The Sudrians: The Archive Collection

Henry

~ December 1935 ~

"It's getting too expensive!"

"But the money is pouring in as well!"

"But if we remove that failure of an engine-"

"I won't replace my number three," fumed The Fat Controller.

The member of the board stared at the controller to the NWR. He sat back down into his chair. Growling softly.

The Fat Controller sighed. "My number three has been difficult to handle for the past years I've had him. But he's a hard worker, that's what I need on my railway. I don't know what others would do if I'd sell him to another company. But the risk of him being, disposed off will be highly likely."

"So you're only keeping him," said Mr Fredrick, the man who'd just sat down, "That you're only keeping him for personal reasons?"

The Fat Controller said nothing. He just sat there and stared at the bearded man.

Mr Fredrick relaxed into his chair. "I stand corrected."

"This is business we're talking about Topham," said Mr Regaby, "We cannot let personal feelings for this engine effect this company."

The Fat Controller sighed. "I'll try and figure something out for him," he said, "But I'll make the final decision about what to do with him."

"And if we all disagree about the choice?" asked Mr Fredrick.

"That's enough Mr Fredrick," snapped Mr Regaby, he then stared back The Fat Controller, "If we all disagree?"

"You'll all have to make the decision," replied The Fat Controller, "But if over half agrees with my decision, we'll go with the plans I want for him."

"Agreed, you have two weeks," replied Mr Regaby, "Next meeting happening next week. So if you have an idea then, you can give it out to us all."

The Fat Controller nodded. A few minutes later, he was out of the office of Tidmouth, he got into his car and drove off. Thinking of what to do with Henry. Otherwise he would be scrapped.

***

Henry was finding life grand recently. His trains were all on time, and he hadn't had a single problem with building up steam recently.

His driver and fireman were proud of him too. One evening, at Tidmouth, Henry's driver was waiting on the platform, for a new timetable. They were soon given it by an inspector who looked worn out to be working.

The driver looked at the slip of paper, reading the trains needed to be taken. He then reread again.

"Are you sure about this? I wasn't told anything of the sort," said the driver pointed at a specific train and time.

"Yes it is," replied the inspector, "I don't know either. But you'll be taking it at that time. Don't worry, you all can go home after taking that passenger train there and back."

And he walked away. Leaving the driver stunned.

"What is it?" called Henry, hearing everything yet not understanding it.

"Well, for what it is, we're taking a fish train tomorrow," replied the driver.

"Why?" asked Henry.

"New train all together," replied the driver, "Guess the Controller wanted us to take it."

"Then why are we pulling a fish train? Shouldn't they be on goods trains too?"