- “You don't know the rules!”
- ―Fergus to Diesel
Fergus Breaks the Rules, retitled Thomas and the Search for Fergus in some American releases, is the eighteenth episode of seventh season.
Plot
The Fat Controller has brought Diesel to help out at the Cement Works for a while. However, Diesel becomes annoyed with Fergus. Later on, Diesel lies to Fergus about the Fat Controller sending him to work at the scrapyards. When Fergus arrives, 'Arry and Bert frighten the traction engine and he runs away. The Fat Controller receives a call that Fergus is missing. So, he sends Thomas to search for him. He finds Fergus hiding in a siding and takes him to the smelters yards where the Fat Controller is waiting. In the end, Fergus goes back to work at the Cement Works, and Diesel is transferred to the smelters yards.
Characters
- Thomas
- Fergus
- Diesel
- 'Arry and Bert
- Sir Topham Hatt
- Percy (cameo)
- Farmer Trotter (cameo)
- The Butler (cameo)
Locations
- Sodor Cement Works
- Sodor Ironworks
- Topham Hall
- Castle Loch
- Castle Loch Causeway
- Maithwaite Quarry Mine
Trivia
- Going by production order, this is the nineteenth episode of the seventh season.
- Some scrap models of Thomas, Gordon, James, Donald and Douglas, Peter Sam Toad and City of Truro are seen in the smelter's as well as two of the scrapped tenders from the third season episodes Tender Engines and Diesel Does It Again
- Stock footage from Bill, Ben and Fergus is used.
- This episode marks Fergus and the Butler's last appearances to date.
- This is one of several episodes from the seventh season to have its title card read on Nick Jr. and PBS airings.
- This episode aired in the US with Bold and Brave and Skarloey the Brave.
- This episode marked the only of a few things:
- The only episode to be narrated by Michael Brandon in the UK to date.
- Diesel's only appearance in the seventh season.
- 'Arry and Bert's only speaking roles in the seventh season.
- Michael Brandon's narration was used for the UK HiT Favourites DVD, The Groovy Collection.
- and HIT Favourites Cartoon Collection
- Not counting deleted scenes in Something Fishy and Peace and Quiet, this marks the first and only appearance of the Sodor Cement Works in an episode to date.
- Elizabeth's Shed appears at the quarry Fergus hides in.
Goofs
- When Thomas and Fergus arrive at the smelters, Thomas' eyes are wonky.
- Just before 'Arry and Bert come into view, a crew member's hand can be seen holding them back and then releasing them.
- A red wire can be seen underneath Fergus when he first arrived at the smelter's yard.
- When Fergus arrives at the Smelters and escapes, his lamp is on his right side. When he hides in the siding, his lamp is on his left side.
- During some scenes at the quarry, Fergus' right front buffer is crooked.
- Michael Brandon mentions Sir Topham Hatt instead of the Fat Controller in this UK episode.
Quotes
- Fergus: I wanna go back to the cement works. None of the other engines like coming here, it's so scary!
Merchandise
- Magazine Stories - Fergus Runs Away
- Books - Thomas and the Runaway