Gordon the High-Speed Engine

Gordon the High-Speed Engine was first published in 1989. It was written by Chistopher Awdry and illustrated by Clive Spong.

=Stories=

High-Speed Gordon
Donald and Douglas tells the engines about the high-speed diesels on the Other Railway. Gordon is jealous and boasts that he could go as fast as them ("maybe even faster"). He sets out to prove it next morning when he takes the Express. Sleet is on the rails, and when Gordon starts, he slips. The water in his boiler surges forwards, making him unable to stop until he runs out of steam. Donald and Douglas takes him back to the shed. That night, someone makes jokes about Gordon until they realise he is listening.

Smokescreen
Gordon feels "stuffed up". He is grumpy, and gets snappy at Henry when he tells him to sneeze. Gordon eventually does, unfortunately onto a party of wedding guests at Wellsworth. The Fat Controller delays his visit to the mainland to apologies to the guests, when Gordon steams back past and some ashes fall onto his hat. When Gordon arrives back at Tidmouth, the Inspector comes up with a message telling Gordon that he will be disciplined when the Fat Controller returns.

Fire Escape
Gordon is rushing at his hill when his firebars collapse, slowing him down and almost extinguishing his fire. Thinking quickly, the Driver tells the Fireman to put a large piece of coal over the hole. Gordon manages to struggle to the next station, and Boco comes to help. At Vicarstown, 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 (Emma already being poorly). 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. Donald and Douglas sees him, and notes that while Gordon's a high-speed engine, he's taking the high-speed train.

Featured Characters

 * Gordon
 * Donald and Douglas
 * Henry
 * Boco
 * James
 * Pip and Emma (Emma does not speak)
 * Duck (cameo only)