The Sudrians: The Salvation Collection

Trustworthy

A/N: This will only be three parts I'm afraid, don't think this really needs a fourth story, but hopefully you'll enjoy this trilogy! I had this in my head for a little while now and really liked writing for it!

Western Engine Oliver Again

Part I

The engines on the North Western had experienced a busy season of the half-term holidays in October. Lots of holidaymakers had come for the past two weeks and the engines were now getting back to their usual timetables and work effort. They were all very glad about this and now their lines were going back to normal. However, the Fat Controller decided to decide for one of the lines who had been one of the busiest and came to announce it Arlesburgh sheds where Oliver and Duck sat in.

"Due to influx we had recently," the Fat Controller announced, "I have decided that this line will be given a massive overhaul to cope for the busier seasons for next year and possibly for Christmas too. This means the line will be thoroughly inspected to see any bad bits of track and bridges and tunnels will also be given upgraded to be much stronger and steadier so to cope with the traffic more."

"Sounds like a very good plan sir," replied Duck, "but begging your pardon, will the trains continue running?"

"Unfortunately not," replied the Fat Controller, "luckily, traffic is predicted to minimal during this time so goods will more likely be going to Tidmouth Harbour and passenger and other goods will be driven by roads for a short time. Do not worry, everything will be back to normal by Christmas, I promise you that."

"Very good sir," Duck smiled, "glad to know we have a sensible controller carefully organising this!"

The Fat Controller chuckled. "No need to flatter me Duck," he said, "anyways, Harvey will be coming to help with this project and Duck you shall help him. However, Oliver, you won't be needed here for the time being so I'll be assigning you other work."

Oliver's face fell." So..." he said, "where shall I go?"

"Not far," smiled the Fat Controller, "only to Tidmouth where we'll see whether you can be a good station pilot for the other engines for the time being."

The western engine blinked in surprise, truth be told, Oliver had never shunted for the big engines at Tidmouth before, usually, the utility engines or the harbour engine would shunt their trains either at the station, harbour or marshalling yards. But was pleased that the Fat Controller could trust him with this task. But as the Fat Controller left, Duck had a few words to the western engine. "Pushing and pulling coaches about is a tricky task," he advised, "especially with your wheelbase, you've got to take care with shunting the trains there."

"Don't worry about it," smiled Oliver, "I'll take care and be fine, you will see."

Duck was a little hesitant, but all he had were words from Oliver to know that he could take care whilst at Tidmouth. Besides, he wasn't an overprotective parent. Oliver could handle himself easily enough. 

***

Three days later, Harvey arrived to help Duck with the overhaul, whilst Oliver headed to Tidmouth to stay with the other engines and help shunt their trains. When he got there, the other engines were pleased to see him.

"We haven't talked in a while," Alice smiled, "timetables don't make us clash! I'm glad to see you again Oliver."

"Thank you!" Oliver beamed back, "it's nice to be here too, I haven't slept in this shed in so long... and I can see why."