Without interruption, all through the summer, Tony and Streak had worked closely together. Tony, a cheerful man, didn't address Streak by her number D0782 but always called her by the pet name he'd given her.

In harmony, they travelled from North to South, taking holiday makers to their destinations, speeding through sunlight and rain and, as they travelled, Tony hummed love ballads and Streak, in return, made their journeys as effortless as possible.

But on September 10th, Tony didn't turn up for work and Streak, watching the new man stride towards her, noted his dour expression and as soon as he climbed into the cab, Streak knew she was in for a bad day.

On time, they left the station, their cargo of holiday makers dressed up for their vacations but as they gathered speed, grey clouds began to gather; an ominous sign that summer was fading.

Once out into the countrside, Streak longed to go faster but the driver held her back. Then the sun broke through grey, scattering clouds into an expanse of blue but the wind kept rising.

Half way to Bristol, the wind became a gale and the driver's touch tightened but Streak wasn't to be deterred, showing off her effortless performance with the minimum of rocking.

But as she flew under a bridge, she heard the driver let out a cry of dismay as up ahead, descending from a Chestnut Tree, a few large leaves fluttered downwards to rest upon the track before them.

Suddenly, the driver slammed on the brakes and Streak, with loud protestations, came to a grinding halt and getting out from his cab, the dour man walked to the front of the engine, scratching his head, saying, 'Whew! That was a close one.'