Back when he was built, engines were typically pulled by horses and steam engines were new and experimental. Stephen explains that he is one of the first steam engines in the world.

The next morning, all the other engines visit the Steamworks to have a look at Stephen. That night at Tidmouth Sheds, Thomas, Percy and James tell the other engines about Stephen. The Earl claims that he has a “special job” for him but asks the engines not to tell him that.

The engines ask the Earl why Stephen has been brought to Sodor. When the engines arrive at the Steamworks, the crate is removed from the flatbed to reveal an old and rusty engine: Stephenson’s Rocket, referred to as Stephen. Out of curiosity, Percy and James follow Thomas as he transports the flatbed. The Earl tells Thomas that one of the flatbeds (containing a crate on top) should have been taken to the Steamworks. Once there, Thomas meets Jack the Front-Loader who informs him of The Earl’s plans to restore the castle. The two engines race the next day but Spencer abruptly leaves in between the race, claiming that he has to help the Earl.Īfter Henry has a fault with his safety valve, Thomas, Percy and James are assigned to pull his heavy goods train to Ulfstead. Spencer returns to the island and stays at Tidmouth Sheds for the night, where he argues with Gordon about who is faster. Thomas remarks that he hasn’t seen her before to which she responds, explaining that she was kept in her shed when the Earl was on his travels. Thomas arrives at Ulfstead with crates of building material, where he meets an engine named Millie. Sir Robert wishes to restore the ruins of King Godred’s Castle at Ulfstead. In the present day, Sir Topham Hatt announces to the engines that Sir Robert Norramby, the Earl of Sodor is returning from his travels around the world. Though the thieves were caught, the crown was hidden and considered lost forever. One day Godred’s crown was stolen by thieves. Long ago, Sodor was a kingdom under the rule of King Godred.

King of the railway