Hello everyone. I hope you are all doing well, safe and sound and such. It's now June and volume 4B is fully underway, so here's the monthly updates for Adventures on Rails.
- First off, I'll re-cap last month's lot of stories as usual. Volume four is now on its second phase and it all started off with Thomas and the Storyteller which was a great chance to give Liza a major role. It really did end up focusing more on her, but I still used the original story as the basis for mine. Anyways, I know what you're thinking: Main, haven't you re-written almost half of series eleven now? That is partially intentional but it also just happened. It really just so happened that episodes from that series were ones I wanted to re-write. So don't be surprised with any future series eleven re-writes. The following story was Mark of Distinction which is a direct follow up to Duck, Henry and the Tenders from the previous volume. Obviously, it's great to have continuity and this was no exception. Last but definitely not least was Market Day which as the title implies is about market day on Sodor and focusing specifically on Thomas's Branch Line. I always enjoy writing for Thomas's Branch and each character gets their own sub-plot. I even managed to throw in Terence and Bertie, so definitely check it out - it's a fun episode to read!
- Now we're in the sixth month of the year so it seems appropriate that our number six engine should get some spot-light, right? Therefore, Percy will be the focus of the first two stories. There may be a change on the third story of this month but regardless it is one to look forward to. If the change happens, all three stories will be focused on the Ffarquhar Branch. The only thing I will say in advance is that I will be focusing on something rather obscure in the model series. It is a piece of rolling stock seen in the background several times in the early model series. The idea I have works great with Percy so I can't wait to share it with everyone.
- As you see, there's three new stories coming out this month and then after that, two stories per month till we get to December. Now, I shan't reveal everything but I am planning to end this season on a cliff-hanger. The last story will tie into the first six of a potential volume five and then that will lead into something that I want to fulfil. I really hope it all works out, but I also want to take thing step by step. First and foremost, volume four will be completed, and then afterwards, volume five will await. Honestly, regardless of what happens with the Thomas franchise, all I can say is that the reason I'm here and a lot of us are here is because of the books and Classic Series. I appreciate and respect the Rev. Awdry, Britt Allcroft, David Mitton, and many others for their work and dedication to this little blue tank engine and his friends. I simply want to continue to respect and honour the legacy that has been left for us.
Take care everyone and stay safe! MainLineEngines (talk) 18:00, 2 June 2022 (UTC)