Thomas and Yong Bao were in the yard waiting for their jobs when Thomas heard a pair of unfamiliar whistles. Then, two engines he had never seen before appeared around the bend. "Good morning, Yong Bao," they called.

"Good morning, you two," Yong Bao replied.

"Is that Thomas, the tank engine that's been traveling around the world?" asked the bigger engine.

"Yes. Thomas, I would like you to meet Da Li and Xiao Hu. Their friends of mine."

"Indeed," said the smaller engine, "ever since he proved what a brave and hardworking engine he is."

"Wait a minute," said Thomas thoughtfully. "Are you the ones who used to tease Yong Bao?"

"Yes, that was us," the big engine sighed. "It was very foolish of us."

"But we changed our ways after he saved Da Li in the Himalayas," Xiao Hu added.

"That's right," said Yong Bao, "and now, we all work very hard together."

Thomas smiled. "Well, it's nice to meet you."

"And it's an honour for us," Da Li replied.

It wasn't long before the Yard Master gave the engines their jobs and they were off. "You really are the hero of the railway, Yong Bao," puffed Thomas.

"That's kind of you to say, Thomas," said Yong Bao, "but anyone can be hero, you know. Didn't you tell me you helped people escape a cyclone in Australia? What about when you helped Cassandra in the United States, Karla in Peru or those camels in Africa?"

Thomas blushed. He knew his friend was right. "Yes, I remember."

Then, they heard a whirring sound coming from overhead. It was a helicopter. "Hello, down there!"

"Hello, Jing Wei," Yong Bao called back. "How is everything?"

"Peaceful as usual, but that's just the way I like it."

"Don't we all?" And the helicopter flew away.

"Who was that?" Thomas asked.

"That was Jing Wei," said Yong Bao. "She's a rescue helicopter. She keeps an eye out for trouble from up in the air where the rest of us can't see."

"Oh, I know all about that," replied Thomas. "My friend, Harold, is a rescue helicopter too. He used to live at an airfield by Dryaw Station on my Branch Line, but now, he lives at the Sodor Search & Rescue Centre."

That evening, Thomas, was resting with Yong Bao and Hong-Mei when Xiao Hu steamed in. "Good evening, you three. Have any of you seen Da Li around? He was supposed to be back at the yard earlier, but he hasn't shown up."

"I haven't seen him since this morning," replied Yong Bao.

"Same here," added Thomas.

"The only time I saw him was when I passed him this afternoon," said Hong-Mei.

"So did we," An An and Yin-Long cut in.

"How late is he?" Yong Bao asked.

"It's been almost four hours," Xiao Hu said.

"Do you think something happened?" asked Thomas.

"I hope not," Yong Bao answered, "but we have to make sure."

Yong Bao's Driver went to tell the Yard Master what had happened, and the Yard Master sent Yong Bao and Xiao Hu out to search for Da Li before he telephoned Jing Wei's Controller. "I hope they find him soon," said Hong-Mei. "It's getting late."

Jing Wei flew above the railway with her searchlight shining brightly while Yong Bao and Xiao Hu searched along the ground. It was getting dark, and everyone was worried.

Suddenly, Yong Bao saw Jing Wei flying overhead. "Yong Bao, I found Da Li!" she called. "He's alright, but he's derailed on the loop siding in the Himalayas!"

"Have you seen the Breakdown Cranes anywhere?!" Yong Bao called back.

"No, and it's too late to find it now! You'll have to go back to the yard for help!"

Yong Bao knew what his friend meant. "I'm on my way!"

Back at the yard, a crane was asleep in one of the warehouses. Yong Bao's whistle suddenly woke him up. "Chang Tiao, we need your help. Da Li has derailed, and we can't get to the Breakdown Cranes."

"Don't worry," the crane yawned, "I'm ready." Chang Tiao was tired, but if there was an emergency, he was always willing to help.

It was dark when Yong Bao and Chang Tiao reached the Himalayas. Da Li had derailed on the points and was looking miserable, but he beamed when he saw his friends. "Yong Bao! Chang Tiao! am I glad to see you!"

"Don't worry, Da Li," said Chang Tiao. "I'll have you back on the rails in no time."

Everyone set to work, and Chang Tiao took up the strain while Yong Bao and Jing Wei used their lamps for extra light. Chang Tiao was smaller than the Breakdown Cranes, but he wouldn't give up.

At last, Da Li was back on the rails. "Oh, thank you," he sighed gratefully.

"That's what friends are for," smiled Yong Bao. "Now, let's get you home."

The Yard Master was waiting with the other engines. They were very happy to see Da Li was alright. Luckily, no one was hurt, and his coaches had been empty.

"Well, Da Li," said the Yard Master, "it seems derailing in the Himalayas is becoming a habit with you." Da Li looked embarrassed. "Don't worry, the accident wasn't your fault and I'm glad you're alright."

Da Li and Yong Bao told everyone what had happened. "You were right, Yong Bao," grinned Thomas. "We all can be heroes of the railway."

"Yes, Thomas," said Yong Bao sleepily, "especially when you are part of a team."

"A Really Useful Team," added Hong-Mei, and everyone felt the same way.