Chapter Text
Harry is a boxy green engine from Scotland, who now lives on the Island of Sodor. He hadn’t been on the island long, for this was his first day. He’d met a little engine named Bertram, and was now on his way to Vicarstown station. His driver was also new to him, but had lived on the island for years. Harry marvelled at the sights, as he puffed through Crovan’s Gate. People were waiting on the platform, and were shocked at the sight of Harry. They had been expecting a large engine with a round boiler, not a box on wheels.
“There, there, Harry.” His driver smiled kindly. “We’ll show them how strong you are.”
“I hope so.” Harry wheeshed to his driver as he puffed along the line. He was a bit worried about what the passengers would think of him.
Vicarstown was a larger station than Crovan’s Gate, with four platforms. People were on the platform, looking for the horses. They were shocked when Harry backed onto the coaches, and began to whisper amongst each other. They were expecting nice horses, not a big green block on wheels.
“All aboard!” Harry’s driver shouted, and people began to cautiously board the coaches, staring at Harry. Even the guard stared at the little engine. Harry’s driver patted his side, before shaking his hand to cool it. “It’s alright, Harry. We’ll show them what you can do.”
“I hope so.” Harry cautiously wheeshed. Him speaking caused even more whispering among the people on the platform. They hadn’t expected the engine to talk as well. People watched and stared at Harry and his driver, until the guard blew their whistle. Harry whistled in confirmation, and he set off for Great Waterton.
Harry puffed along the line cautiously. But his driver knew the rails like the back of his hands, he had taken this route with ponies! The pair of them made their way along the line, small villages and towns going past, each one having people there to watch the train go by. Harry couldn’t hear what they were saying, but thought they were remarking on how ugly and strange he was.
“Cheer up, Harry.” His driver smiled. “Crovan’s Gate is coming up soon, we can have a rest there.” But Harry didn’t want to have a rest. He thought people would laugh at him.
“Must we stop there, driver?” Harry asked. “The passengers will laugh and think I’m weird.”
“They only think you’re weird because they’re used to ponies.” His driver chuckled. “Tell you what, when we get there, why don’t we show them what you can really do?” He offered. Harry paused for a moment, before whistling an acceptance.
When the big green engine had reached Crovan’s Gate, he stopped to let passengers on.
“Phweet! Phweet!” Harry whistled. “Hop on quickly please!” People on the platform stared at him, making Harry somewhat uncomfortable. After a few minutes, Harry’s guard blew his whistle, and Harry pulled out of the station.
“Come on, Harry.” His driver called, as the wheels began to turn. “Let’s show them what this green block can do!” He added, patting the side. Harry began to puff harder and harder as he began to pick up speed.
“I can do it, I can do it.” Harry wheeshed, as he got faster and faster. The green countryside blurred together as he raced towards Great Waterton. Straining to go even faster, Harry’s driver watched as the gauges ticked up. Wind tickled his face, and blew his hat away. They soon raced past a sign that showed Great Waterton was near.
“Alright, Harry, that’ll do it.” His driver smiled. But Harry couldn’t hear him over the wind. Nor had he seen the sign. “Harry! Harry!” His driver shouted, realising what was coming up. Harry’s wheels went click-clack, click-clack as the train rocketed towards Great Waterton at top speed.
“They’re not laughing now!” Harry called.
Harry’s driver reached forward, and pulled on the brakes. Harry felt his wheels stop, and sparks skidded from the rails as he slid forwards.
“Driver!” Harry shouted. “What’re you playing at back there?” He called.
“We’re almost there!” His driver shouted. And with a start, Harry realised he was.
“Oh, dear!” He exclaimed, throwing his weight against the train. At Great Waterton, there is a large platform with buffers at the end. Harry was approaching it quite fast. “Oh no! Oh no!” He kept trying to slow himself down, but he couldn’t slow down quick enough for his liking. Harry pulled his eyes shut as they screeched into the station. When he dared to open them again, he was inches away from the buffers. With a loud sigh from Harry and his driver, the passengers stumbled out of the coaches. “That was lucky.” Harry’s driver gasped, wiping sweat from his forehead.
“I should say.” Came a stern voice.
Harry looked over to see a man in a full suit click his pocket watch closed. Harry’s driver recognised him as the owner of the railway.
“Oh, we’re in for it now.” Harry’s driver muttered.
“Jack. I will forgive you for this, as it is your first day driving a steam locomotive.” The owner forgave, placing his pocket watch back. “And I admire your speed in getting these passengers here, but I do not think they enjoy being bounced like kettle corn.” He admitted. “Ensure this does not happen again.”
“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.” Harry and his driver apologised. And Harry never sped down the line again. The next day, the people on the East side of the island came to enjoy watching out for their big green box on wheels.