TAOT: Sliding Scales

Narrator: Now because Henry's engine was at the Works, the others had to help with the Flying Kipper as well. This is a rather special and important train of vans loaded up with boxes of fish which goes to markets in London and other places on the mainland. James, in particular didn't like the train, 

James *gags*: "All those smelly vans, you can't get the smell off your clothes for weeks!"

Rarity: "I have to agree, I've had to take numerous baths after our turns, and I still reek of the sea. But, it's got to be done anyway."

Gordon: "That may be true, but I'm very fond of a good kipper, add some potatoes, and mmmm" *he smacks his lips*

James *retorts*: "You're welcome to it!"

Rarity: "A right old misery today, aren't you, old friend? You must've woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning and no mistake, now come on, we've got work to do, or the Fat Controller's going to give you something to moan about."

*James begrudgingly opens the regulator*

Narrator: Groaning slowly along the curves, James went slowly down to the harbor at Tidmouth. The vans for the train were already in the shed, whilst workmen in aprons worked busily, finishing  loading them up. 

Workman: "Careful mate!"

James: "PHEW!"

Narrator: James carefully reversed his engine up to the vans and then was soon coupled on. Both he and Rarity had not been waiting long when a forklift laden with crates of fish rounded the corner and came towards them. Another, hurrying away for a new load, came to fast in the opposite direction. the loaded one swerved to avoid hitting the other one, and its heavy load shifted. Six full crates shifted from the top and fell to the rails below with a crash. Both James and Rarity shut their eyes in horror.

Rarity: "EWWW!" *she wipes off some of the oil that got onto her uniform*

Narrator: Broken fish and boxes lay everywhere. For once, James was right, the smell was not nice. Luckily, there was plenty of time for the men to clear up the mess before James had to depart. 

Rarity: "Well, it's a good thing that the boxes didn't land on our engine James."

Narrator: James shuddered again, the idea was too awful to think about. At last, all was ready, and the guard showed his green lamp. 

James: "Thank goodness!" 

Narrator: There was a speed limit in the harbor area, so James had to open the regulator carefully and not start quickly. The train seemed heavier than usual tonight too, so when they had reached the spot where the crates had burst, his engine was moving no more than at walking pace.

James: "Come on old girl, don't fail me now!"

Narrator: The rails had seemed clean, but oil and scales from the spilled fish were still there, coating them with a slippery film, As soon as their engine reached the place, the driving wheels, having nothing to grip, began to spin helplessly. James and Rarity's engine did its best, but the heavy vans held them to a standstill. James found that he couldn't move his engine neither forward nor back. 

James: "FISH!" *is rather disgusted*

Narrator: Men brought hoses and washed the rails down. Both James and Rarity grew very wet and uncomfortable. Then, sand was put on the rails, in front of each driving wheel, and at last, the train was able to depart. They were very late, but at least they were off the fish quay, To say that they were glad, would be putting it mildly.

INTERMISSION