So the old one is gone time to start a new one . This is for suggestions for new products in the Thomas line line up for any scale as long as Bachmann is making it
Here are of my hopes for 2026 and beyond. I'd like to see a large tank engine and a large diesel for HO .
Whiff Nia and Belle could fill this role.
Diesel 10 is our main option for large Diesels .
Nia and Whiff have been suggested and predicted before. Nia is a larger tank engine however and she is a main character.Belle I have not seen much for however she would be nice . If were to say one I'd pick Nia just as she is a main character and would often a large size then whiff.
I'd have Nia for 26 and Diesel 10 for 2027.
I'd also like to see the works unit coach in HO scale as we need more coaches.
As for repaints of existing wagons I'd love to see more products using the mail van tooling . Mainly a brown one or circus one .
I'd also like to see the return of the M wagon . As well as a pink 7 plank wagon or the blue express coaches .
The thread got taken down, since it started taking up too much space, full of outdated suggestions from years ago.
Anyway, the next HO Scale engine should be Whiff, Norman, Nia, Merlin, Hiro, or Diesel 10. At least Bachmann does have the wheels for Hiro, which can be sourced from Rebecca, just configured differently. Diesel 10 can be the first engine in the Thomas line to have a moveable attachment, though his claw would make him priced similar to Flying Scotsman. Only his rear bogie would be powered, like Daisy, to cut down on cost. Merlin can be made using Henry's chassis, and would be the first ready-to-run model of the King Arthur Class stealth engine. Whiff would be the first ready-to-run model of Aerolite, and Norman would be the first ready-to-run model of BR 11001. Suggestions for engine repaints include Green Salty and Fernando.
For HO Scale rolling stock, we still need the Chocolate Syrup and Toffee Tankers. The Works Unit Coach should be the next newly-tooled piece of HO Scale rolling stock, which can be made in green, orange and blue. We also need a red or green mining wagon with an ore load, so that we can have the ore load available outside the Deluxe Thomas set, which may get discontinued at some point. We can also get Gordon's Special Coaches. I'd like to see the orange wagon with coal load and dark gray van from the cancelled 80th Anniversary set.
The next Narrow Gauge engine will most likely be Luke, or a repaint of an existing tooling like Smudger and Proteus. Smudger would be made using Rheneas' tooling, while Proteus would be made using Sir Handel's tooling. Rolling stock can include repaints of existing toolings like tan and gray brake vans and box vans. A newly-tooled rolling stock can be a 4-Plank wagon.
The next N Scale engine will most likely either be Edward or Duck. We need Edward to complete the original Steam Team in N Scale. Duck should be the next tank engine for N Scale. The next big tender engine should be Spencer, who can recycle Gordon's chassis. If we get a diesel that's not a Class 08, Mavis can be made using Thomas' chassis. Class 08 repaints we can see N Scale getting in the near future include Sidney, 'Arry and Bert. The latter two are discontinued in HO Scale, while the former is coming soon to HO Scale. For N Scale rolling stock, we desperately need the BR 20-Ton brake van. Other welcome additions include the green Coal Wagon w/ Load, orange Cargo Car, Red Coaches, and Red Express Coaches. The three tankers should get discontinued, and Bachmann can invest in a brand new N Scale tanker tooling to better match the show. We can then get more tanker varieties like milk, tar, raspberry syrup and cream. When we get Spencer on the cards, the Special Coaches can be made for N Scale too. Unlike HO Scale, the N Scale Special Coaches can actually have a brake variant. They would most likely be made based on the model series.
I'm not surprised the older thread was deleted; it had a lot of replies and probably took up a lot of space.
My thoughts haven't changed much. For HO, Hiro is still very overdue, given how popular he is; I think he would outsell Bachmann's recent releases, especially Rebecca. If they go with a tank engine, Whiff seems to be the most likely choice, as he's an iconic character and the last model era engine introduced in that era that made it to CGI, (excluding Harvey or Diesel 10). I don't have a strong opinion on the next HO rolling stock, but I would still love to see Bachmann introduce DCC modules for HO.
For N scale, Edward is the clear next engine, though I wouldn't rule out Duck being next. Both are top requests, and I wouldn't be surprised if one is announced at NMRA this summer. N scale also needs more rolling stock, hopefully a coal wagon with load and a BR 20 ton brake van. Bachmann hasn't introduced a new N scale tanker since their original announcement, so I could easily see them discontinue the Farish repaints and introduce some new tankers with a much nicer and accurate tooling.
Personally I'd like to see Bachmann invest in the narrow gauge line the most after the recent success of their Sir Handel model. Aside from the gunpowder vans, the backlog is empty. A Duncan reintroduction makes sense, but they could also bring in Victor or another CGI exclusive engine. For new rolling stock, I think the 4-plank wagons should be next since they appear in both model and CGI and have many liveries to choose from, making the new tooling investment worthwhile.
Since the old thread has been deleted, I'll share my predictions. It hasn't changed as progress has been made from Bachmann's end.
I agree with Chaz that Hiro is long overdue given his popularity across different eras. He could surpass in terms of sales than Rebecca, which I still don't understand they did her over Hiro in summer '22. Whiff is a character I wouldn't mind should they choose to take on an easier project. One rolling stock Bachmann could consider adding would be the quarry hoppers.
There's not much I can comment about Narrow Gauge as the gunpowder wagons should be in the packaging phase by this point. If Bachmann were to make any additions to the range, Luke may seen as the most likely character to be announced over the summer. I can't think of any unique rolling stock to add to HOn30.
For N-scale, the consensus is that the potential next engine should be Edward or Duck. Edward's announcement will be met positively by fans and complete the original steam team. If not Edward, then Duck is another highly requested character that will be welcomed by likeminded fans. As all previously announced engines could have their painted samples ready before the NMRA, both are possible. I agree that the rolling stock selection feels lacking and that the variety of new toolings are needed drastically. Mail trucks, coal loaded wagons, and the 20 ton brake vans would be great additions to the lineup. Percy shouldn't have to wait this long do his favorite job of pulling the mail train.
Oh! New Thread? Cool.
So I'd personally like to see more of a lean towards more model era stuff going forward. I'm not expecting things like Stepney to be announced anytime soon (despite being thrilled if that were to happen), but instances of bringing in engines that appeared in BOTH the Model and CGI Eras, so engines like Diesel 10, Whiff and Harvey, different variations of existing rolling stock like a mail car with the 'Sodor Mail' emblem alongside the current CGI emblem being used. We're already getting this in G Scale with the Tidmouth Milk Tanker. I'm also interested in seeing characters that utilise existing toolings, such as Splatter and Dodge, Smudger, Proteus, etc.
I'd hope to see stuff like this in the future, but whether it happens remains to be seen. I see no harm in looking into options that aren't solely CGI based.
I'm back. Had a few personal life issues so I stepped away for a while. However I'm back modelling and I have thoughts.
For HO my ideas haven't really faulted. I'd still love Stephen, given that Scotsman was announced I'm gonna guess the next newly tooled Loco However will likely be a tank engine. Something cheaper and easier to make. Possibly Nia or Whiff. Maybe engines like Charlie will crop up again in discussions since the New Show is coming out. Lastly some new Figure packs
For Narrow gauge again my opinion hasn't really faulted. I still want Duncan (preferably based on series 4 if I could choose, I'd definitely prefer that too some horrid hybrid between Douglas and his model on screen) I'd still be happy for Luke, Millie or Victor too. We need something new announced since we nearly have everything that has been announced released now. Rolling stock, definitely the 4 plank wagon, Brown Brake-van and maybe some flat wagons with loads or something. Could have one with the Bike the thin controller rides, or a bell.
Now to N scale which I have alot to say about. For the engine, I think its established now Duck or Edward are pretty safe bets, maybe an outside chance of Rosie with the new show featuring her alot in the marketing plus they can reuse the tooling for Lavinder Rosie so it's probably less expensive to make. I have the most to say about the rolling stock future predictions. I think its extremely safe to bet on a bunch of recolours for the 7 plank wagon, 12 ton van and tankers (hopefully newly tooled). I can definitely see the fun fair vans being added, I hope the coal wagon with load is also added. Always been a favorite of mine. I also think its extremely safe to bet the red express coaches will be added too (which those look incredible btw) The red coaches and museum coaches seem like safe bets as well. However I've been thinking alot about how Bachmann seem to utilise newly tooled items in the range. Whenever something is released thats newly tooled we usually get 3 or 4 variations of said item. 3 tankers, 3 vans so on. So I feel like unless its a character or Bachmann can make good use of the tooling by reusing it I worry about the chances of some items. I think my main safest bet for new tooling (after the Brake-van and red/museum brake coach) is probably the Mail Car, theres been 4 variations of it in the HO range, Sodor Mail, red Mail Car, Green Mail car and the lobster van. Theres other possibilities for it awswell, they could reuse it for Topham Circus or make Brown variations or even take the lobster logo off the lobster van and just release it as a cream mail car or something. The cattle wagons may stand a chance along with the salt vans however I'm less sure given the Salt van only has the cream and sodor salt variations (along with TT5) same for the cattle wagon really.
I'd love to suggest more but I know Bachmann of 2026 is different from Bachmann 2009 where they would make a new tooling to release one item then not touch it again for years. Unfortunately I feel like if Bachmann are limited with the amount they can reuse wagon tooling they might not do it, particularly in today's world of Tarrifs, price changes and other financial factors to think about. I hope Bachmann can expand the N scale range more. I don't want it to become too reliant on existing tooling like large scale
I don't know if Bachmann Trains will make Duke the Lost Engine in HOn30/OO9 scale since Kato trains has made Duke using their tooling for the Ffestiniog Small England Class. (Except that model was only available in Japan I do believe) I think that Bachmann Trains should make a HOn30/OO9 scale model of Duke from scratch.
So for the next HO Scale engine, the general consensus is that the next engine should be Hiro or Whiff. Hiro should be the next big tender engine for HO Scale after Flying Scotsman, but if we have to get another smaller engine first, Whiff would be a great choice, as he appeared in both model and CGI. Whiff would also raise demand to bring Scruff to HO Scale as well, so as to complete the Waste Dump duo. A wagon with a new trash bag load should be made specifically for an engine like Whiff. Hiro would 95% be a new tooling, but at least Bachmann can recycle Rebecca's wheels for him, but would be configured differently. He's one of the most popular characters to originate from the CGI series, plus a potential repaint would include Hiro in his patchwork livery.
I listed several ideas for the next HO Scale engine in my previous post, but it's been narrowed down to Hiro and Whiff.
As everyone knows the new 2026 has a Sodor Animal Park theme of merch, meaning the new show will have a focus on said Animal Park and if Bachmann do make stuff of the new show we will get Animal Park rolling stock.
I have lots of suggestions for the Bachmann T&F range.
So this might be a bit of a long shot, but here it goes:
(https://i.gyazo.com/f5debec0b810a2e88a94c422063a9069.webp)
(https://i.gyazo.com/4f14b3445ead46bb22d8b2021a9945ea.webp)
I think the next reintroduction Bachmann should consider for their HO scale line should be their 'Arry and Bert models. I know this may seem odd, especially with Sidney and the Mainland Diesel on the way, but hear me out.
As of now, 'Arry and Bert haven't appeared on eBay or other secondhand markets recently. There are no recent sold or completed listings, which shows how rarely they come up. When they do appear, they tend to sell for a high price.
(https://i.gyazo.com/8e5933a6e804db4db7172a87aaa54346.jpg)
A quick edit, but Mulfred shared with me a screenshot of 'Arry and Bert's recent sales in the UK, going over £300, which is the US equivalent of $400.
Unlike Salty, Bachmann likely wouldn't need to update the motor or mechanism. They already produce several models reusing the Diesel motor, body shell, and chassis, including two versions of Diesel, Paxton and the upcoming Sidney and Mainland Diesel.
I know these two were poor sellers when first released, and it's easy to see why. Their faces were nearly identical, making them hard to tell apart, and the yellow paint was a bit too light. However, both issues seem like easy fixes. Bachmann has made similar paint revisions before, such as with the express coaches and Salty.
As for the faces, while I'd personally prefer the model series versions, I understand why they'd stick with CGI. That said, it's more important to make the twins visually distinct; perhaps by removing 'Arry's stubble and leaving it only on Bert, or at least making 'Arry's even lighter than the original release. If Bachmann really wants to go the full mile, maybe they can give the twins different expressions to allow them to be more distinctive from each other.
If Salty sells well upon his reintroduction, I think 'Arry and Bert have earned a return to the range. It's been a long time, and there's clearly demand. With a few updates, a reintroduction could significantly improve their sales. Who knows, maybe at a much later point down the road if their reintroduction does well, Bachmann can introduce them in their N scale line.
Either way, I think they'd be welcome additions back into the lineup. Let me know what you think.
I agree with Chaz. Arry and Bert were massively popular in the HiT era and still appeared right through to series 23. Hopefully if Salty sells well it will open the door for these two.
I think this could also open the door for them to be introduced in Large scale and N Scale too. We've already seen the N scale class 08s have removable ladders. Especially if in a few years theres several projects thats in the works and Bachmann want something they have the tooling for.
As for Large scale, their introduction could give a boost to that scale. It definitely could do with a couple of new engines
It shows that 13 years after they were first announced the ironworks twins are still popular. Plus they had a very short shelf life in their of being announced in 2013, released 2014 and discontinued in 2019. At this point they've been out of the range alot longer then they were originally in the line for. If there was to be a trade off then maybe discontinue the original happy Diesel, it is still crazy that we have 2 variations of Diesel with different faces in the range.
I concur with Chaz and Mulfred. I would gladly purchase the Yellow Diesels if they were reissued.
Here are the prototypes from around early 2014:
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/irx6Cl8sujY/maxresdefault.jpg)
If Bachmann saw this through to the end, they'd be a day 1 purchase from me. It keeps the same face plate, but makes them distinguishable from each other to tell them apart.
I somewhat agree that if the reintroduction of Salty is possible, so can Arry and Bert. These modifications are minor which should not prevent them from returning to the shelves. That said, I don't think it's a good idea for Bachmann to announce 008 shunters back to back with Sidney and Mainland Diesel possibly releasing later this year.
Fortunately, I was lucky to obtain Arry and Bert at retail value ($80 USD) 2 years after their discontinuation at my nearest hobby shop.
Paid way to much money on Ebay to pick this duo up
Quote from: JacobSK on March 27, 2026, 07:51:59 PMI concur with Chaz and Mulfred. I would gladly purchase the Yellow Diesels if they were reissued.
Here are the prototypes from around early 2014:
(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/irx6Cl8sujY/maxresdefault.jpg)
If Bachmann saw this through to the end, they'd be a day 1 purchase from me. It keeps the same face plate, but makes them distinguishable from each other to tell them apart.
Thank you, everyone, for the strong feedback! I really appreciate all the insights and thoughts. Hopefully, Bachmann can address this by reintroducing 'Arry and Bert at a later date. I agree that it would be too soon to bring them back while Sidney and the Mainland Diesel aren't out yet, but once Bachmann announces one or two more new engine toolings after Flying Scotsman, that would be the perfect time to reconsider adding 'Arry and Bert back into the line.
With all of this talk of 'Arry and Bert being potentially being reintroduced, I wanted to make an argument to repaint 'Arry and Bert Models into Splatter and Dodge as well. Considering that Splatter and Dodge were themselves a repaint of 'Arry and Bert, it would be cool to also make Splatter and Dodge out of them. It would just require repainting the already existing 'Arry and Bert shells, the ones that do not have the ladders on front around the face. And since Splatter and Dodge have only appeared together on screen with the same faces, Bachmann would just have to design a single face that can be used by both characters. It would be a great way to get two new characters out quickly, especially considering that Bachmann is willing to make the Mainland Diesels.
Just wanted to put the idea out there.
one area that I would like to see Bachmann move towards is Crowdfunding. If it is not financially feasible for them to carry a whole new line but they want to satisfy the fans with some repaints like a arry and Bert/splodge then why not a kick starter? if you don't get the funding and hit your target then don't run it but at least we know you tried?
I propose this because of Brandon Sanderson and how he crowd funds his books and his fans get the things they want. obviously a motorized model is different then a book.
One can dream of different pathways to obtain all the models. I created splatter and dodge from two diesel Bachmann Models. although its serviceable it would be nice to have official models.
I have to agree, Splatter and Dodge would be both practical and very fun additions to the range. Not only would they only need the one face between them or be using an existing tooling, but I feel the liveries of both diesels will gel well with the other models in the range.
Please take notes Bachmann!🙏
Quote from: Armada Starscream on March 31, 2026, 01:32:36 AMWith all of this talk of 'Arry and Bert being potentially being reintroduced, I wanted to make an argument to repaint 'Arry and Bert Models into Splatter and Dodge as well. Considering that Splatter and Dodge were themselves a repaint of 'Arry and Bert, it would be cool to also make Splatter and Dodge out of them. It would just require repainting the already existing 'Arry and Bert shells, the ones that do not have the ladders on front around the face. And since Splatter and Dodge have only appeared together on screen with the same faces, Bachmann would just have to design a single face that can be used by both characters. It would be a great way to get two new characters out quickly, especially considering that Bachmann is willing to make the Mainland Diesels.
Just wanted to put the idea out there.
Never gonna happen and never should happen tbh. The Class 08 is designed to Diesel's specifications. Its was a push to get Arry and Bert out of it with all the front details that the original models and CGI renders don't have. They'd require a new Eye mechanism and then theres the major part of this problem. Their faces. Splatter and Dodge don't have the same size faces as Diesel, Paxton, Arry and Bert. They aren't even the same shape. Its considerably smaller in height and width. If Bachmann do Splatter and Dodge and made their faces the same size as Diesel then it would be extremely inaccurate to the models in Magic Railroad which They'd have to do as thats the way the moulding is designed, to which modellers would no doubt say it's "cheaping out or being lazy." Just look how much criticism Bachmann get for their HO Paxton because his face is inaccurate
Arry and Bert would be nice to see Bachmann usually does one or two locomotives announced per year . For example in 2022 Rebecca and Salty or 2024 Sidney and Mainland diesel .
To ensure they sell . Why not give Arry the face he had but with less stubble and Bert having a new angry face . This saves a lot of money as instead of making a new locomotive, you're bringing back two .
'Arry and Bert being a 2-in-1 deal would be one of their biggest advantages. Again, it would probably be too soon to reintroduce them right after Sidney and the Mainland Diesel, but if Bachmann decides to introduce a new character like Hiro at the NMRA this year (or next), and then wants to take things a bit easier afterward, reintroducing 'Arry and Bert would be a much more practical choice on their end.
Hopefully, N scale can also have two engine announcements in one year; perhaps as soon as 2027, assuming they can release the LBSC Thomas, Origin James, and the Diesel and Paxton models by then. They haven't done that since the Emily and Gordon announcements in the 2022 catalog and NMRA announcements respectively, so it would be a real treat if they announced Edward early next year at Amherst and Duck at next year's NMRA.
Tbh I feel like Duck is not much of a necessity compared to Edward tbh .
Like my idea is they do Arry and Bert this year for the NMRA or Q3 announcements .
And next year do Diesel 10 but the risk in doing him would be countered with the release of Arry and Bert who would likly be affordable and therefore good sellers. Diesel 10 I am sure will sell but if Bachmann needs some safety release right before him I'd say these two are a good option .
Quote from: Awesometrain77 on April 05, 2026, 07:56:55 PMTbh I feel like Duck is not much of a necessity compared to Edward tbh .
He's not, but Duck is also a very popular character in the fandom and now has a following similar to Edward's, especially since Edward hasn't been part of the main cast for almost 10 years.
Additionally, if Bachmann wants to take a break from producing another tender engine after Henry and instead tackle a smaller engine, Duck would be one of the safer options, as his HO model remains one of Bachmann's most popular sellers.
I agree, Duck is still highly requested character like Edward. If Toad and the GWR van were able to get added to n-scale, what is preventing Bachmann from announcing Duck?
Also, has anyone noticed how long HO Duck has been sold out from Bachmann's webpage? Maybe that could be the reason for Bachmann to introduce Duck to N-scale. Hopefully he'll be added soon.
I think that if Bachmann wants to be consistent with announcing new tooling announcements, they would bring Edward into the lineup for this year's NMRA. If that happens, Edward's price tag is likely to be on par with Gordon and Emily due to tooling configuration, making him one of the most expensive models.
Quote from: Chaz on April 05, 2026, 11:32:54 PMQuote from: Awesometrain77 on April 05, 2026, 07:56:55 PMTbh I feel like Duck is not much of a necessity compared to Edward tbh .
He's not, but Duck is also a very popular character in the fandom and now has a following similar to Edward's, especially since Edward hasn't been part of the main cast for almost 10 years.
Additionally, if Bachmann wants to take a break from producing another tender engine after Henry and instead tackle a smaller engine, Duck would be one of the safer options, as his HO model remains one of Bachmann's most popular sellers.
Plus looking at Duck from a tooling/chassis prospective, Bachmann knows they can reuse that if they ever want to introduce Donald and Douglas into the N scale line. I want Edward just as much as everyone else but I know tooling wise he'll be more to manufacturer and is a one and done. Theres no other 4-4-0 in the range that would reuse that. Plus if we get a smaller engine like Duck then hopefully we may also get a newly tooled bit of Rolling stock too.
Quote from: travel_is_fun on April 06, 2026, 01:05:23 AMAlso, has anyone noticed how long HO Duck has been sold out from Bachmann's webpage? Maybe that could be the reason for Bachmann to introduce Duck to N-scale. Hopefully he'll be added soon.
Funny you should mention that... in today's New Model Monday, Bachmann commented that Duck will be arriving back in stock soon, along with James (both normal and origin versions), Henry, Oliver, and Emily, as well as a lot of rolling stock.
But yes, it is very encouraging to see Duck's popularity continuing to be as strong as ever. I also like the idea of them introducing a smaller engine in N scale, like Duck, while opening up the door for more new rolling stock toolings, such as a BR 20-ton brake van and a new tanker tooling.
Hi guys! It's been a while since I've been on here, but seeing that the old thread got "Thanos snapped", I'll pick out the models I want to see happen (including reintroductions):
HO/OO:
Whiff: a character with a unique basis, BUT perhaps the advantage like Mavis or Toby in that he doesn't require siderods to power the wheels, so probably be something for Bachmann to think of. As well as he checks off appearing in the CGI era, until Season 22. However I wouldn't be surprised if maybe how they attach his glasses as a separate piece or not might be the issue....
Stephen: to accompany the blue, open coach that's been announced, he'd be interesting to make. However, they'd have to make him like Beau, the only HO scale character to not have moving eyes since he'd be so small.
Glynn: same as Stephen if he gets decided as the alternative red character we've yet to see outside of James and the upcoming Mainland Diesel.
Hector: a rolling stock character as an alternative that Bachmann can think about. I mean we've been getting S.C.Ruffey even though he's not in the show after his appearance in Season 4, heck even the Spiteful Brakevan made his appearance in 2018/2019 even though he never appeared again after Season 2. Plus if they need a Hopper Truck, they can utilize this and alter it a bit for the next batch of faceless hopper trucks.
Gordon's Special Coaches: like with Toby's Museum Coach that only appeared once in Season 9, so too have Gordon's Special Coaches (hilariously they never bothered to keep) only in Season 10. If Bachmann need to have some repaint on rolling stock, this can help get some variety into the range since there's only the regular green express coaches, red express coaches, and then there's Spencer's Coach (but no brake coach).
Spencer's Brake Coach: weird they only made a composite coach, but no brake coach for Spencer, another bit of variety/add-on to Spencer's coach.
Reintroductions:
Seeing Arry and Bert be reintroduced into the range would probably be a better idea since with the likes of the Mainland Diesel + Sidney being released later on in the future, as well as Diesel and Paxton existing in the lineup, might as well go for these two WITH a few tweaks here and there: change Arry's face and remove the stubble on him and keep Bert's on so that way it's easy to tell who's who...
N Scale:
IF they make Edward, the numbers 1-7 will be complete. Afterwards, it'll be all down to which one they want to go with, whether Duck (popular character, as well as the next numbered engine after Toby), Donald & Douglas (if they want to dabble in making twins), Oliver (to accompany Toad), Rosie (as another female engine), Bill & Ben (alternative to Donald and Douglas), Mavis (another diesel, also similar situation as Toby being one with side plates), Salty (another diesel, but red-ish), AND Daisy (a diesel with a different chassis to the other characters).
009 Scale:
Luke: another alternative that doesn't need to worry about "accuracy" of their real-life basis (looking at you Duncan). The only thing is that they'd probably have to make a semi-cabless variant IF they plan on making Peter Pan (the real life basis of Luke).
Victor: it'd be interesting if he gets made as an alternative for Sir Topham Hatt's engine of the narrow gauge range.
Millie: female, also another engine at some point in the future IF they make Stephen and/or Glynn in HO/OO scale.
I think with Bachmann embracing the Bachmann UK vent van for recent products including Troublesome Truck #7, it would be refreshing to see the range switch over to the Bachmann UK 7-plank wagon tooling for newer wagons going forward. These are a bit shorter than the ex-Mainline toolings that Bachmann currently uses, and as a result look more accurate to how 7-plank wagons look in all eras of the TV series.
(https://i.imgur.com/kzj9JmW.jpeg)
To add, it would be a good segway to introduce some CGI style Troublesome Trucks. The CGI era has lots of wacky and silly faces for them that would stand out from the current selection of trucks. There's also lots of new potential load possibilities that could be given to the trucks.
(https://i.imgur.com/pppoOf1.jpeg)
I personally think something like this would give the trucks in the range a breath of fresh air.
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
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:
(https://i.gyazo.com/66ba3c98a98501612d0eacc21f2f003d.webp)
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.
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)
(https://i.postimg.cc/D0QgnyfR/Photo_Collage_20260410_180507918.png)
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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/x8GRnTTd/Photo_Collage_20260410_174348677.jpg)
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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/cC7m0441/Photo_Collage_20260410_174645632.jpg)
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.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1ts0M1KZ/Photo-Collage-20260410-184046214.jpg)
The inverse can be true for HO aswell.
HO Concepts
(https://i.postimg.cc/QNvqbbp9/Photo_Collage_20260411_090415109.jpg)
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
(https://i.postimg.cc/sXvpPQx8/Photo_Collage_20260410_191801052.jpg)
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
Quote from: Chaz on April 09, 2026, 01:16:21 AMI 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:
(https://i.gyazo.com/66ba3c98a98501612d0eacc21f2f003d.webp)
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...
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.
Quote from: Zorran202 on April 11, 2026, 03:53:44 PMHere'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.
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
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.
Quote from: Mulfred on April 10, 2026, 01:50:14 PMSomething 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.
Quote from: Kemptown Branch on April 15, 2026, 10:01:35 PMQuote from: Mulfred on April 10, 2026, 01:50:14 PMSomething 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.
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 .