Future suggestions/predictions thread

[Chaz]

https://resources.bachmanntrains.com/2025MidYear/

They weren't kidding when they said this was unexpected!

The Flying Scotsman is a very nice surprise; one that I think not many people were expecting. I can see a lot of people being excited for this one. I'm personally not a huge fan of the CGI design of the character, but I do appreciate the fact that it's a character from Awdry for the 80th, so I welcome it.

Knapford getting a reintroduction was something I saw coming, given that it's one of the most iconic locations in the show. I really like how they updated the platforms too. Not sure why they removed one of the canopy's though...

A solid way to honor the anniversary, despite only introducing HO announcements this summer. Thank you, Bachmann!

[Mulfred100]

They weren't kidding when they said this was unexpected!

The Flying Scotsman is a very nice surprise; one that I think not many people were expecting. I can see a lot of people being excited for this one. I'm personally not a huge fan of the CGI design of the character, but I do appreciate the fact that it's a character from Awdry for the 80th, so I welcome it.

Knapford getting a reintroduction was something I saw coming, given that it's one of the most iconic locations in the show. I really like how they updated the platforms too.

A solid way to honor the anniversary, despite only introducing HO announcements this summer. Thank you, Bachmann!

Wow I think this is the first time since maybe Daisy was announced I've been genuinely shocked. I did not think for a single second Flying Scotsman would be made. I'm extremely happy however. I personally don't mind his CGI design, the only thing I'm not keen on is his shade of green in the CGI series. But I'm sure Bachmann will knock this one out of the park. Probably will be able to reuse Gordon's chassis.
Also glad Knapford is back in the range. Its been a very bright year so far all things considered. Very happy with these Announcements.

[harrison05]

Flying Scotsman that was unexpected I'm speechless, very hyped for him. I wonder if he will have 3 wheel tender wheels like his CGI model or 4 like real life, Also he is gonna be CRAZY $$$ gonna have to sell my livers to buy him but it will be so worth it.

[[email protected]]

It's cool that they're doing the Flying Scotsman. I do a model re-enactment of Tenders for Henry with it. Now I own the original Knapford Station kit, but I think I'll get the new one to use the platforms to make other stations.

[JLK2707]

Nice! I thought that they were going to announce rolling stock as well, but then again, there is just next year.

[Luke22]

Ok (late in posting since I was busy outside the internet), that more than makes up for the lack of other scales, which I think this might be the reason why they were like "we'll give them a BIG surprise so great that this will make up for the lack of other announcements from other scales". I'm REALLY surprised that they went through with this because as a Tender Engine, he'd be a bit more pricy as well as the fact that I thought that Hiro would've been considered if Rebecca sold well, but interesting that this was a plot twist nobody expected, though the logistics (going by whether or not the copyright for the use of this engine was gonna be an issue from what I recall) for me were more the reason of whether or not this character would be considered. Overall, you're not gonna hear any complaints from me! "Flying Scotsman COMING THROUGH!"

[Stephen62]

I'm freakin in shock (in a good way) that we are going to be getting an on screen version of the flying Scotsman! Especially if we are definitely getting the on screen version with double tenders. I'm surprised that Bachmann didn't decide to sell the second tender separately though since this would also benefit non Thomas modelers that would like a second tender (since they are rare to find anywhere) for their flying Scotsman models. I'm bummed that we didn't get any rolling stock announcements at all but it is nice to see that knapford station is getting a re release

[Luke22]

You know what? Given the amount of backlog of stuff they need to catch up on, as well as the unexpected challenges of the outside climate these days, I'm glad we're getting an alternative to the cancelation of the 80th Anniversary set in the form of a character that's the Flying Scotsman...!

[harrison05]

I think Flying Scotsman was always planned.

[DustyMarie53!]

Been away for a bit as I was at the Awdry Event. The announcements actually dropped as I was on the return journey on #1 herself. (albeit dressed up as Albert)

And what amazing announcements to see in person with my friends. I never would have guessed Scotsman but he's such a natural addition. Popular real engine and a character who's existed in every era by some technicality, including AEG. The perfect anniversary candidate. Will be curious to see how he's designed and packaged. Cost has been a huge discussion point online as well. Admittedly I think the most he'll be is $300 and that's a high ball estimate and wouldn't be terrible for an engine of his size. But we'll see if I'm right on that front or he ends up more. So excited for this one.


Knapford is also an amazing comeback and I love the design of the new platform. Think making it single platform is optimal for cost and expansion as well. Allows it to be cheaper and not stick people with more platforms than they'd want. I hope these come with the number signs that the old kit did so you can extend it out to platform 10. Looking forward to this surprisingly more than Scotsman. Will love to expand my knapford.

[Chaz]

I always try to make at least one new post after every announcement period, specifically for the N scale range. This is because after each announcement, something new usually checks off that list. You could argue this post is a bit redundant since I'm basically preaching to the choir here and there were no new N announcements this summer. However, I think there's value in approaching this topic now; especially since progress is being made on previously announced projects and Bachmann released two engines along with more rolling stock at the end of last year.

This time, I'm doing something a little different. Instead of a broad wishlist, I'm sharing what I feel is a realistic lineup of products that could be announced between now and the next two years. My goal is to break everything into smaller, practical steps that that fit within a realistic timeline while giving Bachmann a manageable workload for the N scale range.

I'm intentionally avoiding things like starter sets (e.g., Gordon set or Christmas set), since those could be announced anytime without heavily impacting the production schedule. I'm also leaving out smaller non-rail characters like Bertie and Harold for now, as I don't think N scale is ready for that level of ambition yet.  However, I will touch on scenery pieces, especially since the five-bay roundhouse gives us a strong indication of what might be coming.  I'm also leaving out HO, narrow gauge and large scale, for obvious reasons. Anyway, here we go:

2026 Catalog:

• Edward – New engine tooling
• Red Coach – Repaint with modifications
• Red Brake Coach – Repaint with modifications
• BR 20 Ton Brake Van – New tooling

Edward seems like the one announcement that would've truly made the 80th anniversary year special. While the Thomas and James recolors were fine, they don't generate the same level of excitement Edward would have; especially since he was the very first character in the franchise. That said, given everything going on recently, it's understandable why he wasn't announced this year. I think N scale Edward should be the only new engine tooling for 2026 given by the recent HO announcement of the Flying Scotsman this summer.

The red coaches are a near certainty. They're simple enough for Bachmann to do and could easily be announced at any time and have proven to be very popular sellers in multiple scales and markets.

As for the BR 20 Ton Brake Van, I'm still a bit indifferent to the earlier LMS brake van choice. However, introducing the BR 20 Ton version (in purple as seen in CGI) would be a smart move and could mark the first new rolling stock tooling in N since Gordon's coaches back in 2023. Plus there are more repaint options for Bachmann to look into with this tooling, unlike the LMS one.

2026 NMRA:

• Tidmouth Milk Tanker – Repaint
• Tar Tanker - repaint
• Cranky the Crane - New tooling

For NMRA 2026, I predict a relatively quiet period for N scale, aside from one major highlight. The milk and tar tankers feel long overdue, (especially the milk tanker), and should be easy repaints for Bachmann.  I still firmly believe they should invest in a new tanker tooling that's actually accurate to the show and not the Farish tooling, but I digress.  Bonus points if they use the model era decals and introduce CGI ones at a later date or vice-versa.

Cranky, on the other hand, would be a very exciting announcement. Even though he requires a new mold, I think he should be the first major scenery piece and first non-rail character for N scale. Despite his size, Cranky could act as a great test for smaller non-rail characters in the future like Bertie or Harold.  He also represents Brendam Docks, one of the most iconic locations in the brand. Plus, Cranky was one of the first accessories in HO back in 2002, so his inclusion here would feel natural and even nostalgic for long time collectors.

2027 Catalog:

• Coal Wagon w/ Load – Repaint with new coal load
• Mining Wagon w/ Load – Repaint with new coal load
• Spiteful Brake Van – Repaint of BR 20 Ton Brake Van with new face

The coal and mining wagons should finally debut here, introducing new loads and offering variety like previous wagon announcements. Adding contrasting designs (painted vs. unpainted metal bars, decals, etc.) would also create visual diversity Similarly to how the plain red and Sodor Scrap Co. wagons were introduced together earlier this year. These loads could even be reused later for an ore load if Bachmann wants to produce a Thomas and Troublesome Truck set in N.  They even still produce the plasticville coaling station in N too for whatever that's worth.

Finally, the Spiteful Brake Van. This is another reason Bachmann should've introduced the BR 20 Ton Van earlier. Releasing Spiteful while the tooling is active makes perfect sense—similar to how Henrietta and Hannah were handled earlier in N, I could see these two being released together at the same time despite their announcements being at different times.

2027 NMRA:

• Duck - new engine tooling
• Mail Car – New rolling stock tooling
• Tidmouth Sheds – Repaint of five-bay roundhouse

For NMRA 2027, Duck feels like a perfect choice as the next new engine tooling. Like Edward, he's practically a given considering his popularity; especially in recent marketing and merchandise tied to the brand's 80th anniversary. Duck's small size and simple design make him a nice contrast to Edward as well.

The Mail Car would be a great rolling stock addition after the brake van, offering more variety and repaint potential down the line. Again, like the milk tanker, bonus points if they use the model era decal and introduce CGI one at a later date or vice-versa.

Lastly, Tidmouth Sheds feels like the obvious scenery piece, given the introduction of the generic five-bay roundhouse in N scale. Releasing the non-Thomas version first, then the Thomas-branded Tidmouth later, seems like the logical approach.

Final Thoughts:

This was definitely a long post, and some might say I went overboard planning two years of announcements instead of just one. But realistically, this lineup includes only five new toolings spread over two years, which seems manageable for Bachmann. Rolling stock offers multiple repaint opportunities, and the engine requests, Edward and Duck, have proven to be popular in multiple markets making them feel warranted to be the next two engine choices in N scale.

I've also recently been inspired to do another N scale post after looking into joining a club about an hour away from me. Working on new faces for my N Gordon and Emily has definitely been helping. And yes, I'll be adding model-era faces to Henry and Diesel when they're released. I'll do the same with Edward and Duck if they get announced. I'll share progress on the faces in another thread. Either way, let me know what you think!

[JLK2707]

Would you ever modify the Bachmann N Scale Henry to the old shape of his?

[Chaz]

Would you ever modify the Bachmann N Scale Henry to the old shape of his?

Probably not, but I imagine that some fans will probably get on that as a custom project if they decide to buy a second Henry.  At the moment the only thing I would change on Henry is the face, otherwise I plan to keep Henry as is.

[JLK2707]

Would anybody here ever expect a new large scale engine apart from LBSC 70 Thomas?

[Jake86]

Here is my top list of non rail characters that I would like to see released in Bachmann HO scale in the future they are Trevor Bulgy Caroline George Post van Bulstrode Elizabeth Lorrie Horrid Lorries 1 2 and 3 Butch Tiger moth  Jack Alfie Max Isabella Kelly Byron Ned Oliver the excavator Patrick Buster Flynn Algy Thumper Kevin Madge Ace Angelique Tony Ester Ace Cleo Travis Bulgy's friend if you like the idea please let me know thanks