Engines of Britain

Chapter 24: The Tale of Clarkson

Clarkson is one of the most-hard working engines on the Godson Railway. He is one of the best engines on the railway, helping out with passenger trains as well as goods, even shunting his own trains. Even though he can be clumsy at times, he still does the best he can to help out others.

One day, Clarkson was needed for an overhaul to which he excepted to. While he was at the Locomotive Fix-it works, he decided to give everyone a little surprise.

~*~*~ 

Keshaun and Stephanie decided to visit their friends at the Locomotive Fix-it works. When they got there, Clarkson was on the turntable getting turned around, with Gadget talking to him.

"Hi Gadget, Hi Clarkson." Keshaun greeted as he pulled into the works.

"Oh, hello Keshaun and you too Stephanie." Gadget replied.

"Hey there you two." Clarkson said when the turntable turned him around to face them.

"Just thought we would drop by and see how Clarkson was doing." Stephanie said.

"I'm doing well thanks." Clarkson replied. "In fact, The workmen had just finished my overhaul.

Just then Stephanie noticed that Clarkson's nameplates on his sides were being covered.

"Uh Clarkson, Why are your nameplates being covered?" Stephanie asked.

"Nothing in particular." Clarkson said cheekly.

"Are you hiding something, Jezza?" Keshaun asked.

"I just thought I give myself some new nameplates." Clarkson replied.

"Well then, let's see what your nameplate says." Stephanie spoke up as she walked over to Clarkson's nameplates. "Maybe it's Jezza, one of Jeremy Clarkson's nicknames." Stephanie teased.

"Just pull it down woman!" Clarkson shouted.

"Alright, relax I'm only teasing." Stephanie said before she pulled down the cover. 

Keshaun and Stephanie felt their jaws drop when they saw that Clarkson's nameplate wasn't Jezza or any of Jeremy Clarkson's nicknames. What they saw on the nameplate was: Doncaster.

"It's shocking to have my original name on me, isn't it you two?" Clarkson asked.

Keshaun and Stephanie didn't respond as they stared at the nameplate, they didn't know what to say. It was quiet for a few moments before Keshaun broke the silence.

"C-Clarkson." Keshaun started. "I have no idea that your named after the place where Jeremy Clarkson was born! Also are you..."

"Named after the place where many LNER engines were built? Yes in fact." Gadget said. "I was shocked myself when he told me."

"I litterally did not know that Jezza." Keshaun said.

"I have an interesting story to about myself." Clarkson spoke next. "But I can tell you and the others that later tonight, for now we better get back to work."

"Your right." Keshaun said as he started to back out of the Locomotive Fit-it works. "See you Gadget."

"Goodbye you three." Gadget responded.

For the rest of the day, passengers, trucks, and other engines took notice of Clarkson's nameplate and were shocked that he was named after the place Jeremy Clarkson was born and where many LNER locomotives. When they asked to tell them his story, Clarkson told them he would explain in due time.

~*~*~

At Southampton Sheds, Eric, Christian, Henrietta, Kate, Lenry, William, Indigo, Violet, Magenta, Elena, May, and Hammond were talking among themselves before going to sleep when Keshaun and Clarkson pulled up in front of them. They had heard or seen Clarkson's nameplates during the day and were curious about whether Clarkson is really Doncaster or not. As Keshaun backed in his berth, Clarkson took a deep breath and began his story.