April 14th, 1961

  The Simon Yard was busy, though, with the regular freight trains, but a doubleheader passenger train was in the yard, ready for a passenger run. That doubleheader was Roger and Betty, you see, during December and January, Mr. Hutton has been working with the Hillside City and the Simon Hill Railway to work on potential passenger excursions, and when the City told Mr. Hutton that they’re doing their annual cherry blossom festival, Mr. Hutton took the chance, and working with the city to operate steam excursions during the festival, the Hillside City Cherry Blossom Festival usually starts in the April month, and last for three days, the 1961 season has the City hosting the festival on the 14th-16th.

  The City and the festival decided to invite Roger and Betty due to the immense success of the old Porter’s visit. With that, both engines left the Roger Railway and the Hutton Steam Company and Museum on the 9th for the Simon Hill Railway, and arrived early in the morning, and mostly got some general maintenance and servicing before leaving Starlight Yard to Simon Yard, on a ferry move, the 14th would be the first trip for the festival, to Tuscan Yard, being a trip sponsored by the City, the steam doubleheader was given a headboard that was label, ‘SL Hanami Special’, which SL means steam locomotive.

  The All Small Steam Locomotive Society was presented at the festival with its own booth about the Society, and helped with the steam excursion, as it had done last time. The members would again volunteer to be conductors for this run. With the steam excursion, the crew is also invited to the festival with their family and friends as a thank you for hosting the steam excursion. After the ferry move, Roger and Betty rested the whole day, ready to run to Tuscan Yard, where tickets were sold out months before, and the weekend would be more excursions. Betty would operate a mainline excursion, and Roger would operate some daily excursions on the Hillside Branch, which has a ruling grade up to 3.5 percent, but on Sunday, the old Porter would end the festival by operating a mainline excursion, and Betty would operate on the Hillside Branch.

  “Today’s going to be great,” Roger smiled at Betty, “Lots of excursions for the weekend.”

  It was morning, but unlike the first mainline doubleheader, there wasn’t any snow or anything.

  “It is,” She smiled, agreeing with Roger, “And the headboard that the City made for us is very nice.”

  Mr. Hutton came up to the two engines.

  “It’s a special excursion,” He told the two, “Cherry blossom viewing is quite a traditional event in Japan, but add a steam excursion to the mix, and it’s a wonderful excursion and experience.”

  “Tickets did sell out,” Roger told Ben, “I was worried since the passengers of the last excursions did call the Society members Japs or Japs festival.”

  “Cruel world we live in,” Ben sighed, “But it only seems to be the people who fought in the Second World War or the folks who grew up with racist folks, but despite that, everyone really loves the last excursion with the Society sponsoring the run and having new foods to try.”

  “The food was good too!” Samuel said as he came up with his mom and girlfriend, “I’m excited to finally operate on the throttle.”

  “Only on the Hillside Branch,” Ben reminded his son, “When I feel like you’re ready enough, I’ll let you operate on the throttle for mainline excursions.”

  Samuel nodded.

  “I should bring something for Samson, since he is always volunteering at the museum,” He reminded himself, “I was thinking of giving him something from the Society members’ booth.”

  “You should give him a book on the Japanese language,” Daina, his girlfriend, said as she ushered her little brother, “Your father did say that there are a lot of interesting steam locomotives that the Society members showed him during his visit.”

  “I know that Clair’s locomotive basis operates in Japan,” Roger told Diana happily, “Clair told me when she first arrived at the railway. It must be a great country.”

  The passengers came to the yard; some were holding suitcases and small bags. Unlike the last excursions, this would be one where the passengers could stay in the City for the Hillside Cherry Blossom Festival all weekend, and the tickets were expensive, 20 dollars, but that covers the operation and the smaller excursions, and the lodging, which are happening throughout the weekend. The passengers were excited for the excursion as they went inside the coaches, seats were filled to the brim.

  “It seems like the passengers are ready,” Roger said as he saw the passengers getting inside the coaches, “Are you ready, Betty?”

  “As ready as you are,” She told the old Porter, “Let’s get this show on the road!”

  Roger smiled. The spring weather was perfect, and they were ready to run after the passengers got in, the crew checked over the engines one last time, before giving thumbsup to highball out of Simon Yard, the two blew their whistles, and slowly moved away from the station siding, onto the mainline, with 7 coaches, this was the start of the mainline excursions for the weekend, the whistles echo a bit as the two locomotives left the yard.

  The two thundered on the tracks. This was a high-speed excursion, well, high speed in their little 2-foot gauge world, since there wasn’t snow on the tracks, or icy rails to deal with, they could go a much faster speed. What makes this excursion more interesting is how many railfans were along the trackside, some railfans were on trees or hills, getting a good shot of the steam doubleheader, which was odd seeing for the two old engines. They whistled at the railfans, and some had their family along the tracks to experience railfanning a mainline steam excursion.

  The passengers were enjoying the mainline run two, since it’s not cold and snowy, they could wear clothes that fit into the spring season, the windows were open, and the railfans who purchased the tickets were leaning out of the window, taking photos or recording film or sound. This was an extraordinary moment for Roger and Betty.

  “How was the Roger Railway this season?” Betty asks Roger as they go through the double-track mainline.

  “The season went well,” He told his significant other, “Mr. Hutton purchased another coach from Germany, for Clair, since her one coach operation was getting quite popular, and it’s a similar design to Sophia.”

  “That’s nice of Mr. Hutton,” Betty smiled, “The Hutton Steam Company has started laying down more tracks, we might reach 5 miles before the 1961 season is over.”

  “That’s good,” Roger smiled, “Longer the track, the longer the excursion operation is. How long do you think they’ll reach the East Broad Top?”

  The excursion charged right up the 1.5 percent gradient, smoke and steam billowed out, and it was tough work.

  “Probably in 2 years, maybe 3 years,” Betty told Roger, “Mr. Hutton wants to get the track length done before the World’s Fair.”

  “Do you think the team will get it done before 1964?” Roger asks Betty.

  Betty thinks for a bit.

  “Maybe,” She told the old Porter, “It’s likely, but it depends on how far the funding goes. So far, they have enough for 3 miles this year; most went on improvements of the buildings.”

  The excursion passed a stray cat, meowing as the train passed the feline.

  “Though I’m excited for the World’s Fair,” Roger smiled happily as they slowly descended the gradient.

  “You were quite excited when you told me,” Betty giggled, enjoying seeing her significant other happy, “Though, is this your first World’s Fair?”

  “Technically, yes and no,” Roger replied, “My railway participated in the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, Clark didn’t want to bring me to Pennsylvania, and since the city of Westminster was celebrating their 100th anniversary and the 115th anniversary of the City being founded and incorporated in 1806 and 1811, he made a deal to J. Hampton Moore and the Franklin Institute to have the Roger Railway part of the event, and it worked. I ended up operating many passengers.”

  “The most we ever got,” Mary noted, “We made a lot of passenger revenue, and helped us in the long run.”

  “It did help us improve the railway,” Roger told Betty, “Back then, it was a lot of money; nowadays, it’s nothing.”

  The scenery was changing from nature to modern city life. They were near the City and the Tuscan Yard. They passed a small bridge, which led to the city. The excursion train slowed down as it arrived in the City. The two engines were now street running, which is a term that railroaders use when a train is operating on the tracks on a public street. It’s an interesting sight, and with the festival going on now, everyone was waving at the train and at the two engines; it was a sight to behold for the onlookers.

  The crowds were huge this year, with the Hillside Cherry Blossom Festival being the main factor. The engines slowly made their way through the street, the windows of the passenger coaches were open, and many of the passengers were leaning out, trying to get an interesting look at the perspective of the onlookers and the passengers. The Tuscan Yard slowly appeared; there were many folks, and some of them were excited to see the passenger train. There were cherry blossom trees that were dotted along the city streets, a bit of pink to go along with the calm colors of the city. It was a grand entrance in terms of how many people came.

  Roger and Betty arrived at the yard, which was filled with crowded folks eager to see the passenger special. Upon arrival, the two whistled happily as they slowly arrived at the yard. The city folks were excited to see the steam doubleheader, and some were playing these big drums as the train was arriving. Roger and Betty were quite surprised by an encore of cheers and drums playing, flags were waving as well, and the people from the City were excited to see the excursion.

  “What a crowd,” Betty smiled at the crowd.

  “It seems like they’re very excited to see us,” Roger commented.

  And they were, after finally stopping the passenger excursion, the folks crowded the passenger train; surrounded Roger and Betty like schools of fish. It was an interesting sight, but the two knew that the crowds needed to disperse so the two trains could be positioned for tomorrow’s excursions. Luckily, the All Small Steam Locomotive Society volunteer conductors came out of the coaches and seemed to calm the crowd down, which dispersed.

  “It’s nice we’re going to have a rest,” Roger sighed happily, “That was one hell of a good run we had, I’m exhausted.”

  “We sure did, but I’m exhausted as well,” Betty smiled, “But we have a big weekend, you have an excursion tomorrow with the Hillside Branch excursion.”

  “3.5 percent gradient is something,” Roger looked at a single track, which was the track that led to the Hillside Branch, “It’s going to be a challenge.”

  “How long is the Branch?” Betty asks.

  “Around 3 miles, so very short,” Roger told Betty, “Wilbert told me before we left for the ferry move, the branch line mostly goes through the street.”

  The passengers got out of the coaches and the charter buses took them to the hotels, to spend the weekend at the Hillside Cherry Blossom Festivals, the two uncoupled from each other, same with the coaches, Betty was turned on the wye before facing the other direction, this was preparation for the mainline excursion tomorrow for the festival attendees that purchase tickets for the excursion.

  “Now we’re ready for the excursion tomorrow,” Roger smiled happily.

  “I’m excited as well,” Betty agreed, “It’s such a nice day outside.”

  Mr. Hutton, Lizzy, Samuel, and Diana came towards the old Porter and Betty.

  “Well, how are you feeling about the excursions this weekend?” Mr. Hutton asks Roger and Betty.

  “Excited,” He smiled, “Can’t wait to challenge the gradients.”

  “Can’t wait to show them the Dixie Queen,” Betty grinned happily, “I’m very excited for the weekend.”

  Diana then placed her sunglasses on her head.

  “Samson is going to miss this,” Diana told Roger.

  Which made the old Porter a bit curious.

  “Where’s Samson? He’s usually with you guys,” Roger asks the family.

  “He’s in the United Kingdom visiting his cousins,” Mr. Hutton told the old Porter, “Despite me not being in contact with my older sisters for years, Samson is fond of their daughters, his cousins, my nieces, close since they were children, so I let him visit every year, plus, there are many historic narrow gauge railways in Britain, both industrial and common carrier.”

  “I feel like he’s going to buy a locomotive before he gets home,” Samuel joked to his father, “Despite you teaching him how to operate steam locomotives.”

  Mr. Hutton turned to his son, who had a cheeky smile.

  “Well, your brother has taken a close friendship with a 0-4-0 Bagnall Sipat named John, and a 0-6-0 Baguley diesel locomotive named Timmy of 1950,” Ben told the older brother, “Works at a sand and gravel hauled industrial railway near my oldest sister’s place in Lincolnshire.”

  “A potential Hutton Steam Company resident?” Betty asks Ben.

  “Well, from their friendship, nope,” Mr. Hutton told Betty, “But my son took an interest in preserving some of the narrow gauge industrial railway history of his own, pretty precious history.”

  “We do have some of the similar industrial narrow gauge lines in the United States, even some in Pennsylvania,” Lizzy noted, “And some still operate steam.”

  “I think the industrial railways that are connected to the Simon Hill Railway are still using steam,” Samuel said as he rubbed his chin, “I remembered talking to Wilbert last year.”

  “Though only one,” Wilbert said as he came up to the group, “The passengers were quite impressed with today’s run; some of the railfans were brave enough to hike through the wooded area for the excursion.”

  Though the old Porter had a curious question.

  “How’s the railway been?” Roger asks.

  Wilbert's face fell.

  “We only have a few industrial railways that’ll last this year and next year,” Wilbert told Roger, “We’ve just started on this gravel and sand operation, just 50 miles out of Hillside City, and it’s doing well, revenue-wise. It’ll help the railway and help with the overhaul of Simon.”

  Simon was taken out of service for an overhaul, after which he operated his last excursion in March, making this excursion time perfect.

  “How's Simon overhaul going?” Roger asks.

  “Going well,” Wilbert smiled, “We’ll get him probably finished before the spring of 1962.”

  “Who’s going to be in charge of the steam excursions?” Betty asks Wilbert.

  “That’s where I come in!” Mr. Hutton said with a happy tone, his son and wife shook their heads, as if to say he was trying to be hip and cool, “Sorry, I saw Samson doing this and thought it was cool. Anyway, before we left on the ferry move, the day before, Wilbert, Eusitis, I, and a few other members of the Steam Program had been talking a lot about what engine I could lease. I was thinking about you and Betty, but my friend had that Meyer locomotive I told you about.”

  “From the Isle of Peter?” Roger asks.

  Mr. Hutton nodded.

  “I gave him a quick phone call, and then after a few hours, the Meyer locomotive will be leased to the Simon Hill Railway,” Mr. Hutton smiled, “Her name is Citrus, she’s a Bagnall Meyer, quite a powerful lady on the same length as Elizabeth.”

  “We like to meet her,” Betty smiled.

  “Meeting another steam locomotive is always a good thing,” Roger agreed with Betty.

  “I’ll talk to him when the lease is over, since he’s building a railway for Citrus,” Mr. Hutton told the two engines, “But she’s a nice engine, a sweetheart.”

  Samuel looked at the yard, still crowded with onlookers.

  “I think the engines would need a rest before we give them some general maintenance,” Samuel told his dad, “Besides, I want to go to the Festival with Diana and Scotty.”

  Ben looked at his watch.

  “Maybe a little break will give Roger and Betty a chance to rest before we perform the general maintenance,” Mr. Hutton stretched his back, “The festival will give us a chance to have some family time.”

  After a few more words to the crew, Mr. Hutton, Lizzy, Samuel, Diana, and her little brother left the yard to enjoy the festival, giving both engines a chance to have a rest.

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  “This year has been interesting,” Betty pointed out.

  “It has,” Roger agreed, “New president, new year, a new amendment, it’s an interesting year so far.”

  “Unless the whole of America is going through hell, it would be a calm before the storm,” Betty told Roger, in a concerned tone, “If it does happen, will you stand by me? And stand by each other when the times are tough.”

  Roger looked at Betty and gave her a simple answer.

  “Yes, I will,” He told her.

  April 15th, 1961

  Roger woke up to a nice sunny day. The smell of blooming blossoms woke him up, and the warmth of his fire made him excited. He looked around the yard and saw that Betty had already left for the excursion, which he didn’t mind; it would give him a chance to operate on a calmer excursion, with a ruling grade of 3.5 percent. Mr. Hutton and Lizzy came to the old Porter, though, without Samuel, Diana, and her little brother.

  “Good morning, Ben, Lizzy,” Roger smiled.

  “Good morning, Roger,” Ben nodded.

  “Good morning, sweetie,” Lizzy smiled at her favorite engine.

  Roger looked at the yard.

  “This is the first time I've woken up this late. I’m usually an early riser,” Roger chuckled at that thought.

  “Your first excursion starts at 9, so we have a little time to inspect the line and pinpoint any issues before the run,” Mr. Hutton told Roger, “The line goes through the festival, and there are barriers if you're worried about the crowd control. Samuel’s group is enjoying Betty’s passenger excursion, so they won’t be here today.”

  Roger looked at Ben.

  “Like in the middle of the street?” He asks Ben.

  “More like one side, and the booths are on the other side,” Mr. Hutton told Roger.

  The old Porter was quite intrigued.

  “This would be interesting,” Roger told Ben, “3.5 percent gradient, and a crowd of happy going festival attendees.”

  “The biggest problem I’m worried about is the gradient,” Ben told the old Porter, “The Southern Railway was a test, and now this is another test, at a much slower speed.”

  Roger thought for a bit.

  “I think I can handle this,” He told Ben, “I handle the mainline on the Simon Hill and the Southern Railway, I can handle a branch line.”

  Mr. Hutton looked at Roger for a bit before chuckling.

  “You always have that bit of confidence,” He smiled at the old Porter, “Even in situations that seem to be doomed, there’s always a sliver of hope in that boiler of yours, the heart.”

  “Hey, sometimes it works,” Roger smiled.

  The passengers arrived at the yard, and with the festival starting soon, the volunteer conductors guided them into the coaches, presenting each passenger with a pin featuring the Roger Railway emblem coat of arms. The little saddletank simmered as he watched his crew talking to Wilbert before getting ready for the excursion. Mainline excursions require a lot of preparation and timing, unlike heritage railways, which are more leisurely and calm. After talking to Wilbert, Ben, and Lizzy came into Roger’s cab, ready to run.

  With a smile on their faces, the passenger excursion was ready to operate. Roger watched as Wilbert turned the points onto the branch line, and the old Porter slowly moved onto the branch line, whistling as he got onto the other track, his bell ringing. He moved a little faster, making his way on the Hillside Branch.

  Unlike most branch lines, this one runs through a city, which can make it hazardous for folks and their kids running around the street, playing without supervision. It can be dangerous for workers on the railroad to deal with something like this, but for the Simon Hill Railway and their excursions, it’s like a blessing in disguise. This was a shorter branch line, which means that Roger could operate multiple excursions throughout the day, and with the festival being busy for the start of the spring season, an excursion like this is bound to make a lasting impact.

  The gradient was getting to Roger, he could feel it in his wheels, the stack talk was loud enough to break the City’s sound barrier, the folks on the street were surprised to see steam on this branch line, the old Porter looked around, city life is quite different, even though the Roger Railway is not too far from the City of Westminster, Roger never visited the heart of the City, though, Ben and Lizzy did, and told the old Porter the City of Westminster is quite glamorous, even in winter, which made the old saddletank curious.

  Roger whistled as he slowly trundled along, as the passengers leaned out of the window, and the sight and sound caused the people from the City to look at the passenger excursion. This was tiring work, and operating mainline excursions is tiring work, with the addition of a branch line special. Roger could see booths of food vendors and general merchandise, people wearing robes of interesting design, and pink petals of the cherry blossom. He could see small tables of families and friends enjoying the feel of the festival, and the smell of the blossom made this experience quite wonderful.

  “Look at all these stands,” Roger looked at the busy festival, “Looks exciting, so this is what a Japanese festival looks like.”

  “Lizzy and I enjoyed our time,” Ben told the old Porter, “Lots of activities and food, there’s a new food I’ve tried called ‘sakura mochi’, pounded rice into a chewy cake, it’s tasty. I can see why these festivals are quite popular.”

  The 3.5 gradient did challenge Roger, but he did increase his speed, but not too much. You don’t want to sleep when operating a steam gradient, but the excursion train passed another set of points, which leads to the industrial railway, which, looking at the uphill gradient, is also quite steep. Roger wondered if a shay locomotive was used on the line. Passing through the festival was an experience, but as the old Porter could see through the end of the line, he slowly stopped. The end of the track leads deeper into the City. It was an interesting feeling; he could see cars passing him, giving him interesting looks, but that was the end of the excursion.

  Mr. Hutton got out of the cab and looked over at Roger while the passengers got out and moved their legs and feet.

  “I think I did well,” Roger told Ben, “The gradient did fight, but I did move a little faster to get the train through the grade quickly.”

  “You did well as usual, Roger,” Ben said with a smile, “It seems like we stir up the City with our entrance.”

  And they did, the City folks came to the engine, surrounding him, like at the Loon Mountain Branch, the folks aren’t used to seeing steam locomotives in the City that aren’t from the Simon Hill Railway fleet, even with the excursions operating by the railway, it was a sight to be mesmerized since there’s no wye or a passing loop, Roger would operate the trains backwards, knowing that it could be very risky, especially with the City folks excited to see a steam excursion.

  “Wilbert would be our eyes behind our head, and I’ll be looking backwards as well,” Mr. Hutton told Roger, “It should be fun.”

  After the passengers took many photos, the crew took a group photo as a memory for this excursion, and everyone got back to their respective positions. Wilbert was inside Charlotte, out on the deck, being the eyes behind Mr. Hutton’s head, and Ben was leaning out of the cab, looking in the opposite direction. After the all-clear signal was ready, Roger blew his whistle and started moving backward slowly. The old Porter had to carefully maneuver backwards, since everything could go wrong right this second, and it won’t be very good if there’s an accident on this special day.

  Going backwards on an excursion wasn’t a big deal, though, unless you’re operating cab backwards, which was a common operation on the Roger Railway, but since there’s no wye or passing loop, this was a slight issue, though. Wilbert and Ben are doing a great job, which shows their professionalism in this type of job that they’re doing. Roger applauds both men for their wonderful work on getting this excursion operated for this festival.

  Many of the attendees who were participating in the festival were happy to see the passenger train. Roger blew his whistle as he passed the stands and booth. It was a strange feeling operating this way, but it seems like it’s going well, with 3 miles, the chance of more daily excursions through the festival will happen, and Roger will be on the point of many of these excursions. Passenger excursions are the Roger Railway's bread and butter, and seeing the many different folks during his mainline excursion is something that he’ll cherish for good. He loves his job, loves what the Preservation Society is doing, and he loves seeing the happy passenger’s face.

  Arriving back at the yard, many people who wanted to ride the passenger special were waiting for Roger. It was a nice spring day, and the cherry blossom petals blew through the wind; it was like a scene from a Walt Disney movie. After finally stopping, the passengers got out of the train to walk back to the festival, and the other folks in the yard were excited to finally ride the train.

  “First train completed,” Roger smiled, “Many more to go.”

  Mr. Hutton got out of the cab and walked towards the old Porter.

  “We’ll rest a bit before operating the second run,” Ben told Roger, “So far, the passengers are satisfied with the excursion.”

  This made Roger smile.

  “I’m happy that our passengers enjoyed our excursion,” He told Ben, “We did a great job.”

  As Lizzy got out of the cab, a little boy came running into the yard, close to where Roger was, and bumped into Lizzy’s leg. The child fell onto the ground, dazed and surprised.

  “Are you okay, sweetie?” She asks, helping the child up.

  The child nodded, as nothing had happened.

  “Well, be very careful, a railway yard like this, it’s dangerous,” Lizzy told the child in her motherly tone, but in a soft, stern voice, “Stay close to your parents and siblings.”

  “Okay!” the child smiled and ran off.

  Mr. Hutton smiled at the interaction.

  “It reminds me of when a child accidentally bumped into Samuel last month,” Ben recalled an incident, “He did something similar that his mother did, he has his mother's genes.”

  “I taught him quite well,” Lizzy grinned, “I always tell him, ‘a little act of kindness goes a long way’, and he took that for granted. From what his teachers and Diana had told me, he’s always nice to his classmates, and he always told his teachers that you helped him to be who he is. Ben and I always tried our best to raise Samuel and Samson. It’s a struggle, but seeing them happy makes us happy.”

  Roger was surprised.

  “Me?” He asks, “I mean, I didn’t expect him to tell his teachers about me, I mean, you don’t hear a student talking about an old engine like me every day.”

  “Yeah, I was surprised too,” Ben told the old Porter, “The teacher thought you were a human being before I told her that Roger is well…a steam locomotive.”

  Roger blinked a couple of times, then he chuckled.

  “Well, that’s something you don’t hear every day,” the old Porter smiled, “But I’m happy that my presence has changed someone's life while they’re growing up. Samuel has changed a lot since I met him all those years ago.”

  Mr. Hutton smiled.

  “I agreed as well,” Ben smiled at Roger.

  April 16th, 1961

  Roger operated many back-to-back festival excursions throughout the day, and Betty returned from the mainline excursion to Simon Yard with a happy look on her face. Everyone was happy with the excursions being operated by the Roger Railway Preservation Society. When the excursions were done for the day, Roger and Betty moved their train into their respective positions, so they could get ready for the second excursion train on Sunday, which is the last day of the festival.

  The morning was the same, but it was early. Roger woke up excited and happy to operate a mainline excursion for the festival. The tickets were originally sold out months in advance, so the passengers' chance of riding an excursion like this is high on their list. Roger was refilled with water and coal, and this excursion would be an easy one compared to the high gradient one. Mr. Hutton, Lizzy, and the crew have arrived. He looked to see that Betty was still asleep, which was something to be expected.

  “She’s sleeping soundly,” Roger smiled, “Like a queen.”

  “Aw, thank you, Roger,” Betty said, opening her eyes and grinning.

  This surprised Roger, which caused his cheeks to turn pink.

  “You’re awake!” He cried out.

  “I’m not much of a heavy sleeper anyway,” She giggled, “I was hoping to be awake to see you before you leave.”

  Roger blushed a bit.

  “I didn’t get a chance to do that yesterday…” He told Betty sadly.

  “Don’t worry,” She assured Roger, “There were many folks in the yard, too noisy, you need your sleep anyway. Old engines like us need our sleep.”

  Roger chuckled a bit.

  “That’s true,” He smiled.

  The passengers came into the yard, excited for the excursion. The old Porter is excited for this excursion, a chance to stretch his wheels, and his crew was giving him one last look around, making sure that everything is ready and alright before the excursion happens. Mr. Hutton was reading a Trains magazine, eating one of those Sakura Mochi, while Lizzy was brushing her hair and getting all cleaned up, a little downtime before the excursion.

  “It’s always interesting to see the railway that you saved in this magazine,” Ben commented, “David P. Morgan knows how to write an article.”

  The old Porter looked at the pink, sweet food.

  “You really like those sweets, do you?” Roger asks Mr. Hutton.

  “I grew up with British and American sweets,” Ben said, with a small smile, “Mother always made homemade sweets, her cheesecake made me gain extra pounds, I was called fatty at school before moving to America, the only reason I lost a lot of weight was war rations and my job. These pink sweets aren’t that sweet, which is good for my health.”

  “I’m guessing the S.D. Warren Paper Mill puts a lot of stress on you?” Roger told Ben.

  “A lot in such a short amount of time,” Ben sighed, “Doing this also gives me stress, but it’s a good stress.”

  “Good thing you have me,” Lizzy grinned at her husband.

  Roger laughed a bit.

  After the passengers got into the train, everyone was ready to ride the last excursion of the festival. Roger blew his whistle and slowly left the yard, passenger coaches filled with happy passengers, with small plumes of steam from the cool spring morning. It was still a bit dark, but it would make a great look for any photographers in the yard, taking photos of the excursion train departing the yard.

  Roger thundered along the tracks. Well, in terms of 2 foot gauge speed, the engine was going at a nice pace, the old Porter could see the railfans along the track, some on rocks, some on hills, or on their cars, it was an interesting sight to see, the sun was rising, and the orange glow of the morning sun made the excursion quite beautiful. Roger looked at the sun, a beautiful sight, he always sees the sun rising for morning every day back at home.

  “You smell something?” Mary asks her sisters.

  The three sisters smell something, but couldn’t figure out what it is.

  “Maybe it’s the barbecue stand they have at the festival,” Anabel reminded her sister, “The scent can go on for miles.”

  “No, it’s not from that,” Mary told Anabel.

  “You’re not getting up in age, are you, sis?” Charlotte teased, “You forgot Roger is a steam locomotive?”

  “Pipe it, Charlotte,” Mary huffed, “The smell came from Roger.”

  Roger heard the sisters talking.

  “It could be the smoke from the firebox,” the old Porter told Mary, “You haven’t had any issue with the coal smoke smell.”

  “But, it doesn’t smell like coal,” Mary pointed out, “It smells like burned metal.”

  This made Roger want to stop to let Mr. Hutton inspect him before continuing with the trip, because if what she said is true, then this is an early sign of a bearing failure, though usually the engine feels a burning sensation, like fire, lava, or even a sunburn. These repairs take a few days. Still, it’s an uncomfortable feeling for most engines on any gauge.

  “Do you think you could look under my frame when we arrive to make sure my bearings aren’t overheating?” He asks Ben, who pokes his head out of the cab.

  “Yeah, sure, we can,” Ben told Roger, “I think Mary has a good nose to detect the burning smell of the overheated bearings.

  “Aw, thank you, Ben,” Mary smiled at the engine driver.

  “But what if it's a false alarm?” Taylor asks.

  “Even if it is, it’s good to check just in case,” Roger replied to Taylor, “The last thing we want is my bearings to overheat and fail.”

  The train operates smoothly, though, with the lingering burning metal smell. Mary was worried, though; she’s calm, but this all could be a false alarm. Roger whistled at a group of railfans, knowing that they’re happy to see the steam passenger special, his side rods clank through the rails, a simple sound, but it’s a sound that most railfans like to hear; some even leaned out of the window and recorded the sound for prosperity.

  Roger arrived at the yard with many railfans eagerly waiting for the special to arrive. The morning sun became a normal sunny morning, the train arrived on time, and the old Porter stopped for a rest before turning on the wye. The passengers got out and stretched their arms and legs, enjoying the sight of Roger. Keeping his promise, Mr. Hutton looked under Roger while the other crew was servicing the old Porter. After a couple of minutes, Mr. Hutton came back to the resting saddletank.

  “Your bearings are at a normal temperature,” Ben told Roger, “No signs of overheating.”

  “So it is a false alarm,” Taylor said to Mr. Hutton.

  “But,” He continued, “We’ll look at Roger thoroughly after this excursion, because the last thing we want is a bearing failure and Roger can’t operate the RHS.”

  “Were there any signs?” Roger asks.

  “No signs,” He told the old Porter, “But Mary is right about one thing, that burning metal smell, so that’s why I want to give you a very thorough look after this excursion, the shop staff at Starlight Yard has the mechanics to repair steam locomotives, you don’t feel anything wrong, Roger?”

  “I feel fine, no burning sensation,” He told Ben, “If I feel, I will tell you right away.”

  Mr. Hutton nodded.

  “Let’s turn this train around,” Ben told Roger, “The passengers are eager to go home.”

  After turning the train on the wye, the passengers got back into the coaches, excited about the return trip, with the gradient on this line being a huge feature. Roger had to charge right up. It’s a risk since Mr. Hutton did smell the burning metal, but it’s a risk they’re going to take, whether it’s a good or bad choice. Roger slowly left the yard as more plumes of steam came out of his funnel, and some railfans took photos and went into their car, waiting to chase the train.

  Roger was making good time. He operated on a calmer pace, since the chances of an overheated bearing failure can happen any second now, the passengers didn’t mind the change of pace; they were mostly excited about returning to the festival, the smell of the burning metal was apparent to Roger, but he didn’t feel any burning sensation, though, despite this, he kept the same pace as he’s going through the mainline, it was a nice spring day, and Roger wouldn’t imagine a better day like today.

  He charged up the gradient, which was something to be expected, powerful engines on this particular gauge are used on gradients like this, from shays to more powerful six wheeled engines like 2-6-2s and 2-6-0s, but Roger is just a tank engine, a saddletank engine, but he did show the Southern Railway what he’s capable of, though, cracks can start showing, though, the railfans enjoyed the show as they watch the old Porter charging through the gradient.

  Though the rest of the excursion was going well, though, as before, cracks are starting to show, as the morning sun becomes the afternoon sun, and it coming a later day, the excursion train is going to the entrance to the City, small bridge, and street running, Roger felt something odd in his wheels, like a burning feeling, it was a hot feeling, like fire onto his frames and wheels, it was getting hotter and hotter. Like his wheels are operating on the sun’s core.

  “Fuck,” He winced, “It’s happening.”

  Mr. Hutton leaned out of the cab; he had a worried look on his face.

  “That’s not good,” He commented, “I know this sounds like a stupid question, but keep on going till we get to the yard.”

  “I’m glad we’re not in the middle of the mainline,” Roger groaned, “This feels like operating through the sun; it’s a painful feeling.”

  Roger kept on going; the passengers, on the other hand, didn’t even know what was happening; they were enjoying the excursion, the railfans that are trackside don’t even know what’s happening either, but the Old Porter kept going as he passed through familiar rails, the burning sensation ungodly uncomfortable, it was like torture to Roger, but he needs to keep on going.

  Page break

  Betty was in the yard after completing successful rounds of excursion on the Hillside Branch, and she was waiting for Roger to arrive. She was turned to another direction for the ferry move back to Starlight Yard for tomorrow, she then heard his whistle, and was happy to see Roger, then her face fell as she saw his uncomfortable, pained face. The old Porter finally stopped, finally. This was a feeling that no steam locomotive should endure.

  “Roger!” She cried out, “Are you okay?!”

  “Don’t worry, Betty, it’s just bearing problems,” Roger told the 2-4-2t, “They’re overheating.”

  “Ouch,” She calmed down, looked at her significant other, and looked at Ben, “How bad is it?”

  “That’s a good question,” Mr. Hutton took a deep breath, getting out of the cab, “We’ve had to take apart his frames and wheels, as told by his pained look, they’re probably starting to crack, or worse, they already did.”

  “Pretty painful, very bad,” Roger winced, “I think that’s the end of the excursions.”

  “At least we ended it on a good note,” Betty smiled, “Wait, how are you going to get back to the yard?”

  That was a good question that Roger didn’t have an answer to yet.

  “Let’s wait until tomorrow,” the old Porter told Betty, “I need some rest, and have this burning sensation go away.”

  Roger was uncoupled from the train and slowly, very slowly, moved through the wye, which was probably the best option since any faster can worsen the pain, the old Porter was facing the other way, and his coaches were left in the same spot, Roger closed his eyes, not sleeping, but making sure the painful burning sensation will slowly disappear, and he needs the sleep anyway.

  April 17th, 1961

  The next day, the festival is over, and the City has changed from a bustling festival host to a normal, quiet City. Still, the railfans who remembered the excursion stick around. Roger was resting, next to Betty, no fire in his firebox, his bearings were overheating, the chances that they would fail are high, or worse, they already failed to begin with. The coaches were still in the yard, moved through the wye, and the sisters were coupled up to Betty’s coaches. It was a somber moment, but Roger was glad that the excursion ended without too much of a fuss.

  “It’s nice to go home,” Roger smiled, “After three days of excursions, going home to rest feels good right now.”

  “I agree,” Betty smiled, “But we have to wait until Mr. Hutton gets here.”

  “From what I’ve been told, he’s talking to Wilbert about the repairs,” Roger told Betty, “He’ll probably ferry me to the shops, though, not in steam.”

  Just as the old Porter mentioned Ben, the man arrived with Lizzy, his son, and girlfriend, her little brother, and Wilbert, to whom Lizzy came over and petted Roger’s cheek. Ben came over to the old saddletank.

  “How are you feeling, Roger?” He asks.

  “The burning sensation stopped for now,” He told Ben, “I think my bearings have given up their life now.”

  “Well, you ain’t wrong with that,” Mr. Hutton told Roger, “I looked through your bearings under your frame, and they looked like they’re about to crack any second now, the gradient must’ve pushed them to their limits.”

  “Your bearings would need to be replaced,” Lizzy told Roger, still petting his cheek, “Better ones that the Preservation Society gave you during your first overhaul.”

  Roger was intrigued.

  “How much better?” He asks.

  “These new bearings are not just for regular operation, but also mainline operation as well,” Mr. Hutton told Roger, “The bearings that the Preservation Society and I added back in the Juniata Shops were regular bearings meant for shorter operation like the Roger Railway, and they were cheap as well, this one is for general mainline steam locomotives, both standard and narrow gauge, including 2 foot gauge, but a little more expensive.”

  “I’ll take it,” Roger smiled, “I do love these mainline excursions, even if it’s once every year or two, and I don’t want to experience this feeling again.”

  “We’ll have to ferry you back to Starlight Yard,” Ben told the old Porter, “Betty will pull you back to the yard.”

  Both Roger and Betty were quite surprised.

  “I-I well-it’s-I didn’t expect…to hear this,” She stuttered a bit.

  Ben pointed at the passenger coaches.

  “Your coaches will be pulled by diesels back to Starlight,” He told the two, “Betty will pull Roger and a caboose back to the yard, the caboose will be for the volunteer crew members. After talking to Wilbert all night, and the results of the excursions were a success, the shop staff at Starlight will help with the repairs. The best option for all of us.”

  Roger and Betty looked at each other.

  “I hate to doubt myself, but…Can I pull Roger?” She asks Ben, “Can I pull this off?”

  Roger looked at Betty, and he smiled at her.

  “I know you can do it,” He told her, “I know I have my own doubts, but if I could operate a mainline excursion on a Class 1 Railroad with tough gradients, then you can pull me back to the yard with style and your Dixie charm.”

  Betty looked at Roger with the same kind smile that made her fall in love with him.

  “It’s going to be a challenge,” She told Mr. Hutton, “But I’ll do it.”

  Mr. Hutton nodded, then Samuel, Diana, and her little brother walked over to the two.

  “I heard what happened, Roger,” Samuel looked at the old Porter, “I hope you’re alright.”

  “I am,” Roger told Samuel happily, “Just need a little repair, that’s all. How was the festival?”

  “It was quite nice,” Samuel told Roger, “The experience was great, I really enjoyed it.”

  “And I just got myself a Japanese learning book,” Diana was holding a small book in her hand, “I just learned that older sister in Japanese is called an ‘onee chan’.”

  She then gave her little brother a bear hug.

  “Come on, sweetie,” She ushered her little brother in a playful voice, “Call me onee chan.”

  “Don’t wanna!” He said, squirming in his sister’s grip.

  “It’s no use, Scotty,” Samuel laughed, “She did something similar to Samson as well, best to give in.”

  Scott gave his big sister a big bug back, which she cheered in happiness. A small diesel switcher has pushed a caboose to Roger, coupling the rolling stock to the old Porter. Betty was in steam, and she moved to the other track and backed into the old Porter, coupling him up. Ben greased up the bearings; despite not having a fire in his firebox, the bearing failure could still happen even when Roger is not operating in steam.

  “How are you feeling, Roger?” Betty asks.

  “Still tired, but I’m happy that I don’t have to feel the burning pain,” He told the 2-4-2t.

  The crew went into the caboose, with Mr. Hutton, Lizzy, Samuel, Diana, and Scott climbing aboard onto Roger. Everyone was ready. Betty watched as the diesel locomotive picked up the coaches and moved slowly out of the yard. After the empty coaches were left at the yard, Betty blew her whistle and slowly moved out of the yard, despite Roger’s weight of an industrial steam locomotive; he wasn’t that heavy, and she was built as both a passenger and freight engine for her old railroad.

  The railfans were taking photos of the ferry move, it was strange to see two steam locomotives, but only one was operating, Roger couldn’t whistle or do anything, so he just smiled at the railfans, Betty on the other hand, whistle happily, this was easier then she thought, but she has to be careful and not overblowing herself and getting damage as well.

  “This is an interesting feeling,” Roger told Betty as the City building was slowly turning into the familiar forest setting, “I’m used to pulling Mary and her sisters, but this is the first time I’m being pulled by another engine, a steam locomotive.”

  “It is an interesting feeling,” She agreed, “But it seems the railfans don’t mind that at all.”

  Roger looked at the railfans with their cameras.

  “It’s been a great weekend,” He commented, “Despite the overheated bearings.”

  “It has, the Hillside Branch was fucking steep,” Betty told Roger of her excursions, “I nearly slipped a couple of times, makes our gradient look like child's play.”

  “But there’s one thing that's ironic, but it’s a win for both of us,” Roger said to Betty as they slowly went downgrade.

  Betty didn’t say anything, but grinned.

  “Stand by each other,” She commented, “Even when the times are tough.”

  Roger smiled, despite having a nice long sleep, he was feeling sleepy, it’s been a long weekend.

  “You’re right,” He softly replied, before going to sleep.