If the store says so, there's a chance they'll run okay on 18" track. I just speak from the experience of someone I used to know, who had a model of Douglas that was prone to derailing on his layout, I believe the curves on his layout were around 18", but I'm not 100% sure.

With that said, since I don't own Donald or Douglas, I can't speak from experience with these models, as to how well they'll perform, I'm just advising caution based on other people's experiences. Perhaps someone else would be better able to speak about this subject. My advice is to just be cautious

~Alex

Donald and Douglas are models to be wary of, remember, their wheelbases are very long, which can make them prone to derailing on tight curves. I can't say I'm familiar with what their minimum radius is, but I'd dare say it's not much better than Gordon/Henry's. Just some cautious advice.

~Alex

Personally I do think the slate wagons look...odd in standard gauge, they do seem to almost stick out like a sore thumb, but maybe that's just because I'm used to seeing them as Narrow Gauge exclusive wagons. In any case, I do kind of like the idea of seeing them with Standard Gauge Engines, even if it does still look odd to me. I think Large Scale could do with a troublesome van or tanker first though, I feel like those would be better sellers.

~Alex.

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to the first question, but from experience I can say that the answer to the second is yes. However, the couplers from the different ranges don't quite work as well with each other, as they do with the couplers from their own ranges. For example, express coaches from Hornby seem to be more prone to detailing behind a Bachmann Gordon, than a Hornby Gordon, and vice-versa. However, it's only a slight difference, and in my experience, the couplers from both companies do work rather well with each other. Best of luck, Len! I hope someone can answer your first question!

~Alex

I included Elsbridge in that list to cover as many suggestions as I could remember from this topic. I don't realistically see Bachmann making it. Even if the part of the footbridge that connects to the road in the show was made detachable or something, I still wouldn't see it happening...I mean, the two platforms do have two tracks running through the middle of them...looking at how Knapford by Bachmann looks...I don't see it happening. We also then have the reasons TerrencetheTractor55 outlined.

Then we have what I think is the biggest issue for this station: it hasn't been seen since Season 4. Season 4 concluded its original airing in 1996. For context on that, that's a longer amount of time than some of the users of this site have been alive for (myself included). I think it would have to reappear in CGI before having any kind of serious chance. Which is a little bit of a shame. It is one of my favourite stations on Thomas's Branch Line (along with Dryaw, Ffarquhar and Tidmouth/Knapford). I do like its design in the TV Series.

Now given that this station was mentioned in Season 19, and then again on a signpost in Sodor's Legend Of The Lost Treasure, I did have hope it may have some kind of chance of reappearing in Season 22...however those hopes have diminished with the announcement of Big World, Big Adventures. But that's as much as I'm willing to open that particular "can of worms".

Regardless, I don't think Bachmann would choose to create a product based on one poll from their forum that only has 13 votes so far...and isn't too accessible by children (which do make up a large part of their market), the poll is more just for fun. With that said though, Ffarquhar Station (As Per Classic Seasons) is currently in the lead...which is what I expected to be honest. But I know this could change with time. Here are the results so far, for those who are interested: http://www.strawpoll.me/14346400/r

Personally, if we want to talk about Resin Buildings, I think the four most likely ones are: Ffarquhar Station (probably as per its classic design - it did appear in all the old openings, is easily more iconic and recognisable, and is the more cost effective measure), a Narrow Gauge shed (either, but not both of the options), a Signal Junction Gantry (probably the four track modified to accomodate two tracks - kind of like Bachmann's Knapford model), and a Shunting Yard Shed.

That's not to say those are my favourite choices. Just what I think is most likely. I will say though, that I'm surprised none of the castle ruins have gotten any votes so far. I guess since I left it only open to one vote (based on IP) it might not be anyone's favourite option, but still one that people like. Either way, that's just a theory; a Bachmann theory. Yes I did just make that overdone joke, I am sorry.

Anyway, that's just my thoughts. The more I think about this, the more I'd like to see another lineup of Resin Buildings from Bachmann next year...but I'll stop here for a while I think. I feel I'm starting to repeat points like a broken record.

Enjoy your day everyone,
~Alex

Oh darn, I must've forgotten the fish and chips building when making the poll! I also didn't realise that the castle ruins had a different design in Seasons 9-11. However, I did remember the trackside station, I just didn't phrase myself well at all. I meant a station with a platform designed specifically for Narrow Gauge. Yeah, I mixed up my terminology here, I apologise. I also probably should've put an option on for a centre platform for a station with OO scale on one side and OO9 on the other.

I think Neptune's Refreshments or a Fish and Chips shop aren't bad options, by any means. I just think they're a little less likely. I'd still like to see them though!

EDIT: Unfortunately it seems I can't edit that poll now, so the options will stay as they are I guess...my bad.

~Alex

Well I didn't expect to be posting again here so soon, but hopefully this post may add something to this conversation.

My thoughts on a castle ruins? I love the idea! Granted members who've been around for a while may recall I built a Ruined Castle kit a few years back, painted it and posted photos on here of it sitting on my layout (at the time)...so I'm probably a little bias...as I rather like Castle Ruins as scenery items. Moving on though, we saw one that appeared in the background of shots in the second season (I seem to recall it appearing in background shots of Woolly Bear and Breakvan, possibly more).

Then we one that appeared on the castle causeway in Season 4 - which is the same design as the castle ruins that were in Season 18's Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger, which makes it the most likely candidate. Finally there is the one like in that image from Rheneas and the Roller Coaster you provided, on the same part of the Skarloey line, just a diffrent design. But with that in mind, I would say the most likely one is the one we saw in Seasons 4 and 18, not the one from Seasons 7 - 11.
Here is an image of the fourth season design: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Sodor_Castle/Gallery?file=YouCan%27tWin20.png

Something I find interesting about the image from Rheneas and the Roller Coaster, however, is that it contains a building that looks just like Bachmann's Black Loch Folly (already in the resin range) in the background of it. Which might give this specific design some kind of edge if they were considering a castle ruins...still, I imagine it'd be upscaled a bit, unless the perspective is throwing me. Because I don't imagine it'd look that big next to the standard gauge engines if it weren't. My bets would still be on the earlier/current design, however - if it were to appear.

Also, just in case someone is thinking it, I am aware it is being shot next to the larger scale model of Rheneas used post-season 4, which means it does appear smaller than it would otherwise. However, if it were scaled the same to Bachmann's Rheneas, I feel it would still look a touch too small. So scaling it up a little may be the wisest choice. Again though, the perspective could just be messing with my sense of size.

As for the Sodor Inn, it's always something I forget about as soon as I finish any episode it appears in. It's an odd thing, but I guess it blends into the background really well! Which is good...mostly for people who don't mind a building that doesn't stick out too much. But since the range does also have to appeal to children...I can't say I see this one doing too well with them...especially since I don't remember it appearing in any other episodes besides the ones provided. Also, if my own experience is anything to go off of, the fact it's a little...forgettable (in my opinion anyway), could stifle sales. It's a bit of a shame really, because it fits in well to the background of Thomas and Friends. But since Bachmann is a company that does need to prioritise money above all else, I can't say that I particularly see this one making an appearance in the range, granted I'd be happy to be proven wrong. But if anyone disagrees. Feel free to give me reasons...and (possibly) prove me wrong. (Unsubtle song reference is unsubtle, I know )

Now, the Fish and Chips shop does seem like a more natural candidate for the range. But again, I feel it shares a lot of the problems with the Sodor Inn, so I won't repeat myself. I will say that I'd consider this a more likely candidate. As I somehow could see kids (Bachmann does need to satisfy this demographic too) gravitating towards something they'd possibly relate to more, like a fish and chips shop, than an Inn. But again, I'm happy to be wrong, if I see a convincing argument against any of my points.

The Ticket Office has a decent chance, in my opinion, merely because it fits in as a very generic building that probably wouldn't seem too out of place on any kind of layout, but I don't see many people going out of their way to buy this one...

As for Neptune refreshments, this place was the centre of one episode that I've always enjoyed from the Classic Era (Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady), and I do recall in a later season it appeared as well. Unfortunately here's where I think the chances for that building could fall apart: it didn't appear all that much, and it was transferred to a coach in a later season, so I think if we were going to see it, we would see it in the form of the coach. Then again I don't think either the original building or the coach has reappeared since the model era, and since we're so far into the CGI era now, it's hard to see Bachmann releasing Neptune's Refreshments as either a coach or a building. That is, unless they made a surprise reappearance at some point (granted I stopped watching the show for most of seasons 13-16 (couldn't stand the writing) and I've even missed some of seasons 17-21 so I might have missed it if it did reappear).

Now, as for Toby's shed...I think Chaz and TerrencetheTractor55 got all of that spot on. I can't really add anything that you guys haven't to that conversation. Good work guys!

I'm really liking the suggestions all you guys have come up with, I honestly wish I'd thought of these myself, but oh well

EDIT:
I created a Strawpoll for what building people would like to see next. I think JLK2707 stated Elsbridge as a possibility a few pages ago (just mentioning as it didn't seem to be commented on at the time), so I included it on there, I don't think it's all that likely, but hey, I was trying to include every possibility put forward that I could think of that was suggested here.
http://www.strawpoll.me/14346400
One vote only though guys, so vote for your favourite option, if you choose to vote.

~Alex

Quote from: ChaoticCreeper55 on November 05, 2017, 03:51:48 AM

Oh thank you for the heads up! Had no idea just letting you guys know! Talk to you guys later!

          -CC55

No worries man, thank you for sharing with us!

~Alex

I must admit, I am a little disappointed that they aren't box vans like they are in Large Scale, but I still rather like both of them. I could see myself maybe getting two or three of the Great Western Van. They do look rather nice though, and I'm looking forward to seeing photos of more stock when it's ready

~Alex

I feel like this is going to be a long post, but I've been meaning to post a lot of thoughts these last few months, but due to my personal life taking precedence over posting, I've been merely browsing for a while, as I haven't had so much time for structured, well-reasoned, cohesive posts. With that said, here goes:
Resin Buildings:
Ffarquhar Station is probably my favourite idea. Especially in it's Season 1-8 appearance. I don't really think this one needs much elaboration, it appeared in the openings of Seasons 1-7 and is one of the most iconic stations on Thomas's branchline, only really taking a second place (in the TV series, anyway) to Knapford Station. Whilst not my favourite station on Thomas's branchline in the TV Series (I still really like Ffarquhar though), I probably prefer Elsbridge and Dryaw. However, Ffarquhar is the terminus of the line, and to me, it is clearly the best nomination for next station in Bachmann's line-up. Though I think Mattel would prefer Bachmann to produce Ffarquhar in its current appearance, and whilst I really do understand the reasoning for that. I feel like it'd be a cost saving measure for Bachmann to just produce the 1 platform and station. It'd also work great for people with small layouts who don't have much room for a station.

I really like the idea of the Signal Junction Gantry, I particularly like the 4-track version. The 3-track version just looks a little odd to me, but maybe that's just me. I feel like maybe this particular building could have a surprisingly large chance, if you think about it, these featured heavily in the HiT era (for better or for worse) and would go great with Bachmann's Knapford Station (given the way it's laid out in the current television series). I feel like it could be used on a lot of layouts anyway, especially if the 4-track version were released, but that's just my opinion.

The suggestion of the shunting yard shed, whilst not my favourite, does seem like a pretty good idea, I could see Bachmann making one, as it does seem like a versatile shed, and I could possibly even see some using it as a generic engine shed. Even though I personally wouldn't.

I touched on some Narrow Gauge sheds in another post, however I will say here that this is probably my favourite idea for how I'd like to see them designed:
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Duncan_Gets_Spooked/Gallery?file=DuncanGetsSpooked40.png
Now, I understand that all of these aren't possible for next year. That is a given, it is just my thoughts on some really good suggestions I've seen put forward.
Narrow Gauge:
Now, I've touched on my thoughts for HO engines and Large Scale stock briefly in another post, so I'll try not to repeat myself. I don't think I've talked much about Narrow Gauge in a while though, so I figured I'd take some time out to talk about it.
Let's start with engines, we have a prototype image of Rheneas, but no confirmed release date, and no image of Rusty. In my opinion, there's maybe a 50/50 chance we'll get another engine announced next year, but we might not. If we do though, I would like to see Peter Sam.

Peter Sam's usage throughout the series has been highly consistent, his personality has changed little even during the HiT era, he's also had a lot of lead roles, even in the CGI series, which is important to bear in mind. His render resembles his basis well, which is more than can be said for Duncan, and some Thomas modelers may even buy a second model, just so that they can have one model with his original funnel, before he got the Giesel variant.

Duncan may have better usage, but I feel like Peter Sam holds the advantage in how closely he resembles his basis. I don't really see Mattel approving a model of Duncan that doesn't resemble the CGI design for him, but I could be wrong there. And if so, Duncan may prove a better seller, but if he would resemble his CGI model, I think Duncan wouldn't be as good of a choice as Peter Sam is.

Since I'm not expecting much in the way or Narrow Gauge stock next year, I will say that one thing I would like to see, is the Brown Brakevan. Since that will be a new tooling, I don't expect we'd see any other rolling stock announced in the same year as it. I could be wrong though, especially since Rheneas isn't yet available, and we have not seen a prototype photo of Rusty yet.

I will quickly add in here that a while ago, I believe someone asked for thoughts regarding a Bachmann Hiro, and whilst I personally don't think it would happen, not in the current market anyway, I wouldn't be opposed to Bachmann releasing him if it were financially viable. He's one of my favourite characters from the HiT era, and feels like he belongs in the universe of Thomas and Friends, he actually does have character depth unlike many characters from the HiT era, and does seem to satisfy the itch Mattel has for internationalism in the series. I don't see him coming in HO, but if he did, I would welcome him with open arms. I feel like some modelers (if they could afford it) might buy two and create the "patchwork Hiro" that we saw in Hero of the Rails.

Overall I feel like that's really all I can add to this discussion, unless I think up something more, or someone puts forward a suggestion that I feel my thoughts could maybe add something to.

Anyway, have a good day everyone and sorry for how long this post was.
~Alex

Whilst I understand you had no malicious intent, ChaoticCreeper55, I think Bachmann prefers us not to promote items from other sites (that aren't theirs), that are being sold. Given that your post hasn't been removed, I would say what you wrote is perfectly fine, but it's something I would recommend for future reference. I have seen it land people in slight trouble before and I wouldn't want to see it again. No malicious intent on my part either, just something to bear in mind.

As for the idea of sheds like the two-stall ones seen at Crovan's Gate? I'm all for that! I think that'd be a great addition to the range. Or alternatively, ones like the stone ones seen in Duncan Gets spooked.
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Duncan_Gets_Spooked/Gallery?file=DuncanGetsSpooked40.png
Here is an image for reference, as Imageshack and Photobucket have both changed their rules about third-party image hosting, I can't post the photo here. If anyone has any advice about a useful site for third party hosting, I'd be very grateful to hear suggestions

And lastly, grandpuff, I very much like the photos of those Brakevans and coaches you've made there, it brings back much nostalgia to the Classic Series of Thomas and Friends. I look forward to seeing what you all post in future!

~Alex

I don't think I can add much to the discussion of upcoming models, so I'll try to keep my thoughts brief:
Sidney: I'm honestly fairly indifferent to the idea of Bachmann releasing him. I wouldn't be bothered if they did, but I wouldn't really mind if they didn't.

Ryan: honestly, Ryan has been one of my favourite characters from the CGI era. I've recently been watching a few more recent episodes that I've missed out on. Whilst I went out of SLOTLT feeling like Ryan wouldn't be seen much after that point and seemed like a "merchandise release", however, I was really glad about his character expansion - I enjoyed him as a character and despite the fact that I still find the Purple GNR livery...questionable, it has grown on me, and I would still want to purchase a model if Bachmann were to release him.

Daisy: I feel like I'm a little in the minority here, as whilst I still would prefer Daisy to Ryan, I can't say that there's that large of a gap between them. With how much people have already talked about Daisy here, I don't think I really need to address her major selling points, I'll only be rehashing points from other people if I go over her. Ideally it would be nice to have both engines that run the Harwick Branch Line in the range, but I understand that can't be performed immediately.

As for Narrow Gauge, I'd like to see Peter Sam, and a Brown Brakevan as the next releases into the range, ideally. However, I'll leave those two for another post.

I don't think I can add much to the Large Scale discussion, it's not a range I collect, I would say though, I would like to see Mavis or Edward as the next engines released...but I don't see either of them happening - especially Edward, unfortunately. I do feel like the Red Coaches would be a good option for the next rolling stock they release into that range. But since I don't collect the range, my opinion can probably be taken with a grain of salt.

Anyway, those were just some of my thoughts for the future, I look forward to hearing more thoughts from other people in the future

~Alex

I can only speak for myself, but I'd certainly be interested in hearing an in-depth review of the water tower you recently got, Chaz.

As for your new vans, Metal. I'm pretty sure there have been a number of vans in the Thomas series that have been painted in that colour, or at least, colours close to it. I think they look rather nice, if I'm honest

~Alex

Quote from: JLK2707 on November 02, 2017, 09:51:11 PM
Blast it! Now they've removed Toby from the steam team too! This is just so gay!

Okay, whilst I know there was no malicious intent there, the last word of that sentence could be seen as offensive by using it in that context, I'd advise changing it. I have seen people who've used that word in that way before get in trouble, so I'd advise changing it. Just trying to be friendly,

~Alex

I was going to only speak about the models I own personally, but no matter what I said I always ended up practically summing up the entire range Bachmann has released in HO, with that said I apologise in advance for this long overview of the engines in the Bachmann Thomas range in HO, but I hope there'll be something of interest in here for anyone interested. I think it goes without saying though that this is all opinion-based, and I do not claim my opinions to be definitive facts. With that said, here goes:

Of the Bachmann Thomas models I own, Edward is my favourite. Whilst I am more of a fan of Thomas (especially in the earlier seasons) as a character, Edward's model is quite possibly one of the best in Bachmann's range, capturing the TV Series appearance of Edward at its time of release almost perfectly. The Edward model is also deceptively powerful for its size and weight, so I congratulate Bachmann for their efforts on Edward. I must also say that Bachmann's Salty model is (in my opinion) rather underrated. I mean, yes his cab does appear a little overscaled, and his wheels look possibly a touch too small...and the lack of weathering paired with the glossy finish does look a little odd to me, but none of that can change the fact that Bachmann's model of Salty is still a very good performer, and still does very much look the part (once you get past some of the design quirks of it).

Bachmann's model of Diesel is also another great performer, and it does quite look the part. The only detraction from the model for me is the CGI styled face which - while completely expected - still does throw me off a little. However that's really it's only problem, and it is a great model otherwise. I also find Bachmann's model of Spencer is very close to his TV series portrayal (at the time), and I do like Bachmann's model of him a lot, and despite my relative indifference to Spencer as a character (until Hero of the Rails and the CGI series came around, at least) I still quite like Bachmann's model of him, I find it particularly looks good when paired with some late BR MK1 coaches in the Maroon livery..which is very close to the livery of his special coach anyway I guess so that's probably not too surprising.

As far as the non-rail character by Bachmann go, I must say that Terrence is superemly well done, and I do consider his model to be an underrated gem amongst Bachmann's Thomas lineup. Maybe if he reappears in CGI that will change...

With that said however, I also must say that among the Bachmann models I have owned, I still do like Thomas , despite the well-noted and documented flaws the model has, I very much like the proportions of the Thomas model from the model series, and Bachmann was spot-on with their model. I am sad to say that I no longer have my model of Thomas by Bachmann, I'd very much like to reacquire one sometime in the future, maybe Id try to fix some of the minor faults in the model personally but I'm unsure if I'd have the chops to risk potentially ruining it.

I'm given to understand from what I've seen of them that Bachmann's Duck, Oliver, 'Arry, Bert, Donald, Douglas, Bill and Ben models are also spot-on, but I can't comment on these personally as I don't own them. I also don't own Bachmann's models of Rosie, Toby, Mavis and Emily, which I'm given to understand are very good models too (though your mileage may differ due to your opinions on the characters themselves, particularly with Rosie, 'Arry, and Bert, and with regards Oliver's CGI appearance). I do own Gordon and Henry, and they are good models, admittedly flawed in some ways, but still quite good for what they are. I do own a Bachmann Percy...and I think i may have gotten a bad runner, as it constantly stalls on me and has given me one or two other headaches whilst I've had it. As with a lot of people, whilst I highly doubt we will see Thomas, Percy and James revised in the future, I would still appreciate revised models of them, and would buy them...despite the fact I think the chances of any significant revisions to these models happening being close to 0%. Now personally I don't own any of Bachmann's Narrow Gauge range as of yet, but I believe that Skarloey is quite possibly the best Thomas model Bachmann have released to date, the only model that I think may come close to surpassing this within the next 12 months is Rheneas, which - from the photos of it I've seen so far - is a true marvel to behold, just like Skarloey before him

Wow...that was much longer than I expected it to be...but I suppose that can be somewhat expected when I start talking about the models in this range. Overall I will see that all of Bachmann's Thomas models have good features about them, even their models that I feel are a little...lacking in comparison to their newer releases.

~Alex. (And as a footnote the "USA" dock shunter (Rosie's basis, for those who may be unaware) released by Bachmann UK is an amazing model).