Quatro

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***Quatro*** is the fourth episode of the eleventh series of *The Dark Railway Series*.

## Plot

A few weeks after Andy's outburst, he approaches Mr. Chairman and apologises for his behaviour. Mr. Chairman accepts his apology and promises to speak to the rest of the society about putting the engines' feelings into consideration. In return, Andy promises to apologise to Goose.

Meanwhile, 257 Squadron finds himself missing the fast-paced nature of the mainline. He and Eustace reminisce about it in the sheds with Clyde and the diesels one night, and Warrior persuades him to ask Zeke about going out to run railtours again. When 257 asks him, Zeke reveals that there is another railway in the north west of England that still operates steam regularly. He further reveals that one of their express engines is coming to the DR to see out the rest of their boiler ticket and that he can speak to them about 257 potentially going up there in the visitor's place. After 257 asks if Eustace can come too, Zeke has an idea and leaves him to make arrangements. A few nights later, 257 and Eustace are discussing the matter in the sheds when they notice someone backing down into the sheds: Caracus Smash has returned! He reveals that Zeke has asked him to come back to cover for the Bulleids, as both of them will indeed be heading to the North Western Railway together. The pair are delighted, and a week later they are sent out on lorries with Zeke and Mr. Dark coming to see them off.

Caracus becomes a minor celebrity in the sheds until the visitor finally arrives. Allan is sent to collect the engine and is awestruck to find that it is none other than the famous Gordon! Gordon expresses his pleasure at coming to the renowned Dark Railway. Everyone flocks to talk to him at the sheds that evening, but Barry leaves the sheds without saying anything. Caracus follows and Barry admits that he's feeling jealous again. Gordon follows them over and Barry explains his feelings to him. Gordon explains how he once felt the same about a friend and that he missed out on many good times as a result. He offers Barry his friendship and the big freight engine accepts, apologising for his behaviour. Together the three engines return to the sheds, with Barry now content with Gordon's sincerity.

## Characters

* Dave
* Raymond
* Sir Eustace Missenden
* 257 Squadron
* Caracus Smash
* Barry
* Goose
* Clyde
* Ryan
* Allan
* Turbo
* Warrior
* Andy
* Stan
* Gordon
* Zeke Dark
* Mr. Dark
* Mr. Chairman
* Colossus (*does not speak*)
* Eddie (*cameo*)
* Leno (*mentioned*)
* Sid (*mentioned*)
* Edward (*mentioned*)
* Mr. Smash (*mentioned*)
* Lord Stovell (*mentioned*)
* Gary (*not named; mentioned*)
* "Linda" (*not named; mentioned*)

## Locations

* Axley
* Colhapper Shed
* Colhapper
* Merecombe Shed
* Merecombe
* Soma (*mentioned*)
* North Western Railway (*mentioned*)

## Trivia

* The events of Pogo / Mere Anarchy and Barry the Steam Engine are referenced.
* This episode marks the first appearance of Caracus Smash since the ninth series episode Meanwhile....
* The ending credits foreshadow the events of the following episode.
* This episode is expected to be the final appearance of 257 with his original Digital Traction model.
* This episode marks the last appearances of two characters for a period.
	+ 257 Squadron's last appearance to date.
	+ Sir Eustace Missenden's last appearance to date.
* This episode also marks the only speaking role for Mr. Dark this season.
* As Gordon hails from the North Western Railway and is a character in the Reverend Wilbert Awdry’s *Railway Series,* this episode marks the first appearance of a character from the *Thomas the Tank Engine* franchise in *The Dark Railway Series -* albeit with some contrast to his design in the former.