Thomas to the Rescue

Thomas to the Rescue is the third episode of the eighth season and the one hundred and eighty-fifth episode of the series. In this episode, Diesel gives Thomas a hard time at the quarry.

Plot
Thomas is sent to work at the quarry with Mavis as the quarry has an important order to fill. When Thomas arrives at the quarry, he was shocked to discover that Diesel will be working there as well. Diesel isn't pleased to see Thomas, who tells him that he has come to help Mavis. Diesel tells Thomas that steam engines can't help as much as diesel engines. Thomas scoffs at Diesel's insult and sets to work at once. It wasn't long before Diesel was causing trouble; he pushes Thomas underneath the hopper, covering him in stones, complains that Thomas smells and calls him a "stinky old steam engine", and even says that the Fat Controller was planning to scrap steam engines. Thomas refuses to believe what Diesel says, but he can't help worrying about it in the shed that night.

The next morning, Salty delivers fresh diesel fuel from the Mainland. Diesel and Mavis are quickly filled up and Diesel boasts that the fresh diesel fuel makes his axles tingle. Then, just as Diesel rolls away to work, he coughs, splutters, and stops amid clouds of smoke. Diesel feels sick, as does Mavis, who was coughing out smoke from her exhaust. The Quarry Manager realises that the new diesel fuel has been contaminated with water; it wasn't long before 'Arry, Bert, and Salty break down too.

Having heard the news, the Fat Controller orders the Quarry Manager to send Thomas to collect some clean diesel fuel. Thomas sets off for the fuel depot and the workmen fill up two flatbeds with diesel fuel drums. Despite the heavy load, Thomas sets off and delivers the clean fuel to Salty, 'Arry, and Bert, and then, he makes his final delivery at the quarry. The dirty fuel was drained out of Diesel and Mavis' tanks and they are refilled with the clean fuel. Mavis thanks Thomas and, after the important order has being filled, the Fat Controller arrives aboard Percy to congratulate Thomas for being Really Useful and a credit to the railway; even Diesel has to agree with that.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Diesel
 * Mavis
 * Salty
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Percy (does not speak)
 * 'Arry and Bert (do not speak)
 * James (cameo)
 * Gordon (cameo)
 * Cranky (cameo)
 * Bill and Ben (deleted scene)

Locations

 * Brendam
 * Tidmouth Sheds
 * Centre Island Quarry
 * Henry's Tunnel
 * The Scrapyards
 * The Fuel Depot
 * Shunting Yards