U.S. Title: Gordon and the Mechanic
Air Date: September 5th, 2007
The points are jammed, and Gordon is asked to collect an engineer from Maron Station. Upon his arrival, he is told that Bertie is bringing more passengers, but Gordon is impatient and sets off with who he thinks is the engineer. Unluckily, at the signal box, the "engineer" tells Gordon he is a carpenter who thought Gordon was taking him to Brendam Docks. It appears Gordon is stranded, but Thomas suggests that Gordon reverse down his line to Maron. Gordon leaves his coaches and reverses to the next station, but Douglas is in the way. Thinking quickly, Gordon suggests Douglas reverse to the next station to get Donald to reverse to Maron, and then work forward again. The idea works and the railway returns to normal again.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- The Bus Came Back: Donald and Douglas make their first appearances (barring a mention in "You Can Do it, Toby!") since Series 7's "Harold and the Flying Horse" and "Gordon and Spencer" respectively.
- Humble Pie: At the end of the episode, Gordon admits to Donald and Douglas that even an engine like him needs some help sometimes.
- A Tragedy of Impulsiveness: Gordon's impatience leads him to pick up a carpenter thinking he was the engineer.
