Large Scale Central

Victor Smith's modification of Thomas (Percy) loco

General Discussion
#1

Victor’s current posting showing some really sharp modifications of Percy indicates possibilities for the rest of us to add this loco to our layout.

Has anyone else modified the Thomas “G” loco so as to be used other than just as a kid toy?

Some questions:

1 - Is Percy (Thomas) large enough to work as a 7/8ths scale loco with the track at 2’+/- guage? With some further paint and added details could it not fit a 7/8ths mining line?

2 - How much larger is it compared to the last version (1:20) of the Bachmann tank switcher? What is the appearance with the Bachmann side-dump mining cars? Gons? For visual or coupling compability, is the best recourse to modifiy the Thomas cars? Again, 7/8ths?

3 - Is the motor mechanism worthy of any extensive running expectations?

I’m interested. Many thanks, Victor!

Wendell

#2

Wendell I dont think the Thomas line has been out long enough for alot of kitbashers to try things with them, but it should be real interesting to see what others come up with.

While Percy could be built up to 7/8 by replacing the cab section, but Thomas is too small in my opinion. Thomas is barely 1/22.5. Percy would need other mods like a taller stack but it is doable. The trucks are very big and would work fine for 7/8 and would look good next to the side dumpers.

#3

7/8ths scale is 13.71:1.

Percy has a bit of growing to go.

How does it check out at 20.3?

Barry - BBT

#4

(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/vsmith/Percy%20Scale02.JPG)

the figure on the pilot is close to 1/20, the figure in the cab is 1/22.5 while the figure on the running board is 1/24. To be reconfigured to 1/13 would require a new bigger scratchbuilt cab and a taller stack, but the boiler/tank is big enough I beleive it could be convincingly converted.

#5

Victor and other owners-

The enlargement of the cab makes sense to getting it closer to 7/8ths. I’m interested in one loco for sometime runs on our layout posing it as 2’ guage track – at least close to 2’.

Any comment on the running qualities of Percy? Same motor mechanism in Thomas?
Thanks,
Wendell

#6
Wendell Hanks said:
Victor and other owners-

The enlargement of the cab makes sense to getting it closer to 7/8ths. I’m interested in one loco for sometime runs on our layout posing it as 2’ guage track – at least close to 2’.

Any comment on the running qualities of Percy? Same motor mechanism in Thomas?
Thanks,
Wendell


The Thomas motor seems to run very well and I believe it is the same as the percy. Cal took it apart and had shots of the motor etc… The one thing I noticed with the Thomas engine is it runs very fast even with the 1amp power supply that comes with the set.