Ralph on the Overland Express; Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young Engineer

A novel written in the early 20th century. This engaging story centers around Ralph Fairbanks, the youngest engineer in the service of the Great Northern Railroad, as he embarks on a pivotal trial run with the brand new locomotive, No. 999. The book explores themes of ambition, camaraderie, and the challenges brought on by personal and external adversities. At the start of the narrative, Ralph's excitement for his first run is palpable as he sets off from Stanley Junction, but tension arises with his surly fireman, Lemuel Fogg, who harbors resentment over Ralph's recent promotion. As they rush toward their destination, a series of complications emerge, including Fogg's secret drinking problem, which Ralph discovers, leading to an altercation. The opening chapters set the stage for drama and conflict, as Ralph must navigate not only the technical challenges of his profession but also the treacherous dynamics of his working relationship with Fogg, amid mysterious threats from outside forces linked to his past.