A Surprise for Thomas (1988 magazine story)

A Surprise for Thomas is a magazine story.

Plot
Every morning, during the school term, Thomas would take some school children along his branch line to the school. Thomas likes the children even though they can be noisy.

One day, when they are noisier than usual, Thomas asks why. One boy informs him that it is the birthday of Jane, one of his classmates, and they are having a party for her. Thomas has fun hearing all the party events from inside Annie and Clarabel but is ashamed he can not see what is going on. Thomas wonders why he cannot have a birthday party and his driver informs him that engines do not have birthdays. This makes Thomas even more upset.

On Saturday, when they do not have school, the children show up to the station. Thomas is surprised, but the Fat Controller arrives onboard James' train and explains the children have decided to throw him his own party. The children play games and even help polish Thomas. Thomas thinks it is the nicest surprise he has ever had.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * James
 * Annie and Clarabel