Summertime was coming to an end and the engines of the Fat Controller's Railway were exhausted. There seemed to be more passengers traveling and goods being delivered than ever before.

"What a summer," said Gordon one evening. "I can't remember ever being this busy."

"Indeed," agreed Henry. "I don't mind hard work, but every engine has its limits."

Just then, the Fat Controller arrived. "We have had another successful summer, and I am very pleased with all of you," he said. "With the autumn coming soon and less work to do, the railway needs upgrading."

"What's that?" asked Percy.

"'Upgrading' means making something better than it was before," the Fat Controller explained. "As you know, more passengers and goods have been traveling to and from Sodor on our railway and our yards need some improvements. We will be starting at Knapford. The Shunting Yard will receive new points while the Station shall have new cross points and signal gantries and the Station Yard will be expanded." The engines were impressed. "It will be a long job, so I will need you all to work yard."

"Yes, Sir," said the engines and the Fat Controller left.

True to the Fat Controller's word, the next day, a section of the Shunting Yard was blocked off so the new points could be laid in place. Ballast was delivered and poured where the points would go. The engines shunted new rails and sleepers where they were needed, while Harvey lifted and lowered them into place. It took some time, but at last, all of the new points were finished.

Then, work began on Knapford Station. Two lines were blocked off and work began on the new points, crossings and signal gantries. Things seemed busier around the station, but the Fat Controller said the upgrades would allow the station to be busier and still stay safe.

There were lots of new signals being put up and it took some time for the engines to understand them, but once they did, work carried on as normal.

The Sodor Construction Company then got to work on the Station Yard. The old town barrier was demolished, earth was dug out and a new barrier was built farther back. When winter came, the yard was left alone, but when spring arrived, work continued. Fresh ballast was spread, new tracks were laid, a new coal hopper and diesel pump were placed on the site and new sheds and buildings were constructed.

The Station itself was upgraded too. Everything was cleaned, old bricks were replaced, and new coats of paints were applied.

One morning, after all the work was done, Thomas puffed into the Station with Annie and Clarabel. He looked all around him. So much had changed both in and around the station. "If it wasn't for the Fat Controller and the town," he said, "I would think this was a new station entirely."

Annie and Clarabel were impressed too.

"This station is grander than ever," declared Annie.

"Lots of people will come just to see all of this," added Clarabel.

She was right. More people were arriving at Knapford and there were more goods to be sorted than ever before.

The Fat Controller made a decision. "Until I can find a solution," he said, "Thomas, Percy, Duck and Oliver will take it in terns to help shunt the trucks and coaches during the day."

But the weeks past. The four tank engines were rushed off their wheels and nothing changed. With helping in the Yards and pulling their own trains, they never seemed to slow down.

One day, Hank arrived at the Shunting Yard with a long goods train from the Mainland when he saw Oliver shunting. "Howdy, Oliver," he said. "What're you doin' here? Another engine is usually waiting for my trucks."

"It's the new upgrades to Knapford," panted Oliver. "Ever since the new Station yard opened, we've been busier than ever. Today, Donald is working with Duck on our Branch Line and John is helping Douglas with another heavy goods train."

"Shucks, Oliver, I'm sorry to hear that," sighed Hank. "I wish I could help."

"If only you weren't so big." But Oliver was so tired, he could only snigger.

Later, Hank was at Knapford Station with another goods train as he waited at a signal. The Fat Controller came out of his office. "I'm sorry you have to wait in the Station, Hank, but the Yard is full."

"Have you had any luck finding a solution to the problem?" asked Hank.

"Not even close, I'm afraid. What we need is another engine in the yards, but there are none available."

Hank saw Stafford shunting in the sidings. He looked very tired. "Something has to be done," Hank puffed to himself, but he didn't know what.

After a long journey, Hank reached the Station on the Mainland where he was told to leave his train. He then puffed to the water tower when he saw an interesting sight. It was little diesel engine that Hank had never seen before. It had four small wheels and a large lamp. It had a big cab that was rounded at the back and yellow and green paint with the number 68 on his side.

"Howdy, little engine," said Hank. "I haven't seen you around here before. I'm Hank."

"My names Philip," said the engine. "I'm a diesel boxcab."

"What are you doin' here? Shouldn' you be working?

"My Controller doesn't want me anymore," said Philip sadly. "He says I'm too small to do my work properly. When a new engine arrived in my yard, he sent me here until, what he called, 'further notice.'

"What a pity," said Hank.

"I know. I may be small, but I am still strong and fast; faster than the engine who replaced me."

Then, an idea flew into Hank's funnel. "Don't worry, Philip," he said. "I think I know just the place for you."

"Really?" Philip asked excitedly. "That's great! Where is it?"

"You'll see," grinned Hank, "but I must be going now."

Hank raced back to Knapford Station as quickly as he could. Then, his Driver spoke to the Fat Controller. "Hmm," he pondered, "yes, yes, that could work. I will telephone at once."

Some days later, Thomas was shunting in the Station Yard while Percy collected some coaches, when Thomas thought he saw something. "That's strange," he puffed to himself. "Do you see something yellow rushing around, Percy?" he asked.

"Something yellow? Like a…banana?" laughed Percy.

"A banana?" chuckled Thomas.

"No, Thomas, I didn't."

Percy began to puff away when he bumped into something. He and Thomas were surprised. They looked up to see a strange little engine.

"Hello there," he said excitedly. "My name's Philip. I'm a diesel boxcab.

"Hello, Philip. I'm Thomas and my friend is called Percy."

"I've come to work on the Fat Controller's Railway," said Philip.

"With us?" asked Percy.

"Um, I don't know. Maybe," Philip chuckled. "I'm supposed to shunt trucks, but I'm not sure which ones. Oh! Maybe those back there." And he hurried away.

Thomas and Percy laughed as James puffed in. "Who was that?"

"That was Philip," said Thomas and Percy together.

Philip soon learned what he had to do. The engines were glad to have another engine at Knapford and Philip couldn't have been happier for his new home.

He did have a lot of energy for such a little engine, and it was something which took some time for the others to get used to…

…but that's another story.