The story stars John, an LSWR T9 Class 4-4-0 steam train who lives on a branch line that runs from a town called Falford to another town called Granburry. In 1961, it faces closure due to a lack of engers, but John has lived on the branch line ever since he was built in 1899, and he doesn't want it to close down...

Fluttermouse had decided a good long while ago that her lessons would be so much more interesting if they only made sense.