Guys,
The Bachman website states that their HO Thomas The Tank Locomotive will negotiate 15" radius curves. I know that broader curves are preferred but will it ACTUALLY handle 15" without problems?
The Annie and Clarabel coaches don't state a minimum radius so does anybody have any experience with these coaches on a 15" curve?
The reason I'm asking is because I'm planning a very compact layout for my grandson and, by necessity, it'll have some 15"R sections (Atlas Snap-Track.) Unfortunately, enlarging the radius is not an option for this particular layout.
Thanks,
Harvey
Harvey I would assume they would if it's listed in the website. I don't own any Thomas pieces so I am not positive. If you go to General Discussion and on the first page and third post by Napa15, it looks to me like he has 15r and 18r on his Thomas layout. Check out his pics they are great. Also pay attention to the overhang of the passerger cars on the lower level.
Jerry
Sorry it's about the tenth post
Jerry,
I couldn't find the post you're talking about.
Harvey
Would have helped if I would have put "Show us your layout". ::)
Here it is...
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,20416.0.html
Jerry
Okay, found it.
Looks like your layout is well under way too!
Harvey
Those are old pics. Since then I took out the 18r and 22r and replaced with 26r and 28r with an occasional 35.50r.
Now I am thinking of taking the middle section, cutting it off and attaching it to the right side to do away with the first U shape design it had. Opens a lot of real estate and options if I do. I have two weeks to decide and vacation starts. That's train time.
Jerry
Harvey-
Most of the Thomas equipment has only two axles, including Annie and Clarabell. I don't believe any of the pieces would have trouble with 15" curves except possibly for the three-axle cars. Even they will likely work if they have reasonable lateral motion to the axles.
-- D
Thanks D. What about coupler swing?
Harvey
Thomas uses a hook and loop type couple which doesn't swing. on curves, the hooks simply slide along the loops. there shouldn't be any problems on 15r going forward.
Thanks! (I should've realized that!!! ::))
Harvey
Harvey-
I've heard people criticize the Thomas trains because they are toylike and their couplers are an example of that. I don't know for absolutely certain but I'm pretty sure that toddlers and pre-schoolers aren't especially into prototypical operation. If the so-called toylike couplers make the Thomas trains a little less hassle and a little more fun for the kids, well, I'm all for that. And besides, the antique look of the Thomas trains make the hook 'n' loop couplers a better visual fit than knuckles.
-- D
My grandson says the couplers on the HO Thomas equipment look a lot like the hook & link couplings in the book pictures and videos. For the time period and location, they're probably closer to prototypical than knuckles would be.
Len
I just know that my 4yo grandson is gaga over Thomas and Friends on PBS. He hasn't indicated whether he approves or disapproves of their couplers. ;D
Harvey
Harvey
As long as grandpa keeps them running, I don't think he would care if it had string pulling them around. ;D
You must have grandkids too! ;D
Harvey
Harvey-
Once you have your trains running you can pick up a few details from the Thomas stories and do them with the models. For example, I got some tiny livestock so we could do "Cow on the Line" and I made a lighted Chinese Dragon for another story. My grandson loved doing the stories. And he'd modify some, exercising his creative abilities. It was great fun for him and from me, too.
-- D
Wow, what a neat idea!
Harvey
Quote from: Doneldon on November 25, 2013, 09:56:35 PM
Harvey-
Once you have your trains running you can pick up a few details from the Thomas stories and do them with the models. For example, I got some tiny livestock so we could do "Cow on the Line" and I made a lighted Chinese Dragon for another story. My grandson loved doing the stories. And he'd modify some, exercising his creative abilities. It was great fun for him and from me, too.
-- D
Some folk in the Thomas forum do this and film/photograph their own stories. You tube seems to have tons of CGI and stop motion animation of homespun Thomas tales. I discovered Thomas (again actually, had some books) because one morning off work, many years ago, drinking coffee, listening to the tv, and building a model, after the news, I heard George Carlins voice, saw trains, and naturally began watching it 8) I needed new brushes after :D
Quote from: GG1onFordsDTandI on November 30, 2013, 09:47:26 PM
...I heard George Carlins voice...
I think they have drugs now that'll cure this. ;D
Harvey
Really the best thing about the Thomas Equipment, to me anyway, is that they are durable (all to important for children) I had one take a four foot fall to tile and come out unscathed!