Thomas and the Breakdown Train retitled to Thomas Saves the Day in American releases, is the seventh episode of the first season of Thomas & Friends. It was first aired in the UK on 30th October 1984.
Plot
Thomas works at the goods yard near Tidmouth Sheds, shunting the trucks into trains. Everyday he is visited by the Fat Controller, who greets Thomas, telling him that although he can never be as big or fast as Gordon, he can still learn to be a 'Really Useful Engine' as long as he isn't impatient, and pays good attention to the trucks. While working, Thomas notices a green coach and two railway cranes that he doesn't recognize. His driver tells him that this is the Breakdown Train, which can be used to lift heavy objects, such as engines.
One day, not long after, Thomas is working in the yard, when he hears James whistling for help. James is being pushed down the line by the trucks. Unfortunately his breaks blocks are on fire, preventing him from being able to stop, and James is soon out of sight. Thomas is shocked, and can't wait to teach the trucks a lesson. An alarm rings, and the signalman announces that James has derailed down the line. Thomas is sent to the scene of the accident to help lift James and the Trucks back onto the line with the Breakdown Train.
After arriving, Thomas clears the track of the remaining trucks, so as James can be lifted back onto the line. Thomas works hard all afternoon shunting the trucks out of the way, and each time returning to the scene of the accident.
After the chains are attached to him on both sides, the Breakdown Train carefully lifts James back onto the line. James, unable to move, is shunted back to the sheds by Thomas, were the two engine are greeted by the Fat Controller. The Fat Controller is pleased with Thomas' hard work that day, and rewards him with his very own Branch line. He tells James that he shall receive proper breaks and a new coat of paint.
Thomas is now very happy. He hasn't only received his own Branch line, but also two coaches named Annie and Clarabel. He now pulls passenger trains on his branch line, were he is visited by Henry and Edward at the junction. Gordon is often busy, but still manages to whistle to Thomas who happily whistles back.
CITV Broadcast
The episode originally aired in the UK alongside James and the Coaches, in a television block lasting eleven minutes and ten seconds.
PBS Broadcast
When the episode first aired it was paired up with the spinoff series "Shining Time Station" episode "Pitching In and Helping Out" It was later paired with the Episode "Wrong Track" and "Wildlife".
Episode
