Traintober 2025: Day 31 Replacement
unmute
Bowler(Class40/The Diesel) after escaping the BR with his adopted daughter; Wish (OC), is just happy to be on Sodor quietly doing whatever asked of him. However, he soon finds himself caught up in Gordon and the Flyingscotsman's 'brotherly love'.
Morning at Vicarstown Station, the Flying Scotsman had arrived from the main land and was getting ready for his return trip in the yard. Bowler comes in having had to pull Rebecca’s train while her breaks were being repaired. The BR Class 40 with his newly refreshed dual tone green paint comes to wait beside the Scotsman.
“Oh, look a Class 40, I thought you all were extinct after I put you all in your place.” Scotsman says smugly and boastfully; remembering how the BR had once promoted the Class 40’s as the ‘Flying Scotsman of today’.
Bowler sighed tiredly not really wanting to acknowledge such boasting.
“Dear Brother!” Gordon appalled as he was turned around to face them. “Was it not the loss of our class that brought us together?” Gordon questions.
“Ahhh…” Scotsman realizes how his boastfulness had been insensitive.
“To wish the pain of the loss of one’s class on another engine?” Gordon loved his brother, but like all brothers any chance to be in the right was taken.
“I’m sorry.” Scotsman huffs, not overly enjoying being called out by his ‘little’ brother, but at the same time impressed with Gordon calling him out.
Bowler was rather focused on something else, his track was cleared and he moves into the yard. He greets a little BR Blue Class 37 and they seem to share a few happy words.
“That engine is much like us, you and I.” Gordon looks back. “He survived the Nationalist. His love sacrificed themselves so he could escape with their ‘Littleone’ and he carried out their last wish.” Gordon sighs. “I understand the pain we suffered dear brother, but the pain we suffered they (the diesels) have now suffered too.”
Scotsman looks at Bowler smiling at Wish, then the blue Class 37 plays her horns in a tune that sounds so familiar. He smiles warmly. “Sometimes I get a little too boastful for my boiler.”
“Only sometimes…” Gordon rolls his eyes and gives a little chuckle.
It was another morning when Gordon and the Flying Scotsman were bantering at Vicarstown Station like always. It was true brotherly love to those who knew the two engines. Then the Scotsman had big news.
“Oh, did you hear Little Brother, they are going to be hosting another Great Railway Show. Of course I’m going to be there, it wouldn’t be great without me.” Scotsman smiles proudly.
“Oh…” Gordon grumbles with the memory flashing back to him.
“Will you be entering to try to redeem yourself?” Scotsman says jokingly.
“I never want to be a part of that dog and pony show…” Gordon mutters some other things.
“Well, I guess you didn’t want to lose to me again, and Sodor doesn’t have any other engines that can compete with me.” Scotsman teases.
Between Gordon and Scotsman this banter was just their way of showing that they cared about each other. However Young Master Hatt; Stephen didn’t know this. The boy of now 12, had overheard their banter and came right up the Flying Scotsman.
“Sodor dose too.” The young boy points defiantly at the Scotsman. “Gordon is just one of the many fine engines on this railway, how dare you say such things.”
Gordon sighed. “This is Young Master Hatt, apprentice and grandson of Sir Topham Hatt.” Gordon says quietly to his brother.
“Oh well then.” Scotsman smiles, and decides to play along with the youngster. “Is that so?”
“Yeah, you’ll see.” Stephen smiles confidently. “Sodor will enter the Great Railway Show and we will win the Great Race this time.”
“That will be terrific, I can’t wait to see this engine.” Scotsman chuckles and looks at Gordon; however, Gordon had no clue as to which engine Stephen was planning on using. Then Scotsman’s whistle blows. “Well good day to you two.” Then he chuggs off.
The next morning Stephen had driven Bowler out to the main line. The men had evaluated Bowler and reported that he was a calm and sensible engine. He had been so worn and tired from his time in the BR that he had no spirit to be cheeky or troublesome; he quietly did what was asked of him. So, Sir Topham had approved Stephen to drive Bowler when he wanted and the engine had no other work. Bowler did wonder a little bit about what the point of this was, but he was happy to roll along as he had been asked.
Gordon’s whistle is heard from around the bend back aways. “Right on time.” Stephen looks at his pocket watch. “Alright Bowler let’s put a little steam into it.”
A younger self, Bowler would have protested the steam comment, but he did what Stephen asked. He would do anything for Stephen, for Stephen was the one who had rescued him and Wish from the BR.
“Good morning, Bowler.” Gordon says as he comes up to the diesel. “What are you doing out here?”
“Whatever Young Master Hatt is asking of me.” Bowler reports quickly knowing Gordon will be speeding back up from his turn.
“Very good then.” Gordon smiles. “Have a great day.” Then Gordon starts to get back up to speed.
“Good day to you too.” Bowler smiles expecting to be coasting along pretty soon. However, Stephen laid on the throttle and Bowler jumped forward.
“Come on Bowler; go go GO!” Stephen cheers on the diesel.
Bowler had no clue what was going on. His acceleration was painfully slow. Like all Class 40’s he was oversized and underpowered, and was just barely able to keep up with Gordon’s acceleration.
“What are you doing?!” Gordon looks surprised.
“What Young Master Hatt is asking of me.” Bowler pants. “Haven’t gone this fast in decades!”
“Interesting.” Gordon begins to ponder as they race down the main line.
It was quite clear that Bowler was struggling with the race. The big engine’s ‘whistle’ was quite pronounced as it did it’s best to do what its master asked of it. However Gordon had pulled quite a bit ahead, no matter how much Stephen cheered on his engine.
They pull into Vicarstown Station; Gordon was well ahead and quietly weeshes to a stop at the platform. Bowler then pulls in beside him, hot and panting, glad to be stopping.
“Ho ho ho, Bowler old chap; a little out of puff.” Gordon looks at the diesel. Then he hears the whistle of his brother pulling into the station. He sighs getting ready for the daily boasting report.
However, before he could greet his brother Young Master Hatt gets out of Bowler’s cab as Sir Topham Hatt comes over to him.
“Stephen what is the meaning of this? When I gave you permission to use this engine, it was with the understanding that you’d be responsible with it.” Sir Topham addresses.
“I know Pawpa.” Shephen sighs, looking disappointed. “But Bowler will never beat the Flying Scotsman if he can’t out race Gordon.”
Bowler suddenly snorts and chokes at the statement.
“What’s wrong, got hat stuck in you air intake again?” Gordon looks at the diesel with a little chuckle.
“Ptttha…!” Scotsman laughs. “The Class 40… You’re going to challenge me with the Class 40… old Whistler…?” he continues to chuckle a little.
Stephen looks really disappointed, and Sir Topham feels for his grandson. “Listen Stephen, winning races isn’t everything…” He starts.
Gordon shoots the Scotsman a glare.
“Well, it should be a good race, or at least interesting. The Flying Scotsman vs. a British Railway Class 40.” Scotsman proclaims feeling a little ashamed of himself. “See you all at the races.” The Scotsman leaves.
“I can’t beat…” Bowler starts.
“Oh, you will.” Gordon snorts. “You will put my brother in his place, not just for you…” Gordon booms like a proud lion. “Not just for your class, not just for me, but for all of Sodor.”
Sir Topham heard Gordon’s determination and smiles at his big steam engine. “Gordon’s right, Bowler can do it.” He says to Stephen. “I’ll see to it whatever can be done will be done.” He smiles proudly at his grandson. “Just keep up the spirit, boy.”
“You really think so…?” Stephen asks wiping away a tear.
“Boy, I know so. You’ve taken great care of that engine. It will take care of you. It’s an engine of Sodor, and our engines are capable of great things.” Sir Topham holds his collar proudly. “Let’s go get your engine to the works.”
Bowler seems pensive as they come into the diesel works. Sir Topham and Stephen get out and approach two of the most difficult diesels on the isle. Their drivers however were both contently enjoying lunch break, chatting as usual for they were the only two female diesel drivers. Sir Topham had made a good choice in hireing Susan to be Diesel’s new driver, she handled his ‘behavior’ well and had gotten the engine to quit with a lot of ‘plots’. Then Stephen had suggested the same for Diesel 10, and Piper had done an excellent job with the grumpy big engine.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” Sir Topham greets and they both put their food down and greet him and Stephen. “I’ll see to it you both are compensated for the disruption of your lunch hour, but we’re in need.”
“No problem, Boss.” Piper smiles.
“Good.” Sir Topham is pleased. “Piper, I need your mechanic skills to get some extra speed out of Bowler here.”
“Yeah, Miss Piper, we need him to win a race, a big race, a big important race.” Stephen adds.
“Well let’s see.” Piper thinks about the engine. “You recently had him overhauled and checked over, so the basics should be running well… He’s already got a turbo charger, although there Mmmight be options there for improvement… maybe change it out for something stronger… umm possibly bore out could get umm let’s see maybe 10mph more…” Piper looks at Bowler.
Bowler really was uneasy with any of those options and Susan could see it.
“Sir, while I don’t doubt Piper’s skill and knowledge…” Susan is reluctant. “But I just don’t think racing is in that engine’s nature. Isn’t that why you trust him with your grandson? He’s gentle and sensible worn down by being a freight engine for so long.”
“I’m aware Susan, but he was designed to be a fleet and swift express engine, gallantly racing across the mainline. He just needs to remember that and between Stephen and Gordon, I’m sure he’ll do it.” Sir Topham booms proudly.
Susan sighs looking at Diesel, who gives her the ‘well you tried’ look.
“Alright Piper, when you get back to work, send me a list of materials and man hours needed to get this engine up to speed.” Sir Topham smiles.
“Sure, thing Boss.” Piper smiles back.
“Thank you, Miss Piper, and please take good care of my engine.” Stephen also smiles.
“I will, trust me.” Piper looks at Bowler.
Bowler sighs watching Sir Topham and Stephen leave.
Piper had gotten the work done, and Sir Topham had had several different inspectors check and safety check the diesel. Of course, all were asked to remove their hats before working on the engine.
“Well, we got him amped up Sir.” Piper says proud of her work. “He should be able to get 110 mph plus more possible.”
“That’s good and he has passed all the inspections?” Sir Topham inquired.
“Yes Sir, he is safe and sound to race.”
“Good, Stephen will be by later to pick him up.” Sir Topham smiles looking a Bowler. “Thank you, Piper.”
Later that day Stephen had taken Bowler out for a test run and was pleased with the engine’s performance. Then Gordon, done with his express run came for a practice race. Bowler started off pretty well, Piper had gotten his acceleration up along with his overall speed. However, Bowler was still holding back, making the excuse that this was a test run. Then day after day, Bowler still lost to Gordon. It was clearly to a point of frustration, even for Gordon.
As they finish their practice race Gordon huffs at Bowler. “Come on, why do you keep holding back?”
“Because…” Bowler sighs feeling sick.
“What ever happened to that young confident ‘Diesels are better than Steamies’ engine that came to Sodor?” Gordon jeers.
“He choked on a hat.” Bowler snips. “There were two types of diesels back then Gordon. Those who lived in ignorant bliss of BR propaganda and those who knew… They knew you steamies were still good engines, you still had a lot left to give… and those who knew this; realized what they did to you would be done to us.” Bowler looks down. “Ever after that day; I’ve known it for so long. I can’t race a steamie, I can’t… I can’t ever replace you.” Bowler just goes silent.
“Ah… well…” Gordon didn’t know what to say. He never realized that the engine’s attitude had change because of what happened to it on Sodor so many years ago. Nor the anguish of knowing the wrongs of man.
But what was worse was Stephen was starting to give up. “Lost again.” Stephen sighs, then thanks Gordon’s crew. Stephen takes Bowler back to the station, where his grandma picks him up. The men take Bowler back to Wellswroth sheds.
Wish was quite happily asleep with her uncles Bill and Ben on her sides. Nobody on all of Sodor would dare bother her with those two protecting her.
“Plenty of room in the shed.” Edward peeps cheerily.
“I’m sick as boiler sludge. It will probably be better if I sleep outside on a siding tonight.” Bowler sighs and heads off to find a quiet spot to rest.
Boco looks at Edward. “I’ll watch the kids.” Boco chuckles.
Edward smiles a quiet thank you and puffs off to go talk with Bowler. Edward finds Bowler and comes beside him. “The stars sure are shining bright tonight.”
Bowler sighs looking up at them. “I’m a failure, I can’t… I remember the last steam engine I took to the scrap yard. I apologized and told him I understood he still had a lot left to give… He smiled and thanked me wishing that one day I would be named.”
“You are who you are and who you were is still part of you. You don’t need to be ashamed of your past. You use your name to remind yourself not to be that engine anymore.” Edward pauses. “But you also use it to keep you from being you. You are now a Sodorian engine, same as Wish. Look she’s changed coming here, she’s found a way to be useful without pulling anything.”
Bowler sighs looking back to the shed.
“It’s time you let go of the pain and shame of the past, and just be you. So, what if your proud to be a big engine; I can name at least 4 here that are, so you’re happy being a diesel; let me tell you about all the ‘it’s great to be a steamie’, so you like to be clean; I know someone who would take 5 baths a day if he could… It’s time to just be you once again. Not a failure, just growing.” Edward smiles. “If you get cold come on in.”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll be fine with the starlight.” Bowler half smiles.
The next days practice, and Stephen was expecting the same result, but his grandma had told him to keep trying and not give up. As Gordon came racing around that bend, Stephen started accelerating. However, something felt different this time, as the big diesel came to speed, he pushed himself.
“Good day Bowler.” Gordon said not sure how the engine was feeling after last race’s revelation.
“Focus on the rails, I’ve raced for my life before I can do it again.” Bowler huffs pulling slightly ahead.
“Focus? Oh, it’s so on.” Gordon starts to puff stronger.
There was a slight pop and studder from Bowler’s engine. Then a ‘whistle’ sang out again, and Bowler leapt forward even faster.
Bowler had made it to Vicarstown way ahead of Gordon. The big engine slows to the platform and stops; panting as Stephen gets out. Gordon rolls in just behind.
“We did it! We did it!” Stephen was excited as his grandma came to see him. “You were right Grandma!”
“You see, perseverance darling.” She embraces him, with tears of happiness.
“What got into you?” Gordon asks.
“Edward’s wisdom.” Bowler gives a content huff.
Gordon laughs with pride for his home and friends.
It was the day of the Great Railway Show. STH had brought a few engines to compete and Stephen handled Bowler. Wish had come as the Flag engine. Also she had been painted with images of Sodor by the local school children; but she got the most attention when she started playing her horns along with the band.
Bowler sighs a lot nervous; there had been rail news people that had come to interview Stephen about him challenging The Flyingscotsman with a Class 40. Some people would have grafted at this and thought it despicable to challenge the great steam engine with a diesel that took its place. However, people’s disgust was quelled when they read that Stephen was a boy of only 12. Then the thought of disgracefulness was replaced by support for a young man with a dream.
The crew brought Bowler to the starting point and Sir Topham proudly walks beside Stephen up to his engine, then takes the lad’s suit coat and top hat. Stephen was dressed nice but comfortable for driving.
“Do your best Stephen, but be safe.” Sir Topham smiles with tears of pride welling in his eyes. “Win or lose just go have some good sport.”
“I will Pawpa.” Stephen gives his grandfather a big hug. Then SirTopham helps him climb up into the big engine.
Sir Topham goes up to Bowler. “From a grandfather/father to a father, I trust you with my grandson’s life.”
“As I do with you with Wish’s, I understand.” Bowler smiles trustingly.
“Thank you.” Sir Topham pats the big engine and is lead away from the tracks. He never thought he’d ever talk to an engine parent to parent talk.
Then the announcer begins to announce the competitors. The crowd erupts with cheers when they get to the “World Famous Flying Scotsman.”
The race had been fast; the pace was like lighting. Bowler kept a good speed and the crowd did cheer for his distinctive ‘whistle’ sound. However, even at his best and fastest, he won an honorable third place. Which the Scotsman could still be envious of at fourth place. Stephen had stopped Bowler at the end and climbed out. He checked on how Bowler was feeling.
“I’m sorry Young Master Hatt.” Bowler takes a big breath feeling like a disappointment.
“It’s ok Bowler, you did incredible.” Stephen was pleased with his engine. “Now I got to go congratulate the winner.”
As Stephen approaches the winner, he hears the winner’s engine coughing and spluttering. There was a definite odd smell coming from it, but its controller/driver seems not to notice. The winner was surrounded by others all celebrating the good race. Finally, Stephen gets the man’s attention.
“Good race Sir.” Stephen shakes the man’s hand. “Congratulations on the win.”
“Thank you, good race too.” The man smiles only giving Stephen half attention.
The engine continues to gasp and cough. “Sir I think there is something wrong with your engine?”
“Bother that, it doesn’t matter I won the race.” The man dismisses Stephen’s concern.
“But Sir your engine…”
“All that matters is it won the race, Lad. The fitters will see to it.” The man smiles and heads off to collect his prize.
Disturbed Stephen returns to Bowler. Bowler had seen everything and understood what was now the matter. Stephen gently leans on Bowler and Bowler purrs softly for him, trying his best to comfort his young controller while at the same time showing his gratitude for caring about engines.
Just then the Scotsman comes to rest beside them. Scotsman had hung back to give his fans plenty of photo ops.
“Good show good show there you two.” The Scotsman booms proudly. “Sodor’s engines never cease to amaze me.” Then Scotsman’s crew came out to congratulate Stephen.
“I feel kind of bad out racing you…” Bowler sighs looking down.
“Don’t be, it was really quite the honor to race you and your young controller.” Scotsman smiles proudly, looking at Stephen and his crew. Then Sir Topham joins the gathering. Then a media crew came to interview the group, talking of the legendary Flying Scotsman vs. the diesel that once was promoted at his modern replacement. Then Stephen spoke;
“Well gentlemen.” Stephen holds the collar of his suit coat after adjusting his hat. “There are no replacements, all engines are great in their own way and they are all incredible individuals.” Stephen smiles. “It is a great honor to care for such things, knowing that they will care for you back… It was truly an honor to race with my engine, win or lose. That’s what we controllers, drivers and crews must remember.” Stephen places a hand on Bowler.
“Yes.” Agreed the Scotsman’s driver. “It was truly an honor to race with such a fine young man. We are proud to know that the future of the rails is in great hands.”
They continue the interview and Sir Topham gets several compliments on his grandson. Then they take several group pictures before having to clear the tracks.
“Well good day… Bowler, is it? Heh fitting for the Hatt family to have an engine named after a hat.” Scotsman chuckles.
“Thank you and good day to you too.” Bowler smiles.
“Oh, and give my greetings to my Little Brother. Fairwell.” The Flying Scotsman then majestically steams off.
OC Piper belongs to @superarti Thank you so much for letting me use her!
Video copyright of whatever film company made it (it's on burned DVD I got free from the library).
Also thank you to @weirdowithaquill Their works are incredible and inspiring.
Also thank you to @lorainedoesthings for the Traintober 2025 list. Of which inspired so many great works this year!
