Gallant Old Engine - A Gscalesodor Adaptation

This is the twelfth installment of our Skarloey Railway adaptation series. A series that, we hope, respects and represents the original works of the Rev. Wilbert Awdry more accurately and affectionately than the TV programme "Thomas and Friends". This series was made using G Scale and 16mm Scale garden railway models. Models that were made using both handcrafted techniques and 3D printed components. "Gallant Old Engine" is a story that serves as the emotional pinnacle of the SR Saga, exploring themes of profound duty, endurance, and the quiet heroism found in keeping a promise against all odds. All Skarloey Railway stories are tributes to the real-life Talyllyn Railway, but this one in particular captures the pioneer spirit and endurance of that early preservation era. In the context of the main plot, after almost 90 years Skarloey (like Talyllyn) is so worn out that he's literally unusable, although he will have to be used anyway in "Old Faithful", but that's another story. Rheneas (like Dolgoch) is worn out too, but slightly less than Skarloey. The railway has ordered two more engines, but before they arrive the line must continue running or face closure. Rheneas (like Dolgoch) must be the engine to do the job. The poor old engine, in his run-down state, is not fit for the work, but does it anyway with enthusiasm, humility and true gallantry. Little wonder that this story, and the book it is pulled from, are named after him. After the incident on the viaduct, Duncan has become more emboldened in his bad attitude towards passengers. Skarloey sternly puts him right, telling him straight that without passengers paying for tickets and things, the railway would close, and the engines would be scrapped. Skarloey only hopes that when Rheneas, his brother and fellow original SR engine returns, he might be able to talk some sense into Duncan before it's too late. Duncan asks what Rheneas has to do with anything, so Skarloey tells a story about Rheneas, and his heroic struggle to keep the railway going. Will it make Duncan see the error of his ways? I recommend that you watch our little film and find out. Our adaptation series is crafted with a deep respect for traditional storytelling, blending the atmosphere of the original book illustrations with cinematic, large-scale model railway production. Skarloey, Rheneas and Sir Handel are made from almost entirely 3D-printed and laser cut components. Rusty is made from mostly laser cut and 3D printed components. Peter Sam and Duncan each have a heavily altered 3D printed chassis, but are otherwise entirely scratch built. Edward, Gordon and Henry were scratch built by hand. James is an altered Bachmann G Scale product. All Gscalesodor engines feature a custom, hand-sculpted face. The expression for each was chosen to most fundamentally convey their usual character. Currently, we are in the process of making interchangeable faces with different expressions. However, this film was made prior to that project. We are extremely proud of this installment. My absolute favourite aspect of this was paying homage to the Talyllyn Railway, the mirrored struggle of Dolgoch, and the early movement of railway preservation. I sincerely hope that you all enjoy it! This WAS the end of the SR Saga. A nice clean Rheneas-shaped bookend. He left for the works in "Skarloey Remembers", leaving behind his home, a decrepit Skarloey, just five very old bumpy coaches, and a railway best likened to a medieval ruin. Returning now in "Gallant Old Engine" he finds a restored railway, a fleet of new coaches, and not only a happy and working Skarloey, but a shed full of new engines! Best of all he finds his home in a much better state than he left it. Truly full circle. But the story isn't quite finished yet. Skarloey and Rheneas, our very old engines, are approaching 100 years of age. Such an occasion should be celebrated, and it is, in the future, and the past as well. We would be honoured if you would continue that journey with us into part thirteen and beyond. Enormous, appreciative thanks to these phenomenal artists for providing the incredible, atmospheric scores that bring this short film to life: SA MUSIC:    / @sudrianafro   Mavis M:    / @mavism