Engines of Britain

Chapter 5: Off to Sodor

A few days after the DMUs had left, everything seemed to go normally. The engines had gotten back into routine, and seemed to be relaxing. Eric and the other engines worked twice as hard then they had before, and they were determined to show that they are the best type of of locomotives on the railway.

~*~*~

On a calm Saturday morning, Eric, Christian, Keshaun, along with the Lego friends, were triple heading a heavy goods train to Vicarstown, the frieght cars behind them were filled with produce, like food, dairy products, and building materials. This run was definitely a good opportunity to stretch their wheels, and go the distance.

Once arriving at Vicarstown, Eric, Christian, and Keshaun watched as the men unload the freight cars, and they began to make their way to other freight trains on other platforms or leave the station. It was always a hive of activity here at the station, and it's definitely worth watching for enthusiasts.

Just then,Eric, Christian, Keshaun, and the Lego friends could see Gordon pulling in at the other platform. But, the LNER A1 Pacific looked to be flustered and out of breath. He hissed steam from his pistons, and a low clunk could be heard.

"Sound's like something's broken inside you, Gordon." The blue engine's driver called from the cab. "Now, you'll really will have to go to The Works."

"But... Who will pull the Wild Nor' Wester?" Gordon muttered in worry.

The three engines and the five human friends could hear what was going on, They knew that this 'Wild Nor' Wester' was a very important train. Eric gave a toot of his whistle to get the stationmaster's attention. "Sir. If you can, maybe me and my friends could take the Wild Nor' Wester to it's destination? It should seem pretty straightforward." He asked.

The stationmaster gave it some thought. He ran to his office to call the controller of the NWR. A few moments later, he came back, he informed the orange LB&SCR E2 engine that the arrangements were made.

Sure enough, Gordon limped away from the coaches, Eric, Christian, and Keshaun immediately ran around, coupling up to the 'Wild Nor' Wester' train and each other. They looked over to the LNER A1 Pacific, who limped over next to them.

"Thank you all so much." Gordon thanked. "Now, all you three have to do is head from Vicarstown to Knapford. It's the big station at the end of the mainline. You can't miss it."

"Of course. Happy to help." Christian nodded. "And thanks for the directions." Keshaun added.

Sure enough, the guard blew his whistle, and with a toot of their whistles, Eric, Christian, and Keshaun started to charge on out of Vicarstown.

Olivia and her friends couldn't help but marvel at the sights around them, as Eric, Christian, and Keshaun made their way along. They passed through Ballahoo and Crovan's Gate, whistling hello to the narrow gauge engines as they passed by. Eric, Christian, and Keshaun soon whizzed by Kellsthorpe Road, and passed through stations of Kellaby and Balladrine at speeds up to 60mph, the speed limit of the mainline.

Soon, the three engines arrived at Killdane station. This wasn't a stop, but Christian needed to top on water for the big push. He waited for about 5 minutes, topping the water in his boiler, and he, Eric and Keshaun were soon underway.

 Christian, Eric, and Keshaun charged on through the station of Cronk, and they carried on. They then crossed over what was an iconic stone viaduct, with three lines of track, and they carried on. The three engines and the five human friends smiled at the lush and green trees and fields, seeing some farmers tending to their field and livestock, and it's a definite change of scenery. They then go through Maron Station, and they headed towards what was nicknamed 'Gordon's Hill'.