The Crowded Platform

The Crowded Platform is a magazine story.

Plot
One winter's day, Stephen Hatt is visiting his grandfather at the main station. The Fat Controller reminds Stephen not to keep the engines or passengers waiting, especially in snowy weather. Stephen decides to do some train-spotting and writes the numbers of each engine he sees. When Thomas arrives, Stephen tells the driver about his hobbies but before he can finish, the Fat Controller reminds Thomas he must keep time.

Snow begins to fall more, and the Fat Controller orders his station staff to keep the platform clear. Stephen offers to help, which pleases his grandfather. Evening arrives, and the Fat Controller, looking out of his office, can see shadowy figures crowding the platform. Strangely, none of the figures move when both Gordon and Henry arrive and later depart.

The Fat Controller steps out of the office and discovers that the figures are all snowmen built by Stephen. Stephen states building snowmen is his next best hobby after train-spotting, and he and his grandfather have a good laugh.

Characters

 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Stephen Hatt
 * Henry
 * Thomas
 * Gordon