Trevor the traction engine is old-fashioned but he doesn't care because he knows that he is still really useful, just like his friend Edward. One morning, Trevor tells Edward that the Vicar is organizing a garden party to raise funds for a trip to the seaside for underprivileged children and Trevor will be the party's star attraction. Edward wishes he could help with the party too, but he knows that without his rails, there is only so much he can do. Although Edward wants to be helpful like Trevor, his driver replies that he is helpful in his own way, which is working on Sir Topham Hatt's railway.

The next day, it is Trevor's turn to look disappointed as he has bad news; the Vicar has been so busy setting up the party that he has forgotten to put up the advertisement posters. Edward then suggests an idea by having the Vicar paste the posters on his boiler, his cab and his coaches to attract a lot of guests wherever he goes. Edward's driver thinks this is a great idea and pitches it to Sir Topham Hatt, who humbly agrees. Sure enough, many people become attracted and decide to attend the Vicar's garden party as Edward steams from station to station collecting his passengers, showing off the posters. Later that afternoon, Trevor is resting in the orchard shed when Bertie arrives and teases Trevor about his old age and resting habits. Trevor takes no notice and tells the red bus about the Vicar's party, to which Bertie announces that he will also be at the party, bringing guests to and from the orchard. Before he leaves, Bertie then brags that he isn't sure that many people will want to ride on an old-fashioned traction engine after travelling on him. Trevor ignores Bertie, knowing that the party would still be a success regardless.

The next day is the party, but the orchard's ground is soaked from a previous overnight downpour. Trevor knows that rain and mud will not spoil his day as they will stay on the road to prevent an accident. Trevor is soon hitched up to a cart and begins trundling up and down the quiet country lane, giving a lot of children rides. Eventually, Bertie arrives, bringing guests to the party and tells Trevor that Edward's idea has been a success. In reply, Trevor gives Bertie a cheerful whistle and makes his way back to the orchard. Suddenly, Bertie begins calling for help as he gets himself stuck in the mud while attempting to drop off his passengers at the party. Fortunately, Terence the tractor is close by and quickly helps to get him out, while joking that he is the one supposed to be ploughing fields. Using a strong rope, Terence sets to work, pulling Bertie clear of the mud, all while Trevor noting that Bertie's boastfulness has caught up with him and has now learned his lesson. At last, Bertie is back on the road again, he thanks Terence for his help and apologizes to Trevor for the previous remarks and the party continues successfully.

That evening, the Vicar arrives at Wellsworth to thank Edward and his driver for helping attract a lot of guests. The Vicar remarks that with the amount of people that came, a lot of money was raised for the children which makes Edward feel very pleased, while Trevor falls happily asleep, thinking of all the children who will now get to the seaside at last.

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