The Secret Railway (Female Controller Reader)

Chapter 64: Spencer's First Train

Spencer is a Gresley A4 Pacific. He was once the private engine of the Duke and Duchess of Boxford, until their Uncle sold him for scrap. He was then saved by (Y/N) Awdry, and is a proud member of Paradise Island.

One night in the Round House, the engines were talking about what their favorite memory was. "And I pulled the train all the way to King's Cross, without stopping," said Flying Scotsman. "That is pretty impressive," said Thomas. "It kind of reminds me of the time I took my first public train," said Spencer. The engines looked at him. "You were on lone?" asked James. "No, it was for my trial run, to test if I was in perfect condition. Other than that, and the times I was on Sodor, I haven't pulled any real trains before coming here." "So what was it like?" asked Percy. So Spencer told them the story.

1939

Spencer was brand spanking new at the time, and he was proud to be announced that he would be the private engine of the Royal Boxfords. "But," said the Prince of Boxford, "We need to give you a trial run first. You must pull an express train from King's Cross to New Castle, non-stop. You can get help from your brother, Silver Link." Spencer was excited. 

He arrived at King's Cross, and waited for his coaches. Silver Link then rolled up beside him. "Hello," said Silver Link, "You must be my youngest brother, Spencer." "Yes I am," said Spencer, "I'm going to take the train to New Castle as my trial run!" "My express?" asked Silver Link, "Lucky you. Not many engines get to pull that other than me."

Soon, Spencer was coupled up to his coaches, the guard blew his whistle,

and Spencer pulled out of the station. Soon, he was racing down the main line at top speed. He was careful not to bump the coaches, and he raced down, making good time. "I love this work!" he said to himself. People from all around waved and cheered at him. Spencer felt pride in his smoke box. He whistled to the other engines coming from the opposite direction, and they whistled back. Soon, Spencer was happily running along the line.

When Spencer reached York, he started to feel a bit tired. He wanted to stop, but his driver said, "We can't stop, we're the express!" Spencer was getting tired of running so fast. He wasn't used to going non-stop. This was his first train ever! He had to press on!

Soon, Spencer arrived in New Castle Station, out of puff, and red with tiredness. The people were cheering for him. "Well done Spencer!" said the guard, "You are at least 6 minutes early!" Spencer smiled. He then got a long drink, and headed to the sheds for a rest.

The next morning, the Prince came and he congratulated Spencer. "I'm very proud of you," he said, "You have truly earned your title as my private engine!" Spencer beamed with glory. Soon, he took the Prince all over the mainland, and he loved going non stop through the stations! One day, he was given to the Duke and Duchess of Boxford, and he went to Sodor with the royals to a party at Marron's Station, but that's another story.

Present...

The engines were very impressed. "So you actually pulled an express?" asked Edward. "Yes," said Spencer, "And while I usually only pulled two coaches, I knew I could pull more since I had seven on my trial." The engines praised Spencer. "I wish I was a private engine as well," said Mallard, "pulling expresses was fun, but I just ended up in the railway museum. It got boring in there!" "Well, you're back pulling express trains once more," said Gordon. "And I actually don't mind the goods every now and then."