The Home Machinist!

These trucks come with a "G-12" train. But they are not MTC trucks. And I suspect the loco body is not actually a G12 locomotive. It looks like one, but the cab windows look larger and the body profile seems shorter.

Any MTC experts out there that can clarify?

Thanks
Glenn

Glen,

While I'm not an expert on this one, I do believe you are the proud owner of a Tom Thumb. Sure looks like one to me and looks to be in pretty darn good shape, except the rusty trucks.

I'll ask an expert to weigh in on this one. I know for sure he can tell us if it's a Tom Thumb or not.

Terry

Terry, thanks for the quick reply! What is a Tom Thumb?? Although I have heard of these, I am not at all knowledgeable, as it were.

Regards
Glenn

Glenn,

I have sent info to my expert. He will get back to me as he is not currently a member here.

Tom Thumb is the name of trains made by different manufactures but the same train. I believe they were made in the '50's. My expert says they were mostly 15" or 18" gauge. He has not seen a 12" gauge.

After sending him your photos, he says the style of the trucks are as he remembers of the Tom Thumb trains. He also says; your bodies definitely have the Tom Thumb look.

Personally, I believe I have heard of a 12" gauge but I wouldn't bet a nickel on that memory. I'll be sure to pass on any further info, if I get any.

Cheers,
Terry

The Illinois central train at the Little Toot Railroad in Flora IL is a Tom Thumb train but its 15" gauge.

You can see it sort of in this video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sq12xzjZus

Hi Terry, Just a brief update. These trucks and the accompanying train set are indeed a 15" ga Tom Thumb train. I measured the wheel gauge at an actual 14 3/4" ga, so think it was meant to be run on 15" ga track.

Also the truck frame members are cast with the words "Tom Thumb" intergal with the side frames of the truck. No word on who did the restoration, or where the train itself previously lived. I need to go do so more research as the PO is still around. (An antique dealer bought it and has it for sale currently).

Glenn

Glenn Brooks wrote:(An antique dealer bought it and has it for sale currently).

Ah yes, and if is your usual antique dealer the price is original price x inflation x 2 + 'original patina' (Rust) charge + 100% markup