| This article is about the magazine story. You may be looking for the episode. |
- "Aim and drill!"
- ― Darcy
First Day on Sodor! is a magazine story illustrated using images from the television series. It was reprinted in 2023 as part of the "Classic Thomas Story Collection" series with the exclamation mark dropped from the title and slight alterations to the images and text.
Plot[]
Early one morning, Nia is down at Brendam Docks waiting to collect a very special new engine. When she finally sees the new arrival, Nia cannot believe her eyes. The vehicle's name is Darcy and she's a tunnel-boring machine. Cranky places Darcy onto Nia's flatbed. Darcy is both nervous and excited to be on Sodor, but Nia assures her that everyone is very friendly. Darcy is so happy to hear, she waves her drill around and nearly scratches James.
The rest of the Sodor Construction Company are confused when they finally meet Darcy; they don't think they need a tunnel-boring machine. Oliver points out that they can drill tunnels with their jackhammers. However, they soon discover that the ground is too hard for them. Darcy sees an opportunity to help and accidentally ends up smashing some crates in her excitement. Darcy is very upset; she feels that no-one wants her.
Oliver and Alfie continue to try digging the tunnel, but they just cannot manage it. Finally, it is Darcy's time to shine and prove to everyone just how useful she can be. All the other vehicles are amazed by Darcy's quick tunnelling. Now, Darcy is very happy to be on the Island of Sodor.
Characters[]
2022[]
2023[]
- James
- Nia
- Alfie
- Oliver
- Darcy
- Jack (cameo)
- Max and Monty (cameos)
- Brenda (cameo)
- Big Mickey (cameo)
- Jenny Packard (cameo)
- Cranky (mentioned)
Locations[]
2022[]
2023[]
Trivia[]
- This story is based on the twenty-third series episode of the same name.
- Unlike the episode:
- James is not seen in the 2022 version.
- Jack, Max, Monty, Brenda and Jenny Packard do not speak in the 2023 version.
- The Road Finisher and Cranky do not appear, but the latter is mentioned.
Goofs[]
- At the beginning, Darcy is referred to as a "new engine", despite being a tunnel boring machine.
Gallery[]
2022[]
2023[]
