James and the Express

**James and the Express** is the tenth episode of the first season. It is based on the story of the same name from the third Railway Series book, James the Red Engine.

## Plot

Although James has made a good impression on the Fat Director after his success with some trucks, he still finds himself subjected to teasing by Gordon and Henry, who constantly remind him of how a bootlace was needed to help him finish a journey with coaches. James tries to remind them about engines getting shut up in a tunnel or stuck on a hill to counter their insults, but neither of them let up. Gordon boasts about being the only engine capable of pulling the Express alone, claiming that he has never lost his way and knows the line by instinct, forgetting that it is the signalman who ensures that engines do not get lost.

The next morning, James and Gordon prepare for work. Gordon once again gloats about getting to pull the Express while James is left with 'odd jobs' before sending the red engine to fetch his coaches. James, now knowing to be extra careful with the coaches, takes them nicely into the station. James tells the coaches that he would love to be able to take the Express, before leaving them for Gordon who couples himself to the train as nosily and importantly as possible. Gordon then leaves with his train, full of passengers, one of which is the Fat Director. James waits until the express has gone, then goes back to work shunting trucks and fetching coaches for another passenger train.

Later, James has brought in the next train's coaches to the platform, when Gordon, looking very embarrassed, quietly pulls into the station, trying not to be noticed. James sees him and asks if Gordon 'lost his way', and Gordon admits that he was mistakenly switched off the main line and forced onto the loop back to the station. James finds this funny. However, the passengers are furious and demand refunds, but the Fat Director calls their attention and promises them a new train immediately. With Gordon unable to pull the express anymore today, and no other engines available, the Fat Director asks James if he will take the train. James is more than happy to and quickly couples up. The Fat Director wishes James luck and he pulls out of the station. The journey goes without incident and upon reaching their destination, the passengers thank James for a nice journey. The Fat Director is very impressed and asks James if he would like to pull the Express sometimes. James excitedly says "Yes" at once.

The next day, James sees Gordon shunting trucks. The larger engine is enjoying simpler work and getting to teach the trucks some manners. He then congratulates James on his success with the Express. Gordon and James soon become good friends. James sometimes takes the Express for Gordon to allow him to rest. Gordon no longer talks about bootlaces, and the two very much agree when it comes to their opinion of trucks.

## Characters

* Henry
* Gordon
* James
* Green Express Coaches
* The Fat Director
* Orange Coaches *(do not speak)*
* Troublesome Trucks *(do not speak)*

## Locations

* Tidmouth Sheds
* Knapford
* The Viaduct
* Wellsworth
* Maron
* Henry's Tunnel *(mentioned)*
* Gordon's Hill *(mentioned)*
* The Main Line Loop *(mentioned)*

## Trivia

* This is the first episode in which Edward does not appear since his introduction in Edward and Gordon.