Charlie's Redemption

Charlie's Redemption is the 7th episode of the 3rd series of the Miniature Railway Adventures. It was first written in 2011, later rewritten in 2018 by Michael White. This story is also the final story of the 'New Shunter' Arc. 
== Plot ==
The gang's time at Drumawhey has come to an end and they are packing to return to the Model Engineers Society. Charlie is sad to leave Drumawhey for he had learnt quite a good deal during his time there. Casey assures him that life will continue the same at the MES, albeit on a slightly downscale due to their railway being smaller in length. Charlie complies and they depart to a whistle send off from the Drumawhey crew. Not long after they've left, another car arrives with a distinct looking driver. 
During the gang's time away, The Motor Car Society are being informed by Sid of their absences and Bernard is annoyed that they didn't strike while the moment was present. Sid informs him that Charlie has not met the MCS yet and so getting him to slip up on his first day would easy to do. Bernard sends Grinder and Gears to befriend Charlie and cause him to send the society's diesel, Sir Gyles, on a runaway with the two brothers hanging on. Casey tries to stop the runaway with Finn MacCool but the diesel derails the engine at a set of points, damaging it. 
It was not until Mike Whitehouse arrives, having fully recovered from his food poisoning, and stops the runaway by jumping on to the engine from the station's footbridge. Grinder and Gears are caught trying to make a getaway and are left to retailing Finn. Charlie apologies for the runaway and Whitehouse assures him that during his time at the MES, he will grow more experience. This proved to be true for after some time has passed, Charlie is now part of the passenger hauling team and is in charge of driving the society's engine Betty. 
Having seen his plan fail and noticing the incompetence of the MCS, Sid makes his departure but vows to return to bring destruction to both societies. 
== AudioBook ==
Charlie's Redemption was adapted for Audiobook and was released on YouTube & Soundcloud in July 2020. Half of the narration was recorded in early 2019, but due to effects of the basis miniature railway closing down halted production and it wasn't until June 2020 that production resumed. Michael has stated that he found the production to be tough as the spark just wasn't there during the final editing. 
Audiobook via YouTube
== Trivia ==
* This story sees the return of the Model Engineering Society and Mike Whitehouse
* There are no societies that dedicate themselves to cleaning models.