Air date: October 5th, 1998 (UK), December 14th, 1998 (Australia), February 1st, 1999 (US)

Thomas and Percy discover an old slow coach in the scrap yard. She looks very dirty, but is in perfect shape, so they try to help her. Meanwhile, James runs into trouble when his fuel tankers catch on fire. The firemen soon manage to put out the fire.
Later that day, there is another fire at the workmen’s hut, close to where Thomas and Percy have been taking on water. Unfortunately, the firemen discover that they have run out of water after putting out James’ fire. Thomas suggests that they use the water from his and Percy’s tanks. The plan works well and the fire is soon put out, but the workmen’s hut is destroyed.
Percy comes up with the idea of using Old Slow Coach as the workmen’s new hut. After being cleaned up, she happily enjoys her new life.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- Deadpan Snarker: Percy gives a punny snark to James:Percy: You said the countryside got you all fired up, James, but I didn’t think you meant it in this way!
James: Pah! It was this stupid truck’s fault, not mine! - Firefighting Episode: Twice in this episode, firefighters have to put out fires. The first time, they successfully put out the fire in James’ fuel tankers. The second time, the workmen’s hut catches fire and the firefighters use the water from Thomas’ and Percy’s tanks to put out the fire.
- Oh, Crap!: James when the fuel truck leaks and catches fire. Also Thomas and Percy when they arrive at the burning workmen’s hut.
- Stock Audio Clip: In the US dub, James’ “Oh, help!” from when the fuel truck catches fire is a reused line from “James and the Trouble With Trees”.
