Keeping Time

Keeping Time is a magazine story.

Plot
It is summer on Sodor and Thomas is busy making his way down the branch line. As he rounds a bend, Thomas is surprised to find three sheep in his way. Thomas blows his whistle but the sheep only move further down the line. Thomas' crew round the sheep up and notice the fence to their field had fallen over.

Thomas is now late getting back to the main station and The Fat Controller is cross. Thomas explains what had happened and The Fat Controller sends workmen to fix the fence immediately. Next morning, the fence is fixed but Thomas still runs into trouble when he finds a cow obstructing the line. Thomas' crew once again lead the cow back to their field, making Thomas late again.

The Fat Controller is fed up with Thomas' lateness and states he will ride in his train tomorrow to see what all the trouble is. During the journey, it becomes hot and The Fat Controller decides to open one of the coaches' windows. Suddenly, a gust of wind ends up blowing off The Fat Controller's hat! The train comes to a stop and The Fat Controller retrieves his hat. The Fat Controller then becomes disapointed that he may have caused Thomas to be late but, to everyone's surprise, Thomas is right on time!

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Annie and Clarabel