Air date: October 18th, 2002 (UK)
Rusty takes up so much time clearing up Skarloey and Rheneas' line that the little diesel forgets that there is also work at the quarry that has to be done. The Fat Controller says that this takes too much of Rusty's time, so he decides to close down the line, which is now in terrible condition, and sends Skarloey and Rheneas to the quarry. The two engines work as hard as they can, but they miss the forests, the hills, and their passengers.
The next day, the Fat Controller announces that there will be blasting in the quarry for the next two weeks and that he will have to find the engines' other work until then. Rusty asks if they can use that time to mend Skarloey and Rheneas' line. The Fat Controller agrees, but they only have two weeks to finish the job. Elizabeth thinks that clearing the line is ridiculous and says it is a waste of time. Skarloey is upset by this and thinks that they will never get the job done, but Rusty makes a point that they cannot give up. Rusty then comes up with an idea to convince Elizabeth to help and get the job done.
The little diesel tells her that they will need a "special" kind of lorry that can get the job done, and Elizabeth then agrees to help and get the job done. She is as good as her word. Soon, the job is completed, and Skarloey and Rheneas' line looks as good as new, sp the Fat Controller congratulates Rusty and Elizabeth for their hard work. He then says that the line will re-open, and Rusty can now have enough time to work at the quarry, much to the engines' delight.
This episode contains examples of:
- Determinator: Rusty is determined to work hard to reopen the line, managing to get the job done in only two weeks.
- "Eureka!" Moment: When the Fat Controller closes the quarry for two weeks due to blasting, he needs somewhere to send Rusty, Skarloey, and Rheneas so they'll be safe. Upon hearing this, Rusty gets the idea to use this time to mend Skarloey and Rheneas' line and asks the Fat Controller if he will let them. the Fat Controller agrees but reminds them that they have only two weeks to finish the job.
- What Happened to the Mouse?: What were the other narrow-gauge engines doing while the line was shut down and why didn't they help with the cleanup? While Peter Sam can be glimpsed working at the quarry, Duncan is nowhere to be seen, and Sir Handel, Duke, and Bertram had all succumbed to Chuck Cunningham Syndrome by this point.
