The Hot Air Balloon

The Hot Air Balloon, also known as the Red Balloon, came to Sodor primarily to carry holidaymakers. It is stationed at Dryaw airfield and carries passengers around, providing a rather different view of the Island. James originally disliked the balloon, but eventually grew rather fond of it.

Thomas & Friends
In its first appearance, Thomas took the balloon to Dryaw airfield where it was pumped up with hot air. He and James were jealous of the balloon because they thought it would steal their passengers until Sir Topham Hatt explained that it would attract more passengers to the Island. The balloon fell on top of James after it ran out of hot air. James was petrified, and let off a huge burst of steam, which invariably blew the balloon back up again.

Later on, Sir Topham Hatt and Lady Hatt used the balloon to transport themselves to the grand opening of Rumblin Bridge station as Harold was having engine trouble. However, the balloon's burner ran out of fuel and it crashed into a tree. Skarloey saw the damaged balloon and offered to take the Hatts to the grand opening instead.

In its last appearance, Mr. Percival arranged for a special balloon ride for Pansy and Patrick's birthday. However, Duncan accidentally caused the balloon to crash into the weather-vane on Mr. Percival's house, tearing a hole through the material. Realising the error of his ways, Duncan collected a balloon repair man, who had little hope of repairing the balloon until Duncan suggested using a birthday flag to repair the damage.

Appearances
Television Series= {{Scroll box|

Thomas & Friends

 * Series 6 - James and the Red Balloon and Thomas the Jet Engine
 * Series 7 - Emily's New Coaches, Edward's Brass Band, The Runaway Elephant, The Grand Opening, and Three Cheers for Thomas
 * Series 8 - Emily's New Route
 * Series 12 - Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon
 * Series 20 - Hugo and the Airship

Music Videos
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 * Series 7 - The Red Balloon
 * Series 8 - Patience
 * Series 9 - Every Day's a Special Day on Sodor
 * -|Other Media=

Magazine stories

 * 2004 - James and the Red Balloon, The Grand Opening and Taking Off!
 * 2010 - The Birthday Ride

Several different types of Hot Air Balloons appear in the mini book, James and the Balloons, written by Christopher Awdry.

Trivia

 * The music video, The Red Balloon refers to the balloon as a male character and implies that it is sentient.
 * When it returned in Series 12, the envelope of the balloon became larger and rounder at the top, tapering off near the bottom.

הכדור הפורח Czerwony Balon