Season 4, Episodes 17-21 (Transmission 19)

Season 4, Episodes 17-21 is the nineteenth episode of Thomas and Friends.

Train Stops Play

 * At a signal, Stepney enjoys watching a game of cricket. He didn't realize when the ball landed in one of his cars. The players, in Caroline the Car, pursue Stepney and their missing ball.

Bowled Out

 * The railways are very busy and The Diesel has been brought to help. He is rude to the engines by saying they were are out of date. When a train inspector's hat disappears, it's The Diesel who's lost his game.

Henry and The Elephant

 * Henry is in for quite a surprise when the circus leaves town. He's asked to clear a tunnel that is blocked by something big and alive - the circus elephant!

Paint Pots and Queens

 * Sir Topham Hatt has an even bigger surprise. The Queen is coming to Sodor! But which engine will be lucky enough to pull the royal train?

Thomas and The Special Letter

 * All the engines are excited to go on a trip to the big city to visit a little girl who had written Sir Topham Hatt a special letter. When Thomas shows off to Oliver, he almost misses the big trip!

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Edward
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Duck
 * Donald and Douglas
 * Oliver
 * Bill and Ben
 * BoCo
 * Mavis
 * Stepney
 * Annie and Clarabel
 * Caroline
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Class 40 (not named)
 * Bertie (does not speak)
 * Skarloey (cameo)
 * Sir Handel (cameo)
 * Rusty (cameo)
 * Henrietta (cameo)
 * Bulgy (cameo)

Trivia

 * Stories told by George Carlin.

Full Script

 * (Start of Transmission 19, we start with the Britt Allcroft Presents logo. Then, we start with the Thomas and Friends Season 5 intro, with Thomas, with Annie and Clarabel passing the windmill, as the "THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE & FRIENDS" logo appears. Then, the "BASED ON THE RAILWAY SERIES BY THE REV.W.AWDRY" logo appears, and then the "ADAPTATION BY BRITT ALLCROFT" logo. Then, we see Thomas passing under a bride, as the "TRAIN STOPS PLAY" title card appears. Finally, we see Thomas arriving at the last station, as the "TOLD BY GEORGE CARLIN" title card appears, and then the "DIRECTED BY DAVID MITTON" title card appears, then we start the first story.)
 * George Carlin: Stepney the Bluebell Engine was busy talking to the other engines. It was his first visit to their railway and he was having a splendid time.
 * Stepney: You are very lucky engines.
 * George Carlin: He said.
 * Stepney: Your line has got everything. It's long enough to give you a good run, and you have plenty of passengers. Then you have a quarry and a mine, so you'll need plenty of cars. Cars are fun. I missed them on our line.
 * George Carlin: Percy was surprised. All the engines thought cars were trouble.
 * Percy: You're welcome to take some of mine.
 * George Carlin: He said.
 * Percy: But you better ask driver first.
 * George Carlin: Their drivers agreed and the two engines set off.
 * (Stepney and Percy set off with cars)
 * George Carlin: Thomas and Toby were speechless. Stepney took the cars to the harbour. Then he picked up the loaded ones and started back. Ahead was a cricket field. The game had just begun. Stepney and his driver had to wait at the signal.
 * Stepney's Driver: Good.
 * George Carlin: Said his driver.
 * Stepney's Driver: We can watch the game.
 * George Carlin: Then, there was trouble. The batsman hit the ball. It flew high into the sky towards Stepney's train. "Clunk" went the signal.
 * (A ball landed)
 * George Carlin: "Thump" went the ball into a car, but neither driver nor fireman heard it.
 * (Stepney set off)
 * Players: Stop!
 * George Carlin: Yelled the players. But Stepney didn't hear them.
 * Stepney: Come along. Come along.
 * George Carlin: He puffed to the cars.
 * Players: Our one and only ball.
 * George Carlin: Cried the players.
 * Players: Wake up, Caroline.
 * George Carlin: They said to their old car.
 * Players: The chase is on.
 * George Carlin: Caroline coughed crossly and rolled down the road. Stepney wasn't hurrying. Caroline soon came up behind.
 * Caroline: Toot, toot.
 * George Carlin: She wailed. The players shouted but Stepney was still too far for his driver and fireman to see or hear properly. They completely misunderstood.
 * Stepney's Driver: If those jokers wanna race.
 * George Carlin: Said the driver.
 * Stepney's Driver: They can have on. Faster, Stepney! Faster!
 * George Carlin: Poor Caroline wasn't happy at all. She rattled along at twice her usual speed.
 * Caroline: I shouldn't be treated like this.
 * George Carlin: She grumbled.
 * Caroline: This pace is too hot for my system. It'll fuse all my circuits.
 * George Carlin: Suddenly, Stepney was nowhere to be seen.
 * Caroline: Yahoo! That silly train has run into a hole so we can't catch it. I can go home now.
 * George Carlin: But she couldn't. Her driver pounded Caroline on up the steep hill, and then down the other side toward the station. Stepney was already there and Caroline cluttered in.
 * Players: We need our ball back.
 * George Carlin: Cried the players and explained everything. The ball was nestled in some straw and the third car from the van.
 * Player: We found it.
 * George Carlin: Cried the player.
 * Stepney's Driver: We're sorry.
 * George Carlin: Sighed the driver.
 * Player: Ah, you couldn't help it.
 * George Carlin: Replied the player.
 * Player: Now, we must get back quickly.
 * Stepney's Driver: You'll be lucky.
 * George Carlin: Said the driver.
 * (Caroline was overheated)
 * Stepney's Driver: Caroline looks worn out.
 * George Carlin: And she was. The driver spoke to the stationmaster and the signalman and they all agreed on the plan. Soon they rolled Caroline on to a flat car and a break van coupled behind. The players crowded in sight and Stepney pulled the train back to the playfield.
 * (The train was brought back to the field)
 * George Carlin: Everyone enjoyed watching the game.
 * (The cricket game was successful)
 * George Carlin: Even Caroline was pleased. She doesn't think trains silly now.
 * Caroline: They have their uses. They can save the wear on a poor car's wheels.
 * (We see Thomas passing under a bridge, as the "BOWLED OUT" title card appears, thus starting the second story.)
 * George Carlin: Stepney's visit to Sir Topham Hatt's railway was coming to an end.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: We shall miss you.
 * George Carlin: Said Sir Topham Hatt. Then he turned his attention to all the other engines.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: My railway was very busy, but I'm pleased with you, but... you need help. A diesel was all that's available. Please do your best to avoid any... ahem, disturbances.
 * Duck: What does that mean?
 * George Carlin: Whispered Duck.
 * James: That means this diesel is difficult!
 * George Carlin: Snapped James. And he was. The diesel surveyed the shed.
 * Class 40: Not bad. I've seen worse. At least you're all clean.
 * George Carlin: The engines glared.
 * Class 40: It's not your fault, but Sir Topham Hatt should scrap you and get engines like me. A fill of oil, a touch of a start, and I'm off! No bother, no waiting. They had to fuss round you for hours before you're ready.
 * George Carlin: The engines were furious! Next morning, they held an indignation meeting around the turntable.
 * Gordon: Disgraceful!
 * James: Disgusting!
 * Henry: Despicable!
 * Donald: To say such things to us!
 * George Carlin: Cried Donald and Douglas.
 * Douglas: It's too teach him a lesson we be wanting. Now, how do we do it?
 * George Carlin: Their chance came sooner and than expected. The diesel was purring comfortable. An inspector watch the fitter making final adjustments. The wind tugged the inspector's hat. The diesel was ready.
 * Class 40: Look at me, Duck and Stepney! Now I'll show you something!
 * George Carlin: He rolled proudly toward his coaches. Then, it happened.
 * (Class 40 starts to make bad sounds and breaks down)
 * George Carlin: Shaking and spluttering, the diesel stopped. Meanwhile the inspector was looking for his hat. The diesel seethed with fury as Duck and Stepney pushed him back to the shed.
 * Inspector: My hat!
 * George Carlin: Explained the inspector.
 * Inspector: You've sucked it through your air in-tank.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Bother your hat! The heavy trains are due out. You'll have to take it, Duck. Stepney, will you help please?
 * Stepney: Thank you, sir.
 * George Carlin: Cried Stepney.
 * Stepney: I like a good, long run on my last day.
 * George Carlin: The engines were soon ready.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Gordon will take over from halfway, so get the train to there. Good luck.
 * Stepney: Don't worry.
 * George Carlin: Smiled Stepney.
 * Stepney: We'll get there, and be early, too!
 * George Carlin: The cavalcade moved carefully over the rails and out to the open line.
 * Stepney: Now for a sprint.
 * George Carlin: Puffed Stepney.
 * Duck: I'm ready when you are!
 * George Carlin: Replied Duck. Soon they were whizzing through Edward's station, and next, they charged at Gordon's Hill beyond. They felt the drag of the heavy coaches here. It was hard work. At last, they were running smoothly along the line toward the big station.
 * (Stepney and Duck met up with Gordon)
 * Gordon: Hello, you're early!
 * George Carlin: Said Gordon.
 * Gordon: That's one in the headlamp for old diesel! James says he's sick as boiler sludge and sulking in the shed. Serves him right for saying we're out of date!
 * George Carlin: And Gordon chortled away. Next day, everyone came to say goodbye to Stepney.
 * Thomas: Come back and see you soon!
 * George Carlin: Whistled the engines.
 * Stepney: And you are always welcome at my Bluebell Railway, too!
 * George Carlin: Replied Stepney. Then, he puffed away. What about diesel? He'd slipped out when no one was looking. But he left two things behind: a rather nasty smell, and a battered bowler hat.
 * (We see Thomas passing under a bridge, as the "HENRY & THE ELEPHANT" title card appears, thus starting the third story.)
 * George Carlin: Thomas the Tank Engine puffed happily along his branch line with Annie and Clarabel. Sir Topham Hatt was waiting on the platform. He looked at his watch.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Well done, Thomas! You're right on time and really reliable.
 * Thomas: Thank you, sir.
 * George Carlin: Whistled Thomas.
 * Annie and Clarabel: Ooh, right on time and really reliable!
 * George Carlin: Hummed the coaches. But the big engines were not feeling cheerful at all.
 * Henry: Where's Percy?
 * George Carlin: Mumbled Henry.
 * Henry: He suppose to fetch our coaches.
 * James: We get no rest.
 * George Carlin: Complained James. He edged angrily onto the turntable and spoke rudely to Henry.
 * James: What's the matter, Henry? There's no rain today. Stop worrying and do some work instead.
 * Henry: I'm not afraid of getting wet anymore.
 * George Carlin: Huffed Henry.
 * Henry: Anyway, you look silly enough to be a clown. You should join the circus.
 * Percy: Oh!
 * George Carlin: Whistled Percy.
 * Percy: So you heard the news?
 * Gordon: What news?
 * Percy: About the circus.
 * James: Percy, what are you talking about?
 * Percy: The circus has arrived.
 * George Carlin: Explained Percy.
 * Percy: I've been shunting special cars. Sir Topham Hatt need your help too.
 * George Carlin: The engines soon forgot to be tired and cross. Until it was time for the circus to leave. Then Gordon and Henry were cross all over again when James got to pull the train away.
 * (James took the circus train off)
 * George Carlin: A little later Sir Topham Hatt returned.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Come along, Henry. A tunnel has blocked down the line. You must take some workmen to investigate.
 * (Henry set off for the workmen)
 * Henry: Pushing cars, pushing cars.
 * George Carlin: Grumbled Henry. They stopped outside the tunnel. The workmen went inside. It was very dark and quiet. But not for long.
 * (Elephant trumpeting)
 * Workmen: Help!
 * George Carlin: Shouted the workmen. And they ran out.
 * (The Workmen race out of the tunnel)
 * Workman: We started to dig at the block, but it grunted and moved.
 * George Carlin: One said.
 * Foreman: Rubbish!
 * George Carlin: Said the foreman.
 * Workman: It's not rubbish. It's big and alive. We're not going in there again.
 * Foreman: Right.
 * George Carlin: Said the foreman.
 * Foreman: I'll ride in the cars and Henry shall push it out.
 * Henry: Wheesh!
 * George Carlin: Said Henry unhappily. He had been shut in the tunnel for being afraid of the rain but this was worse. Something big and alive was inside.
 * Henry: Peep! Peep! I don't want to go in.
 * Henry's Driver: Neither do I.
 * George Carlin: Said his driver.
 * Henry's Driver: But we must clear the line.
 * Henry: Oh dear, oh dear.
 * George Carlin: Huffed Henry.
 * (Henry goes into the tunnel)
 * George Carlin: Then there was trouble. The block was indeed alive and very strong it began to push the train backwards. Out of the tunnel came Henry, then the cars and last of all a large, cross elephant.
 * (Elephant trumpeting)
 * Foreman: Well I never!
 * George Carlin: Cried the foreman. The workmen gave him some cake.
 * (Elephant trumpeting)
 * George Carlin: He drank three buckets of water and it was just about to drink another, when Henry let off steam.
 * (Elephant trumpets)
 * George Carlin: Cried the elephant. Water went all over Henry. Poor Henry. The elephant and his keeper was so reunited, but Henry was most upset.
 * Henry: An elephant pushed me! An elephant hooshed me!
 * George Carlin: That night, he told the other engines all about it. Gordon and James felt sorry for Henry, but still teased him.
 * Gordon: First the rain, then an elephant. Whatever will you be afraid of next?
 * Thomas: Never mind, Henry.
 * George Carlin: Murmured Thomas.
 * Thomas: I think you are brave today, and really reliable too.
 * (We see Thomas passing under a bridge, as the "PAINT POTS & QUEENS" title card appears, thus starting the fourth story.)
 * George Carlin: Gordon the Big Engine and Thomas the Tank Engine puffed buffer to buffer back home. It had been a busy day. First, Thomas had teased Gordon about the time that the big engine had slid into a ditch. Then, Thomas fell down a mine and Gordon came to his rescue.
 * Gordon: Remember, Thomas.
 * George Carlin: Called Gordon grandly.
 * Gordon: United we stand, together we fall. You helped me, and I'll helped you.
 * Thomas: I'll remember.
 * George Carlin: Replied Thomas.
 * Thomas: But I hope Sir Topham Hatt forgives us soon.
 * George Carlin: Suddenly, they notice something. As the two engines whistled into their sheds, everywhere they look, they saw paint pots and painters.
 * Thomas: Bust my buffers!
 * George Carlin: Said Thomas.
 * Thomas: What's happening?
 * Percy: Shh.
 * George Carlin: Whispered Percy.
 * Percy: Sir Topham Hatt's going to tell us now.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Ladies and gentlemen and engines, I am honored to form you that her majesty, the Queen herself is coming here to visit us. Now, on with the preparations.
 * George Carlin: The engines wondered who would pull the royal train.
 * Edward: I'm too old to pull important trains.
 * George Carlin: Said Edward.
 * Gordon: I'm in disgrace.
 * George Carlin: Sighed Gordon.
 * James: He'll choose me, of course.
 * George Carlin: Boasted James.
 * Henry: You!?
 * George Carlin: Snorted Henry.
 * Henry: You can't climb hills! He'll ask me to pull the train, and I'll have a new coat of paint.
 * George Carlin: Then the rain came. Henry's driver and fireman covered out their cab to keep dry. A painter was on a ladder above the line. Henry's smoke blew high into the air. The painter couldn't see. Both he and the paint pot fell all over Henry.
 * (The paint falls on top of Henry)
 * George Carlin: Poor Henry!
 * Painter: Well, you're not a pretty picture!
 * George Carlin: Sneered the painter. Sir Topham Hatt spoke next.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: You look like an iced cake, Henry. That won't do for the royal train. I must make other arrangements.
 * (Henry is humiliated before we transit to Gordon and Thomas)
 * George Carlin: Gordon and Thomas were waiting for him.
 * Gordon and Thomas: Please, Sir.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: One at a time.
 * George Carlin: Replied Sir Topham Hatt.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Yes, Gordon?
 * Gordon: May Thomas have his Branch Line again?
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Hmm. I think you are both sorry and deserve a treat. Edward will go and front to clear the line, Thomas will look after the coaches and Gordon will pull the train.
 * (Thomas and Gordon whistle)
 * George Carlin: The great day came. All the engines worked hard bringing people to the town. Thomas sorted out their coaches in the yard.
 * (Thomas sorted the coaches)
 * (The work continued on)
 * George Carlin: Edward steamed in.
 * Edward: Peep! The queen is here!
 * George Carlin: Then Gordon whistled as he approached the station. Everyone knew that sound. The queen's train glided into the station. Gordon was spotless, and his brass shown brightly.
 * (Gordon arrives at Knapford)
 * George Carlin: Sir Topham Hatt stood to attention.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Welcome, ma'am.
 * George Carlin: The queen thanked him for a splendid run, and asked to see all the engines.
 * Toby and Percy: Peep, peep!
 * George Carlin: Whistled Toby and Percy.
 * Henry and James: Shh!
 * George Carlin: Hissed Henry and James. But Toby and Percy didn't care.
 * Percy: Three cheers for the queen!
 * Engines: Peep, peep!
 * George Carlin: Whistled the engines. When it was time to leave, the queen spoke specially to Thomas who fetch her coaches, then to Edward, and finally to Gordon, who took her away. No engines ever felt prouder than those of Sir Topham Hatt's Railway.
 * (We see Thomas passing under a bridge, as the "THOMAS & THE SPECIAL LETTER" title card appears, thus starting the last story.)
 * George Carlin: One evening, Thomas brought his last train to the junction. Percy was glad to see him.
 * Percy: Are you on your way to the big station, Thomas?
 * Thomas: Yes I am. Why?
 * Percy: Because I'm going there too.
 * Thomas: I think something's up.
 * George Carlin: Toby looked up in the sky.
 * Toby: Where?
 * Thomas: Not up there, down here.
 * George Carlin: Laughed Thomas.
 * Toby: How come something be up when it's down?
 * George Carlin: Thomas was too excited to explain.
 * Thomas: Bust my buffers! Look over there!
 * George Carlin: Mavis, BoCo, Bill, Ben, Donald, Oliver and Douglas paraded past.
 * Douglas: Good evening, you three.
 * George Carlin: Whistled Donald.
 * Douglas: Aren't we all a fine sight?
 * Toby: Very splendid indeed.
 * George Carlin: Admired Toby.
 * Douglas: Sorry we can't stop. Sir Topham Hatt wants us all together at the station.
 * Thomas: What is this about?
 * George Carlin: Asked Thomas.
 * Thomas' Driver: Sir Topham Hatt has a plan.
 * George Carlin: Answered his driver.
 * Thomas' Driver: Come on.
 * George Carlin: So they followed the other engines to the big station at the end of the line.
 * (Engines whistling)
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Silence!
 * George Carlin: Called Sir Topham Hatt.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I have an important letter to read from a little girl who is five years old.
 * The Letter: Dear Thomas and all the engines, please can I meet you? My friends say they would like to meet you too. You can come to my house for tea, but my mummy says there aren't any railway tracks in my house. Can you come to the station instead? Thank you very much.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: It seems...
 * George Carlin: Continued Sir Topham Hatt.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: …that there are many girls and boys who would like to meet you. Therefore, we are all going to the big city faraway.
 * Engines: Hooray! Hooray!
 * George Carlin: The engines whistled.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Silence! Other engines will be working here while you were away. So please show them what to do.
 * George Carlin: As Annie and Clarabel are going to the big city, Thomas and Oliver practice with some other coaches.
 * (Thomas and Oliver sort their coaches)
 * George Carlin: Thomas grew more and more excited. Too excited for his own good.
 * Thomas: I'm glad I'm a splendid engine.
 * George Carlin: He puffed.
 * Thomas: Sir Topham Hatt thinks I'm really useful engine. I had a race with Bertie once. I whooshed through the tunnel and stopped in inch from the buffers.
 * George Carlin: Then Thomas made his mistake.
 * Thomas: Just like this!
 * George Carlin: He boasted.
 * (Thomas bursts into the buffers, hits through a fence, rolls down a slope and smashes into a wall)
 * (Oliver watches Thomas in shock)
 * George Carlin: No one was hurt, but Thomas' front was badly bent. They telephoned to Sir Topham Hatt.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I'll send up the workmen.
 * George Carlin: He said.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: But if they can't mend Thomas in time, we'll have to go to the big city without him.
 * (Donald, Mavis, Oliver and Bill watch in sadness)
 * George Carlin: Poor Thomas. 8:00 next morning, the engines waited at the junction. Toby and Percy reached on the truck, and Duck had pushed them into place behind Edward. Gordon, James and Henry are ready to lead off. They whistled impatiently. Sir Topham Hatt looked at his watch.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I'll wait one more minute for Thomas and then we have to go.
 * (Thomas arrives with Annie and Clarabel)
 * Thomas: Oh, thank goodness you're still here.
 * George Carlin: Panted Thomas.
 * Annie: I hope we're not late as it's just after eight.
 * George Carlin: The conductor blew his whistle and waved his flag. The engines cheered.
 * Engines: Look out, big city, here we come!
 * George Carlin: And the cavalcade puffed away.
 * (The engines depart for the big city)
 * George Carlin: Later in the big city, all the engines were lined up in their splendid shed. Children were delighted to meet their friends.
 * Thomas: I'm glad the little girl wrote to us.
 * George Carlin: Whispered Thomas to Percy.
 * Thomas: Isn't it wonderful what happiness a letter can bring?
 * (Following the last story, we go to the outro with Thomas looking at us. While the end credits roll, the Thomas end theme plays. Afterwards, the A Britt Allcroft Production logo appears as we end this transmission.)