Thomas and friends: The Adventure Begins (Rewrite)

Chapter 7: A Big Day For Thomas

[The scene changes to morning]

One morning, Henry wasn't feeling well.

[Henry sighs]

He wouldn't come out of the shed.

EAGLE: Is it because you think it might rain?

HENRY: No, Eagle. (sighs) I think there's something wrong with my boiler. I might not be able to pull my coaches today.

EAGLE: Don't worry Henry. I'm sure the Fat Controller will find someone else to do the job.

THOMAS: Maybe your firebox needs warming up. We'll go and fetch your coaches.

[He whistles and he and the Irelanders left for the yard. Thomas is shunting Henry's coaches humming when Edward went by]

EDWARD: What are you so happy today, Thomas?

THOMAS: If Henry doesn't come, I might get to pull his train.

EDWARD: It's not as easy as you think, Thomas. Pulling trains is hard work.

[The scene changes to the platform where Henry's coaches are]

Thomas waited and waited but still Henry didn't come.

THE FAT CONTROLLER: Oh. (tuts) Oh. (sighs) You'II have to find another engine.

STATIONMASTER: Uh, there's only Thomas, sir.

[He looks at Thomas who has a very big smile on his face]

THE FAT CONTROLLER: Hmm. You'II have to do it, Thomas. Be quick now.

THOMAS: Yes, sir. Sir.

Thomas raced around to the front of the coaches and back up to them with a bump.

[The Fat Controller cringes at the noise]

THE FAT CONTROLLER: Oh. Don't be impatient now, Thomas. Wait until everything is ready.

But Thomas was far too excited and not really listening.

[A guard's whistle blows]

So he took off, before his coaches could be coupled up.

THE FAT CONTROLLER: Ah! Thomas! Thomas, stop! Come back!

[The scene changes to Thomas and the Irelanders heading down the line]

THOMAS: I'm doing it! I'm doing it! I'm pulling a train!

[Thomas then see James approaching with some trucks]

JAMES: Thomas? Where are you going? I thought you are working in the yard.

THOMAS: Can't you see I'm pulling coaches, James? (laughs)

JAMES: (gives a doubtful look then grins with a chuckle)

[Thomas then sees Eagle with a goods train]

EAGLE: Uh, Thomas? Is it me or is the train you're pulling seem to be a bit light?

THOMAS: (chuckles) Edward says it's hard to pull trains but I think it's easy.

[In a signal box some signalmen are on the phone]

SIGNALMAN: Right. Yep. Eh?

[Just then they see Thomas and rush outside]

SIGNALMEN: Come on! Thomas! Thomas!

THOMAS: (whistles) They're pleased to see me. Ha-ha. They've never see me pulling a train before. Ah, it's nice of them to wave.

THOMAS' DRIVER: Why do I get the feeling that this is not going to end well?

[They approach a signal]

THOMAS' FIREMAN: Hey. What's that up ahead of us?

THOMAS: Oh bother. That red signal means danger. I have to stop. What a nuisance signals are.

SIGNALMAN: Hello Thomas. What are you doing here?

THOMAS: I'm pulling my very first passenger train. Can't you see?

SIGNALMAN: Really? Then where are your coaches?

THOMAS: (look back in shock and gasps) Oh no! I've left the coaches behind!

THOMAS' DRIVER: I knew something wasn't right. I think we're in trouble now.

THOMAS' FIREMAN: Thomas? Have you got something you want to say about this?

[Thomas whimpers and the scene changes back to Knapford]

Back at the station, the passengers were all talking at once, telling the Fat Controller what a bad railway it was.

THE FAT CONTROLLER: Uh, please everybody. Please calm down! We will find another engine as soon as we.... Oh.

[Thomas and his crew return]

THOMAS: I'm sorry, sir. I really am.

THE FAT CONTROLLER: I did say to wait until everything is ready, Thomas.

THOMAS: I didn't expect the guard to blow his whistle early.

This time, Thomas waited to be coupled up and for the passengers to climb on board.

[The guard blew his whistle]

THOMAS: Ready?

THE FAT CONTROLLER: Yes, Thomas. Now we're ready.

[Thomas sets off. The scene then changes to that night at Tidmouth Sheds]

The other engines thought it was very funny when they heard the story of Thomas' train.

GORDON AND JAMES: (laughing)

GORDON: I'm glad you came to work on the railway, Thomas. You always give us something to laugh about.

THOMAS: (sighs) The Fat Controller will never let me pull trains again. But I want to go places and do things. I want to...

GORDON AND JAMES: See the world! (laughs)

EDWARD: It's not funny, guys!

EAGLE: Don't listen to Gordon and my brother, Thomas. They're only teasing you because you made a mistake.

EDWARD: Eagle's right, Thomas. If you really wanted to go out, why don't you take my goods train tomorrow? I can take over the yard if you like.

THOMAS: Really? Would you do that for me?

EDWARD: (laughs) Yes Thomas, I would. Now let's get some sleep shall we?

THOMAS: (close his eyes and opens) Oh, Edward, I wish it was morning.