Based on the magazine stories "The Express" and "A Passenger for James."

James gloats to Gordon that the Fat Controller has plans for him, but James is only bragging. One day, he lies to Thomas that he will be pulling the Express while Gordon has to take his trucks, but is soon found out and banished to the shed. James is soon let out and does his to best to redeem himself.

Based on the magazine story "Bertie's Bumpy Roads."

Bertie loses his trust in the railway's service after it failed to deliver tar to mend the roads. Meanwhile, Gordon convinces James to pretend being sick so he will not have to shunt. Thomas offers to pull James' trucks while trying to keep his promise to Bertie to get tar delivered, but trouble ensues.