James and the Shovel

James and the Shovel is a magazine story.

Plot
James is once again boasting about how important he his. He claims he can do just as much work as Gordon and Henry despite being smaller than them and will never get tired out compared to Percy. Percy rebuttals by pointing out how much he has to do but is glad he never had to be mended with a bootlace. James wishes he would stop being reminded of that incident.

James is coupled to his coaches and sets off. He is running well but when he reaches Gordon's Hill, trouble occurs. James begins to feel tired and goes slower and slower until he stops completly. The guard places a warning lamp on the tracks and goes to the cab to see what is wrong. The fireman points out that his shovel's handle has cracked and is too weak to carry coal now. The driver and guard offer the fireman some string and it is wrapped around the shovel's crack.

James builds up steam again and, as his train is too heavy, backs down to the bottom of the hill. James tries his best and soon makes to the top of the hill without fuss. At the station, some passengers are cross at being late but The Fat Controller understands and promises to buy the fireman a new shovel as well as a spare. That night in the shed, it is Percy's turn to tease James about getting tired out.

Characters

 * James
 * Percy
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Thomas
 * Henry
 * Gordon

Trivia

 * The events of the first series episode James and the Coaches are mentioned.