Bradford the large engine was often rude to the other engines. He had a strong disliking of Edgar, often making him late. One day, Edgar was carrying a train of fuel for the coal mine, until he was diverted to a siding. 

“What’s happening?” Edgar complained, “Is Timothy coming by with his passengers?”

“No, it’s Bradford,” said the driver. Along the main track was Bradford, coming by with empty gondolas. He blared his whistle at Edgar, laughing as he did.

“That dastardly engine!” Edgar complained, “Now I’m going to be late!”

Edgar arrived at the mine to find Timothy with coal cars. Edgar was still grumbling about Bradford.

“You’re late,” Timothy said.

“I know I’m late,” Edgar snapped, “I would have been on time if it weren’t for that old Bradford.”

“He’s just a little pompous,” Timothy whistled as he started to move away, “I’d just let him be, he’ll learn in time.” 

Edgar grimaced as his tankers started to be unloaded.

Steven was in the yard, taking Bradford’s cars away. Bradford left them on the middle track, blocking most of the line. Steven complained about the engine as Edgar hummed in. 

“That Bradford,” he complained, “He thinks he’s the greatest engine.”

“He’s a pain in my boiler,” Steven angrily commented, “Blocked the whole yard! It’s taken me hours to get it this good, even now it’s not acceptable.”

“He blocked me too,” Edgar replied, “I was late on my fuel run because he couldn’t fit in a siding.”

“I say we do something about him,” Steven huffed.

“What could we do?” Edgar asked, “He’s so much bigger than us.”

“And you’re bigger than me,” Steven answered, “Just you wait, I’ll show him.”

The next day, Steven set a line of cars to be taken by Bradford. Edgar came into the yard, seeing the train.

“What is going on here?” Edgar was confused.

“Just wait,” Steven answered, “Bradford is supposed to bring a train to the mainline, so I set it up for him.”

“That explains the length,” Edgar replied.

“The fun part however,” Steven laughed, “Is that I left the brakes on!”

Edgar sat in amazement as Steven laughed. Then, almost as if summoned, Bradford chuffed into the yard.

“Well now, good job shunting these little Steven,” Bradford boomed, “I’ll take them off your hands now.”

“Thank you Bradford,” Steven said while chuckling. 

Bradford coupled to the train and started to pull. However the train didn’t budge. He stopped for a moment before pulling again. However, the cars stayed in place. He heaved as hard as he could, the cars squealing in pain. The conductor eventually stopped him, shouting to Bradford’s driver.

“The brakes are still on,” the conductor said, “We won’t be able to move until we turn them off.”

Steven let out a loud laugh, Edgar chuckling next to him.

“Serves you right Bradford,” Edgar sang, “Maybe that should teach you respect!”

Bradford grimaced before moving away, grumbling as he did.

Later that night, as the sheds, Bradford was nowhere to be seen. He would return afterwards, however he would never stay for long.