Self-Contained RC Thomas (2x, one with Smoke)

Almost a decade ago, former user ROCKINATOR wondered if a model train smoke unit (like those made by Seuthe) could be succesfully added to a Plarail engine and still work even on battery power. At the time, it seemed highly unfeasible due to the high voltage needed for those units, along with the risk of potentially melting a toy-grade plastic body. Well, it's kind of a shame they probably won't see what I've found...



Nick (Sir2Edward) reshaped a TOMY Thomas to look like his appearance in the Reginald Payne edition/s of Thomas the Tank Engine (1946), a.k.a. the first depiction of him as a LB&SCR E2. Could be an optical illusion, but he appears to have working middle wheels from a C-tender Henry/Gordon/James. Apart from the new shell, it also stands out in two less conventional ways.




Did you know Mattel made/makes RC Hot Wheels cars in 1:64 scale, the size of an average die-cast model? Still surprises me despite the likes of the Pico Falcon or SKYE. The receiver and Li-Po battery replace the AA, with the wires for the driving and steering motors being wired to the standard DU. This allows running in both directions with the same range of speeds to choose from; Mr. Motorman and official RC engines only have one speed for reversing, and the MaBeee receiver has to be flipped around with a conductive piece added to it. Carolin2455 controlled a 00 gauge loco with the same transmitter and receiver (a good alternative to DCC), which gave him the inspiration for it. But that's not what makes it such a novel concept.



Likely to ensure the Seuthe 22 smoke unit wouldn't melt it, a new funnel was made from a brass pipe painted black. Since it can't be wired to the receiver, it uses JST plugs to connect to a battery car behind or in front of him. Makes me wonder how much that would weigh and how many cells would be needed to power it.
Demonstration video

It's the first time I've seen anyone do this (TomyOldIron doesn't count), and it even seems to have inspired 'another' modder who plans to replicate it.

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This one is by Macsen, who later made the motorised Glynn that got featured here recently. It's the official RC Flip Face Thomas, converted to 27MHz. The new receiver is a GH-156R, which is apparently sold individually and has different models of transmitters. Rather than a flat battery, he runs on a CR123A like the aforementioned Glynn. In homage to the filmed seasons, the (manually movable) eyes are built into the smokebox and he has interchangeable faces. Not sure how the smoke unit will fit since the battery is bigger than the other one's, he kept the plastic funnel and removed the van's battery compartment to store the faces in it.

[Super]

Incredible...I am always amazed at what creators can can come up with for these Tomy/Trackmaster Trains. Thanks for sharing LaG 👍

time to do this for 3 months guys!!!

the Shell isn't 3D Printed, it's just cut down and reshaped, also the middle wheel is working, its from an Edward tender wheel