Timothy and Elmer were two friendly engines. They worked together in the Ignis branch line, doing their jobs without fuss. Elmer was also a curious engine, not knowing much about the past of the railway. One night, the two engines were in their sheds. They just returned after a long day of work.

Elmer decided to ask a question, “What was the railway like before I was around?” 

“What do you mean?” Timothy replied.

“I’m a new engine,” Elmer replied, “Do you know of any fun stories?”
“I’m not really a story teller,” Timothy said, “But I’ve heard enough stories to know where to start.”

Back in the old days, there were only three of us engines. These engines are still around, and still work in other places. There was me of course, as the largest engine. I’d pull coaches and freight, mostly to the large station at the end of the line up to around here. Next was Arnold, who mostly did lighter loads and repairs. He could be quite disagreeable, rarely working his hardest. He was kind however, always having words of wisdom. Then was also Steven, a small little switcher. He was a hard worker, and although he complained he still enjoyed himself. He’s still around, and you might see him in the yard working. 

Our story takes place during a warm summer morning, and I was in the station. I had my coaches, and was getting ready to depart. The conductor blew his whistle, and signaled for me to leave. Steven however, though the conductor was signaling him. He pushed some cars out onto the line. There was barely any room in front of me, but I couldn’t stop. I bumped into the first car, an old flatbed, and pushed it off the line. I was pushed a little as well, and my guide wheels derailed. 

“Was that all?” Elmer asked, “Not much of a story.”
“I told you I wasn’t much of a story teller,” Timothy replied, “I’ll tell you more stories when I have more.”

“What happened to Arnold?”

”He left to work on a heritage railroad,” Timothy replied, “Something about how there wasn’t a reason for him to stay.” Timothy then quickly fell asleep, as Elmer followed suit.