Thomas the Trackmaster Adventures Episode 23: We Need Another Engine

Previous Episode: Episode 22 Next Episode: Episode 24 Episode 23. We Need Another Engine Norramby branchline has been restored, and Molly, Neville, and Eagle are to run it. Dennis, a grumpy diesel shunter, is furious to discover he isn't going to run it with them, so he crashes into the back of the shed. But soon makes up for it when Neville's steam pipe leaks. Characters: Neville Eagle Dennis Sir Topham Hatt Control (voice only) Molly (non-speaking role) Thomas (cameo) Henry (cameo) Gordon (cameo) Toby (cameo) Donald and Douglas (cameo) Emily (cameo) Spencer (cameo) Annie and Clarabel (cameo)

[edit]Transcript

Narrator: Molly, Neville, and Eagle were excited. The Norramby branch line had just been restored, and today, it was going to be opened. Dennis: Am I one of the engines? Narrator: Dennis was a diesel and inclined to be grumpy. Sir Topham Hatt shook his head. Sir Topham Hatt: I'm sorry, you weren't here when the line was being restored, I'm afraid, so they didn't know about you. Narrator: Dennis was cross. When his driver came to start him the next day, he refused to go. Dennis: It's not fair! Why can't I be on a branchline, like the others? Dennis' Driver: Cheer up! It's only a branchline. Dennis: {muttering} It's got engines, hasn't it? I'm not one of them, either, I suppose. Dennis' Driver: {losing patience} Come on, Dennis. It's teamwork that counts on a railway, not branch lines. Narrator: He pressed the starter button again. Dennis: Don't care! Narrator: ...growled Dennis, and started suddenly. He jerked forward. Before his driver could stop him, Dennis hit the wall in the back of the shed. {Dennis runs into a shed support.} Dennis was unhurt, but one of the shed supports was cracked. He was sorry at once, and even sorrier when he realized that Sir Topham Hatt had just come to the sheds. Sir Topham Hatt was cross, and ordered Dennis out while he made sure the shed was safe. That afternoon, Neville left Wellsworth station with a heavy train. As the approached the hill, his driver watched the steam gauge anxiously. Neville's driver: You got a steam leak, somewhere. Narrator: They stopped at a loop to let Molly pass. That helped, but Neville was exhausted when he reached the hill. He hadn't noticed Dennis, working in a siding. Neville's driver: I think we can make it to the top. Narrator: But they didn't. They had to stop on the next loop, and the driver switched on his radio. Engines on the Norramby branch line are now fitted with radios. The driver can talk to Control, who makes sure the trains run safely. Neville's driver: Neville has got a leaking steam pipe. We're all right on our own, but the train's too much for us. Can you help, please? Control: We'll get you out, somehow. Don't go away! Neville: {mutters} Humph. Very funny! Chance would be a fine run. Narrator: Eagle passed with a down train. Eagle: Overworked, that's what we are. We need another engine! Narrator: About ten minutes later, Neville heard a friendly horn. {Dennis honks his horn.} Dennis rumbled through the loop. Dennis: Wonderful things, these radios. Control says you need help. I'm to take the train with you. Teamwork, my driver calls it. Narrator: Dennis reversed onto the train, and when everything was ready, set off for Knapford Station. {"The Touch" by Stan Bush plays as Dennis pulls Neville and his train to Knapford Station, and fades away as the narrator resumes.} Narrator: {as the music dies away} At Knapford Station, Dennis' driver apologized to the passengers for being late, but they didn't mind. Passengers: You did things right very well. We were expecting a walk home! Narrator: Neville went home, and his driver set to work mending the broken steam pipe. The job took a long time. Neville's driver: If only we had a spare engine. Narrator: Sir Topham Hatt was pleased too. Sir Topham Hatt: Well done, Dennis! And the shed isn't badly damaged either, so we'll say no more about it. Narrator: But he was thoughtful as he went back to his office. Sir Topham Hatt: Dennis can't do all the rescue work - we do need another engine. THE END

[edit]Fun Facts

First appearance of Dennis, and also his first accident. First episode to contain a music montage.