Thomas & Friends: All Stars: The Movie/Transcript

This is a transcript for Thomas & Friends: All Stars the Movie.

Regular Version
[Universal Pictures logo 2024]

[HiT Entertainment logo]

[Destination Films logo]

[Gullane Pictures logo]

[The Britt Alcroft Company logo]

[Fade to a dark background with steam flying.]

Text: Universal Pictures, HiT Entertainment, Destination Films, and Gullane Pictures present

Text: A Britt Alcroft Britt Alcroft

''[The title shows up: Thomas & Friends: All Stars The Movie. The text fades away. The steam turns into a starry night sky. The moon is shown as a wolf can be heard howling from deep in the forest. Instruments music is heard, along with Carlos Torress singing Never Never Never Give Up, along with the Kids from the Sandlot the Classic Movie.]''

Part 1: Bus Trip and Seafood
Kids and Carlos: If you climb the highest mountain,

Cross the river deep,

Maybe you'll find it's never as easy

As it first appears

Carlos: As it first appears

Just remember not to worry,

Or get down at heart

Never lose faith in positive thinking

You'll be amazed when you achieve

All the things you start,

(All the things you start.)

''[A black and yellow Volkswagen Bus drives past. Carlos is shown in the bus.]''

Scott: So,

All: Never, never, never give up, even though the going's tough

Don't stop trying, when you're tiring, and you're out of puff

''[Allison Toress is shown driving the bus with Carlos right next to him. Allison is fumbling with a road map.]''

Carlos: No!

Allison ...Route 59, where's Route 59?

''[Carlos inadvertently whacks Allison in the back of the head with the guitar's neck. The wife cries out in pain and glares at Carlos.]''

All: Never, never, never give up, even though you're feeling rough

If at first you don't succeed, never, never, never give up

If at first you don't succeed, then try and try again

Nothing in life is ever as easy

But you get there in the end

(Get there in the end)

So blow your cares and woes behind you

Start a brand new day

Nothing can stop you reaching your goal

If you're determined, you can do it

You will find a way

Scott: You will find a way.

Carlos: So,

All: Never, never, never give up, even though the going's tough

Don't stop trying, when you're tiring, and you're out of puff.

Never, never, never give up, even though you're feeling rough

If at first you don't succeed, never, never, never give up

[Carlos accidentally hits Allison again, hard enough to smack his face in the dashboard, sounding the horn, and shutting off the headlights.]

Allison Aah! Lights! AAAAHH!!!

Some things seem impossible, answers hard to find

Allison: Whoa! Lights! Lights! Where is that button?

No matter how improbable, you won't know until you try

You can do whatever you choose it just takes a little luck

Allison: Switch! No! Where is it?

So remember: never, never, never give up

Never, never, never give up even though the going's tough

Don't stop trying, when you're tiring, and you're out of puff

Carlos: No!

All: Never, never, never give up even though you're feeling rough

If at first you don't succeed, never, never, never give up

Never, never, never give up, even though the going's tough

Don't stop trying, when you're tiring, and you're out of puff

Scott: No!

Kids & Carlos: Never, never, never give up, even though you're feeling rough

If at first you don't succeed, never, never, never give up

[''As Allison turns the lights back on, Carlos still plays the instruments while Allison is stressed. Benny looks down at her ticket, smiling.]''

Benny: (whispers) I get to meet Sir Topham Hatt.

''[Scott looks at Benny, unamused. The bus passes a porcupine sign. Camera switches to the front of the bus.]''

All: Never, never, never give up!

(Billy Joe McGuffrey ends.)

All: Yay! Twippo!

Ham: Let's do another Twippo song!

Squints: I love Twippo.

Scott: Me too!

Benny: But I'm the one who gets to meet him because I won the Twippo sweepstakes.

Scott: You don't have to rub it in.

Carlos: It's great that you won the contest, Benny. But let's try not to brag about it. Nice one with the lights, Allison.

Allison: My pleasure, for the next song maybe I can drive into the river!!

Kids: ''Yeah! Drive into the river, Allison! Oh, drive into the river, Allison!''

Allison: Or maybe you could help me with the MAP!!!

Carlos: Oh. I'm sorry.

Benny: Is there anything you want me to tell Twippo, when I meet him?

(Carlos gets shocked, and turns to Benny, inadvertently whacking Allison in the face with his guitar.)

Carlos: Benny!

Allison: Ow!

(Allison loses his concentration, and the bus swerves, making Benny's ticket fly out of her grip.)

Benny: (gasps) MY TICKET!!

Carlos: Aah! Quick get it!

(Carlos tries to catch the ticket, but gets in Allison's way.)

Allison: The map!

Carlos: Sorry.

(Allison screams in horror as the ticket flies out of his open window of the bus.)

Benny: MY TICKEEEET...!

(The ticket lands on the side of the road. Cuts back to the veggies in the bus. An annoyed Allison tries to get Carlos out of his way.)

Allison: Do you mind?!

Carlos: (his guitar is stuck in the steering wheel) I'm stuck!!

(Carlos tries to pull the guitar out of the steering wheel, but he accidentally rips the wheel off of the dashboard. Allison gasps in horror. Carlos frantically shakes his guitar to try to get the wheel off of his guitar. The veggies all cry out in fear as the bus swerves all around the road. Meanwhile, in the forest, a mother porcupine is walking with her two babies. Cuts back to the bus, which is still driving like crazy.)

Allison: (takes the steering wheel off the guitar) Get it! (tries to put the steering wheel back on the dashboard) We gotta fix it! Put it! Stick it in! Put it!

(Cuts back to the porcupines, who are now walking on the road. Suddenly, the bus careens around the corner. Allison sees the porcupines and is horrified.)

Allison: PORCUPINE!!!

(The mother porcupine jumps in front of her babies and aims several quills at the car tires. The front tires are both deflated. As the bus heads toward the porcupines, Allison steers to the left. The bus then starts rolling down a steep hill and approaches a...)

Carlos: Tree! (Allison steers right. Now they're headed for a...) Cabin! (Allison steers left. Finally they're headed for..) Underwear!

(The clothesline holding the underwear stops the bus. Allison looks past the underwear to see the river below.)

Allison: (chuckles) Well, I'm glad that's over. (A line snaps. Allison turns to Carlos.) Did you say something? (Carlos shakes his head. Another line snaps.) Oh...

Carlos: Dear.

(Three more lines snap and the bus continues down the hill toward the river. The bus then hits a stump and the airbags activate.)

Allison: Am I in heaven?

Carlos: (sniffs) It smells like... Wisconsin.

(everyone jumps out of the car.)

Allison: Well, nobody got hurt.

(A quill comes out of nowhere and hits Allison in the behind)

Allison: Aah!

(The porcupines look down happily.)

Carlos: Wow! What a shot!

(Allison groans.)

Scott: Hey, what's that?

(They all notice a restaurant that reads SEAFOOD with the D light out.)

All: Ooh.

Squints: What's seafoo?

Ham: Maybe it's like tofu?

Carlos: Only saltier!

(The D lights up.)

All: Ahh.

(cut to inside the restaurant, with the sound of arguing from outside)

Allison: Oh yeah, well if it wasn't for you we wouldn't be in this mess!

Carlos: I said I was sorry. I'll do better next time.

Allison: Well, there probably isn't gonna be a next time!

Squints: Mrs. Toress, how are we going to get to the Topham Concert?

Ham: Yeah, we're going to miss Toby's song that I remembered.

Allison: I don't know! I don't know about...Toby!

Ham: North of the Island, there lives a dear old train, A little tram engine, Toby is his name. Benny: (while Ham continues singing) Even if we do make it to the concert, I can't get in because I lost my ticket.

Scott: Serves you right! It's your own fault for waving it around in my face!

Squints: I have to go to the bathroom.

Carlos: I'm not usually that bad as a co-pilot.

Allison: Two flat tires!!

Carlos: Usually, I'm quite dexterous!

Allison: How in the world are we going to change two flat tires? Where's the phone?

Benny: I lost my ticket.

Scott: If you hadn't been teasing me, we wouldn't been in this mess, Benny!

(Benny looks depressed.)

Timmy Timmons Pea: (clears his throat after a pause)

The French Peas: May we help you?

Allison: The Asparagus whacked me in the head with a guitar and our bus got taken out by a mad porcupine, then another one got me... here.

Ham: (singing) Toby, oh Toby, What will become of you? The world's much nicer whenever we see you. Toby, dear Toby, There's still lots that you can do

Oldies but Goldies, we still care about you. All of the children came to say goodbye They clapped and cheered as Toby rang his bell, "Bye bye."

Carlos: Maybe it's because I'm used to the ukulele, The neck is so much shorter... Yeah... that's why. Say, I need to call my wife!

Scott: Benny was teasing me with her "special ticket," and then it flew right out the window and she screamed and made the bus crash.. (Scott turns to Benny) ..and now none of us get to see Twippo!

Squints: May I please use the bathroom?

Philippe: Down the hall, first door on the left.

Squints: Thank you.

Ham: Ooh, captain, they have Mario Bros.! My favorite! (He hops up to the game.)

Timmy Timmons: What do you want?

Allison: Well, sirs, my husband hit me in the head with a guitar, and an angry mother porcupine shot out our tires, and one of her babies got me.

(Allison shows a thorn stuck onto his back, while Carlos tries not to look.)

The French Peas: Ooh!

Carlos: And I need to use your phone to call my-

Allison: A tow truck?

Carlos: My wife!

(Allison is not amused.)

Timmy Timmons: I see.

Philippe: Next to the Moby Blaster.

Carlos: Thanks.

(Carlos proceeds to walk to where the phone is.)

Timmy Timmons: Well, in the meantime, would you like to have a seat? Maybe enjoy a nice...combo platter?!

The French Peas: Steak, steak, eat it, eat it!

Shrimp, shrimp, need it, need it!

Steak and shrimp, steak and shrimp!

Need to, need to, eat it, eat it!

(scatting portion)

Philippe: Got to, got to, got to get the steaky, wakey, shrimpy! Do you prefer poking or non-poking?

Allison: (sarcastically laughs) Non.

The French Peas: (laughing)

Timmy Timmons: Good one, Philippe! You are one clever pea, no?

The French Peas: (laughing)

(Philippe takes the torn out of Allison's back)

Allison: Aaahh!

Philippe: Voila! A skewer for the scampi!

(The French Peas leave while Allison looks unamused. Everybody then looks back to hear singing)

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: We are The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything

We just stay home and lie around

Timmy Timmons: Please, make yourselves comfortable. I will be back to take your order.

Allison: Why don't you two wait here? I'm gonna go call a tow truck. Maybe we'll still make it to the concert on time!

(Allison leaves. Cut to Benny looking depressed over what Scott said.)

Benny: Yeah, everyone but me.

Scott: Hey, it's your own fault for teasing me. You're just getting what you deserve.

Benny: Hmph, I'm coming with you, Mr. Allison.

(Benny leaves. As Scott looks at the menu, he sees "Thomas" written in it. Suddenly, Jim Burgin starts talking to him.)

Jim Burgin: Hey, excuse me.

Scott: Aaahh!!

Alec Baldwin: How's it going?

Pierce Brosnan: Hey, what's up?

Scott: Who are you?

Jim Burgin: Who, us?

Scott: Yeah.

Jim Burgin: Oh, we are The Conductors of The Island of Sodor.

Pierce Brosnan: Oh you know that's right.

Alec Baldwin: Nothing.

Pierce Brosnan: Zilch.

Alec Baldwin: Nada.

Jim Burgin: Didn't you hear our song?

Scott: Well, yeah, but-

Jim Burgin: Look, Sonny, can I call you Sonny?

Scott: Scott.

Jim Burgin: Eh, pretty close. Look, uhh..Scott, we couldn't help but notice you were havin' a little thing with your friend over there.

Pierce Brosnan: Yeah. You weren't being very nice.

Scott: Well, it's her own fault. She was teasing me, and now he's getting what she deserves!

(brief pause)

Jim Burgin: Right. Scott, we've seen these types of situations before...

Pierce Brosnan: ...happen all the time.

Jim Burgin: What you need is a little compassion.

Alec Baldwin: And maybe some scampi.

Scott: Hey, I saw that in the menu! (looks in the menu) What is that? What's compassion?

Pierce Brosnan: Ooh, that's a hard question.

Alec Baldwin: Mmm-hmm.

Jim Burgin: Well, compassion is when you see that someone needs help, and you wanna help them. (Scott looks confused) That's what I thought you'd say.

Pierce Brosnan: They all do.

Alec Baldwin: Yep.

Jim Burgin: So we find it helpful to illustrate with a little story.

Scott: A story?

Jim Burgin: Yep. You know, we call ourselves The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything, but that's not entirely accurate.

Pierce Brosnan: Remember when we did that one thing with that one guy?

Jim Burgin: Oh, do I ever.

Alec Baldwin: I remember it like it was yesterday.

(Alec Baldwin sips his root beer, cuts to The Knapford Station while Alec Baldwin puts his root beer down. The Conductors are standing at a booth selling their favorite snacks.)

Sir Topham Hatt: Are you guys still doing that "pirate thing"?

Pierce Brosnan: Aargh! Watch your tongue, matey, or we'll have to... what will we do?

Alec Baldwin: We won't do anything. We're The Conductors, get it?

Pierce Brosnan: Oh, that's right. Aargh! you got off easy today!

Alec Baldwin: We need more Mr. Twisty's Twisted Cheese Curls!

Jim Burgin: Yeah, and root beer!

Sir Topham Hatt: I told you boys - no more cheese curls until you pay your tab! You still owe me from last week!

Pierce Brosnan: But, you'll take away out chance to win the "Mister Twisty's Twisted Cheese Curl Sweepstakes!"

Sir Topham Hatt: Come again?

Jim Burgin: Inside one of those bags of cheesy goodness is a golden ticket that'll change our lives forever!

Sir Topham Hatt: Well, you could work here for me. That way you could earn more cheese curls.

Conductors: (overlapping in agreement)

Sir Topham Hatt: So, uh... Whadaya know how to do?

Jim Burgin: Well, I'm pretty good at lawn darts.

Alec Baldwin: Ping-pong! I can play ping-pong!

Pierce Brosnan: Croquet is my spe-ci-al-ity.

(beat)

Jim Burgin: When do we start?

(Sir Topham Hatt closes the booth.)

Jim Burgin: Monday's good for me!

Jim Burgin (narrating): We were short on cash. It seems not doing anything didn't pay very well.

Pierce Brosnan: So, what do we do now?

Alec Baldwin: Uh...nothing!

Pierce Brosnan: You are a genius.

(As the pirates are walking, as Alec Baldwin sees the fish market.)

Joppa citizen: Uh, are these fish fresh?

Timmy Timmons: You bet!

Tommy Timmons: Oh yeah!

(The citizen smells it and falls back, due to the bad smell.)

Joppa citizen: Ooooh!

Timmy Timmons: What? They were fresh when they caught them.

Tommy Timmons: That's right.

Timmy Timmons: ...two weeks ago!

Timmy Timmons and Tommy Timmons: Ho-ho-ho! He-he!

(The French Peas start slapping each other with their fish while Alec Baldwin is concerned.)

Alec Baldwin: Hmm, Kids.

Jim Burgin (narrating): Beside the fact that we were low on funds, this was a memorable day because he showed up: Thomas! (The Conductors meet Thomas riding through the town.) Now Thomas is a tank engine who lives at the big station on the Island of Sodor. He's a cheeky little engine with six small wheels, a short stumpy funnel, a short stumpy boiler and a short stumpy dome. He's a fussy little engine too. Always pulling coaches about ready for the big engines can take on long journeys. And when trains come in, he pulls the empty coaches away so that the big engines can go on rest. Thomas thinks no engine works has hard as he does. He loves playing tricks on them, including Gordon the biggest and proudest engine of all. Thomas likes to tease Gordon with his whistle.

Part 2: Thomas & Gordon
Thomas: Wake up, lazybones. Why don't you work hard like me?

Jim Burgin: One day after pulling the big express, Gordon had arrived back at the sidings very tired. He was just going to sleep when Thomas came up in his cheeky way.

Thomas: Wake up, lazybones. Do some hard work for a change. You can't catch me!

Jim Burgin: And off he ran laughing. Instead of going to sleep again, Gordon thought how he can back at Thomas. One morning, Thomas wouldn't wake up. His driver and fireman couldn't make him start. His fire went out and there was not enough steam. It was nearly time for the express. People were waiting, but the coaches weren't ready. At last, Thomas started.

Thomas: Oh dear, oh dear!

Jim Burgin: He fussed into the station where Gordon was waiting.

Gordon: Hurry up, you!

Thomas: Hurry up yourself.

Jim Burgin: Gordon the proud engine began making his plan to teach Thomas a lesson for teasing him. Almost before the coaches had stopped moving, Gordon reversed quickly and was coupled to the train.

Gordon: Get in quickly, please!

Jim Burgin: Thomas usually pushed behind the big trains to help them start, but he was always uncoupled first. This time, Gordon start so quickly they forgot to uncouple Thomas. Gordon's chance had come.

Gordon: Come on, come on!

Jim Burgin: The train went faster and faster. Too fast for Thomas, he wanted to stop, but he couldn't.

Thomas: (whistles) Stop, stop!

Gordon: Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Coaches: You can't getaway, you can't getaway!

Jim Burgin: Poor Thomas was going faster than he had ever gone before. He was out of breath and his wheels hurt him, but he had to go on.

Thomas: I shall never be the same again. My wheels will be quite worn out.

(Gordon continues to speed ahead)

Jim Burgin: At last, they stopped at the station. Thomas was uncoupled and he felt very silly and exhausted. Next he went on to the turntable thinking of everyone laughing at him.

(Thomas is on the turntable as it turns around)

Jim Burgin: And then he ran on to a siding out of the way.

Gordon: Well, little Thomas. Now you know what hard work means, don't you?

Jim Burgin: Poor Thomas couldn't answer. He had no breath. He just puffed slowly away to rest and had a long long drink.

Thomas: Maybe I don't have to tease Gordon to feel important.

Jim Burgin: Thomas thought to himself. And he puffed slowly home.

Jim Burgin: Yep. It sounded like Thomas wanted to offer Edward to the People.

Allison: The tow truck is on it's way. You know, Scott, I love your dad and all, but that's the last time I pick him for a co-pilot. (Sees the Conductors; Pierce Brosnan sips his root beer.) Heh, wha-what's going on?

Jim Burgin: Ahem. We're telling a little story. You should listen too. As I was saying, it sounded like God wanted to offer mercy to Jonah's enemies.

Benny: Who's Edward?

Pierce Brosnan: He's the number 2 Steadiest Engine on Sodor.

Scott: I thought it was about Thomas. Remember? The name?

Pierce Brosnan: Oh, ye-yeah, well there's that too.

Jim Burgin: Better check your menu again, we got two specials today, and they go hand in hand.

Alec Baldwin: Thomas, is the number 1 engine on Sodor. Edward is the number 2 Blue Engine. and Gordon is the fastest..

Jim Burgin: That's right, my friend. You can't work together without Thomas, but Edward is even more important. Thomas was afraid Gordon was gonna get the express, and that he was gonna help them, even though he went home.

Benny: So, what did he do?

Part 3: Edward and Gordon
(Back to the story.)

Jim Burgin: Well, One day, Edward was in the sheds where he lived with the other engines. They were all bigger, just like Edward, and boasted about it.

Gordon: The driver won't choose you again.

Gordon: He wants strong engines like us.

Jim Burgin: But the driver and fireman felt sorry for Edward.

Edward's Driver: Would you like to come out today?

Edward (Season12 Version): Oh, yes, please.

Jim Burgin: So they lit his fire, made lots of steam, and Edward puffed away. The other engines were very cross at being left behind. Edward worked hard all day. The coaches thought he was very kind, and the driver was very pleased.

Edward: I'm going out again tomorrow.

Jim Burgin: Edward told the other engines that night.

Edward: What do you think of that?

Jim Burgin: But he didn't hear what they thought, for he was so tired and happy that he fell asleep at once. Next morning, Edward woke to find nothing had changed. Gordon was still boasting.

Gordon: You watch me, little Edward, as I rush through with the Express. That will be a splendid sight for you. Goodbye, little Edward. Look out for me this afternoon.

Trucks: Oh!

Trucks: Whatever is happening?

Jim Burgin: Edward played till there were no more trucks, then he stopped to rest. Presently, he heard a whistle. Gordon was very cross. Instead of nice shining coaches, he was pulling a lot of very dirty trucks.

Gordon: A goods train! A goods train! A goods train!

Gordon: The shame of it, the shame of it, oh, the shame of it!

Porter: Gordon can't get up the hill.

Jim Burgin: The porter called to Edward's driver.

Porter: Will you take Edward and push him, please?

Jim Burgin: They found Gordon halfway up and very cross. His driver and fireman were talking to him severely.

Gordon's Driver and Fireman: You're not trying.

Gordon: I can't do it.

Gordon: The noisy trucks hold an engine back, so.

Jim Burgin: Edward's driver came up.

Edward's Driver: We've come to push.

Gordon: No use at all.

Edward's Driver: You wait and see.

Jim Burgin: They brought the train back to the bottom of the hill.

Edward: I'm ready.

Gordon: No good.

Jim Burgin: They pulled and pushed as hard as they could.

Gordon: I can't do it, I can't do it, I can't do it!

Edward: I will do it, I will do it, I will do it!

Jim Burgin: Edward pushed and puffed and puffed and pushed as hard as ever he could, and almost before he realized it, Gordon found himself at the top of the hill.

Gordon: I've done it! I've done it! I've done it!

Jim Burgin: He forgot all about Edward and didn't wait to say "thank you". Edward was left out of breath and far behind. He ran on to the next station, and there, he found that the driver and fireman were very pleased with him. The fireman gave him a nice long drink, and the driver said.

Edward's Driver: I'll get out my paint tomorrow and give you a beautiful coat of blue with red stripes. Then you'll be the smartest engine in the shed.

Part 4: The Sad Story of Henry
Jim Burgin: Once an engine attached to a train was afraid of a few drops of rain. It went into a tunnel and squeaked through its funnel, and wouldn't come out again.

(Edward's whistle blows)

Jim Burgin: The engine's name is Henry. His driver and fireman argued with him, but he would not move.

Henry: The rain will spoil my lovely green paint and red stripes.

Jim Burgin: He said.

(The conductor's whistle blowing)

Jim Burgin: The conductor blew his whistle till he had no more breath, and waved his flag till his arms ached, but Henry still stayed in the tunnel and blew steam at him.

Henry: I'm not going to spoil my lovely green paint and red stripes for any of you.

Jim Burgin: Then, along came Sir Topham Hatt, the man of charge of all the engines on the Island of Sodor.

Sir Topham Hatt: We will pull you out.

Jim Burgin: Said Sir Topham Hatt. But Henry only blew steam at him. Everyone pulled except Sir Topham Hatt.

Sir Topham Hatt: Because...

Jim Burgin: He said.

Sir Topham Hatt: ...my doctor has forbidden me to pull.

Jim Burgin: But still, Henry stayed in the tunnel. Then, they tried pushing from the other end. Sir Topham Hatt said...

Sir Topham Hatt: One, two, three, push!

Jim Burgin: ...but he didn't help.

Sir Topham Hatt: My doctor has forbidden me to push.

Jim Burgin: He said. They pushed, and pushed, and pushed, but still, Henry stayed in the tunnel. At last, Thomas came along. The conductor waved his red flag and stopped him. Everyone argued with Henry.

Everyone: Look, it has stopped raining.

Jim Burgin: They said.

Henry: Yes, but it will began again soon.

Jim Burgin: Said Henry.

Henry: And what will become with green paint with red stripes then?

(Thomas arrives at that moment)

Jim Burgin: Thomas pushed and puffed and pushed as hard as ever he could.

(Thomas attempts to push)

Jim Burgin: But still Henry stayed in the tunnel.

(Thomas continues to push but fails)

Jim Burgin: Eventually, even Sir Topham Hatt gave up.

Sir Topham Hatt: We shall take away your rails...

Jim Burgin: He said.

Sir Topham Hatt: ...and leave you here until you're ready to come out of the tunnel.

Jim Burgin: They took up the old rails, and built a wall in front of Henry, so the other engines wouldn't bump into him.

(Everyone locks Henry in the tunnel with bricks)

Jim Burgin: All Henry could do was to watch the trains rushing through the other tunnel. He was very sad, because he thought no-one would see his lovely green paint and red stripes again. As time went on, Edward and Gordon would often pass by. Edward would say...

Edward: Peep, peep! Hello!

Jim Burgin: And Gordon would say...

Gordon: boop, boop, boop! Serves you right.

Jim Burgin: Poor Henry had no steam to answer. His fire had gone out. Soot and dirt from the tunnel had spoilt his lovely green paint with red stripes anyway. How long do you think Henry would stay in the tunnel before he overcomes his fear of the rain, and decides to journey out again?

Part 5: Edward, Gordon, & Henry
Jim Burgin: Gordon always pulled the big express. He was proud of being the only engine strong enough to do so. It was full of important people like Sir Topham Hatt and Gordon was seeing how fast he can go.

Gordon: Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Coaches: Trickety-trock, trickety-trock, tricktey-trock!

Jim Burgin: In a minute, Gordon will see the tunnel where Henry stood bricked up and lonely.

Henry: Oh, dear. Why did I worry about rain spoiling my lovely coat of paint? I'd like to come out of the tunnel.

Jim Burgin: But Henry didn't know how to ask.

Gordon: I'm going to boop boop at Henry.

Jim Burgin: He was almost there when... And there was proud Gordon going slower and slower in a cloud of steam. His driver stopped the train.

Gordon: What has happen to me?

Gordon: I feel so weak.

Driver: You burst your safety valve.

Driver: You can't pull the train anymore.

Gordon: Oh dear. We were going so nicely too. And look, there's Henry laughing at me.

Jim Burgin: Everyone came to see Gordon.

Sir Topham Hatt: Huh.

Sir Topham Hatt: These big engines are always causing me trouble. Send for another engine at once.

Jim Burgin: While the conductor went to find one, they uncoupled Gordon who had enough puff to slink on the siding out of the way. Edward was the only engine left.

Edward: I'll come and try.

Gordon: Huh.

Gordon: That's no use. Edward can't push the train.

Jim Burgin: The kind Edward puffed and pushed and pushed and puffed but he couldn't move the heavy coaches.

Gordon: I told you so.

Gordon: Why not let Henry try?

Sir Topham Hatt: Yes.

Sir Topham Hatt: I will. Will you help pull this train, Henry?

Henry: Oh yes.

Jim Burgin: When Henry had got up steam, he puffed out. He was dirty and covered with cobwebs.

Henry: Oh, I'm stiff, I'm stiff.

Sir Topham Hatt: Have a run to ease your joints and find a turntable.

Jim Burgin: When Henry came back, he felt much better. Then they coupled him up.

Edward: (whistles).

Edward: I'm ready.

Henry: Pip pip pip.

Henry: So am I. Pull hard, we'll do it! Pull hard, we'll do it!

Jim Burgin: They puffed together.

Edward and Henry: We've done it together! We've done it together!

Coaches: You've done it hurray! You've done it hurray!

Jim Burgin: Sang the coaches. Everyone was excited. Sir Topham Hatt leaned out on the window to wave at Edward and Henry. But the train was going so fast, that his hat blew off into a field where a goat ate it for tea. They never stopped til they came to the station at the end of the line. The passengers all said thank you, and Sir Topham Hatt promised Henry a new coat of paint. One their way home, Edward and Henry helped Gordon back to the shed. All three engines are now great friends. Henry doesn't mind the rain now. He knows that the best way to keep his paint nicely is not to run into tunnels, but to ask his driver to rub him down when the day's work was over.

Part 6: Thomas' Train
Jim Burgin: Thomas the Tank Engine was grumbling to the other engines.

Thomas: I spent my time pulling coaches about ready for you to take out on journeys.

Jim Burgin: The other engines laughed.

Thomas: Why can't I pull passenger trains too?

Gordon: You're too impatient. You'd be sure to leave something behind.

Thomas: Rubbish! I'll show you.

Jim Burgin: One night, he and Henry were alone. Henry was ill. The men worked hard, but he didn't get better. He felt just as bad next morning. Henry usually pull the first train and Thomas had to get his coaches ready.

Thomas: If Henry is ill.

Jim Burgin: He thought.

Thomas: Perhaps I shall pull his train.

Jim Burgin: Thomas ran off to find the coaches.

Thomas: Come along, come along.

Coaches: There's plenty of time, there's plenty of time!

Jim Burgin: Thomas took them to the platform and wanted to run round in front at once. But his driver wouldn't let him.

Driver: Don't be impatient, Thomas.

Jim Burgin: Thomas waited and waited. The people got in, the conductor and stationmaster walked up and down, the porter banged the doors and still Henry didn't come. Thomas got more and more excited. Sir Topham Hatt came to see what was the matter, and the conductor and stationmaster told him about Henry.

Sir Topham Hatt: Find another engine.

Both: There's only Thomas.

Sir Topham Hatt: You'll have to do it then, Thomas. Be quick now.

Jim Burgin: So Thomas ran round to the front and back down on the coaches ready to start.

Driver: Let's not be impatient. We'll wait till everything was ready.

Jim Burgin: But Thomas was too excited to listen. What happened then, no one knows. Perhaps they forgot to couple Thomas to the train, or perhaps the Driver pulled the lever by mistake. Anyhow, Thomas started without his coaches. As he pass the signal tower, men waved and shouted, but he didn't stop.

Thomas: They're waving because I'm such a splendid engine.

Jim Burgin: He thought importantly.

Thomas: Henry says it's hard to pull trains, but I think it's easy. Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Jim Burgin: He puffed, pretending to be like Gordon.

Thomas: People had never seen me pulling a train before. It's nice of them to wave. (whistles)! Thank you.

Jim Burgin: Then he came to a signal at danger.

Thomas: Oh, Bother! I must stop, and I was going so nicely too. What a nuisance signals are.

Jim Burgin: He blew an angry "(whistles)!" on his whistle. The signalman ran up.

Signalman: Hello, Thomas. What are you doing here?

Thomas: I'm pulling a train. Can't you see?

Signalman: Where are your coaches then?

Jim Burgin: Thomas looked back.

Thomas: Why bless me. If we hadn't leave them behind.

Signalman: Yes. You better go quickly and fetch them.

Jim Burgin: Poor Thomas was so sad he nearly cried.

Driver: Cheer up. Let's go back quickly and try again.

(Thomas reverses back to the big station)

Jim Burgin: At the station, all the passengers were talking at once. They were telling Sir Topham Hatt what a bad railway it was. But when Thomas came back, they saw how sad he was and couldn't be cross. He was coupled to the train, and this time he really pulled it.

(Thomas pulls the coaches away with ease at all)

Jim Burgin: Afterwards, the other engines laughed at Thomas and said...

Henry: Look! There's Thomas, who wanted to pull the train, but forgot about the coaches.

Jim Burgin: But Thomas had already learned, not to make the same mistake again.

Part 7: Thomas & the Trucks
Jim Burgin: Thomas the Tank Engine wouldn't stop being a nuisance. Night after night, he kept the other engines awake.

Thomas: I'm tired of pushing coaches. I wanna see the world.

Jim Burgin: The other engines didn't take much notice, for Thomas was a little engine with a long tongue. But one night, Edward came to the shed. He was a kind little engine and felt sorry for Thomas.

Edward: I've got some freight Troublesome Trucks to take home tomorrow. If you take them instead of me, I'll push coaches in the yard.

Thomas: Thank you. That would be nice.

Jim Burgin: Next morning, Edward and Thomas asked their drivers, and when they said "yes", Thomas ran off happily to find freight Troublesome Trucks. Now the freight Troublesome Trucks were silly and noisy. They talk a lot and don't attend to what they are doing. And I'm sorry to say they play tricks on an engine who is not used to them. Edward knew all about the freight Troublesome Trucks. He warned Thomas to be careful but Thomas was too excited to listen. The shunter fastened the coupling and when the signal dropped, Thomas was ready. The conductor blew his whistle.

Thomas: (whistles).

Jim Burgin: But the freight Troublesome Trucks weren't ready.

Freight Troublesome Trucks: Oh! Oh! Wait, Thomas, wait!

Jim Burgin: But Thomas wouldn't wait.

Thomas: Come on come on.

Freight Troublesome Trucks: All right, don't fuss! All right, don't fuss!

Jim Burgin: Grumbled the Troublesome Trucks. Thomas began going faster and faster.

Thomas: Wheesh!

Jim Burgin: He whistled, as he rushed through Henry's tunnel.

Thomas: Hurry, hurry.

Jim Burgin: He was feeling very proud of himself. But the Troublesome Trucks grew crosser and crosser. At last Thomas slowed down as he came to Gordon's Hill.

(Thomas is at the top of Gordon's Hill, but is all exhausted)

Thomas' Driver: Steady, now, steady.

Jim Burgin: He began to put on the brakes.

Thomas: We're stopping, we're stopping!

Jim Burgin: Called Thomas.

Freight Troublesome Trucks: No, no, no!

Jim Burgin: Answered the Troublesome Trucks bumping them to each other.

Freight Troublesome Trucks: Go on! Go on!

Jim Burgin: Before the driver could stop them they had pushed Thomas down the hill and were rattling and laughing behind them. Poor Thomas tried hard to stop them from making him go too fast.

Thomas: Stop pushing, stop pushing!

Jim Burgin: But the Troublesome Trucks took no notice.

Freight Troublesome Trucks: Go on! Go on!

Jim Burgin: They giggled in their silly way.

Thomas: There's the station! Oh dear, what shall I do?

Jim Burgin: They rattled straight through and swerved into the goods yard. Thomas shut his eyes.

Thomas: I must stop!

(Thomas comes to a halt)

Jim Burgin: When he opened his eyes, he saw he had stopped just in front of the buffers. There watching him was...Sir Topham Hatt.

Sir Topham Hatt: What are you doing here, Thomas?

Thomas: I brought Edward's freight Troublesome Trucks.

Sir Topham Hatt: Why did you come so fast?

Thomas: I didn't mean to. I was pushed.

Sir Topham Hatt: You've got a lot to learn about freight Troublesome Trucks, Thomas. After pushing them about here for a few weeks you'll know almost as much about them as Edward. Then you'll be a Really Useful Engine.

(Thomas reverses into the same station as we start the next story)

Part 8: Thomas & the Breakdown Train
Jim Burgin: Every day, Sir Topham Hatt came to the station to catch his train.

Sir Topham Hatt: Hello. Don't let the silly freight Troublesome Trucks tease you. Remember, you have an important job as a special helper in the train yard.

(Thomas' whistle toots)

Jim Burgin: There were lots of freight Troublesome Trucks and Thomas worked very hard pushing and pulling them into place. There was also a small coach and two strange things his driver called cranes.

Thomas' Driver: That's the breakdown train. The cranes are for lifting heavy things like engines and coaches and freight Troublesome Trucks.

Jim Burgin: One day, Thomas was in the yard. Suddenly he heard an engine whistling.

James: Help! Help!

Jim Burgin: A freight train came rushing through much too fast. The engine was James and he was frightened. His brake blocks were on fire.

James: They're pushing me, they're pushing me.

Troublesome Trucks: On! On!

Jim Burgin: Still whistling...

James: Help! Help!

Jim Burgin: Poor James disappeared.

Thomas: I like to teach those freight Troublesome Trucks a lesson.

(We hear an alarm ringing)

Jim Burgin: Soon came the alarm.

Signalman: James is off the line. The breakdown train quickly.

Jim Burgin: Thomas was coupled on and off they went. Thomas worked his hardest.

Thomas: Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Jim Burgin: He wasn't pretending to be like Gordon. He really meant it.

Thomas: Bother those freight Troublesome Trucks and their tricks. I hope poor James isn't hurt.

Jim Burgin: James' driver and fireman were feeling him all over to see if he was hurt.

(Cows mooing)

James' Driver and Fireman: Never mind James. It was those silly troublesome trucks and your old wooden brakes that caused the accident.

Jim Burgin: Thomas pushed the breakdown train alongside. Then he pulled away the unhurt freight Troublesome Trucks.

Troublesome Trucks: Oh, dear. Oh, dear.

Thomas: Serves you right, serves you right.

Jim Burgin: He was hard at work puffing backwards and forwards all afternoon.

Thomas: This'll teach you a lesson, this'll teach you a lesson.

Jim Burgin: He told the freight Troublesome Trucks. And they answered...

Troublesome Trucks: Yes it will, yes it will.

Jim Burgin: They left the broken Troublesome Trucks. Then with two cranes they put James back on the rails.

(The cranes lift James away from the field. An o-face Thomas watches as James is put back to the rails)

Jim Burgin: He tried to move, but he couldn't so Thomas helped him back to the shed. Sir Topham Hatt was waiting anxiously for them.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well, Thomas. I heard all about it and I'm very pleased with you. You're a really useful engine. James shall have some proper brakes and a new coat of paint and you shall have a branch line all to yourself.

Thomas: Oh thank you sir.

Jim Burgin: Now Thomas is as happy as can be. He has a branch line and two coaches called Annie and Clarabel. He puffs proudly backwards and forwards with them all day. He is never lonely. Edward and Henry stop quite often and tell him the news. Gordon is always in a hurry but never forgets to say...

Gordon: Boop Boop.

Jim Burgin: And Thomas always whistles...

Thomas: (whistles).

Jim Burgin: In return.

(Thomas' whistle toots)

Part 9: James & the Coaches
Jim Burgin: James was enjoying his life on the Island of Sodor, but he still had a lot to learn.

Sir Topham Hatt: You're a special mixed traffic engine. You can pull coaches or freight Troublesome Trucks quite easily, but you must learn by your mistakes.

Jim Burgin: James knew what Sir Topham Hatt meant. He could well remember that dreadful accident on his first day.

Edward: Be careful with the coaches James. They don't like being bumped.

Jim Burgin: Everyone came to admire James.

James: I'm really a splendid engine.

Jim Burgin: He thought and suddenly let off steam.

James: Wheesh!

Jim Burgin: A shower of water fell on Sir Topham's nice new top hat. Just then, the conductor blew his whistle and James thought they had better go.

James: Go on, go on!

Edward: Don't push, don't push!

Jim Burgin: The coaches were grumbling too.

Coaches: Don't go so fast, don't go so fast!

Jim Burgin: But James wouldn't listen. When at last they stopped at the next station two coaches were beyond the platform. They have to go back to let the passengers out. But no one seems to know about Sir Topham's new hat so James felt happier. Presently they came to the station where Thomas was waiting with his two coaches.

Thomas: Hello James. Feeling better? That's good. Oh, that's my conductor's whistle. I must go. I don't know what Sir Topham Hatt would do without me to run this branch line.

Jim Burgin: And he puffed off importantly. Edward and James passed the field where James had his accident. The fence was mended and the cows were back again. They ended their journey and rested before setting off for home. James was still wondering what Sir Topham would have to say about his new hat. Next morning, he spoke severely to James.

Sir Topham Hatt: If you can't behave, I shall take away your red coat and have you painted blue.

Jim Burgin: James didn't like that at all. He was very rough with the grumbling coaches as he brought them to the platform.

James: Don't talk, come on! Gordon never fetches his own coaches.nAnd he's only painted blue.

Jim Burgin: To make James even more cross, this time no one came near him.

James: I'll show them. They think Gordon is the only engine who can pull coaches. Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Coaches: You're going too fast, you're going to fast!

Jim Burgin: James laughed and tried to go faster, but the coaches wouldn't let him.

Coaches: We're going to stop, we're going to stop!

(James soon comes to a complete halt)

James: What's the matter?

Driver: The brakes on on, leak in the pipe most likely. You banged the coaches enough to make a leak in anything.

Conductor: How shall we mend it?

Driver: We'll do it with newspaper and a leather bootlace.

Conductor: But where's the bootlace coming from?

Driver: Ask the passengers.

Conductor: You have a leather bootlace there. Please give it to me.

Man: I won't.

Conductor: Then I'm afraid the train will just stop where it is.

Jim Burgin: The passengers all said what a bad railway it was. Then they told the man how bad he was instead. Everyone was very cross. At last, he handed his laces over. The driver tied a pad of newspaper tightly round the hole in the brake pipe, and James was able to pull the train. But he was a sadder and wiser James, and took care never to bump coaches again.

Part 10: Troublesome Trucks
Jim Burgin: James had not been out to push coaches or freight Troublesome Trucks in the yard for several days. He was feeling miserable.

James: Oh dear. I wonder how long I shall have to stay in the shed would anyone else see my coat again? Why did I go so fast that I made a hole in one of my coaches that had to be mended with of all things a passenger's bootlace.

Jim Burgin: At last Sir Topham Hatt arrived.

Sir Topham Hatt: I know you are sorry, James, and I know too that you want to be a useful engine. People are laughing at my railway and I do not like that at all.

James: I will try hard to do my best.

Jim Burgin: Said James.

Sir Topham Hatt: That's a good engine. There's nothing like determination. I want you to pull some freight Troublesome Trucks for me.

Jim Burgin: James was delighted and puffed away.

Thomas: Here's your freight train, James. Have you got some bootlaces ready?

Jim Burgin: And he ran off laughing.

Troublesome Trucks: Oh, no!

Jim Burgin: Said the freight Troublesome Trucks.

Troublesome Trucks: We want a proper engine, not a red monster.

Jim Burgin: James took no notice and started as soon as the conductor was ready.

James: Come along, come along.

Jim Burgin: He puffed.

Troublesome Trucks: We won't, we won't.

Jim Burgin: Screamed the Troublesome Trucks. But James didn't care and he pulled the screeching Troublesome Trucks sternly out of the station. The Troublesome Trucks tried hard to make him give up but he still kept on. Sometimes their brakes will slip on and sometimes their axles will run hot and each time the trouble had to be put right and each time James will start again, determined not to let them beat him.

Troublesome Trucks: Give up, give up! You can't pull us! You can't, you can't!

Jim Burgin: Called the Troublesome Trucks.

James: I can and I will! I can and I will!

Jim Burgin: Puffed James and slowly but surely, he pulled them along the line. At last they saw Gordon's Hill.

Driver: Look out for trouble, James.

Jim Burgin: Warned his driver.

Driver: We'll go fast and get them up before they know it. Don't let them stop you.

Jim Burgin: So James went faster and soon they were halfway up.

James: I'm doing it, I'm doing it.

Jim Burgin: He panted.

James: Will the top never come?

Jim Burgin: Then with a sudden jerk, it all came easier.

James: I've done it, I've done it. Hooray! It's easy now.

Jim Burgin: But his driver shut off steam.

Driver: They've done it again. We've left our tail behind. Look.

Jim Burgin: The last Troublesome Trucks were running backwards down the hill. A coupling had snapped. But the conductor stopped the Troublesome Trucks and got out to warn approaching engines.

James: That's why it was easy.

Jim Burgin: Said James as he backed the Troublesome Trucks carefully down.

James: What silly things freight Troublesome Trucks are. They're might have been an accident.

Edward: Shall I help you, James?

Jim Burgin: Called Edward.

James: No thank you. I'll pull them myself.

Edward: Good, don't let them beat you. You're doing well!

Jim Burgin: Whistled Edward as James slowly struggled up the hill.

James: I can do it, I can do it.

Jim Burgin: He puffed. He pulled and puffed as hard as he could.

James: I've done it, I've done it!

Jim Burgin: He panted. James was resting in the yard when Edward pulled up.

Edward: (whistles)!

Jim Burgin: He whistled. Then, James saw Sir Topham Hatt.

James: Oh dear, what will he say?

Jim Burgin: He asked himself. But Sir Topham Hatt was smiling.

Sir Topham Hatt: I was in Edward's train and I saw everything. You made the most troublesome train on the line behaved. After that performance, you deserve to keep your red coat.

Part 11: James and the Express
Jim Burgin: One night, Henry and Gordon were alone with James. Although Sir Topham Hatt was beginning to think well of them. Whenever a chance came the other engines would talk of nothing but bootlaces.

Henry: Remember when they had to use a bootlace to get you out of trouble James?

Jim Burgin: They would tease. James tried to get back by talking about Henry who got shut up in a tunnel and Gordon who got stuck on a hill. But they wouldn't listen.

Gordon: You talk too much little James. A fine strong engine like me has something to talk about. I'm the only engine who can pull the express. When I'm not there, they need two engines. Think of that. I've pulled expresses for years, and have never once lost my way. I seem to know the right line by instinct.

Jim Burgin: Every wise engine knows that the signalman sets the switches to make the engines run on the right tracks. But Gordon was so proud he had forgotten.

Gordon: Wake up, James.

Gordon: It's time for the express. What are you doing? Odd Jobs? Ah well. We all have to begin somewhere, don't we? Run along and get my coaches. Don't be late.

Jim Burgin: James went to get Gordon's coaches. They were all shining with new paint. He was careful not to bump them and they followed him smoothly into the station, singing happily...

Coaches: We're going away, we're going away.

James: I wish I were going with you. I should love to pull the express and go flying above the line!

Jim Burgin: Gordon with much noise and blowing off steam, got ready to back on to the train. Sir Topham Hatt was on the train with other important people and as soon as they heard the conductor's whistle, Gordon started.

Gordon: Look at me now! Look at me now!

Jim Burgin: He puffed and the coaches glided after him.

Gordon: Boop boop boop boop boop! Goodbye, little James, see you tomorrow!

Jim Burgin: James watched the train disappeared and then went back to work. He pushed some freight Troublesome Trucks into their proper sidings and went to fetch the coaches for another train. James had just brought the coaches into the platform when he heard a mournful noise. There was Gordon trying to sneak into the station without being noticed.

James: Hello Gordon. Is it tomorrow?

Jim Burgin: Gordon didn't answer. He just let off steam feebly.

James: Did you lose your way, Gordon?

Gordon: No, it was lost for me. I was switched off the main line onto the loop. I have to go all around and back again.

James: Perhaps it was instinct.

Jim Burgin: All the passengers were shouting at the ticket window.

Passengers: We want our money back!

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt climbed onto a cart and blew the conductor's whistle so loudly that they all stopped to look at him. Then he promised a new train at once.

Sir Topham Hatt: Gordon can't do it. Will you pull it for us, James?

James: Yes sir, I'll try.

Jim Burgin: So James was coupled on, and everyone got in.

Sir Topham Hatt: Do your best, James.

James: Come along, come along!

Coaches: You're pulling us well, you're pulling us well!

James: Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Jim Burgin: Puffed James. Bridges and stations flashed by, the passengers cheered and they soon reached the station. Everyone said thank you to James and Sir Topham Hatt was very impressed.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well done. Would you like to pull the express sometimes?

James: Yes please.

Jim Burgin: Next day when James came by, Gordon was pushing freight Troublesome Trucks.

Gordon: I like some quiet work for a change. I'm teaching these Troublesome Trucks manners. You did well with those coaches I hear. Good, we'll show them.

Jim Burgin: And he gave his Troublesome Trucks a bump. James and Gordon are now good friends. James sometimes takes the express to give Gordon a rest. Gordon never talks about bootlaces, and they are both quite agreed on the subject of freight Troublesome Trucks.

Part 12: Thomas and the Guard
Jim Burgin: Thomas the Tank Engine is very proud of his branch line. He thinks it's the most important part of the whole railway. His two coaches Annie and Clarabel agree with him. Annie could only take passengers but Clarabel can take passengers, baggage and the conductor. They were both old and need new paint but Thomas loves them very much. As they run backwards and forwards along the line, they sing songs to each other. When Thomas starts from the station he sings...

Thomas: Oh, come along, we're rather late. Oh, come along, we're rather late.

Jim Burgin: And the coaches sing...

Annie and Clarabel: We're coming along. We're coming along.

Jim Burgin: They don't mind what Thomas says to them because he know he was trying to please Sir Topham Hatt, and to know to that if Thomas is cross, he's not cross with them. One day, they had to wait for Henry's train which made Thomas very cross.

Thomas: How could I run my line properly if Henry is always late? He doesn't realize that Sir Topham Hatt depends on me.

Jim Burgin: He wanted to leave, but he have to wait for Henry's passengers. At last Henry came.

Thomas: Where have you been, lazybones?

Henry: Oh dear, my system is out of order. No one understands my case. You don't know what I suffer.

Thomas: Rubbish! You're too slow. You need exercise.

Jim Burgin: The conductor blew his whistle and Thomas started so quickly that he left him behind. The conductor waved his red flag to stop Thomas, but Thomas was on his way steaming out of the station.

Thomas: Come along, come along.

Jim Burgin: but Clarabel didn't want to come.

Clarabel: I've lost my nice conductor, I've lose my nice conductor.

Jim Burgin: Annie tried to tell Thomas what had happened.

Annie: We haven't a conductor, we haven't a conductor!

Jim Burgin: But he was hurrying and wouldn't listen. Annie and Clarabel tried to put on their brakes, but they couldn't without their conductor.

Annie and Clarabel: Where's our conductor? Where's our conductor?

Jim Burgin: but Thomas didn't stop till they came to a signal.

Thomas: Bother that signal. What's the matter?

Driver: I don't know. The conductor will tell us in a minute.

Jim Burgin: They waited and waited but the conductor didn't come.

Thomas: (whistles) peep, where's the conductor?

Annie and Clarabel: We've left him behind!

Jim Burgin: Everyone looked, and there he was running as fast as he could along the line, with his flags in one hand and his whistle in the other. He was very hot, so he had a drink, and told them that Thomas had left him behind.

Thomas: I'm very sorry.

Conductor: We all made mistakes. Look, the signal's down. We can go. Let's make up for lost time.

Jim Burgin: Annie and Clarabel were so pleased to have their conductor again, but they sang...

Annie and Clarabel: As fast as you like, as fast as you like!

Jim Burgin: ...to Thomas all the way. They reached the end of the line quicker than ever before.

(Thomas arrives at the last station)

Part 13: Thomas Goes Fishing
Jim Burgin: When Thomas puffed along his branch line, he always look forward to something special. The sight of the river. As they rumble over the bridge, he would see people fishing. Thomas often wanted to stay and watch, but his driver said...

Driver: No! What would Sir Topham Hatt say if we were late?

Jim Burgin: Every time he met another engine he say...

Thomas: I want to fish.

Jim Burgin: But they all had the same answer.

James: Engines don't go fishing.

Thomas: Silly stick in the muds.

Jim Burgin: Thought Thomas. One day, he stopped as usual to take him water at the station by the river. Out of order.

Thomas: Bother! I'm thirsty.

Driver: Never mind. We'll get some water from the river.

Jim Burgin: They found a bucket and some rope and went to the bridge. Then the driver left the bucket down to the water. The bucket was old and have 5 holes, so they had to fill it, pull it up, and empty it into Thomas' tank as quickly as they could several times over. They finished at last.

Thomas: That's good, that's good.

Jim Burgin: Suddenly, Thomas began to feel a pain in his boiler. Steam began to hiss with his safety valve in an alarming way.

Driver: There's too much steam!

Thomas: Oh dear! I'm going to burst! I'm going to burst!

Jim Burgin: They damped down his fire and struggled on.

Thomas: I've got such a pain, I've got such a pain!

Jim Burgin: Thomas hissed. They stopped just outside the last station, uncoupled Annie and Clarabel and ran Thomas, who was still hissing fit to burst, on a siding right out of the way. Then, while the conductor telephoned for an engine inspector, the driver found notice in large letters, which he hung on Thomas in front and behind. Danger: Keep Away. Soon, the inspector and Sir Topham Hatt arrived.

Inspector: Cheer up, Thomas. We'll soon put you right.

Jim Burgin: The driver told them what had happened.

Inspector: So the feed pipe is blocked. I'll just look in the tanks.

Jim Burgin: He climbed up and peered in, then he came down.

Inspector: Excuse me, sir, please look in the tank and tell me what you see.

Sir Topham Hatt: Certainly, inspector.

Jim Burgin: He clambered up, looked in and nearly fell off in surprise.

Sir Topham Hatt: Inspector. Can you see fish?

(Thomas is horrified upon hearing this)

Sir Topham Hatt: Gracious goodness me! How did the fish get there, driver?

Driver: We must have fished them from the river with our bucket.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well, Thomas, so you and your driver had been fishing. But fish don't suit you. We must get them out.

Jim Burgin: They all took turns and fishing into Thomas' tank while Sir Topham Hatt looked down and told them how to do it. When they had caught all the fish, they had a lovely picnic supper of fish and chips.

Sir Topham Hatt: Mmm. That was good. But fish don't suit you, Thomas, so you mustn't do it again.

Thomas: No, sir, I won't. Engines don't go fishing. It's too uncomfortable.

Part 14: Terence the Tractor
Jim Burgin: Autumn had come to the Island of Sodor. The fields were changing from yellow stubble to brown earth and a tractor was hard at work as Thomas puffed along. Later Thomas saw the tractor close by.

Terence: Hello. I'm Terence, I'm plowing.

Thomas: I'm Thomas, I'm pulling a train. What ugly wheels you've got.

Terence: They're not ugly, they're caterpillars. I can go anywhere. I don't need rails.

Thomas: I don't want to go anywhere. I like my rails, thank you.

Jim Burgin: Winter came with dark clouds full of snow.

Driver: I don't like it. A heavy fall is coming. I hope it doesn't stop us.

Thomas: Puh! Soft stuff, nothing to it.

Jim Burgin: And he puffed on feeling cold but confident. They finished their journey safely but by now the country was covered.

Driver: You need your snowplough for the next journey, Thomas.

Thomas: Puh! Snow is silly soft stuff it won't stop me.

Jim Burgin: The snowplough was heavy and uncomfortable and made Thomas cross. He shook it and he banged it and when they got back it was so damaged that the driver had to take it off.

Driver: You're a very naughty engine.

Jim Burgin: Next morning, Thomas' driver and fireman came early and worked hard to mend the snowplough, but they couldn't make it fit. Thomas was pleased.

Thomas: I shan't have to wear it, I shan't have to wear it.

Jim Burgin: He puffed to Annie and Clarabel. But they were rather worried.

Annie and Clarabel: I hope it's all right, I hope it's all right.

Jim Burgin: They whispered to each other. The driver was worried too.

Driver: It's not bad here. But it's sure to be deep in the valley.

Thomas: Silly soft stuff. I didn't need that stupid old thing yesterday and I shan't today. Snow can't stop me.

Jim Burgin: He rushed into a tunnel thinking how clever he was. But there was trouble ahead.

(Thomas crashes into a snowdrift)

Thomas: Cinders and ashes! I'm stuck.

Jim Burgin: And he was.

Driver: Back, Thomas, back.

Jim Burgin: Thomas tried but his wheels spun and he couldn't move. The conductor went back for help while everyone else tried to dig the snow away. But as fast as they dug, more snow slipped down until Thomas was nearly buried.

Thomas: Oh, my wheels and coupling rods. I shall have to stop here till I'm frozen. What a silly engine I am.

Jim Burgin: And Thomas began to cry. At last a bus came to rescue the passengers. And then who should come to Thomas's rescue but Terence. Snow never worries him.

(Terence hooks up to Clarabel and pulls her and Annie out of the snow)

Jim Burgin: He pulled the empty coaches away, then came back for Thomas. Thomas' wheels were clear but still spun when he tried to move. Terence tugged and slipped and slipped and tugged and at last dragged Thomas clear of the snow ready for the journey home.

(Terence goes away into the tunnel with Thomas following him)

Thomas: Oh, thank you, Terence. Your caterpillars are splendid.

Driver: I hope you'll be sensible now, Thomas.

Thomas: I'll try.

Jim Burgin: he puffed slowly away.

Part 15: Thomas & Bertie
Jim Burgin: Thomas was waiting at the junction when a bus arrived.

Thomas: Hello. Who are you?

Bertie: I'm Bertie. Who are you?

Thomas: I'm Thomas. I run this branch line.

Bertie: So you're Thomas. Ah, I remember now. You got stuck in the snow. I took your passengers and Terence the Tractor pulled you out. I've come to help you with your passengers today.

Thomas: Help me? I can go faster than you.

Bertie: You can't.

Thomas: I can.

Bertie: I'll race you!

Jim Burgin: Their drivers agreed for the race going ahead. The stationmaster said...

Stationmaster: Are you ready? Go!

Jim Burgin: Thomas never could go fast at first and Bertie drew in front.

Annie and Clarabel: Why don't you go fast, why don't you go fast.

Thomas: Wait and see, wait and see.

Annie and Clarabel: He's a long way ahead.

Jim Burgin: But Thomas didn't mind. He remembered the level crossing. There was Bertie fuming at the gates while they sailed gaily through.

Thomas: Goodbye, Bertie!

Jim Burgin: After that the road left the railway so they couldn't see Bertie. Then, they had to stop at the station to let off passengers.

Thomas: (whistles)! Quickly please!

Jim Burgin: and off they went again.

Thomas: Come along, come along.

Annie and Clarabel: We're coming along, we're coming along.

Thomas: Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Jim Burgin: then he looked ahead. There was Bertie tooting triumphly on his horn.

Thomas: Oh deary me, oh deary me!

Driver: Steady, Thomas. We'll beat Bertie yet.

Annie and Clarabel: We'll be Bertie yet, we'll beat Bertie yet.

Thomas: We'll do it, we'll do it. Oh bother! There's a station.

Jim Burgin: Then he heard Bertie.

Bertie: Goodbye, Thomas. You must be tired. Sorry I can't stop. We buses have to work you know. Goodbye.

Thomas: Oh dear. We've lost.

Jim Burgin: But he felt better after a drink. The signal dropped.

Thomas: Hurrah, we're off! Hurrah, we're off!

Jim Burgin: As they crossed the bridge, they heard an impatient...

Bertie: Honk honk!

Jim Burgin: There was Bertie waiting at the traffic lights. he started with a roar and chased on after Thomas again. Now Thomas reached his full speed. Bertie tried hard but Thomas was too fast. Whistling triumphantly he plunged into the tunnel leaving Bertie toiling far behind.

Thomas: We've done it, we've done it!

Annie and Clarabel: We've done it, hooray! We've done it, hooray!

Jim Burgin: Chanted Annie and Clarabel as they whooshed into the last station. Everyone was there to celebrate Thomas' victory. But they gave Bertie a big welcome too.

Bertie: Well done, Thomas. That was fun. But to beat you over that hill, I should have to grow wings and be an airplane.

Jim Burgin: They now keep each others very busy. They often talked about their race, but Bertie's passengers don't like being bounced like peas in a frying pan, and Sir Topham Hatt has warned Thomas not to race at dangerous speeds. So although, between you and me, they would like to have another race. I don't think they ever will, do you?

Part 16: Tenders And Turntables
Jim Burgin: Henry and Gordon were lonely when Thomas left the yard to run his branch line. They missed him very much. They had more work to do and had to fetch their own coaches. The big engines thought they were too important to fetch coaches. James grumbled too.

Henry: We get no rest, we get no rest!

Jim Burgin: But the coaches only laughed.

Coaches: You're lazy and slack, you're lazy and slack!

Jim Burgin: All together, the engines were causing Sir Topham Hatt a great deal of trouble. The big stations at both ends on the line each have a turntable. Sir Topham Hatt had made them so that the tender engines can be turned round because it is dangerous for them to go fast and backwards. Little tank engines like Thomas don't need turntables. They can go just as well backwards as forwards. But to hear Gordon talk, you would've thought that Sir Topham Hatt had given him a tender just to show how important he was.

Gordon: You don't understand, little Thomas. We Tender Engines have a position to keep up. It doesn't matter where you go, but we are important, and for Sir Topham Hatt to make us shunt freight Troublesome Trucks, fetch coaches and go on some of those dirty sidings it's, it's, well, it's not the proper thing.

Jim Burgin: Thomas went off with Annie and Clarabel.

Gordon: Disgraceful!

Jim Burgin: Gordon hissed as he ran backwards to the turntable. The turntable was in the windy place close to the sea, and he was not on it just right, he put amount of balance and made a difficult to turn. Today, Gordon was in the bad temper, and the wind was blowing fiercely. His driver tried to make him stop in the right place but Gordon wasn't trying. The fireman tried to turn the handle, but Gordon's weight and the strong wind prevented him.

Driver: It's no good. Your big tender upsets the balance. If you're a little tank engine, you be all right. Now you have to pull the next train backwards.

Boys: Look! There's a new tank engine! Oh, it's only Gordon, back to front.

Thomas: Hello! Playing tank engines? Sensible engine. Take my advice, scrap your tender and have a nice bunker.

Jim Burgin: Gordon said nothing. Even James laughed when he saw him.

Gordon: Take care. You might stick too.

James: No fear. I'm not so fat as you. I mustn't stick.

Jim Burgin: He stopped on just the right place to balance the table. It could now swing easily. Gordon arrived in time to see everything. James turned much too easily. The wind puffed him round like a top. He couldn't stop!

(James spins faster and faster until he slows down, and as the turntable stops, he is all green and dizzy)

Gordon: Well, well! Are you playing roundabouts?

Jim Burgin: Poor James feeling quite giddy rolled off to the shed without a word. That night, the three engines had an indignation meeting.

Gordon: It's shameful to treat tender engines like this. Gordon has to go backwards and people think he's a tank engine, James spins like a top and everyone laughs at us. And added to that, Sir Topham Hatt makes us all shunt in dirty sidings. Ugh! Listen.

Jim Burgin: He whispered something to the others.

Gordon: We'll do it tomorrow. Sir Topham Hatt will look silly.

Jim Burgin: The engines had decided to go on strike.

Part 17: Trouble in the Shed
Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt sat in his office listening to the noise outside. The passengers were angry. The stationmaster came in.

Stationmaster: There's trouble in the shed, sir. Henry was sulking. There's no train and the passengers are saying this is a bad railway.

Sir Topham Hatt: Indeed. We cannot allow that.

Jim Burgin: He found Gordon, James and Henry looking very cross.

Sir Topham Hatt: Come along, Henry. It's time your train was ready.

Gordon: Henry's not going! We won't shunt like little tank engines. That was Thomas' job. We are important tender engines. You fetch our coaches and we will pull them. Tender engines don't shunt.

Sir Topham Hatt: We'll see about that. No engine on my railway is too important for small jobs.

Jim Burgin: And he hurried away to find Edward.

Sir Topham Hatt: The yard has never been the same since Thomas left to run his branch line.

Jim Burgin: Edward was shunting.

Sir Topham Hatt: Leave those freight Troublesome Trucks please, Edward. I want you to push coaches for me in the yard.

Edward: Thank you, sir. That will be a nice change.

Sir Topham Hatt: That's a good engine. Off you go then.

Jim Burgin: So Edward found coaches for the three engines and that day, the train's ran as usual. But next morning, Edward looked unhappy. Gordon came clanking pass hissing rudely.

Sir Topham Hatt: Bless me! What a noise!

Edward: They all hiss me, Sir. They say tender engines don't shunt and last night they said I have gray wheels. I haven't have I, sir?

Sir Topham Hatt: No, Edward, you have nice blue ones, and I'm proud of you. Tender engines do shunt, but all the same we do need another tank engine here.

Jim Burgin: He went to the workshop and they showed them all sorts of engines. At last, he saw a smart little green engine with four wheels.

Sir Topham Hatt: That's the one.

Jim Burgin: He thought.

Sir Topham Hatt: If I choose you, will you work hard?

Percy: Oh sir, yes sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: That's a good engine. I'll call you Percy.

Percy: Yes sir, thank you sir.

Jim Burgin: And Sir Topham Hatt brought Percy back to the yard.

Sir Topham Hatt: Edward. Here's Percy. Will you show him everything?

Jim Burgin: Percy soon learned what he had to do and they had a happy afternoon. Then Henry came by hissing as usual.

Percy: Wheesh!

Jim Burgin: Henry jumped and ran back to the shed.

Edward: How beautifully you wheeshed him! I can't wheesh like that.

Percy: Oh. That's nothing. You should hear them in the workshop. You have to wheesh loudly to make yourself heard.

Jim Burgin: Next morning, Thomas arrived.

Thomas: Sir Topham Hatt sent to me. I expect he wants help.

Edward: Sh, sh, here he comes.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well done, Thomas, you've been quick. Listen, Henry, Gordon and James are sulking they say they won't shunt like little tank engines, so I have shut them up and I want you both to run the line for a while.

Thomas: Little tank engines indeed. We'll show them.

Sir Topham Hatt: And Percy will help too.

Percy: Oh sir, yes sir, please sir.

Jim Burgin: Edward and Thomas worked the main line greeting each other as they pass by. Percy puffed along the branch line. Thomas was anxious about Annie and Clarabel, but both driver and conductor promise to take care of them. They were fewer trains but the passengers didn't mind. They knew the three other engines were having a lesson. Gordon, James and Henry were cold, lonely and miserable. They wish now they haven't been so silly.

Part 18: Percy Runs Away
Jim Burgin: Henry, James, and Gordon were miserable. They had been shut up for several days for being naughty, and long to be let out again. At last, Sir Topham Hatt arrived.

Sir Topham Hatt: I hope you are sorry. And that you understand that every job on the railway is important. We have a new tank engine called Percy who helps pull coaches and Thomas and Edward have worked the main line nicely, but I will let you out now if you promise to work hard.

Gordon: Yes, sir.

James: We will.

Sir Topham Hatt: That's good, but please remember that this no shunting nonsense must stop.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt then told Percy, Edward, and Thomas that they could go and play on the branch line for a few days, and they ran off happily to find Annie and Clarabel at the junction. The two coaches were very pleased to see Thomas again. Edward and Percy played with the freight Troublesome Trucks.

Troublesome Trucks: Stop, stop, stop!

Jim Burgin: they were pushed into their proper sidings. But the two engines laughed and went on shunting till the Troublesome Trucks were tightly arranged. Next, Edward took some empty Troublesome Trucks to the quarry. Percy was left alone. He didn't mind that a bit. He liked watching trains and being cheeky to the other engines.

Percy: Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Jim Burgin: He would call, and they got very cross. After a great deal of shunting, Percy was waiting for the signalman to set the switch so he could get back to the yard. Percy was being rather careless and not paying attention. Edward had warned Percy.

Edward: Be careful on the main line. Whistle to the signalman that you were there.

Jim Burgin: But Percy didn't remember to whistle, and so the busy signalman forgot him. Percy waited and waited. The switch was still against him so he couldn't move. Then, he looked along the main line.

Percy: Peep, peep!

Jim Burgin: He whistled in horror, for rushing straight toward him was Gordon with the express.

Gordon: Ooooooooooohhhhhhhhh! Get out of my way!

(Gordon approaches Percy, who then shuts his eyes and the big engine comes to a frightening halt)

Jim Burgin: Percy opened his eyes. Gordon had stopped with Percy's buffers just a few inches from his own. But Percy had begun to move.

Percy: I won't stay here, I'll run away!

Jim Burgin: He went straight through Edward's station, and was so frightened that he ran right up Gordon's hill without stopping. After that, he was tired, but he couldn't stop. He had no driver to shut off steam and apply the brakes.

Percy: I want to stop! I want to stop!

Jim Burgin: The man in the signalbox saw Percy was in trouble, so he kindly set the switch. Percy puffed wearily onto a nice empty siding, ending in a big bank of earth. He was too tired now to care where he went.

Percy: I want to stop, I want to stop! I have stopped!

Jim Burgin: He puffed thankfully.

Workmen: Never mind, Percy. You shall have a drink and some coal, and then you feel better.

Jim Burgin: Presently, Gordon arrived.

Gordon: Well done, Percy. You started so quickly that you stopped a nasty accident.

Percy: I'm sorry I was cheeky.

Gordon: You were clever to stop.

Jim Burgin: Then Gordon helped pull Percy out from the bank. The two engines are now good friends, but Percy is always most careful when he goes out on the main line.

Part 19: Henry's Special Coal
Jim Burgin: One morning, Henry was feeling very sorry for himself. Sometimes he could pull trains, but sometimes he felt he had no strength at all.

Henry: I suffer dreadfully and no one cares.

James: Rubbish, Henry! You don't work hard enough!

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt spoke to him too.

Sir Topham Hatt: What's wrong with you, Henry? You have had lots of new parts and new paint too, but they've done you no good. If we can't make you better, we must get another engine instead of you to do the work.

Jim Burgin: This made Henry, his driver and fireman very sad. Sir Topham Hatt was waiting when Henry came to the platform. He had taken off his hat and coat and put on overalls. Henry managed to start, but his fireman was not satisfied.

Henry's Fireman: Henry is a bad steamer. I built up his fire, but it doesn't give enough heat.

Jim Burgin: Poor Henry tried very hard, but it was no good. He didn't have enough steam, and came to a stop outside Edward's station.

Henry: Oh dear! I shall have to go away! Oh dear, oh dear!

Jim Burgin: All he could do is to go slowly onto a siding, and Edward took charge of the train. Sir Topham Hatt and the Fireman went on discussing Henry's troubles.

Sir Topham Hatt: What do you think is wrong, fireman?

Henry's Fireman: Excuse me, sir. But the fact is the coal is wrong. We've had a poor lot lately, and today's it's worse. The other engines can manage. They have big fireboxes. Henry's is small and can't make the heat. With Welsh coal, he'd be a different engine.

Sir Topham Hatt: It's expensive. But Henry must have a fair chance. James shall go and fetch them.

Jim Burgin: When the Welsh coal came, Henry's Driver and Fireman were excited.

Henry's Driver and Fireman: Now we'll show them, Henry old fellow.

Jim Burgin: They carefully made his fire, putting large lumps of coal like a wall round the outside, then the glowing middle part was covered in smaller lumps.

Henry: You're spoiling my fire.

Jim Burgin: Complained Henry.

Henry's Fireman: Wait and see. We'll have a roaring fire just when we wanted.

Jim Burgin: The fireman was right. When Henry reached the platform, the water was boiling nicely, and he had to let off steam.

Sir Topham Hatt: How are you, Henry?

Henry: (whistles) I feel fine!

Sir Topham Hatt: Have you a good fire, driver?

Henry's Driver: Never better, sir, and plenty of steam.

Sir Topham Hatt: No record breaking. Don't push him too hard.

Henry's Driver: Henry won't need pushing, sir. I'll have to hold him back.

Jim Burgin: Henry had a lovely day. He had never felt so well in his life. He wanted to go fast, but his driver wouldn't let him.

Henry's Driver: Steady old fellow. There's plenty of time.

Jim Burgin: They arrived early at the station. Thomas puffed in.

Henry: Where have you been, lazybones? Oh, I can't wait for dawdling tank engines like you. Goodbye.

Thomas: Whoosh. Have you ever seen anything like it?

Jim Burgin: Both Annie and Clarabel agreed that they never had.

Part 19: The Flying Kipper
Jim Burgin: One winter evening, Henry's driver said...

Henry's Driver: We'll be out early tomorrow. We've got to take the Flying Kipper. Don't tell Gordon, but I think if we pull the Kipper nicely, Sir Topham Hatt will let us pull the express. The special coal they gave you is working well.

Henry: Hooray! That will be lovely.

Jim Burgin: All kinds of ships use the harbor at the big station by the sea. There are passenger ships, cargo ships and fishing boats also come here. They unload their fish on the key. Some of it goes to shops in the town, and the rest in a special train to other places far away. This is the train the railway men called the Flying Kipper. Henry was ready at five o,clock. There was snow and frost. Men hustled and shouted loading up the crates of fish. The last door banged, the guard showed his green lamp, and the Flying Kipper was ready to go.

Henry: Come on, come on, don't be silly, don't be silly.

Jim Burgin: The Troublesome Trucks shuttered and groaned.

Troublesome Trucks: Trickety-trock, trickety-trock, all right, all right!

Henry: That's better, that's better.

Jim Burgin: Cloud of smoke and steam poured from his funnel into the cold air, and the fire's light shown brightly.

Henry: Hurry, hurry, hurry!

Jim Burgin: They were going well. The light grew better, signal light shown green as they passed. Then, a yellow signal appeared ahead. His driver prepared to stop, but the home signal was down.

Henry's Driver: All clear, Henry. Away we go.

Jim Burgin: They couldn't know the switches from the main line to a siding were frozen, and a home signal should have been set a danger, but snow had forced it down. A freight train was waited in a siding to let the Flying Kipper past, and a Driver and Fireman were drinking cocoa in the caboose.

Conductor: The Kipper is due.

Fireman: Who cares? This is good cocoa.

Jim Burgin: The driver got up.

Driver: Come on, fireman, back to our engine.

Jim Burgin: They got out just in time.

(Henry crashes into the break van and comes off the rails completely)

Jim Burgin: Henry's driver and fireman had jumped clear before the crash, but Henry lay dazed and surprised. Sir Topham Hatt came to see him.

Henry: The signal was down, Sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: Cheer up, Henry. It wasn't your fault. Ice and snow cause the accident. I'm sending you to Crewe, a fine place for sick engines. They'll give you your new shape and a larger firebox. You'll feel a different engine, and you won't need special coal anymore. Won't that be nice?

Henry: Yes, sir.

Jim Burgin: Henry liked being a Crewe, but was glad to come home. A crowd of people waited to see him arrive in his new shape. He looked so splendid and strong that they gave him three cheers.

Henry: (whistles) Thank you very much!

Jim Burgin: I'm sorry to say that a lot of little children were often late for school, because they waited to see Henry go by. They often see him pulling the express. He does it so well that Gordon is jealous. But that's another story.

Part 20: Whistles And Sneezes
Jim Burgin: Gordon was cross.

Gordon: Why should Henry have a new shape? A shape good enough for me is good enough for him. He goes gallivanting off, leaving us to do his work, and comes back saying how happy he feels. It's disgraceful. And there's another thing: Henry whistles too much. No respectable engine ever whistles loudly at stations. It isn't wrong, but we just don't do it.

Jim Burgin: Poor Henry didn't feel happy anymore.

Percy: Never mind. I'm glad you're home again. I like your whistling.

Gordon: Goodbye, Henry. We're glad to have you with us again. But remember what I said.

Jim Burgin: Later, Henry stopped at Edward's station.

Edward: Hello, Henry. You look splendid. I was pleased to hear your happy whistle yesterday.

Henry: Thanks, Edward.

(We hear a screeching noise)

Henry: Shh, shh. Can you hear something?

Edward: It sounds like Gordon. And it ought to be Gordon. But Gordon never whistles like that.

Jim Burgin: It was Gordon. He came rushing down the hill of a tremendous rate. He didn't look at Henry and he didn't look at Edward. He screamed straight through the station and disappeared.

Edward: Well.

Henry: It isn't wrong. But we just don't do it.

Jim Burgin: And he told Edward what Gordon had said. Meanwhile, Gordon screeched along the line. The noise was awful. At the station, everyone covered their ears. Sir Topham Hatt covered his ears too.

Sir Topham Hatt: Take him away! And stop that noise!

Jim Burgin: Gordon puffed sadly away. But he wouldn't stop whistling until two fitters climbed up and knocked his whistle valve in place.

(Two fitters fix Gordon's whistle with progress)

Jim Burgin: That night, Gordon slunked into the shed. He was glad it was empty.

Henry: It isn't wrong. But we just don't do it.

Jim Burgin: No one mentioned whistles. Next morning, Henry was enjoying himself enormously.

Henry: I feel so well, I feel so well.

Coaches: Trickety-trock, trickety-trock.

Jim Burgin: Hummed his coaches. Then he saw some boys on a bridge.

Henry: (whistles) Hello.

(The boys smash the coaches' windows with stones)

Henry: Ohh.

Jim Burgin: The boys didn't wave and take his number. They thought it fun to drop stones on him instead.

Coaches: They've broken our glass, they've broken our glass.

Jim Burgin: The passengers weren't hurt, but they were cross.

Passengers: Call the police!

Henry's Driver: No. Leave it to Henry and me.

Passengers: What will you do? Can you keep a secret?

Henry: Yes, yes.

Henry's Driver: Well then.

Jim Burgin: Said the driver. Henry is going to sneeze at those boys.

Jim Burgin: Lots of people were at the station just before the bridge. They wanted to see what would happen.

Henry's Driver: Henry has plenty of ashes. Please keep all windows shut until we haved passed the bridge. Henry is as excited as we are. Aren't you, old fellow?

Jim Burgin: Henry felt more stuffed up. Soon, they could see the boys. And they all had stones.

Henry's Driver: Are you ready, Henry? Sneeze hard when I tell you. Now.

Henry: Ah-choo!

(Henry sneezes at the boys and they were covered in ashes)

Henry's Driver: Well done, Henry.

Jim Burgin: Henry went home, hoping that next time he saw Gordon and the boys, they would have learned not to be so mean.

Part 21: Toby The Tram Engine
Jim Burgin: Toby is a tram engine. He has cowcatchers and side plates and doesn't look like a steam engine at all. He takes freight Troublesome Trucks from farms and villages to the main line and rings his bell cheerfully to everyone he meets. He has a coach called Henrietta who has seen better days.

Henrietta: It's not fair at all.

Jim Burgin: She grumbles remembering she used to be full and nine Troublesome Trucks would rattle behind her. Now there were only three or four for the farms and factories send their goods mostly by truck. Toby is always careful. The Troublesome Trucks, buses and trucks often have accidents. Toby hasn't had an accident for years. But the buses are crowded and Henrietta is empty. A lady and a stout gentleman stood on Toby's platform. He was of course Sir Topham Hatt. But Toby didn't notice this yet.

Children: Come on, grandfather. Look at this engine.

Sir Topham Hatt: That's a tram engine, Stephen.

Bridget: Is it electric?

Toby: Whoosh!

Stephen: Shh! You've offended him.

Bridget: But trams are electric, aren't they?

Sir Topham Hatt: They are mostly, but this is a steam tram.

Children: May we go in it, grandfather, please?

Sir Topham Hatt: Stop!

Jim Burgin: They all scrambled into Henrietta. Toby was still crossed.

Toby: Electric indeed. Electric indeed.

Jim Burgin: He snorted. He was proud of being a steam tram.

Sir Topham Hatt: What is your name?

Toby: I’m Toby, sir.

Jim Burgin: Thanks again Toby for a very nice ride.

Toby: You’re welcome. This gentleman...

Jim Burgin: He thought.

Toby: ...is a gentleman who knows how to speak to engines.

Jim Burgin: The children came every day for two weeks. Sometimes they rode with the conductor, sometimes in empty Troublesome Trucks. On the last day of all the driver invited them into his cab. All were sorry when they had to go away and Sir Topham Hatt and his family thanked everyone.

Toby: Come again soon.

Children: We will, we will.

Jim Burgin: And they waved till Toby was out of sight. The months passed. Toby had few Troublesome Trucks and fewer passengers.

Driver: Our last day, Toby. The manager says we must close tomorrow.

Jim Burgin: That day, everyone wanted the chance of a last ride. The passengers joked and sang, but Toby and his driver wish they wouldn't.

Passengers: Goodbye, Toby. We're sorry your line was closing down.

Toby: So am I? Nobody wants me.

Jim Burgin: Toby thought and went unhappily to sleep. Next morning, the shed was flung open and old Toby woke with a start to his driver waving a piece of paper at him.

Driver: Wake up, Toby! The mail has just arrived and there's a letter for us from the stout gentleman! Maybe it's good news.

Part 22: Thomas Breaks The Rules
Jim Burgin: There's a line to a quarry at the end of Thomas' branch. It goes for some distance along the road. Thomas was very careful to whistle here in case anyone was coming. Early one morning, a large policeman was sitting close to the line. Thomas liked policemen. He had been a great friend of the officer who had just retired.

Thomas: (whistles) Good morning.

Jim Burgin: Thomas expected that the new officer would be friendly too. But he was sorry to see that he didn't look friendly at all. He was red in the face and very cross.

Policeman: Disgraceful! I didn't sleep a wink last night. It was so quiet, and now engines come whistling suddenly behind me.

Thomas: I'm sorry, sir. I only said good morning.

Jim Burgin: The policeman pointed to Thomas.

Policeman: Where's your cowcatcher?

Thomas: But I don't catch cows, sir.

Policeman: Don't be funny.

Jim Burgin: Snapped the policeman. He looked at Thomas' wheels.

Policeman: No sideplates either.

Jim Burgin: And he wrote in his notebook.

Policeman: Engines going on public roads must have their wheels covered and a cowcatcher in front to protect people and animals from being dragged under the wheels if they stray under the line. You haven't so you are dangerous.

Thomas' driver: Rubbish!

Driver: We've been along here hundreds of times and never had an accident.

Policeman: That makes it worse.

Jim Burgin: The policeman answered. He wrote "Regular Lawbreaker" in his book. Thomas puffed sadly away. Sir Topham Hatt was having breakfast he was eating toast and marmalade. The butler came in.

Butler: Excuse me, sir, you're wanted on the telephone.

Sir Topham Hatt: Bother that telephone!

(Phone chattering)

Sir Topham Hatt: I'm sorry, my dear. Thomas is in trouble with the police and I must go at once.

Jim Burgin: At the station, Thomas' driver told Sir Topham Hatt what had happened.

Sir Topham Hatt: Dangerous to the public indeed. We'll see about that.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt spoke to the policeman. But however much he argued with him it was no good.

Policeman: The law is the law. And we can't change it.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt felt exhausted.

Sir Topham Hatt: I'm sorry, driver. It's no use arguing with the policeman. We will have to make those cowcatcher things for Thomas I suppose.

Thomas: Everyone will laugh, sir. They say I look like a tram.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt stared, then he laughed.

Sir Topham Hatt: (laughing) Well done, Thomas. Why didn't I think of it before? We need a tram engine. When I was on my holiday, I met a nice little engine called Toby. He takes freight Troublesome Trucks from the farms but the trucks have taken over most of his work and he needs a change. He has cowcatchers and sideplates. I'll write to his superintendent at once.

Jim Burgin: A few days later, Toby arrived.

Sir Topham Hatt: That's a good engine. I see you brought your coach Henrietta.

Toby: You don't mind, do you, sir? The stationmaster wanted to use her as a hen house, and that would never do.

Sir Topham Hatt: No indeed. We couldn't allow that.

Jim Burgin: Toby made the silly Troublesome Trucks behave even better than Thomas did.

Policeman: Hey you!

Jim Burgin: At first, Thomas was jealous, but he was so pleased when Toby rang his bell and frightened the policeman, they've been firmed friends ever since.

Part 23: James In A Mess
Jim Burgin: Toby and Henrietta were enjoying their new job on the Island of Sodor, but they do look old fashioned and did need new paint. James was very rude whenever he saw them.

James: Yech! What dirty objects!

Jim Burgin: He would say. At last, Toby lost patience.

Toby: James? Why are you red?

James: I am a splendid engine. Ready for anything. You never see my paint dirty.

Toby: Oh. That's why you once needed bootlaces to be ready I suppose.

Jim Burgin: James went redder than ever and snorted off. It was such an insult to be reminded of how the time a bootlace had been use to mend a hole in his coaches. At the end of the line, James left his coaches and got ready for his next train. It was a slow freight, stopping at every station to pick up and set down Troublesome Trucks. James hated slow freight trains.

James: Dirty Troublesome Trucks from dirty sidings! Yech!

Jim Burgin: Starting an only a few, he picked up more and more Troublesome Trucks at each station till he had a long train. At first, the freight Troublesome Trucks behaved well, but James bumped them so crossly that they were determined to get back at him. Presently, they approached the top of Gordon's Hill. Heavy freight trains halt here to set the brakes. James had an accident with Troublesome Trucks before and should have remembered this.

Driver: Wait James, wait!

Jim Burgin: but James wouldn't wait. He was too busy thinking what he would say to Toby when they next met. The freight Troublesome Trucks' chance had come.

Troublesome Trucks: Hurrah! Hurrah! (They laughed, and banging their buffers they pushed him down the hill.) On, on!

James: I've got to stop, I've got to stop!

Jim Burgin: They thundered through the Station. Disaster lay ahead.

(James crashes into the tar wagons)

Jim Burgin: Something sticky splashed all over James. He had run into two tar wagons, and was black from smokebox to cab. He was more dirty than hurt, but the tar wagons and some Troublesome Trucks were all to pieces. Toby and Percy were sent to help and came as quickly as they could.

Toby: Look here, Percy! Whatever is that dirty object?

Percy: That's James, didn't you know?

Toby: It's James' shape. But James is a splendid red engine and you'll never see his paint dirty.

Jim Burgin: James pretended he hadn't heard. Toby and Percy cleared away the unhurt Troublesome Trucks and help James home. Sir Topham Hatt met them.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well done, Percy and Toby.

Jim Burgin: He turned to James.

Sir Topham Hatt: Fancy letting your Troublesome Trucks run away. I am surprised. You're not fit to be seen. You must be cleaned at once. Toby shall have a new coat of paint.

Toby: Please sir, can Henrietta have one too?

Sir Topham Hatt: Certainly Toby.

Toby: Oh thank you sir. She will pleased.

Jim Burgin: All James could do was watch Toby as he ran off happily with the news.

Part 24: Gordon Takes A Dip
Jim Burgin: Gordon was resting in a siding. Sometimes he thought...

Gordon: It's really tiring to be such a large and splendid engine, one does have to keep up appearance is so.

Henry: (whistles) Hello, lazybones!

Gordon: What cheek! That Henry is too big for his wheels. Fancy speaking to me like that. Me who has never had an accident.

Percy: Aren't jammed whistles and burst safety valves accidents?

Gordon: No indeed. High spirits. Might happen to any engine. But to come off the rails like Henry did. Well, I ask you. Is that right? Is it decent?

Jim Burgin: Then it was Henry's turn to take the express. Gordon watched him getting ready.

Gordon: Be careful, Henry. You're not pulling the Flying Kipper now. Mind you keep on the rails today.

Jim Burgin: Henry went off in a huff, and Gordon yawned and went to sleep. But not for long.

Driver: Wake up, Gordon. A special train's coming and we're to pull it.

Gordon: Is it coaches or freight Troublesome Trucks?

Driver: Troublesome Trucks.

Gordon: Troublesome Trucks. Puh!

Jim Burgin: Gordon's fire was slow to start, so Edward had to push Gordon to the turntable to get him facing the right way.

Gordon: I won't go, I won't go!

Edward: Don't be silly, don't be silly.

Jim Burgin: At last, Gordon was on the turntable. The movement had checken his fire. It was now burning nicely and making steam. Gordon was cross and didn't care what he did. He waited till the table was halfway round.

Gordon: I'll show them, I'll show them.

Jim Burgin: He moved slowly forward to jam the table, but he couldn't stop himself and slithered into a ditch.

Gordon: Oosh! Get me out, get me out!

Driver: Not a hope.

Jim Burgin: Said his driver and fireman.

Fireman: You're stuck, you silly great engine. Don't you understand that?

Jim Burgin: They telephoned Sir Topham Hatt.

Sir Topham Hatt: So Gordon didn't want to take the special train and ran into a ditch? What's that you say? The special's waiting? Tell Edward to take it please. And Gordon? Leave him where he is. We'll get him out later.

Jim Burgin: On the other side of the ditch, some little boys were chattering.

Boy 1: Oh, doesn't he look silly?

Boy 2: They'll never get him out.

Jim Burgin: They began to sing.

Boys: Silly old Gordon fell in a ditch, fell in a ditch, fell in a ditch, silly old Gordon fell in a ditch all on the Monday morning.

Jim Burgin: Gordon lay in the ditch all day.

Gordon: Oh, dear. I shall never get out.

Jim Burgin: But that evening, they lifted Gordon and made a rope of sleepers under his wheels to keep him from the mud. Strong ropes were fastened to his back end, and James and Henry pulling hard, managed to bring him to safety.

(Gordon is pulled to safety, we show a close up of his wheels, and finally a shot of him on the turntable)

Jim Burgin: Late that night, Gordon crawled home, a sadder and wiser engine.

Part 25: Down The Mine
Jim Burgin: One day, Thomas was at the junction when Gordon shuffled in with some freight Troublesome Trucks.

Thomas: Phew! What a funny smell. Can you smell a smell?

Annie: I can't smell a smell.

Thomas: A funny musty sort of smell.

Gordon: No one noticed until you did. It must be yours.

Jim Burgin: Not long ago, he had fallen into a dirty ditch. Thomas enjoyed teasing him about it.

Thomas: Annie, Clarabel, do you know what I think it is? It's ditchwater.

Jim Burgin: Before Gordon could answer, Thomas puffed away. Annie and Clarabel

could hardly believe their ears.

Annie: He's dreadfully rude I feel quite ashamed.

Clarabel: I feel quite ashamed he's dreadfully rude.

Jim Burgin: And to Thomas they said.

Annie and Clarabel: You mustn't be rude, you make us ashamed.

Jim Burgin: But Thomas didn't care a bit.

Thomas: That was funny, that was funny.

Jim Burgin: He chuckled. He felt very pleased with himself. Annie and Clarabel were deeply shocked. They had great respect for Gordon The Big Engine. Thomas left the coaches at the station and went off to a mine for some Troublesome Trucks. Long ago, miners digging for led had made tunnels under the ground. Their roofs are strong enough to hold up Troublesome Trucks but not the weight of engines. A large notice warns them not to enter the area: Danger! Engines must not pass this board.

Thomas: Silly old board.

Jim Burgin: He had often tried to pass it but had never succeeded. But this morning he had made a plan. The fireman went to throw the switch.

Thomas: Now for my plan!

Jim Burgin: Bumping the Troublesome Trucks fiercely he jerked his driver off the footplate and followed them into the siding.

Thomas' Driver: Come back!

(A loud splash is heard as Thomas screams and falls to the mine)

Thomas: Fire and smoke! I'm sunk.

Jim Burgin: And he was.

Thomas: Oh, dear. I am a silly engine.

Sir Topham Hatt: And a very naughty one, too. I saw you!

Thomas: Please get me out. I won't do it again.

Sir Topham Hatt: I'm not sure. We can't lift you out with a crane. The ground's not firm enough. Hmm, let me see. I wonder if Gordon could pull you out.

Thomas: Yes sir.

Jim Burgin: But he didn't want to meet Gordon just yet.

Gordon: Down a mine is he? Ha, ha, ha! What a joke! Boop, boop! Little Thomas, we'll have you out in a couple of puffs.

Jim Burgin: Strong cables were fastened between the two engines.

Sir Topham Hatt: Are you ready? Heave!

(Gordon pulls Thomas out of the mine)

Jim Burgin: It was a lot harder than they all thought. At last Thomas was free.

Thomas: I'm sorry I was cheeky.

Gordon: That's all right, Thomas. You made me laugh. I'm in disgrace.

Thomas: So am I.

Gordon: Why so you are Thomas. Shall we form an alliance. You help me and I help you.

Thomas: Right you are.

Gordon: Good. That's settled.

Jim Burgin: Rumbled Gordon. And buffer to buffer the allies puffed home.

(Gordon and Thomas head home as we end the episode)

Part 26: Thomas' Christmas Party
Jim Burgin: It was Christmas on the Island of Sodor. All the engines were working hard. Thomas and Toby were busy carrying people and parcels up and down the branch line. Everyone was happy. Only the coaches Annie and Clarabel were complaining.Annie and Clarabel: It's always the same before Christmas!

Jim Burgin: They groaned.

Annie and Clarabel: We feel so full! We feel so full!

Thomas: Oh, come on! Where's your festive spirit? Christmas day is almost here.

Jim Burgin: By the side of the track was a little cottage with a familiar figure waving to them.

Thomas: It's Mrs. Kyndley! (whistles) Merry Christmas!

Jim Burgin: Thomas always felt better for seeing her.

Thomas: Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without Mrs. Kyndley.

Jim Burgin: He said to himself. When work was over, Thomas went to see the other engines. All their coats had been polished.

Gordon: Pooh! Just look at us. Your driver will have to work fast to get you as smart as us.

Thomas: Never mind that. I've something important to say. Do you realize it's been a whole year since Mrs. Kyndley saved us from a nasty accident? You remember when she was ill in bed and...Edward: Yes of course.

Edward: You told us how she waved her red dressing gown out of her window to warn you about a landslide ahead.

Percy: And you and Toby gave her presents.

Jim Burgin: Percy joined in.

Percy: And Sir Topham Hatt sent her to the seaside to get better.

James: But...

Henry: The rest of us never thanked her properly.

Thomas: Exactly. So now I think we should all give her a special Christmas party.

Jim Burgin: Everyone was getting very excited and the drivers felt sure that Sir Topham Hatt will agree as indeed he did. The engines were all busy making plans, when silence fell. Sir Topham Hatt had bad news.Sir Topham Hatt: The weather's changed badly. Mrs. Kyndley is snowed up. Toby says he'll help to rescue her. You must help too, Thomas. There's no party unless you do.Jim Burgin: Thomas hated snow, but he said bravely.

Thomas: I'll try, sir. We must rescue her, we must.

Sir Topham Hatt: There's a good engine. You and Toby will manage splendidly.

Jim Burgin: Thomas charged the snowdrifts fiercely. Sometimes he swept them aside, sometimes they stuck fast. And the men had to loosen them. But at the cutting near the cottage, they could go no further.Thomas' Fireman: Look at that!

Jim Burgin: Exclaimed Thomas' fireman.

Thomas: (whistles) Here we are!

Jim Burgin: An answering wave came from an upstairs window. Then they heard a familiar sound.

Thomas: That's Terence the Tractor! He's come to help too!

Jim Burgin: Sure enough, Terence had a snowplough and was working hard to clear a patch to the railroad line to safety. At long last, the rescue was complete. Percy took the tired workmen home. Terence said goodbye to Mrs. Kyndley and promised to take care of her cottage as he watched them all set off. The engines made good time. No more snow had fallen, but the yard was dark. There was no one to be seen. Thomas' heart sank. Suddenly, all the lights went on. What a marvelous site awaited Mrs. Kyndley.

Sir Topham Hatt: Well done! I'm really proud of you all.

Jim Burgin: Mrs. Kyndley especially thanked the smaller engines.

Mrs. Kyndley: Thomas and Toby are old friends. And now Percy, you are my friend too.

Jim Burgin: Percy was very pleased.

Percy: Three cheers for Mrs. Kyndley!

Jim Burgin: He called.

Engines: (whistle) (singing) We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Jim Burgin: Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends thought it was the best Christmas ever and Mrs. Kyndley could think of nowhere should rather live than here with them on the Island of Sodor.

Part 27: Double Trouble
Jim Burgin: It was a beautiful morning on the Island of Sodor. Thomas the Tank Engine's blue paint sparkled in a sunshine as he puffed happily along his branch line with Annie and Clarabel. He was feeling very pleased with himself.

Percy: Hello, Thomas. (whistles) You look splendid.

Thomas: Yes indeed. Blue is the only proper color for an engine.

Toby: Oh, I don't know. I like my brown paint.

Percy: I've always been green. I wouldn't want to be any other color either.

Thomas: Well, well, anyway.

Jim Burgin: Huffed Thomas.

Thomas: Blue is the only color for a really useful engine. Anyone knows that.

Jim Burgin: He just grinned at Toby. Later, Thomas was resting when Percy arrived. A large hopper was loading his freight cars full of coal. Thomas was still being cheeky.

Thomas: Careful. Watch out with those silly cars.

Cars: Go on, go on!

Thomas: And by the way. Those buffers don't look very safe to me.

Jim Burgin: The last load poured down.

Thomas: Help, help!

Jim Burgin: Cried Thomas.

Thomas: Get me out!

Jim Burgin: Percy was worried, but he couldn't help laughing. Thomas' smart blue paint was covered in coal dust from smokebox to bunker.

Percy: Ha, ha! You don't look really useful now, Thomas. You look really disgraceful.

Thomas: I'm NOT disgraceful. You did that on purpose. Get me out!

Jim Burgin: It took so long to clean Thomas that he wasn't in time for his next train. Toby had to take Annie and Clarabel.

Annie: Poor Thomas.

Jim Burgin: They were most upset. Thomas was grumpy in the shed that night. Toby thought thought of a great joke, but Percy was cross with Thomas for thinking he had made his paint dirty on purpose.

Percy: Fancy a really useful blue engine like Thomas becoming a disgrace to Sir Topham Hatt's railway.

Jim Burgin: Next day, Thomas was feeling more cheerful, as he watch Percy bring his cars from the junction. The cars were heavy and Percy was tired.

Driver: Have a drink. Then you'll feel better.

Jim Burgin: The water column stood at the end of the siding with the unsafe buffers. Suddenly, Percy found that he couldn't stop. The buffers didn't stop him either.

Percy: Ooh! Help!

(Percy falls into the deep coal)

Jim Burgin: The buffers were broken and Percy was wheel deep in coal. It was time for Thomas to leave. He had seen everything.

Thomas: Now Percy has learned his lesson too.

Jim Burgin: He chuckled to himself. That night, the two engines made up their quarrel.

Percy: I didn't cause your accident on purpose, Thomas. You do know that, don't you?

Thomas: Of course. And I'm sorry I teased you. Your green paint look splendid again too. In future, we're both be more careful of coal.

Part 28: A Cow on the Line
Jim Burgin: Edward was getting old. His bearings were worn, and he clanked as he puffed along. He was taking empty cattle cars to a market town. The sun shone, birds sang, but Edward was heading for trouble.

Edward: Come on! Come on!

Cars: Oh! Oh!

Jim Burgin: Edward puffed and clanked, the cars rattled and screamed. Some cows were grazing near by. They were not used to trains. The noise and smoke disturbed them. As Edward clanked by, they broke through the fence and ran across the line. A coupling was broken and some cars were left behind.

(Cows bleating)

Jim Burgin: Edward felt a jerk, but didn't take much notice. He was used to cattle cars.

Edward: Bother those cars! Why can't they come quietly?

Jim Burgin: He was at the next station before either he or his driver realized what had happened. When Gordon and Henry heard about the accident, they laughed and boasted.

Gordon: Fancy, allowing cows to break your train! They wouldn't dare do that to us. We'd show them!

Jim Burgin: Old Toby was cross.

Toby: You couldn't help it, Edward. They've never met cows. I have, and I know the trouble they are.

(Edward's whistle toots and puffs away)

Jim Burgin: Some days later, Gordon rushed through Edward's Station.

Gordon: Boop, Boop! Mind the cows! Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!

Coaches: Don't make such a fuss! Don't make such a fuss!

Jim Burgin: A long stretch of line lay ahead. In the distance was a bridge. It seemed to Gordon that there was something on the bridge. His driver thought so too.

Gordon's Driver: Whoa, Gordon!

Gordon: Pooh! It's only a cow! Shoo! Shoo!

Jim Burgin: He moved slowly on to the bridge, but the cow wouldn't "Shoo"! She had lost her calf, and felt lonely.

Cow: Moo!

Jim Burgin: Everyone tried to send her away, but she wouldn't go. Henry arrived.

Henry: What's this? A cow? I'll soon settle her. Be off! Be off!

Cow: Moo!

Jim Burgin: Henry backed away nervously.

Henry: I don't want to hurt her.

Jim Burgin: At the next station, Henry's Conductor told them about the cow, and warned the signalman that the line was blocked.

Porter: That must be Bluebell. Her calf is here, looking for her mother. Percy will take her along.

(Percy's whistle toots)

Jim Burgin: At the bridge, Bluebell was very pleased to her calf again, and the porter led them away.

(Cows bleating)

Henry: Not a word.

Gordon: Keep it secret.

Jim Burgin: They felt rather silly, but the story soon spread.

(Crickets chirping; owl hoots)

Edward: Well, well, well! Two big engines afraid of a cow.

Gordon: Afraid? Rubbish! We didn't want the poor thing to hurt herself by running up against us. We stopped so as not to excite her. You see what I mean, my dear Edward?

Edward: Yes, Gordon.

Jim Burgin: Gordon felt somehow that Edward "saw" only too well.

Part 29: Bertie's Chase
Jim Burgin: One morning, Edward was waiting to pick some passengers from Thomas' train.

Edward: (whistles) We're late! Where is Thomas? He doesn't usually make us wait.

Fireman: Oh dear, what can the matter be? Johnny's so long and...

Driver: Never you mind about Johnny. Just you climb on the cab and look for Thomas. Can you see him?

Fireman: No. There's Bertie Bus in the terriying hurry. No need to bother with him though. Likely, he's on a coach tour of something.

Bertie: Stop, stop! I've got Thomas' passengers!

Jim Burgin: It was no good. Edward was gone.

Bertie: Bother. Bother Thomas' fireman not coming to work today. Why did I promise to help the visitors catch the train?

Driver: That will do, Bertie. A promise is a promise and we must keep it.

Bertie: I'll catch Edward or bust. Oh, my gears and axles!

Jim Burgin: He groaned, toiling up the hill.

Bertie: I'll never be the same bus again. Hooray, hooray! I see him! Oh no! Edward's at the station! No, he stopped at a crossing. Hooray, hooray!

Jim Burgin: Bertie toured down the hill.

Passengers: Well done, Bertie! Go it!

Jim Burgin: Bertie skidded into the yard.

Bertie: Wait, wait!

Jim Burgin: He was just in time to see Edward puffed away.

Bertie: I'm sorry.

Passengers: Never mind. After him quickly. Third time lucky you know. Do you think we'll catch em at the next station, driver?

Driver: There's a good chance. Our road keeps close to the line and we can climb hills better than Edward. I'll just make sure.

Jim Burgin: He spoke to the stationmaster. Bertie and the passengers waited impatiently.

Driver: Yes! We'll do it this time.

Passengers: Hooray!

Coaches: This hill is too steep, this hill is too steep!

Jim Burgin: They reach the top at last and ran smoothly into the station.

Edward: (whistles) Get in quickly please.

Jim Burgin: The conductor blew the whistle and Edward's driver looked back. But the flag didn't wave, Then he heard Bertie. Everything seemed to happen at once, and the stationmaster told the conductor and driver what had happened.

Edward: I'm sorry about the chase, Bertie.

Bertie: My fault. Late at junction. You didn't know about Thomas' passengers.

Edward: (whistles) Goodbye, Bertie! We're off!

Passengers: Three cheers for Bertie!

Jim Burgin: Bertie raced back to tell Thomas that all was well.

Thomas: Thank you, Bertie, for keeping your promise. You're a very good friend indeed.

Part 30: Saved from Scrap
Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt works his engines hard, but they are very proud when he calls them really useful.

Edward: I'm going to the scrapyard today.

Thomas: What? Already? You're not that old.

Jim Burgin: Thomas was only teasing. The scrapyard is full of rusty old parts and machinery. They are broken into pieces, loaded into cars and Edward pulls them to the steelworks where they are melted down and used again. Today, there was a surprise waiting for Edward in the yard. It was a traction engine.

Edward: Hello. You're not broken and rusty. What are you doing here?

Trevor: I'm Trevor. They're going to break me up next week.

Edward: What a shame.

Trevor: My driver says I only need some paint, polish and oil to be as good as new, but my owner says I'm old fashioned.

Edward: People say I'm old fashioned, but I don't care. Sir Topham Hatt says I'm a useful engine. What work did you do?

Trevor: My owner would send us from farm to farm. We threshed corn, hauled logs and did lots of other work. The children loved to see us.

Jim Burgin: Trevor shut his eyes, remembering.

Trevor: Oh, yes. I like children.

Jim Burgin: Edward set off for the station.

Edward: Broken up, what a shame. Broken up, what a shame. I must help Trevor, I must.

Jim Burgin: He thought of all his friends who liked engines. But strangely none of them would have room for a traction engine at home.

Edward: It's a shame, it's a shame.

Jim Burgin: He hissed. Then...

Edward: (whistles) Why didn't I think of him before.

Jim Burgin: There on the platform was the very person.

Vicar: Hello Edward. You look upset. What's the matter Charlie?

Edward’s Driver: There's a traction engine in the scrapyard Vicar. He'll be broken up next week. Jem Cole says he never drove a better engine.

Edward: Do save him, sir. He saws wood and gives children rides.

Vicar: We'll see.

Jim Burgin: Jem Cole came on Saturday.

Jem Cole: The reverend is coming to see you, Trevor. Maybe he'll buy you.

Trevor: Do you think he will?

Jem Cole: He will when I've lit your fire and cleaned you up.

Jim Burgin: The Vicar and his two boys arrived that evening. Trevor hadn't felt so happy for months. He chuffered about the yard.

Vicar: Show your paces, Trevor.

Jim Burgin: Later he came out of the office, smiling.

Vicar: I've got him cheap, Jem, cheap.

Jem Cole: Did you hear that Trevor? The reverend's saved you and you'll live at the vicarage now.

(Trevor whistles)

Jim Burgin: Now Trevor's home was in the Vicarage Orchard, and he sees Edward every day. His paint is spotless and his brass shines like gold. Trevor likes his work but his happiest day is the church fair. With a wooden seat bolted to his bunker, he chuffers round the orchard giving rides to children. Long afterwards, you will see him shut his eyes, remembering.

Trevor: I like children.

Part 31: Old Iron
Jim Burgin: One day, James had to wait at the station till Edward and his train came in. This made him cross.

James: Late again!

Jim Burgin: Edward laughed and James fumed away. After James had finished his work, he went back to the yard, and puffed on to the turntable. He was still feeling very bad tempered.

James: Edward is impossible! He clanks about like a lot of "old iron" and he is so slow, he makes us wait!

Jim Burgin: Thomas and Percy were indigent.

Percy: "Old iron?!" Slow?!

Thomas: Why, Edward could beat you in a race any day.

James: Really? I should like to see him do it.

Jim Burgin: Next morning, James' driver was suddenly taking ill. He could hardly stand, so the fireman uncoupled James ready for shunting. James was impatient. Suddenly, the signalman shouted. There was James puffing away down the line.

Signalman: All traffic halted!

Jim Burgin: Then he told the fireman what had happened.

Signalman: Two boys were on James' footplate fiddling with the controls.

Fireman: Phew.

Signalman: They tumbled off and ran when James started.

(Phone rings)

Jim Burgin: The signalman answered the telephone.

Signalman: Yes? He's here? Right, I'll tell him. The inspector's coming at once. He wants a shunter's pole and a coil of wire rope.

Fireman: What for?

Jim Burgin: Wondered the fireman.

Signalman: Search me, but you better get them quickly.

Jim Burgin: The fireman was ready when Edward arrived. The inspector saw the pole and a rope.

Inspector: Good man, jump in.

Edward: We'll catch him, we'll catch him.

Jim Burgin: James was laughing.

James: What a lark! What a lark!

Jim Burgin: Suddenly, he was going faster and faster. He realized that he had no driver.

James: What shall I do? I can't stop! Help! Help!

Edward: We're coming, we're coming!

Jim Burgin: Edward was panting up behind with every ounce of steam he had. At last, he caught up with James.

Charlie Sand: Steady, Edward.

Jim Burgin: The inspector stood on Edward's front holding a noose of rope in the crook of the shunter's pole. He was trying to slip it over James' buffer. The engines swayed and lurched. At last...

Inspector: Got him!

Jim Burgin: He pulled the noose tight. Gently braking, Edward's driver checked the engines' speed, and James' fireman scrambled across and took control.

Edward: So the "old iron" caught you after all.

James: I'm sorry. Thank you for saving me. You were splendid, Edward.

Edward: That's all right.

Jim Burgin: The engines arrived at the station side by side. Sir Topham Hatt was waiting.

Sir Topham Hatt: A fine piece of work. James, you can rest, and then take your train. I'm proud of you, Edward. You shall go to the works and have your worn parts mended.

Edward: Oh, thank you, Sir. It'll be lovely not to clank.

Part 32: A New Friend for Thomas
Jim Burgin: Trevor the Traction Engine enjoyed living in the Vicarage Orchard. Edward came to see him every day, but sometimes Trevor didn't have enough work to do.

Trevor: I do like to keep busy all the time. And I do like company. Especially, children's company.

Edward: Cheer up. Sir Topham Hatt has work for you at his new harbor. I'm to take you to meet Thomas today.

Trevor: Oh. The harbor, the seaside, children. That would be lovely.

Jim Burgin: Thomas was on his way to the harbor with a trainload of metal pilings. They were needed to make the harbor wall firm and safe.

Edward: Hello, Thomas. This is Trevor, a friend of mine. He's a traction engine.

Jim Burgin: Thomas eyed the newcomer doubtfully.

Thomas: A what engine?

Trevor: A traction engine. I run on roads instead of rails. Can you take me to the harbor, please? Sir Topham Hatt has a job for me.

Thomas: Yes, of course.

Jim Burgin: But he was still puzzled. Workmen coupled Trevor's car to Thomas' train and soon they were ready to start their journey.

Trevor: I'm glad Sir Topham Hatt needs me. I don't have enough to do sometime you know. Although I can work anywhere. In orchards, on farms, in scrapyards, even at harbors.

Thomas: But you don't run on rails.

Trevor: I'm a traction engine. I don't need rails to be useful. You wait and see.

Jim Burgin: When they reached the harbor, they found everything in confusion. Cars had been derailed, blocking the line and stone slabs lay everywhere.

Driver: We must get this pilings past. They are essential. Trevor, we need you to drag them round this mess.

Trevor: Just the sort of job I like. Now you'll see, Thomas. I'll soon show you what traction engines can do.

Jim Burgin: Trevor was as good as his work. He dragged the pilings clear with chains and towed them into position.

Trevor: Who needs rails?

Jim Burgin: Later, Thomas brought Annie and Clarabel to visit him. Thomas was most impressed.

Thomas: Now I understand how useful a traction engine can be.

Jim Burgin: The coaches were full of children. Trevor gave them rides to all the harbor. He liked this best of all.

Annie: He's very kind.

Clarabel: He reminds me of Thomas.

Jim Burgin: Everyone was sorry when it was time for Trevor to go. Thomas pulled him to the junction. A small tear came into Trevor's eye. Thomas pretended not to see. He whistled gaily to make Trevor happy.

Thomas: I'll come and see you if I can. The Vicar will look after you and there's plenty of work for you now at the orchard. But we may need you again at the harbor someday.

Trevor: That would be wonderful.

Jim Burgin: That evening, Trevor stood remembering his new friend Thomas, the harbor, and most of all, the children. Then he went happily to sleep in the shed at the bottom of the orchard.

Part 33: Percy and the Signal
Jim Burgin: Percy works in the yard at the big station. He loves playing jokes, but they can get him into trouble. One morning, he was very cheeky indeed.

Percy: (whistles) Hurry up, Gordon, the train's ready.

Jim Burgin: Gordon thought he was late.

Percy: Ha, ha, ha, ha!

Jim Burgin: Gordon thought how he can pay Percy back for teasing him. Next it was James' turn.

Percy: Stay in the shed today, James. Sir Topham Hatt will come and see you.

James: Ah! Sir Topham Hatt knows I'm a fine engine. He wants me to pull a special train.

Jim Burgin: James' driver and fireman could not make him move. The other engines grumbled dreadfully. They had to do James' work as well as their own. At last, the inspector arrived.

Inspector: Show a wheel, James. You can't stay here all day.

James: Sir Topham Hatt told me to stay here. He sent a message this morning.

Inspector: He did not. How could he? He's away for a week.

James: Oh. Oh, where's Percy?

Jim Burgin: Percy had wisely disappeared. When Sir Topham Hatt came back, he was cross with James and Percy for causing so much trouble. But the very next day, Percy was still being cheeky.

Percy: I say, you engines, I'm to take some freight cars to Thomas' junction. Sir Topham Hatt chose me specially. He must know I'm a really useful engine.

James: More likely, he wants you out of the way.

Jim Burgin: Gordon looked across to James. They were going to play a trick on Percy.

Gordon: James and I were just speaking about signals at the junction. We can't be too careful about signals, but then I needn't say that to a really useful engine like you, Percy.

Jim Burgin: Percy felt flattered.

James: We've had spoken about backing signals.

Jim Burgin: Put in James.

James: They need extra special care you know. Would you like me to explain?

Percy: No thank you, James. I know all about signals.

Jim Burgin: Percy was a little worried.

Percy: I wonder what backing signals are. Never mind, I'll manage.

Jim Burgin: He came to a signal.

Percy: Bother, it's a danger.

Jim Burgin: The signal moved to show line cleared. It's arm moved up instead of down. Percy had never been that sort of signal before.

Percy: Down means go and up means stop. So upper still must mean go back. I know. It's one of those backing signals.

Driver: Come on, Percy. Off we go. Stop! You're going the wrong way!

Percy: But it's a backing signal.

Jim Burgin: Percy protested and told him about Gordon and James. The driver laughed and explained.

Percy: Oh, dear. Let's start quickly before they see us.

Jim Burgin: He was too late. Gordon saw everything.

(Percy heads his way back to the sheds)

Jim Burgin: That night, the big engines talked about signals. They thought the subject was funny. Percy thought they were being very silly.

Part 34: Duck Takes Charge
Percy: Do you know what?

Gordon: What?

Percy: Do you know what?

Gordon: Silly! Of course I don't know what. If you don't tell me what what is.

Percy: Sir Topham Hatt says that the work in the yard is too heavy for me. He's getting a bigger engine to help me.

James: Rubbish! Any engine could do it. If you work more and chattered less, this yard would be a sweeter, a better and a happier place.

Jim Burgin: Percy went off to get some coaches.

Percy: That stupid old signal.

Jim Burgin: He thought. He was remembering the time he misunderstood a signal and gone backwards instead of forwards.

Percy: No one listens to me now. They think I'm a silly little engine and order me about. I'll show them, I'll show them.

Jim Burgin: But he didn't know how. By the end of the afternoon, he felt tired and unhappy. He brought some coaches to the station.

Sir Topham Hatt: Hello, Percy. You look tired.

Percy: Yes sir, I am sir. I don't know if I'm standing on my dome or on my wheels.

Sir Topham Hatt: You look the right way up to me. (laughs) Cheer up. The new engine is bigger than you and can properly do the work alone. Would you like to help build my new harbor? Thomas and Toby will help too.

Percy: Oh yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

Jim Burgin: The new engine arrived.

Sir Topham Hatt: What's your name?

Duck: Montague, sir, but I'm usually called "Duck". They say I waddle. I don't really, sir, but I like Duck better than Montague.

Sir Topham Hatt: Good. Duck it shall be. Here, Percy, show Duck around.

Jim Burgin: The two engines went off together. Soon they were very busy. James, Gordon and Henry watched Duck quietly doing his work.

Henry: He seems a simple sort of engine.

James: We'll have some fun and order him about.

Henry, Gordon, James: QUAAAAAAAAAACK! QUAAAAAAAAAAAACK! QUAAAAAAAAAAACK! QUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH!

Jim Burgin: Smoke billowed everywhere. Percy was cross, but Duck took no notice.

Duck: They'll get tired of it soon. Do they tell you to do things, Percy?

Percy: Yes they do.

Duck: Right. We'll soon stop that nonsense.

Jim Burgin: He whispered something.

Duck: We'll do it later.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt was looking forward to hot buttered toast for tea at home. Suddenly, he heard an extraordinary noise.

Henry, Gordon and James: WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESH! (snorting noises)

Sir Topham Hatt: Bother!

Jim Burgin: Duck and Percy calmly sat on the switches outside the shed, refusing to let the engines in. Gordon, James and Henry were furious.

(Gordon, James and Henry blew their whistles loudly)

Sir Topham Hatt: What's that noise!

Gordon: They won't let us in!

Sir Topham Hatt: Duck, explain this behavior.

Duck: Beg pardon, sir, but I'm a Great Western Engine. We do our work without fuss, but begging your pardon, sir. Percy and I will be glad if you like to inform these, um, engines that we only take orders from you.

(James and Gordon blew their whistles loudly)

Sir Topham Hatt: QUIET! Percy and Duck, I am pleased with your work today, but not with your behavior tonight. You have caused a disturbance.

Jim Burgin: Gordon, Henry and James sniggered.

Sir Topham Hatt: As for you. You've been worse. You made a disturbance. Duck is quite right. This is my railway and I give the orders.

Jim Burgin: After Percy went away, Duck was left to manage alone. He did so...easily!

Part 35: Percy Proves A Point
Jim Burgin: Percy worked hard at the new harbor. The workmen needed stone for their building. Toby helped, but sometimes the loads of stone were too heavy, and Percy had to fetch them for himself. Sometimes, he'd see Thomas.

Thomas: Well done, Percy. Sir Topham Hatt is very pleased with us.

Jim Burgin: An airfield was close by. Percy heard the airplane zooming overhead all day. The noise-st of all was a helicopter.

Percy: Silly thing! Why can't and go and buzz somewhere else?

Jim Burgin: One day, Percy stopped at the airfield.

Percy: Hello. Who are you?

Harold: I'm Harold. Who are you?

Percy: I'm Percy. What whirly great arms you've got.

Harold: They're nice arms. I can hover like a bird. Don't you wish you could hover?

Percy: Certainly not. I like my rails, thank you.

Harold: I think railways are slow. They're not much use and quite out of date.

Jim Burgin: He whirled his arms and buzzed away. Percy found Toby at the quarry.

Percy: I say Toby. That Harold, that stuck up whirlybird thing, says I'm slow and out of date. Just let him wait. I'll show him.

Jim Burgin: He collected his freight cars and started off still fuming. Soon, they heard a familiar buzzing.

Driver: Percy. There's Harold. He's not far ahead. Let's race him.

Percy: Yes, let's do it.

Jim Burgin: Percy pounded along, the cars screamed and swayed.

Driver: Well, I'll be a ding-dong dang!

Jim Burgin: There was Harold. The race was on!

Driver: Go it, Percy! You're ganging!

Jim Burgin: Percy had never been allowed to go fast before. He was having the time of his life.

Percy: Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!

Cars: We don't want to, we don't want to.

Jim Burgin: They grumbled. It was no use. Percy was bucketing along with flying wheels and Harold was high and alongside. The fireman shoveled for dear life.

Driver: Well done, Percy! We're ganging! We're going ahead! Oh good boy, good boy!

Jim Burgin: A distant signal warned them that the harbor wharf was near.

Percy: (whistles 3 times) Brakes, conductor, please?

Jim Burgin: The driver carefully checked the train's headlong speed. They rolled onto the main line, and halted on the wharf.

Percy: Oh dear! I'm sure we've lost.

Jim Burgin: The fireman scrambled to the cab roof.

Fireman: We've won, we've won! Harold's still hovering. He's looking for a place to land. Listen, boys. Here's a song for Percy. (singing) Said Harold the Helicopter to our Percy you are slow. Your railway is out of date and not much used you know, but Percy and his stone cars did the trip in record time, and we beat the helicopter on our old branch line.

Jim Burgin: Percy loved it.

Percy: Oh, thank you!

Jim Burgin: He said. He liked the last line best of all, and was a very happy engine.

Part 36: The Runaway
Jim Burgin: Thomas the Tank Engine was ill. Workmen had tried to make him better, but it was no use.

Sir Topham Hatt: Edward must take you to the works.

Jim Burgin: Thomas felt very miserable. Then, Sir Topham Hatt spoke to Duck.

Sir Topham Hatt: I want you to help Percy and Toby while Thomas is away.

Jim Burgin: Duck was delighted. He already knew Percy and soon made friends with Toby and Bertie. Terence the Tractor gave him a big welcome too.

Terence: Take care of Thomas' coaches. He's sure to miss them while he's away.

Jim Burgin: Duck was very gentle with the coaches. Annie and Clarabel were impressed.

Annie and Clarabel: Such nice manners. It really is a pleasure to go out with him.

Jim Burgin: When Thomas came back, Annie and Clarabel told him how well Duck had managed. Thomas was so pleased to be home that he soon forgot to be jealous. The works have left Thomas' handbrake very stiff. It made his brakes seen they were on, when in fact they were not. As a result, he and his coaches often overran the platform. Thomas found this most embarrassing. Gradually, his driver and fireman learned to be extra careful. But one day, Thomas' fireman was ill and a relief man took his place. The fireman had fastened the coupling and joined the driver and stationmaster on the platform to wait for Henry's passengers. The fireman had forgot all about Thomas' handbrake. Thomas simmered happily.

Thomas: Not long now.

Jim Burgin: He thought. As he saw Henry slowly approaching. But Thomas' brakes were not on and suddenly he felt his wheels begin to move. He tried to stop, but he couldn't without his driver and fireman. He tried to whistle a warning, but he couldn't do that either. The Conductor, driver, fireman and passengers were all stranded on the platform.

Annie and Clarabel: Stop! Stop!

Jim Burgin: But Thomas, with plenty of steam, kept on going. The alarm went down the line.

Signalman: Stop the runaway!

Jim Burgin: There ready for action was Harold the Helicopter. The inspector had made a plan and together they took off into the sky. At last Thomas was tiring.

Thomas: I need to stop, I need to stop.

Jim Burgin: As they neared the next station Thomas saw Harold land. They entered the platform slowly enough for the inspector to act. Judging his moment the inspector scrambled into the cab and screwed the brakes on.

(The inspector brakes with all his strength)

Jim Burgin: At last Thomas stopped. Both he and the inspector were very relieved. Then they thanked Harold.

Harold: Think nothing of it. Glad to be at service anytime.

Inspector: Thomas. We must never let this happen again.

Jim Burgin: Wearily, Thomas agreed with him.

Part 37: Percy Takes The Plunge
Jim Burgin: One day, Henry wanted to rest, but Percy was talking to some engines. He was telling them about the time he had brave bad weather to help Thomas.

Percy: It was raining hard. Water swirled under my boiler. I couldn't see where I was going, but I struggled on.

Bill: Oh, Percy, you are brave.

Percy: Well, it wasn't anything really. Water's nothing to an engine with determination.

Ben: Tell us more, Percy.

Henry: What are you engines doing here? This shed is for Sir Topham Hatt's engines. Go away. Silly things.

Percy: They're not silly.

Jim Burgin: Percy had been enjoying himself.

Henry: They are silly and so are you. "Water's nothing to an engine with determination". Huh!

Percy: Anyway. I'm not afraid of water, I like it.

Jim Burgin: He ran off to the harbor singing.

Percy: Once an engine attached to a train, was afraid of a few drops of rain.

Henry: No one ever lets me forget the time I wouldn't come out of the tunnel in case the rain spoiled my paint.

Jim Burgin: Thomas was looking at the board on the key.

Thomas: Danger. We mustn't go pass it. That's orders.

Percy: Why?

Thomas: Danger means falling down something. I went pass danger once, and fell down a mine.

Percy: I can't see a mine.

Jim Burgin: He didn't know that the foundations of the key had sunk. The rails now sloped down into the sea.

Percy: Stupid board.

Jim Burgin: He made a plan. One day, he whispered to the cars.

Percy: Will you give me a bump when we get to the key?

Jim Burgin: The cars had never asked to bump an engine before. They giggled and chattered about it.

Percy: Driver doesn't know my plan.

Cars: On, on, on!

Jim Burgin: Percy thought they were helping.

Percy: I'll pretend to stop at the station, but the cars will push me pass the board. Then I'll make them stop. I can do that wherever I like.

Jim Burgin: Every wise engine knows that you cannot trust freight cars.

Cars: Go on, go on!

Percy: Ow!

Jim Burgin: Percy was frantic.

Percy: That's enough!

(Percy falls into the water)

Jim Burgin: Percy was sunk.

Sir Topham Hatt: You are a very disobedient engine.

Jim Burgin: Percy knew that voice.

Percy: Please, sir, get me out, sir, I'm truly sorry, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: No, Percy, we cannot do that till high tide. I hope it will teach you to take care of yourself.

Percy: Yes, sir.

Jim Burgin: It was dark when they brought floating cranes to rescue Percy. He was too cold and stiff to move by himself.

(Percy is lifted onto a flatbed)

Jim Burgin: Next day, he was sent to the works on Henry's freight train.

Henry: Well, well, well! Did you like the water?

Percy: No.

Henry: I am surprised. You need more determination, Percy. "Water's nothing to an engine with determination" you know. Perhaps you will like it better next time.

Jim Burgin: Percy is quite determined that there won't be a next time.

Part 38: Pop Goes the Diesel
Jim Burgin: Duck is very proud of being Great Western. He talks endlessly about it, but he works hard too, and makes everything go like clockwork. It was a splendid day. The cars and coaches behaved well.

[Whistle blows]

Jim Burgin: The passengers even stopped grumbling.

[Whistle blows]

Jim Burgin: But the engines didn't like having to bustle about.

Duck: "There are two ways of doing things," "The Great Western Way, or the wrong way. I'm Great Western and--"

Henry, Gordon and James: "Don't we know it!"

Jim Burgin: The engines were glad when a visitor came. He purred smoothly towards them. Sir Topham Hatt introduced him.

Sir Topham Hatt: "Here is Diesel. I have agreed to give him a trial. He needs to learn. Please teach him, Duck."

Diesel: "Good morning,"

Jim Burgin: Purred Diesel in an oily voice.

Diesel: "Pleased to meet you, Duck. Is that James and Henry and Gordon too?"

[Whistle blows]

Diesel: "I am delighted to meet such famous engines."

Jim Burgin: The silly engines were flattered.

Engines: "He has very good manners," "We're pleased to have him in our yard."

Jim Burgin: Duck had his doubts.

Duck: "Come on,"

Jim Burgin: Diesel purred after him.

Diesel: "Your worthy Top--"

Duck: "Sir Topham Hatt, to you,"

Jim Burgin: Diesel looked hurt.

Diesel: "Your worthy Sir Topham Hatt thinks I need to learn. He is mistaken. We diesels don't need to learn. We know everything. We come to a yard and improve it. We are revolutionary."

Duck: "Oh," "If you're revo--revo-thing-amy, perhaps you would collect my cars while I fetch Gordon's coaches."

Jim Burgin: Diesel, delighted to show off, purred away.

[Whistle blowing]

Jim Burgin: When Duck returned, Diesel was trying to take some cars from a siding. They were old and empty. They'd not been touched for a long time. Diesel found them hard to move. Pull! Push! Backwards! Forwards!

Cars: "Oh! Oh!" "We can't! We won't!"

Jim Burgin: Duck watched with interest. Diesel lost patience.

Diesel: "Grrrrrrr,"

Jim Burgin: The cars jerked forward.

Cars: "Oh!" "We can't! We won't!"

Jim Burgin: Some of their brakes snapped and the gear jammed in the sleepers.

Diesel: [Growls]

Duck: "Ho, ho, ho!"

Jim Burgin: Diesel recovered and try to push the cars back, but they wouldn't move. Duck ran quietly around to collect the other cars.

Duck: "Thank you for arranging these, Diesel. I must go now."

Diesel: "Don't you want this lot?"

Duck: "No, thank you." "And I've taken all this trouble? Why didn't you tell me?"

Duck: "You never asked me. Besides," "You were having such fun being re-whatever it was you said. Goodbye!"

Diesel: [Growls]

Jim Burgin: Diesel had to help the workmen clear the mess. He hated it. All the cars were laughing and singing at him.

Cars: ♪ Cars are waiting in the yard, tackling them with ease'll, ♪ ♪ "Show the world what I can do," gaily boasts the Diesel ♪ ♪ In and out he creeps about, like a big black weasel ♪ ♪ When he pulls the wrong cars out, "Pop!" goes the Diesel ♪

Diesel: "Grrrr,"

Part 39: Diesel's Devious Deed
Jim Burgin: Diesel the new engine was sulking.

Freight Cars: Cars are waiting in the yard...

Jim Burgin: The freight cars would not stop singing rudely at him.

Freight Cars: "Show the world what I can do", gaily boasts the Diesel. In and out he creeps about like a big black weasel...

Jim Burgin: Duck was horrified.

Freight Cars: When he pulls the wrong trucks out...

Duck: Shut up!

Jim Burgin: He ordered, and bumped them hard.

Freight Cars: Pop Goes the Diesel!

Duck: I'm sorry our cars were rude to you, Diesel.

Jim Burgin: Diesel was still furious.

Diesel: It's all your fault! You made them laugh at me!

Henry: Nonsense. Duck would never do that. We engines have our differences, but we never talked about them to the cars. That would be des...des...

Gordon: Disgraceful.

James: Disgusting.

Henry: Despicable.

Jim Burgin: Diesel hated Duck. He wanted him to be sent away, so he made a plan. He was going to tell lies about Duck. Next day, he spoke to the cars.

Diesel: I see you like jokes. You made a good joke about me yesterday. I laughed and laughed. Duck told me one about Gordon. I'll whisper it. Don't tell Gordon I told you.

Jim Burgin: And he sniggered away.

Freight Cars: (chuckling) Gordon will be cross with Duck when he knows. Let's tell him and get back at Duck for bumping us.

Jim Burgin: They laughed rudely at the engines as they went by. Soon Gordon, Henry, and James found out why.

Gordon: Disgraceful.

James: Disgusting.

Henry: Despicable.

Henry: We cannot allow it.

Jim Burgin: They consulted together.

Henry: Yes. He did it to us, we'll do it to him and see how he likes it.

Jim Burgin: Duck was tired out. The cars had been cheeky and troublesome. He wanted a rest in the shed. The three engines barred his way.

(Gordon, James and Henry wheesh steam with fury, causing Duck to get dazed)

James: Keep out!

Duck: Stop fooling. I'm tired.

James: So are we.

Gordon: We're tired of you. We like Diesel. We don't like you.

Henry: You tell tales about us to the cars.

Duck: No, I don't!

Gordon, and Henry: Yes, You do!

Duck: No, I don't!

James: Yes, You do!

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt came to stop the noise.

Gordon: Duck called me a "Galloping Sausage"!

James: "Rusty Red Scrap Iron"!

Henry: I'm "Old Square Wheels"!

Sir Topham Hatt: Well, Duck?

Jim Burgin: Duck considered.

Duck: I only wish sir. That I thought of those names myself. If the dome fits...

Sir Topham Hatt: (clearing throat)

Gordon, James and Henry: He made cars laugh at us.

Jim Burgin: Accused the engines. Sir Topham Hatt recovered. He been trying not to laugh himself.

Sir Topham Hatt: Did you, Duck?

Duck: Certainly not, Sir. No steam engine will be as mean as that.

Jim Burgin: Diesel lurked up.

Sir Topham Hatt: Now, Diesel, you heard what Duck said.

Diesel: I can't understand it, Sir, to think that Duck of all engines. I'm dreadfully grieved, Sir, but know nothing.

Sir Topham Hatt: I see.

Jim Burgin: Diesel squirmed and hoped he didn't.

Sir Topham Hatt: I'm sorry, Duck, but you must go to Edward's station for a while. I know he'll be glad to see you.

Duck: As you wish, Sir.

Jim Burgin: Duck trundled sadly away, while Diesel smirked with triumph.

Part 40: A Close Shave For Duck
Jim Burgin: Duck the Great Western Engine puffed sadly to Edward's station.

Duck: It's not fair. Diesel has been telling lies about me and made Sir Topham Hatt and all the engines think I'm horrid.

Edward: I know you aren't, and so does Sir Topham Hatt. You wait and see. Why don't you help me with these cars?

Jim Burgin: Duck felt happier with Edward, and set to work at once. The cars were silly, heavy and noisy. The two engines have to work hard pushing and pulling all afternoon. At last, they reached the top of the hill.

Duck: Goodbye!

Jim Burgin: Duck love coasting down the hill, running easily with the wind whistling past. Suddenly...It was the conductor's warning whistle.

Freight Cars: Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah! We've broken away, we've broken away! Chase him, bump him, throw him off the rails!

Duck's Driver: Hurry, Duck, hurry!

Jim Burgin: They raced through Edward's station, but the cars were catching up.

Duck's Driver: As fast as we can, then they'll catch us gradually.

Jim Burgin: The driver was gaining control.

Duck's Driver: Another clear mile and we'll do it. Oh, glory, look at that!

Jim Burgin: James was just pulling out on they're line through the station ahead. Any minute, there could be a crash.

Duck's Driver: It's up to you now, Duck.

Jim Burgin: Duck put every ounce of wait and steam against the cars.

Duck: It's too late!

Jim Burgin: He veered into a siding where a barber had set up shop. He was shaving a customer.

(Duck screams and crashes into the barber shop)

Jim Burgin: The silly cars had knocked their conductor off his van, and left him far behind after he had whistled a warning. But the cars didn't care. They were feeling very pleased with themselves.

Duck: Beg pardon, Sir. Excuse my intrusion.

Barber: No, I won't. You frightened my customers! I'll teach you!

Jim Burgin: And he lathered Duck's face all other. Poor Duck! Thomas was helping to pull the cars away when Sir Topham Hatt arrived.

Barber: I do not like engines popping through my walls.

Sir Topham Hatt: I appreciate your feelings. But you must know that this engine and his crew had prevented a serious accident. It was a very close shave.

Barber: Oh. Excuse me.

Jim Burgin: He filled a basin of water to wash Duck's face.

Barber: I'm sorry. I didn't know you were been a brave engine.

Duck: That's all right, Sir. I didn't know that either.

Sir Topham Hatt: You were very brave indeed. I'm proud of you.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt watched the rescue operation, then he had more news to Duck.

Sir Topham Hatt: And when you are properly washed and mended, you are coming home.

Duck: Home, sir? Do you mean the yard?

Sir Topham Hatt: Of course.

Duck: But, sir, they don't like me. They like Diesel.

Sir Topham Hatt: Not now. I never believed Diesel, so I sent him packing. The engines were sorry and want you back.

(Engines whistling)

Jim Burgin: A few days later, when he came home, there was a really rousing welcome for Duck the Great Western Engine.

Part 41: Better Late Than Never
Jim Burgin: The engines were finding life difficult. Workmen were mending the Viaduct on the Main Line. The arches needed strengthening. Sir Topham Hatt did not want to close the railway while the work was done and so repairs took a longtime. The engines had to take great care when crossing the Viaduct and the delay often made them late on their journey to the junction where they knew Thomas would be ready to collect his passengers. Thomas grew crosser and crosser.

Thomas: Time's time. Why should I keep my passengers waiting while Henry and James dawdle about all day on viaducts?

Henry: Don't blame me. If we hurry to cross the Viaduct, it might collapsed, and then you'd have no passengers at all. What would you do then?

Thomas: Run my train on time for one thing.

Jim Burgin: He hurried away before Henry could answer. Bertie was impatient too. He was timed to arrive just after Thomas. His passengers found that, instead of going straight from the bus to their train, they were kept waiting till Thomas arrived. Soon Bertie grew cross with Thomas.

Bertie: Late again!

Jim Burgin: He remarked as Thomas panted wearily in.

Bertie: We may be friends, but I thought you could go fast, Thomas. It's time we had another race. I reckon I can beat you now.

Jim Burgin: Thomas let off steam loudly.

Thomas: Rubbish! It's those Main Line Engines. They dither about on the Viaduct, and they blamed Sir Topham Hatt's workmen. It's just an excuse for laziness if you ask me.

Jim Burgin: One day, James was later than ever at the junction.

James: I'm sorry, Thomas. I was held up at the station, and the Viaduct made it worse.

Thomas: It's lucky for you I'm a guaranteed connection.

Jim Burgin: Before James could answer, he puffed importantly away.

Thomas: Come along, come along!

Jim Burgin: Annie and Clarabel did their best but Thomas soon found that he couldn't save much time. Suddenly, Thomas saw Bertie ahead. His radiator was steaming.

Thomas: What's the matter? You should be at the station by now. You're late.

Bertie: I feel dreadful. All upset inside and driver says he can't make me better. Thank goodness you're late too. Can you take my passengers please? They'll never get home otherwise.

Thomas: Of course.

Jim Burgin: He now felt sorry for Bertie, and promised to get help at the next station. Thomas set off again already he felt much more cheerful and Bertie's passengers, traveling in Annie and Clarabel all reached home safely. When Bertie was better he came to thank Thomas.

Bertie: I'm sorry I teased you about being late.

Thomas: That's all right. I'm glad I can help. There are times when being late isn't such a bad thing after all.

Jim Burgin: For the last cheerful greeting, the two friends went back to work.

(Bertie's horn honks and Thomas' whistle toots)

Part 42: Donald and Douglas
Jim Burgin: Donald and Douglas are twins and have arrived from Scotland to help Sir Topham Hatt, but only one engine had been expected. The Twins meant well, but did cause confusion. Sir Topham Hatt had given them numbers: Donald 9 and Douglas 10, but he was still planning to send one engine home. There was a brake van in the yard that had taken a dislike to Douglas. Things always went wrong when he had to take it out. His trains were late, and he was blamed. Douglas began to worry. Donald, his twin, was angry.

Donald: You're a muckled nuisance. It's to leave you behind I'd be wanting.

Brake Van: You can't. I'm essential.

Donald: Och, are you?

Jim Burgin: Donald burst out.

Donald: You're nothing but a screech and a noise when all is said and done. Spite Dougie, would ya? Take that!

Brake Van: Oh! Ooh!

Donald: There's more coming should ya misbehave.

Jim Burgin: The van behaved better after that. Until one day, Donald had an accident. The rails were slippery. He couldn't stop in time. Donald wasn't hurt, but Sir Topham Hatt was most annoyed.

Sir Topham Hatt: I am disappointed, Donald. I didn't expect such clumsiness from you. I have decided to send Douglas back and keep you.

Donald: I'm sorry, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: I should think so, too. You have upset my arrangements. Now, James will have to help with the goods work while you have your tender mended. James won't like that.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt was right. James grumbled dreadfully about extra work.

Douglas: Anyone would think. That Donald had had his accident on purpose. I heard tale about an engine and some tar wagons.

James: Stop it! It's not funny!

Jim Burgin: He didn't like to be reminded of his own accident.

Douglas: Well, well, well. Surely, James, it wasn't you. You didn't say!

Jim Burgin: James didn't say. He slouched sulkily away.

Brake Van: James is cross.

Jim Burgin: Snickered the spiteful brake van.

Brake Van: We'll try to make him crosser still.

Freight Cars: Hold back.

Jim Burgin: James did his best, but he was exhausted when they reached Edward's station. Luckily, Douglas was there.

James: Help me up the hill, please! These freight cars are playing tricks.

Douglas: We'll show them.

Jim Burgin: Slowly, but surely, the snorting engines forced the freight cars up the hill, but James was losing steam.

James: I can't do it! I can't do it!

Douglas: Leave it to me!

Jim Burgin: The conductor was anxious.

Conductor: Go steady. The van's breaking!

Jim Burgin: The van was in pieces. No one had been hurt and soon Edward came to clear the mess. Sir Topham Hatt was on board.

Sir Topham Hatt: I might have known it would be Douglas.

Edward: Douglas was grand, Sir. James had no steam left, but Douglas worked hard enough for three. I heard him from my yard.

Sir Topham Hatt: Two would have been enough. I want to be fair, Douglas, but I don't know. I really don't know.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt was making up his mind about which engine to send away, but that's another story.

Part 43: The Deputation
Jim Burgin: Snow came early to the Island of Sodor. It was heavier than usual. Most engines hate snow. Donald and Douglas were used to it. Coupled back to back with the van between their tenders and a snowplough in their fronts, they set to work. They puffed backwards and forward patrolling the line. Generally, the snow slipped away fiercely, but sometimes they found deeper drifts. Presently, they came to a drift which was larger than most. They charged it, and were just backing for another try when...

Henry: Help, help!

Douglas: Losh sakes, Donald! It's Henry! Don't worry yourself, Henry! Wait a while! We'll have you out!

Jim Burgin: Henry was very grateful. He saw all was not well. The twins were looking glum. They told him Sir Topham Hatt was making a decision.

Donald: He'll send us away for sure.

Percy: It's a shame.

Gordon: A lot of nonsense about a broken signal box.

Jim Burgin: Grumbled Gordon.

James: That spiteful brake van, too. Good riddance. That's what I say.

Henry: The twins were splendid in the snow. It isn't fair.

Jim Burgin: They all agreed that something must be done, but none knew what. Percy decided to talk to Edward about it.

Edward: What you need... ...is a deputation.

Jim Burgin: He explained what that was. Percy ran back quickly.

Percy: Edward says we need a depostation.

Gordon: Of course. The question is...

Henry: What is a desperation?

Percy: It's when engines tell Sir Topham Hatt something's wrong.

Duck: Did you say tell Sir Topham Hatt?

Jim Burgin: There was a long silence.

Gordon: I propose that Percy be our...um...disputation.

Percy: Me?! I can't!

Henry: Rubbish, Percy. It's easy.

Gordon: That's settled then.

Jim Burgin: Poor Percy wished it wasn't.

Sir Topham Hatt: Hello, Percy. It's nice to be back.

Jim Burgin: Percy jumped.

Percy: Uh, yes, sir, please, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: You look nervous, Percy. What's the matter?

Percy: Please, sir, they made me a desperation, sir, to speak to you sir. I don't like it, sir.

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt pondered.

Sir Topham Hatt: Do you mean a deputation, Percy?

Percy: Yes, sir, please, sir. It's Donald and Douglas. They say, sir, that if you send them away, sir, well, they'll be turned to scrap, sir. That would be dreadful, sir. Please, sir, don't send them away.

Sir Topham Hatt: Thank you, Percy. That will do.

Jim Burgin: Later, Sir Topham Hatt spoke to the engines.

Sir Topham Hatt: I had a deputation. I understand your feelings and I give a lot of thought to the matter. Donald and Douglas, I hear that your work in the snow was good. You shall have a new coat of paint.

Jim Burgin: The twins were surprised.

Donald: Thank you, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: But your names will be painted on you. We'll have no more mistakes.

Douglas: Thank you, sir. Uh, does this mean that the both of us?

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt smiled.

Sir Topham Hatt: It means...

Jim Burgin: But the rest of his speech was drowned in a delighted chorus of cheers and whistles. The twins were here to stay.

(Engines whistling)

Part 44: Thomas Comes To Breakfast
(Thomas' whistle toots)

Jim Burgin: Thomas the Tank Engine has worked his branch line for many years, and knows it very well.

(Thomas arrives at the station)

Thomas' Driver: You know just where to stop, Thomas. (laughs) You could almost manage it without me.

Jim Burgin: Thomas had become conceded. He didn't realize his driver was joking. Later, he boasted to the others.

Thomas: Driver says I don't need him now.

Percy: Don't be so daft.

Toby: I never go without my driver. I'd be frightened.

Thomas: Pooh! I'm not scared.

Toby: You never dare.

Thomas: I would then. You'll see.

Jim Burgin: The next day the firelighter came. Thomas drowsed comfortably as the warmth spread into his boiler. Percy and Toby were still asleep. Thomas suddenly remembered.

Thomas: Silly stick-in-the-muds! I'll show them! Driver says I can manage without him. I'll just go out and then I'll stop and "wheesh!" That'll make them jump.

Jim Burgin: Thomas thought he was being clever and really he was only moving because a careless cleaner had medal with his controls. He soon found his mistake. He tried to "wheesh!", but he couldn't. He tried to stop, but he couldn't. He just kept rolling along. He didn't dare what it look what's coming next. There was the stationmaster's house! The stationmaster was about to have breakfast.

Thomas: (gasp) Horrors! AAAAAAAAAAAH!

(Thomas crashes into the stationmaster's house)

Jim Burgin: The house rocked, broken glass tinkled, plaster was everywhere. Thomas had collected a bush on his travels. He peered into the room through its leaves. He couldn't speak. The stationmaster was furious. His wife picked up her plate.

Stationmaster's Wife: You miserable engine! Just look what you've done to our breakfast! Now I shall have to cook some more!

Jim Burgin: She banged the door. More plaster fell. This time, it fell on Thomas. Thomas felt depressed. Workmen propped up the house with strong poles and laid rails through the garden. Then, the Scottish twin engines, Donald and Douglas arrived.

Donald and Douglas: Dinna fash yourself, Thomas. We'll soon have you back on the rails.

(Donald and Douglas begin to rescue Thomas)

Jim Burgin: Donald and Douglas, puffing hard, managed to haul Thomas back to safety. Bits of fencing, the bush, and a broken window frame festooned his front, which was badly twisted. The twins laughed and left him. Thomas was in disgrace. There was worse to come.

Sir Topham Hatt: You're in a lot of trouble, Thomas.

Thomas: I know, sir. I'm sorry, sir.

Jim Burgin: Thomas' voice was muffled behind his bush.

Sir Topham Hatt: You must go to the works and have your front mended. It will be a long job.

Thomas: Yes, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: Meanwhile, a diesel railcar will do your work.

Thomas: A d-d-d-diesel, sir?

Sir Topham Hatt: Yes, Thomas. Diesels always stay in their sheds 'til they are wanted. Diesels never gallivant off to breakfast in Stationmasters' houses.

Part 45: Daisy
Jim Burgin: Percy and Toby were worried. Thomas' recent accident had caused a great deal of trouble, and Sir Topham Hatt was waiting for them with important news.

Sir Topham Hatt: Here is Daisy the Diesel Rail-car, who has come to help while Thomas is...indisposed.

Percy: Please, sir, will she go when Thomas comes back, sir?

Sir Topham Hatt: That depends. Meanwhile, however long she stays, I hope you will both make her welcome and comfortable.

Percy and Toby: Yes, sir, we'll try, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: Good. Run along now and show her the shed. She will want a rest after her journey.

Jim Burgin: Daisy was not easy to pleased. She shuddered at the engine shed.

Daisy: This is dreadfully smelly. I'm highly sprung, and anything smelly is bad for my swerves.

Jim Burgin: Next, they tried the carriage shed.

Daisy: This is better. But whatever is that rubbish?

Jim Burgin: The rubbish turned out to be Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta who were most offended.

Annie: We won't stay here to be insulted.

Jim Burgin: Percy and Toby had to take them away and spend half the night soothing their hurt feelings.

(Percy and Toby take Annie, Clarabel and Henrietta away)

Jim Burgin: The engines woke next morning feeling exhausted. Daisy, on the other hand, felt bright and cheerful.

Daisy: Oooh! Oooh!

Jim Burgin: She tooted, as she came out of the yard and back to the station.

Daisy: Look at me. I'm the latest diesel, highly sprung and right up to date. You won't need Thomas' bumpy old Annie and Clarabel now.

Jim Burgin: The passengers waited for Daisy to start, but she didn't. She saw that a milk van was about to be coupled to her and was most indignant.

Daisy: Do they except me to pull that?

Daisy's Driver: Surely. You can pull one van.

Daisy: I won't. Percy can do it. He loves messing about with freight cars.

Jim Burgin: She began to shudder violently.

Daisy's Driver: Nonsense. Come on now, back down.

Jim Burgin: Daisy lurched backwards. She was so cross that she blew a fuse.

Daisy: Told you.

Jim Burgin: Everyone argued with her but it was no use.

Daisy: It's fitter's orders.

Passengers: What is?

Daisy: My fitter's a very nice man. He comes every week and exams me carefully. Daisy, he says, never never pull. You're highly sprung and pulling is bad for your swerves. So that's how it is.

Stationmaster: Stuff and nonsense.

Shunter: I can't understand. Whatever made Sir Topham Hatt send us such a feeble...

Daisy: Feeble? Feeble?! Let me...

Passengers: Stop arguing! We're late already.

Jim Burgin: So they uncoupled the van, and Daisy purred away feeling very pleased with herself. She can now enjoyed her journey.

Daisy: That's a good story. I'll do just what work I choose, and no more.

Jim Burgin: But she said it to herself.

Part 46: Percy's Predicament
Jim Burgin: Daisy the Diesel Rail-car's work in the countryside was full of surprises. But she was frightened to bulls and cows, and she remained very lazy and stubborn. One day, Toby brought Henrietta to the station where Percy was grumbly shunting.

Toby: Hello Percy. I see Daisy's left the milk van behind again.

Percy: I'll have to make a special journey with it I suppose. Anyone would think I've nothing to do.

Toby: Tell you what? I'll take the milk, you fetch my freight cars.

Jim Burgin: Their drivers and stationmaster agreed. Percy had never been to the quarry before. He began ordering the freight cars about.

Percy: Hurry along.

Jim Burgin: The freight cars grumbled to each other.

Cars: This is Toby's place! Percy's got no right to poke his funnel in here and pushed us around.

Jim Burgin: They whispered and passed the word.

Cars: Pay Percy back! Pay Percy back!

Percy: Come along. No nonsense.

Cars: We'll give him nonsense.

Jim Burgin: But they followed so quietly that Percy thought they were under control. Suddenly, they saw a notice ahead: All Trains Stop To Pin Down Brakes.

Percy: (Percy's whistle toots) Brakes, Conductor, please!

Jim Burgin: But before he could check them the freight cars surged ahead.

Cars: On! On!

Percy: Help! Help!

Jim Burgin: The man on duty at the crossing rushed to warn traffic with his red flag but was too late to switch Percy to the runaway sidings. Frantically trying to grip the rails Percy slid into the yard.

Percy: (Percy's whistle toots again) Look out!

(Percy crashes into the break van)

Jim Burgin: The break van was in smithereens. Percy's driver and fireman had jumped clear but Percy was stranded. Next day, Sir Topham Hatt arrived. Toby and Daisy had helped to clear the wreckage but Percy remained on his perch of freight cars.

Sir Topham Hatt: We must now try. To run a branch line with Toby and a diesel. You have put us in an awkward predicament, Percy.

Percy: I am sorry, sir.

Sir Topham Hatt: You must stay here till we are ready. And you really must be more careful with freight cars.

Jim Burgin: (Percy sighes) The freight cars groaned beneath his wheels. He quite understood about awkward predicaments. Sir Topham Hatt spoke severely to Daisy too.

Sir Topham Hatt: My engines work hard. I send lazy engines away.

Jim Burgin: Daisy was ashamed.

Sir Topham Hatt: However, Toby says you worked hard after Percy's accident. So you shall have another chance.

Daisy: Thank you, sir. I will work hard. Toby says he'll help me.

Sir Topham Hatt: Excellent. What Toby doesn't know about branch line problems isn't worth knowing. But our Toby's an experienced engine.

Jim Burgin: Next day, Thomas came back, and Percy was sent to be mended. Annie and Clarabel were delighted to see Thomas again and he took them to a run at once. All were now friends, and Toby has taught Daisy a great deal. She shooed a cow the other day all by herself. That shows you, doesn't it?

Part 47: The Diseasel
Jim Burgin: Bill and Ben are tank engine twins. Each has four wheels, a tiny chimney and dome, and a small squat cab. Their freight cars are filled with China Clay. It is needed for pottery, paper, paint and many other things. The Twins are now kept busy pushing and pulling the cars for engines on the Main Line and for ships in the harbor. One morning, they arranged some cars and went away for more.

(The Freight Cars disappear)

Jim Burgin: They returned to find them all gone. The Twins were most surprised. Their drivers examined a patch of oil.

Drivers: That's Diesel.

Bill: It's a what'll?

Ben: A diseasel, I think. There's a notice about them in our shed.

Bill: Coughs and sneezles spread diseaels.

Ben: You had a cough in your smokebox yesterday. It's your fault the diseasel came.

Bill: It isn't!

Ben: It is!

Drivers: Stop arguing, you two. Let's go and rescue our freight cars.

Jim Burgin: Bill and Ben were horrified.

Bill and Ben: But the diseasel will magic us away like the freight cars.

Drivers: He won't magic us. We're more likely magic him. Listen, he doesn't know you're twins. So we'll take away your names and numbers and then this is what we'll do.

Jim Burgin: Puffing hard, the Twins set off on their journey to find the diesel. They were looking forward to playing tricks on him. Creeping into the yard, they found the diesel on a siding with missing cars. Ben hid behind, but Bill went bodily alongside.

(Bill passes the freight cars and stops next to BoCo)

Jim Burgin: The diesel looked up.

BoCo: Do you mind?

Bill: Yes. I do. I want my cars back.

BoCo: These are mine. Go away.

Jim Burgin: Bill pretended not to be frightened.

Bill: You're a big bully. You'll be sorry.

Jim Burgin: He ran back and hid behind the cars on the other side. Ben now came forward.

Ben: Car stealer!

Jim Burgin: He ran away too. Bill took his place.

(Bill and Ben begin to taunt BoCo several times)

Jim Burgin: This went on and on 'til the diesel's eyes nearly popped out.

BoCo: Stop! You're making me giddy.

Jim Burgin: The two engines gazed at him.

BoCo: Are there two of you?

Bill: Yes, we're twins.

BoCo: I might have known it.

Jim Burgin: Just then, Edward bustled up.

Edward: Bill and Ben, why are you playing here?

Bill: We're not playing.

Ben: We're rescuing our cars. Even you don't take our cars without asking, but this diseasel did.

Edward: There's no cause to be rude. This engine is a Metropolitan Vickers, diesel electric type 2.

Jim Burgin: The Twins were most impressed.

Bill: We're sorry, mister...er...

BoCo: Never mind. Call me BoCo. I'm sorry I didn't understand about the cars.

Edward: That's all right then. Now off you go, Bill and Ben. Fetch BoCo's cars, then you take this lot.

Edward: There's no real harm in them. But they're maddening at times.

Jim Burgin: BoCo chuckled.

BoCo: Maddening... ...is the word.

Part 48: Wrong Road
Jim Burgin: Thomas' branch line is important and so is Edward's. But their tracks and bridges are not so strong as those on the main line. Sir Topham Hatt does not allow the heavier main line engines like Gordon to run on them. But one day, the way Gordon was talking, you would've have thought Sir Topham Hatt had given this order for quite another reason.

Gordon: It's not fair!

Edward: What isn't fair?

Gordon: Letting branch line diesels pull main line trains.

Edward: Never mind Gordon. I'm sure BoCo will let you pull his freight cars sometimes.

Gordon: I wont pull BoCo's dirty cars. I won’t run on branch lines.

Edward: Why not? It would be a nice change.

Gordon: Sir Topham Hatt would never approve. Branch lines are vulgar.

Jim Burgin: Gordon puffed away. Edward chuckled and followed him to the station. Every evening the two engines pulled two fast trains from the station. Gordon always leaves first with an express for the main line. Edward follows five minutes later with his train for the branch line. Usually everything runs like clockwork. But tonight there was trouble. A lady in a green floppy hat was saying goodbye to her friend. It was nearly time for Gordon to start. The fireman looked back towards the conductor's van and saw something green waving.

Gordon's Fireman: Right away, mate!

Jim Burgin: He thought the conductor had waved his flag. Gordon started, leaving luggage, his passengers and the conductor all standing on the platform. Everyone was very surprised and cross. To make matters worse, by the time Gordon had been stopped and brought back, Edward was already late with his train. So now, he set off first. But the signalman at the junction wasn't told about the change. By mistake, he sent Edward along the main line. Gordon was sent along the branch, and arrived cold and cross on 1 of the sidings near the harbor. Next morning, Bill and Ben peeped into the yard. There were no cars for them but they didn't mind that. Teasing Gordon will be much better fun.

Bill: What's that?

Ben: Shush! It's Gordon.

Bill: It looks like Gordon, but it can't be. Gordon never comes on the branch lines. He thinks them vulgar.

Jim Burgin: Gordon pretended he hadn't heard them.

Ben: If it isn't Gordon. It's just a pile of Old Iron.

Bill: Which we better take it to the scrapyard.

Ben: No Bill, this lots useless for scrap, we'll take it to the harbor and dump it in the sea.

Jim Burgin: Gordon was alarmed.

Gordon: I am Gordon. Stop, stop!

Jim Burgin: When BoCo suddenly arrived, Gordon thought him the most beautiful sight he had ever been.

Gordon: BoCo, my dear engine, save me.

Jim Burgin: BoCo quickly sized up the situation and threatened to take away the cars he brought for Bill and Ben. This made the twins behave at once. Gordon thought BoCo was wonderful.

Gordon: Those little demons. How do you do it?

BoCo: Ah well. It's just a knack.

Jim Burgin: Gordon still believed that BoCo saved his life. But he knows the twins are only teasing. Don't we?

Part 49: Edward's Exploit
Jim Burgin: Bertie the Bus was giving some visitors a tour of the Island of Sodor. It was their last afternoon, and Edward was preparing to take them to meet Bill and Ben. He found it hard to start the heavy train.

Henry: Did you see him straining?

James: Positively painful.

Gordon: Just pathetic. He should give up and be preserved before it's too late.

Duck: Shut up!

Jim Burgin: Burst out Duck.

Duck: You're all jealous. Edward's better than any of you.

BoCo: You're right, Duck. Edward's old, but he'll surprised us all.

Edward: I've done it, we're off! I've done it, we're off!

Jim Burgin: Bill and Ben were delighted to see the visitors. They loved being photographed. Later, they took the party to the China Clay Works in the break van special.

(Bill and Ben take the visitors to their home)

Jim Burgin: Everyone had a splendid time, and the visitors were most impressed. Then, Edward took the visitors home. On the way, the weather changed. Wind and rain buffered in Edward. His sanding gear failed, and his fireman rode in front dropping sand on the rails by hand. Suddenly, Edward's wheels slipped fiercely and with a shrieking crack...

(Snap!)

Jim Burgin: ...something broke. The crew inspected the damage. Repairs took some time.

Driver: One of your crank pins broke, Edward? We've taken your side rods off. Now you're like an old fashioned engine. Can you get these people home? They must start back tonight?

Edward: I'll try, sir.

Jim Burgin: Edward puffed and pulled his hardest. But his wheels kept slipping, and he couldn't start the heavy train. The passengers were anxious. The driver, fireman and conductor went along the train, making adjustments between the coaches.

Driver: We've loosened the couplings, Edward. Now you can pick up your coaches one by one, just as you do with freight cars.

Edward: That'll be much easier. Come on!

Jim Burgin: He puffed, and moved cautiously forward. The first coach moving helped to start the second and the second helped the third.

Edward: I've done it, I've done it!

Driver: Steady, boy. Well done, boy! You've got them, you've got them!

Jim Burgin: And he listened happily to Edward's steady beat, as he forced slowly but surely ahead. At last, battered, wearily, but unbeaten, Edward steamed in. Henry was waiting for the visitors with the special train.

(Edward's whistle toots)

Jim Burgin: Sir Topham Hatt angrily pointed to the clock, but excited passengers cheered and thanked Edward, his driver and fireman. Duck and BoCo saw to it that Edward was left in peace. Gordon and James remained respectfully silent.

Part 50: Percy's Ghost Train
(Owl hooting twice)

(Ghost whistle blows)

Percy: And every year on the date of the accident, it runs again as a warning to others, plunging into the gap, shrieking like a lost soul.

Thomas: Percy what are you talking about?

Percy: The ghost train. Driver saw it last night.

Thomas and Toby: Where?

Percy: He didn't say, oh it makes my wheels wobble to think of it.

Thomas: Pooh! You're just a silly little engine. I'm not scared.

Percy: Thomas didn't believe in your ghost.

Jim Burgin: His driver laughed.

Percy's Driver: Neither do I. It was only a pretend ghost story.

Jim Burgin: Percy was disappointed. That evening, he came back from the harbor. Percy knew where he was, even in the dark.

Percy: Crowe's Farm Crossing. We shan't be long now.

Jim Burgin: He liked running at night. The rails hummed and the signal light shown green. But a broken cartload of lime lay ahead. Sam the Farmer had just gone for help.

(Percy's whistle toots and a loud crash is heard as he hits the cart)

Jim Burgin: Percy broke the cart to smithereens. Lime flew everywhere. He puffed quickly to the nearest signal box. Percy's driver explained what had happened.

Signalman: I'll see to it. But you'd better clean Percy, or people will think he's a ghost.

Percy: Do let's pretend I'm a ghost and scare Thomas. That'll teach him to see I'm a silly little engine.

Jim Burgin: Toby promised to help.

(Toby leaves Percy and heads back to the sheds)

Jim Burgin: Thomas was being oiled up for his evening train.

Toby: Percy's had an accident!

Thomas: Poor engine. Botheration! That means I'll be late!

Toby: They've cleared the line for you, but there's something worse.

Thomas: Out with it, Toby, I can't wait all evening.

Toby: I've just seen something. It looked like Percy's ghost. It said it was coming here to warn us.

Thomas: Pooh! Who cares? Don't be frightened, Toby. I'll take care of you.

(We can hear Percy's whistle and a loud brake sound)

Percy: (ghostly voice) (His whistle toots 6 times) Let me in, let me in!

Toby: No, no! Not by the smoke on my chimney chim, chim!

Percy: (ghostly voice) I'll chuff and I'll puff and I'll break your door in!

(The doors open and reveal Percy all along)

Thomas: Oh dear! It's getting late. Oh, I had no idea. Oh, I must find Annie and Clarabel.

Jim Burgin: It was morning when Thomas returned.

Toby: Where have you been?

Thomas: Ah well. I knew you be sad about Percy, and I didn't like to intrude. I slept in the freight shed and...

(Percy's whistle is heard again, along with a ghostly one)

Thomas: Oh, sorry, can't stop. Got to see a coach about a train.

Jim Burgin: Percy was none the worse for his adventure, and was still enjoying himself enormously. He had heard everything.

Percy: Well, well, well! What do you know about that?

Toby: Anyone would think... ...that our Thomas was just seen a ghost!

(Percy shrieks and whistles loudly.)

Mike O Donnell & Kids: See how the night sky glows,

See the light from the night train,

The fire glow from the night train.

On down the line he blows...

Woooooo-oooooo!!!

On down the line he blows.

All through the night he goes.

Hear the sound of the night train,

The chugga-chug-chugg of the night train.

Hear how his whistle blows...

Woooooo-oooooo!!!

Hear how his whistle blows.

Pulling, heaving, big engine breathing.

Pistons pushing side by side.

Driver checking, gauging, peering,

Fireman stoking by his side.

On down the line they go.

Fast track for the mail train,

Clear away for the post train.

Non-stop all night they go...

Woooooo-oooooo!!!

Non-stop all night they go.

See how the night sky glows.

Clear ahead for the night train,

Green light for the night train.

On down the track he blows...

Woooooo-oooooo!!!

On down the track he blows.

Dawn is breaking, sleepy town waking.

Children waving, watch him go.

Freight trains, milk trains,

Boat trains waiting,

Stand aside to let him go.

There in the morning glow

The sunlight on the night train,

Silhouettes the night train.

On down the line he blows...

Woooooo-oooooo!!!

There in the morning glow.

On down the line he blows

Hear the sound of the night train,

The chugga-chug-chugg of the night train.

Hear how his whistle blows...

Woooooo-oooooo!!!

Hear how his whistle blows.

On down the line he blows,

On down the line he blows.

Into the mines we go

We're a little bit scared but

Now we're together

Together here we go (Woooo woooo!)

Together here we go

When you are all alone

The mine seems so scary

Dark, dark and so scary

Friendship will light the way (Woooo woooo!)

Friendship will light the way

Thomas leading, Percy shaking

Thomas bravely leads the way

Percy's nervous but he knows

With Thomas he will be okay

When you are all alone

The mine seems so scary

Dark, dark and so scary

Friendship will light the way (Woooo woooo!)

Friendship will light the way

Friendship will light the way.

Part 51: Woolly Bear
Jim Burgin: In the summer, the work crews cut the long grass along the tracks raking it into heaps to dry in the sun. At this time of year, Percy stops where they have been cutting. The men load up his empty wagons and he pulls them to the station.

(Percy leaves with the loaded cars)

Jim Burgin: Toby then takes them to the hills for the farmers to feed their stock.

(Toby also leaves with the same load)

Percy: Wheesh!

Jim Burgin: Percy gave a ghostly whistle.

Percy: Don't be frightened, Thomas. It's only me!

Thomas: Your ugly fizz is enough to frighten anyone. You're like...

Percy: Ugly indeed. I'm...

Thomas: ...green caterpillar with red stripes. You crawl like one too.

Percy: I don't!

Thomas: Who's been late every afternoon this week?

Percy: It's the hay.

Thomas: I can't help that. Time's time, and Sir Topham Hatt relies on me to keep it. I can't if you crawl in the hay till all hours.

Percy: "Green caterpillar" indeed. Everyone says I'm handsome, or at least nearly anyone. Anyway, my curves are better than Thomas' corners. Thomas says I'm always late. I'm never late, or at least only a few minutes. What's that to Thomas? He can always catch up time further on.

Jim Burgin: All the same, he and his driver decided to start home early. Then came trouble.

(The crate of treacle appears held by a crane it falls down and lands on Percy with a loud Wham!)

Jim Burgin: A crate of treacle was upset all over Percy. Percy was cross. He was still sticky when he puffed away. The wind was blowing fiercely.

Percy's Driver: Look at that!

Jim Burgin: The wind caught the piled hay, tossing it up and over the track. The line climbed here.

Percy's Driver: Take a run at it, Percy.

Jim Burgin: Percy gathered speed. But the hay made the rails slippery and his wheels wouldn't grip. Time after time he stalled with spinning wheels and had to wait until the line ahead was cleared before he could start again. Everyone was waiting. Thomas seethed impatiently.

Thomas: Ten minutes late. I warned him. Passengers will complain and Sir Topham Hatt...

Jim Burgin: Then they all saw Percy. They laughed and shouted.

(Passengers laughing)

Percy: Sorry I'm late.

Thomas: Look what's crawled out of the hay!

Percy: What's wrong?

Thomas: Talk about hairy caterpillars. It's worth been late to have seen you.

Jim Burgin: When Percy got home, his driver showed him what he looked like in the mirror.

(Percy gets shocked in the mirror)

Percy: Bust my buffers! No wonder they all laughed. I'm just look like a woolly bear. Please clean me before Toby comes.

Jim Burgin: But it was no good. Thomas told Toby all about it.

(Workmen are seen clearing the hay out of Percy)

Jim Burgin: Instead of talking about sensible things like playing ghosts, Thomas and Toby made jokes about "woolly bear" caterpillars, and other creatures which crawled about in hay. They laughed a lot, but Percy thought they were really being very silly indeed!

Part 52: Thomas and The Missing Christmas Tree
Jim Burgin: It was two days before Christmas. Many children were expected on the Island of Sodor. All the engines were busy with the final preparations. Sir Topham Hatt wanted this year's carol party to be an extra special celebration. Sir Topham Hatt was now waiting impatiently for Thomas.

Sir Topham Hatt: Quickly now. Our Christmas tree has arrived just in time. I want you to fetch it, Thomas. Duck can look after Annie and Clarabel until you get back.

Thomas: Will we be able to sing carols too?

Sir Topham Hatt: We'll see.

Thomas: It would be nice to sing carols again.

Jim Burgin: Thomas collected the tree safely but large snowdrifts lay ahead.

Thomas: I mustn't be late. Sir Topham Hatt is relying on me.

Jim Burgin: Thomas tried to move. But he couldn't. There was worse to come. Thomas was snowed undered. Meanwhile the other engines waited and waited. They were grumbling about Thomas for being late.

Sir Topham Hatt: Silence! Thomas left the works safely, but snow had brought the telephone lines down. We must assume he is stranded.

Jim Burgin: The engines now felt sorry for Thomas, and cold but confident the twins set off to the rescue. Suddenly, they came to a drift that was deeper than the rest.

Thomas: Help!

Donald: Hush! I can hear something.

Douglas: Probably the wind.

Thomas: Help!

Donald: No listen.

Thomas: Over here!

Douglas: Oh, it's Thomas. Come on the poor wee engine must be frozen to the frames in there.

Jim Burgin: When the workmen arrived, it took some time to decide how to dig away the heavy drifts of snow. Thomas' driver and fireman, who had taken shelter at a nearby cottage, joined the rescue. At last, Thomas and the precious Christmas tree were free from the snowdrift. (Thomas Shakes The Snow Off) Then they set off once more to finish their long journey. Sir Topham Hatt greeted them warmly.

Sir Topham Hatt: As a reward for all your hard work, you may go and enjoy the carols. Be quick now.

Jim Burgin: At the big station, all were soon ready.

Sir Topham Hatt: One, Two, Three!

Jim Burgin: Suddenly like magic the station was flooded with lights.

Sir Topham Hatt: Ladies and gentlemen and children, I give you three cheers for Thomas the Tank Engine and all his friends who had made this occasion possible.

Jim Burgin: Then there was a familiar whirring sound. Percy and Toby smiled, they knew who it was. With landing lights shining brightly, Harold the Helicopter touched down gently in the snow. Bringing the greatest surprise of all, Santa Claus. Everyone cheered and the party began.

Thomas: It's no fun getting stuck in the snow. But it was worth it for this party. Happy holiday, Percy. Happy holiday, everyone.

(Wipe back to the seafood restaurant)

Jim Burgin: Then there was a familiar whirring sound. Percy and Toby smiled, they knew who it was. With landing lights shining brightly, Harold the Helicopter touched down gently in the snow. Bringing the greatest surprise of all, Santa Claus. Everyone cheered and the party began.

Allison: So did he get really useful?

Jim Burgin: Shouldn't you be looking out for your tow truck?

Allison: Yeah yeah yeah, that can wait. Did Thomas get really useful?

Jim Burgin: Well, Thomas celebrated Christmas, Just like a Really Useful Engine.

Scott Smalls: That's Thomas!

Allison: But did Thomas the Train celebrate Christmas after being useful? You know, But Percy?

Part 53: A Scarf for Percy
Jim Burgin: It was a cold winter's morning on the Island of Sodor. The wind was bitter and the ground hard with frost. Thomas and Percy were cold and cross.

(Fade to a cold winter's morning on the Island of Sodor. The wind was bitter and the ground hard with frost, and It happened to know where Thomas and Percy would be.)