Thomas & Friends series 4

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Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends is a children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based on The Railway Series of books written by Rev. W. Awdry.

This article lists and details episodes from the fourth season of this series, which was first broadcast in 1995. Some episodes in this season have two titles: the original titles (also known as "UK titles") are unbracketed, while American-adapted titles (also indicated by " - US") are bracketed. Both titles are considered valid, although the original titles are perhaps more correct than the American-adapted titles.

Season 4 was narrated by Michael Angelis, although George Carlin narrates the episodes for American audiences.

Episodes

Granpuff

One evening, the engines find it hard to sleep. Thomas decides to tell them the story of three small engines named Duke, Stuart and Falcon. Duke, as the oldest and wisest, was often teased by the others: "Engines come, Engines go, Granpuff goes on forever!" This annoyed Duke, and he told them the story of Smudger...

...Smudger was a rough riding engine from The United States of America. He often derailed and lost time, but didn't care about it. "Listen, Dukey, back in the States we don't care for a few spills," [he would say]. One day though, the manager said he'd make Smudger useful at last - he turned him into a generator...

This made Stuart and Falcon behave well, and for many years the three engines were happy. Eventually, though, work dried up and the railway had to close. People came to buy Stuart and Falcon, but not Duke - they thought him too old. So Duke was left in a shed, alone. He decided to go to sleep... But that's not the end of the story, says Thomas. That can wait until tomorrow night.

Sleeping Beauty

The next night, Thomas finishes his tale about Duke, Stuart and Falcon. Some railway enthusiasts remembered Duke and wanted to find him. For several days they went up to the mountains of the old railway to search, but never found anything. Until one day...one of the searchers falls through the roof of Duke's shed!

The men clean Duke up and he's taken to the railway Stuart and Falcon were sold to. They're happy to see Duke again, and Duke is happy again at last. With this, Thomas' story ends, and all the engines go to sleep.

Bulldog

One morning, Percy is impatient. He wants to go out and show off his new coat of paint, but Thomas warns him off, saying that Duke will not be there to save him should he get into trouble. Toby asks what happened, and so Thomas tells the story...

Falcon had been given a new coat of blue paint, and the day after, the Manager tells him he is to learn the mountain road, with Duke. Falcon is miffed - having the 'old fusspot' in front will block his view. Duke tells him not to worry about the view, but to look at the track. As they come out of a tunnel, so it happens.

Falcon derails, and is very close to falling off the side of the cliff. Fortunately, Duke reverses hard, and is able to keep Falcon steady, even as he runs low on water - the passengers and crew get more from a cottage on the side of the track. Eventually, Duke hauls Falcon back onto the rails, and they can finish their journey. Falcon thanks Duke, and asks why he'd saved him after all the rude things he'd said. Duke replies, "Well you'd just had a new coat of paint. It'd be a shame if you rolled down the hill and ruined it."

You Can't Win

This is a story back in the days when Peter Sam was called Stuart and Sir Handel was called Falcon. Many people came year after year to have picnics and see the mountains, lakes, and most of all, Duke. He would always pull his train, called "Duke's Picnic," so as to not disappoint his friends.

One day Duke was feeling ill. As his Driver checked him over, Stuart teased him about being old, saying he would need help someday. Duke, miffed, ignores this, and takes his train. However, when they come to a steep hill, Duke starts to wheeze. He struggles on to the station, where his Driver phones for Stuart and Falcon. When they arrive, they help Duke to the next station, where Falcon takes Duke's normal train of passengers to their boat, and Stuart, who was in back, runs around to the front of the train.

Once again he teases Granpuff, chanting "Poor old engine! Poor old Engine!" But unbeknownst to him, Duke has a trick up his sleeve. When they come to the "Mountain Road", Duke gathers up every ounce of steam he has before pushing Stuart and pulling his heavy train all the way to the Top Station, making a lot of noise. A little boy asks his father why there are two engines heading this train. The father tells the boy that Stuart had broken down so Duke had to help him! As Stuart seethes with rage, Duke pulls up alongside, laughing - "You can't win!"

Four Little Engines

On a small railway there are four little engines - Skarloey, Rheneas, Sir Handel and Peter Sam. They know everyone and everyone knows them. One morning, the Fat Controller sends Edward to be mended. When he arrives at the works, he sees Skarloey sitting in a shed. After some happy banter, the workmen come to take Edward away, leaving Skarloey alone again - but happy for having talked to him.

Meanwhile, Sir Handel was having difficulties with the coaches. He tried to be nice, but they didn't trust him. Suddenly, some sheep strayed on the line and Sir Handel had to stop quickly. The coaches didn't take this very well, and bumped him off the rails! Sir Handel limped home, and his driver was worried that they didn't have any engines to take the train now. Skarloey pipes up and volunteers, even though his parts were worn and needed replacing.

Skarloey told the coaches off for being naughty, and set off. He was enjoying his run, but the rails jarred his joints. Eventually a spring gave way and Skarloey was tilted to one side. He promised to get the passengers home anyway. James was waiting at the station when Skarloey slowly puffed in. He puffed away without a word.

Skarloey's Driver was very pleased with him, but Skarloey was sad, saying that old engines like him can't pull trains like the young ones. His Driver smiles and promises that Skarloey will be repaired - after all, he deserves it.

A Bad Day for Sir Handel

Skarloey and Rheneas arrive at the sheds one day to find their Drivers with good news: two new engines will be arriving to help their aching wheels.

They arrive the next day, and they turn out to be Peter Sam and Sir Handel. Peter Sam is cheerful as always, while Sir Handel complains about the small shed and calls Skarloey, who is resting nearby, "rubbish." Peter Sam hushes him, and apologizes for Sir Handel's rude behaviour.

Later that day, Sir Handel is sent to start work first. Again he flies into a temper, all the way to the station, where he meets Gordon. After a brief but humorous exchange, Gordon is left speechless. Sir Handel continues this way to the Top Station, where he finds out he must pull trucks. Even more outraged, to prove his point, he deliberately derails himself and bends the rails apart. After he is put back on the rails, he crawls home to find the Fat Controller waiting for him. For being a disobedient and rude engine, he shuts Sir Handel in the shed until further notice.

Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady

Sir Handel has been shut up in the shed following the events from A Bad Day for Sir Handel. Peter Sam has to do his work as well as his own, but he doesn't mind. The coaches like him better than Sir Handel! One day, Peter Sam stops at a station. Henry tells Peter Sam that if Peter Sam was late, than he would leave without him. Peter Sam doesn't realize that Henry was joking and starts to worry.

Later, Peter Sam stops at the canal by the Refreshment Lady's tea shop. He always waits until she climbs on board. But this day was different. Peter Sam starts without the Refreshment Lady in a fit of impatience! He's soon stopped a little way from the station, where she gets on board. They reach the station in record time. Peter Sam apologizes, and tells her what Henry had said. She laughs at this foolishness and tells him that he's a guaranteed connection. But before Peter Sam can tell Henry off, he chortles away, while Peter Sam seethes in silence!

Trucks

Harold the Helicopter watches over the Island of Sodor. One morning, he sees a small diesel engine chuntering along the line. He introduces himself, and the Diesel's name is Rusty, bought to help out on the Skarloey Railway.

At the Yard, though, Sir Handel is complaining about having too much work to do. Gordon sees this, and suggests he pretend to be ill so he wouldn't have to work. Sir Handel readily does so, and as there wasn't time to examin him, Peter Sam has to do his work for him. He takes some slate trucks to the quarry and waits for loaded ones to be winched down to him...

The loaded trucks at the top of the hill couldn't see properly - they thought Peter Sam was Sir Handel. They break the coupling, roar down the hill and crash straight into Peter Sam! Rusty is quickly called to the rescue, and helps Peter Sam out of the mess before bringing him back to the yard.

Sir Handel apologises to Peter Sam about the accident, but the Fat Controller finds out why it had happened - and makes Sir Handel do Peter Sam's work as well while he's being repaired. Sir Handel isn't too happy. That evening, Rusty is on his way home when Harold sees him again. After some cheery banter, the two go their separate ways.

Home at Last

Skarloey has returned home from being mended. Rusty helps him off his railcar and they set off for home. Meanwhile, at the shed, Peter Sam is depressed and wants to get back to work after his accident, but the Fat Controller tells him to wait - he has a surprise for Peter Sam...

The 'surprise' is Skarloey. Peter Sam is glad he's home, and they gossip about the railway. Skarloey remarks that he likes Rusty, but Peter Sam tells him that Duncan - a rough-riding engine with strong language who came as a spare after Peter Sam's accident - doesn't. As Skarloey takes this in, his driver comes up and tells him that Duncan's come off the rails in a tunnel.

Skarloey sets off and meets Duncan, who is stuck in the tunnel. He pushes Duncan and the coaches through, while the workmen strengthen the tunnel with poles. Skarloey and Duncan set off for home. Duncan grumbles all the way, but Skarloey just ignores him. That night, the Fat Controller speaks sternly to Duncan, threatening to "cut you down to size." That does the trick, and Duncan is quiet all night.

Rock 'N' Roll

Skarloey is enjoying his time back on the railway and meets Rusty, complementing him on the work he's done with the track. Rusty warns him that there's still one bad bit just before the first station where an engine might come off - especially Duncan. Duncan overhears this and asks what Rusty's talking about. Rusty tells him, but Duncan brushes him off and insults him.

Next morning, James is waiting at the station for Duncan. When Duncan arrives (late), he complains about Rusty. James tells him of when a Diesel came into his yard and how he sent it packing. Of course, this isn't true, but Duncan believes him, and wants Rusty to be sent packing. He swaggers along the line - "Send Rusty packing! Send Rusty packing!" - when he comes off the rails just before the first station!

When Rusty is told to go and help, he refuses because of how Duncan called him names. Skarloey reminds him about the passengers, and Rusty quickly heads to the rescue. When they reach Duncan, workmen and passengers lever Duncan back onto the rails and he can complete his journey. That night, Duncan apologises to Rusty. The two friends promise to work on the bad bit of line first thing tomorrow.

Special Funnel

It was winter on the Island of Sodor. Peter Sam's funnel hadn't felt right since his accident in Trucks and couldn't wait to get his new one. The other engines laughed about it - Peter Sam's continual talking about had become quite a joke. A few days later, the weather changed, and Rusty had to go and help some workmen repair a bridge that had been damaged. Peter Sam is careful as he puffs across the bridge, but when he goes through a tunnel, his funnel hits an icicle and falls off! They have to continue on, until his driver spots an old piece of drainpipe by the side of the road. When the other engines see this, they laugh even harder, but eventually Peter Sam gets his new funnel, which, although it looks strange, helps him puff a lot. The other engines don't laugh now!

  • Featuring Rusty, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, Duke the Lost Engine and The Fat Controller
  • Cameos by Skarloey, Rheneas and Duncan
  • First appearance of Peter Sam's special funnel.
  • Peter Sam loses his funnel.
  • When Peter Sam gets his new funnel, he has his old funnel on.
  • George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode on the and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
  • Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.
  • This story was released in the UK as part of a 'Your Favourite Stories' competition video in 1994 for the Daily Mirror newspaper in which 10 lucky winners were able to introduce their favourite story before it was played. Special Funnel was the 10th and final episode to feature on the Video and was introduced by a 4 year old child named Billy Taylor, one of the competition winners.

Steam Roller

Sir Handel has special wheels with wider grips, and he would not stop boasting about them to the other engines. So, to put an end to Sir Handel's bragging, Skarloey tells him that with his wheels he would be "just the engine" to deal with George. George is a steamroller who is particularly rude - "Railways are no good, turn 'em into roads!" Sir Handel thinks, with his wheels, he could give George a run for his money.

One morning, Sir Handel meets George at a level crossing. George accuses Sir Handel of thinking he's as good as George with his steamroller wheels. Sir Handel denies this...and says he's better. George fumes off. That evening, Sir Handel takes a train of freight cars down that line. He sees George rolling home, and despite there barely being room to pass, Sir Handel and George both continue side by side, swapping insults, until George crashes into Sir Handel's train.

Everyone argues about whose fault the crash was until a policeman comes along to sort it out. Workmen soon put up a barrier between the road and railway. Sir Handel believes he had made George go away, and talks of nothing but steamrollers, to the disappointment of Skarloey and the others. However, some little boys soon make fun of him, and Sir Handel has never spoken of steamrollers since.

Passengers and Polish

Duncan is in such a temper when he isn't polished that he starts being difficult. When one of Skarloey's coaches comes off the rails, Duncan, miffed at yet more extra work, sees to it, and takes the rear coaches home. He stops once on the causeway to build steam, but he's not trying. He continues grumbling, before stopping on the viaduct near the station. His Driver and Fireman both try to make him move, but he will not budge. So Skarloey, has to come and pull him and the train to the station. The passengers are cross at such antics, and all tell the Fat Controller what a bad railway it is.

Later that night, Duncan is resting in the sheds when he is visited by the Fat Controller. He scolds Duncan - "No passengers means no polish!" - but Duncan is still obstinate about the whole matter and Duncan says it the other way around, to himself.

Gallant Old Engine

The day after Duncan had stopped on a viaduct because he was in a temper, Skarloey reprimands him and says that that Rheneas will teach him some sense. When Peter Sam asks why, he replies that it was because he saved the railway, and the old engine tells Duncan and Peter Sam about the time when it was just Skarloey and Rheneas on the railway...

It was hard times, and Skarloey was on his last wheels, so Rheneas took over some trains for him. One wet and foggy day, Rheneas was hauling a full train, with passengers crammed even into the guard's van. He was going along fine, when suddenly, "OOOH-I've got a CRAMP!"

After inspecting him, his Driver said that something was broken, and asked if he could make it to the next station. Rheneas bravely agrees to the challenge, and with everyone cheering him on, he gallantly plunges on. At last, his efforts are rewarded, and he reaches the Top Station. The passengers thank him, and after that he is sent to the Works.

Duncan thanks Skarloey for telling him the story, and he agrees that passengers were important after all. A few days later, Rheneas arrives home with Edward, and all the engines are there to welcome him back.

Rusty to the Rescue

Rusty is working happily, but a new steam engine is needed to run the line. Rusty soon meets up with Douglas, and asks him about the time he saved Oliver from scrap. Douglas tells Rusty that the railway he saved Oliver from is only used by diesels now. Rusty decides to go to that railway to find an engine. The next day, he journeys to the other railway, where He is held up by the diesels. Posing as a "shed and sidings inspections diesel", Rusty gets past them and finds and rescues an engine, Stepney. When Stepney and Rusty arrive back at the Fat Controller's railway, all the engines welcome Stepney. Stepney is now working the line happily and everyone calls him "The Bluebell Engine".

  • Introducing Stepney
  • Featuring Rusty, Thomas, Douglas and Percy
  • Cameos by Henry, Gordon, Bertie, Skarloey, Mavis, Diesel, Daisy, The Diesel (not yet introduced until "Bowled Out"), and Boco
  • Oliver is mentioned by Rusty.
  • Although every episode so far in this season has focused on the Narrow Gauge engines, this is the last episode of the season to do so.
  • First time we hear Stepney's theme.
  • When Rusty and Stepney leave the yards, Diesel moved to left the right without any Diesels.
  • Just like in Escape, Daisy, Diesel, Mavis, Boco and several other diesels already introduced into the series all make cameo appearances at the scrapyard, but their faces were not shown
  • George Carlin narrates the US version of this and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
  • Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.
  • The first time Gordon pulls trucks as a cameo.
  • Stepney is the smallest of Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon etc.

Thomas and Stepney

Thomas is proud of his branch line. But when he meets up with Percy, Percy tells him of another engine with a famous branch line. Meanwhile, that engine - Stepney - is feeling down, as his line isn't very long. One day, though, Stepney is invited to visit the Fat Controller's railway.

When he arrives at the big station, the engines welcome him heartily, and he shunts with Duck all afternoon. That evening, Thomas arrives and tells Stepney that he has a train to take. But not yet...after Thomas leaves, an important man asks for a special train ahead of any others. Thomas is shunted onto a siding as he watches Stepney charge through, pulling the special train, into the night.

The next morning, Thomas is very angry about being shunted. Stepney comes up and apologises, explaining that Duck allowed him to take the Special...but not knowing the line made him a little nervous. Thomas understands, and the two engines make up as Thomas tells Stepney all about his branch line.

Train Stops Play

Stepney is shunting with Thomas, Toby and Percy. He comments on how they have such a beautiful railway and that he misses trucks. Surprised at their incredulous looks, Stepney explains that he thinks they are quite fun. So, with permission from their drivers, Percy lets Stepney take some of his. Thomas and Toby are left dumbfounded.

After working in the yards for a bit, Stepney takes a train of trucks filled with straw out, and stops at a signal, where a cricket game is going on in the field below. The batsman hits the ball so hard it falls into one of Stepney's trucks, unbeknownst to him or his crew, and they leave just as the signal drops.

Determined to get their ball back, some of the players fire up Caroline, their old buggy, and a chase ensues. Stepney's driver, seeing them out the cab window, misunderstands, and they disappear into a tunnel. The players continue on to a station where Stepney is resting, and finally retrieve their precious cricket ball. But they soon discover that Caroline has broken down from an overheating engine. So, with some clever thinking, the players and stationmaster work together to load Caroline onto a flatcar, and Stepney takes them back to the field, where they all enjoy the rest of the game. Caroline admits that while trains may be a bit silly, they "save the wear on a poor car's wheels".

Bowled Out

It's Stepney's last week on the Island of Sodor, and the Fat Controller tells him that he will be missed...and also that a diesel will arrive to help with the work as well. When the diesel does arrive, he is snooty and rude to the other engines, who hold an 'indignation meeting' to talk about him.

Next day, the diesel is preparing to take the Express while an inspector watches him go about his work. Suddenly, his hat is lifted off by the wind... The diesel doesn't notice, and rolls towards his coaches - before spluttering and stopping! The inspector sees that his hat has been sucked into the diesel's air intake, but the Fat Controller says there's no time for that, and asks Duck and Stepney to take the coaches instead. They do so, and deliver the coaches to Gordon - and early too.

When it's time for Stepney to leave, all the engines farewell him, and say that he's always welcome back - as indeed they are on Stepney's line.

But what happened to the diesel? He had sidled away earlier, saying goodbye to no-one but leaving behind a nasty smell...and a battered bowler hat!

Toad Stands By

Since Oliver's accident with a turntable well, the trucks have lost all respect for him. To make matters worse, a truck called S.C. Ruffey (pronounced "Scruffey") leads them in a song. Toad is worried, and comes up with a plan. For Oliver's next train, S.C. Ruffey is marshalled next to the engine. When Oliver starts up, S.C. Ruffey orders the trucks to "hold back". But this has an unexpected effect, when Oliver literally pulls S.C. Ruffey in half! The Fat Controller explains that the trucks had rotten wood and rusty frames, but nevertheless the trucks gain a new respect for Oliver. S.C. Ruffey is rebuilt and becomes a well-behaved truck.

Henry and the Elephant

Thomas is taking his train along the branch line and arrives at a station. The Fat Controller is there, and calls him "right on time, and really reliable." Meanwhile the big engines are moaning about having to shunt. Percy arrives and tells them that the Circus is in town. All the engines forgot to be tired and cross...at least until the circus leaves - Gordon and Henry are jealous of James when he gets to pull the train away.

Later, Henry is called to investigate a blockage in a tunnel. Workmen go in to dig it out, but it seems to be alive! Henry tries to push it out...but is himself pushed out by the blockage - a large, angry elephant! It had escaped from the circus train, and its keeper is soon reunited with it. The elephant drinks 3 buckets of water and is just about to start on a fourth when Henry lets off steam. The elephant hooshes water in surprise - all over Henry!

That night, Gordon and James tease Henry about it. But Thomas tells him not to mind, because he was very brave, and really reliable as well.

  • Featuring Henry the Green Engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, James the Red Engine, Percy the Small Engine, Gordon the Big Engine, The Fat Controller and an Elephant.
  • Cameos by Annie and Clarabel and Duck the Great Western Engine
  • The incident that's referenced is The Sad Story of Henry! from Season 1 which was Henry's introduction into the series.
  • The incident with Henry and the Elephant was mentioned in the Railway series in conjunction with James spinning on a turntable and Gordon failing to fit on one and pulling the express backwards. However although the incidents with James and Gordon happened in Tenders and Turntables, Henry's misfortune with the elephant only comes to light now in the TV series and not at the same time as it did in the Railway series.
  • The ship that is unloading the first circus truck in fact uses the model of Izzy Gomez from TUGS. Of course, his face and hat were removed. But he is seen very up close, so you might be able to see where his face and hat once was.
  • This episode was in the book called Troublesome Engines
  • George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode the 10 Years of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends video and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
  • Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Bulls' Eyes

Daisy the diesel railcar is being boastful and conceited. She tells Toby that the key to dealing with animals is to toot and look them in the eye, and accuses him of being scared. Unbeknownst to her, a bull named Champion has escaped on to the branch line. Daisy meets Champion, and discovers that getting animals off the line isn't as easy as it looks, and is frightened away. Toby comes to help, and shoos the bull off the track. At a station, Daisy meets some boys who offer her some "bullseyes". She does not think the joke is funny and scuttles off to her shed.

  • Featuring Daisy, Toby the Tram Engine and Champion the Bull.
  • Cameos by Percy the Small Engine and James the Red Engine
  • Last Time we hear Daisy Theme
  • Last appearance of Daisy until Season 11.
  • First appearance of Champion the Bull
  • Last episode to use electrical synthesized music.
  • Daisy second and only appearance since Season 2, and can also be seen in Rusty to the Rescue.
  • George Carlin narrates the US version of this episode and on PBS KIDS Sprout.
  • Michael Angelis narrates the UK version of this episode in the Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Season 4 collection.

Thomas and the Special Letter

One morning, as the engines are getting ready to go to work, the Fat Controller has a special announcement. He has a letter from a five-year-old girl on the mainland who has heard all about the engines' fame and popularity. In the letter, the girl asks for the engines to visit her. The Fat Controller tells the engines that they are going to the train shed in the girl's town to surprise her, as a thank-you present for the letter. The engines make sure they are in their top-notch conditions for the surprise. A day before the trip, Thomas is bragging to Oliver about his race with Bertie (from Thomas and Bertie, Season 1). But as he reenacts coming to a stop at the buffers on the end of the track, the buffers give way, and Thomas slides down a grassy hill and into a brick wall. His front is damaged, and jeopardizes the engines' excursion. But somehow, Thomas is mended on time, and the engines give the little girl her surprise.

Paint Pots and Queens

The railway is a abuzz with excitement; the engines are all talking about the upcoming visit of the Queen to Sodor. Everyone is excited—everyone that is, except Thomas and Gordon. Most recently, they had gotten themselves into trouble and put themselves in disgrace, and so Gordon, who had recently been forbidden to pull the Express, is disqualified from taking the Royal Train. Henry believes himself to be the most likely candidate to do the job, but when he falls victim to a startled painter working on the station (who falls from his ladder and spills paint over him!), Henry knows he won't get the job either. And so the Fat Controller decides to call upon Gordon and Thomas instead, realising now they are both sorry and deserving of a treat. Thomas shunts the coaches in the yard for the big day, and Gordon gets the grand honour of pulling the Royal Train.

Fish (1)

Henry is taking The Flying Kipper again, and on this particular journey, needs to take extra vans as well. This means he will now be able to get a banker engine to help him over Gordon's Hill. The job is assigned to Duck, who rudely scoffs at Thomas' advise about fish (see Thomas Goes Fishing). Duck waits for Henry to arrive at Edward's Station, and when there, begins to push Henry's train up the hill. However, Henry gets ahead of himself and begins pulling away from Duck, at which point, the train's tail-lamp falls off, leaving Duck with no clear indication of where Henry is. He soon finds out when he smashes into the back of Henry's train! The Fat Controller forgives Duck for his folly and assures him that the incident wasn't his fault, although Duck starts to regret throwing Thomas' advice into his face earlier on.

Special Attraction

Toby is very excited to be attending a parade at a seaside village; his driver tells him he's the 'special attraction' this year. However, when he arrives, he learns that there won't be enough room for him, so he has to go home. Toby is very sad. Before Percy gets a chance to learn why Toby's so sad, the Fat Controller tells the little green engine to go to the harbour to shunt some trucks.

The trucks' loads are for Bulstrode, a grumpy stone barge who is always complaining. The trucks are glad when Percy arrives, but when Percy is shunting them, he isn't taking care, and shunts them through some buffers. They fall straight off the harbour wall, landing in Bulstrode's hull. This causes Bulstrode to sink, and once the trucks are lifted out of him, his remains are towed to the beach, for children to play on him.

When Percy arrives back at the station, Toby is no longer glum; both he and Percy are special attractions in a way. After all, all they have to do is smile and blow whistles at everyone!

Mind That Bike

Tom Tipper the postman always helps Thomas and Percy load their trains when they take the mail, and the engines appreciate that he will deliver the post where their rails won't reach. One day, though, a new postman is at the station, and he dumps the post on the platform before disappearing, riding a bicycle. Percy is worried.

Next day, Tom is back, but very sad, as his van has been taken out of service and he has to ride a bicycle. Just then, a man shouts to Tom, asking him to sign some important papers in the Fat Controller's office. Tom does so...but leans his bike on Percy's mail coaches. Percy's driver hadn't seen this, and starts off. As a result, Tom's bike is destroyed!

Percy is very sorry, and Tom is even more worried - what will happen now he doesn't have a bicycle either? He soon finds out...next time Percy takes the post, he sees Tom on the platform - and a shiny new van behind him! Tom explains that the postmaster decided a van was much better than a new bike and worth the expense. Percy is very happy for helping Tom - even if it was by accident!

Characters Introduced

  • Skarloey (Four Little Engines)
  • Rheneas (Four Little Engines)
  • Sir Handel (aka Falcon) (Granpuff)
  • Peter Sam (aka Stuart) (Granpuff)
  • Rusty (Rusty Helps Peter Sam)
  • Duncan (Home At Last)
  • Duke (Granpuff)
  • Smudger (Granpuff)
  • Bulstrode (Special Attraction)
  • Caroline (Train Stops Play)
  • George (Steam Roller)
  • Stepney (Rusty to the Rescue)
  • "The Diesel" (Bowled Out)
  • S.C.Ruffey (Toad Stands By)
  • Nancy the conductor's daughter (Passengers and Polish)
  • Tom Tipper (Mind That Bike)
  • The Refreshment Lady (Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady)
  • Red Narrow Gauge Coaches and Red Brake Van (You Can't Win)
  • Blue/White Narrow Gauge Coaches and Blue Brake Van (You Can't Win)
  • Green/White Narrow Gauge Coaches (You Can't Win)
  • Narrow Gauge Trucks (Four Little Engines)
  • Narrow Gauge Boxvans (Four Little Engines)
  • Narrow Gauge Cattle Trucks (A Bad Day for Sir Handel)

Notes

  • This season features the last stories written by the Awdrys to be televised.
  • This was George Carlin's last season to narrate Thomas and Friends.
  • Last season to have episodes shown on Shining Time Station.
  • Three of this season's stories are written by Christopher Awdry (Fish, Special Attraction and Mind That Bike)
  • Stepney is the first real engine to have a speaking role in the series.
  • This season introduces more characters than any other.
  • This is the only season (to date) to feature duke The Diesel and Smudger.
  • This is the first season not to end with a Christmas episode.
  • This season features the last appearance of Daisy until the feature length special (Calling All Engines)and Season 11.
  • Last season to use synthesized music.
  • This is the last season were Duck and Oliver speak to each other (to date).
  • "Thomas & Stepney" and "Thomas & the Special Letter" are the only Season 4 episodes which features Thomas as the main star.

Featured Characters

Credits

  • Based on the Railway Series by: The Rev. W. Awdry
  • Adaptation by: Britt Allcroft
  • Told by: Michael Angelis, George Carlin
  • Directed by: David Mitton
  • Television Stories by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton
  • Director of Photography: Terence Permane
  • Art Director: Robert Gauld-Galliers
  • Model Supervisor: Steve Asquith
  • Camera Crew: David Watkins, Nigel Permane
  • Gaffer: Michael Flynn
  • Programme Management: Television Support Services, Graeme MacArthur
  • Production Coordinator: Nadine Schoen
  • Chief Model Maker: Martin Gaskell
  • Special Effects Model Maker: David Eves
  • Specialist Model Maker: Peter Eves
  • Model Crew: Conrad Ayling, Kevin Harris, Gareth Hutchison, Jennie De Naeyer, John Piper
  • Figurines: Jonathan Saville
  • Stagehands: Adam Cook, Leigh Grosch
  • Lighting Equipment Supplied by: Lee Lighting Ltd
  • Periscope Lens Supplied by: Grip House Ltd
  • Sound Effects and Dubbing: The Family Channel Studios
  • Dubbing Mixer: Mike Erander
  • Post Production Facilities: Dean Street Post
  • Editor: John Wright
  • Music Composed and Arranged by: Mike O'Donnell, Junior Campbell
  • Made at: Shepperton Studios, London, England
  • Processed by: Technicolor
  • Executive Producer: Angus Wright
  • Producers: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton
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