May 13
seen from Spain
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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.
If you spliced the voice of Travis Willingham with the dialogue of Gordon the Big Engine, you’d get a powerful, booming, aristocratic engine voice with a proud heroic edge. Willingham is known for deep, commanding, confident performances (such as Thor), which matches Gordon’s grand, proud, sometimes pompous personality extremely well.
How the Voice Blend Would Sound
Tone
Deep, heroic baritone
Confident and commanding
Slightly aristocratic and proud
Personality Emphasis
Gordon’s pride in being the fastest and strongest engine
Noble confidence rather than pure arrogance
A booming presence that dominates the station
Energy Level
Loud and authoritative when speaking
Slightly dramatic when boasting
Warm and approving when praising smaller engines
Example Scene (Travis Willingham–style Gordon)
Setting: Gordon the Big Engine waits proudly at the station with the Express.
Steam curled around his funnel as passengers boarded.
Gordon (Willingham-style, booming confidence): “Stand clear! The Express must not be delayed!”
Thomas rolled up beside him.
Thomas (Yuri Lowenthal–style energy): “Morning, Gordon!”
Gordon glanced down the platform with dignified pride.
Gordon: “Ah, Thomas. Off to your branch line again?”
(heroic, slightly teasing tone)
“Important work… though naturally not as important as mine.”
The guard’s whistle blew.
Gordon smiled proudly.
Gordon: “At last!”
Steam blasted from his cylinders.
Gordon: “Now this is what a proper engine was built for!”
With a mighty chuff he thundered out of the station, the Express coaches gliding behind him.
Thomas watched him go.
“Show-off…”
But he smiled anyway.
Why Travis Willingham Fits Gordon
Gordon’s defining traits:
Proud and confident
Strong, heroic presence
Occasionally boastful but ultimately dependable
Travis Willingham’s deep heroic voice makes Gordon sound like the noble champion of the railway, turning his bragging into grand, theatrical pride rather than simple arrogance.
Happy 44th birthday to Eddie Redmayne! 🥳🎉🎊🚂