Toby and the Stout Gentleman (magazine story)

"Hip hip hooray!"

- Henrietta

Toby and the Stout Gentleman is a magazine story.

Plot
Toby takes trucks from farms and villages to the main line. He has a coach called Henrietta who used to be full and have nine coaches behind her. Now she is empty and goods from the factories are sent by rod. Road vehicles often have accidents, but Toby has never has not had an accident for years.

One day, a stout gentleman and a lady with a little girl and boy are on station platform. The stout gentleman is the Fat Controller, but Toby does not know this yet. Bridget, one of the stout gentleman's grandchildren, offends Toby by calling him electric. The Fat Controller explains to his grandchildren that Toby is a steam tram before shouting "stop" to the guard. The Fat Controller and his family quickly scramble into Henrietta who is thrilled to have some passengers. Toby on the other hand, is still feeling very hurt after being called electric. Later, the Fat Controller asks for Toby's name and thanks him for a very nice ride.

The children came everyday for a fortnight. Sometimes they rode with the guard or in empty trucks. On the last day, the driver invited them into his cab. All were sorry when the Fat Controller and his family had to go away. Toby tells them all to come back soon and the children say that they will.

The months pass and Toby has fewer trucks and even fewer passengers. One morning, the driver tells Toby that it is their last day as the manager says that they must close tomorrow. That day, everyone wants the chance of a last ride. Henrietta has so many passengers. They all joked and sang songs as they traveled along.

Toby falls unhappily asleep that night thinking that nobody wants him. Next morning he awoke with a start to see his driver who tells Toby that they have received a letter from the stout gentleman.

Characters

 * Toby
 * Henrietta
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Stephen Hatt
 * Bridget Hatt
 * Lady Hatt (not named; does not speak)

Trivia

 * This story is based on the first season episode, Toby and the Stout Gentleman.