Percy Proves A Point (February 1998)

Percy Proves A Point was a Season 2 volume with the next Season 2 episodes told by George Carlin.

Characters

 * Thomas

February 1998 VHS

 * PEEP! PEEP!

July 2000 VHS

 * PEEP! PEEP!

March 2004 DVD

 * PEEP! PEEP!

Story Stops

 * 1) Percy Proves A Point
 * 2) The Runaway
 * 3) Percy Takes The Plunge
 * 4) Pop Goes The Diesel
 * 5) Diesel's Devious Deed
 * 6) A Close Shave For Duck
 * 7) Better Late Than Never
 * 8) Donald and Douglas

Bonus Features

 * 1) Character Gallery
 * 2) Web Fun

Trivia

 * Narrated by George Carlin.
 * Released on February 10, 1998.
 * The US Season 4 intro (version 2), nameplate sequence (sourced from Thomas and His Friends Get Along) and the outro are used altogether.
 * The "Next Story Coming Up Soon!" logo and the title card text are sourced from the "Thomas and His Friends Get Along" 1998 VHS, the "Thomas Comes To Breakfast" 1998 VHS and the "A Big Day For Thomas" 1998 VHS.
 * In the end credits, a still from "Donald and Douglas was used with the end credit text from 1998 volumes.
 * The next eight episodes were based off of Percy and Harold and Other Stories.

February 1998 VHS

 * 1) Video Treasures Tracking Control (

1998 Front Cover

 * Harold from "Percy Proves A Point"

1998 Back Cover

 * Top Left: Diesel (cross) and Duck (happy) from "Pop Goes The Diesel"
 * Top Right: Douglas (happy) and James (cross) from "Donald and Douglas"

2000/2004 Front Cover

 * Top: Percy and Harold
 * Bottom: Thomas and Henry from "The Runaway"

2000/2004 Back Cover

 * Top Left: Duck from "A Close Shave For Duck"
 * Top Right: Bertie from "Better Late Than Never"

Cover Colors

 * White (1998)
 * Gray (2000/2004)

Running Time

 * ??? Minutes

Percy Proves A Point

 * George Carlin: Percy worked hard at the new harbour. The workmen needed stone for their building. Toby helped, but sometimes the loads of stone are too heavy, and Percy had to fetch them for himself. Sometimes, he sees Thomas.
 * Thomas: Well done, Percy. Sir Topham Hatt is very pleased with us.
 * George Carlin: An airfield was closed by. Percy heard the airplane zooming overhead all day. The noises of all was a helicopter.
 * Percy: Silly thing!
 * George Carlin: Said Percy.
 * Percy: Why can't and go and buzz somewhere else?
 * George Carlin: One day, Percy stopped at the airfield.
 * Percy: Hello.
 * George Carlin: Said Percy.
 * Percy: 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.
 * George Carlin: Said Harold.
 * Harold: 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.
 * George Carlin: Said Harold.
 * Harold: They're not much use and quite out of date.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: He collected his freight cars and started off still fuming. Soon, they heard a familiar buzzing.
 * Percy's Driver: Percy.
 * George Carlin: Whispered his driver.
 * Percy's Driver: There's Harold. He's not far ahead. Let's race him.
 * Percy: Yes, let's.
 * George Carlin: Said Percy. Percy pounded along, the cars screamed and swayed.
 * Percy's Driver: Well, I'll be a ding-dong dang!
 * George Carlin: Said the driver. There was Harold. The race was on!
 * Percy's Driver: Go it, Percy!
 * George Carlin: He yelled.
 * Percy's Driver: You're ganging!
 * George Carlin: Percy had never been allowed to go fast before. He was having the time of his life.
 * Percy: Hurry! Hurry! Hurry!
 * George Carlin: He panted to the cars.
 * Freight Cars: We don't want to, we don't want to.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * Percy's Driver: Well done, Percy!
 * George Carlin: Shouted the driver.
 * Percy's Driver: We're ganging! We're going ahead! Oh good boy, good boy!
 * George Carlin: A distant signal warned them that the harbour wharf was near.
 * Percy: Peep peep peep! Brakes, conductor, please?
 * George Carlin: The driver carefully checked the train's headlong speed. They rolled onto the main line, and halted on the wharf.
 * Percy: Oh dear!
 * George Carlin: Groaned Percy.
 * Percy: I'm sure we've lost.
 * George Carlin: The fireman scrambled to the cab roof.
 * Percy's Fireman: We've won, we've won!
 * George Carlin: He shouted.
 * Percy's Fireman: Harold's still hovering. He's looking for a place to land. Listen, boys.
 * George Carlin: The fireman called.
 * Percy's Fireman: 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.
 * George Carlin: Percy loved it.
 * Percy: Oh, thank you!
 * George Carlin: He said. He liked the last line best of all, and was a very happy engine.

Nameplates after Percy Proves A Point

 * Thomas
 * James
 * Gordon
 * Henry
 * Edward
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Bertie
 * Terence

The Runaway

 * George Carlin: Thomas the Tank Engine was ill. Workmen had been trying to make him better, but it was no use.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Edward must take you to the works.
 * George Carlin: Said Sir Topham Hatt. 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.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: He advised.
 * Terence: He's sure to miss them while he's away.
 * George Carlin: Duck was very gentle with the coaches. Annie and Clarabel were impressed.
 * Annie and Clarabel: Such nice manners.
 * George Carlin: They told each other.
 * Annie and Clarabel: It really is a pleasure to go out with him.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: 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!
 * George Carlin: Shrieked Annie and Clarabel. But Thomas, with plenty of steam, kept on going. The alarm went down the line.
 * Signalman: Stop the runaway!
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: He panted wearily. As they neared the next station Thomas saw Harold land. They entered the platform slowly enough for the inspector to act. Judging his moments the inspector scrambled into the cab and screwed the brakes on.
 * (The inspector brakes with all his strength)
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: Remarked The inspector.
 * Inspector: We must never let this happen again.
 * George Carlin: Wearily, Thomas agreed with him.

Nameplates after The Runaway

 * Bill and Ben
 * Donald and Douglas
 * Duck
 * Diesel
 * Daisy
 * BoCo
 * Harold
 * Trevor

Percy Takes The Plunge

 * George Carlin: One day, Henry wanted a 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?
 * George Carlin: Hissed Henry.
 * Henry: This shed is for Sir Topham Hatt's engines. Go away. Silly things.
 * George Carlin: Henry snorted.
 * Percy: They're not silly.
 * George Carlin: Percy had been enjoying himself.
 * Henry: They are silly and so are you. Water's nothing to an engine with determination. Huh.
 * Percy: Anyway.
 * George Carlin: Said cheeky Percy.
 * Percy: I'm not afraid of water, I like it.
 * George Carlin: He ran off to the harbour 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.
 * George Carlin: Huffed Henry. Thomas was looking at the board on the quay. Danger.
 * Thomas: We mustn't go passed it.
 * George Carlin: He said.
 * Thomas: That's orders.
 * Percy: Why?
 * Thomas: Danger means falling down something.
 * George Carlin: Said Thomas.
 * Thomas: I went pass danger once, and fell down a mine.
 * Percy: I can't see a mine.
 * George Carlin: Said Percy. He didn't know that the foundations of the quay had sunk. The rails now sloped down into the sea.
 * Percy: Stupid board.
 * George Carlin: Said Percy. He made a plan. One day, he whispered to the cars.
 * Percy: Will you give me a bump when we get to the quay?
 * George Carlin: The cars had never asked to bump an engine before. They giggled and chattered about it.
 * Percy: Driver doesn't know my plan.
 * George Carlin: Chuckled Percy.
 * Freight Cars: On, on, on!
 * George Carlin: Laughed the cars. 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.
 * George Carlin: Every wise engine knows that you cannot trust freight cars.
 * Freight Cars: Go on, go on!
 * George Carlin: They yelled, and bumped Percy's driver and fireman off the footplate.
 * Percy: Ow!
 * George Carlin: Said Percy, sliding pass the board. Percy was frantic.
 * Percy: That's enough!
 * (Percy falls into the water)
 * George Carlin: Percy was sunk.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: You are a very disobedient engine.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: 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)
 * George Carlin: Next day, he was sent to the works on Henry's freight train.
 * Henry: Well, well, well!
 * George Carlin: Chuckled Henry.
 * Henry: 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.
 * George Carlin: Percy is quite determined that they'll won't be a next time.

Nameplates after Percy Takes The Plunge

 * Thomas
 * James
 * Gordon
 * Henry
 * Edward
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Bertie
 * Terence

Pop Goes The Diesel

 * George Carlin: Duck is very proud of being Great Western. He talks endlessly about it. But he works hard too and makes everything ran like clockwork. It was a splendid day. The cars and coaches behave well, the passengers even stopped grumbling. But the engines didn't like having to bustle about.
 * Duck: There are two ways of doing things.
 * George Carlin: Duck told them.
 * Duck: The Great Western way, or the wrong way. I'm Great Western and...
 * Henry, Gordon and James: Don't we know it!
 * George Carlin: They groaned. The engines were glad when the visitor came. He purred smoothly towards him. Sir Topham Hatt introduce 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.
 * George Carlin: Purred Diesel in an oily voice.
 * Diesel: Please to meet you, Duck. Is that James and Henry and Gordon too? I am delighted to meet such famous engines.
 * George Carlin: The silly engines were flattered.
 * Engines: He has very good manners.
 * George Carlin: They murmured.
 * Engines: We're pleased to have in our yard.
 * George Carlin: Duck had his doubts.
 * Duck: Come on!
 * George Carlin: He said. Diesel purred after him.
 * Diesel: Your worth Top...
 * Duck: Sir Topham Hatt to you.
 * George Carlin: Ordered Duck. Diesel looked hurt.
 * Diesel: Your worthy Sir Topham Hatt thinks I need to learn. He is mistaken. We diesel don't need to learn. We know everything. We come to a yard and improvement. We are revolutionary.
 * Duck: Oh!
 * George Carlin: Said Duck.
 * Duck: If you are revo-re-revo-thingummy, perhaps you would collect my cars while I fetch Gordon's coaches.
 * George Carlin: Diesel delighted to show off, purred away. When Duck returned, Diesel was trying to take some cars from a siding. They were old and empty. They've not been touch for a long time. Diesel found them hard to move. Pull! Push! Backwards! Forwards!
 * Freight Cars: Oh! Oh!
 * George Carlin: The cars groaned.
 * Freight Cars: We can't! We won't!
 * George Carlin: Duck watched with interest. Diesel lost patience.
 * Diesel: (growling)
 * George Carlin: He roared, and gave a great heave. The cars jerked forward.
 * Freight Cars: Ohhh!
 * George Carlin: They screamed.
 * Freight Cars: We can't! We won't!
 * George Carlin: Some of their brakes snapped, and the gear jammed in the sleepers.
 * Diesel: (growling)
 * Duck: Ha, ha, ha!
 * George Carlin: Chuckled Duck. 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.
 * George Carlin: Diesel gulped.
 * Diesel: And I've taken all this trouble? Why didn't you tell me?
 * Duck: You never asked me. Besides.
 * George Carlin: Said Duck.
 * Duck: You were having such fun being revo-whatever-it-was-you-said. Goodbye.
 * Diesel: (growling)
 * George Carlin: Diesel had to help the workmen clear the mess. He hated it. All the cars were laughing and singing at him.
 * Freight 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: (growling)
 * George Carlin: Growled Diesel, and scuttled away to sulk in the shed.

Nameplates after Pop Goes The Diesel

 * Bill and Ben
 * Donald and Douglas
 * Duck
 * Diesel
 * Daisy
 * BoCo
 * Harold
 * Trevor

Diesel's Devious Deed

 * George Carlin: Diesel the new engine was sulking.
 * Freight Cars: Trucks are waiting in the yard...
 * George Carlin: The freight cars were 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...
 * George Carlin: Duck was horrified.
 * Freight Cars: When he pulls the wrong trucks out...
 * Duck: Shut up!
 * George Carlin: He ordered, and bumped them hard.
 * Freight Cars: Pop goes the Diesel!
 * Duck: I'm sorry our cars were rude to you, Diesel.
 * George Carlin: Diesel was still furious.
 * Diesel: It's all your fault. You made them laugh at me.
 * Henry: Nonsense.
 * George Carlin: Said Henry.
 * Henry: Duck would never do that. We engines have our differences, but we never talked about them to the cars. That would be dis...dis...
 * Gordon: Disgraceful.
 * George Carlin: Said Gordon.
 * James: Disgusting.
 * George Carlin: Put in James.
 * Henry: Despicable.
 * George Carlin: Finished Henry. 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.
 * George Carlin: And he snickered away.
 * Freight Cars: Ha, ha, ha!
 * George Carlin: Guffawed the cars.
 * Freight Cars: Gordon will be cross with Duck when he knows. Let's tell him and get back at Duck for bumping us.
 * George Carlin: They laughed rudely at the engines as they went by. Soon Gordon, Henry, and James found out why.
 * Gordon: Disgraceful.
 * George Carlin: Said Gordon.
 * James: Disgusting.
 * George Carlin: Put in James.
 * Henry: Despicable.
 * George Carlin: Finished Henry.
 * Henry: We cannot allow it.
 * George Carlin: They consulted together.
 * Henry: Yes.
 * George Carlin: They said.
 * Henry: He did it to us, we'll do it to him and see how he likes it.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: Said Duck.
 * Duck: I'm tired.
 * James: So are we.
 * George Carlin: Hissed the engines.
 * Gordon: We're tired of you. We like Diesel. We don't like you.
 * Henry: You tell tales about us to the cars.
 * Duck: I don't!
 * Gordon, James and Henry: You do!
 * Duck: I don't!
 * Gordon, James and Henry: You do!
 * George Carlin: Sir Topham Hatt came to stop the noise.
 * Gordon: Duck called me a galloping sausage!
 * George Carlin: Spluttered Gordon.
 * James: Rusty red scrap-irons!
 * George Carlin: Hissed James.
 * Henry: I'm old square wheels!
 * George Carlin: Fumed Henry.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: Well, Duck?
 * George Carlin: Duck considered.
 * Duck: I only wish sir.
 * George Carlin: He said gravely.
 * Duck: 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.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: Said Sir Topham Hatt. Diesel squirmed and hope 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 him.
 * Duck: As you wish, Sir.
 * George Carlin: Duck trundled sadly away, while Diesel smirked with triumph.

Nameplates after Diesel's Devious Deed

 * Thomas
 * James
 * Gordon
 * Henry
 * Edward
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Bertie
 * Terence

A Close Shave For Duck

 * George Carlin: Duck the Great Western Engine puffed sadly to Edward's station.
 * Duck: It's not fair.
 * George Carlin: He complained.
 * Duck: Diesel has been telling lies about me and made Sir Topham Hatt and all the engines think I'm horrid.
 * George Carlin: Edward smiled.
 * Edward: I know you weren't, and so does Sir Topham Hatt. You wait and see. Why don't you help me with these cars?
 * George Carlin: 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!
 * George Carlin: Whistled Duck, and rolled gently over the crossing to the other line. Duck love coasting down the hill, running easily with the wind whistling past. Suddenly...
 * Duck: It was the conductor's warning whistle.
 * Freight Cars: Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah!
 * George Carlin: Laughed the cars.
 * Freight Cars: We've broken away, we've broken away! Chase him, bump him, throw him off the rails!
 * George Carlin: They yelled.
 * Duck's Driver: Hurry, Duck, hurry!
 * George Carlin: Said the driver. 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.
 * George Carlin: The driver was gaining control.
 * Duck's Driver: Another clear mile and we'll do it. Oh, glory, look at that!
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: Cried the driver. Duck put every ounce of wait and steam against the cars.
 * Duck: It's too late!
 * George Carlin: Duck groaned. He veered into a siding where a barber had sent off shop. He was shaving a customer.
 * (Duck crashes into the barber shop)
 * George Carlin: The silly cars were 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.
 * George Carlin: Gasped Duck.
 * Duck: Excuse my intrusion.
 * Barber: No I won't.
 * George Carlin: Said the barber.
 * Barber: You frightened my customers! I'll teach you!
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: Fumed the barber.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I appreciate your feelings.
 * George Carlin: Said Sir Topham Hatt.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: But you must know that this engine and his crew had prevented a serious accident. It was a very close shave.
 * Barber: Oh.
 * George Carlin: Said the barber.
 * Barber: Oh! Excuse me.
 * George Carlin: He filled the 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.
 * George Carlin: Said Sir Topham Hatt.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I'm proud of you.
 * George Carlin: 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)
 * George Carlin: A few days later when he came home, there was a really rousing welcome for Duck the Great Western Engine.

Nameplates after A Close Shave For Duck

 * Bill and Ben
 * Donald and Douglas
 * Duck
 * Diesel
 * Daisy
 * BoCo
 * Harold
 * Trevor

Better Late Than Never

 * George Carlin: 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 long time. The engines have 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.
 * George Carlin: He grumbled.
 * Thomas: Why should I keep my passengers waiting while Henry and James dawdle about all day on viaducts?
 * Henry: Don't blame me.
 * George Carlin: Snorted Henry.
 * Henry: If we hurried to cross the viaduct, it might collapsed, and then you have no passengers at all. What would you do then?
 * Thomas: Run my train on time for one thing.
 * George Carlin: Retorted Thomas. He hurried away before Henry could answer. Bertie was impatient too. He was time to arrived just after Thomas. His passengers found that, instead of going straight from the bus till their train, they were kept waiting till Thomas arrived. Soon Bertie grew cross with Thomas.
 * Bertie: Late again!
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: Thomas let off steam loudly.
 * Thomas: Rubbish!
 * George Carlin: He hissed fiercely.
 * Thomas: It's those main line engines. They differ about on the viaduct, and they blamed Sir Topham Hatt's workmen. It's just an excuse for laziness if you ask me.
 * George Carlin: One day, James was later than ever at the junction.
 * James: I'm sorry, Thomas.
 * George Carlin: He puffed.
 * James: I was held up at the station, and the viaduct made it worse.
 * Thomas: It's lucky for you I'm a guaranteed connection.
 * George Carlin: Grumbled Thomas. Before James could answer, he puffed importantly away.
 * Thomas: Come along, come along!
 * George Carlin: He panted to the coaches. Annie and Clarabel did their best but Thomas still found that he couldn't save much time. Suddenly, Thomas saw Bertie ahead. His radiator was steaming.
 * Thomas: What's the matter?
 * George Carlin: Asked Thomas.
 * Thomas: You should be at the station by now. You're late.
 * Bertie: I feel dreadful.
 * George Carlin: Moaned Bertie.
 * Bertie: 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.
 * George Carlin: Agreed Thomas. 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, travelling 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.
 * George Carlin: Replied Thomas.
 * Thomas: I'm glad I can help. There are times when being late isn't such a bad thing after all.
 * George Carlin: With the last cheerful greeting, the two friends went back to work.
 * (Bertie's horn honks and Thomas' whistle toots)

Nameplates after Better Late Than Never

 * Thomas
 * James
 * Gordon
 * Henry
 * Edward
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Bertie
 * Terence

Donald and Douglas

 * George Carlin: Donald and Douglas are twins and had 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 break 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 muckle nuisance!
 * George Carlin: Said Donald.
 * Donald: It's to leave you behind I'd be wanting.
 * Break Van: You can't!
 * George Carlin: Said the break van.
 * Break Van: I'm essential!
 * Donald: Och are you?
 * George Carlin: Donald burst out.
 * Donald: You're nothing but a screeching and a noise when all set is done. Spite Douggie, would ya? Take that!
 * Break Van: Ow! Ooh!
 * George Carlin: Cried the van.
 * Donald: There's more coming should you misbehave.
 * George Carlin: The van behave better after that. Until one day, Donald had an accident. The rails were slippery. He couldn't stop in time.
 * (Donald crashes into the signal box)
 * George Carlin: Donald wasn't hurt, but Sir Topham Hatt was most annoyed.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I am disappointed, Donald. I didn't expect such, er, clumsiness from you. I had decided to send Douglas back and keep you.
 * Donald: I'm sorry, sir.
 * George Carlin: Said Donald.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I should think so, too. You have upset my arrangements. Now James will have to help you with the goods work, while you have your tender mended. James won't like that.
 * George Carlin: Sir Topham Hatt was right. James grumbled dreadfully about extra work.
 * Douglas: Anyone would think.
 * George Carlin: Said Douglas.
 * Douglas: That Donald had had his accident on purpose. I heard tell about an engine and some tar wagons.
 * James: Shut up!
 * George Carlin: Said James.
 * James: It's not funny.
 * George Carlin: He didn't like to be remind about his own accident.
 * Donald: Well, well, well! Surely, James, it wasn't you. You didn't say.
 * George Carlin: James didn't say. He slouched sulkily away.
 * Break Van: James is cross!
 * George Carlin: Sniggered the spiteful break van.
 * Break Van: We'll try to make him crosser still!
 * Freight Cars: Hold back!
 * George Carlin: Giggled the freight cars to each other. 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!
 * George Carlin: Panted James.
 * James: These freight cars are playing tricks.
 * Douglas: We'll show them.
 * George Carlin: Said Douglas. 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!
 * George Carlin: Shouted Douglas. The conductor was anxious.
 * Conductor: Go steady! The van's breaking!
 * (Douglas smashes the break van to bits)
 * George Carlin: 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.
 * George Carlin: He said.
 * Edward: Douglas was grand, sir.
 * George Carlin: Said Edward.
 * Edward: 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.
 * George Carlin: Said Sir Topham Hatt.
 * Sir Topham Hatt: I want to be fair, Douglas, but I don't know. I really don't know.
 * George Carlin: Sir Topham Hatt was making up his mind about which engine to send away, but that's another story.