The Railways of Sodor - Episode 8 - Gordon - Part 2

[LEON13858]

absoulutly brilliant story. it felt like it could have been in the railway series. i was wondering where you could purchase the kit for james. i have looked around with no luck.

[MrCorentinP]

what program did you use for the effects?

[sparkshot]

@MrCorentinP - Credits.

[MrComedy01]

I love how Henry rolls his eyes when Gordon flys by it's a perfect element of the TV Series! XD

[BramGroatFilms]

Phenomenal Job!

I like how Gordon is still grumbling at the end!

It would feel like a serious film if it wasn't for TFC's scone line, and being referred to as "Fat Hatt" in the credits, but that adds humor.

[Klurty34]

Loved it. Well worth the wait! Amazing sets/story as usual :D

[thomasyourtheleada1]

This is rather nice, and worth the wait indeed.

[sparkshot]

@thomasyourtheleada1 - thanks, I thought people stopped commenting to be honest.

[bradleythethomasfan1]

carm down gordon

[sparkshot]

@bradleythethomasfan1 - Yeah, He's always whinging.

[TheMetroidMurderer]

@sparkshot I would love to see both, but you only do one a commentary would be the best choice in my opinion.

[MrComedy01]

I see you're sticking to the timline of Sodor history and not the book's history.

I hope you do a story set in 1915 with the arrival of our favourite little engine, :)

[sparkshot]

@MrComedy01 - Yeah, RWS timeline trumps publishing dates. Thomas's arrival. What a good idea. Will think on that, however, as I've said elsewhere I probably won't ake another episode for a long long time, especially now as my layout has been ripped up. Yup, video in the works.

[CheekyTankEngine]

This really was worth the wait! You're modeling skills really are top notch.

I wish I knew more about Sodor's history, but I can't afford to buy 'The Island Of Sodor' book. Oh, well. Excellent video! =D

[TheMetroidMurderer]

That was a awesome episode and well worth the wait. Personally, I would love to see outtakes, behind-the-scenes, and directors commentary on this episode.

[sparkshot]

@TheMetroidMurderer - I might do a commentary or out takes video.

[therailwayinspector3]

Wow, wow, and ... WOW! That was stunning.

The sets, the story, the models too. It all looks stunning.

I love the smooth, almost unnoticable transition between animated and static faces, and the animated faces themselves- very well done indeed!

Congratulations on a stunning piece of work Sparkshot.

[sparkshot]

@therailwayinspector3 - Thanks mate, the transitions between moving faces and static faces were a challange and took a good while to do, zooming into and tweaking every hundredth of a second sometimes on the keyframer. Results are better or worse in different areas.

[DeanNickChase]

bad luck for that Blue car, Eh?

[penninefilms]

Thanks for the information on how you built the model.

[Damocles178]

Very well done :) Though I do find it a bit odd that during the time Gordon was gone Henry himself had also gotten a rebuild; I just would've imagined Henry to still be in his older shape when Gordon got back but mind you I don't really know what year Henry had his rebuild in anycase and hey in fan-fiction things can vary :)

[vulgarozord]

Well done on the whole thing, both to you and those who helped. Facial animations are a great touch and I'd go as far as saying that this episode, visually, could be the closest I've seen to bringing the classic RWS illustrations to life.

[legocityrulz2]

2:05 oh dear the fat controllers been at the booze again

[rjconnolly2nd]

If it's set in 1939, then why is there a breakdown crane at 4:58 with a BR crest? British Railways was not formed until 1948.

[sparkshot]

@rjconnolly2nd - On another comment I already picked myself up on the same error, only this time it was the BR crest on the 4F. Simply put, I messed up.

[Damocles178]

@sparkshot Heh personally I wouldn't worry too much about it. Even Simierski has done things like that too and to be fair we gotta improvise sometimes :) I remember Simierski said he used a circa 60's or 70's tanker that would not have existed in the 50's but I wouldn't have known that only for the fact Simierski himself said in one of his behind the scenes videos :)

[TheTrainDude48]

Simply...Bravo. This was something that deserves more views. A little note: Why was Henry in his new shape in 1939?

[sparkshot]

@TheTrainDude48 - Henry crashed in 1935, not 1950. I have that from Christopher Awdry when I questioned him about it.

[TheTrainDude48]

@sparkshot So if Henry crashed in 1935, then what's the timeline of the first few books before Gordon the Big Engine?

[sparkshot]

@TheTrainDude48 - the RWS book timeline starts at 1922 as best an estimate as my RWS has taken me.

[Damocles178]

"You don't have to replace his attitude too y'know" That's a classic line right there :D

[Dooby1986]

would American models run on your track?

[sparkshot]

@Dooby1986 If H0 scale yes.

[Dooby1986]

@sparkshot

Sweet. I'm building a RWS spin-off myself but using american MTH O-Gauge models. Using my own pain-stricken layout, it's called "Keystones" and its about engines of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Im trying to make faces for the engines but it's harder than I thought....

[Toontrain]

Whats this at 06;23 in the right of the screen!!! dare I see BOCO!!! I do hope that you intend on introducing him in future episodes :) have you bought the Heljan model? or is yours a modified Kit or Hornby double o version, either way I approve from one of the Volunteer restorers on the sole surviving Metrovic Type 2 Class 28 D5705 :) - as well as Class 15 D8233 and Class 14 D9531 at Bury on the East Lancs Railway.

[sparkshot]

@Toontrain - Thanks for the detailed comment. :) It's a Silver Fox met Vic painted slightly different to my specification. I want to get the Heljan one as it's much better but haven't the money at the moment, what botheres me is it is a limited addition so I can see myself loosing out. :( Volunteering is something I'd like to do.

[Toontrain]

@sparkshot Thanks for the reply, Yes modern model locos are hellishly expensive, plus you will modify it to bring it on to one of your character models for your filming, and doing that to a £120 brand new out the box model is tantamount to sacrilege, so your probably better off with the Silverfox one for your Boco model, BTW I helped the Heljan/Hattons guys measure up D5705 when they were taking the measurements for the Heljan model

[sparkshot]

@Toontrain - That's cool indeed mate. Have you any idea when the limited edition run will run out? That's possibly a silly question but I don't know how many they have/will make and weather I'll be able to get one when I decide I have enough money to safely buy one. I've been cutting expensive models up for a while so a slight repaint/rebrand won't hurt.

[BaiocoIslandFilms]

I thought that this could not get any better, then I heard Gordon talking over the credits!

This is well worth the wait!

[sparkshot]

@BaiocoIslandFilms - Glad you liked that touch. I wasn't sure if people would like it.

[penninefilms]

Can I ask is the James model a scratch built model or is it just a good repaint of the Hornby Model?

[sparkshot]

@penninefilms - it's a kit built model from brass, but altered in a few ways to be more accurate to james. Pony truck, extended running plate, scratch built splashers and bigger wheels, plus different tender.

L&YR Class 28.

[DOWSOE]

you modded your own trains ?! They look great and the animation too !

[sparkshot]

@DOWSOE Yeah, I don't like Hornby or Bachmans representation of the RWS engines, I think mine are more accurate.

[TheHistorySoldier]

@sparkshot Have you been thinking about making an Edward model.

[sparkshot]

@TheHistorySoldier - Loads and loads. I was going to build Edward for episode 8 but waiting for the company to make the K2 was taking longer, through emails he asked me to wait a year, so i did. Then when I spoke to him he said it'd be another year so i thought, SOD IT!

[NWR1991]

Damn! This almost felt like a movie! So much effort and time have been put into this and the face were done so well. It was well worth the wait.

[crazyracer12]

Oh my gosh... This is the BEST model railway based video I've ever seen on this website! 100/10! :D

[Thomasnumber1fan101]

really great episode keep up the good work

[paulgem123]

Is this what you were talking about. Pretty groovy. It must take a long time to do a episode.

[sparkshot]

@paulgem123 - Thanks Ray, have you seen both parts?

[therailwizard1994]

damn those are good models, and some killer effects,

[rjconnolly2nd]

0:37 I spy an LMS Fowler 4F in Br livery!

[sparkshot]

@rjconnolly2nd - Yep, you certainly do, and in 1939!  What an anachronism. What a cock up. Never mind!

[rjconnolly2nd]

I've waited for 4 years. Thank God!

[Rexeljet]

I may have been waiting for this since 2008, but it sue was worth it. Best Thomas model video yet, in my books!

[stefe2014]

that's really good!

[FLYTRAP47]

whats the name of that song at the end

[TheSI3DRemakist]

this was fantabulous and well worth the wait! Fantastic job knux! =)

[14warr]

I laughed out loud when Henrys driver said "unless you want to use a newspaper and a leather bootlace." What a great story.

[Thorpedo619]

This is amazing, well made and expertly filmed on outstanding sets. Well done :) 5* work.

[ausgar1]

great vid whens episode 9?

[sparkshot]

@ausgar1 - blimey, give me chance. Probably not until 5 or 10 years has passed. Consider my series dead until further notice. Building new layout/s too.

[ThomasPercy99]

Hey Knux after watching your videos for years, do you think we will be able to get another Behind the scenes of what your sets look like etc?

[Tardistraveller600]

Oh my, that was fantastic! You've really outdone yourself this time! Merry Christmas!

[x00001]

Another good episode are you going to do a out takes episode again?

[sparkshot]

@x00001 - Possibly yeah, It's an idea on my mind, as is a commentary, but I don't know who would want to listen to me ramble over the top to be honest.

[DoctorTankEngine]

Haha had forgotten I recorded Henry's Drivers lines! thought I recognized the voice!

[sparkshot]

@DoctorTankEngine - Your kidding me! LOL, well, it has been a long time I guess. I've still got your out takes file btw, the ones where you do the old git impressions. Still makes me chuckle. :)

[DoctorTankEngine]

Well done Knuckles, has certainly been worth the wait!

[diesalfan50]

After watching both parts, This was worth the wait! The story was superb and I loved the faces! This has to be the Thomas Videos of the year! I look forward to more at this standard. Well done Knuxs!

[HenryBlueProductions]

Thoroughly enjoyed it mate, was worth the wait, certainly. Cheers for the ickle bit in the credits :] The banter is fun as always. Lol @ Davey at the end =P

[disneyrangerblue02]

Lol, quite a show, pal. Quite a show.

[georgemiser]

Lol at Gordon threatening to kill henry and bliow him up during the credits.

[sparkshot]

@georgemiser Yeah, it was a decision I was unsure of but I think it worked, gave an interesting effect. Great way to use an improv / out-take.

[kingfisher1487]

I think you goofed a bit Henry did not have his new shape until the 1950's where you have got him in his new shape in 1939! have I missed something?

[sparkshot]

@kingfisher1487 - Yeah, Wilbert and George awdry's book IOS says Henry's crash was in 1935, Christopher Awdry's RBTL says it was in 1950. I contacted him and he said words to the effect of, "Yes, my mistake, the crash was in 1935, it wss the RWS book itself that was written in 1950" So officially it's 1935, plus 1935 fits, if it was 1950 it'd throw everything else out of alignment.

[GeebMachine]

That was really good! The way the faces were animated were a little creepy, but were done nicely, nonetheless. But, I think I really loved what happened here, at 9:13. ;D

[Danielthetankengine]

I absolutely loved this one. This is your best work so far.  I know that Ep.9 might be a bit longer, but it'll be worth the wait like this episode ^_^

Rating: 9.5/10

[DarthWill3]

"A little bit above his station?"

If you ask me, I'd consider James lucky NOT to pull the Express very often. Gets to his smokebox too.

"Oh, what a life!" LOL

AH!!! What happened to STH's car? 2:10

Bootlace reference! ROFL

Oh that Gordon!

[sparkshot]

@DarthWill3 - Hehee! You noticed his car, Ok, so to find out why it is where it is, you'll have to watch part one again. There are several clues there all subtly interwoven into the story. :)

[DarthWill3]

@sparkshot Oh, yeah. STH crashed his car while hitting the bottle, right?

[sparkshot]

@DarthWill3 - Possibly, you have to make your own judgement based on the clues in part 1.

[DarthWill3]

@sparkshot Alright. Perhaps I will.

[NewController01]

A really enjoyable episode, Knucks, I applude you

[LionelThomas200]

awsome job man! :D still love the effects, nice job.

[lbbrian]

that was fantastic work. it was great to see a new episode after 4 years. :)

[ThomasPercyandToby2]

Superb! Love the effects, models, voice acting. Everything's flawless.

[Lightninging63]

Do I hear Gordon grumbling during the end credits? Cool!

Nice little cameo by BoCo at the end there too.

In short, I loved this, it was well worth the wait. Having Gordon really changed things.

I'm going to go watch it again! :D

[sparkshot]

@Lightninging63 - yeah! I thought I'd have Gordon whinging in the credits, adds to it I think!