Tank Engine Thomas Again
Tank Engine Thomas Again is the fourth book in The Railway Series of children's books by the Rev. W. V. Awdry.
Contents
Thomas and the Guard
Thomas is very happy with his Branch Line. As he, Annie, and Clarabel, run down the line, they sing little songs to each other. One day, Thomas was waiting for Henry. Henry was being very slow and making Thomas wait. When at last Henry got there, Thomas was in a big hurry. After all the passengers got in, the guard blew his whistle. But, before the guard could get in Clarabel, he tripped over a woman's suitcase and Thomas left without him. Annie and Clarabel tried to make Thomas stop, but he wouldn't listen. Finally, he was forced to stop at a signal, and his Driver and Fireman wanted to ask the guard what the problem was, but he wasn't there! Eventually, the guard came running up. Thomas apologized for leaving him, and they started off again. Luckily, they made it to the end of the line quicker than they had ever done before.
Thomas goes Fishing
As Thomas goes over a bridge he sees several people fishing. He thinks it would be great fun to fish. He tells his Driver, Fireman, and the other engines about it, but they all say that engines can't go fishing. One day, the water tower at the station is broken. The Driver says that they can stop at the river, use a bucket, and get some water. And they do just that. But before long, Thomas feels a pain in his boiler, and steam is coming out of him in an alarming way. The driver has to shut off steam, and stop Thomas. They put signs around Thomas that say, "DANGER, KEEP AWAY!" Then, the Fat Controller and an inspector arrive. The Fat Controller and inspector look in Thomas' water tanks and find some fish! The Driver, Fireman, inspector, and Fat Controller take some fishing rods, catch all the fish, and have a dinner of fish 'n' chips. As they leave, the Fat Controller warns Thomas never to go "fishing" again. Thomas agrees.
Thomas, Terence, and the Snow
Autumn has come to Sodor. Thomas sees a tractor ploughing near the line. One day, he stops to talk to him. The tractor's name is Terence. Thomas thinks that Terence's "caterpillar tracks" are ugly and silly. Not long after, it starts to snow. The snow gets very deep. Thomas needs to wear his snow plough, but doesn't enjoy it. He bangs it so much, that it cannot be mended in time for his next journey. The next morning, it still isn't mended, and Thomas takes his first train without it. But, he soon gets stuck in the snow. a bus comes to take away Thomas' passengers, and Terence comes to pull Thomas out of the snow. Now, Thomas thinks that Terence's "caterpillars" are splendid, and promises to be more sensible in future.
Thomas and Bertie
One day, Thomas is waiting at the yard when a bus comes up. The bus' name is Bertie. Bertie is the bus that took Thomas' passengers when he got stuck in the snow. Thomas starts to brag that he can go faster than Bertie, so Bertie challenges him to a race. They start off with Bertie in the lead. Then, he has to stop at the level crossing and Thomas goes ahead. Then, Thomas has to stop at a station, and Bertie takes the lead again. Thomas has to stop again, and Bertie gets even further ahead. Then, Bertie stops at a red light, and Thomas goes ahead. Soon, the race is neck-and-neck. Thomas and Bertie are right next to each other. But a minute later, Thomas pulls ahead of Bertie, stops at the end of the line, and wins the race! Bertie congratulates Thomas and the two become good friends. However, Bertie's passengers don't like being bounced around, and the Fat Controller warns Thomas not to go so fast again. They secretly wish that they will have another race some day, but they probably won't.
New Characters
- Terence
- Bertie
Notes
- We learn that Annie & Clarabel are different types of coaches. Annie carries only passengers, but Clarabel carries passengers, luggage, and the guard.
