This thread isn't a wishlist, or a predictions thread. This is simply a list of all the potential rolling stock Bachmann can do. The reason I am making this list is while it's great we finally got Duck, I've noticed the HO range has been shaved down quite a bit ever since the introduction of the Large Scale range.
1. Revisions of Thomas, Percy and James.
(http://www.gscaleonline.co.uk/WebRoot/Store2/Shops/es116894_shop/4CE5/62D5/BA68/B728/4A22/0A0F/110C/68A4/Thomas_2.JPG)
I'm not sure what's going on in HiT Entertainments marketing division, where they decide what Bachmann products are made next, but I sure hope someone at Bachmann has at least forwarded them the message that the current toolings of the "main three" HO Thomas locomotives toolings are outdated. This includes Thomas, Percy, and James. I think people find this to be a shame because the new models have amazing quality (the best of any Thomas merchandise produced, in my opinion) yet the most famous engines, and thus the most commonly bought, are poor representations of how decent the Bachmann Thomas range really is. I think it's time for Bachmann to bring their main three engines back from the ground up with the latest technology!
The best part about this is the problem is already halfway solved. The Large Scale range is a beautiful representation of who Thomas, Percy and James are. The tooling (which in this era, usually is first designed digitally if I recall correctly) already exists, so it would just need to be scaled down to the proper scale, have a new chassis designed, and make sure the buffers and height line up with Bachmanns other HO stock. A bit lengthy of things to do, but considering Bachmanns experience, I imagine this would be no problem for them.
This also opens the door for the main three engines to have their "CGI" looks in HO scale, which is something HiT seems to be strongly pushing towards in all of their Thomas ranges these days.
1a. This also applies to Annie and Clarabel!
2. Charlie, Hiro Rosie, Stanley and or Whiff
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100202122909/ttte/images/c/c5/PlayTime74.png)
I'm actually surprised none of these engines have been made yet. They have had a high amount of regular appearances in the TV series lately. They're all in CGI too, so any of these engines would go nicely with Bachmanns increasingly CGI rolling stock. Their frequent appearances will also be very familiar to kids, so that's a plus too. The reason I've categorized them all into one number is because they all pretty much have the same reasoning. The only real engines that stick out of that crowd are Charlie, Hiro and Whiff. Hiro starred in a special, and Charlie and Whiff both have had a few starring roles in new episodes (even more I think than Spencer did at the time of the release of his Bachmann model!). If this were a wishlist though, I'd be hoping for Stanley!
3. Arry and Bert.
(http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120221095754/ttte/images/e/e0/Ol%27WheezyWobbles26.png)
I'm not gonna sit around and pretend that these two aren't a quick cash in just waiting to happen. Just remove Diesels ladders and a few other front details Arry and Bert don't have, repaint the bodies, and change the face. You got these guys made in easily just a few months prototype development time. It's so ridiculously easy to make these two that it almost seems inevitable to me. However, the question is if anybody is really demanding these two. I'd wager my money that not many are.
4. Plant/Scrap Wagons
(http://images.wikia.com/ttte/images/6/65/BolsterWagonCGI.jpg)
Once an obscure wagon on the model era, only getting its big highlight in "Henrys Forest," CGI gave these interesting wagons a second lease on life, and now appear frequently in episodes. They've had a rising count of appearances (at the time of typing) in Season 16. They're now commonly filled with scrap, but ideally could be filled with anything if made in HO. A very unique freight car, and iconic of the Thomas and Friends franchise to frequent watchers.
5. Trevor and Butch
(http://images.wikia.com/ttte/images/6/6f/TrevorCGIface.jpg)
Trevor has been in high demand for a long time. It's almost a shocker that Trevor didn't come this year! Considering Harold and Berties current prices, I think Trevor and Butch would price nicely at $25. Both have already appeared in the CGI series, and while Butch has been getting regular appearances in the show, Trevor has been around much longer and is widely recognized as part of the franchise. In a way, he's the "Duck" of the roadway vehicles for Bachmann.
Closing thoughts for everyone else who frequents the Bachmann Thomas section:
- Take a strong notice at how I included nothing that's exclusive to the model era. Times are changing, and I have a feeling that Duck and the Ice Cream Wagon are the last of model era exclusives.
- There's a lot of other obscure things I could have went over, like the red coaches, varying hopper cars CGI has brought in, the new CGI brake vans, etc. but I'm a bit tired (notice how I hot linked from the wikia for now). Feel free to contribute your own potential items. Remember, this isn't a wishlist, nor is it predictions. This thread is just to give Bachmann popular items and possibilities to consider, since there's plenty of potential for the HO range. ;)
Quote from: Sparks on February 28, 2012, 01:52:22 AMThis also opens the door for the main three engines to have their "CGI" looks in HO scale, which is something HiT seems to be strongly pushing towards in all of their Thomas ranges these days.
We got a new batch of the Magnet Thomas engines and Percy still has his old model face :) so please, if Bachmann can get away with that too, that would be much better than their boring generic CGI faces. They have no heart.
By magnet Thomas do you mean the Wooden, or Take N Play range?
Quote from: Sparks on February 28, 2012, 02:12:00 AM
By magnet Thomas do you mean the Wooden, or Take N Play range?
Take n Play? I'm not sure. I don't buy Thomas toddler toys :P just the awesome Bachmann engines.
A well written piece, and I share your hopes, especially for the original three. But (and please forgive me if I misunderstood) I am concerned about this statement:
Quote from: Sparks on February 28, 2012, 01:52:22 AM
...and make sure the buffers and height line up with Bachmanns other HO stock...
The fact that Thomas' front buffer is lower than standard is part of the Thomas lore. It really should be lower. The Rev Awdry tried to fix it, but it seemed to just stay with Thomas. I really hope they don't try to adjust it back up.
That isn't referring to Thomas. Notice how compared to the HO Annie, Clarabel, and Troublesome Trucks the buffers are in slightly different spots, likely to accommodate the scale.
If I were to get a Bachmann charlie, I'd transform him into silly billy.
Id definitely like to see Arry and Bert added to the HO range in the near future, and i agree that the HO Thomas, Percy and James models could do with a facelift, they are nice engines, but they don't compare to the wonderful detail shown on the Large Scale Thomas models, this detailing could make the HO models so much better.
Stanley is another character id like to see considered for a future release. :)
Quote from: Stepney the 'Bluebell' Engine on February 28, 2012, 05:14:36 PM
the HO Thomas, Percy and James models could do with a facelift, they are nice engines, but they don't compare to the wonderful detail shown on the Large Scale Thomas models, this detailing could make the HO models so much better.
Also instead of just new faces, maybe some different paint in places such as Percy's bunker and James' smokebox side, wheels, and axle boxes on his tender. maybe an actually mounted whistle, rather than a moulded whistle, on James' cab roof
that's just my two cents
Seriously... who DOESN'T want Bachmann 'Arry and Bert? ;D
Quote from: DinoNTrains on February 28, 2012, 06:21:22 PM
Quote from: Stepney the 'Bluebell' Engine on February 28, 2012, 05:14:36 PM
the HO Thomas, Percy and James models could do with a facelift, they are nice engines, but they don't compare to the wonderful detail shown on the Large Scale Thomas models, this detailing could make the HO models so much better.
Also instead of just new faces, maybe some different paint in places such as Percy's bunker and James' smokebox side, wheels, and axle boxes on his tender. maybe an actually mounted whistle, rather than a moulded whistle, on James' cab roof
that's just my two cents
Well when I say revisions, I mean entirely new, more accurately proportioned locomotives for those three, not just touch ups to the current tooling. :)
Quote from: Cupix the Azelf on February 28, 2012, 07:34:38 PM
Seriously... who DOESN'T want Bachmann 'Arry and Bert? ;D
I really could care less if Bachmann made those two. I think their resources could be spent on making more interesting engines.
One thing that always drove me nuts about Bachmann's James is the fact of how big and bulky he is. In accordance with the TVS, he should not be taller than Gordon, and he should basically be Edward's size, especially his width, which contributes to the problem of his buffers not being placed close enough to the outer edge of his running plate.
Quote from: ThomasFan247 on February 28, 2012, 11:00:19 PM
One thing that always drove me nuts about Bachmann's James is the fact of how big and bulky he is. In accordance with the TVS, he should not be taller than Gordon, and he should basically be Edward's size, especially his width, which contributes to the problem of his buffers not being placed close enough to the outer edge of his running plate.
Same! James always kinda confused me. I never quite felt the Arrogant James that was shown in the model. I think revisions of this model, if they should decide to revise any, James first :) TF247, is Edward your fav. engine? My fav. is him.
Yes me too, James never really captured the sleek train he realy is, he is too boxy.Hopefully they can fix that. New face would be nice.
Quote from: SodorAdventures on February 28, 2012, 11:03:59 PM
Quote from: ThomasFan247 on February 28, 2012, 11:00:19 PM
One thing that always drove me nuts about Bachmann's James is the fact of how big and bulky he is. In accordance with the TVS, he should not be taller than Gordon, and he should basically be Edward's size, especially his width, which contributes to the problem of his buffers not being placed close enough to the outer edge of his running plate.
Same! James always kinda confused me. I never quite felt the Arrogant James that was shown in the model. I think revisions of this model, if they should decide to revise any, James first :) TF247, is Edward your fav. engine? My fav. is him.
He's one of my favorite Bachmann locos, but Thomas will still always be my favorite :P
If you paint over James' painting errors well enough, the model can actually be a nice model to look at. Having said that, though, looking at my James lined up next to my Edward, the size difference is almost unbearable.
The face is the only other point of criticism for me, however considering the character, I wouldn't say it was the worst face Bachmann ever made--That title belongs to Thomas & Percy in my opinion. I suppose it just proves that Bachmann's work does improve with time and practice. :P
I think a Trevor model would be a wise decision on Bachmann's part. A long-lasting and recognisable road character who people will (for the most part) still remember...(Or perhaps that statement isn't so realistic?). Would be a nice addition to any layout featuring Harold, Bertie or Terence & would look good in almost any setting within a model railroad (whether it be a Town Fair, Harbor or Orchard). At any rate, it would give those of us who don't have access to an Ertl collection a nice looking (and hopefully more refined & accurate in terms of HO scale) Trevor model to place around the layout as decoration.
But again, just my thoughts...
JWR3001
In order for bachmann to make some Skarloey engines they would have to make some HOn30 tracks & some narrow gauge engines from the USA first. HOn30 is part of 3.5mm along with HO itself.
Quote from: ClearwtaerMK2 on March 02, 2012, 05:03:23 PM
In order for bachmann to make some Skarloey engines they would have to make some HOn30 tracks & some narrow gauge engines from the USA first. HOn30 is part of 3.5mm along with HO itself.
HOn30 can easily be substituted for N scale track. If people want to buy the proper track though, the alternatives exist.
Quote from: ClearwtaerMK2 on March 02, 2012, 05:03:23 PM
In order for bachmann to make some Skarloey engines they would have to make some HOn30 tracks & some narrow gauge engines from the USA first. HOn30 is part of 3.5mm along with HO itself.
Or, they can just get some of the design guys who have done work for Bachmann's Lilliput range, specifically HOe scale, to set a few of the standards, ie coupling heights and scale.
As Sparks said, chances are it'd come with N scale track. I believe the On30 train sets are sold with HO scale track.
They could do with a new Spencer, i have looked at this and found it looks terrible! The hornby one is Streaks head! (no pun intended!)
All engines need to be updated except Donald,Douglas,Diesel and Duck in my opinion
Quote from: DuckFan45 on March 05, 2012, 07:13:16 PM
All engines need to be updated except Donald,Douglas,Diesel and Duck in my opinion
I don't think Edward, Salty or Mavis need to be updated. :P
or Bill and Ben, well maybe just Ben's face. Emily and Toby are alright too.
Quote from: Anthony P2 on March 05, 2012, 10:10:56 PM
or Bill and Ben, well maybe just Ben's face. Emily and Toby are alright too.
True that! ::)
Quote from: Calebtrain on March 05, 2012, 07:54:11 PM
Quote from: DuckFan45 on March 05, 2012, 07:13:16 PM
All engines need to be updated except Donald,Douglas,Diesel and Duck in my opinion
I don't think Edward, Salty or Mavis need to be updated. :P
I think only Henry needs a new tender, but everyone else is good IMO or not as important enough to financially warrant a redesign.
Quote from: Anthony P2 on March 05, 2012, 10:10:56 PM
or Bill and Ben, well maybe just Ben's face. Emily and Toby are alright too.
It seems people are disappointed in Ben's face, but really, it's more based on this face from The Great Discovery.
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100518143155/ttte/images/thumb/1/1d/TheGreatDiscovery185.png/542px-TheGreatDiscovery185.png) (http://ttte.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bill_and_Ben&image=TheGreatDiscovery185-png)
I just want to see the main engines from seasons 1-4 all made.
So basically all that's left to be released (since Duck is already next) is:
1. Boco
2. Daisy
3. Oliver
4. Stepney
Then that's the main classic engines from all 4 seasons released. I would be a very happy Thomas & Friends fan.
if they did make narrow gauge engines then Bachmann has the advantage to make Victor as well. and if the can make models like the DeWitt Clinton, the Lafayette/Pegusses locomotives then they can make the narrow gauge engines because the motors will be able to fit inside. plus if the did start making narrow gauge engines both Thomas and regular locomotives than this will give the advantage to modelers h=who want to model narrow gauge american lines if they don't have the room for On30 models.
Quote from: Skarloey on March 06, 2012, 02:31:27 AM
Quote from: Anthony P2 on March 05, 2012, 10:10:56 PM
or Bill and Ben, well maybe just Ben's face. Emily and Toby are alright too.
It seems people are disappointed in Ben's face, but really, it's more based on this face from The Great Discovery.
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100518143155/ttte/images/thumb/1/1d/TheGreatDiscovery185.png/542px-TheGreatDiscovery185.png) (http://ttte.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bill_and_Ben&image=TheGreatDiscovery185-png)
The face was also used in the episodes where Bill and Ben were in around Seasons 8-11. ;)
Quote from: Cupix the Azelf on March 06, 2012, 10:30:24 PM
Quote from: Skarloey on March 06, 2012, 02:31:27 AM
Quote from: Anthony P2 on March 05, 2012, 10:10:56 PM
or Bill and Ben, well maybe just Ben's face. Emily and Toby are alright too.
It seems people are disappointed in Ben's face, but really, it's more based on this face from The Great Discovery.
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100518143155/ttte/images/thumb/1/1d/TheGreatDiscovery185.png/542px-TheGreatDiscovery185.png) (http://ttte.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bill_and_Ben&image=TheGreatDiscovery185-png)
The face was also used in the episodes where Bill and Ben were in around Seasons 8-11. ;)
No, I don't think so, as their normal Season 3 faces were used much of the time, as well as this one.
(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091004184235/ttte/images/thumb/7/7c/BoldandBrave3.jpg/549px-BoldandBrave3.jpg) (http://ttte.wikia.com/index.php?title=Bill_and_Ben&image=BoldandBrave3-jpg)
Im just talking couplings, faces unpainted areas and big black blocks (James) and sizes
Oh, and by the way im new here
Welcome to the Forum! Hope you enjoy it here.
If anything, I'd love to see NEM coupling pockets. Considering they're becoming the norm, it'd help me out in regards to couplings. At the moment, I'm fitted Kaydees to all of mine and it's time consuming when everything has incompatible mounts.
DCC sockets are something else I'd like to see, but they aren't really that essential.
Jack
If anything though, I'd love to see the show move onto CGI era characters. The likes of Hiro, Charlie, Whiff and Rosie would be nice to see produced.
Jack
I agree. there are MANY characters that i can see Bachmann coming out with like (As you said) Rosie or Hiro. Charlie would be a good seller too. I do think it is time for Bachmann to come out with another female character like Rosie and/or, if Bachmann wants to, make Daisy. Daisy would be an easy make. there would be PLENTY of room for DCC and/or sound. NEM couplings and DCC sockets would be nice as well, along with some road characters like Trevor, Blugy, Elizabeth and even Butch.
@Skarloey yes, I know, but that face used for Bachmann Ben was around in the S8-11 era for the first time.
Quote from: fighter4luv on March 06, 2012, 02:34:53 AM
I just want to see the main engines from seasons 1-4 all made.
So basically all that's left to be released (since Duck is already next) is:
1. Boco
2. Daisy
3. Oliver
4. Stepney
Then that's the main classic engines from all 4 seasons released. I would be a very happy Thomas & Friends fan.
If only...
The only ones who have a chance at this point are Oliver and Stepney. Stepney has a much smaller chance then Oliver too, which is a shame because he is one of my favorite characters and I can picture Bachmann doing Stepney beautifully.
As for Oliver, if he were to be announced next year (or the year after), it honestly wouldn't surprise me. He would be the most logical character to follow up with recent additions. It would really surprise me if Bachmann would do the likes of Bill, Ben, Donald, Douglas, and Duck in recent years but not Oliver. Even if we should expect newer characters in the near future, I personally think that Oliver still has a lot of potential.
I'm just -hoping- Bachmann squeezes in Oliver, and maybe BoCo and Daisy before moving on to the CGI era. If they got Stepney as well though, Bachmann would have a perfect collection of the classic engines we remember from Season 1-4.
i wanna see charlie or stanley
but if it was up 2 me what engines came next defo oliver,stepney,daisy
but as 4 boco or derek i think HELJAN UK should make them coz thay have the class's
Quote from: gwr duck on March 15, 2012, 01:22:08 PM
i wanna see charlie or stanley
but if it was up 2 me what engines came next defo oliver,stepney,daisy
but as 4 boco or derek i think HELJAN UK should make them coz thay have the class's
Heljan doesn't have the rights to make Thomas locomotives, but I did seize that opportunity for Derek.
(http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/6966/dsci0078p.jpg)
I was going to repaint him, but when I proposed this, it was met with general objection since Heljans model is already the right color and is a fine piece of work! Good hauler too. I was lucky to get it from a friend.
i always wanted 2 do that wear did the face come from and is there a way 2 put a smoke unit in it 2 make it look like hes broken down again ::) ::)
Quote from: Sparks on March 15, 2012, 01:51:33 PM
Quote from: gwr duck on March 15, 2012, 01:22:08 PM
i wanna see charlie or stanley
but if it was up 2 me what engines came next defo oliver,stepney,daisy
but as 4 boco or derek i think HELJAN UK should make them coz thay have the class's
Heljan doesn't have the rights to make Thomas locomotives, but I did seize that opportunity for Derek.
(http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/6966/dsci0078p.jpg)
I was going to repaint him, but when I proposed this, it was met with general objection since Heljans model is already the right color and is a fine piece of work! Good hauler too. I was lucky to get it from a friend.
I like this. The Heljan model is by far the best Class 17 model out there.
Jack
Derek looks very nice!
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Quote from: Choobacca on April 05, 2012, 04:51:10 AMI'm sure I've read somewhere that Kader who make the Bachmann Thomas range also have some tooling for a Guards Brake van with a working light at the back?
Hornby made some (I think!) back in the 70s, but I've never seen a ready to run Mainline/Bachmann Branchline example.
Jack
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No, they only said that it should have been put in the show. The basis would work well for the tanker models
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Found this NW Milk Wagon:
(http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091229024136/ttte/images/thumb/2/2e/MilkVan.PNG/625px-MilkVan.PNG)
Quote from: Choobacca on May 19, 2012, 03:37:20 PM
Found this NW Milk Wagon:
(http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091229024136/ttte/images/thumb/2/2e/MilkVan.PNG/625px-MilkVan.PNG)
Bachmann will nerver make a model like that