Air date: February 10th, 1995 (UK), January 4th, 1995 (US)
Adapted from: Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine, "Bluebells of England" and "Stepney's Special"
Thomas is shocked to learn that there is an engine with a branch line as famous as his and that the engine will visit. The engine is none other than Stepney, who grew bored of the Bluebell Railway and is pleased when he has been invited to visit the North Western Railway. After hearing about Stepney coming to visit, Thomas becomes jealous and refuses to meet Stepney, but the other engines greet him warmly and he works with Duck happily all day. During his last train of the night, Thomas is furious when he is to be shunted to let another train pass, which happens to be Stepney's passenger train. Thomas grumbles the next morning, but Stepney explains the situation and Thomas is no longer angry and tells Stepney about his branch line.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- Adaptation Expansion: Unlike the story "Stepney's Special" from Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine, this episode adds a plot focusing on Thomas learning about Stepney having a branch line of his own and becomes jealous of him.
- Creator Cameo: The important passenger who orders a special train was modelled after series producer and director David Mitton.
- Green-Eyed Monster: Thomas to Stepney at first.
- Series Continuity Error: Duck was still working as a station pilot in the episode before receiving his own branch line which happened in "Donald's Duck". Then again, in the original books, Duck really hadn't been assigned to The Little Western yet.
