TAOT: Not The Ticket

Narrator: Thomas had to keep his engine in the siding for the rest of the day. The fire went out, and he grew colder and colder. The rain fell more heavily. And what had begun as a splendid day had became a disaster.

Thomas: "Twilight, I wish our engine was in its nice warm shed, and you and I were in the home which we share with the others, with a hot cup of tea."

Twilight: "Thomas, I know its upsetting, and quite cold. But think about it this way, we're going to get to York, eventually."

Narrator: At last, evening came and the Inspector returned.

Inspector: Cheer up Thomas, You and your engine will be at the museum tomorrow, and the Museums Workshop staff have promised to repair your engine's damaged front end."

Thomas: "Thank you sir. But if I can't drive my engine on the rails, how can I get it there?"

Inspector: "Well, it's all been fixed and arranged. Tomorrow morning, a lorry will be coming for your engine.

Narrator: Thomas was horrified!

Thomas: "A l..lorry?!"

Inspector: "That's correct, it'll be here by 8:00 sharp."

Narrator: Staying the night in an old cottage close to the tracks, Thomas slept badly that night. He kept wondering what the mainline engine drivers would say if he had finished the trip on a lorry. He almost thought that he could hear them laughing. The next morning, Thomas and Twilight woke up early. A diesel shunter came to push Thomas' engine out of its siding and along towards the road where they found the lorry's driver waiting. There was also a small used car dealership nearby, and Twilight quickly purchased a small car for them to travel in. A steel cable was fastened to the rear coupling. The lorry driver started a winch, and soon, Thomas' engine was perched on the lorry. Thomas then got into the passenger side of the car.

Thomas: "How undignified."

Narrator: But, he found, that as they drove along the road, he had a marvelous view of the countryside and time to enjoy it as well.

Thomas: "Now this, isn't too bad."

Twilight: "I agree, it's peaceful."

Narrator: However, it wasn't long before Thomas began to feel bored. At last, houses began to appear on either side of the road.

Thomas: "Perhaps, this is York."

Twilight: "According to the map, it is."

Narrator: It was, but the lorry driver was unsure of his way. He parked the lorry and then went to find a telephone, Twilight stopped the car behind so Thomas could check up on their engine. A man, wearing a flat top cap with a yellow band around it came up to Thomas.

*Thomas looks up*

Thomas: "Hullo."

Traffic Warden: "Hmmmph."

Narrator: The man wrote something in his notebook, then went round to the front of the lorry, then left. When the lorry's driver returned, Thomas heard him say something. Then, the driver slammed the cab door crossly. Soon, they reached a large building with rails running into it. Thomas' engine was unloaded, and the lorry drove away. Thomas looked about him, to get his surroundings, he and Twilight had arrived. When Twilight arrived, Thomas told her about the man with the flat cap. She chuckled.

Twilight: "How'd you do it Thomas? that'll make the Controllers' day. Our engine booked for parking!"

INTERMISSION