More About Thomas the Tank Engine

"More About Thomas the Tank Engine" was first published in 1988. It was written by Christopher Awdry and illustrated by Clive Spong.

=Stories=

Thomas, Percy and the Coal
Thomas is bragging about his blue paint to Percy and Toby, saying it is the only proper colour for a Really Useful Engine. They take no notice, and Thomas is cross. Next day, Percy is shunting when a door on a coal truck opens and coal dust covers Thomas. Percy laughs and says Thomas is Really Disgraceful, to Thomas' fury. Toby takes Annie and Clarabel while Thomas is cleaned. Thomas and Percy are furious at one another, and the argument gets worse and worse. Several days later, Percy goes to get a drink from the siding with the unsafe buffers. Something goes wrong and Percy collides with a coalbunker, to Thomas' delight.

The Runaway
Thomas falls ill and has to be taken to the Works, so Duck does his work on the Branch Line. When Thomas returns, his brakes are left very stiff. One day, while his Fireman is ill, the "relief" forgets to put Thomas' brakes on and Thomas starts off with Annie and Clarabel in tow. Although an Inspector tries to stop Thomas at Dryaw, he's going too fast and Harold takes the Inspector to the next station. Annie and Clarabel, thinking quickly, hold back so the Inspector can leap aboard and stop Thomas.

Better Late Than Never
The arches on the viaduct need strengthening, and the big engines are often late at the Junction. One day, Bertie teases Thomas that he could beat him in a race - a fact Thomas vehemently denies. James later holds Thomas up, but just outside the tunnel they see Bertie broken down. Thomas offers to help Bertie's passengers home, and the next day, Bertie comes to Ffarquhar to thank Thomas.

Drip Tank
Percy wants to make things up with Thomas, but when he gets scratched by a branch Thomas is rude and Percy decides against it. Later, Percy asks Toby what a drip is, having heard a boy call his friend one at the platform, but Thomas interrupts and explains what it means, also telling Percy he's a drip and to shut up. Thomas gets his comeuppance, though, when his watertank bursts on his way home. Percy refuses to aid him, but the Driver tells him about Annie and Clarabel and the passengers, so Percy goes to help. Thomas feels ashamed and apologises to Percy, rekindling their friendship.

=Featured Characters=
 * Thomas
 * Henry
 * James
 * Percy
 * Toby
 * Bertie
 * Annie and Clarabel
 * Edward (does not speak)
 * Duck (does not speak)
 * Donald and Douglas (mention only)
 * Terence (mention only)
 * Henrietta (mention only)
 * Gordon (cameo only)

=Trivia=
 * Christopher Awdry has since stated he regretted including the offensive term "drip" in the book.
 * He has also said he did not like the book title, saying it was unimaginative.