Welcome Stafford

**Welcome Stafford** is the thirteenth episode of the tenth season and the 229th episode overall.

## Plot

Spencer is on Sodor and is given the task of showing the new electric shunting engine, Stafford, around. Spencer puffs into Knapford station, where he boasts to Thomas about his special task. Thomas has finished his jobs for the morning and is keen to meet the new engine. Spencer instructs Thomas to go to the Steamworks with him.

At the Sodor Steamworks, Spencer is not impressed when he is ignored due to everyone attending to Stafford. After making himself heard, Spencer and Thomas pull up alongside Stafford. Thomas introduces himself and Victor points out that Stafford is very special. Stafford explains that he runs on a battery and not steam. Victor tries to tell Spencer to be careful that Stafford's battery could run out, but Spencer insists that he knows all about batteries and does not listen to Victor's warning. Outside, Spencer thinks that everyone on the Island will think he is very grand for showing a new engine around. Stafford tries to remind Spencer about his battery, but Spencer puffs grandly away to show Stafford off at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. On the way, Stafford tries to tell Spencer about his battery again, but Spencer still does not listen. As they clatter under a bridge, Stafford's battery runs out and he rolls to a stop. Stafford tries to alert Spencer, but the pompous engine does not hear him.

At the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre, Spencer attempts to introduce Stafford to the rescue team. After Flynn points out that there is no-one there, Spencer thinks that Stafford must be lost and sets off straight away to find him. Spencer soon finds Stafford having his battery charged. Stafford tries to explain that his battery had run out, but Spencer is not interested and chuffs away to Crovan's Gate with Stafford following behind. Crovan's Gate is a long way away and soon Stafford's battery is running low. Stafford tries to inform Spencer, but Spencer is too busy whistling to the children to hear him. Then Stafford's battery runs out again and he rolls to a halt.

Soon, Spencer steams into the station, unaware that Stafford is not with him. Spencer introduces the Skarloey engines to Stafford, but they cannot see an engine with Spencer who thinks Stafford must be lost again. Spencer sets off to find him immediately and finds Stafford having his battery charged again. Stafford tries to explain once more, but Spencer is not interested and sets off to show Stafford to the Duke and Duchess of Boxford. Along the way, Stafford tries to tell Spencer that his battery is running out once more. Spencer assures Stafford that his battery is fine and carries on his way as Stafford slows to a stop.

At the Duke and Duchess' summer house, Spencer introduces Stafford to the Duke and Duchess, but Stafford is not there. The Duke wonders if Stafford's battery had ran out and Spencer admits that he thinks that is what happened with embarrassment. The Duke declares that they must find him at once and they board their private coach. Once again, Spencer finds Stafford having his battery charged. The Duke and Duchess are very impressed with Stafford. The Duke explains that they need to go and meet the Fat Controller at Knapford, but Spencer cannot go anywhere; he has ran out of coal. Stafford is happy to help and he pushes Spencer to Knapford.

At Knapford, nobody takes any notice of Spencer, as they are too busy admiring Stafford. The Fat Controller calls Stafford a Really Useful Engine and everyone cheers for the new arrival.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Spencer
* Stafford
* Flynn
* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Victor
* The Fat Controller
* The Duke and Duchess of Boxford

## Locations

* Crosby Washdown
* Knapford
* Crosby Tunnel
* Sodor Steamworks
* Reagh Viaduct
* Sodor Search and Rescue Centre
* Sodor Suspension Bridge
* The Duke and Duchess of Boxford's Summer House
* Crovan's Gate
* Crovan's Gate Sheds

## Voice Cast

* Ben Small as Thomas
* Matt Wilkinson as Spencer, Victor and the Duke of Boxford
* Keith Wickham as Stafford and the Fat Controller
* Rupert Degas as Flynn
* Teresa Gallagher as the Duchess of Boxford

## Trivia

* This episode marks the first appearance of Stafford in the series.
* The Fat Controller mentions the episode's title at the end by saying: "I only have one thing to say to such a really useful engine. Welcome, Stafford!"