A new crane called Cranky arrives at the docksand causes trouble for Thomas and Percy. A storm traps the big engines and Duck in the dockyard shed. A tramp steamer runs aground into the quayside, knocking down the shed, and causing Cranky to fall over. In order to rescue the other engines, Cranky needs Thomas and Percy's help.

Three very Horrid Lorries arrive on Sodor and start taking over the engines' jobs. Percy and Toby receive the worse at the end of the tether. But eventually, the tables are turned, as the lorries get their comeuppance in due course. The engines work even harder to ensure the lorries never return.

Gordon complains about the plainness of a new station, and longs for a panoramic view. But over time, he keeps breaking down, and in a way, gets the view he wants, just not the way he was expecting.