Say Henry, can you explain your history with Diesel Engines? And has your view on them changed over time?
"Oh.. Well, yes, of course I can- though I admit, things have been.. Fraught, in the past. I haven't always been very kind to them." He sighs, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. It isn't a topic he often thinks about anymore. "I've always had trouble keeping up with other engines. And when diesel began to come to the railway- well.. There was no shortage of dreadful rumors. Engines sent away, replaced. Scrapyards where they were left to wait for-.."
"I-.." He swallows thickly. "Unfortunately.. I don't have the option, not to believe them. It's.. It's been a long time since, but, well. Some things simply stay in your smokebox. Even if you would rather forget."
His silence is heavy, but after a few moments, the solemn expression on his features appears to lighten. "I never hated them.. None of that was ever their fault, after all. But I was afraid. Sometimes I still am.. But I don't suppose that excuses me for hurting anyone's feelings. And I regret all the times I haven’t given them a chance. How many friends I’ve never had because I pushed them away. But..”
“I’ve met a lot of diesel engines since then- and other kinds of engines as well! And they’re- well, they’re just like any other engine. They work hard, and want to be useful. And I feel very proud to call quite a few of them my friends.”














