Bill or Ben (magazine story)

"Like the new colo(u)r, Bill. It suits you!" "Suits you, too, Ben. Let's play one last trick!"

- Ben and Bill

Bill or Ben is a magazine story, illustrated using images from the television series.

Plot
One day, Connor whizzes past Bill and Ben who decide to play a trick on the new, streamlined engine. Bill meets Connor at a signal and challenges Connor to a race. Connor does not think it would be fair, but Bill insists and the race goes ahead as the signal turns green. Bill is soon left far behind, but when Connor arrives at Ulfstead Castle, he sees Ben who pretends to be Bill. Connor did not know Bill and Ben are twin engines. Ben challenges Connor to a race back.

Connor sets off as fast as he can. He goes so fast that he misses a red signal and nearly collides with Henry. The Fat Controller arrives in Winston and tells Connor off. Then, Bill and Ben appear and Connor realises that he had been tricked. The Fat Controller reminds Connor that racing is no excuse for going through red signals and then he sends Bill to the Sodor Steamworks.

When Bill returns, he is painted blue and is not at all happy. Now they are different, the two engines cannot have any fun, but Ben has a cheeky idea.

The next day, Ben arrives at the Steamworks and pretends to be Bill. He says that he has come to be repainted. Kevin is confused, but allows Ben to be painted blue. Now, Bill and Ben are identical once again. Bill races off to find Connor and challenges him to another race.

Characters

 * Bill and Ben
 * Connor
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Henry
 * Kevin
 * Winston
 * Victor

Locations

 * Sodor Steamworks
 * Victor's Shed
 * Ulfstead Castle

Trivia

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