The engines' collective dislike for being a middle engine is taken advantage of by 'Arry and Bert when they play a trick on Percy by shunting trucks in front of him. Henry accidentally bumps him onto the coal tipper, so James takes over. However, he is not immune from 'Arry and Bert's tricks himself.

Thomas warns Percy and James of Jack Frost when the two have to collect coal for the stations. James is dismissive, but Percy becomes worried. His last stop needs more coal, so he decides to give them the rest of his and Elizabeth will bring him more in the morning. Throughout the night, snow and ice piles around him and while taking his own coal, James sees a snowed-under Percy and mistakes him for Jack Frost.