Actually if you think about the breakdown train, I don't think it has a good chance of going into production with the thought of Rocky. He basically replaced all breakdown trains.

I agree that Duck, Diesel, and Oliver are important along with possibly Daisy and Boco. Toad, the red coaches, china clay trucks, flat wagons, and the breakdown train are also a great importance on my list. Let's hope Bachmann can add to the already amazing 2010 list or make another great one next year.

I cleaned his wheels as much as I could. I don't know whether to try and look inside his motor or what, but he stalls and starts. He basically shudders up the hills I'm testing on my layout. Edward, Thomas, Percy... they don't. They run fine (unless the hill is too steep leading to wheel spin). I've been packaging up my engines in the original packaging to prevent wear and tear. James still has this problem. He only does this with a load though. By himself, he can rocket up any incline. Going down the hill with his train he is fine. It only seems to be uphill with a decent to heavier load. I don't know what to do.

Either way, James is a bad engine when pulling. He basically struggles with 3 coaches. A fourth would put him in a spasm of spinning his wheels (such as Gordon in the RWS story by Rev. W. Awdry's son). He should be able to push the 2 coaches though (if on a flat grade). He can push 3 on my layout (what's started of it) on a flat surface. Going up hills is hard on him with 3 coaches. On a shallow grade he can do it with much wheel spin. Actually, James' shudders on hills. It's like there is no power to the track in places but that isn't the case. With no load there is no stalling then starting again. I am confused on that part.

I think he means the tab or whatever it's called that connects to the snowplow.

If Knapford will be accurate to the TV series with all 6 tracks, I can answer some questions for you. This is ONLY if TV accurate and having all 6 tracks running through it. Truly, there are 3 platforms but there are 5 tracks with access to them. The sixth track has no platform, or had none (not sure about Knapford in CGI). Tracks 3 and 4 ended with a book stall or shop at the end. Tracks 6, 5, 2, and 1 should all run through the station. If Bachmann reduces the size of Knapford such as Learning Curve did for the Wooden Railway, there will be no track 5 and 6. Tidmouth Sheds was even 2 tracks short (as it seemed to be following the rebuilt model in "Calling All Engines!").

Hope this helps. I don't know about Knapford myself. I might just custom-make something because I don't think it will be made long enough for a 3 or 4 coach express to sit in a platform.

The Bach-man has the true answers, though. I suggest turning your attention to him.

11 thumbs up!

I like it a lot. The area including Tidmouth Sheds is great. The Whistle sign in front of the tunnel is a good touch as well. Do you have tracks leading up hill to get above the tunnel? It seems high up. I would like a bird's-eye-view of the whole thing. Many would I bet if it's all right with you. I'm excited for the hinted upcoming videos.

Very very nicely done.

Quote from: SodorAdventures on April 02, 2010, 08:57:41 AM

Quote from: DrNickRiviera995 on March 31, 2010, 09:34:11 PM
Thanks Thomas Fan!  I'm guessing maybee they are the standard type that come in the track packs.  I guess I'll pick up a starter set or maybee two to get started.

I was also wondering if anyone here knows how the engines in the Thomas line do with inclines?  I was also wanting to get one of the elevation pier sets to do an over/under track.  Do these trains perform ok going up hills or is that really intended for the higher end locomotives?

Well, Yes and no, If you purchased a Pier set, use it. Your Trains can go up it, but not easily

Not sure if you still have incline issues, but I'm working with that as well as an attempt at an RWS Gordon's Hill. You really need to be picky about it. I am at the steepest possible and my grade spans 8 - 9 ft. It takes up space, but when I finalize my adjustments, it will look nice.

I still can't get it right though. So picky... You have to work with it. I'm trying to get Edward, James, Percy, and Thomas to pull 2-3 coaches. Henry, Gordon, Spencer, Mavis, and Salty can pull 3 coaches. Speaking of Gordon and Henry and Spencer, they can pull just about 6 express coaches.

An incline or two really add to the layout scenically and in terms of having fun when running engines! Good luck.

Quote from: SodorAdventures on April 02, 2010, 08:55:54 AM

Hello Chad,

      I am sure your Son will enjoy the many fun layghs you will share with your Thomas Trains. Okay, well, if you wanted to, you can use Bachmann E-Z Track which is most of the time most Expensive. The Turnouts are the regular ones not the long ones. The Outer radius would be 22 in and inner 18 in.
For the Cheaper company, Atlas, you can purchase normal turnouts and 22 in and 18in raduis'. Or use atlas Flexi Track, the cheapest, cut and bend around all the curves to make them fit.I have this kind.  Hope this Helps.

                                                                              -Tanner

     Here is what flexi track looks like, dont forget to put roadbed underneath with Atlas Track.

As reply to using trackbed with Atlas track, there is no need for it unless you are going above and beyond. If you are running your trains on something with a lot of noise being made, then it should be considered. If you are going for plywood, there is no need as it looks just as nice without. (It saves a heap of money as well.)

Just a question, but which engine was jerky like that? Was it James? I've had that problem with only him. his middle drive wheels had black rings of dirt, so I cleaned that off. It helped minorly, so I'm looking for a solution.

I honestly agree with Bachmann. Converting these engines to DCC seems to be quite risky. I wouldn't suggest it in the first place. These engines were originally made for child enjoyment. They are probably a safety, electrical, and fire hazard. Good luck though. 

Duck wasn't that bad. They seemed to be following his Season 6 and 7 face. It wasn't noticeably different. Donald and Douglas were alright as well, but classic in this case is better in my opinion.

QuoteFor James,
Add some Bullfrog Snot (Liquid rubber traction tire solution.) or a traction tire. Apply Bullfrog Snot with a toothpick to one of the drivers and leave the other 2 for driving. Let dry.

For Percy,
Add copper contacts. (http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/81-825.htm) Peferably between the two drivers. Add traction tire or Bullfrog Snot on rear driver. Let dry, follow application instructions from James' section. For questions, post.

Bullfrog Snot:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product_p/bfs-bfs.htm

Notes,
Be sure to apply the Bullfrog Snot in a complete circle on the driver(s). Spin drivers manually, or use a Kadee Products "Speedi" wheel cleaning on a pick up to apply electrical connection allowing spinning. Be careful not to get product on or inside locomotive. Whip product off quickly if it gets on exterior. Examine interior for damage/survey to see if product has caused damage. Replace parts and/or whip Bullfrog Snot off anything else then the wheel base. Use caution and patience.

This will increase tractive effort incredibly.

Cheers,
Joshua

EDIT: A more powerful motor will help with power, but traction may or may not be affected by adding a more powerful motor. In fact, you risk spinning the wheels and losing great tractive effort if the motor is driving too hard. For best results, attempt to add a more powerful motor/capable re-powering kit after following the previous steps.

Are you saying that if I increase traction, my motor will work itself too hard? Also, how would this copper contacts work?

I don't think I need more power because James and Percy can pull a decent amount on level ground. The wheel spin becomes a problem, so I think traction is the problem, though I'm still not entirely sure.

So, what do you suggest? Would the Bullfrog snot work better or the tires?

I need James too be able to pull 3 coaches up a hill easily while right now he can barely take up 2. Percy is okay, but being able to pull more up a hill would be a liking.

Thanks for all of your advice so far.

PerfectPercy

As I started my collection years ago, I realize that James and Percy are the weakest engines when it comes to strength. They don't do well going up hills.

Thomas is stronger than both of them. While Edward is a but stronger than Thomas, I would say, I think James should have been in the strength area that Edward's in. Percy should be as strong as Thomas. I would think that many others are experiencing this problem too.

Has this problem been resolved at all with the production of these two engines? I need them to be stronger myself because they can't handle the hills of my layout like Thomas can.

Quote from: Super Chief on February 08, 2008, 11:12:36 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1qlPMXY03Y at 2:33, Salty goes past the end of the set!!

I don't really see him going past the end of the set.

The snow plow looks perfect! Just like the TV Series. It looks like it could be removeable.

I believe that is correct.

Who was meant to be the scottish engine to come to Sodor alone?

A. Donald
B. Douglas
C. Stepney