Little Engines Can Do Big Things (Anchor Bay Entertainment)/Script

This was the full script to Little Engines Can Do Big Things, the 2002 VHS featuring eight episodes.

Characters[]

Thomas
Edward
Henry
Percy
Toby
Duck
Donald and Douglas
Bill and Ben
BoCo
Stepney
Skarloey
Rheneas
Peter Sam
Rusty
Duncan
Sir Topham Hatt
James (does not speak)
Diesel (does not speak)
Gordon (cameo)
Daisy (cameo)
Mavis (cameo)
Class 40 (cameo)
Sir Handel (cameo)
Duke (cameo)
Bertie (cameo)
Annie and Clarabel (cameo)
Oliver (mentioned)

Script[]

Thomas Comes To Breakfast[]

(Thomas' whistle tooting)
George Carlin: Thomas the Tank Engine has worked his line for many years, and knows it very well.
(Thomas reached the station)
Thomas' Driver: You know just where to stop, Thomas.
George Carlin: Laughed his driver.
Thomas' Driver: You could almost manage it without me.
George Carlin: Thomas had become conceited. He didn't realize his driver was joking. Later, he boasted to the others.
Thomas: Driver says I don't need him now.
Percy: Don't be so daft!
George Carlin: Snorted Percy.
Toby: I'd never go without my driver.
George Carlin: Said Toby, earnestly.
Toby: I'd be frightened.
Thomas: Puh!
George Carlin: Boasted Thomas.
Thomas: I'm not scared!
Toby: You'd never dare!
Thomas: I would then, you'll see.
George Carlin: Next morning, the fire lighter came. Thomas drowsed comfortably, and the warmth spread through his boiler. Percy and Toby were still asleep. Thomas suddenly remembered;
Thomas: Silly stick-in-the-muds!
George Carlin: He chuckled.
Thomas: I'll show them. Driver said I could manage without him. I'll just go out, then I'll stop and WHEESH! That'll make them jump.
George Carlin: Thomas thought he was being clever. Really, he was only moving because a careless cleaner had meddled with his controls. 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 stationmaster's house. The stationmaster was just about to have breakfast.
Thomas: Horrors!
George Carlin: Cried Thomas, and shut his eyes.
(Thomas crashed into the house)
George Carlin: The house rocked, broken glass tinkled, plaster was everywhere. Thomas had collected a bush on his travels. He peered into the room through its leaves. He couldn't speak. The stationmaster was furious. His wife picked up her plate.
Stationmaster's Wife: You miserable engine!
George Carlin: She scolded.
Stationmaster's Wife: Just look what you've done to our breakfast! Now I shall have to cook some more!
George Carlin: She banged the door. More plaster fell. This time, it fell on Thomas. Thomas felt depressed. Workmen propped up the house with strong poles, and laid rails through the garden. Then, the Scottish twin engines, Donald and Douglas arrived.
Douglas: Dinna fash yourself, Thomas, we'll soon have you back on the rails!
George Carlin: They laughed.
(Donald and Douglas rescued Thomas)
George Carlin: Donald and Douglas, puffing hard, managed to haul Thomas back to safety. Bits of fencing, a bush, and a broken window frame festooned his front, which was badly twisted. The twins laughed and left him. Thomas was in disgrace. There was worse to come.
Sir Topham Hatt: You're in a lot of trouble, Thomas!
Thomas: I know, sir. I'm sorry, sir.
George Carlin: Thomas' voice was muffled behind his bush.
Sir Topham Hatt: You must go to the works and have your front mended, it will be a long job.
Thomas: Yes, sir.
Sir Topham Hatt: Meanwhile, a Diesel Rail-car will do your work.
Thomas: A D-d-diesel, sir?
George Carlin: Thomas spluttered.
Sir Topham Hatt: Yes, Thomas. Diesels always stay in their sheds until they are wanted. Diesels never gallivant off to breakfast in stationmasters' houses.

Nameplates after Thomas Comes To Breakfast[]

Thomas
James
Gordon
Henry
Edward
Percy
Toby
Bertie
Terence

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.
(Bill and Ben leave)
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.
(Percy meets up with Thomas by the quay)
George Carlin: 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 downward to 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 there won't be a next time.

Nameplates after Percy Takes The Plunge[]

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

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 animals think I'm horrid.
George Carlin: Edward smiled.
Edward: I know you aren'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.
(Duck traveled with Edward)
George Carlin: The cars were silly, heavy, and noisy. The two engines had to work hard, pushing and pulling them 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 loved coasting down the hill, running easily with the wind whistling past. Suddenly, it was a 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!
Duck: Oh, glory, look at that!
George Carlin: James was just pulling out on their line from the station ahead. Any minute, there could be a crash!
Duck's Driver: It's up to you now, Driver.
George Carlin: Cried the driver. Duck put every ounce of weight and strength against the cars.
Duck: It's too late!
George Carlin: Duck groaned. He veered into a siding where a barber had set up shop. He was shaving a customer.
(Duck crashed into the barber shop)
George Carlin: The silly cars had 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've frightened my customers! I'll teach you!
George Carlin: And he lathered Duck's face all over. 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 pony and his crew have prevented a very serious accident. It was a very close shave.
Barber: Oh.
Ringo Starr: Said the barber.
Barber: Oh. Excuse me.
George Carlin: He filled a basin of water to wash Duck's face.
Barber: I'm sorry. I didn't know you were being 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 for 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 are sorry and want you back.
(Duck returned and was greeted by the whistling engines)
George Carlin: A few days later, when he came home, here was a really rousing welcome for Duck the Great Western Engine.

Nameplates after A Close Shave For Duck[]

Duke
Peter Sam
Sir Handel
Rheneas
Skarloey
Rusty
Stepney

The Diseasel[]

George Carlin: Bill and Ben are tank engine twins. Each has four wheels, a tiny chimney and dome and a small squat cab. Their freight cars are filled with china clay. It is needed for pottery, paint, paper, and many other things.
(Bill and Ben took their loads)
George Carlin: The twins are now kept busy, taking the cars for engines on the main line, and for ships in the harbor.
(Bill and Ben delivered more loads)
George Carlin: One morning, they arranged some cars, and went away for more.
(The freight cars vanished)
George Carlin: They returned to find them all gone. The unicorns were most surprised. Their drivers examined a patch of oil.
Bill's Driver: That's diesel.
George Carlin: They said.
Bill: It's a what-ll?
George Carlin: Asked Bill.
Ben: A diseasel, I think.
George Carlin: Replied Snails.
Ben: There's a notice about them in our shed.
Bill: Coughs and sneezes spread diseasels.
Ben: You had a cough in your smokebox yesterday. It's your fault the diseasel came.
Bill: It isn't!
Ben: It is!
Ben's Driver: Stop arguing, you two.
George Carlin: Laughed their drivers.
Ben's Driver: Let's go and rescue our freight cars.
George Carlin: Bill and Ben were horrified.
Bill: But the diseasel will magic us away, like the freight cars!
Bill's Driver: He won't magic us.
George Carlin: Replied their drivers.
Bill's Driver: We'll more likely magic him.
Ben's Driver: Listen, he doesn't know your twins, so we'll take away your names and numbers, and then this is what we'll do.
George Carlin: Puffing hard, the twins set off on their journey to find the diesel. They were looking forward to playing tricks on him. Creeping into the yard, they found the diesel on the siding with the missing cars. Ben hid behind, but Bill went boldly alongside.
(Bill rolled alongside a line of cars and eventually found BoCo)
George Carlin: The diesel looked up.
BoCo: Do you mind?
Bill: Yes.
George Carlin: Said Bill.
Bill: I do. I want my cars back.
BoCo: These are mine.
George Carlin: Said the diesel.
BoCo: Go away!
George Carlin: Bill pretended not to be frightened.
Bill: You're a big bully.
George Carlin: He whimpered.
Bill: You'll be sorry!
George Carlin: He ran back and hid behind the cars on the other side. Ben now came forward.
Ben: Car stealer!
George Carlin: Hissed Ben. He ran away, too. Bill took his place.
(Bill and Ben repeatedly taunted BoCo)
George Carlin: This went on and on until the diesel's eyes nearly popped out.
BoCo: Stop! You're making me giddy!
George Carlin: The two engines gazed at him.
BoCo: Are there two of you?
Bill: Yes, we're friends.
BoCo: I might have known it!
George Carlin: Just then, Edward bustled up.
Edward: Bill and Ben, why are you playing here?
Bill: We're not playing!
George Carlin: Protested Bill.
Ben: We're rescuing our cars.
George Carlin: Squeaked Ben.
Ben: Even you don't take our cars without asking, but this diseasel did.
Edward: There's no cause to be rude.
George Carlin: Said Edward severely.
Edward: This engine is a Metropolitan Vickers, diesel electric type 2.
George Carlin: The twins were most impressed.
Bill: We're sorry, Mr., uh...
BoCo: Never mind.
George Carlin: The diesel smiled.
BoCo: Call me BoCo. I'm sorry I didn't understand about the cars.
Edward: That's all right, then.
George Carlin: Said Edward.
Edward: Now off you go, Bill and Ben, fetch BoCo's cars, then you can take this lot. There's no real harm in them,
George Carlin: He said to BoCo.
BoCo: But they're maddening at times.
George Carlin: BoCo chuckled.
BoCo: Maddening,
George Carlin: He said.
BoCo: Is the word.

Nameplates after The Diseasel[]

Duncan
George
Post Van
Caroline
Class 40

One Good Turn[]

George Carlin: Bill and Ben are the most mischievous engines working on Sir Topham Hatt's railway. They are kept busy pushing and pulling cars up and down the line that runs from the china clay works to the harbour yard. They like to have fun together and often play tricks on the workmen.
(Bill pulls the cars away and soot falls on the tracks)
George Carlin: But sometimes, their teasing ways can get them into trouble. One morning, Sir Topham Hatt came to see them.
Sir Topham Hatt: Important goods have arrived in the big yard. Bill and Ben, I need you to help the other engines.
Bill and Ben: Oh, yes. Of course, sir.
George Carlin: Replied the twins. They set off happily on their important mission. BoCo was resting in the yard when suddenly he heard a pair of familiar whistles.
BoCo: Hmm.
George Carlin: Sighed BoCo.
BoCo: Here comes trouble.
Bill: Sir Topham Hatt told us you were tired.
George Carlin: Teased Bill.
Bill: He asked us to take all your cars for you.
BoCo: You two never stopped, do you? But I'm wise to your pranks, and we do need help here.
George Carlin: The twins were soon busy pushing and pulling the heavy cars into place. At last, the day's work was done. The twins now became excited. They were going to use the turntable for the first time. Bill went first.
Bill: This is fun!
George Carlin: He shrieked to Ben. He didn't want to move off at all. The foreman stopped the turntable.
Foreman: Please make way for the other engines!
George Carlin: He ordered. Bill did so, but the foreman had accidentally stopped the turntable in the wrong place. Bill was on the wrong track and there was Ben puffing directly toward him. The engines came to a grinding halt.
(Bill and Ben stop against each other)
George Carlin: They gazed grimly at each other.
Bill: I was here first!
George Carlin: Said Bill.
Ben: But you're in my way!
George Carlin: Protested Ben.
Ben: You'll have to back up again.
Bill: I won't!
Ben: You will!
Bill: I won't!
George Carlin: Sir Topham Hatt came to stop the noise.
Sir Topham Hatt: If you don't behave, I shall not allow you here again!
George Carlin: The next day, Ben was still grumpy.
Ben: That Bill! Imagine getting in my way on the turntable. He's a really silly engine!
BoCo: The way I heard it,
George Carlin: Sighed BoCo.
BoCo: It sounded like you were both to blame!
Ben: Pooh! You must have heard it all wrong!
George Carlin: The twins grumbled about each other all day.
(Bill and Ben complained to each other while seeing BoCo)
George Carlin: Even kind Edward lost patience.
Edward: All this grumbling spreads bad atmosphere in the yard.
BoCo: You're quite right. And that's why I come up with a plan.
George Carlin: BoCo whispered his plan to Edward. Then his driver told Sir Topham Hatt.
Sir Topham Hatt: I'll start making arrangements right away.
George Carlin: The next morning, he called Bill and Ben into the yard.
Sir Topham Hatt: BoCo is taking a special train to the harbour. His regular heavy goods train is waiting on the siding. You can pull it together.
Ben: But...
Bill: But...
George Carlin: Protested Bill and Ben, who were still not speaking to each other.
Sir Topham Hatt: Good! I knew I can rely on you two.
Ben: I'll take the train myself.
George Carlin: Huffed Ben.
Bill: Go right ahead.
George Carlin: Said Bill. Ben was coupled up to the train of freight cars, but they were too heavy for him to move alone.
(Ben attempts to pull a train)
Bill: Go on!
George Carlin: Teased Bill.
Ben: I can't!
George Carlin: Said Ben. Then suddenly, both twins laughed.
Bill: I don't think we'll take turns this time, Ben.
George Carlin: Said Bill.
Bill: I think we better pull together.
George Carlin: Ben was delighted. It was good to be helping each other. Best of all, it was good to be friends again.

Nameplates after One Good Turn[]

Thomas
James
Gordon
Henry
Edward
Percy
Toby
Bertie
Terence

Rusty To The Rescue[]

George Carlin: In springtime, Rusty loves to visit a faraway place. It's filled with bluebells. The air smells sweet and Rusty thinks there's no better place than be. One day, Thomas was passing by just as Rusty was having a drink.
Thomas: Peep, peep! Good morning. Your driver looks a little worried. I wonder why.
Rusty: I don't know.
George Carlin: Said Rusty.
Rusty: But I soon will. Excuse me.
George Carlin: Said Rusty.
Rusty: But is there something wrong?
Rusty's Driver: Yes indeed.
George Carlin: Replied the driver.
Rusty's Driver: They need another engine to help us run the special line.
Rusty: A bluebell engine.
George Carlin: Laughed Rusty.
Rusty: Maybe I can find one.
George Carlin: Later, Rusty saw Douglas and Percy. Rusty had an idea.
Rusty: Can you help me find another engine?
Douglas: Where?
Rusty: Where'd you found Oliver?
Douglas: You mean on the Other Railway?
Rusty: Yes. I'm looking for a bluebell engine.
George Carlin: And Rusty explained everything.
Douglas: I like to help. But these days it's only diesels that go there.
George Carlin: Then Rusty decided.
Rusty: So that's were I'll go.
Douglas: Take care.
George Carlin: Rusty told the driver all about the plan. And that night, he came to the shed.
Rusty's Driver: The manager says he'll make a home for a bluebell engine if you find one.
Rusty: Right.
George Carlin: Said Rusty.
Rusty: We'll find one tomorrow.
George Carlin: It took them all the next day to travel to the Other Railway. Darkness fell and the cold wind blew.
Rusty: Oh, what's that?
George Carlin: But it was only the sounds of a lonely scrapyards. Diesel silent and still lined up and guard.
Diesels: Who are you?
George Carlin: Rusty plucked up courage.
Rusty: I'm a shed and sidings inspection diesel. Have you any engines in the shed?
Diesels: No. None.
George Carlin: Rusty rallied again.
Rusty: Then what about the sidings?
Diesels: One. We have one.
George Carlin: Rusty grew braver still.
Rusty: Then I'll just go and inspect.
George Carlin: A small engine with a tall funnel stood sad and alone in a shadowy siding. His driver was huddled in the cab keeping him company.
Rusty: Excuse me.
George Carlin: Said Rusty.
Rusty: Do you like bluebells?
George Carlin: The engine looked startled.
Stepney: Yes. Bluebells are beautiful.
Rusty: Then you're soon going to see lots of them because I'm getting you out of here.
George Carlin: Everyone worked fast. It was difficult to set the fire, but soon it was glowing hot and Stepney had a good head of steam. Rusty's engineer agreed to be Stepney's fireman. So fall they set, past the bleak and booming lines of diesels.
Diesels: Where is he going?
George Carlin: They hissed.
Rusty: Just down the line.
George Carlin: Replied Rusty. And they chuffered quickly away.
Rusty: We've done it.
George Carlin: Whispered Rusty.
Rusty: We're over the board and back in our own railway. Mission accomplished.
George Carlin: When Rusty and the engine arrived in the valley, a big welcome awaited him.
Manager: We shall mend you and give you your new coat of paint.
George Carlin: Said the manager. His driver was delighted.
Stepney's Driver: You lucky old engine. You've been saved by the bluebell railway.
Stepney: And my friend, Rusty. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Rusty.
George Carlin: Now the little engine is has happy as can be and helps the passengers and visit at bluebell time. His name is Stepney, but everyone calls him the bluebell engine.

Nameplates after Rusty To The Rescue[]

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

Thomas and Stepney[]

George Carlin: Thomas the Tank Engine was feeling very happy. His blue coat shone in the sun, he was right on time, and all around his branch line the countryside seems prettier than ever before.
Thomas: Peep peep! Good morning, Percy.
George Carlin: He whistled.
Thomas: My branch is the pride of the line. Wouldn't you agree?
Percy: Uh, yes, Thomas, of course. But, uh...
Thomas: But what, Percy? Out with it!
Percy: Well, there is another engine with a famous branch line too?
Thomas: Who? Where?
Percy: His name's Stepney. He's faraway, but Sir Topham Hatt says he might visit us.
Thomas: When?
Percy: Oh, someday.
George Carlin: And Percy hurried away. Meanwhile, Stepney puffed steadily along his line. It isn't very long, and that made him feel a little sad. Later he saw Rusty, the little diesel had helped saved Stepney from scrap.
Stepney: Everyone's been so kind. But my railway was so short and I do miss a good long run.
Rusty: I think you should tell driver too.
George Carlin: Replied Rusty.
Rusty: I'm sure he'll understand.
George Carlin: Stepney soon discovered that indeed he did.
Stepney's Driver: Do you know, Stepney? I feel just the same way.
George Carlin: That evening, he had exciting news.
Stepney's Driver: Guess what, Stepney? Sir Topham Hatt has invited to the other engines on his own railway. Manager agreed. It'll be really long run to get there.
Stepney: Oh, thank you.
George Carlin: Sighed Stepney. They set off next morning. But now, all the other engines were talking about Stepney.
Percy: He runs a famous branch line. Did you know that?
George Carlin: Said Percy. Thomas was feeling a little jealous.
Thomas: Huh! It may be famous, but my branch is the first on the line. Everyone knows that too.
George Carlin: And he huffed away to fetch his coaches.
Percy: Look!
George Carlin: Squeaked Percy.
Percy: Why have they all come? There's no train yet.
George Carlin: But Percy was wrong. The signal dropped, and from far away an engine whistled.
Douglas: Here he comes.
George Carlin: Yelled Douglas. Stepney puffed proudly through the junction.
Edward: I hope you'll meet Thomas too.
George Carlin: Said Edward.
Edward: You both have branch lines to be proud of.
George Carlin: Then Stepney set off to help Duck shunt coaches in the yards, and they worked happily together all afternoon. At last, Thomas arrived.
Thomas: Sorry, can't talk. It's time for my last branch line train. Mustn't be late.
George Carlin: He was hardly out of sight when the engines heard shouting at the station. Moments later came the alarm.
Passengers: Stop all trains!
George Carlin: The signalman answered the telephone.
Signalman: A special, is it? I see.
George Carlin: Thomas was impatient.
Thomas: Why are we waiting? My passengers are been delayed.
Thomas' Driver: Sorry, Thomas.
George Carlin: Said his driver.
Thomas' Driver: We're been shunted to allow another train to pass.
George Carlin: Soon they heard an unfamiliar puffing sound. There was Stepney with his headlamp swang and whistle blowing. He gathered speed and disappeared.
Thomas: Well, bust my boiler!
George Carlin: Said Thomas the Tank Engine. Next morning, he was still fuming.
Thomas: Shunted! And on my own branch too! It's a disgrace!
Stepney: I'm sorry.
George Carlin: Said Stepney.
Stepney: I was a special.
Thomas: Why?
Stepney: An important passenger arrived just as you left. He ordered a special train and Duck let me take it. We had a splendid run, but uh...
Thomas: But...
George Carlin: Finished Thomas.
Thomas: It can make an engine nervous not to know the line.
Stepney: Exactly.
George Carlin: Said Stepney.
Stepney: You're such an expert.
George Carlin: Thomas felt much better. He couldn't be cross anymore and began telling Stepney all about his branch line.

Nameplates after Thomas and Stepney[]

Duke
Peter Sam
Sir Handel
Rheneas
Skarloey
Rusty
Stepney

Gallant Old Engine[]

George Carlin: Duncan would not stop grumbling. He grumbled that he wasn't polished enough, he grumbled that he was overworked. Most of all, he grumbled about the passengers.
Skarloey: I'm ashamed of you, Duncan.
George Carlin: Said Skarloey.
Skarloey: Thank goodness Rheneas was coming home soon. Perhaps he'll teach you some sense before it's too late.
Duncan: What is with Rheneas to do with me?
Skarloey: Rheneas saved our railway.
George Carlin: Replied Skarloey.
Peter Sam: Please, tell us about it!
George Carlin: Said Peter Sam.
Skarloey: Well,
George Carlin: Began Skarloey,
Skarloey: It was before you came here. Things were bad. Rheneas and I will had to keep the trains running, or I'll railway would have to close.
Peter Sam: How awful.
George Carlin: Murmured Peter Sam.
Skarloey: I tried hard,
George Carlin: Continued Skarloey,
Skarloey: But my old wheels ached. Rheneas understood.
Rheneas: It's my turn now!
Skarloey: He'd tell me. He was often short of steam, but he always struggled to the station, and then rested there.
Rheneas: I mustn't stop between stations.
Skarloey: He'd say.
Rheneas: The passengers wouldn't like it.
Duncan: Humph!
George Carlin: Huffed Duncan. He had stopped on the viaduct and hadn't cared at all.
Skarloey: Passengers,
George Carlin: Continued Skarloey,
Skarloey: Get cross if you stopped on the wrong places. Rheneas stopped on the wrong place once, and this is what happened.
(Resuming Rheneas's story)
Skarloey: One wet and windy afternoon, when the rails were damp, Rheneas was traveling home with a full train, there were even passengers and the caboose. It wasn't a comfortable ride at all. Rheneas' wheels kept slipping, and it was a steep climb. At last, his wheels gripped the rails again.
Rheneas: The worse is over.
Skarloey: He thought.
Rheneas: Now we're away.
George Carlin: But they weren't.
Rheneas: Aaah! I've got a cramp!
Skarloey: He groaned. And Rheneas stopped on the loneliness part of the line. His driver examine him carefully.
Rheneas' Driver: Your valve gear has jammed. We need to reach the next station. Do you think you still get us here?
Rheneas: I'll try.
Skarloey: Replied Rheneas.
(Rheneas resumed his travels)
Skarloey: Rheneas did his best.
Rheneas: If I fail,
Skarloey: He thought to himself,
Rheneas: The passengers will be cross and the railway will close.
Skarloey: Everything blurred. He was really too tired to make the turn of his wheels, but he did, and another, and another, and another. Finally, tired but triumph, Rheneas reached the station.
Rheneas: I'm here at last!
Skarloey: He wheezed.
Passengers: Thank you for giving us home.
Skarloey: Said the passengers.
Passengers: We'll tell all our friends what a fine railway this is.
Skarloey: His driver was delighted.
Rheneas' Driver: You're a gallant little engine.
Skarloey: He said to Rheneas.
Rheneas' Driver: When you're rested, we'll mend you, so you'll be ready for tomorrow.
(End of Rheneas's story)
Skarloey: And...
George Carlin: Smiled Skarloey,
Skarloey: Rheneas always was ready for tomorrow.
Duncan: Thanks for telling us about him.
George Carlin: Whispered Duncan.
Duncan: I was wrong. Passengers are important after all.
George Carlin: The next day, Rheneas came home. All the engines were there to greet him. Edward pushed his truck to the siding, where he was lifted on to his rails. This was the signal for a chorus of whistles from engines large and small. Everyone was happy, and Rheneas was the happiest of all.
Rheneas: You know,
George Carlin: He whispered to Skarloey,
Rheneas: This helps an engine feel that at last, he has really come home.