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.

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.