In memory of Britt Allcroft (1943 - 2024), who helped to introduce the world of Thomas the Tank Engine and the Rev. W. Awdry's stories to countless people across the world.

DEAR FRIENDS,

While not seen or heard often these days, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends are still being as useful as ever.

With friends, places and tales old and new being seen and heard everywhere, there are so many stories to tell and, as always, I am honoured to share them with all of you.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

THE AUTHOR

On the Island of Sodor, there are many different engines painted in many different colours. James is proud of his splendid red paint, Thomas likes his beautiful blue paint, and Duck and Oliver are proud of their matching green paint. All the engines are fond of their colours and always try to wear them with pride.

One day, a new Painter had come to the Steamworks. "We have two engines arriving for repaints today," said the Steamworks Manager. "The first will need blue, red and yellow paint while the other needs to be orange, red and black."

"Yes, Sir," replied the Painter.

Soon, Rheneas arrived at the Steamworks. His paint was scratched and covered with slate dust. "Hullo," he said, "I'm here for a repaint."

"Oh, yes," said the Painter, "I've been expecting you." But the painter didn't know that another engine was supposed to arrive before Rheneas.

Much later, Thomas arrived at the Steamworks. Rheneas was still there waiting for his paint to dry. "Hullo, Thomas," he called.

Thomas gasped. "Rheneas! what happened to you?" he asked. "You look like me."

"What?" Then, some workman walked in front of Rheneas with a big sheet of shiny metal…and he saw his reflection. "Oh, no!" he cried.

It wasn't long before Victor, the Steamworks Manager and the new Painter realized what had happened. "I'm sorry, Rheneas," said the Painter sadly.

"Don't worry," said the Manager. "I should've been more specific with the engines."

"On the bright side, he wasn't being fixed," said Victor and everyone agreed.

Later, Sir Handel, Peter Sam and Duncan were resting at the Depot when Rheneas steamed in. Even Peter Sam couldn't help laughing. "What happened to you, Rheneas?!"

"Trying to be a standard-gauge engine, are you?!" chortled Duncan.

"That's enough," said the Thin Controller who was trying not to laugh himself, "there was a mix-up at the Steamworks and that's all there is to it. As for you, Rheneas, since you have just been repainted, you can take the next passenger train."

"Yes, Sir," said Rheneas, but he was still troubled.

When Rheneas arrived at the Station, the passenger laughed and cheered. Some children were also on the platform. "I thought this was the Narrow-Gauge Railway," said one.

"Is that Thomas?" said another.

"No, it's Rheneas."

"Or should we call him…'Thomas Junior' now?!" Rheneas sighed as he set off and the news soon spread.

It wasn't long before Duncan passed and heard the children laughing. "Oh look, it's Thomas Junior," he called, and the passengers laughed again.

This went on and on until Rheneas got back to the Shed and all the engines laughed, even Skarloey.

By then, Rheneas had had enough. "All right!" he whistled loudly, "yes! they accidently painted me in the wrong colour! You all may think it's funny, but I'm very embarrassed about it! Everyone has been laughing at me all day and I don't like it!" The engines were silent.

"I'm sorry," Rheneas," said Peter Sam. "I didn't mean to laugh. I just didn't expect to see you painted like that."

"Me neither," agreed Sir Handel.

"The same goes for me," added Skarloey. "If anything," he went on, "I think that colour looks rather smart on you."

Rheneas was surprised. "Really?"

"Of course, you really stand out from the rest of us now."

"Duncan and I think so too," added Sir Handel.

Now, Duncan felt bad. "Rheneas, I'm sorry I called you 'Thomas Junior'," he said.

Rheneas felt better now. "Thank you, everyone."

The next morning, as Rheneas arrived at the Station, there were lots of people on the platform and many of them had cameras. "Oh no, not again," sighed Rheneas, but he was most surprised by what he heard next.

"I say," said one passenger, "what a smart-looking engine."

"Very smart," agreed another.

"I've never seen this colour on this railway."

Then, Rheneas saw the children from before. "We're sorry for making fun of you," said one.

"We like you're new colour," agreed another. "It suits you." And that made Rheneas feel happier still.

"All right, everyone onboard, please," said the Stationmaster. "Rheneas has to leave now."

"Or is it…'Thomas Junior?'" laughed Rheneas.

The next day, the engines were getting ready to leave when the Thin Controller arrived. "I must say, I have received quite the surprise this morning," he said, and he held out his newspaper.

"It's Rheneas!" cried Peter Sam.

"On the front page too," added Duke.

"And listen to this," the Thin Controller added. "'Thomas Junior? Mix-up at the Sodor Steamworks brings more visitors to the Narrow-Gauge Railway.'"

"What a way to turn a mistake into something useful," said Rusty.

Rheneas had to agree. "Yes, my new paint is quite fetching, isn't it?"

"Hurray for Thomas Junior!" everyone cheered as the engines laughed, whistled and tooted together, but no one was louder than Thomas Junior himself, Rheneas.