Ep 1. Granpuff / Sleeping Beauty

Thomas & Friends Classic is a British children's television series about anthropomorphic locomotives and their adventures on the Island of Sodor. In season 4 episode 1, titled "Granpuff / Sleeping Beauty," the focus is on two different stories.

The first story, "Granpuff," centers around Sir Topham Hatt's grandfather, who was also a railway controller. The episode begins with Thomas and Percy discovering an old engine named Duke, who has been abandoned in a shed for many years. Duke tells the two engines the story of how he used to pull trains with Sir Topham Hatt's grandfather, who was known as "Granpuff."

Granpuff was a very strict and stern controller, who insisted that all his engines be useful and hardworking. Even Duke, who was a very old engine, was expected to still be useful, pulling freight trains up steep hills. However, when diesel engines were introduced to the railway, Granpuff suddenly found himself with too many engines and not enough work to do.

So, Granpuff came up with a plan to create a new line to a nearby town, which would require a very steep and winding track. He convinced the other engines to help him build the line, and though it was a difficult and dangerous task, they managed to finish it. Granpuff was so pleased with the new line that he decided to retire and live out the rest of his days in a shed by the track.

The second story, "Sleeping Beauty," revolves around an old station that has been closed for many years. Percy is tasked with delivering some furniture to the station, and while he is there, he meets a man who tells him the legend of "Sleeping Beauty."

According to the legend, a beautiful engine named "The Duchess" was once kept at the station, but after a dispute with the railway company, she was sealed up inside a tunnel and left to rust. The man tells Percy that if he listens carefully at night, he can still hear the sound of The Duchess snoring inside the tunnel.

Percy is frightened by the story, but he decides to investigate the tunnel anyway. He finds The Duchess, covered in cobwebs and rust, but still intact. Percy tells the other engines about his discovery, and they all work together to restore The Duchess to her former glory. Soon, she is running along the tracks once again, and everyone is amazed at her beauty and power.

In conclusion, "Granpuff / Sleeping Beauty" is an exciting episode that tells two captivating stories about the history of the railway on the Island of Sodor. With themes of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of preserving history, this episode is sure to delight both children and adults alike.