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- “You wouldn't have a problem if you were an express engine. You'd go really fast and get the job done in double-quick time like me! I'll be in time to see the fair!”
- ― Gordon
Thomas Tries His Best is the thirteenth episode of the ninth series.
Plot
The engines are very busy delivering items to help set up the fair and all are looking forward to it, especially Thomas. However, he is told by the Fat Controller to take some of Farmer McColl's chickens from a country station to Brendam Docks. When Thomas arrives at the station, Farmer McColl is not there; his truck has a flat tyre, so Thomas must wait. Then, James arrives and tells Thomas that he could go over to the fair and be back before Farmer McColl turns up. Thomas agrees with James and leaves the station to see the children at the fair.
However, Thomas begins to worry that Farmer McColl might come whilst he is gone or Thomas will be held up by a red signal on the way back, which would make the Fat Controller cross if he is late with the chickens. Thomas puts his job first and reverses back to the station. By the time Farmer McColl arrives at the station with the chickens, it is already evening. Once the chickens are loaded up in his vans, Thomas leaves for Brendam Docks.
At the next station, Thomas meets Gordon, who tells Thomas that if he goes fast he will be on time to see the fair. So when their signals turn green, Gordon departs with the express, closely followed by Thomas who speeds away. However, Gordon's next signal is green whilst Thomas' is red. Thomas brakes hard and the chickens get very cross. As soon as he stops, Thomas remembers that he was told to go slowly with the chickens, which he does for the rest of the journey. By the time he gets to Brendam Docks, it is already night and Thomas knows he will not be able to go to the fair.
However, Thomas is asked to get a new generator for the fair. Once there, the generator is unloaded and put to work, bringing the fair back to life. Thomas is very happy that, against all the uncertainties, he is at the fair.
Characters
- Thomas
- Gordon
- James
- Sir Topham Hatt
- The Second Dock Manager
- Edward (does not speak)
- Henry (does not speak)
- Percy (does not speak)
- Cranky (does not speak)
- Farmer McColl (does not speak)
- Emily (cameo; full role cut)
- Toby (cameo)
- Henrietta (cameo)
- Butch (cameo)
- Lady Hatt (cameo)
- Stephen Hatt (cameo)
- Bridget Hatt (cameo)
- The Ice Cream Lady (cameo)
- The Tidmouth Sheds Carpenters (cameos)
- The Ginger-haired Carpenter (cameo)
- Big Mickey (faceless, cameo)
Locations
- Kellsthorpe Road
- Knapford Yards
- Maithwaite
- Tidmouth Sheds
- The Church Runby
- Dryaw
- Brendam Docks
- Abbey
- Peel Godred
Trivia
- Going by production order, this is the twentieth episode of the ninth series.
- A deleted scene is shown in a tenth series interactive segment, Farmer McColl's Farm from Sodor's Special Places in the half-hour airing, Friendship. The deleted scene shows that Emily was meant to have a larger role in the episode.
- Each Steam Team member has a specific job for the fair in this episode:
- Thomas - Pulling the fairground games and bunting.
- Edward and Henry - Taking the Ferris wheel.
- Gordon - Pulling the bandstand, helter skelter and fairground tents.
- James - Pulling the merry-go-round.
- Percy - Pulling the bumper cars.
- Toby - Taking the brass band to the fair.
- Emily - Pulling the roller coaster.
Goofs
- At the beginning, Thomas has Percy's whistle sound and Gordon also has Henry's.
- The Poultry Wagons' roofs are both lifted and crooked in most scenes.
- In the close up of James talking to Thomas, his eyes are a little misaligned.
- Farmer McColl's mouth is missing.
- Thomas' side rods slightly change position when he stops at the signal.
- When the carnival lights up, Thomas' eyes are a bit misaligned.
Merchandise
- Magazine Stories - Thomas Tries His Best (magazine story)
- Mega Bloks - Thomas at the Sodor Fair
- Motor Road and Rail - James and the Merry Go Round
In Other Languages
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Home Media Releases
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IDNKORTWN |
| #01 Percy and the Oil Painting | #10 Rheneas and the Dinosaur | #19 Thomas' New Trucks |
| #02 Thomas and the Rainbow | #11 Thomas and the New Engine | #20 Duncan and the Old Mine |
| #03 Thomas' Milkshake Muddle | #12 Toby Feels Left Out | #21 Bold and Brave |
| #04 Mighty Mac | #13 Thomas Tries His Best | #22 Skarloey the Brave |
| #05 Molly's Special Special | #14 The Magic Lamp | #23 Saving Edward |
| #06 Respect for Gordon | #15 Thomas and the Statue | #24 Thomas and the Golden Eagle |
| #07 Thomas and the Birthday Picnic | #16 Henry and the Flagpole | #25 Keeping Up with James |
| #08 Tuneful Toots | #17 Emily Knows Best | #26 Flour Power |
| #09 Thomas and the Toy Shop | #18 Thomas' Day Off | |