Thomas is sent to work at the quarry with Mavis, though it turns out Diesel is there too. Diesel gives Thomas a hard time, declaring the Fat Controller is planning to scrap steam engines. The next morning, Salty brings fresh diesel fuel. Diesel boasts about it, but the fuel makes all of the diesels on the island sick.

Henry usually pulls goods trains, but longs for a chance to pull the express.. Thomas tells Henry about the wishing tree, and Henry wishes that he could pull the express. The next day, his wish comes true, but he isn't used to coaches and gives the passengers a bad journey.

James had just been repainted and boasts to the others how he is special because of red paint. This puts Percy down, as he feels he isn't special. Later, James is sent to the coaling plant to help Percy deliver an important order, but James is too busy showing off along the way and Percy is left on his own.