Large Scale Central

Toby the Tram Engine (Not Bachmann)

Modeling
#1

I waited for years for Bachmann to release “Toby” in large scale…and they most recently did! I viewed it as some special 'Welcome Back" omen as we begin-again…Until I actually saw the unit, or at least closer shots of the actual product. It appears to be a plastic box sat upon a skirt with running gear (boring). SO, I decided to save my $165 for now and pull our Toby off the shelf.

He was based on plans from an older Garden Rail magazine that I luckily got a hold of years ago. I scaled the the plans to 1:20.3…so he’s kinda big

of course I think he’ll do for now

[/img]

Eli, my eldest, and I began this project a few years back (before the move) and now we hope to complete it.

The roof is the tricky part (for me) so I’m up for opinions there.

He’s powered by a Bachmann 45 Ton side-rod block…and creeps along beautifully with just 4 AA batteries…RC & Battery conversion and some sort of Boiler Detail are needed as well…

cale

#2

Cale your “Toby” already looks 100% better than the Bmann unit, I was absolutely shocked when I saw that the Bmann Toby was literally a solid plastic box on a motor block, and they want a carp load of money, for a stupid BOX on a MOTOR BLOCK!

There is a company in Britain that sells a kit version of this type of tram, and its a way less expensive investment and looks a whole lot better. I cant recall, maybe IP engineering.

#3

yes, Shelly was the kits name…never could fund the kit, so I tried my own…wish I coulda grabbed one before they went away…

http://ip-engineering.co.uk/acatalog/All_Loco_Kits.html

Shelley Tram Loco (limited Numbers left)

OUT OF STOCK

(http://www.pagenumberone.co.uk/locogallery/tramloco.jpg)

Victor, I share your disgust…oh well,

#4

Cale,

Roof options; soak wood to soften and shape to roof.

Or use a piece of styrene. Anything less than 1/16" should bend easy enough to conform to the shape of the roof. Attach with CA?

Craig

#5

Cale, I’m totally with you. I think making a Toby out of real wood would be a simple build and give Toby far more character than the boring box Bachmann made. Your one looks great! The filled in doorways on Bachmann’s Toby was a stupid move. It makes the product not viable with those that would purchase the model to use as a basis for a non Thomas boxcab. Bachmann limited their market, no need for 6 wheels. Nearly any old motor block will do because it is not seen anyway. Most of the time Toby will only be pulling Henrietta when she comes out so no need to have mobs of traction. The faces have all been available from Bachmann so I would imagine Toby’s face will show up in spare parts at some stage too. (He is probably quite embarrassed at what Bachmann did) Actuating his eyes will be the only tricky part.

Andrew

#6

Cal that looks great. Much better then the Bachmann. I would use a piece of basswood. Use 3 small hex bolts on each side to secure it in place. That way if you need to take the top off you can.

#7

Cale would you be willing to share some dimensions for your Toby you are building. My daughter would love one of these and not sure I want to pay the price of B-manns plastic box. Thanx, Travis

#8

Travis

I’ll try to locate the magazine, if I can find it, I’ll have some copies made

#9

Cale, what about cardstock with a wood frame attached to it for a roof. That way it could be removable to get to batteries. You could use a cereal box for the cardstock. Laminate two pieces if it isn’t thick enough.
For a boiler you could use a piece of pvc pipe or a cardboard tube like a pringels can.
I really like the scratch built Toby. It looks way better than any plastic box.

Terry

#10

Found it!

Garden Rail 105 from May 2003

pg 34-35

I can’t scan at home and email-sorry. I can prob get it copied and mailed if anyone is interested.

#11

Thin basswood, like 1/32nd sheet, can be bent to form around roof trusses (supports), without soaking it in water. I did that on my passenger cars.

Looks real nice.

#12

Cale Nelson said:

Found it!

Garden Rail 105 from May 2003

pg 34-35

I can’t scan at home and email-sorry. I can prob get it copied and mailed if anyone is interested.

Cale,
I’d like a copy of the plans too. [I emailed IP Engineering to see if they are going to re-run their kit. I made the railbus and it was great. ]

If you visit a copy shop (especially architectural copying,) they will usually email the scan back to you. Alternatively, if you mail the mag to me I will scan the plans and upload them to LSC ! (And mail it back to you.)

#13

Looks good Cale !

#14

I’m gonna try to hit the print shop in town tomorrow, I’ll report back with progress (or lack thereof).

Thanks guys!

#15

Pete,

Be careful here, I wouldn’t want to get our benevolent host in dutch for distributing copyrighted materials.

Bob C.

#16

OK Folks to prevent any problems or questions for our Benevolent Host…Please email me through the site here with the subject line “Toby” and I’ll pass on some goodness…

:slight_smile:

#17

Cale looks a lot like Regners Otto, Might be a nice kit bash for us live steamers.:wink: Shelly the tram that is.

#18

Bob Cope said:

Pete,

Be careful here, I wouldn’t want to get our benevolent host in dutch for distributing copyrighted materials.

Bob C.

Bob,

That’s an old article in an out-of-print British magazine. I don’t think there is any copyright infringement over here.

#19

Pete,

I will take your word on that, although I have seen some really old stuff that was publically displayed for distribution cause a real heartache for people.

Bob C.

#20

Cale Nelson said:

OK Folks to prevent any problems or questions for our Benevolent Host…Please email me through the site here with the subject line “Toby” and I’ll pass on some goodness…

:slight_smile:

A big Thank You to Cale for taking the time and trouble to pass on the goodness!