Blowback

From Extended Railway Series Wiki

Blowback is the first story of ERS 44 Express Engines. It was written by Ryan.

[edit] Summary

Percy arrives at Dryaw to find a lot of people fussing around. Harold reveals that a film crew is planning to shoot Henry pulling a train through the mountains, and that he'll be used for aerial shots.

Henry is looking forward to the filming, having been cleaned and told that the branch line has been upgraded to hold his weight. He's also told that the power lines won't be a problem, and that he'll have to work hard to keep a steady pace along the gradient.

Henry arrives at Killdane station, and the film crew get ready. The Director informs them of how they plan to film Henry- from his cab, from Harold and from beside the line. Henry soon heads up the line, and Harold starts following overhead. Henry and his crew grow concerned about how close Harold is getting, and eventually he gets so close to Henry's funnel that it causes blowback- smoke to be pushed back into the cab. His crew fight to get out of the soot and ash, and try and signal Harold's Pilot to pull back. Eventually he does, and at the next station Henry's crew are swamped with angry passengers. Harold is still in the air near the mountain, so they are unable to find out what happened.

Harold soon lands, and explains that the Director wanted a closer shot, against his and the Pilot's wishes. The Director apologises, and for the rest of the journey there are no more problems.

That evening Henry jokes about how he didn't lose any parts in strong wind, as opposed to Gordon. Gordon remains silent, with something else on his mind.

[edit] Notes

• The story is based on an incident that occurred in 1999, when a helicopter flew too close over 'The Jacobite' whilst filming it on the Fort William to Mallaig line.
• Gordon's incident from "Domeless Engines" is referenced.