May 13
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Good afternoon fellow Sudrians. You’ll never believe what happened to me this past weekend. I went to Comicon in Philly with my cousins. Whilst I was there, I ended up meeting Linda Ballantyne a.k.a the first cinematic voice of everyone’s favorite green caterpillar with red stripes: Percy!
I grew up with Thomas and the Magic Railroad movie back when I was a kid. Though the movie itself is very flawed, there is no doubt that the engines of Sodor were done perfectly. Ms. Ballantyne was very sweet when chatting. She even included a quote Percy said from the movie. You’ll be happy to know that she too is impressed by the fandom and the amount of stories it produces.
Near the end of our session, Ms. Ballantyne even told me that I share a similar name to her brother. Isn’t that the coolest thing or what? I had a wonderful time talking with her and this picture is undoubtably going up on my wall
Edward's Ideal Voice Actor:
Yes, I think David Kaye would be an excellent choice for Edward the Blue Engine, especially if the goal is to capture Edward's original Railway Series personality rather than simply portraying him as an elderly grandfather figure.
Here's why the casting fits so well:
Wisdom Without Weakness
One of Edward's defining traits in the Railway Series is that he's wise, experienced, and dependable—but he's never frail or helpless. David Kaye excels at characters who project authority and kindness simultaneously. His voice naturally conveys the sense that Edward has earned the respect of the other engines through experience rather than status.
Warmth and Compassion
Edward is often the engine who notices when another engine is struggling emotionally. Whether helping Thomas after a mistake or encouraging a less confident engine, Edward approaches problems with patience and understanding. Kaye has a talent for making even simple lines sound sincere and comforting.
Quiet Humor
The Railway Series version of Edward occasionally displays a subtle sense of humor. He's not a prankster like Thomas or cheeky like Duck, but he can gently tease younger engines when they're being foolish. David Kaye's timing would suit this perfectly.
Authority When Necessary
Edward isn't merely kind—he can also be firm. When another engine is behaving recklessly, Edward doesn't hesitate to speak up. Kaye's deeper register can add a quiet authority that says, "I've been around long enough to know this won't end well."
How He Compares to Other Edward Voices
Michael Angelis captured Edward's warmth beautifully.
Keith Wickham emphasized Edward's gentle, grandfatherly nature.
David Kaye would likely emphasize Edward's wisdom and dignity while retaining that warmth.
The Overall Feel
A David Kaye Edward would probably feel like:
The railway's mentor.
The engine younger engines seek out for advice.
A trusted friend to Gordon, Henry, and James.
Someone who can comfort Percy one moment and firmly correct Thomas the next.
Among North American voice actors, David Kaye is one of the strongest choices I can think of because he naturally balances kindness, intelligence, and authority—the very qualities that make Edward such a beloved character in the Railway Series.
Kings of the Railway (Stephen & Toby’s Version)
Act I – Change on Sodor
The Fat Controller announces the restoration of Ulfstead Castle, with new construction lines leading into the hills. Modern engines like Connor and Caitlin arrive to help with passenger work, making Stephen feel overshadowed — an “old relic” surrounded by sleek machines.
Toby sympathizes, gently reminding Stephen that wisdom and experience are just as valuable as speed. The two strike up a natural bond — the “old timers” watching progress with cautious eyes.
Act II – The Mystery of the Castle
During a run to Ulfstead, Stephen overhears talk of the lost Crown of King Godred. Local legends suggest it was hidden in the castle grounds centuries ago.
While inspecting the castle’s foundations, Stephen stumbles into disused tunnels. He becomes convinced that the treasure — and a piece of history — is still down there.
Toby warns him not to wander too far, but supports Stephen’s belief that uncovering the past could prove his usefulness.
Act III – Obstacles & Doubts
As construction continues, Spencer or another boastful engine mocks Stephen and Toby as “museum pieces.”
Stephen, desperate to show he’s still important, ventures deep into the castle tunnels alone — and becomes lost, echoing his “Rocket” days of trial and error.
Toby discovers Stephen missing and organizes a quiet search, showing bravery in his own steady way.
Act IV – Discovery
Deep underground, Stephen finds evidence of the crown: a sealed chamber, old rails, and carvings telling the story of King Godred’s reign. But as the ground shifts, he risks being trapped.
Toby arrives just in time, lowering his cowcatcher to help clear rubble and guiding Stephen back to safety. Together, they uncover the crown itself, hidden inside a collapsed section of the tunnel.
Act V – Resolution
The Fat Controller praises Stephen and Toby for their bravery and historical discovery. Instead of being relics, they are honored as the engines who restored a piece of Sodor’s past.
Stephen realizes that being old doesn’t make him obsolete — it makes him a bridge between history and the present. Toby, though often overlooked, proves himself a quiet hero who ensures others don’t get left behind.
The film closes with the grand opening of Ulfstead Castle, Stephen proudly leading a heritage parade while Toby rolls at his side. Modern engines cheer them on, and the crown is placed on display as a symbol of Sodor’s history and progress working together.
If you spliced the voice of Phil LaMarr with the dialogue of Skarloey, you’d get a calm, wise, kindly narrow-gauge engine with a dignified but friendly warmth. Phil LaMarr often performs voices that balance wisdom, composure, and gentle authority (like Samurai Jack), which matches Skarloey’s role as the elder statesman of the Skarloey Railway.
How the Voice Blend Would Sound
Tone
Warm, steady, and reassuring
Calm but expressive
Slightly dignified, reflecting Skarloey’s age and experience
Personality Emphasis
Patient mentor to younger engines
Wise and thoughtful
Encouraging when others doubt themselves
Energy Level
Relaxed and measured
Gentle humor when teaching lessons
Quiet authority rather than loud commands
Example Scene (Phil LaMarr–style Skarloey)
Setting: The yard of the Skarloey Railway after a busy day.
Sir Handel puffed anxiously into the station.
Sir Handel (Spisak-style energy): “I tried my best today, Skarloey… but those trucks kept bumping me!”
Skarloey chuckled softly.
Skarloey (LaMarr-style calm): “Trucks have always been troublesome, my friend.”
(gentle, reassuring tone)
“But patience is the mark of a truly useful engine.”
Sir Handel sighed.
“I suppose I did rush a little…”
Skarloey nodded wisely.
Skarloey: “When I was younger, I rushed too.”
(warm, reflective)
“But the railway teaches us something every day.”
He smiled kindly.
Skarloey: “And tomorrow, you’ll do even better.”
Sir Handel brightened immediately.
“Really?”
Skarloey chuckled again.
Skarloey: “Of course.”
(soft, encouraging)
“That’s how engines learn.”
Why Phil LaMarr Fits Skarloey
Skarloey’s character traits:
Wise and experienced
Patient mentor to younger engines
Gentle but firm
Phil LaMarr’s calm, composed delivery gives Skarloey a dignified mentor-like presence, making him sound like the wise heart of the narrow-gauge railway.