A Task for Thomas

A Task for Thomas is a magazine story.

Plot
One day, The Fat Controller hands the stationmaster a list of special tasks to give to some of the engines. The engines are very excited to be given such responsibilities. Diesel is to take a big load of timber to a building site while James is taking visitors to the museum. Both engines grow very boastful about their tasks.

Thomas is the last engine left in the yard and gets upset when the stationmaster tells him to stay behind for a bit. Thomas is sure there's been a mistake but the stationmaster shakes his head. In a little while, The Fat Controller returns, carrying a big basket with his wife close behind. Thomas asks him why he has not been given a special task when Lady Hatt pipes up saying that Thomas is bringing them and some children on a picnic.

Thomas fetches Annie and Clarabel, and the Hatts and children soon climb aboard. Thomas takes them to a field along his branch line and everyone has a good time. Thomas declares this to be the best task of the day!

Characters

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

Goofs

 * Wellsworth is refered to as Elsworth.
 * Lady Hatt's outfit changes colours between the illustrations.