Spencer is taking a Deputy Minister to Sodor, but he ignores all the signals he encounters and he ends up travelling down Edward's branch line instead of the main line. This causes him to arrive at Knapford late, making the Deputy Minister cross. As he does not want to ride him on the return journey, all the engines want a chance to take him, and begin to show-off.

Gator returns to the island for Christmas. Thomas discovers Gator has returned, and excitedly tells Percy about it. Percy and Gator want to see each other again, but Percy keeps missing him as Gator mistakes where his delivery of rock salt is meant to go.