Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends

Thomas & The Breakdown Train

Season 1, Episode 7, Aired 10/17/84

Episode Summary

Thomas is in the yard shunting when new engine James rushes past with a goods train yelling for help. James has wooden brakes and the trucks are pushing him down the line. The alarm goes - James has crashed into a field of cows. Thomas has to get the Breakdown Train and help James. Afterwards, the Fat Controller gives Thomas a very special reward.moreless

9.4

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Cast & Crew

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Ringo Starr

U.K. Narrator and U.S. Narrator
George Carlin

U.S. Narrator
Rev. W. Awdry

Fan Episode Reviews (18)

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Thomas saves new engine James after a nasty accident.

9.0

"Superb"

By Woolsey, Aug 20, 2009 Report Abuse

A Seaon One classic! This one really has the inspirational plotline, with Thomas showing he's a true pal and helping a fellow engine out. Although James's accident is not shown on camera, the aftermath is still quite impressive. You have to feel a bit sorry for him as the camera looks over the debris in the field. The ending elimanates all feelings of sadness however, as Thomas proves his mettle and saves the day. This episode proved to be so popular, it was even included on the original Thomas' Christmas Party video. One of the most memorable and uplifting early episodes.moreless

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One of my favorite engines arrives on Sodor and his name is James!

10

"Perfect"

By PercytheGreen, Jul 17, 2008 Report Abuse

This is the episode where James the Red Engine, which is my favorite engine of all time, makes his first appearance in Season 1 of "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends". Thomas has an important on the Island and James has an accident with freight cars because of his brakes and Thomas must rescue him and teach the cars a lesson. His reward is his two very own coaches named Annie and Clarabel for being very useful. This is yet another great installment done by Britt Allcroft and her team. I have this episode on alot of my Thomas tapes I can't even name them. Like I said, welcome to the series James!moreless

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Introducing James into the stories on Sodor.

10

"Perfect"

By tai_will, Jun 15, 2008 Report Abuse

This episode has been well written and obviously, James wasn't even introduced much in the first episodes of Thomas and Friends. Thomas rescued him after his incident with troublesome trucks. He proved his worth to rescue James from an accident on the railway. I wish they would do more episodes, an old character rescuing a new engine who recently came on the railway. Then, James has been enjoying life on Sodor thanks to Thomas. A reward was also presented to Thomas, 2 coaches named Annie and Clarabel, who enjoy being with Thomas on his new branchline and he enjoys running on Sodor with his coaches, Annie and Clarabel.moreless

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great.

10

"Perfect"

By startug, Nov 04, 2007 Report Abuse

I thought this episode was really well written. I have been so happy when Thomas decided to go help James with the breakdown crane. Before they had Rocky the strong breakdown crane, they had to use an old breakdown crane. They couldn`t possibly use Gordon with it. James sure needed a good wash on his sides, because there was so much mud on him. I watch this episode alot. Anyway, this episode`s rating from me is a 10.0. Also, enjoy the episode. Well, that is all from this review I made. Look out for some more reviews from me, and please don`t peel your eyes!!!!moreless

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thomas gets his branch line and saves james

9.4

"Superb"

By harvey6000, Aug 24, 2007 Report Abuse

thomas was pushing and pulling trucks in the yard when he saw a weird looking truck his driver told him it is called the breakdown train he told him it lifts engine coaches and trucks then he saw james the red engine being pushed by trucks and he was pushed away and came off the line they told him to get the breakdown train and thomas took them to james he pulled away the unhurt trucks and biffed them and helped alot with the rescue mission then he waited as james was put back on the track and he took him to the fat controller and thomas was awared a branch line and 2 coaches annie and clarabel.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
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- James is put on the track during daylight, but when Thomas takes him home it's suddenly evening.
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- First episode to feature a cow. Edit
- Goof: Thomas only took the cranes to help James, yet we can see workmen helping to clear up the mess. However, Thomas didn't bring the coach in which the workmen ride in. So how did they get there if Thomas never bought it with him? Edit
Notes
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- Stock footage from "Thomas and the Trucks" and "Edward, Gordon and Henry" is used. Edit
- Appearances by Thomas, Gordon, James, the Troublesome Trucks and the Fat Controller. Edit
- An alternate shot of Thomas pushing the breakdown train at the field is seen on the "Really Useful Engine" music video. Edit
Quotes
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- The Fat Controller: Well, Thomas, I've heard all about it, and I'm very pleased with you! You're a Really Useful Engine. James shall have some proper brakes and a new coat of paint, and you...shall have a Branch Line all to yourself. Thomas: Thank you, Sir! Edit
- Thomas: Bother those trucks and their tricks! I hope poor James isn't hurt. Edit
- Thomas: I'd like to teach those trucks a lesson! Edit
Allusions
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