Thomas and the Breakdown Train (magazine story)

"Those wooden brakes were no good."

- James' driver

Thomas and the Breakdown Train is a magazine story based on the episode of the same name from the first series of the television series.

Plot
One day, the Fat Controller comes to see Thomas and tells him that he can be a really useful engine even if he isn't as big or strong as Gordon and to not let the trucks get the better of him. Thomas works hard pushing and pulling the trucks about the yard, when he sees a small coach and two big cranes in the yard which his driver calls "the breakdown train" and tells him that they can lift heavy things like engines, coaches and trucks. A few day's later, a goods train rushes through much too fast as he whistles for help. The engine is James, and his brake blocks are on fire as he tries to stop the trucks from pushing him to, but it is no use and he disappears. Thomas wishes he could teach the trucks a lesson.

No sooner after, the alarm starts ringing which prompts that James is off the line and to bring the breakdown train urgently. Thomas couples up to them and set's off in a hurry to rescue poor James, who is now derailed in a field. His driver assures him that his wooden brakes were no good and were what caused his accident just as Thomas arrives to push the breakdown train alongside him. Next he pulls the unhurt trucks out of the way, which is a big job as he has to work hard all afternoon. Later they leave the broken trucks and lift James back onto the rails using the two cranes. James is unable to move by himself afterwards, so Thomas helps him back to the sheds.

As they arrive back safely, the Fat Controller congratulates Thomas for his prompt actions and being a really useful engine. He also tells him that James shall have some proper brakes and a fresh coat of paint, and rewards Thomas with a branch line of his very own and two coaches of his own (Annie & Clarabel). Now Thomas is as happy as can be, as he has his very own branch line to run on. Edward and Henry stop by and often tell Thomas the news, and even when Gordon whistles "Poop poop" as he is in a hurry, Thomas whistles back happily.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Annie and Clarabel
 * Edward
 * Henry

Locations

 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * The Cow Field

Trivia

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

Goofs
Tomek i Wagon Ratunkowy (historia magazynowa)
 * Henry is in his new shape.
 * In the fifth illustration, Thomas' side rods are missing.
 * Throughout the story, James' wheels are white.
 * In the first illustration, Thomas' side rods are blue.
 * Thomas is smiling when James passes him and when he takes the trucks away.
 * When it says "Two cranes and a small coach" the illustration only shows two cranes and no coach.
 * James is missing his safety valve.
 * In illustration's 7,8 and 9 James has no visible signs of his accident and appears to be perfectly fine.