Almost an Accident! is a magazine story from 1993.
Plot[]
One morning, Edward is waiting to take passengers down his branch line. A cyclist speeds into the station and puts his bike on the rack before getting on the train. The man's bike is old, and he explains how the chain fell off this morning. The stationmaster talks to Edward's driver about how the cyclist always reaches the station at the last minute and how he should get a newer, modern bike.
That evening, Edward brings the man back to the station, and he rides his bike up a hill. Climbing the hill is hard work for the man, and Edward compares his puffing to that of an engine. During his trip to and from the station, the man crosses a level crossing. He waves to the signalman to open and close the gates. Today, the man is puzzled. The gates are open for him and he cannot see the signalman. The man can then hear the sound of an engine coming. It's Percy with a goods train! The cyclist springs into action and runs to open the gates for Percy, and he is just in time to see him go by! Percy thanks him while the driver brings the train to a stop after clearing the crossing.
The driver also thanks the man, but the two men are still curious about the signalman. Inside the signal box, they find the signalman with a hurt ankle. The driver quickly telephones a doctor. That evening, Percy tells Edward and The Fat Controller what happened, to which The Fat Controller states he deserves a reward. When the cyclist next sees Edward, he is gifted with a brand-new bike!
Characters[]
- Edward
- Percy
- Sir Topham Hatt
- Stationmaster
- Edward’s Driver
- Percy's Driver
- The Cyclist
- James (cameo)
Goofs[]
- In one illustration, Percy's side rods are drawn backwards.
Gallery[]
