Experiment (episode)

**Experiment** is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the Stories of Sodor and the eighty-second episode overall.

Experiment (episode)/Transcript

## Plot

After the Marston Heights Coal Mine closed down, Sodor had to import coal from the Mainland. This was most often handled by Francis, who didn't waste the chance to complain. As he does so to Gordon and James at the docks one day, Gordon reveals that changes have been made to the schedule; James is to take Francis' train while Francis takes the Flying Kipper. While Francis does set out on his job (under much protest), he breaks down en route and is rescued by Barry.

That night at the sheds, the Fat Controller introduces Barry to some of the engines. Robert Hall explains the experimental procedure that he performed on Barry, which involves converting steam engines to diesel. However, he tells Barry that some testing still needs to be done and not to celebrate early. Said tests play out over the next while. The Sodor engines become concerned that Barry's newfound superiority would go to his head, but fortunately for them, this doesn't happen. Barry proves not only humble and helpful but also overeager to work and do other engines' jobs for them.

One day, Barry becomes impatient about doing the final checks before every journey. While he acknowledges that Hall cares a great deal about him, he wishes he didn't have to be fussed over every time. Whiff tells Barry about how he was in a similar position in his early days on the North Eastern Railway. He also mentions he landed in a pile of garbage one time, and has since been called Whiff, instead of his real name, Ignatius. After that, Barry is given the go ahead to take his train. His journey goes smoothly for a while, but Hall has him stop when he thinks he's about to overheat.

That night, Barry gives the engines more details; Hall thinks that mild heat for Barry the steamie can be too much for Barry the diesel, while Barry thinks that Hall is being overly cautious. Francis counters that overheating a motor is all too easy and advises Barry not to accept others "fobbing off" their work onto him. Barry argues that he only takes extra work from others because he wants to do it. Gordon praises this and also insists Francis should leave to take his own night train. After Francis leaves, Donald expresses that he agrees that Barry should calm down on the workload, but Barry emphasises how much he needs it.

The next morning, Donald isn't feeling well due to some bad coal. Barry offers to take the Flying Kipper for him even though Hall isn't present. Barry manages on his own for a while, but when he climbs Gordon's Hill, his engine starts emitting a strange noise. Barry eventually breaks down just shy of a signal. At the works, Barry apologises to Hall for not listening about overheating, but Hall takes responsibility for not realizing that Barry should've been given psychological examination before the procedure.

Mickey asks Barry why he feels he "needs" to work. Barry admits that, while he knows that overworking himself won't bring back the seven years he lost, keeping himself busy helps him avoid thinking about how angry the whole ordeal makes him. Because of this, the experiment is put on hold while Barry undergoes treatment. He eventually works through his issues and returns to work, but he no longer overworks himself. After that, Hall's experimental procedure is deemed a success and makes its way among countless non-faceless steamies over the following years, including Edward. Hall becomes delighted that his project worked and proud of its colloquial nickname, "The Overhaul" (Hall).

## Characters

* Gordon
* James
* Donald
* Reginald
* Barry
* Whiff
* Mickey
* Francis
* The Fat Controller
* Robert Hall
* Edward *(narration only, cameo)*
* Henry *(cameo)*
* Duck *(cameo)*
* Oliver *(cameo)*
* Peter *(cameo)*
* Samantha *(cameo)*
* Peckett *(cameo)*
* Emily *(cameo)*
* Rosie *(cameo)*
* Samson *(cameo)*
* Paul *(cameo)*
* Wendell *(cameo)*
* William *(cameo)*
* Daisy *(cameo)*
* Derek *(cameo)*

## Trivia

* There is also a Sodor Short called Experiment.
* Whiff's real name is revealed to be Ignatius.
* It is revealed in the final scene of the episode that Edward, at a later date, went through steam-diesel conversion himself.