Fred to the Rescue

***Fred to the Rescue*** is the first episode of the fourth series.

## Plot

Every spring, Fred enjoys visiting far away places, especially the Hymek Railway where he thinks there is no better place to visit. One morning, while Fred is being refueled, Diesel passes by, remarking that his driver looks worried. Fred is initially unsure but asks what the problem is, which turns out to be that the Hymek Railway needs another diesel to keep the railway running. Fred is intrigued by the idea of finding a "Hymek Diesel."

Later, Fred consults with Bert (who is with Dennis) about finding another diesel on the Other Railway, which is where he found D5701. Bert says that he would like to help, but notes that only steam engines travel there now. Fred readily accepts the idea and decides to go there. That evening, his driver comes with news that the manager will make a home for a bluebell engine if they find one. Fred knows that they can do so the following day.

The next day, their journey takes them an entire day to travel and when they make it to the Other Railway, it is nighttime with a cold wind blowing. Creaks of lonely scrap are heard and Fred pulls up beside the steam engines lined up on guard. He escapes the engines' suspicion by bluffing about being an "inspection diesel" and asks if any diesels are in the shed. The engines note there are none in the shed. Not giving up, Fred asks about the sidings and the engines state they do have one engine. Fred plucks up bravery and decides to go check to see the situation.

A green diesel engine with a tall funnel is feeling sad and lonely in a shadowy siding. His driver is in the cab trying to console him. Fred comes up beside him and asks him if he likes hymeks. Although startled, the diesel replies that he believes hymeks are beautiful and Fred promises to save him from scrap, so the workmen work fast to revive him. It is initially difficult to light the fire, but it soon burns nicely with plenty of steam. Fred's engineer volunteers to act as the diesel's driver, and together, the two engines leave past the line of steam engines and head off for the Hymek Railway. The engines ask where the diesel is going and Fred replies that he is just going "down the line." Fred is very proud that both engines are back on the border and on the railway as they have finally accomplished their mission.

The next morning, Fred and the new diesel arrive at the valley station where a big welcome awaits. The manager has the new diesel restored and given a new coat of paint, much to the delight of his driver as the diesel has been saved by the Hymek Railway and thanks Fred for everything. The diesel is as happy as he can be helping passengers when they visit the Hymek Railway. The diesel is named Bear, but he is colloquially nicknamed the "Hymek Diesel."

## Characters

* Diesel
* Bert
* Bear
* Fred
* Mid Sodor Railway Manager
* British Railways Steamies (*portrayed with Thomas, Emily, Edward, Molly and Henry*)
* Dennis (*does not speak*)
* Class 40 (*cameo*)
* Diesel 10 (*cameo*)
* Express Coaches (*cameos*)
* Bulgy (*cameo*)
* Stephen Hatt (*cameo*)
* Jem Cole (*cameo*)
* Mrs. Last (*cameo*)
* One Little Boy (*cameo*)
* 'Arry (*scrapped model cameo*)
* The Spiteful Brake Van (*scrapped model cameo*)
* Diesel 5701 (*mentioned*)

## Trivia

* The episode is based off the fifteenth episode of the fourth series from *Thomas & Friends*, Rusty to the Rescue.
* This episode marks Thomas' only appearance in the fourth series, not counting his last appearance until the sixth series episode, The World's Strongest Engine.
* This episode marks the only appearance of Bear's Controller, excluding a mentioned appearance in the next episode.
* This episode has similar plot elements to the second series episode, Saved from Scrap; and the third series episode, Escape, where an engine promises to save another from scrap before being scheduled to being broken up, and when Fred asks where Bert found D5701.
* Scrap models of Diesel, Diesel 10, 'Arry/Bert, the Spiteful Brake Van and the goods engine from TUGS can be seen on the Other Railway.
* The engines of the Other Railway are represented by Thomas, Edward, Emily, Molly and Henry, all facing opposite to the camera.
* This episode marks Thomas' only appearance in the fourth series, as well as his last appearance until the sixth series episode, The World's Strongest Engine. He appears lined up with the other engines representing the Other Railway facing opposite to the camera on Fred's left (viewer right) after the latter approached the scrap yard and then again on his right (viewer's left) as him and Bear leave the scrap yard.
* This episode marks Henry and Emily's first appearance.