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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 13:02:38 GMT -5
The Three Word Story Revolution Novels - No.2 The Life & Times of Diesel 15 Part One: The Garratt Railway
Dear Friends,
My book, The Numbered Diesels, covers most of the Numbered Diesels and the many stories about them. However, there is one diesel whose life would take up a bit too much of the book - and so, I've decided to give Diesel 15 his very own novel.
Diesel 15 was built by Reginald Walkins for a Sir Alan Moore, a gentleman who owned a line of Garratts. Wanting to add a diesel Garratt to his collection, he gave Walkins ยฃ800,000 to make one. Walkins succeeded, and thus one of the most interesting diesel locomotives in the world came to be.
Diesel 15 has been on some very different railways in very different parts of the world, and here, for the first time, are the stories of his unique, fascinating life.
The Author
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 13:03:03 GMT -5
Heaven Sent
It was a dark and stormy night. The workshop doors opened, and a strange little engine was being loaded onto a flatbed. Reginald Walkins looked upon his latest creation fondly. Then, the workmen finished, the workshop doors closed, and the lorry drove away. Walkins whispered some words as he watched his diesel being driven away. "You'll go far, my engine. You'll go far..." Then he turned and walked back into the workshop.
The little diesel looked all about him as the lorry drove on. It was dark, and the rain beat down. It seemed depressing to his young eyes, but intresting nonetheless. He had seen some of the outside world through the workshop windows, but he hadn't yet been a part of it himself. That in and of itself was fascinating.
By the time they had reached their destination, the rain had stopped, and the sun was rising in the early morning. This was even more fascinating to the little diesel, and he smiled to himself. Some people came up to him. In front of them was a kindly-looking gentleman. He smiled at the little diesel. The gentleman looked all over Diesel 15 to see if there was anything wrong with him. He was pleased to see there wasn't. "Walkins did a fine job," he said, in a Welsh-sounding voice. "He deserves ev'ry bit o' that money, an' no mistake!" Then he turned to the little diesel. "My name is Sir Alan, Ay'm the owner o' this little line. You must be Diesel 15." "Yes, Sir," said the diesel. "Good. Right, men, ye can unload him!"
Someone entered Diesel 15, and someone else hooked something on to him. Then, using Diesel 15's own power, and a winch, they got him off of the lorry and onto the rails. The lorry drove away. Diesel 15 looked around him. There was a shed, a station, and lots and lots of track. "Wow," he said, amazed. Sir Alan was standing next to him. He chuckled. "Ay, my little line's a smart piece o' wairk. Eighty total miles o' track, ten stations, and lots o' passengers and freight. Ye won't be sittin' idle!" Then he walked away, as Diesel 15 back into the shed. Then, full of hope for his new home, he fell fast asleep....
He woke up less than an hour later. Sir Alan had come to the shed. "All right, up an' at 'em!" he said. "We have a new engine here tooday. His name's Diesel 15. Diesel 15, these are Gentleman Phillip, Iron Mike, Lady Eliza, and Lancaster Lawrence. "Right now, the rest o' you, get t'work, while Diesel 15 does a few tests fer me." So saying, two people entered Diesel 15's cab - a driver, and Sir Alan himself.
Diesel 15 is a narrow gauge engine, so instead of having an opening at the front and back's like standard gauge diesels, he has just one at the back, sort of like a regular Garratt. The driver started him, and Diesel 15 rolled away to the yard. "All right," said Sir Alan, "ye're going to have some trial runs. Fairst, ye'll be shuntin' the yard, then ye'll take a freight train, and finally, ye'll take a passenger train. Make me proud, little engine, make me proud!" "Yes, Sir," said Diesel 15, and started to work.
He shunted the trucks into sidings, he put them together for the other engines to take, and he did it all efficiently and quickly. Iron Mike and Gentleman Phillip came by to pick up their trains. Iron Mike didn't say anything, but Gentleman Phillip gave the little diesel a smile and a 'toot' of good luck. Once he was finished, Diesel 15 took his second test - he took a freight train along the line. This was his first chance to really look at it... and he loved it. It was like nothing he'd ever seen before - or hoped to see, for that matter.
"Ye've done well so far," said Sir Alan once Diesel 15 had finished with the freight train. "Now it's time fer yeer last test - passengers." Diesel 15 got his coaches and went to the station. There were lots of people on the platform. Sir Alan stepped out of the cab and addressed the crowd. "Ladies an' gen'lemen, ye're aboot to become a part o' history. This fine engine ye see before yoo is the fifteenth in a line of diesel - Diesel 15. He is the very fairst diesel Garratt in the wairld. No' only that, but he's fitted with an Automatic Programming System - or APS - which means he can move by himself without a driver - but don't wairy, he's got one today. Now, who wants t'take a ride?" Many people scrambled for tickets; some looked as though they were still thinking it over, but by the time the train started, no one was left at the station.
Diesel 15 felt even better pulling the passenger train. The sun shone brightly, the birds sang, and the passengers were having a splendid time. By the time they reached the station, the passengers were telling everyone that they would be coming again, and bringing their friends. Sir Alan smiled upon the diesel. "Ye've made me proud, m'lad, ye've made me proud."
Walkins said almost the same thing when he received word of how Diesel 15 was doing. "You'll go far, my diesel. You'll go far...."
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 13:03:27 GMT -5
Heaven and Hell
Diesel 15 still needed a driver throughout his first week. Sir Alan knew that they could get into a lot of trouble if something went wrong without one of board, and thus, to make sure that nothing would go wrong, kept a driver on board the diesel for the first week. After that, he felt sure that the diesel was safe, and allowed him to run without one. Even without a driver though, Diesel 15 was looked over every night to make sure that nothing was wrong.
Sir Alan may have trusted Diesel 15, but the engines were a different story. Gentleman Phillip was their 'leader' of sorts, and was a kindly and good-hearted engine. He took an immediate liking to the diesel, and took him under his wing. However, the other three didn't trust him. "Why, he isn't a proper engine!" said Lady Eliza. "All Garratts should run on steam," replied Lancaster Lawrence, "What was Sir Alan thinking?" But Iron Mike was worst of all. He didn't even acknowledge the little diesel, and shut up whenever he was around, giving him nothing but a dirty look. Gentleman Phillip tried to talk some sense into them. "What's wrong with him?" he asked. "He isn't a proper Garratt," said Lady Eliza, "he doesn't run on coal and water." "Nothing but filthy black diesel fuel," put in Lawrence. "Not to mention, he doesn't need a driver!" "Okay, so he may be different," conceeded Phillip, "but as they say, 'different can be good'. Don't judge a book boy its cover - or in this case, an engine by his looks. Don't judge lest you be judged; Diesel 15 is a young, kind little engine, and he needs kindness in return. I, for one, am going to give it to him. And remember, the passengers love him!" Iron Mike gave a growl. Lawrence said, "Only proper engines should pull passengers." "You're all improper engines if you can't give the same courtesy to him that he's given to you." After that, Gentleman Phillip stopped talking, for the most part, to the other engines, and spent most of his free time with Diesel 15.
Lancaster Lawrence was a handsome devil; a risk-taker, and one who always wanted to have a bit of fun. Lady Eliza was the epitome of an aristocrat, with her high-and-mighty and sometimes condescending attitude. But they weren't bad engines by any means. They soon started to feel a bit bad about what they'd said, but didn't really want to admit it. They would always squirm when they saw Diesel 15. Only Iron Mike remained totally against the diesel, and would have nothing to do with him.
Then, one day, something happened that changed them for the better. It was a cloudy afternoon, and Diesel 15 was shunting some trucks for the engines. Gentleman Phillip came to collect his train. "You're doing a splendid job," he told the diesel, "Sir Alan is right to be proud of you. Not to mention, you being here has been great; I haven't felt so good in years. If only the others could see that." "Ah, well, maybe someday," Diesel 15 replied modestly. He was a pretty happy-go-lucky engine - sure, the others not liking him wasn't very fun, but that didn't put him down.
Gentleman Phillip had just left, when suddenly he heard a shout. Then a man ran up to him. "Lancaster Lawrence was pulling a fuel train, when they broke away! They're like a bomb waiting to go off; if they crash, they can catch fire and burn down part of the forest! Go after them right away, and try to stop them!" "Right away, sir!" said Diesel 15. That was the nice thing about not needing a driver; he could start off whether or not someone was on board.
Diesel 15 rushed after the fuel train, trying to come up with a plan. "If I can only get in front of them, and switch onto their line, and then let them catch up to me, and slowly slow down, it just might work!" So he started to put his plan into action. He raced forward, and presently saw the trucks. He heard them laughing. "On! On! Faster! Faster!" Now, fuel trucks are usually better behaved than regular trucks, but these were brand-new, and knew almost nothing whatsoever. They thought the whole thing was a joke. Soon, Diesel 15 and the trucks were side-by-side. Diesel 15 gradually got in front of them. "Okay...." he thought nervously, "Here goes...." The signalman had heard about the runaway, and when he saw Diesel 15, switched the points for him to go onto the fuel trucks' line. Now Diesel 15 could put the final step into action. He slowed down a bit at a time, and let the trucks catch up to him. With a slight bump, they found themselves behind Diesel 15, and braking carefully, he was able to stop the trucks at the station.
Everyone cheered Diesel 15, and Sir Alan told him, "Ye're a hero, m'lad; a hero! Wait 'til Walkins hears aboot this!" Gentleman Phillip was proud of Diesel 15, too, and Lady Eliza and Lancaster Lawrence both apologized to Diesel 15. "You may be different," they said, "but we've learned that different can be good!" Iron Mike, however, did not seem to change very much, but he did at least give Diesel 15 a somewhat friendly 'toot' the next time he saw him. And for the little diesel, that was enough.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 13:03:58 GMT -5
Into the Lungs of Hell
Despite that friendly 'toot' Iron Mike had given Diesel 15, he still wouldn't talk to the little diesel. In fact, he seemed more against him than ever. Diesel 15 was confused - first it seemed that the steam engine was going to apologize, but now he was being ignored again. What was wrong with Iron Mike? He sighed one night thinking about it. "What is it?" asked Gentleman Phillip. "It's Iron Mike," replied Diesel 15. "After the fuel train incident, I thought we might become friends, but now it seems that nothing could be further from the truth. I wonder what's wrong with him. He seems so distant and cold." Phillip sighed. "It's not your fault. Iron Mike is always like that. It goes back to an incident a long time ago..." "What happened?" asked Diesel 15. And so, Gentleman Phillip began his story...
"Before Sir Alan bought me, and I came to work here, I lived on a railway near Devonshire. Iron Mike worked there, too. We were the only engines there, as the railway was on its last leg. We had seen it in its heyday, and it seemed that we would be seeing it in its last years as well. "Iron Mike was the backbone of the railway. He did twice as much as I did - twice as much passengers, twice as much frieght - any lesser engine would have complained about it, but not Iron Mike. He wanted to keep the railway running, no matter what the cost. It was his home.
"Then, one evening, I was pulling the Midnight Special, when I failed. I was in the middle of the forest, and there wasn't a station - let alone my shed - for miles. "My driver went to go for help, and my fireman stayed with me to keep me company. However, while we waited, I suddenly saw a huge bolt of lightning, followed by a loud clap of thunder. A storm had come upon us unaware, and we were in the midst of it. "My driver meanwhile, had reached a station, and told the stationmaster about our problem. He phoned up the line, and Iron Mike soon set up the line to rescue me.
"By the time he arrived, the storm had gotten even worse. It seemed that there was thunder every over second, and I saw more lightning than I ever cared to see. "Iron Mike buffered up to me. 'Come on,' he said, 'let's go!' "So we started off, Iron Mike pulling both me and my train. Lightning was everywhere, and rain streamed down on us as Iron Mike battled his way through the storm.
"Then, it happened. Lightning struck a tree right in front of us, and it caught fire, and tumbled to the ground. Iron Mike stopped quickly. We could go no further. "I was now quite worried, but Iron Mike just growled. 'I'll get us out of here or die trying,' he said. "The fire was starting to spread to the other trees, and soon, the forest was looking like a blazing inferno. "'This must be the end...' I said, scared. "But Iron Mike did answer in the affirmative. 'No,' he said, 'it's not!' "And with a mighty roar, he started off again, right into the flaming tree in front of us.
"The tree was almost burned up, so it didn't take much effort to break through the barrier. But it was extremely hot and painful. Our drivers and firemen tried to stay as far away from the fire as possible, but even then, the heat was unbearable. "Iron Mike stormed through the fire, as I cheered him on. We saw nothing but orange and black, but that didn't stop Iron Mike. "Finally, we came out of the forest, and out of the fire. I gave a sigh of relief, and so did our crews, and Iron Mike kept on till we reached the shed.
"The next morning, our manager came to see us. "'The storm has caused a lot of damage,' he said. 'That forest fire was the worst we've ever had, and it's completely destroyed both the forests, and some of the stations in it. We don't have the necessary funds to rebuild it, so we'll have to close the line.' "That was when Iron Mike changed. 'All that work... in one night, everything's gone! All for nothing!!' "He was a newer, angrier engine. He didn't blame me, but he did curse the storm, the railway, and the manager for what had happened.
"We were lucky, though. Sir Alan bought both of us, and we're working hard but happily here. Iron Mike seems to be getting a little better each day, and hopefully he'll soon be his old self again. "So," Gentleman Phillip finished, "don't you worry about Iron Mike. You've done nothing wrong, just give him time and I'm sure he'll come around."
Gentleman Phillip soon fell asleep, but Diesel 15 didn't. He thought about what Phillip had told him, of the great fire, and how Iron Mike felt after it was over. Then he smiled. He knew that one way or another, he would win Iron Mike over, some way, some how....
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 13:04:21 GMT -5
Hell No
After hearing Phillip's story, Diesel 15 did all he could to win Iron Mike over. He gave him friendly 'toots', he shunting his trucks for him, he did everything he could think of. And yet, Iron Mike still didn't come around. Diesel 15 was saddened by this, but Gentleman Phillip reassured him. "Maybe you're trying too hard," he told the little diesel. "Like I told you, Iron Mike will come around soon. Just give him time."
Then something happened that set Diesel 15's hopes for getting Iron Mike to make friends with him back. That morning, Diesel 15 had woken up late. It was a gloomy day, and his engine wouldn't start. "Come on, Diesel 15," said Lancaster Lawrence, "Let's get up an' at 'em!" Finally Diesel 15 started. "Oh, dear," he yawned, "I wish I could sleep some more. I'm so tired!"
Diesel 15 had shunting duties that morning, but he was late. The yard manager was cross. "Come on, lazy wheels!" he said, angrily. "Get to work!" "Yes, sir," yawned Diesel 15, and he set to work.
Diesel 15 was still half-asleep. Because of this, he accidently mixed of the manager's orders. Gentleman Phillip was surprised when he came. "I thought I was taking a tar train, not a coal train." "No, I'm pretty sure you're taking the coal train." "Okay then, if you're sure," and Phillip coupled on to the train and took it away.
Diesel 15 wasn't sure. He had a nagging feeling that he'd just made a mistake. Lancaster Lawrence came to collect his trucks, and was surprised to see the tar train. "I thought I'm taking a coal train," he said. "No..." said the diesel, uneasily, "I don't think so...." "Okay then, if you're sure." And he took his train.
Now Diesel 15 was sure he made a mistake. "Oh, dear," he thought, "what will Sir Alan think when he hears about this?" He was so worried that he made another mistake - he left a truck on the Main Line. He didn't notice this, and left with his train quickly so that at least he would be on time.
Iron Mike was bringing a ballast train. He was speeding along, making good time, and feeling better than usual, despite the rain. Then, up ahead, he saw something on the track. "What could that be?" he thought. Then he realized it was a truck on the line. "Oh, bother!" he growned, and applied his brakes. However, the rain had made the rails slippery, and he couldn't stop in time....
CRASH!
Iron Mike hit the car - hard. He sent it off the rails, and it crashed into another car, which made it break apart. Iron Mike himself was derailed. "Grr!" he growled, "when I get my buffers on the little creep...."
When Sir Alan heard, he was a bit cross. "Diesel 15," he said, "please pay attention when you do your work. You could have caused an even worse accident." "Sorry, Sir," said the diesel, sadly. "Oh well, we all make mistakes. You're young yet, and still have a lot to learn." Iron Mike didn't let him off as easily, though. "You no-good little diesel, you could've caused a serious accident! What were you thinking?!" "I... er..." "If I hadn't noticed that car and slowed down when I did, I could have destroyed the yard. Not to mention, ended up in the Works!" "I'm sorry..." "Sorry isn't gonna cut it! I'll have you know-" "Simmer down, Mike!" cried Phillip. "It was an honest mistake. He apologized, leave him be." Iron Mike growled away. Diesel 15 realized, sadly, that he'd just blown his chance of being friends with the steam engine.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 13:04:43 GMT -5
Knocking On Heaven's Door
Over the next few days, the atmosphere of the yard was unbearable. Iron Mike would just glare at Diesel 15, and Diesel 15 just kept silent for the most part. Gentleman Phillip tried talking to Iron Mike, but it was no use. Lady Eliza and Lancaster Lawrence talked only amongst themselves for the most part, and kept respectfully silent around the others!
Then, one day, Sir Alan came to the shed. He was unhappy to see what was going on in his yard. He went to talk to Gentleman Phillip. "Phillip," he said, "what's goin' on? The engines don't seem to be gaittin' along very well. At least, they're no' talkin' to each other." Phillip sighed. "Well, Sir, Iron Mike's accident put him in a very bad mood, and he wants nothing more to do with Diesel 15, who he hasn't yet forgiven." Sir Alan pondered. Then his face lit up. "What if..." and he whispered something in Phillip's ear. The engine smiled. "Yes," he said, "that might just do it..."
The next afternoon, he came to see the engines. "Diesel 15, I'd like ye to dooble-head the fish train this ev'nin' with Iron Mike." "But Sir..." started Iron Mike. "Good! Then it's all settled. Remember, the train leaves a 8.15 precisely. Make shair ye're there!" And he walked away, laughing to himself.
Iron Mike was not happy with the arrangements. "Why on earth would he make us double-head a train?! I don't need extra time with that little-" "Please, Mike, stop it!" Gentleman Phillip interrupted. "You're getting on our nerves. Not to mention, you're being completely unfair. Maybe it's good that you two will be double-heading, you might make up while you're pulling the train." Iron Mike just growled, and rolled away.
That evening, at 8.15 precisely, Diesel 15 and Iron Mike left the station with the fish train. "Not a very pleasant smell, is it?" asked Diesel 15. But Iron Mike didn't respond. Diesel 15 sighed. He felt he would never make friends with Iron Mike - though he knew that it was no fault of his own.
They sped along the line, making good time. The cool night air cheered Diesel 15 up a bit. Then, suddenly, Iron Mike said, "Wait, where are we going? I don't remember this being on the way to the station." Diesel 15 looked at the line. "You're right!" he said. "Where are we going?" "I'm not sure," started Iron Mike, but then he cried, "Oh no! Hit the brakes!!" Iron Mike applied his brakes, and Diesel 15 immediately did the same, but they were still going too fast, and - CRASH! - Iron Mike broke through a buffer and came off - he was right over water.
Iron Mike's driver was worried. "The bridge is out, the signalman must have put us on the wrong line." "Help!" called Iron Mike, "Get me down from here." "Hmm..." said the fireman, "Do you think you can do it, Diesel 15?" "I'll try, sir." "Right then. Try to pull Iron Mike back on the line."
So, slowly but surely, Diesel 15 pulled Iron Mike back onto the line. Then, with some careful levering from the driver and fireman, the steam engine was soon back on the rails. Iron Mike was now feeling apologetic. "Thanks, Diesel 15, for getting me back on the rails." "You're welcome," replied the diesel. "Look," said Iron Mike, "I'm sorry about the way I acted. I shouldn't have reacted that way." "That's all right, I understand. Does this mean we can be friends now?" Iron Mike laughed. "Yes, it does," he said, and with that, the two new friends rolled away to finish delivering the fish.
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Jun 12, 2016 19:49:33 GMT -5
Just wanted to get this up for those unfamiliar with Garrett locomotives. They are steam engines built and designed to take tighter corners. In general, they look like this:
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 20:07:33 GMT -5
Thanks, Frank, should've put that up myself.
What did you think of Part One? Was it good? Bad? Somewhere in between? Did you catch any of my little Easter eggs? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Jun 12, 2016 20:13:47 GMT -5
I loved it, great job. Not sure what "easter eggs" you are referring to, but I thought it was a good job.
(BTW, you may want to fix the font on the second story; it is very tiny)
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 20:28:03 GMT -5
Basically little things that are references to other things; for instance, I'll give you this one - the opening of the first story, "It was a dark and stormy night," was what Snoopy always opened a story with in Peanuts.
As for the font - everything looks fine to me, maybe it's your computer?
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Jun 12, 2016 20:38:29 GMT -5
That's the weird part; it all the other stories the font size is fine.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 12, 2016 20:42:21 GMT -5
Hmm, I even hit the edit button and checked out my BBCodes, but it's fine on my end.
EDIT: Used a different computer, and turns out, you're right. Don't know why it didn't show up for me... I've changed it now, so it showed be the correct font.
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 23, 2016 6:26:43 GMT -5
The Three Word Story Revolution Novels - No.2 The Life & Times of Diesel 15 Part Two: Floods
Dear Friends,
For 16 years, Diesel 15 helped run the Garratt Railway along with the other engines. Everyone liked him, as he was cheerful and always helped out.
However, 1990 marked the end of an era. People turned on the Numbered Diesels, and not even Diesel 15 was safe, as nature itself was against him....
The Author
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 23, 2016 6:28:09 GMT -5
She Talks To Angels
The engines on the Garratt Railway were working hard. Diesel 15 was shunting, Iron Mike and Lancaster Lawrence were taking freight trains, and Lady Eliza and Gentleman Phillip were busy with the passengers. "It's a beautiful day, isn't it, Lady Eliza?" Gentleman Phillip asked. "Yes, couldn't be better. The sun is shining, the birds are singing..." "And you're pulling passengers!" Phillip laughed. Lady Eliza smiled. She seemed to be the epitome of a passenger engine. When she was pulling passengers, all seemed to be right with the world.
Lady Eliza pulled passengers just as well as she looked while pulling the passengers. Everyone liked her, she was gentle with the coaches, and she didn't go as fast as Lancaster Lawrence - who was a real speed demon! She was going along on her way, whe she thought she saw something. "What's that?" she thought. But there was nothing there. She continued on her way, and did not see anything for the rest of the day. That night, she told the other engines about it. "I don't know what it was," she said, "but I'm pretty sure it was there. I saw it for a split-second, and then it was gone." "You've been seeing things!" Lancaster Lawrence guffawed. "Could it have just been the sun?" said Diesel 15 asked. "I'm sure it wasn't," she said, obstinately. Iron Mike frowned. "Hmm, make sure that you let us know if you see it again - and I think we should keep our eyes open too." Lancaster Lawrence just grinned - but he wouldn't be smiling for long!
The next evening, he came back to the sheds white in the face. "Looks as though you've seen a ghost!" Gentleman Phillip laughed. "I-it's n-not funny!" the engine stuttered. "I h-have seen a g-ghost!" "You're pulling our wheels," Iron Mike said. "You've always been a joker, and you just want to make Lady Eliza feel bad. "No, I-I'm serious!" he insisted. "Okay, what happened? Did a wraith suddenly jump out at you?" Diesel 15 quipped. "It w-was like this: I was going along, with my train-" "At top speed, most likely," Phillip muttered. "-when all of a sudden, I was looking at a Garratt - but unlike any Garratt I've ever seen! It was white, and seemed to be made of thin air. Then it looked at me and said, 'I'll be back for you...' Then it disappeared." "You sure you're not pulling our wheels?" Lady Eliza asked. "Honest!" "We'd better keep a look out for him," Phillip said, "Who knows what it might be!"
So the engines all stayed alert. A week went by, and no one had seen the ghost again. The others were beginning to get skeptical. "I can't help thinking that you've made it up," Iron Mike confronted Lancaster Lawrence. "Lady Eliza comes home with a story, and you decide to improve upon it with a tale of your own!" "But it's true! I did see a ghostly Garratt! Why on earth would you think that I'm making it up?" Iron Mike stared at him. "Well, okay, so I can see why you wouldn't believe me, but it's all true. I really did see it."
Iron Mike was still unsure whether or not it was true, but then Diesel 15 came home one evening confirming Lancaster Lawrence's story. "It was a ghostly Garratt, just like Lawrence said. It came up to me and whispered, 'You're the first to go...' Then it just disappeared." Iron Mike decided to address the issue, "I will admit that I was skeptical, but Diesel 15's story has confirmed my fears. It seems that we are being plagued by the ghost of a Garratt. It looks to me as though it was an engine from this railway's past." "But weren't we the first engines here?" Gentleman Phillip pointed out. "Perhaps we weren't. There might have been one before us."
Sir Alan walked up. "Wha' are ye engines talkin' aboot?" "Sir Alan, did you have another engine before us?" Iron Mike asked. Sir Alan's face grew sadder. "Yes, Ay did actually." "Who was he, and what happened to him?" "His name was Benjamin Breeg, an' he was one of the finest engines I've ever owned. He did mair work than most engines would dream of, but sadly, he was crossin' a bridge one day when it collapsed un'er him. His driver an' fireman jumped clear, but Benjamin Breeg was unsalvagable, and I was forced to scrap him. It's funny you mentionin' him, as it's actually been 25 years this month since his demise." Iron Mike looked at the other engines. They knew what he was thinking....
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 23, 2016 6:29:49 GMT -5
Am I Demon
Sir Alan's story had really gotten to Iron Mike. He seemed as though he was fighting something in his mind, and was not as into his work as he usually was. "What's gotten into him?" Lancaster Lawrence muttered. "I don't know," Lady Eliza replied, "He isn't usually like this." Gentleman Phillip and Diesel 15 didn't say a word. They knew what Iron Mike was going through....
Iron Mike had never really gotten over the closing of his previous railway. He had worked so hard, just to see it crash and die. Sure, it was good to have a home here, and Sir Alan was a good man, but he just couldn't get over the fact that his railway had closed, despite everything he had done to keep it alive. Now, with the sighting of the ghostly Garratt, Iron Mike was worried about the railway. What would happen now? It had told the engines it would come back for them. Was this railway going to close as well? Iron Mike tried to battle his demons, but they always seemed to win.
Things came to a climax for Iron Mike when Sir Alan came to the shed one morning with an important announcement. "A large supply of dynamite is going to be delivered here over the next few weeks for transportation. I want everyone on their best behavior so that no mishaps will occur." When he left, Iron Mike exploded. "Is he out of his mind?!" he cried. "Dynamite delivered HERE, and after those ghostly warnings we've received?! He's got to be mad!" "Come on, Mike," said Gentleman Phillip, "If we're careful, I'm sure we'll be fine." "I hope so," Iron Mike said suspiciously. "I'd hate to see this railway fall, too..."
So, over the next few weeks, the explosives were delivered to the railway for transport. The engines always kept a close eye on things, so that if something went wrong, it could be rectified quickly. During that time, only minor accidents happened, such as trucks coming off the line - and even that happened rarely. But Iron Mike was still worried, "Just one idiot with a cigarette, and the whole place will be blown sky high...!"
One morning, Iron Mike was delivering a load of dynamite when he stopped at a station. A man on the platform was smoking a cigar. "Please keep that away from the explosives!" said a workman. "Don' ye wairry!" replied the man. The doors slammed shut, and Iron Mike was off again.
He was halfway to the next station, when he suddenly smelled a smell that he should not be smelling! "Driver," he said, "is that... smoke?!" The driver looked back. "Holy cowcatchers!" he cried, "one of the dynamite trucks is on fire!" Iron Mike was horrified. "It's coming true! The railway will go under, and thanks to my truck, too!" He thought furiously. "There's a chance..." he thought, and quickly made up his mind...
Iron Mike braked hard, and reversed. "There's a siding with weak buffers that block the lake. If I can get these trucks through them, they'll run into the water and away from the railway." The fireman uncoupled the trucks, while Iron Mike reversed as fast as ever he could. A signalman had noticed what was going on, and quickly switched the points. Iron Mike's trucks crashed through the buffers, and Iron Mike applied his brakes, and then raced away from the trucks as they went into the lake...
Iron Mike feared the worst, but as it was, nothing happened. "Well done, Mike!" his driver and fireman exclaimed, "The water has extinguished the flames! We're safe!" Iron Mike breathed a sigh of relief.
Iron Mike was hailed a hero. Sir Alan told him that he was proud of him, and the other engines cheered when he came home that night. What happened was this: The man with the cigar had tossed it away from him towards that train tracks, but it had inadvertantly ended up in the dynamite truck. No one had noticed it, and so they closed the doors thinking nothing was the matter.
There were no more mishaps with the dynamite after that incident, and the engines, even Iron Mike, started to forget about their ghostly warning....
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 23, 2016 6:30:54 GMT -5
Hell Awaits
It had been a few months since the last sighting of the ghostly Garratt, and for the engines, everything was getting back to normal. The dynamite had all been delivered, and it was back to the same old, same old. For most, that was fine, but for others... "Oh darn!" Lancaster Lawrence grumped. "What's the matter?" Gentleman Phillip asked. "After all the excitement we had with the ghost train and the dynamite incident, it's boring and mundane doing our regular jobs now. I want some excitement!" Gentleman Phillip laughed. "You may be surprised, Lawrence," he said, "Excitement might just be around the corner!" Neither of them knew how true that was....
Behind the engine shed was a river. It wasn't a very large river, but it was a fast one, and could sweep you off your feet before you could realize what was happening. However, no one had noticed what had been happening slowly but surely over the years - erosion. The river had eaten away at the bank, and had grown wider. It had happened slowly over time, so that no one realized what was happening. They also didn't realize that the shed foundations had become unstable....
Over the next few days, the wind had started picking up, and instead of nice, breezy wind, it was becoming fast, raging wind. It bit at the engines, and made them feel cold. Then the rain came. It rained and rained for days on end. Every morning, the engines awoke to rain. Every evening, they came home to rain. All day long, there was rain. There wasn't a dry spot in the countryside. Sir Alan would not visit the engines as often, and when he did, it was with a very thick rain coat. "Ay'll be glad to see this end...!"
One particularly glooming morning, the engines were all giving their jobs. Lady Eliza and Gentleman Phillip were to pull passengers, while Lancaster Lawrence and Iron Mike were to pull freight. Only Diesel 15 did not go out. He had worked particularly hard earlier that week, and Sir Alan had decided to give him a day off. Diesel 15 liked his rest. It was nice not to be rushed off his wheels, and he dozed happily. All the while, the rain kept coming down....
The river behind the shed had become almost overflowing with water. It surged forward rapidly, and the river bank had been eaten away at much faster than usual. The storm had knocked some trees over into the river, and even they had soon disappeared from where they used to stand. Diesel 15 knew none of this. He was still resting, and thinking of what he and the others would do once the storm was over....
He was awoken by a CRACK! He looked behind himself, but could see nothing. There was another crack. This time, he saw something that made him goggle. "The shed wall!" he cried, "It's breaking!" Another crack, and a piece of the wall fell off. Another crack, and the wall was no longer there, but had been rushed away by the river....
Diesel 15 had started to panic. "Help!" he cried, "The shed is collapsing!" But there was no one there to here him. The buffers too had started to sink down. Finally they disppeared into the raging water. The line was now sloping. Diesel 15 started to roll backwards, farther and farther down. Finally the bank gave way. The last thing the frightened little diesel saw before he went under was the shed itself collapse....
When the others came home, the shed was gone, and so was Diesel 15....
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 23, 2016 6:31:26 GMT -5
Fallen Angel
All the engines were all shocked to find the shed collapsed and Diesel 15 missing. Sir Alan paced up and down in his office all day. "Why couldn't Ay have done some proper maintenance?! If Ay had, Diesel 15 would nay be missin' noo!" Walkins had been having a lot of trouble with the other Numbered Diesels lately, and he was mortified to hear that Diesel 15 had disappeared in a flood. "My poor, poor engine...."
The rain kept coming down for another week. The other engines tried to go about their work as normal, but they were all too worried to consentrate on their jobs. Finally the rain stopped. The wind had blown some trees down, and one section of the line had taken a battering and needed to be closed off. The stations needed repairs, and of course, so did the shed - though they decided to build that somewhere else this time to avoid having erosion problems. However, this was all trivial compared to Diesel 15. Iron Mike especially was worried. "The ghostly Garratt told him that he would be the first to go..." he thought to himself. "What if it was true...?!"
The water in the river started to recede. One day, the workmen saw a metallic glimmer in the water. With a cry of hope, they called for cranes and a flatbed to come to the site. Soon, everything was in motion, and a battered, bruised, and half-drowned Diesel 15 was lifted onto the flatbed. Sir Alan was there to greet him. "Hello, Diesel 15..." The little engine gave something of a half smile at his owner.
Diesel 15 had taken a heavy blow when he fell into the river, and that had been made even worse when debris from the storm, such as rocks and branches, had battered into him. He needed plenty of new parts to be mended, and his APS was in a terrible condition. However, they decided not to consentrate on the APS, and mainly on restoring the diesel to good working order. Sir Alan spared no cost to do so. Finally, looking nearly brand-new, Diesel 15 finally emerged from the works and was back to work.
A crowd of people were there to see him when he took his first train after the accident. They cheered him on, and the little diesel felt happier than he had in a very long time. However, in those few days, something had changed. The other Numbered Diesels had been banned from British Rail, and some had even been ordered to be scrapped. The passengers slowly but surely started to distrust Diesel 15. Even though he now had a driver, due to the fact that his APS was not working, they still didn't know what could happen with a Numbered Diesel.
Slowly but surely, the people turned their back on Diesel 15. Eventually, he was not allowed to take passenger trains anymore. However, public outcry forced Sir Alan to go a step farther - Diesel 15 would not be allowed to take freight trains either. The little diesel was now nothing but a shunter.
One morning, Sir Alan came to see Diesel 15. "Diesel 15, I'm sorry to tell you this, but we're retiring yoo." "What?!" the little diesel cried with shock. "I'm afraid so. Our railway has been losing money in recent years because manufacturers and passengers doon't trust yoo, and won't travel or send goods with your trains. I really hate to doo this, but it's fair the good of the railway." The tears formed in the diesel's eyes. Sir Alan then said, "But doon't ye wairy. Ye'll always have a place on my railway. Ay'm keeping yoo in the shed with the other engines soo that ye'll still be able to talk with them in the evening. "And Diesel 15," he finished, "whatever happens, Ay want ye too know - Ay'm proud of you."
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jun 23, 2016 6:31:57 GMT -5
Hell or High Water
Some time went by. Diesel 15 was still in the shed, all day and all night. The other engines were sorry for him. "It's a shame you can't come out with us," Lancaster Lawrence said. "Indeed," Lady Eliza replied, "You were one of the best engines this railway has ever seen." Gentleman Phillip said the same, and Iron Mike whispered sorrowfully, "I miss you." Diesel 15 was sorry too, but glad to have friends like these.
However, the railway itself had started to fail. It was slowly loosing money, and some parts of it had been closed down over the years. In fact, four engines were too many, but Sir Alan didn't want to take another of his engines out of service. One was enough. However, one significant event would change the fate of the railway... for the worse....
An old dam stood high and mighty on one of the larger areas of the river. It blocked a great deal of water from escaping to the other side so that people could fish and swim on it. However, ever since the flood that had swept Diesel 15 away, the dam had had little maintenance, and was slowly falling apart, though no one had really noticed....
One afternoon, the sun was shining down, and some fishermen were fishing on the resevoir. There had been a big storm the night before, and the water was higher than usual. However, no one saw what was coming.... Almost like out of an action movie, a loud CRACK! was heard, and the dam suddenly broke open, and water rushed out, headed straight for the village....
The damage was incredible. Both the railway and the village were sunk, though luckily, the townsfolk had been having a conference, and the water hit a part of the railway where the engines had not been. However, while the villagers were able to repair the town, the same couldn't be said for the railway. With a heavy heart, Sir Alan had to close it.
The engines were all concerned about their future. "What will happen to us?" Lady Eliza asked nervously. "I'm sure we'll be fine," said Gentleman Phillip. "I don't know..." Iron Mike said suspiciously. Diesel 15 didn't say anything, but he was worried, too.
Over the next few weeks, the engines noticed some people they'd never seen before come and inspect them. Some had strange accents and looked strange as well. "I wonder what's going on," the engines thought, concernedly.
However, one morning, Sir Alan came with a big smile on his face. "I've found homes for you all!" he cried happily. As it turned out, Gentleman Phillip had been sold to a museum, to be a working exhibit. Lady Eliza and Lancaster Lawrence on the other hand had been sold to a gentleman who wanted two engines for a smile line he had for excursions. However, Iron Mike and Diesel 15 were still in the sheds, waiting. They didn't talk much, but both had the same thought - what would happen to them?
Then one morning, a familiar looking man walked up to Diesel 15. It took him a second to realize who it was. "F-father?!" Walkins smiled. "Ah, Diesel 15. It's good to see you again." "What are you doing here?" the little diesel asked. "I'm here to fix your APS," Walkins replied. "Why?" the diesel asked, confused. "You don't know yet?" Walkins said, surprised. Then he smiled. "Well, my little diesel, there's a lot in store for you. You and Iron Mike... are going to Australia!"
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Post by frankthetriviaman on Jun 23, 2016 18:48:55 GMT -5
"A fine piece of work" said Sir To... I mean, said Frank.
great job; gave me an idea for a story; I'll write later
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Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jul 13, 2016 20:42:34 GMT -5
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