The Times

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***The Times*** is the first episode of the eleventh series of *The Dark Railway Series*.

## Plot

Dave's brother Stan is remaining on the Dark Railway for the forseeable future, and he explains to Dave that this is due in part to problems on his home railway on the island of New Wessex. As he and Dave discuss the matter further, Dave talks about his fear of tunnels and how they impact where he is willing to work. Stan offers to help him overcome his fear whilst he is there and Dave agrees.

One morning, Barry arrives at Merecombe and finds that Leno has returned to the Dark Railway. Leno immediately tells him about seeing Repulse, but Barry firmly persuades him to keep quiet about it. Leno is brought to the shed and meets Goose for the first time. The pair discuss their backgrounds, but the situation turns awkward when Goose reveals he has taken over Leno's job on the Soma branch. The pair agree to discuss the situation with their owners, and Goose lets Leno take his shuttle to Soma so he can see Theo and Otto again. Leno meets with the twins who fill him in on everything that has happened in his absence.

The following day, Goose and Leno meet with Zeke and Mr. Chairman at Galen Junction, where the pair are discussing financial difficulties with the DRPS. Their owners agree to let them share the shuttles to Soma between them, along with those to Bellgrave. Zeke reveals he has a surprise for Leno. As his old L&Y coaches were sold to the railway he was on loan to, Zeke has purchased three new LMS coaches for him to use, including an observation coach to use in his new role as the railway's inspection engine. Arrangements are made, and the pair comfortably settle into the new routine.

Elsewhere, Brian is unhappy to learn that his boiler ticket has come to an end, and that he will finally be going into the museum along with Abomination. The latter is delighted with the prospect, much to Brian's disgust. Despite his protests, however, Zeke insists that the museum needs more engines on display and reveals that Mr. Smash's works is to be closed for an extended period allegedly for maintenance so no overhauls can be carried out anyway. As Abomination leaves, Zeke quietly admits to Brian that he plans to keep him there for an extended period to make him want to work again. He also promises Brian that he will go in for overhaul as soon as Mr. Smash's works reopens, slightly softening the blow for him.

## Characters

* Dave
* Brian
* Theo and Otto
* Leno
* Abomination
* Barry
* Goose
* Ryan
* Stan
* Zeke Dark
* Mr. Chairman
* Raymond (*does not speak*)
* Hannah (*does not speak*)
* Sir Eustace Missenden (*cameo*)
* Turbo (*cameo*)
* Warrior (*cameo*)
* Andy (*cameo*)
* Colin (*mentioned*)
* Eddie (*mentioned*)
* Repulse (*mentioned*)
* Caracus Smash (*mentioned*)
* De la Trip (*mentioned*)
* Clyde (*mentioned*)
* Owen (*mentioned*)
* Allan (*mentioned*)
* Cammer (*mentioned*)
* Mr. B (*mentioned*)
* Leanne (*mentioned*)
* Pogo (*mentioned*)
* Maxen (*mentioned*)
* Gary (*mentioned*)
* Virgil (*mentioned*)
* Mr. Smash (*mentioned*)
* Lord Stovell (*mentioned*)
* "Linda" (*not named; mentioned*)

## Locations

* Colhapper Shed
* Merecombe
* Merecombe Shed
* Soma
* Galen Junction
* Galen Junction Railway Museum
* Caracus Smash Ltd
* Bellgrave (*mentioned*)
* Axley (*mentioned*)

## Trivia

* This episode is the debut appearance of Leno's new L&YR Class 5 model by Caledonia Works & Leno's first appearance since the series 9 episode Meanwhile....
* Stan's discussion about his home is a reference to his origin series, *The Tales of New Wessex*.
* Goose mentions his brother Virgil in this episode in a reference to the EpicBanastard series *Rails to Refuge*.
* The number on the inspection coach that Leno recieves from Zeke is the same number worn by Dave (45101)
* The events of Poor Leno, Rock'n Roll, Meanwhile..., Wipeout and Pogo / Mere Anarchy are referenced.
* The ending credits foreshadow the events of the following episode.