The NWR Stories | 1967

The Fat Controller is troubled. Torn between his engines and the demands of a modern world, he uncovers the truth about the future of his railway.

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Across three stories, each set in a different decade, The Modernisation Trilogy follows 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,

As always, it's been a while! But today, I bring to you my biggest project so far.

In 1967, the age of UK mainline steam was drawing to a close. Modern diesel engines dominated the railway world while branch lines - particularly in the western region - suffered rapid closures. The Rev. W. Awdry chronicles this with vivid detail in his 1968 book "Enterprising Engines", in which Oliver makes a daring bid for a better life on Sodor. But this change didn't just affect engines - it hit real people, causing the loss of community, and the forfeiture of a home. With this story, I've aimed to look at the change Awdry writes about from the perspective of one of his other characters.

"1967" began life two years ago. I always liked the idea of the railway having to make a promotional video, and I also liked the idea of jumping into an existing story (in this case, "Escape" and "Little Western") but from a different character's viewpoint. As the Modernisation Trilogy came to life, these strands intertwined. In this trilogy, the time period is vital, as are the choices that the characters make. And, to get really pompous, I wanted to talk about the Real World. The fear of change and a hankering for the familiar is something I think many people can relate to - particularly in railway terms. But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't inspect those desires.

Filming began on "1967" in August 2016, with the help of Matt. He came to stay and brought along Donald, Douglas, and D7101, which helped me bring this tale to life. Matt did just about anything, from cleaning up model motors, to making Oliver's chimney cover, to insisting that writing "scrap" on some translucent plastic with Tippex simply wouldn't do. Not only is Matt wise, enthusiastic and funny - he also voices Oliver in this. And I think he's very good! This year, I picked filming back up over the summer holidays, recreating several sets to shoot extra material, as well as the new stuff. This was turned around within about two months - quite speedy for me!

I had so much fun putting this together, and I hope some of that makes its way to you. "1967" is here thanks to the patience and support of all those involved. Leading the voice actor charge is Chris (TheKipperRunsAgain). His portrayal of the Fat Controller makes for a living, breathing character far beyond my wildest dreams. Chris, I'm so glad I got to work with you again!

So - this trilogy. Where does it lead? Well, you're here watching the first of three stories. In the next two, we'll leap into new decades, as eras rise and fall. This is a project several years in the making, and something I'm excited to continue...

... but not before Christmas. Christmas comes first.

George

(P.S. Dan, this story only exists because you sent me a Topham figure. Thank you for that!)