed and couldn't believe that that was true. that's when one of the Passengers stepped into the conversation.

“ it's actually true. My grandpa used to tell me stories all the time about these autocars on the North Eastern Railway. they weren't that great but this engine seems to be handling all the inklines of the line pretty well.”

“Well my new engine is a lot more powerful than the ones I've been fitted out with previously. I'm now able to climb steep hills with at least three times my normal load capacity. although I am pretty slow when I do so.”

Daisy just rolled her eyes. “So what if she's older than me? I am the latest thing in diesel traction. I am also more modern than her and thus much more comfortable for the passengers.”

“ except your seats feel like we're sitting on concrete blocks!” one of her passengers said as she got off Daisy waiting for the next train down to knappford. “I mean seriously your seats are so hard they might as well have been filled with concrete!”

“ Plus our seats are made with the finest velvet.” Coco said smirking as the diesel railcar just sputtered and raced up the branch line as soon as her signal was clear.

Both velvet and cocoa chuckled realizing that they got underneath Daisy's paintwork.

As the day continued the two diesels continued to pass each other but Coco and velvet decided that they had their fun back at elsbridge and decided to just focus on the job.

Daisy meanwhile was grumbling about the pair. She was actually jealous about their seats and the compliments she seemed to be receiving from the Passengers every time they stopped at a station.

Daisy had only been on the branch line for two days but nobody had complimented her modern aesthetics.

Later that evening Daisy rolled back towards the sheds only to find that the coaches were back in the sheds. Daisy once again tried to move them out of the sheds but the coaches were stubborn this time and had their breaks hard on refusing to move.

“ if you want to be in the shed you're going to have to share it with us!” Claudia said not appreciating her stay under the stars she experienced last night.

“ but don't be so stupid. I need my space.”

“ Well there's plenty of space out back Behind the Engine Shed.” Henrietta said also annoyed with Daisy. “ we have just as much right to be in this shed as you!”

Daisy eventually had to admit Defeat and rolled into the sheds with the coaches.

At that moment CoCo and Velvet rolled into the Engine Shed being welcomed with open arms.

The sheds unfortunately weren't long enough for the two of them to stay inside but coco didn't mind sleeping under the stars since it was a clear night.

“ So how was your first day on the branch line?” lady asks curiously.

“It was amazing! I've never been anywhere more beautiful than this line. and the people along it are the best I've ever met. They have complimented me at every stop. I don't expect this to continue after my first day but it's still nice.”

lady just chuckled. “ Oh trust me the compliments will keep coming now and again. I mean I've been given plenty of compliments on my unique color scheme alongside my sister and mother.”

as the engines began talking to the autocar Daisy kept feeling more and more jealous! nobody had complimented her and nobody appreciated her ways of thinking. She especially couldn't believe that people thought that lady was prettier than her.

Over the next couple of weeks Daisy became even more jealous and angry.

velvet was allowed to have brakes now and again so Matthew could inspect her to see if there weren't any underlying issues they Couldn't see in the workshops.

When this happened lady was often called to pull passenger trains. The Passengers complimented her on her beauty and said that it was a shame that she didn't pull passengers more often. lady took all the compliments in stride, not letting it get to her smoke box.

Daisy on the other hand grew even more jealous as everybody just ignored her and only had bad things to say about her. like how she wasn't as comfortable as the coaches or even velvet and Coco.

She still refused to pull the milk van every morning which annoyed the engines. but every time velvet went out she made sure to collect the van herself and take it down the branch line.

Coco would also be left behind a few times since velvet doesn't always need her. That's not to say that coco wasn't without good company. She actually likes talking to the other coaches and complimenting them on their beautiful Liveries.

Daisy on the other hand didn't get a compliment from her because of her earlier transgressions against her and her friend.

but as a full month went by Daisy Continued with her trial. She did complain a lot about that she was highly sprung and that her fitter told her to never pull trains but Matthew ignored all of this and told her that she was in perfect mechanical Order.

Matthew and Charles didn't really like the complaints about her. People were also complaining to Matthew because of his role as semi-controller. plus he was also the chief mechanical engineer and he was very visible to the public.

so if there were any complaints about the mechanical condition of vehicles he was often the one they called upon first.

but eventually the final day of the trial came but Daisy once again had left the milk van behind.

Percy was shunting in the yards when Lady arrived and began refilling her tank with water.

“ I see that lazy daisy left the milk van behind again.”

“ you're telling me.” Percy said annoyed as he carefully shunted his trucks into the Siding. “I now have to make a special run down the line to make sure it doesn't get spoiled since velvet isn't operating today because Matthew wants to do an inspection on her engine. honestly sometimes I think people think I've nothing to do around here!”

“Tell you what Percy, I'll take your next freight train down to the junction for Donald and Douglas to pick up. it's just a stone delivery anyway. that way you can take your little journey down to knapford and get yourself a nice well deserved rest before your next train up.”

Percy smiled. “ thank you lady. and be careful you know how trucks can be.”

“as dumb as bricks Percy. as dumb as bricks.”

The two engines discussed this with their drivers and the Station Master who Cald Charles who agreed to the Swap.

as Percy left with the milk van lady took his stone trucks that Toby had delivered half an hour earlier.

Lady tried to be careful knowing how dangerous the trucks can be. but unfortunately the trucks were bored and wanted to Cause some mischief.

just before elsbridge there's a small hill. not too steep but it was still somewhere where trains had to pin down their brakes to make sure they wouldn't go and run away into the busy junction.

Lady wanted to slow down and stop to pin down her brakes but unfortunately the trucks just biffed into her forcing her down the hill!

“ on! On! Faster! Faster!” giggled the trucks.

lady tried her best to stop but unfortunately the weight of the train was too heavy without her brake van being able to engage their brakes properly.

They slid into elsbridge with Lady blowing the emergency whistle so everybody knew to stay back from the platform!

The Signalman immediately sent her into the sidings of the goods yards. but unfortunately right into the back of a freight train that was waiting to go out.

“ Look out!” she shouted as the Guard of the brake fan in front of her jumped out as lady completely crushed it and found herself perched on top of one of the wagons!

After the dust settled lady felt battered and bruised. The trucks behind her kept giggling although they were damaged too.

A few hours later Willamina had arrived with the breakdown crane and Matthew. he looked her over as the truck underneath her kept growning under her weight.

“ Well lady you do have some damage. But I can definitely say it's not enough to put you out of action for more than a couple of days. and it's a miracle this truck hasn't collapsed underneath you. especially with all the damage that has been done to it.”

“ Are you insinuating that I'm overweight?” lady said with a hint of annoyance.

Matthew just chuckled. “ No, you're not overweight. I mean you're one of the smallest tank engines on the island that's kind of Stupid of me to say. besides the truck underneath you is pretty sturdy.”

lady just rolled her eyes. she was at least happy that she would go to the Works so she could see her husband again.

only for her husband to roll up besides her looking absolutely panicked!

“ Lady, are you okay? What happened? Do you need me to get anything?”

Lady chuckled at her husband's worriedness.

“ don't worry honey, I'm fine. I'll just be taking your spot in the works for a few days.”

Thomas was relieved that lady was fine but not after she explained what happened.

“ I don't know who Daisy is. but I am going to get my revenge on her!”

“ Well I'm all ears Thomas.”

The two engines looked over to see Charles standing there with his arms crossed.

“ What do you mean sir?” lady asked, seeming a bit confused at what the controller meant.

“ I've been hearing nothing but complaints from Daisy’s passengers about rough riding and the seats not being as comfortable as they wanted.

and the fact that she has consistently left the milk van behind is also not looking good on her end.

and to make it worse British railways don't want her back so we're stuck with her.

but I don't want her working on my railway. If She's going to be that lazy!

so if you have any ideas how we can teach her a lesson then I'm all ears.”

Thomas smirked as he explained his idea of what to do with Daisy.

Both Charles and Matthew were absolutely on board with this.

Over the next couple of days lady was repaired and put back into service.

Velvet was immediately accepted by Thomas and Timothy as now the two of them could switch out their duties and actually help with the freight work on the line while velvet took their passenger service.

Daisy on the other hand didn't get such a warm reception from Thomas or Timothy.

“You are her husband?!” Daisy said, looking completely shocked as the blue Tank Engine galaired at the diesel railcar.

“ Yes I am! And after what you caused today I am not happy with you! you have brought nothing but shame on me and my brother's branch line! And now you must pay for your misdeeds!”

“And how exactly do you want me to pay?” Daisy said, rolling her eyes. “ I don't exactly have money, you know?”

“ well…” both Thomas and Timothy said with cheeky grins on their faces.

“ this is completely unacceptable!” Daisy shouted as she had been turned into a public restroom at elsbridge!

Apparently it was a quite easy conversion for Matthew to do. and the restroom was quite accessible to even people in wheelchairs.

Daisy was absolutely miserable as people kept pooping inside of her. she was absolutely miserable as her inside skept Smelling and she couldn't even see the railway anymore. just a simple brick wall with the sentence: “ this is what I get for being lazy.” written on it over and over again.

surely the lesson of the story is never to be lazy and always do the jobs you've been asked to do. even if you don't want to.

I hope you enjoyed the story because in the next one Belgium will come knocking on our door.

Chapter 68: Belgium invasion.

It had been a full week since Daisy had been turned into a toilet and things were returning to relative normality.

Unfortunately no other corridor tender engine was able to be fixed in time since a lot of them also needed overhauls on top of their repairs.

so Matthew had to make the difficult decision to scale down the repair jobs and put most of the engines into the Museum.

Unfortunately this did include some of their mixed Traffic engines and Express engines. mostly his own.

but they were able to focus on two major projects. With Sakura Back in Action the local Express was covered. The main problem was that their corridor-fitted engines were too damaged besides hushy And Silverlink.

But the two of them needed extensive overhauls so they wouldn't be able to be put back into Service for at least another year.

Charles had also ordered something a little bit weird to Matthew. two extra corridor tenders had been built. but they were to some weird designs. Matthew had never seen designs like this before in his years of working on the railway. but still if Charles wanted these tenders to be built he was going to do so.

but he wouldn't find out why he wanted them until that week.

he was at the docks as Charles had asked him to be there.

As Matthew arrived on board Willamina he saw that a ship had arrived from continental Europe. The small engine had the two tenders that Matthew in the workshop gang had built with her as per Charles' request.

“Charles Why exactly did you call me here? me and the boys still have a lot of work to do back in the Workshop. need I remind you that most of our corridor fitted engines are out of service and I can't call any of my own in?”

“ I know Matthew.” Charles said with a smile. “ but I've been shopping for some extra engines and they have finally arrived after being overhauled back in their home country.”

Matthew silukkuked confused until the engines began being unloaded from the ship.

The first engine to be unloaded was an orangey Brown pioneer Tank Engine with outside frames and a short three axled wheelbase. It looked like something that was built in the previous century.

The next was a 4-4-0 that looked similar to Amelia. This engine has a similar color to the previous one and that alongside a much larger 4 axled tender was the main difference between her and Amelia.

The next engine was a streamlined Atlantic. She looked fast and her matching tender made her look incredibly beautiful.

The final engine to arrive was a big Pacific. but it looked a little bit different from any other engine.

Similar to James, its running boards seemed to be extending out from the smoke box.

but the boiler actually stopped above the First axle of its bogey. the rest of it seemed to be taken up by the cylinders.

but it was indeed massive!

Matthew immediately recognized the engines as the ship continued to unload the next set of engines.

“ Belgium national Railways types 51, 18, 12 and 10? wow sir you do know how to pick them. and by any chance did…”

“ Your engines make it on this ship? Of course they did. and I'm certain the mixed traffic roster will gladly have them.”

Soon the last two engines were unloaded. they looked similar to Donald and Douglas only they had some minor differences here and there.

Matthew smiled at them and gently punched Charles's shoulder. “Sir, you've done it again. and let me guess what those extra Tenders me and the workshop crew have built were for the Atlantic and the Pacific?”

“indeed. they may not be as fast as our own engines but as long as they can keep up with the demand we are good. plus I'm having the Atlantic run a lightweight Express Service stopping at all major junctions from here to London.”

“ Well that will be good for revenue. and since we now own the East Coast Main Line I'm certain British railways won't be able to deny us permission to run these services.” Matthew said with a light chuckle.

“ indeed. you know this entire incident with them has at least brought us something good. we no longer have to pay them track rights in order for our trains to run to London. and they have to fit around our timetable, not the other way around. So even as they dieselize their network we will still keep steam alive.”

“ That's good sir but we might want to invest in a few diesels just to be safe. It doesn't hurt to have some modern traction on the railway. I mean look at mira and lisanna.”

Charles Stroked his chin in thought, realizing that Matthew might have a point and he and the board would look into it.

After a while Willamina was able to get them all into the sheds and the new pacific and Atlantic coupled up to their much bigger tenders.

That evening some of the main line engines arrived back at the sheds. They were exhausted but also surprised to see the new engines.

“ Well this is a surprise.” Gordon said, smiling at the new engines. “ Welcome to the island of sodor. I am Gordon and these are some of my colleagues Henry, HMS unicorn, HMS Illustrious, Alec and Baldwin, Clan McIntosh, HMS Victorious, HMS javelin, USS Laffy, IJN ayanami, Z23, hiro, Sakura And finally sunny.”

They all greeted them warmly as the type 10 spoke up.

"Hallo, het is leuk om jullie te ontmoeten. Ik ben Raymond de NMBS type 10 en did zijn mijn vrienden Atlanta de NMBS type 12, Willy de NMBS type 51, Jeanette de NMBS type 18 en Maria en Marie de NMBS type 44 tweeling.”

Raymond said in a language that none of them understood.

“ come again?” Henry asked, looking confused. “ What exactly did you say to us?”

“He said that his name is Raymond and he is a National Railway Company of Belgium Type 10. His friends are a NMBS type 12 named Atlanta, a type 18 named Jeanette, type 44 twins Maria and Marie and finally a type 51 named willie.”

Everybody looked confused as Laffy had translated everything perfectly.

They looked towards Alec and Baldwin to explain what their sister had said.

“We spent some time in Belgium so we picked up a few of the languages they speak there. There are two main regions. The Upper region speaks Dutch but the lower regions speak French. it's the whole thing.”

“ Well then.” Gordon said, looking over to the Belgium locomotives. “I think you guys will need a crash course in English if we're going to communicate efficiently.”

“don't worry about that Gordon.” Atlanta said with a smile. “ I mean a lot of English soldiers did come to our country so we picked up the language from them as well. all of us can speak perfect English.”

“ well…” Gordon was taken aback by this but also smiled. “ then we won't have any trouble communicating. and again welcome to our humble home.”

“ It's nice to be here.” Raymond said smiling. “ I've heard a lot about this place from some of the locomotives that came to my country during the war. I got to spend some time with them before they went back to England. I do remember this pair of locomotives that worked alongside me for a few years though.”

“ What are their names?” illustrious asked but at that moment A pair of shrill whistles came from outside the shed.

and to everybody's surprise Ron and Remi Rolled into the sheds smiling.

“ evening all. It's nice to be back in service after what British railways did to us. they Even allowed us to be repainted in our railway operating division Liveries.” Remi said with an unusual amount of happiness in her voice.

“ yeah. I'm so glad that I'm able to wear the ROD black livery again. I really think it suits me.”

As the two engines came to a halt they then saw the Belgium locomotives and looked absolutely shocked at one of them in particular.

“ Raymond?” they both said in unison while Raymond just smiled.

“ well if it isn't Ron and Remy The Old wartime locomotives. it's been a while.”

“ It really has.” Ron said, smiling uncharacteristically. “ It's so good to see you again Raymond. How was Belgium during the occupation by Germany?”

“ Well, it's pretty rough but as you know I'm already used to it. having been captured by the Germans once before.” Raymond said with a big smile. “But anyway I think everybody would like an explanation of how we know each other.”

“oh right.” Remy said, clearing her non-existent throat. “We met Raymond back during World War 1. He was one of the members of his class that was captured during the First World War. After we helped liberate his country we got chatting and it was quite nice. but after the war we didn't really keep in contact so it's as much of a surprise for us as you guys that he is here.”

“ By the way, why are you here?” Ron asked, looking a bit confused. “ not that it is nice to have here but why exactly did you come here? Is Belgium doing an exchange program or something?”

“ not exactly.” Raymond said with a smile. “ money was exchanged for us as we are now official members of the north western railway.”

The two 4300th Smiled loving having another World War One locomotive among them.

“ Well this is quite nice.” Willie said finally speaking up. “ I can't wait to see what my job will be? but I highly doubt I'm as useful as I used to be. I mean I was built In 1880. I highly doubt there will be work for me around here.”

“ Well you don't have to worry.” javelin said with a smile. “ The NWR Find a use for all of their steam engines. I am certain you will find your place too.”

Willy smiled at the younger engines words.

“ That's kind of you to say. and I look forward to getting back to work.”

“ Me too.” Maria said smiling. “ I cannot wait to get to work tomorrow.”

“ you can count me in on that.” Marie said, smiling. “ Also, are there any other engines we should know about?”

Before anybody else could say anything Donald and Douglas arrived having just delivered a heavy freight train of construction materials to the Construction site Of the shed rebuilding program.

“Man Donnie, that was a hevy train.”

“Aye, that's right, Dougie. But at least we got the train delivered in the end.”

the two Caledonian engines said before looking over to the newcomers and actually blushing a bit and also being surprised.

The two different engines almost looked identical. despite having a few differences like the cab window shape alongside some extra splashers on their splashers for the connecting rods to go in. and a few extra bits about the boiler but otherwise they looked similar enough.

“Whit exactly is this noo?” Donald said, looking surprised. “Are ye guys Modified Caledonian Railway 812 or somethin'?”

“not exactly.” Maria said. “ We were actually based on the locomotive from the Caledonian Railway called the 812. but we've never seen them before.”

“ Well then, t'day is yer lucky day 'cause ye’re noo seein' two o’ the Caledonian Railway 812’s.
” Donald said with a hint of Pride in his voice.

 

The two NMBS type 44s had Stars in Their Eyes.

“ really!” they said in unison as the two Caledonian engines smiled back at them.

“ Aye, we are, an' we’ll be more than happy tae tell ye some o' our stories.” Donald said With a hint of Pride in his voice.

“ That would be amazing!” Maria said, being overly excited. “Please skip no details!”

“Aye, but the real interestin' stuff happened when we got tae Sodor. And believe me, it was quite intense fur us fur a while.” Douglas said knowing that they couldn't lie to them and say everything went smoothly when they arrived. if they wanted all the details they were going to get them.

As everybody continued to chat with the Belgium engines none of them noticed Jeanette just silently sitting in the sheds. she really didn't feel comfortable in this new shed, on this new railway and In this new country. There was so much going on around her and she really didn't get a chance to properly take in that she would be moving permanently to a new Country.

but what will happen to her next? and what will the jobs be of the new engine's?

Well deer readers since I'm absolutely sick of having to edit over 30 pages! I'm going to keep this one short. I hope you're interested in what comes next.

I need a drink.

Notes:

For those who are curious what the locomotives look like in this story I'll provide you with a link to my default page where I've all of them.

https://www.deviantart.com/smd2509/art/willy-the-NMBS-type-51-1088623634

https://www.deviantart.com/smd2509/art/raymond-the-NMBS-type-10-1088632150

https://www.deviantart.com/smd2509/art/atlanta-the-NMBS-type-12-1088631724

https://www.deviantart.com/smd2509/art/janet-the-NMBS-type-18-1088632745

https://www.deviantart.com/smd2509/art/maria-and-marie-the-NMBS-type-44-twins-1156006409

Chapter 69: Jeanette's adjustment.

It was the day after the locomotives from Belgium had arrived but they were waiting in the sheds as the others had already left.

They were all so excited to finally get to work on the Legendary North Western Railway.

That's when Matthew arrived and he had a big smile on his face as he put his hands on his hips.

“ Okay you guys I know it's your first day so we're gonna start you guys off easy. Raymond, you and Atlanta will be handling the Express duties today so I can have some extra time inspecting Gordon. the Express coaches are already at the station.”

“ understood Matthew.” Raymond said having heard about the crazy chief mechanical engineer from the rest of the engines last night. “But will I be taking the train all the way to London?”

“ Yes, since the local Express is covered by one of my engines it's imperative that you do this job. plus it will get you used to long distance non-stop running.”

“well I'm excited to give it a shot but… I wasn't really built for that kind of Long distance non-stop runs. Besides, how am I going to refuel on water?”

“ Your new tender has a water scoop just like Atlanta’s. all you need to do is just have your Fireman lower the Scoop over the water troughs and the rest will be done automatically.”

Raymond hummed in surprise. He had never been fitted with a water scoop before because his country didn't really have long enough roots to justify it.

“ Atlanta you'll be on the semi fast passenger trains across the island. it should be something easy enough for you to handle. but I would recommend you get a banker for when you go up Gordon's Hill. Believe me it's an absolute nightmare for an engine who doesn't know the root that well.”

“Understood sir and I will take you up on that advice. After all, my class isn't exactly the most powerful engine around. being built for Speed and all.” she says with a smile looking forward to the run.

“Willie, you'll be heading to Brendam. the docks have needed a shunter over there for decades now and you are just the right engine for the job.”

Willie just smiled, happy to be put back into service.

“Marie and Maria the two of you will be helping Donald and Douglas out with the supply runs for the new shed. they can be quite heavy so I recommend you double-head a few trains.”

“understood.” the both of them said in unison.

“and finally you Jeanette.”

Jeanette looked up not realizing that Matthew was talking to her.

“you'll be handling the castle excursions. we've had to cancel those since none of the branchline engines can handle such heavy loads up the steep incline. but you should be fine. it's just a straight run from here at napford all the way up to the castle on the branch line.”

Jeanette didn't say anything but gave a nervous peep on her whistle.

After Matthew gave out the orders all of them went to work.

Jeanette was the last to leave the sheds she slowly made her way through the yards. she had been in such big yards before back in Belgium but this felt a bit more… unnerving for her.

As she made Her way to platform 3 and coupled up to her coaches she could hear the Passengers grumbling about how long it took for these trains to continue.

as her guard blew their whistle and she slowly and carefully made her way onto The loop line.

She slowly made her way across the line and once at Elsbridge she made her way onto the branch line.

she didn't enjoy any of it as she constantly felt out of place. As she passed Ffarquhar and began charging up the hill to the Castle she didn't look anywhere but the track feeling scared.

She had never been up this high before and was afraid that the track would crumble underneath her and she would fall down.

but when she arrived at the Castle she noticed all the old engines but Didn't talk to any of them. she still couldn't believe that there was a railway line straight towards a castle.

and she went underneath the drawbridge to go to the turntable in the center Courtyard. sHe felt even more out of place.

She pulled the train back to Knapford. But after leaving her coaches in the sidings she still couldn't really feel like this island was home. It was so different from Belgium. At least They all travel on the same side of the tracks.

As she was spun on the turntable in the motive power depot to refuel she noticed a big Tank Engine sitting next to one of the water columns refueling.

as she slowly rolled up the engine smiled towards her.

“Hello there you must be one of the engines from Belgium I've heard about. My name is Hudson. after my wheel arrangement of course.”

“I'm… Jeanette.” she said nervously as her tender was being filled up with water.

“ You don't have to be nervous. Everybody on this island is very accepting. I should know I have Lived my entire life here.”

“ really… you have never been off this island before?”

“ a few times but not that long. and to be honest with how British railways are treating their steam engines, I'm glad I'm staying here.”

“Do you ever want to go… somewhere else?” Jeanette asked, still nervous. “ like… to another country?”

“ not really.” Hudson said already getting some clues about why she was so nervous. “ and I can understand that it is a bit of a culture shock for you. We do things a bit differently around here than what you're used to. but just give sodor a chance. believe me it has more to offer than you'll ever know.”

Jeanette wasn't certain as the big Baltic Tank Engine left to pull his next train.

Later Janette had been asked to take some trucks from the main yards down to Ffarquhar. they were empty since the quarry needed some more.

Normally they would have asked Donald, Douglas, Marie, Maria, Ron or Remi to do it but they were busy getting a load of Steel gerders from killdane.

She had never pulled trucks before and was incredibly nervous. The moment she coupled up to them and tried to pull them away they began playing Their Tricks.

they put their brakes on preventing her from moving and making her wheels spin around. then they deactivated Their breaks making her shoot forward!

This Happened continuously throughout the journey.

every time Jeanette felt worse and worse and more afraid of doing the job.

“Just get these delivered and you'll be rid of them!” she said in her mind but the trucks had other plans.

Just after Hackenbeck And just before the tunnel was a downhill grade. Normally trains would slow down for this section so the guard could pin down their brakes.

but unfortunately Jeanette didn't do this because she didn't know. and unfortunately the trucks took full advantage of this.

they bashed against her buffers pushing her down faster and faster!

She raced Through the tunnel and passed the Cottage where Mr and Mrs kindly looked in shock as the trains zoomed by much faster than trains would normally go on the branch line.

Fortunately Charles had put in a phone to the nearest signal box in their house. as a way to help warn them much easier than her having to throw open her window and make use of one of her red pieces of clothing.

She called the signalman and he stopped all trains and put the others on Sidings to make sure that she would have a clear path.

They were hoping that she would run up the ulfstead incline.

but fortunately she was actually outfitted with brakes on all of her wheels including her bogey.

After slamming her brakes hard on she was able to get the train under control and stop in Ffarquhar itself.

Everybody was cheering for her stopping the runaway. But she just felt so overwhelmed she was shaking. and before anybody could say anything she immediately asked her driver to uncouple her and she ran as far as she could!

nobody could find her for the rest of the day. That was until Emily returned to the sheds alongside the other goal dust railway engines.

“Is something wrong?” Thomas asked, looking confused. “ Normally you guys would stay on shining time when it's time for you guys to clock in for the night.”

“ Well, we had an unforeseen visitor.” lux explained. “ This engine came into our shed looking all kinds of shaken up. I haven't seen anything like that happen since we were stuck on that Island for so long.”

“ yes.” Jackland said. “She just rolled in and burst out crying. We wanted to comfort her but she just seemed not willing to talk. we have no idea why this is.”

“ Well I did see her stop a runaway earlier today.” Timothy said, trying to help fill in the gaps for the singles. “ I guess it must have really stressed her out or something? I mean when I saw her come up the branch line with the castle excursion she also looked very nervous and overly stressed.”

“ Maybe it's because she isn't used to the new environment yet.” Atlanta suggested having just returned to the sheds. “she has always been a bit… tense when it comes to change. plus her sibling's weren't exactly the nurturing type. They often made fun of her nervousness. but underneath all those nerves is an engine that can work hard. she just needs to be put in the hands of somebody who will nurture her.”

“ That might be hard.” lady said. “ She clearly is overwhelmed by everything on the island and none of us really have any experience with something like that.”

“ She has a point.” Gordon said having come back from his late night express run. “None of us really went through what you and your fellow Belgium locomotives went through except for Hiro, Sakura and ayanami.”

“ yes but we had an easier time adjusting to everything.” Sakura said. “ because we had engines here that we could relate to. but she really doesn't have anybody who can try and understand her.”

The engines went silent thinking of a way to make the type 18 more comfortable. But none of them could think of anything.

but at that moment a familiar whistle came from outside the sheds. and as the shed doors were opened they saw the Caledonian girls.

“Aye, hello ev'ryone, huv ye missed us?” Amelia shouted excitedly. She was very happy to be back.

“Ah hope ye didnae miss us tae much.” Katie said, smiling as her and cardean slowly backed into the sheds. “But whit exactly happened tae the sheds at Tidmouth?”

“Ah, suppose British railways got their hands on that too?” Cardean said being still a little bit nervous about what happened to her thanks to British railways.

“You hit the nail right on the head cardean.” Henry said with a smile. “ where rebuilding it to be bigger and better than the old one. and we've got some new engines here too.”

“Ah see..” Amelia said, looking at all the engines. “"Och, Ah can see we've got some mair engines frae Japan, Germany an'... Belgium?"

the Belgium locomotives looked a bit confused at Amelia.

“You look similar to our friend Jeanette.” Raymond said before realizing something. “Wait, aren't you a Caledonian Railway Dunalastair?”

Amelia smiled with pride. “Aye, I am. I'm the only survivor o' ma class in the haill world, although I dae remember there were some Belgian variations o' us built. Did any o' those survive?”

“one of them as far as We Know.” Atlanta said with a nervous smile. “ and she's actually on the island… kind of…”

“kinda?” Amelia said with a bit of confusion in her voice. “Whit exactly dae ye mean?”

Over the rest of the night the engines filled in their Caledonian friends on what happened.

The next morning Jeanette was still in the gold dust railways Roundhouse crying. She hadn't slept all night. She was just so overwhelmed by Everything. the new home. the new job. Everything. she just couldn't catch a break mentally.

She then heard an engine approaching the sheds and the turntable spinning.

“ Leave me alone!” she said, wanting to be left alone.

“Ah cannae dae that. After a' aw, ah cannae let ane o' ma fellow engines suffer alone.”

Jeanette looked up at hearing the thick Scottish accent. She then saw Amelia rotating on the turntable.

“ your a-”

“Caledonian Railway 721 Class Dunalastair 1 Aye. An' ma name's Amelia. An' ye must be Jeanette. A've heard aboot ye an' whit happened the ither day. It's braw scary, isnae it? Goin' tae somewhere completely different than the place ye've called home yer whole life?”

Jeanette didn't answer immediately but eventually she relented as Amelia just kept looking at her.

“ yes… I just… miss my old home… Everything here is so different… different language… different wagons… different everything… I just don't know if I belong here…”

The two of them were engulfed by a silence once again. until Amelia broke the silence.

“Ye ken, sometimes I feel like that too.”

Jeanette looked at the older engine confused. “ What do you mean?”

“Aye, I mean sometimes ah miss whar ah used tae work. Ye see, ah worked fer the Caledonian Railway an' then the LMS before bein' sent here in 1930. Ah had a hard time, like ye, when ah first arrived. Ah was actually afraid o' fire.”

“You were afraid of Fire?” Jeanette said with a raised eyebrow. “ But don't we always have a fire in our fireboxes?”

“"Aw right, but ah accidentally lit a field on fire wi' a bunch of' Children in it, an' they got seriously hurt. Ah was kinda scared tae go at high speed again. Mah manager really didnae understand it back then an' just thought ah was bein' lazy. That's why he gladly sent me here, an' tae be honest, he made the right choice.”

“ He did?”

“Aye, thanks tae Timothy, ah wis able tae conquer ma fear o' fire an' get back tae ma auld self again. Ah did hae tae rescue him frae a blazin' inferno efter some numpty lit the forest on fire. It wis a real trial by fire. But ah proved maself worthy tae stay here an' ah did. An' ah hae seen mony engines come tae the island ever since then. An' we hae always helped oot oor fellow engines as lang as they are kind an' true at heart.”

“ well… it's nice for you to say that Amelia… but I still don't know if I can call this place my home…”

Amelia saw how sad the engine was and decided to do something to cheer her up.

“How aboot ye come wi' me? There's somethin' ah want tae show ye.”

Jeanette looked confused as Amelia left the sheds and followed her.

as they made their way towards the castle the sun was slowly getting up.

and as they climbed the steep Hill Amelia shouted to her.

“Aye, hae a gander at that view.”

Janette wasn't certain what she meant until she looked towards the view.

It was beautiful. with the sun coming up it made all the trees in the forest shine like a million Emeralds. it was the most beautiful sight Jeanette had ever seen!

As they rolled into the Castle they both stopped at the station platform with Jeanette finally having a smile on her face for the first time since she arrived.

“Och, it's a bonnie sight, ye ken?” Amelia said with a smile.

“It was definitely the most beautiful sight I've ever seen in my life!” Jeanette said excitedly. “I didn't see anything like that back in Belgium.”

“an' that's th' magic o' this island. ye'll ne'er ken whit ye'll find. an' jist sae ye ken, ye could tak' yer time in adjustin' tae this place. It took some time fer me tae get used tae things here. an' if ye're ever overwhelmed, ye can come tae me an' I'll help ye..”

“thank you Amelia… mind if I take your next train up here?”

“Naw at aw. Jist be careful wi' ma coaches. They’re antiques, ye ken.”

Jeanette chuckled as she quickly made her way down the branch line and to the main station to collect her passengers.

At that moment crystallo puffed up to Amelia and smiled.

“you know maybe you should adopt her like Thomas adopted all of those N15X’s.”

“An' whit d'ye mean by that?” Amelia said, confused.

“I mean you just helped her get over her fear like a mother would have a child. it might be good for her to be under your wing more often.”

Amelia considered this for a moment and immediately went off to find Timothy.

The moment she found him at Farquhar alone she rolled up next to him and said the words that would change his life.

“Timothy, we’re gettin' married!”

“Wait, what?!” Timothy said but before he could object a local priest quickly ran up and declared them husband and wife.

Fortunately Jeanette was more than happy to call Amelia her mom as technically she was derived from her designs.

Timothy meanwhile was still really back from the realization that he was now married.

Thomas meanwhile chuckled a bit after hearing this. and the moment he and his brother passed on their regular passenger service he made a little joke.

“ don't worry Timothy being a husband isn't that bad.”

Timothy did not appreciate the joke and told lady about what he had said.

lady then scolded her husband for teasing his brother and made him sleep outside in the rain ( the equivalent of a steam engine being sent to sleep on the couch) for a whole week.

Jeanette slowly began finding her Rhythm on the island. She did actually start calling Amelia; her mother. She also got to meet her cousins as she was sent to the paint shops to be repainted.

She decided to pick a light Caledonian blue with Red and yellow lining.

she now truly felt at home on the island of sodor.

and she wasn't above teasing Thomas and calling him uncle Thomas.

which made him feel even older. But her mother and especially her father were extremely proud of her every time she made fun of him.

She and Amelia help each other on the castle excursions allowing them to run two trains per day.

except for Monday to Tuesday. then they are helping out on the branch line with the regular Passenger Services.

finally the type 18 finally felt at home on the island of sodor.

Chapter 70: Red devil's goal of love.

Things have been wonderful for the Belgium engines ever since Jeanette finally could feel like she was at home.

her mother Amelia was there for every panic attack and always helped her to feel better. The two of them now handled the castle excursions together as previously mentioned. but the schedule was later changed so that only one would have to pull the excursion and the other one could pull trains along the main line.

Soon it was 1961 and a lot was happening among the Railways Of sodor.

Peter Sam had broken off his Funnel during an incident with an icicle hanging from the roof of one of the tunnels.

He had to use an old drain pipe as a funnel for a while until Matthew was able to install a Giesl ejector which made him a much more reliable steamer.

The other engines teased him at first but eventually they Wanted to have one too. Rheneas also was pulled out of the Workshops having gone through a 10 year long overhaul. It took so long mostly due to Matthew being overworked with the main line engines of sodor.

He had also been able to get all three Atlantics back into service too. They absolutely loved it, especially since they could pull all their fast trains again.

They also enjoyed having some new engines to talk to in the sheds. Especially Atlanta being the only other Atlantic on the island meant that they understood each other.

Hushy and Silver Link were put back into service not long afterwards.

The two of them still love their long distance fast-paced runs. but nowadays they would also be allowed to stay on the island as Raymond also enjoyed these long runs.

But one day Raymond returned from a train that was scheduled to go to York instead of going all the way to King's Cross.

With the NWR now owning the East Coast Main Line they were able to run more services that they would normally never be able to do.

Like just running Express services only to a select few stations and back.

They did continue to run non-stop services to London but would also run semi-fast services that stopped at every major Junction like York along the route.

He was looking forward to sleeping in the sheds. The situation with the sheds had become a bit too cramped recently since the knapford sheds were not as big as the Old Tidmouth sheds.

So most engines that had a branch line to sleep on would sleep there instead of at knapford. Sum of the main line engines would also sleep at Barrow-in-Furness.

but a decent amount still lived at napford. but tonight it would only be him, Atlanta, Maria and Marie, Gordon and Henry. The latter two were actually talking about something unusual.

“I'm telling you Gordon those extra fans coming to see the game next week are gonna be a nightmare to deal with.” Henry said, sounding exhausted about these “fans” that he mentioned and they weren't even on the island yet.

“ I agree. all over some silly sport.” Gordon said, agreeing with his old friend.

“ What exactly are you talking about?” Raymond asked, looking confused at the two longer serving residents on the island.

“Apparently there is going to be a big football match at knapford Stadium next week.” Henry said, already sounding annoyed. “ It's very rare for our home team to play Here mostly because The island gets swarmed with football fans. and Apparently they're playing off against some hot shots from another country. although nobody told me from which country they were from. only their team name.”

“ and what is their team name?” Atlanta asked genuinely curious.”

“ Red Devils are something.” Gordon said, rolling his eyes. “ honestly who is heard-”

“That is the Belgium football team!” the Belgium engines shouted in unison!

“ I can't believe they're going to play here?!” Atlanta said, sounding genuinely excited. “ It will be quite strange to have more belgiums on the island. but still I do agree that the fans that come with them can be quite a handful.”

“ yeah.” Raymond chuckled. “ they always seem to cause more problems every time. like that one time somebody tried to kick a football on the platform and accidentally hit it in my face! multiple times! Believe me that was annoying.”

“ and I hope none of us are selected to pull the footballers themselves here.” Maria said being very sleepy and not really listening to the full conversation.

“ true sister. I don't like football either. let's just leave the mainland engines to deal with it.” Marie said, also half asleep.

The other engines chuckled as they went to sleep. Raymond meanwhile looked over at Atlanta. the two of them had been together for a long time. They both survived the second world war and are currently the only working members of their class that they knew about.

He had always admired her beauty and Caring nature. Even though she was younger than him the both of them did experience what it was like to only have a short time of Peace when you were built before being Thrust into a war you never Wanted.

The two of them had bonded in Belgium but Raymond was always too nervous to ask her to be his partner. especially since no other engine in Belgium ever did that so he Wasn't certain if she actually would accept his proposal.

so he went to sleep not realizing that Atlanta was thinking the same thing.

over the next coming days everything was prepared for the football match. the Sudrians United Will be playing off against the Red Devils. many people were excited to see how the Belgium football stars would play off against the best that sodor had to offer.

Raymond and Atlanta would fortunately be off the island as they were both heading to London with their different Trains.

Raymond with the regularly scheduled non-stop Express and Atlanta with her semi-stopping Express.

the two of them would arrive by the time night was falling.

The other engines at King's Cross shed's had already accepted them as they've been there a few times.

They were especially happy to interact with the newest in British railway traction, the class 55 or better known as deltics. There were only a handful of them but they were very kind engines.

They didn't really like the idea of replacing the more powerful and elegant looking express engines and often would ask for tips with their Express services.

One of them will take the football players all the way to sodor while they would be allowed to stay for the night and another one would take the football fans from Belgium that would be arriving in London.

The council still prohibited an airport being built on sodor simply because There was no room and the only airstrip was at Dryaw and it couldn't handle all of those fans coming.

but fortunately a special train had been organized by the other railway so they would make a tiny profit. they especially needed it after all the financial losses they took over the last couple of years.

Raymond and Atlanta were resting. They weren't due to go back to Sodor until tomorrow morning.

so they would have all night to sleep and hopefully miss the match.

They really didn't care about football.

“You know I just hope the other engines are not going to talk about football when we get back. I would like to get some sleep after such a long run.” Atlanta said yawning.

“Me too.” Raymond agreed. “Some of the engines back at Schaarbeek could never shut up about football especially when our own home team was involved.”

Atlanta shuttered remembering that. “ I remember my Brother 12.005 Axle never shut up about football. He would drive me nuts!”

“ Me too.” Raymond Joked as the two of them began laughing.

The other engines were already fast asleep when their fires were put out. Raymond and Atlanta were still lit since they were going to be kept warm Since they had to leave tomorrow at the earliest.

but after they stopped laughing Raymond Decided to pick up some of his courage and asked the question he wanted to ask.

“hey Atlanta would you mind if we-”

but at that moment the yard Foreman rushed up looking exhausted.

“There has been a derailment! Both engines scheduled for both the players and the football fans have derailed! we need you to pull the train! and dont argue we don't have anybody else we can ask. British railways will provide engines to pull your trains to sodor tomorrow. but right now we need to get these people there as fast as possible! the two trains have been combined so you guys can just double-head it!”

Raymond and Atlanta weren't happy at this. they had already made the long hard journey all the way from sodor and now they would have to head back!

But they didn't argue and made their way to get refueled and turned around for the journey.

As soon as they coupled up to their much longer train they noticed that the players were being kept separate from the fans by a Nong corridor fitted coach in between the coaches dedicated for the players and their fans.

Everybody grumbled about how they were going to be late and the two engines just felt they should be grateful that there was a locomotive at the head of the train at all.

and most of them didn't realize it was a bunch of Belgium engines pulling them to a match on their new home on the island of sodor.

they all just quickly went inside of the coaches grumbling that it was about time they could leave. all in both French, Dutch and German.

“ They should be happy that we are willing to pull this train at all.” Atlanta grumbled.

Raymond could only agree as they quickly Made their way out of Kings Cross.

as they were traveling down the line they could hear the football fans shouting and cheering which was pretty annoying to the two Belgium engines.

They didn't much care about the sport but they were at least happy that they were Helping people out.

But they were getting exhausted and were fortunately allowed a quick stop at York since the line up ahead was blocked by a freight train.

It took some time since the diesel engine had failed for another engine to go and collect him.

At that moment the coach of the Red Devils came up and wanted to know what the delay was when he noticed that it was a bunch of Belgium engines in front of his train.

“ well Isn't this a surprise? What are two Belgium locomotives doing in England? did you guys get shipped over here to pull our train?”

“ no.” Atlanta said bluntly. “ We work for the north western railway now since the Belgium national Railways don't want us anymore. and we are only pulling this train because we were the only engines available. and if you have come up here to complain about the delay then I would suggest you go back to the coach because our line is clear now.”

The coach didn't argue with that as they quickly got on their way again.

Raymond could only chuckle imagining that the coach had never been talked to like that by a locomotive before.

but then again they would always pull coaches by the hook of their coupling.

They rushed over the bridge to sodor and were able to make it to knapford right on time having made up the time on route.

but they were so tired they fell asleep at The Platform.

Sunny and Darby chuckled as they took their coaches away as well as shunt them both into the Shunters shed.

duck had been called on a late night job so they would be alone for a long time.

The next morning Raymond woke up. The sun had come out and they had barely had any sleep due to the long run last night.

Atlanta also woke up yawning.

“ Morning Raymond.”

“ Morning Atlanta. say how do you think the football match went last night? Do you think the Other engines will go crazy About the results?”

“I hope not.” Atlanta said yawning. “ I'm too tired from last night. I tell you doing out and back runs twice in one day isn't exactly what I was designed for. at least not over that distance.”

Raymond agreed. After a while the two of them were wondering where their crews were and if they would be started up for the day.

but the yard Foreman informed them that they would have the day off to recuperate after their sterling Performance last night.

The two of them were happy about this as they both wanted to get some more rest. and fortunately the shed was pretty isolated so they could get all the rest they needed.

but before either of them could go back to sleep Atlanta asks something.

“ Raymond, what were you going to ask me yesterday at Kings Cross?”

“nothing.” Raymond said it too quickly, making the Atlantic steam engines smile. she knew exactly what he wanted to ask her.

“ If you're asking me if I want to be your partner then the answer is yes.”

Raymond blushed a little and hoped that his smoke deflectors would hide it.

Atlanta just rolled her eyes.

“ Come on, you've had a crush on me for a long time. Besides, I like an honest Engine like you. I'm not really into bad boys. Besides us Belgium Express engines need to stick together.”

Raymond smiled as the two of them went to sleep.

meanwhile hushy had seen the whole interaction and was happy for them. but at the same time very sad as she knew next year would be the 10th anniversary of the accident that took her best friends life.

but little did she know that there would be more than just one surprise coming to the island in 1962.

but that deer readers is a story for another day.

Now if you excuse me I have an army of ninjas to fight.

Chapter 71: The return of the Crimson Whirl.

It had been over a year since the Belgium engines had arrived and enjoyed their first Christmas on the island along with new years. It was now 1962 and things were definitely looking up for the Railway. more and more engines went back into Service and soon Matthew had some of his own engines repaired as well.

Hudson was definitely glad to have his siblings back in service as did Charles since a lot of them would be able to act as relief engines in case some of the other big Express engines failed.

as the Year Goes on the engines Continue to be happy.

all except for one.

hushy was feeling downer and Downer. especially since the 10th anniversary of the Harrow and Wealdstone rail crash was approaching. The 10th anniversary of Anne just being gone.

She was Often short of Steam and some of her fellow Hudson locomotives had to take over her passenger trains more often than usual.

Charles was Beginning to feel concerned for his engine, and decided to talk to her one day as she was refilling her tender full of coal.

“hushy I'm getting concerned about you.” He said in a concerned voice. “ You have been short of steam a lot lately. has it something to do with the anniversary coming up In a couple of weeks?”

“ yes…” hushy said in a low and sad voice. “ it's just so hard to keep smiling when I feel so… empty inside…”

Charles gave a sympathetic look. “ I know what you mean… I mean my father has been dead for years now but I still feel the Hollowness inside of me. but I still have the rest of my friends and family and you engines to keep me company.”

“maybe… i just really miss her… and the letters we always got from each other… it was always so nice…” hushy said remembering every single letter she got from her and how excited she was for her driver to read and then reply back.

she cracked a little smile remembering those good times.

Charles grabbed a nearby crate and sat down on it. “ You know, if you want I can schedule a therapy appointment for you. There are a couple of sidings in the very back of the yard where you can get as much privacy as you want.”

“ That's very kind of you Charles.” hushy Felt glad that her controller cared so much about her to get her a therapist. “ but I can't accept it… because I'm already talking to Princess Royal about it. She has been an excellent listener.”

Charles just smiled. “ Well, as long as you are talking your problems out and not bottling them up I'm good. and if you want I can put you on semi-fast Passenger trains for a while?”

“ That would be lovely. now if you excuse me I've got a train to take to London.”

As the big streamlined locomotive left Charles couldn't help us feel a little bit concerned for her.

yes she was talking her problems out but still she was still pretty sad.

as he began making his way towards his office Matthew suddenly appeared out of nowhere leaning against a wagon!

“Jesus Christ! how the heck did you get there Matthew?”

“ I was just standing here waiting for you to finish your conversation with hushy. you're the one who's jumping around like a cat with extra Springs in its legs.” Matthew said, rolling his eyes.

Charles did the same before regaining his professional posture. “ Anyway Matthew, what exactly brings you here?”

“ Me and Ember have finished it.” Matthew said bluntly.

“ you finished what?” Charles asked confused for a moment until he realized what the Chief mechanical engineer meant. “ You mean you're actually done?!”

“Yes.” Matthew said, nodding. “ finished the last test runs last night in the dark. We tested everything thoroughly. and just like you requested we put in some upgrades. They have been performing well.”

“So when can we expect it to hit the tracks?” Charles said trying to remain incognito to make sure nobody knew about the secret project Matthew had been handed over nearly 10 years ago.

“ it all depends on when you want it back?” Matthew said that crossing his arms with a smile.

Charles looked over to where hushy Was collecting her coaches and slowly brought them to the platform.

“ How does October 8th sound? she'll be gone the day before. I'm certain we can surprise her When she's back.”

“ I'll put the entire workforce into getting the Finishing Touches done.” Matthew said with a smile before walking over to where Willemina was waiting with some broken trucks that needed to go to the works for repairs.

A few weeks later hushy began making her way across the island and down to the mainland. Unfortunately the east coast mainline was having some maintenance done and thus Limiting the number of trains that could run on it.

so she was diverted from King's Cross To Euston Station.

She didn't mind. It was somewhere she had never been before and she hoped that the journey would keep her mind off what happened to Anne.

but unfortunately she was ordered to stop at the next station on her route as one of her passengers had a medical emergency.

hushy did so and began looking around. The station looked nice. but the moment she saw a clock tower she immediately knew where she was. She was at Harrow and Wealdstone station. the very station Where Anne and three other engines had their crash!

She felt her boiler run cold realizing that she was probably at the last place Anne was alive at.

But before she could really think about it her driver opened her regulator and she made her way to Euston Station.

as she arrived at the station She couldn't take in the splendor of the station. All she could remember was that small little station just a few miles of the line.

That night she was sleeping and she had a nightmare.

She was running behind another engine in foggy conditions. She wanted to ask the engine where they were going but they wouldn't reply.

Then without warning She heard the screeching of metal and she ended up on her side.

She then woke up in the sheds breathing heavily. all the other engines were asleep. At least they pretended to be as hushy was having a small breakdown.

they may have formally been from Rival companies but they did know when an engine needed some time to herself. plus none of them knew how to help her.

The next day she was waiting at the platform to go home to sodor.

but as she was waiting at the platform her fireman noticed there wasn't a lot of pressure in the boiler.

“ She's not steaming well today. Do you think we should get another engine to double head with us?” the fireman asks, looking at the driver who shook his head.

“ No time. plus I'm certain she can make it home.” her driver said with Confidence even though she didn't feel it.

as they left the capital of the United Kingdom her exhaust wasn't as strong as it would usually be.

The journey was pretty slow to get started. but as she passed harrow and wealdstone station again she just began crying.

her boiler pressure began dropping even more than usual and her fireman had to work twice as hard to keep the pressure up.

“ I don't know what's gotten into her today.” her driver said, trying to keep up to the time table. “ I've never seen her this short of steam before.”

“ Me neither. Let's just hope we can make it back onto the island. Maybe we can then switch her off at Crovan's Gate so Mathew can have a look at her.”

but unfortunately they would never get the chance.

As they passed the y Junction at barrow-in-furness and began slowly making Their way onto the island hushy began losing steam more and more.

“ Come on girl.” her driver said, trying to motivate her. “ only a few more miles and then you can have a nice deserved break.”

but she didn't reply. she just went slower and slower and slower until she finally came to a stop crying. she just didn't have the motivation to go on.

They were about halfway to croven's gate so they were able to get an engine to collect them.

Fortunately Raymond happened to be nearby as he was in the Works getting his smoke deflectors Re-adjusted since they had felt loose.

He quickly came to the rescue of the train pulling both the stalled Baltic and its train. There was no time for her to be uncoupled So he had to drag her all the way to the end of the line.

Matthew was actually waiting there hoping to at least be able to talk to the streamlined Baltic.

As Raymond shunted her into some of the rarely used sidings Matthew brought a barrel with him and sat on top of it looking at the massive locomotive.

“ hushy i think we both know that your breakdown today Doesn't have anything to do with your mechanical condition. it's your mental condition. you have been depressed for over 10 years. I know what happened to Anne is terrible but you can't keep going like this. I'm certain she wouldn't want you to go like this.”

“I know Matthew.” hushy said with more tears coming from her eyes. “but I actually passed through Harrow and Wealdstone station on my way to London Yesterday. I just felt so… so… I don't even know how I felt. but I couldn't imagine what she went through when she crashed. to have your life ripped away so suddenly… I don't even know if she is still alive. and that's what's really bugging me! If she is still alive then why hasn't she contacted me? and where has she been all this time? And if she's scrapt why has nobody told me? I just need to know what happened to her.”

There was a moment of silence as Matthew took in the grey locomotive’s words. before he let out a deep sigh and stood up from his barrel and turned around facing the opposite way of where hushy was.

“ 10 years ago Charles entrusted me with a secret project. and to be honest I didn't think I was able to do it. It was a very very tall order even for me. me and my wife have been spending years on this project. and a few weeks ago we finally completed it.”

hushy looked confused as Matthew turned back to her. “ very well Matthew but what does this project have to do with me? and why are you telling me this?”

Matthew didn't say anything but just blew on a whistle he had with him. Before hushy could ask anything they heard the familiar rumble of a diesel engine as Darby was coming from around the bend.

The siding was very much out of the way in an area where a dock was supposed to be built for roll on roll off fairies that never got completed. so it was pretty isolated from everywhere.

but as the diesel came around the corner he wasn't alone.

pushing in front of him was a big Pacific! but it wasn't just any Pacific! It had 2 connecting rods connecting all of its six driving wheels together. no outside valve Gear and some big boxes where the cylinders should be.

It was also painted in a brilliant LMS crimson Lake.

hushy’s eyes went as wide as her wheels as rolling In next to her being Shunted by Darby was none other than Anne herself!

“ hi hushy.” Anne Said nervously. “ It's been a while.”

hushy just immediately broke down crying. she didn't know what to say but Anne gave her the time to cry herself out as did Matthew.

Darby Wisely decided to just roll away. He knew this was a moment that the two big Express engines needed to be alone together for.

“anne you're alive! but how? and why didn't you contact me for all this time?” hushy asked being completely stunned and overly emotional as the one-off Princess Royal Pacific was sitting next to her with a small smile.

“Well that's a bit of a story. You see I was just rolling behind Windward Isles when suddenly we hit the wreckage of the first train crash. All I really remember was getting launched onto the platform. After that everything went blank. until a few weeks ago. I was in kroven's Gate in works Grey with my original turbines fit it back to me. I have no idea how I ended up there but I'm at least glad I did. especially when I was in the hands of Matthew.”

“ Thank you.” Matthew said bowing. “And as for the reason why you are here. It actually has to do with the fact that you're actually a northwestern railway engine ever since you were working here back in the 30s.”

“ really?!” Both experimental engines shouted not believing the chief Mechanical Engineers words.

“ yes…” Matthew said, nursing his ears from the screaming. “According to the records in my office you were purchased after your job here but the LMS hired you out similar to my own locomotives. you are actually supposed to be brought here to become an official member of the team back at the end of 1952.”

“ So if I didn't have my crash I would have been a part of the Railway?”

“Pretty much.” Matthew said, crossing his arms. “ but after your accident we were able to get you back to kroven's gate immediately. and to be honest, restoring you was a great pain in my ass. not only did I have to get all of your dents out of your framework but I also had to rebuild your whole turbine system. which now can actually go up to 100 miles an hour.”

“ well… however long it took I am at least glad that you didn't give up on me.” Anne said with a smile.

“ your welcome.” Matthew said as he began walking away. “ Now if you excuse me I've got some more work to do and I think the two of you need to have some time alone.”

Matthew said the last thing with a little bit of a winked towards the both of them which made the two of them blush.

The two big Express engines were silent for a long time before they simultaneously began speaking together.

“anne/hushy.”

“you first.”

“no no you first!”

Eventually the two of them burst out laughing and Anne was allowed to speak first.

“I'm so sorry I made you so worried hushy. if I had known that I had been saved I would have immediately contacted you. but I was unconscious for such a long time I just didn't get a chance.”

“ It's okay.” hushy said With some tears coming from her eyes. “ I'm just happy you're back. I have missed you over the last decade.”

“ Me too.” Anne Said with a smile before looking concerned. “But I've also heard that you were pretty depressed over the last couple of years.”

hushy looked at her buffers ashamed. “ I was… I just really missed you.”

“I missed you too but why were you so depressed at the fact that I might have died? Besides the obvious of course.”

“ because I really like you… like more than as a friend… I really felt a connection between the two of us as we were writing letters towards each other and when we worked together for that short period of time back in the 30s. I think I was just…. sad at the relationship that never was…”

“well… maybe we can make it a reality today?” Anne said with a smile. “because I like you too. I mean I remember the day you rescued both me and James on Gordon's Hill after he tried to trick me by jamming the turntable with that truck.”

“Oh yeah. He did that because he knew you couldn't run backwards because of your smaller turbine for reverse. so the two of you had to double head and he blew his cylinders. I remember that day.”

“And I also remember the day we got your nickname all sorted out. I must admit that was one of the best days of my life. helping a fellow engine that was never given a name get a name. and i must admit your new name plates look beautiful on you. But maybe I should call you by your full name, Hushy Gresley.”

Anne said, chuckling.

Hushy Just gave a small cheeky smile towards the Pacific.

“ well if you're going to use my full name then maybe I should start calling you princess anne?”

The two of them burst out laughing and Hushy finally for the first time in years felt genuinely happy.

Over the next couple of days Anne was reintegrated into the roster of the North Western Railway. Everybody was happy that she was back and informed her about what happened during her absence for those 10 years.

Hushy Eventually decided to ask Charles if she could have some therapy Sessions. After talking it over with Anne the two of them felt it best that she would get some professional help to help her recover and handle situations like this more healthy in the future.

Fortunately with the other corridor tender engines being back in service She had plenty of time for counseling and Anne was there for every single session being her emotional support.

Anne began running the semi-fast Express services to King's Cross alongside Atlanta stopping at all the major junctions along the main line.

and while this reunion was pretty sweet another reunion is waiting for us this Christmas.

But since I am needed Elsewhere and I have to bury all those dead ninjas that came after me in the previous chapter I'm going to leave it here for today.

stay safe and if you see ninjas remember to keep a bazooka on hand.

and that's a story for another day

Chapter 72: New sheds and old discoveries.

1962 proved to be a very fun year for the northwestern railway. Not only has Anne returned to service and hushy returned to her normal bubbly self but Stepney the Bluebell engine came to visit.

Thomas and Timothy were absolutely aesthetic to see their old friend again. They hadn't seen him since they left the London Brighton and South Coast Railway back in 1915.

They were all even able to laugh at a class 40 diesel that was on trial on the Railway when he failed after sucking in an inspector's bowler hat earning the nickname bowler in the process.

but as winter began Stepney had to go back to the Bluebell Railway and the engines had to settle in for the Grind of the Christmas rush.

but they were all looking forward to something other than just Christmas this year.

the new sheds had been 100% completed! and from what they could see it was massive! It was big enough to store all of the engines of the North Western Railway in one location!

This included all the steam engines and a couple of the diesel engines. all standard gauge engines would be able to visit this particular part of the Railway. there was even room for Matthews entire standard gauge Fleet!

meaning Matthew could store all of his engines alongside the North Western Railway engines. The nwr only found this fair because he had helped pay for the building's construction.

Matthew currently was working on the ballahoo line Alongside Willamina Doing some track maintenance.

This was very important work that needed to be done. Willamina didn't really mind. She actually enjoyed being able to sit around all day and do nothing except move a few trucks around.

That's not to say she was lazy; she actually enjoyed the work mostly because it gave her the opportunity to see different parts of the island.

Normally she is stuck at croven's gate waiting for Matthew to need her to move something alongside Sparky or going collect wagons that are needed for repair for the wagons and coaches department.

She also loved talking to the other engines.

They were currently working on the passing loop as a string of copper wire had been stolen from the switch.

Matthew just scratched his head. “ I don't know why they keep stealing these copper wires. I understand copper is valuable but still it's quite dangerous if they do so.”

“ indeed.” Willamina said as the workman had replaced a couple wires and she began moving down the branch.

They soon passed a small junction and went to the left of it. Willamina noticed an Old line that looked to be very rusty. The ballast had weeds growing through them and it looked like the line had not been used in several decades.

“ Matthew, what is that line over there?”

Matthew looked over to what his engine was talking about. “Oh that's the old Harbor line. hasn't been used since the Second World War. way before I arrived.”

“ really? what happened there?” she asked curiously.

“ Back during the Second World War some German spies caused a crate of munitions to drop into the whole of a ship that was being loaded. there was a fire and it pretty much destroyed the harbor. it wasnt pretty from what I heard. especially since the three box tank engines of the former sodor and mainland railway were lost there.”

“ Really? what were their names,” Willamina Asked curiously.

“ From what I recall they were called Clive, Neil and Matthew. Ironically the latter one was the one I was named after. Apparently my grandpa helped build the S&M back in the day so my parents decided to name me after one of the engines.”

“ really? Did you ever get to meet him?”

“ sadly no.” Matthew said, letting out a deep sigh. “ I was trying to prevent getting recaptured by the Japanese army and he got himself blown up. At least he went out like a hero along with his brother's shunting those extra munition vans into the sea. If they had gone off I'm certain a lot more people would have died.”

Willamina went quiet for a moment. For the rest of the day the two of them worked up and down the Branch line. giving the entire line one last look to see if there were any problem areas.

but before they were allowed to leave in the late evening when the sun was already going down they had been asked to take a small consignment of wagons down to the harbor.

the two of them didn't mind. It was a clear night after all.

Meanwhile at the Old Junction the copper Thief had struck again and took the copper wiring from the switch Leading to the old Harbor along with a few extra pieces.

Normally there would be no more trains at this time so he didn't expect Willamina and Matthew to come down the line. He was in such a hurry to get out of sight that he accidentally kicked the switch into the opposite direction of where they were supposed to travel.

Both Matthew and Willamina noticed him regardless alongside the guard.

but before they could do anything they were suddenly varying to the right. Matthew wanted to stop but unfortunately the track went down a downhill grade and there was some ice that had formed on the Tracks making it a little bit slippery.

They began slipping down the incline until they ran into the old Harbor where they finally came to a stop just before some debris crossed the tracks.

Everybody lets out a sigh of relief as Matthew then ordered the guard to go up the line to report the thief while he had a look at the train and see if there was any damage done to the train or the cargo.

“ I knew we should have taken that switch out.” Matthew muttered as he began inspecting his engine and the train. “ Charles said we should just leave it just in case we would ever reopen this place. but look at this place.”

He gestured towards the collapsed buildings, busted old rusted ships and collapsed dock Pierce.

“This place is so destroyed it would cost us millions to rebuild! And that's just rebuilding the dock itself. not even I can restore this place Even if I wanted to.”

“ That's probably also for the best.” Willamina said, looking around. “ this place is also a Wargrave.”

“ yeah… that too… it's kind of sad that so many people had to die here.”

At that moment they heard some muffled sounds coming from around them.

Willamina jumped back in Fright but Matthew just looked curious.

“ That's odd. nobody else is here besides us two.”

“ Maybe it's a ghost?” Willamina said, shivering a bit and not just from the cold air.

“Can't be. There have been no ghost sightings reported here.” Matthew said as he began hearing the Muffled sounds again and slowly approached the Remains of the old station.

Then as he began moving away rubble and using one of the lamps on Willamina’s buffer Beam he got the surprise of a lifetime.

“ It can't be!”

“ It can't be what?” Willamina asked, looking confused.

Matthew didn't say anything as the guard came back.

“good news! There was a police officer doing some nighttime patrolling and they caught him. we can now head back up the line.”

Matthew just nodded And quickly reversed the train up the line and then switched the tracks over manually.

After dropping off the wagons Matthew and Willamina made their way back to croven's gate.

When Matthew came back home he immediately went to the phone and began making a call.

“ Yes, it's me. no you guys are not in trouble with me or Charles. I just need you guys to help me with something. It's a special load that needs to be brought down to Brighton works discreetly. Do you think you guys will be able to do that? Thank you. I'll have it ready by tomorrow evening and make sure they only go to Brighton!”

whoever was on the other line they were definitely afraid of Matthew.

The next evening after the branch line had ceased operations and James and Winston were in their sheds sleeping, Matthew took the breakdown cranes and Willamina along with a group of volunteers to go down to the old Harbor.

None of them knew what Matthew wanted to do, only that they had to sign NDA forms.

After a few hours Willamina had three well wagons to take down to the vicarstown goods yard where a diesel from the mainland picked them up and left for Brighton.

She didn't know what the loads were because she was at the back of the crane the whole time and couldn't properly see in the dark.

and even when the wagons were loaded they were covered with tarps and nobody told her what it was, not even Matthew.

but soon there was something else on her mind. the Christmas party and the new shed officially going into business.

like every year the north western railway would completely shut down. And this year more people were able to enter the sheds and interact with each other. from the yard staff to the signalmen. everybody was there.

all the engines were enjoying the new sheds.

“ This place is Massive!” Thomas said, looking around the huge Roundhouse! It was a giant building with a lot of tracks inside So the engines could once again sleep here if they wanted to.

“ I have to agree with you Thomas.” Gordon said, looking over at the Blue Tank Engine. “ this is definitely the biggest shed I've ever seen.”

“ same here.” Raymond said smiling. “ No shed in Belgium was as good as this. and I still can't believe I get to have Christmas off! this railway is truly the best!”

“ yeah!” Percy shouted over feeling incredibly pumped.

At that moment Matthew grabbed his hammer and a barrel and smashed his hammer into the barrel creating a loud noise. this Drew everybody's attention to him as he then stood on top of some crates.

“ Hey everybody, can I have a moment of your time?”

Everybody looked towards the chief mechanical engineer who was smiling.

“As you know steam is ending on the mainland and thus a lot of steam engines are being withdrawn and sent for scrap. fortunately I was able to get the rest of my fleet reallocated here. Most of them will be going into the museum after tonight but I wanted them to have at least one proper party with everybody here.”

Everybody looked surprised as they could hear a bunch of whistles coming from outside.

“May I introduce the remaining members of my fleet. Excalibur and King Arthur of the King Arthur class of the Southern railway.”

Two 4-6-0’s Entered the shed. One in a bright yellow paint job with blue lining and the other one in a blue paint job with gold lining.

Their name plates read Excalibur and King Arthur respectively as they rotated on the turntable and into their allocated shedroads.

“ Then you have fighter command My Southern Railway Battle of Britain class.”

fighter command then rolled into the sheds smiling as she rotated on the turntable and took her shedroad next to her brother who was actually happy to see her.

“ Good to see you again fighter command.”

“ Good to see you, Spitfire. I hope the railway has been treating you well.”

Spitfire chuckled and began explaining about his time on the railway.

“ Next My Great Northern Railway A1 Great Northern!”

Gordon and the other gresly pacific's look shocked as Great Northern rolled onto the turntable. but he wasn't in his A1/1 look. He was back in his original A1 condition.

“ Next a trio of silver streaks give it up for Quicksilver, silver King and silver fox!”

The three A4’s rolled in and gave blasts of their whistles as each of them was turned around and set next to Silver Link in the order of which they were built.

Silverlink was extremely excited to see his original siblings again. especially since all of them had been painted in Silver Jubilee colors like him. Falcon was also extremely happy to see her siblings Again.

“ Next my J50 From the LNER it is Awdrey!” Matthews shouted as a blue Tank Engine rolled into the sheds and went to his allocated birth.

“ Next up You have already met them but still give them a round of applause for rising star, North Star and King Philomena!”

The trio of Great Western Express engines rolled into the sheds to a thunderous applause and whistles.

Sunny was especially glad to see them again. they hadn't been back since city of Truro had visited.

“And I didn't just bring them folks! Because my latest acquisition from the great western region of British Railways is my own night owl. owl! the Great Western railway 4700 class!”

Everybody cheered only for the engine to have to be pushed into the shed and then pushed into her allocated birth as she was fast asleep.

Everybody laughed as Matthew chuckled a bit nervously not expecting the engine to be fast asleep.

“ And next from the Midland region it's my very own compound Sarah!”

Sarah rolled into the sheds with an air of superiority.

lady immediately got deja vu from what happened with Daisy on their branch line.

“She is one to look out for and not in a good way.” She Said to her husband who completely trusted her sense of character.

“Also from the Somerset and Dorset joint railway is Somerset the 7F!”

the 7F in full S&DJR blue. she looked happy as she turned around on the turntable into her birth.

“Next up, give it up for an engine who won me over by his number alone number four four four four it's Fowler!”

the engine Fowler the 4F rolled in chuckling at the joke about his number which indeed was quadruple for.

“ And next up! give it up for my austerity tank engines and my fitzWilliams Hudswell and Clark! And Chris and Will!”

Everybody cheered as the four engines rolled into the shed and got into their proper births.

“and finally the final engine that I have purchased from British railways. Now just like my Great Western trio of Express engines, this one has been here before. and would have actually been sent for scrap this year if I Hadn't interfered. but I couldn't let such a unique piece of technology and history fall to the wayside. so everybody give an extra loud applause to my engine bilster the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington E2P.”

Matthew shouted as he Gestured to The entrance of the sheds.

everybody looked shocked at hearing this! Especially Thomas and Timothy not believing that their brother actually survived! They had heard he had been withdrawn a few months ago but didn't expect him to be saved by Matthew!

but sure enough they heard The Familiar whistle and the glasses wearing member of their class entered the sheds.

but no longer in BR black! Now he was painted in a beautiful purpley blue livery with redlining And SMD on his side tanks and his number 105 on his coal bunker.

Billster smiled as he turned on the turntable to sit next to his brothers.

“Hey Thomas, Timothy! Missed me?”

The two brothers looked absolutely flabbergasted as their brother rolled next to them in his brand new Purpley blue color scheme. They didn't say anything until lady finally asked the question They were all thinking.

“ You were purchased by Matthew? How? When?”

“I actually don’t really know to be honest. One moment, I was working for BR, the next, I was sent to Brighton Works. I genuinely thought I was to be scrapped, as did some cutters, before Matthew came in and broke their noses, thrusting paperwork that he owned me Into their hands, and that I was to be overhauled.”

“I have to be honest Those idiots thought that Brighton works for cutting up engines without realizing that I am actually the new owner of the Workshops.” Matthew said after giving his speech and walking over to the three brothers.

“ I actually purchased him back when he helped out on the branch line a few years ago. but I decided to keep him on British railways for a while longer until they were done with him.” Matthew explained, smiling. “ And do you guys honestly think I would pass up on owning my very own London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington e2p? especially with this guy's history I'm definitely not letting him get scrapped!”

Billster smirked. “And yet Hunter said that he was the pride of the E2 class. Look where that got him.”

“A dunk in the ocean and a trip to the Works to be stripped down for spare parts.” Thomas says remembering that day at Southampton. “Still we're glad to have you back, billster. And I do hope you are going to be working on the branch line alongside us.”

Thomas looked over towards Matthew hoping to use puppy dog eyes to get billster to The Farquhar branch line. Matthew just chuckled and shook his head.

“ Thomas, the plan was for him to always join your branch line.” Matthew explained.

“That's good to know. But how are the coaches that I used last time? I hope they haven't been turned into hen houses or something.” Billster said having gotten quite fond of those coaches.

“They're still around. In fact I was able to purchase them from the NWR and I've sent them to the Workshops to be overhauled and repainted. you will see them again after the Christmas party and after your day off tomorrow. Tonight, just enjoy your reunion with your family.” Matthew said, crossing his arms and smiling at the brothers.

but then across the sheds Remembrance shouted over. “Hey Uncle Billster, I hope you brought presents for all of us!”

All of Thomas and lady’s children alongside Janette look towards their uncle Who had a look in his eyes that said: what have I gotten myself into?

Matthew just burst out laughing as did everybody else. The LX class didn't actually want a present. She wanted to joke around with her uncle who was finally back on the island Permanently.

After a couple of hours Matthew had one last surprise. something he and the Atlantic twins had actually been working on for a few months.

as the workman brought in some instruments and aoihi and Charles grabbed them Matthew gave a little extra speech.

“ladies and gentlemen there is one last thing we want to do before we all go home. The Atlantic Brothers have been asking me if they could sing a song tonight. So over the last couple of months we've written a song and figured out the right music for it. So without further or do I hereby give you the Premier of life is a railway!”

Matthew quickly got behind some drums As both he and aoihi and Charles began playing their instruments with the Atlantics beginning to sing.

(Frigidus/Iaspis) Whoo! Mmm, yeah!

(Iaspis) Life’s like a railroad that you travel on,
When there’s one stop here, but the track goes on,
Sometimes they switch, sometimes they bend,
Sometimes they lead you back to the shed,

(Frigidus) There's a world outside every shunting yard,
Don’t have to wait for the station guard,
Where the engines steam and engines soar,
Come for the ride, won’t you climb on board?

(Frigidus/Iaspis)We won't hesitate,
To open the crossing gate,
Must be on time, can’t delay, hey!

(Frigidus/Iaspis Chorus)
Life is a railway!
I wanna’ ride it all night long!
If you're goin' by train,
Well, I wanna’ drive it all night long!

(Iaspis) Through Knapford, Tidmouth & Vicarstown,
It’s in my fire, and it’s all around,
You’ve got a friend t’il the very end,
Down every hill, and around’ every bend,

(Frigidus) From Crovan’s Gate to those mountain heights,
The Viaduct to them countrysides,
Not slowing down on this track again,
I won’t hold back, I'm full steam ahead!

(Frigidus/Iaspis) Well there's no load I can't haul,
When rails are rough, don’t lose control,
I’ll be there, just around the bend,
Just tell ‘em we’re the Engines of sodor!

(Repeat Chorus)

A-gimme’, gimme’, gimme’, gimme’, yeah!

(Repeat Chorus)

(Frigidus) Start pumping those pistons, one puff at a time
(One puff at a time)
May only be made to shunt,
But now, you’re the pride of the line!

Mmm-mmm, yeah!

(Instrumental) (aoihi Playing guitar)

(Frigidus/Iaspis) There ain’t no load that we can't haul,
When rails are rough, don’t lose control,
Don’t be scared, goin’ round the bend,
We’re Engines and coaches!

(Repeat Chorus)

A-gimme’, gimme’, gimme’
A-gimme’, gimme’, yeah!

(Repeat Chorus)

C'mon, gimme’, gimme’, gimme’
Gimme’, gimme’, gimme’, yeah!

(Repeat Chorus)

All night long!

After that everybody began cheering for the group.

After that everybody went home. It was truly one of the best Christmas parties in the history of the North Western Railway.

and as 1963 came ever closer , all of them knew that as long as they were together nothing could stop them!

Chapter 73: The tales of the North Western Railway: Ironwood Saga part 1 Duncan gets spooked

It has been brought to my attention that I haven't really spoken a lot about the narrow gauge engines of the island of sodor.

The main reason for this is… well… because there is nothing that happened that wasn't different to what we already know.

but now something different is going to happen.

1963 started off with a bang once again. With the new sheds being fully completed the standard gauge engines began living it up in the new sheds.

Meanwhile the narrow gauge engines also enjoyed the new year although their celebration was a lot smaller. but they didn't mind.

After all, a lot of them were nearly a century old.

But as the winter snow began to melt the engines all went back to work.

Matthew continued to work on the railway repairing some damage from the winter snow.

but one day as he came back to croven's gate and into his office at the Works an unpleasant surprise waited for him.

A tall man with a beard and blue eyes in a military uniform was standing in his office.

Matthew just glared at him.

“James ironwood. now that has been a couple of decades!” he said this with a lot of Annoyance in his voice as ironwood just remained stoic.

“ Matthew mats warbler, it's good to see you again, old friend.”

“ We are not friends! at least not anymore! And how in the name of godred did you get into my office?”

“That boy Oscar let me in since I have some business to discuss with you.”

“Whatever your business is, I have no interest in it James.”

Matthew said, crossing his arms glaring daggers at the man.

“ I'm here on the behalf of Her Majesty's army. and you know you can't ignore the Queen's command.”

Matthew rolled his eyes and went into his seat. “ then make it quick. I have a lot of engines to fix and paperwork to file.”

Ironwood wanted to sit in a chair but Matthew glared at him with so much venomen his eyes that the new general ( from what the Matthew had heard) decided to stand up instead.

“it is to do with the old M.O.D. Base north of here. Have you heard about it?”

“ a couple of times.” Matthew said while continuing to glare at the general. “but what does the ministry of Defense want with it?”

“ they want to reopen it and say it could be a good place to put some of our more… Experimental equipment there.”

“ And why exactly do you need to talk to me about this?”

“ because you have some… Power on this island that could be useful for the reinstatement of the base. And The queen specifically instructed me to ask you for help knowing that you would be more than willing to help.”

Matthew just sighed knowing that he had a point. and as long as it was for the Queen he was willing to put up with ironwood.

“ So what exactly is the big plan here? you just want to get the base up and running again? Why?”

“because with this current Cold War we need all the advantages we can get. and from what we understand that old base is in an isolated part of the island.”

“ That's true. the only other people around would be the Scottish warrior womaen up in their Castle. We sometimes have deliveries there but usually I just send willamina or one of my austerities to deliver the cargo. they really like their privacy.”

“yes. Now we are reopening both the standard gauge and narrow gauge sections of the line. we are hoping that you could talk to the thin controller and have some engines work on that section.”

Matthew just stood up and pointed towards the door. “ I'll have a talk with him and your time is up with me, get out of my office and don't bother me again!”

ironwood let out a deep sigh. “ Matthew, I thought we moved on from our little… misunderstandings in the past.”

“ I did. but your family loves creating new misunderstandings.”

ironwood just rolled his eyes and left the office.

Oscar, who was working on some new bearings for Henry, looked up at Matthew who gestured for him to come into his office.

Oscar looked nervous as Matthew was sitting in his chair looking a bit annoyed.

“ Why did you let him into my office?”

he asked the question as soon as Oscar sat down in his chair.

“ because he told me he knew you and that he had some urgent matters to discuss with you. I didn't know what else to do.”

Matthew let out a deep Sigh And gave an understanding look at his Apprentice.

“Well you did the right thing kid. I can't really blame you for that. but next time he comes around just tell him I'm not here even if I am here.”

“ why?” Oscar said, curious. “ Do you have some bad blood between him and you?”

“ yes.” Matthew said before turning around in his chair. “ A long time ago we used to be friends. our families on the other hand were mortal enemies.”

“ why?” Oscar said looking confused.

“ because of an inheritance debate about my great Grandfather. Apparently my family said that they stole our rightful inheritance and it went just back and forth back and forth.”

“ Well, was your ancestor rich?”

“ yeah he was wealthy alright. one of the wealthiest people on the island if not the world. but just like yours truly he loved working with his hands. In fact he built his own steam engine that worked on the mid-sodor railway for a while In its early days.”

“ really?” Oscar asked with a little bit of excitement in his voice. “ Where is this engine? Does your family still own it?”

“ We Don't Know. He disappeared shortly after the first world war came to an end. We haven't been able to find him ever since. but shortly after the engine's disappearance my great grandfather died of broken heart syndrome. That engine was like one of his own children and losing it broke his heart. but Apparently in his will stated that everything was to go to his best friend Jonathan ironwood. my family tried to object but without another will or his original will we will never know.”

“ really? didn't he keep his will in a vault or something?”

“ not that we know of.” Matthew said, turning around and pulling something out of his desk drawer. He pulled out a slip of paper and placed it on his desk. “ All we got was this note from his lawyer.”

Oscar looked at the note and also looked confused.

it said: if you want to find the treasure look where the light shines on the Tracks.

“ What does that mean?” Oscar asked, looking at his boss who just threw his hands in the air.

“ Nobody in my family has a clue! But then again that was great grandpa Albert. always a man of mystery. but the fact is to say after the whole inheritance issue the ironwoods and the Warblers didn't really have a good relationship. I did try to make friends with ironwood even though my family wasn't exactly happy with it.”

“I can imagine. if there are at least two generations of bad blood between you guys.”

“ oh yeah there was. but me and ironwood became friends back when we were kids. We used to do everything together secretly so our families wouldn't find out. But as we grew older and he got into the military like all of his family he just felt that I wasn't “ disciplined” enough for him. He would often say I was childish and immature and to be honest our friendship really broke apart then. I tried to stay in touch with him and even tried sending letters to his base. but he never responded to any of them and we haven't spoken for many years until now. so as you can expect seeing him again isn't exactly something I'm happy with.”

Oscar nodded and promised Matthew he would never let iron wood into the Workshops again.

Matthew talked to the thin controller and the two of them struck up a deal.

Matthew knew that the standard Gauge section would take a few extra months to be totally related due to the incredible amount of Forest that had grown over the years.

On the other hand, the narrow gauge railway tracks were still in good condition. Especially since most of the line was still in use for the Blue Mountain Quarry and its private engine Luke.

and although the roster would be spread thin for a week the controller gave him both Peter Sam and Duncan to do the work.

One day about a month after the job began Peter Sam and Matthew were taking up a train of supplies.

 

They have made excellent progress clearing away the branches and trees but they still need some extra help and materials to make sure that the track relaying will be done by the end of next month.

“ This line is incredibly beautiful.” Peter Sam said as the trucks were rattling behind him and Matthew was in his cab.

“Yeah it is. although some pieces of the track haven't been inspected in a while due to this section of the line mostly Belonging to the Blue Mountain Quarry company. but they have allowed us to buy the section back for us taking their slate down to the Wharf for a reduced price.

“That's fair I suppose.” Peter Sam said as they crossed an old iron bridge over a deep Gorge. “ This part of the line always makes me feel a little nervous. How long ago has this Bridge been inspected.”

“ From what I recall this structure was built by my great grandfather. and when he built things he built them to last. I'm certain that the bridge is safe. although a safety inspection might be on the to-do list as well.”

Matthew said as they went over the bridge and stopped at the top of a small hill to fill upon water.

There was a small stream nearby that ended in a waterfall not too far away from the Bridge. Matthew noticed that one of the banks had been eroded over time and posed a big environmental concern. so he made a mental note to call Jenny and her pack in to give it an inspection and hopefully keep it from destroying the local ecosystems.

what none of them realized was that the trucks behind Peter Sam had rusty couplings. Fortunately all they were filled with at the moment were old branches the workman had requested to help start a fire for them to work late into the night.

but before anybody knew it the trucks Snapt away.

Peter Sam and Matthew gave chase but unfortunately they derailed on the bridge.

Matthew looked down from Peter Sam's cab and shook his head.

“ There's no way we're going to recover them. it looks like they were shaking violently when they fell off the bridge.”

He then looked back at the spot where the trucks had derailed on the bridge. Fortunately There was no damage to the track but still he would want the bridge inspected before any more work was done.

When they arrived back at the yard Duncan found the whole thing hilarious.

“ So you let your trucks get away from you? well best hope they don't come back to haunt you!” he said while laughing.

Peter Sam just rolled his eyes and went back to work Muttering under his breath that at least he could stay on the Tracks without rocking and rolling everywhere.

As the days continued Peter Sam and Duncan continued to work on the Old line while The Others continued to work on the new loop line. Although there was some strain and delays here and there.

It was getting clear that they needed another engine to help out but unfortunately there weren't many engines on a track gauge of 2'3" (686 mm, narrow gauge). and the ones that were weren't available.

Fortunately to Matthew's surprise the restoration of the standard gauge section was actually ahead of schedule.

Toby had been assigned to help alongside some of the other Ffarquhar engines on a rotational basis.

They reached the old military base before them and found a surprising Discovery.

They found an old saddle tank tender engine there called Bertram the Old warrior. originally they thought he was a ghost but fortunately he wasn't and Toby who had been scared about encountering him was more than happy to be proven wrong.

Matthew had sent him straight to croven's Gate works to be fully restored.

But before Bertram went into the workshops he Wanted to have a conversation with him about something that had been bothering him for quite some time.

He had actually heard about Bertram before from his family and the fact that he worked alongside a certain engine.

“Bertram, do you mind if I ask you a question?”

“Certainly not my good sir. What is your question?” the engines said, seeming quite excited.

“Do you know what happened to Albert? I know the two of you work together on the mid-sodor railway and the old M.O.D Base.”

Bertrams face Fell “ I'm sorry Mr Warbler but I don't even know what happened to him. One day he was there and the next day he had disappeared while returning home. nobody at the base knew. I'm sorry if I couldn't tell you. but if you want I'll be more than happy to go on a Crusade with you to find him!”

Matthew chuckled, already loving this engine. “ It's okay Bertram. Let's get you back into shape and then you can go off on your Crusades again. we're gonna be relying on you to keep the trains running to the M.O.D Base When it's finished. and please call me Matthew.”

“ very well Matthew. but I also have a question for you. Do you know what happened to my brother Duke? I have been out of the loop for quite some time and I am wondering how my brother is doing on the MSR.”

Matthew took a deep breath and explained everything that happened on the old MSR and how it had closed down right after the Second World War.

Bertram was sad but he swore up and down that his brother was still alive and that he would go riding over the sunset to find him if it came to it!

Matthew chuckled as he walked away not quite understanding bertrams extreme chivalrous Attitude but loving it all the same.

As the days continued the workers had to work later and later into the night to get the project done on schedule due to some unforeseen circumstances.

Duncan was assigned to one of these nighttime trains as Matthew and the Gang needed him To take away some spoils and trash from their work site.

As his trucks where being loaded up, Duncan overheard some workmen talking to each other.

“ I swear I keep hearing a voice on that old iron bridge.”

“ Well what do you think it is?”

“ a ghost maybe? I don't know. but there doesn't seem to be as much water in the River as usual.”

“ Well there was that landslide that blocked the river that Jenny in the pack is trying to get out of the way due to the environmental damage it causes. still that doesn't explain the voices.”

Duncan kept listening, beginning to feel a little unnerved. He remembered exactly what he said to Peter Sam the day his trucks fell into the Gorge.

but he shook his fears away and went off as soon as his trucks were loaded.

but as he Chuffed down towards the bridge his puffing became more and more echoed.

he blasted his whistle echoing around for miles.

but as he approached the bridge halfway he hurt something.

“ help! Please help me!”

Duncan immediately came to a halt shaking in fear as he looked around! Nobody was there! the voice came again.

“please whoever you are! help me!”

Duncan was almost shivering himself apart at Hearing the voices and panicked. “ It's the ghost! take me back! take me back!”

His driver and Fireman didn't want to stay either and raced back to the construction site.

Matthew was surprised to see him. “ What are you guys doing back here?”

“ We heard voices at the Old Iron Bridge! we think it's haunted!”

his driver said, shaking in his boots. Matthew looked extremely confused.

“ Well then.” Matthew said, putting his hands on his hips. “ Let's see how well that Ghost does against me!”

He climbed aboard Duncan and they went back to the bridge.

Duncan continued to try and tell Matthew that he didn't want to go but Matthew didn't listen.

but before they were on the bridge Matthew stopped him and told him to stay put.

as Matthew walked halfway onto the bridge he remained quiet. but he did stomp his foot three times on the bridge.

After a few seconds he heard it.

“ Help me! Please help me!”

“ Where are you?” Matthew shouted back looking around with a torch in his hands. “Can you see my light?”

“No, I'm under the bridge! Please help me!”

Matthew leaned over the bridge holding onto the rails and looked in shock!

“ don't worry I'll get some help to rescue you as soon as possible!” Matthew then raced over to Duncan and opened his regulator fully!

they raced all the way down to crovens Gate with Duncan being extremely confused why Matthew was suddenly in such a rush.

Over the next couple of days Matthew began organizing something alongside Jenny and her pack of vehicles and the military!

A few days later Peter Sam was asked to take a few well wagons to the Old Iron Bridge. He was confused about this as Matthew had told nobody about what he had discovered.

but as soon as he arrived he saw a giant helicopter hovering nearby and some army personnel standing at attention.

“ Ah, the well wagons have arrived. commence operation Lift off!”

Peter Sam was confused as a chain dropped beneath the bridge and some men attached it to something.

The helicopter's blades began spinning even harder as to Peter Sam's surprise and shock a small Tank Engine was being lifted out of the Gorge along with its tender.

The engine looked nothing like some of the other engines he had seen around the Railway.

it was a saddle Tank Engine but it didn't look like it was built on sodor let alone this part of the world. It looked like a Baldwin 0-4-0st But it had faded blue paint and its funnel looked to be cracked off. It's cab was dented and he looked like he had been in mud up to his wheels!

He did not look like he was in the best shape.

but soon he was loaded onto Peter Sam's well wagon alongside its tender.

After everything was secured Peter Sam was ordered to take him straight to croven's Gate

as they traveled the engines spoke.

“ I'm sorry but… who are you?” the engine said with a weak smile.

“ I'm Peter Sam. well I used to be called Stuart but I like my new name Better.”

“ Why were you originally called Stewart?” the engine asked in his weak voice.

“ Well I used to work on another railway called the mid-sodor railway but that closed down a few years ago and I've been working on this railway ever since.”

“ So the old MSR Closed… such a shame it was a beautiful railway to work on.”

“ yeah it was.” Peter Sam then looked confused. “ Hold on, did you used to work on the MSR?”

the engine chuckled. “ I was one of the first three engines to run the line back in 1881 When I Was Built. You see, the reason I was built was because Baldwin had accidentally sent some parts over to the MSR and by the time they arrived it was too late to send them back. so one crazy man decided to put the parts together and build new parts to go along with them and I was the result.”

“ really? Who was your Builder?”

“ Albert Alexander warbler. I was even named after him.”

Peter Sam's eyes almost went wider than his wheels and he almost came to a halt realizing what this meant.

“ You mean you were built by Matthew's ancestor?!”

“ So Matthew is his name? but yes. I understand that he was also the one who organized my rescue. well he must have used a lot of money to get me out because I'm certain Whatever they used to get me out of that Gorge wasn't cheap.”

“ I imagine it wasn't.” Peter Sam said as they continued to run down the line. “Anyway, how did you end up down in the Gorge?”

“my connecting rods accidentally got loose while I was on the bridge and caught on something. Sadly my driver and firemen didn't survive. but they were a couple of idiots anyway and They would have gotten themselves killed much earlier if I Hadn't intervened. so nothing of value was lost.” Albert chuckles alongside Peter Sam .

They continued to chat until they arrived at the Workshops and he had to leave Albert behind. but did give him a cheerful toot before leaving.

Albert smiled as he watched Peter Sam roll away. “ such a nice young engine. still somebody needs to keep him in order before he does something stupid.”

“ Well that ship has sailed already.” Matthew said, chuckling as he looked over alberts damage.

“Well your damage actually doesn't look as bad as it could have been Albert. Especially after you fell off that bridge.”

“ Well you know what your great grandfather always said. build something right the first time and you won't have to rebuild it a second time.”

“ That sounds like my great grandfather alright.” Matthew said, chuckling. “ Anyway, I'm gonna get you restored as soon as possible.”

“ That won't be necessary Matthew.”

Matthew looked over to see ironwood standing at full military attention with his hands behind his back. Albert didn't look happy to see him. Neither did Matthew.

“ What are you doing here, ironwood? The Works are off limits for non-personnel.”

“ I'm here to reclaim my property.” ironwood stated calmly as he pulled out some paperwork.

“ What exactly do you mean by your property?”

“ Have a look at this paperwork and you will understand Matthew.”

Matthew snatched the paperwork away from him and began quickly reading through it. It was basically paperwork confirming that Albert actually belonged to ironwood's family and he was now staking his claim on Albert.

Matthew didn't like this but had to admit defeat since there was nothing legally he could do.

as he handed the paperwork over to ironwood he asked him a question. “What exactly are you going to do with him?”

“ I'm sending him for scrap at killdane. I've already booked an appointment with them and they'd be more than willing to pay me full scrap value for him.”

“ what!” Both Albert and Matthew shouted. They couldn't believe what they were hearing!

“ You can't do that ironwood! Albert is a loyal engine!”

“and he is damaged.” ironwood said looking at the damage done to what he believed was his engine. “I also have no use for an old relic like him. He will be sent for scrap later today and there's nothing that you can do or say to change my mind on this. He is going to be scrapped and that's final!”

Matthew gritted his teeth and began shaking his fist Wanting to hit ironwood so bad but having to restrain himself so he wouldn't get sued. but before Anything Could Happen a female voice rang Out through the Works.

“Actually ironwood there is something Matthew could do.”

Everybody looked around and there sitting on one of the catwalks was Raven eating an apple.

“ What exactly do you mean by that Raven?” Matthew said not being surprised that Raven was around.

She was Well known for being a bird who could hide herself in any nook and Cranny and get the information back to the council without ever being spotted.

“Do you not remember the laws about abandoned property and salvage rights Matthew?”

The two men looked confused as Raven jumped down from the catwalk and landed perfectly without injuring her legs.

“The law clearly states that if a property has been abandoned for a period of 10 years then the person who finds it and puts a significant amount of money into it has a legal claim super seeding even something like a will.”

She took another bite out of her apple and looked over to ironwood.

“From what I understand your claiming Albert here as part of your inheritance that your family was given by Albert Warbler upon his death after Albert disappeared in 1918 Shortly After the war came to an end and no search parties could find anything.”

“ That's correct and according to the will Albert is my property!”

“ not in this case.” Raven said as she nonchalantly began sitting on the well wagon. “ Because Matthew Recovered him and Albert has been abandoned for a period of about nearly 40 years that means Matthew here is Albert's owner now.”

“ that cannot be true!” ironwood said looking annoyed. “ Albert is legally my property according to the will!”

“ Yes but Albert has been abandoned for nearly 40 years and thus he is no longer connected to the will and since Matthew here found and recovered him he is Albert's legal owner in the eyes of the law.”

Matthew finally began catching on to what Raven was saying.

“ That's true. and I did pour a significant amount of money in his recovery so legally there is no way that You can claim him under the will. but there is a loophole you could use.”

“ and what exactly is that?” ironwood said looking annoyed at Matthew and Raven now.

“If you pay the cost that Matthew paid for the recovery then legally you could reclaim Albert here.”

Albert was feeling a little bit tense as this whole conversation was going on. because his life was very much on the line.

“ fine.” ironwood just wanting to get this over with. “ How much did you pay to get him removed from the Gorge?”

Matthew grabbed some paperwork from his pocket and handed it over to ironwood. the general looked at it and looked shocked.

“ 200,000 pounds! this cannot be right!?”

“but it is.” Matthew said with a smile. “I had to get the military involved and stop a river. It was a very expensive operation.”

“ plus you would also have to pay an additional 10,000 pounds in A finder's fee since Matthew was the one who found him.”

“This is ridiculous!” ironwood said. “This Cannot be true.”

“ but it is.” Matthew said with a smile. “ and if you do buy him from me you wouldn't get your money back if you scrapped him. and you would automatically lose more money if you try to restore him. either way you lose. so it's best to leave him with me.”

Ironwood gritted his Teeth for a minute not believing any of this but he eventually had to admit defeat and walked away.

“ You can keep him. He's worthless after all.”

Matthew just shook his head as he watched the general walk out of the Works.

“ he really hasn't changed a bit. even Going through the second world war hasn't changed him.”

“ Well not everybody can change like me.” Raven said as she continued to eat her apple while lazily lying on the well wagon.

Raven was one of the greatest bandits the island had ever known, but after meeting Summer, her heart softened and she became a true Duer of good.

Albert meanwhile was in tears crying at the fact that he would be restored and that he was back in the hands of the family that build him.

“ Thank you Matthew. thank you I promise I will not let you down!”

Matthew just chuckled. “hey you never let my great grandfather down and I'm certain you won't let me down. I just wish ironwood would learn his lesson and realize he can't control everything. but still with the money he received from my Great Grandfather's will he and his family are still pretty well off.”

Albert looked confused now. “ What exactly do you mean? I thought Albert's will was supposed to split everything between the two families? at least that's what he told me.”

“ really?” Matthew said looking confused. “ you're saying that he wanted Everything to be split equally?”

“ yes. It's stated in his will that he wanted everything split. didn't you tell anybody this?”

“ Well we would have but without the original will we don't have anything to back that statement up Albert. Besides, the only clue we got about the Will's location was a riddle That said: "If you want to find the treasure, look where the light shines on the Tracks.”

Albert then smiled and looked towards his old lamp.

“ Then might I suggest you take my lamp with you to your home? I think it will shine a light on things.”

Matthew looked confused but quickly got the lamp off Albert's smoke box and took it home with him at the end of the day.

Ember was also confused as her husband brought back an old lamp.

“ What are you doing with that old lamp sweetie?” she asked, looking confused as Matthew Placed it on the coffee table.

“remember that I said I found my family's old engine?”

“Yes, you were quite excited about it.”

“Well apparently he's told me to take his lamp with me home and that it would Shine a light on things. but I don't see how?”

“maybe we should try and open it?”

“I already tried in the workshop and I couldn't get it open. but if you think you can get it open then by all means try to-”

Amber grabbed it and immediately ripped open the door!

“ well… that's very impressive…”

Ember just chuckled as she handed over the lamp to her husband. “ I wrangle Lions on a daily basis and I do go to the gym. so yeah I'm pretty strong.”

“ No wonder people call you the Dragon of sodor.” Matthew muttered under his breath making a mental note never to make his wife angry.

As he inspected the lamp he was surprised to find out that it was made watertight and that there was some paper stuffed behind where the candle would burn.

This was very unusual for a lamp. But as he pulled out the paper it would change everything.

and what exactly did Matthew find? and how will it change everything?

tune in next week On Dragon Ball Z!

“ hey! What are you doing in my studio?”

“ This has been the narrator of the Dragon Ball series signing out!”

“ Get back here!”

To be continued

Chapter 74: Ironwood Saga part 2 Munitions

Matthew and Ember looked in shock at the paper that had been recovered from Albert's old lamp. It was the final will and Testimony of Albert Alexander warbler. Matthew's great grandfather.

as Matthew began reading over the documents he could not believe what it said. “ This is incredible! my great grandfather really was a Forward thinking man. hiding your final will testimony inside of an old engine lamp? genius!”

“ yes but what does it say?” his wife said curiously looking over her husband's shoulder at The Peace of paper.

“ it basically says that upon his death his assets are to be split equally between the ironwood family and his own family. if either party takes more than their fair share then the whole share will be given to the other party.”

“So basically ironwood's family Took more than their fair share and are now no longer entitled to all they took?”

“ pretty much.” Matthew said, placing the paper on his coffee table with a big smile.

Ember on the other hand looked a bit concerned. “ how are we going to convince a judge that this is the actual will and not a forgery? I mean is there anything identifiable about this document?”

Matthew took a sniff of the paper which confused his wife until he looked at her with a smile.

“ It smells like coal. Albert Warbler was very well known to write most of his documents in coal dust. According to some of the people I've met that actually worked Alongside him he never trusted ink since people could easily Forge with it. This was the most secure way to make sure that nobody would Forge a will. that and it has his blood literally on the paper.”

Ember looked at The piece of paper and just decided to give her husband the win on this one.

“ Okay but what do we do now? are we just going to tell ironwood that his will is false and that he has to give you all of the money His family has now possessed for over a generation?”

“ absolutely not?” Matthew said standing up and walking towards the phone. “ I'm gonna sue him!”

Ember Shrugged. she had actually met ironwood a couple of times while out shopping for groceries. She didn't like him at all. especially since he tried to paint a different picture of Matthew that wasn't even true.

of course as you can expect ironwood wasn't exactly happy with this fact and tried to fight it in court. but Matthew after digging through the Old archive of the mid-sodor railway at Arlesburgh was able to find all the documents that supported his claim that the will he had was the original.

It did take several months of court battles to prove that he was right.

In the meantime Albert’s restoration was proceeding on schedule as was the reinstatement of the old military base. The track had been relayed in both standard and narrow gauge sizes.

The base was officially ready for Operation. although the sodor Council had banned any nuclear material from being stored on site for fear of nuclear Fallout.

One day Albert was outside the Works having his final steam test done alongside Bertram when Matthew with a skip in his step arrived at the Works.

“ Well sir you suddenly look like you've just won the battle of a lifetime.” Bertram said with a smile. “ Did you Vanquish your foe and banish them to the pits from when's they came?”

“ You could say that Bertram.” Matthew said, chuckling. “ I just won my court case against James ironwood! He has to give me back 40 million pounds Along with the old estate that belonged to my family as well as publicly acknowledge his family has stolen from my family! this is really a very good day for me!”

Albert smiled at his new owner. “ That's great to hear. what are you going to do with that money?”

“ I'm giving it all away to the rest of my family. I mean I have about 10 trillion pounds in the bank. mostly from people that try to screw me over in contracts as well as some Investments I've done over the years.”

Albert looked actually shocked for a moment before chuckling. “ You're exactly like your great grandfather. Many people tried to screw him over but ended up screwing themselves over more often than not.”

“ If you try to fool someone you will fool yourself more often.” Bertram said with a smile. “ but I do hope your family will appreciate the money.”

“Well considering I'm giving them all of it they better be.”

The three of them smiled and chuckled as both engines raised steam before a cough came from behind them.

Matthew looked behind him and immediately lost his smile. ironwood was standing there looking all professional but still feeling the Sting of his court loss.

“ what do you want now ironwood? I thought I made it quite clear that you are not welcome at the Works!” Matthew said with a lot of Venom in his voice.

Albert and Bertram also glared at him. Bertram Hadn't met him before but he had heard what he was planning to do to Albert. So to his eyes James ironwood was nothing more than an enemy who deserved to be taken down a peg or two. if only he had hands to grip a sword.

“ I'm here on business and this is the only place I know where to find you consistently.” ironwood said in a professional tone. “ With the new base being almost completed I need engines to help organize the rolling stock as well as bring in supplies. I've already agreed with the controller of the narrow gauge railway that I can borrow Bertram. I also want to request that I can borrow Albert as well as a couple of your own standard gauge engines.”

Matthew wanted to say no. But since he had already won the court case Matthew decided to be generous.

“ Okay I will help you by Gathering up some engines.”

“ Actually I would like your s160 and austerity 2-8-0 if you don't mind?” Ironwood said in the same professional tone as he used before. “ I would like to have some engines that actually know how to handle explosives and know how to follow orders.”

Matthew didn't really like this but he had a plan to remind Ironwood who was in charge of the engines.

“ I'll make sure that they are available but I will give you an extra engine to help shunt from time to time.”

“very well. the ministry of Defense will send you the contracts.”

“actually I will be sending my own contracts to the M.O.D. no offense but I don't trust You military types to give me fair rates.”

ironwood wasn't really happy with the Arrogance in Matthew's voice but decided not to anger him. he has Alreadyy lost a substantial amount of his money and he didn't need to lose any more.

as he left Albert glared at the back of him.

“ If he thinks I'm going to listen to his orders without questioning them then he is living in a totally different plane of reality!”

“ indeed!” Bertram agreed. “A scoundrel like him shouldn't be put in charge of such a delicate operation! Only noble Souls like dear Matthew here have the grit and common sense to make such an operation a glorious success!”

Matthew chuckled “ as much as I would love to put him in his place Bertram. He is a general for a reason. besides I know of one engine that will be more than willing to step up and put ironwood in his place for me.”

“ And who might that be?” Albert asked genuinely curious.

“ me?” billster asked in the motive power depot at knapford. “You want me to assist Sodor’s shaggy unintelligent jerk of a general?!”

“Pretty much.” Matthew said that crossing his arms at his e2p Tank Engine.”

“ Why me?” billster asked with a raised eyebrow behind his glasses.

“Because out of all my engines you have military experience from your time in the States and here in England. plus I'm Hoping you won't give ironwood An easy time. and I can trust you to do what's right in an emergency situation and not just follow his orders without question.” Matthew said with a dead serious tone in his voice which impressed the Young e2p. he had never heard Matthew like this before.

“Fair enough.” Billster sighed, before getting stern. “But don’t be surprised if I run him over at the first sign of him doing something stupid.”

“Well I'm Certain the Queen will be up my ass about that but I'm certain you will have your reasons for it.” Matthew said jokingly.

Billster could only agree.

He was put off the Ffarquhar branch line and put on the great waterton branch line towards the military base. alongside javelin and Laffy.

The setup was as follows: Javelin and Laffy would bring the trains of munitions and other supplies into the base. billster would shunt them into the right positions for them to be unloaded and put into narrow gauge wagons to be stored in the myriad of tunnels Underground.

Bertram and Albert would take smaller supply runs directly from the Wharf at croven's gate and take them to the base.

One day Albert had come back from a delivery to the military base and stopped at the Skarloey Railway sheds. He had been so busy after being fully restored that he didn't really have time to talk to the line's newest engines.

Sir handel and Peter Sam were actually very interested in Albert.

Albert had been sold the same year Sir handel would have arrived on their old railway. so none of them had actually met before he was fully restored.

“ I must admit it is kind of nice to have another engine from the mid-sodor here. but what exactly was your job on the MSR?” sir Handle asked being genuinely curious about the older engines jobs.

“ Oh, you know. I pulled trucks and coaches up and down the line. In fact I was the third engine overall on the old MSR. but Bertram and I were sold because the railway had ended up with some debts back then. mostly due to an old lawsuit. for what I have no idea. all I know is it was pretty bad.”

The two former MSR engines understood that fact.

“ Anyway, how are things up at the base?” Peter Sam asked with a genuine smile. “ How is working up there again?”

“Fine for the most part.” Albert said while his crew was filling him up on coal and water. “Except for general ironwoods constant nagging about us not doing the job correctly. honestly I have got half a mind to tell him to push the trucks himself. especially with the Dangerous loads we've recently been carrying in there.”

“ What kind of loads?” Skarloey said looking a bit concerned for the safety of his railway. “ because if it's something really dangerous then I hope there will be no accidents.”

“ Trust me Skarloey, both me and Bertram don't want that to happen either. We are both professionals and we are handling these trains with the utmost care even if we are a little behind schedule.”

“ That's true.” Bertram said when he arrived to get himself refueled. “ We don't really care about getting the job done on time, we care about getting the job done safely. and the other engines working with us agree on that as well. although ironwood does seem to argue a lot with billster.”

the other engines chuckled at hearing this. and all of them had met the blue Tank Engine a couple of times when he took some trains down on the main line. they knew that he would not stand for any of ironwoods junk.

“ Anyway, I must be going.” Albert said as he began chuffing towards the Wharf. “ I've got another train to take.”

The other engines gave him a cheerful toot on their whistles as he left.

Albert soon enough was coupled up to the train loaded with both munitions and Emergency fuel for the military alongside some experimental technology.

Albert took extra special care with this load knowing that one wrong move could cause the whole train to go up in smoke! And he did not want to go out like Albert 2 on the mid sodor.

as he kept rolling towards the base he could hear arguing coming from it. As he arrived at the narrow gauge checkpoint he could see billster and ironwood having a argument once again.

“ I am telling you those wagons need to be on track 7 not track 5! it will be more efficient to have them there!” ironwood said, crossing his arms as he was arguing with the locomotive in front of him.

“Track 7 has constant traffic going in and out, you dingus!” Billster snapped back. “Track 5 does not, so these explosives WON’T be in the way of any trains and will be clear of those oil tankers you have coming in! You better Learn to shut up before I run you over!”

“I can't believe Matthew gave me such a rude and disobedient engine! Are you like this with him?”

Billster scoffed. “Of course not! Because he is NOT stupid, unlike YOU!”

Ironwood growled at the younger locomotive in front of him. “ I'll have you know I am a veteran of the Second World War! And I darn right Demand some respect!”

Billster laughed. “Pah! Big whoop! I was the main shunter for the war supplies in TWO world wars and in TWO countries! Well, actually three, because I helped shunt the MAIN supplies in Germany too for the final front! Trust me, I have seen MANY foolish idiots blow themselves up for being careless with explosives!”

Ironwood couldn't really reply to that and decided to just walk away grumbling.

Albert meanwhile had finished The checkup enrolled into the yard to uncouple his wagons and have them be shunted into the different tunnels.

as billster rolled next to him to get a refill at the Water Tower Albert decided to have a little chat.

“ Another argument with Captain tin brain over there?” Albert said in a jokey tone to lift the younger engine's mood.

“Yup!” Billster replied. “And just because someone is a veteran doesn’t give them the right to be careless with dangerous goods. Ironwood doesn’t understand that. Heck, I bet his fellow vets may agree on that.”

“Well you're a veteran so I'll take Your word for it. I'm just glad I didn't see much of the war. but you said you actually helped with the final loads against Germany in the very country themselve. in which war did that happen?”

“The first.” Billster replied. “To be fair, the damage was honestly shocking.”

“I can tell. for being a young engine at the time it must have been a lot for you. but I'm glad to see it made you a stronger engine. and you're an engine I'm glad to serve alongside. rather working for Matthew or just working here. but then anyway aren't you a bit concerned with all this munition and fuel around? the engines back at the shed were at least concerned about all of this.”

“I am.” Billster replied with a concerned look. “I remember an incident at a smaller port on the Mainland, back during the first world war. A careless shunter, who was too much of a jokester, liked to bump the trucks around. As a result, he bumped an oil tanker hard Against a van of explosives.”

“That sounds awful. please tell me the engine got himself blown up?”

“Charlie did.” Billster replied. “As did his stupid orange brother back in Southhampton.”

“Will at least we have you to keep the trucks here in line. anyway I must get these wagons sorted out. just don't let ironwood get you down kid.”

Bilster just chuckled and said that he would rather run him over then let him get him down.

For the next couple of weeks things ran as scheduled but the arguments between billster and James ironwood became more and more frequent.

even the two ex war department locomotives could feel the tension in the air.

and one day it finally snapped.

ironwood had quite enough of how billster was doing things and had one last argument with him.

“ I am in charge here!” he shouted as everybody had actually stopped working to see what the two of them were arguing about this time.

Bertram had just finished putting away some of the munitions inside of the Mountain tunnels when he saw the argument beginning to break out.

“OH yeah?! Matthew has me in charge of the railway side of the operation! Besides! You’re NOT my commander from Southern Shunter Fleet 389!”

ironwood finally had enough. “ If you're not going to listen to me then I am taking this operation into my own hands!”

Before anybody knew it he rushed to the tank engine's cab, pushed the crew out and began forcing billster forward!

right into a bunch of wagons that were being unloaded!

The moment the tank engine hit the wagons One of the crates was sent flying landing in an oily patch and lighting on fire!

Before anybody could do anything the fire began spurring quicker and quicker.

Fortunately ironwood was out of billsters cab and his crew stepped back in. The small Tank Engine immediately knew what he had to shout.

“EVECATUATE THE AREA!!!! EXPLOSIVES ARE ALIGHT!!!”

Everybody immediately began running away and evacuating the area but ironwood decided to try and maintain control.

“Everybody stay where you are and try to fight the fire! we must not let the explosives and experimental equipment be lost!”

“LIVES ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE EXPLOSIVES YOU FOOL!!! YOU ARE NOT IN CHARGE!!! SCREW YOUR ORDERS AND SCREW YOUR RANK!!! I AM INVOKING MY AUTHORITY AS THE LIEUTENANT COMMANDER OF SOUTHERN SHUNTER FLEET 389!”

Everybody immediately listened to the lieutenant and began evacuating.

but ironwood still tried to take control as he saw Bertram on the narrow gauge tracks.

“ you! Bertram get the explosives out of here!”

“ I think not! it's too dangerous and I may be an engine that lives for dashing heroics but even I know when things are too dangerous! your own pride and will for control has been your downfall of not only this base but most likely your military career! Now I am Heading for the hills to make sure that Albert doesn't come this way with more explosives!”

The dark brown engine then raced out alongside everybody else.

Billster had already left and made his way towards great waterton to warn javelin about the disaster developing at the base.

Seeing the station in view, Billster blew his whistle loud and frantically. “STOP ALL TRAINS!!! THE EXPLOSIVES AT THE BASE ARE ALIGHT AND READY TO BLOW!!!”

Matthew, who was actually going to travel up to see the base for himself, looked shocked and immediately ordered the entire town to be evacuated!

fortunately not many people actually lived in the town and they were able to fit all inside of sakura's coaches alongside some wagons that were empty from snowy's last goods train.

and although she did have some PTSD from the concentration camps seeing people climb inside of the vans and open wagons she still alongside all the other engines raced out hoping that however big the explosion was going to be, it wouldn't be too bad.

they were just entering the main line when there was a sudden blast!

all of them could see a pillar of fire in the distance along with a ton of smoke.

By the time the fire departments arrived alongside the other engines to see the damage the whole base had been destroyed.

The wagons that were inside of the tunnels had been destroyed as well due to the sheer force of the Explosions outside forcing the doors open causing all the other wagons to explode at the same time.

It was a complete mess. Matthew on the other hand looked towards billster who seemed to be a bit guilty about what happened.

“Don't blame yourself kid. you did the right thing by standing up to ironwood. He is the one responsible for the accident here So all the responsibilities will go to his desk. For now you're going back on the branch line trains. I think you need some quieter work after all of this.”

billster could only agree.

When her majesty's Safety board came to inspect the damage and understand what happened everybody was able to tell the exact same story. that ironwood couldn't let go of control and caused the entire base to be blown up!

Unfortunately for him this would have grave consequences.

But that my friends is a story for another day.

“ Victor tanzik what are you doing in my Booth?”

“ oh.”

“ Get back here! I had to chase out the Dragon Ball Z narrator last time and I'll do the same to you!”

to be continued

Chapter 75: Ironwood Saga part 3 Battle on the Old iron bridge

The explosion at the old military base was pretty catastrophic. fortunately no deaths but a few injuries including general ironwood who foolishly stayed too long before running away.

The ministry of Defense had to do their investigation into the accident and deemed that all the materials were a total loss because the wagons that hadn't exploded in the original explosion would have been crushed underneath the collapsing tunnels.

For a Solid two months they tried to find anything worth salvaging. Unfortunately they had to do it on their own since the Skarloey Railway, the North Western Railway and the steam machines department Rental Company all refused to send engines over there.

and to make things even worse when they did find wagons they were only found in pieces or crushed. nothing was worth salvaging and the entire operation was deemed a costly failure.

The sodor Council also wasn't happy as the explosion put many lives at risk at Great waterton And the Castle belonging to Clan McIntosh since the explosion was powerful enough to send rolling stock flying! along with debris and everything.

even though the explosion site was miles away!

Fortunately thanks to the quick thinking of Billster and everybody else Nobody got injured within great waterton.

The base was deemed a complete loss and the tracks leading to it for both narrow gauge and standard gauge were completely ripped up.

Ironwood was put Under investigation for his conduct during the incident.

Billster was also put under investigation but was deemed innocent due to him actually having a quite logical reason for disobeying ironwood so many times.

The ministry of defense deemed that his ideas on how to run the operation were safer than anything else.

Fortunately the tracks Leading up there were not completely ripped up since the mine a few miles nearby actually got some more profit because of the explosion!

a lot of rock had been shaken loose and thus they saved tons on Dynamite!

The little engine that worked at the so-called Blue Mountain Quarry called Luke had a lot of stone to take down to the wharf.

The quarry was at least happy but the Ministry of Defense wasn't. they decided to fire ironwood and give him a dishonorable discharge from the army!

As you can expect ironwood didn't take this news well.

As he was sitting in his hotel room pacing around he realized in his twisted mind that there was one person responsible for all of his downfalls recently. And he was going to make that monster pay!

“ All right Albert, your valve Gear seems to be in order.” Matthew said as he was inspecting alberts valve Gear since he had said that he felt a bit of a twinge in there which turned out to be just a small pebble that had Gotten stuck in there.

“ Thank you Matthew. you're just as much of an engineer as your great grandfather was.”

“ Well, I try my best. Now if you don't mind, some of my other engines need attention.”

Albert just chuckled as Matthew walked away.

“ That man might be the craziest person I've ever met but at least he's a hard worker.” Rheneas Said as he Parked himself next to Albert in the sheds.

“ Crazier than running your train home with only one cylinder?” Albert countered with a teasing smile.

Rheneas just chuckled. “ Yes, I did do my fair Share of crazy stuff as well. the only difference was I had to instead of wanting to.”

“ That's true.”

“ yeah.” Rheneas suddenly remembered something. “Oh yeah, did you hear that Ironwood Guy lost his job in the military?”

“ I did.” Albert said, looking disgusted. “ Bertram told me everything. I must admit I'm glad I no longer have to work with him and I'm glad I'm not owned by him.”

“ Me too.” Rheneas said smiling. “ Anyway, you should get ready for your next train. it's due to leave in 15 minutes.”

Albert chuckled as he went to collect his trucks from the Wharf.

Meanwhile, at the farmer's market on the Skarloey Railway, Ember was walking around nervously.

She had been feeling strange for the last three months. She knew what this weird feeling was and wanted to tell her husband but she had not found the right time.

“ How do I tell this to Matthew? Will he be excited? I mean he was excited when he bought his engines and built Hudson and cross… maybe he will be excited about this?”

as she had walked to the very end of the market at Lakeside dark clouds began forming.

it was beginning to reign and everybody tried to find a place to hide from the weather. Ember did this as well and hids in a very isolated part of town.

unfortunately as a set of arms grabbed her from behind she knew that this was a mistake.

A couple of hours later Matthew was at home very concerned. Ember Didn't usually stay out this long And would usually be back by now.

but that's when he noticed a letter dropping through the slot on his door where his male usually came from.

Normally he would just ignore it since a lot of them were bills that he had to pay but this one didn't look like bills or anything else.

It was a letter. as he opened it his eyes went wider than his Baltics driving wheels!

“ That bastard!” he said as he crumpled the paper and threw it into the fireplace which was lit.

He immediately went to the mantle and grabbed his hammer alongside his sword that he had been given by the Japanese emperor Hirohito And strapped them all to his back!

he then drove down to croven's gate before rushing to the narrow gauge railways sheds.

Unfortunately Albert wasn't there. but Bertram was.

“ Ah Matthew how are you on this drizzly day?” Bertram said, looking happy until he saw Matthew's serious expression. “ What's going on? Has something happened?”

“ Ironwood has kidnapped my wife! And he told me that I have to meet him on the Old Iron Bridge with all the money I Supposedly stole from him when I sued him alongside Albert. fortunately he's not here. so you will have to do it. Will you help me rescue my queen?”

Bertram gained a Gallant smile. “Of course I will, Matthew! Now let us inbark on our crusade to rescue your wife. but why not bring the authorities with you? I'm certain they will be a great help.”

“ I was told to come alone.” Matthew said as he stepped inside the George England's cab. “ but I did make alternative arrangements.”

Bertram decided not to ask anymore questions Since he felt that time was of the Essence. so the two of them quickly made their way up the Line towards the Old Iron Bridge where ironwood had told him to meet.

as they arrived the rain began lightening but it was still very much there.

ironwood stood in the middle of the bridge glaring at Matthew with a knife to embers throat.

“ I told you to bring Albert!”

“ he Wasn't available. besides who said I was going to give you what you want?”

Ironwood growled at Matthew “I'm taking back what you stole from me!”

“I didn't steal anything. I reclaimed what was rightfully my family's wealth and possessions! Besides, we both know that isn't the real reason why you're losing it. you're losing it because you can't control anybody anymore.”

Ironwood gently put the knife closer to Ember's throat as Matthew slowly walked on to the bridge glaring at ironwood.

“ You just want control of everything. That's what the military gave you as soon as you were promoted to general. you felt comfortable in your position of control. but news flash you can't control anything ironwood. we don't live in a world of absolutes. Nobody has absolute control of anyone! not even me. now you're gonna let Ember go and I'll forget all about this. I'll even tell the police that you didn't do anything and we can leave it all in the dust.”

“ never!” ironwood spat glaring at Matthew. “ Thanks to you I lost everything! my wealth! my position in the military thanks to your stupid Tank Engine who thought he was an actual soldier! you have taken so much from me so I'm going to make sure you know what that feels like! you are going to lose the one thing in this world that you really care about. your wife!”

As ironwood continued to talk Matthew began making gestures with his fingers that to anybody else wouldn't be much.

but to Ember she knew that this was the Warbler secret code.

Although stunned she realized that Matthew was trying to keep ironwood talking so he wouldn't focus on her and it worked.

the knife slowly began moving away and as he tried pointing it at Matthew.

“ you're gonna go get Albert and you are going to give him to me! along with all of the wealth you stole from me! I'm going to have him turned into scrap and there's nothing you can-”

Before he finished speaking Amber pushed him away and ran towards Matthew and the other side of the bridge.

Ironwood recovered quickly from the shock and tried chasing her down. but Ember was actually quite quick on her feet so it took him sometime to catch up to her.

and by the time he did Matthew stood between her with his hammer ready to fight!

He tried lunging his knife at him but Matthew used his hammer’s handle to keep the knife away from his body.

“Ironwood, there's no point to this fight! just let it go and move on! we don't need to find it!”

but ironwood didn't listen and kicked Matthew in the stomach!

Matthew Groaned for a minute as he was about to swing his hammer at him when ironwood grabbed it and pulled it out of Matthew's hand and over the side of the bridge!

Matthew saw it tumbling down into the river below! just like Albert had done so many decades ago.

Matthew looks back up to see ironwood lunging his knife down and actually being able to stab it in his shoulder.

Matthew tried crawling away after the former general pulled it out of his shoulder only to stab him again.

Matthew tried picking up his sword that he got from the emperor but ironwood stomped on his hand and pushed it away a little bit further along the bridge.

Matthew quickly pushed ironwood away before he could land a third blow.

But unfortunately ironwood was able to strike the third blow right into Matthew's leg causing him to stumble before catching the Handle of the Sword and dangling it over the edge of the bridge causing its scabbard to fall down.

fortunately it caught itself on a loose bolt so it didn't fall into the river unlike his hammer.

but the sword was the only thing he had a solid grasp on as he felt pain in both his leg and shoulders.

Ember wanted to help but Bertram held her back.

“ don't Mrs Warbler. if he's anything like his great grandfather he can handle this.”

“ I hope you're right.” Ember said while holding her hand over her belly.

ironwood raised his knife up as Matthew looked up trying to pull the sword over the bridge to stabilize himself.

“ This is the end of the line for you Matthew! you were always a disappointment!”

He was about to plunge down with his knife but Matthew noticed something. a parting in the clouds where the sun was shining onto them.

He quickly Rotated his Blade and reflected the sunlight straight into ironwood's eyes blinding him for a moment.

Matthew then kicked him, pushing him a few steps back.

When ironwood got his Vision back Matthew was standing on the opposite side of the bridge from where they had started.

his Katana blade raised up ready for a fight.

The sun reflected from the blade looked like it was on fire!

“How did you do that!” ironwood asked not believing that after so many stabs and the massive amount of blood he had lost That Matthew was still standing.

Matthew then held the Sword in front of him and spoke Japanese.

“Amaterasuōmikami no kago o uketa ken wa, sore o furū mono o mamori, shugo suru.” (Translation: Blessed by Amaterasu Omikami, the sword protects and safeguards whoever wields it.)

Ironwood just glared as he tried to strike Matthew again with his knife only for Matthew in a swift motion to strike the knife with the edge of his blade cutting it straight into two pieces!

While he did so he let out a Yell that sounded more like a steam engines whistle which echoed through the Ravine and across the surrounding areas. scaring a lot of people.

Both pieces clanked on the bridge and fell down into the river leaving ironwood completely defenseless.

Before the former general could think of a plan Matthew stepped forward and kicked him in the stomach knocking him on his ass.

Matthew placed the blade of his katana straight on the neck of his former friend. He glared into ironwood's eyes who seemed to be filled with fear for the first time in a long time.

Both Bertram and Ember thought that he was going to kill him. but fortunately Matthew wouldn't do that.

He pulled away his katana Blade and quickly retrieved his Scabbard from the side of the bridge.

Ironwood looked shocked as Matthew walked past him before stopping on the side where ember and Bertram were.

“this battle is over. I suggest you move on ironwood. because that's what I'm going to be doing. and if you think that you can run after doing all of this then think again. because I didn't come alone with only Bertram.”

he pointed to a camera crew who had been secretly filming the whole altercation.

ironwood realised that his entire plan had been laid bare in front of the world since it was a live camera and not a recording camera.

He looked completely shocked and tried to figure out a way out of it but he couldn't.

but as Matthew tried to walk away he had one more last desperate Gamble in him.

He tried to jump Matthew and attack him for a second time.

Unfortunately Matthew sidestep and ironwood hit the rails with his head and fell off the bridge.

Matthew tried to grab him but he was too late.

ironwood fell down the bridge right into the river below.

Everybody looked to see if the former general would have survived that fall. but unfortunately a few minutes later his body bobs up and begins slowly floating down the river.

Matthew looked at the remains of his old friend and let out a deep sigh.

“ if you had only let go of control this wouldn't have happened. Sayonara ironwood.”

Matthew walked over towards Bertram and hugged his wife before losing consciousness.

A couple of hours later he found himself in one of the local hospitals as they had treated his wounds and he was now in the hospital bed getting a blood transfusion.

Ember sat next to him asleep until Matthew gently woke her up.

“Hey Ember, are you okay?”

“Am I okay?” Ember said after she woke up. “ I should be asking you that! you took multiple stabs and still continued fighting! I thought I was going to lose you!”

Matthew chuckled as he grabbed his wife's hands. “ a warbler does not go down so easily. Besides, I have no plans on doing that again. I rather not have to fight people on a daily basis. because I don't want to lose my life if it means you'll be alone for the rest of yours.”

Ember sniffled as she squeezed her husband's hand even tighter.

“and I don't want to lose you. because I don't want to raise our children alone…”

Matthew looked surprised as Ember gently stood up and placed his hand on her stomach.

“ I'm pregnant Matthew. And you don't have to worry about it not being yours because it is. I would never dream of being unfaithful to a man who's willing to take a knife to the legs in order to make sure that I am safe.”

Matthew felt a bit overwhelmed but then smiled and gave his wife a kiss.

“And I'll make sure that whoever this kid is going to be will be loved and taken care of.”

The husband and wife duo then kissed before the doctor's came in and told Matthew that he was free to go but to take it easy for A month before getting back to work.

Matthew decided that was the best idea he had heard all year.

As he was let out of the hospital the two of them made their way towards the station Where Albert was waiting for them.

“ It's good to see you back on your feet Matthew.” Albert said with a smile as Matthew smiled back at his narrow Gauge engine.

“It's good to be back on my feet. but you might not see me for a while. even after I've fully recovered.”

“Yes, the recovery period will most likely be long and hard.”

“that is part of it.” Matthew said before looking towards Ember with a smile. “ but that isn't the only reason I'll be taking three months off.”

Albert looked confused until Matthew placed his hand on his wife's belly and he immediately understood.

“looks like the Warbler family Legacy will continue on. Now let's get you two love Birds down to croven's gate. you two deserve a nice long rest.”

The husband and wife duo didn't disagree. and as they left the local town to go back to their home both of them realized they were up for another big adventure.

and that is the end of this story.

Now what will happen next? How will Matthew cope with being a father? and what will the reactions of the other engines be?

Find out next time on Dragon Ball Z!

“ What are you doing back in my Booth! I already told you the next time you were going to come in here I was gonna grab the whip!”

“ oh no we're busted! please like and subscribe and leave a question in the comments!”

“ Victor! you are one of my favorite YouTubers but still man! This is my show! Now get out!”

the end… of the ironwood Saga.

Chapter 76: New life and old discoveries.

The engines of the SMD company We're getting a bit concerned.

They Hadn't seen Matthew in over 6 months! Since he last made his appearance on the railway.

They asked the other engines and even Charles but none of them told them anything. all that they knew was that he disappeared right after ironwood's body was recovered and he was confirmed dead.

still the engines remained worried even as the New Year rang in and it was now 1964. They remained concerned all until spring Arrived and Matthew finally showed his face one morning in the sheds.

“ Matthew, it's so good to see you again!” Cross said being extremely happy to see her builder again.

“ We thought something happened to you after you fought that General on the bridge!” remembrance said looking extremely concerned at her owner.

Matthew just chuckled. “ Everything is okay you guys. I just took some time off to heal properly as well as prepare for a new stage of my life.”

“ What do you mean by that?”

Howard said, looking at Matthew as he was getting prepared for work that day.

Matthew just gestured towards the entrance where Ember came in from and her belly was very bloated.

all the engines in the sheds went silent except for the Scottish engines.

“ So ye're finally goin' tae hae a wee one of your own?” Amelia said, smiling at the chief engineer. “ Weeell, it's aboot time!”

Matthew just chuckled. “ Yes it is. We've been preparing ourselves at home for the last couple of months to make sure when the babies arrive that they will have a good home.”

“ wait!” Gordon said, looking surprised. “ Babies ? as in multiple?”

“ Yes Gordon.” Ember said while chuckling and brushing her belly. “ we're having twins. although we do not know if they are boys or girls or a boy or a girl so that's up in the air for now.”

all the engines immediately began congratulating Matthew who was just happy that his engines were happy for him.

but still he had some work to do after he dropped Ember off at home. Willow and the other mothers were more than happy to check in on her and help her through the pregnancy while Matthew continued to work.

Although he was there for every single doctor's appointment Ember encouraged him to continue his work as the chief mechanical engineer… mostly because Oscar had no idea what he was doing in terms of being a leader at the Workshops.

It took him a few weeks to get everything back in order but Matthew was more than happy to do so. but one day he was given a special job to do by Charles.

He wanted him to take him up the old Arlesburgh Branch line. Matthew didn't know why as he and Charles made their way up the line.

“ Charles, why exactly did you bring me here? me and my crew haven't really had much time to repair these tracks you know? especially since this line isn't in use anymore.”

“ Actually that might change soon.” Charles said as they made their way down a small hill shortly after Tidmouth and began running along the coastline. “ You see the harbor at knapford and Brendam And the other small harbors along my railway are getting quite busy. I need an outlet to get smaller vessels unloaded. I remember there was an old Harbor along this branch line that might actually help us out with that. diverting some of the smaller ships there could actually help.”

“ And thus you figured we could reinstate the branch line?”

“ precisely!” Charles said with a bit of Enthusiasm in his voice. “ But I want to see how bad the line is and if there needs to be any more major work done To get this line up and running.”

Matthew looked along the little branch line as he could feel the quality of the track underneath his engine. “Well the track will need complete replacement. we haven't really been able to get to this line with our maintenance gangs for a few years now.”

They soon stopped at the middle station of the line at haultraugh. The two gentlemen got out and inspected the station. Matthew looked quite pleased.

“ The local volunteer group really has outdone themselves. all the station will really need is some more up-to-date features and it will be good to go.”

Charles nodded as he wrote this down on his clipboard he had with him.

They made their way to the last station along the line at Arlesburgh Itself. This station used to be the only connection the mid-sodor railway had to the rest of the railway networks of the island.

As they arrived at the station they looked dismayed. The station has been vandalized And looked like some teenagers had been throwing a lot of parties here at night.

There were a lot of empty beer cans, signs of fires lit on the Tracks, smashed windows and destroyed benches everywhere.

Charles let out a deep sigh. “ This station will need a lot more work than I imagined.”

Matthew placed a hand on the controller's shoulder In support. “don't worry Charles. I'm certain we can get the station up and running before you know it. Besides, we still need to Still check out the small Harbor.”

Charles nodded and was about to enter the cab of willamina when the engine noticed something on the platform next to her.

“Hm, Matthew, how long ago did the old Narrow gauge railway that used to run here shut down?”

“About 16 years.” Matthew said, looking confused at his engine. “ Why do you ask?”

“ because those tracks do not look like they've been abandoned for over a decade.”

Charles and Matthew looked over towards the Narrow gauge platform and actually realized that she was right!

on the raised area where the mid sodor trains used to arrive at the tracks had no weeds growing through them. and as they looked beyond the station none of the tracks had weeds growing in them.

“How odd?” Matthew said as the two of them slowly made their way along the Old track bed of the mid sodor railway. Some of the tracks had been ripped up but a lot of it had also been left behind since nobody wanted to pay for the demolition.

Matthew picked up one of the rocks and realized that they had something to do with the weed free nature of the track bed.

The two of them quickly went into town asking around in the local pubs.

Fortunately after a long time they were able to find an old workman that worked on the old MSR before it closed.

His name was Jack and he was more than happy to talk to them about the glory days. and after a few rounds of drinks he was willing to tell them what he knew.

“During the war years we couldn't exactly import ballast from the mainland to help ballast our track. so we had to Substitute it for old mining spoils. It saved quite a bit of money and time. although I never imagined that it was the perfect weed killer Ballast.”

“ So you're saying that all of this rock came from the old mines along the line?” Matthew said, holding the piece of ballast rock in his hand.

“ yes. In fact the entire line was ballasted with that stuff. if we had known that it was this good at preventing weeds from growing between the tracks I would have suggested that we sell that to keep the MSR running.”

Matthew and Charles looked at each other and realized that there might be another reason they could reopen the branch line. but they had to be sure.

so they took another sample from the closest mine they Could get to on foot and took that to a mineral expert in the area.

While they waited for the results they inspected the harbor which was in pretty good condition.

but as they continued their inspection a man walked up to them.

“Excuse me. but there are rumors flying around town that the branch line might reopen. Are those true?” The man asked who looked to be in his mid-70s smiled hopefully at them.

Charles decided to be honest with him and not Hide anything. “ Yes, we are reopening the branch line. and how exactly are there so many rumors spreading already? we've only been here for about a day.”

Matthew just chuckled. “ Charles rumors will fly around faster than Gordon with Full pressure. but yeah we are reopening the branch line.”

“ That's great.” the old man said before remembering something. “ But if you guys wouldn't mind and if it is possible could you guys extend it?”

“ extend it?” the two men asked looking confused.

“yes. During the First World War there were plans to extend the line all the way up to harwick. But after the war ended the extension was canceled. it would be great to see it finally completed all the way there.”

Charles and Matthew considered the Old Man's words as they made their way back to the mineral expert who gave them good news.

The Rock was capable of stopping weeds from growing in it thanks to a special molecular structure that could only be found here on the island becoming a totally new type of mineral.

The reason it was so different was because it didn't contain any forms of Lead inside or anything toxic to humans or animals. It was just a little toxic towards plant growth.

so Charles and Matthew could now confirm their second reason for reopening the branch line!

but as they were heading back down the line and back to knapford The two of them discussed something else.

“ How exactly do we get all that rock down here? I mean even the mine we went to took us hours to walk to. and it's too difficult of an area to build a road back there.”

“ Then how about relaying a new Railway on top of the old track bed of the mid-sodor Railway? I know that the old manager of the mid-sodor railway is still alive and still owns the track bed of the Railway. we could just ask him if we can relay the track.”

“ That's a great idea.” Charles said before thinking of something. “ But what kind of gauge would we use? Do we go back to the original narrow gauge?”

Matthew thought about it for a moment before an idea struck him. “Some of my contacts on the mainland said that there are some 15 inch miniature gauge locomotives for sale on the mainland. We could relay the track in 15 inch gauge allowing us to save time on the construction. Plus With engines already built we would save money there too.”

Charles thought about it and realized that Matthew had a point. “ It would definitely be a great investment if we could get that ballast down. having our own local source of ballast will increase our profits. but I think we should also talk about this with the other controllers around The Island. we can't keep all of this good ballast to ourselves.”

“You gotta point there Charles.” Matthew said as they finally arrived back at knapford. “ And I do believe we should extend the branch line all the way down to harwick.”

“That will definitely be on our to-do list. So are you up for building the new line?” Charles said looking at Matthew.

“ I'll be more than willing to do the job. but you will have to make sure we actually own the land we're going to build the new line on.”

“ actually.” Charles said with a smile. “ The railway owns the land all the way along the coast. We purchased it during the First World War To ensure if we ever did extend our services to that area we would have land to do so. I guess it's finally time to put that land to good use. that is if you're up for the job of building the new line?”

Matthew just smiled and took a bow. “ it would be my Honor Charles. My family basically helped build most of the lines on the island. Being able to not only bring back an old one but build a new line would be a great honor to my family's Legacy.”

“ That's great. But what are we going to call the new railway line? I mean with a new gauge comes a new name right?”

Matthew thought about it for a moment and then had an idea. “How about the Arlesdale mid-sodor miniature railway? You know showing its future but also remembering its past and we can shorten it to the Arlesdale Miniature railway for short.”

“That's an excellent idea! I'll get into talking with the other controllers right away!”

As Charles did that Matthew realized that the next coming years were going to be a big one for the nwr.

but those are stories for another day.

Chapter 77: The second silver Blur.

The railway was busier than ever. and everybody was excited about the reinstatement of the branch line that ran along the coast.

Amelia was just happy since that was one of her favorite places to run back when the line was open.

But that wasn't the only thing that was happening along the line. as previously stated the line would be extended all the way to harwick. Matthew and a team of Surveyors were already planning out the root.

but unfortunately due to some bad weather they weren't able to continue and the Surveyors would only be available the week after.

so sadly Matthew wasn't able to continue with the surveying for another week.

but fortunately he was kept busy with the track restoration and many of his engines helped out.

Willemina of course helped out alongside Sunny and Maria and Marie.

but interestingly something would happen that wasn't on the branch line.

One day Gordon was heading down the line with a freight train back to knappford. he enjoyed these runs since he could take a more slower pace and actually see things that he couldn't see during his high-speed runs.

“ Sometimes I wonder if my young self would laugh at my face seeing me do this.” Gordon said to know one in particular. “ But then again a nice slow pace can do an engine good. After all, change is as good as a rest.”

But as Gordon continues to travel down the line a silver blur past him while blasting his whistle quite rudely at the blue Pacific.

“ Who was that?!” Gordon said as a train blasted off into the distance.

“ Maybe it was hushy?” his driver suggested.

“can't be. she isn't supposed to be back until tomorrow.” Gordon said knowing that the W1 class and the experimental Princess Royal had double headed a train all the way down to London King's Cross together.

they wouldn't be back until tomorrow. so it couldn't have been her and all the other A4 pacifics were in the museum as all of them were in cue to be overhauled.

But as he rolled into the yards and towards the motive power depot he could see that indeed an A4 Pacific in a silver livery was sitting there.

but it didn't look like the other A4’s since he didn't have his side valances or a double chimney.

The engine was humming in the sun as Gordon rolled in.

“ Who are you?” he asked, still annoyed at how rudely he whistled at him earlier.

“ I am Spencer. the Duke and Duchess of boxfords private engine.”

“So you're a private engine?” Gordon said with a raised eyebrow.

“ Yes I am. I was chosen by the duke to pull his very special trains when he needs to travel. He apparently has a summer house here that he travels to for holidays or wherever he needs to go.”

Gordon remembered that house. It was just passed Killdane But just before balladrine.

It was quite an impressive house but Gordon had never actually seen it before since he never went there. not that he wanted to anyway.

“ Well I hope that you're not just gonna be their chauffeur. because that would be a waste of money if you're not going to be used as often.”

Spencer just smiled at Gordon. “ Do I sense a hint of jealousy? I saw you pulling that goods train earlier. how dreadful that Sir Nigel Gresley’s prototype Has been relegated to pulling freight.”

Gordon just rolled his eyes.

At that moment Hudson arrived from pulling the local Express. He looked at the silver A4 and smiled. “Hello there I'm Hudson and who are you?”

“ I am Spencer the Duke and Duchess of Boxford's private engine.”

“I see. you're also a private engine. technically speaking I am one too but I'm also one of the main Express engines around here.”

Spencer burst out laughing. “you are an Express engine? pull the other one. you are only good for shunting and nothing more. a Tank Engine like you could never pull any express trains.”

Hudson just rolled his eyes. “ My class was designed for the short distances between London Victoria and Brighton. There was no need to have a big fat tender behind us because there was no room on the turntables for us. Besides, I am bigger than you.”

“ only by a very little amount.” Spencer said with a lot of confidence in his voice. “ Still I highly doubt you have an engine that's grander and bigger than me.”

Spencer continued to laugh until remembrance rolled in and Glared at Spencer.

“ I think you'll find that I am bigger than you!”

Spencer actually looks surprised to see a big Baltic tender engine on the island.

“ well… Even if you are bigger than me I work for a duke and duchess. who exactly do you work for?”

“ that would be me.” Matthew said, approaching the four engines with a deep scowl on his face. “ I would suggest that you speak more respectfully about your new colleague’s Spencer. because while you are on our metals you will be working for the nwr alongside everybody else here! and you should speak more respectfully to Hudson. he is the one who actually saved your owner's lives many years ago.”

Spencer finally went silent as the other engines just smiled.

“ don't underestimate my fleet Spencer.” Matthew said, looking at the silver A4. “ They are a diverse fleet of locomotives capable of doing anything I ask of them. and they've treated me and everybody else around here with respect. and trust me a little respect goes a hundred miles on this island.”

Spencer just rolled his eyes as his Tender was full of coal. “whatever. I'm gonna go get some rest because I have to take the Duke and Duchess of Boxford to a party tomorrow at this station. and I want to get as much rest as I can.”

Spencer said as he rolled away having only refueled on coal and not water.

The next morning he collected his bright red coaches and the Duke and Duchess of Boxford.

but as they were about to leave the driver noticed something on Spencer's tender.

“ Spencer, your water levels are low. did you remember to fill up yesterday?”

Spencer just rolled his eyes. “ Who cares, it's only a short trip anyway. I'll be able to refuel once we get to the yards.”

His driver wasn't sure but they couldn't delay the Duke and Duchess of Boxford any longer.

as they were rolling along the line at high speed their water supply began dropping quickly.

As they were going up Gordon's Hill the driver noticed that the water gauge in the tender and the water glasses in the cab were dangerously low. so he immediately stopped the train and his fireman began dampening his Fire Down.

“ What's going on? Why have we stopped?” Spencer asked, looking confused.

“You're out of water Spencer! I knew we should have filled up more before we left. you won't be able to take the train on until we can get you refueled.”

and unfortunately for Spencer they had to call for a banker to push him to the next station.

Fortunately big Emma was already coming the same way and was more than happy to push the train into the yards at wellesworth.

as she left to get turned around for her next trip Westward the Duke and Duchess of Boxford looked extremely annoyed at Spencer.

“ You foolish engine! we're going to be late thanks to your carelessness! you should have fueled up on water before we left!” the duke said, looking extremely annoyed.

“ Where are we going to find an engine now?” the Duchess said being worried about getting to the party on time. “We can't ask the Bankers. they are needed here.”

At that moment Gordon came in with a goods train that he had to drop off at the yards. He looked over to Spencer and chuckled.

“forgot to fuel up on water today?”

“No, I have a leaky tank.” Spencer said through his gritted teeth.

“ Well anyway I am done with my job’s for today and I can easily take your passengers to knapford. I have to go there light engine anyway. I'll be more than Happy to help you.”

Spencer wanted to deny it but the Duke and Duchess were more than happy for Gordon to take them all the way to knapford.

Gordon coupled up in front of Spencer and pulled the entire train down to knappford.

When they arrived at the station the Duke and Duchess began singing Gordon's praises to Charles who was giving his big blue Express engine a thumbs up.

Gordon just smiled as he rolled into the yards to help Spencer back to the water Towers to be refueled.

but as he arrived he saw hushy, Anne and Billster refueling. Spencer now looked extremely uncomfortable as hushy looked over.

“hey Gordon why are you towing silver….” hushy immediately stops in her words before realizing who Gordon was actually towing. “ Spencer? is that you?”

Spencer didn't say anything but that gave her all the confirmation she needed.

“It is you. broken down again I see? What was your excuse this time? a leaky water tank?”

“ indeed.” Gordon said looking a bit confused at his fellow gresley machine. “Do the two of you know each other?”

“ He is my ex-boyfriend.” hushy said, taking everybody by surprise including her girlfriend.

but as soon as the surprise came onto anne’s face it disappeared and was replaced with amusement alongside with billster.

“So this is your ex-boyfriend you were talking about? To be honest I expected somebody a bit more… elegant and refined.”

“ Yeah I was stupid to accept his request to be his partner. he was always so self-interested And it always caused him to break down in the most inconvenient ways.”

“ You tell me.” billster said smiling. “ Back when I worked on the LNER for a short time on loan he constantly claimed how superior he was to me but every single time he did he broke down somehow. you really need to keep your ego and check you dingus.”

Spencer Felt More humiliated than he had ever felt in his life.

and unfortunately for him the Duke and Duchess decided to loan him out to the NWR to hopefully teach him some humility while they rented out Hudson as their private engine for a few months.

and although many of the engines hope that he would learn his lesson from this… suffice to say he never did.

He still claimed that he was Superior to every single NWR engine on the island. But little did he know that next year he would be shown what the engines of the nwr are capable of.

Chapter 78: Edward's exploit.

It was a Beautiful Day on the island of sodor in 1965. The sodor bus company had been running tours all over the island so people could see the wonderful sights of sodor that the railway simply couldn't reach.

but there was one area that was on the activities list that couldn't be reached by road. or at least not a way that would have been comfortable for the passengers.

the sodor China clay company Quarry near brendam. it could only be reached by the railway line. so Charles had placed Edward on a special excursion down his branch line.

The train was seven bogie coaches long and was very heavy. Edward was a bit nervous but decided to give it his best shot.

but as his guard blue is Whistle he was slipping and barely getting the train started.

Spencer who was sitting at platform one with a stopping passenger service scoffed at Edward.

“ they really think they can use such an old and unreliable engine with such a heavy train? he's utterly useless he will not even make it out of the yard before breaking down.”

“ shut up.” Sunny said being very annoyed at Spencer. “ He is not useless and he will get the train out of the yards!”

“ That's right!” boco the Metropolitan Vickers diesel electric type 2 that the railway had recently acquired agreed with the smaller engine. “ Edward may be old but he will surprise us all!”

At that moment Edward finally got traction and pulled the heavy train out of the yards.

Spencer continued to scoff. “ I really don't understand why you use such an old and outdated engine. He will be destined for the Scrap heap you know. it's only a matter of time.”

Unfortunately for Spencer billster Was at the station as wellAnd he did not look happy.

“ Oh yeah, seagul dropping? Then please explain to me why the Duke and Duchess of Boxford even BOUGHT a stupid, hardhead, narcissistic, piece of showoffy crap like you?”

All the other engines began laughing at the insult of the youngest e2p towards the big A4. all except for Gordon who looked a bit concerned for his friend.

“ Maybe he should give up and retire before it's too late.” He didn't say it out of malice but out of concern. Gordon didn't want to see his friend run himself to bits and end up being a complete write-off.

he had done too much for the Railway to deserve that. that the big blue engine knew for certain.

Edward meanwhile Was running along the branch line getting both enthusiastic whistles from his girlfriend and his brother as they passed him by.

when he arrived at the harbor Bill and Ben had arrived with some empty trucks for the visitors to sit in. They had been temporarily fitted with benches so they could take photographs along the line and could fit underneath the very low bridge.

as they did so Willy shunted some trucks next to Edward.

“ Wow, you look exhausted.” Willy Said looking a bit concerned. “you're sure you can take them home? Because you might need some help. especially since there's a slight uphill after leaving the harbor.”

“ I'll be fine.” Edward said that panting a bit as he was regaining his breath and his steam. “ All I need is a good long rest and I will be fine.”

Willy wasn't sure but went back to Shunting.

As the day wore on Edward was prepared for his journey home. His train had to meet the connection at Knapford from where Spencer would take them back to the mainland since he didn't stop at wellsworth.

A short while later Bill and Ben Returned smiling.

“Please come again.” Bill said smiling.

“and if you got any big investors in mind the manager will definitely like a call from them!” Ben said with a cheeky smile.

“Bill, you remember that the manager told you not to try and get any more investors, remember? especially after the last one?”

“Oh come on Ben, sometimes you need to take risks in life.”

“ yeah but not with our livelihoods! you really need to stop being so reckless!”

“ I'm not reckless!”

“ Yes you are!”

“ no I'm not!”

“Yes you are!”

“ no I am not!”

Edward blew his whistle and gave them a stern look. “the two of you better go back to the mine and back to work! your manager allowed you to take these passengers and now he's relying on you to continue with your jobs! and arguing here does not help that!”

“ sorry Edward.” the two of them said as they made their way back to the China clay Quarry.

Edward meanwhile stealed himself for the journey back up the line.

but as he left the clouds above him began to darken and darken and darken. Soon rain began falling from the sky. at first only little but then buckets of the stuff came down.

and unfortunately his Sanding Gear had failed and so the fireman had to hang from the front with a piece of rope and a bucket full of sand.

spraying it onto the track to try and get as much traction as possible. especially as they were approaching the small incline just before the next station along the branch line.

His driver had to concentrate on both getting his boiler pressure right and making sure that he didn't slip. and Unfortunately he wasn't careful enough.

Suddenly Edward felt himself slipping violently. Before the driver could get control back There was a huge crack. Edward felt an enormous amount of pain from his side Rods and his splashers.

His driver brought the train to a halt and quickly inspected the damage.

It wasn't good.

He walked up to Edward’s front to report the damage.

“one of your crank pins on your left side has given out Edward and the ones on your right side look like they're about to go.”

“ really?” Edward said looking a bit concerned as his passengers also began growing anxious. “ Is there any way we can continue the journey?”

Edwards driver thought for a moment before he nodded.

“ Yes we can take off your other connecting rod but you will be severely down on power.”

his firemen who would finally manage to untangle himself and get the sanding Gear working walked over.

“ you'll pretty much be driving on one driving axle. you know like the gold dust railway engines?”

“ I understand.” Edward said looking back at his seven coach train.

“ Do you think you can make it?” his driver said, looking a bit worried at his engine. “ They must be back tonight.”

Edward took a deep breath and looked to head along the line. “ I'll do my best.”

His driver and Fireman gently made their way back into the cab.

His driver carefully opened the regulator and his fireman dumped more sand. But even with all of that there wasn't enough traction. Edward continued to slip and slip as the rain and wind battered against him.

The Passengers grew even more concerned as Edward continued to stall.

His driver was finally ready to throw in the towel.

“ I'll go back to the last signal box and tell them we need help. there's no way we're getting this train moveing.”

“ no!” Edward shouted, surprising his crew. “ I took this train out and I am taking it home! my passengers are relying on me…”

His driver and fireman weren't sure if they're old engine could really handle this heavy load. but there was one last thing they could try.

They quickly made their way between the coaches with the help of the guard and loosened the couplings.

“ there. we have loosened all the couplings between the coaches. you can now pick them up one at a time like you do with trucks.”

Edward smiled upon hearing this. “ That will make things a lot easier.”

“Well, it's our last shot anyway. even if we do call for another engine now it will be way too late. they Won't make it back in time for the train home.”

His driver went back into the cab and with one final blast of his whistle the guard got back onboard the train and crossed his fingers hoping that the train would begin moving.

Edward began moving again. “ Come on. come on. Come on. come on!” he chanted as he felt the strain on his coupling.

but as one coach began to move it helped the other get moving. and so on and so forth down the train until finally to everybody's surprise the train was moving again!

“Ha I feel them moving!” Edward shouted as they continued up the grade.

“ Keep going old boy! you got them!”

and sure enough finally with a lot of steam hissing and puffing he made it over the hill and unto the flat land beyond!

“ I have done it! I have done it!”

“ Well done old boy!” his driver shouted, punching his fist into the air in excitement! “ you've got them! you've got them!”

He immediately hugged his fireman who hugged him back in immense joy!

and they listen to Edward's steady beat as they continued on. They could also hear the Passengers shouting Edwards name and cheering him on leaning out of the windows even with the rain pounding them in the face!

and sure enough as Darkness began to fall Edward began making his way along the line Homeward Bound.

Meanwhile at the station Spencer along with Henry and Gordon and Tara were waiting at the station.

Gordon was waiting to go to the sheds. but he wanted to see if Edward would actually be able to make it. just to be sure that his old friend was all right.

Tara was doing the same. She looked at the clock and noticed that he was over an hour late. and she knew better than anyone that that was not how Edward rolled.

Spencer finally spoke up out of annoyance. “Where is the old tin kettle? He was supposed to be here over an hour ago!”

“I don't know.” Tara said, looking at the clock. “but he will be here! I know he will!”

“oh please that old scrap iron should be put in a museum or turned into Molten metalin the scrapyards! he is utterly useless! and he should be-”

Fortunately Spencer was interrupted by a loud whistle coming from the yard entrance.

There they could see Edward coming into the light of the station being battered, weary but unbeaten as he rolled into the station.

“ I will do it. I will do it.” he chanted as he finally stopped at The Platform. “ well I've done it.”

“yeah but you're an hour late!” Spencer said annoyed.

“He is right Edward.” Charles said pointing at the clock. “ being so late is-”

Before he could finish his sentence he was bulldozed and thrown onto his butt by all the passengers rushing out of the coaches and cheering for Edward.

They all Shook the driver and fireman's hand and sang Edwards praises. Spencer was speechless at hearing the praises this old piece of iron was getting.

After a quick moment they all explained to Charles what happened and how Edward was not willing to give up or wait for a replacement engine. how he bravely soldiered on like a true warrior.

Charles could only chuckle, deciding to not give Edward a lecture about being on time. because he felt he didn't need it.

but as Darby took his coaches away and Spencer Departed Edward just looked exhausted.

Tara decided to tow him all the way to the sheds where all the engines were waiting for them. they had heard Spencer complaining about Edward and wanted to know what it was all about.

and once Tara informed them about what happened they all began complementing Edward.

“ Well I say Edward, that was a fine performance indeed.” Cross said smiling at the older engine.

“ You definitely showed us what a really useful engine is.” Thomas said, smiling at his old friend.

“ you're a real inspiration.” Eleanor said, smiling at the Old engine.

At that moment Gordon rolled into the sheds and cleared his non-existent throat.

All the engines went silent wanting to see what the big blue engine had to say as he rolled into his birth.

“I must apologize to Edward today. I was afraid that he was no longer useful on the railway since he can't handle the bigger loads like the rest of us.”

all the engines remained quiet, especially Edward. Everyone wanted to see where Gordon went next.

“ but today you have truly shown what an engine of the north western railway is capable of. and I apologize for thinking that you might not be as useful as the rest of us. I do hope you have many more years of running underneath your wheels. and know that I will always be there to Lend a hand if you ever need it. because you, Edward, are the true MVP of this railway.”

all the engines were surprised. Gordon the Engine Who Wants boasted so much about his speed and power. how much better he was than engines like Edward. was now giving a speech making Edward sound better than himself.

“ wow. such a compliment from Gordon himself. this is truly unheard of.” lady said, smiling before turning towards the older engine. “ So what do you think Edward? Edward?”

Edward didn't say anything. because he was so tired he had Fallen right asleep. all the engines chuckled. because they all knew that he bloody well deserved that rest.

but Gordon was a bit disappointed that Edward didn't get to Hear the speech he made but Tara just winked at him.

“ I'll tell him what you said tomorrow. but thank you Gordon. thank you.”

“you're welcome. and at least now Spencer can finally shut his mouth about Edward needing to be scrapped. because I'm certain he would never do what Edward did today.”

all the engines agreed as they went to sleep one by one. all of them having a little bit more respect for Edward the blue engine.

and little did they know that this story will be told and appreciated for many more generations to come. but I think we all know that already. Right?

Chapter 79: The tales of the North Western Railway: A documentary on the engines of the North Western Railway.

A documentary on the engines of the North Western Railway.

Written by Glynda goodwitch.

The North Western Railway is one of the most famous railways in the world. definitely the most known especially thanks to the works of the Reverend wilbert Audrey.

Many people know the engines that work on it but maybe not too much about their history or their pasts. I'm going to give you a more in-depth analysis of these engines and what they are truly like.

but if we're going to start we must start at the beginning.

Back during the early days on sodor there were 4 Standard gauge railway companies.

The first one of them was the sodor and mainland railway.

This railway was operated by 3 box tank engines built by Nielsen and Co specifically for the Railway.

One of which you already know. Neil the box Tank Engine named after his Builder.

but he has an older and younger brother.

Clive the older brother and Matthew the younger brother.

 

The three brothers worked on the sodor and mainland railway for many years.

The line originally extended from vicarstown to Kirk Ronan. In later years they were also able to extend their service and establish the town of great waterton further north from croven's Gate.

This extension and the resulting services proved to be too much for the box tank’s so an extra engine was ordered. and In 1874 sodor and mainland railway number four arrived and was given the name Emily after the daughter of one of the board members.

She is a Great Northern Railway Class A2 4-2-2 Stirling Single And became their main Express engine.

 

 

The four of them worked together for many years until the decline of the S&M in the early 1900s.

Due to a bunch of financial mistakes the railway went under but still existed but was no longer in operation.

as for what happened to the engines?

The box tanks were continuing their duties even though their company had technically gone under. As for Emily she was damaged in an accident at Great waterton.

The railway had no money for her repairs and so she was left in the Engine Shed there. when the line was abandoned she was not taken with the rest of the rolling stock. And she would stay there for over 30 years before being rediscovered by one of the newer engines of the NWR.

as for the box tanks? as far as anybody is aware they were destroyed when the old harbor at Norramby was destroyed. Although many people say that they might still be out there and want to have a search around the area it is deemed unsafe Due to the possibility of unexploded material still being there.

so as far as we are aware they are permanently gone. but they went out as Heroes pushing trucks loaded with munitions into the water before they were destroyed. A plaque and painting honoring their legacies have been on display in the waiting room of vicarstown ever since.

The Wellsworth and Suddery Railway Is another one of the Early railways on the island. they ran from Wellsworth all the way down to brendam. although they did not originally reach that until much later in life.

The railway was operated by four engines.

Colin a Peckett Locomotive and the railways number one.

Lily A London south Western Railway O2 class and the railways number two.

Adam a London south Western Railway Adams radial tank and the railway's number three.

finally Tara, a Glasgow and South Western Railway Class 8 and the only engine of the railway to be painted in their Express passenger blue livery.

all four of them worked the line doing almost every single job asked of them except for Tara who was exclusively a passenger engine.

Fortunately unlike with the sodor and mainland engines all four engines are still around with numbers 1 to 3 working on the Earl's private Estate railway and Tara still working the same line she's always done.

Although after the forming of the North Western Railway she became a lot more humble and is now willing to do any job. even if it is pulling dirty wagons.

The next railway on the island would be the Tidmouth, knapford and elsbridge light railway.

This railway line operated between Tidmouth, knapford and elsbridge.

although the knapford section was abandoned for quite some time due to the railway extending inwards to connect up to the quarries more in Land of the island.

This extension actually saw a bit of opposition from the Earl of sodor at the time not wanting to have a railway built on his land. but after the railway was able to meet the challenge of building a railway connection all the way up to his front door he decided to let them run the line.

and according to the history books he had never regretted his choice, especially since the railway had a special engine for him built from Brighton works. Crystallo LB&SCR B1 would be the Earl's private engine and much like Emily would be lost but then later rediscovered and is now still working for the Earls private railway.

The rest of the line was originally operated by a set of four coffee pot engines like number one Glynn.

The coffee pots were actually built to the design of Topham hatt.

These engines would later be joined by two other engines.

The South Eastern and Chatham Railway prototype p class engine called Tanya.

She would then later be joined by TK&E Class 1 Howard.

There is actually a bit of a misconception with Howard. Many people think that he is a London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington E2. but while he may look like one he is not. He proceeded their construction by many years and was actually the inspiration for the class.

but will come back to that later.

Howard and Tanya became an unseparable duo, almost becoming a husband and wife duo as some put it.

Unfortunately due to several Accidents and simpleware and tear and the expense of making brand new parts all but one of the coffee pots no longer exists.

According to an interview from around that time Topham hatt was very disappointed but understood why they did it. The board of directors themselves were also a bit disappointed in this but they are happy that the original still survives.

The last standard gauge railway is the gold dust railway. This railway line is pretty unique as it didn't originally run on the island of sodor.

The gold dust railway exists in two different gauges. standard gauge and narrow gauge. standard gauge was originally used to build most of the railway network directly from the harbors at Harwick and Droghan-y-Claghan.

Later the narrow gauge railway was laid down in order to get to some of the mines that standard Gauge railways Couldn't get to.

The railway was built because the island up North of sodor called shining time is chockful of natural resources. It is also a great vacation spot due to its yellow beaches and great mountain hiking trails.

The railway was originally built by a man called Burnett Stone and Peter Boomer. The two friends discovered the resources when they explored the island and decided to build a railway to carry the resources to the harbor.

Unfortunately they could not afford to get new engines built for the Railway. Fortunately they were able to get some older engines that could operate on the railway.

One was a Great Western Railway 3031 class Dean single called lux aurea. She originally arrived by ship and helped build the railway back in 1900.

 

 

One year later in 1901 her partner Jackland Great Eastern Railway P43 class would arrive alongside Proteus the falcon Class locomotive.

 

 

 

The two single’s Would operate both passenger and freight workings from the island to the nearby Harbor at Droghan-y-Claghan.

while Proteus would work the narrow gauge sections that the bigger engine simply couldn't reach. This meant he had to go through a lot of tunnels and thus he needed a much bigger headlamp.

rumors soon spread that he had a magic lamp since he was rarely seen by the general public. only on the rare occasion leaving the island.

The railway operated like this for many years and until they had enough money to begin building through the mountainous territory quite near the mid-sodor railway.

But instead of going East to Peel godred they decided to go west and dig through the mountains, including building the longest tunnel on the railway even to this day.

special ventilation shafts had to be bored Through The Rock in order to make sure that the steam from the engines doesn't interfere with the operations of them.

This system has worked to this very day. This tunnel was actually built as part of an extension during the First World War. and for a few months they were actually connected to most of the rest of the Sodor railway network but unfortunately some internal tension caused the Bridge to the island to be destroyed and engines to be trapped there.

including two extra atlantics.

one a Great Northern Railway small boilered C1 Atlantic named Regina-Auream who had been brought in to increase the capacity of the trains along the railway especially in the freight sector.

 

 

The TK&E would also gain an Atlantic but this one not from the Great Northern Railway but from the London Brighton and South Coast Railway.

Rex-Iaspis Is a London Brighton and South Coast Railway H1 class. He was also purchased to help with the increase in freight load when the two railways were merged. This is why the Ffarquhar branch line has a much heavier loading gauge then any other branch line on the NWR.

 

 

although the railway has not taken advantage of this in quite some time since there isn't as large of a freight traffic as there used to be. at least not to the original projections Before the war.

Unfortunately the gold dust railway and the engines on it would be abandoned for nearly two decades.

in that time the last member of the goldust railway was built.

This engine was known as lady and is a custom design for the gold dust railway. although many say she resembles the Great Western Railway 101 Tank Engine.

 

 

and while these engines were trapped on this island for quite some time many other engines would be purchased during the First World War as the railways were United to become the North Western Railway we know today.

Its two first purchases were from Brighton works as well.

The two engines purchased were Timothy and Thomas. the latter of whom I'm certain you're aware of.

 

 

 

The two of them have actually very interesting origins. Mr Lawson Billington wanted to build engines similar to Howard. and after some testing he was satisfied that he would be perfect for the Railway.

Unfortunately there was a mix up in the shipment of parts accidentally sending Tanya's parts alongside Howards.

According to what we have been told Mr Billington wasn't really happy since he didn't have the time to get the right parts in from the Workshops on sodor where the engines were being maintained at the time before the croven's Gate works was opened.

but after getting some inspiration he combined the two Sets of parts and Thomas and Timothy are the results.

the numbers of numbers 0 and 1 are a reference to the hour of which they were born.

Timothy was born exactly at midnight thus giving him the number of Zero. Thomas was given the number one because that was the hour of his birth. Originally the Numbers were painted on them as a joke but they soon stuck and are now their permanent numbers.

The two brothers worked for the London Brighton and South Coast of railway as the E2P class the P in their classification standing for Prototype.

they actually worked really well being able to travel quite a long distance before needing more water. they could not do a run from London to Brighton of course but they did have the capability to run longer distances than their later Brothers.

Unfortunately the board of the LBSCR weren't happy with them because they looked like toy trains to the public.

so originally they were going to be sold. at least Thomas was going to be sold to the newly formed North Western Railway on the island of sodor. Timothy's Fate would have been uncertain.

but after being framed by one of his classmates for causing a severe accident that put a severe damper on their war effort the board wanted to get rid of him at any cost.

so Lawson Billington decided to have him be gifted to the north western railway alongside his brother. The board approved this since they wouldn't have to pay to get rid of him.

It was only near the Wars end that it was discovered that he was Framed. the board of directors of the LBSCR did want to get Timothy back but all he did was hiss steam at them and tell them to and I quote: “ shut your mouths and Shove your excuses where the sun doesn't shine and never darken my fucking shed door ever again you bastards.”

my excuse for the rough language but that is according to many people's accounts what he said.

The two of them worked along the Railway helping build it alongside the pre-grouping engines including their mother and father figure Howard and Tanya.

After the line's completion they would be station pilots at both Knapford and VickersTown. they would switch positions from time to time the pending on the necessity.

also some of the stories from the railway series books didn't happen on sodor.

like for example Thomas being pulled behind the Express being pulled by Gordon. This didn't happen on the island nor with Gordon. It actually happened back on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway with rex frigidus.

 

 

Another Atlantic from the London Brighton and South Coast Railway he joined the railway in 1929 shortly after his brother was rediscovered and the two of them have been working along the main line with both stopping services and fast Express Freight Services.

The two sets of brothers are also unique in that they share personality traits like Thomas and Iaspis being very cheeky while their older brothers are more mature. They even share similar color schemes.

But beyond that and both being built at Brighton they don't have much else in common.

The next engine to join the Railway would have been its number two Edward. a furness railway K2 class he is only one of two surviving members of his class.

 

 

The other one being Gull owned by the SMD company.

Edward became the railways premier express engine during its opening ceremony doubleheading the train with Tara who had a problem with her air brakes.

The two of them continue to serve the main line well for several years. but unfortunately they did need some extra help.

This help came in the form of a Great Western city-class, the city of knapford. This particular member of the class has the nickname of the Lost City since according to official records it doesn't exist.

but through some detective work of my own I was able to discover the Fate of the engine. I also obtained special permission from Swindon works themselves stating that I am allowed to reveal to the public what actually happened to this member of the class.

The city of Knapford was the last member of his class to be built and only served on the Great Western Railway for a short time before being brought over to the island of sodor.

Here he became the new top link Express engine being a little bit younger than the other 4-4-0’s on the railway.

Unfortunately this went to his head or smoke box as the engine say and calls him to be reckless. One night a few months before Henry would be purchased he was taking a passenger train that was too long for him.

Timothy, who had assembled the train previously had already stated that he had concerns that the train was too long for him but the city of knapford decided that he needed Extra coaches.

On his run to Tidmouth he achieved an incredible high speed but the problem was his brakes which had been overused in the previous months leading up to the disaster broke due to them being made out of subpar material by accident.

This had actually been noted by the railway's chief mechanical engineer Raymond Roger Warbler, grandfather of Matthew Mats Warbler, the current chief mechanical engineer.

When the brakes failed on both the engine and tender it was sent flying through Tidmouth.

The railway had been extended to knapford to complete the Tidmouth knapford and elsbridge light railways plans for services to that town.

a grand station was being built there to replace Tidmouth as the central hub for the railways operations being at the very end of the line.

Unfortunately the accident would take place just a few months before the station was completed. The city of napford raced into the station and was unfortunately directed into platform 3 which is a Bay platform.

This platform does not run all the way through to the sea and the harbor beyond which had already begun construction.

if this had happened disaster might have been avoided. Instead the engine hit the end of the platform causing it to crush itself destroying its Boiler and causing a massive explosion.

This lit the rest of the train on fire causing a massive loss of life. This accident was so bad that even Swindon themselves covered up the story. Fortunately the North Western Railway had already given compensation to both the families of victims and injured people.

The driver and Fireman of the train survived but have never driven a locomotive ever since.

This accident was covered up by Swindon. They didn't want their reputation to be brought into question especially after it was found out the brakes were built out of a subpar material.

For a long time nobody told the story of the engine and thus it faded into legend as the Lost City.

It was only retold when some more Great Western engines arrived on the island on temporary loan. These engines belong to Matthew mats Warbler and were known as rising star, North Star and King Philip aka Philomena.

The trio of Express engines had heard about the Lost City but never knew the full story as most of it was obscured in myth and legend at that point.

But now that all has been revealed to not only them but the only surviving member of the city class city of truo Swindon finds that it is no longer in their best interest to hide the fact that the engine existed and what happened to it.

That's why I am allowed to tell the story.

but after the destruction of the city class A… unique engine was purchased.

This turned out to be Henry. Henry was an unconventional breed of engine. being a hybrid between a gnr C1 large boiler Atlantic and a gnr A1 Class Pacific.

The design that Henry was originally based on was a rejected design by Sir Nigel Gresley. Apparently, according to the limited information we were able to gather the plans were stolen from him as a rival builder wanted to build something that would rival the new engines that he was building.

Unfortunately the thief he had hired made a mistake and accidentally took the wrong plans and Henry was the result.

 

 

a very poor steamer and wasn't really worth keeping around in his eyes so he decided to dump him off on the first buyer.

That so happened to be the Fat Controller. but he didn't expect him to arrive.

in fact he had been told that he would be getting a Robinson Atlantic. so when Henry arrived instead he was justifiably angry. and was quoted saying: “ I wanted an Atlantic and that son of a bitch sent me that!”

Again sorry for the rough language but that is according to eyewitnesses His exact words.

Henry did prove to be a very poor performer resulting in the later purchase of NWR number 4 Gordon.

but Henry wasn't completely ignored. Although he didn't steam well the times that he did he was incredibly powerful for his size. Eventually an inspector discovered that if they used Welsh coal instead of Regular coal Henry might actually be a more reliable performer.

He did but the cost was very high. but the board of directors all voted to give Henry a chance like every other engine.

with this coal he became a much more reliable performer even though he did have his troubles now and again.

but during the time of Brighton works anniversary the four Brighton boys as they are nicknamed were sent back to Brighton to celebrate the works' opening. Henry was brought along as a backup engine in case they needed it.

Henry would do all Kinds of jobs around Brighton resulting in him meeting Eleanor.

 

 

Eleanor, much like him, was a bit of an Oddball in terms of railway history and engineering.

She was a design based on the chassis of a London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington k-class.

but instead of being a tender engine she was a Tank Engine and much like Henry wasn't a good performer. but unlike Henry she didn't have a sympathetic owner in Mr hammerman.

He abused her a lot resulting in a scar on her left cheek that she still carries to this day.

She was actually due to be sold to help cover some of his debts and thus the North Western Railway purchased her.

She was also allowed to use the special coal like Henry which did improve her performance. but it was clear that they needed severe improvement.

This would come ironically thanks to Mr hammerman.

During their famous flying kipper crash it was found out that he had actually sabotaged one of the signals. He actually wanted to turn it to red so he could hijack her but accidentally had it kept on Green causing the train to hit the back of Rex-Iaspis’s goods train.

This resulted in the two engines being sent to Brighton and crew to be rebuilt into conventional engines.

Henry was rebuilt into a LMS black 5. Apparently some of the locomotive parts could be transferred to its newer form. such as its smokebox and wheels.

but most of it had to be scrapped due to not being useful anywhere else anymore.

 

 

Eleanor was rebuilt into a k class and both are now much more reliable performers handling some of the heavy freight along both the main line and in Eleanor's case sometimes the branch Lines.

 

 

although she can also be found on stopping Passenger Services because the NWR has plenty of mixed Traffic engines now.

The next engine on the list that I have mentioned is Gordon.

 

 

Gordon was the experimental Prototype of the entire A class of Express passenger steam Locomotives for the London North Eastern Railway.

He worked for both the Great Northern and the LNER for a short time before being brought over to sodor in 1924 becoming the railways premier express engine and still holds that distinction to this day.

although something miraculous happened during the 1930s.

his builder Sir Nigel Gresley wanted to experiment on his brothers to see if they could be improved. he originally wanted to use one of his own engines but when the opportunity came up to experiment on the original prototype in exchange for the NWR being allowed to run trains straight to London Kings Cross was an opportunity he simply couldn't pass up.

And after some modifications Gordon became a much more reliable steamer. He now has a double chimney alongside a keel chap exhaust system which necessitated the outfitting of smoked deflectors and finally a bigger Corridor tender to allow for non-stop runs between knapford and King's Cross.

 

 

but another adjustment came in his attitude. Now he's more than willing to pull trucks as well as coaches. He can often be found on high speed freight trains much like the Atlantic duo to help take parishable goods like vegetables to market.

He has also become more respectable to his fellow engines. Many people would often wonder why this happened but the engines of sodor all say that they shouldn't question a good thing.

Gordon also holds the world record as the fastest Non-streamlined steam locomotive. a record previously held by his classmate papyrus.

This was done according to what our sources have been told to honor the Legacy of Sir Nigel Gresley who passed away during the Second World War and he and another engine We're never told about his passing until after the war.

still he has remained humble and reliable. A true example of what an Express engine can be in both power and attitude.

The railways 5th engine is James and he is very well known due to his first day accident. Apparently on the island of sodor after a while it became a right of Passage to have your first accident.

 

 

James is Also known as the Splendid red Engine and is a Lancaster and Yorkshire class 28 modified with a front Bogey to help his heavy endedness when Braking downhill.

He was actually retrofitted with that extension rather than his brother Winston who was built with it.

The two brothers have worked together for years now and are currently working on the branch line to Norramby.

Winston also served for a Time in the first world war in countries like Belgium and France.

 

 

he was also there when the Old Harbor was blown up with the box tank engines and he is still suffering guilt over their loss.

James himself has gone through a massive attitude adjustment as over the years he has been humbled and his true origins were revealed.

how he was mistreated on his old railway and how that resulted in the arrogant personality we saw for a long time.

Fortunately he has now become a much more respectable engine but he has also been working on the little branch line to Norramby for quite some time now. so we rarely see him anymore but in a way that might be good for him.

Anyway those two brothers will stick together till the end of their days.

The next engine on the list would be Percy, the north western railways number 6.

 

 

He is an engine of very dubious Origins. Nobody really knows who built him, only that he ended up with parts from huntslet, packet and Avonside. But he is a very reliable performer if a bit cheeky.

In fact when he first arrived he played pranks on pretty much every single member of the fleet at the time. This would cause delays that end up Having NWR number 1 had to sort out.

Fortunately the Fat Controller was able to put him straight by playing his own little prank on Percy.

ever since then Percy has become a much more reasonable and reliable member of the fleet.

He can now be found on the Ffarquhar branch line helping out with good services as well as taking trains down to the harbor.

He can still be cheeky sometimes but the others know how to keep him in check now. but he still remains to be a really useful engine.

Toby the Old tram engine was an unforeseen addition to the railway. You see, after it Was discovered that there was a law banning locomotives that had not been fitted with cowcatchers and side plates on public roads.

 

 

So the NWR ran into a logistical problem since they didn't have any engines that had these and it would be illogical to outfit any existing engines with them due to the expense involved.

Fortunately Toby was just withdrawn by British railways and he and his coach henryetta are now proudly part of the branch lines Fleet.

He and his friend Tom, who is owned by the SMD rental company, work the little Tramway from Ffarquhar all the way up to the quarry.

And even though the quarry has recently bought its own shunting engine Mavis they are still a very reliable duo.

Toby is also what many people describe as chaotic neutral. He doesn't pick sides in an argument and he doesn't try to “ reason” with either side unlike older locomotives like Edward or Tara would do.

He can be best described as a man who would let you touch the hot stove in order for you to learn it's hot and laugh at you while you're in pain.

Despite that he can give good advice when somebody listens.

The next engine is NWR number eight or Great Western Railway 5741 Montague. This engine is also known by its humorous nickname of duck considering it used to waddle due to a technical error with one of its wheels causing him to waddle more pronouncingly similar to some of the large prairies on the Great Western.

Duck is usually found in the shunting yards alongside his sister sunny. The two of them do not get along as Duck is an engine very proud of his heritage and wants to make sure everybody knows it.

 

 

Apparently This caused quite a bit of tension with the other engines back at Paddington Station where he used to work. Despite that he does perform very well even though he can still try to do things the Great Western Way.

Just like last week when I tried to catch the auto service up the Farquhar branch line he gave the auto coaches to somebody else who wasn't even autofitted causing enormous amounts of delays.

He has matured slightly but duck is still very much an engine believing in the Great Western Railway.

Then you have the Scottish twins Donald and Douglas. The two engines are very reliable performers and do any job required of them.

 

 

 

and although they are twins they are not always seen together as the two of them do like their personal space. They believe that this personal space gives them enough individuality and time apart so when they do work together there's little to no problems.

This has worked for them for their entire lives and it is still working for them on the island of sodor.

The two of them also have a more interesting way of arriving on the island.

you see Donald and Douglas tried to trick the chief mechanical engineer of the Railway Matthew by “ losing” their numbers.

of course Mr warbler wasn't so easily fooled especially after they pulled their little tender swap around.

Matthew was initially hesitant to keep either of them as it was left to him which engine would be recommended to stay and which engine would be recommended to go.

This was a problem since everybody knew at the time that British railways was going to be scrapping steam engines and the two of them would be in great Risk if either of them returned to the mainland.

Fortunately after their sterling work in the snow and them showing how serious they take their work Matthew recommended to keep both of them. but it was said that ignus one of the other Caledonian Railway engines had to hold a little intervention to give him the push he needed.

and speaking of ignus?

Ignis-Aestivus Is one of two Caledonian Railway spinners or single driving wheel engines.

 

 

She and her sister 123 were built for an exhibition and proved to be way more useful than originally intended. The two of them work on the LMS for a long time pulling special trains or just working on smaller branch Lines.

but while her sister remained on the mainland she was sent over to sodor for trials. with the goldust railway being reopened at the time Charles wanted to see if he could get more single engines. to fit in with each other since the line doesn't see much traffic during the fall and winter.

She proved an excellent addition and has been a reliable performer on the line ever since. She was also responsible for rediscovering sodor and mainland railway engine number 4 Emily.

According to the story she told me when I interviewed her for this documentary it was after a big storm.

Her trucks pushed her down the hill and she was unable to stop due to her limited breaking power.

She ended on the Old Great waterton branch line and rediscovered the Old Town which has now been fully restored and is being lived in again as new opportunities have Arisen there such as new factories making stuff from furniture to toys.

Emily was discovered in the old Engine Shed which a few days after her recovery collapsed. It was also noted that Emily never liked that shed anyway so it wasn't a big loss for them.

especially since a new shed was built for the engines that are now operating on the railway line. but I will come back to those engines later when I talk about some of the more… unique engines of the NWR.

Next on the list of engines from the Caledonian Railway are Cardean and Katie.

Cardean Is a Caledonian Railway 903 class passenger Express engine that has been modified to be better when originally built over the years.

 

 

She is in charge of the boat trains from vicarstown all the way down to knapford. She was the original engine allocated to these boat trains when they were first introduced.

and unlike many of the other Caledonian locomotives that are on the island and are around Britain either on heritage railways or in museums she was outfitted with a boat chime whistle since they didn't have any other whistles at the works when she was completed.

As the first member of her class (903 not the 49) She has seen a lot in her lifetime including what happened to her sister at the Quintinshill rail wreck back in 1915.

She's also the only surviving member of her class which we almost lost a second time due to British railways incompetence.

She was the most severely damaged locomotive out of the whole fleet that had been withdrawn by British railways. In fact the only things that remain on her that are original are her frames, wheels, Smokebox and cylinder block.

Most of her had to be replaced but after being brought to Brighton works which is now under the ownership of Matthew she was rebuilt and modified and is now a much more reliable steamer than when originally built.

She is a bit self-conscious, especially when she blows her steam whistle in stations but is a very powerful and reliable member of the crew. she is also part of the lgbtq+ community.

She and her girlfriend Katie are both lesbian locomotives. do not ask me how that works. machines' relationships with each other are different from us humans.

I mean nwr number one and GDR number five are married and are the first engines to get married in recorded history. So anything goes in my book.

Anyway, speaking of her girlfriend Katie is a 0-8-0 tender engine from the Caledonian Railway. She is usually in charge of the mineral traffic coming from the gold dust railway alongside Somerset, the 7F belonging to the SMD company.

 

 

She can be a bit rough and doesn't like bullshit from anyone. She's also an engine who doesn't really pride herself on her appearance. Although painted in a striking Caledonian blue livery she doesn't wash it as regularly as the other engines.

saying that a good day's work will make a washdown feel all the more rewarded.

It doesn't mean she's a bit of a Prude, she's actually a very easy engine to get along with. and she will often stand up for women rather they be locomotives or humans.

She even helped a girl back at one of the stations she used to work at and helped her stand up to her abusive father. She is truly an engine to be admired. and she does have a soft side for her girlfriend but who wouldn't?

The two of them have been a loving couple for many years and are still going strong.

The next engine up is Amelia. She is a Caledonian Railway 721 Class Dunalastair I and the only survivor of her entire class.

 

 

Back during her early days on the Caledonian Railway she was one of the fastest members of her class and one of the few who was given the Honor of a name.

She was also given the nickname blazing Amelia because of her ability to arrive just on time at blazing speeds. unfortunately during one dry summer she was racing down the main line as usual when she accidentally lit up a field where children were playing in.

This traumatized her for a long time causing her to take things slower. her manager was actually getting fed up with her and decided to send her to sodor to have them deal with her problems.

but she admits that this was the best way for her to improve mentally. because after rescuing nwr number zero from an enormous Inferno that nearly burned down the entirety of Henry's Forest she became her old self again.

During the last few weeks of her trial she became undeniably more reliable and a great asset to the railway.

She has also been repainted in the Caledonian Railway royal livery by her own request having seen this on one of her sisters once.

She has also become the second engine to get married as she is now married to Timothy. from what I understand it was quite a sudden thing thrown unto Timothy but the marriage has been quite stable.

even though Timothy is still coming to Terms that she is now his wife.

The last Caledonian Railway engine to visit the island was Sophie The Caledonian Railway 956 class.

 

 

She was the engine responsible for lighting Henry's Forest on fire! After that she was sent back to the mainland.

but not much more is known about her since a lot of her documentation ends after she leaves the island.

There were rumors that she was involved in the German attacks on both Knapford Harbor and Norramby Harbor.

but although we have been able to confirm that she was there we haven't been able to confirm where she is now? no document states that she has been scrapped but no documents states that she is still around.

When I asked the current controller of the northwestern railway to elaborate all I got was and I quote.

“ It's best that you don't look further into this engine. She has committed many crimes and we were given permission to deal with her. whatever has happened to her is classified and will not be revealed anytime soon. it is for the best and for the safety of everyone that you do not inquire about her anymore than you have to.”

I even asked some of her fellow Caledonian machines but none of them know where she is. well all except one. Amelia was the last engine to see her but even she is being very Secretive about where she is.

Perhaps we will never know what happened to her. but after helping the Germans before some quite horrible acts of sabotage I do agree that I should not look further into her.

But as for engines I can talk about? How about velvet and coco?

The north eastern railway Autocar and trailer car.

 

 

 

The two of them are an unusual set of coaches with the ability to power themselves along. although Coco relies on velvet still to move but has the ability to override her controls similar to that of auto Gear on steam engines.

The two of them arrived just on the eve of the beginning of World War 2 and thus they were not used throughout the periods since there was no need for such an unique engine during such a time of War.

She was safe in the gold dust railway sheds. Tidmouth sheds; the main locomotive depot of the Railway was destroyed and thus she would most likely have been destroyed along with it.

After the war was over she and Coco were put into long-term restoration which took several decades to complete.

The reason for this extended period of restoration was because of her engine problem. She and her sister (whose whereabouts are currently unknown) had problems With tackling Inclines considering their lackluster engines that had a minimum amount of power. Which could be a problem on some of the more hilly Roots on the island of sodor.

Fortunately after several failed attempts the chief mechanical engineer Matthew mats warbler was able to build an engine that made her powerful enough to handle inclines with a full load Plus a little extra.

She was also brought back into service on the Ffarquhar branch line around the same time as the diesel railcar Daisy.

 

 

the two of them were able to operate the Passenger Services due to numbers 1 and 0 having accidents due to a careless cleaner.

Thomas ended up accidentally breaking into a station Master's house while Timothy destroyed a car and caused significant damage to a house which had to be demolished in the end.

According to the story I heard after that, the man who used to live in the house who was getting A divorce from his wife was more than happy to give her the house since in their divorce it was stated that he could keep the money but she would keep the house and car thinking they would be long-term investments.

it turns out they were very short-term investments indeed. The man is currently living it up in Vegas having won approximately 14 million dollars. He is now running his own casino there and has reportedly been happier than he has ever been in his entire life.

his wife karen kendersons on the other hand continues her life of Misery while trying to make everybody else around Her as miserable as well.

While velvet was a lot older than Daisy, her much more comfortable cushioning made her an immediate hit amongst the passengers.

and her willingness to take whatever she could Haul with the maximum capacity of her engine made her a hit amongst her fellow engines.

Daisy ended up being a dismal failure in terms of her attitude and recklessness causing her to be turned into a public restroom for the foreseeable future.

The chief mechanical engineer has hinted that he wants to bring her back on the line but maybe not as a diesel railcar. Whatever this means is still up to debate and speculation.

but to be honest I rode on her on her first day in service and I must admit I agree that her seats are like sitting on bricks.

Another member of the branch line is their USA docktank Rosie. She was a gift to the railway from the Harbour Master at Southampton. According to what I understand she was payment for Charles lending the harbor master some of his branch line engines during the whole Road debacle.

 

 

She is usually in charge of shunting and heavy freight hauling along the branch line especially during the harvest season where she is usually kept very busy taking the special containers from the farms to the main container depot near knapford Harbor.

She has also been painted in a Red with gold livery which was very unprototypical, from what she would usually have worn under the other railways ownership.

She on the other hand loves it and isn't afraid to show off her beautiful paint but also not afraid to show off how useful she is by getting dirty.

She does talk with an American accent and sometimes uses American terminology for railway wagons or railway equipment like for example she calls trucks cars.

but she is a reliable addition to the branch line and has always been a true American Patriot.

As you can see sodor does have a great Variety of engines on display.

but two of its most unique engines are the one-of-a-kind locomotives, the W1 from the LNER and the LMS turbomotive.

will start with the LMS turbomotive. She was called in after Gordon was allowed to run non-stop to London Kings Cross. This left the local Express without engines to pull it as the other Express engines were either too busy or just didn't have the power to take the heavier trains.

 

 

She was brought in on loan for a time to help cover Until the railway could find another engine which they found in the LNER W1 which was given the name sodor Enterprise shortly on its arrival.

The LMS turbomotive and sodor Enterprise would end up working together a few times. First was after the turntable was deliberately jammed by James as he was jealous of the LMS turbomotive’s Crimson Lake color scheme.

This backfired as he ended up destroying his own cylinders and leaving the train stranded on Gordon's Hill.

fortunately sodor Enterprise was there to assist. The two of them would continue to top and tail the Express for the rest of the day but That wouldn't be the last time they were together.

 

 

That would be when they took a train across all Big 4 railway companies before returning to the island.

On the way they were trying to figure out a nickname for sodor Enterprise as she apparently didn't like her name.

a girl in York noticed her and Cald her hushy instead of hush hush. This was a nickname given to her thanks to her experimental boiler which didn't turn out as revolutionary as they expected.

The engine liked the name and hushy has remained her name ever since even getting renamed shortly after the Second World War came to an end to hushy gresley in honor of her deceased Builder.

She is also officially the second fastest steam locomotive in the world, only being slightly slower than her cousin mallard.

The LMS turbomotive would later be returned to the LMS and continue to work for them and later British railways. She then ended up getting rebuilt and was caught in the Harrow and Wealdstone rail crash.

This greatly depressed hushy as the two of them had a loving Bond between the two of them.

but it turned out that over the next 10 years Matthew and his wife Ember warbler were given the incredibly difficult task of repairing and rebuilding her to original condition after she was rebuilt shortly before her crash.

The two of them were able to do it but according to what Matthew told me in an interview I asked him shortly after the turbine locomotives return all he said was and I quote.

“ It was a bloody difficult job and I don't envy anybody else who has to go through something like that.”

clearly some wise words. and although it's back in original condition it has maintained its name of Princess Anne or just Anne to her friends and family.

The two of them have been making up for lost time as they are rarely seen apart. They also go to therapy appointments together since Anne has some PTSD from her accident. The two of them are working through their problems together and they both know they still have a long way to go before they're both back to normal.

but they will not give up on either themselves or each other. they are truly devoted to not only getting themselves better but each other too. a true couple to be admired.

Another engine to be admired would be London North Eastern Railway A4 Pacific number 2509 Silverlink. the original A4.

 

 

he was purchased by the NWR to help with the non-stop Express services to London and back.

he was also purchased alongside the original set of Silver Jubilee articulated coaches. similar coaches are attached behind Gordon and hushy on their London bound Express services.

Like many of The Express engines Silver link does not limit himself to only doing Express runs. He also likes to do slower duties so he could quote: smell the flowers more.

Currently the engine is in the Railway Museum at peel godred waiting for overhaul alongside its siblings Quicksilver silver King and silver fox. The three of whom are owned by the steam machines department and will be covered when I cover the SMD company.

The railway is Also in possession of four wd locomotives And some ROD locomotives too.

We will start with the locomotives from the railway operating division which are only two.

Ron and Remy the Great Western Railway 4300 are some of the old military locomotives that worked in France during the First World War. they do not speak much unless they are surrounded by engines who went through something similar to them.

 

 

 

It seems they feel more comfortable in the presence of former servicemen too. they're not anti-social per se but they have seen some very horrific things during the war on all sides.

In an interview I was able to get with Ron he told me about how his sister had to pull a hospital train and saw many many men either missing limbs or just being Dead altogether.

I think it takes little imagination why she doesn't like talking about her time during the war.

but some other war engines include their riddles WD 2-8-0 and 2-10-0 tender engines. named HMS unicorn and HMS illustrious respectively.

 

 

 

These two engines alongside the USA s160s Alec and Baldwin are normally in charge of the railways freight Service.

 

 

 

The four of them were actually found by the current controller of the north western railway Charles Hatt while on vacation with his den girlfriend and her father to Liverpool.

The four locomotives were stored there as they were retrieved from the continent as part of an experiment they wanted to do to see if steam traction could be improved significantly.

Unfortunately the funding for this project was canceled due to Unexpected reasoning that has never been explained.

so the four engines remained there until being purchased by Charles. They are in charge of the heavy goods trains both on and off the island.

especially since the north western railway after a heated moment between them and the national railway company aka British railways now owns the North Eastern section of BR.

the railway has been able to use the extra length of line to its fullest potential.

British railways is still in charge of running some services but they have to fit their trains around the trains of the North Western Railway now .

The four of them aren't the only riddles locomotives on the island.

British railways standard class 6 Clan McIntosh Is another one of them.

 

 

She was actually a gift from Her Majesty herself to the northwestern railway. As the first member of the clan class of locomotives she felt it was a very appropriate engine to be gifted to the railway.

Especially since She was named after the Legendary clan of warrior women who still live on sodor today. although they are a very very isolated group.

The only people who they seem to respect are Matthew and Charles. The two men are apparently some of the strongest people they know if not physically than mentally.

Clan McIntosh initially had some struggles on the railway but they were quickly remedied. It was also thanks to her arrival that later Matthew Built the standard class 8 Pacific Duke of Crosby or just cross for short.

currently she's in the Railway Museum on temporary display. much like every other engine in the Railway Museum she is waiting for an overhaul. but fortunately she doesn't really seem to mind being stuck in the museum giving her a lot of time to think about herself as well.

She truly wants to reflect on what she wants in life and feels like a long break will give her that time.

but as she Waits on what she wants from life and where her places are on the railway we can go on and see what other engines Lie in store for us.

One of the most unique gifts to the railway is the Japanese national Railways d51 Class Hiro.

 

 

Hiro And his driver Aoihi Moeruhi We're actually gifts from the Japanese government in order to smooth over relationships between sodor and the empire of Japan after the end of the Second World War.

The reason for this is because sodor sells some pretty rare herbs that are needed in medicine for people in Japan. The council of sodor at the time wanted to cancel this Trade. Feeling that it wasn't in their best Interests. Fortunately Charles was able to convince them to give them a second chance.

so in order to make sure that Trust could once again be forged Germany and Japan would hand over a locomotive each.

Hiro was the locomotive from Japan. a mighty workhorse that has proven himself not only Reliable but really useful.

and although there was some tension between his driver and the yard master at knapford weiss schnee That was quickly resolved and the two of them are actually now married with one child and another one on the way.

Hiro himself can be best described as a down-to-earth locomotive who doesn't really care about how difficult the job is. All he cares about is getting the job done.

heavy goods is his forte but he can also fill in on some passenger services as well.

According to His history he and his driver worked together on a branch line to an iron ore mine. The line is still open to this day as far as I'm aware but it does pass through a little town called jundo which has been abandoned for quite some time.

It was said that the town was haunted but after one night the haunting seemed to have stopped. but the town has remained abandoned ever since and nobody is allowed to go in without special permission.

The other locomotive was supposed to be gifted by Germany around the same time as hiro. but unfortunately due to some… interference from a quite frankly idiotic man it took too long and sodor demanded two engines to make up for the long delay.

Weiss Was sent to collect them alongside her little group which has been affectionately called team RWBY Since they consist of Ruby Rose, Weiss schnee, Blake belladonna and yang xiao long.

The four had been friends since Weiss escaped to sodor during the war. She was quickly able to rise among the railway personnel to become yard master.

She's known as the ice Queen because she doesn't really let anybody in her heart and runs the Yard with an extreme form of efficiency.

That's not to say that she isn't kind-hearted to her workers. She appreciates every single one of them and does allow them to take time off if they have a good reason.

anyway the five of them went to Germany and collected DRG Class 80 number 80 005 Who named himself Marklin and DRB Class 52 number 52 1942 8 who is named snowy.

 

 

 

The two of them were assigned to the great waterton branch line during its restoration and are still operating it today.

Marklin doesn't say much and just does his work at Great waterton as the town's main Shunter in its newly developed industrial complex.

Snowy on the other hand has a much more interesting history on the railway.

You see when originally arriving on the railway she was a bit afraid of how the people around her would react due to her class's reputation as war locomotives.

They were after all built specifically for the war effort and thus carry a bit of a negative reputation. especially since their main task was concentration camp trains.

Although in interviews taken after the war 100% of the entire class was ashamed of their actions after realizing what happened to the Prisoners.

Snowy indeed felt ashamed as well but she did also prove that her class is able to do good in the world as well.

During a heavy storm a case of Sudrian fever Broke out amongst the populus. This is an extremely rare form of fever that is known to kill you within two days if you do not get the proper treatment and medicine.

Unfortunately the medicine is only produced on the mainland and thus has to be imported onto the island.

but the storm broke out before this vital medicine could be transported to the island. Thus when the fever began spreading throughout the communities of the island people were terrified since all doctors had run out of it.

Even weiss schnee got infected with it. but her sister winter schnee didn't want to see her sister die and thus used snowy in order to get there. but it wasn't easy as they got stuck on Gordon's Hill due to the amount of snow coming down.

Fortunately aoihi, hiro and the other wartime engines came to help them out.

together they were able to get the medicine in time for everybody to be treated.

that Christmas snowy officially got her nickname and her official name. Her official name is winter schnee after the woman who drove her during the storm. but she prefers to be called snowy so there isn't any confusion about who is talking to whom.

Winter and Snowy are quite the dynamic duo and they continue working together even to this very day. Snowy has also been repainted in a beautiful white with baby blue Wheels alongside the schnee family logo on her tender alongside the NWR Logo on it.

That year was also when the current chief mechanical engineer and Controller of the Railway were announced.

this being like I mentioned Matthew mats Warbler and Charles Topham hatt.

The two of them have an excellent partnership with each other as Matthew can be a bit crazy but Charles seems to be the only person to understand him properly besides his wife of course.

And as the years would progress the two of them would continue to add to the railways roster. Matthew would add his own locomotives to the roster over time but we will cover them another day as I've mentioned before.

one of the most unique members of the Railway has to be Tommy. Tommy is the prototype electric locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley. He was originally loned to the railways in the Netherlands. mostly because they ran on the exact same voltage as the British network would run on.

 

 

but after Sir Nigel Gresley’s passing he was gifted to the nwr to run its peel godred branch line.

This branch line is a little bit too steep for steam engines to handle on their own. So it was decided to become electrified but the problem was that There were no electric engines available that were reliable enough so the line continued to be steam operated from time to time.

Usually the more heavy duty freight engines would be allowed on the line Since they could handle the heavy gradients along it better.

but when Tommy arrived he became the first and currently only engine on this branch line. The reason for his name Tommy comes from the nickname British soldiers were given during the Second World War.

Tommy is extremely happy with his current life as he is also able to see the engines in the museum located at the end of the line.

He doesn't really get to see many other engines but he does love taking the engines from the museum back down to the main line so they can be transferred to the works for their overhauls or repairs.

But with the branch lines increase in traffic that they have been experiencing recently Charles has been thinking about adding an additional set of electric engines. but this plan has not come into fruition yet and is still being investigated.

Another one of its engines that is quite useful is their gwr Manor class Ashley Manor.

 

 

An eager engine, she is one of the few bigger tender engines that can actually run on the other branch lines considering her light axle load and power.

Currently it is planned for her to work on the Arlesburgh Branch line. especially after its extension all the way to harwick. although more engines are being looked for to increase the branch lines motive power.

Also speaking of motive power Gordon's Hill has long been a problem considering its steep incline and the long duration.

Many trains have gotten stuck on it such as Gordon himself. Actually the reason for the nickname was that when the line was originally laid over the hill people joked that they should name it after the first engine to get stuck on it.

Unfortunately this turned out to be Gordon.

But despite that the railway has also been seeing an increase in traffic and longer trains do need more power to get over the hill.

fortunately two banking engines were withdrawn right around the time that they needed extra power.

These engines were the Midland Railway 0-10-0 big Bertha or big Emma and the London North Eastern Railway U1 Garrett worsbrough.

 

 

 

The two of them were withdrawn around the same time and were both bought by the NWR as banking engines on Gordon's Hill.

For this purpose a turntable was built on the other side of the Hill so the two of them could turn around for the journey upwards. although only big Bertha uses it since worsbrough can run backwards and forward without problems.

The two of them are based at wellsworth and have spent their entire careers on the nwr there. They love their little home in the yards as there are not that many calls for big heavy trains to be pushed up the hill.

but when they are there they are ready to do their duty.

The last engines on the list however are also pretty unique Since they are not from the United Kingdom or even Japan or Germany.

They are from Belgium.

more specifically they are the Belgium railways type 18 Janette.

 

 

the Belgian railways type 51 willy.

 

 

The Belgium railways type 10 Raymond.

 

 

and finally the Belgium railways type 12 Atlanta.

 

 

They were engines purchased from Belgium to help out with the locomotive shortage after the British railways catastrophe that felled most of the fleets of both the north western railway and the steam machines department rental company.

They were quite useful additions to the fleet alongside the two that Matthew received but we will cover them in another document.

the four of them would be put into Frontline services in different ways.

Especially Raymond and Atlanta since the two of them were given corridor tenders specifically built for them the moment they arrived on the island.

Willy was sent to work at Brendam docks since they needed a shunter there and his small compact size and small wheelbase gave him just the amount of Flexibility they needed.

and of course he had to deal with Bill and Ben, the China clay twin engines that we also are very familiar with from the books.

but just like Edward and Tara and later boco he is able to keep them in line.

Janette on the other hand took longer to get used to the island. But she did get some help from Amelia To help her adjust. The two of them are actually remarkably similar in design since the type 18 and its predecessor type 17 were based on Amelia's class.

This turned into more of a daughter mother Bond over time as Amelia has officially “adopted” her as her own child. This was also a very big surprise for Timothy, her husband.

but the Trio are a loving family and thanks to them Jeanette is able to perform her duties along the Ffarquhar branch line as well as the main line.

The final engine that the nwr owns is its first proper diesel engine.

boco the Metropolitan Vickers diesel electric type 2 Is the newest addition to the north western railways Fleet.

 

 

but so far nothing has happened to him that hasn't occurred in the books. and for now that's where I'm going to have to leave this documentary.

I hope you will join me next time when I will go over the SMD company's locomotives. because I was also able to get an interview with the man himself Matthew mats Warbler.

for now this is glynda goodwitch signing out

Chapter 80: The tales of the North Western Railway: A documentary on the engines of the steam machines department rental company. Written by Glynda goodwitch.

 The tales of the North Western Railway: A documentary on the engines of the steam machines department rental company. 

Written by Glynda goodwitch. 

The island of sodor is well known for its railway and locomotives that run on it.  from the engines that appear in the books to the engines that are in the background working their hardest. 

 but what many people wouldn't realize is that there is actually a second company operating on the island. 

 This would be the steam machines department rental company. Founded and still owned by Matthew Mats Warbler, this company has been renting out locomotives to both the Railway on the island and several railways on the mainland.

 including British railways and several heritage railways.

 Matthew takes great pride in his locomotive Fleet.  we were able to get an interview with him in his home near croven's Gate where he works.

 These are some of the  moments from the interview with him.

“ Well my fleet is pretty big.”  Matthew said while sitting in his chair at home. “and we are quite a diverse team.  but my engines do their best to make me proud every single day.”

“ So I have heard.  and I've also heard you are still planning to add to your fleet. what is that all about?” glynda  said while sitting in a chair opposite of Matthew  with a recorder between them. 

“ Well with the recent discovery of my family's narrow gauge locomotive being intact and still around I figured I might as well expand more into the narrow gauge scene.  I recently discovered a lot of old Quarry huntslets were for sale and I purchased at least six of them. I'm planning to do various modifications to them but for now I don't want to Reveal too much.”

“ understandable.  but can you provide a roll call of the engines you can provide some information for?  I think the people want to know more about them.”

 Matthew chuckled as he leaned back in his chair. “ Well if we truly want to get  the full story then we need to start off with my very first engine. Hudson.”

Hudson, according to what Matthew explained, was the first engine of the SMD company. Its frames were completed back around the 1920s but were left rolling around untouched for out the south coast of England.

 Apparently he was supposed to be built back at Brighton works which is now also under the ownership of Matthew ironically but was never completed there.

 The reason for this is currently unknown but  Matthew thinks it's due to budget cuts or something like that.

 anyway when the frames were rediscovered in London where Matthew was waiting for a train that had been delayed for two hours. 

 he bought the frames on the spot and had them brought over to croven's Gate works  in the spring of 1947. Over the next 3 years he slowly began working on it making several modifications to the original Tank Engine design.

 

 

“Well to be honest he wasn't originally going to be a tank engine.”  Matthew explains pulling up some extra design papers he had with him for the interview. “ I was originally thinking of turning him into a tender engine just keeping the original wheel base.  but at the time I figured  a large Tank Engine might be more useful on the railway in terms of our Express duties.”

“ Yes, the island’s mainline isn't really that much longer than the old London Brighton and South Coast Railway mainline, correct?”

“ pretty much.  so building him as a Tank Engine was the best option.  I was able to make some modifications so that he was less top heavy.  mostly using welding in the boiler, side tanks And cab so those areas  would be lighter.”

 After completion number 334  was named Hudson after the name of the wheel arrangement in America. Hudson immediately proved a great success handling all the jobs it was asked to.

even performing a rescue of the Duke and Duchess’s Christmas train after Jubilee class Mars’s brakes failed.

 Hudson is still Matthew's most reliable engine on the main line but not his only engine. 

“ Well, the next engine on the list was remembrance.  the actual last member of the class to be built at Brighton and the last locomotive built for the old LBSCR  before it was amalgamated into the Southern Railway and later into British railways.”

“according to what I've heard about her you were able to purchase her thanks to a…  Karen at the yards Hudson was temporarily loned to?”

“ oh yeah.”  Matthew said, chuckling remembering that. “ she was such an idiot trying to have Hudson converted into a tender engine similar to his siblings.  She ended up breaking so many conditions in the contract that British railways owed me a fortune.  but in exchange for not having to pay me the extreme amount they would have to, they just gave me 15 engines.  Remembrance chief among them.”

“ and she was then rebuilt into the tender engine we know her as today, correct?”

“yeah pretty much. I was able to do the conversion on her because I wanted to experiment and see if I could improve the quality  of the ride for the cruise.  I was also building a brand new long range tender for nwr number four Gordon.  but those plans didn't happen since I figured it would be the perfect tender for remembrance.  it has served her quite well.”

Remembrance  is the second engine to work for the SMD company.  Currently classified as an LBSCR LX  class 4-6-4  tender engine, she is one of the largest engines in Matthews roster.

 

 

 She can normally be found pulling a dining train from Knapford all the way down to King's Cross on the mainland. 

 while her brother Hudson normally handles the  service that stays on the island.

 The two of them made an excellent duo until the arrival of the rest of the class.

 engines numbered 327 to 332 Arrived during Christmas Of 1955.  We asked Matthew for more of an explanation of how he was able to afford the whole class.  but this was his answer.

 

 

 

“ A friend of mine was able to purchase them and  donated them to me.  I will not disclose the identity of this friend since he Wishes to  remain anonymous.  All I can say is I am thankful that he was willing to save all of those  engines.  my fleet wouldn't be the same without them.”

 After the Christmas party all the engines including Remembrance and Hudson were placed inside of the  Railway Museum at peel godred. 

 They remained there for some time until all of them were brought in for overhauls.  During these overhauls four out of the six would be rebuilt into original  and LX  conditions. 

 but numbers 329 Stephenson and 330 Cudworth Requested to remain in n15x form.  but they did receive several modifications to limit the oscillation they  experienced at higher speeds.  The two of them can also now be found on stopping passenger trains to London King's Cross. 

 The last engine Matthew owns from the old LBSCR  is the only other E2P  ever built.  number 105  lieutenant billster.

 

 

“Billster Is actually quite a unique Tank Engine.  because he has been used in the war effort not just here but also in the United States and during the second world war in Germany.  He was even part of this whole southern shunters unit of locomotives from the Southern region being sent out for war.  He quickly Rose up the ranks and became lieutenant.  It's that experience along with him being the only other E2P  in existence besides NWR  numbers  0 and 1  that made me want to buy him.  and I have never regretted it in my life.”

“ wasn't he the engine that was at the center of the explosion of the old MOD  base?”

“ Yes he was. But I want to put it on record that it was former general ironwoods fault that the base went up inflames.  Billster  is extremely cautious around any explosive material.  There is a reason why me and the fat control are trust him to bring  the explosives all the way up to Ffarquhar  so they can be brought up to the quarry.”

“ interesting.  and was he also damaged by British railways  during their takeover on the island?” 

“ fortunately not.  He was actually still  on loan to British rallies and they weren't planning on scrapping him until 1962 So he was safe.  but I wanted him to go through the whole lone period so British railways would try and do anything when he was finally ready to come home.”

Billster  is currently working on the Ffarquhar  branch line alongside the rest of his family.  He pulls a special train consisting of x Express Coaches and a luggage fan that is used to carry awkward items so the postman has more room in their vans. A very useful commodity on a branch line. 

remaining on the Southern region for a moment we will talk about his  London and south western railway A12  willamina.

 

 

 She is Matthew's Personal works engine and will often Chauffeur him around the island as well as helping out at the croven's Gate works. 

 Usually she will take trains of broken rolling stock or engines to the works as well as help out with the engineering trains around The Island. 

 being one of the smaller tender engines this does suit her very well.  Matthew does also rent her out from time to time to the Earl of Sodor's estate railway to give her a change of pace. 

 The next two engines are  Southern Railway  bulleid Pacific Spitfire and fighter command.  

 

 

 

We asked Matthew to inform us why he picked these locomotives specifically out of the hundreds of them built.

“I simply like spitfire's name but I also felt he had a lot of potential in him.  and I did perform some modifications on his inside valve Gear so he doesn't use the  bulleid  chain driven valve Gear anymore. But now he has a similar setup to the Great Western  valve gear system.”

“ And do you have a Comment on that accident Spitfire Was involved in  at Lewisham?”

“That was a terrible accident and we should mourn the lives of the people that were lost.  Spitfire also came out of the experience a changed engine.  according to what Remembrance told me he used to be quite the arrogant bully.  but now that she has experienced his change she says he has become much more…  down to earth.”

“ I see.  and from what I have heard he was also the engine that helped you save the entire railways steam Fleet from being withdrawn?”

“ oh you're Referring to when British railways began being idiots and taking things that didn't belong to them?  yeah he had actually run away to sodor to seek refuge here from the Cruel treatment British railways gave him.  It was fortunate at that time that both me and Aoihi Moeruhi Were there when he arrived at vicarstown.  if it wasn't for him the Queen might not be here today and the British railways Board would have their heads on sticks.”

“ isn't that a bit brutal?”  Glynda said Having been on vacation when the whole incident happened. 

“ Yeah, that's the sodor  laws for you.  they can be absolutely brutal.  but anyway after that  he became one of my most reliable mixed Traffic engines.  fighter command hasn't really been working on the railway for long but she is good friends with everybody around her.  even the trucks.”

Now going from the days of the sudden railway we go back to the days of the London and south western railway.

Matthew is also in possession of two King Arthur classes named Excalibur and King Arthur respectfully. 

 

 

 He had purchased the two after winning a race with British railways. but wewill come back to that later. 

After their purchase and return to Matthews possession they were painted in a golden yellow and royal blue.  Unlike fighter command they haven't been around the railway long enough to really have experienced notable events and currently are stuck in the Railway Museum at peel godred. Still it's nice to see so many unique engines being preserved. 

 Next we can move on to the  Western territories with the Great Western Railway. 

 The Great Western engine that has stayed the longest out of Matthew's fleet is the sister of nwr locomotive number 5741 Montague also known by his nickname duck. 

“ Well sunny  my Great Western 5700 is quite a reliable shunter and has worked around the main yards at  knapford  for quite a while. although she and her brother don't get along that well. still don't to be honest. I mean I had to break up an argument between the two of them last week and let me tell you you don't want to get between two siblings when they are arguing like that.”

 

 Despite the arguing, sunny has proven to be a quite reliable machine.  As previously mentioned by Matthew she works mainly in the main yards at knapford  but she does take The occasional train down the main line too. 

 next up you got the Great Western trio of rising star,  north star and king philip AKA philomena. 

 We asked Matthew to give us some more Clarity about the engines and why he purchased all three of them.

“I just wanted to have the whole Great Western trio of Express engines.  plus the stars were already on the way out and I wanted to make sure at least one of them was preserved in working condition.”

“ Can you give us a little bit of more information about these engines.”

“ Well, Rising star has only done regular Express duties and doesn't really have anything notable in her history.  even though she came on the island to work while some of our other Express engines were out of action.”

“ understandable.  but what About her running mate  North star?”

“ Well she's a bit more interesting as she is the first member of the class to be rebuilt and is technically speaking the first Castle in the numbering sequence.  but like her sister there hasn't been anything notable in her history.  But as for philomena?  oh boy she has quite the history.”

 indeed.  Great Western and British railway's number 6030  was an unintended extra member of the class. She was accidentally ordered after classmate 6007 King William III derailed and was severely damaged.  but by the time the Great Western Railway had found out about this It was too late and she was already built. 

 She was also not afforded the Honor of a name and became known as The Lost king or Forgotten King. 

 Fortunately after arriving on the railway she was given a name similar to how LNER Number 10000 Received its name when coming to the island. 

 The last of Matthews Great Western fleet is his Knight owl called owl. 

 

 

“ Well there's not much to talk about her either.  She sleeps throughout the day like it's Nobody's Business.  heck according to what I've heard during the war when the bombs went off during the day she slept like a break.  one evening exploded right next to her and she continued to sleep.”

“ really? that's very hard to believe.” 

Matthew raised up his hands. “ hey I've tried to wake her up during the day.  I even had all the engines whistle at once but she still remained sleeping. But when she does wake up during the night she performs remarkably.  She is usually in charge of the night train services alongside Timothy NWR number zero. She's also a reliable friend.  but besides that There is nothing really remarkable about her.”

We now move over to the second  west Coast  based railway, his London Midland and Scottish railway locomotives. 

 The first engine on this list is apparently the prototype of the entire Princess Royal class named the Princess Royal. 

 

 

“The Princess Royal is really a level-headed engine.  I mean it takes a lot to get under her skin and she can keep a secret believe me. She kept the secret that her sister Princess Anne was still alive after her terrible accident at Harrow and Wealdstone. Believe me I'm thankful she didn't  ruin the surprise for hushy when I revealed that Anne was still alive.”

“ very well but what are her duties on the railway?  what does she actually do?”

“ Well she helps pull trains between London King's Cross and knapford.  but she normally stops at more of the bigger Junction stations. but currently she's awaiting an overhaul in the Railway Museum. I can't keep my entire fleet operational you know? I have to have some exhibitions in the museum too.”

“understandable. and your coronation?”

 

 

“Well, coronation can be a bit of a  nervous wreck around the A4s considering they used to be rivals back in the day. but he is a very reliable machine. I am Currently planning on having him be painted in his original caledonian blue with silver stripes. In fact he's in the paint shop right now being repainted. he will go back into the museum Until some of the other Express engines are  ready to come out of service.”

 The two big pacifics from the LMS  are definitely some of his most impressive engines from the London Midland and Scottish.  But what about his other engines? 

 Well he's got a fowler 4F named Fowler and according to a speech  he gave himself a few christmases ago he won him over with his number being 4444  and later on the British railways 44444.  so we can all see why he picked him.

 

 

 He is currently working as a small freight engine  on the London main line. still doing some of the smaller freight journeys along it. 

Next comes his engine Sarah, his Midland Railway compound. 

 

 

 Matthew began groaning in his seat. “ Why did you have to bring her up?  she is a terrible engine and I can't believe I wasted my money on her!”

“And why do you say that?” 

“I Hired her out to a rail Tour company.  They were pulling trains out of Euston station and they caused endless amounts of trouble there!  She was also extremely annoying to the shed master there who according to what I've heard was more than willing never to see her again. I don't remember the guy's name but I think it was something to do with Bill.”

“Really?  then what did you do with her?” 

“I had her pull the most filthy trains I could find.  and currently she is in the railway museum's freight sector and is ordered not to get cleaned until she's learned her lesson.  I'm also planning on not giving her an overhaul anytime soon.  Maybe a long time in the museum will be good for her.”

 While Sarah is a very big disappointment to Matthew. his Somerset and Dorset joint railway 7F  Summerset isn't. 

 

 

 a mighty work horse of the former S&D railway she does any job that she is requested to do. although she, like many of him Midland designs has undergone one major alteration.

“ I got rid of all those flipping Midland axle boxes!  those things overheat more times than my cooking!  and my cooking is terrible!  I was somehow able to Light Water on fire!  water!”

 Like Matthew mentioned he replaced all the legendarily Notorious Axel boxes from the Midland Railway and replaced them with roller bearing ones that look identical but have a few cosmetic changes here and there. 

She is currently in action Pulling the mineral trains from the Goldust Island down to Knapford for distribution.  She does this job alongside a Caledonian Railway 600 class locomotive named Katie.

 One of the more surprising members of his Fleet is gull, the only other surviving large seagull or K2 4-4-0  tender engine from the furnace railway.  The only other member of his class to survive is northwestern railway number two Edward. 

 

 

 but unlike his brother gull has not undergone any modifications that drastically altered his appearance.  We asked Matthew why he did this and how he was able to find such a very rare engine that was supposedly scrapped a long time ago.

“ I actually found them in a shed not too far from our connecting station on the mainland.  When I found him in his  quite frankly terrible state I just couldn't leave him like that.  So I bought him from British railways and I brought him to the Works to get a quick overhaul.  He was still in pretty good condition so it didn't take too long.  and now he works alongside his brother and his brother's new wife.  but I shouldn't say too much about that or I will spoil the story.”

“Who are you talking to?”  Glynda said as he appear to be looking into the distance  looking at nothing.

“ Oh I'm just breaking the  fourth wall Anyway back to the rest of the engines.” 

“ indeed.  Now I see you have the prototype LMS  diesel engines 10000 and 10001?” 

“ Yes I do.  although I did give them the names mirajane and lisanna Respectively after some two girls I met back in Japan.” 

mirajane and lisanna Are the two prototype mainline diesels and the first mass produced diesel class in the United Kingdom.  Although their class only totals two members they are still a force to be reckoned with. 

 

 

 capable of being hooked up together they can pull much longer trains than the steam engines can. 

 they usually take the freight trains off the island and thus are not always present.  They also apparently took part in exposing diesel’s  tricks and the fact that he had framed duck  after a little spat with the pannier.

 The two of them still work together today and are also some of Matthew's most reliable engines. 

But now we must head over to the east coast mainline for Matthews biggest collection of Express engines.

“ Well to be honest a few of those engines actually belong to my wife.  but I'll come back to those later. 

 First off you have my Gresley Pacific Great Northern, the first production member of the class.  He was actually based on an altered version of Gordons blueprints.  he has been quite a reliable machine especially after I was able to convert him back to his proper look.  believe me that took me a long time.”

 

 

“ I can understand.  after all the modifications Edward Thompson Had done to him must have been very difficult to undo.”

“ yeah it was.  I think they should have allowed him to build more original engines rather than having him rebuild all the Gresley machines. some things are better left alone. Still, he is a nice guy and actually helped me undo most of the modifications he did to Great Northern.  but he's not my only big Express engine from the LNER.”

“ Yes, from what I understand you have four  A4 pacifics?  including three out of the four original Silver Jubilee engines?”

“Yes I do.  I originally started out with Falcon but after I heard that  the rest of the original Quartet of A4’s was going to be scrapped I Couldn't stand by and let them be scrapped.” 

“ So you Decided to purchase Quicksilver,  Silver King and silver fox as well?”

 

“ yeah.  I mean I already technically bought them after winning the race with British railways.”

“ Well I can understand why you would.  Anyway, who's the next engine from the LNER that you have purchased?”

 The next engine apparently was Tom the GER G15 Tram engine and Toby's old friend. 

 

 

 The two of them look remarkably similar but Toby is a 0-6-0  and Tom is a 0-4-0. their body work just happens to be the same. 

Tom was purchased shortly after Toby was purchased due to some legal trouble with the Tramway leading up to the quarry on the Ffarquhar branch line. Tom has been working that line reliably ever since and has been the most active member of Matthew's Fleet.  being one of only three engines that can work that line it is imperative that he remains functional.

 even with the quarry owning its own diesel engine at the moment. 

 Still he might not be as powerful as the other engines on that stretch of line but he does have the knowledge to handle the trucks and sometimes knowledge is more important than strength. 

The next engine in the fleet was Awdrey, the LNER j50.  Apparently he named him after  the author  of The Railway series books Reverend wilburt Awdrey. 

 

 

 Although like many of his engines he is currently in the Railway Museum enjoying a good long rest he is also painted in a beautiful blue livery unlike what he would have been painted in back on the Great Northern Railway and the London and North Eastern Railway.  But why was that?

“ I just wanted something different.  Besides, it looks good.  and that's basically all the engines I own from the LNER. The next 6 engines are actually owned by my wife.

 The first two are the LNER B12’s named after some  ships that the  Great Eastern Railway had. We have PS  Norfolk and her brother PS Essex.  the two of which are now  cosmetically restored and painted in GER S69  colors and condition.  The following two are SS Brussels  and SS Yarmouth.  all four of them have not worked in years as they've been stuck in the museum for a long time.”

 

“ and why is that?” 

“because we don't have any jobs for them to do at the moment.  since most of the mixed traffic duties are already covered and none of the Other mixed Traffic engines are currently going to be out of service long enough to justify putting them into traffic.  Besides, they tell me they liked the Museum and I make sure that they're not lying to me.  I don't want them to be trapped there longer than they have to.”

“ Very noble of you.  but what about the two  mikado's?”

“ Oh, you mean Veronica and Hillary? Well those two do have an interesting story.  you see after a…  night of activities during our honeymoon  I had to lay in bed for a while to regain my strength.  my wife meanwhile was able to find the two of them hiding in an old mine near the Scottish border.”

“ What were they doing there?  surely somebody would have discovered them sooner?”

“ not really.  The line had been abandoned for a long time at that point and nobody even bothered to go to the mine anymore. Plus  they are quite frankly very impressive machines. I currently have them painted in LNER applegreen and LNER Garter blue respectively.”

“Why did you  choose those specific Liveries?”

“I wanted them to feel special after being mistreated for so long.  besides they played their part in helping the war effort so they deserved a little reward.”

“ understandable.”

 but the SMD  company doesn't just possess engines from different regions of the United Kingdom. They also possess some engines that didn't belong anywhere.  such as their British railways standard class 8  Duke of Crosby  or just cross for short. 

 

 

 She was built shortly after fellow  BR standard locomotive  Clan McIntosh arrived on the railway following  the Queen's visit.

 According to the stories we've heard he was able to have a talk with Robert Riddles and was given the plans to build another one of the class eight pacifics.  but many people wonder why?

“because the Duke of Gloucester was dealt a bad hand in life  and although I couldn't help him I decided to show British railways what they were missing out on. I extensively modified cross compared to her brother. She is actually quite a free steaming engine but remains on the island most of the time. so many people don't know that she exists. even though she did help me win the race against British railways which allowed me to purchase most of the other engines we've talked about.  although some other engines of mine have been around the world.”

 That is true. Some of Matthews engines are old war locomotives. including WD austerity 2-8-0’s and 2-10-0 Tender engines named Soham, HMS javelin and HMS Victorious. 

but he also owns a USA S160 called USS laffey. 

 

 

 As you can clearly tell some of them were given names after mighty warships from both the US Navy and the Royal Navy. 

But some of his other engines are a bit more exotic. 

 like his two Japanese locomotives, Sakura and ayanami. 

 

 

“Sakura is my C62 Hudson and she was actually given to me thanks to the Japanese emperor. believe me if that guy owes a debt he will pay it back no matter what.  but anyway she actually arrived on sodor in a bit of an epic fashion.”

“Yes, she was on that ship that was sent adrift during that storm a few weeks before the Queen's visit.  I remember because I was there recording the whole thing.  It was kind of epic to see all of the engines on  sodor rescue just one ship.  I believe it shows how much of a team everybody is.”

“ that it does.  but she didn't come alone.  She came With a whole bunch of coaches that have also been converted to run on standard gauge track.  She handles the trains to Great waterton alongside ayanami.  She is my C58 Class steam locomotive.  I just usually use her for mixed traffic Duty.  She does anything I ask of her.  but I do try to treat her well.”

“ And what about your German locomotive Z23?”

 Matthew crossed his arms as he once again leaned back in his chair. “ she is a pretty tough nut to crack.  She just does her jobs and doesn't really complain about anything. I mean she is in a place where people would most likely hate her.  I would understand how she is feeling about that.  but at least I think the island is starting to wear her down.”

“Okay and what about your other engines?”

 Matthews other engines included two austerity saddle tanks and to  fitzWilliams saddle tanks. 

The four of them are allocated to different yards all over the Railway.  but their mainly based at  vicarstown shunting yard since that area desperately needed some extra  shunters.  They don't say much and they don't do much; they just like being in the background and doing their jobs quietly. 

“Then my final two steam locomotives are my Belgium type 54s Marie and Maria.”  Matthew then began hesitating for a moment as he said Maria.

 

 

“ Is there something wrong?” Glynda  asked  curiously. 

“ Nothing's really wrong. but somehow I think a girl with that name is going to traumatize a black and red hedgehog…”

“ what?” Glynda  said being even more confused by this. 

“ Never mind.  The two of them actually arrived alongside the other locomotives from Belgium and are actually based on the Caledonian Railway 812 class.  they do have some distinct features that the 812’s don't have.  but they are still quite reliable machines.  Like many of my other machines I use them for mixed traffic work around The Island.  although currently they are helping me restore the old Arlesburgh Branch Line. But that pretty much wraps up my steam engines.”

“Then shall we move over to your diesel engines?”

“Alright then.  well we already talked about my two big mainline diesels but I do have one more diesel engine.  Darby.”

Darby or Darby works was the first diesel engine to work on the island of sodor.  Similar to diesel he is a Class O8 shunter built at Darby works as his name suggests. 

 

 

 but Unlike his more devious counterpart he is an engine of Great  care and compassion. 

“ I mean the guy literally helped expose his own Brother's plot to get rid of duck and possibly get rid of sunny but he also tried to convince me to give Donald and Douglas a second chance after they did their whole tender swapparoo  thing.”

“ He sounds like a really useful engine.”

“ oh he is.”  Matthew Whispered the next part. “ and I've got a feeling he and Sunny have something brewing between them.  but I'm not going to interfere in  the personal relationships of my engines.  Darby is currently working at Knapford  as one of its main station pilots alongside Sunny  and Duck.  and he's doing a pretty good job of it as I already said.”

“ yes but you do seem to have one more standard gauge engine left.  and his name is Sparky if I'm correct?”

“ Yes he is.  He is my battery operated Loco.  He actually permanently works at the  croven's Gate workshops since he can't really work Anywhere else without electricity.  I do have a special battery car for him so he can travel longer distances but it doesn't give him much extra power to spare. He can work on the Peel godred  electric railway considering there's a special pole attached to the cart that can attach itself to the electric wires.  The car also contains batteries for him to charge himself up with when he's out on a run.”

 

 

“ very well. and what about your final locomotive?  Albert?”

 

 

“ Oh yeah Albert.  man his story is insane.”

Albert was one of the engine’s who worked on the Old  mid-sodor railway before it was closed down.  Although he had been Loaned long before that to the military for use at the now permanently defunct military base he was deemed lost after he didn't return from a supply run. 

 it turns out his coupling rods had snapped off and caught on the structure known as the Old Iron Bridge. 

 He was lost underneath the Muddy water for decades until an accident near a riverbank crossed the river to be temporarily cut off and lowered the water levels in the Gorge where he was in.

 shortly after he Was discovered by Matthew and brought back to the Workshops to be restored.  Although there was some Tension between him and former General James ironwood after the discovery he has remained in the hands of the Warbler family ever since.

 He was actually built by the family thanks to some mistake made By Baldwin in sending over some parts to the mid-sodor. 

 Matthew's ancestor Albert Alexander Warbler was the one who built him and rented him to the MSR  before lending him to the ministry of Defense. 

Now being back in the hands of the family who built him he has now become an invaluable member of the SMD company and its final engine that we can report on for now.

 The SMD company is quite a strange one.  It has quite a diverse fleet of locomotives that keep expanding every year.  but its core values of family and loyalty to each other still stands strong.

 I do believe that with his children this company might have a bright future. 

 This has been Glynda goodwitch for sodor times.  I hope you have enjoyed reading this in-depth review and explanation about the fleet of the SMD company and I hope you will join me for another report. 

 the end 

Chapter 81: 10 out of 10

It was now 1966. The northwestern railway was still going on with its construction of both the new miniature railway and the restoration of the old coastal branch line along with its extension.

Unfortunately there were a few roadblocks.

First of all they had to double check the route to make sure that their double tracked line could continue through.

Fortunately there are no houses built Along the route and they would only have to go through a small section of the road.

Unfortunately they would need to build a bridge to cross the river that ran through the town.

Then they double checked if everything was okay with the local council as well as checking the land ahead to make sure that there would be minimum earthworks that needed to be done.

planning out the root after the Surveyors got back to it was pretty good. the root would go uphill slightly but nothing the engines couldn't handle with even the heaviest of loads.

There was an old factory that had been abandoned since the last war. nobody knew what was inside of it and it had become a place for urban explorers.

Fortunately the factory hadn't been abandoned that long But the local authorities did try to keep people away for their own safety, not knowing how intact the structure was.

Fortunately it will be demolished as soon as the railway arrives At the location.

but still that was years away.

Third, they had to figure out where to put the station once they reached the new end of the line.

but for now they were all focused on getting the Old Arlesburgh Branch line backup and running.

but one day Matthew had been called back to knapford by Charles to have a look at something.

and when he arrived he was actually… confused and surprised.

because there sitting on some of the tracks in the yards were a bunch of diesel engines.

One was a class 40 diesel Whistler.

 

 

Another was a class 52 western with the name Western Enterprise written on its name plate. It was also in a striking sand colored livery.

 

 

The one following from that was a 55 class DELTIC cald Nimbus.

 

 

and finally three class 42 warships. with their names being Vanguard, Cockade And Dragon.

 

 

 

 

Matthew stepped out of Willamina's cab and whistled. it almost sounded like an actual steam engine whistle.

“ Well this is definitely surprising. are these the diesels that the board decided to buy?”

Charles smiled as he handed over some paperwork to Matthew. “ not yet they're all on trial. but if they do behave themselves they will become part of the Railway. But the Harbour Board has also bought a class 07 shunter to work around the harbor.”

 

 

“oh yeah I think I spotted him a few times.” Matthew said as he began looking over the paperwork on the clipboard. “That guy can keep the trucks in line like it's child's Play.”

“ and from what I've heard he is very friendly towards the other engines. unlike a few diesel engines we've had before.” Charles said remembering Daisy and diesel’s stints on the railway.

“ yeah.” Matthew then noticed something weird about the paperwork. “ Charles, I only have the documents for two class 42 warships. numbers D801 Vanguard and D814 Dragon. We don't have the paperwork for D810 Cockade.”

Charles just nodded. “ Yes, it appears he stowed away with his siblings. For what reason I do not know. but I'm going to give them a chance like with Donald and Douglas.”

“ fairpoint.” Matthew said as he continued to look at the paperwork and the engines. “Still this is quite an impressive lineup. and Anyway I'll give you guys a look over in the shed at knapford. for now I've got to get back to the construction site. those people are hopeless without me.”

“ And aren't your wife and your two daughters coming to visit today as well?” Charles chuckled as Matthew just rolled his eyes.

“ yeah, yeah I know. ember says it's good for the kids to get some fresh air. and as long as they're far away from the Construction site I am good.” Matthew said as he climbed Aboard his engine. “ Besides, the coastal air is really doing me a lot of good. still get these engines in the sheds and I'll give them a look over tonight.”

Charles nodded and looked over towards the diesel engines.

“ Now that was our chief mechanical engineer Matthew mats warbler. I'm sure you've heard of him from his encounter with General James ironwood a few years ago. and I'm just telling you he is not as bloodthirsty as people make him out to be.”

Charles said knowing that a few rumors had been spreading around that Matthew was a bloodthirsty monster. Fortunately Matthew didn't let the rumors get to him and they died down eventually.

Still, it was good to give them some reassurance.

The diesel engines all hummed in agreement except for D810. he just growled.

as they made their way into the sheds at knapford they all looked around.

“ This place is quite nice.” dragon said, looking at the sheds. “ I can get used to this.”

“ Well, we must prove ourselves before we can call this island our home.” Vanguard said towards his younger sister. “ you know the reputation diesels have on this island.”

“ Yes we do.” Western Enterprise said, looking at her two fellow Western machines. “ I am still looking forward to proving myself. I don't even care if I have to take empty trucks around! I want to show just how really useful I am to this railway. and I want to see some of the engines around here.”

“ Me too.” Nimbus said smiling. “ I've heard so much about Gordon and I've even Spoken to him a couple of times. He's really an inspiration for us Express engines and I can't wait to hear some of his stories and maybe pick up a thing or two about pulling Express trains from him?”

“ I don't see the point of us being so… chummy with these tin kettles. they are all just out of date.” D810 said growling.

his brother and sister just rolled their eyes. “ Diesel 10 just because they're old doesn't mean they're not useful anymore. I told you that 100 times. besides, diesel engines on this island don't last long with attitudes like yours.”

“ whatever.” D810 said as he went to sleep.

Later that night Matthew gave all of them a Once over, and gave them the clean bill of health. he also made some notes to some improvements he wanted to make especially to some of the hydraulic engines.

He had some German friends on the island who had moved to Great waterton that had some… experience in the diesel hydraulic field.

but as the morning came and went the diesels were sent out on jobs all over the island.

Some of them were put on passenger work but some of them were put on heavy Freights.

like the class 40 who loved handling the container trains on and off the island. but she also pulled other heavy trains Whenever the steam engines needed some maintenance.

but she loved the container train so much that they called her Connie as a joke but it eventually stuck As her permanent name.

Later that day Vanguard arrived at Elsbridge with a stopping passenger train. he was humming along with the tune of his engine when Timothy arrived on the branch line platform.

“ Well you're a new Face around here. What is your name stranger and why are you here?” Timothy said in a pleasant tone which made Vanguard happy.

He was worried that the Tank Engine would treat him with disdain because of what happened on his branch line.

“I'm doing fine. and with the number zero you must be Tim.”

“ Actually it's Timothy.” Timothy said with a chuckle.

Vanguard blushed in embarrassment. “ I'm sorry it's just I… well…”

“ You've never heard of me because I'm not in the books?”

“ well… yes.” Vanguard said, trying to be honest with the silver Tank Engine. “ It's just weird because well… everybody knows the north western railway from the books and your exploits in the news. but you were never really mentioned. why don't you like being in the spotlight more often?”

If Timothy was a human in this moment he would have Shrugged. “ I just don't like the spotlight being on me. I like being the workhorse that works in the background and doesn't get all the attention. I don't need Fame to be special.”

“ That's a quite noble outlook. and what about your famous brother Thomas?”

“ oh he hates all the attention.” Timothy chuckled. “ He may be more cheeky than me and a little bit more immature but he doesn't want to be in the spotlight either. he loves working on his branch line and he loves his family.”

Vanguard could only agree with that statement when suddenly diesel 10 roared Through the station.

“ out of my way tin kettle! modern diesel power coming through!” diesel 10 shouted as he raced off into the distance at high speed.

Vanguard looked extremely disappointed and Timothy immediately recognized that look.

“ Let me guess your younger brother?”

“ Yes he is.” Vanguard said as he looked towards the distance where his brother had disappeared to. “ he has always been like that. Boasting about how powerful he is because he was the one member of our class to be Outfitted with an experimental engine.”

“ really?” Timothy asked, surprised. “ I'm surprised British railways didn't try to market that.”

“ The factory that made the engine had a bad fire and all of the patents and Drawings for the engine were completely destroyed. so he is the only one fitted with the engine. but ultimately I think that will be his Achilles heel.”

“ What makes you say that?”

“ because spare parts for that type of engine are extremely rare and we all know British railways want to cut costs in any way possible.”

Timothy hummed in agreement on that. “ yeah they've been scrapping us steam engines even if we are only five years old.”

“ and it won't be long until us diesels will be next.”

Timothy looked surprised by this but Vanguard just let out a deep sigh.

“ You shouldn't be surprised Timothy. British railways have always been more interested in saving money than actually keeping the railway going with what they've got. It's only a matter of time before my siblings and I will be sent for scrap. this is our one chance at salvation and we do not want to waste it.”

Timothy didn't say anything understanding what Vanguard meant. He knew that if it wasn't for Matthew's kindness billster might not be here today.

The two engines soon parted ways as Timothy headed back up the branch line and Vanguard continued down the line.

Later that day lady was shunting in the yards getting a train ready for herself to take up the branch line.

Most of the other shunters were busy so she had to collect her own wagons.

lady had to pull some coal trucks over across section so she could couple them up to the others she had waiting in a Siding.

but without warning diesel 10 began racing into the yards. going way over the yard speed. lady desperately tried to get out of the way but her train was too long.

She blew her whistle and shouted at him to stop but he didn't listen.

he crashed into the wagons wrecking some of them while at the same time derailing others.

He himself was still on the Tracks but growled as he was covered in coal dust. he growled as he looked at lady who looked genuinely shocked.

“ Are you okay?” she asked genuinely concerned for him.

“ you stupid tin kettle!” diesel 10 growled. “ you deliberately did that!”

lady was now shocked at this accusation! “I did no such thing. you are the one racing into the yard faster than is allowed! You're only supposed to go 15 MPH here!”

“ I was doing that you stupid gold covered freak!”

lady was now offended but it was another voice that spoke up.

“ That is quite enough!”

The two of them looked over to see lux collecting her clerestory Coaches from one of the nearby sidings.

“ I saw the whole thing happen. you did come into the yard at higher speeds than was allowed. you are clearly in the wrong but you cannot accept that.” she surveyed the scene and how much coal had now been wasted thanks to this reckless engine. “ arrogance and recklessness don't get you far on this island. trust me I've been around long enough to know that.”

“Shut your mouth you antique piece of garbage! wasn't your class scrapped Like a century ago?” diesel 10 said Growling but lux held her ground.

“ Actually the last member of my class was withdrawn 51 years ago! And I am still around because I am useful! I may not be as powerful as you but where experience is concerned you are seriously lacking.”

diesel 10 wanted to continue arguing when a big powerful diesel horn rang out and Dragon rolled next to her brother.

“ The single is right! you came into the yard above the speed limit and now you've had an accident! you cannot blame anybody else for it but yourself! Now kindly get out of the way so we can begin the clean up! You still have a lot to learn diesel 10 when it comes to handling yourself around the railway apparently.”

Diesel 10 just growled as he slowly made his way out of the yards and away from the crime scene.

dragon just let out a deep sigh as she looked at the mother and daughter.

“ I'm so sorry for my brother's behavior. it's really getting out of hand.”

“I understand.” Lux said with a reassuring smile. “But why do you call your brother diesel 10 instead of his name?”

“ because he hates his name. so we all just gave him the nickname of diesel 10 since our number starts with a D like diesel and His number is 10 Overall. so from there we get to diesel 10. but he is also 10 out of 10 for brute strength and Bone headedness.”

“ I'm sorry to hear that.” lady said Noticing that dragon had brought over the breakdown crane. “ Thank you for getting the crane for me. I will have to get some other coal trucks now I'm afraid. so I will be delayed today.”

“ don't sweat about it.” dragons said before looking at the mess she passed to position the cranes. “ cleaning up my brother's mess is second nature to me.”

The two steam engines gave her a sympathetic look before moving off to continue with their trains.

later that evening when diesel 10 Returned all the other diesels glared at him.

“ Are you trying to be reckless?” Vanguard said as soon as diesel 10 came to a stop. “ You're lucky you didn't crash into a passenger train!”

“ That engine pulled out in front of me! she knew I was coming and deliberately made me crash!”

“ bogus!” Connie said from her side of the sheds. “ I had to wait for my containers to be loaded and I saw the whole incident as well! she was pulling her wagons out when you came in rushing without thinking!”

“ whatever! those tin kettles are going to be replaced anyway! as soon as the Controller of this railway sees how much more efficient we are he'll get rid of every single steam engine!”

“ I wouldn't be so sure of that.” Mira said as she rolled into the sheds having just delivered some Late Night goods. “ Charles and Matthew are not like British railways! they don't care if you're old or completely out of date! they just care if you're willing to work and that you are an honest engine!”

“ then they're backwards for thinking like that! diesels like us are the way to the Future!” diesel 10 shouted.

“And what happens when we're out of date?” Nimbus shouted. “ diesels like us built by British railways won't last long! most of us don't even work properly! and Diesels like yourself? you hydraulics are always going to be a temporary thing on British railways because nobody in this country knows how to build you guys Properly!”

The other hydraulics in the sheds looked away knowing that this was true. Nimbus noticed this and decided to apologize.

“ Sorry, you guys but you know it's true. even my class might not be around for long considering we our one of a kind engines.”

“ It's okay.” Western Enterprise said smiling at the DELTIC before glaring back at diesel 10. “ This railway does not appreciate having engines that are reckless and arrogant. you need to remember that if you're going to be living here. We do not know what the management wants or needs. but we better be the engines they want us to be.”

“ And what if I think that I'm already all the engine they'll ever need?” diesel 10 said glaring at the much bigger hydraulic.

“ then you are a fool.” a voice came from one of the doors and they saw Matthew leaning against it.

“ just because you have an experimental diesel engine doesn't mean you're invincible. you are just as vulnerable as every other diesel engine under British railways. you are actually more vulnerable because they can't get spare parts as easily for you. now I am going to give you a warning.” Matthew said as he pushed himself off the shed doors and glared Darkly at the big diesel. “ you do anything to harm the steam engines and I will personally rip you apart where you stand! Do! you! understand?!”

diesel 10 just growled which Matthew took as an affirmative.

He walked away to leave but looked towards the other diesels. “ I came here to tell you that your trial will be over within a week. so you all better be on your best behavior.”

All the diesel engines agreed with him as Matthew left them in the sheds.

diesel 10 meanwhile Grumbled under his breath as he rolled back deeper into the sheds. He was going to prove to Matthew and everybody else that steam engines were meant for the scrap yards! even if he had to dismantle this entire railway bit by bit!

Chapter 82: Day of the diesels.

Things around the railway had been a bit tense. Ever since diesel tens accident with Lady he's been growling around the yards in the shadows. 

 

 nobody knew what he was doing and even his siblings told him that he should stop being so darn creepy! 

 

 but he didn't care. He wanted to teach her a lesson!  but he wanted to do it when it was least expected. 

 

 One day he was sitting in the back of the yard watching lady as Trevithick Rolled in the long side her.

 

“ Good morning mother.  how are you doing on this pleasant day?”

 

“ Pretty good.  and you know you don't have to call me mother?  lady will do just fine.”  lady said with a hint of humility in her  words.

 

Trevithick just chuckled. “ I'm sorry but…  you really have been like a mother to us.  I mean all of us l-class engines are working here  and have been treated with respect.  Plus I did love it when you put hackworth In his place after he tried to go 100 miles an hour.  sometimes I believe my brother needs to be pulled down a peg or a million.”

 

 lady chuckled now. “ Well that's the job of a mother.  sometimes you have to scold your children when they're being idiots.”

 

 As the mother and daughter duo continued to laugh, diesel 10 realized something. He might be able to teach her a lesson after all. 

 

 but as he was about to run  to collect his next train Thomas arrived with Annie and clarabel and quickly raced into the yards to get to the motive power depot.

 

 Unlike diesel 10 he didn't go over the speed limit but he did have to cross in front of diesel 10. 

 

 the two of them stopped as they looked at each other not knowing which one of them had priority. 

 

“ out of my way, puffball!  I have a train to collect!” 

 

“ oh  yeah?”  Thomas said being annoyed with diesel 10's attitude. “ Then get your creepy butt out of here!  and stop stalking my wife!”

 

“ why?  afraid I might take her away from you?” 

 

 Thomas then glared Darkly at diesel 10. “ Listen to me, you oversized sardine can.  If you do anything to hurt lady or my children I will hunt you down and take you to the scrapyard myself.”

 

 Thomas then rolled away hoping that that threat would have stopped diesel 10 from doing anything stupid.  

 

Unfortunately diesel 10 didn't listen and thought of it as a challenge rather than a threat.  still he would have to wait for the right moment.

 

 Meanwhile  Thomas arrived at the motive power depot and quickly got refueled without uncoupling from his coaches as he was running slightly late.

 

 as he looked over he saw Vanguard and Dragon  refueling on diesel fuel. 

 

“Good morning Thomas.” Vanguard said, looking at the Blue engine's face and realising what happened. “Let me guess my brother has been stalking your wife again?”

 

“ pretty much.”  Thomas said as his driver and fireman opened his water tank and began the refueling process. “ I did warn him that he shouldn't mess with my wife or my children.  I only hope that he will take the warning to heart.”

 

“ I wouldn't bet on it.”  dragons said, looking towards where she could see her brother collecting a goods train. “ He's never been one to back down from a challenge regardless of who is giving the Threat.”

 

The three locomotives  realized how dangerous the situation was as diesel 10 continued to roll menacingly through the yard.  even some of the wartime engines got slight shivers from him. 

 

 but one night  everybody's fear would be turned into rage. 

 

 One night lady and  the L class engines were sleeping in the yards because the turntable inside of the shed had been broken somehow. 

 

All the other engines inside the sheds were already asleep and didn't know how the turntable got broken. 

 

 all that they knew was they would have to sleep outside.

 

 their fires had already been dropped so there was barely any steam in their boilers. 

 

 unbeknownst to them diesel 10 began Shunting them all together in one big line with lady herself  at the front. 

 

 but she woke up as soon as she felt herself moving at a much higher speed. 

 

“ what…  What is going on?  where are we going?”

 

She then noticed she was being pulled by diesel 10.

 

“ What are you doing!?”

 

“ taking you to the scrap yard where you belong!”  diesel 10 said as he continued to roll faster and faster. “ and once I'm done with you I'll come back and go for the rest of  you pathetic tin kettles!”

 

“ you won't be able to get away with it!”  lady shouted  hoping that somebody would hear.  as they finally left the yards after passing the sheds. 

 

“ Oh trust me.  I already have.”

 

 diesel 10 Laughed as he raced down the main line.

 

 Meanwhile Thomas was delivering his last train of the day to  elsbridge.  He was just about to head home when he  saw diesel 10 racing Past with his entire Family behind him! 

 

“What are you doing!?”  he shouted after Diesel 10 who only laughed maniacally! 

 

 Thomas knew that he couldn't let them get away with this so he began racing after him! 

 

 He was able to catch up with him because diesel 10 was dragging a lot of weight behind him. 

 

“ Hold on everyone!  I'm coming to rescue you!”

 

 all the L class engines were happy to see their father again but unfortunately diesel 10 noticed him approaching and revved his engine even louder! Louder than it had ever been revved before!

 

 He raced ahead of Thomas! Thomas tried his best to keep up but by the time they passed croven's gate  diesel 10 was already in the distance. 

 

 Thomas began growing sad and angry at the same time as he desperately tried to pump his pistons even harder but unfortunately he wasn't designed for  main line speeds so he couldn't keep up.

 

 He was about to give up when suddenly he felt a Bump from behind! 

 

 He looked back to see both Vanguard and dragon alongside all the other diesels on trial! 

 

“ what are you guys-” 

 

“we saw what diesel 10 was doing and we couldn't let him get away with it!  we may not be engines of sodor but we cannot let fellow engines go to such a horrible fate!”

 

 All the diesel engines honked their horns in unison as they raced down the main line pushing Thomas at much faster speeds and he had ever traveled before. 

 

 They raced off the island and down the main line.  Fortunately the signalman had not changed the points so they were able to track Diesel 10’s exact movements.

 

 Unfortunately due to his speed he was over an hour ahead of them.  and he had threatened a few Signalmen to  switch the points behind him.

 

 so it would still take a while for them to find him.

 

 Meanwhile diesel 10 had arrived at his Destination. It was a large scrap yard. 

 

 rusting hulks of metal We're everywhere.  The entire  locomotive family looked a bit frightened as diesel 10 shunted them into the sidings. 

 

 He decided to isolate lady so when the screams from her children would come she would not be able to see them or comfort them.

 

 The siding he decided to drop her in was a bit awkward. 

 

 he had to run backwards before switchbacking onto another track.  The buffers behind him were fully loaded with razor sharp pieces of scrap.  ready to be melted down tomorrow.

 

“ I hope you're going to enjoy this.”  diesel 10 said smiling at lady who glared at him. “ because tomorrow you're not going to be here anymore!”

 

“ My husband will have your radiator for this!”  lady spat hoping to frighten diesel ten a little.  but unfortunately he just smiled.

 

“ Your husband is a weak pathetic Tank Engine.  What can he do to me?  my engine is 10 times more powerful than he will ever be!”

 

 lady remained silent.  knowing that even if Thomas was able to find them he wouldn't be able to do much against such a powerful diesel engine.

 

 but just as diesel 10 was about to leave a very familiar whistle sounded Throughout the scrap yard. 

 

Thomas charged at diesel 10 ramming straight into him!  diesel 10 tried using the power of his engine to push him back!  but unfortunately him revving his engine earlier to  get away from Thomas before Had unintentionally damaged his engine!

 

 as Thomas was Pushing him backwards with a surprising amount of grip and traction diesel 10 had to rev his engine again! only this time it wouldn't survive such a high amount of revs! 

 

 he felt a shock run through his engine room as his cylinder heads blew off smashing into his internal walls causing his engine to Sputter and leak out flames! 

 

 Thomas, using this moment of shock to his advantage pushed with all of his might.

 

 he smashed the big diesel through the buffers slamming his backside into the sharp pieces of metal destroying his rear cab! 

 

 as Thomas backed up a big heap of scrap began tumbling on top of him. 

 

 a mechanical claw slammed onto his roof hitting him in the face at the same time. 

 

Diesel 10 glared at Thomas as he was still in an enormous amount of pain.

 

“ You think you're clever for pushing me off the rails puffball!  once I get back on the Tracks I'm going to rip you to bits!  and I'm gonna make sure you're little Wifey watches every single-”

 

“ Shut your damn hole!”  Thomas said in such a dark tone that diesel 10 actually went silent for a minute.  Unfortunately Thomas wouldn't remain silent.

 

“ You're going to listen to me and you're going to listen to me well!  I do not appreciate that you try to kill my entire family here!  if you ever manage to find your way back to sodor I'm going to hunt you down  and personally shove you into the sea!  and if that doesn't work I'll then bring you to the old lead mine on my branch line and let you fall into one of the pits!  I will make sure that every time you return to sodor you will leave empty-handed and more damaged than before!  Do!  You!  Under!  Stand!”

 

 diesel 10 didn't show it but he was actually afraid of Thomas at that moment. 

 

 Thomas quickly recovered lady and they began making their way to the main section of the yard where all their children were being rescued by the diesels.

 

 Unfortunately there were no more paths for them to take so they would have to wait until the morning.  

 

Fortunately the scrap yard owner, a Mrs saffron Ark Was extremely apologetic and informed Matthew and Charles right away of their location.

 

 The next morning Charles and Matthew arrived on board of Mira  and looked at the scene.

 

“ Well this is definitely  not what I expected when I decided to put you guys on trial.”  Charles said as he and Matthew began inspecting the l-class engines for any damage.

 

“ Actually Charles, I kind of expected something like this could happen but yeah this was even unheard of for me.  still everybody looks to be in good shape so no harm done.”

 

“ well except for diesel 10 who has just had  his cab crushed and his engine destroyed by my husband.” lady said with a smile as all the other engines looked shocked. 

 

 Connie whispered to Western Enterprise. “ remind me never to make that blue one angry.”

 

 At that moment saffron arrived and Began apologizing.

 

“ I am so sorry for this. I had no idea that your engines were being brought here against their will.”

 

“ Well I believe you.”  Charles said as he gave a sympathetic smile towards the scrap yard owner. “ Besides nobody got seriously damaged besides the  one who decided that it was a good idea to take my engines for scrap…  again.”

 

“ Well technically mostly my engines Charles but I agree with you there.”  Matthew said while crossing his arms. “ The only problem is what's going to happen to diesel 10 now?  surely British railways wants to get him fixed.”

 

 everybody grew a bit tense before saffron spoke up again. “ Actually I have been given orders to scrap him on the spot.  Apparently the damage I  described to the inspector and him having a look inside of him Was way worse than originally thought.  he would need his entire engine to be replaced and his rear Cab to be rebuilt completely.”

 

 the other warships  winsed as they heard this. 

 

“ So yeah he's being scrapped today.  and by the way I don't usually scrap engines because it takes way too long. I usually just scrap rolling stock. although I do try to Save what I can for preservation.”

 

“ really?”  Matthew said being a bit surprised to hear this.

 

“Yeah somebody has to.”  she said with a smile before something came to her mind. “ Hey, before you guys leave do you wanna have a look at something?”

 

“ depends on what that something is?”  Matthew said as they followed saffron  to one of the back lots of the yard. 

 

 there sitting in the Workshops of the area was a 4-4-2 Great Northern large boilered C1 Atlantic.  in its original GNR  Green!

 

 Matthew actually looked impressed. “ you have a GNR Atlantic?  I thought most of these were scrapped back during the 50s?”

 

“ yes but one of them came here.  and I couldn't bring myself to scrap it.  So me and my wife Terra  have been slowly restoring her over these last couple of years.  She has a Boiler certificate as of last week and we are Just waiting for a place for her to call home.  I was wondering if sodor could be her home?”

 

 The two men looked at each other but Charles decided to shake his head.

 

“ I'm sorry we already got plenty of atlantics back home.  including a small boilerd version of this one.” Charles said pointing at the Atlantic. 

 

“ but will certainly keep an ear out for if anybody wants to buy one.”

 

“I've already tried that!” saffron said, seeming a bit desperate. “ Nobody can handle buying her or even taking care of her! Please just give her a chance!”

 

“ It's okay  saffron.”  the Atlantic said, smiling at the scrap woman. “ It's okay that you tried.  and I'm certain there will be somebody to buy me eventually.  I'm just hoping that Gordon still has a good life.”

 

 Matthew and Charles were walking away but they both stopped immediately at hering Gordons name.

 

“ Did you say Gordon?”  Charles said looking at the Atlantic  who now looked a bit nervous.

 

“ Yes sir.”

 

“And your Talking about Gordon the A0?”  Matthew said, beginning to Stroke his beard in Interest. 

 

“ Yes sir.  The two of us worked together on the GNR  before it was amalgamated into the LNER  and he was sold to the NWR  after the grouping.  I haven't really been able to see him since.  I just hope he's okay.”

 

 The two men looked at each other and then backed to the Atlantic. “ your name doesn't happen to be Alice now is it?”

 

“ Yes it is.”  Alice said, smiling at the two men. “ It's an honor to meet you two. but I do hope you guys can find me a real home soon. I just really want a chance to work again.”

 

 

 The two men looked at each other and then gestured for Saffron to follow  them to her office.

 

 Alice looked confused until Mira attached herself to her front and she was pulled towards the entrance of the yards where all the other engines were waiting. 

 

 she was confused until saffron gave two thumbs up and Matthew showed her the paperwork saying that she had been officially purchased by the NWR.

 

“We found an extra space in the sheds you can have.”  Matthew said with a wink which made Alice even happier. 

 

 As all of them began making their way back to Sodor  the steam engines were chatting giving Alice the  history of The Island and which engines are currently working there. 

 

 Meanwhile the diesels were silent.  they weren't certain if Charles was going to keep them after this disaster. 

 

 When they arrived back on the island it was already morning and all the other engines were at work. 

 

 The Turntable had been fixed so they could all go into the sheds to get Some rest. 

 

 The diesels meanwhile went back to knapford sheds for their rest.

 

 That evening Charles came over towards the sheds and began walking up and down. 

 

 The diesel engines were nervous before Charles stopped right in the center of them and turned towards them.

 

“ In all my years running the railway I've never seen a trial so…  interesting shall we say.  besides the one from Donald and Douglas I've heard about. but like with them I needed to make a decision.  a decision on which of you I should keep and which of you I should be sending back to the mainland.  And I have made my choice.”

 

 some of the diesel engines looked solemn Knowing that the ones  that would return to the mainland might get scrapped within a few years. 

 

“ And I have decided to keep every single one of you except diesel 10 of course.”

 

 all the engines looked up in surprise at hearing this.

 

“ you're really going to keep us all?”  western Enterprise said both being happy and confused. “ after everything that has happened?” 

 

“ after everything that diesel 10 has done?  Yes.”  Charles said as he began walking from one side of the sheds to the other again as he began pointing out the reasons why he wanted to keep them.

 

“The five of you have shown the qualities I look for in an engine.  respectable, reliable and really useful  for one thing.  but also Humble,  kind  and willing to Spring to the Call of Duty when an emergency arises.  you have all more than deserved your spots on my railway.” 

 

The diesel engines were so happy they didn't know what to say.  but finally  Nimbus spoke up.

 

“ sir we promise you we will not let your faith in us go to waste!” 

 

“ I know.  now you guys will be put into traffic the day after tomorrow.  for now I'm going to handle the paperwork and I want you to have a nice deserved rest.” 

 

 The diesel engines were happy as they were now official members of the  North Western Railway.

 

 Later at night Gordon returned from his run to London.  he was exhausted.  so he decided to make his way to Tidmouth sheds after leaving his coaches in the sidings for the Shunters to deal with. 

 

 as he rolled into the sheds he realized that it was actually completely empty.  all the other engines were at work so he would have the sheds all to himself.

 

“ a nice quiet shed to get some rest.”  Gordon said before yawning. “ I hope Charles has some slower jobs for me tomorrow.  I could use a break from high speed running.  maybe a goods train or two…  yeah that would be nice.” 

 

“Well Gordon it's good to see that you finally decided to take some goods trains now and again.  you really have grown as an engine.”

 

“ thank you Alice…”  Gordon said as he  rolled into his birth and was about to sleep when suddenly his eyes sprung open and he looked next to him! Alice was being cleaned and prepared for work the next day.

 

“Alice!  what are you doing here?!”  Gordon said being both surprised and happy to see his old friend again. 

 

“ I have recently been purchased by the NWR  to work alongside you guys.” 

 

 Gordon was overjoyed to hear this. 

 

 At that moment the other Atlantic’s began rolling into the sheds and noticed that there was a new one of them in the sheds.

 

“ Well this is exciting.” Rex-Iaspis Chuckled looking at the new Atlantic. “ another Atlantic to join us?  where do they keep finding all of these engines?”

 

 everybody chuckled as Alice decided to introduce herself.

 

“ Hello everyone I am Alice the  Great Northern Railway ivatt C1 large boiler Atlantic.”

 

“ It's good to meet you, Alice.  my name is Regina-Auream And I am also a GNR C1 Atlantic but I'm the small boiler version.”

 

“ Wow, I haven't seen one of you guys in  decades.  and who are your 3 friends here?”

 

“Will I Am London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh Atlantic H1 Rex-Iaspis And this is my twin brother Rex frigidus.” Rex-Iaspis Said with a hint of Pride in his voice.

“ It's nice to meet you, Alice.”  frigidus said as he then looked over towards the last of the atlantics.

 

“ and this is the Belgium state railway's type 12 Atlantic Atlanta.  The railway purchased her a few years back from Belgium. you'll be mostly working with us I think.”

 

“ Well, I'm looking forward to it. and I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my days on this railway.  especially if I could continue working alongside Gordon.  It has been far too long since  the two of us were together.”

 

“ yes…  yes it has.”  Gordon said with a little hint of a blush. 

 

 but as for what this means?  well my dear readers you're going to have to find out another day. 

 

 Meanwhile I got 50 kegs of beer to deliver. 

Chapter 83: Engines of mid-sodor

A lot of things happened on the island of sodor over the next couple of years.

 

The Arlesdale mid-sodor miniature railway  had been completed to about the halfway point.  The trains began running with  Bert,  Rex and Mike the miniature engines Matthew was able to  purchase for this railway would be running it alongside a diesel engine built on site. 

 

 This did cause a little bit of problems because the  Reverend Wilbert Awdry  and his friend Teddy Boston had come over to see this new railway in action.

 

 and if you've seen the books you know what happened. 

 

 and if you've seen the books you will also know what happened after that.

 

 Flying Scotsman coming to visit,  Henry performing his absolutely legendary super rescue,  Bear becoming an official member of the north western railway  and Duck getting his own branch line.

 

 although he wouldn't be running it alone.

 

 After the discovery of Oliver thanks to Douglas rescuing him from a yard on the other railway he would officially have a running parkner alongside the other Great Western locomotives  the nwr owned.

 

 like the miniature railway there were still extending but the extension was proceeding at an excellent pace. 

 

( note The reason I am not retelling the other stories that took place between 1966 and 1969 is because I really don't have any inspiration that could make those stories better.  sorry if you were excited to read those stories.  but if you have paid attention to the years I have shown then you will know what is coming next.)

 

Matthew meanwhile had been busy raising his family and completing the extension projects. 

 

 The extension of the miniature railway was going as planned since they were using the original Track bed of the mid-sodor Railway.

 One Day Matthew was returning from a day at work on the miniature railway extension when he noticed willbert and teddy  sitting at a table in the railway cafe looking over some old maps.

 

“ gentleman, are you trying to help us survey the route we're going to need to take?”  Matthew joked and the men chuckled as he took a seat.

 

“ No Matthew, we are trying to find Duke.”  wilbert explained as went back to looking at the map.

 

“ Duke?  what duke?”  Matthew asked, looking curious. “ because if you're looking for the Duke of sodor he is at Ulfstead castle.  there's an excursion train leaving there next morning if you need to see him that badly.”

 

“ no no.  we're not looking for the man, we're looking for the engine.”  Teddy explained as he pulled out an old postcard From the mid-sodor days.

 

 Matthew grabbed it and immediately recognized the Brown engine  with blue coaches Behind him dropping off Picnickers. “ oh you're looking for that Duke!  man I thought he had been scrapped.  I mean I couldn't find any other records of where he went so I assumed he was scrapped.  so you're saying he's still out there?”

 

“ We have a strong assumption that he is still out there.”  Willbert explained as he began folding up the maps as they're tea Arrived . “ There are no records of him being scrapped in any scrap yard on the island or beyond. We were able to ask some of the workers who worked on the  mid-sodor as well as his former driver and firemen.  they said he was left at the Old workshops.”

 

“ And you haven't gone there because?”  Matthew said being confused at this.

 

“ because they had three main workshops.  one at each end of the line and one that is currently  not marked on any map.”  Teddy explained putting his  head in his hand. “ We have been almost up and down the entire old track bed of the MSR.  and we've come up with nothing!”

 

“ Well what do you want to do with him if you do find him?”  Matthew said, stroking his beard. 

 

“ We want to find him and  have him restored so he can work alongside his old friends again.”  Wilbert explained as he began massaging his temple. “ if only we knew where this mystery workshop was located!”

 

“ It was located at the Old Arlesdale Sheds. It's not too far from  the town of Arlesdale  itself.  In fact me and the boys are about to reach it within a few weeks.  If you want, we can go up there together. because if Duke is anywhere he is there.”

 

 The two men looked surprised and began putting their hands together thanking god for giving them Matthew that day. 

 

“ Thank you Matthew!  we were about to give up!  but if your certain Duke is at the Old sheds then we'll follow you anywhere." Wilbert said with a smile.

 

“ me and the girls as well.” 

 

 Everybody looked behind them to see Ember smiling as she wanted to check on her husband. 

 

 Matthew did not look pleased at the suggestion that his daughters would follow them. “ Ember, we don't know how safe that location is.  I don't want the kids to get seriously injured when they're that young.  it could scar them for life!”

 

“ true. But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them.  Besides, is it any different from you taking on general ironwood with  a katana blade on an old iron bridge?”

 

 Matthew let out a deep sigh. “ you are never going to let me live that down are you?”

 

“ nope.”  Ember said with a quick kiss on his cheek. 

 

“ Fine, the girls can come.  but only if you promise to keep an eye on them. I don't want Loona and Aurora To get injured.” Matthew said being concerned for his  daughters.

 

Loona Laura warbler and Aurora Adele wobbler  were Matthew and Ember's twin daughters.  While Aurora was a lot more outgoing Loona  seemed to have a little bit of trouble adjusting to the crowds her sister was much more used to.  didn't mean the sisters had a Rivalry or anything. 

 

 Matthew and Ember treated them both equally and did not give anybody special treatment.

 

 Still  Matthew was a bit concerned about their safety.  but he knew he Couldn't protect them from everything and thus allowed them to come along with them on the trip.

 

 The next morning after catching the train from their home towards the new miniature railway and then stopping at Arlesdale the group prepared for the  difficult journey to the old sheds.

 

 As they were pushing away  some branches aurora looked at her sister. 

 

“ isn't this exciting!”  she said, skipping along the  old track bed. “ It's like an actual adventure!  you know like the ones you read in your books?” 

 

Loona  just held her shoulder looking a bit awkward. “ I don't know.  I mean…  I'm trying to be excited but…  father does not look happy that we're here.  Do you think he's concerned about our safety?”

 

 Aurora stopped skipping and gave her sister a hug. “ he's just trying to protect us.  It is his job after all.  I'm certain he wouldn't put us in any danger.”

 

Loona  felt a lot better as they continued to follow the adults.

 

 After about 10 minutes teddy grew a little Impatient.

 

“ Matthew, are you certain we're going  the right way?  I mean I haven't seen-”  before he could finish his sentence his foot caught on something and he almost ended up face planting into some rocks before Matthew caught him by the back of his clothes and pulled him back up.

 

 Everybody looked surprised as they could see an old railway platform. The tracks were still in place but were heavily overgrown. The platform itself looked like it needed some TLC  before it could ever be used.  not like there was a use for it at the moment. 

 

 as they all got onto the platform they could see the sign Reading Arlesdale  which was a little bit faded  but still readable.

 

“ So this is the old station for the sheds?”  wilbert said, looking around with a bit of confusion. “But I don't see any sheds here?  Are you certain where at the right location Matthew?”

 

Matthew looked up  at the mountainside near them through the trees. “ were definitely at the right location.  I can see the Mountain Road from here.” 

 

 he pointed at what looked to be an old cliff top line that also would need a lot of work from what they could see at the bottom.

 

“But I don't see any sheds?” Ember said, looking around. “Are you absolutely certain  this is where we were supposed to be?” 

 

“ positive.”  Matthew said, pulling out some old photos. 

 

One of which showed the exact station they were at with the old sheds nearby. 

 

“ These photos don't lie.  We are at the right station.  we just need to look around a bit.”  Matthew said, looking at the  piles of dirt  and rocks in front of them. “ my best guess is that over time the sheds got Buried underneath mud slides from the mountains.”

 

“ Then won't the shed be crushed?”  Teddy said being a bit concerned that Duke might have been crushed.  

 

Fortunately Matthew shook his head. “ That is impossible. My great grandfather built those sheds himself!  and when he built something he built it to last!  I mean look at Albert.  He fell down from a bridge into a river and he was pretty much intact. He knew how to build Things to last.”

 

 Everybody agreed and began looking around.  Fortunately Matthew had brought some extra equipment with him just in case.  including shovels and buckets alongside  a long extendable ladder. 

 

 As the day went on nobody found anything. 

 

 Teddy began grumbling as nothing had been found yet. “There are no sheds here.  Matthew must be as crazy as people tell me he is.  I mean he's a good guy but I don't see any-”

 

 once again he didn't complete his sentence as suddenly the ground gave away underneath him! 

 

 he fell down and landed on something very hard splitting his legs sideways causing considerable pain on his crotch. 

 

 Everybody immediately began running over with Ember holding the kids back at The Platform  to keep them safe.

 

 Fortunately even Aurora knew better than to get into such a mess. 

 

 Wilbert looked down the hole towards his friend. “ Teddy, are you alright?”

 

“ I am Wilbert.  but as for my Holy Cross  is going to need some time to recover.”

 

“ Where did this sinkhole come from?”  Ember said looking down as Matthew Dropped a torch down into the hole and Teddy was able to catch it on the first go.

 

“ Do you see anything down there?”  Matthew said after providing the light. “ because I'd rather know what's down there before I give you the ladder.”

 

“ Nothing really.  I landed on something hard and…  and…”

 

“ and what?”  Matthew asked as he Pointed a light down. 

 

 Everybody looked shocked as what looked to be a water filler cap appeared out of the darkness.  Then they saw a dome and finally a funnel!

 

“ We found him!”  Teddy shouted excitedly! “ We found our Sleeping Beauty!”

 

 suddenly they heard a yawn. “Excuse me.  You are not a vandal are you?  My driver told me to be careful of vandals.  that they come in and Break  things.”

 

 

“ Heaven's no.”  Teddy said as he slid off The Saddle tank and looked at the nameplate that  said Duke. “ I'm quite the respectable man.  I just had to…  drop in because we couldn't find your door.”

 

“Well then that's at least a good excuse.  but is my door really that inaccessible to you?  did you really have to come in through the roof?”

 

“ Well considering you're buried underground I think so.”  Matthew said as he approached the engine with a big smile. 

 

 Although Duke was covered in cobwebs and his paintwork looked like  it needed a lot of attention overall he was in perfect condition.

 

“ What is it with my family and finding  old mid-sodor engines?  I mean I found one at the bottom of a Ravine and another one in the old military base and now one in the old sheds!  man three out of the three is very impressive.”

 

“ Excuse me but who are you?”  Duke said, looking at Matthew. “ You seem a little familiar…  but I just can't place it.”

 

 Matthew crossed his arms and smiled. “ Well you wouldn't have known my father but you would have known my grandfather and great grandfather.”

 

“ And who exactly were they?  did they work for the Railway?” 

 

“ You could say that.  After all Albert Alexander Warbler was one of the only investors In The Railway willing to put in the hard work as well.”

 

 Duke‘s Eyes went as wide as saucer plates. “ You mean you're telling me you're a descendant of Albert Alexander warbler?!” 

 

 Matthew gave him a polite bow. “ Duke of the  mid-sodor railway  I am Matthew mats warbler.  the current chief mechanical engineer of the northwestern railway and owner of the steam machines department locomotive rental company.  but you may just call me Matthew.  it's a lot shorter.”

 

“ Well it's a pleasure to meet you.”  Duke said with a smile after Matthew noticed  the rest of his family coming down the  ladder he had used to get down. 

 

“ The pleasure is mine.  but you're not just meeting me.”

 

 Duke looked confused until  Ember, Loona  and Aurora Came up to the front of him.

 

“ Duke meet my wife Amber and my two children Loona Laura Warbler and Aurora Adele Warbler. The Next Generation of the family.”

 

 Duke smiled as the two kids looked at him with wonder in Their Eyes. 

 

“ It's nice to meet you.  but how long exactly have I been here?  it only seems like yesterday they shut me up in the sheds.”

 

 Matthew scratched the back of his head for a bit. “you have been buried here for over 20 years.” 

 

“ oh…”  Duke said. he did not realise how long he had been trapped in the sheds. “ That's a long time…  but why did you guys come looking for me?”

 

“ I think I can answer that, Duke.”  Willbert said, smiling as he looked at the engine. “ I am the Reverend Willbert Audrey.  me and my friend teddy Boston here wanted to find you and make you happy again.  there is a railway on the island that could use an engine like you.”

 

“ really?”  Duke said being hopeful.

 

“  yeah and some of your old buddies from the mid sodor Are there two.  sir handel and Peter Sam are definitely gonna be happy to see you again.”

 

“ and who are they?”  Duke asked, being confused having never heard of a sir handle or Peter Sam.

 

“ Those are the new names of Stewart and Falcon.”  Amber Explained with a smile. “ They got new names on their new railway.  and I'm certain Bertram will be happy to see you as well.”

 

“ You mean he's still alive!”  Duke said excitedly!  everybody chuckled.

 

“ not only him.  Albert is also still around.”

 

“ Which Albert?”  Duke said looking confused  as there have been three different  alberts over the years.

 

“ the first one.”  Matthew said with a smile. “ I'm certain all of them will be more than happy to see you again.”

 

 Duke smiled as he finally had hoped that he would be made useful  at last. 

 

 But as everybody began filing out to go to the town to make arrangements with Jenny and her construction business to help get him out Duke stop  Matthew from leaving.

 

“ Matthew, can you do me a favor?”

 

“ Sure, Duke.  what is it?”

 

“ if you are possibly able to find him can you get Stanley back up and running?” 

 

“ Stanley?”  Matthew said, being confused for a moment until he remembered. “ oh yes the Baldwin 10 12 D Locomotive you guys had.  is he still around?” 

 

“ He was left at the Old mine further up the mountain.  I think if he's been stuck there for 20 years he deserves to leave that place. He has earned forgiveness.  and a second chance as well.”

 

 Matthew stroked his beard and decided to look into it. 

 

A few days later Duke was dug out and transported to his new home. 

 

 but meanwhile Matthew decided to go on a hunt for Stanley.  As he continued to walk up the Mountain Road he also took notes  of areas that needed maintenance or repairs before they could drive trains here again.

 

Eventually he arrived at the station of cas ny hawin. He knew that the left track at the junction would take him further up the Mountain Road.  but he also knew that the junction to the right would lead him to the old mine.

 

 That would be the best chance of finding him. 

 

  As he walked along the Old tracks he noticed that the rocks around here didn't have the same composition as the rocks further  back along the route. So this section would most likely not be reopened.

 

 As he arrived at the entrance to the mine he saw the old sign saying cas ny hawin mine  established 1860. Unfortunately the sign had seen better days.  It was rotten and had many holes in it. 

 

 Matthew took a deep breath and carefully  made his way into the mine.  According to His research in the Archives of the old MSR he knew that Stanley was placed Above ground not underground so he didn't have to go inside of the mine’s  themselves. 

 

  as he continued to look around he saw a hole

close to one of the mind shafts.  as he looked inside of it he saw what remained of a man's hand  sticking out from between the rocks.

 

“ That must have been brutal.”

 

“ You don't know the half of it.”

 

 Matthew jumped as there was nobody around him.  That's when he noticed a small building with a slanted roof on the side. 

 

  He then carefully made his way over until he saw a boiler sitting on supports with what looked to be a blown cylinder on its right side. 

 

“ Those are the remains of the old mine owner's son.”

 

 the boiler said as Matthew carefully leaned on the nearby wall which was surprisingly solid.

 

“ really?  Why is he there?  I mean I heard he disappeared a year after the  mine  closed.  but what was he doing here?” 

 

“ He was drunk out of his mind.”  The boiler said looking at where the hole was. “ he came in here stumbling during a foggy evening.  he was yelling and shouting that this mine took everything from him so he was going to take everything back. He apparently had some dynamite with him and didn't know how to use it properly. And thus the whole came into existence.”

 

“ That has to be the stupidest way I've  heard somebody die.  and I've heard about plenty of people that died.”  Matthew said, looking at the whole  before looking back at the boiler. “ So you must be Stanley I presume?”

 

“ yeah…  who's asking?” 

 

“ I am Matthew Mats  warbler.  chief mechanical engineer of the nwr.  and I've come here to see if you could be salvaged.”

 

“ really?”  Stanley said, seeming a little surprised and also happy. “ you really came here to salvage me?”

 

“ I did.”  Matthew said, smiling. “ You see we are reopening this old railway line and  we recently discovered Duke and he suggested that I go and look for you.  and I must admit you're not in as bad condition as I thought you would be. I mean your boiler would need some work and your cylinders will have to be replaced but I can work with that.”

 

 Stanley chuckled. “ Thank you sir.  I've actually been thinking about leaving. I have been cooped up here for way too long.”

 

“ I know you've been stuck up here for more than 20 years.”  Matthew said, crossing his arms. “ But why exactly did you stay here to begin with?”

 

“ Well, I didn't want to leave my friends behind.  I've left too many men behind back in France. so that's why I stayed here. but I've got a feeling they want me to move on and live my life to remember them and keep their memories alive.”

 

 Matthew wasn't certain but Stanley seemed to smile as he looked towards the entrance of the mine that had collapsed when he broke down all those decades ago.

 

“ Well I'll get you recovered as fast as I can.  I'm certain the Skarloey railway Could use an engine like you.  and I'll make sure you're properly regaged.  just wait a little longer.”

 

 Matthew then left to figure out how he was going to get Stanley out of there. 

 

 Meanwhile Stanley looked at the entrance of the mine again and saw some men smiling and nodding. 

 

 A week later  Matthew came back with a specialized trailer behind his Land Rover having used it along the Mountain Road.

 

 using the winch  along with some special rollers Matthew was able to get Stanley  onto the trailer and  strap down to go to the Works.

 

 Stanley took one last look around the old mine.  This had been his home for many years.  but now he was gonna get a second chance to be an engine again and he wasn't going to waste it. 

 

 to be continued.”

Chapter 84: The truth behind smudger.

Matthew Seemed to have a lot more to do than usual. The Restorations of both Stanley and Duke were proceeding okay but there were a few undiscovered issues that they needed to address.

mostly Duke's boiler needed to be replaced due to the years of wear and tear it had experienced.

It was also difficult to source spare parts For Stanley since Baldwin had gone out of business back during the 50s.

Fortunately Matthew was able to secure some plans for him from the old archives at Baldwin. unfortunately they will take a couple of months to get from America.

Fortunately he had his teams at the Works handle that. He meanwhile oversaw the main construction of the branch lines extension alongside the miniature railways extension.

Both projects were going as planned.

The miniature railway was now heading up into the mountains and they began relaying the Mountain Road.

the extension to harwick on the other hand Ran into a problem they had already predicted.

the old steel factory.

This factory was one of the first one's built on the island to process steel and iron and turn them into various products.

but thanks to multiple bad business decisions and Wrong Investments the factory had been shut down ever since the end of the First World War. it had been derelict since then and many people went into it trying to explore it.

But the factory wasn't safe to explore so the local council was happy that it was going to be demolished.

But before that the Local police department decided to have one group of people explore it under supervision so they could document everything that was in it before its demolition.

Jenny's pack was hired and brought in by the railway line.

Jenny had already surveyed the job and knew that simply using explosives would be too dangerous. so everybody began slowly and carefully dismantling everything.

Matthew was watching this happen when he noticed a smaller building a bit further away from the main factory.

“ Hey Jenny, do we have any records of what's in that building?” Matthew said, pointing towards the building.

Jenny quickly went through her paperwork before shaking her head. “ not a single thing. It looks like it was built after the main factory was built. probably some extra storage room. it's not in the way of the railway line so we're going to keep it. Besides, Charles only paid us to destroy this building.”

Jenny went back to instruct her cruise on how to safely and carefully demolish everything. she didn't want an accident on any of her sights.

Meanwhile Matthew was curious about that building. it didn't look as run down as the other parts of the steel factory. and some old cables laid down on the ground near it.

Matthew had a hunch that there was something in there and so he went over there.

The building's windows had been fogged up and dirty for so long Matthew could barely see what was inside.

The door also was rusted shot so he decided to just simply use his hammer to break it open.

As soon as he did, dust began flying everywhere. Matthew was blinded for a minute. He opened his eyes.

The whole area looked to be an extra power station. he looked at the label on the wall which read “ emergency generator” and nothing else.

The building wasn't really that big but it was big enough that Matthew couldn't see it all in one go.

as he began exploring around he realized that this was indeed an emergency generator room. but he couldn't see anything that could have powered the emergency generators.

That was until he got to the back of the building. he looked in shock as a small locomotive boiler was sitting on concrete blocks with It's cylinders And connecting rods attached to a crankshaft that Powers the emergency generator.

“ What in the name of George Stephenson is this?” Matthew said as he approached the boiler and carefully brushed away some dust. The boiler looked to have been here for some time.

but before he could make any assumptions the boiler woke up.

“ Hey, what's the big idea? Are you a scrap merchant or something?”

Matthew jumped back and saw that the boiler was very much still alive.

“ I'm sorry.” Matthew said, raising his hands. “ I'm not a scrap merchant, I'm the chief mechanical engineer of the North Western Railway. we are currently extending our coastal branch line to harwick.”

“ so?” the boiler said, raising his eyebrow. “ That doesn't explain why you're here?”

“ The steel factory you're building was connected to as you are probably aware was shut down and is currently in our way. it's being demolished as we speak but your building was not on the list for demolishment because you're not in the way.”

“ Well lucky me. And anyway, why exactly did you break in here?”

“ I was curious to see what was inside this building since there are not any plans for this building.”

“Well now you have explored you best, leave me alone. I want to rest.”

“ why? Who exactly are you?”

“ The name is smudger. former mid sodor railway number two. not like anybody remembers me.”

“ Wait a minute.” Matthew said, realizing where he had heard the name smudger before. “ I recognize you. a while ago I was going through the archive of the mid-sodor Railway and there was a brief mention of you. although There weren't many details besides your rough riding.”

“ figures.” smudger Said under his breath. “ I don't blame him though. after what I did.”

“ What did you do?” Matthew was curious about why smudger was here.

Smudger on the other hand looked annoyed. “none of your business. now leave me to my peace! and don't come back!”

Matthew Was taken aback by the directness of smudgers words. But decided to leave anyway.

but Matthew couldn't shake what the former number two had said. also he was wondering why his file was incomplete.

so he decided to get some answers. After the factory was demolished Matthew contacted somebody who might be able to give him the answers he sought.

He was sitting on willamina's footplate to make himself a bacon and egg sandwich in her firebox when somebody approached him.

“ Are there any sandwiches for me?”

Matthew looked to see the former controller Of the mid-sodor railway Standing there. He was now a much older man than when the railway closed. but he still was as fit as ever.

Matthew grabbed his hand and pulled him up onto the foot plate. “ I always give my guests some extra food. but some old-fashioned firebox cooking isn't exactly why I brought you here Fletcher.”

“ Then why did you bring me here?” Fletcher asked being confused as he sat down On one of the engines cap seats as Matthew handed him a sandwich.

“I found smudger. your railway's former number two.”

fletcher was about to take a bite from his sandwich but stopped when he heard the name smudger.

“ smudger… now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time. How did you find him?”

“ He was near the old steel factory. Apparently he was their emergency generator. but why exactly did he end up there?”

Fletcher took a deep breath before answering. “ What happened to smudger was one of the biggest cover-ups on the MSR. I personally didn't experience it but my father did. you see smudger wasn't built correctly.”

“ I know that. I read his file. From what I understand in the file he was rough riding and often came off the rails. similar to Stanley many years later. but yet he disappeared and his files stopped right around 1889.”

“That's because that year something terrible happened.” Fletcher said before looking at the Cab floor. “ You see it wasn't Smudger's own actions that got him into trouble a lot. his crew were apparently very heavy drinkers and were under the influence while in the cab.”

“ what?” Matthew shouted, almost dropping the eggs on his shovel that he was making for his own sandwich. “ did anybody know they were alcoholics?”

“ No. They were able to hide it pretty darn well. The reason smudger rode so roughly was because his crew were too wasted to actually check him properly. And his poor construction when he was first built didn't do him any favors. especially when… when… when he accidentally ran over and killed a Passenger.”

Matthew looked shocked as he dropped the eggs and bacon onto his sandwich. “ You gotta be kidding me! He actually killed someone?!”

“ yes… it was also the final nail in the coffin for his crew. They were caught under the influence after the police smelled alcohol on their breaths. of course they were completely fired and put behind bars for many years for not only drinking on the job but also involuntary manslaughter via locomotive.”

“ How did smudger take it?”

“ not good.” Fletcher said, shaking his head. “ Before then he had been extremely cocky. He constantly thought everybody around him were just being party poopers. but the moment he… he killed that innocent boy… he was never the same. and neither was the public perception of him. everybody just thought he was reckless but now everybody thought he was a murderer.”

“ Well who can blame them? with an attitude like that Killing someone will not go over easily with the general public.”

“ It didn't. Everybody refused to ride the Railway if he still ran on it. It really messed him up and people also wanted him to be scrapped. So my father did so… at least to the general people's knowledge. He decided to just make him useful in another way by sending him to that old steel factory as a backup generator. what happened after that I do not know. Whenever Duke or any of the other engines asked about him we just told them that he had been scrapped. to be honest I really feel sad we couldn't do anything to help him back then.”

Both men took a bite out of their sandwiches lost deep in thought.

Matthew, after finding out what Really happened he decided to make some arrangements.

A few weeks later, Smudger was still sleeping inside of the generator building when he heard people talking and suddenly the wall next to him was broken down.

people began making his way around him disconnecting pipes and cutting off the crankshaft that had been attached to him.

before he knew it he was lifted onto a trailer behind a Bedford-Scammell O-series lorry.

as he was being driven away smudger didn't say anything. He was just… confused. but as the lorry came to a standstill near the railway line he could see Matthew and Willemina waiting for him.

“What is the meaning of this!” smudger shouted at Matthew. “ I told you to leave me alone!”

“ you did smudger. but I also did some digging into your past and I know what you did. or rather what your crew did.” Matthew said while leaning against willamina with his arms crossed.

“ you know?” Smudger said surprised not realizing that Matthew actually looked into his past.

“ I do. I know your crew were a bunch of drunkards and influenced you into your previous behavior. but when you ran over that innocent child you finally saw sense. am I correct in assuming the reason you want me to leave you alone is because you were scared of hurting somebody else?”

smudger didn't say anything which gave Matthew his answer.

“ look. I understand what it's like to accidentally hurt people. and there are some things I do have regrets over.”

 

“ like what?” Smudger said not believing that Matthew could understand his pain.

“ Back in Burma while I was working on the railway there when I was captured by the Japanese during the last big war, I was able to escape. Unfortunately, the same day I escaped, they decided to increase my fellow prisoners' workload. a lot of them died because I escaped. because I was the only one fit enough to escape.” Matthew said this as he closed his eyes and shook his head. “ ever since I found out I felt so guilty. if I had known that if I stayed longer I might have been just released without much problem. but instead I ended up getting more people killed. and I have to live with that for the rest of my life.”

Smudger went silent realizing that Matthew did understand how he felt and decided to loosen up a little bit.

“ Well, what exactly are you going to do to me?”

“ Considering the SKR doesn't really need any more engines at the momen. especially with my Quarry huntslets being all in service right now I'm gonna give you two choices. one you go in the works for a cosmetic restoration into an engine again or you go into the museum like this. Either way it will be a long-term stay considering the railway doesn't need you at the moment. but it is your choice.”

“ really?” Smudger said not believing what Matthew said. “ I really get to choose just like that?”

“ Hey, my engines get to choose their own path in life. as long as they remember I am in charge of course. We are like a big family.”

Smudger considers Matthews words for a moment before smiling. “ All right, take me to the Works. I want to be a full engine again. even if I'm going to be a static piece in a museum.”

“ that's the spirit.” Matthew said smiling as they began loading him onto the flatbed behind willamina. “ Besides your a Fletcher Jennings bb class. We have one of your brothers on the railway and one of your sisters under restoration as we speak.”

“ really? I didn't know there were any more of my class out there?”

“ You'll be surprised how many of your class are out there smudger. I mean I was surprised to find out there were four of you.”

“ really?”

“ yes but let's get you to the Works so you can get restored ASAP. Also the extension projects will be my priority so I won't be there for most of your restoration.”

smudger just smiled. He was just happy that he was going to be at least useful as a museum piece. He wasn't 100% certain that he wanted to be a working engine again but at least with a cosmetic restoration he was One Step Closer to that.

but as the months went by and 1970 approached and It would become more… interesting for the narrow gauge railway.

But what else does that mean? who knows because I don't really care and I just want to get a drink? peace out!

“ I knew hiring Rick Sanchez was a bad idea. but he was the only guy I could think of. Anyway, don't worry there will be another chapter. I'm just gonna fire Rick. After I give him his 4 billion dollar paycheck.”

To be continued

Chapter 85: Stanley's Redemption.

Stanley's Redemption.

 

Explosions in the distance,  the sounds of gunfire,  the smell of gas. These were the sights that Stanley saw as he traveled down a small railway line in an open field. 

 

 He was pulling a train filled with munitions to the front lines. 

 

 but as he did so he had to stop in a passing loop to let another train pass.  as the train passed he could see that it was hauling flatbeds loaded with dead men. 

 

 it made him shiver as he continued on his journey. 

 

 but soon he saw more and more dead men lying along the tracks until the men didn't look like soldiers anymore.

 

 Some of them looked like people in mining uniforms.

 

 Stanley was confused as suddenly his paintwork turned from his normal black to red!  He then saw that the track ahead of him had changed to be the old mine  he had been trapped in for so many years.

 

 he tried to stop!  he wanted to stop!  but he couldn't stop! 

 

 he began rolling into the mine shaft and Into the Darkness  hearing people screaming and yelling for freedom!  Stanley couldn't take it anymore!  He couldn't take it!  He couldn't take it! 

 

 Suddenly Stanley woke up in the middle of the Workshops. 

 

He was breathing heavily as he had just woken up from a nightmare. He looked around and noticed that the works was completely silent.  Everybody was asleep and nobody else could hear the storm raging outside.

 

 the crackle of thunder and lightning reminding him of his time on the front lines of France and Belgium. 

 

 Stanley didn't say anything for a long time.  before he looked at Duke. 

 

 The engine had just received a new boiler but he still needed some major work to the frames as well as cylinders and connecting rods.

 

 Fortunately Stanley himself was ready to roll.  he had been repainted and gone through his final checks the day before. 

 

 He would be sent to work on the SKR and the rest would still remain in the  works. 

 

 but he wasn't really certain about that. 

 

“ This is my second chance.”  he muttered quietly under his breath. “ I cannot waste this chance.  I don't want to end up like I did last time.”

 

 Stanley slowly went back to sleep hoping that it would be a pleasant dream. 

 

 Duke on the other hand opened his eyes and gave a sympathetic look at Stanley.  it was clear that spending all that time as a pumping engine behind the sheds and at the mine had done  a number on him.  both physically and mentally.

 

 and although he was rough riding in the beginning and quite frankly a bit rude about it Duke finally realized that not all of it was his fault. 

 

 During their restoration Matthew gave some extra information about Stanley's class to him explaining that the Baldwin 10 12 D’s  were a bit notorious for rough riding. And the fact that he had not been properly regaged also played a factor in Stanley's rough riding.

 and although Duke couldn't blame him for that he did still blame him for his attitude back then. But that's definitely seemed to have changed with what Stanley had just said. 

 

 The next morning Stanley slowly and carefully made his way out of the Workshops.  turning his wheels under his own power felt weird to him. He had been working as a pumping engine for so long he barely remembered being an engine.

 

 as he made his way to the Skarloey Railways Engine Shed he couldn't help but feel a little optimistic about his new opportunity.

 

 When he arrived at the sheds he could see many engines of different sizes and classes. 

 

 as he rolled to a halt Mr Percival introduced him. “ Everyone, I would like you to meet Stanley.  the railways newest engine.”

 

 all the engines greeted him warmly and Stanley gave them a smile.

 

“ It's nice to meet you lot.  and don't worry I will help you with any job necessary.”

 

“ good.”  Mr Percival said, smiling at Stanley. “ Your first task will be to take a Goods train Down to Lakeside.  it is a little big but I'm certain you can handle it.”

 

“ I won't let you Down sir.”  Stanley said as he immediately backed away to find his train.

 

“ Well he seems like an eager sort.” Skarloey  said, looking at Stanley as he was making his way through the  yards to get his trucks.

 

“ indeed.”  Bertram said smiling. “ he has certainly come a long way from his time on the old MSR.  I'm certain the time he spent in Exile gave him a lot of opportunity to think.”

 

“ Well, we'll have to see about that.” sir handel said that grumbling under his breath. 

 

“ oh come on Falcon.”  Albert said with a smile. “ You still can't be grumpy that Duke is still missing.”

 

sir handel just Continued grumbling as he and Peter Sam had secretly hoped that duke  was still out there.  but with every year that hope dwindled more and more.

 

 but what nobody had told them was that Duke was under restoration at the Works.  Matthew wanted to keep it a surprise alongside wilbert and teddy.  they wanted to surprise them with the reveal of their old friend being alive. 

 

 Stanley had also promised to Matthew not to say a word about Duke. 

 

 and as he traveled upthe line with his  quite sizable consignment of wagons he couldn't help but feel a little bit better.

 

 The track he was riding on was so smooth he Couldn't even believe it. 

 

 He was still a little rough Riding at higher speeds but his crew wasn't complaining about it anymore. 

 

 They had to stop at Rheneas station to take on water. He didn't really need some extra water but considering this was his first run along the line they wanted to be careful.

 

 At that moment a little orange diesel came alongside him giving him a bright Smile.

 

“ Hello, my name is rusty.  you must be Stanley?”

 

“ I am.”  Stanley said, giving the diesel A polite smile. “ So you are a diesel?  I have never seen a locomotive like you before.”

 

 Rusty just chuckled. “ Most engines Wouldn't have from the old mid sodor days.”

 

“ yeah.  Anyway, what do you do around here?”

 

“ Oh, I am the line's primary maintenance engine. I look after the quality of the track and the surrounding area  alongside other odd jobs.”

 

 Stanley gave the little diesel an even bigger smile. “ So you're the engine I have to thank for giving me the smoothest rails I've ever run on in my entire life!” 

 

 rusty blushed a little at the complement. “  It's nothing really.”

 

“ yeah it is.  Track maintenance is an essential part of running the Railway.  and if it's not properly maintained engines might just fall off the tracks.  trust me I was an old  railway operating division  locomotive.  I know what rough track can do to an engine.”

 

 rusty just hummed in agreement before remembering something.

 

“ Oh, be careful on the next section of track.  you're going to go over the causeway through the lake and it's a bit touch and go at the moment. We haven't been able to fix some of the damage done there during last winter’s  snowfall.  so be careful.”

 

 At that moment Stanley's tanks had been filled up and the big  Baldwin Began moving. “ Thank you for the warning.” 

 

 Stanley continued down the line and like Rusty suggested he took it slow and careful over the causeway.  he definitely felt some areas were bumpier than others but he just went carefully over them. 

 

 When he arrived at Lakeside he shunted his trucks into a siding to be unloaded. 

 

 Stanley found that this railway was beautiful and couldn't wait to see more of it. 

 

 He was then asked to travel up to Ulfstead castle  with a train loaded with some extra supplies the Earl had ordered from the Blue Mountain Quarry. 

 

 Stanley immediately coupled up and began making his way along the line. 

 

 He passed over the electric railway and gave Tommy a cheerful toot on his chime whistle. 

 

 as he made his way up the castle incline he could see the massive structure towering overhead. When he arrived at the main station on the narrow gauge section of track he looked  around with wonder in his eyes.

 

“ man.  this has to be the most impressive place I've ever seen.”

 

“ wait until ye've been tae the Railway Museum.”  a big blue engine said as passengers were disembarking from her coaches. “Ye must be this Stanley fella that Matthew's rescued, right?” 

 

“ That's right.”  Stanley said with a smile. “ Stanley the Baldwin 10 12D War department locomotive at your service.”

 

“ Weel a'm Amelia, oan o' the North Western Railway's locomotives. I used tae run trains doon tae yer auld railway for a lang time afore it shut doon in the 40s. I cannae wait tae hae a run on that line again!.”

 

“ Well I wish you good luck then.”

 

 Amelia noticed a bit of sadness in Stanley's voice. “ Is everything ok lad?  you sound a bit down?”

 

 Stanley took a deep breath not wanting to hide what he was going through in his mind. “ I'm kind of still dealing with PTSD and some…  survivors Guilt.  After all, I did spend some time on the front lines back in Belgium and France.  Sometimes when I'm asleep I just dream of all the people I had to carry back either dead or wounded.  and I also think back on that incident at the Mine  I used to be at… it has really messed me up inside.”

 

 Amelia gave a sympathetic look to the Baldwin built locomotive.

 

“Aye, I understand whit yer goin' through. I had an accident back in Scotland that really bled me up for a long time. I eventually got o’er it wi’ some help frae my fellow engines. So, may I suggest ye find some time in yer schedule to have a blether wi' a counselor. I'm certain Mr. Percival will provide ye wi' one if ye ask.”

 

“ Thanks for the advice Amelia.  anyway I gotta go collect the empty wagons.”

 

 Stanley moved off to collect the empty wagons.  Unfortunately they were a bit scattered around the estate and Millie the estate engine didn't really have time to collect them.  being busy with other chores around the Castle and the estate.

 

 Stanley wasn't upset by this. He wanted some time to think as he carefully shunted the little wagons behind him.  he was treating them as if they were coaches knowing that they could easily push him off the tracks. 

 

 but as he did so a lot of rain began falling from the sky.  His crew attached a tarpaulin over his back since his Cab was exposed at the rear. 

 

 Soon Stanley's train was assembled and he made his way down the line. 

 

 Meanwhile he was thinking about everything that he had been through again.  how he felt that he had failed the Miners at the Old mine and how he had failed all those people that needed him back during the war. 

 

 Stanley had made his way back to Lakeside and saw a surprising site. 

 

sir handel was Releasing more steam from his safety Valves than normal.  Stanley immediately realized that he had burst his safety valve as he was arguing with the coaches. 

 

 telling them that they were nothing more than cattle trucks because they didn't have bogeys. 

 

 Stanley rolled up alongside looking annoyed.

 

“ Now listen here Falcon!  it doesn't matter if these coaches don't have bogies!  coaches are coaches no matter what their shape, wait or form!  after all Duke would say that would never suit his grace!

 

sir handel just rolled his eyes. “ whatever.  Can you help me get these passengers home?  this was a guaranteed connection train and I can't be late!” 

 

 Stanley looked at the passenger train behind him.  There were only 6 coaches.  but still he had never taken a passenger train before and he still needed to deliver his goods train  which was being loaded up as he spoke with  sir handle.

 

 Stanley was also aware these goods needed to meet their connection train at  kroven's Gate as well. 

 

 so there was Only 1 option for him. 

 

 After discussing it with the Station Master they decided to couple Stanley's goods train behind sir handles train and he would take the whole train down to the last station.

 

“ Are you absolutely certain you want to do this?”  Stanley's driver asked, not sure that they could handle such a long train.

 

“ I have handled worse.”  Stanley said, looking ahead of him as the rain continued to pour down. “Besides, I can't let the Passengers down!” 

 

 Stanley said this as he began setting off  with Sir handle  in toe and both their trains on his  coupling.

 

 Stanley made excellent Progress as he passed multiple landmarks he had seen on his journey up. 

 

 but unfortunately history would repeat itself. 

 

 all day Stanley had felt a little uncomfortable in his left cylinder. It was his original cylinder and even though Matthew and his Crew at the Works had tried their best Stanley still didn't feel certain about it.

 

 and as he climbed a hill on the most lonely part of the line the cylinder kept feeling worse and worse.

 

 until they were at the top and a huge amount of steam leaked out of his cylinder! 

 

 His driver immediately stopped the train and gave his engine a once over.

 

“ How bad is it?”  Stanley said knowing there was no point in trying to sugarcoat things.

 

“ Well I think it won't be that bad.”  his driver said, looking at the cylinder. “ I think there's something loose in there but I can't check it out until you've cooled down.  and I think we might have to get a replacement engine to pull the train.”

 

“ no!”  Stanley shouted looking at his driver and fireman who had come out to see what the damage was as well.

 

“ I ain't  leaving this train to anybody else. I brought it this far and I'm not going to quit until the job is done!” 

 

“ but Stanley-”  his driver tried to talk some sense into his engine but Stanley wouldn't hear it.

 

“I survived a war and survived being left behind for decades.  I ain't going to stop now!” 

 

 His driver and Fireman realized that Stanley was not going to give up and decided to just let him do what he thought he needed to do.

 

 They removed the main connecting rod from his motion and kept it in the cab as Stanley slowly and carefully began making the train move again.

 

sir handel meanwhile was shocked!  He had met Stanley while he was an engine and saw how reckless and rude he was.  but this!  This selflessness and concern for the Passengers was nothing like the  Stanley he remembered.

 

 Stanley kept turning his wheels one wheel turn at a time.  with every  wheel turn he felt his history passing through him. 

 

 his time on the front lines,  his time working on the mid-sodor railway as an engine,  his time being a pumping engine of both the back of the sheds and the mine  and all the lives he had lost over the years.

 

 this might not be a similar situation but he was still not going to give up!

 

 and as he kept puffing he swore he could see figures standing by the line in mining uniforms cheering him on telling him that he could make it! 

 

 Meanwhile back at croven's Gate  Gordon was waiting with his local Express for sir handel to arrive. 

 

 Meanwhile, Javelin was waiting for Stanley to arrive with his goods. 

 

 Mr Percival looked at his watch as the trains have been delayed for quite some time now. 

 

 He was about to have rusty  go out on a search party when suddenly A loud chime whistle rang through the area and they could see Stanley leaking steam but still going with both sir handel and his own train behind him! 

 

 Everybody was shocked as Stanley wheezing and puffing brought the train  to a Holt at The Platform.

 

 Gordon saw how exhausted Stanley was and just gave him a warm smile. 

 

“ Now that is a true engine of the island of sodor.”  he said as he departed while Stanley pushed his trucks to be unloaded at the Wharf.

 

After Stanley came to a halt in the sheds he began cooling down so his crew could see what happened.

 

 Mr Percival came over with a big smile. “ Well Stanley for your first day it has been quite eventful.”

 

“ don't worry Sir, I've been through worse during the war.  also this railway is my second chance at being an engine and I'm not going to waste it!”

 

“A very good Outlook Stanley.”  Mr Percival said as he looked over to Sir Handel who was getting his safety Valve replaced. “ As for  you sir handel you're going to be handling  quarry duty for the next week.  and no complaining!”

 

 The controller said this as he walked away with sir handel grumbling that it wasn't fair. 

 

 Stanley and the others just chuckled as the big red narrow gauge engine happily went to sleep.

 

 A few weeks later Stanley was having a rest at the sheds when Duke rolled in next to him. 

 

 The two engines didn't say anything as Duke wanted to get a nap in before he was due to run up the line.

 

 but as  both of them were resting in the morning sun they could hear the puffing of two engines coming near them.

 

“ He’s there!”  Peter Sam whispered excitedly.”

 

“ hush.” sir handel said to Peter Sam as Duke was startled awake.

 

“ you woke me!  in my young days engines were-”

 

“ seen and not heard grand puff. Remember?”  sir handel  said with a smile and some tears in the corners of his eyes.

 

“ Oh, I remember all right.  I remember two Idol good for nothing's named  Falcon and Stewart!”

 

“Good for you  grand puff! we're glad you've come!”  Peter Sam said with some tears coming from his eyes as well.

 

“ We've missed you bulldog.”  sir handles said with a big smile.

 

 Duke couldn't stay mad at them and smiled as well. “ I've missed the two of you as well.”

 

 Peter Sam now gained a cheeky smirk on his face  realizing something. “ Since you're here last we can keep you in order now!”

 

Duke  began chuckling at this. “ Keep me in order? Impertinence!  be off!”

 

 Both sir handel and Peter Sam chuckled as they began puffing away  saying.“ engines come and engines go.”

 

“ but grand puff goes on forever.”  Duke said, chuckling as he saw the two of them roll away. “ in pertinent scallywags.”

 

“ Well they are only young engines.”  Albert said, rolling next to Duke alongside Bertram. 

 

“ the three original mid-sodor engines reunited at last!”  Bertram said with a few tears in his eyes as well. “ I'm so glad I get to see you again brother.”

 

“ Me too Bertram.  me too.”

 

“ hey what am I chopped liver?”  Albert said jokingly as the two other tender tank engines laughed.

 

 Stanley just smiled knowing that he should give the  three engines sometime to themselves.  as he rolled out of the sheds into the bright sunlight he felt like a new engine.

 

 Meanwhile, in Paris France in some fancy building a man was going over some paperwork when suddenly a clerk  ran into his office and slammed a piece of paper onto his desk.

 

 As soon as the person read what was on the document he immediately looked Panicked.

 

“ this cannot be happening!”

 

 to be continued

Chapter 86: Matthews delivery.

It was a Beautiful Day on the island of sodor.  everything was going okay On the extension to harwick along the newly dubbed little Western branch line. 

 The name came about thanks to the motive power on the line being purely Western based.  a fact duck was more than happy to Boast about. 

 but there have been a little bit of a setback depending on your point of view.  miss Karen kenderson was at harwick complaining to somebody and accidentally caused a massive explosion! 

 it destroyed half the town and left many people homeless.  suffice to say she was put in prison and is still complaining there about her being mistreated. 

Fortunately the railway was just approaching the town and was able to help with the rescue efforts.

 Matthew in particular Stayed for days at a time living inside of the worksmen's coach to help rebuild what he could.  This actually turned out to be great PR for him since many news articles showed him helping not only rebuild but also helping out in any other way possible.

 even risking his own life to get a child their stuffed animal back. 

 Matthew was seen as a hero but in an interview he said: “ I'm not a Hero.  I'm just a man doing his job.”

 still many people loved him even more now.  Plus the mayor of the town saw this as an opportunity to not only rebuild but to build a much bigger and grander station than originally planned. 

 This turned out to be great for Matthew because he had some plans for this particular station.  but those plans could not be completed until the line was fully finished. 

 but one day Matthew would get a very big surprise. 

 He had just returned to Knapford with Willamina to collect some more trucks  to continue the construction of the new station.  they were using the stone mind on the quarries of Thomas's branch lines since they were high quality Rock.

 but that's when Charles walked up to them looking a bit confused. “ Matthew, can you come with me?”

“ sure Charles.”  Matthew said, looking at his clipboard. “ I have to wait for a few more supplies to be dropped off by Donald and Douglas.  So what's up.”

“ a ship has arrived from continental Europe.” Charles explained as the two men were walking over towards the docks.

“ so?  we have ships docking from there all the time.”  Matthew said not getting what the controller was saying. “ So why is this one different?”

“ because according to what the ship's captain has told me they have some very unusual cargo.  they're about to start unloading it now.”

 The two men arrived at Where the ship was  being unloaded.  The newest crane on the dock Cranky was complaining about how much these items weighed when suddenly a dark blue with yellow lining  baggage car was lifted out of the hole of the ship.

 as the cars were being unloaded Matthew and Charles looked in shock.  because all of them shared one single Insignia on them that they all knew. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ Charles, did you order some Orient Express coaches and didn't tell me?”  Matthew said looking at Charles confused.

“ I never ordered such coaches.  I thought you purchased them?”

“ Why would I purchase Orient Express Coaches?  I already have enough  Pullman coaches.  why would I need Orient Express ones?”

“ I don't know!  you do crazy stuff all the time!  I mean last month you said that Miss Karen kenderson was going to blow something up!”

“ and I was true about that!”  Matthew said, crossing his arms and looking at the 10 coaches sitting on the Dockside. “ But despite that I want to know why these coaches are here?  I mean I'm certain I never ordered something like this.”

 At that moment a small timid man walked up to them raising his hand. 

“ Excuse me…  which one of you is Matthew Mats warbler?”

“ that would be me.”  Matthew said, crossing his arms and looking at the man. 

 The man was quite skinny and  had a French accent.  Matthew couldn't help but be  a bit amused. 

“ Well sir we have delivered your Orient Express Coaches as per the agreement.”

 Both Charles and Matthew now looked extremely confused at the man.

“ but I never ordered Orient Express Coaches!  are you certain you didn't get scammed?”

“ absolutely sir.”  the man said, grabbing a briefcase he had with him  and pulled out some paperwork. “ We have a contract to prove that you technically did purchase these coaches.”

 Matthew was even more confused  at that moment. “ Okay can you please explain to me what in the name of my great grandfather is going on here?!  because if this is a joke I am not laughing!”

 The little man now stept backwards a bit being genuinely scared of Matthew.  he had heard stories about how Matthew was when people made him angry.  and he did not want to make him angry.

“ I suggest we go to the bar car, So I can explain everything to you…”

 the man suggested and the two other gentlemen agreed to it. 

 After climbing inside the man pulled out some more documents dating back to around the 1900’s.  all of them were sitting around the documents with Matthew beginning to stroke his beard while the man presented all the documentation.

“ You see Mr Warbler, you yourself did not order these coaches and we all know that.  but it was your great  grandfather Albert Alexander Warbler who technically ordered these coaches.”

 He presented the document that did have Matthew's great grandfather’s signature on it.  Matthew looked up at the man with both his hands in front of his face.

“ Okay so my great  grandfather purchased these coaches but didn't purchase them?  can you please explain to me why?”

“ because he invested in the company in return for the right to operate his own Orient Express here on the island of sodor.  In return for his investment he would be given coaches or cars depending on how you pronounce it.  they were supposed to be the original set of  bogey coaches but thanks to the war and his death things got a bit pushed back.”

“ Okay so my great-grandfather ordered these bogey coaches but that doesn't explain why they're here now.” Matthew said, pushing his finger onto the table to emphasize his point.

“ Well we recently uncovered the document and  we have all heard about your…  little incidents with British railways.”  the man said, sweating a little bit not wanting to trigger Matthew into one of his legendary rage moments. “ so in order for you not to Sue us in case you remember that we were supposed to Deliver these coaches we decided to have them built and Delivered to you as fast as possible.”

“ And now they are here and what am I supposed to do with them?”  Matthew said that pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“ anything you want sir.  They are yours and you have the full rights to operate an Orient Express passenger train.  there are no legal ties attached to you having to pay us for use of the name or any Orient Express memorabilia.  you have complete creative control on how you  use the  rolling stock we have provided.  we only request that you make sure that people know this is your Orient Express and not ours.”

 Matthew took a deep breath and let out a sigh before  stretching his hand out over the table with a smile.

“ Well I'm at least glad you guys held up your end of the contract even though  I didn't even know it existed.  send your bosses my best Regards.” 

 The man was relieved and as he shook Matthew's hand he seemed to melt into the chair. 

 as the man left Matthew and Charles looked at all the cars in front of them.  10 in total.  It was definitely a large amount of  rolling stock.

“ So what are you going to do with them now?”  Charles said, looking at Matthew. 

“ First of all I'm gonna have my logo painted all over these  girl’s and then…  I have absolutely no idea.  I never in my wildest Dreams expected to get my own orient express train.  still we should probably get somebody to move them to the Works.” 

“ I'll have Donald and Douglas do that.  you get those materials delivered up the branch line.”  Charles said knowing that Donald and Douglas had just arrived and didn't have anything else to do for a good few hours. 

 Matthew nodded and walked back to his engine when Charles suddenly remembered something.

“ oh and Matthew don't forget that later today the Earl whant us to see his latest project at his estate!” 

“ okay.”  Matthew said  going back to willamina. 

 as he was travelling on the little Western he was thinking what to do with the coaches.  he couldn't just leave them in the museum as much as he wanted to.  They were brand new coaches and he wanted to put them to some use.  but still he had no idea what he wanted to do With them.

 Later that day when the evening began settling in Matthew took Charles on board of  Willamina  up to the Castle.

 Sir Robert norramby had a project that he was desperate to share with them.  and when they  arrived they were shocked to see a beautiful hotel built on the grounds of the Castle. 

 It was in a similar medieval style as the rest of the  buildings in the area.  it must have cost a fortune but fortunately the Earl was incredibly wealthy.  not as much as Matthew but still good enough.

“ So what do you guys think?”  the Earl said as they were in the grand Foyer of the hotel. 

“It is incredible.”  Charles said looking at the beautiful medieval style interior.  but of course there were modern features  like heating and every room had a lavishly furnished bathroom attached. 

“ Yes it is.” the Earl said, looking around smiling. “This took a lot of time and effort to Build and Design. but I am definitely glad it's done.”

“ I can attest to that.”  Matthew said, crossing his arms as he was leaning against the counter. “ I can't wait until I finally finished the extension of both the miniature railway and the little western.”

“ Yes, that will also be a great moment for the island of sodor.  such as the opening of my hotel next month.  but I am still wondering how I can attract people here.  I know people come to the castle to visit and  there was a desperate need for hotels but… I want the experience of coming here to be extraordinary!  and I just haven't figured that part out.”

 Both Charles and Matthew agreed that such a hotel deserved a spectacular opening but none of them knew really how.  That was until  Matthew had a candle appear above his head which lit a flame signifying that he had an idea before some hot wax hit the top of his head. ( not literally it's all in his imagination). 

“What if the Orient Express came here?  I mean that would be a great way to open your  Hotel.  and I'm certain it's passengers would also love to have a chance to explore the Castle.” 

“ That would be  just the type of thing I would need Matthew.  but I highly doubt they would ship out some coaches out here just for one event.  and even if we could make it a more regular thing I doubt I could afford such a thing.  not unless you have some Orient Express Coaches in your back pocket Matthew.”  the Earl chuckled thinking that Matthew was joking.

Matthew just crossed his arms smiling and Charles began chuckling making the Earl look a little bit confused before he realized what this meant.

“ You're telling me you have Orient Express Coaches!?  how and why?”

“ Well they arrived today and apparently my great grandfather was an investor in the Orient Express  back during its early days when they were just about getting bogie coaches Built.”  Matthew said, smiling finally finding a use for his coaches.

“ Well that will be wonderful!”  the Earl said, Already  imagining the Orient Express arriving at his Castle.

“But who exactly will be pulling the train?” Charles said remembering the length of the train and the weight Of the coaches cranky complained about when lifting them out of the ship. “ I mean they're gonna have to be pretty strong engines to both pull the train and get them up the incline.”

 Matthew began stroking his beard and began pacing around. 

“ I do have a couple of engines in my own personal collection but they will need a couple of months to get ready.  for now I think I will hire out one of your engines Charles.  that is if you agree to my loan of them?”

 Charles just smiled and noticed that the Earl had  his chef already prepare a meal for them. 

“ how about we discuss the details over dinner?” 

“ That will be lovely.”  Matthew said before looking at the Earl. “ Can you provide me with a phone?  I think I need to call my wife telling them I won't be able to make dinner tonight.”

“ Absolutely Matthew.” the Earl said, guiding Matthew outside towards his car.  Matthew looked confused until he handed over his car's phone. “ here you go.”

 Matthew was confused but decided to accept it as he typed in his house number.

 A couple of weeks later all the engines were at  Tidmouth  sheds  having just returned from a hard day's work.

 all of them had been wondering for  a whole week about the Orient Express coaches that had just arrived on the island.

 Donald and Douglas said that they belonged to Matthew and Billster had been asked to bring them to the yards after they all had been repainted with the steam machines department logo all over them. 

 They were all wondering who would be put in charge of pulling the train.

“ Well Obviously I will be  the one Matthew will choose to pull such an Exemplary train.  I mean I am one of the greatest locomotives ever built.  Matthew wouldn't dream of assigning-”

“ Oh shut up Spencer!”  Billster shouted having quite enough of the silver seagull droppings boasting.

“If I had ears they would be bleeding from your annoyingly snooty voice!” Billster said being extremely annoyed at Spencer and not believing that he was allowed to sleep with them.

“ besides.”  Gordon said, trying to keep the peace between the two of them. “ We do not know where the train will be headed.  for all we know it  goes up one of the branch Lines.”

“ Well maybe it will be going up the little Western and one of us Western engines will be put in charge of it!”  duck said beaming with pride. “ After all, my branch line has the best views of any of the branch Lines!”

“That may not be the case duck.”  Timothy said, looking at the pannier. “ Like Gordon said, we don't know where it's heading and I highly doubt it would go on a branch line that's hardly been completed.  it just doesn't seem like a Logical choice.”

“ Plus our branch line goes all the way up to  a castle at the end of the line.”  lady said, smiling a little bit. “ Maybe they want to go there?  I mean it would be a great opportunity.”

“ yes but maybe it will head down the main line.”  Thomas said, trying to be reasonable here. “ I mean I love my branch line but I don't think it's Orient Express material. Besides let's be realistic here none of us little tank engines could actually handle that train up that grade.  the only ones that would be capable of that are Hudson and his siblings.”

“ That's a good point Thomas.”  Gordon said, looking at the smaller Tank Engine. “ No offense to you Thomas but I highly doubt any of you could handle that train like you said.  it's nothing to do with your abilities, it's just you're not as strong as the rest of us.”

“That's understandable Gordon.” Thomas said with a smile. “ but I hope you're not underestimating my abilities?”

“ Absolutely not!”  Gordon said with a smile. “ I mean you were able to keep up with Rex frigidus when you were first built. even if you were dragged it was a miracle your parts didn't break. just goes to show how Sturdily you and your brothers are built.”

 The three e2p's  smiled at the complement.  Spencer meanwhile just rolled his eyes.

“ whatever if this train is rolling down the main line then it's the most obvious choice to choose me!”

“ I'm not so certain about that.”  a voice rang out in the sheds and everybody saw Matthew entering and walking straight towards Spencer. “Spencer, you are not the most likely choice for me to pull this train.  and you should not assume that you are the only choice I have.”

“ and why is that?”  Spencer said, glaring at Matthew. “ I've got the speed and power to pull such a train!”

“ That may be so but I need a reliable engine who won't complain about a “ Leaky water tank”  every time they break down or run out of water.”  Matthew said, crossing his armes.

All the other engines began chuckling while Spencer just grumbled under his breath. 

“So all of you have been wondering about my Orient Express Coaches right?”  Matthew said looking at all the engines who looked a bit awkward now.

“ Yes we were  Matthew.”  Thomas said, looking awkwardly at Matthew. “ We were just wondering about it.  you know it's not every day that such a luxurious train makes it’s way on to the island.”

“ I agree with you their Thomas.  and it's okay to be curious as long as you don't go off the rails.”

 The chief mechanical engineer then looked towards all the engines with a smile. “ and just so you know I've already chosen who will be the permanent engines assigned to the train as well as some temporary ones.”

“ Wait, you're gonna have permanent and temporary engines assigned to this train?”  Eleanor said, looking at Matthew with a bit of confusion. “ why not just have one set of engines dedicated to the service?”

“ The permanent engines that I will assign to this train are my King Arthur class engines Excalibur and King Arthur.  unfortunately they will take some time to get fully restored considering they have been out of action for a few years now.”

 all the engines understood since after their visit in the sheds during their first arrival on Christmas their boiler certificates had expired and were just left in the museum A waiting overhaul.

“ So who will be the temporary engines?”  Henry asked, being a little hopeful that he would be put in charge of the train. 

 but Matthew had other plans. “ I've already made my choice on the engines I want to pull the train and I think you can all agree that they are the best choice.”

 Everybody was excitedly waiting hoping secretly that they would be the ones to pull the train.  except for some of the smaller tank engines knowing that there was no way they could ever pull the train.

 Matthew then looked towards the atlantics with a big smile. “I'm going to have Rex-Iaspis, Rex-Frigidus, Regina-Auream And Alice assigned to the trains double heading them from London Kings Cross all the way to Ulfstead castle!” 

 all the engines look shocked!  especially the 4 Atlantics who never expected this.

“ Are you absolutely certain about this sir?” rex frigidus said Not being certain about this. “ I mean I've never pulled a train for such a long distance before.”

“ Well I did out fit you all with water scoops didn't I?”  Matthew said, smiling as he Placed a hand on his hip. “ You'll be able to refill on the move and you're not supposed to hit Express speeds.  this train is about luxury not speed so you don't have to worry about going at top speed.”

“ But why do you have us go along the branch line?” Rex-Iaspis Said looking a bit confused. “ I mean I know that the Outlook from the Castle is supposed to be amazing but I highly doubt we can even go up there.” 

“ Actually that's where you're wrong.”  Matthew said with a smile. “ You and your girlfriend were specifically ordered for the TK&E and the GDR  back during the 1910s.  The line was specifically upgraded with you guys in mind and should be able to handle more than your weight.  it Wouldn't be able to hold the weight of bigger engines like Gordon or even Hutson or any of his siblings but it should hold your weight.” 

“ Even so this is a big ask for us.”  Alice said also not being certain of this. 

“ I don't think Matthew would have chosen you if you weren't up to the job, Alice.”  Gordon said with a reassuring smile. “ And since you will be double heading you won't have to be on your own pulling these trains.” 

“ yeah.”  Henry smiled at the Atlantic. “ Besides, having Atlantics on the front of the train does make sense.  all of your designs are pretty elegant.”

“ That is true.”  Regina said, realizing that it might be fun To pull the Orient Express. “ Plus we do know the root from King's Cross like the back of our buffers Alice.” 

“ That is true.”  Alice said, still not being certain but giving a small smile. “ Okay Matthew we will do it.  when will the first train leave?” 

“ at the end of the month.  so you have about three weeks to prepare yourselfs for this mammoth  undertaking.”  Matthew said, crossing his arms.

“ and how often will this train need to run?” Rex-Iaspis  said wanting to know the timetable a little.

“ we're still working out the Kinkbut I want the train to run at least For the first two weeks of every month.  For the rest we're just going to have to continue working through the planning.  we're preparing the coaches and making sure that they're in top condition for you guys to pull them.  for now get some rest and will give you guys an inspection before you take the first Orient Express.” 

  all the engines agreed as Matthew was walking out of the sheds before he remembered something and turned back to the engines.

“ Also Alice and Regina will be the first ones to pull the train.  ladies first after all.”

 The engines besides Spencer chuckled as they continued to talk to the Atlantics Helping build their confidence in this extraordinary event.

 Spencer meanwhile continued to Sulk as he had already imagined himself at the front of the train racing at top speed. 

 He definitely wanted to get his chance to pull the train.  and he was going to do anything to get it.

 to be continued.

Chapter 87: The silver seagull dropping Orient Express.

As the weeks went by the Atlantics were preparing themselves for the debut of the Sudrian Orient Express as it had been named by Matthew.

He felt it was an appropriate name.

but as they were preparing Spencer had been forming a plan in his head. He knew that the Orient Express would leave Kings Cross the day after tomorrow but they had to arrive with the coaches before then.

so he was hoping to do a little… switcheroo with him and the female Atlantic’s.

Meanwhile Alice was talking to Gordon about the Orient Express.

“ I'm just a bit nervous about this Gordon. I mean I haven't pulled an express train in years. what if I lost my touch?”

“ don't worry Alice.” Gordon said with a reassuring smile. “It's just like riding a bike for humans. I'm certain the moment you set off it will all come back to you. besides this isn't an Express Service. you have to make sure that the Passengers have a comfortable experience, not a fast one remember?”

Alice let out a content sighlooking at the A0 Pacific. “ I remember Gordon. I must admit I do like that you've matured from the last time I saw you.”

“ Well, let's just say I had a good reason to mature. I didn't want to dishonor my designer after all.”

The two engines laughed before just smiling at each other. Gordon was so happy to have her back and Alice was so happy to have a new home the two of them could just talk and talk for hours.

Spencer meanwhile just gagged. He could see how Lovey dovey the two of them had become and was absolutely disgusted with them. Still, he didn't want to mess with Gordon.

especially since he was preparing to make his move.

That night when all the engines were asleep he coupled up to the Orient Express Coaches having convinced his driver that Matthew had decided to put him in charge of it.

His driver and fireman weren't convinced but they didn't want to argue with Matthew in case this was the case.

so they coupled up to the coaches and quickly and discreetly made their way off the island.

A few hours later Alice and Regina woke up and made their way to the yards so they could get the Orient Express to King's Cross on time.

but when they arrived they saw that the coaches were gone!

When they asked Weiss where they were she didn't have an answer for them. only that one of her men had reported to see a silver A4 pulling them out of the yards five hours earlier.

The two Atlantic c1's were Furious and immediately got turned around to get to King's Cross as fast as their wheels would allow.

Meanwhile the sun was gently coming up and Spencer was simmering at the head of the Orient Express.

Surprisingly the Passengers weren't many of the well to do but some more common passengers as this was marketed as an Orient Express that anyone could take.

It was still quite a steep price and there were only a limited number of tickets each run that had to be booked in advance but still it was quite the sight to behold.

Spencer smiled to himself as he looked around King's Cross. “ Finally a proper engine on a proper train is leaving the station again. I can't Imagine how stupid British railways was to replace my class with these… disgusting boxes on wheels.”

Meanwhile, a DELTIC was about to leave With its passenger train when she heard a little girl screaming to stop. The engine did so and made sure that the kid could get on board since her parents had accidentally closed the door behind her.

“ don't worry little one, I'll make up the time on the way.” the DELTIC said, giving the little girl a smile even though she couldn't see it.

Spencer just rolled his eyes. At that moment he heard his guard blowing their whistle and the orange Express began moving out!

Spencer was racing down the East Coast Main Line as fast as his wheels could carry him! He wanted to give these people a grand display of speed and power!

Unfortunately for him this would have consequences later.

When he was passing york he saw the two C1 girls and gave them a rude blow of his whistle passing them by at high speeds.

“ What is that silver idiot thinking?” Regina said, blowing off steam out of anger with Alice not far behind.

“ I don't know! but we're going to make him regret it!” Alice said being extremely annoyed as she tried to look for station staff members.

Meanwhile Spencer had not a care in the world as he was racing onto the island. he was hoping by taking the train all the way to the castle that it would prove his superiority over every other locomotive on the island.

Unfortunately he had not accounted for his wheelbase. sure he had a 4-6-2 wheel arrangement but his trailing wheels were stuck to the rest of his frames and couldn't really go around tight corners.

and he had never been on the branch line before so he didn't know that right as you left the station there was a sharp corner which tank engines and Atlantic engines could handle with ease but he couldn't.

Even though he had slowed down Spencer was completely unprepared when he suddenly found himself flying off the tracks and his coupling breaking along with his corridor connection! He moved for a few meters in the dirt before coming to a halt hissing steam everywhere!

The coaches went on for a few more seconds before rolling back down the small incline at the station and carefully being breaked into the station platform.

The guard immediately went to see what was wrong and saw that their engine was now in a field with cows Relieving themselves on him.

“ I better inform the Station Master about this.”

He went to find the station master but when he entered his office he only saw a cat with a hat on that said Station Master.

“ um hello little one where is your owner?”

The cat looked annoyed and began furiously typing on a cat sized typing machine.

the moment he grabbed the piece of paper the cat gave him he looked confused.

“ Wait, your The station master? Why?”

The cat began typing again and explained that her mommy AKA Blake Belladonna was pregnant with kittens and needed extra cash. so she took on a job as a Station Master. and she was apparently very good at her job.

The guard just remains confused as he now had to think of something to get the train moving again.

At that moment Thomas and Timothy arrived with their autoservices going in different directions alongside billster with his regular Commuter train along the loop line.

They looked in confusion as the Orient Express Coaches were sitting on the branch line platform where Thomas usually would be sitting.

“ What's going on here?” Timothy said looking confused as the guard walked out of the office after discussing a few more things with the cat.

“ Our engine has flung himself into a field and is no longer able to pull the train. I tried to get a replacement but the Atlantic’s that were supposed to be on the train are hours away and the other Atlantic’s are too busy to handle the train.”

“Who was the one in charge of the train?” Thomas asked, looking confused knowing that no engine on sodor would be that stupid.

“ It was a silver A4.”

“ oh…. I guess there are engines on the island that are Stupider than the trucks.” Thomas said groaning as he already could see the delays Spencer was causing with his recklessness. “ So what about the Orient Express? how are you going to get it to the Castle?”

“Thomas, Timothy and I may not have much choice but to triplehead the darn thing.” Billster said, looking at the coaches at The Platform.

“ Are you crazy?!” Thomas said, looking shocked at his younger brother. “ There's absolutely no way we can take That Train up that incline!”

“ Well, do you have any other ideas?” bilster said, looking at his older brother. “ I'm all ears otherwise.”

Thomas wanted to open his mouth but realized that the younger e2p had a point.

“ well… we might need some help getting a push up the Hill. I think lady and Rosie are at Ffarquhar shunting at the moment. if we can get them to help us out on the incline we might stand more of a chance.” Thomas suggested looking at Timothy who was often the Voice of Reason in these situations.

“ Well it's either that or Matthew gets a bunch of bad PR because of this and we don't want that.” Timothy then looked at the Guard of the train. “ How badly has the train been delayed so far?”

The guard looked at his pocket watch and smiled. “ Fortunately that idiotic locomotive did get us here an hour early. so you won't be that far behind schedule. but what about your regular trains?”

“ I think I can help them with that.”

Gordon arrived at The Platform having just delivered a goods train. “Eleanor will be arriving within a moment and I've heard that gull was supposed to come up here light engine. I'm certain I can convince him to help out and I don't think Amelia would argue with helping her husband with his trains.”

Timothy smiled before the guard spoke up again.

“ Wait, can we just have those engines pull the train?”

“ they're still a few hours out.” Gordon explained looking at the guard. “ Besides, little engines Can Do Big Things Too.”

Thomas smiled at hearing the compliment that Gordon gave him and his brothers. “ Well you heard the Express engine! let's get coupled up and move out!”

Both Timothy and billster just rolled their eyes at their brother's attempt at a rallying cry.

Soon all three of them were triple heading the Orient Express along the branch line. The train was heavy and long. the longest train on the branch line even compared to the harvest trains.

Fortunately the guard was able to radio ahead via the station's phone to have lady and Rosie on standby.

The two female engines would begin pushing the train as soon as they had passed the station since there was no room for them to run round the train.

As the E2P's passed them Thomas whistled to his wife. “ I hope you got plenty of steam today because this is going to be one mammoth task!”

“ don't worry, I always have plenty of steam. Just be ready when we hit The Climb.” lady said as she and Rosie began making their way to the back of the train after it had passed through the station.

The moment they were Coupled up Rosie blew her chime whistle. “ all coupled up and ready to highball.”

Thomas and Timothy were a bit confused but Billster understood that this meant they were ready to roll from his time in America.

As soon as they passed Ulfstead town they knew that the big incline was on its way.

Timothy, Thomas And bilster looked at the intimidating incline but began puffing and chuffing their hardest.

Timothy was leading with Thomas behind him and bilster behind him. each of them was trying to keep the coupling as slack as they could between each other so there was a bit more oomph when they needed it.

Meanwhile, the girls at the back gave it everything they got trying to keep the train moving.

There were a few moments where they almost came to a stop but continued to give it their all.

The noise was absolutely spectacular! The people inside the train who weren't aware of the engine change thought that this was just part of the experience.

Meanwhile Matthew was standing on the station platform of the Castles station. He was hoping to see the Atlantic sisters Coming over the incline and through the gates of the estate.

Charles and The Earl were standing next to him alongside the Duke and Duchess of Boxford who were some of the guests of Honor of the opening of the new hotel.

they were all expecting the atlantics until they heard the chuffing of five engines.

“ That's odd.” Matthew said, looking towards the incline. “ I know Atlantics are powerful and can create a spectacular amount of noise but even this is beyond them.”

At that moment they saw the tank engines pulling and pushing the Orient Express coming into the station with their faces red from exhaustion.

Matthew originally wanted to greet the guests but immediately began running towards the engines looking extremely confused.

“ What are you five doing on the train?” He said looking at both his Tank Engine and the others. lady and Rosie slowly rolled up alongside looking as exhausted as the three brothers.

bilster was the first to catch his breath and explained everything to his owner. “ The large silver seagull dropping of Narcissism and stupidity stole the train, crashed into a cow field, got crapped and pissed on by cows, and left us in a major Predicament!”

Matthew began pinching the bridge of his nose in both anger and annoyance. “ I'll have a word with Spencer tonight. For now I have to greet the guests. and I think it goes without saying that all five of you deserve new Coats of paint for this.”

The five engines were happy with this as they fully deserved it.

Matthew went to greet the guests alongside everybody else but soon when night fell he And the Duke and Duchess of Boxford were taken down to where Spencer was located by bilster who was giving the big silver Pacific a cat-like smile.

he knew that Spencer had dug himself into a deeper hole than he had ever done before. and Matthew looked extremely annoyed and pissed off at him.

Spencer smiled nervously as they all stepped in front of him. The cows began walking away Sensing the impendings storm.

“ Mr Warbler, what a pleasant surprise to see you here tonight. I can explain all of this.”

“ I'm certain you can Spencer! especially since I've been informed that you are the one who stole my Orient Express and almost turned it into a disaster! I already told you that I made my decision based on the engines that I knew could handle the job! and you have just proven to me why You can't handle the job!”

“ oh come on Doe's Atlantic’s would never have gotten the train here as early as I did.”

“that isn't the point you absolutely peace of **** I ought to ******* and then shove it up****** ripping you r****** and making sure you**** making sure you can****** backwards!”

Matthew continued to yell and curse so loud sailors across the world could sense this happening.

After a solid 30 minutes of this the Duke and Duchess finally got an opportunity to speak.

“Bert Spencer, you have disappointed us immensely today!” the Duchess said being extremely annoyed with her own engine. “ You have made us into a laughing stock and we do not appreciate that! As soon as you are recovered you are to be placed in storage somewhere that Matthew chooses. you will not be repaired until the schedule at the Works allows it!”

“ which I can tell you will be a long long time!” Matthew said, crossing his arms, glaring at Spencer. “ I've got a ton of engines ahead of you in the overhaul queue. and I will not push you up for any reason!”

Spencer didn't say anything as he looked incredibly ashamed of his actions. Of course he didn't really learn anything but he had plenty of time to think over the next three years.

After he was recovered he was placed inside of a small shed near the summer home of the Duke and Duchess. He was locked in there and was not even properly looked after as his beautiful paint began being covered in Rust and grime, not to mention the Pee stains on his wheels from the pee the cows spread on him.

Meanwhile the Orient Express turned out to be a great success. it became a more regular service running for two weeks every month between Monday and Friday.

The Atlantics enjoyed these long distance runs especially since they could run on the branch line without much trouble. It also gave them something more to do since they didn't really have anything on their schedule before that besides local trains.

Matthew on the other hand just hoped that after what Spencer did the other engines would learn their lesson and not try to hijack any more of his trains. Unfortunately a certain Water bird was about to learn the same lesson Spencer did the hard way.

to be continued

Chapter 88: Duck quacks away.

There was a lot of excitement on the island as the extension of the little Western had finally been completed after many years.

There was a grand ceremony at the final station at harwick with Matthew and his crew being allowed to cut the ribbon to officially open the station and the extension.

Matthew was extremely happy and gave a very inspiring speech about Determination and Legacy. His children were even allowed to ride on board the first train on the extension.

Duck was also extremely proud of this. he now believed that his branch line was the measuring stick of the other branch Lines.

even though his fellow Great Western locomotives didn't see it that way.

a week later they were all sitting at Arlesburgh Sheds which had been built for them in the center of the line.

Duck was of course boasting again about his branch line.

“This branch line will be the epitome of what other branch lines can be. after all it's being run by Great Western engines and-”

“ quack quack quack.” Ashley Manor Said being 110% done with this whole Great Western stuff. “ Montague with all due respect we are no longer on the Great Western Railway and this branch line is part of the North Western Railway. And please for the love of All that's holy stop quacking and let us sleep!”

The other engines agreed with her statement but duck just rolled his eyes.

but before they could all go to sleep Matthew approached them with a big smile on his face.

“ good evening engines.”

“ Good evening Matthew.” All the engines said besides duck who was still a bit annoyed at the Quacking joke Ashley had made.

“ What brings you down here Matthew.” Oliver said being very happy to see the man who helped restore him.

“ Well I'm here to announce a little bit of a change to the timetable.” Matthew said, still looking excited. “ As you know I run a dining Pullman service both on the island and to London Kings Cross. with these types of trains becoming rarer and rarer on the mainland I figured I might as well keep running them since they are highly popular with both businessmen and regular passengers.”

“ That's great to hear sir.” Remy said, smiling at Matthew. “ But that doesn't really answer the question of why you're down here?”

“ Well with the extension on this branch line I want to have my dining Train start from a different point. so I figured I might as well do it from Harwick all the way down to Vicarstown and then to Knapford. This way the Diners will have a much more beautiful view to sit by when they're waiting for their dinners. I might even have the train return to Harwick depending if it’s possible.”

“ So the dining train will come down here?” Ron said with a small smile. “ That will definitely be interesting.

“ And I'm certain you're going to have one of us great westerners pull the train Sir.” Duck said, already imagining Ashley Hall at the front of the train flying the flags of the Great Western Railway.

“Actually Duck, I'm going to have Hudson and his Tank Engine siblings pull the trains.” Matthew said which burst Duck’s bubble.

“ but sir this is the little Western branch line!”

“ so.” Matthew said, crossing his arms. “ Charles is already agreed to me using the Branch line since the north western railway does get part of the income from the services.”

“ but this is the little western! not the little Brighton! the trains should be in charge of one of us Western engines!” Duck protested not liking the idea of a southerner on what he perceived to be a Western branch line. “ Besides, isn't Hudson technically too heavy to come up this line?”

Matthew crossed his arms and closed his eyes, being a little annoyed at the pannier's words. “ The line has been engineered to handle engines of Hudson's weight. In fact his sister could practically come down here but won't be able to turn around at the turntable at the end of the line. but like it or not duck this is my train and I decide what kind of motive power I put on it.”

“ But sir this is-” duck tried again but Matthew cut him off.

“ this is a branch line of the nwr not the gwr. and I have been given permission to run my trains here! I will put whatever motive power I want on the front of the trains! do you understand!?” Matthew said in a firm voice that finally shut duck up.

Matthew walked away with duck continuing to grumble about it.

The next day duck had taken some goods down to the main yards at Knapford and continued to complain about Matthew's choice of motive power for the dining trains.

“ It's not fair! It's my branch line! It is the little western! I should have some input over what engine runs on it!”

“ if that was true then it would only be handled by Great Western engines and that's just not feasible.” Sunny said, rolling up next to her brother. “ Besides it's Matthew's train and his choice what engine pulls the train not yours.”

“ But Sunny it's the little Western branch line! it's not right for a southern engine to run on it!”

“ And what's wrong with southerners?” fighter command said as she was Glaring at the pannier. “ We are just as capable of doing jobs the right way as you are duck! and besides just because it's called the little Western doesn't mean it is actually a great western branch line! you really need to get out of your delusional state duck.”

“ Whatever. I'm not taking this from an engine who can't stop themselves backing into a station at 15 miles an hour.”

fighter commander's face went red at hearing that remark. She was well aware that her design was very flawed but Matthew had been working through The Kinks while still allowing her to keep her original shape. ( minus all the asbestos).

and unfortunately for duck another engine angrily approached the others.

“Duck the Great Western Way isn't always the right way to do things.” stroudly said glaring at the smaller engine. “ We all have our own ways of doing things. and maybe one day when one of our brothers or sisters isn't capable of pulling the train he'll put one of his Great Western engines on it! but that will be his choice! Now I strongly suggest you shut your bill and keep waddling on. We have enough to deal with on our own that having to listen to you quacking about.”

ducks face went red with anger but didn't say another word as he puffed away.

The SMD engines let out deep sighs as Sunny looked sympathetically towards her colleagues. “ I am so sorry for my brother's behavior. I mean he's always talking about being this all Great Western locomotive but he wasn't even built at Swindon. But still he persists that he's a true Great Western engine.”

“ Don't sweat it sunny.” stroudly said, giving the smaller engine of reassuring smile. “we know what your brother is like and we are always sorry to see how he acts especially around you.”

“ Yeah, sometimes I am ashamed to call him my brother. but still I can't really help it. and at least the engines around here know that I'm nothing like my brother.”

stroudly gained a cheeky look in his eyes. “ especially Darby.”

Sunny blushed at hearing the diesel's name. “ I don't know what you're talking about.”

“ You know exactly what I'm talking about.” stroudly said, smiling cheekily at the Great Western engine. “ We all see how you look at him when he thinks he's not looking. you are in lllooovvveee.” Stroudly the chuckled with fighter command chuckling as well.

Sunny grew more and more embarrassed. “ You have definitely inherited your father's cheekiness!” she shouted as she began rolling away to collect more trucks with her cheeks as red as tomatoes.

The Two bigger engines just chuckled as they like teasing her about it.

Meanwhile, Duck was still very much disappointed that there wasn't a great western engine attached to the dining train. so he decided to make the dumbest mistake of his life.

The morning of the dining service duck had blocked the entrance to the main sheds so nobody else would be able to interfere with his plan as he knew that the coaches had already been delivered to harwick.

So he just made his way there and coupled up to the train. His crew thought that he was crazy but duck had threatened to reveal some of their darkest secrets.

Duck left the station feeling happy with himself. but something he didn't notice was that a certain trio of passengers had climbed aboard the train. One’s with a special connection to somebody he never should have Messed with.

Meanwhile Sunny and Darby had been called to the main sheds since duck had unintentionally trapped more than just the L tanks. He had trapt the other engines in there as well causing massive delays.

“Who would ever place brake vans like that?! Anne shouted, extremely annoyed. “ Hushy and I will be late for our therapy appointment!”

“ you're still going to those?” lady said, being a bit curious about that.

Anne looked at the little Tank Engine with a gentle smile not wanting to snap at her friend. “ Of course do you really think you will get over such a horrific accident so easily?”

“ no I don't.” lady said sympathetically, looking over towards her colleagues. “ Such an accident will go with you for a lifetime. At least you're seeing a therapist.”

“ I think this is the only island in the world where engines go to get therapy.” Henry said not really having any PTSD from his flying Kipper crash since a lot of his memories of the crash itself had been lost.

“ Anyway.” Tara said, still looking a bit annoyed. “ Who was the bright idiot that thought they could trap us all in our own shed!”

“ my brother.” Sunny said flatly, making everybody confused before she explained her reasoning behind saying it was her brother. “ Come on you guys my brother would do something like this to get his way. I mean he was annoyed that Hudson get’s to take the dining trains along his branch line and is probably trying to pull it right now. and will probably get an emergency call right about… now.”

At that moment the shed master came into the sheds looking around at the engines.

“ duck has broken down past Haultraugh. Apparently he blew his cylinders trying to climb the hill between there and Tidmouth halt.”

Sunny looked towards Hudson and gestured for the big Baltic engine to follow her.

and just as expected they were able to find duck broken down with Steam coming from his cylinders and him being in excruciating pain.

Passengers had climbed out of the coaches with hot soup all over their crotches and across their bodies. Many of them were complaining about their clothes but Sunny could see two children crying as the soup had gotten into their eyes and their mother carefully trying to clean their eyes out.

“ oh you've done it now Montague!” Sunny said looking at her brother with both anger and a little hint of fear in her voice. “ You have no idea what you've done!”

duck was about to reply when they heard a very familiar voice shouting . “ Montague! What in the name of Isambard Kingdom Brunel have you done!”

Everybody looked to see Matthew arriving in rising star alongside north star and Philomena.

Matthew was already angry but the moment he saw his daughters crying he almost became apocalyptic. Even the passengers Wisely decided to keep their mouth shuts knowing that when Matthew gets into one of his rage moments nothing comes him down.

“ you stupid Great Western engine! you have just ruined my children's special dinner on board the train! and now you've probably traumatized them! If I had my way right now I would rip you apart for spare parts for your sister!”

“ Sorry Matthew but I will not accept any spare parts from him.” Sunny said completely agreeing with her owner that duck had gone too far. “ brother you have gone too far today. I understand you wanted the train to be pulled by a great western engine but you don't always get what you want in life!”

duck Tried to defend himself. “ I just wanted this branch line to be like the Great Western Railway.”

“ and I wanted a brother who wasn't so obsessed with a railway company that is dead!” Sunny shouted glaring at her brother who actually looked a little bit afraid. “The Great Western Railway is dead Montague! and it's never coming back! I thought you had learned your lesson after what happened with diesel all those years ago! but apparently not!”

Duck had the decency to look ashamed with Matthew quietly making his way over to his kids giving them hugs and promising that he will make it up to them.

after a quick switcheroo duck was brought to the sheds with everybody glaring at him as they left for work.

The dining train of course had to be canceled and would be running again the day after tomorrow so Matthew could organize everything again.

and ironically duck did get what he wanted. Matthew decided to put rising star on the head of the train since Hudson would not be available that day.

duck remained in the sheds for quite a few days with all the engines glaring at him and pretending he didn't exist.

One day Charles came up to him crossing his arms and looking extremely disappointed.

“ Duck, I am extremely disappointed in you. I thought that I could rely on you to run that branch line. but it appears I have been mistaken in thinking you could handle the responsibility of running a branch line.”

“ But sir I-”

“ know but with me duck! you have proven yourself unworthy of that branch line! so I am going to reassign you somewhere where I know I have engines that will keep an eye on you!”

“ But sir I-” duck desperately tried again but Charles cut him off.

“ Furthermore the other engines have been complaining to me about you quacking about the Great Western Railway and they're all sick of it! as I am of hearing their complaints! so I think it's time I teach you a lesson in humility and consequences.”

duck now looked a bit worried. “ And what will that be sir.?”

Charles only smiled as Willamina arrived alongside Matthew to take him to the Works.

“ Wait and see duck.”

Duck gulpt As the small tender engine Gleefully took him away to the Works.

After a few weeks his cylinder block was replaced and he was brought into the paint shop.

This surprised him but as Sparky left him there with a big smirk he noticed Matthew coming in with his children wearing smaller suits that the paint shop crew usually use.

Duck looked incredibly nervous as Matthew gestured towards him after kneeling down to get towards his girls.

“ You see that engine over there? He is the one who threw that hot soup on you. and now you get to help me punish him by painting him however you like! There's absolutely no limit! just as long as you guys try to keep yourself safe and where we can see you.”

The girls excitedly grabbed paint cans as well as ladders and brushes.

Some of the fellow paint shop crew actually came over to see the girl's work as duck became a multi-colored mess with his proud great western Green barely visible underneath the rainbow of color that had exploded onto him.

After he was done he looked like a complete mess! He looked so ashamed as the paint began drying and Matthew looked extremely proud of his girls.

He knew that both of them could paint extremely well. Especially Loona who had a natural talent for both painting and archery. but to see them going completely nuts on duck’s side tanks made him feel incredibly proud.

After the paint had dried and he was allowed to leave the Works duck slowly made his way along the main line being laughed at by every single engine and person that saw him.

He was completely embarrassed and didn't want anybody to look at him.

He then arrived in the main yard just to see sunny attached to his auto coaches.

“ What are you doing with my coaches?” duck said, looking a bit surprised and annoyed.

Sunny on the other hand just smiled. “ oh I'm gonna be running on your branch line in your place until you learn your place.”

“ But that isn't fair!” Duck protested but sunny just gave him a flat-faced expression.

“ It isn't fair for you to take a train that belongs to somebody else. and remember you did this to yourself!” She then pulled away with the auto coaches happily chatting with them as if they were old friends.

Duck was then told to report to Ffarquhar which he actually dreaded a little but had no choice but to do so.

After a long and embarrassing journey he arrived at the sheds with all the Branch line engines there glaring at him.

Thomas and Lady especially glared at him.

duck gave a nervous smile. “ so… what exactly do you want me to do here?”

“ your going to be shunting in this yard so one of us can keep an eye on you.” lady said Glaring at the Pannier Tank Engine. “ and don't for a minute think we don't remember that you trapped us all in the sheds! we are going to make sure you finally learn that the Great Western is dead!”

duck didn't say anything as he began doing his duties.

to be continued

Chapter 89: Billsters day

billster yawned as he woke up in the Ffarquhar sheds. It was very early since the sun had not come up yet. This didn't bother him one bit. He enjoyed the early morning runs.

He and his brothers alongside Velvet and Lady Would take turns doing the early morning runs. but he especially enjoyed this as it allowed him to wake up with the rest of the world.

He slowly and carefully made his way to the Carriage sheds to collect his coaches.

“Morning you lot. Sleep well? No idiots keeping you up I hope.”

Moody Yawns as she wakes up smiling at seeing her engine. “No idiots kept us up tonight. After all Daisy is a lavatory.”

The engine and coach chuckled as they slowly began moving out to the siding with the rest of the coaches waking up as they were being moved to the platform.

“Looks like there are a few more packages to take today.” Eda said as the porter opened her doors so the packages could be loaded on board. “ It's gonna be a busy day.”

“Fair enough. Let's get going if everything is set and ready to go.” The e2p said smiling as he could see the sun rising over the horizon.

As he traveled down the branch line stopping and starting at every station to pick up and drop off passengers a lot of them came up to him complimenting him on a smooth ride.

He just took this in stride, being happy to do his job. As he arrived at ellsbridge he had to wait for his connecting service from the main line before he could leave.

He then heard a familiar chime whistle as Stephenson Stopped in the platform next to him with a smile.

“ Good morning Uncle billster. how are you doing this fine morning?”

“Doing alright. Nothing new going on for once, which is a first, considering how Sodor is.” Bilster jokes, making his niece chuckle.

“ yeah. It seems like there's an adventure on this island every single day. Is living here similar to what happened to you back during the two world wars? Because I've always wanted to ask how it was for you and if you ever missed the action?”

“Not really… not much to miss about bomb threats and air raid sirens.”

“Well I can not blame you for that. but didn't you have any fun Adventures or something like that? I mean me and my siblings were stuck on the mainland for most of our lives.”

“Well all of you except for Hudson.”

“ That's true. But still don't you ever miss your old life? you know the life you had on the mainland?” The younger engine said being curious about her uncle's life on the mainland before being purchased by Matthew.

Billster scoffed. “Ah, heck no! My life on the mainland SUCKED! I was always piled on with extra work from Lazy members of my class, like Hunter, and was constantly forced to miss out on much needed overhauls and maintenance with how lazy and useless they all were. Thomas and Timothy are the only exceptions.”

“Well father and uncle Timothy are hard workers. but then again they can be quite cheeky since my father and mother had an argument in the sheds last night.” Stephenson said, chuckling as she remembered the fight. “ to be honest it was mostly mother complaining about Father pulling a prank on her after he accidentally got Covered in flower.”

Billster chuckled. “Sounds like him. Reminds me of when he spooked the bolts off of a snooty Express engine.”

Stephenson Just chuckled as her guard blew her whistle. “ looks like I have to go uncle. See you tomorrow. I'm heading off to Kings Cross!”

Stephenson puffed away with billster looking proudly at his niece as she stormed out of the station.

he then continued his root along the loop line and finally arrived at napford. after all of his coaches were empty of passengers and goods he took them to the Passenger coach facility and left them there to be cleaned and prepared for the next journey.

He slowly and carefully made his way to the Motive power depot. When he arrived he noticed one of his fellow SMD locomotives refueling there as well.

Soham, one of the austerity 2-8-0’s was refueling on coal and water and noticed bilster arriving.

“ Good morning lieutenant. I hope your trip down the branch line was a smooth one?” Soham always used bilsters military ranking to greet him especially after finding out that he was a lieutenant.

Bilster chuckled as he rolled in next to the water tower to fill up his tanks. “Morning Private.” The E2P greeted back. “Yeah. It was a smooth run. Are you doing okay mentally? Just want to ask, considering what you went through during the war.”

Soham smiled. “ I am. I have just finished my latest appointment with my therapist. I'm dealing with it in a healthy way at least. I know some of my brothers and sisters that drove themselves mad even after the war was over. and they didn't have a respectful owner like us who decided to give them therapy rather than just scrapping them…. so sad… they did so much for their country and they were treated like scrap.”

“I know how that feels.” Billster replied. “Two world wars, shunted trucks for different fronts, and in the end, when I got back to Brighton, my siblings treated me like garbage. Making me do all their work and never asking me if I'm mentally okay. That's why I'm trying to ask my fellow war engines that same question, so they aren't alone, and that I won't be alone either.”

“That's a very noble mindset lieutenant. anyway my tender is full so I Should get back to work. Have a good day!”

Soham then left to get her next goods train while bilster was still waiting for his water tanks to be filled up.

At that moment lady arrived with some extra coal trucks for the coal hoppers which were running empty.

She saw her brother-in-law and gave him a smile. “Billster, how are you doing?”

“Ah. Doing alright. Spoke to Soham before you arrived. Checked in on her mental health, because I genuinely feel like I need to give a supportive buffer to my fellow war engines, since no one gave me one.”

“ Well, we all suffered during the war. I was just lucky not to see the First World War. but anyway can you please talk to your brother about not trying to scare me by pretending to be a ghost? I really don't like ghosts.”

Billster chuckled. “Well, no promises. Just go easy on him okay? He’s been working hard and just wants to have a good laugh.”

“I know.” lady said with a small smile. “ All of us need to let off steam sometimes. Just… not with Ghosts. I don't really like ghosts after Percy tricked both me and Thomas that one time. I literally melted my firebars because I was so scared!”

Billster sighed. “Yeah, I see your point there.”

lady smiled as she noticed that all her coal trucks were empty. “ Well, it looks like my job here is done. Will you be joining us at knapford shed tonight or are you going to be sleeping at Farquhar again? Because I'm certain Rosie can keep an eye on quacker boy.”

“I think I might.” Billster replied. “My last service of the day is heading back here. Besides, I could use some time away from the quacker boy.”

The two engines agreed on that as both of them were absolutely sick of duck as he had been doing nothing but complaining ever since he was banished onto their branch line.

After he was done refueling he got his coaches back and sat at platform 3 ready to depart as soon as the porters loaded some extra packages and stuff on board of eda.

As soon as he departed he went back along the loop line smiling as the people were waving and cheering as they saw him. He saw some boys Standing on a bridge ready to throw rocks at him but before they could even get an opportunity he blew coal dust out from his Funnel and unto the boys teaching them a good lesson.

he and his coaches chuckled as the boys were complaining that their Sunday suits were ruined!

He soon arrived back at elsbridge and noticed Thomas sitting at the platform next to him looking a bit ashamed.

“ Lady ripped you a new one?” Bilster said bluntly, raising his eyebrow at his brother.

“ yes. I really should have known better than to prank my wife as a ghost.” Thomas said, looking at his buffers before looking at his brother. “ She told you, didn't she?”

“Yup.” Billster replied bluntly. “I think Percy’s gag really spooked her pretty badly.”

“Yeah.” Thomas said before looking at his brother sternly. “ And don't ever tell Percy that I was actually scared! He won't let me hear the end of him spooking me! And I don't want him to think he actually succeeded!”

Billster smirked. “That caterpillar doesn't deserve that satisfaction either. How about you and Lady work together to spook the bolts off of HIM in revenge?”

“ bilster you Evil Genius!” Thomas said, smiling as he already began thinking of his plan. “ maybe we could Spook him By making him think that he will be the next lavatory next to Daisy.”

“ Does that mean I'll get my wheels back!?” Daisy shouted not being able to see them.

At that moment Bertie the bus came screeching to a halt as a lot of people came out of him and went straight into Daisy holding their stomachs.

“ what's going on?” Thomas said looking at his red friend.

“ Apparently these people came from a curry eating contest and our currently experiencing some… problems with their exhaust.”

“ Oh god! my butt is exploding!” somebody shouted from Inside Daisy as a horrible horrible smell began coming from her. “ this is a big one!”

“ we're going to need more toilet paper!” another one shouted as he noticed that all the toilet paper rolls were gone.

Daisy felt absolutely disgusted as the men kept Emptying their stomachs into her.

“ I don't deserve this! I didn't do anything wrong!”

“ You put my wife in the works because you were too lazy to do your darn job!” Thomas said as he began puffing away from the station.

“Just be glad you're still alive at all, Stinky Daisy! I had a sibling with the same attitude as yours and he's now a heap of scrap!” Bilster said as he left to go up the branch line leaving Daisy behind to suffer her stinky fate.

As he began rolling up the branch line he began relaxing again. He couldn't really explain it but he loved rolling up and down the branch line. he was more than happy to do so since he was permanently assigned here by Matthew.

Billster liked Matthew because Matthew took his feelings into consideration for what he wanted to do with his life.

He really didn't want to become famous or anything like that; he just wanted to do simple branch line work.

When he arrived at Ffarquhar he noticed Rosie keeping an eye on duck as he was shunting some trucks.

“Quacker boy behaving, Rosie?”

“Yes they are lieutenant.” Rosie said with a smile. “ After all, I told him that Matthew would dismantle him if he didn't behave with the good old American screwdriver.”

“So he's basically going to rip quacker boy apart with his hammer if he doesn't listen?” bilster said looking at duck who overheard the conversation and looked a bit scared. “ sounds about right. after all he did splash hot soup on my owners kids.”

“ and nobody messes with Matthew or his children.” Rosie said shuttering remembering last week when some mugger tried to hold Matthew's kids for ransom.

He ended up going to the hospital with all of his ribs destroyed and Having to spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair.

“ Seriously, who is even stupid enough these days to try and mess with Matthew?” Rosie said as she began Shunting some other wagons behind her.

“ apparently quacker boy is.” bilster said, looking at duck. “ He must be the Stupidest duck in the pond if he thinks he can take on a lion like Matthew. anyway I'll be heading up to ulfstead. and remember cadet. make sure quacker boy is kept in line. and I'll be taking over your shift tomorrow.”

Rosie gave a blast on her chime whistle as billster continued his work.

That evening he Shunted his coaches in knapford yard as he had completed his last assignment for today and went to the sheds.

Everybody else was already asleep as he turned on the turntable. He slowly made his way next to his brother's and smiled as he fell asleep.

Today was a real quiet day and he absolutely enjoyed those. because sometimes you don't need a lot of action to make life worth living.

the end

Chapter 90: A boxy surprise.

Christmas time had once again arrived on the island of sodor. all the engines were extremely busy pulling extra passengers and freight trains In order to keep up with the Christmas demands.

Even the Orient Express was busy with Excalibur and King Arthur or Artoria Having to pull the train much more often as people wanted to get to the island and the hotel from the mainland.

One evening Gordon came back from one of his non-stop Express runs from London looking exhausted.

“ If I never have to pull an express train that full again it will be too soon. I understand that all these Christmas visitors and freight is good for the Railway but it is not good for my connecting rods.”

“ same here.” Alice said having also had to do extra runs to London and back to help get as many people to the island as possible. “ I can't wait for the Christmas party next week.”

“ Me too.” Cross said, looking at her fellow engines. “ Christmas is always the best time of the year for me. and I can't wait to see what surprise Matthew has in store for us.”

The engines had been told that Matthew had a big surprise for the Railway and the engines but hasn't given any clues to what it is.

“ I do hope that it is a positive surprise.” hiro said, letting off a little steam in exhaustion. “ we have been having a lot of unwelcome surprises as well.”

“ You can say that again.” Sakura said she had also been reallocated to mainline runs to London rather than her regular runs to Great waterton. “ I'm just glad that the singles are helping us with all of this extra work alongside the Earls private engines.”

“ Indeed even if some of them aren't exactly up to date they are at least able to help us.” Gull said, resting his weary wheels.

“ at least you guys haven't had to deal with duck for months.” lady said she had been sleeping at the main sheds for months now. “ I mean he won't stop complaining that he didn't deserve to get his beautiful Great Western paint covered in abstract paint.”

“ Well to be brutally honest he did deserve what he got.” Sunny said looking at her Female Friend. “ and I'm so sorry you have to deal with him. it seems he is still stuck up in his Great Western Way. he doesn't realize there are other ways to do things.”

“ Some people who are stuck in their way will often find themselves trapped within a loop. the only way to break the loop is to stop doing what you've been doing and find a new path.”

Everybody went quiet as Excalibur gave that juicy little nugget of wisdom. She was apparently a very patient and Noble engine. and she had plenty of wisdom willing to give.

“ Indeed if young Montague Wants to regain his Honor he must be willing to throw his dignity aside.” Artoria said in a royal sounding voice. “ only then will he regain the respect of us all.”

“ I see why Matthew wanted to buy you guys.” billsters said, looking at his fellow SMD engines. “ You guys are really full of wisdom and elegance. even if you're not as big as the other Express engines.”

“ size is not always a measure of one's Elegance and power Elder bilster.” Excalibur said respectfully looking over to her colleague. “We are merely acting this Noble to make sure we honor The Legacy of the names we carry.”

“ Well I can agree with that.” Thomas said, looking at his brother. “ After all we are named after some of the most legendary Knights on this island aren't we sir Timothy Ffarquhar?”

“ That's true Sir Thomas Ffarquhar.” Timothy said looking at his brother with a big smile as everybody around them chuckled.

Meanwhile, duck was still complaining about being stuck on a branch line that wasn't his own.

“ I mean it isn't fair that I'm stuck here Shunting these trucks all day when I have my own branch line to run!” he said as he bashed a truck against the buffers quite harshly. “ I mean I just made one little mistake and I immediately lose my branch line! it isn't fair!”

“ Duck, you know what isn't fair? you threw soup on passengers just because you wanted to prove that the Great Western Railway was the best railway.” Tom said as he rolled alongside the pannier Tank Engine. “besides it was Matthew's train and he was the one who decides who gets to pull the train!”

“ but it is the little Western branch line; it should be run by Western engines!”

“ and it is being run by Western engines. just not that particular service.” Tom pointed out, giving the pannier a deep glare. “ You should be grateful that they didn't rip your part for spare parts after your little incident. because that could have been your fate rather than being painted like this.”

The tram engine looked at the shoddy paintmanship on the locomotives Pannier tanks.

duck glared back at the tram engine. “ but still it's my branch line! I should have had a word on what engines run on it!”

“ That's not how it works.” Toby said joining the two of them in their conversation. “ You don't always get what you want in life, duck. I would have loved it if more of my brothers and sisters would have been preserved like yours. but I am the only member of my class still around! and I am lucky every day to still be alive! you're lucky that out of the over 863 Produced of your class that you ended up here! you could have been amongst the members of your class scrapped!”

“ That's not the point!” Duck said, still trying to justify himself. “It is the little western because it is operated by Western engines! so having a southerner there will only ruin that aesthetic!”

“Oh! Boo hoo!” Billster hissed As yet just arrived with a small consignment of freight wagons. “NO ONE gives a crap about it, Duck! Especially when Region doesn’t matter as long as Engines are able to do the jobs that need to be done! Heck! Sometimes what we wish for isn’t what we get! So do us all a favor and suck it up! I certainly did when all the military could find for additional engines was those two idiot brothers!”

“That isn't the point, billster! I have to keep the spirit of the Great Western Railway alive! It was the greatest railway network in the world and I will fly their flags as long as I can! besides, I don't want to be talked to by an engine whose class is known to be a failure!”

Billster scoffed. “I’ll have you know that I was built with basically the same plans as Thomas! The successful prototype of the E2’s! Also! Isn’t it the great Western way to be Complacent and not Progressive? Basically being racist and discriminatory?”

“Well… well no it's… well….” duck began but didn't really have an answer for the older engine.

“Listen here, billface!” Billster continued. “I don’t care about WHATEVER region’s Specific way to do things! All I care about is doing a job right, safe, and with care and respect towards my peers and passengers! There is no point to state who is better and who is not when that kind of talk only gets you into trouble and be hated by everyone! Including your sister! So ZIP IT with the Superiority! You want to honor your Railway’s positive aspects? That’s fine, but don’t be a fricking donkey about it!”

Duck just went quiet. Tom and Toby just smiled. They knew that the younger tank engine's words were pretty harsh. but that didn't matter; they were the exact words that duck needed to hear.

Billster sighed. “Look here, Duck. I’ve seen quite a few engines blow themselves up all because they wanted to prove a point with being superior. If there’s something that you’re proud of your heritage, that’s fine, but shoving it down everyone’s throat is only going to make enemies rather than friends. My point? Focus on the logical and ethical points of reason, and just.. Be on an equal track. If all you do is claim to be superior, NO ONE will come to your aid when you need it most.”

Duck remained quiet as he began rolling away with a lot to think about.

The three engines looked at him leaving hoping that the E2P’s words had gone through to him.

Meanwhile sunny wasn't really enjoying her time on the little western. not because the job was hard. Not because she couldn't enjoy the company of the passengers and the other engines.

It's because she couldn't see Darby as often as she wanted. because every time she would arrive back at napford she would have to get refueled for another journey up the branch line before she would even have the chance to find him. and even when she did find him they never really had any time to talk.

Fortunately Matthew decided to switch her out on the branch line for her austerity colleagues.

She was very happy with this as she got to work together with Darby again.

“ I tell you Darby working on that branch line wasn't as fun as working here with you.”

“ and why is that?” Darby said as he arranged Gordon's passenger train to be put into the station platform alongside Henry's passenger train that Sunny was handling.

“ because when I'm with you I am truly relaxed. I mean we've worked together for many many years now. I just feel we have a really strong bond.”

“ strong enough to become partners?” Darby said with a smile as sunny blushed deeply.

“ well… that is… I mean… I've got to get some trucks!” Sunny said looking nervous as she left Henry's coaches at The Platform.

Darby just chuckled as the pannier was running away. “ Love you too sunny. even if it's hard for you to admit it.”

The diesel then went back to collecting more coaches for the engines.

A few days later as the sun was setting, bilster was taking a special passenger train filled with VIP passengers for the Christmas party. But he couldn't understand what made them vips?

All of them looked like Regular people. Some of them even looked like dock workers with no real special clothing on them or anything to indicate that they were part of a higher Society rank.

“Who are these folks?” Bilster asked his coaches who also looked pretty confused at the Passengers they were carrying.

“ I don't know.” Charity said as she felt the Passengers inside of her talk about how excited they were to be back on the island. “ but it does seem they Haven't been here for a long time. but why would that be?”

“ I don't know charity.” Amani said Being just as confused as her sister. “ but Matthew did tell us that these passengers were important for the surprise. maybe they are going to put on a performance or something?”

“ I highly doubt that.” Alia said, looking at her sister. “ they didn't bring any instruments or anything else to load on board of eda. so why would they be putting on a performance?”

“ I don't know.” Moody said as she kept looking to see the world moving past her. “ But whatever it is, as long as these people don't ruin our seats it will be good.”

bilster could only agree with his coaches. but as he was traveling he thought he had forgotten something. but he didn't really have any time to think about it since the party would be starting in a few hours and he needed to be there to make sure that Matthew could reveal the big surprise.

but as he was approaching elsbridge he suddenly felt himself slowing down and his fire feeling a lot weaker than it should be.

“Scrap! I forgot to top up on coal!” Bilster said looking a bit embarrassed.

And indeed he had not fueled upon coal and there was no coal bunker at the station. so they were pretty much stranded with no way any other engine could be steamed up in time to rescue him.

but that's when they heard chuffing from behind them.

bilster tried to look behind him but because he was an engine he couldn't really stretch his neck out. so he decided to ask his Break coach but she didn't reply.

She seemed to be in shock as she couldn't answer her engine's question.

A few moments later bilster Felt a slight biff behind him as if somebody had coupled up to him.

Before he could ask any questions Matthew approached him with a big smile.

“ Run out of coal?” he said with a smile as he crossed his arms.

He sighs. “Yeah. I did.”

Matthew just chuckled and gave his engine a respectful pat on the buffer. “ don't worry about it. It can happen to the best of Us. now we better get you moving because these people need to get to the party ASAP.”

Before the E2P could ask any other question Matthew disappeared behind him and he heard three unfamiliar whistles before the train was once again moving.

Meanwhile inside of the round house all the engines were discussing what the surprise would be.

Meanwhile the humans were mingling with each other with Adele standing next to her father and mother and her two brothers named after their great grandfather Nicholas and their Grandfather ryo.

The two of them were about the same age as Aurora and Loona.

Loona in particular looked at Nicholas with a little blush. Aurora just smiled at her sister and told her to talk to the boy but Didn't push her to do so.

She learned from her mother that it's better to Suggest someone than to force someone to at least talk to someone.

Meanwhile Charles was looking at his watch looking a bit confused as he stood in front of Thomas.

“ Is everything alright sir? I mean you have been looking at your watch 17 times in the last 17 minutes.”

“ I'm just concerned that Matthew isn't here yet. I mean he told me he had a big surprise for all of us and he and it have not shown up yet. and I'm getting a bit concerned.”

all the other engines had overheard this exchange and we're also getting a bit concerned as billster had also not arrived yet.

But soon the glasses wearing members of Thomas and Timothy's class rolled in leaving his coaches outside as they couldn't fit inside of the sheds.

but all of the Passengers came in as Billster was turned round to sit next to his brothers.

“ Is everything okay, billster?” Timothy said, looking concerned for his younger brother. “ Why did it take so long for you to get here?”

“Forgot to top up on coal. COMPLETLY on me.” The younger e2p set With a smile as his two elder Brothers let out size of relief.

“ Well at least you got here safely.” Thomas said before realizing something. “ Wait, who exactly brought you here? I mean even the diesels are all here and there are no other engines out there besides the Narrow gage engines and the miniature gage engines and they couldn't have helped you get here. So who did?”

“Matthew didn’t tell me.” Bilster said being a little bit confused about why his owner didn't tell him.

but before anybody else could say anything they heard three whistles from outside the sheds.

most of the engines didn't recognize them. but the engines that were there during World War 2 did recognize them.

“ no… it can't be…” Thomas said, being both confused and shocked!

“ It can't be who?” Hudson said not understanding why everybody was so surprised and Confused at hearing those whistles.

But then as the source of the whistles rolled into the sheds all the engines that were there before the end of the war gasped alongside everybody else including the vip's bilster had just delivered.

There, rolling into the sheds were three boxy looking engines.

They only had four wheels and very boxy tanks alongside green paint that looked to be incredibly fresh. but the one thing that identified them were the numbers and letters on their tanks. S&M numbers 1 2 3.

“ It can't be!” Winston said not believing his eyes.

That was until Matthew jumped off the last engine with a big smile before pointing both his hands towards the three box tank engines.

“ Did somebody order some Nielsen and Co box tank engines?!”

Everybody looks shocked as indeed the box tank engines from the sodor and mainland railway were sitting there and being turned into three open roads in the sheds!

“ Hello everyone.” Neil said with a smile as he looked around seeing all the new engines he Hadn't met before. “ looks like we got some new engines around here. and such a beautiful new shed.”

“well it will do?” the boxtank Matthew said as he didn't really like change but he was glad to see that all of his old friends were still there.

Clive then looks towards Emily with a smile. “ It's good to see you again Emily. and I must admit your paintwork looks extra shiny tonight.”

Emily just had tears flowing out of her eyes as she could see her old colleagues sitting there. she couldn't believe it. She thought this was a dream. but it wasn't. The three box tanks were still alive and sitting in the sheds.
The vip's also looked shocked as it turns out they were the dock workers who worked at the harbor that night when it was deliberately destroyed by the German spies.

They were happy to see the box tanks again as they felt grateful for them saving most of their lives by pushing the trucks loaded with explosives into the sea.

Charles looked the most confused out of them all. Walking to Matthew warbler wanting answers.

“ Matthew, where did you get these engines?! I thought they were destroyed!?”

“ Well I got them from the old Harbor of course.” Matthew said just shrugging. “ but I think if we're going to explain things they need to explain what happened that night first.”

all the engines and people looked towards the box tanks who let out a sigh as they began explaining what happened that night.

“ that night as we pushed those wagons into the sea we were just about able to get past the burning ship when the explosion happened.” Clive began recounting that story remembering that night vividly.

“ The next thing we knew we were being pushed off our tracks and flung into the old station building which collapsed on top of Us.” Neil continued also remembering that night vividly. “ We were unconscious after the Blast but we woke up a few Days Later. we couldn't see anything and we tried to call out for help. but it turned out the Harbor was abandoned by then.”

“ And apparently you guys didn't try to find us because you thought we were dead. Do you guys think so little of Us?” Matt ( nickname for the box tank Matthew to make writing this a little easier.) said looking around the engines who looked ashamed. “ Well that answers that. but to be honest in your wheels we would have done the same.”

“ anyway.” Neil said Trying to get them back on track. “ We stayed there for years. throughout heavy rains and heavy snow. We feared we would never see the light of day again. but that was until this man here saved us.”

Everybody looked towards Matthew who smiled as it was time to explain his side of the story.

“ Well it started a few years ago when me and Willemina were working on the norramby branch line after finishing our maintenance on it. a Copper Thief had taken the copper wiring from the old switch that led to the harbor. and again Charles, I really think we should just rip that up for safety reasons.”

“ And why do you suggest that?” Charles said being a bit confused until the small 0-4-2 tender engine spoke up.

“ because me and Matthew were lucky that we weren't going really fast and that Matthew had excellent control of the situation. if it was James or Winston it could have ended in a worse accident.”

James and Winston didn't complain about this knowing that it could have be true.

“Anyway after we came to a stop there we sent the guard back up the line while I inspected the train for any damage. That's when I heard some mumbling coming from the old station Building and decided to investigate. After that I saw Matthew's number and the S&M lettering on his side. I knew immediately that these guys must still be alive. so the next evening I had them discreetly taken to Brighton works undergoing a long-term restoration which was completed a few weeks ago.”

“ So you knew those engines were alive all this time and you didn't tell one of us?”

Gordon said looking both shocked and a bit annoyed with Matthew hiding this fact from them.

Matthew just Shrugged again and smiled. “ I wanted to surprise you guys with them. Besides, I wasn't certain they could be restored due to the battering they received. I pretty much had to rebuild Matthews controlled deck from scratch. It was a really long and painful process. even more difficult than Anne's restoration. but just like with her, me and my crew got it done.”

“ and we are grateful for that.” Clive said, looking at his fellow engines. “ because I'm so glad I get to see all of you again.”

“ We really missed you during our exile.” Niel said before looking at his younger brother who just rolled his eyes but gave a small smile.

Emily just began crying more but her smile said that she was happy. “ I can't believe you guys are actually back! It's a true Christmas miracle!”

“ and you'll be seeing a lot more of them.” Matthew said as he grabbed some paperwork from Matthew's control platform and handed them over to Charles. “ Charles, I am officially handing over Ownership of these engines to you.”

Matthew handed the papers over to Charles who looked at them for a brief moment. He then looked to see Matthew’s smiling face as well as the faces of the box tanks.

but to Matthew's surprise Charles handed their paperwork back to Matthew.

“ You keep them Mathew.” Charles said with a smile.

This surprised everyone until Charles clarified his reasoning for doing this.

“ you brought them back from the dead. you deserve to own them. but please can we at least Rent them out on a permanent basis?”

Matthew smiled and not only grabbed the paperwork but extended his hand for Charles to shake.

“ I wouldn't have it any other way sir. Besides these engines are meant for this island. and I'm certain you'll be able to find plenty of jobs for them.”

The controller and the chief mechanical engineer Shook hands to many loud cheers and whistles. all the engines were happy to have their old friends back.

and the three box tank engines were more than happy to learn of what had changed in the world during their little sabbatical.

They were also impressed that Thomas became a father figure to all the l-class engines and even joked that the little cheeky engine had finally grown up.

all the engines laughed especially Timothy, lady, Amelia, Howard, Tanya, lux, jackland and Regina.

Thomas blushed but knew that they were right. he had matured. and he was happy to have them all back.

the railway just didn't feel complete without them.

the end of chapter 90!

only 10 more to go until we're at 100!

Chapter 91: Road rebel with rollers part 1 George and bilster.

Things have been interesting at Ffarquhar recently.

Duck had finally been sent back to the little Western but his paintwork had not been changed and he wasn't allowed to pull passenger trains.

Meanwhile, the engines of the branch line were sure that he had learned his lesson after his little conversation with the youngest e2p.

they had hoped that they wouldn't get any more unpleasant surprises but unfortunately they would get one.

One morning billster was preparing for work when he heard an unfamiliar whistle rolling into the yards.

He could see a green steamroller rolling into the yards alongside some workmen. He knew that today the council had scheduled for the repair to the road inside of the yard and thus he and his friends had to be careful around the construction site.

He had seen a few steamrollers in his life working both in the United Kingdom and abroad. all of them had been pretty nice to him so far so he decided to introduce himself to the steamroller.

“Hello there.” Billster spoke in a neutral and kind tone. “Never seen you around here before.”

“Get lost you tin can before I roll you flat!” the steamroller said quite rudely, taking the steam engine aback.

“I beg your pardon?” Billster said, surprised at the Steamrollers rudeness.

“Like I said, get lost! we're here to rip up your stupid rails and replace them with a nice beautiful parking lot for cars!” the steamroller said smirking but the foreman groaned and face palmed.

“ George, for the 1 millionth time we are not ripping up any railway lines anytime soon and we are not turning this place into a parking lot! And remember you're on thin ice right now! especially With the council! so do not do anything stupid here today!” the foreman said walking away grumbling that they should get a new steamroller to replace George.

bilster wisely left the steamroller alone.

Later that day he had been requested to take a train up Edward's branch line. This was a special train filled with churchgoers going to a picnic the Vicar of Wellsworth was holding.

He didn't mind the run since it gave him time to relax and think about the steamroller he had encountered.

as he arrived at the Vicarage Orchard he rolled into the special platform that had been built for that particular place. wasn't anything special just a wooden platform on an independent loop of track but it was good enough for the vicar.

bilster for his end was allowed to relax for a while. Matthew decided to give him a long break today since he had been working really hard last year and felt he deserved it.

At that moment Trevor the traction engine arrived to have a chat with the engine. The two of them had only seen each other on a rare handful of occasions but we're very cordial with each other.

“ hello billster. How are you today?” Trevor said with a friendly smile but he could see billster Didn't exactly look happy.

“A tad perplexed to be honest, Trevor.” Billster replied and immediately explained about the steamroller he encountered.

Trevor looked exhausted and it wasn't even tea time yet. “ So you have encountered George then? figured he still hadn't changed After the last couple of incidents he caused.”

Billster raised an eyebrow. “Incidents? He causes accidents and problems?”

Trevor let out a wish of steam as he seemed to be getting a smoke box ache. “ where do I even begin? When he first arrived on the island back in 1960 He has caused all kinds of problems for every railway across the island. he deliberately rammed into sir handels train causing a massive derailment. Then while working near the main line he accidentally smashed into a truck spilling its contents everywhere. flattened some rails causing a derailment near the China clay Quarry. accidentally crushed a kid's stuffed animal because he wasn't paying attention and wasn't supposed to be moving. and just last week he crushed one of the Vickers trees! and to make it worse it was one of the favorite trees of the boys to pick apples from. We had to cut it down and turn it into a bench. trust me me and George might come from the same manufacturer but we are nothing alike.”

“So does he have anything against railways? Or is he just a straight-up narcissist?” Billster asked with a blunt tone.

“I think it's both. He is of the belief that the roads are superior to the railway. but nobody on the railway or on the roads really cares about that.” Trevor explained having heard George's ramblings 100 times over the last year alone. “ and you best be warned, billster. because that steamroller will do anything to get ahead of the game. my advice is just to ignore him.”

billster agreed with the traction engine.

“I’ll ignore him as best as I can.” Billster replied. “But don't be surprised if I let my Lieutenant Commander rank take over if he really pushes things TOO far from being ignored. Forgive my words Trevor, but he sounds kind of like Ironwood in a way. I have a feeling in my tanks that George WILL do something drastic if I ignore him long enough. So I will use my rank and drill Sergeant-like voice to get him in order if he does do something like that.”

After a few hours bilster went back up the branch line to deliver the school children back home.

Fortunately for him when he arrived at the sheds on the branch line George had already finished his job and had left.

Unfortunately the roads along the branch line needed maintenance as well and those would be scheduled for multiple weeks!

over those weeksbillster saw George Moore and more often as he came closer and closer to the railway line.

“ watch this you tin can! this is going to be your future!” George shouted but all bilster did towards him was blow Steam and sud at him but for the rest ignored him completely.

The workers meanwhile Giggled every time this happened and agreed that he had this coming but never said it to George knowing that he had a very very Large temper.

And one day George finally had enough of being ignored.

He had memorized the time table and knew that billster would be taking a freight train along the branch line around a crossing that they were fixing.

the moment he could see bilster in the distance he rolled onto the tracks and wouldn't move even when his driver told him to.

bilster was able to see this and was able to slow down to a halt looking more annoyed than anything else.

“What are you doing?” Billster asked calmly, keeping his Composure, trying to figure out George's motives before letting his tongue loose.

“You have been ignoring me tin kettle! And I don't like that! I'm going to stay here until you acknowledge that the roads are The superior way to travel!” George said hissing steam at the Tank Engine Who just rolled his eyes not wanting a fight.

“Tch! You really think you scare me, steam roller?” Billster spoke with a disinterested voice. “You're nothing compared to what I've seen.”

“Oh yeah and what would that have been?” George said Glaring at the e2p.

Billster spoke with a firm and authoritative tone. “As an ex-military engine, I've seen quite a few things on the lines. Heck, I even went up against military engines for the other side. Engines that make you look like a mere little ant in size comparison. Heck! I even faced traitors to the United Kingdom during those days.”

George just growled again and decided that if the engine Wasn't going to respect him through words he was going to do it through Force!

so he biffed him hard! bilster on the other hand wasn't taking this lying down not going to let a simple steamroller roll over him! so he biffed him back and this happened for a few minutes with the workers not interfering at all.

they wanted to see how bad George was going to lose this.

and after one particularly hard bump from bilster fortunately not damaging his buffers George ended up off the tracks looking stunned.

bilster just smiled and rolled away with his trucks not caring that he had just beaten a steamroller.

one of the workmen walked up to George with a smile. “ You kind of deserved that one George. Now come on, we still have a road to fix.”

George just growled as he was humiliated by what he thought was an inferior mode of transportation.

George definitely wanted to pay the railway out and especially billster.

and one day he would be given his chance. but unfortunately for him it would spell the end of his career.

Meanwhile billster arrived at croven's Gate with his train and saw Matthew waiting for him at the workshop.

“ It's good to see you again billster.”

“ It's good to see you too Matthew.” The tank engine Said with a smile noticing the suitcase next to his owner. “ Are you going on vacation?”

“ Yes I am.” Matthew said, rubbing the back of his neck. “ I feel like I'm not spending enough time with my kids so we're taking a vacation to wales To see some of the railways there. and who knows I might be able to rent some of my narrow gauge locomotives there? but anyway I will be gone for at least a week. Charles will actually be coming with me alongside aoihi and his family.”

“ So I guess this means hiro will be out of service?”

“ yes but he is undergoing an overhaul as we speak so he will probably be back in service by the end of the week. Anyway, see you in a week.”

Matthew said Waving at his engine as he took the train to the mainland alongside the rest of his family.

Billster just gave him a happy toot on his whistle as he went off.

if only they knew what would happen within that week while Charles and Matthew were gone and an inspector was put in charge.

To be continued

Chapter 92: Bitter judgement

It was a horrible accident. It was a terrible accident. It was an accident that the northwestern railway would never forget.

Hudson Was lying on his side at Crosby unconscious as the Wrecking Crew began Loading him up onto a flatbed to be taken to the Works.

The damage done to his left hand side was severe! The coaches had also piled up onto each other but fortunately one track remained open. Unfortunately rescue personnel had to begin Counting the Bodies of the Passengers that didn't make it.

This was the first Big railway accident on the island that had actually claimed lives!

The inspector that was put in charge of the Railway Since both Charles and Matthew were gone did a quick investigation and found out that sunny was pulling in some trucks of the main line but for whatever reason stopped with one truck still on the main line.

nobody knew why she did it but they did see bilster in the yards in front of her after the accident.

and this was pretty bad for the young e2p.

The inspector immediately ordered him to Knapford sheds to await his punishment.

Meanwhile Thomas and Lady were tasked with bringing Hudson into the works.

When they arrived they looked at the state of their first son (their youngest but the first one they actually nurtured as parents) And felt a little heartbroken.

“ What could have caused this accident?” lady said as they began lifting Hudson off the flatbed to be looked over.

“ I don't know.” Thomas said looking at his wife with both a hint of concern for his son and for his brother. “ but I don't agree with the inspector that bilster was to blame. He would never do something like this!”

“not even on purpose.” Lady agreed with her husband knowing that her brother-in-law would never do something so reckless as to block another engine from entering the yards to clear the main line.

but still that did leave several questions unanswered.

rain began falling as they made their way back to Tidmouth sheds.

the sheds was a little empty at the moment. with only Spitfire, fighter command, Excalibur and arturia, anne and hushy, Edward and Tara, Henry and Eleanor, Gordon and Alice, James and Emily, Percy and Rosie, Donald and Douglas And finally Timothy and Amelia.

The inspector was standing in the sheds overlooking some of the maintenance of the other engines. as Thomas and Lady turned into their designated shed roads they looked towards the inspector.

“ Sir, what is going to happen to bilster?” Thomas asked, wanting to know what his brother's punishment would be.

the inspector looked towards Thomas with a disinterested look. “ that Troublemaker will be sent away from the island permanently and banned from operating here again!”

“You can't do that!” Timothy shouted angrily looking at the inspector. “ We know our brother wouldn't do anything like this! you can't just punish him without having every single fact!”

“ I do have all the facts.” the inspector said not caring what the older E2P’s have to say.

the two northwestern locomotives looked angrily at the inspector before Edward spoke up.

“ sir with all due respect. sometimes when we think we have all the answers we often don't have them.” The Old engine spoke with a smile trying to de-escalate the situation before it could get ugly.

“ indeed.” Tara agreed looking at her husband. “ we do not believe he's been given a fair trial. We would like to discuss what happened amongst ourselves and see if we can't piece anything more together. that way you have a second opinion so to speak.”

The inspector looked at the engines who all agreed with the two older residents of the Railway. The inspector just rolled his eyes and told them they had until first light tomorrow to clear the young tank engine's name.

As soon as the doors shut all the engines looked at each other not knowing how to start. but eventually Gordon cleared his throat and began their little session.

“I believe the facts that we have been presented with are clear. Hudson rammed into a truck that was left on the main line thanks to Sunny not being able to clear the main line. Are we all in agreement on those facts?” the big Express engine said, looking at the other engines.

None of them could disagree that those facts were pretty clear. but Thomas and Timothy felt that the facts weren't clear and were about to speak up when Gordon continued.

“ but I also think it's clear that this isn't billster’s fault, correct?”

all the engines especially agreed on that fact. Thomas and Timothy were relieved to hear that their brother wasn't being accused by everyone.

“ Well that settles that fact then. We know that billster is innocent but we need to find out what really happened then.” the big blue engine said looking around the sheds.

All the engines then look to Edward as one of the older and wisest residents to be the sort of “Judge” over this little trial. Edward let out a sigh of steam as he rolled onto the turntable and began turning to face all the engines.

“ we all know that bilster is innocent. but does anybody have any evidence to back up that he is innocent?” Edward asked looking around the sheds at all the other engines. “ and remember nothing is too insignificant at this moment. because we all know what will happen to him if he leaves the island.”

“ He will be sent for scrap.” fighter command said shivering knowing that was very likely her fate if Matthew hadn't stepped in. “We cannot allow such a noble engine to fall to the scrappers' torch.”

“ indeed.” Spitfire said having a lot of respect for the engine for his war services. “but I don't have anything that could prove his innocence. I only saw him here at knapford preparing with his passenger train in the morning. and the accident took place in the evening.”

“So you're saying that he was doing a different job than he normally does?” Tara said, looking at the big Pacific.

“ indeed. But since I can't go along the branch line I can't really vouch for any of that.” Spitfire said, looking at the branch line engines Along with the other engines.

“did you guys have any conversation with bilster before the accident?” Anne Asked hoping they might know something.

“ no.” all of them said together except for Excalibur and artoria who realized something.

“ We might have seen something.” Artoria said, looking around at the other engines. “ When me and Excalibur had brought in the Orient Express today we noticed that bilster was having an argument with the inspector. Apparently bilster was abandoning his Duty of pulling a passenger train back from the Castle to bring the Stephenson's rocket to the works on behalf of the Earl.”

“ The argument was loud enough for us to hear it all the way on the other end of the Castle.” Excalibur added. “The Inspector was apparently complaining to him about a delay at the Castle Earlier that day. He was letting a veteran who had lost both his legs in combat on after he almost missed the train. he was not happy and shouting about keeping to the time table and that it was an “ unnecessary delay” which cost him precious time.”

“ Well, That checks out.” Thomas said, smiling at hering that.

“ indeed.” Timothy said. “ billster would never argue with authority figures unless he has a good reason. I mean that's the whole reason he and ironwood Kept butting heads back at the Old M.O.D depot.”

but this fact didn't explain the whole accident or why billster was heading back in a Westerly Direction if he was supposed to be on the branch line.

That's when Eleanor remembered something!

“ Wait, I saw him after that! He was taking Alec and Baldwin Along with Stephen to the Workshops to get some repairs done to their tenders! The Inspector was not happy about him abandoning his work but he didn't want to let fellow veterans suffer.”

“ And did anybody see him after that?” Edward asked as everybody began wacking their minds trying to figure out if they had seen billster before the accident.

That's when Gordon and Alice remembered something.

“ we were taking a slow freight to ellesbridge.” Alice began trying to remember all the details. “ We saw him leaving the Works after Saying goodbye to Alec and Baldwin and Stephen.”

“And as we were getting close to elsbridge We saw sunny passing us with those empty trucks.” Gordon explained realizing something. “ And now that I think about it Even though me and Alice were going pretty slow and steady it would have taken Bilster hours to get there.”

“ and we saw Hudson racing through elsbridge a short while after we saw sunny. even with bilster going at top speed he wouldn't have been able to get from croven's gate to crossbee before the accident.” Alice said with everybody Agreeing that it was impossible.

“ So we know it's impossible for billster to have been there before the time of the accident.” Edward said rotating around the sheds looking at everyone. “ but we still have no proof of what really caused the accident.”

“ I mean can't we ask sunny?” Percy said, speaking up for the first time. “ I mean she's the only engine that would know why she stopped without clearing the main line?”

“ Well she was in shock, Percy.” Rosie said having been the one to bring her back to the shunters shed Before coming back to the main sheds. “i don't think she will be ready to talk any-”

At that moment the 5700 in question rolled into the sheds Still looking a bit shocked but having Darby role in behind her to give her some confidence.

Edward rolled back into his shedroad so that the pannier Tank Engine could roll into hers.

Everybody looked at the pannier looking both curious but sympathetic at the engine.

“ Are you okay?” Percy asked, trying to be… delicate in the situation.

“ a little… I'm just… shocked that that happened to me and to Hudson… is he…” the Great Western engine asked looking at Thomas and Lady who had brought the Hudson locomotive to the workshops.

“ He is badly damaged and will most likely take a few weeks to repair.” Thomas explained and then had a little chuckle. “At least he will be able to be overhauled with his siblings now.”

all the engines chuckled at hering this. They all knew that the l-class tank engines and tender engines were put in for overhaul recently since they were considered critical engines in keeping the railway going.

Sunny smiled a little at hearing this . “good… and Thomas… Lady… I am so sorry for what happened to your son. I promise I didn't do it on purpose.”

“ Then what happened?” Thomas asked in a calm tone trying to reassure the younger engine. “ We are not mad. we are just trying to clear our brother's name. and you might hold the critical piece of evidence.”

All the engines then quietly explained what Happened after she went into shock. The Great Western engine was surprised to hear that billster was blamed for the whole thing.

“ That's impossible.” Sunny said, looking at all the other engines. “ Billster wasn't there when the accident happened. in fact no engine was there when it happened!”

“ Then who was there?” hushy Said asking the question that everybody had on their lips.

“ George the steamroller.” sunny said making every single engine grown infrastration.

“I should have known it was him.” Thomas said, groaning. “ Billster told me about his encounters over the last couple of weeks with that particular steamroller. how he was an absolute Menace! And now he has caused an accident.”

“ But how did he cause the accident?” Percy asked the pannier who was still not 100% but continued to tell what happened.

“he Deliberately blocked my track so I couldn't get into the yard properly. and get this he told me to wait even though I told him Hudson was coming right behind me! He just told me that he had to wait until he was done with his job as well!” Sunny now grew a bit more frustrated and angry as her face began turning red with anger. “He wasn't even doing any work! He was just sitting there doing nothing! and when the crash happened I… I… I….”

“ That's enough sunny.” Darby said Trying to calm her down. “don't overdo it. you need more time to mentally recover.”

The Great Western engine began calming down, still feeling a bit all over the place emotionally and glad for the diesel engine’s reassuring words.

Thomas meanwhile began plotting how he was going to hide the remains of George the moment he saw him.

however something else dawned on him.

“now that we have all the evidence we can convince the inspector to let billster stay and till Matthew and Charles return.”

“ We should also inform him that he is innocent.” Lady said with all the other engines agreeing.

But before they could say anything Ruby who was Acting as temporary shed master walked out looking a bit confused.

“ If you want to talk to billster then you are too late. He left nearly an hour ago. And it's kind of sad that he had to leave in this storm.”

“ what!” all the engines shouted before making their way outside besides Darby and sunny who still wanted to recover mentally.

But what none of them knew was that a certain red-eyed woman had been lying on one of the beams in the sheds listening in on the whole conversation.

The rain was coming down in buckets! and in one unfortunate case Miss Karen kenderson who's out on bail got hit with a literal rain of buckets!

They could barely see a thing and were completely blinded. but they continued to whistle and hoot at the moment shouting that it was an emergency and they needed all the lines clear!

The Signalman knew that the engines usually had a better judge of things and helped them get the clear tracks that they needed.

Thomas and Timothy were exhausted but finally they could see the Works station and a familiar site sitting at one of the platforms.

“ billster!” Thomas shouted as he rolled up next to him. “ I'm so glad you're still here!”

“ I've got no choice.” the glass wearing member of their family said, looking ahead of him. “ she won't let me leave.”

The two brothers looked ahead to see Owl standing on the Tracks Looking sternly at the Young e2p. Surprisingly she was wide awake and attentive.

“ You are not going anywhere, billster. not without a fair trial!”

The other engines arrived and quickly turned around so they could escort Billster to the sheds. They were able to do this thanks to the station Masters and signalman allowing the cavalcade to head home.

The inspector had heard about the cavalcade and was using his bicycle to get to the work station. only for him to arrive drenched, hungry, covered in mud, with his bike being almost totaled twice and seeing that there were no engines at the station.

The next morning Charles Returned to work feeling a lot more relaxed than he had in months.

He decided to go to the engine sheds to greet the engines but what appeared to him was completely unexpected.

He saw the inspector inside raving and swirling his arms around in anger shouting at all the engines with all of them quietly glaring at the inspector.

behind Gordon sat billster who remained quiet, not saying a word.

At that moment Charles decided to speak up. “ What is going on here inspector? why are you raving around like a lunatic?”

The inspector looked towards Charles and then pointed manically at all the engines. “ these… these… These locomotives have Mutinid ! they ran up and down the line with no care for procedure or anything! causing all manner of Chaos with the night services and forcing me to go out in the thunderstorm on my bicycle to the workstation only for them all to end up here! only to protect… that… that… troublesome engine! he has caused nothing but problems since he has arrived here!”

The inspector pointed towards billster who remained quiet not saying a word but glaring bazookas at the inspector not appreciating what he was saying about him.

Charles was confused until the engines carefully explained everything to him. from Hudson's accident to George's contributions to the accident.

Charles took a deep breath and decided to be diplomatic about this. “ Inspector, it's been a long night for you. you're soaked and you're tired. May I suggest we just go and have some breakfast and calmly discuss this as reasonable men?”

“no!” the inspector immediately shouted not wanting any breakfast or anything! “ That engine has caused nothing but Trouble ever since he arrived on this island! He not only caused the destruction of the M.O.D depot but also destroyed the career of a decorated general! and now he has caused an accident! that engine is nothing but Trouble and should be removed from this island immediately!”

He then turned towards Gordon. “ you big blue sausage move out of the way I will drive him to the scrap yards myself!”

Gordon glared at the inspector and began hissing steam at him. his driver and fireman who had already had enough of the inspector had their shovel ready alongside some improvised weapons to teach him a lesson.

The engines meanwhile burst out in angry cries and whistles.

Charles tried to regain control of the situation but had little success. That was until a barrel loudly clattered inside, shutting everybody up. and there standing at the entrance of the sheds was Matthew.

and he did not look pleased as he looked around at the situation.

“ Can somebody in the name of George Stephenson explain to me what's going on?!” he shouted, which made all the engines go quiet. But the inspector remained as loud as ever.

“This engine has caused a major railway accident and I am sending him off the island as per the authority given to me by Sir Charles Topham hatt!” the inspector shouted pointing at the engine.

Charles meanwhile looked a little confused. “ you do realize you can't send him away right?”

the inspector now glared at the Fat Controller. “ I was put in charge when you left and I am saying that this engine is banned from running here and needs to be removed and scrapped a mediately!”

Charles could feel the anger radiating off Matthew and knew that if he didn't try to get the inspected to see sense Matthew would do it by Force.

“ I left you in charge of the north western railway but you are not in charge of the steam machines department rental company who are the owners of locomotive 105. And so you dont have the authority to send him away.”

“That doesn't matter! I don't care who owns them, I will drive him to the scrapyard myself! that engine is nothing but a nuisance! he should be scrapped immediately! He is just a Tank Engine after all! there's nothing special about him!”

all the engines look shocked. Charles just looked disappointed. He tried to be diplomatic and try to resolve the situation without fighting. but apparently it all fell on deaf ears. He then gestured to Matthew that it was time for his form of diplomacy.

The inspector continued to glare at Gordon before Matthew pushed him and he fell to the ground.

but before the inspector could say anything Matthew stomped his foot onto the inspector's chest and pressed down hard making sure he Couldn't move.

“Bilster has been a Credit to my fleet ever since I purchased him!” Matthew said through gritted teeth as he grabbed the inspector's head and forced it down onto the turntable floorboards hard and Painfully. “ and you're not scrapping any of my engines! If you do I will rip you apart lim from limb and give your remains to my Lions! Do I make myself absolutely crystal clear!”

The Inspector was finally allowed to stand up trying to catch his breath but was glaring at Matthew.

Matthew meanwhile looked around and asked the engines to explain what really happened. After getting the full story he looked at the inspector and Gestured towards the exit of the sheds.

“ This place is north western railway property! if you do not leave within the next five seconds I will call the police and have you arrested for trespassing!”

the inspector didn't say anything but just through his hatt on to the floor and glared at Matthew.

“ you're going to regret keeping that scrap pile of an engine here!”

He left but not before seeing that Matthew stomped on his hat and made sure it could never be repaired.

As the inspector left Matthew gave a sympathetic look towards billster.

“ I think you need some time off bilster. you and sunny. so I'm going to be putting you in the museum. I think sometime in there and some therapy will help you through all of this.”

The two tank engines agreed, feeling like there was a lot to talk about and Neither of them exactly being in the best mental state at the moment.

fortunately for billster he would not be the only one of his family going into the museum.

Thomas and Timothy were due for overhauls and were reaching the end of their Boiler certificates by the end of the month and would be put in the museum for temporary storage until the Works was done with Thomas's children.

still they were happy that they would all be together on this wonderful railway.

but now you're probably wondering what happened to George?

well I mustn't say anything more or I will spoil the next story.

Now if you excuse me I'm gonna go hunting. and it's apparently steamroller season.

to be continued

Chapter 93: By George

George was having a wonderful time. Nobody knew that he was the one who caused the accident with Hudson and sunny. he was even happy that Billster just so happened to come when he was rolling away.

He had not seen any of the tank engines involved in the accident for a solid week. Neither had he seen Thomas and Timothy.

He wrongly assumed that they were in the scrap yard now and that it would be only a matter of time before the other engines went to the scrap yard and the whole railway would be turned into a nice big Road network.

We of course know that that isn't the case. Hudson was still undergoing repairs and sunny and the e2p Brothers Were currently in the museum taking a nice long break to mentally recover.

Matthew decided to have the box tank engines fill in for the three brothers on the branch line. Meanwhile Howard and Tanya would help out in the main yards.

but still Matthew wasn't happy at what George did and really wanted to pay him out. but unfortunately since George was part of the council he had no real Power over him. and he highly doubts the council would let him rip apart their only real steamroller.

One day Matthew went to the museum To check in on his engines.

a lot of them had been out of service for quite some time including Cross. She was put in the museum after long years of loyal service. but unfortunately she was behind in the overhaul queue behind some of the other engines on the railway.

she didn't mind as she was able to talk to some of her fellow engines in the museum that she had never met before.

but there was one particular engine Matthew wanted to see how they were doing more than any of them.

Matthew made his away towards the workshop Hall to see smudger contently sitting there happy to see his owner.

“ Hey Matthew how's it going? anything I've missed?”

“ nothing important smudger. and how are you doing? ready to roll again?”

Smudger began thinking about it as he had been in the museum for quite a few years now. he had been given therapy by Matthew and really was able to work Through his problems better now than when he was stuck as a generator for the old factory.

“ Well you know what. If you ever have a free spot in the Workshops you can put me in. for now you can just leave me here.”

Matthew nodded and was about to leave when somebody entered the hall and immediately ran over to him.

it was Summer Rose and she looked a bit exhausted as she ran up to Matthew.

“ Matthew! I am so glad… I was finally able to find you… you know you're a hard person to track down when you want to be?” Summer said trying to catch her breath with Matthew just chuckling.

“ I mean I was able to avoid the Japanese army for years while trying to make my way back to Japan so yeah I know I can be hard to track down. But why did you try to track me down? I mean did I do something illegal like Forgetting to pay my taxes?”

“Nothing like that!” Summer said, wheezing as she tried to catch her breath back. “I'm here to talk to you about the accident a week ago involving your locomotives. We have done an investigation and know who the true criminal is behind the accident.”

“ Let me guess it's George?”

“ yes. Raven was in the sheds when everybody was discussing the accident. she already had a feeling about George but quite frankly didn't have any evidence to back up her claims Until your engines cleared everything up. man maybe next time I shouldn't run here from the Junction station.”

“ That might be a Smart Move honey.” Raven said actually walked in placing a hand on her wife's shoulder as she had arrived via Tommy's train. “ Anyway we know George is guilty and quite frankly the council is sick of him.”

“ I can imagine. the paperwork of his accidents must be through the roof.” Matthew said, crossing his arms looking at the two women.

“You can say that again.” Summer said, sounding incredibly frustrated. She was in charge of the architectural side of the council and had to deal with George the most. “ But there's also a bit of irony here because I was considering trying to convince the council to keep him since they wanted to “cut costs” by removing him and getting another steamroller. I figured it would be a waste of money until this disaster!”

“ So practically speaking you're going to fire him. or are you going to sell him off for scrap?.”

“That would be a mercy!” Summer shouted being absolutely one million percent done with George. “That steamroller has caused so many accidents that I have lost count. I mean we all know that Max and Monty deliberately attack George in a demolition derby style after he tried to trick them against each other. even Miss Jenny knows that! And yet even after something like that George has not learned his lesson! so no we're not going to scrap him! I need to find a punishment that is so bad that he has no choice but to actually think About his actions!”

“ I mean he's also pretty dangerous.” Raven said being a bit more emotionally composed at that moment. “ I mean he now has a body count of at least 75 people. even I haven't killed that many people in my Prime.”

Matthew agreed with that fact having killed a few people himself back during the war but nowhere near that amount. as the humans were thinking smudger gained a wicked smile.

“ If you allow me, I think I know the perfect punishment for somebody like that!”

Everybody turns towards smudger who explains his idea. Matthew just smirked and gently patted smudger on the boiler.

“ That is a brilliant idea smudger! And if you guys want I'll personally help with this.”

Raven and Summer just nodded as they began making arrangements.

A week later George was sitting in the council's maintenance depot at killdane. he was happily humming to himself when he suddenly heard two unfamiliar whistles.

coming into the yards were two steamrollers that looked almost exactly like him.

The only difference was their colors. One of them was purple and the other one was Orange.

Both steamrollers rolled towards George Who smirked to himself.

“ two more steam rollers to help rip up the Railway! the council finally made a good decision.” he said to himself as the two steamrollers stopped near him.

He saw on the sides of their boilers that their names were Irene and Angelica. They gave George hesitant looks but George just smiled.

“ Hello there you two must be New around here? My name is George and I can see your names are Irene and Angelica. It's good to finally have some more steamrollers around here. the three of us should be able to rip up the railway and prove that roads are superior in no time.”

“ yeah we're not here to do that you idiot.” Irene said, rolling her eyes. “ we just want to do our job and not prove anything.”

“ besides.” Angelica said looking at her fellow steamroller. “ It won't be the three of us for much longer.”

Before George could say anything Nelson and Nigel arrived to take the three steamrollers to a Job site.

After a relatively long journey the three of them arrived on the section of Road where George had his accident with sir handel all those years ago.

The road was in a terrible shape with potholes everywhere.

George smiled as he saw sir handel while being unloaded. “ Hey there, pipsqueak! Guess who's back!?”

But to George's surprise the blue saddle tank said nothing as he just went on with his passenger train which kind of ticked off George but made his fellow steamroller’s chuckle.

The Three of them spent all day repairing the road. It was a relatively long section of road that did need substantial rebuilding but they didn't mind.

Well at least Irene and Angelica didn't mind.

George on the other hand grew crosser and crosser.

every time the narrow gauge engines would pass him they would completely ignore him. They did however give the other steamrollers friendly whistles and they gave friendly whistles back.

During lunch break George confronted his fellow steamrollers.

“ Why are you being so nice with those little tin cans?! The roads are the future and we have to show that we are superior! you being all buddy buddy with them is not helping our image!”

“ Neither is acting like a complete idiot George.” Irene said, rolling her eyes. “ Like we said back at the yards, we are not here to replace the Railway. we are here to do our job and that's it!”

“ besides.” Angelica said, looking at the narrow gauge railway next to them. “ railways like this can do things that the roads aren't even capable of. I mean there's a section where they roll along the side of a cliff. no way you're building a road up there.”

George just grumbles. He went back to work as soon as his driver Returned.

At that moment Albert arrives with some extra material for the road workers.

he looked at George who was rolling some fresh tarmac flat. “ you girls haven't told him?” Albert said having been made aware of what was happening to George after the job was finished by Matthew himself.

 

“ We figured it was best for the council to tell him of their decision. Besides like we told him we are only here to do a job.” Irene said, looking at the much smaller engine. “ just like you are just trying to do your job on this island.”

the Old narrow gauge engine chuckled. “ Where have steamrollers like you been all this time?”

“ the Mainland Mostly.” Angelica Chuckled

The three of them went back to work.

The job didn't take long as with three steamrollers it was done in record time. George thought that this was a real victory for the roads. Unfortunately for him this victory would turn very bitter.

When he returned to the yards alongside his fellow steamrollers he was surprised to see summer and Matthew standing there with their arms crossed.

As soon as he was unloaded the other two steamrollers rolled behind the humans and remained respectfully quiet.

George looked confused as summer decided to speak up.

“ We know what you did, George.”

George looked confused at this. “ What do you mean? I've done nothing.”

“ except cause a major railway accident that cost 75 people their lives and framed one of my engines. not to mention putting another one in the Workshops with severe damage.” Matthew said Glaring at the steamroller.

George for a moment realized that he had been caught but decided to just double down.

“ it wasn't me! It really was billster! and besides that engine has already been scrapped anyway! you're better off without him.”

Matthew just gave a dry chuckle. “ You really think I'm that stupid George? After I came back and told that inspector where he could shove it I did my own little investigation and testimony of the signalmen line up with what happened that day. bilster is completely innocent.”

“ You on the other hand are guilty!” Summer said in a calm Fury that was actually more terrifying than if she was shouting. “George, we have given you hundreds of chances to get your act together and do your best for the island. but every single time we have given you a chance you haven't changed!”

“ I am doing my best for the island!” George countered becoming a little bit angry at the woman. “ replacing the railway with roads will be so much better for the island!”

“ yeah it will only increase congestion and up admissions by a ridiculous amount. plus the fuel costs on the island would spiral out of control because everybody would need to tank up.” Matthew pointed out showing the kind of downsides of having a massive Road network. “ And like it or not George the railwaycan do jobs that you or any other road vehicle can never dream of doing. like Hauling a hundred tons of rocking a single trip rather than doing it in a hundred trips. as the accident with the Old Road company has proven.”

Matthew smiled remembering that road company who had formed way back when and ended up going bankrupt within a few months.

“Well that still doesn't matter!” George said glaring at Matthew. “ Those tank engines are just nothing but Trouble! that whole branch line should have been replaced with a road and-”

“ That will be enough George!” Summer shouted, Shutting the steamroller up for a minute. “ I've had it with this whole Road superiority complex of yours! That stops now! we have given you too many chances and it's finally time to give you the reality check you need!”

“ and what would that be?” George said as Matthew smiled wickedly and pointed to a newly built shed a little out of the yard.

“That's going to be your new home George. your new permanent home.”

George looked confused until summer finally explained his punishment.

“ As punishment for creating that accident and killing 75 people, George, we are permanently taking away your rollers and turning you into a generator! Since we overhauled you last month your boiler certificates should last for 10 years. and after you're done with those 10 years will take away your parts and use them to repair your fellow steamrollers here.”

George now looked absolutely terrified! “You can't get rid of me! I'm essential to the council!”

“ I mean you were.” Matthew said before pointing to the two Steamrollers behind him. “ until these two arrived. you're no longer needed George. and troublemakers like you don't last long on this island.”

George looked terrified and tried to appeal to summer again.

“ Please Mrs Rose! I'll change! I'll do whatever is necessary, just don't take away my rollers!”

but to his dismay summer just shook her head.

“I've already given you hundreds of chances George. and you didn't change. So what's to say that you would change now?”

George didn't have an answer for him as Matthew began having him put in the sheds and taking away his rollers to be used as spares.

George was then attached to a generator and began chuffing in place. The doors were closed behind him and locked so he wouldn't be able to get out.

The only light He had was a small light bulb and a small round window where he could see the sky from.

George looked absolutely miserable. He wanted to prove the superiority of the roads but now he would never see them again. just like his compatriot in the Anti railway League bulgy.

and we all know what happened to that double decker hen house.

Irene and Angelica proved to be happy Editions to the council with their cost cutting having proven a wise choice. The Council was now saving millions in Accident reports and compensation and Couldn't be happier.

They did compensate the victims of George's actions as well as Matthew for the repair of Hudson and the therapy that his two tank engines would Have to go through.

but still with George behind shed doors things were about to get quieter on the roads.

the end.

Chapter 94: Thomas and the gold dust railway Retold part 1 the mysterious engine.

Thomas, Timothy, bilster and sunny were in the Railway Museum at Peelgodred relaxing and enjoying the visitors coming and going. They would be going into the Workshops within a month.

All they needed to do was wait patiently. and fortunately there was plenty to keep them occupied. Many children would come into the museum specifically to see them and ask them questions about their stories.

like why Timothy wasn't in the books? or why are there so many engines from different countries on the railway and in the museum? and many more besides.

but one day a school group had arrived with on the agenda a long conversation with the number one Tank Engine himself Thomas.

Thomas was overjoyed to see so many kids enjoying the stories and how they really happened compared to how they happened in the books. He did make sure to give the other engines a chance to answer some questions as well. After all, he didn't want to have the spotlight all on himself.

but that's when one child decided to ask an interesting question.

“ Thomas, I've actually seen you around with a purple and golden tank engine. Who is she? I've never seen her in the books. Is she a new engine?” the child asked innocently with Thomas just smiling.

“ Well she is technically speaking my wife. and no she's not a new engine, she has been around since 1915.”

“ really?” another child asked with stars in her eyes. “ How did the two of you meet? was it love at first sight?”

Thomas chuckles. “ not exactly. It's a long story and Timothy here will have to help me fill in some of the blanks. but I'm certain you guys don't want to hear it. I've got plenty of other interesting stories.”

but the children kept asking him to tell the story and he finally relented.

“Okay okay. I'll tell the story. It started a long time ago back in 1929.”

and this is the story Thomas told.

 

It was a rainy day on the island of sodor in the spring of 1929. It had been raining all day for a couple of weeks and all the engines were miserable about running in it.

but Thomas unfortunately would have the worst of it since he was tasked with pulling some goods wagons over to Ulfstead castle. the Earl of sodor had requested some new supplies for his Castle and Thomas was sent to deliver them.

Normally Thomas wouldn't mind going to the castle. but the rain made the climb up to the Castle incredibly difficult. Even with sand on the Tracks it was very difficult to get his trucks up to the top of the hill.

all the same he was glad when he arrived at the Castle.

Cristallo the blue crystal engine was waiting for him to bring the supplies.

“Ah there you are Thomas! We've been waiting for you. How was the trip up?” Cristallo gave him a warm smile.

“very wet.” Thomas said with a grumble not enjoying the weather one bit.

Cristallo just chuckled “ that's to be expected with this weather. all the same I am glad you are able to make it safely.”

“Me too. I'm now just worried about the trip down. I've already put sand down but I'm going to be careful. I don't want to end up in the Works just yet.”

Cristallo gave a hum of agreement At the younger engines words

“A very good choice Thomas. Now I think it's best you go back to Tidmouth sheds before this rain turns into a storm.”

Thomas didn't argue with that and began slowly making his way back to the top of the downhill grade.

As they were going around on the turntable within the Castle Thomas’s driver spoke up.

“I hope we make it back to Tidmouth before the rain becomes worse. I also heard on the weather report that the night is going to be extremely foggy too. I doubt Sir Topham Hatt would even run trains in those conditions.”

“ Then let's not waste any time and let's get going! I don't want to be in the rain any longer than I have to.” Thomas said after having been fully turned and ready for the journey home

and with that he began his journey home. Unfortunately it would not go well.

as Thomas rounded the bend in the tracks and whent downhill he couldn't get any traction.

“what's happening! I can't get any traction!”

“The rain has washed the sand away from our run-up!” His driver shouted as he tried to regain control with no luck “And you're going too fast to drop more down! so hold on to something!”

Thomas and his crew began screaming as they ran down the rails!

Thomas couldn't do anything but pray that he fell down near the bottom of the hill and not at the very top or in the old mine underneath the castle.

they soon began reaching the bottom of the hill and began leveling out. Unfortunately they were going too fast to stop as Thomas' wheels stopped but began gliding down the tracks.

Then Thomas noticed a Y Junction that he never noticed before that went right into a forested area. He began kareening down that line for a short period of time until reaching a siding.

After running into the siding he hit the buffers on the other end with an extreme amount of force breaking them instantly! He then continued rolling on the gravel and dirt for a while until hitting a tree and finally coming to a stop.

Both Thomas and his crew were completely dazed from hitting the tree which had fallen over from the impact but slowly got their bearings back.

“Are you two okay?” Thomas asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

Thomas's driver clutched his head in pain but was okay.

“both of us are fine, just a bit dazed, that is all. I'm glad we stopped but I'm pretty sure you're not going anywhere without getting pulled back onto the tracks. and your buffer beam is probably not in a good shape right now.”

Thomas looked down at his buffer beam which was all dented and bent inwords.

“That's probably right. and I doubt that anybody will be traveling in this weather to come and rescue me.”

Thomas looked up to see that the rain was still continuing.

“He is probably right. for now I think both of us should just head up back to Ulfstead castle and ask the Earl if we can borrow a bed for the night.” His fireman suggested.

His driver nodded and looked back towards their engine.

“ That sounds like a plan. Will you be okay here tonight Thomas?”

Thomas wanted to say no. But he realized his driver and Fireman needed a warm place to sleep tonight and if that meant he had to be alone for a single night then that was worth it.

“It's okay with me. The leaves are blocking most of the rain around here anyway. you too just get into a warm place before you catch a cold. I promise you that I will be fine.”

Both his fireman and driver agreed and thanked their engine as they made the long track back up to the Castle.

A few hours later the rain had become more fierce but luckily it was not as bad where Thomas was because of the trees. but sadly Thomas couldn't see very far because of a light mist in the forest.

Thomas did try to go to sleep several times. But the rain hitting his cab just kept him awake.

After a while his eyelids grew heavy and he slowly began drifting off to sleep…

Puff…. puff…. puff…. puff….

 

Thomas' eyes went wide as he heard the puffing of another engine approaching.

Thomas was confused at this. He knew that no engine would be able to get here so soon and that nobody was coming to help him until morning.

“So who is coming?”

As the puffing became louder Thomas noticed it wasn't coming from behind him but in front of him. Luckily the tree he had hit had fallen so he could see enough that he could see them coming from behind some bushes.

Thomas wanted to say something when the Bushes parted to show another engine slowly coming from behind them and looking everywhere like they were looking for something or someone.

as the engine came fully out of the bushes Thomas could see what the engine looked like.

Thomas could definitely make out that she was an 0-4-0 side tank locomotive. with shades of Pink and purple as her paint job. but he couldn't recognize the design and the paintwork looked like it hadn't been properly cleaned in a long long time. and the connecting rods look like dirty gold.

The engine was still looking around when she noticed Thomas and looked completely shocked.

Before Thomas could say anything the engine immediately backed up back into the bushes and out of sight.

“Wait, come back! Who are you?!” Thomas shouted at the retreating figure.

but nobody replied and the puffing became more and more distant as time went on.

Thomas was now extremely curious about what he had just witnessed. Was it just a figment of his imagination? Or was he just going crazy from the rain? All he knew was that he needed to know who the engine was and what was Behind Those bushes.

The next day his brother Timothy came with a winch to get him back onto the tracks.

“Well this is quite the predicament you've put yourself in.”

Timothy chuckled at his brother's misfortune as he pulled alongside on the main track next to the siding.

“I didn't do this deliberately Timothy! The rain caused the rails to be wet and washed away the sand that I had already put down onto the tracks. I wasn't able to stop until I hit the tree!”

“ Don't worry Thomas, I am fully aware of what happened. Your driver and Fireman phoned Sir Topham hat this morning and explained everything. and now I am here to take you to the works. after getting you Rerailed.” Timothy chuckles again

Timothy then backed up to begin winching his brother back onto the tracks. Thomas meanwhile continued to look at the bushes where the engine had come out of. He still couldn't figure out if he had imagined it or if it really happened.

After getting Rerailed some workmen did a quick inspection of Thomas's front. and like his driver and Fireman feared his front was badly damaged. but luckily his cylinder block wasn't damaged but would still need an inspection at the works.

Timothy gently coupled up to Thomas and the two brothers made their way down to the croven's Gate works.

As they left Thomas once again looked at the bushes with curiosity in his eyes. He needed to know what was behind them.

Once they arrived at the croven's Gate works Timothy left him in the care of workers and went off to do his work for the day.

Thomas had to have his front replaced and had to wait for some replacement parts to be made.

Meanwhile another engine came to visit Thomas.

“Thomas, you really need to take better care of yourself. I know the accident wasn't your fault but please try to be less reckless.” The engine said in a motherly tone.

Thomas looked up to see a South Eastern and Chatham Railway class p. but instead of having SE&CR on her side tanks she had TK&E on them along with her name Tanya.

Tanya had been a mother figure for Thomas ever since he first arrived on the railway since she had seen quite a lot of the history herself before even Edward arrived. She was very Motherly towards Thomas and people could confuse them for a mother and a child. She also had a relationship with another Engine . His father Figure Howard. but he wasn't with her today. most likely helping with Trackside maintenance since that was desperately needed recently.

“I know Tanya. I was trying to be careful but I guess not careful enough.”

as Thomas was speaking Tanya noticed something in Thomas’s eye’s. Curiosity.

“What are you thinking about Thomas?”

Thomas looked a bit surprised at her statement and nervously replied

“I'm not thinking about anything! I mean what would I be thinking about? What do you think I'm thinking about? Do you need to think about what I'm thinking about?”

Tanya just gave him the Look a mother would give to her child when they didn't believe their story. Thomas did know once Tanya got that look in her eyes that she wouldn't be satisfied until the truth came out.

Thomas let out a deep sigh before letting everything out.

“Okay, okay. when I was running down the hill uncontrolably from the Castle I accidentally ended up on an old abandoned line and crashed into The siding that Timothy found me in. but as I was spending the night there I saw another engine.”

“another engine? What did they look like?”

Tanya was now curious at what Thomas had said“

“That's the thing. They didn't look like any other locomotive I've ever seen in my life. The only thing I can confirm about her is that she is a 0-4-0 With a very purply inspired color scheme which was pretty dirty. and I think I spotted some gold plated side rods or something? I don't really know sins she immediately went back into the bushes from where she came from before I could ask her anything. and I'm also curious to know what is beyond those bushes! The only thing I know is that they're heading to the north of sodor. but there's nothing up there!”

Tanya now looked both confused and shocked.

“Did you say she came from a track leading Northwards?”

Thomas with a bit of confusion in his voice.

“yes. Why do you ask?”

“because I know what is up there.”

Thomas now looked incredibly shocked and curious.

“What do you mean you know what's up there? and how do you know? and do you know who that engine was?”

Tanya chuckled.

“settle down Thomas. I will only be able to answer one question at a time. and to answer your first question I know what's up there because I was around when the GDR was built.”

“the GDR? What is the GDR?”

“ the gold dust railway. and don't worry I'm going to tell you the full story since I'm here to also get a bit of a repaint since a tree branch hit one of my tanks and scratched it up very badly.”

Thomas then noticed the scratches on the right tank of Tanya.

“oh that looks like it hurts.”

Tanya drove onto the turntable turned around and set herself next to Thomas so the Workman could do her repaint.

"Oh it did. but anyway here is the story of the gold dust railway and The Shining time mining company.”

And this is thestory she told.
The year was 1910 and things had been looking good for the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway.

The railway had been seeing a boom in activity ever since they acquired their two new tank engines Howard and Tanya back in 1909.

things had been quite profitable especially with the crystal that was being mined underneath the castle up at ulfstead.

The stone being mined at the quarry was also bringing in quite a good penny alongside all the Farmers.

While the coffee pot engines would handle the passenger work, Howard and Tanya usually would handle the heavy freight work as well as track maintenance.

they had been doing a lot more of this which included strengthening Bridges and the track itself.

none of them really knew why until The manager walked up to them excitedly.

“ You guys, I've got exciting news. A railway up north of the island has requested that we allow them to use our tracks to reach our Harbor!”

the manager said with a spring in his step. but both Howard Tanya and some of the coffee pots looked confused.

“ but sir there is no railway up north of the island?”

“ Yes there is. the gold dust railway. They run to the island of shining time up north of the island. They are connected to us via a bridge but currently only run to Wards droghan-y-claghan In the harbor along the small narrow gauge branch line isn't big enough to handle the massive amounts of ore that they carry.”

“ So I can assume that they asked you if they could connect to our railway line?” Tanya said with a smile.

“Correct.” the manager said excitedly. “ because the extension of the sodor and mainland railway to peel godred is not likely to happen so they decided to use our line. They will be renting slots in our timetable but it will definitely bring in a huge amount of money!”

“ That's good to hear.” one of the coffee pots said. “ But isn't there a mountain range in the way? How are they going to get to our line?”

“They're going to have a small increase in the elevation and then find an appropriate area to build a tunnel and then they'll have a small downhill towards the connection point just before the incline towards the Castle. They've already started construction and all they need is our help on our end to finish the project as fast as possible.”

the manager explained looking at Howard and Tanya.

“ Howard and Tanya, the two of you will be in charge of the engineering trains. and don't worry about your own services. I've bought a new engine on the mainland in order to help out with the services. he is big so he might have to pull some trains with his tender first but we will build turntables when we have the money and time.”

“ What kind of wheel arrangement will he have?” Tanya asked, very curious.

“ He is an Atlantic locomotive. Apparently he and his class are quite reliable so it will definitely be interesting to see how he handles our little railway. and apparently the goldust railway has also purchased its own Atlantic. it's already on their island and helping out the engineering trains there. So let's just hope we can get this done!”

all the engines blew their whistles as they went to work.

It took a few years but by 1913 the railway was finished!

Their Atlantic engine was named Rex-Iaspis. He arrived during that time and became a valuable addition to the fleet.

They had also met the engines of the goldust railway after the tunnel had been completed. There were only 4 engines at the time.

lux aurea a great western Dean single.
She was a kind and motherly figure of the Railway who helped keep everybody centered.

Then you had her partner Jackland, A Great Eastern Railway P43 class who was a bit more jokey but also a very fatherly figure.

Then you have Proteus, a falcon class who was their narrow gauge engine and handled trains coming from the mines on the island that the standard gauge railway couldn't reach.

They also had Atlantic Regina-Auream A Great Northern Railway C1 small boiler class.

The railway connection between them was immediately proving more than worth the investment. especially with their main export being Gold that was processed on the island alongside other minerals.

They also had the occasional passenger trains that connected up to the trains at Ffarquhar.

Yes, it was a beautiful railway and a beautiful partnership. That was until one day Tanya arrived at the harbor with a load of gold.

The owners of the mine and railway respectively PT boomer and Burnett stone seem to be having an argument.

“I'm telling you Burnett we need to buy out this railway! We can make so much money if we own the tracks! Besides, I don't think this fee for us to allow our trains to run on this railway was as reasonable as you claim it was!”

Burnett just rolled his eyes at his partner's complaint.

“ Boomer, we have been over this. The railway is offering us a fair fee and our lawyers made sure of that. and if we are not able to buy them out it could cause more problems for us in the future. It's best to keep a good relationship between us. Besides, we are doing well financially.”

“ That's not the point, Burnett! We need to save as much money as we can! Just because you and Tasha have a kid now doesn't mean you can take more than your fair share!”

“ I think we're done here, Boomer. I've got some paperwork to file.”

Burnett walked away as Boomer stomped his foot and went away in the opposite direction.

As he was about to pass Tanya the Tank Engine decided to call out to him.

“ Is everything alright Burnett?”

“ Everything is fine Tanya. But ever since me and Tasha have gotten together Boomer has been quite difficult to deal with. I say it's jealousy. but I hope with time he will get over it.”

Tasha hopes so too. She didn't want any conflict on her railway line.

as the months when by rumors began spreading about Burnett building a new engine. to a completely original design.

Everybody was curious about what this engine would be like.

but unfortunately they would never get the chance.

Howard was puffing up the Line towards the gold dust railway with some empty trucks to be loaded up.

but as he was about to cross the bridge that led to the goal thus Island He Stopped dead in his tracks!

“ Howard what's going on?” his driver asked, nursing his nose as he had accidentally hit the boiler backhead because Howard had stopped so suddenly.

“ the bridge! it's out!”

The driver and Fireman looked confused only to see that the bridge indeed had collapsed. or more accurately had been blown up!

They could see Burnett and Tanya looking absolutely distraught at the sight of the destroyed Bridge.

“ Burnett, Tasha what happened!?” Howard asks, looking confused.

“ it's gone… he destroyed the bridge… he… he actually did it…”

Burnett said not believing his eyes.

“ Who did it? What happened?” Howard asked again.

Tasha let out a Deep Sigh as she nursed her baby in her arms and looked towards the big Tank Engine.

“ Boomer… Boomer lost his mind and destroyed the bridge because I wouldn't leave Burnett… Burnet was able to fight him off but not before the bridge was destroyed… now all our engines are trapped on the island and we have no way to retrieve them at the moment.”

Howard looked absolutely distraught at this. The gold dust railway engines were very good friends of his. Also the fact that the Atlantic the railway had bought was on the island wasn't a good sign for them either.

as the winter came and went an investigation was done showing that boomer indeed planted dynamite to destroy the bridge.

The bridge had been made out of stone and thus it would take a long time to repair it.

As 1914 came around Howard and Tanya were in the sheds of Farquhar listening into Burnett and their manager having a conversation about the recovery of the engines on the island.

“Burnett I promise you I will do everything in my power to get those engines back. but right now I also have to focus on my railway. With the loss of our Atlantic engine we will be in a lot of trouble where our motive power is concerned. Especially after the accident one of our coffee pots had last week.”

“ I understand.” Burnett said, brushing his hand through his hair. “It's just nice that you are willing to help us. and I promise you when the bridge is rebuilt I will give you a bigger share in the mining company since Boomer has abandoned his shares.”

the manager just smiled and walked away. Burnett then looked over towards Howard and Tanya.

“ Well you might not see your friends again for some time. It will take a while to repair the bridge.”

“ We know Burnett.” Howard said feeling sympathetic for the man who had just lost a huge part of his income. “ But what are you going to do for money? I mean you still have a kid to raise.”

“I don't know.” Burnett said looking over in the direction the island was located. “but I'm going to do my best to be a good father and rescue my engines.”

“ Well… we wish you luck with both.” Howard said with a smile before looking at Tanya. “ You know it would be funny if we had to raise some engines like kids or they see us as their parent figures. that would definitely be interesting.”

Tanya just chuckled. “ Howard, that is never going to happen.”

all three of them chuckled as they went their separate ways.

Unfortunately the rescue of the gold dust railway Engines would be cut short on 28 July 1914.

Because when the arch Duke ferdinands assassination was announced the whole world went mad.

and since as much material needed to be preserved for the war effort the gold dust railway rescue operation was abandoned.

but Burnett wouldn't give up.

Many people said he would go to the island and try to repair the Bridge to the best of his ability.

but over time the memory of the gold dust railway just faded away. Except for the engines that were still there.

After Tanya told that story she began falling asleep. She had a long day.

Thomas looked towards the Open Doors of the croven's Gate works to see the sun already going down and the skies glowing Orange. Despite the fact that he wanted to find out the answers to all the questions he had he did realize that he needed some rest.

Slowly he began to go to sleep. but just before he went to sleep he could have sworn he saw something familiar yet unfamiliar puffing past the window down the line. but he just put it up to his mind playing tricks on him and when to sleep.

The next day Thomas was out of the works with a brand new buffer Beam and went back to working on his branch line.

but as the day went on he became increasingly distracted with his questions about the mysterious engine and the gold dust railway.

Later that day he was shunting at the quarry with Timothy.

Thomas was backing down into a line of stone trucks to shunt them. He was just about to hit the buffers at the end of the line without stopping when Timothy warned him.

“Thomas lookout!”

Thomas immediately shot to attention and put On his brakes and was just about able to stop before smashing the buffers.

“Is everything alright Thomas?” Timothy asked, looking a bit concerned for his brother.

Thomas let out a little sigh. “ not really Timothy. I have been distracted all day about what I saw on that old abandoned line. Tanya told me everything she knew when that line was open but nothing else.”

“Okay… maybe you can explain to me more about that line and maybe I can help you? Because if you continue to be distracted like this it might affect your performance.”

Thomas gave a quick note version of the story Tanya told him.

Timothy gave a thoughtful look after hearing everything.

“So the bridge was destroyed in 1913 and we arrived on the railway in 1915. It's currently 1929. That means it has been over 16 years since that happened.”

“Yes. So maybe somebody fixed the bridge? I mean in 16 years you can do that.”

“Maybe the two of us should go exploring tonight?”

“are you serious Timothy!? What if the Fat Controller finds out?” Thomas said, looking shocked at what his brother said.

“He is going to take that vacation today, remember? He is going to be off the island for a couple of weeks. That is more than enough time for us to explore what is on that Island if the bridge has been mended. And if not we can just go back and pretend nothing ever happened. Besides, if we are careful I'm sure Tanya and Howard wouldn't mind.”

Thomas wasn't really sure it was a good idea. but considering that he desperately wanted to know the answers to his questions. He decided to follow his brother's plan.

Meanwhile Edward and Tara were double heading the Passenger train back onto the former furness railway And Edwards Old thumping grounds to help bring the Fat Controller and his family to The Vacation spot.

when all of a sudden a small railcar zoomed past at ridiculous speeds.

Both Edward and Tara looked shocked.

“What is his driver thinking going at such a reckless speed?! doesn't he know he could end off after Tracks if he goes too fast?” Tara said looking annoyed.

Edward tries to calm his friend down.

“It's okay Tara. I'm sure it will be alright. but for now we have got to get the hats to their vacation destination. I'm sure our friends on the island will be able to handle it.”

To be continued

Chapter 95: Thomas and the gold dust railway reboot part 2 Boomers return

That evening Thomas and Timothy slowly made their way towards the bottom of the incline leading up to the Castle.

their drivers and firemen switched over the points so they could make their way down the line. avoiding The siding that Thomas had crashed into earlier.

The moment they pushed aside the overgrown bushes they could see the track leading up to the big tunnel.

“ Well I guess there's no going back now.” Thomas said as he slowly made his way up the incline with his brother right on his bunker.

as they traveled along the line, they felt every bump and joint in the track.

“Well it’s clear, nobody's maintained this track in years .” Timothy said as he felt another bump in the tracks.

“ Well what do you expect Timothy? nobody's been down here for over 15 years.”

Timothy went silent and stopped complaining as they reached the tunnel.

The tunnel was inside of a mountain where they could see the little Railway running on top. no engines were running since the mid-sodor railway didn't run at night.

“ Well this is impressive.” Timothy said as the two of them made their way through the tunnel which was well ventilated.

When they got out of the tunnel they continued to make their way down the tracks and slowly arrived at the small town of Droghan-y-Claghan.

It was one of the smallest towns on the island with barely 50 buildings. but there was the brewery which was currently on Night Shift but it was very slow and the engines were all asleep.

Thomas and Timothy had never seen it before but had only heard about it from some of the other engines on the island.

They then continued on towards the coastline For a few more miles until they reached where the Old Bridge was.

The two Tank Engines stopped to look in shock as the bridge was indeed repaired. but it was done with a lot of wood and not stone.

“ I guess somebody has been fixing the bridge.” Thomas said as he looked over it. “ although I do think we need to spread our weight a little bit more Timothy. I don't think it will take much to break this Bridge.”

Timothy agreed with his brother and they slowly made their way across the bridge making sure there was enough distance between them that they wouldn't put too much weight in one area of the bridge.

the moment they got on shining time island they looked around in awe and wonder.

The island was running into a Valley with plenty of spectacular scenery. including majestic pine trees and magnificent hills and mountains.

but as they arrived at the Cradle of the Valley they noticed a Railway Yard.

It was small but still very impressive. There was a small transfer point for narrow gauge to standard gauge. The station looked like one you would see in America ( think of The Shining time station from the show Shining time) and the sheds also looked more like an American Roundhouse rather than a normal shed.

although it was still an enclosed building with three tracks leading inside of it.

The two tank engines looked around with both Wonder and surprise in Their Eyes.

“ This place is beautiful.” Thomas said, looking around. “ I mean a lick of paint and some track replacement and this place would be good to go. but there's still no sign of the engine I saw.”

“Maybe we should check the sheds?”

Thomas agreed and the two of them made their way over to the sheds where he could hear arguing coming from within.

“you can't keep running off like that! it's too dangerous to be out there alone! he could have found you and then scrapped us all!” a female voice shouted, sounding both angry and concerned.

“I am tired of living like this! I've lived on this island my whole life and I want to see more than just this… this rock! we can't live All Our Lives hidden here!” another female voice said, sounding desperate and annoyed.

“ Listen here young lady, the world is a dangerous place and we do not know if we can trust anyone!” a male voice shouted out as equally annoyed as the original female voice.

At that moment both Thomas and Timothy arrived in the sheds.

Fortunately the shed had three entrance tracks so they were able to sit next to each other and look at the entire Fleet of the gold dust railway.

and just as predicted they could see two single driver engines, two Atlantic locomotives, a small narrow gauge engine and the engine Thomas had seen earlier.

They were so distracted having an argument that they didn't notice the two tank engines entering. so Thomas decided to blow his whistle.

“ hey can you guys stop arguing for a minute so we can figure out what's going on here?”

all the engines of the gold dust railway looked shocked to see Thomas and Timothy there.

The female single looked towards the Young 0-4-0 Tank Engine with an angry look. “See lady! now you've brought strange engines to the island and who knows how long it will be until boomer finds us!?”

“ I am tired of living here lux! boomer has been gone longer than I have been built! I don't want to live my life here! I want to be able to explore more!”

“ that is not possible!” the male single said, sounding annoyed. “ Who knows if we can even trust these engines? for all we know they're working for Boomer!”

“ hey!” Timothy shouted looking annoyed. “ We do not work for Boomer. We work for the Fat Controller! the owner And controller of the northwestern railway! And before you ask my name is Timothy and this is my slightly younger brother by an hour Thomas! Now for the love of Lawson Billinton can somebody please tell me what's going on!”

all the engines stopped speaking before the female Atlantic decided to speak up.

“ So the plans for the north western railway went through? I did not see that coming. By the way my name is Regina. Regina-Auream and this here is my partner Rex-Iaspis.”

“Yo.” Rex-Iaspis said with a smile.

upon seeing the second Atlantic the two brothers smiled.

“ a London Brighton and South Coast Railway H1 Atlantic. man we haven't seen one of your class years.” Thomas said with a big smile.

“ really?” Rex-Iaspis Asked seeming curious. “ Did you guys work at Brighton?”

“ we were actually built there.” Timothy said with a smile. “We were also good friends with one of your brothers. I think his name was Rex frigidus?”

“ Hey, that's my twin brother!” Rex-Iaspis Shouted being excitedly at hearing about his brother. “Haven't heard about him for years. at least not after I left the Old London Brighton and South Coast Railway. How are they doing the last time you saw him?”

“ Pretty good. He's currently with our brother Billster and our more annoying brother hunter.” Thomas said, rolling his eyes. “ trust me what I would have give to throw him into the ocean after what he did Timothy.”

“ Was he really that bad?” the narrow gauge engine named Proteus said with a raised eyebrow.

Both Billington E2P’s gave the small engine a flat-faced expression.

“He is literally so bad a garbage truck could do a better job than him.”

Meanwhile a thousand miles away in Japan in a small home near the railway line a small boy woke From his bed.

his mother made his way towards his room thinking he had a nightmare.

“ Is everything okay aoihi? Did you have a nightmare?”

“ no.” the young boy said, smiling. “I just felt that somebody gave a pretty epic roast.”

“ Hey he's just like me!” his father came from the kitchen smiling before his wife glared at him.

“ ryo get back to doing the dishes or your sleeping outside! and you know it's raining!”

The husband immediately went back to doing the dishes.

Meanwhile back on the gold dust island all the other engines decided to Leave the subject of Hunter behind and began explaining everything that happened on the gold dust railway. after the Bridge had been destroyed.

“ When the bridge was destroyed we were trapped here. Burnett spent a lot of time trying to repair the bridge as well as mine some extra coal for us. but as the years went on he grew thicker and slower until he finally passed away about a year ago.” jackland said sounding a bit somber.

“ His family tried their best but they don't have much money to keep us going. so we've been stuck here ever since.”

Proteus said, looking at the two tank engines. “ But now that you know about us, how can we know we can trust you?”

Thomas and Timothy began thinking about that. even though they just discovered the engines they were in no way obligated to trust them. but that's when Thomas had an idea.

“ We are good friends of Howard and Tanya.”

“ really?” Lux said, looking shocked. “ Those two are still around?”

“ Yes they are. In fact we are kind of their children since we were built With components of both of them. That's why we look different from the production variation of our class. well besides our brother billster. man I wish he could work with us.” Thomas said being a bit sad that his favorite brother besides Timothy wasn't here.

“ I know Thomas.” Timothy said Understanding his brother's pain. “ but it's going to take a crazy person in order to buy him from the Railway.”

Meanwhile in the United States a Person felt a ripple go through his spine as he felt somebody was mentioning him.

meanwhile back on the island.

“ Well if you are the children of Howard and Tanya then we can trust you. but what exactly are you going to do to help us?” Regina said, still looking a bit skeptical. “ I mean little engines Can Do Big Things as Proteus has proven. But…. I highly doubt you could rescue all of us. Last time Burnett spoke to us he said the bridge couldn't handle any engine bigger than lady.”

The two brothers thought for a minute before an idea came to their smoke boxes.

“ How about we get the controller of the northwestern railway to purchase you guys? I mean from what I understand there's still plenty of Life left in you and the island here could also be reopened considering there's still plenty of raw material here.” Thomas suggested giving the gold dust railway engines some hope again.

“ That will be great Thomas. but how exactly are we going to convince them?” Proteus said, looking at the Blue Tank Engine.

Thomas then looked towards lady with a smile. “ by having her work for us. showing him how really useful you all are. I'm certain that will convince him.”

The two Singles looked at lady who had stars in her eyes as she felt that she was finally going to have the opportunity to leave the island.

The two of them didn't want it to happen in case Boomer was out there but they realized that she was going out anyway regardless if they had any involvement. might as well let her go out with their blessing this time.

“ Fine, she can go.” Lux said, closing her eyes. “ but you two must make sure that she is 100% safe!”

“ We promise.” Thomas said as he and his brother began turning around on the big turn table. “ She can stay with us at Ffarquhar tonight. that way she will be ready for work in the morning.”

Lady was excited as she was finally allowed To leave the island without having to sneak away from her family.

As the three of them Made there way off the island Thomas decided to have a little conversation with Lady.

“ So you've never really been off the island before?”

“ Well I've only been off the island two times.” lady said, blushing a little. “ The first time was when I saw you after you had headbutted a tree.”

Thomas Began blushing as Timothy chuckled.

“ yeah he headbutted that tree so well it fell over.”

Thomas rolled his eyes but smiled at his brother's teasing. “ You mean like you headbutted the ceiling of a mine at the Old abandoned lead mines?”

The two brothers chuckled and Lady smiled at their little interaction with each other.

“ the two of you really care about each other.”

“ yeah we do.” Thomas said, looking at his brother who was ahead of him. “me and Timothy have always worked together. ever since we were built. I can't imagine my life Without him.”

“ I can't imagine my life Without my family back on the island. I mean Proteus and Regina are practically my older brother and sister. They told me so much About the world. I want to see it all! That's why I constantly try to get off the island. but I was only able to manage to do it twice. I just hope I get more of an opportunity after the Fat Controller purchases us.”

“ We hope so too, lady.” Thomas says as they slowly came down the other end of the tunnel after they had gone through it and began coasting downwards. “ a beautiful engine like you doesn't deserve to be stuck on an island.”

lady blushed as she looked over her dirty paintwork. “ I'm not that beautiful. I mean my paintwork is all dirty.”

“Well nothing a good wash down can't fix. Besides, being dirty isn't that bad. at least you're going to be dirty from doing hard work rather than being a lazy idiot like James.” Thomas said smiling while lady looked confused at who James was.

The next day the three of them were slowly waking up in the sheds. lady took a little bit longer to get fired up because the Cruise wasn't really used to her.

but as Thomas and Timothy left the sheds they saw a weird rail vehicle approaching them. It looked like some kind of old fashioned truck from America with railway wheels on it.

Then a man with a wooden peg leg walked out and looked at the two tank engines.

“ where is she?” the man asked, looking at Thomas.

“ Where is who?” Thomas asked, looking a bit confused.

“ That Tank Engine you saw a few days ago! where is she?” the man asked, seeming a little bit annoyed at having to request The information again.

“And who is exactly asking?” Timothy said, also looking annoying at the man.

“ I am Peter Boomer! former co-owner of the gold dust mining company. and I want to know where Burnett's Little pet project is so I can destroy it alongside the rest of those useless engines!”

Both Thomas and Timothy glared at Boomer. they might not have ever met him before but they immediately recognize the man from the story Tanya had told Thomas and he had told Timothy.

“ I didn't see anything that night. it was raining and I had barely gotten any sleep. I must have imagined it.” Thomas said knowing that lady was just behind him on the sheds in the middle track.

lady meanwhile was shivering in the sheds out of Fear. She wanted to leave the gold dust railway but she didn't want to end up getting scrapped.

Boomer at that moment decided to try and have a look in the sheds when one of the firemen came up with a red hot Shovel in his hands.

“ Sir, this is Railway property and you are currently trespassing. And on this island I have the right to defend the private property of my employer! now are you going to leave or do you have to receive a shovel to the face!”

Boomer looked at the smoking Shovel and Decided to walk away but not before he shouted at the engines as he got into his truck. “ don't think this is over! I will find her! And I will destroy all of the engines on that God forsaken Island!”

Boomer then went back down the branch line… or at least he tried but he accidentally derailed his truck sending it flying into one of the brick walls and him hitting his head on the steering wheel.

Thomas and Timothy didn't know rather to laugh or to be annoyed. But eventually after boomer got his truck back on the tracks and facing the right way he left.

The two brothers looked at each other and they knew that they had to keep lady safe especially with boomer out on the Tracks.

to be continued

Chapter 96: Thomas and the gold dust railway reboot part 3 Explosive reunion

things have been tense around the railway ever since boomer arrived. Thomas and Timothy were concerned that lady would be discovered by him so they brought her to the quarry on their branch line.

They knew the manager there and after telling her story he promised to keep her safe. After all, he didn't allow any unauthorized vehicles to enter his quarry for safety concerns.

lady would have to work around the quarry but couldn't leave. at least not until the Fat Controller came home from his vacation.

lady wasn't really happy being stuck in the quarry as it all looked the same. She wanted to explore but she didn't want to get caught either. she was really in a rut.

One day Thomas came to collect some trucks and saw lady sadly sitting between some rocks.

“ Is everything okay lady?”

“ not really.” she said, letting out a sigh of steam from her cylinders. “ I wanted to see more than just my Island and I'm just… stuck in an environment similar to the island I grew up on. just rocks rocks and more rocks! Why did Boomer have to choose now to return!? I'm so sick and tired of living in fear all my life. I want to explore!”

“ and you will be able to do that.” Thomas said, trying to keep her spirits up. “The Fat Controller will be returning within a couple of days. we'll take you to the Earls Estate and we can explain everything there. just hold on a little longer lady.”

lady smiled at Thomas. “ Well you got a point. I am really appreciating everything you and your brother are doing for me. I mean you really didn't have to?”

“ Yes we did.” Thomas said as the two of them began making their way to begin Shunting, some trucks together. “ I almost lost my brother once because of something one of my other brothers did. I will never allow anything like that to happen to anybody else.”

lady chuckled. “ the two of you are really close. kind of like me and my siblings. I mean this is the longest we've been apart. I cannot wait until they can run along the railways of sodor with me!”

“ I'm certain they're also very excited. but for now we need to keep you safe.” Thomas said as they had completed the train in record time. “ Well I better be off.”

“ And I better ask for a washdown later today. My paintwork is absolutely filthy! I must look like a mess.”

“ Not really, you still look beautiful lady.”

Thomas didn't know what he said until lady began blushing and that made him blush. Not knowing what to say he began racing out of the quarry.

lady didn't say anything as this was the first time she had been complimented by somebody other than her family.

Meanwhile Timothy noticed that boomer was hanging around the branch line more and more often. either sitting by railside cafe's or just sitting on the bankments looking at them.

Timothy was a lot more cautious than his brother when it came to dealing with Boomer. He never let his guard down and was actually happy that Howard and Tanya were away from the branch line for a while. He did not want to have to explain to them why there was a mysterious man running around.

not the least because of Tanya probably trying to ground him for at least a year for lying to her. He did not want to upset her.

As Timothy was collecting some passengers from wellsworth his coaches anise and Claudia Noticed that Timothy seemed a little bit more tense.

“Is everything okay Timothy?” Claudia asked, being a bit concerned for her engine. “ you and Thomas have been tense for the last week.”

“ It is nothing you girls need to concern yourselves with. just know that your concern for my well-being is appreciated.”

The coaches were happy to hear this but not that Timothy was keeping something from them.

That evening the two Brothers were in the sheds after their driver and Fireman had left.

As soon as they were certain they were alone they began talking about Lady.

“ She has been working up at the quarry for quite some time now. I cannot wait for the Fat Controller to come back. it's becoming harder and harder for us to keep her a secret.” Thomas said being a bit concerned for her safety.

“ indeed.” Timothy said, looking at his brother. “ I'm just glad we don't have to explain to Howard and Tanya what we're doing. but still how are we going to deal with Boomer but he eventually decides to get creative?”

“ I guess we're gonna have to get creative ourselves.” Thomas said not looking forward to the prospect. “Anyway I think we need some sleep. It's been a long day.”

Timothy agreed and the two of them slowly went to sleep.

Two days later lady was shunting in the quarry and then to her shock boomer was arguing with the manager at the entrance about not being allowed in.

she immediately puffed away but unfortunately boomer did see her.

“ there! I saw her! you have to let me through or I will-”

“ or you will what?” the manager said glaring at Boomer. The manager was a very muscular man from working in the quarry. It was said he could easily break a rock with his bare hands if he wanted to. “ I am not allowing you Entrance because you are not authorized to be here. no civilians on the premises is our rule! now you either turn back willingly or I will force you back!”

Boomer looked at the muscles beneath this man's uniform and wisely decided to leave.

lady meanwhile was shaking in her wheels.

An hour later Thomas arrived to find her still hiding in the sheds at the very back of the quarry.

“ Is everything alright?” Thomas asked, a little bit concerned.

“ He was here!” lady said in a panic and almost to the point of tears. “ he came so close to finding me! He saw me! how am I supposed to hide from him now?”

Thomas realized that lady was indeed now in a very vulnerable spot.

But that's when he realized there was another spot they could hide her.

After her work was done and they thanked the manager for his help they quickly made their way towards the old lead mine.

Unlike the bigger quarry up the line the old lead mine was very much unknown to everyone. heck even Burnett didn't know it existed.

It was the perfect place to hide her.

When they arrived lady noticed a hole had formed in front of one of the mineshafts.

“ Are you sure this area is safe?”

“ not really.” Thomas said looking at the hole where his brother had fallen into many years ago. “but this is the best spot I can give you to keep you safe. I promise the moment the Fat Controller is coming back we are going to set you and your family free!”

lady gave a tearful smile at Thomas. “ You really are a good engine Thomas. maybe cheeky but you are a good engine.”

Thomas just smiled as they left to go back to the sheds.

Unfortunately, there was an unwelcome guest for him.

Boomer was sitting in his truck in one of the shed roads glaring at the Blue Tank Engine.

“ I saw her at the quarry! I know you know where she is! so you're going to tell me or I am going to rip you apart right here right now!” Boomer threatened having already brought a blow torch to threaten Thomas with.

Unfortunately the yard master saw this and grabbed the blow torch out of boomers hands.

“ Sir, the railway does not appreciate you threatening one of our engines! I respectfully ask you to leave before I have to call the police.”

Boomer again glared at the man but again there was nothing he could do. He knew if he was in prison that he couldn't get his revenge. so he decided to wisely roll away again.

Thomas let out a deep sigh of steam from his cylinders. “ just a few more days. just a few more days and this is all over.”

Unfortunately for Thomas, Timothy and Lady things would not go so easily.

The day the Fat Controller was to return Thomas and Timothy alongside lady had returned To the island excitedly.

“ okay everyone the Fat Controller will be returning today.” Thomas said smiling as they began turning around on the turntable. “ we have told the Station Master at knappford to send him to ulfstead Castle. from there we'll take him here and he will decide what will happen to you.”

all the engines were happy. for once in a long time they felt like they could have hope.

“ Well, let's just hope he will want us.” Proteus said looking at his dirty paint. “ After all it's going to take a lot of work to get us back into working order.”

“ not to mention the bridge.” Lux said with a small smile. “ but I'm certain the Fat Controller will be interested in the Mines. I mean there's still plenty within the Mines themselves so it would be a great opportunity for him to make some extra cash.”

“ well we'll be certain to mention it.” Thomas said smiling.

“ but that will never happen!”

Everybody looked in shock as Boomer walked into the sheds glaring at all the engines. “ Do you really think I would ever let that fat idiot take you before I could destroy you all! especially Burnett's little pet Project!”

he glared towards lady who felt a little scared as the man approached him. but Thomas puffed in front of him, Blowing a lot of steam at him.

“ If you dare touch lady I will personally run you over! Do you understand!” as Thomas said this lady felt a blush coming to her face. nobody'd ever defended her like that before and it was kind of nice.

unfortunately for them boomer chuckled. “ You really think I'm threatened by you? I have enough explosives to blow everything around here into the sky! but I want to make sure that Burnett's pet project is destroyed first! then I will destroy the bridge and spend the rest of my time here destroying everything else!”

Boomer began laughing alongside his railway truck John Which was parked on the outermost track.

Timothy who was in front of John noticed this as Boomer decided to pick up some Dynamite to begin blowing up lady.

Timothy immediately gave the rail truck a bump sending it flying for a brief moment. Unfortunately some material landed on the tracks in front of Timothy derailing him. He knew he couldn't move and looked towards his brother shouting.

“ Thomas, Lady get out of here!”

“ But Timothy!” Thomas shouted not wanting to leave his brother behind.

“ Go! I'll be okay!”

Thomas didn't want to leave but as lady began running away he knew he needed to protect her.

The two of them began running out of the sheds with boomer Glaring behind them. he turned towards the other engines and shouted at Timothy.

“ As soon as I'm done with your brother I'm coming for you!”

he jumped into John and began racing after the two tank engines with Timothy glaring at him.

“ don't count out my brother just yet. I'm certain he will think of a plan to stop you.”

“ But what if he doesn't?” Jackland said, looking incredibly worried for lady.

“ don't worry.” Timothy said it With a smile even though they couldn't see it. “ Thomas always comes through in a pinch.”

Meanwhile, Thomas and Lady were riding over the bridge which had been lined with explosives. Boomer took one of his firearms and shot a box that he had left on the end of the bridge to shining time island which triggered all the explosives to blow up back to back from shining time!

lady looked behind her and immediately began accelerating.

“ Thomas, we have to get out of here! the Bridge is going to collapse beneath us!”

Thomas realized that she was right and pumped his pistons even harder! The two of them were fortunately able to make it off the bridge but unfortunately Boomer did so as well.

as they were passing through The tunnel lady began panicking.

“ What do we do Thomas? we can't just keep running from him forever! my water capacity isn't that high!”

Thomas knew that she was right. Even With his extended, side tanks he wouldn't be able to last much longer. especially if he had to push her.

but fortunately Thomas knew his branch line like the back of his bunker. and he was formulating a plan.

“ Lady, we have to head up to the castle and run back down!”

“ what? how will that help us?!” Lady shouted as they were making their way down the hill towards the y Junction. lady felt it was more logical to go down towards the main line and try to OutRun him there.

“ don't worry about it, lady. trust me I have a plan but we need to head up to the Castle!”

lady hesitated for a moment as the points came in front of them. There was still time to switch them as Boomer's truck was slightly damaged thanks to Timothy's bump. but still they wouldn't have much time. so lady made her choice.

“ I'll trust you Thomas. but you might have to give me a push! I don't know how much water I have left.”

Thomas did so and gave her a Gentle push from behind as the two engines raced up the steep incline.

Fortunately, boomer's truck couldn't handle this incline very well and they were a little bit ahead of him. Thomas slowed down and had his fireman jump off and hide in some bushes at another y Junction just about before the castle's Gate.

Boomer raced by and the firemen took his position. Thomas had already explained his plan to him so he knew what to do.

as Thomas raced into the castle pushing lady the Earl and crystalo looked surprised.

“ Thomas what are you-” the crystal engine tried to ask but Thomas just raced past with boomer hot on their heels.

“ what on earth is going on?” the Earl said, looking surprised as the three of them did a full loop of his estate and began rolling past them at high speeds again.

Thomas and lady made their way downhill faster and faster.

“ Thomas whatever your plan is, do it now!” lady shouted as she could see Boomer catching up to them as he was preparing to jump onto Thomas's bunker.

Thomas tried to increase his speed more to put some more distance between him and Boomer. he knew this Wouldn't last forever since boomer was quickly catching up again.

but unfortunately for boomer Thomas saw his fireman with his hand on the switch.

he blew his whistle four times in short blasts as he raised past.

His fireman immediately switched the points as the two engines slammed on their brakes.

Boomer looked confused as he was flung almost from his truck onto the line of the crystal mine.

But instead of going on the track that went straight into the mine he was sent on to a siding smashing into the buffers and being sent flying!

he hit the rocks with a crunch as multiple limbs were shattered!

He was groaning in pain and looked to see that his truck had been smashed to scrap metal due to the impact of the buffers and the rocks!

he was in so much pain he couldn't say anything! He only glared at Thomas and Lady alongside Chrysalo and the Earl who were very confused about what just happened.

but before anybody could say anything another voice spoke up.

“ Well this isn't how I imagined reuniting with you Thomas.”

Everybody looked in confusion towards an engine coming in from the other end of the y junction.

to be continued

Chapter 97: Thomas and the gold dust railway reboot part 4 Happy ending.

Several months passed after Thomas and Lady left the gold dust railway sheds. The engines inside were growing a bit worried as they Hadn't heard from them in a long time.

Timothy on the other hand remained derailed but still hopeful. Even though his tanks were now covered in snow and his boiler had gone cold he still held hope.

and fortunately that hope was rewarded.

“ Everybody wake up!” he shouted, waking up all the engines in the sheds who were in a deep sleep. “they're back! they are back!”

“ really?” Lux asked, being surprised that her friend had actually Returned.

but as the workman began re-railing Timothy Thomas and Lady rolled into the sheds smiling.

“ told you guys we would be back.” Thomas said with a big smile.

“ you guys are actually safe? How did you defeat Boomer?” jackland asked not believing that both Thomas and Lady actually survived their encounter with Boomer.

“Like I said my brother always comes through in a pinch.” Timothy said after being rerailed and pushed by Lady into the sheds so they could have him be inspected for damage.

“ he did.” lady said with a loving smile. “ We raced up the incline to the castle and from there we used the downhill descent and a switch to lure him down towards the crystal mine underneath the Castle. Unfortunately for him he was sent straight into some buffers giving him some very long lasting injuries. and at his age it's not likely he will ever recover.”

“ So you're saying he will never come back?” Regina asked, being both hesitant and relieved at the same time.

“ Yeah he is. and to be honest, good riddance to such a horrible man. nobody traps my brother on an island like this!”

Everybody looked confused as coming into the sheds was a tender engine. but it wasn't just any ordinary tender engine.

It had 4 pilot wheels, 4 driving wheels and two trailing wheels. It had a curvy running board that went Flowing around the cylinders and main driving wheels.

He also shared a similar silver paint job to Timothy which actually impressed the smaller Tank Engine Who immediately recognized him even with his new paint job.

“ Well we haven't seen you in a long time, rex-frigidus. glad to see you are finally on a railway that will appreciate you.”

Indeed this was rex-frigidus another London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh H1 Atlantic tender engine.

“ It's good to see you as well Timothy. and it's good to finally belong to a railway that doesn't see me as a useless piece of scrap iron.” Frigidus then looked over to his brother with a big smile. “ So this is where you've been hiding all these years? I was kind of disappointed when you didn't give me a postcard for my birthday.”

“ How could I send you a postcard for your birthday when I was trapped on an island?” Rex-Iaspis Said looking a little bit annoyed but also happy to see his brother again.

“ while you could have at least had your crew trying to send one. Do you realize how worried I was when I didn't hear back from you? I thought you had been destroyed during the last war?”

“ What war?” Iaspis asked as the other engines also looked confused, not realizing that there had been a whole world war while they had been stuck inside of the sheds.

“Wow I have a lot to catch you up on brother.” Frigidus said, looking at his brother with a smile. “ but that can wait until you're fully restored.”

“ So you guys finally finished the bridge?” Proteus asked, hoping for a positive answer.

“ We did.”

Everybody looked surprised to see Howard and Tanya rolling into the sheds after Thomas and Lady cleared a path for them.

“It's so good to see you all again. and I'm sorry we couldn't rescue you earlier.” Tanya said giving an apology to the gold dust engines but Lux just smiled at her.

“ It wasn't your fault. and at least we will be able to get off this island.”

“ But what will happen to our home after that? Will this line be abandoned again?”

“ good heavens know.” lady said with a smile as she had been waiting for somebody to ask that question. “ The Fat Controller heard my story and realized that this railway line would be very profitable for him and thus it's getting reinstated.”

“ So I guess we will all be working on this railway together again.” Jackland said, looking at his fellow gold dust engines with a smile.

all of them were smiling except for lady who looked a bit nervous.

“ actually… I will be working on the Ffarquhar branch line from now on.”

“ what!?” all the gold dust railway engines shouted being surprised that their number five would leave them.

“ Why would you leave your home?” Regina asked, being a bit concerned for her friend.

“ because I want to see more than just this island. I've lived here my whole life and now I want to go somewhere else.” she said, giving her friends a smile. “ and I won't be far. I'll be working nearby. and besides, I kind of want to keep working with my partner.”

“ partner?! you have a partner now?!” Lux said looking a bit confused until she saw Thomas blushing and immediately understood what this meant. “You are dating lady?”

“ Well, we only became official a few weeks ago. we're still trying to figure things out.” Thomas said, trying not to make the Dean single angry.

“ You don't have to worry about him, Lux.” Tanya said looking at her old friend before looking at her son. “ Thomas is a good boy and I told him that if He dares hurt lady I would shove him in the same pit his brother fell in back at the lead mine. Isn't that right Thomas?”

Thomas just went quiet remembering the Threat she gave him. lady just chuckled as they assembled the whole group of engines into one big train with Proteus sitting on a well wagon.

After they were all shunted together they were brought to the Works.

Fortunately, since they had only been out of service and not damaged, all of them just needed a quick overhaul which was able to be done within a few weeks so the workers worked over time to get that done.

During that time Rex-Iaspis And Regina decided to work alongside the other bigger engines of soda on the main line.

The singles were a little bit heartbroken but understood that they needed to let their little family spread their wings. fortunately they would get the opportunity to talk to them from time to time when they would meet at the junction or at knapford itself.

They were all happy and as 1930 rang in everybody was optimistic about the future of the Railway. especially since a few more engines would be joining them in the future.

“ but those are stories for another day.” Thomas said looking at the school group with a smile as he and the story.

“ That was an amazing story Thomas.” one of the kids said looking at the Blue Tank Engine. “ But what did you do before you came to sodor? The books never tell us what happened back on your old railway. Can we please hear those stories?”

Thomas chuckled as he looked at his brothers who smiled back at him.

“ Well both me and Timothy didn't spend too much time back on the London Brighton and South Coast Railway. but my brother here spent a long time working for that railway and the Southern Railway and finally British railways before working here on our branch line. Maybe you want to hear more stories from him?”

the children now looked at the glasses wearing engines who smiled.

“ Alright, I suppose I can. But are you all sure? I'll try to make sure that the war stuff is not dumbed down, but still explained in a way that you all can bear.”

The teachers nodded as they gave the Old locomotive the floor to explain his life before he came to the island.

to be continued in billsters journey

Chapter 98: billsters journey part 1 entitled siblings and call to Duty

In 1915 Thomas and Timothy left Brighton for the final time. many of the engines would miss them. including their good friends Rex frigidus and Box Hill who had to remain behind to help run the Railway during this time of War.

but the engine who missed them the most was their brother billster. and not just because of his emotional attachment to his older brothers but also how the rest of his family treated him.

Every single time he was about to have a moment of rest one of his brothers or sisters Would ask him to “help” by pulling one of their trains.

This went on for weeks And he was really getting sick of it.

One day he was shunting some trucks in a yard just outside of London when Hunter rolled into the yards with a very small goods train.

“Hey you there. take my next train down to Brighton. I'm gonna go for a rest.” and before bilster could say anything Hunter went off to find a water tower to rest next to.

bilster Began muttering under his breath “pathetic, lazy tomato!”

Bilster then rolled off with not only Hunter's train but his own behind him. he was easily able to handle this since he did have a larger amount of power than his siblings.

but even so he was absolutely exhausted from having to do all of the work his brothers and sisters wanted him to do.

“ I swear! One of these days, I'm going to beat their bunkers! Especially with how much I am forced to do by them!”

His driver and firemen completely agreed with their engine but had no idea how they were going to solve this.

but as they arrived back at Brighton an army general was standing on the platform discussing something with one of the board members of the LB&SCR.

“ All I require is a single engine to take back with me to the States for a temporary loan period. we need a reliable engine that can handle large loads.” the general then looked over towards billster with a smile. “ Can we perhaps borrow this one? He seems to be pulling a lot more than is required of him. That kind of dedication is something I need.”

Billster looked confused but the board member just rolled his eyes. “ take him. just make sure you bring him back in one piece.”

Billster looked shocked but before he or his crew could say anything He was shipped into the works and fitted with American parts including a cow catcher, Bell, loud chime whistle and a headlight.

and before he knew it he was shipped off to America.

He then arrived at big city Port . He was quickly steamed up and was greeted by a steam engine that looked to have more domes than a camel.

“ Hello there. you must be one of the engines that came from England correct?”

“Brighton, Yes.” Bilster said with a smile looking at the odd engine. “My apologies for the staring, just a tad curious on the extra domes.”

“That's okay. I bet you Haven't been outside of your own country before. I mean how long ago were you built?”

“A few months ago.” Bilster said looking a bit embarrassed.

“ don't worry about it. I was only completed a few months ago as well. my name is Porter by the way. you'll be helping me around here until the war ends. there's a lot of shipments to move in and out of here. especially the explosives. you better take good care of that because one wrong move and we could all be sent sky high!”

billster Hums in agreement and immediately began shunting the trucks.

As he continued working there for a year he began picking up some of the American lingo as well as his accent beginning to change. He began speaking with an American accent and quite enjoyed it.

He quite enjoyed working together with Porter and the other engines at the harbor. That was until two more engines from England were sent over.

They were both Manning Wardle L Class Locomotives. One was called Charlie and the other one was called Billy.

Both of them began driving billster mad!

Charlie thought that everything was a joke and Billy wouldn't listen to good advice. especially since billster was a lot younger than himself so he felt that he knew what was best.

and one day this would finally come back to bite both of them in the bunker. in a way that none of them would recover from.

One day a huge shipment of explosive material was coming into the harbor And everything had to be done Like Clockwork. especially since this was a very big shipment.

Unfortunately Charlie and Billy were put in charge.

billster rolled up alongside them as They were coupled up to the big loaded American boxcars.

“Easy with those. One stupid move and you'll be blown to bits!”

“I don't need to be told what to do by a Youngster who thinks he knows better than me! Now stand Aside and I'll show you how it's done, youngster!” Billy said, pulling with all of his might as the box cars rolled behind him.

Charlie was pushing from Behind and giggled as he saw bilster rolling his eyes.

“ don't Roll Your Eyes too much bilster or they might turn into Roly polies!” Charlie laughed at his quite frankly terrible joke.

“Ugh! How about you go roll yourself off a cliff since you think you can laugh hysterically enough to propel yourself and fly, dingus!” Bilster said but unfortunately it was too late. The two of them were too far away to hear him.

He just went off to collect another set of cars that needed to go to the same destination as the two saddle tanks.

meanwhile The Saddle tanks began Biffing and bashing since they couldn't synchronize their movements correctly.

The explosives inside of the boxcars Were being flung backwards and forwards Which would have Disastrous results later on.

Billster soon arrived in the area where they would need to deliver their cargo.

He was on one side of the waterway and the two dinguses were on the other side. He was unloading machinery that had to go to the front lines. Meanwhile the two idiots were handling munitions.

bilster just wanted to unload his load and get back to work when Charlie shouted over.

“ Hey Billster, you want to hear a joke?”

“ no.” he said quite flatly but Charlie didn't listen.

“ You know what you and an exterminator have in Common? you're both buzzkills!”

Charlie began laughing like a maniac again thinking he had told an excellent joke. Unfortunately for him nobody else thought that. especially billster.

“There’s a time and place for jokes, Charlie, and unfortunately this isn't the time or place.” The London Brighton and South Coast Railway Tank Engine said as he continued to look at the machinery that was being unloaded from his flat cars.

mostly tanks and jeeps but also a few bigger military rounds as well as big field guns.

“just make sure you don't fire one of those things at me kid! trust me you're not gonna like that!” Billy shouted as he charged forward to prove his point.

Unfortunately for him the men just began unloading some explosive material and when he biffed the boxcar… well…

“Let's just say things didn't end well for those orange and Purple tank engines.” Billster stated flatly, trying to figure out how to best word it. “Moral of the story, treat hazardous goods with extra care or people and engines alike could be hurt or worse.”

The kids were amazed at the wise words of billster along with their teachers as all of them took that lesson to heart.

Thomas meanwhile chuckled. “ No wonder Matthew and Charles only trust you to handle the explosive shipments to the quarry. after hearing something like that I'm glad we don't take many hazardous loads along our branch line.”

“ Me too.” Timothy said, looking at his brother. “ and just another question you told us you're a lieutenant Commander. How did that happen?”

Billster chuckled and began telling the next story.

To be continued in billsters journey part 2 electric Boogaloo.

Chapter 99

Bilsters journey part 2 electric Boogaloo.

Bilsters life leading up to the second world war was pretty brutal. mostly because he was doing all the work that his siblings pawned off on him including the work At Southampton.

He also complained about missing overhauls because he was so busy and the railway never really scheduled a good time for him.

He absolutely hated working with his siblings because all of them never did anything and always complained that he wasn't there for them when they needed him back during the First World War.

AKA not being there to do all the jobs they didn't want to do.

so fortunately when the second world war broke out he immediately got himself assigned as one of the Southern Shunters units. His particular unit Unit 389 Only consisted of about 5 Locomotives but he was quickly able to rise among the ranks to obtain the rank of lieutenant Commander.

He helped out with as much as he could during the time in the United Kingdom but once D-Day arrived he was sent out alongside the rest of his units to help out on the front lines.

During those days he would fight against German soldiers as well as shunt and Carry munitions and other supplies to help push the German offensive back.

He even had to stare down some big German locomotives but he never Back Down from the fight.

but as soon as the war was over and he and his unit were sent back to the United Kingdom things went back to normal.

his brothers and sisters would pile on the work on him while he is just suffering.

there was at least one bright moment. After he had gotten Deliberately damaged by Hunter he was allowed to go to the Works and eventually when he Returned reunited with his brothers Thomas and Timothy and Thomas’s wife lady alongside other engines from the branch line.

Another thing that he also was grateful for after the formation of British Railways was the chance to work on the island of sodor on loan. It was the greatest time of his life.

but unfortunately that time didn't seem to have lasted. After diesel was sent away billster had to return back to the Southern region.

Upon his arrival his manager looked incredibly grumpy.

“ you're late, you piece of scrap iron! I don't know what the northwestern region thinks they are doing. Letting their engines lays about but you better get back to work now!”

The manager just walked away not even giving the black Tank Engine time to answer.

“ Stupid rude idiot.” He grumbled under his breath as he went back to work shunting around.

A few hours later a diesel rolled up alongside him chuckling.

“ well well well well if it isn't the war hero himself. How was your little vacation on the north western region?” the diesel said rudely as he was being uncoupled from his trucks.

“The North Western Railway is NOT a part of BR, idiot!” Billster hissed. “There is NO North Western Region! And there never will be!”

The diesel just rolled his eyes. “ whatever you Tin can. just take my trucks away. I am going to refill on fuel and my next train better be ready by the time I come back. or I will make sure you'll be scrapped sooner rather than later.” The diesel said as he rolled away.

“Like I care you idiot. I bet 20 lumps of coal that if you were damaged badly enough, they would just scrap you!”

“ Keep dreaming, you tin can. Now get my train ready!”

Billster just rolled his eyes and got his train ready. it was on his schedule anyway.

A few hours later billster heard some news from some chatting workman that that diesel who he had shunted the train for had broken an axle and flung himself up and over causing significant damage to both his body work and his engine.

He was scrapped the next day. which made the young e2p a little bit happier.

Unfortunately that diesel will soon be replaced by another diesel that was just as bad.

and so the cycle of his life continued.

and that was until September Of 1962.

He had officially been pulled out of service. He was now being towed behind a diesel engine to the place where he had been built. Brighton works.

“ Well, I guess it’s all over then.” Billster sighed to himself. “Heh, at least I had the last laugh with some engines. Not to mention how I lasted longer than most of my lazy siblings, who did less work than me and still had more damage from stupidity.”

Bilster chuckles as he finally arrived at his birthplace. The moment he was shunted in he prepared for his final moments.

The scrappers lit their torches and were about to touch billster when suddenly he heard the sound of somebody's jaw being broken by somebody else's fist.

To his surprise and shock there standing in front of him angrily looking at the people who are about to rip him apart was Matthew!

“ What do you idiots think you're doing?!” Matthew shouted, seeming extremely angry as he bent one of the blow torches in half!

“ we were just cutting up this engine? isn't that what the railway workshops are supposed to be doing now with these things?” one of the men said, making Matthew even angrier.

“ not in this workshop! This workshop officially belongs to me! And attempting to scrap my engines or any engines in this workshop will result in your permanent termination!”

The men now look even more confused at what Matthew had said.

“ Wait, this engine isn't yours. it belongs to British railways.”

Matthew polled out some paperwork and punched it into somebody's face causing him to fall down onto the workshop floor before grabbing the papers and seeing that indeed the engine they were about to cut up was not part of the British railways network anymore having been purchased back in 1957.

“ Now if there aren't any more questions kindly get out of my workshop! I've got an engine to restore!”

The men immediately ran away as Matthew looked at bilster with a smile.

“ Well it's been a while, Billster. how are you doing?”

“ Confused yet glad to see you.”

“I'm sure you are. I'm also certain you have a few questions for me? you'll have all the time you need to ask and get your answers. after all you're gonna be working on sodor after this.”

bilster smiled, already having a feeling that Matthew had done something.

back in the present.

“ It turned out he had already purchased me back in 1957. And quite frankly I'm glad he did. British railways never cared about me. I sacrificed nearly everything in two world wars and ended up with nothing to show for it. well nothing except my loving family.”

“ besides those dinguses who kept boasting about how superior they are to us.” Timothy said remembering Fellow members of his class that were pretty big idiots.

“ yeah but look where they are now? they have been turned to scrap 10 years ago. and we're still here flying the flag of our class.”

“ That is true.” bilster said, smiling at his brother's.

His life hasn't always been easy. He has spent a lot of time working for some pretty bad people. but in the end he ended up with an owner who cared about him so much he was willing to give him therapy.

his brothers who cared about him deeply as well and a pretty decent life.

things have changed since 1915 for him. but he wouldn't have had it any other way.

the end

Chapter 100: Fluffy paws of Fury! My 100th Chapter baby!

It was a beautiful sunny morning on the island of Sodor. In a house on the outskirts of Knapford, Yang was waking up.

Today was her day off and she wanted to help her wife around the house as she was pregnant. She wakes up early to feed their over 100 cats who are all dutifully waiting for her to fill up their massive amount of food bowls.

Fortunately Yang did not have to worry about the cats just randomly attacking each other for food. They had a bit of a hierarchy with at the very tippy top being Blakes favorite cat that she named after her mother Kali.

this was actually kali Junior thecendant of Kali the first.

She was a pretty dominant figure amongst the cats. keeping everybody in line and making sure that the next generation knew to treat their mommys with respect.

After Yang filled up the bowls she went to check for her own breakfast when she realized the fridge and the pantries were empty.

“ damn. I haven't gone shopping in a while. and I'm certain Blake will be waking up any moment. but I can't just leave. she'll be even more worried then.”

She then looked at her cats and let out a Deep sigh

“hey you guys can you help me?”

all the cats looked at her cutely tilting their heads. yang quickly wrote a bunch of stuff on a piece of paper and held it in front of Kali, who came to sit next to her on the kitchen island.

“ I need you to go grocery shopping for me. you know where you have to find everything.” Yang said as she prepared a basket with the list of stuff she needed along with a whole bunch of money. “Now please don't spend it all on fish. I do not want to make sushi for the 15th night in a row.”

Kali nodded and looked back at the other cats and began meowing towards them.

Yang couldn't understand them but fortunately due to us coming from the future date of 2025 we have invented the cat Translator and I will use them right now and for the rest of the story.

“Remember everyone, we're not doing this for ourselves! We are not doing this for Glory! We are not doing this so we can keep pooping in our litter boxes! we are doing this for mommy!”

“ for mommy! for mommy! for mommy! for mommy! for mommy! for mommy! for mommy!”

The cats began meowing with Yang just looking confused.

After that they all went outside with Kali being in front of them. meowing as if they were in a military March.

Half an hour later Blake woke up with her belly visibly pregnant. Thanks to some science that had been developed on the island way ahead of the rest of the world they were able to have children that are biologically there's, not just from a donor.

“ Morning honey.” Yang said and she prepared the couch for Blake to sit on. “ how did you sleep? Did the baby keep you up?”

“ No. They've been rather quiet. but I tell you I can't wait until they are here. I feel so bloated.”

“ don't worry it will all be over within two months.”

Blake chuckled and looked around to see that there were no other cats besides the kittens being too young to go outside.

“ Where are all my cats?”

“ Oh, I sent them to get some items from the farmers market at Ffarquhar. We've been running a little low recently since I haven't been able to get any shopping done.”

Blake now looked horrified as she tried to stand up but Yang pushed her back down.

“ Blake, you can't run in your condition and your cats will be fine.”

“ My babies need me!” she said as she tried to get up but Yang kept pushing her down.

“ Well, I need you to keep our baby safe. plus I'm certain your cats can handle themselves.”

Meanwhile, the cats had arrived at the railway station and went to the ticket booth.

Kali jumped on to it and the ticket clerk just found it cute.

“ Well hello there? What are you little guys doing here?”

Kali pointed at the time table that she wanted a ticket to go to Ffarquhar. but unfortunately the ticket clerk didn't understand her.

“ I'm sorry I don't have enough milk for all of you. Now can you go away so people can buy their tickets? if you do, I'll give you some milk.”

Unfortunately for them Kali wasn't satisfied with that. she began hissing and clawing at the window! The ticket Clerk actually began looking terrified as more and more cats began jumping against it, butting their heads against the glass and dimming the light from the window.

The ticket clerk was on the floor Shivering in fear when suddenly the cat stopped as they heard someone clearing their throat.

“I think the cats want to go to Ffarquhar. but I also think I should remind them that they don't need to pay for tickets because animals can Ride for free.”

all the cats twisted their heads curiously before Matthew gestured towards The next train that was heading out to Ffarquhar.

“ Go ahead. your tickets are free.”

Kali jumped down and immediately rubbed her head against Matthew's leg before ordering all the other cats inside of eda who was being pulled by Willamina as she had been lent to the branch line as well.

After all the cats left the ticket clerk carefully made her way up to see if the cats were gone and could only see Matthew chuckling.

“ first day on the job?”

the ticket clerk only nodded and immediately fell back into her chair like a limp pack of spaghetti. Matthew just continued to Chuckle.

“ Little tip, make sure you inform the kittens that they don't need tickets to ride the train. Trust me it's going to make your life a whole lot easier remembering that.”

the ticket clerk immediately filed that into her memory hoping to never encounter this again.

Meanwhile, all the cats were inside of eda lazily sleeping until they arrived at their destination.

the Ffarquhar farmers market. your one stop shop for fresh fruits and vegetables alongside various meats including fish.

Kali immediately divided up the team to target as many pieces on the list as possible. fortunately the vendors already had experienced this and we're more than happy to give them what they looked for as long as they paid right.

Everything was going smoothly until officer Stockarsch Arrived at the Farmers Market. he had never actually been to one of these before since he always did his shopping at the big supermarket in the city. Unfortunately they were closed and he was on duty so he decided to just buy stuff here.

The moment he saw a cat walking in front of him he just kicked them out of the way causing the young cat to meow in pain.

“ stupid cat. Why are there so many here? they should be on a Leash. or better yet thrown into a river.”

He said this out loud not realizing that literally every single vendor and person docked away including the kids as all the cats Began surrounding the police officer.

all brushing their tails left and right and they seem to be glaring at the police officer.

“ What do you stupid cats want?” he said glaring at the cat when kali meowed a single sentence.

“ You're dead!”

Before he could do anything all the cats began jumping and scratching him all over his body!

He tried to get them off but he just began stumbling left to right backwards and forwards smashing against some stands while the vendors themselves just kept looking away.

they knew never to mess with the cats that belonged to Blake. they were absolute beasts that would definitely defend themselves when necessary.

I mean one time a bear had escaped from the zoo and tried to attack the Farmers Market but all the cats had literally scratched him so badly he immediately began running back to the zoo to run away from them!

so this whole incident of him getting attacked by cats was definitely a reminder of how powerful this group of cats was.

Then as if scratching the crap out of him wasn't enough he was being dragged by his pants and thrown over a bridge into a river! He was able to swim to the bank but then more cats began attacking him and throwing him back into the river!

This happened for several hours!

after which they had gathered all of their items and made their way back home.

When Yang heard them knocking at the door she was happy to see them as was Blake.

“ my babies! I'm so glad you're safe!”

She said as she tried to bow down to hug them but fortunately kali just jumped into her arms and began rubbing her face against her owners.

“ told you they would be fine.” Yang said already knowing the reputation the cats have gotten over the island. That's why she trusted her furry companions to do the shopping in the first place. “ Now let's get cooking. I think I'm feeling like sushi tonight.”

Yang said with a wink towards the cats who all looked happy to see that Yang was giving them a special reward for all their hard work.

but before she could start making the sushi there was a knock at the front door. Yang went to open it and the chief of police of Ffarquhar came in.

“Ma'am I've heard a complaint about your cats. Apparently they attacked one of my Officers.”

“ really?” Yang said, looking confused. “ Well I'm certain he must have done something towards them if they attacked. they usually just stick to themselves.”

“ oh I know.” the chief of police said, as he bowed down and gave some of the cats paths. “ I'm just here to thank them since he did attack a cat first and he is put on suspended leave without pay for animal cruelty. I figured he needed to learn a lesson not to mess with the wildlife of sodor. I mean that guy is one incident away from getting fired at this point.”

After the police officer left Blake and Yang just chuckled at their cats. they definitely deserved all the sushi Yang was about to make tonight.

they knew that even if they were gone they could trust their cats to assist any babysitter with caring for their actual children.

the end of my 100th story!

Chapter 101: The tales of the North Western Railway: Edwards day out Railway series 80th anniversary special

It was now 1975 on the northwestern railway. Everybody was excited because this would be the 30th anniversary of the Railway series!

the whole island was abuzz with excitement!

Especially the engines were excited.

“ I can't believe it's been 30 years since those books were first published.” James said as he was sitting in Tidmouth sheds Alongside most of the other engines that appeared in the books so far.

“Yes, I can't believe it's been that long.” Thomas said, looking at all his friends. “ Those books really have boosted our Popularity. I mean I can't even roll into the station without people yelling my name these days. honestly I'm kind of getting a bit overwhelmed by the fame.”

“ I have a feeling my brother feels the same.” Gordon said with a small chuckle as he and Scott had Reunited when he returned from America as Matthew had offered to overhaul the Legendary locomotive for free.

mostly because he was also restoring Great Northern to operational condition to help with the trains to London.

“It is really fun to have all our Adventures published in books.” Percy said remembering when people told him about his book. “ although I am glad that the good Reverend decided to also add a lot of fictional stories. I don't really want my first day on the island to be repeated.”

“ Yeah, because you left all the real work to me that day.” Thomas said in a fake annoyed tone which made everybody chuckle.

Hudson meanwhile was sitting with his siblings in the sheds. He had also heard about the railway series and absolutely loved them!

“ I am really glad that you guys are actually getting famous because of these stories. although I haven't actually heard all of them yet.”

“ really?” Edwards said being a little bit surprised at this. “ How many of the books have you heard about?”

Hudson began whacking his mind thinking of all the things That he remembered from the days when he was first built.

“ I think from book 10 onwards. I really didn't have any interest in the earlier books since I wanted to see what the next story would be. I don't think I ever heard the original story.”

all the engines smiled at Edward knowing what the Old blue engine needed to do.

Edward just chuckled. He was more than happy to enlighten Thomas's son on the railway series.

“Well Hudson, do you want to hear the very first story of the Railway series?”

Hudson's eyes lit up with sparkles which made his father and mother giggle alongside the rest of his siblings.

“ really! you'll tell me the very first story! is it about my father?”

“ no.” Thomas said with a little chuckle. “ but it is definitely one of the greats. Especially since you're hearing the true story.”

Hudson and the other engines that weren't there before being Purchased by Matthew or after the Second World War all smiled as Edward began the story.

Once upon a time there was a little engine called Edward. he and his best friend Tara were some of the smallest engines in the sheds.

They had not been out in quite some time since the trains became heavier and heavier along the main line and eventually bigger and stronger engines came on loan.

such as Alfred and nine eight four six two and eight seven five four six, Gordon and Henry.

The two of them looked absolutely miserable. their once bright blue and royal blue paints were now covered in Dust.

cobwebs began forming between their wheels. they felt more and more terrible each day.

“ the driver won't choose you two.” 98462 said smiling at the two of them as he was being prepared for work one day. “ They want big and strong engines like us. the two of you should better consider your retirement plans. because you won't be on this railway for much longer.”

“ Shut your Steam hole.” Thomas said, rolling up next to the big tender engine. “they helped build the rails you ride on!”

“and do we have to remind you that you're here on loan?” Timothy said as he shunted some coal wagons. “You are not a part of this railway and you do not get to say something like that! now I've brought your coal so fuel up and get out of here!”

The big engine raised his nose up and rolled away to the coal Tower to get Reloaded.

Thomas and Timothy looked at their old friends and felt sad for them.

“ don't worry you guys.” Thomas said, trying to cheer him up. “ they're just giving you a well-deserved break. you'll be let out soon enough.”

but even with the young engines cheerfulness the four four o's Didn't feel any better.

That evening as everybody else was asleep Tara looked towards Edward with a worried expression.

“ Do you think we will ever be let out of the sheds again?”

“ I don't know.” Edward said honestly. “ but I believe that all we need is one chance to prove our worth. just one!”

Tara could only agree.

But as the months went by they remained in the sheds. until one day a pair of drivers and firemen were looking for some engines to drive.

all the other big and strong engines had already been taken. not that they wanted them. they were looking for some engines to do some… smaller but important work.

and as they opened the shed door and saw the two small tender engine sitting there looking sad they could only Simplifies with them.

“ Hey you two. Would you like to come out today?”

Everybody in the sheds looked shocked at this. all except Thomas and Timothy who just smiled.

“ Yes please!” the two of them said excitedly as the cruise smiled at them.

“ Well Charlie looks like we're going to have a Pair of Excitable ones today.” the driver who decided to take Tara out for a spin said to the drive that Edward was going to have for that day.

Within a couple of hours they were ready.

Edward and Tara rolled out of vicarstown Sheds and went to get some coaches.

As they left Thomas and Timothy whistled to them wishing them good luck.

Thomas then looked over to 98462 with a smile.

“ looks like the old dogs still have some life in them after all.”

98462 just Scoffed. “ They'll just break down the moment they leave the yards.”

The other big engines agreed but Thomas Timothy just rolled their eyes and went back to work.

Meanwhile Tara and Edward began making their way towards the carriage sidings.

“ I can't wait to see the old girls.” the two of them said as they were coupled up together as a double header.

The train was heavier than they would be able to handle on their own and they were more than happy to work together.

“ indeed.” Edward said bursting with excitement as his safety valve let out wisps of steam.

but as they approached the coaches the coaches yelled out to them.

“ Please be careful! Don't bump and bang us like the other engines do!”

Tara and Edward just smiled as they carefully and gently coupled up to the coaches.

“There you go Girls.” Edward said as the shunter fastened the coupling between them. “ Nice and easy.”

“ That was nice and easy. we're glad you too are taking us out today.”

“and we're glad to be out.” Tara said smiling as they brought the train to the station.

After a few minutes they were waiting at the station to leave after all the Passengers had boarded.

They waited for the guard but he wouldn't come.

Edward and Tara grew more and more impatient until he finally arrived and quickly blew his whistle and waved the Green Flag before getting inside of his Break coach. green flag in one hand and sandwiches in the other.

Edward and Tara rolled their eyes.

“some things never change.” Edward said remembering when that guard was new.

After leaving the station the two of them spent the whole day traveling up and down the main line.

They absolutely enjoyed traveling down the main line as the dust and cobwebs began breaking off and fluttering in the wind.

children came waving by the line side to see the old pair run again.

And they in return were more than happy to give them a friendly whistle in return.

 

but during the tee time rush something funny happened.
The two of them were heading up the line light engine when they suddenly noticed 98462 sitting on the track in front of them hissing steam everywhere.

“ Well, if this isn't a surprise.” Tara said, looking at the bigger engine. “ How did this happen?”

“ It was an honest mistake and nothing more!”

“ You forgot to fuel up on water so we had to put out your fire!” his fireman shouted from his cab Not wanting to deal with any bull from his engine. “ And now I can't work on you until you've been coold and inspected. and we're blocking the main line!”

“ Can we be of assistance?” Edward suggested to the Chagrin of the bigger engine.

“Absolutely not!” 98462 said glaring at the ancient looking engines. “ This train has already been delayed enough! We don't need a couple of ancient engines delaying it even more!”

“Yeah can you just give us a push to the next station so we can dump him in one of the sidings?” his driver said, looking at the two 4-4-0’s with a friendly smile. “ We'll be able to get him to the works from there.”

They helped him to the next station with his passengers giving the two elderly engines a lot of Praise.

After shunting him into a siding the two of them continued their journey all the way down to Tidmouth.

That evening when they came home Thomas and Timothy were there waiting for them with big smiles on their faces.

The bigger engines didn't smile as the elderly 4-4-0s rolled into the shed road next to them.

“ So how was your day out, Edward. enjoyed it?” Thomas asks curiously as the older blue engine smiled the biggest smile he had smiled in a long time.

“ It was absolutely magnificent! we saw so many familiar faces and many children came to wave at us from the line side.”

“ and our crews were so happy with us they told us we'll be going out tomorrow as well!” Tara said already excited for tomorrow. “ we're gonna be handling the locals for a while. maybe we'll even be able to do some Express runs? who knows.”

87546 Just scoffed and tried to say something to Edward and Tara.

Unfortunately for him the two engines were so tired they went happily to sleep.

“And that is the story of how me and Tara had our day out.” Edward concluded with most of the other engines already being asleep as it was incredibly late.

Hudson on the other end remained up admiring the older Express engine. “ That was such a great story. no wonder the Reverend adapted them for his railway series.”

“ Well, he originally adapted them to tell his sick child some stories to keep him entertained.” Tara said looking at her husband with a smile. “ I'm just glad our story, even if it doesn't have anything significant to it brings joy to so many kids.”

“ indeed.” Edward said looking lovingly at his wife. “And somehow I gotta Feeling that people will enjoy those stories for many more generations to come.”

The three engines Finally went to sleep. Little did they know that their story and many other stories would be remembered for many more decades to come.

but I think you already know that. right?

Happy 80th anniversary for the Railway series!”

Chapter 102: Quattra The quadraplex

As 1975 continued to rattle on, engines came and went from the sheds. 

Most of the main line fleet alongside the Caledonian Railway locomotives were put into the museum awaiting overhauls.

 Timothy and Amelia were saddened that they were split up but Matthew promised to get Amelia back up and running as soon as a spot was available in the works.

 Fortunately, since all the Atlantics were put out of service Matthew finally decided to get all of his s69’s and B12’s running!  with permission from his wife of course as they were  her engines after all.

 They were absolutely ecstatic to get back to work having spent a long time in the museum. 

 On their first day the four engines rolled into Tidmouth  sheds all excited.

“ I can't believe we're finally gonna get to work!  We've been stuck in that museum for so long!  I cannot wait to see what this island has to offer!”  one of the s69’s said as she rolled into her dedicated birth shaking with excitement.

 The other engines smiled seeing  these engines for the first time in steam.

“ Well nice to see you're finally out of the Museum.”

coronation said sitting proudly alongside Princess Royal who looked at the 10-wheelers with a big motherly smile.

“indeed.  you are just the kind of engines we need at the moment.” Princess Royal said, looking at them. “ We needed some engines to help cover the boat trains alongside the fast goods.”

“Well, I will be more than willing to do that!”  one of the B12’s  said excitedly blowing off steam. “ I don't care if I have to pull a goods train!  I just want to feel the wind across my face again!  oh but before I forget I think it's time we introduce ourselves.”

“ indeed.”  the female s69 said looking at all the engines who were waiting for their introductions. “My name is SS Norfolk  and these are my  siblings SS Essex,  PS Brussels  and finally SS Yarmouth.”

“ Those are some quite interesting names.”  lady said, looking at the collection of 10-wheelers. “ Are you named after ships perhaps?”

“ yes.” SS Essex  said with a smile. “ Ember named us after ships that served the former Great Eastern Railway. She felt it was fitting for former Express engines to be named after such important ships.”

“ and to be honest we'd like these names since we were never given names during our service lives.” PS Yarmouth  said smiling. 

“ Well it's nice to have some B12’s here again.”  Timothy said, looking  at them with a smile. “ The last ones to run here would be Alfred and nine eight four six two.  although the latter got himself blown up alongside his Tank Engine friend 8 7 5 4 6.”

(note I know I said in my original story where these two appear that they were both tender engines but let's just see this as a small redcon.) 

“ Oh that idiot.”  SS Norfolk said looking a bit disgusted. “ That engine was a disgrace to our class!  It's no wonder to us that he got blown up!  Still I wonder how Alfred is doing?  We haven't seen him since we were pulled from service and got Plunked in the museum.”

“Well he does send us letters on the odd occasion he can.”  Percy said smiling. “ From what we understand he was purchased by the Bluebell railway thanks to Matthew Helping them so they could get him cheaper.”

“ and the last letter he sent to us did say that he was temporarily pulled out of service because he needs an overhaul.  but he is happy being put on display.” Thomas said looking at the siblings who let out a collective  sigh of relief. 

“ That's good to hear.”  SS Yarmouth said  smiling. “Matthew is a great man.  I mean he helped save so many engines that would have otherwise gone extinct.” 

“Tell me about it.”  Everybody looked to see Remembrance rolling into the sheds having just returned from a trip to London. 

 As one of the very few engines that had a Corridor tender she was qualified for non-stop running to London.  although she was happy that there were other engines running  services that stopped at York.

“ If it wasn't for him and this mysterious friend my class would have been extinct besides Hudson.  he would be the only one of us left. He is definitely a great man. He can practically handle anything.”

“ I have no idea How we're going to handle this!” 

 Matthew said as he was sitting in  his office in the Workshop  massaging his head.  Charles was sitting across from him looking equally stressed out. 

“ Yes, big Bertha  being out of service before Her planned overhaul  is not good.”

 The two men looked outside the soundproof window Towards where the big 0,10,0  was sitting With both outside cylinders having burst while she was banking  a heavy  goods train up Gordon's Hill. 

 This left them without another banking engine for the steep incline and With the longer trains they have been getting recently this was not good. 

“We desperately need another engine to handle the banking duties.”  Charles said as he stood up and began pacing the room. “could any of our goods engines handle it?”

“ not without the freight sector suffering too. and before you ask I don't have any engines that could handle the work since they're either on goods detail or on rent somewhere else.  And we can't ask Edward to do it because the trains are too heavy for him now.” 

“ I know I know!  I just wish we could-” As he was pacing Charles accidentally bumped into the filing cabinets and sent them flying onto the ground along with some papers scattering them across the floor of the office. “ I'm sorry Matthew!  I'll help clean up!”

 Matthew just let out a Sigh and decided to let this Slide since Charles was as stressed as he was. 

“ It's okay.  They just contain most of the ownership papers of my own personal Fleet. it was time I reorganized them anyway.”

 The two men immediately began working on not only cleaning up but reorganizing the paperwork.

 but as they were halfway done Charles noticed something in the paperwork that didn't make sense.

“ Matthew, what is this piece of paper for?”

 Matthew was confused as he turned back to Charles as Charles was looking at  the piece of paper in his hands.

“ It says here you have a Locomotive of a 0-6-2+2-4-2-4-2+2-6-0 Wheel arrangement.  but no such engine exists.  are you certain you didn't get scammed?”

 Matthew pulled the paper from Charles's hands initially in confusion but as he looked at it he immediately realized what this was.

“ Well Charles, I technically got scammed with this but it's a scam I'm actually kind of happy with  and could severely help us out right now.”

“ What do you mean?”

“ I'll have to make a few calls first but I think we shouldn't need to worry about our banking situation for too long.”

Charles continued to look confused as Matthew began making calls in a very strange language that he understood to be Dutch. 

A few days later there was a big Commotion at the harbour but  none of the engines knew what it was until later that evening in the sheds.

 It was very quiet that night.  It was mostly Thomas, Lady and their children as the rest of the branch line engines were sleeping at the branch line sheds. 

 all of them were still awake discussing how their day went when suddenly they heard an unfamiliar whistle. 

“ That's strange.”  Lady said, looking towards the entrance of the sheds. “ I've never heard that whistle before.”

“ Maybe it's a new engine?”  Beattie Said curiously as the engine grew closer and closer. 

“ yeah but it sounds like two engines?” Trevithick said Hearing the sounds of more than just one engine.

Then the engine finally appeared inside of the sheds. 

It was painted green similar to the Belgium engines but it was of a design none of them had ever seen before! 

it seemed to have four sets of outside cylinders,  a very boxy outlook,  and more wheels than any engine Would ever need.

 

 

 The engines stopped on the turntable which barely could support it.  as the engine rotated she seemed to be happily Humming to herself as if this was the first time she ever experienced a turntable.

 she slowly rolled into one of the tracks. The engine slowly came to a halt and looked at everybody else.

“ hello.  My name is Quattra. What are your names?”

 Everybody was surprised but Thomas decided to be plight.

“ Hello I am Thomas the Tank Engine and this is my wife lady the gold dust engine  and our children the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington l class engine's.  and before you ask some of them have been rebuilt into N15X’S  while others were rebuilt back into tank engines or into much bigger tender engines.”

“ I see…  well it's nice to meet all of you.”  quattra  said looking around the sheds which were very empty. “  Are the sheds normally this empty?”

“ No, normally we have a lot more engines here.”  Hudson said, still looking at quattras  weird wheel arrangement. “Sorry if I sound a bit rude but what exactly is your wheel arrangement?  I mean I've never seen so many wheels of cylinders on an engine in my life.”

 Quattra gave a nervous chuckle as she looked around the sheds. “ Well, I am the Belgium railways  quadraplex.”

“ Wait, you're from Belgium?” Codworth said being very surprised at this fact.

“ yes.  I am from Belgium.” quattra  said with a smile looking at the 10 Wheeler.  She then looked a bit confused looking at the other engines. “ Have you guys never seen an engine from Belgium before?”

“ No, we have seen engines from Belgium before.” Lady said looking at the rest of her family Who were looking back at  quattra. “ is just…  none of them looked like you.  the closest thing we have here that looks like you is worsbrough And he is a Garrett.”

“ Well there wouldn't have been any other engines like me out there.  You see, the Quattraplex  wheel arrangement is the biggest in the world.  In fact for a time I was the biggest steam locomotive in the world.  that was until the Union Pacific came out with their four thousand series of freight locomotives.”

“ Still you are probably going to be the biggest engine to ever run in the United Kingdom and on sodor.”  Thomas said looking at the impressive size of this  absolute unit of a locomotive. “With your size I bet you have a lot of horsepower.”

“ I do.  I am theoretically speaking the strongest steam engine in the world.” 

“ Well that's amazing!” remembrance said with stars in her eyes. “ The Belgium railways probably put you to Great use.”

 quattra now looked a bit embarrassed. “ well…  you see….  I wasn't exactly that useful back in Belgium….”

“ What do you mean?” Stephenson Asked being a bit curious about what she meant. “ an engine of your power and size would definitely be useful on any railway.”

“ Actually you would be wrong there.” quattra said as she began explaining  about her life up to this point. “You see, they just built me without a real purpose back in Belgium. The railway didn't really have any trains heavy enough or any gradients steep enough to justify my size and power. I was also Limited in my speed and my fuel capacity. so I was left in storage after appearing at an exhibition and I would have been cut up into pieces if it wasn't for Matthew.”

“ wait!  you're owned by Matthew?”  lady said, looking shocked for a second before realizing something. “ Actually this kind of makes sense.  Matthew's crazy and would definitely buy an engine of your size just for the fun of it.”

“ Well I didn't exactly buy her because I wanted a fun challenge lady.”

 Everybody looked to see Matthew arriving in the sheds looking at his engines seeing that they were giving the newcomer of very warm greeting.

“ You see, I worked for the Belgium state railways for a short time under a contract. Unfortunately for them they decided to screw me over in my contract and pretty much ended up costing me so much money they would have been bankrupt if they tried anything funny.  so I told them I would gladly accept an engine from them  in exchange for them only having to pay 25% of their debt to me.”

“ and let me guess?”  Thomas said, already rolling his eyes knowing what would happen. “They said you didn't specify what locomotive you Wanted and so they gave you her as a way to get rid of her once and for all.”

“ pretty much hit the nail on the head.”  Matthew said, crossing his arms. “ although I didn't really have anywhere for her to run and I couldn't realistically take her back to the United Kingdom.  so I left her in Belgium where they not only had to keep up her maintenance and give her overhauls every 10 years or so but she could not be scrapped under any conditions.”

“ And what about the Germans?” Lady said being a bit concerned about that fact. “How did you keep her from being scrapped?  I'm Certain an engine like that would be great for the war effort.  especially if they scrapped her for the raw materials.”

“ That's the thing.  I had her hidden away  on an abandoned line during the war years. And I also left behind a message to the German high command stating that if they dare touch my locomotive that I would call in my debts and the war would have been over by then.  because there was no way the Germans were going to be able to afford to run an army without money.”

“ and that actually worked?”  Hudson said not believing his owner one bit on that fact. 

“ Well yeah it kind of was a bit close sometimes from what I recall but let's just say even the leader of Germany was afraid of me and what I could do to him.”

“ Are you really that scary?” Stroudly said with a raised eyebrow.

Matthew gave his engine a creepy smile that  sent shivers up the locomotive's Boiler. “Trust me I can be intimidating if I want to be.  and just so you know there's only one person in this world that I fear.”

“ Your wife?”  lady said with a smile already knowing that Amber is the only person in the world that can keep Matthew in check.

“ yep.  although people should also be afraid of her.  I mean the warbler women are normally more  dangerous than the men.”

“ Well that checks out.” Bilster said as he rolled into the sheds letting out a yawn. “ After all, I have seen your wife rip somebody apart after they tried to kidnap your children while you were knocked out.”

 everybody chuckled except quattra  who wasn't really used to Matthew yet. 

“ anyway.” Matthew said, clearing his throat to keep everybody on track about the conversation. “I did forget about her over the last couple of decades since I was busy with so many other projects including building my first engine Hudson over there and then rebuilding remembrance. you know how it was.”

 all the engines could agree on that knowing how crazily busy he has been in both his professional and family life. 

“But after one of our bankers blew her cylinders it would take me a long time to get her fixed up so I decided after rediscovering her to get her shipped here and Quattra will be acting as banker of Gordon's Hill.  and after that I think I'm gonna have her work on the Peel godred branch line as I do think that branch line could use an extra engine of her power classification.”

 Everybody was happy to hear this and couldn't wait to see quattra in action.
 
Quattra herself was also excited for her new life and her new job. 

 to be continued

Chapter 103: New jobs and A Revolutionary return

Quattra  was enjoying her new life on the island of sodor.  She was working on Gordon's Hill alongside Worsbrough Who enjoyed the company of a fellow articulated locomotive.

 

The two of them worked very similar to how he and big Bertha Used to do with one of them helping a westbound train and another one helping an eastbound train in a rotational pattern to make sure there was always one banker on each side of the Hill.

 

and quattra loved her new job!  she was finally able to use her immense power to push the trains of the Hill! 

 

And she produced quite an interesting noise when she did so. Many people also lined the line side of the hill to get photographs of her in action.

 

quattra was a bit concerned about this but fortunately both Matthew and Charles enforced The rule that if anybody got injured the northwestern railway or the SMD company would not be responsible if they trespassed on the track side.

 

 Fortunately that kept people from trespassing but more police officers were in the area just to be sure.

 

 One evening quattra and Worsbrough Had finished their day of  pushing trains up and over the hill  and returned to their shed at  wellsworth.

 

“Now this is the life I could get use to.” quattra said as she was sitting in a siding  next to the sheds since they aren't Big enough for her. “I love all of this work!  I finally have a purpose and it's great!”

 

“ I can understand that.” Worsbrough said seeing how happy his fellow articulated locomotive was. “ and your great strength has really helped out with the heavier freight trains that even  I struggle with.”

 

“ Still, it will be nice to have your friend back right?”  quattra said looking at the Garrett. “ I know you miss her.  and I'm certain she misses you in the works as well.”

 

“ Well I won't have to miss him for long because I'm back baby!”

 

 The two bankers looked Forward to see big Bertha roll into the sheds with a big smile on her face.

 

 She looked the newcomer up and down with a big smile. 

“ So you're this engine everybody's been talking about.  I must admit you make me and some of the other bigger  tender engines around here look like toy trains.”

 

“Well I do have the largest  wheel arrangement in the world.”  quattra said smiling. “ Anyway, are you this big Bertha  I've heard about?  you are quite an impressive  machine even if you consider yourself to be a toy train.”

 

 the two bankers laughed at the joke. 

 

“ oh I like you.”  Bertha  said, looking at the quadraplex. “ Anyway, I also have some good news for you.  The branch line going up to  peel godred  doesn't really need an extra engine at the moment so you're going to be stationed here for a while.  and we are going to build you a proper shed so you don't have to sleep in the elements.”

 

  Quattra smiled  at her fellow banker. “ then the two of you will be seeing a lot more of me.”

 

“ and we wouldn't have it any other way.” Worsbrough  said as all three of them began chatting late into the night. 

 

 but while those three  were having fun and enjoying each other's company, other engines would be receiving a very weird surprise. 

 

 Sunny and Darby had just finished the late night shunting when two steam engines rolled in. 

 

 One was a small o4o And the other one was a big o8o. 

 

 Both of them were tank engines and both of them looked around the massive yard and Harbor. 

 

“ Hello there.”  the smaller of the two tank engines said looking at the diesel and  pannier Tank Engine. “ Is this   Knapford Harbor and shunting yard?”

 

It is, matey," salty said, rolling over from the harbor. "And what would you two Lassie's be wanting?"

 

“Well, we are the newest acquisitions for the north western railway.”  the big Tank Engine said, looking at Salty. “My name is Eliza.  I am a Southern Railway z-class. I was told I was to be primarily working around the harbor since shipping traffic has gotten quite out of hand lately.”

 

 

“ You can say that again.” Darby said, looking at Eliza. “ Both me and sunny here try to help out but we also have the yard to keep in order and the station to care of since we don't have a station pilot anymore.”

 

“ That's where I come in.”  the small Tank Engine said with a bubbly smile. “ I am May  and I am going to be your new station pilot.”

 

 

The Great Western Tank Engine looked at the much smaller engine With a raised eyebrow.

 

“ Are you certain you're up for it?  I mean you are  quite small.”

 

May Look a little bit offended and huffed. “ It's not the size of the locomotive in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the locomotive!  Besides us H class from the North Eastern Railway were specifically built to be shunters!  I'm certain once I get the hang of the station that I will be an excellent station pilot!”

 

“Okay okay  I meant no offense.  and if you get overwhelmed you can always count on one of us to help step in.”  Sunny said, trying to show her respect for the little tank engine. 

 

“ okay. Just remember little engines Can Do Big Things!”  may said with a smile.

 

 Derby and sunny could only agree.

 

 The next day all the engines went to work. 

 

 Eliza helped around the harbor. Her massive strength helped her move large trains in and out of the sidings alongside salty who kept serenading every single one of them with a song. 

 

 Meanwhile, May was doing an excellent job as a station pilot.

 

 She was extremely excited and professional at the same time.  making sure that all the coaches and passengers were at the right platforms at the right times.

 

 although she wasn't above pulling a funny face to entertain a child while they were waiting for the train to Depart. 

 

 As the morning continued Thomas and Timothy both arrived double heading an extra long passenger train from the branch line down to the station.

 

May immediately greeted them and took their coaches away to be serviced.

 

“ don't worry guys, I'll have these coaches ship shape in no time!  now enjoy your day!  and make sure not to crash into any wagons!”

 

 Both tank engines chuckled as they made their way to the motive power depot.

 

“ Well she can be quite cheeky.  like a little sister.”  Thomas said as the two of them were being fueled up.”

 

“ Indeed brother.  almost reminds me of a little blue Tank Engine who wanted to see the world.”

 

 Thomas blushed at the remark of his brother and was happy to see sunny roll into the yards to refuel as well.

 

“ Hey Sunny, how is your day going?”  Thomas said a little too quickly making his brother realize that he just wanted to talk to her as a form of Distraction.

 

“ Well everything is going okay.”  the Great Western Tank Engine said as her coal bunker was being loaded up. “ I mean all the new engines are really working hard and making us all proud.”

 

“ That's good to hear.”  Timothy said as his water tank was now full and you rolled underneath the coal shoot. “ anyway Anything interesting happening today?”

 

“ Well besides the fact that I'm going to take a train down to  vicarstown. Other than that there's nothing really going on.”

 

“ Well, have a good trip up the line.”  Thomas said, looking at the Great Western engine. “ And if you see your brother make sure to tell him Lady does not want to see his ugly mug for a long time!”

 

 Sunny just let out a deep sigh making a mental note to remind her brother of how much he's hated these days.

 

 Sunny couldn't really understand why her brother wouldn't change with the times.  She continued to think about it as she was coupled up to her train and began rolling to the vicarstown goods yard.

 

“I understand my brother is proud of our heritage but he should really know better at this point. I mean literally everybody on the railway has a bone to pick with him about how bad he's acting.  The engines on his own branch line hate him,  the controller is extremely annoyed with him,  Matthew pretty much wants to rip him apart for spare parts at this point and all the engines dislike him.  honestly it's getting tiring.”

 

 Sunny continued to roll down the main line occasionally picking up and dropping off goods. 

 

 Soon she arrived in the freight yard.  but she wasn't really paying attention as she continued to think about her brother.

 

“ He's really stuck in the Great Western Way.  what will it take for him to finally see what he's doing is damaging his standing on the railway?”

 

“ You can leave your trucks there.”  a voice said as she  came to a stop in the middle of the yards. “ I'll shunt them in a minute.”

 

 Sunny was pulled out of her train of thoughts by how sad the voice sounded.  but the moment she looked up she almost ran all the way back down the line in shock! 

 

 because sitting on the track next to her shunting a wagon was none other than devious diesel himself. 

 

 but he's a little different than when she  last saw him during his trial. He looked more grubby.  oil stains everywhere. He didn't look well maintained at all.  a Far Cry from the revolutionary engine he claimed to be all those  years ago. 

 

“ diesel…  it's a surprise to see you again….  What are you doing here?  I thought that one of Matthews' other engines was supposed to shunt around here?”

 

 

“They were called away because some people wanted to rent them out.  I'm here on temporary loan until  they come back in a month or two.  by the way you can just go off and refuel.  I'll deal with your trucks.” 

 

 diesel then sadly rolled away making sunny a bit concerned for the diesel. He didn't sound like the same engine he was when he arrived during his trial. 

 

 Sunny fortunately had nowhere to be for a couple of hours as Matthew didn't want her to come back as a light engine movement. 

 

 so she decided to help out around the yards which Charles was definitely happy with. 

 

 for the next couple of hours sunny and diesel work together.  Sonny was actually impressed with how diesel was handling the yard.  all trains were arranged on time without much fuss. 

 

 He was also not boasting or spreading rumors to the trucks. He seemed like a completely different engine. 

 

 After a couple of hours diesel needed to refuel and sunny decided to take this as an opportunity to finally have a chat with him.

 

 As the two engines stood next to each other diesel ashamedly  looked away. “ what do you want sunny?  don't you see I'm refueling here?” 

 

“I want to know what changed?” 

 

“ What do you mean?” diesel said being confused at the Great Western engines question.

 

“ you seem to have… changed from when you arrived on sodor all those years ago.  Less… cocky and full of yourself.  what happened?”

 

 Diesel wasn't certain if he could tell her considering her relationship to duck.  But then again he knew that One Way Or Another the story would come out and he'd rather tells the story himself than have anybody else tell it.

 

“ Okay I'll tell you.  but please don't interrupt me…  I want to be able to tell the story truthfully and honestly without  interruptions.” 

 

 Sunny just gave a hum of approval as diesel began his story.

 

“ After I left the island that day I was shuffled around from yard to yard.  I was still of the belief that I didn't do anything wrong back then.  and for a long time what I saw backed up my claims. I mean I saw steam engines being replaced by diesels on a daily basis.  I felt like I was on top of the world.  but then… a few months ago reality came knocking at my door.”

 

 Diesel went quiet for a moment and sunny realized  that something really bad happened. 

 

“ One day I was just working in the yard and then I heard a Scream. I rolled over to see one of my brothers  having been crushed between two wagons with heavy pipes on them.  apparently they were rolling onto the same track as him from both sides. He looked like a split sausage.”

 

“ That's terrible.”  Sunny said kind of imagining that  happening to duck.

 

“It is.  but what was even worse was that I told him he would be repaired.  I told him he would be fine and that they would just send him to the works and get fixed up.  but as months went by and I didn't hear from him…  until a few days ago…  he had been scrapped.”

 

 Sunny went silent letting diesel mourn for a minute.  She knew how it felt to lose a  family member.  in fact she had lost 845 siblings with a lot of them being very close to her.  so she could figure out how diesel felt after hearing that one of his classmates got scrapped.

 

“ I asked why they didn't repair him and they just told me it was much more efficient to scrap him.”  Diesel continued being a bit angry at the British railway’s Board of directors. “ My brother served their railway loyally for years!  and they just scrapped  him without any consideration for his service!  Ultimately that's when I realized that in a way the same thing was happening to you steam engines…  just on a larger scale.  My performance after I found out that my brother was dead grew worse and worse.  In fact they were Planning to withdraw me but fortunately A position opened up here and they allowed me to work here On loan and I will be withdrawn by the end of my loan period.”

 

“ and what will happen to you after that?”  Sunny said being a bit concerned for Diesel which actually surprised her a little.

 

“ scrap…  I will be scrapped.  but i had a good run.  and it's quite an ironic fate.  anyway I've topped up on Fuel.  I think there's a train going back to knapford  the passes through  croven's Gate. You should be able to get back to napford by nightfall.”

 

 diesel rolled away leaving the small Tank Engine with a lot to think about. 

 

 as she took her train down to  crovince Gate she couldn't help but think about what happened to diesel. yes he manipulated everybody against each other but when  she looked in His Eyes she could genuinely see the regret in his eyes. 

 

 something her brother  hadn't shown her in years.

 

 she arrived at croven's Gate  and immediately was sent to the Workshops to deliver the materials.

 

 When she did Matthew walked up to her and noticed her puzzled look. He immediately realized what this meant. 

 

“Let me guess…  you saw diesel?”

 

“ yes.”  The Tank Engine simply replied as Matthew just crossed his arms and shook his head.

 

“ Well, I'm sorry.  I know you probably don't want to see him around but he was the only engine available from the mainland.  he'll be gone next month.  I'll bet you'll be happy to see the backside of him?”

 

 Matthew said the last part in a light tone but realized by the look On her face there was more going on than meets the eye.

 

So his engine told him everything.  from what happened to diesel and how he's acting now. 

 

“ Honestly Matthew I really think he has changed.  I just…  I just wish we could give him a second chance.  but I highly doubt Charles would want him back after what happened the last time  he was here.”

 

 Matthew knew that she was right. Still that didn't mean there weren't options.

 

“ Just get back to the yards sunny. and make sure your brother doesn't find out that diesel is back. who knows what that crazy pannier will do.” 

 

Matthew let out a deep sigh as he went back into the workshop. Sunny could only agree and had the other engines  swear on their lives never to mention diesel to duck. She hoped that this would prevent her brother from finding out that diesel was back.

 Unfortunately That wouldn't be for long.  

 

 A few days before diesel was supposed to return duck had been asked by one of the yard Masters to take a train down to vicarstown. 

 

 and the moment he saw diesel he saw red.

 

Diesel had just finished shunting some trucks and was about to roll to the diesel pumps when suddenly duck biffed into him! harshly! 

 

Diesel didn't look angry as he saw Duck Glaring at him. 

 

“hello duck…  it's been quite some time…” 

 

“not long enough you shoe box on Wheels!”  Duck spat at the diesel who took the insult without trying to fight back.

 

“Look, I know that you're angry about my abysmal behavior the last time I was here.  but please let's just leave the past in the past and move on.”

 

“oh you really think I'm going to move on from  what you did to me!”  Duck shouted as he bift him again, sending him flying towards an empty siding. 

 

“ Look, you don't have to forgive me for what I did! I understand what I did was wrong but you don't-”

 

“ silence!”  Duck shouted as he once again charged against diesel, almost  smashing him through the buffers! “I never forgave what you did to me back then!  And now I finally get to take my revenge on you!”

 

 duck backed up and Diesel shouted for his driver to get out of his cab! 

 

 The Great Western engine smashed the 08 shunter straight through the buffers and into a small building crushing his cab in! 

 

 Diesel actually looked terrified at duck as the great western engine seemed to be looming over him. 

 

“that's what you get use stupid-”

 

“What in the name of Charles Collett is going on here!” Both engines looked over to see Matthew approaching them alongside Darby and sunny.  Both engines looked shocked to see the state of diesel and that duck was the one who did it.

 

 Matthew just glared at duck knowing that this was his fault.

 

“ Duck, what did you do!?”  Matthew said with a stern tone in his voice. 

 

“ I just showed a troublemaker his place Matthew!”  Duck said to Matthew which wasn't the best thing to say to him at that time.

 

“ really?  Because to me and everybody else around here it looks like you were attacking an engine that wasn't attacking you back!  And you not only put his driver in danger but you're lucky that that small building had nobody in it!”

 

“ whatever!  He's nothing more than a troublemaker and a liar!  And he deserved this for what he did to me all those years ago!”

 

 Matthew just rolled his eyes. “ duck that was nearly Two decades ago.  besides the only Troublemaker I see is you!”

 

“ It's okay sir.”  Diesel said looking a bit sad but at the same  time having a look of acceptance in his eyes. “ I was going to get scrapped within a few days after British rail  withdrew me Anyway.  now they just have more of a reason to scrap me.”

 

 Matthew turned to diesel with a smile on his face. “ Actually, diesel you are wrong about that.”

 

“ What do you mean?” he asked as duck also looked confused, not understanding what Matthew was getting at. 

 

 That wasn't until Matthew pulled out a black plate with the number D2 on it. “ because diesel your officially part of my personal fleet of locomotives.  you'll be working as one of my engines from now on!”

 

Diesel looked shocked even duck looked shocked not expecting this! 

 

“ But sir, why would you keep him after everything he did!?”

 

“ because he has changed.”  Matthew said glaring at duck. “ he has been given a second chance after what happened to his brother months ago.  And before you ask what happened to him is private duck!  Besides, Charles is not going to be happy with you after what you did to one of my locomotives!”

 

 duck wisely stayed quiet and  was about to roll away when sunny rolled behind him. 

 

“ oh no you're not going anywhere duck!  it's time you face real consequences!  and maybe This Time the lesson will stick!”

 

duck wanted to protest but Matthew spoke up again.

 

“I think we should do to him what Charles's father did to any and clarabel when they acted out like this. a year of isolation should be enough time for him to think.”

 

 Duck actually looked a bit terrified having heard what happened to Annie and clarabel when they first arrived on the railway. 

 

 as he was being led away by sunny who was berating him Darby rolled up to his brother with a serious look on his face.

 

“ You have been given a second chance diesel.  do not waste it!”

 

 Diesel understood and was more than happy to take his second chance at life. 

 

Shortly after being Rerailed and taken to the Works to get a brand new cab Fitted diesel was officially inducted into the ranks of the steam machines department rental company. 

 

 He was stationed at vicarstown which he was more than happy with.  he knew that the other engines still didn't trust him but he knew he would build that trust backup over time.

 

 As for duck? 

 

 well Charles wasn't happy with how he acted and put him in the same sideings Annie and clarabel were left in so many  decades ago.

 

 The lines were even more rusty and overgrown than ever before.  and Duck was left out in all kinds of elements buffering him. 

 

 but still he wouldn't change. He still believed he was in the right and it was the Great Western way to get some Payback. 

 

 the engines are certain he will never change  but  maybe one of the visitors coming to the island will be able to help  realize the Error of his  ways?

 

 to be continued. 

Chapter 104: The Legend of Sodor's Sea Shanti.

Aurora and Loona were growing up to become quite respectable young women. That made Matthew proud every single day of his life.

although it hasen’t all been smooth sailing for them. Loona's insecurities about not being as social as her sister got her into the wrong crowd and almost got her sister killed when they trespassed on clan McIntosh’s territory.

her sister protected her by taking A lot of spears to the back for her. Even though the sisters earlier that day had an argument with each other. Loona was moved by her sister's loyalty and swore to always be there for her.

She also went to clan McIntosh to regain her honor and was eventually able to do so becoming an honorary member of the clan. This came with a beautiful sash that she continues to wear to this very day.

but As their sophomore year was coming to a close they had to perform one final assignment. They had to find a legend of the island of sodor and write about it.

unfortunately unlike everybody else who had been given a legend to research they have to find one.

And even more Unfortunately they could not come up with anything.

but fortunately their mother decided to point them towards an engine who might be able to help them.

“ Do you really think he'll be able to give us some of Sodor's Legends that nobody else knows about?” Aurora said as they were making their way towards knapford.

“possibly.” Loona said as she was double checking if she had all of her necessary tools to write down everything they needed to know. “ Besides, he does know a lot about the island even though he hasn't been here as long as everybody else.”

The two of them had just arrived at Knapford and had been given permission as long as they wore the safety Gear provided.

but fortunately they had a chaperone willing to help them out.

“ I think your mother has a good point.” Sunny said as they rode on a shunter’s wagon towards the harbor. “ salty knows a lot of Legends of the island that even I don't know. And I have been on this island longer than you girls have been alive but I do think it would be interesting to hear something from salty. That guy is very amusing. Plus it's a quiet day today. so you'll probably be able to talk to him for a while.”

“Let's hope so.” Aurora said, looking at the assignment sheet. “ because we do need these credits To graduate this year.

The two of them soon found salty sitting by the diesel pumps refueling.

the moment he saw the chief Mechanical Engineers daughters he smiled.

“It's good to see you lassus Again. the two of you have grown up quite a bit. but what brings you down to the docks mateys?” salty said smiling at the girls as sunny went back to work.

“ Well, we have to do an assignment on Sodor's Legends but most of our classmates have already been given their Legends to research.” Loona began pulling out the research paper. “ but our teacher wanted to challenge us and had us find a legend completely on our own. we were hoping that you might know one that isn't very well known to everybody else.”

salty looked at the paper and immediately remembered an ancient Legend he had heard from a sailor.

“ I might know of a legend that nobody has heard about. The legend of the Lost Treasure of sodor!”

“oh come on!” they heard a voice from up high which turned out to be the new Dock crane cranky. “ That Legend is fake! there's no loss Treasure on this island!”

“ oh it's very true! part of the Legend is even a sea Shanti!”

“ a sea Shanti?” Aurora said, stroking her chin. “Like those things sailors sing on long journeys?”

“I matey!” salty said excitedly as he began telling the story.

“ You see it says that long ago on this very Island a group of Warriors buried a treasure that was so valuable it would make every king and queen blush! but they didn't want their treasure to fall into the wrong hands! so they hid it away and left behind clues that no one has been able to decipher. And Over the years the clues were turned into a sea Shanti!”

“ Well how does it go?” Loona said immediately writing everything down knowing that this could be a great help on their assignment.

salty smiled as his crew immediately knew what to do. They were big lovers of sea shanties as well and they immediately began playing their instruments.

“To find a treasure fit for a queen, Look out from a mountain you have seen.

If ya look real hard and your eyes are keen, You'll find a tower of stone!

Hey, ho! As the wind does blow!

The song has secrets you should know!

Hey, ho! Round the island, go!”

Everybody at the docks was enjoying this shanty and began tapping to the music. Some even quickly improvised some instruments from random junk around making it a quite lively atmosphere.

A treasure waits below! Once inside that tower of stone, Stand in the place where the sun has shown.

And on the wall, just above the throne, A secret you will find! Hey, ho!

As the wind does blow! The song has secrets you should know!

Hey, ho! Round the island, go!

A treasure waits below!

Through the woods in the darkest grove, Deep down in the pirate's cove.

Pass without a bridge, you will find, A fortune in disguise! A pool as blue as the cloudless sky, Holds a treasure priceless prize.

A hidden gem right before your eyes, Awaits you down below!

HEY!

Everybody chuckled as salty finished the song.

“ Well that was very informative salty.” Loona said as she continued to write everything down. “ and a catchy song. but do you think this Legend is real?”

“ Of course I think it's real. Every Legend has a sliver of Truth. Besides, many people have gone looking for this treasure and nobody's ever found it. maybe you two should go and have a look for it and see if you can find what cannot be found! I'm certain your teachers will appreciate you actually investigating the legend.”

The two girls realized that this was exactly what could get them top scores! The two of them thanked the diesel shunter and immediately went to the station to call their mother.

Their mother was at home cleaning the house and smiling at the wedding photo of her and Matthew along with the photos of their children growing up.

but when she heard the phone ring she immediately went towards it and was surprised to hear her daughter's talking about looking for a treasure.

“ I am not really certain that's a good idea. don't you think you should inform your father about this?”

“ Come on Mom! This is the chance of a lifetime! if we were able to find the treasure we would become Legends! Besides, it's not like dad hasn't done anything crazy.” aurora said, making her mother think back to her husband's battle on the Old Iron Bridge.

“ very well but I do want you to tell your father about it. otherwise you do not have my blessing!”

“ Fine, we'll get in contact with him and tell him about it. if that puts your mind at ease.”

“ very. Now please be careful. you do not want to get hurt trying to find a legend.”

Aurora and Loona agreed and hung up. They were just Going to try and find their father when willamina arrived into the station.

“ Hello girls.” she said as Matthew disembarked. “ How is your research going for your final exam?”

“ Pretty good. salty gave us this great story about the legend of the Lost Treasure of sodor! and we plan to go after it!” Aurora said excitedly.

“ really.” Matthew said massaging his head. “ That treasure is fake. there is no such thing as a lost treasure. Besides, don't you think somebody would have found it by now? you girls Should focus on something else.”

“ Father, while I understand that some Legends are only Hoaxes, there's always a little slither of truth in them.” Loona said, standing to attention in front of her father. “ Besides, you were the Legendary “hammer man” back in Germany weren't you? many people think that your A legend even though you've come out as that person.”

“ They got you there.” the A12 locomotive said, looking at her owner with a smile. “ Besides, what harm could be done by trying to find the treasure? if there's nothing then at least they can say they did their research.”

Matthew just let out a deep sigh as he knew that both his daughter’s and locomotive had a point.

“ very well if you can get your mother's approval you can go.”

“ We already did.” Aurora said, smiling. “ And don't worry father, we will find that treasure! And will become some of the most legendary people on the island!”

“ okay. just don't get yourself killed.” Matthew said as he climbed back on board of his engine to collect the broken trucks they came for.

The two girls then went to the cafe to begin figuring out what the clues meant.

“ Okay so the first part of the clue is to find a mountain that you have seen.” aurora began as both of them were sitting with cups of tea with the notes that Loona took.

“ then a tower of stone that we have to stand inside of to see where the sun has shown.”

“ then a dark Forest with a pirate's Cove. and finally we have to pass Without a Bridge and find a pool as blue as a cloudless Sky. well this is going to be difficult.”

“ it will definitely be. but we are Warblers. and we never Back Down from a challenge as father always says.”

“ That's true. but a mountain that we have seen? What would that mean? I mean the only mountain you could practically see from all over sodor is….”

“ culldee fell mountain!” Both girls shouted at the same time as they immediately booked tickets to get to the mountain railway.

It took them 1 hour but they were soon on the electric branch line making their way towards Kirk Machan And immediately climbed into the first train going all the way up the mountain.

Fortunately it was a quiet day today so the wind wasn't blowing as hard as usual.

as the Girls made it to the top station they looked over the whole Island! they could practically see everything! but nothing looked like a tower of Stone.

“ Okay so we're up the mountain but we need to find the Tower of Stone.” Aurora said, remembering the next part of the song. “ but I can't see any Towers of Stone.”

“ Maybe we need to look at it from a different point of view. if the legend has possibly been around for centuries then maybe we need to think of something that has been around for just as long?”

“ maybe.” aurora said as she was looking through the binoculars that were provided for tourists to look all over the island. “ I mean I can practically see everything here today. I mean even ulfstead castle Is visible today. and I mean even back then before the railway was built you could practically see it from here. I mean… there's nothing… obscuring… the view….”

Aurora went silent as she looked at her sister. “ Do you think the tower of stone is referring to the Towers of the Castle?”

“It would make sense.” Loona said that as she began stroking her chin. “The castle has been around for centuries and if the legend has presumably been around for as long it would make a perfect addition to the clues to find the treasure!”

The girls immediately took the next train down towards the main line.

Unfortunately there were no mainline passenger trains.

but fortunately the box tank engines were coming With some trucks.

The two of them immediately waived and tried to flag them down. Fortunately Clive notice this and stop the train.

“ Hello you two. Why did you need to flag us down? Is the track up ahead blocked or something?”

“ No Clive. we just need a lift up to Ulfstead castle.”

“ Well that actually turns out pretty well for you. We were supposed to deliver these supplies there anyway.” Niel said as his driver gestured for them to come aboard and help them fire the box tank engines.

“ By the way Where is Matt?” Loona said Noticing that one of the three brothers was not there.

“ He's helping out at the Workshops. he really enjoys that line of work.” Niel said as they continued down the main line.

It was slow progress but eventually made it all the way up to the Castle.

When the girls arrived they immediately began looking around at the Towers of stone and they began wondering which of them held the clue to the next part of the song.

That's when the Earl noticed them and smiled having not seen them since they were born.

“ well hello you two. man it's been so long since I've seen you. it only seems like yesterday you were little babies in a crib and now you are respectable young women. But what brings you to my castle? I don't think your father would have sent you up here with the box tank engines.”

“ Well, we're on the search for the Lost Treasure of sodor!” Aurora said excitedly as Loona presented her notes on how far they've gotten.

“ So far we've been able to figure out that this would be the most likely location of the Tower of Stone. but we do not know which tower of stone holds the next part of the clue. Do you have an idea sir?”

the Earl looked over the notes and immediately had an idea. “ Well yes of course. And I must admit you girls are quite clever. I myself tried to find the treasure and didn't get this far myself. and there is one room that might hold the key.”

The two of them looked excited as they followed the Earl inside the Old throne room. they marveled at the medieval architecture around them. the entire area was covered in tapestries of the Legendary King godred and the battles he faced to protect the island from Invaders.

but the most interesting thing was the giant stone map of the island just above the throne!

“ That's a very interesting placement for a map. Why was it Carved Into The Stone up there?” aurora asked, looking at the Earl.

“ because King godred wanted people to see that he served the people and that the island was actually above him not the other way around.” the Earl said, gesturing towards the stone carving. “ and what better way to do that then having the island mapped above your head.”

“ very clever.” Loona said, already appreciating their former King's humbleness. “ But what does this have to do with the legend of the treasure? I mean it is impressive that there is a map on the wall but how does it help us?”

“ Well usually around this time of day the sun moves into a position where it shines a light into this very room. it's always been a bit annoying for some guests but I think it might be the next part of the clue!”

and just like clockwork the sun shined through the windows And began illuminating a section of the map above the throne.

“Once inside that tower of stone, Stand in the place where the sun has shown. And on the wall, just above the throne, A secret you will find!” Aurora said excitedly, repeating the verse from the song!

Soon the lights stopped at an area East of the island.

“ So that's where we need to go.” Loona said, taking more notes. She then pulled out a map she had with her that she took when they left Knapford. “ according to the modern map the Pirates Cove shouldn't be too far from Great waterton.”

“ Then if we take the narrow gauge railway we should be there soon enough!” Aurora said before turning towards the Earl. “ Thank you for your help Earl. we promise that if we find the treasure we will donate it to you in thanks for your help.”

the Earl just chuckled and waved them off.“The treasure is yours to do with As you please if you find it. now go out there young Adventurers and see if the legend of the treasure is true!”

Aurora and Loona nodded and went down towards the station Where Liena was waiting with a passenger train To take down the line.

fortunately she was an Express Service all the way down to kroven's gate from which they were able to take sakuras train all the way down to Great waterton.

As they arrived in the town they immediately decided to buy some supplies.

Nicholas and Rio were also there visiting their Grandma when they noticed the two girls.

“ Hello there.” Rio said, looking at them as they bought some extra supplies. “ Are you guys going On an expedition or something?”

“ Yes we are.” Aurora said, smiling as her sister made herself as small as possible as Nicholas was standing right next to his brother. “ we're looking for the Lost Treasure of sodor and we're pretty sure it's nearby. we just need to hike towards a pirates Cove. Do you guys have any idea of a pirate Cove or something like that nearby?”

The two brothers began thinking when Nicholas remembered something his grandma told him.

“Well according to ancient records our grandma found while Restoring great waterton there was something nicknamed The Pirates Cove along a ridge where a Bridge used to be to go to an old mind that got ripped up during the Second World War. probably for spare Metal or something I don't know. anyway it shouldn't be too far away if you follow the line halfway to where the warrior Clans territory starts. you should find the Pirates Cove there.”

“ thank you Nicholas.” Aurora said noticing her sister was still looking embarrassed as her Crush was standing right there.

she didn't say anything until they were on their hike and far away from town.

“ you know you're never going to be able to win his heart if he doesn't know you exist.”

“ I know! it's just… after everything that happened I still don't have the confidence to ask him out.”

Aurora knew what she meant. she still had the Scars from where the Spears have hit her in the back. She had to be rushed to the emergency room to get them all removed carefully. She had also lost a lot of Blood by that time and she had to spend a few days in the hospital.

Fortunately there was no permanent damage and she would regain her Full mobility with proper exercise.

but still the scars would remain for her whole life.

“ Listen, you know I forgave you for what you did. You where just misled by those idiotic girls who tried to just manipulate you for their own entertainment.”

“ I know that sister. But… I still blame myself for being too stupid to go along with it.”

“ Hey, all of us are stupid in our own ways. I mean I'm not the smartest kid in school outside of Engineering. you really have a talent for studying that I wish I had.”

The two girls chuckled as they then went Off the Beaten path after following the tracks for a while.

The forest surrounding great waterton was very thick and full of Wild animals everywhere.

Fortunately because of Leo and his family constantly rubbing all over them when they were at home they now had their scent permanently stuck in their clothes.

which meant no wild predator would deal with them if they knew what was good for them.

Soon they arrived at what looked to be a small hill. with one big Rock blocking it.

The Rock was covered with moss but as soon as they pushed the moss aside they saw the typical pirates skull and cross.

“ looks like we're getting closer to the end of the song sister.” Loona said excitedly as the two of them managed to push the Rock aside and make their way inside of the cave.

They had torches with them and made sure to look ahead of them and down. they did not want to fall in any pits!

“ This place is a natural beauty.” Loona said admiring how the Stones had formed over centuries. “ I cannot believe nature can be this Powerful.”

“ Me neither.” Aurora said as suddenly she stopped blocking her sister from continuing. “ and it looks like the next part of the clue is right ahead of us!”

Aurora said Pointing to the Enormous Chasm and the broken bridge ahead of them.

“Pass without a bridge and you will find a fortune in Disguise.” Loona said, remembering that part of the song. “ then I guess we must go around it instead of going over this big Chasm.”

The two of them then noticed a path leading into another tunnel. with a faint blue glow.

as they entered the tunnel they then saw a beautiful glowing pool of water.

“ This is the last part of the clue! A pool as blue as a cloudless Sky!” Aurora shouted as the two of them looked into the water. The glow was so beautiful and the water so still they could see their own reflections clearly. “ So the last part said that the fortune would be in Disguise But where is it? I don't see any other places where it could be hidden.”

“ Well maybe not. if not for that hidden gem right before our eyes.” Loona said pointing to what looked to be a diamond in the pool of water. Loona tried to grab it but it seemed to be stuck. “ Well this gem is not moving! a little help sister?”

Aurora nodded and went behind her sister to give her some more traction but to their surprise the gem moved but slowly.

and then as if like magic one of the rocks moved out of the way to reveal another tunnel!

The two girls looked at it and immediately went inside with their torches lit and prepared to find out what the treasure was.

but as they entered they only saw a massive cave covered in darkness!

but as they shone their torches around they could see what looked to be shelves full of books!

“What's going on here?”

Luna said as suddenly a light began appearing above them from a crystal that had been covered up!

and without warning they Heard somebody beginning to sing.

“To find a treasure fit for a queen, Look out from a mountain you have seen.

If ya look real hard and your eyes are keen, You'll find a tower of stone!”

Suddenly another Crystal was revealed showing culldee fell mountain.

Hey, ho! As the wind does blow!

The song has secrets you should know!

Hey, ho! Round the island, go!

A treasure waits below! Once inside that tower of stone, Stand in the place where the sun has shown.

And on the wall, just above the throne, A secret you will find!”

Another Crystal was revealed showing Ulfstead castle's throne room alongside the map Revealing the location of the cave entrance!

Hey, ho!

As the wind does blow!

The song has secrets you should know! Hey, ho! Round the island, go!

A treasure waits below!

Through the woods in the darkest grove, Deep down in the pirate's cove.

The next Carving revealed both the entrance and the path they had taken to get to the Blue Pool. and how they opened the door.

Pass without a bridge, you will find, A fortune in disguise! A pool as blue as the cloudless sky, Holds a treasure, a priceless prize.

A hidden gem right before your eyes, Awaits you down below!

HEY!”

Both aurora and Loona looked confused until Matthew revealed himself.

“ well girls I didn't think you had it in you but you've definitely proven me wrong today.”

“ Dad/ father?” the both of them said simultaneously being confused that Matthew was here.

“ What are you doing here?” Aurora said looking around as the crystals had lit up the entire cave showing all the books and statues all over the place. “ And for that matter what is this place?”

Matthew chuckled as he stretched out his arms jestering to everything. “ This my daughters is our entire family Legacy. every single member of our family that's ever existed has been recorded in here. from the ancient days of the cavemen right up to me. and soon you'll add your chapters to your story in here.”

said this as he continued to give his children a little tour of this archive.

“ Wait, this place is basically an archive of our entire history?” Loona said being completely caught off guard by this. “ But you said that the song was fake and that there was no treasure?”

“ Well, do you see any treasure around here?” Matthew said gesturing around showcasing that there weren't really any mountains of Gold or anything people would consider treasure. “ That song was actually made up by our family so we would always remember where to find the archive. It can be very confusing for people who aren't part of our family to find this place. heck even amongst our own family members nobody has ever been able to find it without the help of a previous generation. well up until now that is.”

“ Wait, you're saying we're the first to ever find this place on our own?”

Aurora said as both her and her sister could not believe that. Matthew then pointed towards what looked to be a scoreboard with hundreds of points against the people who didn't find the archive Without help and the ones who did find it without help.

“ yep you're the first. so come on.” Matthew said giving them a chisel and hammer for each of them. “ hammer your points into the wall please.”

The girls were a bit confused but did as their father told them. as they chipped two points into the wall they actually felt a little sense of Pride.

as they turned back to their father he just had the biggest smile they'd ever seen on his face.

“ So what happens now?” Loona said, wondering what this meant for their family.

“ Well now you have unrestricted access to the entire archive. every single family member, every single story and weapon of theirs. Even stories of people are family met throughout the generations. but you must keep this place secret So you cannot tell your school about it.”

“ Then how do we prove that we did find the treasure? I mean they're not going to believe us That we actually did our homework on this Legend if we don't come back with anything.” Aurora said, pointing out that they didn't have any treasure to back up their story of the legend being true.

Matthew chuckled as he gestured to two big chests nearby.

“ Well it might not actually be considered treasure but as your reward for finding this place on your own you get to keep the stockpile of our family's wealth.”

The two girls looked confused and then opened the chests and realized they were chock full of gold and jewelry and gems of every single kind!

The family then Used the secondary entrance to exit the archives and reseal the original entrance.

suffice to say Loona and Aurora got a Sterling result on their assignment. especially since they had written it to say that sometimes you have to believe in the sliver of truth in a legend.

the end

Chapter 105: Sodor’s visitors And new arrivals part 1

 

 

 The Railway Museum at peel godred  was just as busy as ever. 

 

 People loved being able to get up close and personal with these engines as they told their stories as well as being photographed. 

 

 They had also recently heard rumors that the Railway Museum would be experiencing an extension and would be closed to the public for a while. 

 

 None of them knew if this was true but they really didn't care.  They were just happy that there would be a little bit more room in the museum. 

 

 all of them had been getting a little bit cramped  as of late.

 

“Ah'm really happy that we're gan tae get some mair room.”  Amelia said as both Jeanette and her were sitting in the workshop area of the museum  one evening. 

 

 This was an area dedicated to workshops as well as storage of relics of the Railway. 

 

 Smudger was currently in the Workshops being overhauled as he was going to be sent to the Talyllyn Railway to help out there  alongside sir handel. 

 

“I can definitely agree with you there, mom.”  Jeanette said with a smile. “ It will be so nice to have a little bit more space to breathe around here. I know we're stuk in this part of the museum but I can still hear the others complaining through the walls.” 

 

The mother and daughter chuckled as they suddenly heard the doors opening to the workshop room. They looked towards the human sized doors and realized that they were not the ones opening. 

 

In fact it was the door specifically designed for engines that was opening. 

 

 to their surprise another engine was being pushed in. 

 

It was another 4-4-0  engine.  but it looked nothing like any 4-4-0  either of them had seen. 

 

 The engine didn't have a true cab as it didn't have any walls or roof to keep her driver and firemen clear from the rain.  Only a windshield with a slight Curve at the top.

 

 It also had a splasher with holes in it so you can see her driving wheel  spokes.  The engine was painted  in an olive green With red accent colors.

 

 The engine also sported the number 224  on its number plate and looks to be much older than the two of them.

 

 Jeanette did not recognize the design but Amelia did. and she did not look happy.

 

“ Tay... Ah'm surprised ye survived, ye ken? Ah was certain that ye North British Railway 224’s were scrapped.”

 

The locomotive apparently named tay glared at Amelia  with an equal amount of disgust in her voice.

 

 

“Well, I 'spose ye could say I was lucky. And what aboot ye? I thought that ye Caledonian Railway 721’s would hae been scrapped as well.”

 

“ Well then, I s'pose we were both lucky then.”  Amelia said with a glare as the two locomotives glared at each other Jeanette looked a bit concerned.

 

 She had never seen her mother this angry before and was concerned that there would be a lot of arguments in the next couple of months. 

 

 but to her surprise both engines smiled and laughed.

 

“I cannae believe ye're still aroond, Tay. I mean, I was certain ye would hae been scrapped alangside the rest o' yer class. Hoo did ye survive?”  Amelia asked, giving the newcomer a warm welcome.

 

“That's a long story, but I'm sure we'll hae plenty o' time to catch up.”  Tay said now looking towards Jeanette with a smile. “ And who might this be, then?”

 

“Oh, that's me daughter Jeanette, aye. She's a Belgium Railways Type 18. Her class wis derived fae another class, which wis itself derived fae my class, so aye, I’m thinkin’ o’ myself as her mother, and she’s already accepted me as such, she has.”

 

“Well that's grand tae hear. I aye knew ye had a motherly side tae ye.”  Tay said smiling towards Amelia who smiled back  confusing the Belgian built locomotive. “It's so nice to see that ye hae a bonnie hame here.”

 

“And that's no' all.”  Amelia said excitedly. “Ah'm officially married!”

 

“ That's wond'rful! And wha's the lucky boy or girl?”

 

Ye widnae believe it! I've married Timothy the London Brighton an' South Coast Railway Billington E2P, the brither o' the famous Thomas the Tank Engine.”

 

“Well that's a surprise, eh? I've heard aboot those stories but I've nivver heard that Thomas had a brother before. Can ye gie me all the details?”

 

 Amelia was about to reply when she noticed how confused her daughter looked.

 

“In a minute, but I think we should first explain a bit more aboot how we ken each other to me daughter.”

 

 Tay looked a bit ashamed and smiled towards the younger engine. 

 

“You're probably right aboot that, Amelia.”  Tay said as she began going into the explanation of how the two knew each other.

 

“ Ye see Jeanette, yer mither an' I kent each ither back in the days o' the North British Railway an' the Caledonian Railway. The railways were baith neighbours an' fierce rivals. Though yer mither was built mony years efter I wis built.” 

 

 Jeanette listened as Amelia took over.

 

“Our railways crossed each other near the Firth o' Tay, the river that Tay is named efter.” 

 

“Our railways were rivals tae the bitter end. But both me and yer mother got on. Well, not initially. Have ye heard aboot yer mother's traumatic experience o' accidentally lichtin' a whole field on fire?” 

 

“She has mentioned that a couple of times.”  Jeanette said looking at her mother who still looked a bit traumatized from that day. “ But how did that make you and mom get along?  Did you light a field on fire as well?”

 

“No, I had something' happen to me that was far mair… instant if ye ken what I mean.”

 

“No, I don't know what you mean.”  Jeanette said, raising her eyebrow. 

 

“Alright then, I best tell ye the full story. Ye see, there was a bridge built across the Firth o’ Tay that was a bit… unstable. None o’ us liked crossing it, 'cause it felt like the bridge would give oot underneath us at any moment. And unfortunately, it did.”

 

Jeanette saw the hurt in Tay's eyes and remained respectfully quiet.

 

“On December the 28th, 1879, I was rollin' towards the bridge. The bridge back then was single track, so trains had tae tak' turns tae go across. I received the token, and my driver opened my regulator tae go across the bridge. I'd aye hated that bridge since I felt unsafe on it. And that night, as 7:16 p.m. rang oot, I felt the bridge shift and then completely fall!”

 

 Jeanette's eyes  whent as wide as her wheels  upon hearing that. “ you fell into the river?”

 

“Along wi' ma entire passenger train, and the middle section o' the bridge. I dinnae ken what happened efter that. All I ken is they tried tae rescue me oot o' the river and I fell back in twice. Eventually, the railway cruise nicknamed me the diver, and I carried on wi' my life. But when ma service life cam tae an end aroond 1914, somethin' amazin' happened.”

 

“ and that is?”  Amelia said being curious how her friends survived for all these years.

 

“Well, one day a man approached me, he did. He told me he'd won a bet that meant I was his, ye ken. So when I was retired frae service, I was put on display in a big warehouse, alangside the biggest recovered piece of the railway bridge I fell aff a all those years ago, and another engine that he apparently helped finance the construction of, and thus also owned it, ye see.”

 

“And wha was this person an' engine?”  Amelia asked, being a bit confused about who would own two steam locomotives as well as a piece of a destroyed Bridge. 

 

“Aye, I dinnae ken his name but I dae ken that the ither engine kens.”  they said as the next engine was being pushed in next to them.  Amelia's eyes went wide as rolling In on the track in front of her daughter was a Caledonian Railway 191 class locomotive in Caledonian light blue! 

 

 The nine one nine  looked at Amelia and smiled. “ Well Amelia, it's been a while, ye ken. Are ye glad to see me?”

 

 Amelia just chuckled. “It's nice tae see ye as well, Polaris.” 

 

 

 The two Caledonian engines chuckled and Amelia quickly gave the explanation about the other engine and that they were old friends from working together on the Caledonian railway before she was transferred to sodor and ultimately stayed.

 

 the four engines smiled at each other, being happy to both be reunited and meet a new friend. 

 

“ Anyway, who preserved you guys?”  Jeanette asked, looking straight at Polaris who smiled at the younger engine.

 

“ Well from what I recall his name was-”

 

“ Raymond Roger warbler.” All four engines look to see Matthew walk into the room and Smiling at the four engines. “ My grandfather who passed away a few years ago. He was the one who purchased Polaris but technically Tay, you were one in a bet migrate grandfather  had with both the engineer of the original Tay Bridge and the north British Railway.”

 

 Matthew explained while crossing his arms. 

 

 Both Amelia and Jeanette just chuckled as The younger of the two spoke to the chief mechanical engineer.

 

“ we should have known that you are the one who owns them.  How did you even find them?”  Jeanette said being curious about the answer.

 

“ Well the place where  they were being stored  was going to be demolished due to lack of payments.  and instead of paying it off I just decided to bring everything here.  plus I think they'll enjoy the company of some other engines while awaiting restoration.”

 

“ And what's goin' to 'appen to the bridge piece, then?”  Tay asked looking at her new owner who smiled back at her.

 

“ Well, I'm planning on expanding the museum to introduce new areas that I think might be more fun for the visitors.  plus we do need to expand our gift shop.  We are selling out of items faster than we can replenish them.”

 

 all the engines chuckled as Matthew walked away happy that his new engines were getting along fine with some of the older residents.

 

 Meanwhile on shining time Island Emily Alongside Lux and jackland  were settling in for  the night  when they heard a slightly familiar sounding whistle.

 

“ that's weird.” jackland  said as the whistle sounded again. “ that sounds like you Emily.  but it can't be since you're already here.  Am I going seenile?”

 

“ honey you're nowhere near old enough to be seenile.” lux said looking at her partner With a smile.

 

 Emily meanwhile could only open her eyes as wide as her driving wheels as rolling into the sheds was another Great Northern Railway sterling single!

 

 only this one was apple green with the number one on her side! 

 

As the engine rolled next to Emily she could not help but smile.

 

“Eva!  it's so good to see you again!”  Emily said, smiling at her fellow sterling single.

 

“It's good to see you again too.” Eva said looking at her sister with a big grin on her face. “I must admit when I heard I wasn't the last Great Northern sterling single left I kind of thought they were joking. but here you are! Now how exactly did you survive for this long? I mean I was certain you had been scrapped after your railway went under?”

 

 Emily chuckled and explained how she was left abandoned in great waterton and found by one of their fellow singles ignus. 

 

“ Well that's good to know.”  Eva said looking over at her fellow singles. “and also good to meet you two. I don't know many  singles that are still working today.  You should consider yourselves extremely lucky.”

 

“ we do.” Lux  said, looking over at Emily's sister. “ But what exactly brings you here?”

 

“ oh I'm going to be working around here until my next overhaul. Apparently the National Railway Museum was able to strike a deal with Matthew to get both me and another engine fully restored back to working order for some rail tours and for me to go to some heritage railways. All we had to do was work around here for a while. so I will be back in full revenue earning service for the first time in decades.”

 

“ Well there's plenty of work for you around here.”  Emily said, smiling towards her sister. “ and if you want we can double head my first passenger train down to knappford if you want?”

 

“ That would be lovely.”  Eve said with a big smile. “ I'm certain that I and the other engine will be more than happy to spend time here on this wonderful Island.  but can you actually tell me if some of the rumors I've heard are true?”

 

“ What kind of rumors are you talking about?” Jackland  said looking a bit confused having not heard of these Rumours before. 

 

“ that you apparently have a magic railway or something like that?  to be honest I've heard a lot of rumors and some of them seem quite outlandish. I mean there's no way this railway possesses a quadroplex.”

 

 Emily and the other singles smiled as they began explaining some of the rumors and confirming that the railway indeed had a quadruplex.

 

but I bet you're wondering who the second locomotive is? well my dear readers that is a story for another day.

Chapter 106: Sodor’s visitors And new arrivals part 2

The north western railway was buzzing with excitement.  After Eva's arrival the next engine that would be working around sodor temporarily until they're overhauls  would arrive at knapford.

 

Sunny was sitting at one of the platforms having prepared  a passenger train for the little western when a familiar whistle rang out through the station.

 

“ Wait, is that?”  She said looking in the distance as coming from  the junction for the loop line was none other than the Great Western City himself city of Truro!

 

 Sunny immediately began beaming with happiness. “ Truro!  it's so good to see you again!”

 

 Truro  chuckled as he came to a halt at The Platform and began smiling towards the cameras. “ It's good to see you too sunny.  how about we go to the motive power depot so I can refuel and we can have a little chat?”

 

 Sunny agreed knowing that there are few other engines there who would love to see city of Truro again. 

 

 As the two of them rolled towards the motive power depot city of Truro was happy to see that not much had changed since his last visit. 

 

 but as they arrived at the motive power depot he was pleasantly surprised to see rising star,  north star and Philomena.  All three of them were filling in for some of the other Express engines as well as helping pull trains to the mainland. 

 

“ It's good to see the three of you again.” city of Truro said as he turned around on the turntable and rolled up next  to Philomena Who smiled at her fellow Great Western machine.

 

“ It's good to have you here again.  It's been way too long since we've seen you.  how are your excursions doing?”  the king class asked, being genuinely curious since she had not actually gotten the chance to pull excursions herself.

 

“ It is just like pulling regular passenger trains.  I'm just glad that the East Coast Main Line is more willing to have me since you guys  own it now.  well the  north western railway does.”

 

 all five engines chuckled when city of Truro  noticed something. 

 

“Where is Montague?  I'm certain he would have known that I was coming.”  the celebrity said as he was surprised that the pannier Tank Engine wasn't there.

 

“ Well that's a long story.”  Sunny said, already rolling her eyes as she began recounting everything duck had done. 

 

 meanwhile Duck was sitting on his siding grumbling about how nobody understood the Great Western way of doing things. 

 

 That's when he heard puffing coming from the curve ahead of him.  He was surprised that somebody was coming. He was supposed to stay in isolation within the overgrown piece of track.  so he was actually kind of happy that the visitor was coming his way.

 

 he was even more happy when he realized it was City of Truro.

 

“ Truro it's so good to see you again!  finally a fellow engine that understands the true value of the Great Western Railway.” Duck said this with a smile but to his surprise city of Truro was not smiling. “ Is something wrong Truro?”

 

“ Yes there's something wrong.”  the Great Western 37xx  Said glaring at the 57xx. “ Did you attack diesel?”

 

Duck looked a bit confused at how city of Truro knew about that before realizing his sister must have said something to him.

 

“ it wasn't really that bad.”  duck said as he tried to play down what he did. 

 

“ You crushed his cab!  you're lucky that his driver was out of it or you would have killed him!”

 

“ Well I didn't end up killing him and I taught that diesel a lesson!”

 

“ He already learned his lesson from the last time he was here!  Besides, attacking him without him attacking you first is not the Great Western Way at all!  And besides, you should really stop living by that code.  it has done you know good!”

 

 Duck looked offended as he glareed back at City of Truro. 

 

“ I can't believe you're saying this!  you're saying that I shouldn't live by the code of the very railway that built us!” 

 

“ Yes I am!  And you weren't exactly built by the GWR  since you were built at the north British locomotive works! You are not a true Great Western engine!”

 

“ where I was built doesn't matter! I worked at Paddington, one of the greatest stations in London! I will fly the flag of the Great Western Railway until my very last day!  The Great Western is the best railway and should be remembered not forgotten!”

 

“ The Great Western is dead Duck!  it is dead and it should remain dead!  and the Great Western wasn't the best railway!  it was constantly replacing us older engines with newer ones before we were even a decade old!  I mean the stars were replaced with castles barely a year After the last one rolled out!” 

 

 City of Truro shouted being angry at ducks ignorance at the Great Western’s flaws. 

 

“ they didn't care about the older generations!  They cared about being a modern railway and they were willing to throw away anything they didn't need anymore!  they would even cannibalize engines for spare parts or to make new engines out of!  How is that supposed to be great?  end one life just  to create a new one?  That sounds barbaric to me!”

 

“ It was revolutionary!”  duck shouted trying to defend the Great Western Railway. “ they would build hundreds of classes from just one set of design prints!  I mean look at  Oliver's  class! They were developed from a Different Class altogether!”

 

“ Yes and what do you think happened to those older engines?  they were just scrapped!  and they didn't even care about historical significance!  they were going to scrap me and leave me for dead in a scrapyard!  they didn't care about me!  just like British railways didn't care about their steam engines!”

 

“ That doesn't matter!  some engines had to go for the sake of  progress and to be replaced with bigger and better engines!  The Great Western provided those bigger and better engines!  not to mention that all the Stanier built engines have Swindon design practices running through their  metal works!  The Great Western is the best and is  The Superior railway!”

 

 City of Truro went silent for a moment before he glared at duck. “ you know who you sound like?”

 

“ No.  Who do I sound like?”  Duck said glaring at city of  Truro who he viewed as a traitorTo the Great Western Railway.

 

“ my brother. the city of napford. He was also obsessed with proving that the Great Western was The Superior railway.  and look how that turned out for him?  crashing into knapford  because of his so-called superior construction.  he ended up being despised by every engine on this railway and he ended up dead as well!  Let's see if you follow his tracks duck!  Because I'm certain everybody on this island hates you! even your own sister hates you! You are a disgrace to your class and to the Great Western Railway! And I hope you never get to move From these sidings again!  because you deserve to rot here!”

 

 Duck actually looked taken aback at what City of  Truro said.  he had forgotten about the city of knapford. And now that he thought about it there were similarities between the two of them. 

 

 he shook his head thinking that the Great Western City class was just bluffing that everybody hated him. 

 

 But as city of Truro  left the sidings he kept thinking about what he said and what  billster said all those  months ago. 

 

 Did Everybody really hate him?  Did he really piss off so many people?  He was now left with even more to think about.

 

Meanwhile Hudson had just delivered a goods  train to the vicarstown goods yard.  He liked doing freight runs as well as his passenger runs. It gave him some variety in his life. but as he was about to go to get refilled for the journey back to knapford he heard diesel talking to somebody who sounded familiar to him. 

 

 he just couldn't place it. But as  he rolled over towards the two of them he was surprised because he thought the Atlantic twins had been brought back from the Museum early.

 

 but as he got closer he noticed a few differences between the Atlantic brothers and this engine.

 

She was female and had a straight running board and unlike the other two she was painted in a similar paint scheme to him.  The London Brighton and South Coast railway passenger umber. 

 

 as Hudson came to a stop he finally recognized the locomotive! 

 

“ Oh hey Hudson.”  Diesel said, looking at his fellow SMD  locomotive. “ I hope your run went well?  by the way this is the newest member of the SMD locomotive Rental company and her name is-”

 

“ Beachy Head!” Hudson yelled with his eyes wider than his own driving wheels!  Because sitting on the track besides diesel was indeed the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Marsh  H2 Atlantic  Beachy Head! 

 

 

 Beachy  smiled as she looked at Hudson. “ Hello Hudson, it's been a while since we've seen each other.”

 

“Yeah it has been. I haven't seen you since I worked on the Old Brighton line back in the 50s.  How are you alive?  I thought you had been scrapped with the rest of your class?”

 

“ Well I was supposed to.” Beachy  said as she continued to smile at the Baltic in front of her. “but I was actually brought over to Brighton works and put there in storage. but it took until a few months ago for me to get restored.  apparently I had been purchased by Matthew long before my final journey with British railways.”

 

“ really?”  diesel said looking a bit confused between the two steam engines. “ So Matthew has owned you since 1958 and he just forgot he had you?”

 

“ Well to be fair he's got over 50 other locomotives To look after.  if some of them fall between the cracks then that's not his fault. Besides, he did eventually get me restored.  and finally gave me the choice to be back in my London Brighton and South Coast colors.”

 

“ Yes, I do recall you said you would love to wear this livery again.  I think it was the day we first met.”  Hudson said  smiling as he remembered how grumpy he was back then. “ Well it's good to have you on the team.  By the way, what are you going to do around here?  I mean I don't know if there any jobs for you.”

 

“ According to what I have been told Matthew wants me to do the “ castle excursions”  whatever those are.” 

 

“ oh there the excursion trains going to  Ulfstead  Castle along the Ffarquhar branch line.”  Hudson said he explained what the castle excursions were. “ their special trains that run from Knapford  all along the branch Line towards the Castle.  it's a very popular train.”

 

“ Huh,  that's interesting.  So you guys actually have a railway line that goes to a castle?” 

 

“ yes but I've never been on it.”  Hudson said, blushing a little bit. “ I'm a little too heavy for the branch line.  although my father and mother do work on it.”

 

“ oh yes you're father Thomas and…  what is your mother's name?”

 

“ It's Lady.  And before you ask it is actually a nickname her full name is Lady Petra but everybody just calls her lady for some reason.”

 

“ okay.”  the H2 said being a little excited to meet the famous Thomas the Tank Engine. “ Anyway can you help me to get to what was it called again… knapford?  sorry I've never been here before.”

 

 Hudson chuckled. “ don't worry I'll be heading down there anyway.  but we might need to find some passenger coaches because I was supposed to pull a stopping service.”

 

“ that won't be necessary.”  Beachy  said smiling as she looked back behind her showing that she had a full rake of replica LB&SCR passenger  bogie coaches. “ Matthew Decided to build some replica coaches for me.  but they're not made out of wood unlike  the original ones.  Apparently they have a steel frame and some lightweight aluminum cladding to fit underneath the wood. they weigh a slight bit more than The Originals but the safety is much appreciated.”

 

 Hudson could only agree. The two of them went to first get refueled and Hudson then got turned around to double head the stopping service with Beachy Head. 

 

 As the two stopped at every station along the main line Hudson explained the whole story of the Railway as well as particular locations  and their significance to the island's history. 

 

 as they were passing through a small valley towards croven's Gate He explained about the Legendary battle that took place there. 

 

 as they finally arrived at knapford  Hudson explained about the Legendary story of the city of knappford and his crash here. 

 

 As they arrived at the motive power depot and turned around to be refueled Beachy had a pretty good idea of the layout of the main line.

 

“ Thank you for the tour Hudson.  I cannot believe you know so much about this Island's history.”

 

“ Well, most of what I know has been told to me.  After all I'm only as good as the people who teach me.”

 

“ Very true.” 

 

 At that moment lady appeared having just delivered a goods  train And being a little exhausted.  Thomas came up behind her having just come from his passenger run along the loop line.

 

“Man am I glad for a drink.”  lady said as they filled up on water while Thomas sat next to her also filling up on water. 

 

“Me too, lady.  I do not want to have to stop on the bridge to refill my tank with river water again. I do not want to have fish in my tanks again.”  Thomas then noticed Hudson and Beachy Head and smiled. “Hello Hudson.  Who is your friend here?”

 

“ Oh this is Beachy Head, the last of the LB&SCR’s H2 Atlantic’s. I just gave her a tour of the main line but she still needs to learn the branch line since she is going to take over Amelia's duties for a while considering she's a bit behind  in the overhaul queue.”

 

“Will I'll be more than happy to give her a tour of the branch line.”  lady said, smiling at Beachy Head. “ As soon as I'm filled up we can double head my next train along the branch line.  it stops at the castle as well so you should get a good feeling of the layout of the Branch line  by then?”

 

“ Okay lady. I can call you lady right?  or do you want me to call you Petra?” 

 

Lady chuckled, already liking this tender engine. “ Lady will suffice.  Now come along we have a long journey ahead of Us.”

 

“ okay.”  Beachy  said as she looked back at Hudson with a big smile. “See you later Hudson. I hope I can talk to you some more!”

 

“ Me too.  it was nice to talk to you.”  Hudson said with a little blush as the two female engines rolled away. 

 

 as they Left Hudson noticed his father having a cat-like smile on his face. “ Father, why are you looking at me like that?”

 

“ You like her don't you?”  Thomas said bluntly, having already Learned From billster  that sometimes Being blunt is the best option. 

 

 Hudson meanwhile blushed and looked embarrassed. “ I do not like her!  she's just nice to talk to.”

 

“ha you really do take after me.”  Thomas said, smiling at his son. “ I didn't accept  my feelings for your mother immediately either even though my brother pointed out that I did have a crush on her.  It's nothing to be embarrassed about Hudson.  just make sure it's not just a simple Crush compared to something that could Last.”

 

 Hudson wanted to retort but his father hit the nail right on the head. He did like her but he wasn't certain if it would be a long-term relationship or just a passing fancy. 

 

 but as the weeks passed he felt more and more certain that he loved her.  but he wanted to make sure that she would be okay with that and didn't want to jump into anything. 

 

 his father did warn him that jumping into a relationship like that is doomed to fail.

 

 but as  Hudson began grappling with his emotions back at the killdane iron Works they were about to make a Discovery that would send shivers down every spine on the railway. 

 

But that, my dear readers, is a story for another day.

Chapter 107: The ghost of the past.

On the very Edge of the city of Killdane  is the Ironworks named after the City itself. 

 

 The ironworks has been working alongside the north western railway for quite some time.  in fact it is one of the oldest businesses on the island proceeding the railway itself. 

 

 rusted trucks or coaches that were beyond their prime or were to damage to be repaired will be sent here.  Although it was actually very rare for them to get a coach, they did get a lot of trucks. 

 

 but when the end of steam came on the mainland long rakes of steam engines would be Brought here to be scrapped as well. 

 

 None of the engines liked going there as it reminded them of what happened to their siblings on the mainland.

 

 The only two that did enjoy it were the  Ironworks own shunters  arry and Bert.  They were both British railways class 10s. They were similar to diesel and Darby but with a few differences here and there.

 

 they absolutely loved melting down steam engines without giving a care. 

 

 but recently they had more  to scrap than ever before. 

 

so their manager asked Matthew if he could borrow one of his diesel engines. Fortunately diesel was available since he had been getting some help from the austerity tank engines Matthew also possessed. 

 

 so diesel was sent to the Ironworks. 

 

 As he arrived there was a thick fog all around the Ironworks. making everything look more creepy than it actually was. 

 

as diesel rolled into the yard he could see steam engines that no longer had faces! all of them had moved on from this plane of existence long ago. they were now just resting awaiting their fate.

 

Diesel realised that this  will be the Fate of his brothers and sisters back on the mainland alongside many other diesels to come. 

 

 He stopped in front of the main Smelting shed. He saw the foreman walking up to him with a smile. 

 

“We've been expecting you diesel.  I'll give your driver the list of what you need to do.  just remember to operate safely around here.  especially with this fog.”

 

“ yes sir.” diesel said as he was about to roll away when suddenly arry rolled up alongside him and blew his horn scaring diesel! 

 

“Ha ha ha  look at this Mr revolutionary scared of my horn? this is funny!”

 

Diesel was about to Retort angrily when the foreman Beat him to the Punch. “Arry!  diesel is here to help us and unless you plan on causing any more disruptions I suggest you get back to work!  we have a lot of metal to melt down!”

 

Arry  rolled his eyes as he rolled  backwards to collect some more scrap.

 

 Diesel Remained quiet as he began doing his work.  shunting empty wagons to be loaded up with scrap metal and to be brought to the smelter shed. 

 

 everything was going smoothly besides the occasional prank by the twins. 

 

That was until he had to shunt a wagon that was full of scrap.  He was approaching the wagon when suddenly some wind caused some metal to fall onto the ground startling the young engine.

 

He  surged forward pushing the truck into the Fog.  as it passed over a switch more metal fell blocking his way down the line the truck went.

 

Fortunately there was another line he could take that ran parallel to that one.

 

 As he and his driver slowly and carefully made their way down the long line, diesel could see more and more steam engines lining the sides of the track.

 

“Poor Souls.  they put so much into working for British railways and the companies that came before it and now they're here.  rusting away until the day they are scrapped.  I wouldn't even wish this upon my worst enemy.” 

 

“ me too old boy.  but still we-” 

 

 Suddenly there was a huge bang as diesel was too distracted and didn't know there was something ahead of him. 

 

 as he rolled back he saw he had accidentally rolled  into a scrap engine!  diesel was shocked.  It was a massive engine of a 2-10-0  wheel arrangement but it looked to be a hybrid between Gordon and a 9F. 

 

 Diesel Didn't say anything but  looked remorseful at the rusting carcass.  he had heard about this engine.  supposedly it was supposed to revolutionize steam back on the mainland during the dying days of steam traction.

 

 but it never got a chance. 

 

 as his driver climbed out to see if the truck was behind the engine he came back with bad news. 

 

“ Well the truck is behind this engine.  so we're going to have to move it.  but we better be careful. I don't know how well this engine will do once we begin moving it.” 

 

 Diesel agreed as he carefully coupled up and moved the engine slowly and carefully from the  siding. He had to rev his engine hard as the weight of the engine plus  its rusted wheels made it difficult to move.

 

 Unfortunately they Didn't have any nearby Sidings so they planned to leave it in front of the smelter's shed. 

 

Diesel  carefully rolled up to it but before he could stop the coupling snapped off the engine! 

 

 Diesel Immediately rang his horn. “ Runaway!” 

 

Everybody immediately  ran away as the behemoth charged into the Open Doors of the smelter’s shed and with a clunk came to a halt as its old tender  hit the buffers at the end of the line.

 

 the foreman walked out being confused about what happened when diesel rolled up. “I'm sorry sir we were trying to get the wagon that was supposed to be delivered here but it rolled into the Fog and behind this engine.  I had to move it and this was the only free  space I could find!  I promise I will put it back once I have the truck!”

 

 the foreman nodded understandingly. “Well I'll let it slide but make sure you inform me if an engine is going to be moved.  as you see these things can be pretty dangerous even if they don't have any life left.”

 

 Diesel understood as he quickly and carefully when to get the truck. 

 

 Half an hour later he was pushing the Old engine back into the siding  he had found him in.

 

 as he came to a halt he looked at the engine with a sympathetic look. “ I'm sorry if I have disturbed your rest.  and I'm sorry for what happened to you.  but please rest now….  you've earned it.”

 

 As diesel  rolled away he could have sworn he saw a face on the engine smoke box with a small smile and mouthing “ thank you”  at him.  he could only smile being thankful that he didn't have a vengeful ghost going after him. 

 

 but as he rolled back down the line he saw another set of points going deeper into the yards. 

 

 as he rolled down the track being a little bit curious he came to what looked to be an old shed.  The facility looked similar to the smelting shed only a lot smaller.

 

“ Huh,  I guess this must have been the original site when this place first opened.”  Diesel said as he looked around carefully, stopping to make sure he didn't bump into anything. 

 

 but as he looked around he saw something in front of him that made his eyes go wide. 

 

 He immediately rolled back down the line to ask the foreman to have Matthew and Charles come to visit the next morning. 

 

 The next morning Matthew and Charles arrived at  the iron Works being a bit curious why diesel asked for them to be here. 

 

“What exactly has he done wrong now?”  Matthew said as the foreman Prepared some morning tea for them. 

 

“Nothing really. he just made an interesting Discovery that he thinks might interest the both of you.”

 

“Really and what would that be?”  Charles said Being a bit curious about what diesel had found.

 

“Apparently he found Something in the old section of the Ironworks.  the part we haven't really used since we opened the extension.”  the foreman said  as they were drinking their tea.

 

“ why not?  seems a pretty big  waste of space if you don't use that area.  you don't even leave wagons there?”  Matthew said, tilting his head and curiosity. 

 

“ Well, we really haven't had a need for it since the infrastructure there isn't big enough to handle our recent contracts.  and what's been in it has been there for decades.  Apparently it was supposed to be scrapped back in 1921.  but we just haven't gotten around to it because we were so busy back then and now.”

 

“ 1921?  Why does that date sound so familiar?”  Charles said as he looked into his empty teacup.

 

 They then heard Diesel's horn and they came down to see what he had found. and what he had found shocked both Charles and Matthew! 

 

“ It can't be!  it was supposed to be scrapped years ago.”  Matthew said looking in both shock and horror. 

 

“ Well he did say they didn't get around to it.  so this thing has been around for nearly 60  years.  I think we should put it in the museum.  after all it is quite a rare find.”

 

“ Charles you can't be serious?”  Matthew said not liking the idea. “ You seriously want to put that thing in my railway museum?”

 

“ yes.  wouldn't you think it would make an excellent piece for it.  it would also fill in some history that not many people  knew about.”  Charles explained trying to convince Matthew who only let out a deep sigh as he crossed his arms.

 

“Look as much as I understand how historical of a find this is I am not just putting it on Display. besides there's only one real person who has the authority to say what should happen to this.”

 

 Charles agreed  and instructed to have the engine be placed in the smelter’s shed temporarily until they could have the person come over.

 

city of Truro was happily pulling a train down  the little western.  The line reminded him of the old  Cornish riviera  line and Cambrian Line.  It was indeed a beautiful line and all the engines were very welcoming of their guest. 

 

 but as they arrived at  the end of the line The Station Master gave him a message. 

 

“City of Truro you have been requested by Matthew and Charles to make your way to the Killdane Ironworks.  And before you ask I have no other information besides that.”

 

city of Truro raised an eyebrow as he rolled onto the turntable and made his way down to killdane with some trucks meant to be recycled. 

 

As he Rolled into the yards he saw Charles and Matthew  standing in front of the smelter’s shed.

 

“ sirs, why did you request me to come to such a…  unsettling place?”

 

“because City of Truro.”  Matthew said, looking a bit nervous. “ Last night one of my engines found something in this very yard.  something that might be a bit…  concerning for you.  but you do have a right to know.”

 

“kay.”  the Great Western City class said being a bit concerned at the foreboding tone in Matthew's voice. “ What exactly did he find?”

 

 Matthew or Charles didn't say anything as they gestured for the doors to be opened.  and when it opened and the item inside rolled outside the Great Western engine felt his Boiler pressure drop to zero  and his boiler running ice cold.

 

There sitting on the track next to him was another member of his class.  but unlike himself this engine looked like he had been Through a war zone.

 

Its boiler looked like it had burst with pipes coming out of it like a spider’s  legs,  one of its buffers was barely holding on and looked like it could fall apart any moment.  part of its frame and wheels were missing Along with the left side of its firebox being wide open! 

 

 its smokebox door seemed to have been cracked in half with a little bit of it hanging off to the center while the rest remained  normal.  but you could see the blast pipe inside and a part of the funnel was missing.

 

Its cab also looked terrible as everything inside was either broken or bent completely out of shape! 

 

 rust covered most of the engine and its tender but some spots of its original green paint remained. 

 

 city of Truro immediately realized which member of his class this was.

 

“ the city of knapford…  I thought he had been scrapped after his accident back in 1921…  how is he still here?”  the city class said, looking at the remains of his brother.

 

“ Apparently the ironworks was busy with an expansion project at the time and thus left him  in the old facilities.  he's been there ever since.”  Matthew said, looking at the Dilapidated engine and shivering.

 

“ And why did you want me here?  you guys could have just told me you found my brother's remains and scrapped them.  Why did you want me to be here?”

 

“because I was thinking we should put it in  our Railway Museum.”  Charles explained trying to get his point across to the Living City class. “ Your class is quite rare as you know.  Having another member of your class, even one in this condition put in the museum for everybody to see would be a great opportunity we cannot miss.”

 

“ while I personally think we should just scrap it and get it over with.”  Matthew said, crossing his arms before looking at Truro. “but since he is your brother you get the final say in what happens here. museum or scrap I will be good with either decision if it's your choice.”

 

City of Truro looked at the remains of his brother.  he barely remembered him from his days on the Great Western Railway.  but still the fact that there was another member of his class still around  even if he was dead was an opportunity they Couldn't miss.

 

 After a few minutes of the liberating he had his answer. 

 

“ I wish for him to be put into the museum.  in the condition that you found him.  do not try to restore him and make sure you tell the full story of what happened that night.  I want people and engines to learn from him that arrogance and pride will not get you anywhere in life.”

 

 Both Matthew and Charles nodded as Charles made some arrangements to have him stored somewhere safe until the museum's extension was finished.

 

 Matthew meanwhile climbed aboard city of Truro’s  cab.  The two of them had  to go back to Knapford  as the engine had to pull another train and the human needed to do some work there.

 

 as they left the Ironworks, city of Truro  looked at the remains of his brother as they disappeared into the distance.

 

“ You know Matthew, it's kind of sad that I am the only member of my class left Alive.  I would love it for another member of my class to be built.  but who would want an old school outside Framed 4-4-0?”

 

 Matthew hums until an idea comes to his head.  sure nobody would realistically want another city class.  at least not if they weren't crazy enough to at least try. 

 

 A few hours later city of Truro  was doing the Night Mail  from  vicarstown to knapford.  he liked these runs as he didn't need to stop at any station since they still use the  Travelling post office (TPO)  for these runs unlike the mainland. 

 

“ People prefer to do things the old-fashioned way on this island I guess.”  he said to himself, chuckling. 

 

 as they were traveling down the main line and up and over Gordon's Hill  the Great Western City class could have sworn he heard the puffing and chuffing of another engine coming behind him. 

 

 but that was impossible.  The only other train scheduled for tonight was the flying kipper  and that had already passed him back near killdane.

 

 but he also assumed it wasn't a coincidence when he passed that particular station that the sound started. 

 

 He looked back on the center track  to see an engine that looked identical to him  slowly travelling past him at high speed. 

 

The engine was in the exact same condition as the remains of his brother. The only difference was the firebox was lit with an eerie looking fire. 

 

 and the face was absolutely horrifying.  split in two with no eyes!  it was definitely the stuff of nightmares.  but city of Truro  was not scared. He just had a pitying look on his Face as his brother raised past him to his inevitable fate.

 

 

“ You did this to yourself brother.  your pride and arrogance was your downfall and now you'll be doomed to repeat your journey for all eternity.  but I hope one day you are able to stop at  the right station.   Only so your passengers can Finally rest in peace.”

 

 He completed his mail run after that and made his way back to Tidmouth.  As he went to sleep he could only hope that the people of The Island and beyond would learn from the mistakes his brother had made. 

 

 and I don't know about you but I do hope he is right, don't you?

Chapter 108: The law is the law.

It was late evening at Ffarquhar. most of the engines rolled into their births letting off steam as the days work was done.

“ I'm telling you all those stone deliveries really take it out of us.” Tom said as he and Toby had been working stone trains for weeks now.

a big order of stone had been ordered and Toby and Tom had been working on chipping away at it as the workers mined the stone.

“ you said it.” Howard said relaxing next to Tanya. “ Those stone deliveries keep clogging up the yards here and at ellsbridge. We've had to double head them since Somerset isn't available.”

“Indeed. I can't wait for those big engines to get out of the museum.” Tanya said being exhausted from all the work she has been doing.

“ Well at least the stone delivery will be done within a couple of weeks.” Thomas said, smiling at his parental figures. “ After that is done you can go back to running your regular services along the branch line.”

The two older engines chuckled alongside the Other Billington E2P Brothers. That was until Matthew and the chief of police of Ffarquhar walked up to the sheds and both of them had grave expressions on their faces.

“Hello Matthew.” Billster said looking a bit confused at his owner and the police chief. “ Did one of us speed again? or are we being arrested for something else?”

“ neither.” Matthew said before looking at his engine. “ It's that time again billster.”

the glasses wearing engine was surprise for a second before gaining a serious expression on his face.

“another explosive train?”

“ yes.” the police chief said, looking at the engine. “It's also a much larger shipment than before. still within your capabilities but we all know the risks of explosives.”

all the engines shivered except for bilster remembering what happened at the Old M.O.D depot.

“Then I guess we'll be going through the standard procedure?” bilster said Reverting back to his lieutenant Commander voice which demanded immediate respect even from his own owner.

“ Yes. Laffy will deliver the explosives to ellsbridge tomorrow. You'll take it up the rest of the way. Ffarquhar will be evacuated until you've reached the quarry and shunted the wagons into their special siding.” Matthew explained going over the procedure that the branch line knew all too well.

Thomas then looked at Matthew with an equal amount of concern. “ Are we supposed to stay in our sheds until the delivery is made like usual? Because if that's so I'm more than happy to do so because I do not want to go out like 98462 and 87546.”

“ indeed Thomas.” Matthew said as he looked at the engine's. “ Charles has agreed that this train will take priority over all services. We've already told the public that the services will temporarily be halted until later Tomorrow.”

“ and I hope all of you will remember to remain safe as well.” the police chief said looking at the engines who all gave him humms of agreement.

Matthew let out a deep sigh and returned to his more cheerful personality. “ and in other news Timothy, Amelia should be ready to roll by tomorrow. Her overhaul has been completed and we're just doing the final checks.”

Timothy smiled at hearing that his wife would be coming back to work. “ That's amazing! It's been so long since we've seen each other.”

“ Timothy, you've only been separated from each other for about four months.” Lady said chuckling a little as Timothy looked at her with tears in his eyes.

“ That's four months too long!”

all the other engines chuckled as Matthew and the chief of police could only smile at them.

“I understand that Timothy. I don't like being separated from my wife for too long but she won't be coming alone. Janette has also been repaired along with the newcomer Tay. All three of them will be working on this branch line. with amilia and Jeanette handling the castle excursions and tay handling the heavier passenger trains along the branch line.”

All the engines were excited at hearing that. they have gotten to know who tay was from the letters Amelia sent. They could not wait to meet her.

but before that the explosives had to be delivered.

The next morning as the sun was coming up, Billster was sitting at ellsbridge in the goods yard awaiting Laffy's arrival.

He remained composed as the s160 slowly and carefully rolled in with their dangerous cargo. They were all in special black vans that Matthew had reinforced to contain most of the blast of an explosion. Although Matthew had said that he Hadn't gotten a chance to test it yet but he did hope that they wouldn't have an incident like what happened with Soham all those years ago.

“ you have arrived five minutes early laffy. I hope you did not go any faster down the main line then you are supposed to with this dangerous cargo?” billster said looking at his fellow war engine Who still had a sleepy expression on her face but remains serious.

“ No sir. the people ended up loading up everything faster than planned… sleepy…”

“Well then we better get a move on then. if we are five minutes ahead of schedule that might be best we stay that way.”

The youngest of the E2P siblings quickly made his way around and carefully coupled up to the train.

he took a deep breath as he saw the line ahead of him. He had a long way to go and he had to be as careful as possible. One single wrong move could send him, his crew and anybody else unfortunate enough to be in the area sky high!

as he began pulling the heavy wagons along the branch line he decided to remain at a constant 25 miles an hour. but would slow down to 15 miles an hour at the crossings.

Soon he had finally reached Ffarquhar.

He stopped to see if the evacuation had been completed. Fortunately the whole town was gathered in the yards grumbling about this being ‘ a waste of time’ and that they were being ‘stupidly over concerned’ about this.

billster Just roll his eye’s at hearing this as the chief of police walked up to him. “ The town has been evacuated billster. you may proceed carefully.”

“ understood Charlie. I will proceed with caution.” The E2P began moving again, seeing his brothers and other family members smiling at him.

They trusted him to do a good job and he was going to do his darn best to make sure he was going to get this job done right.

Fortunately he didn't have to worry about road traffic since all roads along the track have been closed as per the Chiefs instructions.

but as he ran into the countryside a small hiccup would lead to disaster.

They were making their way uphill when they heard somebody shouting at them to stop. They stopped and groaned as they realized that Officer Stockarsch was riding up on his bike.

“ What are you doing here! I thought I made it crystal clear that engines like you who have no cow catches or side plates are not allowed on this part of the Railway! you are putting everybody in danger!”

“ sir with all respect, we have been given special permission to deliver this very dangerous cargo to the quarry.” bilsters driver said, trying to reason with the police officer who didn't want to reason with anyone.

“I don't care! you're to leave your train here and have one of those stupid boxes on wheels pick it up! while you make your way back down the line!”

He then quickly made his way behind billster trying to uncouple the wagons.

Billster's crew wanted to stop him but it was too late. he uncoupled the wagons but unfortunately he didn't do it correctly.

The vacuum breaks on the wagons didn't activate! and unfortunately the guard wasn't in the break van because he wanted to try and reason with the police officer as well which meant he couldn't get back inside of his van before it was too late.

Bilsters driver tried to go after them and activate the breaks manually but Officer Stockarsch Grab them and held him place.

“ you are not going anywhere! you are taking your engine up to the quarry and turning around so you can get off my road!”

Billster’s driver just pushed him off and began shouting. “ That train is filled with explosives! if that thing runs backwards into town and derails you won't have a neighborhood left to patrol!”

“driver, we shouldn't waste time with him! Besides, we do have that runaway siding that leads to the old fairy terminal. with any luck they will be going fast enough to activate it.” billster said knowing that Matthew placed that in for emergencies just like this. Unfortunately, Officer Stockarsch said next made both his boiler both run cold and then Boiling hot again!

“I disabled that public safety hazard this morning! that point could have trapped somebody's leg in there while a train was coming downhill! so I Disabled it to make sure nobody would get injured!”

The crew and engine’s eyes went wide in both anger and shock.

“do you have any idea what you have done?” bilster shouted as his crew got back into his cab. “That train is now heading down towards Farquhar! And if it derails the whole town will go up in smoke!”

The engine and crew didn't say anything else as they tried to race down the line hoping to catch up with the wagons.

Unfortunately the police officer stood behind them blocking their path.

“ you are not going anywhere you-”

Unfortunately he didn't get to finish his sentence as the trucks rattled into the town going 75 miles an hour! way over the speed limit! they derailed and hit the town hall!

Everybody in the yards was complaining about wanting to go home when the explosion happened.

debris was sent flying everywhere! And unfortunately some big chunks did end up in the yards destroying vital equipment and even destroying part of the sheds which were fortunately empty.

the turntable had been completely smashed by a big piece of a wall and would need to be totally replaced. Water Towers, coal bunkers, switches and even the station were damaged severely. it would be months before they could even operate to this station again.

But by some miracle nobody was hurt. not even the engines. but there was a massive crater right in the center of town.

Everybody looks shocked as the entire town was destroyed! the businesses, recreational areas, homes and historical sites had been completely destroyed!

Barely anything remained except foundations and the remains of some of the wagons.

Everybody looked horrified especially Matthew who looked at the crowd with a slight panic.

“ Is everybody okay!”

Everybody Nodded as the mayor looked shocked At what was once his town.

“ I can't believe it… it's all gone….”

“ I'm sorry mayor lusky.” Matthew said, placing a hand on this slightly chubby and Bolding man. “ but this is exactly why we had to evacuate The Town. in the event of something like this happening.”

“ But what caused this?” Police chief Charlie Burns said looking at Matthew being a bit concerned that everybody was now homeless. “Do you think bilster failed?”

“ No way!” Matthew said, crossing his arms. “There's a reason why the quarry and the railway trust him to deliver these explosives along this branch line! He has had a long history of shunting these wagons and he knows every single danger that comes along with them! He would not have been this reckless!”

“Then maybe some outside Force intervened?” Howard said as he rolled up next to the station. “I mean not all the police officers are Accounted for.”

“ Don't tell me it's Officer Stockarsch.” Chief Burns said, already massaging his head knowing the answer.

“ it is Sir.” Tanya said knowing that Chief Burns was not happy at hearing this.

Charlie then looked over towards his family who were all in the rescue business.

“Cade you and heatwave get in your truck and put out the fires. Graham, you and Boulder look around and give me your report on the damage and see if there's any unexploded material around. Denny you and blades have a look around from the air to see if there weren't any people left in town and see if you can locate officer Stockarsch.”

“ understood.” all of them said as they went into their respective vehicles to see how bad things were.

“ I see why you're the police chief.” Matthew said with a smile. “Level Headed as always. But still we have a bigger problem now.”

The two of them looked at all the people who lived at Farquhar looking absolutely devastated as their homes and possessions have been destroyed.

“I guess we're going to have to evacuate the area. Do you think you can organize a train to get all these people out of here?”

“You don't have to worry about that.” Matthew said with a big smile. “I'll have Thomas and Timothy head down towards Knapford. From there they can take whatever trains they want to stay with family or we could just relocate them to Great Waterton. I can certainly convince Willow to let in these refugees.”

Charlie nodded knowing that Willow practically became the mayor of great waterton and knowing that there were lots of homes available as well as a few hotels.

“ That's good to hear. I'll round up everybody and tell them what's going on.”

But before the chief could do that they saw two men walking holding a man in a police uniform up who tried to kick and scream trying to get out of the driver and fireman's grip.

“Unhand me you ungrateful citizens! I was keeping everyone safe!”

“ by blowing up the whole town!” the driver said throwing him in front of chief Burns and Matthew who did not look amused at all.

“ I should have known you had something to do with this.” Matthew said, crossing his arms and glaring at the police officer. “What exactly did you do?”

“ I did nothing! I merely apprehended them for trespassing on a public road without sideplates and cow-catchers!”

Chief Burns just shook his head knowing that there was no reasoning with this officer. “Officer Stockarsch, that rule has been superseded for decades now. plus billster had been given special permission to go up the line anyway! now can the two of you explain to me what happend up there!?”

The driver and Fireman looked at each other before the firemen spoke up.

“ We were going along steadily when this clown decided that the law was more important than everybody's safety! He uncoupled the wagons incorrectly causing their airbrakes to not apply. They were rolling down the hill and we tried to go after them since he had locked the points that would have led to the river thus causing them to run into the town derailing and I guess you can see what the result was.”

Both Matthew and Chief Burns were shocked for a brief moment before Matthew grew furious!

“ You absolutely Brick head of a man! You just put everybody's lives in danger with your little stunts!”

“ I was protecting this community from danger!” Officer Stockarsch tried to protest but Matthew just slapped him in the face!

“you not only interfered with our operations but you actively endangered people and destroyed the entire town! Thanks to you, hundreds of people are now homeless and have to be moved to other parts of the island! the quarry won't be able to get any of its stones delivered and are now going to be behind on a very lucrative contract!”

“and if the town wasn't evacuated we would be handling a mass casualty event!” chief Burns said as he walked straight up to Officer Stockarsch. “ Officer George Stockarsch. I am arresting you for interference with a sensitive operation, reckless endangerment, destruction of property, disorderly conduct and whatever other charges I can think of. your badge will be removed from you and you will be placed under arrest!”

“ You can't arrest me for doing my job!” Officer Stockarsch shouted, trying to protest. He even tried to attack the chief only for Matthew to punch him in the face!

“You're being arrested! deal with it like a man!” Matthew said, looking at the damage ahead of him.

“This is going to take months if not years to repair.”

“It will. But at least the people around here are resilient. Let's just hope the quarry manager won't be mad at what happened.”

Fortunately he wasn't. The quarry manager was furious at the police officers actions but not in the way you think.

He was furious that that stupid police officer put so many lives in danger. He did not care that he didn't get his explosives since those could be replaced but human lives could never be replaced. He was at least glad that everybody made it.

He even Cancelled the contract and sent all of his workers to be with their families since all of them were pretty worried.

A few hours later after Graham and boulder had confirmed That's There weren't any more explosives around Matthew made his way towards billster who looked sad at Matthew.

“ I'm sorry I failed you Matthew. I should have made sure that he didn't tamper with my coupling.”

Fortunately for him Matthew shook his head. “ I don't lay blame at your shed door. you did exactly what you were supposed to do and you cannot control anyone else. especially not police officers who think the law is a Bible.”

“ That's true.” bilster said before realizing something. “ But what's going to happen to me now? there's no way I can travel back along the tracks to the sheds. What about the track going towards the Castle?”

Matthew sadly shook his head as he crossed his arms. “ Both tracks have been severely damaged. Fortunately, we should be able to repair them within a few weeks. but for now Charles is suspending all services along the branch line. just to be safe. Ms Jenny and her pack are coming in to clean everything up and begin the process of reconstruction. Unfortunately with the onset of winter they will only be able to get started in spring.”

“ So everybody is going to be homeless until spring?”

“pretty much.” Matthew said looking at the Destroyed town. “ This is not the result we wanted but we'll have to make the best of it. and don't worry about you Nelson is coming within a few minutes to get you towed back to the yards.”

At that moment they heard Nelson's horn as he cheerfully got in front of billster ready to load him up.

“ I'll see you later billster. and don't worry I'll get you a therapist appointment tomorrow.”

The engine didn't say anything as they prepared to load him to the trailer.

After he was hoisted up onto the trailer and secured down with heavy chains Nelson started off Back to the yards at Elsbridge.

he was huffing and puffing as he carefully rolled down the road with his heavy load.

“ man billster you're heavier than a steamroller And a bulldozer put together!”

“ hey I'm only a tank engine!” bilster shouted, being a little bit offended about that. “ If you think I'm heavy you should try hauling one of the WD 2-10-0’s! they are heavy!”

Nelson just rolled his eyes as they made their way towards the yards. after being unloaded bilster along with all the other engines made their way to Tidmouth sheds. All of them were quite sad at this.

Although most of the track was still intact it was just too awkward to run the trains along the branch line now without a proper run round terminus. so Charles decided to temporarily shut down the branch line until the whole area could be rebuilt.

but now this left him with a fleet of tank engine's and 3 tender engines with no real work for them to do.

but as he and Matthew were wondering about this they heard something on the news that was an excellent solution to their problems.

but that my friends is a story for another day.

Chapter 109: Day out with the engines of Ffarquhar

Stepney the Bluebell engine was in deep trouble as was his Bluebell railway. Almost all of the operational engines have boiler failure! the only one in operation was him! and unfortunately he just couldn't handle the loads.

He was built for heavy suburban traffic but this was something way beyond his capabilities.

The volunteers did their best to fix his Compatriots boilers but unfortunately they just didn't have enough funding to do it quickly.

they were suffering as many people didn't really like that there were so few seats available and how shotty the operation was being run.

Stepney was at a loss for what to do.

one day he was at Sheffield Park station as he looked at all the visitors.

“ I can't do this anymore. I'm tired and my bearings are starting to wear out.” he said to his crew as he had been feeling his bearings aching for weeks.

His driver gave him a sympathetic pat on the buffer Beam. “ I know old boy. but if the railway closes we don't know what will happen to you. You're just going to have to bite through this a little longer.”

Stepney took a deep breath knowing that his driver was right.

The chairman of the preservation society looked at Stepney and knew it would only be a matter of time before he broke down and then they wouldn't have any engines left.

He was already preparing the paperwork in his mind for bankruptcy when suddenly to everybody's surprise a flurry of whistles was heard coming from the direction of East Grinstead!

To everybody's surprise a whole fleet of working steam locomotives rolled down and stopped in the station!

and they weren't just any steam locomotives! there were three LBSCR E2P’s, two GER tram engines, two custom build 0-4-0 tank engines, one Caledonian Railway 721 class, one NMBS type 18 and 1 North British railways 224 along with a bunch of Passenger coaches and truckloads of coal!

The volunteers looked extremely confused and surprised until Matthew Mats Warbler stepped out of one of the engine cabs and smiled as he put his hands on his hips.

“Did somebody order a working fleet of engines?”

Everybody went silent before the kids all began yelling that Thomas the Tank Engine was at the Bluebell railway!

the chairman walked over to Matthew being totally blindsided by this.

“ Mr warbler, what are you doing here? and why did you bring all of these engines? aren't they needed back on the northwestern railway?”

Matthew casually wrapped his arm around the chairman's neck. “Just Matthew will do sir. And I don't know if you heard but one of our towns at the end of Thomas's branch line recently got a bit… Michael Bayd. and can't realistically operate the line anymore until it's fully fixed.”

He then Gestured towards the engines where the kids were already wanting their parents to take photographs with the Legendary locomotives.

“ We heard you were having a bit of an engine crisis so we figured we might as well kill two birds with one stone. they get to stay here on the Bluebell railway and you get to keep all the profits of their visit here. in return for us allowing them to be stored here. I think it's a mutually beneficial deal.”

The chairman was both confused but also happy to hear this.

“So you're basically saying we can borrow them for the time being?”

“ well at least until after winter. The engines have already agreed to be here until next year so you don't have to worry about their consent. Also Thomas, Timothy and bilster really wanted to see Stepney again. So it's a real win-win all round.”

the chairman chuckled as he addressed the crowd. “ Ladies and gentlemen I'm proud to announce that the Bluebell Railway is temporarily hosting Thomas and some of his friends. They will be returning by the beginning of next year so enjoy them as much as you can, people.”

He then turned towards Matthew with a big smile. “ I would also like to thank the chairman and CEO of the steam machines department locomotive rental company Matthew Mats Warbler.”

Everybody cheered with Matthew just chuckling.

All of the engines spent the rest of the day either on display, doing shunting maneuvers or just pulling trains along the line.

Matthew enjoyed this for a few days before heading back to sodor.

He had been working on something big for a while now and with city of Truro and Eva now in the workshop he felt it was the best time to do so.

But when he returned to the workshop he was surprised to see Charles leaning against the doors of the closed workshop with a big smile on his face.

“Matthew, we have something to discuss.”

“And what would that be Charles?”

“that you've been doing another secret project without informing the board.”

Matthew blushed and scratched the back of his head. “ Sorry I wanted to inform you after the big munitions delivery but as we know it didn't really turn out that well. and with the engines being relocated to the Bluebell Railway I kind of had my hands full.”

“I understand.” Charles said as he walked over with a big smile. “and I'm not blaming you for anything and I'm actually here to request something from you.”

“and what would that be?” Matthew said, raising an eyebrow.

“Both me and the board have been wondering if you would be willing to build engines with their names on them?”

Matthew raised an eyebrow before crossing his arms. “ Really? They want to have engines with their names on them?”

“ Yes. but they will be totally owned by you and we will be willing to pitch in to have these engines built.” Charles said, holding his hand behind his back trying to look reasonable.

“Okay.” Matthew said, crossing his arms with a small smirk. “But do they want me to build engines like we already have on the railway or did you want something else? Because I do believe ruby, weiss, blake, yang, jaune, nora, pyrrha and ren Could have told me personally. Plus I did have a few engines I wanted to rebuild and I was planning on naming two of them after summer and Raven. along with a few extra friends of aoihi. plus a couple of my own.”

“ Well they wanted me to ask you because they are a little bit afraid of you knowing your reputation.”

Matthew chuckled, understanding that little fact. “Ok do they have any suggestions for what locomotives they want to have their names on?”

Charles handed Matthew some papers which outlined what engine they wanted and how they wanted them to be painted.

Matthew smiled and rolled up the paperwork. Charles smiled as well knowing that look in Matthew's eye’s .

“ So you're going to do it?”

“ I'm the only one crazy enough to do it.”

“ and you need to get the drawings from somewhere?”

“ No, when all the steam workshops closed on the mainland besides Brighton of course I figured I might as well purchase every single design print they have before they Ended up in a skip somewhere. So I have pretty much every single plan of every single steam engine ever built that I could get my hands on in the archive.”

Charles chuckled at hearing this. “The fact that I'm not surprised that this shows how crazy you sometimes are Matthew. But at least you're willing to preserve history.”

“ Yeah. I am planning on donating some of them to the National Railway Museum. or at least copies of some of them. Just want to make sure these designs are remembered.”

“indeed. Now when do you think you can get these engines rolling?”

Matthew considered this for a moment and went through everything in his head.

“Well I have three of them that are almost completed. So they should be ready by Christmas. The rest I'll be able to roll out over the next couple of months in 1979 and more the year after that.”

“ good.” Charles said as he began walking away. “ I'll trust you get this done to the best of your quality standards.”

“ I will Charles.” Matthew said as he turned around to see the controller of the North Western railway walking away. but not before he said something. “ and don't worry Charles. I will honor your family's Legacy too with locomotives named after you, your father and your son. and Trust me I already have a couple of engines in mind for that.”

Charles just smiled as he continued walking. “ I knew you would have. can't wait to see what you deliver.”

As both men went back to work they knew that this Christmas would be very interesting.

Chapter 110: Sodor’s Lion City

Christmas time was approaching on the northwestern railway.  The engines once again found themselves being rushed off their wheels delivering packages and people home in time for Christmas.

 

 fortunately city of Truro  and Eva would be allowed to stay until the Christmas rush was over. 

 

 Eva stayed with her sister on  shining time Island loving the company of her fellow singles. 

 

 city of Truro on the other hand loved the company of his fellow Great Western machines.

 

 One evening they were all in Tidmouth  sheds relaxing after the day's work was done.

 

“Man, we are really busy.” Philomena said, letting steam hiss from her cylinders as she had done an Express run from Kings Cross down to  Knapford.  There had been extra people on board so they needed some extra coaches. 

 

 This resulted in her and North Star having to double head the Express to make sure they could make it over Gordon's Hill without having much trouble.

 

“ I'm telling you one day we're going to break down from all this work.”  North Star said being exhausted as well.

 

 city of Truro just chuckled. “ I'm just glad to be in full revenue earning service again.  It's been far too long.  the museum really should  loan me out to you guys more often.  I kind of miss being a working engine.”

 

“ Really?  Is Museum life not treating you well?”  Ashley said, raising her eyebrow. “ I mean you do have hundreds of adoring fans coming to see you  if the number of people on the platforms when you go by is anything to go by.”

 

“yes but it's not the same…  knowing you're doing something useful.  It's kind of a nice feeling.”  the city class said, smiling at everybody  in the sheds. 

 

“ I understand that.”  Princess Royal said, smiling at the smaller engine. “ It's just the feeling of real work that makes you feel all Giddy inside.”

 

“ yes.” the city class said, smiling at the bigger Express engine. “ I know I'm a museum piece and I realistically shouldn't be doing this work but it just feels good. and it's kind of ironic that a city class is working on sodor even if it is temporary.”

 

“oh yes… especially after what happened to your brother….” coronation said as everybody had heard about the rediscovery of the city of Knapford. “ How are you holding up about that?  Do you need a therapy appointment?  Matthew knows a great therapist  that already has plenty of experience with engines like us.”

 

“no thanks coronation.  I'm fine.  it's just really weird that there is a non-living member of my class out there.”  city of Truro said as he looked to the sky through the windows on the roof. “I kind of wished there were more members of my class alive.”

 

“ understandable as well.” Clan McIntosh said, smiling at the older locomotive. “ I'm the only member of my class still around.  so I kind of feel your pain.  but then again I was never really close to any of my siblings.  even though I kept writing postcards to them.”

 

everybody chuckled as the clan Class locomotive just continued to smile. 

 

 but then they heard a loud chime whistle. but it didn't sound familiar to anyone.

 

“ huh I wonder who that could be?” Hudson said, looking towards the entrance of the sheds. 

 

and as the source of the unfamiliar whistle rolled into the sheds everybody's eyes went wide with shock! 

 

because rolling into the sheds was what looked to be an outside Framed 4-4-0  tender engine designed by the Great Western Railway!

 

This engine looked almost exactly like city of Truro! The only difference was it had two different chime whistles and its number was different from the surviving City class along with its name.

 

 Its number was 3721 And its name plate read the city of Tidmouth. 

 

as the engine rolled in next to Truro Who looked in shock to see another member of his class sitting next to him The surprises did not stop. As yet another Chime whistle was heard.  Only this time the engine that rolled in was a lot bigger! 

 

 This engine looked to be one of the Great Western Railways express passenger locomotives but it wasn't a 4-6-0, 10-wheeler!  but a 4-6-2 Pacific!  Its running number was 112  and its nameplate read the great lion.

 

The next engine to come in was a small 0-4-0  Tank Engine that looked similar to Lady only much longer and had outside valve gear. She supported the number 102! 

 

 The final engine to roll in was also an outside Framed 4-4-0 but unlike the city of Tidmouth this one looked similar to lux aurea besides this one being painted in Great Western colors with the SMD logo on its tender. 

 

In fact all of them had  the SMD  logo on their tenders  and bunker. 

 

nobody spoke for a moment all in shock as the four new engines just looked around. 

 

That's when the new city class spoke up excitedly. “You guys must be our colleagues!  It's an honor to meet you!  My name is the city of Tidmouth but you can call me Tammy. I am so excited to be here! and I can't wait to get to work!”

 

 

“slow down Tammy.”  the big Pacific engines said, smiling at her younger running  mate. “ I think these engines can't keep up if you keep talking like that.”

 

 Tammy blushed a bit as she looked around.  She then grew excited again as she noticed city of Truro  sitting next to her.

 

“You must be my brother city of Truro!  It's a huge honor to meet you!  I've heard all about you and your supposed 100 miles and hour run!  to be honest I highly doubt you actually reached that speed since I'm certain I can't reach that speed.  but still I'm glad to see one of my classmates has actually survived the Cutters torch!  at least that's what Matthew said happened to the other members of our class?  What exactly happened to most of our classmates?  and how long has it been since you've seen another member of our class?  do you-”

 

“ Tammy you're doing it again.”  the small 0-4-0  said chuckling at the exciteable city class. “ Give him time to answer one question before you ask him another.”

 

“ Sorry it's just I'm really excited to meet you.”  Tommy said as she looked at city of Truro  who just smiled back at her.

 

“ Well it's an honor to meet you too.  I was not aware that another  one of our classes was being built.  and who are your friends here?”

 

“ Oh the 0-4-0  over there is Pandora. From what I understand she is a great western 101 class Tank Engine and is going to be working at napford wherever that is to help out the station pilot.”

 

 

“ yo.” Pandora said, smiling at everybody else.

 

“The other 4-4-0 is Draco long. apparently she's named after Matthew's wife's parents since they were both born in the Year of the Dragon or something.”

 

“Greetings.” 

 

 

“And finally the big Pacific over there is the great lion.  From what we've been told she's the improved version of the Great Bear whoever that was.”

 

“The Great Bear was the first and only Pacific ever built by the Great Western Railway.”  rising star said, remembering when it was first built. “It was definitely quite the sight.  although I never saw it in British railways blue?”

 

“ Really? that's what this livery is called?”  the great lion said looking a bit confused at her livery. “ Matthew told me this was SMD Ocean Blue?” 

 

“He probably said that to avoid copyrights from British railways or something stupid like that.”   remembrance said looking at the giant locomotive. “ By the way my name is remembrance and I will be one of your fellow Express engines  and this is my brother Hudson, Matthew's first engine.”

 

“ Hello.” 

 

“ Well it's nice to meet all of you.  as you probably heard my name is the great lion but you may call me Leona for short.”

 

 

“ Well Leona, welcome to the Express Fleet.”  North Star said, smiling at the big Pacific. “ It's nice to see more Great Western machines on this island.”

 

“ Really? weren't there any more than just us?”  Draco said looking around at all the other engines noticing there weren't many other Great Western engines in the sheds.

 

“ not really.” Ashley said, thinking of the list of Great Western machines on the island. “ Well we do have two  4300s,  you have me, We have two warships but technically they don't really count. They were built for British railways After all,  we got 1400s  and finally we got two  5700s.  but only one of them Sunny , is actually owned by the same company as The rest of us SMD  locomotives.  And don't get me started on her brother.”

 

“ What's wrong with her brother?”  Tammy said not understanding what could be so bad about this brother.

 

 city of Truro rolled his eyes. “ What isn't wrong with him?  He is a complete western supremacist!  in fact he got in trouble multiple times because he couldn't shut up about the Great Western Railway!”

 

“and even back on the Great Western Railway and later the western region he was a pain in my tender.”  Philomena  said remembering those days when she arrived in Paddington to see duck shunting her coaches. “honestly duck couldn't stop quacking on and on about the Great Western Way and the wrong way.”

 

“ it got to the point that pretty much nobody wanted to be near him or talk to him.”  rising star  said, looking at the new Great Western machines. “ Do yourselves a favor and when you see him ignore him!”

 

“ That doesn't seem very nice?”  Pandora said looking at the older Great Western locomotives. “ What has he done besides, as you say, quacking about the Great Western Way?”

 

“Well there was this one time he blocked us in the shed here  just because he didn't like that I was going to be pulling a dining train on a branch line that he considered to be purely Western based.  the delays we all suffered put us back days!” Hudson said grumbling remembering that day. 

 

“ And let's not forget he threw soup into Luna and Aurora's eyes after he broke down trying to pull the same train you were supposed to pull Hudson.” Beachy said having heard the story from the big Baltic Tank Engine. “ At least Matthew was able to punish him by having his children paint him in those ridiculous colors.  isn't that right sweetie?”

 

“ Yes dear but this is not the time to act all lovey dovey.  remember we're going to have to tell my parents once they come back  from their little Christmas holiday.” 

 

 The new build engines look confused at this with SS Essex  just chuckling. “ Don't mind them.  They have just been dating for a while and they're going to tell  Hudson's parents once they get back from the Bluebell Railway.”

 

“ I still don't understand what you mean?  we engines can't really have parents can we?”  Tammy asked, being really confused.

 

“ It's best not to think about it.” Hiro said as he was getting his ash pan cleaned out. “Anyway from what I recall when Duck first arrived on the railway he turned the yard from an efficient system into complete chaos by giving engines the wrong trucks and coaches.  trust me it took months to get back on track with our goods work after he learned the system.”

 

“not to mention he bashed an engine through some buffers causing his Cab to be completely dented and almost killing  the driver of that engine.” North Star said remembering that day as she had been collecting her coaches when it happened.

 

 The new build great western engines actually gasped,   at hering this fully understanding why they didn't trust this brother called duck.

 

“but if you want to interact with sunny or any of us other Great Western engines we are fully here to support you.”  Philomena said, smiling at the new engines. “We are all happy to have you here.”

 

“Well that's good to hear.”  Matthew said as he entered the sheds looking at everybody with a big smile. “ It's good to see that you girls are settling  in with the rest of the fleet. You'll be put into full revenue earnings service tomorrow so I expect  great things from you all. and I hope all of you will be here to support them as they  live and learn.”

 

Everybody chuckled, especially the new builds having been able to learn who Matthew was from him working on them. 

 

“Anyway I'm just here to tell you they are  not the only new builds I've been planning.”

 

“ Really?  Are you planning to build more?  Don't you already have enough engines?” Remembrance  said  smiling at her owner. “ not that we engines of the SMD company mind but it kind of feels like we're overshadowing the North Western railways own Fleet.”

 

“Don't worry about that. Most of them will be going out to other railways on rent. Especially on the heritage railways and excursion services. They really pay a good penny to get reliable machines. Besides the rest of the engines I've got to build were actually requested by me and I can't really turn down a request from the board can I?”

 

“I know you can't.” Hudson said, smiling at his Builder. “ After all you're the only person crazy enough to build new engines in this day and age.”

 

“ Yes, I am Hudson.  But there will be another project that I think some of the new builds I've planned will be perfect for.”

 

“ Really and what would that be?”  clan McIntosh  said being kind of excited to hear this. 

 

“Well we're reopening the old Kirk Ronan branch line and I'm having Clive, Neil and Matthew run the trains along there alongside some other smaller tender engines.  were reopening it as some sort of heritage railway since we are not expecting trains to be really full on that section.  plus it will give them a chance to stretch their wheels. Of course this will be after the restoration of Ffarquhar since that is definitely needed.”

 

“ I agree.” Sakura said having just arrived from her last run to Great Waterton. “I don't know how much longer Great Waterton is going to last with all those extra refugees. Still Willow is trying to make the best of it.”

 

 Everybody knew that she was right. Great Waterton really couldn't take in so many people and a lot of them had to stay in hotels which kind of hurt the business and Willow had to smooth a lot of things over between the two parties which was not easy.

 

 Matthew did help in his own way but he couldn't just punch  his way out of this problem. 

 

“Well anyway I'll also be going to America for a couple of months once the New Year kicks in. I'll leave Ember in charge of you guys and you better not give her a hard time. Or All of you will not be getting washdowns for the next two months! understood!”

 

“ understood!”  all of the engines said noing that Matthew definitely wasn't kidding. 

 

“ good. Now if you excuse me I have to head home. I promised Aurora that I would help her with her school project.” 

 

 He began walking towards the entrance to the sheds before turning around with a smile looking at city of Truro. “ oh and by the way Truro I hope you enjoy your Christmas gift.  Because she will be helping you out on Excursion trains for some time once the Christmas season is over so you can get to know each other.”

 

 Both City class engines are incredibly happy to hear this.  Both of them gave him whistles of  appreciation as Matthew just walked out of the sheds and towards Willemina  to go home.

 

but what nobody saw except for Matthew was a third City class running past the sheds towards Knapford. 

 

 Matthew shook his head and he as Willemina  continued to make their way down to croven's gate.

 

“ You really should have listened to my grandfather Knapford.  Maybe then you wouldn't have crashed.”

 

 the end 

Chapter 111: the Lions King

Christmas had come and gone and all the engines enjoyed having the newly built great western locomotives among them. And they were fitting in splendidly.

Pandora was helping Mei with station piloting duty which Mei appreciated.

although it did take a while for Pandora to get the hang of things being a new shunter and all. Fortunately Mei was willing to listen and give her some solid advice without being overbearing.

Draco had been sent to help out on the gold dust railway which fortunately still operated due to them still having their runround facilities.

Some reconstruction had to be done at Ffarquhar to make this happen but with the heavy snow it was deemed too impractical to rebuild the rest of the town. Fortunately reconstruction trains began rolling down the branch after New Year.

Tammy and Truro had left the island but the newly built city class did send postcards of her and her brother double heading excursion trains up and down the main lines of Great Britain.

Meanwhile Leona was put in charge of Express services to the capital. Although she was more powerful than most of the other engines she wasn't as fast as she could only do about 81 miles an hour.

Still, since she had to pull stopping services due to not having a corridor tender she was more than happy to do so.

especially since she and Philomena double headed these trains. She absolutely admired the King Class locomotive for her elegance and Grace in both her work and attitude.

One day Leona was in the Motive power depot refueling on coal and water and to her surprise some tank engines approached to get refueled as well.

but she didn't recognize any of them. All three of them did have the same design with a few minor differences such as paint color and one of them having smaller tanks than the others but still she didn't recognize them.

one of them wearing glasses spoke up. “ So this is the new build Matthew told us about before he left us at the Bluebell railway? I must admit she is quite impressive. What do you think Thomas, Timothy?”

“ I think she's absolutely huge!” the engine named Thomas said, smiling at the engine. “ I knew the Great Western built one Pacific but I didn't think Matthew was crazy enough to rebuild it.”

“ Well then I don't think you know my owner as well as you think Thomas.” the glasses wearing engines said again smiling at his brother. “ After all he was the one crazy enough to buy so many engines from British railways. and was willing to bet on one of them with their life if they didn't agree to get all of you guys back here.”

Leona now grew a little bit concerned at hearing this. “ Matthew actually did that?”

“ yes but the guys would have died anyway because they broke some ancient agreement between us and England. In fact that's the whole reason we have the line to King's cross in the first place. but where are our 7800’s-”

“Well you only have one of those and they're currently working on this little Western branch line that I'm not allowed to go down. But I get the joke. My name is Leona and the three of you must be Thomas, Timothy and bilster correct? the London Brighton and South Coast Railway Billington e2p Brothers?”

“ That's right.” Thomas said smiling. “ We are the e2p brothers. We've just come back from our holiday to the Bluebell Railway on the mainland. They needed some extra engines for a short time so me and some other friends went there.”

“ And where are your friends now?” Leona said, looking around. “ Are they here with you?”

“No, they're still at the Bluebell.” Timothy said as the three of them turned around on the turntable to get refueled and face the same way as the Pacific. “ The Bluebell didn't have many operational engines when we left so some of us volunteered to stay behind a little bit longer. Although the three of us would be sent back to help with the reconstruction of Ffarquhar itself. alongside my wife and Thomas’s wife.”

“ okay. and where are your wives?”

“ Currently they are taking heavy machinery and empty wagons alongside some temporary tracks down to the construction site. Trust me what happened there was truly terrible.”

“ and all because one idiot police officer couldn't accept that the law isn't a Bible.” bilsters said, rolling his eyes. “ Anyway we're ready to go again. Let's make sure Ffarquhar is rebuilt the proper way!”

they blew their whistles as they rolled away. Leona just smiles. She already liked them.

but not as much as Philomena. As Leona rolled into the yards to collect her coaches for the boat train she saw the king collecting her coaches for an Express to London.

She admired the powerful departure from the station as she stopped to wait for her path. She had stars in her eyes that could only be described as admiration.

At that moment Hudson rolled by and noticed the look in Leona's eyes and smiled. “ You like her don't you?”

“ yes.” Leona said. Her Honesty, surprising Hudson a little. “I mean just look at her, she's so beautiful and elegant and I'm… big. you really think she would ever go out with an engine like me?”

“ Probably. I mean she does understand what it's like not to be treated fairly so I'm certain she would give you a chance. besides you're pretty much in the same boat I was with my girlfriend.”

“ Really?”

“ Yeah, as you know I'm also big and my partner is a little bit smaller than me. But we still love each other. And I'm certain my parents will definitely have some words for me on how to “ have a healthy relationship” as they would say.”

“How long were they together before you were built?”

“ about 21 years. but they had only been married for a few years by the time I was Built.”

“ interesting. still I'll just wait and see if I actually like her long term or if this is just a Crush.”

“ That's a good idea. I mean my father told me the same thing when it came to me and Beachy. now if you excuse me I've got a train to pull.”

The big great western Pacific smiled at the LB&SCR Baltic as it left the station.

Over the next couple of weeks she kept going over and over and over her crush in her mind.

but no matter what she did she kept falling back to how beautiful Philomena was. and one day after they had double headed and expressed to London she finally decided to ask the big question.

The two of them were in The King's Cross sheds of the north western railway.

This used to be King's Cross top sheds but After British railways lost the east Coast mainline they also lost the shed complex and were banned from storing any of their own rolling stock there.

This meant they had to build facilities for their rolling stock somewhere else which they weren't really happy about because it meant they had to spend more money on building new storage facilities that they didn't really have.

Usually the shed is full of sodor engines that work the main line between Knapford and King's Cross. but tonight it was just Leona and Philomena

And fortunately neither of them was ready to go to sleep yet but we're just looking out at the stars.

“ you know… this kind of reminds me of my days when I was stationed at Old Oak Common. You should have seen those sheds. they had four turn tables in them rather than just one! I kind of wonder why they didn't do that back at our shed on the island?”

“ probably because they wanted all of us to feel like one big happy family.” Leona said, making the king chuckle.

“And that's true. Although most of my brothers weren't really as nice to me as they should have been.”

“ Really?” Leona said, hoping to get a bit more information about Philomena’s history since she didn't know that much about her.

“Oh yes, back when I was working for the Great Western Railway after I was built they all told me I was just the No Name King. heck they didn't even call me a king they kept calling me a queen! I mean I know I'm the only female member of my class but that doesn't matter! I was still one of them and they threw me away like scrap just because I didn't have a name!”

“ So what happened when you did get a name? Did they start to treat you with respect?”

“ No, I just didn't care at that point. they made it pretty clear that I wasn't a member of the family so I just kept treating them like they weren't a member of my family. but I did stand up for the smaller engines as well after I got my name. I think I needed to earn the right to keep my name by protecting those smaller than me.”

“ That's very noble of you.”

“ Well what can I say? I know what it's like to be treated like you're nothing. Besides, not all my siblings were like that. I mean my brother King George the fifth or just George was pretty nice to me. I'm actually glad he's survived as part of the national collection. I do hope he does come to visit sodor one day. I haven't talked to another member of my class in years.”

“Well, I can't say much about that. I mean I'm the only member of my class.”

“Yeah, especially since the original Great Bear was scrapped years ago. But trust me you're way better than him.”

“Really?” Leona said with a slight blush.

“Yeah your ancestor was a real jerk from what I understand. He constantly boasted about his size and strength while he was a constant failure. well he wasn't a complete failure but he wasn't really what we needed. In fact that was the main reason he was rebuilt into a castle.”

“ And did his attitude improve once he was rebuilt?”

“ nope he continued to moan and groan that he wanted his original wheel arrangement back. To be honest he was so frustrating to be around. and I know this sounds harsh but I do like that he was scrapt. The guy deserved it. unlike you. I mean look at your blue paint. It's absolutely beautiful.”

“ thanks.” Leona said, blushing even deeper now. “You look amazing too with your blue paint.”

Now it was Philomena’s turn to blush.

“ well… yeah I quite like this color…. and you know…”

The two of them kept blushing until simultaneously they yelled.

“Would you consider being my partner!?”

Both of them went silent for a minute before laughing.

“I guess I wasn't the only one who had a crush?” Leona said with a smile while Philomena smiled back at her.

“ yeah. and just so you know I want to take this relationship slow and steady so we can work out the Kinks properly. I don't want to rush into anything.”

“ Me too. By the way, what do you think Matthew's doing in America?”

“ knowing that man he's probably having the time of his life. and getting up to some crazy stuff. I just can't wait until he comes home. I mean he's given all of us engines a real family that sticks together. and he really does feel like part of that family.”

The two of them agreed not knowing that over the next couple of weeks something bad was going to happen on the island.

But that, my friends, is a story for another day.

“Victor tanzik, how many times do I have to force you out of my studio!”

“ Got to run, guys!”

“ Get back here!

to be continued.

Chapter 112: The great revenge

Everything on the island of sodor had been peaceful for a while now. The new engines were fitting in quite well and Philomena and Leona were enjoying their new relationship.

Thomas and Lady of course cried their eyes out once they found out Hudson had a girlfriend.

Hudson wasn't really offended by this and actually smiled seeing the pride in his parents' eyes.

Unfortunately one day the sunny mood on sodor would go very sour.

A woman came home from a grocery run to find her husband lying dead with what looked to be a big hammer nearby.

Everybody thought this was an isolated incident until a few days later another man was found dead with the exact same markings as the first dead man.

this could no longer be ignored.

The big police chief of the island went to a press conference to reassure everyone.

“ We are devoting our full resources to catching whoever did this. We are also compiling a list of Suspects but we cannot confirm nor deny any of them yet. but please do your part and make sure that when you're at home you get your weapons at the ready so nobody can surprise you okay? and if you go out don't go out alone.”

everybody was a bit calmer now except for Luna and Aurora. They were very concerned about what was happening.

“ Why would somebody try to kill people now?” Aurora said, sitting at the living room table working on a big project for school. She was entering an engineering challenge that would result in her getting the opportunity to get an internship at Croven's Gate works.

She wanted to earn this position and not just be handed it by her father but still that was not her biggest concern right now.

“ I agree.” Luna said, feeding her little wolf pups she had recently rescued.

The wolf apparently had two tails unlike ordinary wolves and was rejected by its pack. Fortunately Luna found her and Leo had already accepted her into his territory so Matthew couldn't refuse.

“I mean every cereal killer has a reason for doing something like this. and the fact they're using hammers similar to fathers might not bode well for him if he returns now.”

“ I understand. If anybody thinks that dad is a murderer things might end up being bad for both us and the engines.”

“ Still, what did these people do that made them targets to be killed?”

“I don't know girls.” Ember said walking in with some snacks for them to eat. “but for now we must be vigilant. But then again even if they try to kill us they'll most likely end up being six feet under themselves .”

Luna and Aurora chuckled knowing that the Warbler women had a more deadly reputation than the men did.

still they kept their own vigilance.

One night in Great Waterton a man was walking at night.

he had just come back from the grocery store with a bunch of groceries. His wife was making her famous pie and he definitely wanted a piece of it.

unfortunately he would never make it home.

The next morning the police found him dead in an alleyway with a hammer blow to the neck and the head.

The scene was described as absolutely gruesome! it even made the local and national news!

and finally the investigators sided to bring forth one of their Suspects.

The police chief of the island walked on to the stage with cameras flashing and took a deep breath before speaking.

“We are sad to say that another murder has happened in Great Waterton. With similar injuries to the last two and we are sad to report that more have been found dead. All of them have blows to the head, legs or any part of their bodies done with a hammer.”

“ So you're saying that the person who did this used a hammer?”

“ indeed.” the police chief said, answering the question from the reporter. “ and while it's hard for us to say we do have one suspect. Matthew mats wobbler.”

Everybody who watched the TV was shocked, especially Charles, the members of team RWBY and JNPR, ABOS and the council all spat out Whatever drink they had in their mouths as the police chief began explaining.

“ We were able to find footprints matching work boots that Matthew is known to wear. The hammer blows are consistent with a hammer he keeps on himself for “ emergency” which matches the ones used in the crimes.”

All the porters kept shouting but the police chief had to Calm them down.

“We are currently trying to find where Mr Warbler is so he can provide an alibi of where he was. but until then we suggest you stay away from the railway or any location that he frequents.”

Everybody did as the police chief said, being extra cautious. At school Aurora and Luna were isolated as everybody thought that their father was a murderer.

even one of the mean girls in school actually dumped their drink over them shouting that they were nothing more than the children of a Murderer!

but to everybody's surprise Aurora, Luna and Ember remained perfectly quiet about it. They knew that Matthew wasn't the one who killed those people. but still they didn't have any proof that he wasn't the person either.

at least nothing that the police would accept as fact.

and unfortunately everybody that did know Matthew was currently not on the island Couldn't convince anybody that he wasn't the murderer. Everybody just thought that he was currently hiding to plot his next attack.

Unfortunately, more and more men were found murdered. There was now an official bounty on Matthew's head as the police found what looks to be a piece of clothing that Matthew was known to wear.

a worker's cap in his favorite colors: blue, red and yellow.

and unfortunately they wouldn't listen to anybody else that knew Matthew as they considered them to be covering up Matthew's crimes.

One evening about a month after the first murder happened, Aurora and Luna were sitting in their living room looking over the photos of the men that were killed.

“Why would father go after these people?” Luna said as she pulled up files she was able to get by help of the council who also believed that Matthew was innocent but couldn't really provide any evidence to the police.

“ All of these men have nothing to do with father. He has never met any of these people.”

“ Even so. Dad wouldn't really need to murder them. I mean he's the richest guy on the planet. plus the only time he killed people was during the Second World War. and that's when they were trying to shoot at him! and we both know that father prioritizes talking down an opponent rather than just killing them. Something doesn't add up here.”

Both girls kept looking at the photographs until Luna noticed something in the paperwork.

“ Wait aurora, do you see this?”

her sister looked at the paperwork and the particular Lines about job occupation that her sister was pointing to.

“ x military? and it says here he was stationed on sodor just before we were born… wait a minute. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?”

Luna didn't say anything as she went through every single file and found a pattern.

“ All of these men were at the Old M.O.D depot when it was destroyed! they were there!”

“ so that means whoever is murdering these people is picking them off one at a time. why would somebody target them?” Aurora said scratching her chin until both sisters remembered something.

“ general ironwood!” they both shouted simultaneously and began connecting the dots.

“ These are all men that General Ironwood personally chose to work there. but who abandoned their positions when an ammunition fire was started.” Aurora said as the two sisters began putting all the photos and evidence on a big cork board connecting everything with strings.

“ whoever the perpetrator is must want to take revenge for that general's death.”

“So that's the reason why all these people were targeted. But with most of these people dying due to old age or being murdered, that only leaves three other targets left.”

Before Luna could say anything, another news message came onto the TV.

“Breaking News. a train has just derailed on the causeway on the skarloey railway. The train was pulled by both Bertram of the Skarloey railway and Albert of the SMD company. Both engines were severely damaged and are currently being transported to croven's gate works. Many people were injured in this accident, some severely. We will update you when we have more information on the story.”

Luna and Aurora immediately realized what this meant.

before informing their mother they raced towards their father's Land Rover and quickly drove down towards Tidmouth hoping that they were wrong about this. But just in case they weren't they took some extra supplies with them that hopefully would give them the edge they needed in what was to come.

Meanwhile in Tidmouth sheds all the engines were asleep. None of them notice the doors to the shed opening and three Hooded figures dragging a cart full of barrels with them.

“ All right, you know what to do. this whole place has to go up in flames! spread the fuel everywhere!”

one of them said and the other two nodded. They quickly spread would lookt to be a clear liquid all over the floor of the sheds.

The engines were still fast asleep as the men smiled at their handy work.

“ This was a brilliant plan. I can't wait to see this place go up and smoke!” the second person said, preparing a match to be lit.

“ indeed.” The third man said, making sure they still had an escape route when the fire started. “Once this place is burned down, we will lay low and then go after our final targets. After that our revenge will be completed!”

the three of them chuckled as they lit the fuel on fire!

The engines now woke up realizing they were stuck in the sheds as it was beginning to burn!

The three men quickly tried to make their way towards the door at the end of the sheds where the locomotives would normally come out.

but to their surprise the doors were slammed shut and even more to their surprise a sprinkler system activated not only dousing the flames but coating everything in a wet substance.

“ What's going on?” one of the men shouted looking around. “ No shed has sprinklers!”

“ Well our father thought it was a good idea in case this place ever went up in smoke like you plan to do!”

The three men looked around to see aurora walking through the puddles of water with what looked to be a wooden staff in her hand.

she was twirling it around in her hands looking extremely pissed off.

“ Now why are you trying to burn down this shed? And why did you guys murder all those people? Who are you even?”

The three men just chuckled and pulled off their hoods revealing their faces. Aurora actually recognized them from a photo she had seen in her father's office a long time ago.

“Jack!? Jeffrey!? Herald!? What are you doing here? and why have you been attacking everyone?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Jack said, walking over towards Aurora and circling her along with his brothers. “We're doing this for revenge for your father killing ours!”

“he didn't kill your father, he attacked him and ended up falling off the old iron bridge! there's video footage of that!”

“that footage could have been altered!” Jeffrey shouted trying to intimidate Aurora. “Our father was a decorated general and a great hero to the United Kingdom! but thanks to your father and his stupid engines he lost everything!”

“It was your father's own fault that he lost his general position!” billster shouted from where he was sitting moments away from getting burned! “ Your father decided that his sense of authority came over common sense! He was the one who caused the entire base to go up in flames! He was the one who decided to go after Matthew's wife and try to kill him! It was his choice not to walk away when Matthew gave him the chance!”

“ And let's not forget that your ancestors technically defrauded Matthew's family first!” Tanya said glaring at the boys remembering that day where Matthew's family lost all their wealth because the ironwoods were too greedy. “ your family chose wealth and control and ended up losing both!”

“Shut up you oversized kettles! we'll figure out a way to destroy you after we kill her!” Herald said pulling out a knife while his brothers puld out some daggers and a small crossbow. “We were planning to kill you and your mother later. But you know the old saying. don't put off until tomorrow what can be done today!”

“Indeed brother. and after we're done with you will go after your sister and mother! and we promise to kill them nice and slowly.”

The three boys then try to attack Aurora who uses her staff to quickly push all three of them back in one single swoop and stand ready for another attack.

“You boys really should know that the women of our family are much more dangerous than the men! besides I have gone through actual combat training as well.”

“ whatever!” Jack shouted after standing up. “ You're still Outnumbered!”

“ That might be true but at least my sister has the element of surprise!”

All of them looked confused as suddenly Luna jumped from the Rafters and punched two of them to the ground before rolling and standing next to her sister scratching the ground with claw gauntlets smirking as they stood Ready to fight.

“ and don't think we'll go easy on you!”

The two girls then engaged the three boys in an epic clash of weaponry.

Fortunately the girls were able to hold their own but that was until the three kids of ironwood called in backup and suddenly 20 other men entered the sheds smirking at the girls who were now truly Outnumbered.

“ Well well well.” Jeffrey said, smirking at them. “ Now you really are Outnumbered. So what are you going to do now?”

“ will fight to the bitter end!” Aurora shouted as everybody around them began pulling out weapons with the engine's looking scared for Matthew's children.

“ Well that's your choice. men take them down!”

everybody began attacking them with the girls still holding their own but getting hit more and more!

The three boys smiled as they planned to reignite the fuel since there was still a bit of residue left on the water.

but as they each pulled out a match and we're about to drop it into the residual fuel oil all three of them got their hands chopped off!

all of them shouted in pain as suddenly three extra people showed up!

Aurora and Luna looked surprised as Nicholas, Ryo and Adele showed up with their weapons and immediately began going to town taking out more and more people.

Adele was using her rapier the way her mother taught her while Nicholas was using twin katana's like his father had taught him.

but ryo was using a staff with a blade on the end.

It was definitely one epic battle and even though Luna was a bit awestruck by the way Nicholas fought they still had a job to do.

By the time the police arrived the boys alongside their men were in a heap in the center of the sheds with all five of them sitting on them and giving a full explanation of what happened with the engines backing them up.

They were all arrested and placed in a maximum security prison. which turned out to be the dungeon of clan McIntosh.

that Dungeon was legendary for nobody being able to escape it! not only because it was deep underground and there was only one access point that was constantly kept under guard but the prisoners would be chained to the wall and the floor. And brick walls would be built in front of them with only two holes for light and for food.

After giving their statements the girls walked over to the Moeruhi Children who smiled at them.

“ Thank you for showing up when you did.” Aurora said as her arm had been bandaged up. “ We would probably have been able to take them but not until the flames consumed all of us.”

“ Yes, we are very grateful for you showing up.” Luna said particularly looking at Nicholas who smiled back at her.

“ no problem girls.” Adele said, smiling at them. “ At least the island will now know that it wasn't your father killing all those men. still I just hope this won't negatively impact his reputation when he gets back.”

all of them could agree on that.

A few days later they were called into the home of Summer and Raven to talk about their actions.

“ You girls were really lucky.” summer said walking backwards and forwards in front of them. “ if that fight had gone on any longer and if you didn't have backup you would have died!”

“ We know Mrs Rose. But what were we supposed to do? let our engines get burned to a crisp?” Aurora said looking at the Council member who just began massaging the bridge of her nose.

“ I'm not saying that what you did was wrong but you should have asked people to back you up from the start.”

“ yeah even I know you need backup sometimes.” Raven said as she was sitting on her wife's desk eating another apple. “ Still at least the murderers are being put Behind Bars now. and don't worry we'll spread the word so that your fathers reputation isn't too badly damaged.”

The girls were relieved at this as they went home knowing that their father would have a lot to catch up on once he came back from his trip to America.

to be continued

Chapter 113: Homecoming.

It had been several months since Matthew had disappeared off to America and now the island was in the midst of spring.

The Ffarquhar gang was still helping rebuild their home base on the branch line.

The Old shed had been found to be in a dreadful condition and would not be capable of storing engines anymore and would have to be demolished.

at least most of it. The original structure built when the coffee pot engines ran the line was ironically the only bit of the sheds that wasn't destroyed during the explosion.

the extension on the other hand did not survive as well.

Fortunately this allowed them to rebuild to accommodate the much larger branch line Fleet. making the sheds bigger and better than ever before!

It also allowed for more upgrades to the infrastructure such as the refueling depot and their freight depot.

In addition mayor lusky authorized the construction of a double tracked line through the town. So increasing the traffic along that section of Road for the Railway plus with a two-way track meant that one tram engine could come up and one could go down quite happily.

and fortunately the Quarry on the branch line had been contracted to deliver the stone to rebuild the town which the manager was very happy for.

and the other engines of the branch line have also returned but we're currently working in different locations on the island to help out.

For example Jeanette and Tay were working on the same branch line as James and Winston.

The smaller engines like Percy helped out at brendam Harbour and Rosie helped out at Knapford with the occasional trains down the little western.

but one day she noticed Aurora, Luna, Ember and billster looking towards the horizon. and when she did the same she saw a sight she wouldn't have believed to see again in her wildest dreams!

There sailing towards the Harbor was not only a fleet of Tugs but also an aircraft carrier, a heavy cruiser, a light Cruiser And a battleship!

but each one of them looked slightly different from the others.

At that point when all the Tugs were within shouting range she saw Matthew waving over to them.

“ I hope you guys didn't miss me too much! Do you like my new purchases?”

Everybody chuckled as Matthew came ashore after all the ships had docked.

“It's good to see you again Dad.” Aurora said, hugging her father tightly.

“ It's good to see you too, my little sunshine. and how are you doing Luna?”

“ I'm doing well, father. I'm glad you have returned. We have so much to catch you up on.”

“ yeah but first I would like you to meet the newest additions to my working fleet.”

“Ten cents, Big Mac, old Jones, Top hat, warrior, Hercules, Sunshine and is that grampus on a barge?” bilster said, smiling at the tugs.

Matthew smiled as he crossed his arms and shook his head. “ I guess you don't need any introductions.”

“ no Matthew. I worked alongside them back during the First World War. We kept in contact after the war but lost contact during the Second World War. I'm glad to see you're all safe.”

“Well we would have almost been turned into Museum pieces if Matthew hadn't interfered.” ten cents said looking at Matthew. “by the way sir we appreciate that you are allowing captain star to remain our Captain.”

“ Well, I wasn't going to let a man with all that experience go to waste. Plus he wants to raise his son to work with you guys so I want to give him that opportunity.”

“ Well it's still very kind of you.” O.J said, looking at Matthew. “ and will make sure to work as hard as we can to make you proud sir.”

“ please OJ call me Matthew.”

The Tugs chuckled as Rosie rolled up with a couple of flatbeds she had been ordered to collect.

“ Okay I can see why you would buy some Tugs but why did you buy all these Old warships?”

“ I didn't buy them.” Matthew said with a smile. “ They are gifts to me from the Royal Navy and the United States Navy. You see both of them owed me a lot of money so I told them that if they gave me a couple of ships free of charge and didn't charge me any taxes on them then their debts would be forgiven. and I must admit I got a pretty good collection here of All Stars.”

he pointed towards the battleship. “That is the Japanese battleship IJN nagato. They got her as a war prize but I decided that she deserves better than to be used for nuclear testing.”

He then pointed over towards the heavy cruiser. “ That is Prinz eugen. she was actually a war prize given to the United States of America but I was allowed to keep her considering they weren't going to do anything with her.”

he then pointed over towards the light Cruiser. “ that is the Royal Navy light Cruiser HMS Sheffield which is only one of two Town Class ships left in the world. The other one HMS Belfast is also under my ownership but currently docked in London.”

he then finally pointed over towards the aircraft carrier. “ and that is the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise CV6! trust me I was very happy to get my hands on this legend of a warship! I'm planning to create some dry docks for them so they can be used as Museum pieces. The council is already supporting this effort as they will get a cut of the prophets made from these guys. under the condition that they keep these guys well maintained.”

“ Well you did some serious shopping Matthew.” Ember said, hugging her husband. “ But I wouldn't expect anything less from you.”

“ oh and these guys aren't the only things I bought in America.”

At that point a crane unloaded something from within the flight Deck of the Enterprise.

and too everybody shock two miniature engines were unloaded onto the flatbeds Rosie had brought.

One of them was painted in the same colors as the United States flag and the other one was painted black with gold lining.

“ may I introduce you to the smallest and currently youngest engines of the SMD company. Wyoming and Niagara! the miniature 4-8-4 northerns! based on the design of the Union Pacific FEF-3 northerns with my own personal touches they will be running on the arlesdale miniature railway.”

“Howdy.” Wyoming Said with a smile looking at the much bigger engines and the people at the docks. “It's great to finally be on this wonderful Island and I cannot wait to go to my New Home Railroad.”

“ sister, I do believe that they pronounce it as railway here.” Niagara said looking at her sister with a small smile. “ but I'm also very excited to see not only our new railway but also our new colleagues.”

“ Wait, did you guys work somewhere before you came to sodor?” Rosie said as the two engines were being secured to the flatbed.

“ oh yes we worked on a few Amusement park railroads for a short time while we were running in.” Wyoming said smiling. “ Unfortunately we weren't really capable of going at our top speeds and couldn't really put our power down. but we heard that the Railroad will be working on has plenty of good gradients and plenty of places we can let loose!”

“ granted we stayed within safe parameters.” Niagara said Seeming the more responsible one of the two.

Rosie just smiled. “Well I'll be able to get you to your Railroad soon enough. I'm taking a train down there anyway.”

“That's good to hear Rosie.” Matthew said, smiling at the American built Tank Engine. He then turned back towards his family. “Now I want to hear about everything that happened while I was gone. I didn't really get to hear a lot about it because I had a lot to do back in America.”

his daughter's looked a bit nervous as they took their father to a nearby cafe to tell them all about what happened on the island during that time.

Matthew listened to the story about what happened with the three ironwood boys but also another story that he was quite interested in.

“ So you're saying this girl Astra Wayward got kicked out of her family because her sister framed her for something she didn't even do?”

“yes. she was pretty devastated over it. but Katie was able to help her see that her family didn't really act like family if they were willing to kick her out and abuse her for her whole life just to appease her little sister.” Aurora said stirring her tea.”

“ That family definitely didn't take the Logical sodor choice.” Luna said, drinking from her coffee. “ You should always verify the facts before making a decision. I mean Charles didn't kick Duck off the island when diesel framed him.”

“indeed.” Matthew said, looking at his two daughters. “ But I'm certain that family will get their karma sooner or later. For now my contract with them stands since they are the best lubrication oil provider in the business. but I've got a feeling that won't last much longer.”

All of them began chuckling knowing that Matthew had had a lot of experience with Rich assholes who didn't realize that their own actions would destroy them.

That was the main reason he remained as humble as he was. He knew that he was his greatest enemy and that if he forgot where he came from he would destroy himself.

but he also enjoyed being out with his girls.

The family of four spent all day Trainspotting and writing down numbers with a small picnic.

While Luna was able to accurately judge the locomotive's speed and loads, Aurora was able to diagnose any lingering conditions from quite a distance away.

Matthew smiled knowing that his daughters would definitely be good people to leave his engines and his wealth too.

When night came Matthew took Willemina out for a trip.

They passed great waterton and began rolling along a Heavily forested line. He then came to a halt at what looked to be an old Castle standing quite dominatingly over the little stone halt that Matthew stopped at.

The guards at the station halt Nodded towards him as he made his way up the Castle stairs.

A few minutes later he was in the dungeons and was led to the jail cell of three particular people he wanted to see.

“ you know… you three are really your father's children.” Matthew said as he heard the chains rattling in Jake, Jefferies And Harold's cells. “I did give your father a chance to walk away, you know. I gave him the chance to just go home to his loving family and to you boys. and he chose to try and kill me anyway. I do regret killing him. it is my fault he fell off the bridge. but it's not my fault that you three decided to kill all those people and try to destroy my property.”

“you should have just left him alone!” Jake growled from his prison cell trying to see Matthew's face but unfortunately the hole that allows the light to come in wasn't big enough and he couldn't get close enough to get a good view.

“maybe. but then again our families have had feuds for generations now. First our grandparents after you stole more than your fair share of my great-grandfathers money and then it just continued for years and even when I tried to befriend your father he just fell into the same trap the rest of your family fell into.”

“ Our family is one of the greatest on this island!” Jeffrey shouted being only held back by his chains as he wanted to ram the wall and knock it down so he could choke Matthew.

“ and your family has always gotten themselves killed.” Matthew said quietly as he began listening to each of their family members.

“ your grandparents and their siblings? dead because they wasted money trying to climb a mountain with barely any climbing gear or experience, your aunts and uncle's got themselves blown up in a gas explosion because they wouldn't listen to a professional telling them that they had a gas leak, your nephews? They had the most honorable deaht serving their country in World War Two. you guys on the other hand will die in these prison cells. never seeing the outside world again.”

“ we'll get out!” Herald shouted trying to break his chains. “ We will break these chains and smash these walls down and we will be coming for you and your family!”

Matthew just rolled his eyes and leaned against the Pillar within the dungeon. “you will try and you will fail. Nobody has ever been able to escape this Dungeon before. Even if you were somehow able to break your chains and smash the walls down you would not get five meters without the guards taking you down.”

“They're just women! we can take them down no problem!” Jake said feeling confident until Matthew began chuckling.

“These women are the same women who took down 67% of the entire British Army back during the sodor England War. and they only counted at 60 Warriors back then. imagine how difficult it would be to take down 2000 of them? the three of you are never getting out of here. and you shouldn't worry about your mother. I'm gonna make sure she is taken care of.”

He then began walking towards the exit of the dungeon before stopping and looking back at the three cells. “ The three of you didn't learn anything from your father. If you did you would have known that taking revenge against someone You will only end up hurting yourself. and now you have left your poor mother broken Hearted and alone. Keep that in consideration while you rot in here.”

The three of them went silent realizing that Matthew had a point. They were never getting out of there and they just wasted their lives on revenge and left their mother alone.

Matthew then walked out of the dungeon and walked over towards a balcony overlooking the Clans territory.

“ I hope you don't plan on staying the night? We don't want our prisoners getting too lively.”

Matthew chuckled as he looked back to see the Chieftas of the clan. “No worries Astrid, I'll be out of your hair before you know it. I just wanted to have one last conversation with them before I leave them in the stew of their own consequences. Besides it's a beautiful night.”

“ that it is.” the brown haired woman said looking up at the sky. “Anyway, if you don't mind, I have to put my children to bed. They're gonna be mighty Warriors one day. I just hope my husband can handle that.”

Matthew chuckled as he made his way back home.

He was happy to be back as were his engines and family.

He immediately went back to work building some new engines while simultaneously also suggesting something to Charles that might benefit the railway in the long run.

but those tales are for another day.

Chapter 114: The Race for more horsepower.

The railway was seeing an increase in productivity ever since Matthew's new engines joined the fleet.  but unfortunately for Thomas and Timothy their branch line was still not ready for full traffic yet.

especially since Charles decided to have a massive overhaul done of all the structures on the railway line to handle heavier engines more regularly.  especially since that branchline had become incredibly busy and basically a sudo mainline.

so he felt it appropriate to increase the weight of engines that  could travel on it.  He actually used Remembrance at branch line speeds to test all the structures after they were rebuilt. 

but so far there were only about to the tunnel before The Kindly Cottage so there was a lot of work to do.  not to mention the reconstruction of Ffarquhar.  even though most of the Railway facilities have been fixed that town itself still needed to be fixed.

 Fortunately the council had diverted as many resources to the reconstruction as possible meaning the construction was going at a rapid pace but still at high quality.

 Thomas and Timothy alongside their wives would work day in and day out to make sure the town was rebuilt as fast as possible with Timothy and Amelia doing the night shifts.

But as the months went by everybody noticed that Matthew was gone again. but only for about two weeks.  He returned with a list for Charles and a few days later the steam engine’s were surprised to see 10new diesel engines rolling into the diesel depot at Knapford.

 Matthew smiled  as he looked at the collection of diesel engines he was able to  come up with. 

“ Okay we got two class twenties, A class 24 and class 33, A class 31 and 47,  A class 37 and the new class 58 Alongside 2 Class 43 HST’s. I must admit this is quite the selection of diesels.”

“ Excuse me but who exactly are you?”  one of the class 20’s said before looking back at its new paint scheme. “ And why am I painted green and my brother red? I mean we don't even know why we're here?”

 Matthew Chuckled as he turned towards the class 20. “well you see we've run into a bit of a…  operational issue regarding some of our passenger and freight traffic.”

“ And what exactly do you mean by that?”  the class 37 said with a raised eyebrow being quite curious.

“ Basically as you know British railways lost the right to the east coast mainline and we've been able to run both passenger and Freight Services along that route quite effectively  while they mostly handle expresses that go to Scotland and commuter services  heading that same direction. But we also do our own commuter services that come here.  However the other main lines have been fully dieselized and thus we can't exactly send our steam engines down there can we?”

“ I think I understand.”  the class 47 said, looking at Matthew. “ Since the steam engines can't work on those networks you wanted more diesel engines to help with services on the west coast And beyond correct?”

“ yes!” Matthew said, smiling. “ You see most of the diesel engines we have are also non-standard so it is kind of difficult to justify them rolling along the West Coast Main Line.  plus a lot of our goods customers aren't exactly along the east coast so having you guys here will help us with that.”

 Most of the diesel engines muttered in agreement except  for the two  class 43 HST’s. 

“ But what does that have to do with the both of us?  I mean we can't exactly pull freight.  We are built for high speed passenger services and you guys do have a lot of  locomotives already handling that so why do you need us?”

“ because  our expresses have become…  too successful. Most of our passengers are either rail fans or people trying to get to work or going on holiday. While this is good for business it hasn't been good on our Express engines. God knows mine have been complaining about being overworked. Even with some of my engines handling the heavier trains specifically scheduled for this we are still running into problems.  so you guys will be running an Express service down the west coast. So instead of going to King's Cross you'll be going to Saint Pancras. I know it's just next to Kings Cross but it  is our best option and  British rail was more than happy to allow us to run on their  west Coast mainline in exchange for a small fee.”

“ I think we understand.”  the other class 43 HST said, looking at the chief mechanical engineer of the railway  she now belonged to. “anyway sir we are happy to be part of the Railway.”

“That's good to hear.  but please call me Matthew.  None of my own engines call me sir and I prefer being called Matthew over sir.  it makes me feel more approachable.”

“understood Matthew.” all of them said, making Matthew smile.

“Well then can we please get around of Introductions for you guys? I mean it's kind of rude not to introduce yourselfs.”

“ oh yeah.”  the green class 20 said looking at his brother. “ Well my name is Chopper and that's my brother Hopper.”

 

 

“Good to know.  and what about the two of you?” He looked over towards the class  24 and 33.

“ Well my name is Darlington and the class 33 over there is Birmingham.”

“ yo.”

 

 

Next was the 31 and 47.

“ My name is brush and this is my fellow brush traction Locomotive Roger.”

“ Roger Roger.”

 

 

 Matthew raised his eyebrow at Roger for saying that but he just shrugged it off.

He then looked towards the classes 37 and 58.

 

 

“ My name is Vulcan.” Vulcan said in quite the Direct and neutral tone. 

“understood. and what's your name?” he looked towards the class 58 who was incredibly nervous.

“I'm Doncaster… I was named after the place that I was built…” 

“ Well welcome to your  new home Doncaster.”

 he then looked towards the HST’s who just smiled.

“ Well I'm Pip and that's Emma and together we are Philippa.  It's an honor to work for you as your Newest Express engines.”

 

 

“Oh, I'm not in charge of the Railway. That will be Sir Charles Topham Hatt. He's in charge of the Railway. I'm just the chief mechanical engineer. also you'll see a lot of engines with a SMD logo on them or a similar logo to this.” he pointed towards a PIN on his jacket. “Those will be in my personal Fleet. that will be working alongside you.”

“ understood.” chopper said, looking around the yard. “ So what will our jobs be?”

“ For now the two of you will be  double heading  internal Freights between here and the junction at elsbridge. the branch line is going through some very extensive overhaul and repairs so they'll need a lot of extra material.”

“Understood sir.  Hopper and I will get right to it!”  the two classed 20s rolled off to find a turntable so they could run back to back like they usually do.

“ As for you Darlington and Birmingham You'll be helping out on the  Brendam  branch line.  They've been seeing a lot of imports recently that need to be moved across the island.  So the two of you will be handling that alongside our class 28 boco.”

“ Yes  Matthew!”  the two of them shouted as they rolled away with Matthew turning towards the class 31 and 47.

“ The two of you will be taking some container Freights to several locations on the west coast. The two of you will be working independently from each other so if you want to talk you'll have to do it when you get back.” 

 The two of them just hummed and rolled away.  Matthew then turned towards the classes 37 and 58.

“Vulcan you'll be doing the same work as the other two but Doncaster you need further training before you can go anywhere.  and don't worry I made sure you will be learning from the Greatest professionals in  heavy freight that I know.  But for now I suggest you stay here.” 

 He then looked towards Pip and Emma. “ the two of you will have to wait to run your first Express until tomorrow.  We are in the business of adding some modified coaches to your rake.” 

“ And what exactly is their modification?”  Emma asked, raising an eyebrow. 

“ We are widening the doors and hallways to allow  disabled  people on board.  We are trying  to future proof the two of you So there will be no need for major modifications in the future and thus saving us money now.” 

“ while that's very thoughtful of you.” pips said smiling. “ Thinking of the Passengers that's so nice of you.” 

“yeah it is.  now the two of you should rest and I'll have some of my men check you over. just make sure not to give them too hard of a time. They are mostly used to handling steam locomotives.” 

“ understood Matthew.  Have a good day.” 

 Matthew smiled as he walked away.  Doncaster was now all alone in a big yard with nobody to talk to. That was until she noticed some big steam engines rolling back towards her. one was green and one was blue but they looked identical otherwise besides their numbers.

and wouldn't you know it, the two London North Eastern Railway P1 class mikado's  roll-up next to her with a big smile.

“ Hello there, stranger.” Veronica said, smiling at Doncaster. “She must be the new diesel engine Matthew told us about. He asked us if we could train you in hauling heavy freight.  So are you looking forward to it?”

The diesel didn't say anything, being a bit overwhelmed. Hillary just smiled looking at the new engine.

“we get it.  you're overwhelmed with everything. I mean from what Matthew told us you just rolled off the assembly line. Although he never told us where you were built.”

“I was built at Doncaster…  in fact I was named after the Works that built me…” Doncaster said nervously not wanting to make a bad impression on her new co-workers when they suddenly smiled and Couldn't contain their excitement.

“Really! Another child of Doncaster on the island! I didn't even know they still built locomotives there.”

“I mean it should have been quite obvious sister. we do pass by that place a lot on our travels.”

“ true but I never imagined they would build such a powerful looking diesel engine like this.”

“ the two of you know about the Doncaster works?”

“no about it?” Veronica said, smiling  with the biggest grin on her face. “The two of us were built there! In fact we were some of the largest engines to come out of that works in terms of wheel arrangement.  The only ones that would be bigger would be the p2’s. but their long gone and I don't see them  coming back anytime soon.” 

“ and anyway you do not have to worry about feeling out of place.  Many of Us Doncaster drawn locomotives live on this island.  I'm certain you'll get a chance to meet all of them.”  Hillary said, giving a reassuring smile to the new diesel. “ Anyway, what exactly is your class?”

“I am the prototype for the class 58’s according to what  I have been told. I was built as a concept to see if the new construction method they wanted to use would work.  Apparently it was a great success and they're going to be building more of my class soon.”

“ Well that's great to hear!”  Veronica said with a big chuckle. “ It's good to see that the workmanship of Doncaster  will live on into the future.”

“Anyway, you won't be going anywhere for today.” Hilary said smiling. “You'll be going to Tidmouth sheds with us so we can get to know each other a lot better. and so you can meet most of your steam engine colleagues.  and don't worry they don't bite. although some of them can be a bit much at times.”

“ okay…  where…  where is this Tidmouth sheds?”

“ just down the line.  and don't worry you'll be running between us so you won't get lost.”

“ Okay.” 

 The three of them then slowly made their way towards  Tidmouth  sheds  with Doncaster between the two steam locomotives still looking nervous. She had never actually met any steam engines before. Even talking to Hillary and Veronica was a lot already. She just hopes that the  other engines weren't too crazy.

but as they rolled inside the sheds a surprise was waiting for everyone.

“Gordon!  It's good to see you again, cousin.  How are you doing?”

“great!”  the big blue engine said smiling. “And who is this fine young engine behind you?”

“ oh this is Doncaster she is one of the newest engines built  at our birthplace. Doncaster meet Gordon Gresley.  he is also one of the engines built there and is a prototype locomotive like you.”

“ Really…  what were you built for?”

“ high speed expresses mostly.  although I have been modified from my original design over the years.  but I do on occasion pull some slow freight and some fast freight as well.  It's good to be flexible you know.”

“ Well it's an honor to meet you Gordon.  Are there any other engines built at Doncaster that work on the island?” 

“Well besides me, our two C1 atlantics  Alice and Regina , both Veronica and Hillary,  our W1 hushy,  the A4s  Silverlink,  Quicksilver,  silver King,  silver fox and Falcon, a j50 Audrey and Tommy our electric engine working the Peel godred  branch line.  The rest of the engines came from different manufacturers and different regions. But still there will be a healthier representation of us on this island now.”

“Anyway, let's worry less about them and worry about making you comfortable tonight.  There will be a lot of other engines here but I'm certain you'll get along swimmingly with them.”  Hillary said as she turned on the turntable to sit next to Gordon.

Doncaster wasn't certain about this and wasn't certain about this whole new adventure she was on.  But she knew that at least she had good friends in her fellow Doncaster buildt machines. 

 to be continued 

Chapter 115: The wild iron horses of the northern plains.

 

 

It was a Beautiful Day on the arlesdale miniature railway. All the trains were running on time and most of the miniature engines were happy. except for of course Frank and Mike who often argued.

 

fortunately sigrid was able to keep them apart as she was at that point the biggest single unit engine on the railway. 

 

 

but that was  about to change. One day she rolled into the yards to see two new steam engines being steamed up on the tracks closest to the ballast shoot.

 

they were both of a design that she didn't recognize.  but they were impressive looking.  Both of them had a 4-8-4  wheel arrangement and looked to be very strong and fast.

 

 One of them was painted red, blue and white and the other one’s painted black with gold lining.

 

 

 

 The first engine looked over towards Sigrid with a smile. “Howdy, you must be one of our new colleagues. My name is Wyoming and this is my sister Niagara. where the smallest engines of the SMD locomotive rental company.”

 

 Sigrid chuckled, already liking the new girls. “Well welcome to the Arlesdale mid-sodor miniature railway. My name is Sigrid of arlesdale. I'm named after a heroine of The Island from long ago. But you may call me Sid. It's a nickname I've been called a few times.”

 

“Well sid it's very nice to meet your acquaintance. We are told that we are to triple head a train with an engine called Mike to learn the line.  Any idea of when this engine will arrive?”  Niagara said looking at the diesel engine  who just rolled her eyes.

 

“He will be arriving in the station in about 10 minutes.  you should be able to load up on coal and water over by the sheds. unless you've already been fueled up?”

 

 Both Niagara and Wyoming looked at each other and then looked back at Sid.

 

“Um, we don't burn coal. We burn oil.” Wyoming said looking at the diesel confused. “Are you telling me that all your other steam engines run on coal?”

 

“ Yes.  It's kind of weird to have an oil burner on the island.  let alone two.”  Sid said as the three  of them rolled away down the line for the two northerns  to prepare for the trip up the line.

 

 but as they passed they saw Mike coupling up to his train complaining about pulling a passenger train. 

 

 

“Honestly, why couldn't this railway have been an industrial line?  goods are so better to handle than passengers especially since they don't complain about “rough” handling!” 

 

“You mean like when you were so rough with the coaches one of our passengers fell into a river?”  Rex said as he pushed some ballast hoppers on top of the shoot.

 

 

“ That wasn't my fault!  the tracks were bumpy!” 

 

 Mike shouted trying to justify what happened.

 

“ Mike, those tracks were literally replaced the day before. If anybody is a bumpy Rider then it's you.”

 

one of the blister twins said as they were shunting some trucks.

 

 

Mike just rolled his eyes as everybody chuckled including the passengers and his own driver. He really wanted to leave. especially since this train was an Express all the way up to peel godred.

 

This was a new service that the railway had introduced recently. It was for people who directly wanted to travel up the line without having to wait for them to stop at every station. 

 

but as Mike was waiting he saw two tender's approaching him.

 

“Hey, what's the big idea!  I thought I was going to be pulling the Express today?”

 

“ you are.”  Niagara said as she was coupled up in front of Mike. “We have just been ordered to triple head this train with you for us to learn the line and gather a better sense of how we should use our power and speed here.”

 

 Mike just scoffed. “ You really think you're so powerful and fast? I am one of the fastest engines on this railway!”

 

“That's funny.” Bert said as he rolled by with a loaded ballast train. “It took you four hours to get back from the ballast mine the last time you took one of the ballast trains.  What was the excuse again?  a cloud blocked your way?”

 

 

“ So what you old fart!  a cloud did block my way!”

 

“ How exactly can a cloud block your way Mike?”  Rex said, rolling alongside them. “ They're way up in the sky with no way to reach us. You are running out of excuses.”

 

 everybody chuckled as the train was ready to  depart. 

 

The two  four eight fours carefully pulled out of the station trying not to bump the passengers in the coaches but Mike just wanted to get on with it  and began bumping them. 

 

 As the three engines continued to make their way down the tracks Niagara and Wyoming enjoyed the view.

 

“ This is way better than a theme park.”  Wyoming said feeling the fresh breeze on her smoke box and hearing the bird sing. “ I could get used to this.  especially if I don't have to go fast.”

 

“ What are you talking about!”  Mike shouted from behind her sister's tender. “ this is an express train!  not some leisurely excursion!  Now hurry up!  I want to get rid of this train as soon as I can!”

 

 both Wyoming and Niagara just roll their eyes.

 

“Mike, I suggest you slow down and enjoy a quieter pace.” Niagara said, looking around just like her sister. “You'll be able to see a lot more of the world at a slower pace.”

 

“What are you a hippie?” 

 

“No, we're Americans!”  Wyoming said, smiling. “ Besides, we can go a lot faster than this. I mean the locomotive that we are based on doesn't have a defined max speed.  for all we know they can do 200 miles an hour.”

 

“That might be over exaggerating a bit sister but I do agree that our basis  has the capability for high speed and thus logically we should have them too.”

 

“Really you're so fast? I bet you can't even tackle the Mountain Road!”

 

 Mike says this as they begin The Climb.  Mike was giving it everything he got to keep the train going. It was an extra long extra heavy train so it really put  him to the test. 

 

 he was huffing and puffing while Niagara and Wyoming were just casually rolling along.

 

“ Aren't the two of you going to help me!?”  Mike shouted as they weren't even halfway up the Hill yet and he was already exhausted!

 

“ I thought you were the fastest engine on the railway?”  Wyoming said, winking to her sister. “ Are you saying the fastest engine needs help from us?”

 

“ stop being witty and help me!”

 

“ as you wish.”  Niagara said as the two of them blew their chime whistles and with a great amount of force began pulling both Mike and the entire train up the line at  four times the rate Mike was going! 

 

 Mike himself could not even keep up!  He tried his best but the northerns in front of him just kept pulling him! 

 

 all the way until peel godred!

 

When they arrived Mike was exhausted and tried to catch his breath while the Two Northern engines began turning around on the turntable ahead of them. 

 

 as Wyoming passed Mike she gave him a wink. “ looks like we are the fastest engine’s on the line now.  and you don't have to worry.  We'll take the train down for you.  After all, it looks like you could use a nice long nap old timer.”

 

 Mike went red with rage while everybody on the platform and even his own driver burst out laughing. 

 

Mike was soon uncoupled  with both him and his driver being told to collect some Ballast from the mines and take them Down towards the ballast shoot. 

 

 he was grumbling all the way about the new girls when he saw Wyoming pulling a passenger train up the line.  The Passengers loved her and her unique paint scheme from all the other engines. 

 

She also spoke in a funny accent according to a lot of children which Wyoming felt was a compliment.

 

Mike felt even more insulted as he had never gotten a compliment from his passengers. only complaints. 

 

and to add insult to injury Niagara was also at the ballast mine shunting together her ballast train which was twice as long as Mike's.

 

“ Are you sure you can pull all of that?  I mean jock even struggles pulling half that.”

 

“ not a worry.  I am built for speed and power. ( she has the Clarkson seal of approval)  and I am quite capable of running with heavy loads  at slow speed as I am with passenger trains at high speed.  now you better leave before you're late.”

 

Mike grew even more furious as he biffed his trucks and began pulling away with them. 

 

Niagara meanwhile swar she heard a hissing sound coming from mike’s train. But because she hadn't been outfitted with radios yet she couldn't warn him. not that she wanted to. 

 

Mike meanwhile kept trying to pull his trucks as they seemed to be getting heavier and heavier. He ordered his driver to add more and more coal into his fire box making it burn hotter and hotter! 

 

“ Mike, I think we should slow down. Your fire is becoming a little bit too hot!”

 

“nonsense my fire is perfect!”

 

 Suddenly Mike felt immense pain as he slowly ground to a halt at Bridge Street. He groaned in pain as his driver looked him over and shook his head.

 

“ Mike, you've melted your fusible plug!  you won't be able to go anywhere until we get it  fixed.”

 

“ What! no I still have a full head of Steam! we can make it! it’s only a few miles further down the tracks!”

 

“Yeah even if we could Mike, you damage the brakes on the Hopper's and I can't release the brakes now so we're stuck here whether you like it or not.”

 

Mike huffed as his driver Radio for help. 

 

A few moments later Niagara arrived on the other track with a smile. 

 

“Well, well it looks like you Couldn't Handle your train after all Mike.  now I'm gonna Shunt you over into the sidings and I'll take your train alongside mine.”

 

“ What!  there's no way you can take 20 hoppers!  Besides, their breaks are messed up anyway!”

 

“ Actually Mike it's the connection between your tender in the first  Hopper that's busted. Once we take you off the train the brakes should function normally.” his driver said, walking up to the little engine. “Besides I don't think we got another choice Mike.”

 

 Mike went silent and didn't say anything as  Niagara switched him off the train and without much effort was able to pull both trains with ease down to the final station.

 

 Mike stayed in the Siding for a few hours since there was no path to take him down to the sheds for repairs. 

 

 The other engines passed him by with Wyoming even shouting towards him.

 

“Hey Mike!  #moltenmike!” 

 

 Mike remains silent.  After a while blister one picked him up and brought him into the Workshops where Mr Duncan had some very stern words for him. 

 

 Later that evening the other miniature railway engines Welcomed the new arrivals warmly.

 

“ Welcome to the railway Niagara and Wyoming.”  Rex said, smiling at the much bigger engines. “I hope you've enjoyed our line? I know it's not anything compared to the line you probably ran on in America but it's still something.”

 

“ Rex, we ran in theme parks back in the States.  and there we couldn't put down our full power or our speed.”  Wyoming said, looking at the Green engine. “ But here we can really put our power to the test!  And I can't wait to see what this line offers in winter.  and I cannot wait to get the radio installed.  Did you know they also have these things on the north western railway?”

 

“ I did not.”  Bert said, looking at the northern. “ Are they doing it for the same reasons we do?  Easier Communications?”

 

“ Yeah apparently Charles thinks it will make accident reporting much easier.  plus if people need to connect to the Signalman now they can do it without having to leave the train.”

 

“That is definitely much easier than having to run the whole way.” jock  said looking at the two mighty locomotives. “ Anyway, have you heard about Duck?”

 

 

“ Yes we have.”  Niagara said already rolling her eyes. “ and let's just say we are not looking forward to meeting him and hope when we do meet him he doesn't say anything to us.”

 

 all the miniature engines agreed on that.  Although most of them have befriended Duck in the early days of the Railway they Realised He was a bad egg pretty early on.  Still, as the northerns began making themselves at home and  Doncaster was learning how to handle heavy Freights the railway was in a very happy position. 

 

 and would be going into the new decade with happy  thoughts.

Chapter 116: The story of the alberts.

 

It was a  stormy night on the skarloey railway.  all the engines have been shot up in the sheds due to it being too dangerous to run at night during the storm.

 

 Unfortunately it had been hanging around for a few days now and they were still not allowed to leave the sheds. 

 

 all the engines were getting bored out of their minds. They had actually been excited because the thin controller had said that they had a surprise for them.  Unfortunately, thanks to the storm the surprise was postponed.  That and the fact that they were cooped up inside the sheds made some of them cranky. 

 

“ I cannot wait for this bloody storm to be over!  it feels like I'm back in that God forsaken factory!” Duncan shouted inside of the sheds.

 

 

The sheds had been extended so more than just  a handful of engines could fit in there.

 

not only could the entire roster of the SKR fit in there but also Matthew's own narrow gauge Fleet. Fortunately most of them were out on rent to other railways or stuck at the quarry. 

 

Smudger just rolled his eyes at Duncan's complaining. “ Hey, at least be glad that you  have company Duncan.  trust me me and Stanley here were alone for decades in those buildings We were left in for all those years.”

 

 

“ Well I did have the birds to keep me company but they didn't stick around for very long.”  Stanley said, making everybody chuckle. 

 

“Yes it is nice to have friends around. remind me a little bit of the old mid-sodor days.” Albert said, looking at his fellow tender tank engines. “Remember those days?  when it was just the three of us on the line?  Those Were the good old days.”

 

 

“indeed.” Bertram said, smiling at Albert. “ The Three Musketeers of the mid-sodor railway!  ah the adventures we had.”

 

 

“ Yes.  We had some good times.  but I also remember that day the two of you had to leave after Smudger… well you know…”

 

“Had My accident?”  the green engine said, raising his eyebrow. “ Duke you do know that I've never held it against you so you're free to speak about it as much as you want.”

 

“ Yes. And to be honest it was kind of sad to see all these engines coming and going from the railway all the time.  in fact the only four that seemed to have stuck around were me,  Falcon,  Stewart and Stanley in a way.”

 

“ Yeah, I've actually been meaning to question you about that.”  Rusty said looking at the Old narrow Gauge engine. “ What were the other engines like that worked on the mid-sodor?”

 

 

“ Well they had personalities ranging as differently as any other engine you could meet.  Although there were those who wouldn't listen to good advice.”

 

“ Like me and smudger?”  Stanley says, raising an eyebrow. “ because I could remember at least one of them.  Do you remember Albert mark 3?”

 

 

“yeah and how can we forget Albert Mark 2?”  smudger said, remembering that engine. “ I mean that engine was completely reckless!  even more than me! It was a miracle he didn't have an accident before that day.”

 

“ before what day.” rheneas  said looking confused. “ what exactly happened to the other alberts?”

 

 

“I'm actually a bit curious about that myself.  I've been working here for a couple of years now and nobody's ever told me about my successors.”  Albert said, looking at the final remaining members of the mid sodor  railway.

 

 Duke rolled his eyes and decided to begin telling their stories.

 

It was back in the early 1900s. smudger had just been turned into a generator behind the sheds. and unfortunately to help pay for his actions both Albert and Bertram had to be sold to the ministry of defense who were beginning to build a new base up in the mountains near the other narrow gauge railway.

 

 Duke struggled alone for a long time.  That was until February 12 1903. Duke was resting at the main sheds when a saddle tank locomotive rolled next to him.

 

 his manager climbed out and  walked over towards Duke.

 

“Duke, I have some good news for you!  We were finally able to purchase another two engines to help us out on the railway. Unfortunately the other one won't arrive until next year. They had to deal with some complications they were facing at their works.  so for now you'll be working alongside Albert as our new number two.”

 

Duke looked at the new engine skeptically. “ All right sir.  I'll do my best to make him feel welcome.”

 

“ That's a good engine, Duke. Please teach him how we do things here on the railway.”

 

 Duke agreed and the manager walked off to talk to one of the mine  owners about a possible increase in profits from it. 

 

 Duke looked at the young engine meanwhile who was just rolling his eyes looking around.

 

“ Well this place is great for our Carriage shed but where is the Engine Shed?”

 

“ This is the Engine Shed.”  Duke replied dryly not liking the new engines attitude.

 

“What!  This is the Engine Shed?!  This shack is the Engine Shed!”

 

“ yes.”  Duke said noticing somebody coming towards them. “ and I highly suggest you don't insult the construction of this shed younging.”

 

“Really?Whoever built it clearly doesn't know that an engine like me deserves a shed of similar stature!  After all, I am now the most important engine on this line and I deserve a better shed than this!”

 

“ This shed was built to last.  and yes it's not as grand as other sheds on the island but it at least keeps us comfy and dry!”

 

“ I highly doubt that.  this shed looks like a single breeze could Knock-” before Albert could continue he felt somebody slammed their fist onto his saddle tank.

 

Duke just grins a little as Albert Alexander Warbler walked around the engine that shared his name.

 

“ Listen to me you scrap pile!  if it was up to me right now I would rip your wheels away and turn you into a pumping engine!  Nobody insults my work in my presence!  and don't think I'm just an ordinary man!  This railway relies on my wealth to keep it going and I've earned the respect of every man woman and engine here!  cross me again or insult my work again and I will make sure you meet your permanent end!  Understood!”

 

 Albert didn't say anything which Mr Warbler took as an affirmative. He then looked towards Duke with a smile.

 

“Duke now that alberts here I can  finally have a look at those valves you've been complaining about. I'll just have to schedule you in for a trip to the Works At Bridge Street.”

 

 Duke just smiled at Mr Warbler. “ very well  Mr Warbler .  And once again I am sorry that we had to sell your engine.”

 

“ It's water under the bridge.” Mr Warbler said, waving his hands. “ Besides technically I still own him but the M.O.D.  is just renting him.  I'm giving the railway some of that income to help recover from…  the unfortunate incident with smudger.”

 

 Duke agreed and went off to take his first train while Albert just remained oblivious to what happened to his predecessor. 

 

But as time  went on Duke constantly tried to teach Albert but he wouldn't listen. 

 

 he would bump the trucks and coaches around constantly complaining about how this railway doesn't meet his standards.  Fortunately he didn't insult any structures that have Mr Warbler's name on them but still nobody liked him. especially his crew.

 

“make sure you clean my ash pan out correctly this time!  I was full of sut and Ash All day!” 

 

“Maybe you should respect your crew!”  Duke shouted as  he rolled next to Albert to get some cleaning done himself. “ If you don't respect your crew they don't respect you!  And one day it's going to come back and bite you in the bunker younging!” 

 

“ Whatever old tin pot!  just let me do my business the way I do it!” 

 

 Duke rolled his eyes.  Over the next couple of months he tried his very best to keep Albert in  check.  

 

Unfortunately he just became more and more irritated with the brown engine and continuously ignored his advice.

 

 One day he stopped at a Red Signal near the main sheds grumbling about Duke when a voice called out.

 

“ You really should listen to him, you know.  because I didn't and look what ended up happening to me?” 

 

 Albert looked at smudger who looked absolutely miserable as he was providing electricity for the nearby workshop next to the sheds.

 

“ Whatever.  I don't care what that tin pot has to say. I will do things my way!  and don't think I will end up like you, you pathetic piece of scrap!  I will be the premier engine on this line by the end of the year!”

 

 At that moment the signal dropped and Albert left. 

 

 smudger just chuckled as he looked at the red tail lamp disappearing. “ He is going to get himself killed sooner rather than later.  and I hope he doesn't kill anyone.  but hey if he blows themselves to pieces at least there's another one of him on the way so we won't miss him!” 

 

 he then bursts out laughing (you know what laugh I'm referencing here) while Duke was sitting at the platform looking at smudger.  He didn't trust the Generator engine one bit.  but he did agree with his assessment of Albert. He was going to get himself killed.  and unfortunately it would be sooner rather than later. 

 

 A few months before Falcon would arrive explosives had to be brought to the mine from the Harbor at the end of the line.

 

 Unfortunately Duke was scheduled on the Picnic and would not be able to take it.  Albert was the only engine available.

 

 Duke did want to warn him before he left. “ Listen to me, youngster! you're going to be pulling highly explosive materials with one bump being the end of you!  be careful!” 

 

“Just shut up and watch me pull that train!” Albert shouted as he rushed out of the sheds. 

 

 but as Duke watched the engine disappear he heard a voice from behind the sheds. “Well… he is a goner.” 

 

Duke remained silent knowing that smudger for once in his life was right.

 

Albert Meanwhile had arrived at the harbor and immediately arranged his train.  He did put a few buffer wagons between him and the highly explosive load as per the instructions he had been given by the manager.

 

 but this did make his train longer and heavier.  so he would need to stop for water as many times as possible.

 

 This made the journey incredibly slow and Albert wanted to hurry up. 

 

 so when he arrived at the last Water stop before his final Destination at the main Station where the sheds were located he was not going to fill up again. 

 

 Instead of stopping next to the Water Tower he used the weight of the trucks to force himself forward.  Unfortunately when they did stop Albert absolutely refused to roll back!

 

“ We've wasted enough time with all these useless water stops!  I have enough water to make it the rest of the way!” 

 

 his driver and Fireman tried to argue with him but Albert wouldn't listen to anyone.  smudger  meanwhile was listening and had a feeling that this was going to be the last run Albert ever had. 

 

 The driver and Fireman finally gave up and began traveling up the line again.

 

 Albert felt pleased with himself.  but unfortunately for him the water he had filled up with at marthwaite  was already past half empty.  and there was a long steep climb between arlesdale and Cas-ny-Hawin. 

 

And since he had to pull his heavy load up a steep grade he was using more water to keep going.  which would ultimately have disastrous results.

 

Duke was at Cas-ny-Hawin Station which shared its name with the mine a little bit further down a junction  with the Picnic. He saw how Albert looked like he was too hot.  but he didn't say anything knowing that it was useless to argue with Albert. 

 

 but as he was running towards the quarry his fireman looked at his water glasses and went white. 

 

“ We need to stop!  Albert is running dry!”

 

“ nonsense!” Albert shouted, trying to push himself more and more. “ We've wasted enough time and we are getting to the mine and that's the end of it!”

 

Albert's crew decided that there was no time to argue with him as the water glass was dangerously low! 

 

so they let Albert roll knowing that he would not make it before  the inevitable. 

 

 Albert felt himself growing hotter and hotter before suddenly his boiler  burst!  sending hot steam flying everywhere with part of his boiler landing inside of one of the vans causing a chain reaction that caused a massive explosion! 

 

Duke was at the station near the sheds when he felt the whole Valley Shake! 

 

everybody was shocked as the ground shook for a brief second. all except smudger who looked up and could barely see the smoke in the hills. 

 

“ You'll be lucky if you survive this one Albert.”

 

The manager raced up to Duke and ordered him to immediately go up the line to see what happened alongside him. 

 

 Duke was a bit concerned about his passengers but they encouraged it being afraid of what happened up there and if anybody got hurt. 

 

 so tender first he raced up the line towards the accident site. 

 

 when he arrived it was Total Mayhem! 

 

a large section of the track leading to the mine had been blown to Smithereens with snapped rails that looked like snakes at either end. The remnants of the destroyed trucks and at the very end Albert whose boiler was completely destroyed alongside  having a giant hole in his saddle tank where his dome should be.

 

 his cab had been completely blown away and crushed thanks to a van that he used as a buffer wagon. 

 

 The manager  surveyed the scene and saw Albert's crew and guard lying on the ground injured but alive. 

 

“ What happened?”  he asked as he helped them up. 

 

“ Albert didn't want to take on more water at the last station!”  his driver said being a hundred and 10% done with Albert. “ We told him he needed more water but he wouldn't listen!  And now not only have we lost the explosives but Albert is pretty much scrap metal!”

 

 The manager looked at Albert and then at Duke. 

 

“ Duke go back to the station and get the Crane and a flatbed.  We're taking Albert back to the sheds.  After that we'll have to fix this area before we can go back to the mine.”

 

Duke agreed as his manager began making his way down to the mind to see if anybody there got injured.  Albert didn't hear him properly  but he swore he could have heard him say.

 

“ I can't believe I wasted my money on an engine like him!”

 

 A few hours later Duke had been able to recover him and carefully brought him down to the main sheds for Mr Warbler to have a look and see if he could be repaired. 

 

 Albert didn't hear any of this but smudger did as they were talking behind the sheds.

 

“I'm sorry sir but he is a complete right off. I mean I highly doubt I could fix him even if I tried.  Most of his parts are damaged or destroyed and there's very little Salvageable on him.  you'd be better off buying a new engine.  I highly doubt anyone could restore an engine from this state.”

 

 Mr Warbler said not realizing that his great grandson would do something like that in the future. 

 

“So what do you think we should do?”  the manager said, crossing his arms and looking back over to Albert who looked like he didn't even care that he was so severely damaged.

 

“ My best advice is to scrap him.  it's the best we can do at the moment.  even if you had the money to fix him which you don't  it will just be a waste of time.  I highly doubt he's learned anything from this.  plus I am not spending money on an engine that  is that reckless!” 

 

 the manager agreed and walked over to Albert with smudger grinning from ear to ear. 

 

Duke has returned from  the damage line. He stopped near smudger who just grinned.

 

“ Why are you so happy about smudger?” 

 

“ I just heard that Dear old Albert is going to be scrapped.  Apparently the damage done to him is too extensive to be repaired.” 

 

 Duke remained Stoic as he looked over to Albert who had just received the news and was begging for his life.

 

“ well…  I can't say he didn't deserve it.” 

 

“ Yes indeed. But hey look on the bright side.  I'm certain that his grace would not agree with any of Albert's actions  wouldn't he?” 

 

 Duke chuckled at  smudger. “ You are quite right, smudger.  I just hope that the next engine from Falcon works will be a lot more…  willing to learn.”

 

“ So that's what happened to the second Albert.” the first Albert said looking at Duke with a bit of an amused smile. “I must admit I would have loved to put them in their place.  especially after that comment he made about Albert's building!  That man knew how to build something that lasted!”

 

“ Yes he did.”  Duke said remembering that his shed had held up for decades buried under ground and didn't even collapse. “ Still he did try to beg for us to restore him but as I said he was too  far gone and the manager didn't think it was necessary considering Falcon would be arriving within a few months anyway.”

 

“and what happened to the third Albert?”  Rusty said, being very engrossed in the story.

 

“ indeed.”  skarloey said, looking at the Old engine. “ What was he like?”

 

 

“ Well…”  the three mid-sodor engines said, looking at each other as they began telling the story.

 

 

 

It was now 1929.  The mid-sodor railway was at its highest!  The trains are so numerous more engines had to be brought in to help handle it besides Duke,  Stewart and Falcon. 

 

 Especially after  number two Stanley was converted into a pumping engine behind the sheds  taking the place of smudger who had been moved to the Ironworks. 

 

 so Five more engines were brought to the railway. 

 

 Jennings Who looked similar to smudger but was less of a rough rider. 

 

 

 atlas who worked in the Minds mostly. 

 

 

Tim and Jim who are custom built for the line and of course the third Albert. 

 

 

Albert The third was another custom built engine and was very proud of his crimson paintwork (remind you of anyone?)  He was having it polished every day making sure he was the shiniest Jewel on the mid sodor. 

 

For him it didn't matter if he was pulling goods or passengers he wanted to shine so that everyone would notice him. 

 

“I am the shiniest engine on the railway!  I'm surprised the manager doesn't put me on the boat trains.  such a beautiful engine as myself should be put on those automatically.”

 

“ The manager has assigned those to me, Falcon,Stewart and Atlas.”  Duke said having quite enough of Albert's arrogance. “ Besides, you should focus more on keeping an eye on the track rather than showing off.” 

 

“You really should follow his advice on that one.” Falcon said, rolling into the sheds next to Albert and Duke. “ I didn't listen to his advice on the Mountain Road and I almost fell off.  and trust me you won't have Duke to rescue you in that case.” 

 

Duke felt a sense of pride in Falcon trying to give the same advice to another engine.  He had a feeling that this engine would last for a long long time. 

 

 Albert just rolled his eyes. “ I can do both.  Now if you excuse me I have a passenger train to take.  and I want to make sure I am fashionably late.” 

 

 Albert rolled out to go down the line to collect his passenger train.  Little did Duke or Falcon realise that that would be the last time this Albert would run on the mid-sodor.

 

 Albert was showing off as usual trying to get the passengers' attention who just rolled Their Eyes having had quite enough of the showboating as well. 

 

At least most of them, some of the new passengers did enjoy it.  Unfortunately Albert would realize Too Little Too Late that the showboating didn't get him very far.

 

 as he was climbing through the Mountain Road and passed the point where Falcon Almost fell off he just chuckled. 

 

“ paying attention to the track and giving a show to the passengers.  I don't know what their problem is.” 

 

But as he was departing from ulfstead Road and going towards ballamoddey He didn't reckon for a piece of loose track.

 

 he wasn't paying attention and before he knew it he slid off the tracks and down a slope!  dragging the Passengers with him!  Albert felt the most Panic he ever felt in his life as he was sliding down hoping that he wouldn't Tumble! 

 

 The passengers screamed as the coaches' bogies suddenly fell from underneath them and they slid on the ground falling on their sides breaking the coupling between them and the engine! 

 

 Albert meanwhile kept rolling along destroying his wheels and his tram skirts until he finally came to a halt at the bottom of the incline. He was very shaken up! 

 

 Fortunately Albert wasn't going very fast and nobody was seriously hurt but still.  It was definitely an Accident that the MSR  could have done without. 

 

 as Albert was recovered and brought back to the main sheds the diagnosis of the damage wasn't good.  His entire undercarriage was destroyed thanks to all the rocks he had gone over.  Fortunately he was not as far gone as Albert mark 2.

 

 the manager looked at Albert who was pretty shaken up. “Albert, I know this was your fault since we didn't maintain that particular piece of track very well.  but at the moment we cannot afford your repairs. so we're just going to have to put you in storage I'm afraid.”

 

 Albert didn't say anything as they put him in storage at the connection station of the northwestern railway.

 

“and what happened to him after that?”  Bertram said being very intrigued about Albert mark 3.

 

“ Well we were able to gather enough money to afford his repairs but by that point the second world war had already kicked off.”  sir handel said  looking quite mournful. 

 

“and unfortunately due to the demand of the war department they needed all the steel they could get so…  he was scrapped…  melted down into ammunition for the guns.  We all did get to say goodbye to him and he had seemingly  accepted his fate.  That was the last we ever heard of him. At least until we got his name plates in the mail.” Peter Sam said looking at his buffers who have a small tier coming out of his eyes. 

 

 all the engines went silent.  although Albert mark 2 had definitely deserved his punishment Albert mark 3 didn't. 

 

 Everybody remained silent until Duke spoke up. “Well it is a sad fate of what happened to that particular Albert. But I'm at least glad that the original still survives.” 

 

Albert smiled at Duke. “ So am I. I'm just glad to still be around  and surrounded by friends. But what happened to the other engines?” 

 

“ After the war they were all sold off one by one to keep the railway going.  because without your builders' money we couldn't really keep everything going and  Matthew at the time didn't have enough money to keep us open.  so they were sold off and we have heard nothing about them ever since.”  sir handel said feeling a little bit sad about what happened when suddenly the doors were pushed open and fred pushed in  four new engines! 

 

 

“ What the!” Rheneas said looking at the  new arrivals! 

 

“ Jim?  Tim?  Atlas?  Jennings?  What are the four of you doing here?” Duke asked, being very confused about this.

 

“ oh apparently the owner of the Railway wanted this guy called Matthew to try and see if he could find us and yeah he did. and trust me According to what he told us, it wasn't easy.  But hey at least most of the mid-sodor railway has been Reunited! And who are those two?”  Jennings said looking at Albert and Bertram who just chuckled.

 

“ That is a long story.”  Albert said as he looked outside to see that the storm was still raging. “ and I think we'll have plenty of time.  So where do you want us to begin?” 

 

 As the storm continued to Ray John the narrow gauge engines continued to enjoy stories both new and old. As the railway continued to grow all the engines could definitely agree that they were happy to be together. 

 

 the end 

Chapter 117: The race to Ffarquhar.

After many long hard months Ffarquhar was finally fully rebuilt and people could move back there again. But not only that mayor lusky had decided to have a statue commissioned for the town's reopening.

not only that he wanted to make the town's reopening a very special event. So together with Charles and Matthew they came up with a race!

cyclers would be able to cycle from napford all the way down to Ffarquhar against one of the regular passenger trains.

After some deliberation it was decided that billster would be the one to pull the train. This was not only the decision of Matthew and Charles but also the decision of Thomas and Timothy feeling that their brother deserved to have his moment in the spotlight.

not only that there was a big cash prize waiting at the end as well as the Honor of Revealing the statue in the new Town Square.

and one person could definitely use the money.

“ Come on Astra! this is a moment you can't just pass up! You could use the money to start your new business.” Aurora said as she was at Croven's gate talking to her friend Astra who was the same woman who got kicked out of her family when she was very young.

They were currently standing next to Highlander which was Aurora's own personal engine which also works for the SMD company.

She was an improved version of Albert's design using more modern manufacturing techniques at Brighton works. She had actually been able to do this thanks to her mother hiding the fact that Aurora had been working on this project for a year straight to win her High School engineering competition.

suffice to say she won by a landslide! Landing her an internship at Croven's Gate works as well as having her engine work for her father's company. Although she did get a slice of the prophets since Ember did get a slice of the prophets from her engines being used as well.

but her internship also allowed her to get close to Astra during their lunch breaks. the two of them had gone very close and were practically sisters. still astra wasn't certain if this was a good idea.

“ I know Aurora. But… I'll be going up against 400 other bikers. That is still a huge problem. plus there's no guarantee that I would be able to beat your father's engine. I know I'm good at cycling but still. Do you think I actually stand a chance?”

“ Sure you do. billster has to stop at multiple stations which will give you an opportunity to Forge ahead. plus the rules of the race are that you get to pick your own roots. and I think I figured out the most perfect route for you to go.”

Aurora said she pulled out a scroll and held it against her engines saddle tank.

“ this is the route that Bertie usually goes down. While it is pretty hilly most of it is downhill in the direction you will be traveling. It is a lot tougher so I'm certain that many other people will not try that route. It is also the fastest route you can take.”

Astra looked at Aurora and let out a sigh. “ Well if you think I have a chance then I will do it. I mean I do want to try and make lubrication oil from plants that will be more sustainable. and this kind of capital could definitely boost that idea. but still… I am facing an engine that's much older than me and has a lot more horsepower.”

“ Well you're not facing Thomas at least. bilster will not exceed the speed limit unless necessary. so you've got a chance. And like my father likes to say “ sometimes you have to take a chance in order to achieve victory” and this will be your chance.”

Astra nodded and immediately when to register herself for the race.

A few days later on a cloudy day over 400 bikers were at knapford station awaiting the start of the race.

Charles stood up on a podium as the clock almost struck eight.

“Now remember people, what matters today isn't about who wins or loses. Today we reopen the line all the way to our Terminus station. Today we celebrate the hard work of the men women and engines who helped make today possible. So let's stop listening to me yap on and let's get this race going!”

soon the guard blew his whistle and bilster was off!

Astra along with everybody else raced out of the town and out into the open countryside where everybody began splitting off.

she wasn't near the front of the Pack and was pacing herself knowing that this would be a long journey.

“ just got to follow the route aurora gave me. then I have a chance!”

She accelerated following Bertie's bus route. fortunately no cars would be traveling between Knapford and Farquhar until the bike race was done.

as she was following the root towards Tidmouth she couldn't see bilster as he was taking the loop line. but she did know that he was not out of the race.

meanwhile Matthew was on board bilsters train to be there in case of something Going wrong.

“ You know this is kind of interesting.” he said as he looked at his wife. “ I'm kind of curious to see if anybody will beat billster?”

“It is likely. I mean we do have to stop at every single station along the line. That will definitely give the cyclists an edge.” Ember said relaxing with a cup of tea. “ I'm just glad we have first class tickets. I love the little table where I can place my tea on.”

Matthew just rolled his eyes as he saw Aurora looking out of the window as if she was trying to spot something. Matthew just chuckled to himself knowing that Aurora was helping her friend with the race.

but technically he didn't consider it cheating since it was still up to Astra’s muscles to get her to the end of the line.

Meanwhile Astra had just passed Maithwaite and was still going. She was exhausted as she climbed the hill near the tunnel that passed by the kindleece Cottage.

she didn't see anybody ahead of her or behind her. but she didn't feel any more confident because of this. In fact she felt more nervous thinking somebody must be ahead of her.

but she wouldn't give up! she was not only going to prove that she could do this but she was going to prove her parents wrong for kicking her out!

she kept forging ahead while drinking from her water bottle while on the move!

Meanwhile, billster had just stopped at the previously mentioned station and was letting on passengers as well as parcels.

“Man, I've missed this.” the glasses wearing engine said as the cargo was being loaded up and he began moving again. “I can't wait to see the improvements at Ffarquhar.”

Soon he could see the bikers approaching him as he left the tunnel behind. and although they were increasing their speed thanks to the downhill section, Billster decided to increase his speed as well.

not to a ridiculous degree but still enough to still be competitive.

Meanwhile Astra was at hackenbeck quickly drinking more water before charging towards the final straight.

but as she did so she heard bilsters Chime whistle ring out behind her. She quickly looked back to see the Tank Engine charging behind her.

Fortunately she saw no other Cyclers in front of her and decided to give it everything she had!

Matthew leaned out of the window to see only one biker ahead of Billster.

But as both of them entered the new and improved yard area the two of them were neck and neck as just by the skin of her teeth Astra was able to beat Billster.

Before anybody could cheer aurora immediately ran out and hugged Astra.

“you did it! you got here before the train!”

Astra was delirious with exhaustion and just smiled before kissing Aurora!

everybody was shocked except for Matthew who just chuckled. “ She's earned it.”

As the rest of the bikers arrived Matthew gave each of them a special metal showing that even if they didn't win they were all winners in his book.

Soon it was time for the statue unveiling ceremony. Astra had finally recovered but was still blushing as she realized she had kissed Aurora without consent.

Aurora meanwhile was just smiling like a love sick puppy.

Mayor lusky began his speech which went on for at least another two hours until Thomas who was able to see the Town square because it was now open for the engine's to see shouted.

“Can we just get the statue unveiled already? that is what we've all been waiting for!”

Mayor luskey just rolled his eyes and gestured for Astra to pull the cloth off the statues.

To everybody's surprise the statues were of Thomas, Timothy, lady and Amelia. but not only that their namesakes were included in the statue.

Sir Thomas Farker was standing on Thomas's buffer Beam pointing his sword like he was charging into battle with the Tank Engine.

Sir Timothy Farker Was standing on top of timothy's cab with his sword between his hands looking Noble and Powerful with Timothy charging forward!

Lady had Lady Petra Allcroft Riding in her cab leaning out with her rapier drawn as if she was about to stab someone.

Amelia's was the most dramatic as her namesake Amelia McIntosh was jumping beside her looking like she was charging with her Spear at the ready with both of them having smiles on their faces as if they were enjoying the moment.

The plaque underneath the statue said: in honor of the engines who helped make this town a success as well as rebuilding it.

The four engines were honored as from that point on the branch line went back to normal. well at least as normal as things can get on sodor.

But at the celebration dinner that was held for the victor , Astra was enjoying her 15 minutes of fame but decided to go outside to catch her breath as she was standing on the balcony of the newest hotel in Ffarquhar.

She looked up at the moon smiling knowing that she just proved not only to herself but also to her parents that she didn't need their money or anything else. she would make it on her own or she would die trying.

“ Nice night isn't it?” Aurora said smiling as she walked next to Astra who just blushed even more now.

“Yes it is.” Astra said as she nervously looked down at her hands before speaking. “ look aurora I'm sorry for kissing you I was delirious from exhaustion and I didn't know what-”

Before she could continue, Aurora grabbed her chin and kissed her on the mouth as well. Astra was initially confused and shocked but eventually melted into the kiss.

As the two of them pulled away, Aurora smiled. “Hey, maybe tomorrow the two of us could have a look around for a location for your new factory? I know this old watermill near Rheneas station that's shutting down. you would have a free source of power to help manufacture your lubrication oil. and if you want I will be your first customer?”

Astra chuckled as she put her hands around Aurora's shoulders. “Are you trying to butter me up to give you a discount?”

“Oh no, I would pay full price because that's what quality work is worth.” Aurora said, making the two of them chuckle as they once again kissed with a lot of passion behind it.

When they broke apart again Astra looked at Aurora with a bit of worry in her eyes. “Are we going to be in a relationship? If so, do you think your father would approve of this?”

Aurora smiled and gently brushed Astra's cheek. “I would love it for me and you to become a couple. but I do suggest we take it slow and steady. and as for my father-”

“I work with Steam locomotives that are Lesbians and gay. I mean two of my steam locomotives are lesbians and another two are gay. it would be pretty hypocritical of me to not allow this relationship to Bloom if I allowed it with my own engines.”

Matthew said from behind a corner where they could hear him but they couldn't see him.

“Don't worry the moment I saw the two of you going to lock lips I decided to give you guys your privacy. and Astra don't worry I know Aurora has a great sense of character. just ask her sister. and you have my blessing for this relationship. Just make sure you don't piss off my daughter.”

Astra chuckled knowing the Warbler family reputation very well.

But as the two young lovebirds looked at the moon they didn't realize it but their relationship would last for a long time.

to be continued

Chapter 118: Legacy

The northwestern railway was doing great as they entered the 1980s! profits were up across the board! their public relationships were doing great and the railway had not had a major accident for at least a full year!

All in all the north western railway was seeing a massive increase in profits. Unfortunately it was time for the engines to rotate again to see which ones would enter the Museum and which ones would get out.

First on the list was Matthew's own personal fleet like cross. She had been in the museum for quite some time now plus Matthew was able to convince the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust to have him help in overhauling the first member of the class, the Duke of Gloucester.

The two engines would be ready to be put back into service within a few years. especially since Matthew had to do some very serious repairs on his own engine and wanted to make sure that he did the job correctly on the society's engine. They did trust him to do it since he did build a standard class 8 himself so he had the experience to do it.

Other engines that would be brought out of the museum for rail tours were his Quartet of A4’s Quicksilver, Silver King, Silver Fox and Falcon.

they would be taking their LMS counterparts on rail tours alongside Silverlink.

also Gordon and some of the other famous engines were being brought back out of the museum to get back to work on the main line.

Anne and hushy were definitely happy to get back to work.

Alongside most of the Belgium steam engines. everybody was getting back into the swing of things.

“ It's so good to be out of the museum!” Gordon said as he rolled into the station to prepare for his non-stop run to London. he had already had his Shakedowns over the last week and he was now officially deemed fit enough to get himself to London and back.

“Well I do hope you will wait for me in London?” Alice said as she was taking a stopping passenger train to London. “After all, I'm not as fast as you.”

Gordon chuckled knowing that Alice was joking and she knew he would wait for her in London.

Meanwhile Hudson was pulling a stopping Passenger train along the main line when he stopped at ellsbridge to drop off passengers.

Lady was there with her own passenger train and noticed her son looking a bit down. “What's wrong honey?”

“It's nothing mom. just that my siblings are going back to the museum and I won't be joining them until 1982. Apparently Matthew got an extension on my boiler certificate Since I'm still in good mechanical condition unlike my siblings. I'm just going to miss having them around.”

lady understood what her son was saying. She sometimes missed having her whole family together at the gold dust railway sheds. she missed those days when they would talk and just have fun.

She was a one of a kind build and never really had any siblings so her little family on the island really felt like a family.

but as she began reminiscing about the past she looked at her son who still looked depressed before something came back into her mind.

“Actually Hudson you might be able to come and sleep with us very soon.”

“really?” Hudson said looking confused before remembering something. “Oh yeah! Matthew strengthened all the Bridges and tunnels along the branch line! I will be able to finally visit Ffarquhar! I've heard so many things about it and I cannot wait to see it with my own eyes!”

“Well it has been rebuilt a lot.” Lady chuckled seeing the stars form in her son's eyes. “ I think you'll be able to do it when you're taking over one of the Orient Express runs.”

“ really?” Hudson asked with more stars in his eyes. “ you think Matthew will trust me with such an important train?”

“ Well you have matured a lot over the years and I'm certain he trusts you to do a good job. Now we better get going! we don't want to be late!”

both of them chuckled as they went their separate ways.

But what neither of them noticed was Matthew was actually on the platform waiting to catch a train to Knapford for an important meeting. He wanted to talk to Hudson about possibly putting him into the Museum a little bit early and just having him run on the demonstration tracks.

But after hearing the exchange between mother and son he felt it was only right for him to take the Orient Express. After all, he was allowed to run to the castle and back.

but after a few hours he arrived at knapford for the important meeting.

It was about the reopening of the Kirk Ronan Branch line.

jaune was leading the Meeting as public relationships ambassador along with his wife showing a projection of ideas they had to help the project.

“And as you can see here we have overwhelming support from the locals to get this branch line up and running again. I also believe that the fishing industry would definitely be a Boost to our profit margins.” jaune explained as his wife then took over.

“ In addition, using vintage locomotives would also bring a lot of tourism to the area. This also helps boost the local economy since according to some recent charts we were able to get a hold of they're not doing that great financially and many people are actually moving out because there Aren't many Economical opportunitys in that area.”

“So the railway would act as an extra source of income as well as bringing more income to local stores as well?” Weiss said, leaning back in her chair. she had been promoted to the board as the new financial advisor. and she was a pretty darn good one too. She was willing to actually see the physical impact of her choices and remember that they weren't just Numbers on a piece of paper they affect real lives.

“According to our research it will.” jaune said, giving the white haired woman some papers. “ and we did do our research very thoroughly. We've seen that similar heritage railways on the mainland have help kickstart economies and can sometimes even be detrimental to those economies when they don't run.”

“ Well I'll have to look into the budget to see if we can also perform some upgrades on the harbor to keep it up to modern standards.” Weiss said, looking towards Ruby. “ Do you think the main structure of the harbor is intact?”

“ Yes it is. me and yang went there just a few weeks ago. We gave it a thorough inspection and it should be able to handle the weight of the little tank engines and smaller tender engines. We do recommend that this line is not fit for engines any bigger than a 4-4-0 or a Tank Engine like the E2P’s at best. so we recommend you do not send any engines bigger than that down that line.”

“ understood.” Charles said looking toward li ren. “ and do we have support from the local businesses to help this project move along?”

li ren was incharge of business relationships as many people found him approachable and Direct as well as finding his wives bubblyness very comforting.

“All local stores are excited to have Us come back to that particular town. In fact the local businesses were even willing to help provide pastries for our station shops. that is if we are willing to pay them of course.”

“ very well. and Matthew, how long will it take for this line to reopen?”

“Well we got less than 10 miles to travel.” Matthew began mentally calculating how long it would possibly take. “Most of the bridges are in solid condition so we won't have to waste too much time on that. we would also just have to Relay the track so approximately 2-3 years. maybe four if you want to install more upgrades?”

“ understood. and I think that will be all for this meeting? unless anybody else has something to add?” Charles said, looking at everybody as they were preparing their paperwork to go home. but that's when Matthew raised his hand.

“Actually Charles, I have something to tell you guys.” Everybody looked towards their chief mechanical engineer who just smiled. “ The Works has officially finished The latest batch of steam engines to be built on sodor! including the ones named after you and your family members!”

Everybody looks shocked but also excited.

“You mean the engines that me and Blake suggested you make are done?!” Yang shouted excitedly standing up from her seat.

“Yes, we've completed all of them and they'll be going through their test runs throughout the rest of the month. I was also able to complete most of the extra engines I wanted to build including the 8000 Project.”

“Well this is quite a development.” Charles said, looking at Matthew. “ And let me guess you're just gonna put them directly into service without giving them a ceremony?”

“actually if you guys would like I would be more than willing to do naming ceremonies for them?”

Everybody looks surprised At their chief mechanical engineer. Normally he avoided all the big brass and stuff that normally follows big important events like this.

“ Are you sure about that?” Ren asked not being certain that he heard Matthew Correctly

“ I am, Ren. And just so you know the only reason I'm doing this is because you guys are the railway board. the people who gave me my job to begin with. and yes I know you guys Aren't technically the people who gave me my job but I still want to Honor you guys. We've been friends for a while so I think you deserve a little ceremony. Besides, many of these engines have been gone for decades. it would be good to give them some spotlight.”

“And I bet you placed your own name on one of these engines.” Ruby asked, actually being curious if Matthew named an engine after himself.

Matthew just chuckled. “ I'm sorry to disappoint you Ruby but I didn't. I want these engines to have their own Legacy and not feel like they have to live up to mine.”

The council agreed and scheduled the ceremonies of all of them for next week. but before then Matthew was allowed to transfer them to Tidmouth sheds for the time being since they were ready to roll anyway.

A few days later at Tidmouth sheds Rex Frigidus and Rex Iaspis We're sitting in the sheds with their cousin Beachy Head being actually surprised that she survived for so long.

“ Wait wait wait! you're telling us that you are part of Matthew's personal Fleet? How many engines does that man own?” Iaspis said looking at his cousin.

“ From the last count he probably has up to a hundred by now. but since most of them are in the museum or on heritage railways at the moment they won't be around here. but besides that point it's good to have you back cousins. especially since my boyfriend will be going into the museum within a few years awaiting for an open slot in the works for an overhaul. it will be lonely without him.”

“ Wait, who is your boyfriend?” Frigidus asked actually looking curious about his cousin's relationship status.

“ I'm dating Hudson. he's quite the noble young man. and I kind of like his personality… he's also cute when he gets angry.”

Both the H1 Atlantics look surprised before Iaspis gains a cheeky smile: “ wow we spent a couple of years in the museum and Hudson is already becoming a lady Killer? I think I need to give him some advice about how to handle his girl.”

“You do that and I will make sure you will spend at least a couple of years on the same Sidings that that great western Pannier Tank Engine Is currently sitting on! and trust me that is not a threat, that is a promise!” beechi head said in a stern voice making Iaspis a bit nervous as he looked over towards his girlfriend looking for backup.

“Sweetie, can you help me here?”

“well…” Regina began looking at her boyfriend and his cousin. “I'm actually thinking that would be a great punishment for you for becoming a bit too cheeky as of recently. You may be my partner but that doesn't mean I won't disapprove of any punishments other engines are willing to give you. and I do love you but sometimes you have to let a girl do what they need to do. isn't that right Beachy?”

“ indeed Regina. By the way, I love your color scheme. was that the standard color scheme for the GDR?”

“ Yes it was. you should see my mother. she wears it way better than I do.”

As the two female engines continued to talk there was a sudden Commotion at the entrance of the sheds, to everybody's surprise more and more steam engines rolled into the sheds and rotated into different berths!

One was a white great Eastern Railway T26 class which was followed quickly by a raven A2 in black with red lining!

Following that duo was another duo of a Midland railway designed 156 class and a Caledonian pug!

Following that Duo was a whole bunch of Great Western engines! including an outside Framed 2-6-0 tender engine alongside an Absolutely massive Pacific engine that looked similar to Princess Royal just with a lot of Great Western components added.

then followed a trio of outside framed locomotives that looked very similar to each other with one of them looking to be a hybrid between the two other engines.

Then two more engines rolled in that look to be of the London Brighton and South Coast Railway vintage. one of them being a 0-4-2T and the other one being a 0-6-2T With both of them looking around the sheds with wonder In Their Eyes.

Following that duo was a group of 12 Steam engines rolling into the sheds with all of them being Designs that they had never seen before or hadn't been around for a long time.

One was a Highland Railway lock class with a ruby red and silver lining color scheme.

Another one was a German 01 Class locomotive with white, baby blue and red lining.

The next one was a Caledonian Railway 55 class but in purple with white stripes rather than the traditional blue with white and black stripes.

The engine following that was a Highland Railway John goods that looked very similar to the original designing color scheme only most of the green had been replaced with brown.

Following that was a quartet consisting of a Japanese national Railways c57 in a blue and yellow color scheme.

It's compatriate was a green and orange genty who looks very much out of place along the big tender engines that came in.

and speaking of big tender engines the next two were a great central railway Robinson white and black 8k followed by a Great Central Railway Robinson 8f in a purple, Yellow and blue colour scheme.

The last remaining group was a yellow and blue Great Western 4300.

A London North Eastern Railway j15 class in a white pink and orange color scheme followed by a LNWR Claughton Which was in the traditional red only with a few extra splashs of yellowy Orange. and finally a Southeastern and Chatham railway C-Class tender engine in a dark green with purple colors.

But as they looked around their new surroundings the older residents were surprised to see so many new engines in the sheds. they were wondering what they were like and how they could have been built?

but my dear viewers I'm going to leave that as a cliffhanger until next time. peace!

Chapter 119: The engines of London

All the engines in the sheds were looking in awe  at the newcomers. 

 but before any of them could ask any questions Matthew walked into the sheds and smiled. “ I hope you guys are giving my newest recruits a warm sodor welcome?”

“We are Matthew.” Beachy head said  smiling. “ And let me guess you build these engines as well?”

“ Yeah. I did plan on making most of those Great Western engines but the other ones with the funky color schemes were actually suggestions from the railway board.  Besides the DRG Class 01 and the class C57 I got those from Germany and Japan since they were being withdrawn recently and I wanted to get my hands on some of them.”

“and we are quite glad for that. But Matthew, aren't you going to introduce us to all of these engines?”  the C57  said looking around at the engines  who were just smiling seeing so many new faces.

“Yes.  Now the first three engines over there are my  Duke From the Great Western Railway named Sir Topham hatt Followed by the Bulldog class named sir Stephen topham hatt  and finally the dukedog  or Earl class Sir Charles Topham hatt.  and as you can clearly  observe from their names I named them after the controllers of the Railway.”

 

 

 

 

“and it's very nice to meet you all but you can just call us  Duke, bulldog and Earl if you would like? it's a lot simpler considering the people that we were named after still exist.” the Earl class said looking a little bit self-conscious.

“Well you can name me Topham considering  the man I am named after has already passed away.  which is quite sad. I would have loved to meet him.”  Topham said looking at the other engines who just smiled loving that although he was new he was talking respectfully about the Dead.

“The next engine on the list is the Aberdare class named Aberdare.”  Matthew said continuing the introductions. “ He'll be mostly working around the coal mines since that was what his class was designed for.”

 

“ Greetings. I hope I get to meet all of you and become good friends!”  Aberdare said with a smile.

“and next is actually a personal project of mine. You see, after I finished Leona I wanted to see if I could finish what the Great Western never started and  build a cathedral or better known as the 8000 class. and I did.  and her name is Vickerscars town Cathedral or just Vic for short.”

 

 

“ yo.”  The big engine said not being very talkative but the engines knew that this was all new for her and that she would need some time to get used to her new environment. 

“Next you have my Raven A2 Pacific Raven Bronwyn and my Great Eastern Railway t26 class summer rose.  the latter of whom will be working alongside Neil, Clive and Matthew on the reopened Kirk Ronan branch line.”

 

 

 

“ Greetings all of you.”  some are said smiling While raven like her name sake just looked like she didn't want to be there. 

“ After that you have my new London Brighton and South Coast Railway duo of Brighton and Victoria. And unlike the other engines they were built at Brighton works! I felt it was only appropriate.”

 

 

 

 The two new LB&SCR  tank engines  just smiled not knowing what to say. 

“You also have my Midland Railway 156 class MIDI and my Caledonian Railway 611 class Callie.” 

 

 

 

“It's nice to meet ye guys, but please don’t try to keep me up all night. I want tae get some sleep.” Callie said being quite rude but the engine's had had experience with Duncan in the past so they didn't really mind. 

“And the next group are actually named after the railway board and some other people I know. First of all you got my Highland Railway lock class Ruby Rose named after Ruby herself.”

 

 

“But you can call me Garnet if you want?  I think it will be a lot easier than just saying Ruby when it's both me and my namesake around. Plus she did give me that name.”  garnet said, looking a little bit nervous at all the other engines. 

“ Next you have Weiss schnee The German railways 01 class named after  the ice Queen herself.”  Matthew chuckled as everybody else did so while Weiss schnee  just huffed.

 

 

“ I do not think it's appropriate that you make a joke out of my namesake. and just so you know I also have a nickname of opal which I would prefer you call me by!”

“ I think she really takes after her namesake.” Iaspis said whispering to his brother. 

“ And next you have  Blake belladonna my Caledonian Railway 55 class but you can also call her amethyst considering her purple color scheme.”

 

 

“and why does she have cat ears on the top of her smokebox?” Lady said having remained quiet for quite some time alongside her husband as they were Quietly observing the other engines and finding the cat ears to be quite odd.

“ I like them.”  Amethyst said, looking at her cat ears. “ They're just cute and they don't get in the way of my driver and Fireman seeing out of my windows.”

“quite right.” Matthew said pointing towards the last member of the Quartet. “and this is Yang xiao long  or you can just call her Jasper.  She is a Highland Railway John's goods and she practically is the exact same color scheme as the original one just with a lot more brown added.”

 

 

“ hey Ya.  It is honestly nice to WEESH ya.”

Everybody immediately began groaning realizing that Yang's influence had already spread to Jasper.  even Matthew face palmed hoping that this wouldn't happen. 

“Anyway, let's move away from that trainwreck of a joke.” 

“ Hey!”

“so I can continue the introductions.  Next up we have my Japanese national Railways c57 Aoihi Moeruhi But you can call him azure Fox as a nickname.”

 

 

“Greetings.  I am honored to become part of this railway and honored to be part of Matthew's company.”

 The engines were impressed with his noble sounding voice.  but they also knew that this engine wasn't newly built and had been running for quite some time so he had plenty of experience under his wheels.

“ Next up you have Oscar or umber wolf My LMS jinty.  And yes I know there are still plenty of those guys left but I wanted to build my own!”

 

 

Regina was about to mention this but decided not to after what Matthew said. 

“ and next up you have my Great Central Railway Baihu Bai Laohi the 8K and Spark long the 8F but you can call them white tiger and violet dragon respectively.”

 

 

 

The two Great Central engines smiled at their new colleagues. 

“and next up you have my Great Western 4300 jaune arc  or knight  as his nickname.”

 

 

“ Hello.”  Knight said, smiling at everyone.

“Then you have my LNER  j15 Nora or Viking as her nickname.”

 

 

“Oh yeah anybody up for a game of trucking!!” Viking shouted with nobody understanding what that meant.

“Okay and next you have my lnwr claughton class pyrrha Nikos  but you may call her spartan.”

 

 

“ Hello again.” Spartan said in a cheery voice. 

 Everybody said hello except for Thomas and Timothy as they recognized her shape from long ago.  but that my friends is a story for another day. 

“And finally you have my South eastern and Chatham railway C-Class Li Ren  or ninja as his nickname.”

“ It's pleasant to meet all of you.” 

 

 

“ These guys are the newest and greatest engines to come out of the croven's gate works!”  Matthew said with a hint of pride in his voice looking at all the engines assembled  around the turntable.

“ Well it's great to have more friends around.” Leona said, looking at the new Great Western engines as well as the others. “But where exactly will they be working?”

at this Matthew began brushing the back of his head. “ Actually they'll mostly be working between barrow in furness and London Kings Cross as well as on the East Coast mainline to Edinburgh.”

“ what?!” everybody said looking confused before Matthew began explaining everything.

“ You see British railways or British Rail as they want to be called but I'm just going to keep calling them British railways because that sounds better. has finally decided to pull the plug on their East Coast operations.  so that leaves it up to us to provide more motive power for both suburban and long distance routes. That's where these engines will be working the most. We are allowed to use their dmu's for most of the commuter services but we need more engines to work on the East Coast mainline.  so they will mostly be working there.”

“Well that's quite sad.”  Thomas said, looking at the new engines. “ It would be kind of nice to have them on the island from time to time.”

“Don't worry Thomas they will be. We will allow them to come on and off the island on a rotational basis to help  out whenever needed.  and they will be here for the Christmas parties.  After all we built the sheds to contain at least 200 engines So they'll be able to visit for Christmas.”

“ That's good to hear. But I still don't understand why you guys built such a big shed?” billster said not having been around when the shed was being rebuilt for the third time.

“I certainly doubt it was to save that talking coach building I saw that tried to flirt with me.” 

“oh my George Stephenson can that Daisy not just stop being an idiot for 15 minutes!” Matthew shouted already imagining organizing The next curry eating contest and making sure there was extra poop inducing stuff in there to make sure Daisy understood never to flirt with another engine unless she was an engine herself. 

Azure fox huffed. “Did you ever think to see if she had a brain in her engine or something like that, Matthew?”

“Trust me if she had a brain it would be the size of an acorn and powered by a squirrel!” 

 Everybody burst out laughing at that remark knowing that Daisy will still be a long way off from getting her wheels back if she acts like that. 

“Maybe that's why I saw a family of squirrels pop out of her. They are the ONLY thing that made her talk.”

Everybody burst out laughing again at azure fox’s roast when they heard somebody clapping as they entered the sheds.  and it was none other than the human aoihi.

“Well, well, well. Looks like the engine named after me has my knack for roasts. Listen here buddy, don't let anyone shut you up. You are the one to shut them up!”

“I will sensei.  I will make sure to roast anyone who insults me or the people and engines I care about.” azure fox said, which made aoihi very proud. 

“Spoken like a true Moeruhi.” aoihi Said wiping away a tear of Pride  before looking at Matthew.

“Anyway Matthew since hiro is getting some repairs done  do you think I could take out azure Fox?  I mean I want to get to know him better so when I retire hiro  has somebody like me around  to keep him company alongside Sakura and ayanami.”

“Of course you can. In fact after the naming ceremony that they have tomorrow he is scheduled to take the Orient Express run. you could take over on the run when they stop at York to take on extra supplies. Plus it will allow you to run along the branch line which I do not think you've ever been down?”

“no I haven't. It would be a good experience.” aoihi Said looking at the engine who only smiled back at him. 

“ Well then I'll schedule you in. By the way, how's your daughter's restaurant going?” 

“Not really that good.” aoihi said knowing exactly what Matthew was talking about.

 His eldest daughter Adele had opened her own Japanese style restaurant on the island which was doing decently well but not enough to the point that they were making enough profit. The food was excellent but the word wasn't traveling out fast enough.

“She kind of really needs a boost in popularity and exposure.”

“Then why don't you tell her she can do a shift on the Orient Express?  I mean my regular chef said that he couldn't come and my suppliers are flexible and could get me practically anything for a decent price. Do you think she would go for it?”

“Probably. We would have to discuss this with her but I do think it is possible.”

 As the two men went out to discuss the arrangements for the Orient Express the other engines began talking to the new guys.  All of them were genuinely excited to get to work.

 but they first had to go through the naming ceremony which was very fancy as  Matthew had hired some  photographers as well as several news crews had been invited.

“ Today we are here to not only celebrate the newest engines of my fleet but also the revival of several of once extinct locomotive classes.  and I know I don't usually make a big speech or do something like this for most of my engines but today I'll make an exception especially for the engines named after the people of the Railway board and some of my closest friends.  Now let me introduce with the greatest pleasure my newest engines!”

As each of them were named their namesakes stood next to them all smiling for the cameras.

and after the ceremony they were all given their Shakedown runs and were given the clean bill of health to get into service.

 azure Fox made his way with the Orient Express coaches to London to take the train back to sodor.  although he was an older Pacific he was still deemed Powerful enough to pull the train.  Especially since back in Japan he would have to climb very steep grades with heavy loads so this wasn't unusual for him.

 but as the morning sun began beating down on his Boiler he couldn't help but feel extremely excited since he was going to be driven by his namesake.  At least when they got to York for a crew change as well as getting more supplies on board. 

 Adele was organizing all of her ingredients that she had already secured the day before when they were rolling  down to London.  She had prepared the kitchen to make sure that everything would be able to go like Clockwork.

Aoihi  meanwhile walked up to the engine and smiled warmly to give him some reassurance. “ Don't worry about the train, Azure fox. It's meant for luxury, not speed. Pull it like any other train and you should be fine.”

“thank you Mr. Aoihi.” Azure fox said with a respectful hum.  this just made aoihi  chuckle. “ Please just call me aoihi.  no need for the Mr part.”

“ Okay.  but I think you should get on board since we will be  departing  in a few  minutes.” 

Aoihi nodded and went to the lead coach.

 Soon Azure fox barked out of London Kings Cross for the first time.  a news crew was recording this since it was actually very rare for one of sodor’s Japanese engines to come to London. 

 so this was considered a very historical occasion.

 and as he was making his way down the line he noticed more and more people taking photographs of him and the Orient Express.  but he decided to ignore them and focus on the track ahead of him. 

They made it to York in record time.  although he did feel a little bit of discomfort with how his driver was handling the controls.  it was clear he hadn't really gotten used to Japanese controls yet and was being a little bit more rough with them.

 but the moment aoihi  got on board of his cab it felt like his controls were being handled by a man who had centuries of experience controlling him. 

 it was absolute bliss.  and as they were making their way along the branch line he couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the railway line.  especially when they began The Climb.

“ Wow.  This is amazing!  I can't believe they built a railway line overlooking such an amazing site!  This truly reminds me of my time back in Japan.  What about you aoihi?  Does it remind you of Japan as well?”

“It does.” Aoihi replied. “Though… I don't really talk about Japan too much.”

“Oh yeah I remember what happened to your father. It was big news after it got out.  I am so sorry for what happened to him.  but at least I can see you're a great father with your own children.”  the engine said as they arrived at the Castle. 

 Fortunately the Orient Express would be taken back to London by some other engine  the next day so azure fox could rest for the rest of the day. 

 The two of them continued to talk about aoihi’s  experience on sodor and how a Little Kindness can go a long way.  Azure fox was definitely amused at how he met his wife and the accident that led to their relationship. 

Aoihi  was definitely happy with how much the engine liked his history and how much their personalities were alike.  He hoped that he would be a good friend of Hiro's  as well when he retired. 

 He wasn't planning to retire anytime soon but he was thinking about it as he had been working on the railway for quite some time now. 

 but that my friends is a story for another day. 

Chapter 120: A lesson learned the hard way.

The narrow gauge railway was experiencing a good day.  all the trains were running on time and the trucks were behaving very well. 

 even Duncan had stopped complaining for the day. 

 but that day Aurora was taking a train from the slate Quarry down to the wharf to be unloaded for the restoration of the old Kirk gronin branch line. 

 She was excited to use her own engine, Highlander  to take the train.  not only had she built the engine she was also allowed to drive it after taking a driving test which she aced completely. 

 

 

She was passing through Lakeside  and began traveling over the causeway. 

“ You know today has really been a good day. The rails are dry, the birds are buzzing and the bees are  chirping.  everything just feels right.” Aurora said to her engine who smiled in return. 

“ indeed Aurora.  kinda makes you happy to be alive.”  Highlander said as the two of them were passing by the road where George and sir Handel had their little altercation so long ago. 

 But as they were about to cross the crossing suddenly a guy driving a Red Berkeley convertible sports car Began approaching the crossing at high speeds and he wasn't slowing down! 

Aurora immediately slammed on the brakes since she knew her train was too long to try and cross The crossing in time. 

 The driver also put on his brakes as Highlander was halfway Across the crossing and there was no way he would pass through in time. 

Both vehicles came to a screeching stop with both aurora and Highlander being completely shocked but the guy driving the sports car just began shouting.

“Hey, what’s the big idea!  I'm driving here!” he shouted as he got out of his car to walk up to the engine's Cab. “You're lucky my sports card didn't hit this dinky train!  otherwise they'll be  heck to pay!”

“ Yeah, by you!”  Aurora said, standing her ground. “ This is a railway crossing and us railway folk have priority!  you should have slowed down to let us pass!  besides I know the speed limit along this road you were going 70  in a 35 zone!  and you're supposed to go at 10 miles an hour when approaching the crossing!”

“ whatever!  get that tin can out of the way so I can continue with My Ride.  honestly this whole thing is  ruining my good mood.”

Aurora just rolled her eyes and climbed back in the Cab to get out of there. She knew there was no point in talking to a guy like him because he would never listen. 

She had plenty of  people that wanted to be her ‘boyfriend’  that she just outwardly rejected and who wouldn't listen. She ended up literally having to humiliate them by explaining that what they're doing isn't cute but creepy and would never get them any girlfriends.

 Fortunately people knew her reputation too well to actually try and attack her so she was safe there. Besides, she was already taken with Astra. And the two of them had a solid relationship that wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

 When she arrived at the wharf and the slate was being transferred she took her engine to the sheds to rest and have a regular crew take over since she was needed back at the Works. 

 Highlander didn't get to speak to many of the engines for the rest of the day. That was until that evening when all the engines Returned.

Fred was the first to return and immediately turned off his engine and smiled. “Another hard day's work behind us a rusty?” 

“indeed. I'm surprised how much maintenance we got done today. you've really been a help Atlas.”  the little diesel said looking at the little steam engine who just blushed.

“ I'm just doing what needs to be done. I'm nothing special.”

“ don't  sell yourself short Atlas.”  Fred said smiling. “ I'm just glad you where able to take those trains while my engine trouble was Sorted out.  I still don't know what went wrong.  I've been running well all day and then suddenly my engine sputters.”

 rusty chuckle looking at the cabless diesel. “Maybe you need another overhaul Fred.  I know the last one you went really helped you.”

“maybe. but anyway enough about us maintenance engines how's your day been everyone?”

 Everybody said that everything went great.  That was until Highlander spoke up.

“ Well I had a bit of an incident today at the level crossing on the road that sir handel and that steamroller apparently came to blows at.”

“really?”  Duke asked, raising his eyebrow. “ What kind of incident?”

“ We had to stop because some boy was  driving too fast and almost hit me.  and When Aurora confronted him he seemed very uninterested in the amount of damage he could have caused to himself and was only worried about his car.  he was being quite reckless.”

“Oh, ye must be talkin' aboot that daft Neptune Junior, then.” Duncan said grumbling. “That boy isnae right. He's been racing aroond oor railway ever since he got his hands on that sports car! Honestly, he's been causin' mayhem wherever he goes!

“ and is nobody holding him accountable for his actions?”  Highlander said looking a bit confused. “ because from what I understand there are supposed to be people like Matthew to keep their children in Check right?”

“ indeed Highlander.” Skarloey  said understanding that the much younger engine still needed to come to terms with what the world was. “ but it's not so simple here.  for one Neptune junior spends most of his time with his father and only comes to his mother during  Friday on the weekend. He usually spends the weekend racing around in that car of his.”

“Then why doesn't anybody just take it away from him?” Highlander said looking at the older engines. “ If he's that reckless with it then somebody will take it away from him right?”

“ Unfortunately the car is in his father's name and his mother has no control over it.”  Tim said having heard a bit about it from some of the passengers on the platform when he was taking passenger trains.

“indeed.” Jim said, looking a bit concerned. “and I do hope that he does stop soon. He's been scaring me at every level crossing.  and I know I take the new version of the horse and cart and I travel slower than the rest of you but still.  It's kind of scary.”

“ Perhaps we should go on a Crusade to stop him and  his Infuriating Chariot!”  Bertram shouted, already imagining himself standing on a mountain with a sword in his hands as if he was human! 

“ I don't think that will solve anything Bertram.” Rheneas Said looking at the dark brown engine. “ we just need him to learn not to drive recklessly around our railway.”

“ indeed.”  Duke said, looking around the sheds at his fellow engines. “ We must make the boy see that his reckless behavior will only land him in trouble!  That would be the best way to deal with this problem.” 

“I don't think so, Dookie.”  smudger said as he arrived with the last train from the quarry. “people like him won't learn until consequences hit him with a sledgehammer!  just like what happened to us.” 

“indeed Duke.”  Stanley said, rolling next to the old engine. “ As much as I would agree with you, we all know a boy like him won't learn until consequences hit him in the  face.  Besides, what exactly are we going to do with him?  it's not like we can jump off the road and use our wheels as hands.”

“ oh that would be terrifying!” Peter Sam said imagining the horror of seeing that! 

All the engines  shook at that image.

 but over the next couple of weeks Neptune junior would become more and more of a nuisance! 

he would often cross over the railway lines just before the trains would pass causing them to have to go into an emergency stop! 

 and each time when the police tried to catch him he was already too far ahead and they would never make it. 

 even his mother tried to talk some Sense into him which went nowhere. 

 One day both smudger and Stanley were taking some Supplies up to peel godred When they saw Neptune Junior and His friends looking at his car at the parking lot of one of the stations.

 Fortunately for them there was a red signal and they could clearly hear the son and Some of his friends chuckling about how stupid the cops and his mother was for trying to stop him from having fun.

“ they're trying to protect you from getting yourself killed!”  Stanley shouted over looking at the young boy who just rolled his eyes.

“ Whatever. I'm enjoying my life!” 

“until you get into a wreck and you won't be able to enjoy walking or worse.” Smudger said remembering what  happened to his driver and fireman back on the  mid-sodor. “ trust me kid riding recklessly may seem fun but when you hurt someone or you yourself get hurt the fun is over.” 

“You don't know what you're talking about!” One of his friends said, looking at the engines. “You are just a bunch of old steam engines who don't know how to have fun! Sometimes you need a little Jolt in your life to make it exciting!” 

“yeah until you're jolted off the tracks and then up in a ditch!”  Stanley said, remembering one of his accidents back on the old MSR. “Trust us when we say that reckless driving will only end up getting yourself killed!” 

“Whatever, I'm going to enjoy my car and my life!  And just a piece of advice I suggest you and those stupid wagons behind you go to a museum!  Because you guys are nothing more than old pieces of junk that deserve to be stuffed and mounted!”  Neptune junior said while laughing as he and his Friends peeled out of the station car park.

“Well that was rude.”  smudger said as their signal turned green  and the two engines rolled along. “At least we tried to teach him sense.”

“ but you and I both know he would never listen to us right?”  Stanley said as Smudger began chuckling. 

“ I know.  but we at least had to try.  now let's just get this stuff delivered quickly and carefully.”

Stanley could only agree trying to put what the kid said out of his head. 

Unfortunately for them and for Neptune Junior the trucks had heard everything and were quite offended.

“So he thinks we deserve to be in a museum? let's teach him a lesson!”  they whispered amongst each other as they began climbing the hills. 

 the trucks began holding back.  This caused both smudger and Stanley to have to work hard to get the train up the Hills. 

Unfortunately this puts quite a strain on their couplers as without warning they snapped! 

 the trucks rattled down the hill shaking their guard out of the brake van before he could activate the brakes!

“shoot!” Stanley shouted as he activated his radio. “Dispatch This is cowboy! we got a run away on the line leading to peel goddred!  trucks have broken free and are rolling back down towards the Wharf! we're going to try and chase them down! make sure all tracks are clear!”

“Roger that  cowboy.” dispatch said using Stanley's code name as the two engines raced down towards their trucks. 

 unfortunately they had been on one of the steepest parts of the line when they were rolling backwards.  The trucks had picked up an enormous amount of Speed because of this.  

The  two engines tried racing backwards hoping to avoid disaster. 

 but unfortunately they had lost sight of the trucks until at glennock Which fortunately had two platforms now so trains could pass each other.  Unfortunately there was also a crossing and guess who was coming down it as the trucks rattled through the station.

Both steam engines heard an Almighty crash and a Scream! 

 By the time they stopped the scene  behind them was quite horrifying.

 The trucks had t-boned the car which had been pretty much wrapped around the  brake van which had splintered into pieces upon impact with only the metal frame remaining! 

 Neptune junior was trapped and was unmoving completely unconscious while his friends also didn't get off Scot free. 

 all of them sustained  very serious injuries as well as the trucks flew everywhere.  Fortunately the passengers on Bertram's train were completely unharmed. 

 but still it was definitely a major mess.

“I guess the trucks decided to go on the Crusade to teach this young boy a lesson.”  Bertram said, surveying the damage behind him. “but I do agree that this is going too far even for me. now if you excuse me I will take my train on and try and get some help for these people.”

smudger and Stanley could agree on that.  As Bertram left the two of them were able to use the run round to take a different path back down to croven's gate to both get emergency services and some cranes. 

 unfortunately rusty and the other maintenance engines Couldn't make it since they were on the other side of the line on the goal dust railway helping repair some sections there. 

Both steam engines worked long and hard to get  the mess cleaned up and Give firefighters better access to the teans who were all groaning in pain as they were being brought to the hospital by ambulances. 

 Both smudger and Stanley looked at the wrecked car and just rolled their eyes.

“ Well at least we now know what Duke felt like back in the old day’s on the MSR.”  Smudger said remembering all the times Duke warned him and he didn't listen.

“indeed.”  Stanley said looking at the destroyed sports car. “but I don't think his insurance will cover this.  I mean that car is totaled!”

 When the two of them returned to croven's Gate Neptune senior was waiting for them and immediately began shouting at the American Built locomotive and the lime green locomotive.

“You two reckless engines  almost cost my son his life!”  he shouted but  the two steam engines just rolled their eyes.

“Your son should have  known better than to be so reckless around the Railway. What happened to him was his own fault. there was plenty of warning beforehand that there was a train coming.” Stanley said remembering that each Crossing may not have Crossing guards but they do have automatic warning lights to make sure that people knew that trains were coming even if they were Runaways. 

“ That doesn't matter, it's your fault that my son is now in the hospital and I'm going to Sue this Railwayfor everything you've got!”

“ That might be difficult.” Somebody else responded as Neptune looked over to see aoihi and Matthew walking over.

“Your son deliberately crossed over Crossing’s right after the trains were coming!”  Matthew said, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “ Your son put both his own and the Passengers lives in danger every time he did that.  If anything the railway and I have the right to Sue you because your son has been causing more  wheel flats than usual on the engine's. Do you have any idea how much it costs  to make brand new tires for their wheels?”

“Besides, your son learned all of this from you.” aoihi  said as He walked up next to Matthew. “ I remember when you were hitting on my wife back when we were trying to come home after we just got married and had our honeymoon in Japan! you really are an bad example to your son.”

“Whatever, your wife would have been better off with me anyway! Besides, what would some railway idiots know about what a woman wants? I mean-”

 Before Neptune could say anything more aoihi punched them in the face while Matthew kicked him in the groin.  and he went down like a ton of bricks. 

 Both team engines just chuckled knowing that the guy deserved it. 

and just like everybody predicted the son would never walk again as he had completely destroyed his lower spinal cord meaning he would have to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. 

His mother was also now designated as the primary caregiver and custody was permanently set with her as Neptune was deemed to be an unfit parent. 

 Now Neptune Junior has to roll at a much slower pace and is terrified of railway crossings. 

 and while the engines did have sympathy for his PTSD they could not sympathize with his actions that day. 

 Duke was filling up on water when smudger rolled in.

“ Hey Duke, how are you doing?”

“ better than Neptune Junior.”  he said as he let out a deep sigh.“ I just wish  I could have helped him see the light sooner.”

“Hey, don't beat yourself up about it Duke.  We both know that he  would never have listened to a word you said.  me and Stanley tried to talk some sense into him before the accident.  I think he regrets not listening to us now.  but hey at least like me and Stanley he finally learned his lesson.  even if it was too late.”

“ indeed. And at least he didn't end up like Albert Mark 2.”

“ I mean he kind of did. He got himself nearly killed along with several other people.  but hey at least what happened was on the news so I'm pretty sure people will take railway safety a little bit more seriously around this island.”

 Duke could only agree as the two engines went back to work.

 Both of them were aware that Neptune junior learned his lesson the hard way.

 the end 

Chapter 121: A very special engine indeed

1981 was a good year for the Ffarquhar branch line. Ever since the town was reopened along with its station trains had been running smoother than ever, especially since the station now had two platforms instead of one allowing two trains to come in and out whenever they needed.

Not only that, the sheds had been upgraded once again, basically becoming a smaller version of Vicarstown sheds back when it was just a straight line shed with no turntable.

It was even big enough that CoCo and velvet could fit inside of it if they wanted to. But they didn't need to since a special shed had been built exclusively for them.

but not only that there were extra birth’s in the sheds that even when the whole branch line fleet was in there other engines could come and visit.

especially with the line upgrades so engines as big and heavy as Remembrance could now run up there. and tonight Hudson had made his way along the line delivering the Orient Express after the King Arthur duo was pulled out of service and placed in the museum again awaiting their turn for an overhaul.

“You must admit your branch line is amazing Dad. I mean the beauty of it is definitely something I haven't experienced on the little western.”

“ Well it is beautiful but it’s the engine’s that work on the line that makes a branch line special. and it is nice to have such a reliable team on our branch line isn't it Timothy?” Thomas said, looking over towards his twin who just smiled.

“indeed. but I do remember the days when it was just me, you, Howard and Tanya. on this branch line. way before the others came.”

“Yeah. The branch line was a lot quieter then. but I do remember the first time Percy was allowed to run our branch line.”

“ And when was that?” Rosie said being a bit curious about what her boyfriend's first time on the branch line was like.

“ when the big engines went on strike. and by that I mean Gordon, Henry and James. Apparently they didn't enjoy having to shunt their own coaches and ended up going on strike being shut up in the sheds for months.” Thomas said, remembering those days. “Most of us branchline engines had to work on the main line while the Earls private engines from the old W&S would handle most of the freight work while Percy would be handling most of the passenger trains. and let me tell you things Didn't go smoothly for him for a while.”

“ and why is that?” Hudson asked, being very curious about the green engine story. But Percy remained silent as Thomas and Timothy began telling their story.

Percy was handling the work in the yards very well. Every train was on time and everything was going smoothly.

but one day he was shunting near the big station when he saw Thomas pulling in. This was not surprising to him as he had seen him come in numerous times but yet always had to collect more trucks or coaches so he couldn't see him off.

but when he saw Thomas pulling out of the station backwards with his coaches leading he was surprised and shocked!

later that day Thomas arrived when Percy had just finished putting some coaches in for James's local.

“ How do you do that?” Percy asked the blue tank engine as they were being prepared for their journey back up the branch line.

“What do you mean Percy? what do I do?”

“How do you go backwards with your coaches leading? Wouldn't your driver not be able to see out?”

Thomas smiled realizing that Percy had never seen an auto fitted engine before. “ Well I am quite a special engine Percy. but it does require a few things to be able to do this.”

“ Well I'm also a special engine. I would probably be able to do it as well as you would!” Percy said wanting to feel just as powerful as Thomas in that moment. only for the blue engine to burst his bubble.

“ I'm sorry Percy but you would not be capable of doing what I do. Besides, it's not as easy as it looks. trust me I've been doing this for years now. It really takes a certain set of experience and skill in order to do this. Alongside-”

Unfortunately Thomas couldn't finish his sentence as the guard blew his whistle and he had to leave. “I'll tell you about it later, Percy. Just do your job here and you'll be a special engine too!”

Percy just looked at Thomas with a scowl. He didn't care what Thomas said. He was a special engine! and he was going to prove it!

A few days later the three big engines went on strike and we're locked up in the sheds because of it.

Unfortunately this meant Thomas, Timothy, Edward, Tara, Howard and Tanya would have to help out on the main line to keep things rolling.

and since the main line was too big for just Thomas and Timothy's coaches they would have to be left Behind. at least until Percy took over the branch line operations to Ffarquhar.

He was very excited since this gave him the opportunity to prove that he was just as special as Thomas.

But to his shock as he was preparing for the journey back up the branch line he was being run around the train.

He was very upset by this and grumbled to himself about it. “how can I prove that I am just as special as Thomas if I can't push my train like him?”

Anney and clarabell were too busy taking care of their passengers to inform him about why Thomas could push his train backwards.

Percy tried everything he could think of to push his train back up the branch line. starting before he could be uncoupled, locking his breaks but in the end his driver always won.

until one day he was given the perfect opportunity.

He had rolled into the station like usual and was being uncoupled to run around the train when the station master raced up to him and his crew.

“Sorry driver but some of the points here you need to run round are jammed and won't be fixed in time for your run back up the branch line. I'm afraid you're going to have to push them to the next station and run around there.”

The driver and Fireman were not happy with this but Percy was. as he was being recoupled his driver spoke sternly to him.

“ Now listen we are going as far as the first station on the loop line before running you round the train! I want no tricks when we get there understood!”

“ Yes sir.” Percy said looking a bit sad until his driver turned his back and he smirked. “ Unless there's a points failure there too!”

As Percy started the train again he felt so proud about pushing Annie and clarabel up the branch line. Thomas and Timothy were double heading a passenger train into the station when they saw Percy pass by and The little green engine blew his whistle.

“ Not so special now Thomas! But don't worry, I'm certain you can find something else that makes you special!” Percy laughed as he rolled down the branch line while both Thomas and Timothy looked terrified!

The moment they could they left their coaches and immediately went to find the breakdown crane knowing they would need it.

Meanwhile Percy was racing along the loop line without a care in the world. Unfortunately he wasn't really designed for high speeds and thus he would Buck and bounce.

Unfortunately for him this would play part in what was to come. along the loop was a small level crossing. a lorry had broken down on it and his driver was trying to fix him.

Meanwhile Percy was coming up the line with his crew trying their best to see what was happening but with little luck.

The guard tried his best too but unfortunately thanks to a big bump he fell onto the floor of claribels cab just as the lorry came into view. As he got up and pulled the emergency brake it was too late!

clarabel hit the lorry and derailed!

Fortunately the train had already slowed down enough that there weren't many injuries but it was still a very uncomfortable experience for everyone and one of Clarabel's bogies had been derailed.

all the Passengers immediately got out and began shouting about how they almost died! Percy was not feeling smug anymore.

By this point both Thomas and Timothy arrived with the breakdown crane’s and the Fat Controller.

“Percy! I thought I could trust you to run this branch line! but why were you so foolish to push your coaches rather than pull them like a regular engine!?”

“ because I wanted to show Thomas that he wasn't special! and that I could do the exact same things he could!” Percy said looking at Thomas both angry and annoyed. “Besides, he's able to push his coaches up the branch line without the need to run around his train!”

“because percy I am an auto tank!” Thomas said as he began clarifying the situation. “Both me and Timothy are outfitted with special linkages that connect to the Controls in our coaches allowing us to push our trains without the need for turning around. But we still need special training in order to stop correctly. I mean I've passed the station a few times but I'm always careful and I trust my coaches to have a good lookout for me.”

“same with me and anise and Claudia.” Timothy said as he began helping re-rail the brake coach back onto the tracks. “You Percy are designed to shunt and that's it. you can pull trains indeed but you can't push them like me and Thomas. It was foolish of you to try. Besides, like Thomas said to you when he first mentioned this to you, you should try and make yourself special by being a good shunter not trying to mimic us.”

Percy felt even more foolish as Clarabel was re-railed and the Passengers got back in. He pushed the train to the next station and ran around.

A short time later the big engines got out of the sheds and were allowed to pull trains again. But everybody reminded Percy That he shouldn't try to run backwards with coaches again.

“ and since that day he has never tried to mimic us again.” Thomas said, finishing the story. “To be honest I was really annoyed with him for putting Clarabel through that. but hey we live and learn.”

Percy just remained silent as everybody chuckled. “ well… well if you had told me before you have special linkages I wouldn't have done that!”

“Percy we didn't have the opportunity to talk to you and you know it.” Timothy said knowing they were quite busy back then on the branch line. “ Besides, it happened and you should just accept it. just like how Thomas and lady had to accept that they took water from the river and ended up with fish in their tanks.”

“ Yeah, that was pretty embarrassing.” lady said, remembering the fish in her tanks. “ but at least our drivers had fish and chips for lunch.”

“and they didn't even need to pay for the fish.” Thomas said Chuckling remembering that day. “ I mean we all have embarrassing accidents at one point in our life and we might as well accept it.”

“ you mean how both you and Lady ran out of the sheds when I tried to spook you by pretending to be a ghost engine?”

Percy said smirking when Lady suddenly began shaking remembering that night and how she was genuinely scared and Thomas only came out of the sheds to chase her down and calm her down after she raced out of the sheds.

“That wasn't a funny prank Percy and you know it!” Timothy said Not Finding the fact that Percy used his accident back in 1917 to scare Thomas and Lady with a stupid made-up ghost story.

“ Come on, it was funny!” Percy said, trying to make everybody see the humor in it.

“If my mother didn't like it, Percy, then it wasn't funny!” Hudson said, making himself stand taller over the smaller Tank Engine. “Besides, you shouldn't play around with people's fears like that. It's just rude!”

“ Whatever! can we just talk about something else?”

all engines agreed and they continued to talk about their day's work and how excited they were for the next day to begin. especially Hudson who absolutely enjoyed being on the branch line he had heard so much about.

the end

Chapter 122: New controller and new fame.

It was currently 1984. The north western railway had seen a lot of change recently. Charles had finally stepped down as controller and retired. His son Stephen took over and fortunately he was just as good of a man as his father.

He did have some ideas to help the railway go into the future but didn't prioritize wealth or anything. As a kid he had heard many stories from Matthew about what that path led to and he did not want that for his own Legacy.

plus he really cared about each and every one of the engines.

but Charles wasn't the only one who retired. Aoihi had finally retired as well. His last run with hiro was quite emotional for the pair. They had known each other for so long they were practically family.

Aoihi did promis that he would visit as many times as he could. Hiro did say he appreciated it even though his face was full of tears.

but fortunately he exchanged one Moeruhi for another. Ryo had taken over his father's position as Hiro's driver and the two of them got along swimmingly.

but those two weren't the only ones who were getting along swimmingly. Luna had finally been able to ask out Nicholas and the two of them were going slow insteady and loving every moment of it.

yes Siri the northwestern railway and the island as a whole was experiencing a great period of joy.

but one day as Billster was taking a train down the main line he arrived at Vicarstown When a boy shouted over to his mother while pointing to the e2p.

“ Look mommy, it's Thomas! Thomas from television!” the boy shouted excitedly as he tried to pull his mother who was trying to hold her child back for a moment.

Billster just looked confused. “uh…. I'm not actually Thomas, but considering my blue paint job, I guess I shouldn't hold it against you for mistaking me for my big brother.”

“Thomas is your Big Brother!” The little kid shouted and drew quite a lot of attention from other passengers and station staff.

The mother quickly apologized to the Tank Engine. “ I'm sorry Mr Tank Engine. My son just watched that new TV show about this railway and is just really excited about meeting Thomas. or at least seeing him. I am so sorry.”

Billster just smiled. “Nah. It's fine. But if you want to see him the best place to see him is on the branch line. also since it's still a clear day I suggest you make it a picnic and you might be able to see some more of our unique locomotives as well.”

“Wait, there are unique locomotives on this island as well?!” the kid said as Raymond arrived with an express train.

“ indeed young man. For example there are some engines here from all over the world. like myself and some of my fellow Belgium locomotives.”

The kid felt overwhelmed with joy as he looked at all the big engine's that he had never seen before!

but soon they had to catch their train down towards Croven's gate to meet their father.

For the rest of the day all the engines numbers 1 through 7 began being recognized throughout the day.

When Thomas finally returned to the sheds at Ffarquhar he was extremely confused.

“Did any of you guys get recognized today? I mean many people have been shouting my name as I'm traveling up and down the branch line.”

“not really.” Lady said as she was cooling down for the evening. “Everybody has been mostly focused on you and the other engines. well at least the engines between you and Toby. What makes you guys so special all of a sudden?”

“Some tv show on the railway or something like that.” Billster remarked. “ I asked my driver about it and he said that Thomas is the title character apparently.”

“What?” Thomas said looking confused. “ Why would anybody want to watch a show all about me? I hope they at least added some more characters than just me and my branch line. as interesting as that would be, I think a railway with only one engine is Boring.”

“You're probably right aboot that, Thomas.” Tay said as she rolled in coming back from one of the castle excursions. Amelia and Jeanette were sleeping at the main sheds so she was the only tender engine in the sheds. “ Aye, I did actually watch an episode, I did. I think it was the yin about the story where ye got pulled behind Gordon, ye ken? Ye know the yin from the second book o' the Railway Series, aye.?”

“ You mean they are adapting those books for television?” Thomas said being genuinely surprised about that. “I thought after the last attempt Back in 1953 willbert didn't want any more adaptations?”

Well, some lassie named Britt Allcroft was able tae convince him, I reckon. I think she's got her head screwed on right. And tae be honest, I'm actually kind o' curious tae see what the rest of tae show’s like.” Tay Said that as she was being cooled down for the night.

“Well, you won't have to wait for long.” her driver said as she pulled out an old looking TV and placed it on a Crate in front of the engines in the sheds.

She tuned into the right signal and the TV crackled to life. As the screen began to show the beginning of an episode a model of James was rolling past the camera into the station with Gordon leaving as narration began.

“Gordon always pulled the big Express. He was proud of being the only engine strong enough to do so. It was full of important people like the Fat Controller and Gordon was seeing how fast he could go.” the narration said as it was followed by several images of Gordon traveling down the line.

Thomas immediately recognized the story it was based on and immediately grinned as Gordon broke down and they need to let Henry out of the tunnel in order to pull the big Express.

“Man, they did a good job on adapting that story. although those models don't look very realistic. at least compared to us.”

“ Well from what I understand they went for a more simpler approach with regards to the models.” Thomas's driver said having watched the show himself when it first aired back in October. “ but at least the model of you has a very striking resemblance.”

all of them raised an eyebrow when another episode began playing. this one about when Thomas wanted to pull a train. Thomas was a little embarrassed about seeing that episode but was very happy with the accuracy of it. especially his model.

“man… this is kind of fun. I just hope people are also interested in our real history rather than just the story’s from the show.” Thomas said, looking at the screen. “ Do you think Timothy might actually make an appearance in the show?”

“ doubtfully Thomas.” Timothy said as he rolled in after delivering a goods train. “ I didn't appear in the book so I highly doubt they would make me appear in the show. Besides, what are they going to do just repaint your model?”

“ that would technically work although they would have to cut off the extensions on our Side tanks.”

as the two brothers continued to talk about the show the others went to sleep.

Over the next couple of weeks all the engines began being asked questions about the TV Show and the books and asking what really happened.

all of them were happy to answer their questions although some of them did feel a little left out. But they weren't the only ones discussing the new show.

“I'm telling you Aoihi, that show is going to do wonders for the island's tourism.” Matthew said as he and aoihi were having a drink together at a bar not too far away from Croven's Gate. Nothing alcoholic as they didn't want to crash into anything while driving home.
“I suppose it would.” Aoihi replied. “People are going to enjoy seeing the stories acted out on television.”

“Yeah, especially since I'm helping to fund it. That Britt woman came to me About a year ago to ask me if I would help fund the show. I told him I would help give them a basic budget because I wanted to see how successful it was before committing to anything bigger. I still can't wait to see where it will go next. Who knows maybe one day they can add hiro into the show? Like what if they say he arrived from Japan before anybody else arrived?”

Aoihi rolled his eyes. “Like that's going to be accurate to Hiro’s story. For all I know, they'll probably make him out to be the oldest engine of the island or something like that!”

the two of them began chuckling as Matthew suddenly had another idea in his head. “ or how about they write this whole story about Lady being some magical train that runs a railway in the fifth Dimension or something that you can only find or travel on with gold dust or another engine and that they're trying to get away from an evil diesel?”

“And watch them make the evil diesel the same one that Thomas crushed all those years ago.” Both men then burst out laughing. It was absolutely ridiculous.

“ And maybe he wasn't even the real villain of the plot the whole time because they had to rewrite that story because the real villain was supposedly too scary?”

“And who would that be? That same crazy idiot who wanted to scrap the entire fleet of the gold dust railway?” aoihi Suggested as the man continues to laugh As more ridiculous ideas come to their heads.

“or maybe they'll retel how ignus found great Waterton but just replaced her with Thomas!”

“And watch them have Thomas unrealistically float down a flooded mine.”

“all because he was jealous of some engine that took charge of the restoration of great waterton and his Friends leaving him in the dust?”

“Or include a story on them making an airport which could have been great if it weren't for some dumb learning segments.”

“That would absolutely be ridiculous!” Matthew said, shaking his head as he took a sip of his drink.

“And watch them make one on Misty Island with too much rhyming and a dumb story.”

“Yeah, like one that doesn't even make sense. like having an underwater tunnel linking sodor with misty Island? How dumb would that be?”

“Probably just as dumb as making that diesel thomas crushed be a sympathetic villain.”

“ Yeah, like having a whole other workshop just for diesels run into the ground for no reason and then taking over the Croven's Gate workshops for no reason just to smash everything around in there. I mean that would be utterly ridiculous!”

Suddenly another idea came into Matthew's head.

“although a story about Luke the engine up at the Blue Mountain Quarry might be interesting. I mean what if there was like a story where he pushed Victor by accident into the ocean because he wanted to be unloaded first from a ship?”

“That would be interesting. Yeah, Thomas would be the title character, but he's trying to help someone out rather than being a nuisance. Would also give a good chance for the SKR engines to be seen.”

“Definitely! And what about a story about them all trying to restore Ulfstead Castle and making the story about Stephen trying to find his job because he doesn't have one at that point? That could be an interesting story although I hope they don't introduce a New York Central Hudson or a Baldwin and Ohio railroads p-7a Or something like that. I don't think those engines would fit on the loading gauge around here.”

“Or Watch one where James makes fun of Percy or something like that, randomly involving a dinosaur skeleton in the claypits with another engine named Timothy.”

“Yeah that could actually be an interesting story. plus we could have a landslide and Percy learning to be brave even in the face of utter fear. And they could introduce a character that Percy would look up to. I mean that would be interesting if they did that.”

“And then they'll have a retelling of the first few episodes in a movie of somekind, where James ACTUALLY is in his black livery until his famous crash.”

“And showing Thomas arriving later than everyone to make him more relatable to everyone and allow him to touch them in a way to make the story go forward would be interesting as well. and we could follow up that movie with another movie where Thomas is on his high horse and has to be knocked down a few pegs in order to remember who he really is. plus we could throw in some idiot trying to find a treasure along with a singing steam shovel who believes in magic or something stupid like that and maybe we could finally have the two Oliver's meet each other?”

“Indeed Matthew.” aoihi said, beginning to think of something else. “although a movie where there is some kind of event like the Olympics but just for trains would also be an interesting premise but I hope they don't make the story all about Thomas especially if it could be about Gordon and the Flying Scotsman and their brotherly Bond? I mean, wouldn't that be more interesting than seeing Thomas learn that he doesn't have to be anything else but himself as the main plot?”

“Indeed aoihi.” Matthew said, leaning on the table. “Any other story that you think would be kind of stupid if they did it in a particular way?”

“Well I would find it quite stupid if they create a story where the engine's began bouncing like bouncy balls and Thomas was trapped in some kind of Foundry by some pretty evil diesel only to have her cry at the last minute and suddenly be redeemed because she's just overwhelmed with work or something stupid like that.”

“That would definitely not fit the aesthetic of the show currently. or Thomas going on this worldwide adventure following some yellow race card that he literally just met across five different continents meeting some engine in Kenya who has no personality outside the movie and it's just one big wasted opportunity to be paired with another big wasted opportunity after they got rid of some Legacy characters for no good reason and give some stupid excuse like they're still gonna be in the show?”

“Well that is true. That wouldn't be a good idea. but I do hope that if this sort of show comes to an end maybe it could be with Thomas and Topham going to London to see the Queen. You know the pair that kind of started it all and ends it all in one big happy moment.”

“ that would definitely be a sight to see. But who knows how the things we just said might never happen. The universe is unpredictable after all. anyway I've got to get back to the workshop. say hi to your wife for me and that ember will join her at her book club tomorrow night.”

Aoihi waved Matthew off as the two of them went back to their respective places.

but what neither of them realized was that they just predicted the future! although they wouldn't know for quite some time.

Chapter 123: A visit from 123

It was a miserably rainy day on the island of sodor. all the engines didn't like traveling through the rain because it made everything slippery just like ice.

still they had jobs to do and the rain wasn't going to stop them from doing that job.

Even so, most of the engines were happy that they were able to find a shed to sleep in when nighttime approached.

The Caledonian girls consisting of Amelia, Ignus, Katie, cardean And Polaris were resting at Vicarstown sheds as they had all done their jobs for the day and we're looking at the rain coming down onto the roof.

“ Ye ken, it's almost like we're back in Scotland wi' all this rain, aye.” Katie said, making everybody chuckle.

“indeed.” Cardean said, looking at her girlfriend. “But we've nivver been treated better by our railway than when we began workin' here. I mean, they didna have to completely restore me after what… they did to me.”

The Caledonian engines agreed, remembering the state she was in after British railways decided to take over the island.

“Don't remind us o' those dinguses.” ignus said looking at the terrible weather. “I count myself lucky that I was at the Earl's private Estate when that all happened, I do. British railways were truly the worst to work for if ye ask me. And I didnae even work for them!”

“And I'm glad I didn't work for them either.” Polaris said having heard the horror stories from the other engines. “ It’s a wee shame, what happened tae our fellow Caledonian engines, it is. The last o’ the classes that survive from the auld Cali days just bein’ brought tae weed-infested sidings tae await their fate. No wonder Donald and Douglas decided tae run awa’ tae Sodor. This place is way better than anything back on the Caledonian. Still, I wonder what happened tae the others, and if there are any left?”

“Well, I did hear a wee rumor that there are a few other Caledonian engines left, aye.” Amelia said, looking at her fellow engines. “Aye, it's just a wee rumor, and I only ken of one engine from that tale, that's all.”

“And which wan would that be, then?” ignus said, looking at the 4-4-0.

“Well yer sister 123. Apparently she’s still aboot. Though ma driver and Fireman haven’t been able to confirm that tae me yet.”

Ignus actually looked a little surprised before beginning to Chuckle. “Old glaciers still bein' aroond? Man, that'd be braw tae see.”

“Ye ken, I never asked this before, but why were there two of ye singles built?” Katie asked, raising an eyebrow. “Ah mean, the Caledonian Railway never needed Singles, so why build two of ye, then?”

Ignus chuckled and looked at the 600 class. “ Well, that's because they wanted tae hae a spare engine in case Glacias broke doon durin' the exhibition that she took part in. But efter the exhibition, nobody really knew what tae do wi' us, or mair specifically me. I was able tae dae some branch line work here an' there, but mostly I was left in storage. At least until 1930, when a' of us were sent here for trials.”

“ Aye, that actually makes sense, it does..” Cardean said, looking at everyone. “ I mean, it's aye guid tae hae a backup engine, but was yer number also 123?”

“No, my number was aye 456. I ken there must’ve been other engines wi’ my number, but still, it’s kind o’ nice, especially since my numbers are a direct continuation frae Glacias’s numbers.”

“Do ye miss her? Ah mean, ye chaps haven't spoken for what… fifty years?” Amelia said knowing that she would have loved to speak to even one of her siblings if she had been split from them for so long.

“Ach, we haven't been able tae talk since 1924, ye ken. She was aye busy doin' her jobs while I was bein' moved frae shed tae shed. I haven't spoken tae her since then. I didn't ken she was still aboot. Otherwise, I would hae written tae her lang syne. But then again, we've all been busy on this railway.”

Everybody chuckled when they heard frantic footsteps racing towards the sheds. Before they could even wonder who it was they saw Stephen throwing the doors open and then slamming them shut as he was drenched completely.

he shook off the water from his clothes while grumbling about the weather.

“Why does it always have to be such bad weather? Why can't we have a day of good weather?”

“Sir, as much as I agree wi' ye, rain's very important for the crops. But anyway, what brings ye here?” Katie said as their controller decided to try and salvage what dignity he had left in front of his engines.

“I'm here to tell you that the Earl has requested all of you to go to his estate next week for a Scottish locomotive reunion. This apparently brings all of the available pre-grouping Scottish locomotives to his estate for a big celebration of Scottish railways. And since we do have a large collection of Caledonian engines he suggested that I ask if you girls would like to attend?”

“That would be braw!” Cardean said feeling excited to see what kind of other Scottish engines were preserved.

“Well I'll have your schedules cleared so you can attend for the full week of the event. and Ignis you and one of the visitors will be taking visitors around the estate apparently. I do not know who this is but I do hope all of you will treat them with care and Grace.”

All the Engines agreed and Stephen went back out in the rain to go home.

About a week later the Caledonian engines had made their way towards the Earl's Estate at the castle on Thomas's branch line.

Donald and Douglas had also joined them as they were invited by the Earl personally.

They were excited to see what other Scottish steam engines had been preserved.

they arrived early so the other engines hadn't arrived yet.

Garnet, Amethyst and Jasper had also been brought over from the mainland for the event. They were very excited to see some genuine Scottish locomotives.

Tay was also there and stood proudly on display next to Amelia.

but as they were being placed into their positions they could hear some chuffing coming from The incline And all of them were excited to see which steam engines would be showing up.

To everybody's surprise, chuffing up the Hill First was a Highland Railway Jones goods followed by In north British Railway j36 class.

The next was a Great North of Scotland Railway F-class Gordon Highlander.

and to the Caledonian engines surprise three other Caledonian engines! One was a Caledonian Railway 419 class. Another was a Caledonian 812 class and finally none other than glacias Herself Caledonian Railway 123!

all the engines were surprised to see the visitors and immediately began chatting and catching up.

ignus on the other hand was overjoyed to see her sister again.

“Glacias! It's been a richt lang time since we've seen each other! Hou hae ye been doin’, sister?”

“I've been doin' quite well for meself, and I'm actually verra happy to see ye're still here, Ignus, glacias said smilin’, also feelin’ overjoyed tae see her sister again. I cannot believe we haven't seen each other for ower 50 years. How's yer life here?”

“Aye, pretty good, that. I mostly work takin' tourists tae an island via a branch line no that far frae here. In fact, ye passed it on yer way up here.”

“Ye mean the one that goes tae the left at the bottom o’ the hill?”

“Aye, that one. It goes tae the Gold Dust Island where I an' many other singles still operate.”

“Well, that's a surprise, it is. I thought they’d have reckon’d a single-wheeled driving engine would be a wee bit too underpowered for a job like that, aye?”

“Not really, hen. The trains are quite full but they’re never too long for us to handle, and we do run awfully often, aye. Plus, we’ve recently had a bit o’ help from a 4-4-0 that’s similar in design to one of our singles, tho she’s a new build, she is.”

“Are they still buildin' new steam engines in this day and age, really?”

“Well, that would mostly be the chief mechanical engineer o' the railway, Matthew Mats Warblers, what he's up to. He's been buildin' a lot o' new steam engines lately, though he says he's gonny stop since there's more than enough engines tae go aroond. In fact, there's a railway museum where some o' the overflow engines are bein' stored right noo.”

“Intriguing, indeed. Are these all the Caledonian engines that work here, then?”

“Aye, pretty much. But we’ve got a new 611 class that’s up in London at the moment, and it seems like it couldn't be swapped oot wi’ another engine to be here, apparently. It'll be later this week before it’s here.”

“Well, that is fascinatin’. An’ I do hope the railway’s been treatin’ ye better than the Caledonian or LMS did, aye?”

“Miles better, I am, I get overhauled quite often, ye ken, and I hae bonnie friends on the islands, especially Lux, Jackland, and Emily. In fact, I juist discovered Emily and the abandoned town of Great Waterton just afore the second world war kicked aff!”

“Really? That’s quite interestin’, that is.” glacias said being impressed at her sisters achievements.

“Aye, ye'll find if ye stay on this island long enough, that craziness is just aroond every single corner. Crazy adventures seem tae happen here every day, they do.”

glacias began chuckling having heard about all the adventures this railway has been through over the years.

The first day of the Scottish event went off without a hitch. All the engines were allowed to stay at the Castle since it did have quite a sizable locomotive holding facility. but ignus and her sister actually went to Shining time Island.

glacias was impressed by the natural beauty of the island being reminded of her home in Scotland.

“This place is bonnie. An' ye work here every day?”

“ Aye, we do switch out which duty we’re on, ye ken. One of us would help wi’ the mineral traffic, while another would be shunting, and one of us would be pullin’ passenger trains. The other would be on standby, just in case one o’ us breaks down. It’s a bonnie good system, that is.”

“ Yinteresting. Now where's the shed ye sleep in, then?”

“ Aye, right ahead o' us.” ignus said as they rolled into the gold dust railway Engine Shed.

The two sisters stopped on opposite tracks so glacias could see all the other single engines in the sheds. She was amazed at what she saw.

“A great Western 3031 class, ye say? A Great Eastern Railway P43, aye? And a Great Northern Railway Sterling Single? Blimey, this is quite the collection o' single engines, it is.”

“ Ah you must be Ignus's sister?” Lux said with a smile. “ My name is Lux Aurea but you may call me Lux and this is my partner jackland and the Sterling single is Emily.”

“ Hello.” Emily Said with a smile as the two Caledonian Singles turned into their shedroads for the night.

“I maun admit, Ah'm genuinely surprised tae see sae mony singles still in Active Service. Ah mean, hoo is this even possible?”

“ That's a long story.” Jackland said looking at their guest who just smiled at him.

“Well, I've got about a week to hear it all, so how aboot ye get started on the story, then?”

The Two Partners looked at each other and began explaining the whole history of the goal dust railway to their guest.

and as the night progressed Ignis could genuinely smile seeing that her sister was enjoying the company of her friends and the two of them would enjoy the company of each other for the next week before they eventually had to part ways.

but on that first day they did promise they would write each other letters to each other's Cruise in order to keep touch. because no matter what they were sisters and that would never change.

the end

Chapter 124: Lady’s revenge Electric boogaloo.

Summary:

This chapter was made possible thanks to the help of my good friend TankEngine389

October of 1985 had come. and with it the Halloween season. Unfortunately most of the engines of the nwr couldn't look forward to the season.

more specifically the engines of Thomas and timothy's branch line. because Percy was pulling more and more ghostly pranks than ever before!

Apparently he hadn't learned much from when Sir Topham hatt pranked him all those years ago by turning his own prank against him.

And unfortunately for her lady was his primary target. ever since his accident with a cart of line he couldn't help but scare her every time he could!

One day Lady was pulling in with a small empty goods train to the Elsbridge goods yard. The yard was full of trucks waiting to go all over the Railway.

but as she rolled in suddenly a pair of trucks rolled past her and Percy let out a ghostly whistle! this scared lady and she began racing forward but unfortunately she didn't see the truck ahead of her and she slammed into it!

Fortunately the trucks were empty but still it was not a pleasant experience!

“ha ha got you!” Percy said as he happily trundled up the branch line with a loaded train of vans.

Meanwhile, Lady blushed with embarrassment almost to the point of tears. This had been going on for weeks and she had even asked him to stop politely but he wouldn't listen!

Thomas meanwhile had seen the whole thing and was also very frustrated with Percy. He and the other engines had tried to tell him what he was doing was wrong but he wouldn't listen to anyone!

Thomas continued to feel bad for his wife and Furious at his colleague as he rolled into Knapford's motive power depot to refuel on coal and water.

“Why can't he understand what he's doing is wrong? I mean scaring lady with her fear of ghosts isn't exactly a good thing! She's always very jumpy around them. and one day she might actually hurt someone by accident. and I don't want my wife to need a therapist at this stage in her life.”

“I don't know Thomas, getting a therapist at any stage in life is a good idea. depending if you need it.”

The blue Tank Engine looked up to see his oldest friend Edward rolling into the depo.

“ Edward! man that has been a hot minute. How are things going on your branch line? I don't usually get to see you at Tidmouth sheds.” Thomas said being very happy to see his old friend Edward again.

“ Well the sheds at wellsworth are pretty comfy as well. But what is this about Lady needing a therapist? has she accidentally run over an animal or something?” the Old engine asks, being very concerned for lady.

Thomas just let out a deep sigh from his cylinders. “ no… it's just… Percy has been continuously pranking lady with ghostly pranks ever since The Lime cart incident. He seems to get a kick out of scaring lady every single time. But it's getting beyond a joke especially since he does it every year!”

Edward has a thoughtful expression on his face now. “ Well that isn't good. I thought he learned his lesson about playing pranks after the first Fat Controller turned one of his pranks against him?”

“Apparently he’s unlearned his lesson.” Thomas said with a Huff. “and honestly for an engine his age he should act a little bit more mature! especially since rosy is his girlfriend but even she isn't able to Reign him in.”

“ you mean like Lady does with you?” Edward Said with a small smile.

“ exactly! I mean lady’s the only engine on the island who knows how to keep me in check and not let my cheekiness over rule my common sense. I mean if she wasn't around I would be racing against an A4 and somehow still beating them. or at least that would be very stupid for me to try.”

“indeed. but maybe you need to get Percy back in the same way our old controller did when he first arrived. I think if you prank him in the same way he's been pranking lady with Ghosts that it might set him straight from ever doing that again. ” Edward said with a small hint of a cheeky smile.

“I guess but I don't really know any good ghost stories that he would believe.” Thomas said when suddenly he heard a whistle and another small Tank Engine rolling into the depo.

“ How about you ask Glynn at the Castle? He's been working on the branch line longer than any of us and I'm certain he knows a good ghost story from back in the day that nobody's heard of.” Tanya said as the men began inspecting her and re-oiling her joints.

Thomas began considering this and realized that his mother figure had a good point.

“ I'll see if I can get a train up there.But the castle runs aren't part of my usual route. so it might be a bit difficult to get up there.”

“Well when you do please say hi to Glynn for me.” Edward said as his tender was now full of coal and he could get back to his own branch line. “ and we really should chat again like this Thomas. It's been too long since we've been able to do that.”

Thomas just smiled as he watched the railway's number two roll away.

For the rest of the day Thomas and Timothy kept operating the Passenger Services along the branch line and the main line and loop line.

Unfortunately Thomas kept seeing lady being pranked relentlessly by Percy to the point that lady was almost to the point of tears!

and when night fell things didn't go any better.

Thomas was just rolling into the sheds alongside lady when suddenly lady felt a bump from behind and something pushing her!

She was so scared that she ran out of the yards as fast as her wheels could let her! she then had the points switched and she raced backwards up the line to the Castle!

Thomas as he rolled in he could see none other than Percy chuckling to himself trying to contain his laughter.

Unfortunately for him Thomas was not going to contain his Fury anymore.

“ Will you stop pranking my wife Percy! this ghost stick of yours is getting old!”

Percy scoffed. “Come on, Thomas. You’re no fun!”

Thomas felt his safety valve lift with anger as he shouted at Percy.

“scaring my wife by pretending to be a ghost over and over and over again is not fun! She is scared out of her wits and is now running off to either the gold dust railway shed or the castle sheds! and she has a train to pull tomorrow so she'll have to wake up early and thanks to your prank she's too rattled to sleep! honestly what's wrong with you?!”

Percy hissed indigantly. “Halloween is SUPPOSED to be spooky! Trick or treat! That’s what they say. And Lady is the EASIEST to scare!”

“Well that doesn't mean you should continue to scare her until she rattles herself apart!”

Thomas shouted being absolutely done with this conversation!

He immediately began chasing after his wife after turning around on the turntable. He knew he also had an early train to pull since Timothy was handling the Night Mail tonight. Still, he didn't care about the passengers' complaints the next morning that the train was slightly late.

He wanted to make sure that his wife was okay.

When he arrived at the junction he expected it to go to the gold dust railway but instead it was going up to the Earls private railway.

Thomas actually saw this as a bit of Good Fortune as he wanted to travel up the line to see the coffee pot engine anyway.

as he traveled up the line he noticed how beautiful the view was even at night. The stars were twinkling and the wind was gently brushing Through the trees as their leaves began turning orange and brown and falling off in the gentle breeze.

“ Maybe I should show lady this to calm her down?” Thomas said as he entered the curve towards the Gate of the estate which fortunately was still open. “After I find her of course.”

Thomas continued to travel around the estate trying to find her until he was able to find her at the Engine Shed within the interior of the Castle.

she was shivering so hard it looked like she was about to fall apart.

She was crying and just felt so scared.

Thomas gently rolled up to her and smiled. “ Lady, it's okay. I'm here. and you don't have to worry about Percy. He won't be coming up here and you can just sleep all right?”

lady looked up at Thomas and just felt a little bit more relieved. Thomas smiled and gestured for her to follow him towards the curve leading out towards the downhill.

The two of them spent some time just looking at the View before going back to the little sheds to sleep for the night.

Fortunately Stevenson's rocket was in the steamworks for repairs and Millie had her own little shed somewhere else to sleep on the estate. so they were able to just sleep here.

At least lady tried but she still couldn't fall asleep and Thomas noticed.

“ you still can’t sleep honey?”

“ no… I'm just… angry and annoyed at Percy… I just want him to stop pranking me! I don't like ghosts!”

“ and why is that?” crystallos said, raising her eyebrow as she was also struggling to fall asleep. “ I mean I've known you for a while but you never told me why you were scared of ghosts?”

Lady looked around the engine's before taking a deep breath. I'll tell you why I am scared of ghosts. But please don't laugh!”

“you got my word as your husband that I won't laugh about your fears.” Thomas said, hoping to reassure his wife.

“And I would never steep as low as Percy to make fun of someone's fears!” Crystallo said perfectly, understanding why Lady doesn't want anyone to laugh because of her fear.

Glynn just remained quiet. He just wanted to hear the story.

lady took a deep breath and began her tail.

“It was back when I was running solo from the Shining time Island after Burnett finished repairing the bridge. I was so excited to see more than just my little island home that I kept going back and forth between them every night I could.”

“ Then why didn't Timothy or anybody else see you?” crystallo asked, raising an eyebrow.

“ because I always try to time it between service trains as I had memorized them by heart. But one evening I was traveling down the main line enjoying myself as I was going to return back to my little island home when I heard the chuffing and puffing of another engine behind me. And when I saw it. and I was just… terrified!”

Thomas Immediately knew what lady meant. “ you mean you saw the ghost of the city of knapford?”

“yes and it terrified me!” Lady said, shivering at remembering that night. “His face was just so horrifying! His face was split in half with one half looking like it had no skin… and the other half being full of scars but his eyes… they had no pupils and… I was so scared it terrified me for life! That's why I don't like ghosts!”

lady finished whimpering a little but fortunately nobody laughed at lady’s story.

“That's… quite an understandable reason to be scared of ghosts. and I must admit your description of his face is accurate.” Thomas said, letting out a small hiss of steam.

“ You mean you've seen him too?” lady said, being a little shocked as Thomas just closed his eyes before looking up at the stars.

“I've seen him a few times on my mail runs at night. And to be honest after going through the first world war and seeing all those horrible things that happened to men, women and children I kind of became a little hardened to scary stuff like that. still it doesn't diminish that you fear ghosts and I'm not going to tell you to get over it. If you fear something you're not gonna get over it in a day.”

lady smiled and was glad she chose Thomas to be her lover.

“ Is that why you are so angry at Percy?” Crystallo said, giving lady a concerned look.

“ yes and I don't know how to make him stop! I've asked him over and over again to stop but he never listens!”

“Well maybe he needs a good scare in return?” Glynn said, looking at his fellow engines. “Sometimes a good scare is enough to make somebody stop scaring you!”

“That's kind of the advice Edward gave me.” Thomas said remembering his conversation with his good friend. “and that's also kind of why I'm here besides the fact that I'm here to comford my wife. Tanya thinks you might have some good ghost stories about the branch line. Maybe something we can use to help scare Percy?”

Glynn smiled and told them a story that did make lady shiver but Thomas knew it would be the best way to get Percy back.

Later the next morning, Thomas and lady were double heading a passenger train down to Knapford. Lady still didn't feel any better from her ordeal last night. but still she was also excited to finally have the upper hand on Percy.

Fortunately for the duo they knew exactly which engine to tell the story to to tell Percy.

and he was in the motive power depot refueling.

“Billster, can we have a moment?” lady said, smiling a little.

“Sure. What's up?”.”

“How would you like to help us get even with Percy?” Thomas said with a cheeky grin.

Billster groaned. “Argh! About time that scoundrel is put in his place!”

Thomas and Lady smiled and outlined the plan to him. billster could only agree.

Later that day he was pulling his usual passenger train to Ffarquhar and he was talking to his coaches about the plan with some of them not exactly being on board.

“ I don't know about this billster.” moody said as they continued to roll down the branch line. “It kind of seems a little… mean?”

Billster sighed. “While I get what you mean, unfortunately, Percy is not going to settle down in any other way. He's actually been scaring Lady to THAT extent and it's having a very traumatic effect on her while he's just laughing at her fear. I know it's going to be mean and nasty, but with how he dismissed Lady's polite pleas to stop, Percy isn't going to quit in any other way.”

“I understand but… it still doesn't feel right.” the coach said with her engine just smiling.

“I’m not going to force you guys to take part if you don't want to. But at least understand that Percy is LAUGHING at someone's fear and trauma and that is something I can't just simply let off the hook.”

All of his coaches agreed and decided to just stay out of it.

when bilster arrived he noticed Percy doing some shunting and chuckling to himself about his next prank on lady. which was going to be his Magnum opus! the greatest prank he will ever pull this year!

“Hey! Green caterpillar! Thomas told me what you have been doing to Lady! And I am not going to let you simply laugh your stupid smokebox off over it, dingus!”

Percy just rolled his eyes. “Come on billster, don't be a party pooper! Besides, some pranks never killed anyone.”

Billster glared at Percy darkly. “Actually, you stupid saddle tank. As a veteran of war, I have seen pranks going too far. Some ACTUALLY resulting in death! ESPECIALLY when it played too much on one's fear!”

“Yeah but that was in war you… you… you… you 4 eyes!” Percy said, trying to insult the older engine who just gave him a flat face expression since that was the worst insult he had ever heard.

“Just so you know, fat tank, Lady's fear of ghosts is to traumatic levels! That is cruelty and not something you should laugh at.” He then smirked. “That's unless you want to be the NEXT victim of the Ghost Glow of the Ffarquhar Quarry!”

Everybody in the yards went quiet except for Percy who just looked confused. “What exactly are you talking about billster?”

Billster smiled knowing that he had Percy's attention. “ It's a spirit of sorts. It haunts the line leading up to the quarry. and trust me it's not a spirit you want to cross, especially not with what you've been doing recently.”

“ and what's that supposed to mean?” Percy said being quite angry now. but bilster just continued to smile.

“ Well a long time ago when the coffee pots still ran the line there were two who were quite different from the others. One was number two and the other one was number three. While number two was very hard-working she was a little jitterish and could easily be spooked. her brother number three on the other hand was a big jokester. He would play pranks on both workmen and his fellow engines. But he never knew when to stop. and one night he went too far.”

Everybody on the station platform and in the yards stopped what they were doing to listen to The Story. Percy just rolled his eyes not believing a single word of it.

“ One night number two was supposed to pull a heavy stone train down the line. It was a usual trip but as she was going down she felt somebody pushing her! And it wasn't the trucks, it was her own brother! she begged him to stop! She begged him not to do it! even the trucks didn't like running away on the section because they knew how dangerous it was! but number three didn't listen and just kept pushing them until one moment number two toppled over due to excessive speed on the last Curve before the town!”

everybody gasped as billster looked around at the audience he had unintentionally managed to gather.

“ she came off the rails and was crushed by the weight of her trucks who were absolutely terrified of what they did! they had gone to no number two and noon not to spook her. but number three didn't care. He thought his sister would be repaired within a couple of months. but he would never find out that his sister was scrapped on sight. well at least until it was too late.”

“What do you mean by that?” one of the parents standing on the station platform said holding their child close to their body as the glasses wearing engine continued the story.

“One night number three was taking some empty wagons up to the quarry. It had been one month since his sister's accident and he didn't even care thinking she would be fixed in no time. Unfortunately events that night would prove him wrong. As he was rounding the curves closest to the quarry he swore he could hear the puffing of an engine coming from up the line. He and his crew stopped and the puffing grew louder and louder! not only that there was a whistle and a scream as suddenly a bright light raced along the tracks towards him! his driver and Fireman jumped clear trying to avoid being crushed in the crash... but there was no crash. In fact the only thing you could hear that night was the chirping of the crickets.”

everybody held their breath except for Percy who just continued to roll his eyes. but bilster could see that Percy had a slight hint of fear in his eyes. he was able to see this because he had seen it in hundreds of soldiers during the two world wars. and that's when he knew he had him.

“When his driver and Fireman looked back, number three had fully disappeared! There wasn't a trace of him left except his number plate which had been scratched with the number two on it! and from that night onwards if anybody was to prank someone too much this engine would come and find you! and you'll be taken by her before morning! so be careful about what you do if you're either a human or an engine because she doesn't care. She will follow you to your homes and into your houses in order to teach you lessons about limits!” billster said the final part in a whispering voice which made everybody shiver as they went back to work.

Percy wouldn't admit it but the ghost story did scare him a little. Still as he went back to shunting he didn't care if it was true or false. He just wanted to continue with his pranking spree on lady.

but unfortunately for him he wouldn't get the chance.

As night began to fall and the stars began Coming out Percy finished the last of the shunting when the yard Foreman walked up.

“Percy, there are some trucks at the quarry that need to be brought down. Mavis can't do it because she has broken down and Toby and Tom are getting some maintenance done as you know. so please just collect them and bring them back here so that they can be put on the first goods train tomorrow.”

Percy just rolled his eyes and went down the Tramway up to the quarry. unbeknownst to him the other engines had planned all of this.

but as he was rolling up the Tramway he didn't notice that the three Billington Brothers were smiling from the sheds.

“This is going to be great!” Timothy said being in on the whole plan after Thomas explained it to him at their usual Meetup at the junction station.

“and who knew that Stephen would be so willing to help us with this?” bilster said still not believing that Stephen topam hatt was willing to organize a fake delivery in order to play a prank on Percy!

“Yeah but you know I'm kind of sad that we're not humans.” Thomas said, looking at his brothers.

“And why exactly are you sad about that?” Timothy said looking a bit confused.

“ because we can’t relax in a giant bag of popcorn and watch the magic happen.”

the three brothers burst out laughing at that ridiculous notion as if there would ever be a version of them that were human.

Meanwhile Percy was traveling up the line grumbling about the story he had heard from bilster.

“There's no way that stupid story is true. There's no way that an innocent prank can go that wrong?”

but as Percy travels up the line he hears the sound of puffing of another engine coming from up the line. but that was impossible! There were no other steam engines at the quarry and Mavis was a diesel engine and didn't make those sounds.

There was then a whistle coming from around the corner. Percy couldn't see them but he certainly could hear them.

then suddenly there was a bright flash of light coming from around the corner and Percy closed his eyes! and for a moment everything was quiet. He opened his eyes and didn't see anything. He let out a sigh of relief from his cylinders when suddenly without warning an engine that looked almost exactly like Glynn only battered and Scraped sat in front of him with a light underneath her face.

Percy let out an ear piercingly loud scream as he raced down the line whistling fit to burst!

but as he rolled away lady appeared behind the engine and smiled. “ thank you… and thank you for showing me that not all ghosts are scary…”

The engine just smiled and let out a small whistle as she disappeared.

Meanwhile back at the sheds Thomas, Timothy and billster saw Percy racing into the sheds after coming down the Tramway shaking so hard they feel it in the rails.

“ had a good night Percy?” Thomas said, smiling as Percy kept rattling.

“ I saw it! I saw the Ghost from bilsters story!” Percy was shaking so badly that the pipes that connected his Saddle tank at the bottom came loose and some water was leaking onto the track.

“ while that's the first.” Thomas said, looking at Percy. “ looks like your wetting the tracks.”

“ Can you blame me! I just saw a ghost for real! and she's coming to get me! All because I played those stupid pranks on lady!”

“Percy, I made that story up.” bilster said, winking at his brothers. “It's just a local Superstition I heard. what you probably saw was your imagination thinking that the Ghost Train was real.”

“ Wait!” Percy suddenly realized something in the youngest E2P’s words. “ You pranked me!?”

“ Yes we did!” Thomas said bursting out laughing with everybody else following him.

Percy went red with embarrassment as he rolled out of the sheds to look at the brothers. “That wasn't funny! I genuinely thought I was going to get scrapped or something!”

“you mean how you made me feel these last couple of weeks?” lady said, rolling up next to Thomas who just continued to laugh. “We just gave you a taste of your own medicine Percy. And I hope next time Halloween comes around you'll know never to prank me or anyone else again!”

Percy wanted to retort but he knew everybody was right. he just rolled into the sheds and didn't say anything as he was being cooled down.

The next morning Percy was up bright and early collecting the trucks from the quarry.

as he rolled away the four other engines looked at each other.

“ Do you think we should tell him that the story was mostly real?” billster said, looking at the green caterpillar with red stripes.

“Probably not. Just in case he forgets what he learned last night.” lady said as she could see number two's ghosts smiling at her from the tram Road.

all the engines could agree on that. As Halloween came and went all of them were glad that things returned to normal.

Although Rosie still had some Pretty Stern words for him for not listening to her about stopping his pranking Spree and the Fat Controller put him on the most dirty duties he could find to make sure that the lessons stuck this time.

and let's hope it did because I don't think number two would enjoy having to scare him a second time.

the end.

Notes:

Just to make sure my legal side is covered the characters in these stories belonged to their respective owners:

Thomas.
Edward.
Henry.
Gordon.
James.
Percy.
Toby.
duck.
Donald and Douglas s.
Oliver and Toad.
Rosie.
Mavis.
Daisy.
Lady the magic engine.
Bill and Ben.
boco.
Emily.
Hero.
salty.
Bear.
Pip and Emma.
Clive, Neil and Matthew.
Glenn.
Stephen.
Victor.
Kevin.
Stepney.
98462 and 87546 .
Spam can.
Skarloey.
rheneas.
Falcon/sir handle.
Stuart/Peter Sam.
Rusty.
Duncan.
Ivo hugh.
Duke.
Fred.
Atlas.
Stanley.
Jim.
Tim.
Jennings.
Smudger.
Proteus.
Rex.
Bert.
Mike.
Jock.
Frank.
blisters one and two.
cigarette of oursdale.
Sigrid of Arlesdale.
Godred.
Ernest.
Wilfred.
Culdee.
Shane Dooiney.
Lord Barrane/Patrick.
Alaric.
Eric.
Annie and clarabel.
Rocky.
Jack.
Alfie.
Oliver.
Max and Monty.
Kelly.
Elizabeth.
Buster.
Byron.
Patrick.
Ned.
Nigel.
belong to Mattel and the awdry family.

Alice, Colin, Lily and Adam belongs to Wildnorwestern.

Timothy belongs to Kanefan701

Bilster the autistic Tank Engine.
Hunter The evil Tank Engine.
Howard the furtherly engine.
Tanya the motherly engine.
Cristallo The crystalline engine.
Rex-Iaspis The sapphire Atlantic.
Rex-Frigidus the Gray Agate Atlantic
Regina-Auream The small boiler golden Atlantic.
lux aurea the golden Dean single.
Jackland The lapis GER P43.
Tara the gswr class 8.
Eleanor the experimental LBSCR engine/the LBSCR K class.
Anis and Claudia.

belonged to tankengine389

Remembrance belongs to Nwr Adventures ( the original design however belongs to me)

Hudson the LB&SCR Hudson locomotive.
Velvet the NER Autocar.
coco the NER auto coach.
Amelia the Caledonian Engine.
Ignis-Aestivus The Caledonian single.
CardeanThe Caledonian Express engine.
Katie the Caledonian goods engine.
Sophie the rude Caledonian engine.
Willy the nmbs type 51.
Big Bertha the lickey banker.
Worsbrough The u1 garratt.
Ron and Remy the railway operating division locomotives.
Ashley Manor.
Vanguard and Dragon the warship duo.
Silverlink the true silver A4.
hush hush/Sodor Enterprise/Hushy/ Hushy gresley the big lner engine.
Anne the turbomotive.
HMS unicorn the war department consolidation.
HMS Illustrious, the war department deco-pod.
Alec and Baldwin the s160s.
Clan McIntosh The standard Clan.
Raymond the nmbs type 10.
Atlanta the nmbs type 12.
Jeanette the nmbs type 18.
Connie the British railways class 40.
Western Enterprise/ West the Western.
Nimbus the DELTIC.
Tommy the gresley electric engine.
Hector the em1.
Minerva and Aurora the em2s.
Wilmina the LSWR A12.
Great Northern the great northern Pacific.
Tom the y6 tram engine.
Falcon the A4.
Duke of sodor/ Diana the class 8 Pacific.
Somerset the 7f.
Soham The war department consolidation.
Lloyds the great western star.
North star the great western Castle.
King Philip/Philomena The female Great Western King.
Princess Royal the big LMS engine.
coronation the great coronation.
Sarah the Midland compound.
Gull the furness railway K2.
Fowler the 4F.
Spitfire the Battle of Britain class.
Audrey The Gnr j23 shunter.
Sunny the pannier.
Mirajine and Lisanna The LMS diesel.
Sakura the Japanese Hudson. (Name thanks to tankengine389)
Darby works the diesel shunter.
Sparky the electric shelter.
marklin The German shunter.
winter schnee the German goods engine.
Eda, amani, charity,aila and moody The old Express Coaches.
Knapford/natalie,Tidmouth/tida,elsbridge/els,maron, crovan's gate/croia the shooting star articulated coaches.
crosby station/crosby,wellsworth station/weller,barrow in furness/barrow, cronk station/cronk and vicarstown station/vicar The hushed Scotsman articulated coaches.
Quicksilver, silver King and Silver Fox the Silver Jubilee Articulated coaches.
Ransoms and rapiers The 45 ton cranes.
Cowans and Sheldon the breakdown cranes.

All belong to me. if you want to use any of these characters please contact me first.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of smd ttte series