Duke is one of the oldest steam engines on the Skarloey Railway. Years ago, he worked with Peter Sam and Sir Handel on the Mid Sodor Railway. But back then, the two were known as Stuart and Falcon. The three engines had one of the closest bonds ever witnessed on the island. Falcon and Stuart used to (And still do) call Duke 'Granpuff' because he was so wise and kind. Some say that it was almost like a grandfather/grandson type relationship.
Sadly, the trio were separated after the Railway closed. Stuart and Falcon were sold while Duke was left alone in his shed. Years later when Stuart and Falcon became Peter Sam and Sir Handel on the Skarloey Railway, they told the other engines about Duke and after the story spread, Duke was found and brought to the Skarloey Railway, causing a very heartwarming reunion with his old friends.
Now, the trio have made friends with Skarloey, Rheanes, Rusty, Duncan, Freddie, MightyMac, Bertram, Ivo Hugh and Fred.
There was also a tank engine called Luke, who had hidden at the Blue Mountain Quarry for a while, and was soon an official part of the SkR.
Although he had gotten along with the other engines, Luke was somewhat afraid of Duke.
One winter day, the engines were keeping warm in the sheds when the Thin Controller, Mr. Percival arrived.
Mr. Percival: Everyone, I have some good news.
Sir Handel: What is it, sir?
Mr. Percival: We have another engine coming to help us with the Christmas rush. She will be down in about half an hour or so.
The engines wondered who it was. But just then, a horn sounded out, and it wasn’t Rusty’s or Fred’s.
Mr. Percival: Make that the next few minutes then.
The new diesel arrived, and smiled weekly at everyone.
Mr. Percival: Everyone, meet Rachel.
The new engine looked rather shy. Her paint was slightly scratched, and her face looked a bit worried, like they would shout rude remarks about her.
Rachel: (Shyly) N-Nice to meet you all.
Peter Sam: Pleasure having you here, my dear. Name’s Peter Sam.
Rachel blushed a little at the greeting that Peter Sam had said, and felt a little better. The engines quickly said their names in turn, and every time they greet her, Rachel smiles a little bit. When Rusty’s turn came however…
Rusty: Wait! Rachel? Is that you?
Rachel: Rusty?!
Rusty: Rachel!!
Rachel: Rusty!!
Rachel: Big brother! Oh, I’m so glad to see you again.
Rusty: Same here, little sister! Oh, it’s so good to see you in operation!
Sir Handel: Hold the train! You’re brother and sister?!
Rusty: Totally. Rachel was finished a few minutes after me at the same works.
Peter Sam: Golly… I didn’t know that…
Mighty: Which railway did you come from?
Rachel: Um… well… uh, I didn’t.
Mac: Pardon?
Rachel: I-I didn’t. See… I was never sold to a railway after I was built. The railway I was meant to go to closed before I could get there due to a flash flood. Some people wanted to scrap me, but my to be driver hid me away in a shed for a long time to keep me safe from harm.
The other engines were shocked; Rusty, Duke, Peter Sam and Sir Handel in particular. For Rusty, he didn’t even know that his sister had been alive all this time, and if he knew she was, he would have expected her to be on another line, not locked away out of use. For Peter Sam and Sir Handel, well, hearing these words hit them hard. Like that driver, they had tried to keep Duke a secret for a long time, but that was a whole other matter altogether. Duke spoke up after this.
Duke: You’re not alone when you say that.
He quickly explains about what happened in his past, and how he was found years later. Rachel gasps.
Rachel: Oh my gosh! I… I’m sorry about that. I’m glad you ended up here, though.
Duke: *Looking at Peter Sam and Sir Handel with a knowing smile* As am I.
Sir Handel and Peter Sam give Duke a knowing smile back. Rachel frowned sadly.
Rachel: *Now feeling a little down* You must be so lucky to have others that care for you like that.
Mr. Percival: I’m sorry to cut this short, but you lot need to get to your jobs. *Turns to Duke* Duke, I would like you to take the carollers around the railway.
Duke: Certainly, sir.
Mr. Percival: And Peter Sam and Rusty, I’d like you to show Rachel round the place.
Rusty: Got it, sir.
Rachel: Oh, I can’t wait to see the line.
Peter Sam: C-can’t wait to show you, Rachel.
With that, the engines departed to fetch their trains.
Mr Percival: Oh and Luke?
Luke: *backs up* Yes sir?
Mr. Percival: After you have finished your work, I would like you to meet Duke at Glennock station and double head his train.
Luke gulped. The only time he had taken passengers was when he and Millie swapped duties. And even then, it was just one coach. But back then, Duke didn't work with him.
Luke: R-Right, sir.
Peter Sam, Sir Handel, Rusty and Rachel, all having not gone too far, looked back to the worried Luke.
Peter Sam: Luke? You okay?
Luke: Mr. Percival wants me to double head Duke's train with him. But I don't think Duke likes me.
Sir Handel: Well, friendships can get off to a rocky start… sometimes literally.
Rusty: But, the point is, Luke, I'm sure you and Duke will become friends too.
Rachel: Give it some time, Luke. I’ve only just met Duke, but I’m sure he’s really nice once you get to know him properly.
Luke smiled bravely, but he felt nervous inside. A little later when he had finished his work, Luke made his way to Glennock.
Luke: Sir Handel and Peter Sam have known Duke for their entire lives, Rusty’s known him for longer then me as well, and Rachel has something that Duke can relate to. Of course they'd be telling the truth about their experiences, but... what if Duke and I don't become friends at all?
He was still worried when he arrived and found Duke waiting for him.
Duke: Oh, there you are. I was starting to get worried about you, Luke.
Luke: *jumps back a bit* Uh, yeah. Sorry for the wait.
Duke: Well come along. We can't keep passengers waiting.
So Luke was switched onto Duke's line. But he was so jumpy, he wasn't watching where he was going and bumped into Duke.
Duke: Oof! Hey! Look out!
Luke: Uh, oh... sorry, Duke!
Duke: That clumsiness would never suit his Grace.
Luke: I-I'll be more careful. Promise, Duke.
Duke: *sternly* Just see that you do.
The guard blew his whistle and the two engines puffed away.
Meanwhile, Rusty and Peter Sam were showing Rachel around the quarry.
Rusty: So, we need to get the slate from the top of the mountain, and bring it down for the big engines to collect.
Rachel: Sounds easy enough. Anything else I need to know?
Peter Sam: Well, you have to be careful with the hoppers. If you stop too far away from the standard gauge trucks, they could easily fall onto the ground.
Rachel: Got it, Peter Sam. I can do this.
Rusty: Hey, race you 2 to the top?
Peter Sam: You’re on.
Rachel: Let’s do this thing!
The 3 engines went to the top of the mountain to collect the slate.
Back with Duke and Luke, things were going 1st rate.
Luke: So far, so good.
Then Luke saw some children playing in a snowy field. They were having a lot of fun.
The little tank engine felt excited and blew his whistle.
Luke: Hello, everybody. Having a lot of fun, I see.
The children ran over to the fence to wave at the engines as they passed. Luke was too distracted to see that the level crossing gates ahead were closed.
Duke: Uh, Luke, we have to brake now.
Luke: Why?
When Luke saw the Level Crossing ahead, he braked hard. But the icy rails made him slip, causing him to hit the crossing with a crunch.
Luke: Oh, great. Sorry, everybody!
But Duke wasn't happy.
Duke: You clutz! Don't you know better than to take your eyes off the tracks for too long?
Luke: I'm sorry, Duke. I... I didn't mean to bump into the crossing. I just...
Duke: We, the passengers and our crews could have been severely hurt... or worse. We can't go crashing into level crossings every time we turn around.
Luke felt ashamed, but he was silent as he was put back on the rails.
Back with Peter Sam, Rusty and Rachel, the 3 had just gotten to the top.
Peter Sam: I win!
Rusty: Nice one, Peter Sam
Rachel: *Smiling broadly* Excellent work, Sammy.
Peter Sam was very surprised at the nickname Rachel had just given him, and both diesels swore his cheeks went a little pink. The little tank engine shook it off and got coupled to his line of trucks. Rusty and Rachel did the same.
Peter Sam: Let’s go.
One by one, the engines started down. Paxton was waiting with his trucks at the bottom. Diesel was also with him, the latter of which has softened up a bit to the engines of the island, but he can still be grouchy at times.
Peter Sam: Hey, Pax, hey Diesel.
Paxton: Hello Peter Sam. Lovely Winter day.
Diesel: If you can call it a ‘lovely Winter day’. It’s freezing!
Rusty: Oh, lighten up, Diesel. It’s not that bad.
Rachel: I think the snow is pretty.
Paxton: Oh, hello. What’s your name, Miss?
Rachel: Rachel. And your names?
Paxton: I’m Paxton, but you can call me ‘Pax’ for short. And this is Diesel, one of my brothers.
Paxton gives Diesel a look.
Diesel: (Sighs) Hello. Nice to meet you, Rachel.
Rachel: Nice to meet you as well, Diesel.
Diesel: Hurry and get these stones into our trucks. We can’t wait until Christmas.
Peter Sam and Rusty were able to get the stone into the trucks easily, but when it came to Rachel’s turn, she backed up too far due to slippery rails and some of the stone landed in the deep snow beside the track.
Diesel: Now look what’s happened! The rocks are wasted!
Rachel: Oh my goodness! I’m sorry.
Paxton: Diesel, be nice to her. She didn’t mean to do that.
Rusty: Paxton’s right. Rachel, that accident wasn’t your fault, you just need to slow down a little bit more and try again.
Rachel: Y-you mean, you aren’t mad?
Peter Sam: Not at all. This takes a while to get right, especially in icy weather. We can double head the next stone train together. Would you like that?
Rachel: Oh, I’d like that very much. Thank you, Sammy.
The 2 went back up to get some more trucks, Rachel now feeling a little bit happier.
However, Luke felt more shaken up then ever. He was so nervous that Duke would yell at him again that he started to make even more mistakes. This of course caused Duke to continue his harsh critizisms.
Duke's Driver: Don't be so harsh to him. Luke's sensitive.
But Duke wouldn't listen.
Duke: I don't want our passengers to get hurt, driver. If Luke's going to learn, I have to be firm with him.
Fireman: He's right, Duke. The more you shout, the more Luke's going to make a mistake.
Duke: Rubbish. I've taught engines like this before and they've turned out fine.
Driver: Then how do you explain Smudger and Stanley?
Duke: They refused to listen to me and the manager. But, I know for a fact that Falcon and Stuart turned out to be 2 of my best students by the way I taught them, as well as many other engines on our old line.
At last, they were coming to a hill. Luke was already too jumpy to go on anymore. He was afraid that Duke would yell at him again.
Luke: D-driver, please. Can we stop?
Luke's driver: No, Luke. We must keep going. Duke and the passengers need us.
So Luke started to go faster and faster. At last they were over the hill and racing down the other side.
Luke: Ok, we're done. I hope…
But they weren't. Luke was still going rather fast and they were coming up to a tight bend.
Duke: Slow down!
Luke: Oh my goodness.
Luke instantly put his breaks on and his speed reduced, but, it wasn't enough. He’s front wheels came off the rails and landed in the snow. Thankfully, nobody had been seriously hurt. But Duke was even more cross.
Duke: You clumsy great engine! Don't you know better than to race down hills at dangerous speeds?
Luke: I'm sorry. I...
Duke: I honestly don't know what Mr. Percival was thinking when he assigned you to double head this train with me.
Luke: I'm sorry. I...
Duke: Thanks to you, we are going to be later then ever! The carollers won't have time to sing when we get to the station!
Back at the quarry, Peter Sam and Rachel had gotten the new slate. They headed down to where the transfer sidings were.
Peter Sam: Ok, Rachel. Here’s a tip: Get your engineer to put salt down on the rails. It will help to melt the ice a bit.
Rachel: Ok. Slow my speed, put salt on the rails. Got it.
The 2 backed down, and salt was put on the rails as they moved. They stopped perfectly in line with the trucks, and the stone was poured in perfectly.
Rusty: Great job, you 2!
Paxton: Excellent teamwork.
Diesel: I suppose that was rather impressive. Good job.
Rachel: Thanks, guys.
Diesel: And… sorry for before.
Rachel: Quite alright, Diesel.
With that, Diesel and Paxton departed. Just then, the telephone rang.
Rusty’s driver: I got it!
The driver went to pick it up.
Rusty’s driver: (Picks up a banana) Hello… Oh! Uh! I must be going bananas! (Picks up the real phone) Hello, Joseph speaking… yes, he’s here…. Ok, we’ll be there. (Puts it down.)
The driver walks over to Rusty.
Rusty’s driver: Rusty, Luke and Duke had a derailment at the bend. We need the breakdown train to get things right.
Rusty: Right. I’ll be there. (To the other 2) You’ll be fine to keep things under control till I get back, right?
Rachel: Righto, bro.
Peter Sam: Of course. I’ll show Rachel the rest of the railway on my next passenger run later.
Rusty: Sounds good to me. Bye, you 2.
Soon, Rusty arrived with the breakdown train. Mr. Percival was on board too.
Rusty: What in Ruston and Hornsby happened here?! You guys ok?
Luke: (Meekly) More or less.
Mr. Percival: Luke, I heard what happened. And I am not pleased with your mistakes.
Luke felt very terrible. But then Mr. Percival spoke up again.
Mr. Percival: But you are not the one to blame for it.
Luke: (Relieved) Oh thank you sir... (Confused) Uh... what?
Mr. Percival turned to Duke, and he wasn't happy.
Mr. Percival: *sternly* Duke, from what I've been told, Luke's mishaps were YOUR fault.
Duke gasped in surprise.
Duke: What?! No! It's not. I didn't crash into the crossing or go too fast around the bends!
Mr. Percival: That may be so, Duke, but you were too hard on Luke. He's sensitive and you should know this by now!
Before long, Luke was back on the rails. But he refused to work with Duke. Afraid, the little green tank engine puffs off after Rusty.
Luke: I never want to work with Duke ever again.
Rusty: Oh, come now Luke. He was just worried about the passengers. And, if he really did have bad intentions, I highly doubt Sir Handel and Peter Sam would want him here.
Luke: I guess.
Rusty: Speaking of Sir Handel, he and Duncan may need help at the quarry. I’d do that myself, but I’ve got another job to do at the moment. Could you go up and lend them a buffer?
Luke: I will.
When Duke had finished with his train, Mr. Percival told him he was to stay on a siding away from the sheds until he could admit he was in the wrong.
Duke: But sir—
Mr. Percival: I don’t care. I will see you later.
And he hurried away.
Meanwhile, Peter Sam and Rachel were on a passenger run down the line.
Peter Sam: This is where Farmer Trotter has his animals.
The animals walk up to the fence to watch the train go past.
Rachel: Aww. I just love the calfs, lambs, piglets and foals with their mothers.
Peter Sam: And this is where some people like to ice skate. They swim here in the Summer.
Some of the children wave cheerfully. Rachel toots her horn and Peter Sam blows his whistle.
Rachel: Looks like they are having fun.
Peter Sam: And this is the last station: Crovens Gate.
The train stops at the platform.
Rachel: Wow! This place looks gorgeous.
Peter Sam: It’s always this way around Christmas.
Rachel: I bet it’s a magical time of year, Sammy. (Giggles and blushes)
Peter Sam: It sure is, my darling. (Blushes more bright red then earlier.)
Just then, Rusty arrived with the thin controller.
Mr. Percival: The accident at the bend wasn’t good at all. Rachel, I need you to do Duke’s work for us for a bit.
Rachel: How bad’s the damage, sir?
Mr. Percival: It’s not physical, Rachel, but, Duke has not been very nice to Luke lately; shouting at him for things that weren’t really his fault.
Rachel: Oh my! That’s awful. *To Peter Sam* Has he ever done anything like this before?
Peter Sam: While on the Mid Sodor line, only when Falcon, myself or another engine did something wrong on purpose but.... generally no.
Rusty: Well it is wrong for him to be that hard on Luke.
Rachel: I agree.
A little later, Duke was still on his siding when he saw Duncan go by with a slate train.
Duke: Hello there, Duncan.
Duncan: *snarling* Oh shut up!
Duncan rudely hissed steam at Duke as he puffed past.
Duke: (Coughs) What the... Duncan, what was that for?!
But Duncan was gone before Duke could finish.
Duke: Oh... I guess he's in a bad mood. Not exactly out of the ordinary I guess.
Duke didn't know that Duncan had also found out what had happened. The same thing happened when Ivo Hugh went past with some coal later that evening.
Duke: Hey, Ivo Hugh.
Ivo Hugh: Oh... it's you again!
And he hissed steam like Duncan did.
Duke: *coughs* Would someone please tell me what's going on here?
But, like last time, the purple tank engine had disappeared.
Duke: This is getting ridiculous.
It was no different next day. Every time other engines would pass, they would glare and hiss at Duke. He didn't like this at all.
Duke: Freddie, could you explain what's happening?
Freddie: (Hissing steam) I thought you would have figured it out by now! But, it seems like you have more to consider. (Puffing away.)
Duke: (Coughs) Freddie... why are you and the others doing this?
But the final straw came when Sir Handel and Peter Sam were double heading a passenger run.
Duke: Stuart, Falcon. Please tell me what is going on. Why is everyone hissing at me?
Sir Handel/Peter Sam: (In unison, darkly) You have a lot to think about!
With that, they hissed and gathered speed on their way. A tear fell from Duke's eye.
Duke: *sadly* Not you two as well. Looks like everyone hates me now.
Just then, Rachel rushed past with Luke as the back engine, both having witnessed what happened.
The rest of the engines met at the sheds later that evening. Rachel was fuming.
Rachel: Sir Handel, Peter Sam, what the heck was that about?!
Sir Handel: What’s what about?
Rachel: Don’t you play innocent with me, Sir Handel. You and Peter Sam hissed at Duke when you went past.
Peter Sam: Rachel—
Luke: Rachel’s right. Duke may have gone too far with me, but you 2 have gone too far with Duke. And you’re the closest to him of any of us put together.
Rachel: Did you talk to him about this? Ask what motivated him?
Peter Sam: No. We were just too upset with him.
Rachel: Well for corn sakes. The poor engine probably is too upset to even think straight. As the old saying goes, 2 wrongs don't make a right.
Sir Handel: She's right. We haven't exactly been fair to Grandpuff, have we?
Peter Sam: (Sighs) No. And we, of all engines, should know better.
Rachel:I suggest that you talk to Duke and tell him why you're mad at him.
Sir Handel: Good idea. Peter Sam, Luke, let's sort things out.
Rachel: I’ll come too. Maybe someone relatively new can help get things straight.
Peter Sam: Good idea. Thanks, Rachel.
Luke: The rest of you, stay here incase Duke does try to come back.
Skarloey: Ok, Luke.
Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Luke and Rachel raced off. But, when the 4 engines got to the siding, Duke was gone.
Luke: Where'd he go? He was told to stay in that siding until he admitted he was in the wrong.
Just then, Rachel spots something.
Rachel: Look!! There's a bottle with paper in it.
Rachel's driver picks it up and takes a look.
Rachel's Driver: Looks like it's from Duke.
Sir Handel: But how could he write it if he doesn't have hands?
Peter Sam: Maybe his driver wrote it. What does it say?
Luke: Yeah, it looks like his driver did.
Rachel: That aside, it says
*As Rachel reads, Duke's voiceover gradually takes over.*
"Dear everyone,
I know you guys have been mad at me for some reason, yet you won't tell me why. I figured that the reason you don't want me around, is that I haven't taught Luke well. I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable, so I decided to leave the railway.
Regards, Duke. SkR's number 8.
PS: If you guys want to forget I was here, that will be fine."
Luke: What on Sodor!?
Sir Handel: He can't leave. We have to find him.
Peter Sam: But... where would he run away too?
Rachel: I’m not sure, but, we need to get to the wharf.
The four engines raced off to the wharf.
Meanwhile, Duke was speaking to Edward about it.
Duke: ... so you see, that's why I can't stay here.
Edward: Running away isn't the answer, Duke. Have you spoken to the others about shouting at Luke?
Duke: No I haven't.
Edward: And why not?
Duke: I... I'm afraid, Edward. I haven't been known to make mistakes like this when teaching young engines the way of the line. If I admit these mistakes, I'm worried that the other engines may not care about me as a friend or loose respect for me as a mentor. As for Falcon and Stuart... they may not think of me as a grandfather anymore. And none of them have been allowing me to get a word in edgewise anyhow.
Edward pondered about it for a moment.
Edward: I understand, Duke. But you have to know that nobody is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes.
Duke: (Sighs) I suppose you're right, Edward.
Just then, the 4 engines came into the wharf.
Sir Handel: (Out of breath) Oh... Granpuff... you're still... here.
Peter Sam
Duke: Hello. I suppose you came to find me.
Rachel: Yes, we did. And these 2 (Looking at Sir Handel and Peter Sam pointedly), have something to say.
Peter Sam: We're sorry for how we treated you, Grandpuff.
Sir Handel: We were just so cross with how harsh you were with Luke.
Duke: Well, to be honest... I started thinking the same thing. I didn't want to admit my mistake because I taught so many other engines successfully, and didn't know how to fix things.
Luke: Nobody's perfect, Duke. We all make mistakes.
Duke: (Deep breath) You're right, Luke. And... I'm really sorry for what I did to you.
Edward: Now that wasn't so hard.
Duke: I suppose you're right, Edward. Thank you for that little talk.
Edward: You're welcome, my friend. Well I must be off. Good day.
Sir Handel/Peter Sam/Luke/Duke: Bye, Edward.
Rachel: See you round.
The little engines were glad to finally have solved their problem.
Rachel: Now that's under control, we'd better get back to work, guys.
Duke: Indeed.
The engines worked hard for the rest of the day, and Duke was much more gentle with Luke, understanding he was sensitive.
Duke: Ok, Luke, we’re coming up to a crossing. Brake.
Luke: Got it, Duke.
They brake successfully.
Duke: Good work, Luke. You’re doing well.
Luke: Thank you, Duke. You’re a great teacher.
Duke: And you’re a great student.
The other engines have apologised to Duke too, and vis versa. Rachel had also become a permeant member of the SkR, earning her number 12 in the process. Later, the engines were gathered at the station for carols.
Duke: 5 minutes ahead of schedule. Well done, Luke.
Luke: Thanks, Duke. You did well as well.
Sir Handel: Glad to see you’re getting along well, guys.
Duke: Thank you, Sir Handel.
Luke: I think we finally understand each other better.
Then, Sir Handel noticed 2 engines were absent.
Sir Handel: Hey, Granpuff, Luke, you've seen Peter Sam and Rachel?
Duke: Not since earlier.
Luke: Where could they be?
Rusty: I haven’t seen them either.
Just then, the 2 engines showed up.
Rachel: Thanks for helping me at the quarry today, Peter Sam.
Peter Sam: You're welcome, Rachel. Glad to help a friend.
Rachel:
Peter Sam: That would be nice. If Mr. Percival agrees to it… Rache.
Rachel: Great. I'd love that very much, Sammy.
Unexpectedly, Rachel gives Peter Sam a kiss on the cheek before going off to refill her tank. This causes him to blush bright red.
Sir Handel: (Chuckles) Ooh, so, you like the new girl, huh?
Peter Sam: I-I was just helping her out.
Luke: *chuckles* Peter Sam's got a girlfriend.
Peter Sam: Oi, you 2. She's just a friend.
Duke: Heh, keep telling yourself that, youngster.
Peter Sam: Not you too, Granpuff.
Rachel: (Rolls up) Is this a private conversation, or can anybody join?
Rusty: *cheekily* Go on and have fun you two love birds.
Rachel: Bro, what did you say?
Peter Sam: Err... nothing. *Under breath to Sir Handel, Duke, Luke and Rusty* You 4 stay out of this.
Chuckling, Luke, Rusty, Duke and Sir Handel left Rachel and Peter Sam alone. When they were clear, Rachel and Peter Sam looked up and saw a mistletoe above them.
Peter Sam: Wha… That wasn’t there before.
Rachel:
Peter Sam: I… like you too, Rache.
Looking deep in each others’ eyes, the 2 gave each other a big kiss under the twinkling mistletoe.
THE END




















