New Mountain Engines

Chapter Two: Narrow Escape

I'm sorry to say that, as upset as all of the other mountain engines were about these new diesels, they were a necessary addition. Age was catching up with all of the engines, and they all needed their own share of maintenance. Alaric and Eric were struggling especially.

"I feel so worn out..." wheezed Alaric one evening after a long day's work.

"Gear up!" Encouraged Patrick, "The older engines are still in good working order, you gotta prove yourself."

"Shut up!" Burst out Alaric, rather cross at Patrick's remark. "I'm not lazy, I'm just tired. I haven't been to the workshop in ages."

"I think it's time you need an overhaul," observed Culdee thoughtfully, "I remember when Shane Dooiney and I were rebuilt several years ago. We felt much better when we came home!"

"I'll admit, it's a good idea..." Sighed Alaric, "But at the same time, we're now under the same threat as the standard gauge engines went through a few decades ago... If I go out of service, the railway will be forced to use those two diesels, and do we really want that?"

"I don't blame you for being worried," said Culdee thoughtfully, "But all the same, it's better not to let them get to you. Besides, how can two new engines possibly fill in for seven older ones?"

Alaric said no more. He went to sleep, wondering what was best for him, and how to prove that the railway didn't need the new diesels. Next day, a group of school buses came. The students were on a field trip, and Alaric was chosen to take one of the trains.

"Good luck!" Said Culdee as he set off, "I'm sure you'll give those students a great experience."

"And show Nigel and Yohan what we steam engines are made of," said Alaric, with more confidence.

But little did he know that he was heading for trouble. As Alaric made his journey up the mountain, the weather changed. A thick fog rolled in, and his coach Clara could barely see ahead of them.

"I'm getting nervous, Alaric!" She sighed, "Maybe we should go back, the weather isn't looking good!"

"Rubbish!" Said Alaric, "If we do that, we'll ruin the experience for our passengers!"

However, they made the choice to stop at Devil's Back station, where the students temporarily disembarked to get a good look at the scenery, as the guide told them all about the mountain and its history.

"You can continue your journey up to the Summit," said one of the teachers, "We'll take a hike from here and we'll catch up later"

And so they did. Despite the dense fog, the rest of the journey went smoothly. Clara kept her eyes on the track and Alaric listened to her words carefully. But Alaric couldn't help but find that his side rods felt funny. He quickly forgot about it though when they reached the summit, and the students soon caught up with them. Coming down, however, was when it happened. The guard's whistle blew, Alaric gave a quick "Peep peep!", and they made their way down. But as they got faster, the funny feeling came back at once.

"Perhaps I should get it looked at when we get back..." thought Alaric, but it was too late. Suddenly, his side rods snapped violently, crunching into the ballast! Then it got worse, he became uncoupled from Clara, and began to pick up speed faster and faster. His driver and fireman jumped clear, expecting the worst. Alaric shut his eyes, his life flashing before them. But then... Suddenly, with a crunch, he stopped. He opened his eyes to find his crew running towards him in the thick fog.

"Whew!" Said his fireman, trying to catch his breath. "That was a narrow escape, old boy. We thought for sure you'd fall and... Dare I say, end up like Godred."

Alaric said nothing. Secretly, he didn't want to think about that possibility. His crew checked all over to see if he was hurt, and soon they found his savior.

"That's what stopped you, Alaric!" Laughed his driver, "The gripper system caught you and kept you on the rails. But... It would appear that you've damaged the track in the process. We'll have to phone for help."

They did so with haste, and soon enough, Culdee came up with some workmen and the truck, and they set to work, placing planks of wood all around Alaric to ensure he'd stay secure.

"I'm sorry Culdee," sighed Alaric, "You wanted me to give the students a good experience, and what did I do? I got in an accident."

"It's alright, Alaric," said Culdee, "A broken part could happen to any engine. I'm just thankful you didn't fall."

"Me too..." sighed the shaken engine.

The workmen levered Alaric back onto firm rails, and Culdee took him home. The students had to walk back to Devil's Back station and catch a relief train home, since with the damaged track, Clara was stuck at the Summit. And who else pulled the relief train besides Nigel? The ride back down the mountain was a smooth one, and all of the students thanked Nigel for his help.

"Anytime!" Said Nigel proudly, "You'll be seeing more of me soon."

The manager came to see Alaric that night. "The accident wasn't your fault," he said, "But it's become clear to me that both you and Eric are long overdue for an overhaul."

"Thank you for that, sir..." Sighed Alaric, but he was upset because he knew what this would mean for the railway.

"That being said," continued the manager, "We don't have the money to overhaul you both right now, so it will be a long time before you two return to service."

Alaric and Eric both silently agreed, but the other engines were anxious upon hearing this.

"But we'll be short of two steam engines if that's the case!" Objected Patrick.

"What do you think I bought Nigel and Yohan for?" Replied the manager, "They will be a great asset to the railway while Alaric and Eric are away."

Ernest, Shane Dooiney, and Patirick were all unsure if "great asset" was the right word to describe the situation. When the manager left for home, Nigel couldn't help but cackle with laughter at the steam engines.

"We told you," he said, "That the manager was favoring us over you. Soon we'll dominate this mountain!"

"What have I told you about watching your tongue?" Snapped Wilfred, "If you keep up with this attitude, you'll get your comeuppance eventually..."

Nigel just smirked, "Spare me the moral compass, you're just in denial. The world's a changing place and tourists have new expectations now."

The steam engines refused to talk to Nigel any longer that night... His words had wound them up and it was useless to keep arguing with him. They had just hoped that Nigel wasn't right about what he had said. Next day, James arrived to take Alaric and Eric to the works to be mended.

"Don't worry!" He said soothingly, I'm sure a little bit of tender loving care is all that's needed for you two. I wish you both a successful overhaul."

But deep down, both James and the other mountain engines all had the same question in mind: Were they truly going to be overhauled, or were they just going to be replaced?