The Shed situation in TTTE drives me nuts.
Okay so let's say "A Shed for Edward" did happen (note that Seasons 21-24 do not exist in my eyes because what the heck was THAT) and Edward stays indefinitely at Wellsworth Sheds?
It's smart. It makes sense. She doesn't have to commute as far and can be attentive to her branchline at a moment's notice. Win-win.
WHY DIDN'T THEY DO THE SAME FOR THOMAS AND PERCY. THEY HAVE SHEDS AT FFARQUHAR (in the books but I'm gonna pretend that they're in the series too). BRING THE HOMIE TOBY TOO. IT MAKES SENSE.
Y'know what? While we're at it, let's move Gordon and James as well.
Since Rebecca also pulls the Express, why not have both her and Gordon pull it going opposite ways? Rebecca starts at Knapford while Gordon starts at Vicarstown. IT CAN WORK.
Plus since Gordon was absolutely BESIDE HIMSELF at the loss of his closest friends, he can at least stay at Vicarstown with Henry and at least get some proper sleep. Additionally, with Henry being a sweetheart, maybe he might help bring out Gordon's softer side.
This is Henry x Gordon propaganda HEYEHAUH
This idea is also heavily inspired by NobleAtomic's fic "Forever & Ever", which you should definitely check out their "Engine Stories" series. It's really good!
So what about James? Well it's obvious that he became incredibly obnoxious after Edward left. Like he's still vain but for whatever reason he's just insufferable.
I genuinely think it's because Edward left. Edward kept him in check and without the Old Iron, James is just not himself.
This is coming from someone who adores James.
Majority of James' workload already happens on or near Edward's branchline. So why not let him stay with Eddie? I genuinely think James works better when Old Iron is around and seems happier. Maybe he can even join the Wellsworth team and finally take on the responsibility of co-running his own branchline. Wouldn't that be bittersweet?
This is also James x Edward propaganda HAHEAHYEA
So what about Philip? Send him to Tidmouth, of course! He already shunts at Knapford! I'd also think that Philip would thrive with the other engines there. No offense to Edward. I love you.
In the end I thoroughly believe that engines thrive when they stick together with their (un)official forever partners. Especially the elder ones. Separating Henry and Edward from Gordon and James was a massive mistake on STH's part. (Yes, ik they made the decision I'm just mad at STH for letting it happen. I'm mad at the writers for letting it happen.)
Shoot. Separating the two original members of the Steam Team already was a monumental mistake. And it definitely showed.
Honestly, having the og 6 spread out into pairs works well and I can see that being of great benefit to the railway as a whole. I can already hc that STH makes them all meet up every Sunday to spill all the tea from the week.
As a side note: I genuinely believe Gordon and James bring out the worst in each other. They are both proud of who they are (which honestly? Slay) but it's almost too much. When they're together, I feel as if it's WORSE. When they're separated, I feel like they're much calmer (pre-BWBA era). Separating them just seems logical to me and could potentially help with their quality of life when they are paired with the respective engine that keeps them grounded. Sorry Gordon x James fans, I've said my peace.
