August 27th, 1961

  Roger was in the yard, resting after another fun Sunday operation. It was evening, and the old Porter was planning to operate till nighttime as part of the Roger Heritage Special. His coaches were given a cleaning before the nighttime operation; it was hot, and the old Porter was wishing for the cool summer night. It had been two months since the incident at the Indian Valley Line, and the railway was originally rewarded a 55,000 dollar check, but it was increased to 100,000 due to the historic nature of the railway.

  “The summer season is almost over,” Robert told Roger, who was displayed in the yard during the Sunday operation, “Just next month.”

  “I’m excited for next week,” Roger smiled, “It’s the 10th Anniversary of my railway becoming a preserved railway, a heritage railway.”

  “How are you feeling, Roger?” Betty asks, who was also on display along with Elizabeth. She was very livid after hearing what happened to her significant other last month.

  “I’m fine so far, therapy helps me a bit,” Roger told the 2-4-2t, “Though the reward money would help the railway.”

  “Big bro defeats those bad guys,” Elizabeth said, smiling at the old Porter, “But imagine, a group of people scrapping steam locomotives illegally without consent or permission.”

  “And selling them to the black market,” Robert noted to the others.

  “It’s scary,” Betty shivered.

  Mr. Hutton and Lizzy came back to the old Porter after their dinner. It was a melancholy feeling after the incident, but they’re strong folks, and at the same time, the memories lived on. Lizzy came to Roger and leaned her forehead onto his. She was extra motherly to the old Porter and her sons for obvious reasons; luckily, repairs weren’t needed after the visit, though Ben has recently given Roger an extra look around before operating.

  “How was dinner?” Roger asks.

  “Pretty good,” Ben smiled, “I always loved my portable stoves, they come in handy.”

  “A perfect date,” Lizzy grinned.

  Roger looked at the two, calm, though it seemed like they were worried about something.

  “What’s the plan for next week, Ben?” Robert asks, knowing Labor Day weekend is very close.

  Mr. Hutton cleared his throat.

  “Clair and her coaches, Sophia and Berliner, would leave the railway to operate excursions on the former Chicago Tunnel Company,” He told the engines, “This is a special train sponsored by the NRHS, which is going to operate their annual convention in Chicago.”

  The engines were surprised.

  “Do you know about this?” Robert asks Clair, who was in the yard, switching some freight cars.

  “Yep, yesterday,” She smiled, “I was worried that my coaches won’t fit in the tunnel, but what Ben told me, the tunnel should be big enough for the three of us.”

  “That’s some rare operation,” Roger smiled at Clair, “You’re a lucky diesel, go out and see the world.”

  “It is,” Clair said excitedly, “It’s nice to visit somewhere outside of Pennsylvania for once.”

  “I agreed to that,” Roger smiled.

  “But,” Mr. Hutton looked at Roger, “You’ll be operating an Employee Special for the Southern Railway, both the standard and narrow gauge division.”

  Roger’s were wide.

  “I’ve got a letter this morning from Mr. DeButts that a company party would be held on the railway, and you’ll be operating a special train,” Ben told the old Porter, “It’s also part of the Southern Railway Narrow Division Steam Program, it’ll help with the load with their Baldwin 0-6-0st, Samuel.”

  “Wow,” Roger exclaimed happily, “I would never have thought of operating a special train with railroad employees from the Southern Railway, must be a good month, but why us, and why at the railway and not at the mainline?”

  Ben smiled.

  “It’s because of the excursion we operated 2 years ago,” Ben told Roger, “That must’ve impressed higher folks at the railroad so much that they’ll travel to Pennsylvania to have a company party at our railway.”

  This made the old Porter beam with pride.

  “Good month, really,” Roger smiled, “I feel honored.”

  “We feel the same way,” Ben nodded, Lizzy agreeing with her husband as well.

  Then Samuel came up. He’s doing better since the incident; luckily, Ben’s therapist also works with young adults and children.

  “Dad, Mr. Willock has called,” He told his father, “But 16 couldn’t make it for the 10th Anniversary event.”

  Roger and Ben were surprised.

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

  “Is there a reason?” Roger asks curiously. From what Mr. Willock told Ben last month, 16 was doing well, and the Indian Valley Line also got a reward for helping to stop Abigail’s criminal gang.

  “Southern Railway asks Will to operate a few excursions on their lighter branches,” Samuel told his father, “He’ll be out of New York for a couple of weeks starting this week. Sammy, their 0-6-st is in Alabama operating on the recently purchased Wales West Light Railway.”

  Roger and Ben looked at each other.

  “I guess it couldn’t be helped,” Ben said to his son, “It seems like the Southerns’ new Steam Program has become very popular.”

  “Very popular,” Samuel agreed with his father, “My friend, who volunteers to operate on Sammy, said that there were 20-30 excursions a year, and that’s only half of the year.”

  “It seems like they needed another engine to operate on the lighter lines,” Roger told Samuel, “Are they planning to upgrade the lighter branches?”

  “From what my friend told me, yes,” Samuel told Roger, “They like to use their own engines and not be leased from owners or groups.”

  Roger chuckled.

  “It seems like our opportunity would be shattered,” the old Porter told Ben.

  “I wouldn’t worry,” Ben assured the old Porter, “But the 10th Anniversary event would be a big one, all three engines operating, including Betty.”

  Robert and Elizabeth were excited.

  “Really!?” Robert asks.

  Ben nodded.

  “It’ll give the public a good chance to see most of the fleet in steam,” He told the young saddletank, “Ever since the incident, the public has given us a lot of respect and comfort; a few public clubs have helped us in the volunteering.”

  “So this event is saying thank you to the community, perfect timing,” Lizzy smiled.

  Roger smiled, a few non profit organizations has came to volunteer at the railway in the past, school clubs, the boys and girls scouts, and the Boys and Girls Club of America, even the National Guard came and help out with track work in 1955, giving the, experience to run a railway, and even operate him and 16 if time was needed for foreign operations.

  “Is that really it?” Elizabeth asks.

  Ben nodded.

  “Simple for the rest of the season,” Ben told the Garratt locomotive, “Next year would be busy since there would be more preparations for the World’s Fair.”

  “I’m excited about the plans,” Roger smiled, “Operating with many different foreign steam locomotives.”

  “It’s exciting,” Betty agreed.

  Ben looked at his watch.

  “Back to hauling passengers, Roger,” He smiled at the old Porter, “We've got a busy evening.”

  Roger looked at Ben.

  “We sure do,” He smiled.

  September 1st, 1961

  The next week was busy on the Roger Railway, per usual. Still, with the 10th Anniversary gala, a big event like this needs preparations, the engines were looked through, and the coaches were given last minute general maintenance to see if there’s any problems, Roger and the other engines were excited for this big day, it’s been 10 years, and knowing that history is preserved on the railway that is younger than the East Broad Top, the passengers are going to be pleased.

  The morning on Friday, the first day of the event, was a busy one; many volunteers who could make it arrived at the railway early to get the engines ready, with fresh coal, and the engines were in steam. Roger was in the yard, along with Betty, Robert, and Elizabeth. Clair already left for the NRHS Convention in Chicago, so this would be a steam-filled weekend.

  “I’m excited,” Roger smiled at the others.

  “Indeed, sugar,” Betty agreed with Roger, “I’m excited to haul some passengers.”

  “At least we’re steamed up before the hot summer,” Robert said with a pleased look, “It’s been too hot in the last couple of months, ugh, not a fan of it.”

  Then a little boy and a little girl came to the yard.

  “You see, Cindy, these are the engines that I was talking about,” the little boy pointed at Roger and the others.

  “Wow,” She said, looking at all the engines, “Big sis said she’s going to operate that engine right here.”

  She was pointing at Roger.

  “But I like this one!” Then she pointed at Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth beamed with pride.

  “Who’s that?” Betty asks.

  “That’s Scotty,” Roger reminded his significant other, “We met him during the Simon Hill Railway excursions, and I think that’s his little sister.”

  “Scotty! Cindy!” a familiar voice called out.

  The two children looked and saw Diana, with her boyfriend Samuel, with Ben and Lizzy tagging along, the two children ran towards their big sister and gave her a huge hug.

  “I hope you two aren’t bothering Roger,” She asks her siblings.

  “We weren’t,” the two said in unison.

  Ben and Lizzy came up to Roger.

  “It seems like everything is all set,” Ben smiled, “We’re going to leave in half an hour to start the event.”

  Lizzy came in and kissed the old Porter on the cheek.

  “Still look cute as always,” She giggled.

  “I agree,” Diana giggled as well.

  Roger smiled. He looked at the yard, now with railfans and general folks walking around, taking photos of the engines.

  “It’s been 10 years,” Roger smiled, “10 years of fun.”

  “It has,” Mr. Hutton agreed with the old Porter, “We’ve been through thick and thin…”

  He looked at the yard with the many railfans and locals.

  “I sometimes get nightmares after the incident,” He told the old Porter.

  Roger looked at Ben.

  “Bad nightmares?” Roger asks.

  “Somewhat,” Ben told the old Porter, “Instead of Abigail, it’s my older sisters; it was terrifying.”

  Roger didn’t say anything, respectfully.

  “Have you got a speech?” Robert asks.

  Ben nodded.

  “Yep,” He grinned, “Got a simple short speech for today, I like doing these, helps bring me out of my comfort zone.”

  Roger looked around the yard. There were already people taking photos of the engines, the new cat, funny enough, named Roger, was walking through the station, meowing as he went along.

  “I think we should get ready,” Roger told Ben and Lizzy, “I think it’s time to operate.”

  After moving through the yard and coupling up to his coaches, Roger moved his train to the station, where a bunch of passengers were waiting. They were excited to operate this special train to celebrate 10 years of preservation; the old Porter and the coaches were excited as well.

  “10 years,” Mary said, remembering the day, “Really changed our lives.”

  “Indeed, sis,” Charlotte agreed.

  “It has,” Taylor smiled.

  “I’m glad to be part of this,” Anabel smiled as well, “A new home for me.”

  “It really has,” Roger agrees with his coaches, “I remember we just operate trains without the care in the world, and with Saul's medical issues being our main worry, our survival is on a thread, but we got Ben to thank with.”

  Ben and Lizzy came out of the cab, with Ben holding the speech in his hand. He cleared his throat.

  “Before we start the day,” He said to the crowd of passengers, “I have a short speech to celebrate our 10 years as a heritage railway.”

  The passengers, Roger, and the coaches were quiet now.

  “As a young boy,” Ben began, “I always loved trains, from the United Kingdom and the United States, worked at a job with trains, and made some great friends, but this railway was the first that I felt a deep connection with, a simple line with simple rolling stock. This railway has stood the test of time, and with a group of friends and folks who feel this railway should be protected and preserved, we formed the Roger Railway Preservation Society in late August of 1950, and the railway was handed over on Halloween Day, 1950. In almost 11 months of hard work, overhauling Roger, and overhauling the railway to a condition that it’ll last for more than 100 years, I thank everyone who came for the first trip, and this is our 10th season.”

  The crowd cheered, Roger blew his whistle quite loudly, and everyone was happy. Ben turned to his wife.

  “I remember seeing Roger a couple of times during our dates to the railway before we got married, and I have to say, he’s the most finest and cutest little engine I’ve ever seen and work with,” She commented, “I’m glad to be part of this of this adventure, made a lot of friends, and experience something I’ve never done before, operating a steam locomotive.”

  The crowd clapped, and Roger’s cheeks were tinted pink; he didn’t expect that Lizzy would give a speech, but he felt loved.

  “Now, everyone,” Ben continued, “This train is truly the most authentic experience on the narrow gauge, all these coaches were built for the Roger Railway, though something happened at the works that caused Anabel to be at the Simon Hill Railway, but lovingly restored by our volunteers, please enjoy our 10th Anniversary Special.”

  Everyone got inside the coaches, and the excitement of the passenger excursion was high; everything was going well. Ben popped his head out of the cab.

  “Ready for another excursion?” He asks the old Porter.

  “For the next 100 years,” Roger answered.

  Roger blew his whistle and slowly left the station with a train full of happy passengers on their way on the Roger Railway, with another 10 or so years in them, and beyond.