Herman - A Halloween Thomas Story

"Once an engine on an upward climb
Rounded the bend, and saw, out of time
A line of trucks headed it's way
Not engine, nor passenger, survived that day."
- -
Happy Halloween everyone!

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Just so people don't get confused- this is not canon to, nor related to Tedious Tales of Sodor! This short story takes place in its own bubble universe, seperate from the others!

[@OneArmLivingLife]

No wonder why James has an Australian accent

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

@@OneArmLivingLife it's meant to be Scouse 😭😭 James is from the *Lancashire* and Yorkshire Railway. Lancashire is a stone's toss from Liverpool, which is where the Scouse accent originates from

[@joeleboeuf]

@@OneArmLivingLife I believe that's a Scottish accent.

[@joeleboeuf]

@@BiscuitCatProductions To be frank, we all know these aren't canon. But that's what makes them interesting.

[@OneArmLivingLife]

@@joeleboeuf oh well for me I’m stupid and I can’t tell between a British or Australian and Scottish

[@NwrDuck]

Quite a nice little story. It's nice to see a passive spirit roaming the rails instead of a vengeful one trying to spook or hurt our characters. Also well done on the execution of this! Very enjoyable

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Thank you! I've always been a fan of the "misunderstood spirit" thing, so being able to make a story like it myself was pretty satisfying haha

[@datguymiller]

Might I recommend Victor tanzig Spirit? That ghost is just trying to finish his last job

[@Suspect0077]

You were a really useful engine, Herman. 😭

[@wilburpyt]

The signal at the bottom being controlled by him makes me so happy. It’s like in Stranger Things, with Will controlling the lights from the Upside Down. Love it!

[@EvelynJiles232]

YES THATS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

You struck such an authentic tone with this. The way you write dialogue… I am ALWAYS in awe. These engines feel like real people. Just certain lines and their subtle delivery like “shaken, but not stirred”, “we’ll talk later”, and “It’s greek”, just… I don’t know, hit different. Feels so, so real. I love Edward’s serious, in command tone. James is all bluster in peacetime, but the second there’s a crisis he’s cowering and Edward knows exactly what to do. The editing is like, the best I’ve seen. Anywhere in the fandom. Your pacing is perfect, your use of silence and pauses adds so much gravity. The many complex pans and rolling shots and interesting angles… The musical cue as the signal changes for James, startling him, just capped that tense sequence off perfectly. I LOVE that this absolutely belongs in the TVS universe, but has a slow, dramatic tone to be taken seriously and treated cinematically. Rarely do I find a video that I adore every second of, but you did it here. I was on my toes the whole time. The ghost whooshing through James is genuinely uncomfortable to watch, and Seamlessly executed visually! Looks stunning, even the lights in the coaches! I LOVE that we don’t see the crash at first. We have to listen to Henry slowly explain, and we can tell from his voice it’s SERIOUS, but I’m just like “WHAT, WHAT HAPPENED UP THERE?!”And WOAH, that reveal at the end with the signal… It doesn’t DO anything, it’s just been put there for Herman to use. I got literal chills upon hearing it. Like, actually. “He took a bullet for you” is such a good way to describe it, and I can totally see the engines (especially Edward) using a phrase that serious. That type of langauge absolutely belongs in the world of the TVS, but it’s something the show could never say, which is why I love that you did it so classily throughout this video. Anyhow, I could go on, but the long and short is, cinematography wise, editing wise, story and dialogue wise, and visually, you made my week with this.

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

This comment made my day, thank you so much!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it, too! Funnily enough, I actually took inspiration from your recent project "The Token," when choosing James and Edward as main drives for this story, so I owe you quite a bit of credit there! Again, thank you! :D

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

@@BiscuitCatProductions You're so so welcome! And wow! I'm flattered to hear that! So glad I could provide a little inspiration. Those two really are so great to write for, their dynamic is one of the best.

[@jazzykingjack2846]

Herman is refreshing to see a guardian angel or a watcher ghost to the engines that travel over Gordon's Hill and the signal is for him to stop other engines to meet the same fate as him it's refreshing to see friendly ghosts and guardians

[@IAmEvilTree]

Nice story. Given how engines are so dutiful and desire to be really useful, it only makes sense that their ghosts are helpful to others.

[@wrandom704]

I can just imagine Herman having the Great Saiyaman voice everytime he appears.

[@ominimonzwartalterb5526]

Or all might

[@whisperingwaterfall01]

Lmao!

[@Somerandompokemon]

“The grrrreat herman has arrived, my friends!” He gives me like comedic magician vibes.

[@eddingtonrailroading]

James: “you too Edward” Narrator: said James who shortly fell asleep knowing that Herman was still trying to be useful, even after death

[@datawizard8194]

I love the idea of the signal specifically being there for Herman, not controlled by any box or lever. Only for Herman to protect the other engines. Fantastic work!

[@trombonebunny4160]

A simple but effective ghost story without the use of narration? Absolutely spectacular!!! I loved everything about it! Well done!

[@OfficialTrainzGod]

Herman seems like a nice guy

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

He is! I'm sure he'd have used a switch to run around James but.. unfortunately the only way to save James was by going through him haha

[@haydennorris8062]

@@BiscuitCatProductions What’s with that white glow in his eyes?

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

@@haydennorris8062 Just meant to be a spooky effect, that's all!

[@haydennorris8062]

@@BiscuitCatProductions Ohhhhh…

[@Readdisyougey]

@@haydennorris8062it’s usually used to signify the dead, your eyes go white after you die. And considering he probably died quite a long time ago, only his soul remains

[@RmsOlympic1913]

"THIS LINE IS OCCUPIED" one of the best lines ive heard from james it fits his accent so well jameses voice actor is really good

[@jake_0788]

Very, very enjoyable. It blows me away how the community have gone all out with horror stories recently! And who knew the best medium to tell it was trains with faces!

[@christinejorgens6577]

Agreed, this fandom has gone all horror today! I’m no different, I’m currently developing a dark version of King of the Railway where King Godred is said to have battled an mysterious but evil Warlock who hides within the mountains of Sodor… but one day.. the Warlock was dead. No one except the warlock knew how he died… that’s a premise of mine.. Ever since the warlock’s mysterious death, the Ulfstead Mountains are said to be plagued by horrendous monsters and curses in the nights!

[@whisperingwaterfall01]

@@christinejorgens6577 Sounds interesting!

[@danielmovieproductions316]

This was a well done special if I do say so myself! Usually with ghost stories for Thomas the ghosts like Timothy or Alfred or whomever else it may be are usually evil and look to scare or harm the engines in some way, but the idea of this ghost being a guardian is quite refreshing from the overused evil ghost trope.

[@KevinKosasih-dj8gw]

The fact that Gordon shut up and actually believed Edward for once meant Edward's story is something.

[@christinejorgens6577]

Murdoch: *freezes and stares ahead at the spirit of one of his brothers… Herman* “Brother?”

[@haydennorris8062]

Herman’s a Patriot Class, not a 9F.

[@J.M_Swindon]

@@haydennorris8062possibly built by the same designer or built at the same place at the same time?

[@haydennorris8062]

@@J.M_Swindon That’s impossible. The Patriots were built during the LMS era, back in the early 1930s, while the 9Fs were built during the BR era, around the early 50s, more than 20 years apart.

[@silverline5636]

HOLY SHIT.......... Short yet good and I like that a guardian spirit, if sodor was real you know SCP and a lot of Ghost hunters would be around there 24/7

[@emersoninfinitystone5785]

Pretty deep stuff here. I don't blame James for being that shook up, i'd be to... that's the first time i've seen a ghost encounter when the spirit actually phases through someone.... definitely the highlight moment, bravo man!. Also 4:55 that James Bond reference was gold.

[@sudrianhunslet7972]

This was absolutely brilliant. The sound design, voice acting, writing, pacing, everything. This is a textbook example of how to produce an outstanding Thomas story. Can’t wait to see what you cook up next!

[@toyotaprius79]

The voice acting for the characters are the best yet

[@SSR_YT-lil]

I really like this And I like how you made it so he’s not an angry soul. He’s a soul that would take a bullet for someone else

[@Somerandompokemon]

Even though james mocked edward… eddie knew what he’d seen. A guardian angel roaming the rails to the hill. (Splendid job biscuit! As always you never cease to impress

[@dgpstudios3872]

I love this so much. It’s a scary one for sure but has a great moral at the end. I imagine Herman still protects the engines to this day. Nice job!

[@fishpop]

Huh, that was pretty good! Herman's blank eyes were spooky but it's nice there's a ghost looking out for others.

[@theJamesexpress]

Love it. It makes the misunderstood ghost story much and the fact it's even rare to see it is better thanks for the video

[@enderwolfjack25]

Well at least Herman is actually doing his best trying to save all the engines on sodor I just hope someday Herman rest in peace

[@daltondick5223]

I thoroughly love this! It is nice to see a story about a spirit who lives on to protect and prevent others from having a tragic fate as they did. As a believer of the paranormal I believe that there are many spirits out there like this and see it represented in this way is very heartwarming.

[@thecrazycharlatan5295]

Pretty good audio, pretty good story, but holy cow that scene where the ghost just phases through James is some of the best fan animation I’ve ever seen! Well done indeed 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@OHNEY]

I’m really digging this style of video. Honestly wouldn’t mind seeing more standalone stories like this!

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

I've been considering making a series like this for a while but it'd probably be after I finish TTOS ^-^

[@citricamoeba]

This was amazing! Loved how Herman's origin lead him on to how he interacts with Sodor today, very well done!

[@jerrywalker7192]

I would never thought in my entire life I would hear James swear (Spooky video btw)

[@NW-gi1cp]

James: *exists* Herman: ⚪👄⚪

[@zeruiahwild1]

Duuuuuuude this was so well written! I can so see this happening in the series the characters are perfectly written!

[@TankEngine97]

A simple but effective story.

[@craftiestc1]

I'm really impressed by how the visuals are done in this, and I always wanted to do something like this as well. I know this is late but I can't help watching it all the time

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@dyllanbowman2957]

Finally a ghost that ain't trying to murder the engines except for afton

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Afton??? William Afton????

[@dyllanbowman2957]

@@BiscuitCatProductions no there is a train called afton 😂

[@sajeshgiri]

I just love how james at the bottom of the hill is trying not to be scared "Ah!" "Oh, stupid bird" 😂😊

[@lsc_chonkers]

Biscuit, this was an absolute banger story for Halloween. You have no idea how much I love this, well done and keep up the good work! And congratulations on your new PC :)

[@privateerbouncher9622]

After Herman’s train rushed through James, I was like “What the hell?” And then James said “What the hell” and I cracked up.

[@davidmcgillveray146]

3:14 to 3:25 😮😥😰

[@shrayanbose]

The fact that Herman has no eyeballs is very effective

[@lbscsproductions]

bro. im speechless. this was amazing! great work!

[@Suspect0077]

Herman is like a guardian angel engine. Without Herman’s ghost and that signal, James could have died. 🪦 Herman btw. 😭

[@EdwardsDayOut]

THIS IS AMAZING! I especially like the special effects!

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Thank you! It was super fun figuring out how I'd make it work. So proud of how it turned out haha

[@typicalthomas6057]

Happy 1 year anniversary to this goated story

[@EngineerGaming16]

What are they A BLOODY RUNAWAY!?!?!? Had me laughing so hard for some reason

[@BeefieYT]

Gotta commend the person who voiced James, brilliant work, and very authentic

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Thank you! James is always a fun character for me to play, I'm glad you enjoyed it :D

[@anotherlegendarysaiyan4171]

Herman a real one.

[@sineadcleary7632]

7:57 James:and good night Herman Herman's ghost:you too james. I shall protect those from haveing the same fate I had.

[@DarthWill3]

Yikes. Quite the thriller you've come up with! While I'm a bit disappointed that there wasn't any music playing, on the whole I rather enjoyed it. Really built up the suspense, you did. 👍

[@LightningTheLMS3FJinty2020]

I remember watching a video of a model James encountering a ghost express of the gwr and the whistle is lady's whistle but this is better

[@saundershighschooluniversi4036]

3:28 reminds me when a ghost train past through Winston from Ghostbusters ll

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

That's actually the direct inspiration for that scene!! I'd seen Ghostbusters 1 and 2 so many times when I was younger, that the ghost train scene is SUPER iconic to me and my childhood. I'd even go as far as saying it was the basis for the whole video!

[@JohnDavies-cn3ro]

Quite a good little story - James even talks and thinks like a real railwayman. Not too sure about that signal, though - not linked to anything, and controlled by a shost? (My dad was a signalman, so I know a bit about them....)

[@lincolnbedingfield5561]

Herman at the end like “what, not a thank you?”

[@survroproductions200]

a story well told, bud Great job.

[@Bunbiichuffn]

Shaken but not stirred, nice

[@SPG69]

Damn this was really good Great job 👏

[@ominimonzwartalterb5526]

Feel like that small scare herman gave him was to let him now he existed

[@todddavis2041]

Very good. The Bond reference was also nice!

[@vindamawarrose9500]

So Herman is a guardian ghost? Thats interesting..

[@Stinky1a]

While it is a good story, I question how such an accident like that would take out an engine, given the slow speed of the engine, and from seeing the goods train, it doesn’t appear that the goods train that breaks loose in the beginning would be strong enough to take out an engine at that velocity

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

This is probably one of the biggest flaws in the visuals, but the idea is that both Herman and the train were moving abt 50-60mph at each other, so it was more or less the same as traveling 100 - 120mph into a wall

[@haydennorris8062]

@@BiscuitCatProductions Herman did EVERYTHING he could to save the Passengers…

[@Nightmare_52]

a wonderful story

[@dominictheexplorer2.056]

This is FANTASTIC!

[@OnlyJackkk0]

Wow what a hero herman is

[@finnythao1548]

It’s a lot more scarier at night if something happens like this because the Erie atmosphere and sudden sounds

[@gillespriod5509]

Herman goering likes this video!😁

[@hanzduffenschmirtz2408]

PLEASE MORE ITS SO GOOD!!!!! T-T

[@SkulllikesVR]

Nice story,I love how James have a Scottish accent

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

@@SkulllikesVR It's closer to Scouse than Scottish 😭😭

[@brianfalzon6739]

Wow, that’s spooky! Well done!

[@NHNProductionsYT]

Nice work! Where did you get the route if you don't mind me asking.

[@Reimu__Hakurei]

2 Spook 4 me *Happy Halloween!*

[@easternwoyer3876]

This has to be the first story where the ghost just kept going when making contact with the living instead of disappearing or pushing them

[@henrydog1056]

Nice ghost edit bro!!!!!!👻💀👻💀👻💀👻💀👻💀👻💀👻💀👍👍👍👍👍👍🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂💀💀💀👻👻

[@DaGrounderZone]

That was amazing

[@amaniandrus260]

ok i need to ask this is Edward some kind of messager of death i mean he knows about every story of death and can most of the ghost will talk to him when he wants them the ghost all so dont mess with him every

[@jessetheredlioquin95]

The scene where Herman’s Ghost went through James looked similar to the ghost train going through Winston in Ghostbusters ll.

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

That was actually a huge inspiration for this. I remember seeing that scene on the TV ages ago and thought it was so cool. It only came back to me when I was working on this video and I thought it'd be an awesome thing to try out :)

[@amirnaimabdullah5202]

Herman the hero

[@randomcommenter8137]

Quick Question: Who did the half of the goods train belong to? when herman crashed into it?

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

I'd say it was a visitor who was unfamiliar with troublesome truck's from Sodor, hence why they were able to break away

[@randomcommenter8137]

@@BiscuitCatProductions Nice, I like to belieive it was James’s trucks, which was why Edward was suprised he didn’t remember him.

[@iannehuenguerreno9900]

For a moment I think it's was Henry For the tender

[@YukariAkiyamaTanks]

I guess gordon won the debate over the station. Herman's face is disturbing and with that name reminds me of my grandfather.

[@victoriamaynard722]

3:42 signal jumpscare

[@amirnaimabdullah5202]

“He took a bullet for you” i understand

[@joeleboeuf]

There's one issue, all engines running at night needs a light while traveling. Otherwise they'll be left in the dark.

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

That is one detail I considered but left out! The thing with TRS19 is that the lights are crazy bright, too bright even, for the atmosphere to stay spooky As a result I decided not to include them

[@Solarwavestopmotions]

This surprisingly scared me good job though

[@Just_B_9706]

That's a great scary story

[@brianfalzon6739]

I see you used the Big City Foreign Engine as Herman’s Ghost in your story!

[@andrewscolari5724]

Well done

[@SDF354]

RIP Herman

[@BojanZankovic]

I'm think Herman haunts the gordon's hill

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

@user-kc4jo2kw2j brother if you watch the video Edward literally explains it, VERBALLY what Herman does

[@AKALoona1977]

cnan u give the link of those coaches that herman was pulling

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

They are from Ifor Engineering Works

[@lasermatrix9396]

Something interesting about the name Herman is that there is a rail yard by the same name in Tennessee

[@loganbloom6191]

Do you take story ideas and requests

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Sure but I probably won't adapt it

[@loganbloom6191]

@@BiscuitCatProductions fair but what about audio adaptations

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

@@loganbloom6191 Same case..?

[@loganbloom6191]

@@BiscuitCatProductions alright i won't push i understand

[@mr.marvgokul1.7]

at 5:31 Edward looks like a badass

[@Metney]

Masterpiece!

[@evanclarke5561]

This was really dark. Was Gregory Herman's nickname?

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Thanks! But no, Herman's name was Herman

[@Planefan1000]

No, "gregori" (ἐγρήγοροι in Greek) refers to a type of angel called a Watcher

[@randomkenworth]

Herman looked like big city engine

[@IceyColds5804]

Cool

[@TheAustralianpirate123]

So let me get this straight. A steel engine weighing as much as a semi truck, was killed by some wooden boxes on wheels

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

Do you know how much a consist like that weighs? Everything added up, it's more like two semi trucks rushing towards each other. Reminder that there are tankers and vans on the consist, too. Fully loaded.

[@DedSetSte420]

I enjoyed that tanks 👍

[@ominimonzwartalterb5526]

Herman looks like a similar model to either hiro or that orange express engine, i forget his name

[@janellewarren2119]

How much I want to bet that the back half of either Eagles or 87546

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

@janellewarren2119 or the twist is that it was James

[@thekaibacorpexpress4043]

Spooky story