ERS Volume 76 – Patrick The Mountain Engine

From Sodor Island Forums

Author

Stuart7

Stories

Patrick, Vermat and the Bridge

Patrick tells Hunter (who is visiting the Peel Godred branch) a story which took place after the incidents in 'Danger Points' and 'Devil's Back'. In this story, Patrick hasn't been entirely forgiven by the passengers for his mishap at the Summit, and has been temporarily replaced by a new diesel railcar named Vermat, who is causing discontent for the other engines with his scheming tricks. Knowing Patrick is already in disgrace, he lies to Patrick that a half-mended bridge (fitted with a speed restriction) has been repaired. Patrick takes the bridge too fast and the Truck becomes trapped within the collapsing bridge. Ernest helps Patrick rescue her, but the Manager, convinced by Vermat's lies and an ensuing argument that Patrick is responsible for damaging the bridge, sends Patrick back to the shed, allowing Vermat to get away with his dirty trick.

Exile

As a punishment, Patrick is demoted to shunting duties within the station yard. No one, not even the Manager, believes his side of the story, except Culdee and some of the engines. Vermat, meanwhile, is planning his second 'attack'. He deliberately breaks his fuel pipe, causing it to leak. He also leaks some of the oil over a siding where Patrick is due to be shunting that night. Patrick slips on the oil and, with his train, crashes into a field at the end of the siding. Patrick is pulled back onto the rails by Culdee, but the Manager is furious, and believes once again, that Patrick is responsible. There follows an argument between the two, but Patrick is sent away to the Snowdon Mountain Railway in Llanberis for a while. Vermat and his driver smirk nastily, on seeing Patrick being taken away.

The Revelation

Vermat, feeling very pleased with himself about his victory over Patrick, harangues the engines over the following weeks. Alaric is sure the problem will be resolved, and proves himself correct when Vermat stages a series of pranks on him, his last being to pirsuade the trucks to push Alaric down the hill, where he derails in a field beside the line. Vermat, gloating to himself, is unexpectedly caught in the act by the Manager, who, out on a walk, has overheard him. He immediately brings Patrick home from Llanberis, to rescue Alaric, and makes Vermat help clear up the mess. Next, Vermat is sent home to Switzerland in disgrace. The manager apologises to Patrick, and he is heartily welcomed home, but the story isn't over yet...

Patrick and the Passengers

A steam gala is taking place on the Culdee Fell, but Patrick is to be on goods duty that day. Some of the passengers are rude to Patrick on arrival, but Ernest (who is taking their train) fails with a leaking steam-pipe. Patrick, though not entirely confident, comes to the rescue, is forgiven by the Manager and the passengers, and all ends happily, with Patrick finding a new friend in Hunter.

Notes

• Featured Characters: Culdee, Eagle, Eric, Ernest, Hunter, Lucky, Patrick, Shane Dooiney, Sodor Castle, Wilfred, Fat Controller, Lord Harry Barrane
• Introduced Characters: Vermat the 1995 South Welsh Diesel Railcar
• Introduced Locations: The Snowdon Mountain Railway, Llanberis, and Vermat's home in Switzerland.