Cranky and The Express/A Proud Day for Cranky

Cranky and The Express, retitled A Proud Day for Cranky for American audience, is the tenth episode of Spike the Dragon and Friends. It is a parody of the Thomas & Friends episode, James and The Express/A Proud Day for James.

Cast

 * Big Macintosh as Henry
 * Chief Thunderhooves as Gordon
 * Cranky Doodle Donkey as James
 * Hoity Toity as Sir Topham Hatt
 * Buffaloes as The Coaches
 * Spike as Thomas (cameo)
 * Everyone else as Themselves

Transcript
Narrator: "One night, Big Macintosh and Chief Thunderhooves were alone with Cranky Doodle Donkey. Although Hoity Toity was beginning to think well of him, whenever a chance came, the other animals would talk of nothing but bootlaces."

Big Macintosh and Chief Thunderhooves: "Remember when they had to use a bootlace to get you out of trouble, Cranky?"

Narrator: "They would tease. Cranky tried to get back by talking about Big Mac who got shut up in a tunnel and Chief Thunderhooves who got stuck on a hill, but they wouldn't listen."

Chief Thunderhooves: "You talk too much little Cranky."

Narrator: "Said Chief Thunderhooves."

Chief Thunderhooves: "A fine strong buffalo like me has something to talk about. I'm the only animal who can take the express buffaloes. When I'm not there, they need two animals. Think of that? I've taken express buffaloes for years and have never once lost my way. I seem to know the right path by instinct."

Narrator: "Every wise animal knows of course that the signalman makes sure the animals run on the right path, but Chief Thunderhooves was so proud, he had forgotten."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Wake up, Cranky."

Narrator: "Said Chief Thunderhooves next morning."

Chief Thunderhooves: "It's nearly time for the express. What are you doing? Odd jobs? Ah well, we all have to begin somewhere, don't we? Run along and get my buffaloes. Don't be late."

Narrator: "Cranky went to fetch Chief Thunderhooves' buffaloes. They were all shiny with new fur. He was careful not to bump them, and they follow him smoothly into the station, singing happily,"

Buffaloes: "We're going away, we're going away."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "I wish I was going with you."

Narrator: "Said Cranky."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "I should love to take the express and go flying along the path."

Narrator: "Chief Thunderhooves, with much noise, got ready to back down onto the line.

Hoity Toity was with the buffaloes with other important people. And as soon so they heard the conductor's whistle, Chief Thunderhooves started."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Look at me now, look at me now."

Narrator: "He puffed, and the buffaloes glided after him."

Chief Thunderhooves: "Goodbye little Cranky. See you tomorrow."

Narrator: "Cranky watch the line disappear and then went back to work. He pushed some changelings into their proper sidings, and went to fetch the buffaloes for another animal.

Cranky had just brought the buffaloes to the platform when he heard a mournful noise.

There was Chief Thunderhooves trying to sneak into the station without being noticed."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Hello, Chief Thunderhooves. Is it tomorrow?"

Narrator: "Asked Cranky. Chief Thunderhooves didn't answer, he just kicked at the ground feebly."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Did you lose your way, Chief Thunderhooves?"

Narrator: "Said Cranky."

Chief Thunderhooves: "No, it was lost for me. I turned off the main path and onto the loop. I had to go all around and back again."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Perhaps it was instinct."

Narrator: "Said Cranky.

Meanwhile, all the passengers hurried to the ticket window."

Passengers: "We want our money back!"

Narrator: "They shouted. But Hoity Toity climbed onto a cart, and blew the conductor's whistle so loudly that they all stopped to look at him. Then he promised them a new animal at once."

Hoity Toity: "Chief Thunderhooves can't do it. Will you take it for us, Cranky?"

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Yes, sir. I'll try."

Narrator: "So Cranky was hooked up, and everyone got on."

Hoity Toity: "Do your best, Cranky."

Narrator: "Said Hoity Toity."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Come along, come along."

Narrator: "Said Cranky."

Buffaloes: "You're pulling us well, you're pulling us well."

Narrator: "Sang the buffaloes."

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Hurry, hurry, hurry."

Narrator: "Puffed Cranky.

Bridges and stations flashed by, the passengers cheered and they soon reached the station. Everyone said 'Thank you' to Cranky, and Hoity Toity was very impressed."

Hoity Toity: "Well done!"

Narrator: "He said."

Hoity Toity: "Would you like to take the express sometimes?"

Cranky Doodle Donkey: "Yes, please!"

Narrator: "Answered Cranky.

Next day, when Cranky came by, Chief Thunderhooves was pushing changelings."

Chief Thunderhooves: "I like some quiet work for a change."

Narrator: "He said."

Chief Thunderhooves: "I'm teaching these changelings manners. You did well with those buffaloes I hear. Good, we'll show them."

Narrator: "And he gave his changelings a bump.

Cranky and Chief Thunderhooves are now good friends. Cranky sometimes takes the express to give Chief Thunderhooves a rest. Chief Thunderhooves never talks about bootlaces, and they are both quite agreed on the subject of changelings."