"Climbing the Hill"

A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes at Copley Hill, towards the return of The British Railway Series this summer. Seventeen episodes and three years since it started, the series is starting to hit new heights with views on Youtube, and looking at Episode 1 - 127,000 views at last count - the series seems to be getting more popular.

I was going to release a trailer this week, but work at home and general everyday life has prevented me from finishing the editing. Then I asked myself - is this as good as it could be?

I have always strived to do better with each episode, and looking at the footage I have shot for Episode 17X - the BRWS Contest Episode - leaves me feeling a little cold on that front. It's as good as Fowler's Ghost in some ways - but no better, really, and that disappoints me.

So what to do? Delay the episode, and the one after, to fix the faults - or release as is?

I am unsure at this point if I will delay it again - the three contest winners have had to wait seven, nearly eight months for their prizes and it would be unfair on them to make them wait even longer. That said - would it be unfair on them to release a piece of work that was substandard, and didn't do their creations justice?

It's not a bad premise nor a bad storyline - and the shots are certainly good enough. But it is better than that which went before? I don't think so, and hence my displeasure at my own work. I need to think this through carefully before making any changes.

Answers on a postcard please. What do you think? Email at Copleyhill@live.co.uk with your thoughts.

Until next time.