The Sad Story of Henry (1953) SodorsNWRsteam 2020-05-12 | Vintage adaptation of the beloved story.THIS IS A FAKE!A remake!A remake of an adaptation! I know... I know and I'm sorry. I've wanted to make this for some time actually, as it's so odd to have the first adaptation of the Railway Series lost to time.In putting this together, I really must thank ButterflyCoffee who kindly came on board to recapture the spirit of the original narrator - Julia Lang. I think it's a superb recreation, full of character - and it drives this thing along. ButterflyCoffee has an ongoing series and a succession of brilliant voice performances - so do take a look and subscribe!youtube.com/user/PercyLover06Secondly, "The Thomas the Tank Engine Man", by Brian Sibley, was a crucial source of info about the original pilot. I learnt all sorts and took the details with me as I sifted through lots of vintage clips, before having a crack at capturing the spirit of the original as best I could. There's no way to comment on accuracy, as we've so little to go on - but I hope it feels authentic. I'll be chuffed if it does.And if you've stumbled upon this, with particular expectations - I really do apologise. I love the Railway Series and I love vintage television - so this was a total delight to bring to life, and is only really meant as a bit of fun. After all, as I write this, it is the 75th anniversary of the first Railway Series book, and that's reason enough to look back at its long legacy with a smile.George
The NWR Stories: 1973 SodorsNWRsteam 2019-12-31 | Gordon travels to the Other Railway to represent Sodor in a heritage gala, but finds something sinister behind the smoke and steam.Comprised of three segments, each based in a different decade, ‘The Modernisation Trilogy’ tracks the various tensions, trials and tribulations which afflict the Fat Controller and his famous engines as the tides of change crash against their rails…CHAPTERS0:00 - The End of Steam0:55 - 19731:49 - Arrival3:13 - The Cathedral6:11 - Demonstration Train7:53 - Chatham9:36 - The Order of Steam13:21 - Chatham and Gordon15:08 - Broken Buffers16:10 - Off the Rails17:47 - The Legacy of Steam19:21 - End CreditsHere we are, at the close of the decade, with the middle act of this story. I hope it brings some surprises and that you enjoy the journey dear Gordon goes on. A narrative like this has been bubbling about for some time.1973 marked half a decade on from the end of steam on UK mainlines. The practice of preservation was in its infancy, marked up between the more significant finds of the National Collection and the smaller, downtrodden societies that fought tooth and nail to keep the spirit of steam afloat. The Reverend W. Awdry drew his stories to a close the year before with 1972’s “Tramway Engines”, leaving open a decade-long gap in the canon. Though I’ve never been too concerned with these blank spots, I loved the idea of diving into this no-man’s-land with one of the Reverend’s characters as our way in. This is a trip beyond Sodor in more ways than one, and I very much hope that I have managed to create a tale that suggests the various lessons, positive and negative, that were always present in the books.As always, this was a hugely-collaborative effort. The story is led by a collage of strong voice talents - Jake, Michael, Stuart and the rest. Each of them took something that, let’s be honest, is a little unconventional, and absolutely ran with it. Furthermore, our roster of new characters came to life on screen wholeheartedly thanks to the faces created by Haydn and Andrew. Thanks so much to the pair of you for putting up with nagging – and doubly thanks to Jake for composing the most wonderful score entirely off of his own back.Anyway, I’ve rambled on too long. Please enjoy, and I’ll see you for the next one. ‘The next one?’ I hear you ask? I’ll see you sooner or later for answers.George
The NWR Stories: Skarloeys Railway SodorsNWRsteam 2018-12-06 | Skarloey used to pull lots of passengers, and misses them dearly now that other engines do his work. A new timetable might just help him out.CHAPTERS0:00 - The Author0:36 - Then and Now1:48 - Sir Handel2:59 - Peter Sam3:28 - The Vintage Train3:58 - Sir Handel Steps Up4:37 - Skarloey Waits5:30 - Sir Handel Keeps Quiet6:44 - Skarloey's Railway7:24 - "Synonymous"8:08 - End CreditsHello all! Now, I know what you're going to say - a Skarloey Railway story is cheating. You'd be right, too, but we've had Trevor and Butch before, and the Mountain Railway - so I think that "Skarloey's Railway" fits nicely into my collection of mutinous uploads.Particular thanks must go to Chris (TheKipperRunsAgain) who provided a wonderful narration for me to work with. It's always a pleasure to edit with lines that hit their marks at the first go; quite honestly - it makes the process rather easy!Here's a tale that's lived in my head for a while, if not in narrative then in visuals and feelings. I've always loved the Skarloey books - I used to have them read to me by a parent when I was ill. Now, with a little help from some charming models, I hope to have paid tribute to what they were, in some small way. I am not Reverend W. Awdry by a long-shot, but I owe a lot to his stories.I very much hope you enjoy,George
The NWR Stories: Christmas Engines SodorsNWRsteam 2017-12-28 | (Please leave comments here): youtube.com/post/Ugzg5-vCF2aTA31xDax4AaABCQA collection of stories about Christmas on the Island of Sodor.Rogue presents? Tattered schedules? Unexpected visitors? Too much to do? In 'Christmas Engines' we explore the various experiences that can cloud the build-up to the big day. The struggle is, of course, always worth it in the end.CHAPTERS0:00 - Dear Friends0:49 - Opening Titles1:19 - "The Present"6:27 - "Coming or Going"10:56 - "Duke's Grace"16:45 - "The Spirit of Christmas"21:49 - Christmas Engines23:14 - End CreditsWell, it's that time of year again; always creeping up faster than one realises. This year I thought I was prepared... oh, if only.In fairness, 'Christmas Engines' has been thawing out in my head for quite a while. Last year I was enthralled by the idea of doing something with this kind of scope, but timing had its way and I settled for just one story.I will attest that I never quite got over last Christmas. I was so taken with the festive mood that it crept into January (where I first drafted 'Duke's Grace') and has tickled me as a sweet place of comfort since. I do love this time of year and the rush is part of it, but just as important was that these stories had the time needed to grow properly; all four were close to ready by the end of October.But of course, this could not have happened without the generous help of others. To Haydn who helped out on the storyline for 'The Present' and to Dan who took on a near-impossible challenge when writing his draft of 'The Spirit of Christmas', and then to the narrators who lent their talents to bring these tales to life. All of this before we get to everyone else who has offered support and encouragement - you know who you are!Time is an important motif in all of the stories in this video; important in how it binds us and how we spend it - who we spend it with. Whoever with and however you've spent this time of year, I hope it's been lovely. Thank you for offering a bit of your day to take a look at this - hopefully, it entertains. It's been a turbulent year, but I'll be there for the next one and I hope you will too.Warmest regards,George
The NWR Stories: 1967 SodorsNWRsteam 2017-09-30 | As YouTube has limited this video, comments can now be made here youtube.com/post/UgyCTqOrf-JaoKrNc3d4AaABCQThe Fat Controller strives to present his growing line as a sleek, modern establishment. In this struggle, he realises what the North Western Railway really is and where its future lies.Comprised of three segments, each based in a different decade, “The Modernisation Trilogy” tracks the various tensions, trials and tribulations which afflict the Fat Controller’s railway as a new era dawns on Sodor’s metals…CHAPTERS0:00 - No More Engines0:50 - A New Look2:03 - Film Stock3:04 - Runaway4:02 - Plan B5:03 - Shed Talk6:22 - Strike7:55 - A Phone Call8:52 - The Answer10:54 - The Film13:15 - End CreditsHello everyone,It’s been a while, but not quite as long as it has been in the past. What I bring here is, certainly, my biggest project in quite some time.In 1967, the age of UK mainline steam was drawing to a close. Diesels; contraptions different and new, dominated the railway world whilst branch lines, particularly in the western region, suffered rapid closure. The Reverend W. Awdry chronicles this with vivid detail in his 1968 volume “Enterprising Engines”, where Oliver makes daring escape for a better life. But more so is this sort of transition about people, the loss of community and the forfeiture of a home. In this new story, I hope to blur the lines between and engine and controller, with a new viewpoint into Awdry’s book through the eyes of the famous railway figurehead.“1967”, as it has eventually been titled, began life two years ago. I have always enjoyed the idea of a story about the railway creating some sort of video, whilst the concept of jumping back into a familiar tale via The Fat Controller’s perspective was something I equally liked. As the project grew these strands intertwined, where time is vital, and Topham’s crisis of responsibility a parallel to both our world and that of the Thomas the Tank Engine fandom. The fear of change and the desire for the familiar is a day to day struggle which I think many relate to, but in this tale I hope to have created a story which is both entertaining and important.I began filming the episode back in August of 2016 with the help of Matt. He came to stay, bringing along Donald, Douglas and D7101, which allowed me to bring this tale to life. Matt did just about everything, from taking apart the engines for better running, to making Oliver’s chimney cover, to insisting my idea of writing “scrap” on translucent plastic simply wouldn’t do. He was right, of course, and to work on a story in the company of someone of his warmth, enthusiasm and humour was something I really will cherish. Furthermore he voices Oliver in this – he’s very good!I then picked things up again in the summer holidays, and will attest to a surprisingly quick turnaround. In about two months I was able to get the bulk of the work done, including the recreation of several sets from the previous year so as to film extra material. Putting this together was something I’ve had a real, genuine enjoyment of, and hopefully some of that has made its way across to you.I must credit this story, almost universally, to the patience and support of those involved. A talented cast, who were more than willing to record lines multiple times, made dialogue editing a treat. Leading the charge is Chris (TheKipperRunsAgain), who I am delighted to have worked with again. His portrayal of The Fat Controller offers a dimension beyond the words, footage or music, and transforms him into a living, breathing character in a way I could not have envisioned. My thanks.So this “Modernisation Trilogy”, eh, where does it lead? Well, this is the first story of three and in the next two we will jump between decades as eras begin and end. Truly, it is a project a long time in the making, and something I am excited to continue. Though not before Christmas……Christmas comes first.George(P.S. Dan – this story would not be here had you not sent me the Topham figure… thank you for that!)
The NWR Stories: What a Lark! SodorsNWRsteam 2017-06-01 | When a visitor comes to the branch line, Toby turns his sights towards the skies in the search for a rare bird…CHAPTERS0:00 - The Visitor1:22 - A Rare Bird2:08 - Toby's Search3:21 - Bad Weather4:06 - A Surprise at the Sheds5:11 - Feathered Friends5:57 - End CreditsHello all - been a while hasn’t it? Of course, at this point, my long absences have become the norm. In fact, I was horrified to realise that this is my first non-Christmas story since “Picture Perfect”, which was uploaded in August 2015! So, as usual, I shall reassure everyone and tell them not to worry as more things are coming very soon. Perhaps I am setting myself up for my usual fall, but for the first time in a long while I find myself with quite a lot to make and a fair amount of time to make it in. I hope there will be more from me shortly.Here’s an episode with quite the history. Originally this was a tale called “Percy the Bird-Spotter” which in 2013. I liked the story but Percy has featured quite a bit in my stories and I was keen to shift focus towards the other characters in my videos. Fast forward to late 2015, where I decide that I should revive the project, fixing my meagre conundrum by making it a Toby story instead. Dan kindly went through and rewrote the script, tailoring it towards the tram engine’s character. In the bargain I got a lovely narration from him too - bird noises intact!I started filming the episode in June of last year, beginning on the Dryaw set. Soon I became distracted with other things and a general lack of interest, before Christmas rolled around and my attention completely turned towards a different episode, “Festivites and Fire Engines”. Ultimately, this was a story which I was frustrated to be tethered to, reluctant to finish when I could make other things, but obliged to not make them because of this. It’s a shame really, because when I finally got round to filming the last few scenes, about a month ago, I really started to enjoy the project a lot. Toby has always been a favourite of mine, and the idea of finishing a four year old story became rather charming indeed.“What a Lark!”, as it is now titled, is here, and for the most part I’m fairly happy with the finished result. There are earlier scenes which I wasn’t completely satisfied with; in a year I’ve learnt a lot and thus forth some parts stand up better than others. Generally, however, it’s nice to have this done, not only for the sake of completion but new-found enjoyment in an old product. I hope you will enjoy it too.Until the next time,George
The NWR Stories: Festivities and Fire Engines SodorsNWRsteam 2016-12-25 | Everyone's excited for Christmas - except Butch and his Driver. To them, the season only brings more work. This year, though, one familiar figure might just make them see things differently...CHAPTERS0:00 - Christmas0:50 - Cold Morning1:40 - Cocoa Relief4:04 - More Work5:47 - Christmas Eve6:10 - The Crash6:57 - Winter Rescue8:35 - Warm Night9:25 - End CreditsAlmost inconceivably, it's been a whole year since my last story. It's been a busy twelve months for me, and when I have found the time to make something I often haven't felt like it. Amazing what the real world does to your sense of fun! Regardless, with Christmas fast approaching, I thought it'd be a shame to break the relative tradition I've had of uploading something on the 25th each year. At first I did have doubts; no ideas stuck, and ultimately I'm not quite sure where this one sprang from, but I really loved the idea of the kind of character dynamic we have here and eagerly set to work. It was a very last minute affair; I started on the script in late November and didn't start filming or editing until a week ago. Furthermore, most of this was edited properly in the last couple of days!In spite of the rush, I'm actually rather proud of what I've ended up with. Much of this is due to the wonderful cast, with the three leads more than willing to put up with my nagging and record lines when time was short. In addition to holding the story together, Matt and Stuart were also the first people to go through the script properly with me, and for that I am very grateful. After their enthusiastic reading aloud, it was hard to see anyone else playing Butch or his Driver. Haydn was also on-board to spruce up Norramby's dialogue here and there (his fab Norramby images were also reused), and after our collaboration last year, I'm more than happy that he gave approval on the script.With the Earl of Sodor on the brain, a thanks, in no small part, is owed to Jake for his characterisation. Last year, his portrayal was so brilliant that I was sure he'd reappear the next year and, being here now, I find myself feeling very much the same. Jake fully embodies the dialogue and there were distinct times where I had to stop editing because I was laughing so hard at the delivery.It's practically unanimous that this year has been a downer, maybe my output is also reflective of that. But here is a story that I had a lot of fun with, as we charge into a new year one would hope is better for all of us.Merry Christmas everyone, and a Happy New Year.George
The NWR Stories: Jingle Fells SodorsNWRsteam 2015-12-25 | Familiar faces end up at the Culdee Fell Railway one wintertime - leading to unexpected friendships, mountain rescues and engines paying rent…CHAPTERS0:00 - Christmas Eve0:57 - Norramby1:46 - A Visit from the Mainline3:46 - Mountain Rescue5:18 - The Banshee6:50 - Lord Harry Helps7:15 - Paid Sidings?8:37 - Company at Christmas8:56 - End CreditsMerry Christmas everyone! This, obviously, will be the last video before the end of the year. It has certainly been a busy few months. I’m really fond of how this story came out, honestly, and I must attribute a large part of that to Haydn, my partner in crime, for offering bounds of creative energy in crafting such a wacky premise. It was a delightful collaboration that thankfully got a script finished in time for it to be made, which is always a bonus. If you haven’t already you should really check out Haydn’s own channel (HalfBakedHex8) and his series, Crossed Lines. Secondly, I must most graciously thank Jake, who was a godsend in both his wonderful narration and production of some brilliant music. Thank you for being so patient and generous. Finally a thanks to you, the viewer, for watching this video right now. I'll try to be better with my uploads.Well, it’s 3 in the morning on Christmas Day so I'm off to bed to get some sleep. See you all in the New Year!George
The NWR Stories: Picture Perfect SodorsNWRsteam 2015-08-22 | The Vicar of Wellsworth and his friends travel across the Island of Sodor with Trevor to find "The Perfect Picture"...CHAPTERS0:00 - A Morning Errand1:52 - Church Gathering2:30 - A Grand Day Out2:50 - Countryside Lunch3:37 - Runaway!4:12 - Artistic Inspiration6:00 - A Present for Trevor6:25 - End CreditsA creative drought had kept me, for quite some time, in a rut. Then one day, not too long ago, an image popped into my head:: Trevor the Traction Engine and Picasso. Such a combination was so utterly bizarre I knew something wacky and fun could be pulled from it. It wasn't until Dan came in to help write the story properly, though, that the whole concept was fleshed out, something I owe him much credit for. "Picture Perfect" was refreshing to make because it felt like a breath of fresh air in multiple ways. For one thing; this marks my first venture into an episode based away from the railway itself, something I've admired in stories from the magazines and annuals in particular; productions which I imagine had a little more freedom to tell stories away from the railway than the TV show itself. One of the many storytelling benefits of Sodor is it's vastness, both in characters and locations. The image of Trevor travelling across the Sudrian countryside with a little trailer is something I'm particularly fond of!A few thanks in particular, in relation to this video:Dan: For keeping me on track and being absolutely invaluable in helping me make this (as always it seems). From writing to editing to making Trevor expressions, the whole story became something tangible because Dan was there to nurse me through the creative process at all the steps along the way. Thanks man!Chris: Someone whose videos I am so very inspired by. It's been lovely to get in touch with you, and you really provided a fantastic narration that gave this story a lot of heart and soul.Jake: For jumping in at the last second to produce some great Thomas-y melodies. Your musical talent is something to behold, and I'm sorry I couldn't put all the ditties in! You can listen to some of the isolated themes by Jake here: youtube.com/watch?v=9X4elN7ZFSIHaydn: For jumping in, also, to help me out with some of the visual effects. The image of the Vicar adorning a beret and artist satchel made me laugh a lot, and I hope I did your handy work justice in the final result.Until the next time,George
Thunderbirds: Mountain of Doom SodorsNWRsteam 2015-07-19 | When two climbers find themselves stranded, only International Rescue can answer the call...Most likely a one-off escapade. This was really just a way to test out editing in some new software, as well as a way to vent some of my love for Thunderbirds, a show I've fallen in love with all over again with the 2015 reboot.One of my favourite things about the original is the wobbling wires and the slightly weird scales. Yet, somehow, almost impossibly, it's still timeless. I hope I've emulated that somewhat here.Different as this is, I had great fun making this adventure. I hope you enjoy!
Up the Gradient SodorsNWRsteam 2015-05-24 | A long time ago, Thomas the Tank Engine had no branch line. Instead, he was offered the chance to pull trucks. Even in times of great struggle, help was just around the corner.A belated video in celebration of the 70th anniversary of The Railway Series.
The NWR Stories: Percys Christmas SodorsNWRsteam 2014-12-25 | As YouTube has limited this video, comments can now be made here youtube.com/post/UgyZvimCNGMGTf0SeNN4AaABCQPercy loves Christmas. From carols to deliveries to the big day countdown - it's all part of the fun. Unfortunately, the other engines begin to find his high spirits a little overbearing…CHAPTERS0:00 - It's! Nearly! Christmas!0:42 - Preparations1:39 - The Meeting2:09 - Oliver's Intervention3:18 - Where's Percy?4:06 - Friends Again5:09 - The Big Celebration6:13 - End CreditsThere’s a history behind this one; I wrote this in October 2013 and started filming it in December... but I missed my deadline!Hey ho - Christmas comes again. So whilst everything up to the 1:24 mark was filmed and edited in 2013, the story beyond was made for Christmas, 2014. Admittedly I found myself quite rushed near the end, and I think I would have liked one or two extra days just to do a polish. Nonetheless, I endeavoured to get this out for Christmas Day and I seem to have succeeded.I’d like to thank everyone viewing. Without your feedback and support and I wouldn’t love making these things anywhere near as much as I do. And for me, that’s something very special indeed.Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,George
Bulls-eyes SodorsNWRsteam 2014-08-18 | As YouTube has limited this video, comments can now be made here youtube.com/post/UgyCn1XFVYd1ICLvl-h4AaABCQ"This is all wrong," thought Daisy. "How can I look him in the eye if he won't turn round?"With my Christmas feature aside, this was a singular upload in 2014, I confess in shame. With that said, "Bulls Eyes" was rolled out rather quickly and with relatively few problems. That was the case, at least, until the upload process - I don't think I've ever had so much trouble trying to publish a video! "Bulls Eyes" is a story I've always wanted to have a go at; it features two of my favourite characters and offers up a charming tale of comeuppance that is thoroughly Awdry. What's not to like?I'm really quite happy with how this turned out, and I hope you'll enjoy it.George
The NWR Stories: Bad Driving SodorsNWRsteam 2013-12-07 | Henry's patience gets tested when he's paired with two incompetent crew-members.Written by Tardisrescue!CHAPTERS0:00 - New Crew1:32 - Coal3:00 - Coaches3:44 - Crash4:42 - Cleanup6:07 - A Second Chance7:26 - End CreditsThis one seems to just-about hold up! I'm delighted that this story took off, and indebted to Dan's lovely script, which is very charming and has aged much better than the visuals. Dearly thankful for his storytelling and continual support.Dry rails and safe running,George
Ghost Train SodorsNWRsteam 2013-11-01 | Please leave a comment!Only a day late...!That said, my editing software was persistent in causing me trouble, to be fair. Lots of crashing and failing to do things - at one point a lost half of what I had done!But here it is, nothing big, but something modest to celebrate the occasion. Despite the troubles I had, I really enjoyed making this, narrating was especially fun.Ah, well, that's all from me. Next year I'll have to come up with something a little more original. But for now, I think this is fine.George(P.S Credit, also, to TheOldBean of SiF for the music that plays when Percy enters the shed!)
Trainspotting in Knapford SodorsNWRsteam 2013-08-08 | Engines of all sizes come out to play in this short video, where we see trains travelling back and forth on the Island of Sodor.
Thomas and the Swan SodorsNWRsteam 2013-06-02 | Thomas gets his comeuppance after he teases Percy about birds...My first adaptation, and the third casualty of my blunder in accidental deletion; I remember having a lot of fun with this one. One of the first times I properly tried some masking, too.Enjoy!
The NWR Stories: Braking Point SodorsNWRsteam 2013-06-02 | Daisy gets more than she bargains for on a quest for attention...CHAPTERS0:00 - Life in the Yards1:30 - Show a Wheel, Daisy!2:06 - Bad Brakes3:09 - On a Roll4:08 - End CreditsOriginally uploaded on 14th March 2013, where it received 3,516 views and 40 comments before some numpty mucked up in the video manager and deleted it.Only I could blunder so badly that I would accidentally delete my own videos! Yep, on the 2nd June 2013 I unintentionally cast the first two of my original stories ("The NWR Stories: Faulty Points and Fire Services" and "The NWR Stories: Braking Point") and my adaptation of "Thomas and the Swan into the abyss. Thankfully, I had back up copies of all three on my computer and quickly re-uploaded them, but I can still remember how upset I was to have lost so many comments and general activity. Petty in a way, but they were some of my first "big" videos, and even know I'm fond of them, numerous flaws aside.With that in mind, I think "Braking Point" was always my favourite of three. Originally called "A Fuse Too Far"; I put this together in a two week period of hazy excitement after releasing my first story. Whilst care and time are two of the most important factors, I often find that I can get episodes at their best when the ideas grow quickly, holding on tight to that initial spark.From first musings to (original) upload it had taken me about two years to get my act together, with my general ability changing over the long time span. Many parts already seemed outdated when I uploaded "Faulty Points and Fire Services". I remember wanting to make a follow up with a "no fuss" mentality so as to turn something out quickly. A good lesson in just getting on with stuff.I'm also particularly fond of this one because of the protagonist. Daisy is surely one of my favourite characters and she's just so fun to write for. Not many people used her either (this was pre-CGI return days) so her usage was even more ideal.It's a flawed little thing, but it holds together much better than the previous story, and I like to revisit it from time to time - if for no other reason than to marvel at how high-pitched my young voice was.All the best,George
The NWR Stories: Faulty Points and Fire Services SodorsNWRsteam 2013-06-02 | Gordon gets himself into trouble and is fitted with a replacement tender. He isn't too pleased, but, sometimes, what's to hand can be most handy!CHAPTERS0:00 - An Overworked Railway3:12 - Faulty Points!5:59 - New Tender7:09 - Double Header7:55 - Trouble Ahead9:03 - Fire!10:12 - Bravery Found, Heroes Made12:17 - End CreditsOriginally uploaded on the 28th February 2013. This is the first story in an ongoing series which chronicles stories on, and beyond, the North Western Railway.
The Morning Train SodorsNWRsteam 2013-02-15 | Duck is travelling on the wrong line! Within the space of a few minutes, however, the crew is given the permission to change tracks and proceed safely.
Down the Mine SodorsNWRsteam 2012-09-26 | A model reconstruction of one of the most famous Thomas the Tank Engine stories, featuring an iconic narration from Ringo Starr.Please enjoy, and perhaps subscribe!
