The COMPLETE History of James the Red Engine - Sodor's Finest 

If you touch his paintwork he will make you touch heaven.

James is the 5'11 guy pretending to be the 6 foot guy

Differences between Edward and Toby. Edward: DON'T do a stupid thing. X character: does the stupid thing* Edward: I TOLD YOU not to do the stupid thing, and you did it anyway! Toby: go ahead, I won't stop you. X character:. Does the stupid thing* Toby: well, it's not like I didn't WARN you, or anything.

Like I've said before: Kinda ironic how James was in a trio with the three *big tender* engines but is now with Thomas and Percy. Two *small tank* engines

I have a theory why James was arrogant again in S21: After the movie The Great Race, James was laughed at by Gordon and Henry for not winning. They said he's not the prettiest anymore. That's why James started showing off again, because the only red standard gauge engine on Sodor, which is why he was shocked that Rosie is red.

9:05 "Toby is a wise old grandpa... That doesn't give a sh*t" The perfect description for an old engine like Toby.

To quote someone else, we need a “James and Thomas sharing a braincell for _ minutes” because of how much they bicker with each other.

Watching James and Thomas go to verbal warfare against each other is hilarious

James is definitely one of, if not my favorite character in the entire franchise. Your analogy of him being a Honda Civic who wants to be a fancy Porsche like Gordon somes it up perfectly. And in a series that was notorious for flanderizing it's characters, sometimes to an absurd degree, it was great to have at least one character who stayed consistent throughout.

I don't really consider James and Thomas' arcs the same. Thomas' is a vindication arc. James is a redemption arc. Thomas is already at the bottom, he wants to get chances to prove he can be more than a bumbling station pilot, while James just gets into more and more trouble from his bad attitude, and has to atone for it. Thomas and the Trucks for example is light hearted, representing Thomas getting an opportunity only to possibly not be up to it. Troublesome Trucks however has STAKES, James is getting a second chance and has to really fight to overcome it, complimented by the earnest and determined sounding version of his theme played all throughout.

Honestly when you think about it. James being the more vane and attention seeking of the main cast is actually quite poetic when you realize how mundane his story was in the books. It’s like James needs to be as outstanding and confident character because he knows he’s not that significant as the others. He doesn’t have any tragic backstory or complex character growth. He’s just James.

Something I've noticed about James is that despite putting on the vain and cocky attitude, he's actually self-conscious and sometimes uncertain of himself inside. After taunting Gordon about getting stuck on the turntable in Tenders and Turntables, he worries about getting stuck himself. I don't remember for sure but I think I remember him secretly doubting himself after boasting to Gordon in Leaves as well.

The sad thing is, James has never needed to prove anything. He was chosen to work on Sodor, and that automatically makes him special but he doesn’t see that.

James is one of the best characters in the whole entire show

James is one of my favorite characters in all of the series! "Pouty James" is one of my favorite episodes of ALL TIME! I'm really glad that he was treated well in all forms.

Even though his personality did get extremely increased overtime, at least James always stayed true to his character. It’s also insane to think stuff like his dynamic with Thomas and his love for his paintwork were ideas that originated from the model series lol.

Gotta love how Gordon, James, and Duncan never changed in the HIT/Miller era!

James is like one of my favorite characters in the show. Right up there with Duck. I loved him as a kid and I still love him now. He is the most splendid engine.

James is one of my favorite characters from Thomas, and I think his consistency makes him such a stand-out. You know who else is consistent? You Tug, and all your content is consistently amazing

Journey Beyond Sodor should have been James' movie and I will never get over the fact it didn't happen. They showed it can actually work with Percy, why not give the 3rd main character one?

James might be a jackass, But he's OUR jackass.

If Arrogance was a character, it would be him.

James is absolutely one of the best adapted characters who’s objectively better in the series than the original source because they realized the value he truly held and ran with it, did it go overboard at times? Yeah, but I wouldn’t have it any other way…

The most mentioned and unforgettable character in the franchise that always comes to mind. He isn't one of my favorite, by any means, but he is a character that just exists out-of-the-blue to turn simply red. Growing up watchin' the show, I couldn't exactly make a take on what opinion of James could define him. But after re-reading the books and rewatching the TV series in both classic era and some bits of the CGI era, I wholeheartedly agree that the model series is definitely James' definitive portrayal purpose as a character. And I think him in that era of the whole franchise will never be forgotten.

James is the funnest character in the show. The show wouldn't be whole without our one and only James. Or should I say, " Our Red Rocket" ❤😂😂😂😊

James is my favorite character from Thomas. I understand that he does tend to go overboard when trying to show he is the best, but he still has a big heart made of gold and still wants to be a really useful engine and he does have a caring side. It’s why I like him

James, one of the finest, and most “Splendid” engines on Sodor.

James Was Rev. Wilbert Awdry's Best Decision! He's Such a Hilarious Character! I Love Him!

7:02 "Thomas: A cocky sh*t head that's very full of himself. He longs to pull trains, and has several obstacles to conquer before he can do so. He works hard for several months, and finally proves just how mature he's become when he rescues a fellow engine. He gets promoted from station pilot to running his own branch line. James: A cocky sh*t head that is very full of himself. He longs to pull trains and has several obstacles to conquer before he can do so. He works hard for several months, and finally proves himss- oh... James's arc was basically just Thomas's again." I had the same reaction. 🗿

James is, in a way, kinda like people with O- blood. People with this blood can donate to anyone, but nobody can donate to them. James is an important part in everyone's arcs but doesn't have one himslef.

20:11 Percy: Whats a Railway Testicles? *Gordon Eyes Percy Questioning what he'd just said*

I love how in the show James' theme tune has 2 distinct arrangements and both slap. (I know Duck has two too and so does Thomas if the show's own theme tune counts as one of them.)

James is by far my favorite character of the show. I relate to him quite a bit and he's just overall fun. Without that vanity James isnt James.

I wouldn't call James as being in denial of himself more than he gets carried away in the moment at times, especially when he's at the centre of attention. This is why you find himself as relatable as he is funny. It was clear to Awdry that he was on to a winner character despite the rather half-baked way that the book he wrote centred around him came out, and sought to continue with him even after deciding as Sir Topham Hatt did to give Henry a fair chance. I kind of got the idea James had been meant to replace Henry as a regular when he was first introduced, before Awdry changed his mind without removing James. Regards, Samuel Farris.

In my opinion James is the absolute best character when it comes to character dynamics you can put him with anyone and there is a lot of story potential one dynamic I love that you didn't mention was Duncan I love how a good number of the narrow gauge engines are counterparts to standard gauge engines like Sir Handel to Gordon, but what I love about James and Duncan is they are both consistently the lovable complaining dumbasses no matter what era and the few moments they interacted were so memorable hell Duncan's Bluff was a really great hit era episode because of that. As for missed dynamics I say a Daisy one in the brenner era would've been amazing two massive drama queens would've been hilarious, James with the china clay twins would've been hilarious too, I also would've loved to see James put Spencer in his place since Spencer has an even higher ego of himself.

I’m sorry, but I REALLY LOVE this shot right here 0:13 The sun reflecting off of James, the waterfall, the trees, EVERYTHING!!!

*"I'm a splendid engine."* answered James *"Ready for anything. You never see my paint dirty."* Good to see this video back again :)

James really is a one of a kind engine

12:20 I think the reason why James was there already in the show is primarily because the crew at the time didn't have the budget to build engine props to represent the loaned engines at the time. A quirk that relates to this is Henry's old shape. In the books, he is nearly identical to Gordon before his crash and rebuild. In the show, Henry only has a few differences between old and new. His footplate design is clearly his new shape one. James being there, red, and the number 5 is probably because the crew at the time didn't have the finances to build a temporary loaned engine.

I have no idea why James became my favorite engine as a kid. Even rewatching the model series later on, he's still my favorite. Is it because he is a jerk, vain, or self-centered? Gordon acts pompous, but he was never my favorite as a kid. Is it because he is kind of an underdog? It really makes me think. Thank you for the video and for reuploading it. Sorry you had to go through all the BS with RU-vid, love your channel.

I always presume that Points of No Return from the Annuals could've perhaps taken place between The Adventure Begins and Journey Beyond Sodor, mostly due to James' opinion on branch lines, how he wanted one of his own from the start before being dismayed years later of having to work on Thomas' after his own experience.

James was my favorite character as a kid. I had his Best of James DVD and James and the Red Balloon, so I got tons of exposure to him, and George Carlin's interpretation of his voice was super entertaining. He also has the best character theme, IMO.

James is the funnest character in the show. The show wouldn't be whole without our one and only James. Or should I say, " Our Red Rocket"

Sometimes, you'll see James pulling the express.

James has the BEST theme song in the franchise (the jazz version)

Even though I haven’t grew up with the RWS books. I loved James as a kid. His personality and everything about him is excellent. He has always been my favorite character in the model series and the CGI series. He will be always the #1 engine in my heart.

having just finished season 5, i can safely say that James is one of my favorites; he's hilarious and i love his scrunched up angry faces so much!

And now I kind of feel bad for James

I've been waiting for this! I've had an appreciation for James over the past few weeks, mainly because I rewatched The Adventure Begins and the crash scene made me feel sorry for him. Also, I like red.

It sucks that you had to reupload all of these, but if it helps, I still think your content is splendid! I love listening to facts about media I'm passionate about

20:15 For a moment I actually thought that was from the episode 😂😂😂😂

I mentioned this in the original upload but during maybe around 2018-2019 I had this kick of rewatching the episode compilation of the model series episodes on the whim and despite having grown up with Shining Time Station, watching the series anew was a trip and it quickly led to me liking James the most out of all of the characters. I don't know what it is about James that makes him stand out but going through all the seasons, I think maybe it IS how well he gels with Thomas and Percy that makes him the perfect part of the original 'faces' of the series. Some might argue that he's like Gordon (TV series wise) in how they're both very prideful of their specific talents and roles but like I mentioned before, James just seems to get along a lot better with Thomas and Percy and because of that we see better sides of him when he's not trying to be on the same level as or even act OVER Gordon. Gorden and James are clearly rivals that James begrudgingly follows along with but him, Thomas and Percy are like BROTHERS. Sure, James picks on them and reminds them where they belong but they are such a wonderful dynamic and he serves as the perfect 'older brother' of the three, especially in Journey Beyond Sodor where he was more or less the older, more mature brother who had to go fetch his younger brother out of trouble while apologizing for being too hard on him and showing that he did care for him. And yes, the consistency of James' character throughout the years worked but if there is any complaint I have on that, it's just that in the books he didn't seem to have a real arc compared to the other characters. He never seemed to get over his issues with diesels or it was just handled in such a weak way and just PFFT. THE END. In terms of the show, I think he was easy to keep consistent due to his personality; he's essentially the, for lack of better terms, snooty one and I think a lot of writers had an easier time keeping up with that especially as they made the how more 'kiddie' since they could use him for morals a lot easier, even if it was to his detriment. I'm just glad the Brenner era didn't go too far with this (until BWBA) and played off his personality a lot like Duncan or Mike where their abrasiveness parts are balanced out by the good parts in them as well so in the end James ended up as a guy who wants to be on top, wants to show off that he's the best but in the end when he stumbles you laugh but you go right over and pick him back up. I just can't help but love the show-off.

I remember a theory that James has personality disorder, he considered he was small when he was black. He made a fool of himself, but ever since he got his red coat of paint he felt.. different. Confident. Ridded his hindrance of disappointment. He was different, Unique, Not a joke. Something new. For him being a experiment was..not enough. He now felt special. He grew cocky, and that's how he would stay. That's why when he changes to pink, he thought he would stand out but..not in his way, not in the way he was thought to be. He soon triumphs it but after that, he stuck to his confident self. He knew although it may become rough, he wouldn't have it any other way. He's him . A cocky, self-centred character who deems himself important, as no one else does. That shows through his clash with other characters. He changes, but becomes cocky still because he's... *Consistent* . Although he may have his very bad cons, he is who he wants to be. That's another thing that makes him special. He is the definition of grabbing a star, when you reach out for one. He doesn't give it up. That is what makes James, in most opinions, just as great as the others although not seen that way.

James’s angry face makes me laugh

George Carlin James: Mega Roaster Alec Baldwin James: "Pride" Of The Line Michael Brandon James: Egotistical Individual

While one could call it character stagnation, I do like how James manages to maintain his ego despite the constant put-downs. He's infinitely self-confident and, unlike most of the bigger engines, doesn't have a breakdown when things don't go his way, basically the only way to ever get to him is messing with his paint. His attitude is always either "it's my time to shine" or "I'll get em next time."

Come to think of it we really don’t see too many red engines out there. Off the top of my head there’s the LMS Coronations, Southern Pacific GS northerns and the Santa Fe warbonnets, technically the Metro North M8s too but those are EMUs not engines. James is just that iconic

This made me really like James more than I ever have. So glad that your channel is back, love your work!

For the take i would use for my second favourite characters arc in the show it would 100% be model series mostly hit era and mid and late classic era

I was wondering where the whole James with wooden brake blocks came from and now I understand why he did thank you for the information on that Unlucky Tug!

My favorite episodes of James are in both the model series and the CGI series and I love his brilliant song Somebody has to be the favorite in Journey Beyond Sodor movie thanks for sharing this great video highlighting the one and only James the red engine 👍❤️🚂

When it comes to any story or creative piece of art you need to hook your audience, and I’m very pleased with your intro to hook the audience in. It’s creative, and quite catchy. 🤩👏

16:09 This is why James goes “mmmm -w-“ when Gordon says “James is a big engine” in TATMR

james, it's my favorite train in the thomas franchise, i even bought the 75th anniversary thomas train master model. He is the most magnificent locomotive I have ever seen.

14:29 James: L O O K A T M E 15:52 18:01

At least James is still in character in CGI and very consistent, that's something to be happy for. When Season 21 was announced, I wonder what new stories lie in store for Thomas and his friends and when The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor begins with James showing off and being vain as usual, it doesn't disappoint me at all since I know that he's just being himself as usual which sadly you all didn't do that instead of complaining.

I like James in the series he was my favorite character. I like the black paint work on him more than the red. People like Victor Tanzig make James even more enjoyable since he isn’t all in vain or selfish.

The hotheaded jackass comment reminded me of my story characters, James is such a hilarious inspiration for many things, because we all had a James moment at one point in our lives.

James is one of my favorite characters from Thomas and Friends. He always wants to be the center of attention, He's his own Number 1 Fan. His vain/arrogant attitude always makes me laugh in addition to his short temper. His theme of course is very catchy, James must be a jazz fanatic. 😁

I will never apologize for being hyperfixated on this series

I like how when he talk about James in BWBA he just decided to forget about “Apology impossible”

U know, James is a lot like Starscream; Both try to be the best, but end up failing time and time again

You should do a Sodor's Finest on the Steam Team and how they functioned in S8-12, Nitrogen era, Brenner era, and BWBA

James is one of my favorite characters. He was since I was really little. Liked how this video showed how the character changed over the years. :)

At last, the splendid red engine’s time in the spotlight!

James also has the best theme song

James’s theme being jazz themed is so right

The beginning never gets old

I’ve been waiting for this video! James’ retrospective here is one of your best videos Tug. Excellent.

There's a video that theorizes that James has PTSD and DID from his trauma from the crash.

Best character of the franchise. 'Nuff said ✌️

26:45 Ten bucks says originally James was going to call himself _Red_ Rocket, but someone caught it between initial draft and final script and the writer had to play dumb.

James has always been my favorite, his character is fantastic, he looks really good (always been one of my favorite designs) has some great episodes, and more! Yknow I guess that applies to everyone in the main gang. They all have good design, good character, and good stories… eh I just like James the best. Really goes to show how well written the main characters are in the RWS and TVS

Love how you used the headmaster hastings James song at the beginning

James can still do his catchphrase "Here's James" when not showing off in the show because it's a great one for him.

James Is the Best Character in the Series, I Enjoyed this Video.

James is that one jerk that we'll always strive to never be and we'll always love him for it XD

20:15 WhAtS a RaIlWaY *tEsTiClE*

James is like a dramatic theater kid

I don’t blame James for being so proud of his red paint. That is admittedly a nice livery he has.

Y'know, I just remembered something that showcased just how underutilized James was in the Railway Series - the Thomas the Tank Engine Collection. It was a compilation book featuring various RWS stories, each specifically dedicated to the main seven engines - Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy and Toby. Each engine had stories from their spotlight books featured, obviously, but they also had other significant stories featured; Edward had "Edward's Exploit", Henry had "Super Rescue", etc. In total, most of the characters had at least seven stories, but some had much more. Percy, for example, outside of his spotlight book, had seven stories featured in his section, bringing the grand total of Percy stories in the compilation up to eleven. Now, how many stories did James have in the compilation, outside his spotlight book? Buzz Buzz.... and that was it. Just five stories, and only one wasn't in his spotlight book. That says a lot, doesn't it?

James Is Absolutely One of My Top 6 Favourite Characters Alongside Edward Gordon Henry Thomas and Percy. And It's Such An Amazing Back Story With The Way He Was Introduced From Just A Prop For A Story To Becoming One of the Main Faces Of the Whole Thomas Franchise.

James thinks he was one of the most reddest and brightest engine on Sodor. Despite being a mixed-traffic engine, he likes pulling Slip Coaches but hates pulling oil and diesel tankers.

“What’s a railway testicles?” made me loose my shit lmfao

Splendid video. Pun intended.

Ah, James. He’s kind of like the Daffy Duck of Sodor. For what it is, I actually do agree on your point of James being the weakest of the main characters. I loved him before, but not so much now. However, I get how he’s some people’s favorite. He’s always consistent and his role is necessary in the show. I see how he’s a constant figure in the arcs of the characters that came before him. I would also say he’s how other characters after him came to be too, such as Percy, Toby, and Duck. If he never had his accident, would any of those guys had come to Sodor in the first place? And would Thomas still be a pilot that late in the game if that accident never occurred? Who knows, but it’s interesting to think about. Either way, great entry in this fantastic series of yours

James looks like that one uncle that all the kids will like.

He can be cocky and malicious at times, but he has good in him :)

He’s the embodiment of a Mazda Miata. They only really look good in red, they’re “sporty” in the sense they’re light and open-topped, but overall completely underpowered and only really a cult classic, always eclipsed by the big brother, the RX-7. Even his “experimental” design is just like how many Miatas are often modified with autozone parts. Nothing on the engine, just a front splitter and a tacky rear wing. Nothing to scoff at, but nothing to write home about.

Anyone got any bootlaces?