TAOT: Stepney's Special

*we open up at Wellsworth, Both Stepney and Edward are waiting at the platform with Stepney's engine travelling "light" Edward's has 5 passenger coaches for his branchline service, Stepney's explaining about his home railway.*

Stepney *narrating over a flashback*: "So, I tried very hard, but my engine couldn't work properly. so, the workers of my former railway put my engine and I on a siding. I stayed there for days, and days, and other engines were there too sadly being cut up, so I was lonely, and afraid."

Edward *sympathetically*: "I would have been frightened too, if I was alone in a siding with my engine."

Stepney: "But when some workmen came, they mended my engine, and even gave it brand new colors. I couldn't understand it until the yard's foreman came. He was very pleased."

Flashback Foreman: "Stepney, you've got a lucky old engine, It's being saved. The Bluebell Railway's bought your engine and hired you to continue maintaining it."

Octavia: "What a lovely surprise."

Edward: "Indeed."

Octavia: "Just a quick question Mr. Stepney."

Stepney: "No need to be formal, but what's your question?"

Octavia: "Have they saved other engines aside from yours?"

Stepney: "Oh yes, indeed they have." "You'd like our "Bluebell" and "Primrose". "The engines are twins, as are their drivers. They're like two peas in a pod, and the engines only had numbers at first. Bluebell is numbered 323 and Primrose is numbered 27. The drivers were very pleased when our controller gave the engines names. A few volunteers on the railway say that he was wrong to do it, as it certainly made them cocky. But, more importantly, they do work hard, and I think our controller is right, ALL engines deserve to have names."

Edward: "Yes, it's MOST important."

Stepney: "That's why, we give names to our 488 and 2650. But our controller doesn't know, it's a secret. You won't tell him, will you?"

Edward: "Our lips are sealed."

Stepney: "The drivers of those two are both very pleased about it, because now they feel part of the family. We call 488 "Adams" after its designer you know, and "Cromford" who is 2650, had been pulling trucks in the high peaks of Darbyshire. It's a tough locomotive, this "Cromford", it had to be with that type of work. And so is "Captain Baxter" but the driver is rather rude. Due to the engine working in a quarry, and you know what that does to an driver's language and manners."

Edward *gravely*: "Yes, I do, indeed."

Stepney: "The driver's a good sort of fellow really, I like the driver. We both miss the work that we did with trucks. Only the slightest after everyone's been so kind. But the line is very short, my engine doesn't get any good runs now, I miss them dreadfully."

Edward: "Nevermind, perhaps you'll get a chance whilst your here."

*we transition to the terminus' yards, Duck's engine is taking on some water while Stepney's shunts some vans into a siding nearby*

Narrator: Stepney then left after saying "Goodbye" to Edward who then continued his service and Stepney returned to the terminus where he helped out Duck in the yard. The two drivers were soon great friends and they enjoyed their afternoon together. 

*Thomas' engine arrives later on, pulling the train cab first*

Narrator: Thomas arrived when they were finished, and he stayed until it was time for the last branchline train of the evening. It provided Stepney a chance to meet both him, Twilight, and the rest of the crew on board the train.

*we transition to the evening*

Narrator: But that train's tail lamps were hardly out of sight when Stepney and Duck heard a commotion at the station."

Duck: "Hullo, wonder what's up?"

*we transition to Thomas' junction, Thomas is waiting impaitently to start his train so he can get home."

Narrator: Meanwhile, Thomas and the passengers were grumbling at being delayed. But there was no help for it.

Thomas: "Humph, why are we being delayed?, my passengers want to get home, and so do I!"

Twilight: "I'm sorry Thomas, but we're being put as second priority, an important train has the right to go first."

Narrator: Soon, the two heard an unfamiliar chuffing sound. As the engine came into view, it was revealed as Stepney's, pulling one coach, looming in the station light. He slowed his engine to exchange tablets, whistled a greeting to Thomas than gathered speed into the night.

Thomas: "Well bust my britches."

*we transition to the next morning at Ffarqhuar sheds, Thomas is pouting because of what happened last night*

Thomas: "Shunted! and on my own branch too! It's a disgrace!"

*Stepney's engine arrives, pulling only a brakevan*

Stepney: "I'm sorry, but I was a special..."

Thomas: "Why?"

Stepney: "After you left, an important passenger came, he said that he must get home and ordered a special train, Duck kindly let me take it, and we had a splendid run too, and no record breaking of course, but..."

Thomas: "Ah well, perhaps when you know the road as I do..."

Stepney: "Exactly, you are such an expert."

Narrator: Thomas, who had become flattered by Stepney's comments, forgot to be cross, and began to tell the visitor all about his branchline and the adventures he had on it so far.

INTERMISSION