"Henry and the Express" was first published in 1993. It was written by Christopher Awdry and illustrated by Clive Spong.
Stories
Out of Puff
The North Western 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. Henry's crew discover his smokebox door is bent, so they make papier mache 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 Crovan's Gate. James is apprehensive but feels better after they make good time up Gordon's Hill - up to the point where things begin flying from Henry, hitting James and the coaches. No one is hurt, but the crews find that a steel rim from Henry's wheel has fallen off.
Sliding Scales
With Henry away, the others take turns at pulling the "The Flying Kipper". It's James' turn, and he is in a bad mood. He grudgingly sets off to Tidmouth 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 makes James slip helplessly. It's not until men hose the rails and put sand on them that James can move again.
Henry Sees Red
Henry is almost ready to return to work, but the workmen have to put an undercoat of saucy red paint on him. Before they can put green on top, an emergency at Tidmouth forces Henry to take the Express. 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. Henry, however, is determined, and the Fat Controller rewards him with his normal green coat.
Featured Characters
- Henry
- James
- Douglas
- Donald
- Gordon (does not speak)
- Edward (cameo)
- Duck (cameo)
- Oliver (cameo)
- Bear (mentioned)
Trivia
- First appearance of Oliver since a cameo in "Duke the Lost Engine".
Goofs
- When Henry stops after his tyre breaks the Peel Godred branch appears in the background. However, the way the line is set out implies that the line runs underneath the main line instead of joining up with it.
- When the crate breaks, ice (which should have been used to keep the fish cool) is mysteriously absent.