When looking at the 2026 catalog, the one category of Thomas products that I sincerely believe needs to be analyzed more closely is buildings, the crucial pieces that bring the Island of Sodor to life.
With just Tidmouth Sheds in the line as of now, but over 30 engines, that is a problem. In addition to the tariff issues as of late, I understand much of the absence of buildings is because past sales for these products were not where they needed to be. Although the engines and rolling stock will most likely always be more popular, there are several factors that I believe will help make the second tackle of Thomas buildings more successful, especially as quality, resin products.
When looking at the first eight resin buildings for the Thomas line, the main problem I noticed was that all the memorable buildings such as Maithwaite Station and the Brendam Warehouse were too big and expensive. And apart from the Signal Box, all the smaller ones, such as the Corrugated Hut and Storage Shed, (the later of which never appeared in the show) were too generic. I really believe that offering buildings that are smaller for affordability, but also memorable, will lead to successful sales.
Hence, for the future, these are the ones that I would highly look into, as they all have appeared in the majority of the show, (both model and CGI), plus are titled with 'Thomas' titles such as "Tidmouth".
Tidmouth Goods Station
Everyone remembers this building. At first glance, it may just look like a typical goods station by Bachmann UK or Hornby. But because it appeared in every single season of the show in the same spot right beside Tidmouth Sheds, everyone remembers its specific dimensions. It's also not too big, and can be reused in many locations.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Tidmouth_Goods_Station/Gallery
Maithwaite Mine Building
This is another small building that would go wonderfully with the upcoming open wagon recolors such as the FFarquhar Quarry Wagon. Once again, it looks generic to non-Thomas fans. However, the circular minehead pulley at the top is very memorable, most notably from "Percy and the Haunted Mine", not to mention a very similar building appeared at the china clay works in CGI.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/7/77/MaithwaiteQuarryMineBuilding2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20211023231432
Neptune Refreshments
This is arguably the most memorable town building from the show, and one of my personal favorites. Again, it may look generic and simple. Yet, unlike the Storage Shed or Corrugated Hut previously announced, "Neptune Refreshments" is a name both Railway Series and TV series fans remember. The tooling of the building even appeared in CGI.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Neptune_Refreshments/Gallery
Signal Box
This is the only one without a "Thomas" title. However, with the original Signal Box as the best seller in the first batch of resin buildings, there is no doubt another one should be considered. Honestly, I'm all for a reintroduction of the original one. But for some contrast, this thinner green one would be wonderful as well. No doubt this one will sell, given how often it appeared, plus as a smaller building.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/4f/S8SignalBoxRulerReference2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20211005162617
Brendam Workmen's Hut
Unlike the Corrugated Hut, this building served many roles in the model and CGI series. It served as a goods station in "Thomas Gets Bumped". It served as the seaside workmen's hut in "Thomas, Percy, and Old Slow Coach", and it appeared in nearly every industrial location from the show, most commonly Brendam Docks. For a building so simple, it is surely very versatile and memorable because of these roles.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/1/1a/DryawGoodsStationS8Ruler1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20211031113652
Skarloey Engine Shed
Frankly, with six engines in the narrow gauge line, I'm surprised that an engine shed has still not been made, even with the selection that Bachmann UK provides. The best one I believe would be the one attached, appearing once again in both model and CGI eras. Yet, I think that any narrow gauge shed from the orthos would work well.
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/50/NarrowGaugeEngineShed.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20211025211531
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/a/ac/NarrowGaugeEngineShed2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20211025211219
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Depot/Gallery
Orthos Folder for Clearer Images & Measurements: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZPryPFwpqYYTuW2e86P1GosFjkKr6g_b
There are additional bigger buildings that I'd love such as Toby's Shed and FFarquhar Station. Yet, as I stated earlier, I think that small, but memorable buildings would be the best way to approach this initially. If these do extremely well, then maybe consider a few bigger ones later on.
One other factor I wanted to mention is the packaging, which is really just as important as the product itself. Back when Hornby introduced their Thomas resin buildings, the packaging of each building always included an image of the resin product with one or more Thomas characters within a sceniced layout.
Hornby Packaging:
https://directoryproductimages.blob.core.windows.net/products/R9219_BOX.JPG
Bachmann Packaging:
https://directoryproductimages.blob.core.windows.net/products/35901BAC_202208021637_3679315_Qty1_box1.jpg
On the other hand, the Bachmann packaging lacked this feature. Seeing each beautifully weathered and accurate building in context of a realistically sceniced Sodor layout with one or more of the famous Sodor engines will inspire more Thomas modelers to purchase it. This is yet another way to get people into serious scenery, which is much more enticing than just having the building on its own. Thus, I sincerely hope that this is something that can be considered for the future too. Lastly, with the new reboot, I really wish the packaging can return to the iconic dark blue, instead of the muted CGI one.
Thanks for taking the time to read this guys! As always, I'd love to read your thoughts and hear additional suggestions.
I think it would help to re-upload the images to somewhere like Imgur; linking to the Wiki doesn't always work. Most of the images here don't load on my end.
One of the biggest challenges with the resin buildings is that the majority of them tend to be one-time purchases, and I'm not sure how much they cost to manufacture compared to plastic buildings, but I imagine it's more expensive. I love the resin buildings though from both Bachmann and Hornby's ranges. I sold my Maithwaite some time ago since it's a station I'm not as married to, but I still hold on to the Dryaw set I collected. I think Bachmann really gave up on the resin buildings too early; I think if Ffarquhar had been introduced, it would've been their hottest seller in that range.
I do wonder why too Bachmann hasn't gone back to making bigger Thomas buildings but in plastic "kits" like Tidmouth Sheds. That might've made the Brendam Warehouse cheaper to manufacture and sell. While I would prefer resin buildings, I can understand why they'd go for plastic if it's cheaper in the future. Either way, I very much agree that the lack of buildings in the ever-growing range is becoming very noticeable. The Skarloey range especially could use some building attention.
I agree with the boxes too; Hornby and Thomas Wooden Railway both did a great job at having detailed, photogenic boxes that really caught shoppers attention and would make them want a product. I think the reason the Bachmann boxes are the way they are currently is because minimalism is the trend among advertising. Less things in the photos means less distractions for a shoppers eye, and no confusion on what is being sold within the box. I'm not a fan of the mindset, but that seems to be the reasoning. I'd love to see Bachmann do some nice display photos on the boxes for their products. Maybe on the back or side?
I definitely agree, I think the smaller more affordable items are the way to go for now, and if they can match the quality of the previous resin range I would be all in. Maybe it'll lead to larger ones in the future.
As for specifics I definitely agree we need buildings for the narrow gauge engines, any shed, a small slate built water tower, or even the incline winding house would look great. Also while I think the castle loch was a fine item, I would much prefer a small ruined castle as seem on the causeway to compliment the NG line.
If we are going for small but iconic and memorable, I would also suggest items like the multiple small vertical boiler cranes or even the sodor maid canal boat, these could be well detailed but still have more of a 'play' factor to them that may get more people into the higher quality resin line. I think part of the reason the og signal box did well was because it was the most affordable railway related option, and railway related buildings I feel generally more inclined to buy or use. (not everybody has room to use a scenic castle loch or random sheds- but they most likely have room for a signal box next to the tracks, or an engine shed etc)
The workmans hut and tidmouth dairy are good choices for the die hard fan, but on their own they do have a tendency to look a bit generic as you said. If they need a strong jumpstart to a new resin line, things with ttte-unique signs like the Neptune Cafe, or the C&B barber pack that extra punch and really make it feel like a thomas item. So as much of that as possible, like the Cool Arlesburgh Maritime Museum building with its iconic mural, or an MC Bunn Cafe. I think this was the appeal of the hornby resin range having items like "waterton butchers" etc that had that unmistakeable connection to the thomas world.
I'd also argue the clock tower steeple is very iconic, being seen in many countryside sets, by knapford, in arlesburgh harbor too. I dont think they would need to make the church that seems to be attached to it (I thought it was just a standalone clock tower for the longest time)
It might also be worth noting that the maithwaite tooling could be altered to create an affordable building for the new range: harwick station. With Ryan and Daisy in OO already this could please alot of people, just the station building with no platforms.
Its bizarre to me that ffarquhar or the watermill havent been made by bachmann or hornby, so if the resin range picks back up those would be great in time. I may just be speaking for myself but comsidering the rarity of alot of bachmann's previous buildings I know I'd be pre-ordering any new ones that were announced! Here's to hoping they come back!
Really enjoyed reading this Christian, I appreciate you for giving the resin buildings some long-overdue attention. You made a really strong case for why buildings deserve a closer look alongside the ever-growing engine and rolling stock lineup.
From your list, there are four buildings I'd personally love to see tackled first:
- A new signal box feels like a no-brainer given how well the original sold and how essential it is to any layout.
- The Skarloey Railway engine shed also feels long overdue, especially with the narrow gauge line continuing to grow. I would buy that day one for my OO9 layout.
- Neptune Refreshments is another standout; it's simple, memorable, and instantly recognizable to fans of both the Railway Series and TV series. Another day one purchase for my OO9 layout.
- Toby's shed would be an incredible addition and feels iconic enough to justify the size. Even if it's not for the Skarloey line, I would buy one simply because Toby's one of my favorite characters in the show.
As an honorable mention, Ffarquhar Station would also be fantastic to see down the road. The size would definitely present a challenge to the pricing, but given it's such an iconic location in both the model and CGI seasons, I could actually see it selling better than Maithwaite.
I also really like your point about packaging. Creating special, more visually engaging packaging for new resin buildings would be a great way to spark interest and show buyers what's possible. Seeing a building placed in a fully sceniced Sodor layout with familiar engines nearby helps people imagine how it could fit into their own layouts, rather than viewing it as a standalone piece. That extra flair could go a long way in encouraging scenery-focused purchases.
Hope this thread takes off and helps Bachmann take new resin buildings consideration.
Hey, maybe N scale fans might get lucky and get a resin line of their own one day too...!
I think you're absolutely right to focus on the smaller buildings, and I'd love to see some more locations mentioned.
With the rise of 3D printing in the hobby, it makes it more possible for some of these locations to realized too, in my opinion.
We've already seen examples of this with the Bulgy sample, and even the more niche stuff like the C&B barber building from BugglesKelly
Christian, I had been thinking the same thing when I saw the catalog this year. While I won't keep repeating what everyone else said some staple railway buildings would be perfect additions to the line, including the signal box that was released a few years ago, and maybe a different variation of a signal box.
Some more buildings to go with the narrow gauge line, like the HiT era/CGI Skarloey Sheds, maybe broken up so modelers could have some freedom as to what parts of the sheds they can use based on what fits on their layout. As sodor_modelmonger said as well a small ruined castle could make a great set piece for a narrow gauge layout.
I will echo that Ffarquhar Station has always been a major missed opportunity in a resin line. Even with its reintroduction in the CGI series, it could be made modular to have the extra platform seen in the CGI series or just the single track and platform seen in the original opening of the show.
There is a huge opportunity for Bachmann to get the fans involved as well, as Christian pointed out, Hornby's packaging for the resin buildings showed a building integrated into a layout. Many fans have well-executed Sodor-themed layouts, and calling on them to help sell a new line of resin buildings would be a great opportunity to engage more with the Thomas community.
I hope Bachmann will take all of these posts into consideration and bring back a line of building that I know I would be first in line to purchase day one of release!
I am also down with resin buildings making a return. But taking critical approach, my biggest concern would definitely be the cost, especially in the current economy. (Even if I would buy them out of consumer loyalty regardless.) Also the Scene Scapes Resin buildings were all discontinued in 2023 and Bachmann has not produced any Resin Buildings since, so I assumed that resin buildings were dead in the water for the US market, as typically buildings are a one and done buy, and take up way more space and don't have as much demand as Engines and Rolling stock. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the resin buildings for the Thomas range. But I can't help but see the line between what us fans want and what is realistically feasible and profitable from a business perspective. However, the internet has gained much more exposure to the bachmann thomas range especially with Bachmann now taking more reception from what the fans want thanks to the Bachmann forums and the Thomas Tuesday livestreams. With the resurgence of demand for the resin buildings from older fans, and an increase of several new fans who never got the chance to obtain these buildings, I don't think it is completely off the table, it just has to be approached right.
If we are tying ourselves down to the Small, Recognizable, and versatile for general model railway use, I would love to see ones like the Signal box, trackside station, and black loch folly return.
I pretty much agree with everything Terence said, so I don't have much to add, but I'll advocate for a few of my top picks.
Narrow Gauge Engine shed -
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSU1LnF4YpevXkbuWXn48GdYHPjXr9nV9b5AA&s)
OO9 is a prime market to strike for resin buildings. Been wanting one of these for a while, The Granite Rheneas sheds would be my top pick, but any of the skarloey sheds or depot sheds would be welcome as well.
Ffarquhar -
(https://i.pinimg.com/736x/cc/5d/d8/cc5dd86caf5c53726ab1a96a6b5d4904.jpg)
I know we're going with smaller buildings, but Ffarquhar station is one of, if not THE most Iconic thomas station. It was used in the classic series intro, and has remained relevant in CGI ever since it's return in The Adventure begins. Every fan would be over the moon if this got announced, and is one I can see selling very well.
An Idea I have is going the Hornby route and sell the station and platforms separately. I used to be hate the idea of this, trust me I know most of you will raise an eyebrow at this. But cost wise, say you already have usable platforms, so you just buy the station. Or if you need more Thomas platforms then you can buy more of those. You want both, than just buy both as if they were one. Maybe unrealistic, but just a thought.
Haunted Mine -
(https://i1.sndcdn.com/artworks-4syWS5Eosgt1XfrS-iDehrw-t500x500.jpg)
This is actually an Idea I've grown to love, it's a very industrial piece of architecture that I feel could work for any layout.
This will be a thread I can definitely see myself coming back to, and adding new ideas, but these would be my top picks. Don't want to dilute the water with too much.
Here's a question I'll ask and leave you all with, as I feel everyone's answers are important to this topic.
What exactly is the appeal of the Resin buildings, and what advantage do they have over a simple plastic or card kit?