Old Rivals is the third episode of the Jimmy the Jinty Series.
Synopsis
The ex-LMS engines are unsure if they can work alongside ex-LNER engines, now under the control of British Railways. But they surprise themselves by building relations with one of the most famous LNER engines of all.
Plot
It was a cold night in the yard with Fred being the only engine resting at Euston sheds all alone. But he was not alone for long as he heard an unfamiliar chime whistle roaring into the darkness, which caught Fred by surprise. Backing down towards him was an ex-LNER A4 Pacific, which made Fred confused on why it was here. He tried to greet the A4, but it felt agitated and raced away leaving Fred speechless. When the shed master arrived, he asked if something was wrong. Fred told him about the A4's rude behavior and wanted to give it a piece of his mind. But as the shed master said that it was Sir Nigel Gresley, Fred had nothing do about it and he silently fell asleep.
When the next day came Fred told the others about Sir Nigel Gresley. William felt insulted and said that it was lucky of Sir Nigel Gresley to leave Euston before he got to him. Jimmy protested that William could be stuck up at times, yet William pointed out that Jimmy wouldn't understand. Everyone began talking about the strange rivalry between the ex-LMS and LNER engines. Whilst they were bickering, they did not notice a new Standard 4MT Mogul named Ken, who had helped bring a postal train into Euston station. The engines finally noticed him, and they explained the situation, but Ken did not understand therefore resulting in William and Ivatt leaving. Ken apologizes for the inconvenience but then The Duchess explained.
The LMS and LNER competed against each other for the world speed record for steam engines. The LMS engines would come far and go to see the Princess Coronation class engines hoping they would win. However, the LNER's A4 Mallard won the world speed record of 125.88-126 mph. But the LMS congratulated Mallard in which this was a record for steam and not her class. But Mallard's siblings were not so kind as they mocked the Duchess and her sisters for being de-streamlined and claiming them to be second best. Jimmy summed up the situation and said that not all Eastern engines are rude saying that they could be all together as one railway. Ken now fully understood, everyone else agreed and the engine wished Ken a safe journey back home.
When William returned that evening, he was ready for a wash down. But the shed master stopped the cleaners and said that another ex-LNER engine was coming, and they must make him clean before it leaves. William grumbled to himself when the A3 steamed into the yard. The cleaners started to work but the A3 wished they had not. He wanted to leave and did not make eye contact with William. The latter was about to make a sarcastic comment to it until all the engines returned. Then William was called away to take some empty rolling stock away. His berth was then taken by the Duchess who spoke kindly to the A3. They were sorry to see him leave, and it promised to tell his LNER friends of how the rivalry has ended. With a hoot of a whistle, he left Euston Sheds.
William then arrived and said that the A3's name was Flying Scotsman. He also asked the engines whoever has heard of him and the engines said nothing.
Characters
- Jimmy
- Fred
- Ivatt
- William
- The Duchess
- Ken
- Simon (does not speak)
- Flying Scotsman
- Sir Nigel Gresley (does not speak)
- Mallard (flashback; does not speak)
Trivia
- This episode features 3 preserved LNER engines: Mallard, Flying Scotsman and Sir Nigel Gresley.
- Fred makes his debut appearance.
- This episode marks Ivatt's first speaking role.
Goofs
- When Mallard is seen running in the flashback, the end of the set can be seen.
Gallery
