Long Live the Iron Horse - An Audio Drama

[@BiscuitCatProductions]

I am CURSING myself for not listening to this sooner. This was SO HEAVY and FULL. I think I knew that Buttercup would only take his leave- 'kicking and screaming,' I'll say- much like Buttercup himself said. They both knew "it'd come to this..." and yet it still felt like a punch to the chest. There's something so heart-wrenching about two valiant workers, pushing themselves to their absolute limits for their respective families. It's a story I never thought I'd see so well adapted into the Thomas universe- and yet, you found a way. Brilliantly executed

[@eldmusic]

I like the perspective of the Horses “talking” in the same way the trains “Talk.” It’s the Human “We will pack bond with anything” mentality

[@daviszdirector]

its been ages since this came out but i keep going back to it. crazy how even the sheep didn't even like skarloey, they were siding with the horses fr lmao

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I poured my heart and soul into this one. I know it’s long, and I fully understand if this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Up to you how you want to engage with this: feel free to skip around and only watch snippets, watch it in chapters, or experience the whole thing in one go. I thought about cutting it down, but to me, this is simply what happened on the railway at that time. I couldn’t bear to leave any of it out; I hope you enjoy!

[@EmmettDoyleDDR435]

Okay

[@michaelh1480]

The Token was a amazing story and I have no doubt this will be just as good if not better.

[@eliotreader8220]

sounds like Mr Mack was a right Terror to the SKR's number one.

[@Reimu__Hakurei]

It’s beautiful thank you.

[@railwayhistorian2778]

I am sure this will be a good story but l am still waiting in anticipation about that tutorial take your time though no need to force yourself

[@elsbridgeproductions]

This story made the old Skarloey Railway seem more alive than any other form of media ever has. I've said it before and I'll say it again; you have a gift for storytelling!

[@ki11thecube]

2:24:27 That "We can't both have it, now can we?!" gave me chills. this story is incredible.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I'm glad that line had an impact on you; it gave me chills too, and I was really hoping it'd do the same for others. Thank you!

[@Jaysongreentugcuke36326p]

Hey Master of the lemon can you show me how to make a sunshine face I'm making a g gauge sunshine and I need help to learn how to make the face so can you please help me

[@CoCuldee]

I loved every part of this. Skarloey & Rheneas' relationship, the rivalry between the engines and horses, the origins of the "troublesome trucks" thing. Everything.

[@LancashireAndYorkshire]

I don't know why, but the exchange between Buttercup and Rheneas near the middle spooked the shit out of me.

[@SodorTrain1225]

The way this is framed, it feels like a Western. I could SO see Rheneas on the Durango and Silverton, racing Buttercup down the line. Edit: Also, THIS is how Troublesome Trucks came into being? That's just...TERRIFYING!!!! And the "Chase him, bump him, throw him off the rails," gave me chills. Splinters must be "rolling on his kindling" now.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Ahahah it honestly is a Western in disguise, I'm glad you picked up on that.

[@joeythecat7482]

@@MasterOfTheLemons "This railway ain't big enough for the two of us."

[@loanedengineproductions]

Out of every TTTE rivalry I've ever seen, Rheneas and Buttercup's is just amazing and how the horse's all hate Rheneas. The conflict between the horse's and Rheneas are just astounding, I can just imagine the arguments between them being in CGI. Spitfire's death was very shocking, same with Buttercup's. When Rheneas flew down the incline and went off the wagon turntable was crazy, and how he was dangling off the edge. The trucks getting crushed by that standard gauge engine was horrifying. I love this audio story, First the Token and now this, keep it up Lemmy!

[@winwatch9835]

I just listened to a story about a talking train and a talking horse... and it is the most profound, philosophical thing I've heard. From beginning to the end, it was a thrilling Western of epic proportions and yet it was a deep dive into the harrowing first few years of the Gallant Old Engine. Beautifully written and narrated.

[@Twinmill69227]

The thing that struck me was, "mindless horse neighing" and "faceless steam engine weeshing steam meaninglessly"

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I'm glad that struck you. That's one of my favorite bits, personally. I hope it made you think a little!

[@Twinmill69227]

@@MasterOfTheLemons it did, it really did

[@Spaceman33393]

I don't care about length, this is gold. A much more in-depth look at the early years, and why not everyone treats these iron beasts the same.

[@TripleAproductions394]

I absolutely loved this. The narration, the story, world writing, history telling, the Railroad, that conversation between Skarloey and Rheneas, workers seeing a horse and faceless steam engine!? You, my friend, are the best writer in ttte fandom. I don’t care that the video is almost 3 hours long, it was beautiful. God speed lemony. God speed.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so so much for saying all that! I really delved into the history and nature of early railroading in this, and I'm glad you appreciated that element! Glad you liked that moment where I "pull back the veil" and show the horse and train speaking in their native tongues; I'm quite fond of that one myself! Means so much to hear that the video warranted its huge length, I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the ride!

[@LancashireAndYorkshire]

@@MasterOfTheLemons I’m not going to lie, that part was oddly terrifying

[@eliotreader8220]

@@MasterOfTheLemons I loved who ever voiced Butter Cup made the horse sound like a cow boy. this reminds me of John Henry and the steam drill

[@sudrianhunslet7972]

This was an absolute masterpiece. I’ve seen other people in this comment section say that you are the best writer in the fandom, and honestly I don’t think they’re wrong in the slightest. There is so much passion in the stories you wrote and this one is no different. There’s so much heart and thought behind the writing and the voice acting and editing bring it to life in a way I think only you could accomplish. Absolutely brilliantly done.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

That means the world, thank you! I'm honored that anyone would call me the best; this fandom is filled with brilliant writers, and I deeply appreciate you leaguing me with them. I do put a LOT of thought and deliberation into these characters and their world; I'm so glad it comes through.

[@sudrianhunslet7972]

@@MasterOfTheLemons I’d love to know your writing process one day if you’d be at all interested in sharing it, be it video or otherwise. I know you’ve said you’re not big on tutorial videos which is very fair, but if you ever felt like rambling for a bit about your process in a video ( or if you already have in some form ) I would LOVE to hear it.

[@QTelectric2012]

This is an audio story that is ABSOLUTELY WORTHY of a movie adaptation. The amount of time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears you've put into this audio story that tells of the early days of the Skarloey Railway and the rivalry between the horses and Skarloey and Rheneas along with shedding some much-needed light on many things in the Thomas & Friends universe including greater detail into Skarloey and Rheneas' past (particularly with Rheneas and what he went through throughout the story with his rivalry with Buttercup), how they and the railway bounced off the horses, Mr. Mack being shown to be a money-brained prick who's got too much on his shoulders and got drinking and anger issues while running the railway, the works, I don't know what else to say. This is what many of us including myself call "PERFECTION". Everything, and I mean, EVERYTHING, is not just given to us in absolute detail but in a way that combines the Thomas television and RWS universes and gives us much more from a true Thomas fan's perspective. I already liked Rheneas and Skarloey as they were in the classic series and in the CGI series from Blue Mountain Mystery and the Brenner Era but this entire trip made me look at them in a brand new light that made me like and respect them even more. Congrats on your magnum opus, dude!

[@Lampironstudios215]

I keep imagining this in either trainz or cgi

[@Geardproductions]

The entire conversation between Buttercup and Rheneas at the end will put a whole new perspective on “Gallant Old Engine.” Absolutely beautiful. I’m glad you released the whole thing.

[@gbhtrain1325]

This was such an incredible story. The drama, the action, the storytelling, and above all else the drama. This is one of those stories that cannot be shown, only told. You have created a masterpiece here.

[@_crankster]

Yet another incredible story. Albeit I at first was confused and slightly put off by the talking horses, your story telling dragged me in, especially with the scene where two yelling voices became steam and crying horses. Absolutely breath taking.

[@aj50person82]

Rheneas starring in the equivalent of a cowboy story. I never thought I'd see the day. God this was good.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

HAha thanks so much, that's honestly exactly what this is lol. Rheneas will always be a lone ranger to me; until he finally lets Skarloey share the burden, of course.

[@lonesailordee3886]

Oh yeah. This is gonna be a fun shift. Another beautiful audio story by the Master himself

[@JamesTheRedEngineProductions]

I listened to this whole story. All 2 hours and 47 minutes of it. This is fucking amazing. It is one of the best pieces of fan-made Thomas media anywhere. The characters are compelling and believable, the descriptions are endlessly compelling, and the narrative and plot are amazing. I would really love more stories like this and the token, as they are some of the greatest anywhere in the fandom. I could even see this becoming a movie tbh, its that good. Keep up the amazing work!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so very much for saying so!! I was worried about the length, it's great to hear that it was worth your time! I'm glad those descriptions compel you too, I'm so in love with these places and they're so real to me, I'm glad I could bring my vision for them to you too! I'm honored that you think my stories are some of the best, I absolutely wanna do more of these. I haven't felt this creatively liberated in a long time, and I have SO much more to say.

[@randomstufliker2]

Something I only noticed on re-watch (re-listen?). Up to the chase down the plateway, it's implied that Rheneas is facing forwards whenever he goes up the line. The plate way makes the railway, technically, one big loop so Rheneas would be facing the other way after he went down it. After the chase (with one exception that doesn't take away from the story), Rheneas is implied to be facing forwards going down the line. That's a nice little detail that adds to an already impressive story

[@itzfardino]

I always thought he would be going up and down the line facing forwards both ways?

[@matteomarmiroli1713]

Truly the best audio drama story i've ever heard

[@BubblyKettle]

An incredible story that is impossible to not be swept away by. The action, betrayal, and the beauty in the madness provides a really promising adventure to be taken on. Outstanding work, and fantastic storytelling. The ending moment between Skarloey and Rheneas was a fitting end.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

You put that really poetically and succinctly; thanks so much! "Action, betrayal, and the beauty in the madness"... That's just what I was going for! Glad you liked the ending; in a sense, the whole story builds to it.

[@iciclefazbear7418]

My god; And I thought A Salty Story and The Token were heart breaking; but this!? This takes the cake! I love it to no end! I feel so bad for Rheneas; He kept this Secret with him for so long only for it to come back into his smokebox and haunt him into confessing it. My chest was aching and I almost started crying towards the ending! You did amazingly well on this!! I honestly thought Rheneas was gonna start crying at any time after telling the story and going into the sheds to sleep because I feel like he needed to but having Skarloey tell him things he needed and didn’t want to hear before Rheneas left for sleep was even better! Amazing work here My man; Amazing work!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I'm so glad to hear it moved you, and very happy indeed to hear that the ending had such an impact! The whole story builds to it, and it's great to hear that it paid off. Rheneas has always harbored such a terrible burden; he was born in a rather dark era, and I wanted to show that and have him shaped by it. But he's finally found peace, and relief at last. So good to hear that you found my writing emotionally powerful!

[@abrahamproductions2951]

Salty, James, and now Rheneas? The Red guys have gotten some spotlight from you! I love how you focused on exploring the early day's of the Railroad, and set the seeds for future events that would happen on the Railway. I also love how you made references to what you said in character gallery about Rheneas, Well done!

[@ezeahrizcalupas6280]

The red superstars!

[@JayTheFox99]

That was a fantastic story! Nice ending, too; I'm glad Rheneas finally got the "saddle" lifted off his boiler.

[@JayTheFox99]

Also, whatever happened to Splinters after the trucks became Troublesome Trucks?

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

@@JayTheFox99 Thanks so much for the compliment! I'm glad for Rheneas too! As for Splinters... It wasn't easy for him. He was always a peaceful sort, but he became surrounded by an angry mob of his wagon brethren. He tried to keep a level head, but as the years toiled on, the chaos and madness affected him. It's not known for sure what happened to him... But it's thought that he lost his mind.

[@JosephRailwayStudios2000]

@@MasterOfTheLemons but what happened to Mr Mack then.

[@josephkarlis9862]

Great story! It's just a tragedy when you think about it. Both iron and flesh horses really just wanted to prove themselves to live. Buttercup and Skarloey aren't so different from each other as they both love their brothers and would do anything to protect them from the manger. And yet, Skarloey is left with the guilt from the death of Buttercup and Buttercup and his brother end up dead. All thanks to the manger.

[@ashleyhecker4148]

This was truly great, I’m only now listening to this and I loved it. I especially love how you quickly justified the talking horse with in Trains Don’t Talk with the fact that in “reality” both are just weeshing or naehing. After that having the horses talked never felt out of place since it’s the exact same thing as the trains talking and you stop thinking about it soon after. I also really love the ending with the confession being for Skarloey instead of the priest. All round this was just a brilliant thing and I know need to check out your other story too

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so much, I'm glad that approach worked for you! It's surprising how far you can stretch the logic of talking trains, and the fun concepts that opens up when you do. So happy to hear you enjoyed that twist at the end too; it brought things full circle and, maybe most importantly, let me voice old Skarloey haha. Thank you again!

[@rweezy3604]

This is an absolute masterclass in storytelling. You, my friend, should be very proud of the work you put into this. The way that you managed to flesh out the characters and backstories of not just Skarloey and Rheneas, but also the troublesome trucks and the Skarloey Railway as a whole in one sitting is truly magnificent! Making a horse the antagonist was a good choice, as this very well reflects the real life change from using horses to steam locomotives. In the end, the stronger of the two came out on top. This story has made me all the more appreciate and love the characters of Skarloey and Rheneas. I can't wait to see what else is in store for our gallant old engines!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you very much, that's a great honor indeed! I tried to make this feel a bit like an epic, where everything ties together in the end in a great climax. I'm so glad it showed! It's essentially a great big love letter to the SKR, and everything that makes it what it is. Soooo glad you liked my choice to put horses in the spotlight here. I think that transitionary period is so interesting, and they'd be Rheneas's main competition at the time indeed! I do love these two gallant little fellows, so glad you enjoyed my exploration of them!

[@Reading3412Studios]

Bro. You can’t just keep releasing bangers this quick man. I gotta focus on other things in life

[@jazzykingjack2846]

Man The Token was a journey all on its own but wow this is amazing to hear. The thrills, action, storytelling and like most people who may have already said the drama. 10/10 would and will watch again.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thanks so much, glad this kept you on your toes, and so happy to hear you think it has rewatch value!

[@atomiccorn3676]

I've been listening to this audio story completely entranced for the past three our, the suspenseful build up at Spitfire's end was masterfully done. I will be waiting in anticipation for any more Audio drama's that will release. Amazing stuff about the oddities of Sodor!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

So great to hear!! I'm glad this immersed you, and that you liked that Spitfire scene in particular. It's a clash between Spitfire and Splinters at last, and we saw who won out... I'm glad my writing instilled that sense of dread it was intended to (strange to want to elicit dread, but there you go!) I have a great many more ideas; I'm honored that you're in anticipation of them!

[@Reading3412Studios]

I don’t even have words. That was amazing. I love this. Like this is probably my favorite audio story ever. This is on par with actual literary masterpieces. If I had to introduce someone to the Thomas fandom I would show them this. If this was your last video ever I would be so content with that. Nothing I can think of can tip this. Good job

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Wooow, THANK you so much for saying all that Reading. I'm really touched. I'm really proud of this story, and (perhaps vainly) I kinda felt like I was writing my only little "great novel". It makes my week to hear you compare it to a literary masterpiece. So so kind of you, and I'm glad you enjoyed!!

[@Reading3412Studios]

@@MasterOfTheLemons I've watched this 3-hour movie twice within the (approximately) 12 hours of it being out. I love this. It's so unique. Literally the most underused time period on Sodor with such a unique concept. We often think of replacement in railways being Steam to diesel or diesel to electric, or just simply a better design being put into service usurping others, but we fail to consider how the very invention of trains pushed away a whole culture itself. I once remember hearing that apparently now it's more expensive to get a horse that's capable of handling a train than it is to buy a whole new steam engine. It really shows how far we've come. And that's not even bringing up the time period. The 1860s is in a really cool time when we start to see the industrial revolution really start taking motion and start forming countries into strong industrial complexes while still maintaining the quaintness and simplicity of the years before. I can almost see how different the entire Crovensgate interchange is between the 157 years past. I can see how overgrown yet charming the stations and the countrysides are. I can feel the grandness in the line to Rheneas. You've REALLY outdone yourself on this one. And need i say how cleaver this is? The whole way you explained the way the horses can talk and how the engines are sentient without completely derailing the plot is so good. Also buttercup was well written too. I really didn't like him until the end. I also love the part where Skarloey basically counts every minute detail of his surroundings out of sheer bordem Also cleaver use of the junction point of the plate way and the railways line being the point where the climax of the story happens (aka the point where everything comes together) is quite cleaver. The horses being beaten up and old while the line Rheneas uses being all new showing the changing of times is also cool.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

@@Reading3412Studios It's does my heart good to hear all that, I'm thrilled to hear that you found more to like about it on the second viewing! I'm also honored you liked it enough to watch it TWICE, iike WOW, thank you. Everything bullet point here is a major thing I loved about the era, which I felt was being underutilized and drove me to bring this to life. "Changing of the times" stories always had a romantic, wistful energy to me, and this is no exception. And I'm really glad you appreciated my approach to just how this horse (and more broadly, these trains) can speak at all. Glad it didn't derail things! The junction featured way more than I thought it would, for being a location that I didn't even recognize the existence of before writing this story. It's on the map, and would have definitely been a thing, but even People History and Railways doesn't acknowledge it; only implies it. Good to hear you enjoyed my used of it!

[@peleanimationcomics3263]

23:26-23:40 24:04 These bits had me laughing til I was wheezing like a young horse!!! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@QueenOfSodor]

This was incredible. I adore the way this expands upon the Very Old Engines time period, and the concepts visited in this were ones I never realized I'd wanted to hear, executed with such dramatic masterstrokes to boot! But my main takeaway from this... is that you're a sly devil for foreshadowing horses being like this in your Trainz video last year, haha

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Ahahah I'm glad you remember that. I said it on Skype too, but this genuinely came from the exact same place. I've wanted to tell this story for years, and now I finally have. Straight up, that Trainz video has bits and pieces from like five other magnum opus stories lol. And thanks so so much, in my head VOE is where it all began, and when all the precedents were set. So it's REALLY cool to go back there, and I'm glad you liked it!

[@QueenOfSodor]

@@MasterOfTheLemons absolutely cannot wait for the feature-length audio drama about the life and times of Rickey the Depressed Flat Wagon

[@Cashtron-d8b]

This is my favorite fan story ever, it's so good, I love that music was added too.

[@Dat-Mudkip]

I like the idea that some people could talk to the engines, and others see it as an inanimate object; similar story for the horses. The idea of engine vomiting was... interesting. I always just assumed it would be out the mouth like a human. Overall, this is a masterpiece. You say you put your heart and soul into this, and it shows.

[@donaldsduckTTTE]

I've finally listened to this and well... It's blown me away. It may be one of my favorite pieces of TTTE Fan Media of all time. It's so creative and bold, making outlandish decisions like having engines be able to understand animals- creating full blown dialogue between them. And somehow... It just works. Closing my eyes and envisioning this in my head... especially the ending was probably an experience I'll never have again. Nobody else will ever get, but that's okay. It moved me in a way no other fan content has aside from maybe your other work; The Token. This was phenomenal.

[@WaywardRailroad]

This is nothing short of a work of art! Everything about this is amazing! The explanation of how the horses could talk was satisfying without having to explain everything, the origin of the troublesome trucks, Buttercup’s final words! You should be very very proud of yourself! Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of us!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you very much, your compliments mean a great deal! Happy that you and others are enjoying this yarn I've spun!

[@alaricjaspers6348]

This was like a feature film. So much emotion was evoked from me. The desperation from all sides involved is so tangible. I feel like I saw this in a theater. Beautiful. Brilliant. Simply marvelous

[@AdventureswithGeneral]

Yes. Too bad Hollywood can't make anything half this good anymore. Lol

[@Reimu__Hakurei]

This was amazing! I loved this story it’s just so amazing and feels so accurate to the railway series.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so much! I took HUGE inspiration from Wilbert's books, especially Very Old Engines and People History and Railways. His descriptions of the railway and its history are so vivid and beautiful, I wanted to put my own spin on them and put them in the spotlight!

[@Reimu__Hakurei]

@@MasterOfTheLemons And you did it very well! Good show.

[@TheGoosMan]

Just about an hour in this audio drama and I am loving every second of it, the sound effects, voices, and the personal takes on everything. You have created a second masterpiece my dear lemon.

[@TheGoosMan]

Just finished this work of art and I have to say, that finale was unexpected. This is the reason the TTTE Fandom is really alive.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so much, that's wonderful to hear!!

[@DonaldDouglas2000]

This story is so magnificent! I love that this shapes how Rheneas came to be the one we all know and love. Your voice acting and writing is absolutely top notch. You've really outdone yourself here, bravo!

[@ceciasa3376]

Dang. All I can say for this story is that this was one heck of a ride. I don't normally listen to stories about the Skarloey Railway but this was really something.

[@WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

This is incredible. It was awesome how you gave reason to why the troublesome trucks exist, why they break away often, and where their name came from. Not only that, you wrote an incredible story. We never really got any stories about "the railroad" and it is awesome that we got a story about it. Great work.

[@ChaoticCaroline24]

No way in hell you already put out another banger this soon, just looking at the length I can tell I’m in for a wild ride

[@th0mmunism215]

Just wow. Another one. Another in depth character study that fits so well. It reads as true “as a builders plate!” I have nothing but admiration. I cannot wait for the next one, if there ever is. What a story. I’d love to see you handle (or Handel ;) ) some Mid Sodor stuff. I feel like there’s a lot of untapped potential there. Another job well done. I loved that you fleshed out a concept as simple as “engines spook horses,” into this. This!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I love that you remembered the most story-defining quotes from this thing, and baked them into your comment. Does my heart good; "engine spook horses" is pretty much the premise! I would looooove to do Mid Sodor. I have STRONG feelings on, like, all the characters. Thank you so much. I worry that if I make too many of these, people will start to roll their eyes. It's a relief to hear that you're eager for more. I'm eager to MAKE more

[@th0mmunism215]

@@MasterOfTheLemons Well they don’t write themselves. Keep the coming. I’ll lap them up

[@daviszdirector]

Deadass, this was amazing. Somehow, you managed to take the concept of talking animals and make it work within a Thomas story. The scene where it mentioned how most people just see Rheneas as just a regular engine with no face, while a little strange, really did make me think, and with that, you really sold me on this bizarre idea lol. Buttercup was a great antagonist. You description of him definitely lead to me imagining him being this huge intimating beast of an animal. I really liked the chat he had Rheneas before he died. Every good stufff lol. Think my one problem with this was leant. My ass is ADHD asf so I think it would have been better with 3 acts with intermissions like "The Token". Gives a better idea on when to take breaks lol. Other than that, banger. I kinda hope you do more of these going forward.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thanks so much! Great to hear that my approach to this concept worked for you; I've had the talking horses idea for a long time! And I'm glad that scene where the quarrymen all have different perspectives on the loco and horse made you think; that's exactly what I was hoping for. Glad you liked Buttercup! I had a lot of fun writing him, and I'm glad the description was strong enough to give you a solid picture of him! I did indeed want him to feel like this big beastly steed. Yeah, I'll probably put intermissions back in next time. This one didn't divide into acts nearly as cleanly, and I figured if it were three acts, each one would be nearly an hour anyway, so there was no point. That's what the chapters were for, but they're short and there's no actual audio or visual break, so I see what you mean. Thanks for letting me know honestly, I had my doubts about the length and presentation. I didn't hear many comments about the intermissions last time, so it really helps to hear they were important after all!

[@eliotreader8220]

@@MasterOfTheLemons this story is a cross between black beauty and John henry and the steam drill

[@OptimusPrime2471]

This was an amazing story it really showed horse power in more ways than one as someone who knows about horses feelings and understanding horses I can understand the resentment and resilience Spitfire and Buttercup had towards Rheneas

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you, I had fun playing with the broader idea what a "puller" can be! It's so cool to hear that you have some experience with horses and can sense a flicker of authenticity in the way the characters act, thanks!

[@knapfordfan23]

This was amazing, Lemmy. This is the sort of literature we should be reading in schools, one of the best stories I have ever consumed. I can’t wait to see how you’ll outdo this.

[@heylinspongesprite]

There aren’t a lot of TTTE stories that deal with the subject of horse-drawn trains, and I think you really did it justice! You also have a very good handle on getting to the emotional cores of canon characters. Rheneas and Skarloey are fantastically written! Thank you for another incredible story.

[@MatTheSoundless]

I'll definitely have to watch this later, but I can already tell based off of your last audio story this is going to be quite the treat! Keep up the great work! I'll update this comment when I've actually listened to the story in full, I want to pay full attention to it- ^^ EDIT! Also spoilers!: Holy moly, that was amazing! This was such an creative take on the early days of the SKR, I'm honestly blown away! Rheneas always seemed like a character who didn't feel super developed compared to other characters, but this adds so much depth to his character! Talking about him pushing his limits, all to secure the railway and keep it safe for him and Skarloey to run. It was also super interesting to see the horses be actual characters as well, Buttercup is such a complex character. On one hand, you want to be angry at him for unfairly treating Rheneas for something that isn't entirely in his control, but he's in the same situation as Rheneas, wanting to make sure he and his family have a line to work on, so you feel sympathy for him as well. It was heartbreaking when the final showdown ended up occurring, the emotions of the characters were conveyed so well, you really felt the pain for both of them. Keep up the amazing work as always, looking forward to listening to more of these if you make more in the future! ^^

[@Twinmill69227]

Oh so that's how they became troublesome trucks

[@TetravaultActual]

My Brother in Christ, you KNOCKED this out of the park. You have gained a subscription from me, and I look forward to more in the future!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so much, I appreciate the kind words! I've got a great many more stories in me yet!

[@TheWoodenWilbert]

This is likely the greatest story of the entire fandom. I can’t fathom just how beautiful this story is- the world building, character, and dialogue truly sells it. I found myself not even questioning a horse’s ability to talk by the end, it didn’t even matter at that point. Well done, Lemmy.

[@GTT1993]

I come back to this every year around October-November. It is still amazing

[@handfulmacaroni]

* Lemmy. LEMMY. OH. MY GOD?? THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!! Everything about it was perfect, you've been outdoing yourself with these audio stories, i'll gladly listen to however many more you have in store for us!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you, so happy to see your enthusiasm!! I have SO many more ideas I want to explore; I think this is just the medium for them.

[@broaisland9003]

Just finished listening. Like... goddamn! Round of applause, ALL THE ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO YOU MY GOOD SIR! THAT WAS MAGNIFICENT!

[@SomethingFishy101]

Lemmy, I am about 1 and a half hours in and I LOVE this so far! Very excited to listen to the rest, this is super super compelling! Rheneas has never been one of my favorite characters but this has made me quite invested in the character!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

So great to hear! Rheneas has not been done much justice, he's the least utilized out of the SKR and I think that's a shame, because he's my favorite. So glad I could show you a side of him you haven't seen before!

[@PercyTheSmallEngine]

I got a shock when I opened up my computer on a Saturday morning, expecting to find a quick episode to watch, when this came up. Nearly three hours! I already knew there's no way I'm not watching this, especially because I enjoyed the last one so much! I'll probably leave a news comment when I finish in the next day...? week...? month...? Anyways, see you all then!

[@Simerali]

This audio has been stuck in my head on and off since it came out. I don’t normally like long, audio only forms of content but I watched this entire thing in one sitting when it came out because it was that good. As somebody who’s been horse obsessed for years and now locomotive obsessed for several too, this has honestly inspired me in a little WIP of my own I have in the making. Really I think this video deserves way more views than it has atm. I also loved your audio ‘The Token’ but this one right here hits different yk? Anyways, I’ll stop rambling and wish you the absolute best of luck in the future my friend ❤️ Keep up the amazing work

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Wow, thanks so so much for that. I'm glad it's resonated with you so strongly! This is definitely my favorite too of the two audio stories I've done; it's deeper and more ancient, and I prefer that energy. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you're working on, if I could inspire you even a little bit, I'm honored! Thanks again!

[@Simerali]

@@MasterOfTheLemons Yeah I haven't seen anyone do a take on the very earliest days of the railways of Sodor I don't think and definitely not from this perspective. You deserve all the praise in the world for this audio no lie!

[@steamlovercarlover4344]

I’ve been putting this off for so long yet today (since I’m sick) desided to listen to it and play on my laptop. This was truly a piece of art work that had me intrigued the whole time. This my friend is a true masterpiece. I feel remorse for all 3 sides. The horses who felt angry and upset that their job was being taken away, the trucks who were getting the 1 thing they loved taken away from them and The iron horses Renhes (I don’t know how to spell his name sry) who was only trying to make the place they were brought to a place to live. But sadly, they all couldn’t live in peace. I’ll say this again, this my dear friend, is a TRUE peace of artwork! A MASTERPIECE! Keep it up old boy.

[@Rondog248]

The goat lemmy at it again ❤

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Ahhh thanks Ronman

[@SFengVA]

I must say, That was a riveting story, and I enjoyed every second of it too. You’ve outdone yourself i must say, it’s on a point higher than The Token, and that’s a great story on its own too.

[@thegoldenbrick1]

I'm at an absolute loss for words. This was truly an amazing listen, and it had me on the edge of my seat for the entire time.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

So so great to hear, thank you so much

[@montygolf6893]

This was an outstanding story! Stellar work master of the lemon! My heart had never raced this fast in a while with all this fighting between horse and locomotive, again stellar work! 1000/1000

[@randombread7535]

Nice to see that you're making more of these just besides a Halloween story

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I really enjoyed making The Token, a lot more than I thought I would. Reading my stories aloud is so much easier and more liberating than making them into full fledged films with visuals. This might become a regular thing for me.

[@randombread7535]

@@MasterOfTheLemons I do kinda like these more than your videos I like the story aspect more

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

@@randombread7535 That's honestly eye opening an encouraging to hear, thanks

[@SquidwardChat]

This is currently my second listen to this! This is absolutely fantastic to pass the time traveling. Currently on a train as this comment is made. Thank you

[@daniel14duck33]

I love this story, it’s was so satisfying to listen to! It’s clear that you put your heart & soul into this, the voices, the writing, & the history. This was so interesting to hear. It’s always interesting to hear story’s about the SKR’s early days. Amazing job man! This was a amazing piece of work!!!!

[@hughmunford7297]

Absolutely superb, you blew it straight out of the water and then some! This is hands down one of if not the best RWS styled stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing, incredible job!!!

[@BustingSomeBuffers]

You know, this was probably one of the best things I've ever listened to. Not many things I watch really stick around in my head for a long time. But I just finished it a few days ago, and I can't stop thinking about it.

[@maymaysnow]

I sat through and listened to this fanfic last night as I was winding down for bed, and omg this was INCREDIBLE. You perfectly managed to flesh out these characters in ways I never thought were possible, yet perfectly makes sense and could honestly be somewhat plausible given how canonically old Skarloey and Rheneas are. A lot of the things set up in this are… mind blowing. For instance, the very creation of the troublesome trucks feels totally natural, and recontextualized everything I thought I knew about runaway trains. For the longest time, I always compared the trucks to say, wild animals or little trolls. But no, they actually have the capability to be level-headed and intelligent… they’ve just been stripped of their dignity for so long, that they’ve all collectively gone insane. I love this. Please never stop being this good of a writer, this is genuinely one of the most inspired and creative fan stories I’ve ever listened to, period. Excluding Thomas and the source material, this firmly stands on its own, and it carries so much weight. Keep up the good work, because this was AMAZING!!! :D

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so so much, it's kind words like these that keep me going! I'm glad you liked my perspective on the trucks, I've always thought there's so much more too them and it's great to hear that it was moving! And I very much try to write these to stand on their own and immerse the viewer; so glad to hear it did that! Thank you again!!

[@carlmatthews8338]

Lemmy, I LOVED THIS STORY!! Oh my god the conversations feel so natural and real. The voice acting is amazing and so is everything else. I never thought I would see a story about Rheneas and a talking horse fighting each other and indirectly starting The Troublesome Truck rebellion. I love Buttercup as a character, he just seems like a normal horse at first but once he uttered those faithful words "Get Your Own!" my thoughts on him changed entirely. I love Rheneas' reaction to the falls, you described it so well I could nearly picture being there. And don't even get me started on the part with ButterCup telling Rheneas he can't talk. It's so creepy yet clever. Who's to say what can and can't talk when really, none of them can. I felt so bad for ButterCup and Spitfire at the end, the poor things:( As rude as they were, they were just trying to protect their family like Rheneas. There's only one thing I don't get. When Rheneas' smokebox door opens and he vomits out ash, does his smokebox door actually like, swing open to the side or does his mouth just open? I couldn't really tell. Regardless, this story was amazing, clever and brave. All the little things like Rheneas talking to a priest, Mr Mack verbally abusing him, Skarloey rolling through horse waste, Rheneas hitting ButterCup and, by far the bravest move, having the horses talk. Or metaphorically talk? Idk it's hard to tell but I've never seen anyone do this before and it's amazing. Just as good if not better than Token. Sorry for the long comment, keep up the amazing work Lemmy!:)

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thank you so very much Carl, I've always appreciated your comments! Thanks for calling me brave; I definitely tried to make decisions here that surprised the audience and push the envelope; those are the ideas that excite me the most. Those little things especially were a little outside the usual realm of Thomas, and I think it gives the story a little edge. I had the idea for this story a long time, but I only started writing it once I came up with the Priest thing as a framing device. After that it all came easy, probably because it's an intriguing opening line! Good to hear you felt for the horses, so did I. In the end, it's hard to imagine what anyone could have done differently, given the circumstances. And that's the tragedy. Oh, and as for Rheneas's sudden bout of queasiness, I do mean the whole door. It may sound strange, but honestly I think it would be strange for a steam engine to throw up through their mouth (which they, arguably, don't even have). I can see a smokebox door flying open and all the ash dumping out in a real life crash like this, so I imagine if an engine ever vomited, that'd be the real life parallel. Engines are quite different beasts than us, and they express the same feelings in very different ways. Anyhow, thank you so much for the incredibly moving comment. It's kind words like these which compel me to make another turn of my wheels... And another... And another!

[@carlmatthews8338]

No problem:) You've always inspired me And thanks for responding That is a very clever way of saying Rheneas threw up, that the engines smokebox door was loosened from the accident Also I see what you did at the end there of the reply there, very nice touch:) Glad you appreciate my words Just the truth:)

[@wilburpyt]

The word I think best describes this story is powerful. Not only the story itself, but how you expressed it. Books, the ones without illustrations, must convey the world through words instead of visuals, which is a more lengthy process than just seeing it, but hearing you describe the Skarloey Railway is, and I cannot express this enough, beautiful. I got chills hearing you describe Rheneas’ first run, the hills, the forest, the waterfall, I was actually riding in the coaches, I was there Lemmy. Which makes it all so much more real when we experience the loss, the pain, the anger of Rheneas and the Horses. I was devastated when you described the trucks final stare before being crunched, or dumbfounded at the first bellow from Buttercup, and even sick to my stomach hearing the description of the final accident. But not only did you wonderfully convey the world, but the thoughts of both horse and steam. Both have justified and valid points, but are thrown against each other, and forced to tear each other apart. This concept is well known in Thomas, with the threat of steam being replaced by diesels, which has been a relatively desensitized concept over its abundance of stories and videos. But this is something new, and something I definitely didn’t expect. Finally I just love the development of the metaphor with this story, as everything here makes so much sense. The way you describe the trucks familiarity with the horses is genius, and this story leaves little questions unanswered; your stories always leave everything unanswered. From every corner of Thomas, and how much untapped potential each corner has, your creativity never misses a spot, and of course, this story is yet another example of exactly that. Lemmy I loved this story, and whether it’s horses talking and crashing amongst boisterous engines in trainz, or in a spectacular and thrilling competition between steam and steel, your videos always make me happy. Thank you Lemmy!

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I couldn't feel more validated reading all this, Will. You just GOT everything I'm going for here, and I'm so so glad you love it as much as I do. I thought the long, drawn out descriptions of places were self indulgent, but I put them in anyway because I simply have too much respect and awe for them. The fact that you found them so moving and they helped invest you deeper in the overall narrative is just... It makes me want to keep doing this. Thank you. I'm glad those various pivotal moments took you through a rollercoaster of emotions, they were absolutely meant to. And you're so right, this really is a modernization story disguised as a Western. You know how I tire of how heavily treaded the dieselization era is (and some of those treads are absolutely from my soles), and I'm glad you could see what I was doing while still experiencing it as a fresh and surprising take. I could go on, but we'll talk all about it. You're absolutely welcome Will. Thanks for being the enthusiastic voice I needed to release this.

[@Diesel-ff3ic]

this is one of the best stories I've ever heard

[@barryj3748]

This, this needs to be made into an actual movie

[@toyotaprius79]

Someone will eventually, it would take a lot of editing and modelling. So much of the audio is descriptive of landscape

[@TheSpleefist]

that outro music is gonna stick in my head for a good while, because god DAMN this was fucking brilliant the cursing was absolutely nessecary in getting my point across, because i was just blown away at how stunning this was perhaps, next to the token, this may be the best piece of thomas media made to date if something like this happens again, you can very well expect me to be there watching it

[@houseofthesupermen377]

Holy crap! Aside from the confusion of humans not understanding while others do, this was freaking amazing! I love how well this story was written from a plot and character perspective. I also love how well this fits into the RWS lore. It can easily be explained that Awdry didn't write about this in Very Old Engines was because of how mature and disturbing it could get, which is a good thing for this story. I love all the extra details you added like Mr. Mac being a douche, the origin of the Troublesome Trucks, the added character for Neil, etc. I'm actually considering adding this into my own AU, if that's alright. Keep up the good work man!

[@PercyTheSmallEngine]

Wow. I am absolutely blown away by this story. There has been nothing like it made for Thomas The Tank engine. I never thought it could be so possible for a whole three-hour long 'movie' - can I call it that? - to focus solely on the early days of the Skarloey Railway, the Railroad, the Plateway. The four parties involved were all interconnected. The directors, the horses, the trucks and of course the iron horse himself. Every decision one made, all the rest were affected. Trucks always had some kind of ethics behind them, some sort of moral, feeling. They cannot move on their own, there are so many of them it does not matter if one is destroyed, there's always another to take it's place. They have no power of their own, they are slaves to the engine and their railway. And in Thomas, they're absolutely insane. Causing accidents is their only joy. They are troublesome trucks. I used to think part of it was a desperate plea to end their suffering. They have no freedom, and they can hardly make friends as every time they do they're split up at a shunting yard. However, this story goes back to a time when they did have freedom. A closely-knit community of trucks who lived for the joy of coasting down the incline by themselves, free, unstoppable. But the engine took that away from them. Then the horses did too. In their desperation, they needed to be free once more. The crazed laughing of the trucks after they crashed, then the look of despair as they got decimated by the passenger train out of Kellsthorpe. The aftermath, and the remainder of the trucks realisation that in this new world they need to adapt. They must become troublesome. The engines and the horses are moreorless equals, while the trucks are at the mercy of them both. They are the real losers, caught in the crossfire of this pointless battle. Engines have their advantages, and so do horses, but trucks are the worst of both worlds. The sentience of the engines, trucks and horses does arouse a few questions, especially around the 'big reveal' when it's suggested that both the engine and horse are, in fact, non-sentient. Obviously, the engine, trucks and horse's sentience exist simultaneously, and there is also a place where only humans are sentient. But, if neither the engine, horses or trucks were sentient, none of this would've happened in the first place. Skarloey would've probably never been put in that siding. Everyone would work together in harmony. Also, how come the directors can only see the engine's sentience, if engines and horse co-exist. But maybe I've just dived a little too deep into this haha. Also, five minutes into the video, as soon as I got the information that Rheneas was in confession for something relating to him competing with a horse, I predicted instantly that he killed the horse. And, well, I was right. A bit of a strange thing, but I'm glad I predicted rightly. Overall, great job on this story. This is unique in so many ways, and I doubt there will be another one like it. Well done.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

I really love the way you put all that; what a great way to view the story! You're very right, there are four key parties here, and their actions all interweave. I'm so glad you liked the story I wove for the trucks here; I always had the same feeling as you, that there was a method to the madness; that there was a REASON. Now I have my personal answer; this is where it started. On the Railroad. The lack of this type of storytelling style in the fandom is exactly what makes me so excited for it. Other franchises have drawn out audio dramas that delve DEEP into the world and characters, I think it's about time Thomas got that treatment! I'm so glad you enjoy it! The nature of the engines' sentience is naturally enigmatic, but it's worth saying that Skarloey would still have been put in that siding either way. We must remember, his cardinal sin wasn't being angry or pouty, but losing steam and coming to a halt. That's something any real world machine could do, ESPECIALLY if the crew doesn't know what they're doing. And well, heheh... No offense to his driver and fireman, they seem like fine lads... But they were clueless lol. The less inspired men at that quarry might see Skarloey's disobedience as simply a mechanical failure and a steam shortage... But we know the real reason, eh? Thanks so much for the comment. Made my day.

[@samuelfarris1949]

I was quite amazed. While I never expected Mr. Mack to be presented like this, and I don't think it was creator Rev. Awdry's intention either to give the man with quite that level of severity, I can see how it worked here. Giving the engine and the horses this two-way conflict enhanced by the speech barrier being broken was, in hindsight, an ingenious move handled with care and consideration without being presented as a jarring shift. An unlikely story done right, and I also like the cleverly played in-joke made to engines and animals seemingly having no complex emotion like it is presented in our reality. This is undoubtedly - without question - this channel's magnum opus. Regards, Samuel Farris.

[@oliverthehero5964]

The only words that can describe this story is, this story its such a window into history of the Island of Sodor and how wonderful your writing is

[@ThewhiteE12]

This is Probably The Best Audio Drama I have Listened to in My Entire Life I love How The Horses Are Like The Engines Just More Fragile I love It It’s Like Henry’s and James’s Dynamic They Both Try To one Up Each other I Would Die for A Second Part To this Story This Has Been Fantastic

[@thegermanofsodor]

>Almost 3 hours Holy shit and i thought Token was long

[@CJstudiosfuntime]

This is beautiful! We NEED another

[@bustlingterrier3302]

This is simply a masterpiece

[@boxcarthehusky420]

1:17:57 is how I've always looked at the Thomas universe, they're not actually talking but it's easy to imagine them doing so.

[@acessoriesnotincluded2597]

Yet again another amazing audio story.

[@Vomahanew]

Absolutely beautiful. You've outdone yourself here. There's so much media focusing on the transition from steam to Diesel power, but never the transition from horsepower to steam. This is an incredible story you've written and you told it masterfully. Bravo.

[@marty6779]

15 minutes in, and I'm thoroughly enjoying myself. Neil especially XD, wonderful voice acting!

[@toyotaprius79]

Kicking myself for discovering this work of art till only now

[@doublemgamer2567]

You spun quite a yarn here my friend. As someone who enjoys story writing and old steam engines, I just can’t get over how amazing this is. Do keep up the good work, you’ve earn a faithful like and subscribe from little ol’ me!

[@Szabee]

Oh wow, this was just incredible going into this i wasnt too interested in the narrow gauge lines and stuff but honestly this just made me get more interested in them you have really done an outstanding job on this one, everything in it is just perfect i love how the trucks origins play out, and how engines and rolling stock can understand horse language (or even animal language ???) its funny how the people dont know what the animals are saying (mostly?) and they just see an engine shouting at a horse lol but on a serious note, this was really epic great job, im excited to hear your next audio if you ever make one again! :) keep up the good work Lemmy! I really loved this :D

[@AnnieCYouTube]

After several days of struggling to put my feelings about this project into words, I finally sit down to say it: This is worth listening to every single minute, every single word. You've spun an epic for the ages with this one- dare I say this might be your best work yet (and that is SAYING something about someone with your incredible record!) First of all, the fact this started with a confession was the last thing I was expecting and really sets up the intrigue in the story right from the get-go. My friend, the two Old Engines have NEVER been done like this. Every word, every loving detail just sucks you into the story until everything else falls away and you can picture the world you're describing as clearly as if it were happening before your very eyes. The description of the Rheneas Waterfall in particular was BREATHTAKING. Lemmy, I know I've said it so many times, but the gift you have for writing cannot be stated enough. It is rare, and it is beautiful. The intricacy with which this drama is laid out, the masterful skill, is extraordinary. You capture the imagination more with the spoken word and carefully placed music than some people with an actual CAMERA can do. I am blown away by what you did with the horses- right from Rheneas' first interaction with Buttercup, you set up brilliant foreshadowing by showing just how similar the two 'horses' really are, and this comes around beautifully in the end in a final showdown worthy of the greatest westerns. I am STRUCK by how you weaved the destinies of all three parties together- truck, horse, and engine, into a drama that I could not stop listening to. This did NOT feel like three hours, I tell you that! The truck origin story I've already told you my thoughts about but oh my God.. when I tell you I had to pause the video at several points just to contain myself.. It was so BRILLIANT. It was so BRILLIANT DUDE. I was holding my breath, too, at more than one point throughout this- the combination of your passionate, nuanced voice acting and the wonderfully descriptive writing kept me on the edge of me seat. Rheneas describing the difference between an engine crash and a horse crash even brought me to tears. I love how even in the tragedy of it all, that was when horse and engine finally found common ground- their love of the railway. It really adds new meaning to Gallant Old Engine.. And finally, the beautiful full circle moment with Rheneas' saddle, as his brother finally takes some of the burden from that poor old engine. Lemmy.. this was incredible. I could go on, but I fear this KZbin comment may get far too long. Suffice it to say, I loved every single part of this, and I am more inspired than ever by your amazing art. Keep up the wonderful work man, and I assure you, no matter the length of your projects, I and many others will always be there to appreciate them- because wow!!! Holy molies!! You're on FIRE

[@Luciengaming99]

This was some splendid work not every one can do this keep up this amazing work

[@neikowilburn4078]

This! This is amazing! It's a story about a talking locomotive and a talking horse realizing they aren't so different from one another despite them having a few differences: Trains having breaks, instead of horses. Horses being able to move from the rails, instead of trains. This take of the troublesome trucks origin makes me feel sorry for the lads as they wanted nothing more than to feel freedom on their own without having to stare at bunkers and hindquarters for the course of their journeys uphill. Rheneas is a true cowboy in this story, it really shows that he was very underutilized in the television series because he had a lot of potential. I feel Rheneas having physical intelligence and Skarloey having emotional intelligence fits better in this story. In Blue Mountain Mystery it was the other way round, but I think this role reversal did them justice while having a good life experience down the line for over 150 years. Despite Rheneas having to carry a guilt that wasn't his fault. Neil the small green boxy tank engine is also such a treat to have as the voice of reason. This definitely peak art of the railway series. Invented in a brand new light, instead of predictable stories where engines are alive and simply that, but no this story really pushed the status of being sentient to it's limits. The engines are only imagined speaking to people because sudrians have creative mindsets on how they see and view the engines and after getting to know them their quite familiar with it, similar to how people start riding a horse for the first time then after a while they get use to it. Engines & Animals talking concept was a nice change of pace and fresh air. It's a concept that really could be used more in this community. Nothing more to say other than this is peak and amazing job! 🐎 🐎🚂 🚂

[@JQmon.]

Outstanding work lemmy!!

[@yeetboiwhatyesplease2095]

I loved your story “The token”. So I can’t wait to see how this story goes!

[@SolmonGTrauth]

Sam, let me start off by saying this; you are now the 3rd canonical railways series writer in my mind no one will ever be able to change my mind about that. Now now now this story was so much more than what you told me it would be this thing is very tightly written no slack no fat it’s just good story telling throughout, your pinned comment seems silly in retrospect skipping around this is like swallowing before chewing this thing absolutely deserves to be enjoyed in it’s entirety, furthermore there are so many interesting lore elements most obvious is the animals speaking it’s so cool in the fight scene at the quarry when buttercup and rennaenae are going at it that some people just see it as a horse being startled by a train, I feel on some level that’s how a lot people feel about things that surround them and while it would be easy for them to be called “rational” the people should don’t hear the horse and the engine arguing fail to see the larger narrative shift of horse to steam, I like how you never paint any of the large groups in this story as the antagonists, the horses are being threatened with death, the engines with being left to rust or sent away and the trucks with what little freedom they have being taken away. This is a uniquely American situation (by that I mean having a Mexican standoff between natives (horses), slaves(trucks) and immigrants(engines)) to put these British characters in. But it works so well because the real villain of this entire story is being Mr Mack, he had all the cards in his Hands to make this work, he could have let the horses live out their lives at peace, let the engines do their job and have the trucks run down a separate line. Peace without blood could of been achieved, but his greed didn’t allow it. So what you end up with is two dead horses a traumatised engine and the beginnings of the Truck Jihad Which I gotta say HOLY FUCK that is such a good way to explain the origins of Anarcho Turckism, I really like when you do these sort of things in your stories, you more than have the brains and brawn (😉) to be able to give these massive lore elements believable origins, overall this is an extremely well written story that outshines anything I’ve ever seen about the skarloey Railway official or fan made. Well done sammy, keep doing what you’re doing I’m so proud of you brother.

[@MasterOfTheLemons]

Thanks so much Sol, you just totally understood and appreciated what I was going for here. You're right, it does have a VERY American framework (it's essentially a western), and the group associations you make there are honestly very on point; even if it's not 1 to 1, it's that exact same energy. Several different groups vying for power in a system that has no regard for their rights or autonomy, and how the end up destroying each other in a fight for survival. Mr Mack could have done things differently, but didn't. He's no Sir Handel Brown. Glad you appreciated that quarry scene too, and saw greater symbolic significance in it. Means a lot bro, thank you!