Edward Strikes Out (RWS Style)

Rocky Start

The Fat Controller was not amused as they pulled Gordon out of the ditch near the turntable and Gordon was met with a severe scolding the next morning.

"Not only did you refuse to pull your goods train, but you also disrupted the turntable's operations for the day. Edward, James, and Henry had to run backwards down the line causing delays. Henry had a good run at the express yesterday so I have no doubt he will suffice in covering your duties while you pull trucks."

With that, the Fat Controller left for his office. "I can only hope nothing like that happens again," he thought to himself, "If only our cranes were sturdy enough to have lifted Gordon. Perhaps I should purchase a new railway crane. Yes, I shall," and he proceeded to make the arrangements.

It was only a few days until a new crane arrived. He arrived on a late night goods train and was shunted by an engine from the Other Railway onto an empty siding before dawn had broken.

"Have you seen the new crane at the docks?" inquired Thomas one morning at the Big Station. "He looks very strong and my driver seems to agree."

"Stuff and nonsense," pouted Gordon, "there's already a fine pair of cranes down the line. The ones that you used to rescue James. Why bother with new ones?"

"Oh?" said Thomas innocently, "Haven't you heard? The other cranes thought you were too fat to lift!" And he puffed cheekily away with his coaches.

Gordon growled, "I hope you fall down in a pit someday! That'll teach you!"

"Come about Gordon," said his driver, "We've got goods work today."

"As long as it's away from that new crane anything would suffice."

"Tough luck, your train is next to the crane."

Gordon begrudgingly set off a short way to the docks. As he approached he could see the new crane. It was red and much longer than the other breakdown cranes. More peculiarly to Gordon, it seemed to be snoring in the morning light. Indigent towards cranes since his last accident, Gordon wheeshed loudly to wake it as he backed down onto his nearby express goods train. But the crane remained restfully asleep.

"Hey you...uh...new-fangled-nonsense!" Gordon shouted as he backed up to meet the crane's face as his driver went to speak to the guard and the fireman coupled the train, "What's your problem?"

But the crane kept on sleeping much to Gordon's frustration. But then, Gordon heard an old whistle and saw Edward backing onto his train on the other side of the crane. Gordon grinned as he thought of a way to pay Edward out for shunting him. After all, Gordon thought, if Edward had not brought Gordon to the turntable a few days ago, he would not have had his accident at all.

Edward coupled onto his train of metal pipes bound for a ballast plant down a branch line. He stopped before he could see the crane's face.

"That must be the new crane the Fat Controller was talking about: Rocky," said Edward's driver.

"Hullo!" said Edward cheerily to the new crane.

A gruff voice came from the crane in a tone quite similar to Gordon's, "Erm, what do you want you tiny bug! Go away! Can't you see you've disturbed me!"

"Goodness me," apologized Edward, "Terribly sorry. But you ought to mind your manners yourself!"

"Why should I when I could lift you off those tracks right now and toss you into the sea just over there! You wouldn't be the first either. I've scrapped a few small engines like you before in the past and no one cared. You should be grateful that I'm too lazy to bother right now!" his voice booming.

"You should behave yourself or else you might be speaking to the Fat Controller about your attitude."

"Pah! Fat Hatt can't get rid of me, I am essential! But he can get rid of old iron like yourself so you'd better make sure nothing happens otherwise I might have to bring you to the scrapyard."

Annoyed but unshaken, Edward rolled his eyes and set off with his heavy load. Gordon felt very pleased with himself and was just about to leave when Henry backed down to collect Rocky. Gordon was relieved Henry could not see him and once Henry pulled away, Gordon breathed a sigh of relief before finally departing with his express goods.