Thomas and Friends - Season 4

Thomas and Friends - Season 4 was broadcasted in 1994. All episodes are narrated by Michael Angelis in the UK and George Carlin in the US.

Granpuff

One evening, the engines find it hard to sleep. Thomas decides to tell them the story of three small engines named Duke, Stuart and Falcon. Duke, as the oldest and wisest, was often teased by the others: "Engines come, Engines go, Granpuff goes on forever!" This annoyed Duke, and he told them the story of Smudger...

...Smudger was a rough riding engine from The United States of America. He often derailed and lost time, but didn't care about it. "Listen, Dukey, back in the States we don't care for a few spills," he would say. One day though, the manager said he'd make Smudger useful at last - he turned him into a generator...

This made Stuart and Falcon behave well, and for many years the three engines were happy. Eventually, though, work dried up and the railway had to close. People came to buy Stuart and Falcon, but not Duke - they thought him too old. So Duke was left in a shed, alone. He decided to go to sleep... But that's not the end of the story, says Thomas. That can wait until tomorrow night.

• Introducing Sir Handel (Falcon) and Peter Sam (Stuart)
• Featuring Thomas, Percy, Toby, Duck, Henry, Duke and Smudger
• First appearance of Duke.
• First and final appearance of Smudger.
• Cameos by Gordon, Skarloey (Not yet introduced) and Rheneas (Not yet introduced)
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Rusty to the Rescue & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.
• First time we hear the Narrow-Gauge Engines' theme.
• Smudger's body looks just like Rheneas' (Not seen in this episode).

Bulldog

One morning, Percy is impatient. He wants to go out and show off his new coat of paint, but Thomas warns him off, saying that Duke will not be there to save him should he get into trouble. Toby asks what happened, and so Thomas tells the story...

Falcon had been given a new coat of blue paint, and the day after, the Manager tells him he is to learn the mountain road, with Duke. Falcon is miffed - having the 'old fusspot' in front will block his view. Duke tells him not to worry about the view, but to look at the track. As they come out of a tunnel, so it happens.

Falcon derails, and is very close to falling off the side of the cliff. Fortunately, Duke reverses hard, and is able to keep Falcon steady, even as he runs low on water - the passengers and crew get more from a cottage on the side of the track. Eventually, Duke hauls Falcon back onto the rails, and they can finish their journey. Falcon thanks Duke, and asks why he'd saved him after all the rude things he'd said. Duke replies, "Well you'd just had a new coat of paint. It'd be a shame if you rolled down the hill and ruined it."

• Featuring Thomas, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, Duke, Falcon and Stuart
• Duke's large scale face shown again.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Sing-Along & Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

You Can't Win

This is a story back in the days when Peter Sam was called Stuart and Sir Handel was called Falcon. Many people came year after year to have picnics and see the mountains, lakes, and most of all, Duke. He would always pull his train, called "Duke's Picnic," so as to not disappoint his friends.

One day Duke was feeling ill. As his Driver checked him over, Stuart teased him about being old, saying he would need help someday. Duke, miffed, ignores this, and takes his train. However, when they come to a steep hill, Duke starts to wheeze. He struggles on to the station, where his Driver phones for Stuart and Falcon. When they arrive, they help Duke to the next station, where Falcon takes Duke's normal train of passengers to their boat, and Stuart, who was in back, runs around to the front of the train.

Once again he teases Granpuff, chanting "Poor old engine! Poor old Engine!" But unbeknownst to him, Duke has a trick up his sleeve. When they come to the "Mountain Road", Duke gathers up every ounce of steam he has before pushing Stuart and pulling his heavy train all the way to the Top Station, making a lot of noise. A little boy asks his father why there are two engines heading this train. The father tells the boy that Stuart had broken down so Duke had to help him! As Stuart seethes with rage, Duke pulls up alongside, laughing - "You can't win!"

• Featuring Duke, Peter Sam (Stuart) and Sir Handel (Falcon)
• Cameo by Thomas
• In a detected sence near the end or perrhaps when the narrator says "Falcon took Duke's passengers to the boat. Stuart headed Falcon's train with Duke coupeld behind" Duke wears Falcon's angry face.
• Third time we see a engine ill. The first was Henry in season 1 and the second was Thomas in season 2.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Gallant Old Engine & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Sleeping Beauty

The next night, Thomas finishes his tale about Duke, Stuart and Falcon. Some railway enthusiasts remembered Duke and wanted to find him. For several days they went up to the mountains of the old railway to search, but never found anything. Until one day...one of the searchers falls through the roof of Duke's shed!

The men clean Duke up and he's taken to the railway Stuart and Falcon were sold to. They're happy to see Duke again, and Duke is happy again at last. With this, Thomas' story ends, and all the engines go to sleep.

• Featuring Thomas, Percy, Henry, James, Duke, Stuart and Falcon.
• Cameos by Gordon, Toby, Skarloey (Still Not yet introduced) and Rheneas (Still Not yet introduced).
• Duke's large scale face was shown.
• This was broadcasted out of order, making this the fourth episode.
• This was Duke's fourth final lead role and final speak role.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Rusty to the Rescue & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 colletcion.

Four Little Engines

On a small railway there are four litte engines - Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam. They know everyone and everyone knows them. One morning, Sir Topham Hatt sends Edward to be mended. When he arrives at the works, he sees Skarloey sitting in a shed. After some happy banter, the workmen come to take Edward away, leaving Skarloey alone again - but happy for having talked to him.

Meanwhile, Sir Handel was having difficulties with the coaches. He tried to be nice, but they didn't trust him. Suddenly, some sheep strayed on the line and Sir Handel had to stop quickly. The coaches didn't take this very well, and bumped him off the rails! Sir Handel limped home, and his driver was worried that they didn't have any engines to take the train now. Skarloey pipes up and volunteers, even though his parts were worn and needed replacing.

Skarloey told the coaches off for being naughty, and set off. He was enjoying his run, but the rails jarred his joints. Eventually a spring gave way and Skarloey was tilted to one side. He promised to get the passengers home anyway. James was waiting at the station when Skarloey slowly puffed in. He puffed away without a word.

Skarloey's Driver was very pleased with him, but Skarloey was sad, saying that old engines like him can't pull trains like the young ones. His Driver smiles and promises that Skarloey will be repaired - after all, he deserves it.

• Introducing Skarloey and Rheneas
• Featuring Edward, Sir Handel, and Peter Sam.
• Cameos by Thomas, James, Percy, Duck, Douglas, Oliver, Terence and Sir Topham Hatt.
• Sir Handel and Peter Sam re-introducing
• This episode is based on the stories Skarloey Remembers and Old Faithful from The Railway Series.
• This is the only time in the series where the coaches are the ones who caused trouble.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas Meets the Queen & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

A Bad Day for Sir Handel

Skarloey and Rheneas arrive at the sheds one day to find their Drivers with good news: two new engines will be arriving to help their aching wheels.

They arrive the next day, and they turn out to be Peter Sam and Sir Handel. Peter Sam is cheerful as always, while Sir Handel complains about the small shed and calls Skarloey, who is resting nearby, "rubbish." Peter Sam hushes him, and apologizes for Sir Handel's rude behaviour.

Later that day, Sir Handel is sent to start work first. Again he flies into a temper, all the way to the station, where he meets Gordon. After a brief but humorous exchange, Gordon is left speechless. Sir Handel continues this way to the Top Station, where he finds out he must pull freight cars. Even more outraged, to prove his point, he deliberately derails himself and bends the rails apart. After he is put back on the rails, he crawls home to find Sir Topham Hatt waiting for him. For being a disobedient and rude engine, he shuts Sir Handel in the shed until further notice.

• Featuring Skarloey, Rheneas, Peter Sam, Sir Handel, Gordon and Sir Topham Hatt
• Cameos by Thomas and Percy
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Rusty to the Rescue & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.
• In the US version, Sir Handel nicknamed the coaches "cattle cars".
• In the UK version, Sir Handel nicknamed the coaches "cattle trucks".

Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady

Sir Handel has been shut up in the shed following the events from A Bad Day for Sir Handel. Peter Sam has to do his work as well as his own, but he doesn't mind. The coaches like him better than Sir Handel! One day, Peter Sam stops at a station. Henry tells Peter Sam that if Peter Sam was late, than he would leave without him. Peter Sam doesn't realize that Henry was joking and starts to worry.

Later, Peter Sam stops at the canal by the Refreshment Lady's tea shop. He always waits until she climbs on board. But this day was different. Peter Sam starts without the Refreshment Lady in a fit of impatience! He's soon stopped a little way from the station, where she gets on board. They reach the station in record time. Peter Sam apologizes, and tells her what Henry had said. She laughs at this foolishness and tells him that he's a guaranteed connection. But before Peter Sam can tell Henry off, he chortles away, while Peter Sam seethes in silence!

• Featuring Peter Sam, Sir Handel, Skarloey, Henry and The Refreshment Lady.
• Cameos by Duncan (Not yet introduced), Thomas with Annie and Clarabel, Rheneas and Sir Topham Hatt.
• In a scene alongside Peter Sam, Henry can be seen wearing one of Gordon's faces.
• A modifed version of OJ and The Shrimpers from TUGS appears in this episode.
• When Peter Sam leaves the shops, the red truck on the right appears to have what looks like a face. This is the only time this truck is seen with a face.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Sing-Along & Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Trucks - UK (Rusty Helps Peter Sam - US)

Harold the Helicopter watches over the Island of Sodor. One morning, he sees a small diesel engine chuntering along the line. He introduces himself, and the Diesel name is Rusty, bought to help out on the Skarloey Railway.

At the Yard, though, Sir Handel is complaining about having too much work to do. Gordon sees this, and suggests he pretend to be sick so he wouldn't have to work. Sir Handel readily does so, and as there was no time to inspect him, Peter Sam has to do his work for him. He takes some trucks to the quarry and waits for loaded ones to be winched down to him...

The loaded trucks at the top of the hill couldn't see properly - they thought Peter Sam was Sir Handel. They break the coupling, roar down the hill and crash straight into Peter Sam! Rusty is quickly called to the rescue, and helps Peter Sam out of the mess before bringing him back to the yard.

Sir Handel apologises to Peter Sam about the accident, but Sir Topham Hatt finds out why it had happened - and makes Sir Handel do Peter Sam's work as well while he's being repaired. Sir Handel isn't too happy. That evening, Rusty is on her way home when Harold sees her again. After some cheery banter, the two go their separate ways.

• Introducing Rusty
• Featuring Peter Sam, Sir Handel, Gordon, Harold, Foolish Freight Cars and Sir Topham Hatt
• Cameos by Duke, Rheneas, Thomas, and Percy.
• Peter Sam's first accident.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Rusty to the Rescue & Other Thomas Stories video, the Thomas' Trackside Tunes & Other Thomas Adventures video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Home at Last

Skarloey has returned home from being mended. Rusty helps him off his flat truck and they set off for home. Meanwhile, at the shed, Peter Sam is depressed and wants to get back to work after his accident, but Sir Topham Hatt tells him to wait - he has a surprise for Peter Sam...

The 'surprise' is Skarloey. Peter Sam is glad he's home, and they gossip about the railway. Skarloey remarks that he likes Rusty, but Peter Sam tells him that Duncan - a rough-riding engine with strong language who came as a spare after Peter Sam's accident - doesn't. As Skarloey takes this in, his driver comes up and tells him that Duncan's come off the rails in a tunnel.

Skarloey sets off and meets Duncan, who is stuck in the tunnel. He pushes Duncan and the coaches through, while the workmen strengthen the tunnel with poles. Skarloey and Duncan set off for home. Duncan grumbles all the way, but Skarloey just ignores him. That night, Sir Topham Hatt speaks sternly to Duncan, threatening to "cut you down to size." That does the trick, and Duncan is quiet all night.

• Introducing Duncan
• Featuring Skarloey, Peter Sam, Rusty, Duncan and Sir Topham Hatt
• Cameos by Thomas and Duke
• Duncan rides roughly like Smudger.
• First time we hear Duncan's theme and the working theme.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas and the Special Letter & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Rock 'N' Roll

Skarloey is enjoying his time back on the railway and meets Rusty, complementing him on the work he's done with the track. Rusty warns him that there's still one bad bit just before the first station where an engine might come off - especially Duncan. Duncan overhears this and asks what Rusty's talking about. Rusty tells him, but Duncan brushes him off and insults him.

Next morning, James is waiting at the station for Duncan. When Duncan arrives (late), he complains about Rusty. James tells him of when a Diesel came into his yard and how he sent it packing. Of course, this isn't true, but Duncan believes him, and wants Rusty to be sent packing. He swaggers along the line - "Send Rusty packing! Send Rusty packing!" - when he comes off the rails just before the first station!

When Rusty is told to go and help, he refuses because of how Duncan called him names. Skarloey reminds him about the passengers, and Rusty quickly heads to the rescue. When they reach Duncan, workmen and passengers lever Duncan back onto the rails and he can complete his journey. That night, Duncan apologises to Rusty. The two friends promise to work on the bad bit of line first thing tomorrow.

• Featuring Skarloey, Rusty, Duncan and James
• Cameos by Thomas, Gordon, Percy, Duck, Duke, Sir Handel, and Peter Sam.
• The title was named after the world's most popular type of music ever.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas and the Special Letter & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Special Funnel

It was winter on the Island of Sodor. Peter Sam's funnel hadn't felt right since his accident in Trucks/Rusty helps Peter Sam!, and couldn't wait to get his new one. The other engines laughed about it - Peter Sam's continual talking about had become quite a joke. A few days later, the weather changed, and Rusty had to go and help some workmen repair a bridge that had been damaged. Peter Sam is careful as he puffs across the bridge, but when he goes through a tunnel, his funnel hits an icicle and falls off! They have to continue on, until his driver spots an old piece of drainpipe by the side of the road. When the other engines see this, they laugh even harder, but eventually Peter Sam gets his new funnel, which, although it looks strange, helps him puff a lot. The other engines don't laugh now!

• Featuring Peter Sam, Rusty, Sir Handel and Sir Topham Hatt
• Cameos by Duke, Skarloey, Rheneas and Duncan
• First appearance of Peter Sam's new funnel.
• When Peter Sam gets his new funnel, he has his old funnel on.
• At the close-up of the Peter Sam's large-scale funnel, you can almost see Peter Sam's large scale face similar to Duke but only the fore-head and the eye-brows.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas Meets the Queen & Other Thomas Stories video, the Thomas' Christmas Wonderland & Other Thomas Adventures video & DVD, the Ultimate Christmas Collection DVD and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Steamroller

Sir Handel has special wheels with wider grips, and he would not stop boasting about them to the other engines. So, to put an end to Sir Handel's bragging, Skarloey tells him that with his wheels he would be "just the engine" to deal with George. George is a steamroller who is particularly rude - "Railways are no good, turn 'em into roads!" Sir Handel thinks, with his wheels, he could give George a run for his money.

One morning, Sir Handel meets George at a level crossing. George accuses Sir Handel of thinking he's as good as George with his steamroller wheels. Sir Handel denies this...and says he's better. George fumes off. That evening, Sir Handel takes a train of trucks down that line. He sees George rolling home, and despite there barely being room to pass, Sir Handel and George both continue side by side, swapping insults, until George crashes into Sir Handel's train.

Everyone argues about whose fault the crash was until a policeman comes along to sort it out. Workmen soon put up a barrier between the road and railway. Sir Handel believes he had made George go away, and talks of nothing but steamrollers, to the disappointment of Skarloey and the others. However, some little boys soon make fun of him, and Sir Handel has never spoken of steamrollers since.

• Introducing George
• Featuring Sir Handel, George, Skarloey, Peter Sam, and Rusty.
• Cameos by Thomas, James, Percy, Duke, Rheneas, Duncan and Bertie
• Final appearance of Duke
• First time we hear George's theme.
• Another name for George is the US narrator, George Carlin.
• George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas and the Special Letter & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Passengers and Polish

Duncan is in such a temper when he isn't polished that he starts being difficult. When one of Skarloey's coaches comes off the rails, Duncan, miffed at yet more extra work, sees to it, and takes the rear coaches home. He stops once on the causeway to build steam, but he's not trying. He continues grumbling, before stopping on the viaduct near the station. His Driver and Fireman both try to make him move, but he will not budge. So Skarloey, has to come and pull him and the train to the station. The passengers are cross at such antics, and all tell Sir Topham Hatt what a bad railway it is.

Later that night, Duncan is resting in the sheds when he is visited by Sir Topham Hatt. He scolds Duncan - "No passengers means no polish!" - but Duncan is still obstinate about the whole matter and Duncan says it the other way around, to himself.

* Introducing Nancy (the conductor's daughter)   
   * Featuring Skarloey, Duncan, Rheneas and Sir Topham Hatt   
   * Cameos by Thomas and Percy   
   * Peter Sam and Sir Handel are mentioned by Duncan.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Gallant Old Engine & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Gallant Old Engine

The day after Duncan had stopped on a viaduct because he was in a temper, Skarloey reprimands him and says that that Rheneas will teach him some sense. When Peter Sam asks why, he replies that it was because he saved the railway, and the old engine tells Duncan and Peter Sam about the time when it was just Skarloey and Rheneas on the railway...

It was hard times, and Skarloey was on his last wheels, so Rheneas took over some trains for him. One wet and foggy day, Rheneas was hauling a full train, with passengers crammed even into the conductor's van. He was going along fine, when suddenly, "OOOH-I've got a CRAMP!"

After inspecting him, his Driver said that something was broken, and asked if he could make it to the next station. Rheneas bravely agrees to the challenge, and with everyone cheering him on, he gallantly plunges on. At last, his efforts are rewarded, and he reaches the Top Station. The passengers thank him, and after that he is sent to the Works.

Duncan thanks Skarloey for telling him the story, and he agrees that passengers were important after all. A few days later, Rheneas arrives home with Edward, and all the engines are there to welcome him back.

* Featuring Skarloey, Rheneas, Peter Sam, Duncan and Sir Handel   
   * Cameos by Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James and Percy   
   * Rheneas was wearing Smudger's sad face.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Gallant Old Engine & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Rusty to the Rescue

Rusty is working happily, but a new steam engine is needed to run the line. Rusty soon meets up with Douglas, and asks him about the time he saved Oliver from scrap. Douglas tells Rusty that the railway he saved Oliver from is only used by diesels now. Rusty decides to go to that railway to find an engine. The next day,He journeys to the other railway, where He is held up by the diesels. Posing as a "shed and sidings inspections diesel", Rusty gets past them and finds and rescues an engine, Stepney. When Stepney and Rusty arrive back at Sir Topham Hatt's railway, all the engines welcome Stepney. Stepney is now working the line happily and everyone calls him "The Bluebell Engine".

* Introducing Stepney   
   * Featuring Rusty, Thomas, Douglas and Percy   
   * Cameos by Henry, Gordon, Bertie, Skarloey, Mavis and Boco   
   * Oliver is mentioned by Rusty.   
   * Although every episode so far in this season has focused on the Narrow Gauge engines, this is the last episode of the season to do so.   
   * First time we hear Stepney's theme.   
   * The Diesel from "Bowled Out" who is not yet introduced can also be seen.   
   * Bertie's clone from "Thomas and Bertie's Great Race" can be seen along with the real Bertie as Rusty and Stepney enters the station.   
   * For some odd reason, Daisy, Diesel, Mavis, Boco and several other diesels already introduced into the series all make cameo apperances at the scrapyard, but their faces not shown just like in "Escape" where Douglass rescued Oliver.   
   * Last episode in this season to feature narrow guage engines.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Rusty to the Rescue & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Thomas and Stepney

Thomas the Tank Engine is proud of his branch line. But when he meets up with Percy, Percy tells him of another engine with a famous branch line. Meanwhile, that engine - Stepney - is feeling down, as his line isn't very long. One day, though, Stepney is invited to visit Sir Topham Hatt's railway.

When he arrives at the big station, the engines welcome him heartily, and he shunts with Duck all afternoon. That evening, Thomas arrives and tells Stepney that he has a train to take. But not yet...after Thomas leaves, an important man asks for a special train ahead of any others. Thomas is shunted onto a siding as he watches Stepney charge through, pulling the special train, into the night.

The next morning, Thomas is seething about being shunted. Stepney comes up and apologises, explaining that Duck allowed him to take the Special...but not knowing the line made him a little nervous. Thomas understands, and the two engines make up as Thomas tells Stepney all about his branch line.

* Featuring Thomas, Edward, Percy, Duck, Douglas, Stepney and Rusty   
   * Cameos by Henry, Gordon and James   
   * The only episode in this season to show Thomas' angry face.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Rusty to the Rescue & Other Thomas Stories video, the Best of Thomas video & DVD and on PBS KIDS Sprout.   

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Train Stops Play

Stepney is shunting with Thomas, Toby and Percy. He comments on how they have such a beautiful railway and that he misses freight cars. Surprised at their incredulous looks, Stepney explains that he thinks they are quite fun. So, with permission from their drivers, Percy lets Stepney take some of his. Thomas and Toby are left dumbfounded.

After working in the yards for a bit, Stepney takes a train of trucks filled with straw out, and stops at a signal, where a cricket game is going on in the field below. The batsman hits the ball so hard it falls into one of Stepney's freight cars, unbeknownst to him or his crew, and they leave just as the signal drops.

Determined to get their ball back, some of the players fire up Caroline, their old buggy, and a chase ensues. Stepney's driver, seeing them out the cab window, misunderstands, and they disappear into a tunnel. The players continue on to a station where Stepney is resting, and finally retrieve their precious cricket ball. But they soon discover that Caroline has broken down from an overheating engine. So, with some clever thinking, the players and stationmaster work together to load Caroline onto a flatcar, and Stepney takes them back to the field, where they all enjoy the rest of the game. Caroline admits that while trains may be a bit silly, they "save the wear on a poor car's wheels".

* Introducing Caroline   
   * Featuring Stepney and the Cricketers   
   * Cameos by Thomas, Percy, Toby, Henry, James, Duck, Donald and Douglas and Bulgy.   
   * Bulgy as a hen house can been seen but face hidden behind the bush.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas Meets the Queen & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Bowled Out

It's Stepney's last week on the Island of Sodor, and Sir Topham Hatt tells him that he will be missed...and also that a diesel will arrive to help with the work as well. When the diesel does arrive, he is snooty and rude to the other engines, who hold an 'indignation meeting' to talk about him.

Next day, the diesel is preparing to take the Express while an inspector watches him go about his work. Suddenly, his hat is lifted off by the wind... The diesel doesn't notice, and rolls towards his coaches - before spluttering and stopping! The inspector sees that his hat has been sucked into the diesel's air intake, but Sir Topham Hatt says there's no time for that, and asks Duck and Stepney to take the coaches instead. They do so, and deliver the coaches to Gordon - and early too.

When it's time for Stepney to leave, all the engines farewell him, and say that he's always welcome back - as indeed they are on Stepney's line.

But what happened to the diesel? He had sidled away earlier, saying goodbye to no-one but leaving behind a nasty stinky smell...and a battered bowler hat!

* Featuring Duck, Stepney, "The Diesel", the Inspector, Gordon, James, Donald and Douglas, Henry and Sir Topham Hatt   
   * Cameos by Thomas, Percy, Edward, Bertie, Rusty, Sir Handel and Skarloey   
   * First and final appearance of "The Diesel".   
   * Final appearance of Sir Handel who will soon return in Season 10 as a large scale model in next twelve years.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas and the Special Letter & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Henry and the Elephant

Thomas is taking his train along the branch line and arrives at a station. Sir Topham Hatt is there, and calls him "right on time, and really reliable." Meanwhile the big engines are moaning about having to shunt. Percy arrives and tells them that the Circus is in town. All the engines forget to be tired and cross...at least until the circus leaves - Gordon and Henry are jealous of James when he gets to pull the train away.

Later, Henry is called to investigate a blockage in a tunnel. Workmen go in to dig it out, but it seems to be alive! Henry tries to push it out...but is himself pushed out by the blockage - a large, angry elephant! It had escaped from the circus train, and its keeper is soon reunited with it. The elephant drinks 3 buckets of water and is just about to start on a fourth when Henry lets off steam. The elephant hooshes water in surprise - all over Henry!

That night, Gordon and James tease Henry about it. But Thomas tells him not to mind, because he was very brave, and really reliable as well.

* Featuring Henry, Thomas, James, Percy, Gordon, Sir Topham Hatt and an elephant.   
   * Cameos by Duck and Annie and Clarabel   
   * The incident that's referenced is The Sad Story of Henry/Come Out Henry from Season 1 which was Henry's introduction into the series.   
   * The ship that is unloading the first circus truck infact uses the model of Izzy Gomez from TUGS. Of course, his face and hat were removed. But he is seen very up close, so you might be able to see where his face and hat once was.   
   * This episode was in the book called Troublesome Engines   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Gallant Old Engine & Other Thomas Stories video, the 10 Years of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Toad Stands By

Since Oliver's accident with a turntable well, the freight cars have lost all respect for him. To make matters worse, a freight car called S. C. Ruffey (pronounced "Scruffey") leads them in a song. Toad is worried, and comes up with a plan. For Oliver's next train, S. C. Ruffey is marshalled next to the engine. When Oliver starts up, S. C. Ruffey orders the trucks to "hold back". But this has an unexpected effect, when Oliver literally pulls S. C. Ruffey in half! Sir Topham Hatt explains that the freight car had rotten wood and rusty frames, but nevertheless the freight cars gain a new respect for Oliver. S. C. Ruffey is rebuilt and becomes a well-behaved freight car.

* Featuring Duck, Oliver, Douglas, S. C. Ruffey, Foolish Freight Cars, Toad and Sir Topham Hatt   
   * Cameos by Henry, James, Thomas and Percy   
   * This is the only episode (to date) where tank cars have faces which were used for narrow guage trucks.   
   * This episode features flash-back to the season 3 episode "Oliver Owns Up" where Oliver derailed into the turntable.   
   * At one point, George Carlin stutters when he says "... said Oliver nervously."   
   * First time Toad speaks.   
   * When the cars sing, they sound like they're singing Pop Goes the Diesel.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas and the Special Letter & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Bulls' Eyes

Daisy the diesel railcar is being boastful and conceited. She tells Toby that the key to dealing with animals is to toot and look them in the eye, and accuses him of being scared. Unbeknownst to her, a bull named Champion has escaped on to the branch line. Daisy meets Champion, and discovers that getting animals off the line isn't as easy as it looks, and is frightened away. Toby comes to help, and shoos the bull off the track. At a station, Daisy meets some boys who offer her some "bullseyes". She does not think the joke is funny and scuttles off to her shed.

* Featuring Daisy, Toby and Champion the Bull.   
   * Cameos by Percy, James, and Thomas   
   * First appearance of Champion the Bull   
   * First appearance of Daisy since season 2 and the only appearance in this episode. Daisy won't return until "Calling All Engines".   
   * Last episode to use electrical synthesized music.   
   * When the narrator said "cow-catchers protects animals from being hurt if they stray unto the line", they were referenced to the words from the policeman in season 1 episode "Thomas in Trouble".   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas Meets the Queen & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Thomas and the Special Letter

One morning, as the engines are getting ready to go to work, the Fat Controller has a special announcement. He has a letter from a five-year-old girl on the mainland who has heard all about the engines' fame and popularity. In the letter, the girl asks for the engines to visit her. Sir Topham Hatt tells the engines that they are going to the train shed in the girl's town to surprise her, as a thank-you present for the letter. The engines make sure they are in their top-notch conditions for the surprise. A day before the trip, Thomas is bragging to Oliver about his race with Bertie (from Thomas and Bertie, Season 1). But as he reenacts coming to a stop at the buffers on the end of the track, the buffers give way, and Thomas slides down a grassy hill and into a brick wall. His front is damaged, and jeopardizes the engines' excursion. But somehow, Thomas is mended on time, and the engines give the little girl her surprise.

* Featuring Thomas, Donald and Douglas, Percy,Toby, Oliver and Sir Topham Hatt.   
   * Cameos by Mavis, Boco, Bill and Ben, Edward, Gordon, Henry, James, Duck and Annie and Clarabel   
   * Bertie is mentioned   
   * This episode was based on the story The Fat Controller's Engines from the Railway Series.   
   * This is the 100th episode of Thomas and Friends.   
   * Sir Topham Hatt and the others were standing on top of large scale Duck from "Close Shave", but face not shown.   
   * Only episode to feature Mavis, Boco, Bill, and Ben.   
   * Thomas mentions his race with Bertie in 'Thomas and Bertie' in Season 1.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas and the Special Letter & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Paint Pots and Queens - UK (Thomas Meets the Queen - US)

The railway is abuzz with excitement; the engines are all talking about the upcoming visit of the Queen to Sodor. Everyone is excited—everyone that is, except Thomas and Gordon. Most recently, they had gotten themselves into trouble and put themselves in disgrace, and so Gordon is disqualified from taking the Royal Train. Henry believes himself to be the most likely candidate to do the job, but when he falls victim to a startled painter working on the station (who falls from his ladder and spills paint over him!), Henry knows he won't get the job either. And so Sir Topham Hatt decides to call upon Gordon and Thomas instead, realising now they are both sorry and deserving of a treat. Thomas shunts the coaches in the yard for the big day, and Gordon gets the grand honour of pulling the Royal Train.

* This is a sequel to Off the Rails/Gordon Takes a Dip and Down the Mine from Season 1 which also show scenes from those episodes.   
   * Introducing The Queen   
   * Featuring Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon the Big Engine, James, Percy, Toby, Duck and Sir Topham Hatt   
   * Cameos by Donald and Douglas   
   * This is the last episode to be based on Wilbert Awdry's stories.   
   * Thomas' scared face doesn't have the buck tooth in this episode but does have buck-tooth on the last episode "Thomas and the Special Letter".   
   * James was wearing Edward's impatient face.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas Meets the Queen & Other Thomas Stories video, the Best of Thomas video & DVD and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Fish (1)

Henry is taking The Flying Kipper again, and on this particular journey, needs to take extra vans as well. This means he will now be able to get a banker engine to help him over Gordon's Hill. The job is assigned to Duck, who rudely scoffs at Thomas' advise about fish (see Thomas Goes Fishing). Duck waits for Henry to arrive at Edward's Station, and when there, begins to push Henry's train up the hill. However, Henry gets ahead of himself and begins pulling away from Duck, at which point, the train's tail-lamp falls off, leaving Duck with no clear indication of where Henry is. He soon finds out when he smashes into the back of Henry's train! Sir Topham Hatt forgives Duck for his folly and assures him that the incident wasn't his fault, although Duck starts to regret throwing Thomas' advice into his face earlier on.

* Featuring Thomas, Henry, Duck and Sir Topham Hatt   
   * Cameos by Edward, James, Percy and Rheneas   
   * This is the only time in the series (to date) in which The Flying Kipper has an accident that Henry is not injured in any way.   
   * Thomas mentioning fishes getting into his boiler was referenced to season 1 episode "Thomas Goes Fishing".   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Gallant Old Engine & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

   * This is the second story narrated by George Carlin in Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales.

Special Attraction

Toby is very excited to be attending a parade at a seaside village; his driver tells him he's the 'special attraction' this year. However, when he arrives, he learns that there won't be enough room for him, so he has to go home. Toby is very sad. Before Percy gets a chance to learn why Toby's so sad, Sir Topham Hatt tells the little green engine to go to the harbour to shunt some freight cars.

The freight cars' loads are for Bulstrode, a grumpy stone barge who is always complaining. The cars are glad when Percy arrives, but when Percy is shunting them, he isn't taking care, and shunts them through some buffers. They fall straight off the harbour wall, landing in Bulstrode's hull. This causes Bulstrode to sink, and once the cars are lifted out of him, his remains are towed to the beach, for children to play on him.

When Percy arrives back at the station, Toby is no longer glum; both he and Percy are special attractions in a way. After all, all they have to do is smile and blow whistles at everyone!

* Featuring Toby, Percy, Bulstrode, Foolish Freight Cars and Sir Topham Hatt   
   * Cameo by Thomas and Trevor   
   * A modified version of Izzy Gomez from TUGS appears.   
   * This episode is based on the story "Bulstrode" from the Railway Series.   
   * First and only apperence of Bulstrode.   
   * This episode used Toby's sad theme from season 3 episode "Time for Trouble".   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Gallant Old Engine & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Mind That Bike

Tom Tipper the postman always helps Thomas and Percy load their trains when they take the mail, and the engines appreciate that he will deliver the post where their rails won't reach. One day, though, a new postman is at the station, and he dumps the post on the platform before disappearing, riding a bicycle. Percy is worried.

Next day, Tom is back, but very sad, as his van has been taken out of service and he has to ride a bicycle. Just then, a man shouts to Tom, asking him to sign some important papers in the Fat Controller's office. Tom does so...but leans his bike on Percy's mail coaches. Percy's driver hadn't seen this, and starts off. As a result, Tom's bike is destroyed!

Percy is very sorry, and Tom is even more worried - what will happen now he doesn't have a bicycle either? He soon finds out...next time Percy takes the post, he sees Tom on the platform - and a shiny new van behind him! Tom explains that the postmaster decided a van was much better than a new bike and worth the expense. Percy is very happy for helping Tom - even if it was by accident!

* Introducing Tom Tipper   
   * Featuring Percy, Thomas and Bertie.   
   * Cameos by James, Duck, Oliver, Toad and Annie and Clarabel   
   * This was George Carlin's final narration in this episode. This was also the last episode of the TV series to be based on a story from The Railway Series.   
   * George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the Thomas Meets the Queen & Other Thomas Stories video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.

• Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

==Trivia==  
George Carlin has a different voice, and the lighting is slightly different than what it was in Seasons 1-3.