Gordon the High-Speed Engine

"Did you hear about how Gordon went for a spin today?"

- The whisperer having a laugh at Gordon's expense

"Gordon the High-Speed Engine" was first published in 1987. It was written by Christopher Awdry and illustrated by Clive Spong.

=Stories=

High-Speed Gordon
Gordon is jealous when Donald talks about high-speed engines and boasts that he can go as faster. He sets out to prove it when he takes the Express. Unfortunately, Gordon slips on the slippery rails and the water in his boiler surges forwards, making him unable to stop creating steam even though he can't move forward. Donald takes him back to the shed after he runs out of steam and the rails Gordon was running on are replaced.

Smokescreen
Gordon feels "stuffed up" and sneezes at Wellsworth, unfortunately spraying soot onto a party of wedding guests. The Fat Controller delays a visit to the mainland to apologise to the guests, but to put the icing on the cake Gordon steams back past and some ashes fall onto his hat. When Gordon gets home an Inspector comes up with a message telling Gordon that he will be disciplined when the Fat Controller returns.

Fire Escape
Gordon, trying to make amends, is rushing at his hill when a firebar collapses. Thinking quickly, the driver tells the fireman to put a large piece of coal over the hole. Gordon manages to struggle to a loop, and Boco comes to help. The Fat Controller thanks Boco and is about to say something to Gordon when he has to go to his train, leaving Gordon in suspense.

Gordon Proves His Point
Gordon is at Barrow-in-Furness when a porter asks him to take a train of enthusiasts up to Carlisle. The Fat Controller gives his consent, and two powercars called Pip and Emma take the Express back to Tidmouth.

James, who is taking a stopping train, is asked to help Pip and Emma after Pip breaks down. At Tidmouth, the Fat Controller thanks James and asks him to make Pip and Emma welcome.

When Gordon returns, the Fat Controller forgives him for his smokescreen and tells him that the ashes came from an ashtray being emptied by a steward. Gordon takes the passengers home. Douglas sees him and notes that while Gordon's a high-speed engine, he's taking the high-speed train.

=Featured Characters=
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * James
 * Donald and Douglas
 * Boco
 * Emma
 * Pip (does not speak)
 * Duck (cameo)
 * 31120 (cameo)
 * 10751 (cameo)
 * Bear (mentioned)
 * Mallard (mentioned; not named)

=Trivia=
 * After writing this book, Christopher Awdry was able to retire from his job at the Inland Revenue and write full-time.

=Goofs=
 * In the first illustration of "High-Speed Gordon" Donald has Douglas' tender.