Thomas the Tank Engine Wikia
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* [[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment|Universal]] {{Note|US; 2014-present}}
 
* [[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment|Universal]] {{Note|US; 2014-present}}
 
* [[ABC for Kids]] {{Note|AUS}}
 
* [[ABC for Kids]] {{Note|AUS}}
|runtime=60 mins
+
|runtime=62 mins
 
|released=
 
|released=
 
* 29th June 2013 {{Note|POL}}
 
* 29th June 2013 {{Note|POL}}
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* 1st May 2014 {{Note|DEN}}
 
* 1st May 2014 {{Note|DEN}}
 
* 15th October 2014 {{Note|JPN}}
 
* 15th October 2014 {{Note|JPN}}
  +
* 13th November 2014 {{Note|KOR; Theatrical}}
 
|previous=[[Blue Mountain Mystery]]
 
|previous=[[Blue Mountain Mystery]]
 
|next=[[Tale of the Brave]]}}
 
|next=[[Tale of the Brave]]}}
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One morning at Brendam Docks, Thomas and Percy are shunting, but not very carefully. Thomas biffs a truck into another, causing a crate to fall out. Inside is a suit of armour. Percy thinks it is alive and runs away, but Thomas stays and wonders why the suit of armour was there and who it belonged to.
 
One morning at Brendam Docks, Thomas and Percy are shunting, but not very carefully. Thomas biffs a truck into another, causing a crate to fall out. Inside is a suit of armour. Percy thinks it is alive and runs away, but Thomas stays and wonders why the suit of armour was there and who it belonged to.
   
Later, all the engines and Thomas' coaches were sent to the washdown. None of them know why, but Emily knows Spencer is coming and James thinks a special visitor is arriving. The Fat Controller comes up and tells all the engines that Sir Robert Norramby will be arriving back on Sodor from travelling the world. All the engines become very excited and soon there are lots of preparations for the Earl's arrival. All the engines then gather at Knapford Station and soon Spencer steams in bringing the Earl. The Fat Controller greets a very surprised Sir Robert Norramby, who gets confused about whom the party is for. Thinking it is for somebody else, he clambers back into his coach and says goodbye to them all. He then mentions that he promised someone called Millie that he would be at the castle by 2:00, but none of the engines know who he is talking about.
+
Later, all the engines and Thomas' coaches are sent to the washdown. None of them know why, but Emily knows Spencer is coming and James thinks a special visitor is arriving. The Fat Controller comes up and tells all the engines that his old friend Sir Robert Norramby will be arriving back on Sodor from travelling the world. All the engines become very excited and soon there are lots of preparations for the Earl's arrival. All the engines then gather at Knapford Station and soon Spencer steams in bringing the Earl. The Fat Controller greets a very surprised Sir Robert Norramby, who gets confused about whom the party is for. Thinking it is for somebody else, he clambers back into his coach and says goodbye to them all. He then mentions that he promised someone called Millie that he would be at the castle by 2:00, but none of the engines know who he is talking about.
   
Later, Thomas is sent to Brendam Docks to pick up some more crates to take to the estate at Ulfstead Castle. When he arrives, a little blue bubbly French engine rolls up next to him. Thomas guesses this must be Millie, which she is. Millie explains that she had been locked up in her shed whilst the Earl was travelling, but she was now able to steam freely again. Sir Robert Norramby clambers aboard Millie’s coach and thanks Thomas for helping him. He then mentions something about King Godred's golden crown, leaving a rather puzzled Thomas.
+
Later, Thomas is sent to Brendam Docks to pick up some more crates to take to the estate at Ulfstead Castle. When he arrives, a little blue bubbly French engine rolls up next to him. Thomas guesses she that it is Millie, which she is. Millie explains that she had been locked up in her shed whilst the Earl was travelling, but she is now able to steam freely again. Sir Robert Norramby clambers aboard Millie’s coach and thanks Thomas for helping him. He then mentions something about King Godred's golden crown, leaving a rather puzzled Thomas.
   
Later that night, Spencer returns back to Sodor and arrives at Tidmouth Sheds, saying that the Earl has asked for him again. He then has a slight argument about who is faster with Gordon, ending with a decision to race the very next day. When morning comes, the two engines begin their race. Gordon thinks it is unfair that he had a long line of coaches behind him, yet Spencer did not. Nevertheless he works hard and is just about to catch up to Spencer, when the streamlined engine turns off the mainline, saying he has special work to complete with the Earl. This leaves a very annoyed Gordon. Later, Percy was shunting at the docks, when he spies another engine. Mistaking it for Thomas, he jumps at it, causing the engine, Spencer, to jump. Percy asks what Spencer was doing and he replies that he has taken the Earl to the docks for an important meeting with the dock manager. Later, Thomas finds Spencer at the Blue Mountain Quarry. Spencer denies that he has anything to do with the long line of trucks behind him, until the Earl tells him to couple up to the train. Thomas laughs, telling him he is being "really useful." Spencer just groans.
+
Later that night, Spencer returns back to Sodor and arrives at Tidmouth Sheds, saying that the Earl has asked for him again. He then has a slight argument about who is faster with Gordon, ending with a decision to race the very next day. When morning comes, the two engines begin their race. Gordon thinks it is unfair that he has a long line of coaches behind him, yet Spencer does not. Nevertheless he works hard and is just about to catch up to Spencer, when the streamlined engine turns off the mainline, saying he has special work to complete with the Earl. This leaves a very annoyed Gordon. Later, Percy is shunting at the docks, when he spies what he thinks is Thomas and jumps at him. However, it is Spencer, who jumps in surprise. Percy asks what Spencer is doing and he replies that he has taken the Earl to the docks for an important meeting with the dock manager. Later, Thomas finds Spencer at the Blue Mountain Quarry. Spencer denies that he has anything to do with the long line of trucks behind him, until the Earl tells him to couple up to the train. Thomas laughs, telling him he is being "really useful." Spencer just groans.
   
 
At Knapford Station, some of the engines are discussing why the Earl would want rails and big heavy stones. They think there must be a new railway line, with a station. Suddenly, Toby rushes in, telling all the engines that Henry has burst his safety valve and the Fat Controller wants Percy to take his heavy goods train to the Earl’s estate. Percy excitedly puffs off, leaving a rather confused group of engines. They all know Percy is not strong enough to pull a heavy train.
 
At Knapford Station, some of the engines are discussing why the Earl would want rails and big heavy stones. They think there must be a new railway line, with a station. Suddenly, Toby rushes in, telling all the engines that Henry has burst his safety valve and the Fat Controller wants Percy to take his heavy goods train to the Earl’s estate. Percy excitedly puffs off, leaving a rather confused group of engines. They all know Percy is not strong enough to pull a heavy train.
   
At the docks, Percy pulls in to find James already at the front of the train. James says it is his train and not Percy’s. As the two begin to argue, Thomas pulls in; telling them it is his train. The engines begin to argue, until the Fat Controller arrives and explains that all three engines would have to pull the train. So the engines set off. They have a rough time with the troublesome trucks, especially steaming up Gordon’s hill. But they make it and are soon heaving into the Earl’s estate. They are all surprised at what they see. The whole place looks like a building site and the engines cannot understand it. Thomas then sees Jack, who explains the Earl is helping to restore Ulfstead Castle. The engines now understand what he is doing and are very excited. Then the Earl arrives, explaining that one truck was supposed to be dropped off at the Steamworks. None of the engines understand why, but they are very curious to find out. So they all decide to travel with the Earl to find out. At the steamworks, the crate is lifted off the truck, to reveal a very old, rusty engine, who goes by the name of Stephen. The engines are amazed and ask Stephen lots of questions. They then ask the Earl why Stephen had been brought to Sodor. The Earl explains he has a special job for him, but he warns them not to tell him just yet, as he may get a little too excited. When they return back to Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas, Percy and James tell the rest of the engines all about him. The engines are thrilled and they all want to meet Stephen.
+
At the docks, Percy pulls in to find James already at the front of the train. James says it is his train and not Percy’s. As the two begin to argue, Thomas pulls in and states that it is his train. The engines begin to argue, until the Fat Controller arrives and explains that all three engines will have to pull the train. So the engines set off. They have a rough time with the troublesome trucks, especially steaming up Gordon’s hill. But they make it and are soon heaving into the Earl’s estate. They are all surprised at what they see; the whole place looks like a building site and the engines cannot understand it. Thomas then sees Jack, who explains the Earl is helping to restore Ulfstead Castle. The engines now understand what he is doing and are very excited. Then the Earl arrives, explaining that one truck was supposed to be dropped off at the Steamworks. None of the engines understand why, but they are very curious to find out. So they all decide to travel with the Earl to find out. At the steamworks, the crate is lifted off the truck, to reveal a very old, rusty engine named Stephen. The engines are amazed and ask Stephen lots of questions. They then ask the Earl why Stephen had been brought to Sodor. The Earl explains he has a special job for him, but he warns them not to tell him just yet, as he may get a little too excited. When they return back to Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas, Percy and James tell the rest of the engines all about him. The engines are thrilled and they all want to meet Stephen.
   
 
The next morning, as Henry’s safety valve is still faulty, he is taken to the Steamworks by Emily. Once they get there, they discover Stephen hanging from the ceiling. He explains he is having his undercarriage looked at. Just then, the rest of the Steam Team roll in and Stephen is very surprised that they all wanted to come and see him. He then tells stories of his past, about how he was the most reliable engine in his time, as well as being the fastest. He then goes on to say how he worked at some docks and the mines. He then sighs, saying how modern engines are much faster than he is and stronger. But nevertheless, he is happy to be fixed.
 
The next morning, as Henry’s safety valve is still faulty, he is taken to the Steamworks by Emily. Once they get there, they discover Stephen hanging from the ceiling. He explains he is having his undercarriage looked at. Just then, the rest of the Steam Team roll in and Stephen is very surprised that they all wanted to come and see him. He then tells stories of his past, about how he was the most reliable engine in his time, as well as being the fastest. He then goes on to say how he worked at some docks and the mines. He then sighs, saying how modern engines are much faster than he is and stronger. But nevertheless, he is happy to be fixed.
   
After a while, Stephen's restoration is complete. All of the engines come to see him in his new paintwork and gleaming brass domes. But the Fat Controller is not very happy seeing all of his engines not working. However, he then tells Thomas, Percy and James to return to Ulfstead Castle at once, as the Earl has another job for them. Thomas is excited, but he sees Stephen’s sad face. Thomas knows it is because Stephen does not have a job and he wants to go and make him feel better. James warns him that the Earl said he was not supposed to tell Stephen about his special job, but Thomas decides to anyway. Stephen just laughs when Thomas tells him, but thanks him for cheering him up. The engines return to the castle, where they find that plenty of progress was being made. There are even rails leading inside the castle. Sir Robert Norramby is very pleased with the work, but there was still some work for the engines to do. They have to replace roof beams on the main castle building, by pulling a flatbed, known as [[the Traveller]], which is very heavy. The engines have to work very hard together, but it is a big struggle.
+
After a while, Stephen's restoration is complete. All of the engines come to see him in his new paintwork and gleaming brass domes. But the Fat Controller is not very happy seeing all of his engines not working. However, he then tells Thomas, Percy and James to return to Ulfstead Castle at once, as the Earl has another job for them. Thomas is excited, but he sees Stephen’s sad face. Thomas knows it is because Stephen does not have a job and wants to go and make him feel better, but James warns him that the Earl said he was not supposed to tell Stephen about his special job. Thomas decides to anyway, only for Stephen to laugh when Thomas tells him, but thanks him for cheering him up. The engines return to the castle, where they find that plenty of progress has been made. There are even rails leading inside the castle. Sir Robert Norramby is very pleased with the work, but there was still some for the engines to do. They have to replace roof beams on the main castle building, by pulling a flatbed, known as [[the Traveller]], which is very heavy. The engines have to work very hard together, but it is a big struggle.
   
Meanwhile, Henry leaves the Steamworks after being fixed. Stephen wants to leave, but he does not know what his special job is. Not even Victor or Kevin can tell him. At last Stephen cannot wait any longer and decides that he will have to find his new job and sets out at once to find it. Meanwhile, Gordon is out pulling the express, when Spencer steams up again, challenging him to another race. Gordon agrees and the two set off. Gordon begins to edge ahead of Spencer, pleased that he may win. Suddenly, he spots something ahead of him on the tracks; it is Stephen, steaming slowly along. Gordon tries to stop. He slams on his brakes, finally slowing down, just in time. He tells Stephen to hurry up, but Stephen replies that he is travelling as fast as he can. Gordon groans as he watches Spencer race away, whilst he is stuck behind the slowest engine on Sodor.
+
Meanwhile, Henry leaves the Steamworks after being fixed. Stephen wants to leave, but he does not know what his special job is. Not even Victor or Kevin can tell him. At last Stephen cannot wait any longer and decides that he will have to find his new job and sets out at once to find it. Meanwhile, Gordon is out pulling the express, when Spencer steams up again, challenging him to another race. Gordon agrees and the two set off. Gordon begins to edge ahead of Spencer, pleased that he may win. Suddenly, he spots something ahead of him on the tracks; it is Stephen, steaming slowly along. Gordon slams on his brakes, finally slowing down, just in time. He tells Stephen to hurry up, but Stephen replies that he is travelling as fast as he can. Gordon groans as he watches Spencer race away, whilst he is stuck behind the slowest engine on Sodor.
   
 
Back at Ulfstead Castle, the engines are still moving the giant structure. Percy wobbles slightly, causing spanners to fall down. James tells him off, leaving Thomas warning the two to pay attention. He pulls ahead too sharply and it causes the roof beam to fall down, covering the place in dust. Nobody is hurt, but James’ lovely red paint is ruined. But the engines try again and finally, the roof beams are all in place. Everybody is very relieved.
 
Back at Ulfstead Castle, the engines are still moving the giant structure. Percy wobbles slightly, causing spanners to fall down. James tells him off, leaving Thomas warning the two to pay attention. He pulls ahead too sharply and it causes the roof beam to fall down, covering the place in dust. Nobody is hurt, but James’ lovely red paint is ruined. But the engines try again and finally, the roof beams are all in place. Everybody is very relieved.
   
Stephen however, arrives at the docks to look for work. Diesel and Paxton are shunting there and Diesel tells Stephen that there is no work for him at all at the docks and only modern engines should work there. Paxton tries to make amends by being friendly to Stephen, but he does not mind. He just sets off to find another job. He arrives at the Blue Mountain Quarry. He introduces himself to Luke, Skarloey and Rheneas, who let him pull some heavy trucks. Stephen however, only manages to pull one truck and almost derails at a bend. Skarloey tells him that maybe the jobs here are not so good for him, but there was an old mine up at Ulfstead Castle. Stephen decides he will go and take a look.
+
Stephen however, arrives at the docks to look for work. Diesel and Paxton are shunting there and Diesel tells Stephen that there is no work for him at all at the docks and only modern engines should work there. Paxton tries to make amends by being friendly to Stephen, but he does not mind. He just sets off to find another job. He arrives at the Blue Mountain Quarry. He introduces himself to Luke, Skarloey and Rheneas, who let him pull some heavy trucks. Stephen however, only manages to pull one truck and almost derails at a bend. Skarloey tells him that maybe the jobs here are not so good for him, but there is an old mine up at Ulfstead Castle. Stephen decides he will go and take a look.
   
 
Back at Ulfstead, the Earl shows Thomas, Percy and James his collections of old artifacts that he collected from travelling the world. The engines are amazed, especially when they find out that Stephen is going to be the tour guide of the castle and grounds. The Earl tells the engines they can go and tell Stephen this and finally, James is given permission to go and have a wash. Whilst he is there, two speedy engines rush past him. They also race past Hiro and Gordon and Spencer, who are racing again. The engines introduce themselves as Connor and Caitlin, who have come to Sodor to take passengers up to Ulfstead Castle. They challenge the two engines to a race, but both Gordon and Spencer come up with excuses about why they should not, knowing that they have no chance of winning.
 
Back at Ulfstead, the Earl shows Thomas, Percy and James his collections of old artifacts that he collected from travelling the world. The engines are amazed, especially when they find out that Stephen is going to be the tour guide of the castle and grounds. The Earl tells the engines they can go and tell Stephen this and finally, James is given permission to go and have a wash. Whilst he is there, two speedy engines rush past him. They also race past Hiro and Gordon and Spencer, who are racing again. The engines introduce themselves as Connor and Caitlin, who have come to Sodor to take passengers up to Ulfstead Castle. They challenge the two engines to a race, but both Gordon and Spencer come up with excuses about why they should not, knowing that they have no chance of winning.
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Stephen, meanwhile, rolls up to the bottom of the slope up to Ulfstead Castle. He is delighted to find the old mine and quickly puffs towards it. But when he reaches the entrance, he finds it all blocked up. He is extremely disappointed and concludes that Thomas must have been wrong about him having a special job. Whilst this is going on, Sir Robert Norramby realises that there are some Troublesome Trucks that need to be taken away. Thomas and Percy offer to take them, but the Earl is not so sure; he is worried the train will be too heavy. But the two engines insist and slowly push the trucks to the top of the hill. Suddenly, Percy shouts that there should be an engine at the front, but it is too late. The trucks pull the two engines down the hill, much too fast for the two tank engines to stop. Stephen is just backing up, when he hears the sound of the runaway train coming along his line. There is nothing he can do, except smash through the blocked entrance, which causes his funnel to fly off and rocks to fall down behind him, leaving him trapped. The trucks hit the fallen rocks and stop. Thomas and Percy are relieved and slowly pull the trucks backwards, unaware of Stephen's incident.
 
Stephen, meanwhile, rolls up to the bottom of the slope up to Ulfstead Castle. He is delighted to find the old mine and quickly puffs towards it. But when he reaches the entrance, he finds it all blocked up. He is extremely disappointed and concludes that Thomas must have been wrong about him having a special job. Whilst this is going on, Sir Robert Norramby realises that there are some Troublesome Trucks that need to be taken away. Thomas and Percy offer to take them, but the Earl is not so sure; he is worried the train will be too heavy. But the two engines insist and slowly push the trucks to the top of the hill. Suddenly, Percy shouts that there should be an engine at the front, but it is too late. The trucks pull the two engines down the hill, much too fast for the two tank engines to stop. Stephen is just backing up, when he hears the sound of the runaway train coming along his line. There is nothing he can do, except smash through the blocked entrance, which causes his funnel to fly off and rocks to fall down behind him, leaving him trapped. The trucks hit the fallen rocks and stop. Thomas and Percy are relieved and slowly pull the trucks backwards, unaware of Stephen's incident.
   
Later, Thomas goes to the Steamworks to tell Stephen the good news, but when he arrives, Stephen is not there. Victor apologises, saying he does not know where he is, so Thomas goes to find Percy and James. James tells Thomas he was silly for telling Stephen he had a job. The engines then all go out to look for him. Percy looks at the castle, but neither Jack nor Millie have seen Stephen. James searches at the docks, but Cranky says that he only saw him yesterday. At the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas asks the small engines, but Luke explains about the trucks accident. Thomas is very worried.
+
Later, Thomas goes to the Steamworks to tell Stephen the good news, but when he arrives, Stephen is not there. Victor apologises, saying he does not know where he is, so Thomas goes to find Percy and James. James tells Thomas he was silly for telling Stephen he had a job. The engines then all go out to look for him. Percy looks at the castle, but neither Jack nor Millie have seen Stephen. James searches at the docks, but Cranky says that he only saw him the day before. At the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas asks the small engines, but Luke explains about the trucks accident. Thomas is very worried.
   
Deep, deep down inside Ulfstead Mine, Stephen is whistling for help. But after a while, he decides that help would not be coming, so he decides to try and find his own way out. He patrols all of the tunnels, but he keeps getting to dead ends. He feels very upset. He rolls back, but accidentally knocks into some rocks, causing a rock fall. Rocks tumble from the ceiling and suddenly, Stephen spots an old wooden chest. Thinking it is junk, he bumps it out of the way. This made it open up, however and inside was something that Stephen could not believe he had actually found.
+
Deep, deep down inside Ulfstead Mine, Stephen is whistling for help. But after a while, he decides that help will not be coming, so he decides to try and find his own way out. He patrols all of the tunnels, but he keeps getting to dead ends. Stephen feels very upset and rolls back, but accidentally knocks into some rocks, causing a rock fall. Rocks tumble from the ceiling and suddenly, Stephen spots an old wooden chest. Thinking it is junk, he bumps it out of the way. This makes it open up, however and inside is something that Stephen cannot believe he had actually found.
   
Next morning, Thomas, Percy and James all get up early and are about to go out and look for Stephen when Sir Topham Hatt arrives. He questions the engines on what they are doing and they reply back by telling him about Stephen. Just as they are saying this, Sir Robert Norramby drives in and asks if anybody has seen Stephen. In the end, the Fat Controller agrees to let Thomas, James and Percy go and look for Stephen. They start searching everywhere, with the help of Connor, Caitlin and the Sodor Search and Rescue crew. But no matter how hard they looked, they just could not find Stephen.
+
Next morning, Thomas, Percy and James all get up early and are about to go out and look for Stephen when Sir Topham Hatt arrives. He questions the engines on what they are doing and they reply back by telling him about Stephen. Just as they are saying this, Sir Robert Norramby drives in and asks if anybody has seen Stephen. In the end, the Fat Controller agrees to let Thomas, James and Percy go and look for Stephen. They start searching everywhere, with the help of Connor, Caitlin and the Sodor Search and Rescue crew. But no matter how hard they look, they just cannot find Stephen.
   
Down in the mine, poor Stephen is running out of steam. As he rounds a bend, he suddenly realises that he is now back at where he had started and had travelled in a big loop. He tries to steam back again, but he runs out of puff. Outside the mine, Percy suggests Thomas should go and look down the old track leading up to it. Thomas agrees and steams forwards. Just before the mine is some elevated track held by rotten wooden supports. Thomas is a little bit nervous when he steams over it. He reaches the end and finds the blocked tunnel. He sighs, knowing Stephen would not be down there. As he reverses, he suddenly spots Stephen's funnel. Thomas calls to Stephen, but Stephen does not respond, he does not have enough puff left. Thomas is about to steam away, when Stephen suddenly lets out a blast of his whistle. Thomas is extremely happy and knows exactly what he needs to do.
+
Down in the mine, poor Stephen is running out of steam. As he rounds a bend, he suddenly realises that he is now back at where he had started and had travelled in a big loop. He tries to steam back again, but he runs out of puff. Outside the mine, Percy suggests Thomas should go and look down the old track leading up to it. Thomas agrees and steams forwards. Just before the mine is some elevated track held by rotten wooden supports. Thomas is a little bit nervous when he steams over it. He reaches the end and finds the blocked tunnel. He sighs, knowing Stephen would not be down there. As he reverses, he suddenly spots Stephen's funnel. Thomas calls to Stephen, but Stephen does not respond, not having enough puff left. Thomas is about to steam away, when Stephen suddenly lets out a blast of his whistle. Thomas is extremely happy and knows exactly what he needs to do.
   
Thomas brings Jack down from the Castle and to the mine. Jack quickly clears away the rocks blocking the entrance and Thomas steams inside. He finds Stephen and pulls him out to safety. Stephen is very happy, as is Sir Robert Norramby, Percy and James, who by this point had all arrived. Stephen is about to say something very important when suddenly the elevated section of track begins to collapse. Stephen is hanging off the broken end. Thomas pulls with all his might, but Stephen is still slipping. However, Jack comes along and pushes up with his bucket. Thomas finally manages to pull Stephen to safety.
+
Thomas brings Jack down from the Castle and to the mine. Jack quickly clears away the rocks blocking the entrance and Thomas steams inside. He finds Stephen and pulls him out to safety. Stephen is very happy, as are Sir Robert Norramby, Percy and James, who have just arrived. Stephen is about to say something very important when suddenly the elevated section of track begins to collapse. Stephen is hanging off the broken end. Thomas pulls with all his might, but Stephen is still slipping. However, Jack comes along and pushes up with his bucket. Thomas finally manages to pull Stephen to safety.
   
 
Soon, everybody is ready for the grand opening of Ulfstead Castle. Stephen arrives, with a shiny new funnel and is greeted warmly by everybody. The Earl opens the castle and tells everybody that whilst Stephen was in the mine, he discovered King Godred's Golden Crown, which is a main artifact at the castle. Stephen, along with Millie, becomes a tour guide of the castle and the grounds and to end the occasion Connor and Caitlin are to race just like knights of old used to do. However, they persuade Spencer and Gordon to race too. They race off away from the castle.
 
Soon, everybody is ready for the grand opening of Ulfstead Castle. Stephen arrives, with a shiny new funnel and is greeted warmly by everybody. The Earl opens the castle and tells everybody that whilst Stephen was in the mine, he discovered King Godred's Golden Crown, which is a main artifact at the castle. Stephen, along with Millie, becomes a tour guide of the castle and the grounds and to end the occasion Connor and Caitlin are to race just like knights of old used to do. However, they persuade Spencer and Gordon to race too. They race off away from the castle.
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* [[The Duke and Duchess of Boxford]] {{Mentioned}}
 
* [[The Duke and Duchess of Boxford]] {{Mentioned}}
 
* [[The Dock Managers#The Second Manager|The Dock Manager]] {{Mentioned}}
 
* [[The Dock Managers#The Second Manager|The Dock Manager]] {{Mentioned}}
  +
* [[Colin]] {{Note|dropped}}
 
 
===Characters Introduced===
 
===Characters Introduced===
 
* [[Stephen]]
 
* [[Stephen]]
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* [[Millie]]
 
* [[Millie]]
 
* [[Sir Robert Norramby]]
 
* [[Sir Robert Norramby]]
* [[Stephen's Competitors#Novelty|Novelty]] {{Does not speak}}
+
* [[Novelty]] {{Does not speak}}
* [[Stephen's Competitors#Sans Pareil|Sans Pareil]] {{Does not speak}}
+
* [[Sans Pareil]] {{Does not speak}}
 
* [[King Godred]] {{Does not speak}}
 
* [[King Godred]] {{Does not speak}}
* [[Minor Human Characters in the Television Series#The Medieval Thieves|The Thieves]] {{Do not speak}}
+
* [[Minor Human Characters in the Television Series#The Medieval Thieves|The Medieval Thieves]] {{Do not speak}}
   
 
==Locations==
 
==Locations==
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==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
  +
 
* This special takes place between the [[Series 16|sixteenth]] and [[Series 17|seventeenth]] series.
 
* This special takes place between the [[Series 16|sixteenth]] and [[Series 17|seventeenth]] series.
 
* This special marks the first of many things:
 
* This special marks the first of many things:
 
** The first production animated by [[Jam Filled Toronto|Arc Productions]]. However, it is animated by a different team than the one that produces the episodes.
 
** The first production animated by [[Jam Filled Toronto|Arc Productions]]. However, it is animated by a different team than the one that produces the episodes.
  +
** Hiro's first speaking role since the fifteenth series episode, Fiery Flynn.
 
** The first special to feature Thomas, Percy and James together as the main characters.
 
** The first special to feature Thomas, Percy and James together as the main characters.
 
** The first special narrated by [[Mark Moraghan]] in the English dubs, [[Lars Mikkelsen]] in the Danish dub and [[Denis Bespalyy]] in the Russian and Ukrainian dubs.
 
** The first special narrated by [[Mark Moraghan]] in the English dubs, [[Lars Mikkelsen]] in the Danish dub and [[Denis Bespalyy]] in the Russian and Ukrainian dubs.
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* This special marks the last of a few things:
 
* This special marks the last of a few things:
 
** The last special where Henrietta does not have a face.
 
** The last special where Henrietta does not have a face.
  +
** Jack's last appearance until the nineteenth series episode, The Other Side of the Mountain, as well as his last speaking role until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
 
** The last special in which [[Ben Small]] voices Toby and Rheneas.
 
** The last special in which [[Ben Small]] voices Toby and Rheneas.
 
** The last special distributed by [[Lionsgate]] for the US.
 
** The last special distributed by [[Lionsgate]] for the US.
 
** The last special narrated by [[Blanche Ravalec]] for France and Canada in the home video releases.
 
** The last special narrated by [[Blanche Ravalec]] for France and Canada in the home video releases.
  +
** The last special to have footage during the end credits.
 
** The last US DVD to be captioned by Caption Technologies Inc.
 
** The last US DVD to be captioned by Caption Technologies Inc.
  +
** This also marks the final production to feature engines with only Lamp Irons on them
 
* This special was shown in select Australia and New Zealand theatres in late July, UK theatres in late August and Norwegian theatres in early October.
 
* This special was shown in select Australia and New Zealand theatres in late July, UK theatres in late August and Norwegian theatres in early October.
 
* When the Earl first arrives at Knapford, the Sodor Brass Band plays the [[Engine Roll Call]] as a fanfare and does so again at Ulfstead Castle's opening ceremony. Later, as Stephen is travelling along the main line, right before Gordon bumps into him, he is heard humming the song.
 
* When the Earl first arrives at Knapford, the Sodor Brass Band plays the [[Engine Roll Call]] as a fanfare and does so again at Ulfstead Castle's opening ceremony. Later, as Stephen is travelling along the main line, right before Gordon bumps into him, he is heard humming the song.
Line 273: Line 279:
 
** Thomas' line "Don't worry Stephen, I'm coming to rescue you!" is different.
 
** Thomas' line "Don't worry Stephen, I'm coming to rescue you!" is different.
 
* In the US trailer, the conversation between Thomas and the Earl about the latter's plans is shorter than it is in the movie. Also in the trailer, the Earl tells Thomas that he has a special job for him, James and Percy. The Earl only tells Thomas he has a special job for Stephen in the movie and Sir Topham Hatt later tells Thomas, James and Percy that the Earl has a job for them.
 
* In the US trailer, the conversation between Thomas and the Earl about the latter's plans is shorter than it is in the movie. Also in the trailer, the Earl tells Thomas that he has a special job for him, James and Percy. The Earl only tells Thomas he has a special job for Stephen in the movie and Sir Topham Hatt later tells Thomas, James and Percy that the Earl has a job for them.
* The scene with Henry stating he is being unable to build up steam alongside James is a near-image of the beginning scene of the [[Series 1|first series]] episode [[Coal]], where Henry complains about the same inability to James. Furthermore, both engines are in the same positions for both the aforementioned episode and this special.
+
* The scene with Henry stating he is being unable to build up steam alongside James is a near-image of the beginning scene of the [[Series 1|first series]] episode, [[Coal]], where Henry complains about the same inability to James. Furthermore, both engines are in the same positions for both the aforementioned episode and this special.
 
* Stephen's narration of his early life is almost exactly how his basis first began, as well as the railway itself.
 
* Stephen's narration of his early life is almost exactly how his basis first began, as well as the railway itself.
 
* A reference to the first series episode, [[Down the Mine]], was going to be in the final version of the special, but it was omitted due to it already being referenced in Blue Mountain Mystery and to reduce the running time to sixty minutes.
 
* A reference to the first series episode, [[Down the Mine]], was going to be in the final version of the special, but it was omitted due to it already being referenced in Blue Mountain Mystery and to reduce the running time to sixty minutes.
 
* According to concept art, [[Colin]] was originally meant to appear in this special, based at Ulfstead Castle. The concept art was done by [[Guru Studios]] rather than Arc Productions, which is likely the reason why Colin's role was cut.
 
* According to concept art, [[Colin]] was originally meant to appear in this special, based at Ulfstead Castle. The concept art was done by [[Guru Studios]] rather than Arc Productions, which is likely the reason why Colin's role was cut.
 
* This is the sixth known special dubbed in Hebrew.
 
* This is the sixth known special dubbed in Hebrew.
  +
* This special takes place between April 20th-April 22nd 2014, as indicated by a Newspaper read by Sir Robert Norramby.
   
 
==Goofs==
 
==Goofs==
 
* David Menkin is not credited for voicing Jack in the US dub.
 
* David Menkin is not credited for voicing Jack in the US dub.
 
* At one point when the engines are at Knapford for the Earl's welcome party, Belle's valve gear and side rods are back to front.
 
* At one point when the engines are at Knapford for the Earl's welcome party, Belle's valve gear and side rods are back to front.
* When Spencer returns to Sodor, his wheels are black and his nameplate is blank.
+
* When Spencer returns to Sodor, his wheels are black instead of light silver grey and his nameplate is blank.
 
* During the scene of Gordon and Spencer starting a race at Knapford, James can be seen departing the station with a train of trucks at the start of the scene. A few shots later, when Spencer passes Gordon, James' tender can be seen right on the edge of the shot.
 
* During the scene of Gordon and Spencer starting a race at Knapford, James can be seen departing the station with a train of trucks at the start of the scene. A few shots later, when Spencer passes Gordon, James' tender can be seen right on the edge of the shot.
 
* When Stephen is telling his story at the steamworks, part of Thomas' splasher appears rusted.
 
* When Stephen is telling his story at the steamworks, part of Thomas' splasher appears rusted.
 
* When Thomas heads to Ulfstead Castle for the first time, his train has a brake van, but when the Earl gets in Millie's coach with the suit of armour, the brake van disappears.
 
* When Thomas heads to Ulfstead Castle for the first time, his train has a brake van, but when the Earl gets in Millie's coach with the suit of armour, the brake van disappears.
  +
* Just as Stephen is about to tell his story, Thomas' right wheel arch (viewer's left) has a coat of rust.
 
* When Skarloey tells Stephen about the mines at Ulfstead Castle, Stephen disappears, but in the next scene, he reappears.
 
* When Skarloey tells Stephen about the mines at Ulfstead Castle, Stephen disappears, but in the next scene, he reappears.
 
* In the scene of the Shunting Yards in Searching Everywhere, Henry has three covered trucks and five uncovered trucks, but when he is seen crossing the Knapford Iron Bridge, two of the trucks disappear and the front truck has no tarpaulin.
 
* In the scene of the Shunting Yards in Searching Everywhere, Henry has three covered trucks and five uncovered trucks, but when he is seen crossing the Knapford Iron Bridge, two of the trucks disappear and the front truck has no tarpaulin.
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* [[Limited Offer DVD Box Set]]
 
* [[Limited Offer DVD Box Set]]
 
* [[Special Edition Box Set]]
 
* [[Special Edition Box Set]]
  +
  +
===US===
  +
* [[10-Movie Birthday Collection]]
   
 
===AUS===
 
===AUS===
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[[Category:Specials]]
 
[[Category:Specials]]
 
[[Category:Scandinavian VHS/DVD releases]]
 
[[Category:Scandinavian VHS/DVD releases]]
  +
[[Category:Thai DVD releases]]

Revision as of 22:23, 31 May 2020

This article is about 'the special'. You may be looking for 'the book, the Sticker activity book, the movie storybook or the UK book'.
“Not only that, Stephen has found something that I thought it was lost forever - King Godred's golden crown!”
― Sir Robert Norramby

King of the Railway is the 2013 Thomas & Friends special.

Plot

One morning at Brendam Docks, Thomas and Percy are shunting, but not very carefully. Thomas biffs a truck into another, causing a crate to fall out. Inside is a suit of armour. Percy thinks it is alive and runs away, but Thomas stays and wonders why the suit of armour was there and who it belonged to.

Later, all the engines and Thomas' coaches are sent to the washdown. None of them know why, but Emily knows Spencer is coming and James thinks a special visitor is arriving. The Fat Controller comes up and tells all the engines that his old friend Sir Robert Norramby will be arriving back on Sodor from travelling the world. All the engines become very excited and soon there are lots of preparations for the Earl's arrival. All the engines then gather at Knapford Station and soon Spencer steams in bringing the Earl. The Fat Controller greets a very surprised Sir Robert Norramby, who gets confused about whom the party is for. Thinking it is for somebody else, he clambers back into his coach and says goodbye to them all. He then mentions that he promised someone called Millie that he would be at the castle by 2:00, but none of the engines know who he is talking about.

Later, Thomas is sent to Brendam Docks to pick up some more crates to take to the estate at Ulfstead Castle. When he arrives, a little blue bubbly French engine rolls up next to him. Thomas guesses she that it is Millie, which she is. Millie explains that she had been locked up in her shed whilst the Earl was travelling, but she is now able to steam freely again. Sir Robert Norramby clambers aboard Millie’s coach and thanks Thomas for helping him. He then mentions something about King Godred's golden crown, leaving a rather puzzled Thomas.

Later that night, Spencer returns back to Sodor and arrives at Tidmouth Sheds, saying that the Earl has asked for him again. He then has a slight argument about who is faster with Gordon, ending with a decision to race the very next day. When morning comes, the two engines begin their race. Gordon thinks it is unfair that he has a long line of coaches behind him, yet Spencer does not. Nevertheless he works hard and is just about to catch up to Spencer, when the streamlined engine turns off the mainline, saying he has special work to complete with the Earl. This leaves a very annoyed Gordon. Later, Percy is shunting at the docks, when he spies what he thinks is Thomas and jumps at him. However, it is Spencer, who jumps in surprise. Percy asks what Spencer is doing and he replies that he has taken the Earl to the docks for an important meeting with the dock manager. Later, Thomas finds Spencer at the Blue Mountain Quarry. Spencer denies that he has anything to do with the long line of trucks behind him, until the Earl tells him to couple up to the train. Thomas laughs, telling him he is being "really useful." Spencer just groans.

At Knapford Station, some of the engines are discussing why the Earl would want rails and big heavy stones. They think there must be a new railway line, with a station. Suddenly, Toby rushes in, telling all the engines that Henry has burst his safety valve and the Fat Controller wants Percy to take his heavy goods train to the Earl’s estate. Percy excitedly puffs off, leaving a rather confused group of engines. They all know Percy is not strong enough to pull a heavy train.

At the docks, Percy pulls in to find James already at the front of the train. James says it is his train and not Percy’s. As the two begin to argue, Thomas pulls in and states that it is his train. The engines begin to argue, until the Fat Controller arrives and explains that all three engines will have to pull the train. So the engines set off. They have a rough time with the troublesome trucks, especially steaming up Gordon’s hill. But they make it and are soon heaving into the Earl’s estate. They are all surprised at what they see; the whole place looks like a building site and the engines cannot understand it. Thomas then sees Jack, who explains the Earl is helping to restore Ulfstead Castle. The engines now understand what he is doing and are very excited. Then the Earl arrives, explaining that one truck was supposed to be dropped off at the Steamworks. None of the engines understand why, but they are very curious to find out. So they all decide to travel with the Earl to find out. At the steamworks, the crate is lifted off the truck, to reveal a very old, rusty engine named Stephen. The engines are amazed and ask Stephen lots of questions. They then ask the Earl why Stephen had been brought to Sodor. The Earl explains he has a special job for him, but he warns them not to tell him just yet, as he may get a little too excited. When they return back to Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas, Percy and James tell the rest of the engines all about him. The engines are thrilled and they all want to meet Stephen.

The next morning, as Henry’s safety valve is still faulty, he is taken to the Steamworks by Emily. Once they get there, they discover Stephen hanging from the ceiling. He explains he is having his undercarriage looked at. Just then, the rest of the Steam Team roll in and Stephen is very surprised that they all wanted to come and see him. He then tells stories of his past, about how he was the most reliable engine in his time, as well as being the fastest. He then goes on to say how he worked at some docks and the mines. He then sighs, saying how modern engines are much faster than he is and stronger. But nevertheless, he is happy to be fixed.

After a while, Stephen's restoration is complete. All of the engines come to see him in his new paintwork and gleaming brass domes. But the Fat Controller is not very happy seeing all of his engines not working. However, he then tells Thomas, Percy and James to return to Ulfstead Castle at once, as the Earl has another job for them. Thomas is excited, but he sees Stephen’s sad face. Thomas knows it is because Stephen does not have a job and wants to go and make him feel better, but James warns him that the Earl said he was not supposed to tell Stephen about his special job. Thomas decides to anyway, only for Stephen to laugh when Thomas tells him, but thanks him for cheering him up. The engines return to the castle, where they find that plenty of progress has been made. There are even rails leading inside the castle. Sir Robert Norramby is very pleased with the work, but there was still some for the engines to do. They have to replace roof beams on the main castle building, by pulling a flatbed, known as the Traveller, which is very heavy. The engines have to work very hard together, but it is a big struggle.

Meanwhile, Henry leaves the Steamworks after being fixed. Stephen wants to leave, but he does not know what his special job is. Not even Victor or Kevin can tell him. At last Stephen cannot wait any longer and decides that he will have to find his new job and sets out at once to find it. Meanwhile, Gordon is out pulling the express, when Spencer steams up again, challenging him to another race. Gordon agrees and the two set off. Gordon begins to edge ahead of Spencer, pleased that he may win. Suddenly, he spots something ahead of him on the tracks; it is Stephen, steaming slowly along. Gordon slams on his brakes, finally slowing down, just in time. He tells Stephen to hurry up, but Stephen replies that he is travelling as fast as he can. Gordon groans as he watches Spencer race away, whilst he is stuck behind the slowest engine on Sodor.

Back at Ulfstead Castle, the engines are still moving the giant structure. Percy wobbles slightly, causing spanners to fall down. James tells him off, leaving Thomas warning the two to pay attention. He pulls ahead too sharply and it causes the roof beam to fall down, covering the place in dust. Nobody is hurt, but James’ lovely red paint is ruined. But the engines try again and finally, the roof beams are all in place. Everybody is very relieved.

Stephen however, arrives at the docks to look for work. Diesel and Paxton are shunting there and Diesel tells Stephen that there is no work for him at all at the docks and only modern engines should work there. Paxton tries to make amends by being friendly to Stephen, but he does not mind. He just sets off to find another job. He arrives at the Blue Mountain Quarry. He introduces himself to Luke, Skarloey and Rheneas, who let him pull some heavy trucks. Stephen however, only manages to pull one truck and almost derails at a bend. Skarloey tells him that maybe the jobs here are not so good for him, but there is an old mine up at Ulfstead Castle. Stephen decides he will go and take a look.

Back at Ulfstead, the Earl shows Thomas, Percy and James his collections of old artifacts that he collected from travelling the world. The engines are amazed, especially when they find out that Stephen is going to be the tour guide of the castle and grounds. The Earl tells the engines they can go and tell Stephen this and finally, James is given permission to go and have a wash. Whilst he is there, two speedy engines rush past him. They also race past Hiro and Gordon and Spencer, who are racing again. The engines introduce themselves as Connor and Caitlin, who have come to Sodor to take passengers up to Ulfstead Castle. They challenge the two engines to a race, but both Gordon and Spencer come up with excuses about why they should not, knowing that they have no chance of winning.

Stephen, meanwhile, rolls up to the bottom of the slope up to Ulfstead Castle. He is delighted to find the old mine and quickly puffs towards it. But when he reaches the entrance, he finds it all blocked up. He is extremely disappointed and concludes that Thomas must have been wrong about him having a special job. Whilst this is going on, Sir Robert Norramby realises that there are some Troublesome Trucks that need to be taken away. Thomas and Percy offer to take them, but the Earl is not so sure; he is worried the train will be too heavy. But the two engines insist and slowly push the trucks to the top of the hill. Suddenly, Percy shouts that there should be an engine at the front, but it is too late. The trucks pull the two engines down the hill, much too fast for the two tank engines to stop. Stephen is just backing up, when he hears the sound of the runaway train coming along his line. There is nothing he can do, except smash through the blocked entrance, which causes his funnel to fly off and rocks to fall down behind him, leaving him trapped. The trucks hit the fallen rocks and stop. Thomas and Percy are relieved and slowly pull the trucks backwards, unaware of Stephen's incident.

Later, Thomas goes to the Steamworks to tell Stephen the good news, but when he arrives, Stephen is not there. Victor apologises, saying he does not know where he is, so Thomas goes to find Percy and James. James tells Thomas he was silly for telling Stephen he had a job. The engines then all go out to look for him. Percy looks at the castle, but neither Jack nor Millie have seen Stephen. James searches at the docks, but Cranky says that he only saw him the day before. At the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas asks the small engines, but Luke explains about the trucks accident. Thomas is very worried.

Deep, deep down inside Ulfstead Mine, Stephen is whistling for help. But after a while, he decides that help will not be coming, so he decides to try and find his own way out. He patrols all of the tunnels, but he keeps getting to dead ends. Stephen feels very upset and rolls back, but accidentally knocks into some rocks, causing a rock fall. Rocks tumble from the ceiling and suddenly, Stephen spots an old wooden chest. Thinking it is junk, he bumps it out of the way. This makes it open up, however and inside is something that Stephen cannot believe he had actually found.

Next morning, Thomas, Percy and James all get up early and are about to go out and look for Stephen when Sir Topham Hatt arrives. He questions the engines on what they are doing and they reply back by telling him about Stephen. Just as they are saying this, Sir Robert Norramby drives in and asks if anybody has seen Stephen. In the end, the Fat Controller agrees to let Thomas, James and Percy go and look for Stephen. They start searching everywhere, with the help of Connor, Caitlin and the Sodor Search and Rescue crew. But no matter how hard they look, they just cannot find Stephen.

Down in the mine, poor Stephen is running out of steam. As he rounds a bend, he suddenly realises that he is now back at where he had started and had travelled in a big loop. He tries to steam back again, but he runs out of puff. Outside the mine, Percy suggests Thomas should go and look down the old track leading up to it. Thomas agrees and steams forwards. Just before the mine is some elevated track held by rotten wooden supports. Thomas is a little bit nervous when he steams over it. He reaches the end and finds the blocked tunnel. He sighs, knowing Stephen would not be down there. As he reverses, he suddenly spots Stephen's funnel. Thomas calls to Stephen, but Stephen does not respond, not having enough puff left. Thomas is about to steam away, when Stephen suddenly lets out a blast of his whistle. Thomas is extremely happy and knows exactly what he needs to do.

Thomas brings Jack down from the Castle and to the mine. Jack quickly clears away the rocks blocking the entrance and Thomas steams inside. He finds Stephen and pulls him out to safety. Stephen is very happy, as are Sir Robert Norramby, Percy and James, who have just arrived. Stephen is about to say something very important when suddenly the elevated section of track begins to collapse. Stephen is hanging off the broken end. Thomas pulls with all his might, but Stephen is still slipping. However, Jack comes along and pushes up with his bucket. Thomas finally manages to pull Stephen to safety.

Soon, everybody is ready for the grand opening of Ulfstead Castle. Stephen arrives, with a shiny new funnel and is greeted warmly by everybody. The Earl opens the castle and tells everybody that whilst Stephen was in the mine, he discovered King Godred's Golden Crown, which is a main artifact at the castle. Stephen, along with Millie, becomes a tour guide of the castle and the grounds and to end the occasion Connor and Caitlin are to race just like knights of old used to do. However, they persuade Spencer and Gordon to race too. They race off away from the castle.

Characters

Characters Introduced

Locations

Songs

Cast

UK, AUS and NZ

US and CAN

Bonus Features

UK

US

  • The Search for the Lost Crown game
  • It's Gonna be a Great Day sing-a-long
  • Searching Everywhere sing-a-long
  • Working Together Again sing-a-long
  • Guess Who? puzzles

Japan

  • King of the Railway Theatrical Trailer
  • Tale of the Brave Trailer
  • Working Together Again sing-a-long
  • Searching Everywhere sing-a-long
  • It's Gonna be a Great Day sing-a-long

Trivia

  • This special takes place between the sixteenth and seventeenth series.
  • This special marks the first of many things:
    • The first production animated by Arc Productions. However, it is animated by a different team than the one that produces the episodes.
    • Hiro's first speaking role since the fifteenth series episode, Fiery Flynn.
    • The first special to feature Thomas, Percy and James together as the main characters.
    • The first special narrated by Mark Moraghan in the English dubs, Lars Mikkelsen in the Danish dub and Denis Bespalyy in the Russian and Ukrainian dubs.
    • The first special since The Great Discovery to have the same narrator in both UK and US dubs.
    • The first and only special where Martin Sherman voices Diesel in the US dub.
    • The first special to include voice actressess other than Teresa Gallagher and Jules de Jongh.
    • The first special written entirely by Andrew Brenner. However, he also edited the script for Blue Mountain Mystery written by Sharon Miller a year before.
    • The Troublesome Trucks' first speaking roles since the twelfth series episode, Percy and the Bandstand and their first speaking role in a special.
    • The first special in which Mavis does not appear.
    • The first special in which Rocky does not appear since his debut in the tenth series.
    • The first special in which James is voiced by Loukas Frangoulis in the Greek dub.
    • Jack's first appearance since the twelfth series episode, Percy and the Bandstand and his first appearance in full CGI.
    • The first time the Sudrian flag is shown in any form of media relating to the series, though it would not be identified as such until The Great Race.
    • The first and currently only special shown in Norwegian theatres.
    • The first special to have a completely different disc artwork for the DVD and Blu-Ray.
    • The first special produced by HiT Entertainment under ownership of Mattel.
  • This special marks the last of a few things:
    • The last special where Henrietta does not have a face.
    • Jack's last appearance until the nineteenth series episode, The Other Side of the Mountain, as well as his last speaking role until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
    • The last special in which Ben Small voices Toby and Rheneas.
    • The last special distributed by Lionsgate for the US.
    • The last special narrated by Blanche Ravalec for France and Canada in the home video releases.
    • The last special to have footage during the end credits.
    • The last US DVD to be captioned by Caption Technologies Inc.
    • This also marks the final production to feature engines with only Lamp Irons on them
  • This special was shown in select Australia and New Zealand theatres in late July, UK theatres in late August and Norwegian theatres in early October.
  • When the Earl first arrives at Knapford, the Sodor Brass Band plays the Engine Roll Call as a fanfare and does so again at Ulfstead Castle's opening ceremony. Later, as Stephen is travelling along the main line, right before Gordon bumps into him, he is heard humming the song.
  • When Toby says that Henry has broken down, Gordon says "Don't tell me he needs special coal again," and Toby replies, "No, Gordon! That was fixed years ago." This is a reference to Henry's rebuild after the Flying Kipper accident and is likely an amendment to the instances in later series where Henry was said to have needed special coal again, despite being in his new shape. The conversation was present in early drafts of the script, but was omitted in later revisions. It was reinserted for the final script at the insistence of Railway Consultant Sam Wilkinson.
  • This special first aired on the Polish TV channel MiniMini on the 29th June 2013, making it the first special to premier in a non-English-speaking territory.
  • This special aired on the Mexican TV channel Canal 5 on 25th, 26th and 27th November 2013 and again on 11th, 12th and 13th December 2013.
  • This special aired on PBS on the 18th and 19th November 2013 in the US. During the airings, some scenes were edited.
  • This special aired on ABC 4 Kids on 8th October 2013 in Australia.
  • This special aired on MiniMax TV on 15th September 2013 in Romania.
  • Stephen's lines "Hello! Can anybody hear me out there? Help! Help!" and "Calling all engines! Calling all engines!" are present in the US dub, but are omitted in the UK.
  • David Menkin and Bob Golding join the voice cast. Rebecca O'MaraJonathan Forbes, Miranda Raison and Mike Grady also officially join the voice cast.
  • During its first week of release in the UK, this special was the number one Best Selling DVD in Children's Animation on Amazon.co.uk.
  • When the trestle at Ulfstead Mine starts to collapse under Thomas and Stephen, Jack uses his scoop to hold it up, similar to how he had to support the bridge in the sixth series episode, A Friend in Need.
  • Thomas, James and Percy triple-heading the train is similar to what Thomas, Percy and Duck did with the express in the story Triple Header. Like in the story, Percy leads the train.
  • This special was shown on Milkshake! on New Year's Day, 2014 and again on 20th April 2014.
  • There are some differences between the scenes in the UK trailer and the corresponding ones in the actual movie:
    • Thomas and Percy are clean when they are being pulled down the hill in the trailer, but in the special they are covered in dust.
    • There is no lighting in the steamworks in the trailer, but there is in the special.
    • The scene of Sir Robert Norramby waving from Millie's cab does not appear in the special.
    • When Robert Norramby is standing at the podium and lifts the visor on his helmet, he is not heard saying "Ta-da!" in the trailer.
    • The dialogue of Thomas, Percy and James saying "Together?" is different in the trailer than in the special.
    • Thomas' line "Don't worry Stephen, I'm coming to rescue you!" is different.
  • In the US trailer, the conversation between Thomas and the Earl about the latter's plans is shorter than it is in the movie. Also in the trailer, the Earl tells Thomas that he has a special job for him, James and Percy. The Earl only tells Thomas he has a special job for Stephen in the movie and Sir Topham Hatt later tells Thomas, James and Percy that the Earl has a job for them.
  • The scene with Henry stating he is being unable to build up steam alongside James is a near-image of the beginning scene of the first series episode, Coal, where Henry complains about the same inability to James. Furthermore, both engines are in the same positions for both the aforementioned episode and this special.
  • Stephen's narration of his early life is almost exactly how his basis first began, as well as the railway itself.
  • A reference to the first series episode, Down the Mine, was going to be in the final version of the special, but it was omitted due to it already being referenced in Blue Mountain Mystery and to reduce the running time to sixty minutes.
  • According to concept art, Colin was originally meant to appear in this special, based at Ulfstead Castle. The concept art was done by Guru Studios rather than Arc Productions, which is likely the reason why Colin's role was cut.
  • This is the sixth known special dubbed in Hebrew.
  • This special takes place between April 20th-April 22nd 2014, as indicated by a Newspaper read by Sir Robert Norramby.

Goofs

  • David Menkin is not credited for voicing Jack in the US dub.
  • At one point when the engines are at Knapford for the Earl's welcome party, Belle's valve gear and side rods are back to front.
  • When Spencer returns to Sodor, his wheels are black instead of light silver grey and his nameplate is blank.
  • During the scene of Gordon and Spencer starting a race at Knapford, James can be seen departing the station with a train of trucks at the start of the scene. A few shots later, when Spencer passes Gordon, James' tender can be seen right on the edge of the shot.
  • When Stephen is telling his story at the steamworks, part of Thomas' splasher appears rusted.
  • When Thomas heads to Ulfstead Castle for the first time, his train has a brake van, but when the Earl gets in Millie's coach with the suit of armour, the brake van disappears.
  • Just as Stephen is about to tell his story, Thomas' right wheel arch (viewer's left) has a coat of rust.
  • When Skarloey tells Stephen about the mines at Ulfstead Castle, Stephen disappears, but in the next scene, he reappears.
  • In the scene of the Shunting Yards in Searching Everywhere, Henry has three covered trucks and five uncovered trucks, but when he is seen crossing the Knapford Iron Bridge, two of the trucks disappear and the front truck has no tarpaulin.
  • In various shots throughout the film, bushes are not rendered properly as they appear to overlap the tracks in numerous locations, notably at Knapford Station and Ulfstead Castle.
  • The Earl said he promised Millie he would be at the estate by 2:00, but the station clock reads 4:25.
  • During the shots of Gordon and Spencer racing each other, Gordon's side rods are not in the same motion as his wheels.
  • In the overhead shot of Spencer leaving the Main Line while racing Gordon the first time, the points are set to let an engine continue straight forward, however Spencer veers off to the left as though the points were set in the opposite direction.
  • When Gordon brakes to avoid hitting Stephen, his valve gear is not properly aligned with his cylinders and it clips through his footplate.
  • When the engines are discussing the Earl's plans, Toby pulls into the station beside Emily, but the track he is on ends at a bookstall behind him, that was empty just before. Then, after Percy leaves, Toby starts backing up towards the bookstall.
  • When Toby pulls into Knapford, he is pulling Henrietta. However, as he says that Percy is needed to pull a goods train and the camera is zoomed out to show all the engines at the station, Henrietta is missing and Toby is pulling ordinary trucks instead.
  • During some of the crowd scenes, some of the people are duplicated.
  • Before the Earl jumps out of Thomas' cab, his steam gauge is out of place.
  • When Gordon screeches to a stop behind Stephen, his bogie wheels spark, but bogies are not fitted with brakes.
  • When Henry is seen at the shed with James complaining that he cannot build steam, his side rods are missing.
  • When Caitlin goes across Vicarstown Bridge, she is not coupled to her coaches.
  • During one of the shots of Connor and Caitlin going across Vicarstown Bridge, their tenders have no wheels.
  • When Connor and Caitlin passes Gordon and Spencer, the former's brake coach becomes a regular express brake coach, whilst the latter's coaches disappear.
  • When Spencer says "This is no job for a splendid engine..." at the quarry, the mountains behind Owen are missing.
  • When Stephen first arrives at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Rusty can be seen pulling some trucks away from Owen, but in the next shot, he is pushing some trucks onto Owen's platform. Then in the next shot of Stephen, he is pulling some trucks on the lower terrace.
  • In some shots of the Blue Mountain Quarry, when Stephen first arrives, some standard gauge trucks are on narrow gauge rails.
  • When Stephen is getting ready to haul slate trucks at the Blue Mountain Quarry, the trucks seem to move forward by themselves before the shunter couples them up to Stephen.
  • When Skarloey goes to see Stephen after his near accident, Rheneas’ right eyebrow is cut in half.
  • When the Earl is talking to Thomas, Percy and James after helping with building the castle, Millie seems positioned on the standard gauge line rather than the narrow gauge at one point.
  • Emily starts pulling Henry out of the shed; but there is not any track on the other end and the turntable is not big enough for both of them.
  • While Percy talks to Stephen, Thomas reverses down the track he arrived on and then stops. Then when Percy leaves, Thomas has somehow disappeared. The track Thomas was on ends at buffers behind him and leads to the turntable in front of him, which was set to Percy's line.
  • In the close-up of Spencer at the Ulfstead Castle ceremony, his front bogie wheels clip through his cylinders.
  • When Gordon is at Ulfstead Castle Station getting ready for the race, he is missing his decorations.
  • It is said that Henry burst a safety valve; however in the scene when Percy enters Brendam Docks, Henry is actually leaking steam from his right-side cylinder block, not his safety valve which is mounted on top of his boiler.
  • Gordon's right-side cylinder block is not attached to his frames when he and the other engines first meet Stephen.
  • On the poster of Connor and Caitlin at Maron, Caitlin does not have her tender.
  • In the UK version, James has his US voice when he says "Oh my!" outside the mine when the wooden structure breaks.
  • The US release of the Blu-Ray is slowed down to 23.98 frames a second and adds an extra two minutes to the specials' length. Pitch adjustment was not applied to the audio properly. As a result, the audio is distorted. The DVD and iTunes release however are not affected by this.
  • When Thomas, Percy and James are puffing up the hill, James is missing his crew.
  • In the UK narration, when James says "Wouldn't you, sir?" he only mouths "Wouldn't you?"
  • In Stephen's flashback to his early life, his competitor (based upon Sans Pareil) has no side-rods, making him a 0-2-2 instead of a 0-4-0, as was the real engine.
  • When Gordon leaves Knapford after saying "Been and gone," he is missing his crew.
  • When Stephen puffs out of the Steamworks after his overhaul is complete, James' tender is hanging over the transfer table pit.
  • During one scene of Thomas, Percy and James pulling the Traveller, the conflats' wheels appear to be missing.
  • When Thomas goes to the docks to collect the Earl's first shipment, Cranky's crane arm appears to be broken.
  • On the Prime Video release of the special, when Toby corrects Gordon about Henry needing special coal, the captions say that Henry is speaking and not Toby.
  • When Thomas and Percy are pulled down the incline, a stone clips through the side of the conflat. 

In Other Languages

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Language Title
Chinese 城堡大冒险
Czech Král železnic
Danish Jernbanens konge
Dutch De Koning van het Spoor
Finnish Rautateiden kuningas
French Le Roi Du Chemin De Fer
German König der Schienen
Greek Ο βασιλιας του σιδηροδρομου
Hebrew מלך מסילת הרכבת
Hungarian Thomas, a sínek királya
Italian Il Re Dei Binari
Japanese キング・オブ・ザ・レイルウェイ トーマスと失われた王冠
Korean 잃어버린 왕관
Norwegian Jernbanens konge
Polish Tajemnica Zaginionej Korony
Portuguese O Rei da Ferrovia
Romanian Regele Șinelor
Russian Король железной дороги
Serbian Kralj Pruge
Spanish El Rey de las Vías
Swedish Järnvägens konung
Thai วีรบุรุษเจ้ารถไฟ
Ukrainian Король залізниці

Merchandise

Books

Wooden Railway

  • Stephen
  • Millie
  • Connor
  • Caitlin
  • Castle Crane
  • Thomas' Castle Delivery
  • Toby's Castle Delivery
  • Stephen Comes to Sodor
  • Stephen with Passenger Coach
  • Stephen's Castle Coaches
  • Treasure at the Mine Figure 8 Set
  • King of the Railway Deluxe Set

TrackMaster

  • Stephen "The Rocket"
  • Caitlin's Passenger Express
  • Connor's Race to the Castle
  • Castle Quest Set
  • Castle Cargo Delivery
  • Royal Castle Gates Delivery

Motor Road and Rail

  • Stephen
  • Connor
  • Connor and Caitlin Super Express King of the Railway Set

Take-n-Play

  • Stephen
  • Connor
  • Caitlin
  • Millie
  • Stephen the Original Steamie
  • Stephen and the Treasure
  • Percy's Catapult Cargo
  • Talking James with Castle Crest
  • Treasure Tracks
  • Thomas' Adventure Castle

Collectible Railway

  • Connor
  • Caitlin
  • Toby's Treasure Hunt

Motorized Railway

  • Stephen
  • King of the Railway Deluxe set

Capsule Plarail

  • Stephen
  • Connor
  • Caitlin
  • Millie
  • King of the railway Thomas
  • King of the railway James
  • King of the railway Percy
  • Truck with crown
  • Ulfstead Castle

Mega Bloks

  • Thomas Visits the Castle
  • Castle Gateway

Clothes

  • Handcraft Underwear

DVD Boxsets

UK

US

AUS

FIN

Trailers and Featurettes