Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure

Based upon the story by David Mitten and Britt Alcroft

Adapted by Rachel Ravens

Takes place between DfH and EE


Following the rockslide at the quarry, Bill and Ben were shifting back and forth between Brendam Docks and Knapford station to work, though they also helped with clearing away some of the stone that fell into the quarry.

"I'm glad this stone is being put to good use," said Bill as he and Ben double headed a train of stone into Knapford. It had been about a month after the incident.

"Yes," agreed Ben. "Our quarry's almost cleared now."

Just then, Thomas arrived with Annie and Clarabel.

"How are you two doing?" Asked the blue tank engine.

"Very good," smiled Bill. "We can't wait to go home. How are things going on your branch line?"

"Quite well," replied Annie. "Daisy and Mavis have both settled onto Sodor very nicely."

"And we want this Christmas to be extra special for them," added Clarabel.

"Oh yes," said Ben, "it's not far away now, is it?"

"That's correct," said Thomas. "I'm very excited for this one."


And there was good reason to be excited. Winter hit Sodor before the engines knew it, and they were all bustling about. Henry came in with an extra scheduled passenger train to the Skarloey Railway. Everyone had their snow plows on.

"Well, I must say," said Henry, "your sheds are looking fantastic this year."

"Thank you," said Peter Sam, who pulled in with the connecting train. "This particular Christmas was a long time coming."

"Why would that be…" Henry heard another whistle, and there was Duke coming in with a post train. "Oh! I see."

"It's my first Christmas back in working order," Duke said softly. "I think I've missed out on about nine of them."

"Nine too many," Peter Sam affirmed. "We're so glad to have you here with us this year, Granpuff."

"We've only had three proper Christmas' ourselves, following the Mid-Sodor Railway's closure." Sir Handel added, coming close behind with another post train. "But this one will be our best one yet." He gave a big smile at Peter Sam and Duke.

"We're all so glad you three are back together," sighed Henry happily. "Keep up the good work. Merry Christmas to you and the other engines of the Skarloey line."

"We will, Henry," smiled Duke. "Merry Christmas to you and the other North Western engines too."


On Henry's return run, he saw Daisy at Elsbridge.

"That's grand news, Henry," smiled Daisy. "It must have been a tragedy for the trio to spend so long apart."

"You can say that again," agreed Henry. "I'm glad I didn't crash with the Flying Kipper until after Christmas the following year. How have you been doing?"

"Oh, Christmas time here on Sodor is simply magnifique," grinned Daisy. "Certainly puts those Christmases on the mainland to shame."

"Christmas day hasn't arrived yet," said Henry. "We've still got a lot to do."


The days grew busier still, but the engines were all very upbeat. Thomas was no exception as he came into a village on his branch line with some mail vans.

"It's so good to see you, Thomas," smiled one of the villagers. He was one of the postmen who lived here.

"As always, Pat," replied the tank engine as Pat helped load the parcels and letters into the mail vans.

"I just love this time of year," smiled another villager, "everyone's more cheerful here than any other time."

"Indeed so," agreed Thomas. "I'll bring back lots of letters and parcels. Have a Merry Christmas, everyone."


But a week before the big day, a snowstorm hit the island. Mavis had to shelter in the coach shed that night with Daisy.

"Have you witnessed a snow storm like this before?" asked the young diesel.

"I'm afraid not, darling." Daisy replied. "If this keeps up, we may have another flood come the warmer seasons."

"A repeat of the tightrope incident is something we certainly do not need," gasped Henrietta.

"Forget the floods!" gasped Annie. "The village may be snowed over!"

"I sure hope that won't be the case," sighed Clarabel.


The following day, the snow had covered the whole island.

"This is all we need!" groaned James as he and the others woke up the next morning. He, Henry, Gordon, Diesel and the Scottish Twins were all at Tidmouth sheds.

"Weel, looks lik' it's aboot time fur snaw plows again," grinned Donald to Douglas.

"Aye," smiled the younger twin. "Let's git tae wirk."


While Donald and Douglas, still grinning, went about to clear the tracks, the other engines grumbled as they took their trains out.

"Oh, come on!" growled Diesel as he tried to move some tankers out of the siding. "Don't tell me…"

"The rear tankers are stuck under the snow," sighed his driver. "We'll have to dig them out."

"Ugh…" Diesel muttered. "Why are Donald and Douglas so invested in the snow again?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," muttered James, who was waiting for the tankers to be shunted onto his goods train.


"Th' snow's very thick ower 'ere!" called Donald when he and Douglas were plowing.

"Don't worry," said a workman, "we'll soften it up, then you can charge it down."

"Aye, sur," the twins called in reply.


Down on the Ffarquhar branch line, things were not faring much better.

"Oh no!" gasped Mavis, trying to push through the snow in the quarry. "Come on. I've never seen it so thick."

The workmen scrambled out to help clear the snow.

"Is this a common occurrence, Toby?" asked the quarry diesel as Toby pulled up with Henrietta.

"I'm afraid so," sighed Toby. "I've seen lots of terrible snow storms back in my day, and the impact they have on the railway can last for days, sometimes weeks."

"Indeed," added Henrietta. "This will cause significant delay."

"Hopefully we can push on," said Mavis. "And I hope that everyone's safe."

"Don't worry, Mavis," Toby assured. "Your first Christmas will be a great one."

The young diesel's eyes shone with warmth at the older engine's words.


Further down the branch line, at Ffarquhar station, Thomas and Percy were both waiting for more post.

"Driver says they will lots of post for the village," smiled Thomas. "I may need an extra van."

"But there may not be any post for me," sighed Percy.

"Don't worry," said Thomas. "There's lots of post going out all over the railway. It is Christmas time after all."

"That's true," Percy brightened up instantly. "I'll see how Duke and the Skarloey crew are getting on. Henry says that he's never seen Sir Handel and Peter Sam so excited for Christmas."

"Who can blame them?" chuckled Thomas. "This is a very special one for them; as it is for us. We've got to persevere to get everything done in this tough time."

"Indeed," Percy agreed. "Let's make Mavis' first Christmas ever her best despite the circumstances of the storm."

Just then, Thomas' driver and fireman returned from talking with the stationmaster.

"There's been a change of plans," said the driver, "there's so many extra trains this year Diesel needs help with the shunting at Knapford. Julie and Katie are hard pressed at the coal mine as is."

"Oh," sighed Thomas. "Now I won't be able to deliver the post."

"Don't worry," smiled Percy. "I can get the post delivered and wish everyone a Merry Christmas."

"It won't be the same," Thomas admitted. He sadly puffed away as Percy buffered up to his mail vans.


Thomas later arrived at Knapford to see trains rushing in and out all over the place.

"Cinders and ashes!" he gasped. "I know Christmas is busy, but I've never seen Knapford this busy at Christmas time before."

"You're telling me," said Oliver. "At this rate, we may have to have 'through' trains from the Little Western right to Knapford for the rest of the Christmas season."

"An extra Yuletide Express has been scheduled this year," Gordon explained. His guard's whistle blew and he was off. "Yuletide Express coming through!"

"Thomas," said Diesel as he shunted the red coaches for James at platform three, "you need to get another train for Henry. I'll get one for Douglas."

"Got it," Thomas rushed off to get that train ready. "I wonder if at any point we'll need two station pilots in the yard."

"Who knows?" sighed Diesel. "We may need another engine here, temporarily at least."

"Maybe another one to help with the main line too," Thomas added. "Just look at all these trains we're shunting."

Oliver rushed past to get a drink and some coal before his return journey.

"Did you say another engine is needed for the main line?" he asked. "I think I may know who can help."

"You do?" asked Thomas. "Who would that be?"

"Well, you know my escape story by heart by now, I'm sure," chuckled Oliver.

"What does your 'great escape' have to do with it?" asked Diesel.

"Don't you remember?" Oliver asked. "There was a diesel that turned a blind eye while I was escaping, and wished me luck on getting here."

"Wha… oh!" gasped Thomas. "7101. Yeah, I remember you mentioning him."

"We'll have to inform Sir Topham Hatt about this as soon as possible," said Diesel.

"He can run on branch lines too…" Oliver glanced at the clock. "Oh, shoot! I've got to get to the coal hopper and water tower. Catch you both later."

"I think it may be a while before we can inform Sir Topham Hatt," sighed Thomas. "Let's hold up as best we can for now."


While Thomas and Diesel bustled about shunting trains at Knapford, Percy was heading toward the village.

"Oh, I can't wait to see everyone's happy faces when I deliver these parcels and letters." Percy was grinning.

But then there were signs of trouble. A guard raced out with a red flag.

"What's wrong?" asked Percy.

"The village is cut off by snow!" he cried. "We need snow plows, workmen and a helicopter."

"Oh no!" Percy exclaimed. "Driver, we must get to Dryaw as soon as possible!"

"Right," said his driver, and the green tank engine puffed away down the line - not before leaving his mail trucks in a nearby siding of course.


Meanwhile, Sir Topham Hatt got the message and was rushing to the yard.

"Thomas," he said, "Percy needs help with the mountain village. Everyone's stranded."

"Cinders and ashes!" cried Thomas. "Diesel, on my way to the village, I'll send Mavis to help you. Snow hindered most of the quarry work."

"Okay then!" tooted Diesel as Thomas hurried off to grab a works train.

"Hurry!" He called to some workmen. "We've got to help the villagers."

They boarded the train and the tank engine had his snowplow fitted.

"Let's go!" he said firmly, and he puffed away.


Thomas eventually reached Terence's field, where the tractor was resting after gathering some firewood.

"Terence!" called Thomas, "we need help to rescue the villagers."

"Say no more," smiled the tractor. "I'm coming with you."


Percy eventually reached Dryaw where Harold was snoozing.

"Wake up, lazy wings!" called Percy. "The villagers need help!"

"What?!" Harold wasn't sleepy anymore. "Thanks for letting me know, Percy. What do they need?"

"I'm not sure," said Percy. "I think one of your pilots will call up the village on the details."

"Good idea," smiled the helicopter. "I'll do everything I can; this emergency will keep me warm."

"This is keeping us working off our wheels," added Thomas' voice as he came into the station.

"Thomas, thank goodness!" cried Percy.

"Follow me, Percy," Thomas called as the two rushed along their way. Along the way, they saw Mavis at Ffarquhar, and the blue tank engine rallied his message to her.

"I'm on my way!" Mavis called, and she rushed off to Knapford.


Eventually, the two tank engines reached the village.

"Oh, this looks terrible!" cried Thomas.

"Not for long, chaps!" called Harold, and he was dropping food down for the villagers and the animals.

"Thank you, Harold!" smiled Pat. "This will help feed my family."

A friendly cat slipped out from behind Pat and snuggled up to him.

"Yes, Jess, that includes you," he grinned, stroking the black cat gently, causing him to purr.

"We'll get this cleared in no time," grinned Terence as he was lowered onto the ground. He started to plow the snow away from the roads and paths. "Lovely stuff," he called as it slipped aside.

"How does Terence like the snow?" asked Percy.

"Well, it was what earned him my respect," chuckled Thomas. "That may factor into it a little." His face turned serious. "Come on, let's plow the tracks."

"You got it," said Percy. The two tank engines immediately set to work on opposite ends of the village.


Between the efforts of Harold, Terence, Percy and Thomas, the village was clear of snow and well prepared for the winter.

"Well done everyone!" The villagers all cheered for the engines, tractor and helicopter. "You're the best Santa Clause this village has ever had."

"But we don't wear suits of red and white," said Percy in confusion.

"Maybe not," chuckled Terence, "but we did help deliver good cheer to everyone like Santa Claus does."

"You know, Thomas," said Percy, glancing up at his funnel, "if Santa delivers parcels and letters down chimneys, does that mean…"

"No!" laughed Thomas. "Our funnels would be too small."

"Which reminds me," said Harold, "your post train is left in the siding, isn't it?"

"Oh, bust my boiler!" gasped Percy. "You're right, Harold. I'd better go get it! Now it will be delayed for the rest of Sodor."

He rushed off, and no sooner had the green tank engine left, Toby arrived with Henrietta.

"We've brought lots of hot drinks and food for the villagers." Toby explained, "Mavis told us what happened on her way to Knapford."

"Thank goodness she did," sighed Thomas. "It's a blessing having her here."

"Indeed," Henrietta went on. "I do wish we could make this Christmas extra special for her."

The villagers all then started whispering to each other. Pat got an idea.

"Thomas," he said, "you hurry along now. I'm sure you have other jobs to do?"

"Oh, yes!" Thomas cried, puffing away to find Annie and Clarabel, "I'll see you all later. Merry Christmas."

When Thomas was out of earshot, Pat turned to Toby and Henrietta "Okay, you two, can you keep a secret."

"Of course," said Toby. "What is it?"

Pat whispered something to the duo, who were left with bright smiles.

"That's a wonderful idea," said Henrietta. "We'll be back this evening."


Evening came, and most of the engines were fast asleep, Toby excluded however. He and Henrietta slipped back to the village.

"This will be for all of you," Pat smiled. "I know not every single engine on the island partook in the rescue, but you all work very hard especially this time of year."

"Thank you," Toby said softly. "Steam engines aren't exactly the quietest, but I'll do my best."


All through the night, Toby steadily puffed over to Tidmouth sheds with Henrietta. Some late night workmen got out what was needed.

"Everyone's going to be so happy," whispered Henrietta.

"I know," grinned Toby. He did the same thing with the sheds at the Skarloey Railway.

"They deserve a treat too," he grinned quietly.

"Indeed," agreed Henrietta.


Toby then slipped around in the early morning, telling all the NWR engines - and Mavis, Bill, Ben, the Midland engines, Toad and the coaches - to head to Tidmouth sheds.

"Whatever for?" asked BoCo.

"You'll see," chuckled Toby.


Eventually, very confused, everyone got there. The sheds weren't big enough to fit everyone, but the others all gathered outside, and they were greatly surprised.

"Goodness me!" cried Edward. "The sheds are all repainted and decorated."

Balloons, Christmas cards, presents and a big Christmas tree were all decked out in the sheds. Christmas lights also twinkled above the engines.

"How did this happen?!" exclaimed Duck. "Did you get your drivers to do this?" he asked the big engines and Diesel.

"How could we?" asked James. "We were all sleeping."

"Someone must have organized this little idea," said Henry.

"I guess we had a secret Santa Claus," chuckled Percy.

"Well," smiled Mavis, "in any case, this Christmas is very special indeed."

"I have to agree," grinned Daisy. "What a Christmas this has become."

"Have a Merry Christmas everyone!" smiled Clarabel.

"Merry Christmas!" everyone said cheerfully.


At Crovan's Gate, the Skarloey engines were just as surprised.

"Where did all this come from?!" cried Skarloey.

"I've no idea," Rusty commented. "But this is lovely."

"A truly special occasion indeed," smiled Rheneas.

"I never expected this," gasped Flyer.

"As if this Christmas couldn't get any better, it did," Peter Sam cried excitedly. "But having Duke back for Christmas was the best gift ever."

"Oh, Stuart," Duke said quietly. "This truly is the best Christmas I've ever had."

"Agreed," smiled Sir Handel.

"Well… ah guess this one is not that bad." Duncan admitted. The other engines all laughed at Duncan's comment. This Christmas truly was one to remember.

The End


This is the last of the S3 originals, and I can see why Zack saved it for the second-last of the standalones. It's definitely fitting for the tone, a much more upbeat one than the gritter ending of Heroes.

I had a lot of fun with this one. It was so good seeing Duke back in service with his friends both old and new, and Mavis and Daisy celebrating their first Christmas on Sodor - the former for the first time ever - was the icing on the cake.

We also get some foreshadowing with Bear, which, spoiler alert, he will show up in the final special for this CSA timeline. Yes, that's right, the NWR family for the classic series timeline wasn't complete when Daisy entered.

As I said, this is the second last one-shot. What's the last one? Well, if you know which episodes are in this final special, you'll piece it together. That's on Zack's profile, so keep your eyes out for the final special and the final standalone for the Classic Sodor Adventures portion of the timeline.