The Sudrians: The Archive Collection

New Shape

~1938~

"You're groaning again."

"I am not!"

"Come on! It's quiet obvious!"

"What's this about Gordon groaning?"

"Buzz off Percy!"

Percy humphed and looked to the green engine next to him.

"Whats the matter with Gordon?" he asked.

Henry sighed. "It's his axles again," he replied, "They're louder than usual and Gordon keeps thinking he's invincible."

"Oh but I am!" boasted Gordon, "I have never had an accident!"

"Aren't blown safety valves and faulty whistles accidents?" asked Percy.

"Well-I-ere-I-of course not!" spluttered the big engine, "They're just faults. Accidents are what are classified as coming off the rails."

Henry wheeshed steam crossly. "Nonsense, you surely had an accident."

"Never had, never will," Gordon replied, "Now good day gentlemen."

And with that, Gordon pulled out of the shed. The groaning of his axles were heard across the yard. Percy winced and followed.

***

The small engine brought in the coaches to the platform. Gordon watched Percy.

"Hurry up! Hurry up!" he yelled.

"Oh come on!" grumbled Percy, "There's a speed limit!"

"Well it looks like your not at the top of it," snapped Gordon, "Now move it!"

Percy huffed and pulled the coaches into the station, and touched the buffers gently. Then once set, Gordon puffed over the points and back down onto the coaches. Percy was uncoupled, Gordon was coupled, the passengers got into the carriages and the guard waited until the clock struck the hour. As usual,
The Fat Controller would wait on the platform, patiently and watch the Wild Nor' Wester leave the station until out of site. But today, he strode up to the big engine's crew to talk to them.

"How's Gordon handling the express Mr Foster?" he asked.

"Very well sir," replied the driver, "His performance is doing spectacular recently."

"Good," smiled The Fat Controller, "Then I have a request for you three then."

Gordon looked back and his fireman got up from checking the fire. "W-what sort of request sir?" asked the driver.

"That Gordon can have a speed run tomorrow," announced The Fat Controller, "He'll be racing all the way to Vicarstown with a dynamometer car. He'll have a clear path the entire way and everything is arranged. If you all want to proceed with this option?"

"I'm fine with it sir," replied Gordon's driver.

"And me," said the fireman, "But it's mainly up to Gordon to decide."

All three looked to the big engine, who was in deep thought. He then looked back up. "I'll do it sir."

"Wonderful, tell me if anything is wrong understood?"

"Understood sir," replied Gordon.

"Good. I'll be in the dynamometer car as well, so I'll see you all tomorrow then." And with that The Fat Controller moved off to watch Gordon depart.

***

A new sun came out amongst the hills of Sodor. Citizens waking up to start their day, but some were already awake and were busy with preparations for Gordon's speed test outside the sheds.