Follow the Leader

"Follow the Leader" is a story written by Loco123456.

Story
Christmas time had arrived; the trains were longer and heavier, and passenger trains were no exception. Some passenger trains were too long that they were broken up into two sets. Donald and Douglas stood at platforms 3 and 5 on a chilly Christmas eve, coupled to seven coaches each at Kellsthrope Road station. "Kirk Ronan Flyer Set A is at platform 3, Kirk Ronan Set B is at platform five," repeated the stationmaster over the intercom. Soon 6:37 came. "PEEEEEEP! See you at Kirk Ronan," whistled Donald as he steamed away. Douglas soon left at 6:42.

Douglas sped along until they came to Kirk Ronan Junction. A signalman stood waving a red lantern. "The points are frozen in this weather. You'll have to use the cut-off track." The cut off track would help get the passengers to Kirk Ronan faster, but there was no communication system in place between the junction and the junction at Kirk Ronan station. "We better work fast then. This snow is falling fast," noted Douglas as he continued.

Donald didn't have any better luck; as he puffed through a countryside he neared a mountainside that stretched for a mile along the line. A flagsman was there. "Whistle constantly to let the workmen know you're still passing by." "Will do," called Donald's driver as Donald dropped sand onto the rails to pick up speed. The only problem was that the workmen were situated in one place. Donald kept blowing his whistle from time to time, but the workmen were confused. "We better start to blast this snow off the mountainside," sighed the foreman. "Hopefully the engine and its train has passed through." They were lighting the dynamite as Donald puffed through. "STOP!" wailed a workman. But it was too late; the men threw the dynamite and ran for shelter. Down on the tracks, Donald was dropping sand and his fireman was building up his boiler pressure to the maximum amount. "BANG!" "I hope we're not late," panted Donald. They kept going; the driver looked back and laughed. "We had a close call! The snow is falling inches from the brake coache's buffers!"

At Kirk Ronan passengers who would take down trains back to Kellsthrope Road were concerned. "We might as well stay here for Christmas," they sighed. "But what about your friends and families? What will they think when they hear that you won't arrive to see them?" questioned Molly. The passengers quickly stopped sulking about and boarded Molly's train. Molly was sent down another cut-off and arrived safe and sound at Kellsthrope Road. "Told you that you'd get your way!"

Back at Kirk Ronan the stationmaster stood on platform 1. Just as he was about to return to his office he heard a familiar whistle; "Donald!" Donald steamed into the station, panting with relief. Douglas arrived ten minutes later. When the twins were reunited they could only just grin to say "Well Done!"