The Old Station (magazine story)

The Old Station is a magazine story.

Plot
Near the lead mines on Thomas' branch line, there is an old station run by an old stationmaster. Thomas stops here on his way to the harbour, but very few people get off.

One day, no people get off when Thomas stops at the station and the stationmaster suggests that the Fat Controller may have to close it. Although Thomas dislikes the idea, his driver says he may have to, as not many people use it since the mine closed.

The next day, a man gets off at the station. Thomas warns him to be careful not to fall down any holes at the mine, though the man explains that all the holes have been filled in now and he is going to check if the ground is safe.

That afternoon, Thomas picks the man up again and takes him to the station where the Fat Controller is waiting. The man explains that the ground around the mines is now safe, so they can begin to build houses there. The Fat Controller says that he will have to smarten up the station, as it will soon be one of the busiest on the branch line. Thomas leaves happily to tell the old stationmaster the news.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Annie

Locations

 * Dryaw Goods Station
 * The Lead Mines
 * Knapford Harbour

Trivia

 * Thomas references the events of the first series episode, Down the Mine.