The Santa Engine is a magazine story.
Plot
James proudly pulls the Christmas Special which is a train full of railway staff and their families traveling to the main station for a Christmas party. No sooner had the passengers stepped down from the train when there was a faint sound of bells. It is Santa arriving in his sleigh being towed by two magnificent reindeer. He then hands out presents to the hard-working staff and their families.
When the party was over and James had taken the party-goers home, he returns to the sheds. The other engines are jealous and wish they could have been at the party. The next morning, after all the engines had gone to work, James goes to see the Fat Controller. James tells him that the engines are grumbling, but the Fat Controller assures James that he has not forgotten about the hard-working engines. He tells the bright red engine that he has organised the engines a party at the shed and James reveals that he has an idea to make an even bigger surprise.
Later, the engines return to find their sheds all lit up and decorated. The Fat Controller thanks the engines for their hard work as James pulls in. He is decorated and sports a sign reading "Santa Special". Just then, Santa steps down from James' carriage with a sack containing presents for the engines.
Characters
- Henry
- Gordon
- James
- Sir Topham Hatt
- Santa Claus
- Thomas (cameo)