Dusk-Stargazer

It's not magic, it's ones and zeroes. And we're just atoms, and our perception of reality is just chemical reactions. Take those away, and poof. There goes the universe.

[duskstargazer]

Electric Atmosphere

[1976]

Ever since Super Ed had taken up residence there, the sheds had become a difficult place to live.

“Twice from Tidmouth to Vicarstown before noon.” He gloated. “Super Ed told you he gets your railway ahead. Let's see one of you try and beat that with forty coal trucks.”

“Must he always speak in the third person?” Emily muttered.

“Super Ed will speak however he chooses. He's what’s making your railway flourish!”

“Absolute rot!” Gordon rumbled.

“Don’t make that a thing, Gordon.” Almond sighed. “Also, what's with those things on the roof?”

“Ah, you mean the Copper Nine?” The Electro-Diesel replied, with complete seriousness. “They fit the electric aesthetic.”

“It looks ridiculous.” Gordon sniffed. “Sounds just as stupid, too.”

“You probably could've achieved the same look with copper colored stripes.” Almond said.

“All it's really missing is a giant hole blasted through the middle.”

Super Ed paid no attention.

“Anyway, your railway has needed proper - real - main line traction for a while now. It's a good thing Super Ed arrived when he did. Super Ed is stronger than a diesel, and faster than lightning.”

“And more big-headed than both as well.” Gordon scoffed.

“Shove it, old-timer. You’re just jealous you can’t compete with this kind of performance. “

Rebecca let out a stifled sounding chuckle.

“Why, with such speed and strength, don’t be too surprised if Super Ed comes to claim those express coaches.”

Gordon froze.

“You won’t.”

“Wanna bet?”

“You won’t.” Gordon repeated, pressure rising by the second.

“Once this order of coal is handled, you’ll see.”

[duskstargazer]

The Return

[1976]

James returned to work a few days after the new engine's generator was installed. He was not looking forward to his new disposition.

On his way to the yards, Gordon huffed past him, hissing steam in that violent way that always announced his anger towards someone. James wasn't sure yet just what he'd done to upset the big engine, but he had the sinking feeling he'd find out soon enough.

His first assignment was to sort trucks in the yard. With a resigned sigh, he set to work. It wasn't anything he hadn't done before, but it did bring him back to an… unpleasant time in his life.

“What's with all the soot?” Charlie’s voice barged into the red engine’s work. “Did James the Brains go up in flames?”

“…what?”

“Eh, if you know, you know.” Charlie said, seemingly to no one. She then scampered off, refusing to elaborate.

“Oh, no!” Howled the trucks, as James brought them into line. “We want a proper engine, not a dirty red monster!”

“Find yourselves some new material.” James scowled. “And relax - I'm not taking you. Go break away on Gordon's Hill with someone else.”

He left the trucks, then went to find the rest of their train. It was as he was lining up the first few wagons that a shrill horn sounded out. On the upper track, a bizarrely painted engine James had never seen before came racing through, with a huge coal train in tow.

“That's Super Ed.” Rebecca explained. “He's the new engine that came to help out while you were being repaired.”

“I'm sorry, Supa-What-Now?”

“Yep. That's the name he gave himself. It does certainly radiate confidence, which is a huge improvement over how he was when he first arrived.”

James was honestly impressed Rebecca could say that with a straight face, more so with complete seriousness.

“Okay, sure, but… he couldn't have gone with something… normal? Like I dunno, Edgar, Edric, hell, Clark maybe? That sounds like someone's name if they could name themselves at age 10.”

“I think he wanted something to make himself stand out more.”

“Hasn't he already gotten that with those things on his roof?”

“The Copper Nine?”

“The huh…?”

“Yeah, they're a set of nine strips of copper. Creative, isn't it? Kind of like how some steam engines have what we call copper-capped chimneys.”

“It's stupid is what it is.”

Rebecca chuckled. “Well, he's been getting on well with the rest of us.”

[ / ]

“Is your railway ready for glory?!” Super Ed roared as he thundered through Thomas's Junction. “Just get a look at this!!”

“Can you say power trip any louder?” Hermes sighed.

“Don't encourage him, dear.” Daisy advised. “You'll only influence him for the worse.”

“You old-timers ought to reinvent yourselves! Get ahead, like Super Ed!”

[ / ]

“So, obviously a lot of mutual respect there.” Rebecca said - though whether she spoke with hopefulness or obliviousness was up in the air.

“And then, of course, there's the rest of the engines in Tidmouth.”

[ / ]

“Super Ed is what your railway has needed.” He boasted. “This is where the basic diesel traction of yesteryear meets electric innovation! After all, there is only one Super Ed!”

BoCo grimaced. Bear rolled his eyes.

“Good thing, too.” He growled. “One Super Ed is enough of a migraine as it is.”

He turned to BoCo.

“Hopefully he’ll have settled down by the time I get back.”

“Back? Oh- right, that arrangement with the Other Railway. When did you say they were starting that?”

“About a week from today. I'll be leaving with a heavy goods for Manchester. I should only be gone a few days. Surely things can’t get that bad while I’m gone, right?”

[ / ]

“They're getting along great.” Rebecca continued. “I'm sure he'll settle in quite nicely.”

James gave the yellow engine a deadpanned stare. Somehow, he very much doubted it.

“Oh! He’s been doing so well, Sir Topham Hatt moved me to carriage stock movements. Well, to an extent. I’ll be taking coaches in and out of the works as needed between regular trains. To prepare for the summer holiday season.”

“Greaat for youu…” James didn’t even try to sound enthusiastic.

Super Ed glanced down as he passed by the main yard. Below, he saw the filthy red engine from before. His copper and brasswork were smudged with soot, and his paint refused to shine, even in the pouring rain.

“Never again.” He said to himself. “Never again will this Electro-Diesel look as decrepit and run-down as that.”

[duskstargazer]

Getting Ahead

[1976]

The new electro-diesel blazed through his performance tests with flying colours. He was soon back at work, and the difference was night and day.

He handled the goods work with ease. Now, every train he pulled seemed to arrive ahead of schedule.

“I don’t understand - how does a small box make such a difference?” Muttered Henry.

“That's the wonders of Electro-Diesels for you!” He would say. “Stronger than a diesel, and faster than lightning!”

Even when he returned to running coal trains, he didn't seem to struggle at all. Once he had himself repainted, the other engines really started to notice a shift.

“Keep up, Bear!” He shouted. “You’re running an express - you should have the other trains making way for you!”

More than once, he even managed to keep pace with Gordon and the express.

“You’re top-link, aren’t you?” He taunted. “So why are you letting a simple coal train overtake you!”

Simply put, reception amidst the Sodor engines was quite mixed. [ / ]

Apologies for the low quality of the image. I was using a website to compile the frames into a gif, and I didn't realize until too late that it'd crunched the quality, much less that severely.

You can find key frames from this scene in full quality here.

[duskstargazer]

Power Source

[1976]

The work took some time, but one morning, Ed awoke to several workers standing around him. In front of him stood a man he only recognized from when he’d been taken off coal trains.

“You’re a special Electro-Diesel engine.” Said Sir Topham Hatt. “You can source energy from your diesel system as well as your electrics, but if you only rely on your diesel engine, you're far less capable.”

“Now, we have no third rail nor overhead wires on the main line, so what we've done is to give you essentially the next best thing. You've been given a generator powered by your diesel system, which in turn powers your electric system. It is still new, so you may still run into problems with it, especially if it's overused - so pace yourself. You won't have issues anywhere close to what you used to, so long as you look after the generator.”

“Go ahead and give the new system a try.”

Ed's engine rumbled to life. For a couple seconds, he felt no difference. Then, with a jolt, a burst of electricity shot through him. It was unlike any electric power source he'd ever used.

“…Whoah.”

“If it overheats, it may seize up, compromising your engine completely, so you mustn't let that happen.”

Ed wasn't sure what Sir Topham Hatt meant, but he was eager to show the island just what he could really do.

[duskstargazer]

Off to the Works

[1976]

“Here we are,” Rebecca announced, “Crovan’s Gate Works.”

Ed was in awe. The workshop was huge, with a myriad of engines either lined up and being worked on, or rushing around moving equipment in and out of the shop.

The engines on the Other Railway had taken to calling this place the “Steam"works - and usually in a pejorative tone. Now that Ed was seeing the place for himself, he wasn't sure of the validity of their stances.

“Hello again, James!” Rebecca called out. Ed followed her gaze to a small red engine, his rich red paintwork coated in black soot and dust.

“That's quite a bright red he's got.” Ed commented.

“It's entirely unique to him.” Rebecca explained. “We've got other red engines, but none use his exact paint mixture.”

“He sure goes out of his way to make himself stand out, doesn't he?”

“He's good at that.” The yellow engine went on. “Really knows how to stage a show. The brass and copper accents definitely help, I think - I don’t know of many other engines here with a copper-cap chimney.”

Ed looked the red engine over. An engine with that eye-catching of a livery must have a very strong opinion of himself.

“That's what I want to be…” Ed thought to himself.

[duskstargazer]

Definitive Deputation

[1976]

Dusk had begun to settle as Rebecca and Hermes arrived at the big station. Most of the evening services had departed, leaving only a few remaining. BoCo nodded to the two as they pulled in - a silent ‘good luck’ gesture.

“Please, sir, he's a nice engine. Don't send him- aagh, that's what I said for the twins.” Hermes growled.

Rebecca looked down at him, confused.

“Sorry, just going over what I'm supposed to say. They say they'll give me pointers, but I always have to figure out what to actually say to him myself.”

“It'll be alright, Hermes.” Rebecca comforted. “I'll do the talking.”

The stationmaster saw the two approach, got one look at Hermes, and sighed.

“Wait here.” He said, and walked into the station building.

“He knows what it usually means when I come in after hours all anxious like this.” Hermes explained.

Ten minutes later, Sir Topham Hatt stood before the two engines. He looked tired, as though he'd had this exact conversation countless times before. Rebecca decided against asking how many such meetings Hermes had been forced to have with the controller.

“Hermes-” Sir Topham Hatt began in a rehearsed sounding voice, reaffirming to Rebecca that this was far from their first conversation like this.

“Please, sir.” Hermes blurted out. “It's Ed, the new engine. He's a really good sort, even if…” He trailed off, though whether he was getting his thoughts in line or panicking at the controller's demeanor was up in the air.

“We wanted to discuss the new engine, sir.” Rebecca stepped in. “He may be struggling, but he is doing the best he can. If I may, sir, I would recommend he be sent to the works for an evaluation. I've seen engines of his design work quite reliably in the Southern Region.

“Their main line is electrified, and has been for decades.” She continued. “I believe the lack of a source of electricity has to do with the problems he's facing. Now, I'm not suggesting we electrify the entire main line - that would be a long way to go for only one engine, even considering how much it'd help him.”

Sir Topham Hatt gave a single nod of his head. His expression didn't lighten up much. Rebecca knew that must've been eating away at Hermes. She was beginning to feel a bit hot under her casing as well, but she pressed on regardless.

“I'm sure your staff at Crovan’s Gate will be able to work something out for Ed.”

There was a pause. The only sounds passing through the station were the distant indications of work from the nearby Harbour, and BoCo's train clattering off into the distance.

“There wasn't a need for this meeting.” Sir Topham Hatt began. “I've already scheduled for Ed to be sent to the Works. I'm aware of his shortcomings, and intend to have them seen to. Crovan’s Gate Works is a much more capable workshop than what it was when my father was in his prime, so I have no doubt they will figure something out. I appreciate your concern for another engine, but trust me to look after those on my railway.”

“Thank you, sir.” Rebecca said, relieved.

“If there's nothing more to be said, you both may return to the sheds.”

“No sir, I- uh yes, sir!” Stammered Hermes.

The controller's expression didn't change, but Rebecca thought she could see a glint of amusement in his eye. She didn't dwell on it though, instead heading off with Hermes to tell the others the good news.

[duskstargazer]

Something Must be Done

[1976]

Rebecca marched onto the turntable with one thing on her mind.

“Guys,” she declared, “we’ve got to do something about Ed.”

“Who?” Grunted Gordon.

He looked up, only to meet Rebecca’s gaze. It was a look he didn’t recognise, but regardless, he didn’t press further.

“He seems like a nice sort.” Emily added.

“Yea, and our railway’s helped struggling engines before.” Hermes added. He looked over at Henry, who was oddly quiet.

“We don’t think he’s at risk of being sent away, right?”

Emily’s expression grew tense. “I’m sure our controller wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“Bad bargains are nothing new, either.” Gordon added. “The Other Railway’s a strange place. Sometimes, you get exactly the station pilot you’re looking for, sometimes, you get double the motive power you’d expected, and sometimes you’re left with a transaction that’s absolute rot.”

“I don’t think he- what?”

“You heard me.”

“I just- when have you ever used a phrase like ‘absolute rot’?”

“It- it’ll catch on!”

Emily and Hermes exchanged skeptical expressions.

Gordon coughed awkwardly. “Aanyway, back to the topic at hand.”

“Right.” Hermes grunted. “What's to be done, then?”

“Well, in the past, a… er, what did we call it? Desperation? …has proven effective-”

"Not it!!" Yelped Hermes before anyone else could get a word in.

“A what?” Rebecca asked.

“Blah blah tell Sir Topham Hatt something’s wrong, blah blah ask him to put it right.” Hermes said, as if that clarified anything.

“Hm.” Rebecca nodded. “So talk to Sir Topham Hatt about it. I’ll do it.”

Gordon grunted. “Though Hermes should still accompany you.”

“WHY?” The small engine squawked.

“Because Sir Topham Hatt will take pity on you. He'll see the desperation in your eyes, and will be more willing to give you what she’s asking.”

Hermes stared. “Gordon… you kinda suck.”

[duskstargazer]

A Buffer to Lean On

[1976]

A few days later, Rebecca was taking on coal, when she heard the growl and coughs that had come to be associated with the new engine.

She bit her lip. She knew he had it rough, and that there had to be something she could do.

Rebecca made her way over to the shed where he sat. She figured at the very least, she could try and cheer him up - he looked like he needed it.

“Hey,” she greeted, softly, “you okay?”

“Mn, yeah.” He moped. “Doin’ great. Just… thinkin’ about how I probably won't get to stay here much longer.”

“Why's that?”

“Well- look at me. Every delivery I've made has arrived late. I break down constantly. I… I'm a failure.”

“You're not a failure.” Rebecca said, firmly. “Your class worked just fine in the Southern Region.”

“Yea, where the tracks were electrified. And even then we weren't terribly consistent. Point is, I'm one in a class of faulty designs.”

Rebecca paused, choosing her next words with more care than she normally did - which typically was a lot as it was.

“This is probably gonna sound crazy, but I sort of get where you’re coming from. The feeling that you're just one of many that's only just able to do what's expected of you.”

“Right…” Ed looked up at the big yellow engine. “The Light Pacifics. You guys had issues with adhesion weight, right?”

Rebecca chuckled. “Among other things.”

“I'd hoped to be something more when I got here.” Ed continued. “Maybe make something of myself, y'know?”

The yellow engine thought Ed's words over. She thought back to a big, dark green engine who constantly struggled leaving stations due to her constant wheel slipping, the pejorative names her class were given, and how downcast it made so many of her siblings.

“I don't just want to be one in a class of barely functional engines.”

“Then you're on the right railway.” Rebecca gave Ed a firm smile. “I'm sure we can work something out.”

[duskstargazer]

Cursed

[1976]

Ed struggled with the coal trains. Every delivery arrived late, and he wasn't much help with the shunting.

“We were expecting this coal an hour and a half ago.” Scolded the stationmaster at Wellsworth

Over time, the delays began to pile up. Depots and villages were kept waiting for their shipments of coal.

“This won’t do, Ed. We need dependability with these deliveries.”

Eventually, Ed was moved off of coal trains, and Henry took over the job. This left Ed helping out with regular goods trains along the main line.

“Having my work taken over by an engine over twice my age…” He said to himself. “What would the engines on the Other Railway say…”

Even on less demanding duties, Ed wasn’t spared snide commentary and baleful looks.

“And they call you the future.” Murdoch sniffed as he rumbled by. “Can’t imagine what the Other Railway sees in engines like you - especially to the degree of what they did to us.”

It didn't take long for Ed to worry about how long his stay on the railway would last.

[duskstargazer]

First Impressions

[1976]

Ed made his way into the Coaling Plant. The yard was swimming with activity. The new engine felt out of place already.

“You here to work, or are ya here to sight-see?” Norbert barked.

“Oh- uh- sorry!” Ed yelped. He took off to find some trucks to sort.

He soon began to shunt the first trucks into line. His engine growled, and smoke billowed from his vents.

Norbert eyed him with contempt.

“Don't mind him.” Logan said. “You just do what you can.”

“If that's the best he can do, then send him back.” Norbert growled.

Ed winced.

“At least give ‘im a chance, Norbert.” Logan called over his buffer. “Don't worry.” He said to the newcomer. “I'll help you get this train sorted.”

As the two went about sorting their train, Ed caught Norbert glaring him down out of the corner of his eye. In spite of his best efforts, Ed couldn’t help but feel that Logan - an engine a third his size - did most of the heavy lifting.

[duskstargazer]

'See how he does'

[1976]

News of James's accident spread quickly.

“Well, if we suddenly have a shortage of coal, we know who to thank.” Gordon sniffed.

“Let's hope they don't end up bringing any of that low-grade crap over from the mainland.” Henry added.

“Yes,” BoCo agreed, “I remember how bad you all had it the last time we got low-grade coal in.”

“I don't think it'll come to that.” Bear interjected - having seen the incident himself as it had unfolded. “Especially depending on how the new engine does.”

Everyone stopped and turned to the Hymeck.

“New engine?” Inquired Gordon. “What new engine?”

“What, were you not told? We're supposed to be getting a new engine in to cover for James for the time being. At least that's the way I heard it.”

“Do you know anything about the new engine?” Henry asked.

“Not that I recall.” Bear admitted.

“That's helpful.” Gordon muttered.

“Well it's not like they're gonna just give out the name and number, class, locomotive firm that built them, and their entire work history in casual conversation.”

“Well I would like something to go off of.” Gordon sniffed.

“Uhm, pardon me… is this Tidmouth Sheds?”

Every set of eyes locked onto the source of the unfamiliar voice.

“It is,” Henry said, “are you visiting?”

“No, I’m a new resident. I think.” The engine added, quickly. There was a noticeable shake in the engine’s voice. “I’m Ed. May I come in?”

BoCo smiled. “Of course. Come in, we're expecting some hard rain soon.”

“Oh, thank you. Thank you!”

The new diesel rumbled quietly into the shed, next to Rebecca. She looked him over with an odd silence.

“I'm sure you'll love it here.” She said at last, giving Ed an encouraging smile.

“I hope so.” Ed replied.

“Sure.” Grunted Gordon, as the first roars of thunder rumbled in the distance. “We'll see how he does.”

[duskstargazer]

Could there be any nods to Tales from the Other Railway from this new diesel? :3

I haven't read any of it, so no.

[duskstargazer]

Any opinions on the Timothy creepypasta? Despite aging poorly, I still feel creeped out from the jumpscares. Is there any chance he could get a reference?

To me, Timothy the Ghost Engine feels very "mid plan, poor execution". It seems to hinge too much on "scary", but carries little substance, in addition to appearing not very well thought out.

I know how I'd handle it, but it's so far removed from the original story that I imagine a lot of people probably wouldn't even recognize it as the story in question throughout most of it.

[duskstargazer]

Other Arrangements

[1976]

The two arrived at the Works and found Sir Topham Hatt waiting for them. He did not look impressed.

“I had hoped by now that you had learned to control trucks.” He said, sternly. “And that you would be able to assist with the orders of coal and not make a mess of things.”

“It was those troublesome trucks, sir.” James stammered. “They-”

“And no excuses, thank you, James. Until you learn to look after them properly, I'll have you assisting in the yards at Tidmouth. Once you're back in working order, that is.”

James's face fell.

“The Plant manager asked me not to send you back. For the time being, I will have to find another engine to cover the work you were unable to do. I know of quite a few from the Other Railway that ought to do quite nicely.”

The red engine winced again - he knew what that meant. In this day and age, new engines from the mainland usually entailed another new diesel.

To call James disheartened would be a major understatement.

[duskstargazer]

'On the Bright Side...'

[1976]

“Well… it could have been worse…”

“How. How could things have been any worse?!”

“What is going on out here?!”

“I shouldn’t have asked.”

The foreman came storming up.

“Just what is the meaning of all this?!” He barked.

“Well- when we- I just-” James stammered.

“James blew his whistle before the trucks were uncoupled.” The ramp operator said, bluntly.

James winced.

The foreman looked James over. There wasn't really anything more to say.

“Get him out of here, Rebecca.” He ordered. “I'll be having a word with your director.”

He stormed away, leaving James feeling distraught.

“On the bright side,” Rebecca offered, “you won't have to work with coal trucks for a while.”

“No, instead, I get to have The Fat Controller give me five across the tender.”

James continued to bemoan his predicament as Rebecca pulled him clear of the wreckage, ready for the journey to the works.

[duskstargazer]

Disaster Strikes

[1976]

“Keep going! You're good! You're good! You're good!” The worker shouted, waving James on. “And stop!”

The trucks lurched. James growled. The storm overhead was getting worse.

He had to shunt the trucks from the mines one by one onto a special platform. The truck was uncoupled from the rest, and hooked to the platform. Then, the worker signalled to the ramp's operator to send the truck up.

It was a long, boring, and tedious process, and it kept James stuck in the Coaling Plant that much longer.

“Just how many more of these do we have to do this for?” James asked his driver.

“Five less than when you last asked.” She sighed. She leaned out of the cab. “I'd say probably seven more.”

“Great.”

“Next!” The worker shouted.

James started, but the trucks refused to move.

“Nope!” They yelled.

“Go push someone else around!”

“We ain't movin’ for you!”

James seethed, his anger skyrocketing.

Just then, the foreman walked up. For a second, James thought he was going to tell him off.

“Tim, back inside.” He ordered, calling over to the man operating the ramp. “We're getting reports of worse weather in the area. I don't want anyone here getting struck by lightning.”

The man nodded, and headed off.

“What about us?” James asked. It wasn't as if he could uncouple each truck himself.

“Have your driver handle the ramp down here.” The foreman said, for all three to hear. “Neither of you have radios, do you?” James’s driver shook her head in the negative. “Mm. Eh, just whistle when you're ready for the operator to send the trucks up.”

“Got it.”

James grunted.

The foreman had just left, when the platform came back down. James’s driver jogged up, unhooked the truck, and waved them on. The sky lit up briefly as the heart of the storm descended upon them.

James pushed, but once again, the trucks refused.

“Come on…!” He growled. “Move, will you!”

“Make us!” Jeered the trucks.

So James did. He backed up, and charged the truck still on the ramp. Of course, they all chose then to let their brakes slip off.

James whistled in alarm, momentarily forgetting about what the foreman had just said.

The driver froze. With a groan, the ramp started - with the truck now on it still coupled to the others!

What followed was pandemonium. James panicked, and tried to drag the trucks back, the driver hollered to the ramp operator, the workers in the area scrambled frantically, and the trucks all screamed.

The trucks lurched off the still rising platform, and hurtled backwards. James's half of the loading ramp disappeared in a cloud of coal dust.

The ramp seized up, and eventually was shut off. Everyone stood staring at the disaster before them.

“…What did you just do…?”

[duskstargazer]

Setting Storm

[1976]

The rain pelted down. Most of the workers had gone to find shelter.

James huffed in with a train from the mines.

“Oi. You there.” Norbert barked. “Get those empties over there under the hoppers, then deal with this lot.”

James bristled. “Who put you in charge? And what makes you think-”

“If you're not doing as instructed, then you're in the way.” He rumbled, in a tone that could rival the thunder above. “And if we have to make you useful through other means, then so be it. I'm sure the foreman's office could use a new heating system, if you're not using that boiler of yours.”

James stared, gobsmacked, as Norbert backed onto his line of coal trucks as though nothing had happened.

“Where do you want these?” Rebecca called out.

“Northernmost siding.” Norbert replied, shortly. “East end of the yard.”

“Got it. Thanks!” The big yellow engine said, cheerfully - far too cheerfully in James’s opinion - and went about sorting her trucks.