Some simple Thomas truck mods

[Tim Brien]

I have modified numerous troublesome trucks to give variety to the 'Island of Sodor' rolling stock, with tarpaulin tent loads and a representation of a salt truck. These are a few recent modifications. On the flatcar the entrie body was cutoff at the lowest timber scribe line. A container load is shown as an example, but farm equipment, etc, could be substituted. The flatcar has not as yet had its paintwork touched up.

Second is a simple rock load for a standard truck. The truck body was lined with three layers of cling wrap kitchen film and a baseplate of foam, cut from a LGB starter set box, was cut to size and inserted inside the truck. A layer of kitty litter (preferably unused) was built up inside and then a mixture of pva white glue, a few drops of kitchen detergent and a small amount of water was poured over the load. The mix was repeatedly applied over a period of several days. The load was then carefully removed and allowed to dry thoroughly. Plaster was then applied to the sides as a cosmetic improvement (not seen once load inserted). After sanding the plaster to suit the size of the truck body, the load received several coats of pva white glue to harden the surface.

 

[Tim Brien]

A few more alterations, all designed to fit a standard truck body. The first two are removable tarpaulin load covers. A foam base was cut then a balsa frame was attached being end plates and a central longitudinal spine. Several layers of facial tissues were placed over the framework and then doused with a pva white glue, few drops of detergent and a small amoutn of water to dilute the mixture. This was repeated several times. Ideally the tarpaulin sides should extend down the sides of the truck, however, for simplicity, the tarp load is designed to simply fit inside the truck body.

The coal load insert and the scrap load insert were also made as detailed in the first posting. At one time I had considered making moulds and 'mass' producing the loads for sale but lost interest due apparent lack of interest on another site. The business venture enthusiasm has now passed and so only the masters will remain to use on the railroad. Similar techniques are applicable to non-Thomas type rolling stock.

All internal loads are removable and simply by varying spacingblocks/packing inside the truck body, the load can be raised to represent a half-load or a full load, or an in between load.

 

[Tony]

Tim very neat and well made ...They look as if they came like that

Tony

 

[PaulRhB]

Nice ideas Tim, with the tarpaulin couldn't you do what you did with the cling film on the loads but wrap it over the wagon? Maybe even make cover from sheet plasticard with a lip that fits snugly over the top of the wagon and cover it with tissues?

 

[playmofire]

Very neat and effective customs, Tim. The scrap load is especially eye catching.

I'm surprised at the lack of interest in the loads from others, unless it was because the Thomas range owners aren't really interested in detail such as this.

 

[Tim Brien]

The scrap load is simply kitty litter and bits and pieces from cheap battery operated locomotives.
Paul,
I originally intended to make a mould and cast these, so having draped tarp down the sides would have caused difficulty as I intended the loads to be removable.

 

[PaulRhB]

Ah yes I forgot that bit given me an idea for the OO clay wagons though so thanks it got the brain cells going.
Another thing is to hide a lump of metal beneath the top layer of the load, or part of the scrap one, so they can be lifted out with a magnet without lifting them off the track.
I can see a few loads being made over winter.

 

[Gizzy]

Nice work Tim....

 

[yb281]

Nice job Tim. I particularly like the scrap load.

 

[vsmith]

I found the simpliest, but single best mod, was popping the stupid faceplate off. After that its all gravy.