Oh, Doctor Beeching!

There is a crisis when May has no milk in her buffet, and the Minister of Transport decides to pay a visit. Mr Parkin has installed a "Position Closed" sign in the Booking Office, which Ethel has trouble getting to grips with. Mr Skinner sets out to get revenge on Mr Parkin when the latter suggests that he take the day off following his drastic over-reaction to Mr Parkin's solution to the milk problem.

There is confusion over whether Jack or Cecil is Gloria's real father.

Jack finds a suitcase full of hundreds of five-pound notes, and it seems that all his worries are over, until Percy the Guard tells the station staff some important news.

British Railways decide to issue Mr Parkin with a van, following his appointment as Station Master of three smaller stations in addition to Hatley. Unfortunately, he can't drive.

When Ralph, the trainee engine driver, decides to go on strike following an outrage, Gloria Skinner is non too pleased when she hears her mother's suggestion for persuading him to change his mind.

Ethel becomes completely smitten with Joe, an American airman, when she meets him by chance in a cafe and ends up going to the pictures with him. Wilfred is not too happy, and takes drastic action.

The Hatley staff have a busy day ahead when Lady Lawrence's chauffeur tells them that Lady Lawrence will be coming to the station that very evening to meet a very important guest – none other than Dr Beeching himself!

It's the Hatley Bowls Club Outing. Cecil Parkin is all dressed for the occasion, having posted Jack Skinner to stay behind on duty. However, Mr Orkindale insists that Jack comes instead. He lies that Jack is a star bowler, but really it is because he buys his round. Left on station duty while Jack takes his place on the outing, Mr Parkin soon puts aside his indignation, when he realises that May has been accidentally left on the station as well. Unfortunately, she's not so thrilled about it.

After a shaky training day on the "Flamin' new diesels", Arnold suspects he's going to get the push and takes drastic steps to make sure he doesn't. May and Jack are equally as worried about whether now is the right time for another baby.

Hatley station is 100 years old, and a celebration is planned including a photo and news article. Ralph drives the train to a successful end and the staff dress in period clothing, after which a great street party and a not so surprising reaction to the vegetarian food ends the series with a trumpeting farewell.