Rootin', Tootin', Thomas!

Rootin', Tootin', Thomas! is a magazine story.

Plot
While working on his branch line, Thomas spots some people wearing strange hats and twirling long ropes riding on horses. His driver explains that the rope is a lassoo and the man with the rope is a cowboy.

When he reaches the next station, he spots a poster advertising a Wild West Show. As the passengers board Annie and Clarabel, Thomas' driver explains that cowboys used to live in the American west and looked after cows, and that the show is being held by people who enjoy dressing up like them. Thomas wishes he could see the show.

When Thomas returns to Main Station, he spots one of the cowboys talking to the Fat Controller. The Fat Controller then informs Thomas that he is to take part in the show and sends him to the works to be dressed up like a wild west engine.

When he emerges from the works, the other engines can hardly recognise him; Thomas has fitted with a cowcatcher, a large headlamp and a strangely-shaped funnel.

Thomas attends the show via an old loop line near the showground. Edward brings a special train for visitors and the show soon gets underway. During the show, the cowboys perform rope and riding tricks, with some acting as train robbers to 'rob' Thomas' olden-day passengers before being 'caught' by a sheriff. Everyone is pleased at the show, and Thomas overhears one of the cowboys praise him for helping make the show a success.

Characters

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

Locations

 * Island of Sodor
 * The Works
 * United States