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Thread time people because i can't sleep. 
Today's train talk will be about other ideas of what Thomas' basis could be.
Now, it's no doubt that Thomas is obviously based off of an E2, right? extended side tanks and all.
Well, there *are* some problems with that.
Today's train talk will be about other ideas of what Thomas' basis could be.
Now, it's no doubt that Thomas is obviously based off of an E2, right? extended side tanks and all.
Well, there *are* some problems with that.
First off, Thomas is a lot shorter than a regular E2, with normal E2's being 33 feet long he looks like he's at least 10 feet shorter.
Another thing is that he has a splasher. The regular E2's didn't have this, which raises more questions to if he's actually an E2 or not.
Another thing is that he has a splasher. The regular E2's didn't have this, which raises more questions to if he's actually an E2 or not.
So, would this mean that Thomas couldn't really be an E2? of course not. BUT, there are some other thoughts and theories as to what his basis is.
The first, and apparently most well known theory is that he's a Jinty. I wholeheartedly disagree with this.
The first, and apparently most well known theory is that he's a Jinty. I wholeheartedly disagree with this.
The second one is the Furness Railway G5, which I personally agree with for the TVS Canon, seeing as they're both similar sizes.
The third one is that he's a custom-built engine from Crovan's Gate Works. I sort of agree with this, perhaps STH.....
The third one is that he's a custom-built engine from Crovan's Gate Works. I sort of agree with this, perhaps STH.....
....perhaps STH partnered with the SR to design a tank engine specifically for station pilot work at Vicarstown, or something else.
And what do I think? I do follow the idea that he was built at Crovan's Gate in 1922.
And what do I think? I do follow the idea that he was built at Crovan's Gate in 1922.
Now, why out of all of the other ideas, why do i choose this one? For me, it makes the most sense.
Hear me out first. In late May of 1922, STH needed a station pilot for Vicarstown, so he got into contact with the LBSCR to make plans for an 0-6-0 specifically designed for...
Hear me out first. In late May of 1922, STH needed a station pilot for Vicarstown, so he got into contact with the LBSCR to make plans for an 0-6-0 specifically designed for...
...for shunting at Vicarstown and in Vicarstown Goods Yards. The LBSCR approved of the plan and sent L. B. Billinton to help STH design the locomotive.
Billinton decided to use the plans from the second batch of E2's, albeit a shorter body/chassis. After STH and Billinton...
Billinton decided to use the plans from the second batch of E2's, albeit a shorter body/chassis. After STH and Billinton...
...came to an agreement on the design of the locomotive, the building phase was put into affect, and on June 16, 1922, Thomas was finished being built.
i don't know about you guys but i like this idea.
i don't know about you guys but i like this idea.
Of course, I'm completely fine that the real Thomas was an E2, but there are some other thoughts about his basis worth sharing.
This thread looks pretty messy hhh
This thread looks pretty messy hhh
