December 1st, 1957

  The idea of preserving a steam locomotive to run tourist trains would be a wonderful idea, but bonkers compared to purchasing a brand-new engine from a factory for tourist operation. Well, the Roger Railway did just that. Most major railroads in the United States stopped building steam locomotives for mainline operation, only foreign operation, or miniature railway hobbyists. Mr. Hutton has done the impossible; he commissioned a builder in the United Kingdom to build a brand new steam locomotive for the Roger Railway, which will be the first new steam locomotive on the line since 1880.

  After the summer season had ended, Will decided not to renew the lease for the 1958 season, noting that he felt like they had done their job. It was finally time to go home, and with the fundraising for building a steam locomotive having started this year, it would be fitting to end the lease, so with that, 16 operated his last train of the summer season, and on the railway in general, with Mr. Hutton thanking Will for nearly 6 years of operation, and Will thank Ben as well.

  The fundraising campaign has reached over 15,000 dollars, with donations from the NRHS, ticket sales, a few photo charters, and Lizzy’s sister's students pitching in. Of all the projects that Ben Hutton planned, this is the big one. With the new office building built in the main yard with a few other parts of the building, like a gift shop and volunteer resting room, this was easier to get work done than doing this at home, and going to the railway, which also saved on gas.

  “Wow, I can’t believe we raised that much!” Roger told Ben on Sunday, December 1st, “How much do we have in total?”

  “Around 30k,” Ben told the old Porter, “We got a couple of thousands, some from older volunteers, and a few from movie companies that used our railway for their films.”

  “That’s amazing,” Roger smiled, “How much for a steam locomotive to be built these days in the United Kingdom?”

  “It really depends,” Mr. Hutton bluntly told the old engine, “But knowing that currency is different in these two countries, that’s why I added a couple of thousand into the budget from my own money just in case.”

  “I see,” Roger looked at his general manager, “When are you going to start ordering?”

  “Tomorrow,” Ben told the old tank engine, “I’ll be leaving for the United Kingdom, Lizzy will be in charge, and knowing the Christmas trains will be popular, just don’t overwork yourself.”

  “I won’t,” Roger smiled, though he asked, “But…couldn’t you do it over the telephone?”

  Mr. Hutton nodded.

  “I thought of that, but I should visit my home country, it’s been a while,” He told the old Porter, “There are some narrow gauge lines that are still operating steam, and a few friends have invited me to see those lines, hopefully the design of the engine will be enough for an inspiration.”

  Roger smiled at his owner.

  “Well, I hope you enjoyed your trip,” He told Mr. Hutton happily.

  Mr. Hutton smiled back.

  “I know I will,” He told Roger, “I know I will.”

  December 4th, 1957.

  The industrial railway smell hits Ben’s face as he sees little saddle tanks hauling wagons up and down the line, similar to American industrial narrow gauge, they all have history, but unlike the industrial narrow gauge railways of the United States, the railways in Britain were still operating steam. The little saddle tanks were 0-6-0sts and are from the Southam Cementworks/Limeworks Railway. He saw a picture in the Peckett & Sons catalog, and thought this design would be perfect, with a squat look; they’re a powerful engine for the Roger Railway.

  Industrial narrow gauge railways like this one are full of history and rarities that aren’t seen by the public eye. Ben knows that the Narrow Gauge Railway Society has made these trips throughout the years since its formation in 1951. Roger is technically an industrial steam locomotive by design, but was built for a tourist line that also operates freight, so an engine like those 0-6-0sts is perfect for the railway.

  “Aren’t you Ben Hutton?” a grouchy voice asks Ben.

  Ben looked up. It was a man who was probably the same age as Ben, though probably a little older. He was surprised that this person knew him.

  “Yes,” He nodded, “You probably heard of me from my friends.”

  “Yep,” the man nodded, “You trying to find inspiration for building a new engine for that railway you operated?”

  “Yes,” Ben nodded, to which the man grinned.

  “May I present to you, Jurassic,” the man got out of the cab.

  Jurassic has the look of an industrial engine, but he has a squat, almost turtle-like look. The engine was an outside frame steam locomotive, unlike Roger, who is an inside frame, but seeing the other saddle tanks hauling the wagons with strength that could be useful to haul coaches. Despite being an industrial steam locomotive, the engine has brass fittings all around him.

  “Hello, Jurassic,” Ben smiled at the saddle tank.

  “Hello to you,” Jurassic greeted, “Welcome to our railway!”

  “It’s been a while since I saw an industrial narrow gauge of my home country,” Ben admitted, “But seeing you here is fascinating.”

  The man eyed Ben.

  “I’m guessing you already found the basis?” the man asks Ben, to which he nods.

  “Well, seeing this here, I could purchase one of your engines,” Ben joked to the man, but the man frowned slightly.

  “The engines are not for sale,” He bluntly told Ben, “The owner wants to keep operating them until we can’t anymore; these little chaps are the pride of the line.”

  “I see,” Ben looked at the other saddle tanks, though, while his mission was to order a brand new steam locomotive, he had some ideas for something he’d like to do when he got back to the States.

  “But,” the man spoke, causing Ben to look up, “When the time comes, I’ll contact you.”

  Ben smiled, nodded, and the two shook hands.

  “Here’s the card for the Roger Railway,” He gave the man a business card, “If you even visit the United States, come visit our railway, it’s a lovely line.”

  The man smiled, “I will, and the name’s Jimmy.”

  Ben nodded.

  “Well, James,” Ben said, looking at the saddle tanks for one last time, “I think I’ve found the basis for my new engine.”

  December 11th, 1957

  Word has spread that Ben Hutton of the Roger Railway Preservation Society is looking for locomotive basis inspiration to build a brand new steam locomotive. Some of the heritage railways that were formed in the 1950s have invited Ben to see their fleet of engines, and some industrial narrow gauge railways in Wales and the Isle of Peter. Though the Garratt locomotive was an interesting locomotive when Ben visited a railway on the Isle of Peter, it wasn’t his focus, because he had already chosen his basis.

  After choosing his basis for the new steam locomotive, Ben was in the office of Peckett & Sons in the United Kingdom, with the money and basis ready for commission. He sat in the office with an anxious feeling in his stomach. From what his friends had told him, the company was trying to get into the diesel locomotive market, so he was hoping that this was his last shot at ordering a steam locomotive from the company.

  “Well, Mr. Hutton,” Wilfred Peckett looked at the commission, with a few papers, and two checks with his and his wife’s name, “You seem to have a good history with operating steam, and knowing that the age is steam is going to be gone from this plant, I accepted the commission, but I see two checks?”

  “Yes,” Mr. Hutton nodded, “One is for our new engine, and the second one is a commission of 6 coaches for the Roger Railway. Our passenger numbers are growing every second, and having more coaches can help with that growing demand.”

  “And why us if you mind asking?” Mr. Peckett asks Mr. Hutton.

  “I saw some of your narrow gauge steam locomotives in the many catalogs that I’ve owned throughout the years, thanks to my mother’s friends,” He told Mr. Peckett.

  “I see,” Wilfred looked at the commission, “And you want the same design as Jurassic, but more beefier and stronger?”

  “Yes,” Ben nodded, “I have another steam locomotive that is over 75 years old, and the workload would be too much for him by himself, and having another design of an industrial steam locomotive that can haul 6 passenger coaches without issues is ideal.”

  “I see you’re a good chap with a bright idea,” He smiled at Ben, “With our transition to diesel locomotive power, your engine will be the last ever built by us, and we’ll have him/her done in around spring of 1958.”

  This made Ben beam.

  “Thank you,” Mr. Hutton nodded, got up, and left the office. Even though this conversation was under an hour, Ben felt like it went on for longer than that.

  As Ben was walking down the streets in Bristol after commissioning a steam locomotive, he was thinking of the future of the railway, but most importantly, the new engine's homecoming.

  April 7th, 1958

  The past few months were normal, to say the least. Roger operated the regular season as planned. Nothing major happened, other than no 16 around, which means the old Porter was hauling the majority of the passenger load as usual, like in the past during the very early years of preservation, which was something the passengers didn’t mind, but knowing that the new steam locomotive was needed, but during that time, Mr. Hutton was planning something. During a photo charter at the beginning of the year, one of the participants noted Mr. Hutton of a rare narrow gauge Baldwin 2-4-2t from 1898 operating at a Tennessee railroad that was for sale, to which he and Lizzy traveled to the railroad and saw a rare operating two-foot gauge 2-4-2t named Betty, which was on sale.

  Mr. Hutton purchased the engine for only 100 dollars and sent her back to the Roger Railway, where she steamed up at the interchange station to test her mechanics, which she ran from the Roger Station back to the yard, to the surprised face of the old Porter. Betty is now having an overhaul since her last one was in 1945. All this happened in January and February; it was an exciting time, but Betty isn’t going to be part of the railway fleet. Though Mr Hutton was planning to have her for a museum groundwork.

  During all that time, the Peckett & Sons company was building the railway’s second steam locomotive; anticipation and excitement were a huge understatement from the volunteers, who donated their money for a huge milestone. After nearing completion, the company called Mr. Hutton, who gave him the biggest grin ever, and with his wife, sons, and a few volunteers who were the biggest donors to the project, they left Pennsylvania for the United Kingdom once again.

  Now, at the foundry test track, was a beautiful dark green locomotive, with six small wheels, an outside frame, brass parts, the engine looked like Jurassic, the same engine that this locomotive is based on. Unlike Jurassic, this engine is a little bigger and beefier, which Mr. Hutton noticed, but smiled; this was an engine he wanted, and now Roger is going to have a stablemate, though, right behind the engine was a row of three beautiful passenger coaches.

  The passenger coaches have a European look to them, but with an American flavor, which is an interesting combination, though three were on the test track, knowing that the foundry never built coaches in their livelihood, which shouldn’t come as a shock, but Mr. Hutton was proud of the creation he commissioned. BBC News was here to film the event, and interview Mr. Hutton and the volunteers about their accomplishment. The BBC had already made a news piece on the railway 3 years prior, in 1955, with the Heritage Train shot by the BBC crew, which caused a surge of passenger traffic due to this.

  “He’s beautiful,” Mr. Hutton noted as he looked around at the finished new engine.

  “He’s a real cutie like Roger,” Lizzy commented.

  “Dad,” Samuel said as he came up to his dad, “What’s his name going to be?”

  “Hmm, good question,” He looked at his son, he looked at his two children, naming an engine after them is too easy.

  Then he remembered that Robert, the chairman of the Narrow Gauge Railway Society, passed away last year, he was a good man and donated 5,000 dollars to the railway after his passing by his wife, and often sponsored excursions on the railway whenever he can, and he remembers meeting Saul, which wasn’t for him, the Roger Railway would’ve been defunct after the war. After a couple of minutes thinking of a name, he finally chose one.

  “Welcome…Robert Saul,” Mr. Hutton smiled.

  The engine smiled.

  “I’m glad to be at your service,” Robert smiled.

  Mr. Hutton spoke to the workers, who nodded. He went into the cab and looked around; every pipe and part looked like those of any other British steam locomotive. He blew Robert’s whistle, which was loud, and shrieked; he missed that sound. After looking around in the cab, Mr. Hutton got down and spoke to the workers again, to whom he nodded and went back to the group.

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  “It’s going to be a two-to four-month process to get him to America by ship,” He told his wife, “And we’re going to build the nameplate for him when we get back.”

  “That’s going to be a problem with Roger taking most of the load, poor cutie…” Lizzy groaned sadly, “How’s Betty before we left?”

  “She’s in good condition, so I’m hoping around the fall season for her overhaul to be completed, but she’s not going to be part of the railway’s fleet, that’s for sure,” He told his wife.

  “Is he leaving today?” a volunteer asks.

  “Yes,” Ben nodded, “I spoke to the workers, and they’re getting him on a ship right away. I don’t want to wait any longer.”

  “Dad, what are you going to do with Betty?” Samson asks his dad.

  It was a good question, since she’s not officially owned by the railway, it’s only fitting to use her whenever he can, but he likes to have a railway where Betty could run without interfering with Roger and the new engine. He had an idea.

  “I’ll plan to use Betty to fund a new idea,” He told his son, “It’ll be grand, fun, and there will be a lot more steam locomotives.”

  The two boys were excited. A new railway project? It was something that Mr. Hutton had been thinking about it since he saw the other narrow gauge engines during his travels, and with the Roger Railway being a very successful heritage and tourist railway, he could finally make his dream come true.

  “Of course, it’s going to take a long time,” He chuckled, which he ruffled his son’s hair, “But when it’s finished, it’s going to be a steam paradise.”

  “Aw, sweet, I can’t wait!” Samson cried happily.

  “What’s this new idea going to be called?” Samuel asks.

  Mr. Hutton grinned.

  “The Hutton Steam Company and Museum!” He exclaimed happily.

  April 14th, 1958

  It’s been a week since Robert was completed, and he’s now on a long journey to America. Back at home after the trip was ordinary, but simple. Roger operates his trains like usual, but the old saddletank noticed the change in Mr. Hutton; it wasn’t serious, he was writing on his notepad like he was writing an essay for a professor, though, he wasn’t neglecting his duties, he gave Roger extra care, but the old Porter noticed that he looked like he’s thinking something, the old saddletank sometimes looked at Lizzy, who gave her usual motherly, kind look, but something was off, very off.

  “Are you okay, Mr. Hutton?” Roger bluntly asks during the Monday rest.

  Mr. Hutton looked at the old saddletank, then his wife, and he sighed.

  “I was planning to tell you this very soon, but it seems like this idea and dream are eating away inside me,” He sat down with Lizzy next to him with two chairs, “But it’s best to tell you now.”

  Roger was silent for a bit.

  “Is something wrong between you and Lizzy?” the old Porter curiously asks.

  “Oh, no, definitely not!” Mr. Hutton assured Roger, “It’s…well…it's been an idea since I purchased Betty.”

  Roger was now curious.

  “Go on,” He looked at his general manager.

  “To operate a railroad museum of some kind,” He told the saddletank, “After visiting the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at the Talyllyn Railway, and seeing the Vale of Rheidol and the Ffestiniog Railway long narrow gauge history, I decided to form the Hutton Steam Company and Museum.”

  Roger’s eyes were wide, a museum, a railroad museum nonetheless, he was taken aback by the sheer plan, though he thought it was a great idea.

  “It’s a great idea,” Roger smiled at Mr. Hutton, “Though it’s going to take lots of funding to form a railway museum like this.”

  “I agree, but it’s not just the museum part,” He looked at Roger, “But it’s also operating a heritage mainline railway like the Vale of Rheidol, Ffestiniog, and the Welsh Highland.”

  This plan that Roger could see in his owner’s eyes was gleaming with inspiration and determination, but at the same time, what's going to happen to the Roger Railway and the Preservation Society? Something felt off in the engine’s boiler, and it isn’t a mechanical problem.

  “I realized…that this is going to take you out of the railway,” Roger admitted to Mr. Hutton, in a sad tone, “I hate to sound selfish, but are you going to leave us for this new dream?”

  “Oh heavens no!” Mr. Hutton said as he put his hand on the engine’s saddletank, “But…it will require me to be busier outside of the railway, with the railway growing ever since you and the railway were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1955, people have been coming to the railway, and with Pennsylvania being the top state for tourist attraction icon, I wanted to take a chance to make it happen.”

  “I see,” Roger grinned, almost trying not to cry, “It’s just…you helped me and this railway a lot during the preservation years, you and Lizzy, and way back before meeting Lizzy, you were my friend, my only friend that not only saved my railway, but keeps me going forever and ever.”

  To be fair, Ben Hutton did shed a tear, and Roger was right, they’ve been through thick and thin, from the first run into preservation, to being part of the 1952 NRHS Convention, to operating mainline excursions, from helping Anabel, to celebrate his 75th birthday in 1955. They did all together, with obviously Lizzy giving Roger her motherly attention that she’s well known for, it was something that’ll be cherished forever, and Mr. Hutton, this museum and heritage railway plan would be the start of a new change.

  “Sometimes I forget who really made me the way I am,” He chuckled, “Because I decided to make you the Honorary Member of the museum’s collection.”

  Roger was speechless.

  “I know it’s not really official yet,” the old Porter said as he took a deep breath, “But why?”

  “Oh, Roger, you silly sweet boy,” Lizzy said as she came up and squished his cheeks with her hands. She looked in his eyes with a big smile, “You’re our pride and joy, our locomotive, pride of the Roger Railway, and despite being the oldest locomotive on your railway, you’re our baby boy, our good boy, almost like our child.”

  She leaned in and pressed her forehead against Roger’s forehead, a touching moment. Of course, Mr. Hutton has his way of showing affection to the old Porter.

  “I see,” the saddletank chuckled, “I love you guys very much.”

  Lizzy giggled and kissed Roger’s forehead before Mr. Hutton sat up.

  “When the season is over or less busy, I’ll start finding land,” He told Roger as he was holding his notepad, “File a non-profit, finding rails, coaches, I already got the engine and name, now I need to complete the others.”

  “If you do,” Roger looked at both of them, “Johnny is a good engine driver and fireman whenever you or Lizzy are needed elsewhere outside the railway.”

  “I do agree,” Mr. Hutton nodded, “I do trust Johnny with all my heart, but I’m also training my son Samuel to operate you for future seasons.”

  Roger was surprised.

  “But isn’t he too young?” the old Porter asks, worrying for Samuel’s safety.

  “He is,” Mr. Hutton admitted, “But I did ask the ICC, and they allowed it, only if his mother or I are with him, when he turns 18; however, he doesn’t need us anymore.”

  “Same with Samson,” Lizzy added, “But when he turns 15, we’ll train him.”

  “Well, it’s nice to work with Sammy,” Roger smiled, “He’s a good kid.”

  “Indeed, he is,” Mr. Hutton agreed, “I’m proud of both of them.”

  After that, silence came, but only for a short few minutes.

  “Did Betty know about this?” Roger asks Mr. Hutton.

  “Not yet,” He told the old Porter, “I want to tell you first before Betty, she’ll be delighted to be part of the museum collection with you.”

  “She’s a nice lady,” Roger smiled, “I think this museum will be grand.”

  Mr. Hutton chuckled.

  “Until we find some land before we cannot think of grand things.” He told the old Porter.

  “But I can’t wait,” Roger told Mr. Hutton, “Have you got anything back from the Southern Railway Narrow Gauge Division?”

  “Nope, and I probably won’t,” Mr. Hutton sighed, “I’ll probably do some special fundraising events to raise funds. I haven’t told the NRHS yet.”

  “It’ll take time,” Lizzy said as she cupped Roger’s left cheek, “Besides, Robert is the main focus right now.”

  This made Roger smile.

  June 23th, 1958

  The long months were grueling, though, only 2 months. Robert arrived in America on June 18th, in California, the engine and the new coaches rode on a few freight trains, from Southern Pacific, to Union Pacific, to Norfolk and Western, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. After 5 days of traveling on the rail, Robert arrived on a flatcar, which was pulled by a Reading Railroad 0-6-0t. Roger, his coaches, Mr. Hutton, Lizzy, and all the volunteers were at the Roger Station for this grand moment.

  Roger was surprised to see such a beautiful steam locomotive, he’s an 0-6-0 saddletank like him, outside frame like Betty, but he looks chunky, like he has tons of power stored in his wheels, which made this new engine good for the summer season, the summer season so far went well, the passengers increase, and the trains got packed with happy people, it made Roger happy, but he was glad to get some extra help during the summer season.

  After Robert and the coaches were lifted onto the tracks, Johnny came to the cab to light his firebox, after putting fresh coal, and waiting for steam to build up, Roger came to the new engine to greet him.

  “Hello,” the old Porter smiled, “I’m Roger.”

  “Hello,” said the new engine, who had a slight British accent, “I’m Robert.”

  “Welcome to your home!” Roger smiled at the new engine, “Welcome to the Roger Railway.”

  Though facing the usual way, he could only see the station and the end track.

  “You have a lovely station,” Robert smiled, “And your coaches are lovely too.”

  “Oh, you’re too kind,” Mary blushed a bit.

  “Reminds me of Roger, don’t you think?” Charlotte asks her sisters.

  “Indeed, sis,” agreed Anabel, “He’s a kind engine.”

  “He’ll be a wonderful part of the railway,” Taylor agreed.

  “Thank you,” Roger beamed happily, “I’m sure you met Mr. Hutton and his wife, Lizzy Hutton?”

  “Oh yes,” He smiled, “They’re lovely people.”

  “They sure are,” Roger smiled, “I love them, they’re family.”

  After the short talk, Johnny came up to the husband and wife and gave the thumbs up, to which Johnny came back into the cab with the other crew, probably the fireman or engine driver, but the next thing that happened was that Robert slowly moved.

  “How are you feeling?” Mr. Hutton asks.

  “Pretty well,” Robert smiled, “It’s nice to be on rails and operating, being cooped up in the ship isn’t fun.”

  “I’m guessing he’s going to operate some test runs before Friday?” Roger asks Mr. Hutton.

  “Yep,” Mr. Hutton nodded, “But he’s going to operate some Volunteer Appreciation Specials because he’s going to debut on the 4th of July Weekend, and you know how popular that weekend is.”

  “How popular is it?” Robert asks.

  “Tons of railfans and regular folks come and ride the summer train, with some vendors selling food, and the train operates till evening since the temperature cools down and makes the experience better,” Roger told Robert, “And sometimes a doubleheader is performed.”

  “It sounds fun,” Robert smiled, then looked around, “You said doubleheader, but there’s only you.”

  “Because there was another engine named 16,” He told the new engine, “He wasn’t officially owned, but leased; he helped me and the railway during those busy summers.”

  “A nice chap then,” Robert smiled.

  Then Mr. Hutton came up to the new saddletank with some news.

  “You already know about the Volunteer Appreciation Specials, but you’re going to operate some test runs tomorrow and Wednesdays, including today,” He told Robert, “And on July 3rd, you’ll pull your first revenue passenger train on the Roger Railway.”

  Robert is excited, though worried; Roger could see it.

  “Thank you, sir,” Robert smiled, “I won’t let you down.”

  Robert blew his first whistle for the first time, and slowly left the station, going backwards, just by himself, leaving Roger and the others.

  “I feel like he’s worried,” Roger told Mr. Hutton after Robert left.

  “I could hear it in his tone,” Mr. Hutton admitted as he wiped the sweat off his forehead, “What he doesn’t know is that he’ll be pulling the coaches during the test run.”

  “I could see why he would be worried,” Roger sighed as he looked at the coaches, “Being fresh off the factory and being a new engine on the railway, and pulling the first passenger train on a holiday weekend with many people would terrify me as well, or at least make me nervous.”

  “I see your point,” Mr. Hutton sighed, “Though having experience does help.”

  “I do agree on that,” Roger smiled, “I’ll talk to him tonight, maybe having an engine-to-engine talk can help him.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Mr. Hutton smiled at the idea, then looked at the coaches, “While we’re here…”

  “You want me to pull the coaches back as well?” Roger guessed what Mr. Hutton was asking, to which he nodded.

  “7 coaches would be a good challenge for you,” Mr. Hutton grinned at the old Porter.

  “Fine,” Roger smiled, and also rolled his eyes.

  After Robert’s first run on the railway, which was a success in terms of no problems, and with Roger hauling 7 coaches, which also impressed the volunteers as well, Monday wasn’t a bad day, with finally a new engine to help with the growing number of passengers, Roger felt at ease, though, can’t wait to talk to Robert, at least an engine to engine talk. Nighttime arrived sooner than ever, and it was nice to have another engine in the shed, since 16 left the railway; it was a lonely experience for the old Porter, in fact, it had always been lonely ever since the railway had opened.

  “Mr. Hutton has told me that I did on my first test run, no coaches or anything on me,” Robert told Roger happily, “Your railway has some nice scenery.”

  “Best place for tourism, as some of our passengers always tell us all the time,” Roger agreed with the new engine, “Anyway, I'd like to speak to you about something.”

  Robert was curious.

  “Is something wrong?” He asks the old Porter.

  “Well…I wouldn’t say wrong, but more like something I noticed,” He looked at the new engine, “Are you scared of hauling your first passenger train?”

  Robert looked at Roger, then at the ground.

  “You can say I was nervous,” He admitted to the old Porter, “It’s just…I’m new, with no experience in doing this type of work. What if I fail? What if I failed everybody?”

  Roger sighed quietly. It was an easy thing to notice, but looking at the new engine, he could somewhat relate to Robert, somewhat.

  “You know, I experienced something like this before,” Roger said as he looked at the night sky through the window.

  “Operating a passenger train?” Robert asks.

  “Well…no,” Roger admitted, “But operating a mainline excursion.”

  Robert’s eyes went wide.

  “You operated a mainline excursion!?” He asks, with quite a surprised tone he had.

  “Yep,” Roger smiled, “It wasn’t like operating a 5-mile heritage railway; it was a longer line, operating fast, keeping up with the schedule, and keeping pace with my speed. This was out of my comfort zone.”

  “Were you worried… about messing things up?” He asks innocently.

  “Kind of…?” Roger tried to come up with a better answer, “Well, you know, steam locomotives can’t control how we operate, you just got back from being built new, so there will be things you will experience throughout your life, and to answer your question about me being worried about messing up, I was, until seeing that it wasn’t much different from back home, just operated differently.”

  “I see…” Robert said he looked at the rails.

  “The test runs tomorrow will give you a chance to simulate a passenger train, since you’ll be hauling the new coaches during your test run,” Roger told the new engine.

  “Wow,” Robert said with a surprised look on his face, “A chance to feel what a passenger train feels like.”

  “Trust me, it’s a fun feeling,” Roger smiled at the new engine, “Not bad for a 78-year-old steam locomotive.”

  “Wow, I never met such an old engine like you,” Robert said in awe at the old Porter, “How do you feel…this confident about what you’re doing?”

  This made Roger chuckle.

  “Here’s the thing,” He whispers to Robert, “I don’t, at least, all the time, when you’re doing this, it becomes natural, it becomes a part of life, and even becoming a heritage railway, it still feels the same.”

  Robert was silent for a bit, but looked at Roger.

  “I’ve heard that steam locomotives have their own therapist, from the workers before I left the United Kingdom,” Robert told the old saddletank, “Do you ever think you need one?”

  Roger looked at the new engine; it was an honest question, and while many men of this decade would disagree, or people in general, but the saddletank knew his answer.

  “Yes,” He answered with a straight face, “Unless you have the money and insurance, yes, I do want a therapist, but our railway wasn’t the richest to begin with, or have all the insurance, though, probably right now could work, with the paperwork and the heritage railway status.”

  “I see…” Robert felt a weight off his boiler, “Hey, maybe you can share some stories of your adventure, before and during preservation?”

  Roger smiled at the new engine.

  “Doesn’t seem like a bad idea,” He smiled at the new engine, “I’ve lots of stories throughout my time, and I’m happy to share them with you.”

  Then Roger told the new engine all about his adventures throughout the years, which made this night very enjoyable for the new engine.

  July 3rd, 1958

  Robert did very well on his test runs and the Volunteer Appreciation Specials, though the volunteer engine drivers had an interesting crash course on how to operate a British steam locomotive, but the crew on the test runs got it all down, which made the process easier to handle. Roger handled the summer season at ease, with the 4th of July event coming closer, people were excited, this was a favorable event, mostly because of food, fun, and steam trains, this would be a steam celebration.

  It was early in the morning, Thursday, with Roger and Robert in steam today, being summer, the old saddletank knew that the summer temperature would be brutal, at least for anyone who lives in Pennsylvania, but Roger was excited for this day, vendors would be selling food and goodies, while a small band would play throughout the weekend. July 3rd was also the first public run and the first revenue run of Robert, which made this weekend's event exciting.

  “I’m so excited,” Robert smiled happily, “After many test runs and volunteer-only trains, I’m excited to operate my first excursion with paying passengers.”

  “It is exciting,” Roger agreed, “And you did quite well during those short weeks, you’re a great steam locomotive.”

  Robert beamed at the old saddletank.

  “Thank you, Roger,” He smiled happily.

  It was early 8:00, but the yard and station were busy with passenger buying tickets for the inaugural run for the new engine, though, only 3 coaches, since the other three is still at sea, so it would be another one or two months, but the passenger don’t mind at all, Robert slowly moved to the station while Roger was in the yard, being lovingly worked on by Lizzy, the new coaches gleam at the station, and the old saddletank was glad that he wasn’t in the spotlight for once.

  The volunteers were scrambling to get things ready, not just helping the engines, but helping the vendors and the music guests who were participating at the railway. It was a busy day for the volunteers, and it’s going to be busier when the time comes. By the time 8:30 had reached the time, there were already many people at the railway station and yard, some gazed in awe at Roger, but most were very interested in the new engine. Mr. Hutton came to the station with Lizzy for a special announcement.

  “For 7 years, Roger was our engine, and he still is,” Mr. Hutton started, “But my good friend Will lease his engine, and we’re thankful for that, but since then, we raise so much money for this new engine, Robert Saul, and we are glad to have the first brand new steam locomotive since Roger, a new engine like him will provide the same comfort that Roger has for over 75 years, please enjoy our newest steam locomotive.”

  Everyone clapped and cheered, Robert blew his whistle, and Lizzy sneaked a little kiss on the new engine’s cheek. It was a spectacular morning, but the real show was the first passenger train that Robert was going to haul. After the cheering died down, everyone who brought tickets went in the passenger coaches, almost packing in like sardines. Robert blew his whistle and started to leave the station slowly. Roger blew his whistle as well for good luck. This would start a brand new era for the Roger Railway.

  June 20th, 2021

  “Robert’s debut was a success for the railway, and a turning point,” Roger told Skylark and Esmee as they were in the yard at the Hutton Steam Company and Museum.

  “Must be a newsworthy event,” Esmee joked as she ate a doughnut.

  “It is, the papers wrote an article on us after the event,” Roger smiled, “The publicity helped us grow.”

  “Anyway,” Esmee said as she drank her coffee, “What’s the plan for today?”

  “60th anniversary double header with Betty,” Roger smiled happily, “And a special photo freight charter on Monday for the Friends of the East Broad Top and the East Broad Top Foundation.”

  “Not a bad summer,” Esmee grinned.

  Just then, Skylark came back; she looked excited.

  “I got good news,” She smiled at the two.

  Roger was curious.

  “What is it?” He asks the blonde driver.

  “One, the railway is going to be put on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s America’s Most Endangered Places,” She told the old saddletank, “But the most important part, Roger, is that you and the railway, with all the engines, are going to be designated as a World Heritage Site.”

  Roger’s eyes were wide.

  “And that’s not even the best part,” Skylark added, “Samuel has been talking to Stuart Williams of the Talyllyn Railway to form a sister pack, which will be announced on Labor Day Weekend.”

  Hearing all this made Roger smile.

  “Well,” He looked at his crew, “I guess there are still more turning points for this railway for a very old engine like me.”