Bradford the large engine used to take heavy loads across the bridge. It was a long and difficult journey, keeping the other engines from pulling a load across. The brass hat sent Bradford away Steven’s trick, leading to the other engines needing to take loads to the mainland. Usually an engine from the mainland would cross the bridge, however there was a rare occasion where another engine would need to take a load across the bridge.

One afternoon Timothy arrived at the station. He had been working hard all morning and was ready for a rest. The Brass Hat, who had been standing on the platform, waved cheerfully towards the engine.

“Ah yes, Timothy!” He cheered, “You’re just the engine I need.”

“For what sir?” Timothy asked.

“There’s a load that needs to be taken over the bridge. The mainland engines went and broke down on us, so someone else will need to take it. It’s too heavy of a load for Arnold or Steven, and Edgar is still doing his rounds. That leaves you to be the only one.”

“Well sir, I think I can do it.”

“You’ll have too,” the controller became stern, “They have a shed for you to rest on the mainland, however you need to leave right away.”

“Yes sir,” replied Timothy as he left for the yard.  

Steven had shunted the long line of freight for the engine. It had tankers of oil, cars of coal, flatbeds of machinery, and two cabooses. One sat in the middle to help with breaking, while the other sat near the end. Timothy filled with water and coal before departing.

Near the back of the yard were two engines from the mainland. There was a large yellow diesel with smoke coming from it’s top, with a lopsided steam engine next to him. 

“I doubt an engine that small could take it,” said the diesel.

“He’s far too weak!” Snorted the steamer. Timothy tried to pay them no mind.

“Quiet you!” Arnold snapped, “Neither of you can take it either. Timothy at least has the courage to try.”

Timothy smiled as he moved to the front of the train and pulled. His wheels slipped on the rails, causing sparks to fly through the air. Timothy, defeated, eventually slowed to a stop. The large engines laughed.

“What did we say?” They joked, “You engines are as close to worthless as you can get.”

“All he needs is a push,” Steven replied as he came behind the load. He whistled ahead, pushing with all his might as Timothy heaved forward. The two engines slowly moved out of the yard and onto the mainline, where Timothy quickly grew speed. Steven, who luckily stayed uncoupled, watched as he left. 

Timothy thundered along the line, whistling happily as he did. It was the grandest he had felt in ages. The freight cars behind him came smoothly, singing as they did. Timothy arrived at the start of the bridge, seeing children fishing at it’s base. He whistled at them as they waved back, watching him go by.

The bridge to the mainland is very long. Even Bradford took a day for a full trip, meaning Timothy would take much longer. The sun lowered below the horizon as Timothy calmly went across the sea. Below him were boats returning from a hard day’s work. All seemed to be going well until a loud SNAP was heard. Timothy felt a pain in his side as he slowed down, the cars pushing him further. He eventually came to a stop, letting out a loud sigh of steam as he did. His driver, fireman, and two conductors came forward to check on him. 

“There’s the problem Timothy,” said his driver, “Your side rod snapped. You can’t use all eight wheels now.”

“The trip would be impossible,” continued his conductor, “I’ll go call for help.”

“I can do it,” Timothy said, “The mainland is right there! I still have half my power, so I could go across.”

The four workers spoke to each other. Timothy could hear it, but assumed it would be bad news. 

“It’s possible,” said his other conductor, “However you’ll need to be fixed as soon as you get to the yard.”

“I’ll need repairs either way,” Timothy said. The workers smiled and returned to their posts. Timothy’s broken side rods were removed, being left on the side of the bridge. Sand was laid across the rails and under his wheels, helping his grip. The engine whistled loudly, heaving forward. He strained and strained, his wheels slipping on the rails. Then, slowly but surely, he started to move. 

The large engine whistled with joy, “I’ve done it! I’ve done it!” as he moved across the rails.  Timothy moved forward, slowly but surely bringing the train across the bridge. 

After hours of work, he finally arrived. Tired, broken, and hurting, Timothy slowly moved into the yard. Two small diesels shunted away the train.

“We’ll bring you to the repair yard as soon as we can,” said the diesels, “For now just stay where you are.”

“Repairs will take some time,” the conductor said to Timothy, “Another engine will have to do your work while you get repaired.”

Timothy however didn’t reply, as he was already asleep from the long day.