How I Built Edward – Tug's Trains

Someone commented on the original video that a backstory for the raised splashers could be that, after Edward’s Exploit, he was rebuilt with them so that his whole side doesn’t get messed up like that again. I like that idea.

A head-canon for me that might awnser the "Why are all of the Sodor engines some kind of experimental engine?". The Tophams were the least picky people of all time.

For some reason Nic's Edward videos are always my favorite videos . Favorite Sodor's finest video: Edward Favorite Tug's model: Edward

I've always had two headcannons on why almost all of the main engines are experimental one offs. Headcannon #1 is pretty simple, at the start the NW railway didn't have a big budget, so the only types of engines the Fat controller could afford were experimentals, engines that would've otherwise been taken apart or left to sit forever. Headcannon #2 is more self indulgent. Sodor is simply an island of thrown away or unwanted engines

Concerning why every major Sodor character is a strange one off locomotive, I think the reason for that is because Awdry wanted the trains to look a bit more unique than their basis’, and this was to account for that.

all of the first 6 engines being weird one-offs is funny to me because it implies BR just goes " we don't want that shit dump it on the fat one " once in a while and Topham gets a new choo choo

Considering Thomas was originally meant to be a J50, it would also make sense Edward would work as an older LNER 4-4-0.

It sucks that the tender connections were so difficult to work with. If I had to chose an engine in real life that would work best for Edward, it would probably be the D36, like you said, or the D20 or 21. But this Edward turned out great.

I would love to one day make a realistic model of Toby as there are many kits of the Wisbech trams around and because of the research I’ve done into East Anglian railway history since starting my volunteer work on the North Norfolk Railway. Thanks for the inspiration Tug!

I love how he makes those little intros and outros for every Edward video

Apparently, you could’ve left the tender pickups out of it. There’s a trick where you can insert small wires or staples into slots 1/2 and 3/4 to trick the motor into thinking it’s connected. Tangentially, you could probably find a way to hide the wires under the N Class tender.

Love this model! Definitely inspires me to make my own Edward model like this! Except maybe with different model but I love this one so much too!

The re- re- turn of Edward!!!

I love that beginning sequence

Good old Edward is one of my favorite Thomas characters

I've learned to wait on doing favorite characters/models/things until I've built up my skill to be satisfactory as, like you, learn a lot throughout the building process. You could always build another one, but I agree with you! There is always a charm in the first model that you build, mistakes and perfections included!

I don’t like the d16 as Edward either, but gosh damnit you made a very beautiful model, Nic, no BS!

Despite it being not to accurate your D16 Edward is a dang good model of Edward!

Yknow Tbh, I think D16 Edward looks fitting, it makes him look like he was rebuilt, and I’d say this would be cannon Edward after the events of “old iron” where he got his old worn parts replaced and was given a major overhaul to look different but feel like he isn’t worn out and tired anymore and actually has more strength than he’s ever had before in quite a long time, that would be a good Canon Edward for your Thomas universe in my opinion

Another possible candidate for a new Edward model might be the Dapol SECR D Class with its low-slung smaller Victorian/Edwardian (heh) boiler and tall cab and chimney. The only problem is the D Class' distinctive swooping wheel guards, which on the one hand are one of the things that makes the D Class one of the most beautiful engines ever built, but on the other hand could be argued to be not very Edward-ish about it. Also, if Sam's Trains' review can be believed, you were right to be wary of the infamous Dapol quality. Still, for OO Gauge, it may be the best bet.