I was at the Worlds Greatest Hobby show and was impressed with Bachmann's HO layout for there Thomas display. Are the plans for this layout avalable, & hats off to whoever designed this. If you have not seen it they have managed to put 5 loops & most of the main features of Sodor Island in a 3x6 layout. Nice work I could'nt pull my boys away.
can u post pics :)
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/gallery.php?set_albumName=album14&include=view_album.php
It really is nice. Very seen it in person, but plan to in February. I heard they made changes.
I saw it in person here in good ol' Cleveland. :D
Quote from: PasqualeCS96 on November 23, 2010, 07:48:06 PM
I saw it in person here in good ol' Cleveland. :D
I saw it and met the bachmann in Cleveland too at the I-X center last year
.
same here! Hope they bring it back, the car shows there have been going down hill.
sounds like I'm missing out on the opprotunity to see the island of sodor. if only they toured to the spokane train show then I would be more than happy to go.
If you live in Cleveland speak up
no, i don't live in cleveland.
I technically live in lakewood but its a suburb to cleveland.
I saw it at Long Beach a while back. It was in kinda rough shape after several trips.
The Sodor layout received a "facelift" about two months ago:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=497753915760&set=a.497753420760.294870.182658255760
Quote from: PasqualeCS96 on November 24, 2010, 09:45:15 AM
If you live in Cleveland speak up
I do!! But I live in Brecksville, south of cleveland.
I'd love to have a setup like that, but I'm not so good with that kind of stuff, so it would probably end up looking crappy lol :P
Dear Fighter,
Take a look at the step-by-step layout photos I've posted. I'll bet there's not a single step that you couldn't do. Take it a step at a time and your layout will look just as nice. Try it- you'll surprise even yourself!
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Quote from: the Bach-man on November 27, 2010, 10:12:16 PM
Dear Fighter,
Take a look at the step-by-step layout photos I've posted. I'll bet there's not a single step that you couldn't do. Take it a step at a time and your layout will look just as nice. Try it- you'll surprise even yourself!
Have fun!
the Bach-man
I did go through the step by step photos. Since I'm just starting out, I know nothing about the mechanics of model trains... so far I just know I need to have the transformer plugged into the track to get em to move :P
Other than that, I don't have any types of tools to do any cutting of materials or stuff like that. It looks like it would take a lot of money to get it looking so awesome :)
Quote from: fighter4luv on November 28, 2010, 02:44:00 AM
Quote from: the Bach-man on November 27, 2010, 10:12:16 PM
Dear Fighter,
Take a look at the step-by-step layout photos I've posted. I'll bet there's not a single step that you couldn't do. Take it a step at a time and your layout will look just as nice. Try it- you'll surprise even yourself!
Have fun!
the Bach-man
I did go through the step by step photos. Since I'm just starting out, I know nothing about the mechanics of model trains... so far I just know I need to have the transformer plugged into the track to get em to move :P
Other than that, I don't have any types of tools to do any cutting of materials or stuff like that. It looks like it would take a lot of money to get it looking so awesome :)
Understandable, same here, mine took 3, 4 years to build, but it was worth it in the end.
Quote from: SodorAdventures on November 28, 2010, 09:24:09 AM
Quote from: fighter4luv on November 28, 2010, 02:44:00 AM
Quote from: the Bach-man on November 27, 2010, 10:12:16 PM
Dear Fighter,
Take a look at the step-by-step layout photos I've posted. I'll bet there's not a single step that you couldn't do. Take it a step at a time and your layout will look just as nice. Try it- you'll surprise even yourself!
Have fun!
the Bach-man
I did go through the step by step photos. Since I'm just starting out, I know nothing about the mechanics of model trains... so far I just know I need to have the transformer plugged into the track to get em to move :P
Other than that, I don't have any types of tools to do any cutting of materials or stuff like that. It looks like it would take a lot of money to get it looking so awesome :)
Understandable, same here, mine took 3, 4 years to build, but it was worth it in the end.
My layout is at least 2 years old and the track isn't even completely laid yet. I'm taking my time because it
is worth it in the end - just as SodorAdventures said. It is really fun, especially a freelanced layout. Personally, I wouldn't want to make a duplicate of Bachmann's layout.
If you want to make a layout, even if it is just track, all you need to know is that one wire is positive and one is neutral/ground. (There is no "true" negative.) Positive goes into one rail, and ground goes into the other. The engine completes the circuit that the rails combined with the transformer are attempting to make. Voila! You just learned the basics of wiring a model railroad.
Using E-Z track is even "E-Z-er" (applause for the pun), but it's all your choice. I personally prefer no roadbed attached to the rails so I go with the classic stuff.
As the Bach-man always says: "Have fun!"
Fighter,
I am in the process of building the Sodor Layout that The Bachmann posted pictures of. I asked a lot of questions here early on and had some great help. It was somewhat difficult to determine exactly what track I needed and how much from the pictures posted. But eventually I got it all figured out. I have the lower level track laid and raised and wired, and most of the second/middle level. I am really taking my time with it, but mostly due to money constraints. I would be happy to share the layout plans with you, that tells exactly what pieces and how much track for each level. I also have a photo album of my progress, which I need to update. I am not building it exactly as The Bachmann did, but making my own tweaks to suit the needs/desires of myself and my son. If you're interested, let me know, and I'll post the info I have.
please show us. we would love to see photos of your layout.
Quote from: Anthony P2 on December 02, 2010, 08:37:25 PM
please show us. we would love to see photos of your layout.
Yea, Show us your WIP layout.
Quote from: napa15 on December 02, 2010, 06:00:19 PMI would be happy to share the layout plans with you
Seeing the photos would be awesome, but I'd rather just make random track areas resembling ones from the show... or even locations from my city. I'm more than a few years away from having it set up... for now it will just be basic tracks and trains running on it :)
I just set up a random track today, and very disappointed. Only the large engines can make it up the hill.... and whenever any engine runs over a turnout track area, it loses connection with the tracks and derails - even if it's running at super slow speeds :( am I doing something wrong?
Is it just set up on the floor or are the tracks attached to something? The tracks could be sliding apart as the engines go in certain directions over it. As there is some kind of friction, the tracks want to move with the engine, at least somewhat. Correct me If I'm wrong, but if you either aren't using something comparable to E-Z track and it isn't fixed to your surface, then you may run into problems.
As for the hill, I've had problems building my hills on my layout. If you go over a 3% grade, you will have problems no matter what you do because even by adding weight to engines, you can't add too much. I have just about a 3% grade and James was the only one that needed weight added to him so he could pull 3 coaches (at least I recall). Spencer, Gordon, and Henry by themselves each had a record of 6 coaches. That was the max. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. I wonder if it is the climate. :P Another note is if you have curves on your hills, then the tighter they get, the more difficult it is to move up the hill. I have 26" and 24" curves on my one hill with the track laid. I hope I can do the same with the other :-\.
Good luck
As promised, I have updated my photo album with the latest pictures I have. I am going to provide a link to my Picasa photo site, because I have no desire to try and post a bunch of picture links in this message. :) The link will take you to my Sodor Island Progress page. Most images have a description that gives information of what was going on at that stage. You'll see I chose to make the basic layout almost the same as The Bachmann's. I did change the dock side end to a yard area. My reason for deciding this was because the project has been rather expensive just to get to this point (which is why it has progressed slowly), and there are a lot of details in the dock side area on The Bachmann's layout which would significantly increase the costs. So, it will be a small yard area that will be much more cost effective, while still serving a purpose. This is all trial and error on my part. I could have chosen to do a lot of it differently, but I chose not to on purpose. I do have plans to change some of it later on to suit my own desires though.
Stay tuned.... :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/NAPA15/HOThomasSodorIslandLayout?feat=directlink
Here's a video I made of Gordon running on my current setup. Planning on adding some more tracks to it when I buy some.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6MvCzVQ8L8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6MvCzVQ8L8)
Quote from: fighter4luv on December 06, 2010, 04:12:07 PM
Here's a video I made of Gordon running on my current setup. Planning on adding some more tracks to it when I buy some.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6MvCzVQ8L8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6MvCzVQ8L8)
I checked out the video and pictures. Truly awesome. I think your setup is very, very awesome. Glad to see the children helping ;)
Enjoy the ride. ;)
Quote from: SodorAdventures on December 06, 2010, 06:12:28 PMGlad to see the children helping ;)
What's that supposed to mean? :P
Quote from: fighter4luv on December 08, 2010, 06:06:34 AM
Quote from: SodorAdventures on December 06, 2010, 06:12:28 PMGlad to see the children helping ;)
What's that supposed to mean? :P
In your album, there were pictures of your children helping you. ???
Quote from: SodorAdventures on December 08, 2010, 07:09:56 AM
Quote from: fighter4luv on December 08, 2010, 06:06:34 AM
Quote from: SodorAdventures on December 06, 2010, 06:12:28 PMGlad to see the children helping ;)
What's that supposed to mean? :P
In your album, there were pictures of your children helping you. ???
Oh, you're getting me confused with that guy who did the Sodor set lol. All I have uploaded is my Gordon video :P I don't have kids... I'm the kid in the house lol
His comment "Glad to see the children helping" was in response to me, as I posted the pictures of my Sodor layout.. and it has a few pics of my children... helping. :) I shot some video last night of 4 trains running at once on it. I finally got my inner loop on the middle level complete. I also bought a few tunnel portals yesterday so I might start facing up the tunnel/mountain side areas some day soon. :)
I'll try and get a link to the video posted soon.
Quote from: fighter4luv on December 08, 2010, 07:19:26 AM
Quote from: SodorAdventures on December 08, 2010, 07:09:56 AM
Quote from: fighter4luv on December 08, 2010, 06:06:34 AM
Quote from: SodorAdventures on December 06, 2010, 06:12:28 PMGlad to see the children helping ;)
What's that supposed to mean? :P
In your album, there were pictures of your children helping you. ???
Oh, you're getting me confused with that guy who did the Sodor set lol. All I have uploaded is my Gordon video :P I don't have kids... I'm the kid in the house lol
Yea, sorry for the confusion, and lol about you quote "Im the kid in the house."
Quote from: napa15 on December 06, 2010, 04:00:02 PM
As promised, I have updated my photo album with the latest pictures I have. I am going to provide a link to my Picasa photo site, because I have no desire to try and post a bunch of picture links in this message. :) The link will take you to my Sodor Island Progress page. Most images have a description that gives information of what was going on at that stage. You'll see I chose to make the basic layout almost the same as The Bachmann's. I did change the dock side end to a yard area. My reason for deciding this was because the project has been rather expensive just to get to this point (which is why it has progressed slowly), and there are a lot of details in the dock side area on The Bachmann's layout which would significantly increase the costs. So, it will be a small yard area that will be much more cost effective, while still serving a purpose. This is all trial and error on my part. I could have chosen to do a lot of it differently, but I chose not to on purpose. I do have plans to change some of it later on to suit my own desires though.
Stay tuned.... :)
http://picasaweb.google.com/NAPA15/HOThomasSodorIslandLayout?feat=directlink
Hey, nice job with the recreation of the Bachmann's layout. You are doing fine with progress. Don't stress yourself. At least you have a loop to run trains on. Mine is half way through with problems having arisen. ::)
Question, where did you get that rolling gantry crane (or the crane that isn't Cranky), and what is it called (brand/item name, etc.)?
Good luck. It looks great so far. ;) :)
An incredible start. Can't wait to see the layout when finished. :)
So no one liked my awesome filming and editing skills? :P
PerfectPercy,
I got the crane from my local hobby store (I just happened to see it there, and it is the exact same one the Bachmann used in his layout).
This is it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MODEL-POWER-HO-SCALE-RAIL-CRANE-CONSTRUCTION-KIT-NIP-NR-/120654638298?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item1c1793acda
Quote from: fighter4luv on December 09, 2010, 07:30:19 AM
So no one liked my awesome filming and editing skills? :P
Yours too, Is coming Along Well
Dear All,
Looks great!
I'm very impressed!
the Bach-man
Quote from: napa15 on December 09, 2010, 04:56:17 PM
PerfectPercy,
I got the crane from my local hobby store (I just happened to see it there, and it is the exact same one the Bachmann used in his layout).
This is it:
http://cgi.ebay.com/MODEL-POWER-HO-SCALE-RAIL-CRANE-CONSTRUCTION-KIT-NIP-NR-/120654638298?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item1c1793acda
Thanks. I appreciate it. Thank the mighty lord that you painted the cabin brown instead of that hideous orange! ::) :P Looks better with the lick of paint.
Thanks for the remarks everyone. Honestly, it's just fun. I have uploaded a brief video that shows trains running on the layout. Nothing spectacular, and you can hear the kids playing in the background. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdXyLyEOXPs
Not bad at all. Love the American stuff you got running around there too. :)
Keep up the good work.
hello all,
I believe this is a topic on a thomas layout, but after looking through some old Model RailRoader magazines, I got inspired to build a 2.5X6.5 ft layout of the rev. awdrys layout, Ffarquhar. but I plan to do some modifications, his Quarry staging goes under a signal bridge, and I will use stone paper and foam pieces to create the stone wall going out of Ffarquhar. and since I live in america, use of altas code 100 track necessary because 1. they have great and affordable flex track. and 2. I don't have the money to spend on Peco track. but all in all its just an american replica of his layout because kids would like to see thomas and see his branchline station. I will post Pictures on my photobucket account and see how you guys like it.
Quote from: alex wittman on December 10, 2010, 06:10:56 PM
hello all,
I believe this is a topic on a thomas layout, but after looking through some old Model RailRoader magazines, I got inspired to build a 2.5X6.5 ft layout of the rev. awdrys layout, Ffarquhar. but I plan to do some modifications, his Quarry staging goes under a signal bridge, and I will use stone paper and foam pieces to create the stone wall going out of Ffarquhar. and since I live in america, use of altas code 100 track necessary because 1. they have great and affordable flex track. and 2. I don't have the money to spend on Peco track. but all in all its just an american replica of his layout because kids would like to see thomas and see his branchline station. I will post Pictures on my photobucket account and see how you guys like it.
Awesomness. Cant wait. BTW, Napa your set is coming out great.
Has anyone created a detailed layout of the tracks on the island of sodor? Would love to see exactly how they had it all setup on the show.
The show used large set ups that were on wheeled tables within a studio. All of the scenery tended to be very "temporary" and each set had to be redone every season.
These photos are from Season 4, if I recall. Not sure of the source, but they were in my Photobucket.
(http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/8039/08ca50e5f3c64a5db5dda06.jpg)
(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1661/5d6581b5fa534e6ca0cc70b.jpg)
(http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5265/71ac7f383c574951ac6391d.jpg)
(http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/8571/4004ef90777443f484e4d86.jpg)
They're awesome. Thanks for posting. I wanna get my hands on like drawn layouts that I could get the tracks in the same setup :P I wish there was a making of or more photos like these :)
Quote from: Sparks on December 10, 2010, 11:09:01 PM
The show used large set ups that were on wheeled tables within a studio. All of the scenery tended to be very "temporary" and each set had to be redone every season.
These photos are from Season 4, if I recall. Not sure of the source, but they were in my Photobucket.
(http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/8039/08ca50e5f3c64a5db5dda06.jpg)
(http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/1661/5d6581b5fa534e6ca0cc70b.jpg)
(http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/5265/71ac7f383c574951ac6391d.jpg)
(http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/8571/4004ef90777443f484e4d86.jpg)
Woah , That is very amazing. This is way behind the scenes. LOL
Its always nice to see how the show used to be before Britt retired, God bless he soul :)
Quote from: fighter4luv on December 11, 2010, 01:40:15 AM
They're awesome. Thanks for posting. I wanna get my hands on like drawn layouts that I could get the tracks in the same setup :P I wish there was a making of or more photos like these :)
Easy; just study the track layouts in each episode, and determine your own track plan that would be easiest and best for your layout.
Quote from: PasqualeCS96 on December 11, 2010, 01:24:08 PM
Its always nice to see how the show used to be before Britt retired, God bless he soul :)
I recall seeing some photos of Season 12 production; the show was filmed for the most part the same way from start to end (of models).
Quote from: PasqualeCS96 on December 11, 2010, 01:24:08 PM
Its always nice to see how the show used to be before Britt retired, God bless he soul :)
What I mean is that its nice to see the models put to
good use when Britt was producing seasons 1-7. Ah the glory days where people actually know who Donald and Douglas are. ;) ;D
I see Season 6 and 7 episodes aired with Season 8+ episodes on TV sometimes, so seeing classics like the Twins isn't a foreign idea.
Britt only produced Season 1-5 and Magic Railroad. After that, she stepped down and only had some control over production, but a lot less.
I have to admit, the temporary sets are amazing, but the background sea in the distance is prettycool too, plus it blends with the sky background. if only I had my own home and the space to do so.