When Ralph, the trainee engine driver, decides to go on strike following an outrage, Gloria Skinner is non too pleased when she hears her mother's suggestion for persuading him to change his mind.

Ethel becomes completely smitten with Joe, an American airman, when she meets him by chance in a cafe and ends up going to the pictures with him. Wilfred is not too happy, and takes drastic action.

The Hatley staff have a busy day ahead when Lady Lawrence's chauffeur tells them that Lady Lawrence will be coming to the station that very evening to meet a very important guest – none other than Dr Beeching himself!