Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends: Into The Boob Verse.

Bring Down The Bus Stop

While the railway is arguably the most important thing on the island, the rails can't go everywhere. Where the track can't, buses go instead. Bus stops litter the road-side and are often very busy themselves. One of these stops sits by the level crossing just before the centre station.

Wallace would always watch the bus stop whenever he hurried past.

He soon found his voice.

"Why do we need buses?!"

Wallace snapped, disturbing the collectively enjoyed peace.

"They're just stealing our traffic! Just blocks of useless metal if you ask me!"

"Bertie and Algy are alright!"

Alfie smiled.

"We can't go everywhere, they help get people to places that we can't!"

"Can't they just walk then?! It's absurd they need to use such foul things!"

"The same thing could be said for us."

Douglas and his driver added.

"One can't function without the other!"

But Wallace remained unconvinced.

"No use for them! Bring down the bus stop, that's what I say!"

With the warmer weather, came more and more passengers, and more and more people standing at the bus stop. Each time Wallace passed, he'd gawk and snarl.

"Bring down the bus stop, that's what I say!"

A few days later, Wallace bustled into the works station, with a heavy goods train. The station master was waiting.

"Your next train will be very heavy, you've been advised to take a brake tender with you."

Wallace grumbled, he never really liked the tenders.

"But they're big, horrid, awkward things! Do I really have to take it!?"

"You will do as you are told."

The station master said firmly, gesturing him to leave with one of her fingers. Wallace grumbled away.

"First buses, now these obnoxious things!"

He pouted. His driver was worried.

"It will partly block his view."

His driver considered.

"Knowing his temper, something is bound to go wrong."

Serenity was right, Wallace wasn't even remotely careful. He shook the tender like a mad-man.

"Big, horrid, awkward thing!"

He complained. His mood was made even worse, as he passed Algy, picking up passengers. His patience was about to snap!

Not far away, a lorry was trudging along. Its engine was fading, and black smoke began pouring from its front end. At last, the engine made a terrible cough, and came to a stop, right on top of the crossing. The driver swore and spat, before calling for help.

Wallace was still grumbling to himself.

"Stupid buses, stupid tenders!"

Suddenly, the brake tender let out a little squeak! Wallace wasn't paying attention, but his crew were. Both looked up, to see the crossing getting closer and closer!

"LOOK OUT!!!"

His stoker cried! Wallace saw only too late! His brakes came on, but it did little to slow their momentum! His crew leapt for safety, as with an almighty crash! The brake tender connected with the gates, followed by the lorry! The tender was tossed to one side! Hurling Wallace straight towards the bus stop! Everything came toppling down to the ground!

"Owch!!"

Wallace finally groaned.

"That's gonna leave a mark..."

Luckily, no one was hurt. The bus stop had been mosty empty, and his crew had leapt for safety. Wallace's front end was badly damaged, and his wheels and side tanks bent and twisted.

"When you said "bring down the bus stops" I didn't think you meant it this way!"

His guard giggled, covering her mouth. Wallace didn't reply, he knew he was in a whole lot of trouble.

His thoughts were correct. The Fat Controller spoke severely to the tank engine.

"This won't do at all!"

The Fat Controller scowled.

"I know you don't like buses, but they are very important to the smooth running of my railway! I hope that this incident has taught you a valuable lesson!"

"I... erm, didn't mean it quite so literally."

Wallace replied, which made The Fat Controller snicker.

"Still, you need to get over your grievances with other forms of traction! When you're mended, I'll see to it that the workmen weld a brake tender to your front end, unless you show any signs of improvement!"

The thought almost brought Wallace to tears, so he agreed.

The other engines weren't so kind when he returned. They often snicker and whisper to themselves, even making the sounds of bus horns. Wallace didn't find any enjoyment from it, and tried to vent to Gromit.

"It's childish and immature!"

He sniffed. Gromit raised an eyebrow, before making a soft honking sound, and quietly puffing away, leaving Wallace fuming!