Me too Jerry if you can.
Tell me where to send money!
Regards, Greg
Looking good Jerry
Greg,
I think he’s working on it, does work at a job half days in the mornings. I’ll call him this afternoon to get him going. You are on my list for them though.
Just let me know where to send the Publishers Clearinghouse check!
Thanks Jerry!
Greg
Greg, you got one too?
Gee, mine wont buy much, its for $10
After all this time, I’m finally starting on mine…
Ordered the detail kit from Smallbook Studios
Got the metal rods from Jerry.
New development, Bachmann makes a DCC / DC decoder/sound card with the Thomas the Train “family” sounds, 7 different sound sets for 7 different locos.
This will be DCC, battery power in the tender too much of a pain, since I found a location for a speaker in the main loco.
Greg
Jerry, that’s looking good. Didn’t know conversion parts are available, oh well, haven’t the disposable income to buy one anyway, but have dreamed about it. LMS had some attractive singles in their maroon hue; think “Johnson Spinner” was nickname of one type. Other random thoughts about single-driver locos in UK; Am thinking Great Eastern had some singles in blue. Another thing I’d have to look up is wasn’t there an early single designed by a Daniel Gooch? 1840s, 1850s, GWR had seom 7ft broad gauge singles.
Forrest, if you look back, the last post before mine is from 2014… of course Jerry is still around though, but I resurrected the thread to continue the mods.
Progress today, I was able to fit a nice 2.5" visaton into the back of the loco, it just fits… with minimal cutting. Will have pictures soon… the Bachmann decoder will fit on top of the motor block.
Greg
Forrest Scott Wood said:
Jerry, that’s looking good. Didn’t know conversion parts are available, oh well, haven’t the disposable income to buy one anyway, but have dreamed about it. LMS had some attractive singles in their maroon hue; think “Johnson Spinner” was nickname of one type. Other random thoughts about single-driver locos in UK; Am thinking Great Eastern had some singles in blue. Another thing I’d have to look up is wasn’t there an early single designed by a Daniel Gooch? 1840s, 1850s, GWR had seom 7ft broad gauge singles.c
Just to digress for a moment (and I am looking forward to seeing Greg’s photos,)
Johnson’s Midland Spinners. (#673 is in the NRM and was steamed in 1980.)
GER “single” in ochre:
Caledonian Single in blue:
The GWR did build a lot of them, starting in 1845 with the “Firefly” class:
And yes, the 7’ Broad Gauge had a lot of them, in particular the Iron Dukes: (This is the replica in the NRM.)
Which brings us full circle back to Thomas and Friends:
Note: The ‘single’ was obviously quite common in the late 1800s. The Great Railway Race to the North featured them racing up either side of England to reach Scotland. They were very fast but didn’t have much adhesion. For more info, try Some Famous Singles
I personally love way they move, with very stately progress as the big wheel turns quite slowly compared with regular engines.
Pete, I have a page on my site that I am updating:
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:
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!..
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.
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