Later, after James' hill sliding accident, James was very cross that Edward had scolded him about sliding down hills.
"You can't tell me what to do!" James protested.
"You're right, I can't- but James, surely you know that that was a very dangerous thing to do!" The railway's number 2 replied.
"I don't care! I knew what I doing!"
"That doesn't make it any safer James!" Edward hissed
"You know what, then- I'm tired of you bossing me around! I don't want to be your little brother anymore Eddie!" He sneered.
Edward was very shocked. He had never expected James to say that!
"James how could-"
"I'll do it! Im not afraid to become a normal engine again! I only have to say it!"
"James, please listen to me," the old engine responded. "I don't want you to act so rash. I only told you off for the hill sliding because I didn't want you to get hurt. It was bad enough that you wouldn't stop, but when you tried to teach Percy-"
"Wait, you didn't want me to get hurt?"
"Of course not James- why would I?"
"Well, I guess it was a... little dangerous."
"A little-seriously?"
"Alright, really dangerous- I'm sorry I said all those horrid things Edward."
"I'm sorry too- I hope I haven't driven a wedge between us."
"No- considering my accident, I think maybe it was for the best."
So after that, James never went down sliding hills or threatening to repudiate any of his siblings again.