The engines are inundated with rail fans, one of whom is very... passionate.
Tropes:
- Aesop Amnesia: After he almost got run over by Gordon, you'd think Halifax got the memo and stop his reckless behaviour in the future. Except he doesn't. And it gets him killed.
- Downer Ending: Avery Halifax's death casts a shadow over Reverend W. Awdry's visit to the island. Emily's crew is fired for their part in encouraging Halifax's behaviour and insulting Sir Topham behind his back, while both James and Emily are reprimanded for their part in the incident. Worse, both British Railways and the National Coal Board are slapped with a lawsuit from Halifax's family, which will eventually result in the mine closing down.
- From Bad to Worse: We learn from Kate that the mine is running out of coal, which results in a lot of rolling stock in a ramshackle state since the mine can't afford to buy new stock.
- Laser-Guided Karma: Emily's driver and fireman disobey Sir Topham Hatt's orders to limit contact with Halifax, and even insult the Fat Controller for giving said orders. They're fired by the end of the episode.
- Halifax repeatedly violates safety guidelines to get his photos, including standing right on the railway tracks. When Emily confronts him on this, he admits that he’s relied on luck to keep him out of trouble. Said luck finally runs out when runaway trucks from Emily's train come barrelling down Gordon's Hill and and kill him.
- My God, What Have I Done?: James and Emily are beside themselves with guilt after being involved with Halifax's death.
- No OSHA Compliance: The ramshackle coal cars Kate arranges for Emily to take the coal in. They may have passed the examination from British Railway's representative, but they're visibly not fit for use - and Emily's worries are proven right when a coupling snaps on Gordon's Hill.
- Screw the Rules, I Have Money!: The worst Halifax gets from his reckless rail photography, before the end at least, is a heavy fine. Since he's rich, he just pays said fines and moves on.
- Simple Solution Won't Work: Boco asks why Sir Topham Hatt doesn't ban Halifax from Sodor's railways altogether. Sir Topham explains that he doesn't have the authority to do so, and can only order the engine crews to limit contact with him.
- Too Dumb to Live: Avery Halifax, a rich railway enthusiast who takes photographs of the engines either too close to or on the tracks. No surprise as to how he dies.
- Upper-Class Twit: Halifax is a wealthy railway enthusiast who doesn’t seem to want to do anything other than photograph trains. He also stupidly flouts safety guidelines to get the photos he wants.
- Villain with Good Publicity: Halifax is popular with the engine crews as he buys them drinks. A line from Emily's driver Hugh suggests that they're genuinely impressed with his photographs as well.
