Race to the Bonfire

Race to the Bonfire is a magazine story.

Plot
Trevor is excited. He tells James about a fireworks party and bonfire being held by the Vicar. James thinks this sounds marvellous and wonders if he will be allowed to go but Gordon scoffs at him when he is told and informs James that engines do not go to firework parties.

At The Fat Controller's house, the Vicar is looking for some old rags to dress the bonfire guy in. Lady Hatt offers him one of her husband's tattered old jackets. But when The Fat Controller returns, he is most upset. He informs his wife that he wears that jacket while gardening and that he had put a list of new timetables in one of the pockets. The Fat Controller hurries to the sheds where James is just setting down for the night. James is informed of the emergency, his fire is rebuilt and he hurries quickly away with The Fat Controller in his cab.

As he steams over the viaduct, James sees the fireworks exploding all around him. When they approach the village green, The Fat Controller is dismayed as he sees the bonfire guy has already been lit. The Vicar approaches him, wearing the old jacket! He informs The Fat Controller that he was going to give it to Jem Cole for when he works in the fields. The Fat Controller happily takes the timetables and stays with James and James' crew to watch the rest of the fireworks. James chuckles and can not wait to tell Gordon about it.

Characters

 * Gordon
 * James
 * Trevor
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Lady Hatt
 * The Vicar of Wellsworth
 * Jem Cole

Locations

 * Topham Hall
 * The Viaduct

Goofs

 * Jem Cole is misnamed as Jed.
 * The guard is said to be the one in control of James' fire.