Steven is a very proud steam engine. He's the fastest engine on the Southern Isle of Britain. He loves to feel the wind blow around his funnel.
Steven pulled into Homestead, a head of schedule.
"You've broken the record again," said his driver.
"I'm the fastest!" boasted Steven, but not all the engines were impressed.
"Speed isn't everything," said Annie.
"Being reliable and really useful is though," said Belle.
"You slow engines will never understand," huffed Steven, "Because you'll never go as fast as me."
The American Controller arrived with news of a special for Belle.
"Belle," he said, "I want you to go to the docks and pick up a jet engine to take to the airfield."
"A jet engine?" asked Jack.
"Yes," said the American Controller, "A jet engine goes forward by pushing hot air out of it's back."
"Just like when you blow up a balloon," said Belle, "It's very fast!"
Belle headed up the line to New Brighton Docks. She had always liked to make special deliveries, but secretly, she wished she could go as fast as Steven. At the Docks, Belle saw the jet engine being unloaded by Buster the Crane. It was shiny, and modern, and Belle had never seen anything like it!
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Buster was taking his time, but Belle was getting impatient.
"Hurry up!" she said, "This is a special special!"
Buster didn't like to be told what to do, especially by an engine. He became grumpy and cranky. So much, that he was careless with his hook.
His hook knocked the switch, and the switch started the jet engine. The engine started to whine. The whine got louder, and louder!
"Oh no," said Buster.
Before Buster could say anything else, the jet engine was rocketing Belle up the track!!
"OH!!!" she cried.
The driver tried to put on the brakes, but Belle couldn't stop!!
"OH BOIII!!!" she cried.
The station master called ahead.
"CLEAR THE LINE, IT'S A RUNAWAY TRAIN!!!"
Signals were changed, and points were switched! Belle had never been so excited!!
Belle flew by Annie!!
And rocketed past John!!
And raced by Jack!!
They were amazed! Marty the Bus was excited when he saw Belle coming down the line.
"Want a race Belle?" beeped Marty.
Belle raced by, surprising Marty.
"Never mind."
No one had ever seen an engine go so fast!! Steven had no idea Belle was racing down the main line!
"I am the fastest!" he said.
Just then, he heard a noise, and looked to the other line, when Belle said, "HI STEVEN!! BYE STEVEN!!"
Steven could not believe his eyes!! Belle had just over taken him!! Soon, the jet engine ran out of fuel, and Belle was back under her own power.
She pulled happily into Homestead.
"Sorry for overtaking you back there Steven!" peeped Belle.
"Over take me?" asked Steven, "I didn't notice."
"You didn't notice the fastest engine on the island?" asked John.
"Yes! I am the fastest!" said Belle.
Jack felt a little sorry for Steven.
"Steven doesn't have to go as fast as a jet engine," he said.
"But he's still full of hot air!!" laughed Annie, and Steven, puffed away.
