Joey and the Signal

Joey and the Signal is the first episode of Pride of the PRR.

​Plot
Joey is used for yard switching and short freight trains. He often likes playing tricks on engines bigger than him, which could get him into trouble. One morning, Joey has finished preparing Elaine's train. But as Elaine departs, Joey uncouples her tender from the first car. Elaine starts running light until she and her driver notice that their train is missing. Elaine is upset about this as she recollects her train.

Next it is Frank's turn to get tricked. Joey tells him that Mr. Edwards has given him the day off, which Frank falls for. Because of this, Alfred has to take an extra long train, much to his dismay. When Mr. Edwards comes back from breakfast in Mt. Lebanon, he is surprised to see Frank still in his shed. Frank tells him what had happened, and soon Mr. Edwards speaks severely to both Frank and Joey.

But that is not enough to stop Joey's tricks. A few days later, Nick is stopped to allow Evelyn and Raymond to pass by. As Nick is waiting, Joey couples to the rear. As Nick is attempting to leave, Joey pulls backwards, giving Nick a hard time. He is less than thrilled to find out that Joey was pranking him.

Nick, Frank, and Elaine have now had enough of Joey's tricks, so they decide to teach him a lesson. One day, Joey is assigned to take a short freight train to Tidewater. Nick, Elaine, and Frank tell him about a "reverse signal" across the river, meaning to reverse if the signal turns red on approach. Joey is secretly worried as he sets off.

At Tidewater, Joey's signal turns red as he is approaching. He thinks this means to back up, so he does before his engineer stops him and explains. Joey is worried and wants to start again before he is stopped, but he is too late, as Nick passes by, having seen everything.

That night, Joey returns to the shed, only to find the other engines laughing. They were pleased with their trick, but Joey wasn't amused.

​Characters

 * Joey
 * Nick
 * Elaine
 * Mr. Edwards
 * Mr. Edwards (PRR)
 * Frank
 * Alfred
 * Evelyn
 * Raymond

​Trivia

 * This episode has a bit in common with the Thomas and Friends episode, "Percy and the Signal".
 * This marks the first episode of Pride of the PRR.
 * When Elaine notices that her train is missing, it is a reference to Panhandle Rail Stories Episode 1.
 * Additionally, when Elaine's engineer blows her whistle to censor her swearing, it is a reference to The Marysville Railroad Stories short: "Little Engine".

Goofs

 * In some scenes, Nick and Elaine's headlight numberboards read 6755 instead of 6742 and 6726, respectively.