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happyspookysteamer · 10 months

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Letters to a Friend

Chapter 5

At Elsbridge, James pestered Wallace about the letter again. They had just dropped off their train, and both crews brought their engines to an empty siding for their next job. The signal man ran down to tell them that they would be waiting a while to proceed to their next job because an engine came to a standstill on their line, probably because of the frost. Until the line is cleared, they won't be going anywhere.

It wasn't as cold as it was in the morning, but frost still covered the land. Bored and curious, James wanted Wallace to finally read the letter. He didn't have to tell the young man twice, as he was dying of curiosity as soon as the letter was given to him. He had skimmed through it, but when he got it from the station master, he really wanted to read the whole thing through with Vance and James. Wallace clambered clumsily off of the red engine’s cab and stumbled all the way to his front. This was quite normal for Wallace, so James and Vance were not surprised in the slightest. Vance sat on James’s buffer, and Wallace stood in front of the two. Holding the letter as if it were some sort of scroll that had a decree from the royal family or something.

He was about to start when he stopped and looked to the back of Edward’s tender that was parked in front of them. He pointed in a questionable manner, as if asking, 'Is he allowed to listen?' Before James or Vance could respond, Edward answered for them. Well, gentleman, if I am invading your privacy, I could move to another siding, but I can't help but be curious as well after you have told me about your endeavour, but I will respect your wishes either way". Wallace was startled; he couldn't find out how he knew what he was doing, and he looked around Edward’s tender, looking for another pair of eyes that the old engine may have hidden. Vance just facepalmed, and James tried to contain a wheeze. The driver looked at his engine and nodded. He doesn't mind Edward listening. James looked between him and Wallace for a moment. If an engine could shrug, he would have, but instead he asked, "Edward? Would you like to know what is in the letter?". The old engine responded politely. "I would be delighted. Thank you, James." With that, Wallace sat on James’s other buffer and read the letter to Vance and the two engines.

Hello and Good day from France!

My name is Andreas Stark; I am 15 years old and live in France. I want to introduce myself, Mr. Marshall, who is a 45-year-old driver originally from Marquise in the northern part of France, and my father, Claus Stark, who is 38 and is also the fireman of our old engine named Leonhard. Leon is a large black 0–10-0 goods engine called the K.BAY.STS.B. class G5/5. He is partially blind in one eye from the First World War, but he is really friendly and would not harm a fly. He likes to work hard, but that often leads to him overworking himself. We all work on a railway in the southern part of France in a place called Belfort, which is close to the Swiss border.

The circumstances under which your letter fell into our hands were completely coincidental. We took a mail train that day, and your letter has fallen out of the bag and onto the floor of the mail van. When I saw the address, I first brought the letter to our administrative office. They threw the letter away, but I picked it up. I don't know why, but now I am glad I did. When I read your letter, I was very pleasantly surprised and couldn't wait to show Leon and my father the letter. Leon was as happy about the letter as I was. I immediately asked my father if we could write you a letter. Getting paper and a pen was the easiest part. My father and I also speak pretty good English, and so does Mr. Marshall, but Leon does not, but he still helped with writing by coming up with ideas of what we could write.

When we finished the letter, the biggest problem was finding a way to mail it. That is where Mr. Marshall came in. Being good friends with a postman, he managed to get some stamps and an envelope in return for a favour in the future. Mr. Marshall also came with a camera that he owns and took a photo of us after we gave Leon a wash-down, which we attached to the letter before we mailed it. If you would like to send us letters in the future, we have put down Mr. Marshall’s address so that we can get the letters directly.

We really loved hearing about you and hope to get to know each other better. Leon wants to say that he would really love to be friends with you, and so would I. We don't have that many friends anymore due to us having to flee our home, and your letter gave us something to look forward to. The days can be quite hard and repetitive, but this is something new and nice for a change. We can't wait to hear from you, and we hope the three of you, Mr. Wallace Peterson, Mr. Vance Jordan, and Mr. James, have a wonderful day.

Sincerely,

Andreas and Claus Stark, Mr. Marshall, and Leonhard

"What a lovely letter," said Edward. Wallace was giddy, happy that his idea paid off and that he has a pen pal now. Even Vance had a soft smile. He took the letter from the jumping fireman. In the envelope was a black and white photo of a large goods engine as well as two men in the cab that he assumed were the driver and fireman, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Stark. Standing on the tender of the engine stood a boy, probably Andreas, waving his arms around from the looks of it. Vance held the picture up to James’s face. The red engine cracked a smile as well. ‘They look like a nice bunch,' he thought to himself.

Vance got up and gave Wallace the picture. The ecstatic fireman takes off with the photo to show it to Edward. James and Vance heard Edward chuckle. Vance looks up at James and says, "So, what do you think? Up for another letter tonight?" James thought for a moment. At first, he didn't think much of his fireman’s idea; it was just a way to pass the time, or so he thought. Now, miraculously, it actually has someone’s attention in southern France. They wrote back… So maybe they are genuine in their interest in a new friendship? He would just have to see. To him, it's still just a letter, but he is curious about them and would like to see where this goes. "Why not? I know Wallace would be upset if we didn't," said the red engine. "We would have to see about potentially getting stamps for our new friends over in France; they seem to have difficulties in that regard," noted Vance. James had no idea where to procure stamps, but Edward suddenly spoke up. "Howard collects stamps; I’m sure he has a few extras to spare if you ask." "Thanks Edward! I’ll be sure to ask when he is back!" shouted Vance to the front, so Edward could hear him while also making the red engine wince at his volume. James thinks that wasn't that necessary since he really believes that the old engine hears better than a bat.

After some time, Edward’s crew returned with food. Vance asked Howard about some spare stamps while the crew all headed inside the station to eat. Leaving the two engines alone outside in an awkward silence. For James, it had seemed to get a little colder. The cool breeze made the red engine shiver in his frame. James looked around, unsure of what to do, and the silence started to make him a bit uncomfortable. James, I can literally hear you tense up. What's wrong? Talk to me," said Edward gently, unable to look directly at him because of the way they were arranged. James stuttered for a moment, looking at Edward or his tender. "W-well I guess I am not used to the silence," he said, more unsure of himself than usual, which did not go unnoticed by Edward.

"You never had a problem striking conversation with engines in the past; what is so different now?" said the old engine, trying to get to the bottom of the red engine’s recent strange change in behaviour. "I have had a lot of things on my mind recently. I have been having a hard time with many of the drastic changes that have happened recently. I don't really understand what is wrong with me recently or what it is that I am feeling. I’m just still trying to find my footing, Edward, nothing else'. James finished with a sigh, as if he had been holding his breath. Edward decided it would be best to leave it at that for now…

There was a bit of silence again; the only thing you could hear if you listened closely was the sound of engines in the distance, the low howl of the wind, and yard workers talking to each other further down the line. Edward, in an effort to break the silence, spoke again. "What do you think of the young boy who sent you and your crew the letter?" Edward asked instead. "Hmmm… Hm! W-what?" "In your own world, James?" he teased lightly. "N-no just… Whatever, what was the question again?" James asked, turning red at being caught zoning out. "I asked what you think of the lads in your letter." James muttered a quiet ‘oh’. "I- I think they seem like the nice sort; I’m not entirely sure what to make of them though based on that one letter; I mean, it's just a letter, right? I would hardly consider this a way to make a proper friend, not like a friendship that we have, for example, at least". " Letters have helped maintain contact with people across the world for ages. It can help form all kinds of relationships, but only if you want to. Remember James, there is a person on the other end who wrote it. Much like meeting new people, you barely know anything about them; these were more like introductory letters. Over time, you can get to know each other better and form a friendship that can last a lifetime, much like old Turner and his friend in America; he goes to visit him every year now. I don't see why you can't do the same James." Edward told the red engine. "Well, I can hardly just travel to France whenever I feel like-" "You know that is not what I meant James, give it a shot; maybe you’ll be surprised." James paused. "I guess you're right," he said, slightly resigned.

James and Edward’s crew returned shortly after having finished their meal. Wallace ran up to his engine and said, "Guess who is getting a washdown today!" James smiled widely at this news. "We’ll be taking a nice picture of you to send to Andreas." Vance followed up after catching up with his energetic fireman and trying to warm up his fingers by rubbing them together and blowing on them, causing him to puff similarly to an engine. That made James let out an amused snort. Vance continued to follow Wallace, and they climbed back into their engine’s cab. Howard and Edward’s driver stood close to the station, talking to the signal man. Howard was then the first to go over to Edward. He told both engines that the obstruction had been cleared and that it was safe to proceed to their next job. Edward was to leave for Hackenbeck, and afterwards James was to head for Knapford for another goods train. The signal went down, and Edward whistled a goodbye to James, "See you in the sheds tonight James," and he slowly steamed away. James followed soon after.

The rest of the day was rather uneventful for James, who just pulled trains back and forth, to and fro, round and about across the island for the rest of the day. As evening pulled in, James returned to Tidmouth, and the crew stopped their engine on a siding to wash him down. Men were already standing with buckets of water, soap, rags, and polish. His crew also got out to help wash their engine. James usually doesn't let just anybody close to his face after all, especially in the area where he has his scar. Wallace and Vance took off their jackets and rolled up their sleeves. For a winter day, it wasn't that cold. The sun shone softly, and the frosty rails shimmered lightly. A light, warm breeze brought in nice fresh air for James and the men. Vance wet a rag and soaped it up a bit. He climbed up to his engine’s face and started cleaning. He was especially gentle around the scar, watching the engine’s face in case his expression changed or showed any kind of discomfort. When he finished, he rubbed his engine's nose affectionately, much to his annoyance. Vance then dried off his face before climbing back down. The red engine enjoyed his washdown very much, feeling like it was a much-needed massage for his sore joints.

When the crew finished cleaning and polishing James, Vance put his jacket back on as it was getting colder again, as if Wallace’s shivering and complaining were to go off of. Remembering the picture he wanted to take for the letter, he climbed back into James’s cab to grab the camera that he had stored there during one of their stops before coming here. He was able to dash home real quick, grab some more food, greet his kids, and find his camera. He climbed back down with his camera in hand. Wallace finished with the final touches before putting his stuff back on and trying to make himself look a little more presentable. Vance asked one of the workmen to take a photo of them. He explained how the camera works and quickly rushed over to James and Wallace, who was still trying to figure out a good pose. The workman directed the men into the proper position before asking the two men and James to smile. What followed was a bright flash and a whirring sound. The workman handed the camera back over to Vance, and he thanked the workman for doing him this quick favour.

Afterwards, the men slowly backed their tired engine into his spot in the sheds. It was dark now, and the skies were clear. The crescent moon and bright stars visible in the sky are the only sources of light besides the shed lights. Gordon, Henry, Edward, and Emily were also in the sheds, having finished their duties earlier than James. Edward was the only one to greet him at first, as Gordon and Henry seemed to be either having a really loud conversation or arguing about something. Emily keeps dozing off, but she did notice James. She greeted him before yawning and finally falling asleep. She had long mastered the art of cancelling everyone’s voices out when she wanted to sleep. Henry and Gordon put a halt to their conversation when they heard Emily greet him. "Oh, hello James, how was your day?" said Gordon. "About as good as yesterday… and the day before that, and the day before that," responded James. "Well, at least the weather wasn't so bad today, and you look like you just had a washdown," noted Henry with a smile. "Thank you for noticing Henry. It was still rather chilly today, and I have been told it is going to get worse. By the way, what happened up the line in Elsbridge, where Edward was headed? We were told the tracks were blocked," asked James, to which Edward responded, "Turns out Thomas came off the rails; nothing major; they were able to get him on the rails again. He’s a bit cross, but he’ll be fine".

As the engines talked about the day's events, James’s crew dropped his fire and got him ready for the night. Vance strode up to his engine, patting him on the buffer. "Looking good Jim. Have a good night." "You too Vance, get home safely," the red engine responded. "Looking good? He’s gorgeous!" Wallace yelled, running after Vance after he had turned off the shed lights; now the moon was the only source of light aside from James's face, which was practically glowing red with embarrassment.

Henry howled in laughter, and Gordon grinned mischievously. "Well well my good engine I was not aware that we were in the presence of ultimate beauty." "Oh, leave me be Gordon," grunted James. Henry howled even louder, waking Emily. "Really? Do you have to be so loud?" she yawned tiredly. "James is gorgeous, apparently," came from the end of the shed. "Wow, what did I miss?" said the Stirling single, still a little dazed. Even she chuckled a bit. Henry was still wheezing uncontrollably, and Gordon continued to mock the red engine between his own laughter. The red engine had a grimace etched onto his face from the somewhat expected relentless teasing.

The only comforting voice came from the blue engine next to him. "There is nothing to be embarrassed about; you can just ignore their teasing; you know they just want to get under your paint." "I know Edward; I just know I won't hear the end of that one for weeks. Thanks, Wallace... He really just had to say that, didn't he? You know, I often feel like he just says things without thinking." "Well, I’m sure he did not mean to embarrass you in front of the others; from my perspective, Wallace is just a very passionate, albeit somewhat all over the place, kind of man, and I’d say you and Vance are the most important faces in his life." Edward smiled when James nodded knowingly. "You know, he once told me he does not have family anymore; he didn't tell me what happened, but he said it's kind of why he always goes out of his way to be around Vance and me. It kind of makes sense though, when you think about it. He goes home every night to an empty apartment, with no one to greet him when he gets back or someone to talk to. I remember what it is like to feel alone, so I feel for him." The thought of being alone brought memories from the red engine's past to the surface. He was not very close to his siblings on his old railway, or anybody else for that matter, but he remembers the emptiness he felt when he got the news that his class was being retired. He shook in his frame, not keen to remember those times.

"Well, let's think of it this way. I think you and your crew have a very special kind of relationship. I’m close to Howard and Robert, yes, but they are more like good friends. We still try to remain professional, and I am not that knowledgeable about their past or personal lives, though they have been my footplate crew for many years. I only know that Robert has three grandchildren, a son, and a wife. Howard is married but has never had any children; he lives in a small cottage with his wife and his nephew. Now look at Gordon's crew. Charlie is always arguing with Gordon. Or Henry's crew; Francis is still rather new as a driver and has been given an engine that needs a little more finesse while handling. Emily’s driver is a rather distant and not the most talkative man, which has led to miscommunication on quite a few occasions. From my standpoint, I believe that You, Wallace and Vance, have a unique understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses; you work well together, and you look after and respect each other. You are more at ease with those two than you ever have been with any crew before. It's something to cherish." Edward finished.

While they spoke, the snickering from the other engines gradually died down. While Henry, Emily, and Gordon had fallen asleep, Edward and James were still up. For a while, they just looked at the night sky together, enjoying the peaceful silence. It did not make him as anxious as it did in the morning. Perhaps because James was preoccupied with thinking. He thought over Edward’s words. The red engine was remembering things again. He thought about his footplate crew. The day they met, the times they fought, the times they comforted each other, the way they would laugh together... he thought about how he absolutely loved Vance and Wallace. They treated him as a unique individual and not just another engine. They treated each other like family. Those two special men treated him better than his actual so-called family ever did. Almost everyone on this railway treated him better than the people and engines on his old railway, he thought. Especially Edward… James looked over at the blue engine and thought for a moment. He thought about how the old engine said his relationship with his crew was something to cherish. It made his thoughts wander to the engine next to him.

"Edward?" "Hmm?" the old engine looked over to James. "Do you have anyone that you especially cherish? Like with any of your footplate crew in the past or any Engines?" The old engine stared out at the sky for a moment. "Hmmm… well. I really love the many people and engines on this railway. I always felt that Thomas was like a son to me. Same with Bill and Ben. I am also especially grateful for my relationship with Sir Topham Hatt and his family. And I would like to think that The engines of this island are good friends to me. But I am closest to Gordon, Henry, Percy, Toby, and of course you, James." Edward finished with a smile. James blushed a bit and averted his gaze, which was directed intensely at the blue engine.

"But I guess you already knew that. You want to hear something different, right? I believe you want to know about those who had a significant impact on my life in my younger days, perhaps?" James nodded slowly. Edward looked up again; he seemed lost in thought. "I was once very close to a man named Johnny Bay. He was a fireman back when I was still working on the Furness Railway. I had multiple different crews depending on shifts, but John was special because he always had some snacks for the engines he was assigned to. He was closer to the engines than he was to other people. He also gave us nicknames."

"What did he call you?" smirked James. Edward laughed. "He called me Toffee." James went wide-eyed and tried to contain his laughter. "It's alright; it was meant to be funny. I used to love Toffee, and he especially got Toffee for me. There was an engine I worked with that he nicknamed Scone; another he called Pudding; another was called Tart… See a pattern? My favourite was our old shunter that he nicknamed Whisky, though that nickname was a little more problematic as a tipsy locomotive was a bit counterproductive. So John only gave him candies with small amounts of whisky. But John always loved to spend time with us; he loved to sing us drinking songs, tell us tall tales, play the occasional prank on other footplate crews, etc. He was quite agile for an old man. Every engine loved that man, and he was never unhappy, even when everyone else had no reason to be happy. He absolutely adored us engines the most. I remember a time when we were in our sheds during a particularly nasty storm. He came in completely soaked with a basket. We had a picnic of sorts. He spread a blanket on the shed floor for himself and spread some food around. He had many exotic things for us to try. Whisky apparently had a severe dislike of mangoes." Edward laughed at the memory before his smile fell. He sighed before he continued.

"I had a younger brother. Everyone called him Jr. He was named after one of our predecessors, a K1 Seagull named George. He followed me around like a lost puppy. It used to annoy me, but now I look back on those times with great fondness. He was the kindest engine in our yard, helpful, eager, smart… He was truly the best of us; he still had our typical shy steaming troubles, but he rarely ever let them show, which often led to him overworking himself, and he would also take any job given to him without complaints."

"He sounds a lot like you," smiled James. "Well, I do try to be as hardworking as he was when he was alive. I admit that when I was young, I was cocky, arrogant, and very impatient... I felt that what prompted me to change was when I had already been on Sodor and was told Jr. was in an accident and was being sent away for scrap. That really stirred something within me. I remember thinking, ‘Why him?’ He was a hard worker; why him and not me?" James looked down, and Edward sighed. He had a tired smile, and his eyes showed his age.

"Do you still feel bad?" the red engine asked carefully. "No, not that much anymore." James raised a brow in question at the response. Edward chuckled at his expression before looking back up at the starry sky. "I got to see him before they took him away, thanks to Sir Topham Hatt letting me take a train to Barrow in Furness so I could go see him before the scrap train left. He wasn't upset that he was being scrapped. He told me the only thing he regretted was not being able to spend more time with his favourite big brother." The old engine choked out the last part. He took a deep breath in an attempt to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. James grew concerned; he was unsure of what he should do, but he felt he should not say anything and interrupt his train of thought. If Edward didn't want to continue, he was sure he would say so.

"You can imagine how hard I cried," Edward said with a half-hearted smile. "I’m not even ashamed to admit it... He told me he had already come to terms with being scrapped, and he spent most of the time trying to console me. I remember constantly apologising to him for the times I mistreated or ignored him, and he just laughed it off like it was nothing; he wasn't the type to hold grudges, I guess. But before he left, he did make me promise him one thing, one thing as his last wish." "And what's that?" asked James cautiously. "He made me promise him to live a long, happy working life, find new friends, and find a new family... I promised... Then the train took him away."

The sheds were silent. Edward sighed in relief, his tense expression easing from his face. "I’m sorry, Edward." James spoke quietly; the heartbreaking story had made him emotional as well. For a while, the only thing that could be heard between the two engines was a soft, cool breeze through the yards. "Don't be! We have known each other for years now, and I do consider you to be my family. Understand that that is why I worry about you and occasionally tease you or am strict with you. I enjoy your company, and I enjoy working with you. To me, it was no big deal to tell you a personal story, especially since you asked and I trust you, so I was more than happy to share with you." He had no words for Edward's admission. To James, what he had just said was a really big deal, but he couldn't come up with anything to say. He awkwardly cleared his throat and contemplated for a bit. "I, um… I appreciate the sentiment." Edward’s expression fell a bit at that, like that was not what he was hoping for, but was quickly replaced with a smile again.

"Well, James, would you want to share anything about your past crew or your siblings?" asked the old blue engine. "Oh, well..." James tried to recall. "I was kind of an oddball amongst my siblings, and they treated me as such, either downright insulting me or ignoring me. I have had many crew members who liked me, but they were always more like colleagues than friends. Lawrence I had the pleasure of calling a friend. The war did make it so we had to trust each other, and it made me upset when I saw what it did to him. Then came Vance and Wallace. I remember at first I couldn't stand Vance; he would just bark orders and didn't consider my wishes… When it came to goods trains… Anyway, Wallace at the time was new to the yards over here, and I just remember thinking of him as a bit of a scatterbrain. He didn't annoy me as much as he did Vance… We really gave Vance a hard time, now that I'm remembering… but one night we got stuck in a siding as the switches broke and were stuck against me. Instead of just finding a place to stay, Wallace decided to stay. Vance went to find a place but then came back because he either couldn't find a place or because he felt bad. I think he felt bad because he wasn't gone for long. We just talked… all night. Vance told us about his family: his wife and kids, his parents, his siblings, yknow. Wallace told us about his travels and his difficult upbringing. He was always much more open, probably because he didn't have much to lose. I told them about the Lancaster and Yorkshire Railway, about my time on Sodor, my crash, my paintwork, and so on. We talked well into the morning when workmen came to fix the points. After that day, we had a sort of understanding, and over time, that developed into a bond, I guess... Beyond what Lawrence and I had."

Edward smiled. "Thank you for sharing with me." O- oh sure, you know, we should maybe… talk… like this more often?" The red engine stuttered, looking away. "I’d like that," said Edward with a smile. "And thank you, Edward, for sharing. I’m actually grateful," said the red engine. "Of course James, anytime. I thank you for listening. I appreciate it. Anyway, we should get some sleep. We’ll be up early again." "Yes, you're right… Goodnight Edward" "Goodnight Gorgeous." Edward snickered, backing into his sport in the shed, leaving James a spluttering mess. James just grunted in the end and backed into the shed as well. Before falling asleep, he just watched the stars for a little while longer, sighing deeply before slowly drifting off to sleep.

#letters to a friend #thomas and friends #thomas the tank engine #ttte #ttte edward #ttte james #edward the blue engine #james makes a new friend #james the splendid engine #james the red engine #gordon the big engine #ttte henry #henry the green engine #ttte gordon #ttte emily #ttte oc

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engineer-gunzelpunk · 1 year

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Rail Rage (CW: Coarse Language)

The 3/3 Extravaganza continues in this story of annoying visitors meeting their comeuppance in Rail Rage...

Don't bother the locals...

It was a cold, very windy day on the Island of Sodor sometime in Autumn, not really much different from any other.

A visitor from the Mainland had come to visit the North Western Railway. It is not that unusual in this day and age for steam engines from the Mainland heritage railways to visit the last great revenue paying steam railway in the world.

The fact that during the visit, a “rail rage” incident occurred is.

Most of the time, the visitors are humbled and awed by the fact that there is an Island populated by their cousins that are free to work and run in ways that are meaningful to them as locomotives rather than being kept around as museum pieces or run only occasionally.

Most of them are friendly, like Flying Scotsman and City of Truro.

A few are not, like Mallard.

This one was antagonistic.

BR Pacific Britannia-Class 70013 “Oliver Cromwell” was seemingly bent on annoying absolutely everyone on the Island of Sodor on his visit.

He unfortunately had the attitude a distinct set of steam locomotives had that their particular heritage lines spoiled them and whenever the time came to meet other locomotives, he didn’t treat them very respectfully.

(The fact that a lot of the locos on Sodor were either pre-Grouping or Grouping era engines inflamed his attitude...)

He’d given Edward smacktalk at Elsbridge. “Queen Victoria died 100 years ago, time to retire!”. Edward frowned at him but said nothing, quietly seething.

He’d made fun of Toby for being a tram...”Get off the line you old codger! You’ll give yourself a heart attack! And shouldn’t you be on the electric line, being a tram and all?”.

Toby was very angry and attempted to wheesh him, but the Pacific visitor chuffed off laughing.

“You’ll keep!” grumbled Toby, “You’re gonna get yours…”, and hissed steam in his direction.

“Pay him no mind, love!” said Henrietta, his faithful coach.

He said something so crude and disgusting to Murdoch it doesn’t bear repeating, but the mighty engine could only be gainsaid from laying into his BR cousin by the intercession of James.

When Oliver Cromwell came upon Henry chuffing towards Brendam on the mainline with a couple of coaches, he decided that it was an irresistible opportunity to show off…

He raced past him and called out , “Nice coaches! Glad that they made them empty enough for you to pull, you old LMS piece of junk…”, and he pulled away laughing at himself.

Henry was pissed off. He had, as the kids say nowadays, No Chill.

“’LMS Piece of junk?’ Its not enough he comes to visit our Island and insult my friends, he has to give me shit while I’m on duty…”, but a sudden idea came to his smokebox.

If this uppity, pampered heritage Mainlander was going to give lip to basically his Elder and antecedent (the BR Standard classes were strongly based upon Stanier designs, of which Henry was a proud example of, being one of the first Black Fives), then he was going to put the fear of Godred into him.

The constabulary were often stationed at random points on this section of the mainline to trap engines exceeding the speed limit (a safety measure the Fat Controller put to the Island Council to stop incidences of burst safety valves and potential accidents as well as countering foolish machismo amongst the engines). The prospect of getting their crews fined or suspended without pay was enough to get engines to behave.

Only locomotives with specific lamp codes like the ones for Gordon’s Wild Nor’wester, the Flying Kipper and the Sudrian were exempt, and at any point, Henry could always make a clever excuse if he was clocked.

And Oliver Cromwell knew not the lines of Sodor at all. Or this policy as a matter of fact.

As if knowing what his engine was thinking, Henry’s driver turned away from the window and opened the regulator wide.

“We’ll show him, we’ll show him!” snarled Henry. The coaches started singing, “We’ll get him! We’ll get him!”

Knowing that his stretch of track would eventually curve out towards Brendam by the time the idiot BR Britannia wised up, Henry relaxed into his cylinder rhythm and began to trance out.

Trickity trock trickety trock

ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhssssssssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

clangclangclangclangclangclang

He drew level and maintained presence of mind only to whistle rudely at Oliver Cromwell; a high-pitched chirp laden with contempt, then fully locked on into running down the line.

As it was said, it was a terribly windy day and it was blowing a cold gale directly into their faces as they ran, creating an even more thunderous atmosphere for those aboard both sets of coaches.

By now they had noticed that Henry was keeping pace and thought it was part of the trip. They kept laughing and cheering towards the passengers in Henry’s carriages, who would laugh and cheer back.

Oliver Cromwell blinked and realized the Black Five was now running level with the creepiest look of blissed-out intensity on his face.

“What the hell are you doing, you crazed Middy loon?!?” he yelled.

Henry took no notice, he was enraptured by his own exhaust beat, the rhythmic clanging of his motion gear and the roar of the wind.

A long blast of Oliver Cromwell’s whistle didn’t snap Henry out of the trance.

Bear tooted hello as he approached on the opposite line, while Henry shouted greetings and continued to follow and ignore Oliver Cromwell with that self-same look of deranged mania on his face.

Oliver Cromwell pumped his pistons as best he could and pulled ahead easily, but he was starting to get the odd feeling that this… was not as it appeared.

Henry was seemingly racing him without making the customary challenge out loud…and was deliberately ignoring him. Was he stalking him? Was this a Rail Rage incident in the making? Why is his driver letting him do this?

Oliver Cromwell was growing more uncomfortable and unhappy as Henry kept pace.

He kept yelling at the Black Five trying to get an answer but Henry ignored him.

The most terrifying part of all this was that Henry didn’t even look angry… he was ecstatic.

Henry began singing.

“One man went to war, went to war, went to war...one man and his baseball bat, went to war in Vickers…'

“Sing it with me girls!”

Henry and the coaches were running full pelt down the line and singing a violent football song…then the passengers were singing it!

“We are Vicarstown...We are Vicarstown!...”

“You’ve done it now, Ollie…” said his driver, “I told you a thousand times not to antagonise the locals… now one of them seemingly wants to kick your smokebox in…”

Oliver Cromwell began to panic and moved to pull ahead as the lines began to spread out before Wellsworth. Driver scolded him for freaking out and maintained a firm grip on the regulator. The spoiled idiot locomotive deserved a bit of a scare from a local, because he knew Henry couldn’t do anything else other than frighten him.

Before anyone knew, they were both storming though Wellsworth at top speed. Lots of people sitting at the station looked mightily impressed, not knowing this was entirely unplanned.

“Look alive Henry, the turn is coming…” shouted his driver, pulling Henry out of his reverie.

With a clang and a clamor, Henry pulled back to slow down, made the turn after Wellsworth and vanished down the line towards Suddery.

“Byyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…” he and the coaches called out as they pulled away.

Oliver Cromwell was somewhat relieved the crazed green Black Five was gone. But now he was by himself at full tilt down the line… without having the proper head code to run Express.

Snap!

At 200metres down the line, a bright light startled Oliver Cromwell as he approached Gordon’s Hill.

A speed camera?! On a fucking steam railway? What kind of weird Alice In Wonderland bullshit is this?

They ran the rest of the way towards Vicarstown, and without saying a single word to any engine on the way.

He didn’t bother to insult Gordon who was making his own way towards Tidmouth with the Wild’Norwester.

He didn’t say anything to Percy as he was taking the mail train in the opposite direction from Barrow.

He didn’t say a word to Emily who was sitting in a siding, or to Pip and Emma at Vicarstown.

He was too frightened to say a word. But he complained to his driver and fireman that the “crazy LMS loon” had been about to kill him incessantly and pestered them into talking to the Fat Controller.

Also, he was peeved they had been clocked. No other railway had speed cameras! They absolutely must get out of paying the fine!

“That doesn’t sound like Arthur at all…” said the Fat Controller, referring to Arthur the big ex-LMS Ivatt Class 2MT tank engine, who came to mind first. Arthur was notoriously stable, obedient and not crazy at all.

The idea of Arthur being some kind of deranged stalker was actually kinda funny to the Fat Controller.

“No sir, we are referring to the big green Black Five…”

Ah.

The Fat Controller questioned Henry at Tidmouth Sheds, who tried to look innocent.

‘I don’t know sir, maybe it was one of those other green LMS tender engines…”

“THERE ARE NO OTHER GREEN LMS TENDER ENGINES!” roared the Fat Controller.

Henry gulped.

“Were you threatening Oliver Cromwell with violent songs?”

“Oh Godred no sir! Me and the coaches were singing ‘One man went to mow, went to mow a meadow! One man and his train, peep! Went to mow a meadow…’, Henry nervously sang.

“I recall something mentioned about a baseball bat…”

Henry panicked. He sang the one song that could have probably have mentioned baseball bats in a non violent context, one that Rosie taught him at Vicarstown.

“Take me out to the ballgame!...”

“I appreciate the demonstration of your singing talents, but don’t bullshit me, Henry… if you did that was an unacceptable breach of hospitality… ….’

Thomas spoke up.

“Its true, Sir! Oliver Cromwell was being an arsehole to everyone on Sodor…”

Edward, who was very tired and really really peeved snarled, “He said that Queen Victoria died a century ago and that I should retire!”

Toby raged “He said I was an old codger that would get a heart attack and should be on the electric line, being a tram and all! Electric! Electric!”

Thomas then said, “He also asked Hiro how long he’s been there… Hiro just said, “From before your designer’s father was swimming around in a nut sack…’, which was a pretty killer comeback…”

The Fat Controller contemplated all these claims.

“I must admit, all of these have a ring of truth...”

‘Everyone had been complaining about Oliver Cromwell’s attitude towards the other engines, staff and rolling stock the entire time but no one wanted to say anything…’

And somehow, the people on his train thought that your little rail rage incident was part of the show! They thought it was a train race that we organized as part of the tour! They were very, very impressed...”

Henry fought the urge to take credit, knowing that if he failed the stern warning to ‘Neither confirm or deny” everyone could get into serious trouble, with the Fat Controller, with Oliver Cromwell’s owners, with the Island Council and everyone.

The Fat Controller could see the struggle raging in his smokebox and he understood. In order to avoid that can of worms, he decided that this matter was to end right here, in a swift and decisive manner so that no one could threaten to sue.

“DO NOT DO THAT EVER AGAIN, HENRY; YOU DO NOT RUN THE RAILWAY, I DO!

DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?

You do that again, I’m putting a tent on you! Got that?!”

“Yes, sir…” said Henry, meekly.

“You report to slow goods duties tomorrow afternoon and for an indefinite period!”

“Thank you, sir…” said Henry, deflated.

At least it wasn’t rubbish duty.

The Fat Controller huffed and walked away, trying to stop himself from quietly laughing at the idea at Arthur being a crazy homicidal maniac, Henry’s lame attempts at avoiding responsibility… and Hiro saying “swimming around in a nut sack”.

Henry sat in the sheds; sad, drained and tired. The run had caught up with him and he was exhausted down to the frames, the motion gear aching. The emotional comedown from that ecstatic run was far worse than the relatively mild punishment he was given.

I wish Har’ was here to rub my motion gear down and give me a kiss good night… so sore, so tired.

It was just as well he was resting in Tidmouth for his 3 AM Kipper run, then off to slow goods for Crovan knows how long.

“Onya Henry! Way to scare the daylights out of that arsehole 7F!” he heard.

“Carn Vickers!” was another one. He had no idea who said it, he was sliding into oblivion.

“Thank you…whoever you are!” he said as he passed out.

youtube

Inspired by this video of a Black Five seemingly racing BR Oliver Cromwell

#thomasallgrownup #Henry Breaks Bad and Other Stories #This Is Sodor: Iron Age #3/3 extravaganza #ttte shitposting #Youtube

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rygoespop · 5 months

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Thomas and Friends: Tales from Sodor (Story 103): Emily’s Branchline

Narrator: Emily’s Branchline

Scene opens with Thomas, puffing down the line with Annie and Clarabel

Narrator: Thomas’s Branchline is one of the important lines on the Island of Sodor, engines such as Thomas deliver passengers

Scene transitions to Percy pulling the mail

Narrator: Percy takes the mail

Scene cuts to Rosie pulling cars of Milk Churns and Vegetables

Narrator: Rosie helps out on the farm

Scene cuts to Toby, Mavis, and Sidney working at Ffarquhar Quarry

Narrator: Even Toby, Mavis, and Sidney enjoy their work at Ffarquhar Quarry

Scene transitions to Thomas at Knapford Station

Narrator: One day at Knapford Station, Sir Topham Hatt was there, as he has news for Thomas

STH: Following Sidney joining your Branchline, I decided to announce another engine to work on your Branchline!

Thomas: Oh, thank you sir! But who?

Emily: I am! *puffs in as she blew her whistle*

Thomas: *surprised* Emily?!

Emily: Hiya Thomas!

STH: I arrange Emily to work on your Branchline, in a trial like with Sidney, now get to work

Scene transitions to Thomas, who is pulling Annie and Clarabel, and Emily, who is pulling her coaches, as they are at Elsbridge Station

Narrator: Later, Thomas and Emily were collecting passengers, until Gordon puffed in with the Express

Gordon: *puffs in* What’s this? Emily working on Thomas’s Branchline? Pah! I thought big engines don’t run on Branchlines

Thomas: *puzzled* What about Edward and Molly? They run together on the Wellsworth Branchline?

Gordon: Pah! Don’t be- Oh! You got a point there little Thomas

Scene transitions to Thomas and Emily arriving at a junction, Rosie was there pulling Cattle Cars

Narrator: Later, Thomas and Emily arrive at a Junction, they saw Rosie

Rosie: Hi Thomas! Hi Emily! *realizing* Emily?! What are you doing here? Don’t tell me, you’re joining the Ffarquhar Branchline!

Emily: Well, it’s a trial like with Sidney

Rosie: Ah, well if the trial is a success, then maybe you can work with me on the farm

Emily: We’ll see

Thomas and Emily blew their whistles and puff off

Thomas: Goodbye Rosie!

Scene transitions to Emily puffing down the line, as she saw a signalman

Narrator: Later, Emily came across a signalman

Emily’s Driver: What’s the matter?

Signalman: Toby ran out of water and he’s stuck at a crossing

Emily: I better help him! *blew her whistle and puffs off to find Toby*

Scene transitions to Emily arriving at the crossing

Narrator: By the time Emily arrive, she saw Toby, stranded and out of water

Toby: Oh dear.. Oh my..

Just then a whistle was heard

Toby: That sounds like-

Emily: Thomas!

Thomas was puffing down the line pulling 2 Mail Cars

Toby: Oh no!

Emily: Hang on Toby! *she buffered up behind Toby and pushes him*

Thomas: *sees Emily and Toby* Look out! Look out! *blew his whistle*

Narrator: Soon, Emily pushes Toby out of the way, just in time!

Emily pushes Toby out of the way, thus Thomas puffed pass them

Toby: T-thank you Emily

Emily: Your welcome

Scene transitions to Sir Topham Hatt arriving at Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas and Emily were there

Narrator: Later, Sir Topham Hatt came to see them, Emily was worried that he would be crossed, but he wasn’t

STH: Well done Emily! You were able to prevent an accident today! Which means you are given an option, you can be transferred to work on Thomas’s Branchline full time or-

Emily: I would like to transfer from The Main Line to Thomas’s Branchline full time sir! He can use some help with the Passengers

STH: If that’s the case, then welcome to Thomas’s Branchline, Emily!

Thomas: Welcome to the Branchline Emily! *cheering as he blew his whistle*

Emily: Thank you Thomas, and Thank you sir! Oh, I have one request, to get a number on my tender

STH: Request granted!

Scene transitions to the next day, Thomas puffs to the Steamworks, as Victor was there

Narrator: The next day, Thomas came to the Steamworks

Thomas: Hello Victor! Is Emily here?

Victor: You mean, the new and improved Emily!

Emily puffs out of the Steamworks, now she sports a Number 12 on her Tender

Emily: Tada! Look Thomas, I got 12 on my tender!

Thomas: Thats my Emily! *chuckles*

Scene transitions to Thomas and Emily, pulling their coaches, puffing through the Ffarquhar Branchline, with Bertie and Bulgy looking on

Narrator: Thomas and Emily now run the Passenger Duty on the Ffarquhar Branchline together, even Bertie and Bulgy were impressed

Emily: *looks at the camera* Ffarquhar Branchline engines, coming through! *giggled*

Thomas and Emily blew their whistles together as Steam Clouds rolled in

Story End

#thomas and friends

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jayde-jots · 2 years

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youtube

My favorite YouTuber is back and with a bang for the spooky season! Good on ya Victor for capturing me in to these stories already! Okay but seriously I've already been doing an analysis on the one video and I'm about to spill my thoughts, spoiler warning! More under the cut.

The first guy who died in the cave was a guy named Rocky, keep a pin in this because we're going to come back to it. This man died in the cave in 1957, then the SCP foundation show up. A man by the name of Dr. Pierce seems to be the manager of the study on the cave. Next guy to go in as a test subject is someone who I'll refer to as prisoner 1, or P1. This guy sounded to have a welsh accent like Duck, and was referred to as D7426 by Dr. Peirce and I've been trying to recall back to any of the other faced machines that were built after 1957. This also has another pin in it, we're coming back to it as well. After P1 dies in the cave a spirit/soul is seen leaving it, this spirit/soul was Alexander Jeffries, the late station master of Elsbridge who had passed away years prior at his own workplace. He was revived right down to his living flesh and bone. Toby was the first person to come across him and assumed at first he was a ghost, at first Jefferies didn't realize he was alive again until Toby brought it up. He had an interesting reaction that was eerily similar to this one-

youtube

From 23:00 to 24:00 Brian had the same freak out that Jeffries did, if the brake van had been human I'm sure he would of had a heart attack as well. And he had the exact same story to tell, he remembered dying to the blitz on London but is miraculously still alive as the ending of the episode spotlights on. Now we start getting to the good bit, this is another pin I'll ask you to remember. Prisoner 2 or P2 was referred to as D5702 by Dr. Percie, but it was revealed his name was Bobby Cooper. P2 went into the cave and perished and another soul left, we unfortunately did not see who it belonged to. 3 more prisoners are sent into the cave. P3 went in and we did not see who the soul was that left the cave, P4 did not go into the cave and when they tried to run back they were shot and killed, P5 went in and again we did not see who the soul was that left the cave. In 1958 we see a familiar face with a familiar number. Boco with the number D5702 on his cab side, and a familiar voice to match P2s. The foundation interviews him and it is revealed that Boco is a nickname for Bobby Cooper, this confirming the revenant theory that has been mentioned a few times in the series by now. Afterwards with this revelation the foundation continued experiments for a while before they had to stop since they couldn't track the souls that were leaving the cave. We have no clue how many more were killed and how many more revived souls are on Sodor, and that's just with the foundation. It has been said that many people have gone up hiking to the top of Culldee Fell and have never returned, even after it was made illegal to do so. At the end of the episode we see an imposing-looking man hike to the top of the mountain despite the fines and enter the cave. He perishes and another soul escapes. This soul is seen to be the spiteful brake van Dominick who was found by none other than Douglas. I have a personal theory that the last man we saw enter was the man who will become Diesel 10, or as he's named in this series, Joshua or Josh. The year the foundation seemed to leave was 1958, and the class 42 that Diesel 10 was modeled after was built from 1958 to 1961. So it is plausable. And the first man Rocky is also the name of a ttte character we see, Rocky the breakdown crane. I'm wondering if we might see him someday. But on another note, we have 3 unaccounted for free souls that have been revived along with the other souls from off-screen, I'd like to think that any of these could be Colin, Lily, Adam, Alfred or maybe even Mr. Star. But I doubt it as Edward would have probably mentioned it by the end. So we have a confirmation that every living person that goes into the cave becomes reincarnated, and every soul we see leave revives someone from the dead. And this was only the first episode! I'm so excited to see more!

#Youtube #victor tanzig #ttte #the scps of sodor

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mean-scarlet-deceiver · 2 years

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"In the summertime, the branch line stationmasters enjoy a friendly competition for the most beautiful station on the island of Sodor..."

Every time I hear Angelis open with this idyllic piece of S6 narration, I'm always like, 'Yeah, right.'

This is Sodor. They take it way too seriously. There is conniving, massive out-of-pocket expenses, backstabbing, sabotage.

The engines try to avoid stopping at the most competitive stations during this season. Like "oops! that truck was supposed to be left at elsbridge? sorry, i'm just a Silly Engine. i guess percy will have to take it..." When they can't avoid these stops, they risk getting asked to 'help' a stationmaster, at which point they blanch, inch backwards, and immediately start making up excuses as to why they'd-love-to-but-alas!-they-can't because this sort of errand never ends well for them.

I mean, there has been bloodshed over this contest. There is a multi-generational feud between the families associated with Dryaw and Norramby Church. Engagements have been broken and funerals have been ruined due to cries of foul play. Local florists rake in 10-15% of their income from this one event. The constabularies have double their usual force the night before the annual Judgment Day.

#the road vehicles however tend to enjoy picking up the slack and egging the stationmasters on #ttte headcanon #priorities on the island of sodor #ttte #thomas the tank engine #this IS absolutely just bait for joezworld why do u ask

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www-islandofsodor · 3 years

Video

youtube

Good afternoon fellow Sudrians. Today has been such a perfectly relaxing day that I thought I would treat you to a special story straight from the Farquhar Branchline. This particular story revolves around Thomas and Daisy’s friendship dynamic and how it is so unique. Our story takes place one year after Daisy’s initial arrival on Sodor one cold February morning. Daisy boasts about her modernism much to Thomas’ dismay. This gets the better of Daisy whom breaks down at Elsbridge Junction. Thomas sees this as the perfect opportunity to tease Daisy even more. However, he becomes so puffed up that he overheats Annie & Clarabel to the point where he can’t pull the train anymore. At Tidmouth station, Thomas apologizes to Daisy for his brash rudeness and asks if they can be friends. However, Daisy thought that they were already friends and that their bickering was just part of their dynamic. From that day on, both engines have learned the true meaning of heated discussions.

#Farquhar branchline #planet sodor #daisy the diesel #unique friendship

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elsbridgestation3d · 3 months

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NEW ROUTE COMING SOON

#trainz #thomas and friends #elsbridge #elsbridge station #ES3D

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feigeroman · 3 years

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Station to Station (funk to funky...)

So, spurred on both by one of my previous headcanon posts getting liked and reblogged by @mean-scarlet-deceiver (who is totally awesome - go check them out), and by The Unlucky Tug’s magnum opus of a video essay about his take on the Island of Sodor (check it out below, and then check him out - both are totally awesome), I decided it’d be a fun idea to share some of my own headcanons about Sodor. Most of these are things I remembered while watching the video, which you can see here...

youtube

...And I’ll be presenting them in the order I remembered them. The video isn’t strictly necessary to understand this post - I just wanted to share it. It’s also worth having a copy of the Sam Wilkinson map (mentioned in the video) to hand, as it’s what I used as the basis for my take on Sodor. Yes, I know it’s a bit of a clusterfuck, but so is my version of the timeline, so...

***

1) Knapford is Tidmouth, and Elsbridge is Knapford

What do I mean by this? Well, what the RWS calls Tidmouth, the TVS calls Knapford. And what the RWS calls Knapford, the TVS calls Elsbridge.

Confused? I certainly was the first time I tried typing that! I’ll just explain the headcanon:

Basically, I go with what the RWS says. In other words, what the TVS calls Knapford, I call Tidmouth (incidentally, I prefer this version with the big yard alongside)...

...And what the TVS calls Elsbridge, I call Knapford. I know this shot doesn’t really show the station, but I decided the yard in the background is part of Knapford as well.

2) Which harbour is which?

This is somewhat similar to HC1, in that I’m changing up some of the names of established locations. There are many docks and harbours on Sodor, but the show mainly focuses on Brendam (and either Knapford or Tidmouth in earlier seasons). Those locations change drastically from season to season, and I wanted to account for most of the various appearances. So in no particular order:

For Tidmouth Harbour, I use the current Brendam Docks (though my headcanon is something nearer to the real-life Southampton Docks).

For Knapford Harbour, I use a mix of S2 Knapford Harbour and S3B Brendam Docks Just imagine that the former evolved into the latter over time.

For Brendam Docks, I use the S2 Brendam Docks.

I’ve loosely based Arlesburgh and Kirk Ronan on the real-life Bristol and Weymouth harbours, respectively.

3) Two or three-track mind

Okay, this was something I only thought up after seeing Tug’s video. He points out that the number of tracks tends to vary between sets, and he decides on the following:

Three tracks means it’s somewhere on the main line.

Two tracks means it’s a branch line.

One track means it’s either the far end of a branch line, or a freight-only line.

However, he also makes the point that some parts of the main line are inexplicably double-tracked, such as Cronk Viaduct (which he moves to Wellsworth, but that’s neither here nor there):

In cases like this, my headcanon is that the main line was originally completed as a double-tracked railway, with most of it being upgraded to triple-track later on. Obviously it may not have been possible or feasible to upgrade certain sections, hence them being left as double-track.

4) Lower Tidmouth

Now here’s one that I really like. This unnamed station from The Three Railway Engines was christened Lower Tidmouth by the TVS modelmakers. It’s located between Tidmouth and Knapford, and sits on the southern outskirts of the former town. Even though Tidmouth is a pretty large town - especially in my headcanon - its main station seems to cope well enough on its own, so why this extra station?

My headcanon is this: During the War, Tidmouth would most likely have been of great strategic importance, with its harbour and rail links - and therefore a prime target for air raids. Just in case the main station was bombed out of action, Lower Tidmouth was constructed just outside what was then the edge of the city, to serve as a temporary passenger terminus. After the War, the rudimentary station was given a major upgrade, after it was discovered that many people living to the south of Tidmouth found it more convenient than the main station.

5) Lower Tidmouth Tunnel

A much smaller idea now. This short tunnel is located between Tidmouth and Lower Tidmouth, and I just want to say I like to imagine that this looks the same as Henry’s Tunnel does in the TVS - two tracks in one bore, one track in the other. The only difference is that it’s built from red brick, as shown here.

6) Some ideas above Edward’s Station

This is a double-barrelled headcanon concerning Wellsworth. One concerns the station itself, and the other concerns its goods yard.

Firstly, the station itself. There’s been a lot of debate about which way round it should be. Should the footbridge be at the western or eastern end? Personally, I think it should be at the western end. My reasoning is that that would allow the bay platform siding (where Henry is in the above picture) to be at the eastern end, facing towards Gordon’s Hill. I assume that’s where Edward would normally be stabled when he’s waiting to bank trains up the hill. I just think it’s more convenient on that front.

As for the goods yard?

Well, I think this is Wellsworth Yard. That’s it. That’s the headcanon.

7) The Parkway Stations

This next headcanon concerns a rather obscure part of the Sodor railway geography - namely, these two tiny stations on the main line.

These stations serve the tiny villages of Balladrine and Kellaby respectively - though, in true railway fashion, they’re actually located some distance from the communities they serve. My original idea was to go down the usual route and just add the suffix Road to the station names, but then I was struck by a flash of real-life inspiration.

In the 1970s, British Rail opened a number of park-and-ride stations, which basically means you drive to the station, park your car and continue your journey by train. They usually have the suffix Parkway, as the first one was built close to the M32, which is also known as the Bristol Parkway.

Anyway, that’s the gist of this headcanon. The North Western jumped on this Parkway bandwagon around that same time, allowing people from the villages to either drive or catch a bus to the stations, and then catch a train to wherever.

8) The new Kellsthorpe Road

In my own personal timeline (which is a whole other headcanon in itself), Season 8 takes place in 1976, and it’s during this season that we see Kellsthorpe Road being built. Obviously the station had existed since the railway was built, so what’s with this new one?

Well, I like to think this was actually a relocation to somewhere more convenient for both the town and the junction with the Kirk Ronan branch.

9) Crovan’s Gate and other small works

I already touched upon this idea before in my Victor’s Haulage Truck headcanon, but if you haven’t read that, it goes like this:

I’m not a huge fan of the Steamworks and Dieselworks being separate facilities in separate locations. I just think the RWS version of Crovan’s Gate makes more sense, seeing as you would want all your major repair equipment and facilities to be concentrated in one location.

That being said, I wouldn’t say all this sort of work should be concentrated at Crovan’s Gate. It’s implied in the RWS that more minor repairs are carried out at smaller workshops across the rest of the system - I’d assume these are located at all the major engine sheds, and that there’s at least one on each branch line. These would also be useful for when there’s more work than Crovan’s Gate can take on at once.

10) The Sheds

Speaking of sheds, I have a handful spread across my version of Sodor. Basically, I have a couple at each end of the main line, and one on each of the branch lines. And since the highest operating district number in real life was 89 (for Oswestry), I’m gonna say all of the NWR’s engines are allocated to District 90, covering all sheds on the region:

Tidmouth (90A)

Knapford (90B)

Crovan’s Gate (90C)

Vicarstown (90D)

Barrow In Furness (90E)

Arlesburgh (90F)

Ffarquhar (90G)

Brendam (90H)

Peel Godred (90I)

Kirk Ronan (90J)

Great Waterton (90K)

Norramby (90L)

11) Dryaw Goods Station

Alright, this one is more about a specific episode than a location, but I thought it was worth throwing into the mix. This goods station only appeared in Thomas Gets Bumped, and nobody is quite sure where it’s meant to be. Some people say it’s Hackenbeck. Others say it’s Toryreck. Me? I’ve always thought of this as the original Dryaw Station, on what is now the Harbour line on the Ffarquhar branch.

I say this because the surrounding scenery matches what’s shown on the map, and it makes sense for a freight-only station to be located on what is now a freight-only line. But if that’s the case, why does Thomas seemingly pass through daily with his passenger train?

I toyed with the idea of Thomas being there because he’s pulling a workers’ train, but then I came up with something better. In my personal timeline, this episode takes place during the initial construction of Knapford Harbour, and the new passenger line with it. More specifically, during a brief interim period between the closure of the original Dryaw to passengers, and the opening of the new passenger line.

12) The Sports Field Halt

At the end of the Sodor Explained video essay, Tug admits that he couldn’t think of anywhere to put this station from Three Cheers For Thomas.

Sam Wilkinson’s map places this halt just south-west of Elsbridge, and that’s where I’ve decided to place it too. Not just because it’s semi-canon, but because do you know what other location is just south-west of Elsbridge?

Yes, this cricket field. In my headcanon, I’ve merged these two locations together. Makes sense, right? They’re both sports related things, next to an embankment, and just south-west of Elsbridge. I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch, and you can always imagine the halt is a request stop serving the sports field.

***

Alright, I think that’s enough headcanons for one post. Firstly, because I underestimated just how much I had to talk about. And secondly, I’ve always said it’s not wise to put all your eggs in one basket. It’s much more sensible to just put out a short thing, let it simmer for a while, and then finish off the rest later.

I hope you guys have enjoyed this post. I certainly enjoyed finally getting all these thoughts out there. Stay cool, stay safe, and I’ll share the rest of my thoughts at some point in the future (even if they are as insane as the ones I’ve already shared so far!)...

#Thomas The Tank Engine #The Railway Series #ttte headcanon #sodor #island of sodor #North Western Railway

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elsbridgestation-blog · 3 years

Text

Hello, I’m Elsbridge Station, I like FNATI, FNAF, TTTE, and horror in general.

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daikenkki · 4 years

Conversation

epiclafiteau: If Edward and Henry never left Tidmouth Sheds, BUT two engines HAD to leave, who would they be and why? Let me hear what you think! Who would be in their spots? Someone that's been there before, or someone that hasn't? My take btw: Edward and James. Edward at Wellsworth Sheds makes so much sense, and James should've been kicked out as the punishment. Yeah, Thomas/Percy at Ffarquhar would be neat but Toby's at Arlesdale End now. Henry doesn't need to stay at Vicarstown and Emily is just there.

JD41796: Honestly do what the series did and move Edward to Wellsworth because that actually makes sense, and throw Thomas and Percy back with Toby. Have the engines stay closest to their place of work, and have the sheds be what it used to be; whoever is working in that area, stays there.

epiclafiteau: Edward moving to Wellsworth to be closer to his branchline was a smart move, and it made sense. The issue is they're like "Henry's going to Vicarstown ok bye". I'm sure we were supposed to get an episode further explaining it but they haven't done so yet and the only thing to back it up is the fact that Henry is on the Mainland in 70% of the specials lol.

StreakSmeargle: I’d actually kick out three. Thomas, Percy, and Edward. Thomas and Percy can move to Ffarquhar (and honestly Nia can live there too). And Edward can move to Wellsworth like he already does. Fill up the missing Tidmouth slots with Rebecca and maybe the Scots?

epiclafiteau: Unless I'm missing something, I'm not actually sure where exactly Duck, Oliver, Donald and Douglas stay in the CGI Series. We see Ryan, Daisy, Judy & Jerome at Harwick but are there sheds somewhere else on the Little Western? It made sense for Duck to stay at Tidmouth in Duck and the Slip Coaches cause he was needed nearby, something they should do more often, but I don't think we've actually seen where he normally stays.

StreakSmeargle: There should be sheds at Arlesburgh if the RWS is any indication. Duck, Oliver, and Toad would realistically stay there. Donald and Douglas could also stay there but it might make sense to have them at Tidmouth as they’re not strictly tied to Little Western only. Gordon, James, Henry, Rebecca, and Emily can definitely stay at Tidmouth tho. Henry at Vicarstown was a neat concept but it went nowhere so I say move him back.

epiclafiteau: I can get past Edward moving because of etc reasons but the big 3 should definitely stick together. Edward leaving felt sort of natural because it had a whole episode to it and he suggested staying at Wellsworth permanently. Henry liked the idea, followed by deciding to transfer to Vicarstown, and nothing happened.

StreakSmeargle: If they ever do move Henry back to Tidmouth, they could do an episode where he starts reconsidering his decision on moving to Vicarstown but worries about what the others will think. That would allow him to move back and even potentially shedding light on why he moved in the first place.

Jacob34335638: Well, I think James could be kicked out as punishment for destroying the sheds in the first place, and Emily could possibly leave too since she works on the Misty Valley Branchline, and it would be convent for her to be closer to her work like Edward is at Wellsworth Sheds.

epiclafiteau: Yeah, literally. I never understood why they were like "Well James, you destroyed the sheds... Okay, Edward, go find somewhere else to stay".

Echo62445283: Because apparently they were like "Hey thats Edward's part of the shed guess he has to go, not like he can sleep in your spot James".

ComradeSpinel90: Tbh... Percy and Thomas. They have sheds at Tidmouth and Ffharquhar. And in Nia and Rebecca and it would be fine. Or better yet. Drop Nia and add in oh idk... Stanley, or someone underrated imo.

epiclafiteau: Now you're on the right track.

ComradeSpinel90: And it wouldn't be out there norm. There was many time where they were at Tidmouth and Ffharquhar.

ilovetrains3232: The obvious Thomas and Percy go back to Ffarqhuar, Edward going to Wellsworth like in the show because, and as much as some people hate to hear, it was a great idea. They just haven't executed it to it's fullest ability. James could be an interesting choice as a punishment for crashing into it in the first place. I feel like Gordon is the only one who should stay there no matter what. Emily was the reason the 7th she'd was added but that doesn't necessarily mean she HAS to stay there and Henry, should have probably stayed but could easily go somewhere else and it would work. Tidmouth AND Vicarstown both honestly don't make much since for Henry. Yes, Henry does go to the mainland sometimes but not as much as he works elsewhere. If anything, Henry should have moved to Wellsworth with Edward. Since he has to go to Brendam anyways to pick up the Flying Kipper, and Wellsworth is in the center of the island so it would make it easier for him to work anywhere. As opposed to be on either side.

legomastr_365: I love all of them too much to kick anyone out, but seeing the replies makes sense since that's literally what I do in my series.

epiclafiteau: Thomas and Percy is the most logical answer but I'm curious to know if anyone would consider Emily or James, or have other reasons for Thomas/Percy.

GraydonBruckle1: Definitely Emily, as for the other I'm not sure.. I guess Edward or Percy. Edward does make sense BUT he is one of the three original character the Rev W. Awdry wrote about.. Percy could go to Ffarquhar. That way he wont have to go far for the mail run or something like that.

ElliotKW: It would be Thomas and Percy and I'd move them back to Ffarquhar Sheds (even though the sheds are in the yards at Tidmouth Station). Series 2 kept the roots of Thomas, Percy and Toby living in the sheds for five episodes and I would love to see that happen again in the future.

SunilFan48: Thomas and Percy. Go to Ffarquhar sheds with Toby like they did for S2 and then never again. Leaves room for Nia and Rebecca and no Tidmouth Shed reconstruction.

ThomasTheorist: The only engines who really need to be at Tidmouth Sheds are Gordon, Henry and James. Everyone else can be shuffled around.

TheLargeBarge: At Tidmouth Sheds you'll have Henry, Gordon, James, Emily, Rebecca, Donald and Douglas. At Ffarquhar, Thomas, Percy, Toby and Mavis. Knapford Sheds; Nia, Paxton and Rosie. Wellsworth; Edward and Philip. Arlesburgh; Duck and Oliver and Harwick; Ryan and Daisy.

CTFEologist: Thomas and Percy; move them to Ffarquhar with Toby instead.

DanielAlsop2: Well I’d still go with Edward, but also Thomas and Percy to Ffarquhar or Tidmouth Station, since they both work on Thomas’ branch line and if they had the usual adventure encounters, they could meet the others at Knapford or Elsbridge, simple.

GTSHProductions: I’d actually kick Thomas and Percy to live at Farquhar. But to be honest, I liked it better when the engines just slept wherever whenever they wanted.

TFan512: This may be controversial, but I’d still let it be Edward and Henry. Wellsworth is on Edward’s branch line, and he could be a mentor to Philip like he was to Thomas in The Adventure Begins (too bad no episodes have so far done that). As for Henry, he goes up to Vicarstown a lot anyway when he travels to the Mainland, and with him taking The Flying Kipper at night, he hardly has any time to rest at Tidmouth. I don’t agree with James being moved out as punishment, as he showed remorse in An Engine of Many Colours and was forgiven.

NWTom25: I choose three, Edward, Henry and Emily. It make sense to remove Edward to his branch line shed, Henry at Vicarstown since he could run goods trains from there to the mainland and Emily could stay at Knapford sheds like she did in CAE! I honestly don't see the need to remove Thomas and Percy since it had been stated in a Mr. Perkins interval that Knapford was the starting point for Thomas' branch line. So it make sense in the current series to have Thomas and Percy at the sheds. Plus Toby could fill in the spot at the sheds that the engines I chose left and maybe fill in the space for any of the secondary characters (e.g - Duck, Donald, Douglas, Rosie etc.).

TidmouthStudios: Y know if Knapford sheds came back I would LITERALLY LOVE THAT SO MUCH. I think Emily earned her spot in the sheds though and calling all engines definitely made a good move by specifically confirming that Emily was an official part of the core cast.

crikey_fell: Kick out everyone but Henry, Gordon, James and Emily, move them to their RWS positions.

Fan12Thomas: Thomas and Percy they should be on Ffarquhar Sheds.

kirkronan25: I'd chuck Edward to Wellsworth and I kinda like the idea of James having a shed all of his own, but I'm not sure about that.

Diesel20212: Thomas and Percy. I just can’t see them staying in Tidmouth when they already have their own sheds on their branchline.

TruckFan1996: Emily and Henry. I hate Emily and Mattel has made Henry wimpy.

WyattLoughrie: Well Thomas and Percy would have to live at Ffarquhar sheds with Toby and probably have Donald and Douglas take their places in Tidmouth Sheds.

SciFiCosplay99: Maybe have Thomas and Percy move back to Ffarquhar, perhaps add Toby and/or Nia. The Scots then move in. Also, show a shed where the Great Western Engines and the Scots live at some point, please show?

YBoi95: Honestly probably still Henry and Edward. Edward is too smart to be involved in the hive mind mentality of the Steam Team and Henry is just kind of there and doing very little. Honestly the two just don't really contribute enough to be worthy of being main characters.

gwr_fan: Part of me wants Thomas and Percy at Ffarquhar with Toby, Mavis, etc

Mechai94829484: For me it’s Thomas and Percy instead of sleeping in Tidmouth sheds they sleep in the sheds at the ffarquhar station with Toby and Henrietta just like in the railway books.

CementLord: Thomas and Percy, send them off to Ffarquhar.

TidmouthStudios: I’m not mad that Edward left due to the fact that he simply wasn’t offering anything consistently new to the franchise for some time at that point. He’s been outshined by the other core cast members since S5 and him being removed from said cast was inevitable. I’m happy they just did it in a nice and pleasant way and didn’t just suddenly have him leave. He at least got an episode showcasing his goodbye. Going off where he was going to be stationed makes more sense and serves as a sorta mentor for Philip like bill and Ben before him.

FantasticMrS3: I'd go with Emily and James. Then they could be given their own branch line to share, and it would open up more storytelling possibilities for them, especially Emily; God knows more could be done with her as a character.

TomtheSTL: Thomas and Percy, they don’t belong on the mainline or you know, besides the big 3 and Emily, not having a strict cast at Tidmouth, have it change a bit, hell the Brenner era did it on occasion.

HTGE3Prod: Hmm, Edward and Thomas. Both have their respective branchlines to run. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if Salty, Bill and Ben are running Edward's line, and Mavis and Toby for Thomas' line.

Edwardandjamesp: Thomas, Percy and Edward. Thomas and Percy can go and sleep at Ffarquhar because that's where they work, and Edward could sleep at Wellsworth with Philip. And the ones to replace them would be Rebecca/Bear and the Scottish boys.

8Puffer: It would make more sense to put Thomas, Percy and Toby at Ffarquhar as it would help develop the three characters more and help build the relationship further.

ChaosDustSteam: I would actually pick three. Thomas, Percy, and Emily. Thomas and Percy would go to the Branchline Sheds, revealed in a new render for CGI. Emily would be moved either to Knapford Sheds or her own sheds, as I feel she is not a Main Line worthy engine.

BJG922: Hmm I would take out Thomas and Percy from Tidmouth and take them to Ffarquhar Sheds like how Edward went to Wellsworth, and keep Henry, Gordon, James and Emily at Tidmouth and allow Bear, Pip and Emma in Tidmouth.

ahmirallthings1: The answers obviously be Thomas and Percy. They lived in Ffarqhuar.

LNERA0X: If we wanted to apply this to all the engines really only Henry, Gordon, James, and Emily should be stationed at the main sheds. Decentralize the cast a bit.

JohnDarkblaze: Thomas, Percy, and Toby. My head canon is that they belong at Ffarquhar like they were before (also considering Arlesdale End hasn't been relevant for a while). As for Tidmoth Sheds itself, I'd leave Edward, James, Henry, and Gordon while adding Rosie, Stanley, and Molly.

TheThomasFan: Thomas and Percy, they’re supposed to be at Ffarquhar.

benbearce96: Toby and Emily because for Toby I just think he’s overrated as a character and Emily, well she can live at the shunting yards with Spencer Murdoch Arthur etc.

IvoryGreen456: Thomas and Percy. Because they were originally based at Ffarquhar they can easily go back.

SayCheeseBurgr: Emily and Edward, but Edward would still remain a main character, purely to line up with old continuity :p

sixteen_dnw: Edward to Wellsworth and Percy to Ffarquahar, they wouldn’t take Thomas away from Tidmouth.

EianHardy: I’d choose Thomas and Percy to go, as a way for them to be with Toby again in the branch line sheds.

TY_HAMMER_TIME: Its a tough one. I see a lot of thomas, percy, and Edward. But i think the "steam team" while still cool concept i think it hurt the series. Why not have a rotating cast of engines at Tidmouth Sheds per season. It would allow the writers to switch the engines in the shead and we wouldn't need to feel that Tidmouth Sheds = 100% steam team residences. Maybe then when Edward and Henry moved out it wouldn't have felt like such a blow or need explanation.

NWRGresley1942: Thomas and Percy because it would make sense that their work are closer to his branch line. Toby could also sleep at Ffarquhar with them. James because he destroyed the back of the sheds and Sir Topham would’ve strictly moved him out.

the_mega_derp: Move Thomas and Percy to Ffarquhar. It can have the same benefit as Edward moving to Wellsworth, since they’d be living on the line they work on. Whatever happened to them vibing in Ffarquhar sheds back in the day?

Jordan192692: I think Percy and Emily; To run the “new” Kirk Ronan branch-line. Thomas would miss both engines, but he would know it was for the best.

jaymeerkat520: It would be Thomas and Percy. Those characters have just become annoying now.

imnotveryfunny0: My take is Edward and Henry, yes, but don’t stick Nia there. Put her and her bland personality at Vicarstown. Put Rosie there with Rebecca, who knows the others but still has some well deserved fleshing out to be done.

HydesR01: Personally, I’d say Emily and Edward. Emily doesn’t really “click” with the originals, and I think Edward would be better suited at Wellsworth anyway. And in their spots, I’d say Rosie instead of Emily and Stanley in place of Edward.

Glover368: Emily and James, just send James back to his early RWS shed, and Emily can go back to Knapford.

RealMay_C: Emily and Henry, Emily is just a badly written character and Henry is just the stereotypical worrier and I'm really not a fan of that trope.

cgsmodelling: Let me say it loud enough so everyone can hear.... JUST ADD TWO MORE FUCKING BIRTHS. ITS NOT THAT DIFFICULT.

SquidTrain2020: Thomas and James can simply fuck off. But instead of Nia, replace James with Rosie and Thomas with Rebecca.

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rygoespop · 5 months

Text

Thomas and Friends: Tales from Sodor (Story 111): Tidmouth New Years (New Year’s Special)

Narrator: Tidmouth New Years

Scene opens at Tidmouth Sheds, where the 11 Engines (Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Emily, Molly, Rosie, Stanley, and Rebecca) all out of their berths, as Sir Topham Hatt arrived

Narrator: It was New Years on the Island of Sodor, as Sir Topham Hatt came to see the engines at Tidmouth Sheds

STH: Good morning everyone, I see that everyone is ready for the new year to start

Gordon: Is the New Year’s party happening at Callan Castle?

James: Or is it at Ulfstead Castle?

STH: Even better, I’m allowing of you and Toby to have a New Years Party here at Tidmouth Sheds!

The engines: *whistling and cheering* Hooray hooray!

STH: Silence!

The engines were silent

STH: Now I expect you all to be done at the end of the day, so off to work, all of you!

Scene transitions to Thomas and Emily delivering passengers at Dryaw Station

Narrator: Soon, everyone got to work, Thomas and Emily took Passengers to Dryaw

Scene transitions to Percy and Stanley pulling the mail

Narrator: Percy and Stanley deliver the mail from Knapford to Crovan’s Gate

Scene transitions to Rosie puffing down the line pulling 3 trucks full of Milk Churns and 3 GWR Vans

Narrator: Rosie was delivering the milk and vegetables to market

Scene transitions to Toby puffing in with Henrietta at the Quarry, as Mavis and Sidney shunt Stone Cars

Narrator: Toby brought the workmen to the Quarry

Scene transitions to Edward pulling 3 Red Branchline Coaches and Molly pulling 3 Express Coaches

Narrator: Edward and Molly work together delivering passengers throughout Edward’s Branchline

Scene transitions to Henry puffing down the line with a Goods Train, which consists of Fred Pelham full of Coal, a 12 Ton Van, a Salt Van, 2 GWR Vans, 2 trucks full of Stone, a truck full of crates, 2 Tar Tankers, and Two Oil Tankers, from Brendam Docks to Vicarstown

Narrator: Henry took a Goods Train from Brendam Docks to Vicarstown

Fred Pelham: Go faster Henry! *chuckled*

Henry: Do you want me to get Sonny again?

Fred Pelham: *feared* N-no!

Scene transitions to James puffing down the line pulling 3 Red Branchline Coaches into Maron Station as Bear was there with 3 Express Coaches

Narrator: James took some passengers from Elsbridge to Maron Station

Scene transitions to Rebecca pulling 3 Express Coaches

Narrator: Rebecca evenly took some passengers from Tidmouth Station to Harwick

Scene finally transitions to Gordon puffing out of Knapford Station with 4 Express Coaches

Gordon: *blew his whistle* Express coming through!

Narrator: And finally, Gordon thundered down the line from Knapford

Scene transitions to Gordon puffing into Vicarstown Station, as Vinnie puffed out of Vicarstown with a Goods Train, as well as Patriot with 3 Red Express Coaches

Narrator: All the way to Vicarstown

Gordon puffed into the Station, as his passengers got off the coaches and onto the platform, across from him was his brother, Flying Scotsman

Flying Scotsman: Hello Gordon! Happy New Year!

Gordon: You too, my brother

The Passengers got into Flying Scotsman’s coaches as the guard blew his whistle and waved his green flag

Flying Scotsman: *blew his whistle and puffs off with his coaches* Mainland Express coming through!

Scene transitions to evening, as the whole Steam Team are puffing back to Tidmouth Sheds

Narrator: Later, Thomas and the others head home to Tidmouth Sheds

Thomas: Phew, that was a long day

Emily: Yeah, we all worked hard, delivering passengers

Percy: To delivering the mail

Stanley: Agreed, from Knapford to Crovan’s Gate

Rosie: To taking Vegetables and Milk to the market

Toby: To taking quarry workers to the quarry

Edward: To working on my Branchline

Molly: Oh yes, I do agree Edward

James: To delivering passengers for Bear to take

Henry: To taking a goods train to Vicarstown

Rebecca: To taking passengers to Harwick in the coast

Gordon: Evenly taking the Express to Vicarstown, and my passengers taken by my brother

Thomas: At least we are done for the day

Scene transitions to night time at Tidmouth Sheds, the 11 engines in their berths and Toby on a siding, as a party was on

Narrator: Later, the New Years Party was on at Tidmouth Sheds, everyone was excited for the countdown

Stanley: This is it, the countdown is happening, we should start at 12!

Thomas: That’s a great idea Stanley! Begin the countdown!

Stanley: 12!

Rebecca: 11!

Rosie: 10!

Molly: 9!

Emily: 8!

Toby: 7!

Percy: 6!

James: 5!

Gordon: 4!

Henry: 3!

Edward: 2!

Thomas: 1!

All: Happy New Year!

Confetti flew everywhere as Fireworks pop into the Sky as the 11 engines blew their whistles and Toby rang his bell

Thomas: Happy New Years everyone!

Stanley: You too Thomas!

Toby: To a fresh start in the New Year

Rebecca: Indeed

Camera pans up to the Night Sky with a Golden Font that says Happy New Year, as the scene fades to black, ending the Story

Happy New Year everyone! Can’t wait for what 2024 has in store for everyone

#thomas and friends

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joezworld · 3 years

Text

Traintober Day 11

Today's prompt is: Stand Back In Amazement

Percy thinks that he can prank Tornado.

Percy is wrong.

The Truck Whisperer

"Isn't this a touch cruel?" Esso the tanker asked.

"Shut it." Percy snapped. "If we take her down a peg maybe we can get some sleep!"

The new engine - her name was Tornado, and Percy was sure that he'd heard of it before, even if he couldn't place it - was very cheery seemingly all the time. Since her arrival several days before, her endless supply of excited energy had started to wear at the engines on the branch. ("It’s like dealing with the stationmaster's dog!" Daisy had griped yesterday. "She doesn't quit!")

Percy, who already had to deal with passengers, coaches, and Gordon, was virtually at the end of his rope, and had devised a scheme to pay Tornado out a bit:

The various industries and businesses in Ffarquhar and Elsbridge kept a steady supply of goods traffic that went to the junction with the Main Line, as well as the harbor in Knapford. Percy usually took one or two short goods trains down the line each day, however, with Percy covering for Thomas and Bloomer out of action, the goods wagons had been piling up in the yards. Additionally, the quarry at the top of the line had been on a tear recently, with Mavis bringing more and more stone trucks each day. After just a few days, the yard at Ffarquhar was jam-packed.

The stationmaster had planned for Tornado to run as many as four or five goods trains per day in order to clear the backlog, however Percy had remarked that, with Tornado being as big as she was, it should be easy for her to take the entire load in one go.

Toby, Esso, and the stationmaster had all been suspicious, but Tornado ignored them and agreed readily.

Percy, eager to see the inevitable result of this, had even offered to shunt the train together.

The Fat Controller had long since fitted all of the railway's rolling stock with air brakes, meaning that Esso was the last wagon on the long train, with no brake van. "Ye seem sure she can't do this." The tanker looked at Percy. "She's a bigg'un."

"Oh please!" Percy scoffed. "She won't make it to the river before something goes wrong - and it'll take her so long to clear it up that I'll be asleep when she gets back!"

Esso rolled his eyes as Percy was uncoupled from the train. This is going to come back and bump him, I just know it.

Percy had barely departed with Annie and Clarabel when Tornado's tender was finally filled. ("Nine tons? Will there be any left for the rest of us?" "Don’t be rude, Percy." "Oh! Big talk from the engine who measures his coal on a postal scale! You'd have enough if the bin was empty!") Esso watched with some interesting as she set off.

Ordinarily, the big engine (And what was Fatt Hatt thinking, sending someone of Gordon’s size up the branch?) was a whirling dervish from the moment she set off - steam blowing everywhere, eyes bouncing around like she was trying to look two places at once, it was enough that some of Esso's fellows had started making plans to be troublesome from the moment she showed up.

But now she was different. Easing alongside the line of trucks with hardly a single whoosh of wasted steam, she rolled to a stop at the end of the train.

"Hi there." She addressed Esso and several of his associates. "You're Esso, and that would make the two of you… Boxer and Daedalus?"

Grunts of surprise came from the old van and the grumpy flatbed behind him.

Pleased at getting it right, the big engine smiled. "Pleasure to meet you finally. I'm Tornado."

Esso blinked slowly as she spoke. Was she introducing herself?

She continued: "Today this train is going all the way to Knapford Harbour. There I'm going to shunt out some of you, including you Daedalus, to be loaded and unloaded at the docks before I add on trucks bound for the junction with the main line at Knapford, as well as the stations at this end of the line. Then I'm going to take the whole train back up to the junction and shunt those of you who are going to the main line into the sidings. Does that sound acceptable? Is there anything else that I should know?”

All three trucks stared at her, speechless, which she took as acceptance, and so she moved on down the train, stopping every few trucks to speak to them in groups of three or four.

After several minutes of speechlessness, Esso finally found his voice. “Wha was that?”

“Oi t’ink” Daedalus spoke up. “T’at’s sommeit t’ey do on t’e mainland - when kettles run on tour trains and whatnot - ‘cause all t’e coaches now need everyt’ing to be told to ‘em so they don’ freak.”

“We’s ain’t coaches.” Boxer retorted. “She’s got eyes, don’t she?”

“She looks prissier t’an Red, oot on t’e Main. An’ Oi never seen her before, so Oi betcha t’at she hasn’ pulled the loikes o’ us in donkey’s years and plain forgot t’at we’s isn’ prissy coaches.”

Esso rolled his eyes severely. Passenger engines pulling freight, Percy pulling coaches, whatever else could go sideways this week?

Then he had a thought.

The backed up state of the yard had meant that a lot of trucks from the main line had been stuck up here for several days. Unlike older branch line trucks like Esso, Daedelus, and Boxer, these vans, hoppers, and tankers were still stupid, young and ornery, always intent on making trouble for engines. If they thought that Tornado was patronizing them instead of acting without thinking, they’d be all over her like flies on a rubbish bin. And with this train being as long and heavy as it was, if something started… it probably wouldn’t end in anything less than disaster.

“Wha’s the mood from everyone else?” He called back to Daedelus, who was closest to the rest of the train.

“Why’re you always askin’ me?” The flatbed called back. “S’not like Oi can read their moinds.”

Boxer, who was facing forwards and could see over Daedelus, was watching as the big engine finally backed down onto the train. “Theys seem quiet. Dunno if anyone’s spoke t’ them like that before.”

“They seem upset?”

“I said I dunno! What’s gotten yer brake lines in a knot?”

“If they start something, we’re gonna have to stoppit, savvy?”

A pause fell over the other two trucks. They were by far the oldest trucks in the train - they’d long stopped enjoying being nuisances - being in linside smashups hurt - and... builder damn it all, they liked this branch line, and wanted to stay on it; which meant that if they wanted to save their own buffers, they’d have to help an engine.

“I don’t see anyone lookin’ upset much.” Boxer strained his eyes to look up towards the front.

“Oi!” Daedalus biffed the hopper in front of him. “Whaddya t’ink o’ the girlie pullin’ us?”

The hopper was new, probably going back to the mainland somewhere, and didn’t object to being bumped. “I like her! She’s nice!”

“Ye gonna cause any trouble?”

“Nope!”

The truck in front of that one spoke up as well. “Nobody’s ever spoken to me like that. I like that.”

This went on for some time, until the entire rear half of the train was practically singing Tornado’s praises!

An hour later

Percy had made good time to the junction, and was fairly surprised to see the branch’s signal set against him. “I didn’t think she’d make it this far.” He remarked to his driver.

“Maybe she’s better than she seemed.” His driver supplied helpfully. “Or at least stronger than they are.”

“Eh. She’s about Gordon’s size, and that lot would stall him out for certain.”

Percy’s fireman quirked an ear towards the line. “Does anyone else hear music?”

“Is the Mister Whippy van about?” The driver laughed. “Because if not, then it must be her.”

The music grew loud enough to become a recognizable tune, and the volume of the driver’s laughter grew along with it. “Goodness me! I remember being annoyed by that song when it came out - she’s a young one, all right!”

Hey ya! Hey ya!

You think you've got it

Oh, you think you've got it

But got it just don't get it when there's nothin' at all

The music grew louder and more discordant as Tornado got nearer. Percy frowned - not only had his plan failed, but Tornado’s taste in music was about on par with Toby’s - bloody awful!

The train rounded the last curve before the junction and Percy’s jaw dropped. There was a slight rise in the tracks coming out of Dryaw, and heavy trains usually struggled here. Tornado, on the other wheel, was steaming freely, and singing along to her music like there wasn’t even a train behind her.

She passed Percy with a carefree whistle and continued on like nothing was wrong - although Percy didn’t pay much attention to her after that, because the trucks were singing as well!

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he’d never have believed it - and he was going to have trouble explaining this to Toby, he just knew it - but yet, there it was! The trucks were rolling along smoothly and without issue, each one singing just as loud as Tornado had been.

The end of the train came into view, with Esso still at the tail. The old tanker and Boxer were distinctly not singing, (although Daedelus was, horrifyingly enough) and exchanged a panicked look with Percy as he went by. “The world’s gone mad!” He yelled. ‘Gemme outta here!”

Percy said nothing. He had no idea of what to say!

And then, just as soon as it had arrived, the train was gone, clattering away towards the docks.

Nobody said anything for a long while afterwards, and the silence was only broken by the crackle of the driver’s walkie-talkie.

“Did anybody else just see that?” Came the voice of the guard through the radio.

#ttte #sodor #sodor headcanon #sodor shenanigans #ttte sodor #tornado #they're all just... so dumb sometimes #fic #traintober 2021 #traintober #the railway series #ttte Percy #percy just thinks he's so smart #he kind of is but the problem is Tornado isn't #but by god does she know how to pull trains

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joezworld · 3 years

Text

Toby - Rap God

Guys I was making myself laugh when I wrote this - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Based entirely on one line from this.

2019

There are many engines on the Island of Sodor, and like many people, music is often part of their lives.

Some engines, like Percy and Duck, have no interest in the subject, having never been exposed to it in a real manner.

Others, like Gordon and Henry, have extremely well-defined music tastes. (Unfortunately for those around them, they do not like the same music, and arguments often ensue.)

James, being extremely vain, enjoys the songs written about him for the children's television show based on the writings of The Thin Clergyman.

And then there’s Toby...

-----------

Toby is a small brown steam tram. He has spent almost all of his life on Sodor on Thomas' branch line, where he and his coach Henrietta trundle up and down the valley at the top of the line - providing a valuable commuter service from the branch line terminus to the stone mines at Anopha.

Toby likes music, as does Henrietta; they like it so much that in 1989 the workmen installed a radio in Henrietta so that the two could listen to music on it as they worked.

This was very thoughtful gift, but there was a small problem:

The hills outside of the quarry meant that many radio stations couldn't reach the small antenna on Henrietta's roof.

Fortunately, a few did, mostly overpowered stations on the Isle of Man. These stations were designed to reach boats far out at sea, and mainly played uninteresting things like the Shipping Forecast.

There was, however, one station that did come come through loud and clear no matter where you were...

---

You're listening to ManxPirate - the Barely-Seaworthy voice of the Sudrian Sea. I’m your sea-going Deejay - or Sea-Jay - Musik Mike! Up next is our most popular block of the day - that’s right, the JAMS are LOUD and we're all gonna get DEF!

"Oh Henrietta! It's starting!"

"Just be ready on the choruses Toby"

------------------

The sounds of music echoed off of the Els river valley as Toby and Henrietta trundled towards Elsbridge.

Aside from their Quarry duties, Toby and Henrietta also worked 'the school bus', a daily train that carried schoolchildren from the remote farmhouses between Elsbridge and Hackenbeck to the Saint Pedroc's school in Elsbridge.

Toby loved this route - many of the children had been taking 'the bus' since Grade 1, and he felt privileged to have seen them grow up into fine young adults.

As he pulled into the platform at Elsbridge station, he saw those young adults crowded around each other.

'"Peep Peep! Let's go, everyone!" he called to the teens.

"Just a minute Tobes!" Called back Sera, one of the teenagers, before she turned back to her friends, who were filming her with their 'smart-phones'.

"Whatever could they be doing?" He asked Henrietta as Sera and her friend Phoebe bounced up and down in unison while waving their arms around.

"Undoubtedly something for the internet," the coach mused. "But I have no idea what - trends change so fast now".

"Internet?" Toby was puzzled. "Don't they need a computer for that?"

"Toby. Smartphones have been around for over ten years. How do you not know about this?"

"I'm sorry that I'm not as technologically advanced as you - but at least I know what steam is!"

"Oh my goodness, it's also a video game company now. You've heard those jokes before!"

Toby and Henrietta likely would have gone on like that until the guard blew his whistle, but Phoebe broke away from the group of teens, her phone in her hand.

"Toby?" She asked, clearly trying not laugh. "Do you know what Vossi Bop is?"

Toby was taken aback. "Of course I do. Vossi Bop isn't my favourite, but that's just because I don't like Stormzy that much - I'm not one for Grime."

Phoebe blinked like she'd been poleaxed. "What?"

"It's a Stormzy song, isn't it?"

"Toby," Henrietta sighed. "She was asking because she thought you didn't know. Was this going to be some kind of thing where you show rap music to the elderly and laugh at them being shocked?" She asked Phoebe, who nodded slowly.

"Well, you're going to have to better than that young lady," The coach smirked. "We've been listening to ManxPirate since before you were born!"

"Really?" The blonde asked slowly.

"Oh yes!" Henrietta boasted. "Eazy-E was still alive when we first tuned in!"

"Oh, em, gee!" The girl said, before turning and shouting down the platform. "Guys! They do know!"

The excited teenagers crowded around Toby and Henrietta as they quizzed the tram on rap music. Any thought of leaving on time was totally forgotten about as Toby's extensive knowledge of gangsta rap was laid out for them.

"Mate, mate," said John, one of the boys. "You gotta do The Challenge if you know all this!"

"What challenge?" Toby asked.

The teens clamored over each other, before they all stopped to let someone speak intelligibly.

Rachel Kyndley eventually spoke up: "It's a thing that ManxPirate is doing on TikTok. You sing along to a rap song and whoever does it the best gets to record a charity single with Stormzy!"

The teens again spoke over each other, all claiming that Toby and Henrietta should sing for the challenge.

Toby had to blow his whistle to calm them down. "I suppose there's nothing to lose by it," He said after a moment. "But I should say that my flow isn’t that good."

"Mate, I am amazed that you know what that means,” Said John. “But you just need to sing along to somethin’ that’s already out there.”

“Oh.” Toby looked back at Henrietta. “Well that shouldn’t be too hard. Do you have any N.W.A we could sing along to?”

As he had the only ‘eye-phone pro’, Simon the student newspaper editor was volunteered as cameraperson, while Rachel set a small ‘blue tooth speaker’ on Toby’s bufferbeam so that he could hear the music.

The remaining teenagers pulled out their phones as well - whatever happened next was going to be un-fucking-believable.

The music began with record scratching. The kids looked at each other in shock. There was no way that Rachel had picked this.

"Right about now NWA court is in full effect” Henrietta sang.

Rachel had. The teens could barely contain themselves.

“Judge Dre presiding in the case of NWA versus the police department.

Prosecuting attourneys are MC Ren, Ice Cube and Eazy motherfuckin' E”

Hearing Henrietta say ‘fuck’, was an astonishing experience for the unprepared teenagers.

“Order, order, order, Ice Cube take the motherfuckin' stand

Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth

And nothin' but the truth so help your black ass?”

“You goddamn right” Toby responded. Rachel Kyndley barely could hold back a shout of astonishment. I hope there’s no book written about this! She thought.

“Well, won't you tell everybody what the fuck you gotta say?"

Then there was a record scratching sound.

The teens knew what came next. They hoped that they were prepared to hear this song come out of Toby.

"Fuck the police comin' straight from the underground!"

Toby and Henrietta not only sang this lyric, they sang it in harmony.

The teenagers thought that they had been prepared.

They were not prepared.

Most of the next few verses were lost underneath the clamor of twelve teenagers losing their goddamn minds.

--------------------

A few days later

Toby was resting in his shed when a little car came tearing into the station parking lot. More girls than should have been possible to fit in it came tumbling out and made a beeline for his shed, Rachel Kyndley in the lead.

“Toby! Toby! Toby! You won! You won!” She shouted as she skidded over the gravel.

“Won what?”

“The Contest!” She shrieked. “Your video went viral and you won The Contest! Stormzy said on Instagram that he was excited to meet you!”

She and her friends dissolved into happy squealing, preventing any further speech.

“What’s Instagram?” Toby asked Henrietta.

--------------------------

The Next Week

Stephen Hatt was enjoying his tea and tolerating his toast and marmalade, when his son Richard burst into his office, waving his phone around like a sword.

“Were you just not going to tell me that you let Stormzy visit the engines? Or was I just supposed to figure this out when Kieran and Micah tore my ear off for not letting them meet him?!”

“I have a phone, you know. And a receptionist.” Stephen said as he cleaned tea off of his desk. Fortunately, most of it had gone onto the marmalade covered toast, which he unceremoniously dumped into the trash. “And who have I let meet the engines?”

“Stormzy? The rapper? He headlined at Glastonbury last bloody month?”

“I don’t follow.”

“He’s a musician, and you let him record an album with Toby!”

“He recorded music? With Toby? Our Toby?”

“Yes! It was supposed to be a single, but now it’s an album! It hit number one! And it’s been out for three hours!”

“You’re saying this as if I have the slightest idea what you’re talking about.”

“Just read the article!” Richard shoved the phone into his hand. The website for BBC Sodor and Man was open.

STORMZY DROPS SURPRISE ALBUM WITH SURPRISE COSTARS

ELSBRIDGE - Music fans across the world were surprised this morning when Stormzy unexpectedly announced via Instagram the release of his newest album, Back in Their Day - featuring two of the realest OGs I’ve ever seen.

Residents of Sodor were especially surprised to discover who those “two real OGs” were: Toby and Henrietta, an engine and coach on the Ffarquhar Branch Line.

This unexpected collaboration began several weeks ago when a viral video on TikTok featuring the pair attracted the attention of the rapper...

Stephen skimmed the rest of the article, not quite believing what he was reading. “I didn’t authorize any of this.” He said at last.

“Really?” Richard said, not quite believing him. “Because that’s what the staff on the Branch told me too.”

“I swear to you I didn’t do anything.”

“Then what, did the biggest star in the country just go to Ffarquhar and record an album with Toby? With nobody’s permission?”

----------------

[TWO YEARS LATER]

--CHANNEL 4 INTERNAL TRANSCRIPT: THE LAST LEG 2021 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL--

ADAM HILLS - So we’ve had a lot of questions, about, the last album you dropped-

[AUDIENCE LAUGHTER]

AH - The one with the train engine - I think his name is Toby?

STORMZY - And Henrietta. Can’t forget her.

AH - Of course not.

S - What do you wanna know?

[MORE LAUGHTER]

AH - Well, I don’t have any questions - and when I say we, I don’t mean Alex or our viewers -

[PROLONGED LAUGHTER]

AH - I mean Josh.

JOSH WIDDICOMBE - [TO ADAM] You’re an Arse. [To STORMZY] - Um, I just wanted to know how you did it really. Is it, is it true that you snuck in and did it all in one night?

S - Oh yeah! Absolutely. ‘Cause, I thought that it was gonna be a one and done, like just a single y’know? So I just went there and was gonna do it and go. But as we kept talkin’ I realized that, that, I just had to make more, and then it became the album and we shot a music video for ‘scrapp’ on the same night and then I did some sound work and then it went up.

AH - Just like that?

S - Just like that.

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