It was a bright sunny morning when Thomas arrived in Brazil. He had forgotten how beautiful the mountains, forests and buildings were. He was amazed.
"This is our stop," said his Driver, "Guanabara Bay."
"Hello," said a voice. Thomas looked up to see an orange crane on the dock. "Are you Thomas the Tank Engine? I remember unloading you the last time you were here with that yellow racing car and the orange engine."
"Yes," replied Thomas. "I was following Ace on his race around the world and Nia was…following me from Africa." Thomas remembered how bothered he was about Nia back then and went red in the face.
"Well, welcome back to Brazil, Thomas," said the crane. "I'm Cassia. If you need any help moving cargo, just ask."
"Thank you." As Cassia lifted Thomas off the ship, he noticed something. "You look different from the last time I saw you."
"I suppose I do," Cassia chuckled. "I've been repaired and repainted since then."
When Thomas was lowered onto the rails, he saw a small tank engine with a tall funnel waiting for him. She had black and green paint, red traction rods and shiny brass fittings. "Hello," she said. "You must be Thomas. My name is Gabriela and I've been asked to show you around."
Thomas was puzzled. "Show me around?"
"It will be some time before we travel to our next country," explained his Driver.
Gabriela took Thomas to a nearby shed where some workman inspected him. When he got up steam, he followed Gabriella to collect some trucks and they set off out of the Harbour Yard. The two engines soon reached a big town. "I remember this place," chuffed Thomas. "Nia and I passed through here on our way to San Francisco. I think a big celebration was happening here."
"That was the Rio de Janeiro Carnival," said Gabriella. "We have it every year."
Suddenly, Thomas noticed something. "Wait!" His brakes came on and they stopped.
"What is it? Did we lose some trucks?"
"No, we're traveling on the road."
Gabriela was puzzled "Of course we are. This is the City Tramway."
Thomas was worried. "Is this safe?"
"Of course, it is. Come along." And they set off again. "Why wouldn't the Tramway be safe?" Gabriella asked.
"Not the Tramway; us," replied Thomas. "Two of my friends on Sodor are tram engines, Toby and Flora. They have cowcatchers and sideplates that protect people and animals from getting hurt if they're on the line. My friend, Mavis, has them too. On my Branch Line, there's a track that goes to Ffarquhar Quarry and it travels along the road for a while. Once, a long time ago, I got into trouble with a Policeman for not having cowcatchers and sideplates."
"Oh, I see," said Gabriela. "Well, many engines around here have cowcatchers, but not all of us. Some engines have guard irons which can work in a similar way if they're large enough. Engines like us just have to be more careful. Do you know how to stop quickly in an emergency?"
"Yes."
"Then, there is nothing else to it."
It wasn't long before the engines reached a large Shunting Yard. "I have to collect another delivery before I make my way back to Rio," said Gabriela. "Can you make it back on your own, Thomas? You just have to go back the way we came."
"Of course, I can," whistled Thomas. He collected some empty trucks and made his way back to the Harbour.
Thomas was soon traveling along the Tramway again. There were some people making their way along the road, but Thomas' track was clear, and everyone was enjoying themselves and that made him feel better.
Then there was trouble.
A man was riding a bicycle alongside the line. Suddenly, the front wheel hit a piece of rubbish that was in his way. The bike bounced, swerved and fell sideways, and so did the man. Everyone looked to see Thomas puffing towards him. "Cinders and ashes!" Thomas cried. His Driver shut off steam and slammed on the brakes as hard as he could.
Thomas stopped just in time. He and his Crew were very relieved and so was the man. Everyone cheered.
The man was helped to the hospital and Thomas continued his journey. That evening, he told Gabriela and Cassia about what had happened.
"Well done, Thomas!" said Cassia. "You saved the day!"
"It seems your experience on that Quarry Line came in handy," added Gabriela. "Now, you have another reason to be the star of Brazil. Everyone will be talking about you for weeks."
Thomas blushed. "I was only trying to be Really Useful."
"And you were."