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Discussion Boards => Thomas & Friends => Topic started by: TrainFan97 on February 29, 2016, 03:19:10 PM

Title: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 29, 2016, 03:19:10 PM
Here is the official thread to discuss your 2017 wishlists. Never too early for wishlists. Here's my 2017 wishlist:

HO
Paxton, Sidney, Daisy, or Stanley
Percy or Diesel with speed activated sound
James with proper colors
Troublesome Truck #6 (Tanker)
Water Tanker
Brown Van

Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel, Peter Sam, or Rusty
Red and Blue Coaches
Red, Blue, and Brown Brakevans

Large
Edward, Mavis, Diesel, or Bill and Ben
Troublesome Truck #3
Henrietta
Red Coaches

Buildings

Ffarquhar
Henry's Tunnel
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: mully on February 29, 2016, 03:46:21 PM
It is too early.  :-\ only been two weeks since this years announcement...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 29, 2016, 03:48:11 PM
I remember seeing people make wishlists just a few days after their yearly announcements a few years ago.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: mully on February 29, 2016, 03:52:46 PM
And i would say it to them to soon lol. Plus i seem to recall just last week or the one before this type of thread being taken down due to complaints about The type of thread and how we should not make them
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 29, 2016, 03:55:01 PM
People are getting tired of wishlist threads?

If I'm annoying anyone here, I am sorry. It is never my intention. If everyone is getting tired of wishlist threads, the mods are free to take this one down again. I didn't realize it was taken down before because people were getting tired of it. I will not make a thread like this again. However, I wasn't breaking any rules.

Plus, how was I supposed to know?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Metal on February 29, 2016, 10:52:28 PM
Considering the recent atmosphere of this board in recent times, I hope this doesn't blow up in hostility
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: mully on February 29, 2016, 11:20:04 PM
It won't blow up lol. And I was not having a go or anything just pointing out what i have seen people saying that is all.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 29, 2016, 11:28:25 PM
Let's all just get along. Arguing will only tear us apart. Moving on...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Akodenski on March 08, 2016, 06:58:18 PM
Here's my wish list for 2017:

HO scale:

Locomotives:
Stanley
Whiff

Rolling stock:
Brown long scrap wagon with scrap load. The brown scrap wagon we saw in Percy and the callopie.

Figures:
The Duke and Dutches of Oxford

I realistically think that Bachman could make all the products on this wish list next year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ThomasFan1993 on March 13, 2016, 11:37:53 AM
Here's my predicitions for 2017:

HO Scale -
Engines:
* Stanley
* Sidney
* Paxton
* Samson
* Harvey
* Daisy
* Philip
* Marion

Rolling Stock:
* Re-designed Annie & Clarabel
* Re-designed Henrietta
* Re-designed Gordon's Express Coaches
* Rocky
* Judy & Jerome
* Works Unit Coach - Olive Green
* Re-designed Tidmouth Milk Tanker
* Re-designed Sodor Fuel Tanker
* Troublesome Truck #6
* Troublesome Truck #7

Buildings:
* Sodor Shipping Company Warehouse
* Ffarqhuar Station
* The 4-roff shed (by Tidmouth Sheds)

Vehicles:
* Re-designed Bertie
* Butch
* Trevor
* Flynn

Narrow Gauge -
Engines
* Sir Handel
* Peter Sam

Rolling Stock:
* Skarloey Railway Coach
* Skarloey Railway Brake Van

Buildings -
* Skarloey Railway Water Tower
* Skarloey Railway Engine Sheds
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Metal on March 21, 2016, 04:49:41 PM
Ok considering that the hostile atmosphere has died down, hopefully we can go to civil discussions.
To start off.

The only classic character I could think of is Daisy
However with Rosie in play. Bachmann's licenser wants them to focus on newer charcaters. They might go for the most marketable. The most marketable characters I could think of outside of the Steam Team are; Diesel, Salty, Spencer, Rosie, Charlie, Hiro, Flynn.
However Flynn is a gimmick design character. So I don't think a Bachmann model of him would work.
So here are what I think are reasonable candidates.

Charlie
(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/43/NotSoSlowCoaches55.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150423162140)
Consider that we're getting Roise, Bachamnn might as well do Charlie, a questionable choice character-wise. However on the positive side, he has a nice design with an interesting livery and has quite the detailing for a small tank engine. So given it would bring color contrast. He would provide a kitbash option for other modellers if they choose to do so. Hopefully, the pros could outweigh the cons if Bachmann happens to bring Charlie into the range.

Hiro
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d2/NoMoreMrNiceEngine25.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20160129222235)
Compared to Arry/Bert, Rosie and Charlie, this would the one I would consider the most. Since his debut, Hiro has become one of the most iconic character of the franchise. He's a well-developed character with actual depth and has a beautiful design. Another tender engine in the range. The pricing will be around Skarloey, but even so, Skarloey still sold well, regardless of pricing. Hiro is highly popular with both older and younger fans. He would make and extraordinary model, and would also provide Japanese Railway modellers kitbash for the real D51. Overall, Hiro is my personal favorite character from the CGI era, and I would be most then interested in a model.

For NG

Peter Sam
(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/39/DuncanandtheGrumpyPassenger31.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20160114164902)
Personally, I feel that he has a stronger following than Sir Handel. Peter Sam has been a prominant supporting character where Sir has fallen in nonexistence onto the sidelines.

Rusty
(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/8c/TheSwitch46.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150925061818)
I would say the same for Rusty as I would with Peter Sam, as he seems to have a strong following. Rusty could be an alternative for Peter Sam, mostly due that Rusty has a much simpler design.

I would like to see Duncan considering that he's my favorite NG engine. But I could see it either being those two.

Please give some feedback. :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on March 21, 2016, 06:48:05 PM
Seeing as how it's been over a month since the 2016 announcements, here is what I would like to personally see from Bachmann in the future in narrow gauge only restricting it to my top three engines and stock possibilities that I would be in favor of.

(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/48/SirHandelCGIPromo.png/revision/latest?cb=20120229022209)  (http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/0/02/PeterSamCGIPromo.png/revision/latest?cb=20120229151726)
For engines, Sir Handel and Peter Sam both seem like the most likely, if not inevitable additions to join the range in the near future.  They both offer unique color contrasts to the range as well as being highly anticipated since day one of Skarloey's announcement.  Plus, there has been talk of the possibility of Skarloey and Rheneas' toolings being reused as Talyllyn and Dolgoch models.  In this regard, Sir Handel and Peter Sam would both offer conversion possibilities for both Sir Haydn and Edward Thomas respectively, ultimately leading to strong sales.  I can see Bachmann picking either one of these next year, if not both (if we are lucky), since they would go pretty well together.

(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/9/9f/BlueMountainMystery263.png/revision/latest?cb=20150612062840)
Best of all, if Bachmann wants to go for a simpler tooling the following year(s) after Sir Handel and Peter Sam, Rusty would be be perfect to join the range following these two.  His tooling is not only easier to make, but he also brings diversity to the range as the first and only narrow gauge diesel.  This could also lead to strong sales as well as plenty of conversion possibilities, particularly with his chassis.  It would then lead to only Duncan being left to complete the main six narrow gauge engines, so why avoid that?

I honestly don't mind personally whether or not they do the main six narrow gauge engines in numerical order or not.  As long as they are announced/made before any of the newer characters, I have no complaints on which order they choose to go in.  Though, if we were to go in the order of popularity then I agree with Metal with Peter Sam and Rusty before Sir Handel and Duncan.  Peter Sam has always been my favorite narrow gauge engine personally so I won't object to that idea. :)

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/3b/SkarloeyRailwayCoachesCGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20160115181512)
Next, I would like to talk about rolling stock possibilities starting with coaches.  The red narrow gauge coaches that are used in the show now would not only work in regards to keeping up with the show, but they also work so well because they are also based off the real Talyllyn coaches.  I can easily see Bachmann making a coach with this livery as well as making one in a blue/white livery to match the Model era for a color contrast.  Either way, I see both selling like crazy!

(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/43/SkarloeyRailwaywagons.png/revision/latest?cb=20140310213929)
Another possibility I would like to talk about are coal wagons.  I think Bachmann should look into making this new wagon tooling by releasing three with different coal loads, similar to the slate wagons that were announced this year.  We may already have the open wagon from last year's announcements, but I think these would honestly be worth the investment for a new tooling and would have better sales than their previous Peco recolor.

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/a/ac/CGISkarloeyRailwaybrakevan.png/revision/latest?cb=20130612111645)
The last rolling stock possibility I would like to bring up are brake vans.  Just like coaches, brake vans have been wanted by fans for some time in the Skarloey range, and they also allow for three different color contrasts: blue, red, and brown.  I can easily see brake vans being popular sellers.

Last but not least, one of my friends suggested that I mentioned this on the forum, (your welcome Kevin :P) but I think that the Skarloey line needs a train set.  If they do a set, I would imagine it would be Skarloey with 2 to 3 slate wagons and an oval of track with a controller.  This would be a pretty good starter set to help fans get started with narrow gauge, and may help encourage consumers to eventually buy some of the other engines and stock to have in their collection.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: E2 Billington on March 31, 2016, 11:03:23 AM
I'm new to this forum, but the engines/rolling stock I want in 2017 are

HO
Flying Scotsman
Rosie
Den and Dart

G scale
Thomas with sound
Tank cars with empty interiors and a removable top.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Artist794 on March 31, 2016, 02:41:00 PM
Welcome Aboard E2 Billington!!!

Good news on the HO scale Rosie and G scale Thomas with sound. Both were in the newest Bachmann catalog so we will get them in the future. G scale will ether have the sound built in or by a separate module you can add to your current loco.

Personally id love to see Flying Scotsmen as well, But ill be honest id love to see anyone new in this range. The fact that Bachmann is continuing to make these great models is the best thing.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Thomasfan39 on March 31, 2016, 03:14:06 PM
Quote from: E2 Billington on March 31, 2016, 11:03:23 AM
I'm new to this forum, but the engines/rolling stock I want in 2017 are

HO
Flying Scotsman
Rosie
Den and Dart

G scale
Thomas with sound
Tank cars with empty interiors and a removable top.
[/quote
We already are getting Rosie and large scale Thomas with sound if you look at the 2016 announcements on the forum it will show what they are making for 2016.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: E2 Billington on March 31, 2016, 09:20:58 PM
Flying Scotsman would be really cool, I mean all the factories would have to do for Flying Scotsman is take Gordan's tooling, change the paint, face, add another tender and Wa-La! It's Flying Scotsman!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on March 31, 2016, 10:43:19 PM
As long as we get Sir Handel, and or Peter Sam, they could churn out Stanley, Charlie or Den and Dart for all I care.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: E2 Billington on April 01, 2016, 02:26:26 PM
Good point. :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on April 01, 2016, 02:28:56 PM
Not entirely sure on Den and Dart happening anytime soon.  Though if Rosie is anything to go off of, Charlie seems to be the most likely candidate more than anyone else, apart from Paxton or possibly Hiro.  I think at this point we will most likely see more newer characters in HO while Bachmann will satisfy the classic audience more with narrow gauge.  After this years announcements, I've been under the impression that Bachmann intentionally announced Oliver and Skarloey at the same time last year so they can keep the older fans engaged in the narrow gauge line while announcing the one classic character in HO who has had a high demand after Duck, Donald, and Douglas.  Then after that, they would announce their first newer character this year in HO and then keep the older fans invested by continuing to move forward with the narrow gauge line with Rheneas.

If this really is the case, then I don't think this is a bad thing by any means, since the narrow gauge engines coming out is a pretty nice trade off on its own.  Plus, there are some newer characters I wouldn't mind seeing in the near future myself either in HO, Porter in particular.  But if not, then Oliver will probably be the last engine I pick up in HO for the time being so I can focus more on narrow gauge.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Akodenski on April 01, 2016, 07:49:17 PM
Does anyone want Ashima or Gator next year. Although Ashima is a very new character I love all the colors on her and Gator well I see him having a more likely chance to be introduced to range since he has been around longer. Nonetheless I would love to see either of these engines be released next year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: railtwister on April 01, 2016, 08:46:29 PM
My local shop says that their G scale railroading business has all but dried up, and they are stocking very little, because they can't afford to tie up inventory dollars if the product is not moving. O three rail has slowed down a lot, too, and it does seem to coincide with the slowed economy. I think this has a big bearing on the limited number of new items coming from Bacnmann as well, both in G and On30, which I also model in. G has a particular problem because of its large size, which makes tooling costs geometrically more expensive. At least Bachmann is bringing out new items in HO and N gauge, but the prices do seem to be getting out of control, I know I'm having to cut back on new stuff and also need to thin the present collection down, too.

Bill in FtL
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on April 08, 2016, 07:37:46 PM
You hit the nail with the hammer on that one, Bill.  Manufacturing and pricing has always been an issue with Bachmann, especially when it comes to new toolings.  I can see why HO and narrow gauge have been doing better in regards to having a new tooling since they are nowhere near as expensive as large scale equipment.  It doesn't help that prices increase frequently too.  I think besides adding DCC/sound to the rest of their current engines, the only other engine I could see them going for is Mavis because she would only require a new body shell tooling while reusing the same motor and wheelbase as Toby.  The red coaches and other rolling stock recolors are also likely additions in the future too.  As much as I am for Henrietta in large scale, I honestly think Bachmann would more likely go for a new tooling in large scale that they know that they can reuse to make other products in the future.  Diesel and the mail car in particular I think would make more sense in that regard than anything else.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on April 13, 2016, 05:12:46 PM
I would guess we get one more classic, two or three more HiT characters and then we have a hiatus of the range.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on April 14, 2016, 12:33:27 AM
What makes you think we'd get a hiatus of the range after two or three extra characters from hit, along with a classic character?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on April 14, 2016, 07:30:05 AM
Look at what happened to Large Scale- no new engines for a while. That was my only basis.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on April 14, 2016, 08:10:36 AM
Also, would this hiatus be temporary or permanent?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on April 14, 2016, 10:43:32 AM
I still want a Large Scale Gordon & Henry.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on April 14, 2016, 01:21:15 PM
We have G scale Winston coming out this year along with many new vans, I dont think any range will go on hiatus anytime soon.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on April 14, 2016, 01:43:51 PM
Why hasn't Large Scale produced any new engines since Toby, though?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Metal on April 14, 2016, 02:02:16 PM
The problem with Large Scale is that it's.....well.....Large Scale. It's probably the reason why it's stagnant.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on April 21, 2016, 03:29:48 PM
Really this is a post I've been wanting to make for a while, so here it goes.  I can honestly say that I do not see Gordon and/or Henry having much of a chance in large scale.  My reason for this all comes down to 1 word.  "SIZE"  The models are just too big and that effects their chances of being made in 2 ways.  Performance and cost.  I think most of this can just be summed up by explaining dimensions and prices of existing models.

I think Bachmann's choice to make Emily can tell us a lot about what would happen if Gordon and Henry were to be made.  To start off, Emily is the largest engine in the range.  As I have her in my collection, I know that the model is roughly 27" long with a wheel base length being roughly 14 1/2".  Now when I measure James, (who is the second biggest model in the range) he is roughly 21" long and has a wheelbase roughly 10 1/2".  If you want to take this a step further, my Bachmann 4-6-0 locomotive is about 30" long and has a wheelbase length of about 12 1/2".  Keep in mind that all wheelbase measurements are locomotives only and don't include the tender.  To paint the bigger picture here, Emily herself has a longer wheelbase than that of Bachmann's 4-6-0 locomotives.

Now because of Emily's size, Bachmann had to alter her chassis and mount both the front and rear axles on pony trucks.   The tender coupling also has it's pivot point right behind the driving wheel and there are 2 holes in the coupler to allow the tender to be spaced further back from the locomotive.  It's pretty clear these changes were made so that Emily could run on tighter curves.  I'm sure that most modelers out there who got into Large Scale Thomas models when they first came out purchased the Thomas and Percy sets.  Sadly these sets come with 4' diameter steel alloy curved track.  If Emily's chassis had not been modified the way it was, she would not be able to negotiate those curves.

The same issue would come up with Gordon and Henry.  Both models would have a wheelbase length being longer than that of Emily's, and with very little room to modify the chassis.  The overall length of the models would not help matters either.  Personally I don't see Bachmann wanting to bother with modifying Gordon and Henry to work on 4' diameter curves.  More than likely the models would require larger radius curves which are only available in brass track which cost more than steel alloy.  That being said, I can assure you that no one is going to go out, buy new track, and start a new track system just to run 1 or 2 models.

As for prices of the models, it's pretty simple.  If Gordon and Henry were made, their cost would be too high for a lot of modelers out there.  Bigger models cost more to make, and therefore have a higher price tag when they become available.  Being that Emily is already $429 and considering that Bachmann's 4-6-0 models hover around the $475 range, Gordon and Henry could be anywhere from $500-$550 if not more.  Not everyone has that kind of money and it limits the number of sales.  Keep in mind that over the years prices on Bachmann models have gone up and will continue to do so.

So my final thoughts on Gordon and Henry being made in large scale is this.  There just isn't enough positives with the models.  Based on the information I've seen from previous Bachmann products, I could honestly see characters like Rosie, Mavis, or even Arry and Bert having more of a chance than Gordon and Henry.  Like I said before, size plays a big factor in a model being made and I know for a fact that's why we got Winston over an actual locomotive.  And no, I don't consider Winston to be a locomotive because he is clearly referred to as a track inspection car.

I'm not trying to sound negative, but if Bachmann is going to produce anything in large scale, it's more than likely going to be models with simple or existing toolings, or in the case of what we got this year, existing models with new features.  If Bachmann were to do a larger model, it wouldn't be a character any bigger than James.  Within the last 2-3 years, Bachmann's large scale announcements have been pretty much nothing but recolors with the exception of Winston and the Ice Cream Wagon.  Personally I feel that if we were to get any model(s) in large scale it should be Edward and Henrietta, but that's a discussion best left for another day.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: UPTODAY on April 24, 2016, 06:15:52 PM
Hi everyone,Dear Bachmann please bring us a HIRO model in HO scale.He is an icon and we need him on our layouts!!!!!
THANK YOU
UPTODAY
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on April 26, 2016, 11:05:45 PM
To be honest, it would be hard to see Hiro being made. He may be popular, but he is very big and detailed. He would be very expensive.

The last tender engines Bachmann made in Thomas HO scale were Donald and Douglas. Flying Scotsman would be interesting to see, not that I expect him, as he's finally getting his first full appearance in the TV series in The Great Race. In the model era, Flying Scotsman's model was never finished.

Next year, I really wouldn't mind seeing Paxton or Sidney getting made, as they both obviously use Diesel's tooling. Sidney is finally going to have more time to shine in Season 20. I'd welcome both Paxton or Sidney to the range.

I don't know about Daisy. I expected her to be in this year's announcement, as she returned recently, but Rosie was chosen instead.

I really don't know what's taking so long for Bachmann to show us an image of Oliver. It doesn't normally take this long. Yes, I know that we're not supposed to ask Bachmann questions about images. They'll be ready, when they're ready. Oliver may be shown anytime now. He will get released this year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on April 27, 2016, 02:36:50 PM
I honestly wouldn't mind a model of Sidney, but I will admit aside from the fact that he is a recolor, I wouldn't really get what the point of a model of him would be.  Paxton makes perfect sense to me not just because he is a recolor, but because he has such a strong following with both the older and younger audiences.  Ever since his role in Blue Mountain Mystery, he not only has proven that he actually serves a purpose on the show, but he has also had a number of starring roles and appearances that make the character all the more likable and recognizable for the fans.  Sidney has barely had any development, aside from his new wheels in season 17, his usage has been pretty minimal.  If his season 20 episode turns out to be promising and we see further development from him as a character, I could possibly see Bachmann doing him and Paxton at the same time since they would be easy enough to pull off while production has been slow as of recent on Bachmann's end.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: UPTODAY on May 01, 2016, 01:42:32 PM
PLEASE,BACHMANN!!!!!!!!!!!bring back the express coaches!!!!!!!do not want to buy the other brand!!!!!!!
please read this, MR,BACHMANN!!!!!!!
UPTODAY
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on May 03, 2016, 07:52:41 PM
Alright, moving on to something more realistic...

I think it's time I made a post about Henrietta in large scale.  Seeing as I myself don't really have any interest in getting the model (be it just for the fact I don't have a lot of room to run G scale where I currently live), I still feel it's a model that Bachmann needs to make.  Henrietta is a model that if Bachmann were to introduce into the range, would present many positives.  As we all know, Henrietta is Toby's coach which brings us to the first point I want to make about why we need Henrietta.

For starters, I feel that Henrietta is long overdue.  Seeing as Toby was announced in 2013 and came out in 2014, that makes it (as of the date of this post) 2-3 years that we've gone without Henrietta.  Now to some people that's not a big deal, but for those who have added Toby to their G scale collections or garden railways, it leaves them asking the same question.

"Where is Henrietta?"

To some people, Toby isn't complete without Henrietta, just as Thomas isn't complete without Annie and Clarabel.  When also considering the fact that even Emily has her own coaches in the range, it still leaves us asking the same question as before.

Another reason Henrietta should be made is that she is a piece of rolling stock.  It's common sense that rolling stock in the range is cheaper than that of a locomotive, which would help save Bachmann some money in production costs.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, prices on Bachmann products has gone up and will continue to do so.  Just based on what I've seen with both HO and Large Scale Annie and Clarabel models, Henrietta could possibly be around $109 which seems quite reasonable.

Pretty much the only disadvantage I can see with Henrietta is that Bachmann would have to make a completely new tooling for the model.  However, many people would agree that a model of Henrietta in large scale would be a lot more popular than something such as a recolor of the ice cream wagon or a DCC and sound Thomas.  I've also mentioned in other posts that the last couple years has been mostly recolor's or existing models with new features.  I think most of us can agree it's time to start with something new.

So in conclusion, I feel it's time that Bachmann finally announces Henrietta.  Personally it was a surprise last year that Henrietta wasn't announced, and even more of a surprise this year.  Like I said earlier, it's been 3 years since we got Toby, so Henrietta is long overdue.  Yes the model requires new tooling, but it's not as costly as a locomotive and is a model a lot of collectors (especially those who have Toby already) want.  Large scale announcements the past couple years has been a disappointment for many collectors, so why not make a model that we want?  I don't mean to sound harsh by saying this, but if Bachmann doesn't announce Henrietta in 2017, I feel a loss of hope for the large scale Thomas range.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on May 03, 2016, 11:10:14 PM
I definitely agree that recent large scale announcements have been a disappointment, this years especially.  Aside from the great western van, I can't see anything else that they announced this year to be good sellers.  The DCC/Sound Thomas and Percy models in particular I find to be very questionable.  Henrietta alone wouldn't have made this years large scale announcements perfect, but she would have made a huge difference. 

As I said in another post, Henrietta is long overdue in the range, even more than a new engine.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on May 03, 2016, 11:41:08 PM
Dear mr. Bachmann,

Please just give the large scale Toby his coach henrietta! Please read this mr. Bachmann!!!! :o
JLK2707
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on May 04, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
You're obviously wasting your time if you think Bachmann will make a Large Scale Henrietta.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on May 04, 2016, 12:39:57 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on May 04, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
You're obviously wasting your time if you think Bachmann will make a Large Scale Henrietta.
It would help your case to explain why you think this way, instead of just belittling people who go out of their way to explain in detail reasons why they think Henrietta should be made.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on May 04, 2016, 01:36:19 PM
Quote from: Sparks on May 04, 2016, 12:39:57 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on May 04, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
You're obviously wasting your time if you think Bachmann will make a Large Scale Henrietta.
It would help your case to explain why you think this way, instead of just belittling people who go out of their way to explain in detail reasons why they think Henrietta should be made.

I agree with Sparks on that one.  Sure I too have my doubts that we're ever going to see Henrietta (as with many other characters that would be beneficial to the range), but if you're going to say Bachmann's never going to make a model, take the time and explain why.  It's one thing to just say something, it's another to do a bit of research and back it up with reason.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on May 04, 2016, 03:15:20 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on May 04, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
You're obviously wasting your time if you think Bachmann will make a Large Scale Henrietta.
Not entirely sure what it is with you, but whenever you are on here, there is almost always a negative tension coming from your posts.  Almost every time you come on here you always disagree with someone or get mad when someone doesn't agree with your ideas.  It's honestly getting really tiring, especially when someone like Plow Bender actually provided solid logic and reasoning in his post.  Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and sometimes it's always good hearing views from people who both agree with you, as well as disagree with you and I'm sure Plow Bender knows that.  As mentioned earlier if you disagree, provide reasons for doing so, otherwise it comes off as antagonizing.  

If you disagree with someone, the very least you could do is to be civil about it, otherwise the only person who would be "wasting their time" on here is you. ::)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on May 04, 2016, 03:37:01 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on May 04, 2016, 12:00:16 PM
You're obviously wasting your time if you think Bachmann will make a Large Scale Henrietta.

That's what a lot of folks said about Rosie. Wouldn't you be disappointed if that had turned out to be true.  ::)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on May 04, 2016, 09:54:15 PM
I honestly think Plow Bender's reasoning for a Large Scale Henrietta is fantastic, I don't even collect Large Scale and I would love to see Bachmann produce Henrietta in Large Scale. ClrwtrMK2, I would ask you to provide reasoning and such for your earlier statement, but it seems I've already been beaten to it.

To me, I think a Large Scale Henrietta would be a great idea, I like Plow Bender's logic, even if it is beginning to look less and less likely she will be made, I still think it'd be fantastic. As for 2017? I'd like to see Henrietta in Large Scale, and if an engine is to be made, I think Edward would be nice, or potentially the Red Coaches, I think they'd be very good sellers in Large Scale. However, I know not all of these would be released in one year, and even Edward isn't entirely likely at this point, but I still think he'd sell well and could be a good investment.

For Narrow Gauge, I think Peter Sam will follow up next, being one of the most popular Narrow Gauge engines currently and having had more starring roles to himself than Sir Handel recently, I think it's likely he would follow next. I think a Brown Brakevan is also in order for Narrow Gauge soon, they've been consistently seen in the TV series since season 4, and have been the only colour of Narrow Gauge Brakevan to extend an appearance into CGI. As for any other stock...well, if we are to see coaches, I imagine they'd be the fan dubbed "Talyllyn Coaches", CGI scaling and all. Whilst I'm not sure if we'd see these next year, I think we could, and whilst I prefer the Blue and White Coaches (and of course, a blue Brakevan to match them), from the Model Era, as they matched the railway series, I think their scaling looked the nicest, and they always just appealed to me the most. However, since they haven't been seen since Season 10, I recognise that this could just be a "pipe-dream". Either way, a Brakevan in the Narrow Gauge range is what I think is most overdue, shortly followed by some coaches.

For HO, I expect since we're still waiting for Oliver, I imagine that Rosie could easily be delayed, and that we may not see a new engine but if we do, I expect it'll be Paxton. As for HO stock, I honestly wouldn't know what to expect, I expect there'd be around 1 or 2 new wagons, but I wouldn't know what to expect at this point.

Whatever the case may be, that was just my quick "two-cents" on the topic of next year.

~Alex :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sodorlad on May 05, 2016, 05:04:35 AM
A few points to consider:

There were no new engine announcements in 2014 or 2016.
Winston is a physically small model... And he is delayed indefinitely.
The price hikes of Thomas large scale, at least in the UK, have been extreme.
Most new rolling stock released have been repaints.
The new box van tooling is a pretty simple mould and is already being replicated into four liveries.

I don't mean to sound negative. I'm a huge LS fan and have all the models. However, the above facts suggest to me that the profit margins of LS Thomas aren't huge - and this is probably due to demand and sales.

The difference between Henrietta and a repainted truck is simple. People will only buy ONE Henrietta - and probably only people who bought Toby - and even then not everyone will.

Yes, it makes sense to us all emotionally but that doesn't necessarily make business sense. And yes, we have a HO version and people only buy one of those too - however the price point appeals to parents who can reasonably collect every model for their kids, generating more units sold. However, maybe she doesn't sell so well. Bachmann surely base LS production on what sells in HO.

Of course I would love a Henrietta but I think repaints are far more likely for the foreseeable future. At a push, maybe a mail van or the red coaches.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on May 05, 2016, 06:34:33 AM
Excellent points and probably accurate. I would love to see the Red Coaches or the Mail Car, but we'll see.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on May 05, 2016, 05:59:43 PM
How about someone just builds their own large scale model of henrietta and starts selling that if it becomes popular?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on May 05, 2016, 08:34:22 PM
Quote from: JLK2707 on May 05, 2016, 05:59:43 PM
How about someone just builds their own large scale model of henrietta and starts selling that if it becomes popular?

Because that is a good way to end up with a lawsuit on your hands.  Let me explain it like this.

If Bachmann wants to make a certain Thomas model(s), it has to be run by HIT before the model(s) is even announced.  Basically Bachmann tells HIT what they want to see in the range, HIT tells them whether or not they can make said models, and if HIT approves, Bachmann has to pay them a certain amount to obtain a license before production begins.  The same thing applies to the Bachmann Chuggington stock, but of course a license there is obtained from Disney.  The point I'm making is that Bachmann can't produce something like Thomas & Friends without a certain percentage of the profit going back to the rightful owners.  Sad, but true...

It's the same when it comes to anything else that replicates something belonging to a big franchise.  If a company such as Lego wants to make Indiana Jones brick sets, they have to pay for a license from Universal.  If Funko wants to produce My Little Pony figures, they have to pay for a license from Hasbro.  If Mattel wants to produce CARS play sets, they have to pay for a license from Disney/Pixar.  If ERTL wants to produce Model A tractors, they have to obtain a license from John Deere.  If Pez wants to produce Scooby Doo candy dispensers, they have to get a license from Warner Brothers.  Just to name a few examples.

Now crazy as it sounds, I've seen a lot of people producing merchandise for the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, but none of them have licenses from Hasbro to be doing this.  I've seen many online sellers making plushies, necklaces, key rings, posters, figures, ETC.  I should also mention that some of the merchandise they produce can bring hundreds to thousands of dollars when it sells, and that's something I find very astonishing.  Even so, (at least as far as I'm aware) no one has run into any legal issues with this. 

However, I actually knew a guy once who was producing replicas of CAT Certified Scales and he ended up running into legal matters with them a couple years back.  CAT's reason for shutting him down was that he did not have a license to produce these scales, therefore none of the profit made from them was going back to CAT for using their name and logos.  Although he got off with a warning, not all people can be that lucky.  In some cases, a company could easily take a person to court and sue for thousands of dollars.

If you were to produce and sell a Henrietta model without obtaining a license from HIT, you might get away with it, you might not.  Either way, it's a risk I myself wouldn't take.  I've seen the stunts HIT has pulled with Thomas fans in the past, and it really ticks me off to the point where I have no respect for the company what-so-ever.  Like I said before, to produce merchandise of something that belongs to a big franchise, you need a license to do so.  You may get away with doing that and not having a license, but what happens if you don't?  Either way, I don't recommend doing it.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on May 05, 2016, 10:42:06 PM
Seeing as she's a coach, as long as you don't advertise her as Henritetta you could get away with selling a similar model. As the basis is not what's owned, just the name. Still probably not the best course of action.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on May 06, 2016, 09:31:08 AM
Yeah, but I wouldn't release it as a Bachmann product. But thanks for commenting! :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Thomasfan39 on May 06, 2016, 05:30:16 PM
Does anyone remember when bachmann usually puts their new Thomas products on their websites?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on May 18, 2016, 03:59:59 PM
It looks like they have just been added, I only see the new HO and narrow gauge products.  I think they accidentally replaced Skarloey with Rheneas by mistake since you can't see Skarloey in the store page.

Anyone have any ideas for what the next resin building(s) should be?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Kemptown Branch on May 18, 2016, 05:21:33 PM
Quote from: Chaz on May 18, 2016, 03:59:59 PM
Anyone have any ideas for what the next resin building(s) should be?

I think they should release more buildings for the Skarloey Railway to widen the range a little more than the station. I will also leave my predictions for Narrow Gauge here too, if that is alright. I think next year they will release Sir Handle with some kind of coach, then a brakevan, and maybe a BMQ quarry car or, since they seem to be going the classic route with the models released, other than looks, they might possibly do either the troublesome trucks or the D. Fusit gunpowder van.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 21, 2016, 04:51:48 AM
For HO scale, I have a feeling that we'll get Stanley, Paxton, or Daisy next year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on May 21, 2016, 02:36:52 PM
More buildings that would be compatible with narrow gauge would be great.  If we managed to get a season 4 style station last year, I would love seeing something else along those lines too.

Some sheds would be great, I would love these ones in particular:

(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/9/9a/Granpuff27.png/revision/latest?cb=20160116205025)

The water tower would also make a nice bonus too.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 22, 2016, 03:42:16 PM
I have no idea what's taking so long to show Oliver. I know I can't ask Bachmann this. I'm losing patience though. Just anxious to see Bachmann Oliver. They may not show him until he's in stock, which probably won't be for at least a few more months.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JD417 on May 22, 2016, 09:40:39 PM
I really hope they don't do what they did with Toad, and release a picture as they released him.
There's a 50% chance people are going to hate it, as some people want the Model version, and others want the CGI version, and if they release him immediately, without warning, people who have him on pre-order may be unhappy with the product.
I know I would've been upset if I had Toad on pre-order..
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 23, 2016, 03:57:39 PM
Would Daisy, Paxton, or Stanley be the most likely candidates for 2017? What do you think?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Metal on May 24, 2016, 01:20:16 AM
I think the delay with Oliver would have to with his scaling. I bet if they went with his model scaling it would violate the NMRA standards, as someone in another thread pointed out, which is the reason why we won't be getting the laughing van as seen in "A Close Shave." Oliver's TV model is overscale compared to his real-life basis.
I bet if they went with CGI scaling, it would be impossible to incorporate that eye-mech gimmick. So I think it might be somewhere in between.

Not Mine
Found this picture on Twitter from a Japanese Thomas modeller.
Bachmann Toad with Hornby Oliver to give a reference.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChsSG9QVIAEzyfS.jpg)

Source: https://twitter.com/8610thomas/status/728195723867521025
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: DinoNTrains on May 24, 2016, 01:41:33 PM
I really like that picture of Hornby Oliver and Bachmann Toad together. To me, it looks perfect scale-wise, so I hope that's how big Bachmann Oliver will be.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on May 24, 2016, 03:47:57 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on May 23, 2016, 03:57:39 PM
Would Daisy, Paxton, or Stanley be the most likely candidates for 2017? What do you think?

I personally don't think any classic characters will happen anytime soon in HO, but if we do, Daisy would make the most sense.

I think at this point they are trying to save Paxton for when they can't afford a new tooling, just because when most brands aim for recolors it's usually not because they want to, but more likely when they have to.  Considering Bachmann's track record, I think Paxton will find his way into the range eventually.

I think Stanley has somewhat of a chance, but I don't think he is as likely as someone like Charlie or Hiro since they have appeared a lot more and have had been more marketable with Mattel.  That being said, I don't think Stanley is out of the question entirely, I could honestly see him selling better than Rosie.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: BassTbone on May 25, 2016, 12:14:02 PM
Just give me Peter Sam and Sir Handel and I'll shut up.   ;D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Metal on May 26, 2016, 01:17:10 AM
Considering that we have Oliver and most of the classic characters are done anyway, I'm pretty good.
However, this is a personal preference, but as long as we get Hiro, then I really won't care what they throw out for the HO/OO range.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on June 08, 2016, 02:56:49 PM
At this point, I'm really not sure if we'll get anymore tender engines, with prices constantly getting higher. Their last tender engines were Donald and Douglas, and as much as I would like to see engines like Hiro, or even Flying Scotsman, they would easily be too expensive to produce.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on June 08, 2016, 03:15:50 PM
The only relevant contender I can see for a Bachmann model that's a tender engine is Hiro. Most other engine contenders for a future model are either tank engines or diesel engines.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 08, 2016, 04:14:32 PM
Could anybody here see Flying Scotsman making his way into the Bachmann HO range since he is just a modified version of Gordon?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on June 08, 2016, 05:16:41 PM
I personally don't think the Flying Scotsman has a chance despite reusing the same chassis as Gordon.  The Flying Scotsman also has a new locomotive body shell as well as two tenders that Bachmann would have to work on.  Tender engines alone are expensive to make, but an engine with two tenders would make the model even more expensive.  The last tender engines we got in HO were Donald and Douglas, and I think the only reason why Bachmann pulled them off was because they are twins (Bill and Ben were also announced at the same time).  The Flying Scotsman would easily be over $200 at retail, and I can't exactly imagine Mattel or Bachmann wanting to make an HO engine for the Thomas range at such a high price.  I also don't see him being a good seller regardless of price since he only just returned in the Great Race and doesn't really have a strong following yet.  I also don't think it really helps that his CG render isn't one of Arc's best designs, the six wheels in each of his tenders in particular is a flaw that would understandably put some fans off.

I think if any tender engine has a decent shot in HO at this point, it would be Hiro.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on June 08, 2016, 05:52:52 PM
I didn't say Flying Scotsman was likely.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 08, 2016, 11:25:48 PM
Okay, but do you think arc will fix Flying Scotsman's wheels to eight on each tender? Also, do you think it would be cool to have Henry with a brother named Jackson who is LNER green and the same class that Henry was before the flying kipper? Or was Henry's original prototype a one-off customised design which would make him having a brother like that a bit out of the question?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on June 08, 2016, 11:56:09 PM
Henry MKI has no real life prototype. The explanation given for Henry MKI's existence (canonically) is that he was a "one-off" experimental design by Sir Nigel Gresley, a prototype to the Gresley A1 class. Largely based upon parts that would make it to the final Gresley A1 class, he was also made relying heavily on parts that were used by Henry A. Ivatt's GNR class C1 (large boiler) 4-4-2 "Atlantic" locomotives.

The experiment was deemed a failure by Sir Nigel Gresley, and the prototype engine was sold off to at a cheap price to the only buyer available - The North Western Railway. The Fat Controller purchased Henry as he needed a large express engine and the North Western Railway didn't have a lot of money, so he bought the poor steaming Henry MKI. Henry MKI coped well enough for a time but his system never recovered from his stay in the tunnel, which took Welsh coal to improve until he was rebuilt into an LMS "Black Five" following an unfortunate collision one winter morning. But that's another story. ;)

Also: as a side note, I read somewhere recently that the Rev. W. Awdry's original drawings did in fact, depict Henry completely as being a GNR C1 (large boiler) locomotive.

And of course, as I expect many members already know, William Middleton, and later, Reginald Payne, and later still, C. Reginald Dalby, didn't really follow that drawing well. In fact, Henry MKI was sometimes depicted as a 4-6-2 engine, sometimes as a 4-6-0, in early Railway Series stories. This inconsistency appalled Wilbert Awdry to no end, and it only got progressively worse with time. Wilbert Awdry would later go on to orchestrate the first Flying Kipper crash just to force C. Reginald Dalby to keep consistent to a single class of locomotive, thus preventing these "slip-up's" from occurring.

This page is very useful in learning about the illustartors: http://www.sodor-island.net/rsartists.html
And the TTTEWikia is a great place to learn if you want more information on Henry.

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 09, 2016, 07:22:42 AM
Okay, thank you Alex. But do you think that the tar tanker wagons and salt wagons should be in cgi? Also, do you think that there should be new characters based on an LNER B12 and a GNR class C1?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on June 12, 2016, 03:24:55 AM
No they will not do a LNER B12 character. You can blame this on Simon Martins famous British Railway Catalogue Stories illustrated by Dean Walker featuring Stephen the Holden B12 locomotive. Another indicating factor is Alfred the Bomber B12 was a terrorist engine (I am not making this up) in a once-popular Thomas fan series Sodor Dark Times. I doubt Mattel wants a character associated with a bomber fan character.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 12, 2016, 05:45:08 AM
What makes you think Mattel know that sparks?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on June 12, 2016, 07:45:15 AM
Quote from: Sparks on June 12, 2016, 03:24:55 AM
No they will not do a LNER B12 character. You can blame this on Simon Martins famous British Railway Catalogue Stories illustrated by Dean Walker featuring Stephen the Holden B12 locomotive.
I'd say if Mattel really wanted to they could, but I think that because of Simon Martin's "The British Railway Series" (of which I am a fan), it'd be difficult to introduce a Holden B12 to the series. No one would want engines from the two franchises getting mixed up after all, least of all from a competitor anyway. So there's that going against an LNER B12.
Quote from: JLK2707 on June 12, 2016, 05:45:08 AM
What makes you think Mattel know that sparks?
One would think that because of the popularity of the British Railway Series, and it's status as a competitor in terms of books, I think Mattel would be well aware. As for Alfred the terrorist B12 engine, well...from a company perspective...they'd certainly want to keep tabs on what has and hasn't been popular in the community, gotta appeal to your community after all, and due to the huge popularity that "Sodor: The Dark Times" had, I think it'd be hard not for any company that is highly vigilant of our community to have not stumbled upon it.

However, as for a GNER C1 "Atalantic" (large boiler version) other than perhaps it having almost too strong of a resemblance to a smaller verion of Gordon/Flying Scotsman, I don't see too much reason why they would avoid it...but I think that, given the nature of the Thomas franchise, we might be more likely to see a slightly more obscure class of engine any time soon than a GNER C1. Just my opinion though, I could be totally wrong.

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on June 12, 2016, 03:13:00 PM
I think in general, the B12 has become overly used in the fandom with these two examples being the prime reasons. Mattel could easily be more creative than the fans in that sense, and pick more uniquely designed locomotives like Cock O' The North or the Southern Railway Leader.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 12, 2016, 06:35:41 PM
Hey sparks, do you think that the tar tanker wagons and salt vans would look good in cgi? Also, what do you think that the tar tanker wagon would look like in cgi?

Also, what are the contact details of Mattel so I can send them some of my ideas?

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on June 12, 2016, 10:07:45 PM
The show definitely needs more vans. Right now all we have are normal vent vans and Southern Railway CCTs (and the vents are in the wrong places...!).

I do not know Mattels contact information, but television show producers tend to not like unsolicited ideas.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 13, 2016, 12:43:27 AM
Okay, but thanks for the reply sparks. Also, did you know that Henry was originally a GNR C1 4-4-2 locomotive before his rebuild? Also, I wonder why they would not enjoy suggestions which are unsolicited?

I mean this with absolutely no offence whatsoever, but they are obviously quite closed minded about the ventilated vans that they are using. Do you think they are closed minded or is it most likely just the animation budget and how much they can spend doing stuff?

Also sparks, I have noticed that they also have cattle vans along with the basic vent vans and mail wagons. Have you noticed that they also have cattle vans?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on June 13, 2016, 01:20:27 AM
Quote from: JLK2707 on June 13, 2016, 12:43:27 AM
Okay, but thanks for the reply sparks. Also, did you know that Henry was originally a GNR C1 4-4-2 locomotive before his rebuild?
He was a prototype for the Gresley A1 class actually, a mix of the GNR C1 and LNER A1...Awdry's original drawings depicted him as a GNR C1 though, just none of the artists of the RWS, nor did the TV Series depict that. The whole reason for Henry's rebuild in the RWS was to give him a prototype that actually existed. The GNR C1/A1 prototype Henry was depicted as in the RWS and the early TV Series never existed.
Quote from: JLK2707 on June 13, 2016, 12:43:27 AM
I wonder why they would not enjoy suggestions which are unsolicited?
Imagine all the suggestions and spam they'd get...as a large company, it's fairly easy to imagine why.
Quote from: JLK2707 on June 13, 2016, 12:43:27 AM
I mean this with absolutely no offence whatsoever, but they are obviously quite closed minded about the ventilated vans that they are using. Do you think they are closed minded or is it most likely just the animation budget and how much they can spend doing stuff?
I don't think they are close minded, I would attribute it to the animation budget, more than anything else, and the time taken to create a 3D render of each van...

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 13, 2016, 03:09:50 AM
Hey sparks and Alex,

Thanks for correcting me, but what I meant about Henry just being a GNR C1 4-4-2 originally was due to what awdry intended for him to be.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on June 13, 2016, 07:42:16 AM
Quote from: JLK2707 on June 13, 2016, 03:09:50 AM
Thanks for correcting me, but what I meant about Henry just being a GNR C1 4-4-2 originally was due to what awdry intended for him to be.
Oh okay, I see. Sorry, my mistake then.

I feel this has drifted very far off course for the 2017 predictions...so here is a little guess at what next year's Narrow Gauge range could contain:
(http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w493/AJW98Productions/CGI%20brakevan_zpsfgoobunq.png) (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/AJW98Productions/media/CGI%20brakevan_zpsfgoobunq.png.html)
The ubiquitous brown Brakevan. To date, this is the only breakevan to have appeared in the CGI and model eras of the Television Series of Thomas and Friends respectively. Fans have been requesting this item since the range first opened, and it makes sense, as after the Slate Wagons are released, there will be plenty of freight stock in the Narrow Gauge range, but still no brakevan at the tail end of that train to complete it. I'm assuming Skarloey Railway stock isn't vacuum braked either, so without a brakevan, it's only a matter of time before an accident happens! ;)
(http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w493/AJW98Productions/NG%20Coaches%20-%20CGI_zpsdokuk5er.png) (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/AJW98Productions/media/NG%20Coaches%20-%20CGI_zpsdokuk5er.png.html)
The dan dubbed "Talyllyn Coaches"...okay, I'll be honest, with all the freight stock we have in the range, it'd be fantastic to see some coaches. Whilst these coaches aren't my personal favourite from the Television Series, I consider them the most likely, with the Narrow Gauge Coaches from the Classic series having last appeared in Seasons 10 and 12...and considering that Season 20 is going to air this year...I think it's probably been too long since we've last seen the older coach liveries for one to make an appearance in the range. My only concern is that their CGI renders appear overscaled in both width and height, and even the TTTEWikia mentions this about them, and it's usually a very reliable source of information.

Granted, if I saw any of the Narrow Gauge Coaches from the model era appear, I'd be ecstatic...particularly if it was the Blue and White ones...with a Blue Brake van to match...I know it's unlikely, but they will likely sell like hotcakes among fans of the model era especially, and on top of that...they bear a strong resemblance resemblance to Agnes, Ruth, Lucy, Jemima, and Beatrice from the Railway Series...which means any fans who model to be accurate to the Railway Series could use them if Bachmann released them, albeit slightly modified, to gain a very Railway Series-esque look :)

So for now...I think I may just leave this image here:
(http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w493/AJW98Productions/NG%20Coaches%20-%20Blue%20and%20White%20%20Duke_zpsm0j3ayfu.png) (http://s1078.photobucket.com/user/AJW98Productions/media/NG%20Coaches%20-%20Blue%20and%20White%20%20Duke_zpsm0j3ayfu.png.html)

~Alex ;D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Kemptown Branch on June 13, 2016, 01:34:25 PM
So, what would everyone think of a possible Spectrum range for Thomas and Friends? Yes, I know it is highly unlikely, but large scale did get DCC Sound engines this year. What would you want it to include?
On a more possible note, I think they would release another minor character or no engine in HO scale. In narrow gauge, Sir Handel, and in large scale, maybe Edward. Rolling stock would either be Henrietta or some kind of van repaint.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 13, 2016, 10:31:40 PM
Hey sparks and Alex,

If and when Bachmann release Peter sam in the narrow gauge range, would he have his original funnel or his new one?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on June 13, 2016, 11:08:53 PM
I don't see a spectrum range happening for the Thomas range because there's really not much to add beyond handrails. The characters are very simplistic and toy-like in design already.

As for Peter Sam, dunno, can't read the future. Bachmann based Skarloey off Talyllyn, but still had the CGI Skarloey piping detail below the cab. It's likely they would have the giesel funnel since Edward Thomas had it during preservation and Peter Sam has it in CGI.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on June 13, 2016, 11:27:21 PM
The models have to meet the standards of Mattel/Hit and those standards include getting the character in its current form on the show and the narrow gauge engines are no exception.  Therefore a safe bet would be Peter Sam's giesel funnel that is used in the CGI series.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 14, 2016, 07:08:03 AM
Hey Alex and Sparks,

Did Peter Sam just look a bit like a Diesel engine to you when he lost his funnel in the episode Special Funnel?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on June 14, 2016, 01:55:11 PM
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rosVwYKaSo/UAsS8Mc9YwI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/17VK2_aVMg4/s1600/SpecialFunnel2.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/BR/BR-class-44-45-46/i-6nwN66f/0/L/44004-L.jpg)
I dunno, you tell me.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Anthony P2 on June 14, 2016, 03:04:51 PM
unless there was a mix up with "giesel" and "diesel."  :P
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on June 14, 2016, 03:20:01 PM
Quote from: JLK2707 on June 14, 2016, 07:08:03 AM
Hey Alex and Sparks,

Did Peter Sam just look a bit like a Diesel engine to you when he lost his funnel in the episode Special Funnel?

These questions you keep asking literally have nothing to do with the purpose of this thread which is to talk about future product suggestions/speculation.  If you wish to keep asking people these kind of questions, I honestly think it's best if you post in a more relevant thread or send them a message, because this is just getting ridiculous.

Moving onto a more relevant subject, I agree with narrow gauge rolling stock suggestions Alex has made.  I think that because the slate wagons are going to be a new tooling and not a Peco re-tooling (as confirmed via email), I think that some coaches coming in with another engine next year like Sir Handel seems like a pretty safe assumption.  If they also come in a new tooling, I'd be excited to see how they turn out.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on June 14, 2016, 05:15:13 PM
Thank you for your help. On another note, I would like to suggest the following for 2017:

HO scale:

Engines:

Paxton
Daisy
Updated James

Rolling stock:

Reintroduced tar tanker wagon
Cgi milk tanker
Cgi sodor fuel tanker

Narrow gauge:

Engines:

Sir Handel

Rolling stock:

Skarloey railway coaches
Skarloey railway brake vans

Large scale:

Engines:

Edward, Mavis or Diesel

Rolling stock:

Henrietta
Mail car
Salt wagon
Red coaches

Please tell me your opinions on these.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on June 14, 2016, 07:16:55 PM
Much better. ;)

I agree with most of your suggestions, but I don't think they will do all of the large scale rolling stock you mentioned in one year, but one or two of them could work.  

I'm also not sure if Bachmann will bring back the tar tank since it's not in CGI yet and I don't think the sales are really there for it.  I'm not entirely sure if discontinued products being brought back is likely anytime soon as a whole due to the lack of sales/pricing that got them out of production in the first place.  If I could ever see anything being brought back in production it would either be Salty (as a separate sale item) or the express coaches since these are still being used frequently on the current show.  This also includes the red express coaches as these were just brought back in The Great Race.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: UPTODAY on June 14, 2016, 10:25:23 PM
HI THERE!!!!Very interesting thread we have here.What the heck is CGI??????
DUMMY IN PORTLAND
UPTODAY
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: DinoNTrains on June 14, 2016, 10:32:43 PM
Uptoday: CGI is short for Computer Generated Images/Imagery. Since 2009, the Thomas series has been made using full CGI animation, and since the change, some of the rolling stock designs have changed, namely the fuel and oil tankers (where they previously had words on them, now they have symbols/logos on them).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: UPTODAY on June 14, 2016, 10:56:58 PM
Thank you,Dino,for enlighting me ,I understand the posts now.
UPTODAY
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on June 15, 2016, 09:53:25 AM
JLK2707, I would only imagine Paxton or Daisy happening next year, not both. And I don't think Daisy has had enough recent screen time just yet to justify a model of her. I consider Paxton the far more likely candidate, plus he has the benefit of being a recolour of Diesel with a new face. As for Narrow Gauge, I see Peter Sam as having a greater chance as Sir Handel, that's merely my opinion though.

Like Chaz, I only see one of those Large Scale rolling stock options happening in the same year, I also agree on the points he made about Salty and the express coaches.

I just wish I'd beaten Sparks to the punchline there, I have to admit, that joke did amuse me quite a bit.

As someone who doesn't collect LS, but a fan of Bachmann's range, I think Edward, Henrietta and the Red Coaches are the best choices for new rolling stock...or at least the ones I'd like to see most. Maybe not all in the next year, but those are the ones I definitely would like to see in the range.

That's just me though, I recognise my opinions don't represent that of the whole community, nor the most financially viable options for Bachmann. Anyway, beggers can't be choosers in the end, I suppose. It's still fun to speculate though :)

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Trainboy100 on July 01, 2016, 09:43:01 AM
Well i hope that they make:
Engines:
stanley
lady
arthur
Rolling stock:
Gordon's special coaches
the breakdown train
Narrowgauge:
Sir handel, Duke, Peter sam
red coaches, and Blue coaches :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Shawn on July 01, 2016, 01:12:58 PM
They will not make Lady. Sorry to be that person but it's NGH.  I really think the predictions get out of hand sometimes......
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on July 01, 2016, 05:41:04 PM
The biggest issue I see with Lady, is her major lack of appeal since she doesn't really seem to have a strong following from both older and younger fans.  A character like Stanley, Paxton, or even Stepney are are much more likely than a model of Lady.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on July 02, 2016, 03:19:04 AM
I can't see Arthur or Stepney being made, since they haven't even been seen since Season 12. Lady hasn't even been seen since Calling All Engines.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on July 02, 2016, 04:55:16 AM
Quote from: Sparks on July 02, 2016, 03:19:04 AM
I can't see Arthur or Stepney being made, since they haven't even been seen since Season 12. Lady hasn't even been seen since Calling All Engines.

Keep in mind that I actually said that Stepney was more likely than Lady in my post, not that Stepney actually had a chance. :P
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on July 02, 2016, 07:21:04 AM
No one said it's funny, and there sure isn't any reason to be upset about Lady, calm down. Everyone's entitled to what they want. But I couldn't personally say that I see a Lady model coming out in HO, mainly due to her lack of a large following, and also her lack of appearances. As a character that only briefly appeared in one special, and barely had any screen time as a sentient character in another special, I view a model of her being made as unlikely. Not to mention both specials she appeared in were not very popular, with most people who like either special attributing their thoughts on the specials to nostalgia.
For example:

Personally I don't think Calling All Engines was a good special, in fact, it's probably one of - if not - my least favourite specials in the whole series. As for Thomas and the Magic RailRoad, I don't think it's a good film, it's nothing amazing, and a bit of a mess as a movie, but I loved it a child, I even cared for the human characters despite having not even having any exposure to the "Shining Time" series, prior to viewing. I can still watch Thomas and the Magic RailRoad, I can still enjoy it, but if I threw away my nostalgic attachment, I'd probably have no more attachment to it than Calling All Engines.

As for Henry's "old shape", it's a similar story, major lack of appearances, overall lack of appeal, and another glaring fault I'll touch on soon.
Let's kick things off by briefly summarising his appearances: the first half of Season One, and the classic "nameboards" shots, as his "new shape" never had a "nameboard" shot. That is literally it in terms of the TV Series, which we know Bachmann caters to fans of, but even The Adventure Begins, ignored Henry's "old shape", and as it hasn't been seen since season 1, it just lacks any kind of major appeal with younger audiences. And as for the older audiences, I must say, I think there's going to be few people who will go and spend money on Henry's "old shape" when most would already have the new one to begin with, I mean, some certainly would, but not enough to generate profit.

But the final reason why Henry's "old shape" won't happen, can be summed up in two words: tooling cost.
Henry is a large tender engine, as we all know, and given his large size, even if it reuses the same chassis as his current model, it would still cost a lot for Bachmann to produce, and then combined with the lack of appeal, means it would be hard to generate any kind of sturdy profit from. Meaning that, in the eyes of the company, it's a bad choice.

Whilst I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news, it doesn't mean I dislike Lady or Henry's "old shape". I actually quite like Henry's "old shape", almost as much, if not as much, as as his "new shape". I just don't think it'll realistically happen, same can be said for Lady. Don't presume your the only one who likes Lady or Henry's "old shape", and it's certainly nothing to get upset over. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. I just don't think they would realistically be made. I think it would be quite a poor business choice on Bachmann's end, to say the least.

There is of course, hope for those who are willing to go the metaphorical "extra mile" though. I've seen custom models of Henry's "old shape" kitbashed from his new current Bachmann tooling, and I've seen Lady models constructed from parts of Bachmann's Percy, Bill/Ben models, the ERTL model of Lady, and her Bandai Tecs model too. If you really want those 2 models that badly, those are your best choices. Because as it currently stands, I believe Bachmann recognises how silly of a business move it would be to release either Lady or Henry's "old shape", because of the reasons I stated above. But as I said, there is hope for those who'll go that "extra mile" and are willing to make their own models.

~Alex :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Trainboy100 on July 02, 2016, 09:01:09 AM
Oh sorry i just wanted to pull that quote out there but maybe they could make
Engines:
Golden thomas
Shooting star gordon
Harvey
Rolling stock:
Spiteful brakevan
Rocky
Scrap freight car
Narrow Gauge:
Rusty, Bertram, Smudger
White and green coaches
Narrow gauge breakdown train
And Fearless Freddie
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Thomasfan39 on July 02, 2016, 10:41:07 AM
Why is Rosie not on the website anymore???
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on July 02, 2016, 12:26:46 PM
Realistically i think Paxton is the best bet for next year, usually Bachmann make 1 modern character and 1 classic character but i can't think of many considering they have done the original 11 now with Oliver coming soon. Daisy perhaps? since she has returned to the series a Daisy model is long over due anyway Hornby missed their chance so come on Bachmann.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Trainboy100 on July 03, 2016, 06:59:27 AM
Rosie is on the website it's just i guess  maybe it's just a glitch Just go to the search bar type in bachmann rosie and you'll find her ;)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on July 03, 2016, 04:10:29 PM
Darn, I got all excited for a second...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on July 04, 2016, 05:49:52 PM
 ;) ahahaha
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on July 23, 2016, 10:12:56 PM
Hi guys!

I'm new to the Bachmann Forum and am excited to give you my predictions for the Thomas range in 2017.

HO Scale:
Redesigned James (with moving eyes)
Hector

Narrow Gauge:
Narrow Gauge Sir Handel
Narrow Gauge Coach (Red)
Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Red)
Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Light Brown)

Resin Buildings:
Ffarquar Station
Sodor Cottage

Sodor Scenery:
Coal Hopper

Large Scale:
As I do not collect the large scale range, I'll leave that to the large scale people ;)

Reasons:
Redesigned James:
I believe that this is a new product that has already been confirmed and will definitely look terrific.
Hector:
I think that Hector would be a great choice for multiple reasons. First, he is a coal hopper which unlike any other piece of rolling stock made by Bachmann. Second, he has a face. Honestly, all children love the Thomas products with faces. As a result, I can see him selling extremely well. Lastly, he would go great with the Redesigned James and Rosie since Rosie played a significant role in the episode "Hector the Horrid" and James played a major role in "James Works it Out". If Bachmann can make a character such as Jeremy, then they can certainly make Hector as well.  :)
Narrow Gauge Sir Handel:
He's #3. That's all I have to say  ;)
Narrow Gauge Coach & Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Red):
I really think that red coaches and brake van would go very nicely with Sir Handel. He has been seen many times with them and have really played major roles in many of the episodes such as "Four Little Engines" and "A Smooth Ride".
Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Light Brown):
This piece of rolling stock has been seen all the time throughout the television series. Also, we need it so that the box vans, open wagons, and slate wagons can be delivered safely.
Ffarquar Station:
This station is in extremely high demand and is probably the most significant station on Thomas' branch line.
Sodor Cottage:
Here's a link to the cottage I am talking about: http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/1/1f/MindthatBike13.png/revision/latest?cb=20160113202919
This is one of my personal favorites. It has been seen many times throughout the television series including behind Maithwaite Station which Bachmann has already made. It would also look great on any layout. I can see it selling very well. It really would be nice if we got at least one resin building next year as we did not get any for this year.
Coal Hopper:
The Coal Hopper would be another home run. It would go great with Hector and can be made out of the nice black plastic that Bachmann made the Round Water Tank out of.

Thanks again for reading my predictions and I cannot wait to hear what you guys think.  :)

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on July 24, 2016, 01:45:01 PM
Most of those suggestions seem pretty reasonable to me.  The Sodor Cottage is a bit of a random choice but it seems that some of the resin building announcements have had a pretty diverse track record, so it's tough to say.  It'd be interesting to see how that one would do in terms of sales.

Probably the only thing that I don't see happening is Hector since he hasn't been used all that much and was last seen in season 12.  Even though I'm sure Mattel thought Jeremy was a good idea for non-rail character diversity, he got a pretty negative response on here when he was first announced since he has a pretty small following.  The only reason why he sold well (according to a former user on here), was because Tower Hobbies was stocking up on him like crazy since they specialize in airplane models a lot more than trains.  So Bachmann making Jeremy isn't exactly a good reason of why Bachmann should do Hector. :P
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on July 24, 2016, 02:58:40 PM
Hector might be too tall. He was bigger than the engines in the series so that'd probably be an issue too. As much as I'd like to see him it doesn't seem likely.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on August 04, 2016, 09:11:52 PM
Hey Chaz and HLC Railroad!

Thanks for commenting! You guys are absolutely right. Now that I am really thinking about it, Hector would probably not seem likely. He is too tall and may not sell as well as I think since he is not in high demand. Maybe Paxton or another Troublesome Truck would be a better option ;).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on August 05, 2016, 08:00:41 AM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on August 04, 2016, 09:11:52 PM
Hey Chaz and HLC Railroad!

Thanks for commenting! You guys are absolutely right. Now that I am really thinking about it, Hector would probably not seem likely. He is too tall and may not sell as well as I think since he is not in high demand. Maybe Paxton or another Troublesome Truck would be a better option ;).
Yes, we need a tanker troublesome truck, and it's never a problem. I'd love Hector to be a car Bachmann makes but as you said he's too tall. Also I like the idea of Paxton. He'd probably sell better than Rosie will.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: james p on August 14, 2016, 10:44:29 PM
HO:
(Any one of the engines)
Stephen
Conner
Caitlin
Stafford
Hiro

Rolling stock-
CGI Troublesome Truck
CGI Box Car
CGI Brakevan (any version)
CGI Express Coach
CGI Express Brake Coach
Stephen's Special Coach #1
Stephen's Special Coach #2
Connor's Special Coach
Connor's Special Brake Coach
Caitlin's Special Coach
Caitlin's Special Brake Coach

Accessories-
Tidmouth Goods Shed
Small Goods Shed
Reg

HOn30:
Sir Handel
Peter Sam

Rolling stock-
Coach (Blue)
Brake Van (Blue)

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Trainboy100 on August 15, 2016, 06:45:59 PM
By the way do any of you guys know that toad is out now because i saw him two week's ago at the greensburg train show :D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Thomasfan39 on August 15, 2016, 09:30:26 PM
Quote from: Trainboy100 on August 15, 2016, 06:45:59 PM
By the way do any of you guys know that toad is out now because i saw him two week's ago at the greensburg train show :D

I've known that I got it for Valentine's Day from my dad right when it came out.🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: T-F_H-O_OBSESSION on September 19, 2016, 07:38:09 PM
Any reason Bachmann wouldn't release Victor in H-O scale in the near future ???
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on September 19, 2016, 09:46:40 PM
Quote from: T-F_H-O_OBSESSION on September 19, 2016, 07:38:09 PM
Any reason Bachmann wouldn't release Victor in H-O scale in the near future ???
Firstly he's a narrow gauge engine. Secondly there are other characters that have been around longer they could make. Thirdly he's not exactly the most popular engine and doesn't add much to the current lineup so I doubt they'd make him for a while atleast, and if they do then it would be in HOn30, not HO.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: T-F_H-O_OBSESSION on September 19, 2016, 09:52:28 PM
Quote from: HLC Railroad on September 19, 2016, 09:46:40 PM
Quote from: T-F_H-O_OBSESSION on September 19, 2016, 07:38:09 PM
Any reason Bachmann wouldn't release Victor in H-O scale in the near future ???
Firstly he's a narrow gauge engine. Secondly there are other characters that have been around longer they could make. Thirdly he's not exactly the most popular engine and doesn't add much to the current lineup so I doubt they'd make him for a while atleast, and if they do then it would be in HOn30, not HO.
Thank you HLC Railroad
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on September 20, 2016, 05:22:49 PM
Not a problem. It's not commonly known that he's narrow gauge and hard to see unless you really look. It took me a while. I'm always glad to fill those with new knowledge.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on September 21, 2016, 07:36:51 PM
I know that James was confirmed to be remade with the right colors but I have a few ideas on what will happen other than with just a color match.

1. I was able to get a brand new Thomas, Annie and Clarabel set for 70% off on a closing sale and noticed right away that the Thomas has a new motor as they have moved the screw from under the back box to the outside and made that box shorter, it also feels like it can pull more than my Christmas Thomas. It runs way smoother as well so I think the same will be done with James.

2. I also think that they will change the face to make it closer to the CGI series. On that note, all other companies that are making Thomas products have updated their engines with CGI faces. I feel like the same will happen with the main 7 over time. First being Thomas, Percy and James. Possibly the same with the TT's and A&C.

3. I was talking with a friend about this but if there was a complete redesign on Thomas, Percy and James, it would be sweet if they could fit in a DCC ready upgrade instead of the moving eyes or if they would come with DCC fitted. I have seen some people put DCC in theirs and they fit just fine.

Let me know what you think!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on September 21, 2016, 08:33:13 PM
I think it should be DCC ready like a plug and play type of deal. That way the rest of the characters don't get left in the dust. It's also been proven that you can DCC fit it and keep the eyes. Other than that I totally agree, I just wish they would stick with the (better) classic series than the new CGI series. I'll like it either way but id rather it be classic. But an updated face for them all, color fixes, and maybe some more accurately sized bits would be a great choice. I love this range I just haven't gotten Percy, James or Thomas yet mainly because of how out of place they feel with the others. These are the main characters and to see that they're representing this line if for sure like to see them improved. I feel like fixing the main 3 would bring many more people to this line. Hopefully Bachmann does this.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 22, 2016, 11:48:44 PM
Most of Percy's problems are tooling issues. Coal bunker too high, with no rear windows. No front coupler. Bad face. I don't know if Bachmann will ever fix Percy. A tooling change is much more difficult than a color fix.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on September 23, 2016, 10:20:08 AM
I think the only revisions I could see in the foreseeable future are new faces and updated paintwork.  New motors would be nice, but I'm not getting my hopes high on that one, even though James in particular could really benefit from one.  I think DCC is going to be exclusive to large scale only from Bachmann, but it shouldn't be too difficult to add decoders to the HO models if you need to.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 28, 2016, 02:50:32 AM
For narrow gauge, I think Peter Sam would be the most likely.

For HO scale, I did mention Paxton, Daisy, or Stanley being possible, but now that Sidney has been appearing more, I think he could be possible too.

It would also be cool to see Spencer with metallic silver paintwork, and better speed.

If we get another engine with analog sound, I think it should be Diesel. Instead of whistle and chuff, it would be his horn and other diesel sounds. Percy might be too small.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on September 30, 2016, 08:23:12 AM
Stanley is unlikely as he hasn't been seen since before the cgi series started. Daisy just came back and hasn't been in a single episode yet as of her return (She will soon though) and she never had much of a roll when she still was in the series. Paxton though is likely as we only have a few diesels and Paxton's been making a name for himself lately. I definitely do like your analog Diesel idea though. Seems likely (in a way) aswell. I doubt they'll do anything to spencer seeing as he hasn't had a decent roll in the series since Hero of the Rails.

As for narrow gauge I'm pretty sure Sir Handle would be around the same time as Peter Sam. It just seems logical in my opinion. I agree though that Percy's issue is tooling, unfortunately I doubt Bachmann would fix it as they'd be making a whole new engine and people are still buying this one. But hey James is in the works so maybe.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 01, 2016, 02:07:25 AM
I didn't expect Rosie to be announced this year. She hasn't had a speaking role since Season 16, and she's being made. Strange isn't it?

I really hope Bachmann does make Paxton soon. Since Blue Mountain Mystery, he has been in high demand. As for Sidney, he just recently had his own episode, and he's finally starting to appear more. Since they're both Diesel recolors, it's possible Sidney might get announced at the same time, but not certain.

Even in the classic series, Daisy didn't really have that much screen time. I wouldn't expect BoCo unless he makes his grand return. It's possible BoCo might return soon, but there's no actual proof of it happening yet.

There was a time Stepney was in demand, but it died down since he still has yet to appear in full CGI.

It would be cool to see Sir Handel and Peter Sam get announced at the same time, but I doubt that. As usual, we may only get one.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on October 01, 2016, 09:19:57 AM
I think they added Rosie just to add another female to the line up. Which I guess would help Daisy's case to become a model. I can also see that most likely Stuart and Falcon... I mean Sir Hamdle and Peter Sam, wouldn't be released together, just that it would be amazing if they did. I really wish they'd bring back Duke to the series so we could have a Bachmann Model. I'd make one myself but I'm not good at these sort of things and you'd definitely be able to tell it's homemade. So for the meantime we just have to wait. Can't wait to see what we get next year, hope it's good.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 03, 2016, 12:17:13 PM
I just hope Bachmann doesn't make Philip. He's an annoying loud-mouth.

Characters like Porter and Timothy are also possible. They had some interesting roles, and they're likeable characters.

The problem with Norman is that he still has yet to have a decent role. Even Sidney is finally starting to shine. I just hope Norman gets character development soon. I don't know if I see Den and Dart being made, since they seem unlikely.

As the narrow gauge line grows, I'd probably expect Duncan to be the last of the main six. I could care less about characters like Freddie, or Mighty Mac, who haven't appeared since Season 12.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on October 03, 2016, 01:06:31 PM
Heaven forbid Bachmann makes Philip.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on October 03, 2016, 02:42:24 PM
Bachmann hasn't made any new characters past Season 7 until Rosie, and that was this year.

Bachmanns HO range is already pretty bulky. It wouldn't surprise me if they stopped after Rosie, and instead used their resources towards expanding the Narrow Gauge range.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 03, 2016, 03:51:15 PM
As long as people still buy them, and it's still profitable, I doubt they'll stop.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on October 03, 2016, 08:07:26 PM
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what Mattel wants Bachmann to do with their three Thomas lines as well as whether or not Bachmann could afford the requested tooling(s).  Either way, I would hope Bachmann would at least do Paxton in HO before considering on skipping out on making a new engine altogether.

I don't disagree that the narrow gauge range could be expanded a lot more.  Large scale could also use an extra push too.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JD417 on October 03, 2016, 09:54:15 PM
It may sound odd, but at this point I just want recolours/updates for the HO range right now, by that I mean, no more new 'Sodor Salt Van' types of releases. But I doubt Mattel would allow them to release nothing at all, as we all know Mattel is a very money hungry company, especially with the Thomas brand.
But, if they do get a year to just improve on things, I'd like to see:

-The much wanted updated of Thomas and Percy. Their faces, Percy's Bunker, etc.
-Henrietta gaining a face.
-Fix Diesel's side rods, either get them painted in all black, or add the white center, as he never had completely silver rods.
     -Off of that, correct the factory errors that have red buffer heads that are popping up more and more.


And if they are to start doing things that would better benefit them, I personally think two things would definitely be:

-Paxton, maybe even Sidney. (Easy recolours of characters that actually have a following. Looking at you Rosie.)
-Recolours that actually make sense (The Mail Vans in liveries seen in the show, not random like 'Live Lobsters', or plain green.)

And personally, if the much anticipated Glynn episode coming up features something from the past, such as a flashback to when he was working on the railway in his prime, I'd really hope James and Thomas may pop up in their previous liveries, and I'd love to think that it would be a big push to a Bachmann/Hornby Green Thomas or Black James release.
Also, being perfectly honest, as I've asked around, and it's obvious that people, including myself, would much rather an LBSC Green Thomas over that celebration one released last year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 03, 2016, 10:43:08 PM
I have a feeling that updating Diesel with black side rods might get mixed reactions. Another update can be fixing the black buffer housings on Duck, or giving Bill and Ben red wheels.

I agree that the LBSC Thomas and black James would be much more interesting than the celebration Thomas. A paint change is much easier than a tooling change. Paxton and Sidney would both be welcome. At least all those recolors were actually in the show. I have never seen a "Sodor Salt" Wagon or a refrigerator car with live lobsters, which are just random.

If we get Troublesome Truck #6, I hope it could be a tanker, or a van. Oliver Owns Up was the only time we saw a utility wagon with a face, and Toad Stands By was the only episode to feature tankers with faces. The vans with faces are seen in Bradford the Brake Van.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JD417 on October 04, 2016, 10:04:12 PM
Well the episode I mentioned in my previous post has come out on Amazon (As did the rest of them), and it didn't feature anything I said I'd hope was in there. (Black James, Green Thomas). You'd think I'd be disappointed. I'm not, as the episodes were flat out spectacular. I'm not going to describe the plot of the episodes in anyway, as I don't want to spoil anything, but I'm actually going to add on to my list with the changes I'd like to see to existing models.

-Donald and Douglas get their nameplates moved up.
-Diesel's side rods get a colour scheme, rather them be all plain metal. (Previously I said they should pick the white center, or make them all black.)
    -In the one and only appearance of Diesel of these new episodes (Where we can clearly see his wheels), there was this gem of an error: (http://i.imgur.com/o7hyy0Q.png)

Now like I said, that definitely seems to be an error, as only one of them have turned chrome, but until we see Diesel again, as far as we know, maybe the other two being black is actually the error. Either way I certainly prefer the Chrome centers with black rods. That really pops, as compared to the white centers with silver rods, and it most definitely stands out compared to everything being all completely black.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JLK2707 on October 06, 2016, 03:49:55 AM
Yeah, I just hope they do the following for 2017:

HO Scale:

1. Paxton
2. Sidney
3. Redesigned tidmouth milk tanker
4. Redesigned sodor fuel tanker
5. Troublesome truck 6 (should be a tanker)
6. Charlie or Billy

Narrow gauge:

1. Sir Handel
2. Passenger coaches

Large scale:

1. Edward
2. Diesel
3. Mavis
4. Henrietta
5. Duck or Oliver
6. Yellow open wagon or red branchline coaches (composite and brake)

Duck and Oliver were suggested due to the gwr rolling stock in the large scale range.

What do you think of my suggestions?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Thomasfan39 on October 06, 2016, 02:18:50 PM
Quote from: JD417 on October 04, 2016, 10:04:12 PM
Well the episode I mentioned in my previous post has come out on Amazon (As did the rest of them), and it didn't feature anything I said I'd hope was in there. (Black James, Green Thomas). You'd think I'd be disappointed. I'm not, as the episodes were flat out spectacular. I'm not going to describe the plot of the episodes in anyway, as I don't want to spoil anything, but I'm actually going to add on to my list with the changes I'd like to see to existing models.

-Donald and Douglas get their nameplates moved up.
-Diesel's side rods get a colour scheme, rather them be all plain metal. (Previously I said they should pick the white center, or make them all black.)
    -In the one and only appearance of Diesel of these new episodes (Where we can clearly see his wheels), there was this gem of an error: (http://i.imgur.com/o7hyy0Q.png)

Now like I said, that definitely seems to be an error, as only one of them have turned chrome, but until we see Diesel again, as far as we know, maybe the other two being black is actually the error. Either way I certainly prefer the Chrome centers with black rods. That really pops, as compared to the white centers with silver rods, and it most definitely stands out compared to everything being all completely black.



I just painted diesels rods black.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Titanic5972 on October 06, 2016, 02:56:58 PM
Quote from: JLK2707 on October 06, 2016, 03:49:55 AM
Yeah, I just hope they do the following for 2017:

HO Scale:

3. Redesigned tidmouth milk tanker
4. Redesigned sodor fuel tanker


Why do they need to redesign the tankers?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on October 07, 2016, 04:44:44 AM
Maybe to the CGI? I really hope they don't do this to be honest. I prefer the old ones and why waste the time on it?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 07, 2016, 02:00:41 PM
What would you think of Bachmann giving Bill and Ben red wheels?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on October 08, 2016, 08:01:36 AM
I mean...I prefer the black but I don't really dislike the red. As long as I have a pair of the originals I'm fine.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on October 23, 2016, 10:40:06 AM
My suggestions for 2017:

HO

Locomotives:
Paxton
Re-released Salty
Porter
Stanley
Hiro

Rolling Stock
Hopper Wagon (With Slate Load)
China Clay Wagon (With Clay Load & Hood)
Ffarquhar Quarry Wagon (With Stone Load)
Re-released Flatbed
Re-released Gordon's coaches
Sodor Fruit & Vegetable Co. Van
Explosives Van
CGI Milk tanker
CGI Fuel Tanker
Henrietta (Updated with Face)

Vehicles
Trevor

Buildings
Sodor Steamworks
Motorised Watermill
Sodor Shipping Company Warehouse
Duke and Duchess of Boxford's Summerhouse

HO Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel (If going by engine number)
Rusty or Duncan
NG brake vans
NG coaches
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: douglas on October 24, 2016, 08:42:32 PM
All I care about is Bachmann getting Rheneas "right" after his release being pushed back this far.

Also, no more Diesel clones, please. They're a waste of time and release slots that could go to other characters.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: douglas on October 24, 2016, 08:50:57 PM
Quote from: sean1994rail on October 23, 2016, 10:40:06 AM
HO Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel (If going by engine number)
Rusty or Duncan
NG brake vans
NG coaches

Bachmann's NG rolling stock are clones of Peco's 009 scale (British equivalent of N scale) models. Cheaper, and a better selection as well. Check out Hattons UK (http://www.hattons.co.uk/stocklist/1000407/1000592/Peco_Products_OO9_Narrow_Gauge/spec_list.aspx).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on October 24, 2016, 09:12:55 PM
The only reason why I can imagine that they are taking more time with Rheneas than they did with Skarloey last year is so they have a larger quantity in their warehouse so more people can have the model when it comes out.  Skarloey clearly sold better than Bachmann had thought last Christmas since the model kept selling out constantly from their warehouse/online shops whenever a new shipment of models arrived.  I imagine they wanted to avoid that with Rheneas so that more people can get him at the same time without having to wait for the next shipment.  Regardless, I'm sure they will get Rheneas "right" just like they did with Skarloey.

Also, a Bachmann representative confirmed that the slate wagons will not be based on the Peco tooling, hence why the price is a lot lower than last years NG stock.  So if this is the case, it is entirely possible that narrow gauge coaches and brake vans will be new toolings too.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on October 26, 2016, 12:48:27 AM
Quote from: douglas on October 24, 2016, 08:42:32 PM
Also, no more Diesel clones, please. They're a waste of time and release slots that could go to other characters.
They're cheaper to produce for Bachmann, and can turn around a nice profit for them, I wouldn't exactly call them a waste of time.

Also, I recommended using the "modify" button for you posts, it can stop double posting and makes the topic appear more neat.

Quote from: Titanic5972 on October 06, 2016, 02:56:58 PM
Why do they need to redesign the tankers?
They don't need to, as such...but considering Bachmann has already updated a few tankers and the Red Mail Coach...I wouldn't exactly say it's unlikely...plus that way, at least all their wagons would match the CGI series, I could understand the logic behind updating the tankers...not saying that it's an "absolute must", just that I understand the logic behind it.

Quote from: Chaz on October 24, 2016, 09:12:55 PM
The only reason why I can imagine that they are taking more time with Rheneas than they did with Skarloey last year is so they have a larger quantity in their warehouse so more people can have the model when it comes out.  Skarloey clearly sold better than Bachmann had thought last Christmas since the model kept selling out constantly from their warehouse/online shops whenever a new shipment of models arrived.  I imagine they wanted to avoid that with Rheneas so that more people can get him at the same time without having to wait for the next shipment.
That's not the first time I've heard that theory, and I believe it's completely logically sound, so if I were a betting man, I'd have my money on that theory. I think you hit the nail on the head there, Chaz.

I would state my predictions for next year...but I think I've made them clear enough already...and I wish not to drone on and on like a broken record. I do have a piece of advice to all members, though. When posting here, please be reasonable to each other, and especially with the opinions of others (the latter point has drastically improved recently, thankfully), and please by realistic with your predictions made, after all, Bachmann isn't Learning Curve, they can't make too many products in the same year, they also probably won't make characters for the sake of merchandising. Then again...I was wrong on that last point in regards to Rosie...and some of this year's other products...so who knows?

Just my two cents.

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: douglas on October 28, 2016, 10:01:11 AM
Alright, well, I'll post what I think is realistic for Bachmann in 2017. Haven't followed the TV series in ages, so if I'm missing someone/something big, please by all means point it out.

HO
one of the class 08s they haven't made yet
Winston

N
Sir Handel
Blue/Cream Narrow Gauge Coach
Green/Cream Open Coach
Guards Vans (Blue and Brown)

G
Edward
Express Coaches
Properly-scaled Bertie
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on October 28, 2016, 11:53:58 AM
Quote from: douglas on October 28, 2016, 10:01:11 AM
Alright, well, I'll post what I think is realistic for Bachmann in 2017. Haven't followed the TV series in ages, so if I'm missing someone/something big, please by all means point it out.

HO
one of the class 08s they haven't made yet
Winston

N
Sir Handel
Blue/Cream Narrow Gauge Coach
Green/Cream Open Coach
Guards Vans (Blue and Brown)

G
Edward
Express Coaches
Properly-scaled Bertie
which HO class 08 would be best: Splatter and Dodge, Sidney or like I stated, Paxton? And what HO rolling stock, vehicles and building were you thinking of?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on October 29, 2016, 05:32:27 PM
If they do a recolor with Diesel's tooling it would either be Paxton and/or Sidney because Splatter and Dodge haven't been used since Magic Railroad.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on October 29, 2016, 05:39:45 PM
Paxton most likely, more screen time.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: J70Toby on November 05, 2016, 10:23:47 PM
At this point, the only standard gauge (HO) engines that I could see myself wanting (and at all likely from having appeared in the show) are Daisy, BoCo, and Stepney.  I don't see BoCo or Stepney happening at this point, but I really thought that Daisy would be announced this year because she was coming back to the show and because Bachmann has tended to stick to characters from the early seasons with Emily, Spenser, and Salty being the closest to "modern" characters that they have made new toolings for (and Winston if large scale is counted).

I also see Daisy as potentially being easier than some other candidates to produce.  I would imagine that Bachmann already has a Bo-Bo diesel chassis from other models that could be used as a starting point, and her overall shape is essentially a box.  I would expect that a Bachmann Daisy would have all of her windows blacked out in order to hide her motor and eye mechanism, which is a shame, but I could of course live with it.

Rolling stock wise, I would love to see at least Isabel (all four autocoaches would be great, but I won't go there), though I don't see her ever happening.  Bachmann Branchline actually does make a maroon autocoach, so in theory, they would just need to Thomas-ize it.  Other than Isabel, I don't really think much is necessary except perhaps some varied brakevan designs and the occasional new troublesome truck.  Something like a log car would be good, but there really isn't a need for a specifically Thomas branded version of an item like that.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on November 06, 2016, 12:52:01 AM
If they did do Daisy and wanted to hide the internal compartments like they do with the tank engines, it might be easier and more visually pleasing to use frosted window glass. It would definitely look better than big wide blackened windows.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Duke on November 06, 2016, 10:23:17 AM
If they did do Daisy (and I really hope so), they most likely would give her gray windows like all the other diesel engines.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: J70Toby on November 06, 2016, 01:31:45 PM
I really like the idea of frosted glass windows.  I hadn't thought of that.  Though I can't help but agree with Duke that gray windows like the Mavis and Diesel models are more likely.  Another potential issue with Daisy is mounting a front coupling because of how far down her body and face go over her wheel base.  I believe her ERTL model from back in the day didn't bother to give her a front coupling, possibly because of this.  It's not terribly important that she have one because she's not meant to be hauling anything, but I could see it turning people off if the model lacked one as well.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on November 06, 2016, 01:39:37 PM
Quote from: J70Toby on November 06, 2016, 01:31:45 PM
I really like the idea of frosted glass windows.  I hadn't thought of that.  Though I can't help but agree with Duke that gray windows like the Mavis and Diesel models are more likely.  Another potential issue with Daisy is mounting a front coupling because of how far down her body and face go over her wheel base.  I believe her ERTL model from back in the day didn't bother to give her a front coupling, possibly because of this.  It's not terribly important that she have one because she's not meant to be hauling anything, but I could see it turning people off if the model lacked one as well.
true, unless bachmann will model her in her CGI form.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on November 16, 2016, 12:57:19 AM
Daisy has been appearing more than she's ever had in the model series. Now, I really want a Bachmann model of her. It's really possible now. I think I want her more than Paxton or Sidney.

In Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure, and The Great Race, she was there for fanservice. Now, in Season 20, she's feeling like an ACTUAL CHARACTER, and that's better.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on November 16, 2016, 11:39:17 AM
Daisy, along with Donald and Douglas, have definitely not had missed opportunity in their reintroductions this year. Since the former was pretty much ignored in the Allcroft era, the new writers are clearly not hesitating to exploit her for episode ideas, and I'm very satisfied with their efforts.

If Daisy does get made by Bachmann, I'd actually prefer her CGI render. Her face looks much better now in all honesty, and her front buffer beam doesn't look like it's low riding.

At this point, if Daisy does get made, I would love if they made Ryan to go with her. He's not the most likely choice, no doubt, but with Rosie being made, Ryan doesn't seem too much of a far fetched idea now. Ryan has proven to be quite popular already, and I can see him getting made rather than Marion, Diesel 10, or even Hiro.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ThomasFan247 on November 17, 2016, 03:17:36 PM
I concur with the Daisy/Ryan idea. Ryan easily has become my favorite character aesthetically, and I think Bachmann would do a beautiful job with him. Daisy would be a lovely addition as well :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on December 05, 2016, 11:02:33 PM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/TRSlateWaggons.jpg/440px-TRSlateWaggons.jpg)

With the recent news of the slate wagons having pictures up, I recently found out that the two numbered slate wagons (101 and 164) are the exact same numbers that are printed on two of the real Talyllyn slate wagons.  With that in mind, I wanted to talk about the next logical choice, for narrow gauge rolling stock which would be coaches.

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/ff/DuncanandtheGrumpyPassenger37.png/revision/latest?cb=20161021202942)

Seeing as how the coaches in the show are based off Talyllyn coaches it makes me wonder if Bachmann will make coaches in a similar fashion to how they did the slate wagons.  The only differences between them would be the numbers or possibly being labeled as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class coaches as well as having a closer resemblance to the real basis of the coaches.

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b93I4PIUTFc/TlPfheBBhTI/AAAAAAAAC-E/f1ub6lj5R34/s1600/DSCF6931.JPG)


What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on December 06, 2016, 02:08:02 AM
If Bachmann made RTR versions of the Skarloey Railway coaches, using the Talyllyn Railway coaches as a proper basis, I think they'd be swimming in money.

Now the question is, will they use the right ones? Talyllyn Coach No. 4 is the right basis for the TV version blue coaches, and Talyllyn No. 3 is thr right basis for the TV version red coaches.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 06, 2016, 10:08:07 AM
I like the look of the Slate Wagons that Bachmann are releasing, but I am suprised really that the Slate Wagons with the numbers (77302 and 77303) have the numbers that have been given to them in the product title.

I am also suprised that the numbers in those two Slate Wagons are the numbers in real life, as shown in the image Chaz has posted. I thought they would not have numbers printed on them.

I was also hoping that the slate would be different, but they are not. All I hope, is that loads will beremoverable, so consumers can change loads in them, if they wish.

Overall, I like them a lot and hope that the final wait for the release will not be long. My only disappointment with them, is that they don't look like the Skate Trucks in the TV series (model era). They do look a lot better to PECO's upcoming release of Slate Wagons though, so a thumbs up to Bachmann for these three releases.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on December 06, 2016, 10:37:12 AM
The Slate Wagons remind remind me of ERTL models for some reason.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Anthony P2 on December 07, 2016, 12:45:21 PM
Honestly, I don't think that the slate wagons are lazy at all. From a business major's perspective and a modeler's perspective, this was a fantastic move on Bachmannn's part! They have one tooled mold for 3 products. That's like killing 3 birds with one stone! Plus, they're modeled after real wagons on the Tayllyn Railway and we get slate loads! After all, these are the wagons that the TV series slate trucks are based off of! a little bit different looking in the TV series, but they share the same basis! Remember the coal car w/ load and the flat car w/ paint drums? Those were the only two times we actually got loads with a wagon from Bachmann! Also, has anybody else noticed the metal wheels? The other rolling stock has lower quality plastic wheels. Let's not forget about the price too! They're about half the price of the other rolling stock! The low price means that they are cheaper to produce! It's only a matter of time until Bachmann can produce these wagons with faces on them so the models will become even more profitable! These are going to be a pretty good seller! Not to mention the modelers who want a R2R slate wagonn for they're 009 scale model railway who will buy a few at a time! So we get more accurate rolling stock that comes with a slate load and metal wheels at the lower price of the other rolling stock! I'll take 20!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Titanic5972 on December 07, 2016, 12:53:47 PM
I'm not sure which rolling stock you are talking about Anthony. All my Bachmann rolling stock had metal wheels.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on December 07, 2016, 01:33:02 PM
@titanic - he's referring to the original NG rolling stock released alongside Skarloey that used the PECO tooling.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on December 07, 2016, 03:13:16 PM
I definetely agree that the slate wagons are a huge improvement of the rolling stock from last year.  It really does seem like a win-win from Bachmann with a more accurate tooling as well as a much cheaper price.  It wouldn't surprise me if the Peco recolors eventually got discontinued eventually.

Quote from: Sparks on December 06, 2016, 02:08:02 AM
Now the question is, will they use the right ones? Talyllyn Coach No. 4 is the right basis for the TV version blue coaches, and Talyllyn No. 3 is thr right basis for the TV version red coaches.

It'd be nice to see them do both honestly, maybe a set of three blue coaches one year and three red coaches the following?  It'd be even better if the red coaches were painted in Talyllyn livery and the blue ones had a closer resemblance to the Railway Series. 

(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/0/02/SirHandelRS2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130716155708)

Considering the blue box van's SR logo, and even the slate wagons I don't think this sounds too unlikely.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on December 07, 2016, 03:53:01 PM
On an unrelated note
(http://puu.sh/sHD3I/dc8df3b77f.jpg)
I think it's safe to say Jerome and Judy will happen soon now that they're regular characters in the show again. All they would have to do is change the face and nameplate to do the other crane. It fits pretty well with Bachmanns trend of "two toolings for the price of one" (especially recently).

If they did the Works Unit, it'd probably be a different color to not be confused for Annie/Clarabel.

For posing, just have the cranes on a ratchet, and the bodies on a rotatable piece. I think for what Thomas fans model nowadays, the tooling doesn't need to be as complicated as Cranky.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 07, 2016, 04:06:03 PM
^ I agree with you Sparks. A Breakdown Crane being added to the Bachmann Thomas & Friends range would be a great addition to the range. I have always had this in my mind. Then again, Rocky could also be added to the range too! He is also a Breakdown Crane and has had bigger roll in the TV Series, than Jerome and Judy has, so far.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on December 07, 2016, 06:44:10 PM
With this talk about coaches, I was surprised that you (or anyone else) did not mention the slip coaches. Especially considering their recent regular cameo appearances in season 20.

Judy and Jerome would be a great idea all the same.  I think they would be a much better fit in the range than Rocky since Rocky is one large piece, as well as being even more expensive to produce.  I wouldn't even mind if Bachmann skipped making an engine next year if it meant Judy and Jerome were to be announced, just like when the red coaches were announced.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 08, 2016, 03:32:16 AM
^ I think you are probably right there about Rocky being produced Chaz, as he is a 75-ton Breakdown Crane. I can see Hornby more likely producing him, than Bachmann. Jerome and Judy are much chances for Bachmann as they are smaller and would be much cheaper to produce and for the consumers.

The Slip Coaches would also be nice as well. Then Duck will have something to pull then!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on December 09, 2016, 02:00:16 AM
The Slip Coaches would be a great idea if Bachmann did them. Duck and the Slip Coaches would actually make an intriguing starter set at that.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Ken Clark on December 09, 2016, 12:24:41 PM
   

   When Bachmann Europe release their Ransome & Rapier 45 Ton Breakdown Crane (ROCKY prototype) it may
be worth a look at for conversion . Possibly Bachmann US could piggy back production and add the faces?.

  Ken C
   GWN
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on December 12, 2016, 08:48:46 AM
Quote from: Ken Clark on December 09, 2016, 12:24:41 PM
   

   When Bachmann Europe release their Ransome & Rapier 45 Ton Breakdown Crane (ROCKY prototype) it may
be worth a look at for conversion . Possibly Bachmann US could piggy back production and add the faces?.

  Ken C
   GWN
If the final model is identical to Rocky and his basis that is.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 13, 2016, 01:52:35 PM
My predictions for 2017 are:

HO Locomotives:
Charlie (With Moving Eyes)
Paxton (With Moving Eyes)
Sidney (With Moving Eyes)
Caitlin (With Moving Eyes)
Connor (With Moving Eyes)
Ryan (With Moving Eyes)

HO Passenger Rolling Stock:
76041 Spencer's Special Coach (CGI Livery)
77028 Henrietta (With Face)
Red Express Composite Coach (Re-release)
Red Express Brake Coach (Re-release)
Caitlin's Composite Coach
Caitlin's Brake Coach
Connor's Composite Coach
Connor's Brake Coach
Hannah

HO Freight Rolling Stock:
77039 Sodor Fuel Tank (With CGI Logo)
77048 Tidmouth Milk Tank (With CGI Logo)
Flat Car with Paint Drums (Re-release)
Troublesome Truck #6 (Plain Black Tanker With Face)
Water Tanker
Blue Utility Wagon (Mail Car)
Bradford

Narrow Gauge:
Narrow Gauge Sir Handel
Narrow Gauge Red Coach
Narrow Gauge D.FUSIT Gunpowder Wagon
Narrow Gauge Red Brake Van
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on December 15, 2016, 10:46:19 PM
I think I'll take the time to make a post about some locomotives and rolling stock that I feel would be beneficial to the large scale range for 2017.  To be fair, large scale hasn't been that great for announcements the last couple years, so the range really needs something outstanding to get it back on track, no pun intended...   I'll start off with locomotives that I feel that would be beneficial to the range, then move into rolling stock.  I might mention a few set ideas as well.

Duck and Oliver
Duck and Oliver hold many positives if introduced into large scale.  Going back to when they were announced in HO, that got many people excited.  Also seeing as how well Duck has sold (same is yet to be found out with Oliver), both might very well be great additions to the large scale range.  When considering they have also made numerous appearances lately in the series, that also plays a big factor in a character being made sometimes.  Probably the biggest plus with Duck and Oliver is that they are both tank engines which helps keep production costs down.  If you want to bring up that Oliver would go well with S. C. Ruffey (already available in large scale), well that's another plus I guess.  Toad in large scale is another story, which I'll discuss further down in this post.

Bill and Ben
Although probably a long shot, Bill and Ben present many positives, but do have a downside.  Both have had quite a few major roles in the series recently, and are characters I would regard as classics.  They are however, not really main characters such as Thomas, Gordon, Toby, etc so that kind of makes me wonder how Bachmann would do on the models in terms of sales.  Probably the real advantage to Bill and Ben is that to make them would only require a single tooling.  That I feel is the strongest advantage these models have for large scale.  It's basically a case of (as I like to say) killing 2 stones with 1 bird.

Rosie
Rosie I feel is another engine that would in fact have some positives if made in large scale, but also some negatives as well.  Rosie appeals to many (especially among female Thomas fans), but to some of the more serious collectors, a pink locomotive isn't a must have on their list.  I also can't say she's had many roles in the series recently other than cameos most of the time.  Rosie is however a tank engine which would help keep production costs down, just as it would with the others I've mentioned.  It's also a possibility that Bachmann could reuse Thomas's chassis for Rosie as well.  The big thing is that I personally feel Rosie has a strong chance being made in large scale for the same reason her HO model was announced.  Like it or not, that's just how ****/Mattel work...

Mavis
Now Mavis is possibly a more unlikely character to be made, but I'll get to that shortly.  On a positive note, Mavis is a smaller engine which (same as the models mentioned earlier) keeps production costs down.  Another benefit to Mavis is that if she was to be made, she could use Toby's chassis.  On the downside however, I have been told (by reputable sources), diesels are not good sellers in large scale.  This could very well be the reason Bachmann discontinued their 0-4-0 Gas Mechanical and 45 ton switcher.  Then again, diesels in the Thomas range may do better in terms of sales than Bachmann's 1:20.3 line.

Edward
Unfortunately Edward is pushing the limit in terms of being made in large scale, but still has somewhat of a chance.  Like Duck and Oliver, Edward had a lot of interest when he was announced in HO, and sold well too.  Although not a tank engine, he's a smaller engine (smaller than James at least) and a main/classic character.  I know there's a large number of people who would add Edward to their large scale collection just for that simple reason.  As I said in one of my previous posts this year (sadly the thread was deleted), many would be happy just to see Edward brought into the range even if he was the only large scale announcement for 2016 (2017 now).

Emily w/ DCC Sound (with moving eyes)
I won't spend too long on Emily, but I will say that she seems like a very likely one to happen.  Upon opening up my large scale Emily for maintenance, I found that there was a grill over the rear pony truck and mounting posts inside the model for a speaker.  As I've been told though, Bachmann must have had DCC sound in mind for a while considering when Emily was announced and when we got DCC sound Thomas and Percy.  I don't know why else all the mounting brackets would be in there already.  Other DCC sound large scale models are mentioned further down in this post.

Henrietta
Henrietta is one I feel needs to happen because it's been nearly 2-3 years since Toby was announced.  Many have been asking where Henrietta is, and to some Toby just isn't complete without her.  One problem Henrietta does have though is she requires a new tooling, which is basically useless for anything else.  As I've already made a post about large scale Henrietta for 2017, I don't feel I need to go over this again.  If you would like to see my extensive post, check out the link below.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,31790.msg237691.html#msg237691

Mail Car
The mail car would also be a great addition to the large scale range, especially for Percy.  Although it would require a new tooling (and I'm not for the idea), Bachmann could also make recolors of the van just as they have done in the HO range.  I think many would agree though that we don't need a green mail car or a live lobsters car.  To be a good seller, I think Bachmann would be better off making the utility van or the brown variant as seen in the Flying Kipper and/or Thomas and the Trucks.
(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/thomasandfriends/images/5/50/UtilityWagon.png/revision/latest?cb=20150921015323)

The Red Coaches
The red coaches are something I know many people want to see in large scale.  They have an advantage with production as the models could be made starting with the existing Annie and Clarabel/Emily's coaches tooling with alterations.  The red coaches were and still are a hot seller in HO, and they would definitely move well in large scale.  Chances are some people would even consider buying multiple red coaches instead of just buying a red coach and a red break coach.  These would be yet another great addition to the range for Percy or James.

Troublesome Truck #3
Saving the best for last, Troublesome Truck #3 has to be one of best pieces of rolling stock Bachmann could introduce into their large scale range.  It's easy, inexpensive, and is sure to sell.  Troublesome truck #3 would be a simple repaint of the box vans already available in the range, but with a troublesome truck face.  I'm not sure what face would be used (considering no vans have faces in CGI), but something like this would probably be a winner in many people's books.
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/6d/TheSpotlessRecord21.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20091107193340)

Along the lines of train sets in large scale, I think I'm going to keep it simple.  With the DCC sound Thomas, Bachmann could easily do the same as they did with the HO Whistle and Chuff Thomas set.  When also considering the Percy set has the least sales (even behind the Christmas set),and that most people who buy a train set usually want one with Thomas, that raises the stakes.  I feel a large scale Emily set might also be an option (considering the HO one), but I wouldn't get your hopes up. 

As for DCC sound models in large scale, I've already said Emily will probably happen, and the same can most likely be said for Toby and James.  Although I'm sure someone's going to call me out on it, Winston is a fail for DCC sound.  The model is just too small to fit this feature into, and considering Bachmann didn't even add moving eyes, clearly they were struggling just to fit a motor in it.  If Bachmann is to introduce anymore locomotive into the range (being at least tank engine size), I'm sure they'll be adding DCC sound to them as well.

To wrap things up, unfortunately I feel Toad will suffer the same production issues as Henrietta.  The fact that his tooling can only be used for him alone, pretty much leads us down the same road as before.  In many cases, Bachmann wants to introduce rolling stock such as vans, tankers, and wagons which can be recolored to make variation of the same thing.  It's also clear that larger models such as Gordon, Henry, Donald, Douglas, etc are not going to happen because production costs are just too high for them.  Smaller tank engines like Duck, Bill, Ben, Rosie, etc have a better chance because production costs for them are lower (hence why Winston was announced).  Diesels like Mavis, Phillip, Paxton, Salty, etc are another story, but I feel it's too early to make a call for the same reasons I stated in the Mavis part of this post.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on December 16, 2016, 11:55:58 AM
I definitely agree with most of the engine suggestions that you mentioned. You are not the first person I have seen bring up Duck in large scale, which admittedly I thought was an unusual request, but it does make more sense as you described since he did so well in each HO.  I also agree with your rolling stock suggestions too, I think troublesome truck #3 in large scale really would be better off being a van recolor as opposed to a cattle wagon like in HO.

Probably the only addition that I disagree with you on is Rosie, since Rosie was already a controversial announcement as it is in HO scale. I could see her having even worse sales in large scale than in HO. Then again, the only reason why I think they bothered to announce her in HO is because, as you said, Mattel shamelessly forced her into the range because of how she's a marketing tool more than an actual character.   Despite being marketed so shamelessly, it's obvious that the writers don't even like her and can't be bothered to make her do anything besides cameo, and frankly, I don't blame them...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Artfull Dodger on December 18, 2016, 12:07:34 PM
I would think any of the models with a 0-6-0 chassis would be a possiblity as it would share the drive that Thomas uses.   I would like to espically see Duck since I am a GWR fan, along with Diesel and Oliver.   Thier range of rolling stock is a god send for those of us in the states that like UK style trains and run live steamers made by Roundhouse.   To get proper UK style rolling stock, you need a bank loan, but since Bachmann brought out thier range, even though the scale is a bit of a miss match, the wagons and coaches look better than LGB product behind a UK style engine.  I pull my Emily coaches with a Roundhouse Argyll live steamer and am in the process of turning Emily into a non-Thomas engine with parts offered from the UK.   I would also love to see some of the buildings done in large scale, espically the glass canopy passenger station platforms.  Doubt we see that, buildings in LS need to be weather proof and that plastic isnt cheap.   Keep the LS products coming!      Mike
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Artfull Dodger on December 18, 2016, 01:40:48 PM
I also think Bachmann needs to offer non Thomas version of the engines.  If there is enough market for companies to offer kits to convert engines like Emily to non Thomas.  Then if Bachmann offered them already this way, many more would sell as some folks do not want the hassle of doing the modeling work.  It would also sell more models making tooling costs easier to absorb when consideirng new models.   Take Diesel.  Do the Thomas version, then think of all the different companies and railways that used that shunting diesel that the Thomas one is based on.  Then take Duck, a GWR Pannier tank.   Several different styles of paint worn during just the GWR years, then British Rail along with the crimson London Transport.   An affordable option for UK mainline engines in large scale.   Even if the scale is fudged a bit, its better than nothing when it comes to large scale trains.   Mike
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on December 18, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
I was actually surprised that Plow Bender didn't bring up Diesel in his post since he'd be a no-brainer in the range with a simple tooling with recolors to follow.  However, he did bring up that large scale diesels from Bachmann aren't really strong sellers which does make sense, even though Mavis could still be pulled off if bothered.  The conversion possibilities are certainly there for him (and Duck too), and so would the popularity of the character, but there may be hesitation as mentioned earlier, especially with how poor the large scale market has been in recent years.  

Even in the HO Thomas range, the sales for the diesels that they have made so far has been a real hit and miss. Diesel and Mavis were the only two that really seemed to do well when they first came out, while Arry and Bert didn't sell that well, and Salty was the first character in the range to get discontinued, which I think is saying something.  I wouldn't be surprised if this is a factor of why Bachmann hasn't gotten around to announcing Daisy or Paxton yet.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on December 18, 2016, 03:50:03 PM
Quote from: Chaz on December 18, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
I was actually surprised that Plow Bender didn't bring up Diesel in his post since he'd be a no-brainer in the range with a simple tooling with recolors to follow.  However, he did bring up that large scale diesels from Bachmann aren't really strong sellers which does make sense, even though Mavis could still be pulled off if bothered.  The conversion possibilities are certainly there for him (and Duck too), and so would the popularity of the character, but there may be hesitation as mentioned earlier, especially with how poor the large scale market has been in recent years.  

Even in the HO Thomas range, the sales for the diesels that they have made so far has been a real hit and miss. Diesel and Mavis were the only two that really seemed to do well when they first came out, while Arry and Bert didn't sell that well, and Salty was the first character in the range to get discontinued, which I think is saying something.  I wouldn't be surprised if this is a factor of why Bachmann hasn't gotten around to announcing Daisy or Paxton yet.
Yet, Salty did sell better than Iron Arry and Iron Bert too.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Artfull Dodger on December 18, 2016, 05:54:07 PM
Diesel and Mavis were so common place in many of the early years of the Thomas series, that might explain thier sales being better.  I was just thinking if the models were offered in both Thomas form and as a normal, say class 08 shunting diesel, it might boost sales overall to the level they need to see.  I do not think the overall interest in large scale has really gone down that much, more like the prices have gone up, leading to less overall spending volume wise.  That and being a election year here in the states with much left in the wind for atleast another few months, has kept many I know here in the states keeping thier money in thier wallet/bank account for now.   Lots of uneasyness right now and trains are being put on the back burner even more than before.   Mike
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on December 19, 2016, 01:34:21 PM
Quote from: Chaz on December 18, 2016, 02:44:50 PM
I was actually surprised that Plow Bender didn't bring up Diesel in his post since he'd be a no-brainer in the range with a simple tooling with recolors to follow.  However, he did bring up that large scale diesels from Bachmann aren't really strong sellers which does make sense, even though Mavis could still be pulled off if bothered.

I actually thought of bringing up Diesel, Chaz, but personally I feel Diesel (at least how the large scale model would be) just wouldn't have enough positives going for it.  Going back to when the HO Diesel was released, there was a lot of negative responses mainly just because of the CGI face.  I'm willing to bet money the same could be expected for the large scale model (if it was announced), even though we're all aware that large scale models are in the CGI theme.  In the end there's always going to be a bunch of ungrateful pricks complaining about it...

Even though Diesel's tooling could be reused for Arry and Bert, I'm not sure if this can really be considered an advantage.  As you and sean1994rail mentioned, Arry and Bert were not good sellers in the HO range, and considering diesels in general aren't good sellers in large scale, I think that pretty much pulls the plug on Arry and Bert happening.  Other companies (can't mention names because this is Bachmann forum) have tried Arry and Bert just because their tooling was there from Diesel, and they just don't have enough sales.

I still say that Bill and Ben would be a good choice if Bachmann wants to make multiple models in large scale using a single tooling.  Rolling stock such as the mail car, the red coaches, and troublesome truck #3 are also good options.  Speaking of troublesome trucks though, it just crossed my mind that Bachmann could honestly do something simple as just releasing troublesome trucks with different faces.  As we all know, you can never have too many troublesome trucks.  Perhaps this is a topic worth looking into?

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: UPTODAY on December 19, 2016, 02:07:07 PM
HI EVERYONE!!!!!!!!BACHMANNS CATALOG LISTINGS SHOW THE RED COACHES AS SOLD OUT!!SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT THIS??????
UPTODAY
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 19, 2016, 02:36:44 PM
^ Well the Red Branchline Coaches were only released last year and I personally believe they are good sellers, so I would be suprised if they have been discontinued already. I wouldn't have thought they would be discontinued yet. We will find out if they have been discontinued, when the 2017 Catalogue gets released. I wouldn't worry about it yet, if I were you Steve.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on December 19, 2016, 04:10:38 PM
Quote from: UPTODAY on December 19, 2016, 02:07:07 PM
HI EVERYONE!!!!!!!!BACHMANNS CATALOG LISTINGS SHOW THE RED COACHES AS SOLD OUT!!SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT THIS??????
UPTODAY
Quote from: WilsonProductions2 on December 19, 2016, 02:36:44 PM
^ Well the Red Branchline Coaches were only released last year and I personally believe they are good sellers, so I would be suprised if they have been discontinued already. I wouldn't have thought they would be discontinued yet. We will find out if they have been discontinued, when the 2017 Catalogue gets released. I wouldn't worry about it yet, if I were you Steve.

*facedesk*  I'll try to be as nice as possible when I say this, but the both of you need to take a few calm me down tablets...

If you're intelligent, you will notice that on the rolling stock page under "Bestsellers" that the red roach is #3 on the list right behind the mail car and troublesome truck #1.  As I have stated before in earlier posts, the red coaches are a hot seller and most likely people will buy more than 1 red coach.

Quote from: Plow Bender on December 15, 2016, 10:46:19 PM
The red coaches were and still are a hot seller in HO, and they would definitely move well in large scale.  Chances are some people would even consider buying multiple red coaches instead of just buying a red coach and a red break coach.

If the red coaches are a hot seller, it should be no surprise that they are currently sold out.  Like the Bachmann Skarloey (which is constantly sold out), it's a possibility that there may be a supply and demand issue with the red coach.  Now if the coaches had been completely removed from the web store, then there's a reason to worry that they may have been discontinued.  Since they are not, there's no reason to think they are, and there's no reason we have to wait till the 2017 catalog gets released to confirm this.

Oh those pesky facts... ::)

-Rusty

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 19, 2016, 04:30:20 PM
^ I was calm when I posted that comment, Rusty :). I find that Steve mostly posts his comment's in capital letters, which probably makes it what he saying, sound not calm.

Anyway, I am not worried if the Red Branchline Coaches have been discontinued as I have them anyway, in my collection. I was just mentioning a suggestion to Steve, what could have happened. Most people do probably buy more than one of the Composite Coaches, as these are what makes a longer train. I have two and one Brake Coach which gives me a train of three coaches, which was exactly what I wanted. I find generally with any set of coaches, that the Composite Coach sells out more than the Brake Coach, as what I have already mentioned, this makes up the longer train.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: UPTODAY on December 19, 2016, 05:30:10 PM
RUSTY,Thanks for the info!!!!

UPTODAY
Seems to me that Backmann could use the term "on backorder" instead of sold out.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on December 19, 2016, 07:09:27 PM
Quote from: Plow Bender on December 19, 2016, 01:34:21 PM
I actually thought of bringing up Diesel, Chaz, but personally I feel Diesel (at least how the large scale model would be) just wouldn't have enough positives going for it.  Going back to when the HO Diesel was released, there was a lot of negative responses mainly just because of the CGI face.  I'm willing to bet money the same could be expected for the large scale model (if it was announced), even though we're all aware that large scale models are in the CGI theme.  In the end there's always going to be a bunch of ungrateful pricks complaining about it...

The funny thing is, Diesel actually was a bestseller at one point, so despite the response to his CGI face, the people who complained about the model still went ahead and bought it anyways.  I wouldn't put it past the fandom to do the exact same thing with Oliver too. :P  I do agree that in terms of sales though he probably wouldn't do that well, same with Arry and Bert.  Mavis seems to be the only diesel that I could see doing well in large scale.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on December 22, 2016, 07:12:16 PM
I personally would love a large scale mavis.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on December 24, 2016, 12:30:15 PM
Quote from: Chaz on December 19, 2016, 07:09:27 PM
Quote from: Plow Bender on December 19, 2016, 01:34:21 PM
I actually thought of bringing up Diesel, Chaz, but personally I feel Diesel (at least how the large scale model would be) just wouldn't have enough positives going for it.  Going back to when the HO Diesel was released, there was a lot of negative responses mainly just because of the CGI face.  I'm willing to bet money the same could be expected for the large scale model (if it was announced), even though we're all aware that large scale models are in the CGI theme.  In the end there's always going to be a bunch of ungrateful pricks complaining about it...

The funny thing is, Diesel actually was a bestseller at one point, so despite the response to his CGI face, the people who complained about the model still went ahead and bought it anyways.  I wouldn't put it past the fandom to do the exact same thing with Oliver too. :P  I do agree that in terms of sales though he probably wouldn't do that well, same with Arry and Bert.  Mavis seems to be the only diesel that I could see doing well in large scale.
what about G Scale Salty?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on December 25, 2016, 06:56:52 PM
Quote from: sean1994rail on December 24, 2016, 12:30:15 PMwhat about G Scale Salty?

G scale Salty is an unlikely candidate for the same reason his HO model was discontinued.  Despite all the positives the model had, for some reason Salty just wasn't a good seller.  Still (at least as far as I'm aware), the Salty's Dockside Delivery set #00696 is available, but everything in that set (with the exception of the Raspberry Syrup Tanker) is exclusive to that set.  Therefore, people would be more tempted to buy it, even if they're just after Salty, the rolling stock, or maybe even the conductor figure.  And before anyone brings up that the set is sold out and probably discontinued, how about we just wait till the 2017 catalog comes out before we jump to conclusions?

In terms of a G scale model though, it doesn't appear that Salty would fare much better.  Aside from the new tooling, Salty would also more than likely require a new chassis.  Considering the overall shape of the model, the tooling for the shell itself would be relatively simple, but the chassis would probably be a different story.  From what little I've gathered (just by taking apart the large scale models), the motor is pretty much the only reused component.  Almost everything else is entirely designed specifically for each individual model, which leaves the same to be said for Salty's chassis as well.  In the end, the production costs just wouldn't be worth it for Bachmann to even be bothered.

Quote from: thomasj219 on December 22, 2016, 07:12:16 PM
I personally would love a large scale mavis.

I agree with you there, Mr. thomasj219.  I think large scale Mavis in 2017 might be a good topic for me to revisit.  As for everyone else, stay tuned for a more in depth post about that later this week.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on December 25, 2016, 08:09:24 PM
Still waiting for large scale Edward.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JD417 on December 29, 2016, 07:39:33 PM
Considering the year is coming to an end, I thought i'd finally put my wish list for next year in

HO Scale

Troublesome Truck #6. Personally I'd like to see them utilize the Ice Cream Wagon for this, and seeing how they like to do obscure colours, bar #5, I'm going to guess it'll be a dark red.

Water Tanker. Let's be honest, Bachmann loves an easy recolour, and the Water Tankers are as easy as they get, an entirely blue tanker body, with nothing else. Plus, the Water Tankers have made it to the merchandise lines several times, albeit not accurate to the show, but they do exist elsewhere in the merchandise realm.

Paxton. Off of the easy recolours, Paxton seems to be the most likely candidate for HO scale, as everyone else has said at one point, he's popular, and the tooling is right there for them to use, just a new faceplate is needed to be made.

The supposed updated James, no explanation needed for that one.

If they really do plan on doing updates to models, then I definitely see them redoing the Brake Van.
Let's be honest, the Thomas Brake Van is pretty bland. Bachmann really showed what they could do with a little creative freedom, just look at the Large Scale one. I honestly see them redoing the HO Scale one to be a bit more visually appealing, such as just a shrunken down version of the LS one. Or maybe something new entirely, who knows. But something should really be done with it.


Large Scale

Edward. The steam engine everyone wants for Large Scale. He'd be the last medium sized engine that would be even likely at this point. Any other explanation I'm sure has been said already, but I'll just recap: He's smaller than James and Emily, and bigger than the rest of the characters already available, so no pushing the size would be necessary, like how Emily was done. It would add a different wheel arrangement to the group of characters, but they could still reuse parts, such as James'/Thomas' Driving wheels, and James' bogie wheel, and even James' tender chassis if need be. And as we saw with Winston, they're not afraid to push out two characters with the same colour (James and Winston), so Thomas and Edward sharing the same contrast shouldn't be a bother.

Mail Car. The Mail car would be the first (Thomas styled) bogied rolling stock piece to make it into Large Scale. The option is clearly there, as the engine who mainly delivers the mail, Percy, has been in the range for over half a decade, and now he's come out with a second, specialized model. There are several vans in the show that can be replicated into large scale: there's a white one with red lining, (not the Live Lobsters van), a light blue one with white lining, plain ol' brown, and I'm sure more that I can't think of off the top of my head. But then there's also the option to make bachmann-customized versions of the mail car, such as the HO scale Green or Live Lobsters one.


HO Narrow Gauge

Sir Handel. The number 3 narrow gauge engine would be appropriate to follow Rheneas, as so far the range has been going in order of the engine's number. But unfortunately I can't really think of any other reason that's valid at this point to push Sir Handel's chances, other than his number, as the show hasn't utilized him almost at all recently.

Brake Vans. We've gotten to the point where we have a total of 6 "different" trucks, and nothing to cap them off at the end of the train. I see them releasing them a Red, Blue and Brown version. Hopefully with the same little tail lamp Skarloey has.


Other

Figure wise, I'd really like to see a Sir Robert Norramby, and he's become a character who's very well loved, and has a rather larger role in the series, more than some engines, as it seems. Looking at you, Rosie ::)

Sir Topham Hatt's Car. It's not a character, but he's had it the entire series, and he uses it just as much as Winston, and look who got a model.

This is a dream of mine, but I've been talking about this with my family and friends for some time, one thing I would absolutely love to have is a Large Scale Bertie that's remote controlled. That would open up for a ton more play for kids, and it would make anyone who's a fan of Thomas go "I NEED THIS". I mean, who wouldn't want to be able to run out to their driveway and drive Bertie around? I'd be satisfied with a normal Bertie for LS as well, then I could just do it myself, but that would really kind of open up to another market if they did it.


I know what's the most unrealistic thing in there, but it is my wish list. :P
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Epiclafiteau on December 30, 2016, 01:15:35 AM
For 2017, my wishlist is

HO:
-Color Corrected James (also hoping for a CGI styled face)
-Rosie (Even though she was announced, we are all hoping she is released soon. Therefore, she can be on my wishlist once she is available)
-Paxton (friendly and helpful character who would be great to have, easy recolor of Diesel/Arry/Bert)
-Sidney (same as above)
-Stafford (would be quite easy to make as he is small and short, but would be a very nice character to have)
-Charlie (while he may not be the best character, he has an interesting basis that would look very splendid)

N Scale:
-Sir Handel
I have a feeling that Bachmann is simply doing one narrow gauge engine per year so I'd just go with Sir Handel for 2017 or maybe even 2018 as he is the next engine in line, going by number order, after Rheneas.

Large Scale:
-Edward (highly requested by many people, and would fit right in with the other engines in the range)
-Diesel (There are currently no diesels in the Large Scale range so Diesel would be a nice change)
-Henrietta (There's a LS Toby, but his faithful coach hasn't been made yet. Especially after gaining a face in more recent CGI seasons, having her made [hopefully with a face] to go along with Toby. If she is made with a face, maybe she could be rereleased with a face in HO scale seeing as recent releases from Bachmann are CGI-styled. (e.g. Diesel, Skarloey, Toad))
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ilovetrains323 on December 30, 2016, 02:19:32 AM
So its that time of year again..? I might as well give my predictions too  :P

HO:
Paxton: Mostly because he would be an easy one. As JLD417 said previously, He would be a simple recolor and new face. He seems popular enough with the older fans and kids alike so who would be a great seller.

Daisy: With her recent reintroduction in the show, Daisy has seemed to grow in popularity. She has 3 episodes to herself in Season 20 and she's another classic character to make older fans happy. I honestly think Bachmann could pull off a stunning rendition of her CGI counterpart as they did with Oliver.

HO Rolling Stock:

New/Reintroduced Express Coaches: This one seems like a no brainer. If you're going to sell the express engine. Sell the things that go with him..

TT#6: We've gotten open wagons, a cattle wagon and now a Salt van. I really think its time for something a bit different. As JLD mentioned. They could go with the Ice cream wagon for this and put a face on it. But as much as Id love that, Id like to see a black or white tanker with a small face on it like what was seen in the forth season episode "Toad Stands By."  But on the other hand, The vent van idea is great as well just as long as its not some silly color choice like bright yellow or hot pink..

Brake Van Another thing that JLD mentioned. It would be great if they redid or made a new brakevan. The one we have now just seem a bit awkward and strange. I would personally love to see a new version of the brake van that is more TV series actuate or something else that would be quite nice is the orange LMS Brakevan used in the CGI Series.

Large Scale

Edward Everyone wants him.. Enough said.  :P

Red Branchline Coaches These would be really nice to have. its pretty clear that Thomas and Emily aren't the only ones that pull coaches and if you look at almost any episode of the CGI series you can see that James pulls them all of the time. So it would be lovely to have them and i'm quite sure that would look great being pulled by James (or Edward)

Narrow Gauge

Sir Handel To be honest, The only thing Sir Handel has going for himself is that he is #3. But he would still be great to have him.

Peter Sam If they dont do Sir Handel, I think they would definitely do Peter Sam.  Peter Sam probably has the highest potential as of now as he has certainly done more the Sir Handel has in the last few years and I mean come on.. who else thinks that valve gear would look sexy as hell?

Coaches The Skarloey Railway doesn't just take goods, So it would be great if they made some coaches. Especially the ones seen in the CGI Series, You wouldn't have to change them at all if you wanted to use them as Talyllyn Railway ones.

Brake Vans JLD pretty much summed this whole part up.


Figures

I think it would be a good idea to make more people figures. I know first hand that people buy these not only for Bachmann things. They use them for Trackmaster,Wooden Railways,and Take n pl.. Sorry.. Thomas and Friends Adventures. I wouldn't mind WHO that made as long as they made some more people.

Road Vehicles

Butch Ever Since he was given the ability to talk, Butch has easily become my favorite road vehicle and I think he would look absolutely fantastic as a Bachmann model.

Trevor   If any of the road vehicles has the best potential at getting a model.. Its Trevor. With his recent return to the series I think Bachmann would be able to pull off a stunning model of Trevor's CGI render.

Resin Buildings

Ffarquhar Station If any station screams "Thomas and Friends" its Ffarquhar. From the very beginning Ffarquhar has been a very important part of Thomas history. So if they were to make more stations. I serenely hope its Ffarquhar.


So, Those are my predictions/hopes for 2017.. I know very little if anything on this list will be made but these are just MY hopes. Hope you enjoyed..  ;)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on December 30, 2016, 02:27:27 AM
So as promised, let's talk about Mavis in large scale.  I touched briefly on this topic in an earlier post which I'll include below.  With some of the recent conversations from friends/fellow forum members, I've decided to go ahead and do a more in depth post about introducing Mavis into Bachmann's large scale range for 2017.  Chances of this model happening are about 50/50 right now, so hopefully this post can encourage Bachmann to release a proper locomotive for the range.  (insert I hate Winston comment here)  Before I get started, here's the post I mentioned earlier.

Quote from: Plow Bender on December 15, 2016, 10:46:19 PMMavis
Now Mavis is possibly a more unlikely character to be made, but I'll get to that shortly.  On a positive note, Mavis is a smaller engine which (same as the models mentioned earlier) keeps production costs down.  Another benefit to Mavis is that if she was to be made, she could use Toby's chassis.  On the downside however, I have been told (by reputable sources), diesels are not good sellers in large scale.  This could very well be the reason Bachmann discontinued their 0-4-0 Gas Mechanical and 45 ton switcher.  Then again, diesels in the Thomas range may do better in terms of sales than Bachmann's 1:20.3 line.

To start off, let's look at Mavis' recent appearances.  Mavis has appeared a lot lately in recent seasons, and has even made it into some of the recent specials.  To be fair though, most of the time she only has short roles or makes a few cameos.  It doesn't look like any recent episodes have been solely dedicated to Mavis herself, but have still managed to include her in the plot now and then.  Even with the short amount of screen time she's had, many still enjoy her character.  Even if she hasn't been in the spotlight lately, many of the older fans like her because she has been a classic character since Season 3.  A few of the less intelligent fans would also bring up that she was one of the first female engines, but let's not go there please...

Because Mavis is a classic character though, that's something that contributes to her fan base.  Looking back on when her HO model was announced, many people were just as hyped up about her as they were with Edward.  It should also be noted that once Mavis was released, she was (and has been) the best selling diesel in the range.  A large scale model could potentially fare the same way.  Many people have brought up Mavis for large scale, so clearly there's interest for the model.  I'm sure Bachmann has their doubts considering diesels don't do well in large scale in terms of sales, and that's understandable.  However, I think it's too early to call on a diesel which is in the Thomas & Friends range.  Mavis may do better or she may do worse.  We don't know because it hasn't been tried yet.

The last thing to discuss for large scale Mavis is production costs.  Because she is a smaller model, that's going to play a big factor in a few areas.  For a start, her tooling would be relatively simple, and that might also shorten production time.  Another advantage Mavis has is that Bachmann could easily reuse Toby's chassis to cut the cost of production even further.  If Mavis is announced and these 2 factors play out, it could potentially mean an earlier release date for the model.  Perhaps in time for Christmas?

So to wrap things up, here are my thoughts on Mavis in large scale.  Personally, although not a model I was asking for, it's definitely a model I'd be happy to see introduced into the range.  Despite the fact I pretty much said that Edward (if Bachmann were to release him in large scale) would be the last large scale Thomas model I'd get, I would honestly consider adding Mavis to my collection.  It's pretty clear that the range is long overdue for a new locomotive, and many would agree that Winston just doesn't cut it.  If Bachmann wants to improve the large scale range, bringing in a locomotive (such as Mavis) for 2017 is a great place to start.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on December 30, 2016, 04:57:18 AM
It's always nice seeing people sharing a lot of in depth thoughts on what they'd like to see in the future like this.  And because 2016 is wrapping up... Why not? 

HO Scale engines (just one):

Paxton - What a shock. He clearly has a lot of demand and sales potential coming his way and with the fact that he is only a recolor of Diesel with a new face, it would only make sense for him to be in the range soon. Especially with how long it is taking Oliver and Rosie to come out.

Daisy - In terms of classic characters, Daisy really is the perfect candidate, especially with how often she is used in CGI.  The sales are definitely there for her, despite the mixed track record Bachmann has had in terms of sales for diesels.  Personally, I think Daisy has a strong enough of a following to be pulled off.

Porter - Porter has been a regular character since his debut in season 17, so already he would be familiar to the kids watching the current show.  This would make him a better fit than Charlie or Stanley (or even Rosie for that matter) since he's come to Sodor with more of a purpose in the series.  I normally don't buy newer characters, but I'd make an exception for Porter or Paxton.

HO Scale rolling stock:

The Slip Coaches - Finally, time to talk about these!  Duck has always been a popular seller in HO and clearly that made an impact on Bachmann's decision to make Oliver and Toad.  The slip coaches would also be popular for the same reason, especially with their usage in season 18 and 20.  They also have faces which makes them marketable and if Bachmann makes one they can easily make the other two.  Doesn't seem too bizarre either with how the slate wagons turned out either. 

Apart from the slip coaches, I honestly can't think of any other rolling stock Bachmann could do that I would buy.

Narrow gauge:

Sir Handel - This one is almost obvious, a popular following, a nice color contrast, and being next in numerical order... speaks for itself, really.  I'd include Peter Sam too but I wouldn't be shocked if Bachmann just wanted to stick with one narrow gauge engine a year, which is understandable considering the pricing as well as how niche the 009 market is.

Narrow gauge Coaches - I've already talked about these earlier, you can view the post here:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,31790.msg243158.html#msg243158
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on December 30, 2016, 06:13:48 AM
My updated suggestions for 2017:

HO

Locomotives:

Paxton: Very popular character since Blue Mountain Mystery, economical rehash of Devious Diesel; it's time for a new HO diesel engine anyway.

Stanley: While not a popular character, despite recent speaking roles, he's economical in some part due to sharing Rosie's chassis. maybe for 2018, the 10th anniversary of his debut in 'The Great Discovery'.

Hiro: For a new HO tender engine, save for Flying Scotsman who would be an economical rehashing of both Gordon and Spencer, Hiro would make a good model, due to his frequent appearance and popularity, as well as his oriental-esque design.

Rolling Stock:

Reintroduced Express Coaches: with the salt van making a return albeit with a different livery, as well as the basis for Troublesome Truck #5, the reintroduction of the Express Coaches is inevitable and give Gordon back his suitable rolling stock.

Reintroduced Flatbed

Reintroduced Well Wagon

Reintroduced Tar Tanker

CGI Style Milk and Fuel Tankers: with the Red Mail Coach and the Oil, Cream and Raspberry tankers being updated to match their CGI Series counterparts, I believe the same treatment for the Milk and Fuel Tankers makes sense.

Henrietta (Updated with Face): Probably the most likely rolling stock revision Bachmann will take on next, and will attract young fans who have not watch the earlier Thomas episodes.

Troublesome Truck #6: Bachmann has made four G scale rolling stock out of the Ice Cream Van tooling, not just the Ice Cream Wagon itself, but the GWR, Sodor Fruit & Vegatable Co. and Explosives Vans. If Bachmann plans to do the latter three vans in HO Scale for 2017, since they released the HO Ice Cream Van five years ago in 2017, they'll without doubt use the Ice Cream Van for Troublesome Truck #6, as much as I would agree with some people about using a tanker, which if Bachmann decide to use a tanker for a future Troublesome Truck, if not for Troublesome Truck #6, I would recommend the discontinued Tar Tanker.

Rocky: New milestone for Bachmann for producing a breakdown crane for the Thomas & Friends line. Rocky being used frequently since his debut and he is very colourful. of course, he may fetch a high price due to production costs, but i am certain he is well worth the money, especially if he has working crane action.

Judy and Jerome: Alternative breakdown cranes if Bachmann does not produce Rocky, and Both Judy and Jerome can be made with one tooling.

Hopper Wagon: We have yet to see a Hopper wagon in the range, and If Bachmann Releases Paxton, the Hopper Wagon would go well with him, and a slate or stone load would be an added bonus.

Vehicles:

Trevor: Trevor the Traction Engine had been on demand for Bachmann to produce in recent years, and his recent return in Season 20 has made it clear that 2017/2018 is the right time to make Trevor.

Buildings:

Motorized Watermill

Narrow Gauge:

Sir Handel: Sir Handel would make sense if Bachmann are going by engine number, and his recent speaking role in Season 20 episode 'Saving Time' and possible future appearance has made it the right time to produce him

Rusty: If not Sir Handel, Rusty would be a great idea, being the first NG Diesel engine.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on December 30, 2016, 03:20:34 PM
We should also take into account that Bachman may not continue making Skarloey railway engines in numerical order, we all assume Sir Handle(no3) will be the next one after Rheneas(No2) but they may very well throw a curveball and give us Duncan or Peter Sam instead.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 31, 2016, 10:22:57 AM
^^ If you are after a 77049 Tar Tanker, sean1994rail, a website I have found called TrainWorld / TrainLand, has plenty left in stock: https://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/bachmann/bachmann-ho-scale/bachmann-thomas-friends-1/tar-tank-77049/.

They also have 45234 Sodor Pedestrian Bridge in stock too: https://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/bachmann/bachmann-ho-scale/bachmann-thomas-friends-1/sodor-pedestrian-bridge-45234/!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on December 31, 2016, 11:28:06 AM
Quote from: WilsonProductions2 on December 31, 2016, 10:22:57 AM
^^ If you are after a 77049 Tar Tanker, sean1994rail, a website I have found called TrainWorld / TrainLand, has plenty left in stock: https://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/bachmann/bachmann-ho-scale/bachmann-thomas-friends-1/tar-tank-77049/.

They also have 45234 Sodor Pedestrian Bridge in stock too: https://www.trainworld.com/manufacturers/bachmann/bachmann-ho-scale/bachmann-thomas-friends-1/sodor-pedestrian-bridge-45234/!
I've got some tar tankers already. Thank you though Jacob.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on December 31, 2016, 11:38:40 AM
^ That's alright. I thought you wanted some, as you're earlier post mentioned a release of the Tar Tanker, so I thought you wanted to buy some, in the meantime though, before or if they get re-released! I remembered seeing it there, when I was searching for Rosie on their website.

You don't have to call me Wilson, sean1994rail. You can call me Jacob. ;)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JD417 on January 01, 2017, 11:48:16 PM
I was just linked to a Bachmann Spencer review video, and the user in the video had one of the Bachmann Spencer coaches to go with it, and it got me thinking; it's been over 7 years since we've gotten Spencer's Coach, and at this point, what easier release could they do?
Spencer's Special Brake Coach.
I don't see why they haven't done it yet. They have the tooling from the other two large brake coaches in the past. (Which might I add I think now would be a great time to reintroduce those, as both variants are back in the series)

Hornby released both of their's at the same time, so like, what's the deal with this? Was this ever answered as to why they never made the Brake Coach, if so what is the reason?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on January 02, 2017, 12:19:12 AM
Maybe they can kill 4 birds with one stone and produce James' coaches, Gordon's, Spencer's and Henry's all with one tooling. We already know how much they like using the same tooling.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on January 02, 2017, 03:50:25 AM
(http://puu.sh/t8ua3/3da960f584.jpg)
This face on this tooling
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41MYZcl9jyL._SX342_.jpg)
or this tooling
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41KIZPS8AfL._SX342_.jpg)
=
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 02, 2017, 03:55:14 AM
Good point Bachmnan do need to re-release the Express Coaches. I mean, Gordon has nothing to pull. He only pulls his Express Coaches, but Bachmann no longer do them. I already own Gordon's Coaches, James' Coaches and Spencer's Coaches (All are Hornby), but it will be nice to see Bachmann producing them again. All in production together.

I do also own x1 Bachmann Spencer's Special Coach, but as JD417 said three comments above this one, it will be nice to a Brake Coach for Spencer - Soencer's Special Brake Coach.

I have also been desperate for many, many year's to own Henry's Coaches, which are the Red Express Coaches that Bachmann released in 2005 and discontinued in 2010. Sadly though, I knew nothing about the Bachmann Thomas & Friends HO/OO Gauge range, hence why I never bought them. I knew about the Bachmann range in mi-2011, which was too late to buy the Red Express Coaches, as they had already ended production.

I also think it will be good, if Bachmann released Edward's Coaches as well. For many year's, like I did with Henry's Coaches, I have always wanted them and I still do!

^ Yes, that face would look awesome on a grey or brown version of one of those Ventilated Van's!

Anyway, that's enough of my waffle!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on January 03, 2017, 08:41:37 PM
Hehehe, wishlist time!

HO- Engines

1.) Daisy

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/29/TheRailcarAndTheCoaches2.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20161230170019)

While I agree with Chaz that Paxton is far more likely to be released next year, I do think with the "recent" announcement of Rosie, a female character, Bachmann is getting some pressure from the higher-ups to release more characters akin to Rosie- a feminine pink, girly girl. However, I think it releasing Daisy would be a great clap-back from Bachmann to Mattel, aka releasing another female but one that is actually liked and one that actually has character...however, Daisy has been all but ignored by Mattel in recent merchandising and there must be a reason, though anyone's guess is as good as mine.

2.) Winston

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/1/13/HenrySpotsTrouble9.png/revision/latest?cb=20160621113648)

I mean, why not? He's been released in large scale (and looks rather nice, too...) and Bachmann does, at least to my knowledge, have powered "trolley carts" or whatever they are called, so his motor/chassis is possible, right? Hopefully someone knows what I'm going on about.

HO- Rolling Stock

1.) Flatbed with Oil Drums

(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/db/ThomasToTheRescue54.png/revision/latest?cb=20161104235104)

I think you've all heard me whine enough about why I want this piece of rolling stock reintroduced, so I'll spare you the rant; however, suffice to say it would be a very wise move on Bachmann's part to consider reintroducing this. I daresay the suggested oil drums will help it sell better...!

2.) Express Coaches (both colors)

(http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/3c/GreenExpressCoaches.png/revision/latest?cb=20150510133331)

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/5a/RedExpressCoachesCGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20160727214126)

Again, a reintroduction that needs to happen. I'd say these override any other simply because of their necessity- Gordon has really nothing else to pull in the Bachmann range, and the alternatives from other companies are relatively hard to find (Hornby Mansuell coaches come to mind.)

As Chaz stated, I really don't think I would much care if we got another repainted wagon- it's clear many modelers don't want a "lobster van" running on their layout but express coaches would be welcomed with open arms.

Narrow Gauge

1.) Peter Sam

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d3/SavingTime26.png/revision/latest?cb=20161230213230)

I'd really prefer him over Sir Handel, and his green livery would look so nice compared to Skarloey and Rheneas's red hues. Other than that, not much more to say.

To be very honest, I'm running out of motivation to finish this post right now xD so I'll end up returning to it at a later date.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 03, 2017, 09:26:44 PM
That time of the year is getting closer. One more month until the yearly announcements.

I won't really care who we get, as long as we get an engine, though I would prefer Daisy or Paxton. As long as it's not Philip. *shudders*

I highly doubt large scale Salty has a chance of being made at this point, given the fact that he's the first HO engine to be discontinued in the range, meaning he didn't sell well. If any diesel has a chance of being made in large scale, it would be Mavis.

And Gordon, despite having no express coaches anymore, is still one of the bestsellers. Currently #1.

As for new tender engines, Hiro would be highly detailed, and Flying Scotsman has two tenders. Both sound a little problematic.

It's a shame 'Arry and Bert didn't sell so good, even though their Bachmann models are superior compared to their awful Hornby models. Hopefully, if Paxton gets made, he will sell much better.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: BassTbone on January 03, 2017, 09:56:07 PM
I know he's fairly new, but I'd like to see Ryan.  He has a colorful paint scheme and I like him on the show. 

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 04, 2017, 02:17:40 AM
^^ Yes, both Express Coaches need to be brought back. I am fed up waiting to get Henry's and Edward's Coaches now! I've been waiting for too long! ;)

I also want Bachmann to re-release all of the discontinued wagons.

^ A Thomas & Friends double tendered Flying Scotsman would be amazing to own, however it stands that he has only had one recent appearance in the TV series, that being The Great Race. I think unless Flying Scotsman becomes regular character returning often in the TV series, his chance is slim of Bachmann releasing him.

Hiro would a much better offer, as he appears very often and would stand out in the Bachmann range very well. However, Hiro is a large Japanese loco, so Bachmann producing him, may not be very cost effective. I am sure he would have the same retail price as Spencer, or more!

EDIT:
I hope Bachmann announce a loco or some rolling stock that have never been released before. Hornby are not releasing any thing in their Thomas range this year, so I am focused on Bachmann, releasing something amazing!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on January 06, 2017, 12:47:30 AM
Quote from: WilsonProductions2 on January 04, 2017, 02:17:40 AM
^^ Yes, both Express Coaches need to be brought back. I am fed up waiting to get Henry's and Edward's Coaches now! I've been waiting for too long! ;)

Where are these Henry and Edward's coaches we're told about?  Henry and Edward never had their own coaches, nor did James and/or Gordon.  Technically none of the engines have/had their own coaches.  Yes I know some engines like Thomas, Emily, Connor, Caitlin, Toby, etc do, but that's beside the point.  Sure each character has been seen most commonly pulling a specific livery of coach, but that doesn't necessary make them that characters coaches.  Quite honestly they are just express coaches.

And where are we getting the idea that Gordon has nothing to pull?  Regardless what Gordon's mood is, we have seen him pulling trucks in the series.  Furthermore, we have seen Gordon pulling Spencer's coach (or coaches) in the series as well.  If neither of those work for you, perhaps the red coaches would be a good substitute.

To be fair though, bringing back the express coaches is questionable when considering that if they were/are so popular, why did Bachmann discontinue them in the first place?  If they were updating their tooling it would make sense, but it's been years since the models were taken out of the catalogue and nothing has been said/done since.  Either way I agree with Mr. Griffin that the express coaches are a necessity, but it's honestly a question of whether HIT/Mattel think the same...

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on January 06, 2017, 01:39:19 AM
Even I'll admit, when I first read your post, I wasn't even sure what you meant by "Edward's coaches" or "Henry's coaches". I'm assuming that you meant the old coaches from season 1 for Edward, but not entirely sure what you meant in the case for Henry.  Could you maybe explain what you meant by that?

That being said, here are my two cents on the express coaches:

These were discontinued for a reason a couple of years ago, and that was because of the high price point and at the time these were not selling very well.  Out of all the products that have been discontinued though, including Salty, Gordon's express coaches seem to be the only ones with -somewhat- of a following and would probably be the only pieces of rolling stock I could see them actually bringing back.  Even then we have yet to see Bachmann "officially" bring back discontinued products, so that in itself is debatable.

However... I think I may have an even better idea than bringing these back.  

Consider the following:


Taking these into account, I could see Bachmann releasing these express coaches in a more accurate red livery and give them new product names such as "Sodor express coach" and "Sodor express brake coach" or something along those lines.  This would make a lot more sense to me compared to "re-releases" as these would technically be considered new products and thus would attract even more customers into buying them as opposed to satisfying those who missed out on the predecessors which proved to not be popular when they were around.  
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 06, 2017, 11:10:34 AM
^ Chaz, I am talking about the Express Coaches, not the Old Coaches from Series 1, although it would be nice if these were released, however, I doubt they will be! These are what I am talking about:

Green and Yellow Express Coaches (Gordon's Coaches) - http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/ce/AsGoodasGordon49.png/revision/latest?cb=20141226055958/

Green and White Express Coaches (Edward's Coaches) - http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/ba/Bertie%27sChase26.png/revision/latest?cb=20121022135622/

Red and Yellow Express Coaches (Henry's Coaches) - http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/bb/TooHotForThomas19.png/revision/latest?cb=20141011152128/

Red and White Express Coaches (James' Coaches) - http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/20/TheRunawayRedCoaches.png/revision/latest?cb=201612242350500/

All four images are taken from the Thomas & Friends Wikia.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on January 06, 2017, 12:52:21 PM
The livery's and styles just changed in different seasons, they are express coaches for the railway they are not exclusive to any character it's just the merchandising that added the "Gordon's coaches" and "James coaches" labels.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 06, 2017, 02:21:59 PM
^ donaldthescottishtwin, the coaches and the loco's I have put together, do go together.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on January 06, 2017, 03:08:56 PM
Duck, Percy, Thomas, Murdoch and Donald & Douglas have all hauled these coaches too.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 06, 2017, 03:24:26 PM
^ I know that, but they are mainly for those engines, as for what I listed in my early comment, Reply #212.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on January 06, 2017, 04:49:41 PM
Quote from: Plow Bender on January 06, 2017, 03:33:19 PM
Quote from: WilsonProductions2 on January 06, 2017, 02:21:59 PM
^ donaldthescottishtwin, the coaches and the loco's I have put together, do go together.

You're not listening, get the car key out of your ear...  As Mr. DTST said in his earlier post, the styles and livery's of the coaches have changed from season to season.  For example, in seasons 1-4 we had (what I'm calling them), the classic express coaches.  When TATMRR/Season 5 came along, these models were replaced with new ones.  The same thing happened when season 13 came along, but in this case the models were replaced with CGI renders.  I probably missed a change somewhere between seasons 5-13, but I think I've made my point.

In response to Chaz though, I agree with you that Bachmann would make out better releasing the express coaches in a more accurate livery and under a new product name.  From memory, the previous express coaches didn't look much like their TV series counterparts which (as you said), was probably the reason for the lack of interest/sales.  Introducing the express coaches as new products rather than re-releases could potentially attract more interest just like the rolling stock that you mentioned earlier.  There's a good chance that if Bachmann brought in new express coaches (as described earlier), they may in fact gain more  interest than what we were served up years ago.

-Rusty
The earlier episodes also had 4 wheel Tan Coaches similar to Annie and Clarabel as well as The Old Coaches. I assume they must be Henry's and Edward's respective coaches?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 06, 2017, 04:58:46 PM
^ Are you talking about the Old Coaches painted in LNER Teak livery, as seen here: http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/f7/LNERTeakCoaches.png/revision/latest?cb=20161101015425/ ?

I am honestly talking about the Express Coaches everyone, when I use the phrases, 'Edward's Coaches' and 'Henry's Coaches'. I am not talking about the Old Coaches or the Branchline Coaches. I am talking about the Express Coaches.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Metal on January 06, 2017, 05:20:25 PM
I'm sure that Bachmann will consider bring back their express coach, but if they don't this year. Then think outside the box. I mean considering that Hornby currently has Express Coaches for their Thomas range, they could serve as decent alternatives to Bachmann's for the time being.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 06, 2017, 05:39:02 PM
Well Bachmann may re-release the Express Coaches, according to Bachmann themselves in this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TBl1e0wWbRU/.lease view around the 11:00 mark for it. I do specially I want the Bachmann Red Express Coaches though, as they have the yellow. Hornby's have the white.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on January 06, 2017, 07:53:01 PM
Quote from: WilsonProductions2 on January 06, 2017, 05:39:02 PM
Well Bachmann may re-release the Express Coaches, according to Bachmann themselves in this video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TBl1e0wWbRU/.lease view around the 11:00 mark for it.

*facedesk*

Yes, Bachmann may re-release the express coaches because a Bachmann rep clearly said so in an interview with a Thomas noob.  :P

Anyone in their right mind would not believe something so, so... stupid I guess would be the right word...  Bachmann reps are not permitted (by the company) to give out details such as what plans are for future products.  That being the case, I'm sure this would especially apply to selfish kids on YouTube who are just out to discover the next biggest thing from Bachmann so they themselves can feel important and give others a reason to be jealous.  In other words, interviews or videos like this are just made for attention/publicity...

Personally Chaz and Griffin made much more sense on the topic of express coaches being released in their posts by making a statement and backing it up with reason.  There was no need to bring up poorly done interviews and assumptions by fans.  Any intelligent person would know that.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: DinoNTrains on January 10, 2017, 02:43:05 PM
Quote from: HLC Railroad on January 08, 2017, 10:14:39 PM
A thought just came to me. If they did Winston as a model, maybe they can do skiff. They're both small and from the CGI series so I don't think it's that much of a stretch. I doubt they'd do it in 2017 as Winston just came out and they need time to analyze sales. Anyways what do you guys think of a Bachmann Skiff?

Skiff would be a great idea! However, would Skiff be motorized or non-motorized? I can see a Skiff model go either way.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on January 15, 2017, 09:29:59 PM
My thoughts are bachmann should make lady, she's not a big engine and she wouldn't cost that much. Bachmann can use Percy's chassis and just paint her. Thoughts? Ideas? ????
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on January 15, 2017, 09:37:30 PM
Lady was only seen twice. Once in The Magic Railroad (which isn't even considered cannon) and once in Calling All Engines in a dream sequence of her telling Thomas how steamies and diesels work together. So while I'd love it I don't think it's likely unless they bring her into the CGI series., unfortunately.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on January 15, 2017, 09:43:47 PM
I think there are just as many Thomas fans who despise Lady as there are ones that like her, same with Thomas and the Magic Railroad movie itself.

I get that Lady is a female steam character, which back in 2000 was a rarity, but now in 2017 we have many wonderful female steam engines that have a lot more character and depth than Lady like Emily, Millie, and technically Marion. I actually like Molly more than Lady at this point, but that's just my opinion.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: WilsonProductions2 on January 16, 2017, 02:14:56 AM
I'd be very surprised if Lady got released. It would be the story wanting Diesel 10 to get released, but I doubt he would get released as he has only appeared in the specials; Thomas and the Magic Railroad, Calling All Engines!, Misty Island Rescue (The outro), Day of the Diesels and finally, the Series 17 episode, The Missing Christmas Decorations.

These are more appearances than Lady has made, but still not enough for Bachmann to get released released, so I highly doubt we will get Lady, but you never know!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on January 16, 2017, 02:19:08 PM
An HO scale Lady (as nice as that sounds) is unlikely to ever happen for more reasons than 1.  I'll admit that Lady has always been my favorite Thomas character (at least until Ashima came along (*cough* fanboy *cough*)), but even I can admit that chances of her happening in HO are about as likely as killing a bird by throwing it off a cliff.  Let me explain.

For starters, like Mr. HLC Railroad said in his post, Lady has only made 2 appearances.  Once in TATMRR and for a split second in Calling All Engines (worst Thomas movie ever next to Misty Island Rescue).  Since then, we have not seen or heard of Lady, or so I thought...  Interestingly enough, Milly has obtained Lady's whistle since she was introduced in King of the Railway.  Based on that little piece of information, it honestly leads me to believe that chances of Lady coming back to the series (even in CGI) are slim to none.

On another note, as much as I like Lady, I too can admit that there are just as many fans who like her as fans who (like Chris Tomson) despise her.  I can agree that most of this could in fact be directed to TATMRR itself, but Lady not having a basis, referred to as being magical, and maybe just her character in general pretty much just gives fans reason to hate her.  Given the information I've provided, this is the fan base for Lady, sad as it is...

Now in terms of Lady being made in HO, well, production of the model doesn't look much better.  For starters, Lady could not use Percy's chassis because the wheel base length is too large.  Lady's chassis would be smaller than that of Bill and/or Ben, which would make it a costly piece to manufacture.  Furthermore, Lady would be an overall smaller model, which would push her cost up even more.  If you don't believe me, take a look at how the Skarloey engines are priced.  Even Bill and Ben (being the smallest engines in the HO range) are damn near $100 or might as well be.

So in conclusion, Lady just doesn't hold enough positives to be introduced into the HO (or even large scale) range.  Not only is the fan base just not there for her, but production of such a model and the RRP that comes with it would just make it an epic fail for Bachmann to produce.  My recommendation is that if you want an HO scale Lady model (and if you have the skills), you might as well just build one.  Back in 2010, I took on this task and converted the ERTL model over to HO scale.  The chassis was built entirely from scratch with 1mm styrene, along with aluminum for the oil pan and copper for power pickups.  I've included photos of my model if you want some ideas.  Water marks are applied because I don't want them pinched...

(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FPTMM/1.png) (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/FPTMM/media/1.png.html)(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FPTMM/2.png) (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/FPTMM/media/2.png.html)(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FPTMM/3.png) (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/FPTMM/media/3.png.html)(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FPTMM/4.png) (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/FPTMM/media/4.png.html)
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii234/FPTMM/5.png) (http://s265.photobucket.com/user/FPTMM/media/5.png.html)

Bachmann Thomas & Percy models supplied by Wittman Studios.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: metal4life on January 16, 2017, 03:40:22 PM
Quote from: Plow Bender on January 16, 2017, 02:19:08 PM
An HO scale Lady (as nice as that sounds) is unlikely to ever happen for more reasons than 1.  I'll admit that Lady has always been my favorite Thomas character (at least until Ashima came along (*cough* fanboy *cough*)), but even I can admit that chances of her happening in HO are about as likely as killing a bird by throwing it off a cliff.  Let me explain.

For starters, like Mr. HLC Railroad said in his post, Lady has only made 2 appearances.  Once in TATMRR and for a split second in Calling All Engines (worst Thomas movie ever next to Misty Island Rescue).  Since then, we have not seen or heard of Lady, or so I thought...  Interestingly enough, Milly has obtained Lady's whistle since she was introduced in King of the Railway.  Based on that little piece of information, it honestly leads me to believe that chances of Lady coming back to the series (even in CGI) are slim to none.

On another note, as much as I like Lady, I too can admit that there are just as many fans who like her as fans who (like Chris Tomson) despise her.  I can agree that most of this could in fact be directed to TATMRR itself, but Lady not having a basis, referred to as being magical, and maybe just her character in general pretty much just gives fans reason to hate her.  Given the information I've provided, this is the fan base for Lady, sad as it is...

Now in terms of Lady being made in HO, well, production of the model doesn't look much better.  For starters, Lady could not use Percy's chassis because the wheel base length is too large.  Lady's chassis would be smaller than that of Bill and/or Ben, which would make it a costly piece to manufacture.  Furthermore, Lady would be an overall smaller model, which would push her cost up even more.  If you don't believe me, take a look at how the Skarloey engines are priced.  Even Bill and Ben (being the smallest engines in the HO range) are damn near $100 or might as well be.

So in conclusion, Lady just doesn't hold enough positives to be introduced into the HO (or even large scale) range.  Not only is the fan base just not there for her, but production of such a model and the RRP that comes with it would just make it an epic fail for Bachmann to produce.  My recommendation is that if you want an HO scale Lady model (and if you have the skills), you might as well just build one.  Back in 2010, I took on this task and converted the ERTL model over to HO scale.  The chassis was built entirely from scratch with 1mm styrene, along with aluminum for the oil pan and copper for power pickups.  I've included photos of my model if you want some ideas.  Water marks are applied because I don't want them pinched...

-Rusty

The argument of Lady demand/probability has been done over so many countless times that it's really not worth going over. 

Also, careful with your digressing. We're here to discuss the T&F models and all railroading matters related. Not petty discourse.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on January 16, 2017, 05:33:52 PM
That Lady model is exquisite.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on January 22, 2017, 04:46:07 PM
Images of a few new characters that will be in this year special have been released. The ones that have images are Frankie (the one that looks like a diesel, and is a diesel), Hurricane (the red one), Lexi (the teal cab-forward one), Theo (the one with the giant wheel on his side), and a three funneled one that may be called Merlin (that or it's a new character all together). I would post the pictures but I still haven't figured it out yet, here's a few links instead.

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/a/ad/JourneyBeyondSodorStorybook.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170121110817

http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/f2/JourneyBeyondSodor2booksin1.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20170120200743
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JD417 on January 22, 2017, 05:51:54 PM
The official Thomas and Friends Facebook page has posted a new promotional image, there's quite an interesting change in a certain character that's coming out from Bachmann soon:

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/16113156_10154938051724556_414712659589111561_o.jpg?oh=acb368b0227e92c22bceeeb5eb373b6a&oe=5903B4E0

I wonder what livery Bachmann be going with, I really hope it's this new one. It's much, MUCH better than the lavender and white, in my opinion. Plus, if they pick the lavender livery it'll be out of date as soon as it's released, so that really seems against the whole 'Release the character as children will recognize them' dispute that went down with Oliver.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on January 22, 2017, 05:53:52 PM
They've also announced Rosie's return in season 21 and she's returning with a new NWR livery, though I prefer her pink livery. I wonder if bachmann Rosie will be red or her familiar pink livery.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on January 22, 2017, 06:50:45 PM
Bachmann, any news on Rosie now? Perhaps you can release that product image now that we know about her new hue...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on January 22, 2017, 08:29:48 PM
I can hear people whining about the new livery already, the "NWR" on the side tanks is very welcome. Since bachmann Rosie has been ghosting as of late I think we can assume the model will be in her new design.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on January 22, 2017, 08:51:38 PM
I'm excited if they do make this a change on her model. I've loved the headlamp since it was introduced and I like this livery as much as the last one. And she's finally gonna speak again!!! Hopefully she won't be annoying this time. I've always wanted something good out of Rosie, I have a special relationship to the class of loco, and we might finally get it. She may become such a main character she could be part of the steam team, or they could add duck like they were going to before Emily came along.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on January 22, 2017, 10:58:03 PM
As much I would've much preferred Molly returning instead, these changes might actually make me NOT hate Rosie. The fact her paint scheme is no longer a 'stereotypical girl' color is already an improvement, but let's see how the writers handle her as a character.

At this point in time, I'm not sure if Bachmann would be finished picking out color samples for the new Rosie model, so there might be a chance Rosie might be in this new scheme.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 11:00:27 AM
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on January 22, 2017, 08:29:48 PM
I can hear people whining about the new livery already, the "NWR" on the side tanks is very welcome. Since bachmann Rosie has been ghosting as of late I think we can assume the model will be in her new design.
Am I the only person that prefers her lavender livery over her new red paint? >:(
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on January 23, 2017, 12:22:47 PM
Seems that this is what was going on and why I heard Rosie was cancelled from 2 hobby stores. Looks like the original model is cancelled and hopefully the new one will have this new paintwork.

Looks like it was to soon for them to tell me and now it makes sense on why they didn't have any other information on her.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 12:31:05 PM
Please, Fellow Thomas Fans! We can all assemble heal Rosie for good, If we beg HIT to get the original lavender livery back for Rosie!! Mr. Bachmann, If you're reading this, Please stick to the original lavender livery for Rosie! Please don't cave in to HIT's new change! :'(  :'(  :'(
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on January 23, 2017, 12:41:25 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 12:31:05 PM
Please, Fellow Thomas Fans! We can all assemble heal Rosie for good, If we beg HIT to get the original lavender livery back for Rosie!! Mr. Bachmann, If you're reading this, Please stick to the original lavender livery for Rosie! Please don't cave in to HIT's new change! :'(  :'(  :'(
Stop. Please.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on January 23, 2017, 01:30:26 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 12:31:05 PM
Please, Fellow Thomas Fans! We can all assemble heal Rosie for good, If we beg HIT to get the original lavender livery back for Rosie!! Mr. Bachmann, If you're reading this, Please stick to the original lavender livery for Rosie! Please don't cave in to HIT's new change! :'(  :'(  :'(
The Bachmann Thomas & Friends department is run through Matel. Matel will almost always use the latest version of the engine. So Rosie will almost surely be this new livery. And some people like the change soo... Sorry pal but the chances are Rosie will be in her new look.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on January 23, 2017, 03:29:37 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 11:00:27 AM
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on January 22, 2017, 08:29:48 PM
I can hear people whining about the new livery already, the "NWR" on the side tanks is very welcome. Since bachmann Rosie has been ghosting as of late I think we can assume the model will be in her new design.
Am I the only person that prefers her lavender livery over her new red paint? >:(

Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 12:31:05 PM
Please, Fellow Thomas Fans! We can all assemble heal Rosie for good, If we beg HIT to get the original lavender livery back for Rosie!! Mr. Bachmann, If you're reading this, Please stick to the original lavender livery for Rosie! Please don't cave in to HIT's new change! :'(  :'(  :'(

I was waiting for you to come out of the shadows.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: AJW98Productions on January 23, 2017, 05:03:21 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 11:00:27 AM
Am I the only person that prefers her lavender livery over her new red paint? >:(
Even if somehow you were the only person in the world with that opinion, it really shouldn't matter. No matter how unpopular an opinion is, it's still just an opinion. In my personal life I have many opinions about many things, but I understand that even if they're not the most popular opinions, that doesn't bother me. A differing opinion is nothing to get angry about, just stay calm.

Besides, even if the model of Rosie does carry the red livery, you could always have your model professionally repainted into her old lavender colour, or you could try to repainted her yourself, if you're good with that sort of thing.

It's a minor recolour, it's not a huge deal.

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 06:59:49 PM
Quote from: AJW98Productions on January 23, 2017, 05:03:21 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 11:00:27 AM
Am I the only person that prefers her lavender livery over her new red paint? >:(
Even if somehow you were the only person in the world with that opinion, it really shouldn't matter. No matter how unpopular an opinion is, it's still just an opinion. In my personal life I have many opinions about many things, but I understand that even if they're not the most popular opinions, that doesn't bother me. A differing opinion is nothing to get angry about, just stay calm.

Besides, even if the model of Rosie does carry the red livery, you could always have your model professionally repainted into her old lavender colour, or you could try to repainted her yourself, if you're good with that sort of thing.

It's a minor recolour, it's not a huge deal.

~Alex
If you put it that way... Then at least the upcoming Bachmann Rosie is salvageable unlike their Oliver model.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on January 23, 2017, 07:25:57 PM
Dude how petty are you right now? People like Oliver more than Rosie. Deal. I don't see why it bothers you so much you have to make thinly veiled insults that make you look like even more of a child.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on January 23, 2017, 08:07:35 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 06:59:49 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 11:00:27 AM
If you put it that way... Then at least the upcoming Bachmann Rosie is salvageable unlike their Oliver model.

You should purse a career in comedy.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Bucksco on January 23, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Play nice children....
Don't make us lock this thread.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on January 23, 2017, 09:05:38 PM
New Episodes are out, Tit for Tat and Mike's Whistle. Links below.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GIXhQg8QFos

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v-YKg3APTw4



Maybe if these Narrow Guage engines do so well they can do these miniature engines. And the next episode about these engines I'd Useful Railway, which will be released on the 30th of this month. Can't wait, I love the shots of the woods on the miniature railway.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 09:56:05 PM
Quote from: Yardmaster on January 23, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Play nice children....
Don't make us lock this thread.
Sir, I think you should lock this thread...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on January 23, 2017, 10:20:29 PM
Quote from: ClrwtrMK2 on January 23, 2017, 09:56:05 PM
Quote from: Yardmaster on January 23, 2017, 08:12:41 PM
Play nice children....
Don't make us lock this thread.
Sir, I think you should lock this thread...

Why though? Just because your opinion differs from ours doesn't mean you are right all of the time. Same went for WilsonProductions and it seems like his is gone again. If you acted more mature on here then maybe you wouldn't get the responses that you have been getting.

Anyway, Back on topic...

The announcements seem to be right around the corner!! I really hope that we will see some good surprises from Bachmann this time around. With the reintroduction of the salt van tooling, I really hope that more like that happens in the future especially with the Flat car with paint drums. I have 2 of them and I love them to pieces. Another reintroduction piece that I would love is Well Wagon. Now with the pack being relevant again, I can see kids wanting to use a wooden railway/take-along Jack or Alfie with their Thomas.

As for new tooling, the only engine I can see them doing is Daisy. I would love to have Stepney but as he has not been seen since Season 12, I do not have much hope. Rolling stock on the other hand... I can not think of anything that has not already been done in some form or another that would sell very well. I even checked the Wikia.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on January 23, 2017, 10:27:47 PM
Quote from: Rickenbacker 325 on January 23, 2017, 10:20:29 PM
As for new tooling, the only engine I can see them doing is Daisy. I would love to have Stepney but as he has not been seen since Season 12, I do not have much hope. Rolling stock on the other hand... I can not think of anything that has not already been done in some form or another that would sell very well. I even checked the Wikia.

Don't be so sure. After having the Arlesdale Railway engines and the Flying Scotsman incorporated into the show, Stepney doesn't sound so far fetched from a return now... ;)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: JD417 on January 24, 2017, 02:44:44 PM
Considering Bachmann hasn't shown anything on Rosie yet, that gives them a chance to correct their model from having, as most people would call it, an awful livery, to, as the reception to it has shown, a great one.
Hopefully they'll use this to their advantage to produce the character in the most up to date version in the show, considering that's how they had to do Oliver, apparently.

Or they could please both sides of this debate, and just produce both liveries. It's a recolour, so it's not like asking for that would be the world.
If Bachmann were to do this, it wouldn't be the first time they recoloured an engine to make a separate product. Celebration Thomas, anyone?
Plus, there would be people who would buy both, just wanting to have both of them. Or maybe a parent would get both for their kid because they think they're two different characters ::)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on January 24, 2017, 03:50:42 PM
They should please both sides!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: thomasj219 on January 24, 2017, 05:33:26 PM
As nice as that would be. I don't see that happening. She'll either be in her original livery, which honestly seems more likely to me, or the new one. If  we don't see a picture of her soon I'll assume it's the new 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: DinoNTrains on January 24, 2017, 06:02:04 PM
Quote from: JD417 on January 24, 2017, 02:44:44 PM
Or they could please both sides of this debate, and just produce both liveries.

Quote from: thomasj219 on January 24, 2017, 05:33:26 PM
As nice as that would be. I don't see that happening.

I agree. I feel that releasing the same engine character but with two different liveries (like they do in Wooden Railway, Take-N-Play, etc.) would be rather expensive for Bachmann to do. Granted, there are variations on Thomas (original, celebration, and with a snowplow), but I agree with thomasj219.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on January 24, 2017, 06:06:04 PM
The way I see it, it's a lose-lose situation and I don't see them doing both versions at once either.  If they go with lavender, then it won't be the most up-to-date version of the character once season 21 is on the air.  If they go with the red livery, it won't be as marketable which is what made Rosie popular in merchandise.  Fortunately, it's an easy fix with the right kind of paint if you're bothered.

On a side note, I'm honestly surprised everyone on here keeps bringing up Rosie when Rheneas is guaranteed to look nicer and sell better than Rosie.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on January 24, 2017, 06:11:13 PM
Of course, we've heard NOTHING about either of them AND Oliver is still not out. Bachmann certainly is taking its time...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: ClrwtrMK2 on January 24, 2017, 07:28:47 PM
Quote from: Chaz on January 24, 2017, 06:06:04 PM
The way I see it, it's a lose-lose situation and I don't see them doing both versions at once either.  If they go with lavender, then it won't be the most up-to-date version of the character once season 21 is on the air.  If they go with the red livery, it won't be as marketable which is what made Rosie popular in merchandise.  Fortunately, it's an easy fix with the right kind of paint if you're bothered.

On a side note, I'm honestly surprised everyone on here keeps bringing up Rosie when Rheneas is guaranteed to look nicer and sell better than Rosie.
Because there's a handful of us that like Rosie, That's why.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: sean1994rail on January 25, 2017, 04:17:40 AM
Quote from: Chaz on January 24, 2017, 06:06:04 PM
The way I see it, it's a lose-lose situation and I don't see them doing both versions at once either.  If they go with lavender, then it won't be the most up-to-date version of the character once season 21 is on the air.  If they go with the red livery, it won't be as marketable which is what made Rosie popular in merchandise.  Fortunately, it's an easy fix with the right kind of paint if you're bothered.

On a side note, I'm honestly surprised everyone on here keeps bringing up Rosie when Rheneas is guaranteed to look nicer and sell better than Rosie.
That reminds me, I wonder how far bachmann has progress with the Rheneas model?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on January 25, 2017, 10:06:16 AM
We'll soon find out the updates on Rheneas and Rosie and what's coming. It's all a matter of time.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Plow_Bender on February 02, 2017, 09:46:16 PM
Well this is pretty much going to be my last post in regards to what I'd like to see for Large Scale 2017 announcements, unless I get the ambition to make a post about the red coaches.  Let's talk about Edward being made in large scale.  Now many people have asked for Edward to be made numerous times, yet there have been arguments that Edward is too large.  While I'm not 100% convinced with that statement, I'll be sure to explain my reason further down in this post.

First off, lets talk about Edward's fan base.  As we all know, he's a classic character, a main character, and part of the steam team (if you really want to bring that up).  Many have wanted Edward to be introduced into large scale for years now.  I've seen just as much demand for Edward as I have for Henrietta.  Years back when there was a big demand for Edward in HO, I remember many people went crazy after Bachmann finally announced him.  A large scale model would potentially fair the same way.

Now in terms of appearances and/or roles Edward has had lately, it's probably not worth discussing, but I'm going to anyway, so tuff!  Edward has made countless appearances in pretty much every season (go figure), and has even had a few roles in some of the recent episodes.  Despite being a special from 3 years ago, Edward's role in The Adventure Begins is really something that's stuck in my mind.  However in regards to a more recent special (The Great Race) Edward wasn't really included in that at all other than his singing role at the beginning.

So what are we looking at with Edward as a large scale model?  As I said before, some have argued that he's too big to be made, but I say Edward is borderline.  Yes, Bachmann does want to stick with smaller models (like tank engines), but it's pretty much proven they're not going to make a model the size of Emily (or bigger) for that matter.  I think even an engine larger than James may be asking much.  Considering Edward is a tad smaller than James, that leaves a lot of room to toy with the idea.  Characters such as Belle or Arthur could potentially have a chance for the same reason, but I'm getting off topic with that.

In terms of production, this is really the only downside I can see.  Edward would clearly be more expensive to produce than someone such as Rosie and/or Mavis, which is probably the reason he hasn't been announced.  It's a no brainier that production costs also play a factor in the final price of a model, but I think Edward's price would be pretty fair.  After crunching a few numbers, the RRP for Edward would possibly be around $423.  I'm sure some of you guys out there think that's a little steep, but keep in mind that it's not an exact number.

So my final thoughts on Large Scale Edward for 2017 are this.  Yes it's a bigger model, yes its more costly, but the demand for said model is there.  It's been over 4 years now since the range was given a new locomotive (not including Winston or the DCC models), so we're long overdue in that department.  There's nothing wrong with trying to cut costs by doing recolors and/or smaller models, but the range needs a little something more.  Many out there that would be happy even if large scale just got Edward for 2017.  Still there's probably going to be the ungrateful ones, but that's probably because they wanted Gordon and Henry...

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/scratchpad/images/b/b2/EdwardCGIpromo3.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20161211235108)

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 03, 2017, 12:30:37 AM
The yearly announcements are almost here. Excited, but nervous at the same time. They could be made anytime now. I'll wake up in the morning, and see that announcements were made, and once I click the admin's thread, drumroll, and bam, here they are. Hope this year doesn't disappoint, not that it usually does. It's getting closer and closer! If it's not Daisy or Paxton for HO, it could be some long shot character, one nobody asked for, or no engine at all like in 2014's announcements.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Akodenski on February 06, 2017, 07:20:34 PM
Last calls anyone, here's what I want for 2017:

HO scale:

Engines:

Hiro

Rolling Stock:

Rocky

Scrap Wagon with a removable scrap load in a long brown wagon....the scrap wagon from the the episode Percy and the Calliope in Season 16

Non-Rail Characters:

Trevor

Narrow Gauge:

Locomotives:

Sir Handel

Rolling Stock:

CGI narrow gauge passenger car

Brown Narrow Gauge cabose
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on February 10, 2017, 07:30:20 PM
I'm curious as to when the new James's are coming. Here (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,29694.0.html) we're obviously told back in 2015 that James would be getting atleast a reprint this year, and that it would've happened sooner but they got a giant shipment of his old model. So when is James coming? Unless it happened just unknown to us all. Just curious.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on February 10, 2017, 08:36:01 PM
Revisions are usually unannounced, probably by the time the next shipment of models comes in, I expect we will have a better idea of what is going on then.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on February 11, 2017, 12:52:56 AM
That is a good point, Chaz.

Consumers weren't notified about the cosmetic changes on products like the mail car and the milk tankers.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Metal on February 11, 2017, 04:38:00 PM
Ok perhaps since the hostility has died down for a while, and announcements are just around the corner. I'm gonna post my ideas for the HO/OO Range.

Here are my candidates.

Classic

Daisy 
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/29/TheRailcarAndTheCoaches2.PNG/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20161230170019)
Well the most reasonable classic character right now would be Daisy. What much is there to say? Considering she's been having some prelevance since her return. And on a side note, this is personal preference, but I wouldn't mind at all if she was based off her CGI render. I find the proportions to be much better than her original TV model, some would also argue about the face size, but I don't care about that either.

OR

New Series/CGI

Considering Rosie, Bachmann is most likely to continue down this path and selecting more recent and/or at least more marketably appealing characters.
So to start off....

Charlie
(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/43/NotSoSlowCoaches55.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150423162140)
Ok, to some this might be an.......average.....choice, character-wise, but on a positive note, Charlie, IMO does have on of the best designs in the show, and has quite the detail for a small tank engine. He could  also serve as an option for kitbashers. Other then the Culdee Fell Engines, the only purple engines we've ever had (or at least in the show) are Charlie and Ryan. However, if Bachmann were to select one of these two to provide color contrast, one of them would obviously be the more marketable, Hopefully the positives would outweigh the negatives here.

Hiro
(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/8d/HelpingHiro2.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20161218182825)
During the the S9-16 era, most of the characters were one-offs and/or blank slates, solely for the purpose of making toys. However there's was a shining gem in the rocks, and Hiro is a great example of that, plus he was actually given depth. Since his introduction has been one of the most iconic characters in the franchise and universal popularity with Thomas fans of all ages. He would make such a beautiful model here. The pricing would be around a Bachmann Skarloey, but even so Skaroley as well as the developing NG range has shown that popularity overcame pricing, and I'm confident to believe the same would happen with Hiro.

Porter
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/54/SaltyAllAtSea20.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20160718214757)
Since Porter's debut, he has become a quite a staple in the series, since he's stationed in Brendam Docks with Salty, which is one of the most prominent locations in the show. Nowadays, you really can't have Salty without Porter, like the same with Duck and Oliver. And considering that Bachmann has now made Salty exclusively available in set, introducing Porter into the range could help drive the sales of Salty. However, the drawback would have to be the scaling, but then again Bachmann has taken Oliver's CGI render and up-the-scale a bit, so Bachmann could do the same with Porter.

Paxton
(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/e/ee/GordonRunsDry56.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150629133631)
Paxton has received quite a positive reception, ever since he was transformed from a nonexistent mute into one of the most likable characters. It's obvious that he's a simple rehash of Diesel. But from a different standpoint, a handful of people seem to be tired of seeing another Class 08, so I would suggest that it's best to conserve this option in case Bachmann isn't raking up in sales, and if they need feel the urge to release a loco, Paxton could serve as a good emergency.

There's my thoughts for the HO/OO. Forgive me for the big post here, so gonna make a post on the HO/OO rolling stock and NG Range later.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on February 11, 2017, 10:53:06 PM
My guess is that history indicates Monday or Friday is the day. Let's look back at last year for fun :P

Hi Thomas & Friends fans:
We hare delighted to announce the products below. These will be the ONLY new Thomas products announced until February 2017. Please watch our website for images and delivery info. We will not release this info in personal emails.

Enjoy!

HO Scale
58816 Rosie (with moving eyes)
77014 Sodor Salt Wagon
77015 Troublesome Truck #5
77016 GWR Cattle Wagon
77017 Refrigerator Car – Live Lobsters

Narrow Gauge
58602 Rheneas
77301 Narrow Gauge Slate Wagon with Load
77302 Narrow Gauge Slate Wagon with Load #101
77303 Narrow Gauge Slate Wagon with Load #164

Large Scale
91421 Thomas the Tank Engine with DCC Sound
91422 Percy the Small Engine with DCC Sound
32037 Large Scale Thomas & Friends™ DCC Sound Module
98016 Box Van – Sodor Fruit & Vegetable Co.
98017 Box Van – Explosives
98018 Box Van – Great Western

NOTE: No delivery dates yet for HO Oliver or Large Scale Winston and Ice Cream Wagon.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on February 11, 2017, 11:17:34 PM
Yea, tomorrow or next Friday. The 12th was the date but it was a Friday last year and I'm willing to bet that because of the toy fair we won't see it until next week, and we'll probably have a catalog too. Can't wait for the announcements though. Hoping for Hiro.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: TTTEfan1992 on February 12, 2017, 11:20:57 AM
Well from what happened last year with that, we should see Bachmann's new announcements this Friday 2-17-17, because it's the day before the New York Toy Fair this year. The catalogs will be released too, but we'll most likely not see them until a few days after the last day of the Toy Fair unless, if you find a model train show to go to around the date of the Toy Fair. Then possibly, you can purchase one at a train show. Last year, Bachmann didn't upload their catalogs on their website until a few days after the last day of the Toy Fair. Therefore, from when the New York Toy Fair is this year, the catalogs most likely won't be uploaded to their website until either 2-24-17, or 2-25-17.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on February 12, 2017, 02:09:46 PM
Anyone thinking Bachmann might release this engine next?

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2z4e8mp.png)

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on February 12, 2017, 02:39:59 PM
The announcements will most likely be posted on Friday, based on their recent track record.

At this point I'll be happy if we see Sir Handel and another new tooling of new rolling stock for narrow gauge, (coaches in particular).  The only characters I would buy in HO would be ones they haven't done from the first four seasons, most of which aren't likely anyways.

Anyone else have any last minute predictions/thoughts?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on February 12, 2017, 03:35:41 PM
Daisy/any S1-4 character we don't already have is unlikely to be very honest. Off-topic but- Chaz, I know you've been against Rosie from the beginning. Seeing her model are you swayed at all? I wasn't a huge fan either but it's a pretty smart engine...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Chaz on February 12, 2017, 04:31:10 PM
Daisy hasn't had a ton of merchandise out since her return, only one and that was just this year so I imagine if Mattel is taking charge of what Bachmann announces then I won't get my hopes up as I said earlier.  However, I'd love to be proven wrong, but I'd be willing to bet on someone else in HO like Charlie, Stanley, or you know... Paxton. :P

My thoughts on Rosie are in another thread, so let's keep that discussion there.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on February 12, 2017, 04:47:07 PM
Trevor is all I really want Daisy would be welcome since a model of her so long overdue(looking at you Hornby). Anyway it's pointless speculating because we all know deep down its going to be Phillip.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Captain Crutch on February 12, 2017, 07:39:30 PM
I would love to see Hiro, Stanley, Charlie and/or Sir Handle announced. They're all amazing options. Only time will tell who will be chosen and I'm not saying that those are the options, just what I'd like to see. I'd especially like to see a character like Furgus or Arthur but they haven't been seen since the model series so there's next to no chance.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: DinoNTrains on February 15, 2017, 12:35:33 AM
Just want to hear opinions, but since we have the narrow gauge line underway, is it possible we could get Mr. Percival this year?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2017
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on February 15, 2017, 08:05:23 AM
I'd say that since the HO figures are actually scaled for large scale, having one made for the tiny narrow gauge engines doesn't make much sense.