Really Useful Engines is the 27th book in the Railway Series. It was written by Christopher Awdry and illustrated by Clive Spong.
Stories[]
Stop Thief![]
Thomas is at Ffarquhar when his driver and fireman hear that the stationmaster had been burgled the previous night and his gardening trophies and new car were stolen. Later, Thomas is remembering his race with Bertie the bus, when he spots the stationmaster's car. The two men in the car are found to be the thieves, so Thomas' crew throws the fireman's lunch box, with a note, to the signalman. He calls the police, the thieves are caught, the trophies and the car are both recovered unharmed and Thomas and his crew are congratulated by the Fat Controller.
Mind That Bike[]
Tom Tipper the postman, who Percy knows well, falls ill , and when he comes back, he had to use a bicycle, as his van is too expensive. Tom is miserable and he can't help load the train. One day, Tom had to leave and sign papers. He leaves his bike on the platform and soon, some boys arrive and one of them rides on the bicycle. He loses control and falls off. He is unhurt, but the bicycle is damaged badly beyond repair when Percy runs over it. Things end well though as Tom is given a new van next day.
Fish[]
More loads of fish are brought in from the harbour and extra vans are needed. However, the only vans to be spared are old ones. Henry is displeased, but nothing can be done. A banker is needed to help him up Gordon's Hill though, so Duck arrives to help. However, disaster strikes when the tail lamp is lost, Henry slows down again and then Duck crashes into the van at the end of the train. He is sent to the Works with a damaged front and buffers.
Triple Header[]
Gordon is feeling ill. He needs new tubes so he goes to have them fitted. Whilst he is away, Henry pulls the Express, but soon he needs to go to the Works. So Thomas, Percy and Duck all pull the Express together. Things run slowly but smoothly, until Percy runs out of steam on Gordon's Hill. Unable to uncouple him from the train, the other two continue on. Then outside the station, Duck breaks down and Thomas is unable to continue so he has to stop. Gordon, standing nearby, has seen this, and makes heavy breathing noises at Thomas.