Heartwarming / The Adventure Begins

• An adaptation of some of the first few episodes with new life breathed into them. Its very existence is heartwarming, in a way.
  • Classic themes return, in new styles, including "Really Useful Engine."
  • A blink-and-you'll-miss-it example, but during the montage scene, when Thomas is shunting trucks into the station, everyone at the platform is giving him confused looks. Except one little girl whose waving happily at him.
  • A lot of Edward and Thomas' interactions are very sweet to watch. Even though it would be unsurprising if Edward lost his temper with Thomas' inexperience, he teaches Thomas everything he knows.
  • In one of his early moments of clumsiness, Thomas tries to get about the yard, bumping into the back of Edward, and then colliding into a goods truck and spilling its load. Despite this, Edward just gives a sympathetic look.
    • And when Thomas finally does get Edward into trouble, leaving them both restricted to work in the yard, his reaction:
    Edward: Never mind Thomas. At least we're working together again.
  • Thomas helping Henry get over his phobia of rain. Even though it might feel a bit strange that Henry's afraid of it, it's still charming to watch.
    • Keep in mind that Thomas was strictly told to work in the yard when he went to help both Henry and James. He risked getting in big trouble again because he wanted to help his friends with their problems.
  • Gordon finally expressing silent approval of Thomas with a small visible smile.
  • James, spending most of the special with an Inferiority Superiority Complex over his flawed build, comes back from the Steamworks spruced up into the splendid red engine of present day.
  • The Passing the Torch moment between Glynn and Thomas.
  Glynn: "Look after the branch line, Thomas, and wear that number with pride!"
  • The ending scene. After picking up his passengers and leaving Ffarquhar Station, Thomas runs along the line, with the camera focusing on him...before a picture fades in over it, depicting the same scene in Reginald Dalby's original style.