Dennis and the Old Traction Engine

"Dennis and the Old Traction Engine" is a story written by Loco123456.

Story
Autumn had arrived; the cold air blew, and the workload was still heavy. The engines knew that around this time of year that the workload would steadily increase and wouldn't slow down again after New Year's until Summertime. The goods yards big and small at many of the stations were busy. But the tractors used to pull the trolleys weren't able to cope with the work. So the Main Line Region 1 Control Officer worked out a deal with the Control Officer on Thomas' Branch LIne to bring in some extra support. The arrival came in on a goods train early in the morning. "Trevor, what are you doing here?" asked Stafford. "I've been asked to help the tractors," explained Trevor as he was unloaded. "I'm glad that I'm needed; the workload has slowed down at McColl Farm."

Trvor was soon at work; he slowly pulled the trolleys along. But he was slower than the diesel tractors; despite being a valuable addition to the team at Knapford, some of the shunting engines weren't pleased. "I don't like having to crawl about the yard," complained Dennis to no in particular in the shed. "Oh, the pain I get from going slowly," teased Stafford, backing into the shed at the pace of a snail. "I'm glad to finally rest!" "I'm now a really useful engine," snapped Dennis. He didn't like being reminded about his own habits. So he made a plan to get rid of Trevor.

Trevor usually only goes up to Platform Six for goods that are only being unloaded and loaded at the station. But the next day was different; a few cages of chickens arrived at Platform One by mistake of the signalman. Trevor was sent to fetch them. He was soon crossing on his way to the yard with four trolleys. He didn't know that Dennis was in the station to collect coaches from a train. His chance had come. "I must get these chickens safely to the yard," said Trevor the second he heard the growling of a diesel engine. He put every ounce of steam in his boiler into his chuff. "You can do it old timer," encouraged Jem Cole, who looked back. "Just one more trolley; give it all you got!" Trevor strained; Jem made sure not to put too much fuel in Trevor's boiler. With seconds to spare the fourth trolley made it safely across. As for Dennis' coaches, they darted out into the junction. The signalmen in the signalbox set the points against the coaches, which derailed. All the signals were quickly sest at "DANGER".

The Main LIne Region 1 Control Officer and the Fat Controller came to see both Trevor and Dennis. "You've proved yourself really useful," praised the Control Officer. "We shall have you work here more often." Trevor smiled. "It'll be nice to see something other than fields and animals!" The Fat Controller dealt with Dennis. "You've interfered with the operations of the railway. You shall be sent to work elsewhere and won't come back to major parts of the railway until you can be trusted again. Now, off to the Toy Factory. They are expecting you." Dennis trundled away in disgrace as Trevor went to have a well-earned rest.