Another custom Thomas story, this time it's "A Tough Day for James" Enjoy and comment.

James is a shiny red engine who works on Sir Topham Hatt's railway.

He loves pulling coaches, but hates pulling cars.

However, no matter the job, he is always really useful.

One morning, Sir Topham Hatt came to Tidmouth Sheds.

"I need an engine to take some freight cars to the mine." he boomed.

"Let James do it!" said Gordon. "I don't want to get dirty."

This made James very cross.

"I don't want to pull freight cars!" protested James.

"And that's what you'll be doing." said Sir Topham Hatt.

James crossly puffed away.

On his way to Brendam Docks, James saw Percy.

Seeing Percy always made James feel happy.

"Hello Percy!" whistled James. "Where are you off too?"

"I'm off to collect some freight cars to deliver to the mine." said James.

Upon hearing this, Percy was surprised.

"The mine is very dangerous." explained Percy. "You're better off if someone goes with you,"

James wanted to do the job himself, but he didn't want to let Percy down, so he agreed to let him come.

And with that, they happily puffed away.

At Brendam Docks, workmen coupled James up to the mine cars.

Percy was going to follow behind James, in case disaster struck.

When the conductor blew his whistle, Percy and James set off.

But the cars were being silly as always.

"Go faster, go faster!" they cried. "We hate going slow, we hate going slow!"

"I'll go as fast as I want!" snapped James.

Soon, they reached the top of Gordon's hill,

But then, it happened.

"Pull him down!" shouted the cars.

And they did.

Soon, the freight cars had taken over control of James, and James was going faster than ever!

"How's it feel?"

"Help me!" cried James.

Meanwhile, Percy went for help.

"The mine cars have taken over control of James!" cried Percy.

Signals were changed and points were switched, but James kept going.

Soon, they approached the mine.

Then, there was trouble. Sandpits lied up ahead.

The driver tried to apply the brakes, but it was too late!

James had sunk into the sand.

Luckily, no one was hurt, but the mine cars laughed and laughed.

Later, Sir Topham Hatt arrived on-board Percy.

Harvey pulled James out of the sand, and back onto the rails.

Then, Sir Topham Hatt turned to James.

"This accident is not your fault James." said Sir Topham Hatt. "I am sending you to the Steam-Works to be repaired."

James felt much better.