Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => Large => Topic started by: smcgill on November 02, 2009, 08:16:32 AM

Title: Thomas??
Post by: smcgill on November 02, 2009, 08:16:32 AM
Oh Mr. Bachmann  :o  Any Idea when Thomas is do??? :P
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: R. J. Raleigh on November 02, 2009, 08:19:33 PM
I am waiting to purchase several of the troublesome trucks........finally after 15 years, something to pull behind my Lynton and Barnstaple.
Hope to see them soon.
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on November 06, 2009, 09:36:28 AM
From Large Scale Central:

http://www.largescalecentral.com/LSCForums/viewtopic.php?id=12039&p=1 (http://www.largescalecentral.com/LSCForums/viewtopic.php?id=12039&p=1)

QuoteYesterday 13:56:12 MST

Jack Lynch
    Member
    Joined: 2009-07-17
    Posts: 4
    E-mail  Website

Re: Thomas...

The eyes move - the face comes off - and they are on the water!
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: smcgill on November 06, 2009, 07:16:35 PM
So Mr Bachmann is it true? ???
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Bucksco on November 06, 2009, 10:00:58 PM
Mr. Bach Man is at the Great Train Fair in Syracuse, New York so I will confirm it for him. Yes Thomas is on the way and will be here very soon.
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Mark Oles on November 07, 2009, 09:00:24 PM
We stopped in AC Moore who is now carrying mostly Bachmann HO scale and Lionel O gauge trains.   On the wall were OO Thomas and Percy locomotives.  Luke, my 2 year old,  instantly pointed out Percy.  Thomas was not his first choice.  So, when we got home, I ordered a large scale Percy and troublesome trucks set! 

Checking out some pictures from the iHobby show, the troublesome trucks are going to go well with the aristo 20' gondola and the bobber caboose we got him for his birthday. 

Mark
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Jon D. Miller on November 19, 2009, 07:03:18 PM
My dealer just called to say that the Thomas sets have arrived at his distributor.  So, looks like folks will be able to have a new LS Thomas under the tree this year.




One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on November 23, 2009, 02:36:14 PM
Kim from Trianworld confirmed that they awaiting their shipment to ship out to blokes like myself! 

RCS gear en route from the Left Coast!

;D

edit for spelling
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Mark Oles on November 24, 2009, 06:30:00 PM
Any word on Percy?
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: tac on November 25, 2009, 10:43:33 AM
Quote from: R. J. Raleigh on November 02, 2009, 08:19:33 PMI am waiting to purchase several of the troublesome trucks........finally after 15 years, something to pull behind my Lynton and Barnstaple. Hope to see them soon.

Have you considered hauling the correct Lynton & Barnstaple wagons behind your 'Lyn'?

The whole series is made by AccuCraft [UK] and available from a few selected dealers in the USA.

tac
www.ovgrs.org
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Jon D. Miller on November 25, 2009, 04:45:05 PM
Thomas and his consist arrived at the CD&StL's AJ Yard this afternoon.

(http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/jlsrails/Steam_Locomotives/Steam_Locomotive/100_6182.jpg)

Arrived in good condition.  Very well done.

(http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/jlsrails/Steam_Locomotives/Steam_Locomotive/100_6188.jpg)

Weather too foul to do any running.  Should be clear tomorrow.  Thomas ran well on a short test track.



One of the Enthusiastic Children"

JD
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: the Bach-man on November 26, 2009, 12:24:29 AM
Dear All,
Percy and the Troublesome Trucks have arrived.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Mark Oles on November 28, 2009, 04:18:14 PM
Stopped by the Strasburg Railroad yesterday and they had one of the large scale Thomas sets for sale.  It was much bigger than I expected! I didn't have time to look very long, but it was very impressive even in the package!!
Can't wait for Percy!
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on November 28, 2009, 05:30:01 PM
look for mine soon! 

JD, would love to learn more about your dealer...I have no preference here locally, so do most of my shopping mail-order...and yours always delivers before anyone else...off forum is fine as not to take-away from anyone else!

thanks

cale
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on November 30, 2009, 01:31:33 PM
He's here!  Brown Truck Just delivered!  will report back...soon.

now how do I keep this thing hidden till the 25th  ???

cale
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on November 30, 2009, 02:27:59 PM
Well, if my kids are Excited on Christmas Morning as I am right now...it'll all be Hunky-Dory

The Man in the Brown Truck dropped the box off earlier as reported just a bit ago here on The Bachmann fora...I had to lock myself in the rec-room with my camera, some track, and a few parts....you may notice below that this Loco is HUGE!!!!  He dwarfs a LGB Box Car, and our HLW Mack...not sure where scale will come in to play here, but if it runs as nice as it looks-Bachmann has a winner.

This is a TOY TRAIN!  no back-head detail, no rivets, nada....just a beautiful little blue locomotive that looks just like the latest CG interpretation.

Annie and Clarabell are nice as well...NO detail there either, again folks, this is first and foremost a TOY!  the roofs are held on by gravity, and there are no seats. 

Packaging is nice too, looks "Just like" any other Thomas box you'd see at toy retailers! 

I did my best to get a few shots and upload without spoiling the surprise for my kids...did not run it...may try that after they go to bed tonight.

looks like a RC/Battery conversion will be a snap as well...without looking inside, it all seems hollow-and very lightweight, still may consider a trail install in Annie?  Side-rods are plastic.  The roof is removable!

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/side.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/overhead.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/ThomasCropmeasure.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/LGBBox.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/up.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/bottom.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/driver.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/mackcpmparo.jpg)

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/a&C.jpg)

Merry Christmas!

Cale
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Jon D. Miller on November 30, 2009, 05:33:48 PM
Here's a link to my GRBLOG.  First item posted deals with Thomas.

http://www.grblogs.com/index.php/2009/11/20/thomas-the-tank-aamp-percy?blog=4

It contains tabulated data on the locomotive.  Some may find it of interest.

Outside/In Review has been completed.  It will be published by LSOL in its weekly E-Magazine. 

As Cale points out, and since I've had the locomotive apart, there is plenty of space for a RC receiver, sound and batteries.


One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: andyb on November 30, 2009, 07:45:11 PM
Quote from: calenelson on November 30, 2009, 02:27:59 PM
....you may notice below that this Loco is HUGE!!!!  He dwarfs a LGB Box Car, and our HLW Mack...not sure where scale will come in to play here, but if it runs as nice as it looks-Bachmann has a winner.
..
Cale

I suppose as Thomas is a standard gauge loco running on 45mm gauge track, the scale ought to be 1/32nd or 10mm to the foot?

Andy
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Joe Satnik on December 01, 2009, 12:23:34 PM
Dear JD,

In your blog I believe you measured the wheel "back-to-back" but reported it as the "gauge".

Dear Andy,

I asked the same question a few months ago.  Kind of gave up on the thought for these reasons:

1.  Where can you find the prototypes to measure, or accurate data?

2.  Do you really want to compare to the prototypes, or should it be to the models used in the TV/film production?

3.  How many wide-eyed awestruck 4-year-olds carry around measuring calipers in their back pockets?

I'd just call it "rubber scale/45mm gauge" and call it a (fun) day (for the kids). 

Hope this helps. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: the Bach-man on December 01, 2009, 11:17:30 PM
Dear All,
Joe is right- let's just call it "T Scale"!
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Jon D. Miller on December 02, 2009, 12:41:52 AM
Joe,

QuoteDear JD,

In your blog I believe you measured the wheel "back-to-back" but reported it as the "gauge".

Thanks, It's been corrected.


One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: doug c on December 02, 2009, 02:35:36 PM
Enjoyed the review of the product on LSOL  !

doug c
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Jon D. Miller on December 02, 2009, 04:14:46 PM
QuoteEnjoyed the review of the product on LSOL  !

doug c

Thanks Doug.  Seven days from delivery to publication of the review.  LSOL does try to bring Team LSOL members information in a timely manner.  And they don't guess what's inside; they look.

One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on December 03, 2009, 01:49:42 AM
Quote from: Jon D. Miller on December 02, 2009, 04:14:46 PM
QuoteEnjoyed the review of the product on LSOL  !

doug c

Thanks Doug.  Seven days from delivery to publication of the review.  LSOL does try to bring Team LSOL members information in a timely manner.  And they don't guess what's inside; they look.

One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD

Choices...

For near $40 one could pay to be on a Team (1/5 the purchase price with shipping of set in question)...

...or toss the extra required bucks with that and order their own Thomas starter set,  be running it in less than 7 days, and enjoying the free to read fourms.

cale

...opening it up themselves would be optional.  I guess I'll get around to that soon enough-



Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: the Bach-man on December 03, 2009, 09:28:46 AM
Dear All,
Let's keep this thread on the merits of Thomas!
Thanks!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Loco Bill on December 03, 2009, 09:59:37 AM
The "T" Scale idea is great.   ;D  The Thomas T Scale line by Bachamnn is going to be a hit with Kids of all ages :).  Myt grandaughter says thank you to Bachamnn for making him  :-*  :-* .   Grandpa has a great time playing Thomas with her!   What can be better than that!!!   Neither she or I are worried about scale guage demensions, just having fun!!

Happy holdiays to all and have fun in Sodor!!!!
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on December 03, 2009, 10:24:59 AM
Call it whatever scale you like!

I agree Bill, this thing should be a HIT (excuse the pun).

No surprise they are already listed on Ebay (for more than most mail retailers are selling)...Amazon too-Ouch!

Bach-man will any effort be made to introduce this set to stores like Toys r us, Target, or etc...?  Or will it remain the LHS job to carry?  I remember the glossy magazine ads from LGB that I thought would always looked swell in the Southern Living or Family Fun magazine...

again, Bmann, Nice Job!

edit follows....got into it, really easy!

Here are some photos....Stealthily I rushed up the stairs, un boxed, removed some screws and took a couple of pics

Yeah, this is all the ele involved!

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/NoSocket.jpg)

side view from right rear corner, Motor, Heat-sink, gear/eye mech

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/Motor.jpg)

looking down under the motor into the bottom end

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/drivegear.jpg)

From front right corner looking back, eye/gear mech

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/eye1.jpg)

Room for stuff, oh joy!

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/roomwithavue.jpg)

side view with body removed...

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/sideview.jpg)

birds eye of guts....top end

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/wayup.jpg)

Drive Gear on Center, Blind Driver...

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/gears.jpg)

Complete Drive Shot...

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/bottomend.jpg)

All 3 axles have at least 1/4" to 3/8" side-play..1100 compatible!

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/sideplay.jpg)

there you go, gotta get back to the kids!  the pics can speak for themselves.

Nice and Simple, Thanks Bachmann!

Cale








cale
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Nathan on December 04, 2009, 04:02:46 PM
The first of 3 sets I have on order [ 1 for my self and 2 for our club ] arrived today, just in time for our Xmas show at the Museum.  Did a quick check on it, works good.  Will have it operational this weekend.  Looking forward to the Percy sets!!
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on December 04, 2009, 05:38:54 PM
Is it in mentor OH. We are the Western Reserve Model Railroad Museum. and we have our Christmas show tomorrow Sat. Dec. 5 and Sun Dec. 6.
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: tac on December 04, 2009, 06:12:26 PM
Quote from: the Bach-man on December 01, 2009, 11:17:30 PM
Dear All,
Joe is right- let's just call it "T Scale"!
Have fun!
the Bach-man

Bachmann - the designator 'T' scale has already been taken by the near microscopic 1/450 scale Japanese models made by KK Eishindo.

You'll have to think again.

tac
www.ovgrs.org
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Nathan on December 04, 2009, 08:41:43 PM
James,

It is in San Antonio, TX:

http://www.txtransportationmuseum.org/SHD.htm
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: smcgill on December 05, 2009, 07:10:04 AM
Cale nice job with the must have info! :o
Thanks and am waiting to hear how christmas turned out! ::)
Sean
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: tac on December 05, 2009, 08:14:40 AM
Quote from: smcgill on December 05, 2009, 07:10:04 AM
Cale nice job with the must have info! :o
Thanks and am waiting to hear how christmas turned out! ::)
Sean

Well, over here in Yoorup it hasn't happened yet.

tac
www.ovgrs.org
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Nathan on December 06, 2009, 11:42:20 PM
Ran our new Thomas for about 7 hours a day Sat and Sun for our Xmas show.  Ran good the whole time.  The only problem was because of some bad track it came uncoupled several places.  We used the stock 'hook and loops'.  When our second Thomas gets here will try the other couplers that come with the set and see what happens.
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: StanAmes on December 07, 2009, 08:32:28 PM
Nathan

I can not iminage track that would uncouple hook and loop couplers with hooks at both ends.  Amazing that Thomas stayed on the track.

We ran both Thomas and Percy at our show both day this weekend.  The kids really loved it.  Sat for a long time just watching two trains go round and round and round.

These trains should be a real hit.

Stan
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Nathan on December 07, 2009, 09:08:50 PM
Stan,

You had a chance to look at how to put in DCC yet?  Once my sets get here, the clubs got here first, I want to add DCC so we can have them going opposite directions with passing sidings.

Nathan
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Jon D. Miller on December 08, 2009, 11:15:52 AM
POLARITY

For those that have yet to notice, Thomas is wired to be NMRA Standard S-9 polarity compliant.

Now why did Bachmann do that? 

It will be a simple matter to reverse the power wires attached to the motor to convert to Large Scale polarity should polarity be an issue.

One of the "Enthusiastic Children"

JD
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Joe Satnik on December 08, 2009, 01:39:25 PM
Dear Nathan,

Does your club have DCC?   Then, I guess you would install a decoder in each motorized unit. 

You can run what you are asking for with some sneaky Block DC wiring for a lot less. 

Just reverse the polarity of one of the motors so they go in opposite directions on the same DC track power.

Build your siding (ladders are better- no "S" curves) with spring loaded turnouts so that East bound takes the siding, West bound takes the main. 

Isolate the north rail of an engine long section of track at the east end of the siding, and also the north rail of an engine long section of track at the west end of the main between the turnouts.

Wire one isolated north rail to one momentary SPST switch, and the other isolated north rail to another SPST switch.  The other end of the switches would be connected to the power supply terminal that would have normally powered the north rails had they not been isolated. 

With one engine parked on the siding facing east and the other parked (facing west) on the main between the switches (with the engines parked over the isolated rail sections), turn on the track power in forward. 

Neither engine should move.   Press  one of the switches for a very short time.  One engine should move forward a bit.  Press the other for a very short time.  The other engine should move forward a bit.  If they both move backwards, turn power off and reverse the polarity of the wires on the power supply. 

With everything correctly wired, and the turnouts sprung in the proper direction with proper tension,

you should be able to press one momentary switch (long enough for the engine to clear the isolated section) where the train should take off by itself,

make a lap, head back into its proper siding, then stop (when it hits its isolated section.)

Repeat using the other direction train's momentary SPST switch. 

Trains must be short enough to completely clear the other track when parked. 

Hope this is not too confusing. 

LGB has electronics that can run two DC Block trains in the same direction while controlling two remote turnouts and automatically starting and stopping the trains at the proper times.  I'm guessing it's pricey, though. 

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik 

Edit:  Added "north", "east" and "west" and other clarifications.   
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Nathan on December 08, 2009, 05:16:32 PM
Joe,

I was not asking about DCC in general, I have been using it for may years.  The Club Thomas and Percy will not get DCC.  My Thomas and Percy will.

What I was asking about if anyone who has received their Thomas has looked at the conversion.

Nathan
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: calenelson on December 08, 2009, 06:54:23 PM
Nathan looks pretty easy to me...

(http://www.lscdata.com/users/cale_nelson/Thomas/NoSocket.jpg)

not bothered by NMRA wiring...will be snipping it all before too long!
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Chuck N on December 09, 2009, 09:32:40 AM
Joe:

If you put a diode across one of the gaps on each of your sidings, all you need to do is change the polarity on the track.  You don't need any extra wiring and electric switches.

The diode should be on the east end gap on one track and the west end gap of the other track.  I isolate the entire siding with the gaps and diodes as near to the switches as possible.

Chuck
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Nathan on January 02, 2010, 07:11:37 PM
Had a chance to swap out the hook and loop couplers for some of the Big Hauler knuckle couplers on my Thomas and tested at the club today.  No unwanted uncoupling.  The club uses 8 Ft Diameter curves.  Also ran them on the R1 curves that come with the set.
Title: Re: Thomas??
Post by: Nathan on January 07, 2010, 05:31:31 PM
Played with putting DCC in my Thomas and Percy.

Started with some MRC AD324 decoders.  They caused noise with the motors.  Removed the small board and still had the motor noise.  Tried the same decoders in an old Big Hauler 0-4-0 that looks like it uses the same type of motor, no noise.

Had a couple of NCE 408 D408SR decoders I have used in other loco's that have since worn out.  No noise with or with out the board.

You can get to the motor on Percy by just removing the four screws that hold on the cab, you do not need to pull the boiler.

On Thomas you have to remove all 8 screws as the cab and boiler are one piece.  While you have the cab / boiler off pull the face off.  It is held on by some small tabs.  When you have made any changes you need place the cab / boiler on and set the eye movement levers.  Then put the screws back in.