Thomas is sent to work at the quarry with Mavis, though it turns out Diesel is there too. Diesel gives Thomas a hard time, declaring the Fat Controller is planning to scrap steam engines. The next morning, Salty brings fresh diesel fuel. Diesel boasts about it, but the fuel makes all of the diesels on the island sick.

James had just been repainted and boasts to the others how he is special because of red paint. This puts Percy down, as he feels he isn't special. Later, James is sent to the coaling plant to help Percy deliver an important order, but James is too busy showing off along the way and Percy is left on his own.