Backdating Bachmann's Thomas the Tank Engine

Hmmm...

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index....-any-size/

I guess I'll be doing a double development of Gauge 1 and OO scale stuff.

[Super]

Those wheels are awesome.

Yeah! I think I'll either wait to see how that type of thing develops over the next two years, or I'll ask to see if someone can do the Marklin-style wheels soon.

I got a fair bit done, although I'm going to call this "concept modelling." I finally have the correct dimensions to do a properly scaled-down model of Thomas as he appeared in the original 5 series of the show! I drew out the sides, bunker end, and the cab front to check the dimensions next to various items of rolling stock based off of what was seen in the show. And it finally scales correctly (if you remember, early on the thread I said that the Bachmann model was only too tall because of the wheels, but going over everything again made me realize his boiler is to big in diameter and he's a bit too wide and too tall). Although this means I can't really use the Bachmann model at all, I'm just glad that I figured it out!

The reason why I'm calling what I did concept modelling is because I can't cut in a straight enough line, with or without a ruler. I think that this would be best suited to a silhouette cutter. The only thing is that, since I'm leaving for a couple of years soon, it wouldn't make sense for me to buy one until I get back. And they're kind of expensive (although not as bad as a 3D printer). Well, that's enough rambling, here are some pictures!













If the buffer heads look too big, that's because they are. Scaling them down from the show, they would be 4mm; here they are 6mm. I intend to file them down... Once I get brave enough. Also, I couldn't resist messing around a bit!





I think I definitely want to use this type of coupling! They're a bit fiddly, but they're really fun to use!

Also, since I'm leaving in a month, anything I do from now on will try to be just for a bit of fun and not taken so seriously.

-TM2001

[Super]

Good experience T-Man. You are doing fantastic.

I can't cut plasticard as straight as I would like, but having seen some great examples of 3D printing used, I decided to have a go at 3D modelling. It's actually a fair bit easier than I thought it would be!

[Super]

Wow...that looks great T-Man. You did that all in a 3D printing program for your computer?

Let me guess, you imported the side from one of the reference sheets for the Gauge 1 model, duplicated it and made the boiler, cab ends and back yourself. Is that how it was done? If only I tried this method for my attempts to build 3D models that weren't LEGO. What software was he built in, and do you actually have a 3D printer at this point? I'm surprised you haven't tried 3D modelling until now (from what I understand), so you should be proud of the result. I think the boiler might need temporary supports before printing (unless the printer adds them), and the cab ends could be finished off with the circle (?) tool beforehand.

I actually don't know how to import pictures like that into something, but I did measure the sides and cab when I drew it (onto paper). I used those to create the sides, which I duplicated. I haven't quite figured out how to do the round cab tops, but I'm going to mess around with it more later. And the boiler will have the smokebox saddle added.

I did this on Tinkercad, which was recommended by a modeller on RMweb. The best part is, it's free!

I was planning on uploading this to ShapeWays once I'm finished with it, although I'm not sure if I'll make it available to sell. I'm not sure if anyone would buy it, because it's not really a replacement shell for the Bachmann model, and I'm not sure everyone would want to scratchbuild their own Thomas, whether it's truly accurate or not.

Oh, and I'm surprised I haven't tried it yet myself! The tutorial videos on YouTube are a lot easier to understand than I thought!

I got more of the model done today. I'm think I'm going to have the model be a "scratch-aid," meaning it's going to be a back-scratcher...

Just kidding! I'm not going to bother with trying to do the tapering from the funnel and dome to the boiler, since I know I can do that with milliput. I'm also planning to leave the front and rear windows filled in since I can't figure out the internal dimension of the window, although I may play around with that more. Oh, and here's the picture:


As you can see, I got the smokebox saddle on and filled in the tanks to make the other sides of them (now I just need to finish hollowing out the shell). I also put that thing in the cab to act as a place to hide the motor (just like the original model), which is super convenient! I'll only need to find a motor and gearbox that will fit. I think that's everything, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask, because I can probably answer it.

EDIT: Oh yeah, just ignore the pink semicircle, that's how I finished the cab.