Thomas and Stepney

Thomas and Stepney is a fourth season episode.

Plot
Thomas is shocked to learn that there is an engine with a branchline as famous as his and that the engine might visit. The engine, Stepney, has gotten bored with the Bluebell Railway and is delighted to discover he has been invited to visit the North Western Railway. When Thomas hears the news, he is jealous and refuses to meet Stepney, but the others welcome him and he works with Duck happily all day. When it's time for Thomas' last train, he is furious to be shunted to let another train pass, and amazed to find Stepney pulling it. Thomas grumbles next morning, but Stepney explains the situation and flatters Thomas, who proceeds to tell Stepney about his branchline.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Edward
 * Percy
 * Douglas
 * Stepney
 * Rusty
 * Duck (does not speak)
 * Annie and Clarabel (do not speak)
 * Gordon (cameo)
 * Henry (cameo)
 * James (cameo)

Trivia

 * This episode is based on the story Stepney's Special from The Railway Series book, Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine.

Goofs

 * It seems unlikely Thomas would not know who Stepney was: he was there when Stepney first came to the Bluebell Railway.
 * For unknown reasons, Stepney has a different whistle in the US version. Although he uses his UK one once.
 * While the engines wait for Stepney, a tar wagon is visible behind Gordon and Henry, perched on another tar wagon.
 * When the special is ordered, the music is not heard in the US version.
 * The siding where Thomas was shunted on was not on Stepney's line, so he could have taken his passengers without colliding with Stepney.
 * A single passenger shouldn't have needed two coaches.