RWS No. 34. Jock the New Engine

Now, we're going to another Railway Series review. One to feature some of the most popular characters.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

34. Jock the New Engine.

Written by: Christopher Awdry.

Illustrated by: Clive Spong.

Published: 6 August 1990.

We're ready to return to the Arlesdale Railway. What have they been up to since their first book?

Foreword:
Dear Friends,
The Arlesdale Railway is a narrow-gauge line which runs inland along a beautiful valley. It starts at the terminus of Duck's branch line, and Duck and Oliver bring many visitors. So many, in fact, that Rex, Bert and Mike found that they couldn't carry them all on their own. And that was why Jock was built. I like Jock - I hope you will too.

The Author

We Need Another Engine.

Small Railway Engines has just been published, but the Thin Clergyman, unaware of Frank the diesel's presence on the Arlesdale Railway, did not include him, much to Frank's fury. Frank refuses to start the next morning, and when he does, he jerks into the back of the shed. Frank feels ashamed, but redeems himself later when Rex's steampipe leaks and he has to rescue Rex's train. The Small Controller is pleased, but does not want Frank to have to do all the rescue work and starts thinking...

It makes perfect sense that Frank wasn't around in Small Railway Engines, but why would he be jealous about not appearing? Though it was great that they added technology to the railway, yet the said book was published in 1967, the year this story takes place. But it was heroic of Frank to help out.

My rating: 7/10.

Sticking Power.

Bert is feeling under the weather; Rex and Mike are very unsympathetic. The problem is attributed to his tubes, but Bert cheers up when the fitter tells him that a new engine is being built. Bert makes good time, but when he starts again his coupling breaks. His driver has an idea and glues Bert to the coaches with glue. In the shed, Bert tells the others of his adventure and goes to sleep after teasing the others about not having "sticking-power".

The way Bert's driver glued his coupling may seem sketchy, but it was very creative how he did it, and the title "Sticking Power" makes perfect sense since glue is sticky. This proves that Bert can still be strong even if on one piston despite his age.

My rating: 9.5/10.

Jock.

Bert lets the others in on his secret. A few weeks later, the unnamed engine, who is ochre in colour, comes out for testing. When Douglas sees the engine, he recalls some engines in the Highlands with that colour who were called "Jocks". The engine is delighted, and the happy Small Controller christens the engine "Jock".

Yellow's not a silly colour for an engine. I mean Douglas mentioned the Highland engines and they were yellow. So think of this before complaining about Molly and Rebecca being yellow.

Take this story into account before saying "It takes time to build an engine", but it was....well, interesting to say the least, to introduce Jock. 

My rating: 7.5/10.

Teamwork.

By the time the holiday months come again, Jock has proven his worth and becomes cocky, more so when he single-handedly moves a lorry's trailer into the yard. Next day, Mike is surprised to find Jock is double-heading with him due to popular demand. Mike has an idea, and his driver gradually shuts off steam, leaving Jock to do the work. At the Green, Mike's injector fails, giving Jock another reason to pull Mike. In the end, little time is lost, and Jock and Mike apologise for their antics.

This story without a doubt the story that shows Jock's character, being a showoff, especially due to the lorry's trailer he pulled. Good thing Jock and Mike made up in the end after showing off their teamwork!

My rating: 9/10.

Stray observations:

Bert still looks the way he did in the first book, yet his basis now has a taller cab and a taller funnel and a taller dome, yet the book takes place after 1975. Maybe this is why he looks this way on TV albeit with blue wheels. 

Final thoughts:

This was a decent book to say the least, but some of the continuity errors put me off, especially with Bert's shape puzzling me. And they blame Sam Barlow's team for continuity errors. But even so, this is a decent read overall since it gave Jock his chance to shine, something they failed to do with Ivo Hugh and Fred. 

My rating: 8.3/10.

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.

19. Mountain Engines: 9.3/10.

20. Very Old Engines: 9.1/10.

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.

28. James and the Diesel Engines: 7.8/10.

29. Great Little Engines: 8.9/10.

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

31. Gordon the High-Speed Engine: 9.1/10.

32. Toby, Trucks and Trouble: 9.1/10.

33. Thomas and the Twins: 9.4/10.

34. Jock the New Engine: 8.3/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.1/10.

RWS No. 33: Thomas and the Twins

Starting from this book, I am no longer comparing any TV adaptations to any RWS stories since no more were adapted until Season 20.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

33. Thomas and the Twins.

Written by: Christopher Awdry.

Illustrated by: Clive Spong.
Published: 11 September 1989.

Now we're delving into what Thomas did during the events of Toby, Trucks and Trouble. How do they stack up?

Foreword:
Dear Friends,
Bill and Ben keep asking if they can be in a book again. Well, in Cornwall during 1988, I met Bill and Ben's twins and talked to the Driver of one of them at Par. He set me thinking, and this is the result: if our china clay twins enjoy being in a book again, they should thank him not me. I hope you will enjoy the stories too.

The Author

Scrambled Eggs.

The Fat Controller has to make a weight limit on one of the bridges on Thomas' Branch Line. Thomas exceeds it, so he is sent to Edward's Branch Line. Edward decides to try to cheer him up by taking him to meet Bill and Ben, but they only make him cross. Meanwhile, a farmer is taking some dairy to market when his lorry breaks down. He is calling for help when Thomas crashes into the trailer, getting covered in broken eggs. Even though his crew tries to clean them off, they are cooked by the heat from Thomas' boiler and stick fast. When Thomas finally arrives at Brendam, Bill and Ben tease him even more.

This is one funny way to start the book! Bill and Ben were all "Not another blue engine!", and Thomas getting covered in egg yolks was funny! Bill and Ben thinking it a better colour makes sense since they're yellow too. I honestly don't know why they didn't consider this story for TV. It would've been a hilarious adaptation!

My rating: 10/10.

What a Picture!

After Edward threatens the twins that he will not bring some enthusiasts to see them if they continue teasing Thomas, they start behaving again. On the big day, a ship runs aground and Ben goes to try and pull it into deeper waters before the tide goes out. The enthusiasts go to watch, except for a man who continuously takes pictures of Bill. He sets up his camera for the best one yet when Ben's driver comes along asking for help and Bill's driver turns a tap, creating a huge cloud of steam. After helping Ben, Bill and his driver discover the photo lying discarded on the ground, for only Bill's funnel is showing.

Ha! Another funny story! Bill and Ben never cease to amuse! And Bill only having his funnel shown is comical too! Just goes to show what happens when you take your teasing too far. 

My rating: 9.5/10.

Trevor Helps Out.

Trevor is feeling under the weather with some boiler trouble, but is able to see a fallen tree in a field. Meanwhile, Edward, who is passing by, finds the rails bumpy, and decides to tell the breakdown gang. He forgets, and is returning from Brendam when his last few trucks derail. Edward does not realise this, but Trevor hears the guard's whistle and cries out to Edward. As a reward for preventing a potential accident, the Fat Controller arranges for Trevor to be repaired.

This is another good story overall. Trevor helping out once again after a long time of not having any work. Interesting to see Trevor get another role in 35 years since his debut. The one thing that puzzles me about this is that "Edward's last 6 trucks came off the rails" when there were 6 trucks in the entire train. But even so, this is a good story and it would've been good for TV. 

My rating: 8.5/10.

Down the Drain.

Near the China Clay Workings is a dip in the land which is often flooded with water from the nearby sea. One wet day, Ben is taking some trucks to Brendam when the strong wind blows a wave into the cab, dousing his fire. His fireman gets Thomas for help, and he pulls Ben away from the water. When Bill is able to return from the quarry a few days later, he and Ben decide never tease Thomas again as it would show their ingratitude after he helped them.

Without a doubt the story that grows Bill and Ben as characters, as they apologised to Thomas in the end after his heroic moment of pulling Ben out of the flooded drain. This would've been an interesting story for TV. Don't know why they didn't consider this. 

My rating: 9.5/10.

Stray observations:

Where was Boco in all this? Was he working on the main line in all this book?

Final thoughts:

Another brilliant book overall. Bill and Ben's antics never get old, Trevor's return was well done, and the twins finally accept Thomas. One of Christopher's best overall. 

My rating: 9.4/10.

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.

19. Mountain Engines: 9.3/10.

20. Very Old Engines: 9.1/10.

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.

28. James and the Diesel Engines: 7.8/10.

29. Great Little Engines: 8.9/10.

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

31. Gordon the High-Speed Engine: 9.1/10.

32. Toby, Trucks and Trouble: 9.1/10.

33. Thomas and the Twins: 9.4/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.1/10.

RWS No. 32: Toby, Trucks and Trouble + Season 4 overall

Here comes the first Railway Series book without "Engine" or "Engines" in the title.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

32. Toby, Trucks and Trouble.
Written by: Christopher Awdry.
Illustrated by: Clive Spong.
Published: 19 September 1988.

It's time to return to Thomas' branch line, but how does it play off?

Foreword:

Dear Friends,
Trucks are silly things. They rattle, bang and chatter to each other so much that they can never hear what their engine says. Even if they did, they probably wouldn't take any notice. They pushed Mavis into a lorry, and that made extra work for Toby and Percy while she was being mended.

But on the other hand, perhaps they're not all bad - after all, they did teach Bulstrode a lesson. See what you think.

The Author

Mavis and the Lorry.

Mavis is bringing trucks down from Anopha Quarry when she sees a lorry at the crossing, where vehicles often come across with dangerous speed and turns. The driver, who is new to Sodor and does not expect to see an engine, has his lorry turned over into a ditch when it collides with Mavis. Although the driver is unharmed but surprised, Mavis' cowcatcher is bent, and while she is being mended Toby is sent to work at the quarry, leaving Percy with extra work.

Well, here's a story that focuses on Mavis, and it turned out pretty good. Just goes to show how dangerous it can be to drive a vehicle so fast. This episode would've been brilliant for TV as it can show dangerous speeding can lead to consequences. But the problem here is why was the lorry on its side instead of on the ditch?

My rating: 9.5/10.

103. Toby's Seaside Holiday/Special Attraction. (Part 1)

Toby remiscises about his days working at a harbour in Yarmouth. One day, his crew told him they were allowed to go to a local village's seaside festival. After receiving brand-new paintwork, he set off to the village. After a night on a siding, Toby was told they did not have room for him, but the real reason was that they were afraid he would show everyone else up. However, Toby's daydream is interrupted when his crew returns. Toby leaves, noting the Fat Controller would have organised the whole event better.

Don't know why this was combined with Bulstrode when it was adapted for TV. It would've been wiser to adapt the 2 stories as individuals since this story tells about how Toby used to work in Yarmouth. Now if only we could find out how he moved to East Anglia. 

My rating: 9/10.

103. Bulstrode/Special Attraction. (Part 2)
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 17 November 1995. US: 20 November 1995. AUS: 24 May 1996.

Percy is told to go to Knapford Harbour to help with an emergency. There, the trucks ask him to unload their stone into Bulstrode, a cantankerous old barge to get away from his constant complaining. Unfortunately as Percy starts to push, a coupling breaks and some trucks run into Bulstrode, who nearly drowns, but luckily for him the tide is out. The trucks are sad of losing their friends, but happy because they won't have to deal with Bulstrode anymore. The workmen rescue some stone, Percy takes the broken trucks to the scrapyard, and Bulstrode is towed to a beach so children can play in him.

It would've been wiser if Bulstrode was adapted on its own. 'eck, have Bulstrode the Barge say rude words to Percy the Small Engine to make it feel more complete, like the Story Library book that's based on this story. Saying this is a bad adaptation would be stretching it, but overall, Special Attraction was alright, at least it shows that bullies get what's coming to them. 

RWS rating: 9/10.

TV rating: 6.5/10.

Toby Takes the Road.

Terence takes care of the shunting for Percy while he is at the harbour, and brags about how he can "go anywhere and do anything". Then one day, Toby is going to the quarry one frosty morning. At the crossing, the earth has swelled over the rails, derailing Toby and creating two long ruts in the road nearby. With some quick thinking on the fireman's part Toby gets back on the rails, and his crew spread some of his ashes to prevent that incident from happening again. The Fat Controller soon finds out, but all he says is that Toby should stick to the railway. Toby happily agrees.

Who would've known that Terence would finally get another Railway Series appearance in almost 40 years? I tell you, it was interesting to see Toby go on the road for a change, especially since some trams have travelled on roads. This story would've been a great choice for TV.

My rating: 9/10.

Stray observations:

Christopher regretted not using "Engines" in the title since it broke the tradition of the book series, but it did lead to extra book ideas.

Final thoughts:

Another of Christopher's best books. More story ideas, the introduction of Bulstrode, and the return of Terence, and we learn more about Toby the Tram Engine's backstory. Hmm...where was Thomas in this book? We'll find out in the next book. 

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.

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.

19. Mountain Engines: 9.3/10.

20. Very Old Engines: 9.1/10.

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.

28. James and the Diesel Engines: 7.8/10.

29. Great Little Engines: 8.9/10.

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

31. Gordon the High-Speed Engine: 9.1/10.

32. Toby, Trucks and Trouble: 9.1/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.1/10.

Season 4 final thoughts:

I don't see Season 4 as the best season of the show. Sure, it had many solid adaptations and beautiful scenery, but the main problem with it is the narrow gauge engines had more than half of the season. Not that they're bad characters or anything. You know, if I was the creator of the TV series, I would've adapted all of books 1-8 for Season 1, books 9-16 for Season 2, books 17, 19-24 for Season 3, book 18 as a special, book 25 as a special and books 26-32 for Season 4 and books 32-40 for Season 5. But instead, the structure was kind of weak, the standard gauge episodes were a bit of filler and the Duke stories were adapted first instead of last. But even so, I still love this season regardless.

Season 4 episodes from least favourite to favourite:

5/10.

26. Mind that Bike.

25. Rusty to the Rescue.

5.5/10.

24. Thomas and Stepney.

6/10.

23. Sleeping Beauty.

6.5/10.

22. Special Attraction.

8/10.

21. Granpuff.

20. A Bad Day for Sir Handel.

19. Special Funnel.

8.5/10.

18. Henry and the Elephant.

17. Bulls Eyes.

16. Toad Stands By.

15. Bulldog.

14. Trucks!

9/10.

13. Paint Pots and Queens.

12. You Can't Win.

11. 4 Little Engines.

10. Train Stops Play.

9.5/10.

9. Home at Last.

8. Passengers and Polish.

7. Steam Roller.

6. Bowled Out.

10/10.

5. Rock n' Roll.

4. Gallant Old Engine.

3. Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady.

2. Fish.

1. Thomas and the Special Letter.

Season 4 average score: 9/10.

Final score: 9.1/10.

TTTE S3E25: Percy, James and the Fruitful Day + Season 3 overall

I'm going to review an episode with the Percy and James dynamic and it'll be my last Season 3 review on Thomas.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

77. Percy, James and the Fruitful Day.

Based on "Percy Gets Jammed" by Andrew Brenner.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 7 July 1992. AUS: 19 March 1993. US: 2 April 1993.

One day, James is waiting at the junction when Percy arrives with some troublesome trucks. James tells Percy that engines should always be on time while he puffs away. Percy thinks James is being bossy and ignores him. It is market day when James arrives at the harbour to see all the wonderful fruits from far away lands. James' trucks are filled and he sets off along the main line. On the way, he meets Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel and cannot resist boasting. Thomas knows that there will be trouble ahead for boastful James.

Back at the yard, Percy is busy shunting when the stationmaster tells his driver that James' brakes are jammed and that Percy has to go and help him at once. Percy quickly sets off and soon finds James stranded on the main line. Percy cannot resist laughing and teasing James. Percy's driver soon intervenes and asks Percy if he can push the trucks of fruit. Soon, Percy is coupled to the trucks and sets off. Percy is in a hurry and is not paying full attention to the line. He has not seen that the points has failed and that he has been diverted into a siding - until it is too late. Percy crashes into the buffers and gets covered in sticky fruit. The Fat Controller sternly reminds Percy that while the point failure is not his fault, his railway is not a jam factory.


That night in the sheds, all the engines are silent until Thomas reminds everyone that they are all Really Useful Engines.

This is one funny episode, especially when Percy crashed James' fruit train into a siding, and when all the squashed fruit covered him. Though there's one minor problem with this episode. Why were Annie and Clarabel in sidings instead of behind Thomas the Tank Engine? Unless they were being inspected in their siding.

But even so, the Percy and James dynamic is very well executed here and fun to watch.

My rating: 10/10.

Season 3 final thoughts:

Season 3 was, without a doubt, the best season of the show. Okay, it really did stick out to me as a kid, so I guess I'm being biased. The well done scenery, the way it moved away from adapting Railway Series stories even if Wilbert disapproved, especially of Henry's Forest, but I digress. And of course a few of the adaptations were loose, especially Tender Engines and The Trouble with Mud. And of course it would've been better if Thomas and the Evil Diesel, Super Rescue and Gordon Goes Foreign were adapted and Percy Takes the Plunge was held off for this season, but I digress. So again, Season 3 was, to me, the best of the show and I feel no season tops it. 

Season 3 episodes from least favourite to favourite:

6/10.

26. Tender Engines.

25. The Trouble with Mud.

7/10.

24. Diesel Does it Again.

7.5/10.

23. No Joke for James.

8/10.

22. Oliver Owns Up.

21. Time for Trouble.

8.5/10.

20. Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure.*
19. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party.

9/10.

18. Mavis.
17. Toby's Tightrope.
16. Buzz, Buzz.

9.5/10.
15. Donald's Duck.

14. Bulgy.

13. A Scarf for Percy.

12. One Good Turn...

11. Percy's Promise.

10. Henry's Forest.

9. Thomas, Percy and the Dragon.

8. Gordon and the Famous Visitor.

10/10.

7. Percy, James and the Fruitful Day.

6. Thomas, Percy and the Post Train.
5. Heroes.

4. Escape!

3. All At Sea.

2. Trust Thomas.

1. Thomas Gets Bumped.

Season 3 average score: 9.5/10.

Final score: 9.4/10.

TTTE S3E19: One Good Turn...

Are you ready for some mischief? Here comes another Season 3 review on Thomas.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the image

71. One Good Turn...
Based on "Head On" and "Pulling Together" by Andrew Brenner.
Adapted by: Britt Allcroft and David Mitton.
Aired: UK: 26 May 1992. AUS: 11 March 1993. US: 20 August 1993.

Bill and Ben are sent to help in the yard at Wellsworth. When the arrive they tease BoCo like usual, and then start shunting. Soon they finish and as a reward for their hard work, they are allowed to have a go on the turntable.

Bill goes first and stays on the table until the foreman orders him off. Unfortunately, Bill is sent onto the same line as Ben, and they end up buffer to buffer. They argue about who is in whose way until the Fat Controller finally silences both of them.

Each blames the other for the incident, and the next day, they decide to give each other the silent treatment and badmouth one another to BoCo and Edward. Eventually, Edward and BoCo, at the end of their tether, make a plan to get Bill and Ben back to together, their plan is then carried on to the Fat Controller.


The Fat Controller tells the twins to take BoCo's heavy goods train, and Ben claims to be able to pull it himself. When he discovers the train is too heavy for him, the twins realise their mistake and work together to pull the train, therefore making up for their quarrel.


Oh, Bill and Ben! Your antics never get old. But one thing puzzles me about this. How could the foreman stop the turntable in the wrong spot? He could've found a different spot to let Bill off.

And it's all thanks to Boco's train that helped Bill and Ben make up their quarrel, and it was funny at the beginning when one of the twins pulled away from the rock hopper.

My rating: 9.5/10.

Season 3 scorecard:

1. A Scarf for Percy: 9.5/10.

2. Percy's Promise: 9.5/10.

3. Time for Trouble: 8/10.

4. Gordon and the Famous Visitor: 9.5/10.

5. Donald's Duck: 9.5/10.

6. Thomas Gets Bumped: 10/10.

7. Thomas, Percy and the Dragon: 9.5/10.

8. Diesel Does it Again: 7/10.

9. Henry's Forest: 9.5/10.

10. The Trouble with Mud: 6/10.

11. No Joke for James: 7.5/10.

12. Thomas, Percy and the Post Train: 10/10.

13. Trust Thomas: 10/10.

14. Mavis: 9/10.

15. Toby's Tightrope: 9/10.

16. Edward, Trevor and the Really Useful Party: 8.5/10.

17. Buzz, Buzz: 9/10.

18. All at Sea: 10/10.

19. One Good Turn...: 9.5/10.

20. Tender Engines: 6/10.

21. Escape: 10/10.

22. Oliver Owns Up: 8/10.

23. Bulgy: 9.5/10.

24. Heroes: 10/10.

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

Season 3 rating so far: 9.3/10.

RWS No. 31: Gordon the High-Speed Engine

Out of the way! Review coming through! It's the 2nd book dedicated solely to Gordon.

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

31. Gordon the High-Speed Engine.
Written by: Christopher Awdry.
Illustrated by: Clive Spong.
Published: 7 September 1987.

It's been more than 30 years since Gordon's first book to himself, and after that, he had only one story to himself (Domeless Engines) but let's see how this book grows him as a character.

Foreword:

Dear Friends,
Over here on the Other Railway we are used to High-Speed Trains, and know how useful they can be. But when Gordon first heard of them he began boasting about how fast he could go. He should have known better, because he only landed himself in disgrace and made the Fat Controller cross. These stories tell how hard Gordon worked to redeem himself and make the Fat Controller think again.

The Author

High-Speed Gordon.

Gordon is jealous when Donald talks about high-speed engines and boasts that he can go faster. He sets out to prove it when he takes the Express. Unfortunately, Gordon slips on the slippery rails and the water in his boiler surges forwards, making him unable to stop creating steam even though he cannot move forward. Donald takes him back to the shed after he runs out of steam and the rails Gordon was running on are replaced.

Funny how Gordon the Big Engine is still jealous of engines who are faster than him. Hmm, haven't learned your lesson from City of Truro, have you Gordon? Just goes to show you're not always as fast as you're made out to be.

My rating: 8.5/10.

Smoke Screen.

Gordon feels "stuffed up" and sneezes at Wellsworth, unfortunately spraying soot onto a party of wedding guests. The Fat Controller delays a visit to the mainland to apologise to the guests, but has to wait for another train to get home, when Gordon steams back past and some ashes fall onto his top hat. When Gordon gets home an inspector comes up with a message telling Gordon that he will be disciplined when the Fat Controller returns.

If anyone remembers Henry sneezing in Henry's Sneeze, it was out of revenge on the boys who threw stones at him, but in this story, Gordon's the one who sneezes on some wedding guests, but this time, it was an accident. Strange how Fat Controller believed Gordon ashed his top hat. 

My rating: 8/10.

Fire Escape.

Gordon, trying to make amends, is rushing at his hill when a firebar collapses. Thinking quickly, the driver tells the fireman to put a large piece of coal over the hole. Gordon manages to struggle to a loop, and BoCo comes to help. The Fat Controller thanks BoCo and is about to say something to Gordon when he has to go to his train, leaving Gordon in suspense.

Well, this is a good step up from the previous stories. When Gordon's firebar collapses, it's Boco to the rescue! It was nice of Gordon to try and make amends. 

My rating: 9.5/10.

Gordon Proves his Point.

Gordon is at Barrow-in-Furness when a porter asks him to take a train of enthusiasts up to Carlisle. The Fat Controller gives his consent, and two powercars called Pip and Emma take the Express back to Tidmouth. James, who is taking a stopping train, is asked to help Pip and Emma after Pip breaks down. At Tidmouth, the Fat Controller thanks James and asks him to make Pip and Emma welcome. When Gordon returns, the Fat Controller forgives him for his smokescreen and tells him that the ashes came from an ashtray being emptied by a steward. Gordon takes the passengers home.

This was a very well done wrap up of this book. It further develops Gordon's character, and we get the introduction of an electric train composed of Pip and Emma. And Fat Controller admitted to his mistake here, it was actually a steward emptying an ashtray. And Gordon finally accepting high-speed trains is a positive. 

My rating: 10/10.

Stray observations:

Is it just me or do these 3 illustrations bear a resemblance to each other? 

Also, in the 1st illustration of this book, is Donald given Douglas' tender or is Douglas given Donald's nameplate? And they blame Jam-Filled for animation errors.

Final thoughts:

A nice way to give Gordon another book. It further develops his character and he's now accepting high-speed engines. We got the introduction of Pip and Emma. Too bad these 2 never made it to TV. But still, this is a very good book.

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.

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.

19. Mountain Engines: 9.3/10.

20. Very Old Engines: 9.1/10.

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.

28. James and the Diesel Engines: 7.8/10.

29. Great Little Engines: 8.9/10.

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

31. Gordon the High-Speed Engine: 9.1/10.

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.2/10.

RWS No. 29: Great Little Engines

Time to go back to the Skarloey Engines to see if they're Great Little Engines. 

Special thanks to Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia for the images

29. Great Little Engines.

Written by: Christopher Awdry.
Illustrated by: Clive Spong.
Published: 28 October 1985.

Life is never dull on the Skarloey Railway, and not much has changed since Duke returned and went to the works. What happens here?

Foreword:

Dear Friends,
Sir Handel has been helping on the Talyllyn Railway, at Towyn, in Wales.

"You could write a book about it," he said when I went to see him.

Sir Handel was conceited before he went: whatever would happen, I thought, if he had a book all to himself? But some of his adventures were too good to waste, so I mixed them with stories about the other engines. That ought to keep everyone happy.

The Author

Patience is a Virtue.

Sir Handel is delighted to have been chosen to visit the Talyllyn Railway, but cannot leave until Duke's restoration has been completed. When summer comes, Sir Handel's trains become longer. One day at the waterfall there are not enough coaches and some passengers have to crowd in Beatrice. Sir Handel becomes impatient waiting for the guard to check all the tickets, and when he can finally go Sir Handel leaves without the guard. Luckily, a passenger presses Beatrice's emergency buzzer and Sir Handel realises his mistake. Sir Handel collects the guard and races home, and arrives at Crovan's Gate on time, where the guard reminds him "patience is a virtue".

This story just copies Thomas and the Guard, but in a good way. Of course Gordon calls Sir Handel "indispensable" which Sir Handel misheard as "Insensible", funny how Sir Handel could mishear that. The title of this story spoils the moral. Patience is a Virtue. Silly Sir Handel!

My rating: 9.5/10. 

Peter Sam and the Prickly Problem.

With Duke fully restored, Sir Handel leaves for the Talyllyn Railway. Meanwhile, men have been trimming bushes so the passengers can see the scenery, but Rusty does not have enough time to pick up the branches and so they remain where they are. One day, Peter Sam sees some branches on the line, and, not wanting to miss James' train, recklessly ploughs through. Unfortunately, they become jammed in his valve gear and although the worst is cut out Peter Sam's front feels very sore for several days afterwards.

Poor Peter Sam! Can't catch a break, can he? First the engines laugh about his special funnel, and now, they laugh at him for having a prickly problem! If Rusty didn't have enough time to pick up the branches, maybe the men could've picked them up. Though this just goes to show how careful you have to be around nature.

My rating: 8/10.

Pop Special.

Some boy scouts are camping near the Skarloey Railway and the scoutmaster arranges for them to do work on the line. One sweltering day, Duncan is stopped by the scoutmaster, who is afraid the Scouts will become cross if they do not get their soda. The Refreshment Lady has run out of soda, but another tea-shop has enough to spare, and Duncan delivers the soda to the grateful scouts.

Here we go! Some character development for Duncan. He didn't complain one bit about having to deliver soda to the scouts. Nice of him to do that, and heroic too. Good to hear about a Refreshment Lady. 

My rating: 9.5/10.

Sir Handel Comes Home.

Sir Handel returns from the Talyllyn and tells the engines about his adventures. Some members of the royal family came to visit during his stay, and although Sir Handel did not get to pull their train he did get to pull a party of wedding guests. When Peter Sam talks about his incident with the branches Sir Handel remembers a similar incident: he was puffing to Nant Gwernol when a fallen tree hit him in the face. Although his eye was not badly hurt, his crew made a huge fuss about it and even went so far as to bandage his eye and give him an eyepatch. Sir Handel loved his trip, but is glad to be home.

Don't know why, but Sir Handel with an eyepatch was funny. And it's too bad we didn't see in full detail what he did while he was at the Talyllyn Railway. Makes perfect sense the foreword for this book to show every story in this book be mixed. 

My rating: 9.5/10.

Stray observations:

Duke was at the sheds in Patience is a Virtue. Why? He was supposed to be at the works!

The very same year this book was published, Sir Hadyn, Sir Handel's basis, was painted red to look like Sir Handel so that the last story could be based on the real event.

Why was Sir Handel in the sheds in the last illustrations in Peter Sam and the Prickly Problem? He was supposed to be at Wales. 

Final thoughts:

This is a very good way to continue the books that Christopher wrote. Too bad he didn't write much for these little engines, especially considering how well he wrote this book. 

My rating: 8.9/10.

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.

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.

19. Mountain Engines: 9.3/10.

20. Very Old Engines: 9.1/10.

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.

28. James and the Diesel Engines: 7.8/10.

29. Great Little Engines: 8.9/10.

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

40. New Little Engine: 5.7/10.

RWS rating so far: 9.2/10.