Extend Extra

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***Extend Extra*** is the seventh episode of the ninth series of *The Dark Railway Series*.

## Plot

Mr. Chairman is put in charge of the line while Zeke and Mr. Dark are in London. He is worried about coping with such a large operation, but the engines assure him they can handle their own tasks, while Brian offers to help him with the financial side of things. De la Trip tries to offer his assistance, but Goose cuts across him, upsetting him as the rest of the fleet leaves him alone.

Dave's next train is brought to him by Allan, fresh from the works after overhaul. After Dave fills him in on the railway's situation, Allan reveals that something is going on in the works. He tells Dave that he thinks a new steam engine is being built there, exciting him. Dave heads down to the works later that day but gets promptly shooed out of the works by Mr. Smash, who refuses to confirm if the rumour is true. Dave also tells Mr. Smash about the incident with Linda, and asks to be checked over. Mr. Smash agrees, and tightens a few loose bolts. Satisfied that the issue is sorted, Dave heads off again, unaware that something continues to watch him...

Things run smoothly around the railway until Mr. Dark and Zeke finally return from London. They inform everyone that the line to Horton unfortunately cannot be reclaimed owing to the new landowners. Despite this, they remain in good spirits. They reveal to the engines that a contract was drawn up back in 1923 which stated that the Dark Railway must always have a connection with the rest of the country's mainline network for at least the next 150 years, and said contract was reaffirmed by British Railways in 1948. To prevent themselves from being sued, British Rail had to offer an alternative connection. Raymond picks up on what they are implying, and reveals that a second route used to exist beyond Colhapper leading to a dockyard where the Red Herring started from. Although the line has long since been removed, Mr. Dark and Zeke inform everyone that British Rail have sold them the trackbed and stations along that old route. They plan to reopen the line for their own uses, but note that it will take a long time before it is ready for operation. Mr. Dark announces that he will be returning to help out around the line whilst the work is done, and leaves the others to talk excitedly about the new developments.

The only one not happy is Clyde, who fears that the increase in public attention will increase his chances of being found by British Rail. Desperate to avoid this, he hopes that Theo and Otto will find him a solution soon.

## Characters

* Dave
* Brian
* Raymond
* Sir Eustace Missenden
* 257 Squadron
* Hannah
* De la Trip
* Goose
* Ryan
* Allan
* Warrior
* Zeke Dark
* Mr. Dark
* Mr. Smash
* Mr. Chairman
* Mr. B (*does not speak*)
* Linda (*does not speak*)
* Clyde (*does not speak*)
* Buzz (*cameo*)
* Theo and Otto (*mentioned*)
* Barry (*mentioned*)
* Turbo (*mentioned*)
* Lord Dark (*mentioned*)

## Locations

* Merecombe Shed
* Merecombe
* Caracus Smash Ltd
* Colhapper (*mentioned*)
* Galen Junction (*mentioned*)
* Horton (*mentioned*)

## Trivia

* The episode's title is a reference to the song of the same name by Dark DJ.
* The music used in the end credits is "Cloud Wheels, Castle Builder" by Puddle of Infinity.