Thomas and Stepney

"Shunted! And on my own branch too! It's a disgrace!"

- Thomas

Thomas and Stepney is the sixteenth episode of the fourth season.

Plot
Thomas is shocked to learn that there is an engine with a branch line 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 branch line.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Edward
 * Percy
 * Douglas
 * Stepney
 * Rusty
 * Duck (does not speak)
 * Henry (cameo)
 * Gordon (cameo)
 * James (cameo)
 * Annie and Clarabel (cameo)
 * Jeremiah Jobling (cameo)
 * The Vicar of Wellsworth (cameo)
 * Sir Topham Hatt (mentioned)

Locations

 * Bluebell Railway
 * Knapford
 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * Brendam Docks
 * Shunting Yards

Trivia

 * This episode is based on the story Stepney's Special from The Railway Series book, Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine.
 * When the special is ordered, music isn't heard in the US version.
 * Some whistle sounds are missing in the US version.

Goofs

 * While the engines wait for Stepney, a tar wagon, perched on another tar wagon, is visible behind Gordon and Henry.
 * A single passenger shouldn't need two coaches.
 * Stepney has Smudger's whistle sound in the US version and Rheneas' in the UK. Rheneas' whistle is used once in the US version as well.
 * Stepney has Duke's whistle sound when he is working with Duck.
 * In the US version, when Percy finishes talking about Stepney, his whistle sound is higher pitched.
 * In the UK version, Gordon, Douglas, and Duck have the same whistle sound.
 * George Carlin says "Stop all train!" instead of "Stop all trains!".