Tickled Pink!

"You're a big pink steamie!"

- Diesel

Tickled Pink! is a magazine story, illustrated using images from the CGI television series.

Plot
One morning, the Fat Controller goes to see James and tells him he is going to receive a new coat of paint at the Steamworks. James is delighted.

James puffs proudly into the Steamworks. First, the workmen take off his old coat of paint and apply a pink undercoat. It is not long before James is covered from fender to firebox in bright pink paint. Then, the Fat Controller arrives and tells James that his granddaughter is having a birthday party. He then asks James to collect the children and take them to the party as no other engines are available. James feels very upset; he does not want any other engine to see him with his pink livery and he knows they will all laugh at him. James decides that he will hide if he sees any of the other engines.

As James puffs through the countryside, he spots Toby coming his way. James does not want Toby to laugh at him, so he hides beneath a tree. Then, Gordon thunders past with the express and blows the branches of the tree apart. Toby sees James and has to giggle at him.

James races away and he soon comes across Diesel. James tries to hide behind some trucks, but Diesel pushes them aside and sniggers at James' pink coat. Being laughed at by Diesel is worst of all so James hurries away to collect the children.

James does not want to be late, but as he steams out of a tunnel, he sees Gordon again. James does not want to be seen by Gordon and reverses back inside the tunnel to hide. Thomas and Percy arrive to see what all the fuss is about. James knows the other engines are waiting to use the tunnel and he does not want to be late for the children. James emerges from the tunnel to a barrage of laughter. James is embarrassed, but he does not want to let the children down so he puffs away. James is sure the children will laugh, too.

When James arrives at the station, the children do not laugh; they are very happy as pink is their favourite colour. James is the perfect colour for their party and feels very proud.

Characters

 * Gordon
 * James
 * Diesel
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Bridget Hatt's Friends
 * Bridget Hatt
 * Thomas
 * Percy
 * Toby

Trivia

 * This story is based on the thirteenth series episode of the same name.