Getting What You Want

"Getting What You Want" is a story written by Loco123456.

Story
Skarloey arrived at the Transfer Yards. He'd been sent to help out with the extra workload due to Christmas just being a few days away. "You can start with helping to unload those coal trucks in the NWR's standard gauge trucks," said Duke kindly. As he worked, he noticed Sir Handel looking glum. "Everyone gets to go elsewhere while I get stuck here doing shunting work!" "You're doing a fine job Sir Handel," said Skarloey kindly. "Someone's got to do these jobs. In truth, they are essential to a smooth operation of the railway." "Even so, it's also essential to have enough engines on different parts of the railway to keep things running smoothly," he grumbled. Duke soon puffed away to another job; Sir Handel watched him jealously as Duke left for Glennock.

With it being three days now from Christmas, the Earl was holding his annual Christmas party at Ulfstead Castle. The Thin Controller came to see Sir Handel. "You're to be a banking engine to help trains get up the steep slope of the Rocky Ridge Line." Sir Handel puffed crossly away. He soon arrived at Skarloey, the top station of the Skarloey Railway, before the line continued to other stations. Peter Sam blew his whistle, and Sir Handel allowed him to have a minute's head-start. Sir Handel quickly caught up to him. He blew his whistle once he'd gently tapped the buffers of the brake coach, and the two engines, using their sand-boxes to grip the icy rails, managed to get to the top. "PEEP! PEEP! Thank you!" whistled Peter Sam. Sir Handel worked hard all day; helping engines leaving Skarloey station in the morning, and helping those leaving Ulfstead Caslte in the evening.

Christmas morning brought lots of presents in the shed for the staff to celebrate with the engines. Everyone smiled; except Sir Handel. "I bet before New Year's Day comes I'll be shunting and doing other odd jobs," he thought sadly. The next day the Thin Controller came to see Sir Handel. "I need an engine to work on the line between Bluebell Valley and Rheneas, helping with the fast goods trains." "Thank you Sir! I'll start immediately!" said Sir Handel cheerfully. And ever since then, Sir Handel has never complained about doing jobs he doesn't like, for he knews that he'll eventually get what he wants.