Double Teething Troubles

***Double Teething Troubles*** is the sixth episode of the fifth series.

## Plot

Splatter and Dodge have been working hard in the clay mines and quarries near Brendam Docks. Their jobs were important and can make them naughty, especially when it is very hot and dirty for the twins.

One day, Splatter and Dodge become very naughty and argued over who has rights to some trucks in front of them. When Edward shows up he tries to break up the twins and warn the two of getting in trouble with the Fat Controller, but the two ignore him and collide into each other and derail at the points when they both try to take the trucks. The Fat Controller eventually intervenes and warns Splatter and Dodge to behave better and threatens to send them to their sheds. He then decides to send a steam engine to help them, and hopes that he will make a good impression. Edward also suggests that the twins just simply go back to work right away. Meanwhile, the Fat Controller has doubts about the idea; he is concerned that the new steam engine may have teething troubles more than confusion.

The Fat Controller is right; the new steam engine, Fergus, was having issues while going up Diesel 10's Hill, and, while halfway up, his firebox coughed, causing black smoke to billow out of his exhaust. Edward was then prompted to rescue him, who apologises for the breakdown and explains he has teething troubles. The news soon spreads, and Diesel tells Dennis about Fergus' teething troubles. Dennis misunderstands Diesel, and thinks this means the traction engine has "toothache." Dennis then tells Splatter and Dodge about Fergus and wishes them good luck, as they know they need another to help out. The manager then arrives and sends the twins to take their loads from the quarry to the docks, where they will be resting as there is hard work to be done the next morning.

That evening, Splatter and Dodge took their loads to sidings by the quay and head off to the sheds where Class 08 was resting. Class 08 notices the twins' worried looks and tells the twins that "teething troubles" means that Fergus was new but is having frequent breakdowns which (in his case) was his cooling system, making the twins even more nervous.

The next day, Splatter and Dodge prepare their load of trucks until Fergus arrives at the Clay Pits and helps the twins with a long train of China Clay trucks by pushing from behind with Splatter and Dodge pulling at the front. However, during the journey, they come to a hill and another breakdown from Fergus occurs from overheating. Splatter and Dodge pull him and the trucks and it works.

That night, the Fat Controller arrives at the sheds and congratulates Splatter and Dodge for their hard work and explains that Fergus was sent to the works. The twins agree to manage their work alone and apologize to Edward for being rude and explain that Fergus was very friendly. Then Class 08 explains that friends always say goodnight to each other, and so they do, but all four engines still talk about Fergus and his teething troubles all night long.

## Characters

* Diesel
* Dennis
* Class 08
* Splatter and Dodge
* Edward
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Fergus (*not named*)
* Troublesome Trucks (*do not speak*)
* Hector (*face mask only*)

## Trivia

* This episode is based off the twelfth episode of the fifth series from *Thomas & Friends* with the same name.
* It is based on the inept attempts of the new Class 17 Paxman diesels to bank trains up to Ebbw Vale that occurred during David Maidment's time as Area Manager in South Wales; they would run hot halfway up the bank and cut out, leaving the Class 37 to pull the train and banker.
* Stock footage from Big Mickey Bugs is used, though this is in slow motion.
* Teething troubles usually occur while steam engines, diesels, and other machinery are operating for the first time after being constructed or restored to working order.
* One of the trucks in this episode has Hector's face.
* This episode marks the last of two things:
	+ Edward's last appearance if not counting a stock footage cameo in Bear Gets Lost. However, if Edward's stock footage cameo counts, this episode marks Edward's last speaking role.
	+ The last appearance of the China Clay Pits, excluding a stock footage appearance in Bear Gets Lost.
* This episode marks the only episode of a few things for Fergus:
	+ His first and only speaking role. His only appearance in the fifth series.
	+ His only appearance in an episode.
* This episode marks Splatter and Dodge's only appearances in the fifth series.
* S.S Vienna, The LT building, the steel company and a large brown building from TUGS appear in the episode.