Some days later, Flynn the Fire Engine arrived at Brendam Docks. Everyone was excited; even Cranky was curious. "I've never seen an engine like you before," he said.

Flynn smiled. "Well, I'm not a railway engine, anyway, but I can travel on the rails. Flynn's the name." After Cranky had lowered Flynn onto the dock, everyone watched as he rolled onto the tracks and four rail wheels came out from under him. "See? Very handy when you need to get somewhere far in a hurry."

Everyone was impressed and they cheered as Flynn rolled out of the Docks…but no one noticed a dark shape in the shadows slide silently away.

Later, Percy made his way to the Steamworks with some trucks. "Percy, where have you been?" asked the Fat Controller. "You're late to meet Flynn the Fire Engine."

Gordon, James, Victor, and Belle were all gathered around the turntable and on it was Flynn. Flynn flashed a friendly smile. "Hello, Percy." Percy gasped.

"What do you think, Percy?" asked Victor.

Percy didn't know what to say. Flynn really did look fast and fearless. He also looked very important. Even James seemed impressed. "Hullo, Flynn" said Percy quietly. "It's…nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Percy," Flynn replied.

Suddenly, there was a loud crashing sound from outside the Steamworks. "What was that?!" boomed the Fat Controller.

Victor and Flynn went to look, and they could hardly believe what they saw. A long line of flatbeds had come off the rails and were piled in a heap. Worse still, they had jammed the traverser in front of the Steamworks. The engines were trapped.

"Cinders and ashes," cried Thomas.

"Oh, the indignity," moaned Gordon.

"Who did that?!" whistled Victor crossly, but no one answered. Everywhere was quiet.

Percy was worried. "What do we do now?"

"We must alert the Search and Rescue Team at once," said the Fat Controller sternly.

"You should go, Flynn," said Belle. "They may need all the help they can get."

Flynn was determined. "Right away." Flynn switched to his road wheels and drove out of the Steamworks. Then, he rolled onto the tracks, engaged his rail wheels again and raced away as fast as he could.

When the other engines found out what had happened, they were surprised and confused. At Knapford Station, Henry was talking to Edward about it. "How could that happen?" he asked.

"Well, flatbeds can't just move on their own," said Edward. "Someone must have caused that accident."

"Quite right," said a voice. The Fat Controller had arrived. "Rocky and Harvey are clearing the mess now, but it could be some time before Thomas and the others can leave. In the meantime, this means extra work for everyone."

That evening, the Dieselworks Manager came to see the engines. "As you may know, there has been an accident at the Steamworks, and five engines are trapped inside."

"Uh oh," muttered Spatter and Dodge together.

"Oh my!" Paxton gasped, "what can we do?"

"I have received a message from the Fat Controller," said the Manager, "and he says he needs all the help he can get. Paxton, he wants you to help on Thomas' Branch Line. Derek, you will be working with Edward. As for you, Norman, you and Dennis will have to cover for Derek and Edward." The Manager sighed. "If only Sidney's wheels would arrive. Then, I could send him out too."

As the Manager walked back into the Dieselworks, Diesel 10 rolled forward. "I heard there's trouble, Sir. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"No, Diesel 10," said the Manager sternly. "You still have more scrap to collect tomorrow." Diesel 10 clenched his claw.

Just then, there was a crash. Dart had bumped into Happy Hook's broken crane arm…again. "Oh, Dizzy Diesels! 'Oo put that there?"

"Dart, slow down," said Den cautiously. "You'll get bashed and battered."

"I am bashed and battered!" Dart fumed. "With 'Appy 'Ook out of order, we need another crane," he groaned.

"Quiet!" shouted Diesel 10. Then, he lowered his claw and looked to the Manager. "Sir, if the Steamworks isn't going to be busy for a while, maybe Kevin can come and help us."

The Manager wasn't sure. "Hmm, I'll ask the Fat Controller. It seems we could use some help too." Diesel 10's smile grew wider.