The Midnight Train Crossing

Throughout the house clocks announced the time. The grandfather clock in the parlor chimed the time. In a bedroom, a coo-coo clock chirped the hour. In another bedroom another clock whistled. The walls were covered with posters of trains, and the bookshelf was filled with stories about engines. But none of these were the main feature of this room. An elaborate train set commanded the floor. Tracks cris-crossed the floor, sometimes in two or three levels. There was an assortment of trains and other buildings along the tracks.
A kid sat in the center of it all. A nearly empty box lay on the floor next to him. He pulled out a model train engine and set it in place on the tracks. When he turned it on the engine rolled around the track emitting little puffs of smoke. The train pulled into a station and stopped.
"Take five," the kid said patting the train, "you deserve a break, and you'll have a lot to do later tonight."
He changed his voice. "What's tonight?" he asked speaking for the train.
"Tonight is race night," the kid answered in his normal voice.
He turned his attention to another part of the train set.

He pulled into the station and disconnected from the train.
"Take five," the voice said.
He nodded and stifled a yawn; it had been a long day.
"You deserve a break," the voice said, "And you'll have a lot to do later tonight."
He stopped and looked up. "What's tonight?" he asked.
"Tonight is race night."
'Race night?' he thought somewhat dismayed.

He headed home, thinking. 'It's not that I don't want the race to happen,' he decided, 'I just don't want some parts.'
He took out a key ring and unlocked a door, the door to his private room. He took off his backpack and peeled off his gloves.
"When the racers get here..." he started, "They all think they're so much better then me."
He sat down, "Just coz they're the World Champions," he said sarcastically. There was nothing that made them better then him except for a title. He could be a champion too if he had the chance. "And of course they won't be able to do anything," he continued bitterly, "So guess who gets to run all the errands, and run messages and ferry stuff around, Me."
Just because he worked in the sidings and wasn't a race. A small thought wound into his mind. He pushed it away, it was a crazy idea. But then again maybe not.
Why not? he thought, I'm an engine.
"Unless..." he started, "Unless..."
He stopped and yawned again. What ever happened he needed to sleep now, he wouldn't have time later. He sank to the ground and put his head down.
"I'm only gonna rest for a few minutes," he told himself closing his eyes, "I'll wake up in time."
He adjusted the rings at his waist that allowed others to hitch on and lifted his wheels off the rails. He curled up and went to sleep.

The kid picked up a microphone.

"This is Control," he said, the mic. causing his voice to reverberate. "This is Control," he repeated, "Tonight is the most Important Night in the History of the World."
He did not hear footsteps in the hall.
"Take your seats for the World Championship Railroad Race!" he continued, "Who will win? Will it be diesel? Will it be electric? Or will it be steam? The tension is unbearable here at the track tonight!"
He made sure all the trains were lined up.
"Trains to your tracks," he said putting his hand on the switch, "Twenty seconds."
"Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one," he counted down, "Trains gone!" he shouted flipping the switch. The trains took off.
He didn't hear the door open; he didn't hear his mother come in.

"Okay honey," she said stepping expertly over the train tracks, "It's time for 'Control' to go to sleep." She turned off the trains.
"Aww mom," he protested, "Just five more minutes."
She shook her head.
"But I just started the race," he whined.
"Put those trains away and get into bed," she said sternly stepping over to the bed.
He stood up; his pajamas had trains on them. "But how will the trains run without me?" he asked as she pulled back the covers.
She laughed, "I'm sure they'll be fine," she patted the bed.
He climbed up into bed still thinking of ways to protest, "But..." he started.
"No buts," his mother said firmly tucking him in, "It's time for bed."

"When the night is darkest open up your mind," she sang softly.
He closed his eyes and settled into bed.
"The dream begins, it's becoming clearer," his mother sang turning down the lights. "Listen to the distance, listen and you'll find, the midnight train is getting nearer."
A small star shaped night-light gave off a silver beam of light.
"Starlight Express, Starlight Express," she sang, "Are you real? Yes or no?"
His mother stepped away from the bed. She returned the trains to their box.
He dozed, he was losing the battle to stay awake. Her voice filtered through his sleep as his breathing became even.

"Starlight Express, answer me yes I don't want you to go."
"Take me to the places I have never been, bring me home safely before I wake up. 'Cause I believe in you completely, thought you maybe unseen this is not the kind of thing that anyone could make up!
Starlight Express, Starlight Express are you real? Yes or no? Starlight Express, Please answer me yes I don't want you to go."
Sliver light swirled around in the darkness and came to rest on the sleeping engine.
"You needn't beg the world to help you if you draw on what is deep inside!"
"Starlight Express, Starlight Express are you real? Yes or no? Starlight Express, Please answer me yes...I don't want you to go."
He sighed in his sleep and rolled over, he was having the best dream. There was something he was supposed to remember.

"This is Control," the voice announced.
There was no response. A searchlight flicked on and rolled around the yard. It came to rest on the sleeping figure.
"Wake up," the voice ordered.
He didn't move. A minute later a loud siren sounded startling him out of sleep. He yelped as he fell off the platform and rolled down a step. He sat up and blinked into the light a little disoriented.
"Wake up!" the voice repeated, "You've got work to do! The race is tonight."
"I know..." he said getting up.
"Get moving then!" the voice ordered.

He started to go off, then stopped and looked up uncertainly.
"What?" the voice asked.
"I want...this year...Can I..." he stammered.
"Just say it Rusty," the voice said a little exasperated.
"I want to enter," Rusty said, "Not next year, not some day, tonight."
"You want to enter the race?" Control said astonished, "Well...um...we'll see. But in the meantime, take care of all your errands."
"Yes," Rusty said, "yes I'm going!"
He swung on his backpack and put on his gloves. He ran his fingers through his reddish brown hair and put on his headband. Then he jumped down.
"It happens ever year, but this year..." he broke off and crouched to tie his wheels.
"To the winner the honor, the glory, the title," he said, "and this year...This year it's gonna be me!" He stood off and headed out.
"Tonight they're all gonna see all that I can do," he said.
He looked up. The sun had set and the stars were appearing in the night sky.
"It's gotta be true," he said, "I'm sure of all I can do."
"Soon they're gonna see the steam," he sang, "And they'll all know my dreams have come true." Rusty picked up speed. "Finally I'll be where I belong, steaming along," he sang, "The victory will me mine."
"They're all gonna see the power within me," Rusty sang, "and I'll do it. This year...it'll be me!" With that, he set out.

She checked her reflection. 'Not bad at all,' she thought examining her dark hair just touched with silver, silver not gray. It was pulled back neatly and her crystal earrings reflected the light from the lamp.
She glanced up at the clock, 'I've got to go!' she thought grabbing her bag and taking inventory.
"Brush, hairspray, scissors, thread," she said softly.
"Wh-what?" a voice asked sleepily.
She looked over at her partner fondly. "Nothing," she said, "Go back to sleep."
She smiled, they were both getting older but neither was falling apart yet.
"Check on Pearl," he said suddenly.
"I will love," she said, "Now go back to sleep."

A younger coach was in her room brushing her strawberry blonde hair viciously.
There was a knock on her door.
"Pearl?" a female voice called.
"Come in," she called.
"Hello Pearl," the dark-haired coach said skating in.
"Hi Belle," Pearl said turning around, and getting tangled in her long hair
"Need some help?" Belle asked a little amused, watching Pearl struggle with her hair. She nodded in approval of Pearl's cream and pink outfit.
"Yes," Pearl said gratefully.
With an expert hand, Belle brushed out the worst snarls in Pearl's hair. Pearl's hands twisted nervously around in her lap and she bounced her wheels
"Relax and hold still!" Belle commanded
"I can't," Pearl answered making a visible attempt to sit still, "I'm so excited!"
Belle smiled, "I remember what it was like the first time I raced."
"When you raced with Poppa," Pearl said.
"Mmhmm," Belle answered, "How do you want your hair? A ponytail?"
"Okay," Pearl said, "Belle I can't wait to race! I'm finally old enough to enter."
"Done," Belle said finishing her hair.
"I am so ready to run," Pearl said.
"Well come on then," Belle said with an amused smile.
The two coaches went outside, Pearl still bouncing around.
"You really are excited about tonight aren't you," Belle said watching her with a smile.

Pearl grinned. "A lotta locomotion," she said, "That's what I need. " she backed away from Belle, "No one can stop me when we take the lead."
Belle sat down watching Pearl skate around.
"From the Eastern Ocean to the Western Coast gotta find the motion that can move me most." she said tossing her hair. "Traveling along and I'm on the move, got the right train for today," she sang, "I don't know where I'm going but I'm on my way." She twirled, "got a one way ticket to somewhere down the track," she sang, "And I just don't know if I'll be coming back."
She skated around the yard accelerating. "A lotta locomotion, that's what I need," she sang, "If we are ever gonna get up speed." She turned to Belle, "I've got the notion, made up my mind, A lotta locomotion's what I'm gonna find."
She closed her eyes, visualizing a partner. She turned to her 'engine', "I'll decide if I take a ride," she sang, "take me into town." She turned to her 'engine' "You can pick me up but I can put you down," she sang turning away and gliding off. "Look out for the signal," she sang looking back over her shoulder, "I'll let you know when you should stop and when you should go."
"A lotta locomotion," she sang skipping across the yard "That's what I need, No one can stop me when we take the lead." She spun off, gliding around with her eyes closed.

Rusty entered silently, warning Belle to keep quiet. He snuck over to Pearl, caught one of her arms and twirled her. Her eyes flew open. Rusty smiled at her and she grinned back. They joined hands and whirled around together.
"Yeaaaah!" Pearl sang twirling, "A lotta locomotion," she sang, "that's what I need, no one can stop me when I take the lead."
Belle watched them with a smile. Pearl hitched behind Rusty, grabbing the rings on his belt.

"From the Eastern Ocean to the Western Coast, gotta find the motion that can move me most," Pearl sang as Rusty pulled her around, "A lotta locomotion, that's what I need, if we are ever gonna get up speed."
He unhitched her and twirled her again.
"I've got the notion, made up my mind," she sang, "A lotta locomotion's what I'm gonna find."
She stopped and Belle applauded.

"So I take it you're excited about tonight then," Rusty said.
"You bet," Pearl said with a laugh.
"I never would have guessed," he said innocently.
Pearl looked at him astonished and then whacked him on the arm.
"Ah! Oh no!" Rusty yelped pretending to be scared, "I'm being attacked by an observation car!"
"Knock it off you two," Belle said.
"Yes ma'am," they responded together.
Rusty's watch beeped. "Yipes! I've got to go," he exclaimed looking at his watch, "bye Belle."
"I'll come with you," Pearl said hitching behind him.
"Make sure you get to the marshaling yard later," Belle called after them.
Rusty whistled in acknowledgement as they left.

Pearl sat down swinging her skates. Rusty knelt on the ground, a screwdriver in his teeth, in front of a panel, detangling wires.
"So are you looking forward to tonight?" Pearl asked, "You know I am."
"Well," Rusty started "(ouch) maybe..."
"What do you mean 'maybe'?" she asked, "Last year was great."
"Not how I remember it," he said, "Remember that diesel engine?"
"Oh yeah," she said, "What was his name again?"
"He was..." Rusty started, "It was just..."
"What?" Pearl asked
"He expected me to wait on him hand and wheel!" Rusty exploded, "(OW!) it was like he thought he was better then me just because he's newer and elder. Oh there we go."
The last part was directed to the large arched bridge that slowly began to rise. He turned it off, now he knew it worked. "Tonight will be different," he said.
"How so?" she asked.

"I think I'm gonna enter," he said.
"You?" Pearl asked astonished, "enter the race?"
"Why does everyone react like that?" he said annoyed.
"I'm sorry," she said, "It's just that...well..."
"What?" Rusty prompted.
"I can't see you racing," she said, "I mean you've never done it before."
"That's exactly why I want to race," he said, "I've never gotten a chance before."
Pearl glanced upward. "And Control's going to let you?" she asked softly.
"Control can't stop me," Rusty responded.
Pearl was a little surprised at this unusual show of enthusiasm. He was beginning to steam angrily. She decided to change the subject.
"So any ideas who you want to race with?" she asked.
Rusty coughed and looked at his skates. "Not really," he fibbed.
"How about me?" Pearl asked.
"You?"
"Sure," she said, "It'll be fun."
"Okay," he said, "It's a deal."

"This is Control. This is Control," the voice said.
They both froze and looked upwards.
"All trains hear this, All trains hear this," Control continued.
Rusty relaxed slightly, it was a general announcement.
"All change to racing mode, All change to racing mode," Control announced, "Tonight is race night, Tonight is race night."
Rusty stood up, "I'd better get back to work."
"Alright," she said, "Let's go."

Belle pushed open the doors and entered the building, and into a madhouse. Hairbrushes, makeup, and various articles of clothing were strewn everywhere.
"Belle! Thank Starlight you're here!" a coach with shoulder length curled blonde hair exclaimed skating over to Belle.
"Relax Dinah," Belle soothed, "Everything'll be fine."
"Ashley put that out!" another coach shouted, "either that or open a window!"
"Sorry," Ashley, a coach in brown, said putting out her cigarette.
Belle looked around at all of the coaches, most were running around. "Quiet!" she shouted.
The coaches obeyed instantly, Belle was not a coach to be trifled with. In her usual efficient manner Belle handled every disaster.

Rusty and Pearl were taking care of all of Rusty's jobs. Or rather Rusty was and Pearl was following along behind. They entered a dark area. Rusty whistled to make his presence known.
"Woo, woo," he whistled in his signature whistle, "woo, woo."
"Nobody can do it like a steam train," Pearl sang feeling Rusty's power as he pulled her.
He grinned.
"Woo, woo, woo, woo," they sang, "nobody can do it like a steam train."

The only light in the yard came from Rusty's headlights. Pearl unhitched and he twirled her before letting her go.
"Work in the yard burning all of my daylight," he sang skating backwards away from her, "Workin' 'til it's time to play."
Pearl smiled watching him.
"Watching the clock 'til my time is my own now," he sang looking at his watch, "Watch me I'm a run away..."
"Engine of love," Pearl sang as he zoomed around her, "Take me with you baby."
"I'll take you along, right along the line," Rusty sang hitching Pearl to him and pulling her around.
"'Cause you're my engine of love," she added.
"I'll thrill you with my motion," he responded, "If you'll follow me your track can be mine."
Pearl uncoupled and sat down on a step. "Woo, woo," she sang.
Rusty skated up a ramp and opened a cabinet.

"Heading for the coast," he sang looking down at Pearl, "Ain't nobody can catch me," he added confidently. "Won't stop until I reach the sea," he turned on the lights and slammed the cabinet shut. "Nothing else will do, got to be here with you now," he zoomed down the ramp to her, "Come and take a ride with me!"
Pearl stood up. "Engine of love, take me with you baby," she sang twirling into his arms, "Just pull me along, right along your line. 'Cause you're my engine of love, thrill me with your motion and I'll follow you, you track can be mine!"
He pulled her around.

"Woo, woo, Woo, woo," they sang "Nobody can do it like a steam train."
"Woo-woo-woo," Rusty whistled.
"Steam," she sang, "Steam power."
"Nobody can do it like a steam train," they sang together.
"Engine of love, take me with you baby," Pearl sang.
"I'll take you along, right along my line," Rusty responded, "I wanna be your engine of love."
"Thrill me with your motion," she sang letting go.
"Such emotion," Rusty agreed.
"And I'll follow you," Pearl sang, "your track can be mine."
"Woo, woo," Rusty whistled at his friend, "Woo, woo!"
Pearl shook her head, "There ain't no power like the power of steam," she said.
"It's got more drive then oil or gasoline," he said, "more power then rocket fuel, electricity."
"You wanna feel it baby?" he asked, "Take a ride with me!"
"Engine of love," Pearl sang skating towards him, "Take me with you baby, just pull me along, right along your line."
"I wanna be your..." Rusty sang hitching Pearl on again.
"Engine of love," they sang together.
"I'll thrill you with my motion," he sang.
"And I'll follow you," she sang, "your track can be mine."

Pearl uncoupled and swung under a bar, out of the way, it would be easier for Rusty without her hanging on.
"Woo, woo," he whistled pushing a ramp into place, it clicked and he checked it to make sure it was locked in position.
"The sight of the mighty steam engine is something terrific," Pearl said half-admiring, half-teasing from where she leaned over the bar.
Rusty blew his hair out of his eyes and looked up at her. "Just think of the big boy on the Union Pacific," he responded.
"Firebox hotter then the desert sand," she sang.
He skated over to her. "So why don't you come with me right across the land?" he asked.
"Woo!" Pearl sang swinging under the bar and hitching behind him

"I wanna be your," he started
"Engine of love," they sang.
"Take me with you baby," she sang, "just pull me along.
"I'll take you along," he said.
"Right along your/my line," they sang together and joined hands.
"Cause you're my..." Pearl started.
"Just let me be your..." he started.
"Engine of love," they sang.
"Thrill me with your motion," she sang.
"I'll thrill you with my motion," Rusty sang with her.
"And I'll follow you," she sang as he sang, "If you'll follow me..."
"Your track can be mine," Pearl sang twirling.
"Your love can be mine!" Rusty sang with her. His eyes widened, had he actually said that out loud? Fortunately Pearl hadn't noticed.
"Woo, woo, Woo, woo," they sang skating around, "Nobody can do it like a steam train."
They picked up speed, faster and faster. "Woo, woo, Woo, woo," they sang, "Nobody can do it like a"

"Rusty!" Control's voice shattered through the yard.
Rusty slammed on his brakes and screeched to a stop. They both looked upwards.
Now what? he thought swallowing, what did I do now? Pearl eased her hand into his and squeezed it.
"You just get along with your errands," Control said, "Take Pearl to the marshaling yard with the other coaches."
Rusty nodded and backed up slowly.
"The national engines will be here soon," Control said, "so move it!"
"I know," Rusty said softly.
"And when you're finished with everything," Control started.
Rusty stopped and sighed, What did Control want him to do now?
"Then maybe, MAYBE, you can go racing," Control finished.

Rusty grinned, "This has got to be the day I discover how a champion feels," he said thoughtfully, "When we show the rest a clean pair of wheels." He dipped Pearl ("Whee!" she said) "Come on Pearl we're on our way!" he said.
"Woo!" she sang twirling, "Okay Rusty I'm with you," she said hitching behind, "You and me, we'll be the number one team showing everyone that steam is supreme."
"Look out world we're coming through!" Rusty shouted.
He was in such a good mood, he was going to race and Pearl would be his partner, maybe tonight wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Engine of love, racing on the railroad," they sang, "I'll/you'll lead the way, steaming down the line."

He pulled up to the station with Pearl.
"Hi Belle," he called, "See you later Pearl."
Belle shook her head smiling as she watched Rusty skate off. Pearl waved good-bye.
The two coaches skated into the building by the other coaches who were chatting about this and that.
Belle waved for their attention.
"Alright girls listen up," she said, "I'm sure that you are all really excited about tonight."
The coaches all nodded in agreement.
"You all know the rules, but I'm gonna go over them anyway," she said, "Each engine needs a partner for the race and so he will probably race with one of you. Your job is not to slow him down."
"And hang on tight," Ashley added.
"Right," Belle agreed, "You can also guide them."
"Guide them?" Dinah asked, "I'm not very good at that."
"Don't worry about it," Belle said, "And if there's a chance that you night be hurt, if your engine is going to crash uncouple. Only in extreme circumstances, you all know how much you can take."
"Won't that disqualify the engine?" Pearl asked.
"If you reconnect, no," Belle answered, "And if he becomes a complete wreak then he will disqualify himself. Don't worry about it, I'm sure you won't need to."

Rusty was finishing all of his errands in record time. He did not want to meet up with the national engines, especially one, anytime soon.
The memory of last year still burned...

He had been talking to his friend Dustin and not really paying close attention to where he was going. Suddenly he crashed into something.
"Hey!" a voice snarled, "Watch where you're going!"
Rusty looked up to see a large black diesel engine. The engine rapped him on the shoulder.
"I-I'm sorry," Rusty stammered, a little overwhelmed by the big engine.
"Yeah you better be," the engine said going back to combing his hair and blocking Rusty's track.
"Um...excuse me?" Rusty said softly.
"What?" he snapped.
"I need to get through," Rusty said, "Move please."
"When I'm good and ready to!" the engine snapped.
Rusty looked back at Dustin. "Back up," he said softly. The freight train began to back up slowly.
"What are you doing?" the engine asked.
"Well if you aren't going to move then I'm going to take a different route," Rusty said practically, "I have to get thought and I can't be stopped." With that he started to go around.
The engine looked startled, he had expected Rusty to wait. A coach tittered at his startled expression. The engine stormed over to Rusty, stopped him again and grabbed Rusty. He lifted Rusty a long half-inch off the ground forcing Dustin to uncouple.
"Hmm," the engine said, "A Steam engine. I should've known."
"So?" Rusty asked determined to stand his ground.
"Look kid," the engine said condescendingly, "I'm only gonna tell you this once. Show some respect for the real source of power, diesel." He released Rusty. "Now go take care of the freight train."
Rusty hitched Dustin behind and bolted, with incredible speed given the weight of the train.

Later that night Control ordered Rusty to see if the nationals needed anything.
"Well," the diesel engine said, "Rusty is it? Well Rusty go fetch me some more oil."
"Can't you?" Rusty asked, "You seem perfectly able to."
The coach laughed again. The diesel engine could not stand being laughed at. He grabbed Rusty and slammed his back into a wall.
"Do what I say Steam Train!" he said, "Now go!"
Rusty, shaken, went off to get the oil...

And it didn't stop there, Rusty thought, last year the diesel engine had really scared him.
Once the engine knew he was in control of Rusty he had bossed him around endlessly. In the interest of keeping the same shape all night Rusty had obeyed. By the end of the night he had been exhausted.

The main yard was empty. Suddenly it lit up. It was time for the festivities to begin.
"This is Control, this is Control," Control announced, "Tonight is race night! The champion engines of the world will now assemble for parade. National champions for parade."
A few minutes later Control resumed the announcing. "Let's hear it for the champion engines of the world."

Several figures entered carrying flags. They headed the procession of national trains.
Each engine entered and bowed or saluted as Control announced him.
"From France: the 120 mph Sudest. The power of the Sudest-Bobo!
From Italy: the Rome to Milan Express, the Settebello. Powered by Espresso.
From Germany: Right-on-time-the Inter-Continental Express. Powered by Ruhrgold.
From Russia: As-fast-as-possible the Trans-Siberian Express. Powered by Turnov.
From Japan: The Shinkanssen Bullet train. The power of the Bullet: Hashamoto.
From Great Britain: (Occasionally) The Royal Train. Powered by The Prince of Wales."
The last train didn't enter. The flag bearers and national trains all looked at each other.
"British Rail announce a delay in the arrival of the Royal Train," Control announced matter-of-factly, "This is due to staffing difficulties."
The Prince of Wales entered a little sheepishly.

All the spotlights trained on the entrance. A flag carrier carrying and American flag entered.
"Aaand from the US of A," Control's voice rose dramatically, "The reigning champion."
A large black diesel engine entered with six figures in black. He sank to his knees and slowly removed his helmet.
"The greatest diesel locomotive in history," Control announced, "the Union Pacific. Powered by...Greaseball!"

Greaseball jumped to his feet tossing his helmet to one of his gang. He wore a black leather jacket and sunglasses. His black hair was slicked back.
He roared around the yard with his gang, six black figures, without much difference between them, in black leather jackets to match their leader.

"I'm just the fastest thing you'll ever see," he sang zooming around the yard.
"That streak of lightning you just missed was me!" his gang followed him.
The national trains joined in.
"Don't stop now," they sang, "We gotta keep it going all night!"
"Rolling Stock, Rolling Stock," the engines sang.

"You got no wheels you don't know how it feels," Greaseball sang.
"Rolling Stock, Rolling Stock," they sang.
"You got no lovers if you got no wheels," Greaseball said scornfully looking over his sunglasses.

"Come on and heat me up the way you do," they sang chasing each other around, "And I can keep it going longer then you! Don't stop now we gotta keep it going all night."
"Don't try and show you can go faster then me," Greaseball said picking up speed.
"This is my back view and it's all you'll see," they all sang, "Don't stop now, we gotta keep it going all night."
"Rolling Stock, Rolling Stock."

The engines all zoomed around showing off their speed and power. Hashamoto cleared the others and did a few back flips. Others also did flips.
At a signal from Greaseball his gang cleared a path for him. He accelerated faster and faster until he almost flew off the rails. Then he took a curve so tightly he should have flown off the track, but he didn't.

"So get the motion in your wheels some how," he sang, "The racing action's starting here and now."
"Don't stop now, we gotta keep it going all night," they sang.
"Deep down inside you know that I am the best," Greaseball said looking over his sunglasses, "So come on baby put me to the test." He was the greatest and he knew it.
"Don't stop now, we gotta keep it going all night," they sang, "Rolling Stock, we're Rolling Stock."

The engines accelerated around the yard again making typical engine sounds.
"Rolling Stock, we're Rolling Stock!" they sang, "Hooah! Hooah!"
"Rolling Stock, we're Rolling Stock!" they shouted, raising their fists to the sky, "Hooah!"

"When is Rusty going to come and get us?" Pearl asked pacing back and forth from the window to the couch.
"Sit down," Buffy, a dark-haired coach in cream and gold, said, "You're making me tired."
Pearl sat down obediently.
"Relax," Belle said looking up from her sewing, "He'll be here, he has a lot of work to do first."
"Rusty's that little steam engine right?" Dinah said, "I think I remember him."
"You haven't been gone for that long to have forgotten him already," Belle commented.
Pearl nodded to Dinah. "He's one of my best friends," she said, "I'm going to race with him."
"He's going to race?" Dinah asked surprised.
"You're going to race with him?" Ashley asked, "How do you know it's right?"
"How does anyone know?" Dinah asked.
"How can you know?" Ashley asked.
"Can you know?" Buffy wondered.
Pearl looked at Belle. "How did you know?"
"How did I know what?" Belle asked.
"How did you know when you found the one for you?" Pearl asked.
"Hmm," Belle thought, "How did I know? I knew."
"Just like that?" Dinah asked.
"I knew," Belle repeated standing up.
The coaches fluttered around her.
"Was he strong?" Ashley asked
"Was he fast?" Buffy asked.
"Did he sweep you off your wheels?" Dinah asked.
"Did he whistle at you?" Pearl asked suddenly.
"Yes," Belle said, "Yes he did."
She sat down and the others gathered around her.
"Tell us," Pearl said, "Please?"
Belle smiled remembering. She saw it just as clearly as if it was happening.
"Woo, woo, Woo, woo," she sang, "Nobody can do it like a steam train. Woo, woo, Woo, woo, I knew it when I found my dream train."
Belle's memories took them all back to several years ago.

Belle had her hair done up neatly, she was clean and resplendent in red velvet and Irish linen. Her new crystal earrings added to the image.
The other coaches were chatting about the upcoming race. Belle sat a little apart from them. She wanted to race, but wasn't sure anyone would take her.
"Look!" one of the coaches said, "Here he comes!"
Belle looked up to see the approach of a powerful steam engine. Her breath caught in her throat. He was incredible. But he would never take her out.

"He was the strongest engine in the yard" Belle sang narrating her memories, "I was a shy and quiet sleeping car. He could have had any coach, any coach in the world...and he chose me."
Belle sat apart from all the other coaches who where swooning over the engine. Then the unthinkable happened. He looked straight at her and whistled.
"He whistled at me," Belle sang, "The first time that he saw me. He whistled at me, he blew that signal to me. When ever I heard that lovely sound I knew he was around."
Belle looked at him in surprise. He nodded and pulled her to her feet. Her heart skipped a beat.
"He whistled at me, that was when he chose me. The first time that he whistled at me my life changed forever. I knew I wouldn't leave him, never, never, never."
The engine hitched Belle behind him and they took off down the track.
"When we roe together the world opened before us."
The engine and Belle whirled around together, faster and faster they flew moving in perfect rhythm.
Belle watched her memories fly around her. "Mmm he could really move me," she sang, "He whistled at me, he blew it with his whistle."

They rode off into the past and Belle came back to the present. She stood up.
"Now when ever he whistles at me," Belle sang, "It's just like the first time."
She turned to the other coaches, "Oh you'll know," she sang, "Somehow, someway, someday, you'll know. It may be when he whistles at you," Belle looked at the coaches, "But maybe not the first time, but someday..."
"Someday..." Pearl repeated.
"Someday," all the coaches sang.
"Oh Belle, how romantic," Buffy said.
"That's how it'll be for me," Pearl said.
"Oh really?" Belle said, "Well we'll see honey, maybe."

Rusty skidded to a halt. He turned off his headlights and pressed against the wall moving as quietly as possible ahead of him one of the trains acting as a marshal for the race tonight was inspecting one of the tracks. Rusty was almost home free, past the marshal when...
"Rusty!"
Rusty stopped and sighed. Then he turned around. "Yes?" he said politely.
The marshal was writing something down. He ripped the page out of the notebook, folded it and handed it to Rusty. "Run this over to Station C," he said, "Quickly!"
Rusty nodded and took off. I should've said no, he thought, I should've said, 'I'm busy!' I should've...I should've said a lot of things.
He was so wrapped up in his thoughts he reached the station before he realized it. He handed off the message and then ran before anyone could else could tell him to do something.
The marshal looked at the message, at the time written on it, then he looked at his watch in surprise. He started to say something to Rusty but the engine was gone.
Rusty had taken one of his short cuts to make sure he would be alone. He needed to do something that he could only do when he was alone.
He looked up at the stars. He wasn't sure but it couldn't hurt to ask.
"Oh Starlight Express, help me tonight," he said, "Help me and Pearl show them all."
Having asked for help he felt better, the Starlight Express was a steam engine, like he was, like his father, a World Champion engine.

Rusty's spirits had improved. "Woo, woo, Woo, woo," he sang, "Nobody can do it like a steam train." Without realizing it he was approaching the yard of the national engines.
"It's Rusty!" One of Greaseball's gang shouted.
"Let's take him!" another said, "Scare him!"
"Outta the way!" Greaseball snarled shoving on of them out of his way.
"Woo, woo, Woo, woo, Nobody can do it like a steam train!" Rusty sang.
An evil smile crossed Greaseball's face. He remembered Rusty from last year. Greaseball's memories were a little different then Rusty's.

Greaseball was pumped and ready to race. Although he hadn't entered an official competition yet he knew he was the fastest. And he already had all of the coaches swooning over him.
He was fixing his hair. Greaseball examined his reflection and swept his dark hair back with a comb.
I love me, he thought pleased with his reflection.
Suddenly someone crashed in him. It didn't hurt, not much.
Greaseball whirled, "Hey!" he roared.
He looked down to see a small reddish brown engine. He whacked the engine lightly on the shoulder.
The little engine backed up. "I-I'm sorry," he stammered softy.
"Yeah you'd better be," Greaseball said going back to combing his hair.
That little engine should've been watching where he going. Greaseball was going to be the champion, he was the most powerful diesel engine, no one messed with him.
"Um Excuse me," a soft voice said.
"What?" Greaseball snapped. To his delight the little engine looked a little scared.
"I need to get by," the engine said, "Let me pass please."
What kind of engine was this? Greaseball thought, Any other engine would have demanded that he move. He decided to have some fun with this little engine.
"When I'm good and ready to," he said enjoying the startled look one the engine's face.
But it was Greaseball's turn to look startled when the engine started to back up. He did it skillfully given the long train. Even Greaseball had to admit that.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Well if you aren't going to move then I'm going to take a different route," the engine said, "I have to get through and I can't be stopped."
With that the engine began to go around Greaseball.
Whoa, he thought surprised, he hadn't expected that.

A female voice tittered. Greaseball blushed slightly. He absolutely hated being shown up, especially around coaches. Being embarrassed always made him angry.
He stormed over to the engine and lifted him an inch off the rails forcing the lead car to uncouple.
Greaseball took a closer look at the engine. He was different all right. "Hmm a steam engine," Greaseball said, that explained a lot.
"So?" the engine said in a higher pitched voice.
"Look kid," he said condescendingly, "I'm only gonna tell you this once. Show some respect for the real power source, diesel."
He let go of the engine. "Now go take care of the freight train."
The little engine hitched the freight train behind and bolted.

And it hadn't stopped there. Greaseball had enjoyed the services of Rusty all night last year.
"Anyone can to it to a steam train," he said.
He skated over to all the nationals. "Let's have some fun with that steam train," he said.
The other nationals quickly understood.
Rusty came into view, he had finished all of his jobs and was looking forward to a break before the races started. "Woo, woo, Woo, woo," he sang, "Nobody can do it like a-"

Greaseball grabbed Rusty's arm. "Okay Steam Train where've you been?"
Rusty looked up at Greaseball startled as he was pulled over by the others.
"You've got work to do!" the nationals shouted.
"I've got a race to win!" one of them, Espresso declared.
The Prince of Wales tapped Rusty on the shoulder. "Fetch the coaches from the marshaling yard!" he ordered.
Rusty nodded and backed up slowly to go.
He bumped into another engine, the German one.
"Where's my schedule?" Ruhrgold demanded.
Rusty started off in the other direction.
Coaches...schedule...he thought.
Rusty hit his brakes as the British train pulled in front of him.
"Where's my guard?" he demanded.
The nationals all surrounded him.
"Rusty we're not here for fun!" they shouted, "Rusty we've got a race to run!"

"My seating has not been shampooed!" Bobo shouted grabbing Rusty and giving him a shove.
He spun on to the next national.
"My dining car is out of food!" Turnov shouted grabbing Rusty's arm.
"Where's the schedule?" Ruhrgold demanded pulling on Rusty's other arm.
"Where's my oil?" Espresso shouted shoving Rusty.
He skidded to a stop in front of Nintendo.
"Come on Rusty," Nintendo said, "Get on the boil!"
Coaches...schedule...food...shampoo...oil, Rusty thought.
The nationals closed in around him.
Why are you incapable of doing any of this? He thought.
"Rusty we're not here for fun!" they shouted, "Rusty we've got a race to run!"
"Rusty!" they all shouted all yelling different things at once.
He couldn't take it anymore. He dropped to his knees, covered his ears and closed his eyes. Someone, Greaseball, started to pull Rusty's hands off his ears.

"Control! Control!" the voice boomed through the yard.
The nationals froze and looked up.
Rusty had never, ever been so glad to hear Control. He ducked under the engines and backed away.
"National champion engines to refuel and prepare for the race," Control said, "Refuel champs."
Rusty was trying very hard to blend in with the background.
"Rusty to fetch coaches from marshaling yard," Control ordered.
Rusty looked up and got to his wheels.
"Move it!" Control snapped. The race tonight had made Control bossier then ever.

Greaseball's gang glanced at each other and then moved over to Rusty.
"Hear that Rusty?" they asked.
Rusty backed away from them.
"Rusty bye-bye," they sang.
"Go fetch the coaches like the boss man said," Greaseball ordered.
"Hear that Rusty?" the gang sang one following Rusty, "Rusty bye-bye." Another cut in front of him. He pulled up sharp so he wouldn't crash.
"Or you could enter for the race instead," Greaseball said.
The national engines and the gang all laughed their heads off.
Rusty stiffened and his fire burned hotter. He balled his hands into fists and choked back an angry whistle.
"Bye-bye Rusty," the nationals sang, "Rusty Bye-bye."

The nationals left to get prepared for the race, but Greaseball wasn't done with Rusty yet.
"So are you going in for the race Steam Train?" one asked pulling up along side Rusty.
"Should do," another said pulling up on Rusty's other side. The gang member laughed.
"Nobody can do it like a steam train," a third said cutting in front of Rusty.
Rusty hit his brakes and turned to go around. Greaseball grabbed his shoulders.
"Who can do it like a steam train?" Greaseball asked, "Come on Rusty tell us."
"Let go," Rusty said softly.
"No, not until I get an answer Rusty," Greaseball said.
Rusty wiggled but was held firm.
"Yes tell us Rusty," one of the gang said, they were starting to blend together for Rusty.
"He sings it often enough," another said.
"So Who can do it like a steam train?" Greaseball asked.
"He said 'nobody,'" one of the gang said.
"So he's nobody!" another laughed.

Greaseball shoved Rusty into the center of his gang.
Rusty landed on all fours and looked up at them through his bangs.
"Hi Nobody!" all six said brightly.
"Nobody," they repeated circling him.
If I'm 'nobody' why can't they leave me alone? Rusty thought.
"Steam Train," one spat skidding to a stop around Rusty and spraying him with dirt.
"That'll teach you to show some respect for diesel," one said giving Rusty a little shove.
"Coz diesel's gonna win it," another said.
"Okay Steam Train?" Greaseball asked jumping over Rusty.
"Okay Rusty?" all chorused.

"Control! Control!" Control said, "Diesel engines to schedule Rusty to fetch coaches! I'm not gonna tell you again!"
"Bye-bye Rusty," the gang chorused leaving, "Rusty bye-bye. Bye-bye Rusty."
"Rusty bye-bye," Greaseball leaving.
Rusty raised his head as he watched them leave. He slowly stood up steaming.

"Call me Rusty if you like," he said brushing dust off, "Rusty's how I look and Rusty's my name."
He ran his fingers through his hair settling it back into place.
"Slow corrosion is eroding my frame," he said, "Call me Rusty if you like."
He started off toward the yard where the coaches were waiting.
"Call me Rusty if you must," he continued, "It isn't nice but I admit that it fits for a dead end engine falling to bits." He shrugged. "Call me Rusty if you like."

The coaches saw Rusty approaching. "Come on Rusty, Come on Rusty, Come on Rusty," they called.
He sighed; they just wanted him to give them a lift to the other engines. That's all he was, a taxi service.
"This is not the dream I dreamed when they first lit my fire," he said sadly, remembering.
"Mainline coaches streamed behind as my steam rose higher," he sang picturing it proudly. Pulling a huge passenger train across the country had been one of his dreams.
He looked over at the waiting coaches. "Switching and hitching at everyone's call never occurred in my vision at all," he said.
"But when they start the racing and you notice the steam," he sang, hope returning, "You'll know it's me that's moving on and proving you should listen to your dream."

"Call me Rusty if you dare!" he said, they would all be sorry, "Coz when you see me on the finishing line...and when I take the place that's rightfully mine..." he broke off, "Call me Rusty if you dare!"
The coaches hitched behind him; Pearl first.
"Bye Belle!" she called.

"Call me Rusty if you like," he sang starting sharply jolting the coaches.
"Cool off!" Ashley snapped.
"Coz soon I'll know just how a champion feels," he said.
"Don't push!" Dinah complained.
"When I show the rest a clean pair of wheels," Rusty sang pulling into the yard.
"Who do you think you're shoving?" Buffy demanded, as she was unhitched.
"Call me Rusty if you like," he repeated
"Rusty turn your fire down," Pearl said feeling the intense heat from his fire.
"Call me Rusty if you like," Rusty repeated still angry, but he turned his fire down.
"He'll blow his top," Dinah said watching Rusty's steam blast out.
"Coz when you see me moving down that line," he continued.
"He's off the rails," Buffy confided to the other coaches.
"And when they find that they've been wrong all this time," Rusty said, "Call me Rusty if you dare!"

The coaches all looked at each other in disbelief.
"Listen to this big shot talking," they sang, "He seems to imply that all the trains will just move over and let him by."
They formed a train and skated towards him.
"Rusty you cannot believe all that stuff," they sang, "You mustn't go racing, you're not tough enough."
"Rusty, Rusty listen to me," Ashley said approaching Rusty.
He backed up slowly.
"You're out of your league," Dinah said.
"No he's out of his tree," Buffy commented.
"You'll either be a hundred miles away at the back," they sang gesturing behind them, "Or worse they'll find you scattered in a million Rusty pieces 'round the track."
He shook his head and broke through their train causing them to scatter.

"Call me Rusty if you dare!" he sang steaming angrily, "Coz when you see me on the finishing line...and when I take the place that's rightfully mine..." he slowed and stopped.
"Call me Rusty..." he sang.
The coaches gathered around him, he really was a sweet little engine.
"Hello Rusty, Good boy Rusty," they sang. (Buffy patted him on the head)
"Hello Rusty, Good boy Rusty," the coaches sang.
Rusty rolled his eyes. "Call me Rusty..." he said, "I don't care!"
The coaches looked at each other. Despite what Pearl had said before they still couldn't believe it.
Rusty was...well just Rusty. He was just there.

"Rusty..." Ashley stared. He turned to her.
"You can't..." Buffy continued.
"Be serious." Dinah finished.
"You'll..." Ashley said.
"Go in..." Buffy continued.
"For the race?" Dinah asked.
Rusty was beginning to feel like he was watching a ping-pong game.
"You gotta be strong," Buffy said.
"I am strong," he responded.
"And belong," Ashley retorted, "You gotta have speed."
"I have," he said.
"What you need is a mixture of strength and power and length if you're gonna have pull where it counts," Dinah said.
Rusty opened his mouth to respond when...

"Control! Control!" Control broke in.
They all looked upwards.
"Rusty to collect freight train," Control ordered, "Stop yakking and go get the freight train."
"I'm going," Rusty said. He waved to Pearl.
"I'll see you later Pearl," he said.
What did it matter if the freight train was a few minutes late, Rusty thought bitterly, well I'm gonna take the long route.
The coaches watched him leave, heading up the tilted track to the bridge, then out of sight.

"You're a fool to go with him," Ashley said turning to Pearl.
"Should I tell him no?" Pearl asked confused, she wasn't sure what to do any more.
"You have to feel more," Buffy said.
"You have to feel more," Ashley repeated.
"You need to be certain," all three said, "You need to be sure."
"There's gotta be more," Buffy said.
"We need to feel more," the coaches chorused, "We need to be certain we need to be sure."

"A lotta locomotion," the coaches sang, "That's what we need from a locomotive who can take the lead."
"From the Eastern Ocean to the Western Sea," they sang, "Locomotion's gonna carry me."
The coaches picked up speed.
"A lotta locomotion, that's what we need, if we are ever gonna get up speed. A lotta locomotion and the right approach for there are lots of different kinds of coach."

Ashley stepped forward in to the center, her brown hair pulled into a complicated pile on her head.
"Like me I'm Ashley," she sang introducing herself, "I'm the smoking car. I've tried to kick the habit but my inside's used to tar."
"I know if I don't give up I might choke or have a stroke,"
"That scares me," she added with a shiver, "and when I'm scared...boy I need a smoke."
Ashley turned away, digging for a cigarette.
Dinah and Pearl rolled their eyes as Buffy replace Ashley.

"Buffy at your service," she said with a little bow, "Ever open wide. My microwave is cooking to warm you from inside."
"A lotta locomotion will do the trick," she sang, "Come and bite my burgers, I'm hot and cheap and quick."
"Woo!" Buffy sang twirling away.
Pearl hung back so Dinah went forward again.

"My name is Dinah, I'm the dining car," she sang holding out the edges of her blue and white checked skirt, "I'll cook for you and listen while you lean upon my bar."
"I'll serve you with your dinner while the train goes loop-de-loop..."
She twirled and then looked forward concerned.
"Gee I'm sorry gentlemen," she said contritely, "I hope you wanted soup."

"A lotta locomotion," the coaches sang, "That's what we need if we are ever gonna get up speed. From the Eastern Ocean to the Western Sea, Locomotion's gonna carry me."
They formed a train again with Pearl at the end.
"You need a dining car so you eat what's right," Dinah said.
"You need a smoking car to get you through the night," Ashley sang.
"You need a buffet car or else you'll die of thirst," Buffy added.
"You need a car with class," Pearl said joining in finally, "And that class is first!"

"A lotta locomotion," they sang, "That's what we need if we are ever gonna get up speed. From the Eastern Ocean to the Western Sea, Locomotion's gonna carry me."
Pearl stepped forward.

"My name's Pearl," she sang, "I'm a brand new girl. My springs still bounce, my fans still whirl."
She looked from Ashley to Buffy.
"Ain't gonna smoke," she shook her head, "Ain't gonna drink."
"What are you gonna do?" the other three coaches asked.
"What do you think?" Pearl asked with a smile. She was gonna race!

"A lotta locomotion under the sun," the others sang, "Gonna try them all until she finds the one. From the Eastern Ocean to the Coast out West."
"Gonna test them all until I find the best," Pearl decided.

"A lotta locomotion that what we need if we are ever gonna get up speed," they sang, "From the Eastern Ocean to the Western Sea..."
"Don't stop the pistons stroking," they sang, "Don't stop the firemen stoking."
"Don't make me give up smoking," Ashley added.
"Give up smoking?" the others asked.
"You gotta be joking," Ashley responded.
The coaches twirled. "Locomotion's gonna carry me!" they sang.

Belle waved as the coaches left.
"Whew," she said pushing back a lose strand of hair.
Getting all the coaches ready was no easy task.
She picked up her handbag and looked over the room. It wasn't a complete disaster area, and that was good enough for her. She shut off the light and closed the door.
She started to go home when she heard Rusty approaching.
Wow that was fast, she thought as he came by.
"Hey Rusty Can you-" she started as he zoomed past, "I guess not." She shrugged.
Oh well, she thought, I'll find my own way home.

Humming to herself she headed for home. As she was skating along someone whistle at her.
"Need a lift?" a familiar steam engine asked.
"You bet," she said hitching on behind her partner.
"So the coaches are all set?" he asked.
"Yep," Belle answered, "And it was not easy."
He laughed. "I've got respect for you, I could not deal with that."
"Typical engine," Belle said.
"Typical coach," he responded.
They laughed.
"But everything's going smoothly?" he asked.
"Mmhmm," Belle nodded.
They rode along in silence for a few minutes enjoying each other's company.

"Have you heard the news?" she asked, "About the race?"
"No," he said, "Other then Pearl racing."
"Someone else is going to enter," Belle said mysteriously.
"Who?" he asked, "Not us."
"Of course not," she said, "Someone else."
"Who?" he repeated
"Rusty," she said.
"Rusty?" he repeated, "Our Rusty?"
"Yes."
"All right! Woo, Woo!" he whistled, "It's about time a steamer took his rightful place."
"No pressure then," Belle said.
"Well, look who taught him," he said, "No one but the best."
"And humble too," Belle said.

"Hey girls come here!" Ashley said, "You've gotta see this!"
"What?" Buffy asked.
The other three followed Ashley.
"Mmm look at that," Ashley purred pointing.
Greaseball and his gang had separated from the other nationals. He was stretching and preparing for the race.
"Hey boss we're being watched," Tank said pointing to the coaches.
Greaseball looked up and smiled at the coaches. He waved them over.
They hesitated and then came closer, sitting on the side.
Greaseball went back to his work out.

"Well I am working out," he sang, "I hear my body shout, hear me knocking."
He snapped his fingers and his gang was instantly at attention.
"And then I start to boil," he said, "I need a change of oil, hear me knocking."
Tank handed him a water bottle, he took a gulp and tossed it away behind him. Tank dove to catch it.
"Generating twenty-seven hundred horse," he sang, "Gotta get the power, gotta get the force."

The coaches were all watching Greaseball with identical adoring expressions.
"Pushing and pulling 'til it starts to rock," he sang looking over the coaches, "Hear me knock, hear me knock, hear me knock. See me hustle, feel my muscle," he sang.
"Pumping Iron," they all sang.
"Trying to build my body," Greaseball started.
"Ooh," the coaches swooned, "gonna lose my mind."
"But I think I'm gonna lose my mind," Greaseball finished.
"See me straining, I'm in training," he sang, "Pumping Iron. I'm a diesel engine. I'm knocking. Said I'm knocking. Hear me knock! I'm pumping iron." He looked over his sunglasses. "I love my body so," he said, "I love to see it grow, hear me knocking."
He lifted a set of weights. The coaches moved in closer.
"I'm pumping up the pressure as the pain gets worse," Greaseball said straining to lift the weights, "Stronger than the masters of the universe."
"Woo, woo!" the coaches whistled.
"Heavy metal welded into solid rock," he said setting down the barbell, "Hear me knock, hear me knock, hear me knock!"

He ran his fingers though his long back hair, pulled off his sweat soaked headband and tossed it behind him. The coaches swooned. Buffy fainted upon catching it.
"See me straining, I'm in training," Greaseball sang, "Pumping iron. I'm a diesel engine. I'm knocking."
"Really knocking," the coaches sang.
"I'm knocking," Greaseball sang, "yeah I'm knocking. Hear me knock. I'm pumping iron."
He pulled all the coaches to their wheels, two in each arm.
"Well he's the one they'll chose, you know he just can't lose, hear him knocking," the coaches sang.
"There ain't another rig that's even half as big," he and the coaches sang.
"Hear him knocking," the coaches sang dancing around him.
"Everybody's gonna say 'that train is smart,'" the coaches sang, "'the mighty diesel engine is a work of art.'"
"You got it!" Greaseball said happily.
"The undisputed leader of the Rolling Stock!" the coaches sang.

"Now see me rock!" Greaseball shouted.
He danced with Ashley twirling her around, then Pearl, the Buffy and then Dinah.
Their eyes met over his sunglasses. Dinah's heart fluttered.
Greaseball twirled her and they danced around. The other three fell back panting.
Greaseball gave Dinah a twirl and let her fly. Ashley and Buffy caught her.

"See me hustle, feel my muscle," Greaseball sang, "Pumping Iron, I'm trying to build my body."
"Ooh gonna lose my mind," the coaches sang.
"But you know I'm gonna lose my mind!" Greaseball sang.
He lifted the smaller weights again.
"See me straining, I'm in training," he sang, "Pumping Iron, I'm a diesel engine. I'm knocking, I'm knocking, I'm knocking. Hear me knock!"
He tossed his weights to Lube, who staggered under the weight.
"I'm pumping iron," he sang.

Greaseball rolled over to the coaches.
"Hey gals," he said, "What's your name?"
"I'm...I'm..." Dinah stammered.
"Her name's Dinah," Ashley supplied with a smile.
"Dinah," Greaseball repeated taking off his sunglasses. He offered her an arm.
"Oh!" Dinah squeaked taking it and they left together.
The other three coaches looked at each other and giggled.
"So Dinah," Greaseball said after they had gone a short distance, "Would you like to race with the champion?"
"Really?" Dinah exclaimed, "Oh Greaseball I'd love to!"

Dinah floated back to the other coaches. She had a glazed look and a silly smile
"Looks like Dinah found her locomotive," Buffy said with a smile
"A lotta locomotion," Dinah sang, "I got already."
"I still know what I want," Pearl said, "A whistle."
"You want it like Belle had it," Ashley said.

Pearl nodded. "Woo, woo, Woo, woo," she sang, "Nobody can do it like a steam train."
"Woo, woo, Woo, woo," the coaches sang, "Everybody's waiting for their dream train."
"I'll know him when I see him," she sang softly, "For long before I see him I will hear that far off signal, I will hear the distant call."
She stood up. "And then he'll whistle at me," she sang, "He'll send a note to woo me."
"He'll whistle at me," Pearl sang gliding around, "They're gonna hitch him to me."
"Someday soon he'll whistle at me," she looked off into the distance, "That's how I'll recognize him. And maybe I will whistle at him." She smiled. "That should surprise him."
"Don't give me insistent humming," she shook her head, "Horns and bells and distant drumming."

She looked upwards. "I want steam that's under pressure as it rises to a scream."
"Somebody whistle at me, I'm all anticipation," Pearl sang, "I need someone to whistle at me, I'm waiting at the station."
"Come on!" she called, "Some one whistle at me! I'm longing to be near him. I need someone to whistle at me I'll know him when I hear him."
"He'll whistle at me," she sang.
"Woo, woo!" a distant whistle sounded.
Pearl looked up startled. A pillar of smoke rose higher into the sky.

It was Rusty. Behind him were several heavy cars, the freight train.