STEAM TALES

Chapter four- scoundrels

SEA- BRANDON POV-
1970-

After an extensive, restless day of pulling passenger and goods trains, it's always a relief to see that lovely shed I call home. My eyes weary, I slumped into my humble abode. My crew doused my fire and then left after closing the large red doors that stood before me.
I rested my axles and sat idly as I began to drift off to sleep.

When the sun showed itself and morning came, I was happily awoken by my crew. They enjoyed
Cory, my fireman, enjoyed a warm mug of coffee as my firebox began to flare up with life. Meanwhile, my driver who went by the name of Jason was oiling my side rods and polishing my whistle.

"I'm guessing it's the usual once again?"
I quizzed as Cory clambered into my cab.
"Yep. Until later this afternoon."
I was puzzled.
"What's going on then?"
"Sean's getting repairs so you'll need to take his ballast train."
This struck up more speculation within me, all of which Sam's fireman was happy to answer.

I gave Sam my congratulations before his departure for the yard, and be seemed grateful.
"I say, are you sure I'll be light enough for the branch?"
"Of course."
Reassured my driver.
"Just take it slow."
"I'll do my best."
I promised.

I'm not quite that experienced with "taking it slow". I'm more used to fast post and commuter runs. I used to work as a shunter until Johnathan came along, so I hoped I'd still have my gentle approach somewhere inside me.
"Alright, old boy. We're ready."
My fire was now dancing and crackling smoothly as my boiler began to heat up.

I gave a polite whistle to Sean and he would've done the same if it didn't risk startling the men in the workshop.
My large wheels drove me into Merrybrook station, under the large see-through canopy that hung up high above the five-track station.

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Crimson was waiting for the commuters and tourists to board his express, which gave me an opportunity to chat.
"Good morning, M'dear."
I greeted merrily.
"Ey."
The large scarlet engine grunted.
"Quite a fine morning, isn't it?"
"I suppose."
Crimson was never quite one for conversation.
"Well... uh... safe travels!"

I puffed awkwardly away.
"Smooth."
Chortled my driver.
"I think 'awkward' is a more fitting term."
"Well, you can't please everyone."
"I know. I just wish I could, sometimes."
Jason smiled sympathetically.
"Cheer up, old boy. We've got a busy day ahead of us."
Jason was right. We were indeed in for quite the schedule.

I reversed over the points and into the third platform where my train awaited me. My speed decreased as my buffers neared those of coaches, eventually halting all together once I finally felt contact.
The shunter coupled me to the train whilst I hummed and sat patiently, waiting for everyone to board.

The boarding didn't go quite as smoothly as one would've hoped, as some hooligan saw fit to start a fight with the stationmaster. My driver got involved once things got out of control, and returned with a light pink bruise marking his face.

He assured us that he was fine and that the man was being taken care of. With everyone and everything ready, the guard gave his whistle a blow, finally allowing us to set off.
"Come along."
I sang to the coaches.
The coaches trundled along sweetly behind me as we snaked over some points and set our sights on the mainline that laid grandly before us.

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It wasn't long before we were gracefully gliding along the mainline. Trees, houses and rivers shot past and out of sight faster than they came. Don't get the wrong idea, I assure you, I kept to the speed regulations.
As I came close to Gronk, I glanced up at the platform bridge where I saw a group of children. They appeared to be in their early teenage years.