Air date: November 5th, 2003 (UK), March 10th, 2004 (US)
Gordon is gloating about taking the Duke and Duchess of Boxford to a special reception at Maron Station, but on the way, he is diverted to let a sleek silver engine pass. Gordon later discovers the engine, Spencer, will be taking the Duke and Duchess and advises him to take on water, but Spencer ignores him and as a result, runs out of steam on Gordon's Hill. Gordon goes to the rescue and at Maron is lauded by the Fat Controller.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- An Aesop: You should always stop to refill your tanks when going on long journeys.
- Break the Haughty: Spencer gets one when he runs out of water, despite Gordon advising him that he does need it.
- Jerkass: Spencer is quite arrogant the first time him and Gordon speak. and doesn't listen to his advice.
- Laser-Guided Karma: As a result of not listening to Gordon's advice to take on water, Spencer ends up running out on Gordon's Hill and needing to be saved by Gordon, who takes more than a little amusement from the situation. Thomas and James also tease Spencer when he and Gordon arrive at Maron Station.
- Name and Name: Gordon and Spencer.
- Never My Fault: When Gordon comes to his hill to rescue Spencer, he asks Spencer if he ran out of water. Spencer tells Gordon yes but lies to him that he has a leaky tank because he doesn't want to admit that he didn't listen to him.
- Pet the Dog: Gordon tries to warn Spencer to take on water, for all the good it does.
- The Rival: Spencer to Gordon, as Gordon is jealous that he gets to take the Duke and Duchess instead of him.
- Shadow Archetype: Spencer to Gordon. Spencer is more arrogant and prideful than Gordon but lacks what common sense the latter has.
- Stock Footage:
- A close-up of a signal changing from "Thomas the Jet Engine" is shown as it diverts Gordon into a siding.
- As Spencer leaves Knapford Station to take the Duke and Duchess of Boxford to Maron Station for their party, an image of the Stationmaster blowing his whistle and waving his green flag from "Time for Trouble" is shown.
- After Gordon couples up to Spencer to pull him to Maron Station, a close-up of Edward's whistle from "Saved from Scrap" is shown, though the sound effect of Gordon's whistle is used.
