RWS No. 15: The Twin Engines + Season 2 overall

Ready? Are you set? Here comes my review on the book that brings some of Andrew Brenner's favourite twins to the franchise.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

15. The Twin Engines.

Written by: Rev. W. Awdry.
Illustrated by: John Theodore Kenney.
Published: 1960.

Let's delve into the book that introduces one of Andrew Brenner's favourite sets of twins! Were they introduced well?

Foreword:
Dear Friends,
Sir Topham Hatt has just been having a disturbing time! He ordered one goods engine from Scotland and was surprised to receive two!

They had both lost their numbers and no one knew which was which. So he didn't know which engine to keep.

The Author

Hullo Twins!

The engines, dragged down by the amount of work they have, are pleased to hear a goods engine is arriving from Scotland. However, two engines arrive, a surprised Sir Topham Hatt goes to meet the engine, attempting to sort the matter, but only manages to discover they have "lost their numbers", as they put it, and they have since named themselves Donald and Douglas. The Fat Controller orders for them to have numbers painted on them and puts them to work, but is determined to find out which engine should not be here and send him back.

This is a short story. Just introduced Donald and Douglas to the franchise, all because of the work load. I can honestly see why both engines arrived, especially considering they don't want to lose one another.

My rating: 8.5/10.

The Missing Coach.
Planned to be adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Donald and Douglas (now #9 and #10 respectively), before setting off to being shown around the yard by Duck, realise they have only numbers painted on their tenders. After such, one afternoon, Douglas is shunting in the Yard and worries about being sent away (thus indicating that he is not the engine that was supposed to come here and that Donald was), unfortunately forgetting to shunt Thomas' Special Coach. To evade the angry complaints of the passengers, the twins decide to swap tenders so as to convince the Fat Controller that Donald has taken his goods train, but to no avail, the Fat Controller, not being fooled, reprimands Douglas severely.

The reason this story was never adapted was because Britt Allcroft thought it would be, and I quote, "Too confusing for little kids." What?! I read it and it didn't confuse me. Unless she meant by "Planned to air before the rest of Season 2", then I would understand. Such a shame since this was a funny story.

My rating: 9/10.

42. Break Van/Donald and Douglas.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 12 November 1986. AUS: 9 May 1988. US: 22 November 1991.

Under the threat of one of the twins being sent away, the twins behave fairly well, until a spiteful brake van causes trouble for Douglas. Donald soon puts the van right, until Donald crashes backwards into a signalbox in a siding. The Fat Controller scolds him, despite deciding to send Douglas back and keep him, having upset his arrangements again; assigning his goods work to James in the meantime. With the brake van and the trucks sensing James' fury, they give him a hard time pulling his train. Eventually, Douglas has to help James up Gordon's Hill as a banker. The brake van holds back again, but gets its comeuppance after Douglas, while straining up the hill, accidentally crushes it. The Fat Controller comes to supervise the clean-up, and has mixed feelings about Douglas staying.

Get it? "Break" van? All because of a van breaking. But overall, it would've been better if The Missing Coach did get the greenlight, just to make this episode feel more complete. However, the way Douglas destroyed the van just goes to show that bullies get what's coming to them. I'm downgrading the adaptation because the previous story wasn't adapted. 

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

43. The Deputation.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 19 November 1986. AUS: 10 May 1988. US: 22 November 1991.

Winter comes early, and Donald and Douglas ask to help clear the line. They manage to rescue Henry from a snowdrift, but they are still worried that they will be sent back. The engines, upset over the possibility of the twins being sent back, under Edward's advice to Percy, organize a deputation, assigning Percy as their representative. Percy pleads with the Fat Controller, telling them that Donald and Douglas will be scrapped if they return to Scotland, but the Fat Controller, already having made up his mind: gives the twins a new coat of paint and allows them to stay, met with thunderous whistles and cheers of joy between the engines.

Without a doubt the episode that won Donald and Douglas the respect they deserve. The way Percy asked for a deputation was hilarious, especially with "Yes, sir! Please sir!" I don't mind that Donald and Douglas didn't get painted blue. I personally think they stand out better in black. Overall, a solid adaptation and it earned the Scottish pair the respect they deserve.

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

Stray observations:

Gordon the Big Engine mentions that Donald and Douglas' whistles sound like "Tugboat Annie". Tugboat Annie is a film released back in 1933. 

Final thoughts:

Another book that is deserving of a read. It properly introduces Donald and Douglas, favourites of many people to this very day. The way Douglas took down that brake van was very enjoyable to watch. When I say that Boco's the only character from Season 2 that hasn't been rendered in CGi, I never include the Spiteful brake van because, as Break Van shows, he's dead. Overall, a great book.

My rating: 9.3/10.

RWS scorecard:

1. The 3 Railway Engines: 9/10.

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9.5/10.

3. James the Red Engine: 8/10.

4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.9/10.

5. Troublesome Engines: 9.1/10.

6. Henry the Green Engine: 9.2/10.

7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9.2/10.

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3/10.

10. 4 Little Engines: 9.5/10.

11. Percy the Small Engine: 9.7/10.

12. The 8 Famous Engines: 9.5/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

14. The Little Old Engine: 9.6/10.
15. The Twin Engines: 9.3/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.5/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

22. Small Railway Engines: 9.8/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

27. Really Useful Engines: 9.2/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.4/10.

Season 2 final thoughts:

Saying that Season 2 is the best season of the show is overstated IMHO. Sure, it's got very well done stories and adaptations, but it's full of gaps. You might be saying "But Season 1 has gaps too!" Let's put it this way. While Season 1 does have a few gaps, (leaving out Henry and the Elephant, Percy and the Trousers, Mrs Kyndley's Christmas, Leaves and Paint Pots and Queens), Season 2 has lots of gaps. (Left out 4 Little Engines, Percy's Promise, most of 8 Famous Engines, Domeless Engines, The Little Old Engine, Hullo Twins!, The Missing Coach, Bulls Eyes, Gallant Old Engine, Stepney the Bluebell Engine, Mountain Engines, Very Old Engines, Buzz Buzz, Small Railway Engines, Enterprising Engines, Oliver the Western Engine and Duke the Lost Engine.) I kind of feel like More About Thomas the Tank Engine was filler, all because Britt wanted more Thomas in the TV series. Just goes to show even the classic series shoehorned Thomas.

But even so, Season 2 was a brilliant season overall. 

Season 2 episodes from least favourite to favourite:

6.5/10.

26. Thomas, Percy and the Coal.

8.5/10.

25. Dirty Work.
24. Percy Takes the Plunge.

23. Percy's Predicament.

22. Cows.
21. Break Van.

9/10.

20. Duck Takes Charge.

19. The Runaway.
18. Better Late Than Never.

17. Pop Goes the Diesel.
16. Thomas and Trevor.

15. Bertie's Chase.

14. Wrong Road.

9.5/10.

13. Woolly Bear.

12. Percy and the Signal.

11. Saved from Scrap.

10. A Close Shave.

9. Daisy.

8. Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree.

10/10.

7. Percy and Harold.

6. Thomas Comes to Breakfast.
5. Ghost Train.

4. The Deputation.

3. Old Iron.

2. Edward's Exploit.

1. The Diseasel.

Average Season 2 score: 9/10.

Final score: 9.1/10.

RWS No. 9: Edward the Blue Engine

Here comes another review on the Railway Series. One dedicated to everyone's favourite member of the "Steam Team".

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

9. Edward the Blue Engine.
Written by: The Red. W. Awdry.

Illustrated by: Clarence Reginald Dalby.

Published: 1954.

Time for me to review the first and only book dedicated to Edward. Does he get the praise he deserves?

Foreword:

Dear Friends,

I think most of you are fond of Edward. His Driver and Fireman, Charlie Sand and Sidney Hever, are fond of him, too. They were very pleased when they knew I was giving Edward a book all to himself.

Edward is old, and some of the other engines were rude about the clanking noise he made as he did his work.

They aren't rude now! These stories tell you why.

The Author 

28. Cows/A Cow on the Line.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 24 September 1986. AUS: 19 April 1988. US: 16 April 1989.

Edward is pulling cattle trucks when some disgruntled cows run into the train and break a coupling. Edward does not realise until he gets home, causing Gordon and Henry to laugh at him. Gordon is pulling the express the next day when he is stopped by a cow on the Viaduct. Henry, both crews and the passengers try to move her, but to no avail. Henry's guard goes for help and a porter leads the cow's calf to the bridge to lure her away. Edward soon finds out and makes fun of the big engines.

While the adaptation is faithful to its source material for the most part, the ways it wasn't faithful were Henry reversing back to the station and Percy bringing Bluebell's calf to the bridge. Not a bad adaptation, though it could've been better if the entire crew brought the calf instead of Percy. But I don't mind that Edward wasn't pulling 20 cattle vans in the adaptation, especially considering how dear it would've been.

RWS rating: 9/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

29. Bertie's Chase.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 1 October 1986. AUS: 20 April 1988. US: 29 November 1991.

Thomas is late but Edward starts anyway. Bertie arrives with Thomas' passengers just as he leaves - Thomas' fireman was ill - and, seeing he has left, chases him to Crosby, but misses him there too. Bertie's driver and the stationmaster make a plan, and they finally catch up with him at Wellsworth, where Bertie explains the whole story to Edward. Edward apologises and leaves.

There is no doubt this is a solid adaptation, although Thomas wasn't at the end of the original story, but even so, it was nice of Thomas to thank Bertie at the end. I also love the shot of Bertie the Bus going down the hill at a tremendous rate. Always stuck out to me as a kid. 

RWS/TV rating: 9/10.

30. Saved From Scrap.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 1 October 1986. AUS: 21 April 1988. US: 11 June 1989.

Edward meets a traction engine named Trevor who is due to be scrapped next week. Edward decides to find a home for Trevor, and when he sees the Vicar, he persuades him to buy Trevor. The Vicar goes to the scrapyard, and, after seeing Trevor prove his worthfulness, buys him, and Trevor goes to live in the Vicarage Orchard.

There is no doubt this is a solid adaptation, I don't mind that Thomas was at the beginning since he was there to tease Edward with "You're not that old!", even if he was shoehorned, it didn't feel like he was shoehorned. And it proves that Edward is a hero when it comes to saving Trevor from scrap. And no, I don't think Trevor is a paedophile just because he says "I like children." I mean how can he like children in that fashion? 

RWS/TV rating: 9.5/10.

31. Old Iron.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 8 October 1986. AUS: 22 April 1988. US: 16 April 1989.

Edward is late. James gets cross and calls him "old iron". The next day, James' driver is ill, and while his fireman gets a "relief", two boys wander into the cab and start James. Edward chases after him and after a long chase, an inspector manages to hook James with a length of rope, and James' fireman checks his speed. The Fat Controller sends Edward to the Works, the boys are caught by the police, and disciplined, and James' driver recovers in hospital.

Definitely another of Edward's best roles in the series. The first story that proves he really is a hero. Here, James teases him for being "Old iron", but it turns out this so-called Old Iron saved James from a runaway. We could've had Edward return from the works at the end, but I guess you can't have it all. 

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

Stray observations:

In Bertie's Chase, Bertie the Bus has a licence plate that says "CRD54" referencing Clarence Reginald Dalby and the year this book was published. 

In one illustration of Cows, Gordon the Big Engine is missing his steam pipes. And they blame Jam-Filled for animation errors. 

Final thoughts:

This book is fantastic overall. It gives out the right reasons to love Edward as a character, especially when he proves himself to be the saviour of Trevor and James. Saving the former from scrap and the latter from a runaway after he was boastful. Well, another book worthy of reading. 

My rating: 9.3/10.

RWS scorecard:

1. The 3 Railway Engines: 9/10.

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9.5/10.

3. James the Red Engine: 8/10.

4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.9/10.

5. Troublesome Engines: 9.1/10.

6. Henry the Green Engine: 9.2/10.

7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9.2/10.

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.
9. Edward the Blue Engine: 9.3/10.

10. 4 Little Engines: 9.5/10.

11. Percy the Small Engine: 9.7/10.

12. The 8 Famous Engines: 9.5/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

14. The Little Old Engine: 9.6/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.5/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

22. Small Railway Engines: 9.8/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

27. Really Useful Engines: 9.2/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.4/10.

Season 2 scorecard:

1. Thomas, Percy and the Coal: 6.5/10.

2. Cows: 8.5/10.

3. Bertie's Chase: 9/10.

4. Saved from Scrap: 9.5/10.

5. Old Iron: 10/10.

6. Thomas and Trevor: 9/10.

7. Percy and the Signal: 9.5/10.

8. Duck Takes Charge: 9/10.

9. Percy and Harold: 10/10.

10. The Runaway: 9/10.

11. Percy Takes the Plunge: 8.5/10.

12. Pop Goes the Diesel: 9/10.

13. Dirty Work: 8.5/10.

14. A Close Shave: 9.5/10.

15. Better Late Than Never: 9/10.

18. Thomas Comes to Breakfast: 10/10.

19. Daisy: 9.5/10.

20. Percy's Predicament: 8.5/10.

21. The Diseasel: 10/10.

22. Wrong Road: 9/10.

23. Edward's Exploit: 10/10.

24. Ghost Train: 10/10.

25. Woolly Bear: 9.5/10.

26. Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree: 9.5/10.

Season 2 rating so far: 9.2/10.

RWS No. 7: Toby the Tram Engine + Season 1 overall

Now I'm ready to review the book that introduces a character who is both Christopher Awdry's favourite and Andrew Brenner's favourite.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

7. Toby the Tram Engine.

Written by: The Rev W. Awdry.
Illustrated by: Clarence Reginald Dalby.
Published: 1952.

How does the book about Brenner's favourite character turn out?

Foreword:

Dear Friends,

Poor Thomas has been in trouble. So the Fat Controller asked Toby to come and help run the Branch Line. Thomas and Toby are very good friends.

Toby is a funny little engine with a queer shape. He works very hard and we are fond of him. We hope you will like him, too.

The Author

21. Toby and the Stout Gentleman/Toby the Tram Engine.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 18 December 1984. AUS: 4 May 1987. US: 9 April 1989.

Toby is a tram engine who works a tramway with a coach named Henrietta. One day, a stout gentleman and his grandchildren notice Toby. Although Toby is offended when Bridget, the stout gentleman's granddaughter, calls him "electric", he cheers up after giving them a ride and the stout gentleman thanks Toby. The family comes for a fortnight, then leave. Months pass, and Toby's tramway closes down. But, next morning, Toby is woken with a surprise when his crew receive a letter from the stout gentleman.

There is no doubt no better way to introduce Toby to the series, but the puzzling thing about this is that Toby the Tram Engine is already wearing his Seven on his sides before coming to Sodor in the adaptation. However, I thought it kind of funny when Bridget asked if Toby's electric. HOOSH! 

RWS/TV rating: 9/10.

22. Thomas in Trouble/Thomas Breaks the Rules.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 18 December 1984. AUS: 5 May 1987. US: 9 April 1989.

Thomas is bringing some trucks down from the quarry when he surprises a policeman, who tells him he is breaking the law by going across a public road without cowcatchers and sideplates. Thomas is upset, and the Fat Controller has to leave his breakfast to talk to the policeman, who tells him he cannot change the law. A comment by Thomas makes the Fat Controller remember his holiday, and a certain tram engine. A few days later, Toby arrives to help at the quarry, and after he scares the policeman he and Thomas become friends.

This policeman sure was nasty, writing Thomas' ticket for breaking an outdated law. Also, Thomas doesn't even need cowcatchers, because as he said, he doesn't catch cows. Good thing Toby came to Thomas' aid when it comes to wearing cowcatchers and sideplates all the time. 

RWS/TV rating: 8.5/10.

23. Dirty Objects/James in a Mess.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 18 December 1984. AUS: 6 April 1987. US: 23 April 1989.

James makes fun of Toby and Henrietta for having shabby paint. When Toby makes a snide comment about bootlaces, James huffs off to get a "slow goods" train. He bumps the trucks so badly they decide to pay him out. As he goes over Gordon's Hill, the trucks push him down into two tar tankers and Toby and Percy come to his aid. The Fat Controller congratulates Toby and Percy for their work, and promises Toby and Henrietta a new coat of paint.

All I can say is that this is a well done adaptation. James crashing into those tar wagons sure was cool to watch. Just goes to show how boastful James was, even in the books. And it was heroic of Percy and Toby to help out.

RWS/TV rating: 9.5/10.

Mrs Kyndley's Christmas.

Mrs. Kyndley is an old lady who lives in a cottage near the line. Although she waves to Thomas every day as he passes, she falls ill and no longer has the energy to wave. One rainy December morning, Thomas makes his way up to Ffarquhar when a dressing-gown waving from Mrs. Kyndley's window stops him. While the driver and a doctor go to see what the matter is, the fireman discovers that the gown was used to warn them about a landslide. The next day, Thomas, Toby, Henrietta, Annie, Clarabel and the Fat Controller go to the cottage to thank her. The Fat Controller offers her tickets to Bournemouth, where she recovers from her illness.

This was a nice story for the first story never to have been given a fully-fledged TV adaptation. Thomas, Toby and Fat Controller helping Missus Kyndley out, and all for waving her dressing gown like a red flag. Though the only flaw with this episode is that there was no snow anywhere, but then again, does every Christmas have to be white? 

My rating: 9.5/10.

Stray observations:

Toby is Christopher Awdry's favourite character because he got to ride on a J70 tram engine when he was a kid. 

Toby and the Stout Gentleman was inspired by the Rev. W. Awdry's holiday at Great Yarmouth and saw the first ever J70 tram engine. 

Look at the illustration of Dirty Objects I chose. Look at James' size compared to Toby and Percy! And they blame the CGi series for making James and Duck too big. 

Final thoughts:

This was overall a nice book. Introducing Andrew Brenner's favourite character and giving us full stories about how he came to Sodor, and we even got to see that naughty policeman get his comeuppance. It's a nice read this book.

My rating: 9.2/10.

RWS scorecard:

1. The 3 Railway Engines: 9/10.

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9.5/10.

3. James the Red Engine: 8/10.

4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.9/10.

5. Troublesome Engines: 9.1/10.

6. Henry the Green Engine: 9.2/10.

7. Toby the Tram Engine: 9.2/10.

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

10. 4 Little Engines: 9.5/10.

11. Percy the Small Engine: 9.7/10.

12. The 8 Famous Engines: 9.5/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

14. The Little Old Engine: 9.6/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.5/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

22. Small Railway Engines: 9.8/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

27. Really Useful Engines: 9.2/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.4/10.

Season 1 final thoughts:

I have to say that Season 1 was a brilliant way to start the entire series. Almost all the episodes were faithful to their source material, and even if Henry and the Elephant, Percy and the Trousers, Leaves and Paint Pots and Queens weren't kept for it, and even if Missus Kyndley's Christmas wasn't kept for it, it still has the best structure of the series, being ultra faithful to the Railway Series. 

Season 1 episodes from least favourite to favourite:

8/10.

26. Tenders and Turntables.

8.5/10.

25. James and the Coaches.

24. Thomas in Trouble.

9/10.

23. Trouble in the Shed.

22. The Sad Story of Henry.

21. Edward, Gordon and Henry.

20. Thomas' Train.

19. Troublesome Trucks.

18. Toby and the Stout Gentleman.

17. Percy Runs Away.

9.5/10.

16. Coal.

15. Whistles and Sneezes.

14. Down the Mine.

13. Dirty Objects.

12. Edward and Gordon. 

11. Thomas and the Guard.

10. Thomas and the Breakdown Train.

9. Thomas and the Trucks.

8. Off the Rails.

7. Thomas' Christmas Party.

10/10.

6. Thomas, Terence and the Snow.

5. James and the Express.

4. Thomas and Gordon.

3. The Flying Kipper.

2. Thomas Goes Fishing.

1. Thomas and Bertie.

Average Season 1 score: 9/10.

Final score: 9.1/10.

RWS No. 5: Troublesome Engines

Now's the time to review another Railway Series book. One that introduces Thomas' best friend.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images.

5. Troublesome Engines.

Written by: Rev. W. Awdry.
Published: September 1950.

Ever since Thomas the Tank Engine went to run his branch line, what have the big engines been doing ever since? 

Foreword:

Dear Friends,

News from the Main Line has not been good. The Fat Controller has been having trouble. A short while ago, he gave Henry a coat of green paint, but as soon as he got his old colour back again, Henry became conceited. Gordon and James, too, have been getting above themselves.

I am glad to say, however, that the Fat Controller has, quite kindly but very firmly, put them in their place. And now the trains are running as usual.

I hope you will like meeting Percy. We shall be hearing more of him later.

The Author

97. Henry and the Elephant.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 9 November 1995. AUS: 16 May 1996. US: 11 November 1996.

With Thomas gone to run his Branch Line, the bigger engines are left to fetch their own coaches, much to their disapproval. Henry is given his green coat of paint back, but even that does not stop his and Gordon's sulking. A circus comes to town, and shunting the special trucks helps cheer up Gordon and Henry, at least until James was told to take the circus away. One day, Henry is called out to clear a blockage in the tunnel between Tidmouth and Knapford, but when he goes in, an elephant pushes him back out of the tunnel! It turns out that the elephant belongs to the circus. The workmen give the elephant some cake, sandwiches, and water, but Henry surprises it by letting off steam and it sprays water all over him.

This story should've been kept for Season 1 for obvious reasons. Why hold it back? And Percy's there despite not being introduced until 2 stories later. Why? It ruins continuity and confuses little kids, especially coming from a woman who said The Missing Coach would confuse little kids. But the flaws with the adaptation are made up for with the way the elephant moved, almost like real, and he roared like Chewbacca from Star Wars. 

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

15. Tenders and Turntables.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 27 November 1984. AUS: 24 April 1987. US: 19 March 1989.

Gordon is in a bad mood and when he goes to be turned around for his next train he unbalances the turntable and has to take the train backwards. Thomas and James tease him, but later James is spun around by the wind on the turntable. The big engines have had enough, and make a plan.

Because Henry and the Elephant was held off for Season 4, it really lets this adaptation down. While they were capable of making James spin like a top so fast without speeding up the footage, not talking about the reason Henry was striking let this adaptation down a little. Not like the adaptation was bad or anything. 

RWS rating: 8.5/10.

TV rating: 8/10.

16. Trouble in the Shed.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 27 November 1984. AUS: 27 April 1987. US: 19 March 1989.

The big engines refuse to get their coaches and so Edward is brought in to shunt for them. However, poor Edward is met with hostility and so the Fat Controller buys a saddletank engine, which he christens Percy. The big engines still refuse to shunt and fetch their coaches, so the Fat Controller shuts them up in the sheds and brings Thomas to work with Edward on the main line while Percy runs Thomas' Branch Line.

We're here at last. The first story to feature Percy. I must say, he was introduced very well. Very clever of the crew to use the other characters' models covered up. Budget reasons I guess. Just goes to show how capable they were in the 80s. And why was Henry in his new shape in one shot of this?

RWS rating: 9.5/10.
TV rating: 9/10.

17. Percy Runs Away.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 4 December 1984. AUS: 28 April 1987. US: 26 March 1989.

After several days in the sheds for being naughty, the big engines finally see sense and agree to get their coaches ready, so the Fat Controller lets Thomas, Edward and Percy play on the branch line. Thomas takes Annie and Clarabel for a run and Edward takes some trucks to the quarry, leaving Percy alone. He strays onto the points, and Gordon scares him when he rushes into the junction. Percy runs away, and eventually, exhausted, runs in a sandbank. Gordon later commends him for preventing an accident and Percy becomes the new station pilot at Tidmouth.

This episode without a doubt an episode that won the respect of fans of Percy the Small Engine, being brave enough to stop a nasty accident where Gordon almost collided with him. Funny how Percy reversed backward up Gordon's Hill. Gordon was also clever to stop. 

RWS/TV rating: 9/10.

Stray observations:

In the 2nd illustration of this book, Henry was painted blue. This broke the camel's neck for Reverend Awdry, and he planned on removing Henry from the series, but decided otherwise in the next book. 

Look at the illustration for Trouble in the Shed. What are the other engines supposed to be based on? And they say Lady doesn't have a genuine basis. 

Look at this illustration from Percy Runs Away. Reverend Awdry, his wife and his children were here. 

Final thoughts:

This book is overall a good read. Further proves that the original Awdry engines act like children, in this case, Gordon, James and Henry. Overall, this is a very good book, introducing Percy to the series. 

My rating: 9.1/10.

RWS scorecard:

1. The 3 Railway Engines: 9/10.

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9.5/10.

3. James the Red Engine: 8/10.

4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.9/10.

5. Troublesome Engines: 9.1/10.

6. Henry the Green Engine: 9.2/10.

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

10. 4 Little Engines: 9.5/10.

11. Percy the Small Engine: 9.7/10.

12. The 8 Famous Engines: 9.5/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

14. The Little Old Engine: 9.6/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.5/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

22. Small Railway Engines: 9.8/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

27. Really Useful Engines: 9.2/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.4/10.

Season 1 scorecard:

1. Thomas and Gordon: 10/10.

2. Edward and Gordon: 9.5/10.

3. The Sad Story of Henry: 9/10.

4. Edward, Gordon and Henry: 9/10.

5. Thomas' Train: 9/10.

6. Thomas and the Trucks: 9.5/10.

7. Thomas and the Breakdown Train: 9.5/10.

8. James and the Coaches: 8.5/10.

9. Troublesome Trucks: 9/10.

10. James and the Express: 10/10.

11. Thomas and the Guard: 9.5/10.

12. Thomas Goes Fishing: 10/10.

13. Thomas, Terence and the Snow: 10/10.

14. Thomas and Bertie: 10/10.

15. Tenders and Turntables: 8/10.

16. Trouble in the Shed: 9/10.

17. Percy Runs Away: 9/10.

18. Coal: 9.5/10.

19. The Flying Kipper: 10/10.

20. Whistles and Sneezes: 9.5/10.

24. Off the Rails: 9.5/10.

25. Down the Mine: 9.5/10.
26. Thomas' Christmas Party: 9.5/10.

Season 1 rating so far: 9.4/10.

Season 4 scorecard:

1. Granpuff: 8/10.

2. Sleeping Beauty: 6/10.

3. Bulldog: 8.5/10.

4. You Can't Win: 9/10.

5. 4 Little Engines: 9/10.

6. A Bad Day for Sir Handel: 8/10.

7. Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady: 10/10.

8. Trucks!: 8.5/10.

9. Home at Last: 9.5/10.

10. Rock n' Roll: 10/10.

11. Special Funnel: 8/10.

12. Steam Roller: 9.5/10.

13. Passengers and Polish: 9.5/10.

14. Gallant Old Engine: 10/10.

15. Rusty to the Rescue: 5/10.

16. Thomas and Stepney: 5.5/10.

17. Bowled Out: 9.5/10.

18. Train Stops Play: 9/10.

19. Henry and the Elephant: 8.5/10.

20. Toad Stands By: 8.5/10.

21. Bulls Eyes: 8.5/10.

22. Thomas and the Special Letter: 10/10.

23. Paint Pots and Queens: 9/10.

24. Fish: 10/10.

26. Mind That Bike: 5/10.

Season 4 rating so far: 9.1/10.

RWS No. 4: Tank Engine Thomas Again

Finally, I'm going to be reviewing Thomas' 2nd book.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

4. Tank Engine Thomas Again.
Written by: Rev. W. Awdry.
Published: 1949.

Let's see how Thomas' 2nd book turns out, shall we?

Foreword:

Dear Friends,

Here is news from Thomas' Branch Line. It is clearly no ordinary line, and life on it is far from dull.

Thomas asks me to say that if you are ever in the Region, you must be sure to visit him and travel on his line. "They will have never seen anything like it," he says proudly.

I know I haven't!

The Author

11. Thomas and the Guard/Thomas and the Conductor.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 13 November 1984. AUS: 20 April 1987. US: 5 March 1989.

Henry is late at the junction and Thomas is being impatient. As the guard goes to his van he trips on an umbrella and by the time he has gotten up, Thomas is long gone. Annie and Clarabel try to convince Thomas to stop, but he pays no attention until they reach a signal. The guard does not come to tell them what the matter is, but they soon find out why - he is not on the train. Luckily, he runs up a few minutes later and climbs aboard.

This episode is a very well adapted adaptation. Though there are 2 downsides, in the adaptation, the guard didn't trip over the lady's umbrella while in the original story, Henry has a problem which I'll get to before I finish reviewing the entire book. Oh well, both the original story and the adaptation get the same rating. 

RWS/TV rating: 9.5/10.

12. Thomas Goes Fishing.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 13 November 1984. AUS: 21 April 1987. US: 5 March 1989.

Thomas often sees people fishing in the river and wants to go fishing too. He gets his chance when he discovers the water tower at Elsbridge is out of order and Thomas' crew fill him up with river-water. However, Thomas experiences pains and an inspector soon discovers some fish in Thomas' tank. They fish them out and have a supper of fish and chips and the Fat Controller tells Thomas to never fish again - Thomas heartily agrees.

This is what I call one of my old favourites. This is one of those episodes that stuck out to me as a kid. Fish getting caught in Thomas' water tanks shows that fish don't suit steam engines. Thomas getting water from the river shows that some steam engines can get water from a river if the water tower's out of order. But make sure there's no fish.

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

13. Thomas, Terence and the Snow/Terence the Tractor.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 20 November 1984. AUS: 22 April 1987. US: 12 March 1989.

Thomas meets Terence the tractor and makes fun of his caterpillar tracks. When winter comes, Thomas treats his snowplough awfully and it has to be repaired. They cannot fix it in time for his first train and Thomas, over-confident, recklessly charges at a snowdrift outside the tunnel and sticks there. He cannot get out, so a bus takes his passengers home and Terence pulls him and Annie and Clarabel out. Thomas apologises and returns home.

What better way to introduce a non-rail vehicle character to the franchise than this story! The way Thomas teased Terence about his caterpillars sure gave Thomas a taste of his own medicine for being all cocky. Just goes to show that Wilbert's characters were like children. Props to Terence Breaks the Ice for making a flashback to this episode. 

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

14. Thomas and Bertie/Thomas and Bertie's Great Race.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 20 November 1984. AUS: 23 April 1987. US: 12 March 1989.

Bertie, the bus from the previous story, teases Thomas about being slow, so they decide to have a race. Thomas gains the lead at a level crossing, but Bertie then gets in front after Thomas has to stop to collect passengers and only stops to rub it in. Thomas gains the lead again after Bertie stops for a traffic light and although Bertie creeps in front, Thomas, with a burst of speed, rushes into Hackenbeck in style. Bertie congratulates him when he comes in and the two become friends.

This is definitely the best of the first season and the best story of the book and it's easy to see why. Thomas and Bertie's race was very entertaining, and the music really goes along nicely. Thomas and Bertie do want to have more races, which we'll get to when I review it. 

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

Stray observations:

In the 3rd illustration of Thomas and the Guard, Henry looks like Gordon. We'll get to what happened to Henry in the next book. 

"Why do you look like Gordon?"

Thomas and Bertie was first invented as a board game by Wilbert Awdry for his children on a wet day while they were in Wales. 

Hmm....did Thomas and Bertie predict the future? Because Bertie growing wings to be an aeroplane? Could that have coincidentally predicted the American children's book franchise The Magic School Bus? Especially since that bus can grow wings and since that book series came out 37 years after this book was published. 

Final thoughts:

This is without a doubt one of the best books of the Railway Series, and it's easy to see why. Thomas gives us a tour of his branch line, having misadventures along the way, and introduced Terence and Bertie. A very nice book overall. 

My rating: 9.9/10.

RWS scorecard:

1. The 3 Railway Engines: 9/10.

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9.5/10.

3. James the Red Engine: 8/10.

4. Tank Engine Thomas Again: 9.9/10.

6. Henry the Green Engine: 9.2/10.

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

10. 4 Little Engines: 9.5/10.

11. Percy the Small Engine: 9.7/10.

12. The 8 Famous Engines: 9.5/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

14. The Little Old Engine: 9.6/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.5/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

22. Small Railway Engines: 9.8/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

27. Really Useful Engines: 9.2/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.4/10.

Season 1 scorecard:

1. Thomas and Gordon: 10/10.

2. Edward and Gordon: 9.5/10.

3. The Sad Story of Henry: 9/10.

4. Edward, Gordon and Henry: 9/10.

5. Thomas' Train: 9/10.

6. Thomas and the Trucks: 9.5/10.

7. Thomas and the Breakdown Train: 9.5/10.

8. James and the Coaches: 8.5/10.

9. Troublesome Trucks: 9/10.

10. James and the Express: 10/10.

11. Thomas and the Guard: 9.5/10.

12. Thomas Goes Fishing: 10/10.

13. Thomas, Terence and the Snow: 10/10.

14. Thomas and Bertie: 10/10.

18. Coal: 9.5/10.

19. The Flying Kipper: 10/10.

20. Whistles and Sneezes: 9.5/10.

24. Off the Rails: 9.5/10.

25. Down the Mine: 9.5/10.
26. Thomas' Christmas Party: 9.5/10.

Season 1 rating so far: 9.6/10.

RWS No. 3: James the Red Engine

Another Railway Series review coming your way!

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images.

3. James the Red Engine.
Written by: Rev W. Awdry.
Published: September 1948.

Reverend Awdry claimed this book was his least favourite. Do I agree with him?

Foreword:

Dear friends of Edward, Gordon, Henry and Thomas,

Thank you for your kind letters. Here is the new book for which you asked.

James, who crashed in the story of Thomas the Tank Engine, settles down and becomes a Useful Engine.

We are nationalised now, but the same engines still work the Region. I am glad, too, to tell you that the Fat Director, who understands our friends' ways, is still in charge, but is now the Fat Controller.

I hope you will enjoy this book, too.

The Author

8. James and the Top Hat/James and the Coaches/James Learns a Lesson (Part 1)
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 30 October 1984. AUS: 15 April 1987. US: 19 February 1984.

James has recovered from his accident and now has a new coat of red paint. He starts learning how to pull passenger trains with Edward. At the platform, he accidentally showers water over the Fat Controller's new top-hat and then, afraid of the consequences, starts off suddenly. During the run, he almost forgets to drop off his passengers and to top everything off he disturbs an old lady with his hiccups after hearing about the time Edward had to help Gordon up the hill. That night, James is scared of what the Fat Controller will say.

Yep, this story is among the weakest stories of the Railway Series. James felt rather impatient, and he made a silly mistake with the woman who dropped her parcels. Just goes to show what happens when you get too big-headed. 

My rating: 6/10.

James and the Bootlace (Part 2)

James is grumpy after being threatened by blue paint and having to fetch his own coaches. It takes the biscuit when no one comes near him at the platform and James is so determined to pay everyone out that he does not take care with his coaches and causes a leak in the brake-pipe. The crew determines that they need newspaper and leather bootlaces to fix it until they get home and after a great amount of persuasion, a man named Jeremiah Jobling hands his bootlaces over and the train manages to get home.

In my honest opinion, I think it made much more sense to adapt these 2 stories together into one episode. Especially considering how short the original stories were. Otherwise, Fat Controller would've threatened to paint James blue for no reason and it'd feel like filler. 

RWS rating: 7/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

9. Troublesome Trucks/Foolish Freight Cars.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.
Aired: UK: 6 November 1984. AUS: 16 April 1987. US: 26 February 1989.

James is shut up for several days for his bad behaviour, but when the Fat Controller comes to see him, James apologises and is let out to take a goods train. The trucks play tricks on James and break away on Gordon's Hill, but James tries again and with some support from Edward, gets the train to Killdane. The Fat Controller is pleased and allows James to keep his red paint.

This is a well done adaptation, even if the train wasn't more than 10 trucks. But oh well, the show was in its early stages. You can't expect perfection all the time, can you? It was nice of Fat Controller to let James keep his red coat after all. 

RWS/TV rating: 9/10.

10. James and the Express/A Proud Day for James.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 6 November 1984. AUS: 17 April 1987. US: 26 February 1989.

Gordon brags that he knows the right line by "instinct", but is proven wrong when he is switched off the Main Line onto the loop. The Fat Controller asks James to take the Express and after a successful run and the promise of being allowed to take the Express, James returns to see Gordon shunting. The two become friends and Gordon refrains from teasing James about the bootlace incident.

There is no doubt this is a well done story. James being allowed to pull the express after Gordon's incident with his way being lost for him. Those shots of James pulling the express show how capable they were in the first half of the 1980s. Good to see Gordon shunting trucks for a change.

RWS/TV rating: 10/10.

Final thoughts:

I respectfully disagree with the Rev W. Awdry about this book. Sure it's weaker than the other books he'd written, but it's still a bearable read. At least James got a book to himself in the 1940s, huh?

My rating: 8/10.

RWS scorecard:

1. The 3 Railway Engines: 9/10.

2. Thomas the Tank Engine: 9.5/10.

3. James the Red Engine: 8/10.

6. Henry the Green Engine: 9.2/10.

8. Gordon the Big Engine: 9.2/10.

10. 4 Little Engines: 9.5/10.

11. Percy the Small Engine: 9.7/10.

12. The 8 Famous Engines: 9.5/10.

13. Duck and the Diesel Engine: 9.2/10.

14. The Little Old Engine: 9.6/10.

16. Branch Line Engines: 9.6/10.

17. Gallant Old Engine: 9.5/10.

18. Stepney the Bluebell Engine: 9/10.

21. Main Line Engines: 9.3/10.

22. Small Railway Engines: 9.8/10.

23. Enterprising Engines: 9.9/10.

24. Oliver the Western Engine: 9.3/10.

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

26. Tramway Engines: 9.8/10.

27. Really Useful Engines: 9.2/10.

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine: 8.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.4/10.

Season 1 scorecard:

1. Thomas and Gordon: 10/10.

2. Edward and Gordon: 9.5/10.

3. The Sad Story of Henry: 9/10.

4. Edward, Gordon and Henry: 9/10.

5. Thomas' Train: 9/10.

6. Thomas and the Trucks: 9.5/10.

7. Thomas and the Breakdown Train: 9.5/10.

8. James and the Coaches: 8.5/10.

9. Troublesome Trucks: 9/10.

10. James and the Express: 10/10.

18. Coal: 9.5/10.

19. The Flying Kipper: 10/10.

20. Whistles and Sneezes: 9.5/10.

24. Off the Rails: 9.5/10.

25. Down the Mine: 9.5/10.
26. Thomas' Christmas Party: 9.5/10.

Season 1 rating so far: 9.4/10.