FanFic:Thomas The Trackmaster Adventures Episode 48: 87546

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Previous Episode: Episode 47
Next Episode: Episode 49

Episode 48: 87546

87546, an extremely lazy and sarcastic B17, refuses to do his work, and the others do it for him, that is, until Molly has an unfortunate mishap in her cab...

Characters:

• Emily (sing-a-long segment only)
• Molly
• Neville
• Eagle
• Dennis
• Harley
• Victor
• Zack
• 87456/Martin
• Sir Topham Hatt
• Diesel (cameo)
• Skarloey (cameo)
• Rheneas (cameo)
• Sir Handel (cameo)
• Peter Sam (cameo)
• Rusty (cameo)
• Duncan (cameo)
• Kevin (cameo)
• Thomas (mentioned)
• Gregory (mentioned)
• Harold (mentioned)

Transcript

Part One

Narrator: Norramby branch line was undergoing big changes. There was to be a new station at the terminus of Crovan's Gate, close to the Skarloey Railway. One morning, Sir Topham Hatt called the engines of the branchline to Knapford, but Harley, Norramby's newest engine, wasn't there.

Sir Topham Hatt: Thank you all for coming. Uh, where's Harley?

Harley: Coming, sir!

Narrator: In steamed in Harley, the red 4-2-2 tank engine. He screeched to a complete halt, and very out of breath.

Harley: Sorry, I'm late, sir. I was caught up with a stray dog on the line. It was a big one, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: No problem, Harley. First of all, I want to congratulate you all on performing such a brilliant job of our new station at Crovan's Gate.

{Sir Topham Hatt applauds, every crewman and fitter follows. The engines blow their whistles (Dennis his horn) in recognition.}

Sir Topham Hatt: However, with the increased workloads and the rise of the tourist industry here, the work here is getting a little too much for you engines. So, after much thought and decisive planning, I've decided to buy a new steam engine to the line. He will be arriving soon today. I want you six to make him feel welcome. Dennis, I'm counting on you. {glances over to Dennis, feeling bored}

Dennis: As you wish, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: Very good. Meeting adjourned.

Narrator: The engines were chatting amongst themselves. They were excited at the prospect of a new arrival to the branch line. They wondered what the new engine would be like. But Neville wasn't enthusiastic. He thought the idea of a new engine was ridiculous.

Neville: We do fine without the need of new engines.

Eagle: What's wrong with having a new engine? It's a great idea. The work is too much for us and we need all the help we can get. Besides, more engines mean more friends.

Neville: {grumpily} Bah! We don't need more engines. We already got the lazy grey box on wheels, the show-off girl, the constantly late newbie and the Thomas look-alike.

Zack: HEY! Compared to Thomas, I'm a completely different engine from him.

Molly: Except for the blue paint!

{Zack seethes with fury, his faces turns a violent shade of red.}

Eagle: Calm down, everyone. The engine is arriving soon, and there's no time for these annoying contests.

Narrator: Soon the engines were doing their usual work. Neville and Zack pulled goods trains. Molly and Eagle took the passengers. And Harley and Dennis shunted in the yard. Soon, the engines were gathered in the yard, ready to meet the new engine. Harley, of course, was nowhere in sight which angered Sir Topham Hatt to no end. Molly hoped it was another Claud Hamilton or B12. Though there was the recent addition of Gregory the B12, the two did manage to get along. Neville thought the new engine would be a boy and a connoisseur of fine music. Eagle wondered if the new engine would be from his old railway of the Welsh Highland Railway. He hadn't seen any of his friends there since he was overhauled and shipped to Sodor a few years ago. He missed them all. Zack hoped the new engine was an LNER engine like him. Dennis was hoping for another diesel, as he didn't seem to get along with Diesel, who often helped out here. At last, Harley steamed in very late.

Harley: I'm sorry, again, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: Another stray dog?

Harley: {angrily} No, it wasn't! It was that &$@! "whirly-bird" Harold! He made a forced landing on my line and delayed my-

Sir Topham Hatt: {cutting him off} Never mind that now.

{A whistle sounds in the distance.}

Molly: The new engine's here! I hope it's one of my brothers or sisters!

Narrator: The new engine puffed in from the distance. It was in the shape of an LNER B17. Molly was disappointed it wasn't one of her brothers, but at least he was an LNER engine, like Zack expected. Eagle and Dennis were disappointed too. Neville was impressed that he was a boy engine, and wondered if he had a connoisseur of fine music.

Sir Topham Hatt: This is 87546. He is the first B17 built since 1937, in the old London and North Eastern Railway.

87546: Hello, everyone.

Narrator: Molly showed 87546 around the line: the sheds, the sidings, and the construction site.

87546: This is a fine line you got here, but I'd like some rest now, so go away!

Molly: Humph. That's no way to treat a girl engine.

Narrator: 87546 was soon at work, but after three trains, he grew bored.

87546: I'm not doing any more work! Let the others do it for me.

Narrator: He did, too! He rolled into the nearest shed and there was nothing his driver or fireman could do to make him move one piston. Molly heard the news a little later, but the foreman told her to take 87546's next train.

Molly: That 87546's too lazy. I got my work to do. Nothing doing with his work!

Narrator: But there was nothing Molly could do. She angrily backed onto 87546's train, and the trucks were cross.

Troublesome Trucks: HEY! What was that for?!

Molly: That &@!# 87546's making me overworked!

Narrator: The trucks realized, and agreed with her. The other engines were cross too. They were getting worn out, and construction was held back. At the end of the day, Molly was very tired. She limped back to the sheds. She saw 87546, grinning widely.

Molly: I know it was you being lazy. You can help out, you know!

87546: Nah! Maybe later.

Narrator: Molly unhappily went back to sleep, thinking how to pay 87546 out.

Sing-a-Long Segment

{Cut to Molly and Emily at Tidmouth Sheds}

Molly: Now for the part of the show which all of you youngsters out there have a chance to sing right along with the Fab Four. Now when I give the down beat, I expect and every one of you to really give out with all you got! Ready now? Here we go!

Emily: Hold it Molly! That ain't no way to start a sing along!

Molly: It ain't? I mean, it isn't?

Emily: Heck, no! You first got to create the proper atmosphere for the song, with the proper stage setting, you see!

Molly: Err... I'm afraid I don't know much about that stuff.

Emily: Well, it's a lucky thing I happen to be taking a course in Interior Decorating. Now, just tell me what kind of song this is going to be, and I'll show ya what I mean!

Molly: Well, actually, it's a really swinging number!

Emily: A swinging number you say? I think I know just what it needs.

{quickly sets up a green curtain throughout the shed walls, and is on top of a wood podium}

Emily: Here, now! All set for the swinging number!

{CRASH! The interior of Tidmouth sheds is completely wrecked.}

Emily: That should be what we call is bringing down the house!

Molly: Swing- I mean, er- sing, people!

The Beatles:
Well I'd rather see you dead, little girl
Than to be with another man
You better keep your head, little girl
Or I won't know where I am

You better run for your life if you can, little girl
Hide your head in the sand little girl
Catch you with another man
That's the end'a little girl

Well you know that I'm a wicked guy
And I was born with a jealous mind
And I can't spend my whole life
Trying just to make you toe the line

You better run for your life if you can, little girl
Hide your head in the sand little girl
Catch you with another man
That's the end'a little girl

Let this be a sermon
I mean everything I've said
Baby, I'm determined
And I'd rather see you dead

You better run for your life if you can, little girl
Hide your head in the sand little girl
Catch you with another man
That's the end'a little girl

I'd rather see you dead, little girl
Than to be with another man
You better keep your head, little girl
Or you won't know where I am

You better run for your life if you can, little girl
Hide your head in the sand little girl
Catch you with another man
That's the end'a little girl

{Cut back to Tidmouth Sheds, somehow fully restored.}

Molly: I expect you folks to sing this next song with Gusto! And if Gusto couldn't make it today, sing it out yourself! Now, then, you ready? And a-one, and a-two, and a-

Emily: Offer, now Molly.

Molly: Oh, what is it this time, Emily?

Emily: You still haven't learned after all I taught about redecorating the room to fit the song!

Molly: Oh no, not in your life! Last time, you nearly wrecked the entire place!

Emily: I promise it won't happen again, Molly, jut give me another chance. Please?

Molly: Oh, well I guess I ought to have my smokebox examined, but- Aw, all right. This next number is one that really rocks.

Emily: Really rocks, you say?

{quickly assembles a dump truck filled with rocks and dresses as a construction worker}

Molly: What in blazes is that?!

Emily: You said it rocks, didn't ya? {CRASH! Rocks unload from the dump truck, all over Emily and Molly.}

Molly: Why did I ever listen to you? I must have rocks in my head!

Emily: Really? Try going like this! {laughs as she blows rocks from her funnel}

Molly: Sing, folks!

The Beatles:
Is there anybody going to listen to my story
All about the girl who came to stay?
She's the kind of girl you want so much
It makes you sorry
Still you don't regret a single day.
Ah girl
Girl

When I think of all the times I've tried so hard to leave her
She will turn to me and start to cry;
And she promises the earth to me
And I believe her
After all this time I don't know why

She's the kind of girl who puts you down
When friends are there, you feel a fool.
When you say she's looking good
She acts as if it's understood.
She's cool, ooh, ooh, ooh,
Girl
Girl

Was she told when she was young that pain
Would lead to pleasure?
Did she understand it when they said
That a man must break his back to earn
His day of leisure?
Will she still believe it when he's dead?
Ah girl
Girl

Part Two

Narrator: Next morning, she was in a bad mood. She had to pull her next train, as well as 87546's. Molly strained as she started.

Molly: Come on! COME on! Come ON! COME ON!!!

Narrator: She soon started to the construction site, very slowly. Molly was going about twenty miles an hour, and was very late. She later stopped for a drink. Then there was trouble in the cab. Her driver pulled the regulator, which cracked, and smoke billowed from the cab. The driver screwed the brakes on as fast as he could, and the fireman climbed out of the cab.

Molly: What's going on?

Molly's driver: Our workload's got the better of us. Your regulator is broken!

Narrator: The smoke soon cleared, and Molly's driver climbed back in the cab, while the fireman spoke to the signalman about Molly's regulator. The driver tried the reverser, but...

Molly: What's wrong right now?

Molly's driver: Drat! Every control in your cab has failed!

Molly: Now what?

Narrator: The foreman went to see 87546. And told him about the situation. 87546 felt ashamed. Reluctantly, he went off to help, and by the time he got there, Molly's cab had cleared of the smoke. 87546 shunted Molly into a siding, and set off with his workload, and returned later for Molly's.

Eagle: 87546? Helping?

87546: Well...

Narrator: 87546 suddenly saw Sir Topham Hatt. 87546 was worried, but Sir Topham Hatt was smiling.

Sir Topham Hatt: 87546, you might have caused confusion and delay earlier, but you have proved yourself a really useful engine. Molly will have to go the Sodor Steamworks for an overhaul.

Narrator: 87546 brought Molly to the Sodor Steamworks. There, she would have to be examined. The regulator busted in her boiler, causing all that smoke. Some of it got in the reverser, stopping her from working.

Victor: That means we'll have to dismantle your cab, firebox and boiler from your valve leaks, and separate the cab from the boiler to find the damage. That could take a week or two, and replace the regulator pack. Once that's done, Molly, we'll reassemble you, give you a final inspection, and you'll be back on the rails in a few weeks!

Narrator: Molly liked the sound of it. She worried it might take a bit longer. That night at Norramby sheds, Neville, Eagle, Dennis, Zack and 87546 were waiting for Sir Topham Hatt. When he arrived, he didn't realize Harley was nowhere in sight (again).

Sir Topham Hatt: As you know, Molly's got cab issues, and is right now at the Sodor Steamworks. She will back in working order in a few weeks. Also, 87546 will be staying on Sodor with us, and be named "Martin".

87546/Martin: Having a name is so much better than just a number, thank you sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: Anyway, we will have to work extra hard to finish the construction of the new station at Crovan's Gate. So don't be late and-

{A loud whistle is heard, puffing into the yards at full bore is Harley.}

Harley: {out of breath, with eyes looking very red} Terribly sorry for being late...

Sir Topham Hatt: This is getting to become a habit, Harley. At first, this was cute, but now this is becoming most annoying. It's just not on!

Harley: Well maybe if my driver would stop smoking weed, I wouldn't be so freaking late!

Narrator: All the engines gasped. His driver choked up with disbelief and so did Sir Topham Hatt. He was most displeased.

Sir Topham Hatt: Is this true?

Harley's driver: Well, er, I, errrrr... whoa dude! {chuckles euphorically}

Sir Topham Hatt: Search him!

Narrator: In a flash, the engine crews pulled the clearly stoned driver from the cab and searched his person. They found an unfeasibly large joint his pocket, along with a cigarette lighter and filter paper.

Sir Topham Hatt: A drug addict... {furious} on MY railway!!!

Harley: You can find the rest of his stuff in my cab.

Narrator: An hour later, the drug addled driver was taken away to prison as was the equally addled fireman who was also deeply responsible in his actions. It was later explained by Harley that he was fed marijuana along with his coal in an effort to shut him up. Everyone thought that poor Harley was the innocent victim in all of this. The engines felt sympathetic for him but also remorseful for teasing him so intensely for his constant lateness. Despite all of this, Sir Topham Hatt also felt responsible for all of this, not realizing that he had incompetent and drug fueled workmen on his line. It was lucky for him and the railway itself that no one was ever killed or hurt during the time when Harley's current crew worked on the North Western Railway. Nevertheless, he was cleaned out and shut away for a while in order to purge the evil drug from his system. In the meantime, Sir Topham hatt rung for a new crew... preferably non smokers. They wouldn't arrive until the next morning after tomorrow. The next two weeks went without an incident, and 87546 - now called Martin - worked his hardest and became friends with the other engines. Molly was soon back in working order again, as was Harley who had fully recovered. Two days after Molly's return, there was a grand opening for the new station.

Sir Topham Hatt: Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the grand opening of our new Crovan's Gate Station. Despite laziness from Martin the Gresley B17, things went smoothly in the end. I am proud to call him number 87 of Sodor.

Narrator: Martin had never felt prouder in his whole life. He was glad to be a member of Sodor.

THE END

Fun Facts

• This is the first appearance of 87456/Martin. His model is reused from Cecil.
• This is Molly's ninth mishap/accident, and possibly her most serious one.
• We discover that Harley's driver and fireman are drug addicts.
• Sing-a-Longs: Run For Your Life by The Beatles, Girl by The Beatles.