Diesel 199 and the Express

***Diesel 199 and the Express*** is the tenth episode of the first series.

## Plot

Although D199 has made a good impression on the Fat Controller after his sucess with some trucks, he still finds himself subject to teasing by Diesel 10 and Class 40, who constantly remind him of how a bootlace was needed to help him finish a journey with coaches. D199 tries to counter their insults by reminding them about engines getting shut up in a tunnel and stuck on a hill, but neither of them let up. Diesel 10 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, D199 and Diesel 10 prepare for work. Diesel 10 once again gloats about getting to pull the Express while D199 is left with 'odd jobs' before sending the blue diesel to fetch his coaches. D199, now knowing to be extra careful with the coaches, takes them nicely into the station. D199 tells the coaches that he would love to be able to take the Express, before leaving them for Diesel 10 who couples himself to the train as nosily and importantly as possible. Diesel 10 then leaves with his train, full of passengers, one of which is the Fat Controller, among other important people. D199 waits until the express has gone, then goes back to work shunting trucks and fetching coaches for another train.

Later, D199 has brought in the next train's coaches to the platform, when Diesel 10, looking very sheepish, quietly pulls into the station, trying not to be noticed. D199 asks if Diesel 10 'lost his way', and Diesel 10 admits that he was mistakenly switched off the main line and forced onto the long loop back to the station. D199 finds this funny. However, the passengers are furious and demand refunds, but the Fat Controller calls their attention and promises them a new train immediately. With Gordon unable to pull the express again, and no other engines available, the Fat Controller asks D199 if he will take the train. D199 is more than happy to and quickly couples up. The Fat Controller wishes D199 luck and he pulls out of the station. The journey goes without incident and upon reaching their destination, the passengers thank D199 for a nice journey. The Fat Controller is very impressed and asks James if he would like to pull the Express sometimes. D199 excitedly says "Yes" at once.

The next day, D199 sees Diesel 10 shunting trucks. The larger diesel is enjoying simpler work and getting to teach the trucks some manners. He then congratulates D199 on his success with the Express. Diesel 10 and D199 soon become good friends. James sometimes takes the Express for Diesel 10 to allow him to rest. Diesel 10 no longer talks about bootlaces, and the two very much agree when it comes to their opinion of trucks.

## Characters

* Class 40
* Diesel 10
* Diesel 199
* Sir Topham Hatt
* Troublesome Trucks (*do not speak*)
* Diesel (*cameo*)

## Trivia

* The episode is based off the tenth episode from the first series of *Thomas & Friends*, James and the Express.
* This is the first episode in which BoCo does not appear since his introduction in BoCo and Diesel 10.