Large Scale Central

Yep! Its the "Dinosaur Train"

General Discussion
#1

Since this is my first posting, please forgive what may sound a bit frivolous. but since my wife and I really enjoy Hensons’ "Dinosaur Train’, Jaqui, (My BEST half) wants me to do a large scale Garden copy of Said train. It obviously will be mostly scratch built equipment, but the “BIG”

(Pun…sort of deliberate) problem will be making the 4-4-0 locomotive at retirement prices.

The Bachman "American is Way too expensive for Kit-bashing. The H-L-W- 4-4-0 is a bit cheaper,l but still a bit stiff on my budget. I want to be able to build in the scale of the better known figures from the show. My BEST half, Jaqui is, among her MANY talents, a Geologist AND a botanist so getting the various plants and geology correct will be an interesting challenge she says. Having done some Special Effects in my younger days, doing the “Time Tunnel,Time Tunnel Approaching!!!” will be a snap. The Question arises: Who make a decent, cheap 4-4-0 that can be kit-based? BTW It’s “Source of fuel” will be the rolls of Peat Moss shown in ,more recent episodes as it is doubtfull coal was available,

Warmest regards and Thank you in advance,

Larry Mager

#2

Welcome Aboard Larry. My Great-grandson loves that show, And He would love to have me make him a train to match, Lucky you. Look at the Lil, Big hauler motor block, cheap and fake the rest… Several on this site have modified them, even adding all the side rods etc.

Please post pics as this goes along…

#3

Larry I would just use a standard Big Hauler, I hardly think your kids will go all rivet counter on you if you did.

Dave’s suggestion is also a good one if your going to do a major body build up anyways.

(http://mediamacaroni.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/TF_DinosaurTrain-300x225.jpg)

you might also get lucky and find a toy product that could be used as a base.

http://mediamacaroni.com/toy-fair-2010-best-of-the-rest/

#4

You can also try ebay. Look for Kalamazoo 4-4-0 engines. You can sometimes find them fairly cheap.

#5

Welcome Larry!

I think this is G-scale cause it’s New Bright

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Operated-Winter-Belle-Train/dp/B0054YXHUC/ref=sr_1_9?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1369921104&sr=1-9&keywords=new+bright+train+set

#6

New Brite is nice and cheap. I have a battery powered NB 4-4-0 that would make a good base; bought the whole set on ebay well under $50.00 a few years back. Kalamazoo engines are in my humble opinion far too good to bash into something like this. I think of them as a kind of national treasure. Shawn! You came up with that idea…? I’m surprised at you! I thought you were a fellow K’zoo lover… Go with a cheap toy, as this affliction won’t last long. I hope.