I was just wondering if anyone knows of any links where people have made an HO Scale Thomas layout or if anyone out there is a serious HO scale Sodor modeller?
I got into model railroading via my Thomas addicted 3 year old and in watching the DVD’s lately I’ve been getting inspired by the modelling I’ve seen. I am giving serious thought to modelling a HO scale Thomas layout, especially in light of the fact that the models can be converted to DCC and a whole bunch of new models are being released this year by Bachmann.
I appreciate any and all info you can supply.
Trevor[:)]
I’ve heard of a few but don’t have any links. You might also want to take a look at the Hornby range - they have a few locos Bachmann don’t yet offer. I’ve seen someone produce a reasonable model of the steam tram loco (Toby?) using the Ertl diecast one and a Tenshodo SPUD power truck - it didn’t take much effort and would probably be about right for HO scale-wise.
There used to be someone on the Atlas Forum who was modeling the Sodor Railway. I haven’t seen a post in a long time though. I too have thought about doing Thomas in a big way, but I think the granson is beginning to outgrow him now.
I wish you luck and would love to see your progress.
I took a look at the hornby line of products. Nice looking stuff. Will UK electrics run on North American track/power without major modifications? Or are modifications necessary.
On the upside, Bachmann is realeasing several new engines and a nice few freight for their HO scale Thomas line. Before now, you could only get Thomas /w Annie & Clarabel, Percy /w Troublesome Trucks, and James. So actually starting a Island of Sodor is getting more viable.
Thanks for your input guys, and I would love it if any of you could keep me posted if you find any links.
The Hornby locos all run on 12v DC - I ran Hornby and Athearn locos from the same power pack before switching to DCC. DCC-ing some Hornby locos can be mildly tricky but it can be done - may need to resort to insulating tape in some situations. The only difference electrically is that our power packs take a 230v mains input rather than your 110v, the voltage at the rails is the same.
Trevor:
If you can wait that long, the Great Briti***rain Show will have someThomas layouts (next April 29 and 30).
When you get down to track level, British and American models run the same. (I model British, but use American power packs.) One of my friends gave away his trains when the family immigrated 40 years ago becasue of the power differences; found out his mistake; and has been trying to get them back ever since!
Look for the book The Thomas the Tank Engine Man which is a biography of W.Awdry and includes photos of his Thomas layout.
I run Hornby Thomas and a James on my US layout, along with some other British Steam. One thing to be careful of is that the flanges on the Hornby Thomas are quite deep and so I would reccomend using code 100 rail. The good news is that the PECO code 100 track and turnouts, readily available in the US are based on British practice, so would be ideal for a THomas layout.