The Tales of New Wessex - Brothers of Metal

[@hughmunford7297]

Well Andy, you've done it again and delivered an absolutely fantastic episode with so many great things to unpack! First of all, the arrival of Dave: I'm absolutely kicking myself that I did not see this coming, as we had so many hints to it (especially given the title). I was debating what kind of locomotive it would be, such as a Stanier Mogul or one of the BR Standard 5s (it's a real shame we don't have the LMS Hughes Crab in game yet, as those locomotives are absolute beasts!). Then the S&D was mentioned, and my initial thought was that we would see a certain Bulleid Pacific that was very fond of calling bullshit making an appearance (XD). But as soon as I saw a Brunswick Green Black 5, all of the pieces clicked into place. It was fantastic to see a nod to the old Stovold Valley Railway Series with Arthur, and even the nod to 53802 who has yet to make his way "Over The Hills", so to speak ;). A part of me had even wondered if we would get another LMS Jubilee on the island, the one I'm thinking of being no. 45660 "Rooke", sharing the same name as our favourite grubby pannier tank (and who I think may have been based out of Swansea Victoria shed at this time from memory). Probably for the best that this didn't happen though: if that engine rocked up to Alfredston shed and Pilot saw their nameplates, his steam pressure would shoot up so much that his "hat" would probably fly off his chimney and through the ceiling! XD Dave is such a fantastic addition to the series, and not just because of how great he is in The Dark Railway Series. His blunt, coarse nature and odd humor really makes him stand out, and both he and Stan's characters really work well together - I can see many great stories with him and Stan in future episodes, and look forward to seeing his interactions with other characters too. The bit with Stan and Max's numbers was also something that was cool to see addressed, as well as the little bit of Ben's number (also, "Poggers" - that just had me in stiches haha). The next thing is how Shaw was handled in this episode. I loved how in the shed scene there was clearly still so much tension in the air that even old Stovy could see for himself, particularly with Ben's outburst and surly, short temper - again, great to have further characterization and development for him. Olly basically being Switzerland and declaring to be left out of it was also funny, but I think also did show us a small glimpse of his character: I think that he comes across as the quieter, more reserved character in the group, who hates being drawn into arguments and prefers to either keep the peace or just be left out of it. Hopefully we get to see more on him in the future too. I enjoyed how Shaw was still very bitter, sullen and short tempered at the start, getting very snappy and defensive, as well as how Stan was trying to keep the peace and extend the olive branch, which greatly shows his maturity and how he really is growing to be the new leader of the Stovold Valley Branch. The chat between Hercules and Shaw is also very enlightening, and I love his line of "I'm on no one's side, because there's no side to be on" - incredible writing there about our dear "Hunkules" XD). How this impacts Shaw is great to see, because in spite of his anger and fear it is clear how he still greatly respects, admires and looks up to Hercules, even when he doesn't agree with them. That's why I feel like his apology to Stan towards the end of the episode works so well, because it doesn't feel forced or out of the blue, but very natural in the awkwardness in which he delivers it. I like how whilst he is slowly beginning to mend the bridges with the likes of Hercules and Shaw, it is not all resolved in just one episode, for which I am very glad as I feel that this would've been far too rushed, and I do hope it extends as an arc throughout the series with further trials and tribulations. Despite Wyvern's ramblings and insanity too, I do love as well the small glimpses of a shrewd, experienced sage underneath that has seen the likes of Shaw's character before and knows what can befall them if steered down the wrong path - very curious to see where that may lead - that is, if Lord Dexby doesn't come hunting for his lost Hunter haha. A few other things also really caught my attention in this episode. Firstly, the roundhouse scene with Alfred, North Star and Falkland, as well as Robert Stovell. His bluntness towards Alfred may come across as odd at first, particularly seeing how friendly he was to the Dexby engines visiting at the end of Season 1. My personal feeling is that he perhaps feel a bit of resentment towards Alfred after he told Lord Stovell how the former didn't have him run in before putting him back on The Wyvern, which likely got him a telling off from his old man. That and he may be under a bit of stress at the moment. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how this develops in future. I also like how the relationship between the engines based at New Harlach is shown to be not so rosy, particularly between Falkland and Seaforth - curious to see what may brew between these two, but the again, most bullies usually don't get along unless they have someone to pick on together. The sets as well in this episode look fantastic, especially the one on the approach to Stomouth towards the end of the episode and updated Bath Green Park set - all very nicely done. My only curious thought remaining now is whether we shall ever see who the station pilot for New Harlach is: given that its a Midland Region shed, my money's on an LMS Jinty or an Ivatt 2MT Tank, but we shall (hopefully) see. Great work as always ANdy, hope you have a great Christmas and fantastic holidays!

[@-LLAMA-]

Well said mate, very well said.

[@Ace_Larrakin]

Well well well... I knew it was a requirement that Train Sim series had 7Fs and Black 5s, but I wasn't expecting to see **that** 7F and Black 5 😉 Another great episode Andy.

[@Bullhead_JW]

Appreciated the Dai cameo

[@harryjohnson9215]

It was amazing to connect over the hills to the others series.

[@weeseben]

Bride being nowhere to be seen outside Swindon, and remembering the post credits scene in her send off episode? I think we haven’t seen the last of her yet… 👀

[@Highwayking2024]

Welll the person didn’t have time and bride had to be moved

[@joltythegamer1519]

Dude these episodes are dropping like flies now I just watched the other one and now this premier is out! You guys are on x games mode

[@AoDahRoh21404]

“I left the engines to go home and rev the wife”-Lord Stevelle 1955

[@GABYTRAINIAC28]

if it means what i think it means

[@mattevans4377]

I hope Dave ends up getting along with Wyvern. I have a feeling they'd be an amazing chaotic duo.

[@coalcountry6795]

After watching the latest Rails to Refuge episode and being depressed, this is what I needed to see! I'm going to absolutely LOVE having Dave in the series for a bit. Have not smiled and laughed this much in a while! Fantastic as always :)

[@davidwhiting1761]

20:21 caught me by surprise. Brilliant 🤣

[@LolLol-xy4rh]

It’s nice to hear about Jeremy’s early life before these events happened

[@kisarabanuja3254]

“Wait till you see my Snifting valve,” - Alfredston Cathedral, 1955

[@Antonio-ui2mh]

Another great episode Andy. Absolutely loved it. Great to see a younger Dave. A cameo from Dai. And even Arthur from the original SVRS. Well done.

[@jacobdragonblood1217]

18:20 god damn this whole meetup was freaking hilarious

[@NorthernSoulExpress]

Finally, someone mentions Stan and Max's number similarities! Wow never thought we'd see Arthur again. I can tell the duo of Stan and Dave is going to be enjoyable. Also, now that Dave is here, does this mean that Stan will change his name to Chaz?

[@bskorupk]

Thanks for the gift, Happy Christmas! :) o7

[@warbabyproductions]

8:17 I didn’t even realize until now that the black 5 next to Dave was from an ancient dark DJ short from long ago 😭

[@Electric_Souls]

Epic episode by the way.

[@MrRocklover18]

Bride should return to the island in a future episode during a grand ceremony as a grand surprise to everyone

[@zechariahwilliams5824]

Hello hello I’m watching your videos and I love them keep them coming and Merry Christmas Eve 🎄🎄🧑‍🎄

[@SteamingWestwardsProductions]

Thank you! You too!

[@mikestudioz216]

24:33 LMAO 😂

[@fr8ener96]

Hey, it's D-Man!

[@robertbalazslorincz8218]

This episode is gorgeous! Although I still prefer Cathedrals of Steam as the intro is much louder on that one.

[@christopherparker3409]

What a brilliant video can you please tell me who plays wyvern as he has me in stitches with with what he says and who ever thought of the flaps quip absolutely classic it is w me laugh Andy stovil your story's are the best keep up with the Fantastic work all of you

[@bulleidsteam1814]

20:21, Hunkules has entered the chat.

[@saucypan-8796]

I like the intro music it sounds so Irish

[@Electric_Souls]

Sorry, I couldn't make it in time for the preview. I was asleep. :(

[@brysonbuckner8104]

Question will see more episodes with the American engines and the standard gauge engines

[@SteamingWestwardsProductions]

Yeah they’re coming as a separate ToNW Series :)

[@harrymcandrew1447]

8:48 dave from the dark railway have noticed the numbers are the same as his

[@jameswright7284]

You might wanna take another look there chief

[@EpicBanastard]

And he looks like dave, and he shares the same livery as early TDRS dave, and sounds like dave, and Is before dave shows up in TDRS. Damn, must me dave

[@Ace_Larrakin]

Oh really, huh? Wonder why that could be? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm....

[@harrymcandrew1447]

@@jameswright7284 i even paused the video and have looked a few times @epicbanastard evevn mentioned its the early style tdrs livery dave wore

[@MikaylaOlson-w9j]

I like Ben kinde to rookie ❤

[@1TruNub]

Did I just see a reference to oh Mr. Porter

[@gbhtrain1325]

24:33 Ben the Pannier

[@Electric_Souls]

Listen closely at 20:20.

[@Fadhiil5112]

Daaaaave

[@Trainhead23]

mind if i use the "Flaps" joke in my series?

[@sepper707]

D A V E

[@lisabeasley6420]

Is it possible to get these trains

[@npk765fan]

You mean engine’s?

[@lisabeasley6420]

Yes

[@SteamingWestwardsProductions]

@@lisabeasley6420 So the game I film in is called Train Simulator Classic and all the engines I use are from DLC from various different developers. It is possible to buy and download them all so you can run them yes.

[@mallardfan9889]

all that is a little wrong is when alfredston and Falkland leave, you said Alfred and frank left not Alfred and Falkland

[@Class-47Productions]

8:48 44826😌

[@blehtbh]

Stan is a w

[@MikaylaOlson-w9j]

I like Ben funny all ❤

[@GWRStudioss]

i like younger dave

[@gwrstudios5181]

It’s dennis

[@Eurofish2010]

Prego

[@rockstarrob766]

I thought that Dave was going to be in his Dark Railway Livery

[@peterfoxon5498]

Dave didn't even know about the Dark railway at this time and he wasn't painted in Dark railway green until the mid to late 60s

[@SteamingWestwardsProductions]

This episode is set in 1955! He hasn’t even been anywhere near the Dark Railway at this point in history.