Ep 20. The Phantom Express

Thomas & Friends season 17 episode 20, titled "The Phantom Express," follows the adventures of Thomas and his pals as they encounter a mysterious train that seems to come out of nowhere. The episode opens with the engines of Sodor gathered at Tidmouth Sheds, discussing the strange tale of a "phantom express" that has been haunting the rails at night. According to legend, the phantom train appears without warning, sweeping past in a blur of smoke and mirrors before vanishing into the darkness once again.

Thomas and Emily are especially intrigued by the story, and they set out to investigate the truth behind the phantom express. As they chug along the rails, they encounter a series of strange and eerie events - a fallen tree that seems to have been deliberately placed to block their path, a strange light that flits through the trees, and a sense of being watched by unseen eyes. Despite their fears, Thomas and Emily press on, determined to find out what is causing the strange occurrences.

Their investigation leads them to a deserted junction, where they suddenly hear the sound of a steam engine approaching. At first, they think it is the phantom express, but upon closer inspection, they see that it is an old and forgotten engine named Geoffrey, who has been left abandoned at the junction for many years. Geoffrey tells them a story of how he used to be one of the fastest engines on the rails, but he was eventually replaced by newer and shinier models who could go faster and do more.

Feeling sorry for Geoffrey, Thomas and Emily offer to help him find his way back to the main line, but the old engine is hesitant. He tells them that he has heard tales of the phantom express, and how it is said to sweep up old and forgotten engines and take them away to a place where they are never seen again. Despite their assurances that they will protect him, Geoffrey remains fearful of the mysterious train.

As they continue on their journey, Thomas and Emily begin to hear strange noises behind them, and they catch glimpses of a ghostly train that seems to be following them. Fearing that this is the phantom express, they speed up, but the train seems to be gaining on them. Just as they are about to be overtaken, they realize that it is not the phantom express at all, but rather a set of freight cars that have come loose in the wind.

Feeling relieved, Thomas and Emily make it back to Tidmouth Sheds, where they are hailed as heroes for having solved the mystery of the phantom express. As for Geoffrey, he is grateful to have been given a new lease on life, and he vows never to let himself be forgotten again. Together, the engines of Sodor celebrate another successful day of railway adventures, full of excitement, danger, and lots of fun and friendship.