We have an official trailer!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWlXiSGl-FI&feature=youtu.be
Seems that the trailer isn't trying to spoil much.
Please discuss your thoughts :)
Glad to see flying Scotsman making his full to series appearance, since he cameo in Tender Engines, especially since the real Scotsman this year is back in steam.
This does look good, but I hope the Movie will not be made into comic strip style film, like that trailer shows.
I am glad to see the Flying Scotman is in it. I looking forward to this Movie now!
This is amazing. The engines...look so real! And that bit about the "reveal of the contenders.." Will this be like a real race, in which the racers are revealed over a period of time? That would be amazing! Every week on the official channel, another racer is revealed!
Some other things I noticed- is that Logan and Philip? Iron Duke, covered in streamers? Shooting Star Gordon and Flying Scotsman on the cover, along with Ashima?
This is shaping up to be very, VERY exciting special!
EDIT(S)- Looks like that's another Indian engine next to Thomas and Ashima, not Iron Duke, and Logan is actually Vinnie!
I have just looked at the Thomas & Friends Wikia, at The Great Race page, and I am sad to see that Spencer is not in the character list, nor is Caitlin and Connor.
I thought The Great Race was going to be based around Gordon, Spencer, Caitlin, Connor and the Flying Scotsman.
I am still looking forward to The Great Race, but this would have been the perfect Movie for Spencer to feature in.
http://imgur.com/a/OQDHb
take a look, jacob :)
^ Above 1 Reply - @Reply #5 By Racing James!: According to Thomas & Friends Wikia, Spencer, Caitlin and Connor are not in The Great Race. Those are hardly noticeable anyway.
I'm being cautious.
Not only does this special have a lot to live up to following Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, but this plot has been done many times before in the show with Thomas trying to prove himself and Diesel trying to sabotage him. Not to mention that there are 12 new characters to squeeze into one hour special!
That being said, this IS the new team we're talking about, and they've surprised us time and time again.
Plus, not sure if Donald and Douglas will still have a song to sing, but that's something I'm also eager to see.
^ Above 1 Reply - @Reply #7 By MeganekkoFury1126: Over the years though in the TV Series, there have been references to other things that has happened in older Episodes. The thing about Thomas and Devious Diesel competing against each other is part of the Thomas & Friends tradition, if you like and something that will never end. This is what makes the TV series interesting to watch with the Steamies and Diesel's competing like this.
ok Jacob, I understand what the wiki says. They don't have any more info than we do, so whatever they see is what they post. They are not 100% accurate, so calm down with the wiki. It's not always correct.
^ Above 1 Reply - @Reply #9 By Racing James!: Yes, the Wikipedia and Wikia website's are not always correct, so I never believe the information it tells you, 100%. The fact anybody, me or you with an account, can add or change information, makes it un-trustworthy website. Although, it is useful, it is all not believable.
Quote from: Jacob Wilson on February 12, 2016, 09:46:10 AM
^ Above 1 Reply - @Reply #7 By MeganekkoFury1126: The thing about Thomas and Devious Diesel competing against each other is part of the Thomas & Friends tradition, if you like and something that will never end. This is what makes the TV series interesting to watch with the Steamies and Diesel's competing like this.
Yes, there will be some steam vs. diesel action still going on, but doing it too much makes that formula stale. Would you want to eat the exact same thing for breakfast, lunch and dinner over and over?
Now I'm not saying that every instance of a steam vs. diesel engine is bad. I really liked the recent episodes involving Diesel in season 17 thru 19, but that was because they were written well. Wild Water Rescue in particular is a very well executed twist on the otherwise familiar formula.
My point is the new team already has a difficult job ahead to make the already familiar plot unique again and be able for it to stand on its own, especially since it's Thomas and Diesel again, since we've gotten that A LOT in the bad era of Thomas' series alone.
^ Above 1 Reply - @Reply #11 By MeganekkoFury1126: No, I wouldn't want to eat the same food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I guess the Steamies vs. Diesel's thing is getting old and can get annoying. It is as you said, how well the storyline has been written for the Episode, depends whether not the Steamies vs. Diesel's thing is good or not.
Thomas and Devious Diesel do compete a lot though. HiT Entertainment need to start writing stories with a different Steam Engine and Diesel Engine competing, to make it more interesting.
When in 2016 will this air?
Reportedly in the Fall of 2016.
I just love how people still think this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWlXiSGl-FI&feature=youtu.be) is the trailer for TGR...when its actually only a teaser! XD
The trailer will probably be out by this Spring.
Ummm.....Discuss?? ???
(https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlp1/v/t1.0-9/12801457_865805976875160_3683050594291072181_n.jpg?oh=5d9190a8f1eea3db4e162126aa14bb3f&oe=574C60B9)
I wonder if Gordon will stay streamlined for good.
I hope not. Though, in the end, I doubt it. Just a few things considered, how many of us were a bit concerned that Bill and Ben would stay blue after the events of Bill or Ben? Since they returned to their regular colors after that episode, then I'm guessing Gordon will regain his normal shape after The Great Race (correct me if I'm wrong about how streamlining locomotives works).
I don't think it will be permanent. it's just a gimmick to sell more toys.
Quote from: Anthony P2 on March 23, 2016, 09:12:41 PM
It's just a gimmick to sell more toys.
I was trying to be optimistic before, but it's proving difficult for me to keep that mindset now. I think that sentence could basically sum up my thoughts on this whole special so far really.
Like, I hope it's good, but realistically...I think it's just around to sell toys, I even checked the TTTEWikia for some more info on the special to see what I could find. It's introducing more new engines than any other special...and with streamlining existing characters meaning more merchandising possibilities...I think we can mostly see where that train of thought is going.
Whilst I'm happy to see Flying Scotsman make an appearance, I think this special may be one of the weaker ones, it already seems very merchandise driven, which is a shame to me, but I suppose it could be far worse, and I also could be surprised...it could turn out really good in the end...maybe.
Another issue I see is the special's length...all these new characters in just 60 minutes? The special may have a hard time staying focused, that is, if these new characters aren't going to end up all being one dimensional cardboard cut-outs of characters, which I suspect plenty could end up being...so I'm hoping this isn't going to end up like seasons 9-16 and some of the special in between...but I wouldn't be surprised if that was the end result.
To me, it could go one way, or the other, but I suspect the final product will just be very merchandise driven, and overall, maybe not as good to me as it could be to others. Perhaps it's too early to make this kind of judgement, but based on some of the series' history, I wouldn't be surprised if it did end up that way.
Here's hoping it's still good in the end though,
~Alex :)
Mattel is like any other company, they want to make money, and they do this by making sales off of toys more than anything else. This includes making locomotives look colorful or gimmicky to basically be "eye-candy" to children when they see these products on the toy shelves. It pretty much explains a lot of the gimmicks and decisions that they make when it comes to marketing for a special or even when creating the design of a character as a whole, such as the colorful livery for Ashima. This is especially true of the streamlined Thomas and Gordon, (which are obviously temporary). Even though these aren't really meant to appeal to the older audience, it will excite the likes of a preschooler who would watch the movie and would want the toys around the time when the special comes out.
These marketing choices are not just what Mattel has done for this special, but it's a system they have been relying on once they stepped in and help make or announce products for different toy lines for the last couple of years such as Wooden Railway or Trackmaster. Even before Mattel stepped in, other brands like Learning Curve have also made similar choices, but with Mattel this has become a lot more apparent. Even this year's Bachmann announcements were the result of Mattel's marketing suggestions such as announcing a pink engine like Rosie and including colorful rolling stock recolors such as the lobster car and the fruit and vegetable van in large scale.
Making sales on toys is what Mattel is clearly aiming for, which is why I think the role of the streamlined versions of Thomas and Gordon will be pretty minimal in the special itself, but their toy sales will be enoromous.
I do have to say, I saw a picture recently of an engine of Ashima's basis and it's paint design was eccentric like hers. Pretty good move on Mattel's part if you ask me! An engine like that is sure to sell well! ;)
New characters of their respective countries.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/26/business/media/thomas-the-tank-engines-expanding-world.html
Ashima of India
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CeadJtdXEAE7R9_.jpg)
Raul of Brazil
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CeadJtWXEAEYHgb.jpg)
Yong Bao of China
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CeadJriWEAI0WR1.jpg)
Carlos of Mexico
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CeadJsfW4AAn24P.jpg)
Yong Bao's Face reminds me of Chinese Gordon.
Raul's face doesn't really look that great.
Carlos is one of the few engines in the entirety of the show to have an authentic design, the face though is average.
Personally, I consider Ashima to be the most promising, impressed how Arc is able to pull off her valve gear, and I also think her livery works, strangely enough, considering that Indian locomotives have colorful liveries in real life. Perhaps a Bachmann model of her in the future?
Discuss your thoughts. :)
When I first saw Yong Bao, I thought he was based off the 2-8-2 type used on the Boone & Scenic Railroad in Iowa, but his actual prototype isn't too different.
And I first thought Carlos was based off one of the narrow gauge engines used on the Denver & Rio Grande (now being owned by the Durango & Silverton/Cumbres & Toltec), but I still think his prototype is my favorite so far.
I just hope that Ashima isn't going to try to be almost exactly like Ishani from Disney's Planes...
We'll have to wait to see how the other engines turn out. Regardless to how this feature turns out in the end, we still have to give credit to Brenner, McCue, and the crew for trying something this ethnically extensive. If they were just trying to sell more toys in the quickest way possible, they would've just chosen a bunch of different engines from just one country.
I have to say, as a strong advocate of feminism, it is wonderful to see Ashima as a main character. I'm not too happy, however, about this movie which now seems to be a desperate cash-grab on the behalf of Mattel. Very unimpressed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQvJp7nytgQ
Guys!!!! New trailer!!
Racing Vinnie the second North American entry, appears to be a CNR 6400 class, done up in Royal Blue for the 1939 Royal Tour of Canada.
Ken Clark
I have noticed in the first picture of the great race that there are three other class 08 diesels which are coloured red and yellow. I wonder who they are....
Link: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/The_Great_Race?file=TheGreatRace1.png
Did anyone see the flying Scottsmann!!!!!!! Is he on team Britain?
Does Thomas get streamlined also? Or is it just Gordon?
Ok perhaps it's a good thing to continue this discussion. In other parts in the fandom, things blow up into hostility, as well as recieving racist backlash from mainstream web article readers.
However it's easy to have a civil discussion here, there's been alot going on.
(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/44/TheGreatRaceEnginesPromo.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20160406010241)
Things don't seem as bad as the response it's been getting. I will say that Ashima, Vinnie, and Yong Bao are my favorite designs.
Even though Ashima seems like a very promising character. The thing I'm really worried about is implied romance between her and Thomas.
Wow! That pic really gives you an idea on some the international engines' sizes. For instance, I had no idea that Ashima was that much larger than Thomas (thought she was slightly longer, if not the same size as Thomas).
I caught hints of that romance too. It's iffy but it could be done right. Or very worng. We'll just have to wait and see.
Hey, just want to thank everybody for the info you gave me on looking for parts for my engine. I have another question on this DCC stuff? I am 53 and have been out of the train scene for a long time, now my son who is 21 want's us to get back into it. What is the difference between all of my old stuff and this DCC and how does it work? Can you run DCC on the old regular layout? I am not going to get rid of my old stuff just because everything is going digital and computerized, heck i still have my first engines from when i was 8 years old, they are TYCOs and i am sorry but they are better than anything else out there, they will pull a mile long train as powerful and fast as you want it to go even with as old as they are. I have Bachmann engines but they are all pancake motors which i am afraid to run now, i have Athern's that are can motor's and all wheel drive, they will pull a load but not with any kind of speed. I like Bachmann but what do they have that is not pancake motors and is everything new now DCC?
Apparently, it is hinted on ttte wiki that Flying Scotsman will be in future episodes.
I won't spoil it here (there's plenty of other places to be) but the great race was fantastic. It's truly next level in so many ways, especially the animation, and the touching theme of being yourself. I enjoyed every second of it in my VIP seat at Vue Lancaster ;)
Off-topic but:
Shawn! I remember you! I was fergusfan17 back two+ years ago!
And re: TGR- from clips I've seen its a very exciting movie that I can't wait to see.
Just saw the majority of the movie on Youtube. Very unusual film that feels like a unique departure from the normal specials. The other diesels even get bigger spotlight this time.
Maybe time to reconsider a Bachmann Sidney, Norman and Paxton model? ;)
Please send me the link sparks.
It has been taken down by HiT Entertainment unfortunately.
It was missing 15 minutes of random footage and some scenes were blacked out, so it would be better to wait for the proper DVD. I still plan on buying it when it comes out.
Good for you. I plan on seeing it at an Australian cinema.
Quote from: Sparks on June 07, 2016, 02:14:01 PM
Just saw the majority of the movie on Youtube. Very unusual film that feels like a unique departure from the normal specials. The other diesels even get bigger spotlight this time.
Maybe time to reconsider a Bachmann Sidney, Norman and Paxton model? ;)
The international characters have fantastic designs, and they would make great models, as well as kitbashs. But it seems that most are one-offs, quite a shame really.
Perhaps, a Bachmann Ashima? :) ::) ;)
Ashima is too new to be made just yet. Besides, they would sooner do Paxton and Marion before doing a model of Ashima.
Even though I have not seen the entire special only "leaked" clips on YouTube so far it really annoys me how they changed Flying Scotsmans character and his and Gordon's tight brotherly relationship. And why does he call Gordon "little brother" Gordon was first the prototype for the A3 class so Scotsman is actually the little brother.
I honestly don't think it's that big of a deal.
Quote from: donaldthescotishtwin on June 28, 2016, 02:56:14 PM
And why does he call Gordon "little brother" Gordon was first the prototype for the A3 class so Scotsman is actually the little brother.
Fairly certain that it has to do with the fact that Scotsman, having the double tenders, makes him bigger.
Hey wouldn't it be cool if they sold a part separately from each Gordon and Thomas that was kinda like the snowplow that would make both Thomas and Gordon (different part for each obviously) streamlined so you could recreate those scenes. Thomas would be hard and probably not look right but having a Shooting Star Gordon shell that I can put on and take back off would be amazing.
Quote from: HLC Railroad on July 08, 2016, 10:34:34 AM
Hey wouldn't it be cool if they sold a part separately from each Gordon and Thomas that was kinda like the snowplow that would make both Thomas and Gordon (different part for each obviously) streamlined so you could recreate those scenes. Thomas would be hard and probably not look right but having a Shooting Star Gordon shell that I can put on and take back off would be amazing.
Since Bachmann has neglected to sell separately HO Thomas' snowplough, I find this highly unlikely.
Quote from: Original James on July 09, 2016, 09:40:08 AM
Quote from: HLC Railroad on July 08, 2016, 10:34:34 AM
Hey wouldn't it be cool if they sold a part separately from each Gordon and Thomas that was kinda like the snowplow that would make both Thomas and Gordon (different part for each obviously) streamlined so you could recreate those scenes. Thomas would be hard and probably not look right but having a Shooting Star Gordon shell that I can put on and take back off would be amazing.
Since Bachmann has neglected to sell separately HO Thomas' snowplough, I find this highly unlikely.
It'd still be pretty cool though. And a good idea. I understand it's unlikely but it'd still be pretty cool don't you agree?
Also since rumor has it Flying Scotsman will be in the series more than TGR. Who doesn't love the Flying Scotsman. I'm hopeful that we'll see him sometime in the Bachmann line. I'd like to see how they deal with two tenders. Besides he'd just be a retooling of Gordon, it is feasible that they would. Just another idea for my favorite model railroading company.
Well the Great Race came available today on Digital video, and here are my thoughts on it, what is arguably the hardest one to give an opinion on...
(SPOILERS BELOW. BEWARE.)
The good things in this are really good. The moral about being yourself is excellently done, and works great for the plot. Thomas is written very close to his true personality, and his motivations for pretty much everything he does in the special are relatable and legitimate, much like the last two specials. The other Sodor engines are as well, though I might criticize the ones used for the majority of the special. Emily and Gordon (yes, in his rather gaudy streamlined form) I do welcome, since they haven't done much other than being supporting characters in previous specials, especially Emily, and both are very well used. James and Henry, however, I feel weren't the ones I'd personally pick to try and spice things up since they've both gotten a lot of use prior to this and they feel a little stale here. Percy, whilst not contributing much to the show plot line, does provide good motivation to let Thomas participate instead and is a good reminder of how strong their friendship is.
As far as the new characters, Ashima (voiced wonderfully by Tina Desai) is definitely the best here. She's an excellent female character in the franchise, and a good role model in general, which seems to have become a thing in the Arc era of Thomas. She and Thomas have so many great moments together that really drive the story along. Though I have to say the Flying Scotsman is a close second. Aside from being canon in the TV series of being Gordon's brother and that it's just a joy to see him in full (unlike in season 3), he actually feels a bit more like a three dimensional character here than in the Railway Series. He's very proud and boastful, like Gordon, and that really shows that they are brothers. However, they did manage to get in the caring side readers of the Railway Series will remember. Maybe not as much in some areas as we would've liked to, especially to show for kids for a potentially good moral, but still pretty darn close.
When I first read that Diesel was going to have a subplot in this movie, I was a little worried, as that action has been used so many times it's feeling very old. However, here they managed to make it fresh and entertaining. While it doesn't contribute that much to the plot, it's undeniably the funniest part of the special, especially with the excellent 'Full of Surprises' song and the mid credits scenes.
Which brings me to the songs. All of them feel very well composed (thanks to all new composers Chris Renshaw and Oliver Davis), written and performed. I personally like 'Will You, Won't You' most, particularly for how many of the cast get involved, but they all really help drive the story along, except maybe 'Streamlining', and all are an even greater step up from 'Never Overlook a Little Engine' in how the franchise uses these songs. Arc also continually stepped up the animation quality once more, and it looks just fabulous as expected, which makes their bankruptcy in recent months all the more disappointing.
Now, the things that let me down on this special start with the fact that halfway during the special, the plot line gets pretty eschewed throughout the hype of the Railway show, and as a result stalls from feeling rushed and all over the place at times, ironically. Since the Railway Show aspect takes up about a third of the special, the whole show feels too squeezed to use its full potential. The strength competition and best dressed competitions feel particularly anti-climatic. Most notably, however, is that almost all of the international engines contribute almost nothing, and some don't even get a line. Which is a shame, because there was so much potential to make a lot of them at least a little interesting and charismatic. The only one that really stood out was Vinnie, and while many hate him for being a big bully, I wasn't too bothered with him. If anything the choice in prototype, paint, looks and attitude make him feel very unique and thuggish. Yes, he's a bully without much motivation, and that's something I didn't particularly liked, but this brings me to something else I disliked that revolves around another character: Phillip.
Since his introduction in season 19, I at first kind of liked Phillip, but after watching season 19 over and over, I really REALLY dislike him, and this special proves it. Maybe he's not as extremely annoying or getting off scot-free as the former, but there's a scene when Vinnie is bullying Phillip because he cut him off and bumped into him accidentally, and...well, let's just say Thomas and Ashima save him, but Phillip didn't do anything to stand up for himself, yet he still taunts Vinnie anyways after the former two do all the work for him. Honestly this part of the special is what really ticks me off. Now, I get that Phillip is a David vs. Goliath Vinnie, but since the whole special's moral is about embracing who you are, it would've made better sense to have Phillip at least try and stand up for himself, because going the route that actually occurred would mean Vinnie would easily bully Phillip again when no one else is around to defend him.
In the end, this is the weakest of the Renaissance era's specials. To put it simply, so much potential to make this better than it was there, but as is, it's still significantly better than any of the Nitrogen era specials. The good in this special is really good, but the disappointment of unused potential and that little green box shrimp do bring the quality down a good bit. Though for kids, I'm sure they'll be less critical about it as I am, and if they like it and it gets good sales for the franchise, more power to them.
7/10
I have to admit, now that I've seen the Great Race in full, I'd be lying if I said that this would be a favorite of mine. It didn't do anything for me compared to The Adventure Begins, Lost Treasure, and even Tale of the Brave. Even Blue Mountain Mystery had better pacing than this did. I think this special as a whole at the very best was okay. A lot of the foreign engines really do seem like a waste to me, which is a shame since I would have been interested to see more of them, the other three engines from the shunting competition in particular.
It was great seeing the Flying Scotsman have a proper introduction, though I feel his "brother" relationship with Gordon could have been explored a lot more. It felt pretty minor compared to the role we saw from the small railway engines in Lost Treasure.
Ashima didn't really do anything for me personally, but I felt she contributed more to the story than Ryan did in Lost Treasure. I have a feeling we will probably see her make an appearance in the series only it will be kept to a minimum, similar to Gator in season 18.
Vinnie is by far my favorite new character who was introduced into this special. It's a shame that he was the only other foreign engine explored. His subplot with Phillip was very funny, I especially got a chuckle out of Vinnie chasing Phillip in the background during one shot. It's the one time in the recent series where humor actually works. Just like Diesel chasing after his "crates" in the scene by the Steamworks. I would much rather have humor like this rather than the forced humor we got from season 19 with Sir Topham Hatt.
As far as future Bachmann candidates go for consideration after the special, I don't see Norman or Ashima happening anytime soon. Paxton on the other hand I think had more of a significant role than Norman and Sidney in this special, I'm sure we will see him find his way into the range eventually. Porter would make a nice bonus since he has been used regularly since his debut, including this special.
It's not my favorite special, but at the same time, it's not the worst. I won't be buying the DVD, but some more viewings of the special is not unlikely on my end.
We don't get to know the international engines. Most of them only had one line or two. Some even had no lines at all, making them rather pointless characters just there for the sake of merchandising. Another funny thing is that the international engines don't really have a whole lot of merchandise at all. I honestly don't get Mattel. Is this some kind of joke? Just creating pointless characters for the sake of merchandising, and they can't even get that right.
We don't get to see who wins the strength competition, as we literally only saw a few seconds of it. The writers kept making Sodor lose, just so Thomas could be the hero.
Philip NEVER shuts up about the time he "beat" Gordon in a race.
This whole movie was a toy commercial. Now that Journey Beyond Sodor was announced, I can't wait to see what useless merchandising this movie will have. That's Mattel.
The only thing I hope is that Thomas isn't put into a main story that is cliched, forced, or one that feels like something we've seen before like in the Great Race.
Heck, if it was like Tale of the Brave and Thomas took a back seat, more power to them.
Considering that the guys behind the show ARE listening to what fans have to say to some degree (Duck is now correctly sized for example), maybe they'll learn from the mistakes in the last special.
Streamlined Thomas. Shooting Star Gordon. Forgettable international engines. Decorated James and Emily. Thomas' paintjobs when he begged Victor.
This movie was blatantly made for pointless merchandising.
Considering half of those things don't even have a toy, I'd say it was just the creative team getting too zany with things.
Hey we got Thomas looking like David Bowie during one of the musical segments where is my Take N Play of that?.
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on October 14, 2016, 09:25:59 PM
Hey we got Thomas looking like David Bowie during one of the musical segments where is my Take N Play of that?.
I mean there's a kinda trackmaster version of it. Probably won't help you but it might. I see what you mean though, give us David Bowie Thomas and make it a merchandise item.
If we get episodes that focus around the TGR continuity, then it might salvage the lackluster aspects of the special.
Quote from: Metal on October 16, 2016, 11:13:27 AM
If we get episodes that focus around the TGR continuity, then it might salvage the lackluster aspects of the special.
Well that's a little difficult considering Gordon won't be streamlined anymore and none of the international engines are returning except Scotsman. I'm sure James and Emily won't be painted either. I dunno maybe Scotsman can say to Gordon "Brother you look different from the last time I saw you!". Other than that I don't see much.
I'm talking about episodes that take place within the special. Like "Toad's Bright Idea" taking place in the middle of "TOTB."