Plot

Gordon gets stuck on the hill and old Edward proves that he can still be a really useful engine when he comes to Gordon's rescue.

Edward's an old, blue engine, who's feeling sad, as he hasn't been out in a long time. One day, his driver and fireman see how upset he is, so they take him out for a run. Edward has a wonderful as he pulls a passenger train. The coaches are very kind to him and his driver is very pleased with him. That night, Edward tells the other engines about how he's going out again tomorrow and asks them what they think of that. He's so tired and happy that falls asleep and doesn't get to hear what they think.

The, next morning, Gordon is bragging to Edward. He tells the old engine to watch him rush by with the express that afternoon. Edward ignores him and goes to shunt trucks in the yard. Edward likes shunting and finds playing with trucks fun. Once he's done, he sees Gordon. But instead of nice shining coaches, he's pulling a lot of very dirty trucks and complains about having to pull a goods train. Edward goes to find some more trucks. Later, the Porter tells his driver that Gordon's stuck on a hill and asks if Edward can be his banker. At the hill, Gordon's crew accuse him of not trying, even though Gordon insists that the trucks are holding him back. Edward's driver comes up and tells them they've come to help Gordon. The big blue engine doesn't think that Edward can do it, though the train is brought back to the bottom of the hill and then both engines puff up together. All the while, Gordon persistently complains, but to his surprise, they make it to the top. Gordon thunders away at high-speed, cheering for himself and leaves Edward far behind forgetting to thank him. Out of breath, Edward slowly runs into a siding at Maron Station, where his Fireman gives him a long drink his Driver promises to reward him with a new coat of blue paint with red stripes tomorrow.