Air date: November 25th, 2005 (UK), November 26th, 2005 (US)
James is teamed with Edward to clear a path through the snow to Knapford. Edward can not go fast and James is afraid he will delay him, but cheers up when he finds he can slide at high speeds on the icy rails. James and Edward later collect coal from the coaling plant, and Edward warns James to take care on the icy rails, to no avail. James slides too fast down Gordon's Hill, loses control and derails into a snowdrift. The Fat Controller is cross and tells James he will not be able to pull the presents train, the reason why James wanted to go so fast, and gives the train to Edward. James offers to be Edward's back engine, and the Fat Controller agrees but tells him to be careful. The presents train arrives on time, and James feels proud.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- An Aesop: Don't go too fast or you'll cause trouble.
- Jerkass: James to Edward until the end.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: While James was quite the Jerkass to Edward as mentioned above, he did vouch for the blue engine when the Fat Controller reprimanded both of them.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: James and Edward respectively and quite literally.
- A Tragedy of Impulsiveness: James going too fast causes him to crash into the snow.
