OO Scale Bachmann "Thomas" Range: Driving Wheel Diameter and Spacing

[Cunningham Loco & Machine Works]

I am interested as to whether the OO scale Bachmann "Thomas" range might yield any useful mechanisms or mechanism parts for kitbashing. What then are the driving wheel diameters and spacings for the various specimens in their range?

 

Thanks enormously if you have the data!

[RosiesBoss]

Hello,

 

I can help with two of the range:

• "Salty" has wheel spacing 4'9" + 4'9" and wheel dia 3.6"
• "Thomas" has wheel spacing 5'9"+ 5'9" and wheel dia 4'3"

I have used a Thomas chassis to model GWR 944, as described here: https://www.rmweb.co.uk/forums/topic/183628-gwr-944-0-6-0t-project/

 

Because  of the chassis design, it was challenging, but the result was worth it.

 

Regards,

 

Rob

[34theletterbetweenB&D]

3 minutes ago, RosiesBoss said:

I have used a Thomas chassis ... Because  of the chassis design, it was challenging...

 

Further to this, if Bachmann's 'Thomas' is typical of the TTTE range, these come with a down side in that the motor is encapsulated in the body, because it also drives the wobbly eyes; thus there is no motor mounted on the chassis block.

 

The 'Junior' range example  from Bachmann that I used to motorise one of their Thomas bodies was conventional  with the motor mounted on the chassis block.

 

Otherwise the mechanism parts of both these items: motor, gear train,  wheelsets, pick up wipers were as suitable for repurposing as any of Bachmann's product.