- “What's that?"
"Is it the monster?"
"For sure, it is!"
"It's not (a monster). It's us.” - ― Donald, Douglas, and Harvey
Bad Day at Castle Loch, lengthened to A Bad Day at Castle Loch in the credits of one North American release, is the eleventh episode of the seventh series.
Plot
Donald and Douglas enjoy working on Sodor, but sometimes they long to return to Scotland. One day, they arrive at the docks, where the Fat Controller tells them that Lord Callan is reopening his castle and the twins are to take banners and bunting to the castle for the celebrations. Donald and Douglas are excited, as going to the Scottish castle would be like going home. Harvey tells Percy that the celebrations will be near Castle Loch, which worries Percy. Douglas teases Percy, asking if he thinks the monster who supposedly lives in the loch might catch him. Donald agrees, until Douglas reveals he was just joking and does not believe the monster really exists. Donald insists it does, and the twins argue as they set off.
The twins take their train along the line and spot the castle in the distance, but they have to stop suddenly to avoid hitting a tree that has fallen across their track. Then, to make matters worse, a landslide behind them knocks the brake van off the rails, leaving the train stranded. Douglas' driver calls the Fat Controller, who promises to send help as soon as possible.
But by nightfall, no help has arrived. Suddenly, the twins see a very strange shape coming towards them through the mist. Douglas thinks it is the monster, but as it reaches them, the shape turns out to be Harvey pushing the breakdown train; Donald and Douglas are very relieved.
By morning, the tracks are clear, and Donald and Douglas make their way to the castle. Lord Callan and the Fat Controller both call them very splendid and useful engines, to which the twins heartily agree.
Characters
- Percy
- Donald and Douglas
- Harvey
- Sir Topham Hatt
- Lord Callan
- The Tailor
- Bridget Hatt (cameo)
- Mrs. Kyndley (cameo)
- Farmer Trotter (cameo)
- Farmer McColl (cameo)
- Sodor Brass Band (cameos)
- The Tidmouth Lighthouse Keeper (cameo)
- The Captain (cameo)
- Big Mickey (faceless, cameo)
Locations
- Scotland (mentioned)
Trivia
- Going by production order, this is the tenth episode of the seventh series.
- Extended stock footage from the sixth series episode, Twin Trouble is used.
- Robert Hartshorne's version of the Lord Callan theme that is only used for the US dub of this episode will be replayed for the ninth series episode, Henry and the Flagpole.
- This episode's name is a reference to the movie Bad Day at Black Rock.
- The legend of the monster in Castle Loch is exactly the same as the legend of the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. The shadow of Harvey pushing the breakdown train is meant to resemble the shape of the monster just above the loch's surface.
- This was the first appearance of Lord Callan in the series.
- This episode marks a few things for Donald and Douglas:
- Their only speaking roles in the seventh series.
- The last time they are seen together until the eleventh series episode, Gordon and the Engineer.
- Their last episode with leading roles until the twentieth series episode, Love Me Tender.
- The last time they are voiced by respective voice actors in the Japanese dub.
- The final appearance of Donald until the eleventh series episode, Gordon and the Engineer, excluding deleted scenes from Peace and Quiet and the eighth series episode, Edward the Great and a stock footage cameo in Harold and the Flying Horse.
Goofs
- When Donald and Douglas puff past the ruined castle, they are pulling the same train that they later take to Castle Loch. They are also missing their faces.
- Cranky is missing from his usual spot at Brendam Docks, though his base is still visible.
- When the twins pull up next to Harvey, they have swapped tracks compared to the previous shot.
- When Percy says "I'm glad I am not going there," Douglas has his cross face before he is supposed to be cross.
- While the twins are arguing about the monster as they pull away, they seem to look happy.
- When the twins think they can see the monster, they are uncoupled from each other.
- Throughout this episode, in many scenes, Donald and Douglas' eyes are wonky.
Quotes
- Percy: Where are you going?
- Donald: Lord Callan's Castle.
- Harvey: By Castle Loch.
- Percy: I'm glad I'm not going to Castle Loch.
- Douglas: Scared the monster might get you!
- Donald: He might!
- Douglas: There's no monster!
- Donald: There is too!
- Douglas: There is not!
- Donald: Is too!
- Douglas: Is not!
- Donald: Is too!
- The Fat Controller: [on the phone] Donald and Douglas trapped by the Loch? I'll send help as soon as I can.
Merchandise
- Tomica (discontinued)
- Magazine Stories - Monster Mistake!, The Scottish Connection, Castle Celebrations! and The Grand Controller
In Other Languages
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Home Media Releases
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DVD BoxsetsWALUS
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DVD Boxsets
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DVD Boxsets
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| #01 Emily's New Coaches | #10 Toby's Windmill | #19 Bulgy Rides Again |
| #02 Percy Gets It Right | #11 Bad Day at Castle Loch | #20 Harold and the Flying Horse |
| #03 Bill, Ben and Fergus | #12 Rheneas and the Roller Coaster | #21 The Grand Opening |
| #04 The Old Bridge | #13 Salty's Stormy Tale | #22 Best Dressed Engine |
| #05 Edward's Brass Band | #14 Snow Engine | #23 Gordon and Spencer |
| #06 What's the Matter with Henry? | #15 Something Fishy | #24 Not So Hasty Puddings |
| #07 James and the Queen of Sodor | #16 The Runaway Elephant | #25 Trusty Rusty |
| #08 The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop | #17 Peace and Quiet | #26 Three Cheers for Thomas |
| #09 The Spotless Record | #18 Fergus Breaks the Rules | |