Introduction to the new Controller, called the small controller, a new branch line called the small railway and new engines Rex, Bert and Mike. Awdry himself makes a fictionalised appearance as the Thin Clergyman. BALLAST: Donald and Douglas report meeting "vera wee engines" and Duck goes to investigate TIT FOR TAT: The small engines the Thin and Fat clergymen, who promise to write about them in a book. MIKE'S WHISTLE: Mike loses his whistle USEFUL RAILWAY: Rex is derailed by a bale of wool