I love trains, and that interest was encouraged thanks to this independent film series. Plus, a shout out for a project YOU should support.
Do you remember 2012? The Mayan Apocalypse was on the news, and the first Avengers film came out. I remember 2012 for those, but I also recall it being a year that a series came out that shaped my interest in trains.
Hello and welcome to Conductor Pat’s Perspective. Today, I’d like to reflect on Steam Locos in Profile, an independent web series created by Chris Eden-Green. Eden-Green is a British filmmaker, whose credits include working as a runner for the BBC, and ITV, while producing films independently.
Steam Locos in Profile has been called “Top Gear for Trains,” by fans. Eden-Green said in a 2020 interview that he was inspired by an episode of Top Gear featuring a race with Tornado; a new steam locomotive completed in 2008 (and the first mainline steam locomotive built in the UK since the 1960’s). Eden-Green saw a niche opening on YouTube; people posted compilations of steam locomotives running, but there were no reviews of their designs. Thus Steam Locos in Profiles was born.
“Each episode looks at a specific class of engine, examining their concept, history, strengths, weaknesses, decline and revival. In this series, I act as researcher, writer, main cameraman, editor, director/producer and presenter.” —Chris Eden-Green, via his website.
I first came across Eden-Green’s series in the early 2010’s, either in 2012 or 2013. I’ve always had a fascination with railways, inspired like many by Thomas the Tank Engine. Which’s why my knowledge of railways skewers towards British locomotives, and SLiP is partially to blame for that.
Whenever I found it, I was hooked.
Eden-Green’s videos delve deeper into the locomotives’ histories, while also making the knowledge easy to absorb with his video format, including music and occasional jokes. Steam Locos in Profile helped me develop a deeper interest in railway history and how steam locomotives work mechanically.
I also learned to appreciate classes of locomotives more. For example, I was always a fan of streamlined locomotives known as the A4’s, such as Mallard (which holds the official steam speed record).
But I didn’t know about their mechanical faults, or the history of the class besides Mallard. The mechanical knowledge Eden-Green explains to viewers gives a greater appreciation for the design work that goes into locomotives.
SLiP also exposed me to more history. For example, my interest in British locomotives was skewered (once again) towards a specific railway company, the London & North Eastern Railway (LNER), which built the A4’s. Eden-Green’s series introduced me to engines from other railways: Great Western Railway (GWR), Southern Railway and the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS), their predecessors and even later when the railways were nationalized into British Railways (BR). (The latter introduced me to one of my favorite classes, the BR Standard Class 5).
Chris Eden-Green’s review of the LB&SCR Terriers, licensed by We Are Railfans (TM).
Eden-Green has also traveled outside of England to countries such as Poland to review more locomotives. These episodes are DVD exclusives, and unfortunately I haven’t been able to buy them (yet). If you have a loved one who’s into trains, his DVD’s would make for a great gift. Visit www.e-gmedia.co.uk/shop
10 years later, and I’m still enjoying Eden-Green’s productions. He still produces, directs and presents SLiP, while also producing standalone documentaries and his editorial Gauge the Issue web series.
One of his non-SLiP projects I really enjoy is his International Model Locomotive Efficiency Challenge (IMLEC) documentary. The documentary covers covers IMLEC, a contest to test live steam miniature engines’ fuel efficiency. Eden-Green takes an event that could seem silly to non-Train enthusiasts and weaves personal stories of the contestants in, along with hilarious commentary and tender moments. If you’re not into trains, or only have a passing interest, I highly recommend giving the IMLEC documentary a watch. It’s on YouTube for free on Eden-Green’s channel.
Without SLiP, I wouldn’t have half the knowledge of railways I have. Chris, if this somehow comes across your eyes, thank you. Your videos are a pleasure to watch, and I appreciate the escapism and learning your videos provide. Thank you.
Now I should be honest and say this post was inspired not just for my enjoyment of Eden-Green’s series, but to raise awareness for his newest project. To celebrate SLiP’s 10th anniversary, Eden-Green is planning a trip to the United States!
To accomplish this, Eden-Green Media is fundraising to cover their traveling costs. For US fans of SLiP like myself, this’ possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity to have Eden-Green's team come to the US and review locomotives we know and love. The goal is to reach £30,000 (around $40,800) to cover the costs for all the engines they’d like to review. As of writing, they’re a little over halfway of their goal.
If you’re a railfan like me, I highly recommend supporting the project. To make a pledge like me (I went for the signed poster) go to www.e-gmedia.co.uk/slipsintheusa and make a pledge. Deadline for pledges is March 31st, 23:59.
Let’s support an independent filmmaker who’s given railfans across the globe enjoyment over the years. Best of luck to Edgen-Green and the rest of his team, as they prepare for the USA production. And here’s to the next decade of whatever projects EG Media pursue.
Want to learn more about Eden-Green? Check out this 2020 interview with exposure.org.
You can also listen to his podcast interviews with Railway Mania, where he discusses SLiP in more detail.
You can also hear him talk about the 2021 IMLEC documentary (please note, this interview has spoilers for the documentary).
To get another view on Steam Locos in Profile, please consider watching this review by YouTuber Jenny Kirk, who recently reviewed his newest DVD.
What creators have you followed for a decade? Are you also a fan of Chris Eden-Green’s content? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading.
Disclaimer: None of the links in this blog post are affiliates.
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