The NWR Stories | 1973

A 20 minute video exactly? Couldn't find an extra 19 seconds, could you? XD A truly wonderful video for 2019 to go out on. I really was wondering where the trilogy would go next after Bear and Oliver's joint stories, so to focus on early preservation, museums and heritage efforts is a solid way to go. I love the way you approach Gordon; in '1967' he really was the only one to stand up and defend the Mainland diesels against Percy's fears, James's ego and Douglas's prejudice, so to see him act so humble, understanding and accepting of any and all engine, yet still acknowledging how far he's come, is such a pleasant take on him. It's a side so rarely explored, but in hindsight I wonder if this is what the Rev intended him to become more of, if he continued himself beyond book 26 and his arc in 'Enterprising Engines'. Interesting to consider. The approach to the preserved express engines like the upper class elite, only to undercut them by showing how they can't steam is a masterstroke. Chatham is a lovely representation of steam's 'working class' (wink wink), and the fact you so easily set up the brake van solution without needing to show it in effect by the end is testament to your wonderful visual storytelling. Not often I can praise the themes in a fan story, but the ironic focus on self-preservation throughout is truly wonderful. So much to talk about in the story that the physical elements are getting overlooked; the wonderful range of faces original and RWS, the fantastic voice cast, the music, SFX and sets all upping your high standards. This is truly your best work George. Funny, heartfelt, profound and unlike any other fanwork I've seen in a while. You should be proud mate :)

This was a masterpiece. What you've done with Gordon here is brilliant. We're so used to Gordon's role in the dynamic on Sodor; big, pompous, elitist. But this story reveals a truth that we often overlook; Gordon may still have a big ego, but he has improved REMARKABLY from his first days on Sodor. Put him next to the engines he knew in the old days, and he's a saint. This story really celebrates Gordon and the lessons he's learned, and it really moved me. Seeing Gordon stick up for Chatham was the conclusion to a 50 year long redemption arc that started the minute Gordon picked on Edward for being small. And WOW, that twist was flawlessly executed! I didn't see it coming at ALL, but in hindsight the foreshadowing with Scotsman being static in the yard is so clear. Chills went down my spine when Gordon uncomfortably asked "None of you can move, can you?" That's true of so many preserved engines and I've been dying to see it finally explored, and you did it brilliantly! So much depth in these characters, so much subtlety in their motivations and struggles. A super interesting and complex dynamic you've woven here! And that moment where Gordon retorts "And who's going to move me?" and the accompanying music, was the most epic Gordon moment! Jake's performance as Gordon is always stunning, totally captures his essence. Really everyone's voice acting was brilliant! And of course, the model work is all truly stunning, the sets and models all look wonderful, the faces you chose and the ones that are drawn from scratch are perfect! I especially like when the 2D face matches the camera angle, which gives this really satisfying 3D effect! Apologies for the long comment, but Gordon is my favorite character and this is one of the best stories I've ever seen him in. So much more I could mention; Gordon's highly entertaining reaction to the absurdly short demonstration line, the really natural and organic references to the books that follow Gordon wherever he goes... All so wonderful. But I've said enough! Amazing work, I adored it!

I really loved Gordon's character in this. The way how Spencer was written definitely felt RWS like. Chatham was interesting, he's the Mainland version of Thomas. And the way how this plays as what happens when preservation goes to a steam engine's head was written very well.

"And who is going to move me?!", wonderful, brilliant! I laughed so hard!

That was beautiful. An absolute masterpiece. Finally, someone treats Gordon proper! He was so mature, kind, and he even gave a tank engine the spotlight! It's almost as if these events reminded him of a certain someone dreaming of coming out of the station yard. Whoa, never seen Spencer so high and mighty like that. All that fame and fortune has gone to his smokebox way worse than that of Gordon, Henry and James. And the fact that he was thinking back to Old Gordon was actually laughable! I would've like to see Gordon saying to Spencer 'people change, engines change, and I've changed for the better', but your handling of it was just fine the way it is.

I love how much the story shows that Gordon grew as a character by the 60s. He used to be just as pompous as these engines but now he’s mature enough to put the passengers first and look out for the smaller engines, while the big famous engines he spending the night with looked down upon the tank engine (despite the fact they can’t even move) and treat the visitors and passengers as if they’re privileged to see them and not the other way around.

Now this is what the TTTE fandom needs. It's an incredible story the characters act in character. Not to mention this does actually give insight on how desperate engines were be preserved. Truly phenomenal and we'll definitely last the toughest of times ! Continue making these dude ! Yours truly ---Legospaceman (or) Bailey.E.Davis

Only halfway through right now, but I was watching 1967 earlier today, and was thoroughly enjoying it! I was secretly hoping that the next instalment would shine a bit more light on Gordon after his defence for the diesels in 1967 haha This is such a remarkable video that feels very true to the RWS, every character was lovely to watch, and were voiced brilliantly Wonderful work to everyone involved! Edit: Nearly finished now, and genuinely got a little choked up with Chatham and Gordon. They share such a beautiful chemistry

This was completely unexpected, and completely astounding! I truely loved this story, the visuals, and the voiceovers which brought it to life. Somewhat unorthodox but completely successful in its aim! So often we see Gordon as the antagonist in stories set on Sodor, but I see this Gordon as one who was experienced all the trials and tribulations his Railway Series counterpart has endured, and come out the other side a changed engine - which makes his characterisation not only fresh and entertaining, but heart-warming and endearing! I can only hope to one day write a story with such strong characters and moral fibre. Thanks to you and everyone who worked on it for sharing it, I can't wait to see the final chapter in this trilogy!

This is absolutely brilliant ! Gordon showing respect for a tank engine it’s show how much age changes people/engines with time . This is also giving me vibes of the Rev.W.Awdry style of writing. Well done

the classical music, the character arcs, the historical accuracy, the story itself, and your cinematography are great, george! great! the cynical underlining to each and every character; it's like you never left - well done <3

Gordon at the best. The perfect thing to show Gordon doesn’t care how an engine looks or where there from, but how they act and how they work. a true work of art. Giving us the best villain steam engine in a long time. Gordon shows a soft part he show Percy once in a while to Chatham.

This simply has to be one of the greatest stories to come out of this fandom in a long time, with brilliant plot and writing, talented voice actors and fantastic modelling. This channel really deserves more subscribers than it has.

I like how the short highlights how at many Heritage railways or museums, the “Common Shunter” is often the most important but least appreciated piece of equipment.

The plot: 10/10 Characters: 9/10 Hamilton was the issue he/she had no speaking roles Character development: 10/10 may not be canon but it explains Gordon and the engine's hatred for spencer

I absolutely adore how you wrote Gordon in this. He's still a very proud engine, but no longer looks down on little engines. Great work overall.

Wow! Gordon's changed a lot since those early stories, I see. And things are a lot more complicated in Modernization than they seem. Great way to end 2019, dude! Do make more videos soon (even if you don't very often).

13:04 points for Gordon being a badass and Spencer being put in his place.

I love this video, it's got a great story, continuing on from where the first story started. Gordon takes a very neutral stance towards the modern diesels taking over steam engines as seen in the first story and you still see his attitude here. I loved how Spencer is like a "popular kid" and is one of the most vocal of the preserved engines in the sheds with everyone else being too afraid to speak up or they agree with him, and the big reason Gordon was brought being that he could pull the demonstration train which turns out didn't go much of anywhere! Catham is a great character, a hard worker, and an engine who deserves more spotlight than the preserved engines who aren't steamed or pull trains during the gala! I hope we can see more of him in the future! I loved the music, the visuals, the voice acting is spot on as always (loved hearing T55 and Victor Tanzig make cameos!) overall a great part in the Modernization trilogy!

Gordon has become a father figure. oh how I love this.