Gordon is the fastest engine on the whole Island of Sodor- in fact; he's so fast, that he pulls the Express. He loves being the fastest engine, as he feels very important indeed particularly when he was pulling the Express.
One morning, Gordon steamed into Knapford Station after a very good run with the Express.
"You've broken your record again, old boy!" His driver praised.
"I love being the fastest engine on Sodor." Gordon puffed smugly.
But the other engines did not agree with Gordon's sentiments on speed.
"Speed's not everything Gordon!" James huffed.
"Being reliable and Really Useful is!" Thomas reminded them. "After all, we have work to do!"
But Gordon was not impressed.
"You slowpokes will never learn how important steam is, because none of you will ever go as fast as me!"
Just then, the Fat Controller arrived with a special job for Thomas.
"Thomas, you are to go to Brendam Docks and collect a jet engine for the airfield." He said.
"Yes sir!" Thomas replied proudly, but Percy was confused.
"What is a jet engine?" He asked curiously.
"A jet engine is a piece of machinery powered by fuel and it makes things move much faster." The Fat Controller answered.
Thomas was excited – he had never taken a special like that before! SO he set off for Brendam Docks. Thomas loved taking specials, as he felt important and useful- though, when he thought about Gordon's earlier boasting, he couldn't help but wish that he could go as fast as Gordon, even if only for a few hours.
...
Later, Thomas arrived at the Docks, where Cranky was unloading a silver jet engine. It was sleek, modern and very powerful looking. Thomas wanted to start his trip, but Cranky was moving slowly.
"Come on, Cranky! I have an important special to take!" Thomas called crossly. This made Cranky very grumpy, as he hated being told what to do – especially by an engine.
So Cranky decided to be rather careless, and as a result, he accidentally flipped the switch on the jet engine.
Unfortunately, Thomas was coupled on, so the jet engine sent him flying along the rails!
"OOHHHH!" Thomas cried. He couldn't keep control of his train, and he didn't want to have an accident.
But as Thomas flew on down the line, he soon found that it was a lot of fun riding down the line at such a terrific speed.
He raced past Henry, James and Percy – all three engines were confused and amazed at the same time.
Bertie also gave up hopes of having a race with Thomas when he saw how fast his friend and racing rival was going.
...
Meanwhile, further down the Main Line, Gordon was pulling the Express as usual. But he didn't know that Thomas was rocketing down the Main Line as well...until he suddenly saw a blue blur race past him!
"Hi Gordon! Bye Gordon!"
"That cannot have been Thomas..." Gordon muttered to himself. But it was.
However, luckily, the jet engine soon ran out of fuel, so Thomas' crew were able to operate their engine under his steam.
...
Later, the two engines were at Knapford. Thomas decided to try and explain about the incident with the jet to the Fat Controller before making his way to the airfield.
"I'm sorry for overtaking you back there, Gordon." Thomas puffed.
"Pooh, I didn't notice!" Gordon sniffed.
"Well now Gordon – how does it feel having an engine that's faster than you?" Henry asked teasingly.
Gordon didn't answer, and Percy felt sorry for the big blue engine.
"Gordon doesn't need a jet engine to be fast. He has his own steam power." He said.
"But he's still full of hot air!" James laughed.
Gordon didn't say another word, and he slowly chuffed out of the station with all the dignity he could muster.