Chapter 188: James and the Red Balloon

While the railway is the most popular way to travel on The Island of Sodor, it is far from the only one. Buses, taxis, and even boats are also popular modes of transport, but one terrain that is rarely touched is the sky.

One day, Molly was waiting at Brendam Docks. Sir Topham Hatt had sent her to collect a special for Dryaw Airfield. Just then, Rosie walked over, staring curiously at her load.

"What's this, some kind of giant rug?"

"No, its a balloon."

"You mean a party balloon?"

"No! I don't think Dryaw needs a party balloon. Oh, that's the guard, by Rosie!"

And with that Molly drove out of the docks, leaving Rosie speechless!

Once Molly reached the airfield, men promptly removed it from the flatbed and began setting it up. James drove by in the opposite direction as they finished and stopped out of curiosity.

"What's that?"

"Its a Hot Air Balloon. It gives passengers an aerial ride around the Island."

Then, with a huge burst of hot air, the balloon rose into the sky on its maiden flight to the cheers of everyone watching.

"Wasn't that amazing, James? I should like to go on it someday."

But James didn't share his girlfriend's enthusiasm.

"Amazing? That thing's going to steal all of our passengers! No one will want to ride in a train after a ride in that."

"I don't think-"

But James had already left, leaving Molly alone at the station.

All over the island people watched in amazement as the balloon made its journey. Duck watched it for so long that he bumped right into Oliver! Donald and Douglas were equally amazed.

"'Tis a floating basket with people in it!"

"Whatever will they think of next?"

A few days later, James was taking some empty flatbeds to the yards when he saw the hot air balloon floating overhead. James snorted, still sure they were out to steal his passengers.

"Taking passengers around the island is our job! Or at least, it was."

Just then, the balloon began to descend at an alarming rate.

"Help!" Cried the pilot. "We're out of hot air!"

Thinking fast, James drove the train as close to the crashing balloon as fast as his engine could go.

"Aim for the flatbed and I'll catch you!"

It took some work, but the pilot narrowly managed to guide the basket onto the last flatbed, the balloon flopping onto the track. The pilot sighed in relief.

"That was a close one! Thanks for the save."

"Come on, I'll give you a lift back to the airfield."

Once back, the men made the necessary repairs and the balloon was up in the air once more. Sir Topham Hatt was there and he had heard everything.

"Well done, James! Way to think on your feet."

"Erm, thank you sir, but won't the hot air balloon steal all of our passengers now?"

Sir Topham Hatt laughed.

"Oh, I don't think so. After all, they'll need a train to get home!"

James smiled in relief. As a thank you for the save, the pilot gave James and Molly a ride free of charge, and the two had a wonderful time. James no longer thinks the balloon is a nuisance anymore. He now thinks it makes the island even more special.