Air date: October 7th, 1998 (UK)
Oliver and his brakevan Toad are enjoying their work in the big yard. However, Oliver was starting to miss the longer runs. Toad suggests talking to Sir Topham Hatt, but Oliver decides to keep quiet. As time went on, Oliver became more unhappy. His mood and the trucks' behavior lead to an accident in the turntable. Sir Topham Hatt transfers Oliver to the nightly mail train route so that he can clear his smokebox.
The new job cheers Oliver up. Oliver is making good speed on his first run, until he stops to collect mail from Harold. Harold is late due to mechanical problems, which annoys Oliver. Trying to make up speed, he meets a red signal. The signalman had fallen asleep and forgotten to change the points. After whistling multiple times, Oliver and his crew decide to proceed with caution and find out what the problem is at the signal box. Unknowingly, they are switched down an old branch line. The fireman points out that they are running low on water and, after passing an old station, they crash into a shed.
A concerned Sir Topham Hatt sends out a search party the next morning. They find Oliver and his crew safe and sound. Sir Topham Hatt knows the accident was not Oliver's fault. While chatting, Sir Topham Hatt notices an abandoned house nearby. He goes to inspect it and, when he returns to Oliver, he thanks him for finding the new house. He announces his plans for making it a tea house, where visitors can have refreshments.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- Continuity Nod: The trucks all still seem to be scared of Oliver after what he did to Scruffey, even referring to him as dangerous.
- Disproportionate Retribution: Oliver took it too far when he had pushed the troublesome trucks on to the turntable, breaking it on the process. He was then chewed out by The Fat Controller for this.
- The Dreaded: Oliver to the trucks.The trucks: You're no good, Oliver! You're dangerous! We want Percy!
- Pet the Dog: The Fat Controller is very considerate with Oliver and his crew after the incident which led to them going missing. He even thanks them for giving him the idea of turning the abandoned house into a tea shop for visitors!
