Short Synopsis: it's Duncan's first day at the Blue Mountain Quarry and Elizabeth breaks down after delivering coal to all the narrow gauge engines. So Duncan takes her across the Island to the Steamworks but they argue so much about directions that Elizabeth's remarks make Duncan full of his own ideas.

Moral: the best way to get the job done is to work together.

(Duncan chuffing up the mountains to the Blue Mountain Quarry)

Duncan is a little narrow gauge engine. He is painted golden yellow with gold and black lining. Like all of his friends up in the hills, he has his name painted on him and is No. 6 of The Thin Controller's engines. Duncan arrived on Sodor as a spare engine after Peter Sam had an accident with some trucks.

(Flashback sequence of the trucks running down towards Peter Sam, whose eyes are closed as they crash into him)

But when he came to the Island, he tried to learn rock 'n roll and this made him difficult to work with among his peers. But Duncan was on his way into the Blue Mountain Quarry after a while from working at the slate mines.

(Flashback sequence of Duncan shunting trucks at the slate mine)

Duncan hated this job more than any other job and he was rude to those engines who couldn't make the job any quicker for him.

(Flashback sequence of Duncan backing down on his trucks near Rusty, Skarloey and Rheneas, re-enacting 'Dunkin' Duncan')

Duncan: I'm a plain-speaking engine, you know. So collect yer trucks and be quick aboot it. (whistling and chuffing away)

Rheneas: Bossy boots!

Skarloey: Pushy puffer!

Neither of the engines liked Duncan telling him what to do but Rusty understood.

Rusty: Don't worry, you too. Duncan only wants to get back to the bustle of the junction and we three are helping him.

Duncan dreaded the thought of working at the slate mine and the way the winch hauls up trucks, loading them with slate and bringing them back down again. And his attitude towards his friends made him a very misunderstood engine indeed. Duncan was excited about working at the Blue Mountain Quarry for the first time but when he arrived, he was already in a hurry.

(Duncan chuffs between Skarloey and Rheneas)

Duncan: G'day, ya two. My work resides up here now. Sorry I can't chat. Must get to work right away. (whistling and chuffing away)

Rheneas and Skarloey were astounded. They had never seen Duncan like this in a long time.

Rheneas: Oh, deary me, Skarloey. Have you ever seen an engine in such a hurry like that?

Skarloey: Not in a long time, Rheneas. Duncan best be careful up here before he gets himself into trouble again.

Rusty the little diesel heard what the engines were saying and stopped.

Rusty: Duncan's just happy to be working here. It's always been his dream to work up in a bustling place like this.

Rheneas: Maybe you're right, Rusty. I just hope that he doesn't cause any trouble.

Skarloey: (sighing) Strictly between us, Rheneas, I think you said that late enough as it is.

(Rusty, Rheneas and Skarloey laugh)

It was no surprise that Duncan's behaviour reflected as Skarloey foretold. As busy as he was shunting trucks into place, he began ordering the other engines around.

(Duncan chuffs between Sir Handel and Peter Sam)

Duncan: Come on, you two. Let's get these trucks up to the incline and quickly.

With that, Duncan pushed his trucks toward Owen while Sir Handel and Peter Sam stood back with amazement. Luke came by.

Luke: So we have a new recruit up here in the quarry. He seems to be very energetic indeed.

Sir Handel: Ah, Luke. Duncan's nicer then he lets on but he can be rather clumsy as well.

Luke: In what ways? I see no real harm in him.

Peter Sam: There is no real harm in Duncan but his tendency to get his work done quicker and rush us makes a difficult engine to work with.

Luke: (sighing) I understand.

Duncan stopped with his trucks inches from the incline and he looked up at Owen who looked back down at him and smiled.

Owen: Hello there, Duncan. My name is Owen.

Duncan: Grand thing I met ya, Owen. Could you load these trucks up with slate and bring them back down for me to take away

Owen: Yes, indeed. With every desire in my heart.

Duncan: Good then. An' be quick aboot it too.

Owen was flattered. He had never met an engine with so much energy but he realized how eager Duncan was to get the job done. Duncan was about to shunt all his truck into the incline when The Thin Controller, Mr. Percival, approached him.

Percival: I know that you must be very eager to work here, Duncan. But Sir Topham himself asked to keep a close eye on you and I must confer on the fact that Owen can only take one truck up at a time and one truck only. Are we clear?

Duncan: Yes, sir. If the job takes me hours.

Percival: Good then. All in good time, Duncan. Elizabeth will be up here soon with The Fat Controller to bring you and the other engines your coal so I'd make a good impression if I were you.

Duncan: Yes, sir. I will.

It took a while for Owen to bring each of Duncan's trucks up the incline to fill them up with slate and bring them down but Duncan's desire to stay at the Blue Mountain Quarry evoked his patience enough until the final truck was bought down the incline, ready for Duncan to take away.

Duncan: Well, it's aboot time but thanks anyway, Owen. (whistling and chuffing away)

Owen: No problem, Duncan. Be careful with those trucks now.

Quickly, Duncan switched tracks and buffered up to his slate trucks as the shunter flagged him down.

Shunter: It seems that I'm not finished coupling these trucks together. You'll have to wait, Duncan.

Driver: He's right, old boy. Besides, the job won't take long. We'll have our trucks ready to go in no time at all.

And Duncan's driver was right. It wasn't long before Duncan pulled his trucks away from the incline and left them in a siding.

Duncan: Job done. Now it's time for the next load.

Just as Duncan said that, he saw Elizabeth The Vintage Lorry struggling up the hill, breathing and panting with every last puff she had. Duncan chuckled as she stopped beside him.

Duncan: I know it's a heavy load of coal and that yer a 'vintage' lorry, Elizabeth, but you puff any faster then that?

This made Elizabeth cross.

Elizabeth: I came up here as fast as I could, Duncan, old chap, so I will not stand for any of your nonsense. Besides, if only The Fat Controller actually knew how to drive hence the fact that I'm indeed his first truck, he'd get me here quicker then you can haul ten slate trucks up the incline and down.

(The Fat Controller walks out of Elizabeth and walks up to Duncan as Merrick loads the coal from Elizabeth into the empty trucks)

TFC: It's good to see that you've been to shunt all those slate trucks from the time you have been here, Duncan, but just remember that working in this quarry involves patience.

Duncan: Yes, sir. And patience has been my main concern so far. Just ask my controller.

(The Thin Controller arrives on his bike and listens to Duncan and Sir Topham Hatt's conversation)

Percival: Yes, indeed. Duncan has worked hard since he came but he does need to work on his tendency to get the job over with which might reflect his work in future.

(The Fat Controller looks sternly at Duncan who smiles back at him)

TFC: I see. Well, I better get back to work with my own engines. Winston's waiting for me back at my house. (climbing into Elizabeth's driving seat) Come on, Elizabeth. Let's go.

Elizabeth: Right away, sir. (starts up her engine and the sounds seemingly dies down)

Elizabeth tried to move but her engine seemed to fail. The Fat Controller started her up again a few more times over but nothing seemed to work. Elizabeth had broken down.

Elizabeth: Oh, Topham, sir. My engine seems to have failed.

TFC: Oh, dear, Elizabeth. It seems that I might have pushed you too hard up this mountain.

Elizabeth: (sighing) Oh, indeed, sir. Perhaps a bit too hard.

TFC: (sighing) Old days, Elizabeth. Remember the old days before you came out of that shed.

Elizabeth: Oh, you pushed me just as hard before then.

The Thin Controller chuckled.

Percival: Um, Topham, instead of having a friendly argument with Elizabeth, why don't we find one of my engines to take her down to the Steamworks.

TFC: Oh, what a great idea, Peregrine.

Percival: But how will you get back to your engines from here?

TFC: Not to worry. I left Edward in charge for the time being until I get back.

Percival: Alright then. I just need an engine to volunteer and take a break from shunting slate trucks here in the quarry. Do I have an engine to take the job?

Duncan whistled with excitement.

Duncan: I'll do it, sir. I know the line down to The Fat Controller's railway like the back of my buffers.

Percival: You just got here, Duncan. And you're still learning your way around. Are you sure?

Duncan: Yes, sir.

Percival: That's settled then. Merrick will load Elizabeth onto a flatbed and you can go.

Duncan was so excited that he whistled so loud that Paxton bumped his trucks in surprise.

Paxton: Woah, Duncan. Gave me a bit of a shock there.

Duncan: (chuckling) Sorry, Paxton.

Elizabeth groaned. She had a bad feeling about Duncan taking her to the Steamworks but she was determined to live through it. It wasn't long before Merrick lifted up Elizabeth and settled her down on a flatbed. Duncan buffered to the flatbed, ready to go.

Duncan: Are ya ready, Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: I've been ready ever since I broke down.

Duncan: Alright, then. Let's get goin'.

Skarloey: (chuffing up next to Duncan) Not so fast, Duncan. You must wait for Peter Sam and the brake van.

Duncan: Oh, bother brake vans. They're no use at all.

Skarloey: They are when you're going downhill. Remember the incident at Elephant Park?

Duncan: (sighing) Yes, Skarloey. I do. But that was a long time ago and…

TFC: And that's why you are waiting for the brake van, Duncan. I will not stand for any confusion or delay on my railway today. Have I made myself clear?

Duncan: (sighing) Yes, sir. I'll wait for the brake van.

And The Fat Controller walked away. It wasn't long before Peter Sam arrived and shunted the brake van behind Duncan's flatbed. After that, the brake van was coupled up and the workmen were finished tying down Elizabeth with ropes.

Duncan: (whistling) I'm ready.

Elizabeth: (honking) So am I.

So Duncan pulled Elizabeth away and out of the quarry across Blondin' Bridge and out down the mountains through the beautiful countryside.

Elizabeth: So, Duncan, so do you plan on getting me to the SteamWorks and back before teatime?

Duncan: I'm a plain engine, Elizabeth. And I believe in plain-speaking. So we'll go in the direction that I'd rather take and that way, we can be quick aboot it.

Duncan and Elizabeth arrived at a set of points. One led straight ahead and one led to a curve in the track.

Driver: We'll try the curved track first. It might give us a higher chance of going down the mountainside.

Duncan: Yes, sir. And hopefully there won't be any obstacles in the way either.

So Duncan went down the curved track that led them through the trees and down the mountainside.

Elizabeth: Well, Duncan, I recognize this way to The Fat Controller's railway and I must confess, you've improved with your sense of directions.

Duncan: Huh, think nothing of it. We'll be at the SteamWorks before you know it.

The line took them a bit down the mountain which stopped by a tunnel. Duncan remembered the last time he went through a tunnel very well and his driver examined it. Elizabeth honked her horn loudly

Elizabeth: Are we going through this tunnel?

Duncan: No. I remember through a tunnel. Last time I was stuck for a while long.

Driver: Rubbish, Duncan. You got stuck in it because you tried rock 'n roll.

Duncan: I'm pretty the route past the Sodor Castle will be safer. We are not going through this tunnel so there.

Duncan's driver thought this was no time to argue with him and so he backed Duncan up the hill and back to the set of points. Once the points were set straight ahead, Duncan chuffed along the line that led to the Sodor Castle. They passed by Skarloey Station where Peter Sam was with the Refreshment Lady. She was selling tea and cakes inside her tearoom on wheels.

Elizabeth: (sighing) Well, little man, you sure picked the perfect spot for sightseeing.

Duncan ignored her snarky remarks, took a deep breath and looked at Peter Sam.

Duncan: Isn't this the way to the Castle by the lake?

Peter Sam: Yes, Duncan. It is.

Refreshment Lady: Are you trying to get down the mountain, Duncan?

Duncan: Yes, yes, thank you, Peter Sam. I'll be off now, thank you.

And Duncan chuffed away as fast as he could. But Peter Sam was confused.

Peter Sam: Mind the viaduct, Duncan!

But Duncan wasn't listening to Peter Sam. He was hurrying as fast as he could.

Elizabeth: You know, legend has it that the track along by the Castle is an old and rickety track. It might lead us to somewhere different but not in your case.

Duncan: I don't take that advice as a sign of plain-speaking, Elizabeth. The track by the Castle is the best way to get down the mountain to the SteamWorks.

Elizabeth sighed with anxiety. She knew that deep down, Duncan might be wrong. Once they got to the Sodor Castle, Duncan stopped by the Castle and looked around. His driver examined the track carefully.

Driver: Do you really think that this is a good way to go, Duncan?

Duncan: Yes, sir. With every puff in my boiler.

Elizabeth: (sighing) Here we go again.

And so Duncan chuffed on through the forest track until he reached the entrance to the viaduct. This is where he stopped.

Duncan: Hmph. You suppose I should cross this old thing.

Elizabeth: You can't be really useful if you don't.

This made Duncan cross and he let out a wheesh of steam.

Duncan: I'll show you that I'm useful enough to get you to the SteamWorks and I will start by not going across this viaduct.

Elizabeth: Fine then. Would you rather take the tunnel and perform rock 'n roll?

Duncan: Now, look, you…

Driver: (hopping out of Duncan's cab) Enough! Both of you!

Duncan and Elizabeth both stopped to look at him.

Driver: Now, Duncan. I believe that we have heard of your silly ideas for one day. It's time that Elizabeth took a turn at giving directions.

Elizabeth felt very pleased.

Driver: Now, Elizabeth, where do you believe that we should go?

Elizabeth thought for a moment and then replied.

Elizabeth: Across the viaduct.

Driver: (hopping back into Duncan's cab) Alright, Duncan. You heard her. Across the viaduct we go.

Duncan sighed and crossed the viaduct, chuffing down into the valley below towards Rheneas station. When they got there, they found Rheneas and Skarloey with a line of empty trucks.

Rheneas: Duncan, Elizabeth, what are you doing down here? We thought you were going to the SteamWorks.

Duncan: Isn't this the way?

Skarloey: No, Duncan. It isn't. This is the way to the slate mines and we take it that you don't want to go back there again so what are you doing going down this track?

Duncan: Ask Elizabeth. The driver gave her a turn with directions and she led us here.

Elizabeth: No. I had no idea that the viaduct would lead us here. You led us to the viaduct and therefore it's your fault that we ended up here. You took the wrong way, not me.

Duncan: Did not!

Elizabeth: Did too!

Duncan: Did not!

Elizabeth: Did too!

Rheneas and Skarloey watched as the two of them bickered back and forth until finally, Skarloey blew his whistle loudly. Duncan and Elizabeth stopped at once to look at him.

Skarloey: Now, I know that neither of you agree with one another on which way to go but maybe I can tell a way in which might get you there but the both of you must come to an agreement on which direction to take.

Duncan: So what's yer suggestion then?

Skarloey: Well, you've obviously passed the station named after me where the Refreshment Lady holds her tearoom and you went past the Castle and over the viaduct.

Rheneas: And ended up at here which leads to the slate mines. Maybe it is best that you two agree on which directions to take from now on and be careful too. We're taking these trucks back to the Blue Mountain Quarry.

Duncan: But which way do you think we should go?

Skarloey: Well, if my methods are correct, I would go back across the viaduct and past the Castle and my station until you reach a set of points. I will leave it at that, Duncan. Make sure you do your best. Goodbye.

(Skarloey and Rheneas chuff away)

Duncan sighed. He knew he had been foolish and so he took a deep breath and apologized to Elizabeth.

Duncan: I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, Elizabeth. So if we're going to get to the SteamWorks, I think it's best that we agree do directions and take Skarloey's advice.

Elizabeth: That's alright, old chap. Off we go now.

Duncan's fireman looked back as his driver drove them back the way they went…back across the viaduct

(Duncan chuffs backwards over the viaduct)

…and back past the Sodor Castle…

(Duncan chuffs backwards past the lake by the Sodor Castle)

…and past Skarloey Station…

(Duncan chuffs backwards through Skarloey Station, whistling to Peter Sam, who whistles back at him)

…until finally, they reached the set of points where they started from. Duncan sighed.

Duncan: Okay, Elizabeth. I believe that we should take the way through the tunnel. Do you agree?

Elizabeth: Yes, Duncan.

Duncan: Good then. Off we go.

And so Duncan chuff back down the mountainside and towards the tunnel, chuffing right through it. This time he did not try to rock and roll as he went through and out through the other side and they managed to make it through the tunnel without any troubles at all.

Elizabeth: (teasingly) How was THAT for a tunnel than, Duncan?

Duncan: Just fine. Sodor Steamworks, here we come.

The line took Duncan and Elizabeth down by the Lakeside Station where Duncan stopped again.

Duncan: Well, Elizabeth. How much farther do you think we are now?

Elizabeth: Not that far, young man. Let's keep going, shall me?

Duncan whistled happily as he took Elizabeth out of the station and the two of them were away from the Skarloey Railway indeed as they stopped at Crovan's Gate station.

Duncan: We made it!

Elizabeth: Thanks to me!

Duncan: No, thanks to me! I got us here.

Elizabeth: With my help of course.

Duncan: We agreed on every direction so I don't know what yer talking aboot.

Elizabeth: I was the one who got us here.

Duncan: No, you weren't!

Elizabeth: Yes, I was!

Duncan: No, you weren't!

Elizabeth: Yes, I was!

Edward chuffed into the station and stopped by the next platform. He heard the commotion and all he could do was laugh.

Edward: I just came down from the Blue Mountain Quarry to check on The Fat Controller myself and Rheneas and Skarloey told me about you two agreeing to work together with getting here. So instead of quarrelling, just come to a final agreement that you got yourselves here together because the mechanic at the Steamworks is waiting for you two.

Duncan: Oh, yes. Right away, Edward.

Elizabeth: Come on, old chap. Let's get to that shed and get me repaired immediately. Sir Topham does not like to wait to run his railway again you know.

(Duncan pulls Elizabeth on the flatbed into the Steamworks)

And so Duncan took Elizabeth to the Steamworks where she was unloaded and the mechanic got to work on her right away. Duncan waited patiently as this happened.

(The mechanic working on Elizabeth as Duncan waits beside her)

And by sundown, Elizabeth was repaired and ready to go. She was then loaded back on the flatbed and Duncan was coupled up.

Duncan: Are ya ready to go, Elizabeth?

Elizabeth: Yes, Duncan. I'm ready.

Duncan whistled loudly as he pulled Elizabeth out of the Steamworks. Victor called after them.

Victor: Both of you be careful now, my friends!

Duncan and Elizabeth chuffed through Crovan's Gate and back up the mountainside. It took them until dark to reach the Blue Mountain Quarry where all of the other engines were waiting in the sheds. The Fat Controller and The Thin Controller were waiting by the shed, smiling.

Percival: So it seems that the two of you have come to an agreement about directions after all. Merrick, unload Elizabeth immediately.

And so Elizabeth was unloaded from her flatbed and lifted safely back onto the roads. The Fat Controller jumped into her cab and she honked loudly and stopped by Duncan, who was sitting in the birth on the right end of the shed.

Elizabeth: Thanks for an adventurous day, my good friend.

Duncan: Thank YOU, Elizabeth. I wouldn't have gotten the job done without your remarks.

All of the narrow gauge engines laughed and so did Elizabeth, who rolled safely on home. And as the moon shone brightly over the Blue Mountain Quarry, Duncan started telling all of his friends about his day's adventure.