Signals Crossed

Signals Crossed is the fifth episode of the eighteenth season. In this episode, Toby was nervous when the signal at Knapford stays red.

Plot
One morning, Toby was rolling very slowly along the line towards Knapford with Henrietta. Toby was going so slow that Henrietta was concerned that they won't be on time to pick up the workmen at Knapford for the quarry. Toby says he's going slow to admire the view, but Henrietta knows the real reason; Toby was worried about the complexity of Knapford Junction. Toby admits that she was right, but Henrietta assures him that everything will be fine.

When they arrive at Knapford Junction, Toby was confused. He does not know which signal on the gantry is his. Henrietta reminds Toby that red means stop and green means go. When a signal turns green, Toby rolls forward and almost collides with Gordon. Toby reverses for another go and when two signals turn green, he rushes forwards. This time, he narrowly avoids hitting Henry. Toby tries again and almost hits Hiro this time. All morning, Toby tries to get to the station, but keeps getting cut off by other engines. Toby finds himself getting more and more confused as the signals keep changing. Henrietta starts to get impatient so Toby shuts his eyes and charges towards the station. He keeps his eyes closed and speeds straight past the platform, abandoning the workmen and ignoring Thomas.

Toby ends up on a siding, behind a signalbox. Henrietta asks if they are hiding, but Toby insists he was just resting. Then, Thomas arrives and also asks if Toby is hiding. Toby pretends he is counting the bricks in the signalbox, but eventually admits that he is indeed hiding. Thomas knows that it's because of Knapford Junction. Toby explains that the place confuses him and was so busy. Thomas tells Toby that he only needs to look at the signal directly above his line. Toby still thinks getting to Knapford Station was too big of a challenge for such a small tram until Thomas reminds him that he is not just any tram; he's the number seven brown tram engine who can do anything.

Toby soon arrives at Knapford Station where the Fat Controller was waiting for him. The Fat Controller was concerned that the workmen won't get to the quarry on time, but Toby assures him that he'll get them there. Toby pulls away and stops at the junction which is now busier than ever. Henrietta reminds him about Thomas' piece of advice and Toby checks the signal directly above his line and it's red. Toby waits, but the signal doesn't turn green. The workmen start to get annoyed, as does James who pulls up right behind Toby. James is sure the signal must be green by now and pushes Toby who slams on his brakes and refuses to move. Then, the Fat Controller arrives and speaks severely to Toby who still insists that his signal is red. As the Fat Controller was giving Toby a lecture about signals, one of the Fat Controller's assistants whispers in the controller's ear. The Fat Controller realises that Toby had been right all along; the signal is still red. The Fat Controller realises that the signal must be broken and praises Toby for not going through a red signal.

Soon, the Fat Controller arranges for the signal to be fixed while a signalman works the junctions using flags. Ever since that day, Toby has never been afraid of Knapford Junction again.