Author's notes: I love this one! This episode is like the 'Hurricane Fluttershy' of the RWS world, and any episode that resembles that episode well makes me a happy person. There is also a turn of the tables here. See if you can spot it. Also, quick heads up, Fergus arrives on Sodor in 1961 and is a L&YR Class 21. Belle comes in 1966, the same year this takes place, and works the mainline. And I forgot to note this in the other story, but Arthur arrived in the same year Belle did and is head of the Krik Ronan branchline.

Edwards Exploit

Narrator: Edward and Fluttershy were not pleased at all when they heard what the twin engines had done. They scolded them severely and gave them all the stare.

Edward: (Giving the stare) Shame on you two engines! That was not funny at all!

Fluttershy: (Giving the stare ) Edward's right. You two engines owe Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Rainbow Dash and Gordon and apology right now!

Bill and Ben: We're sorry.

Rainbow Dash: It's alright

Gordon: Just don't let it happen again.

Edward: Now, run along you two. There's plenty of work to be done.

Narrator: The twins scampered off. But Edward wasn't done yet.

Edward: As for you two! It served you both jolly well right for being so rude about branchlines.

Gordon/Rainbow Dash: WHAT?!

Gordon: How dare you! Do you realise all the trouble we've went through?

Rainbow Dash: Not to mention what those brats did to us.

Edward: Well, you two brought it upon yourselves with your usual pomposity! Perhaps this experience will teach you to watch what you say in the future!

Narrator: Gordon and Rainbow Dash were furious. A few days later, Bertie the bus and Spike the baby dragon were giving some railway enthusiast a tour of the Island Of Sodor, from the Skarloey Railway to the Culdee Fell Railway and upon down the mainline and along Thomas' branchline. On there last afternoon, Edward was rostered to take them along with Princess Celestia to meet Bill and Ben to visit the china clay works. Rarity and Rainbow Dash were jealous when they heard about the arrangements and they didn't hesitate to express they're feelings at Knapford Hotel.

Rarity: I just can't understand what possessed Princess Celestia and the Fat Controller to roster an old out of date and clapped out and completely useless engine like Edward instead of modern up to date engine like James.

Miss Ravens: Now that was rude! Edward may be old but he is very reliable engine and very useful. Who saved yours and James' life when you him ran away? It was Edward, and he did it with worn bearings and he got overhauled for that too. He still runs reliably today.

Rarity: That was many years ago! He may have been able to do it then but he cannot now. He's far too old.

Rainbow Dash: Yeah listen dudette, no matter how many times that old timer has been repaired, that clapped out failure will never be as good as Gordon!

Rarity: Nor will he ever be as good as James.

Narrator: Miss Ravens glared at the 2 ponies.

Fluttershy: Don't pay any attention to them. They're probably just jealous. Come on. Lets get Edward ready.

Narrator: They went off, got Edward all ready, got the coaches and set out to the station. At Tidmouth Station, Henry, Gordon, James, BoCo, Duck, Sally, Bridget, Belle, the mane 6, Big Macintosh and Braeburn were all there. Soon, the guards flag waved, the whistle blew and Edward started off but he found it hard to start the heavy train and his wheels spun and spun.

Fluttershy: Oh my. Try to take it easy Edward. Please, easy now.

Edward: (Straining) NGGHGH! Don't worry, I'll be fine!

Narrator: The others were quick to remark and criticize.

Henry: Look Applejack. Do you see him straining?

Applejack: I sure do. I hope he doesn't hurt himself.

Edward: (Straining) NGGHGH! Ggguuughhhaaa!

James: PAH! THIS IS JUST POSITIVELY PAINFUL to watch and utterly rich. Pah ha ha ha!

Rarity: I couldn't agree with you more James! That senile old fool is going to knock himself to bits! Hmph. I wish I had camera to film this.

Gordon: This is just pathetic!

Rainbow Dash: took the words right out of my mouth big G. HEY OLD TIMER! NEXT TIME, STRETCH YOUR WHEEL MUSCLES OUT! HA HA HA HA GET IT, WHEEL MUSCLES?

Gordon: YOU SHOULD JUST GIVE UP AND BE PRESERVED BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

Duck: SHUT UP! Your all jealous! Edward is better than any of you engines and ponies!

Braeburn: Now you lot knock it off.

James: Pah! Yeah right. You think I want to be as good as that worthless pile scrap iron!

Rainbow Dash: Yeah seriously. I mean look at him. He can't even move the train out of the station. HEY OLD TIMER! YOU KEEP STRAINING YOURSELF AND YOUR GONNA BURST YOUR BOILER SOON.

Edward: (Straining) gghhhhhb ugghhhmmmmmmrrhhhh,…. Oh don't you two count your chickens before they hatch I'll manage alright just you watch me

Twilight Sparkle: You leave him alone! Edward is a very special and a really useful engine!

James: Pah! Yeah right!.

Applejack: Hey, lay off him! Old Edward is just as reliable as any of ya'll!

Sally: That's correct. He didn't complain about shunting when all of you lot were turned off by that idea.

Bridget: Not only that, but he has remained loyal and faithful to all his friends and family and not once turned them down.

Belle: Cut him some slack guys, especially you, Gordon! Edward may be old, but he always gets his trains through. (Thinks) It's times like this why I wonder he and I hooked up.

Fluttershy: Just because Edward is old, doesn't mean he's down and out. He is still a reliable engine and you have no right to be a bully and bully my friend!

BoCo: Your right guys! Edward maybe a bit old but he'll surprise us all, so back off!

Big Macintosh: Eeeyup!

Narrator: At last, with a great effort, the train jerked and Edward finally steamed out of the station.

Edward: I've done it! Heh we're off! I've done it we're off! heheheh

Fluttershy: Good job Edward that's a good engine.

Mr. Holden: That a boy Edward keep it up.

Miss Ravens: Right, now let's try to make up for lost time.

Narrator: At Brendam station, Bill and Ben waited anxiously for Edward's train.

Bill: I don't understand it? Edward should have been here by now.

Scootaloo: I hope he's alright and not hurt.

Apple Bloom: Or forgotten about us.

Ben: Nah, he's alright. He's bit old but he's a pretty strong engine. He's probably not bringing them because of what we did to Gordon and Rainbow Dash.

Bill: Yeah but it was funny though.

Scootaloo: For that, it would serve you right if he didn't want to bring them.

Narrator: At last, Edward clanked in…

Bill: There he is. Oh thank goodness your okay Edward. I'm ready for my close up now.

Edward: Heheheh. Well there's a coincidences because… whew! I'm ready for my rest up. Oh my… I'm certainly not as strong as I used to be.

Fluttershy: There there Edward. You did great.

Miss Ravens: Yea,h 6 coaches by yourself. That has to be a great achievement.

Mr. Holden: That's right. My father would be so proud of you.

Edward: Heheheh, Thank You. You guys are the greatest friends.

Narrator: Bill and Ben were delighted with their visitors. They loved being photographed and took the party to the China Clay Works in a brake van special. They were photographed and fussed over all afternoon, everyone had splendid time and the visitors and Princess Celestia were most impressed.

Celestia: Well I must say, this is a very marvellous quarry you all have. You two must be proud of working for the most important quarry on Sodor.

Bill/ Ben : Golly …. Um thank you princess Celestia.

Celestia: Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, you too are doing well I hear from Edward.

Scootaloo: Thank you Princess.

Apple Bloom: It's a great honour, though will we still be able to work with your sister, Princess Luna, on the Skarloey railway?

Narrator: Princess Celestia smiled.

Celestia: Of course.

Narrator : the two little foals were very happy. Then they went back and Fluttershy, Miss Ravens Mr. Holden and Edward took the visitors home.

Ben: Well, aren't you glad that Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stopped us from teasing Gordon and Rainbow Dash? Otherwise we would have missed out on grand day out Bill.

Bill: You've got that right. Thank you Edward and Fluttershy. We had a cracking good time.

Edward: Heheheh. Well that's alright you two.

Fluttershy: We're glad that you had a wonderful time.

Edward: But Fluttershy and I promise that if you two engines behave yourselves, we'll bring you more visitors and enthusiast's.

Scootaloo/Apple Bloom/Bill/Ben: HOORRAYY!

Narrator: The visitors climb aboard Edward's train and they set off. But on the way home however, the weather changed for the worst.

Fluttershy: Oh… My… Edward, it looks like a storm is coming.

Edward: Don't worry about me. We'll make it. I'm just glad your safe and warm in my cab with Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens.

Narrator: Wind and rain buffeted Edward violently. Fluttershy was now more worried than ever. Edward's sanding gear had failed. His wheels slipped violently and Mr Holden and Miss Ravens rode up front, dropping sand from buckets on to the rails by hand whilst Fluttershy drove Edward.

Edward : Come on! Come on! Come on! Oh dear Fluttershy, this is dreadful.

Fluttershy: Keep it steady Edward! Keep it steady!

Narrator: But there was worse to come. Suddenly, before Fluttershy could check them, Edward's wheels slipped fiercely again and again. Then, with loud shrieking ear shattering crack, something broke and battered Edward's frame and splashers up and out of shape and shattering a window on the right hand side of his cab.

Edward: (In pain and agony) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!

Fluttershy: (Scared) ugh…. Oh my! Edward!

Narrator: Fluttershy quickly stopped the train whilst Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden jumped down and examined the damage. The visitors gathered round to see what was the matter. Princess Celestia joined them.

Celestia: What is going on here? (Gasp)

Mr. Holden: I'm sorry Celestia. Edward's hurt badly. No time to explain. Please get everyone back into the carriages.

Celestia: Right away Mr. Holden. Everyone, please return on board the train so that the crew can work out the damage.

Edward: OOooohh…. Goodness gracious me…. That certainly wasn't a pleasant experience.

Mr. Holden: Oh my goodness. I don't believe it!

Miss Ravens: Oh, this is terrible. It's a wonder it didn't crack the boiler. Fluttershy, you better get down here and have a look at this and fetch our tool box.

Narrator: Fluttershy quickly came over with the toolbox and what she saw made her want to cry.

Fluttershy: (On the edge of tears) Oh my poor Edward. I should have been more careful with him. I'm so sorry.

Mr. Holden: It's alright you this couldn't have been helped. Here, please hand me that wrench.

Narrator: Soon, Mr. Holden, Miss Ravens, and Fluttershy quickly worked hard to repair the damage. It took some time, but at last, Fluttershy had news for Edward.

Fluttershy: (In tears) Oh dear I'm afraid that one of your crank pins has broken Edward. It caused the side rods to snap. That's what caused the damage your frames and splashers. I should have been keeping a better eye on you. It's all my fault.

Edward: Oh no no no no. It's alright. I don't blame you at all Fluttershy darling. It just happened and it couldn't be helped. But the question is, will it be alright? And what do we do?

Mr. Holden: Well, we've taken your side rods off which means your now going to work like an old fashioned single engine.

Miss Ravens: There's a good chance it'll work. But it will depend on you. The visitors and Princess Celestia must get home tonight.

Fluttershy: Um, so do you think you can manage? Um… that is if you want to manage?

Edward: Well theres only one way to find out. ( smiled bravely) And I'll have jolly good try too.

Fluttershy: That's a good engine Edward. Come on, we'll give you good starting point to start at and then we'll work it from there.

Narrator: So they backed Edward down to where the line was more level and Edward gave a great heave. The modified K2 Larger Seagull puffed and pulled an puffed as hard as he could.

Edward: (Straining) UUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH! UUUGGH! UUUGGHH! COME ON! ARGGHHHH! COME ON! COME ON!…UGGGGHHH! I CAN DO IT!...GGGHHHAGGRRHH! I CAN… DO IT!

Miss Ravens: That a boy Edward. Come on. Just try hard!

Edward : I CAN ….DO…. IT!… UUGGGGHH!

Narrator: But try as he might, his wheels just kept spinning and he just couldn't start the heavy train. The passengers were starting to get anxious and some cross. It was right there and then that Edward started to lose his faith and confidence and self respect and he began to burst into tears.

Edward: (Sobbing ) I can't do it…. I Can't do it! (Sobbing in defeat) I can't do it!... Oh dear Fluttershy. I'm so sorry I failed you. I'm sorry. (Sobbing defeated) Gordon, James, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were right…. oh just look at me and all the trouble I've now caused you. I'm nothing but an ancient worn out decrepit shadow of my former usefulness. Just an engine passed his prime. I'm no longer useful to you anymore. I'd probably be better off stuffed and mounted in a museum or better yet a scrapyard. That's all I'm useful for you now fluttershy. (Sobbing and cry)

Narrator: Fluttershy was shocked. Then she remembered all the times and adventures they had had together. From Edward's return to steam, to helping out when the big engines went on strike, to saving they're friend Trevor the traction engine, and especially that day they saved James and Rarity, through which Edward had helped her gain confidence that helped to rescue them. Fluttershy now realised that it was now her turn to help Edward. She flew up in front of his smokebox and spoke to him from her heart and gave him the stare but this one had more compassion in it rather than discipline in it..

Fluttershy: That is absolutely enough of that kind of talk Edward! That is not the Edward that we all know and love! The real Edward would never ever I repeat never ever give up! You can do it! And you will do it!

Edward: (Doubtfully) But how I….

Fluttershy: Do you remember when James runaway out of control many years ago with Rarity on board? I had no confidence and I was scared that I was going to hurt you if I pushed you too hard, but you reassured me to keep going, and you know what we did save them on worn out bearings. You can do it. I know you can.

Edward: But the coaches are way too heavy. I can't move them all on my own.

Fluttershy: On your own… That's it! I've got an idea. I'll be right back. I'm going to tell Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens.

Narrator: So she flew down and told Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden whom then told the guard and they all agreed on the plan.

Miss Ravens: Yes, that's it. Your right Fluttershy. It's our only hope to get the train going.

Mr. Holden: I'm with you, but we better work fast.

Narrator: So Fluttershy, Mr. Holden, Miss Ravens and the guard went all along the train making adjustments between the coaches. Fluttershy and the two drivers returned with the news.

Mr. Holden: Okay Edward. We've all loosened the couplings.

Miss Ravens: That way, you can pick your coaches up one by one just like you do with trucks.

Edward: Oh thank you guys. That'll be much easier.

Fluttershy: That's the spirit Edward, we'll be with you every wheel turn of the way. Just do your best.

Narrator: So with Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens sanding in front, Fluttershy gently eased out the regulator and Edward moved cautiously, ready to take the strain as the tender coupling tightened against the weight of the first coach.

Edward: (Straining) ugh…. Alright Edward….. ugh… This is no different than pulling trucks in the yards…ugh….just …. Need… ugh.. to uses… ugh… some ugh…. Axel grease… ugh… come on…ugh….

(Flashback 1)

Henry : Look do you see him straining?

(Present)

Edward: (straining) Might….well… ugh… be…ugh…..straining.. ugh….

(Flashback 2)

James: Oh. positively painful.

(Present)

Edward : (straining) may…ugh…..well…ugh…be… ugh…. Painful…ugh….

(Flashback 3)

Gordon : Just pathetic!

(Present)

Edward : May…ugh….even …seem pathetic….ugh….

(Flashback 4)

Rarity: That senile old fool is going to knock himself to bits! Hmph.

(Present)

Edward: I… ugh… may….ugh… even knock… ugh ….myself to bits…. Ugh….

(Flashback)

Rainbow Dash: HEY OLD TIMER! YOU KEEP STRAINNING YOURSELF AND YOUR GONNA BURST YOUR BOILER SOON.

(Present)

Edward: I may even….ugh …. Burst…. My ….ugh…. boiler…ugh..

Fluttershy: Come on Edward. We've done all we can…

Narrator: Edward was starting to strain even worse and worse. Fluttershy covered her eyes.

Fluttershy: HHHHNNNNGGG… I can't look!

(Flashback)

Duck: SHUT UP! Your all jealous! Edward is better than any of you engines and ponies!

Applejack: He lay off him! Old Edward is just as reliable as any of ya'll!

Twilight Sparkle: You leave him alone! Edward is a very special and a really useful engine!

Sally: That's correct. He didn't complain about shunting when all of you lot were turned off by that idea.

Bridget: Not only that, but he has remained loyal and faithful to all his friends and family and not once turned them down.

Belle: Cut him some slack guys, especially you, Gordon! Edward may be old, but he always gets his trains through.

BoCo: Your right guys! Edward may be old but he'll surprise us all !

Big Macintosh: Eeeyup!

(Present)

Edward: BUT…I'M….NOT …READY…. FOR PRESERVATION! JUST …YET! ..GGGGGGGGHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

Narrator: At last with a mighty effort, the first coach moving helped to start the second the second helped the third and so on down the train and at last the train was finally in motion again. Edward felt so happy his wheels spinning with excitement.

Edward: (Proud excited) I've done it... I've Done It! HEHEHHAHA! I'VE DONE IT! HAHAHAHA OH YES! I'VE DONE IT! HAHAHA OOH YES! I'VE DONE IT!

Fluttershy: Steady Edward!

Narrator: Fluttershy skilfully checked the wheel slip and at last they finally crest the top and coasted down the hill to the Tidmouth. Mr. Holden, Miss Ravens and Fluttershy were delighted.

Mr. Holden/Miss Ravens: WELL DONE EDWARD! YOU'VE GOT THEM! YOU'VE GOT THEM!

Fluttershy: EDWARD GOT THE TRAIN MOVING he Did it! he Did it! YYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!

Narrator: All three listened happily to Edwards steady beat as he forged slowly but surely ahead. The passengers were thrilled most had there heads out of the windows they waved and shouted cheering Edward on. At Tidmouth, The Fat Controller anxiously paced the platform. Henry and Applejack waited impatiently too with the special train at platform one.

Fat Controller: Where in the name of Sodor is Edward? I hope we haven't another incident with him and Gordon. Oh dear. I couldn't bare to suffer another experience like that again.

Henry: Perhaps Gordon was right after all. Maybe he is fit for preservation.

Applejack: Well I wouldn't count your apples before they ripen.

Narrator: Soon they heard a horse whistle, then battered, weary but unbeaten, Edward clanked into platform 2. The Fat controller stepped angrily forward and pointed to the clock.

Fat Controller: And what kind of time do you call this Edward…

Passenger 1: You were splendid Edward.

Fat Controller: Huh? What the devil are you talking about? Your actually happy he's late?!

Passenger 2: Oh hang the lateness. We would never had made it back if it wasn't for him. This engine and his crew and pony are our hero's.

Celestia: Indeed they are Sir Charles Topham Hatt. I think you should be proud of them Edward is a really useful engine.

Narrator: The passengers cheered and thanked Edward, Fluttershy, Miss Ravens and Mr. Holden to an echo. Then hurried off to board Henry's train, Henry steamed away into the night to another storm of cheers but not before everyone knew of Edwards exploit.

Applejack: Told you Henry. Never count your apples before they ripen.

Henry: Your right. Gordon, James, Rarity and Rainbow Dash were wrong after all. Heh wouldn't be the first time. Hahahaha. Well done Edward old boy.

Miss Ravens: You did very well Edward. My mother and grandmother would be very proud of you.

Mr. Holden: Indeed. We're all very proud of you Edward. A lesser engine would have just sat there and do nothing but you brought the train home one cylinder. My father and grandfather would be very proud of you as well.

Fluttershy: They're right. You were magnificent out there. Well done Edward. I'm very proud of you and even prouder to be your friend.

Narrator: The Fat Controller and Princess Celestia walked over,

Fat Controller: Princess Celestia is right. I am very proud of you! You truly are a really useful engine and always will be. No mistakes, I will send you to the works to be mended first thing tomorrow.

Princess Celestia: And Fluttershy, I heard about your pep talk to Edward, and I'm exceptionally proud of you too.

Princess Celestia/Fat Controller : Well done for such a valiant effort.

Edward: (Panting smiling) Thank … you sir and Malady…

Fluttershy: Thank you Princess Celestia and thank you Sir.

Narrator: Edward went thankfully to sheds where Duck and BoCo saw to that Edward was left in piece. Gordon and James abashed remained respectfully silent.

Duck : He proved us right BoCo.

BoCo : He certainly did Duck he certainly did.

Narrator: Back at Knapford hotel, the main 4 drivers, or should I say the main 5 drivers, and the ponies all made sure that Mr. Holden and Miss Ravens and Fluttershy were left peace whilst a very abashed Rainbow Dash and Rarity apologised and left them in peace. The Fat Controller had left BoCo in charge of Edward's line until Edward was mended. BoCo worked hard and now he, Fergus, Big Mac, Fluttershy and Edward all run it together. Bill and Ben still tease him, but BoCo doesn't mind. He lives at Edward's station but is welcome everywhere for he is now part of the family. Donald and Douglas were the last to accept him, but he helps them with their goods trains and one day they were heard to remark.

Donald/ Douglas: Yer know, for a diesel, yon BoCo is nae such a bad sort of engine.

Narrator: That, from the caledonian twins, is high praise indeed.

And that was 'Mainline Engines'! What's next? Ooh! 'Small Railway Engines'! Awesome!