

Where should I start?
So long story short my "I LIKE TRAINS" neurons got reactivated when I turned 41 and because childhood nostalgia is weird I picked up Wonders of Sodor. Yes the Thomas train game and found it an incredibly enjoyable assumedly simplified and streamline train sim (in fairness it is basically Train Sim World 5 with a license as I understand). I dunno why but the shunting, timetable keeping, and managing of the throttle really got me into it (it'll be the autism). I was looking at maybe getting another train sim and the amount on offer terrifies me.
So what title would people recommend for a newcomer? If possible I wouldn't mind something that let me control the train relatively easily with a controller as it's my preferred method or gaming, but open to anything.
Thanks for the opinions.
Anybody have any recommendations for 3D printed Henry faces?
Got a cheap black 5 model (non-functioning Airfix) OO scale model that I'm going to customise into a "Diapet" Henry because I love my Gordon but wish they did a Henry (and I'm not paying 40 to 50 quid to potentially fuck up another Gordon) and can only find one on thingiverse. Just wondering if there are any other options people know of.
Ruining two of my favourite characters in one image.
Not the first one to make a scat joke with this line.
Won't be the last.
Latest Merch Acquisitions
Diapet Gordon, Plarail 2018 Henry (got because the faces of all the other Trackmaster and plarail Henry's are terrifying) 80th Ruby Thomas, 2026 Troublesome truck. Toby, and Harold.
Harold has the most unsettling face and also I can totally see him being voiced by Patrick Warburton.
I got this, I got this! I DON'T GOT THIS!
Doing a self imposed challenge of using Gordon to take the longest train you spawn by default (Diesel > 20 Troublesome trucks + Brake van) to the quarry from Tidmouth, change it for the same train but loaded, bring it back down the hill to Tidmouth, then turn around and take it all the we to the Vicarstown siding in one go. I got 75% up the hill but stalled. So I then spawned James and Diesel to help big Gordo up the last bit. Managed to get on the quarry loop but went to the map screen after braking to set a new way point (I don't get how Go To points work for multi stage routes with the signals) and this happened.
Yeah I derailed on the next corner after sliding backwards at 40mph. Was fun though!
At the beginning of July I hadn't thought about Thomas the Tankin' Dankin' in maybe 2 decades. This is the merch I e bought since.
I've also got a Plarail Henry (fave character), Diapet Gordon (2nd) and 80th Ruby Cargo Thomas (4th, maybe 3rd) on the way.
Oh and I bought Wonders of Sodor. Twice (different formats).
I think I got hit bad by the nostalgia virus.
Overthinking Engines: Human Staff
So after not watching any of the model show since I was ten and now watching the more recommended movies and seasons of the CGI series, I have come to the conclusion that either the drivers and other human staff are somehow subservient to the engines like worker bees subservient to warriors...or they're all terrible at their jobs and the sentient engines have been conditioned to accept blame for their crews fuck ups.
Or that Sir Toppham Hat is experiencing some form of mental breakdown brought on my schizophrenia and dementia.
Anyway, I have cone to this conclusion because 99% of the plots could be resolved by the drivers, fireman, station staff, couplers etc, just went "Hang on, that's not what you were told to do" or "We're going down the wrong line" or "We're not moving the crane until it's arm is secure." Or just "Thomas is lying again."
Of course that would'nt make for a very entertaining show.
I miss being more whimsical.
Look I'm sure these will be great in animation but every single one of these 2026 Thomas faces on the diecast merch I bought looks like they have either committed or witnessed some sort of horror/crime.
Thomas: Shipped to France during WW1, saw the effects of trench warfare. Often transported casualties of artillery and mustard gas attacks to hospital. Smiles to keep the voices of those that died in his carriages quiet.
Diesel: Stops at any bridge or hidden area of Sodor where people, mainly the islands hidden homeless, go to enjoy each other carnally and just watches. The dirtier the better. He loves the smell and is particularly fond of scat play.
Henry: Cordial, hardworking if neurotic engine. Secretly Sir Topham Hatt's "fixer." Knows where the bodies are. Hell he took them there. Rarely gets his wheels dirty himself, but when he does there's never any evidence afterwards.
Gordon: Older, more mature brother to the celebrity engine, Flying Scotsman. Famous in his own right as the face of Sodor and is purposely kept that way. He knows if he asks too many questions, he'll get answers. And he's seen just enough to know he doesn't want them.
Just keep smiling Gordon.
James: Makes the messes that Henry cleans up. Rabid dog of the North Western Railway. The one engine you don't want to see at your platform. The first person he killed was by running over their legs. He did it just to watch the life drain from their eyes. The rest? Food for the beast.
Wonders of Sodor: The Analog Horror
Don't look behind you while pulling Annie and Clarabel through a tunnel. They can see your sins in the dark.
Tightening the waist ball joint on my Hiya Toys Godzilla 2000. He's not enjoying the process.
He's beside himself really.
So Godzilla 2000 is my first Hiya and first high quality Godzilla fig I have bought (got 2 KO SHMs previously and a GvK Playmates one) and love the bugger. As others have reported his mid torso joints a little loose.
Now I collect mainly Transformers so I know the tricks for losing and tightening ball joints, (costing with a water based varnish/clear coat (superglue if you feel dangerous). As I understand it the abnjointbis a ball joint. I gave it a small pull but it felt tighter than I expected. I'm just wanting know is it actually a ball joint and if it's easy enough to remove before I try. Thanks.
Fun with my new and first Hiya Toys Godzilla and a smol 3rd Party Megatron Transformers (Dr. Wu's Menace King).