Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon

"I know, Sir, my birthday flag. It just might be big enough!"

- Duncan

Duncan and the Hot Air Balloon is the eleventh episode of the twelfth season.

Plot
Duncan is disappointed to learn that instead of taking the Percival twins on a special train ride for their birthday, they will be having a ride in the hot air balloon. When Duncan collects the balloon, he is told to go carefully. But when he comes across some bumpy track, the balloon becomes untethered. Duncan slyly bangs into the balloon, causing it to float away. However, when the weather-vane on Mr. Percival's house tears a hole in the balloon, Duncan sees the error of his ways and owns up to Mr. Percival. Duncan collects the balloon repair man, who has little hope of repairing the balloon until Duncan suggests using his birthday flag.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Duncan
 * Mr. Percival
 * The Balloon Repairman
 * Peter Sam (does not speak)
 * The Percival Twins (do not speak)
 * Skarloey (cameo)
 * Rheneas (cameo)
 * Mrs. Percival (cameo)

Locations

 * The Depot
 * Transfer Yards
 * Mr. Percival's House
 * Mountain Village Station
 * Brendam Docks (mentioned)

Goofs

 * The tracks through the narrow gauge shed do not have buffers.
 * In one scene, Peter Sam has Duncan's CGI face.

Merchandise

 * Magazine Stories - The Birthday Ride

Home Media Releases
{{Scroll box|

UK

 * The Complete Twelfth Series

US

 * Percy and the Bandstand
 * Friends and Family

DVD Boxsets

 * Adventure Pack

AUS

 * The Party Surprise
 * The Complete Twelfth Series

DVD Boxsets

 * The Essential Collection (5 DVD Boxset)

THA

 * The Party Surprise (DVD)
 * Thomas and Friends Volume 44 (Thai DVD)

KOR

 * The Emergence of the New Tram Flora

FRA

 * A New Arrival

MYS
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 * Saved You and Other Adventures
 * The Party Surprise and Other Adventures