"Three! Two! One! HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

At Knapford station, the engines all cheered as the fireworks lit up the sky. Couples such as Thomas and Emily or Percy and Mavis gave tender smiles as they watched, while other engines chatted amiably about the New Year. The passengers and staff all went around, using party poppers, and eating and drinking at the celebration.

"It sure is a beautiful start to the year," said Nia to Henry.

"Our first one as a couple," agreed Henry. "I could get used to this."

"I see you found yourself a girlfriend at last, Henry," chuckled a warm voice. Henry, Nia, as well as the other engines all glanced up in surprise. There, in a red sweater, thick green coat, and black boots with fluffy tips, was a man who many of the long-time engines of the North Western Railway recognized on sight.

"Bertram Hatt?!"

"Hello, engines," he greeted. "It's so good to see you all on this bright new year."

"Oh, we heard so much about you, sir!" smiled Ryan. "Glynn says you built him during the days of the Tidmouth, Knapford and Elsbridge Light Railway."

"That I did," chuckled Bertram Hatt. "My son and granddaughter have been keeping me up to date on the happenings on the railway. Let me guess – you're Ryan, working with Daisy on the Harwick branch?"

"That's right, sir," the purple tank engine beamed. "We've been at it for the past few years now."

"And hopefully many more to come," said Bertram Hatt. The newer residents of the North Western were quickly introduced to the former controller, and he exchanged some friendly words with them.

"It is wonderful to see you again, sir," smiled Henry. "Unfortunately, Gordon's not with us right now. He's in Australia."

"Ah, yes!" laughed Bertram Hatt. "So that's what the kangaroo drawing on Annabelle's clipboard meant. He would have long since celebrated New Years with the engines there."

"Wait, really?!" gasped Philip. "How does that work?"

"Timezones," Edward said quickly. "It'd take too long to explain all of that."

"I hope Gordon is having a good time on his holiday," said Bertram Hatt. "When does he return?"

"I believe he'll be back close to the end of February," explained Stafford.

"Ah, I see," nodded Bertram Hatt. "Maybe he'll be celebrating Australia Day before he returns."

"Is that like Australia's version of Independence Day?" asked Rosie. But before she could get an answer, Bertram Hatt started going into a coughing fit. He nearly toppled off balance.

"Father!" Charles and Barbara rushed over, putting their hands on his shoulders. The engines all watched helplessly from their places on the rails.

"Father?" asked Charles. "Are you alright?"

"Just a bad cough," Bertram Hatt insisted. "Nothing I can't handle, son."

Edward glanced over at Henry and Thomas in concern as other engines started mumbling to each other worriedly.

"Do you think Gordon's going to see Bertram Hatt before…"

"I don't know what to tell you, Thomas," Edward sighed.

"You do," Henry said bluntly. "You just don't want to say it outloud…"

"I only hope it doesn't come to that…"

THOMAS & FRIENDS: THE INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY SERIES - SEASON 3

Inspired from the concept by Ian McCue and Micaela Winter

Based upon stories by Tim Bain, Christopher Awdry, Camille Ucan and Rose Johnson, Andrew Brenner, Becky Overton and Michael White

Adapted by Zack Wanzer, James Riddle and Rachel Ravens

Let's go, go, go

On a big world adventure!

Gordon was puffing alongside the Australian deserts, joined by Shane and a pair of express coaches. Shane seemed to be having fun as he gave some visitors a tour of the Outback.

Let's go, go, go explore

With Thomas and his friends!

Merlin and Katie puffed along the main line together, as if they were looking for something.

Let's go, go, go

And meet new friendly faces

Some members of the Pack drove out of a large red and yellow amphibious cargo ship; Oliver, Toad and Gina were there to greet them in Italy.

The world's just a train ride away!

Big world…

A yellow race car sped alongside the railway line; Flying Scotsman wondered what he was up to.

…big, big adventures!

Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!

Gordon and the Australian express coaches were speeding their way through what must've been the worst storm he'd ever faced.

Let's discover the world

But where should we begin?

Oliver and Toad were being led by Gina to what looked to be a construction site. A red, white and green excavator with the number 33 on her sides greeted them.

There are so many places

Let's give the globe a spin

The yellow race car was speeding up the Culdee Fell Railway in excitement.

You love the hometown that you know

But you want to see some more

Donald and Douglas pulled into a railway station somewhere in the Highlands. A few other engines, along with their manager, were there to greet them.

It's time to go, go, go

Get ready to explore!

Max and Monty were once again messing around on the work site, much to Brenda's irritation.

Let's go, go, go

On a big world adventure!

A blue tender engine with red wheels and a mustache pulled his little coach along the Italian countryside, both singing grandly together.

Let's go, go, go explore,

With Thomas and his friends!

Silver was pulling a special train along the Skarloey Railway. Clearly, a lot was on her mind.

Let's go, go, go

And meet new friendly faces

Gordon was at a station halt near the Australian wilderness. A yellow tank engine attached to a teal green coach was on the other platform.

The world's just a train ride away!

Big world…

An unusual machine with a large drill attached to her front began digging away at the rock face as if it were nothing.

…big, big adventures!

Thomas & Friends: Big World! Big Adventures!

Gordon backed into Tidmouth sheds, with Oliver and Toad backing up alongside them; Rebecca, Nia, James, Thomas, Percy and Emily were all eager to hear about the stories they had to tell.