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__NOTOC__
{{Short description|Season of television series}}
'''Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends''', later renamed '''[[Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends|Thomas and Friends]]''' is a [[children's television series]], based on [[The Railway Series]], and which was first broadcast in [[1984]]. This article lists Season 5 episodes, with their UK and US titles, and lists the characters and locations introducted in the Season.
{{Infobox television season
| series_number = 5
| bgcolour = #71387C
| image = Thomas and Friends DVD Cover - Series 5.jpg
| image_upright = 1.15
| caption = DVD cover art
| network = [[Cartoon Network (UK and Ireland)|Cartoon Network UK]]
| num_episodes = 26
| first_aired = {{Start date|1998|09|14|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{end date|1998|10|19|df=y}}
| episode_list = List of Thomas & Friends episodes
}}


''[[Thomas & Friends|Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends]]'' is a [[children's television series]] about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the [[Island of Sodor]], and is based on [[The Railway Series]] books written by the [[Reverend W. Awdry]].
==Episodes==


This article lists and details episodes from the fifth series of the show, which was first broadcast in 1998. This series was narrated by [[Michael Angelis]] for audiences in the United Kingdom, while [[Alec Baldwin]] narrated episodes for audiences in the United States.
=== 1. Cranky Bugs ===
There is a new crane at Brendam Docks. His name is Cranky, a name that describes his personality, which is...cranky. Cranky thinks Thomas and Percy are trying to aggravate him on purpose, so He causes trouble for Thomas and Percy (who are not trying to aggravate the crane at all). He does this from dropping a crate of powder on Percy's cab to improperly loading Thomas. Sir Topham Hatt jumps to a conclusion, and punishes Thomas and Percy for causing confusion and delay. Cranky is pleased with his hollow victory, but that night, a storm keeps Henry, James, Gordon, and Duck trapped at a rickety old dockside shed. And just when it seems it couldn't get worse, an old tramp steamer runs aground right into the shed. The shed collapses on the engines, and in the process pushes Cranky over onto his side. The engines need help, Cranky needs help, and the only ones who can come to his aid are Thomas and Percy. The two tank enegines set Cranky upright again, who in turn frees the four other engines from under the shed. Everything looks perfect, but it's too good to be true...


In the United States, this season was first aired in 1999 on [[Freeform (TV channel)|Fox Family]]. This was the first season of the series that was not aired on [[PBS Kids]].
*Introducing [[Cranky]]
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[James the Red Engine|James]] and [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]]
*Cameo by [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]]
*A few seconds of footage are filmed with Digital Cameras rather than 35mm cameras.


This was the last season produced by [[Gullane Entertainment]]'s original name, [[Britt Allcroft|The Britt Allcroft Company]] before its current rename in 2000.
===2. Horrid Lorry ===
The docks are always busy. One day when Percy is late, Cranky teases him by saying that lorries will come and do his work for him. Percy thinks this is nonsense, but sure enough, three lorries arrive later, and they are very rude. One even has the audacity calls Percy a steaming lump of scrap-iron!
Later, Toby is resting at the quarry when one of the lorries pulls up. After a heated exchange between them, Toby huffs off to the flour mill to collect his train. But he finds another of the lorries there already! Still miffed, Toby goes down an old line that leads to a gorge, and a road runs along a cliff, much like the one on the Skarloey Railway. He observes a lorry swerving along the road, loaded heavily and spinning out of control, when it spins out and fall off the road and smashes into the gorge below.
Meanwhile, Thomas and James are discussing the lorries at the docks, when they see a seaweed-covered one being moved onto the dock by crane. When asked what happened, the foreman explains that it reversed too much and fell in the sea. They then discover the last broke down because it was too heavily loaded with flour.
Thomas later finds them all on flatcars, and christens them "Smashed, Broken and Sunk." They are sent away, never to return again.


==Production==
*Only appearance of the [[lorries]].
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]] and [[Cranky]]
*Introducing Butch (faceless)
*Cameos by [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]] and [[Donald and Douglas|Donald or Douglas (indefinite)]]


===Stories===
=== 3. A Better View for Gordon ===
The show's staff had decided since Series 3 that most of the best stories of ''The Railway Series'' had been adapted, the rest involving too many new characters or closely resembling previous stories.<ref name=intsa>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sodor-island.net/steveasquithinterview.html|title=sodor-island.net|website=www.sodor-island.net}}</ref> With Series 5, the decision was made to write a full series of original, staff-written stories. One reason for this was producer [[Britt Allcroft]]'s desire to create a theatrical ''Thomas the Tank Engine'' movie. She requested that director [[David Mitton]] show off his modelling skills.<ref name=ints>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sodor-island.net/interviews.html|title=sodor-island.net|website=www.sodor-island.net}}</ref>
It's a morning at the shed, and Gordon is being obnoxious and boastful. The morning is turning out to be a very bad day for him. First, he will have to test an empty express at the new station that has just been finished, which will mean idling, and Gordon detests idling in stations. Then, after reluctantly agreeing, he takes the dummy express only to find out that his pipes are clogged and keeping him from his top speed. The last straw is when Gordon is coming into the new terminal station and going to a blank wall with buffers. He wants a view "where I can see people and people can see me!" The test is soon complete, and Gordon is eager to start home. But just when it seems things couldn't get any worse, Gordon's condition goes downhill, and he grinds to a halt in a siding. When Gordon is repaired, he feels much better, and is delighted when he is told he is to take Sir Topham Hatt to the new station for the Grand Opening. Things are looking good, but right before Gordon nears the station, his brakes fail to stop him, and Gordon rushes into the station way too fast. His leading wheels are torn off from him as he crashes out the other side of the station overlooking the valley. Gordon didn't want a better view this way! But at the end of the story, Gordon is repaired, the station is reopened, and he gets his view in a unique way. How? You'll have to find that out for yourself.


Some inspiration for the stories came from a former [[London Midland Region of British Railways|LMR]] manager named David Maidment. In 1997, Maidment met with Steven Wright about the possibility of supporting the Railway Children charity, and while Wright told him the series' staff commonly received such requests, they would consider. During their meeting, Maidment relayed stories about his railway experiences working in South Wales and as the manager at {{rws|Crewe}} station. Days later, Maidment received a call asking if he would allow some of his stories to be used as material – the stories from ''The Railway Series'' were frequently based on true events, and Allcroft and Mitton preferred this. Maidment agreed, and was also asked to review each story to make sure that the railway in the show operated realistically. As a result, Maidment received writing credit alongside Allcroft and Mitton. 10,000 pounds ($14,406 in U.S. money) was donated to the Railway Children for his work.<ref name=ints/>
*This is the first episode to have an accident causing major structural damage to an engine.
*Featuring [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
*Cameos by [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]] and [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]]


These stories are amongst those adapted:
===4. Lady Hatt's Birthday Party===
* "A Better View for Gordon" - the Granville-Paris Express ran through the buffer stop, across the station concourse, and crashed through the station wall; landing in the Place de Rennes below.
The Fat Controller is looking forward to his wife's Lady Hatt's birthday party at Kirkronan on his way his car gets stuck in a hole in the road then hee sees Caroline who gives him a lift but she breaks down. Then George rolls by and Jem Cole who was driving him asked The Fat Controller if he wanted a lift and he said yes. But he gets squirted with oil then worst happens when george rolls into a ditch and The Fat Controller gets dirty. Luckily Thomas is waiting and his fireman is off so he has to act as the fireman but he makes it just in time with some flowers he is not in trouble but no one said it was fancy dress. Everyone laughed and soon he was cleaned up and they have a wonderful time.
* "Baa!" – a ram invades a railway station and attacks some vandals; additionally, the idea of a "Best Kept Station" competition.
* "James & the Trouble with Trees" – rain erodes an embankment, causing a tree to slide down and stand upright on the tracks.
* "Double Teething Troubles" – a diesel stalls while banking a train.
* "A Surprise for Percy" - a runaway in the Garw Valley that occurred during David Maidment's time as Area Manager at Bridgend.
* "Busy Going Backwards" - a couple of "hair-raising" runaway trains in the Tondu valleys that occurred during David Maidment's time as Area Manager in South Wales.
* "Gordon & the Gremlin" – bathwater in a luxury coach splashes around the compartment.<ref name=ints/>


The design for each new character would be chosen by David Eves, and given to David Mitton for approval.<ref name=intsa/>
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Bertie the Bus|Bertie]], The [[Fat Controller]], [[Fat Controller|Lady Hatt]], [[Caroline the car|Caroline]] and [[George the Steamroller|George]]
*Cameo by [[James the Red Engine|James]]
*First time Lady Hatt speaks.
*As Caroline overheats, she lurches backwards and overheats again in slow motion.
*Last time Caroline speaks (so far).


===Filming===
===5. James and the Trouble with Trees===
Mitton shot 2,700 slates for Series 5, the most of any of the series he shot for ''Thomas'', and music from seasons 3 and 4 play while recording the audio to [[5.1 surround sound]] while the final cut uses [[Stereophonic sound|stereo audio]].<ref name=ints/>
James is getting a new coat of paint, which makes him extremely boastful. He shows off to Henry and Thomas, and ignores Terence's warning about trees too close to the line. He soon learns his lesson, when an old tree almost falls on him! Luckily Thomas saves him, and they are both happy.


The filming for this season lasted from September 1, 1997, to April 30, 1998.
*Featuring [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]], [[Terence the Tractor|Terence]], and the [[Troublesome Trucks]]
*Cameos made by [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]]
*This story seems to have derived from the Awdry/Allcroft disagreement about trees being too close to the railway lines.


===Broadcast===
===6. Gordon and the Gremlin===
Previously ''Thomas'' had only appeared in the US as a segment on the TV show ''[[Shining Time Station]]'', but Series 5 aired in the US as part of the half-hour ''Storytime with Thomas'' program. Each episode would include a new Series 5 episode, an episode of Britt Allcroft's ''[[Magic Adventures of Mumfie]]'', and a Series 4 episode narrated by [[George Carlin]], with music videos and footage of [[Day Out with Thomas]] in between.
A VIP is to visit Sodor, and all the engines are excited. Some problems occur however, and Percy and Thomas are convinced they are gremlins. Gordon disagrees, but soon has problems delivering the VIP herself. The VIP's dog also causes trouble, but soon all is fixed and revealed at the docks. The VIP was the Fat Controller's mother, who then named her dog 'Gremlin'.
{{clear}}


==Episodes==
*Introducing Mrs. Dowager Hatt and Gremlin the Dalmatian Dog
{{Main|List of Thomas & Friends episodes}}
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Annie and Clarabel]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
<onlyinclude>{{Episode table |background=#71387C |overall=6 |series=6 |title=20 |titleT=UK title (top)<hr />US title (bottom) |director=13 |aux2=24 |aux2T=Source |airdate=6 |episodes=
*Cameos by [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Oliver|Oliver]] and [[Rolling stock (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Toad|Toad]]
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
*The Fulton Ferry (a vessel from the TV Series [[TUGS]]) appears in this episode.
| EpisodeNumber = 105
| EpisodeNumber2 = 1
| Title = Cranky Bugs
| DirectedBy = [[David Mitton]]
| Aux2 = Original<br />by [[Britt Allcroft]] and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|14|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = A tower crane called Cranky causes trouble for Thomas and Percy, calling them "bugs". But one night in a storm, Duck and the big engines are stuck at the docks. Cranky gets knocked over by an old tramp steamer, and needs the engines' help.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 106
| EpisodeNumber2 = 2
| Title = Horrid Lorry
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|15|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = When Percy shows up late for work one morning, Cranky loses patience with the engines not working hard enough and arranges for three snide lorries to arrive, and take over the engines' work. The lorries bully the engines, particularly Percy and Toby, but eventually, the tables are turned, and the lorries wreck themselves and get sent away.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 107
| EpisodeNumber2 = 3
| Title = A Better View for Gordon
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br /> by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|16|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Gordon complains that engines like him should have a panoramic view from the back wall of the new station. He takes on his first test runs, with empty coaches and he stops at the station just fine. When he takes the coaches for another try, he breaks down before the station. At the grand opening of the new station, his brakes jam and he crashes through the station wall. The last time, it is a success for the 2nd grand opening of the new station, and the Fat Controller tells Gordon that his panoramic view is there to stay.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 108
| EpisodeNumber2 = 4
| Title = Lady Hatt's Birthday Party
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|17|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = It's Lady Hatt's birthday, and the Fat Controller is determined to get to her party at the station on time. On his way, his car hits a hole in the road. He then gets a ride with Caroline, until her engine overheats, causing her to break down. George takes over, until he loses control and goes into a muddy ditch, resulting in the Fat Controller's suit getting ruined. Thomas gladly takes the Fat Controller to Kirk Ronan station, where he gets off. When he arrives, Lady Hatt comments about his ruined suit, saying that she didn't know it was about "fancy dressing" for her party.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 109
| EpisodeNumber2 = 5
| Title = James & the Trouble with Trees
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|18|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = James is boastful about his new coat of paint, and he ignores warnings from Henry and Terence about trees that are too close to the tracks. While delivering a goods train of Troublesome Trucks during a storm, James comes across an old tree that gets blown onto the tracks in front of him. The tree nearly falls on James, but Thomas rescues him just in time.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 110
| EpisodeNumber2 = 6
| Title = Gordon & the Gremlin
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|21|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Gordon is selected by the Fat Controller to give a VIP a tour of the island. However, Gordon's fire does not light and the turntable malfunctions, causing the other engines to believe these problems are caused by gremlins. Gordon disagrees, until he has trouble with the VIP in his coach.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 111
| EpisodeNumber2 = 7
| Title = Bye George!
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|22|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = George is once again up to no good. He bullies Rheneas, Skarloey, and Percy, then tarmacs asphalt over the tracks where later, Thomas derails and ends up crashing through a chicken coop. The next day, George bullies Duck and blocks his way, making Gordon ram Duck's last truck and send it flying into the air. After hearing about all these disturbances, the Fat Controller punishes George from rolling for a week.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 112
| EpisodeNumber2 = 8
| Title = Baa!
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|23|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = A competition for "The Best Dressed Station" is being held across Sodor. But Percy crosses paths with a hungry ram on his way to help decorate Maithwaite and later, the station's decorations are ravaged when he goes to take a snooze. At first, the ram is blamed for the mess, but three boys confess they made the mess out of boredom and volunteer to clean it up. A few days later, Maithwaite wins first prize, and the Fat Controller gives a pumpkin to the ram. However, Harold's arrival leads to the Fat Controller's hat getting blown off and eaten by the ram. The Fat Controller then jokes that he wouldn't be able to eat his own hat even if he had to.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 113
| EpisodeNumber2 = 9
| Title = Put Upon Percy
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|24|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Percy is feeling put upon after a hard day's work without rest, and to make matters worse, Thomas laughs at him about it. While working at the coal mine one day, some of the Troublesome Trucks escape from Percy and crash inside the mine, causing it to collapse. Percy escapes backwards and gets trapped under an avalanche, but luckily he is found and rescued. For his bravery, the Fat Controller rewards Percy with a new coat of paint, and Thomas apologises for teasing him.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 114
| EpisodeNumber2 = 10
| Title = Toby & the Flood
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|9|25|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = After weeks of rain, Toby goes to investigate a dam on his branch line. As he is on it, he discovers it's about to break and rushes away. On his way back, the bridge of the river floods away with him on it. Harold and Percy rescue Toby, with Harold securing a rope and Percy pulling him to safety. After the dam is mended, a party is held in Toby's honour.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 115
| EpisodeNumber2 = 11
| Title = Haunted Henry
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|09|28|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Edward warns Henry of a misty forest and a spooky old station. Henry does not believe Edward until he sees the forest and the station for himself. The next night, Henry takes a goods train of Troublesome Trucks into the forest, but the trucks get spooked upon seeing the station, and plunge into a deep ravine due to an unsafe viaduct. The ghost is then revealed to be a fogman called Old Bailey. Henry's crew apologises for ignoring Old Bailey's warning about the viaduct, and to thank him, they arrange for him to operate the old station, in exchange for his promise not to spook Henry again.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 116
| EpisodeNumber2 = 12
| Title = Double Teething Troubles
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|09|29|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = When Bill and Ben argue, a new diesel with "teething" troubles named Derek arrives to help. When Thomas tells Percy about Derek, he misunderstands him by thinking he has a toothache, and passes this on to the twins. The next day, Derek overheats and breaks down whilst pushing a train, and the twins must pull him back to the quarry.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 117
| EpisodeNumber2 = 13
| Title = Stepney Gets Lost
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|09|30|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Stepney takes a break from working with Rusty and goes to work at the quarry with Toby and Mavis. However, after a delivery with a goods train, he gets lost and ends up in the smelter's yard, where diesels called Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert want him for scrap. Fortunately, the Fat Controller finds him and helps him get back home.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 118
| EpisodeNumber2 = 14
| Title = Toby's Discovery
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|01|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Toby is spooked when he stumbles across a disused mine. Thomas' tale of the "Old Warrior" ghost does not help, but Toby finds out that "The Old Warrior" is actually an old narrow gauge engine called Bertram and is given the nickname due to his courageousness.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 119
| EpisodeNumber2 = 15
| Title = Something in the Air
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = ''Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends'' magazine story<br />by Andrew Brenner
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|02|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Henry teases Thomas after his accident with fish, and refuses to listen to Thomas' warning about the damaged tracks near the beach. As a result, he is mistakenly diverted onto the coastal track and gets into an accident.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 120
| EpisodeNumber2 = 16
| Title = Thomas, Percy & Old Slow Coach
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = ''Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends'' magazine story<br />by Andrew Brenner
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|05|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = When Thomas and Percy deliver some empty trucks to the smelter's yard, they meet an old slow coach due for scrap called Old Slow Coach, and try to find ways to make her useful again. After a fire burns down the workmen's hut, the engines decide to use Old Slow Coach as the workmen's new home.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| NumParts = 2
| EpisodeNumber = 121
| EpisodeNumber2 = 17
| Title_1 = Thomas & the Rumours
| Title_2 = Thomas & the Rumors
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = ''Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends'' magazine story<br />by Andrew Brenner
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|06|df=y}}{{efn|This episode was first released on the ''Spooks & Surprises'' VHS on 5 October 1998.|name=:2}}
| ShortSummary = Thomas wants to help save a children's playground, but when Percy informs the other engines that Harold is flying an important visitor around, they jump to the false conclusion that Harold will replace them. Gordon tries to show he's better than Harold, but misses a red signal and crashes into an unfinished tunnel. The Fat Controller explains to Thomas that the visitor was using Harold to look for a spot to build a new playground, and that Thomas should never listen to rumors.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 122
| EpisodeNumber2 = 18
| Title = Oliver's Find
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|07|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Oliver is feeling sad because he is starting to miss the long runs. Soon, he encounters some Troublesome Trucks who want Percy (who doesn't appear in this episode) and angrily shunts them into the turntable well. That night, the Fat Controller scolds Oliver for his thoughtless conduct and gives him the post train job for a while. During the postal run, Harold arrives late after a problem with one of his arms and the signalman falls asleep, resulting in Oliver being diverted onto an old track which leads to an old rundown station as Oliver crashes into the nearby shed. When the Fat Controller finds Oliver the next morning, he sees an old mansion nearby and comes up with a plan to reinstate it and open it to visitors.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 123
| EpisodeNumber2 = 19
| Title = Happy Ever After
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|08|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Percy is given the task of putting together a good luck parcel for Mrs. Kyndley's daughter's wedding, with something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Percy manages to find the components for the parcel: Old Slow Coach, a new set of buffers, a borrowed flatbed truck, and a ribbon-decorated Thomas.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 124
| EpisodeNumber2 = 20
| Title = Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|09|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = The Fat Controller arranges for Thomas to take his family on a vacation around the island, but Lady Hatt, feeling hot and tired, refuses to ride on Annie and Clarabel, saying they are "old and uncomfortable". Soon after, the Hatts face more trouble when a biplane called "Tiger Moth" crashes, and their canal boat gets stuck on a mud bank. Percy rescues them and Thomas gives them a ride home on Annie and Clarabel, who have just been refurbished.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| NumParts = 2
| EpisodeNumber = 125
| EpisodeNumber2 = 21
| Title_1 = A Surprise for Percy
| Title_2 = A Big Surprise for Percy
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|12|df=y}}{{efn|name=:2}}
| ShortSummary = Percy is bored and wants excitement, but Bertie tells him surprises only come when he does not expect it. Percy's wish comes true when the Troublesome Trucks break away and he manages to stop them, with the help of the Fat Controller and Bertie.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 126
| EpisodeNumber2 = 22
| Title = Make Someone Happy
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|13|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = When James complains about having to shunt trucks instead of pulling passengers, Thomas tells him to think of someone else for once. And when Mrs. Kyndley is upset when her sister cannot visit, James gladly takes part in cheering her up.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 127
| EpisodeNumber2 = 23
| Title = Busy Going Backwards
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|14|df=y}}
| ShortSummary = Toad is upset about always going backwards, wanting to see things the other way. When Oliver takes him up Gordon's Hill, the Troublesome Trucks decide to teach Toad about being careful what he wishes for, and break away.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 128
| EpisodeNumber2 = 24
| Title = Duncan Gets Spooked
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|15|df=y}}{{efn|name=:2}}
| ShortSummary = Duncan teases Peter Sam, when his slate trucks break away and fall off a bridge, saying his lost slate trucks will haunt him, so Rusty tells him a story about a ghost engine that crosses the bridge at night. Duncan does not believe it at first, but Peter Sam and Duncan's drivers plan to trick him into going on the haunted bridge at night.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 129
| EpisodeNumber2 = 25
| Title = Rusty & the Boulder
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|16|df=y}}{{efn|name=:2}}
| ShortSummary = A new quarry is being built under a mountain, where a huge and mysterious [[boulder]] dwells. Rusty worries that the boulder is watching him. The next day, the boulder falls off the mountain and goes on a destructive rampage, chasing Rusty, Rheneas, and Skarloey before narrowly missing Percy and crashing into the quarry's standard gauge train shed, destroying it in the process. The Fat Controller then orders the quarry to be shut down and the boulder to be moved to a hill, where it can do no more damage.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Thomas & Friends series 5
| EpisodeNumber = 130
| EpisodeNumber2 = 26
| Title = Snow
| DirectedBy = David Mitton
| Aux2 = Original<br />by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton
| OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|1998|10|19|df=y}}{{efn|name=:2}}
| ShortSummary = When Thomas gets stuck while trying to clear a snowdrift from a tunnel, Rusty tells him about the worst winter of all when some slate trucks caused an avalanche, that fell right on top of Skarloey, who miraculously survived, due to his warm boiler. After Rusty's story, Gordon arrives with his snow machine to help clear the tunnel, but inadvertently causes an avalanche to fall on him. Thomas laughingly remarks that a big, proud engine like Gordon would surely be able to laugh about surviving a snowfall, since Skarloey did.
| LineColor = 71387C
}}
}}</onlyinclude>


==Characters==
===7. Bye George!===
{{Main|List of Thomas & Friends characters}}
George the Steamroller has been ruder than ever lately and has caused great trouble for the engines. First he tarmacs part of Thomas’ line, whilst ripping up an old Branch Line near to it, which leaves poor Thomas to roll off the tracks and into a barn! Next George blocks Duck’s path when he tries to get into the yard, which means that one of his trucks is fowling the Main Line. Gordon, unaware of the danger, thunders by with the Express and runs into the stranded truck. In the end, the Fat Controller punishes George by taking away his roller and leaving his flywheel, his only moving part, to work the machinery at the sawmills. After a week of being cooped up, Thomas doubts that he’ll learn his lesson!


===Introduced===
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Skarloey|Skarloey]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rheneas|Rheneas]], [[George the Steamroller|George]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
*Cameo by [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]]
* Old Slow Coach
* The Horrid Lorries
* Cranky
* Old Bailey
* Derek (''not named'')
* 'Arry (''not named'') and Bert (''does not speak'')
* Dowager Hatt (''not named'')
* Bertram (''does not speak'')
* Butch (''does not speak'')
* Thumper (''does not speak'')
* Tiger Moth (''does not speak'')
{{div col end}}


===8. Baa!===
===Recurring cast===
{{Div col|colwidth=20em}}
A competition for “Best Dressed Station” is being held across Sodor. Percy is delivering fruit and vegetables to decorate Maithwaite station, but has a run in with a hungry ram. Apparently this ram has caused trouble around the area. Maithwaite is soon beautifully decorated, but disaster strikes when the decorations become vandalised. The passengers discover the ram in the waiting room, and accuse it as the culprit—but discover that it’s really keeping some naughty boys from getting away. The boys confess that it was them who made the mess, and help to tidy it up. Thanks to the ram, Maithwaite wins first prize.
* [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]]
* Edward
* Henry
* Gordon
* [[James the Red Engine|James]]
* Percy
* [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]]
* Duck
* Oliver
* Bill and Ben
* Stepney
* BoCo
* Mavis
* Skarloey
* Rheneas
* Duncan
* Rusty
* Troublesome Trucks
* Annie and Clarabel
* Toad
* Terence
* Bertie
* George
* Caroline
* Harold
* [[The Fat Controller]]
* Lady Hatt
* Stephen Hatt
* Bridget Hatt
* Mrs. Kyndley
* Jem Cole
* Farmer Trotter (''not named'')
* S.C.Ruffey (''not named'')
* Peter Sam (''does not speak'')
* Henrietta (''does not speak'')
* Donald (''cameo'')
* Trevor (''cameo'')
* Farmer Finney (''cameo'')
* The Vicar of Wellsworth (''cameo'')
* The Refreshment Lady (''cameo'')
* Nancy (''cameo'')
* Duke (''portrait cameo'')
* Bulstrode (''faceless cameo'')
{{div col end}}


==Home Video Releases==
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
===United Kingdom===
*Cameos by [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]], [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[James the Red Engine|James]] and [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]]
All twenty-six episodes were released on VHS in the UK by [[Video Collection International]] in four volumes. The last volume was also released on DVD, making it the very first UK DVD release of the show.
*First apperence of Maithwaite station.
{| class="wikitable" border="1"
!DVD Title!!Release Date!!Included Episodes
|-
|''Spooks and Surprises''
| 5 October 1998
|
* "Horrid Lorry"
* "Gordon & the Gremlin"
* "Haunted Henry"
* "Toby's Discovery"
* "Thomas & the Rumours"
* "A Surprise for Percy"
* "Duncan Gets Spooked"
* "Snow"
* "Rusty & the Boulder"
|-
|''Happy Holidays''
|8 March 1999
|
* "Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday"
* "A Better View for Gordon"
* "Bye George!"
* "Toby & the Flood"
* "Oliver's Find"
* "Make Someone Happy"
|-
|''Rescues on the Railways''
| 1 October 1999
|
* "Cranky Bugs"
* "James & the Trouble with Trees"
* "Put Upon Percy"
* "Stepney Gets Lost"
* "Something in the Air"
|-
|''Peep Peep Party''{{efn|This release also contains the Series 1 episode "Thomas' Christmas Party" and the Series 2 episode "Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree", alongside the Series 1 episode "Thomas and Gordon" as a DVD-exclusive.}}
| 9 October 2000
|
* "Lady Hatt's Birthday Party"
* "Baa!"
* "Double Teething Troubles"
* "Thomas, Percy & Old Slow Coach"
* "Happy Ever After"
* "Busy Going Backwards"
|}
Video Collection International later released a complete series VHS set in 2002, available as either a single-VHS or double-VHS release. It was soon released on DVD in 2004 as part of the "Classic Collection Boxset" before being released on its own in February 2007.


Episodes from the series have also made it to various compilation releases with other series.
===9. Put Upon Percy===
Percy is grumbling that he has too much work, hence the word “put upon”. After an extremely busy day, he returns to the shed tired and dirty. Next day, however, disaster strikes at the coalmines, and an avalanche erupts. Percy and his crew take shelter by a canvas barrier along the Cliffside, which saves them from being crushed by the rocks, but gets them buried all the same. After being dug out, Percy is rewarded with a new coat for his bravery. He doesn’t mind that being put upon him!


==Notes==
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Annie and Clarabel]], [[Troublesome Trucks]] and The [[Fat Controller]].
{{reflist|group=nb}}
*Cameos [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]] and [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]]
{{notelist}}
* [[Rolling stock (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#S.C. Ruffey|S.C. Ruffey]] appeares briefly in this episode, without the lettering on his side.


==References==
===10. Toby and the Flood===
<references />
Heavy storms have been flooding the Island. Toby is sent to inspect the dam, and discovers a few leaks in it. On his way back to warn the village, he has to cross a dangerous old bridge, where Percy is waiting for him. Toby is halfway across, when the dam bursts, and the floodwaters carry Toby on his section of bridge downriver. Percy and Harold work together and manage to save Toby from going over a waterfall. When the floods are over, the villagers celebrate Toby’s bravery with a party.


{{Thomas & Friends}}
*Featuring [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]], [[Harold the Helicopter|Harold]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
*Cameos by [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rheneas|Rheneas]], [[Caroline the car|Caroline]], [[Bertie the Bus|Bertie]] and [[Trevor the Traction Engine|Trevor]]

===11. Haunted Henry===
Edward tells Henry that whenever an owl hoots, a mist appears, as well as a ghost, but Henry takes this as a hoax. When Henry has to deliver goods to the station by the lake, an owl hoots and he sees a light in the station where he has to go. Henry gets so spooked they end their task by leaving the station. Next morning, however, he has to do the same thing with some Troublesome Trucks and the journey is full of spooks and surprises. On the way, the Troublesome Trucks got spooked by the scary sites, which Henry shoudn't be frightened of, because it was actually good news, not bad news. After the Troublesome Trucks fall into a ravine, Henry's driver and fireman discover that their ghost is actually Old Bailey the fogman who warned them about the viaduct. Old Bailey asks if he can run the station again, and his wish was granted, and is now discribbed as '"The friendliest ghost on the island"' by The Fat Controler.

*One of two appearances of the Spooky Owl.
*Featuring [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]], Old Bailey, The Fat Controller, and [[Troublesome Trucks]].
*Cameos by [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]] and [[James the Red Engine|James]].
*Only appearance of Old Bailey (To date)

===12. Double Teething Troubles===
Bill and Ben are overworked, so the Fat Controller decides to bring a new diesel to help them. Unfortunately, the new diesel, Derek, breaks down when he tries to climb a steep hill, and apagogically says it’s a cause of teething troubles. Percy misunderstands and confuses the twins that the new diesel has a toothache! Luckily, Duck explains to Bill and Ben what it really means. Next day, Derek is mended and tries to help Bill and Ben take a heavy train of trucks away, but breaks down again. Bill and Ben finish the journey anyway and are congratulated by The Fat Controller. In the end, the twins feel sorry for Derek after he tried so hard to help them.

*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Bill & Ben|Bill and Ben]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Boco|Boco]], [[Derek the diesel|Derek]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
*Final appearance of Boco (to date).
*Only appearance of [[Minor characters (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Derek|Derek]] (to date).

===13. Stepney Gets Lost===
Stepney is sent to the quarry to help Mavis and Toby for a change. He stays there and is asked to take a goods train along a new branch line. Stepney forgets to let the Fat Controller know of what he is doing, and eagerly does the late-night job. But on his way home, he becomes lost in fog and goes along the wrong line. When the fog lifts, Stepney realises to his horror that he’s in the scrap yards! ‘Arry and Bert the scrap yard diesels arrive and are about to scrap him when the Fat Controller arrives to stop them, which was lucky that he was visiting the scrap yards that night! Stepney returns home a happier—and grateful—“Bluebell” engine.

*Introducing [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#'Arry & Bery|'Arry & Bert]]
*Featuring [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Stepney|Stepney]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Mavis|Mavis]], [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]], and The [[Fat Controller]]
*Cameos by [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rusty|Rusty]] and [[Butch]]
*Stepney's final speaking role (thus far).

===14. Toby's Discovery===
Toby takes the Fat Controller and his grandchildren to the beach when Stephen and Bridget (the grandchildren) build a sandcastle in the shape of one on the map. The Fat Controller is interested, so he asks Toby to take them there. However, the Fat Controller also wants to see the mine. When Toby has to guard the deserted place overnight, he hears a strange wheeesh that scares him. He soon discovers his job is, thankfully, taken.

*Featuring [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]], [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], The [[Fat Controller]], [[Bertram the Old Warrior|Bertram]], [[Fat Controller|Bridget and Stephen]]
*Only appearance of [[Bertram the Old Warrior|Bertram]] (to date).

===15. Something in the Air===
Thomas has an accident when a crate of fish lands on his boiler when he was picking up Henry’s trucks. As he speeds along the coastal line to the Docks, they discover that the line has been damaged by high tides, which can take Thomas’ weight but not big engines like Henry. When night falls, Thomas tries to explain to Henry about the danger, but Henry is too busy teasing him of his fishy smell! However, the Yard Manager fails to warn Henry also, when told of the news, and Henry slides off the tracks, where he is buffer deep in seawater! As soon as the tides are high enough, floating cranes lift Henry out of the water, where the big green engine is humiliated when he finishes his journey to the Docks in a barge full of smelly fish! After a wash down, Henry says sorry for teasing Thomas.

*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]], [[Cranky]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
*Cameo by [[James the Red Engine|James]]
*The tugs that bring the cranes to Henry are in fact two of the Z-Stack tugs [[Zebedee]] and [[Zip]] from [[TUGS]]. Their faces and hats have been removed, but the logo on the funnel is still visible.

===16. Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach===

Thomas and Percy find an old coach which is due for scrap. This makes them quite sad, so they set about finding a new home for her. Disaster strikes as the fire depot catches fire. Thomas and Percy hurry to save the day, resorting to water from their tanks after the hoses run out of water, but the fire depot is ruined. However, Thomas and Percy have a plan, and Old Slow Coach is used as a temporary fire depot.

*Introducing [[Old Slow Coach]]
*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]] and The [[Fat Controller]]

===17. Thomas and the Rumours===
When Thomas hears that the local school children's playground is closed due to bad soil, Thomas wishs for help. Meanwhile, there's rumors among the engines that Harold the Helicopter will replace them, as the Fat Conroller is using him to take an important visitor around the island. While trying to prove he's better than Harold Gordon runs into a tunnel and has an accident discovering new fresh sand. Gordon is alright, and it's revealed that Harold was taking the visitor around the island to find a suitable spot for a new playground. The tunnel sand is used, and the playground is opened.

*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Harold the Helicopter|Harold]], [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]] and [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]].
*Cameo by [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]]

===18. Oliver's Find===
Oliver is bored working the yards and longs for a nice long run. After causing an accident in the yard, he is sent to work the mail train for a while. But even that doesn’t go well when Harold is late delivering the mail. Soon they are on their way, but have to stop yet again at a signal. The signalman had fallen asleep waiting for them, and after waiting ages for the signal to change Oliver decides to keep going until they reach the signal box. But they are diverted to an old track and end up crashing at an old run down station. When Oliver hasn’t retuned next morning, The Fat Controller sends out a search party, where they eventually find Oliver. The Fat Controller then notices an old house near the station, and decides it’s the perfect place where people can have tea and crumpets there. Oliver feels Useful once again.

*Featuring [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Oliver|Oliver]], [[Rolling stock (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)|Toad]], [[Troublesome Trucks]], [[Harold the Helicopter|Harold]] and The [[Fat Controller]]
*Cameos by [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]] and [[James the Red Engine|James]]

===19. Happy Ever After===
Percy and his driver have been asked by Mrs Kyndley to put together a good luck package for her daughter’s wedding—which must have something Old, something New, something Borrowed and something Blue. Percy soon finds Something New at the docks—a set of shiny buffers. And they also borrow the truck carrying it, which also makes something Borrowed. As Percy drops off trucks at Tidmouth Hault, they see Old Slowcoach, and decide she is the Something Old; and along they way the meet a decorated Thomas, who is the Something Blue. At the wedding, they bride and groom are presented the Good Luck package. The Bride thanks Percy for his help by planting him a big kiss!

*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Terence the Tractor|Terence]], [[Rolling stock (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Old Slow Coach|Old Slow Coach]], [[Mrs. Kyndley]] and the [[Fat Controller]]
*Cameo by [[James the Red Engine|James]] and [[Minor Characters (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Bulstrode the Barge|Bulstrode]].

===20. Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday===
The Fat Controller, Lady Hatt and their grandchildren are going on a holiday around Sodor. But things don’t go according to plan. Lady Hatt insults Annie and Clarabel for looking shabby, a rude bi-plane called Tiger Moth flies too low and crashes, and to top that off, they run aground whilst on a boat ride along the river. In the end, Percy helps them and takes them to Tidmouth Halt. Thomas is there, with his two coaches looking clean and smart. But no one dares tell Lady Hatt that they’re actually the coaches she insulted earlier!

*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Annie and Clarabel]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]], [[Harold the Helicopter|Harold]], The [[Fat Controller]], [[Fat Controller|Lady Hatt, Bridget and Stephen]].
*Cameos made by [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]] and [[Henrietta the coach|Henrietta]]

===21. A Surprise for Percy===
Percy is bored working at the coalmines, with only the troublesome trucks for company, and wishes for excitement. Bertie the bus tells him that surprises only come when one is not expecting them. Percy discovers that when, whilst hauling the up a steep hill, his trucks break away. After a frantic chase, Percy and Bertie manage to stop the trucks in time. Percy agrees that “a Really Useful Engine should never be surprised by surprise!”

*Featuring [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]], [[Bertie the Bus|Bertie]], [[Troublesome Trucks]] and The [[Fat Controller]]

===22. Make Someone Happy===
James is complaining about the goods work he has to do. Thomas tells him to think of someone else aside from himself. Later that day, James sees Mrs Kyndley terribly upset, as her sister can’t come for a visit. So the Fat Controller decides to give her a treat to cheer her up—first she flies over Sodor in Harold the Helicopter, then a very cheerful James takes her on her favourite seaside route to Tidmouth Bay, where her special day ends with a carnival. James feels much better and spends the rest of the night enjoying the Fair.

*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[James the Red Engine|James]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Oliver|Oliver]], [[Harold the Helicopter|Harold]], [[Mrs. Kyndley]], [[Cranky]] and The [[Fat Controller]].
*Cameos by [[Donald and Douglas|Donald]], [[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Skarloey|Skarloey]] and [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Peter Sam|Peter Sam]].

===23. Busy Going Backwards===
Toad the Brake van is tired of going backwards all the time and wants a change of direction. The trucks decide to grant his wish, for when Oliver pulls them to the top of Gordon’s Hill, the trucks break away and Toad finds himself going forwards! But he realises that it isn’t all that fun as he hoped it would be—after smashing through a level crossing gate, narrowly missing Gordon, James and Henry and ending his journey in a muddy pond, he decides that going backwards might not be so bad after all!

*Featuring [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Oliver|Oliver]], [[Rolling stock (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Toad|Toad]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[James the Red Engine|James]] and [[Troublesome Trucks]].
*Cameos by [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]] and [[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]]

===24. Duncan Gets Spooked===
The Little Engines are clearing the line of trees, but Peter Sam's trucks derail and fall off a viaduct into a ravine. Duncan teases him, and Rusty tells them a story about an old engine who never reached home and fell off the viaduct long ago, becomes the Ghost Engine who never reaches the other side. Duncan is skeptical, but unbeknownst to him, his Driver and Fireman have come up with a plan to spook him. They cross the same bridge that night, and some fireflies hover around - to Duncan, in the shape that looks like an engine. His Driver suddenly drops a rock into the water, spooking Duncan further, and he rushes home to his nice, safe shed.

*Featuring [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Duncan|Duncan]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rusty|Rusty]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Peter Sam|Peter Sam]], [[Troublesome Trucks]] and [[Fat Controller|The Fat Controller]]
*Cameo by [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rheneas|Rheneas]]
*Appearances of the Old Iron Bridge, the New Quarry, and the Incline Quarry
*The "Ghost Engine" is played by Skarloey.

===25. Snow===
As always, this winter is bad news for Thomas. Trapped in a tunnel entrance blocked by snow, he needs company. Rusty tells Thomas that if this winter was compared to a winter where Skarloey got buried, this would be at least as serious. When Gordon gets mortly stuck in the same tunnel 5 minutes later, Thomas tells him to relax.

*Featuring [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rusty|Rusty]], [[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]], [[Troublesome Trucks]] and [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Skarloey|Skarloey]].
*Cameo by [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Peter Sam|Peter Sam]] and [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Duncan|Duncan]].
*It is not confirmed whether or not Rusty's story is true.

===26. Rusty and the Boulder===
A new quarry is being built on Sodor in the mountains, and the engines are excited. However, a large mysterious Boulder lurks above the track, and worries Rusty. After a lot of drilling from Thumper, the boulder falls, and rolls along the line. It chases Rusty, Skarloey, and Rheneas down the line, and comes to a stop on top of a shed in the Yard, right beside Percy. The Fat Controller decides to close the mine, and Boulder is moved elsewhere, not to cause havoc again.

*Featuring [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rusty|Rusty]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Skarloey|Skarloey]], [[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rheneas|Rheneas]], [[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]], [[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]], [[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]], [[Thumper (Thomas the Tank Engine)|Thumper]], and [[Fat Controller|The Fat Controller]]
*Cameos made by [[George the Steamroller|George]], [[Terence the Tractor|Terence]], Butch, and the [[Troublesome Trucks]]

==Characters Introduced==
*[[Cranky|Cranky the Crane]] (''Cranky Bugs'')
*Lorry 1, Lorry 2 & Lorry 3 the [[Horrid Lorries]] (''Horrid Lorry'')
*[[Derek the diesel]] (''Double Teething Troubles'')
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#'Arry & Bert|'Arry and Bert, the Iron Works diesels]] (''Stepney Gets Lost'')
*[[Bertram the Old Warrior]] (''Toby's Discovery'')
*[[Old Slow Coach]] (''Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach'')
*[[Thumper (Thomas the Tank Engine)|Thumper]] (''Rusty and the Boulder'')
*Mrs. Hatt (Dowager Hatt) (''Lady Hatt's Birthday Party'')
*[[Gremlin the Dalmatian]] (''Gordon and the Gremlin'')
*[[Old Bailey the fogman]] (''Haunted Henry'')

==Rolling Stock Introduced==
*Gordon's Special Coaches (''Gordon and the Gremlin'')

==Places Introduced==
*The Narrow-Gauge Ravine (''Duncan Gets Spooked'')
*The Mine (''Rusty and the Boulder'')
*The Old Iron Bridge (''Duncan Gets Spooked'')
*Workmen's Hut (''Thomas, Percy and Old Slow Coach'')
*Coastal Route (''Something In The Air'')
*Harry Topper's Fairground (''Make Someone Happy'')
*Kirkronan Station (''Thomas and the Rumors'')
*Gordon's Panoramic View (''A Better View For Gordon'')
*The Old Castle (''Toby's Discovery'')
*The Old Mine (''Haunted Henry'')
*The Dam (''Toby and the Flood'')
*The New Quarry (''Rusty and the Boulder'')
*Seaside Church (''Toby's Discovery'')
*Old Branch Line (''Haunted Henry'')
*The Old Viaduct (''Haunted Henry'')
*The Children's Playground (''Thomas and the Rumors'')
*The Chicken Shed (''Bye George'')

==Notes==
*This season is the first to feature no Awdry-written stories
*This season is the first to feature the narrow-gauge engine larger models
*This season features the last appearance of Boco.
*This is the first (and so far only) season to feature Kirkronan Station
*When Gordon crashes through the station wall in "A Better View for Gordon", his leading wheels are torn off from his undercarriage. This is the third incident to largely distort an engine's image with a damaged/missing key mechanism. The other two incidents were Gordon's missing dome (Gordon and the Famous Visitor), and Edward's side rods (Edward's Exploit).
*This is the first season to be narrated by [[Alec Baldwin]] in the US.
*Only Season (to date) to feature Old Slow Coach.


{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas And Friends Series 05}}
==Featured Characters==
*[[Thomas the Tank Engine|Thomas]]
*[[Edward the Blue Engine|Edward]]
*[[Henry the Green Engine|Henry]]
*[[Gordon the Big Engine|Gordon]]
*[[James the Red Engine|James]]
*[[Percy the Small Engine|Percy]]
*[[Toby the Tram Engine|Toby]]
*[[Duck the Great Western Engine|Duck]]
*[[Donald and Douglas]] (cameo)
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Oliver|Oliver]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Stepney|Stepney]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#'Arry & Bert|'Arry and Bert]]
*[[Derek the diesel|Derek]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Mavis|Mavis]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Boco|Boco]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Skarloey|Skarloey]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rheneas|Rheneas]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Peter Sam|Peter Sam]] (non-speaking role)
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Rusty|Rusty]]
*[[Railway engines (Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends)#Duncan|Duncan]]
*[[Bertram the Old Warrior|Bertram]]
*[[Bertie the Bus|Bertie]]
*[[Terence the Tractor|Terence]]
*[[Harold the Helicopter|Harold]]
*[[Cranky|Cranky the Crane]]
*[[Horrid Lorries]]
*[[Thumper (Thomas the Tank Engine)|Thumper]]
*[[Caroline the car|Caroline]]
*[[George the Steamroller|George]]
*[[Tiger Moth the Bi-plane]]
*[[Old Slow Coach]]
*[[Annie and Clarabel]]
*[[Henrietta the coach]]
*[[Toad the brake van]]
*[[Troublesome Trucks]]
*[[Mrs. Kyndley]]


[[Category:Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends]]
[[Category:1998 British television seasons]]
[[Category:Thomas & Friends seasons]]

Latest revision as of 07:57, 6 January 2025

Thomas & Friends
Series 5
DVD cover art
No. of episodes26
Release
Original networkCartoon Network UK
Original release14 September (1998-09-14) –
19 October 1998 (1998-10-19)
Series chronology
← Previous
Series 4
Next →
Series 6
List of episodes

Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends is a children's television series about the engines and other characters working on the railways of the Island of Sodor, and is based on The Railway Series books written by the Reverend W. Awdry.

This article lists and details episodes from the fifth series of the show, which was first broadcast in 1998. This series was narrated by Michael Angelis for audiences in the United Kingdom, while Alec Baldwin narrated episodes for audiences in the United States.

In the United States, this season was first aired in 1999 on Fox Family. This was the first season of the series that was not aired on PBS Kids.

This was the last season produced by Gullane Entertainment's original name, The Britt Allcroft Company before its current rename in 2000.

Production

[edit]

Stories

[edit]

The show's staff had decided since Series 3 that most of the best stories of The Railway Series had been adapted, the rest involving too many new characters or closely resembling previous stories.[1] With Series 5, the decision was made to write a full series of original, staff-written stories. One reason for this was producer Britt Allcroft's desire to create a theatrical Thomas the Tank Engine movie. She requested that director David Mitton show off his modelling skills.[2]

Some inspiration for the stories came from a former LMR manager named David Maidment. In 1997, Maidment met with Steven Wright about the possibility of supporting the Railway Children charity, and while Wright told him the series' staff commonly received such requests, they would consider. During their meeting, Maidment relayed stories about his railway experiences working in South Wales and as the manager at Crewe station. Days later, Maidment received a call asking if he would allow some of his stories to be used as material – the stories from The Railway Series were frequently based on true events, and Allcroft and Mitton preferred this. Maidment agreed, and was also asked to review each story to make sure that the railway in the show operated realistically. As a result, Maidment received writing credit alongside Allcroft and Mitton. 10,000 pounds ($14,406 in U.S. money) was donated to the Railway Children for his work.[2]

These stories are amongst those adapted:

  • "A Better View for Gordon" - the Granville-Paris Express ran through the buffer stop, across the station concourse, and crashed through the station wall; landing in the Place de Rennes below.
  • "Baa!" – a ram invades a railway station and attacks some vandals; additionally, the idea of a "Best Kept Station" competition.
  • "James & the Trouble with Trees" – rain erodes an embankment, causing a tree to slide down and stand upright on the tracks.
  • "Double Teething Troubles" – a diesel stalls while banking a train.
  • "A Surprise for Percy" - a runaway in the Garw Valley that occurred during David Maidment's time as Area Manager at Bridgend.
  • "Busy Going Backwards" - a couple of "hair-raising" runaway trains in the Tondu valleys that occurred during David Maidment's time as Area Manager in South Wales.
  • "Gordon & the Gremlin" – bathwater in a luxury coach splashes around the compartment.[2]

The design for each new character would be chosen by David Eves, and given to David Mitton for approval.[1]

Filming

[edit]

Mitton shot 2,700 slates for Series 5, the most of any of the series he shot for Thomas, and music from seasons 3 and 4 play while recording the audio to 5.1 surround sound while the final cut uses stereo audio.[2]

The filming for this season lasted from September 1, 1997, to April 30, 1998.

Broadcast

[edit]

Previously Thomas had only appeared in the US as a segment on the TV show Shining Time Station, but Series 5 aired in the US as part of the half-hour Storytime with Thomas program. Each episode would include a new Series 5 episode, an episode of Britt Allcroft's Magic Adventures of Mumfie, and a Series 4 episode narrated by George Carlin, with music videos and footage of Day Out with Thomas in between.

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of Thomas & Friends episodes
No.
overall		No. in
series		UK title (top)
US title (bottom)		Directed bySourceOriginal release date
1051"Cranky Bugs"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		14 September 1998 (1998-09-14)
A tower crane called Cranky causes trouble for Thomas and Percy, calling them "bugs". But one night in a storm, Duck and the big engines are stuck at the docks. Cranky gets knocked over by an old tramp steamer, and needs the engines' help.
1062"Horrid Lorry"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		15 September 1998 (1998-09-15)
When Percy shows up late for work one morning, Cranky loses patience with the engines not working hard enough and arranges for three snide lorries to arrive, and take over the engines' work. The lorries bully the engines, particularly Percy and Toby, but eventually, the tables are turned, and the lorries wreck themselves and get sent away.
1073"A Better View for Gordon"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		16 September 1998 (1998-09-16)
Gordon complains that engines like him should have a panoramic view from the back wall of the new station. He takes on his first test runs, with empty coaches and he stops at the station just fine. When he takes the coaches for another try, he breaks down before the station. At the grand opening of the new station, his brakes jam and he crashes through the station wall. The last time, it is a success for the 2nd grand opening of the new station, and the Fat Controller tells Gordon that his panoramic view is there to stay.
1084"Lady Hatt's Birthday Party"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		17 September 1998 (1998-09-17)
It's Lady Hatt's birthday, and the Fat Controller is determined to get to her party at the station on time. On his way, his car hits a hole in the road. He then gets a ride with Caroline, until her engine overheats, causing her to break down. George takes over, until he loses control and goes into a muddy ditch, resulting in the Fat Controller's suit getting ruined. Thomas gladly takes the Fat Controller to Kirk Ronan station, where he gets off. When he arrives, Lady Hatt comments about his ruined suit, saying that she didn't know it was about "fancy dressing" for her party.
1095"James & the Trouble with Trees"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		18 September 1998 (1998-09-18)
James is boastful about his new coat of paint, and he ignores warnings from Henry and Terence about trees that are too close to the tracks. While delivering a goods train of Troublesome Trucks during a storm, James comes across an old tree that gets blown onto the tracks in front of him. The tree nearly falls on James, but Thomas rescues him just in time.
1106"Gordon & the Gremlin"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		21 September 1998 (1998-09-21)
Gordon is selected by the Fat Controller to give a VIP a tour of the island. However, Gordon's fire does not light and the turntable malfunctions, causing the other engines to believe these problems are caused by gremlins. Gordon disagrees, until he has trouble with the VIP in his coach.
1117"Bye George!"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		22 September 1998 (1998-09-22)
George is once again up to no good. He bullies Rheneas, Skarloey, and Percy, then tarmacs asphalt over the tracks where later, Thomas derails and ends up crashing through a chicken coop. The next day, George bullies Duck and blocks his way, making Gordon ram Duck's last truck and send it flying into the air. After hearing about all these disturbances, the Fat Controller punishes George from rolling for a week.
1128"Baa!"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		23 September 1998 (1998-09-23)
A competition for "The Best Dressed Station" is being held across Sodor. But Percy crosses paths with a hungry ram on his way to help decorate Maithwaite and later, the station's decorations are ravaged when he goes to take a snooze. At first, the ram is blamed for the mess, but three boys confess they made the mess out of boredom and volunteer to clean it up. A few days later, Maithwaite wins first prize, and the Fat Controller gives a pumpkin to the ram. However, Harold's arrival leads to the Fat Controller's hat getting blown off and eaten by the ram. The Fat Controller then jokes that he wouldn't be able to eat his own hat even if he had to.
1139"Put Upon Percy"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		24 September 1998 (1998-09-24)
Percy is feeling put upon after a hard day's work without rest, and to make matters worse, Thomas laughs at him about it. While working at the coal mine one day, some of the Troublesome Trucks escape from Percy and crash inside the mine, causing it to collapse. Percy escapes backwards and gets trapped under an avalanche, but luckily he is found and rescued. For his bravery, the Fat Controller rewards Percy with a new coat of paint, and Thomas apologises for teasing him.
11410"Toby & the Flood"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		25 September 1998 (1998-09-25)
After weeks of rain, Toby goes to investigate a dam on his branch line. As he is on it, he discovers it's about to break and rushes away. On his way back, the bridge of the river floods away with him on it. Harold and Percy rescue Toby, with Harold securing a rope and Percy pulling him to safety. After the dam is mended, a party is held in Toby's honour.
11511"Haunted Henry"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		28 September 1998 (1998-09-28)
Edward warns Henry of a misty forest and a spooky old station. Henry does not believe Edward until he sees the forest and the station for himself. The next night, Henry takes a goods train of Troublesome Trucks into the forest, but the trucks get spooked upon seeing the station, and plunge into a deep ravine due to an unsafe viaduct. The ghost is then revealed to be a fogman called Old Bailey. Henry's crew apologises for ignoring Old Bailey's warning about the viaduct, and to thank him, they arrange for him to operate the old station, in exchange for his promise not to spook Henry again.
11612"Double Teething Troubles"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		29 September 1998 (1998-09-29)
When Bill and Ben argue, a new diesel with "teething" troubles named Derek arrives to help. When Thomas tells Percy about Derek, he misunderstands him by thinking he has a toothache, and passes this on to the twins. The next day, Derek overheats and breaks down whilst pushing a train, and the twins must pull him back to the quarry.
11713"Stepney Gets Lost"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		30 September 1998 (1998-09-30)
Stepney takes a break from working with Rusty and goes to work at the quarry with Toby and Mavis. However, after a delivery with a goods train, he gets lost and ends up in the smelter's yard, where diesels called Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert want him for scrap. Fortunately, the Fat Controller finds him and helps him get back home.
11814"Toby's Discovery"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		1 October 1998 (1998-10-01)
Toby is spooked when he stumbles across a disused mine. Thomas' tale of the "Old Warrior" ghost does not help, but Toby finds out that "The Old Warrior" is actually an old narrow gauge engine called Bertram and is given the nickname due to his courageousness.
11915"Something in the Air"David MittonThomas the Tank Engine & Friends magazine story
by Andrew Brenner		2 October 1998 (1998-10-02)
Henry teases Thomas after his accident with fish, and refuses to listen to Thomas' warning about the damaged tracks near the beach. As a result, he is mistakenly diverted onto the coastal track and gets into an accident.
12016"Thomas, Percy & Old Slow Coach"David MittonThomas the Tank Engine & Friends magazine story
by Andrew Brenner		5 October 1998 (1998-10-05)
When Thomas and Percy deliver some empty trucks to the smelter's yard, they meet an old slow coach due for scrap called Old Slow Coach, and try to find ways to make her useful again. After a fire burns down the workmen's hut, the engines decide to use Old Slow Coach as the workmen's new home.
12117"Thomas & the Rumours"David MittonThomas the Tank Engine & Friends magazine story
by Andrew Brenner		6 October 1998 (1998-10-06)[a]
"Thomas & the Rumors"
Thomas wants to help save a children's playground, but when Percy informs the other engines that Harold is flying an important visitor around, they jump to the false conclusion that Harold will replace them. Gordon tries to show he's better than Harold, but misses a red signal and crashes into an unfinished tunnel. The Fat Controller explains to Thomas that the visitor was using Harold to look for a spot to build a new playground, and that Thomas should never listen to rumors.
12218"Oliver's Find"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		7 October 1998 (1998-10-07)
Oliver is feeling sad because he is starting to miss the long runs. Soon, he encounters some Troublesome Trucks who want Percy (who doesn't appear in this episode) and angrily shunts them into the turntable well. That night, the Fat Controller scolds Oliver for his thoughtless conduct and gives him the post train job for a while. During the postal run, Harold arrives late after a problem with one of his arms and the signalman falls asleep, resulting in Oliver being diverted onto an old track which leads to an old rundown station as Oliver crashes into the nearby shed. When the Fat Controller finds Oliver the next morning, he sees an old mansion nearby and comes up with a plan to reinstate it and open it to visitors.
12319"Happy Ever After"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		8 October 1998 (1998-10-08)
Percy is given the task of putting together a good luck parcel for Mrs. Kyndley's daughter's wedding, with something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. Percy manages to find the components for the parcel: Old Slow Coach, a new set of buffers, a borrowed flatbed truck, and a ribbon-decorated Thomas.
12420"Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		9 October 1998 (1998-10-09)
The Fat Controller arranges for Thomas to take his family on a vacation around the island, but Lady Hatt, feeling hot and tired, refuses to ride on Annie and Clarabel, saying they are "old and uncomfortable". Soon after, the Hatts face more trouble when a biplane called "Tiger Moth" crashes, and their canal boat gets stuck on a mud bank. Percy rescues them and Thomas gives them a ride home on Annie and Clarabel, who have just been refurbished.
12521"A Surprise for Percy"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		12 October 1998 (1998-10-12)[a]
"A Big Surprise for Percy"
Percy is bored and wants excitement, but Bertie tells him surprises only come when he does not expect it. Percy's wish comes true when the Troublesome Trucks break away and he manages to stop them, with the help of the Fat Controller and Bertie.
12622"Make Someone Happy"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		13 October 1998 (1998-10-13)
When James complains about having to shunt trucks instead of pulling passengers, Thomas tells him to think of someone else for once. And when Mrs. Kyndley is upset when her sister cannot visit, James gladly takes part in cheering her up.
12723"Busy Going Backwards"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		14 October 1998 (1998-10-14)
Toad is upset about always going backwards, wanting to see things the other way. When Oliver takes him up Gordon's Hill, the Troublesome Trucks decide to teach Toad about being careful what he wishes for, and break away.
12824"Duncan Gets Spooked"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and David Maidment		15 October 1998 (1998-10-15)[a]
Duncan teases Peter Sam, when his slate trucks break away and fall off a bridge, saying his lost slate trucks will haunt him, so Rusty tells him a story about a ghost engine that crosses the bridge at night. Duncan does not believe it at first, but Peter Sam and Duncan's drivers plan to trick him into going on the haunted bridge at night.
12925"Rusty & the Boulder"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		16 October 1998 (1998-10-16)[a]
A new quarry is being built under a mountain, where a huge and mysterious boulder dwells. Rusty worries that the boulder is watching him. The next day, the boulder falls off the mountain and goes on a destructive rampage, chasing Rusty, Rheneas, and Skarloey before narrowly missing Percy and crashing into the quarry's standard gauge train shed, destroying it in the process. The Fat Controller then orders the quarry to be shut down and the boulder to be moved to a hill, where it can do no more damage.
13026"Snow"David MittonOriginal
by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton		19 October 1998 (1998-10-19)[a]
When Thomas gets stuck while trying to clear a snowdrift from a tunnel, Rusty tells him about the worst winter of all when some slate trucks caused an avalanche, that fell right on top of Skarloey, who miraculously survived, due to his warm boiler. After Rusty's story, Gordon arrives with his snow machine to help clear the tunnel, but inadvertently causes an avalanche to fall on him. Thomas laughingly remarks that a big, proud engine like Gordon would surely be able to laugh about surviving a snowfall, since Skarloey did.

Characters

[edit]
Main article: List of Thomas & Friends characters

Introduced

[edit]
  • Old Slow Coach
  • The Horrid Lorries
  • Cranky
  • Old Bailey
  • Derek (not named)
  • 'Arry (not named) and Bert (does not speak)
  • Dowager Hatt (not named)
  • Bertram (does not speak)
  • Butch (does not speak)
  • Thumper (does not speak)
  • Tiger Moth (does not speak)

Recurring cast

[edit]
  • Thomas
  • Edward
  • Henry
  • Gordon
  • James
  • Percy
  • Toby
  • Duck
  • Oliver
  • Bill and Ben
  • Stepney
  • BoCo
  • Mavis
  • Skarloey
  • Rheneas
  • Duncan
  • Rusty
  • Troublesome Trucks
  • Annie and Clarabel
  • Toad
  • Terence
  • Bertie
  • George
  • Caroline
  • Harold
  • The Fat Controller
  • Lady Hatt
  • Stephen Hatt
  • Bridget Hatt
  • Mrs. Kyndley
  • Jem Cole
  • Farmer Trotter (not named)
  • S.C.Ruffey (not named)
  • Peter Sam (does not speak)
  • Henrietta (does not speak)
  • Donald (cameo)
  • Trevor (cameo)
  • Farmer Finney (cameo)
  • The Vicar of Wellsworth (cameo)
  • The Refreshment Lady (cameo)
  • Nancy (cameo)
  • Duke (portrait cameo)
  • Bulstrode (faceless cameo)

Home Video Releases

[edit]

United Kingdom

[edit]

All twenty-six episodes were released on VHS in the UK by Video Collection International in four volumes. The last volume was also released on DVD, making it the very first UK DVD release of the show.

DVD Title Release Date Included Episodes
Spooks and Surprises 5 October 1998
  • "Horrid Lorry"
  • "Gordon & the Gremlin"
  • "Haunted Henry"
  • "Toby's Discovery"
  • "Thomas & the Rumours"
  • "A Surprise for Percy"
  • "Duncan Gets Spooked"
  • "Snow"
  • "Rusty & the Boulder"
Happy Holidays 8 March 1999
  • "Sir Topham Hatt's Holiday"
  • "A Better View for Gordon"
  • "Bye George!"
  • "Toby & the Flood"
  • "Oliver's Find"
  • "Make Someone Happy"
Rescues on the Railways 1 October 1999
  • "Cranky Bugs"
  • "James & the Trouble with Trees"
  • "Put Upon Percy"
  • "Stepney Gets Lost"
  • "Something in the Air"
Peep Peep Party[b] 9 October 2000
  • "Lady Hatt's Birthday Party"
  • "Baa!"
  • "Double Teething Troubles"
  • "Thomas, Percy & Old Slow Coach"
  • "Happy Ever After"
  • "Busy Going Backwards"

Video Collection International later released a complete series VHS set in 2002, available as either a single-VHS or double-VHS release. It was soon released on DVD in 2004 as part of the "Classic Collection Boxset" before being released on its own in February 2007.

Episodes from the series have also made it to various compilation releases with other series.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e This episode was first released on the Spooks & Surprises VHS on 5 October 1998.
  2. ^ This release also contains the Series 1 episode "Thomas' Christmas Party" and the Series 2 episode "Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree", alongside the Series 1 episode "Thomas and Gordon" as a DVD-exclusive.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "sodor-island.net". www.sodor-island.net.
  2. ^ a b c d "sodor-island.net". www.sodor-island.net.
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