Friends

"Friends" is a story written by Loco123456.

Story
The engines on Sodor all have friends of all shapes and sizes, whether they are steam, diesel, vehicles, cranes, or people. Both not every engines has lots of friends. Murdoch is one of these engines. "Morning Sidney," called Murdoch as he backed down onto a goods train for Crosby in the yards at Maron. "Oh, hey Murdoch. Can you help me? I've seem to have forgotten, again, where the fuel tankers are for the Dieselworks." Murdoch stopped reversing and puffed forward to help the forgetful diesel. "Thanks Murdoch," said Sidney as he trundled away. "How nice it is to have him as a friend."

When he arrived at Kellthrope Road Goods Yard, he found Caitlin looking upset. "One of my coupling rods has decided to snap on me. I need an engine to take my passenger train from Ulfstead Castle to Bbarrow. It leaves in half an hour." "We'll take the train," said Murdoch, "driver, please go and make the arrangements." Soon Murdoch was at Ulfstead Castle, and in good timing. He was puffing out of the station two minutes later. "A nice long run to Barrrow. It's been a while. I hope things are still alright." Things were alright at Barrow; yet the Yard Manager needed an engine to deliver coal to Wellsworth. Murdoch offered to help.

At Wellsworth, he spotted the twins Bill and Ben; they also noticed him too. "Hey Murdoch, want to see who can shunt the fastest?" "I've got plenty of time, yes, let's do it. But I bet I'll beat you two like last time!" "I'll beat you for sure this time," said Ben, "I know that I came in second-" "You were third!" "Second!" "Alright, ready?" The engines were racing about the yard, the finish line was where they'd met Murdoch. Bill was there first, then Murdoch, and finally BEn. "Nice race," congratulated the three engines, who went their separate ways to continue work. "What a nice day to help and spend time with friends."

A week later Murdoch was pulling a train of steel girders from the Smelter's Yard to the Suspension Bridge. On the way he had to climb over Gordon's Hill. "Now, we just need to pass Wellsworth, and then help unload the flatbeds," said Murdoch cheerfully. But going downhill, he couldn't use his brakes to slow the train down. "Train on collision couse!" His crew jumped clear, and Murdoch derailed while going round the bend at a steady speed. A moment later Caitlin came rushing by. "Caitlin, please get help at Maron," called Murdoch. But Caitlin just steamed on. Then Sidney came rolling slowly down on the third track with a stopping passenger train. "Sidney, can you get help when you reach Wellsworth?" "I'm running a little late due to an accident near Kirk Ronan," called Sidney. Just then Gordon came rushing by. "I'll get help at the nearest signalbox," he called. Gordon kept his word; soon workmen and Rocky arrived with Edward. "I'll take your load to the Suspension Bridge," said Edward kindly. "After I drop you off at Wellsworth Yard for another engine to take you to the Steamworks." "Thanks Edward."

Bill and Ben were delivering china clay when they saw Murdoch. "What happened to you?" "I had an accident due to my brakes," he said sadly, "and two of my friends didn't help me." "What friends?" "Sidney and Caitlin." "Friends care about each other," said Bill. "Ben and I do play many tricks, but we do really care about others, especially our friends, and everyone knows that." "You might want to consider how you want to be treated," added Ben, "after all, you should feel pleased whenever spending time with them." "Quite right."

After a long time Murdoch returned to work; he still spoke to Caitlin and Sidney, but he didn't see them as being his friends; he wanted friends that he could play, work, and talk to, and Bill and Ben were a great example of this. He also made friends with Porter and Salty by helping them and got to know more about them when he stayed overnight and helped clear up the Docks by taking away many goods trains.