Season 4

The fourth season of the television series first premiered on VHS in 1994 and 1995. It premiered in the UK between October and November of 1995. It aired between 1995 and 1996 on Shining Time Station and Mr. Conductor's Thomas Tales in the US. All twenty-six episodes were narrated by Michael Angelis in the UK and George Carlin in the US.

Production[]

The fourth series saw the introduction of the smaller narrow gauge engines. For ease of filming, Season 5 would introduce larger-scale versions of the characters, and from Season 6-12, these larger models were used almost exclusively.

Half of the third season consisted of stories written by the show's staff, but only one original story, Rusty to the Rescue was written by Allcroft and Mitton for the fourth series. The episodes which used the Railway Series did take some liberties with the source material, in order to fill the runtime and make the stories more accessible. From the fifth season onward, all stories would be staff-written, without using the Awdrys' books as a source.

Stepney, a character based on a real-life engine and used to highlight the preservation movement in the books, was given an entirely different background when he was introduced. This decision carried on into later series, in which he was seen on either a fictionalised Bluebell Railway or as a member of The Fat Controller's railway.

Episodes[]

UK title (top) US title (bottom)	Original UK release date	Episode number #
"Granpuff"	16th October 1995	#01
Based on the story of the same name from Duke the Lost Engine. Thomas tells the story of Duke, a narrow gauge engine who worked with Stuart, Falcon, and briefly Smudger. All three are happy together. However, when their railway closes due to bankruptcy, the young engines are sold and the old engine is left abandoned in a shed. Duke falls to asleep and everything around him changes.

"Sleeping Beauty"	17th October 1995	#02
Based on the story of the same name from Duke the Lost Engine. Thomas continues his story of Duke. As many years passed, some rescuers begin an adventurous journey to find Duke and reunite him with his old friends Stuart and Falcon. The search grows harder and there is no sign of Duke, but the rescuers were just as determined to find him.

"Bulldog"	18th October 1995	#03
Based on the story of the same name from Duke the Lost Engine. Falcon is sent to take the Mountain Road with Duke. However, he is impatient and does not pay attention to Duke's advice. He winds up dangling from a cliff. There are more problems, as Duke is out of water. Despite this, he clings on to Falcon like a Bulldog and manages to build up enough steam to save him.

"You Can't Win"	19th October 1995	#04
Based on the story of the same name from Duke the Lost Engine. Holidaymakers to the Island like riding in Duke's special train "The Picnic". One evening though Duke is too ill to manage on his own, so Falcon and Stuart assist him. Stuart teases Duke about this, but Duke gets his own back on Stuart by playing a trick on him and he proves that he still has a lot of life left in him.

"Four Little Engines"	20th October 1995	#05
Based on the stories "Skarloey Remembers" and "Old Faithful" from Four Little Engines. On the Skarloey Railway, Sir Handel (formerly known as Falcon) is pushed off the rails by some angry coaches. Skarloey, an old narrow gauge engine, is the only engine available to pull Sir Handel's train. He itches for a good run, and is determined to get his passengers home, even when one of his front spring breaks.

"A Bad Day for Sir Handel"	23rd October 1995	#06
Based on the story "Sir Handel" from Four Little Engines. Skarloey and Rheneas are tired old engines who work very hard on their own line. Sir Handel and Peter Sam (formerly known as Stuart) are brought in to help them. But Sir Handel is in a bad mood, he only makes matters worse by deliberately derailing himself to get out of work.

"Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady"	24th October 1995	#07
Based on the story of the same name from Four Little Engines. Sir Topham Hatt has sent Sir Handel to the shed in disgrace, so Peter Sam is now single-handedly running the railway and extremely excited about his new position. One day, Henry threatens to leave without his passengers. In a haste to meet his connection, Peter Sam's eagerness almost leaves the Refreshment Lady behind.

"Trucks!" "Rusty Helps Peter Sam"	25th October 1995	#08
Based on the story of the same name from The Little Old Engine. Gordon advises Sir Handel to get out of work by pretending to be ill. leaving Peter Sam and Rusty, a new diesel engine, to take over his work. However, some trucks mistake Peter Sam for Sir Handel and crash into him at the incline.

"Home at Last"	26th October 1995	#09
Based on the story of the same name from The Little Old Engine. Skarloey finally returns home after being repaired and meets Rusty. Peter Sam, still recovering, informs him of the newest arrival a careless and bad-tempered steam engine named Duncan. Soon, Skarloey is sent to Duncan's aid when he is stuck under a decrepit tunnel.

"Rock 'n' Roll"	27th October 1995	#10
Based on the story of the same name from The Little Old Engine. Rusty and the workmen have repaired the railway line while Skarloey was away being mended. He is concerned about Duncan, who ignores his warning about a broken section of track. With a tip from James, Duncan is off on his own and he is soon "rocking n' rolling" along the rails. Rusty grudgingly comes to the rescue.

"Special Funnel"	30th October 1995	#11
Based on the story of the same name from Gallant Old Engine. Peter Sam's funnel is in bad condition from his accident. He has been promised a new funnel, but he starts to lose hope in it, especially when his funnel is knocked off by an icicle, and is temporarily replaced by a drainpipe. However, Peter Sam gives the other engines a run for their money once his new funnel arrives.

"Steam Roller"	31st October 1995	#12
Based on the story of the same name from Gallant Old Engine. Sir Handel wants to prove that his special set of wheels make him superior. Skarloey, attempting to bring him down to size, tells him of an anti-railway steamroller named George, whom Sir Handel vows to pay out. But George and Sir Handel are too evenly hot-headed.

"Passengers and Polish"	1st November 1995	#13
Based on the story of the same name from Gallant Old Engine. Duncan complains about not getting polished while the passengers and other engines get such luxuries. He gets so cross that he decides, "No polish means no passengers." His rudeness reaches its peak when he stops on the viaduct and refuses to move, angering the passengers.

"Gallant Old Engine"	2nd November 1995	#14
Based on the story of the same name from Gallant Old Engine. Skarloey wants to talk some sense into Duncan, so he tells him the story of how Rheneas saved the railway from closure. One miserable day in particular, Rheneas was travelling home with a full train, went through a steep hill and crude weather for the sake of his passengers, even after suffering a serious breakdown.

"Rusty to the Rescue"	3rd November 1995	#15
When Rusty hears that an engine is needed to help run the Bluebell Railway, he suggests they search the same spot where Douglas found Oliver - the Other Railway. Only diesels go there now, so Rusty ventures out on his mission and meets a steam engine named Stepney, who is stranded in the scrapyard.

"Thomas and Stepney"	6th November 1995	#16
Based on the stories "Bluebells of England" and "Stepney's Special" from Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine. Stepney is longing for good long run and is delighted to discover that he has been invited to visit the Fat Controller's railway. Thomas is jealous when the visiting engine is talked about more than he is. It does not help his anger when he is shunted on his own branch line for Stepney to pass with a special train that night.

"Train Stops Play"	8th November 1995	#17
Based on the story of the same name from Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine. Stepney's driver and fireman watch a game of cricket match while waiting at a signal. As Stepney sets off again, he doesn't realise that the ball has landed in one of his trucks. Caroline, an elderly car, sets off with the players in pursuit of Stepney, the trucks and the cricket ball along the branch line.

"Bowled Out"	7th November 1995	#18
Based on the story of the same name from Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine. Stepney's visit is coming to an end, and a new visitor, a rude and snobbish Diesel, arrives. The stuck-up diesel makes a fool of himself when he sucks an inspector's bowler hat through his air-intake vent just as he is about to take the Express. Duck and Stepney, who has longed for a long run, volunteer in taking the train.

"Henry and the Elephant"	9th November 1995	#19
Based on the story of the same name from Troublesome Engines. The big engines cheer up when a circus comes to Sodor, but it isn't long until Gordon and Henry become cross again as James gets to pull the circus train away. Later that day, Henry and the workmen are called to investigate a blockage in a tunnel, where he unhappily comes across an elephant.

"Toad Stands By"	10th November 1995	#20
Based on the story of the same name from Oliver the Western Engine. Oliver is constantly ridiculed by the trucks for his turntable incident prompted by their ringleader, S.C. Ruffey. Toad advises Oliver on how to regain the trucks' respect. Oliver struggles to pull a goods train as S.C. Ruffey and the trucks hold him back, but Oliver is so determined that he accidentally pulls S.C. Ruffey apart.

"Bulls Eyes"	13th November 1995	#21
Based on the story of the same name from Branch Line Engines. Daisy teases Toby about his cowcatchers and side-plates. Toby tells her they are for stopping him from hurting animals if they stray on the line, but she claims that she would simply have to "toot" to scare them off. However, when she comes across a bull she realises that it will need more than a command to move it away.

"Thomas and the Special Letter"	14th November 1995	#22
Based on the story "The Fat Controller's Engines" from The Eight Famous Engines. After the Fat Controller reads a letter inviting the engines to visit the mainland, he tells them going that they must show the other engines their tasks. Thomas shows Oliver how to manage the coaches, but recalls the time he beat Bertie in a race and becomes very conceited, putting his big trip in jeopardy.

"Paint Pots and Queens" "Thomas Meets the Queen"	15th November 1995	#23
Based on the story of the same name from Gordon the Big Engine. It is a proud day for the Fat Controller's railway as the Queen is coming to visit. Henry misses the chance of pulling the Royal train after a paint accident. Gordon and Thomas, having made up for their disgrace, are given a special opportunity.

"Fish"	16th November 1995	#24
Based on the story of the same name from Really Useful Engines. Extra vans are added to the Flying Kipper, and as a result, Henry needs a back engine to help him up Gordon's Hill. Duck offers to help, though Thomas warns him to take care reminding him of his own experience with fish. A badly attached tail lamp causes problems as Duck collides with the fishy train.

"Special Attraction"	17th November 1995	#25
Based on the stories "Toby's Seaside Holiday" and "Bulstrode" from Toby, Trucks and Trouble. Toby is eager to be involved in the seaside festival, but is upset when he realises there is not enough room for him. Meanwhile, Percy is called into the harbour to deal with Bulstrode, a highly disagreeable barge who never stops complaining. Bulstrode makes the trucks more troublesome than usual, though he pays dearly for it.

"Mind that Bike"	20th November 1995	#26
Based on the story of the same name from Really Useful Engines. Tom Tipper, a postal-worker, is unhappy when his post van is replaced by a bicycle. Percy manages to help him out, but not in the way he intended, as he inadvertently flattens Tom's bike. In the end, Tom gets a smart new van.

Songs[]

Thomas' Anthem Grand Finale (with footage from seasons 1-4)
Let's Have a Race
Gone Fishing
That's What Friends Are For (no music video)
Rules and Regulations (no music video)
Toby
Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover
The Island Song
Really Useful Engine

Characters[]

Thomas
Edward
Henry
Gordon
James
Percy
Toby
Duck
Donald and Douglas
Oliver
Bill and Ben
Daisy
BoCo
Mavis
Annie and Clarabel
Toad
Harold
Sir Topham Hatt
The Little Boys
Jeremiah Jobling (not named)
Diesel (does not speak)
Bertie (does not speak)
Henrietta (cameo)
Terence (cameo)
Trevor (cameo)
Bulgy (cameo)
Stephen Hatt (cameo)
Mrs. Kyndley (cameo)
Jem Cole (cameo)
The Vicar of Wellsworth (cameo)
Farmer Trotter (cameo)
Farmer Finney (cameo)
Bridget Hatt (music video cameo)
The Storyteller (music video cameo)

Characters introduced[]

Stepney
The Diesel
Skarloey
Rheneas
Sir Handel
Peter Sam
Duncan
Duke
Smudger
Rusty
S.C. Ruffey
George
Caroline
Bulstrode
Refreshment Lady
Nancy
Tom Tipper
The Portly Man
The Crovan's Gate Policeman
The Dryaw Policeman
The Important Passenger
The Elsbridge Cricket Club
The Painter
The Tailor
Queen Elizabeth II (does not speak)
The Elephant Caper (not named; does not speak)
Sir Robert Norramby (indirectly mentioned)
Other Mid Sodor Railway Engines (indirectly mentioned)

Trivia[]

This was the first season of several things:
- The first season to feature the Skarloey and Mid Sodor Railways.
- The first season to feature Callan and The Misty Valley Branch Line.
- The first season not to end with a Christmas-themed episode.
- The first season to add the Proteus Ultra to compose the music.
- The first season where Diesel and Bertie do not speak in any of the episodes.
- The first season to feature a speaking engine not included in the Railway Series.
- The first season to premiere on Cartoon Network UK.
This was also the final season of a few things:
- The final production to feature stories based on the Railway Series until The Adventure Begins, and therefore the last to have Wilbert Awdry as a technical consultant.
- The last season up until the twentieth season to feature episodes based on the stories from the Railway Series.
- George Carlin's final season as narrator.
- The final production to introduce Railway Series-exclusive characters into the television series until King of the Railway, and the last to introduce a non-standard gauge railway (and engines thereof) from the Railway Series until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
- The final season shown on Shining Time Station.
- The final season released completely on VHS in New Zealand.
- The final season dubbed in Ukrainian until the seventeenth season.
- The final season dubbed in Finnish until the eighth season.
- The final season to have Daisy in an episode until the nineteenth season.
This season contained the 100th episode of the television series.
Season 4 holds the most episodes released directly to home

video before TV, with the exceptions of Rusty to the Rescue and Thomas and Stepney.

To date, this season introduced the most new characters.
Oddly, a significant amount of sound effects and music are

missing in the US versions of most Season 4 episodes, a notable example being Rusty Helps Peter Sam, which misses almost all the music in the first half of the episode. The episode also excludes most of Peter Sam's whistles, and adds an unusual high pitched whistle when he cries for help after his accident.

This season is unique as the first fifteen episodes focused primarily on the Skarloey Railway engines.
All Chinese narrations from this season credit George Carlin

as the narrator and all Norwegian/Hindi narrations credit Michael Angelis, even though the episodes were redubbed.

In the Ukrainian narration, Michael Angelis' voice can be still heard in the background.