TTTE S16E20: The Christmas Tree Express

What's this? Me doing a negative Thomas review? For every bad TV show out there, there are gems, and for every good TV show out there, there are duds.


THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE


Well, you may be asking me if I've found Toby's worst moment. That's like asking me the worst Narrow Gauge episode as well as an episode that's worse than Up, Up and Away, Wonky Whistle, Fiery Flynn, Race to the Rescue and Sodor Surprise Day. Well, read and find out.

388. The Christmas Tree Express.

Written by: Sharon Miller.

Aired: US: 30 September 2012. UK and AUS: 25 December 2012.

It is Christmas on the Island of Sodor. Thomas, Toby, and Rheneas are shunting in the Blue Mountain Quarry. Thomas says he is going to pick up a Christmas tree that the Logging Locos have brought from Misty Island. Rheneas says they do not have a tree and Toby comments that it would not be Christmas without one. Rheneas wants to go to Misty Island to find a tree for his friends, but Thomas is too busy and Toby says that Misty Island is strange and scary. Thomas says this is nonsense so Toby agrees to take Rheneas.
When they arrive at the Search and Rescue Centre, Toby and Rheneas meet the Logging Locos, who tell them that there will be plenty of trees on Misty Island. When Toby and Rheneas reach Misty Island, Toby says he wants to chuff slowly and carefully, but Rheneas tells him to go fast. Toby chuffs quickly to the Hollow Tree Tunnel. He does not want to chuff forward, but Rheneas tells him to chuff faster and faster. Toby decides that if he closes his eyes, it would not be as scary. He goes fast and they pass some Christmas trees. Rheneas tells Toby to stop, but Toby does not want to; he is too scared.
Next Toby and Rheneas come up to the Shake Shake Bridge. Toby is scared and does not want to cross, so he closes his eyes and races over the Shake Shake Bridge. They race around Misty Island and pass more Christmas trees. Rheneas tells Toby to stop, but he does not; he is too scared. Then the mist comes down. Toby stops because he is scared. Rheneas tells Toby to go fast, but Toby cannot as he is too frightened. Rheneas is worried that his friends will wake up and still not have a tree. Toby explains that he finds going fast scary and would prefer to go slowly. Rheneas agrees and, with the help of the Logging Locos, the engines go slowly and carefully and find a perfect tree. Toby realises that when he is not going fast, Misty Island is not scary after all and he keeps his eyes open the entire time.
Rheneas and Toby return to the Blue Mountain Quarry. The engines there are all amazed and agree it is a wonderful Christmas surprise.


Bottom line, this is the worst episode of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends! Yes, I hate it more than Season 15's biggest failures and Season 16's other big failures. This episode has definitely stooped Toby's wimpy persona to the biggest low possible. Has the brown tram gone deaf or something? Rheneas was right on his wellwagon the whole time, telling him all about the Christmas trees they were passing, yet Toby wouldn't listen to him! Also, this episode marks the last appearance of the logging locomotives. Well, Bash and Dash to be precise. Ferdinand cameoed later in Signals Crossed.


Do you want to know the worst thing about this episode? All of this in the last episode to be narrated by Michael Angelis! I have no hope for this episode whatsoever and it's the biggest shame that Michael Angelis and Michael Brandon left the series on such a low note. Granted, the series was fixed with Season 17, but the damage has still been done.

My rating: 0/10.

(And that's being generous!)

Season 16 scorecard:

20. The Christmas Tree Express: 0/10.

Season 16 rating so far: 0/10.

TTTE S3E06: Thomas Gets Bumped

Time to start the new year with a review on Thomas the Tank Engine.

THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE

I am going to be reviewing for all of you, the first Thomas episode that's not based on Awdry material, but one that's based on 2 of Andrew Brenner's magazine stories from the late 1980s. How does it turn out? Read for yourself.

58. Thomas Gets Bumped.

Based on "Hello Thomas" and "A Bump on the Line" by Andrew Brenner.

Adapted by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: US: 18 December 1991. UK: 7 April 1992. AUS: 22 February 1993.

While Thomas is waiting at a signal & talking to some children, Percy teases Thomas that if he's late Sir Topham Hatt will replace him. Thomas dissaproves of this, but was worried.
The Next Day, Thomas sees the station master waving a red flag & the children on the bridge wanted to be taking home. The Station master explains to the driver that the school bus broke down & that the parents would be worried. So the children climbed on board Annie & Clarabel, & Thomas took to to Bertie so he could take them home. When Thomas finished his job, he was very late & was worried Sir Topham Hatt would be cross.
But Next Morning, Thomas was relived that Sir Topham Hatt wasn't at the Station. But Thomas' fears amplify when the rails on his branch line buckle due to being heated by the sun and he is sent to shunt in the yard while Bertie does his passenger work. Much to Thomas' relief, the Fat Controller is not replacing him and adjusts Thomas' timetable so he and Bertie can work together more often. Even Thomas' passengers mention how much they would miss Thomas, and Thomas thanks Bertie for his help.

Not only is this my favourite episode of Season 3, it's also my favourite episode overall. I love episodes focused on Thomas and Bertie, and this is no exception. I love how Bertie helped with Thomas' passengers while Thomas was busy shunting trucks while his branch line was being repaired. As a matter of fact, for the first episode not to be based on Awdry material, this episode doesn't look out of place as a Railway Series story. I'm serious. Heck, this is based on 2 of Andrew Brenner's stories, and Andrew Brenner is the current head writer of the TV series. Andrew Brenner should write new Railway Series books. However, the only negative is Thomas' driver, fireman and guard not checking to see if the passengers weren't hurt. But then again, they probably did it off-screen.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 3 scorecard:

6. Thomas Gets Bumped: 10/10.

8. Diesel Does it Again: 7/10.

9. Henry's Forest: 9.5/10.

26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure: 8.5/10*

Season 3 rating so far: 8.7/10.

Thomas and the Magic Railroad: An oudated argument!

Okay, I was going to start reviewing the first KND episode, but first, there is one thing that has been bugging me for quite sometime. Before I get on with it, the consistent disclaimer:


THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE


Now that that's out of the way, let's get on with talking about the outdated argument of the first, and only, Thomas the Tank Engine theatrical movie, Thomas and the Magic Railroad.


When Thomas and the Magic Railroad was first released in cinemas in 2000, it became a box office flop. Many fans and critics panned this movie a lot. It had a lot of focus on the human characters, and not much focus on the Thomas characters. One problem I will agree with is the fact that Edward wasn't in this movie, all because his model wasn't ready on time. I personally think that the producers of this film should have used the models that were used in Season 5 and kept the new ones for Season 6. Just a suggestion, but there's no turning back the clock, I'm afraid.


Next, there's the argument about Alec Baldwin, feeling too cheerful in this movie. I will agree that Mr. Conductor was too cheerful in this film, but this is just a minor argument.


Next, there's Burnett Stone, played by Peter Fonda, who was feeling very depressed. It's obvious why he was depressed. He failed to protect an engine (who I'll get to shortly) and his wife, Tasha, passed away.


Lastly, there's the argument about Lady. I heard people don't like her because she was unconscious for the majority of this film, she was magical, she had no personality and doesn't have a genuine basis. Well, I say that you're allowed to bend rules like this sometimes. Plus, hating on a character or plot device like this one is like hating someone you don't know. I'll admit I did say stuff like this about Proteus, but I don't hate him either.


And the real problem with all of this? Well, people are still talking about it! A 15 year old movie! This is just plain stupid.


People! It's time we focused on the present and future and not the past! This movie was released 15 years ago! You're allowed to break rules in franchises sometimes! Get over it!


And also, I'll admit, Thomas and the Magic Railroad does have its flaws, (and for the record, I will only refer it to as "Thomas and the Magic Railroad" or "Thomas and the Magic Railway", NOT "Thomas and the Tragic Failroad" or "Shining Time Station: The Movie", the latter is especially very immature!) but then again, every movie has flaws! Plus, I'll take the idea of a magic railway over a Galactic Kids Next Door any day! And I'll admit Lady being a magical engine does insult the universe that Reverend Awdry created, I'll take the idea of a magical engine over Seasons 13-16 any day!


Final thing: If you hate this movie, that's alright, but don't jump on bandwagons just because other people detest this film too! If you do like it, be honest and explain why. We're all entitled to our opinions.

TTTE S3E09: Henry's Forest

Time to review a very controversial Thomas the Tank Engine episode. First thing's first:


THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE


Today, the Thomas episode I will be reviewing, one that Reverend Awdry had a huge distaste for, is.....

61. Henry's Forest.

Based on its namesake magazine story and "Clearing Up" by Andrew Brenner.

Adapted by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: US: 16 December 1991. UK: 14 April 1992. AUS: 25 February 1993.

Henry has lived on the Island of Sodor for many years and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. He likes every part of it, but there is one place that he enjoys visiting more than any other, this place is the forest. Henry remembers the day long ago when he and Toby had brought some new trees to be planted, and Terence and Trevor had helped to haul them into place.
One night, everything changes as a storm rages across the island. All the engines in the sheds are talking about the wind blowing outside the shed, except for Henry, who hoped that the wind would not harm the forest. By morning, the winds had gone, but severe damage had been done to the forest. Henry is sent to help Donald clear the line of trees. Henry feels very devastated by all the damage done in the forest, and now wonders what will happen to all the animals who have lived there.
Henry's trucks are loaded with logs to be taken to the timber mill, where they are to be turned into furniture and other things. Henry takes consolation in the fact the wood will be put to good use, but is still sad to lose part of the place that meant so much to him. Thomas and Toby feel sorry for Henry and wish there was something they could do to make things better again. Toby later meets The Fat Controller at the yards, who notices that the tram engine looks glum. Toby tells him and he and Henry are very sad about the trees, and that the forest was a special place to Henry. The Fat Controller tells Toby that he will soon put things right, and he then sends Toby to collect some trucks, loaded with small trees all ready for planting.
When Henry returns to the forest, he is surprised to see Terence and Trevor, busily helping workmen to plant the trees. Terence tells Henry that they're beginning again, and that the hillside will look better than ever before. Now when Henry stops by the forest, he can see the new trees growing strong and tall, and always, he is happy in his forest.


The problems Reverend Awdry had with this episode are the fact that at the beginning, Henry's crew let him stop in the forest to admire it without telling a signalman, paving the way for an unaware engine to come down the line and cause a crash, therefore breaking this railway rule known as Rule 55, also, he pointed out the number of trees that were too close to the line that, from an engine's sparks, could result in a potential forest fire, even though Britt Allcroft countered the flaw by saying she'd seen other railways run through a forest.


First of all, I would like to counter the first flaw Awdry had with this episode. As you can see in the above shot, Henry was in a siding so, I don't know, Henry's crew might have told the signalman off-screen.

Next, I understand the reverend had a distaste for this episode, but this is such an emotional one. I have a tear in my eyes whenever I see how sad Henry is to lose some of his forest. And thanks to Toby, everything is alright in the end. I think this is a great episode. Not the best, but it could have been better.

My rating: 9.5/10.

Season 3 scorecard:

8. Diesel Does it Again: 7/10.

9. Henry's Forest: 9.5/10.

26. Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure: 8.5/10*

Season 3 rating so far: 8.3/10.

RWS No. 30: More About Thomas the Tank Engine.

Looks like I'm up for another Railway Series review. First of all,


THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE


This time, I'm reviewing....

30. More About Thomas the Tank Engine.

Written by: Christopher Awdry.

Illustrated by: Clive Spong.

Released: 22 September 1986.

In 1986, when Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends had its 2nd season in production, Britt Allcroft requested this book be published. Christopher was dissatisfied writing this book. Was he right to feel that way? Let's find out.

Foreword:

Dear Friends,

Sometimes Thomas and Percy both think they are the most important engines on the branch line. We know better, of course, and so does the Fat Controller, which is why he did not intervene when Thomas and Percy had a quarrel. Like most quarrels, it wasn't serious to start with. It began when Percy... But why not turn the page and read about it for yourself?
The Author





27. Thomas, Percy and the Coal

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 24 September 1986. AUS: 18 April 1988. US: 23 April 1989.

Thomas brags that blue paint is the only proper colour for a Really Useful Engine. Next day, Percy is shunting when the door on a coal truck opens and coal dust covers Thomas. Thomas and Percy are furious at one another, and the argument gets worse and worse. Several days later Percy goes to get a drink but collides with a coalbunker, much to Thomas' delight.

Okay, why was this episode adapted, yet Drip Tank wasn't? Also, the way Thomas got covered in coal in this episode is different to the story. In the story, a truck's catch on the door burst open and coal rumbled out, but in the adaptation, a coal hopper poured coal all over Thomas. Also, Thomas and Percy's resolution was too fast. How hypocritical of a stuck-up producer who said The Missing Coach would be too confusing for little kids. This is not a great way to start a season. It wouldn't have been too bad if they went ahead and adapted The Missing Coach and push this one back for Season 3 or 4.

RWS rating: 9/10.

TV rating: 6.5/10.

36. The Runaway

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 22 October 1986. AUS: 29 April 1988. US: 28 May 1989.

When Thomas returns from the Works after an illness, his brakes are left stiff. One day, a "relief" fireman forgets to put Thomas' brakes on and Thomas starts off. Although an inspector tries to stop Thomas at Dryaw, Thomas is going too fast and Harold takes the inspector to Toryreck. Annie and Clarabel hold back so the inspector can leap aboard and stop Thomas.

It doesn't really make sense in the story that Duck doesn't know Toby, considering The 8 Famous Engines. But it makes more sense in the adaptation since it's the second episode of the TV series to star Duck. I have nothing to say here, except this adaptation stuck with the original.

RWS rating: 8/10.

TV rating: 9/10.

41. Better Late Than Never

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft, David Mitton and Robert Cardona.

Aired: UK: 12 November 1986. AUS: 6 May 1988. US: 7 May 1989.

The arches on the Viaduct need strengthening and the big engines are late at Knapford. One day, Bertie teases Thomas that he could beat him in a race - something Thomas vehemently denies. James later holds Thomas up, but just outside the tunnel Thomas sees Bertie broken down. Thomas offers to help Bertie's passengers home, and the next day Bertie comes to Ffarquhar to thank Thomas.

Out of all the adaptations, this is the most faithful of all of them.  It also teaches kids the moral "Being late is okay sometimes." The only downside of the adaptation is James pulling a goods train because....goods.

RWS and TVS rating: 9/10.

Drip Tank

Percy wants to make things up with Thomas, but when he gets scratched by a branch Thomas is rude and Percy decides against it. Later, Percy asks Toby what a drip is, having heard a boy call his friend one at the platform, but Thomas interrupts and tells Percy he's a drip. Thomas soon gets his comeuppance when his side rod snaps and punctures his watertank on his way home. When Percy goes to help him, Thomas feels ashamed and apologises to Percy.

Why was this episode not adapted for TV, yet Thomas, Percy and the Coal was? This story had so much potential, and it had all been wasted. Did they want to provide a quick happy ending for Thomas and Percy?! It's such a shame, as this story was brilliant!

My rating: 9/10.

Illustration observation:



The first illustration of Better Late than Never is almost the same as the 7th illustration of Domeless Engines from Duck and the Diesel Engine. Observe:

 



Final thoughts: 

I do think this is a nice book, but it didn't really contribute much to the Railway Series. Britt and Christopher had a choice. Either Christopher, write Barry the Rescue Engine or Britt, push these stories back for Season 3 or 4. But it's still a good read.

My rating: 8.8/10.

RWS scorecard:

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

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

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 8.3/10.

Season 2 scorecard:

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

10. The Runaway: 9/10.

15. Better Late Than Never: 9/10.

Season 2 Rating so far: 8.2/10.





RWS No. 25: Duke the Lost Engine

This time, I'm going to review yet another Railway Series book. First of all, the usual disclaimer:


THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE


Today, I'm reviewing what's considered by many to be one of the best RWS books ever. That is.....

25. Duke the Lost Engine.

Published: 15 October 1970.

Written by: Reverend Wilbert Awdry.

Illustrated by: Peter and Gunvor Edwards.

Sir Handel and Peter Sam explained that they knew a Duke. Which Duke were they referring to? Let's read!

Foreword:

Dear Friends,
An engine lost in the South American jungle was found after 30 years. A tree had grown through its chimney and hornets nested in its firebox. When mended it gave good service for 30 more years.
"The Duke" was lost too; not in the jungle, but in his own shed which a landslide had buried. Not long ago he was dug out and mended. His own railway had been pulled up, so he is now at the Thin Controller's.
The Author



79. Granpuff.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: US: 16 April 1995. UK: 16 October 1995. AUS: 22 April 1996.

Duke, Falcon, and Stuart are three engines who live on the Mid Sodor Railway. Duke is wise, but Falcon and Stuart are young and cheeky and often make fun of "Granpuff", as Duke is affectionately known, until Duke tells them the story of Stanley, who was rough and was punished by being turned into a pumping engine. The three have many adventures together, until their line closes. Falcon and Stuart are purchased and in due course wind up on the Skarloey Railway, but Duke isn't wanted and is sheltered in the Arlesdale shed. Duke, unaware that the current Duke does not know of his existence, goes to sleep...

First of all, why were the standard gauge engines shoehorned at the beginning and end of this story, and why was Thomas the Tank Engine narrating it? Second, Smudger is just Rheneas with green paint. Britt said it's too expensive to build a model of RWS Stanley. I say rubbish! Britt was a millionaire by the time Season 4 was made. If she could build that many models in Season 4 and 5, surely she had enough to build a RWS Stanley model. Third, this story should NOT have been adapted first and I will get to why later. Lastly, they didn't mention that his grace was killed. Why? Death happens all around us! There's no sugarcoating it! But then again, it's a good watch, this adaptation.

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8/10.

81. Bulldog

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 18 October 1995. AUS: 24 April 1996. US: 11 November 1996.

In the old days of the Mid Sodor Railway, when Sir Handel was blue and named Falcon, the Manager arranged for him to double-head with Duke to learn the mountain road. Falcon ignored Duke's warnings and derailed, hanging dangerously over the edge. Duke held back, and gathered enough strength to pull Falcon back. Falcon was grateful, but Duke was modest and said he only did what he did because he didn't want Falcon's paint spoilt if he rolled down the mountain.



This episode should have been broadcast directly after Granpuff. Again, why was Thomas the Tank Engine narrating this story too? It should have been Sir Handel narrating, not Thomas. Even though the story was a lot better, the accident was fantastically filmed.

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 8.5/10.

82. You Can't Win

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: UK: 19 October 1995. AUS: 25 April 1996. US: 4 November 1996.

Duke is old and Stuart jokes he may have to be kept in order. Duke merely laughs, but later his valves begin leaking and Falcon and Stuart come to the rescue. The cavalcade split up at Marthwaite, as Falcon takes Duke's passengers to cath their boat at Arlesburgh, while Stuart takes Falcon's train with Duke coupled in front. Duke and his driver, hearing Stuart's triumphant chortles, make a plan, and on the last hill Duke gives a great effort. At Arlesdale, a boy inquires as to why there were two engines, to which his father replies Stuart needed assistance and so Duke came to help.

Out of all the adaptations, this is the most faithful. At least Thomas the Tank Engine wasn't narrating this story, but why was he at the station at the end? But this story does teach kids not to talk bad about their elders, because they may have a trick or two up their sleeves.

RWS rating: 9.5/10.

TV rating: 9/10.

80. Sleeping Beauty.

Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.

Aired: US: 16 April 1995. UK: 17 October 1995. AUS: 23 April 1996.

The Small Controller, the Thin Clergyman and the Fat Clergyman hear the story of Duke and go looking for him. After a long search the Fat Clergyman stumbles and falls onto Duke's boiler. Duke is apprehensive, but cheers up when he finds the Duke is coming. Duke, to his dismay, is sent to Arlesburgh by lorry, but is happier to discover he is still popular, and Donald carries him to the Skarloey Railway on a lowloader. Sir Handel and Peter Sam find him beside the shed, and tease him by saying they can now keep him in order. Duke plays along and falls asleep happily in the sunshine.

 

This is certainly the loosest of the 4 adaptations. The standard gauge engines were shoehorned at the beginning and end, the Arlesdale Railway and its engines were cut, the Fat and Thin Clergymen were cut, and Fat Controller was in charge of the Skarloey Railway, and Thomas the Tank Engine was narrating the whole story. Plus, Duke was taken by a lorry, then to Skarloey and Rheneas instead of Donald taking him. What poor structure. Why are these stories in the wrong order? The stories in this book should have been adapted last, not first! What a shame too, since the original was spectacular!

RWS rating: 10/10.

TV rating: 6/10.

Final thoughts:

Throughout this review, it seems like I had been bashing this book, but that's not the case. This book was fantastic. The adaptations didn't completely follow the stories and were adapted far too early. If I were to turn back the clock to 1994, I would tell Britt not to adapt these stories first, or at least not mention the names, Sir Handel or Peter Sam before their official introductions. Why did they do all of this? It's just going to confuse little kids! And speaking of confusing, that is very hypocritical of a vain businesswoman who said The Missing Coach would be too confusing for little kids. Now that the Thin Clergyman and the Arlesdale trio have been rendered in CGi, let's hope a follow up to The Adventure Begins is a readaptation of this book, and hopefully Andrew can get right what Britt didn't between 1994 and 1995. If that won't suit his grace, what will?



Rating: 9.8/10.

RWS Scorecard:

25. Duke the Lost Engine: 9.8/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 7.8/10.

Season 4 scorecard:

1. Granpuff: 8/10.

2. Sleeping Beauty: 6/10.

3. Bulldog: 8.5/10.

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

Season 4 rating so far: 7.5/10.









RWS No. 40: New Little Engine.

Time for me to review a book of The Railway Series. Before I review it, the usual disclaimer:


THE OPINIONS AND RAMBLINGS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE SOLELY MINE AND DON'T REFLECT THOSE OF ANYBODY ELSE


The book I'm reviewing is...

40. New Little Engine.

Written by: Christopher Awdry.
Illustrated by: Clive Spong.

Released: 8 August 1996.

In 1991, the Talyllyn Railway built their own number 7 engine, so in 1996, the Skarloey Railway decided to build their own. How does that stack up? Let's dive right in!

Foreword:

Dear Friends,
Peter Sam has been working on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales. The Thin Controller's Railway became so busy that he had to bring Peter Sam home to help. Sir Handel was jealous, but Peter Sam told us about the time he was ill while he was in Wales. It seemed too good a story to waste, so I decided to share it with you. I hope Peter Sam isn't too upset...
The Author.

 Speedkiller

Rusty is given the tedious job of spraying weedkiller on the rails. Meanwhile, Rheneas has to fetch another coach after a huge influx of visitors, making him late. He has to slow down at a steep hill for some hedgecutters too, spoiling his chances of a good run at it. Because of the weedkiller, Rheneas eventually grinds to a halt and slips down the hill. His crew put sand on the rails and Rheneas makes his way up. Though the passengers have little time to enjoy the scenery at the lake, they are pleased with Rheneas' brave efforts.

This story is obviously Gallant Old Engine all over again, except that story told us how Rheneas had to battle bad weather to get his passengers home. Was Christopher Awdry taking ideas from his dad? What I really don't like about this story is that it could have been used to give Fred a chance to shine, but no. They didn't!

My rating: 4/10.

 Sir Handel's Plan



Sir Handel is jealous when Peter Sam is brought back from Wales especially to help with the engine shortage, and when he is convinced he sees Peter Sam grinning at him from the shed he is furious and deliberately knocks his firebars loose, resulting in his being sent to the shed. However, as the days pass and no one comes, Sir Handel worries he will stay there forever. When the Thin Controller finally comes in one day, Sir Handel confesses and the Thin Controller, thinking quickly, thanks Sir Handel for admitting his mistake and arranges for him to receive some new firebars, which, he neglects to tell him, had only been delivered that morning.

Oh, Sir Handel! You really don't know when to settle down, do you?

Question: Why would Sir Handel be jealous of Peter Sam going to Wales? I mean Sir Handel went to Wales before!

Anyway, this story is a decent step up from the first story, and you can't help but feel sorry for Sir Handel when he's left alone.

My rating: 7/10.

Dirty Water

Peter Sam tells Kathy and Lizzie, two young holidaymakers, a story about the water on the Talyllyn Railway. He remembered that something was put to the water to enhance its flavour, but one day he found it awful. His crew were unconcerned, but when he started from a station, a spray of filthy white sludge was blasted out of his funnel. Talyllyn took his train, but unfortunately for him, he had to stay on a siding for the visitors. It was later discovered too much of the special powder was put in the water, and he later got a good washout. Kathy and Lizzie find the story hilarious, and leave the shed in a fit of giggles.

Poor Peter Sam. He can't catch a break, can he? When he tells his story about his trip to Wales to Kathy and Lizzie, they burst into laughter. Anyway, this is a nice step up from the first 2 stories.

My rating: 9.5/10.



I Name This Engine

All the gossip on the Skarloey Railway is about the identity of the new engine, but even the details of the naming ceremony are being kept under covers. At last, the day comes and Skarloey is chosen to pull a special train to collect the guests and pull them back to Crovan's Gate. However, on the way back a sow and her piglets stray onto the line, and the guests have to capture them and put them in their field. The train is late, but at last they arrive at the ceremony, and when Mr. Hugh does the naming he is amazed and honoured to discover the engine has been named in his honour: Ivo Hugh.

Wow, after all that build-up, we get a huge letdown! Just introduce a new engine, and he doesn't say anything or do anything, and they say Lady and Bertram didn't do anything! They could have given Ivo Hugh a line or two, or at least give us a little info about his personality, but instead, we got........nothing. And before anyone says "it takes time to build an engine!", Jock was fully built and speaking in the third story of Jock the New Engine! Also, I've looked at the illustrations of the naming party, and it says "All the engines except Skarloey were there." Where's Duke's tender? Also, where are Rusty and Fred?

My rating: 2/10.

Final thoughts:

Bottom Line: This is the weakest book of the Railway Series! Yes, I think it's weaker than James' books, Wilbert's book and Jock's book! They could have used this book to show us what Fred and Ivo Hugh's characters are like! But no! Fred got no illustrated appearance, and Ivo Hugh, the star of the book, got no speaking role! It's such a shame that, after Reverend Awdry passed away, we got no more RWS books until 2007 and 2011, leaving Fred and Ivo Hugh blank states.

Overall book rating: 5.7/10.

Railway Series scorecard:

40. I Name This Engine: 5.7/10.

Book series rating so far: 5.7/10.