I seem to recall that throughout the early classic series, logs and steel pipes were the most common loads seen on flatbeds. It would be nice if Bachmann came out with one of these in the near future.

Other than that, it would be nice if they came out with the Jet Engine (which was a flatbed load), although I suppose that asking a bit too much, isn't it?

Yes, I think the wheels are slightly out or proportion, hopefully the model is not too far into it's production to correct this (as well as the running board colour).

Definitely a great looking model nonetheless - I hope the model will live up to the performance standards of Bachmann's latest Thomas models (or even better). It'd be good to have a Bachmann tank engine that can make it up the hills on my layout!

Most likely to accommodate the complex RC eye-mechanism.

Anyway, I am looking for a little advice from you guys...I'm looking to install a smoke generator in 1-2 of my Bachmann Thomas models (DC that is - yes, I realise the smoke will only work at higher voltages, but I'm willing to allow that), however I can't actually remove the faces. In particular, I'm trying to remove the face from my Bachmann Thomas & James. I tried following a video on YouTube where the uploader just pulled off the face with his fingers, but I can't seem to do it so easily on mine - my fingers just slide right off the face (and I don't want to apply any further force for fear of breaking something)!

If those of you who have done it could share the technique/tools you used, I'd be very grateful!

Thanks in advance,

JWR3001

With just sandpaper you'd probably be at it all day - use a model file if you can, and use sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the model once you've filed away the nose.

In terms of paint, it's very difficult to tell what exact shade to use (there are some paints out there which match exactly, however they're either gloss or auto-laquer etc).

I would suggest (this is just a very quick guess, take some time to look around yourself as well) either:

Humbrol EWS Maroon/Red: (Later Seasons of the TV Series)



Humbrol Signal Red: (Earlier Seasons of the TV Series)



Humbrol Virgin Red: (Mixture perhaps?)



If you can get in touch with users CrovansGateOO9, Robtheredengine and/or bluecoatscheesypoofs on YouTube, they might be able to tell you what paints they used for their projects (if I recall, bluecoatscheesypoofs actually mentions the paint he used for his project in his project video - I think it was Model Master's Flame Red).

JWR3001

Hi everyone,

After quite some time, work on the Daisy project is starting to pick up again (albeit in small amounts) - mainly since I will be unable to work on my layout indefinitely (I'm having trouble with dust on the layout, and I'm still looking for an easy and inexpensive solution).

I've just finished making the bufferbeams for the model. It started off with two pieces of 1mm thick styrene measured and cut to size, then cemented together. Holes were then drilled with a pin-vice to fit the buffers, then some Bachmann buffers (available as spare parts from Bachmann Branchline) were fitted and glued into place.





One of the bufferbeams was then glued to the back end of the model (I haven't removed the front bogie of the model yet, so I'm unable to access the front end).





A comparison shot against the unaltered front end, showing the difference in buffer heights. Many people who have built models of Daisy have always complained about the incredibly low buffer height, however this does not concern me at all (I'm aiming for TV Series accuracy above all else).





Until next update,

JWR3001

I currently have Thomas, Edward, Gordon, James, Percy, Douglas & a single Tar Tanker. That's all I currently have from the Bachmann range (Bachmann products a very expensive where I live - too expensive to buy from the shops, I always resort to online buying now!).

JWR3001

Bachmann definitely stands to gain by putting out more sets. If they're not going to be putting out new stock as frequently as they used to, then compiling their current stock into new sets would definitely maintain interest in the products until new ones are released.

Also, sets are a great way of getting kids into the hobby! I myself have always wanted to see a Henry set from either Bachmann or Hornby, but neither have delivered this.

JWR3001

My advice to you at this point would be to maybe considering drawing up some layouts plans or writing ideas down on paper first off. Sure, computer programs can get you a much more accurate result, but drawing up some plans and experimenting with ideas can give you a basic structure/plan for your layout, which you can then expand upon on in computer programs.

Putting all of these locations together in a single layout will be very challenging, I'd definitely experiment with a few different layout plans on paper to begin with if I were you...you may end up deciding against including certain locations, or choosing ones which might better suit your available working space.

JWR3001

Quote from: PasqualeCS96 on August 17, 2012, 03:24:14 PM
Truthfully there is no reason for him to be built by Bachmann.

I know that the rumours are false (I don't think Bachmann are the type to dip their feet in spreading rumours), but I must say that I don't quite agree with that statement.

Diesel 10 is a lot like Diesel, Arry & Bert in that he is a villain of the show (and arguably a more interesting one at that) and will appeal to children who want to recreate their favourite "good guy vs. bad guy" scenes (a lot like action figures). There are also several things about him that will definitely earn a "thumbs-up" from kids, like the fact that he is larger than most engines, or that he has a claw (something which no other engine has). I have a hunch that kids will be more excited to see Diesel 10 rolling by on their train sets than some of the more minor, one-off characters.

If Bachmann can find some way of creating a safe and operable "pinchy" (which seems to be the only complication at this point), then I can't see why they shouldn't make him. There is definitely potential in making Diesel 10

Of course I don't decide what Bachmann makes...as far as I'm concerned, what they make for 2013 is anyone's guess! 

JWR3001

Well, those are some scenes you wouldn't expect to see in CGI Thomas! It's interesting to see how Nitrogen Studios reinvented each scene, I enjoyed each one & I hope to see more like them in the future series.

I'm equally suprised about even seeing them at all--the original stories were filmed some 20+ years ago, I don't think many Thomas fans of the new generation would have heard of them before--all the more reason to include them, I suppose!

JWR3001

Wow, some impressive animation going on here. I myself am very interested in animation, so you've definitely gotten my interest with this. Great work!

Do you have any set goals at this point (i.e are you trying to get certain characters done for your series, or is it pretty much freewheeling)?

JWR3001

Quote from: AJW98Productions on July 24, 2012, 06:31:13 AM
eh, no harm no foul, his is further along then mine anyway, and probably better as well

Well thanks guys, its nice to receive positive feedback.

But hey, both your layout and windmill are coming along nicely too! Don't forget that! 

JWR3001

No no, you're definitely right, now that I think about it, there are still professional scratchbuilders/model builders who will do this sort of thing for you (I've contacted a few myself in the past), although my guess is that they'll charge you quite a lot of money to build the models for you--in some cases its not economically viable (and you may also be required to include plans/drawings of what you want).

Quote from: AJW98Productions on July 20, 2012, 12:45:48 AM
And James, Dark blue blur? I think not .

AJW98Productions

Haha! 

JWR3001

Quote from: AJW98Productions on July 19, 2012, 08:28:34 PM
Note the dark blue blur in the backround, any guesses as to who that might be ?

James?

Seriously though, the layout is coming along nicely...sounds like you have some very ambitious plans for your layout (although I seriously doubt you'll find any N gauge Skarloey Railway stock for sale--sorry).

I also notice that your Windmill Kit comes with the stuff needed to motorise it (which is a whole lot more than I can say for the Dapol Windmill)...I must say I'm looking forward to seeing that happen once its completed.

Quote from: WittmanStudios on July 19, 2012, 08:50:14 PM
Hello,
I must say the layouts I have seen are wonderful, each and everyone. I am starting a layout myself here pretty quick and I will make it "Thomas" themed. Your layouts are kind of, inspirations to what I can possibly put on my layout. Like I said before, great layouts, love each one.

Alex Wittman (Wittman Studios)

Don't forget to check out Youtube, a lot of members here (as well as a few others who are not members) have videos of their Thomas layouts on Youtube, some of them are very nice indeed!

JWR3001

Have you given any thought to the buildings/scenery elements that you might position about the layout (other than the tents, station, castle & windmill)? Anything concrete as of yet?

I've just ordered a Wills Post Office Kit for my layout, as I feel its very "Sodor-esque" and fits the village concept very well. I also know that I'll be paving the road way around the layout with Woodlands Scenics Smooth-It, and I'll also be creating a Railway crossing at the far side of the layout with the same stuff.

JWR3001