Percy and the Oil Painting

"Bust my buffers! You want to paint me?!"

- Percy

Percy and the Oil Painting is the first (sixth in Australia) episode of the ninth season.

Plot
The Mayor of Sodor has invited an artist to paint the "Spirit of Sodor". The Fat Controller chooses Percy to collect him and show him around. Percy is curious to know what the "Spirit of Sodor" is and Thomas tells him that it is something special about Sodor.

Percy collects the famous artist and takes him to Shen Valley. But, the famous artist dismisses it as being "too green", so Percy takes him to Norramby Beach. Once again, the famous artist is very negative and calls the sand "too yellow". The negativity of the artist makes Percy upset.

As they travel around the Island, the famous artist calls the viaduct "too tall", the windmill "too round" and Knapford Station "too busy". This makes Percy very cross and Gordon thinks that the famous artist is very rude. Percy tells the famous artist that everywhere on Sodor is special including people, children, and engines. However, Percy accidentally lets off steam, blowing the famous artist's hat into the air. The famous artist wants to see the Fat Controller immediately, which makes Percy think that he's in trouble.

However, the famous artist tells the Fat Controller that he is going to paint a picture of Percy; because he's honest, hard-working, and never afraid to speak his mind - he is the "Spirit of Sodor". That night at Knapford Station, Percy and the other engines see the painting for the first time and Percy is very happy to be the "Spirit of Sodor".

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Percy
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * The Famous Artist
 * Gordon (does not speak)
 * James (does not speak)
 * The Mayor of Sodor (does not speak)
 * Edward (cameo)
 * Henry (cameo)
 * Toby (cameo)
 * Annie and Clarabel (cameo)
 * Caroline (cameo)
 * Lady Hatt (cameo)
 * Stephen Hatt (cameo)
 * Bridget Hatt (cameo)
 * Jeremiah Jobling (cameo)
 * Refreshment Lady (cameo)
 * The Storyteller (cameo)

Locations

 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * Brendam Docks
 * Shen Valley
 * Norramby Beach
 * Hoo Valley Viaduct
 * The Windmill
 * Knapford

Trivia

 * Stock footage from Too Hot for Thomas is used.
 * The episode aired before Calling All Engines! was released, so the audience would not have known about the rebuilt Tidmouth Sheds yet.
 * Starting with this episode, the title cards are read.
 * This is the first episode narrated by Jon Kabira in Japan as well as the new Japanese voice cast.
 * This episode marks Jeremiah Jobling's last appearances to date.
 * In the American narration, the artist has a French accent.
 * According to production order, this is the sixth episode of the ninth season.

Goofs

 * Throughout the episode, Percy's cabin appears both blocked and unblocked during scenes with his drivers and painter.
 * Gordon has Henry's whistle sound at the beginning of the episode.
 * The artist is said to have bags of brushes, but he clearly only has one bag.
 * Gordon's eyes are very wonky in the first shot of Knapford.
 * The Mayor is said to pull the cord that unveils the painting, but he is missing in the close-ups.

Merchandise

 * Books - Percy and the Spirit of the Island of Sodor
 * Magazine Stories - Percy and the Painting

Home Media Releases
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UK

 * The Spirit of Sodor
 * The Complete Series 9
 * The Best of Percy

DVD Packs

 * Classic Collection
 * The Best of Friends

US

 * Thomas and the Toy Workshop

DVD Boxsets

 * Thomas and the Toy Workshop/Thomas and the Really Brave Engines and Other Adventures Double Feature
 * Sodor Friends Holiday Collection
 * Ultimate Thomas Collection

AUS

 * The Complete Series 9

DVD Packs

 * Complete Series 1-10
 * The Essential Collection (5 DVD Boxset)
 * Series Nine and Series Ten Double Pack
 * Series Nine and The Great Discovery Double Pack

MYS

 * Back to School Compilation
 * Best Friends and Other Adventures
 * Bold and Brave and Other Adventures
 * Mighty Mac and Other Adventures

NOR/DNK/FIN/SWE

 * Thomas and the Rainbow

GER

 * The Ghost Locomotive

NL

 * Thomas and the Birthday Picnic (Dutch DVD)

HUN

 * Thomas the Tank Engine 7 - Boldly and Courageously

JPN

 * Thomas the Tank Engine Series 9 Vol.4
 * Thomas and the Rainbow (Japanese DVD)

SPN

 * Thomas and Friends - Volume 8 (Spanish DVD)

DVD Boxsets

 * Second Season (Spanish DVD)

SA

 * Milkshake Muddle

THA
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 * Thomas and Friends - Volume 28 (Thai DVD)
 * Thomas and Friends Volume 25 (Thai DVD)