Moral: safety first/signals and traffic are essential to every engine or driver
Short Synopsis: Henry loves pulling the Flying Kipper but winter arrives on Sodor and ice and snow bring the signals down. Henry doesn't heed Harold's warning about faulty signals too carefully and carries on down the wrong line...with disastrous results!
(Scene starts with sunset over Sodor with frost over the ground and Henry and James passing each other and whistling)
Winter was coming to the Island of Sodor. Trees and fields of green turned to frost and the engines felt a little chill on their wheels as they chuffed on their journies along the rails
(Henry meets up with Edward on the track across from him at a signal. Both engines have snowplows fitted)
One evening, Henry was chuffing back to Tidmouth Sheds. He met Edward at a signal.
Henry: (whistling) Good evening, Edward. On your way back to Tidmouth Sheds, are you?
Edward: As a matter of fact, Henry, I have just finished running my branch line for the day. Pretty the soon the snow will be here and I'll have the whole branch line to clear, eh?
Henry: Such responsibility, Edward. Doesn't it feel wonderful?
Edward: Indeed, Henry. But then again, you're in charge of the Flying Kipper aren't you?
Henry: Oh, yes, Edward. Pulling such a train is just as important as running a branch line, now, isn't it?
(Edward's signal drops)
Edward: (whistling as he chuffs away) It is, if you ask me, Henry. I don't believe in more important jobs after all. I just enjoy any job I'm assigned. Goodbye now.
(Henry's signal drops and he chuffs away)
It wasn't long before Henry's signal dropped and he continued on his way back to Tidmouth Sheds.
(Scene cuts to Tidmouth Sheds with all the other engines lined up. Henry chuffs into his berth)
When Henry came back to the sheds, he was ready to rest and ease his axels before he went to take the Flyinh Kipper. Sir Topham Hatt arrived.
Topham: (walking up) A big freeze is due tonight. It's coming a bit later than I expected it to but that's why I all had you wear your snowplows today: to prepare you for this weather.
Henry: Please, sir. Will it freeze up while I'm taking the Flying Kipper and Percy is taking the mail?
Topham: (sighing) Yes, Henry. I'm afraid so. That's why I'll need both of you to be careful with the mail run and pulling the Kipper tonight. This weather could also cause danger for signals.
Percy: (whistling) Okay, sir. We will.
Topham: That's what I like to hear. And remember, whether or not the signal is down or not, you must always look ahead of the track to make sure that nothing risky lies around the bend. Good night then. (walks away)
Thomas: Looking out for signals. That's what must always be done in cold weather. Which means, Henry, you'll have to be careful.
Henry: Why, Thomas?
Thomas: Don't you remember that accident you had the first time you took the Kipper?
Henry: I try not to, Thomas. It's not the most pleasant thing to think about in this weather after all.
(Dusk turns to nighttime. The snow starts to fall)
As Sir Topham Hatt foretold, it did snow. Henry had to be very careful when leaving the sheds.
(Henry leaves Tidmouth and chuffs along the line to the docks. Scene cuts to Brendam Docks)
When Henry arrived at Brendam Docks, Porter was there, shunting his wagons into place.
Henry: (whistling) Good evening, Porter.
Porter: Good evening, Henry. Taking the Kipper, are you?
Henry: Just like I do every night, Porter. The Flying Kipper is my favorite train to pull.
Then Gator pulled in.
Gator: (tooting his horn) The tracks are a little icy tonight. You'd better careful with your train, Henry.
Henry: (sighing) Thank you, Gator. But I believe I know all about ice and snow by now.
Cranky: Gator is right, Henry. Many ships get delayed at sea in this cold weather. Believe me. I know.
Henry: Thanks for the warning, Cranky. But I believe there's quite a major difference between rails and water, don't you think?
Before Cranky could answer, Harold hovered overhead.
Harold: (stopping over the engines) Routine weather report, chaps. The tracks look very icy and most of the signals look like they're down.
Gator: Down? No, that can't be right in this kind of weather. Sir Topham Hatt can't run a railway with all the signals down throughout the way.
Harold: I was getting to that, Gator. Thank you very much.
Henry: Ice and snow are no problem for me now, Harold.
Harold: Listen, Henry, old chap. I've given Percy the same warning when he taking the mail train and I'm warning YOU now: take caution about each and every signal you pass because routine maintenance doesn't start until morning. (hovers away)
Cranky: Harold is right, Henry. Take caution.
Henry: I've dealt with signals before, Cranky. (whistles while chuffing away) Goodbye now.
Henry chuffed all through the night delivering fish to each and every station on the Island. He had many stops to make but also many signals to stop at.
(Scene cuts to a red signal on Henry's line with Percy waiting)
Henry met Percy at a red signal.
Henry: Good evening, Percy.
Percy: Good evening, Henry. Wow, this freeze is really picking up, isn't it?
Henry: It is, Percy. But ice and snow don't bother me.
Percy: They do to me, Henry. Harold warned me about it. I froze up on a siding once because of this weather, remember?
Henry: But there is no blizzard tonight, Percy. So there's nothing to worry about. (signal turns green and Henry whistles as he starts off) Goodbye, Percy.
(Percy whistles as he carries on with the mail train)
Henry continued on down the track towards Arlesburgh. His biggest deliveries would be made along the Arlesburgh-Harwick branch line, which would then lead into the fishing village.
(Percy carries on down his line with the mail train)
Percy seemed to stop at and continue through all the right signals on the line. And not once did he manage to come across a faulty signal.
(Percy arrives at a station)
Stationmaster: Thank you, Percy. Is this your last run?
Percy: No, sir. I'm making my first mail delivery to Arlesburgh. There are plenty of stations down that line that need their post too, you know.
Stationmaster: Good luck with that then, Percy. Goodbye.
(Percy whistles as he chuffs out of the station)
Percy continued his way on down the line. Henry on the other hand, was finishing his last few deliveries on the main line.
(Scene cuts to Henry at a station)
Stationmaster: Thank you, very much, Henry.
Henry: You're welcome, sir. A few more main line runs and I'm off to Arlesburgh.
Stationmaster: That's good to hear, Henry. But be careful with the icy tracks. This cold weather could also affect signals along the line.
Henry: (sighing) I know all about signals. I'll be fine. (whistles as he chuffs away) Goodbye, now. (Stationmaster waves after him)
Henry made his delivery to Arlesburgh just in time and not at all did he have problems with signals. Percy was there too, dropping off the mail.
Henry: Is this your first mail run to Arlesburgh, Percy?
Percy: Yes, it is, Henry. In fact, this was the moment I was looking forward to all night.
Henry: (yawning) That's nice, Percy. But I'm guessing that now is the time for a good night's rest, don't you think?
Percy: I agree, Henry. Don't want to be out here when the freeze gets worse, do we?
(Henry and Percy whistle as they leave the harbor and then scene cuts to them chuffing into their berths at Tidmouth Sheds)
As all the engines at Tidmouth Sheds fell asleep, more snow began to fall and covered the Island for top to bottom.
(Scene cuts to morning with Sir Topham Hatt walking up towards Tidmouth)
The next morning, Sir Topham Hatt arrived at Tidmouth Sheds with the new weather report.
Topham: As you have seen, it snowed heavily last night but I was at least glad to know that both Percy and Henry have made their deliveries safely.
(Henry and Percy give a look of satisfaction)
Topham: But still, a lot of caution must be taken in this sort of weather. You never know what sort of trouble may stand in the way. Tracks can go icy; signals can go faulty; and before you know it, you could come off the rails.
Gordon: You know I'm not capable of that, sir. Otherwise I'd end up just like Henry.
(Gordon and James snigger while Henry shoots them a sharp look)
Topham: (sternly) This is not a joking matter, Gordon. Seriously, be careful with the express today. Especially the hills.
Henry: Yes, before you'll need Edward's help again getting up it.
(The other engines, especially Edward, all laugh as Gordon groans before whistling and leaving Tidmouth Sheds. Next scene cuts to children playing in the snow on the branch line)
As Thomas chuffed through the countryside on his branch line, he found it a very pleasant sight to see the children playing in the snow. Some children even built a snowman and he looked like Sir Topham Hatt.
(Thomas passes a snowman that looks like Sir Topham Hatt)
Thomas: Sir Topham Hatt sure has frozen up fast, eh, Annie and Clarabel?
Annie: (jokingly) Sure looks like it, Thomas.
Clarabel: (jokingly) I'm not sure now on whether to call the Fat Controller or the frozen controller.
(Thomas, Annie and Clarabel laugh as they continue along the branch line. Next scene cuts to Knapford Station with Gordon and Emily waiting for their passengers at the platform)
Back at the station, Gordon waited impatiently as the passengers boarded his coaches.
Gordon: (groaning) What's the deal with the lack of pace with these passengers today?
Emily: The holidays are coming, Gordon. Pretty soon, the stations will be packed but as the weather carries on, the tracks will get icier and the transport may slow down a little. Take that into consideration.
Gordon: (letting off steam) What's the point with sticking with to the seasonal timetable if the passengers can't show up on time. (guard's whistle blow and Gordon whistles loudly) Besides, I can handle a bit of snow. (chuffs away) Goodbye, Emily.
(Emily gives a concerning look as Gordon leaves the station. Scene fades out on her and cuts to Henry chuffing through the forest. Pine trees and spruce trees are decorated)
Henry pulled his freight train through the line that ran by the forest. It was around this time of year where the workmen would decorate the pine trees and spruce trees to make them look as though they were Christmas trees. Henry loved this part of the forest just as well any other time of the year.
Henry: (stops on the line across from Toby) Just look at all these Christmas trees, Toby. Isn't it a fine sight?
Toby: Yes, indeed, Henry. I'm taking the workmen around the forest to decorate them. Jem Cole is selling Christmas trees at his orchard.
Henrietta: This way, the trees here in the forest can be safe and not cut down.
Henry: (whistling) I understand that very well. (chuffing away) See you later, Toby. Goodbye, Henrietta.
(Henrietta smiles after Henry leaves. The workmen board her and Toby rings his bell and chuffs on. Next scene cuts to the orchard with Trevor hauling Christmas trees about.)
Henry arrived at the vicarage orchard. Trevor the traction engine was there hauling Christmas trees into place.
Trevor: Good day, Henry. What brings you here to the vicarage orchard.
Henry: (as the workmen unload his flatbed) I'm just delivering some timer to the orchard, Trevor. I see you have a lot of work to do with these Christmas trees.
Trevor: Oh, yes. It's very heavy work but I enjoy it. What's your favorite job?
Henry: Pulling the Flying Kipper. It's going to be hard to do it in this weather though with the risk of signals being brought down by the cold weather.
Trevor: I know. But whatever the weather, there's always a lot of work to keep us going.
Henry: Exactly. And that's why I must carry on with my freight. (whistling) Goodbye, Trevor. (chuffs away)
(Trevor whistles and continues chuffing about the vicarage orchard. Scene cuts to Crovan's Gate with Gordon waiting impatiently for his passengers)
Meanwhile, Gordon was waiting at Crovan's Gate for his passengers.
Gordon: (groaning) O the indignity. Can't Sir Handel get over here any quicker?
Rusty: What's the rush, Gordon?
Gordon: If the weather gets any colder, then I just might as well finish the day's work as quick as possible.
(Sir Handel whistles as he chuffs in)
Finally, Sir Handel arrived.
Sir Handel: (panting as his passengers board Gordon's express) Sorry, Gordon. This new timetable is really getting to us little engines. I had to fetch extra coaches. You understand, right?
Gordon: I understand, Sir Handel, that The Thin Controller can't run a railway in a compact manner the way our controller does. If you were a big and fast express engine like me, you'd have no trouble with the snow. (guard's whistle blows and Gordon whistles as he chuffs away)
(Sir Handel looks confused at Rusty who just honks and smiles as he chuffs by. Sir Handel whistles and leaves the station as soon as his guard's whistle blows. Next scene cuts to Gordon hauling the express along the main line)
Gordon had no trouble with the cold and snowy weather at all…or at least he thought. He soon started heading for his hill. Earlier that morning, Gordon managed to chuff quickly up the hill without stopping but now the snow started falling again and the tracks were getting icier.
Gordon: (worriedly) Oh, dear. However am I going to get up this hill without stopping?
His driver put on full steam and Gordon climbed the hill with all his might.
(Gordon's wheels spin as he struggles up the hill)
But no matter how hard he tried, the cold weather made it difficult for Gordon to carry on. His wheels slipped and his driver let off steam as Gordon brought the train back to the bottom of the hill. Henry arrived just in time to see everything.
Henry: (whistles as he chuffs up beside Gordon and speaking to him in a teasing manner) Having trouble getting the hill, eh, Gordon? I am surprised. A big strong engine should never have trouble in this weather. Isn't that what you always say?
Gordon: It's not funny, Henry. You wouldn't be laughing if you had trouble with the icy tracks.
Henry: (teasingly) I wouldn't find it very reliable either. I guess I better help you, Gordon. I wouldn't want you to be late with the express.
(Gordon groans. Henry whistles and reverses before changing lines and backing up to the express)
Henry: (whistling) Ready, Gordon?
Gordon: (whistling) If a big strong engine like me can't make it up this hill, what makes you think YOU can, Henry? We're about the same size after all.
But Henry was taking his chances. With all his strength and all his, might, he slowly pushed Gordon and the express to the top of the hill. Gordon's wheels moved slowly forward.
Gordon: How are you wheels holding up back there, Henry?
Henry: Just fine, Gordon. You're welcome, by the way.
Gordon: (rolls his eyes as he reaches the top of the hill and zooms down, whistling) Express coming through!
(Henry watches after him, smiling with amusement. Next scene cuts to Tidmouth Sheds with Gordon chuffing into his berth with all the engines laughing at him)
That evening, when Gordon returned to the sheds, the other engines found his situation very funny.
Thomas: (teasingly) Snow shouldn't be any problem for a big engine like you, Gordon. I wonder how you let it happen.
Gordon: (indignantly) I didn't! It just happened. One moment my wheel started slipping and the next morning, I found myself going backwards down the hill.
Edward: (chuckling) Oh, sure. Like that hasn't happened before.
(All the engines laugh before Sir Topham Hatt walks up, clearing his throat to get the engines' attention)
Topham: It seems as though the blizzard didn't come as I expected it to. However, it will come tonight for sure so Percy and Henry, I need you two to be careful with your evening trains. Gordon learnt a lesson about icy tracks the hard way.
(Gordon looks worriedly over at Henry)
Gordon, who had now his lesson about snow, felt worried about Henry and Percy.
Gordon: The tracks might be icy in the cold weather. I think you two need to be careful with passing signals.
Percy: (jokingly) I think you gave me enough advice signals before, Gordon. (chuckles)
Topham: But Gordon is right, Percy. You both need to careful if you want to avoid accidents. They're likely to happen if the weather affects the signals, know.
Henry: I know, sir. And don't worry about me. I'm not capable of having trouble with the icy rails…(in a manner of a returning insult)…otherwise I'd end up just like Gordon.
(All the engines laugh as Percy and Henry leave Tidmouth Sheds. Sir Topham Hatt shakes his head and walks back toward his car. Scene cuts to Percy with the mail train at Maithwaite and then Henry leaving the docks with the Kipper and then making deliveries at different stations)
Percy and Henry made good time that evening. As usual, their deliveries were right on time. But Henry was heading for trouble. He had no idea that the signals along the line leading to Arlesburgh were faulty. Percy knew this and he and his driver proceeded with caution.
(Percy whistles and proceeds slowly through the signal. Scene cuts to a signal box with Harold hovering over and landing. His crew exits the cockpit and enter the signal box)
At a signal box, Harold's crew needed to have a word with the signalman. Unfortunately, the signalman hadn't switched Henry's line yet.
Harold's Pilot: Harold's checked the whole island, sir. All the signals seem in order.
Signalman: All of them?
Harold's Copilot: Well, um, except for the ones that run through Arlesburgh. The weather has really affected that part of the island. Percy's already proceeded safely but now we have Henry to worry about.
Signalman: Henry will be coming down the line any minute for that route.
Harold's Pilot: You must change the signal.
(Henry's whistles sounds as he passes the signal box. Stationmaster gasps)
But it was too late. Henry had just passed the signal box and chuffed through the points that led to Arlesburgh.
Stationmaster: Oh, no!
Harold: Uh, Henry, old chap. Henry!
But it was too late for Henry to hear Harold. He was already chuffing down the line at a tremendous speed.
Henry: Trock- Trick! Trickety-trock! Trock-Trick! Trickety-trock!
Henry's driver just laughed. It wasn't long before Henry passed his first signal. It was down.
Driver: The signal looks all clear. On we go, Henry.
(Henry whistles as he continues on down the line. Next scene cuts to Arlesburgh Harbor)
Henry soon made it to Arlesburgh Harbor. He looked all around for a station.
(Scene cuts to Percy with the mail train at the first station)
Not so far down the line, Percy was making his first Arlesburgh delivery. He had no idea that Henry was approaching.
(Henry comes around the bend)
When Henry came down the track, he wasn't able to see Percy and the mail train until it was too late.
(Henry gasps)
Henry: Look out, Percy!
Percy: What?
(Henry whistles)
Henry's driver applied the brakes but it was too late.
(Henry brakes before reaching the break van. He goes out of control)
By the time he did, Henry was skidding off the track and into the lake.
(Henry slides over the next track and into lake)
Henry's wagons burst open and fish went flying everywhere.
Henry: Flying kippers!
(Percy gasps as fish spills all over the track as well as him and Henry. Henry moans. Scene cuts to morning with Ryan delivering the rest of the mail to the stations by the harbor)
The next morning, Ryan delivered the rest of the fish to the stations around the harbor. Bill and Ben brought Jerome and Judy to help Henry out of the water.
Jerome: Not to worry, Henry. We'll have you out of here in no time. Right, Judy?
Judy: Right, Jerome.
(Bill and Ben whistle)
Bill: We know that the signal was down, Henry.
Ben: But, still, you're meant to deliver fish, not swim with them.
(Bill and Ben laugh but stop laughing once Sir Topham Hatt arrives in Winston, clearing his throat and looking sharply at them)
Topham: (walks out of Winston and over to Henry) Henry, what on earth happened last night? Did you have any idea that the signals along this line were faulty?
Henry: I'm sorry, sir. I didn't. Harold and Gator warned me about this the night before, sir, but I didn't listen to them too closely.
Topham: Well, you should have, Henry. Many deliveries were late last night to the stations because of this.
Henry: I know, sir. I promise to be careful with signals from now on.
Topham: Right you will, Henry. Signals are essential to every engine and it is always during this kind of weather when you should always check whether or not they are working, Henry.
Henry: (sighs as Jerome and Judy load him onto the flatbed) I understand now, sir.
(Bill and Ben whistle as they pull the train away)
Bill and Ben brought Henry to the SteamWorks to be mended.
Victor: Goodness gracious, Henry. Whatever happened to you?
Henry: I just had a little accident with the Flying Kipper, Victor. I do have to be careful with snow, don't I?
Victor: Indeed, Henry. But how ever did it happen?
Henry: The signal leading to Arlesburgh Harbor was down but what I didn't realize was that ice and snow made it that way.
Victor: That's why you need to be careful with signals, Henry. They need special care, you know, especially during the cold weather.
(Ryan's whistle sounds)
Ryan: Hello, Henry. Feeling better?
Henry: I will once I'm repaired, Ryan. Thanks for delivering the fish for me.
Ryan: No problem, Henry. Oh, I better fetch the workmen now. Daisy and I can't run the branch line until all the signals are checked. Orders from Sir Topham Hatt. (whistles as he leaves) Goodbye, Henry.
It wasn't long before the workmen managed to mend Henry and he was ready for work once again. He worked hard for the rest of the day, pulling passengers and hauling freight. And he and his driver always made sure that each signal was working before carrying on down the line.
(Henry whistles as he passes a signal. Scene cuts to nighttime at Tidmouth Sheds)
When Henry came home to Tidmouth that night, the other engines thought that what had happened was very funny indeed.
Emily: (jokingly) We know that the signal was down, Henry. But that's no reason to throw the fish back in the water.
(The rest of the engines laugh, with Henry slightly chuckling. Sir Topham Hatt arrives and clears his throat)
Topham: You have worked very hard today, Henry. And I am very proud of you.
Henry: Thank you, sir.
Topham: Which is why I'm proud to announce that the signals on Arlesbrough have been checked and repaired.
Henry: That's great news, sir. I'll just…um…head off to the docks now, sir. (whistles and chuffs away)
Thomas: (jokingly) Say hi to fish for us.
James: (jokingly) Oh, and…make sure you have a fishy tale to tell us in the morning.
(The engines laugh and so does Sir Topham Hatt)
All of the engines laughed and Sir Topham Hatt chuckled as well. And even Henry, despite feeling silly, had to laugh. He knew deep down that his friends were only joking and from that moment on, he was a very careful engine indeed.