Thomas gets a brain transplant

Great job! I really like it.

Thanks, Don.

I've been meaning to dig this out and upgrade him, next year the Christmas tree will have a command/control Thomas.

That's cool.  I notice the connectors you use.  Very interesting.  Long may he run.

I really like it! Thanks for sharing!

Oh, and this is Thomas' prototype:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LB%26SCR_E2_class

The "connectors" I use are "roll your own" using snappable headers and sockets.  I just cut what I need and use generous amounts of heat-shrink.  Makes it easy to create custom connectors that are reasonably small.

Michael, so there is actually a prototype!   Surprise!  Too bad the only place for lights was those windows.   Besides, the locomotive has eyes scanning, so I guess we're covered.

Actually according to Wikipedia, the prototype that Thomas is based off of is a Billinton designed 0-6-0 E2 Class of the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway.

A most useful upgrade indeed!

Sure, but no eyes!

True but you could always say the Strasburg one is the prototype then.

This is really great!! I have been wanting to do this for several years now, so that my nephew's Thomas can "Play" with my command locomotives. I purchased the ERR control kit a couple of years ago, just before they stopped selling publicly, but haven't had the time to install it.

I am now motivated! Too bad Lionel wouldn't do it at the factory!

Thanks again for the mentoring!!

Nice work John, we did this for our modular layout and the children love running Thomas with a remote, we did not add the lights and new sounds that is a real plus!

But for those who do not have the mechanical or electrical ability that John has Lionel does offer the remote Thomas in the new Christmas Catalog

6-30190

Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his faithful coaches Annie and Clarabel are ready for duty on your layout with his very own blue remote.

Ideal for families just starting this hobby or for setting up a temporary layout on the floor
Easy-to-setup
• Train set, track, and wall-pack power supply included
• Ready-to-run out of the box!
Easy-to-use power and control system
• Basic wall-pack power supply
• Terminal track section with a jack for connecting the wall pack
• A child-friendly hand-held remote control that is color-coordinated with the locomotive it controls
Run more than one locomotive on the same track!
• The remotes are color-coordinated with the locomotives for convenience
• Locomotives listen for commands from their color-coordinated remotes
• The locomotive’s speed, direction, and sounds are determined by distinct commands sent directly to the engine

John, all you need to do now is take that plastic coal load out and put in a real coal load. Nice job. BF

Thanks guys.  It is fun to get some of these conventional items running command. I'll be running this at our modular club displays around christmas, should get a few looks from the kids.

I'm hacking away at a PRR Speeder now, I was waiting for the command one from Lionel, then they cancelled it.  So, I'll make my own.

ERR stopped selling to the public? You have to buy from a dealer now?

When did that happen?

Gunrunnerjohn, brilliant work, I love it. These ERR Mini Commanders are a perfect fit.

I have no idea what he's talking about, I just bought stuff from ERR and from Boxcar Bill, who is a dealer for ERR.

Not only do they fit, but they're the only game in town for TMCC conversions nowadays since DD and TAS bit the dust.  Thanks for the comment, it's fun to get all these little guys running around with command.

A nicely illustrated step-by-step how-to article on this could get you $200, John, if you are interested.

I may consider that for a future conversion, it's probably a bit too late for that one.  I don't think I want to take it apart and start over.

 I remember seeing a version of thomas with a single (head-) light on the enginear's side I think. (is that the same in europe?)

Looked like an old fashion candle type one. What type of whistle does it have now?