Percy is overworked, which often makes him late. The dock manager has enough of it and tells the Fat Controller. That night, Percy overhears the Fat Controller telling his driver he will be sent to the scrapyard the following day. Percy is horrified and believes he is going to be scrapped.

Thomas has been working hard clearing the lines of snow. The engines want to thank him by organising a party, but they want it to be a surprise. Thomas becomes increasingly annoyed that they are not sharing the secret with him.