Welcome Stafford (magazine story)

"I only have one thing to say: Welcome, Stafford!"

- The Fat Controller

Welcome Stafford is a magazine story, it was illustrated by using images from the CGI television series. It was later published in the 2013 Holiday Annual and it was republished under the name Spencer and Stafford.

Plot
Spencer is feeling very proud as he has a very special job; he must show Stafford, the new electric shunting engine, around Sodor. Stafford tries to tell Spencer that his batteries keep needing to be charged, but Spencer does not listen, claiming that he knows all about batteries. Spencer decides to show Stafford to the rescue team. On the way, Stafford's batteries run down. He tries to alert Spencer, but the grand engine is not listening. When Spencer arrives, he grandly announces Stafford. Spencer is then left feeling very embarrassed when Rocky points out that there is no one with him.

Spencer finds Stafford having his batteries charged. He tries to tell Spencer about his batteries, but again Spencer does not listen. Spencer decides to take Stafford to Misty Island. On the way, Stafford's battery runs out again and Spencer is left feeling very foolish when the Logging Locos tell him that there is no-one with him.

Spencer soon finds Stafford having his battery charged once again. Spencer refuses to listen to Stafford's explanation and declares that they must meet the Duke and Duchess of Boxford. At Boxford station, the Duke and Duchess are surprised to see no other engine with Spencer. The Duke asks if Spencer let Stafford's battery run out and Spencer admits that he thinks he probably did. Spencer takes the Duke and Duchess to find Stafford. Both the Duke and Duchess are impressed by Stafford and tell Spencer that they must take him to meet the Fat Controller. However, Spencer cannot move; all of the long journeys had used up all of his coal.

Stafford, now fully charged, shunts Spencer all the way to Knapford where the Fat Controller is waiting. Everyone is excited to see Stafford and the Fat Controller welcomes him to his railway.

Characters

 * Spencer
 * Rocky
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * The Duke of Boxford
 * Dash
 * Ferdinand
 * Stafford
 * The Duchess of Boxford
 * Bash
 * Flynn
 * Butch
 * The Mayor of Sodor
 * One of Dowager Hatt's Friends

Trivia

 * This story is based on the sixteenth series episode of the same name.
 * After the story, readers could colour in a picture of Stafford.