(It is a beautiful sunny day on Sodor. Mr Hilton is at Knapford, dressed in overalls, and is standing by a large canvas, wondering what to paint. He looks up and waves.)
Mr Hilton: Oh hello! I'm Mr Hilton, one of the engine drivers on Sodor. Sir Topham Hatt has assigned me to paint a new billboard! Only, I don't know what to paint. He told me I could do anything, so long as it was to do with Sodor and the railway.
(He picks up a large paintbrush and yields it carefully.)
Mr Hilton: When you want to paint something, you should always use a paintbrush. I'm using a paintbrush to paint the billboard of Knapford Station.
(He looks around, wondering what to paint. Soon he sees an Express coach in a siding.)
Mr Hilton: Well, I suppose this railway does have an 'express' service. Maybe I'll paint that.
(But as he is about to paint, he shakes his head.)
Mr Hilton: No, I don't think so. I don't think it captures the essence of the industry.
(Next, he sees some workmen on their coffee break.)
Mr Hilton: Well, I could have some workmen on the billboard, and fit in the railway theme somehow... no, I don't like that either.
(Thirdly, he sees Gordon waiting for his afternoon passengers.)
Mr Hilton: An engine would cut the billboard I think. How about I do Gordon?
(But as he reaches for the blue paint, he shakes his head.)
Mr Hilton: No he's not much for anything other than the Express. I need another idea!
(He sits down, upset. Then he hears James whistle loudly.)
James: I've brought coal for the station!
Stationmaster: (hurrying out from his office).Yes, thank you James! You are very helpful indeed- and Really Useful.
(James beams. Mr Hilton has an idea.)
Mr Hilton: I know! How about I do James? He's the perfect engine for the billboard!
(Mr Hilton grabs his red paint, and sets to work. Several hours later, he finishes.)
Mr Hilton: (yawns) I'm exhausted.
(He covers the billboard, and leaves the station to rest for a while. A few hours later, whilst at home, he receives a phone call. It is Sir Topham Hatt.)
Mr Hilton: You liked it sir? (Incoherent speech heard.)Yes thank you sir. It took me a while to come up with the idea, but it came in blazing red and covered in the dusts of industry.