Edward the Great

Michael Brandon (Narrator): Edward is the same color as Thomas and the same size as James. He could pull coaches and push freight cars. And he often works as a back engine. but Edward is old and not as strong as the other engines. So sometimes, Edward feels left out. The Duke and Duchess of Boxford came to visit their summer house. They came on their own private engine called Spencer. Spencer is big and silver and very fast. When Spencer pulled into Knapford, his driver has exciting news for him.

Michael Brandon as Spencer’s driver and Narrator: you have beaten Gordon’s record!, he said.

Michael Brandon as Spencer: Of course. I’m faster and finer than all the engines on Sodor put together!

Michael Brandon: Sir Topham Hatt’s engines were very cross.

Gordon: Spencer’s just a big silver showoff.

Michael Brandon: And everyone agreed. Sir Topham Hatt spoke to the engines.

Sir Topham Hatt: Spencer will take the Duke and Duchess to their summer house. Another engine will take their furniture.

Michael Brandon: Sir Topham Hatt‘s engines saw a chance for a race.

Michael Brandon as Thomas and his friends: Please, Sir., said Thomas, Percy, Gordon and James all together. May I go?

Sir Topham Hatt: You all have other work to do. Edward will take the furniture.

Michael Brandon: James and Gordon groaned.

Gordon: Fancy sending a back engine to do an express engine’s job.

James: He’ll lose the race and let the whole railway down!

Michael Brandon: Thomas and Percy were cross. Edward was their friend.

Thomas: Spencer has a bigger boiler! But that just means hot air.

Percy: An honest Steamie can be the pouty puffer any day!

Michael Brandon: Edward set off slow and steady.

Edward: Will do my best, will do my best.

Michael Brandon: Spencer set off quickly and past Edward.

Spencer: I’ve won already.

Michael Brandon: And with a whoosh, he was gone.

Michael Brandon: Edward came to the bottom of the steep hill. The freight was heavy and he felt very tired. He huffed and he puffed until he came to the top. He could see Spencer in the distance and he chased him at once. Edward raced down the hill!

Michael Brandon: Spencer stopped at Wellsworth station. The Duke and Duchess wanted to by some tea and cakes from the Refreshment lady. Edward teetered into view.

Spencer: Hurry ol’ boy? Haven’t you been too far behind me?

Michael Brandon: Edward wished he could have a rest, too. But the station masters heard about the race.

Station Master: Hooray for Edward!

Michael Brandon: Edward picked up steam and proudly puffed past Spencer. But then the Duke and Duchess finished their tea. and Spencer was off in a flash. He roared past Edward.

Spencer: Fastest and Best, fasted and best.

Michael Brandon as the narrator: Edward was nearly out of puff, The furniture felt heavi than ever.

Narrator: Up ahead, Spencer had to stop. The Duke wanted to take some photographs of the countryside. The Duke set up his camera. Spencer closed his eyes.

Spencer: Nothing to worry about.

Narrator: Gordon was returning to Brendam Docks. He passed Spencer and knew Edward must be losing the race.

Gordon: Edward is a waste of steam.

Narrator: But when Gordon passed Edward and saw how hard he was trying. He felt bad about what he had said.

Gordon: Well Done, Edward! You are a credit to the Railway!

Narrator: Edward was so happy his boiler tinkled. He found puff who never knew he had! The Duke and Duchess were done taking their photographs and went back on board.

Spencer’s Driver: Time to Go!

Narrator: said Spencer’s driver and rang the bell. Spencer was dreaming of victory. He didn’t hear the bell. and he didn’t hear Edward puff past him. Spencer’s driver rang the bell again. When Spencer opened his eyes and he could see Edward heading towards the summer house.

Edward: Nearly there, nearly there.

Narrator: Spencer took off as fast as he could. But as he reached the siding, his driver ordered him to slow down.

Spencer’s Driver: these are old tracks and you are a very heavy engine! You must go slowly!

Narrator: Spencer had no choice. He had to slow down. and he trundled slowly down the siding. With every click and every clack, he knew he had lost the race. Edward puffed toward the summer house.

Edward: I’ve won!

Narrator: He gasped.

Edward: I did it!

Narrator: Edward felt like a really useful engine.

Edward: Hooray! I’ve won!

Narrator: Edward felt like the pride of the Sodor Railway. and he was right.

cuts to the last Intermission, Engine Roll Call and ending credits