Thomas and Yong Bao were enjoying themselves at the big station near the city. There were lots of people coming and going taking notes and photographs. The two engines were happy to tell everyone about their adventures, but all the while, Thomas couldn't stop thinking about Alison.

That afternoon, Yong Bao noticed Thomas looking thoughtful. "Is something wrong, Thomas?" he asked.

"It's Alison. She seems like such a great engine, but I think it's sad that she doesn't pull passengers anymore."

"It's kind of you to think of her," said Yong Bao. "She is a very good friend, but for now, the important thing is that she has work to do." Thomas agreed, but he still felt sorry for Alison.

Meanwhile, out on the Main Line, Alison was helping the workmen to upgrade the track. As the hours passed, she saw many other engines race by with heavy trucks and full coaches. She smiled as they raced away from her, but Thomas had been right. Alison did miss the days long ago when she was the one racing about with full trains, but like Yong Bao, she tried to look on the bright side of her situation as she went about her work. She was busy and steaming well and that was most important.

Later, Thomas was asked to take some of the visitors along the line in a special train and bring more passengers back to the station. He puffed back to the main platform, collected some coaches and was soon on his way.

It wasn't long until Thomas reached his first stop. Some of the passengers got off while others climbed onboard.

Then…it happened.

Thomas started away when there was a 'crack' as Thomas came to a stop and vanished in a cloud of steam. When the steam cleared, the Driver and Fireman looked all over him.

"That's torn it," said the Driver at last. "No more work for you today, Thomas."

"But what about our passengers?" Thomas asked.

His Driver went to the station and telephoned back to the city to send Yong Bao, but there was more trouble. "The points have jammed," said the Stationmaster. "We can't get Yong Bao out of the siding."

Then, Yong Bao's Driver came into the office. "Sir, Yong Bao has an idea." And he explained.

The Stationmaster smiled. "Yes, that could work." He picked up the telephone again. "I think we have found the answer," he said. "We'll sent help right away."

On the Main Line, the Foreman walked up to the crew. "Leave those trucks, Alison," he said. "Thomas has broken down and needs your help."

Alison was surprised. "My help, Sir?"

"That's right. Yong Bao can't help and there are no other engines available."

"But what about the tracks, Sir? If I leave, our work will be delayed."

"If you don't go, the passengers will be delayed," replied the Foreman.

Alison knew the track upgrades for the high-speed trains meant the passengers wouldn't be so crowded, but she also knew that if she didn't help, there was a chance of later trains being more crowded than ever. "…Alright…I'll do it."

"Let's hurry," said her Driver. "There's no time to lose."

Back at the station, Thomas and the passengers waited patiently for help to arrive. Then, they heard a whistle and Thomas was most surprised to see who their rescuer was. "Alison! what are you doing here?"

"The Foreman sent me. There was no one else." Alison quickly buffered up and Thomas' Fireman fastened the coupling. As they waited, Alison had a funny feeling in her boiler. "Oh Thomas," she said, "I haven't pulled passengers in a long time."

"You can do it," replied Thomas. "I believe in you."

Thomas whistled and the passengers cheered. Alison couldn't hep smiling and when everyone was ready, she gave a big, brave puff and slowly rolled out of the station.

It was tricky pulling Thomas and his coaches at once, but Alison kept on puffing, whistling bravely as she raced along the line. She rolled as smoothly as she could, and her brakes came on gently at every stop. The passengers were sorry to see Thomas had broken down, but they were very grateful for Alison's help.

At last, Thomas and Alison returned to the city, and everyone clapped and cheered as they rolled in. Alison was tired, but she felt very proud of herself.

"The Foreman said you should rest until tomorrow," said the Stationmaster.

"Thank you, Sir," Alison sighed happily and after shunting the coaches away, she helped Thomas back to the platform beside Yong Bao.

Yong Bao smiled. "Well done, Alison. I knew you could do it."

Alison was confused. "How did you know?"

"It was my idea. When the points failed, I thought of you."

"And what a wonderful idea it was," said the Railway Inspector. "Alison, today, you have proven to be just as reliable as you were when you first arrived in China. Your Foreman and I both agree that when you're not helping with repairs, you will go back to hauling trains on the Main Line once more."

"Oh, Sir." Alison was so happy, she almost cried.

"Three cheers for Alison the Really Useful Engine!" called Thomas. The engines whistled and everyone cheered. Then, Alison had her photograph taken and was told that she would appear on the front page of the newspapers tomorrow.