Grumbling James

Grumbling James is a magazine story.

Plot
Percy has had an accident with a derailed truck and is taken away to have his bent buffers repaired. The Fat Controller asks James to take over Percy's shunting duties. James is not happy and asks if another small engine can do the work but The Fat Controller informs him that Thomas, Duck and Diesel are all busy elsewhere.

Later, Gordon arrives at the station. He needs extra coaches for his next express run. James brings them to him but he is still grumbling. He grows even crosser when Gordon teases him. He continues to bump the trucks very hard and is rude to the workmen.

The Fat Controller returns and sees James has been putting trucks in the wrong sidings and is cross with him for this. He tells James that he must learn to be kind and helpful. James is ashamed at his behaviour and vows to put things right. By the afternoon, James is doing a much better job and, once Percy returns, The Fat Controller lets James pull The Flying Kipper the next day as a treat for learning his lesson.

Characters

 * Gordon
 * James
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Percy
 * Diesel
 * Thomas
 * Duck