Sticky Wheels

Sticky Wheels is the pilot episode of Season 1. It is the first episode overall.

Plot
One afternoon, Thomas and Bertie are talking when James arrives with a goods train. After a chat, Thomas and Bertie leave, and James leaves a while later.

While traveling to the Airport, a loud bang emits from his tar tanker. No one hears this, because James was whistling to Farmer McColl at the same time the lid popped off. He stops to unload the tankers, and tar was left on half of the Airport platform. James and Bertie are talking when the guard blows his whistle, and James sets off. As he departs, tar spills onto Bertie's wheels. No one sees this happen, except Sir Stephen Topham Hatt. He runs out of Bertie and stops James and tells him what's happening.

Butch was called over and his workmen cleaned up the mess. After, Bertie is towed by Butch to the Works to be mended. The tar had gotten inside his gears, and it had to be cleaned out so he can start work again. Then, Thomas puffs in with his passengers. He asks what happened, and James explains his predicament. Thomas departs again, leaving James sadly wondering about the consequences, but his driver soothes him.

That night at Tidmouth Sheds, Henry and Gordon begin to tease James. He ends up shutting them up, followed by a long silence. Thomas breaks the silence as he puffs onto the turntable. Everyone greets him and asks him about his day. After a little talk, they all decide to sleep.

Characters (In order of appearance)

 * Bertie
 * Thomas
 * The Fat Controller
 * Duck
 * James
 * Gordon
 * James' Driver
 * Henry
 * Edward
 * Oliver
 * Knapford Stationmaster (does not speak)
 * Guard (does not speak)
 * Annie and Clarabel ( do not speak )
 * Toby ( does not speak )
 * Farmer McColl ( mentioned )
 * Butch ( cameo )
 * Toad (cameo)
 * Billy (cameo)
 * Harold (cameo)
 * Paxton ( cameo )

Locations

 * Knapford Station
 * Knapford Yards
 * The Main Line
 * Farmer McColl's Farm
 * Sodor Airport
 * Tidmouth Sheds

Trivia

 * The "tar" was actually Blackberry Syrup.
 * "Dirty Objects" from the television series is referenced.