The North Western Chronicles
Episode 2: Little engines can do big things
It had now been two weeks since Thomas arrived on the Island of Sodor and the little tank engine was fitting into island life better than expected.
After his first day of shunting at Barrow Thomas had been shown the yard at Tidmouth and he and Edward spent the first few days shunting the yard, assembling construction and maintenance trains for the other engines.
After a few days Thomas was capable enough to handle the yard by himself and he did so splendidly.
One morning Edward rolled into the yard pulling a rake of coaches behind him, they were orange bogie coaches and looked incredibly sturdy.
''Hello Thomas. How's it going on here then?'' Edward asked with a smile.
''It's going great! I really think I've gotten the hang of this.''Thomas smiled.
''That's good to hear...I must say, you've certainly got this place running smoothly.'' Edward said.
Thomas smiled, then he saw the coaches behind Edward.
''Are those the new passenger coaches Toppham mentioned yesterday?'' He asked.
''Indeed they are, freshly built at Crovan's Gate.'' Edward smiled.
''They're pretty...I wish I could pull them. It'd be great to just go rolling down the line and watching the countryside fly by...I want to see the world one day Edward.'' Thomas smiled.
''Well Thomas, one day I'm sure you will...now where do you want these coaches?" Edward asked.
''Just over there...I'll shunt them into the carriage shed once I'm done here.'' Thomas said looking at one of the sidings.
Edward smiled and went to put the coaches there.
The engines were all resting in their berths at the shed when Toppham arrived.
''Hello engines.'' He smiled.
''Hello sir.'' The engines all replied in unison.
''First of all, Thomas you've been doing a splendid job organizing the yard.'' Toppham said.
''Thank you sir.'' Thomas smiled.
''Now then...with our new coaches finally completed we can begin running passenger trials from here to Barrow, as these are trials we'll not be accepting passengers...however you will be stopping at the stations, Nathaniel and I have been in talks about how our new operations will work and we've drafted new timetable that will suit both the North Western railway and the Sodor Furness and Carlisle railways fairly.'' Toppham said
He looked at Edward Crovan and Tilly.
''Now then, you three will run the first series of passenger trials while Winston, Thomas, Jack and Jake focus on the construction work, then Winston, Jack and Jake will switch with you, that way we know all the mainline coaches will function correctly.'' He said.
He looked at Glynn, Neil, Clive and Matthew.
''Now then you four, with the stations at Maithwaite and Hackenbeck finished trial runs on the Ffarqhuar branch can also begin trial runs on the Ffarqhuar branch with the new coaches...likewise with Nathaniel I've discussed the schedule with Mr Anpopha, that way we can run the increased passenger trains on the line and Lady can pull her Stone trains without issue.'' Toppham said.
''Sir.'' Thomas said confused.
''Yes Thomas?'' Toppham asked looking at him.
''Who's Lady?'' Thomas asked confused.
'Oh that's right...you wouldn't know who she is.'' He said.
''Lady's the private engine of the Anpopha stone quarry laddie...I think you'd like her a lot.'' Neil said.
Neil is indeed correct, when the Knapford, Elsbridge and Ffarqhuar light railway was founded in 1902 a small line running from the Anpopha stone quarry to Ffarqhuar was constructed and the Anpopha stone quarry ordered an industrial tank engine from Kitson and Co.
At that time Crovan's Gate works was still building engines, however they specialized in large mainline tender and tank engines, the only industrial tank engine they've ever built was Lexi of the Wellsworth and Suddery railway, and even then she was built to work at the Brendam clay pits...a much younger industry than the stone quarry.
Lady was designed by designer Burnett Stone and built in 1903 and arrived on Sodor that same year where she quickly made herself at home on the line...and safe to say, all her colleagues liked h
The following day passenger trials began on the mainline...however, there would be issues...major issues.
Tilly had stalled at the platform, steam billowing from her frame...and she had a horrible pain in her tanks.
Toby puffed over from the yard and looked at her worriedly.
Tilly! What's wrong?'' He asked worriedly.
''I don't know...I really don't feel good...I think it's...boiler ache.'' She said.
Toby grimaced sympathetically and coupled up behind her coaches.
''C'mon...let's get you to the works and get you looked over.'' He said.
The engines (minus Tilly) were all at Tidmouth sheds, Toppham was discussing the situation with Tilly to them.
''Now then, as I'm sure you're all aware Tilly has been sent to the works...she's fine other than a bad case of boiler ache and a few of her parts being more worn than they should be...however she's going to be in the works for two weeks and that means we have a problem...the coach trials are scheduled in such a way that three engines are needed to keep to their current timetable...and with Thomas and Toby needed in the yards and the rest of you needed on the construction trains and the Ffarqhuar line we can't spare anyone...therefore John has lent me one of his engines to help out...Miles to be specific.'' Toppham said.
A mass of groans and indignant complaints immediately rose from the shed.
''The peacock himself!'' Crovan groaned
''Why...oh why him!'' Jack groaned.
''You've got to be joking.'' Winston muttered under his breath.
Toppham firmly held up his hand to silence them.
''Silence!'' He boomed firmly.
The complaints immediately died down.
Toppham sighed and looked at them.
''Look...I know Miles is...Miles I guess. But he volunteered to help us...and considering he's already running his express trains and also troop trains on top of that I think we should all be extremely grateful for his help...no one asked him to volunteer, but he did. However, don't think for a moment I'll tolerate his attitude, I've already warned him he needs to be on his best behavio and he's promised me he will be...and I believe him. He may be a boastful engine, but he's also a really useful engine.'' Toppham said.
''That may be true sir...but don't expect me to like it.'' Crovan said.
The other engines all murmured in agreement.
Deciding not to comment on that Toppham looked at Thomas.
''Thomas, Miles will be hauling the first train out of Tidmouth tomorrow morning and you'll need to fetch his coaches for him, he'll be arriving from Carlilse and will need them quickly so he can be at Barrow in time for his next troop train.'' Toppham said.
''Yes sir.'' Thomas said.
The next morning however there was a problem, Thomas was struggling to wake up...his fire went out and refused to burn for long.
Thomas yawned, blinking blearily as he tried to keep his eyes open.
Winston winced sympathetically at the little black engine as he puffed out the shed to fetch his construction train.
''You need to wake up Thomas, Miles will be waiting for his coaches .'' He said.
Evantually Thomas' fire roared to life and his eyes shot open in alarm.
''Oh dear! Must get going...must get going!'' He exclaimed, puffing out the shed and towards the yard.
A couple of minutes later he was shunting the coaches into the platform at Tidmouth.
Miles was there...and just from the scowl on his face Thomas could tell he was in a FOUL mood.
Well...right now he is too.
''HURRY UP YOU!'' Miles snapped impatiently, he's supposed to be leaving in a LITERAL minute...and he DESPISES being late.
''Hurry up yourself.'' Thomas huffed.
An evil smirk formed on Miles' face as a wicked idea surged into his smokebox.
''Yes...I will.'' He smirked as he was coupled up to the coaches.
The staff at the station typically uncouple shunters from the coaches so they don't get dragged along...that wouldn't be the case this time however.
Miles started off so fast there was no time to uncouple Thomas.
''Whoa!''Thomas yelped as he shot forward at a terrifying speed.
Seconds later Miles had left Tidmouth far behind and was cruising down the mainline.
''STOP! STOP!'' Thomas exclaimed.
''Come on! Keep up!'' He taunted.
Miles shot down the line, not even at top speed...but it was FAR too fast for Thomas.
Poor Thomas was going faster than he'd ever gone before, he could feel his wheels aching and his side rods creaking in protest.
Miles continued speeding down the line.
''STOP! STOP!'' Thomas yelled again, pleading this time...desperate for the ordeal to end.
Miles laughed as he sped down the line, not even hearing Thomas...or maybe he just didn't care.
''Hurry hurry hurry!'' Miles exclaimed joyfully
Thomas saw Edward passing by on the other line, heading back to Tidmouth with a rake of coaches.
''EDWAAARD!'' Thomas cried out in terror.
''Thomas!'' Edward exclaimed slamming his breaks on in shock.
Thomas let out a noise that may have been a whine or a sob as Miles went even faster...even he couldn't tell what it was.
Miles blew his whistle twice as he thundered down the line, loud and proud as always.
''Fastest engine on Sodor coming through!'' He eclaimed.
He rounded the bend and pulled into Knapford station, the junction station between the Ffarqhuar line and the mainline.
He gently eased to a stop at the platform, making sure the coaches (and Thomas) would come to a smooth stop at the platform.
''The train at platform 1 is the 8:17 service to Barrow in Furness.'' The PA system announced.
As he rolled to a full stop at the platform Miles glanced at the time.
8:16AM...A full minute early.
''Oh yes.'' Miles grinned proudly.
Thomas was uncoupled from the coaches...he was exhausted, panting hard to catch his breath.
''Well little Thomas, that was certainly a thrill for you wasn't it?'' Miles teased before pulling out of the station and heading for Barrow.
Thomas didn't say anything in response as Miles disappeared from sight...he just backed up to the water tower, and had a long drink.
He heard a frantic whistle and suddenly Edward appeared and braked sharply next to him.
''Thomas! Are you alright!'' He exclaimed.
''I'm...alright.'' Thomas panted, barely able to get those two words out.
''I saw Miles pulling you behind his coaches. What happened, little one?'' Edward asked.
''He started up so fast...I wasn't uncoupled...he was going so fast Edward.'' Thomas said, his voice shaking.
What Thomas didn't see was the scowl forming on Edward's face, not just anger....PURE RAGE.
Later that afternoon Miles rolled back into Tidmouth, he had a break before his next train out of Tidmouth and was eager to enjoy every moment of it.
What he didn't expect to see was Edward on the turntable...and HE LOOKED FURIOUS
Without warning Edward moved forward and gave Miles a sharp bump, not hard...but enough to move him back a few inches.
''You silly great engine! Do you have any idea how reckless that was!'' Edward exclaimed furiously, literally shaking with rage.
''You know damm well what I'm talking about.'' Edward said in a low voice.
''Oh yes...Thomas.'' Miles said.
He then looked at Edward.
''I don't know what the fuss is about Edward...it's not like I damaged him. I know what I'm doing.'' Miles said stiffly.
''THAT'S PRECISELY THE POINT!'' Edward suddenly thundered and Miles actually blinked in shock, he had only ever heard Edward use that tone once before.
Edward wasn't done...not even close.
''You're a fast engine Miles, and a strong one too! You've been serving this island since 1896 and you should know far better than using your strength and strength to enforce discipline...I know you were stressed and I know Thomas was underperforming that morning, but Thomas wasn't trying to make you late on purpose, he'd literally just woken up...now I'm not going to debate who's fault this entire debacle was...because you are BOTH to blame...yes Thomas shouldn't have snapped back...but YOU shouldn't have provoked him in the fast place!'' Edward snapped.
He then paused when he saw Miles looking ashamedly at his buffers.
It's not at all an easy challenge to make Miles look like that, only himself, Hosea and Nathaniel Matthews had managed that in the nineteen years Miles had been alive.
''Miles...I know you're a better engine than this. Hosea told me about that incident with Felix.'' Edward said.
''Yes. He did.'' Edward said.
Hosea had been parked at the platform with a passenger train bound for Brendam when he heard a voice.
''OI! MOVE IT YOU RUST BUCKET!'' A voice bellowed, so loud it echoed around the station and yard.
Miles (who had been asleep in the shed at the time) puffed out and saw a large red LNWR 4-6-0 Claughton engine yelling at a small green shunter from the NER.
The poor shunter was clearly overwhelmed and exhausted...he'd been up since dawn shunting in the yard and was long overdue for a break.
Hosea was just about to intervene when a whistle ran out, long, loud...and ENRAGED.
Miles immediately steamed over, red in the face and a scowl on his face...but he wasn't glaring at the shunter.
He was glaring at the claughton.
Because for all his bluster, all his boasting and all his arrogance...Miles has NEVER treated a shunter like they're nothing.
Yes he barks orders at them, yes he believes he's better than them...and he DEFINITELY thinks being the bigger engine makes him the most useful...but he never belittles an engine for doing their job, especially not to the level this other engine currently is.
Miles may be a big, powerful express engine...but for all his boasting he respects the work even the smallest engines do.
That already put him above most other express engines Hosea had met over the years.
''Right! What's going on here?'' Miles demanded, steam wheeshing in irritation.
The claughton smirked, thinking Miles was on his side.
''Finally, another fellow express engine. Dear fellow, would you mind telling this runt to shove off...he's in my way.'' The claughton said.
''Really...because from what I can see you're terrorizing an engine who's just trying to do his job.'' Miles snapped.
The claughton blinked in surprise, as did the shunter...he hadn't expected Miles of all engines to jump to his defence.
The claughton then scowled at Miles.
''I beg your pardon, we express engines are supposed to stick together.'' The claughton snapped.
Miles was getting annoyed.
''Maybe so...what's your name?'' Miles asked.
''Felix.'' The claughton replied haughtily.
''Maybe so Felix, but I won't stand by and watch you bully another engine. This engine has been up since before either of us and he's been working his bunker off since! You pride yourself on being all speed and strength...if you really wanna challenge someone then challenge me!'' Miles snapped..
Felix's mouth fell open...no one had ever challenged him like that before.
''...What?'' He asked stunned.
''You heard me...if you wanna pick on an engine then pick on me. We can race to Crewe right now...just you and me.'' Miles challenged.
Felix was silent...he didn't know what to say to that.
'''That's more like it.....now shove off.'' Miles ordered.
Felix wordlessly steamed out of Carlilse and began heading down the line.
The shunter had tears in his eyes...so did Hosea, but they were tears of pride.
Miles looked at the shunter, his expression much softer.
''Are you alright?'' He asked.
The shunter nodded, not sure how else to respond.
''Why don't you go have a break...I'll take over for a little while, you need a nap far more than I do.'' Miles said.
The shunter just gave a weak smile and reversed into the berth Miles had previously occupied, while Miles headed into the yard.
Edward then gave Miles that firm look again.
''Now listen here Miles. I want you to go into that yard right now and apologize to Thomas...this little incident will remain between the three of us. But I'm warning you...if I hear about another incident like this, I'll be telling both our controllers immediately. Is that clear?'' Edward demanded.
''Yes Edward.'' Miles said solemnly.
''There's a good engine...now off with you.'' Edward said firmly, but not unkindly.
Miles nodded and quickly reversed into the yard to look for Thomas, leaving Edward to reverse back into the shed, looking quite pleased with himself.
Miles apologized to Thomas and to his credit he seemed to genuinely mean it.
For the rest of Miles' time helping the NWR engines he was indeed on his best behaviour...however the day before Tilly was due to return he was called back to the SFCR as Caleb had broken down following struggling with the increasing express and troop trains.
That left the NWR an engine short, and it couldn't have been at a worse time as the board of directors and the Duke of Sodor himself were due to ride on one of the trial trains...so Toppham had to resort to desperate measures.
Thomas had just finished shunting one of the utility trains into Tidmouth when Toppham rushed over looking frantic.
''Thomas! We have a situation!'' Toppham said, looking urgent.
''What's wrong sir?'' Thomas asked.
''We don't have an engine available to pull the board train! Miles was supposed to but John's just called him back...I'm afraid you'll have to do it.'' Toppham said.
''Sir? Are you you sure...I've never pulled a passenger train before.'' Thomas said.
''I know...and I don't want to force you into this Thomas, but you're literally the only engine available.'' Toppham said.
''I'd love to sir!'' Thomas exclaimed eagerly, excitement immediately replacing his nervousness.
''That's a good engine. Now then, go over to platform one and we'll be boarding shortly.'' Toppham said.
Thomas blew his whistle and went to top up on coal and water before heading out.
After that Thomas quickly puffed back into the station and over to platform 1 where Toppham and several men in fancy looking suits were waiting.
''So this is the new tank engine then?" A tall man in a dark suit and a well trimmed moustache asked looking at Thomas.
''Indeed. Gentlemen, this is Thomas. The new shunter at Tidmouth...he'll be taking us to Lancaster and back.'' Toppham said.
''Good to meet you sir..um sirs.'' Thomas said, trying to hide his nerves as he smiled shyly at the men.
There were several polite nods and murmurs from the board members as they glanced briefly at Thomas then turned their attention to Toppham.
Thomas' attention was focused squarely on the line heading out of Tidmouth...towards the mainland...towards adventure.
Back home in Brighton his cousin Stepney had pulled many a train back home and had told Thomas lots of stories about his travels.
Now he was going to pull a train just like the ones his cousin had pulled...and for the board of directors no less.
A whistle echoed through the station and Thomas blew his whistle and moved forward.
What Thomas didn't know however was that this whistle wasn't for him...it was for Winston.
Winston had been at the other platform and was currently departing with the utility train Thomas had shunted into the station only a few minutes previously.
Thomas didn't see him however, and to make matters worse...he wasn't coupled up to his coaches.
He was running light engine down the mainline, completely unaware he'd just left his entire train behind.
Thomas puffed along the mainline, black paint gleaming in the sunlight and steam billowing from his funnel and into the sky.
Thomas laughed joyfully as trees and houses flew past in a blur.
Thomas saw Crovan approaching in the distance and whistled happily at him.
''Thomas? I thought you were working in the yard!'' Crovan called as they passed each other.
''Can't you see I'm pulling coaches Crovan?!'' Thomas called happily.
Crovan frowned in confusion.
Thomas puffed along, completely oblivious to the lack of coaches behind him.
He eventually saw a red signal in front of him and a workman in front.
''Oh bother, a red signal! I was doing so well too...what a nuisance signals are.'' Thomas said as he slowed to a stop.
The signalman approached Thomas.
''Hello Thomas, what brings you out here then?'' He asked kindly.
''I'm pulling my very first passenger train.'' Thomas replied happily.
''Really? Then where are your coaches then?'' The signalman asked confused.
Thomas looked back...and his eyes went as wide as plates and he let out a loud gasp of horror.
''OH NO! I left my coaches behind!'' He exclaimed.
Toppham was trying to calm the board of directors who were NOT happy at what had happened.
''Gentlemen please! He's only a young engine...I assure you this is a simple accident.'' Toppham said, trying to calm the group of men currently glaring daggers at him.
Just then there was a whistle and Thomas reversed back into the station...looking very embarrassed.
''I'm so sorry sir.'' He said apologetically.
Toppham sighed, his tone a mixture of exhaustion and sympathy.
''It's my own fault Thomas...I should have told you to wait until you were coupled up. Let's just not waste anymore time.'' Toppham said.
This time Thomas waited for everyone to board the coaches, and for the coaches to be coupled up to him.
''Ready?'' Thomas asked, looking at the stationmaster nervously.
''Yes Thomas, you're ready to go now.'' He nodded.
With that Thomas blew his whistle and steamed towards Lancaster....thankfully with his train this time.
The engines were howling with laughter, by now the story of Thomas' train had reached all of them...safe to say they found it HILARIOUS.
Even Edward was laughing, though he stopped when he saw the miserable and embarrassed look on Thomas' face.
''I'm glad you came to work on our railway lad! You always give us something funny to laugh about.'' Winston said as he tried (and failed) to keep his composure.
''Sir Toppham Hatt will never let me pull coaches again.'' He sighed. ''But I want to go places and pull trains, I want to...''
''See the world!'' Winston and Crovan exclaimed in unison before bursting into rounds of laughter again.
''Alright, that's enough everyone.'' Edwards said firmly looking at the others.
''Don't be sad Thomas. I think you'll be a really useful engine one day...you're still learning after all.'' Edward said softly.
''You really think so Edward?'' Thomas asked.
''Yes Thomas I do...now let's get some sleep, it's been a long day.'' Edward said.
With that the laughter died down and all the engines went to sleep.
Hosea stirred awake when he heard the sounds of weak puffing in the yard.
He scanned the berths and saw Jones, Jesse, Samuel, Adam and Colin asleep in the berths.
Hosea knew it wasn't Caleb as he'd been taken to Crovan's Gate works by Lily.
Lily, Jacen and Stephen are starting in the sheds at Carlilse, and Charlie, Benson, Samson and Whiff are sleeping at the sheds in Waterton.
So that just left...Miles.
Miles reversed into his berth and Hosea grimaced.
His eyes were barely open, his wheels were creaking and steam was billowing weakly from his funnel.
''Miles Lad...ye look exhausted.'' Hosea said.
''Mmm.'' Miles hummed, barely conscious.
''When was the last time ye slept a full night Miles?'' Hosea asked.
''....been busy.'' Miles mumbled, blinking rapidly, clearly trying to keep his eyes open.
Hosea frowned...understatement of the freaking century.
Miles had been working express trains, troops trains and helping with the NWR's coach trials on top of those.
That's more work than any one engine should be able to do by himself.
''Miles...ye need to take a breath lad. You're running yourself into the ground.'' Hosea said.
''I can...handle it.'' Miles replied, yawning midway through his sentence.
''Ye can't lad..just look at yourself.'' Hosea said.
''Mmm...fine....'' Miles mumbled, his voice trailing off into yet another yawn.
''Ye definitely ain't...now sleep, I mean it.'' Hosea ordered.
''....not tried.'' Miles said stubbornly, clearly planning on staying awake.
That immediately changed when Miles' crew pulled out the polish cloths.
Ever since Miles had been a brand new engine back in 1896 his crew had always polished him before he went to sleep.
Now that may sound like vanity (and to be fair part of it probably is)...but it's more than that, the smell of the polish helps Miles sleep, calms him in a sense.
''Ye are lad...and you'll reach your breaking point eventually.'' Hosea said.
Miles didn't reply...he was already fast asleep.
Hosea wasn't wrong of course, Miles worked himself hard over the next few days.
His workload was already heavy on its own, but now that Caleb had broken down he was now responsible for both his and brother's work, thankfully Tilly had returned to the North Western the day after Caleb's breakdown so he wasn't needed there anymore, but he still had a lot of work to do.
Eventually it all came to a head a week later when he broke down at Vicarstown...leaving the SFCR with both it's express engines broken down.
Neil (who had been there to help Toby) was next to Miles on the mainline, looking at the young engine who was being inspected by a workman after coming to a stop at the platform with his express.
''Nope, your valve gear's completely shot Miles. It'll need to be completely replaced.'' The workman said, shaking his head sympathetically.
''Well that's just great! Looks like I won't be pulling anymore coaches today.'' He said.
Neil shot the younger engine a firm scowl.
''Hosea warned you to take it easy Miles! Don't exert yourself he said...but you young engines think you're invincible!'' Neil snapped.
''Thanks for the words of wisdom grandad...you got any on how to move an express train when an engine's down, and the other's still in the works.'' Miles shot back.
''Yep. Pray for a miricale.'' Neil said.
''You rang!'' A voice called.
The two looked up as a familiar red engine appeared with a rake of coaches behind him.
It was Winston, hauling a rake of coaches behind him...clearly returning from a trial run to Lancaster.
''Woah! What happened here?'' He asked worriedly.
''Miles' valve gear...again.'' Miles' driver said.
Neil immediatly took charge.
''Alright listen up you lot, we cant dilly dally right now. Winston take, Miles' train to Carlilse. Toby, take Miles to Crovan's Gate...I'll take over here until you're back.'' He ordered.
He then looked at the Vicarstown stationmaster, who'd just come out his office.
''Daniel, Miles has broken down...I need you to phone ahed and tell the signalman to expect Winston pulling Miles' coaches, and call Brendam and tell them about Miles.'' He said.
No one said anything...they just nodded and got to work.
Soon everything was sorted and Toby began shunting Miles to Crovan's Gate, meanwhile Winston had shunted his coaches into a siding and after being turned around, immediately began heading to Carlilse.
At Crovan's Gate Caleb was having his final checks done before he could go back to Brendam.
He looked up in surprise as Neil shunted Miles in the maintenance shed next to him, then puffed off back to Vicarstown.
''Miles?!'' Caleb exclaimed, surprised to see him.
''Not. A. Word.'' Miles ground out.
''Miles, seriously mate...you look wrecked.'' Caleb said, glancing at his twin.
Miles sighed, wether from exhaustion or misery even he didn't know.
''I feel it too.'' He replied.
The workman continued inspecting Miles.
''Jesus Miles, your valve gears completely packed in...you're lucky it wasn't worse.'' The foreman said, wiping his forehead with a rag.
''I had it handled.'' Miles replied grouchily
''No. You didn't.'' A firm voice said.
Miles Caleb and the workmen all looked up as a man in a dark coat stepped into the workshop.
Every man (and engine) present immediately knew who this man was.
John Weddle, controller of the Sodor, Furness and Carlilse railway.
''Sir...what are you doing here?'' Caleb asked.
''I came to see you Caleb, I hear you're good to go?'' John asked.
''Yes sir, they're just finishing the final checks now.'' Caleb said.
''Good, we need you back.'' John smiled patting Caleb's running board.
''...and as for you Miles! I'm sorry.'' John said.
Miles arched an eyebrow in confusion.
''Sir?'' He asked, confused.
John held up a hand and Miles went quiet.
''I should have done something about this sooner...'' John began.
''Sir, with all due respect. We are in a war, workloads are expected to be heavy.'' Miles said.
''Yes, but I'm thinking before the war.'' John said.
Miles looked confused, so John continued.
''When I became the controller in 1912 and we shifted our business from the White Star Line to Cunard and the workload increased...I didn't think about how it would affect the two express engines the railway owned, and it took me this long to realize how bad things would, and have gotten...and for that, I'm sorry.'' John sad.
''It's alright sir.'' Miles said.
''Thank you...but that brings us back to the major issue, I've already ordered an engine from the mainland...'' John said.
Caleb looked at John in surprise.
''Can we afford that sir?'' He asked
''Barely...but we need the helpurgently.'' John said.
''So you're replacing me.'' Miles muttered.
''No Miles, I'm getting you and Caleb the help you've been needing for a while now.'' John said.
''Okay sir.'' Miles said, though he still sounded miserable.
John patted Miles' running board.
''Get some rest Miles, you've earned it.'' He said, before heading over to Caleb and climbing into his cab, and with that Caleb headed back to Brendam, leaving Miles alone in the shed.
Safe to say Miles' breakdown would put him out of commission for a few weeks, in addition to his valve gear being damaged he additionally needed to have several severely worn parts replaced, meaning he'd be in the works even longer than expected.
John immediately worked on spreading the workload more evenly amongst the rest of his engines, including having Hosea help Caleb on the express...and while it had been a few years since Hosea had pulled an express at this point, he still did remarkably well.
However it wasn't perfect, as the war kept escalating...so did the workload.
A couple of days before the new engine Hosea suddenly woke up with steaming issues, and while he hadn't broke down he definitely wouldn't be able to pull the first express out of Brendam.
Caleb was pulling the express out of Carlilse, Miles was still in the works, Colin couldn't be taken away from the yard, Samuel, Simon and Stephen were pulling goods trains, Lily was helping the East Sudrian engines, Adam, Jacen, Jesse and Jones were already taking passenger trains...it had come to this.
Thomas and Tilly were both at the shed when Toppham and John arrived.
''Thomas, Tilly...I'm sorry for disrupting the two of you, but it's urgent.'' Toppham said.
''What's wrong sir?'' Tilly asked.
''To put it bluntly...all of my engines are overworked to the brink right now, and with Miles broken down, the new engine is still not here and my fleet is already busy with work, we need help getting the express out of Brendam and to Carlilse.'' John said.
Thomas and Tilly both looked at John as though he'd grown a second head.
''Sir...with all due respect. What you're proposing is absolutely ludicrous...and why me and Thomas of all engines?'' Tilly asked.
''Because Tilly, Edward, Crovan and Winston are busy with the construction effort, as our most powerful engines they can pull the larger construction trains, therefore increasing the amount of work that can be done in a single trip.'' Toppham said.
''Besides we're only asking you to do it one time, Hosea's steam issues aren't major and he'll be back at work by lunchtime...however, I do believe you have a point. Two engines alone probably won't cut it.'' John said.
''What about Lady? She doesn't pull passengers, only trains from the quarry...maybe she can help.'' Thomas suggested.
Toppham and John looked at each other before nodding.
''A very good idea Thomas, I'll contact Mr Anoptha. Now then, I want you both to fill right up on both coal and water...you're going to need it.'' Toppham said.
''Yes sir!'' Thomas and Tilly exclaimed in unison.
Soon both engines had filled their tanks and were puffing along the line to Wellsworth (so they could turn around and head to Brendam) and SFCR territory.
Tilly noticed Thomas was rather quiet.
''Thomas, are you alright?'' Tilly asked.
''Tilly...you heard about what happened with the board train right?'' Thomas asked.
''Yes, I heard. Thomas, that was an accident...that's not going to happen here.'' Tilly said.
''But, what if...'' Thomas began.
Tilly suddenly cut him off with that firm motherly tone she seemed to love using on Thomas.
''Thomas, listen to me...you're a young engine, you'll make mistakes...that's just the way of line, no one's perfect. The important thing is that you learn from those mistakes, and you've learned...haven't you?'' Tilly asked.
''Yeah.'' Thomas said meekly.
''Then you won't make that mistake again, just trust yourself and everything'll go alright.'' Tilly said.
Colin was shunting a passenger train into the station for Jesse when he heard two engines puffing behind him.
He looked and saw Thomas and Tilly pulling into the station.
''Tilly, and...Thomas right?" Colin asked looking at them.
''Hello Colin, and yes this is Thomas. Say hello Thomas.'' Tilly instructed gently.
''Hello Colin.'' Thomas said politely.
''Good to meet you Thomas. Tilly can you shunt the express coaches for me, I'm worked off my wheels here?'' Colin asked.
''Of Course Colin, just show me what siding they're in.'' Tilly said.
As the two engines disappeared into the yard Thomas took in his surroundings.
Brendam was hectic with engines puffing and whistling, workmen shouting and giving orders, passengers bustling into the 4 platformed stations...a large crane barking orders as he lifted crates on and off of ships.
He was broken out of his thoughts by a mall, but powerful whistle.
He looked and saw a small purple and gold tank engine puffing into the yard, looking remarkably calm despite the hustle and bustle around her...was it his imagination, or did his face suddenly get warmer.
The engine smiled up at him.
''Hello there, you must be Thomas.'' She said.
Thomas' mouth opened but no sound came out, he tried again but all that came out was a very weak ''Hello''.
''I'm Lady, what's your name?'' The purple engine asked kindly.
''T..TTh...Thomas.'' Thomas replied nervously...yep, he was definitely blushing.
''It's nice to meet you Thomas.'' Lady smiled.
Tilly's whistle interrupted their conversation...and for that Thomas was thankful, god he was making a fool of himself right now.
''Ok, you two turtle doves can chatter away on your own time...we have a train to pull.'' Tilly said firmly, though the grin on her face betrayed her firmness.
Thomas felt his face go as red as Winston's paintwork and quickly reversed back into the station, Lady following him.
Thomas was at the back of the triple header, Tilly in the middle and Lady at the front.
The passengers barded the coaches and the guard blew his whistle
''Come on. Come on.'' Lady fussed importantly.
''Let's get moving. Let's get moving.'' Tilly said grandly.
''We're doing it! We're doing it!'' Thomas exclaimed as they began moving forward.
The cavalcade slowly but surely began moving out of the station, they could feel the weight of seven heavy express coaches behind them...but they forged ahead regardless.
Now, express trains aren't like local trains, they don't stop at every station...and as this is the non-stop express, that means they had literally no chance at all to catch their breath.
Then there was the hill...a massive incline beyond Wellsworth, an effort even for big engines like Winston, Crovan, Caleb and Miles...and a nightmare for three tank engines hauling a long and heavy express train.
However, with a lot of huffing and puffing they made it over the top.
''We did it! We did it!'' Thomas cheered excitedly.
''It's a good thing we didn't break down there, that would have been a nightmare.'' Tilly said, out of breath.
''Yeah, Miles would have never let us hear the end of it.'' Thomas said.
But he had spoken too soon...the ordeal proved too much for poor Lady.
Lady's whistle rang out in the emergency code and they were forced to stop.
Lady's crew got out and inspected her up and down.
Her driver sighed and looked at it.
''We cant take you off here Lady, try and keep your brakes off...Crovan's Gate isn't far.'' Her driver said.
Lady's crew got back into here and Thomas and Tilly blew their whistles before setting off again.
Lady's breakdown made the journey much harder for the other two engines...but they struggled on.
As Crovan's Gate grew closer still, they used EVERY last ounce of strength and steam to summon a last brave attempt to reach the station.
''Nearly there. Nearly there.'' Panted Tilly.
''We can make it. We can make it.'' Huffed Thomas.
Poor Lady didn't have any steam left to say anything.
At last Crovan's Gate station came into view.
They were on the final approach when Tilly found that she simply could go no further.
Thomas couldn't pull the heavy coaches and push Tilly and Lady all on his own, so the cavalcade came to a stop...with the station platform right in front of them.
There in the sidings watching them...was Miles, staring in disbelief at what he'd just seen.
Duke Jack 1st himself had been on the train, he got out from hi coach and stood in front of the three engines.
The three engines stiffened immediately...but the Duke was smiling at them.
''You three all did splendidly to make it this far and I'm proud of all three of you. I'm going to go and explain what happened to your controllers, right now though you've earned a good long rest in the shed.'' He smiled.
The three tank engines blushed at the Duke's praise, but smiled gratefully at him.
Thomas, Tilly and Lere uncoupled from the train and moved off to a siding, meanwhile an engine from the Furness railway was called to take the train.
As the tank engines moved away wearily, Miles looked at Thomas...and winked.
He didn't need to say anything...Thomas already understood.
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