Air date: February 20th, 1995
Adapted from: Stepney the "Bluebell" Engine, "Bowled Out"
This diesel sucks.
An engine shortage has arisen and the only engine available is a Diesel, who insults the engines almost immediately after arriving. The engines are furious, but cannot think of a plan for revenge. There is no need though, as the Diesel sucks an inspector's bowler hat through an air-intake vent just after starting. Duck and Stepney take his train, and reach Crovan's Gate in record time. Stepney leaves the next day and, while the engines bid him farewell, the Diesel creeps sulkily away, leaving only two things to remember him by, a bad smell and a battered bowler hat.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- Adaptation Expansion: In the original book, the diesel is just on the Island of Sodor, with no previous build-up to his appearance. In this version, Sir Topham Hatt announces that he's bringing the diesel to Sodor to help with an engine shortage.
- Adaptational Name Change: Well, Adaptational Number Change, anyway. The visiting diesel's number was D4711 in the original book. In the episode, he's D261.
- Asshole Victim: After mocking the steam engines and expressing his desire to get rid of them, the diesel is incapacitated when he accidentally sucks an inspector’s bowler hat into his air intake.
- But Now I Must Go: Stepney leaves Sodor to return to the Bluebell railway.
- Laser-Guided Karma: The diesel breaking down after his air-intake sucks an inspector's bowler hat.
- No Name Given: The diesel engine, in both versions.
- "The Reason You Suck" Speech: The diesel delivers one to all the engines which makes them furious.The Diesel: It's not your fault, but your controller should scrap you and get engines like me. A fill of oil, a touch on the starter, and I'm off. No bother, no waiting. They have to fuss around you for hours before you're ready.
- Smug Snake: The diesel engine. This quote is very evident:The Diesel: Not bad. I’ve seen worse. At least you're all clean.
- Villain: Exit, Stage Left: Humiliated and with his plans in shambles, the diesel leaves while no one is looking, never to return.
