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It was an average day in Baltimore. The engines were all working hard on freight and passenger trains all around the B&S system. Many people enjoyed the engines. Not only did the engines help the world by carrying passengers and freight, but they also enjoyed them for being there when people were feeling down. However, it’s in the U.K. where sentient engines were most heard of. The North Western Railway of Sodor was well known for having sentient trains, including the one and only Thomas the Tank Engine. Foreign engines with the B&S were not uncommon, seeing how they have a Japanese steam engine and an Argentine EMU, but people wondered when the 2 railroads would meet each other.

One day, Eric was doing work as a temporary shunter while Lemmy was away. He was putting some centerbeam flatcars away in a siding when he overheard something.

Eric (To Himself): That sounds like Andrew.

He got closer to listen. Andrew was being told by Mr. Collins about something.

Andrew: WOW. They’re actually doing it? No wonder why I overheard people talking about that non-stop!

Eric (To Himself): What the hell is he talking about?

Eric moved even closer but Andrew sped away.

Eric: Shit. I must find out what’s going on.

Later on, Eric arrived back at the engine servicing facility in Baltimore. He once again heard and spotted Andrew. This time, he was talking to Grant.

Andrew: So I can’t believe this is happening!

Grant: I know! It’s incredible that they are doing this!

Eric figured that if he was gonna find out, he had to join in on the conversation, but when he was about to get on the turntable, a ship whistle could be heard, scaring Eric’s driver and causing him to derail on the turntable bed.

Eric: DAMN IT!!!

Andrew: Had a bit of a scare Eric? Not to get your strobes all lit.

Eric: I guess. Mind lending a wheel?

Andrew pushes Eric back on the tracks slowly while Eric’s front wheels were being put back on the tracks by rerailers. A few minutes later, Eric was fully back on the rails.

Eric: Okay. So what is up? What are you talking about that is making you so excited Andrew?

Andrew: Well turns out that Sir Topham Hatt has organized a meeting between his railroad and ours! We’ll be meeting Thomas and Co.! That ship must be the one that is bringing them!

Eric: Wait….WHAT?!?

Eric did not expect this.

Andrew: Well it’s best we get to the port! We got A LOT of people attending!

Eric gets excited and goes to the shop to prepare for the events.

Eric had a new coat of paint applied along with a nameplate installed, being the last to have such having not known the situation, and was ready to see the Sudrian Engines. He arrived at the scene just in time as they all began to hear a series of chuffing sounds.

Soon, several trails of steam were visible, along with some distinct talking being heard.

???: Let’s just hope this railroad will be better than what my brother told me when he came back to Sodor...

???: Oh Gordon. I heard this railroad has some heritage equipment! It’s basically us, but here in America! Can’t be that bad today as it was back then!

???: I’m agreeing with Thomas. Things have changed since the 1970s.

???: I think I see them! Must’ve been prepared for our arrival!

???: Seems So Henry! Perhaps there’s an engine there as splendid as I am!

Soon, a short stumpy funnel came into view, and soon, several engines came into view as well.

Andrew: Here they come!!!

The Sudrian Engines stopped 15 feet from the East Coast Fleet.

Soon, the MC, Mr. Collins’s wife Jenny, did the honors.

Jenny: Hello, and welcome to the event. Today, we are here after Mr. Edgar Collins and Sir Richard Topham Hatt organized a meeting of the engines on the Baltimore & Southern Railroad of the East Coast of the United States, and those on the North Western Railway of the Sodor region of the United Kingdom. These 2 were well aware of all of the United States letters from the East that they wanted to see the North Western and Baltimore & Southern Engines meet. Sodor residents are also wanting the engines there and thus spawning an idea of a U.K. Tour at a later date, but for now, let us welcome Sir Topham Hatt’s Engines!

The 2 Leaders of both railroads shake hands and everyone celebrates.

Later on, Gordon sees Eric doing shunting.

Gordon (To Himself): Pah… A MAINLINE engine doing shunting? I gotta tell him.

Gordon puffs up to Eric.

Gordon: Why are you shunting? Aren’t you supposed to be a mainline passenger engine as my driver read in a magazine in 1975?

Eric: Failed horribly at that. Our weight made us more suitable for freight service, and I’m shunting because our yard pilot is out for overhauls.

Gordon: That boxy engine over there seems to be suitable for shunting!

Eric: He’s an express passenger engine. That engine was my replacement. Sure. I didn’t like when he and his older brother arrived on this railroad back then, but I then understood to let go of that grudge. Besides, now that I’m an E60MA from an E60CP, I’m a smooth runner. I just prefer the slower freights and passengers.

Gordon: Whatever. Your loss.

Eric: At least I didn’t get stuck on a hill due to being stubborn.

Gordon just rolled his eyes from what the E60 said.

Gordon (To Himself): That shoebox will learn.

Eric (To Himself): Jesus! I’d expect this from him, but not in THAT bad of a mood.

Meanwhile with Grant and Andrew, the two were talking to Thomas and Percy. Grant was just finishing a story about how with his help, several ATSF steam engines were saved from scrap.

Thomas: Wow! You’re a hero to those engines Grant!

Percy: Indeed! I’d never expect that from a diesel!

The 4 engines soon see Snake roll onto the turntable.

Snake: Another day, another sssessssion of getting carss in order.

Thomas: A, I have many questions about the cowl unit as you guys call them. Not to be rude of course, and B, you mean the cars here are troublesome too?

Andrew: They are, but even the trucks there in Sodor are better than the cars here!

Grant: Trust me, these cars we have here are a nightmare to deal with.

Andrew: However, there’s only one engine who can deal with them.

Percy: Who would that engine be?

Andrew: Someone we like to call “Commander Cowl.”

Percy: Who now?

Snake: He meansss me.

Percy: Oh, I see.

Thomas: Well why do you guys call him that?

Grant: Well “Cowl” because he has a full width cowl body. And Commander because…

They then are interrupted by Snake giving the cars some verbal correction.

Grant: That….

Andrew: And the fact he managed to fold a rail car in half one time. The cars behaved better around him after that.

Thomas and Percy completely understood.

Meanwhile, James was taking a look around.

Ian soon trundled by covered in coal dust after an accident with a coal loader.

James: What a DIRTY object.

Ian: Still haven’t learned from that crash with the tar wagons huh?

James: It’s different when it’s a diesel instead of a tram engine!

Henry quickly came up to stop the situation.

Henry: James, you’re talking to the wrong engine! He’s the one Edward talked about that stopped a runaway from blowing up that city!

James soon realizes his mistake.

James: Oh I’m very sorry! I didn’t know you were that engine!

Ian: No need to apologize! I understand that you haven’t had good experiences with other diesels back in the U.K.!

James then saw the 2 AC44s.

James: Oh. It’s THOSE engines. I hope they’re happy with what they caused…

Ian: I recommend you don’t really mention that. Really, it wasn’t their fault. It was a careless crewman that caused the two to speed off. Also, the leader of that train suffers from PTSD, so there’s that too.

James: PTSD?! ALL FROM A CARELESS CREWMAN’S ACTIONS?!

Ian: I know! Small actions sometimes lead to big consequences! I feel like it was worse with the fact that he pushed Autumn, or 7375 in other words, aside like a toy! The thing that makes it worse is that they’re soulmates!

Henry: Poor guy! I’d had my fair share of sad moments, but being forced to shove your loved one off the tracks because you couldn’t stop from someone disengaging your brakes? That’s an all new low.

Then, a familiar N&W J Class 4-8-4 pulled up.

Henry: Is that who I think that is?

Ian: Indeed! It’s Jerome! AKA, the one and only N&W 611!

Jerome: Hmmm?

Henry: It’s an honor to see you personally Jerome!

James: It really is! Didn’t expect you to be on this railroad! Ian, did you forget to tell us something?

Ian: Indeed I have! We have our own Steam Program! We have the N&W Big 3, or should I say Big 4 with the Y6B we reconstructed, we managed to reconstruct one of our EM1s, let’s just say we care a lot about heritage along with being a Class I! In fact, the way we see how to take care of work is how our oldest predecessor did it!

James: YOU MEAN THE B&O?!

Ian: That’s the one! We’re the product of a merger between CSX and AWVR! You see, CSX wasn’t doing so well financially, so the AWVR stepped in and the railroads merged together!

James: But didn’t the N&W merge with another railroad? So why do you have the 4 N&W engines on a railroad that had nothing to do with N&W?

Jerome decided to explain.

Jerome: You see, NS ditched its steam program a few years ago. I thought me and my shedmates would be out of service for the next decade or so. That was, until the B&S stepped up with some steam specialists. I actually was kinda reluctant seeing how it was a rival railroad that would take me under their wing, especially since it used to be CSX, being that NS HATED CSX. However, I soon learned that reluctance would change into pure happiness, not only did I return to service, but so were my best friends after a couple decades for one, and it would be the first time for the other!

James: Oh.

Then suddenly, Jacob (N&W 1218) Pulls up in a large cloud of steam.

Jacob: Jerome! There you are! Mr. Collins is needing us for a promotional photo shoot.

Jerome: Oh! Thank you for reminding me! Well I have to go now. I’ll be back to talk later. Bye!

The A and J class locomotives pull away to head to their photo shoot.

We soon move on with Toby idling near Port Chessie when he sees Cody, the Gen 1 Bombardier BiLevel Cab Car. Toby was wondering what he was doing just sitting there. So he decided to investigate.

Toby: Excuse me, but why are you just sitting there alone?

Cody: Oh. Well, since I can’t really move on my own, I was just shunted over here for now until another assignment for me pops up.

Toby: Oh. Well, I can see that this yard has an extensive collection of passenger equipment. And I was wondering if It would be possible to park my coach Henrietta in this yard for the night.

Cody: I don’t mind.

Toby: Great.

Toby then goes to put Henrietta in a siding. Then goes to the maintenance facility.

That night….

The engines, both NWR and B&S, were in the sheds. As Spencer was about to fall asleep, Jerome rolled in with a big cloud of steam. As usual, this caused Spencer to be all snooty.

Spencer: Oh, who’s this other streamlined engine?

Gordon: That is Jerome, aka N&W 611, Spencer.

After a short whistle blast after stopping as part of the older US Whistle code, Jerome spoke.

Jerome: The only N&W J Class left in general, and not to mention the fastest of the N&W Steam fleet at 110 MPH. People call me the King of Steam!

Spencer: Impressive...But I am an A4, and I could go 126 MPH without any trouble at all.

Jerome: Oh yeah? Well my class could theoretically go 140.

Before an argument could break out, Damon, the Baltimore and Southern’s only SDP40F rolls up with bad news.

Damon: Rachel has derailed near Fredericksburg, VA!

Snake: Ouch. Is she ok?

Damon: Luckily she is. She did however flip on her side.

Snake: Damn carsss fucking… I’ll be right there.

Snake rolls out of the sheds, picks up the railroad crane, and heads for Virginia.

Grant: I can tell he’s about to go Ape-Shit on those cars…

Anais: Luckily Damon stopped an argument from breaking out here.

Both Spencer and Jerome were giving each other dirty looks as others next to the engines took no notice.

Jerome (To Himself): Tomorrow, we shall settle this….

Spencer (To Himself): This means war…

Not only was Gordon rather concerned, but so were the rest of the Big 4.

As Gordon was going to speak, what were Rachel’s cars before her derailment hurtled into the hump yard being stopped by the hump yard brakes.

Snake: THAT’LL TEACH Y’ALL FOR MESSING WITH RACHEL. Jesus…

Snake then sets the cranes in the siding and the damaged rail cars next to them. After that, Snake, who was now fuming, enters the sheds.

Snake: Sssorry about that. I jussst get really pissssed when the carsss ssstrike my railmatesss.

The next morning...

Dawn had risen up and the engines were all up and ready. Jerome was filling up with coal and water for the daily run of the Powhatan Arrow. That’s when Spencer steamed up.

Jerome: Oh, there you are….

Spencer: So, you can theoretically go 140. Doesn’t mean it’s official.

Jerome: Alright wise guy! How about we test it? You and me! We race to Cincinnati!

Spencer: Oh it’s on!

As both engines were readied, they were both coupled to their Cincinnati-bound trains. As soon as the call was given, they both rocketed out of Baltimore Union Station.

The 2 have to deal with Cranberry Grade in the New River, not to mention that at Sewell, northwest of Hinton, West Virginia, 1 track splits into 2. The two speedsters were throwing insults and dirty looks at each other all the way. It was near the West Virginia-Virginia State Border at Clifton Forge where the 2 tracks turned into one, and would remain that way until station stops at White Sulphur Springs and Prince, West Virginia.

Soon they approached the area where the single-tracked section began.

Jerome had managed to hit 95 at Alexandria and got ahead of Spencer fast enough to the point that the switch at Clifton Forge was set for the J Class.

Jerome: Ha! He’s probably back near Richmond!

But then he hears a familiar LNER 3 Chime.

Jerome: Oh no…

Spencer then steamed in on Platform 2, right next to him.

Jerome scoffs when he sees Spencer.

Spencer: Jealous?

Jerome rolls his eyes and once the conductor gives the all clear, Jerome starts off, but not without wheel slipping due to the ice from the chilly winter weather, not to mention the snow falling to the ground.

Spencer: Wheel slipping? You make me laugh.

Jerome angrily slips harder, now causing the ice to melt and finally having him speed up.

Jerome: Later ya silver sucka!

Spencer: Oh! I’ll catch up! Just you wait, you streamlined sausage!!!

But Jerome was too far away to hear. Later on up the line….

Jerome had managed to reach Thurmond and stopped at the station.

Jerome: Now let's hope that he doesn’t have a green light an-

The LNER 3 Chime could be heard again, but this time Spencer whizzes by.

Spencer: I told ya I’d catch up ya jestering J Class!

Jerome: How about you put an egg in your brake block and beat it!

Spencer: Already am Jester!

This pissed off Jerome, and right as the conductor gave the all clear, he started chasing after Spencer.

Jerome was moving faster than he had ever run before.

Then, the 2 engines approached the switch at Sewell, while Spencer went straight, Jerome was diverted to the left and nearly derailed, but luckily stayed upright.

Jerome was now heading as fast as 1225 when he led the Polar Express through Canwell on the roller coaster of a Grade on the Ex-CSX Plymouth Subdivision (Now B&S Southwest Great Lakes Subdivision) Eventually, he hit his believed maximum speed. Or so everyone thought it was. Both engines’ whistles echoed throughout the New River, and at Hawk’s Nest, many railfans managed to catch up on the action, not only hearing the sounds of chuffing and the 2 throwing insults at one another, but also seeing the 2 two trying to overtake each other, and that’s when they saw 611 suddenly catching up even though Spencer was going his top speed.

Jerome’s Driver: You’re doing it old boy! C’mon!

Jerome’s Fireman was working hard to make sure that Jerome was not being put in danger. Jerome however was still steaming forward, where he eventually met Spencer.

Jerome: HAHA!!! CINCINNATI HERE I COME!!!

Spencer: WHAT THE?!

Jerome: I’M ON TOP OF THE WORLD BITCHES!!!!!

At Kanawha Falls, people were waiting for the 2 steam engines, then, they saw a big cloud of snow approaching, along with a N&W 3 Chime and some cheering from an engine. Then, the snow cloud disappeared, revealing Jerome, but before they knew it was him, he darted by, launching snow in the air from a snowpile.

Jerome: YEEEEEEE HAW!!!

Railfan: WHOA WHAT THE.

Spencer then sped past rather surprised.

At Huntington, WV, several of the engines were waiting for Jerome and Spencer to clear the mainline tracks when they heard a familiar whistle.

Alec: That sounds like Jerome.

Erie: How? Isn’t Spencer faster?

Oh how Erie wishes he could take back that question. As Jerome hit another snowbank, Erie was covered from cab to footplate in fluffy white snow.

Erie: BRRRRRR!!! T-T-THAT’S C-COLD!!!

It also didn’t help that Spencer hit a snowbank too, making Erie seem like a snow engine.

Erie: G-G-G-G-GAH!!!

The Northern and Pacific were then side by side.

Jerome: YOU ARE GONNA EAT MY DUST!!!

Spencer: OH YEAH?! SAYS WHO?!

Jerome: SAYS ME AND MY 140 MPH ASS!!!

Jerome hits yet another snowbank and has Spencer in a cloud of snow while he speeds away.

After a while, Jerome began to feel funny.

Jerome: Hmm….That’s weird, my valve gear feels odd….

As he sped on, the sensation got worse and worse, and at South Shore, Kentucky, one of his crank rods snapped, jamming his wheels.

Jerome: WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!

Then, the inevitable happens and Jerome derails on a curve and flips on his side.

The derailment looked like the Tug River derailment, only instead of dirt, he was on his side on the snow, which not only helped by stopping a fire in the cab, but also softened the impact when Jerome flipped over.

Thankfully nobody was badly injured, but the crew on Jerome did suffer a few cuts and bruises.

Jerome: Gah… This bites…

Spencer then slowed down and looked at what had happened.

Spencer: Now what happened here? History repeating itself I see?

Jerome: Ha Ha Ha Very Funny….

Soon Aiko and Damon arrived with the crane and men to take Jerome to the shops at Baltimore. As Jerome was placed on the flatbeds, Mr. Collins arrived in Stella and walked up to him.

Mr. Collins: Hey Jerome. Are you OK after that accident?

Jerome: Could be better.

Mr. Collins: Well, I got something to make you feel better. I’m not too sure if you know what I mean, but you just made world history! 130.4 Miles Per Hour! You’ve made me proud Jerome. I’d never think that it’d be my railroad that would be the record breaker! Now let’s see here… Damage to valve gear, 2 driving wheels dented… I think you’ll be out of service for a few days Jerome. I’ll rearrange and have Jacob take care of your trains for ya.

Jerome felt much better knowing he was now the fastest steam engine.

Jerome: 130 Huh?

Spencer just rolled his eyes and continued on to Cincinnati while Aiko took over Jerome’s train.

Back in Baltimore, the engines await the news, seeing how Jerome had derailed.

Soon a Leslie SL4T horn was heard. Damon came in pulling flatcars that Jerome was loaded on.

Damon: Everyone! Big news! Jerome ended up breaking the steam speed record! 130 MPH I overheard!

All of the engines, both NWR and B&S were speechless.

Andrew: I am shocked that a steam speed record has been broken in the 21st Century.

Thomas: Wow! So a J is officially the fastest steam engine in the world!

Edward: Congratulations Jerome!

Gordon was especially shocked at this news.

Gordon: How does something like that occur? And I thought my brother Scotty beating 100 was shocking! This is a whole new level! Hah! I’ll be sure to remind Spencer of this whenever he brags about being all high and mighty back at Sodor!

Jerome felt proud of himself.

That night…

Ten Cents and Sunshine were switching coal barges in the harbor. The coal was to be loaded onto a heavy coal train bound for Chicago.

Ten Cents: Phew….I tell you Sunshine, this is very difficult work….

Sunshine: I know! It’s hard for me too!

Ten Cents: But...someone has to do it to keep this operation moving.

Soon the coal barges had been unloaded and the cars were full of coal. Back at the sheds, Mr. Collins assigned Grant to pull the train. But decided he needed more power to get the train up the grades.
Henry then pulled up asking to volunteer.

Henry: Excuse me Mr. Collins, but I think I can help you guys out. I mean, us Sudrian Engines will be here until at least after Christmas.

Mr. Collins: That is true. Alright Henry. You and Grant will pull 125C to Chicago. Snake should be back with his track inspection train on the line any minute now.
I do warn you to be careful however Henry. Not only do you have to deal with Cranberry Grade, but these cars are difficult to handle.

As Mr. Collins was walking towards the mainline to check for Snake, the cowl unit ended up accidentally covering Mr. Collins in snow due to him having a Jordan snow plow on him.

A few of the engines giggle a bit and even Mr. Collins also gets a bit of a laugh out of it.

Mr. Collins: Heh. Alright alright, very funny.

Soon Grant and Henry were in the yard ready for the late night run.

Henry: Not a big shocker. I’ve done one of these nightly trains before with the Flying Kipper.

Grant: That may be so, but I have to warn you. This train regularly averages about 80-120 Cars in length. We need to work as hard as possible to get the train up and over the grades.

Henry: Indeed. We might even get a few snowdrifts in our way if this bad weather keeps up too.

It was decided that Henry would lead the train and Grant would provide extra power behind his Tender. Soon the entire consist was made up. At 11:00 PM, they departed on their long journey.

As the 2 engines worked their way along the line, they both decided to chat along with one another to pass the time.

Grant: So you had to deal with a smaller firebox for the longest time, then got special coal, only to be involved in an accident to get a new shape and now don’t need special coal anymore? Seems like your life has been a true roller coaster, Henry. But I do feel sympathy for you. Nobody should have to suffer like that.

Henry: I find it worse that nearly no one believed me! Thankfully Sir Topham Hatt has noticed! I still want to know one thing though. Who built me, and why were my blueprints stolen from Mr. Gresley? Now, I remember hearing 7 years ago that no SD26s remained in service, all except for you since you were purchased from Guliford in the 2010s. What happened to all of your siblings?

Grant: Unfortunately, scrap… I miss them dearly….

Henry: Ouch. I know how it feels to be the only one in my class, being an experimental engine before 1935 happened.

Grant: Thank you for understanding…

Later on, the two engines were giving it all they could to get the train up Cranberry grade. Not to mention the tracks were rather icy, which made it difficult to grip the rails properly. But they weren’t giving up.

Henry was slipping a bit, but otherwise kept his grip on the rails due to his driver applying the sander. The cars just struggled against the 2 engines.

Henry: Come on! Come on! Don’t be silly! Don’t be silly!

Grant: Don’t give us trouble now you stupid cars! We gotta make it up and over!

Soon Henry managed to, slowly but surely, make it up the grade.

Me: We made it!!!

Henry: Indeed we did! We’re moving at a nice pace too!

Grant: We sure are!

125C moves at a quick and easy pace through Huntington, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis before finally arriving in the B&S’s Vivian Yard in Chicago. The two engines returned to Baltimore 2 days later.

Meanwhile, Donald and Douglas, the two Caledonian twins, were being fitted with snow plows. There was trouble with snow over Saluda Grade, and to make things worse, Lily was involved in an avalanche similar to when Thomas was trapped with the Christmas Tree back on Sodor. It was a vile blizzard out there at Midnight.

Donald: Ey Doogie, this is some o' th' wirst winter waither ah hae ever experienced.

Douglas: I knoo Donal’! It’ wirse th’ an engin’ is trap’d in the snoo!

Ian then rolled up with a rotary plow. He was assigned to help the twins.

Ian: I’m here! Are you 2 ready to go up Saluda? It’s VERY steep! Steepest in the USA actually!

Both were ready and waiting. Then the three engines set off.

A few miles south of the summit at Saluda, Lily’s engine was shut off to keep Lily safe from an engine backfire, since Lily, being an oily diesel, did not mix well with snow, both mechanically, and emotionally, having one time derailed into a deep snowdrift. Her passengers were kept warm as her HEP Generator was still active, but it couldn’t run forever, not to mention, one loud noise, and another avalanche would come down, and it would derail the coaches and bury Lily all over. This posed a problem for Ian and the rotary, as yes, it did get rid of heaping tons of snow, but it’s also very loud.

Luckily, they had a solution. The rotary will clear the drift ahead, roll down to central Carolina (Southern North Carolina/Northern South Carolina) after being decoupled, and will be stopped and collected by an engine at the next siding. The 3 engines soon rolled up the grade.

It was at the summit where they saw Lily almost completely covered in snow.

Lily: Thank goodness you’re here...I thought I’d be here for a while…

Ian: Yep! NOW LET’S GET MO-

Lily: SHHHH!!! Remember! We’ll be buried by an avalanche if you talk like that!

Ian: Right…

Soon, the rotary plow started to move, but it was way louder than they anticipated. That’s when they felt rumbling.

Douglas: Ey Donal’, do ye feel someth’n?

Ian quickly stopped after hearing that.

Ian: Oh fuck.

Lily: BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!

As Lily, Ian, and the Scottish Twins were bracing for the inevitable, all of the sudden, Eric, Gordon, and Duncan managed to shove the 4 out of the way, as the “Saluda Snowfall” was now after them.

Eric: Yinz think we’d leave ya to get buried by this avalanche? Hell nah! Not in the Saluda Snowfall!

Soon, all 3 engines had to stop due to the points being frozen, and then they saw the avalanche coming.

Conductor Tom: GET US THE BLAZES OUTTA HERE!!!

Gordon: Eric! Force the switch!

Eric forced the switch to move due to his weight serving as an advantage.

Eric: Come on! Hurry!

Gordon soon followed with Duncan not far behind.

Finally, the engines found shelter in a snow shed and the tracks behind the 7 engines were blocked off.

Lily: Phew… That was close… But… How do we get back to Baltimore now?

Donald: Is ever’on’ Okeh? Th’ was too frightenin’...

Luckily, everyone was ok, whether engine or passenger, but the north side was blocked by the snow.

Luckily, Duncan had a trick up his sleeve.

Duncan: Hang on guys! I got this!

Duncan then managed to overpower 4300 Horsepower to the 6000 he was originally built with with the help of some overclocking from his crew.

Duncan: Follow me!

Duncan then started plowing through the snow while pulling Lily, and the other engines followed.

Finally, the engines arrived in Baltimore safe and sound, with cheers going to the 3 engines that saved the others from being buried by the snow.

Gordon: I do believe I owe you an apology Eric. I shouldn’t have assumed that you were a passenger only engine.

Eric: I believe I should be apologizing to you! It was your quick thinking that got the 3 of us here!

Gordon: Well, thank you.

Soon, it was Christmas Eve, and the B&S was already decorated for the festivities. With Baltimore looking like a winter wonderland despite being near the coast, it suits the decorations very well.

Jacques, more commonly known as 1225, was getting ready for the night.

James soon noticed and his eyes went wide.

James: No way… It can’t be! Is that the one and only?

Grant: Yes it is. The PM Berk himself!

James: Oh man! I’ve heard a lot about him!

Jacques took notice of the two engines talking and he slowly steamed toward the 2 engines.

Jacques: Hello you two. Pretty chilly Christmas isn’t it?

James: Yes it is! But spirits are surely high!

Jacques: Hey. Aren’t you one of those Sudrian Engines I heard were coming to visit?

James: Why yes I am! Us engines will be here until New Years or something like that!

Jacques: Well I hope your stay here has been pleasant. Anyway, I have to get ready for tonight.

Jacques then reverses into the passenger cars behind him.

A special event was planned at the NEC. Services from Washington DC to Boston were suspended to make way for Jacques, along with 261, named Maverick, and 765, named Norfolk, with them pacing side by side with him before they part ways with him at Boston, so Jacques can continue on to the North Pole, but there was a problem. Maverick was on overhaul in Schenectady, while Norfolk was on an Office Car Special in Virginia, but would luckily make it in time for the 3-way racing event.

Conductor Tom and Mr. Collins were informed of this, and the 2 then got an idea. Mr. Collins got out of the station office and went to James.

Mr. Collins: James, we’re having a race between 3 of our steam engines. Unfortunately, one of the engines, Maverick, is out for overhaul, so we were wondering. Would you like to participate in this 3-way race?

James: Me? Taking part in a race? Well, I don’t want it to end up like that time in 1954 where I became out of control, and Edward came and rescued me.

Mr. Collins: Alright James. I understand.

James: Thank you sir. But it’s a 3-Way event. Who shall take part as the 3rd member?

Gordon: Ha! Speed is my thing!

Mr. Collins: Gordon! Would you like to take part in this?

Gordon: Why certainly Mr. Collins! It’ll be nice seeing how all these people will be seeing speed from an Ex-LNER with 2 of America’s finest steam engines! I bet there’ll be thousands of them there to witness us in action!

James, seeing how this one chance could end up being the only chance, along with the fact that Gordon mentioned there would be possibly millions of people witnessing the event, being the vain engine he is, James changed his mind.

James: Um, Mr. Collins, I’ve decided to change my mind on that.

Mr. Collins: Hah! I knew you’d be like that James! Sure. Just couple up to Maverick’s train on Platform 4. You and Gordon will doublehead I suppose.

Gordon: Guess he knows ya real well huh James?

James just rolled his eyes as he backed into the train as Gordon chuckled.

A few minutes later….

Both James and Gordon were coupled to Maverick’s train, and Norfolk had just arrived, ready to start. As soon as the all clear was given, the 4 engines departed.

They all started off slowly, but soon, the engines went faster. Gordon was right about there being a lot of people, whether tourist or native, surrounding the tracks. The 4 steam engines caught Sammy by surprise as steam weeshed past her.

Sammy: WHOA!!!

Norfolk: Sorry!!!

As Gordon, James, and Norfolk slowed down on the way down the grade, Jacques sped past with his coaches, and soon stopped at a station to pick some kids up at Philadelphia, along with scheduled stops for Norfolk and Gordon and James once they caught up. It was like a dream come true for the kids seeing the Sudrian engines hard at work.

Several station stops later, Gordon, James, and Norfolk were resting a bit at some Boston sidings, when they were woken abruptly by Jacques racing past the 3 Steam engines with hundreds of kids on board.

Gordon: WHOA. Does Jacques usually go this speed?

Norfolk: Only when he’s late, and seeing how we were ahead of him, he must be a bit behind schedule.

James: Now I’m jealous! If only I could have my own seasonal train to pull!

Both Gordon and Norfolk howl in laughter after hearing that.

Gordon: Sure James! Sure! Just be sure to get up to our speed ok?

James, again, rolled his eyes and the 3 engines went back to Baltimore.

Once the 3 engines arrived in Baltimore, it was dark.

James: It seems so dark!

Gordon: Something seems to be happening, but what though?

That’s when the darkness was soon revealed by light, Christmas Lights shined all over the place, the Baltimore Engines were fancied up in red and green, along with loved ones of the engines and controllers of both railroads there to attend the party.

The engines sang carols, shared laughs with one another, and even expressed thanks for one another.

Eric rolled into the darkness and passed the lights with Gordon taking notice.

Eric stopped by the harbor and looked up to the sky.

Eric: Merry Christmas dear…

Gordon: Who did you mention?

Eric: Oh… Just a loved one that I had back then. If only Amtrak wasn’t a bitch with Conrail running on their tracks, she might’ve stayed alive… I come here every Christmas to wish her one...

Gordon: Oh… I can see it really well… But it’s Christmas! I’m sure she’s fine up there. Hey, you see that bright star? I think that’s her watching over you.

Eric heard her voice in his head.

???: Merry Christmas honey! Don’t be sad I’m not with you! I’ll always be there for you! Even when you can’t see me!

Eric smiled, closed his eyes, and even let out a few tears.

Gordon: See? She still lives on. Now c’mon! Let us have a damn jolly good Christmas!

Eric: Yeah!

Once the party was over, the engines went to sleep.

The next day, the engines were all giddy, they received presents, like how Andrew got new strobes, or how Henry got a new coat of paint. For both sides however, they each got photos of the Sudrian and B&S engines working side by side, or even together in some cases!

Thomas was still feeling joyous about being with the B&S engines. He was paying little attention to what was going on around him.

Snake pulled up with a long line of 45 cars.

Thomas: Oh hello Snake! Need help with those cars?

Snake: Yesss… Thanksss Thomasss…

Thomas shunted the cars thinking about the party last night, but one of the bulkheads took advantage of that, and the rest pushed Thomas back since Snake wasn’t around. He was nearly shoved into the bay when Snake stopped the train and saved Thomas.

Thomas: Oh thank god. You’re a lifesaver Snake.

Snake: Heh… It'sss what I do!

Thomas: Y’know, I’ve always wondered Snake, why do you drag out your S’s?

Snake: Well, it wasssn’t jussst me, but our entire classss. Our air compressssors, which help usss with braking, keep on making a hissssing sssound whenever we pronunciate the letter Sss. People on CP called usss “Rattlesssnakesss”, and it’sss even how I got my name.

Thomas: Interesting! Very interesting!

Both of the engines saw snow falling to Thomas’s disdain.

Thomas: Here comes the damn snow…

Snake: Y’know, Lily hasss the sssame disssdain. She once crassshed into a big sssnow drift, and jussst recently, ssshe ssslammed into an avalanche. Ssshe’sss held a disssdain for it for 28 yearsss now.

Thomas: Wow. That long? She must’ve had a very bad experience with snow.

Snake: It all ssstarted in 1993. Ssshe wasss racing to Quebec City from Windsssor. It wasss a sssnowy February morning. Ssshe wasss mossst excited asss the date where ssshe firssst ran wasss approaching, but then sssnow had fell from a bridge, and landed on Lily’sss windssshield. Ssshe, nor her crew, never sssaw a sssignal at danger asss they attempted to wipe the sssnow off with her wipersss. They ssslammed into a Canadian National Freight at 95 MPH, almossst immediately killing her crew and ssseverally damaging herself. Luckily VIA Rail repaired her, but ssshe’sss never been the sssame.

Thomas: That’s horrible! She’s had worse luck than I have!

Snake: Which isss why I’d be careful around winter. You may sssee little to no danger, but there’sss Henry’sss crash, and Lily’sss too.

Thomas understood.

Skipping over a few days with nothing eventful going on, we approach New Years.

Oliver: Well, it’s getting even closer Toad! Our first American New Years!

Toad: It is indeed Mr. Oliver!

Andrew: Heard about that illness in China? Feel bad for the people there. I just hope it doesn’t get too outta hand.

Eric: I wouldn’t worry about that too much. There’s been several before and they were pretty minor.

Andrew: Yeah. You’re right.

Lily then arrived with her last passenger train, not just for the day, but for the year as well.

Lily: And There we are! Last train of the year! I’m so excited you guys!

That night, the New Years decorations were all set up and it was getting close to midnight.

Grant: Another Hour and it’ll be the new year!

Anais: I feel so hyped! I can’t wait for the things 2020 will bring us!

Toby and Percy pulled up.

Percy: I’m so excited! I can’t wait for our first American New Years!

Toby: Same here! It feels so unique to be here in the US!

Thomas pulled up. I’ve been here in the US once. Albeit I crashed and fell in the Grand Canyon due to an unrealistically sharp bend.

Toby: You sure that was America?

Thomas: Ok. Maybe MATTEL was being a real bitch with realism. I tell ya. They’re pure idiots.

Anais: The downside of merchandising.

Thomas: No shit. That’s cheap merchandising I tell you. Be lucky that models of you guys are highly realistic.

Anais: But they’re hard to come by! Let alone expensive!

Grant: I honestly don’t care about the merchandising. As long as I and my jewel are safe, I’m happy.

Anais: Awwww!!! Grant!!!

Thomas: I find it amazing how you 2 are happy with one another. How’d you 2 even meet?

Grant: We met from a rather unlikely introduction. Anais and I met back in late 2015. She was the leader of a gang. Some gang with wrecked engines or something like that.

Anais: I used to be known as “Speed Demon” back then, but now those days are thankfully in the past. I was rude all over before I met Grant…

Toby: Well, it is all about speed nowadays. But I’m glad you’re away from those days now. I think you should talk with Salty sometime when you guys head to Sodor. He used to be part of a gang. Not a leader like how you were, but something like a second-in-command.

Alec and Duck rolled up, Duck had just finished telling Alec about his time on the GWR as 5741.

Oliver: Finished telling Alec about the Great Western way Duck?

Duck: Indeed Oliver! I thought I’d share my story with the American engines!

After nearly an hour, the countdown began. Screens were wired to not only fit the colors of the Sodor Engines on the countdown, but also to see what’s going on in New York. Soon, it hit 10 seconds.

After everyone counted from 10 to 1, the engines all sounded their horns and whistles.

Sir Topham Hatt & Mr. Collins: Happy New Decade engines!

Eric watched in the midst of the scene, he knew that his ghostly partner was next to him.

???: Doesn’t this look nice?

Eric: Yeah. Yeah it does.

???: Why not join them? I’m not stopping you!

Eric: Oh. Alright honey. Heh.

Eric pulled into the party, and it continued for about a few hours before everyone went to bed.

The next day, Snake and Jerome were waiting for Lemmy to be finished sorting their trains. Lemmy and Jerome just exited out of the shops after being fixed up.

Edward then pulled up beside Jerome.

Jerome: Oh, hey Edward!

Thomas and Percy also race up. They looked more excited than usual.

Snake: You two ssseem to be more excited than usssual. What’sss the occasssion?

Thomas: Nothing too big. It’s only the fact that me and Percy have been assigned to pull a mail train from here to Cumberland.

Edward: Now you two, I know you're excited, but know this, I’ve heard that the tracks are still icy.

Snake: Plusss, remember what I told you about Lily Thomasss. Please pay attention.

Percy: What does he mean?

Thomas: Oh. Lily one time got snow on her windshield and crashed.

Edward: That’s right. Now, run along you two. I have to join Donald and Douglas with Snow clearing services. Good luck!

Edward puffs away. Thomas and Percy then head over to the yard where Puffa was sorting out the mail cars.

They see an angry Lily in the siding. Her crew had yet to show up and snow was starting to fall to her disdain. Thomas and Percy puffed up to her.

Percy: Excuse me.

Lily: Hm?

But Right as Percy was about to speak, a loud turbine sound was heard, along with a slight fireball.

Thomas: Bust my Buffers!

Percy: What in the world was that?

Lily: Oh that’s Greg. He is our most powerful engine in the fleet. He’s a gas turbine locomotive.

Greg rolls up.

Thomas and Percy were amazed by his sheer presence.

Thomas: Does that fireball thing happen a lot with you Greg?

Greg: Oh yes, it usually happens when starting up my turbine. I call it, “Spontaneous Combustion.”

Greg rolls away to couple to an awaiting train.

Percy: Well anyways… What’s making you angry Lily?

Lily: My crew hasn’t arrived yet and this fucking snow ain’t leaving anytime soon…

Thomas: You aren’t alone, I hate snow as well…especially when snow plows are involved….

Lily: What’s your story?

Thomas then tells Lily about the time he got stuck in a snowdrift when he forgot to wear his snowplow, among other negative snow related incidents he has been through.

Lily: Well I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s been fucked over by snow.

Thomas: Ain’t that the truth.

Soon Puffa finished setting up the train and the two tank engines coupled up. It was a bit difficult to get the train started, especially with the icy rails, but the two Sudrian tank engines got the train moving.

The snorting engines would get a good run all the way up until Sand Patch Grade. That’s when problems started arising due to a snowstorm the night before, causing the rails to be incredibly icy. As Thomas and Percy slipped up the grade, they soon realized what challenge they were pitted against.

Percy: Come on! We can’t be defeated by the ice!

Their drive wheels slipped faster and faster until they began to roll backwards. But they didn’t have control of their brakes or the entire train.

Thomas: Cinders and Ashes Percy! We have become a runaway!!!

Percy: UH OH!

The boxcars were not helping, but a nearby switchman soon noticed the 2 engines sliding backwards, switched the train onto the middle track, which was scheduled for repair in a few hours, and gave out the call.

Meanwhile with Edward, he, Donald, and Douglas were clearing the tracks around the yard to let the Greyhound SD40-2s pass to access the railcars on switch E28, when they heard a distress signal being sent by Baltimore tower.

Mr. Collins quickly ran towards the 3 engines.

Mr. Collins: Edward! Thomas and Percy are sliding down the line with no way to stop! No other engines can provide assistance other than you. You think you can do it?

Edward: I’ll try. I’ll admit that I’m not as strong as I once was. Given that I’m overpowered by the 6 driver engines other than Thomas, I'll do it to help my friends.

Edward had his snowplow removed and sped towards Sand Patch.

Unfortunately, not all engines were aware of the runaway, and the runaway would shock and scare some others. One of those engines was Sammy. She was on her way up to Harrisburg when she spotted the train racing towards her. She shut her eyes bracing, but she was sent onto another track before the trains could collide.

Sammy: What wuzzat?!

The two tank engines tried their hardest to grip the rails but it was still no use.

Soon, disaster lay ahead.

*CRASH*

Snake never heard a distress signal and was slammed by the boxcars. His driver and brakeman had jumped clear before the collision.

Thankfully no one was hurt and nothing in the cars were damaged despite the horrendous impact, but Snake was on his side feeling dazed.

Edward arrived at the scene not long after the collision. He was glad that Percy and Thomas were alright, but he did feel bad for the cowl unit.

Edward: What on Earth happened here?!

Thomas: The tracks were extremely icy, Edward….

Snake: Why wasn’t I given a claw… It’d make taking care of these cars much easier…

Edward quickly got the derailment cranes and lifted Snake and a few railcars onto the flatcars.

Edward: Are you alright Snake?

Snake: I am. Nothing a little repair can’t fix, given that our repairmen are skilled to the point where they can return a wrecked engine into operating condition. But I recommend y’all hurry. I heard your ship back to Sodor will be coming soon.

Edward: That’s right. Now, let’s get you two back on the rails.

Edward got the two tank engines back on the rails and Sammy pushed the train into a siding.
After that, the 3 engines went back down to Baltimore, and right on time too as the ship was now in sight.

Edward: Oh thank goodness!

The other Sudrian Engines were lined up, ready to board their ship back to Sodor.

Gordon: Where were you four engines? The ship’s already here!

Edward: You think it’s easy cleaning a collision? I’ll tell you it’s not. Anyways, what did you think of this railway, Gordon? It’s way more advanced than Penn Central ever was!

Gordon: Why yes. I will admit that this railway is much better than what Scotsman told me on his trip in America. What ever happened to that wretched railroad anyway?

Alec: Merged with practically the entire northeast to form Conrail in 1976 before us and another railroad split it in two 20 years ago. Yes it did trigger some railfans, but we made it up by returning an Ex-Reading GP30 to passenger service.

Gordon: Oh that’s good.

???: Gordon!

Gordon: Huh?

Eric raced up next to Gordon.

Eric: I just wanted to say thanks. You made me realized that she lives on, I’ve never believed it until you told me back on Christmas.

Gordon: Happy to help. Trust me. I’ve felt depressed before, especially since all but one of my siblings were scrapped.

As the final engine was loaded in a few hours later as the engines said their goodbyes, the two railroad men shook hands to a final crowd’s cheer, as The Fat Controller boarded the rail ferry, and off the Sudrian engines went.

Lily: Eric? What did you mean by “she lives on”?

Eric: It’s a rather long story… I’ll tell yinz some other time.

To be continued in “1977”

Description
It was an average day in Baltimore. The engines were all working hard on freight and passenger trains all around the B&S system. Many people enjoyed the engines. Not only did the engines help the world by carrying passengers and freight, but they also enjoyed them for being there when people were feeling down. However, it’s in the U.K. where sentient engines were most heard of. The North Western Railway of Sodor was well known for having sentient trains, including the one and only Thomas the Tank Engine. Foreign engines with the B&S were not uncommon, seeing how they have a Japanese steam engine and an Argentine EMU, but people wondered when the 2 railroads would meet each other.

One day, Eric was doing work as a temporary shunter while Lemmy was away. He was putting some centerbeam flatcars away in a siding when he overheard something.

Eric (To Himself): That sounds like Andrew.

He got closer to listen. Andrew was being told by Mr. Collins about something.

Andrew: WOW. They’re actually doing it? No wonder why I overheard people talking about that non-stop!

Eric (To Himself): What the hell is he talking about?

Eric moved even closer but Andrew sped away.

Eric: Shit. I must find out what’s going on.

Later on, Eric arrived back at the engine servicing facility in Baltimore. He once again heard and spotted Andrew. This time, he was talking to Grant.

Andrew: So I can’t believe this is happening!

Grant: I know! It’s incredible that they are doing this!

Eric figured that if he was gonna find out, he had to join in on the conversation, but when he was about to get on the turntable, a ship whistle could be heard, scaring Eric’s driver and causing him to derail on the turntable bed.

Eric: DAMN IT!!!

Andrew: Had a bit of a scare Eric? Not to get your strobes all lit.

Eric: I guess. Mind lending a wheel?

Andrew pushes Eric back on the tracks slowly while Eric’s front wheels were being put back on the tracks by rerailers. A few minutes later, Eric was fully back on the rails.

Eric: Okay. So what is up? What are you talking about that is making you so excited Andrew?

Andrew: Well turns out that Sir Topham Hatt has organized a meeting between his railroad and ours! We’ll be meeting Thomas and Co.! That ship must be the one that is bringing them!

Eric: Wait….WHAT?!?

Eric did not expect this.

Andrew: Well it’s best we get to the port! We got A LOT of people attending!

Eric gets excited and goes to the shop to prepare for the events.

Eric had a new coat of paint applied along with a nameplate installed, being the last to have such having not known the situation, and was ready to see the Sudrian Engines. He arrived at the scene just in time as they all began to hear a series of chuffing sounds.

Soon, several trails of steam were visible, along with some distinct talking being heard.

???: Let’s just hope this railroad will be better than what my brother told me when he came back to Sodor...

???: Oh Gordon. I heard this railroad has some heritage equipment! It’s basically us, but here in America! Can’t be that bad today as it was back then!

???: I’m agreeing with Thomas. Things have changed since the 1970s.

???: I think I see them! Must’ve been prepared for our arrival!

???: Seems So Henry! Perhaps there’s an engine there as splendid as I am!

Soon, a short stumpy funnel came into view, and soon, several engines came into view as well.

Andrew: Here they come!!!

The Sudrian Engines stopped 15 feet from the East Coast Fleet.

Soon, the MC, Mr. Collins’s wife Jenny, did the honors.

Jenny: Hello, and welcome to the event. Today, we are here after Mr. Edgar Collins and Sir Richard Topham Hatt organized a meeting of the engines on the Baltimore & Southern Railroad of the East Coast of the United States, and those on the North Western Railway of the Sodor region of the United Kingdom. These 2 were well aware of all of the United States letters from the East that they wanted to see the North Western and Baltimore & Southern Engines meet. Sodor residents are also wanting the engines there and thus spawning an idea of a U.K. Tour at a later date, but for now, let us welcome Sir Topham Hatt’s Engines!

The 2 Leaders of both railroads shake hands and everyone celebrates.

Later on, Gordon sees Eric doing shunting.

Gordon (To Himself): Pah… A MAINLINE engine doing shunting? I gotta tell him.

Gordon puffs up to Eric.

Gordon: Why are you shunting? Aren’t you supposed to be a mainline passenger engine as my driver read in a magazine in 1975?

Eric: Failed horribly at that. Our weight made us more suitable for freight service, and I’m shunting because our yard pilot is out for overhauls.

Gordon: That boxy engine over there seems to be suitable for shunting!

Eric: He’s an express passenger engine. That engine was my replacement. Sure. I didn’t like when he and his older brother arrived on this railroad back then, but I then understood to let go of that grudge. Besides, now that I’m an E60MA from an E60CP, I’m a smooth runner. I just prefer the slower freights and passengers.

Gordon: Whatever. Your loss.

Eric: At least I didn’t get stuck on a hill due to being stubborn.

Gordon just rolled his eyes from what the E60 said.

Gordon (To Himself): That shoebox will learn.

Eric (To Himself): Jesus! I’d expect this from him, but not in THAT bad of a mood.

Meanwhile with Grant and Andrew, the two were talking to Thomas and Percy. Grant was just finishing a story about how with his help, several ATSF steam engines were saved from scrap.

Thomas: Wow! You’re a hero to those engines Grant!

Percy: Indeed! I’d never expect that from a diesel!

The 4 engines soon see Snake roll onto the turntable.

Snake: Another day, another sssessssion of getting carss in order.

Thomas: A, I have many questions about the cowl unit as you guys call them. Not to be rude of course, and B, you mean the cars here are troublesome too?

Andrew: They are, but even the trucks there in Sodor are better than the cars here!

Grant: Trust me, these cars we have here are a nightmare to deal with.

Andrew: However, there’s only one engine who can deal with them.

Percy: Who would that engine be?

Andrew: Someone we like to call “Commander Cowl.”

Percy: Who now?

Snake: He meansss me.

Percy: Oh, I see.

Thomas: Well why do you guys call him that?

Grant: Well “Cowl” because he has a full width cowl body. And Commander because…

They then are interrupted by Snake giving the cars some verbal correction.

Grant: That….

Andrew: And the fact he managed to fold a rail car in half one time. The cars behaved better around him after that.

Thomas and Percy completely understood.

Meanwhile, James was taking a look around.

Ian soon trundled by covered in coal dust after an accident with a coal loader.

James: What a DIRTY object.

Ian: Still haven’t learned from that crash with the tar wagons huh?

James: It’s different when it’s a diesel instead of a tram engine!

Henry quickly came up to stop the situation.

Henry: James, you’re talking to the wrong engine! He’s the one Edward talked about that stopped a runaway from blowing up that city!

James soon realizes his mistake.

James: Oh I’m very sorry! I didn’t know you were that engine!

Ian: No need to apologize! I understand that you haven’t had good experiences with other diesels back in the U.K.!

James then saw the 2 AC44s.

James: Oh. It’s THOSE engines. I hope they’re happy with what they caused…

Ian: I recommend you don’t really mention that. Really, it wasn’t their fault. It was a careless crewman that caused the two to speed off. Also, the leader of that train suffers from PTSD, so there’s that too.

James: PTSD?! ALL FROM A CARELESS CREWMAN’S ACTIONS?!

Ian: I know! Small actions sometimes lead to big consequences! I feel like it was worse with the fact that he pushed Autumn, or 7375 in other words, aside like a toy! The thing that makes it worse is that they’re soulmates!

Henry: Poor guy! I’d had my fair share of sad moments, but being forced to shove your loved one off the tracks because you couldn’t stop from someone disengaging your brakes? That’s an all new low.

Then, a familiar N&W J Class 4-8-4 pulled up.

Henry: Is that who I think that is?

Ian: Indeed! It’s Jerome! AKA, the one and only N&W 611!

Jerome: Hmmm?

Henry: It’s an honor to see you personally Jerome!

James: It really is! Didn’t expect you to be on this railroad! Ian, did you forget to tell us something?

Ian: Indeed I have! We have our own Steam Program! We have the N&W Big 3, or should I say Big 4 with the Y6B we reconstructed, we managed to reconstruct one of our EM1s, let’s just say we care a lot about heritage along with being a Class I! In fact, the way we see how to take care of work is how our oldest predecessor did it!

James: YOU MEAN THE B&O?!

Ian: That’s the one! We’re the product of a merger between CSX and AWVR! You see, CSX wasn’t doing so well financially, so the AWVR stepped in and the railroads merged together!

James: But didn’t the N&W merge with another railroad? So why do you have the 4 N&W engines on a railroad that had nothing to do with N&W?

Jerome decided to explain.

Jerome: You see, NS ditched its steam program a few years ago. I thought me and my shedmates would be out of service for the next decade or so. That was, until the B&S stepped up with some steam specialists. I actually was kinda reluctant seeing how it was a rival railroad that would take me under their wing, especially since it used to be CSX, being that NS HATED CSX. However, I soon learned that reluctance would change into pure happiness, not only did I return to service, but so were my best friends after a couple decades for one, and it would be the first time for the other!

James: Oh.

Then suddenly, Jacob (N&W 1218) Pulls up in a large cloud of steam.

Jacob: Jerome! There you are! Mr. Collins is needing us for a promotional photo shoot.

Jerome: Oh! Thank you for reminding me! Well I have to go now. I’ll be back to talk later. Bye!

The A and J class locomotives pull away to head to their photo shoot.

We soon move on with Toby idling near Port Chessie when he sees Cody, the Gen 1 Bombardier BiLevel Cab Car. Toby was wondering what he was doing just sitting there. So he decided to investigate.

Toby: Excuse me, but why are you just sitting there alone?

Cody: Oh. Well, since I can’t really move on my own, I was just shunted over here for now until another assignment for me pops up.

Toby: Oh. Well, I can see that this yard has an extensive collection of passenger equipment. And I was wondering if It would be possible to park my coach Henrietta in this yard for the night.

Cody: I don’t mind.

Toby: Great.

Toby then goes to put Henrietta in a siding. Then goes to the maintenance facility.

That night….

The engines, both NWR and B&S, were in the sheds. As Spencer was about to fall asleep, Jerome rolled in with a big cloud of steam. As usual, this caused Spencer to be all snooty.

Spencer: Oh, who’s this other streamlined engine?

Gordon: That is Jerome, aka N&W 611, Spencer.

After a short whistle blast after stopping as part of the older US Whistle code, Jerome spoke.

Jerome: The only N&W J Class left in general, and not to mention the fastest of the N&W Steam fleet at 110 MPH. People call me the King of Steam!

Spencer: Impressive...But I am an A4, and I could go 126 MPH without any trouble at all.

Jerome: Oh yeah? Well my class could theoretically go 140.

Before an argument could break out, Damon, the Baltimore and Southern’s only SDP40F rolls up with bad news.

Damon: Rachel has derailed near Fredericksburg, VA!

Snake: Ouch. Is she ok?

Damon: Luckily she is. She did however flip on her side.

Snake: Damn carsss fucking… I’ll be right there.

Snake rolls out of the sheds, picks up the railroad crane, and heads for Virginia.

Grant: I can tell he’s about to go Ape-Shit on those cars…

Anais: Luckily Damon stopped an argument from breaking out here.

Both Spencer and Jerome were giving each other dirty looks as others next to the engines took no notice.

Jerome (To Himself): Tomorrow, we shall settle this….

Spencer (To Himself): This means war…

Not only was Gordon rather concerned, but so were the rest of the Big 4.

As Gordon was going to speak, what were Rachel’s cars before her derailment hurtled into the hump yard being stopped by the hump yard brakes.

Snake: THAT’LL TEACH Y’ALL FOR MESSING WITH RACHEL. Jesus…

Snake then sets the cranes in the siding and the damaged rail cars next to them. After that, Snake, who was now fuming, enters the sheds.

Snake: Sssorry about that. I jussst get really pissssed when the carsss ssstrike my railmatesss.

The next morning...

Dawn had risen up and the engines were all up and ready. Jerome was filling up with coal and water for the daily run of the Powhatan Arrow. That’s when Spencer steamed up.

Jerome: Oh, there you are….

Spencer: So, you can theoretically go 140. Doesn’t mean it’s official.

Jerome: Alright wise guy! How about we test it? You and me! We race to Cincinnati!

Spencer: Oh it’s on!

As both engines were readied, they were both coupled to their Cincinnati-bound trains. As soon as the call was given, they both rocketed out of Baltimore Union Station.

The 2 have to deal with Cranberry Grade in the New River, not to mention that at Sewell, northwest of Hinton, West Virginia, 1 track splits into 2. The two speedsters were throwing insults and dirty looks at each other all the way. It was near the West Virginia-Virginia State Border at Clifton Forge where the 2 tracks turned into one, and would remain that way until station stops at White Sulphur Springs and Prince, West Virginia.

Soon they approached the area where the single-tracked section began.

Jerome had managed to hit 95 at Alexandria and got ahead of Spencer fast enough to the point that the switch at Clifton Forge was set for the J Class.

Jerome: Ha! He’s probably back near Richmond!

But then he hears a familiar LNER 3 Chime.

Jerome: Oh no…

Spencer then steamed in on Platform 2, right next to him.

Jerome scoffs when he sees Spencer.

Spencer: Jealous?

Jerome rolls his eyes and once the conductor gives the all clear, Jerome starts off, but not without wheel slipping due to the ice from the chilly winter weather, not to mention the snow falling to the ground.

Spencer: Wheel slipping? You make me laugh.

Jerome angrily slips harder, now causing the ice to melt and finally having him speed up.

Jerome: Later ya silver sucka!

Spencer: Oh! I’ll catch up! Just you wait, you streamlined sausage!!!

But Jerome was too far away to hear. Later on up the line….

Jerome had managed to reach Thurmond and stopped at the station.

Jerome: Now let's hope that he doesn’t have a green light an-

The LNER 3 Chime could be heard again, but this time Spencer whizzes by.

Spencer: I told ya I’d catch up ya jestering J Class!

Jerome: How about you put an egg in your brake block and beat it!

Spencer: Already am Jester!

This pissed off Jerome, and right as the conductor gave the all clear, he started chasing after Spencer.

Jerome was moving faster than he had ever run before.

Then, the 2 engines approached the switch at Sewell, while Spencer went straight, Jerome was diverted to the left and nearly derailed, but luckily stayed upright.

Jerome was now heading as fast as 1225 when he led the Polar Express through Canwell on the roller coaster of a Grade on the Ex-CSX Plymouth Subdivision (Now B&S Southwest Great Lakes Subdivision) Eventually, he hit his believed maximum speed. Or so everyone thought it was. Both engines’ whistles echoed throughout the New River, and at Hawk’s Nest, many railfans managed to catch up on the action, not only hearing the sounds of chuffing and the 2 throwing insults at one another, but also seeing the 2 two trying to overtake each other, and that’s when they saw 611 suddenly catching up even though Spencer was going his top speed.

Jerome’s Driver: You’re doing it old boy! C’mon!

Jerome’s Fireman was working hard to make sure that Jerome was not being put in danger. Jerome however was still steaming forward, where he eventually met Spencer.

Jerome: HAHA!!! CINCINNATI HERE I COME!!!

Spencer: WHAT THE?!

Jerome: I’M ON TOP OF THE WORLD BITCHES!!!!!

At Kanawha Falls, people were waiting for the 2 steam engines, then, they saw a big cloud of snow approaching, along with a N&W 3 Chime and some cheering from an engine. Then, the snow cloud disappeared, revealing Jerome, but before they knew it was him, he darted by, launching snow in the air from a snowpile.

Jerome: YEEEEEEE HAW!!!

Railfan: WHOA WHAT THE.

Spencer then sped past rather surprised.

At Huntington, WV, several of the engines were waiting for Jerome and Spencer to clear the mainline tracks when they heard a familiar whistle.

Alec: That sounds like Jerome.

Erie: How? Isn’t Spencer faster?

Oh how Erie wishes he could take back that question. As Jerome hit another snowbank, Erie was covered from cab to footplate in fluffy white snow.

Erie: BRRRRRR!!! T-T-THAT’S C-COLD!!!

It also didn’t help that Spencer hit a snowbank too, making Erie seem like a snow engine.

Erie: G-G-G-G-GAH!!!

The Northern and Pacific were then side by side.

Jerome: YOU ARE GONNA EAT MY DUST!!!

Spencer: OH YEAH?! SAYS WHO?!

Jerome: SAYS ME AND MY 140 MPH ASS!!!

Jerome hits yet another snowbank and has Spencer in a cloud of snow while he speeds away.

After a while, Jerome began to feel funny.

Jerome: Hmm….That’s weird, my valve gear feels odd….

As he sped on, the sensation got worse and worse, and at South Shore, Kentucky, one of his crank rods snapped, jamming his wheels.

Jerome: WHOA WHOA WHOA WHOA!!!

Then, the inevitable happens and Jerome derails on a curve and flips on his side.

The derailment looked like the Tug River derailment, only instead of dirt, he was on his side on the snow, which not only helped by stopping a fire in the cab, but also softened the impact when Jerome flipped over.

Thankfully nobody was badly injured, but the crew on Jerome did suffer a few cuts and bruises.

Jerome: Gah… This bites…

Spencer then slowed down and looked at what had happened.

Spencer: Now what happened here? History repeating itself I see?

Jerome: Ha Ha Ha Very Funny….

Soon Aiko and Damon arrived with the crane and men to take Jerome to the shops at Baltimore. As Jerome was placed on the flatbeds, Mr. Collins arrived in Stella and walked up to him.

Mr. Collins: Hey Jerome. Are you OK after that accident?

Jerome: Could be better.

Mr. Collins: Well, I got something to make you feel better. I’m not too sure if you know what I mean, but you just made world history! 130.4 Miles Per Hour! You’ve made me proud Jerome. I’d never think that it’d be my railroad that would be the record breaker! Now let’s see here… Damage to valve gear, 2 driving wheels dented… I think you’ll be out of service for a few days Jerome. I’ll rearrange and have Jacob take care of your trains for ya.

Jerome felt much better knowing he was now the fastest steam engine.

Jerome: 130 Huh?

Spencer just rolled his eyes and continued on to Cincinnati while Aiko took over Jerome’s train.

Back in Baltimore, the engines await the news, seeing how Jerome had derailed.

Soon a Leslie SL4T horn was heard. Damon came in pulling flatcars that Jerome was loaded on.

Damon: Everyone! Big news! Jerome ended up breaking the steam speed record! 130 MPH I overheard!

All of the engines, both NWR and B&S were speechless.

Andrew: I am shocked that a steam speed record has been broken in the 21st Century.

Thomas: Wow! So a J is officially the fastest steam engine in the world!

Edward: Congratulations Jerome!

Gordon was especially shocked at this news.

Gordon: How does something like that occur? And I thought my brother Scotty beating 100 was shocking! This is a whole new level! Hah! I’ll be sure to remind Spencer of this whenever he brags about being all high and mighty back at Sodor!

Jerome felt proud of himself.

That night…

Ten Cents and Sunshine were switching coal barges in the harbor. The coal was to be loaded onto a heavy coal train bound for Chicago.

Ten Cents: Phew….I tell you Sunshine, this is very difficult work….

Sunshine: I know! It’s hard for me too!

Ten Cents: But...someone has to do it to keep this operation moving.

Soon the coal barges had been unloaded and the cars were full of coal. Back at the sheds, Mr. Collins assigned Grant to pull the train. But decided he needed more power to get the train up the grades.
Henry then pulled up asking to volunteer.

Henry: Excuse me Mr. Collins, but I think I can help you guys out. I mean, us Sudrian Engines will be here until at least after Christmas.

Mr. Collins: That is true. Alright Henry. You and Grant will pull 125C to Chicago. Snake should be back with his track inspection train on the line any minute now.
I do warn you to be careful however Henry. Not only do you have to deal with Cranberry Grade, but these cars are difficult to handle.

As Mr. Collins was walking towards the mainline to check for Snake, the cowl unit ended up accidentally covering Mr. Collins in snow due to him having a Jordan snow plow on him.

A few of the engines giggle a bit and even Mr. Collins also gets a bit of a laugh out of it.

Mr. Collins: Heh. Alright alright, very funny.

Soon Grant and Henry were in the yard ready for the late night run.

Henry: Not a big shocker. I’ve done one of these nightly trains before with the Flying Kipper.

Grant: That may be so, but I have to warn you. This train regularly averages about 80-120 Cars in length. We need to work as hard as possible to get the train up and over the grades.

Henry: Indeed. We might even get a few snowdrifts in our way if this bad weather keeps up too.

It was decided that Henry would lead the train and Grant would provide extra power behind his Tender. Soon the entire consist was made up. At 11:00 PM, they departed on their long journey.

As the 2 engines worked their way along the line, they both decided to chat along with one another to pass the time.

Grant: So you had to deal with a smaller firebox for the longest time, then got special coal, only to be involved in an accident to get a new shape and now don’t need special coal anymore? Seems like your life has been a true roller coaster, Henry. But I do feel sympathy for you. Nobody should have to suffer like that.

Henry: I find it worse that nearly no one believed me! Thankfully Sir Topham Hatt has noticed! I still want to know one thing though. Who built me, and why were my blueprints stolen from Mr. Gresley? Now, I remember hearing 7 years ago that no SD26s remained in service, all except for you since you were purchased from Guliford in the 2010s. What happened to all of your siblings?

Grant: Unfortunately, scrap… I miss them dearly….

Henry: Ouch. I know how it feels to be the only one in my class, being an experimental engine before 1935 happened.

Grant: Thank you for understanding…

Later on, the two engines were giving it all they could to get the train up Cranberry grade. Not to mention the tracks were rather icy, which made it difficult to grip the rails properly. But they weren’t giving up.

Henry was slipping a bit, but otherwise kept his grip on the rails due to his driver applying the sander. The cars just struggled against the 2 engines.

Henry: Come on! Come on! Don’t be silly! Don’t be silly!

Grant: Don’t give us trouble now you stupid cars! We gotta make it up and over!

Soon Henry managed to, slowly but surely, make it up the grade.

Me: We made it!!!

Henry: Indeed we did! We’re moving at a nice pace too!

Grant: We sure are!

125C moves at a quick and easy pace through Huntington, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis before finally arriving in the B&S’s Vivian Yard in Chicago. The two engines returned to Baltimore 2 days later.

Meanwhile, Donald and Douglas, the two Caledonian twins, were being fitted with snow plows. There was trouble with snow over Saluda Grade, and to make things worse, Lily was involved in an avalanche similar to when Thomas was trapped with the Christmas Tree back on Sodor. It was a vile blizzard out there at Midnight.

Donald: Ey Doogie, this is some o' th' wirst winter waither ah hae ever experienced.

Douglas: I knoo Donal’! It’ wirse th’ an engin’ is trap’d in the snoo!

Ian then rolled up with a rotary plow. He was assigned to help the twins.

Ian: I’m here! Are you 2 ready to go up Saluda? It’s VERY steep! Steepest in the USA actually!

Both were ready and waiting. Then the three engines set off.

A few miles south of the summit at Saluda, Lily’s engine was shut off to keep Lily safe from an engine backfire, since Lily, being an oily diesel, did not mix well with snow, both mechanically, and emotionally, having one time derailed into a deep snowdrift. Her passengers were kept warm as her HEP Generator was still active, but it couldn’t run forever, not to mention, one loud noise, and another avalanche would come down, and it would derail the coaches and bury Lily all over. This posed a problem for Ian and the rotary, as yes, it did get rid of heaping tons of snow, but it’s also very loud.

Luckily, they had a solution. The rotary will clear the drift ahead, roll down to central Carolina (Southern North Carolina/Northern South Carolina) after being decoupled, and will be stopped and collected by an engine at the next siding. The 3 engines soon rolled up the grade.

It was at the summit where they saw Lily almost completely covered in snow.

Lily: Thank goodness you’re here...I thought I’d be here for a while…

Ian: Yep! NOW LET’S GET MO-

Lily: SHHHH!!! Remember! We’ll be buried by an avalanche if you talk like that!

Ian: Right…

Soon, the rotary plow started to move, but it was way louder than they anticipated. That’s when they felt rumbling.

Douglas: Ey Donal’, do ye feel someth’n?

Ian quickly stopped after hearing that.

Ian: Oh fuck.

Lily: BRACE FOR IMPACT!!!

As Lily, Ian, and the Scottish Twins were bracing for the inevitable, all of the sudden, Eric, Gordon, and Duncan managed to shove the 4 out of the way, as the “Saluda Snowfall” was now after them.

Eric: Yinz think we’d leave ya to get buried by this avalanche? Hell nah! Not in the Saluda Snowfall!

Soon, all 3 engines had to stop due to the points being frozen, and then they saw the avalanche coming.

Conductor Tom: GET US THE BLAZES OUTTA HERE!!!

Gordon: Eric! Force the switch!

Eric forced the switch to move due to his weight serving as an advantage.

Eric: Come on! Hurry!

Gordon soon followed with Duncan not far behind.

Finally, the engines found shelter in a snow shed and the tracks behind the 7 engines were blocked off.

Lily: Phew… That was close… But… How do we get back to Baltimore now?

Donald: Is ever’on’ Okeh? Th’ was too frightenin’...

Luckily, everyone was ok, whether engine or passenger, but the north side was blocked by the snow.

Luckily, Duncan had a trick up his sleeve.

Duncan: Hang on guys! I got this!

Duncan then managed to overpower 4300 Horsepower to the 6000 he was originally built with with the help of some overclocking from his crew.

Duncan: Follow me!

Duncan then started plowing through the snow while pulling Lily, and the other engines followed.

Finally, the engines arrived in Baltimore safe and sound, with cheers going to the 3 engines that saved the others from being buried by the snow.

Gordon: I do believe I owe you an apology Eric. I shouldn’t have assumed that you were a passenger only engine.

Eric: I believe I should be apologizing to you! It was your quick thinking that got the 3 of us here!

Gordon: Well, thank you.

Soon, it was Christmas Eve, and the B&S was already decorated for the festivities. With Baltimore looking like a winter wonderland despite being near the coast, it suits the decorations very well.

Jacques, more commonly known as 1225, was getting ready for the night.

James soon noticed and his eyes went wide.

James: No way… It can’t be! Is that the one and only?

Grant: Yes it is. The PM Berk himself!

James: Oh man! I’ve heard a lot about him!

Jacques took notice of the two engines talking and he slowly steamed toward the 2 engines.

Jacques: Hello you two. Pretty chilly Christmas isn’t it?

James: Yes it is! But spirits are surely high!

Jacques: Hey. Aren’t you one of those Sudrian Engines I heard were coming to visit?

James: Why yes I am! Us engines will be here until New Years or something like that!

Jacques: Well I hope your stay here has been pleasant. Anyway, I have to get ready for tonight.

Jacques then reverses into the passenger cars behind him.

A special event was planned at the NEC. Services from Washington DC to Boston were suspended to make way for Jacques, along with 261, named Maverick, and 765, named Norfolk, with them pacing side by side with him before they part ways with him at Boston, so Jacques can continue on to the North Pole, but there was a problem. Maverick was on overhaul in Schenectady, while Norfolk was on an Office Car Special in Virginia, but would luckily make it in time for the 3-way racing event.

Conductor Tom and Mr. Collins were informed of this, and the 2 then got an idea. Mr. Collins got out of the station office and went to James.

Mr. Collins: James, we’re having a race between 3 of our steam engines. Unfortunately, one of the engines, Maverick, is out for overhaul, so we were wondering. Would you like to participate in this 3-way race?

James: Me? Taking part in a race? Well, I don’t want it to end up like that time in 1954 where I became out of control, and Edward came and rescued me.

Mr. Collins: Alright James. I understand.

James: Thank you sir. But it’s a 3-Way event. Who shall take part as the 3rd member?

Gordon: Ha! Speed is my thing!

Mr. Collins: Gordon! Would you like to take part in this?

Gordon: Why certainly Mr. Collins! It’ll be nice seeing how all these people will be seeing speed from an Ex-LNER with 2 of America’s finest steam engines! I bet there’ll be thousands of them there to witness us in action!

James, seeing how this one chance could end up being the only chance, along with the fact that Gordon mentioned there would be possibly millions of people witnessing the event, being the vain engine he is, James changed his mind.

James: Um, Mr. Collins, I’ve decided to change my mind on that.

Mr. Collins: Hah! I knew you’d be like that James! Sure. Just couple up to Maverick’s train on Platform 4. You and Gordon will doublehead I suppose.

Gordon: Guess he knows ya real well huh James?

James just rolled his eyes as he backed into the train as Gordon chuckled.

A few minutes later….

Both James and Gordon were coupled to Maverick’s train, and Norfolk had just arrived, ready to start. As soon as the all clear was given, the 4 engines departed.

They all started off slowly, but soon, the engines went faster. Gordon was right about there being a lot of people, whether tourist or native, surrounding the tracks. The 4 steam engines caught Sammy by surprise as steam weeshed past her.

Sammy: WHOA!!!

Norfolk: Sorry!!!

As Gordon, James, and Norfolk slowed down on the way down the grade, Jacques sped past with his coaches, and soon stopped at a station to pick some kids up at Philadelphia, along with scheduled stops for Norfolk and Gordon and James once they caught up. It was like a dream come true for the kids seeing the Sudrian engines hard at work.

Several station stops later, Gordon, James, and Norfolk were resting a bit at some Boston sidings, when they were woken abruptly by Jacques racing past the 3 Steam engines with hundreds of kids on board.

Gordon: WHOA. Does Jacques usually go this speed?

Norfolk: Only when he’s late, and seeing how we were ahead of him, he must be a bit behind schedule.

James: Now I’m jealous! If only I could have my own seasonal train to pull!

Both Gordon and Norfolk howl in laughter after hearing that.

Gordon: Sure James! Sure! Just be sure to get up to our speed ok?

James, again, rolled his eyes and the 3 engines went back to Baltimore.

Once the 3 engines arrived in Baltimore, it was dark.

James: It seems so dark!

Gordon: Something seems to be happening, but what though?

That’s when the darkness was soon revealed by light, Christmas Lights shined all over the place, the Baltimore Engines were fancied up in red and green, along with loved ones of the engines and controllers of both railroads there to attend the party.

The engines sang carols, shared laughs with one another, and even expressed thanks for one another.

Eric rolled into the darkness and passed the lights with Gordon taking notice.

Eric stopped by the harbor and looked up to the sky.

Eric: Merry Christmas dear…

Gordon: Who did you mention?

Eric: Oh… Just a loved one that I had back then. If only Amtrak wasn’t a bitch with Conrail running on their tracks, she might’ve stayed alive… I come here every Christmas to wish her one...

Gordon: Oh… I can see it really well… But it’s Christmas! I’m sure she’s fine up there. Hey, you see that bright star? I think that’s her watching over you.

Eric heard her voice in his head.

???: Merry Christmas honey! Don’t be sad I’m not with you! I’ll always be there for you! Even when you can’t see me!

Eric smiled, closed his eyes, and even let out a few tears.

Gordon: See? She still lives on. Now c’mon! Let us have a damn jolly good Christmas!

Eric: Yeah!

Once the party was over, the engines went to sleep.

The next day, the engines were all giddy, they received presents, like how Andrew got new strobes, or how Henry got a new coat of paint. For both sides however, they each got photos of the Sudrian and B&S engines working side by side, or even together in some cases!

Thomas was still feeling joyous about being with the B&S engines. He was paying little attention to what was going on around him.

Snake pulled up with a long line of 45 cars.

Thomas: Oh hello Snake! Need help with those cars?

Snake: Yesss… Thanksss Thomasss…

Thomas shunted the cars thinking about the party last night, but one of the bulkheads took advantage of that, and the rest pushed Thomas back since Snake wasn’t around. He was nearly shoved into the bay when Snake stopped the train and saved Thomas.

Thomas: Oh thank god. You’re a lifesaver Snake.

Snake: Heh… It'sss what I do!

Thomas: Y’know, I’ve always wondered Snake, why do you drag out your S’s?

Snake: Well, it wasssn’t jussst me, but our entire classss. Our air compressssors, which help usss with braking, keep on making a hissssing sssound whenever we pronunciate the letter Sss. People on CP called usss “Rattlesssnakesss”, and it’sss even how I got my name.

Thomas: Interesting! Very interesting!

Both of the engines saw snow falling to Thomas’s disdain.

Thomas: Here comes the damn snow…

Snake: Y’know, Lily hasss the sssame disssdain. She once crassshed into a big sssnow drift, and jussst recently, ssshe ssslammed into an avalanche. Ssshe’sss held a disssdain for it for 28 yearsss now.

Thomas: Wow. That long? She must’ve had a very bad experience with snow.

Snake: It all ssstarted in 1993. Ssshe wasss racing to Quebec City from Windsssor. It wasss a sssnowy February morning. Ssshe wasss mossst excited asss the date where ssshe firssst ran wasss approaching, but then sssnow had fell from a bridge, and landed on Lily’sss windssshield. Ssshe, nor her crew, never sssaw a sssignal at danger asss they attempted to wipe the sssnow off with her wipersss. They ssslammed into a Canadian National Freight at 95 MPH, almossst immediately killing her crew and ssseverally damaging herself. Luckily VIA Rail repaired her, but ssshe’sss never been the sssame.

Thomas: That’s horrible! She’s had worse luck than I have!

Snake: Which isss why I’d be careful around winter. You may sssee little to no danger, but there’sss Henry’sss crash, and Lily’sss too.

Thomas understood.

Skipping over a few days with nothing eventful going on, we approach New Years.

Oliver: Well, it’s getting even closer Toad! Our first American New Years!

Toad: It is indeed Mr. Oliver!

Andrew: Heard about that illness in China? Feel bad for the people there. I just hope it doesn’t get too outta hand.

Eric: I wouldn’t worry about that too much. There’s been several before and they were pretty minor.

Andrew: Yeah. You’re right.

Lily then arrived with her last passenger train, not just for the day, but for the year as well.

Lily: And There we are! Last train of the year! I’m so excited you guys!

That night, the New Years decorations were all set up and it was getting close to midnight.

Grant: Another Hour and it’ll be the new year!

Anais: I feel so hyped! I can’t wait for the things 2020 will bring us!

Toby and Percy pulled up.

Percy: I’m so excited! I can’t wait for our first American New Years!

Toby: Same here! It feels so unique to be here in the US!

Thomas pulled up. I’ve been here in the US once. Albeit I crashed and fell in the Grand Canyon due to an unrealistically sharp bend.

Toby: You sure that was America?

Thomas: Ok. Maybe MATTEL was being a real bitch with realism. I tell ya. They’re pure idiots.

Anais: The downside of merchandising.

Thomas: No shit. That’s cheap merchandising I tell you. Be lucky that models of you guys are highly realistic.

Anais: But they’re hard to come by! Let alone expensive!

Grant: I honestly don’t care about the merchandising. As long as I and my jewel are safe, I’m happy.

Anais: Awwww!!! Grant!!!

Thomas: I find it amazing how you 2 are happy with one another. How’d you 2 even meet?

Grant: We met from a rather unlikely introduction. Anais and I met back in late 2015. She was the leader of a gang. Some gang with wrecked engines or something like that.

Anais: I used to be known as “Speed Demon” back then, but now those days are thankfully in the past. I was rude all over before I met Grant…

Toby: Well, it is all about speed nowadays. But I’m glad you’re away from those days now. I think you should talk with Salty sometime when you guys head to Sodor. He used to be part of a gang. Not a leader like how you were, but something like a second-in-command.

Alec and Duck rolled up, Duck had just finished telling Alec about his time on the GWR as 5741.

Oliver: Finished telling Alec about the Great Western way Duck?

Duck: Indeed Oliver! I thought I’d share my story with the American engines!

After nearly an hour, the countdown began. Screens were wired to not only fit the colors of the Sodor Engines on the countdown, but also to see what’s going on in New York. Soon, it hit 10 seconds.

After everyone counted from 10 to 1, the engines all sounded their horns and whistles.

Sir Topham Hatt & Mr. Collins: Happy New Decade engines!

Eric watched in the midst of the scene, he knew that his ghostly partner was next to him.

???: Doesn’t this look nice?

Eric: Yeah. Yeah it does.

???: Why not join them? I’m not stopping you!

Eric: Oh. Alright honey. Heh.

Eric pulled into the party, and it continued for about a few hours before everyone went to bed.

The next day, Snake and Jerome were waiting for Lemmy to be finished sorting their trains. Lemmy and Jerome just exited out of the shops after being fixed up.

Edward then pulled up beside Jerome.

Jerome: Oh, hey Edward!

Thomas and Percy also race up. They looked more excited than usual.

Snake: You two ssseem to be more excited than usssual. What’sss the occasssion?

Thomas: Nothing too big. It’s only the fact that me and Percy have been assigned to pull a mail train from here to Cumberland.

Edward: Now you two, I know you're excited, but know this, I’ve heard that the tracks are still icy.

Snake: Plusss, remember what I told you about Lily Thomasss. Please pay attention.

Percy: What does he mean?

Thomas: Oh. Lily one time got snow on her windshield and crashed.

Edward: That’s right. Now, run along you two. I have to join Donald and Douglas with Snow clearing services. Good luck!

Edward puffs away. Thomas and Percy then head over to the yard where Puffa was sorting out the mail cars.

They see an angry Lily in the siding. Her crew had yet to show up and snow was starting to fall to her disdain. Thomas and Percy puffed up to her.

Percy: Excuse me.

Lily: Hm?

But Right as Percy was about to speak, a loud turbine sound was heard, along with a slight fireball.

Thomas: Bust my Buffers!

Percy: What in the world was that?

Lily: Oh that’s Greg. He is our most powerful engine in the fleet. He’s a gas turbine locomotive.

Greg rolls up.

Thomas and Percy were amazed by his sheer presence.

Thomas: Does that fireball thing happen a lot with you Greg?

Greg: Oh yes, it usually happens when starting up my turbine. I call it, “Spontaneous Combustion.”

Greg rolls away to couple to an awaiting train.

Percy: Well anyways… What’s making you angry Lily?

Lily: My crew hasn’t arrived yet and this fucking snow ain’t leaving anytime soon…

Thomas: You aren’t alone, I hate snow as well…especially when snow plows are involved….

Lily: What’s your story?

Thomas then tells Lily about the time he got stuck in a snowdrift when he forgot to wear his snowplow, among other negative snow related incidents he has been through.

Lily: Well I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s been fucked over by snow.

Thomas: Ain’t that the truth.

Soon Puffa finished setting up the train and the two tank engines coupled up. It was a bit difficult to get the train started, especially with the icy rails, but the two Sudrian tank engines got the train moving.

The snorting engines would get a good run all the way up until Sand Patch Grade. That’s when problems started arising due to a snowstorm the night before, causing the rails to be incredibly icy. As Thomas and Percy slipped up the grade, they soon realized what challenge they were pitted against.

Percy: Come on! We can’t be defeated by the ice!

Their drive wheels slipped faster and faster until they began to roll backwards. But they didn’t have control of their brakes or the entire train.

Thomas: Cinders and Ashes Percy! We have become a runaway!!!

Percy: UH OH!

The boxcars were not helping, but a nearby switchman soon noticed the 2 engines sliding backwards, switched the train onto the middle track, which was scheduled for repair in a few hours, and gave out the call.

Meanwhile with Edward, he, Donald, and Douglas were clearing the tracks around the yard to let the Greyhound SD40-2s pass to access the railcars on switch E28, when they heard a distress signal being sent by Baltimore tower.

Mr. Collins quickly ran towards the 3 engines.

Mr. Collins: Edward! Thomas and Percy are sliding down the line with no way to stop! No other engines can provide assistance other than you. You think you can do it?

Edward: I’ll try. I’ll admit that I’m not as strong as I once was. Given that I’m overpowered by the 6 driver engines other than Thomas, I'll do it to help my friends.

Edward had his snowplow removed and sped towards Sand Patch.

Unfortunately, not all engines were aware of the runaway, and the runaway would shock and scare some others. One of those engines was Sammy. She was on her way up to Harrisburg when she spotted the train racing towards her. She shut her eyes bracing, but she was sent onto another track before the trains could collide.

Sammy: What wuzzat?!

The two tank engines tried their hardest to grip the rails but it was still no use.

Soon, disaster lay ahead.

*CRASH*

Snake never heard a distress signal and was slammed by the boxcars. His driver and brakeman had jumped clear before the collision.

Thankfully no one was hurt and nothing in the cars were damaged despite the horrendous impact, but Snake was on his side feeling dazed.

Edward arrived at the scene not long after the collision. He was glad that Percy and Thomas were alright, but he did feel bad for the cowl unit.

Edward: What on Earth happened here?!

Thomas: The tracks were extremely icy, Edward….

Snake: Why wasn’t I given a claw… It’d make taking care of these cars much easier…

Edward quickly got the derailment cranes and lifted Snake and a few railcars onto the flatcars.

Edward: Are you alright Snake?

Snake: I am. Nothing a little repair can’t fix, given that our repairmen are skilled to the point where they can return a wrecked engine into operating condition. But I recommend y’all hurry. I heard your ship back to Sodor will be coming soon.

Edward: That’s right. Now, let’s get you two back on the rails.

Edward got the two tank engines back on the rails and Sammy pushed the train into a siding.
After that, the 3 engines went back down to Baltimore, and right on time too as the ship was now in sight.

Edward: Oh thank goodness!

The other Sudrian Engines were lined up, ready to board their ship back to Sodor.

Gordon: Where were you four engines? The ship’s already here!

Edward: You think it’s easy cleaning a collision? I’ll tell you it’s not. Anyways, what did you think of this railway, Gordon? It’s way more advanced than Penn Central ever was!

Gordon: Why yes. I will admit that this railway is much better than what Scotsman told me on his trip in America. What ever happened to that wretched railroad anyway?

Alec: Merged with practically the entire northeast to form Conrail in 1976 before us and another railroad split it in two 20 years ago. Yes it did trigger some railfans, but we made it up by returning an Ex-Reading GP30 to passenger service.

Gordon: Oh that’s good.

???: Gordon!

Gordon: Huh?

Eric raced up next to Gordon.

Eric: I just wanted to say thanks. You made me realized that she lives on, I’ve never believed it until you told me back on Christmas.

Gordon: Happy to help. Trust me. I’ve felt depressed before, especially since all but one of my siblings were scrapped.

As the final engine was loaded in a few hours later as the engines said their goodbyes, the two railroad men shook hands to a final crowd’s cheer, as The Fat Controller boarded the rail ferry, and off the Sudrian engines went.

Lily: Eric? What did you mean by “she lives on”?

Eric: It’s a rather long story… I’ll tell yinz some other time.

To be continued in “1977”