Air date: October 28th, 2003 (UK), September 4th, 2004 (US)
At the docks, goods are arriving night and day, causing the engines to work so hard that their axles ache. So, the Fat Controller brings in a new engine called Murdoch to help. He has ten driving wheels and looks very strong. The engines all welcome him, but Murdoch thinks they are all very chatty.
Later, Murdoch has a very long train to pull. He looks forward to some peace and quiet, but everywhere he goes is noisy. Murdoch looks forward to a nice rest at the sheds that night, but as he arrives, Salty and Harvey begin to ask him lots of questions about his past. Murdoch becomes annoyed and tells them both that he wants peace and quiet, and that he does not want to share a shed with chatterboxes. Salty tells him that they are only being friendly.
The next day, Murdoch has another long train to pull. This time, he travels through the countryside and is happy to finally have some peace and quiet. But he comes across some sheep strayed on the line, who have escaped through a broken fence. His driver and fireman try to move the sheep, but to no avail so Toby is sent to help. The sheep are so noisy that Murdoch wishes he was back with Salty and Harvey. Toby finally arrives with the farmer and his two dogs who move the sheep off the line. Murdoch continues on his way.
Later that evening, Murdoch arrives back at the sheds with Harvey and Salty. He apologises for being rude to them, and Harvey tells him that they are happy to share the shed with him. Salty proceeds to tell a story, which makes Murdoch smile. The constant bleating of sheep will keep him awake, but he will gladly fall asleep after a story from Salty.
This episode contains examples of:
- Can't Stand Them, Can't Live Without Them: Murdoch doesn't appreciate the company of Salty and Harvey, but after encountering some noisy sheep, he begins to have second thoughts.
- Hates Small Talk: Murdoch. He doesn't appreciate Salty and Harvey asking him a lot of questions at first, but later apologises for being rude and appreciates their company.
- Stock Footage: This episode begins with footage of Henry pulling the Flying Kipper from Season 4's "Fish", with new dialogue dubbed in.
