The cover of the story.
Rampage of the Rail Bandits
is a Thomas & Friends fanfiction written by writer Chase the Ferroequinologist. It's the second special set within the same universe as Thomas and Friends - Original Episodes.
The story is in the style of the yearly Thomas specials. However, it is much, MUCH Darker and Edgier compared to them, as well as having a main character who ISN'T Thomas! When some international Railway criminals known as The Rail Bandits come to the island, they frame the Fat Controller for their crimes and he is put in lock-up. Thomas strives to prove his innocence, although his excessive taking the law into his own hands may get him into trouble! However, Rosie discovers conclusive evidence to their identity and tries to help Thomas, but she ends up having to do things on her own. In addition, there are a number of subplots involving Samson pulling expensive artwork to the Mainland, Oliver losing Toad to the Bandits' clutches, new character Roy learning about innocence and guilt, and Lucian (from Thomas and Friends - Original Episodes, also by Chase) finding a mysterious horse in the woods.
It's also a musical, and has four original songs. These will be on Chase's Sound Cloud account soon.
The story contains examples of:
- Abhorrent Admirer: Thomas views Rosie as this throughout most of story, although she manages to win his respect by the end.
- Accidental Misnaming:
- Sidney at one point calls Harvey and Samson "Horace" and "Neil", and then "Harry" and "Simon", respectively.
- The police chief calls Jim "James".
- Arson, Murder, and Jaywalking: Lampshaded:Rosie: I heard Bonnie talking to my trucks the other day about 'prices', and this was the day before Edward was attacked.Arthur: Well, the reason I think they're odd isn't nearly as sinister. My driver bought a snowglobe from them and it broke after a few shakes!
- Artistic License – Biology: Slim Jim and his thugs very frequently punch engines and rolling stock, yet never seem to experience any pain or injury from hitting metal with their closed bare fists.
- As You Know: Slim Jim recounts Jeb's origin story to him before shooting him in Chapter 10. It doesn't work.
- Bad Boss: The chief motivation for Jeb's subplot? Jeb deems Slim Jim as a bad, abusive leader and tries to take over as leader of the bandits because of that.
- Big Bad: Slim Jim Langley turns out to be the leader of the Rail Bandits seeking to plunder Sodor's railway of its engines. That doesn't mean Jeb doesn't try usurping his position.
- Bitch in Sheep's Clothing: Slim Jim and his team market themselves as railway peddlers who run a novelty shop, but behind this facade, they're the ruthless Rail Bandits.
- Character Development: Rosie is the most stark example, going from Genki Girl to Action Girl over the course of the story. Roy and Jeb also apply.
- Chekhov's Gun: In Chapter 2, Jeb's whistle pin comes loose, making a loud noise. He forces it loose in Chapter 13 to alert a passing engine (Rosie) of his presence.
- Clear My Name: The Fat Controller tries to prove his innocence and Thomas also tries to reveal the Fat Controller is not the Bandit. Rosie also applies.
- Crush Filter: Although she is never explicitly stated to have a crush on Thomas (as much as it is implied), Rosie's song "Rosie's Blues" is very much this trope in song form.
- Cowboy: Slim Jim dresses like a cowboy, along with having a horse to go along with it.
- Cute and Psycho: Bonnie. Dear lord Bonnie. Her cute pink paint job belies the villainous, near psychopathic bandit personality underneath it all.
- Distant Duet: Actually four singers (two of them grouped together) in No Friends Like Those on Sodor. Oliver sings about missing Toad, Rosie sings about wanting to be on good terms with Thomas, and Harvey and Samson sing about their own friendship when the former cheers up the latter.
- The Dragon: Jeb and Bonnie are Slim Jim's henchmen who do all the heavy work. Bonnie's completely devoted to the job, Jeb not so much.
- Entitled Bastard: Jeb thinks assisting Rosie will help him get his freedom and get re-railed. He does get re-railed, only to get repurposed into a gift shop with Bonnie sharing his fate.
- Fat Bastard: "Slim" Jim is ironically fat and is the Big Bad of the story. In Chapter 2 it's mentioned that the name used to fit better though.
- Genki Girl: Rosie is nothing but cheerful and tries to get Thomas' attention. Bonnie is a villainous example as the Bandits' only energetic female engine.
- Hijacked by Ganon: Throughout the first two thirds, Jeb is built up to betray Slim Jim and take his spot as the main antagonist. He tries, but fails and Slim Jim keeps his reins as the villain.
- The Knights Who Say "Squee!": Rosie is a massive fan of Thomas earlier in the story and is delighted to see him. Roy also admires Detective Regan.
- Lady in Red: Bonnie, despite being pink, purposely invokes being seductive to get the trucks to do her will.
- Lost Food Grievance: Played with. The Fat Controller purchases an iced bun and throws it into the air in surprise when Roy suddenly appears. He manages to catch it, then yells, "I'll have you know I paid for this!"
- Misery Builds Character: Most of Rosie's development is based on how Thomas treats her like crap due to her closing his branch line by knocking over a bridge.
- Must Make Amends: Rosie tries to repair her friendship with Thomas for breaking a part of his branch line. She manages to rescue him from Slim Jim, re-earning his respect.
- Mythology Gag: Oliver: Yes I could've! I have resource, and sagacity!note
- Nice Job Breaking It, Hero: Rosie in the beginning when she causes a bridge to be knocked over, which closes Thomas' branch line.
- Noodle Incident: The Rail Bandits interacted with Oliver and Toad before they were attacked, but this is never seen and only referenced by Bonnie and Jeb in the tunnel scene in Chapter 8.
- No, You:Harvey: Are ye crying, Samson?Samson: I'm not crying, you're crying!
- Poor Communication Kills: Rosie tries to tell Thomas that she heard the trucks and Bonnie talking with each other, but Thomas cuts her off and tells her they have to focus on work. The trucks soon cause Edward to crash as a result.
- The Resenter: Jeb doesn't like Slim Jim, deeming him to be a bad master.
- Sheep in Sheep's Clothing: Roy initially accuses the Fat Controller for being a Rail Bandit, but he eventually discovers despite his borderline-bossy attitude and stern exterior, the Fat Controller is innocent and just very busy with running his railway.
- The Starscream: Jeb tries to usurp Slim Jim as leader of the bandits. He fails.
- Unusual Euphemism: Jeb's "No shunt, Sherlock!" is basically his way of saying "No shit, Sherlock!" with shunt probably used to keep it more appropriate for all ages.
- Villain Song: The Travelin' Railwayman, although it does not sound villainous at all.
- Jeb was due to receive one on his clifftop scene in Chapter 6, but it was cut due to Rosie's Blues already being in the chapter and it being viewed as a much more important song.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Thomas keeps calling out other engines for their mistakes, including Rosie for causing his branch line to close.
- You Are Better Than You Think You Are: Harvey reassures Samson about having friends to back him up and he's stronger than he thinks he is through the song No Friends Like Those on Sodor.
- You Have Outlived Your Usefulness: Why does Slim Jim shoots Jeb after he turns traitor? Jeb reveals to Rosie he botched Slim Jim's operation on Sodor, causing him to leave him alone after he crashes, especially for trying to usurp his leadership.
