Edward the Blue Engine

Edward the Blue Engine was first published in 1954. It was written by the Reverend W. Awdry and illustrated by C. Reginald Dalby.

Cows
Edward is pulling some trucks when some disgruntled cows run into the train and break a coupling. Edward doesn't realise until he gets home, causing Gordon and Henry to laugh at him. Gordon is pulling a passenger train several days later when he is stopped by a cow on the viaduct. Henry, both crews and the passengers try to move her, but to no avail. Henry's guard goes for help, and a porter leads the cow's calf to the bridge to lure her away. Edward soon finds out and makes fun of the big engines.

Bertie's Chase
Thomas is late but Edward starts anyway. Bertie arrives with Thomas' passengers just as he leaves - Thomas' driver was ill - and, seeing he has left, chases him to Crosby, but misses him there too. Bertie's driver and the stationmaster make a plan, and they finally catch up with him at Wellsworth, where Bertie explains the whole story to Edward. Edward apologises and leaves.

Saved from Scrap
Edward meets a traction engine named Trevor who is due to be scrapped next week. Edward decides to find a home for Trevor, and when he sees the Vicar, he persuades him to buy Trevor. The Vicar goes to the scrapyard, and, after seeing Trevor prove his worthfulness, buys him, and Trevor goes to live in the Vicarage Orchard.

Old Iron
Edward is late. James gets cross and calls him "old iron". The next day, James' driver is ill, and while his fireman gets a "relief", two boys wander into the cab and start James. Edward chases after him and after a long chase, an inspector manages to hook James with a length of rope, and James' fireman checks his speed. The Fat Controller sends Edward to the Works, the boys are caught and disciplined, and James' driver recovers in hospital.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Edward
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Toby
 * Bertie
 * Trevor
 * Percy (not seen)
 * The Fat Controller

Goofs

 * In the fourth illustration of "Cows!" steam is rising from the hills where it is just field with no buildings.
 * When Gordon sees Bluebell his neck holders disappear.

Trivia

 * Bertie's Number plate is "CRD 54". This is a reference to the artist and the year of publication.
 * In the third illustration of "Saved from Scrap", there is a shop with the sign above the canopy reading "C.R.DA..", referring to the artist.