There’s always a saying that success doesn’t always come overnight, but in some cases, this is an exception. Despite the Roger Railway operating for tourists in the past before preservation, ever since being preserved by the Roger Railway Preservation Society, the number of passengers has grown so astronomically that multiple trains have to operate well into the evening. The summer season ended with over 300 passengers, which was nice for the first month, but the second month, plus Halloween, reached over 500 passengers.

  Roger was quite popular in many of the train magazines throughout September and October, but David P. Morgan's piece did extraordinarily well, bringing passengers to the railway through the Autumn season. Mr. Hutton was happy with the great result from the railway, and he’s proud of the old Porter working his bunker off during these busy months. With Halloween over and the pumpkin month becoming turkey month, it was another operation season for the railway, with a week off for Thanksgiving, but this month also holds a special surprise.

  October 15th, 1951

  Ben looked out of his house window. September was over, and he was excited for the fall season. The railway had done very well, with Roger being the star of the operation, and passenger numbers going high every operation. He was thinking of getting another engine to help with the spring and summer season, while he was thinking, his telephone was ringing, and he picked it up.

  “Hutton residence,” He greeted the caller.

  “Is this Ben?” a voice with a Welsh accent called out of the other end.

  “Paul?” Ben asks. Paul was Ben’s childhood friend before moving to the U.S. He was from Wales before moving to the county where Ben lives before moving to America.

  “Yes! It’s me,” He cried out happily, “It was hard to find you, I have to ask your aunts, uncles, and cousins.”

  “Anyway…” Ben said, moving on to the main topic, “Is there a reason why you’re calling me?”

  “Ah, yes,” Paul said, getting to the important information, “My chairman of the newly formed Narrow Gauge Railway Society wants to sponsor a charter on the Roger Railway for two days.”

  Ben blinked a couple of times.

  “Pardon?” He asks his childhood friend.

  “I’m serious,” Paul told Ben, “He wanted to speak to you tomorrow about the charter.”

  Ben stops and thinks for a second. There were already talks with the NRHS and other historical societies and clubs wanting to sponsor a charter train on the Roger Railway with the old Porter, though, with a short season, Ben thought that waiting for charters till 1952 would be the best option, though he had an idea.

  “I’ll take the charter idea,” He told his childhood friend, “What time does your chairman want to speak?”

  “Since the time zones are different compared to America, maybe around 9:30 in the morning,” He told his childhood friend.

  “Okay,” Ben nodded, “See you later, it was nice talking to you again.”

  “It was,” Paul replied happily, “See you later!”

  After the phone call ended, Ben sighed. Doing one charter for this year wouldn’t hurt the railway or the season, though, with the holiday season being the main thing that’s on everyone’s mind, the passenger train is increasing every weekend despite the holiday season, but he needed another engine for next season, or at least leased one.

  “Love,” a voice got Ben out of his thinking mode. It was his wife, “Mr. Willock wants to speak to you, and it’s important.”

  That made Ben surprised, “Tell him to wait in the living room.”

  William Willock Jr is a close friend of Ben Hutton; like Ben, he loves trains in the two-gauge and helped overhaul the Roger Railway, and he had his own railway, the Indian Valley Line. He has his own steam locomotive and a bunch of steam-operated equipment. Ben and his family visited his railway in New York, and he was delighted with the operation and was able to get some volunteers for the preservation society.

  “Will!” Ben cried out happily to see his friend, “How are you doing?”

  “Quite well,” Will smiled at his friend, “I’m travelling to a model railroad show in Philadelphia, and the show invited 16 and the new parlor car that I recently finished building.”

  Ben's eyes were wide.

  “You finally finished the project,” Ben said as he sat down on the couch, “I remember the project was in pieces. I helped a bit, but I’m guessing the volunteers from the preservation society helped out?”

  “Yep,” Will smiled, “Great group of folks that you got for your railway, though, this is not why I came here.”

  “Yes,” Ben nodded, “My wife told me that you have something important to say.”

  “I do,” Will said as his tone was getting serious, “Ben, do you need another engine?”

  Ben was surprised by the question, though he did mention this to the volunteers after the big boom of popularity and passengers, which prompted a plan for the next few years with a talk with his wife. Knowing that the volunteers also helped out Will and his railroad, he wasn’t surprised by how he got that information.

  “Yes,” Ben sighed to his friend, “We were getting back-to-back passenger trains that increase our needs to get another engine, though, I haven’t really looked through ways since I was busy with the railway 24/7…I’m also guessing that 16 is part of the meeting?”

  Will nodded, “After talking to my crew, I wanted to talk to you about leasing 16 to the railway for this season and the 1952 season?”

  Ben’s eyes were wide, while it’s true that having an extra engine would help with the passenger season for the spring and summer, this was an offer and a plan that he couldn’t refuse.

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Ben smiled at his friend, “16 will be a great help with the lighter passenger runs, while Roger will take most of the duty of the operation, and you can lease the parlor car. I know it’ll be quite popular for our passengers.”

  William blinked a couple of times and couldn’t believe that Ben accepted it so easily.

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Ben grinned at his friend, “But after feeling the overwhelming action every three days after Labor Day weekend, succumbing to my decision, I already feel like we need another engine.”

  “Though, are you truly ready?” Will seriously asks Ben, “Or are you just saying that because of the pressure of running a heritage railway?”

  Ben looked at Will. It was a good question, with Roger being over 70 years old now, and locos his age don’t tend to operate that long without proper maintenance and overhauls, pushing Roger to his limits can cause issues. On the other hand, the railway just reopened as a heritage railway recently, so they are bound to get many more passengers than the eye can see.

  “Mostly in the middle,” Ben said to his friend, “I’m planning to do a big meeting at the beginning or at the end of the year, which includes a budget for getting another engine for the railway, though, 2-foot gauge isn’t as well known compared to 3-foot gauge railroads, so building a 2 foot gauge steam locomotive that is the same gauge as Roger, and powerful enough to haul the trains is going to be tough.”

  “That is tough,” Will agreed with Ben, “I’m glad to be able to grab 16 during a trip through Idaho, and don’t worry about my railroad, I got my 25-tonner Junior to help with the operations. I forgot to tell you that 16 is here on the back of my truck!”

  Ben then got off the couch and walked outside, and saw 16 on the back of Will’s truck. He was clean and smart, and beamed at Ben as he walked towards the Davenport.

  “Hello 16,” Ben smiled at the tank engine, “I didn’t expect to have Will bringing you in the back of his truck.”

  “It was much cheaper than renting a low-boy trailer,” 16 chuckled at the man, “Will did ask me if I wanted to operate on your railway, and I said yes, I would like to meet Roger!”

  “Well, good news, you’ll be staying at my railway for a while,” Ben told the tank engine, “I don’t know when, but I’ll be talking to Will about a lease agreement.”

  “Sweet, can’t wait to meet Roger for the first time,” 16 happily smiled.

  “Anyway,” Ben looked back at Will, “We’ll talk more about the lease, since I have a phone call with the chairman of the Narrow Gauge Railway Society tomorrow, so we’ll talk more when I’m finished.”

  “Sure, no problem,” Will nodded, “The show doesn’t start until Friday, so that we can discuss this before the operation.”

  Ben nodded. With that, Will went back to his truck and left the front yard, waving 16 goodbye. It was a lot to take in, but with plans coming soon for the railway, and with Roger, the general manager, being nonetheless excited about this new development.

  October 16th, 1951

  The next day, Ben has a strong cup of coffee with a plate of fresh fasnacht donuts he and his wife made. Despite being on a telephone call, he needs to be professional and ready for the call. He was reading his book until the telephone rang, and Ben quickly grabbed the device and put it near his ear. A deep voice came out of the other end.

  “Is this Ben Hutton?” the voice asks from the other end.

  “Yes, I’m Ben,” Ben replied to the voice.

  “And you probably know from your friend Paul that the Narrow Gauge Railway Society wanted to host a special photo charter on your railway for two days,” the voice told Ben, to which he nodded.

  “Yes, Paul told me about the charter. I could give you arrangements and ideas,” Ben smiled at the other end, “I’m happy to work with you on the charter.”

  “Good,” the voice said on the other end, “And I’m sorry to forget, but my name is Robert, and I’m glad to be working with you.”

  For the past few hours, the two were talking about how this charter is going to work, with Roger and the three coaches, plus a few freight cars. This charter was going to be interesting to say the least, but Ben remembered about 16 and the parlor car that Will built, so he also mentioned this to Robert, and since the United Kingdom doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, Ben decided that Monday and Tuesday, November 19th and 20th, would be the days of the charter. Robert told Ben that he would visit the railway in a week or two to also discuss the engines and how this is going to work, to which Ben nodded, and the two bid goodbye.

  After the phone call, Ben looked up at the clock; it was already the afternoon, so Ben decided to have a ploughman's lunch, and relaxed a bit after the phone call, but he knew about the lease agreement of 16, so after relaxing for a bit, he decided to get paperwork done on the lease, he knew that 16’s help can give Roger some breather for the last two months of the season.

  He decided to visit Roger and tell him about the upcoming events, so he left his house and drove to the railway. After arriving, he could see the volunteers were mostly cleaning the railway and getting ready for the cold weather to kick in. The volunteers greeted Ben, and he walked towards the engine shed, where Roger was talking to his coaches. Since the railway doesn’t have a dedicated coach shed, this would do.

  “Mr. Hutton!” Roger exclaimed happily, “How are you doing today, sir?”

  “Pretty well, Roger,” Mr. Hutton told the old Porter happily, “But I got some good news.”

  This piques Roger’s interest.

  “What sort of good news?” He asks Mr. Hutton.

  “Another steam locomotive is visiting the railway to help us for the last two months of the season, and hopefully helping us in the 1952 season,” Ben told Roger the good news, “And…you’re going to operate on your first photo charter next month!”

  “Whoa!” Roger was surprised by the news, “That’s good news indeed. Who’s the engine that’s visiting?”

  “His name is 16, and he’s from the Indian Valley Line up in New York,” Ben told the old Porter, “My friend is also leasing his scratch-built parlor car for us to use during 16’s stay.”

  “That’s exciting,” Mary exclaimed happily.

  “We need the help anyway,” Charlotte smiled at the good news.

  “When’s he arriving?” Roger asks curiously.

  “Not yet, since Will is taking 16 to a model railway show, but I’m planning to talk to him tonight, and if things go well, then by Monday,” Ben told Roger, “He’ll be a help for the rest of the 1951 season, and knowing this fall, it’s going to be busy with the Halloween trains.”

  “Those Halloween trains sold out quite quickly,” Roger reminded Mr. Hutton, “I bet you that another one is going to be sold out this week and next week.”

  “And telling Halloween stories during those train rides is getting popular,” Mary also mentioned to Ben, “Having this new engine would ease the load.”

  “Anyway, what’s this new charter special?” Roger now asks Mr. Hutton.

  “It’s a sponsored charter by the Narrow Gauge Railway Society from the United Kingdom, but we haven’t planned at least what the charter is going to be about,” Ben told the old Porter, “But when I spoke to the Narrow Gauge Railway Society chairman, he would like a passenger special with a freight train photo charter.”

  “Simple and sweet,” Mary said, liking the chartered special.

  “Not a bad charter train experience,” Roger smiled at the potential plan, “Do you think 16 should participate?”

  “I did mention to Robert, the chairman, during our phone call, and he seems in all support of having another engine participate,” Ben told Roger that part, “He’s coming over in a week to see our railway before operation.”

  “A railfan charter would help us grow with the community,” Mary excitedly told Ben and the old Porter, “If other societies, clubs, and organizations sponsored chartered excursions, it would bring a lot of good publicity for our railway.”

  “That’s…is not actually a bad idea,” Mr. Hutton agreed with the coach, “We could do our own events to have some variety with our railway, and working with other groups on sponsored charters seems to be a good idea.”

  Ben got out his notebook and began writing down the ideas for railway events in the coming months. With the holiday season fast approaching, he could work with local charity organizations to operate special trains for food drives and the local Toys for Tots organization. A collaboration like this could drive the railway into the good light, especially in an era of the Cold War being a problem throughout society.

  After talking with Roger and his coaches, Mr. Hutton bid farewell and left the railway, going home to where he would continue with his paperwork for the lease agreement. The mundane process could help with the passenger operation, especially since the railway was growing in the number of passenger services. As he looked at the bookshelf in his office, he walked over and grabbed a copy of the Peckett & Sons catalog that his mother had gifted him on his 30th birthday this year. A match was lit, but it was quite dim.

  October 21st, 1951

  Most of the days went smoothly for Ben and Roger, the passenger operations went very good as usual, and the Halloween trains for Saturday and Sunday went well, with kids dressing up, and even the adults dressed up as well, but the exciting news came in the form of the lease agreement, which was finally agreed on the 18th of October, which Will and Ben sighed off in the vendor room of the model railway show, which means, after the show, 16 would be trucked to the Roger Railway for passenger operation for a 10 month lease agreement.

  Roger was resting in the shed after the weekend of Halloween trains, but he was excited for 16 to arrive at the railway, and knew that an extra pair of wheels could help with the rest of the passenger operation till the end of the year. He cannot wait.

  “What time do you think he’ll arrive?” Roger asks his passenger cars.

  “Well, since he’s coming from a train show in Philadelphia, in a few hours,” Mary guessed the answer to the old Porter.

  “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Roger this excited,” Charlotte commented, “The last time he was this excited about an engine coming to our railway was when that fleet of World War One steam locomotives came to our railway…and then sadly left.”

  “I wondered what happened to those engines?” Taylor wondered, “He was a good helping hand.”

  “Well, technically, they were still working with the military that time,” Roger told the coaches, “Westminster did have a huge army base, and instead of building a railway, they leased their locomotives to our railway during the war, which wasn't official ownership.”

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  “They did help us with the freight traffic,” Mary sighed at the memory, “Imagine if one of them did stay with us.”

  “It would be nice,” Roger agreed with the coach, “But that’s in the past, and I’m excited for 16 to come to our railway.”

  After that sentence, the engine shed door opened, and in came Mr. Hutton, who had a wide grin, like a child who got something that they wanted for Christmas, and Roger could sense something special was going to happen.

  “I’m guessing 16 has arrived?” the old Porter asks Mr. Hutton as he walks towards the engine.

  “Yep,” Ben smiled, “There was a little traffic jam, which delayed the arrival by 1 hour.”

  “That sucks,” Mary commented.

  “Anyway,” Ben looked at the clock, “He’s going to arrive in just a few minutes, I’ll let the volunteers push you out.”

  Pushing a locomotive like Roger is an easy task; with five people, they pushed the old Porter with ease out of the engine shed into the fall sunlight. This was easier than lighting Roger up, since he was already tired, and this would be easier to do.

  “Despite operating a passenger train yesterday, it’s nice to get some fresh air,” Roger smiled and smelled the fall weather.

  “He’ll be here any second now,” Mr. Hutton eyed his watch.

  Then, coming in slowly, but fast at the same time, the same truck that carried Roger was being used to haul 16. As the truck arrived in the yard, the old Porter got a good glimpse of the tank engine, which had a dark green livery, white walls, a shiny new coat, and a beefy look.

  “Hello!” Roger cried out, “I’m Roger, and welcome to the Roger Railway!”

  16 looked around happily, and caught his eyes at the old Porter, Mr. Hutton, and his volunteers quickly guided the crane to unload the tank engine next to Roger, who was very excited to see him.

  “It’s nice to finally visit your railway,” 16 smiled at the old Porter, “You have such a lovely and quaint line.”

  “We get that a lot,” Roger smiled at his new friend.

  Mr. Hutton walked up with the Davenport locomotive.

  “Welcome to our railway, 16,” Mr. Hutton smiled at the new arrival, “I’m sure your stay will just be as memorable with our volunteers.”

  “I’ve heard about the railway through Will,” 16 said as he looked around the yard, “You guys are legends in the preservation community here.”

  “We are?” Roger asks, he knows that they were famous throughout the United States, never thought he and the railway were that famous.

  “Will recently visited the United Kingdom last month, and Railway Magazine did a big piece on you guys,” 16 told Roger happily.

  “So that’s why that British reporter wants to interview me, Mr. Hutton, and the volunteers,” Roger realized that now, “And probably that’s why the Narrow Gauge Railway Society wants this charter…”

  “Fame can be overwhelming,” Mr. Hutton told the old Porter, “But luckily, you have the great support of your friends and the volunteers on this railway.”

  Roger smiled at the support he had. 16 was like a kid in a candy store; he was very excited about his arrival and visit. After the volunteers took some photos, they pushed 16 into the shed, and Roger so the two could get some needed rest, the coaches were excited to see the new engine.

  “Hello!” Mary said to the new engine, “I’m Mary, and these are my sisters, Taylor and Charlotte.”

  “Hello to you, too,” Taylor replied to the new engine.

  “Welcome to our railway,” Charlotte smiled.

  “Wow, what nice passenger cars you have,” 16 smiled at the greeting, “I can’t wait for Eleanor to arrive.”

  The coaches were quite curious about the name that 16 mentioned.

  “Who’s she?” Mary asks the tank engine.

  “I’m guessing it’s the parlor car that Ben told me,” Roger guessed at the question.

  “Yep,” 16 smiled at the old Porter, “She was recently built, and she’s a beauty, took a while to build her, but she’s excited for the visit too.”

  “Well, she’ll be a perfect addition to the passenger fleet,” Roger told the tank engine, “She’s welcome to our railway.”

  Mr. Hutton came back into the shed with William Willock. The old Porter hadn’t met the man who owned 16, so he greeted the gentleman, to which Will greeted Roger back.

  “I hope you’re settling in on our railway well, 16,” Mr. Hutton asks the tank engine.

  “I am,” 16 replied happily, “Roger, the others are so kind and welcome with open rails.”

  “That’s good to hear,” Mr. Hutton smiled at the tank engine, “While the lease would be long, Will and your team will visit the railway and perform general maintenance in the times before the season starts, and you’ll be operating lighter service during the morning and evening.”

  “It seems like the people really like the Halloween trains,” Charlotte said as the two men nodded in agreement.

  “It’s our most outsold service, other than our first service during the September summer season,” Roger told the coach, to which the two men also nodded in agreement.

  “A few test runs are going to be made on Thursday and Friday,” Mr. Hutton told the tank engine, “This would give the passengers a chance on Friday to ride on the test run and experience riding on another steam locomotive.”

  16 was surprised. Mr. Hutton must have had confidence in the tank engine enough that he could trust him on passenger duties. Roger was surprised as well, but happy.

  “It’s Halloween trains this month,” Roger told 16, “Kids and adults love our Halloween Trains, we give them candies and other Halloween treats.”

  “Sounds like a busy holiday season,” 16 chuckled.

  “Anyway,” Mr. Hutton looked at Will, who nodded, “You’ll also be operating a chartered special with Roger on the 19th and 20th of November, it’s sponsored by the Narrow Gauge Railway Society from the United Kingdom.”

  “Wow,” 16 said, looking both at Roger and Mr. Hutton, “This is going to be a busy month, can’t wait to experience this.”

  “We are too,” Mr. Hutton agreed, “So far, we are planning for passenger and freight photo charter, our boxcars have gone through a refurbishment, so the chance of a photo freight charter is very high.”

  “I think it’s going to be an interesting month,” Roger grinned at Ben, “And I’m excited.”

  November 19th, 1951

  16 settled in on the railway quite well, and was worked on before operating the test run on Thursdays. Eleanor arrived on the railway, and Roger and the other coaches were surprised by how beautiful the parlor car was, with gold pinstriping and a vintage exterior, with woodwork that looked like it was done by an artist. The old Porter was impressed, and 16 was happy to see Eleanor arrive at the railway. The parlor car was happy to see her friend, 16, and the new engines and coaches; she settled in quite well with the railway.

  The tank engine was given a morning till noon test run with the parlor car, and the boxcars, creating a mixed train special to Roger Station. Railfans flocked to the railroad to see the mixed train test train in action. 16 did well on the test run, performed quite well, before operating another run with just the boxcars. Mr. Hutton and the small mechanical staff of eight of the Roger Railway were quite impressed with the test run, and the overhaul from Davenport Locomotive Works did a fine job overhauling 16.

  The Friday test run with fully loaded passengers did very well, and a couple of weeks of the operation have proven to be successful. Roger hauls his train as usual, while 16 operate the lighter trains in the morning and night, though, with limitations, 16 can only haul two coaches, which wasn’t a big deal for the passengers. The passenger numbers increased throughout each week, and even after Halloween, the passenger numbers were still growing. The tickets for the photo charter were being sold at the station, where they cost 10 dollars for the whole two days, though limited to 10 participants, but they were already sold out.

  Monday morning was calm and collective for the railway; today, the railway would have a week off since it’s Thanksgiving Week, and everyone in the United States would be getting ready for the big day, but the Roger Railway is planning something special, their first photo charter special, which is going to be a freight and passenger special, to make it simple, the old Porter would be hauling the passenger train, and 16 would operate the freight train.

  The reason for the Thanksgiving Week is that most people from the United Kingdom don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, and since most railroads in North America are still operating on the holidays, most of the British folks who purchased the tickets for the charter from the Narrow Gauge Railway Society would get a chance to see American railroading at its finest during the holiday. A mixture of American and British rail enthusiasts would be part of the charter.

  Eleanor would be the last edition for the passenger charter, which means Roger is going to pull four coaches, which is something that the old Porter hasn’t pulled yet, since he has always pulled three coaches throughout his life, and while the railway doesn’t have tough gradients, this could be a challenge for Roger.

  “Rise and shine!” cried a teenage girl who opened the engine shed doors and made her announcement.

  “Morning, Carol,” Roger yawned. He and 16 were already awake since their fire was already lit.

  Carol was a young volunteer of the age of 15, and she volunteered for this photo charter as the conductor for the passenger charter. Her father is a volunteer steam locomotive fireman, Bill, who works with Mr. Hutton during the operating season. He works at the Reading Railroad while volunteering at the Roger Railway; his daughter usually volunteers at various tasks during the weekend, and today she decided to volunteer on this charter.

  “It seems like you’re already up…” Carol said, with a disappointed tone in her voice.

  “I was already by 6,” He told the teenage girl, “Your father came and started preparations, my fire is already lit.”

  “You seem excited for this charter,” 16 told the teenager, to which she nodded.

  “My dad has told me that people from the United Kingdom are riding this special,” She gleefully told the tank engine, “And I gracefully volunteer as the conductor for today’s train.”

  Carol got a rag and started polishing Roger’s dome, side rods, and his lamp. This was her favorite volunteer job since she could make the old Porter all nice and shiny, and also learn about the old engine’s life and career. Carol is one of Roger's closest friends on the railway, with Mr. Hutton at the top of the list. Her life before volunteering was simple, but as great, she was picked on at school for being a tomboy, and before she was a volunteer, she punched a girl in her nose for making fun of her. Her volunteering at the Roger Railway was used as an afterschool activity to help her fit in society; luckily, there were other young volunteers around the same age as her.

  “Say, Roger,” Carol said as she was polishing his lamp, “Are you powerful enough to haul the four coaches for today’s charter?”

  “Carol!” Mary was shocked to hear this.

  “That’s rude to ask Carol!” scolded Charlotte.

  “Mary, Charlotte,” Roger calmed down his passenger cars, “It’s alright, she asks a genuine question, and a good one too.”

  “Do you think you aren’t powerful enough for the charter train?” Taylor asks the old Porter.

  “I think I can,” Roger said as he looked at his coaches, “My basis is mostly for industrial railways with tractive effort passing the 5,000 range. I have 8,000 pounds of tractive effort.”

  “So you can!” Carol exclaimed happily.

  “Yes, but if you count the gradients on a railroad, then my pulling is limited to my full potential,” Roger told the teenage girl.

  “The railway’s gradients aren’t problematic compared to the other narrow gauge railways,” Mary told Carol, “Though we haven’t seen Roger's full potential yet, I think he could pull 6 coaches without doubleheading.”

  “Age plays a factor as well,” Taylor noted.

  “Indeed, sis,” Charlotte agrees with her sister.

  “And a good maintenance and general service,” added Mary.

  “If it makes you feel more excited about the charter, Roger did pull 4 steam locomotives dead in tow during the First World War,” Mary told Carol, “They arrived from the Reading Railroad, and Roger towed them by himself to the engine shop.”

  “You make it sound like I’m a Big Boy locomotive,” the old Porter joked, with a pink tint on his cheek.

  “I also heard my dad talking to Mr. Hutton about forming an archives department,” Carol said to the old Porter, “Do you know about it?”

  “I’ve been informed that there will be an archival department since last year,” Roger confirmed to the teenage girl, “Mr. Hutton got all the paperwork and assets during the handover ceremony by Saul, which means any information about me, Mary, Charlotte, and Taylor is going to be in the archive.”

  “Hopefully, our sister Anabel,” Mary wished.

  Carol was interested.

  “Who is Anabel?” She asks.

  “She was a combine car that was part of a four-order passenger car set,” Roger told the teenager, “From what Mary told me, at the works, she was gone, poof, disappeared.”

  “The works staff didn’t know what I was talking about, I was pissed off,” Mary angrily remembered, “I just hope she’s alright.”

  “I’m sure she is, sis,” Taylor comforted her sister.

  “That’s sad,” Carol said quietly, “Your own sister being taken away and never returned.”

  “It is,” Roger agreed.

  “Anyway,” Charlotte said, changing the subject, “Roger is a powerful brute, but the railway didn’t give him a chance.”

  “Not even mixed trains?” Carol wondered.

  “Sometimes,” Roger told the girl, “But it’s mostly just Taylor and the boxcars; we didn’t have many freight cars on the railway.”

  “My dad told me that the boxcars were the only freight stock you have on the line,” Carol told the old Porter.

  “He’s not wrong, though he isn’t correct,” Roger smiled at Carol, “We did have ballast hoppers, flatcars, and a small crane, though it was sold to keep the railway afloat after the War.”

  “Hopefully, the preservation society gets a hold of them, they’ll be nice for future charters,” Mary said with a hopeful tone.

  “I do agree,” Roger smiled.

  “It seems like the railway has a lot of history,” Carol commented, “And I’m glad to be part of it.”

  “I think we’ll have many volunteers who enjoyed our railway history,” Roger smiled at Carol, “We’re a living history after all.”

  Carol just finished polishing the last side rod; she was proud of her completed work.

  “There we go,” She smiled at her completed work, then turned to Roger, “Thank you for answering my question, it’s nice to learn about your railway, I apologize if the question was rude…”

  “Think nothing of it,” Roger smiled at the girl, “It was a question bound to be asked, and I can’t wait to operate a nice passenger train.”

  Carol smiled and walked out of the engine shed, where Mr. Hutton passed her and went inside. The engines and coaches were glad to see the owner.

  “The participants are here,” Ben told the two engines.

  “Already!?” Roger exclaimed softly, “Time must’ve moved fast when the coaches and I were talking to Carol.”

  “Time always moves fast,” Mr. Hutton chuckled, “Anyway, the participants are going to take some photos outside, including 16, since you’re in steam, you’ll help take 16 out.”

  Mr. Hutton got into his cab, and Roger left the engine shed, back into the other track, and pulled out 16. The participants had their cameras and were taking photos, the old Porter was surprised by how many participants came for this charter. One of the participants was an older-looking gentleman who was talking to a volunteer. Roger guessed that it could be the Narrow Gauge Railway Society chairman, because a few weeks ago, the same older-looking gentleman visited the railway and looked around with Mr. Hutton.

  “Wow, look at all these guests!” 16 cried out, “We never have a lot of guests back at home.”

  “I’m guessing railfans do get an enjoyment when someone chartered us for their enjoyment,” Roger told the tank engine, “Which is not a bad thing, I’m guessing that the chairmen paid a lot of money for this charter to be made.”

  “And he did,” Mr. Hutton popped his head out of the cab, “Around 250 dollars, which is a good price for a 2-day charter, and the tickets sold out.”

  Many rail enthusiasts came to the engines, taking photos and asking the engines many questions. The yard was busy with activity. Roger could clearly see which enthusiasts were from Mr. Hutton’s home country, the United Kingdom. They were all excited to meet the old Porter; he could see their enthusiasm in their eyes, which made Roger smile.

  After the participants got a chance to see the engines up close, it was time for Roger’s first train of the charter operation. He pulled his coaches out of the yard and took them to the station. The participants took photos of the whole train before stepping inside of the coaches. Mr. Hutton told Roger that they’ll make a few photo stops to do something that’s called a photo run-by, it’s where photographers lined up behind the tracks, and the engine steams right past them with clouds of steam and smoke.

  After everyone is seated, Roger leaves the station with a cloud of steam. Some of the other participants stayed in the yard to see more of the equipment. Today’s train has four passenger cars. The parlor car of the Indian Valley Line was full, though Mary and her sisters were as well. The train was heavy for the most part, but Roger pulled the train like it was no big deal; he sped much faster as the station was in the distance.

  The fall scenery was always nice. Many of the participants leaned out of the window and took photos of the train, for an 1880 steam locomotive, he did quite well. Good maintenance can last an engine for a long time, and Roger knows that he has to make a good first impression. While it didn’t fully snow, the ground lay thin of frost that could be snow from a distance, which can make the traction of the old Porter’s wheel slip a bit, but no big problem.

  The first photo stop was at the small bridge, which was called Railway Creek. The creek itself was actually made after a terrible storm in 1904, which caused some of the land to be removed from a washout, so the railway rebuilt that section as a bridge, and it has become a popular spot for photographers to take photos of the passing train. It wasn’t long, only 10 feet long, but it was a photo shoot chosen by the society.

  The passengers got out of the train, crossed the bridge, and Roger backed his train, but not too far, and started faster than he had ever operated before. Plumes of steam shot out of his funnel, which the photographers gracefully took photos of the old Porter passing the camera. Roger stopped, to which Mr. Hutton leaned out of the cab and told the old Porter to do it one more time, which he did, backing up and performing the same thing for the cameras.

  After the last run-by, the participants went back into the coaches. Roger made it through the line, on his way to Roger Station, the enthusiasts enjoyed that photo run-by, and the old Porter was certainly happy to give the paying participants a show to remember.

  “It’s been a while since I charged that fast,” Roger commented on the experience to Ben.

  “We’ll be doing that again on the return trip,” Mr. Hutton told the old Porter, “It’s quite popular on excursions.”

  “It’s exhilarating,” Roger smiled, “No doubt in future charters that this method would be used 100% of the time.”

  The train arrived at Roger Station, with Reading 2102 at the interchange station. It was the general passenger train and part of the charter special. The old Porter whistled to the huge 4-8-4, with 2102 whistling back, the participants got out of the coaches and made their way to the cafe to enjoy lunch. Roger was serviced and ran around the train, operating backwards and cab first.

  “It’s rare to see you on a Monday,” 2102 told Roger, “You usually operate on Friday and the weekends.”

  “It’s for a photo charter by a railway society from the United Kingdom,” the old Porter told the 4-8-4, “And today’s their passenger charter.”

  “Oh, that’s nice,” 2102 smiled at Roger, “Sometimes railfans would charter us back on the Reading Railroad after the war,”

  “That’s lovely,” Roger smiled, “It’s nice to be used by fans of our railway.”

  “I agree, though, I sometimes hate the winter, too cold for fuck sake,” 2102 compared to the old Porter, “But I’m sure it was even colder during your time.”

  “Probably,” Roger grinned, “But I’m glad we didn’t have a fuck ton of freight to deal with.”

  “I also heard it through the grapevine that the 4-4-0 from that Mount Gretna Narrow Gauge Railway is hidden somewhere in Pennsylvania,” 2102 told Roger, “If you need any motive power for future operations.”

  “I’ll mention to the volunteers after this charter run,” Roger smiled at the 4-8-4, “I think one of them remembers the railway.”

  The participants took photos of the 4-8-4, while the rest went inside the cafe for lunch. The old Porter and the 4-8-4 mostly talked about their day and plans for the coming week. As Roger waited, he could see that Mr. Hutton was oiling the shovel and put a slab of steak on the shovel, cooking the meat on the shovel, presumably for his lunch. It was something Roger had seen before, and it’s a great way to have a hot cooked meal at any time of the year.

  “I think this charter special is doing quite well,” Roger told Mr. Hutton as the two relaxed at the station.

  “I agree with that,” Ben took a bite out of his steak, “The run-bys were quite successful, and the British participants were in a happy mood for the whole time.”

  “I like doing these charters,” Roger said as steam slowly condensed in the cold winter, “Quite different from the regular trains, and quite pleasant, especially on a quiet Monday.”

  “I talked to the chairman, if this charter special does extremely well, then there will be more during the 1952 season,” Mr. Hutton told the old Porter, “And yes, that’s the Narrow Gauge Railway Society’s chairman that was talking to the volunteer.”

  “That would be an early Christmas present,” Roger grinned at the owner, “It’ll help the railway out.”

  After lunch, the participants came back to the coaches, and after making sure everything was all set, the old Porter left the station and made his way back to the station and headquarters of the Roger Railway. The yard and station don’t have a name yet, but Mr. Hutton unofficially calls the yard Samuel, after his oldest son. But Roger left the interchange station quickly to go for another run on the line, with day 1 of the charter going as well as he had hoped.

  November 20th, 1951

  The first day of the charter went extremely well for Roger and the volunteer team, with two photo run-bys and catching up with 2102; it was a good Monday for the old Porter. After the run, a night photoshoot was held, with the two engines and the night sky in the background; a few huge flashlights were used to light up the shot, and to say it went well was an understatement. A big rest is something that Roger needed after operating that charter; he’s not a young engine anymore.

  The next day, Roger was asleep most of the time. Since Tuesday is 16’s turn, he was in the shed sleeping for most of the morning. Though the shed door was open for participants to look around, some did peek inside but left quickly, since it would probably be disrespectful to interrupt Roger when he’s sleeping. Today was a freight photographer session, and the tank engine left with the three boxcars, to which the participants were also riding on the freight train.

  By the time Roger woke up, it was already the afternoon. Since he was already used to sleeping this long, he yawned softly, he peeked through the semi-open door, and could see the volunteers cleaning the yard. Since there wasn’t anything much to do, since everything was going in a pretty good motion, it was a quiet day. Though Mr. Hutton storms right inside the shed.

  “Roger, we have a problem,” Mr. Hutton told the old Porter.

  Roger was surprised by the intensity of his owner’s voice.

  “What happened? Is 16’s alright?” he curiously asks.

  “His piston ring broke,” Ben told the old Porter, “Which led to a big hole in the right side cylinder head. I’m glad that overhauling the speeder for use on the railway was a good idea, or I would’ve been out of breath.”

  “Speeder?” Roger asks Mr. Hutton.

  “It was a 3-foot gauge speeder car that I purchased right after Labor Day weekend,” He told the old Porter, “I converted the speeder to run on two-foot gauge, and using it for work trains and track inspection, I used it to trail the photo freight charter.”

  “Did you use it yesterday?” Roger asks his owner.

  “No, only today,” Ben replied, “Anyway, we need to fire you up, and pull 16 back!”

  Usually, it takes a while for a steam locomotive to get ready for operation, but since Roger had already operated a steam excursion yesterday, his firebox was already warm; all it needed was to add some fresh coals and a match, and Roger could be ready. Though, despite this, this process still takes a while.

  The old Porter left the shed and made his way down the line, running light in this weather is both a fascinating feeling and a bit of being in a winter wonderland without the snow. Roger knew that helping 16 is the most important job to do; things like this do happen, and the old Porter has his share of mechanical problems that led him to be sidelined for a few days. His wheels went clackity clack on the tracks. To be fair, he doesn’t know where the incident happened, but seeing no signs of the tank engine, it’s probably further down the line.

  Then Roger could see a group of volunteers and the back of a cab; it was 16, and the volunteers, the participants, were on the side of the tracks, some were taking photos, but some were taking film, an odd thing to do when there’s a steam locomotive mechanical problem. The old Porter could see that 16 was going backwards, pulling the freight train backwards.

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

  “Well, not really,” 16 replied, “My right side felt like I was shot, fucking hurts.”

  “Don’t worry,” Roger assured the tank engine, “I’m going to pull you and the train back to the yard myself!”

  16 was surprised to hear this.

  “Are you sure?” 16 asks Roger.

  “I’ll try,” the old Porter admitted, “It’ll be an interesting sight, but I promise myself to bring you back to the yard.”

  Roger then coupled up behind 16. Mr. Hutton got some warm sand and sprinkled some on the rails for better traction. The participants got into the boxcars, then the old Porter pumped his pistons and moved slowly. It was a heavy train, with 16 and three loaded boxcars of railfans. This was a challenge for the old Porter, but knowing his design was being put to the test, slowly and surely, Roger pulled 16 and the train back to the yard.

  It’s been a while since Roger operated something this heavy; he was tired, but promised to help his friend. He was an old engine, not as sprightly sprung or as young as he used to be. Many old engines from other railroads had already retired at the turn of the 20th century, but Roger kept on going, smoke and steam bellowing out of his funnel. Some participants were already filming to capture this rare moment, and the sounds were loud enough to wake the whole forest. Mr. Hutton was leaning out of the cab to make sure that Roger was doing all right and eased his hand on the throttle, not wanting to push him too hard.

  Arriving back at the yard felt like a long journey, but Roger was happy to see the engine shed and the volunteers, who helped 16 after Mr. Hutton uncoupled the old Porter from the tank engine. The volunteers pushed the engine into the shed, while Mr. Hutton looked around the old Porter to make sure he was alright.

  “Thank you, Roger!” 16 cried out happily, “Holy shit, I didn’t expect you to pull me and the freight cars.”

  “I didn’t either,” Roger chuckled, “But I did it, and you could be repaired now.”

  “Well done, Roger,” Mr. Hutton smiled at the old Porter, “16 will get repaired in our shop, and you deserve a rest.”

  “Granted,” Roger smiled.

  The old Porter could see his owner talking to the participants, and the chairman, Robert, to which probably talking about the incident, which, while sad that it ended halfway, these things happen to every engine on a railway. The Porter could see that his owner’s face, his boss, had a neutral look. It was the afternoon, and the sun was always starting to set. Roger was mostly sleeping after this, but still had a low fire for some reason. It wasn’t until Mr. Hutton came inside the shed, grabbed a chair, and sat down.

  “How are you feeling, sir?” Roger asked as he was waking up.

  “I’m fine, I guess,” Mr. Hutton said, his voice having an almost calm but sad tone.

  “You okay?” 16 asks, he was also awake.

  “I think that he’s upset about what happened today,” Mary guessed about what was happening.

  “You mean my mechanical failure?” 16 asks.

  No one replied, but Mr. Hutton looked at the engines.

  “It’s not the mechanical failure,” Ben assured the engines, “Is that Robert is quite happy today, but also wanted to complete this charter, so he asked me to operate you, Roger, on a nighttime special.”

  “That’s great, sir!” Roger exclaimed softly, but happily, “But why did you sound like you were sad when you arrived in the shed?”

  “Because I’ve got much to learn,” Ben chuckled a bit, “I may know a thing or two about steam locomotives, but operating a preserved railway is a whole other learning curve.”

  “But I’m glad you saved my railway,” Roger smiled at his owner, “You’re a great friend and a great railway man.”

  Mr. Hutton grinned and walked up to the cab, and added fresh coals into the Porter’s firebox. Roger blew his whistle before moving out of the shed to move onto the other track, and pulled his coaches out. The sun was setting low, and the faint glow of the sun in the distance was something special to see. The photo charter participants were in the yard, and some of them had an excited look on their faces. They all went inside the coaches; with the winter being cold, the coaches were warm. After settling in, Roger blew his whistle and started moving out of the yard and onto a railway to adventure.