N Scale Bachmann Thomas

[RailsByRick]

N scale Edward is a necessity for the range, but I fear Bachmann will really struggle with making it a reality. I believe it was said in a recent stream that their new N scale 4-6-0 came about because the 4-4-0 was proving to be too difficult.

Granted, the 4-4-0 was intended to have DCC and sound on board. Edward would not.

I'm sure Bachmann knows there would be massive disappointment from modelers if they didn't make Edward. I'm sure he'll be made one day, but I can't imagine it'll be easy.

Maybe a closed off cab to provide more space for the motor?

[TrainFan97]

If Bachmann isn't ready to bring Edward to N Scale yet for technical reasons, then other safe options to fall back on are Duck, Oliver and Spencer. Any of those would be more than welcome to join N Scale. We may even get Duck and Oliver announced together. Since Toad already exists in N Scale, the sooner we get Oliver, the better. Duck and Oliver are top sellers in HO Scale, and it will sure be like that for N Scale too.

There's technical concerns regarding Edward because he is a 4-4-0. James is a 2-6-0 and was more doable. Emily has a more complicated configuration with the small wheels in front of her big driving wheels also being powered, and she was still doable in N Scale. Bachmann may have to close off Edward's cab, which would be a small sacrifice to make his N Scale model work.

As for the N Scale special coaches, provided we get Spencer, we can also get a special brake coach, unlike HO Scale. They'd be made based on the model series design. Modified from the express coach tooling.

[Chaz]

Well, here we are: the N scale Gordon Express Coaches. I have genuinely been really excited to get these, and now that I have DCC in some of my Thomas models, I was able to give Gordon a run with the coaches on the N scale club layout. So, I'll just give you guys my thoughts as usual.


Right off the bat, I want to talk about the overall design of these coaches. The CGI Express Coaches were never anyone's favorite design, and Bachmann knew this going into production of the coaches. They are way too thin and narrow and completely disproportionate to the rest of the engines and rolling stock in the show. So rather than going that route, I actually think that Bachmann made the right choice by creating new body shells that better capture the classic appearance of the Express Coaches.


The appeal for the CGI-style coaches would have been much more limited, and people would have looked into other alternatives. Instead, I think Bachmann has managed to create something that fits much better with the overall Thomas range. I personally think that these look a lot better this way than sticking with a design based directly on the CGI series.


Now, all of that aside, I really like the overall appearance of the coaches with Gordon. They really do capture the classic design that many fans know and love. Even though the livery is meant to represent that of the CGI series, I feel those who appreciate the classic seasons will also appreciate these as well. I have classic faces on my Thomas engines, and having a modified Gordon pulling these feels like a perfectly natural fit.


The modifications to the brake coach look especially well done. I appreciate how Bachmann managed to get the correct spacing on the far windows, indicating the brake coach. It's a simple modification, but I feel it's pretty effective.  I especially appreciate how Bachmann kept the shapes of the windows the same as they have on the show with larger windows on one side and smaller on the other.


In terms of performance, the Express Coaches run beautifully behind Gordon. The metal wheels not only look great, but they also perform very well while running on the club layout behind Gordon. The rest of my engines do not have DCC fitted to them, but when they do, I am looking forward to seeing James and Emily in particular pulling these Express Coaches as well. But for the target engine that the coaches are made for, I can easily say that Gordon looks fantastic pulling a nice rake of Express Coaches. I might actually look into getting another pair of Express Coaches to match the amount used in Season 1.


So overall, I strongly feel that Bachmann has really done a solid job of introducing these Express Coaches to the N scale range. It's definitely been weird having Gordon for so long but not having any Express Coaches for him to pull, but needless to say, Gordon's presence feels a lot more complete now. If you have Gordon and James and have plans to get Henry, or just want more rolling stock for your Thomas line in general, I would definitely recommend picking these up.

Thanks, Bachmann, for introducing these coaches, and I am looking forward to my next review being on N scale Diesel, followed by the highly anticipated model of Henry!

One more thing I actually want to ask everyone about:




Did anyone else happen to receive a box with the Lilliput logo on it by mistake? Just to be clear, these coaches use completely new body shells and are not made from Lilliput tooling. However, two of my coaches came with boxes featuring the Lilliput logo, while the other coach came in a box with the correct Bachmann branding. I'm curious if this was just an isolated packaging error or if anyone else ran into the same thing.

[TrainFan97]

With Gordon's express coaches finally existing in N Scale, Gordon's presence feels more complete. Took two years after Gordon himself hit store shelves. Other liveries are also possible, with the red express coaches already on the horizon for N Scale. If they really want to do a model series look, they can also make the black and white express coaches from Season 2, especially fitting for a Season 2 tooling. Another idea, but not seen in the show are ones with a blue stripe, as we sometimes do get repaints not seen in the show. I did mention the special coaches, which can be modified from the same tooling, and can be pulled by Spencer, whenever he's announced. One more that's from the show are Gordon's special coaches, which are highly requested for HO Scale.

Another interesting fact is that they're the first N Scale rolling stock to have bogies.

[JacobSK]

Enjoyed your review as always, Chaz! The Express coaches look great and as you said, Gordon finally looks complete with them. They hit the spot in the right places, and almost make me want to give N Scale another go. I'm curious to see how they'll look and perform behind James, but as you said, that'll be for another day. Your club also looks like a fun place. Always nice to see any scale of Bachmann Thomas against detailed scenery, British or American.

Either way, sounds like they're recommended. I wonder if the red ones will use the bright white and red livery seen in S2 and with Scotsman in CGI or if they'll have the blood and custard livery of S3-12. If they go with the latter, the upside will be that they'll have the same livery as the Maunsell basis had during BR ownership.