James and the Red Balloon

"Why, 'tis a floatin' basket with folk in it." "Whatever will they dream up next?"

- Donald and Douglas

James and the Red Balloon is the fifteenth episode of the sixth season.

Plot
Thomas takes a hot air balloon to Dryaw for the holidaymakers, but James points out the railway may be closed if it loses popularity due to the balloon. Later that day, Thomas and James are waiting at a crossing when the hot air balloon falls onto James' boiler. James, petrified, lets off steam, which invariably blows the balloon up again. James is upset, but perks up when the Fat Controller reminds him the holidaymakers will need a ride home.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * James
 * Percy
 * Donald and Douglas
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Duck (does not speak)
 * Stepney (does not speak)
 * Henry (cameo)
 * Bertie (cameo)
 * George (cameo)
 * Tiger Moth (cameo)
 * Annie and Clarabel (cameo)
 * Butch (cameo)
 * Stephen Hatt (cameo)
 * Bridget Hatt (cameo)
 * Jeremiah Jobling (cameo)
 * Farmer Trotter (cameo)
 * Nancy (cameo)
 * Cyril the Fogman (cameo)
 * Toad (faceless; deleted scene cameo)

Locations

 * Dryaw
 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * Maithwaite
 * Callan
 * Brendam Docks
 * The Viaduct
 * The Windmill
 * The Lighthouse
 * The Watermill (deleted scene)

Trivia

 * This story may be loosely adapted from the mini book by Christopher Awdry, James and the Balloons.
 * This is one of the few episodes of the sixth season to be renarrated by Michael Brandon.
 * A faceless toad model can be seen in a rare picture.
 * The Welsh title of this episode is "A Balloon for James". It is called "The Red Balloon" in Denmark.

Goofs

 * There is a chip on the front of Thomas' right tank at Brendam.
 * When Thomas leaves Brendam, Percy's trucks disappear.
 * The end of the tracks crossing the level crossing are visible, more so for James' side.
 * When the balloon collapses on top of James the crossing gates switch so James and Thomas can go on.
 * The footage of the balloon collapsing on top of James is reversed, as the smoke goes inward.
 * In some shots at Dryaw, the tracks running through lead to bushes at both ends.
 * The tracks under the bridge in the last shot lead to bushes.
 * Why would George have the right-of-way at the grade crossing?
 * When Percy says "What have you got there?" Thomas does not have a face.
 * A brakevan should have been added to Thomas' train.
 * Stepney looks happy when Duck bumps into him.
 * Alec Baldwin does not give Donald and Douglas Scottish accents.
 * The Storyteller's hat is falling off when Thomas arrives at Callan Station.