Thomas and Gordon's Lesson

    By Russell

    Thomas and Gordon's Lesson cover image

    20 Apr, 2024

    a thomas the train cartoon is on the tracks with a building in the background and a tree in the foreground, sots art, concept art, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    Thomas, the cheeky blue tank engine, loved to play tricks on the other engines, especially Gordon, the biggest and proudest engine on the Island of Sodor.

    a thomas the train cartoon is on the tracks with people watching it from the other side of the track, sots art, a detailed matte painting, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    One day, Gordon decided to teach Thomas a lesson for always being cheeky. 'Wake up, lazybones!' Thomas would often tease Gordon. But today, it was Thomas who was in trouble.

    a painting of a train engine pulling into a station with people standing around it and a train on the tracks, american scene painting, an ultrafine detailed painting, Bob Thompson, official art

    Thomas wouldn't wake up. His fire had gone out, and he couldn't start. The express train was waiting, and the coaches weren't ready. Thomas was in big trouble.

    a train with a face on it is on the tracks with smoke coming out of it and people standing on the side of the train, sots art, an ultrafine detailed painting, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    Finally, Thomas started chugging along, but he was late. When he reached the station, Gordon was waiting, looking quite smug. 'Hurry up, you,' Gordon huffed impatiently.

    a painting of a train with men standing next to it and a train on the tracks behind it, with smoke coming from the engine, fantastic realism, a storybook illustration, Bertram Brooker, official art

    Gordon had a plan. He quickly backed up and was coupled to the train before anyone could realize. 'Get in quickly, please!' Gordon whistled, and off they went.

    a cartoon train with a man standing next to it on the tracks with people watching it on the other side, sots art, a digital rendering, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    Usually, Thomas helped push the big trains to start, but this time, they forgot to uncouple him. The train went faster and faster, too fast for Thomas.

    a cartoon train with a face on the front of it on a track near a tree and a rock, sots art, a digital rendering, Cliff Childs, official art

    Thomas wanted to stop, but he couldn't. Poor Thomas was exhausted, his wheels hurt, and he felt very silly indeed. 'I shall never be the same again!' he thought sadly.

    a train is traveling down the tracks with smoke coming out of it's stacks and a house in the background, american scene painting, a detailed matte painting, Charles Ginner, highly detailed digital painting

    Finally, they stopped at the station. Thomas was relieved but also embarrassed. He went home very slowly, feeling tired and sorry for himself.

    a thomas the train is on the tracks in a train station with a man standing next to it and a woman standing next to it, sots art, concept art, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    Thomas learned his lesson and was careful never to be cheeky to Gordon again. He realized that he had been disrespectful and needed to change.

    a cartoon train with a face on the front of it on the tracks with smoke coming out of it, sots art, a digital rendering, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    The next day, Thomas greeted Gordon respectfully. 'Good morning, Gordon. How can I assist you today?' Thomas asked sincerely. Gordon was surprised but appreciated Thomas's change of attitude.

    a thomas the train cartoon is on the tracks with smoke coming out of it's mouth and a train engine is on the track, sots art, a digital rendering, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    From that day on, Thomas knew what hard work really meant. He learned the importance of respect and humility, and became a much wiser engine.

    a painting of a thomas the train engine pulling a train car down the tracks with a train engine blowing smoke, american scene painting, a detailed matte painting, Donald Roller Wilson, official art

    Thomas and Gordon's relationship improved significantly. They worked together as a team, respecting each other's efforts. And thus, life on the Island of Sodor was peaceful once again.