This may sound wrong, but..

After a bit more thinking, it has recently occured to me that using a modified Hank to make the Hogwarts engine would actually give a more accurate result than Henry ()

Why? The firebox is larger, and the boiler is long enough and has that slight slant right behind the smokebox. However, the tender would have to be changed since it isn't correct, and it would be better to use the Fisher Price version since it's loco drive and/or easier to find. It doesn't even seem like it would take too much to convert him for this purpose, despite him having no footplate nor bufferbeam and the physical parts that would have to be removed.






The fake siderods, however, would be cut off and replaced with the normal, working type. Obviously, it would look a lot better in real life, but since I never had a Hank, I have to edit an image of one (though it isn't a perfect illustration). The idea was partially inspired by this homemade Christmas train version, since it also used an American locomotive:

http://www.epbot.com/2014/12/our-custom-...plete.html

This, of course, is the actual Olton Hall:



On second thought, however, Henry wouldn't look too far from that with some cosmetic alterations. Despite Hank's advantages of having the right firebox size and boiler shape and length, the boiler itself is not "slender" enough, as opposed to Henry's where the size is more similar.

Can't wait to see your finished custom train DalaGStanator. Please post some pictures of your progress.

(10-18-2016, 09:24 AM)DalaGStanator Wrote: Obviously, it would look a lot better in real life, but since I never had a Hank, I have to edit an image of one (though it isn't a perfect illustration).

If I did have what was required to make it for real, I probably would've copied the chasing Dementor idea from the version that inspired it.

In the meantime, I could probably make a fully reversible "disguise" for my Talking James and have him run while decorated to look like it (even though it would obviously still have James' voice and whistle sound).

You can buy the Trackmaster version you are talking about very cheaply on Ebay even brand new ones from China. Your ideas are very good, I think you should go for it. Looks like it would look great.

I know you don't mean to be rude in any way, shape or form, but please don't expect me to be in any position to take the unworthy risks of endangering REAL money, taxes and personal details online. I won't be having any of that, especially since I still haven't started working anywhere nor fully decided on a specific occupation yet. Sorry if I overreacted.

LOL to each their own but...I've bought hundreds of items on ebay and only ever had a couple of problems and both times the item was replaced for free or I was given a full refund. Paypal negates any real risk as you don't use credit cards etc to pay they do it all on your behalf. Not having money? we all have that problem at times mate this and other hobbies are not cheap

Edit: I am watching this thread like a hawk, I could only see one person being rude and it wasn't Super...

(10-18-2016, 09:58 AM)DalaGStanator Wrote: but please don't expect me

I don't "expect" you to do anything, I was just trying to help in a thread that you started and I thought was about a custom engine you were designing. Frankly (not rude) do whatever you want, it doesn't affect me at all and I no longer care.

I realize Super is a grown man and really needs no ones help, but WTH is wrong with you DalaGStanator are you normal??

The loco used to represent the hogwarts express in the movies was actually a 'Hall' class loco, specifically it was "5972 Olton Hall" which was re-painted etc... for the movie.

Henry is more closely modelled on an A1 class (aka Flying Scotsman) type loco, although missing the trailing wheels under the cab.

Changed my mind on using Hank since his boiler is too wide and wouldn't cut it. Here's what could be done to bring Henry closer (before painting):



1) Firebox extension
2) Filler (?) between cab and splashers
3) Safety valve
4) Cuts at rear end of tender
5) Enlarged cylinders
6) Smokebox extension
7) Filler for nameboards on middle splashers
8) Separated side windows (perhaps with railings on cab end)

I didn't mention this, but it would also be better to make the running board slightly longer and more curved since Henry's is L-shaped. Guess I didn't look at him too well when thinking about Hank.