Thomas and friends are transporting animals to various places across the country: a farm, a zoo and an aquarium. During this journey, Thomas encounters several obstacles that hold him up: mud, a bridge that’s out and icy uphill tracks (one per ep). Each time Thomas encounters one of these obstacles, Topham Hatt calls for extra machines that, by themselves, are not enough to solve the problem. Then, various animals provide extra support that is the missing link in getting Thomas back on track.