Salty's Surprise

Directed by:	Greg Tiernan
Written by:	Sharon Miller
Release date:	March 6, 2012 (U.K.) 9 September 2012 (US)
Running time:	8 minutes
Rating:	TV-Y
Available on:	DVD

"Salty's Surprise" is the twentieth Christmas episode of the PBS hybrid series Thomas & Friends, aired in the show's sixteenth season.

Synopsis

It's Christmas time on the Island of Sodor and Edward and Thomas are at Brendam Docks. Thomas is shunting a train of presents. They both agree that Christmas is their favorite time of the year. Salty trundles over and admires the presents train before Thomas heads of to Knapford with it. Edward asks Salty if he likes presents and parties, but he explains that he does not have time for either. He goes on to remark that all he needs is a story and he rolls away. Edward is sure that that can't be all that he needs and decides to find him a Christmas present. Edward is sure that Victor will have something that he will like and heads off.

At the Steamworks, Edward tells Victor about his plan to give Salty a present. Victor is happy to let Edward puff around the Steamworks to find something. Inside, he pulls up to Rosie, who is very happily being painted. He decides to take Salty a pot of green paint as a present. Back at the docks, he presents him with it. This reminds him of a story of how he was once painted green, and no one could find him as he blended into the surroundings. He thanks Edward for his kindness but turns down the paint.

Edward returns to the Steamworks where he explains that Salty did not want to be painted green. Kevin suggests that Edward give them a fancy funnel. He is puzzled as Salty is a Diesel engine, but Kevin thinks that he will appreciate it anyway. Edward agrees and heads back to the Docks with it. Once there, he shows it to Salty. It reminds him of a story of how he was once given a similar one. After Cranky had placed it onto him, it fell off and rolled into the sea. Again, he thanks Edward, but declines the funnel. Edward thinks it is a good story, but still wants to give Salty a Christmas present.

Edward returns the funnel to Kevin at the Steamworks and then sets off to find another present for Salty. As he steams along, he spots some Christmas trees close to the track. He is sure Salty would like one and takes one back to him. It reminds him of yet another story. He recalls the time he was given one, but the sea air killed it. He thanks Edward but can't possibly take the tree. Edward is upset as he has not found a good present, but Salty assures him that he has given him a very good present; a story to tell.

Thomas, Percy, Gordon, and Emily arrive in time to hear Salty's new story about a very kind engine named Edward who wanted to give an old Diesel a Christmas present. They all enjoy it, then the Fat Controller arrives dressed as Santa Claus. He wishes everyone at the Docks a merry Christmas. They all blow their whistles and Edward blows his loudest of all.

See also

• "Thomas' Christmas Party"
• "Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree"
• "Thomas and Percy's Christmas Adventure"
• "It's Only Snow"
• "Snow Engine"
• "Not So Hasty Puddings"
• "Don't Tell Thomas"
• "Gordon Takes Charge"
• "Thomas and the Toy Shop"
• "Keeping up with James"
• "Thomas' Tricky Tree"
• "Thomas' Frosty Friend"
• "Henry's Lucky Day"
• "The Party Surprise"
• "Merry Winter Wish"
• "Henry's Magic Box"
• "Merry Misty Island"
• "Let It Snow"
• "Ho Ho Snowman"
• "Emily's Winter Party Special"
• "The Christmas Tree Express"
• "Santa's Little Engine"
• "The Missing Christmas Decorations"
• "Long Lost Friend"
• "Last Train for Christmas"
• "Duncan the Humbug"
• "The Perfect Gift"
• "A Cranky Christmas"
• "Diesel's Ghostly Christmas"
• "Letters to Santa"
• "The Christmas Coffeepot"
• "Terence Breaks the Ice"
• "Daisy's Perfect Christmas"
• "Kangaroo Christmas"
• "Thomas' Animal Ark"
• "Nia's Bright Idea"

Cast

U.S.

Voice actor	Characters
Michael Brandon	Narrator
David Bedella	Victor
William Hope	Edward
Kerry Shale	Kevin Sir Topham Hatt
Martin Sherman	Thomas
Keith Wickham	Salty

U.K.

Voice actor	Characters
Michael Angelis	Narrator
Ben Small	Thomas
Keith Wickham	Edward Salty The Fat Controller
Matt Wilkinson	Victor Kevin

External links

• Thomas & Friends Wiki: Salty's Surprise
• "Salty's Surprise" at the Internet Movie Database

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