|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 14:38:01 GMT -5
The Island of Sodor: 70 Years of the Railway Series
By Diesel 11 Part One: The Early Years
Dear Friends,
70 years ago, a man named Wilbert Awdry wrote a book for his son who was sick with measles. The book was published, and started one of the most beloved series for children. More books followed, until there were twenty-six total. 11 years later, Awdry’s son, Christopher, decided to pick up the pen and follow in his father’s footsteps. His books brought the total number up to 42. It is to the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son Christopher that this book is dedicated to, as we celebrate 70 years of the Railway Series.
The Author
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 14:38:41 GMT -5
The Three Railway Engines Once there was a little engine named Edward. He was sad. The other engines were teasing him. They said that the Driver wouldn’t choose him again. “He wants big, strong engines like us,” they told him. Then the Driver came. “Why are you sad?” he asked. “Would you like to come out today?” “Yes please,” said Edward. So, to the other engines’ frustration, Edward left the shed. He had a happy day, pulling passenger coaches to all the stations. He was so good, that the driver promised to take him out again tomorrow.
He had a happy day. One of the engines in the shed was named Gordon. He was the biggest, strongest, and proudest of them all. “Look out for me this afternoon, little Edward,” he said, “and you’ll see me flying along the line with the Express. That’ll be a splendid sight for you.” And he puffed away. Edward went to arrange some trucks. Then he saw Gordon. Instead of nice shining coaches, Gordon was pulling a dirty goods train. He grumbled as he went past. Edward laughed, and went back to work. Soon, he was told to help Gordon, who couldn’t get up the hill. They found Gordon, and buffered up. Gordon grumbled. “It’s no use!” he said. “Nonsense,” said Edward, and he pushed as Gordon pulled….and they came to the top! “I’ve done it! I’ve done it!” said Gordon, as he raced forward. He forgot all about Edward, who was quite tired out.
"I've done it! I've done it!" Gordon raced down the line, and soon saw Henry. Henry had stayed in a tunnel during a rain storm, and not come out. No matter what, they couldn’t get him out. So they left him there. He was a sorry sight. Gordon came closer. “When I get there,” he thought, “I’ll blow steam at him, and say, ‘Serves you right!’” Gordon came closer when, “WHEEEEEE–––––––––––––EESH! What’s happened?” “You’ve burst your safety valve,” said his driver. “Oh, bother, and now Henry’s laughing at ME!”
"Henry's laughing at ME!" Edward was sent to try to help, but he couldn’t pull the train by himself. “Why not let Henry try?” asked Gordon. So Henry came out, and after a short run to ease his joints, he came back and pulled the train with Edward. The Fat Director was pleased. “Well done,” he said. He gave all three engines a new coat of paint, and they became good friends.
He gave all three engines a new coat of paint.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 14:39:27 GMT -5
Thomas the Tank Engine A few days later, when Gordon was mended, he was resting at the station. He’d just finished pulling the Express, and was tired out. He’d just fallen asleep when, “Peep, peep! Wake up lazybones! Do some hard work for a change!” Gordon jumped. It was a little blue tank engine named Thomas, who shunted coaches at the station. Thomas then ran away. Gordon didn’t go back to sleep, rather, he thought of a way to pay Thomas out. His chance came, when, Thomas came late one morning. He was still tired as he brought the coaches to the platform. Gordon quickly backed down on the coaches, and they forgot to uncouple Thomas. When the passengers got in, the train started off, with Thomas still behind. “Faster!” said Thomas. Gordon DID go faster; too fast for Thomas! He wanted to stop, but he couldn’t. When they arrived at the station, Thomas was quite out of sorts. He decided that he would never be cheeky to Gordon again.
He decided that he would never be cheeky to Gordon again. Thomas did get tired of pulling coaches, though. “I’d like to pull a train,” he said. The engines just laughed. Then, one day, Henry got ill. The men worked hard, but he didn’t get better. Henry had a train to pull the next morning. Thomas hoped that he would get to pull it instead. Thomas brought the coaches to the platform….The people got in….the porters banged the doors….and Thomas waited and waited. The Fat Director came out. The Stationmaster explained about Henry. “Find another engine,” he said. “There’s only Thomas.” “You’ll have to do it then, Thomas. Be quick now!” So Thomas backed down on the train……………and started without it! “Stop!” said the passengers, but Thomas didn’t stop. He thought they were waving because he was such a splendid sight! “It’s nice of them to wave,” he thought. “Peep, peep! Thank you!” Then they came to a signal. “Bother! We have to stop.” The Signalman looked out in surprise. “What are YOU doing here, Thomas?” “I’m pulling a train, can’t you see?” “Where are your coaches then?” Thomas looked back. “Why, bless me! If we haven’t left them behind.” Thomas became sad. “Never mind,” said his driver, “let’s go back quickly.” At the station, the passengers were complaining, but when they saw how sad he looked, they couldn’t be cross. He coupled up, and this time he really pulled it.
The passengers were complaining. Now, even this didn’t satisfy Thomas. “I’d like to do something other than staying here, I want to see the world.” One night, Edward came to the shed. “I’ve got some trucks,” he said, “If you pull them instead of me, I’ll push coaches in the Yard.” So it was arranged. Unfortunately, though, Thomas knew nothing of trucks. “Come on,” he said. “All right, don’t fuss, all right, don’t fuss,” answered the trucks. And so they started. Thomas enjoyed himself, until they got to the hill. There, the trucks started pushing him… faster and faster… he couldn’t stop! “Help!” cried Thomas. They sped along until suddenly he was diverted into a siding. “Oh, bother!” cried Thomas, and he shut his eyes. When he opened them, he found that he’d stopped at the buffers. There watching him was….The Fat Director! “It seems you’ve a lot to learn about trucks,” he said. “After pushing them about here, you’ll know almost as much about them as Edward.” “Yes, Sir.”
"It seems you've a lot to learn about trucks." So that’s what Thomas did. Day after day, he arranged the trucks, and the Fat Director saw him every day. “Well done, Thomas,” he would say. Then one day, a new engine named James sped through. “Help!” he cried. His brakes were on fire, and the trucks were pushing him. Soon, Thomas heard that James was off the line. “The breakdown train – quickly!” So Thomas brought it to the scene. James had come off and broken through a fence. Thomas brought the trucks back, and then helped James up. James couldn’t move, so Thomas had to pull him back to the station. There, the Fat Director commended him. “James shall have a new coat and proper brakes, and you Thomas………………………………………………………………..shall have a Branch Line of your own.” “Oh, thank you, Sir!” Thomas couldn’t be happier.
Thomas couldn't be happier.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 14:39:42 GMT -5
James the Red Engine James was ill after his accident, but soon got better. The Fat Director (who had now become the Fat Controller, so we will call him that from now on) gave him a coat of bright red paint to cheer him up. One day, James and Edward had to take a passenger train. James was feeling quite joyful, and suddenly blew off steam. A shower of water landed on the Fat Controller’s nice new hat. James thought they’d better go. He didn’t want to stop at the first station, and two coaches were beyond the platform before Edward could make them stop. No one seemed to know of the Fat Controller’s hat, so James felt happier. They came to the Junction, where they met Thomas; then, they came to Gordon’s Hill. “It’s ever so steep,” said James. “I’ve done it before,” said Edward. The two engines made it to the top, and soon came to the last station. Edward told James about Gordon being stuck, and James laughed so much he got hiccoughs, which surprised an old lady, and made her drop her things.
James laughed so much he got hiccoughs. The next day, the Fat Controller came to see James. “If you can’t behave, I shall take away your coat of red paint and have you painted blue.” James didn’t like that. He was cross that morning. He collected the coaches and grumbled to the station. The people got in, and James snorted away. He wanted to go fast, but the coaches didn’t. James laughed at them. The coaches had had enough. “We’re going to stop. We’re going to STOP.” They did stop. “What’s the matter?” asked James. “Leak in the pipe most likely,” said his driver. “You’ve banged the coaches enough to make a leak in anything.” “How shall we mend it?” “We’ll do it with some newspaper and a leather bootlace.” “Where’s the bootlace coming from?” They asked the passengers. All said they didn’t have one, but the guard noticed a man named Jeremiah Jobling who did. “Please give it to me,” he said. “No, I won’t,” said the man. The passengers complained until the man give it to the Guard. The mended it, and James set off. But he was a sadder and wiser James, who decided never to bump coaches again.
The man gave it to the Guard. No one came to see James for a long time. He felt sad. Finally, the Fat Controller came. “You’ve caused me a lot of trouble,” he said, “and passengers are complaining. I do not like that. However, I’ve decided to give you a second chance. Will you work hard and help me?” “Oh, yes, Sir.” “That’s a good engine. Off you go then!” So James went to collect his trucks, and they started off. They came to Gordon’s Hill. The trucks decided to play some tricks. “Hold back,” they said. James pulled and pulled as hard as he could. Then, with a jerk, it all came easier. “I’ve done it, I’ve done it, it’s easy now!” “No,” said the driver, “We’ve left our tail behind.” The last few trucks had broken away. “Bother!” said James. He went back to get them. Just then, Edward came up. “Do you need some help?” he asked. “No thank you,” replied James. And he started up. He made to the top, and then all the way to the station. Edward came up, and out stepped….the Fat Controller! “Oh, dear,” thought James, “What will he say?” But the Fat Controller was pleased. “I was in Edward’s train, and saw everything. You made the most difficult train on the line behave. After that, you deserve to keep your red paint.”
"Oh, dear," thought James, "What will he say?" But Gordon and Henry didn’t let James off the hook. They teased him about his bootlace, and though he tried to talk of engines that stuck on hills or stayed in tunnels, they just kept talking of him. “I’m an Express Engine, little James,” said Gordon, “I know the line by instinct.” Every wise engine knows that the points are set by signalmen, but Gordon had forgotten. James brought the coaches for the Express. They were going to be gone until the next day, and very excited. “I wish I was going with you,” said James. “Goodbye, little James,” said Gordon as he started, “see you tomorrow!” James shunted some more coaches to the platform, and then heard a mournful noise. There was Gordon, pulling quietly into the station. “Have you lost your way, Gordon?” “No, it was lost for me. I was switched onto the loop.” “Perhaps it was instinct,” said James brightly. “We want our money back,” said the passengers. The Fat Controller decided that James should pull the train. The passengers got back in, and James started off. They had a nice run, and the passengers thanked James. Next day when James came back, he found Gordon shunting trucks. “I like some quiet work for a change,” he said. James now takes the passengers to give Gordon a rest. They are both firm friends.
James now takes the passengers to give Gordon a rest.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 14:40:40 GMT -5
Tank Engine Thomas Again Now, you remember that Thomas has a branch line. He enjoys it. He has two coaches, Annie and Clarabel, and loves them very much. One morning, Henry was late with his passengers. Thomas waited and waited. “Oh, dear,” said Henry when he arrived, “no one understands my case.” “Rubbish,” said Thomas, “you’re too fat, you need exercise.” The Guard blew his whistle, turned round, tripped, and fell. Thomas ended up starting without him. They ran on until they reached a signal. “Bother!” said Thomas, “We have to stop.” Then, they noticed the Guard wasn’t there. They finally saw him running up. They gave him a drink, and he explained. They started off again when the signal dropped, and all were pleased.
They gave him a drink, and he explained. Thomas passed over a bridge and saw people fishing. “I’d like to fish,” he thought, and would talk of nothing but fishing. Then one day, the standpipe was out of order. “We’ll have to get some water from the river,” said his driver. So they did. They took a bucket, and started lowering it, and then pulling it up. The bucket was old, and had many holes, so it took a while before they finished. They started off again, but soon Thomas felt a pain. “Ouch!” he cried. Steam billowed everywhere. They stopped at the last station, and ran Thomas onto a siding. And inspector and the Fat Controller came. “It seems to come from the feed-pipe,” said the driver, “I open it, but nothing happens.” The Inspector looked in the water tank, and then said to the Fat Controller, “Would you mind looking in here, Sir?” The Fat Controller jumped in surprise. “Inspector, do you see FISH?” “They must have come from the river,” said the driver. They got poles, and fished them out, and had a lovely supper of fish and chips. “That was good,” said the Fat Controller, “But please don’t do it again, Thomas.” “Yes, Sir. Engines don’t go fishing; it’s too uncomfortable.”
"That was good," said the Fat Controller, "But please don't do it again, Thomas." Thomas passed a field where a tractor was working. “Hello,” said Thomas, “Who are you?” “I’m Terence, who are you?” “I’m Thomas. What funny wheels you’ve got.” “They’re not funny, they’re caterpillars. I can go anywhere.” “I don’t want to go anywhere,” said Thomas, and puffed away. Soon, the clouds darkened. Snow fell. “We’ll need your snow plow for the next trip,” said his driver. “Pooh!” said Thomas, “Snow is silly soft stuff.” But they did put the snow plow on at the next station. Thomas hated it. He shook, and he banged it, and when they got back it was so damaged that they couldn’t use. They tried fixing it next morning, but didn’t have time, so Thomas left without it. “I don’t need that stupid thing,” he thought. Here raced along the line, went through a tunnel, and suddenly, “Help! Help! I’m stuck!” Thomas had run into a snow drift! The men worked hard, but Thomas was stuck. “Oh, dear,” he thought, “what a silly engine I am!” At last a bus came for the passengers, and then Terence the Tractor came out. He pulled away the coaches, and then Thomas. “Thank you,” said Thomas.
"Thank you," said Thomas. A few days later, Thomas met the bus who had helped him. His name was Bertie. “I’ve come to take your passengers again,” he said. “Help me! I can go faster than you!” “Prove it.” The drivers agreed, and the Guard said, “One – two – three – go!” And they were off. Bertie took the lead, but had to stop at the crossing. Still, he beat Thomas to the station. “Oh, dear,” said Thomas. Soon, however, the tide turned. Thomas started getting ahead, and the road started to climb. As Bertie strained up, Thomas whooshed past, and came to the last station – the winner! The passengers cheered. “That was fun,” said Bertie, “but to beat you over that hill, I should have to grow wings and be an airplane.” The two friends have often wanted to race again, but Bertie’s passengers don’t like to bump around like peas in a pod, and the Fat Controller has warned Thomas of engines who race at high speeds. So, I don’t think they ever will. Do you?
"That was fun," said Bertie,"but to beat you over that hill, I should have to grow wings and be an airplane."
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 14:41:23 GMT -5
Troublesome Engines Henry, James, and Gordon started complaining after Thomas left to run his Branch Line. They had to bring their coaches to the platform. However, the circus came to town, and the engines stopped grumbling, and started instead to help with it. Gordon and Henry became cross again, though, when James go to pull the train away. The next day, Henry was sent to clear a tunnel. It was blocked. He brought the workmen, and they went instead…and ran out in shocked! “We started to dig at the block, but it grunted, and moved!” “Rubbish,” said the foreman. “It isn’t rubbish! We’re not going in there again.” “Right. Henry and I will push it out.” “Wheesh!” said Henry, “I don’t want to!” But he did. They came up, and BUMP! Then they were pushed back. Out came Henry, the trucks, and an elephant! “Well, I never!” The gave the elephant some cake and water. Then Henry wheeshed steam, surprising the elephant, who sprayed water all over Henry.
Henry wheeshed steam, surprising the elephant, who sprayed water all over Henry. The next day it was Gordon’s turn. He went onto the turntable to get ready for his train, but it wouldn’t move. He was too big. He came to the station back-to-front. “It’s a new tank engine,” said some boys. “Grr!” said Gordon. James saw him and laughed. “Take care,” said Gordon, “you might stick too.” James didn’t stick. Instead, the wind puffed him ‘round like a top! He left feeling quite giddy. That night, the engines decided they’d have enough. They made a plan, and decided to do it next day.
That night, the engines decided they'd had enough. When next day came, none of them went to the station. They stayed in the shed. “Come on now,” said the Fat Controller. “We’ll not come on now,” they said, “We won’t fetch coaches like coming tank engines. You fetch our trains and we will pull them. Tender engines DON’T shunt.” “Well, I never!” said the Fat Controller. He went to see Edward. “I need some help,” he said, “leave these trucks here, please, and shunt coaches in the Yard.” So Edward did, and that day everything ran like usual. But the engines were rude to Edward, and the Fat Controller decided they needed a new tank engine. He went to an engine workshop, and looked around. Then he found a nice little green one. “That’s it,” he said. “If I choose you, will you work hard?” “Yes, Sir.” “Good, I’ll call you Percy.” “Thank you, Sir.” Percy and Edward became good friends, and Percy wheeshed off the big engines when they were rude. Then Thomas came. The Fat Controller walked up. “I’ve shut the others up,” he said, “So I would like you to run the Main and Branch Lines together. There were less trains, but the passengers didn’t mind. They new that the big engines were learning a lesson.
There were less trains, but the passengers didn't mind. Gordon, Henry, and James felt miserable. Finally one day, the Fat Controller came to see them. “I hope you’ve learned your lesson, and that you are now capable to do your share of the work.” “Yes, Sir.” “Good. But remember that this ‘no shunting’ nonsense must stop.” He gave Edward, Thomas and Percy a break, and so they went and did some shunting on the branch line. Percy pushed some cars away, and then waited for the signalman to change the points. Unfortunately, he’d forgotten to whistle, and so the busy signalman forgot about Percy. Then Percy saw Gordon rushing towards him. “Get out of my way!” he cried. Percy’s driver pulled on the reverser, but Percy didn’t move. They jumped out. Luckily, Gordon stopped in front of Percy, but now Percy started to move. “I won’t stay here; I’ll run away!” He ran on, passing stations and signals, and even ran right up Gordon’s Hill without stopping! He was tired after this, but couldn’t stop. “Oh, dear!” he said. Luckily, and kind signalman diverted him into a siding. Percy ran into a big bank of earth. Gordon came up. “Well done,” he said, “you were clever to stop.” And he pulled Percy out. Percy and Gordon are now good friends, and talk with each other at stations all the time. Percy has never run away since, and Gordon is always there to help him out.
Percy has never run away since, and Gordon is always there to help him out.
|
|
|
Post by frankthetriviaman on Oct 15, 2015 17:58:50 GMT -5
Beg Pardon, but what is the plan for this novel? It looks like you are posting abridged versions of the RWS stories. Will you be doing this for all the Reverend's books?
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 18:01:40 GMT -5
My idea is to make an entire book that takes all of the Reverend's and Christopher's, and all books will turn into stories in this book. It's the biggest thing I've done yet, and though nothing new will happen, I thought that this would be a good idea with celebrating 70 years of the Railway Series, and kicking off the 3WSR Railway Series novels.
So, what did you think so far?
|
|
|
Post by frankthetriviaman on Oct 15, 2015 18:04:51 GMT -5
So far so good, good luck with the rest of the adaptions.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 15, 2015 18:09:29 GMT -5
Thanks! There should be more soon, tomorrow or day after.
|
|
|
Post by Admin on Oct 30, 2015 16:49:42 GMT -5
It's been soon, tomorrow, and the day after.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 30, 2015 18:47:13 GMT -5
Your comment is actually perfect timing. I did forget about this for a while, and I'm sorry for those who have been waiting. Luckily, I did remember this morning, so I've been working on more today. It's going to be longer than Part 1, but it should be worth it! I should be able to have Part 2 up quite soon, either tonight or tomorrow, so watch this space.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 31, 2015 19:44:02 GMT -5
The 3WSR Railway Series Novels - No.1 The Island of Sodor: 70 Years of the Railway Series By Diesel 11 Part Two: Engines of Sodor Dear Friends,
Some of the most popular of the Reverend’s stories happened next. There was the time when Henry had that accident with the ‘Flying Kipper’, Gordon fell into a ditch, Edward helped James… and of course meeting Toby and the Skarloey Railway engines.
The Author
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 31, 2015 19:44:42 GMT -5
Henry the Green Engine “I don’t feel well,” moaned Henry. “Rubbish,” said James, “You don’t work hard enough.” Henry crawled away to collect his coaches. He started off, but at the first station he had to stop. He really was not well. There was nothing he could do but go into a siding and watch Edward take his train. The Fat Controller had come along to get to the bottom of what was wrong with Henry. He now came forward. “Well, Driver?” “Excuse me, Sir,” said the Fireman, “but the coal is wrong. We’ve had a poor lot lately, and today is worse. The other engines’ fireboxes are big, so they can manage; but Henry’s is small, so he can’t. Now, if we had Welsh coal, that would be a different story.” “It’s expensive,” said the Fat Controller, “but we must give Henry a fair chance.” So, a few days later, the Welsh coal came. Henry, his Driver, and Fireman were excited. The Fireman started putting in the coal. “You’re doing it wrong!” said Henry, “You’re spoiling my fire.” The Fireman laughed. “Wait and see!” he said, “We’ll have a roaring fire when we want it.” He was right, and when they got to the station, Henry was feeling marvelous. The Fat Controller was waiting. “Don’t push him too hard, Driver,” he said. “Henry won’t need pushing, Sir,” his Driver answered, “I’ll have to hold him back!” He was right; Henry roared along the line. He reached Thomas’s junction early. “Where have you been, lazybones?” he asked when the Thomas arrived. “Ah, well, no time to talk now.” And he raced away. He left behind him a much surprised Thomas the Tank Engine, and both he and Annie and Clarabel agreed that they had never seen anything like it.
He left behind a much surprised Thomas the Tank Engine. That night, as Henry came to the shed, his Driver said, “We’ve got to take the Flying Kipper tomorrow. Don’t tell Gordon, but I think if we pull the Kipper nicely, the Fat Controller might let us pull the Express.” The Flying Kipper is a train of fish that leaves the Docks in the very early morn. There are many trucks, but it gives engines a nice long run. Henry was ready at 5:00, and backed down on the train. “Come along, come along,” he said, and started off. “Trickety-trock, trickety-trock, all right, all right,” said the trucks. Henry made good time. He past through the Island as the sun just started to come out. He saw a distant signal set at ‘Danger’. “Slow down, Henry,” said Driver. But the home signal was down, so they started going faster again. Henry was feeling fine. The reason the home signal was down was because snow had forced it down. The points had frozen, so Henry would be heading the wrong way! In the siding was a goods train waiting for Henry and the Flying Kipper to pass. The Driver, Fireman, and Guard were drinking hot cocoa in the brake van. “The Kipper is due,” said the Driver. “Who cares?” said the Fireman, “This is good cocoa.” “Come on, Fireman, back to our engine. They got out just in time…
"Who cares?" said the Fireman, "This is good cocoa." A few hours later, the cleanup-effort was underway. Henry had come along at full speed and crashed into the back of the goods train. He was on his side, and some of the cars were in smithereens. “The signal was down, Sir,” said Henry when the Fat Controller had arrived. “Never mind, Henry, it wasn’t your fault. I’m sending you to Crewe, a fine place for an engine. You’ll get a new shape, and you won’t need your special coal anymore.” “Yes, Sir,” said Henry doubtfully. Henry found himself enjoying Crewe, but even so, was glad to come home. All the people and engines were glad to see him….all, except Gordon. “Why should Henry get a new shape?” he complained. “A shape that’s good enough for me is good enough for him. And he whistles too much! No respectable engine whistles that loudly at stations. It isn’t wrong, but we just don’t do it.” And he went away to find his coaches. Henry took his train, and when he stopped at Edward’s station, the latter welcomed him back warmly. Then, the two engines heard a whistle. It wasn’t a regular whistle; rather, the noise didn’t stop. “It sounds like Gordon,” said Henry, “but Gordon never whistles like that.” It was Gordon, who rushed through whistling fit to burst. Henry laughed and told Edward about what Gordon had said that morning. Gordon arrived at the station, where everyone held there ears. The Fat Controller came out and shouted, “STOP THAT NOISE!!” So Gordon was taken away, and some men knocked his whistle into place. Then there was SILENCE. Gordon crawled back to the shed, and wishing that the other engines wouldn’t be there. But they were. “It isn’t wrong,” said Henry to no one in particular, “but we just don’t do it.”
Some me knocked his whistle into place. Next morning was cold again, and Percy started complaining. “My funnel’s cold, my funnel’s cold; I want a scarf, I want a scarf!” “Rubbish Percy,” said Henry, “engines don’t wear scarves.” “Engines with proper funnels do; you’ve only got a small one.” Henry was proud of his nice short funnel, and was most offended. Everywhere Percy went he saw scarves. He did so want one! He went to get the coaches. He decided to surprise them, so he came up as quietly as he could. Unfortunately, some men were carrying baggage on a trolly as the owners (including the Fat Controller) watched. The men were walking backwards to see that nothing would fall off. Percy came in so quietly that they didn’t hear him until it was too late. Percy crunched the cart. Clothes went everywhere. Sticky streams of jam trickled down Percy’s boiler. A top-hat hung on his lamp iron. Worst of all, a pair of trousers coiled lovingly on his funnel. The Fat Controller seized the top-hat. “Mine!” he said, “Percy, look at this.” “Yes, Sir, I am, Sir.” “We must pay the people for their spoilt clothes, and my trousers are ruined. This’ll teach you not to play ‘Grandmother’s Steps’ with the coaches!” Percy went away, and decided that engines did NOT wear scarves.
Percy went away, and decided that engines did NOT wear scarves. Henry laughed when he heard. Percy just sulked. Next morning, Henry left the station with his train. He had a lovely day; both he and the coaches were enjoying themselves. They passed under a bridge where some boys were. Henry whistled, but instead of answering back, the boys dropped stones on him. One of them hit the Fireman, others hit the coaches. Some of their windows were smashed. The passengers were cross, “Call the police!” they said when the Driver stopped the train to make sure they were fine. “I’ve got a better idea,” said the Driver. A little later, Henry passed under the bridge again. The boys were there with the stones again. They were about to drop them when – “Atisha-atisha-atiSHOOOOO!!!” – and Henry sneezed at those boys! The Driver’s plan had been to stuff Henry up, and wait till they got to the bridge before he made Henry sneeze. It worked well; the boys ran away black as soot. Needless to say, Henry hasn’t had any more trouble with boys and stones!
Needless to say, Henry hasn't had any more trouble with boys and stones!
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 31, 2015 19:45:02 GMT -5
Toby the Tram Engine Toby is a tram engine who has his own little railway. He looks very different from most steam engines due to his cowcatchers and side plates. He has a coach named Henrietta. They both remember the good old days when they and their trucks were full. Now, the people usually go by buses, and farmers send their things by lorry. However, people due still look at Toby and call him quaint (which annoys him), but they come by buses. One day, a Stout Gentleman was at the platform. With him was a woman and two children. The children noticed him immediately. “Look, Grandpa,” said the boy. “That’s a tram engine,” said the man. “Is it electric?” asked the girl. Toby was NOT amused. He let off steam angrily. “Shh!” said her brother, “You’ve offended him.” “But trams are electric, aren’t they?” “Most are,” said their grandfather, “but this one is a steam tram.” They climbed into Henrietta, and Toby started. Henrietta was happy to have passengers, but Toby was still cross. “Electric indeed! Electric indeed!” he snorted. However, they did have a good run, and when they reached the station and the people had gotten out, the Stout Gentleman thanked Toby for a splendid time. “This gentleman,” thought Toby, “knows how to talk to engines.” The people came back every day for two weeks, and had many splendid trips. On the last day, the driver let them ride in the cab. They were sorry to leave. “Goodbye, Toby,” they said sadly. “Come again soon!” said Toby. “We will!” said the children.
On the last day, the driver let them ride in the cab. Months went by. Fewer and fewer people came to see Toby. They had fewer trucks now too. Then one morning his driver said sadly, “It’s our last day, Toby. Manager says we must close tomorrow.” That day there were so many people that they didn’t have room for them all. The passengers joked and sang, but Toby and his Driver wished they wouldn’t. “Goodbye, Toby,” they said when it was time to go. “We are sorry your line is closing.” “So am I,” said Toby sadly, and went to the Shed and fell unhappily to sleep….
"We are sorry your line is closing." Thomas the Tank Engine was going along the line one day when he saw a policeman. Thomas liked policemen, and had been a great friend of the one that had just retired. This policeman was new and very cross. “Disgraceful!” he said, “I didn’t sleep a wink last night. It was so quiet; and now engines suddenly come up behind me.” “I’m sorry,” said Thomas. The policeman looked him over. “Where’s your cowcatcher?” he asked sternly. “But I don’t catch cows, Sir,” said Thomas, who did not intend this as a joke, but the policeman didn’t realize it. “Don’t be funny!” snapped the policeman. “No side plates either. Engines coming on public roads must have a cowcatcher in front and side plates of the side to protect animals and people straying onto the line. You haven’t, so you are Dangerous.” “Rubbish!” said the Driver, “We’ve been down here hundreds of times and never had an accident.” “That makes it worse!” And he wrote ‘Regular lawbreaker’ in his book. Thomas puffed sadly away.
He wrote 'Regular lawbreaker' in his book. When the Fat Controller heard, he was most annoyed. He argued with the policeman, but he and others all insisted that “the law is the law, and we can’t change it.” “I’m sorry, Driver,” said the Fat Controller as he wiped his brow, “but we will have to make those ‘cowcatcher’ things for Thomas, I suppose.” “Everyone will say how silly I am,” said Thomas, “they’ll say I look like a tram!” The Fat Controller stared – then he laughed. “We didn’t I think of it before! We need a tram engine!”….
"I'm sorry, Driver," said the Fat Controller as he wiped his brow, "but we'll have to make those 'cowcatcher' things for Thomas, I suppose." Toby woke with a start. His Driver was waving a letter back and forth and his Fireman was dancing a jig outside the Shed, “Look, Toby!” said his Driver, “It’s a letter from the Stout Gentleman!” He read it to Toby: “Dear Toby, I am in a quite awkward state. One of my engines is not allowed on a certain stretch of track anymore due to not having a cowcatcher or side plates. I thought of you. I’ve heard that your line is closing, and I think that you will do splendidly. I will talk to your manager, and I’m sure he will agree to your coming to my Railway. I hope you will like this, and I look forward to seeing you again. (Signed) Sir Topham Hatt Toby had never felt so excited in his life!
Toby had never felt so excited in his life! A few days later, Toby arrived, and with him, Henrietta. They were happy to start work again. All the engines immediately warmed to Toby, except for James. “Huh!” he said. “Dirty objects from dirty sidings!” It was true that Toby and Henrietta looked old and needed new paint, but James was overdoing it. He was thinking about what to say to Toby next time he saw him as he pulled his ‘slow goods’ train. He came to the top of Gordon’s Hill, but instead of remembering to stop, he just went on. The trucks took advantage of this, “Go on! Go on!” and bumping him, they careened down the hill. “Help!” cried James. He tried hard to make them stop, but it was no use. They raced into the Yard – James shut his eyes – CRASH! – something sticky splashed all over him. He had run into some tar wagons and was black from smokebox to cab. He was unhurt, but the tar wagons were smashed to smithereens. Toby and Percy came to clear the mess. You may be sure that James never mentioned ‘Dirty Objects’ again!
Toby and Percy came to clear the mess. A few days later, it was raining hard. Thomas was pulling his passenger train along the line, and he passed a cottage where Mrs Kindley lived. She was a bedridden lady, but she always waved at the engines. Today, she was waving a red nightgown. “There must be something wrong,” said the Driver, and stopped the train. He and a doctor who was on the train went into the house to see what was the matter, while the Fireman went on ahead to make sure the track was clear for when they could start again. “Oh glory!” he cried, and ran back. He went into the house and explained to the Driver and Doctor what was the matter. “There was a landslide,” he said, “Mrs Kyndley’s saved our lives!” “God bless you, ma’am,” said the Doctor.
"There was a landslide," he said, "Mrs Kyndley's saved our lives!" A week later was Christmas. Lots of people came in Annie, Clarabel, and Henrietta to see Mrs Kindley. The Fat Controller gave her tickets to go to the sea and get better, and lots of other things were presented to her. Then they all sang carols outside for her until it was time to go. Thomas and Toby agreed that there was nothing happier than this.
Thomas and Toby agreed that there was nothing happier than this.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 31, 2015 19:45:36 GMT -5
Gordon the Big Engine Gordon was resting in a siding one afternoon when Henry came by. “Peep, peep, hullo, Fatface!” “What cheek!” spluttered Gordon, “that Henry is too big for his wheels. Fancy speaking to me like that – ME, who has never had an accident.” “Aren’t jammed whistles and burst safety valves accidents?” asked Percy innocently. “No indeed,” said Gordon, “Might happen to any engine; but to come off the rails, mind you…” Later it was Henry’s turn to take the Express. “Be careful, Henry,” said Gordon, “You’re not pulling the Flying Kipper today. Mind you stay on the rails!” Then he closed his eyes and went back to sleep – but not for long! “Wake up, Gordon,” said his Driver, “a Special’s waiting.” “Is it coaches or trucks?” “Trucks.” “Then I won’t go!” His Driver laughed and started him up. Edward came and helped bring him to a turntable. As Gordon got on the turntable, he decided to do something. As it turned ‘round, he moved forward suddenly. He meant only to unbalance the turntable, but suddenly found he couldn’t stop and – “Oh, help!” – he slithered into a ditch. “You silly great engine!” cried his Driver. Gordon felt it, too. When the Fat Controller heard, he sent Edward to take the Special. “And Gordon? Leave him wear he is; we haven’t time for him now.” Gordon felt bad. Some boys sang rude songs at him. He had never felt so silly. He started to wonder if he’d ever get out. But that night, they brought cranes and floodlights, and at last got him out. He crawled to the shed I wiser engine.
That night, they brought cranes and floodlights, and at last got him out. The Fat Controller came to see him, “Listen to me, Gordon,” he said sternly, “you are not to pull coaches until I can trust you to behave.” So Gordon shunted and pulled trucks for a while. James saw him and laughed. Gordon growled, “Watch out on the hill,” he said, “it’s slippery today.” “Not to worry,” said James, and started off with his passenger train. He did start worrying, though, when he got to the hill and found his wheels slipping and the coaches dragging him back down the hill. James’s Driver applied the brakes, and James came to a stop. Just then Gordon came up, “Having trouble, are we? Ah, well, we live and learn.” And so saying, he buffered up to the coaches, and he and James made it up the hill.
He and James made it up the hill. Gordon went back to his trucks, and brought them to the station. Thomas was there. “Phew, what a funny smell!” said Thomas. “Can you smell a smell?” “I can’t smell a smell,” said Annie. “No one noticed it till you did,” said Gordon, “so it must be yours.” “Annie, Clarabel, do you know what I think it is?” Thomas paused. “It’s ditchwater!” and he drove away laughing and leaving Gordon, Annie, and Clarabel quite shocked. Annie and Clarabel tried to chastise Thomas, but he didn’t listen. “That was funny! That was funny!” he said. He put the coaches in a siding, and went off to collect some cars from the mines. Now, the mines are not stable for engines because there are so many holes from the mining in the ground. There was a DANGER sign there to warn them not to pass that board. Thomas thought it was a stupid thing, and often tried to pass it, but to no avail. Today he bumped both his Driver and Fireman off the footplate, and edged forward. “Nothing’s happened!” he said. Then came “Horrors!” as the ground gave way and Thomas found himself down a mine. “You are very naughty engine,” said the Fat Controller. Thomas felt bad. They sent for Gordon to pull Thomas out. When he saw the little tank engine, he laughed. They attached the cable to Thomas and Gordon eventually pulled Thomas out. “I’m sorry I was cheeky,” said Thomas. “Never mind,” said Gordon, “You made me laugh. Shall we form an alliance? United we stand, divided we fall!” “All right then,” said Thomas, and buffer to buffer the allies puffed home.
Buffer to buffer the allies puffed home. When the two engines got to the shed, they were surprised. There were painters everywhere! “The Queen is coming to visit us,” said the Fat Controller. The engines talked about who was to pull the Royal Train. “I’m too old,” said Edward. “I’m in Disgrace,” said Gordon. “He’ll choose me,” said James. “You?” said Henry, “You can’t climb hills! He’ll choose me!” Work went on, but one day it rained. Henry came into the station. A painter was overhead. He couldn’t see through Henry’s smoke and both he and his paint fell all over Henry. The paint had splattered on his dome, “You look like an iced cake, Henry,” said the Fat Controller, “That won’t do for the Royal Train. I must make other arrangements.” He went to Thomas and Gordon. “Please Sir–“ began the engines. “One at a time. Gordon?” “Please sir, may Thomas have his Branch Line again?” “I think you are both sorry and deserve a treat. Edward will look after the line, Thomas will look after the coaches, and Gordon shall pull the train!” It was a proud day for all the engines when the Queen did arrive!
It was a proud day for all the engines when the Queen did arrive!
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 31, 2015 19:46:36 GMT -5
Edward the Blue Engine I’m sorry to say that after the Queen left, Gordon became very proud, and he boasted to all the other engines. Once when Edward’s cattle cars had been broken by cows, he said, “My poor dear Edward, I’m sorry to hear that. I’m sure it would never happen to me!” and both he and Henry laughed. Then one day, he was traveling along when he saw something on the bridge. He stopped. It was a cow. “Moo!” it said. “Shoo!” said Gordon, but the cow didn’t ‘shoo’. It had lost its calf. Henry came up. “Be off!” he said, but the cow didn’t. Henry went back, “I don’t want to hurt her…” The Stationmaster realized at once, “That must be Bluebell. Her calf is here.” Mother and calf were reunited, and they went off happily away. The story spread, and needless to say it brought Gordon and Henry down a notch.
Mother and calf were reunited, and they went off happily away. Edward was still laughing next day while he was waiting for Thomas. Thomas was late. The Driver and Fireman looked, but all they saw was Bertie. They decided to start without Thomas’s passengers. “Wait!” cried Bertie as he raced into the station, but Edward had already left. Bertie was carrying Thomas’s passengers. Bertie tore off after Edward, and saw Edward at the next station he tore in, and called “Wait!”, but Edward and his crew didn’t hear him, and started off again. “Bother!” said Bertie. “Never mind,” said the passengers, “we’ll catch him next time. Third time lucky you know!” The Driver made some arrangements. Meanwhile, Edward was at the station, and waiting for the flag to wave – but it didn’t. Then Bertie came in, and everything was explained.
Then Bertie came, and everything was explained. Edward went off again happily, when he passed a scrapyard. He had to stop, and there he saw a traction-engine. “I’m Trevor,” he said, “They’re going to break me up next week,” and Trevor told Edward all about himself. Edward felt most unhappy, “Broken up, what a shame! Broken up, what a shame!” He reached the station and – “Why didn’t I think of him before!” – there stood the very man! “Hello,” said the Vicar, “What’s the matter?” “It’s a traction engine,” said Edward, “They’re going to break him up next week. He’s very useful, and it’s such a shame. Do save him, Sir.” “We’ll see.” And he did. He went to the Yard and looked all over Trevor. And in the end – “I’ve got him cheap, cheap!”
He went to the Yard and looked all over Trevor. Edward was happy when he heard, and finished his journey. James was waiting impatiently. “Late again!” he said. Edward laughed, and James fumed away. He complained that Edward “clanked about like a lot of Old Iron, and he’s so slow, he makes us late!” The other engines chastised him, but James wouldn’t listen. Then one day, his Driver fell ill, and couldn’t come. James’s fireman got James ready to switch the points when – there was James running away! An Inspector came to catch him with Edward, and away they went. James thought it all fun until he realized he couldn’t stop. “Help! Help!” he wailed. Edward came up as fast as he could, and the Inspector used a pole with a piece of rope to attach to James’s buffers. At last, “Got him!” and the Fireman scrambled over and brought James to a stop. “Thank you,” said James. “Don’t mention it,” said Edward, and the two engines puffed away.
At last, "Got him!" and the Fireman scrambled over and brought James to a stop.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Oct 31, 2015 19:47:12 GMT -5
Four Little Engines
The Fat Controller sent Edward to the Works to mend his parts. When he got there, he saw a little engine. “Skarloey? What are you doing here?” Skarloey smiled. “My owner called me an Extra Special Engine and put me in this shed to rest. I can’t do things like the young engines can, so I just sit here and watch things go by.” The workmen were soon ready for Edward. “It was nice seeing you,” said Edward. “You too,” said Skarloey happily.
"It was nice seeing you," said Edward. Just then two engines came up. They were new to the line and had just arrived. “Hello,” said one. “I’m Peter Sam, and this is Sir Handel.” Sir Handel just grunted, “Huh! What a small shed. And what’s that rubbish?” Peter Sam was horrified, “That’s Skarloey; he’s famous!” “Now,” said the Driver, “Let’s get you ready for work, Sir Handel.” “Why me?” “Orders are orders,” and with that, they were off. Sir Handel saw the coaches and growled. “Those aren’t coaches, they’re cattle cars!” The coaches were MOST offended. He came to the platform, growling and grumping. He went along the line bumping and snarling. He reached the station, and there he was uncoupled. “Now let’s get you ready for shunting,” said the Driver. “I won’t!” said Sir Handel, and with a crunch he was off. “So there!” “You’ve pushed the rails apart,” exclaimed the Driver. When the Thin Controller heard and gave his two cents to Sir Handel and shut him up in the shed, Sir Handel felt very silly indeed!
When the Thin Controller heard and gave his two cents to Sir Handel and shut him up in the shed, Sir Handel felt very silly indeed! Peter Sam now had to do Sir Handel’s work as well as his own, but he didn’t mind. He was friendly to the coaches, and they loved him. One day he met Henry at the station. Henry was impatient. “This won’t do, youngster,” he said, “I can’t wait for you all day. If you’re late, I’ll leave without you!” Peter Sam was alarmed, but still enjoyed his day. They came to a seaside village where the passengers got out and had refreshments from a Refreshment Lady. They always enjoyed this, but today Peter Sam became impatient. “It must get back before Henry leaves,” he thought. The passengers finally got in. Then it happened. Peter Sam says he heard the guards whistle and saw the flag wave, but other accounts vary. No matter, Peter Sam started when “Stop! Stop!” and he saw the Refreshment Lady had not gotten in yet. She scolded him at the station, “What do you mean about leaving me behind?” “I’m sorry, but Henry said he’d leave the passengers behind if we were late.” “You silly engine, he can’t! It’s a guaranteed connection!” “Well!” said Peter Sam.
"I'm sorry, but Henry said he'd leave the passengers behind if we were late." Next day Sir Handel was allowed to work again, but the coaches didn’t trust. He tried to avoid some sheep, and they thought he’d bumped them. They ended up knocking him off the rails. The Thin Controller frowned, “You can’t work anymore today, and we have no engines to spare…” “What about me sir,” asked Skarloey. “Are you sure you can do it?” “I’ll try.” So Skarloey did. He enjoyed himself, and met all his old friends. It went well, but he soon realized that he was not as young as he used to be. Then it happened. One moment he was fine, and then – “I feel all crooked!” “A spring has broken,” said his Driver, “We’ll need a bus for your passengers now.” “No,” said Skarloey, “I’ll get them to the station or burst!” He started again. It was hard work, but at last, “I’ve done it! I’ve done it! I’ve done it.” “Old engines aren’t like young ones are,” he said sadly that evening. “They can be,” said the Thin Controller, “if they are mended, and that’s what’s going to happen to you. You deserve it!” “Oh, Sir!” said Skarloey happily.
"Oh, Sir!" said Skarloey happily.
|
|
|
Post by Biblically Accurate Angel on Jan 7, 2016 22:10:02 GMT -5
I've moved this to the General Fanfiction, for two reasons – it's not so much as I novel as I first envisioned, and I've lost a lot of interest in writing this. I will try and come back to it, but it's not a part of the 3WSR Railway Series Novels anymore.
|
|