DEAR FRIENDS,

The events of Thomas and the Magic Railroad did happen. No, Shining Time and Mr. Conductor don't exist and neither does the magic. There was an Indian Valley Railroad once, but it was closed a long time ago.

When the main Sudrian events in the film were adapted for the cinema, there wasn't enough material to fill the full runtime. As a result, the producers decided to add some fictional action to the story based around a previous product that introduced the world of Sodor to American television.

So, what really happened? Well, if I told you, I would spoil the story.

THE AUTHOR

I believe that most folks, like yourselves, understand that on a train journey, great adventure may never be far away…and that long after the sound of a train whistle has vanished, its romance will be safe in every heart, whatever the age, whatever the time. Most folks are happy to know this. Sadly, a few are not, which is a shame because that's all it takes to cause a lot of trouble to some of the most precious things in life.

This is a story about railway engines, a legend from long ago and a very special friend that brought them together…as they were meant to be. Every story, like a railway, has its heroes and ours is a little blue tank engine with the number 1 called Thomas. He and his friends live on the Island of Sodor. It's a large island with lots of railway lines and so many things to see. Everyone says there's no place like it…and soon, you'll know why.

It was almost summertime and one of Thomas' friends, a big, proud engine called Gordon, was waiting for him at Killaban Station. Gordon pulled the railway's Express and that day, he was a guaranteed connection with Thomas' train. He counted impatiently as he waited. "…five…six…seven…eight-"

"Who do we appreciate," puffed Thomas as he rolled in with his coaches, Annie and Clarabel. "Practicing your numbers, Gordon? That's a good engine."

"I'm counting how many seconds late you are," scoffed Gordon. "What does that sign say?"

Thomas looked to see a new sign on the Station platform. "Mmm, 'Sodor Railway; really reliable and right on time-"

"And you weren't, little Thomas," Gordon cut in.

"And you're being bossy, Gordon," retorted Thomas. "It also says, 'Sorry for delays during repairs, we are making this a better railway. Signed, Head of the Railway, Sir Topham Hatt.' Now, please excuse me. I'm meeting Mr. Collett."

"One of Sir Topham Hatt's assistants?"

"Yes, he's looking after us while Sir Topham Hatt takes a much-needed holiday."

Gordon scoffed once more. "Oh, I think we can take care of ourselves."

Suddenly, there was a loud screeching and rumbling sound. "Get out of my way!" someone shouted, and a big diesel engine roared past blowing clouds of dust everywhere. "I have unfinished business here" he snarled, "and I want to finish it fast!"

"D-Diesel 10's back!" shivered Gordon.

"Yes," said Thomas, "Sir Topham Hatt sent him to help us. He certainly lives up to his name; ten out of ten for devious deeds and brutal strength, the blast from the past who hates steam engines."

"Maybe we do need Mr. Collett here after all," Gordon admitted sheepishly, "On time too."

Thomas was right about delays. All over Sodor, repairs were being carried out and Sir Topham Hatt wanted everything ready before the summer holidays. One of his assistants is Mr. Alexander Collett, so he too knows the engines well. Thomas was glad he would be looking after them, especially with an engine like Diesel 10 about.

Another of Thomas' friends, Edward, was away being mended and Diesel 10 had been borrowed from the Other Railway to help with the repairs. He was one of the biggest diesels to ever come to the island. Sir Topham Hatt hoped Diesel 10 could be helpful, but that diesel had already made a poor impression a long time ago.

Thomas started his journey back home to Tidmouth Sheds. He was to rest there before he was due to collect Mr. Collett. On his way, he crossed one of the Railway's viaducts, known to railwaymen as 'the Big Dipper', and it had an arch longer than any of them right in the middle. This Viaduct was also due for repairs as the arches needed strengthening. Thomas' train was the last to cross it before it was closed, but as he steamed across…he didn't notice that some of the stones were already coming loose.

"What does Diesel 10 mean about 'unfinished business?'" thought Thomas. "I think he's looking for something…and there was something different about him too. Hmm," he sighed, "if Diesel 10 has unfinished business, there's sure to be trouble right around the corner."

At Tidmouth Sheds, James the Red Engine had difficulties of his own. A fly was buzzing around his nose and wouldn't leave him alone. James is a rather difficult engine and sometimes, his temper can be as red as his paint.

"Go away, you fussy fly!" James moaned. "Better still, buzz off!"

Thomas heard James as he backed into the siding next to the Sheds, but because he was paying attention to his friend, he wasn't watching where he was going…and bumped into the buffers. "Botheration!" he wheeshed.

"You weren't concentrating, Thomas," said James. "Lucky for you that the buffers were there."

"That's what buffers are for, to stop engines from crashing. What are you doing in the Sheds, James?"

"My wheels were feeling worn out with work," James grumbled. "I was naughty, and Sir Topham Hatt told me to think about all the ways I can be a Really Useful Engine and when I have, I can come out again."

"He's just trying to make this a better railway," explained Thomas. "Sir Topham Hatt says the harder we work, the less he'll need other engines to he-"

"Help you?!" laughed a voice. It was Diesel 10; he had snuck up from the sidings while Thomas was talking. Now, Thomas could see that Diesel 10 did look different. Recently, he had been fitted with a crushing, crunching claw as part of a trial, but he sped past Thomas and Gordon so fast that they barely noticed, and that giant claw made him look very scary indeed. "You will always need help," he sneered, "because steam engines are cowardly, cranky, worn-out hunks of metal who couldn't hurt a fly."

James was cross. "No, we're not."

"Yes, you are."

"Aren't!"

"Are!" growled Diesel 10. "I've come back to dominate you and to destroy her. When I'm done with my plan, you'll be nothing but useless scrap." And he roared away.

"Big bully!" shouted James.

Thomas was cross too and puffed out of his siding indignantly. "We're Really Useful Engines!" he called. "You won't dominate, and you won't destroy! We won't let you. Neither will Mr. Collett. I'm off to fetch him now."

James was surprised by Thomas' outburst, but then, he had a thought. "Who's 'her'?"

Soon, Thomas was on his way again with his coaches. He was glad when he reached Wellsworth Station where he was to collect Mr. Collett. He waited patiently as passengers got on and off the train.

Finally, Mr. Collett came running up to the platform. "Good morning, Mr. Collett," Thomas whistled.

"Good morning, Thomas."

Thomas noticed Mr. Collett was panting. "Are you alright, Sir?"

"Yes, Thomas, but I thought I was going to be late. Sometimes, everything happens at once. I have to see Sir Topham Hatt to get my orders right away."

"A big bully diesel is back, Mr. Collett. You had better be careful."

Mr. Collett smiled. "Sir Topham Hatt warned me about Diesel 10. Don't worry, Thomas. I'll keep him in order…I hope." And he climbed aboard Annie.