Thomas the Tank Engine Question

[Anonymous]

Ok this is probably close to my last random question. It has bothered me for a long time and i was just wondering if anyone knew the answer. I like a lot of people watched thomas the tank engine. Now i have always wondered what scale are those engines in? Also are those steam driven engines or are they regular electric engines? After looking at them and seeing how live steam engines act it looks like they are steam  controlled cause they move independent of each other while on the same track. But if anyone knows the answer to this it would put at least one of my numerous questions to rest. Also any other extra info you have on this topic will be greatly apperciated.

[CandCRR]

From the  How Stuff Works web site (http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/how-thomas-the-tank-engine-works2.htm).

"The train characters are models built to a 1:32 scale, known in the model railway world as "O" Scale. "

 

[Southwest Chief]

1:32 scale is not O scale, regardless of what that misinformed website says.  What they likely meant to say was 32mm gauge...which is O scale.

In proportions, O scale can be 1:43, or 1:48 depending on manufactures and countries.  

1:32 is true large scale, like the high end standard gauge offerings from Accucraft and other manufacturers. 

The real Thomas is mostly "Marklin" O scale, which = 1:43.

The models themselves are normal electric locos (likely using some form of DCC or command control).  The elaborate smoke comes from two sources.  The locos themselves have special smoke units with a fan that produces the nice smoke plumes.  The smoke seen coming from under the locos actually comes from tubes placed under the layout that go through holes in the track.  The locos are then placed over these spots and the smoke looks like it's coming from the locos.

[Rastun]

1:32 is true large scale, like the high end standard gauge offerings from Accucraft and other manufacturers. 

I don't know if I'd call it "true" large scale, but, the "Correct" scale to model standard gauge trains on 45mm or Gauge 1 track.

Jack 

[vsmith]

I read a long time ago that they were 1/32 scale, on 45mm track, RC controlled with battery power. This allowed the track section modules to be assembled easily, quickly put together and taken down.

The trains are scratchbuilt on commercial mechanisms but they didnt say which. Large scale size means easier to load the internal controls for the eyes and such, easier to make rolling stock as well plus larger trains have always looked better on film.

[devils]

The models were 1/32 or gauge 1 on Marklin chassis. Electric control with radio control eyes. Loads of stuff on here.

http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/ffarquhar.htm

Scroll down to the bottom and there's a pdf you can download of an article about the series written at the time.

Models available from

Lionel in O and I think G

Hornby and Bachmann in OO or HO

Tomix in N gauge.