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{{DEFAULTSORT:Spotless Record, The}}
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{{Tab|tab1=Main Page|tab2=Gallery}}
  
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{{Youmay|the episode|[[The Spotless Record and Other Adventures|the Malaysian VCD]]}}
  ⚫
{{Tab|tab1=Main Page|tab2=Gallery|tab3=Credits}}
 
{{Infobox Episode
  
{{Infobox Episode
 
|title1=The Spotless Record
  
|title1=The Spotless Record
−
|image1=[[File:TheSpotlessRecord25.PNG|250px]]
 +
|image1=File:TheSpotlessRecord25.PNG
⚫
|director=[[David Mitton]]
  
⚫
|producer=[[Phil Fehrle]]
  
 
|writer=[[Paul Larson]]
  
|writer=[[Paul Larson]]
  ⚫
|director=[[David Mitton]]
  ⚫
|producer=[[Philip D. Fehrle]]
 
|narrator=
  
|narrator=
−
* [[Michael Angelis]] {{Note|UK/US}}
 +
* [[Michael Angelis]]
−
* [[Michael Brandon]] {{Note|US}}
 +
* [[Michael Brandon]] {{Note|US only}}
 
|series=[[Series 7|7]]
  
|series=[[Series 7|7]]
 
|series_no=7.09
  
|series_no=7.09
 
|number=165
  
|number=165
 
|released=
  
|released=
−
* 16th October 2003 {{Note|UK}}
 +
* 16 October 2003 {{Note|UK, original music}}
−
* 19th February 2004 {{Note|CAN}}
 +
* 16 March 2004 {{Note|US/CAN, Michael Angelis}}
−
* 29th March 2004 {{Note|KOR}}
 +
* 29 March 2004 {{Note|KOR, EBS}}
−
* 24th April 2004 {{Note|JPN}}
 +
* 24 April 2004 {{Note|JPN}}
−
* 22nd October 2004 {{Note|AUS}}
 +
* 22 October 2004 {{Note|AUS}}
−
* 10th September 2005 {{Note|US}}
 +
* 8 September 2005 {{Note|CAN, Michael Brandon}}
−
* 16th September 2005 {{Note|UK; New Music}}
 +
* 11 September 2005 {{Note|US, Michael Brandon}}
−
* 18th September 2009 {{Note|HUN}}
 +
* 16 September 2005 {{Note|UK, re-dubbed music}}
  +
* 18 September 2009 {{Note|HUN}}
⚫
|previous=[[The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop|The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop/The Refreshment Lady's Stand]]
  
  +
* 17 April 2021 {{Note|TUR, Official [[YouTube]] channel}}
⚫
|next=[[Toby's Windmill|Toby's Windmill]]/[[Toby and the Windmill]]}}
  
  ⚫
|previous=[[The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop|The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop/Stand]] {{Broadcast}}<hr />[[Fergus Breaks the Rules]] {{Note|UK production}}
⚫
{{quote|Arthur, it's, eh, 'fruitless' for me to say more, but Thomas, you must help clean up this mess!|Sir Topham Hatt}}
  
  ⚫
|next=[[Toby's Windmill|Toby's Windmill/Toby and the Windmill]] {{Broadcast}}<hr>[[Peace and Quiet]] {{Production}}
⚫
'''''The Spotless Record''''', later shortened to '''''Spotless Record''''', is the sixth episode of the [[Series 7|seventh series]].
  
  ⚫
}}
  ⚫
{{Quote|Arthur, it's... eh, 'fruitless' for me to say more. But, Thomas, you must help clean up this mess.|The Fat Controller}}
  ⚫
'''''The Spotless Record''''', also later shortened to '''''Spotless Record''''', is the ninth episode of the [[Series 7|seventh series]].
   
 
==Plot==
  
==Plot==
−
A new tank engine named Arthur arrives. The Fat Controller explains that he is to shunt [[Troublesome Trucks|trucks]] and pull freight, and that he was chosen for he has a spotless record. Percy is confused, so Thomas explains that it means Arthur has never been naughty and he has never had an accident.
 +
A new tank engine named Arthur has arrived. The Fat Controller explains that he is to shunt trucks and pull freight, and that he was chosen because he has a spotless record. Percy is confused, so Thomas explains that it means Arthur has never been naughty or had an accident.
   
−
Later, Thomas and Percy are bumping trucks around. They know this is naughty but they are having fun. Thomas asks Arthur to join in, but he declines. Arthur's first job is to take a train of fruit to market. The trucks sing at him which he thinks is very rude. This gives Thomas an idea; He tells Arthur that the Fat Controller does not like the trucks singing, and that he should tell them to stop. Arthur is convinced that he can keep the trucks in order and sets off while Thomas chuckles at his little joke.
 +
Later, Thomas and Percy are bumping trucks around at the docks. They know this is naughty but they are having fun. Thomas asks Arthur to join in, but he declines. Arthur's first job is to take a train of fruit to market. The trucks sing at him, which he thinks is very rude. This gives Thomas an idea; he tells Arthur that the Fat Controller does not like the trucks singing, and that he should tell them to stop. Arthur is convinced that he can keep the trucks in order and sets off while Thomas chuckles at his little joke.
   
−
Arthur is out on [[The Main Line|the main line]] when the trucks start singing again. Arthur crossly tells them to stop, so the trucks decide that if they cannot sing, they will try and teach Arthur a lesson instead. When they come to the top of Gordon's hill, the trucks use their weight to pull Arthur down at high speed. But up ahead Duck has stopped at a [[Level Crossings|level crossing]]. Arthur tries to stop, but it is too late as he crashes into the back of Duck's train, completely destroying Arthur's trucks and damaging Duck's brake van. Squashed fruit flies in all directions. Arthur is very upset now that his spotless record has been ruined.
 +
Arthur is out on [[The Main Line (T&F)|the Main Line]] when the trucks start singing again. Arthur crossly tells them to stop and that trucks should do as they are told. This leads to the trucks deciding that if they cannot sing, they will try and teach Arthur a lesson instead. When they come to the top of Gordon's hill, the trucks use their weight to pull Arthur down at high speed. But up ahead, Duck has stopped at a [[Level Crossings|level crossing]]. Arthur tries to stop, but it is too late as he crashes into the back of Duck's train, completely destroying Arthur's trucks, damaging Duck's [[Brake Vans|brake van]] and squashed fruit flies in all directions. Arthur is very upset now that his spotless record has been ruined.
   
−
Thomas arrives with the Fat Controller on board. Arthur tells him how he told the trucks to stop singing, but they pulled him down the hill. Thomas feels ashamed and tells the Fat Controller that it was his fault since he told Arthur to stand up to the trucks. The Fat Controller orders Thomas to help clean up the mess. Harvey arrives with [[The Breakdown Train|the breakdown train]] and everyone works hard to clean up the mess.
 +
Thomas arrives with the Fat Controller on board. Arthur tells him how he told the trucks to stop singing, but they pulled him down the hill. Thomas feels ashamed and admits to the Fat Controller that it was his fault since he told Arthur to stand up to the trucks. Therefore, the Fat Controller orders Thomas to help clean up the mess. Soon, Harvey arrives with [[The Breakdown Train|the breakdown train]] and everyone works hard to clean up the mess.
   
−
That evening, Arthur is being cleaned when Thomas arrives. He apologises for tricking Arthur, and he is grateful that Thomas owned up. The two engines decide that spotless records can be broken, but then mended again, just like friendship.
 +
That evening, Arthur is being cleaned when Thomas arrives. He apologises for tricking Arthur, and he is grateful that Thomas owned up. The two engines decide that spotless records can be broken, but then mended again, just like friendships.
   
 
==Characters==
  
==Characters==
−
* [[Thomas]]
 +
* [[Thomas (T&F)|Thomas]]
−
* [[Percy]]
 +
* [[Percy (T&F)|Percy]]
 
* [[Arthur]]
  
* [[Arthur]]
−
* [[Troublesome Trucks]]
 +
* [[Troublesome Vans (T&F)|Troublesome Vans]]
−
* [[Sir Topham Hatt]]
 +
* [[Sir Topham Hatt (T&F)|Sir Topham Hatt]]
−
* [[Duck]] {{Does not speak}}
 +
* [[Duck (T&F)|Duck]] {{Does not speak}}
 
* [[Harvey]] {{Does not speak}}
  
* [[Harvey]] {{Does not speak}}
  +
* [[Troublesome Trucks (T&F)|Troublesome Trucks]] {{Do not speak}}
⚫
* [[Henry]] {{Cameo}}
  
−
* [[Gordon]] {{Cameo}}
 +
* [[Henry (T&F)|Henry]] {{Cameo}}
−
* [[James]] {{Cameo}}
 +
* [[Gordon (T&F)|Gordon]] {{Cameo}}
−
* [[Salty]] {{Cameo}}
 +
* [[James (T&F)|James]] {{Cameo}}
  ⚫
* [[Salty (T&F)|Salty]] {{Cameo}}
 
* [[Butch]] {{Cameo}}
  
* [[Butch]] {{Cameo}}
 
* [[Minor Human Characters in the Railway Series#The Fire Brigade|The Fire Brigade]] {{Cameo}}
  
* [[Minor Human Characters in the Railway Series#The Fire Brigade|The Fire Brigade]] {{Cameo}}
−
* [[Minor Human Characters in the Television Series#The Fisherman|The Fisherman]] {{Cameo}}
 +
* [[Minor Human Characters in Thomas & Friends#The Fisherman|The Fisherman]] {{Cameo}}
 
* [[Big Mickey]] {{Note|faceless, cameo}}
  
* [[Big Mickey]] {{Note|faceless, cameo}}
   
 
==Locations==
  
==Locations==
−
* [[Brendam Docks]]
 +
* [[The Runby Bridge]]
  ⚫
* [[Henry's Tunnel (T&F)|Henry's Tunnel]]
⚫
* [[Sodor Shipping Company]]
  
−
* [[Maron]]
 +
* [[Maron (T&F)|Maron]]
  +
* [[Brendam Docks (T&F)|Brendam Docks]]
⚫
* [[Tidmouth Sheds]]
  
−
* [[Gordon's Hill]]
 +
** [[Brendam Warehouse]]
  ⚫
** [[Sodor Shipping Company (T&F)|Sodor Shipping Company]]
⚫
* [[Henry's Tunnel]]
  
−
* [[The Windmills|The Windmill]]
 +
* [[The Windmills#Tower Windmill|Tower Windmill]]
  ⚫
* [[Tidmouth Tunnel (T&F)|Tidmouth Tunnel]]
−
* [[Three Tier Bridge]]
  
  +
* [[Gordon's Hill (T&F)|Gordon's Hill]]
⚫
* [[Tidmouth Tunnel]]
  
  +
* [[Wellsworth Crossing]]
  +
* [[Tidmouth Sheds (T&F)|Tidmouth Sheds]]
  ⚫
** [[Tidmouth Goods Station]]
   
 
==Trivia==
  
==Trivia==
 
* Going by production order, this is the twentieth episode of the seventh series.
  
* Going by production order, this is the twentieth episode of the seventh series.
−
* In a picture of Thomas and Arthur at Tidmouth Sheds, James is not on the [[Turntables|turntable]].
 +
* In a promotional picture of Thomas and Arthur at Tidmouth Sheds, James is not on the [[Turntables|turntable]].
  +
* In a rare behind the scenes picture, Arthur's wincing face mask that was used off-screen in the episode when he crashed into Duck's goods train is visible, which would later appear in the DVD game, [[Interactive Segments#Arthur's Tricky Travels|Arthur's Tricky Travels]], and the eleventh series episode, [[Thomas and the Runaway Car]].
⚫
* In both Michael Angelis' narrations, this is the last episode in which an engine says, "Peep! Peep!" as they are whistling. While in Michael Brandon's narration Thomas say's "Oh Arthur what a mess" instead.
  
  +
* Blended strawberries and applesauce was used for the squashed fruit.
⚫
* Prior to being released for digital download on Amazon in 2016, Michael Brandon's narration of this episode had only been broadcasted on television.
  
  ⚫
* In both of Michael Angelis' dubs, this is the last episode in which an engine says, "Peep! Peep!" as they are whistling until the [[Series 24|twenty-fourth series]] episode [[Nia's Bright Idea]], while in Michael Brandon's dub, Thomas says, "Oh Arthur!" instead.
⚫
* This was the only episode where Arthur has been seen with one of his angry expressions and his surprised expression, although it was used in the DVD game, Arthur's Tricky Travels.
  
  ⚫
* Prior to being released for digital download on Amazon in 2016, Michael Brandon's dub of this episode had only been broadcasted on television.
⚫
* This is one of several episodes from the seventh series to have its title card read on [[Nick Jr.]] and [[PBS]] airings. 
  
  +
* This was the only episode where:
⚫
* This is the only episode where the term "Foolish Freight Cars" was mentioned in the US dub. They were only referred to as such in Michael Angelis' re-narration, whereas Michael Brandon's narration uses their more familiar term "Troublesome Trucks" instead.
  
  ⚫
** Arthur was seen with one of his cross expressions and his shocked expression, although the latter was used in the DVD game, Arthur's Tricky Travels.
  ⚫
** The term "Foolish Freight Cars" was used in the US dub within an episode, and the first time the term was used at all since the first series episode [[Troublesome Trucks (episode)|Troublesome Trucks]], which was re-titled to Foolish Freight Cars for North American releases. In this episode, they were only referred to as such in Michael Angelis' re-dub, whereas Michael Brandon's dub uses the more familiar term "Troublesome Trucks" instead.
  ⚫
* This is one of several episodes from the seventh series to have its title card read on [[Nick Jr.]] and [[PBS]] half-hour [[Series 9|ninth series]] airings.
   
 
==Goofs==
  
==Goofs==
  ⚫
* When Arthur enters Maron, the end of the set can be seen at the top right.
  +
* In Michael Angelis' US re-dub, Sir Topham Hatt still refers the trucks as such in the line, "He's here to shunt trucks and pull freight.".
  ⚫
* In the first three close-ups of Arthur, his left eyebrow is scratched.
 
* When Thomas explains what a spotless record is, James is hurrying past in the background, but soon after, he and his train disappear.
  
* When Thomas explains what a spotless record is, James is hurrying past in the background, but soon after, he and his train disappear.
 
* When the shot fades to Thomas and Percy whizzing past Arthur, smoke is venting up from beneath the tracks before Thomas runs on them.
  
* When the shot fades to Thomas and Percy whizzing past Arthur, smoke is venting up from beneath the tracks before Thomas runs on them.
  ⚫
* At the docks, Percy pushes trucks past Thomas on the tracks right next to him. A few seconds later, Salty pushes trucks past Thomas on the same track in the other direction and the building to the left has no roof.
⚫
* In the first three close-ups of Arthur, his left eyebrow is scratched.
  
⚫
* The trucks keep swapping places during Arthur's journey. In addition, their faces keep swapping sides and disappearing.
  
−
* When Arthur passes the windmill, the vans are missing their faces.
  
⚫
* Arthur's first few wheels are lifted up during the collision, but in later shots they are back on the tracks.
  
⚫
* When Arthur enters Maron, the end of the set can be seen at the top right.
  
−
* In a close-up of Arthur, the track behind him leads to bushes.
  
⚫
* At the docks, Percy pushes trucks past Thomas on the tracks right next to him. A few seconds later, Salty pushes trucks past Thomas on the same track, but in the other direction.
  
⚫
* When this episode first aired on [[CiTV]], the Radio Times still referred to Arthur by his original name, Clarence.
  
⚫
* In the shot of Arthur's wheels while he is braking, the signal pole can be briefly seen. However in the next point of view shot, the trucks pass the signal again.
  
⚫
* When Arthur starts his journey, he is actually pushing his trucks further towards the end of the siding.
  
 
* Both tracks where Thomas and Arthur stand while talking about the troublesome vans lead to dead ends in both sides.
  
* Both tracks where Thomas and Arthur stand while talking about the troublesome vans lead to dead ends in both sides.
  ⚫
* When Arthur starts his journey, he is actually pushing his trucks further towards the end of the siding.
⚫
* In the first two close-ups of Arthur at the water tower, James spins on the turntable twice.
  
  +
* When the trucks start singing during the journey, they are passing through the level crossing, but in the close-up of Arthur, he has jumped back before the crossing. To disguise this, the signal box next to the crossing was also removed. In the same shot, the track behind him leads to bushes.
  ⚫
* The trucks' faces keep swapping sides and disappearing.
  ⚫
* In the shot of Arthur's wheels while he is braking, he passes the signal pole. However, in the next point of view shot, the trucks pass the signal again. In addition, he is also wearing his smiling face mask.
  ⚫
* Arthur's first few wheels are lifted up during the collision, but in later shots, they are back on the tracks.
  +
* Arthur's [[Drivers (T&F)|driver]] was splashed in fruit in the close-up shot, but in the next shot with Arthur, he is only covered with fruit on his front half. In the shot after that, he and the [[Signalmen|signalman]] do not have fruit on them.
  ⚫
* When Thomas pushes the [[Flatbeds, Conflats and Well Wagons (T&F)|flatbeds]] and trucks with the damaged trucks' parts, two of the trucks and one of the flatbeds briefly jerk up.
  ⚫
* When this episode first aired on [[CITV]], the Radio Times still referred to Arthur by his original name, Clarence.
  ⚫
* In the first two close-ups of Arthur at [[Water Towers and Water Cranes|the water tower]], James spins on the turntable twice.
 
* In the second close-up of Arthur at the water tower, his eye mechanism can be seen moving between his face and smokebox.
  
* In the second close-up of Arthur at the water tower, his eye mechanism can be seen moving between his face and smokebox.
  +
⚫
* When Thomas pushes the flatbeds and trucks with the damaged trucks' parts, two of the trucks and one of the flatbeds briefly jerk up.
  
  +
==Quotes==
  +
:'''Percy''': Uh, what's a spotless record?
  +
:'''Thomas''': It means he's never made quite a mess.
  +
<hr width=50%>
  +
:'''Trucks''': Chuff chuff chuff! You tug and huff! But you're so rusty you can't even puff!
  +
:'''Arthur''': Stop singing! Trucks should do as they're told!
  +
<hr width=50%>
  +
:'''Thomas''': Peep, peep! What a mess!
  +
:'''The Fat Controller''': What happened here?
  +
:'''Arthur''': The trucks were singing. I told them to stop but they made me go too fast.
  +
:'''Thomas''': Please, sir. It's my fault.
  +
:'''Narrator''': Thomas told the Fat Controller what he had done.
  +
:'''The Fat Controller''': Arthur, it's, eh... "fruitless" for me to say more. But, Thomas, you must help clear up this mess.
   
 
==Merchandise==
  
==Merchandise==
Line 98: Line 125:
   
 
==In Other Languages==
  
==In Other Languages==
  +
{{Collapse 1}}
 
{{Other Languages
  
{{Other Languages
  +
|ALB=Dosjet e pastra
−
|CHI=完美纪录
 +
|CHI-MAN=完美纪录
  ⚫
|CZE=Čistý štít
 
|DAN=Et uplettet rygte
  
|DAN=Et uplettet rygte
 
|HUN=A makulátlan múlt
  
|HUN=A makulátlan múlt
−
|ITA=La Locomotiva Senza Macchia
 +
|ITA=La locomotiva senza macchia
 
|JPN=アーサーのきろく
  
|JPN=アーサーのきろく
−
|KOR=무사고 기록
 +
|KOR=무사고 기록<br />아서의 무사고 기록 {{Note|Adongmoonhak' DVD only}}
−
|POL=Nieposzlakowana Opinia
 +
|POL=Nieposzlakowana opinia
 
|RUM=Un Record Impecabil
  
|RUM=Un Record Impecabil
 
|RUS=Незапятнанная репутация
  
|RUS=Незапятнанная репутация
 
|SRP=Čist zapis
  
|SRP=Čist zapis
⚫
|SLO=Čistý štít
  
 
|SWE=Den fläckfria meritlistan
  
|SWE=Den fläckfria meritlistan
  +
|TUR=Lekesizlik Rekoru
−
|THA=อาเธอร์สกปรกจนได้
  
−
|WEL=Llechan Lân
 +
|WEL=Llechan Lân}}
  +
{{Collapse 2}}
⚫
}}
  
   
 
==Home Media Releases==
  
==Home Media Releases==
Line 121: Line 150:
 
* [[The Complete Series 7]]
  
* [[The Complete Series 7]]
   
−
====DVD Packs====
 +
====UK DVD Packs====
  ⚫
* Pulling Together/[[The Chocolate Crunch and other stories|The Chocolate Crunch]] '''Double Pack'''
 
* [[Classic Collection]]
  
* [[Classic Collection]]
⚫
* Pulling Together!/[[The Chocolate Crunch and other stories|The Chocolate Crunch]] Double Pack
  
   
 
===WAL===
  
===WAL===
  +
* Pulling Together!
−
* [[Machines Co-Extract]]
  
   
 
===US===
  
===US===
−
* [[New Friends for Thomas and Other Adventures]] {{Note|Michael Angelis' US narration}}
 +
* [[New Friends for Thomas and Other Adventures]] {{Note|Michael Angelis' dub}}
−
* [[Thomas & Friends Classic Volume 7]] {{Note|Michael Brandon's US narration}}
 +
* [[Thomas & Friends Classic Volume 7]]
   
−
====DVD Boxsets====
 +
===CAN===
−
* New Friends for Thomas and Other Adventures/[[Spills and Chills and Other Thomas Thrills]] '''[[Double Feature]]'''
 +
* New Friends for Thomas and Other Adventures {{Note|Michael Angelis' dub}}
  +
  +
====US/CAN DVD Boxsets====
 
* [[Totally Thomas Volume 4]]
  
* [[Totally Thomas Volume 4]]
  +
* New Friends for Thomas and Other Adventures/[[Spills and Chills and Other Thomas Thrills]] '''[[Double Feature]]'''
   
 
===AUS===
  
===AUS===
 
* The Complete Series 7
  
* The Complete Series 7
   
−
====DVD Boxsets====
 +
====AUS DVD Packs====
−
* [[Complete Series 1-10 (Boxset)|Complete Series 1-10]]
 +
* Series Seven and [[The Complete Series 8|Series Eight]] '''Double Pack'''
−
* Series Seven and [[The Complete Eighth Series|Series Eight]] '''Double Pack'''
 +
* [[The Complete Series 1-10]]
−  
⚫
===JPN===
  
⚫
* [[Thomas the Tank Engine Series 7 Vol.5]]
  
⚫
* [[Crash and Smash! Look Out!]]
  
⚫
* [[Welcome Aboard! Pleasant Fellow First Appearance On Sodor Island]]
  
   
 
===MYS===
  
===MYS===
−
* [[Emily's New Coaches and Other Adventures]]
 +
* [[The Spotless Record and Other Adventures]] {{Note|VCD}}
  +
* [[Emily's New Coaches and Other Adventures]] {{Note|DVD}}
 
* [[Magical Collection]]
  
* [[Magical Collection]]
−
* [[Season To Cherish Collection]]
 +
* [[Season to Cherish Collection]]
   
−
===SWE===
 +
===ITA===
  +
* [[The Queen of Sodor (Italian DVD)|The Queen of Sodor]]
−
* [[The Snow Engine]]
  
   
 
===DK===
  
===DK===
 
* [[Snow Engine and Other Stories]]
  
* [[Snow Engine and Other Stories]]
   
−
====DVD Boxsets====
 +
====DK DVD Boxset====
−
* [[Danish DVD Boxset (2008)]]
 +
* [[Danish DVD Boxset (2008)|Danish DVD Boxset]]
   
−
===ITA===
 +
===SWE===
−
* [[The Queen of Sodor (Italian DVD)]]
 +
* [[The Snow Engine]]
   
 
===THA===
  
===THA===
 
* [[Thomas and Friends - Volume 24 (Thai DVD)]]
  
* [[Thomas and Friends - Volume 24 (Thai DVD)]]
  +
  ⚫
===JPN===
  ⚫
* [[Thomas the Tank Engine Series 7 Vol.5]]
  ⚫
* [[Welcome Aboard! Pleasant Fellow First Appearance on Sodor Island]]
  ⚫
* [[Crash and Smash! Look Out!]]
  +
  +
===KOR===
  +
* [[A Story That Builds Confidence]]
  +
* [[Character Special Edition Series Vol. 1|Character Special Edition: Thomas]]
   
 
===HK===
  
===HK===
−
* [[Thomas and Friends Volume 12 (Hong Kong DVD)|Thomas and Friends Volume 12]] (DVD)
 +
* [[Thomas and Friends Volume 18 (Hong Kong DVD)|Thomas and Friends Volume 18]] {{Note|VCD}}
  +
* [[Thomas and Friends Volume 12 (Hong Kong DVD)|Thomas and Friends Volume 12]] {{Note|DVD}}
   
 
===TWN===
  
===TWN===
−
* [[Thomas and Friends Volume 18 (Taiwanese DVD)]]
 +
* [[Thomas and Friends Volume 17 (Taiwanese DVD)|Thomas and Friends Volume 17]]
 
}}
  
}}
  +
<!--==Videos==
  +
<gallery position="center" spacing="small" captionalign="center" bordersize="none">
  +
File:|Michael Angelis
  +
File:|Angelis with Hartshorne music
  +
File:|Angelis' re-dub
  +
File:|Michael Brandon
  +
</gallery>-->
 
{{Series 7}}
  
{{Series 7}}
   
Line 183: Line 228:
 
[[Category:Series 7 episodes]]
  
[[Category:Series 7 episodes]]
 
[[Category:Episodes]]
  
[[Category:Episodes]]
  +
[[Category:2000s]]
  +
[[Category:2003]]
  +
[[Category:2005]]

Latest revision as of 21:05, 9 March 2024

This article is about the episode. You may be looking for the Malaysian VCD.
Main Page
Gallery
Credits

“Arthur, it's... eh, 'fruitless' for me to say more. But, Thomas, you must help clean up this mess.”
― The Fat Controller

The Spotless Record, also later shortened to Spotless Record, is the ninth episode of the seventh series.

Plot

A new tank engine named Arthur has arrived. The Fat Controller explains that he is to shunt trucks and pull freight, and that he was chosen because he has a spotless record. Percy is confused, so Thomas explains that it means Arthur has never been naughty or had an accident.

Later, Thomas and Percy are bumping trucks around at the docks. They know this is naughty but they are having fun. Thomas asks Arthur to join in, but he declines. Arthur's first job is to take a train of fruit to market. The trucks sing at him, which he thinks is very rude. This gives Thomas an idea; he tells Arthur that the Fat Controller does not like the trucks singing, and that he should tell them to stop. Arthur is convinced that he can keep the trucks in order and sets off while Thomas chuckles at his little joke.

Arthur is out on the Main Line when the trucks start singing again. Arthur crossly tells them to stop and that trucks should do as they are told. This leads to the trucks deciding that if they cannot sing, they will try and teach Arthur a lesson instead. When they come to the top of Gordon's hill, the trucks use their weight to pull Arthur down at high speed. But up ahead, Duck has stopped at a level crossing. Arthur tries to stop, but it is too late as he crashes into the back of Duck's train, completely destroying Arthur's trucks, damaging Duck's brake van and squashed fruit flies in all directions. Arthur is very upset now that his spotless record has been ruined.

Thomas arrives with the Fat Controller on board. Arthur tells him how he told the trucks to stop singing, but they pulled him down the hill. Thomas feels ashamed and admits to the Fat Controller that it was his fault since he told Arthur to stand up to the trucks. Therefore, the Fat Controller orders Thomas to help clean up the mess. Soon, Harvey arrives with the breakdown train and everyone works hard to clean up the mess.

That evening, Arthur is being cleaned when Thomas arrives. He apologises for tricking Arthur, and he is grateful that Thomas owned up. The two engines decide that spotless records can be broken, but then mended again, just like friendships.

Characters

Locations

Trivia

  • Going by production order, this is the twentieth episode of the seventh series.
  • In a promotional picture of Thomas and Arthur at Tidmouth Sheds, James is not on the turntable.
  • In a rare behind the scenes picture, Arthur's wincing face mask that was used off-screen in the episode when he crashed into Duck's goods train is visible, which would later appear in the DVD game, Arthur's Tricky Travels, and the eleventh series episode, Thomas and the Runaway Car.
  • Blended strawberries and applesauce was used for the squashed fruit.
  • In both of Michael Angelis' dubs, this is the last episode in which an engine says, "Peep! Peep!" as they are whistling until the twenty-fourth series episode Nia's Bright Idea, while in Michael Brandon's dub, Thomas says, "Oh Arthur!" instead.
  • Prior to being released for digital download on Amazon in 2016, Michael Brandon's dub of this episode had only been broadcasted on television.
  • This was the only episode where:
    • Arthur was seen with one of his cross expressions and his shocked expression, although the latter was used in the DVD game, Arthur's Tricky Travels.
    • The term "Foolish Freight Cars" was used in the US dub within an episode, and the first time the term was used at all since the first series episode Troublesome Trucks, which was re-titled to Foolish Freight Cars for North American releases. In this episode, they were only referred to as such in Michael Angelis' re-dub, whereas Michael Brandon's dub uses the more familiar term "Troublesome Trucks" instead.
  • This is one of several episodes from the seventh series to have its title card read on Nick Jr. and PBS half-hour ninth series airings.

Goofs

  • When Arthur enters Maron, the end of the set can be seen at the top right.
  • In Michael Angelis' US re-dub, Sir Topham Hatt still refers the trucks as such in the line, "He's here to shunt trucks and pull freight.".
  • In the first three close-ups of Arthur, his left eyebrow is scratched.
  • When Thomas explains what a spotless record is, James is hurrying past in the background, but soon after, he and his train disappear.
  • When the shot fades to Thomas and Percy whizzing past Arthur, smoke is venting up from beneath the tracks before Thomas runs on them.
  • At the docks, Percy pushes trucks past Thomas on the tracks right next to him. A few seconds later, Salty pushes trucks past Thomas on the same track in the other direction and the building to the left has no roof.
  • Both tracks where Thomas and Arthur stand while talking about the troublesome vans lead to dead ends in both sides.
  • When Arthur starts his journey, he is actually pushing his trucks further towards the end of the siding.
  • When the trucks start singing during the journey, they are passing through the level crossing, but in the close-up of Arthur, he has jumped back before the crossing. To disguise this, the signal box next to the crossing was also removed. In the same shot, the track behind him leads to bushes.
  • The trucks' faces keep swapping sides and disappearing.
  • In the shot of Arthur's wheels while he is braking, he passes the signal pole. However, in the next point of view shot, the trucks pass the signal again. In addition, he is also wearing his smiling face mask.
  • Arthur's first few wheels are lifted up during the collision, but in later shots, they are back on the tracks.
  • Arthur's driver was splashed in fruit in the close-up shot, but in the next shot with Arthur, he is only covered with fruit on his front half. In the shot after that, he and the signalman do not have fruit on them.
  • When Thomas pushes the flatbeds and trucks with the damaged trucks' parts, two of the trucks and one of the flatbeds briefly jerk up.
  • When this episode first aired on CITV, the Radio Times still referred to Arthur by his original name, Clarence.
  • In the first two close-ups of Arthur at the water tower, James spins on the turntable twice.
  • In the second close-up of Arthur at the water tower, his eye mechanism can be seen moving between his face and smokebox.

Quotes

Percy: Uh, what's a spotless record?
Thomas: It means he's never made quite a mess.
Trucks: Chuff chuff chuff! You tug and huff! But you're so rusty you can't even puff!
Arthur: Stop singing! Trucks should do as they're told!
Thomas: Peep, peep! What a mess!
The Fat Controller: What happened here?
Arthur: The trucks were singing. I told them to stop but they made me go too fast.
Thomas: Please, sir. It's my fault.
Narrator: Thomas told the Fat Controller what he had done.
The Fat Controller: Arthur, it's, eh... "fruitless" for me to say more. But, Thomas, you must help clear up this mess.

Merchandise

In Other Languages

View content
Language Title
Albanian Dosjet e pastra
Chinese Mandarin 完美纪录
Czech Čistý štít
Danish Et uplettet rygte
Hungarian A makulátlan múlt
Italian La locomotiva senza macchia
Japanese アーサーのきろく
Korean 무사고 기록
아서의 무사고 기록 (Adongmoonhak' DVD only)
Polish Nieposzlakowana opinia
Romanian Un Record Impecabil
Russian Незапятнанная репутация
Serbian Čist zapis
Swedish Den fläckfria meritlistan
Turkish Lekesizlik Rekoru
Welsh Llechan Lân

Home Media Releases

UK

UK DVD Packs

WAL

  • Pulling Together!

US

CAN

  • New Friends for Thomas and Other Adventures (Michael Angelis' dub)

US/CAN DVD Boxsets

AUS

  • The Complete Series 7

AUS DVD Packs

MYS

ITA

DK

DK DVD Boxset

SWE

THA

JPN

KOR

HK

TWN

<< Series 6

Series 7

Series 8 >>

#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
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