Bert worked on an unnamed line in England until 1967, at which time it closed down and he, Rex and Mike were sent toSodor to work the Arlesdale Railway. Some time after his arrival, Bert took offence when the Reverend W. Awdry and theReverend Teddy Boston accidentally sprayed him with mud while passing him in their car, and in retaliation, Bert drenched the Reverend Teddy Boston with water when he took a ride in Bert's cab. However, both parties made up and as a result, Bert was featured in the Reverend W. Awdry's next book, Small Railway Engines.