Stepney the Bluebell engine was settling in on the Fat Controller’s railway. All throughout
the night the other engines had talked and asked questions about his railway far away, and he was
fond of them. They were fond of him, too. Amazing. Said Gordon To think that such
a small tank engine travelled all this way just to see us.
It was a wonderful journey, though the diesels on the Other Railway weren’t
nearly as welcoming as you. I’m sure you’re a match for any
diesel. Piped in Percy Aye, though all the same,
yer lucky for escaping from scrap. Indeed. Boomed the Fat Controller. Stepney
is a very lucky engine, and we’re lucky he’s here to help out.
James sat quietly nearby. He liked this new visitor too, but all the same he felt a little
envious at how much attention he was getting. Now, there’s a special goods train that needs
to be taken to Edward’s station. James, please will you take it?
But I don’t like taking goods trains, sir. I’d much rather be doing more important work.
Very well. Then I’ll trust you to do the most important work of all: (.) Shunting the yard to
ensure all trains are ready. Now, the railway is very busy, do I have another volunteer?
Please sir, I’d like to get to know the line, may I take it?
If you’re sure you feel rested enough after your long journey,
then very well, but please be careful. Trevor will be there to help when you arrive.
Stepney barked away to the yards, whilst James sulked behind. His
mood wasn’t much better when he arrived. Shunting for a tank engine! It’s disgusting.
Watch out James!
Ugh. Just typical.
Nevermind James. I’m sure that’ll wash off when it rains.
Easy for him to say. He didn’t get one spec of dust on him. Some engines get all the luck.
Whether it was bad luck or his impatience, James continued to make a mess as he grumpily
bumped the trucks round the yard. One was covered in a tarpaulin and had
signs warning engines to be careful. James didn’t notice this until it was too late.
Whoops. Some workers soon
had the load back on the truck, but James thought it best not to tell Stepney what had happened.
Thank you for arranging my trucks, James. An engine that can shunt trucks quickly
and pull fast trains is twice as useful! Peep, peep, goodbye.
James began to feel guilty and snuck away to find more trucks.
Stepney was none the wiser, and had a smooth journey, whistling to engines as they passed,
until he reached Edward’s station. Trevor the Traction engine was happy to see him,
but his mood soon changed when he saw the truck. Under the tarpaulin was a wooden
model of James decorated with flowers, but nobody knew it had been damaged.
Oh dear. This was supposed to be my special float for the market parade. It was a gift
from the Fat Controller for me to take around the village, but we haven’t time to repair it now.
I’m so sorry. Said Stepney. I must have broken
it on the way. If only there was some way we could…
Stepney looked at the flowers. I know! He said excitedly. Why
don’t you take me with you instead? I’m small enough to fit on that trailer.
Brilliant! I’m sure the villagers would much rather see your happy
face than poor James here. There was no time to lose. Soon,
Stepney was loaded onto Trevor’s trailer, and his driver and fireman helped Jem Cole decorate
him with flowers from buffer to buffer. Then, they set off to join the parade.
They had a wonderful time. The villagers were surprised to see them, and waved and cheered
as Trevor chuntered down the streets. This is great fun! I’ve heard people call
me the Bluebell engine, but I don’t think this is what they meant.
James had finished shunting and was now taking his afternoon passenger train, when he saw
a flash of yellow and green up ahead. Hello James! Whistled Stepney. Life on the
roads is fun, but I think I’d rather be on the rails again like you.
James was speechless. He thought Stepney might have got in trouble for the damaged cargo,
but here he was being paraded around town instead. He had to admit though,
Stepney may have been a lucky engine, but it was his smile that made sure he had a good day.