Air date: September 4th, 2007 (UK), September 15th, 2007 (US)
James has barely returned from the Works when news comes of a special; an engine is needed to take the Mayor of Sodor to the Festival of Light at the Scottish Castle. James volunteers and Thomas, Percy, and Emily get to do goods work. James is cleaned and arrives at the castle but is shocked to discover the others have not finished their work and goes to help his friends at once, even though he gets dirty. The four manage to get to see the Festival of Light and the Fat Controller is proud of James for his work.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- An Aesop: Being useful is better than being clean.
- The Dandy: James is normally one but becomes even more focused on his appearance after being decorated for the Festival of Light. Despite this, he soon risks his paintwork and his flags to help his friends finish their work.
- Jerk with a Heart of Gold: James. Despite initially refusing to help the engines with their jobs due to his decorations, he immediately helps them at the expense of his looks so they can all attend the Festival of Light.
- Rule of Three:
- Percy has to work at the quarry, Thomas has to pull some Troublesome Trucks, and Emily has to pull a fish train.
- Later when James finally decides to help his friends, he gets covered in coal dust, quarry dust, and fish, all in that order.
