The Bachmann Rheneas has finally arrived and you are hearing this review literally live as I am at my model railroad club reviewing this model as it's running to the public as we speak. I figured it would be best to take pictures of him while he's out and about and share from there. So as usual here are my thoughts on this extraordinary model.
2016 was such a hit and miss year for Bachmann. We had some incredible new slate wagons, troublesome truck #5 was a nice surprise in terms of its design, and and we witnessed some decent quality in the DCC/sound large scale equipment. Yet this was also the same year we not only got some of the worst choices for rolling stock in HO and large scale, but we also had to sit through Rosie who not only didn't deserve to be added in the range, but left a lot to be desired as a model. Probably one of the lowest moves I've seen Bachmann make in a really long time, if at all.
Rheneas on the other hand is literally the exact opposite of Rosie as he was not only the top demand for narrow gauge but it also shows Bachmann's real time and quality at its absolute best just like the Skarloey model before it. The narrow gauge range has always impressed me, with the exception of the Peco recolors, and it's great to see that same quality shown once again in its absolute best. It took a while for this model to come out, much longer than it did for Skarloey but was it worth the wait? The honest answer to this one is, with this much quality and detail, absolutely.
In terms of looks, Bachmann hit the livery spot-on. One thing that previous merchandise lines have done with Rheneas before his return in CGI was they had the tendency to give Rheneas a pink livery which always looked really odd to me. Even Ertl and the early wooden toys got this wrong too, and even as a kid I thought they looked off. Fortunately it hasn't been an issue recently and I'm so glad that it also wasn't an issue here with Bachmann as their Rheneas has a nice orange livery. Although it could be closer to vermilion it doesn't bug me at all and doesn't detract from he model at all.
The details on Rheneas are impressive too, most notably, the exact same river detail as it's basis Dolgoch. Now as some of you may know/heard, Bachmann Trains did indeed have some representatives go to the Talyllyn railway to get measurements of their locomotives (except Sir Haydn who's still in overhaul
), and their rolling stock. They knew that selling these models in those proportions would attract OO9 modelers which is why these have been selling out regularly. It was a smart move for Bachmann to do this and I'm hoping they will do the same for Rusty and other future products as well. Of course that's always a discussion for another time.
The biggest complaint I have heard about the Rheneas model, is it's funnel. I agree that the funnel does look slightly too thin, even if that trait comes from the CG render, (which I'm sure our buddies at Mattel suggested), but really I don't consider it to be a big deal since it still captures Rheneas' character really well. Although I still rank Skarloey slightly higher for that reason alone (because I genuinely see no flaw with Skarloey), it doesn't detract from the model at all and still a worthy addition. If the funnel issue bothers you I'm sure there are creative alternatives out there for a funnel closer to his basis.
At the same time Rheneas exceeds in one area above Skarloey which is cab detail. It isn't much but part of the cab is shaped and is also painted black, compared to Skarloey who had basically no detail in the open cab. Both models are great at the end of the day, and cab detail is always something fans can get creative with themselves.
Performance wise, like Skarloey, Rheneas is an incredible runner. Once I got him running at my show he was a hit. He's a smooth runner and was able to pull all the slate wagons with no trouble. Absolutely no complaints with this or the hauling power.
Overall, it amazes me to see Bachmann go so far in both quality and effort in the narrow gauge range. Skarloey and the slate wagons were already impressive, but Rheneas seems to show that Bachmann can still produce quality products despite Mattel having Thomas And Friends enter such a dark state in terms of both the show and toy quality. If there is anything positive about Rosie coming out before Rheneas, it's the fact that we as fans can be assured Bachmann's Thomas range is still in good hands even if Mattel makes decisions for them that don't always necessarily work. If there is any model you should save up for or have as Christmas present, or even keep for display in your own personal collection... this is the one. Bachmann have really outdone themselves with this model and it only makes me even more excited and hopeful for Rusty and what is in store for the 2018 announcements.
Thank you Bachmann for this extraordinary model.
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