"Henry and the Express" was first published in 1993. It was written by Christopher Awdry and illustrated by Clive Spong.
Stories
Out of Puff
One day, Henry pulls the Express and gets above his station. Donald and Douglas try to pull his head out of the clouds, but to no effect. Then, the railway starts using a new type of coal, which creates more ashes and gives the engines indigestion. One day, Henry can't make it past Wellsworth and Douglas takes his train. Henry's crew soon discover his smokebox door is bent, so they use water and old newspapers from the bookshop to make papier mache, which they use to fix the gap. Henry gets home safely, but Donald and Douglas continuously make breathing noises in the Shed that night.
Overhaul
Henry is due for an overhaul, so the Fat Controller arranges for Henry to double-head the Express with James to the Works Station. Although James is apprehensive at first, they make good timing up Gordon's Hill and are going through a station when bits and pieces begin flying from Henry, hitting James and the coaches. No one is hurt, and the crews find a steel rim from Henry's wheel has fallen off. He is shunted into a siding, and James jokes he needs "retiring".
Sliding Scales
With Henry away, the others take turns at pulling the "Flying Kipper". It's James turn, and he is in a bad mood. He grudgingly sets off to the Harbour, but, just before he starts, a forklift spills its load onto the rails and fish goes everywhere. It is picked up, but the oil from the fish make James slip helplessly. It's not until men hose the rails down and put sand on the rails that James can move again.
Henry Sees Red
Henry is almost ready to leave the Works, but the workmen have to put an undercoat of sauce-red paint on him. Before they can put green on top, however, an emergency at Tidmouth forces him to take the Express. Unfortunately, the brakes on the last coach stops them at Wellsworth, spoiling their chances of a good run at Gordon's Hill, and Henry has to uncouple it himself as Donald is away. Henry, however, is determined to get there, and the Fat Controller rewards him with his normal green coat.
Featured Characters
- Henry
- James
- Donald and Douglas
- Gordon (does not speak)
- Bear (does not speak)
- Edward (cameo only)
- Duck (cameo only)
- Oliver (cameo only)
- The Works Diesel (cameo only)
Trivia
- Diana Awdry (Christopher Awdry's ex-wife) has confirmed the diesel Gordon is seen talking to in the first page is the Works Diesel.