Backdating Bachmann's Thomas the Tank Engine

And we're back to a Series 1 inspired Thomas!

As I was preparing to add detail to the model, I started thinking a lot about why I was doing the project in the first place, and I couldn't really think of anything beyond fulfilling a childhood dream. I also have thought about doing some of the other original characters (mainly Edward, Henry, and Gordon), and I couldn't think about how I would add extra details to them without just getting an A3, Black 5, etc., and that wasn't very appealing to me. Not to mention the fact that I've had to look at a bunch of photos from Series 1 recently to paint Thomas' faces, anyway. I have sold off the detailing packs, and the faces I wasn't planning on keeping, so I'm not really doing this at a loss, which is lucky. I will be keeping the extra running plate, though, in case I ever do decide to do anything with it.

Anyways, I need to show you where the project is at, because despite the setbacks, I did not quit working on it!

Thomas is really close to being ready to paint, and I have been working on the faces! I did need to build the Smokebox support out of plasticard, but since it was just a square, it was rather easy! I only have one face left to paint, and eyebrows to draw on for two (and permanently draw on for the confused face).



I have also been tweaking the running plate I designed a year and a half ago (can't believe it's been that long!) to be more accurate and to fit the body shell better. Overall, it'll be around a millimeter too long, but it's still closer than the Bachmann model.

I cut the gearbox down to size as well, and I ordered the blue paint, which should arrive tomorrow! I really just need to paint the body shell, finish designing and order the running plate and a couple of other things from Shapeways, and the bodywork will all be done! After that, I'll just need to figure out the lining and number.

That's all for now, thanks for reading!
-TM2001