As a railway enthusiast I can agree. I once drove 6 Hours one way to see a steam engine who hasn't operated in I think 50 years just for the train to get cancelled bc too many people were getting too close to the line.
Yeah… A prime example of enthusiasts getting in the way of famous trains was on the East Coast Main Line when Flying Scotsman returned to mainline steam in 2016, holding it up… Rail enthusiasm is a good thing, but not when it’s taken too far. As it can lead to injuries, deaths and delays to other trains as well as frustration to the travelling public.
I don't know how it's in other countries but here in Germany the source of this are often the young ones and the retired people. I believe that retired people most of the time are life long railway enthusiast and since the rules back in the 60s-90s weren't as strict about trespassing or going into yards,depots, etc., they think they're veterans and can do something like this without any consequences
I wish Victor made Topham sound just a bit more reluctant in his response to James. It was clearly set up that even Topham despised Halifax. But, still a good setup to when James follows up on it
I see what you did with Halifax. The accident is an adaptation of a fan story where a rail enthusiast took a photograph predicting his death by a runaway train.
Shunter Productions’ Photographic Premonition. Glad i’m not the only one who realised it. Such an underrated story No seriously, this episode had a lot of similarities to Photographic Premonition. Peter Dobs and Avery Halifax are good friends with the rail staff (albeit for different reasons), both Emily and Stanley’s crews respectively, don’t care that there’s blatant disregard for safety and law breaking, the trucks that were used in both stories were different to the standard trucks, Peter didn’t see the trucks due to fog, and Avery didn’t see the trucks due to steam.
A good rule of thumb for every train enthusiast who’s out taking photos: always stay at least 10 yards away from the ballast. If you’re standing on it, not only are you trespassing, you’re also in the way of a moving train that will *not* stop for you. Please stay safe when watching the trains go by.
The other rule, to paraphrase a slogan commonly used by Australian emergency services, is “If it’s fenced, forget it”. The fence is a definitive boundary marking and crossing that is very much trespassing. They’re there for a reason. Plus, someone leaving the gate open (as silly as that is on the rail maintainer’s part) is not an invitation to enter the corridor. In NSW, the official definition of the rail corridor’s boundary is 12m from the nearest rail, unless there’s a fence obviously in which case that’s the boundary regardless of how far from the line it is. The original slogan is “If it’s flooded, forget it” to try and stop people driving into floodwater because they *might* make it across, as 9/10 they do not and, well, that’s Goodnight Vienna.
Enthusiasts are a double edge sword. You need them to survive on a functioning steam railway (to a degree) but if they’re not kept in line, they will cause trouble be small or large.
I don’t get why people would stray onto active railway lines just to get a good shot of a steam train. Why can’t they just film it going by from a vantage point like a bridge, a train station platform or an over bridge, ‘cause going on active train tracks is a stupid thing to do and should be avoided so they don’t get splattered into oblivion, leaving nothing but a red splotch on the permanent way.
@@EnticinglyDeadly pretty much. It’s very common for the average Joe/Jane to disregard their safety and prioritise something stupid only hindsight can see. And from the very few photography knowledge I have from this past year, getting close to your subject if it’s an individual thing and not a background, can make a great shot. Hell, an up close shot of a stream train would look awesome if positioned right. Now add that to idiots who don’t think right and not follow the rules, and presto
A perfect PSA to anyone who wants to risk it with the rails. As for Emily's crew, I want to be the fly on the wall just to hear what The Fat Controller had to say towards them.
Sir Topham Hatt “What did I say to the both of you earlier?” “Stop encouraging Halifax, now look what you have done!!! That’s it the both of you are terminated from your jobs. Get out of my office this instant!!!!!!!!”
Welcome back, Wilbert! And on the 20th anniversary of your first book, no less! Quite an honor! 😁 Just why did idiots like Avery Halifax have to come and put everything in jeopardy? Perhaps it's time for STH bring in an enforcer the likes of Darth Vader to keep the crews in line...
On this note, perhaps America will give the permission to transport coal from America into British Railways. For Kate, I'd say she'll be relocated to the fictional Magic Railroad, where she'll be painted purple and gold to match the original Lady in the RWS series. Despite your denial, I'd say my suggestions will go pretty great.
Kill counter +1 Total fatalities thus far: 4 Yeah not too surprised by Halifax’s death, could see it coming from a mile away. Still though, it’s intriguing how the decline of the NCB is here, and the use of those “ancient” 7 planks is a nice touch! Because anyone who knows about their actual age in Trainz will understand that, YES they are in fact older than Emily- her model used in the series anyway that is.
I have enjoyed the realism side this season has delved into, and how this gave some nods to NWR1991’s stories on rail enthusiasts ‘Trespasser’, as Emily was the protagonist for that episode and (most likely) Shunter Productions’ Photographic Premonition, especially considering Halifax’s friendships with rail staff and well… the ending. I think some moments do need to be voiced, not necessarily narration, but by the characters. Maybe Emily’s first interaction with Halifax, the trucks breaking off the train, other rail staff getting annoyed at Halifax etc. I think it’s just a bit suspending of disbelief how Halifax is that rich he can just pay off rail staff, even if through drinks, and that constant fines haven’t had him locked up, let alone banned. Yeah sure, he is rich and the legal system differs, but you can’t deny even people in the late 60’s would see he’s being an inconsiderate idiot by defying basic laws and even common sense. And I don’t get why he pursues his photography anyway, when none of the engines crack a smile. Doubt he could sell the photos and it would make a crappy self collection, unless he has that low of standards. I do think the night scenes are REALLY dark lit, especially when there’s a dissolve or even cut to the day scenes that are extremely brighter in comparison. Now for those of you wondering why James and especially Emily and Kate were slammed, i’ll explain it as best as I can from the other end of the spectrum. Do note, these are how the situation would be perceived if it is not taken at a moral approach. James clearly was told by Topham in that obvious foreshadowing to not blow steam should he ever encounter Halifax again. And he told him in front of witnesses of the engines, crews and The Reverend mind you. James clearly still did so, which he wouldn’t be able to hide, since his crew and passengers would have seen it. And courts could easily see the steam as a distraction from allowing Halifax to move out of the way, even if he clearly trespassed onto the railway. Emily and Kate are more in a similar case. Both were hesitant to arranging and pulling the train respectively. But despite being signed off and given the all clear by an official, they could be slammed for not objecting to taking the train, as it most likely would’ve meant a person would not have died. Now while it isn’t stated, i’m willing to guess Topham would’ve been in a lot of pressure by the public. A rich person (which none of the audience had ever head of until now mind you), died on Topham’s railway due to faulty equipment and negligence. Should he let Emily, James and Kate go, the public would hate Topham even more, and that could drive the railway further into more ruin than needed. It’s definitely unfair for Emily and Kate, but that’s how to look at it from the other side
It’s absurd to blame Emily at all; she would’ve gotten in huge trouble if she had refused to take the train. There was no way for her to win in this situation.
Stories of Sodor time again? YES PLEASE!!!! (One of many perfect antidotes to the trials of recovering from surgery - watching more of these awesome vids!)
How could Emily, James, or Kate be reprimanded for an accident that wasn’t their faults. This is what I can’t stand about T&F. The engines are always getting in trouble for stuff that wasn’t their fault or out of their control! Great series though. Keep it up, Victor!❤
I agree. Sometimes, I get ticked off when some engines are blamed for something that isn't even their fault (Prime examples are Percy in Middle Engine and Thomas in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure).
Don’t get me wrong, Season 6’s Middle Engine when Percy gets in trouble, is just stupid. But this one, from a legal and even logically perspective, all three did something wrong in the eyes of the law. Now sure, the defending argument would be, the trucks were given the all clear by the representative, so why should James, Emily and Kate be done in? James: Topham clearly, in front of witnesses mind you, strictly did not condone James’ request to blow steam should he ever encounter Halifax. That distraction could very well hold up in court in Halifax’s favour, even if Halifax broke the law on trespassing on rail property. And there’s no way James could hide it, considering his crew and passengers saw just as much as well. Kate: As she is the mine engine, she could’ve been done in for negligence, despite being ordered to do so. I admit, she is the most unjustly of the three. It’s hard to say she’s legally in the wrong. I’d have to chalk that up to Topham being under pressure from the public as a rich person died on his railway and now he’s already been sued big time. Emily: Same with Kate, she could’ve been seen as negligently taking the trucks even if once again, were cleared to be used. I’d most likely think it was another case of pressure that Topham had no choice. Don’t forget. Eric got even sentenced by Mr. Starr, for defying timetables and letting Thomas illegally race with Bertie and endangering passengers.
Honestly, Emily's crew deserve the sacking and James deserves some punishment but how is Emily at fault here? The trucks were reported to be safe by BR OFFICIALS, how tf was she ment to know that they were faulty and she didn't do anything directly to Halifax so why did she get reprimanded by Toppam?
I’d say Topham was in enough pressure as is. That he’d look even worse if the public knew James and especially Emily were to be found unpunished. Topham’s already got to deal with the fact a rich person was killed on his railway even if said rich person was clearly in the wrong (to an extent). So if he let Emily go, then the railway would take a real bad hit. It’s just business unfortunately
Interesting story Victor. I couldn't help but notice that there are similar aspects of this story and that of shunterproductions story of photographic premonition. Trucks going down the hill, and a train enthusiast at the bottom that got killed for being negligent for failing to comply with railway safety. Both drive home the same lesson, obey railway safety guide lines or something like this can happen to you.
Ok, thoughts: Well, I see Victor's taking inspiration from fan stories now with Photographic Premonition, I knew those old trucks were going to be trouble, and I hope things don't do too badly for Kate next time. Less good than last week's episode.
Honestly, it’s such a sad truth that so often for big changes in things like Safety or people’s behavior so that they don’t do stupid things, it takes a tragedy for it to occur.
NOTE: My thoughts here will contain some spoilers so if you haven't watched the whole episode, please make sure that you do before commenting. To any modern day railfan that’s watching this. I hope you understand the main reason why you should NEVER trespass onto train tracks. Okay, being honest. I'm disappointed by this episode and the only reason why is because it didn't really feel like there was much offered for the Enthusiasts side of things, it felt like it was more focused about the decline of the NCB. And also the overuse of show don't tell within the scenes, not telling much of the dialogue and having to leave it with us with what's being said. But I will say, this episode does show a great example of why you should not be on the tracks. I'm not surprised by what happens at the end, I expected it from a long mile with how he was acting. Anyways, lovely to see Emily gaining a major role in this episode and nice to see more of Kate as well. Emily was okay here, her role was fine here, being the one to tell her crew off about the main enthusiast here and being suspicious about the coal trucks. Kate, not really liking her here to be honest, she feels like she's in denial here of the situation at hand. But it does give interest more into her subplot and it gives more answers to why she's painted green in the trailer. It looks like she might become part of the NWR or part of the preservation group in Episode 5, we'll just have to wait and see. Wilbert making an appearance was surprising but a happy surprise! It's nice to see him in the series again. Honestly, he and the montage of the engines taking the trains was the best part of the episode. Your camera has definitely been improving in those montage type scenes, it was really endearing. I liked it a lot! Avery Halifax, the rich snob of the enthusiast. Yeah, his death happens at the end. It was predictable the first time seeing him and it was not surprising. Him being dangerous on the rails, taking photos on the rails and trespassing, I'm surprised the cops couldn't just ban him from the railway. Doesn't help that the crew was encouraging him and the fact the NCB railway men were being lazy and not even checking the old trucks properly. Neglect like that was also why the Furness Railway closed down too. Maybe if all of that didn't happen, it wouldn't cause a tragedy like this at all. Overall, this episode was just meh for me honestly. Good message with why enthusiasts should not go on the tracks, lovely montage with the camera work during Wilbert's visit but plot and the overuse of scenes having no dialogue just took it out for me. You've still done a good job though.
I have to agree that this season (so far) has a lot of scenes that just show don’t tell. I’m not asking for a voiced narration, but why isn’t scenes like Emily’s first encounter with Halifax, or James in Halifax’s last moment not voiced in the slightest?! Those are some pretty powerful moments in both setup and climx of the story that need to be voiced than just showing static frames that barely move. I do agree this episode is missing out on the general enthusiasts aspect and more on railway economic decline and solely focused on the bad apple that is Halifax, and how he was clearly a setup so that the railway and mine could take a hit. I’d say NWR1991’s story Trespasser, on Emily encountering an unsafe photographer was albeit, less distressing of an ending, but sort of maturer as well. But if Victor was aiming for a tragic ending, which i’m pretty sure was a nod to Shunter Productions’ Photographic Premonition of Peter Dobs, then I guess I can understand as to why it had to end so horribly.
I have to agree with you. While the episode is kinda meh the message regarding railfans is a good one. This episode just showed what can happen if you are not paying attention to your surroundings, especially when trainspotting. The way the build-up to his death is well made and should give a thought to railfans, that are behaving the same way Avery did. It was only recently this year when a railtour in Germany near my hometown with a 4-6-2 DRG Class 01 was taking place (Note: It was the one that was in Carnforth on display for a while). It was the first time in decades she was pulling a passenger train and some stupid railfans nearly got killed while trespassing on the mainline. This lead to the canceling of DRG-01 pulling the train the route. Instead a historic electric locomotive pulled the train to its destination I know some railfans and from my personal experience definitly NOT ALL railfans are complete dumb. But I have met some of the arrogant railfans and they are a nightmare when it comes to trainsspotting. Especially when it's about a historic train. And I bet some of them were on that day at the railtour of DRG Class 01. That gives railfans a bad name in general when there is a loud minority of idiots doing these stupid things. I think we all should appreciate that railway historical societies and museums are stil making these things run and for us to enjoy the days of steam in the modern age. It would be a bummer for all of us railfans to just see them just cold in a shed and not on the mainline thundering down with a rake of classic coaches behind the engine. PLEASE keep are clear head when trainspotting and take care of others. If someone wants to cross the track stop him. It doesn't matter if YOU know that person of if you don't. It's not worth his ilfe getting killed just for a photo. Or yours for that matter. You could rather get a not so good picture of the locomotive instead of risking your life for a picture which could cost your life.
kate maybe in denial also because of thomas. I remember when I tried dating someone and after i broke up with them i was in denial so maybe that has something to do with it
As soon as Avery said luck was on his side and after watching the back half of Emily's train breaking away on the hill, I somehow knew Avery was tempting fate right there. O_O
Well, I can't really say Mr. Halifax didn't have it coming to him. Unfortunately, safety regulations in any trade are almost always written in blood. Seems like it's the end of the line for Marston Heights too... I wonder what will happen to Kate after this?
Probably gets bought by the fat controller, we did see her painted green in the S5 trailer, and I think why Thomas isn’t in 5e trailer is that he probably crashed, not sure for Donald but I think Sheffield will get the torchers cutter next
As a Railfan myself, I have seen and heard…. More than trespassing and not getting permission for a cab tour. In my state recently two boys had access to actual railroad radio and said something some curse words Etc. A decided climb on top of an actual locomotive to get a picture of its horn. What’s worse is that his mother has there age did nothing about it..
I commented on “Competition” that the preview for this episode felt eerily similar to “Photographic Premonition”, a fan story by ShunterProductions. Loosely similar plot now that I’ve watched this episode! Victor must’ve been impressed and decided to reference it. Another great episode, though the tension of this season still grows.
Wasn't expecting to see Awdry again. But yeah, railway enthusiasts are both good and bad in many ways. While watching this, it reminded me of a news report I saw a few months back that had CCTV footage from Network Rail showing people messing about on the crossings. You would think by now enthusiasts would be a lot more careful and mindful but no, there are still those who don't think the rules apply to them.
I’m sure that’s what mainstream celebrities deal with. I’m sure they just want to have a normal day in public, but get hassled by some fans and paparazzi who have no respect
This is why I always stay behind a fence whenever I’m railfanning unless I get permission. I don’t give a damn how good the shot looks as long as I get one.
@@ryanbrown7489 oh yeah. He mentioned that he would be writing about James for his next book at the time. And actually after that, he was also in the ending of "Closure" and the beginning of "Fog".
Hoo boy…I didn’t expect things to go so dark so fast…poor Halifax bloke…I mean he got what was coming to him but…fizzling fireboxes. Also, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned for Kate with the situation at the coal mine. I hope Sir Topham buys her to at least gets her a good new home. And I REALLY hope Thomas and Kate make up. They were such a good couple. I REALLY hope nothing bad happens to either of them before they can reconcile or at least say goodbye.
Kate was seen painted green in the trailer, so that might be show her changing ownership. As for who buys her, I don’t know. We’ll have to wait and see
Nice with everything! I feel like this episode was a nod to ShunterProductions's "Photographic premonition", where a similar situation happens to Stanley and James regarding a rail enthusiast. I think it's nice that Victor Tanzig is honoring, not only the RWS and TV series, along with TUGS, but creations of other creators as well. And, yes, do NOT go on the mainline of a railway. Avery Halifax probably should've seen it coming, as should the crews of the engines. I'm sad that Kate is gonna be jobless, but she's probably gonna be transferred, as the preview to this series shows her painted green, with the S&M trio painted red. so they're probably getting new homes. It's disappointing that the NCB is the main focus, but all in all I think it's still a great video.
Love these new episodes! Victor I’m a huge fan of your series. I don’t know how some of these episodes and shorts got labeled as “RU-vid kids” but I’m glad that’s gone now and that we can comment. This episode is special to me because two of my hobbies are watching new fanmade Thomas episodes and taking photos. I wish Sodor was real because I could take so many photos of these amazing characters (engines) of course not like Halifax does 😂, I would stand off to the side not on the track. I liked the new music played at 9:07. Also I noticed in the intro that Geoffrey has been replaced with another engine. I read on the website that’s “Dudley the Vagrant Engine” and I really hope we see him in your series soon. I’m hoping in one of the next few seasons.
at least in the Thomas universe they don't have to deal with Subway Surfers. stuff like that and trespassing is the norm in the NYC Subway.....its scary
Halifax's death was his own fault. He should have known better than to be constantly standing on the track. Maybe he would have learned if he didn't just get fined all the time. Being rich is no excuse to break the law. You never know when a train is coming. Also, Emily shouldn't have been reprimanded. It wasn't her fault. The trucks were dodgy and broke off, she had no control over the situation.
Photographic premotion vibes Anyway, this video has a lesson to be tought, no matter how bad you want the perfect shot of any machinary, youll have to follow ALL safety tips if its from railways to roads to, from planes to boats, its better to stay safe than risking your life for a photo. Stay safe, and remember: Stop Look and Listen. If you follow these steps it'll keep you alive.
I'm glad that the comments got restored since when I checked the description, it said comments were turned off, and I thought "What the heck, RU-vid?" There weren't any swear words, but even if there were any, it was after the 1st 30 seconds of their requirement. Also, that's what happens when rail enthusiasts get too cocky and careless, they find out the hard way, and his death was the final nail on the coffin.
Well, let this be a lesson to some enthusiasts and even to some engine crews that don't obey rules on how to deal with enthusiasts that get to close to the line.
Trespassing is illegal for a reason. It can not only be extremely dangerous, but train drivers just trying to do their jobs can be traumatized, even if they haven't hit anyone. 🥺
More deaths 😢 I was quite sad for the death of Halifax. He was annoying, but he shouldn't have been there in the first place. I do wish there were scenes where the engines would interact more with train enthusiasts, especially young lads who take interest in them. For an episode called Enthusiasts, it only focused on one guy 😅. Most of the episode is focused on the coal issue. But nevertheless, it makes me more excited for the next episode.
episode 3 of this season and we're already at our 5th death... I also think due to this accident is the reason why wilbert didnt include emily i the rws
I think that there's a pattern here. And Peel Godred might have been the inspiration for this episode. I have suggested that there should be a follow up story and even others have pursued similar stories involving famous locomotive visitors to Sodor - like Flying Scotsman - or Scot as he is generically known ! - T1E2H3 for instance ! Victor, you are following up their examples. And it's a combination of these who do the same thing as a obligation to do so! Warning railfans of all ages is a general service to do so! It's a bit blunt - but by necessity is has to be! And requires it.
Trespassers are a nightmare for railway staff, can't say I have ever had a good experience with one. The worst are an old man who took a photo pole in front of our tank engine and sheep I had to chase a mile up the line.
A rule we have in America when it comes to train travel is that enthusiast have to stay at least 25 feet from the track for their own safety and they know how to behave that way it’s just those who think they can do what they want for the stupid ones.
Halifax was a moron to be sure, but still, no man deserves to die for foolishness in pursuit if a hobby. What suprised me more is how he takes the insults in stride. What makes me more furious is the NCBs complete neglect of maintenance of critical rolling stock. And that's not just in them, it's like EVERY rail company always advises crews "expedience takes priority", which SHOULD be an automatic termination to an advisor role should that EVER be so much as whispered. Such carelessness is what caused the Strausburg incident last year, and we're all lucky it wasn't worse than a broken faceplate. It's as Mr. Starr once told James: A timetable is NO excuse to neglect safety. I'm worried what will happen to Kate now. It's clear from the trailer she gets a new paintwork, but with who?
Damn… That’s the consequences of not behaving for you. But I wonder how this is going to affect Kate, maybe it’s how she gets painted green. Maybe this death gets related to the sabotage and revenge episode later down the line. Either way, things are going from bad to worse fast…
If a member of Hailfax's family wants Revenge I can tell they are going to go after James or Emily, but then if I saw anything from the preview it would be Henry gets into another fatal accident.
The railfan person you've protrayed is what many think I do with filming but I put camera down after I hear a whistle then get out of the track age but older generations think otherwise. Anyway great story as usual and love your series hope the Starr story woth lord Bailey comes back
This episode should've been named Natural Selection. But in all seriousness, while I had thought Rescued had to do with an engine being saved from an accident. It seems more like it revolves around Kate and her being bought up by a Heritage Railway.