Enterprising Engines

**Enterprising Engines** is a *Classic Sodor Adventures* special. This covers all of *Stepney the Bluebell Engine*; the first two stories and part of the fourth story of *Enterprising Engines*; and the second and third story and part of the first story of *James and the Diesel Engines*. This also covers series 4, episodes 22-25 of the series 1-4 redux. Crossed Lines, Fire Engine and Super Rescue don't count in the episode line-up, and Bluebells of England/Stepney's Special are counted as one episode.

## Plot

### Prologue

A tank engine named Stepney is standing sad and alone in the siding, awaiting scrapping. Then a group of people come along and Stepney assumes this is it, but it turns out these people are here to buy for the Bluebell Railway, which dedicated to saving steam engines. Stepney is thrilled and they set off for their new home.

### Chapter 1: The End of Steam?

Gordon grows agitated when he gets criticism from James for taking on too much coal and from Duck for taking on water from a temporary standpipe. He claims that big engines have big needs and little engines are just annoying. Later, Gordon is at Barrow and wishes he had the same, but he becomes depressed when Arry and Bert arrive and gloat about the diesels' victory over steam engines on the Mainland. Gordon is so upset he spends the night at the Steamworks and the narrow gauge engines are concerned.

Gordon returns to Tidmouth next morning and the mood worsens when Duck and Henry tease him about boiler-ache the next day. As Gordon arrives at Knapford to collect the express, he learns from Sir Topham Hatt that only one of his brothers is left in existence. Sir Topham Hatt feels sorry for Gordon and comes up with an idea to cheer him up. At Elsbridge, Gordon tells Thomas about it and learns that Thomas' siblings had all been scrapped. Both engines spend a good few minutes crying about their losses and Gordon admits it helped him a little.

Meanwhile, on the mainland, Flying Scotsman learns from his owner that Sir Topham Hatt has invited him to visit Sodor to cheer Gordon up. A few nights later, the engines are at Tidmouth when they hear an unfamiliar whistle. However, Gordon does recognize the whistle, all too well and, to his delight, Flying Scotsman comes backing down into the shed. Gordon then introduces the other engines at Tidmouth to Flying Scotsman, who explains why he's here.

The following day, Gordon and Scotsman are being photographed and have a conversation about rebuilds with Scotsman explaining his owner, Mr. Pegler said he was an extra special engine and gave him his old shape back. Gordon asks if that was why he had two tenders but Scotsman explains that the other railways hardly has any coal and water stops and tells Gordon how lucky he is to have a controller who knows how to run a proper railway. It doesn't take long for Scotsman to get acquainted with the other engines on Sodor, but Henry is jealous of Scotsman for having two tenders and claims he deserves another. Duck offers Henry six tenders. Henry is delighted and accepts, but is made to look like a fool when it is revealed they are old and full of boiler sludge.

### Chapter 2: Thomas and the Bluebell Engine

A couple of days after Henry's "lovely tenders" incident, Sir Topham Hatt called the engines to Tidmouth Sheds, but unfortunately, only one representative per branch line and shed can attend. Sir Topham Hatt announces that Stepney will be visiting from the Bluebell Railway. The engines are excited by this news, which soon spreads; however, Thomas is not happy when he learns Stepney is visiting and is determined to prove that his branch line is the best.

Over, on the Bluebell Railway, Stepney is chatting with Bluebell and Primrose when Fenchurch informs Stepney that Mr. Holden wants to talk to them. Stepney goes to Mr. Holden who tells him that the day of the Sodor visit has arrived and a support diesel will be coming with them. The support diesel is 7101, the same diesel who saved Oliver from Diesel 10. 7101 explains that he will be on trial in a couple days' time with another diesel. At Barrow-in-Furness, Stepney and 7101 parts way as the Terrier sets off on the final leg of their journey to Knapford station.

The engines have gathered at Knapford to greet Stepney and are excited to them, except for a jealous Thomas who goes to get his next train. Soon, Stepney arrives and is given a big welcome by the other engines. Stepney is honoured to meet them but is surprised to see that Thomas is absent. When Stepney mentions that Thomas is the last of his siblings in operation, the other engines - sans Gordon - are shocked and begin to realize why Thomas is behaving oddly.

Sir Topham Hatt assigns Stepney to help Duck and Oliver on the Little Western and Diesel in the yards in the evening whilst Scotsman helps out with extra trains on the main line. Stepney gets along with Duck and Oliver and when Stepney mentions 7101's upcoming trial, Oliver is excited, remembering how 7101 turned a blind eye when he and Toad were escaping.

That evening, Stepney is working in the yards with Diesel when Thomas comes by. Thomas says to Diesel but doesn't have the time to chat as his last branch train is due; nor does he acknowledge Stepney, much to the Terrier's disappointment. Just then, Diesel and Stepney hear shouting at the station and an alarm. The stationmaster comes to inform the engines that an important passenger needs to get home right away and has ordered a special. Diesel decides that since his top speed isn't all that impressive, Stepney should go.

Meanwhile, Thomas has been shunted at Toryreck to let a special pass. Then, with express headlamps swaying and twinkling, Stepney comes into view, the two engines exchange tablets and Stepney gathers speed and disappears, much to Thomas' astonishment. The next morning, Thomas is still cross and after Stepney explains what happened, Thomas goes into a rant about how Stepney and their siblings were always so successful and could handle any job they were given with ease whilst Thomas' siblings had to keep stopping for water when trialled on passenger trains, had very weak brakes when trialled on goods trains and then at Southampton, their longer wheelbase meant they had limited clearance. It was thanks to his crew's kindness that Thomas is rebuilt to be able do the things he can now whilst all his siblings are gone. Everyone is shocked by this and when Percy asked why he didn't tell anyone about this, a crying Thomas admits that his pride got in the way. Stepney them admits that they had a good run, he felt nervous not knowing and calls Thomas an expert. This makes Thomas feel much better and, along with his fellow Ffarquhar engines, tell Stepney all about their branch line.

### Chapter 3: Mixed Signals

Later that day, all the engines gather at Tidmouth sheds where Sir Topham Hatt announces that two engines from the mainland are coming on trial. Oliver knows that one of them is 7101 and explains how 7101 turned a blind eye to him and Toad escaping scrap. Sir Topham Hatt then tells the engines that the other engine is number 261, which BoCo warns them about his arrogant attitude.

The two diesels arrived at Tidmouth sheds that evening. Whilst Bear is pleased to see that Oliver and Toad made it and greets the other engines warmly, 261 is quick to sour the mood by stating the steam engines are out of date compared to him and even refuses to share the same sheds as them. 7101 sticks up for the steam engines and they all agree to think of a name for him.

The next day, the engines all get to work but 7101's engine make growling noises like a bear, which startles Diesel, Duke and Rusty. When James sees Bear running backwards (due to him having two cabs), he complains about it to the other engines. Even the coaches start to get worried when James becomes more boastful than ever. A few days later, some water leaked into Diesel's tank due to the misty weather so James has to do the shunting by himself. James has to shunt some well wagons onto his train and has to whistle to the signalman to switch some points. Unfortunately, Oliver comes by and James whistles a greeting, which the signalman mistakes for James saying he's ready.  As a result, one of the wellwagons changes tracks halfway across the points and crashed into a signal, which falls to the ground, just missing James. Whilst the fireman fetch some guards to use green and red flags for the until is mended, Judy and Jerome are brought over by Stepney, who quips that to go two ways at once with only one cab really is something. Sir Topham Hatt speaks sternly to James about the incident, but admits he can't fault James for say hello to a friend.

A couple of days later, Stepney is with the Ffarquhar engines and tells how long they are at getting to work with trucks, saying that they miss them a lot. Percy takes pity and offers to share some of his trucks. Stepney takes the trucks to the harbour and brings the empty trucks. On the way, they stop at a signal by the cricket field where a match is happened, due to the driver and fireman's delight. Suddenly, the batsman hits the ball very hard and very hard just as the signal clunks. Stepney sets off, unaware that the ball has landed in one of his trucks. Because it's their one and only ball, the umpire and three of the players pile into Caroline who chases the train all the way to Ffarquhar, where the players get the ball and explain what happened. Unfortunately, high speeds don't agree with Caroline and she is unable to take the players and umpire back to the cricket field. Stepney takes them all back with Caroline on a flatbed and stays to watch the match. After that, Caroline admits she was wrong to think the railways were silly and becomes good friends with Stepney.

### Chapter 4: All Fired Up

7101 asks if James is feeling alright after the accident with the signal. James admits that it left a dent in his pride and that the signal incident served him right. 7101 cheers up by saying that some signalmen don’t know the difference between a greeting whistle or toot, as opposed to an ‘I’m ready for the points to change’ whistle or toot.

Later, 7101 meets up with Henry, who is still rather sour about the tenders prank. 7101 warns Henry that it's never a good thing to hold a grudge and uses 261 as a example, explaining how Arthur's tactful thinking led to BoCo coming to Sodor instead of 261.

That evening, the engines have a conversation about paint with Henry saying he would choose green every time, stating if he was blue, people would confuse him for Gordon. James says he wouldn't want to be blue as his red paint makes him stand out from the crowd. Henry retorts that James looks like a fire engine but James fights back by saying that at least he doesn't blend into the background like some engines he could and mention and that Henry would need a yellow and balck front like Mavis to warn everyone he's coming if not for the noise. Henry is furious, especially since the other engines have a good laugh at James' joke.

The next day, Henry is still in a foul mood as he takes Sean, Mick, Harry and Dexter out. When Henry reaches the end of the line, he sees 261 who brags about being reliable. Later, on the return journey, Dexter begins to feel unstable so they decide to take Dexter off the train at the next station. Unfortunately, 261 is in the siding next to it and he has a nasty idea to pay the engines out. He shunts Dexter into a disused siding before going to get Randolph from the coach siding. Once Randolph is coupled up, Henry sets off again, trying to make up for lost time.

Along the way, however, there is a loud crack from below Henry's cab and Henry finds himself separated from his tender. The driver puts Henry's fire out to prevent him from boiling dry whilst the fireman goes for help. Unfortunately, some loose sparks have hit the rails below Henry's cab and when Edward and 7101 arrive, Henry is surrounded by thick, black smoke. Edward instructs 7101 to take the train whilst he uses some of his water to put out the fire. Once the fire is put out and Henry is coupled back to his tender, Edward takes Henry to the Steamworks but Henry feels uncomfortable and shaken by the whole ordeal.

That evening, Edward explains the situation to the other engines at Tidmouth sheds and they are shocked too. Both Duck and James feel guilty as they feel they play a part in this. 261 makes an sadistic comment, saying that he was surprised the fire didn't burn Henry to a crisp. The engines are furious and the growling of 7101's engine frightens 261 off. Oliver then comes up with the perfect for 7101 - "Bear" after his growling noises. 7101 likes the idea and asks them to call him Bear from now on.

### Chapter 5: Henry the Enterprising Engine

The following morning, 261 is preparing for very first passenger run, having only taken goods train on Sodor so far. Meanwhile, the other engines are having an indignation meeting about 261's horrible attitude and agree he needs to be taught a lesson. Apart for a silly idea from Bill and Ben who suggest dumping him in the sea, Mavis suggests that one of them should tell Sir Topham Hatt.

As the engines set off to work, Diesel's brakes are stuck so Duck is called from the Little Western to help Stepney with the shunting. Meanwhile, an inspector is watching a fitter make the final adjustments to 261 when the wind blows his paper loose. In trying to get the papers, the inspector's bowler hat is blown away. Soon 261 is ready and boasts Duck to Stepney, the later of whom is upset that all this had to come on their last day too. Suddenly the two tank engines heard a coughing noise and watch as 261 breaks down. Duck and Stepney have a good laugh before shunting the sulky diesel back to the shed. There, it's discovered that Bowler sucked the inspector's bowler hat into his air intake. Duck and Stepney take the train instead and Sir Topham Hatt informs that Gordon will take over at Cronk. The two engines put in an impressive performance and arrive at Cronk where Gordon says they're ten minutes early. Stepney then tells about how 261 broke down and that Oliver had dubbed him "Bowler".

Sir Topham Hatt informs Bowler (unaware of the nickname) that he will be given one last chance and he is to take a tanker train up to Vicarstown. Wherever Bowler goes, the engines call him by his new nickname, much to his fury.

Down at Crovan's Gate, Henry's tender coupling is fixed and sets off not before learning of Bear's new name from Diesel. On the way back to Tidmouth, Henry is stopped by the signal box where Bowler has broken down again and Bear is behind with the Limited. Henry moves the goods train and Bear rushes by with Limited. Unfortunately, Bear's injector fails and despite his best efforts, Bear grinds to a halt so he toots a signal to help. Henry takes it upon himself to get both diesels and their trains to the next station. When Henry is coupled up, it's better than they thought. Bear can still pull if we keep the brakes off, so the only weight we’ll have is Bowler’s goods. With Bear growling in front and Henry gamely puffing in the middle, the cavalcade sets off for the next station. Douglas and Flying Scotsman are waiting there as the cavalcade arrives and although the passengers are quick to complain, Sir Topham Hatt explains how Henry saved the day. The passengers called Henry an enterprising engine, which cheers him up after the horrors of yesterday. Flying Scotsman takes over the Limited whilst Douglas takes over the goods as well as Bowler who is returned to the Other Railway, but not before Douglas tells Sir Topham Hatt about Bowler's behaviour. Sir Topham Hatt is outraged and tells Bowler and banishes from the North Western Railway.

The next day, Bear and Diesel are both repaired and the engines are delighted to learn that Bear has passed his trials and is now part of the North Western Railway. Henry then apologizes to Scotsman for his jealousy, James and Duck apologizes to Henry for pushing him to his limits, to which Henry admits it was partly his own fault too and Stepney assures Thomas that his siblings will live inside him, to which Thomas smiles proudly. After that, it's time to bid farewell to Flying Scotsman and Stepney; the former will soon be making a trip to the United States and the latter will be returning to their usual duties on the Bluebell Railway. With that, the two visiting engines leave with Mr. Holden and Mr. Peglar to a chorus of "Auld Lang Syne" led by Donald and Douglas.

### Epilogue

That evening, the twenty-three engines are talking peacefully at the sheds when they heard the inspector grumbling about not finding a replacement for his hat. Douglas then reveals he left Bowler on the first siding without giving him a chance to say goodbye to anyone, not even him. Duck also comments that Bowler not only left behind a battered bowler hat and an angry inspector; but also the nasty smell... of bad manners, to which everyone bursts out laughing.

## Characters

* Thomas
* Edward
* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Percy
* Toby
* Duck
* Donald and Douglas
* Oliver
* Julie
* Johnson
* Lauren
* Arthur (Mentioned)
* Katie
* Nicole
* BoCo
* Diesel
* Daisy
* Bear
* Mavis
* Annie and Clarabel
* Audrey, Hilary and Mark
* Sean, Mick, Harry, Dexter and Randolph
* Toad
* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Sir Handel
* Peter Sam
* Rusty
* Duncan (Does not speak)
* Flyer (Does not speak)
* Duke
* Stepney
* Bluebell
* Primrose
* Fenchurch
* Captain Baxter (mentioned)
* Ella (mentioned)
* Sidney (mentioned)
* Paxton (mentioned)
* Flying Scotsman
* Bowler
* Arry and Bert
* Terence
* Caroline
* Sir Bertram Topham Hatt
* Mr. Alan Pegler
* Mr. Bernard Holden

An inspector also speaks

## Differences between the episodes, books and this version

### General

* *Stepney the Bluebell Engine* takes place 1962; *Tenders for Henry*, *Super Rescue* and *Little Western* take place in late 1967; and *Crossed Lines* and *Fire Engine* take place in 1984 in the books. In this series, they all take place during 1986, with the other half of *Little Western* taking place in 1984.

### Tender Engines/Tenders for Henry

* James complaining about Gordon taking on a lot of coal and Duck warning the big blue engine against drinking from a standpipe with bad water are both taken directly from the TV adaptation, Tender Engines.
* The standpipe is mentioned and shown to be at Barrow, not at a broken water tower on Sodor.
* Diesel makes a quip about how Gordon taking coal is no problem for him. Of course, in the book, he’s not a Sodor resident, and his role in the TV episode has completely changed.
* Diesel admits to Duck he never took him for a joker when he sees him talking to Gordon about the standpipe, and is even more surprised that Duck was the one to think of the tenders prank on Henry later on.
* Diesel’s role in the actual episode is taken up by Arry and Bert when Gordon sees the duo at Barrow. This conversation is expanded, as Arry and Bert not only mention they’ve abolished steam, but that Gordon’s siblings are all scrapped.
* Gordon’s grieving is expanded upon from the original story. He doesn’t sleep at Tidmouth sheds, but rather the Steamworks, much to the concern of the Skarloey engines. A minor thing to note about this is Duke is present, but in the book, he hasn’t been rediscovered yet.
* Gordon’s unhappiness at the sheds and his talk with Sir Topham Hatt happen almost exactly as they did in the book.
* When he’s flagged down at Elsbridge, he sees Thomas, and it’s the little blue tank engine who is able to help Gordon through his grieving process when the two cry about the loss of their siblings together. Thomas also makes a nod to the alliance that he and Gordon made in Down the Mine.
* We see Scotsman get the message to visit Sodor in this adaptation. In the TV series, Scotsman’s visit is completely glossed over, and in the book, Scotsman gets the message off-page.
* The engines try and guess what Thomas and Gordon were talking about right before Scotsman arrives.
* Gordon tells the other engines the truth about his unhappiness, which makes everyone very guilty. Diesel also wishes to give Arry and Bert a piece of his mind next time he sees them.
* Oliver is both seen and mentioned, but in the book, he wouldn’t have been rescued for another two stories yet. In the TV series, Oliver was rescued exactly one episode later.
* Henry becomes jealous of Flying Scotsman when he talks with Daisy at Elsbridge and sees Scotsman go by with the express train with Gordon. While she was on Sodor at the time, Daisy doesn’t appear in the book or episode at all.
* Donald asks Duck where he found the six “lovely” tenders, to which the latter says is better left unexplained.
* Henry’s reaction to the “lovely” tenders is shown.

### Bluebells of England/Thomas and Stepney part 1

* Flying Scotsman is present at the same time as Stepney’s visit. Both the book and TV series have this some time apart. In the book’s case, it took five books for Scotsman to be on Sodor, and in the TV series’ case, Scotsman was on Sodor before Stepney - he appeared in series four.
* Furthermore, Stepney in the books and TV series is firmly established as male. In this series, they are non-binary.
* Diesel mentions he has a cousin on the Bluebell Railway named Ella.
* Only Percy, Oliver, Lauren and BoCo could attend the meeting for the announcement about Stepney coming to Sodor of the branch line engines. In the book, it’s never shown who heard the announcement; all we know is that Percy heard about it and that Douglas was away. Furthermore, Oliver and BoCo couldn’t have been at the meeting in the book as neither were Sodor engines at the time, and the Midland engines were long gone.
* Douglas “being away” is mentioned to have been him on a five-yearly service.
* The conversation about “engines on the other railway being unsafe” is dropped, as Percy knows that Douglas knows this better than anyone - well, maybe Oliver in this adaptation would know it too, but at the time of the book, Oliver isn’t on Sodor yet.
* Percy mentions that the Bluebell Railway is the mainland’s equivalent to Sir Topham Hatt and Mr. Percival. Of course, it’s Mr. Sam in the book, but even then, Percy doesn’t make the comparison.
* Douglas also mentions that he and Oliver both ran away to Sodor, and Percy mentions BoCo somewhat did that too.
* Rather than saying that “all diesels are devils”, Douglas acknowledges the good diesels he’s met since - Rusty, BoCo, Mavis and Daisy, and even Diesel coming around. In the book, it’s just Rusty and Daisy, and Diesel is not a Sodor resident. Nor is it seen that Diesel’s changed. Instead, Douglas mentions that Arry and Bert are devils.
* Stepney’s controller is named Mr. Holden. Bernard Holden was among the enthusiasts who launched the Bluebell Preservation Society, and was President of the Society until his death in 2012 at the age of 104.
* On their way to Sodor, Stepney has a support diesel (7101) to help them. This isn’t mentioned to have happened in the book.
* 7101 mentions there was a “runaway engine” to Sodor, and Stepney at first thinks it’s one of the twins, but 7101 knows it’s somebody else.
* It’s Nicole who sees Stepney first, not Douglas, and everyone on Sodor is there to greet Stepney - barring Thomas, of course. In the book, it was just Douglas, Percy and some passengers.
* It’s mentioned that Sir Topham Hatt adjusted the schedules so the engines could come to meet Stepney, and Bill and Ben’s and Mavis’ managers allowed them to come too.

### Stepney's Special/Thomas and Stepney, part 2

* Stepney’s rescue by the Bluebell Railway is shown in a flashback at the beginning of Enterprising Engines, taking elements from Rusty to the Rescue, rather than them telling Edward about it like in the book.
* Bluebell and Primrose are seen talking to Stepney rather than merely mentioned by them in the book. Both were green in the book, but Bluebell is blue in the adaptation, which she wouldn’t wear until 2011.
* Fenchurch, a Bluebell Railway resident who wasn’t mentioned in the book, appears briefly as well.
* As Bluebells of England runs in conjunction with this story, Douglas is present when Percy tells Thomas about Stepney as per the TV adaptation, Thomas and Stepney.
* Thomas’ jealousy towards Stepney in Thomas and Stepney is expanded upon. As it turns out, Thomas’ siblings were all scrapped due to being replaced by tank engines from the United States (Rosie’s siblings). Further, Stepney and their siblings ran branch lines at Hayling Island, and were far more suited to branch line work than the E2s despite being almost forty years older.
* Everyone’s concerned for Thomas feeling jealous of Stepney when they haven’t set wheel on Sodor yet; only Gordon seems to guess the reasoning behind Thomas’ behavior, and even announces his talk with Thomas to the others. This concern isn’t present in the episode, nor is it ever addressed in the book. By the time the book takes place, 1962, the E2s were undergoing withdrawal before being scrapped altogether by the following year.
* Stepney is shown interacting with Duck, Oliver, Donald and Douglas on the Little Western, and it’s revealed here that Dilly and Dallas have had some ducklings.
* Stepney works with Diesel in the yards, not Duck, as it’s firmly established Duck is on his branch line by now.
* Annie and Clarabel try to get Thomas to talk to Stepney, but to no avail.
* In this adaptation, instead of Duck saying “hello, I wonder what’s up,” Stepney asks Diesel if he knows what’s happening as they haven't been on a fully operational railway for years, to which Diesel is just as confused as they are.
* The reason why Duck let Stepney take the special is unexplained in the book and episode, probably just out of kindness. In this adaptation, Diesel admits his top speed isn’t very impressive, and allows Stepney to take the passenger.
* Thomas’ confrontation with Stepney at the sheds (per the book) is more dramatic. See above for context. By the end of the rant, Thomas is crying, and the others are in a shocked silence. Also, Mavis and Daisy are both present during this confrontation. While Daisy is in the books at this point, she doesn’t appear, and Mavis isn’t on Sodor just yet either.
* When Thomas finally calms down, he asks if Stepney wants to work on his branch line for a while, to which Stepney agrees.
* Cromford and Adams aren’t seen or mentioned.

### Crossed Lines (Doesn't have an episode counterpart)

* Duke and Rusty make appearances at Crovan’s Gate. The Skarloey Railway isn’t mentioned at all in the book.
* James is taken aback by 7101 pulling a train backwards, which gives him a good reason to call main line diesels mixed up engines.
* The red coaches also make an appearance at Cronk when James is pulling them.
* Stepney is the one to mention that Toby has two cabs, as well as how engines at heritage railways work. In the book, Stepney would not have been visiting Sodor at this point.
* Duck and Douglas both pass by Tidmouth with night trains - the former is filling in for Percy who was delayed - and say their two cents on the matter like in the book. Douglas replaces Donald because Donald had a prominent role in Enterprising Engines already.
* Diesel breaks down, which leads to James shunting in the first place. Unlike in the book, James doesn’t complain loudly about it.
* In the book, an unknown engine (Duck in a pop-up book) blows their whistle which the signalman confuses for James’. In this adaptation, it’s James whistling hello to Oliver and the confusion leads to the accident.
* Guards are called to flag engines in and out of the yard with the broken signal in place. The book doesn’t explain what happened in the yards after the signal is damaged.
* Stepney helps to clear away the mess instead of Duck. In addition, Sir Topham Hatt is not as upset with James for the accident, but he still says that the signal’s loss is inconvenient.

### Train Stops Play

* Stepney takes a passenger train and says hello to Terence. Neither interact once in the book or television series.
* As Stepney raves about the branch line, they mention the mines, which unfortunately gets Thomas feeling uneasy. Toby quickly explains what’s happened, and Stepney apologizes. The book and TV episode don’t bring this up as the accident at the mine wasn’t very dramatic.
* Stepney mentions they and Captain Baxter miss their work with trucks. Stepney does mention this in the book, but while talking to Edward in Stepney’s Special instead.
* Daisy is shocked to hear Stepney say that they like trucks, and Mavis quips that they make an engine feel important. Neither diesel appears in the adaptation or the book despite the fact Daisy is mentioned in Bluebells of England, and Mavis isn’t on Sodor at that point. In the TV episode, both are on Sodor but aren’t seen or mentioned.
* Toby suggests Stepney come to the quarry as he and Mavis would appreciate their company. This is a nod to Stepney Gets Lost from series five.
* When Percy comments that he’s never seen an engine so interested in trucks before, Toby shoots a meaningful glance at Mavis, saying that he has, much to Mavis’ embarrassment.
* Stepney is seen making comments about the harbor.
* It’s mentioned that Stepney’s driver and fireman are fans of cricket. This was a nod to WildNorWester’s episode Bluebells and Batsmen.
* It’s revealed that Buster, one of the cricket players, had forgotten to bring the spare ball bag. This isn’t touched upon in the book or the TV adaptation.
* Caroline has more dialogue than both the book and TV adaptation.
* Stepney is excited about racing because they heard about the race between Thomas and Bertie as well as Percy and Haorld.
* Bertie himself makes an appearance and asks Caroline if she wants to race. He also makes a comment about Stepney stealing the cricket ball as “not very sportsmanlike”, another nod to Bluebells and Batsmen. The difference is that Duck says that comment in that episode, not Bertie.
* Stepney apologizes for the chase and they and Caroline are able to become friends following the incident when the latter is unloaded back off the truck.

### Fire Engine (Doesn't have an episode counterpart)

* 7101 is shown to be able to soothe James’ ruffled feelings following the signal incident. He comments that even he finds it strange to go backwards with trains.
* It’s mentioned here that signalmen don’t understand the tones of an engine’s whistle or horn. A greeting whistle or toot is very different from an “I want the points changed” whistle or toot.
* Henry is still angry at Duck and Donald for the tender prank, hence why he’s so grumpy here. In the book, Christopher may have very well written a green Gordon or James.
* 7101 mentions that being “green with envy” is never a good thing, and compares it to 261, who is angry and nearby.
* Stepeny mentions that they and their siblings were intended to be in an “improved green” livery, but their color is nowhere close to that.
* Diesel is the one to mention he prefers to be painted black, rather than Donald mentioning he and Douglas used to be black. Diesel also mentions that his brothers, Paxton and Sidney, are green and blue, respectively.
* Henry mentions that if he were blue, people would mistake him for Gordon. This is a nod to the books, where he was blue for a time. (He was reverted to green after the infamous third illustration in Thomas and the Guard made him resemble Gordon by mistake. Awdry retconned this by explaining that Henry borrowed a spare set of buffers from Gordon, but doesn’t explain the copper-topped funnel.)
* James makes a nod to Henry’s forest where he’s surprised animals don’t mistake Henry for the forest. In the books, because Awdry found engines admiring the scenery absurd for some reason, Henry doesn’t have his forest.
* Skarloey and Sir Handel are both seen at Crovan’s Gate, the former mentioning that it would be funny to see everyone on his railway painted red. Sir Handel mentions that if everyone were the same color, he’d find the incident at the incline more believable. Both of these comments are a nod to the books.
* Henry’s journey from Knapford to Vicarstown and back again is shown in far greater detail. He accidentally damages Dexter on his return trip, and 261 has to get another coach - Randolph. This delays Henry further and he tries to make up time.
* Henry’s fire is more dramatic than the books depicted, even mentioning that he was almost burnt alive. Instead of arriving home with a patched tender coupling, Henry is sent to the Steamworks to have it fixed.
* Henry is able to be moved clear from the blaze in the book. This is not the case in the adaptation.
* Edward and 7101 both show up, and the former tells the latter to carry on with the train as Edward has some of his water from his tender to help put out the fire. In the book, Edward arrives well after the fire’s out and the fire brigade took care of it. He also took the train.
* Everyone is rattled to the frames when they hear about Henry’s fire incident, and Duck feels he’s to blame. Of all engines, Diesel is the one to tell Duck that is not the case.

### Bowled Out

* The opening portion of the TV episode adaptation is used for context to bring 261 and 7101 to Sodor. In the book, 7101 would arrive with 199 five books later.
* In the book, the visiting diesel is given the number 4711. In the TV adaptation, his number is 261, which is accurate for the Class 40’s numbering system.
* BoCo is the one who mentions that 261 is difficult as he had a run in with him on the mainland before coming to Sodor, and everyone should avoid any disturbances, taking over from both James and Sir Topham Hatt’s comments from the episode. In the book, BoCo wouldn’t have been on Sodor as of yet.
* 261 damages the good mood that 7101 had set up as per the book.
* While the steam engines all glare at 261, it’s mentioned that the diesels are all about ready to snap at 261.
* Diesel compares his own visit with 261, saying he was tame compared to this, which BoCo issues to the 08 he’s gotten better. In the book, he wasn’t a Sodor resident.
* The indignation meeting takes place per the book and TV adaptation, but this time, it’s because of 261’s remarks about Henry getting burnt alive.
* Every single standard gauge engine - North Western, Midland or private company - is present except for Henry. In the book, it was just the main line engines and Stepney, and in the TV series, the engines seemed to be randomly selected.
* In the book, Gordon’s on the turntable. In the TV episode, Duck is on the turntable. In this adaptation, because he was the one to witness Henry’s incident with the fire, it’s Edward.
* Because of Henry’s absence, the “disgraceful, disgusting, despicable” routine is cut short, which leads to an awkward silence. Duck tries to tell Henry that was his cue, but realizes he’s still at the Steamworks, much to his embarrassment.
* Donald and Douglas’ line is split between them, not said in unison.
* Bill and Ben remark that 261 should be thrown into the sea, much to Gordon’s amusement and Edward’s annoyance. In the book, the twins were on Sodor, but “undocumented” and absent from the meeting.
* BoCo, Mavis and Toby all suggest they tell Sir Topham Hatt what’s happened, which Edward agrees, and adjourns the meeting. In the book, no one agreed on what to do, and in the TV series, we don’t see the meeting come to an end either. Like BoCo, Mavis wouldn’t have been on Sodor yet.
* Diesel’s brakes stick and as Stepney doesn’t know the routine in the yard, Duck’s called in. In the book, Duck is in the yard anyway as he’s the station pilot. He also lampshades that the Steamworks fixes diesels too.
* Stepney is the one to tell Duck themself that they’re going home tomorrow. Sir Topham Hatt doesn’t make the announcement like in the TV show, and no one does in the book.
* Duck remarks he wishes Diesel were in the yards to have seen what went down. There was absolutely no way he would have said this in the book or TV show.
* Duck is trying not to laugh when Sir Topham Hatt says “bother your hat” to the inspector.
* Duck and Stepeny use sand to get the train moving as per the book, but Duck also mentions that Oliver did the same thing. In the book, Duck tells Oliver about Stepney’s tip about sand as that came later, and Oliver wouldn’t have been on Sodor at the time of the book.
* As per the book, references to Stepney being a Terrier are mentioned, with him “woofing” and “barking”.
* The tank engines pass by Thomas, Annie and Clarabel; the blue tank engine’s opinion of Stepney having changed completely from the beginning of the story.
* Duck explains to Stepney why the hill between Wellsworth and Maron is called Gordon’s hill.
* Gordon doesn’t mention how early Duck and Stepney are in the book or episode, but in this adaptation, they are ten minutes early.
* In both the book and the TV adaptation, it’s James who says 261 is sick as boiler sludge and sulking in the sheds. In this adaptation, it’s Oliver, who also gives 261 the nickname Bowler. 261 is never given a name in the book or show, but he is referred to as Class 40 according to his nameboard.
* Gordon calls Duck and Stepney “Enterprising Engines”, a title drop of the special.
* Rather than being sent away, 261 is given a goods train of tankers, carrying over onto Super Rescue, and he is furious about this on top of being shown up by a pair of tank engines, and a third one calling him “Bowler”.
* Stepeny tells Thomas to carry on the E2 legacy with pride.
* Sir Topham Hatt mentions Stepney will resume their work on the Bluebell Railway.
* Donald and Douglas request for everyone to sing “Auld Lang Syne” as per the book, even though James comments it’s not New Year’s Day. They all agree to varying degrees.
* Flying Scotsman is also present with Stepney when they leave. Of course, this isn’t true in the book as their visits are five books apart.
* The stinger at the end with Bowler gone is expanded; the inspector is still angry about his hat, Donald is impressed by Douglas’ treatment of the rude diesel (the roles are flipped in the book, most likely) and Duck comments that Bowler’s left behind “the nasty smell of bad manners.”

### Super Rescue (Doesn't have an episode counterpart)

* 7101 helps Stepney get to Sodor before his trial. In the book, Stepney’s visit and 7101’s trial happen five books apart.
* 7101 is trialed alongside 261, the latter of whom has his role combined with that of 199.
* Stepney also drops the bombshell that 7101 is one of the engines on trial. In the book, we don’t get to see anyone tell the engines that the diesels are coming.
* Oliver realizes that 7101 is the engine who turned a blind eye to his escape run with Toad, making him more excited to see him.
* 7101 manages to hit it off very well with the engines, commenting that he’s glad that Oliver and Toad arrived safely, and he praises Douglas for his efforts to save them. In the book, this wouldn’t have been mentioned as Oliver and Toad (with Isabel) wouldn’t have arrived on Sodor until the next story.
* 7101 manages to shut up 261 as per the book.
* Bear is mentioned to have not been growling when he departs the station earlier on in the day. This foreshadows what’s to come.
* The tankers all mock Bowler for what happened with the inspector’s hat.
* Bear tells Bowler that he likes his nickname as he backs onto the Limited. No such exchange happens between Bear and Spamcan in the book.
* Instead of suffering a failed regulator, Henry is on his way home when he comes across Bowler, broken down again with his goods train. He’s given another degrading name (in his eyes, anyway) by the signalman - Spamcan.
* Bear struggling with his passenger train is shown in more detail.
* Henry is more sympathetic to Bear breaking down than he is in the book, but his reactions to Bowler breaking down are no different.
* Bear apologizes to Henry right then and there for breaking down rather than when they are on their way back to the shed.
* Instead of mentioning a failed regulator, Henry mentions the tender breaking away incident, which had happened yesterday. In the Railway Series, this would have been held back for five more books.
* Douglas is seen at the station waiting for the goods, not Donald, as he had already played a fair role in Enterprising Engines until this point. He also recounts what happened with Bowler’s remark about Henry, which gives Sir Topham Hatt a greater reason to send the rude diesel back.
* Sir Topham Hatt’s scolding of Bowler is shown. In the book, he just states that he’ll write his views on 199 later as he’s sent back to the other railway.
* Douglas gives Bowler a rough ride on the way back. Whether Donald did this or not in the book for 199 isn’t confirmed, but it’s very possible he did.
* Bear worries that he may be sent away too, but Henry assures the breakdown won’t be counted against him, as does Duke when the engines see him at Crovan’s Gate. Bear and Henry wouldn’t have seen Duke there in the book as he wasn’t rediscovered yet.

### Little Western, Part 2 (mashed up with Super Rescue)

* It’s mentioned by the engines that it isn’t right for 7101 to be without a name, and even bring up how Sir Handel and Peter Sam’s old names of Falcon and Stuart had been revoked by their manager at Peel Godred.
* Oliver is the one who christens 7101 with the name Bear, even though other engines have mentioned that he’s been growling like one throughout the story.
* Oliver and Daisy both mention in the indignation meeting in Bowled Out that they should put in a good word for Bear and that they should inform Henry about his new name - Diesel is the one to tell Henry as he’s being repaired too. In the book, it’s Henry himself who puts in the good word for Bear. In the books, Diesel isn’t a Sodor resident.
* Bear and Diesel are repaired just in time for the visiting engines to leave. In the book, Bear is not shown to be present when Flying Scotsman leaves.
* Bear is already given his name when purchased officially by the North Western Railway. Unlike the book, he keeps his blue livery and old number alongside NWR lettering and a nameplate, akin to Donald and Douglas keeping their black liveries in the TV series.
* Henry apologizes to Flying Scotsman for his rude behavior. This is not shown in the book. (The TV adaptation leaves out Scotsman’s role altogether.)
* Like the book, Sir Topham Hatt makes his speech about “real engines”, but he also mentions Flying Scotsman is going on a tour to the United States, per real life.

### Old Stuck Up (some elements)

* As mentioned, 261 takes on elements of 199 and Old Stuck-Up, since all of them basically play the same role and are of a similar archetype.
* 7101 is the one to tell 261 to stay outside the sheds, not BoCo. And the reason for this is because there’s only enough berths for seven engines. Technically, Stepney and Diesel could share a berth as the sheds are big, but they don’t bother to do that.

## Voice cast

### Official Cast

* John Hasler as Thomas
* Keith Wickham as Edward, Henry, Gordon, Skarloey, Sir Handel, Bertie and Sir Bertram Topham Hatt
* Rob Rackstraw as James, Toby and Donald
* Nigel Pilkington as Percy
* Steven Kynman as Duck and Peter Sam
* Joe Mills as Douglas, Oliver and Toad
* Kerry Shale as Diesel and Arry
* Tracy-Ann Oberman as Daisy
* Teresa Gallagher as Mavis, Annie and Clarabel
* Mark Moraghan as Dexter and the Narrator
* Ben Small as Rheneas
* Matt Wilkinson as Rusty
* Rufus Jones as Flying Scotsman
* William Hope as Bert
* Tom Stourton as Terence

### Fan Chosen

* Lewis MacLeod as Johnson
* Claire Corlett as Julie
* Kristen Schaal as Katie
* Linda Cardellini as Lauren
* Rachael Miller as Nicole
* Kevin Frank as BoCo
* Bill Barretta as Bear
* Colm Feore as Duke
* Lara Jill Miller as Audrey
* Wendy Patterson as Hilary
* Will Harrison-Wallace as Mark
* Ian Hart as Sean
* Thomas Sangster as Mick
* Sam Bell as Harry
* Scot Williams as Randolph
* Kate Harbour as Caroline
* Samuel Joslin as Stepney
* Kari Wahlgren as Bluebell
* Francesca Smith as Primrose
* Matt Coles as Fenchurch
* Vincent Tong as Bowler
* Mark Williams as Mr. Alan Pegler
* Stephen Fry as Mr. Bernard Holden

## Link

* FanFiction.Net
* Chapter 1 on DeviantArt
* Chapter 2 on DeviantArt
* Chapter 3 on DeviantArt
* Chapter 4 on DeviantArt
* Chapter 5 on DeviantArt