As promised, I have updated my photo album with the latest pictures I have. I am going to provide a link to my Picasa photo site, because I have no desire to try and post a bunch of picture links in this message. The link will take you to my Sodor Island Progress page. Most images have a description that gives information of what was going on at that stage. You'll see I chose to make the basic layout almost the same as The Bachmann's. I did change the dock side end to a yard area. My reason for deciding this was because the project has been rather expensive just to get to this point (which is why it has progressed slowly), and there are a lot of details in the dock side area on The Bachmann's layout which would significantly increase the costs. So, it will be a small yard area that will be much more cost effective, while still serving a purpose. This is all trial and error on my part. I could have chosen to do a lot of it differently, but I chose not to on purpose. I do have plans to change some of it later on to suit my own desires though.

Stay tuned.... 

http://picasaweb.google.com/NAPA15/HOThomasSodorIslandLayout?feat=directlink

Fighter,

I am in the process of building the Sodor Layout that The Bachmann posted pictures of. I asked a lot of questions here early on and had some great help. It was somewhat difficult to determine exactly what track I needed and how much from the pictures posted. But eventually I got it all figured out. I have the lower level track laid and raised and wired, and most of the second/middle level. I am really taking my time with it, but mostly due to money constraints. I would be happy to share the layout plans with you, that tells exactly what pieces and how much track for each level. I also have a photo album of my progress, which I need to update. I am not building it exactly as The Bachmann did, but making my own tweaks to suit the needs/desires of myself and my son. If you're interested, let me know, and I'll post the info I have.

Thanks for the responses and thoughts. I'm gonna make it happen.. some how some way. It may in fact take a year.. maybe not. I have nothing N scale at the moment so this will be a start from scratch project.

OK, I have a bit of an odd desire that I have wanted to do for several years and think I have finally got an idea on how to make it work. I'd love some input from you folks as to how to pull this off.

I have an artificial Christmas tree, around the 6 foot height I think. I have been wanting to add an N Scale train to the tree each year, not under the tree, but actually going around and up the tree to the top. Think of it as like a spiral going up from the lower branches all the way to the top, but out toward the outer edges of the branches. Picture it?

My question is... how can I make this a reality?

I assume the basics need to be a point to point reversing system. I'm sure I can make that happen fairly easy and think I know where to get the items to make that happen. I'm curious as to how to construct the ledge that the track needs to attach to AND how to attach that to the tree. My thought is to build the ledge out of thin balsa wood, which would have flex track attached to it. Then have wooden arms coming off the ledge wood to somehow attach to the tree center. That leaves a question of how to build it so it can easily be put up and taken down, and stored.

Anyway, it sounds like a fun and challenging project. Any thoughts? -- Also, do you guys think there are any setups like this out there and info on the internet? I did some google searches before posting here.. but had no luck.

OK.. kind of off topic... sort of. But, i figured if there were folks who might be able to help me it would be here. Anyway, my son is dressing up in a Thomas the Tank Engine costume for Halloween. He wants me to dress up as a Conductor, Engineer.. but preferably Sir Topam Hat. I have done searches far and wide for costumes.. but no luck. I can find American style Engineer costumes, but that's not what I want because it's not correct. ANY ideas, suggestions, thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Chuck

I want to give a HUGE shout out to Bachmann for their excellent customer service and timely dispatch of the replacement Edward engine. I mailed the non-working Edward Monday to them and I received my new Edward from them yesterday, Thursday. Wow, I never thought it would have come that fast. They completely exceeded my expectations! Thank you!

I've got my "layout", which is a mock-up of the 4x8 Sodor Island layout The Bachmann created, on it's own 4x8 table with wheel casters so I can move it around. It's in the house in the "play room" so the kids can play whenever they want. I put it on wheel so I can move it for easier access and play with all sides of the layout. My favorite part is watching my son play with and experiencing his imagination.

I contacted Bachmann and mine has been sent to them, as they will send me a replacement. I bought it at my local hobby shop, but apparently their return policy is only good for a few weeks. Bachmann's limited lifetime warranty allowed me to send it in for a new one with no issues at all. Thank you.

My only concern is that the new Edward I will get will eventually have the same issues. I suppose if it does then I'll send that one on back too. The only other "Thomas" line engine I have at the moment is Thomas, and he runs perfectly.

Has anyone else who has Edward had these problems, or any other problems? I purchased Edward a few months ago and he has ran fine, until very recently. Now, he is only operating at random. I have not smelled any smoke from him, or seen any, but he will be chugging along and then suddenly stop. Then, he won't go again for a while. I know it's him and not the track (power) as any other engine runs perfectly fine.

I'm likely going to return him to the store where I purchased him this week, just thought I'd see if there are know issues.

Thanks.

WOW... just, WOW.

I lived in Cheyenne for 2 1/2 years and never got to see any of the Big Boys out and about. Sure wish I would have. Oh, and the Cheyenne Station is a real beautiful station. Very cool.

And for what it's worth, I LOVE Wyoming. If I were ever to move away from Alabama it would be to Wyoming or Colorado.

You bet I'm looking forward to it. Honestly, it will be very emotional for me personally. I loved my Grandfather very much. We had a very special relationship, and trains (specifically the #4501) were a big part of that.

Speaking of Heart of Dixie (Railroad Museum in Calera, AL), my Grandfather used to be the Safety Officer there. I don't know right off how long he volunteered there or even exactly what his service dates were. But I remember vividly as a young man going with him on Saturdays to downtown Birmingham, AL to a small yard near the Amtrak station where they worked on restoring passenger cars (and others I'm sure). This would have been around 1975-1977. My family and I still go the the Heart of Dixie several times a year, to take the kids to ride Thomas, The polar Express, and other standard rides.

Awesome info. I remember now seeing his name that it was Paul Meriman. Thanks for the video and book info too. I'm going to get that book.

Man, if I could get a ride in the cab of the 4501 I think I might be set to go on in to the big railroad in the sky! LOL.

Another interesting tidbit about this locomotive (and I know I'm leaving out details I don't know info on) is that she was set to be scrapped but was bought instead by a private citizen for I think $5,000. He was the founder or chairman of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (something to that effect). And then ran her out of that establishment. I also believe he willed her to the museum upon his passing. I just found it amazing that $5,000 purchased that locomotive, even though it was in the 60s. I can't buy a decent motorcycle for that price these days.

Yes Sir! I am really anxiously awaiting some more news of a better time table for these events.  The #4501 Mike is the only engine I have ever attached myself to. It has special meaning to me, stemming back all the way when I was 4 years old. That excursion trip behind the #4501 is THE fondest memory of my childhood with my Grandfather. I can not wait until I have the chance to hopefully create a memory like that with my son and daughters, behind the very locomotive I steamed on so many years ago.

I would too LOVE to have a Spectrum #4501. I'd be first in line! There are some versions out there, but seems hard to find.

I appreciate your feedback.