Thomas is told to take the circus train, and to share the load due to its weight. But Thomas wants all the glory, so he tries to pull the circus train all by himself. He turns down offers of help from Salty, Percy and James. He regrets his decision though as his siderods break from the weight.

Gordon is given the job of taking the newly-elected Mayor of Sodor around the island, so someone else has to pull the Express. Emily is chosen, but Gordon doesn't believe she can take the Express across the island and back before teatime like he can. Emily is determined to do the job as good as Gordon