We love the technical details of Awdry's universe, sure, but you're so right here - it's the stories within the world that make that make Sodor feel so real. Fantastic video
Just imagine this. You’re living a quaint little life on sodor, on Thomas’s Branchline. You wake up to go to work, and hitch a ride to halfway up the line, and tend to your farm animals for the day. You finish the job, and head back home while the sun sets. I would take that on repeat, no questions asked.
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
When I was in the Isle of Man in 2022, it felt like being on Sodor. It gave me a lot of inspiration for how the streets of Sodor would look in real life.
This passion for worldbuilding is something that I really admire about Awdry; he even created a bit of a conlang with the Sudrian dialect! One of my favourite “anecdotes” from the IoS book is Percy complaining about Mavis’s shunting in a vulgar manner. The folk history Wilbert gives Sodor also meshes quite well with the interpretation that the faces are metaphorical, since they both provide a grounding effect on the world that helps it feel real.
@theremoteanater Can it be really bad as Canadian and American train companies that just don't care about staffing, training, and maintenance. I just watched Plainly Difficult video about East Palestine.
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
Absolutely. While Seasons 4 and 5 are great in that regard, I actually think Season 3 is pretty much the most real the show ever looked (though maybe not quite as aesthetically pleasing). It has that great mix of S2's industry and grime with S4's colour and charm.
I included a couple of 'songs' that are kind of nothing ones - the ones the coaches sing in the early books for example aren't really proper rhymes, but yes, there are a lot of songs (plenty of them from the real world) in Wilbert's books! I think the interviews with him really show how much value he placed on the rhythm of engines and coaches as they ran, it kind of formed the basis of the whole 'talking trains' thing in the first place.
Awdry's worldbuilding in Sudrian history inspired my interest in Manx history, through which you can see multiple connections in terms of names and stories.
I’ve always loved how the railway series and TV show exist in the railway series and how the books and show exist in the show as well like how Marvel Merch exists in the MCU, meta stuff is always great.
There’s a reason why I thought 💭 it was a real place until I was 7 years old. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than Thomas. Your videos are such high quality.
I’m Scottish/Irish through my dad’s side. My grandma used to tell me that she had cousins that came from the Island of Sodor through her mom’s side of the family. I believed her for years.
If Sodor were to exist in real life, I would absolutely go there. The world-building of Thomas is something I appreciate cause it makes the world of Thomas feels so real
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
So what you are trying to say is that Wilbert Awdry Likes writing Stories in side of Stories. First layer, Real life inspiration, translated into fiction Second layer, fictional character tells a real story that is fiction outside of story book. interesting take, but yeah sounds about right. Also that opening you read around, I immediately thought of the IOS book. I’ve skimmed through it a couple of times, but I missed that page. but your narration of it gave me chills. and great timing to as it is autumn currently. remarkable video essay as always.
You ever tried Felgood's Famous Ffarquhar Ales? Sure, they have other breweries outside Ffarquhar, but you gotta try an authentic Ffarquhar brew. It's the water from the Hackenbeck stream that makes the difference, you know. I believe they're sold at The Toby in Ffarquhar. Funny story how that pub got its name, by the way. Has to do with a rather officious constable... Oh, and don't worry, under UK law I can legally drink!
My doctor forbade me from drinking alcohol, you know how it is with medication, but it's nice to see family owned businesses still around in this day and age. St. Pedroc's Dairy is _so_ good, though. Wish there was a branch back here in the States.
We ALL got better at our storytelling in some way, shape, or form thanks to this glorious writing style that Awdry, and to an extent, Allcroft and Mitton tried to capture in the Railway Series and those first 5 seasons...myself included.
It’s great to have you back Thomas Cynic! Loved watching your videos, especially the HIT Era defence one! I really want to you make your own Sodor Map, using RWS, TVS and CGI elements/locations!
I wonder how many details never got written down, how many were just little musings between him and George or Christopher. He really did pour a lot of love and dedication into his creation. With him being a Reverend I can’t help but wonder if he ever felt a deeper connection to his own idea of God in creating and guiding his own little world.
For years (and presently), I wanted to live on the Island of Sodor near the big station known as Knapford with 7 train friends, a job in the yards, take the express once a month and visit every location on this wonderful island. It showed me a world where everyone can learn from each other and I take away three important lessons from the show. Learn from your mistakes, Have a positive mindset, and Appreciate the things you have in life. 🚂
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
@@rebel_x13 That’s what I was kind of alluding to, free of corruption, greed and sleazy little men trying to attain power and wealth to justify their own existence. As far as I’m aware, despite the money he made from the books, the Rev continued to live modestly and didn’t keep churning out books for the sake of it to attain more wealth. As you say, if people in power were more like him then the world would be a better place.
27 songs and rhymes? Wow, that's way more than I thought! The only ones I can think of are "The Sad Story of Henry" (x2), "Silly Old Gordon Fell in a Ditch", Peter Sam's Rhyme, "Pop Goes the Diesel", "Pop Goes Old Ollie", "Bluebells of England" and, even though it's not sung in text, "Auld Lang Syne". Anyone else know the rest?
I can't be bothered to scour the books again lol, but at least some of the others I remember are ones that the drivers sing "There's a hole in my bucket" (Thomas Goes Fishing), "Oh dear, what can the matter be" (Bertie's Chase), "Said Harold Helicopter to our Percy" (Percy and Harold) and so on, as well as a bunch of half-rhymes "sung" by the coaches - "We're awfully late, we're awfully late" etc. Although they're not songs in the traditional sense, they do indicate the rhythm of the rolling stock and they do rhyme, so I included them. I think if you remove coach songs you'd still have about 18 or so though.
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
@@Cassmo46 So you think the world is better now than it was 20-30 years ago? Corrupt politicians, political agendas thrust into what is supposed to be entertainment, so-called celebrities lecturing and preaching to us about things and doing the opposite themselves, people causing division and splitting society up into their own “victim” groups, people in power thinking they’re better than us, people going about “causes” to further their own wealth. A lot of this is to do with social media and people trying to out-do others and make out their lives are perfect, whilst simultaneously not showing the bad part of their lives, thus causing depression and anxiety among people. Oh yes, the world is a lot better now.
We love the technical details of Awdry's universe, sure, but you're so right here - it's the stories within the world that make that make Sodor feel so real. Fantastic video
@@TheUnluckyTug_official hey Tug. Loved your latest video. How are you?
After 3 years, the unlucky tug finally noticed you
Sup tug
Just imagine this. You’re living a quaint little life on sodor, on Thomas’s Branchline. You wake up to go to work, and hitch a ride to halfway up the line, and tend to your farm animals for the day. You finish the job, and head back home while the sun sets. I would take that on repeat, no questions asked.
As would I.
Let’s be real here; if Sodor was a real place, we would all move there.
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
When I was in the Isle of Man in 2022, it felt like being on Sodor. It gave me a lot of inspiration for how the streets of Sodor would look in real life.
Would they have races like the Isle of Man?
@@connormclernon26 probably likely.
This passion for worldbuilding is something that I really admire about Awdry; he even created a bit of a conlang with the Sudrian dialect! One of my favourite “anecdotes” from the IoS book is Percy complaining about Mavis’s shunting in a vulgar manner.
The folk history Wilbert gives Sodor also meshes quite well with the interpretation that the faces are metaphorical, since they both provide a grounding effect on the world that helps it feel real.
Living On Sodor would be a dream come true. Sodor would be paradise.
Trains derail alot, barbershop's put there damn building on train tracks
@@theremoteanater still better than the reality of this world.
@@theremoteanater still a lot better than the average Filipino street
@theremoteanater Can it be really bad as Canadian and American train companies that just don't care about staffing, training, and maintenance.
I just watched Plainly Difficult video about East Palestine.
Luckily British heritage railways exist in this world. 🥲
Awdry. Was a man keen to detail. He made Sodor in a way that if it exists, it would fit perfectly in our universe and our world history
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
Season 4 makes Sodor look so real, especially the NG railway sets
Absolutely. While Seasons 4 and 5 are great in that regard, I actually think Season 3 is pretty much the most real the show ever looked (though maybe not quite as aesthetically pleasing). It has that great mix of S2's industry and grime with S4's colour and charm.
4:20 There is one more song in Wilbert’s books than there are RWS Books written by Wilbert himself. Wow.
I included a couple of 'songs' that are kind of nothing ones - the ones the coaches sing in the early books for example aren't really proper rhymes, but yes, there are a lot of songs (plenty of them from the real world) in Wilbert's books! I think the interviews with him really show how much value he placed on the rhythm of engines and coaches as they ran, it kind of formed the basis of the whole 'talking trains' thing in the first place.
Awdry's worldbuilding in Sudrian history inspired my interest in Manx history, through which you can see multiple connections in terms of names and stories.
The Railway Series really was ahead of its time, huh?
I’ve always loved how the railway series and TV show exist in the railway series and how the books and show exist in the show as well like how Marvel Merch exists in the MCU, meta stuff is always great.
There’s a reason why I thought 💭 it was a real place until I was 7 years old. Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face than Thomas. Your videos are such high quality.
I’m Scottish/Irish through my dad’s side. My grandma used to tell me that she had cousins that came from the Island of Sodor through her mom’s side of the family. I believed her for years.
This makes me want to write a series of my own
If Sodor were to exist in real life, I would absolutely go there. The world-building of Thomas is something I appreciate cause it makes the world of Thomas feels so real
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
So what you are trying to say is that Wilbert Awdry Likes writing Stories in side of Stories.
First layer, Real life inspiration, translated into fiction
Second layer, fictional character tells a real story that is fiction outside of story book.
interesting take, but yeah sounds about right. Also that opening you read around, I immediately thought of the IOS book. I’ve skimmed through it a couple of times, but I missed that page. but your narration of it gave me chills. and great timing to as it is autumn currently. remarkable video essay as always.
You ever tried Felgood's Famous Ffarquhar Ales? Sure, they have other breweries outside Ffarquhar, but you gotta try an authentic Ffarquhar brew. It's the water from the Hackenbeck stream that makes the difference, you know. I believe they're sold at The Toby in Ffarquhar. Funny story how that pub got its name, by the way. Has to do with a rather officious constable...
Oh, and don't worry, under UK law I can legally drink!
If they'd be interested in a sponsorship, I'm available.
My doctor forbade me from drinking alcohol, you know how it is with medication, but it's nice to see family owned businesses still around in this day and age. St. Pedroc's Dairy is _so_ good, though. Wish there was a branch back here in the States.
We ALL got better at our storytelling in some way, shape, or form thanks to this glorious writing style that Awdry, and to an extent, Allcroft and Mitton tried to capture in the Railway Series and those first 5 seasons...myself included.
It’s great to have you back Thomas Cynic! Loved watching your videos, especially the HIT Era defence one! I really want to you make your own Sodor Map, using RWS, TVS and CGI elements/locations!
Stories within a story
The legend has returned.
This was an excellent video. Well thought out and delivered. I have to pick up that Island of Sodor lorebook on day, it looks so interesting.
You can find a PDF from a quick google search, but it'll cost you at least £400 and half your soul for a physical copy these days.
I wonder how many details never got written down, how many were just little musings between him and George or Christopher. He really did pour a lot of love and dedication into his creation. With him being a Reverend I can’t help but wonder if he ever felt a deeper connection to his own idea of God in creating and guiding his own little world.
the irony is that this Sodor is more magical than the Magic Railway itself
Sodor feels so real to me in almost every season 4 episode. season 4 foliage and topography feel so real. season 4 is my favourite season
You all wrong
Sodor doesn’t feel real
It is real
For years (and presently), I wanted to live on the Island of Sodor near the big station known as Knapford with 7 train friends, a job in the yards, take the express once a month and visit every location on this wonderful island. It showed me a world where everyone can learn from each other and I take away three important lessons from the show. Learn from your mistakes, Have a positive mindset, and Appreciate the things you have in life. 🚂
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
@@jonfranklin18 If the real world could follow the examples set by the Reverend Wilbur Awdry’s work, the world would truly be a better place!
@@rebel_x13 That’s what I was kind of alluding to, free of corruption, greed and sleazy little men trying to attain power and wealth to justify their own existence. As far as I’m aware, despite the money he made from the books, the Rev continued to live modestly and didn’t keep churning out books for the sake of it to attain more wealth. As you say, if people in power were more like him then the world would be a better place.
@@jonfranklin18 Amen to the Reverend for being a humble and down to earth person 😇
HOW DID I NOT REALISE IT WAS YOU BACK?!?!
So much lore about people from decades, even centuries ago. Then there’s the Peel Godred branch
WAIT YOU'RE BACK?!
Welcome back!
"i wish Sodor was real" mfs when they find out that Walney Island exists (it's part of Barrow-in Furness): 🤯
Vividly remember asking my Mum if the railway Thomas ran on was real.
There's a reason why the books stand the test of time!
OH MY GOSH WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!
27 songs and rhymes? Wow, that's way more than I thought! The only ones I can think of are "The Sad Story of Henry" (x2), "Silly Old Gordon Fell in a Ditch", Peter Sam's Rhyme, "Pop Goes the Diesel", "Pop Goes Old Ollie", "Bluebells of England" and, even though it's not sung in text, "Auld Lang Syne". Anyone else know the rest?
I can't be bothered to scour the books again lol, but at least some of the others I remember are ones that the drivers sing "There's a hole in my bucket" (Thomas Goes Fishing), "Oh dear, what can the matter be" (Bertie's Chase), "Said Harold Helicopter to our Percy" (Percy and Harold) and so on, as well as a bunch of half-rhymes "sung" by the coaches - "We're awfully late, we're awfully late" etc. Although they're not songs in the traditional sense, they do indicate the rhythm of the rolling stock and they do rhyme, so I included them. I think if you remove coach songs you'd still have about 18 or so though.
@@TheThomasCynic Still mighty impressive. Totally forgot the Percy and Harold one, and I had just been thinking of it the other day - lol
I would love to work on a railway like Sodor. Or drive a truck/lorry picking up loads at rail yards.
I thought this was six months ago😂😂
I would love to live here
Hey, it's you! :D
Crazy how I never knew any of this, I need the IOS book
This is why I immerse myself in The Railway Series books as that fictional world created by the Rev W. Awdry is far better than the real world we have created for ourselves and our future generations. Look at the state of the world now, can you honestly say it’s a better world that we’ll leave than when we entered it? I doubt it very much
Can you stop being so cynical about everything??
@@Cassmo46 So you think the world is better now than it was 20-30 years ago? Corrupt politicians, political agendas thrust into what is supposed to be entertainment, so-called celebrities lecturing and preaching to us about things and doing the opposite themselves, people causing division and splitting society up into their own “victim” groups, people in power thinking they’re better than us, people going about “causes” to further their own wealth. A lot of this is to do with social media and people trying to out-do others and make out their lives are perfect, whilst simultaneously not showing the bad part of their lives, thus causing depression and anxiety among people. Oh yes, the world is a lot better now.
“LSD railroads” 😂
If the Island of Sodor was real, wheres your living? Im living at the Skarloey Railway because I mostly into the Skarloey Railway stories.
I'd probably be living in Knapford or Tidmouth and doing the dream version of my favourite job: Writing railway timetables for the NWR.
I’d want to live in Arlesburgh
Glorious
Awesome 👌
HOHOHOHOOHHOHOHOHO
Sodor Storyception
Intriguing
second