Grudge Match (magazine story)

"Thomas is the winner by a buffer!" "I won! I'm the best!"

- Cassia and Thomas

Grudge Match is a magazine story illustrated using images from the CGI television series.

Plot
One sunny day on the Brazilian Railway, Thomas meets Raul and Gabriela. Thomas and Raul had met once before when the little blue tank engine had beaten Raul in a shunting competition. Raul hasn't forgotten this and is eager for a rematch. Raul says whoever collects their goods and brings them back to the docks the quickest will be the champion. Thomas and Raul line up to start and then steam off as fast as their wheels can carry them.

Both the engines collect their goods at the same time and they head back to the docks where Cassia declares Thomas the winner by a buffer. Raul is disappointed to have lost yet again, so he insists on another rematch. This time, he takes a shortcut and wins easily. Now, the two engines are tied at one win each and Raul wants a decider. This time, Raul suggests a test of strength.

Thomas and Raul are coupled to some heavy flatbeds, ready to pull them all the way to the end of a a length of track. Both engines struggle, but then the flatbed's coupling chain snaps and Raul shoots off at tremendous speed. Raul heads straight for the edge of the dock. Thomas is uncoupled from his flatbeds and rushes off to the rescue at once. Thomas hooks up to Raul and manages to pull him back to safety. Raul is grateful and says that, going forwards, he'd much rather have Thomas as a friend than a rival. Thomas agrees.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Raul
 * Cassia
 * Gabriela

Trivia

 * This story is based on the twenty-third series episode of the same name.
 * The events of the shunting competition in The Great Race is mentioned.

Goofs

 * The shunting competition is said to have taken place on Sodor. This is incorrect as the Great Railway Show was hosted on the Mainland.
 * The Island of Sodor is referred to as the Isle of Sodor.