Most railroads closed or delayed trains during rainstorms. Engines would have wheel slips, trouble stopping, and general trouble along the line. One morning, rain was pouring down. 

“Looks like we’ll get a easy day today,” Edgar said, “If you’re late you can blame it on the rain.”

“Don’t cry wolf,” Timothy said, “The line is going to be slippery Steven, be careful while shunting. Arnold, try to keep your speed up. Edgar, don’t go too fast.”

“We’ve worked in the rain before,” said Arnold, “Be careful but work hard.” 

The engines then left the sheds to start their work.

Workmen would often be delivered to the coal mine every day. Usually, Edgar would pull fuel behind him. The weight however was too much for the rain, holding him back. 

“I’ll take it for you Edgar,” Arnold said, “Just be careful with the weather.”

“I know how to ride,” Edgar said snootily, “Just don’t be late.”

The rain hit Edgar’s face, and started to hurt him. 

“What a pain this is,” Edgar whined. 

Edgar was slowing down at the station. Usually, he would slow his brakes, causing sparks. Today however, he slid past the platform. He backed up, and let the workmen out. One workman scolded Edgar.

“We have no fuel to get the machines working,” said the workmen, “Then you miss the platform and make us walk in the mud. We’ll clean the machinery, just make sure Arnold brings the fuel.”

Edgar rolled his eyes and left. 

The oil tankers were full, and very heavy. Arnold wasn’t the strongest engine, but wanted to make up for tricking Edgar. The track ahead of him was being covered in sand. 

“Make sure to get the rails well up to the points,” said the train dispater, “Old Arnold here won’t be able to get enough momentum otherwise.”

“I’m on it sir,” said the workmen. 

Arnold started to push forward, having trouble with the rain. 

“Look out!” Someone called. Edgar was rushing along the line. He saw Arnold, and started to brake hard. Arnold tried to reverse, but the tankers were too heavy. Edgar went slower and slower, and almost stopped. The sand helped his wheels grip the rails, but it wasn’t enough. He bumped into Arnold, and pushed the caboose off the line.

Steven brought the controller with him to the wreck. 

“What happened here?” Asked the controller.

“Just a small crash sir,” said Edgar, “I couldn’t stop in time.”

“Well the weather is quite dreary,” said the controller, “I expected for you engines to be more careful. I’ll get Timothy to take your trains as your mended.”

The two engines were then carted away to the repair shed.

Arnold was awake that night, and so was Edgar.

“Wake up you old engine,” Edgar said, “I have a proposition for you.”
“And what’s that?” asked Arnold.

“You dislike freight cars, and I dislike passengers.”
“But I can’t carry passengers, I dislike them too.”
“Then neither of us shall do work,” Edgar said, “I’ll refuse to do my jobs, and you can refuse to do yours.”
“I like that idea,” said Arnold, “Neither of us shall do work until we get what we want.”