Large Scale Central

The Bachmann "Emily" Sterling Single...upgrades

Pete, I have a page on my site that I am updating:

https://elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/4-2-2-emily

I have a pretty easy way to get a nice-sized speaker into the unit, and I’m using the new Bachmann DCC/DC decoder with the Thomas the Train “family” sounds, you can set the one decoder for any of the NINE individual engines:

https://elmassian.com/index.php/dcc/specific-manufacturers/soundtraxx-equipment/bachmann-soundtraxx-thomas-family-oem-decoder

Here’s a picture inside:

You can see where the speaker will sit, the holes near my thumb.

Greg

I have a pretty easy way to get a nice-sized speaker into the unit, and I’m using the new Bachmann DCC/DC decoder with the Thomas the Train “family” sounds, you can set the one decoder for any of the NINE individual engines

That space does look like it was made for the speaker. I think I’ll be putting batteries in if I ever get around to building one.

Smallbrook Studios do a lot of fascinating kits and parts. I especially like the Emmett cartoon stuff:

Yeah, inside there was a raised semicircle and 2 mounting posts, but only room for maybe 1-1/4" speaker. I got a full 2-1/2" speaker in there, and will open some more holes.

I ordered the detail kit from Smallbrook… backhead, smokebox, probably buffers…

Yeah, I took a hard look at the Emmet stuff, and exactly what you show… could be fun!

Greg

Some years ago on the Gn15 forum, The Gnatterbox, several people built some quite nice Emmett inspired trains.

Ahh, had started to say that someone had yellow singles then second guessed myself, thinking I’m mixing memory of the LBSC Stroudley Terriers with singles. Had forgotten about Caledonian Railway’s ones.

Loved the AWNUTS forum…different!..

Video of GWR “Firefly” Class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1lS6ebF6Hw

F.Rowland Emett OBE was born in London but spent his early and formative years in Birmingham, central England. (after which Birmingham AL takes its name). These years formed his views on art and mechanics. He was known to my family and I had, as a child, his railway book masterpiece The Far Twittering and Oyster Creek Railway. How I wish I still had it. In later times, when most colleges and schools sent their pupils to the Festival of Britain, in 1951, I went and had the joy of riding his miniature railway in London based on the book. Emett was influenced by the quaint rural lines in England owned and operated by Col. Holman Fred Stephens. A memorable man and his achievements which are interesting to read. H.F. Stephens is also worth looking into for those interested in Britains former railways. There is much to be found in a web searches.

Anyone contemplating models based on Rowland Emett’s creations might find this link of help.

http://lakesideminiaturerailway.co.uk/fartottering.htm

OK, on the derailment…

I’ve finished the DCC install using the Bachmann “thomas” motor/sound decoder (OEM from SoundTraxx) and managed a very clean DCC and speaker install. Also Kadees fit right on with no mods or shims, unbelievable!

Here’s my web page: https://elmassian.com/index.php/large-scale-train-main-page/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/bachmann-motive-power/4-2-2-emily

And a teaser picture:

I will be adding some details, and probably eventually the smokebox.

Greg

Upland Trains is selling them for $220. Is that a decent price - anyone know a less expensive option?

Looking good Greg. My friend still has a crossover kit with metal rods still I think. Marty Taylor. [email protected] Guess you have them though. Old brains…

I might buy it off him, just to have a spare.

Do you use Kadees, they fit with no shims or cutting… unbelievable!

Thanks, Greg

OK, Jerry and Greg,

I got my “Emily” and the Smallbrook kit, so I am all set to roll . . .

Does either of you have a drawing of the prototype? I’m just wondering if it really is 1:22.5 scale - the wheels look very close together under that body. It looks as if it should be running on gauge-3 (2.5") track.

Pete Thornton said:

Does either of you have a drawing of the prototype? I’m just wondering if it really is 1:22.5 scale - the wheels look very close together under that body. It looks as if it should be running on gauge-3 (2.5") track.

They kind of looked that way on the studio model too, at least to me. http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Emily%27s_New_Coaches/Gallery?file=Emily%27sNewCoaches29.png

Though I don’t much watch TV and movies I did watch a few episodes of TTE back in the day when they used actual models on a studio set.

As far as scale, how does one with any certainty determine the scale of a model of an animated studio prop model?

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Emily%27s_New_Coaches/Gallery?file=Emily%27sNewCoaches46.png

Forrest Scott Wood said:

Pete Thornton said:

Does either of you have a drawing of the prototype? I’m just wondering if it really is 1:22.5 scale - the wheels look very close together under that body. It looks as if it should be running on gauge-3 (2.5") track.

They kind of looked that way on the studio model too, at least to me. http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Emily%27s_New_Coaches/Gallery?file=Emily%27sNewCoaches29.png

Though I don’t much watch TV and movies I did watch a few episodes of TTE back in the day when they used actual models on a studio set.

As far as scale, how does one with any certainty determine the scale of a model of an animated studio prop model?

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Emily%27s_New_Coaches/Gallery?file=Emily%27sNewCoaches46.png

Well, I know it is “Thomas” scale, but often the size turns out to be pretty close to a normal scale, like 1:22.5. If they too ktoo many liberties with the dimensions, you’d end up with a loco that’s too short, too tall, or whatever.

I’ll settle for someone telling me how long the prototype was.

P.S. Thanks for the links - now I know why Bachmann produced green coaches for Emily! I think I’ll settle for converting some IP Engineering coaches to something more like a GNR coach.

The drive wheel is 4", the Stirling’s wheel was 8’, so right at 1/25 for that.I got a book on them and the dimensions on the Emily are close, except for that notched area. I think I posted a picture/drawing of it when I did my bash, if someone can find it.

Here’s a drawing from a book of the Sterling. Change the cab a little.

Has anyone figured out the wiring for power pickup, from the looks of it, 3 axles pick up power, but looking at the Bachmann exploded drawings, there’s no wiring shown, or pickup pieces…

Has anyone opened up the parts to show the pickup connections to the wheels?

Perhaps I can do a tender pickup… thinking of making it dual with either track pickup or the Revolution DCC system… the tender needs some weight.

Greg

I know there is a lot of interest here in Patrick Stirling’s (note spelling) singles, so a few links for added interest.

https://www.lner.info/eng/stirling.php

https://collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/co8352583/great-northern-railway-locomotive-stirling-single-steam-locomotive.

Alan Lott said:

I know there is a lot of interest here in Patrick Stirling’s (note spelling) singles, so a few links for added interest.

https://www.lner.info/eng/stirling.php

https://collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/co8352583/great-northern-railway-locomotive-stirling-single-steam-locomotive.

That’s impressive, "Stirling was well-liked by the railwaymen of the GNR. For his 70th birthday, they erected a fountain in his honour in Doncaster, and 3000 GNR railwaymen braved pouring rain to accompany his funeral procession when he died in 1895. "