Air date: August 1st, 2004 (UK), September 5th, 2004 (US)
It is Lady Hatt's birthday, and a big party is being held. The Sodor Brass Band is going to be playing and the Fat Controller asks Thomas to collect them, much to the annoyance of James and Gordon. When Thomas arrives at Knapford Station with Annie and Clarabel, he is very excited; so excited that he accidentally leaves the tuba player behind. It is only when he arrives at Maithwaite Station that the band leader realises this. Thomas goes off to find the tuba player, unaware that the tuba player is at the bus stop under the railway bridge.
Bertie takes the tuba player as far as he can and then Elizabeth gives him a lift. Thomas is in such a rush looking for the tuba player that when he flies through the crossing, he does not see Elizabeth with the tuba player. Elizabeth takes the tuba player to the windmill where Trevor gives him a ride. Once again, Thomas is rushing about and does not see or hear the tuba player aboard Trevor when he passes them.
Thomas is looking around Knapford Yards between trucks and inside coaches when he crashes into Percy and his trucks of bunting. After Harvey arrives and Thomas tells him what happened, Harvey advises him to look and listen. So, taking Harvey's advice, Thomas searches more carefully until he hears the tuba player aboard Trevor and then takes him to Lady Hatt's birthday party.
This episode contains examples of:
- Birthday Episode: The episode takes place on Lady Hatt's birthday, and the plot kicks off when Thomas is tasked to take the Brass Band to her party.
- Dawn of an Era: This episode marks the beginning of the series being produced by HiT Entertainment.
- Green-Eyed Monster: Gordon and James are angry that Thomas gets to collect the Brass Brand instead of them.
- Rule of Three: The Tuba Player rides in three road vehicles; first Bertie, then Elizabeth, then Trevor.
- A Tragedy of Impulsiveness: Thomas is so excited at the chance to take the Brass Band that he ends up leaving the tuba player behind, causing him a whole deal of trouble as he tries to find him again.
