Episode 12 - Ring My Belle

It was a bright, and sunny siku on the Island Of Sodor. Sean the Amtrak Engine was pulling a passenger train near the tafuta & Rescue center. He had to stop at a red signal, and near him was Belle.

Neither engine had ever seen each other before, but Sean thought that Belle was a beautiful engine. "Hello." He said, being a little nervous.

"Hi." Replied Belle. "I never seen wewe before. What do wewe do here?"

"Sir Tophamm Hat has me pull passengers. What do wewe do?" Asked Sean

"I work for the tafuta & Rescue Center. My job is to take out fires."

"Is that why wewe have water cannons attached near your water tanks?" The silver diesel asked.

"Yes," Continued Belle. "I can put out many fires. Sir Tophamm Hat says I'm a really useful engine, but I would like to pull trains someday."

Then, an idea came to Sean. "I'll speak to Sir Tophamm Hat, and see what he says."

This made Belle happy. "Thank you." She puffed. Just then, the signal dropped, and Sean continued on with his passenger train.

Meanwhile at Maithwaite, Sir Tophamm Hat was talking to the station master. "We're expecting a lot of fuel to arrive here for the engines," he informed Sir Tophamm Hat, "They need to get to Knapford."

"Bother." alisema Sir Tophamm Hat. "All of my engines are busy. It'll be difficult to find an engine to bring the fuel to Knapford."

Just then, Sean arrived with his train. "Sir, may I ask wewe something?"

"What would wewe like to ask me?" Smiled Sir Tophamm Hat.

"Belle says she would like to pull trains someday. Is that alright with you?"

Sir Tophamm thought about it. He did need another engine to pull the fuel cars to Knapford. "Very well. I will speak to her about this at once."

Then, Sean went off to continue with his work.

The inayofuata day, Sir Tophamm Hat went to the tafuta & Rescue center to talk to Belle. "I heard wewe want to pull trains for me. Well you're in luck. I need wewe to take a train of fuel cars to Knapford."

"I won't let wewe down sir." alisema Belle happily. She set off to start her work.

When she arrived at the station, she saw ten fuel cars, and a conductor's van. "This must be my train." She said. Belle was excited, and nervous at the same time. She wanted to do a good job pulling the train.

The porter checked to make sure everything was in order, the conductor waved his green flag, and Belle was ready to go. She blew her whistle while blowing smoke from her cylinders as she eased out of the station with her train.

Things were going well, but what Belle didn't realize was that the track in front of her was blocked. Henry was taking empty flatbed, tambaza cars to the smelters yard. Unfortunately, a signalman was being too reckless, and set the points while Henry was on them, causing the green engine to derail.

Belle started to go up Gordon's hill. The train was heavy, but she found it easy getting her train up the hill. One of the freight cars had a plan. "Belle has never pulled a freight train before. Let's push her down the hill, and see how she likes it."

The other freight cars agreed, and as Belle started going downhill, they began to push her. She felt the cars pushing against her, but the big tank engine knew just what to do. She applied her brakes, and they were slowing down. Then she saw Henry, "Oh dear. Henry is derailed in front of me. I must stop."

She had her brakes hard on, and within a few seconds, she stopped just in front of Henry.

The freight cars were kuvuka, msalaba that their plan didn't work, but they were most annoyed with having to wait for Henry to be put back on the rails. When he was back on track, Henry continued taking his flatbeds to the smelters. Then, Belle set off with her fuel cars.

When she arrived at Knapford, Sir Tophamm Hat was waiting for her. Belle stopped at the station, and Sir Tophamm Hat was pleased. "Well done Belle. wewe got your train here quickly, and safely. I also heard that wewe prevented the freight cars from making wewe crash. I am honored to say that wewe are a really useful engine. Would wewe like to pull trains sometimes?"

"Oh yes please." alisema Belle. She was really happy. Now, whenever she isn't busy, Belle pulls trains for Sir Tophamm Hat. Often, wewe can see her pulling freight, but is also glad to pull passengers. Sean is happy for her, and is glad to see her pulling trains.