The Balloon Race (1989 magazine story)

The Balloon Race is a magazine story.

Plot
It is an exciting day on Sodor as The Mayor is holding a balloon race. Thomas likes balloons, especially when they pop but Gordon explains that these balloons are different.

James is tasked with taking the balloons and their baskets to the starting area. Thomas is curious at this as the balloons are very tall but James explains that these balloons are not inflated yet. Once everything is delivered, James sadly sets off, as he can not stay and watch the race due to having more work to do.

On his way back, James gets quite a surprise when sees a balloon on the track right in front of him. The balloon has sprung a leak and had to make an emergency landing. The balloonist is disappointed to have lost the race but is glad to have James' help. The balloon and basket are loaded into James' van and they travel back to the village green. James is delighted at the chance see the other balloons coming in to land.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Gordon
 * James
 * The Mayor of Sodor

Trivia

 * This story could have been adapted into to the Christopher Awdry book James and the Balloons which would be published the following year.