The Grand Opening

"My hat is ruined!" "So is mine." - Lady Hatt and the Fat Controller's dismay at ruining their hats

"The Grand Opening" is a seventh season episode.

Plot
Skarloey is often late, what with the maintainence work he is doing, and the Fat Controller is cross and worried that he may be late for the grand opening of Rumblin Station. On the day of the grand opening Lady Hatt and the Fat Controller charter the hot air balloon to take them to Rumblin, but the balloon runs out of helium and falls into a tree. Luckily, Skarloey, who is as late as ever, is nearby and the Hatts hitch a ride to Rumblin.

Featured Characters

 * Skarloey
 * Peter Sam
 * Rusty
 * Harold (does not speak)
 * Rheneas (cameo)
 * Duncan (cameo)

Goofs

 * When Skarloey is puffing into the station at the beginning, the puffing sound does not match the speed he is travelling at.
 * When the Fat Controller says "The wind direction is perfect" his arm slowly slides downward.
 * In the British narration Skarloey's brakevan is called a boxcar.

Quotes

 * Lady Hatt (as balloon starts to fall): I want to get off!
 * The Fat Controller: Not now, dear.