Moral: you can't be perfect at anything/mistakes are more common if you think you know it all

Short Synopsis: Porter loves at working at Brendam Docks and keeping it in good order while sorting out the trucks, while Samson takes great pride in knowing every inch between Brendam Docks and the Mainland. When Sir Topham Hatt pitches a deal with the Sodor Times to write an article all about Life On Railways, Porter wants to make sure he is perfect enough to have his picture taken with the Dockside team for the paper. However, when asked to work with Samson to fill an important order of goods across the Island, Porter has a difficult time agreeing with Samson on which routes to take, which winds up in them getting lost. In the end, both Porter and Samson learn that perfection isn't everything.

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

Samson was on his way over the Docks from the Mainland; he was a tank engine who happened to know his way from the Mainland all the way over to Brendam and back. But he still had a lot to learn. Sir Topham Hatt needed him to handle a goods special, and Samson was very proud of having this responsibility, believing himself to be the strongest tank engine capable enough of doing so…but perhaps not the fastest.

Connor: (whistling) Coming through! (rushes by Samson)

Samson: (comes to a stop, startled) Woah! I say now. Well…

Connor: (racing off into the distance) Sorry, Samson!

(Samson sighs as he whistles and carries on. Next scene shifts to Connor arriving at Brendam Docks)

Connor was taking some very important passengers to the docks in a special coach. The engines were quite glad to see him as he arrived.

Salty

And Hello, Connor. (honk and whistle loudly)

Porter:

Connor: (whistling, as he slows down) Hello there, you two. Nice to see you.

Porter: You too, Connor. (thinks for a moment, confused) But…what brings you here to Sodor?

Connor: (chuckles) Oh, I can't tell you just yet. It would spoil the surprise. The Fat Controller will be along shortly. He'll tell you.

Topham: Ahem. (walking over to face Salty, Porter and Connor, who all startle and look over at him) Indeed, Connor. And thank you for bringing our very important guests to Brendam.

Connor: Oh, well, no problem, sir.

Topham: (as the passengers exit Connor's coach) I see to it that you engines on the mainland have made quite a demonstration yourselves. Anyway, I am very pleased to inform you, Salty, Porter and Cranky, that these gentlemen are representatives of the Sodor Times gazette, and they are touring our Island as well as the mainland to make sure everything is in cheque.

Porter: In cheque for what, sir?

Topham: (surprised) For what you ask, Porter? Well, I'm sorry if this is late notice, but I've been thinking over this decision for quite a while, and our VIP guests over here have just pitched me a great deal. Once they see how well things run here on my railway, they will be pitching ideas to their editor for their latest edition in the Sodor Times newspaper. It will be titled Life On Railways.

Salty,

Porter and Hooray! (whistle and honk loudly)

Connor:

Topham: Yes, yes, now quiet down, please. (chuckles nervously, as the gentlemen stand by Connor's coach with fixed expressions on their faces) Well, anyway, the photographer will be along at the end of the day to take a picture of the Dockside team, so I want you, Salty, Cranky and Porter, all to your bests.

Porter: Yes, sir!

Salty: We'll do our bests, Captain.

Cranky: (chuckles slightly) Um…we'll try…I guess.

Topham: (glances sharply up at Cranky then back down towards Salty and Porter) Yes, well, it's a very busy day, and that's why I have special jobs for all three of you: there is a large order of goods to be filled in at stations all across the Island and Samson will be along any time soon to pick up the rock salt; Porter, I'd like you to work with him please.

Porter: Oh, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

Topham: As for you, Salty, I need you to keep the Docks in shipshape by making sure there are no trucks lying around, and Cranky, the shipments needed for the order will be arriving constantly as the afternoon progresses, so please, keep on the lookout. (sighs, pausing impressively) Well, Samson should be here anytime soon, so it's best you all get started. As for me, I've got a railway to run. Good day, engines. (turns round back while crossing over but almost trips on the track, dropping his hat) Whoops! (picks his hat and dusts it off, nodding) Oh, dear. (chuckles nervously as he heads back towards his car, Salty, Porter and Connor chuckling after him)

But the Sodor Times remained rather dignified than to find humor over Sir Topham Hatt's slip-ups, and quietly boarded the coach.

Connor: I'm sure you two will do fine. Samson's quite a character once you get to know him.

Porter: (chuckles) I do believe I know Samson a little bit from working on the mainland in my early days, Connor. Don't worry, I'll manage. And I probably won't make a mistake either.

Connor: (whistling) Goodbye, then. (races out of the docks, much to Salty and Porter's astonishment)

As Connor left with the Sodor Times, Porter had thoughts of his own.

Porter: (wondering) I don't believe it. My very own photo. I do hope I'm good enough to be in it. I wouldn't want to disappoint The Fat Controller.

Salty: Ha-her! You'll do fine, matey. I guarantee it.

(Samson whistles as he chuffs into view)

... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...