Duck the GWR Engine works on his branch line and always gets the job done without fuss.
One morning, Duck was crossing the old wooden bridge. There was a big bump on the track. Duck's crew stopped to check the bridge. "There are cracks in the supports." said the driver.
"That could be dangerous." cried Duck. "It might fall down if it's not repaired." And they hurried off to warn the other engines.
The engines were waiting for their coal and fuel when Duck arrived.
"Don't use the old wooden bridge." said Duck. "It's dangerous."
"How would you know?" squirmed Diesel. "You're only a quacker on wheels!" And he puffed crossly away. He didn't even wait for his fuel.
Duck hurried to the station to tell Sir Topham Hatt the bad news.
"Thank you." said Sir Topham Hatt. "I'll send engineers to investigate the bridge. Meanwhile, nobody is to use it."
Duck's crew put up a sign - Line Closed. The engines had to travel a different way.
Meanwhile, Diesel needed more fuel to get home? But when he arrived at the fuel depot, it was empty.
"Bother! I won't get home without more fuel! Where's the nearest depot?!"
"On the other side of the old wooden bridge." said Edward. "But you can't cross. Duck says it's not safe."
"Pooh! Duck makes things worse than they are!"
"I'm sure one trip across the old wooden bridge won't hurt." added the driver.
When they got to the junction, Diesel's driver removed the sign. And they set off towards the bridge. This was a big mistake. Suddenly, Diesel squirmed to a halt.
"I'm out of diesel!" He had used up all his fuel.
"What's that?!" he asked nervously. His driver looked down. The old wooden bridge was starting to collasp.
"Duck!" called Edward. "Diesel's gone to cross the bridge!"
"I'd better check if he's alright!" said Duck.
But the cracks and the supports were getting larger. A beam snapped,! Timber pieces splashed into the water below.
"HELP!" wailed Diesel. "I'm going to fall!"
But Duck was on the way. Soon, he reached the old wooden bridge. Diesel had never looked so scared. Duck chuffed bravely onto the bridge.
"Careful!" gasped Diesel.
Soon they were coupled up. "Hold on!" said Duck.
"Oooooh!" shouted Diesel. Duck pulled him off the bridge, just in time.
Sir Topham Hatt spoke sternly to Diesel and his driver.
"That was very irresponsible!"
"Sorry sir. And Duck, you were very brave."
"Yes, Duck. You are a useful engine."
"Thank you, sir." Then Diesel spoke to him.
"Duck, I'm sorry I told lies about you long ago. You were a nice engine. Let's be friends."
"Suits me." smiled Duck. And they were.