U.S. Title: A New Friend for Thomas
Air date: October 8th, 1986
Adapted from: Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends Annual, "Thomas and Trevor"
Trevor has been living in the vicarage orchard and is enjoying his time there ever since he was saved from scrap, but he sometimes finds himself with not enough work to do. One day, Edward stops to talk to Trevor as he usually does and the traction engine frets about not being busy or having company all the time, especially the children's company. Edward cheers Trevor up with some news that the Fat Controller has asked that he be sent to the site of the new harbour to help out with the work. Edward has been sent to take Trevor to the yard to meet with Thomas, who will take him to the harbour. Trevor is happy and is looking forward to a trip to the seaside where he'll get to work and hopefully meet some children.
Later, Thomas is carrying metal pilings needed for the construction work and Edward introduces him to Trevor in the yard. Thomas grows doubtful of the newcomer and asks what a traction engine is. Trevor explains to him that he's an engine who runs on roads instead of rails and then asks Thomas to take him to the harbour. Thomas agrees, although he's still baffled. Trevor's truck is coupled on to Thomas' train, and the two set off for the harbour. During their journey, Trevor explains his usefulness to Thomas, but Thomas still can't understand how an engine can run off rails. Trevor assures Thomas that he'll understand soon.
Thomas and Trevor arrive at the harbour, finding the place in chaos. Trucks are derailed and are blocking the line while stone slabs are now scattered across the area. Thomas' driver tells Thomas and Trevor that the equipment Thomas is carrying is essential, so Trevor must begin working, taking it around the mess. Trevor is happy to do the job as soon as possible and tells Thomas he'll understand how a traction engine works.
While Thomas moves the trucks away, Trevor takes the construction equipment to where it's needed with chains. Later on, Thomas brings Annie and Clarabel to the harbour to meet him. Thomas is very impressed with Trevor's work and finally understands just how useful a traction engine can truly be. Both Annie and Clarabel are carrying children and Trevor is more than happy to give them rides on the beach. Annie remarks on how kind and gentle Trevor is, and Clarabel remarks how he reminds her of Thomas.
Thomas and Trevor are both very sorry when the day is over and Trevor has to return to the orchard. Trevor lets out a tear knowing that the day's over, but Thomas whistles to cheer him up, informing him about how there's plenty of work for him at the vicarage and that he may be needed at the harbour again. Thomas says he may visit him soon. Trevor feels better after hearing the news.
That evening, Trevor remembers all that had happened that day - befriending Thomas, working at the harbour, and best of all, spending time with children.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- Go-to-Sleep Ending: This episode ends with Trevor happily falling asleep in his shed after a hard day's work and becoming friends with Thomas.
- Intergenerational Friendship: Thomas and Trevor developed this.
- Name and Name: Except for the American title.
- Perpetual Smiler: Thomas has the same smiling face mask throughout the episode, even at the part where he is baffled of Trevor's appearance. This marks the only episode where Thomas has the same expression throughout the whole episode, excluding minor cameos.
- Single Tear: Trevor, when he has to leave the harbour after a hard day's work.
- Stock Footage: Deleted footage of Trevor sleeping in "Saved From Scrap" is used for the ending.
