Day of the Diesels is the 2011 Thomas & Friends special.
When the diesels take over the Steamworks, Thomas and his friends must work together to win it back.
Day of the Diesels contains examples of:
- Big Bad: Diesel 10 is the leader of the Diesels and the one who kicks off the conflict of the story, beginning by deceiving Percy.
- Characterisation Marches On: It's rather odd these days seeing Paxton and Sidney as willing troublemaking accomplices to Diesel 10, given later episodes establish them as ditzy but well-behaved counterparts for their nastier brethren.
- Continuity Nod: The Steamies and the diesels work together again to get a big project done, just like in Calling All Engines.
- Covers Always Lie: Thomas is shown front and center on the boxart, despite the fact that Percy is the star of this film.
- Creative Closing Credits: As with the past two specials, the credits scroll over a montage of scenes from the movie as the titular song plays.
- A Day in the Limelight: In addition to Thomas, Percy has a big role here, and has more screentime and focus than the former.
- Earn Your Happy Ending: For everyone, the diesels and the steam engines finally get along for once to restore Vicarstown Dieselworks, allowing the Diesels to have a place to stay once again.
- Late-Arrival Spoiler: For those who were shocked upon seeing the sudden after-credits scene of Misty Island Rescue, that's where this movie starts. It even serves as a sequel to said film.
- Mood Whiplash: At first the movie starts off bright and pleasant, then comes a fire, and things get intense from there.
- Tears of Remorse: Percy gets these after seeing Flynn in his berth at Tidmouth Sheds.
- Wham Episode: The Sodor Dieselworks are restored, and Flynn and Belle join the Search & Rescue team.
