Thomas and the Old Man

Thomas and the Old Man is a magazine story.

Plot
The Fat Controller is organising a special outing for the elderly of Sodor and decides that Thomas will take them around the island, ending their trip with a picnic.

One old man, named Mr. Turner, has only come along to please his wife and grumbles that trains are noisy and smelly things as he boards Clarabel. Thomas thinks he is being a crosspatch.

As he is going along the line, Thomas' driver stops him as somebody has pulled the emergency cord. Thomas hopes none of the passengers have been taken poorly, however his driver discovers it is only Mr. Turner, who complains that they have been going too fast. Thomas' driver is cross and reprimands Mr. Turner for improper use of the emergency cable, but ultimately lets him off with a warning.

Thomas sets off again, this time going slowly so as not to invoke Mr. Turner's wrath. The guard, meanwhile, points out places of interest to the passengers.

Later, Thomas stops to allow them to explore the woods. After ten minutes, everyone has returned except Mr. Turner. Thomas' fireman thinks he may be lost, so Thomas suggests that his driver blows his whistle so he can follow the sound back. Mr. Turner soon returns and thanks Thomas for blowing his whistle to help him find his way back.

Once the passengers are back on board, it begins to rain and the picnic has to be cancelled. Thomas suggests that they hold the picnic in Clarabel. Thomas' driver does not think this will work, however the passengers think it is a great idea and Mr. Turner remarks that this is the best outing he has ever had.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Mr. Turner
 * Clarabel
 * Annie
 * Sir Topham Hatt