Railway Fun

Railway Fun is a chapter book, containing six stories.

Railway Fun

Story One: The New Driver

Winston had returned to his shed at Knapford Yards. The Fat Controler and him saw Mr. Conductor waiting for them. “Ah, you’re on time,” (says The Fat Controller proudly) “Thanks Sir.” “Here are the keys for Winston,” (says the Fat Controller, handing over the keys) “Sir, what is going on?” (asks Winston) “I’m going away on holiday. Mr. Conductor will be in charge while I’m gone.” “Oh, right,” (says Winston, trying to hide a grin.) “Now I won’t be teased by the big engines,” (thinks Winston)

(That evening the Fat Controller arrives at the Airport, where Lady Hatt meets him. Jermney is also waiting) “You’re just in time Sir,” (says Jermney, watching the Hatts board him.)

They didn’t arrive until late that night in Liverpool, where Dowager Hatt lived. “Oh, it’s so nice to see you two after so long,” (says Dowager Hatt warmly). “Come, let us prepare dinner.” The Fat Controller is already sitting at the table. “Bertram? Aren’t you going to help?” “I thought someone would cook and serve us.” “I’m not as famous as you,” (says Dowager Hatt sternly). “Besides, you can’t wait for others to help you do things.” “Like driving Winston?” (suggests Lady Hatt). “Alright then. I’ll help.” (As they cook, the two ladies glare at the Fat Controller, who feels bad).

Back on the Sodor, Winston was gliding along the line. He had never felt much happier. “It’s wonderful to have you as my driver Mr. Conductor. The Fat Controller isn’t good at all! Embarasses me in front of the other engines.” “But he’s still a nice man,” (says Mr. Conductor, sensing the conversation would turn for the worse). “He is, but he’s forgetful! I always have to remind him to put my brakes on, and he can’t judge speed too well!” (says Winston with disgust). “Just because he has faults doesn’t make him a bad person. Look at Diesel 10. He might be troublesome, but he’s still ready useful, isn’t he?” (says Mr. Conductor firmly). Now Winston felt bad about how he felt towards his owner.

Back in England, the next day, the Fat Controller went to a driver’s course to seek help with driving. “Hello, I’ll be your instructor today. What do you need help with?” “I need help with speeding up and slowing down.” “But everything else you’re good with?” “Yes Sir!” “Right. That’s our car over there.” (The Fat Controller and the Instructor climb into the car.) “Driver forward!” (commands the Instructor). (The Fat Controller starts off with a mighty jerk, then brakes hard.) “Stop! Stop! We must swap places!” (The Instructor and the Fat Controller change places and the Instructor begins to start the car.) “You gently push down on the gas pedal, and hold it steady until you have to slow down or speed up.” (explains the Instructor). (They get out and swap places.)

The Fat Controller made progess very quickly from that point on. He even drove his mother and wife home, to their reluctance. They were impressed, and they were pleased to see him cooking dinner with them that night. “I guess this makes up for your mistakes,” (says Lady Hatt kindly.) “I also have my own faults myself.” “You’re still wonderful, the both of you,” (says Dowager Hatt proudly. The couple smile.)

When the Fat Controller returned, Winston was ready to apologize. “Sir, I’m sorry for thinking of you being bad in regards to many things. I realize now that we all have our faults.” “And I’m sorry I waited so long for others to help me fix mine.” “Shall we go for a drive?” “Yes, let’s.” (The Fat Controller starts Winston up, and they drive smoothly out onto the Main Line to inspect the tracks).

Story Two: Missing Parts

Norman and Derek were at the Dieselworks, being repaired for the umpteenth time. It wasn’t unusual for see them here, nor was it to them. But they were beginning to get tired of it, and they were starting to question Den and Dart’s work on their repairs. “How long ago were these siderods made Dart?” (asks Norman as a few workmen attach them to his wheels.) “We finished making those yesterday,” (says Dart, feeling concerned).

(Derek is having his brakes fixed.) “Are these parts brand new?” (asks Derek). “Why yes they are,” (says Den, also feeling concerned.) (The workmen are finished repairing them). “Thanks Den. Thanks Dart,” (sigh Norman and Derek as they leave for work. The two diesels look at each other.) “Do you think…” (says Den). “That they don’t trust us? Yes I do.” “Same here.”

(Derek is coupled up to some stone trucks at the Blue Mountain Quarry. He pulls away, his engine making strange noises.) “They just put this new engine in me two weeks ago. Den said it was new. They must be lying.” (Right then and there Derek grounds to a halt. Paxton comes up to him.) “Have you broken down again?” “I guess so,” (sighes Derek.) “They didn’t give an engine that allows me to pull heavy loads like the last one.”

When Derek arrived back at the Dieselworks, he saw Norman on a flatbed. His front buffesr were damaged. The Fat Controller stood there, speaking with Den and Dart. “You two have said that your parts are new, according to these engines.” “Yes Sir,” (agrees Den.) “It’s clear then that you’ve lied to them. Please fix them, and if they aren’t fixed properly and have an accident within the first day or so upon returning to work, you’ll lose your jobs here at the Dieselworks.” (The Fat Controller walks away. The diesels shunt the two engines inside for the workmen to start work. All day they are quiet. Nighttime falls and they put away their flatbeds of parts.) “Come on Den, let’s get some rest. Den?” “I’m staying up Dart. I have a plan.” “You do?” (asks Dart.) “Do you think someone has been stealing our parts?” “Yes.” “Alright. Wake me if you need something.” “Actually Dart, now that I think about it, you’re part of my plan.” “I am?” (Den whispers something to Dart. Dart trundles away.)

Diesel arrived around midnight. He buffered up to the flatbeds of parts for Norman. “Once these parts go missing, the Fat Controller will send Den and Dart away, and those soft diesels will be scrapped!” (Diesel rolls away with the flatbeds. Den pushes a long line of oil tankers in front of Diesel, who doesn’t see Den.) “Who’s there? Remove these trucks at once! I’ve got a job to do!” (Dart quickly shunts a long line of empty flatbeds behind Diesel, who doesn’t see him either.) “Untrap me at once!”

In the morning the Fat Controller was called by the Foreman. Den and Dart waited by Diesel. “Why did you call for me?” (asks the Fat Controller firmly.) “This is the one who has stolen our parts,” (announces Dart.) “Diesel? Have you taken new parts?” “Um…well…yes.” “You’ll stay in your shed for several days. After that, you’ll work at the yard until you’ve shown me that you won’t interfere with others’ operations and make them look bad.” (Diesel rolls away in disgrace. The Fat Controller turns to Den and Dart). “I’m sorry for blaming you two. We should have looked into this mystery before pointing fingers.” (Den and Dart just smile).

Story Three: Neil

Scruff and Harvey had finished collecting scrap around Kirk Roman. They were puffing back. “Come on Harvey. Let’s go down that old track!” “Just because we’ve finished work early, doesn’t mean we should take a break. We have other work to do.” “Come on. Only for a moment. Who knows, maybe we’ll find something, like Marion.” “Alright. Let’s go”. (chuckles Harvey.)

(The two engines chuff slowly down old tracks, and they stop at the sight of an old engine. It was box-shaped.) “Hello. I never thought anyone would come down here.” (The two engines stare at the odd engine.) “My name is Neil.” “Skarloey has told us about you,” (says Scruff.) “He says you helped him off his ship and took him to his railway.” “Ah, yes.” (sighes Neil kindly.) “I remember the old days.” “We should tell the Fat Controller and get you back in service.” (suggests Harvey.) “But would he be strong enough for coaches and trucks?” (says Scruff worriedly.) “He might be good for the Earl’s Estate Railway.” “Rubbish Scruff. He’s looks strong enough to pull coaches and trucks. Pardon us. I’m Harvey.” “And I’m Scruff. We’ll come back soon for you.” “Thanks fellas for the visit. See you soon.” (calls Neil as they puff away.)

The Earl was at the Lost Property office, speaking with the officer. “I’d like to find more railway artifacts of Sodor. Do you have a list of coaches or engines?” “We do,” (says the Lost Property Officer, pulling out some papers stappled together.) “These are all the artifacts that are still somewhere on the island.” “Excellent! It’ll be like a treasure hunt!” (The Earl skims through the list. He stops at Neil’s name.) “I’d like to find that box-tank engine.”

The Earl borrowed Winston, and they drove around the island, only stopping for fuel, or for a snack. While they were out and about, Scruff told the Fat Controller about finding Neil. “We must find him first, before the Earl does,” (says the Fat Controller worriedly. Scruff puffs away to fetch Judy and Jerome.)

(As the trio arrive, they find Rocky lifting Neil onto a flatbed.) “Rocky, put him down.” (orders Judy.) “The Fat Controller wants him. Scruff found him first!” (adds Jerome.) “Finders keepers!” (shouts the Earl. Stanley then arrives with the Fat Controller. The trio, Rocky, Charlie and the Earl are shocked.) “Rocky, put him down at once! He’ll work on our railway!” (Rocky starts to lower Neil.) “No, he’s for my estate railway!” (Rocky starts lifting Neil back up.) “Stop gentlemen!” (shouts Neil.) “Tomorrow, we’ll have a meeting to see which railway I want to work on. In the meantime, please put me onto the flatbed and take me to the yards of Kirk Roman.” “At last, someone who isn’t confusing,” (sighes Rocky, lowering Neil onto the flatbed.)

That night the Earl was choosing an engine to represent him at tomorrow’s meeting. “Glynn, you’ll be the one to persuade Neil to join our railway.” “Persuade Sir? Neil will make his choice-“ “Only if he thinks our railway sounds better than Sir Topham’s! Tonight everyone!” “Cinders and ashes. I don’t want to lie to Neil.” “But the Earl will be upset if he doesn’t win,” (advises Millie.) “Glynn, you should do what you think is best.” “But Stephen, the Earl-“ “I know he’ll be watching you, but don’t let the pressure of him being there control you from doing the right thing.” (Glynn understands and smiles kindly to thank Stephen.)

The next day Edward arrived from the North Western Railway to the Kirk Roman Yard. Glynn arrived to represent the Earl’s Estate Railway. The Fat Controller tossed a coin. “You won Sir Robert. You go first.” “Glynn, tell him about our wonderful railway!” (Glynn feels nervous, but Stephen’s words echo inside his smokebox. He takes a deep breath.) “Our railway is small. We don’t have much track to run on. Our only jobs are to help with maintenance work for the estate and give people tours.” “And you?” (asks Neil to Edward.) “Our railway is bigger than the Earl’s. We have the Main Line, along with some branch lines, which are famous, like Thomas’ and mine.” “I see…well, I’d like to work on the blue engine’s railway. What’s your name?” “Edward.” “Please meet your and join your railway.” “I’m the one who runs it. I’m the Fat Controller.” “Nice to meet you too Sir!” (Edward is coupled up to Neil’s flatbed. The Fat Controller walks up to the Earl to shake his hand.) “Well done Sir Robert-“ “I should have won!” (says the Earl, storming onto Glynn.) “Take me home at once!” (Glynn puffs away, feeling a bit nervous again.)

The Earl wasn’t pleased with Glynn. He had Glynn put in shed for the rest of the day. That night the Earl took a walk. He was still thinking about Glynn, and how he’d lost to Sir Topham Hatt. But as he did so, his mind began to think about his engines, and how they really did had little work. “Maybe Glynn was right. After all, a happy engine is a useful engine. And lying wouldn’t have helped. But how can I make their lives better?” (He sits down on a bench by the road. He ponders, and jumps up, having an idea that cheers him up a bit.)

The next day the Earl visited the Fat Controller with a surprise. He brought him a cake, and apologized for his behavior. The Fat Controller forgave him. Then the Earl spoke with the Sodor Tours Company and the Thin Controller, both in person. They agreed to his plans. That night the Earl visited his engines. “I’m sorry for making you stay locked up on the weekends. So, I’ve made plans for you three to work every day each week. The weekdays you’ll work on the Estate Railway of course. On the weekends, Stephen and Glynn, you’ll both work with the Sodor Tours Company, taking people on tours of the railway. And Millie, you’ll work on the Skarloey Railway.” The engines were very pleased, and they blew their whistles in excitement.

Story Four: Kevin’s Project

There were lots of projects taking place at the Steamworks. Victor was with the Foreman, talking about arrangements for Neil’s repairs. “There’s just too much for you to look after Victor. Maybe Kevin should do it.” “Kevin?! He’s a good friend, but he’s way too clumsy and accident prone.” “But if you don’t, the workload won’t be brought down. It’s your choice.” (Victor sighes.)

(It the following day. Warren, the Works Diesel, is shunting Neil’s flatbed into the Steamworks. Victor and Kevin greet him.) “Take care of Neil,” (says Victor.) “He’ll have lots of fun Boss!” (Kevin turns to the group of workmen assigned to him.) “Right, we have a big job to do. We’ll first start on the boiler, and a few of you will do the buffers, wheels, etc. Does anyone have any questions or suggestions?” (The workmen nod “no”.) “Good! Let’s get to work!” (Neil is lifted up onto the hoist and is detached from his chassis. Kevin takes away the old wheels, and brings scrap to the foundry for new wheels to be made. He soon returns to check up on Neil.) “So, what was it like long ago?” “It was mixed, sometimes busy, sometimes not at all. I worked at Kirk Roman Harbor. I loaded and unloaded trucks.” “That must have been fun. Are you ready to be really useful again?” “Definitely!”

As the work steadily progressed, Victor would spy on Kevin. He was surprised to find Kevin not being as clumsy as he usual is. He also found Kevin to be talkative, relaxed, and alert. But Kevin would still drop things from time to time. Victor now felt bad about his judgement. Finally Neil was ready to work again. “Bye Kevin! Thanks for everything!” (calls Neil as he puffs away.) “Kevin, you’ll be helping the workmen repair the trucks and coaches wheels today,” (says Victor kindly.) “Yes Boss!”

(Kevin is working at ease. Victor is working on repairing Toby’s sideplates.) “Toby, how can I incorporate Kevin’s working style into a way that we can both work together?” “Well, you don’t always have to work with Kevin. You can both do projects of your own, like you’re doing right now.” “But what if Kevin likes doing his own thing that he doesn’t want to work with me? He’s been more cheerful than ever before.” “I bet Kevin and you are still friends.” Victor wasn’t so sure.

A few days later Duke came for repairs to his boiler. Victor, Kevin, and a big group of workmen were needed to repair the old little engine. “Hey Boss! I’m ready to lend a helping hook? What do you want done first?” (Victor smiles cheerfully.) “You can help take away the old frames. We need to make new ones.” (Kevin hurries away.) “Toby was right. Kevin and I are still friends and good teammates of the Steamworks. We might not always work together, but I’ll look forward to big projects when we do work together!”

Story Five: It Don’t Come Easy

It was a Friday evening. Millie arrived at the Skarloey Railway sheds. “Hello Millie. Excited to work part-time with us?” (asks Skarloey. Millie whistles proudly. The Thin Controller arrives to see her.) “Millie, you’ll work with Duke tomorrow,” (he says, then gets onto his bike and rides away.)

(It is morning of the next day. Duke and Millie are being prepared for work.) “Today we’ll be in the Transfer Yards, shunting coaches and trucks.” “That sounds easy!” (says Millie confidently) “Oh, we’ll see about that!” (chuckles Duke)

At the Transfer Yards Millie eagerly started work by bumping some coal trucks into a siding. “Oh! Oh! Oh!” (screamed the trucks) “What funny trucks!” (laughs Millie) “You won’t be laughing for long Millie,” (says Duke sternly). “Please don’t bump any of the rolling stock. The trucks will be cross and pay others back. The coaches will complain and won’t let you touch them.” “Yes Duke,” (says Millie sadly)

That afternoon Millie was shunting some stone trucks. Duke was near by taking on water. He noticed she still had an eager, relaxed way of working. He began to form a plan. “Hey Millie,” (calls Duke), “can you take those stone trucks to the Wharf?” “No problem!” (shouts Millie excitedly as she backs down onto them. She is coupled up. The guard blows his whistle and she puffs away).

(Millie speeds steadily along flat ground until she reaches a hill.) “Let’s show her that she’s not in charge” (whispered the trucks). (They begin to hold back.) “Stop it! Stop it!” (scolds Millie, bumping them and finally reaches the top. But as she goes down…) “On! On! Faster! Faster!” (scream the trucks). “Oooohhhh Nnnnooooo” (wails Millie as she goes out of control. She thunders through a junction. The signalman rushes to the telephone.) “Protect all trains! There’s a runaway!”

Millie sped out of control all the way into the Wharf. By now she had slowed down, but not enough to safely stop. She was diverted into a siding, and… (CRASH! Millie had come off the rails, but she nor her first truck were on their side, so workmen didn’t call the Search and Rescue Center.) “Freddie? Please come and help get Millie back onto the tracks.” (order a workman.) “Coming!” (Freddie and the workmen get Millie back onto the tracks. Millie is grateful.) “Why did you come in so fast?” (asks Freddie) “Because I thought dealing with trucks was easy. But I know now that I was silly to think so.” “You’re quite right! Hopefully you won’t let it happen again.” “I’ll try not to,” (says Millie as she puffs back to the Transfer Yards.)

Story Six: Puffing to the Extreme

Neil is an old tank engine. He had been recently repaired and now works on the Fat Controller’s railway. Neil loves being really useful once more.

(Neil puffs out of Kirk Roman Yard with six four-wheel coaches. He arrives at the station. He watches the cheerful passengers get on board. Seconds later the guard blows his whistle and Neil puffs away.)

(Neil puffs steadily down the line.) “Must be on time!” (he mutters to himself. Up ahead he sees workmen doing maintenance work on the rails. Neil slows down to a crawl). “Morning Neil!” (shout the workmen). “Bother! At least we left on time. I can easily make it up.”

Although Neil was correct with his thinking, he had forgotten one thing; he was on the down slow line. The speed limits went up to only 35 mph. He frantically thought about what he could do once he realized his mistake after passing a speed post. “I got it! I’ll go to the maximum speed, or even one or two miles over the speed limit. Just as long as the passengers don’t feel bounced about, it’ll be fine.” “Right then,” (agrees Neil’s driver. They go to the maximum speed, but soon have to stop at a red signal three miles down the line. They wait as a goods train crosses over their line onto another route.)

Neil didn’t reach Wellsworth until 11:35, two minutes behind schedule. Once the passengers had disembarked he went to the yard for a drink. (BoCo is backing down onto a long line of oil tankers.) “I just don’t get it! We tried to speed up on the way here, and then had a hard time stopping for that goods train to cross our line to get onto another!” (says Neil, talking aloud to himself). “You have puffed to the extremes,” (says BoCo wisely). “When you allow stress to build up in your smokebox, you go into a panic, and make bad decisions, like going a little too fast.” “But that doesn’t explain why I went to the extremes.” “When you try to go to the extremes with trying to get your job done, all it does is causes confusion. You could have been in a nasty accident because of the speeding.” (BoCo rumbles away with his goods train.)

After some thought as he waited to leave to head back up to Kirk Roman, he thought about what BoCo had said. “Maybe he’s right. I’m putting too much stress on myself, and because I’m caught up in it, I’m making errors that could lead to terrible results…I know, I’ll breathe if I start to feel stressed.” (The guard blows his whistle and Neil puffs away.)

As he pulled his stopping passenger train, Neil didn’t speed up. He went at a comfortable speed, which was fast and safe. As he neared Kirk Roman, he passed the workmen. “Afternoon gentlemen! Nice work you’ve done. Keep it up!” “Thanks Neil!” (call the workmen.) “Aaahh! It’s good to be in control!”