Big Animals and Turntables and Other Stories (with George Carlin)

Big Animals and Turntables and Other Stories is a My Little Pony/Thomas parody of the Thomas and Friends US video, Tenders and Turntables and Other Stories. It features six first season episodes, three second season episodes and one third season episodes of Spike the Dragon and Friends narrated by George Carlin.

Cast

 * Spike as Thomas
 * Shining Armor as Edward
 * Big Macintosh as Henry
 * Chief Thunderhooves as Gordon
 * Cranky Doodle Donkey as James
 * Pipsqueak as Percy
 * Braeburn as Toby
 * Night Light as Donald
 * Hondo Flanks as Douglas
 * Hoity Toity as Sir Topham Hatt
 * Princess Luna as the Stationmaster's Wife
 * Scootaloo as Henrietta
 * The Changelings as the Troublesome Trucks
 * The Buffaloes as the Coaches
 * Apple Bloom as Annie (does not speak)
 * Sweetie Belle as Clarabel (does not speak)
 * Princess Celestia as Lady Hatt (does not speak; not named)
 * Angel as Bertie (cameo)
 * Gilda as Daisy (mentioned; not named)
 * Everyone else as Themselves

Episodes

 * 1) Big Animals and Turntables
 * 2) Trouble in the Library
 * 3) Pipsqueak Runs Away
 * 4) Spike Comes to Breakfast
 * 5) Big Macintosh's Special Medicine
 * 6) The Flying Kipper
 * 7) Braeburn the Pony

Big Animals and Turntables
Narrator: "Big Macintosh and Chief Thunderhooves were lonely when Spike left the yard to run his route. They missed him very much. They had more work to do and had to fetch their own buffaloes. The big animals thought they were too important to fetch buffaloes.

Cranky grumbled too."

Big Macintosh, Chief Thunderhooves and Cranky Doodle Donkey: "We get no rest, we get no rest!"

Narrator: "They all complained, but the buffaloes only laughed."

Buffaloes: "You're lazy and slack, you're lazy and slack."

Narrator: "They answered.

All together, the animals were causing Hoity Toity a great deal of trouble.

The big stations at both ends of the route each have a turntable. Hoity Toity had made them so that the big animals can be turned around, because it is dangerous for them to go fast backwards.

Little animals, like Spike, don't need turntables. They can go just as well backwards as forwards. But to hear Chief Thunderhooves talk, you would have thought that Hoity Toity had made him big just to show how important he was."

Chief Thunderhooves: "You don't understand, little Spike. We big animals have a position to keep up. It doesn't matter where you go, but we are important. And for Hoity Toity to make us do arranging, fetch buffaloes and go on some of those dirty sidings. It's... it's... well, it's not the proper thing."

Narrator: "Spike chuckled, and went off with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Disgraceful!"

Narrator: "Chief Thunderhooves hissed, as he ran backwards to the turntable.

The turntable was in a windy place close to the sea. And if he was not on it just right, he put it out of balance and made it difficult to turn. Today, Chief Thunderhooves was in a bad temper, and the wind was blowing fiercely. His driver tried to make him stop in the right place, but Chief Thunderhooves wasn't trying. The fireman tried to turn the handle, but Chief Thunderhooves' weight and the strong winds prevented him."

Chief Thunderhooves' Driver and Fireman: "It's no good."

Narrator: "They said at last."

Chief Thunderhooves' Driver and Fireman: "You upset the balance. If you were a little animal, you'd be alright. Now, you'll have to take the next line of buffaloes backwards."

Boys: "Look!"

Narrator: "Called some boys."

Boys: "There's a new little animals. Oh, it's only Chief Thundrehooves back to front."

Spike: "Hello."

Narrator: "Called Spike."

Spike: "Playing little animals? Sensible buffalo. Take my advice, lose some weight and have some nice scales."

Narrator: "Chief Thunderhooves said nothing.

Even Cranky laughed when he saw him."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Take care."

Narrator: "Hissed Chief Thunderhooves."

Chief Thunderhooves: "You might stick too."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "No fear."

Narrator: "Chuckled Cranky."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "I'm not so fat as you.

I mustn't stick."

Narrator: "Thought Cranky. He stopped on just the right place to balance to the table. It could now swing easily.

Chief Thunderhooves arrived in time to see everything.

Cranky turned much too easily. The wind puffed him round like a top. He couldn't stop."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Well, well."

Narrator: "Said Chief Thunderhooves."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Are you playing roundabouts?"

Narrator: "Poor Cranky, feeling quite giddy, rolled off into the library without a word.

That night, the three animals had an indignation meeting."

Chief Thunderhooves: "It's shameful to treat big animals like this! Chief Thunderhooves has to go backwards and people think he's a little animal, Cranky spins round like a top and everyone laughs at us. And to add to that, Hoity Toity makes us all arrange in dirty sidings. Ugh!

Listen,"

Narrator: "Said Chief Thunderhooves. He whispered something to the others."

Chief Thunderhooves: "We'll do it tomorrow. Hoity Toity will look silly!"

Narrator: "The animals had decided to go on strike."

Trouble in the Library
Narrator: "Hoity Toity sat in his office listening to the noise outside. The passengers were angry. The stationmaster came in."

Stationmaster: "There's trouble in the library, sir. Big Macintosh is sulking, there are no buffaloes and the passengers are saying this is a bad town."

Hoity Toity: "Indeed."

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "We cannot allow that."

Narrator: "He found Chief Thunderhooves, Cranky and Big Mac looking very cross."

Hoity Toity: "Come along, Big Mac. It's time your buffaloes are ready."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Big Mac's not going!"

Narrator: "Said Chief Thunderhooves."

Chief Thunderhooves: "We won't arrange like little animals. That was Spike's job. We are important big animals. You fetch our buffaloes, and we will take them. Big animals don't arrange!"

Hoity Toity: "We'll see about that."

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "No animal in my town is too important for small jobs."

Narrator: "And he hurried away to find Shining Armor."

Hoity Toity: "The yard has never been the same since Spike left to run his route."

Narrator: "He thought sadly.

Shining Armor was arranging changelings."

Hoity Toity: "Leave those changelings please, Shining Armor."

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "I want you to fetch buffaloes for me in the yard."

Shining Armor: "Thank you, sir. That will be a nice change."

Hoity Toity: "That's a good unicorn. Off you go then."

Narrator: "So Shining Armor found buffaloes for the big animals and that day the lines ran as usual.

But next morning, Shining Armor looked unhappy. Chief Thunderhooves came clanking past kicking dirt as usual."

Hoity Toity: "Bless me!"

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "What a noise!"

Shining Armor: "They all kicked dirt at me, sir."

Narrator: "Answered Shining Armor."

Shining Armor: "They say big animals don't arrange, and last night, they said I have gray hooves. I haven't, have I sir?"

Hoity Toity: "No, Shining Armor. You have nice blue ones, and I'm proud of you. Big animals do arrange. But all the same, we do need another little animal here."

Narrator: "We went to a workshop, and they showed him all sorts of animals.

At last, we saw a nice little white one with brown spots."

Hoity Toity: "That's the one."

Narrator: "He thought."

Hoity Toity: "If I choose you, will you work hard?"

Pipsqueak: "Oh, sir. Yes, sir."

Hoity Toity: "That's a good filly. I'll call you 'Pipsqueak'."

Pipsqueak: "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Narrator: "Said Pipsqueak. And Hoity Toity brought him back to the yard."

Hoity Toity: "Shining Armor,"

Narrator: "He called."

Hoity Toity: "Here's Pipsqueak. Will you show him everything?"

Narrator: "Pipsqueak soon learned what he had to do, and they had a happy afternoon.

Then, Big Mac came by, kicking as usual."

Pipsqueak: "Wheesh!"

Narrator: "Went Pipsqueak. Big Mac jumped and ran back to the library."

Shining Armor: "How beautifully you wheeshed him."

Narrator: "Laughed Shining Armor."

Shining Armor: "I can't wheesh like that."

Pipsqueak: "Oh."

Narrator: "Said Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "That's nothing. You should here them in the workshop. You have to wheesh loudly to make yourself heard."

Narrator: "Next morning, Spike arrived."

Spike: "Hoity Toity sent for me. I expect he wants help."

Narrator: "He said to Shining Armor."

Shining Armor: "Sh. Sh. Here he comes."

Narrator: "Replied Shining Armor."

Hoity Toity: "Well done, Spike. You've been quick. Listen, Big Mac, Chief Thunderhooves and Cranky are sulking. They say they won't arrange like little animals. So I have shut them up, and I want you both to run the path for a while."

Spike: "Little animals, indeed!"

Narrator: "Snorted Spike."

Spike: "We'll show them!"

Hoity Toity: "And Pipsqueak will help too."

Pipsqueak: "Oh, sir. Yes, sir. Please, sir."

Narrator: "Answered Pipsqueak.

Shining Armor and Spike worked the main path, greeting each other as they pass by. Pipsqueak puffed along the branch path. Spike was anxious about Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, but both driver and conductor promised to take care of them.

There were fewer lines of buffaloes, but the passengers didn't mind. They knew that three other animals were having a lesson.

Chief Thunderhooves, Cranky and Big Mac were cold, lonely and miserable. They wished now they hadn't been so silly."

Pipsqueak Runs Away
Narrator: "Big Macintosh, Cranky and Chief Thunderhooves were miserable. They had been shut up for several day for being naughty, and long to be let out again.

At last, Hoity Toity arrived."

Hoity Toity: "I hope you are sorry."

Narrator: "He said."

Hoity Toity: "And that you understand that every job in the town is important. We have a new filly called Pipsqueak, who helps pull buffaloes, and Spike and Shining Armor have worked the main path nicely. But I will let you out now if you promise to work hard."

Big Macintosh, Chief Thunderhooves and Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Yes, sir."

Narrator: "Said the three animals."

Big Macintosh, Chief Thunderhooves and Cranky Doodle Donkey: "We will."

Hoity Toity: "That's good, but please remember that this no arrange nonsense must stop."

Narrator: "Hoity Toity then told Pipsqueak, Shining Armor and Spike that they can go and play on the branch path for a few days. And they ran off happily to find Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle at the junction.

The two fillies were very pleased to see Spike again.

Shining Armor and Pipsqueak played with the changelings."

Changelings: "Stop, stop, stop!"

Narrator: "Screamed the changelings, as they were pushed into their proper sidings, but the two ponies laughed and went on arranging till the changelings were tightly arranged.

Next, Shining Armor took some empty changelings to the quarry. Pipsqueak was left alone. He didn't mind that a bit. He liked watching animals and being cheeky to them."

Pipsqueak: "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

Narrator: "He would call, and they got very cross.

After a great deal of arranging, Pipsqueak was waiting for the signalman to set the path so that he can get back to the yard. Pipsqueak was being rather careless and not paying attention. Shining Armor had warned Pipsqueak."

Shining Armor: "Be careful on the main path. Whistle to the signalman that you are there."

Narrator: "But Pipsqueak didn't remember to whistle, and so the busy signalman forgot him.

Pipsqueak waited and waited. The path was still against him so he couldn't move. Then he looked along the main path."

Pipsqueak: "Peep, peep!"

Narrator: "He whistled in horror, for rushing straight towards him was Chief Thunderhooves with the express."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Ohhh!"

Narrator: "Groaned Chief Thunderhooves."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Get out of my way!"

Narrator: "Pipsqueak opened his eyes. Chief Thunderhooves had stopped just a few inches from him. But Pipsqueak had began to move."

Pipsqueak: "I won't stay here. I'll run away!"

Narrator: "He puffed.

He ran straight through Shining Armor's station, and was so frightened that he ran right up Chief Thunderhooves' hill without stopping.

After that, he was tired, but he couldn't stop. He had no driver to stop him."

Pipsqueak: "I want to stop, I want to stop."

Narrator: "He puffed.

The man in the signalbox saw that Pipsqueak was in trouble. So he kindly set the path. Pipsqueak puffed wearily onto a nice empty siding, ending in a big bank of earth. He was too tired now to care where he want."

Pipsqueak: "I want to stop, I want to stop. I have stopped."

Narrator: "He puffed thankfully."

Workmen: "Never mind, Pipsqueak."

Narrator: "Said the workmen, as they dug him out."

Workmen: "You shall have a drink and a snack, and then you'll feel better."

Narrator: "Presently, Chief Thunderhooves arrived."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Well done, Pipsqueak. You started so quickly that you stopped a nasty accident."

Pipsqueak: "I'm sorry I was cheeky."

Narrator: "Said Pipsqueak."

Chief Thunderhooves: "You were clever to stop."

Narrator: "Replied Chief Thunderhooves. Then Chief Thunderhooves helped pull Pipsqueak out from the bank.

The two animals are now good friends, but Pipsqueak is always most careful when he goes out on the main path."

Spike Comes to Breakfast
Narrator: "Spike the Dragon has worked his line for many years, and knows it very well."

Spike's Driver: "You know just where to stop, Spike."

Narrator: "Laughed his driver."

Spike's Driver: "You could almost manage it without me."

Narrator: "Spike had become concieted. He didn't realize his driver was joking.

Later, he boasted to the others."

Spike: "Driver says I don't need him now."

Pipsqueak: "Don't be so daft!"

Narrator: "Snorted Pipsqueak."

Braeburn: "I'd never go without my driver."

Narrator: "Said Braeburn, earnestly."

Braeburn: "I'd be frightened."

Spike: "Puh!"

Narrator: "Boasted Spike."

Spike: "I'm not scared!"

Braeburn: "You'd never dare!"

Spike: "I would then, you'll see."

Narrator: "The next morning, the fire lighter came. Spike drowsed comfortably, and the warmth spread through his body.

Pipsqueak and Braeburn were still asleep. Spike suddenly remembered;"

Spike: "Silly stick-in-the-muds!"

Narrator: "He chuckled."

Spike: "I'll show them. Driver said I could manage without him. I'll just go out, then I'l stop and WHEESH! That'll make them jump."

Narrator: "Spike thought he was being clever. Really, he was only moving because a careless cleaner had meddled with his body. 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 look at what was coming next; there was the Station Pony's house. The Station Pony was just about to have breakfast."

Spike: "Horrors!"

Narrator: "Cried Spike, and shut his eyes."

(CRASH!)

"The house rocked, broken glass tinkled, plaster was everywhere. Spike had collected a bush on his travels. He peered into the room through its leaves. He couldn't speak.

The Station Pony was furious. Princess Luna picked up her plate."

Princess Luna: "You miserable dragon!"

Narrator: "She scolded."

Princess Luna: "Just look what you've done to our breakfast! Now I shall have to cook some more!"

Narrator: "She banged the door.

More plaster fell. This time, it fell on Spike. Spike felt depressed.

Workmen propped up the house with strong poles, and laid a path through the garden.

Then the unicorns Night Light and Hondo Flanks arrived."

Night Light and Hondo Flanks: "D'n' fess yourself, Spike, we'll soon have you back on the path!"

Narrator: "They laughed.

Night Light and Hondo Flanks, working hard, managed to haul Spike back to safety. Bits of fencing, a bush, and a broken window frame festuned his front, which was badly twisted. The unicorns laughed and left him.

Spike was in disgrace.

There was worse to come."

Hoity Toity: "You're in a lot of trouble, Spike."

Spike (muffled): "I know, sir. I'm sorry, sir."

Narrator: "Spike's voice was muffled behind his bush."

Hoity Toity: "You must go to the workshop and have your front mended, it will be a long job."

Spike: "Yes, sir."

Hoity Toity: "Meanwhile, a griffon will do your work."

Spike: "A G-g-griffon, sir?"

Narrator: "Spike spluttered."

Hoity Toity: "Yes, Spike. Griffons always stay in their houses until they are wanted. Griffons never galavant off to breakfast in station ponies' houses."

Big Macintosh's Special Medicine
Narrator: "One morning, Big Macintosh was feeling very sorry for himself. Sometimes he could work, but sometimes he had no strength at all."

Big Macintosh: "I suffer dreadfully and no one cares."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Rubbish, Big Mac!"

Narrator: "Snorted Cranky."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "You don't work hard enough!"

Narrator: "Hoity Toity spoke to him too."

Hoity Toity: "What's wrong with you, Big Mac? You've had lots of new parts and new fur too, but they've done you no good. If we can't make you better, we must get another horse instead of you to do the work."

Narrator: "This made Big Mac, his driver and his fireman very sad.

Hoity Toity was waiting when Big Mac came to the platform. He had taken off his coat and put on overalls.

Big Mac managed to start, but his fireman was not satisfied."

Big Macintosh's Fireman: "Big Mac is a bad puller."

Narrator: "He said to Hoity Toity."

Big Macintosh's Fireman: "I gave him his food, but it doesn't give enough strength."

Narrator: "Big Macintosh tried very hard, but it was no good. He didn't have enough strength, and came to a stop right outside Shining Armor's station."

Big Macintosh: "Oh dear!"

Narrator: "Thought Big Mac."

Big Macintosh: "I shall have to go away. Oh dear, oh dear!"

Narrator: "All he could do was move slowly into a corner and Shining Armor took charge of the buffaloes.

Hoity Toity and the fireman went on discussing Big Mac's troubles."

Hoity Toity: "What do you think is wrong, fireman?"

Narrator: "Asked Hoity Toity."

Big Macintosh's Fireman: "Excuse me, sir."

Narrator: "He said."

Big Macintosh's Fireman: "But the fact is the medicine is wrong. We've had a poor lot lately, and today it's worst. The other animals can manage. They have big stomachs. Big Mac's is small and can't make the strength. With Welsh medicine, he'd be a different horse."

Hoity Toity: "It's expensive."

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "But Big Mac must have a fair chance. Cranky shall go and fetch some."

Narrator: "When the Welsh medicine arrived, Big Mac's driver and fireman were excited."

Big Macintosh's Driver: "Now we'll show them, Big Mac old fellow!"

Narrator: "They carefully gave him his medicine giving him small bits at a time."

Big Macintosh: "You're spoiling my body!"

Narrator: "Moaned Big Mac."

Big Macintosh's Fireman: "Wait and see."

Narrator: "Said the fireman."

Big Macintosh's Fireman: "You'll have a roaring body just when we want it."

Narrator: "The fireman was right. When Big Macintosh reached the platform, his body was good and healthy, and he had to cheer out loud."

Hoity Toity: "How are you, Big Mac."

Big Macintosh: "Peep, peep, peep! I feel fine!"

Hoity Toity: "Have you a good body, driver?"

Big Macintosh's Driver: "Never better, sir, and plenty of strength."

Hoity Toity: "No record breaking."

Narrator: "Warned Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "Don't push him too hard."

Big Macintosh's Driver: "Big Mac won't need pushing, sir. I'll have to hold him back."

Narrator: "Big Mac 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."

Big Macintosh's Driver: "Steady, old fellow."

Narrator: "He would say."

Big Macintosh's Driver: "There's plenty of time."

Narrator: "They arrived early at the station. Spike came in."

Big Macintosh: "Where have you been, lazybones?"

Narrator: "Asked Big Mac."

Big Macintosh: "Oh, I can't wait for dawdling dragons, like you. Goodbye!"

Spike: "Whoosh!"

Narrator: "Said Spike to the fillies."

Spike: "Have you ever seen anything like it?"

Narrator: "Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle agreed that they never had."

The Flying Kipper
Narrator: "One winter evening, Big Macintosh's driver said."

Big Macintosh's Driver: "We'll be out early tomorrow. We've got to take the Flying Kipper. Don't tell Chief Thunderhooves, but I think if we pull the kipper nicely, Hoity Toity will let us take the express buffaloes. The special medicine they gave you is working well."

Big Macintosh: "Hooray!"

Narrator: "Cried Big Mac."

Big Macintosh: "That will be lovely."

Narrator: "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 are given to special changelings to other places faraway. This is the line of changelings that the men call 'The Flying Kipper'.

Big Macintosh was ready at 5'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."

Big Macintosh: "Come on, come on! Don't be silly, don't be silly!"

Narrator: "Huffed Big Mac to the changelings. The changelings shuttered and groaned."

Changelings: "Trickety-trock, trickety-trock! Alright, alright!"

Big Macintosh: "That's better, that's better!"

Narrator: "Puffed Big Mac.

Clouds of smoke and steam poured into the cold air, and the lamp shown brightly."

Big Macintosh: "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

Narrator: "Panted Big Mac.

They were going well. The light grew better, signal lights showed green as they past.

Then, a yellow signal appeared ahead. His driver prepared to stop, but the home signal was down."

Big Macintosh's Driver: "All clear, Big Mac. Away we go."

Narrator: "They couldn't know that the switches from the main line to a siding were frozen. And the home signal should've been set at danger. But snow had forced it down.

A freight animal was waiting in the siding to let the Flying Kipper past. And the driver and the fireman were drinking cocoa with the conductor."

Conductor: "The kipper is due."

Narrator: "Said the conductor."

Fireman: "Who cares?"

Narrator: "Said the fireman."

Fireman: "This is good cocoa!"

Narrator: "The driver got up."

Driver: "Come on, fireman. Back to our animal."

Narrator: "They got out just in time."

(CRASH!)

Narrator: "Big Mac's driver and fireman had jumped clear before the crash. But Big Mac lay dazed and surprised.

Hoity Toity came to see him."

Big Macintosh: "The signal was down, sir."

Narrator: "Said Big Mac."

Hoity Toity: "Cheer up, Big Mac. It wasn't your fault. Ice and snow caused the accident. I'm sending you to Crewe, a fine place for sick animals. They'll give you a new shape and a larger stomach. You'll feel a different horse and you won't need special medicine anymore. Won't that be nice?"

Big Macintosh: "Yes, sir."

Narrator: "Said Big Mac doubtfully.

Big Macintosh liked being at 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."

Big Macintosh: "Peep, peep!"

Narrator: "He whistled."

Big Macintosh: "Thank you very much."

Narrator: "I'm sorry to say that a lot of little children are often late for school because they wait to see Big Mac go by. They often see him taking the express buffaloes. He does it so well that Chief Thunderhooves is jealous. But that's another story."

Braeburn the Earth Pony
Narrator: "Braeburn is a pony. He wears a hat and a vest, and doesn't look like a dragon at all. He takes changelings from farms and villages to the main path, and is cheerful to everyone he meets.

He has a filly called Scootaloo, who has seen better days."

Scootaloo: "It's not fair at all!"

Narrator: "She grumbles, remembering that she used to be full and nine changelings would rattle behind her.

Now, there are only three or four, for the farms and factories send their goods mostly by truck.

Braeburn is always careful. The cars, buses and trucks often have accidents. Braeburn hasn't had an accident in years, but the buses are crowded and Scootaloo is empty.

A princess and a stout gentleman stood on Braeburn's platform. He was, of course, Hoity Toity, but Braeburn didn't know this yet."

Stephen and Bridget Hatt: "Come on, grandfather!"

Narrator: "Cried the children."

Stephen and Bridget Hatt: "Do look at this animal."

Hoity Toity: "That's an earth pony, Stephen."

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Bridget Hatt: "Is it electric?"

Narrator: "Asked Bridget."

Braeburn: "Whoosh!"

Narrator: "Hissed Braeburn."

Stephen Hatt: "Shh."

Narrator: "Said her brother."

Stephen Hatt: "You've offended him."

Bridget Hatt: "But earth ponies are electric, aren't they?"

Hoity Toity: "They are mostly, but this is an Apple family earth pony."

Stephen Hatt and Bridget Hatt: "May we go with him, grandfather, please?"

Hoity Toity: "Stop!"

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity to the conductor, they all gathered with Scootaloo."

Scootaloo: "Hip, hip hooray!"

Narrator: "Chanted Scootaloo, but Braeburn didn't sing."

Braeburn: "Electric indeed, electric indeed!"

Narrator: "He snorted. He was proud of being an Apple family earth pony."

Hoity Toity: "What is your name?"

Narrator: "Asked Hoity Toity."

Braeburn: "Braeburn, sir."

Hoity Toity: "Thank you, Braeburn for a very nice walk."

Braeburn: "Thank you, sir."

Narrator: "Said Braeburn. He felt better now."

Braeburn: "This gentleman,"

Narrator: "He thought."

Braeburn: "Is a gentleman who knows how to speak to ponies."

Narrator: "The children came everyday for two weeks. Sometimes they walked with the conductor, sometimes with empty changelings. On the last day of all, the driver invited them up front.

All were sorry when they had to go away. And Hoity Toity and his family thanked everyone."

Braeburn: "Come again soon."

Narrator: "Replied Braeburn."

Stephen and Bridget Hatt: "We will, we will."

Narrator: "Called the children. And they waved till Braeburn was out of sight.

The months past, Braeburn had few changelings and fewer passengers."

Braeburn's Driver: "Our last day, Braeburn."

Narrator: "Said his driver one morning."

Braeburn's Driver: "The manager says we must close tomorrow."

Narrator: "That day, everyone wanted a chance of a last walk. The passengers joked and sang, but Braeburn and his driver wished they wouldn't."

Passengers: "Goodbye, Braeburn."

Narrator: "Said the passengers afterwards."

Passengers: "We are sorry your path is closing down."

Braeburn: "So am I."

Narrator: "Sighed Braeburn."

Braeburn: "Nobody wants me."

Narrator: "Braeburn thought, and went unhappily to sleep.

Next morning, the door was flung open and old Braeburn woke with a start to see his driver waving a piece of paper at him."

Braeburn's Driver: "Wake up, Braeburn!"

Narrator: "He shouted excitedly."

Braeburn's Driver: "The mail has just arrived and there's a letter for us from the stout gentleman. Maybe it's good news."

Pipsqueak's Promise
Narrator: "Every summer, Ponyville is very busy. Holidaymakers love to sight see. When the weather is fine, there is no better place to visit. Some people like to go to the mountains, others like the valleys.

Children love the seaside.

One morning, Spike was puffing along the live that runs by the coast. His two fillies, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle had children going to the beach. Everyone was happy.

Pipsqueak was taking some changelings to the harbor."

Pipsqueak: "Hello, Spike. You look cheerful. I wish I could take children today instead of changelings."

Spike: "They're the Vicar's Sunday School."

Narrator: "Explained Spike."

Spike: "I'm busy this evening, but the stationmaster says I can ask you to take the children home."

Pipsqueak: "Of course I will."

Narrator: "Promised Pipsqueak.

Later, Pipsqueak saw Owlowiscious."

Owlowiscious: "Sorry, Pipsqueak. Can't take talk. I'm on high alert."

Pipsqueak: "Why?"

Owlowiscious: "Bad weather's due. My help's always needed. Mind how you go, Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "Pah!"

Narrator: "Huffed Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "As long as I've got a path to walk on, I can go anywhere in any weather anyhow. Goodbye."

Shining Armor: "Be careful."

Narrator: "Warned Shining Armor."

Shining Armor: "There's a storm coming."

Pipsqueak: "A promise is a promise."

Narrator: "Thought Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "No matter what the weather."

Narrator: "The children had a lovely day, but by tea time, dark clouds loomed ahead.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were glad when Pipsqueak arrived. He was just in time. The rain streamed down Pipsqueak's body."

Pipsqueak: "Ugh!"

Narrator: "He shivered, and thought of his nice dry library.

Pipsqueak struggled on past coastal villages and into the countryside.

The river was rising fast."

Pipsqueak: "I wish I could see, I wish I could see!"

Narrator: "Complained Pipsqueak, as he battled against the rain. More trouble lay ahead."

Pipsqueak: "Oh!"

Narrator: "Hissed Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "The water is sloshing my body."

Narrator: "Pipsqueak's driver and fireman had to find some more hot drinks."

Pipsqueak's Fireman: "I'll have some of your hot drinks, please."

Narrator: "Said the fireman to the conductor."

Conductor: "I only made it this morning."

Narrator: "Grumbled the conductor, but he still helped.

Soon, Pipsqueak felt warm and comfortable again. Then he saw Owlowiscious."

Pipsqueak: "Oh dear!"

Narrator: "Thought Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "Owlowiscious' come to laugh at me."

Narrator: "Something thudded onto Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "Ow!"

Narrator: "Exclaimed Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak: "He needn't throw things."

Pipsqueak's Driver: "It's a parachute."

Narrator: "Laughed his driver."

Pipsqueak's Driver: "Owlowiscious' dropping hot drinks for us."

Pipsqueak: "Thank you, Owlowiscious."

Narrator: "Whistled Pipsqueak."

Owlowiscious: "Good to be of service."

Narrator: "Replied Owlowiscious, and buzzed away.

The water lapped Pipsqueak's hooves. Pipsqueak was losing strength again, but he plunged bravely on."

Pipsqueak: "I promised."

Narrator: "He panted."

Pipsqueak: "I promised."

Narrator: "He made one more big effort, and at last exhausted but triumphant, he brought everyone home."

Spike: "Well done, Pipsqueak!"

Narrator: "Cheered Spike."

Spike: "You kept your promise despite everything."

Narrator: "Hoity Toity arrived with Owlowiscious. First he thanked the men, then Pipsqueak."

Hoity Toity: "Owlowiscious told me you were, um, a wizard. He says he can beat you at some things, but not at being a submarine. I don't know what you two get up to sometimes, but I do know that you're a Really Useful Filly."

Pipsqueak: "Oh, sir."

Narrator: "Whispered Pipsqueak happily."

Soarin Takes Charge
Pipsqueak: "Do you know what?"

Narrator: "Asked Pipsqueak."

Chief Thunderhooves: "What?"

Narrator: "Grunted Chief Thunderhooves."

Pipsqueak: "Do you know what?"

Chief Thunderhooves: "Silly!"

Narrator: "Said Chief Thunderhooves."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Of course I don't know what if you don't tell me what what is!"

Pipsqueak: "Hoity Toity says that the work in the yard is too heavy for me. He's getting bigger pony to help me."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Rubbish!"

Narrator: "Said Cranky."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Any animal can do it! If you work more and chatter less, this yard would be a sweeter, a better and a happier place!"

Narrator: "Pipsqueak went off to fetch some buffaloes."

Pipsqueak: "That stupid old signal!"

Narrator: "He thought. He was remembering the time he missed understood a signal and gone backwards instead of forwards."

Pipsqueak: "No one listens to me now. They think I'm a silly little filly and order me about. I'll show them, I'll show them."

Narrator: "But he didn't know how.

But the end of the afternoon, he felt tired and unhappy. He brought some buffaloes to the station."

Hoity Toity: "Hello, Pipsqueak."

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "You look tired."

Pipsqueak: "Yes, sir. I am sir. I don't know if I'm standing on my head or my hooves."

Hoity Toity: "You look the right way up to me."

Narrator: "Laughed Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "Cheer up. The new pony is bigger than you and can probably do the work alone. Would you like to help build my new harbor? Spike and Braeburn will help too."

Pipsqueak: "Oh yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Narrator: "The new pony arrived."

Hoity Toity: "What's your name?"

Narrator: "Asked Hoity Toity."

Soarin: "Montague, sir, but I'm usually called Soarin. They say I soar like a bird. I don't really, sir, but I like Soarin better than Montague."

Hoity Toity: "Good. Soarin it shall be.

Here, Pipsqueak, show Soarin around."

Narrator: "The two ponies went off together. Soon, they were very busy.

Cranky, Chief Thunderhooves and Big Mac watched Soarin quietly doing his work."

Big Macintosh: "He seems a simple sort of pony."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "We'll have some fun and order him about."

Big Macintosh, Chief Thunderhooves and Cranky Doodle Donkey: (Bird tweeting noises) "Wheesh!"

Narrator: "Smoke billowed everywhere.

Pipsqueak was cross, but Soarin took no notice."

Soarin: "They'll get tired of it soon. Do they tell you to do things, Pipsqueak?"

Pipsqueak: "Yes, they do."

Narrator: "Answered Pipsqueak."

Soarin: "Right!"

Narrator: "Said Soarin."

Soarin: "We'll soon stop that nonsense."

Narrator: "He whispered something."

Soarin: "We'll do it later."

Narrator: "Hoity Toity was look forward to hot buttered toast for tea at home. Suddenly, he heard an extraordinary noise."

Big Macintosh, Chief Thunderhooves and Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Wheesh!" (Snorting noises)

Hoity Toity: "Bother!"

Narrator: "He said, and hurried to the yard.

Soarin and Pipsqueak sat outside the library refusing to let the animals in. Chief Thunderhooves, Cranky and Big Mac were furious."

(Chief Thunderhooves, Cranky and Big Mac shout and call out loudly)

Hoity Toity: "Stop that noise!"

Narrator: "Bellowed Hoity Toity."

Chief Thunderhooves: "They won't let us in!"

Narrator: "Hissed Chief Thunderhooves."

Hoity Toity: "Soarin, explain this behavior."

Soarin: "Beg pardon, sir, but I'm a Wonderbolt Pony. We do our work without fuss, but begging your pardon, sir. Pipsqueak and I would be glad if you would inform these, um, animals that we only take orders from you."

(Cranky and Chief Thunderhooves call out loudly)

Hoity Toity: "Quietly!"

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "Pipsqueak and Soarin, I am please with your work today, but not with your behavior tonight. You have caused a disturbance!"

Narrator: "Chief Thunderhooves, Big Mac and Cranky sniggered."

Hoity Toity: "As for you!"

Narrator: "Thundered Hoity Toity."

Hoity Toity: "You've been worse! You made the disturbance! Soarin is quite right. This is my town, and I give the orders."

Narrator: "After Pipsqueak went away, Soarin was left to manage alone. He did so, easily."

Twilight Sparkle
Narrator: "Twilight Sparkle is a unicorn who works for the quarry company, arranging changelings in their sidings. She has purple fur and a horn.

Twilight is young, and full of her own ideas. She loves rearranging things, too, and began putting Braeburn's changelings in different places every day. This made Braeburn cross."

Braeburn: "Changelings,"

Narrator: "He grumbled,"

Braeburn: "should be where you want them, when you want them!"

Twilight Sparkle: "Fiddlesticks!"

Narrator: "Said Twilight, and flounced away.

At last, Braeburn lost patience."

Braeburn: "I can't waste time playing 'Hunt the Changelings' with you, take them yourself!"

Narrator: "Twilight was pleased. Taking changelings made her feel important.

At the station, Discord oiled up to her."

Twilight Sparkle: "Braeburn is an old fusspot!"

Narrator: "She complained.

Discord sensed trouble, and was delighted.

Twilight Sparkle: "Braeburn says only earth ponies can manage changelings!"

Narrator: "Continued Twilight."

Discord: "How absurd."

Narrator: "Squirmed Discord."

Discord: "Depend upon it, Twilight, anything earth ponies can do, we magical creatures can do better."

Narrator: "Discord knew nothing about changelings, but Twilight Sparkle didn't realize this.

Braeburn's line crosses the main road behind the station, and for a short way, follows a farm lane. Frosty weather makes the muddy lane rock-hard and very slippery.

Braeburn stops before reaching the line. His fireman halts the traffic at the crossing, and then he sets off again. By using the heavy changelings to push him along, he has no trouble with the frosty mud in the lane, and across the road. It is the only safe thing to do in this kind of weather.

Braeburn warned Twilight, and told her just what to do.

Twilight Sparkle: "I can manage, thank you."

Narrator: "She replied."

Twilight Sparkle: "I'm not an old fusspot like you."

Narrator: "The changelings were tired of being pushed around by Twilight Sparkle."

Changelings: "It's slippery."

Narrator: "They whispered."

Changelings: "Let's push her around instead. On, on!"

Narrator: "They yelled.

Twilight took no notice. Instead, she took the changelings carefully down the lane, and stopped at the level crossing.

All traffic halted."

Twilight Sparkle: "One in the head for fusspot Braeburn!"

Narrator: "Chortled Twilight.

But Twilight had stopped in the wrong place. Instead of taking Braeburn's advice, she had given the changelings the chance they wanted."

Changelings: "Hold back! Hold Back!"

Narrator: "They cried."

Twilight Sparkle: "Grrr! Up!"

Narrator: "Ordered Twilight.

The changelings just laughed, and her hooves stuck helplessly.

Workmen sanded the ice, and tried to dig away the frozen mud, but it was no good.

Everyone was impatient."

Twilight Sparkle: "Grrr!"

Narrator: "Wailed Twilight.

Braeburn was in the yard when he heard the news."

Braeburn: "I warned her."

Narrator: "He fumed."

Braeburn's Driver: "She's young yet,"

Narrator: "Soothed his driver."

Braeburn: "And she can manage her changelings herself!"

Narrator: "Interrupted Braeburn."

Braeburn's Driver: "They're your changelings, really."

Narrator: "His driver replied."

Braeburn's Driver: "Twilight is supposed to stay at the quarry. If Hoity Toity finds out..."

Braeburn: "Hmmm, yes"

Narrator: "Said Braeburn thoughtfully. He and his driver agreed that it would be best to help Twilight after all.

An angry farmer was telling Twilight just what she could do with her changelings."

Braeburn: "Having trouble, Twilight Sparkle?"

Narrator: "Laughed Braeburn."

Braeburn: "I am surprised."

Twilight Sparkle: "Grrrosh!"

Narrator: "Said Twilight.

With much puffing and slippery hooves, Braeburn pushed Twilight and the changelings back. The hard work made his heart pound fiercely, and his fireman spread hot cinders to melt the frozen mud.

At last, they finished."

Braeburn: "Good-bye."

Narrator: "Called Braeburn."

Braeburn: "You'll manage now, I expect."

Narrator: "Twilight didn't answer.

She took the changelings to the sheds, and scuttled back home to the quarry as quickly as she could."

Saved from Scrap
Narrator: "Hoity Toity works his animals hard, but they are very proud when he calls them 'really useful'."

Shining Armor: "I'm going to the scrapyard today."

Narrator: "Shining Armor called to Spike."

Spike: "What? Already? You're not that old!"

Narrator: "Replied Spike cheekily. Spike was only teasing.

The scrapyard is full of rusty old parts and machinery. They are broken into pieces, given to changelings, and Shining Armor takes them to the steelworks where they are melted down and used again.

Today, there was a surprise waiting for Shining Armor in the yard. It was a baby alligator."

Shining Armor: "Hello."

Narrator: "Said Shining Armor."

Shining Armor: "You're not broken and rusty. What are you doing here?"

Gummy: "I'm Gummy. They're going to kill me next week."

Shining Armor: "What a shame."

Narrator: "Said Shining Armor."

Gummy: "My driver says I only need some new skin to be as good as new, but my owner says I'm old-fashion."

Narrator: "Shining Armor snorted."

Shining Armor: "People say I'm old-fashion, but I don't care. Hoity Toity says I'm a useful unicorn. What work did you do?"

Gummy: "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."

Narrator: "Gummy shut his eyes, remembering."

Gummy: "Oh, yes. I like children."

Shining Armor: "Killed, what a shame. Killed, what a shame. I must help Gummy, I must!"

Narrator: "He thought of all his friends who like pets. But strangely, none of them would have room for a baby alligator at home."

Shining Armor: "It's a shame, it's a shame."

Narrator: "He hissed.

Then,"

Shining Armor: "Peep, peep! Why didn't I think of him before?"

Narrator: "There, on the platform was the very pony."

Vicar: "Hello, Shining Armor. You look upset. What's the matter, Charlie?"

Narrator: "He asked the driver."

Shining Armor's Driver: "There's a baby alligator in the scrapyard, Vicar. He'll be killed next week. Jem Cole says he never worked with a better alligator."

Shining Armor: "Do save him, sir. He saws wood and gives children rides."

Vicar: "We'll see."

Narrator: "Replied the vicar.

Jem Cole came on Saturday."

Jem Cole: "The reverend's coming to see you, Gummy. Maybe he'll buy you."

Gummy: "Do you think he will?"

Narrator: "Asked Gummy hopefully."

Jem Cole: "He will when I get you cleaned up."

Narrator: "The vicar and his two boys arrived that evening. Gummy hadn't felt so happy in months. He chuffered about the yard."

Vicar: "Show you paces, Gummy."

Narrator: "Said the vicar.

Later, he came out of the office smiling."

Vicar: "I've got him cheap, Jem! Cheap!"

Jem Cole: "Did you hear that, Gummy?"

Narrator: "Cried Jem."

Jem Cole: "The reverend saved you, and you'll live at the vicarage now."

Gummy: "Peep, peep!"

Narrator: "Whistled Gummy.

Now, Gummy's home is in the vicarage orchard, and he sees Shining Armor everyday. His skin is spotless, and his tail shines. Gummy likes his work, but his happiest day is the church fair.

With a wooden cart attached to him, he chuffers around the orchard, giving rides to children.

Long afterwards, you will see him shut his eyes, remembering."

Gummy: "I like children."

Narrator: "He whispers happily."