Cranky is overloaded with work, and the dockside becomes a terrible mess. Since the Steamworks is empty that day, Kevin is chosen to help him. However, Cranky does not think he needs help even as the work piles up.

Scruff normally does not mind the way he looks, and is horrified when he is told to get a repaint. However, he soon becomes impressed with his new shiny coat, and refuses to work at the Waste Dump because he does not want to get dirty.

Winston feels ashamed that Sir Topham Hatt cannot drive him well, especially when the other engines tease him about it. Sir Topham Hatt constantly forgets to put on the brake, so Winston uses that idea to his advantage in an attempt to go driverless.