Meanwhile, Gordon rumbled into Vicarstown with the Express. He sighed as he let off steam.

"Lovely... My brother's competing in the Great Race and I'm not. Oh, he'll never let me hear the end of this..."

"Oh, hello cousin! Nice to see you here!"

Gordon looked up and gasped when he noticed Spencer smirking at him.

"What are you doing here?" he snapped, "Shouldn't you be off taking the Duke and Duchess somewhere?"

"On the contrary, Gordon," Spencer smirked, "The Duke and Duchess are letting me compete in the Great Railway Show as a racer."

Gordon's jaw dropped again.

"What?! You too?!"

"Indeed. I have a bunch of fans now, after I broke Mallard's record a while back, so they thought it would be good publicity for them."

Gordon's face flushed.

"Well... that's... impressive..."

"It is, isn't it? I must say, my record is quite the number," Spencer said smugly.

He then thought of something.

"Say, are you going to the show?"

"I... don't know yet. The Fat Controller hasn't said anything."

Spencer chuckled.

"Maybe it's because he thinks you aren't the fastest engine on his railway, and doesn't want to risk losing..."

"That's rubbish, and you know it!" Gordon fumed, even if a small part of him told him it wasn't.

"Let's face it, you really aren't. I am the record holder for the fastest steam engine in the world. You may be a bit fast yourself, but whenever we race, I have to slow down so you have a chance of winning."

Gordon was furious.

"I'm very fast too, you know! In fact, my brother's a very famous engine!"

"Ah, but that's your brother, not you. What you have as an individual done?"

Silence came from the Pacific A0.

Spencer laughed as he started leaving the station.

"That's what I thought! Cheerio!"

Gordon looked down at his buffers and heaved a long sigh.

"He's right, isn't he..."

That night, Gordon was the last one to back into Tidmouth Sheds.

He heaved a depressing sigh as he backed into the final berth.

The other engines looked to each other, slightly confused; Gordon hardly ever acted this sad.

Edward raised an eyebrow.

"What's wrong, Gordon? I thought you'd be more excited, with the Great Railway Show coming up and all."

"That's precisely the problem, Edward..."

Edward frowned.

"Really? Why?"

"Indeed. With an ego like yours, you'd think you'd be more than willing to show how fast you are," James chuckled.

Gordon sighed as Edward glared at James.

"You don't understand, you two... Both the Flying Scotsman and Spencer are competing in the Great Race, and I'm starting to think I can't match them."

The other engines gasped; Gordon hardly ever admitted to feeling nervous.

"Both are much more famous and much faster than I am," he continued, "I think it's getting to me; I'm nervous I'll just look like a fool when I get there. What if I come in last?! I'll be a laughing stock for years! I'll be known as the 'slow engine', and Spencer will never let me hear the end of it!"

He paused, looking from engine to engine, skipping over Thomas.

Thomas rolled his eyes as he did so.

"I know I always say I'm the 'fastest and best', but I know how that's not true, and it's concerning me..."

Silence fell over the sheds.

"Oh dear... I'm sorry, Gordon," said Percy quietly.

"We all are," said Henry.

Gordon smiled weakly

"That does help a little..."

Before Edward could attempt to comfort him further, a certain blue car drove up.

"Ah, I'm glad to see you're all here," the Fat Controller said as he walked up to the shed, "I have decided on the first couple of engines to take to the show."

Thomas grinned excitedly, thinking he was going to get chosen.

"Oh, this'll be the best time of my life! I'll be as fast as Gordon!"

"The engine who could get streamlined is... Gordon!"

"What?!" Thomas shouted.

The engines gasped again, each having a look of shock. The Fat Controller looked up at his express engine, and cleared his throat.

"Gordon, I have something to ask of you." He paused impressively. "Would you like to get streamlined for The Great Railway Show? It would enhance your speed quite a bit."

Gordon considered for a moment as Spencer and Flying Scotsman's words flew around him.

It's because he thinks you're not the fastest engine, and he doesn't want to risk losing!

I don't think any will be competing this year either...

A look of determination crossed Gordon's face.

"Sir... if getting streamlined means I can prove myself once for and all... Well then, I'll do it!"

A chorus of whistles blew in appreciation for Gordon.

Edward smiled at his old friend, who grinned back.

"Well done, Gordon."

The Fat Controller smiled too, while Thomas scowled with envy.

"Excellent. I also have a contender for who will be in the strength competition."

The engines stopped making noise and listened tensely.

"The contender is... Henry!"

Henry gasped in amazement as another eruption of whistles sounded.

"Me, sir? Are you sure? I've been a failed engine in the past..."

"Of course I am. Despite your shortcomings, you are a very strong engine, and I think you could do very well."

Henry and Gordon beamed at each other, while Edward, James, Percy, and Emily whistled proudly for their friends.

However, two engines weren't cheering.

Obviously, Thomas wasn't; he felt happy for his friends of course, but also was rather disappointed he wasn't chosen.

"Am I really that bad...?" he thought to himself.

The other engine was Diesel, who scuttled alongside the sheds. He scowled angrily at Henry, gritting his teeth.

"So, Henry of all engines is chosen to be in the show, eh...? Doesn't seem very fair..."

He grinned deviously to himself as he slowly rolled back into the shadows.


The next morning, Ashima had woken up after sleeping in a siding. She had been searching for some way to get to the Mainland all early morning, but so far, she hadn't found anything. Ashima yawned as she gazed at her surroundings for a moment.

"Where on earth am I...?" she wondered, looking around.

Ashima noticed the big station that was Knapford, though she didn't know this. She puffed forward, noticing how many platforms the station had.

"Goodness me, this place is enormous! Not to mention all of these junctions..."

As she exited, she was about to leave when she swear she saw something peculiar.

Ashima reversed and noticed a line that branched off from the main one.

"Maybe that leads somewhere useful. Can't hurt to try," she decided.

Slowly, she puffed onto the line.

For a while, nothing particular happened.

Nobody was there to answer her pleas for directions, making her feel a little lonely.

All that was audible was a few birds chirping, some distant cars, and the sound of her own steam.

At last, she noticed a quaint white station up ahead.

"I better stop... I don't think I'm heading in the right direction."

She was about to go back the way she came when a familiar whistle blew, causing her to smile.

"Oh! That's Thomas! Maybe he can help! Hello? Thomas? Where are you?"

Thomas was puffing along his branch line with Annie and Clarabel.

"Bother... My idea didn't work, you two... Instead of me, they chose Gordon!"

"We knew the whole time it wouldn't," murmured Clarabel.

"Quite right, Clarabel. You weren't build for speed, Thomas."

"That isn't helping..."

"Thomas!" a distant voice called.

"Huh?"

Thomas gasped when he noticed Ashima on his line, heading towards him.

"Ashima, what are you doing?!"

"What? I was only trying to get your attention!"

"But you're on my line!"

"What-"

Thomas slammed his eyes shut as the two collided.

Luckily, neither engine suffered damage, as both were going rather slowly.

Thomas opened an eye to notice a sheepish Ashima smiling at him.

He gritted his teeth in an attempt to conceal his anger.

"What are you doing on my branch line?" he said, trying to remain calm.

Ashima felt rather guilty again, realizing she consistently got in Thomas' way.

"I'm so sorry, Thomas. Was this the branch line you were talking about? It's very nice."

"Yes, it is, but you aren't supposed to be on it. You're supposed to be going to the Great Railway Show, since you apparently have something useful to do..."

Ashima raised an eyebrow, noting Thomas' obvious sarcasm.

"I... well, I was, Thomas, but I missed the ferry, and I have no idea how to get there by rail."

Thomas didn't reply; he just glared at her, which made her a little uncomfortable.

"So... are you going to get out of the way? I have passengers to deliver."

"Oh dear, yes, I'm sorry," she replied sheepishly as she backed onto some points and onto the other line.

"But can you please show me which way to go? I'm terribly lost," she pleaded as Thomas began leaving.

"You'll have to find someone else to go with. I have work to do," Thomas replied as he left her sight.

Ashima sighed.

"Sorry I bothered you then..."


As Thomas puffed towards Knapford, Annie and Clarabel were quite cross.

"Why were you so snappy with Ashima? She's a nice engine," Annie said.

"Indeed! She's a lost foreigner, and you simply brushed her off!" agreed Clarabel.

Thomas looked at his buffers.

"I... I..."

He shook off a brief feeling of guilt and frowned again, deciding to change the subject slightly.

"I don't trust her. Besides, there's no reason why she gets to go and I don't. She's not fast or strong, and neither am I. What is she doing that I'm not?"

"Well, she is beautifully painted," Clarabel commented, "All those bright colors make her stand out."

"I agree," added Annie, "She could easily win a competition about being the best decorated."

"Any engine can get themselves painted," Thomas muttered, though he suddenly got an idea. "Hmm..."

Annie and Clarabel looked to each other worriedly.


Hours passed, but Ashima still had no idea where to go, or who to ask.

She noticed a Stirling Single engine puffing past with some full coaches.

"Excuse me? Hello?"

"Hello there!" Emily called back, but she couldn't stop, since she had a train.

Ashima sighed, until she noticed some BR Class 08s on her left.

"Oh! Hello? Do you know how to get to England from here?"

'Arry sniffed as he eyed Ashima.

"And just why would we tell you, girly?"

"I have to go to the Great Railway Show," Ashima explained quickly, "I just need a few directions!"

Bert scoffed.

"We don't have time to listen to you. Come on, 'Arry."

"Right behind you, Bert."

The two diesels laughed as they outran the Indian tank engine.

Ashima felt a little upset; it seemed as though nobody would pay proper attention.

"How am I supposed to get to the show now? Oh dear, oh dear..."

The only whistle she knew on Sodor blew once more.

She grinned, noticing Thomas coming towards her.

"Maybe he'll stop and help this time... Thomas! Thomas, please! I need help!"

Thomas glanced at her and slowed down a little.

He tried sounding less bitter this time as he talked.

"Look, I'm busy. I don't have any more trains to pull, but I have to go the Steamworks for something important. Sorry I can't stop."

"What? But-"

Thomas was already gone before Ashima could ask.

She sighed as she continued on her own.

"I only wanted to ask a question..."

She looked ahead and continued on her way.


At the Steamworks, Kevin nervously lowered some metal for Gordon's streamlining.

"Oh dear... This is very delicate work, b-boss. I've never done something like this before. What if I mess up the whole project?"

Victor smiled reassuringly.

"I'm sure that won't happen, Kevin. I've taught you some things, so I don't think you'll ruin anything."

Kevin grinned.

"Thanks, boss."

"I'm sorry to interrupt your 'moment' you two, but could you please hurry up? I must get to the Great Railway Show and win!"

"Streamlining a steam engines takes a lot of work, Gordon," Victor said, "You must be patient if the job will be completed."

Gordon sighed.

"...I'll try... It's just-"

Thomas puffed in, cutting Gordon off.

"Victor, Victor! Can I talk to you?"

Gordon was furious but decided to keep quiet.

"Well... I suppose, though we're a little bit busy at the moment," Victor replied, indicating towards Gordon.

"I know, but I need to be repainted for the Great Railway Show. I'm not fast or strong, but I can at least look better than this silly blue paint."

Gordon lowered his brow, unamused. Thomas realized he was rather offended, as he had the same coat of blue that he himself did.

"Uh... heh heh... It looks good on you, Gordon... Heh..."

Victor raised an eyebrow.

"Did the Fat Controller approve of this? I can't just repaint you on your say-so."

Thomas bit his lip, debating with himself whether to lie.

I can't lie to Victor! But if I don't, I won't go to the Great Railway Show... What if the Fat Controller finds out? Maybe he'll be so impressed with my paint he won't care. I'll have to hope for the best...

"Um... of course he did! He told me to tell you!"

The narrow gauge engine relented.

"...alright, Thomas... if the Fat Controller said so..."

"What about me?" Gordon said crossly, "I still have to be streamlined you know."

"Repainting Thomas won't take very long, Gordon," Victor replied, "I hope so anyway..."

Gordon glared at a sheepish Thomas.


Diesel cleared his throat impressively.

"Now, Den, Dart, and Paxton. I have gathered you three here today for important business."

"Oh! What's the business, Diesel?" Paxton asked excitedly, "Is it a party? Are we going to share stories? I have a few I could tell-"

"No, Paxton... I have a plan..."

Paxton frowned.

"Oh... That doesn't sound nearly as exciting..."

"Shut up. Now, Henry has been chosen to be in the strength competition instead of me," Diesel said enviously.

"Good for him," Den said slowly, "He can pull quite a lot."

"Indeed," agreed Dart, "Probably more than you, Diesel."

Diesel growled.

"Stop interrupting me! I must go to the show somehow to prove that we diesels are more modern, and the strength competition is my only hope!"

"But... you're not strong, Diesel," said Paxton.

"Thank you Paxton, that is very helpful..."

"Oh, really? I have more advice I've been meaning to say, like 'Can we have a part'-"

"I was being sarcastic! I know I'm not as strong as Henry, so... we shall make it seem like I'm stronger..."

Diesel snickered, pleased with himself with coming up with such a plan.

"So how are you going to do that?" Dart wondered.

"It's quite simple, really. I got some large crates from Cranky at Brendam Docks earlier... Quite surprised he didn't question it now that I think about it..."


"Cranky, can I have some very large crates?" Diesel asked as innocently as he could.

Cranky lowered his eyelids.

"...whatever..."


"...anyway, Happy Hook will lower the crates onto you three, so you'll look like heavy trucks. Then, I'll show off in front of the Fat Controller and he'll think I'm stronger than that silly Henry!"

Paxton winced.

"Uh... do I have to take part in this? This doesn't seem right..."

"You're my only hope, Paxton. You're smart enough to comprehend what I'm saying but naive enough to not bother telling anyone about it."

"Can't Sidney do it?"

"No, Sidney doesn't know what my name is, so that's not going to work."

"What about Mavis?"

"She doesn't like me after that time I sort of kept her away from the quarry on purpose..."

"'Arry and Bert?"

"They said they didn't want to."

Den and Dart yawned.

"...Norman?"

"He'd break down and I'd have to pull him, which goes against my plan entirely."

"...oh... alright..."

"When you hear my horn, you push me down the line until I brake. Then you must stop."

"I think I understand," said Dart.

"I do too," said Den.

"Good. I'm full of surprises!"

Diesel cackled, while Den, Dart and Paxton gave each other weird looks.

"...that was random," said Den.

"...it's a work in progress."

Quickly, crates were lowered onto the three diesels.

"I can't see anything under here," Paxton cried nervously.

"That's the point. Now come on. We have to get to the yard..."

Diesel arranged the train, and then pushed it out into the open. He smirked to himself, when he suddenly noticed the train began leaving without him.

"Wait, what the... Stop! Den! Dart! Paxton! Come back here! Wait for meeeee!"


Author's Note: In the special, I felt like Gordon didn't have enough time with his subplot, so I decided to give him more time so we could see more of his struggles more. I also decided to give Spencer a little subplot as well, which I think adds a bit of flavor, if that makes sense.