It was a bright day on Paradise Island, and the express coaches were in need of repairs. So spare coaches were needed. However, the only coaches that were available, were the old branchline coaches.
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And because of many passengers take the express, there were not many left for the branchline trains.
And since that there weren't as many local trains, many engines were put more on goods work. This didn't suit many of the engines, mainly James, Farnsworth, and Mallard.
One day, James was in the yard, shunting trucks, complaining to the diesel and express engine.
"Shunting Dirty Trucks from dirty sighting! YEUCK!!"
"Fine engines such as me should not be relegated to such work," said Farnsworth.
"While it is nice to get away from the mainline, it's a bit ridiculous! Why are we on shunting duty!!" said Mallard.
Farnsworth backed down onto some wagons, and said, "Freight trains! The shame!"
Just then, Gordon came in, and was coupled up to a long line of green coaches.
"What's shameful is that I have speed restrictions when pulling these coaches!" said Gordon.
Just then, Alfred came, and buffered up to some trucks, while saying, "At least we have work to do! Now put a lump of coal into it! This yard isn't going to sort itself!"
And he puffed away.
Gordon was down on the mainline, with a long line of coaches. The people were not used to being cramped into single compartments, and having Victorian looking transportations.
"60 miles, 60 miles, it's disgraceful!!"
Gordon soon arrived in the station, and was not too happy to be this slow.
Just then, Thomas came to the junction with Annie and Clarabel.
"Gordon, why the long face?"
Gordon looked at Thomas, and said, "I'm not used to these restrictions on the express."
Thomas then said, "Well, it's better than rusting in the sheds."
Gordon looked away, knowing that Thomas was right.
However, one day, Bear was to take the express, and was currently having engine troubles. And the only engine available, was Mallard.
"Well, I get another chance at Express Trains!!!"
Farnsworth and James were jealous, but didn't let it show.
Soon, Mallard arrived at the station, and coupled up to the train.
"Get in quickly please!" said Mallard.
Soon, the passengers climbed on board, the guard blew his whistle, and Mallard set off.
However, as he went on, he went over the speed limit. Unknown, the coaches started to sway as he went faster.
Just then, the breaks came on, and Mallard slowed down, and was shocked at this.
"What's happened!? What's happened?!?"
The crew went about the train, and found the problem.
"Some of the coaches have run hot axle boxes," said his driver, "Going at the speed you were going at, I'm not surprised. These coaches aren't used to the express speeds you go at. Were you not told of the speed restrictions?"
Mallard's face went as red as the coaches.
Luckily, the normal express coaches had returned, with new paint, wheels, seats, and doors. Spencer came with them, and the passengers quickly climbed on board to make up for lost time. Diesel and Henry then came with Rocky and some flatbeds, and helped lift the damaged coaches onto the flatbeds, while Mallard took the undamaged coaches at a much slower pace to the nearest station.
That night, Mallard slept in the Wellton sheds toward's the Red Wood Branch. There, he was joined by Fergus, Rosie, Wilbert, and Stanely.
"So, that's what happened?" asked Rosie.
"Yes," said Mallard, "And I don't think I'll hear the end of it for some time."
"It's okay," said Fergus, "We all make mistakes."
Mallard looked at Fergus, and asked, "No, 'Do it right next time?'"
"I left that behind some time ago," said Fergus.
Next day, Mallard was back to work. He does take the express at times due to his performance, however, he can be teased at times from some engines, but Mallard always has a come back, and of those, include crashing into station master's houses, taking the plunge, falling into ditches, bootlaces, and hiding in tunnels!
After that, he didn't get much teasing from the other engines.
