Future Thomas & Friends product suggestions and predictions

[Mulfred]

Very impressed with the Samples of TT7 and The China clay wagon. I'll be completely honest when TT7 was announced I genuinely thought they would just take the Grey van and stick a face on the front and tbh I'd have been fine with that but they have gone too alot of effort with this which I really appreciate. I have a few topics I'd like to raise here.

Firstly with the Troublesome truck numbering system, I do somewhat worry how that may impact other scales. For example right now if Bachmann wanted to make TT7 in N scale they totally could however with 3-6 not being available will that hamper its chances. Same with Large scale. I mean theres no written rule to say they couldn't make a Troublesome van in N or large but I do worry the numbered system may stop them.

My second point comes off the back of a conversation with Chaz. He mentioned how nice it would be if the China clay wagon was offered in additional colour schemes which I fully support, even if that means changing a 4 to a 5 to renumber them. Same with the FQC wagon that would be great if they released a couple of additional colour variations.

While I am talking about the China clay wagon. One idea that I had would be maybe Bachmann could make the removal loads available separately in say a 4 pack or something? I know alot of modellers would appreciate being able to buy the loads so they can create their own rakes. You could also apply this to the coal load and even the drums on the diesel Flatbed.

My last point is definitely out of season right now, but it would be great if by Christmas 2027 there was an N scale Thomas Christmas set. You could have the Christmas wreath van in there and maybe some variation of rolling stock used in previous Christmas sets. I know that alot of use would buy it just for the Snowplow on Thomas.

Its great to see that in 2026 we should have a nice steady stream of releases throughout the year too, not all coming out in November. Very excited to see what is next. I am extremely hyped for N scale Henry and looking forward to seeing how everything turns out

[Chaz]

I definitely agree that a Bachmann Troublesome Truck #8 would make the most sense as an open wagon. With the most recent releases already covering a tanker and a van (both of which also appeared in the CGI era), it might feel a bit too soon to revisit those toolings again. Going with an open wagon would help keep things feeling fresher in that regard. Whether Bachmann uses the older tooling or transitions to the newer UK 7 plank design, I think either approach would work nicely as long as it brings something a little different to the range.  This truck in particular I think would be a perfect candidate for troublesome truck #8:


I feel like this works the most because it offers a different emotion (angry) along with a different color from Trucks 1 and 2, helping it stand out more and adding some nice contrast.  Plus giving it a coal load would also be a nice bonus. Like truck #7, this would be a CGI troublesome truck I would be perfectly fine with, and I would happily add to my collection.

I also want to reiterate a point I mentioned earlier about the China clay wagon, specifically how a green livery would be a really welcome addition. Not only would it add some visual variety to the rolling stock lineup, but it would also be a smart way for Bachmann to reuse the existing china clay load tooling. It feels like a relatively simple variation with a different color and new road number that could go a long way in expanding customization options for modelers.

Overall, it's really encouraging to see the level of effort going into these recent releases, and I'm excited to see where they go next.

[Mulfred]

Something I've been thinking about alot is vans within the range. Unfortunately at the moment in N scale and Large scale we have the 12 ton van however in HO theres both 12 ton van and the GWR vent van but there's an ever growing number of van variations being ticked off year after year and this leads to N and Large having one tooling for a van and their HO counterpart being a different one. But that doesn't need to be the case. We can still have a GWR vent van in N scale and maybe even Large (although N in my reason for this post)



Alot of goods trains in the show have multiple vans making up a train. See here the Mr Jolly's chocolate factory train where theres both 12 ton vans and GWR vans. Which leads me to my point. What if Bachmann introduced the GWR van into N Scale as a new tooling that they can add onto consists. I know some may say "its just rehashing old vans. Why introduced whats already in the range" but its not, its doing exactly what we do with things like Road numbers or having variations of different coloured wagons like for example the high sided wagons in NG line or Gondolas or even the gunpowder wagons.
Here's a couple of edits which I hope can help with my point.



First one here shows what the chocolate van would look like in Grey next to the Large scale version of the van (because N scale isn't in the sample stage at time of the post) the colour being different enough to warrant us fans buying another version to have an engine pulling trains made up of both van styles.



My next example is of the Sodor fruit and veg van. I've recreated it into a brown which would look lovely in a train with the green 12 ton versions

Plus theres at the moment still several vans untouched in N scale like the Brendam Bay van, Explosives and original blue van itself. Which can all have a slightly darker or lighter shade.



The inverse can be true for HO aswell.
HO Concepts


They'd look something like this. If Bachmann want to reuse the 12 ton van and do a Grey van with Mr Jolly on the side I don't think fans would mind. At the end of the day its using what is available to get the most variation into the range and into our goods trains and adding that new tooling into a range and giving it a purpose. In HO it'll allow Bachmann to revisit the classics with the new 12 ton van and reuse the paint schemes used on the GWR van in N scale (hopefully) so modellers of all scales can have fuller goods trains.
N Scale Concepts



And for any future vans in either range this gives Bachmann an chance to do both styles in the different scales I.e. Bakery, Fireworks, Circus so on

[Zorran202]

I definitely agree that a Bachmann Troublesome Truck #8 would make the most sense as an open wagon. With the most recent releases already covering a tanker and a van (both of which also appeared in the CGI era), it might feel a bit too soon to revisit those toolings again. Going with an open wagon would help keep things feeling fresher in that regard. Whether Bachmann uses the older tooling or transitions to the newer UK 7 plank design, I think either approach would work nicely as long as it brings something a little different to the range.  This truck in particular I think would be a perfect candidate for troublesome truck #8:


I feel like this works the most because it offers a different emotion (angry) along with a different color from Trucks 1 and 2, helping it stand out more and adding some nice contrast.  Plus giving it a coal load would also be a nice bonus. Like truck #7, this would be a CGI troublesome truck I would be perfectly fine with, and I would happily add to my collection.

I also want to reiterate a point I mentioned earlier about the China clay wagon, specifically how a green livery would be a really welcome addition. Not only would it add some visual variety to the rolling stock lineup, but it would also be a smart way for Bachmann to reuse the existing china clay load tooling. It feels like a relatively simple variation with a different color and new road number that could go a long way in expanding customization options for modelers.

Overall, it's really encouraging to see the level of effort going into these recent releases, and I'm excited to see where they go next.

I agree especially since #7 (#6 if we feel like including the "international" purple tanker) is exclusively CGI, though it would be intriguing to see where'd they go from there, plus they can't reuse the same ol' face shown on #7, if not risking to look cheap and all....

I'm glad I wasn't the only one thinking that about the SCC wagons, because it would come full circle of the Wooden Railway's 2 pack set of these wagons... All we need is the green one and boom, we're there!

Here's another question: how come we haven't seen the dual ventilated vans be turned into Troublesome Trucks? They were prominent during the model series era...

[Chaz]

I really like Mulfred's idea of reusing decals on pieces of rolling stock while changing the livery, allowing for greater diversity without feeling too redundant. Especially since this was a pattern used back in the model seasons. I would fully welcome these additions and would happily pick most of them up. It also saves Bachmann time by reducing the need to create new decals when they can simply reuse existing ones. Overall, it seems like a nice win-win for both Bachmann and the fans.

Here's another question: how come we haven't seen the dual ventilated vans be turned into Troublesome Trucks? They were prominent during the model series era...

Probably because they weren't brought into the CGI seasons. Personally, I think a model era Troublesome Truck face would be more fun, especially since the faces are more expressive, but I understand why Bachmann hasn't considered them.

[Awesometrain77]

Honestly, what I really hope is what Bachmann will do is make the troublesome trucks more often now that Matt is in charge. 

Tbh I would like to see the LMS van with a classic face which I have mentioned sereval times when suggesting troublesome truck 7 back in the day before it got announced . I am very disappointed chose a international van but it's what ever . I will also suggest Lei the Chinese van .

But a LMS van with a classic face would be fun maybe that iconic face that says oh look Henry's spooked .

I'd like to see a sodor cgi 7 plank with the darker livery as seen pre kotr . And maybe give it a working hard or grumpy face .
And maybe a international coffee bean truck
I'd also like to see a sodor tanker and a narrow gauge slate wagon as both can use the same face tooling.

And maybe another troublesome slate wagon that could be a surprised one that is more based on the model era .
Another truck idea is the Blue James's truck with a classic face that could be angry and reuse the china clay load to make it distinct and use that load
do a season 1 truck .

I also like the idea of more colors for certain wagons but tbh the only one I see this happening to is the ones that have color variations in the show

[Mulfred]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree that it would be a win for both Bachmann and us fans regardless of the scale they model as its adding new 12 ton veriations to the HO line and finally adding the vent van to N or Large. In regards to the point Awesometrain77 made regarding only the vans that appeared in the show. If we were doing that then a good chunk of vans we have now would also be defunct.

The Fruit and Veg van and GW van both sell really well and have made it into all three scales at this point. The Brendam Bay and Explosives van also both sell well and none of those 4 vans appeared once on screen. So theres not really a harm in adding an additional van with the same logo but using a different tooling. More rolling stock and choice is always a good thing. Plus having the 2 would probably help boost those sales even more. Someone who is on the fence seeing just one iteration of a van may not buy it but if theres 2 vans they might think "I can make a train out of these"

I personally would rather see the GW van in N scale and potentially large rather then the same old recolours of the 12 ton van. Plus the GW vent van has been used alot within the HO range. I mean theres been 10 different versions of it so far including the Christmas set and one they were going to use in the Thomas 80th set.

The HO range now has that 12 van and GWR van so lets use them both in HO and lets try to get them both into the other scales. Lets face it sadly if they didn't do something like this for the GW van in N scale they'd probably not do it at all. I'm just trying to provide a way in which it can be done and be worthwhile for Bachmann and please us fans

One last point on this. The GW van could also be a great Troublesome Truck candidate which would be helpful if it was available to the other scales.

[Kemptown Branch]

Something I've been thinking about alot is vans within the range. Unfortunately at the moment in N scale and Large scale we have the 12 ton van however in HO theres both 12 ton van and the GWR vent van but there's an ever growing number of van variations being ticked off year after year and this leads to N and Large having one tooling for a van and their HO counterpart being a different one. But that doesn't need to be the case. We can still have a GWR vent van in N scale and maybe even Large (although N in my reason for this post.

Alot of goods trains in the show have multiple vans making up a train. See here the Mr Jolly's chocolate factory train where theres both 12 ton vans and GWR vans. Which leads me to my point. What if Bachmann introduced the GWR van into N Scale as a new tooling that they can add onto consists. I know some may say "its just rehashing old vans. Why introduced whats already in the range" but its not, its doing exactly what we do with things like Road numbers or having variations of different coloured wagons like for example the high sided wagons in NG line or Gondolas or even the gunpowder wagons.

I'm a bit late to the party on this, but here are my thoughts. While I think it would be cool to see the GWR Vent Van tooling in the range eventually, I feel like there are other types of goods stock that should be prioritized first, such as the Mail Vans, Flatbeds, and maybe even a new tooling for the Tankers before adding a 2nd Van variant, just so the range doesn't get immediately cluttered with vans. The other wagons would also provide more variety in a train than the GWR Vent Van. However, I do think this or the Salt Van would be a good option for a 2nd type of van later on, once the other types of wagons are made.

[Mulfred]

Something I've been thinking about alot is vans within the range. Unfortunately at the moment in N scale and Large scale we have the 12 ton van however in HO theres both 12 ton van and the GWR vent van but there's an ever growing number of van variations being ticked off year after year and this leads to N and Large having one tooling for a van and their HO counterpart being a different one. But that doesn't need to be the case. We can still have a GWR vent van in N scale and maybe even Large (although N in my reason for this post.

Alot of goods trains in the show have multiple vans making up a train. See here the Mr Jolly's chocolate factory train where theres both 12 ton vans and GWR vans. Which leads me to my point. What if Bachmann introduced the GWR van into N Scale as a new tooling that they can add onto consists. I know some may say "its just rehashing old vans. Why introduced whats already in the range" but its not, its doing exactly what we do with things like Road numbers or having variations of different coloured wagons like for example the high sided wagons in NG line or Gondolas or even the gunpowder wagons.

I'm a bit late to the party on this, but here are my thoughts. While I think it would be cool to see the GWR Vent Van tooling in the range eventually, I feel like there are other types of goods stock that should be prioritized first, such as the Mail Vans, Flatbeds, and maybe even a new tooling for the Tankers before adding a 2nd Van variant, just so the range doesn't get immediately cluttered with vans. The other wagons would also provide more variety in a train than the GWR Vent Van. However, I do think this or the Salt Van would be a good option for a 2nd type of van later on, once the other types of wagons are made.

Tbf the only reason I said the GWR van is because of how much its used in the HO range. I do worry that things that are used less like Mail vans, Flatbeds, Cattle wagons and Salt Vans may suffer due to how little and infrequent the tooling is used in HO. I'm very aware Bachmann in 2026 wants to get the most out of new tooling and they love releasing multiple versions as right out the gate. In an ideal world I'd love everything from the HO line in N, I just worry about things like the Mail vans where the reuse is more limited.

[Awesometrain77]

GWR vent van is in my opinion not the best option for N scale . red brachline coaches in N scale prob will be the next step they take . If we get another van a salt van would be more eye catching or a mail van .



As for the point from Mulfred about vans vareints in HO scale I think it would be better to focus on show alt liveries then alt liveries for vans that don't appear in the show . I don't know how well the light blue sodor shipping co van will sell . But I think another Mr.Jolly's van would be fun .

[Awesometrain77]

2026 NMRA predictions / suggestions

Whiff - has been in the brand for 20 years and is still relevant in modern day .

M wagon - a meme in the Fandom , scalped on eBay. Bringing this product back would be a hit .

NW cattle van - as seen in the RWS and would use the existing LMS cattle van tool in the line up .

Pink 7 plank - I was thinking of a cgi wagon since I had one RWS and one model era . This wagon appears all of the time in the show and is seen often across the island .

Narrow gauge troublesome slate wagon - troublesome narrow gauge wagons would be super nice to see . Adding mischief. These faces molds could be reused for another troublesome tanker for the HO line .

Narrow gauge gauge troublesome slate wagon 2 - this wagon would have a shocked face while the other would be laughing . I'd imagine one could be a brown color

Edward N scale - the last steam team member we need for N scale

[TerencetheTractor525]

Hey everyone! Seeing that I never posted in this new thread, I thought it would be beneficial to form an updated list of what I hope to see for the future. Of course, as a model era fan, I would would be down with anything from that era of the show. However, knowing that Bachmann tends to prefer the designs from the computer animated era of the show, all these suggestions (apart from a couple rolling stock paint schemes) appear in CGI.

HO Engines
Whiff
Hiro
Harvey
Diesel 10

HO Rolling Stock
Troublesome Truck #8
Toffee Tanker
Chocolate Syrup Tanker
Green China Clay Wagon
Works Unit Coach (New Tooling, but can be released in Green, Orange, and Indigo, as seen in CGI)

HO Accessories
Figure Packs
Signals

HO Resin Buildings
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,40219.0.html

HO Reintroductions
Arry & Bert
Sodor Mail Car (Original Red Mail Car w/Text)
Round Water Tower

HO Narrow Gauge Engines
Duncan

HO Narrow Gauge Rolling Stock
High Side Slate Wagons
Plank Wagons
Brown Brake Van

N Engines
Edward
Spencer
Duck

N Rolling Stock
Coal Wagon w/Load
Tidmouth Milk Tanker
Tar Tanker
Brake Van
Red Express Coaches
Red Branch Line Coaches

G Engines
Bill & Ben
Origin James

G Rolling Stock
Sodor Fuel Tanker (Model Era)
Red China Clay Wagon
Green China Clay Wagon
Ffarquhar Quarry Wagon

[RailsByRick]

Really great suggestions here, Christian! I'd love to have all of these, but I especially second Diesel 10, Harvey, and Signal accessories.

I know Bachmann have stated there would be some complications with Diesel 10 and Harvey, but I think the fan reception and guaranteed sales would more than make up for it. Really hope they come to market soon!

I really love the idea of Signal accessories. It's something that is lacking in the range. Importing UK style signals is becoming more expensive, so this would especially help out US Thomas modelers. I emailed Bachmann with this suggestion last year, and I hope it is taken into consideration.

My personal wishlist includes a few more CGI characters I enjoy:

Stephen
This one seems obvious considering he pairs nicely with the new blue carriage. I think the eye mechanism would be difficult, but I think Bachmann could opt out for this release and maybe include some crew figures to make up for it.

Samson
One of my personal favorite CGI characters. He's a very unique basis that would appeal to non-Thomas modelers for customization. Another open cab engine, Bachmann could include crew figures if they wanted to opt out of the eye mechanism.

Bradford
Samson needs his trusty brake van. Being a 20 ton brake van (the same basis as the canceled N Scale one) Bachmann could tool up a 20 ton brake van in the usual CGI livery, then repaint it and add a face to make Bradford. Two birds with one stone to help spread the tooling cost across two products.

Looking forward to seeing what's next from Bachmann, and I hope some of these are taken into consideration!

[TrainFan97]

Another CGI character I'd like to see in HO Scale is Norman. He would complete the trio with Paxton and Sidney, and he'd also be a fun addition for non-Thomas modelers, plus his tooling can be reused for Dennis, who only appeared in the model series. Other engine repaints for HO Scale that only appeared in the model series include Splatter and Dodge, plus Smudger and Proteus for Narrow Gauge. CGI repaints of existing toolings include Blue Bill and Ben, Green Salty and Fernando.

Busy Bee James is another possible repaint for N Scale, but with LBSC Thomas and Origin James coming soon, plus we need engines like Edward and Duck, Busy Bee James is not a priority for the immediate future, but maybe after we get some more new toolings in. Same for Sidney and Mainland Diesel. I'd also like to see 'Arry and Bert for N Scale, and hopefully, Bert gets more stubble than 'Arry so they can easily be told apart. That's what got them discontinued in HO Scale; being too difficult to tell apart. The upcoming Sodor Scrap wagon would be perfect for the Ironworks twins, and you would need a whole line of them.

Along with Edward, Duck and Spencer, another newly-tooled engine for N Scale that would also be welcome is Mavis. She would recycle Thomas and Toby's chassis, and the Ffarquhar Quarry Wagon can be made for N Scale as well. Edward should be the next medium-sized engine, Duck should be the next tank engine, Spencer should be the next big engine, and Mavis should be the next newly-tooled diesel; the first one that isn't a Class 08. The first model of Mavis to actually have siderods, which only Toby's N Scale model had.

Bachmann's first Narrow Gauge engine to originate from the CGI Series would have to be Luke. If Bachmann isn't ready to get Duncan back on the cards yet, Luke can also be possible.

[RailwayRoundhouse]

I'm gonna skip over the predictions because I kinda feel that sometimes, it's actually quite difficult to predict what we're gonna get from Bachmann. No one probably expected Skarloey back in 2015 in all fairness! Anywho, here are my suggestions and my reasons for them. Bear in mind, I'm only listing suggestions for the HO Range!

Engines:

Diesel 10:

Everyone knows this guy. Whether you love or hate Thomas And The Magic Railroad, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who'd disagree on Diesel 10 being the biggest thing to come out of that movie. A large hulking diesel engine with a menacing face, unique livery and that's not even mentioning the claw. I personally don't see the claw being much of an issue myself, though I do recognise that Diesel 10's RRP would be pretty high. Though again, when it comes to a character this popular and well known, I just don't see the issue. The majority of engines in the current range have all gotten more and more expensive in recent times and yet for the most part, it seems that doesn't really detract people if it's a model of a character they really like. Flying Scotsman is bound to be pretty high price-wise with those two tenders and I still reckon that's gonna do really well. Diesel 10 would be no different. I've advocated for him before like many others and stand by the opinion I've voiced previously. He's the ultimate Thomas & Friends villain and has become as synonymous to the overall franchise just as much as someone like Cranky the Crane. So much so, that I honestly feel Bachmann would be making a mistake in NOT making him.

Lady:

This one's probably less likely and I know it may seem as an odd suggestion to some, but I feel there's a good reason. Again regardless if you like or dislike Thomas And The Magic Railroad, it WAS something that brought the franchise to à larger audience and was made with a lot of love from the people behind it, notably Britt Allcroft herself. Choosing to make Lady would not only mean the tooling would cost less to produce than that of a larger character but more importantly, it would serve as a fitting tribute to someone who made all of this possible. After all, without Britt Allcroft, there wouldn't be a Thomas & Friends, let alone a Bachmann range of it!

Harvey:

The crane engine himself! I've also advocated for him alongside Diesel 10 back when I was invited onto TrainWorld's Thomas Stream a couple of years back. In the past, one of the obstacles in the way of making a Harvey model was the overall size. Something that was changed when the character made his CGI debut. Harvey was made smaller once he returned to the show and the size difference is actually more accurate to the real engine Harvey's based on! In terms of how Harvey's crane arm could hypothetically work, it could function similar to how Bachmann's model of Cranky works. On the right-hand side of Harvey's crane arm is a large wheel cog to lower and raise his hook. This could EASILY be implemented on the model and unlike Cranky, Harvey's crane arm neither raises up nor lowers down so there's no need for an additional cog to move it around. It would definitely be one of Bachmann's most unique Thomas models and would also appeal to those wishing to modify it to resemble the real locomotive. Easily a character I could see selling ridiculously well.


Rolling Stock:

Flatbed with The Chinese Dragon:

This would be fun to see. The flatbed itself is already in the range and has been featured with various loads such as paint cans, logs, oil drums, etc. Having The Chinese Dragon as a new load would not only be one featuring a lot of colour and look good with both Thomas and Percy, but it could also be sold with Thomas in a new train set! Genuinely hope this one gets considered.

Hopper Wagons:

I believe these pop up a lot in the CGI series at places such as the quarry and the docks. These would look particularly nice behind the likes of Paxton for example and could even feature a load like crushed stone from the Blue Mountain Quarry or even a new coal load perhaps.

The Works Unit Carriage:

This could be sold as two variants. One in the classic green we've mostly seen it in or even the orange version that appears in The Adventure Begins. Come to think of it, the orange variant would go quite nicely with either LBSC Thomas or Origins James, both of which already feature in the range and are very popular.

The Sodor Mail Car (Original "Sodor Mail" Lettering):

I'm aware that this is available in the main range with the CGI emblems, but it would be really nice and appreciated if the previous model series variants of wagons like the Mail Car and Tankers could made available again. These go for very high prices on places such as eBay and it would appeal to customers who prefer to model the more classic look of the show! This seems to be the approach with the new HO Tar Tanker and G Scale Tidmouth Milk Tanker, so hopefully we can see more in the not so distant future!

Scenery:

I'm going to be perfectly honest and agree with Christian in regards to the resin buildings released back around 2014/2015. The resin buildings were some of the most top quality products available in HO and I'm shocked that they allegedly sold poorly. Bringing these back would prove popular I feel as they often pop up on eBay for high amounts of money. Christen himself has already made a separate forum post regarding the buildings in particular and I highly recommend you all go check it out!

Narrow Gauge Engines:

Duncan:

As incredibly disappointing as it was to hear of Duncan's cancellation, I do somewhat understand the reasoning for it. That said, I don't think Bachmann should be so reluctant to make a version of a character that isn't CGI. Duncan's large model from Seasons Six to Twelve of the Model Series is one that could not only gel quite well with the already existing offerings in Narrow Gauge, but there's nothing stopping Bachmann from slightly changing or adding small features that can be found on Douglas at the Talyllyn Railway. I believe even Peter Sam's model features details that can be found on Edward Thomas yet don't feature on his CGI Model, same for Sir Handel too!

Smudger:

Yes, Smudger. All this would require is a simple repaint of the existing Rheneas model and a different face. This is no different to when Bachmann took an existing brake van tooling and made The Spiteful Brake Van out of it! This would be a fun and cost-effective way of bringing in another engine into the range without having to worry over the cost or time it would take to make a new tooling.

Narrow Gauge Rolling Stock:

The Green Open Coach:

These would be very nice to see, especially with that smart green and cream livery they wore. They'd go well with literally any engine in the narrow gauge line up and would contrast nicely with the blues and reds of the coaches available in the range.

The Refreshment Lady's Tea Coach:

So this might be unexpected, but I do feel like it would be a fun addition! This coach is virtually the same as the red coach already available, albeit painted in that yellow livery. I know that there's a hatch that opens up on the side so that refreshments can be served, but it appeared in the episode with the hatch closed at some points, so the tooling could be made that way if preferred. Like the Chinese Dragon, this could be a very fun one to see featured.



And I think that's a good enough place for me to leave it. If anyone from Bachmann took the time to read through these suggestions, thank you very much for doing so and I really hope at least some of these are seriously considered! It'd be a win-win for everyone!