#the thin controller

[crankybugs]

Happy Pride Skarloey Railway

[mwolf0epsilon]

Having been created to serve a purpose given to them by someone who was always supposed to be their superior, mimics (despite their naturally mischievous and deceitful nature) are not without their honor to duty.

Whatever that duty may be, however, is up to how they interpret their "contract".

Take Hiro for example, one of the first mimics to be "tamed" in Japan. His original owners only ever needed him to pull long trains and they expected little else from him. But, in due time, Hiro began to roam the railway grounds and even the lines to keep an eye on the perimeter.

He took on "guard duty" to ensure wild unfriendly mimics didn't encroach on his territory and potentially harm either the other railway mimics or railway staff that he now perceived as being under his care. This is what earned him the title of 'Master of the Railway'.

In another life he would have likely guarded the Lady's palace, as he's naturally inclined to protect others and locations and views it as a part of his duties. An unspoken rule of sorts.

Another example is Duncan, a rather cantankerous and somewhat unapproachable mimic. As a narrow gauge engine mimic, he's a rather peculiar sort, having none of the typical goat-like attributes that are standard to this particular class (something that's usually only shared with narrow gauge mimics who are trained for steamworks and dieselworks jobs). He's a mishmash of traits, as he used to work exclusively in industrial settings rather than up on the mountains.

He's fussy, often rude, and you'd assume he'd be caught dead before he took on extra "unpaid" work. But Duncan seems to have a morbid fascination for locating, recovering and studying historical artifacts. Particularly of the fae variety. Something about the olden days calls to him, although he'd never voice such thoughts. To date he's only mentioned his "hobby" to Rusty, but Mr. Percival seems aware of (and rather endeared by) what he gets up to when hes not on the clock.

In another life, Duncan might have had the capacity to become something more than a mere mimic, but it's doubtful whether or not he would have allowed the Lady to reconstruct him into a higher fae just to tend to her archives (and Proteus would have likely fought her if she tried).

The final example is Ryan who, among his branchline duties, seems to have been appointed as a messenger. No matter how busy he is or whether or not he's left Sodor, he always knows what's going on in the Mainland.

Unlike Percy who's more aware of human affairs dueto his mail runs, Ryan's insight pertains exclusively on mimic matters. The two often trade information as if it were a type currency, which is typical of the fae.

In another life, Ryan would have been the Lady's ideal spy. His loyalty is easily won and his eagerness to please is one he's naturally inclined to satisfy no matter how bothersome the task.

[starsodor]

I need more content from these three

(The video is not mine, I found it, credits to its author)

[feigeroman]

The Boulder Quarry Line

I recently binged the entire Classic Series again, as background noise while I was working on something else. When I got to Series 5-7, I remembered a headcanon I’d developed ages ago, to link together most of the Skarloey Railway episodes from those seasons. This recent binge spurred me to finally write it down, and bash it into something a little more coherent. Most of this is just me thinking aloud, but I thought I'd run it up the flagpole and see who salutes it...

1951

Just as operations are winding down at the old slate quarry at Ward Fell, new beds of good-quality slate are discovered in the hills north of Rheneas. A new quarry is established to extract this slate, and this helps to revive the Skarloey Railway’s then-declining fortunes. Even so, the surveyors who uncovered this slate are convinced there are still further treasures to be found deeper into the mountains.

1950s-60s

The search for such treasures is carried out as time allows - which isn’t very often, considering all the new developments which take place on the SR during this time.

Roughly 1970

Finally, a discovery is made - large deposits of stone in the northern foothills of Shane Dooiney, of similar quality to that quarried at Ffarquhar. Plans are quickly devised to extract the stone, and the Skarloey Railway is tasked with building a line to the new quarry.

The proposed line branches off the Rheneas Quarry line, passes through a natural ravine known locally as Echo Pass, travels alongside the main Skarloey-Peel Godred road, and finally turns south towards the new quarry site.

1970-early 1972

The line is constructed, following the route described above. When it is completed, trains start carrying building supplies to the site of the new quarry. Some trains are also laid on for the benefit of a road-building company, which is upgrading the Skarloey-Peel Godred road so that heavier vehicles can access the quarry as well.

Winter 1972

Due to a problem with the winch, some trucks break away on the incline at Rheneas Quarry. The breakaway tumbles into Echo Pass, triggering an avalanche which buries Skarloey, who happened to be travelling through the Pass with a supply train. He is subsequently rescued by Rusty.

These events are later loosely adapted into the episode Snow.

Early 1973

The new quarry finally opens for business, and even has a new name - Boulder Quarry, after an enormous, spherical boulder which looms ominously over part of the line. Boulder Quarry enjoys a prosperous first few months, and the Skarloey Railway enjoys the revenue boost provided by the new stone traffic.

After a while, Rusty begins to feel nervous about the Boulder, but can’t really explain why. The others don’t take him too seriously.

Autumn 1973

After several weeks of heavy rain, Boulder Quarry is able to try out its latest acquisition - an experimental drilling machine known as Thumper. Unfortunately, the vibrations from Thumper cause the Boulder to fall off its perch, and run away down the Skarloey Valley. The Boulder causes a great deal of damage to track and property all down the valley, culminating in the destruction of some new stone-cutting sheds just outside Crovan’s Gate.

All concerned parties agree the disaster is an act of god telling them to leave that part of Sodor alone, and Boulder Quarry shuts its doors for good - financially crippled by having been forced to pay substantial compensation to every property owner in the valley.

The Skarloey Railway also ends up in dire straits - besides the damage caused by the Boulder, several years of hard work have just gone down the tubes.

The remainder of 1973

The Thin Controller decides to temporarily close the SR, so that everyone can focus their efforts on repairing all the damage to track and property. The rest of 1973 is spent doing just that.

The events of Duncan Gets Spooked take place during this clean-up operation.

At some point, the time is found to move the Boulder to a new, safer perch - on a specially-constructed plinth on a hill near to Crovan’s Gate, and positioned to face in the direction of its old perch.

That winter, during a break, the little engines tell Thomas (or more likely some other standard gauge engine) the story of Skarloey’s Avalanche.

1974

The clean-up continues into 1974, and the line remains closed for the first half of that year. The Thin Controller hopes to have the line ready to reopen in time for the start of the summer operating season. Fortunately, Rheneas Quarry is closed for the two weeks before, freeing up men and engines to help. Elizabeth also happens to be working in the area, and is persuaded to lend a wheel. With all this help, the clean-up is completed in the nick of time, and the Skarloey Railway is officially declared open once more.

Meanwhile, the people of Glennock decide to treat themselves to a new organ for the village school. Headmaster Hastings personally oversees the delivery of the organ. This isn’t really relevant to the Boulder saga - I just felt like mentioning it.

1975

By this year ,things are more or less back to normal on the Skarloey Railway. One day, Rheneas takes a special charter train carrying a party of schoolchildren from the Mainland. On his way back down the line, he is accidentally diverted onto the abandoned line to Boulder Quarry. The line isn’t in the best condition, and wasn’t designed to carry passengers anyway, so Rheneas has a real rollercoaster ride to the Quarry and back.

Since the children enjoyed themselves so much, the Thin Controller lets Rheneas off for his mishap, but it gets him thinking about the old line, and how he might be able to get his money’s worth from it after all…

Surveys are carried out, and it is decided to reopen the old quarry line to serve as a connection between the SR and the Culdee Fell Railway - the latter being reached by rerouting the line in the direction of their station at Skarloey Road.

 The line also passes through many areas of natural beauty, and so a number of stations are proposed to serve some of these areas. These stations include Elephant Park (above) and Rumblin Bridge (below).

The terminus of the line is at the village of Skarloey Road. So as to avoid confusion with the CFR station, the SR station is known as Upland Station. While not a direct link between the two railways, their respective stations are still a reasonably short walk away from each other.

The reconstruction of the line takes place throughout the first half of 1975, and is completed just in time for the summer operating season. Sir Topham Hatt and Lady Hatt attend the grand opening, having first viewed the new line from a hot air balloon (and then made a crash-landing in said balloon).

To finish off, here is a rough map of the original Boulder Quarry line, the subsequent Upland Extension, and how they both relate to the main SR line.

[number1spongebobfan]

[gothic-oracle]

[deikshen]

More ghost Shen Yuan because he lives rent-free in my head

Qing Jing's dead disciple? Actually, I guess, it would be Shen Yuan who transmigrated to PIDW excitedly seeing Luo Binghe, but risking too much on a night hunt he is simply RIP - however, HA! Who says death will prevent Shen Yuan from seeing his blorbo?

So, he's a ghost. A ghost fire that goes back and forth through Qing Jing, that perhaps takes humanoid form the first night it sees little Luo Binghe beaten and bleeding in the shed. Visceral hatred burns so strong that it turns into a Menace rank ghost, helping Luo Binghe, taking care of him.

And Shen Yuan befriends Luo Binghe. He only appears at night! He doesn't need to eat or drink, and he accompanies Luo Binghe, helping him heal, practicing meditation with him, sharing his own knowledge in the absence of an appropriate cultivation manual. Luo Binghe looks forward to the night. He knows his friend is a ghost, and that he should technically exorcise him... But he's harmless!

Shen Yuan is the only company Luo Binghe has, and Luo Binghe is the only company Shen Yuan cares about.

Eventually, everything happens. Shen Yuan tells him that as a ghost he can know that some things will happen. His System is gone with his death, so he explains to him about the Endless Abyss, having weapons and provisions. Shen Yuan tries to get away, but with his ashes in Qing Jing, it is extremely difficult and dangerous for him to go any further. He becomes weaker.

Finally, Luo Binghe is thrown into the Abyss. Shen Yuan is alone, again.

So, start training.

It feeds on anger, on bad emotions; it clings like a ghostly chaos to heavy emotions, to hatred, to jealousy, to the evils of the heart. Shen Qingqiu is an endless source of food. Advance to the Wrath rank, with effort and care not to be noticed so as not to be exorcised. Shen Yuan obtains his own ashes, forges them, and once he is stronger he leaves Qing Jing.

The road to the Demon Realm is chaotic, even more so for a ghost; they vibrate on the same wavelength, but there is a huge difference in their treatment and behavior. Ghost City is a distant dream that Shen Yuan is curious, but not curious enough to go. He has to be available when Luo Binghe comes out of the Abyss. After The Horrors, he'll need a friend!!

Shen Yuan clings to Mobei Jun; the truth is that Mobei Jun cannot hurt him or drive him away, and the threat to exorcise him is never fulfilled - so, he just resigns himself to the fact that it is in his palace. And Shen Yuan proves to know more than meets the eye: he is a strategist, fixes political scandals, knows who are enemies and who will be, and is in charge of making clean war plans. (Shen Yuan might find Shang Qinghua too, recognize him as a transmigrator, and make his life miserable sometimes. Just for fun.)

Finally Luo Binghe shows up to take Mobei Jun's palace. He has left the Abyss in just three years! Shen Yuan is proud!!

There is a rough fight, but an easy surrender. Shen Yuan is excited to see Luo Binghe in all his glory, huge and strong, and when Luo Binghe spots him among the crowd of surrendered people in the palace, running towards Shen Yuan is all he can do.

(But it's Bingyuan, so if we don't have a little bit of relations without lack of communication I don't know what we have.)

Because eventually, Shen Yuan gives his ashes to Luo Binghe; forged into a jade pendant practically identical to the one Luo Binghe lost. The only difference is that it is crystal clear like diamond. Shen Yuan gives it as a meaningless gift - in reality, he knows that if his ashes are with Luo Binghe, there is no way they can be destroyed! He's the Protagonist! He has his protagonist halo! No one can ever beat him!

Luo Binghe, on the other hand, who has been learning everything he can about ghosts, he is suddenly overwhelmed that his feelings for Shen Yuan are reciprocated. Shen Yuan has given him his ashes! Luo Binghe has heard that certain ghosts give their ashes to their loved ones as a demonstration of deep love... And it's not that Luo Binghe was expecting it. He had always believed that his feelings for Shen Yuan were not noticed, but besides being noticed, they are reciprocal!! Shen Yuan's thin face had made him say that it had no meaning, but Luo Binghe knows the truth!!

It's not that Luo Binghe has ashes to exchange with him, but he will definitely give and do his best. It will show his beloved A-Yuan that he doesn't need to be shy and can express his feelings with confidence!!

...

And Shen Yuan doesn't understand why Luo Binghe is suddenly so intense with him. He doesn't complain! He doesn't need to eat, but Luo Binghe cooks him delicacies. He doesn't sleep, but Luo Binghe insists that they share a bed, and Shen Yuan assumes it's to feel protected like when they were together in the woodshed. He hands over important decisions of his kingdoms to him. Shen Yuan believes it is to test his intelligence and see how well he has been doing! Luo Binghe spends his free time just listening to him talk about monsters and plants, and Shen Yuan believes it is to continue learning from him as before.

Shen Yuan notes, with some apprehension, that there are two things missing from this Binghe: plans for revenge... and all his wives. Shouldn't he have at least fifty at this point in the plot!?

However, the first time Shen Yuan asks Luo Binghe if he has thought about marriage, Luo Binghe... cries? He looks at him with huge eyes full of tears and hugs him? What does this "thank A-Yuan for granting me the privilege" mean? Protagonist, did you think you needed your best friend's approval to get married!?

... Why do the servants take his measurements for wedding robes!?

[dailygihun]

day 9 || BABY SANGIHUNNNNN gi-hun definitely was a scrappy kid. that undiagnosed neurodivergent kid rage within him

[lilislegacy]

Lets spin the narrative. Which commonly talked about moments weren’t the ones when Percabeth first had sex

So, I could be wrong, but I THINK you guys wanna talk about this lol.

First, let me say this: when I talk about Percabeth being intimate, I am only referring to very fictional book Percabeth — and only when they’re 16 or older (AKA the age of consent), and in a fully committed, loving relationship. Also, if this turns into a big discussion, let’s keep it respectful and mature. Obviously, I’m totally good with having more adult conversations, but even though my blog is targeted toward older teens and adults, there are still some younger teens on this app, and we need to keep things responsible and safe for them. Okay, we good?

So let’s talk about it.

Warning: I’m about to talk a lot lol. (Surprised?) BUT I’ll put the major points in bold so you can skim if you’re not in the mood for all my rambling.

When I DON’T Think It Happened:

Before Heroes of Olympus: They’d only been dating for like four months before Percy got abducted. They were still barely 16 and figuring out how to shift from being best friends to romantic partners — and neither of them had ever even dated anyone before. I’m sure there was some heavy kissing, second base, maaaybe even a sprinkle of third base. But I don’t think it went further. I just think they weren’t ready, and they weren’t in a rush. They wouldn’t want to risk messing anything up by moving too fast, you know?

In the stables: As funny as that scene was because of all the embarrassment and suggestions of sex, Rick could not have made it more clear that nothing happened lol.

In HoO - On the Argo II / During the War/Quest: I just don’t think that was the time or the place. Even before Annabeth left for her mission, they were on a crowded ship, surrounded by people and under a ton of stress. And yeah, some people say, “Well, maybe they did it then because they thought they were gonna die,” but they were also pretty sure Percy was gonna die in the Battle of Manhattan — and they still waited to get together until after it was over. They don’t strike me as a “let’s do it just in case we die tomorrow” type of couple.

When I DO Think It Happened:

This might be an underwhelming answer for those of you who haven’t heard me say this before, but I strongly believe it happened sometime during the summer after the Gaea/Giant War was over — or possibly sometime during their senior year. But I really think it was that summer.

Because by this time, unlike before Percy’s kidnapping when they were still figuring things out, there's a new certainty and stability to their relationship that wasn’t quite there before. In Staff of Hermes, one month into dating, Percy says he’s just glad they’ve made it this long and hopes to keep it going. By Heroes of Olympus, the two of them are discussing their future together and making plans for college and living together in New Rome afterwards. That's a big change. There’s no uncertainty anymore.

That six-month separation was hard for them — especially Annabeth, since she was conscious for all of it — but it showed them that their relationship was more than just a teenage pairing. Annabeth admitted that she had fallen hard for him when they started dating, but that when he went missing, it was like being withdrawn from a lifesaving medication. Percy’s memories were wiped, and he was supposed to forget everything except the most basic thing about himself: his name. But somehow, Annabeth was just as integral a part of him — because he didn’t just remember her name, but had little flashing memories of her too. He didn’t remember his own mother, Grover, or anything about his life, but he knew Annabeth.

So any part of their relationship that was casual or uncertain before? That all went away the moment they were reunited.

Once we see them together again in HoH, it’s consistently commented on how natural they are with each other, and how comfortable they are touching and kissing. Annabeth says Percy is a part of her. Percy says he never wants to be apart from Annabeth again. Then, obviously, they walk through Tartarus together — which only reinforces how united they are.

So what this all shows is that by the end of HoO, their relationship has become as solid as concrete. There’s nothing but love, trust, and certainty. Therefore, once they get back and the world is saved and they’re together in New York again, I think every reason they had to wait before is gone. What’s left is two people who want to be together in every way, and they know their relationship isn't going anywhere.

Anyway, these are just my own personal thoughts. This subject will never get confirmed or denied by Rick, so there's never going to be a right or wrong here. I welcome other opinions and perspectives. And if you agree with me but have other thoughts, feel free to share. Again, just as long as it's respectful :)

[kumatajdg]

Dear Friends,

The Fat Controller is organising special events on Sodor to celebrate 80 years of the Thin Clergyman's 'Engine Stories'. He asked me to make this poster about them.

If you would like to own one, please visit https://kumatajdg.com/shop/ ! :)

I hope you enjoy it.

- The Artist

[feigeroman]

Any Mr. Percival headcanons?

Just one, and ironically, it's that there is no Mr Percival in my headcanon. Let me explain:

When the TV producers finally decided to introduce a Thin Controller in Series 9, they were faced with the dilemma of what his formal name should be. Series 9 as a whole was based on events which happened in 1977 - according to my own timeline headcanon - and during that time, the Skarloey Railway's general manager was Mr Peter Sam. Obviously that name couldn't be used - the potential for confusion with Peter Sam the engine was too great.

So after a bit of brainstorming, he became Mr Peregrine Percival. Over time, the character evolved into an amalgamation of all the real-life Thin Controllers - in the same way that the TV producers had previously rolled up all the Fat Controllers into one.

In the 'reality' of my headcanon, of course, this change never happened, so the SR remains under the control of Mr Peter Sam from S9-12 (1977-80), and Mr Roger Sam from S12-onwards (1980-onwards).

[fisherrprince]

im a carpenter and a mage, right? im gonna make arenvald one of those walking wheelchairs. From witch hat. gods know wheeling around eorzea is impossible, especially gridania, NOT built for disabilities at all, and you’re going to be wandering around anyways so might as well give it hooves I think. I’ve got time. provided someone else helps me figure out how to enchant the darn thing. prototypes and all! what do you think alphy hooves or paws. maybe I could ask cid about an automaton type thing so it doesn’t have to… eat? Would a familiar have to eat it if doesn’t have a mouth? brb I gotta find matoya again

[erial-c]

ohhhhh honey and guy trying not to laugh too loud so they're whisper giggling and whisper-shouting at each other ..... my shaylas😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[cologona]

Sometimes I feel like maybe I’m being too hard on Bruce because he’s a grieving father and you don’t judge people for how they get by when the dead usually stay dead, but then I remember that the Waynes are the closest thing Gotham (maybe even the whole of America in the DC universe) has to royalty and Batman claimed the city for himself, so when Bruce turns abandons the responsibility he himself took on for getting Jason justice, it’s not a just a dead body he turns his back on, he’s betraying a member of the people he claimed. A citizen he was supposed to serve.

[lewvithur]

weight gain as healing is a very good trope but i thought of an offshoot which is just as good, maybe even better

may i present to you: weight gain as re-establishing bodily autonomy

[duskstargazer]

'A Coat of Your Own'

[1948]

“Now then, number 6, let’s get you cleaned up and ready for work.” The Thin Controller addressed his new engine.

“Sir, if I may?” The engine began, hesitantly.

“Yes?”

“If it’s alright wi’ you, sir… I’d like ta be repainted.”

“Of course. We’ll give you your own livery as soon as your performance trials are completed-”

“Sir, with all respect … I meant as soon as possible.”

“…”

“You mean… now?”

“If that’s at all possible, sir.”

“You… realize you’re here as a spare engine, yes?”

“I know, sir.”

“…”

“And what colour would you like?”

The new engine thought it over for only a moment.

“Yellow, sir.”

“…Yellow…”

“…”

“…I’ll see what I can do.”

[ / ]

Peter Sam watched as the workers stripped away the old, cracked, and faded paintwork and applied the new livery.

“It’s certainly strange to see him repainted so early…” The battered saddle tank said to himself. “Mr. Sam must have a good feeling about him.”