#rws stepney

[duskstargazer]

'Now for a Sprint!'

[1962]

The cavalcade moved carefully over the points, and out to the open main line.

“Now for a sprint!” Woofed Stepney, excitedly.

“I’m ready when you are,” Puffed Duck.

They soon gathered speed, and before long were racing down the main line - not at proper express speed, of course, but the coaches and passengers understood the two tank engines were doing their best.

Edward stood at the platform, waiting for the express to pass through. He heard Stepney’s whistle in the distance.

“That’s strange…” He muttered. “I didn’t realize Stepney had another excursion scheduled.”

With the pounding of pistons and blasting of steam, Stepney and Duck roared through the station.

“Allo, Edward!” Stepney barked.

Edward’s jaw hit his running plate. The two tank engines rushed by with fifteen express coaches trailing them.

He whistled encouragingly, but still couldn’t help feeling bewildered.

“…Have you ever seen anything like it…?” He murmured.

His coaches all agreed that they never had.

[biggsodorcitystories]

<3

Somehow fell into the TTTE fandom and came across your blog. I love your art (actually have a few that are a personal favorite) and the head-canons you have on such classic characters. Plus some of your art for the TUGS fandom have made me curious about the show. So, here's to you always being inspired to create and/or write, regardless if you share it with the fandom! <3 Got a question for you; how come Stepney the 'Bluebell' engine isn't with the Skarloey Railway Crew?

Oh my DAYS!!! 🥹🥹🥹

Thank you so much for your lovely, beautiful words! I've had a few DMs telling me they like my blog, but this is the first ASK I ever had, and I woke up to find it waiting for me!! I truly never thought that my little blog would get one, so thank you for making me grin like a Cheshire cat all the way to work!

Welcome to the TTTE Fandom (I hope you didn't hurt yourself when you fell in!). I hope you're enjoying yourself? You should absolutely watch the TUGS series - it is such a treasure of a show, and maybe if it gets enough interest, we'll get a DVD release!

Now...onto your question about Stepney the Bluebell Engine:

Stepney will never be part of the Skarloey railway team in my AU for two reasons:

1. Stepney, when I get around to introducing him, will be based on his Railway Series rendition, which was about the very real engine and his very real Bluebell Railway. As he has his little railway to run on the mainland, he only came to visit, like in the book, the Sudrian engines.

2. Stepney had no interaction with Rusty (that was concocted to get around Britt Allcroft's allergy to using real engines in her tenure) or the Skarloey railway in the book and wouldn't be able to do much if he had, given that he is standard gauge (No idea how Rusty could, though it does justify me making him a magical engine).

I hope that helps answer your question, and thank you for asking!

[duskstargazer]

[2014]

Under Duck’s heavy encouragement, Stepney traveled ‘light engine’ up to Arlesburgh to collect a ballast train. He was most surprised with what he found there.

“‘Allo, Stepney!” Called Rex. “Welcome to Arlesburgh - home of the Arlesdale Railway!”

“You know him?” Sydney asked.

“He’s one of the most famous tank engines in the world.” Rex smiled. “And, it’s painted on his sides.”

“Well I couldn’t see that from behind Mr. Highlander over here.” She replied, with mock offense.

“So, ‘famous engine’,” Jock interrupted, “what brings you up to our little railway?”

“Duck and the tourists.” Stepney chuckled.

“That’d explain it.” Rex laughed. “I’m Rex.”

Bert and Sydney then introduced themselves.

“And I need no introduction.” Jock smirked. “Everyone knows who I am.”

A painfully awkward silence spread among the engines. Even Duck, from across the yard, made to busy himself with other things.

“I…” Stepney racked his smokebox, trying to put what he was about to say in the least hurtful way he could. “I don’t believe I’ve heard of you.”

Jock’s smile froze. His eye twitched.

“Surely, I mean- I’m a celebrity over here!” Jock stammered, struggling not to break personality.

“Uhh…” Stepney squinted at the engine’s nameplate. Unfortunately, from that distance, and at that size, Stepney just couldn’t make it out. His eyesight had never been the best, especially with small words.

“…Josh?”

Rex burst out laughing, Duck enveloped himself in steam, Bert winced, and Jock’s face went redder than his frames.

“It’s Jock!” He squawked, indignantly. “My name is Jock!!”

“I’m sorry!” Stepney whimpered.

“I- bh- they wrote a whole book about me!”

To his credit, Stepney had tried to keep up with the Reverend’s books, but some time after his son had taken over - especially with said son’s tenure having ended - the later books had become considerably harder to find!

It didn’t matter in the end. Jock stormed off in a cloud of steam, muttering incomprehensibly to himself, leaving everyone else feeling awkward, and just a bit worried for the self-proclaimed “celebrity”.

[duskstargazer]

[2014]

Stepney's visit to The Fat Controller's railway had come to an end.

“We'll all miss you very much, Stepney.” Duck said.

“Come back and see us soon!” Added Thomas.

“I will as soon as I can!” Smiled Stepney. “And you all are welcome on the Bluebell Railway as well!”

“Maybe you could book a vacation?” Dennis offered.

“What? Who would look after the yard?” Norman laughed. “And why does it sound like you're trying to get rid of me?”

“I'd take the trip if it spared me your vexatious bickering.” Murdoch groaned.

“Oh, lighten up, will ya?” James smirked. “Honestly, a break always sounds nice, but I think I’d miss the workload here.”

“You’d miss doing work?” Henry teased. “Who are you and what’ve you done with James?”

He and James both laughed.

“Oh- Stepney!” Rosie called out. “Tell Cromford I’m sorry about the sugar!”

“What?” Duck asked, looking over at Rosie.

Thomas laughed, and Cedric rolled his eyes. Neither were going to be the one to explain that one.

“I’ll be sure to,” Stepney promised, “though they’ve probably forgiven you. It has been quite a while.”

Rosie smiled.

“Thank you all again for such a wonderful time!” Stepney whistled. “I do hope I can come back again sometime soon!”

The yard was filled with whistles and well-wishes until the Bluebell engine was out of sight.

[duskstargazer]

[2014]

One place that Stepney knew he had to visit was Edward's Station.

“Hello, Stepney,” Edward smiled. “Lovely to see you again.”

“You as well.” The diminutive tank engine smiled. “How have you been?”

“Everything has, on the whole, been quite enjoyable, thank you. There have been some hiccups, of course.”

“I heard about your ordeal in ‘65.” Stepney said, bringing the topic up with great caution.

“There's nothing I wouldn't do for our passengers.” Edward replied, simply.

“Well, you've certainly proven that.” The terrier replied, awestruck.

“I trust you've heard about BoCo as well?”

“Yes, I have. Is he here? I don't believe I've had the chance to meet him yet.”

“Unfortunately, he was called away with a goods train to the Mainland. Something to do with the Other Railway becoming short handed, or something like that.”

“A shame. I'd hoped to meet him while I was here. But at least I got to see you and Duck again.”

“How have things been on the Bluebell Railway?” Edward asked. “I recall a few other residents visiting us since you were last here.”

“I remember when Baxter visited here,” Stepney chuckled. “He came back cursing like a sailor about garden gnomes of all things.” He bit back another laugh. “I think he really enjoyed his time here.”

“Probably more than Cromford.” Edward sighed. “Poor engine got hit by several trucks of sugar while they were here.”

“Oof.”

“And what of the twins?” Stepney froze. “Bluebell and Primrose, the two tank engines that are “as like as two peas”?”

“Ah- they're…” Stepney bit his lip. “They're both doing alright.”

“I will say, I was surprised when Bluebell visited a few years ago without her sister.”

Stepney was nearly sweating bullets.

“I think Primrose was just in for repairs around that time.”

A white lie.

The signal dropped a moment later.

“Well, it was great catching up with you, Edward, but I ought to get going.”

“Of course. Enjoy the rest of your stay, Stepney!”

[duskstargazer]

[2014]

Stepney brought his stopping goods to the station at the end of the line. Henry stood at the adjacent platform, looking out in the direction of the bridge.

“Good evening,” Henry greeted, courteously. “I hope you're enjoying your time here.”

“I am!” Stepney beamed.

“I hope things haven't been too awkward, all things considered.” The green engine added.

“How so?”

“It's just that I know how strenuous leaving your home railway for heavy repairs can be.”

“Right…” Stepney recalled hearing about the bigger engine's accident back in the '30's, but more so about the after-effects of it.

“Well, the visit has been going well so far.” The terrier said, contentedly. Honestly, he was glad at the distraction from his conversation with Edward earlier that afternoon. “I got to meet up with some old friends and - did you know about the small railway they've got up there?”

“Hard not to when it's one of the biggest attractions of tourists to the Little Western.” Henry chuckled. “Although I've never seen it myself. I don't know if the track and bridges would survive if I tried to venture up there.”

“Aah.”

“So how long will you be staying?” Henry inquired.

“I think they said it's just for another week or two.” Stepney replied.

“That makes sense. We do want you to enjoy yourself while you’re here, but sooner or later, you’re bound to want to return home.” Henry smiled, remembering. “I was like that at Crewe. I made a lot of friends there, and everyone was very kind, but even so, I was glad to come home.”

[duskstargazer]

[2014]

“Dirty trucks! Dirty sidings! Bleagh!!”

Stepney didn't know James terribly well, but he recognized the tirade the red engine was spouting. And it wasn't hard to determine where the explosive commentary was coming from with a big red engine storming around the yard, blowing angry steam everywhere.

“What's wrong with trucks?” Stepney asked, innocently.

“Well for one thing, they--” James froze when he saw who he was talking to.

“Well… they’re filthy. And so are the sidings they come out of. And I’ve been stuck on goods trains all week!”

“Then how about I take your next train?” Stepney offered.

“You’re welcome to it.” James huffed.

The terrier smiled. “I’d much rather have the work to do.”

That gave James pause. “Don’t you have work to do on your line?”

“Occasionally, but usually it’s just passenger trains up and down the branch line.” He really didn’t want to get into the same conversation he’d had the night before.

“Most times we’re just sitting in our shed on Static Display.”

“…”

“So, it’s nice getting some real work in while I’m here.”

“Doesn’t that get boring after a while? Sitting in the shed, I mean.”

James remembered long ago when Sir Topham Hatt had shut him away in the sheds following rough treatment of some coaches. It had only been a few days, but to James, it had felt like an eternity.

“Oh, it does. But we have plenty of visitors that come by and see us. And we tell them stories of our working life. And I mean, at least we’re looked after, and not just…” He trailed off. “You know Victor, right? The one that works on the branch line past Kellsthorpe, I mean.”

The look on James’s face said all that needed to be said.

“I thought those of us on Static Display had it bad. I mean, we do, especially those awaiting overhaul, but… he definitely had it worse.”

In retrospect, even goods trains and coal deliveries for a week straight wasn’t all that bad.

[duskstargazer]

[2014]

Stepney finished his delivery, and made his way back to the sheds. There was only just room for him - not that he minded. He’d rather be surrounded by several enthusiastic engines than be alone, especially right now.

A pair of shunters were bickering as he backed in.

“This is absurd!” Dennis complained. “All this shunting, all these coaches…! I can hardly tell whether I’m coming or going!”

“Come off it.” Norman snapped. “You’re not ‘going’ anywhere, we both know that.”

“Would it kill you to show a bit of sympathy?”

“Would it kill you to show some responsibility? And no, doing half of what the foreman asked - and an hour after the fact - doesn’t count.”

“You aren’t known for punctuality either.” Murdoch interjected, hoping to shut the both up. Of course, it had the exact opposite effect.

“The difference is that I do the very best I can for you all. He just sits on his ass, and lets things happen around him.”

“I know how to pace myself, unlike a certain someone!”

“I’d be grateful for having so much to do.” Stepney said it quietly, but the whole shed fell silent at his remark.

“Now- don’t get me wrong,” he added, quickly, “I’m grateful for everything my railway’s done for me, and everyone they can… but…”

“I’ve heard the preservation scene isn’t all it’s made out to be…” Molly added, barely above a whisper.

“You don’t know the half.” Stepney sighed. “Fenchurch was withdrawn three years ago for repairs, and we’ve not heard anything on the schedule for him, Cromford’s been in need of an overhaul for the past seven years - I don’t even know when the last time Normandy ran was.” The terrier took a breath. “Stowe hasn’t run since the early ‘90’s, and Primrose…”

“…”

“Don’t even get me started on Primrose.”

“Don’t they have a workshop on your line?” Norman asked.

“We do, but it’s not nearly as big as the one you’ve got here. We haven’t got the resources to repair everyone - nor the miles and work to necessitate everyone being in service at once.”

A long, painful silence filled the shed. Even Murdoch looked uncomfortable with it.

“I’ll sort out the first train tomorrow, Norman.” Dennis whispered.