The New Engine

Plot
It was a busy February on the Mainline. There was lots of goods coming in for an extension of the line that the Fat Controller was making to an abandoned part of the island, to an old yard not far from Cronk.It used to be part of the Sodor & Mainland Railway. When the railway closed, the station was closed after the NWR formed, because at the time, The Fat Director was not as rich as his grandson, Sir Stephen Topham Hatt, and he therefore couldn't afford for repairs.

The engines were very busy helping on the restoration project, but it became apparent that they were getting tired.

One evening, the Fat Controller made an announcement at the sheds.

"Tomorrow, a new goods tank engine will be arriving from the mainland. Edward, I need you to show him around the island."

"Yes, sir. What time?"

"I believe 10:30. He will be heading to Barrow with a shipment of fuel for the fuel depot, so you need to head there, and go in front."

"Right you are, sir."

"That's a good engine. See you all tomorrow!", and with that,he went to his car, and drove off.

The engines were curious of the new tank engine.

"If he's a goods engine, then he's a big tank engine," said Henry.

"Pah! He won't be as big as me," scoffed Gordon.

"He must be bigger than a certain brown box on wheels though," said James

"I heard that!" shouted Toby, who was in a nearby siding.

"He will be strong too.",pointed out Percy.

The engines were also glad that they had some help,and with that,they all went to sleep.

The next morning, Edward was woken up by his driver a bit earlier than usual. In fact, all the other engines were still asleep.

"Come on, Edward," said the driver.

Edward yawned.

He soon set off to Barrow to wait for the new engine to arrive with the tankers. As he puffed down the main-line, he saw Henry puffing back to the shed having delivered the Flying Kipper. They both whistled at each other.

One hour later, Edward reached Barrow. The tank engine wasn't there yet.

"That's odd. He should be here by now."

They waited and waited, but the tank engine still didn't come.