Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

THOMAS & FRIENDS: RERAILED

SEASON 23 - FINALE SPECIAL

NORTH WESTERN TO THE RESCUE

Adapted By: Streak Smeargle

Based on the episode “Steam Team to the Rescue” written by Davey Moore

It was the end of a busy day on the Island of Sodor. And at the end of every day, Harold the Helicopter sets out on his evening patrol to make sure everything is safe and in order. He soared over Vicarstown Yards and surveyed the scene below.

“This is Harold the Helicopter, reporting in!” he radioed, “The ol’ chaps Diesel and Sidney are shunting in the yard.”

Next, he flew over the Blue Mountain Quarry. “Paxton’s ‘rocking’ it down at the quarry!” he reported.

And finally he buzzed past Brendam Docks. “Looks like a lot of ships are coming in but it seems like smooth sailing for Salty and Porter down by the docks!” Harold whirred, “All a-ok and correct! Returning to base!”

***

But not everything was fine after Harold left the docks. As the sun set, even more ships came in. Cargo ships stacked high with crates and the S.S.Roxstar was set to arrive in the morning with plenty of passengers and tourists. Salty, Porter, and the cranes tried to keep up with the schedule but they were starting to fall behind.

Cranky, as usual, was the first to get irritated. “Hurry up, Porter!” he rushed, “We’ve got another ship coming in!”

“Okay, Cranky!” called Porter, “No need to be so… ‘cranky’!”

Porter chuckled at his little joke. Unsurprisingly, no one else did.

Salty was trying to remain focused but he was having a very tough time keeping track of it all.

“I could use some help organizing over here!” Carly called.

“Aye aye, Carly!” Salty honked, “On me’ way!”

“Oy!” cranked Cranky, “Big Mickey needs those flatbeds you’re shunting first!” Big Mickey nodded.

“Oops! Hah, hah! My bad, matey!” Salty called back, “Be there in a barnacle!”

And so Salty rushed backwards, trying to switch onto the outside line.

He was in such a hurry that he hadn’t noticed the points were still set against him. But Carly had.

“Salty! Look out!” she cried.

Before Salty could react, he hit the points with a hard thump and bounced straight off the tracks… towards the edge of the dock.

“S-shiver me’ cylinders!” shouted Salty as he rumbled across the quay, “I’m going overboard!!!” His back wheels left the dockside and leaned over the ocean below.

The flatbed he was pulling jammed in the points and kept him from falling… but the coupling was breaking from the tension.

“H-Hold on!!” cried Cranky, “I’ll-”

But it was too late. His driver jumped out just in time as Salty shut his eyes tight.

“Farewell, me heartieeeessss!!!” Salty cried as he slid off and splashed into the sea.

The whole dockside crew were mortified. “SALTYYY!!!” Porter, Cranky, and Carly all screeched.

Everything certainly wasn’t ‘a-ok and correct’ anymore…

***

At Tidmouth Sheds, the engines hadn’t an inkling about what was going on at Brendam at that moment. They were too busy grumbling about the day’s work.

“Phew…” sighed Thomas, “Am I the only one who feels today was busier than usual?”

His question was met with groans of agreement from every engine.

“It’s been busy all week, Thomas.” puffed Gordon, “But an express engine such as myself has been able to handle it just fine!”

“So…” said Emily coyly, “You won’t mind that the Fat Controller is thinking of setting up more express runs to help with the increase in passengers?”

Gordon spluttered at the sound of that and wisely said no more.

“Well, being a mixed traffic engine is even harder!” pouted James, “So much cargo to collect and ZERO time to get a decent washdown. Look at me! I’m filthy!!”

“I must admit…” Nia added, “I’m rushed off my wheels keeping the yard in order. I’m not used to this much work.”

“I’m just glad my mail run’s tomorrow night.” Percy sighed, “I’ll have tonight to get a good rest.”

“I just don’t understand it.” pondered Thomas, “We’ve had busy seasons before but… nothing like this. Why have we been getting so many visitors recently?”

“Is it not obvious?” asked Rebecca innocently.

All the other engines turned their gaze towards her.

“Well, it’s definitely not obvious to me.” James sniffed.

“It’s because the Island of Sodor’s world-famous now, of course!” Rebecca explained, “It’s been in all the latest papers. ‘North Western Railway - Top of the Charts’. ‘Sodor Set to Become a Worldwide Phenomenon’!”

“Not all of us have time to read silly tabloids, Rebecca.” Gordon grunted.

“With the way you speed about, I’m surprised you have time to read anything, Big Blue.” Nia teased.

Gordon was about to retort when Percy perked up. “Rebecca’s right though!” he peeped, “Thomas, didn’t the Fat Controller say you and Nia were the first tank engines to go all the way around the world? I think parts of your journey were even on television, too!”

“I… I do remember him saying that…” Thomas pondered.

“Not to mention the tour has surely done numbers for the railway.” Emily considered, “Sending famous engines to visit different countries… that's definitely going to turn some heads.”

“I do like the part about us being famous engines!” James admitted.

“Exactly! Sodor and the North Western Railway are more popular than they’ve ever been!!” exclaimed Rebecca, “People must be coming all over just to see us!”

All the engines liked the sound of that, especially Thomas. “Our little island is that famous?” he thought to himself.

Thomas stared up at the sky, in a state of awe. With his smoke box full of thoughts about Sodor’s status, the little tank engine backed into his berth, shut his eyes and drifted into a nice peaceful sleep…

***

...But not for long.

“Thomas! Thomas!?”

Thomas opened his eyes slowly and yawned. The other engines in the sheds did the same.

In their sleepy haze, they could see someone walking towards them dressed all in blue. It was Sir Topham Hatt! He was running up in his railway engine pajamas, slippers and classic top hat. He had a little teddy bear tucked unknowingly in his pocket.

“Wake up, Thomas!” shouted Sir Topham Hatt, “It’s an emergency!”

“W-wha- What time is it?” Thomas asked groggily.

“It’s late - I’m sorry for waking you all but there’s been a terrible accident at the docks. Salty’s rolled off the tracks and into the sea!”

All the engines gasped.

“C-Calm down, everyone! Luckily, Cranky has a grip on him and is working to lift him out.” explained the Fat Controller, “I need you to get a flatbed and get over there to help, Thomas. Edward and Philip are already there but I’ll need someone to take Salty to the Diesel Depot. I’ll have Toby take your morning train.”

“Y-Yes sir!” Thomas puffed.

“But that’ll take you all night, Thomas!” Percy puffed worriedly.

“It’s fine, Percy.” Thomas chuffed, “Salty needs my help!”

By now, Thomas’ crew had got him steaming again and so he puffed out of the sheds.

“Oh! Thomas!” The Fat Controller called, “When you drop Salty off at the Diesel Depot, ask Dennis if he can go fill in for him at the docks. It’s going to be a busy day… and they’ll need the help.”

“Right away, sir!” Thomas whistled.

“As if that lazybones diesel would ever say yes to extra work...” muttered James.

The turntable turned to the right line and Thomas puffed off. He was worried.

“Poor Salty…” he steamed, “He must be feeling dreadful…”

***

But Thomas was wrong.

Salty was not worse off from his experience. In fact, he was joyfully singing a sea shanty as Cranky gently lifted him out of the ocean.

“Hey-ho and up he rises, hey-ho and up he rises, hey-ho and up he rises early in the morning!” sang Salty happily.

Thomas arrived with the flatbed and was most surprised to see Salty in such good spirits. But he was also very relieved.

“Well done, Cranky!” chuffed Thomas happily, “Glad to see you’re alright, Salty!”

“Oh, well now, I thought I was off to Davy Jones’ locker for a moment there!” Salty said, blowing seaweed out of his face.

Philip gulped. “Would Salty have… drowned… if he stayed underwater too long?” he asked Edward, frightenedly.

“Hmm… I don’t think us engines need to breathe air like people do.” pondered Edward, “Regardless, salty sea water is no good for a diesel’s engine. It’s good you were fished out when you were, Salty.”

“Thanks to ol’ Cranky here!” Salty exclaimed.

“J-Just don’t scare us like that again!” Cranky croaked, trying to hide the tears in his eyes.

“Don’t worry, Salty.” Thomas chuckled, “The Diesel Depot will have you dried up in no time!”

And once Salty was chained to the flatbed, Thomas steamed off and out of the docks, leaving the rest of his friends on the quayside.

“Poor old Salty…” sighed Carly, “I do hope he can be repaired quickly.” Big Mickey swung his hook in agreement.

“I hope so too…” groaned Porter, “Ohhh, I already had double my usual workload. Now I’ve got ‘double double’ my workload!”

Carly smiled as she loaded Porter’s flat trucks with flour sacks.

“Don’t worry, Porter! We can handle it!” she said confidently.

“Easy for you to say…” grumbled Cranky, “We’re the ones doing the heavy lifting…”

Carly just ignored him. “Besides -” she added, “I’m sure The Fat Controller will send another engine to lend a wheel.”

“The sooner the better.” Porter sighed, “I can’t do everything on my own…”

As he said this, he backed up with his flat trucks… too far and too fast. When Carly swung her arm around with more flour sacks to load, Porter was right in the way!

“Woahh!!” Carly cried and frantically tried to swing her load back.

But it was no good. The flour sacks slid off the plank and burst open. Flour was all over Porter!

“*cough cough* I-I wasn’t made to run on ‘flour power’, Carly!” Porter coughed.

“Oh dear…” Carly creaked worriedly. Porter didn’t look so good.

“Looks like you’ll need to go to the Works now too, Porter.” sighed Edward and he buffered up to the sneezing steamer.

Before they left, Edward looked over at Philip. “Can you handle the work here until help arrives, Philip?” he asked.

“Of course, Edward!” said Philip proudly, “You can count on me!”

With a whistle, Edward puffed off with the powdery Porter, leaving Philip behind.

“Are you sure you can handle everything, Philip?” Cranky cranked.

“Don’t worry, Cranky!” Philip said proudly, “I’ve got it all under control.”

Just then, the honk of a cruise ship sounded out. It was the S.S.Roxstar, pulling in to dock with loads of tourists on board.

Philip’s eyes widened. “Except that…” Philip admitted, “Didn’t expect that. Oh… bother. Where are the coaches?” And he raced away.

“This is gonna be a long day…” Cranky sighed.

***

Soon enough, the sun began to rise over the Island of Sodor. On his way to the Diesel Depot, Thomas had to stop for coal and water at Kellsthorpe Road Station. While he was there, he overheard from the platform a newsboy cry out.

“Extra, extra! Read all about it! Hot off the press from Mainland News! ‘Famously strict inspector, Juan Starr, shuts down another railway with harsh review’!”

Thomas’ eyes boggled. He knew railway inspectors could be strict but he’d never heard of one that strict.

“A whole railway shut down by one review?” muttered Thomas to himself.

“That could be your railway someday, little Thomas.” said a snooty voice.

Thomas’ eyes darted over to the platform beside him. There was a familiar face he knew all too well. The Duke and Duchess of Boxford’s private engine…

“Ahh… Spencer.” Thomas puffed unenthusiastically, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m on my way to the Mainland to pick up the Duke and Duchess.” Spencer said snootily, “It’s the summer season, so of course they’ll want to stay in their splendid summerhouse.”

Then Spencer turned his gaze towards the seaweed covered Salty behind Thomas.

“Dear oh dear, Salty.” he sniffed, “What a shame you’ve had such a mishap. Too many mistakes like that and this railway could get shut down, you know? By that man in the papers.”

“Peh! As if one silly review could shut down the whole railway!” Salty grumbled.

“Yeah!” Thomas fired back, “Besides - this ‘Juan Starr’ is probably not so bad. I’ve been friends with Rebecca long enough to know made-up news when I hear it!”

“Oh, you Sodor engines… Still stuck in your own little world…” Spencer chuckled darkly, “I can assure you… Juan Starr is no laughing matter. I’ve known many an engine who’ve lost their homes to his pen.”

Thomas was taken aback. He quickly rallied again. “W-Well… Haven’t you heard? The North Western Railway is world-famous now! Fat chance it could be shut down so easily!”

Spencer raised a pretentious eyebrow. “Popularity points don’t affect a review of really usefulness.” Spencer huffed, “You silly Sodor engines wouldn’t know reliability if you had it plastered between your buffers!”

“Although…” Spencer snickered, “That would look a lot better than those silly little letters you all have.”

Thomas looked down at his buffer beam and the NWR initials painted proudly on it. He gritted his teeth and looked back over at the big engine.

“You’re the one who needs a lesson about reliability, Spencer.” Thomas growled, “You have no wheels to stand on. You’re just a privileged private engine with no respect for the actual hard workers on the rails.”

Spencer wasn’t fazed. He just snorted snootily.

“Peh. Big talk for such a tiny tank engine. You speak to inspectors like that as well?”

Before Thomas could retort back, Spencer’s signal went green and the silver engine sped away. The little blue engine was left red in the face and wheeshing steam violently.

“Don’t listen to that silver knave, me heartie!” Salty comforted, “We’ve got nothing to worry about!”

”Y-Yeah… Right…” Thomas muttered.

But Thomas was deep in thought as they left Kellsthorpe Road. He was in a right tizzy over what Spencer had said and couldn’t help but worry.

“Our railway could never be closed down.” he told himself, “Never!” But sadly, he wasn’t a hundred percent convinced.

***

By the time Thomas arrived at the Diesel Depot, the sun was shining high in the sky. He was tired from not having slept much and he was still cross about Spencer.

As Thomas puffed out of the main works building after dropping off Salty, Dennis rolled up alongside.

“You look tired there, Thomas.” he said disinterestedly, “You should try and get out of work more often. That’ll catch ya some more zzz’s.”

Thomas was in no mood for any ‘advice’. “I’ll figure out my sleep schedule my own way, Dennis.” he huffed.

He was so tired and tetchy that he completely forgot to tell Dennis to go to the docks. He simply steamed away while the lazy engine just backed into his shed with the rest of the diesels.

Meanwhile, in the main works building, Salty was being lifted up by ol’ ‘Happy Hook’. He found it rather fun.

“Arrr! Look out below!” he chuckled as he was lifted up into the air. He rocked and wiggled in the hoist.

”Oy! Watch it!” complained ‘Happy Hook’ from inside the cabin.

“Ah-ha-ha! Thanks, matey!” Salty said brightly, looking down at the two works diesels, “I’d do well without barnacles on me undercarriage!”

“Don’t mention it! We’ll soon have you fixed up. Ha-ha.” chortled Dart.

“Let me just go get the engine parts we need.” Den added, “I’m pretty sure they’re over in the supply she-”

But as Den rolled forward, his vision suddenly went dark. Something slimy and wet! 

“A-AH! WHAT THE- GET IT OFF!” Den cried as he lurched backwards and forwards repeatedly in a panic.

”C-Calm down, Den!” Dart called out, “It’s only-”

But it was too late. Den ran straight into a flatbed with a bang, which sent an empty barrel flying into the controls module for the works building. CRASH!!

Den finally managed to shake the slimy thing off his face. He looked down to see… that it was only a piece of Salty’s seaweed.

”Oops…” Den muttered.

Suddenly, there were sparks and a fizz… and then one of the big metal doors of the Diesel Depot slammed down.

“W-What’s going on?” stuttered Den. Then another door slammed down.

“Oh…” Dart whirred, “Oh no!!”

Finally, the last door of the Diesel Depot slammed shut… and so did the doors of all the diesels’ sheds.

Diesel, Paxton, Sidney, Norman, and Dennis were all very surprised.

With one final bang… all the Vicarstown diesels were trapped.

“Who turned out the lights?” asked Sidney innocently.

There was a long silence…

“Welp, time to go back to sleep.” Dennis yawned.

***

Thomas had no idea about the incident at the Diesel Depot. He just steamed sleepily back down the line.

He stopped at Edward’s station for a rest, while his crew went inside for some drinks. Edward was there, who looked over and winced.

“Are you okay, Thomas?” he asked, “You look very worn out.”

“Nonsense, Edward!” Thomas puffed, “A reliable North Western engine like me never gets worn out!”

“…If you say so, Thomas.” Edward puffed, “Well… I hope Philip doesn’t get ‘worn out’ at the docks. What with Salty and Porter both out of commission...”

“Wh-Porter!?” Thomas cried, “What happened to Porter?!”

“His funnel got blocked with flour.” Edward explained, “I’ve just returned from taking him to the Steamworks.”

Suddenly, there was a shrill whistle. It was Percy. He was puffing towards them on the middle track.

“Percy?” Thomas questioned, “What are you doing out here? Shouldn’t you be working on the branch line?”

“The Fat Controller’s sent me to help Philip at the docks!” Percy explained, “Maybe you could come with me, Thomas? We’ll need all the help we can get!”

“Uhm- I’m sure you can manage it for now, Percy. Besides, The Fat Controller is gonna have Dennis...”

Thomas trailed off. Then he gasped.

“Dennis!!” he cried, “I completely forgot to tell Dennis to go to the docks!! I need to race back and tell him!”

“Hold on there, Thomas!” called his driver, who had just exited the stationmaster’s office, “That’s a lost cause at this point.”

“W-Why?” asked Thomas anxiously.

“Sir Topham Hatt just called and it seems something’s happened at the Diesel Depot.” explained his stoker, “He’ll explain it to us at the big station.”

“Okay…” Thomas puffed as he pulled out of the station, “Well, if Dennis isn’t coming, then I promise that I’ll come and help you as soon as I can, Percy!”

“Wait! Thomas!” called Edward.

But Thomas was already off and away down the line.

“He looked pretty ragged.” chuffed Percy.

“I know…” wheeshed Edward, worriedly.

***

Meanwhile, on the other side of the island, there was even more trouble brewing. This time… at the Vicarstown Rolling Bridge.

Many ships were sailing around the island that day through the Walney Channel. The Vicarstown Bridge had been lifted, lowered, and then lifted again - all day long. Over and over... multiple times.

And soon enough, something went wrong.

A cargo ship blasted its horn, showing it wanted to sail through. The bridge operator set the controls to allow the ship to pass.

The bridge slowly started to rise. But just as it got halfway up…

SCREECHHHH!!!!

The gears of the bridge grinded together. The noise was awful and ear-piercing. The bridge screeched, then cranked, then… stopped.

The operator frantically fiddled with the controls, but nothing worked. Of all the rotten luck… the bridge was stuck.

No engine from Sodor could go to the Mainland and no engine from the Mainland could go to Sodor.

It was a terrible mess…

***

At Knapford, the tired Thomas rushed in. All the other engines were there too, sitting in the yard waiting.

“Sir, sir!” cried Thomas, “What happened at the-”

“H-Hold on a minute, Thomas.” interrupted The Fat Controller, skimming desperately through his papers, “We’re in a bit of an emergency.”

Thomas wheeshed with worry.

“*ahem* Now, listen up, everyone.” the controller boomed, “As most of you know, Salty was in an accident. Not long after, Porter was also put out of action - something about ‘flour power’. To make matters worse, there’s been an incident at the Diesel Depot and all the diesels there are trapped in the sheds.”

The surrounding engines gasped. All except Gordon.

”Pah! I’m sure we’ll be just fine without nine small shunters.”

Emily scowled. “That is a lot of engines out of action, Gordon! It’s certainly an issue, no matter how small they are!”

“Well… there’s a lot of engines on Sodor… We can manage for now, can’t we?” spoke up Stanley, trying to stay optimistic.

”What are we going to do, Sir?” Rebecca asked.

Before Sir Topham Hatt could reply, two frantic whistles sounded out.

They belonged to Henry and Rosie. They rushed into the yard in a panic.

“Sir, sir! There’s a massive problem over at Vicarstown!”

“Yes, yes. I know about the Diesel Depot already, Henry.” Sir Topham Hatt brushed off, “Now, as I was about to say-”

“Diesel Depot?” asked Rosie, “Who said anything about the Diesel Depot? He’s talking about the Rolling Bridge!”

The Fat Controller stopped dead in his tracks and turned back around to the two engines.

“What… happened to the bridge?” he quivered.

“It’s jammed!” explained Rosie, “And jammed up!”

“No engine can puff onto or off the Island!” Henry added.

Sir Topham Hatt just stared…

He was completely and utterly at a loss for words. He shuffled through the papers on his clipboard again.

“Thi- This is the most confusion and delay I’ve seen in years!!” he cried.

All the engine's eyes widened. They were all very worried.

Thomas was the most worried of all. With the diesels all trapped and the bridge stuck, there were fewer engines who could help Percy and Philip at the docks. The snarky words of Spencer started echoing throughout his smokebox.

In deep thought, Thomas looked down at his bufferbeam… and the NWR painted on it. His eyes narrowed with determination.

“Sir! We have to focus!” Thomas shouted, “If the Vicarstown diesels AND the Mainland engines are unavailable, we’ll just need to do their jobs as well as our own! I’m sure Emily, Gordon, and Henry can handle the goods work, James can do Paxton’s jobs…”

“Woah woah woah.” James puffed, “Who put you in charge?”

“No no, Thomas is right.” said The Fat Controller, “Rebecca can handle the Express and Toby can handle branch line duties.”

“Yes, Sir!” Rebecca and Toby puffed in unison.

He turned to the engines behind him. “Stanley, you can help shunt trucks with Rosie at Vicarstown.”

“You can depend on me, Sir!” Stanley whistled, “Can you handle everything here at Knapford, Nia?”

“Of course! No problem!” Nia chuffed.

“And Thomas, I’ll need you for a lot of odd jobs around the island today. The local run, goods...” Sir Topham Hatt added, scribbling it down in his notes.

“But sir…” asked Thomas, “Who’ll help Percy and Philip at the docks?”

“I-I would send Edward but he’ll also be very busy.” The Fat Controller replied, “We’ll just have to make the best of a bad situation. The sooner we get the other work done, the sooner we can get help to Percy and Philip.”

Thomas whistled determinedly. “Yes, sir! You can count on me, sir!”

The others weren’t as determined.

“What a day…” sighed Sir Topham Hatt, “And it’s barely even begun.” And with that, he walked back to his office.

“A goods train… a goods train!” groaned Gordon, “Ohh… the indignity.”

“There’s so much to do…” wheeshed Rebecca.

“With all this extra work, how will we get everything done?” asked Emily.

Thomas stopped and whistled loudly to get all the engines’ attention.

“Come on everyone!” he called out, “We just have to keep going! We can’t let anything get in our way!”

The engines all smiled and set off after Thomas. They were determined not to let the Fat Controller down.

And Thomas was determined to prove to Spencer how useful the North Western Railway really was.

***

Don’t stop, keep on moving!

Steam’s hot, it keeps us cruising!

Helping each other every day!

With extra loads of cargo… moving up and down the tracks!

We’re grunting and we’re shunting! There’s no time to relax!

We have to keep on keeping on like a well oiled machine!

With some engines out of action, there’s no time for daydreams!

Don’t stop! Let’s work together!

‘Cause our steam’s hot! We’ll go on forever!

There’s nothing standing in our way!!

Out on the Main Line, Rebecca wheeshed past Thomas with the Express.

“Ooh, it’s not even noon and I’m already exhausted.” she called out.

“Keep going!” encouraged Thomas, “You’re doing great!”

At the Blue Mountain Quarry, James was doing Paxton’s job picking up stones. Dust was all over him.

“I’m going to need FIVE washdowns after this day is done!” he coughed, but determinedly struggled on.

We’re doing our best… we work as a team!

We don’t stop to rest… we’ve got the power of steam!!

Don’t stop, keep on moving!

Steam’s hot, it keeps us cruising!

Helping each other every day!

Don’t stop! Let’s work together!

‘Cause our steam’s hot! We’ll go on forever!

There’s nothing standing in our way!!

No, not today!! No, not today!!

There’s nothing in our way!!

No, not today!! And we won’t stop!

***

Chapter Text

Back at the docks, the cranes were trying to keep up with demands, but the ships kept coming. As soon as the cargo was unloaded and taken away, fresh cargo would come in to take its place.

The dockside was in a terrible mess. Carly was struggling just to organize it all.

“Oh no….” Carly muttered, “I’m running out of space to sort all this cargo.”

Big Mickey, seeing this and wanting to be helpful, went to put the crates he was lifting off to the side instead of on a truck. But Carly stopped him in his tracks.

“Uh, uh, uh! Don’t even think about it.” she halted, “I appreciate it Big Mickey, but I’ll organize the cargo. Imagine what could happen if that got mixed up with something else!”

Big Mickey did imagine it. He imagined a steward in a dining car serving up a concrete brick. He imagined chickens flocking out of carriages. And he imagined apples worming their way into an engine’s coal bunker.

Big Mickey’s eyes widened. Cautiously and quietly, he lowered the crates onto a truck to be organized later.

“Ohh…” Cranky groaned, “We need someone to clear away these trucks.”

Philip was just below him, struggling to move a long line of loaded wagons.

“Urk- D-Do you think- urgh- I’m not trying to do that!?” strained the box-cab.

“At the rate you’re going, might as well not be.” Cranky grunted.

“Come on now, Cranky!” shouted Carly, “Give the lad a break! He’s trying!”

“Well, then could he try just a little bit harder?” Cranky complained.

“I’m- trying- as best as I- can!!” Philip wheezed, “I need help!”

Suddenly, all of them could hear a strange sound. The sound… of mimicked fanfare.

“Da da da daaaa!!!” Percy peeped proudly as he rounded the bend, “Percy to the rescue!!”

Then Percy opened his eyes… to see he was puffing straight towards a line of trucks.

“Aaahhh!!” he cried as he hit them with a bang.

Crates came tumbling out. Percy winced as they hit the ground.

“I’m… gonna hope there was nothing fragile in those.” Percy puffed, “Anyways… I’m here to help you out, Philip!”

Philip raised an eyebrow.

“You?” he asked bluntly.

“...Yes, me.” Percy snapped, “What about it?”

“I-I’m sorry, Percy. I was just… hoping for a stronger engine.” Philip admitted.

Percy felt insulted. “I am a strong engine. Me and Thomas were strong enough to lift ol’ Cranky back up again after he fell over one time.”

“And then you pulled me straight back down again…” muttered Cranky.

“Anyways…” interrupted Percy, “I can surely shunt these trucks. So let’s get started.”

And with that, he buffered up to the trucks and with a bit of a struggle, got them moving.

Philip was impressed and soon followed. But the two engines had a lot of work ahead of them.

***

Meanwhile, back at the Diesel Depot, the engines were still trapped. Diesel, in particular, was taking the whole situation the hardest.

“Hey! Get us out of here!!” he cried as he banged against his shed door, “HEY! HEY!!”

“That’s the fifth time you’ve tried that, Diesel.” said Sidney, “I don’t think that’s gonna work. ...Or… was it the sixth time?”

Diesel just growled angrily.

“Calm down, Diesel.” Norman soothed, “We’ll get out of here soon enough. We just have to remain calm…”

Then he looked over at his twin snoring to the left of him.

“We also have to remain awake!” Norman snapped.

The once snoozing Dennis opened a sleepy eye.

“I finally have a legitimate excuse to stay in my shed and you want me not to sleep?” Dennis questioned, “It’s amazing what bizarre things come out of your mouth sometimes, Norm.”

In the works shed, the workers were working hard to fix the control panel. Salty was still on the hoist and couldn’t help but feel rather bad.

“Arrr. I am sorry for fallin’ in the drink and bringing all this slippery seaweed to the Diesel Depot.” he apologized.

A “harumph” could be heard coming from Happy Hook’s megaphone. Dart took no notice.

“Don’t worry about it, Salty.” he comforted, “We’ll… er… soon be out of here.”

“You know… if it was just us two, Dart, I wouldn’t mind being trapped in ‘ere.” Den said with a smile.

Dart blushed bright red. Salty was confused.

“Why wouldn’t ya-”

Before Salty could finish speaking, a whirring noise came from the module. The workmen pulled the lever and-

“S-See, what I tell you!” Dart exclaimed, trying to regain composure, “They’re finally opening!”

All the diesels in the sheds cheered. All except for Dennis.

“Right, now we can-”

But as Dart oiled towards the door, expecting it to continue to open… it didn’t.

The module shook and sparks flew and the doors stopped halfway up. The diesels were all still trapped.

The diesels groaned in disappointment. Dennis simply smirked and closed his eyes once more.

“Ohhh!! We’re gonna be trapped in here forever!” moaned Diesel.

“Hmm…” Paxton pondered, “I think I could get through that gap.”

“What-” “Why-” “Who?” Diesel, Norman, and Sidney said one after another.

But Paxton was already backing up, with determination on his face. He raced forward… and bashed into the half open door with the loudest clang imaginable.

All the diesels winced and slowly opened their eyes to see a massive indent in Paxton’s door. In the shape of his own face.

“No… no I can’t.” said Paxton at last, “....ow….”

***

Out on the tracks, the others were very busy covering for all the missing engines. Some of the diesels still available were worried.

“If something is wrong, how will I be able to talk with my fitter if the Diesel Depot isn’t open!” Daisy whined at the seaside station.

“Daisy, you don’t... need to consult your fitter about everything, you know?” puffed Duck.

“Hmph! Well you, Duck, don’t need to follow everything the Great Western Way… you know?” Daisy mocked.

And with that, she flounced away, leaving a rather speechless Duck at the platform.

***

Gordon and Henry were busy with their heavy goods work, Rebecca was hard at work with the Express, and James was doing Paxton’s next job down at Farmer McColl’s farm. His livestock vans were full of pigs, cows, sheep, and chickens to be taken to market.

“Hey! You, back there! Be careful!” shouted James at the animals, “You’re all muddy! Mind the paintwork!”

But the attempt was fruitless as a lone pig in the field kicked mud right into James’ face. He sizzled crossly.

“Make that… six washdowns now…” James fumed.

***

Thomas, on the other hand, was rushing along the line with Annie and Clarabel.

“Slow down, Thomas!” exclaimed Annie.

“You’re going much too fast!” cried Clarabel.

“I- I need to hurry-” panted Thomas, “O-or else we’ll be flattened by that elephant stampede!”

“Uhm… What elephants?” questioned Clarabel as she looked around, “I don’t see any.”

“Are you… feeling alright, Thomas?” asked Annie.

“Oh, of course! Of course! N-never better, yeah!” Thomas replied as his reddish eyes drifted down to the NWR on his buffer beam, “Couldn’t be better!”

Annie and Clarabel were worried.

***

At Knapford Station, The Fat Controller was keeping track of everything going on. There was a lot to keep up with.

“Ah, excellent work, Rebecca!” he called as she puffed through with the Express.

“Keep it up, Nia!” he encouraged as he spun around and nearly lost his balance, “Ooh, woah, steady.”

Just then, Thomas pulled in with Annie and Clarabel. He was sleep deprived and delirious, but tried to remain composed all the same as he was uncoupled.

“Oh, Thomas! Just in time!” The Fat Controller exclaimed, “Now that you’re done with the local, I’d like you to go help Toby collect some stone from the quarry.”

Thomas’ smile faded. “But I need to go help… uhm…  Percy!” Thomas slurred, “He and Philip need the help at Ben- Brendam and-”

“I’m sorry, Thomas.” apologized Sir Topham Hatt, “I’m trying to find someone to send over there, but everyone’s so busy and there are so many jobs to do.”

The Fat Controller scratched his head and looked at his notes. “We still need to figure out the situation with the bridge. All our Mainland traffic has halted, including our coal shipment that was due to arrive today! And then-”

Thomas was barely listening and simply trying to stay awake.

“You know what?” he interrupted, “I’ll just go and do the things... with the rocks and… y-yeah. I’ll leave you to deal with those slices of cheese in your hands, sir. Just let me know when I can head over to Brendam!”

The Fat Controller just stared as Thomas whistled in a loopy way and puffed off.

“Note to self…” Sir Topham Hatt jotted down in his notes, “Send Thomas to the Steamworks to get… everything looked over.”

“…Cheese slices?” he asked himself as he went back into his office.

***

Sir Topham Hatt was right. Because the Vicarstown Bridge was broken, many engines on the Mainland couldn’t get through with their trains and had to stop at Barrow-in-Furness. Even engines like Hiro and Bear were beyond the border, unable to help with the busy trains. But there was one Mainland engine stuck on the Sodor side… and he was none too pleased.

“Of course something like this happens!” Spencer complained as he spun on the turntable in Vicarstown Yard, “I am needed on the Mainland to pick up the Duke and Duchess of Boxford, yet the blasted bridge is out! Only on this railway could things like this happen!”

Rosie, who was shunting nearby, shot Spencer a dirty look. Penny, Murdoch, and Hank, who were resting in the shed, equally gave him icy glares.

“You do know that the North Western Railway is doing all that we can to repair the bridge, right?” she asked, “So that you can take your silver tender and leave?” 

“Speaking of which, can you please move yourself off the turntable?” Murdoch asked curtly, “I have a train to-”

“Well, they aren’t doing a good enough job at fixing the problem... as usual.” Spencer interrupted.

Rosie fumed crossly. She had had enough of this silver bathtub on wheels.

“Spencer, I’m not one who likes to bring up an engine’s past… but it’s awfully ironic hearing you say that.” she snapped, “Running out of water on Gordon’s Hill, mixing up your coaches with the Express, and falling into the Fenlands… twice! You’re an odd one to talk about our reliability.”

The engines in the shed snickered to themselves. Spencer just rolled his eyes.

“As if that’s worse than this railway’s track record.” sniffed Spencer, “There’s practically an accident everyday for you engines! Now, as a private engine, I rarely get into such mishaps. I’m-”

But Spencer was interrupted by a shove. Some workers were shunting trucks onto the turntable with a pump trolley. But Spencer was in the way. The trucks buffered up to the back of him and pushed him forward.

“Woah woah wOAH WOAH!!” cried Spencer as he rolled off the turntable, through a fence, and slithered into the ditch that Gordon once fell in.

Spencer coughed and spit mud out of his mouth. Some newts rested peacefully on his running board as he simmered crossly.

“You were saying?” Rosie said snarkily.

“PFT! T-That doesn’t count!” Spencer spluttered, “That was you a-a-and those incompetent worker’s fault!”

“We tried to tell you to get off the turntable.” Rosie corrected, “But nope! You just won’t let anyone speak…” And with that, she started to puff away to shunt trucks.

Spencer squirmed and shook in the ditch. “WAIT!” he cried, “You can’t just leave me here!”

“Oh? But I thought us Sodor engines weren’t good at fixing problems?” Rosie replied dryly, “Besides, I have real work to do, Spencer.”

“Uhm, beggin’ your pardon but… so do we.”

Rosie looked back and stopped. Sure enough, Spencer’s tender was jamming the turntable, meaning Hank and the others were stuck in the shed.

“Fudge…” she wheeshed, “I-I’ll be back as soon as I can with help!”

And with that, she puffed away. Leaving Spencer in the murky ditch water.

“Well, don’t take too long!” he snapped.

“Yes… please hurry.” Murdoch moaned. He and the others did not want to be stuck with Spencer for longer than they had to.

***

Out on the branch line, Thomas was puffing along with his long train of stone from Ffarquhar Quarry. It was tiring work and Thomas was already very tired as it is. His vision blurred and as he chuffed along, his strange illusions became worse and worse. The trees beside the line looked like cotton candy from a carnival. The tracks he ran along were all the colors of the rainbow. And he had to hurry, or else his load of ‘giant chocolate chips’ would melt.

“N-Never better! Uh huh! No problem! Ha ha!” Thomas said aloud. He was talking to himself and slurring his speech awfully. The trucks simply followed behind quietly out of confusion and mild fear.

Thomas just swayed and stuttered all the way down the line and with every click and every clack, he was starting to get more and more delirious.

***

Soon enough, Thomas got off the branch line and onto the main line, off to deliver the stone to Vicarstown.

He stopped at Maron Station to let Gordon speed through with a goods train. As he waited, Thomas was still trying his hardest to stay awake.

“Everything’s right as rain!” Thomas puffed to himself, “No… trouble… at…”

Thomas trailed off. He had fallen fast asleep.

Suddenly, Gordon approached with his heavy goods. He was grumbling to himself about the extra work, when he spotted the sleeping tank engine at the platform. Gordon grinned slyly and as he whooshed past, he whistled long and loud!

“Wake up, Lazybones!” he boomed, “Goods train coming through!!”

That sure woke Thomas up. He rocked and shook violently.

“I-I’M AWAKE!! WHAT HAPPENED?! STAY AWAY DAVY JONES!!” Thomas screeched deliriously.

The Troublesome Trucks and Gordon burst out laughing.

“How the turntables have turned!” chortled Gordon, “Sorry, Thomas! Just couldn’t resist!” And he puffed away, chortling loudly.

Thomas’ red eyes looked back and narrowed. Just then, the signal arm dropped and he steamed angrily out of the station, still as sleepy as he was before.

***

Meanwhile, the Docks were getting more crowded by the minute. Boxes were piling up high and the cranes were having a very difficult time. Percy and Philip were having a rough time too. The backlog was just too much for them to manage by themselves.

“As soon as we get- ugh- some shipped out- hngh- more come in!” strained Philip.

“I can push trucks around all well and good…” panted Percy, “...but Thomas is a much better shunter. We need him here! He promised to come!”

“Well, I hope he comes soon!” snapped Cranky, “There’s too much cargo! And we’re getting everything mixed up now!”

“And I’m getting boxed in over here!” Carly called, “Look!”

Sure enough, some crates were placed right along her gantry tracks, limiting her movement.

“Not to mention… my mail run’s tonight…” Percy puffed wearily, “And we’re nowhere close to done!”

“Oo… I hope help gets here soon.” Carly gulped and with that, she placed a large crate onto the stack in front of her. The crate stack creaked and teetered. It did not seem safe at all… but nobody noticed.

***

“Everything’s under control, everything’s under control.” The Fat Controller told himself. He was in his office organizing his models on his table, trying to remain calm.

“Let’s see… Now that Emily’s done with the two o’clock goods, she can help Whiff with garbage duties…” Sir Topham Hatt said, moving Emily’s model over to the Peel Godred portion of the map.

“Then… maybe I can take Edward and James and send them to help Oliver with ballast…” he said, picking up more models in his hands.

“No, Edward’s busy on shunting duty at Wellsworth. Percy… no, he’s still at the docks! Maybe Harvey…? *gasp* The diesel tankers! Woah-oh!!”

He stumbled in surprise and dropped the models out of his hands and onto the floor. “Ohhhhh, bother…”

Sir Topham Hatt was getting more and more flustered. So much so, that when he went to take a sip from his tea, he picked up his telephone instead and brought it up to his lips.

“Ptooey! Ugh…” The Fat Controller spat in disgust. Then he heard Thomas’ whistle and ran outside.

“Thomas!” he cried, “I’m glad you’re here! Thank you for delivering the… oohh.”

Sir Topham Hatt stopped. He had never seen his number one engine so tired before. Thomas’ eyes were nearly all red and the bags under them had more bags. He looked awful.

“Are you… truly alright, Thomas?” The Fat Controller asked with concern.

“What!! Sir, I can’t believe you’d ask such a thing!” Thomas shouted deliriously, “A really reliable N-North Western engine is ALWAYS fine!!”

“...Right…” said Sir Topham Hatt, “Well, if you’re absolutely sure you’re up to it, I think it’s time we finally send you help out at Brend-”

Just then, Sir Topham Hatt was rudely interrupted by a loud ringing coming from his office.

“Ooh…. blast that dratted telephone!!” he scowled, “Wait a moment, Thomas. I’ll be right back!”

***

Sir Topham Hatt ran back inside his office quickly.

“Hello?! Yes!?” he said as he pulled what he thought was the telephone up to his ear. But it wasn’t the telephone, it was his cup of tea and it spilled all over his shoulder.

The Fat Controller scowled and placed the cup down. This time, he correctly picked up the ringing telephone and brought it up to his ear.

“*ahem* Yes? Sir Topham Hatt’s Office!” he answered, “And who is it I am speaking to?”

The response he got turned him pale as a ghost.

***

Outside the office, Thomas waited and waited. He was trying to keep himself awake. Every time he felt like he was drifting off, he’d shake himself silly.

“I’m a North Western engine, I’m a North Western engine…” Thomas muttered to himself. Barely audible, Thomas could hear The Fat Controller talking on the phone. 

Thomas knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but he was so tired and wanted something - anything - to preoccupy him and keep him awake. So he leaned in as close as he could and listened.

“I-I wasn’t expecting such a surprise visit… b-but that doesn’t mean we won’t be completely prepared!” Sir Topham Hatt stammered, “T-the North Western Railway is in the best state it’s ever been!”

“Hmm. I’ll be the judge of that.” said the voice from the phone, “I will arrive on the morning passenger train from the Mainland - tomorrow. Don’t - make me wait.” 

“Y-Yes! O-of course, Inspector! I-”

But the phone hung up before Sir Topham Hatt could finish his sentence.

From outside, Thomas’ eyes boggled.

“A-a-a surprise visit! F-f-from a railway inspector!” stammered Thomas, his thoughts going a mile a minute, “No… it can’t be… that inspector… I-I must be just confused!”

But what Thomas overheard next sent shivers down his boiler.

“Oh dear… oh dear…” The Fat Controller gulped, trying to remain calm, “Not Juan Starr… not now of all times…”

Hearing that, everything around Thomas just… stopped. The world around him started to spin. He felt almost nauseous. The lack of sleep, the heavy amounts of stress, and now the terror of this sudden revelation was simply too much for him. He was at his breaking point.

The Fat Controller staggered wearily back out of his office, expecting his little blue tank engine to still be there… but he wasn’t.

“T-Thomas?” Sir Topham Hatt called, “Thomas!?”

***

At the docks, Percy and Philip were still trying to organize everything. Carly was also doing her best, but there was just too much cargo and not enough space.

“W-Where should these avocados from Brazil go, Cranky?” she asked frantically.

“How should I know?” Cranky shouted, “YOU’RE the organizer crane!”

“Well, it’s hard to organize when there’s no space!!”

In a rush, Carly accidentally swung her cargo towards a stack of crates. They hit them square on with a loud crunch and sent them all toppling down towards the two engines.

“Philip, look out!” Percy cried, “Move back!”

“Woah!!” Philip wailed as he shot backwards with Percy under the Shipping Co. building just in time!

Crates crashed onto the ground and burst open. Splintered wood went everywhere.

When Philip opened his eyes, he gasped.

“W-We can’t get through!! The track’s blocked!!”

“Oh no… Oh no no no no!” cried Carly, “I-I’ll clean all this up for ya, Chuck!”

While distracted, Carly forgot that there were crates blocking her line. As she rolled quickly, she hit them. Her wheels caught on the splintered wood.

“Wha-Ah-AHHH!!!” Carly screamed as she started to tip over.

“CARLY!!!” Cranky, Percy, and Philip cried. But it was too late.

Carly came down on top of one of the storage warehouses behind her. Luckily, she wasn’t falling fast and the warehouse was sturdy enough to not collapse. But it was struggling as Carly continued to lean on it.

“Oh d-dear!!” Carly quivered, “P-Pull me up! Somebody!”

“I-I can’t reach you!!” Cranky cried.

Big Mickey desperately swung his hook towards Carly too, but to no avail.

Off in the distance, hovering over the ocean was Harold the Helicopter! He had seen everything.

“Rocketing rotors!!” he cried, flying closer, “You chaps alright down there?”

Percy looked up and grimaced. This couldn’t be worse. “What do you think, Whirlybird!?”

“Well, it’s a good thing I’m up here!” Harold called out proudly, “It doesn’t like you two or going anywhere anytime soon!”

“Yes, yes. Wings work wonders or whatever… Now buzz off and get help already!!”

Harold smirked. “I’m on my way! Don’t go anywhere!” And he whirred away!

Percy gnashed his teeth and muttered darkly. “Airhead…”

Philip looked concerned. “Should we have asked Harold to help us get Carly back upright?”

“As if! Harold may say and do a lot of things but I doubt he’d help here.” peeped Percy, “Now if the tracks were clear, maybe we could!”

“No way!” Philip objected, “I know you were able to do that with Cranky, but there’s no chance we can do that with Carly!”

“Well, with Thomas I’m sure we could.” puffed Percy, “Where is he?!”

But no one could answer… because no one knew.

***

Chapter Text

Thomas was puffing down the main line by himself. Completely light engine. With no trucks or coaches coupled behind... and no clue what to do.

At Wellsworth, Edward was quickly shunting trucks in order.

“*phew* I… I believe I’m finally done.” he puffed to himself, “Now - I should go check on Philip and-”

But Edward stopped and looked up. He could see Thomas heading towards him.

“Thomas?” he called out, “What are you doing here? Are you going off to help Percy?”

Thomas couldn’t think straight. In response, his eyes darted all around.

“P-Percy? Wh-Oh..” Thomas stuttered, “OH!! PERCY!! I’ve got to help him!!”

But before he could race off, Edward quickly reversed and switched onto Thomas’ line, blocking his way.

“Thomas! Stop!” Edward cried.

“Wh-Let me through, Edward!!” Thomas shouted, “I-I need to go- Percy needs-”

“Yes, Percy needs help!” snapped the old engine, “And so does Philip! But you’re clearly not well! No matter how hard you deny it, you need to get some rest!”

But what Edward didn’t know was that he just set off a fuse. And a short one at that…

“EDWARD, I DON’T NEED REST!!” Thomas erupted, “YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT’S AT STAKE HERE! THE DOCKS IS A MESS, THE BRIDGE TO THE MAINLAND IS BROKEN, AND SO MANY ENGINES ARE OUT OF ACTION!!”

Edward wasn’t surprised… or shocked. He just stared with a stoic expression at the enraged tank engine crying out.

“AND TO TOP IT ALL OFF, A RAILWAY INSPECTOR IS COMING! TOMORROW! AND EVERYTHING’S IN SHAMBLES!!” screeched Thomas, “Our… OUR RAILWAY IS GOING TO BE SHUT DOWN IF WE DON’T DO SOMETHING… SO LET - ME - THROUGH!!”

Thomas huffed and puffed furiously. At last, he stopped screaming and looked up to see Edward’s still face.

“Are you done, Thomas?” Edward asked calmly.

“...Y-yes… I’m done….” puffed Thomas.

“Do you feel better?”

“Not really… I just yelled at you…”

“You had so much stress and pressure built up inside of you.” Edward puffed kindly, “It’s only natural. You just needed to let off your - *ahem* ‘emotional’ safety valve sooner or later. Better it was at me then at someone you’d really not want to yell at.”

Thomas winced. He knew Edward was right.

“Now, rewind a bit.” the old engine chuffed, “What’s this about a railway inspector?”

“T-The Fat Controller got a call from a really strict railway inspector… and he’s coming here tomorrow morning.” Thomas explained.

“Now… are you sure you heard that right?” Edward questioned.

“Edward, I may be as tired as a rusty truck… and your face may look like a pineapple to me right now… but I heard what I heard. Juan Starr is coming to give us a surprise review tomorrow.”

Edward’s eyes widened. “J-Juan Starr?” he wheeshed, “Tha- That’s not good…”

“You’ve heard of him?” Thomas asked.

“...Yes… but that’s not important right now.” Edward said hastily, “Right now, we need to focus on fixing this rite spot of bother we’re in.”

“But how, Edward!?” Thomas cried, “Tell me how!! I’m so tired and- and- I don’t know what to do... I-”

Thomas stammered. Tears started streaming down his cheeks.

“S-Spencer told me that our railway was unreliable… That we’d get closed down for sure… And now I’m… so scared! What if he was right all along?! What if the North Western Railway isn’t good enough!? What if… I’m not good enough…?”

Edward sighed.

“Thomas… don’t listen to Spencer. You are a really useful engine. For all the years I’ve known you, I know that for certain. And you’re a credit to this railway.”

Thomas managed a small smile.

“What’s more…” his friend continued, “The North Western Railway is a strong railway, but it’s only at its strongest… when we all work together.”

Thomas’ eyes lit up. He paused… and then he smiled warmly.

“Y-you’re right, Edward!” he said proudly, “Together, we can fix all of this!”

Just then, the two friends heard a whirring sound overhead. It was Harold!

“Harold!” Thomas called out, “What’s wrong?”

“Haven’t you two heard!” shouted the helicopter, “There’s a disaster down at the docks!”

“What’s happened?” whistled Edward.

“Carly’s nearly fallen over, Percy and Philip are trapped, and we can’t get anybody through to help with all the crates in the way!” Harold explained.

The two blue engines looked at each other in horror.

“It seems we’ll need more engines working together than we thought…” wheeshed Edward.

“You can say that again…” chuffed Thomas, “I’ll go tell the engines at the sheds. You get as many other engines as you can!”

“Right! On my way!”

Edward reversed down the line and Thomas did the same towards Tidmouth Sheds.

“Go with Edward, Harold!” he called, “Help him find other engines and bring them to Tidmouth!”

“Roger that, ol’ chap!” Harold whirred, “Over and out!”

***

At Tidmouth Sheds, all the engines were exhausted from the hard day’s work.

“Ugh… my driving wheels ache!” wheeshed Emily.

“My paintwork is so dirty, it’s not even red anymore!” cried James.

“Ooh… my smoke box is still spinning from rushing everywhere.” Gordon grunted.

“At least we’ll get to have a peaceful night’s sleep.” Rebecca said optimistically.

“But wait…” puffed Nia, “Where are Thomas and Percy?”

Suddenly, the five engines could hear a whistle and a whir of wheels. They all looked up to see Thomas race backwards towards them.

“Thomas!?” they all exclaimed.

“Before you all cool your boilers…” Thomas shouted as he spun around on the turntable to face them, “There’s one more job and we all have to do it together - as a team!”

“What!? B-but we’re all exhausted, Thomas!” Emily moaned. And everyone else muttered in agreement.

“And aren’t you tired too, Thomas?” worried Rebecca, “You haven’t slept in almost two days!”

“I know, I know…” puffed Thomas, “We’ve all been doing our work as well as the diesels’ work. But that’s because… it’s what North Western engines do! And right now, the whole railway needs help!”

“What are you going on about?” groaned James.

“A strict railway inspector is coming to Sodor tomorrow morning.” Thomas explained, “One famous for writing reviews so harsh and hurtful that he’s shut down entire railways!!”

All the engines gasped.

“Y-you can’t be serious!” Gordon cried.

“Trust me here! Both me and Edward know this man is bad news!” Thomas continued.

“Indeed he is.” said a booming voice.

It was Sir Topham Hatt. He rolled up in Winston.

“I was just coming to tell you all about it.” the controller clarified, “In the railway’s current state… I wouldn’t be surprised if Juan Starr does give us one of his famous ‘railway ending’ reviews…”

”B-But, Sir!” Emily gulped in disbelief, “Surely the whole railway can’t be shut down by just one review, right?”

Sir Topham Hatt sighed. “Even if it doesn’t shut down the whole railway, his review would certainly damage it. Juan Starr is a man with connections in very high places…”

All the engines’ wheels wobbled. Thomas turned to face the Fat Controller.

“But that’s why we need to work together, right sir?! That’s the only way we’ll be able to get everything in order before dawn breaks!”

Sir Topham Hatt starred… and then he smiled determinedly.

“You’re right, Thomas!” he exclaimed, “We’ll need as much help as we can get if we’re going to get everything done.”

He got out and walked over to the engines.

“Are any of you up for the task?” he said to the five of them.

Nia steamed up immediately.

“Absolutely.” She said bravely, “This is my home now after all… and I’m not going to lose it.”

Then the other engines followed suit.

“I won’t sit here and be a lazybones!” Gordon proudly proclaimed while winking at Thomas, “I will not let you down, sir!”

“No more railway means no more washdowns…” James wheeshed cheekily, “...and everything else too, of course. So count me in!”

“We can save the day!” Rebecca cheered, “If we all just play to our strengths!”

“Of course I’ll help too…” Emily said confidently, “What other logical way is there to get the railway back on track?”

“Well, if we’re thinking logically then-” James cut in, “How can we save the railway with just the six of us?”

“By getting more engines,” said a voice from behind Thomas.

It was Edward! And behind him were a whole fleet of engines! Rosie and Henry were bubbling their boilers bravely and Charlie and Stanley were on standby to shunt trucks. Toby and Daisy were ready and waiting while Duck and Oliver beamed with pride! Harvey was all set to hook up and BoCo was all set to heave! Even the Scottish Twins were there with Harold hovering happily overhead.

“Sorry that we couldn’t get more.” puffed Edward, “We only have so much time.”

“And there’s only so much coal us steamers can use.” chipped in Stanley, “After all, we can’t get the coal shipment from the Mainland just yet.”

“But don’t worry laddie, Edward filled us all in!” Donald whooshed.

“We won’t let a wee bampot of an inspector shut down this ‘ere railway!” Douglas chuffed. And everyone agreed.

Thomas smiled wider than he had all day. “That’s right, Douglas!” whistled Thomas proudly, “The diesels are still trapped, the bridge is still out, and the docks are a disaster! But together… all of us... big and small, diesel and steam… can get everything up to ‘North Western standard’ again! These jobs… may take our sleep but they will never take… OUR RAILWAY!!”

What followed was a determined chorus of cheers, bells, honks, and whistles! Everyone was ready to save the North Western Railway.

Sir Topham Hatt was still a little concerned however.

“But are you sure you’ll be able to stay awake for another night, Thomas?” he asked.

“Well… someone has to pull Percy’s mail train.” admitted Thomas, “I’m willing to stay up to save the railway, sir! All I need is… a bucket of water!!”

As if on cue, a worker splashed a full bucket of water in Thomas’ face. Everyone was surprised but Thomas didn’t even flinch.

“...I needed that.” Thomas sighed happily.

***

Out near Edward’s Station, night had fallen. There were still a few staff members at the station, preparing for the mail run… when…

“Hey… uhm… am I the only one who sees all that steam coming this way?” asked a porter.

“Must be Percy with the mail.” shrugged the station cleaner.

“Eh… there’s more steam than that.” said the porter.

“Maybe it’s Percy and Thomas?” suggested the stationmaster.

“There’s even more steam than that!” the porter cried.

Curious, the station cleaner looked up… and gasped.

“Good lord, it looks like the whole blooming railway!” he exclaimed.

And he was right. All of the engines were steaming and oiling down the tracks with Thomas leading the charge and Harold high overhead.

“North Western to the Rescue!” Harold called out.

The station staff all whooped and cheered.

“Split up, team!” Thomas shouted, “Let’s get out there… and be really useful!!”

***

“Don’t stop! Keep on moving!”

“The whole team! Keeps on cruising!”

“Helping each other everyday!”

“When our railway is in trouble!”

“None of us will rest!”

“Engines helping engines… using every ounce that’s left!”

“Pushing to the finish line, yeah!”

“We’ll keep on keeping on.”

“When the railway works together, we’re always pulling strong!”

“Don’t stop! Let’s work together!”

“Cause you and me... we’ll go on forever!”

“There’s nothing standing in our way!!”

Together, all the North Western engines started sorting things out. With Edward and BoCo’s help, Percy and Philip pulled Carly back upright once again. The workers cheered and Carly was very grateful.

Philip beamed from buffer to buffer and Percy gave him a quick wink before puffing off to find Thomas.

At the Diesel Depot, Daisy arrived with special mechanics on board, followed by Duck and Oliver to sort out the yard. As the steamers split up to tend to the trucks, the mechanics made their way into the main works building to the control module. They were able to fix it in a snap and like magic, the doors were finally opened again.

The diesels all rolled out, ecstatic to be free… all except Dennis of course.

“Now…” Duck shouted, “A lot happened today and we need you all to help get everything in order again!”

All the diesels honked their horns happily, even Diesel who was just glad to be out of the stuffy sheds.

As the diesels all rushed off with the Great Western engines, Dennis lagged wearily behind.

“Ugh…” he sighed, “Sometimes I wish I could just do whatever work I choose and no more…”

Daisy rolled alongside.

“Sorry, dearie. But that’s not how the railway works.” she giggled, “Trust me on that one.”

Dennis just groaned and the two diesels oiled off after the group.

“We’re not giving up!”

“Gonna see this long day through!”

“The moon lights our way!”

“Until the end is in view!”

“Don’t stop, keep on moving!

“Diesel or steam, we keep on cruising!”

“Helping each other every day!”

“Don’t stop, let’s work together!

“Cause our whole team will go on forever!”

“There’s nothing standing in our way!”

“No, not today! No, not today!”

“There’s nothing in our way!”

“No, not today!”

Edward, BoCo, Philip, and Charlie all helped clear out the cargo at the docks, while Harvey helped the cranes lift, load, and move all the wreckage.

The diesels joined in and helped Rosie, Stanley, Toby, and Nia in the yards. Gordon, Henry, Emily, and Rebecca handled all the goods trains.

Meanwhile, James and the Scottish Twins made their way to the Vicarstown Bridge to help fix it, passing the yard on their way. Spencer wiggled and shook to get their attention, but only ended up sinking further into the ditch.

With some elbow grease and wheel slip, they were able to unjam the bridge and slowly lower it safely down to ground level. Now all the built-up Mainland traffic could get through. 

Out on the tracks, Thomas was steaming along with mail vans packed with parcels. He was still tired, still delirious, but he was determined.

Just then, he heard a whistle. It was Percy! The little engine switched onto the line next to Thomas, pulling mail vans of his own.

“P-Percy?!” Thomas cried, “I-I’m so so sorry!! I-I should’ve come and helped you at the docks like I promised! I-”

“It’s alright, Thomas.” Percy comforted, “I forgive you. After all… you’re helping me now, aren’t you?”

Thomas smiled his biggest smile.

“Right! Let’s get this mail delivered!”

“Don’t ever tell us there’s things we can’t achieve…”

“Cause we can do it all when we’re a North Western team!”

“Because you see… That together you and me…”

“With some help now you will see… Really useful, we will be!!”

“Don’t stop… keep on moving…”

“Steam’s hot! It keeps us cruising!”

“Helping each other everyday!”

“Don’t stop! Let’s work together!”

“Cause our railway will go on forever!”

“There’s nothing standing in our way!”

“No, not today! (No, not today!) No, not today! (Forever always!)”

“There’s nothing in our way!”

“No, not today! And we can’t stop….”

“Yes, we won’t stop…”

“Yeah, we DON’T STOP!!!”

***

And with one last shunt… everything was done.

“You did it, everyone!” Harold hovered, “Everything’s back in order once again! All thanks to the North Western Railway!”

Everyone cheered and whistled happily. They were all tired but triumphant. Even Dennis was proud of himself. Norman noticed it right away.

“You seem pleased…” he commented, “After such a long night of work? That’s not like you.”

Dennis smiled. “Sometimes… a long night of work isn’t too bad… ‘Cause it’s the perfect excuse to go back home and sleep all through tomorrow.”

And with that, he whirred away. Norman just rolled his eyes and smirked.

The rest of the engines kept on celebrating.

Thomas beamed brightly, but Edward was stern.

“Don’t celebrate just yet…” the old engine warned, “There’s still Juan Starr’s review.”

***

And Edward was right. As dawn broke across the Island of Sodor, Pip and Emma rushed over the recently repaired bridge… with Juan Starr on board.

Mr. Starr met up with Sir Topham Hatt at Vicarstown who nervously showed him all around the North Western Railway.

The stern inspector didn’t speak. He simply scrawled down his thoughts onto his papers wherever they went. The Fat Controller tried desperately to hide the bullets he was sweating.

But at last, the tour ended at Knapford.

“S-s-so, Mr. Starr…” stuttered Sir Topham Hatt, “How did you enjoy your visit?”

Juan Starr didn’t answer. He just sniffed, handed the controller a slip of paper, and walked away.

“This railway got lucky again, Hatt.” Starr said eerily, “Enjoy.”

Sir Topham Hatt looked down at the slip. It was Mr. Starr’s rating for the railway. It was a passing score… just barely.

Sir Topham Hatt let out the biggest sigh of relief he had ever had. But he held his breath once more when Starr turned around suddenly.

“I just hope that for your sake…” Starr sneered, “...that you don’t warrant a third visit.” And with that he turned back around and walked away, muttering to himself.

***

Soon enough, Sir Topham Hatt was at Tidmouth Sheds. All the engines crowded around him.

“So!? So!?” whistled Thomas.

“We… passed.” The Fat Controller announced.

Everyone cheered.

“Hooray!! We did it!! Great job everyone!!”

Sir Topham Hatt immediately scrambled to the top of Duck’s water tanks.

“SILENCE!!” he boomed. The whole yard hushed.

“*ahem* I would like to say something.” began The Fat Controller, “From the bottom of my heart, I have to say… thank you… to all of you. There are too many words I could use to describe you all. Special, splendid, grand, wise, logical, hardworking, enterprising, resourceful, reliable… and most of all… really useful.”

He paused impressively.

“Without all of you, the railway wouldn’t be where it is today and… I wouldn’t be where I am today. And I truly say that not just you but all of my engines and staff… are what make the North Western Railway what it is. You are all… truly Really Useful engines and I am proud to be your controller!”

There was silence… and then there was clapping. Then cheering, then whistling. Everyone gave their three cheers for Sir Topham Hatt, the controller of the railway.

Once the cheers and celebrations died down, The Fat Controller got down from Duck. “Well… that may have been a rough night, but we all have a new day’s work ahead of us!” he boomed, “After all… we still have a railway to run.”

With that, many of the engines in the yard started puffing away and the engines in the sheds started getting ready to leave as well.

“Hopefully tonight we’ll finally get to rest.” puffed Emily.

“And hopefully then I can finally get that washdown!” exclaimed James, “I’m filthier than filth! Look at me!”

“I’d rather not.” said Nia bluntly, “Truth be told, James, you really aren’t a pleasant sight.”

“A real ‘dirty object’ you are…” teased Toby.

“Don’t even start, you old wooden box.” James teased back.

“You… do look like you fell in a muddy ditch though, James.” admitted Rebecca earnestly.

”Ditch…” Rosie repeated in a whisper. Then she gasped.

“Spencer!!”

***

Spencer was still in the ditch at Vicarstown Yards. The other engines were still trapped, yet were sleeping soundly in the shed. Spencer’s face was halfway submerged in the murky water. A frog hopped onto a lily pad next to him… and proceeded to latch its tongue onto his pointy nose.

Spencer sighed pathetically, making bubbles in the grubby water.

***

“I completely forgot to fish him out of there!! And free the other engines!” cried Rosie, “Oh bother, he’s never gonna let me hear the end of this. Ughh…”

And with that, Rosie steamed off.

“I… better go help with that.” puffed Henry, “She’ll need a big engine to help pull that loafer out of there.”

“Oooh, this I’ve got to see!” fizzed Philip.

And the two of them rushed off after Rosie.

“That slimy streamliner is gonna smell of ditch water for weeks.” Thomas laughed.

“Quite so, little Thomas.” Gordon chuckled, “Quite so.”

With that, Gordon, James, Rebecca, Nia, Emily, and Toby all left to do their jobs. Leaving Thomas, Edward, Percy and Sir Topham Hatt at the sheds.

Thomas was very tired. His bags were even bigger than before and his eyes were nearly completely red, but of course…

“Welp, it’s time for my first train.” he chuffed as he started to puff out of the shed.

“Oh no ho ho you don’t.” laughed The Fat Controller, “You, Thomas, have already proven to me fully how much of a reliable and really useful engine you are! And for that, you truly deserve a well-earned rest. Percy and Toby can handle your branch line trains and-”

“Uhm… sir.” Edward interrupted.

Sir Topham Hatt opened his eyes and looked up. Thomas… was sound asleep.

“Looks like you didn’t have to tell him twice.” whispered Percy.

“Good thing as well.” Edward added, “He really needs this rest. Come along, Percy. Let’s not wake him.”

Percy nodded and puffed quietly out of his berth away with Edward.

The Fat Controller watched them both puff away. Then he turned back to Thomas, his number one blue tank engine, and smiled.

He walked up to him and placed his hand on Thomas’ buffer.

“Sleep well, Thomas…” Sir Topham Hatt whispered, “You truly are… my number one engine.”

In his sleep, Thomas smiled in content and Sir Topham Hatt smiled back. He turned away and walked over to Winston.

With one last warm look at his little blue engine, The Fat Controller got inside and drove away back to his office...

Thomas the Tank Engine slept for a very long time. But of course, by the time the sun rose on the following day, he was refreshed and up and about again. Playing his part in the yard and on his very own branch line. Because he’s Sir Topham Hatt’s number one engine. And there’s no other railway he’d rather work for than the wonderful North Western Railway on the magical Island of Sodor.

The End