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The copyright for the story on this page is held by Matthew Quilliam
Dick Woodruff and the runaway coach
Dick Woodruff was a BR Green Class 20, named after a former club chairman.  He likes to joke around and is the main loco that collects the carriages from the shed.  On the Santa Special days, he has to work extremely hard, being almost too much for him.  Here is the story.
All of the club members were down getting things ready for the big day.  Dick Woodruff had gone off with the signal car and Coach 12.  It left the yard just after four club members had hoped on.  Soon, they were away.  Through the station, across the crossing, down the bumpy slope, around the loop, Dick Woodruff was getting dizzy.  Soon, all the signals were ready, and they got out five coaches and a brake van.

Dick Woodruff came back and left five coaches and the brake van in the station ready for Thunder Hoof and Moose Jaw to haul the train.  Coach 12 was then left in a siding as a spare coach in case one had a disaster.  The noisy Class 20 strolled into the yard and fell asleep in a siding.  The signal coach was put away.  Meanwhile, Mr. Peter and the junior members were getting out a display.  Freelance was pushing trucks backwards and forwards on the shed B track.  Planet was in another siding being his lazy self.  Dick Woodruff was turned around so people could see his front better.  Then, every one had a massive surprise!

Mr. John had brought his tram engine down with was made to look like Toby from the Thomas and Friends series.  He was hooked up to Coach 5 and gave people rides up and down the yard.  Moose Jaw had soon arrived and was coupled in front of Thunder Hoof who stayed at the railway all of the time.  It was then time for the first train.  Off they went with the incredibly long train.  Round the loop, crossing the viaduct, up the hill, over the crossing, around the bend, back down the hill and into the yard.

Luckily, Toby was giving rides on another track.  As they backed out, and drove into the station, Toby spotted something.  Coach 12 was rolling down the siding it was in and was going to crash.  Toby whistled as loud and as long as he could.  Dick Woodruff jumped into action.  Onto the turntable he strolled.  He was quickly turned around and raced towards the rolling coach.  His buffers hit the wood with a mighty thud as he tried to push the coach back up the siding. His wheels slipped, almost failing to grip the rails!

With one last push, Dick Woodruff hauled the coach to the top of the siding.  Everyone cheered for Dick Woodruff as he came back into the siding.

“We’ll have to get you repaired fast!” Mr. John said, looking at his battered buffers

“Yes please!!!” Dick Woodruff honked excitedly. Just then, the next train came in.

“Well done!” Moose Jaw and Thunder Hoof congratulated together!

For the rest of the day, everything was fine.  Santa was cheerful; Toby was giving good rides (until they were banned from doing so) and Dick Woodruff smiled as the finishing touches to his new buffers were made.

Series Two is now available, starting with "Stoomphy saves the day".

© Pinewood Miniature Railway Society Limited 2011
Registered Office: -  Pinewood Miniature Railway Society Limited, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road, WOKINGHAM, Berks.  RG40 3AQ