Another original Thomas story, this time it's "James's Birthday" Enjoy and comment.

Today was a very special day on the Island of Sodor. It was James's birthday!

James was so excited to see what the engines would do for his special occassion.

That morning, Sir Topham Hatt came to Tidmouth Sheds.

"James, you will take some flour cars to the market." he boomed. "There's going to a lot of cars full of flour, so puff very carefully."

This made James very cross. Why would Sir Topham Hatt make him take flour cars, rather than do something special, like pulling the Express?

"But sir!" protested James. "Can't I pull the Express? It's my birthday!"

"I know it's your birthday James, but really useful engines still must do as they are told, even when it's their birthday."

James crossly puffed away.

"Not fair, not fair!"

Then, Sir Topham Hatt turned to the other engines.

"Don't tell James, but we're going to throw him a party!"

The other engines whistled.

"We better hurry." said Percy. "He'll be back fast."

"Nonsense! He'll take all the time he needs! And if he does get back early, I need an engine to distract him from Tidmouth Sheds."

"I'll do it!" said Emily.

"Perfect!" said Sir Topham Hatt.

James soon arrived at Brendam Docks, where lots of freight cars full of flour were waiting.

He coupled up to the freight cars, and set off.

But today, the foolish freight cars were going to pull a naughty trick on James.

"Look, it's the red birthday engine!" they teased. "How's it feel pulling us on your birthday?"

"BE QUIET!" ordered James.

When they reached the top of Gordon's hill, they pulled their trick.

"One, two, three, whee!" cried the freight cars as they pulled James down the hill at warp speed!

"Oh no!" cried James. "Somebody help!"

The cars kept pulling James so hard, that the driver lost control of the engine!

"What do we do?" asked James to his driver.

"We'll stop them, somehow." replied the driver.

But by then, James was out of control, and rushing at warp speed.

Then, it happened. James was switched onto the track that headed towards the sea!"

The signalman didn't notice, because he was fast asleep.

"Better jump for safety." said the driver, and he jumped clear with the fireman.

James closed his eyes, and hoped for the best.

"I hope there are buffers!" he cried.

But sadly, there weren't.

Without a driver and fireman, James fell right into the sea!

SPLASH!

The freight cars weren't damaged, but the flour was, and James was wet from footplate to fender.

Thankfully, he wasn't damaged, but the freight cars laughed and laughed.

In no time, Sir Topham Hatt arrived on-board Thomas.

Harvey was with them too.

"Please don't blame me sir! The foolish freight cars caused all this."

Sir Topham Hatt turned to James.

"Well James, I think I made a big mistake asking you to pull those flour cars on your birthday. However, all that matters, is that you tried your best. I'm sending you to the Steam-Works so you can be properly mended, and get a nice wash-down and repaint. Does that sound good?'

"Yes sir. Thank you sir." said James sadly.

That night, the engines threw their planned party for James… at the Steam-Works.

James was still upset over what had happened earlier that day.

"Cheer up James!" said Thomas. "You're still really useful no matter what!"

This made James feel better, and he was glad to have so many friends, on Sir Topham Hatt's railway.