The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story

The Fat Controller's Bedtime Story is a segment in the UK Thomas and Friends magazines. Since early 2012, bedtime stories have been published without titles. For the first few months, the section featured previously released stories, but starting on April 25th, 2012, new stories were frequently featured, although sometimes repeats of stories are still published. The new stories usually focus on characters introduced in the CGI series, such as Flynn, Belle, the Logging Locos, Stafford, Luke, and Charlie. Each story features at least one image usually taken from a CGI episode.

Issue 639
"Two fires in one day and I'm still not needed."

- Flynn

This bedtime story was first published on April 25th, 2012.

Plot
At the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre, Flynn is feeling very sorry for himself. He tells Thomas that there have not been any fires for days and if he does not have anything to do, he worries that the Fat Controller will send him away. Thomas assures him that it is not his fault that he is not busy all the time and the important thing is that he is there when he is needed. This cheers Flynn up.

Then, a siren wails and Belle rolls up. The Fat Controller emerges on the Search and Rescue Centre's balcony and tells the engines that there is a fire at Farmer Trotter's Pig Farm. Belle volunteers to go and races off before Flynn can speak. He inquires as to what he can do, but no one is there to hear him. Then the siren wails again and the Fat Controller reappears. He calls over to Harold and tells the helicopter that there is a fire on a hillside near Bluff's Cove. Flynn tries to inquire again, but everyone has gone again. Now Flynn is even more upset; there had been two fires in one day and he still was not needed.

Then, Bash and Dash came rushing up. They tell Flynn that there is a forest fire on Misty Island and that all of the Jobi Wood will be lost if it is not stopped. Flynn thinks he should tell the Fat Controller, but Bash and Dash tell him there is not time. Flynn races through the Misty Island Tunnel and soon reaches the fire. He cannot put the fire out by himself, but he does manage to keep the fire at bay. After a while, he starts to get tired and his tanks start to run dry.

Then, Harold appears overhead with a big tank of water which he dumps on the fire. Behind Flynn, Belle appears as well. She adds her two powerful jets to the fire and soon the fire is out. The Fat Controller arrives on Thomas just in time to see the last swirls of black smoke raise into the sky. Bash and Dash tell the Fat Controller that Flynn had managed to keep the fire under control single handedly. The Fat Controller tells him that he is a really useful engine and Flynn blushes with pride.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Bash and Dash
 * Flynn
 * Belle
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Harold (does not speak)
 * Farmer Trotter (mentioned)

Trivia

 * After this story, readers are given the chance to win a TrackMaster Flynn.

Issue 641
"What do hedgehogs like to eat with their cheese?" "This isn't the time for jokes, Charlie. I'm trying to be really useful!" "And I'm trying to be really funny! The answer is prickled onions!"

- Charlie and Thomas

This bedtime story was first published on May 23rd, 2012.

Plot
One spring day, Thomas is at Brendam Docks collecting a new hat for Lady Hatt when Charlie chuffs up. He tells Thomas is favourite joke, but Thomas does not think it is the right time for telling jokes. Despite initially not being interested in Charlie's joke, Thomas cannot help smiling when he hears the punchline. The Fat Controller arrives and he is definitely not smiling; Percy has overslept and has therefore not collected his milk train from the Dairy. He orders Charlie and Thomas to collect and deliver the milk. Charlie tells another joke before setting off, prompting the Fat Controller to jokingly declare that Charlie needs an audience.

As Thomas and Charlie travel to the Dairy, rain clouds form overhead. Charlie knows a joke about rain, but before he has a chance to tell it, rain pours down. At the Dairy, Charlie is splashed with a big, muddy puddle.

After completing their job, the two engines head to the washdown. Charlie is washed and polished until he shines like a star, giving Thomas an idea. He rushes to share his idea with Sir Topham Hatt who is very impressed with Thomas' idea.

Two days later, it is the Fat Controller's birthday party. Everyone is having a wonderful time, when the Fat Controller introduces their star entertainer. The audience gasp as Charlie rolls forwards and starts sharing his best jokes with the crowd. Charlie continues to tell his jokes until he had used them all up. He had found an audience and made the Fat Controller very happy indeed.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Charlie
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Percy (mentioned)
 * Lady Hatt (mentioned)

Trivia

 * Images are taken from the thirteenth season episodes, Play Time and Splish, Splash, Splosh!

Goofs

 * Percy should not have been able to oversleep as he should have been woken by his crew or the firelighter.
 * In the sentence "We don't know shouted the audience", the quotation marks are in the wrong place.

Quotes

 * The Fat Controller (referring to Charlie): "That engine needs an audience!"

Issue 642
"We just think that we're more useful than you smaller engines!" "That's a very silly thing to say!"

- Henry and Percy

This bedtime story was first published on June 6th, 2012.

Plot
Henry and Gordon are boasting to Percy and Toby about how they are superior to the little engines. Percy and Toby are annoyed and determined to show the bigger engines just how useful they can be. Toby has a plan and suggests to Percy that they hide for the day and see how the railway copes without them. Percy agrees and the two hide in the bushes near the shed.

Later that morning, Henry is making an urgent delivery when he is suddenly stopped in his tracks. A branch from a tree is hanging low over the railway and Henry is too tall to squeeze under it. His driver insists that they go back. Across the Island, Gordon is having problems of his own. It was raining hard and Gordon is having trouble getting up the hill; his wheels keep slipping on soggy leaves. After a short while, Gordon goes back to the station. Another engine will have to pick up his passengers today.

Later that afternoon, Percy and Toby emerge to find Henry and Gordon at the Sodor Steamworks looking very cross. Thomas, who is passing by, tells Toby and Percy that the two big engines have not been able to complete their jobs. Just then, the Fat Controller rushes in. He asks Percy to take Henry's urgent delivery as he will be small enough to fit under the low-hanging branch. The Fat Controller then asks Toby to pick up Gordon's passengers as he is too light to slip on the wet leaves. Henry has to admit that the smaller engines can be useful as Toby and Percy just smile to one another.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Henry
 * Gordon
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Sir Topham Hatt

'Arry or Bert makes a brief cameo in one of the photographs.

Trivia

 * The images are taken from the episodes Henry's Happy Coal and Toby's New Whistle. It is unknown which episode the photograph of Toby is taken from.

Goofs

 * A lighter engine is more likely to slip on wet leaves than a heavy engine.

Issue 643
"I know I'm one of the newest engines on the Island, but I would love to be painted!" "Well, I don't suppose he'll choose a big, ugly engine like her!" "Those two big pumps are just hideous!"

- Belle overhears Emily and Rosie loudly whispering

This bedtime story was first published on June 20th, 2012. According to the front page of the magazine, this story is titled Beautiful Belle.

Plot
The Fat Controller has asked an artist to paint some pictures of engines to put on his new office wall at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. On the day the artist is due to arrive, the Fat Controller tells his engines to look their best as the cleanest and shiniest engines are sure to be chosen. All of the engines want to be on the Fat Controller's office wall and they are all very excited - especially James. When James comes back from the wash-down he refuses to do any more work as he is worried about becoming dirty. Belle expresses her wish to be painted, but she then overhears Emily and Rosie whispering about her appearance, calling her "ugly". Belle is embarrassed; she knows her water pumps are really useful and had never thought of them as ugly before.

Suddenly a siren goes off and the manager of the rescue centre calls out for help. None of the engines volunteer, except Belle who decides if she will not be chosen for the picture, she might as well be really useful instead. Thomas and Percy volunteer to go with her to the site of the emergency. The fire is in an old shed near the fuel store and has to be put out quickly. Belle points her pumps at the flames as Thomas and Percy carry more water to the site. By the time the fire is under control, all three engines are covered in thick black soot. Belle is now surer than ever that they will not be chosen for the picture.

At the Search and Rescue Centre, the artist has arrived and the Fat Controller orders Belle, Thomas, and Percy to line up with the other engines who were all moving backwards and forwards, trying to catch the artist's eye. The artist walks down the line dismissing the engines one-by-one - even James who is horrified. When the artist comes to Belle, he calls her beautiful and says she looks like a hard-working engine. The artist then declares that he will paint Belle, Thomas, and Percy.

A few weeks later, the artist returns with the pictures. When the Fat Controller sees them, he is delighted that the artist chose his two hard-working little tank engines and his beautiful Belle.

Characters

 * James
 * Emily
 * Rosie
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Belle
 * Thomas (does not speak)
 * Percy (does not speak)

Quotes

 * The Fat Controller: "I am so glad the artist chose you - my two hard-working, little tank engines and my beautiful Belle!"

Issue 644
"CRANKY! Can you swing your hook over here, please?" "I'm busy!" "But it's urgent! Pleeeeese!"

- Salty and Cranky

This bedtime story was first published on July 4th, 2012.

Plot
One night, Salty is in his shed whilst a big storm sweeps across the island. The next day, Salty wakes to find the storm has caused a lot of damage. A couple of the engine sheds have had their roofs blown off, Cranky had very nearly toppled over, and some small boats had been washed ashore. Salty moves to the edge of the docks to take a closer look at the stranded boats. Suddenly, he sees a big wooden trunk on the shore - it is a treasure chest. Salty knows he cannot reach it himself and he calls to Cranky for help. Cranky is reluctant to help at first as he does not believe in treasure, but he knows that Salty will keep bugging him if he does not.

Soon, Cranky has hooked the chest and is lifting it into the air. He drops it roughly and the lid cracks open. Gold coins spill all over the dockside - Salty and Cranky cannot believe their eyes.

Later on, the Fat Controller arrives to check the docks and Salty shows him his discovery. The Fat Controller knows just what to do with the treasure - which angers Salty, who believes that since he found it, he should be able to keep it.

A few days later, Salty sees the old engine sheds that have been damaged by the storm being knocked down. In their place, shiny new sheds are being erected. The Fat Controller tells Salty that the gold coins paid for the new sheds and the other engines thank Salty who is happy that his treasure was used to help everyone, after all.

Characters

 * Salty
 * Cranky
 * Sir Topham Hatt

Trivia

 * The images are taken from the thirteenth season episode Creaky Cranky, the fourteenth season episode Merry Winter Wish, and an edited promotional image from the sixteenth season episode, Salty's Surprise.

Issue 645
"I ran across a big rock and all the coal I was carrying has spilled everywhere. Can you help me, please?" "Not today. I don't want to ruin my clean cabin with grubby coal!"

- Edward and Henry

This bedtime story was first published on July 18th, 2012.

Plot
Henry is puffing along the main line when he passes Toby, who seems to be in a spot of bother. Toby explains that he is stuck in some mud and asks for Henry's help. Henry declines, stating that he does not want to get muddy and he puffs away.

Later on, Henry comes across Edward, who is in a spot of trouble himself. Edward explains that he had hit a big rock and spilled some of the coal he is carrying. He asks for Henry's help, but Henry wants to stay looking his best and refuses.

The next day, Henry is making his way along the track when Whiff is suddenly coming straight towards him. Whiff jams on his brakes and stops before hitting Henry, but lots of the rubbish he is carrying flies all over Henry. Whiff aplogises, but cannot stop as he has to make a collection. Henry is left covered in rubbish, worrying that he will not be able to pick up his passengers in such a state. Then Edward and Toby rattle by. This time, Henry asks them for help. Edward and Toby refuse to help as they are worried they might get grubby. The two engines grin at each other and chuff away, leaving Henry feeling very miserable.

A few minutes later, Edward and Toby return. Henry is delighted to see them again. They explain that you should always help a friend, whether it means getting dirty or not. As Edward and Toby's drivers help to clean Henry off, the green engine smiles and decides that his friends are right; helping friends is more important than staying clean.

Characters

 * Edward
 * Henry
 * Toby
 * Whiff
 * Rheneas (cameo)

Trivia

 * The images are from Whiff's Wish and The Christmas Tree Express. It is unknown where the image of Henry is from.

Goofs

 * Toby is said to be stuck in the mud on the main line, but he is at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre in the image.

Issue 646
"Cranky! Where is the crate with Percy's parts?" "How should I know?"

- Thomas and Cranky

This bedtime story was first published on August 1st, 2012.

Plot
The Fat Controller gave Thomas a very important job. He is to go to the Docks and collect some new parts for Percy. He must do it as quickly as possible as Percy needs to do his mail rounds. Thomas speeds off to the Docks. Once there, Thomas sees lots of crates and does not know where to begin looking for Percy's parts. Thomas tries to ask some dock workers, but they are too busy to help. Thomas calls up to Cranky, but the crane is no help either.

Thomas rolls up to a pile of crates that he has just watched being unloaded from a ship. None of the crates are labelled. Then Thomas sees a green crate. He assumes that because Percy is green, the green crate must be for him. Thomas' driver and a few dock workers load the crate onto Thomas, who then races to the Steamworks.

At the Sodor Steamworks, the crate is unloaded and opened. Inside, there are no parts for Percy - only apples. The Fat Controller is very cross and Percy is worried that his post will not be delivered. Thomas has a great idea and his carriages are soon loaded with Percy's post. Thomas steams across Sodor making Percy's usual deliveries. Afterwards, Thomas puffs to the docks and, after asking many different people and having a good look around, he finds Percy's new parts. Thomas feels sad though as he enjoyed doing Percy's post round. He then makes his way back to the Steamworks.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Percy
 * Cranky
 * Sir Topham Hatt

Issue 647
"Well, it was Captain who saved the day." "I was just doing my job!"

- Thomas and Captain

This bedtime story was first published on August 15th, 2012.

Plot
The Sodor Search and Rescue Centre is being cleaned up for an open day. The Fat Controller is to bring a group of passengers to the centre to see how everything works. Thomas is given the special job of bringing the passengers in Annie and Clarabel.

Thomas puffs along the track and is so busy chatting to Annie and Clarabel that he does not notice a piece of broken track. As he clatters over the rail, Annie and Clarabel wobble dangerously. Thomas screeches to a halt, but it is too late. Clarabel's rear end is left hanging dangerously over the water's edge.

Luckily, Captain hears the commotion and speeds into action. Captain races along the shore and stops beneath Clarabel. Quick-thinking Captain has an idea and orders the passengers in Clarabel to jump onto his deck. One-by-one, the passengers lower themselves onto Captain who takes them straight to the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. He then alerts Rocky who lifts Clarabel back onto the tracks. Thomas takes the rest of the passengers to start their tour. The visitors do not seem to be at all upset by their little adventure and they end the tour by having tea and cakes with the Fat Controller.

Later, Thomas apologises for the incident, but the Fat Controller explains that the visitors thought the whole escapade was part of the tour. He goes on to tell Thomas that the visitors thought it was the best Search and Rescue Centre they had ever seen.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Clarabel
 * Captain
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Rocky (mentioned)
 * Annie (mentioned)

Goofs

 * Thomas is not pulling Annie and Clarabel in the image; he is pulling a tree on a flatbed. This is because the image is taken from the fifteenth season episode, Tree Trouble.

Issue 648
"You were right, Spencer. Last one to the bottom really is a rotten egg!"

- Thomas

This bedtime story was first published on August 29th, 2012.

Plot
Spencer is looking for someone to race so that he can prove to everyone that he is the fastest engine there is. First, he asks Thomas who declines as he has to take some trucks to the bakery. Next, he asks Stafford who says that he has to help Thomas with his bakery trucks. Spencer puffs all over the island, but no one will race him.

Finally, he sees Thomas and Stafford again; they are shunting trucks up Gordon's Hill. Spencer is desperate to have a race and begs the two engines to race him. Thomas and Stafford are getting annoyed, but Spencer still persists with his request. Stafford becomes distracted by Spencer and biffs into Thomas' truck too hard. Flour falls out of the truck and onto Spencer's line. Butter comes flying out of another truck and lands in front of Thomas. The two engines roar down the hill, unable to stop because of the butter. Spencer thinks they are racing and declares that the "last one to the bottom is a rotten egg". However, the dusty flour slows Spencer down and Thomas and Stafford reach the bottom of the hill in first place. As Stafford slows to a stop, he bumps into the trucks again and this time, eggs fly out. They land right on top of Spencer and Thomas laughs; the last one to the bottom really is a rotten egg.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Stafford
 * Spencer
 * Sir Topham Hatt (cameo)
 * The Duke and Duchess of Boxford (cameo)
 * The Mayor of Sodor (cameo)

Trivia

 * The images are taken from the sixteenth season episode, Welcome Stafford.

Goofs

 * It is unlikely that the butter would be able to fly out of a truck and in front of the train. It is also unlikely that flour would have caused much of a problem for Spencer.

Issue 649
"Welcome to the Blue Mountain Fair! There are enough rides for everyone! Come and join the fun!"

- Luke

This bedtime story was first published on September 12th, 2012.

Plot
Luke is very excited; a big village fair has been planned nearby. There was going to be a variety of rides and Luke could not wait to see the children's smiling faces.

That night, a terrible storm sweeps across the island. A tree is blown down and smashes the roof of Knapford station sending glass, wood, and metal everywhere. The Fat Controller is pleased that no one is hurt, but concerned about the amount of delay that will be caused. Everyone starts to work on repairing things, but the fairground rides will not be delivered to the mountains in time for the fair.

When Luke hears the news, he is very upset and is determined that there must be a way. Then he has an idea which he tells to Thomas who, in turn, tells the Fat Controller who thinks it is a splendid idea. By Saturday everything was ready.

Thomas collects the children from Tidmouth Junction, but the little tank engine will not tell the children where they are going. Soon they arrive at the Blue Mountain Quarry where Luke welcomes them to the Blue Mountain Fair. It is not long before Owen is lifting trucks full of children up and down the incline. Merrick has a big swing hanging from his hook. He gently moves from side to side as the children giggle happily. Thomas takes carriages of children onto the quarry turntable and spins them around and around. Finally, all of the narrow gauge engines give train rides around the quarry. The train rides are the most popular attraction of all, especially Luke, who all the children love. The children declare it the best fair ever and seeing all of their smiling faces, Luke gives the biggest smile of all.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Luke
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Merrick (speaks in speech bubble only)
 * Owen (mentioned)

Trivia

 * Two of the images are taken from the 2012 special, Blue Mountain Mystery.

Goofs

 * Having a fair at the quarry would be against health and safety regulations.

Issue 650
"What a wonderful bell!"

- Alicia Botti

This bedtime story was first published on September 26th, 2012.

Plot
Belle has just helped to extinguish a small fire at Brendam Docks and is now travelling back to Knapford through the countryside. The day is drawing to a close and everything is peaceful and quiet. Belle is a little bored; there are no more fires and all her friends are finishing up their last jobs. Belle decides to ring her bell. Unfortunately, as she does so, she pulls up at Maithwaite. Thomas is standing at the platform and he gasps. The people at the station cover their ears, they are not happy with Belle spoiling their quiet evening. Thomas tries to explain that now is not the best time for her to ring her bell, but Belle races away before Thomas can tell her.

As Belle passes Farmer McColl's Farm, she hears the sheep, cows and dog calling. She sees this as an opportunity to join in by ringing her bell. She rings it loudly and Farmer McColl comes running from the farmhouse. He tells Belle that his hens are nesting and must not be disturbed. Belle is embarrassed and puffs hastily away.

At Knapford, Belle is surprised to see crowds of people and flags hanging gaily across the platform. The Fat Controller is there wearing a new top-hat and looking very smart. He tells Belle that Spencer is due to arrive at any moment with the famous opera singer, Alicia Botti. He then asks Belle to ring her bell to welcome the famous visitor. She rings her bell loudly as Spencer glides into the station. Alicia Botti leans out of the window and remarks what a wonderful bell Belle has. All the people cheer and Belle feels as proud as puff.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Belle
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Alicia Botti
 * Farmer McColl
 * The Knapford Stationmaster (cameo)
 * Spencer (mentioned)

Trivia

 * The image is taken from the fifteenth season episode, Big Belle.
 * After the story, readers are given the chance of winning a TrackMaster Belle by answering the question; "How many water cannons does Belle have?".

Goofs

 * It is said that Belle meets Thomas at Maithwaite, but the image shows Belle meeting Thomas at Knapford.

Issue 651
"Kevin can't help! I've been clearing up his mess all day!"

- Victor

This bedtime story was first published on October 10th, 2012.

Plot
Victor and Kevin are always kept very busy at the Sodor Steamworks. One morning, Victor and Kevin are fixing Skarloey. As usual, Kevin is not being careful and bumps into Skarloey who falls straight into the inspection pit. Victor is upset; getting him out just makes more unnecessary work. Then James arrives and says that he has an important job the next morning and needs polishing. Victor tells him that he must come back later.

That afternoon, Victor and Kevin are fixing Thomas when the clumsy crane knocks Thomas with his crane-arm, denting the tank engine's boilerplate. Victor is annoyed again and Kevin rushes to fetch a new boilerplate for Thomas. Just then, James returns and Victor tells him that he is still too busy to polish him. James suggests that Kevin sees to him, but Victor snaps that Kevin is not capable of helping James as he has been cleaning up his messes all day. Kevin, who is returning with Thomas' boilerplate, overhears Victor. Upset, Kevin decides to leave the Steamworks. Victor has a very hard job and does not want to make it any harder for him by being clumsy.

That evening, James returns once more. Muttering to himself, he does not see Victor and bumps the little engine off the rails. Victor needs Kevin's help, but James tells Victor that Kevin had left earlier after hearing what Victor had said. Victor feels terrible and asks James to look for Kevin. James finds Kevin and brings him back to the Steamworks. Victor apologises and says that he did not mean the things he said.

After Kevin puts Victor back onto the rails, Victor decides it is time to give James his polish. He asks Kevin to help with the very important job and Kevin happily agrees.

Characters

 * James
 * Victor
 * Kevin
 * Thomas (does not speak)
 * Skarloey (mentioned)

Trivia

 * The image of James is from the thirteenth season episode, Steamy Sodor.

Goofs

 * Skarloey would have been severely damaged if he had been knocked into the inspection pit, but no damage is mentioned.
 * It seems unlikely that James could bump into Victor as they are different gauges.

Issue 652
"You look like you're wearing a smelly yellow hat...with ribbons!" "Don't make fun! That's rude!" "You've been rude to us all day!" "Just ignore him, James. It's not worth getting cheesed off about!"

- Percy, James, and Thomas after James is covered in stinky cheese

This bedtime story was first published on October 24th, 2012.

Plot
Thomas, James, and Percy are to collect and deliver goods from the Sodor Dairy. Thomas and Percy are pleased with having such an important job, but James thinks it is too important for little tank engines to do. He goes on to call Thomas and Percy "weak". Percy tells him not to be rude, but Thomas insists that they just ignore James.

James races off too fast for Thomas and Percy. He has to wait for them to catch up when he remarks that tank engines are too slow to be really useful. Percy is upset, but Thomas reminds Percy to just ignore James.

When they arrive at the dairy, everyone is given jobs; Percy is to take the butter, Thomas is to take the milk, and James is to take trucks of Sodor's famous stinky cheese. James is not happy; stinky cheese is not important - he wants to take the milk churns. Thomas says he does not mind taking James' cheese instead. James reverses so that the churns can be loaded into his trucks, bashing Thomas out of the way in the process. Percy tells James that he is being rude, but Thomas tells Percy not to upset himself. Then they all set off, with Percy leading the way.

Just then, Percy's wheels hit a stone on the track and some butter flies out of his truck and onto the tracks. Thomas slides on the butter and comes off the rails. Stinky cheese flies everywhere, but the biggest, stinkiest piece lands on James' funnel. It drips down his face and the sides of his boiler. Percy laughs and says it looks like James is wearing a smelly yellow hat with ribbons. James tells Percy not to be rude. Percy snaps back telling James that he has been rude all day. Thomas tries to calm the situation by insisting that it is not worth getting "cheesed off" about.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * James
 * Percy
 * Henry (mentioned)
 * Gordon (mentioned)

Trivia

 * Images are taken from the fourteenth season episode, Pingy Pongy Pick Up and the sixteenth season episode, Thomas and the Rubbish Train.
 * The stinky cheese from the eleventh season episode, Thomas and the Stinky Cheese is referenced. Some of the plot is similar to the aforementioned episode.

Goofs

 * Butter is unlikely to derail an engine.

Issue 653
"Feel free to have your photos taken with myself and the other engines!"

- Henry

This bedtime story was first published on November 7th, 2012.

Plot
One day, the Fat Controller gives Henry the special job of giving some very important visitors a tour of the Island. The Fat Controller instructs Henry to take them to all of the sights so that they can get some good photographs. Soon Henry collects his passengers and heads off.

First, Henry takes the visitors to Farmer Trotter's Pig Farm, as the big engine knows the visitors will have a good view of the pigs from the tracks. However, Henry cannot believe his eyes; there are no pigs to be seen. Henry concludes that they must be in their sheds and decides to move on to the next destination.

Henry soon pulls in at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre where he can show the visitors all of the exciting rescue vehicles. Henry begins to tell the visitors that they will see Harold, but halfway through his sentence, he realises Harold is not there. Neither were any of the other rescue vehicles. A passing worker informs Henry that they are all out on emergency calls. Henry begins to worry; the tourists had still not seen anything. Luckily, Henry knows just where to go next.

It is not long before Henry arrives at the Quarry. He loves to see everyone working hard and it is a very big and exciting place. As Henry pulls up, he sees all of the workmen resting. Henry had arrived during their lunch break. The poor green engine does not know what to do. He knows that he will be in trouble with the Fat Controller and, even worse, he is running low on coal. Henry makes his way to the Sodor Steamworks to pick up more coal before he takes the tourists back to Knapford.

Henry pulls sadly into the Steamworks, thinking about how he is the worst tour guide ever. Thomas and Percy were there and had just been repaired. Henry has a great idea and calls the visitors out of the carriages. As they gather round, Henry welcomes them all to the Steamworks and tells them that they can have their photographs taken with himself, Thomas, and Percy. The visitors are very excited as they run up to each engine; they looked very small next to the large steam engines. As the cameras flashed away, Henry smiles. Maybe he is not such a bad tour guide after all.

Characters

 * Henry
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Thomas (speaks in speech bubble only)
 * Percy (does not speak)
 * Harold (mentioned)
 * Farmer Trotter (mentioned)

Issue 654
"Now that's what I call a perfect storm!"

- Percy

This bedtime story was first published on November 21st, 2012.

Plot
Percy is waiting patiently for his driver at Knapford. It is a cold and windy day and Percy is glad that his fireman had stoked up his firebox. Just then, the driver arrives on his bike and the stationmaster calls out to tell the driver that there is a severe weather warning for tonight. The stationmaster then tells the driver to make sure that Percy is in his shed before the storm arrives. Percy is worried; he does not like the idea of a severe storm. He does not like getting wet and he certainly does not like wind whistling around his bufferbeam. It is a long way to Vicarstown and Percy does not want to get caught in the storm. The driver leaps onto the footplate and starts talking to the fireman about the storm.

As soon as the driver releases the brake, Percy puffs away as fast as he can. He zooms over Gordon's Hill, through Crovan's Gate, and arrives at Vicarstown in record time. The driver admits that even Gordon and the express would have struggled to keep up with him. The crates that Percy has to pick up are loaded onto his flatbed by Cranky and Percy zooms away before the crane can even say goodbye.

Percy arrives back at the sheds just as the sun dips behind the roof. Percy is exhausted, but is worried that he will not be able to sleep with the storm and he has a lot of work to do in the morning. But then Percy's eyes drooped and he was soon fast asleep. Suddenly there was a loud banging, scraping, and squeaking. Percy shook himself awake, thinking it is the hurricane.

Suddenly, all of the engines keep saying "morning". A shaft of light enters the shed and Percy is very confused. The unsettling noise turns out to have been the door opening. As Percy exits the shed, he expects to see fallen trees and debris everywhere, but he is wrong. The driver explains that the storm had moved out to sea and passed the island. Percy is relieved; he may have hurried around, but he did manage to get a good night's sleep. Percy agrees that it had been the perfect storm.

Characters

 * Percy
 * Cranky (speaks in speech bubble only)
 * Thomas (cameo)
 * The Bird Watcher (cameo)
 * The Teacher (cameo)

Goofs

 * Percy goes to Vicarstown and meets Cranky. But Cranky is located at Brendam Docks.

Issue 655
"I don't care what Gordon says, little engines are definitiely better on the ground!"

- Toby

This bedtime story was first published on December 5th, 2012.

Plot
Gordon puffs past Toby, who is staring in wonder at a very tall mountain. Gordon boasts that he has been up the mountain before and bets that Toby would be too scared to go with him to the top. Toby does not want to appear silly and scared, so he agrees to follow Gordon up the mountain.

A while later, the two engines are puffing up the steep slopes of the mountain. Tired Toby convinces himself that, if he does not look down, he will think he is on a normal track and not high up. Shortly, Gordon stops. Toby is curious as to why, but the big engine tells Toby that they have reached the top. Toby is very pleased with himself, but in his excitement, he glimpses down and freezes in fright; he cannot believe how high up they are. Gordon tells him it is time to go back down, but Toby will not budge an inch. Gordon has an idea and his driver calls for Hiro.

Soon, Hiro arrives and suggests that Toby couples up to him and he will lead Toby down; the tram engine would not have to do anything. Toby protests that his wheels would still be moving and declines. Hiro can see how frightened Toby is and goes to find Thomas, who he hopes can persuade Toby. When Thomas arrives, he tries to reason with Toby and tells him that if he lets Hiro lead him down, he will not be able to see anything at all. This worries Toby even more. Thomas thinks for a minute and then races off.

Thomas returns a while later with Toby's bird friends from his shed. Toby is happy to see them and when the birds fly off, Toby follows without even knowing. Before he realises what has happened, Toby is at the bottom. He admits that he was so busy looking at the birds that he did not look down. He goes on to say that he does not care what Gordon says, little engines are better on the ground.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Gordon
 * Toby
 * Hiro

Goofs

 * Toby has been high up a mountain before, most notably in the episode Toby and Bash. In fact, one of the images used in this story is from that episode.

Issue 656
"Happy holidays, little engines!"

- Thomas

This bedtime story was first published on December 19th, 2012.

Plot
Thomas and Percy cannot wait; tomorrow is the annual Christmas celebrations at Tidmouth. Percy is upset that the narrow gauge engines will not be able to attend the celebrations as their tracks do not go as far as Tidmouth. Thomas cannot stop thinking about the narrow gauge engines.

Next morning, Thomas sees a flatbed loaded with boxes of colourful fairy lights all alone. Thomas thinks that the fairy lights would brighten up the Blue Mountain Quarry. Since the flatbed is not being used, Thomas thinks it will be fine to take it. On the way back, he spots another flatbed. This one has a Christmas tree on it. Thomas thinks it would be perfect for the little engines and he pushes it all the way to the Blue Mountain Quarry. Rheneas is working there and is very pleased to have a Christmas tree. Rheneas asks Thomas if he is sure it is okay for them to have a tree. Thomas assures him that the flatbed was on its own and that no one was using it.

Thomas puffs back to Knapford, happy to have done a good deed. When he arrives, the Fat Controller looks very concerned. He asks Thomas if he has seen the Christmas tree and fairy lights for the celebrations in Tidmouth that evening. Thomas has to admit that he had taken them. He tells the Fat Controller that he wanted the little engines to have a celebration too. Thomas races to the quarry and returns the flatbeds as fast as he can.

The Fat Controller tells Thomas that he realises he was only trying to be kind, but in future he must ask before taking something that does not belong to him. The Fat Controller turns his attention to the boxes of lights on the flatbed and says that he can spare a box or two for the little engines.

Later that night, when everyone else is at Tidmouth, Thomas puffs to the Blue Mountain Quarry. All of the little engines are there when Thomas, who is covered in fairy lights, arrives. Thomas wishes the little engines a happy holiday and the little engines all think that Thomas makes the best Christmas tree ever.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Percy
 * Rheneas
 * Sir Topham Hatt

Trivia

 * The images are taken from the episodes Thomas in Charge, The Christmas Tree Express, and Emily's Winter Party Special.

Goofs

 * In the second image, Thomas and Rheneas are supposed to be at the Blue Mountain Quarry, but they are actually at the Sodor Search and Rescue Centre. Also, there is no explanation as to why Rheneas is on a flatbed.

Issue 657
"Phew, you stink!"

- James to Whiff

This bedtime story was first published on January 9th, 2013.

Plot
One day, Whiff is rolling happily around the island collecting rubbish from the stations. Thomas and Percy smile at seeing him work so hard and Emily thanks him for doing a splendid job. However, Whiff passes James outside Knapford station and the red engine is not so friendly towards Whiff. James tells Whiff that he stinks and he is not to come near him as he does not want to smell as well. Whiff is sad; he might be smelly, but he is doing a really useful job and he wants to be friends with all of the engines. James chuggs away, still complaining and screwing up his nose. Whiff sighs and puffs on his way.

By the middle of the afternoon, Whiff had completed his jobs for the day and the Fat Controller gives him the rest of the day off. Meanwhile, James is at the docks waiting for a big delivery to arrive. Cranky is busy lifting rubbish high above James for Whiff to collect the following day. James is just about to complain about the smell when one of Cranky's loads splits open and James is covered in loads of rubbish. James is horrified; he is now the smelliest engine of all.

At Whiff's shed, the Fat Controller comes running in. He asks Whiff to help clear some rubbish after an accident at the docks. Whiff does not mind the extra work and soon arrives at the docks. James admits that he cannot even smell Whiff anymore because he is so smelly himself. Whiff smiles and sets to work. When he had finished, James' cheeks were as red as his paintwork with embarrassment and he races off to the wash-down.

That evening, Whiff is back in his shed when he hears a puffing noise. He rolls forward to investigate and finds James who thanks Whiff for his help earlier. James admits that being smelly does not mean that you cannot be really useful - or a great friend. As James puffs away, Whiff peeps with delight knowing that he had made a brand new friend.

Characters

 * James
 * Whiff
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Gordon (cameo)
 * Thomas (mentioned)
 * Percy (mentioned)
 * Emily (mentioned)
 * Cranky (mentioned)