Edgar sat at the harbor one evening waiting for a train. Bradford was waiting for his train as well. He was being pompous as per usual.

“No amount of diesel could be as strong as me,” boomed Bradford, “Not on their own at least. I’m worth more than any diesel could ever be.”

“We get started faster,” Edgar said, “Just watch!”

He then started pulling on his train. The trucks however disagreed, holding back. Edgars wheels spun on the rails, letting off sparks and a loud screeching sound. 

“What did I tell you?” Bradford kept teasing “You diesels are nothing compared to a good steam engine, such as myself.”

Edgar eventually got himself moving, however he was certainly upset. 

Edgar was embarrassed with his earlier run in.

Arnold brought some workmen to lay new ballast along the line. It was damp out, so the line had to be sanded before Arnold would move. Bradford was coming along the line and had to slow down.

“There’s workers ahead, we don’t want another innocent,” Bradford said to himself. He slowed to practically a stop, and kept going along the line. The workers didn’t pay him any mind. 

“You don’t have to go slowly,” Arnold called, “You’re far enough away.”

This delighted Bradford. He let out a long whistle, then started puffing with all his might. However, he barely moved. Arnold laughed at him, as did the workers, as Bradford stopped his wheels. 

“Bit of a wheel slip there,” called Arnold, “You’ll need sand to get moving!”

Bradford placed sand on the rails and slowly but surely started pulling away.

That night, Bradford had to share the sheds with the other engines. This made him quite upset, and he let them know it. Arnold however was the first to speak up.

“You have an awful lot of chatter about being better,” Arnold said, “When all it takes is a bit of rain to slow you down.”

The engines chuckled, and Timothy started talking about his days with the rain. The others paid him no mind, they were too busy making fun of Bradford.

Eventually a voice said, “I guess even a good steam engine such as yourself isn’t much better than us diesels.” Bradford never figured out who said it, but we could probably guess who.