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The Fat Controller finds himself torn between his engines and the demands of a modern world. Through this struggle, he uncovers what the North Western Railway really is and where its future lies.
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Comprised of three segments, each based in a different decade, The Modernisation Trilogy tracks the tensions, trials and tribulations afflicting the Fat Controller and his famous engines as the tides of change crash against their rails…
CHAPTERS
0:00 - No More Engines
0:50 - A New Look
2:03 - Film Stock
3:04 - Runaway
4:02 - Plan B
5:03 - Shed Talk
6:22 - Strike
7:55 - A Phone Call
8:52 - The Answer
10:54 - The Film
13:15 - End Credits
Hello 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 while 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 bid for a better life. But, more so, this sort of transition is about people, the loss of community and the forfeiture of a home. In this new story, I hope to blur the lines between 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 genuinely enjoyed, and hopefully some of that will make 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!)