I've been working on the railroad
by Shanawolf
First published
Coal Fire is a proud pony. Railroading is in his blood, as carting and drayage before the advent of the rails. Join him on his journeys, tri
Coal Fire is a proud pony. Railroading is in his blood, as carting and drayage before the advent of the rails.
Join him on his journeys, trials and tribulations working for the ever expanding Central Equestria Railway.
AKA: Why are those ponies pulling that train?
Chapter 1 - First Run
I’ve been working on the railroad
Chapter 1 - First Run
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There was a time when the idea of using carts on rails instead of roads was considered foalish by many of the upper crust of Equestrian society. Luckily for everypony, Princess Celesita and some of her farther sighted court have favored rational ideas and improvements to pony kind. I know this was not always so, but in the last 500 years she seems to have come around.
My name is Coal Fire. I was born into a hard working family of drayage and carting ponies for the coal mines. Papa married a unicorn, my mother, and so I and my sister were both blessed with good earth pony sense and a bit of unicorn magic.
I was seven years foaled when I saw my first locomotive pulled train. Back then they were pulled by earth ponies. Only the fleetest and strongest would do. Pulling up to six carts or carriages and running most of the way. It was a glorious time to be associated with the railways.
My Uncle Wheeler was a driver at the time, leader of his pulling team. He had spent the better part of a year in the stables learning to operate a new idea for the railroad. A self propelled cart which used steam to drive the wheels. The idea had come from a smart Colt in Manechester and had become a great success in hauling ore from the mines and along the docks. Now my uncle’s division was about to get its first locomotive in an attempt at long distance hauling, and he was to drive it.
It was a brisk fall day when papa took the family to the railroad station. The whole town was there as this was a grand event. A band was playing and bunting lined the streets. The mayor gave a rousing speech and everypony clopped in approval. Then a loud bell sounded and a slight chuffing sound erupted from behind a curtain along the tracks. Soon the front of this large monster, belching smoke and soot slid through the curtains, and my uncle was at the throttle.
Papa says my eyes became fixed on the machine and the grin on my muzzle he worried would pop my ears clean off. All I can remember was the look and the feeling of power in this amazing new contraption, and the pride in knowing my very own uncle had it by the reigns. He brought the beast up to the station platform as smooth as if it had been sliding on ice, and stopped it ever so gently right at the end of the station sign.
More fanfare and a few important ponies boarded the two coaches behind the locomotive. Papa was talking with Uncle Wheeler as he made his rounds oiling and caring for his charge. The next thing I knew, Uncle Wheeler was asking me if I would like to ride in the cab with him and Mr. Walker, who had been his team second.
I think I said yes, I hope I said something, but the next thing I knew I was up in the wooden cab and Mr. Walker in his new position as stoker or fire-colt was shoveling bits of coal into the roaring fire in the stove like opening in the cab. I was soon told that this was the back head and firebox of the locomotive’s boiler. Uncle Wheeler made sure I stayed in a safe place behind him as he and Mr. Walker checked to be sure everything was ready when a whistle from the back of the train alerted my Uncle. He waved back from the cab window, Mr. Walker pulled a chord hanging from the roof and the big bell on the top of the boiler began to swing and ring out. Uncle Wheeler adjusted a long bar sticking out from the floor of the cab, then a small lever on a stand, and then he moved another large bar along the front of the back head. A slow hiss arose and I felt a gentle tug and a bit of motion as the train began to move, ever so slowly.
The line from Bittsburg to Hoofington was 87 miles and without much effort the little locomotive had come up to the fastest speed I had ever seen a team of ponies pull a train, and then with a wink from Uncle Wheeler to Mr. Walker, he threw the throttle back all the way and we lurched even faster. Soon three Pegasus were swooping down and flying along side the racing train. Wonderbolts!
My Uncle gave them a wave and they peeled back, and I could barely see them begin a series of stunts for the dignitaries in the carriages we were pulling. I was torn in trying to catch a glimpse of the famous flyers and the sheer joy of watching to world whiz by as Uncle Wheeler and Mr. Walker went about the calm business of keeping this rocketing contraption smoothly running along the line as ponies of every kind raced to line the tracks and wave and holler to the racing steam train zooming through the countryside.
All too soon we came to a sign for Hoofington and my Uncle began to slow the train. We were still a few miles out, but as we came closer into town the more and more gradual the slowing became, until like before he brought the train to a stop right at the edge of the station.
More fanfare, more speeches and more bands and bunting at Hoofington station, but I was paying no attention. Uncle Wheeler was showing me all around the big locomotive, explaining all the rods and cranks, pointing to the points where he held a hoof to check for excessive heat and where he added a bit of oil here and there to help keep his charge in tip top condition. Soon he looked at the town clock and rushed us back into the cab. The festivities were calming down and the crowd of important ponies were boarding their carriages once again. A red pony wearing a blue cap and vest with a red tie with a white flag for a cutie mark on her flank approached the cab and Uncle Wheeler went down to talk with her.
Mr. Wheeler explained that the red pony was Punch, the conductor or guard for the train. He explained that she as conductor was actually in charge of the train and that he and Uncle Wheeler were under her orders for the movement and safety of the train and its passengers, but that Uncle Wheeler being driver was second in charge.
Soon Uncle Wheeler was back in the cab, and Ms. Punch walked along the train checking things as she went. Then Uncle Wheeler gave me the greatest gift I ever received. He said Ms. Punch had authorized him to let me sit at his lap and see how the locomotive ran. I was speechless and overjoyed.
I looked out the cab window and Uncle Wheeler quickly showed me all the gauges, pipes, hoses valves and levers along the back head. He explained what each was for and then he had me put on a spare set of gloves, a red neckerchief and the crowning glory, a blue and white striped cap just like he and Mr. Walker were wearing.
The last of the passengers had boarded and from the rear of the train Ms. Punch stood facing the locomotive, green flag and whistle in her mouth. Uncle Wheeler had told me to look out to see her. She blew the whistle and waved the flag. Mr. Walker pulled the bell rope and Uncle Wheeler set the reverser to forward from neutral, took the brake off, and then - he told me to put my hoof on the throttle.
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Author's note: This is my first attempt at a fan-fic.
Constructive criticism and suggestions are most welcome.
I hope you enjoy.
Chapter 2 - Finding Purpose
I’ve been working on the railroad!
Chapter 2 – Finding Purpose
Recap:
Soon Uncle Wheeler was back in the cab, and Ms. Punch walked along the train checking things as she went. Then Uncle Wheeler gave me the greatest gift I ever received. He said Ms. Punch had authorized him to let me sit on his lap and see how the locomotive ran. I was speechless and overjoyed.
I looked out the cab window and Uncle Wheeler quickly showed me all the gauges, pipes, hoses, valves and levers along the back head. He explained what each was for and then he had me put on a spare set of gloves, a red neckerchief and the crowning glory, a blue and white striped cap just like he and Mr. Walker were wearing.
The last of the passengers had boarded and from the rear of the train Ms. Punch stood facing the locomotive, green flag and whistle in her mouth. Uncle Wheeler had told me to look out to see her. She blew the whistle and waved the flag. Mr. Walker pulled the bell rope and Uncle Wheeler set the reverser to forward from neutral, took the brake off, and then – he told me to put my hoof on the throttle.
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I looked up at him with astonishment, but he just gave a smile and a wink and placed my hoof on the large lever along the back head, his hoof hovering over mine as he began edging the throttle back notch by notch. I could feel the great beast begin to stir as the throttle moved and instantly felt the connection. Again he moved the throttle back a bit more and again the engine responded; not instantly but with a slight hesitancy, as the engine seemed to think slightly before obeying its new commands.
Soon we were back up to speed. My uncle then taught me how to watch the water level, steam pressure gauges; how to listen to the engine to hear the works and the exhaust; what to look out for along the right of way and when we approached a tighter curve, how to gently slow the train with throttle and very little brake to enter the curve without disturbing the passengers in their travels. Coming out of the curve Uncle Wheeler took his hoof off of mine and said “Take her up to speed for me Coal.” Dutifully I edged the throttle back listening notch by notch as the great locomotive obeyed my silent pleas to help me get it just right. I felt it more than any real knowing. I held the throttle steady as we reached the maximum speed allowed for the run. I looked up at Uncle Wheeler and both he and Mr. Walker were grinning and beaming like proud parents – and then it happened. I felt a burning and tingling on my flanks like I had never felt in my life. It was like a sudden rush of hot steam throughout my whole body, from my hind hooves straight up and out my nose, into my ears, and out my horn.. I was woozy, and light headed. I could barely hear Uncle Wheeler and Mr. Walker as they both stared at me looks of astonishment on their faces.
Soon the sound of the engine returned and both Mr. Walker and Uncle Wheeler were yelling and slapping me across the back, congratulating me on getting my cutie mark.
I was stunned. Like every pony I had hoped one day to find my calling and receive my own mark, but all through magic school I had been only a fair student and didn’t have a lot of strength in my magic. I had always worried I might have to settle for some menial life that wouldn’t rely on my use of magic, but here, in the cab of this screaming beast, I knew I was destined to command her and her kind from this day forward. I rested my hoof firmly on the throttle, pulled my cap on a little tighter and stared down the track like a Pegasus through clouds. I was home.
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As we neared Ponyville Uncle Wheeler instructed me in how to slow the train for an easy stop at the station. I was allowed to take it in only so far because I didn’t yet work for the railroad and besides, I was still far too young, so Uncle Wheeler brought the train into the edge of the town proper. But he allowed me to keep my hoof on his as he glided the train to his usual stop along the station.
Ponyville was the end of the finished line at the time and was the final stop for the train that day. As I slid off Uncle Wheeler’s lap I looked down for the first time at my new cutie mark, a red and orange flame with two black diamonds, one on each side of the flame. Quite nice against my butter-yellow coat if I do say so my self.
We waited until all the passengers had departed and then Ms. Punch gave us the signal to pull forward away from the platform. We were to store the train on a siding built just for this occasion. There was a temporary turn around in the shape of a Y at one end of the siding for the locomotive to be turned, and a water tank and coal stathe along the track to service the engine for the return trip in the morning. Uncle Wheeler and Mr. Walker insisted I help in oiling and polishing the engine. Mr. Walker showed me how to bank the coals for the evening and even gave me a watch time to look in on the fire over the night.
As the town of Ponyville celebrated the new railway, this being the first actual train into the town besides the team driven construction trains, a smaller celebration was held by the railponies – in my honor. I was accepted into the Eternal Herd of Railway Ponies and each imparted just a little piece of their own experience and wisdom as the night wore on.
Far too soon the evening was nearing its end. I checked the locomotive’s fire at my time and then headed for the lodgings the railway had arranged for the crew for the night. I drifted off to sleep, the sound of a town in celebration still in my ears; well tired from a long days work.
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The morning came with the smell of pancakes cooking and strong bran coffee. Many of the construction gang were already up and getting ready for their day’s work. Uncle Wheeler, Mr. Walker and Ms. Punch were already at the table enjoying the conversation and camaraderie of fellow railroaders about their business.
I approached the table and was greeted with my own plate and cup, a full stack of wheat pancakes and raspberry/apple syrup and a cup of local apple juice. Ms. Punch had me sit next to her and the talk moved to the new rail route and how well the locomotive had done and the schedule for the trip back to Bittsburg. This was to be the first revenue trip open for general passengers behind the new steam locomotive and the president of the line was very insistent that everything be on time and to schedule.
Unfortunately, with the pressure of the President to be a perfect run, both Uncle Wheeler and Ms. Punch felt I should ride in the coaches with her, just to be on the safe side.
Ms. Punch allowed me to walk with her on her rounds of the train, collecting tickets, helping the passengers, and I even got a few bits as I helped some passengers with their bags. Ms. Punch explained her duties and more about how the whole railroad acts as one large family. Every part working with every other part to be sure the line was safe, that freight and passengers arrived and departed on time and safely. Most importantly, she impressed upon me the absolute authority of the Superintendent, the Dispatcher and the Rule Book. I didn’t know then just how important those three words would become for me, but her explanation gave me grave respect for each of them. "Go afoul of any one of them", she said, "and the moon would be a safer place to be."
When we finally arrived in Bittsburg my family were there at the depot to meet Uncle Wheeler and myself. Papa was so proud I had gotten my cutie mark, but he seemed a little stunned about how the railroad had seemed to snatch me away from a steady life behind a cart or desk. Uncle Wheeler just told him I’d make a fine hogger some day, whatever that was.
My markingday celebration was held and mother baked a wonderful cake with a picture of the first locomotive I had ever driven emblazoned in icing on the top. My friends were all there as well as Uncle Wheeler, Mr. Walker and his family and Ms. Punch and her husband. As a gift from my family, Uncle Wheeler had acquired an official railroad vest watch, including its certification from the railroad for official use. Inside the cover were inscribed these hallowed words – “Safety First and Always – And may Celestia guide your way.”
Chapter 3 - From Simple Beginnings
I’ve been working on the railroad!
Chapter 3 – From simple beginnings
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Life back in Black Rock wasn’t the same when my family and I returned from Bittsburg. My friends at school congratulated me on my cutie mark. Darla Skydance had gotten hers as well while we were gone. Apparently she had received hers during a sky-ballet show she was performing in. The powder blue filly with a cream and pink mane had received a pair of winged ballet slippers as her mark. Sort of ironic for such a rough and tumble tomcolt.
Our friend Crab Apple had had his for nearly a year and Lightning Slinger had received his when he was five. The spark he’d made with his horn had shot his dad 20 feet across their parlor and into the kitchen. Darla and I were the last of our class to receive our marks. We soon became known as the Black Rock Rail Crew. Every spare minute we would play railroad. Slinger was Superintendent, I was engineer, Crab my firecolt, and Darla our conductor. We had tied our four wagons together and pulled the ‘train’ all over Black Rock. Sometimes we even made a few bits delivering groceries from the store or pastries from the Bakers. We even pulled coal for Crab’s family farm. Crab, Slinger, Darla and I straining with all our might to get the heavy loads up the steep hills of the town.
I first started working for the real railroad shortly after I turned 12. I was hired to ride the passenger trains selling the Daily paper as well as fruit and candy during the trips. I could also earn a few bits in tips helping the porter handle baggage for the passengers. I rode from our station in Black Rock all the way to Bittsburg and then return. Our conductor, Mr. Bray, made sure I had time for my studies during the lulls between stations.
Uncle Wheeler began sending me apprenticeship books and any materials he could about railroading. I was doing alright in school, but I devoured all the manuals and instructions from Uncle Wheeler and what I was allowed though our Division office.
In the summer I applied to work the Bittsburg – West line. Uncle Wheeler was on that line and He and I hoped I could get a chance to work one of his trains. I received a letter from our Division Super and was temporarily assigned to the western end. As I packed to leave my mom began to cry. Pappy, as my dad had insisted I call him once I had received my mark, said she was both happy and sad that I was going away like a full stallion.
Pappy, momma and my sister Rose went with me to the depot. My friends Slinger, Darla and Crab were there as well. Slinger and Darla had just gotten summer jobs with the depot delivering telegrams and small packages. Crab was happy working the small family farm. We said our goodbyes and momma cried some more. Pappy gave me a small pouch, and from the jingle I could tell there were more than a few bits in it. “Just in case”, he winked. “You’ve made me so proud. Do as your Uncle tells you too and don’t ruin his house while you are staying with him. Do any chores he asks…” he stopped, realizing he had begun to lecture. “I know you’ll do the right thing, you always do.” He smiled and for the first time in my life, he held out his hoof for me to shake.. just like any full grown stallion.
I boarded the train and was soon whisking off to Hoofington, riding my muzzle as we call it. I was on railroad business and was riding under my first official employee pass.
Work on the western line was a pure joy. The line had reached Appleoosa and was pushing westward through Bitsmarck and eventually would reach Salt Lick City. I was assigned Uncle Wheeler’s train and was soon under the watchful eye of the evil Mrs. Punch. It was a private joke among the crew.
Along with my new assignment I was also made an official assistant porter. I was allowed to wear the red cap and help Whiney, our porter, with his regular duties as well as my own as paper and snack vendor. The run from Hoofington to Appleoosa was long and our train was half Pullmane sleeping cars. Whiney took me in hoof and showed me how to properly convert the stalls into proper sleeping beds, how the bedding had to be just so, and also how to shine shoes so they would sparkle in the sunlight. Passengers would leave their shoes along the outside of their bed curtain and it was our job to have them polished and ready in the morning before they awoke. Some passengers would tip awful well for a freshly shined set of shoes.
It was on our third week of my working with Uncle Wheeler that our crew was assigned to run a special train to Ponyville. This was to take a business car, two special Pullmanes, a diner and a private car to pick up several dignitaries of the royal court from Canterlot strait through to Manehatten. The branch line through the mountains to the capital city had been slow work and was barely a quarter the way into the mountains at this time so all Canterlot traffic either went by carriage or balloon from Hoofington or Ponyville, and Ponyville was far closer to the great city.
We arrived with our special in Ponyville in the afternoon, a day before our V.I.P.s were to board. Once we had the train settled in the crew pretty much had the rest of the evening off. Uncle Wheeler and Mrs. Punch checked in with the Station Master and turned in the train’s paperwork.
I had received my first pay from the new assignment and was heady with the amount. That plus the tips I had received meant that for a young colt in a new town.. I was loaded.
Uncle Wheeler made arrangements for us in the local hotel for the night. I was a working pony and insisted that I pay my share. He just smiled and said I was too much like my sire for my own good and ruffled my mane.
Ponyville had always had a mystique about it for me. It was there that I had been accepted into the railroad community. This had been my first time back in all those years, and it looked almost exactly the same as I had remembered from the station.
Uncle Wheeler basically told me to keep my muzzle clean while he and the crew headed to a local pub. Whiney wasn’t old enough to drink yet either but he had decided to stay with the train and study for his next railroad exam.
I clopped along the streets of this wonderful little town. Much more prosperous than Black Rock, it had many brightly colored buildings and some grand architecture. I was surprised being so close to Canterlot that it still had a small town feel about it.
Walking along the main road I noticed a wonderful smell drifting on the air; apples, cinnamon, berries, slightly burnt sugar and all sorts wonderful things. Soon I was standing at the source of these wonderful smells. The sign read Sugarcube Corner.
Entering the store there were a few other ponies inside. Two teen fillies and a Pegasus colt at a small table chatting and giggling. A pale-green country pony with a large pie for a cutiemark was talking with the clerk behind the counter. “You’ve done good with the store Carrot. You and Cup should come out to the farm and have supper some time.” The green mare said. “I’ll give Cup your invitation Mrs. Smith, see you later.” replied the clerk. I held the door open for her as she walked past with her saddlebags full. “Ouch!” she yelped half way out the store. “Blasted lumbago” she snorted and limped slightly as she walked down the street.
“Hey look, the circus must be in town.. it looks like one of the monkeys escaped.. what’s with the red hat monkey!” It was the colt, the fillies with him began giggling louder. I made my way to the counter as the clerk retorted “At least he’s working Ace. He’s probably got more bits than you’ll see in a year.” The Pegasus just snorted. “Take your time son” said the clerk as I stared at the displays.
PLAY
There are times when something happens and it sets your memory in that moment forever. For me that often happens when music is involved. I hadn’t really been paying attention to the music in the shop until I heard the bell over the door. I glanced over just as the opening flute riff of Marshall Bucker Band’s song began to play, and in an instant I was captured by the most beautiful filly I had ever seen in my young life as she glided bouncing to the music into the store.
The purple filly had the most wonderful pink mane, long and sleek, that fell just to her shoulders. Her cutiemark a simple group of three smiling flowers. “Hi Mr. Cake” she yelled, “I’m here to pick up mom’s order.” “Right here Cheerilee, that’ll be 7 bits.” Said the clerk as he brought the bag up from behind the counter. “Thanks Mr. C!” she said placing the bits on the counter. As she turned to leave she glanced up at me “Nice hat” she winked and giggled, gliding once more out the door, the faint smell of lilac overpowering even the sweet smells of the shop.
Faintly from behind the counter I heard the clerk ask: “So young sir, is there any thing I can get for you today?”