Thomas and the New Wheel is a magazine story.
Plot
One day, Thomas is puffing along his branch line when he spies Bertie on one of the bridges that crosses over the railway. Bertie's driver waves Thomas down and asks if he is able to take Bertie's passengers to the next station as Bertie has a flat tyre. As Thomas sets off, he teases Bertie by pointing out how engines do not have air filled tyres like buses.
Next day, Thomas goes around a bend near an embankment and suddenly hits a rock on the line very hard. Thomas' driver inspects him but cannot see any damage so they set off again. During the afternoon, however, Thomas hears a strange noise underneath him and comes to a halt.
Bertie arrives and Thomas' passengers board him while The Fat Controller sends Thomas to The Works. The engineers soon find that the wheel is starting to crack and replace it in no time. In the morning, it is Bertie's turn to tease Thomas, stating that while engines do not have air filled tyres, they do need to get their wheels changed sometimes.
Characters
- Thomas
- Bertie
- Annie and Clarabel (cameo)