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Discussion Boards => Thomas & Friends => Topic started by: TerencetheTractor525 on March 26, 2017, 02:15:26 PM

Title: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on March 26, 2017, 02:15:26 PM
Alright guys. As it has now been over a month since the 2017 announcements and Bachmann Oliver is FINALLY out, I thought that it would nice to start a 2018 predictions thread. I know that it is still rather early, but I just wanted to get the ball rolling. Anyways, here they are...

HO Scale
Trevor
Ventilated Van- Explosives
Flat Car with Pipes
Flat Car with Logs

Narrow Gauge
Narrow Gauge Duncan
Narrow Gauge Coach (Red)
Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Red)
Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Light Brown)

Resin Buildings
Ffarquar Station
Sodor Cottage

Large Scale
As I mentioned last year, since I do not collect large scale, I will leave that to the large scale people. :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on March 26, 2017, 04:34:27 PM
Good suggestion, but can we leave 2018 predictions until later this year please?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on March 26, 2017, 04:53:01 PM
Quote from: sean1994rail on March 26, 2017, 04:34:27 PM
Good suggestion, but can we leave 2018 predictions until later this year please?

There's nothing wrong with giving suggestions for next year, even though I probably won't post my thoughts until later, if someone wants to share suggestions/ideas they have for next year then I think they have every right to.

I agree that HO will probably skip making an engine this year, but I'm hoping that in return they can do two narrow gauge engines.  Whenever I get around to making a post, I'll explain why I think this in depth later.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on March 26, 2017, 05:06:08 PM
I understand Chaz, but we just got the 2017 announcements. It was too soon for 2018 predictions IMO.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 26, 2017, 06:26:34 PM
I was going to wait until later this year, but now that this is up, I might as well post some suggestions.

HO engines (with explanations):

Sidney - Yes, I know he hasn't had as many appearances or appeal as Paxton, but it's not like suggesting Splatter and Dodge, because unlike them, Sidney actually has relevance, and he's a CGI character like Paxton. Splatter and Dodge are not CGI characters, nor are they relevant, plus they're one-off characters from a movie that wasn't even good. Though, I'd rather see engines using new toolings, and they should save Sidney for the next time they have to do a recolor.

Daisy - Ever since Daisy's return, she had been making plenty of recent appearances and even starring roles. Though, Bachmann still has yet to make a diesel who isn't a shunter, like I said in other threads. They can probably omit her eye mechanism, since Daisy doesn't have a fixed wheelbase. Even though she's a returnee character with plenty of recent appearances, she is just a personal preference.

Porter - Even though Salty is discontinued, it would be nice to see his new friend get made. Porter is also one of the likeable CGI characters, but the only problem is his scaling. Wasn't a problem with Bachmann Oliver. Maybe they can fix Porter's scaling.

Philip - Philip has been a very questionable character, and very annoying to many, but when you think about it, he's actually TAME compared to other unlikeable CGI characters, like Charlie, and those log-hauling idiots who shall not be named. Philip doesn't tell stupid jokes, or obnoxious rhymes, though he is a little clumsy. One thing that he needs to stop doing is going on about the time he had beat Gordon in a race, despite Gordon not joining in. Even though Philip's debut is recent, he has been making plenty of appearances. If he does get announced, I'm worried about a backlash.

Ryan - Ryan is also a more recent CGI character, but he's been making plenty of appearances in the show, and he's a very likeable character. Ryan also has a unique livery. Would be great to see him get made someday.

Black James - A recolor of James. Appeared in The Adventure Begins. I think this would be another good idea for if Bachmann needs to do a recolor, which would be James in his original black livery. Would be more interesting than Celebration Thomas. Though, this one might also sound more like a personal preference.

What do you think would be the most likely, if we get another engine?

The rest of my suggestions will be normal lists.

HO Rolling Stock:
Explosives Van
Troublesome Truck #6 (tanker, ventilated van, or utility wagon)
Spiteful Brake Van

Narrow Gauge:
Peter Sam
Coach
Brake Van

Large Scale:

Mavis or Duck
Cattle Wagon
Salt Wagon

Hard to see 'Arry and Bert getting made into Large Scale, due to how sub-par they did in HO Scale sales-wise.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on March 26, 2017, 10:43:57 PM
I apologize sean1994rail. I just wanted to get a slow start for the 2018 predictions. I'm also looking forward to the two narrow gauge engines you are thinking about Chaz :).

I do really like TrainFan97's ideas. In regards to a new loco, if a large diesel such as Daisy does not work out, the next best engine would definitely be Ryan. As TrainFan97 mentioned, Ryan has made plenty of appearances and has a unique livery (the first purple engine in the range). He's also medium sized engine (in my view). Therefore, I would also love to see him in the range one day. However, if I had to pick between a new loco and a non-rail vehicle such as Trevor, I would have to pick Trevor. I also agree with the rolling stock suggestions since they are all repaints. However, one thing that I noticed is that ever since Troublesome Truck #3, Bachmann seemed to announce a new troublesome truck every three years. Because of this, I think that if Troublesome Truck #6 is announced, it will be in 2019. As for narrow gauge, Peter Sam would be another welcome addition from all fans. However, I thought that Duncan would be next because it may be that Bachmann is going in rainbow order. Lastly, do you have any resin buildings suggestions TrainFan97? I would love to hear :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 27, 2017, 01:48:22 AM
I don't really collect resin buildings, but I do have one suggestion: Ffarquhar Station

Another idea for HO Scale:

Diesel with analog sound -
So far, Thomas is still the only engine in HO Scale to have a sound model. There really should be more engines with sound. I think Diesel should be next, since he's the main villain of the show. Also, instead of whistles and chuffs, you'd hear his diesel engine running, and horn. I'd definitely buy Diesel with sound if that ever gets made.

As for new engines, probably the most likely suggestion would be Ryan, if Daisy can't be made. Unlike Sidney, Ryan would be an engine with a new tooling. Ryan is a tank engine with a unique livery, like I said above, since we have no purple engine yet. Ever since his debut in Lost Treasure, he's been a very well-received CGI character, and shined even more in Season 20. Unlike Daisy, Ryan actually has a fixed wheelbase, so he can easily have an eye mechanism. Ryan isn't as big as Daisy, but he is more detailed than her. I'd take Ryan over Philip any day.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on March 27, 2017, 05:59:38 AM
http://www.strawpoll.me/12617412 (http://www.strawpoll.me/12617412)

My updated poll to see which bachmann Thomas engine should receive analog/analogue sound next.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on March 27, 2017, 02:52:46 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on March 27, 2017, 01:48:22 AM
I don't really collect resin buildings, but I do have one suggestion: Ffarquhar Station

Another idea for HO Scale:

Diesel with analog sound -
So far, Thomas is still the only engine in HO Scale to have a sound model. There really should be more engines with sound. I think Diesel should be next, since he's the main villain of the show. Also, instead of whistles and chuffs, you'd hear his diesel engine running, and horn. I'd definitely buy Diesel with sound if that ever gets made.

As for new engines, probably the most likely suggestion would be Ryan, if Daisy can't be made. Unlike Sidney, Ryan would be an engine with a new tooling. Ryan is a tank engine with a unique livery, like I said above, since we have no purple engine yet. Ever since his debut in Lost Treasure, he's been a very well-received CGI character, and shined even more in Season 20. Unlike Daisy, Ryan actually has a fixed wheelbase, so he can easily have an eye mechanism. Ryan isn't as big as Daisy, but he is more detailed than her. I'd take Ryan over Philip any day.

my suggestions for further Sound Fitted engines

Percy: Like with many manufacturers, Percy would likely be the next candidate for a sound chip.

Salty: As much as I would like to see Devious Diesel being the first sound fitted diesel engine in the range, I would go for a sound fitted Salty, to give him a second chance in the range since his normal separate sale model and set have been discontinued. can't have a Brendam Docks without him.

Gordon: Children will enjoy running a sound fitted Gordon at full speed, and it might be a good reason to bring back the express coaches.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 27, 2017, 06:34:21 PM
As for new engines, maybe someone can do a poll for everyone to vote for what new engine should be next in HO Scale. The list can include:

Sidney
Ryan
Daisy
Hiro
Stanley
Charlie
Porter
Philip

And anyone else. This is an idea for a poll.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Toad139 on March 27, 2017, 09:31:35 PM
I would love to see a character like Arthur, but a that is unlikely. More realistic opinions I would like to see are Stanley, Samson, or Porter.

Any flatcar being reintroduced with a load would be cool. I could maybe see them bringing back the express coaches as well, considering there seems to be a demand for them now.

For the narrow gauge line, I would rather see the blue coaches and a blue brake van to go with them. I would also personally hold off on Duncan. His CG render is pretty trash so I think it would be better to make an engine such as Peter Sam or Sir Handel. I hope maybe in the future Arc/Jam will fix Duncan so the Bachmann model will have a nice render to be based off of unlike Oliver.

I love the idea of Ffarquhar station and another resin building could be the Sodor Shipping Company.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on March 27, 2017, 09:45:59 PM
I would love to see Hiro or Ryan and maybe Stanley as well as some flat cars.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 28, 2017, 12:21:23 AM
This is the year where the redesigned James is supposed to be out, so people need to keep their eyes peeled for that, as revisions happen unannounced.

Probably the worst looking model in HO Scale is Percy. Unlike Percy, James' problems are mostly paint, which can be easily fixed. Unfortunately for Percy, his problems are tooling errors: No rear dummy hook, no front coupler, no rear windows, bunker too high, and a really bad face.

Since tooling changes are a lot harder, we probably still shouldn't expect a new Percy tooling anytime soon, especially with the bad economy. It took two years just to get Oliver out there. Only one engine gets announced a year these days.

I don't know if they can just discontinue Percy and then re-release him with a new look. Probably not, since he's currently #2 in bestsellers. People are still buying him regardless. He, as well as Thomas, look SO outdated compared to the new models, as they were obviously the models that started the range. Their Large Scale models are how they SHOULD look, but sadly, I can't afford Large Scale. Like I said, we're supposed to get a paint redesign of James soon, but if tooling fixes to Thomas and Percy will ever happen, there needs to be a high enough demand. The range has been around for 15 years, and Thomas and Percy still look the same.

Gordon's Express Coaches were discontinued years ago, and a demand for them to return is starting to form. They eventually brought back the Salt Wagon. If they ever do return, Gordon will finally have his proper coaches again. No more going "Oh, the indignity" and being forced to pull freight. (I really crack up every time he says "Oh, the indignity!")
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on March 28, 2017, 01:22:33 PM
The range has been around for 15 years this year. That's hardly nearly 20.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 28, 2017, 04:34:59 PM
Quote from: thomasj219 on March 28, 2017, 01:22:33 PM
The range has been around for 15 years this year. That's hardly nearly 20.

Typo fixed.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Toad139 on March 28, 2017, 05:44:33 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on March 28, 2017, 12:21:23 AM
Gordon's Express Coaches were discontinued years ago, and a demand for them to return is starting to form. They eventually brought back the Salt Wagon. If they ever do return, Gordon will finally have his proper coaches again.

Yeah, I would love to see both versions of the express coaches reintroduce. However I would hope they keep the same tooling and not updated them to the terrible CGI design. I also liked their old paint scheme. I know people say it isn't TVS accurate, but I still really liked it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on March 28, 2017, 06:49:50 PM
Well I'm on spring break right now so I figured that I would share my thoughts on narrow gauge first since Terencethetractor525 wanted to hear my views on that, and then eventually get to HO and maybe large scale at a much later date, so let's start with engines:

(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)
While Rusty was a nice surprise, I still believe that Sir Handel and Peter Sam would make logical choices for next year.  Personally, I think they should do both of them together at the same time and skip making an engine in HO.  Seeing as how bulky the HO range is with over 20 engines to choose from, I don't think that would be a bad thing.  But if they had to choose just one engine, while I personally prefer Peter Sam, I think Sir Handel seems to be the more popular request.  Either way, Bachmann has a gap between Rheneas and Rusty which makes it all the more evident that the demand for Sir Handel and Peter Sam will be hard for Bachmann to avoid.

(http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/3b/SkarloeyRailwayCoachesCGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20160115181512%5B)
Rolling stock is what I want to talk about even more due to their being none announced this year.  The first choice would be coaches so to save time here's the link to my old post as my views on them are basically the same as before:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,31790.msg243158.html#msg243158

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/2d/SkarloeyRailwayTrucks.png/revision/latest?cb=20140310213929)
Some new wagons wouldn't be a bad idea either and I think they would be great additions if Bachmann wants to focus more on the mining theme that's mentioned in promotions for the range. I also think these should be made in place of the Peco wagon in the range as it would not only be cheaper (as proven by the slate wagons) but they would also be much stronger sellers.  There's a lot Bachmann could do with them like giving them different loads (like coal or stone) or even making them in different liveries giving Bachmann a lot of possibilities to work with.

(http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/a/ac/CGISkarloeyRailwaybrakevan.png/revision/latest?cb=20130612111645%5B)
However, the one piece of rolling stock that should be announced alongside coaches or new wagons as a bonus should be a brake van.  The people who would want this for their collection, would most likely buy more than one, myself included.  Unlike the slate wagons and the stock I suggested, Bachmann only needs to make only one brake van (as the brown one is the only one in the CG show) and it will sell like crazy on its own.

Overall I think if Bachmann pull off both Sir Handel and Peter Sam for next year with some of my rolling stock suggestions next year, I really think it would be give the range the development and sales that it really needs.  It may seem like a lot, especially with how only Rusty got announced this year, but keep in mind that Bachmann has made big comebacks before with HO and large scale therefore it only seems only fair that narrow gauge gets a chance to shine, while paying off strong sales in the process.

On that note, here are some open questions for everyone else:

Which engine do you want to see made next in narrow gauge?  Is there a specific order you would like Bachmann to release the rest of the narrow gauge engines?

What rolling stock would you be most interested in?

Would you also be in favor of an engine being skipped in HO next year so they can do two narrow gauge engines next year instead of just one?

Feedback is appreciated.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on March 28, 2017, 07:37:15 PM
The one thing I worry about, Chaz, is how many people will buy both models at once? Even without MSRP, that comes in at somewhere around $200. If you buy one and wait for the other, who knows if you'll be able to find it? I know for one that Skarloey is literally out of stock everywhere...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on March 28, 2017, 07:38:04 PM
I'm pretty certain Bachmann won't be making narrow gauge engines in numerical order now, more likely we will get Duncan. Hopfully they do not make Freddie or Luke before they finish the classic characters.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on March 28, 2017, 08:21:02 PM
Quote from: Griffin on March 28, 2017, 07:37:15 PM
The one thing I worry about, Chaz, is how many people will buy both models at once? Even without MSRP, that comes in at somewhere around $200. If you buy one and wait for the other, who knows if you'll be able to find it? I know for one that Skarloey is literally out of stock everywhere...

That's a fair point and all, but really if they sell similarly to how Skarloey does it only further proves the point that the range could really benefit from more development.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JD417 on March 29, 2017, 01:32:30 PM
Quote from: Chaz on March 28, 2017, 06:49:50 PM
Some new wagons wouldn't be a bad idea either and I think they would be great additions if Bachmann wants to focus more on the mining theme that's mentioned in promotions for the range.
That is an extremely good point that I'm sure Bachmann hasn't even thoroughly thought through. Whenever Bachmann talks about Skarloey (as he's the only one out, but I'm sure if Rheneas was at shows to present, he would be given the same description) They mention the Quarry.
I would really like to see the wagon Chaz posted, in a few colours, such as red, green, and maybe an offset yellow or bright tan just for a little diversity to the range.
I'd also like to see this truck in the appropriate colours, as this is the perfect marketing product to fit in with Bachmann's pitch of the Narrow Gauge range (The Quarry):

(http://i.imgur.com/KkhJ0yB.png)

We'd most likely only get one tooling of an open wagon, as they're going to get recoloured several times as we all can expect, so, as long as they don't suffer the same fate as the slate wagons, I wouldn't mind at all.

Colour diversity and appeal is key with a child's property, as a conversation with a younger child would go:
"Do you want the blue truck or red truck?"
"I want the blue one"

They don't go off reading the miniscule details, like on the Slate Wagons. Imagine talking to a younger kid like this:
"Would you like the one with the number 101 or 164, or do you want the one with no number at all? But it doesn't matter which one you pick kid, because they all look the same anyway."
They would look at it and wouldn't know the difference unless they have a magnifying glass.

So I'd much rather prefer different colour over a running number, especially if they produce the BMQ ones where there's a logo, as that would be more difficult to paint around, as if you really want to make Talyllyn wagons, you can just get some transfers and do them yourself.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: jleight on March 29, 2017, 03:13:02 PM
 ;D  Doesn't matter what year it is my list doesn't change much until they finally arrive on my siding.  My list for HO is as follows:

Steamies:

HIRO
Whiff
Scruff
Belle
Flynn
Bash
Dash
Ferdinand
Stephen

Diesels:

Diesel 10
Daisy
BoCo

Narrow Gauge:

Victor
Sir Handel
Peter Sam
Luke
Duncan

Cars:

Fred the Orange Coal Car
Rickety

Structures & Accessories:

Knapford Station (the actual station not just the platforms)
Vicarstown Diesel Works
Sodor Steam Works
Search & Rescue Center
Kevin
Rocky
Merrick
Ol' Wheezy
Hee-Haw
Owen

I know there are more but these are top of my list.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 29, 2017, 03:43:18 PM
Quote from: jleight on March 29, 2017, 03:13:02 PM
;D  Doesn't matter what year it is my list doesn't change much until they finally arrive on my siding.  My list for HO is as follows:

Steamies:

HIRO
Whiff
Scruff
Belle
Flynn
Bash
Dash
Ferdinand
Stephen

Diesels:

Diesel 10
Daisy
BoCo

Narrow Gauge:

Victor
Sir Handel
Peter Sam
Luke
Duncan

Cars:

Fred the Orange Coal Car
Rickety

Structures & Accessories:

Knapford Station (the actual station not just the platforms)
Vicarstown Diesel Works
Sodor Steam Works
Search & Rescue Center
Kevin
Rocky
Merrick
Ol' Wheezy
Hee-Haw
Owen

I know there are more but these are top of my list.

Wow, another unrealistic list.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on March 29, 2017, 04:26:42 PM
Forgot to respond to this one earlier:
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on March 28, 2017, 07:38:04 PM
I'm pretty certain Bachmann won't be making narrow gauge engines in numerical order now, more likely we will get Duncan. Hopfully they do not make Freddie or Luke before they finish the classic characters.

The reason why I didn't mention Duncan in my post, isn't because of him being last in numerical order, it has to do with his CG render.  The biggest reason why Skarloey is still selling like crazy is because of how close his CG render is compared to Talyllyn and why Rheneas wouldn't be any different. Those same sales will follow through moreso with Sir Handel and Peter Sam than Duncan because of how close their renders resemble their original basis. While Rusty's CG render doesn't match his basis all that close either, I feel like his simple "box" design will win a lot of modelers over and his chassis would be great for other projects 009 modelers would look into.

(http://play.thomasandfriends.com/en-gb/Images/kids_duncan_tcm1402-214104.png)
Duncan is where it becomes a lot more questionable as it doesn't even resemble his original character or basis all that closely as Arc did a poor job of making his render, (probably their worst render that they've ever made...). Compared to Skarloey or Peter Sam, Duncan's render looks incredibly plain with proportions off in several areas. Even though he might make sense based on color contrast and his recent starring roles, his sales would be very minimal compared to Skarloey and Rheneas'. So while I wouldn't rule him out entirely after Rusty's announcement, I would much rather see Bachmann do Sir Handel and Peter Sam first, unless we are lucky enough to see his render upgraded (as unlikely as that sounds).

Regarding Jesse's earlier post, I absolutely agree with you on those wagons too. They seem a lot more colorful and would attract sales and also win Mattel over by a long shot. Admittedly, I prefer the wagons I suggested earlier, but those wouldn't be a bad alternative. Sadly with the promotions of the range talking about mining, I almost wonder if that's why they haven't bothered to make narrow gauge coaches yet. A real shame since as noted in my earlier post, they would sell like hotcakes.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: jleight on March 29, 2017, 04:57:43 PM
Hey Tranfan97!  This wasn't meant to be a wish list for 2018 but rather just what I think are the more important ones that Bachmann needs to consider producing sometime in the not too distant future.  I would actually like to see a lot of these on my railroad before I die so please Bachmann hurry up so I don't expire before you get around to making these. ;D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 29, 2017, 05:55:29 PM
Sorry about that. It's just that many of these may never happen, especially items related to Misty Island, as anything related to that island is heavily disliked by the fans.

I thought that was a 2018 prediction. I didn't know it was a general wishlist. I can share you my general wishlist:

HO engines only:
Daisy
BoCo (if he ever returns)
Stepney (if he ever returns)
Murdoch (if he ever returns; might be too big)
Timothy
Porter
Samson
Ryan
Sidney
Norman (if he gets more appearances and character development)
Stephen (design might be a little complicated)
Glynn

These are models I'm hoping to see in my lifetime. I'm trying to be realistic.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on March 29, 2017, 09:42:31 PM
Well i figured I might as well make an actual list this time around.


Ho:

Hiro
Stanley
Stephen
Ryan
Flatbeds
Flatbeds with load
Stone Truck
(And while I know it's basically impossible, this is just wishful thinking now)
Hank
Stepney
Neville


Narrow Guage:

Sir Handle
Peter Sam
Blue Narrow Guage Coaches
A brake van like Cora


Set Pieces and Accessories:

Another Station
Railroad Crossing Gate
That one building right by Cranky at the Docks
Jack
Alfie
Oliver (the Pack)


I know most of this is wishful thinking and that we definitely won't get all of it during 2018 but it's what I'd like to see.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: jleight on March 29, 2017, 10:17:40 PM
Hey Trainfan97!  All good choices also.  With as many Thomas Engines as there are you would think that Bachmann would bring out several each year.  I was told they didn't think something big like the Steamworks would have enough sales to make it worth their investment.  Guess it all comes down to money as it usually does.  The buildings I can probably scratch build but I'm out of luck when it comes to the engines and railcars.  Too bad Bachmann is so spread out that with so many irons in the fire that they can't concentrate a little more on something fun like Thomas..
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: jleight on March 29, 2017, 11:34:33 PM
Ruined? How so? What is your complaint?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 29, 2017, 11:41:10 PM
I wasn't trying to ruin it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on March 30, 2017, 11:26:50 AM
In my opinion the only thing that's ruined this thread, and board in general, are the self-righteous babies who want to seem important by putting others down.  It's getting old.

Post away kids, don't worry about what these make shift moderators say.  
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: jleight on March 30, 2017, 12:49:10 PM
I had a very nice chat with the VP today and he explained a lot about who is running the show and why certain items are produced and which are not.  Just wish we had control back in the USA. It was nice to actually have a phone conversation with someone in the know and be able to chat on a very friendly basis. My hats off to the US based folks and I wish them the best. ;D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: ThomasFan1993 on March 30, 2017, 01:28:09 PM
Here's my predictions:

HO:

Engines:
* Re-designed Percy
* Winston
* Stanley
* Ryan
* Sidney

They made two new toolings in 2005 (Henry and Gordon), as well as in 2010 (Donald/Douglas and Bill/Ben), so I'm sure they could be able to make two new toolings for 2018 and Stanley and Ryan are very popular steam engines. I'm surprised Bachmann didn't announce Sidney with Paxton this year, seeing they both use the same tooling. Hopefully there's a chance for Sidney in 2018. With Winston released in 'G' Scale, surely they should build and release him in the 'HO' range, as well.

Rolling Stock:
* Re-designed Tidmouth Milk Tanker
* Re-designed Sodor Fuel Tanker
* Re-designed Gordon's Express Coaches (CGI style)
* Re-designed James' Express Coaches (CGI style)
* Rocky the Rail Crane
* Judy and Jerome the Breakdown Train
* Sodor Works Unit Coach (In both 'Green' and 'Brown' liveries)
* Troublesome Truck #6
* Troublesome Truck #7

Non-Rail:
* Trevor
* Jack

Trevor is a very popular non-rail character and since his return in Series 20, I'm sure he'd be a great seller for Bachmann. Like the Skarloey Railway, perhaps Bachmann could consider about releasing Jack and the Pack, staring with Jack and then every year, they could release the members one-by-one, e.g. Alfie (2019), Oliver (2020), Max & Monty (2021) etc.

Resin Buildings:
* Farquhar Station
* Callan Castle

Narrow Gauge:
* Sir Handel
* Peter Sam
* Skarloey Railway Coaches
* Skarloey Railway Brake Van

Large Scale:
* Edward
* Mavis
* Henrietta
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on March 30, 2017, 04:23:13 PM
I think most of those are good possibilities for next year, especially the suggestions for narrow gauge.  One thing I'm not really sold on is the pack characters since they don't have as big of a following as the narrow gauge engines, and Bachmann rarely does non-rail characters.  If they were to do any of them, I think they would just do Jack.

I'm also not sure about Rocky, Judy, and Jerome either since I imagine those would be pretty expensive to pull off on Bachmann's end.  
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on March 30, 2017, 06:21:55 PM
Oh please bro. It's not up to you to decide what's legitimate. That post is not defendable. Please grow up or don't post.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on March 30, 2017, 06:54:10 PM
Quote from: Griffin on March 30, 2017, 06:16:21 PM
Quote from: thomasj219 on March 30, 2017, 11:26:50 AM
In my opinion the only thing that's ruined this thread, and board in general, are the self-righteous babies who want to seem important by putting others down.  It's getting old.

Post away kids, don't worry about what these make shift moderators say.  
There's a difference between posting legitimate thoughts that are on topic and inane wishlists that won't ever happen...not saying that OPs being referred to shouldn't be allowed to do this but obviously they're in the wrong thread. That's all I'll say on that.

That's where you said it. If you really want to quibble about the small difference between wish lists and predictions you're in the wrong place. Posting a wishlist here is not out of line. Look I've been on this forum a long time and Let's not pretend that post was anything else than a put down. This spreads negativity around the board for no reason at all. Is it really that big a deal? No. All it accomplishes is a short lived feeling of superiority followed by a slew of negativity.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 30, 2017, 06:57:34 PM
Quote from: Griffin on March 30, 2017, 06:30:23 PM
I'm almost sure I never claimed anything "legitimate" I simply said that they were in the wrong thread, which is true. This is the 2018 predictions thread, no?
Quote from: TrainFan97 on March 29, 2017, 05:55:29 PM
Sorry about that. It's just that many of these may never happen, especially items related to Misty Island, as anything related to that island is heavily disliked by the fans.

I thought that was a 2018 prediction. I didn't know it was a general wishlist. I can share you my general wishlist:

HO engines only:
Daisy
BoCo (if he ever returns)
Stepney (if he ever returns)
Murdoch (if he ever returns; might be too big)
Timothy
Porter
Samson
Ryan
Sidney
Norman (if he gets more appearances and character development)
Stephen (design might be a little complicated)
Glynn

These are models I'm hoping to see in my lifetime. I'm trying to be realistic.
You're not going to seriously tell me that you think this list consists of predictions for next year?

Side note- I'm free to post whatever I please (within reason). The others are as well. I never once said that they shouldn't post.

Nowhere did I say that's what I wanted in 2018. I even went out of my way to say that it ISN'T a 2018 prediction, by saying it's what I wanted to see in my lifetime, so don't quote-mine me.

Also, can we please stop the drama? Let's just get back on topic and stop arguing.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on March 30, 2017, 07:08:13 PM
Thomasj219 is right, honestly. Especially when we haven't really invested in a separate wishlist thread of a long time now. It's almost irrelevant now. If it's mostly on topic and not hurting anyone, I'd say that it's appropriate for discussion.

I also don't like the fact that you're telling users that their thoughts are not legitimate and that you're shamelessly bullying them by telling them that they "ruined the thread" all because you don't agree with their actions. Honestly, if anything is "ruining the thread", it's your negativity that you're bringing into this thread which is bringing the same bad atmosphere that Jacob and Clearwater brought when they were around and I would honestly hate to see the same happen with you too.

To quote the Bach-man, "Behave or be gone!"
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on March 30, 2017, 07:09:27 PM
Griffin, you went completely out of line and it would appear that you've deleted your original post saying something along the lines of "People like this are what's ruining this thread" and then want to say you never said it. I don't mean to start drama but I couldn't sit here and see you essentially bully a member for posting what is obviously a wishlist. If you would've said "That doesn't belong on this thread, another might suit it better" then we wouldn't be having this discussion. Like Chaz said if anyone's ruining the thread it's you.

I think for next year we're probably going to get a tank engine or two twin engines, maybe like Connor and Caitlyn. It's possible but I wouldn't put my money on it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on March 30, 2017, 07:46:58 PM
Give first time users some slack without having to be condescending. I don't think this new guy did anything intrusive. Best to be constructive then critical.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on March 30, 2017, 08:33:43 PM
First of all, I want to apologize to OPs and thomasj219 for my original comments. I shouldn't have been so harsh and I should've respected what thomas was trying to say in response. Apologies to all who had to get involved- I never intended for this to become a huge issue. I hope we can put it to rest. I will be PMing the OPs and thomasj219 personally as well. I'm normally never like this, and I don't know what came over me. I sincerely apologize to everyone for my behavior.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on March 30, 2017, 09:33:13 PM
It's fine mate, we all have our bad days, days where we're not always in total control. You apologized and that's what's important. Now let's get back on topic shall we? Let's not dwell on this matter any longer.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on March 31, 2017, 05:20:50 PM
Does anyone think Bachmann should update Diesel with black siderods, and Bill and Ben with red wheels?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JD417 on March 31, 2017, 05:24:58 PM
While Diesel's update would be pretty straightforward: a simple coat of paint, Bill and Ben getting updated would lead to them needed updated valve gear, and then that leads to a new running board piece, and I'm sure if they'd get that far, they'd give them CGI styled faces.
So it's very unlikely for the twins, more likely for Diesel

Something I'm quite frankly dumbfounded by at this point is the fact that Annie and Clarabel haven't gotten their grey running boards switched to black yet. I mean, all the Sound, and Celebration Thomas' have gotten black hooks instead of the standard's grey ones, so... ???
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on April 01, 2017, 01:27:58 AM
If Bachmann updated Diesel with black siderods, it could also be possible to change his face to a more sinister-looking CGI face, which his Large Scale model is probably going to have.

To be honest, his "friendly" CGI face never really bothered me. It doesn't matter as long as the face is TV accurate, and it is. Diesel was the first HO model to have a CGI face, while Duck is the last model to have a model face, since Duck's model was made before his CGI render was publicly revealed.

It would be interesting to see HO Diesel revised with black siderods, but if they change his face too, it would be even more interesting. Some highly requested revisions on rolling stock include updating the milk and fuel tankers to their CGI designs. James will be the first engine to have an actual update.

Updating Bill and Ben to their CGI designs might require changing their running boards, which would make it difficult. Diesel's update would be giving him the siderods 'Arry and Bert have, and possibly a different face, but I'm not very sure about that. His face is already CGI.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Bucksco on April 01, 2017, 03:41:29 PM
Thomas and Friends models are produced to the manufacturing specifications of the Licensor. Even if Bachmann wanted to change things on the models they could not due to the legal ramifications that come with a licensed product. That being said, if you would like to change your own models with some hobby paint that is totally acceptable.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on April 01, 2017, 06:18:26 PM
I understand. Thanks for making it clear.

There's nothing wrong with discussing ideas, as long as you're fully aware that the licensor has the final say on what's made, and how it's made.

The only tweaks that don't require permission have to be done by the consumer, to their own individual models that they've purchased. This is known as modelling.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: ThomasFan1993 on April 02, 2017, 03:55:41 AM
Quote from: Yardmaster on April 01, 2017, 03:41:29 PM
Thomas and Friends models are produced to the manufacturing specifications of the Licensor. Even if Bachmann wanted to change things on the models they could not due to the legal ramifications that come with a licensed product. That being said, if you would like to change your own models with some hobby paint that is totally acceptable.

Would this also affect the rumoured 'Re-designed James' that's been mentioned since 2014?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on April 03, 2017, 07:03:10 AM
Quote from: ThomasFan1993 on April 02, 2017, 03:55:41 AM
Quote from: Yardmaster on April 01, 2017, 03:41:29 PM
Thomas and Friends models are produced to the manufacturing specifications of the Licensor. Even if Bachmann wanted to change things on the models they could not due to the legal ramifications that come with a licensed product. That being said, if you would like to change your own models with some hobby paint that is totally acceptable.

Would this also affect the rumoured 'Re-designed James' that's been mentioned since 2014?
Why do people claim it's a rumor when it was flat-out mentioned by an admin on the forum?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on April 03, 2017, 08:18:15 AM
Not only that but they did say that the only reason we don't have it yet was they sent in the changes to the factory but by the time it arrived the factory had alread produced and shipped 2 years worth of James. So since that was back in 2015 I'd say it'd either be this year or next year. Unless James sales really declined over the past year or two.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JD417 on April 03, 2017, 04:23:03 PM
I still find it quite hilarious that they knew how many James' they needed to keep a solid stock for 2 years, but yet Skarloey hasn't been in stock for more than a day since he was released
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on April 03, 2017, 05:11:16 PM
Quote from: JD417 on April 03, 2017, 04:23:03 PM
I still find it quite hilarious that they knew how many James' they needed to keep a solid stock for 2 years, but yet Skarloey hasn't been in stock for more than a day since he was released
James has been in the market for a long time, so sales were easy to project for forthcoming years.

Skarloey on the other hand was a new avenue and they had no idea how the market would react to him. Bachmann making him faithful to Talyllyn paid off int he long run, as he became a home-run hit with the OO9 market.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: BassTbone on April 03, 2017, 07:38:53 PM
Guys, here is the thing...  maybe the "James Repaint" was planned, but HiT did not approve it.  The Yardmaster even said to not expect it.   Maybe there was an intention on fixing the said issues, but ultimately, the product is selling well enough that it is regularly restocked, and HiT doesn't see the need to spend money on fixing it.  Its a simple fix for you to do really, just get some painters masking tape, some gloss black, and fix it yourselves.  As long as you're careful and do not blob the paint on, it will be fine. 

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JD417 on April 03, 2017, 10:28:49 PM
Quote from: Sparks on April 03, 2017, 05:11:16 PM
Quote from: JD417 on April 03, 2017, 04:23:03 PM
I still find it quite hilarious that they knew how many James' they needed to keep a solid stock for 2 years, but yet Skarloey hasn't been in stock for more than a day since he was released
James has been in the market for a long time, so sales were easy to project for forthcoming years.

Skarloey on the other hand was a new avenue and they had no idea how the market would react to him. Bachmann making him faithful to Talyllyn paid off int he long run, as he became a home-run hit with the OO9 market.

Ah, makes sense. But they should've realized that it would've been a great seller as He was requested for many years.
Do you think that the reason Rheneas is taking even longer is so they can get up a solid stock this time round?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on April 17, 2017, 09:54:04 PM
The talks about redesigned James have got me wondering what other models have issues, paint or otherwise, and if you all here have done anything to fix these issues? I, for one, have completed started over on Thomas, Percy, and James with open cabs, new faces, CGI details, etc. Wondering if there would be any interest in the creation of a thread dedicated to mods made to your Bachmann engines-pictures, descriptions, etc? I have a feeling the Bachmann mods are both aware and accepting of the changes many people make to their models. I direct you to this quote:
Quote from: Yardmaster on April 01, 2017, 03:41:29 PM
That being said, if you would like to change your own models with some hobby paint that is totally acceptable.
Thoughts? Yay or nay?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on April 17, 2017, 10:13:47 PM
Quote from: Griffin on April 17, 2017, 09:54:04 PM
Wondering if there would be any interest in the creation of a thread dedicated to mods made to your Bachmann engines-pictures, descriptions, etc?
Thoughts? Yay or nay?
[/quote]

I'd be up for that, I personally am considering getting some of the shapeways faces and maybe painting the coupling hooks black on the ones that aren't and maybe even adding scale chains to atleast the fronts and removing the couplers. I may not post photos but atleast it would be a talking point and maybe people can even get ideas or clarification on things they may want to do to their models.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on May 12, 2017, 05:09:19 PM
Well it seems like the tank cars with faces are back in Journey Beyond Sodor so it's more likely that the next troublesome truck will be a tanker.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on May 12, 2017, 10:46:02 PM
That would be fantastic!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 19, 2017, 11:55:53 PM
I still wish Mattel would eventually give Bachmann the rights to produce Thomas products in N or O Scale.

The Large Scale range has been around for more than half a decade, and the HOn30 range just started in 2015, so it's still really new.

It could be several years before they could get the rights to produce standard gauge in another scale. If that were to eventually happen, what would you rather have? N scale? O scale? Someone should make a poll about this.

N scale would be more affordable than O scale. Larger engines would have more of a chance in N scale. Lionel's O Scale Thomas line has been really dormant.


As for the HOn30 range, we know that the fact that Bachmann Skarloey resembling Talyllyn is what made him such a huge hit. They did the same for Rheneas with Dolgoch. We don't know how much Bachmann Rusty would resemble Midlander, so that will remain a mystery until he's eventually shown. When they eventually get to Sir Handel and Peter Sam, there's a good chance they'll resemble Sir Hadyn and Edward Thomas respectively. As for Duncan, even though his CGI render isn't the best, there's still a good chance he can resemble his basis, Douglas.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on May 20, 2017, 12:12:50 AM
I want On30 scale Skarloey railway locos. I would buy those in a heartbeat as just recently I got a small mining section that would work amazing with it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on May 20, 2017, 02:49:17 AM
If Bachmann were to look into making another line of Thomas products in another scale like N or O gauge, they first need to acquire the rights to do so.  Bachmann currently has the rights to produce HO in the US and in most other countries, aside from the UK as Hornby currently has those rights.  However, because the market is open for large scale in the UK, Bachmann is able to produce large scale Thomas models for both the US and UK.

Currently Lionel has the rights to produce Thomas models in O gauge and are still making money off their products, so already the odds of an O gauge Thomas range from Bachmann are out of the question.

Tomix on the other hand hasn't sold N scale Thomas models in the US for years, and most of what Tomix made (plus the ranges current revival) was selling only in Japan, still leaving no solid answer for what's going on with selling N scale Thomas in the US.  So already the odds of this happening are more likely and if anyone is interested I would be more than happy to explain my thoughts on why I think an N scale Thomas range has a lot of potential in another post.

For now though, I think it's more of a matter of having the rights to produce these models in a new range first before discussing what can/should be done. 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 20, 2017, 03:47:27 AM
I DID say they needed the rights to do so first.

Right now, Bachmann only has the license to make them in HO, HOn30, and Large Scales. I'm well aware that they currently don't have the license to produce them in any other scales, so they simply can't until the rights are acquired.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on May 20, 2017, 08:55:43 AM
He was simply replying in more detail. No need to be sensitive about it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on May 20, 2017, 02:33:31 PM
I agree with thomasj219 on that one, especially if we both agree on the same idea.  Kind of a silly thing to get worked up over. :P

The potential is definitely there for an N scale range, but again it all comes down to acquiring the license to produce these models and sell them to the US before anything else.  Personally I'd be thrilled if they were to pull something off since I used to collect N and I would find myself picking these up instead of O gauge or even large scale for that matter.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 20, 2017, 09:03:11 PM
I wasn't getting worked up. I was just being clear that I understand.

So, people in the UK have to rely on imports for the HO range, because of Hornby? That's what's holding Bachmann back from producing the HO models there?

Since Lionel's Thomas line is still alive and well, even though it's still small, the chance of Bachmann doing O Scale Thomas is very slim.

Go on and discuss the potential for N Scale.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DinoNTrains on May 21, 2017, 03:59:17 AM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on May 20, 2017, 09:03:11 PM
Go on and discuss the potential for N Scale.

That's what Tomix do. They manufacture N scale Thomas trains, though they're primarily for the Japanese market (if I'm not mistaken).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: AJW98Productions on May 21, 2017, 06:05:20 AM
I doubt we'll see Bachmann expand the range into another gauge next year, maybe this topic deserves its own thread. I believe we had one a while ago, maybe it's worth digging back up again, as the subject seems to currently be quite relevant again.

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on May 21, 2017, 06:12:15 AM
N scale is possible for the same reasons Bachmann and Hornby have a coexisting range. Tomix is dedicated to the Asia market, Bachmann is available in most places that speak English. However now the big fighting ground is narrow gauge, no one but Bachmann has it so seeing as how popular it is we may see that get expanded into a new gauge in a few years, because no one does it, there's no competition yet.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 21, 2017, 07:48:55 AM
Quote from: AJW98Productions on May 21, 2017, 06:05:20 AM
I doubt we'all see Bachmann expand the range into another gauge next year, maybe this topic deserves its own thread. I believe we had one a while ago, maybe it's worth digging back up again, as the subject seems to currently be quite relevant again.

~Alex

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,30977.0.html This one.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on May 21, 2017, 04:19:38 PM
Well keep in mind it's all speculation at the end of the day so it works appropriately in this thread too.  Anyway here is why I think an N scale range has decent potential from Bachmann.

N scale is a lot more of a popular scale than one would think.  G scale modeling wasn't as popular with the Thomas audience until Bachmann started producing models, with the range not only exceeding expectations, but also attracting more people into garden railways more than Lionel did with their short-lived range.  Now if Bachmann were to obtain the license for N scale for the US, UK, and other countries outside of Asia, they would in no doubt make the same impact. 

An advantage N scale has over large scale is the small size.  Large scale models are a lot larger and expensive to produce and most consumers, who aren't older fans like us, typically would only buy only a handful of locomotives and stock due to the size and price.  N scale on the other hand, while not as expensive or large, would be easier for both older and younger audiences to collect due to being so much smaller and taking up less space.

Another advantage with N scale's small size has is it allows for a larger variety of engines and stock to produce.  Large scale could never pull off the likes of Gordon and Henry for that reason alone, as many of you know.  With N scale, with the Tomix Henry in mind, larger engines and rolling stock is a lot more of a good possibility. 

It's also worth noting that N scale models of Gordon and Edward in particular would be very popular sellers as Tomix announced models of these but never got around to making them.  I can't really see the range producing a ton of characters like in HO, but something along the lines of the steam team and a few other characters who sold well in HO would probably be the most I could see them do.

So, in conclusion I think an N scale range from Bachmann would be very popular and have decent potential.  I know this post is basically one huge "IF" since Bachmann hasn't even acquired the rights to making N scale models, so it probably wouldn't happen for at least a few years.  One can only dream, but if we are getting ready-to-run Skarloey engines, an N scale range from Bachmann doesn't sound so far-fetched.  Unlike large scale, this is definitely a range I would be interested in collecting, and something tells me I'm not the only one who thinks this way.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 23, 2017, 10:32:10 AM
Let's hope Mattel gives Bachmann the rights someday. I certainly want N Scale Thomas. Other than Tomix in Japan, Bachmann would have no real competition. Probably won't be for a few more years before Bachmann acquires the license. Maybe if N Scale Thomas becomes a big request, it could increase the chances of Bachmann getting the license. Don't really know about that though.

Like Chaz said, since Bachmann recently started doing the first ready-to-run Skarloey models, N Scale Standard Gauge is not out of the question. The HOn30 range started off as an experiment, but was proven very popular.

Having O Scale Narrow Gauge (On30), but no O Scale Standard Gauge would be weird.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on May 26, 2017, 02:54:11 PM
I might be one of the few people that actually doesn't care about Bachmann making an N scale range, just a personal thing, but I'd actually be more excited about Bachmann making a new character for the HO/OO and/or NG Range.
And speaking of reviving a 2 year topic, if Bachmann did the Arlesdale Engines that would be neat, but that's extremely unlikely and they would be extremely expensive.

But in the end, I think Bachmann is doing fine with the current ranges.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on May 26, 2017, 06:02:10 PM
I really hope Bachmann eventually makes Daisy sometime in the future. Very unsure about it, since she's very different from all the other characters Bachmann released. She's a big engine, though a simple shape. The eye mechanism can be omitted, since Daisy doesn't have a fixed wheelbase. Bachmann has made a ton of larger diesels, but still has yet to do one in the Thomas line.

I think economics is making it more difficult. Economics is the reason why they could only announce one engine a year these days, and it's also why the more recent engines are tank engines and diesel shunters.

Will the diesel railcar ever get made? She's had starring roles, and plenty of recent appearances. Daisy doesn't have a claw like Diesel 10, and she wouldn't be too big, and shouldn't cost as much as Spencer. Yet again, what gets made is all up to Mattel.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on June 03, 2017, 03:02:05 PM
Seeing as how I said in the 2017 announcement thread how I would make a post sharing my thoughts on an HO spiteful brake van I figured I would do so now while I have the time.

(https://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/7/76/BreakVan11.png/revision/latest?cb=20140710045423)
Besides the fact that there was no rolling stock for narrow gauge, the only other complaint I've had with this year's announcements is the fact that we got the spiteful brake van in large scale and not HO.  Personally I think it would be silly for Bachmann to not look into this for next year, and here are a few reasons why:

(https://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/48/SpitefulBrakeVanBachmannLargeScale.png/revision/latest?cb=20170413110838)
The first reason is it's an economically smart decision being a recolor, like most rolling stock Bachmann has announced.  Fans have wanted a new brake van and having the same livery as the large scale model plus the face of a classic character would have great sales.  It would not only win over older fans due to nostalgia, but kids would appreciate having another piece of rolling stock with a face on it as sales from previous troublesome trucks have proven. 

Some modelers even like myself would even be more than happy to buy more than one Spiteful Brake van so I can take the faces off the extras and have new brake vans to replace the current brake vans Bachmann released in the Thomas range.  It's for that reason alone I could see it selling better than Toad, or even the new large scale model.

(https://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/0/0d/BreakVan7.png/revision/latest?cb=20121018201455)
And of course, with the Donald and Douglas models still in production, it would only make sense for this to be out in HO too so fans can properly recreate the twins debut episode.

So while I still stand by my views that HO should skip an engine next year so they can make two narrow gauge engines, I still think the HO range could benefit from having some new rolling stock and an HO spiteful brake van would be one of them.  Personally I think it's already a likely candidate after how some of the vans from large scale made their way into HO this year, making the spiteful brake van all the more likely.  But nonetheless if Bachmann wants a piece of rolling stock that wouldn't take much effort to make and guarantee strong sales then an HO spiteful brake van would be the way to go.

What are your thoughts?  Would you buy this in HO too and would you consider buying more than one?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on June 03, 2017, 03:45:01 PM
I would get the spiteful brakevan in HO.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on June 03, 2017, 04:02:21 PM
I myself would totally buy the Spiteful Breakvan in HO scale. I have a lot of custom troublesome trucks with different faces and I think that this would finish that train off perfectly. I did make a custom breakvan with some modifications. I started with a Henrietta and a standard breakvan. I took the top of Henrietta off and used the top of the breakvan shell and placed it on top. With some cutting of the plastic on the base I was able to fit the shell on perfectly. I will post pictures soon. A different style of breakvan would be a nice addition.

I may be in the minority here, but I do see Bachmann taking a year off to revamp part of the HO range, meaning new drive units and updated CGI faces on the engines. I know a lot of people want the classic season faces, but with the many years of production models, I am sure that people would still be able to find the old ones with no problem. In all honesty, the only ones I see them changing the faces on are the main 7. The reason I say this is because every other range has been changed to show CGI faces, aside from A&C and TT's keeping the original faces. Now you could argue that it is easier for Wooden Railway or Take Along/Adventures to make this change with all of their line up, and I would agree with that. But with the Bachmann models, all that would really have to be done is for new face molds to be made to fit the existing eye mechanism. I have seen many people do this with the Wooden Railway faces but you loose the moving eyes, and I have seen some Shapeways 3D printed faces but they still need to be painted and drill the eyes out.

I also can see upgraded drive units, or as I should say, what happened to Thomas about 2 years ago. Make them easier to assemble, have less wiring to the motor and perhaps improve pulling power.

I see this happening sooner, rather than later. Either next year or even the year after that. With the rumored James repaint still not officially announced, I can see them doing this slight upgrade to all of the engines that still have gray parts that should be black and/or paint changes. They did it with the latest Thomas models so I don't see how big of an issue that would be. I know someone is gonna say "You can paint it yourself", but the little upgrades that would just mean replacing the gray paint with black, or the gray plastic mold with black at the factory seems easy. It has been proven with the Sound Thomas, looks like the same exact mold with a different inside and black parts. The same black upgrades that are needed on the main 7 excluding Edward. Only addition to the tender engine would be the wheels on the tenders.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on June 03, 2017, 05:16:04 PM
Quote from: Rickenbacker 325 on June 03, 2017, 04:02:21 PM
I myself would totally buy the Spiteful Breakvan in HO scale. I have a lot of custom troublesome trucks with different faces and I think that this would finish that train off perfectly. I did make a custom breakvan with some modifications. I started with a Henrietta and a standard breakvan. I took the top of Henrietta off and used the top of the breakvan shell and placed it on top. With some cutting of the plastic on the base I was able to fit the shell on perfectly. I will post pictures soon. A different style of breakvan would be a nice addition.

I may be in the minority here, but I do see Bachmann taking a year off to revamp part of the HO range, meaning new drive units and updated CGI faces on the engines. I know a lot of people want the classic season faces, but with the many years of production models, I am sure that people would still be able to find the old ones with no problem. In all honesty, the only ones I see them changing the faces on are the main 7. The reason I say this is because every other range has been changed to show CGI faces, aside from A&C and TT's keeping the original faces. Now you could argue that it is easier for Wooden Railway or Take Along/Adventures to make this change with all of their line up, and I would agree with that. But with the Bachmann models, all that would really have to be done is for new face molds to be made to fit the existing eye mechanism. I have seen many people do this with the Wooden Railway faces but you loose the moving eyes, and I have seen some Shapeways 3D printed faces but they still need to be painted and drill the eyes out.

I also can see upgraded drive units, or as I should say, what happened to Thomas about 2 years ago. Make them easier to assemble, have less wiring to the motor and perhaps improve pulling power.

I see this happening sooner, rather than later. Either next year or even the year after that. With the rumored James repaint still not officially announced, I can see them doing this slight upgrade to all of the engines that still have gray parts that should be black and/or paint changes. They did it with the latest Thomas models so I don't see how big of an issue that would be. I know someone is gonna say "You can paint it yourself", but the little upgrades that would just mean replacing the gray paint with black, or the gray plastic mold with black at the factory seems easy. It has been proven with the Sound Thomas, looks like the same exact mold with a different inside and black parts. The same black upgrades that are needed on the main 7 excluding Edward. Only addition to the tender engine would be the wheels on the tenders.
what do you mean by A&C and TT's?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on June 03, 2017, 06:00:45 PM
Annie and Clarabel, Troublesome Trucks.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on June 04, 2017, 09:47:39 AM
Making the Spiteful Breakvan yourself is really not hard either.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on June 04, 2017, 11:36:29 AM
A couple pages back, an admin pointed out that it's the licensor who decides what a product has when it comes to production. If Bachmann made unauthorized changes, that would result in legal troubles, and we don't want that. But the consumers modelling is okay.

Just wanted to make it clear.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on June 04, 2017, 03:18:20 PM
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on June 04, 2017, 09:47:39 AM
Making the Spiteful Breakvan yourself is really not hard either.

You're missing the point of my post.  Sure it's a simple piece of stock anyone themselves could make, but when you consider that it's being made in large scale and not HO it just doesn't add up, especially when it's guaranteed to be more popular in HO.

Apart from this little comment, I'm glad to see that everyone else agrees that a spiteful brake van in HO would be a good idea.  Fingers crossed Bachmann can follow through with this.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on June 04, 2017, 06:42:20 PM
The point of my post was not Bachmann doing the changes themselves. All other brands are switching to CGI faces because Mattel are telling them to. Bachmann does have a say to a point, remember what happened to Duck? Bachmann decided to change the black running board to white because of the fans. Yes they probably still had to go through Mattel to get it okay'ed but same reasoning applies. Mattel would want to keep products looking as close to the current seasons as possible. I would be interested to know if the CGI changes that happened to the tankers and mail cars happened because Mattel/Hit told them to, or if it was their choice.

For Mattel telling or allowing Bachmann to make the Spiteful Breakvan in G gauge is a good sign that it will come in HO at some point. Just look at the G gauge vans that came out, took a year for them to then come out in HO. I feel the same will happen in 2018.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on June 22, 2017, 04:42:53 PM
I know I have gone into detail earlier in regards to my thoughts on next year for narrow gauge as well as the spiteful brake van in HO. But as far as an actual "list" goes then here is what I personally expect for next year's announcements.

HO:
Sidney/no engine - IF they do an engine next year, then I can only see them doing Sidney since there's no reason for Bachmann to invest in a new tooling engine-wise at this point considering the recent track record of production for HO engines.  However, with that in consideration and Sidney's lack of popularity, I wouldn't be surprised if Bachmann skipped making an engine in HO altogether.

Spiteful brake van - I've explained in detail why I think this should happen but I still think it's a good possibility considering how some of the vans in large scale made their way in the HO range as Rickenbacker mentioned earlier, (even though the van toolings are different).

2-3 random recolors no one expected (or wanted) - Let's be honest aside from Toad and Troublesome Truck #5 that's all we have been getting for HO rolling stock for the last couple of years, and I don't expect anything different in the future.

Narrow gauge:
Sir Handel and/or Peter Sam - It seems likely that either of these two have a chance and I think Bachmann should still invest in both to give HO a break from making an engine as well as filling the gap between Rheneas and Rusty.  If they had to choose just one engine though, I think Peter Sam has a better chance since he has had better luck with merchandise than Sir Handel, or Duncan for that matter. 

Stone wagons - While I prefer coaches and think they would be better sellers, I think because of the emphasis in both the show as well as Bachmann themselves on mining for the Skarloey Railway that they would be more inclined to release some new quarry wagons. I would bet on 2 or 3 of these wagons with stone loads in each of them. 

Narrow gauge Brake van - With all the freight rolling stock that has been coming out, a brake van for the narrow gauge range is long overdue.  Just making one with the wagons would make up for the lack of narrow gauge rolling stock that got announced this year.

Large scale:
'Arry and Bert - It's obvious. There is no reason at all not to expect these two to happen.  Considering how minimal the large scale announcements in recent years, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they were the only things to get announced next year for large scale. 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Trainboy100 on June 24, 2017, 05:36:07 PM
For 2018 they should make:
engines:
Lady
Culdee(from the culdee fell railway/N gauge)
Diesel 10
rolling stock:
Main line coaches
Troublesome Truck#6(made from Ventilated van)
Accessories:
Trevor
Track pack(in Thomas & Friends packaging)
Jack
The sodor search & rescue center  
Also I am so glad that Oliver is here :) :D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DucktheGWREngine08 on June 25, 2017, 12:12:53 PM
I really think that listening to suggestions that won't fit the current pattern of how Bachmann releases their Thomas models is getting very tiresome, as Bachmann ONLY make the TV Series characters, now only the CGI characters, non of the Railway Series characters that aren't in the show right now are going to show up. Honestly, unless Bachmann make the tooling for Norman, Den, Dart, Samson, Portor, Timothy, Connor, Caitlin, Hiro, or Hugo then they'll only announce Sidney next for HO.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Trainboy100 on June 25, 2017, 01:29:37 PM
Then how about this:
engines:
Gold/Silver Thomas
Sir Handel(n gauge)
Molly
Rolling stock:
Red/Blue narrow gauge coaches(n gauge)
Gun powder tankers(n gauge)
Gordon's express coaches(CGI-Style)
Accesories:
Mr. conductor
Farmer Mccoll's barn
Owen(n gauge)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Trainboy100 on June 25, 2017, 01:30:50 PM
Quote from: DucktheGWREngine08 on June 25, 2017, 12:12:53 PM
I really think that listening to suggestions that won't fit the current pattern of how Bachmann releases their Thomas models is getting very tiresome, as Bachmann ONLY make the TV Series characters, now only the CGI characters, non of the Railway Series characters that aren't in the show right now are going to show up. Honestly, unless Bachmann make the tooling for Norman, Den, Dart, Samson, Portor, Timothy, Connor, Caitlin, Hiro, or Hugo then they'll only announce Sidney next for HO.

but Rex, Mike, & Bert are in the show.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on July 22, 2017, 10:18:39 PM
Could they ever make Bill and Ben in G-Scale?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Titanic5972 on July 23, 2017, 02:02:31 AM
Quote from: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on July 22, 2017, 10:18:39 PM
Could they ever make Bill and Ben in G-Scale?

They would make a good addition to the G-Scale range. 2 engines for the price of one molding. Same with Donald and Douglas.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on July 23, 2017, 04:45:00 AM
As I said earlier I think 'Arry and Bert will probably be next, but if they were to go with a new tooling, I would bet on Mavis or Bill and Ben.  Donald and Douglas, (and Duck as mentioned in another thread), would be too big for large scale.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on July 23, 2017, 04:17:54 PM
I can understand Donald And Douglas being too big but why would Duck be too big? Emily's alot bigger than he is and she was obviously made in G-Scale....
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: AJW98Productions on July 23, 2017, 08:23:51 PM
Duck in large scale would simply not be feasible due to the length of his wheelbase, which (in early seasons) was the same length as Donald and Douglas's. I'm not sure if his wheelbase is the same length now, due to the changes in the scaling of their renders by arc, when compared to the classic models. Regardless, his fixed wheelbase is too long to be viable to negotiate reasonable corners in large scale. The only reason Emily worked in large scale is because of the fact that her leading and trailing wheels aren't fixed and have much more freedom of movement.

TL;DR: With long wheelbases that can only have 6 fixed wheels that can't be hinged to negotiate corners, it makes me quite sad to say that (realistically speaking), Duck, Donald, and Douglas, are not viable candidates for the current large scale range.

Now if there's anything I missed, feel free to let me know, personally I don't own any models from Bachmann's large scale Thomas and Friends range, so I may have missed a few details or poorly explained others. I'll be more than happy to fix any errors or oversights I may have made while writing this.

Regardless of my last point, I hope this post helps,
~Alex :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on July 23, 2017, 08:50:44 PM
I guess Bill and Ben have a much bigger chance of being released in G-Scale than Duck, Donald and Douglas do....
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on July 23, 2017, 09:10:03 PM
Maybe this is my lack of knowledge, but couldn't that just not add flanges to the center wheels? I mean I've seen a UP Big Boy in the scale and it seemed fine, they just took out the 2nd and 4th set of wheels on each set of driving wheels.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on July 24, 2017, 02:37:45 AM
Right but that's a Big Boy, these are Thomas models.  The production behind that and a model of a Thomas character is completely different.

The fact is, Duck is just too large in terms of length for large scale.  Yes he's a popular character which is why his HO model is still selling well, but again what works in HO won't always work for large scale and vice-versa (see Winston). 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on July 26, 2017, 01:31:39 PM
Aright, let's clear a few things up right now.  I've lost count of the number of times I've had to explain the facts about larger engines being made in large scale.  One thing is pretty clear with Bachmann's choice of characters.  They want smaller engines, and they want engines that will work on 4' diameter curves.  This is because most modelers out there (who weren't into large scale already) most likely purchased the Thomas and Percy sets when they first came out.  I'll make my point on this later on in the post.

Now in terms of Duck, Donald, and Douglas performing in large scale, it is possible.  It would be simple for Bachmann to just make the center wheels flangeless just as they have done for their Thomas and James models.  Most likely they would also remove the flanges from the middle wheels on the twin's tenders, just as they have done with Emily and her coaches.  Relatively simple way to make the models work, but still not really a big positive for Bachmann to get excited about.

Moving right along, do any of these models have a chance of being made?  Duck I can honestly say has a chance, but it's a slim one.  Considering he is a larger tank engine (the key word being "larger"), Bachmann would probably consider engines such as Rosie, Paxton, or even Bill and Ben before they would announce Duck.  Now don't get me wrong, I'd like to see Duck in the large scale range just as much as the rest of you, but there's a big difference between what we want to see, and what Bachmann will actually consider announcing.

As for Donald and Douglas, they're tender engines and that pretty much throws their chances of being made right out the back window.  If Bachmann won't even make Edward, then it's pretty clear Donald and Douglas don't even have a chance.  Before anyone starts with "Well Bachmann made Emily!", I recommend referring to Mr. AJW98's post.  To add to that, Emily's RRP is over $400, which means the twins will potentially be hovering around the same price as well.  I will honestly say that even though I consider Emily to be one of the finest large scale models in the Thomas & Friends range and although I want to give the model credit where credit is due, I honestly get the feeling Bachmann regrets making her just because of how large the model is.

One thing I have noticed with the large scale Emily model is that although she does work on the 4' diameter curves, she performs much better on the 8' diameter curves or even the 5' diameter curves.  4' diameter curves are alright for just running trains in the living room when the family comes over or under the Christmas tree during the holidays, but these are not good for year round running.  The tight 4' diameter curves add a lot of friction to the wheels, which in turn causes wear on the track, motor, and gears.  Not to mention if you have either brass or steel allow track, there's going to be a lot of black dust that is hard to remove from your carpet under the track.  That's a mixture of brass from the metal wheels grinding away the inside of your outside rail and plastic dust from the track grinding down the plastic wheels on you rolling stock.  To put it simply, this is an issue that shortens both the life of your engines and track.

Now to finish up on what I was talking about at the beginning of my post.  As I said before, most people who got into the large scale Thomas range when it came out, most likely purchased the Thomas and Percy sets.  These sets come with 4' diameter steel alloy curved track, which they probably have and may have gotten more of.  It's common sense that larger models (such as Henry for example) would require larger radius curves which are only available in Bachmann's brass track selection or maybe steel alloy through one of Bachmann's competitors.  The real issue though is making sure whatever track you choose is compatible with what you already have, unless you want to go out and purchase all new track, which as I learned a couple years back was quite expensive, but well worth the extra cost.  I can almost guarantee that a lot of people aren't going to go out and buy more track or change track systems, just to run 1 or 2 models.

I'm hoping this post has enlightened some of you on the issues Bachmann faces when asked to make the larger engine characters for the range.  Who knows, I probably just scared everyone into going out and buying larger diameter curves to run their trains.  Anyways, I think it's time for me to finish up here and start on another post.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on July 27, 2017, 01:06:10 AM
Gee, did anyone forget about an LS Henrietta? People were hoping for her as much as they want Edward.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on July 27, 2017, 12:33:14 PM
Probably because with recent large scale talk, people have been talking more about engines than rolling stock.

Personally I would love to see Henrietta in large scale, but it's been a couple of years since they announced Toby and if they were going to announce Henrietta I feel like she already would have been announced by now.  If we get any rolling stock in large scale I think the most likely candidates would be the red coaches or at a push the mail car.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on July 29, 2017, 09:08:34 AM
I think many have just come to the realization that Henrietta isn't going to happen.  It's been 3 years since Toby came out, and as Chaz said, if Henrietta was going to happen she'd have been announced by now.  I myself had hopes for Henrietta being brought into the range, but it's pretty clear with what I've seen and heard that it's just not going to happen.  Last year I actually made quite an extensive post about Henrietta for large scale, and I'll leave a link to that below if you want to check it out.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,31790.msg237983.html#msg237983

Now sadly when you look at announcements for large scale in the past few years, it's been mostly recolors.  The big problem with Henrietta is that if she were to be made, her tooling could only be used for her.  This has been an ongoing discussion ever since the 2015 announcements were made.  The fact is that Bachmann wants to announce rolling stock (or even engines) they can make from recolors such as a troublesome truck, a van, Arry/Bert, the red coaches, Spiteful Brakevan, etc.  Sadly Henrietta's tooling can't be used for anything but herself.

I'll admit that last year and the year before, I had hopes for Henrietta to be brought into the range, but I also said (and I'll say it again) if Bachmann doesn't announce Henrietta in 2017, I feel a loss of hope for the large scale Thomas range.  I still stick by that statement, as it's pretty clear large scale is slowly going downhill.  Large scale has announced only 2 or 3 items per year compared to previous years, and once again most new items for the range are only recolors.  I'm hoping Bachmann may considering making Mavis to go along with Toby instead, but that's a topic I'll venture into at another time.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on July 29, 2017, 11:49:04 AM
Quote from: Plow Bender on July 29, 2017, 09:08:34 AM
I think many have just come to the realization that Henrietta isn't going to happen.  It's been 3 years since Toby came out, and as Chaz said, if Henrietta was going to happen she'd have been announced by now.  I myself had hopes for Henrietta being brought into the range, but it's pretty clear with what I've seen and heard that it's just not going to happen.  Last year I actually made quite an extensive post about Henrietta for large scale, and I'll leave a link to that below if you want to check it out.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,31790.msg237983.html#msg237983

Now sadly when you look at announcements for large scale in the past few years, it's been mostly recolors.  The big problem with Henrietta is that if she were to be made, her tooling could only be used for her.  This has been an ongoing discussion ever since the 2015 announcements were made.  The fact is that Bachmann wants to announce rolling stock (or even engines) they can make from recolors such as a troublesome truck, a van, Arry/Bert, the red coaches, Spiteful Brakevan, etc.  Sadly Henrietta's tooling can't be used for anything but herself.

I'll admit that last year and the year before, I had hopes for Henrietta to be brought into the range, but I also said (and I'll say it again) if Bachmann doesn't announce Henrietta in 2017, I feel a loss of hope for the large scale Thomas range.  I still stick by that statement, as it's pretty clear large scale is slowly going downhill.  Large scale has announced only 2 or 3 items per year compared to previous years, and once again most new items for the range are only recolors.  I'm hoping Bachmann may considering making Mavis to go along with Toby instead, but that's a topic I'll venture into at another time.

-Rusty
Not exactly, since the new character Hannah will resemble her, but at this moment, we have no image of her to visually prove it. I will refer back to my quote when an image of Hannah comes out.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on July 29, 2017, 03:15:10 PM
Quote from: sean1994rail on July 29, 2017, 11:49:04 AM
Not exactly, since the new character Hannah will resemble her, but at this moment, we have no image of her to visually prove it.

If you don't actually have any visual proof of what Hannah looks like, then there's really no reason for you to make that sort of a claim.

Once again I agree with Plow Bender since, unlike a large majority of the Thomas fandom, he actually uses logic and reasoning in his posts.  It didn't even take HO this long to get Henrietta out.  Again, seeing as how long it's been since they announced Toby in large scale you would think they would have announced her by now.  As much as I'm sure many want to see her it doesn't seem that likely since large scale usually goes for toolings that are simple and/or they can reuse hence why Diesel got announced this year and why 'Arry and Bert will only be inevitable for the future.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DucktheGWREngine08 on July 30, 2017, 03:00:08 PM
Quote from: Trainboy100 on June 25, 2017, 01:30:50 PM
Quote from: DucktheGWREngine08 on June 25, 2017, 12:12:53 PM
I really think that listening to suggestions that won't fit the current pattern of how Bachmann releases their Thomas models is getting very tiresome, as Bachmann ONLY make the TV Series characters, now only the CGI characters, non of the Railway Series characters that aren't in the show right now are going to show up. Honestly, unless Bachmann make the tooling for Norman, Den, Dart, Samson, Portor, Timothy, Connor, Caitlin, Hiro, or Hugo then they'll only announce Sidney next for HO.

but Rex, Mike, & Bert are in the show.
But they'd have to do a gauge different for the Skarloey Railway characters, so it'll be a while before then.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JLK2707 on July 31, 2017, 08:34:18 AM
I'm gonna have to say that I just agree with this unfortunately. Despite I don't collect Large Scale.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: NinjaCraft on August 03, 2017, 09:23:28 AM
Heres some ideas that might make it into the catalog.
HO Scale.
Standard Gauge:
Engines:
*Stanley
Rolling Stock:
*Flatbed With Logs
*Rocky
Narrow Gauge:
*Sir Handel
*Peter Sam
*Red Narrow Gauge Coaches
Large Scale:
Engines:
*Edward
Rolling Stock:
*Henrietta
*Troublesome Truck 3
*Troublesome Truck 4
*Troublesome Truck 5
*Red Coach
*Red Brake Coach
I hope you all think this is a better and more realistic 2018 possible ideas. Maybe in 2019 we will get Duncan from the Narrow Gauge line but let's focus on the present.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SethDav on August 03, 2017, 07:16:20 PM
We already have Troublesome Trucks #1 thru #5...

A #6 may be possible considering Trucks' popularity with customers!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on August 04, 2017, 11:16:05 AM
Wasn't sure where else to post, but since we might see new products there, will I be seeing anyone at the National Train Show this afternoon? It's my first train show.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 04, 2017, 01:00:47 PM
Unfortunately not this year, since there was only one show at the west coast last year where there was really no new info or products on display so I couldn't really help anyone there. 

Seeing as how they didn't even bother to add any updates on any of the 2017 Thomas stuff in the NMRA PDF, if any of the new products are on display it would be highly appreciated if you would be able to post pictures of them.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Rickenbacker 325 on August 04, 2017, 05:59:22 PM
https://ibb.co/jh5dxF

Found this on twitter. I am guessing it is fake, but its a very good fake if it is.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 04, 2017, 07:20:53 PM
Oh that's just mean, especially during NMRA. :P

But in all seriousness that's some pretty convincing photoshop, and funnily enough if Paxton does get delayed til next year he probably wouldn't be wrong on the next engine coming out...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on August 05, 2017, 09:27:59 AM
Saddest part is some people we're actually gullible enough to believe it was real...

(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/22/da/bf/22dabff265f72daf72401a8abb48507a--grumpy-cat-meme-grumpy-kitty.jpg)

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Anthony P2 on August 05, 2017, 11:28:10 AM
Ok in all fairness, it actually does look real. its some really good photoshop. It is pretty mean though. I'm starting to hate when the fanbase does stuff like this...like the wooden railway prank from a few weeks ago. this just makes people untrustworthy.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 05, 2017, 05:44:28 PM
If it was real, Sidney would've been announced this year, but he wasn't, so I'm not buying it. It's a phony. Someone was REALLY good at Photoshop.

But there's still a very good chance he'll get announced next February.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 07, 2017, 12:49:58 AM
I've been reading through the comments and there are a lot of good points. I'm going to give my opinions and who I think should be released. Here are my explanations for why these characters may be released in the future. I'm only on the topic of engines for right now. I will talk about rolling stock in another post.

HO scale:

DCC sound value on board Thomas
DCC sound value on board Percy
DCC sound value on board Diesel: before I talk about new characters I'd like to point out that Bachmann is very popular with DCC and sound. I've chosen these three characters because they would have the most appeal as far as sound. Plus it would be nice to see DCC in the Thomas line. It would introduce a lot of Thomas modelers to DCC. For packaging These engines I think should come in a window display box with foam inserts since the sound value is delicate rather than the blister packs. Although the cost of these would be a pain, I can promise you Bachmann many Thomas fans including myself would buy these. It all depends on your preference I guess....

Hiro: the first CGI exclusive character and a very popular character in the show. Hiro could easily navigate 18" radius curves seeing as how Bachmann has released several 2-8-2 locomotives that run on the tighter radius. Hiro would be a great addition to the 2018 or 2019 range.

Diesel 10: let's face it. Alot of fans want a tv series accurate Diesel 10 seeing as how he's the ultimate villain in the tv series. I could see Bachmann producing Diesel 10 with an evil smirking CGI face. I'm trying to stay realistic here. The claw would be able to rotate and be articulated and it would also be nice to see it have an open and closing claw but it most likely will remain closed if Bachmann decides to make one. Diesel 10 is the one engine I'm dying for Bachmann to make. If the producers of Bachmann read this I really hope they take Diesel 10 into consideration because we would have a lot of remakes of Thomas and the Magic Railroad and I think Diesel 10 would be a great choice for 2018. Fingers crossed for this one!

Stanley: while Stanley doesn't appear too often in the spotlight. He's still a popular character and like Hiro, has a lot of appeal. Since Rosie was released 10 years exactly after she made her debut in the tv series, it's likely Stanley will get a release as well in the future. Stanley shouldn't be that hard to produce.

Daisy: She's made several appearances in the Tv series since she's been reintroduced in CGI. While she is a much longer engine with a longer wheelbase Bachmann would most likely recommend her to run on 22" radius curves. But hey Spencer is a long engine and he can navigate 18" radius curves. Daisy might be able to do the same. I'm sure Bachmann would make her seeing as how Rosie has been produced.

HO Narrow Gauge

Sir Handle
Peter Sam
Duncan: I already see at least one of these being made for 2018/2019 I don't even need to go into details.

Large Scale

Mavis: like the HO range Bachmann I think wants to introduce more female characters. We have Emily in the range so why not Mavis? She'd be a great addition to Diesel who will be released most likely within the next year.

Edward: James was made, Bachmann has made 4-4-0 large scale locomotives in the past so Edward is a great possibility.

Henry: now I know Henry is a big engine but Bachmann could easily make Henry in my opinion. Henry is a 4-6-0 and Bachmann have released several 4-6-0 locomotives that run on 4' diameter curves like the Thomas engines. Henry could navigate those curves too seeing as how he's got a proper wheel base set up for it. Maybe Bachmann will make Henry in large scale. If they do he'd most likely be slightly shorter in length but still a good piece for 2018/2019. Maybe even for 2020.

Well that's all I have for now. I hope Bachmann Trains take these into consideration. I know many fans would want these in the Thomas line. More will be added to the post when we see what gets released in 2018.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 07, 2017, 02:07:19 AM
I wouldn't mind if Bachmann released DCC/sound in HO, but I would be curious as to what kind of approach they would take with it. I think they would probably do the same thing that they did with Large scale like how you mentioned and do a few characters and maybe include a separate sound module(s) like they did with large scale.  I.E. one with the steam team and Spencer (like the large scale one), another for all the diesels in the range (including Salty and Paxton) and another for other classic characters characters like Duck, Oliver, Bill, Ben, Donald and Douglas.  Therefore covering the rest of the characters in the range, (at least the characters that actually matter ;)), if fans wanted to do DCC with other HO scale engines. 

I think the rest of your possibilities are likely except Diesel 10, Hiro, and large scale Henry due to the size and pricing of these characters.  Edward in large scale is a little bit of a stretch in my opinion considering recent large scale announcements.  If they ever get around to doing any tender engine at all in large scale though, then I think Edward has the best chance.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 07, 2017, 02:40:44 PM
Yeah you're right on that. I just really wish Bachmann would make Diesel 10. But hey maybe they will you never know. After all we got Oliver. The DCC sound moduals sound great for HO scale by the way. This page is full of endless possibilities. Fingers crossed hoping we get some of these for 2018/2019.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on August 07, 2017, 05:21:00 PM
Diesel 10's claw would breach the NMRA standards, which is basically the loading gauge for model rail.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 07, 2017, 09:29:09 PM
Who thinks Sir Handle, Duncan or Peter Sam will be next?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 08, 2017, 09:46:51 PM
One thing I was surprised to see in Journey Beyond Sodor was that two of those red diesel shunters from The Great Race actually SPOKE. It may sound like a long shot, but it would be cool to have merchandise of them in some way. Since it would be too confusing and complicated to make models of all of them, I'd say it's best to just choose ONE of the diesels, and call it "Mainland Diesel" if Mattel ever decides to make merchandise of them. They all look exactly the same, except their faces having very slight differences.

Again, if Mattel ever decides to make merchandise of the red diesel shunters, I think they should just choose one of them, and call it "Mainland Diesel".

As for a Bachmann model of a mainland diesel shunter, it's definitely a long shot, since they've only appeared in two specials so far, and have yet to appear in an episode, but Bachmann does have the tooling for it. If Bachmann ever does make a mainland diesel shunter, I'm sure they can be good sellers, since people wouldn't just want to buy one, especially those with cool layouts. You can make your layout look like a busy goods yard. Getting multiple mainland diesels would be just like getting multiple red coaches or troublesome trucks for example, except the shunters are engines with motors, and not rolling stock like trucks and coaches.

A Bachmann Mainland Diesel is a long shot, but it definitely has more chance than Splatter and Dodge ever will, that's for sure, since at least they're in the CGI series, while Splodge have no relevance whatsoever, being one-off characters from a 2000 movie that wasn't even good.

After Paxton, the Diesel recolor with the most chance is Sidney, who could be more likely if Paxton gets delayed. If Bachmann manages to release Paxton this year, then the next engine could be one with a new tooling.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 08, 2017, 10:53:52 PM
Yeah I see your point there. An engine with a new tooling I'd say could be Diesel 10 or Hiro I know the cost to make them would be high but they'd be great sellers. Yes Diesel 10 would breach NMRA standards but he'd still be a good seller. Hiro would probably have a better chance at being made than Diesel 10 would though.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 09, 2017, 07:06:36 PM
Sidney and Ulli are two Diesel recolors Bachmann should consider the next time they have to do a recolor. Sidney is the more likely one. Right now, we don't even know whether or not Paxton is delayed. At least Rosie wasn't released before Oliver.

For recolors, I feel that Ulli has more chance than LBSC Thomas or Black James, which only appeared in The Adventure Begins. Not sure about Cherry Rosie, since Bachmann Rosie literally just got released in her original lavender paintjob.

Ulli is the only Bridlington diesel shunter to be named. If he were to get made, they might just release him as "Mainland Diesel".

Rheneas might get released this December, otherwise, he'd be the next "Bachmann Oliver" who took two years to get out there.

For new toolings, the most likely candidates are Ryan, Stanley, Philip, or (possibly) Daisy.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 13, 2017, 11:52:38 PM
I don't think Bachmann would ever consider releasing the diesels from the Mainland since they have no promotion or marketing going for them.  Since Paxton is now coming out in 2018 my money is definitely on either no new engine for HO, or at a push Sidney. 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 14, 2017, 12:42:39 AM
Yeah, I wouldn't expect a mainland diesel in the range. It was just a thought.

Now that Paxton is indeed delayed til next year, that means if Bachmann does announce an engine next February, Sidney is inevitable. I shouldn't get my hopes up for a new tooling, especially not Daisy. Worst case scenario is no new engine at all, like 2014.

If we get no new engine, then we'd definitely get one in 2019.

Here's my new speculation:

HO Scale:
Sidney
Explosives Van
Water Tanker
Troublesome Truck #6 (tanker)
Spiteful Brake Van

Narrow Gauge:
Peter Sam
Passenger Coach
Brake Van

Large Scale:

Iron 'Arry
Iron Bert
Water Tanker

The only thing that's holding Bachmann back from making Stepney is the fact that he still has yet to be rendered.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 14, 2017, 09:59:41 AM
My predictions
Ho scale
I think possibly potter or Stephen,
van with explosives, f
Fat bed with logs or pipe,
Trevor..

N guage
Duncan
Red coach
Break van

Large scale
Possibly Edward or duck
Troublesome truck 3

Scenery
Ffarquar
Cottage
Coal bunker



Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DucktheGWREngine08 on August 15, 2017, 02:31:14 PM
You mean Porter? Also, it looks like most of the releases are going to be of the British locomotive characters as of right now, plus it looks like they also want to release the BR Class 08 based characters for now, plus it wpuld be smarter to release Sir Handel or Peter Sam next for the narrow gauge line in my opinion.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 16, 2017, 09:10:12 AM
Yes porter my phone keyboard has been playing up last few days. And I personally think that sir Handel will be likely one of the last. Least popular of the original 6 skarloey railway engines and makes more financial sense to go for an engine like Duncan or peter Sam who is more popular and will sell more units. Hence this year bachmann went for rusty not sir Handel :) as for class 08s I highly doubt that bachmann will release another class 08 just yet.  
But thank you for ripping apart my opinion :). This is after all a thread where we voice our ideas for next in the Range.


Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on August 16, 2017, 11:02:24 AM
He was just stating his thoughts on the likelyhooe of your choices. Not ripping apart your opinion. It's called discussion.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 16, 2017, 05:57:33 PM
Quote from: mully on August 16, 2017, 09:10:12 AM
But thank you for ripping apart my opinion :). This is after all a thread where we voice our ideas for next in the Range.

People are allowed to agree/disagree with different ideas as long as they are civil about it.  Duck's post was post was fair and honest and I even agree with him, but saying things like "thank you for ripping apart my opinion :)" just comes off as childishly edgy and is really unnecessary for this discussion.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 17, 2017, 04:41:09 PM
Apologys. Im not really in a good place in my life and seeing everything as a personal attack. My issues and I apologize dealing with a lot since my mams death and everything else getting thrown at Me. Sorry for taking frustrations out here.

back to the discussion
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on August 17, 2017, 04:47:16 PM
No problem at all man.  Wasn't mad just didn't want you to feel bad. Stay strong my dude.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 17, 2017, 08:22:07 PM
Sidney might be the last Class 08 character to be made in HO Scale.

Bridlington diesels and Splodge would have to be obtained through modelling. Several modellers have made Splatter and Dodge. As for a Bridlington diesel, you'd have to paint the stepladders white, and it would be tricky to get the hazard stripes under the stepladders.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 18, 2017, 04:29:25 AM
Here's what I want for 2018. This is just what I think Bachmann should release yeah they sound a bit far fetched but I promise you it is possible,

HO Scale
Hiro
Water Tanker
Troublesome Truck #6
Spiteful Brakevan

HO narrow gauge
Sir Handle
Red narrow gauge coach
Red brakevan

Large Scale
Gordon
Express Composite Coach
Express Brake Coach

These are my hopes for 2018. I'm not sure if anyone else can see this but Bachmann could make Gordon in large scale. Heres my opinion. Gordon's front bogie and trailing wheels could turn sharper curves and his middle wheel would have to be not flanged. Bachmann have produced several 4-6-0 locomotives that run on 4' diameter curves. I don't think a 4-6-2 is going to be an issue. My train dealer even says so and he's a proffessional model railroader. Granite Gordon would be in the $400 range like Emily as far as suggested price but he would so be worth it. So come on guys lets stay hopeful for this one.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JLK2707 on August 18, 2017, 06:18:31 AM
Here's what I want Bachmann to make in the Thomas and Friends range next year:

HO Scale:

1. Sidney
2. The Spiteful Brake Van
3. Explosives Van
4. Troublesome Truck 6 (Tanker)

Narrow Gauge:

1. Sir Handel
2. Skarloey Railways Passenger Coaches

Large Scale:

1. Iron 'Arry
2. Iron Bert
3. Edward, Henry, Gordon or Duck
4. Henrietta (Unlikely)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JLK2707 on August 18, 2017, 06:26:07 AM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on August 17, 2017, 08:22:07 PM
Sidney might be the last Class 08 character to be made in HO Scale.

Bridlington diesels and Splodge would have to be obtained through modelling. Several modellers have made Splatter and Dodge. As for a Bridlington diesel, you'd have to paint the stepladders white, and it would be tricky to get the hazard stripes under the stepladders.

What makes you think that Sidney might be the final Class 08 character to be made in HO Scale?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JLK2707 on August 18, 2017, 06:31:28 AM
Quote from: TrainCollector on August 18, 2017, 04:29:25 AM
Here's what I want for 2018. This is just what I think Bachmann should release yeah they sound a bit far fetched but I promise you it is possible,

HO Scale
Hiro
Water Tanker
Troublesome Truck #6
Spiteful Brakevan

HO narrow gauge
Sir Handle
Red narrow gauge coach
Red brakevan

Large Scale
Gordon
Express Composite Coach
Express Brake Coach

These are my hopes for 2018. I'm not sure if anyone else can see this but Bachmann could make Gordon in large scale. Heres my opinion. Gordon's front bogie and trailing wheels could turn sharper curves and his middle wheel would have to be not flanged. Bachmann have produced several 4-6-0 locomotives that run on 4' diameter curves. I don't think a 4-6-2 is going to be an issue. My train dealer even says so and he's a proffessional model railroader. Granite Gordon would be in the $400 range like Emily as far as suggested price but he would so be worth it. So come on guys lets stay hopeful for this one.

Would Henrietta still be possible or is she practically just out of the question now?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 18, 2017, 10:25:08 AM
It would be intresting to see Henrietta in large scale and maybe Release her with a face in HO its not that hard to add a face and bachmann already has the tooling. Also I wouldn't be too surprised if the water tankers are released too in HO and eventually large scale again bachmann already has the tooling
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: NinjaCraft on August 18, 2017, 10:46:10 AM
Here's what we could possibly get from the 2018 line.
New Products:
HO Scale:
Standard Gauge:
Winston
Stanley
Hiro
Gordon's Green Express Composite Coach (Re-Introduction)
Gordon's Green Express Brake Coach (Re-Introduction)
Red Express Composite Coach (Re-Introduction)
Red Express Brake Coach (Re-Introduction)
Troublesome Truck 6 [Grey Tanker With Face]
Spencer's Special Brake Coach [He has one in the series now so it's time to get one from Bachmann.]
Flatbed With Logs
Celebration Percy & James [Why not?]
Rocky
Narrow Gauge:
Sir Handel
Peter Sam
Duncan
Red Narrow Gauge Coaches
Red Narrow Gauge Brake Van
Brown Narrow Gauge Brake Van
Narrow Gauge Flatbed
Large Scale:
James With Sound
Henry
Edward
Mavis
Gordon
Red Express Composite Coach
Red Express Brake Coach [I think we would get the Green Express Coaches in 2019]
Troublesome Trucks 3-5
Henrietta

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 18, 2017, 04:18:16 PM
Okay, what was with the triple-posting on the last page?

And not another unrealistic prediction.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DucktheGWREngine08 on August 18, 2017, 11:32:19 PM
Quote from: JLK2707 on August 18, 2017, 06:26:07 AM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on August 17, 2017, 08:22:07 PM
Sidney might be the last Class 08 character to be made in HO Scale.

Bridlington diesels and Splodge would have to be obtained through modelling. Several modellers have made Splatter and Dodge. As for a Bridlington diesel, you'd have to paint the stepladders white, and it would be tricky to get the hazard stripes under the stepladders.

What makes you think that Sidney might be the final Class 08 character to be made in HO Scale?

Because he's the last main character in the series that is based on the Class 08.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 19, 2017, 12:24:15 AM
I can actually picture Gordon in Large scale in my head. First of all the middle wheel would have to not be flanged so he could turn tighter curves. Also it wouldn't matter how long Gordon is but what would matter is how far Gordon's leading bogies and trailing wheels turn. If they turn at a far enough angle, then Gordon should be able to navigate 4' diameter curves like Emily or James. The same goes for Henry and Spencer. I feel Bachmann should make these since we already have a DCC sound module for these characters.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 19, 2017, 12:26:58 AM
Quote from: JLK2707 on August 18, 2017, 06:31:28 AM
Quote from: TrainCollector on August 18, 2017, 04:29:25 AM
Here's what I want for 2018. This is just what I think Bachmann should release yeah they sound a bit far fetched but I promise you it is possible,

HO Scale
Hiro
Water Tanker
Troublesome Truck #6
Spiteful Brakevan

HO narrow gauge
Sir Handle
Red narrow gauge coach
Red brakevan

Large Scale
Gordon
Express Composite Coach
Express Brake Coach

These are my hopes for 2018. I'm not sure if anyone else can see this but Bachmann could make Gordon in large scale. Heres my opinion. Gordon's front bogie and trailing wheels could turn sharper curves and his middle wheel would have to be not flanged. Bachmann have produced several 4-6-0 locomotives that run on 4' diameter curves. I don't think a 4-6-2 is going to be an issue. My train dealer even says so and he's a proffessional model railroader. Granite Gordon would be in the $400 range like Emily as far as suggested price but he would so be worth it. So come on guys lets stay hopeful for this one.

Would Henrietta still be possible or is she practically just out of the question now?

Sorry I forgot to add Henrietta
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 19, 2017, 04:12:34 PM
Does anyone have any theories on items that might be discontinued in 2018? Sorry of there's s thread btw
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 19, 2017, 04:30:37 PM
In HO the only things I could see getting discontinued are 'Arry and Bert and some of the rolling stock.  Personally I think they should discontinue Spencer's coach and bring in some new express coaches in its place.

For Narrow gauge, I imagine that the Peco recolors will be the only things so far Bachmann will drop because of how ridiculously expensive they are.  Maybe once they run out of their current supply in their warehouse they will probably get discontinued and in return maybe make new toolings that'll be cheaper and more accurate in return like their slate wagons.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 20, 2017, 03:11:10 AM
I really wish Bachmann UK made the Metropolitan-Vickers Co-Bo diesel, so more modelers could make BoCo. There is a Heljan model of the Co-Bo.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on August 20, 2017, 11:04:02 AM
Personally I'm with Chaz on Arry and Bert being discontinued in 2018.  I was actually surprised they were in the catalogue this year considering how poor their sales have been.  I also feel like we'll probably see some rolling stock taken out of the range considering we've had a lot of recolors brought in lately.  For the last couple years I honestly felt like Spencer was going to be discontinued considering he was the most expensive model in the HO range, but he's not that far from Skarloey's price now that narrow gauge has been introduced.  Needless to say though, if Spencer did ever get discontinued, I'm sure his coach would follow.

I also think the Emily set will probably be taken out of the HO range soon as well, considering the James, Gordon, and Percy sets have been long since discontinued and Salty's set has followed close behind.  As I've heard from Bachmann themselves, many people want a set with Thomas rather than another character.  Emily's set may stick around considering she's a female character, but who knows?  Maybe we could introduce a Rosie set for 2018?  Just kidding, let's not give Bachmann any ideas. ;)

As for narrow gauge, I'll agree with Chaz again on the Peco wagons being discontinued.  The way I see it, Bachmann already has the slate trucks, so they could honestly get away with dropping the Peco stock unless they have a contract with them.  Nearly half the cost of the wagons right now is just to cover what Bachmann has to pay Peco for using their tooling.  Even if the slate trucks were the only rolling stock in the range for the next few years, we've at least got something.  I'm sure Bachmann would introduce more rolling stock in the future, but that's another topic.

Large scale I see possibly losing Percy (available separately) considering Thomas was taken out of the range last year.  I'm also thinking maybe S.C. Ruffey and/or the Tar Tanker for rolling stock as they have never appeared in CGI, which is the style of the large scale range.  I was going to say maybe Emily and her coaches because of how expensive she is, but I'm not sure on that considering she's 1 of only 5 engines in the range.  I'm almost certain however that if they don't discontinue the separately sold Percy, that we're probably going to lose the Percy set for the same reasons I was discussing with the HO Emily set.  I'd have my hopes up for Winston being discontinued, but that's not happening anytime soon...

Let me know what you guys think.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on August 20, 2017, 04:50:26 PM
Quote from: Chaz on August 19, 2017, 04:30:37 PM
In HO the only things I could see getting discontinued are 'Arry and Bert

Quote from: Plow Bender on August 20, 2017, 11:04:02 AM
Personally I'm with Chaz on Arry and Bert being discontinued in 2018.  I was actually surprised they were in the catalogue this year considering how poor their sales have been. 

Precisely the reason I made a point of purchasing them last Christmas. Not that I have a huge interest in the characters or the models, but we all know what happens to the value of Bachmann Thomas products that are discontinued. (See- express coaches) Also, where are you guys getting the stats of "worst seller" vs. "best seller"? Is there an official list somewhere?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 20, 2017, 05:25:50 PM
I have a feeling those who weren't interested in 'Arry and Bert will definitely be interested in Paxton.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 20, 2017, 11:58:18 PM
I agree with Percy being discontinued in Large scale seeing as how we have a DCC sound Percy
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SmokeyNSteamer on August 21, 2017, 02:16:03 AM
Here's an idea:

If they make Peter Sam and Sir Handel, then they should package with them a set of alternate nameplates, held onto the sides of the saddletanks by magnets (not sure if that would interfere with the motor, though), of their ex-Mid-Sodor monikers, Stewart and Falcon.

Likewise they could package an alternate funnel for Peter Sam, so people can alternate between Peter Sam's original funnel and his Giesel funnel.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DucktheGWREngine08 on August 21, 2017, 07:38:55 AM
Quote from: SmokeyNSteamer on August 21, 2017, 02:16:03 AM
Here's an idea:

If they make Peter Sam and Sir Handel, then they should package with them a set of alternate nameplates, held onto the sides of the saddletanks by magnets (not sure if that would interfere with the motor, though), of their ex-Mid-Sodor monikers, Stewart and Falcon.

Likewise they could package an alternate funnel for Peter Sam, so people can alternate between Peter Sam's original funnel and his Giesel funnel.

You and a llt of people are wishing for stuff that won't happen mainly due to these thing NOT happening in the CGI seasons, which are the seasons being used now for the basis of the models.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 21, 2017, 02:41:59 PM
Peter Sam and Sir Handle will be based on their CGI renders like Skarloey and Rheneas. I know most people want Duke but unless Duke returns to CGI he most likely won't be happening.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on August 21, 2017, 07:11:32 PM
My bet is that Peter Sam is the next NG engine.

As with Duke, I could honestly see Luke, or Victor happening before Duke simply because they have a much wider appeal. In other words, what Luke is to the NG engines seems to be like what Emily is to the Steam Team.

Also may I dare to say that the CGI renders for the NG Engines look much better than both their S4 small scale models, as well as their S5-12 Large Scale counterparts.(except for Duncan's CGI render)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 21, 2017, 10:14:24 PM
Oh 100% I mean don't get me wrong it would be nice to own the original season 4 small scale models but the Bachmann models without a doubt will look great
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 22, 2017, 09:05:17 PM
The more I'm thinking about it, the more I really am leaning towards Peter Sam being the most likely candidate for being the next narrow gauge engine.  I know I already did an in-depth post on narrow gauge already as well as the spiteful brake van in HO but there is actually a lot worth talking about in regards to Peter Sam.  If anyone would be interested I would be more than happy to discuss my thoughts on him being made in the future.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on August 22, 2017, 11:49:45 PM
Chaz I agree with you. Let's talk about Peter Sam. I'd love to see him be made in Narrow gauge along with Sir Handle
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DucktheGWREngine08 on August 23, 2017, 05:50:16 AM
Quote from: Metal on August 21, 2017, 07:11:32 PM
My bet is that Peter Sam is the next NG engine.

As with Duke, I could honestly see Luke, or Victor happening before Duke simply because they have a much wider appeal. In other words, what Luke is to the NG engines seems to be like what Emily is to the Steam Team.

Also may I dare to say that the CGI renders for the NG Engines look much better than both their S4 small scale models, as well as their S5-12 Large Scale counterparts.(except for Duncan's CGI render)

As I have said before, Duke is not going to appear as he is NOT in the CGI seasons so no model of him.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 23, 2017, 06:24:36 AM
I would love to see peter Sam made too as well as Duncan I am a hoping both are in the plans to be made. Not so brothered about sir Handel would rather those two first. Not that I wont buy sir Handel mind. However this is one thing that has accured to me. Could victor be next? He is pretty popular. A lot of younger fans identify with him more then peter sam, Duncan or sir Handel so he would sell quite well especially if they released Kevin too. Mean again I'd rather see Duncan or peter sam but its possible.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on August 23, 2017, 05:20:50 PM
As I speculate, it won't be surprising if Sir Handel is the very last of the 6 original NG Engines. After they're done, I would expect them to move onto the CGI NG Engines like Luke or Victor. Considering their prominence in both show and marketing, we might see them enter the range before they get to Duke.

Know that Emily and Spencer were brought into the range, before we got Donald/Douglas, or even Duck.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: NinjaCraft on August 23, 2017, 06:03:06 PM
Quote from: Metal on August 23, 2017, 05:20:50 PM
As I speculate, it won't be surprising if Sir Handel is the very last of the 6 original NG Engines. After they're done, I would expect them to move onto the CGI NG Engines like Luke or Victor. Considering their prominence in both show and marketing, we might see them enter the range before they get to Duke.

Know that Emily and Spencer were brought into the range, before we got Donald/Douglas, or even Duck.
Emily and Spencer were also introduced before Edward. BEFORE EDWARD!!!!!!! THATS BOGUS!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on August 24, 2017, 12:01:00 PM
 I have a feeling by the time they get to maybe only having one or two classic narrow gauge engines left, Duke will be back in the show. So he may have a shot by then. I hope so, he's my favorite narrow gauge engine.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on August 24, 2017, 01:42:52 PM
To be honest, it seems likely that narrow gauge is going to have a good run for the first few years, and then there's going to come the downfall of the range.  We've seen it with the HO and Large Scale (very much for large scale) ranges already, and HOn30 only has a matter of time.  I'd personally be happy if we at least get the 6 main engines before this happens.  Considering Bachmann isn't going in numerical order now kind of has me a little worried.

A friend of mine and I actually discussed this earlier on after Rheneas was announced.  We were throwing around the theory that Bachmann will probably release engines 1-5, then instead of Duncan we'd probably get a character that no one wants.  I personally wouldn't be disappointed if Duncan wasn't released, but that's only if they plan on releasing him in his CGI render rather than his real life counterpart.  My friend says he thinks Millie is the likely character we'll get after engines 1-5, but I'm saying more Victor myself.

Although not a demanded character, Victor would only be announced considering the possibilities that would follow after him.  Even though many people have asked for Trevor, we'd get Kevin for our next road vehicle in the range to go with Victor.  Then after Victor and Kevin are brought into the range, it's likely that Bachmann would introduce a terrible rendition of the Steamworks.  If you're wondering what my idea of terrible is, think Bachmann's Knapford station kit.  The Steamworks would probably have 1 standard gauge track (2 if we're lucky) and 1 narrow gauge track for Victor.  Not a lot of positives there folks...

I think it's also safe to say that many people would rather see an engine such as Duke announced over Victor.  To be quite honest, if we were to see any engine after the main 6, I would rather see Luke (considering his popularity), but I understand that his chances are probably very slim.  As I said before and I'll stand by it, I'll be happy just to see engines 1-5 and maybe Duncan if he isn't based on his CGI render.  Now, time for lunch...

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 24, 2017, 02:43:33 PM
I agree however I am still hoping for Duncan as i do think if bachmann release him he would be a hit CGI render or TV or real life I do think he would be a good seller. I can see bachmann differing from engines 1-6 with engines like victor especially based on what rusty pointed out in pervious post, and then maybe less likely Millie who personally I wouldn't mind I think she is a lovely engine and like her design which would be nice to see her along with Stephen. Then less likely again Luke. For me personally for 2018 don't mind
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 25, 2017, 01:36:08 AM
Now as promised, Peter Sam:

(https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/0/02/PeterSamCGIPromo.png/revision/latest?cb=20120229151726)
Out of the three original narrow gauge engines: Sir Handel, Peter Sam and Duncan, I would argue that Peter Sam is the most logical choice and here is why:

(https://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/6f/EngineoftheFuture3.png/revision/latest?cb=20170201171225)
Duncan clearly holds the better end of the stick in terms of usage in both model and CGI series, yet his CG render is a red flag for modelers.  Unless Bachmann throws a curveball like they did with the slate wagons and the model would be based off on his original basis then I believe Duncan should be made a lower priority.  Sir Handel on the other hand clearly has a much nicer render than Duncan and would easily be a much better seller, but has fairly minimal usage on the show compared to the other two engines.

(https://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d3/SavingTime26.png/revision/latest?cb=20161230213230)
Peter Sam, on the other hand, exceeds in both appearances and his render!

Regarding his render, Peter Sam has easily one of the best designs because of the resemblance to his original basis.  This is where he and Sir Handel would both would exceed in terms of sales.  However, Peter Sam might sell better than Sir Handel because due to his funnel, it allows modelers to get creative and buy another Peter Sam and make a custom original funnel to replace the giesl on their spare model.

In terms of usage on the show, Peter Sam has a consistent track record of making appearances in the show.  Starting from his introduction at season 4, he has ranged from making a few appearances and starring roles in every season that featured the narrow gauge engines since then.  He is also one of the few narrow gauge engines to have a lead role in a CGI episode thus making him all the more recognizable.

Overall, it just seems clear to me that Peter Sam really does deserve to be the next logical choice for a narrow gauge engine.  I vouched that the narrow gauge range should do two engines instead of just one for both HO and narrow gauge but if they had to choose just one I personally believe Peter Sam would be the best choice and would easily be the top seller in the range.  Either way it doesn't change the fact that some coaches in the range wouldn't make for a nice bonus in this year's announcements and a first ever ready to run 009 brake van!

Any further thoughts from anyone else would be appreciated.  Does anyone else think Peter Sam should be next too or should it go to one of the other two?  
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 25, 2017, 10:58:15 AM
I do agree with that however Duncan. I know I keep coming back to him but here's why popularity thought the years Duncan has some how managed to get more lead roles in episodes based on the narrow gauge railway then peter Sam and sir Handel probably both combined. And yes his CGI render isn't great but (my opinion here) its not terrible could be better yes but if bachmann made a model based on that it wouldn't put me off buying it because its still Duncan and a lot of people are fans of him young and older. Plus bachmann might surprise us all with a nice mix of both model and CGI for his model release. Its been seen before on other locos like diesel. I think there's a very strong ground for both him and peter Sam and if like chat says they decided to make two in one year it wouldn't shock me if they were made together but nor would it shock me if Duncan came before both peter Sam and sir Handel in the range bachmann has a way of surprising us all. Regardless what ever is to come I think that bachmann will do an amazing job. one last point and this is peter Sam related Chas pointed out modelers buying two for the second to be modeled off before his accident. I can see some modelers buying a third or fourth one for Stuart and the other based on his model appearance with his rectangular funnel. Adds bit more to the argument for peter sam
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: grandpuff on August 26, 2017, 06:31:06 PM
I still agree with others that think Bachmann will stick to the first 6 Narrow Gauge Locomotives. With Skarloey and soon Rheneas being produced we will have both a 0-4-2 and an 0-4-0 chassis available. Both Peter Sam and Sir Handel should be able to utilize the 0-4-2 chassis from Skarloey and Rusty and Duncan should be able to utilize the same 0-4-0 chassis as Rheneas. Using existing chassis should make all of the first six locos more likely to be produced. As others have speculated both Peter Sam and Sir Handel could be produced together since they could utilize the same chassis tooling. The 0-4-0 chassis could be used for both an 0-4-0 steamy such as Duncan or for an 0-4-0 diesel type such as Rusty with different wheels and no valve gear or cylinders. After the first six are produced then I think locos such as Luke and Millie might become possible. Even though I have built my own Duke model based on the one Chaz built I would still like to see him return to the series some day soon and eventually have a model of him too.

Grandpuff
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on August 26, 2017, 09:00:11 PM
Plus, if Duke did get made (not that I'm expecting to anytime soon), a modeler could modify and repaint himas Bertrum. Y'know, that one-off character from season 5 who never spoke. :P
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 26, 2017, 09:22:33 PM
For HO rolling stock, the Explosives Van is inevitable. Another great addition would be a Water Tanker, an obvious recolor of an existing tooling.

If Bachmann ever decides to make recolors of the Red Branch Line Coaches, should they make yellow, green, or orange coaches? I get that yellow and green ones were never actually in the show, but Bachmann has made plenty of rolling stock that wasn't in the show, since they had toolings. Orange branch line coaches were in the show, but have never been seen since Season 2. They had white roofs. I wonder if releasing them would be problematic, since they might look too much like Annie and Clarabel.

For the Works Unit coach, Bachmann would have to make a new tooling for that.

Toad and McColl's Cattle Car used toolings from Bachmann UK. Maybe some more interesting rolling stock can use toolings from Bachmann UK. I don't know if they'd ever make an engine from a Bachmann UK tooling, since they're always made from scratch. It would be like how Hornby made their Thomas models from existing toolings, but this is Bachmann.

As we all know, it's all Mattel's decision in the end.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on August 26, 2017, 09:45:57 PM
Regarding Duke, I think even if he were to return to CGI, I imagine he would still be in a lower priority.  Even after the rest original six, I would bet on Luke happening before Duke.

Quote from: mully on August 25, 2017, 10:58:15 AM
I do agree with that however Duncan. I know I keep coming back to him but here's why popularity thought the years Duncan has some how managed to get more lead roles in episodes based on the narrow gauge railway then peter Sam and sir Handel probably both combined.

The thing is, Peter Sam's usage has been a lot more consistent.  Yes, Duncan has had more starring roles but Duncan was brought into CGI much later after the first five engines.  Even outside of season 18 he hasn't done that much outside of that season.  Peter Sam has even had more merchandise after he was brought back into CGI making him more marketable by Hit/Mattel's standards, while Duncan only got one new toy which didn't stick around for very long.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 26, 2017, 10:11:27 PM
When Bachmann eventually gets to Duncan, I hope he'll look just like Douglas (his basis) and not his sub-par CGI render. So far, they've made Skarloey resemble Talyllyn, and Rheneas Dolgoch.

I really think Luke will be the first one after we get the main six.

I could really care less about Freddie or Mighty Mac, who haven't appeared since Season 12.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on August 27, 2017, 10:32:04 AM
Well there's an argument for all three main narrow gauge engines left to release like I say I'd prefer Duncan or peter sam before sir handel however no matter who I'm sure they will be great. I also agree with the tooling points as far as ho line is concerned  :). I am looking forward to seeing the narrow gauge coaches hopefully being released one day. However I will say I can see next years list being a small one in terms of releases with all of this years announcements still not in circulation or being shown at train shows or having production images as yet
... But who knows thats the fun of bachmann
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on August 28, 2017, 12:04:37 AM
No matter which one they make, as long as it has Talyllyn proportions it'll sell like hot cakes


just make Sir Handel before giving the range the cold shoulder Bachmann, please thank you
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on August 31, 2017, 01:16:09 AM
I'd love to have an HO Scale Works Unit Coach, since it's been making more appearances in the CGI series. I'd definitely buy a model. The only thing is that Bachmann would need to make a new tooling for it. They rarely make rolling stock with new toolings these days. This coach shouldn't be too hard. You don't necessarily need a breakdown train for it, as it's been used without it many times.

I don't see Bachmann making Judy and Jerome anytime soon, but the coach isn't too out of the question.

In the model series and Nitrogen eras, the works coach was green. As of The Adventure Begins, it's now orange, like in the Railway Series.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SilviaGunner on September 02, 2017, 07:16:08 PM
Hello, Hello, Hello. My name is SilviaGunner & I am here to tell you my wishlist for 2018....

HO
-Sydney
-Dart
-Den
-Troublesome Truck #6
-China Clay Wagon
-Re-designed Brake-Van
-Re-designed Thomas
-Re-designed Percy
-More Resin Structures

HO Narrow Guage
-Peter Sam
-Sir Handel

Large Scale
-Edward
-Henry
-Gordon
-Conflat
-Express Coaches
-Red Branch-Line Coaches

Please tell me what you think...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Titanic5972 on September 02, 2017, 10:49:14 PM
Why? Honestly I'm getting sick of these ridiculous wishlists. This will be my last post on here, other forums have much more realistic people that don't post wishlists until December, right before new releases are announced.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on September 03, 2017, 02:20:14 AM
"Realistic people"
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 03, 2017, 02:22:15 AM
As much as I'd love to see Thomas and Percy redesigns, they may not happen anytime soon, since tooling changes are much harder than color changes. In addition, Bachmann would have to get permission from Mattel to do so. They can't make unauthorized changes.

So many people act like Bachmann's like Wooden Railway or TrackMaster.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on September 03, 2017, 08:33:14 AM
If bachmann do redesign Thomas and Percy I personally think it would lead to more people moaning about how Mattel are ruining the range yet again. Either way I'd be happy with either old designs and would buy a new design. And yes that is a bit unrealistic maybe we should stick to a 2 locos, 3 rolling stock, for each part of the range?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: NinjaCraft on September 03, 2017, 11:28:51 AM
Ok I have narrowed down the possibilities to this list.
HO Scale:
Standard Gauge:
Engines:
Hiro
Stanley
Rolling Stock:
Rocky
Troublesome Truck #6 (Fuel Tanker With Face)
Red Express Composite Coach (Re-Introduction)
Red Express Brake Coach (Re-Introduction)
Narrow Gauge:
Peter Sam
Sir Handel
Red Narrow Gauge Coach
Red Narrow Gauge Brake Van
Brown Narrow Gauge Brake Van
Large Scale:
Engines:
Mavis
Bill
Ben
Rolling Stock:
Red Express Composite Coach
Red Express Brake Coach
Well Wagon
Mail Car
Henrietta
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on September 03, 2017, 04:26:03 PM
Out of your engines there I can see Stanley being made rather then hiro I dunno why i just think he would be a better seller. I think maybe even Ryan even tho very new would be a good seller. Rolling stock truthfully no idea bachmann always surprises us. Narrow gauge I can see one or two items being made you mentioned. Large scale both good ideas Mavis adds another diesel and a female however her model has been discontinued in ho scale so... Bill and Ben another good idea I think they would sell well. I think a mail car and Henrietta (updated with face) would be both good additions to large scale too
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 03, 2017, 04:42:42 PM
Quote from: mully on September 03, 2017, 04:26:03 PM
Mavis adds another diesel and a female however her model has been discontinued in ho scale so...

The Mavis model is not discontinued and is still in production.

Also I think Ryan would be a likely candidate too since by next year he would have been around by three years and is a tank engine with a color contrast, something I imagine Mattel would be on board with.  I could see him being more popular than Rosie.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 03, 2017, 06:15:56 PM
If Bachmann ever makes the orange branch line coach, it can be a recolor of the Annie/Clarabel tooling. The red coaches have a different tooling.

For an engine with a new tooling, Ryan would make a great addition to HO Scale, but with Paxton delayed, it could still happen, or we might get another recolor like Sidney, or no new engine at all.

Philip looks easy for a new tooling, since he's very small and boxy.

Stanley is also possible for a new tooling.

For recolors, Sidney is more likely than Cherry Rosie, since Rosie's new livery is too new. Rosie's model just recently got released. Sidney has the highest chance. He is also the last of the Class 08 characters in the CGI series (excluding the mainland diesels).

Norman is a tough choice, since he hasn't had very many speaking roles. He's made many cameos, but still has yet to have his own dedicated episode. Just looking at his overall merchandise, it is pitiful. Only Wooden Railway and Take n Play, and they're both discontinued. Even Sidney has had more merchandise, and even he's starting to make more appearances. Does Mattel really care about Norman? They managed to give Sidney his own episode. Why not Norman? In addition, Norman would also require a new tooling, though it doesn't look too hard, since being a diesel, he has a box body, and he's a shunter. Still, it's hard to expect him in the range just yet.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on September 03, 2017, 08:41:11 PM
We don't want Philip.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: MeganekkoFury1126 on September 03, 2017, 11:08:47 PM
I for one would snap up a Ryan on the spot. He's currently my favorite ARC/Jam Filled era character that's we've gotten (not counting Rex, Bert & Mike being RWS based) in these past few years. From a modeler's standpoint, he has an excellent, highly detailed prototype, and a handsome paint scheme that stands out. I have quite a few friends who love Ryan, too, and would love an official, mass produced model of him as well.

While I dislike Phillip, Bachmann does see an easy model to make. An easy to make model that customers don't want is more likely to be made than a complicated one that customers do want at this point, at least in the HO and Large Scale lines. I mean, hey, we did get Rosie... But hey, maybe we'll get Samson instead or...

Hey, maybe even Bradford! Just put mold his face on an existing model Bachmann has made and repaint it, much like with Toad. I personally wouldn't mind getting a Bradford.  :-\

On a side note, I don't know how many will be asking for Wooden Railway items now since next year the line completely changes to THOMAS WOOD.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 04, 2017, 02:58:11 AM
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on September 03, 2017, 08:41:11 PM
We don't want Philip.

I don't want Philip either. I was only saying he'd be a simple new tooling.

Anyways, I really think Norman deserves more speaking roles and merchandise. He is very underused in the show. Sidney is pretty much guaranteed to be made before Norman, since Bachmann at least has Sidney's tooling. For a diesel with a new tooling, I'd definitely pick Norman over Philip by a landslide. Norman seems more likely than Daisy, because Norman is a diesel shunter, with a fixed wheelbase for an eye mechanism. He is slightly longer than the Class 08s. I think his tooling looks simple to make. The range can use a diesel with a new tooling.

Even though Daisy has had several starring roles, she seems too big, being a diesel railcar with no fixed wheelbase which can make an eye mechanism difficult.

Ryan is a great choice for his appearances, and unique livery.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on September 04, 2017, 12:11:20 PM
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on September 03, 2017, 08:41:11 PM
We don't want Philip.

Maybe you don't   ;)

Always with the short condescending comments.

You take yourself a little too seriously Donald.  ::)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on September 04, 2017, 02:16:16 PM
Probably.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on September 04, 2017, 09:36:11 PM
Atleast Philip's role in JBS was so small I didn't even remember he was in it, the only reason I know he was in it was I wanted to make sure I had my facts straight. It seemed like ever since his introduction Philip was treated like a main character, JBS stopped that luckily. Hopefully if he's a background character he'll be more likable.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SilviaGunner on September 04, 2017, 10:37:14 PM
Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on September 03, 2017, 08:41:11 PM
We don't want Philip.
And by we you mean you? As for Daisy...Well Bachmann has made her prototype that is a Class 101 DMU. They could just turn their DMU into a single unit diesel rail-car & that's where their Daisy comes in.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 04, 2017, 11:00:05 PM
If Bachmann were to make Philip, it wouldn't be the first time Bachmann announced a character who not a lot of people would have expected (or wanted), like Rosie or Jeremy.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 04, 2017, 11:16:54 PM
If Bachmann were to make Daisy, they could use the tooling from Bachmann UK to make her. She can be the first engine to use a tooling from Bachmann UK. May not be perfect, but still.

They just need to turn the DMU into a single unit.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 04, 2017, 11:19:52 PM
If Bachmann were to make Daisy, they would make a new tooling for her to match her CG render instead reusing the DMU tooling.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on September 05, 2017, 07:50:50 AM
Quote from: Chaz on September 03, 2017, 04:42:42 PM
Quote from: mully on September 03, 2017, 04:26:03 PM
Mavis adds another diesel and a female however her model has been discontinued in ho scale so...

The Mavis model is not discontinued and is still in production.

Also I think Ryan would be a likely candidate too since by next year he would have been around by three years and is a tank engine with a color contrast, something I imagine Mattel would be on board with.  I could see him being more popular than Rosie.


Sorry using the new 2017 cataloge as a reference I thought she was as she's not included in there. My mistake
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on September 05, 2017, 05:43:04 PM
Quote from: mully on September 05, 2017, 07:50:50 AM
Sorry using the new 2017 cataloge as a reference I thought she was as she's not included in there. My mistake

Statement invalid...

http://resources.bachmanntrains.com/bachmann2017/

Page 31, below Emily, above Ben, next to Diesel.  There's no way Bachmann would discontinue Mavis considering her character status and her popularity.  If Bachmann decides to discontinue any engines in the HO range, Arry and Bert will most likely be next to go.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SilviaGunner on September 05, 2017, 07:02:28 PM
Because let's face it, Arry & Bert share the same face with the former having more stubble than the latter. :D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 05, 2017, 09:22:57 PM
I guess creating a new tooling would be the better idea. Daisy wouldn't look much like her render if they just modified the Bachmann UK tooling.

Chances of Daisy being made seem slim, due to the fact that they haven't made any big engines since Donald and Douglas, and economics. The recent releases (Oliver and Rosie) have been great sellers so far, so Daisy might have a shot, but with Paxton delayed, I probably shouldn't expect the next announcements to be that big. They did manage to announce Rosie with Oliver delayed.

I'd welcome either Daisy or Norman. If we get a diesel with a new tooling, I can't tell which one's more likely. Daisy for her starring roles and character development, or Norman for being a diesel shunter with a fixed wheelbase. Both diesels haven't had any recent merchandise.

I wouldn't mind Sidney or Ryan being announced. I'd welcome any of these characters as long as it's not Philip.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 10, 2017, 02:31:21 PM
Well I talked about my thoughts on HO and narrow gauge and went in depth with Peter Sam earlier too but I figured I would now share my thoughts on large scale.

To be completely honest I feel like this range is dying and this is because of how bad the market is for large scale in general.  The fact that the Thomas range is getting a new engine with a new tooling is surreal but it's almost obvious why they went with Diesel and I'll explain why in a minute.  It's just so hard to overlook that literally the only other thing they are doing is just taking the exact same brake van and slapping a face on it to make profit off the model is really showing signs of how little to expect in future announcements.  Even then it still doesn't justify the spiteful brake van not being out in HO yet.

So with that in mind here are my thoughts.

For engines I could see them do one of two things, both having to do with Diesel.  One of them is introduce Diesel with DCC and sound.  Diesel is already being delayed til 2018, at least from what I can tell so why not add him with DCC and sound just like Thomas and Percy?  He isn't available in the DCC module (yet somehow almost half the engines available will never be made in large scale at this point), so why not make him with DCC and sound so fans have a choice right when the Diesel model comes out?  Seems like the best solution to do this now while the model won't be out for a while.  It also wouldn't be a bad idea to do this for James, Toby, and Emily too, again to make things simpler for fans and giving them the option.

The second likely option is almost obvious...

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/c1/DieselandtheDucklings104.png/revision/latest?cb=20161201000506)
I'm not gonna deny that these are the only new engines I see having a shot at this point.  It's obvious to me too that with Diesel coming out these two are a quick cash-in with Diesel's tooling being available.  Their sales in other ranges, including Bachmann's HO range, have been pretty poor in sales resulting in being discontinued in other ranges, so already these two are going to be a double-edged sword for the range even though they are inevitable additions.  Personally I think Bachmann shouldn't even bother with these two and instead focus more on DCC and rolling stock.

Speaking of rolling stock, if we get any here are the only options I see happening:

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/57/Who%27sThatEnginePercy4.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20141109004123)
Now while this is a new tooling and a fairly large one, my money is on the Mail car appearing in large scale for a couple of reasons.  One of them is that it's used on the television show regularly and as a result the HO model is still in production and people are still buying this model regularly.  Large scale would be no different, and fans would buy multiple quantities of these.  But more importantly, like the vans that came out the Mail car offers recolor possibilities.  Something Mattel probably insisted Bachmann made like a green mail car or the refrigerator car (with that dumb live lobster logo on it...), so already it would offer a lot to the range despite being the largest piece of rolling stock the range would offer.

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/22/PoutyJames5.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20161116065030)
The red coaches are a good possibility too.  They're not only recolors of Annie and Clarabel with different modifications but once again, like the HO models, proved to be very popular sellers.  Even though they would be easier to make than the mail car, I would honestly put these as a close second in terms of likelihood of being made.

Probably not the most optimistic list for large scale, especially since some of these are a push but I figured I would get my views out there anyway.  Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on September 10, 2017, 02:57:52 PM
I also think the Large Scale range is dying. Just can't sell nearly as good as HO Scale.

Literally the only thing that's holding Bachmann back from making Stepney in HO Scale is the fact that he still has yet to be rendered. He would require a new tooling, but he's a tank engine. He just needs to return to the show.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on September 10, 2017, 11:04:07 PM
I honestly have to agree with Chaz with most of what he sees being announced for the large scale range in 2018.  Personally there are some things he mentions that I favor more than others, but overall I mostly agree with him.  Here are my thoughts and also a few things I'd like to contribute as well.

I'm very much for seeing Diesel w/ DCC Sound considering as Chaz already said, there's no DCC Sound module available for him.  I think it would be beneficial for large scale to have at least 1 DCC Sound on Board diesel engine in the range considering we already have 2 steam engines available with this feature.  Something that I see maybe happening is Bachmann introducing a DCC sound module at the same time as Diesel just as they did when Thomas and Percy were announced.  Basically this module would be made to include sound suites for characters such as Diesel, Arry, Bert, Mavis, Salty, Paxton, etc.  Not saying I want to see something like this, but large scale lately has been pretty unpredictable.

As for Arry and Bert, I've been over this many times before.  I personally am agents seeing the models in large scale, but have pretty much accepted the fact it's going to happen.  I too have seen how poor sales have been for them in other ranges, and introducing them in large scale and expecting for a good turnout is like trying to kill a bird by throwing it off a cliff.  Put shortly, I see introducing Arry and Bert as basically suicide for the large scale range, and Bachmann would be better off going for a character such as Paxton or making a new tooling for Mavis.  That's just my two cents on that deal.

The mail car however I'm not so much seeing, but I'm not writing off completely.  I defiantly agree that I could see it getting announced and then getting recorlored for other models, but I'm hoping if this happens we get something like the brown van from either Thomas and the Trucks or The Flying Kipper.  Wishful thinking I know, but would be a much better seller in the end.  Back on the topic of the mail car however, I also agree that it would sell in multiple quantities as most people will probably buy at least 2 if not more.  The only problem I see that's keeping me from fully agreeing is that as Chaz already said, the mail car would be the largest piece of rolling stock the range would have to offer.  Large models in large scale doesn't seem to be a good combo.

The red coaches I'm all for.  They are a simple recolor with a few alterations and would be possibly the best selling additions to large scale in a long time.  Like the mail car, they too would sell in multiple quantities.  I'm not sure about everyone else, but I'd probably go out and buy at least 3-4 coaches verses just 2.  I say these are a pretty easy piece of rolling stock for Bachmann to introduce into the range, and are definitely something large scale needs for 2018.  Out of everything, I'm definitely hoping for these if nothing else.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on September 18, 2017, 12:46:35 AM
I know Arry and Bert are possible in Large scale because they use Diesel's tooling but Plow Bender is right. That would just be suicide for the large scale range. I would rather see Mavis be made in large scale just because she's easier to make despite being a new tooling. Everyone tries to say Gordon and Henry are way too big but Bachmann have made several 4-6-0 locomotives. Henry is a 4-6-0 and Gordon being a 4-6-2 would just add that extra wheel. It doesn't matter how long they are just how far their leading and trailing wheels turn. Also the middle wheel cannot be flanged on either model. This is just my opinion on the large scale range releasing Gordon or Henry. I know many don't think it's possible but I'm just trying to narrow it down.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: donaldthescottishtwin on September 18, 2017, 08:16:19 PM
They could make Edward by altering James' tooling, I believe Edward would sell very well.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on September 19, 2017, 08:54:57 AM
Quote from: TrainCollector on September 18, 2017, 12:46:35 AM
Everyone tries to say Gordon and Henry are way too big but Bachmann have made several 4-6-0 locomotives. Henry is a 4-6-0 and Gordon being a 4-6-2 would just add that extra wheel. It doesn't matter how long they are just how far their leading and trailing wheels turn. Also the middle wheel cannot be flanged on either model. This is just my opinion on the large scale range releasing Gordon or Henry. I know many don't think it's possible but I'm just trying to narrow it down.

I've lost count the number of times we've gone over this, but Gordon and/or Henry having a chance in large scale is about as likely as Bachmann bringing back their K-27 in the Spectrum line.  What people are not getting is that the models are JUST TOO BIG!

Take Emily for example.  She is the largest engine in the Thomas range and is around 27" long with a wheel base length being roughly 14 1/2".  Bachmann's 10-wheeler locomotive is about 30" long and has a wheelbase length of about 12 1/2".  Bachmann's C-19 is 32" long, and has a wheel base length of 13 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 10-wheeler or the 2-8-0 C-19.

Gordon and Henry are larger than Emily, and would be larger than her model if made in large scale.  What I'm sure many don't know, is that Bachmann's Thomas models are 1:22.5 scale, while other models in Bachmann's large scale range are about 1:20.3 scale.  Just because Bachmann made a 4-6-0 with their 10-wheeler means nothing, because Gordon and Henry would be bigger than that model anyways.  If Emily herself already has a larger wheelbase length than Bachmann's C-19, Gordon and Henry would be no different.  Larger wheelbases limit how tight of curves the models can negotiate.  Bachmann altered Emily's chassis with both front and rear axles on pony trucks, and also accommodated the tender coupling to pivot right behind the driving wheel and added 2 holes in the coupler to allow the tender to be spaced further back from the locomotive.

Unless you're someone with an actual garden railroad, most people who have the large scale Thomas models probably have the Bachmann steel alloy track and run their models indoors.  Bachmann's steel alloy track only offers 4' diameter curves.  Gordon and Henry would have a longer wheelbase than that of Emily's, and with little to no room to modify the chassis.  It's not as simple as just removing the flanges from the middle driving wheels.  Bachmann would not bother with modifying the chassis to work on 4' diameter curves, and most likely the models would instead require larger radius curves which are only available in brass track which cost more than steel alloy.  No one is going to go out and buy new track and/or start a new track system just to run 1 or 2 models.

Then you have price for the models, both production and retail costs.  Gordon and Henry would be too much for a lot of modelers out there and sales would be poor.  Emily herself is already $429 and considering that Bachmann's 4-6-0 models hover around the $475 range, Gordon and Henry could be anywhere from $550-$600 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.  I'm sorry, but there just aren't enough positives with the models. 

Quote from: donaldthescottishtwin on September 18, 2017, 08:16:19 PM
They could make Edward by altering James' tooling, I believe Edward would sell very well.

Edward being a tender engine gives him a slim to none chance of happening regardless how you look at it.  I had hopes of Edward for 2017 (just as I did for 2016), but after 2 years and the announcements we've had lately, I've lost hope for Edward in large scale.  I could honestly see characters like Rosie, Mavis, or even Arry and Bert having more of a chance than any models larger than that.  These days, size and/or reuse of tooling plays a big factor in a model being made and I know for a fact that's why we've gotten a lot of what we already have in the range. 

What everyone fails to understand is that the large scale market is dying, not just for Bachmann's Thomas range, but for their Big Haulers and Spectrum line as well.  Hell, the large scale market in general is bad even for Bachmann's competitors.  Many other manufactures that sell large scale have released very little the last few years, or even released nothing at all.  Some have even gone under and aren't around anymore.  I highly suggest that if you want to argue that claim, I recommend taking a look at a recent topic in the large scale forum and see what I'm talking about.  Like it or not, large scale only has a few years left.  You know it, I know it...

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,33756.0.html

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SilviaGunner on September 19, 2017, 09:41:02 AM
Quote from: Plow Bender on September 19, 2017, 08:54:57 AM
What everyone fails to understand is that the large scale market is dying, not just for Bachmann's Thomas range, but for their Big Haulers and Spectrum line as well.  Hell, the large scale market in general is bad even for Bachmann's competitors.  Many other manufactures that sell large scale have released very little the last few years, or even released nothing at all.  Some have even gone under and aren't around anymore.  I highly suggest that if you want to argue that claim, I recommend taking a look at a recent topic in the large scale forum and see what I'm talking about.  Like it or not, large scale only has a few years left.  You know it, I know it...

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,33756.0.html

-Rusty


That's odd... The Large Scale market is doing great in Europe. ???
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on September 19, 2017, 11:51:42 AM
Rusty calm down. This is a thread for people to voice ideas. To be honest the amount of times I see everyone kicking off on here about what's realistic for the range and what isn't is rediculous. Why dont we all chill out and wait and see. We all have ideas of what we would like and what might get made and why. If you ask me this thread is more trouble then its worth. Makes the community as a whole look bad as all we seem to do is argue and shout each other down over "unrealistic ideas" remove the thread remove the problem.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 19, 2017, 04:20:10 PM
Quote from: mully on September 19, 2017, 11:51:42 AM
Rusty calm down. This is a thread for people to voice ideas.

If you took the time to actually read his post, you will see he actually does go in depth and explain in detail the chances of what has a chance of happening and what won't happen.  He is allowed to be realistic about what he expects to happen, and people are allowed to agree/disagree with each other as long as they are civil about it.

And he's actually right about the large scale market not doing very well, hence why the large scale announcements have been pretty minimal the last couple of years.

If you don't like the idea of someone being realistic with their views, then that's your problem, not his.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on September 19, 2017, 04:54:36 PM
Quote from: SilviaGunner on September 19, 2017, 09:41:02 AM
That's odd... The Large Scale market is doing great in Europe. ???

You do have a point, but that's probably for companies like LGB who manufacture for the European market.  American companies like Bachmann, USA Trains, Aristo-Craft, etc haven't been doing well in terms or sales, which leads to them to be reluctant about announcing new products.  LGB on the other hand seems to be announcing new products almost every year, but again, their a manufacture for the European market.  It could also be that sales for large scale products in Europe are better than sales in the USA, but that's something I can't say 100% that I know for sure.

In addition to Chaz's post, Mr. Mully, I find it funny how you want to call me out even though as you said, and I quote:

Quote from: mully on September 19, 2017, 11:51:42 AM
This is a thread for people to voice ideas.

I have voiced my ideas and also backed up my post with reason.  I am entitled to my opinion, just as you and everyone else is with yours.  Furthermore, as I am a collector of large scale (not just Thomas & Friends), I've paid very close attention to the large scale market overtime and seen what's gone down over the last few years.  Not everything I say is my opinion, but more facts than anything.  Like Chaz said, if you don't like me being realistic, that's "YOUR" problem.  Whether you like what I post or not, I don't care.  You're not obligated to agree with me.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on September 19, 2017, 05:19:42 PM
I'm just making sure we all get along and yes explain reasons for or against but sometimes your wording comes across very obnoxious and patronizing to many other users. Hence I think topics like this are a very bad idea. Tbh who knows what 2018 will bring if anything. And while I'm all up for a nice discussion some topics are getting over played now like large scale Gordon and henry, (unrealistic? Yes. But if you are so sick of apparently "going over this" then dont lol. We used to be a great fourm and like a community, can we get back on topic my pm is open of anyone needs to talk btw
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 19, 2017, 07:01:58 PM
Quote from: mully on September 19, 2017, 05:19:42 PM
Hence I think topics like this are a very bad idea.

Quote from: mully on September 19, 2017, 05:19:42 PM
But if you are so sick of apparently "going over this" then dont lol

Sounds like you could really benefit from taking your own advice... ::)

All you have been doing is simply trying to provoke an argument for the sake of provoking an argument. People have made suggestions on this forum for over 10 years, and it's unlikely that is going to change anytime soon. Again, if you don't agree with someone's thoughts or ideas, you can do so in a civil manner, but saying the thread should be removed because you don't agree with someone for being realistic is just childish and petty.  If you really want to "get back on topic" then stop bringing it up.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: mully on September 20, 2017, 03:20:38 AM
Does anyone think there's a chance of a human character being added to the range in the 2018 announcements?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on September 22, 2017, 07:51:54 PM
Well, here is my first post on what I'd like to see in the large scale 2018 announcements.  The first large scale item I'd like to see Bachmann announce in 2018 is Mavis.  I've already made a post about Mavis in the 2017 thread, but I'm giving it another go for 2018.  Sadly I'm having doubts about Mavis making it into the range (for reasons I'll explain further on in this post), but let's give it a shot anyways.

To begin with, Mavis has a wide fan base.  She has made a number of appearances lately, and has also appeared in some of the recent specials (excluding Journey Beyond Sodor).  Unfortunately she hasn't really had any major roles and mostly just makes cameos.  Still, 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.  I know some want to bring up she was one of the first female engines, but please just do us all a favor and stick it...

The fact that Mavis is a classic character though is a very good reason for Bachmann to bring her into large scale.  As some will remember, many people on here went crazy when Mavis was announced for the HO range, simply because of how much demand there was for her.  Ever since Mavis was released, she continues to be the best selling diesel in the range.  I'm sure many would feel the same way if a large scale model of her was announced.  The only problem that is presented though is that apparently diesels don't do well in large scale.  Bachmann is taking a stab at making Diesel, but in hopes that a diesel in the Thomas & Friends range will sell better than something like their now discontinued 0-4-0 Gas Mechanical and/or 45 ton switcher in the Spectrum line.  Not to mention the tooling is already there if they decide to release Arry and Bert, which I'm sure they will...

Now in terms of production and costs for Mavis, things are looking good.  For a start, she is a smaller engine and that's something Bachmann has paid close attention to with about 60% of the large scale engine characters they've announced.  Because Mavis is a smaller model, she would be less costly than larger engines such as Duck or Edward.  Her tooling is fairly easy as well, and Bachmann could possibly reuse Toby's chassis just as they did with the HO models.  Given that all this plays out, it could potentially mean an earlier release date for the model as well.  I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I'd be pretty happy to have a Bachmann large scale Mavis under my Christmas tree next year.

Now the biggest problem I see with Mavis being announced is pretty much the direction the large scale range is going now.  Many would agree that Mavis would have been a better engine character for the 2017 announcements, and I personally feel that she has more appeal than Diesel does.  Considering history repeats itself, my biggest fear is that Diesel (as well as Arry and Bert when and if they're released) will do so poorly in sales that plans for Mavis will be thrown out.  This would pretty much be just because of the choice of characters Bachmann decided to release before or instead of Mavis.  As I've said before, Arry and Bert were not good sellers for the HO range, nor were they good sellers in O gauge for one of Bachmann's competitors. 

So let's finish up here.  Although I wasn't interested in a large scale Mavis at first, it's definitely a model I'd be happy to see introduced into the range now.  It's also pretty clear at this point that Bachmann has no plans to ever release a Henrietta, so to at least have Mavis to go along with Toby kind of makes up for it.  Mavis could also be beneficial to the range considering we've got 3 of the other Ffarquhar engines already.  I myself would enjoy giving Mavis her own stone trucks to pull around my garden railroad.  Fingers crossed she makes it in the 2018 announcements.

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/0/05/MavisCGIpromo2.png/revision/latest?cb=20150529143446)

Next post will be on the Red Coaches when I have time.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on September 22, 2017, 10:12:11 PM
Oh wow that is a good point. I think Mavis has the best chance out of all the other engines being released in Large Scale. But Rusty is right. The Large Scale range is dying and we should all appreciate it while it's still here. The cost to make these is expensive but totally worth it. I'm hoping we get Mavis. But now I can see Gordon and Henry just aren't possible. Well here's hoping we get something good for 2018.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 29, 2017, 03:16:55 AM
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/38/BulgyCGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20170929061852)

Hey Bachmann, I have an idea for your next road character.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on September 29, 2017, 12:33:06 PM
Not if it looks like that ugly CGI model. Oliver 2.0.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on September 30, 2017, 02:52:14 AM
Frankly I don't mind Bulgy's CGI render, sure the proportions are a bit different, I don't think they're intrusive compared to the likes of Oliver and Duncan, perhaps a tweak in the lighting would make a big difference to his livery, often the character colors are much brighter compared to scenes and particular episodes were the lighting on the characters give them different shades. Also on another note, at least we now know it will less likely we'll getting a green Bulgy.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on September 30, 2017, 03:00:15 AM
The only classic character who I would rather not see in his CG render from Bachmann would be Duncan.  Any other character though, like Daisy or Bulgy, I wouldn't mind if Bachmann used their CG renders as a reference.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SilviaGunner on September 30, 2017, 08:54:14 AM
Quote from: Sparks on September 29, 2017, 12:33:06 PM
Not if it looks like that ugly CGI model. Oliver 2.0.

If you don't like the CGI design, You could always 3D Print your own models.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on October 01, 2017, 09:55:34 AM
Quote from: Sparks on September 29, 2017, 12:33:06 PM
Not if it looks like that ugly CGI model. Oliver 2.0.

No one wants a whiny little brat either, but here you are...

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on October 01, 2017, 01:23:09 PM
Quote from: SilviaGunner on September 30, 2017, 08:54:14 AM
Quote from: Sparks on September 29, 2017, 12:33:06 PM
Not if it looks like that ugly CGI model. Oliver 2.0.

If you don't like the CGI design, You could always 3D Print your own models.
hey I like the way you think

Quote from: Plow Bender on October 01, 2017, 09:55:34 AM
Quote from: Sparks on September 29, 2017, 12:33:06 PM
Not if it looks like that ugly CGI model. Oliver 2.0.
No one wants a whiny little brat either, but here you are...

-Rusty
Bulgys model is a shoddy, half effort model. The newer CGI models have been great for mixing realism detail and elements of their original model designs together, especially the narrow gauge engines. Duck and Oliver were misfires because of scaling issues and absences of certain details (like Olivers funnel is too small, and lack of counter-weights on his drive wheels). Those designs on Oliver unfortunately carried over to the Bachmann model, so for anyone who is truly nostalgic for the character, basically got a model that's a "whatever" representation of the character. Not Bachmanns fault, they're just following the reference HiT/Mattel gave them.

Now lets start whining about Bulgy! Lets see, his model is a step backwards in terms of how returning characters have been represented. He has almost no detail on his body, at all. Yes, it looks like the model, but this isn't the model series. When you have a CGI series, you need to add detail to make it stand out on the HD screen. Like Daisys initial introduction, he also has absolutely no interior details, hidden away by a flat texture set of windows. Sure it can improve in time, but it's not exactly a flattering start. To add, the face barely resembles Bulgy. Bulgys original face was very fat, protruding out like well, a bulge, ya know, his namesake. His new face is very flat, lacking any of the fat cheeks Bulgy had. The model could've easily had car panelling, rivets, etc. like you'd see on his basis, but Jam Filled Studios didn't even give them that much. The only benefit of the doubt they really have is their bankruptcy issue, but even that's a narrow shot because other characters like Hurricane, Frankie, etc. debuted with plenty of detail.

Right now, Bulgy is a step backwards for fan service, in terms of his CGI model. Yes, he was written in his old persona, but that's irrelevant to the topic of his CGI render.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 02, 2017, 10:26:52 PM
Another character I'd love to see get rendered (aside from BoCo) is Derek.

I honestly fail to understand why Derek only made a one-off appearance, and a music video cameo in Calling All Engines. I mean, he's one of those non-antagonistic diesels, and he was a great character in his only episode. I really hope he gets rendered eventually. I highly doubt it would happen this season. I still have my hopes for BoCo this season. Both diesels have good episode potential.

I don't think we'll see any returnees next year, because of this Big World! Big Adventures! thing which will be all about internationalism, something Mattel is blatantly obsessed with for some reason.

Other returnees the show needs:
Duke
Stepney
Arthur
Murdoch
George
Caroline
Bulstrode
Elizabeth
Isobella
Kelly
Byron
Ned

And about Bulstrode, if he were to get rendered, they can do what they did when Bulgy came back. There's a very good chance he'll keep his original personality; being a disagreeable barge that never stops complaining.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 21, 2017, 12:51:04 AM
There's been a lot of emphasis on a new loco throughout the thread. However, if possible, I would like to briefly shift the focus to the resin buildings as I personally believe that they are extremely underrated. Back in 2014, when Bachmann announced the first four resin buildings, I was overjoyed. I can remember opening up Brendam Warehouse and looking at all of the fine details in awe with my mouth wide open. Then, in 2015, when Bachmann announced another four buildings, I was very excited once more. I was hoping that more buildings get announced afterwards, but none got announced for 2016 or 2017. That's why I am genuinely hoping that some more get announced for 2018. Even if only one new resin product is announced for 2018, I would be extremely elated.

Anyways, two ideas I have are posted at the very beginning of this thread. However, another idea recently popped into my mind. What if Bachmann made the ruined castle seen on the narrow gauge railway? I'm thinking of the one from Season 7 as it would go very nicely with the Black Loch Folly. Here are some links to show what it looks like...

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/35/RheneasandtheRollerCoaster1.png/revision/latest?cb=20160123190331

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/1/10/TheOldBridge2.png/revision/latest?cb=20170217194411

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/a/a7/TheRefreshmentLady%27sTeaShop13.png/revision/latest?cb=20170301143357

If anyone has other ideas for a new resin building, please post  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 21, 2017, 12:55:10 AM
I just noticed that the first link is rather small for some peculiar reason. As a result, he is another link to the same pic...

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/ca/RheneasandtheRollerCoasteralternatetitlecard.png/revision/latest?cb=20160123185812
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JLK2707 on October 21, 2017, 02:12:05 AM
How about elsebridge station?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on October 21, 2017, 02:35:13 AM
I would like to see the Signal Gantry Junction personally:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/2aewmmf.png)

In CGI, it has a four track and a three track variation. The difference is how many arches/poles it has:
(http://i67.tinypic.com/259ab9g.png)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2nc3od0.png)

Both versions appear in various scenes up to Season 21. Personally, I prefer the four track variation, where it only has two passage ways (as per the model picture), as it has been around in that form since the Classic Series. The 3 passage way version was introduced in Season 17.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sodorisland121 on October 21, 2017, 09:54:42 AM
Since Bachmann did cranky, I think They should do Big Mickey
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sodorisland121 on October 21, 2017, 09:58:15 AM
Bachmann should make Carly, since they did cranky in 2002. They should also make Big Mickey
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 21, 2017, 11:53:17 AM
Bachmann models have a lot more effort. They're a lot more complicated to make than Adventures or TrackMaster. There's a reason they only announce a few things a year. Bachmann is not like the toy ranges.

This thread also got yet another clone. I don't know what is up with people thinking Bachmann can announce 10+ engines a year. Do they seriously think Bachmann can do that? Sometimes, whenever somebody does this:

"Here are my 201X predictions"

*Inserts a huge list of 20+ engines*

"I want all these next year, so get making, Bachmann."

I can't tell if unrealistic predictions like that are made by kids or trolls. Sometimes, they literally copy and paste that same post, and post it multiple times.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on October 21, 2017, 12:35:51 PM
Realistically for buildings, I think the Ruins Castle mentioned above would be a great choice. In addition to my idea of the Signal Box Gantry, I think adding Ffarquhar for another station would make a great line-up for 2018 ranges. They would only need to do one platform anyway, as per Season 1-8, to save on resources, rather than doing both platforms.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1688yf4.png)

Its been awhile since we've had some new resin buildings, so I'd say we're about due another set.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 21, 2017, 01:48:55 PM
Bachmann hasn't announced any resin buildings for two years. If we get another one, it should be Ffarquhar Station. Like you said, it can have one platform like in the model series, rather than being double-sided like in the CGI series. That would save resources. Having that station would help you complete your Thomas branch line.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on October 21, 2017, 02:46:56 PM
I agree that another lineup of resin buildings should be done as well as a new water tower, only for narrow gauge.  I can definitely see Ffarquhar being the next station, as well as the ruin castle and the Sodor Shipping Company (to go with Cranky and the Brendam warehouse).

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/48/PassengersandPolish24.png/revision/latest?cb=20130220234957)
The fourth building I think should be a shed for narrow gauge.  I've mentioned these sheds before, and I think they would go great for those who want more buildings based off season 4, like the Trackside station.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7177/7011930523_5df3fa44ce_b.jpg)
BUT, who's to say that the Talyllyn proportions on there engines and the recent Talyllyn based rolling stock should stop there?  Why not do a building based off one of the ones at Talyllyn.  This shed in particular would look very nice, especially since the real shed is made out of slate.  I would be content with either scenario for a shed, but with some of the choices Bachmann has made for narrow gauge in the past I wouldn't put it past them to add a Talyllyn building in the range.

Which would you guys rather have out of these two types of sheds?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 21, 2017, 03:22:43 PM
A Talyllyn shed sounds like a cool idea.

If we get another analog sound-fitted engine in HO Scale, I'd love to have Diesel. Diesel's HO Scale model can easily have a sound chip. Hearing the sound of his engine, and periodic horn. Thomas still remains the only sound-fitted engine in HO Scale. I think Diesel with sound would make an excellent seller. Percy seems too small.

There's also a chance sound-fitted HO Diesel can have black siderods, but whether or not that gets changed is up to Mattel, not Bachmann. Sound-fitted Thomas is a bestseller. If Diesel gets an HO model with a sound chip, he would sell great.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 21, 2017, 03:34:58 PM
Some great suggestions you have there Sparks and Chaz! The Signal Box Gantry is something that I cannot believe I did not think of. I can already visualize the Bachmann Sodor engines running underneath it. Although Chaz, I must inquire. Wouldn't the Sodor Shipping Company be too big? As much as I would love if Bachmann made it, it would probably retail for an incredibly high price. Just look at how expensive the resin single engine shed that came out in 2015 is for example. Yet, the narrow gauge shed is another fantastic idea. I would personally prefer the Season 4 version as that is what I grew up with. However, the Tallylyn version would probably make more sense from an economic standpoint. Just like how we saw with Skarloey, railway modelers who are trying to make the Talyllyn Railway would purchase the shed; but who knows? Maybe Bachmann will consider both due to their small size  :)

One other building that I thought of is Neptune Refreshments from Season 4. https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/b3/PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady27.png/revision/latest?cb=20160913164830
In fact, an assortment of buildings of the Lakeside Scene from Season 4 would be wonderful and would blend beautifully together.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d9/PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady29.png/revision/latest?cb=20160913165818
Though, when thinking logically, I would be very happy if Bachmann even just made Neptune Refreshments. It is an iconic building with a lot a charm and screams narrow gauge nostalgia. In addition, it played a significant role in a marvelous episode with our favorite green narrow gauge engine who may get announced next year  ;). Moreover, its small size allows it to look attractive on any model railway layout. After all, it was used in the later seasons of the television series in different locations.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d7/TooHotForThomas63.png/revision/latest?cb=20170119175441

Hopefully, Bachmann will consider Neptune Refreshments as well.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 21, 2017, 03:38:02 PM
Once again, the first two links are too small. Here is a link to Neptune Refreshments on the Thomas Wikia...
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Neptune_Refreshments
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 21, 2017, 03:48:15 PM
For Narrow Gauge, Peter Sam is inevitable.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on October 21, 2017, 10:37:08 PM
The Sodor Shipping company is a fairly big building but it's simple tooling that really wouldn't take as much time to put together.  I could see size being the only issue with it.

Neptunes refreshments doesn't sound like a bad idea, I think having that available with two other buildings in a multi-pack with kits like Tidmouth and Knapford wouldn't be a bad idea since I've seen various small buildings available in one kit before.  I'd be all for it.

I don't know if I would go as far to say that Peter Sam is "inevitable", but he is definitely the most promising choice left at the moment compared to Sir Handel and Duncan since Bachmann will likely make him based on his basis' proportions like Skarloey and Rheneas with his giesl funnel.  As soon as Sir Handel's basis Sir Haydn will be finished with its overhaul Bachmann can then make him based on Talyllyn proportions which would also make him a popular seller.  Meanwhile most likely like Rusty, I'm sure Duncan would be based on his CG render due to Mattel's marketing standards.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 22, 2017, 12:53:18 AM
I certainly agree with you Chaz on that the Sodor Shipping Company would not be too hard to make. However, other than size, I think that the other problem would be its price, which then poses the question: how well would it sell?

On a different note, I'm very glad that your're all for Neptune Refreshments  :). Although, I actually do not fully understand what you mean by the multi-packs with the Tidmouth and Knapford kits. Is it possible if you could elaborate on that? I apologize for poor comprehension.

One other thing that is certainly worth mentioning regarding Sparks idea of the Signal Box Gantry is that the Knapford Station Building Kit would help the Signal Box Gantry immensely in sales and vice versa, but it would have to be the 2 or 4 track version (2 passage way version). The reason is that since Knapford Station has three platforms with two tracks in between, the two tracks could go perfectly underneath the gantry. Thus, the way that I would design the box is by having a picture of Knapford Station and the two parallel straight tracks leading to underneath the gantry. The box could say "Now you can give your HO Thomas & Friends HO Scale locomotives a safe way to leave Knapford Station with the help of the Signal Box Gantry..." (which is similar to what Bachmann did with Tidmouth Sheds and Knapford Station. However, at the same time, if a modeler did not want to use Knapford Station and have it "in the open", four tracks would be able to fit underneath. I do think that this is possible especially after observing Spark's first pic with Thomas and Percy. The same could apply to the Ruined Castle and Black Loch Folly.

Thank you again Chaz and Sparks for liking my ideas just as much as I like yours. Hopefully, Bachmann is reading our ideas very carefully  ;).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 22, 2017, 02:09:29 AM
Once Bachmann gets to Peter Sam, he can resemble Edward Thomas very well. There's a very good chance Rusty would resemble his CGI render, but we'll find out possibly in mid-February.

Just before Season 16 and Blue Mountain Mystery, Nitrogen went to the Talylynn Railway to take measurements for the CGI models, but there was a problem. Douglas (Duncan's basis) was at the works to be mended at the time, so they couldn't take measurements for Duncan, which is why he got such a bad render when he returned in Season 18. The other Narrow Gauge engines were beautifully rendered, but Duncan is definitely the odd one out.

When Bachmann eventually makes Duncan, there's a very good chance he'd resemble his sub-par CGI render, which can make his sales very minimal. Maybe Bachmann could make him resemble Douglas... if Mattel allows it.

I really think Bachmann should make another sound-fitted engine for HO Scale in the near future. If they do, Diesel would make a great choice. I think Percy is too small for a sound chip.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on October 22, 2017, 02:59:44 AM
I really hope Bachmann has the foresight to choose the designs that may be best in the long run of sales for a model, rather than stick strictly to the CGI render designs.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on October 22, 2017, 03:27:37 AM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on October 22, 2017, 12:53:18 AM

On a different note, I'm very glad that your're all for Neptune Refreshments  :). Although, I actually do not fully understand what you mean by the multi-packs with the Tidmouth and Knapford kits. Is it possible if you could elaborate on that? I apologize for poor comprehension.


What I mean is having all three of those buildings together in one set, like a 3-in-1 type of deal since all of those buildings are fairly small, like this Walthers kit here as an example:
(https://www.jmdplasticsandhobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/3481-3.jpg)

Could work either way as a kit or individual structures.  But I feel like if they were to do the buildings you mentioned earlier it might make more sense for them to be released together in one set.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 22, 2017, 08:51:14 AM
Ah, I understand now Chaz. An assortment of buildings from Lakeside Location would indeed be fantastic. I could see Neptune Refreshments getting packaged with the post office and a simple terraced house from the location. I wonder what Bachmann would call it though? Although, at the same time, I would be for selling them individually as a modeller may want to have multiple terraced houses next to each other as shown in the gallery.

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Lakeside

Nevertheless, these buildings would be an excellent addition, considering that there are currently no town buildings; and for sure, they would bring even more charm to the Bachmann Thomas Range altogether.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on October 22, 2017, 03:18:47 PM
I personally think this should be in their next batch of buildings.

I call it the Shunting Yard Shed
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/e/e8/NotSoSlowCoaches36.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150423125454)
Also used in Ffarquhar Quarry.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/52/ThomastheQuarryEngine19.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150420225743)
A generic shed.

What do you think?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 22, 2017, 07:15:18 PM
Another fantastic idea! Thank you for mentioning it Metal! The Shunting Yard Shed is another structure that I would immediately put on my wishlist. It is in indeed a generic shed, but one that both young and old Thomas fans will remember. As has Metal mentioned, it has been present in both the Shunting Yard and Ffarquhar/Anopha Quarry, and would look fantastic next to the single engine shed that was announced in 2015.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/7/7b/Salty%27sSecret65.png/revision/latest?cb=20160817174313

I also see this one being possible because even though it is a double engine shed, it is shorter in length than the single engine shed.

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Salty%27s_Secret/Gallery?file=Salty%27sSecret86.png





Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 24, 2017, 12:20:35 AM
Hi again! I made one mistake that I wanted to mention. The building to the left of Neptune Refreshments actually says "Ticket Office", not "Post Office". I apologize for the confusion.

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Peter_Sam_and_the_Refreshment_Lady/Gallery?file=PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady30.png
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 24, 2017, 10:26:55 PM
For HO Scale, Daisy's model would probably have the couplers attached to her bogies, and she may not have rear buffers, or tail lamps. Maybe her couplers can be fixed, and not attached to her bogies, so she can still have rear buffers. Since Daisy's CGI model has a much higher front bufferbeam, she can definitely have a front coupler.

If we end up getting Sidney instead, I'll be perfectly okay. I feel like we'll most likely get Sidney, since obviously his tooling already exists, and he would wrap up the Class 08s in HO Scale. Splatter and Dodge were one-off characters from a bad movie, and they were nincompoops, so their chances are very slim. Sidney, on the other hand, is a CGI character with plenty of recent appearances, and a likeable character. Like Paxton, he would also sell better than 'Arry and Bert. I would rather have Daisy, but Sidney isn't bad.

Paxton doesn't have a black cab roof, but Sidney does. Sidney has yellow lining below his rear windows, and a few other places. Paxton has yellow stripes that go around him; one thick, and one thin. Both diesels have orange-red siderods.

If we get Sidney, an HO Scale Diesel with analog sound would be great to go with him. Bachmann announced 'Arry and Bert, as well as Thomas with sound in the same year. Since Percy looks too small, Diesel would be perfect as the second HO model with sound. Maybe Mattel will allow Bachmann to give Diesel's sound model black siderods, like 'Arry and Bert.

Other characters like Porter and Samson don't have much demand. Ryan has a much higher demand than those two.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on October 24, 2017, 11:35:24 PM
I don't see why Daisy wouldn't have rear buffers or tail lamps.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on October 24, 2017, 11:44:02 PM
We haven't had a sound model in HO for a long time, which is shocking considering how the Thomas model is still selling so well.  Either way I would honestly bet on Percy happening next, I honestly don't see how his motor would be too small for a sound chip.

Quote from: Sparks on October 24, 2017, 11:35:24 PM
I don't see why Daisy wouldn't have rear buffers or tail lamps.

I second that.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 25, 2017, 02:34:42 AM
So, it is possible for HO Daisy to have rear buffers and tail lamps, along with her coupler.

Once Bachmann makes Daisy, BoCo will be the only Season 2 engine left. Speaking of BoCo, I've been getting more and more anxious for him to return. Season 21 isn't over yet, but only time will tell.

Once BoCo finally returns, that would give Bachmann another idea for who to announce in the future. Of course, we most certainly can't expect him next year, since he's not back in the show just yet. Daisy returned in 2015, and she's really been shining since, with more starring roles than any other returning character in the CGI series.

Daisy is definitely possible for 2018, but she is not certain. I just need to be patient, and find out in mid-February if it will be Daisy's year.

Oliver was a big deal, since after 15 years of the range existing, we finally got engines 1-11.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on October 28, 2017, 11:55:36 AM
So lets talk about large scale red coaches.  These are another addition I would like to see for the large scale range, and I know many people want to see them as well.  The red coaches were in high demand years ago for the HO range, and have proven to be popular sellers by selling out a number of times.

To start off, the red coaches have made numerous appearances with numerous characters, and in many cases you'll see them with engines such as Percy, James, Edward, Rosie, Henry, Duck, etc.  We've also seen in recent seasons (even in the earlier seasons such as season 2) that in some cases the engines are pulling 3-4 coach trains with the red coaches.  This plays out a little later on, but I'll get to that in a moment.  Something that also should be mentioned about the red coaches is that they are/were used on many different parts of Sodor such as the Ffarquhar Branch, Brendam Branch, Harwick Branch, The Little Western, The Main Line, etc.

So is there a demand for the red coaches?  I wouldn't be making this post of there wasn't.  For a couple years now there's been many discussions come up for the red coaches in large scale, and for good reason too.  Years back the red coaches were in high demand for HO, and after being around a few years they're still flying off the shelves.  With the demand now, there's no doubt they would move in large scale.  Some people have even gone as far to make their own as seen below.

(http://ashrail.com/pics/2011_01_08-DSC01281.JPG)

Chances are some people would even consider buying multiple red coaches instead of just buying a red coach and a red break coach.  It's also safe to say that considering chances of getting some express coaches in large scale are out of the question, it would be nice to have the red coaches as a replacement to go along with James.

Now it's a question of how Bachmann would do in terms of production of said models.  They honestly have an advantage with the red coaches considering the tooling is already somewhat there.  Starting with the existing Annie and Clarabel/Emily's coaches tooling, alterations can be made to make the red coaches.  The break coach would require the most work, but just the regular red coach only requires the new roof tooling which in turn is used for the break coach anyway.  The only downside I can find with the red coaches is that the tooling for them (even though it exists) needing altered might be asking a little much.  This isn't as simple as just taking an existing van or wagon and recoloring it.  Keep in mind what the large scale announcements have been lately.

So to wrap things up, what are my thoughts on getting the red coaches in large scale?  I'm honestly all for these additions, as I'm sure many others are as well.  Overall they seem simple enough, appealing enough, and would definitely sell better than something like a vegetable van or a raspberry syrup tanker.  It would also be nice to have them to go along with James and/or Percy in the range, and other characters like Edward, Duck, Rosie, Ryan, Oliver, etc when/if they're ever announced.  Now if you'll excuse me, its lunchtime!

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NplJtodG5oQ/URlhgDAmejI/AAAAAAAAAdU/PkU5oT5Ubhg/s1600/ehshell+2013-02-11+20-31-52-23.png)

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on October 28, 2017, 02:45:11 PM
If Diesel takes longer than they expected to get out and they want to skip an engine for next year and make some rolling stock that would have decent sales, then the red coaches would easily be the way to go.  The scenario would be no different than HO and those turned out to be very popular sellers.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 28, 2017, 03:30:26 PM
If HO Daisy gets de-confirmed, we may end up getting Ryan, or Sidney if Bachmann wants to reuse a tooling.

I remember when we thought Oliver was de-confirmed, yet they did manage to announce him. Bachmann's not allowed to reveal information early, but when they did announce Oliver in 2015, that was a huge surprise. Mattel hasn't made any merchandise of Daisy lately, but there's a whisper of her getting an Adventures model in the near future. Daisy should be marketable, since she's not a black engine, whose merchandise doesn't sell well according to Mattel, with exceptions being Diesel and Hiro. Daisy has the same green livery as Duck and Oliver. Both GWR engines were very popular sellers. Daisy would be the first bogied diesel in the Thomas range itself, and she's a diesel railcar. I wouldn't mind her having silver windows like all other diesels; an easy fix if bothered. Her eye mechanism can be a separate motor.

Even though Daisy would instantly be a huge seller from Bachmann, it's probably best to expect Sidney. Neither diesel is black, with Daisy being green, and Sidney being dark blue. Mattel has made a little bit of merchandise of Sidney in recent years, but he still has yet to get a TrackMaster model. Probably the better idea to keep expectations low, since Paxton is delayed, so Sidney seems to be the most likely candidate. Norman hasn't had any recent merchandise at all, and he rarely speaks. As for Norman, we can't count on him.

Bachmann does listen to fan suggestions on this forum, but what they announce has to be approved by Mattel. It was demand that got Bachmann into making Duck and Oliver. The same could happen for Daisy.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 28, 2017, 09:47:03 PM
I know that I stated that I would leave the large scale predictions to the large scale people. However, this is a specific topic that I just had to partake in. I must agree that making the Large Scale Red Coaches would be a very wise investment for every reason that Plow Bender mentioned. In addition, as much as I too would love to see a Large Scale Mavis get announced, if Bachmann decides to announce Paxton instead of Arry and Bert for 2018, I personally think that announcing the red coaches along with him would be a fair compromise.

Regarding an HO Sidney, I never shared my opinion on it. However, I think that now is the time since, as Chaz mentioned in the "Large Scale Mavis de-confirmed" thread, Bachmann may be deciding on what to announce for 2018 at this very moment. To get right down to it, I don't believe that 2018 would be the smartest time to announce an HO Sidney for one main reason. Paxton, another diesel of the same class, has not been released yet. It may seem that this reason contradicts the point I am making since Sidney would be the least expensive loco to produce. However, what my mind is thinking is that releasing two locos of the same tooling back to back (especially the second one being less popular than the first) would lead to poor sales. Even so, I do believe that an HO Sidney would be a good idea for every reason that TrainFan97 mentioned. Yet, I think that announcing him a little further into the future would lead to better sales as long as he continues to develop his character in future episodes.

As I mentioned previously, the best decision for a new HO loco would be Daisy for every reason in the pasted link. http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,34031.0.html If this means that we have to wait for two years just like Oliver, I'm all for it. When thinking long-term, it is the wisest thing to do.

Overall, I may be seen as a hypocrite since I suggested Paxton for the 2018 Large Scale Range, and Diesel was announced for the 2017 Large Scale Range. However, the difference is that at the moment, Paxton is much more popular than Sidney.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 29, 2017, 01:36:25 AM
Yeah, I think it's a better idea to announce Sidney a little later than 2018, because having two engines of the same tooling released back-to-back could lead to poor sales. Daisy is far more popular. I'd be willing to wait two years for Daisy like I did with Oliver.

It took Bachmann two years to get Oliver out there, but I was patient, since I knew he was coming sooner or later. Oliver turned out to be a huge success for Bachmann, and he even outsold Duck! Daisy will certainly do the same. She will be one of the best models Bachmann would ever make. She's a classic character in the CGI series, with more starring roles than any other returnee character. She will be popular by both kids and adults alike.

Bachmann made Duck and Oliver by popular demand. There's a very good chance they'll do the same for Daisy: Making her by popular demand. We just need to wait 3 1/2 more months to see if she gets announced. Bachmann is far better off announcing Daisy, and saving Sidney for another time.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 29, 2017, 08:59:21 AM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on October 29, 2017, 01:36:25 AM
Yeah, I think it's a better idea to announce Sidney a little later than 2018, because having two engines of the same tooling released back-to-back could lead to poor sales. Daisy is far more popular. I'd be willing to wait two years for Daisy like I did with Oliver.

It took Bachmann two years to get Oliver out there, but I was patient, since I knew he was coming sooner or later. Oliver turned out to be a huge success for Bachmann, and he even outsold Duck! Daisy will certainly do the same. She will be one of the best models Bachmann would ever make. She's a classic character in the CGI series, with more starring roles than any other returnee character. She will be popular by both kids and adults alike.

Bachmann made Duck and Oliver by popular demand. There's a very good chance they'll do the same for Daisy: Making her by popular demand. We just need to wait 3 1/2 more months to see if she gets announced. Bachmann is far better off announcing Daisy, and saving Sidney for another time.

That's exactly right! I'm very delighted and relieved that you agree with me on this since I know how much time and effort you have put into previous posts regarding an HO Sidney!

As I stated before, I am 100% sure that an HO Daisy will be one of the best investments that Bachmann has ever made. Hopefully, they will announce her for next year  :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Falcon on October 29, 2017, 12:29:43 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on October 29, 2017, 01:36:25 AM
Yeah, I think it's a better idea to announce Sidney a little later than 2018, because having two engines of the same tooling released back-to-back could lead to poor sales. Daisy is far more popular. I'd be willing to wait two years for Daisy like I did with Oliver.

It took Bachmann two years to get Oliver out there, but I was patient, since I knew he was coming sooner or later. Oliver turned out to be a huge success for Bachmann, and he even outsold Duck! Daisy will certainly do the same. She will be one of the best models Bachmann would ever make. She's a classic character in the CGI series, with more starring roles than any other returnee character. She will be popular by both kids and adults alike.

Bachmann made Duck and Oliver by popular demand. There's a very good chance they'll do the same for Daisy: Making her by popular demand. We just need to wait 3 1/2 more months to see if she gets announced. Bachmann is far better off announcing Daisy, and saving Sidney for another time.

Very good observation. We can expect Daisy to sell just as well as Oliver and there might be a chance that she'll outsell him as well. She could likely be the last Classic Series character Bachmann makes for a long time (excluding the remaining Narrow Gauge characters), so she is sure to be worth the wait.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 29, 2017, 02:32:01 PM
Of course, Bachmann's not allowed to reveal information on new products early, so all we can do is be patient, and wait 3 1/2 more months to see if Daisy gets announced. Daisy is guaranteed to be a huge success for Bachmann in HO Scale. She may even outsell Oliver.

As I've said a few times before, popular demand got Bachmann into making Duck and Oliver. The same can happen with Daisy. Announcing Sidney immediately after Paxton would not be a wise decision, since that would lead to poor sales, especially with Sidney being less popular than Paxton. Announcing an engine with a new tooling (like Daisy) is a much wiser decision, since that would lead to much stronger sales. Classic characters (like Duck and Oliver) have been proven to be very successful sellers. Daisy will certainly be well worth the wait once she's announced. Oliver was worth the wait. Good things come to those who wait.

Our forum posts have made an impact before. It can happen again. Daisy may be bigger than a tank engine or a diesel shunter, but she's really a box in shape, so her tooling would be easier to make. She's definitely not the biggest diesel in the series. She will be the first bogied diesel in the Bachmann Thomas range itself.

Literally the only thing that's holding Bachmann back from making BoCo is the fact that he still has yet to return. His last appearance still remains Season 5, so kids of this generation wouldn't be familiar with him. Sad, but true. At least Daisy is in the CGI series, so both kids and adults would be familiar with her.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on October 29, 2017, 06:19:06 PM
Since we're talking about characters I thought I might bring this topic up.
Since the show is being 'air-quote' culturally diverse now. (Even though the show was already was since the start of CGI).

I thought I might as well bring up this character.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/c5/NotSoSlowCoaches119.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150426222527)
Compared to Nia the African Engine, cultural diversity works well with Hiro because he's very organic and unlike many of the S8-16 characters, he actually has depth, considerably a gem that shines in the rocks. The problem with Nia, Rebecca as well as the rest of the material from BWBA is that it seems to be created through political motive. I could be talking about the current events of politics but I'll probably go overboard here, especially on this board.
The cultural trend of political correctness is already dying out.  The producers behind the show are already late for the party.

On a side note; you also have Victor the Steamworks Engine, who's Hispanic, and Millie the French Engine, who also feel natural into the Thomas universe. But since they're narrow gauge that's a completely different story

Moving on

A Bachmann Hiro would be expensive model no doubt, but so are the NG engines and that didn't stop consumers.  
Sounds like a long shot, but there's very few CGI characters to choose from, considering the most of the characters have gimmicky designs. I will talk about other CGI characters that have potential another day.

Hiro is a very popular character was both older/younger fans, as well as one of the most marketable. He's NOT a politically driven character, and regardless of Mattel's cultural diversity, I'd happily welcome this gem of a character, and Bachmann would pull off such and extraordinary model.

Any thoughts?

Perhaps, I'll talk about female characters another time.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on October 29, 2017, 06:42:33 PM
For 2018, I can see Bachmann making either Hiro, Sidney (since the tooling is already there) or Daisy in HO. If they announce any Large Scale engines, I can see them making either 'Arry and Bert or Bill and Ben.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 29, 2017, 10:33:46 PM
Quote from: Metal on October 29, 2017, 06:19:06 PM
Since we're talking about characters I thought I might bring this topic up.
Since the show is being 'air-quote' culturally diverse now. (Even though the show was already was since the start of CGI).

I thought I might as well bring up this character.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/c5/NotSoSlowCoaches119.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/640?cb=20150426222527)
Compared to Nia the African Engine, cultural diversity works well with Hiro because he's very organic and unlike many of the S8-16 characters, he actually has depth, considerably a gem that shines in the rocks. The problem with Nia, Rebecca as well as the rest of the material from BWBA is that it seems to be created through political motive. I could be talking about the current events of politics but I'll probably go overboard here, especially on this board.
The cultural trend of political correctness is already dying out.  The producers behind the show are already late for the party.

On a side note; you also have Victor the Steamworks Engine, who's Hispanic, and Millie the French Engine, who also feel natural into the Thomas universe. But since they're narrow gauge that's a completely different story

Moving on

A Bachmann Hiro would be expensive model no doubt, but so are the NG engines and that didn't stop consumers. 
Sounds like a long shot, but there's very few CGI characters to choose from, considering the most of the characters have gimmicky designs. I will talk about other CGI characters that have potential another day.

Hiro is a very popular character was both older/younger fans, as well as one of the most marketable. He's NOT a politically driven character, and regardless of Mattel's cultural diversity, I'd happily welcome this gem of a character, and Bachmann would pull off such and extraordinary model.

Any thoughts?

Perhaps, I'll talk about female characters another time.


Hiro is one of my favorite "CGI-Born" characters because of his unique design, persona, and every other reason you mentioned. However, I personally do not believe that 2018 is the time to announce him. Of course, the main reason is the expense. Hiro would probably be one of the most expensive locos to make due to all of his fine details. Plus, when considering that the large scale range needs something fresh such as the red coaches and considering that we are hoping that there is at least one HO resin building announced for 2018, I still think that Daisy would be the best choice. Yet, I can definitely see Bachmann making Hiro in the future. He was definitely worth the mention. :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on October 29, 2017, 11:08:51 PM
Another thing I thought that I should elaborate on is why I put Trevor on my initial predictions list back in late March. I would say that the rest of what I put at the time is pretty self-explanatory. Yet, Trevor may have seemed like the odd one out considering that there has not been that much discussion on him. To start, it has been a while since Bachmann has announced a non-rail character, and Trevor would certainly be the best choice for that sector. Trevor is a very popular character for both young and old fans (very similar to Daisy in that regard).

However, Trevor does require a complex tooling. Because of this, I think that if Trevor is announced for 2018, he would take up the room for a new HO loco. But, at the moment, Daisy seems to be getting many more leading roles on T.V. than Trevor (especially after watching Season 21). That's why Daisy would still be the best pick for 2018. Even so, if Bachmann decided to announce Trevor for 2018, I would still take him with open arms  ;).

All in all, in my opinion, Daisy and Trevor are the two classic characters that are essential to the Bachmann range. Once again, since they both require new toolings, I would only expect one of the two for 2018.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: douglas on October 30, 2017, 05:14:52 PM
Does anyone have an inkling that this extended sellout of Percy and James in HO is leading to a redesigned Percy as well as James for the Black Friday/holiday season? Total shot in the dark here, but the timing could make it possible; there's no way Bachmann wouldn't have another production run ready for the holidays at the very least.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on October 30, 2017, 05:56:49 PM
When you said 'inkling' I thought you were talking about the characters from Splatoon. ;) Aside from that, I don't really know if there's going to be a redesign for either Percy or James. That's up to Mattel, not Bachmann. We'll have to wait and see.

There's a very good chance Daisy would have her couplers attached to her bogies, so she and the milk tankers she's pulling can turn tighter. The tender engines have their front couplers attached to their leading wheels. Daisy would have that on both ends. Should work perfectly, since her CGI render has much higher bufferbeams.

As a character, Daisy wouldn't pull, but her Bachmann model would.

For non-rail characters, I think Bulgy has a better chance than Trevor, since he has a more simple shape.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 02, 2017, 11:05:40 PM
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Standard_Gauge_and_Narrow_Gauge_Viaduct?file=NightTrain1.png

I can't get over how astonishing this shot is! This is what Thomas was all about! Breathtaking visuals with wonderful background music that would enhance the shot to the highest extent. The Ticket Office from Lakeside (that I mentioned at the very bottom of Page 16 of this thread) is shown as well. I'm sure that we can all agree that any of these town buildings would be welcome additions to the Thomas Resin Building Range.

Simply beautiful.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Falcon on November 04, 2017, 11:04:59 AM
Bulgy would be a pretty nice idea! He's only appeared once in the CGI series so far, but his boxy shape makes him easy to make and he'd complete the list of major Season 3 newcomers (minus Flying Scotsman).

I wouldn't mind waiting a little longer for Trevor. The Bachmann team might need a fair amount of time to give him the perfect tooling.

Part of me hopes that Jack can be made in the lineup of road vehicles, but he might need to come after Bulgy and Trevor are released first.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on November 04, 2017, 06:42:23 PM
On the topic of HO Daisy, I wouldn't say she's inevitable, but she still has a very high chance. I don't know what else new I could say about her, since I've already said many times regarding her high demand, and how popular demand got Bachmann into making Duck and Oliver. The same is possible with Daisy, and I said that many times too. None of Bachmann's competitors have made Daisy, so Bachmann will be the first, which will also greatly increase sales.

As for Sidney, he's better off being saved for at least 2019.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: AJW98Productions on November 05, 2017, 04:21:18 AM
I feel like this is going to be a long post, but I've been meaning to post a lot of thoughts these last few months, but due to my personal life taking precedence over posting, I've been merely browsing for a while, as I haven't had so much time for structured, well-reasoned, cohesive posts. With that said, here goes:
Resin Buildings:
Ffarquhar Station is probably my favourite idea. Especially in it's Season 1-8 appearance. I don't really think this one needs much elaboration, it appeared in the openings of Seasons 1-7 and is one of the most iconic stations on Thomas's branchline, only really taking a second place (in the TV series, anyway) to Knapford Station. Whilst not my favourite station on Thomas's branchline in the TV Series (I still really like Ffarquhar though), I probably prefer Elsbridge and Dryaw. However, Ffarquhar is the terminus of the line, and to me, it is clearly the best nomination for next station in Bachmann's line-up. Though I think Mattel would prefer Bachmann to produce Ffarquhar in its current appearance, and whilst I really do understand the reasoning for that. I feel like it'd be a cost saving measure for Bachmann to just produce the 1 platform and station. It'd also work great for people with small layouts who don't have much room for a station.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway, have a good day everyone :D and sorry for how long this post was.
~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 05, 2017, 08:27:38 AM
Quote from: AJW98Productions on November 05, 2017, 04:21:18 AM
I feel like this is going to be a long post, but I've been meaning to post a lot of thoughts these last few months, but due to my personal life taking precedence over posting, I've been merely browsing for a while, as I haven't had so much time for structured, well-reasoned, cohesive posts. With that said, here goes:
Resin Buildings:
Ffarquhar Station is probably my favourite idea. Especially in it's Season 1-8 appearance. I don't really think this one needs much elaboration, it appeared in the openings of Seasons 1-7 and is one of the most iconic stations on Thomas's branchline, only really taking a second place (in the TV series, anyway) to Knapford Station. Whilst not my favourite station on Thomas's branchline in the TV Series (I still really like Ffarquhar though), I probably prefer Elsbridge and Dryaw. However, Ffarquhar is the terminus of the line, and to me, it is clearly the best nomination for next station in Bachmann's line-up. Though I think Mattel would prefer Bachmann to produce Ffarquhar in its current appearance, and whilst I really do understand the reasoning for that. I feel like it'd be a cost saving measure for Bachmann to just produce the 1 platform and station. It'd also work great for people with small layouts who don't have much room for a station.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great suggestions Alex! No worries for how long the post was as I enjoyed reading every bit of it! Although, regarding resin buildings, what is your personal opinion on the ruined castle http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Rheneas_and_the_Roller_Coaster/Gallery?file=RheneasandtheRollerCoasteralternatetitlecard.png
or some town buildings such as Neptune Refreshments and the Ticket Office
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Peter_Sam_and_the_Refreshment_Lady/Gallery?file=PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady27.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Peter_Sam_and_the_Refreshment_Lady/Gallery?file=PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady30.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Peter_Sam_and_the_Refreshment_Lady/Gallery?file=PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady29.png
I'd love to see what you think  :).

In regards to Bulgy, even though I would personally prefer Trevor, I'd be all for Bulgy due to his, as already mentioned, simple shape  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on November 05, 2017, 10:51:05 PM
Even though just Peter Sam and a brake van wouldn't be a large lineup of announcements, I would be pretty content with getting just those two next year.  Better than just one engine like this year.

The more I think about it in regards to HO, the more I would like to see them do another lineup of resin buildings.  Another I personally would be fond of is Toby's shed for HO.  A standard small shape, but should be fairly easy for Bachmann to make compared to some of the other buildings in the range:

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/89/TobyandtheStoutGentleman32.png/revision/latest?cb=20131128225004)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JD417 on November 06, 2017, 11:11:00 AM
Since 2 out of 3 wagons for this year are finally finished, I'm very eager to see Paxton now.
I'm even more eager to see if they actually go forth and paint his rods.

Painted rods would be a first for the range. The other Class 08's not having theirs painted has always been a let down for me, but you got the excuse for Diesel that they wanted a "Classic look" for him, bar the face. For Arry and Bert they blackened the metal a bit, so they appeared in the proper black colour, so I guess that one can slide.
But in Paxton's case? Paxton has red-orange rods, so if they let that be plain metal/blackened metal, I'm gonna be calling this the laziest release to date. Reused tooling, and not even fully painted. Sure hope they don't go an even lazier route and make them in the correct colour, but in plastic. Having those low swinging/high speed rods made out of the flimsy plastic that Bachmann uses for crossheads (Skarloey and Rosie) hook on one thing on the trackside, and they're goners.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 07, 2017, 01:09:02 AM
Quote from: Chaz on November 05, 2017, 10:51:05 PM
Even though just Peter Sam and a brake van wouldn't be a large lineup of announcements, I would be pretty content with getting just those two next year.  Better than just one engine like this year.

The more I think about it in regards to HO, the more I would like to see them do another lineup of resin buildings.  Another I personally would be fond of is Toby's shed for HO.  A standard small shape, but should be fairly easy for Bachmann to make compared to some of the other buildings in the range:

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/89/TobyandtheStoutGentleman32.png/revision/latest?cb=20131128225004)

I feel exactly the same way. Toby's shed is another nice option; and when considering how many locos there are in the range, there could never be too many sheds. Although, I do believe that if they make Toby's shed, it will be the one from Season 1, as seen in the posted photo. When comparing it to the post Season 7 version, the Season 1 version has a simpler design and is smaller overall. In my opinion, it also has more charm. The post Season 7 version comes across as too bulky, in my view, and it would probably retail for an incredibly high price because of that. Additionally, the Season 1 version has a similar "texture" to the Trackside Station which may help with the expense of the tooling. All in all, the shed is Toby's which means that it does not need to be as long as the Engine Shed that is currently in the resin building range. It just needs to be big enough for Toby  :).

On a different note, as I too am thinking of other resin building ideas. One that popped into my head is The Sodor Inn, which was seen at the Fishing Village during Season 5. It's another option for a town building and would add color diversity to the range.
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sodor_Inn?file=MakeSomeoneHappy1.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sodor_Inn/Gallery?file=SomethingInTheAir1.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Norramby_Fishing_Village/Gallery?file=MakeSomeoneHappy42.png

The other is the Fish and Chips Building. Just like Neptune Refreshments and the Ticket Office, it has been seen in multiple locations...
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Harold_the_Helicopter/Gallery?file=MakeSomeoneHappy41.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Mind_that_Bike/Gallery?file=MindthatBike14.png

What do you guys think?

Lastly, I concur with announcing one narrow gauge loco with only one new rolling stock tooling. It is certainly the most realistic option since many of us would really love to see some new resin buildings for 2018.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: AJW98Productions on November 07, 2017, 03:56:24 AM
Well I didn't expect to be posting again here so soon, but hopefully this post may add something to this conversation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 07, 2017, 08:53:28 AM
Quote from: AJW98Productions on November 07, 2017, 03:56:24 AM
Well I didn't expect to be posting again here so soon, but hopefully this post may add something to this conversation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

~Alex

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply Alex! Just two things that I must mention are that the Fish and Chips building is not currently on the poll and that the castle ruins actually had a third version from Season 9 to Season 11. This one would definitely be the least likely. Nevertheless, I thought that it would be important for me to point that out. In addition, what do you mean by a narrow gauge trackside station? There is one currently in the range.

Moreover, I personally still think that the Season 7 version of the castle ruins will be the most likely candidate as it would blend in perfectly with the Black Loch Folly, but that's just me. Regarding town buildings, even though buildings such as Neptune Refreshments were not specifically seen in the current television series, if someone wanted to recreate the Fishing Village, Arlesburgh Harbor, or just simply any town on Sodor, town buildings would of course be essential, and would give more variety to the Bachmann resin building range. I apologize if I sound overly redundant, but anyways, thank you so much again for your thorough analysis Alex!  :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: AJW98Productions on November 07, 2017, 09:10:50 AM
Oh darn, I must've forgotten the fish and chips building when making the poll! I also didn't realise that the castle ruins had a different design in Seasons 9-11. However, I did remember the trackside station, I just didn't phrase myself well at all. I meant a station with a platform designed specifically for Narrow Gauge. Yeah, I mixed up my terminology here, I apologise. I also probably should've put an option on for a centre platform for a station with OO scale on one side and OO9 on the other.

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

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

~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 07, 2017, 11:25:44 AM
Quote from: AJW98Productions on November 07, 2017, 09:10:50 AM
Oh darn, I must've forgotten the fish and chips building when making the poll! I also didn't realise that the castle ruins had a different design in Seasons 9-11. However, I did remember the trackside station, I just didn't phrase myself well at all. I meant a station with a platform designed specifically for Narrow Gauge. Yeah, I mixed up my terminology here, I apologise. I also probably should've put an option on for a centre platform for a station with OO scale on one side and OO9 on the other.

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

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

~Alex

No worries! Thank you again Alex  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 10, 2017, 10:00:40 PM
Considering that it has now been about three days since Alex posted the resin buildings poll (shown on the previous page of this thread), I must state that I am surprised and happy to see that 9 people have already voted (including myself who voted for Neptune Refreshments ;)) I'm even more surprised to see Elsbridge Station and Neptune Refreshments currently in the lead, and to see no votes for buildings such as the castle ruins, but hey. It has only been three days, so plenty of changes could still happen as more people vote.

However, even if Elsbridge Station ends up with the most votes, I do not see think that Bachmann will make it. The biggest problem I see with it is the footbridge. When looking at it, the footbridge rests on two parallel platforms. No problem there. The problem is the extra piece that connects over to the road (on top of the hill). To sum up, an "uneven footbridge" does not seem like something that Bachmann would do. That's just my take on it.

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Elsbridge

What do you guys think?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: AJW98Productions on November 12, 2017, 05:07:35 AM
I included Elsbridge in that list to cover as many suggestions as I could remember from this topic. I don't realistically see Bachmann making it. Even if the part of the footbridge that connects to the road in the show was made detachable or something, I still wouldn't see it happening...I mean, the two platforms do have two tracks running through the middle of them...looking at how Knapford by Bachmann looks...I don't see it happening. We also then have the reasons TerrencetheTractor55 outlined.

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

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

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

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

That's not to say those are my favourite choices. Just what I think is most likely. I will say though, that I'm surprised none of the castle ruins have gotten any votes so far. I guess since I left it only open to one vote (based on IP) it might not be anyone's favourite option, but still one that people like. Either way, that's just a theory; a Bachmann theory. 8) Yes I did just make that overdone joke, I am sorry.

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

Enjoy your day everyone,
~Alex
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on November 12, 2017, 08:50:22 PM
I'd actually like to see Bachmann release an HO-Scale model of Stanley sometime in the near future.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Falcon on November 12, 2017, 09:47:26 PM
Quote from: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on November 12, 2017, 08:50:22 PM
I'd actually like to see Bachmann release an HO-Scale model of Stanley sometime in the near future.
I actually thought about mentioning Stanley, but since he hasn't had many speaking roles, I'm not sure if he'd be able to appear in the future...  :-\

Hiro would be a good candidate, though. He might be a little complicated to make, but he's had more speaking roles in the show than Stanley.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: SilviaGunner on November 13, 2017, 08:29:07 AM
Quote from: TrainandRockmusicfan97 on November 12, 2017, 08:50:22 PM
I'd actually like to see Bachmann release an HO-Scale model of Stanley sometime in the near future.
It's high time Bachmann did a Stanley Model because next year marks the 10th anniversary of The Great Discovery.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on November 13, 2017, 04:32:37 PM
Stanley has had very minimal speaking roles, and his sales would be very minimal compared to Daisy, but he is a tank engine.

I can't really say anything else about Daisy without rehashing what I've already said before.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Falcon on November 13, 2017, 07:25:50 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on November 13, 2017, 04:32:37 PM
Stanley has had very minimal speaking roles, and his sales would be very minimal compared to Daisy, but he is a tank engine.

I can't really say anything else about Daisy without rehashing what I've already said before.
His speaking roles truly seem to make him less possible. Then again, Bill & Ben made it in the range while they were not in the show and they were tank engines too.

Do you have anything to say about Hiro? He might have been covered before, but I feel like he'd be worth mentioning again. Since he's had a couple of episodes that he's starred in, he would seem more likely. Stanley is still yet to get an episode of his own.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on November 13, 2017, 09:45:47 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on November 13, 2017, 04:32:37 PM
Stanley has had very minimal speaking roles, and his sales would be very minimal compared to Daisy, but he is a tank engine.

I can't really say anything else about Daisy without rehashing what I've already said before.
Rosie also had very little to no speaking roles until JBS. The she had an episode basically dedicated to her repaint. And unless you've been living under a rock, she got a bachmann model herself.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 13, 2017, 11:48:54 PM
I personally agree with TrainFan97 and Falcon. Stanley would be a welcome addition to the Bachmann Thomas range. However, he really hasn't had enough significant roles in order for him to have booming sales. In fact, his sales would probably be about the same as Rosie's (whereas Daisy's would be about the same as Oliver's). Although, if Bachmann were to make Stanley, they could save money by using Thomas' chassis.

Regarding Hiro, my thoughts are posted at the bottom of pg 17 in this thread.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Angelob6660 on November 14, 2017, 04:24:46 AM
I wonder if making Hiro would be too realistic to make. Since Connor and Caitlin  needs the same treatment too.

What I mean that they will have missing pieces or very pressed parts.

Hiro would be better choice than Stanley. The stories with Hiro are good a specially well my is No More Mr. Nice engine.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Falcon on November 14, 2017, 06:45:49 PM
I forgot about that post in page 17. Thanks for reminding me, Terence.

Are you worried that Hiro's longer length would require too much detail for his model? Bachmann has made a few inaccuracies with their engines in the past, including three of their first models made. They've also dealt with having more details than usual with some engines like Oliver, but it must've been a little easier with him because of his smaller length. Skarloey has tons of detail too and he's shorter than Oliver.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 14, 2017, 08:01:55 PM
Quote from: Falcon on November 14, 2017, 06:45:49 PM
I forgot about that post in page 17. Thanks for reminding me, Terence.

Are you worried that Hiro's longer length would require too much detail for his model? Bachmann has made a few inaccuracies with their engines in the past, including three of their first models made. They've also dealt with having more details than usual with some engines like Oliver, but it must've been a little easier with him because of his smaller length. Skarloey has tons of detail too and he's shorter than Oliver.

You're welcome Falcon.

Yes, that is it for the most part. The main point is that if Bachmann decides to make Hiro, the tooling costs would be so expensive to the point where there would not be enough money to invest in other products with great economic potential such as resin buildings and large scale red coaches. Take his side rods for example. A lot of money of money would have to go into that, and I'm sure that the price of medal has gotten incredibly expensive, which is why Bachmann has been using plastic for Rosie, Skarloey, and Rheneas. In stark contrast, Daisy will not need metal side rods and her overall shape is box. 
She's an incredibly popular character among fans young and old, and deserves much more merchandise.

Now, I really apologize for taking up so much space on this thread due to the countless times I have elaborated on Daisy. I'm going to try to make sure that this is the last time I do it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on November 14, 2017, 10:46:06 PM
Quote from: HLC Railroad on November 13, 2017, 09:45:47 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on November 13, 2017, 04:32:37 PM
Stanley has had very minimal speaking roles, and his sales would be very minimal compared to Daisy, but he is a tank engine.

I can't really say anything else about Daisy without rehashing what I've already said before.
Rosie also had very little to no speaking roles until JBS. The she had an episode basically dedicated to her repaint. And unless you've been living under a rock, she got a bachmann model herself.

The Fastest Red Engine on Sodor was a lot more of a James episode.

Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on November 14, 2017, 08:01:55 PM

Now, I really apologize for taking up so much space on this thread due to the countless times I have elaborated on Daisy. I'm going to try to make sure that this is the last time I do it.

As long as it's productive discussion and realistic I don't see anything wrong with it.  Might be redundant but admittedly so are a number of other requests on here, so it's not a bad thing since it does give Bachmann an idea of what to make next.  It's a lot better to hear about Daisy rather than paint revisions on the James model. ::)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on November 14, 2017, 11:16:16 PM
Quote from: Chaz on November 14, 2017, 10:46:06 PM

As long as it's productive discussion and realistic I don't see anything wrong with it.  Might be redundant but admittedly so are a number of other requests on here, so it's not a bad thing since it does give Bachmann an idea of what to make next.  It's a lot better to hear about Daisy rather than paint revisions on the James model. ::)

Agreed  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on November 15, 2017, 12:52:13 AM
Hey guys it's been a while since I've last joined the conversation so I'm gonna go ahead give my thoughts. This is only for the HO range.

Daisy: As mentioned earlier Daisy is likely to be announced because of her popularity. She's had many starring roles in recent episodes and has had an appeal to kids and adults alike. She may be a bit costly to make but I'm sure she would totally be worth. I wouldn't be surprised if she was announced next. Here's hoping she's the next female character.

Diesel 10: okay I'll admit Diesel 10 is just a personal preference but someone mentioned earlier in the post that Diesel 10 should only be made for kid merchandise and that's it. I think we should hope for a Diesel 10 model. Now before you go saying oh it's not possible and they'll never make him.... Diesel 10 has potentional and CAN be made into an HO model. He is popular despite his lack of appearances and I think his sales would be great despite the cost it would be to make him and despite how expensive he would be. Just hear me out on this one please. Diesel 10 has a chance just not a very good one. I really hope Diesel 10 gets announced, hey you never know maybe he will get announced in the future. Maybe not for 2018 but there still is a chance by 2019 or 2020. Who knows. But if Diesel 10 gets announced for 2018 I will be shocked as will everyone else.

Hiro: Now Hiro is another popular and likable character. He was one of the first new characters introduced in the CGI series. Hiro being a 2-8-2 can navigate 18 inch radius curves but as mentioned before, there is a lot of intricate detail on Hiro that would be applied. So the cost would be a bit more however sales would be good for Hiro. The character has a lot of appeal to the audience and is popular among fans.

Sidney: now many people have talked about it. But Sidney shouldn't be announced for 2018 since we have Paxton coming. Two Class 08 diesels back to back? Yeah I don't think so. But Sidney is definitely gonna be announced in the future, there will be no suprise once he's announced.

Stanley: Now not a very popular character, Stanley has still made several cameos and background appearances in the series. Stanley would be an easy model to make and maybe wouldn't be top of the sales but would still be a good choice for Bachmann.

These are my thoughts for the HO range. I wanna hear what you guys think. Hopefully we all see eye to eye on these.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Falcon on November 15, 2017, 10:29:34 AM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on November 14, 2017, 08:01:55 PM
Quote from: Falcon on November 14, 2017, 06:45:49 PM
I forgot about that post in page 17. Thanks for reminding me, Terence.

Are you worried that Hiro's longer length would require too much detail for his model? Bachmann has made a few inaccuracies with their engines in the past, including three of their first models made. They've also dealt with having more details than usual with some engines like Oliver, but it must've been a little easier with him because of his smaller length. Skarloey has tons of detail too and he's shorter than Oliver.

You're welcome Falcon.

Yes, that is it for the most part. The main point is that if Bachmann decides to make Hiro, the tooling costs would be so expensive to the point where there would not be enough money to invest in other products with great economic potential such as resin buildings and large scale red coaches. Take his side rods for example. A lot of money of money would have to go into that, and I'm sure that the price of medal has gotten incredibly expensive, which is why Bachmann has been using plastic for Rosie, Skarloey, and Rheneas. In stark contrast, Daisy will not need metal side rods and her overall shape is box.  
She's an incredibly popular character among fans young and old, and deserves much more merchandise.

Now, I really apologize for taking up so much space on this thread due to the countless times I have elaborated on Daisy. I'm going to try to make sure that this is the last time I do it.

I can see some very good points provided. It might be safe to assume that while he has a chance of being made, we should not really expect it anytime soon. I never really said that I'd want to see him so soon either, I only brought him up to see if he would be possible to make.

I've been hoping for Daisy to be made as well and she'd be a very safe bet for future announcements.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on November 15, 2017, 03:29:35 PM
Paxton might be Bachmann's first model to have painted siderods. There's also a chance they may make them plastic. I'd rather have them painted.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on November 22, 2017, 12:34:37 PM
Since it is nearing the end of the year, here are my predictions for 2018.

HO:

Sidney:Sidney has appeared more often in Season 21 and being a re-tool of Diesel, he would be easy for Bachmann to make.

Troublsome Truck #6: Maybe re-using the ventlated van as with the GWR and Fruit and Vegetable Vans.

Express Coaches re-release: Following the return of the salt van, and it re-use for Trobulesome Truck#5, and given the demand for them, the re-lease of the Express Coaches is inevitable.

Flat Bed re-release

Henrietta (Updated with Face): Of all the revisions, odds are on upgrading Henrietta with a face, as children who sees the recent episodes and buy a Bachmann Henrietta now will whine that it doesn't have her face.

HO Narrow Gauge:

Duncan: I too would hope for Sir Handel and/or Peter Sam to be made next, but Duncan has more potential with his grumpy personality and his frequent appearances, especially in Season 18.
NG Coaches
NG Brake Van
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on November 22, 2017, 01:39:01 PM
As long as Duncan has the proportions of his basis and not his CG render then I think Duncan would do pretty well in terms of sales.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on November 22, 2017, 03:04:47 PM
My predictions for engines:

HO Scale:
Daisy
Narrow Gauge: Peter Sam
Large Scale: Bill and Ben
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on November 29, 2017, 01:40:51 AM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Tipper_wagon_on_Talyllyn_Railway_-_2008-03-18.jpg)

Although everyone's preference for the next lineup of narrow gauge rolling stock would be coaches and/or brake vans, (myself included), I've been looking at other rolling stock possibilities for the range from Talyllyn and I feel like tipper wagons would be a very logical choice after the slate wagons if Bachmann wants to keep up with the mining theme in the range.  Plus like the slate wagons there are different road numbers to choose from for the tipper wagons so I could see them do two with different numbers and one without them.  I could also see them coming with a stone load too, which would look really nice on these.

Would anybody else buy tipper wagons too if Bachmann were to make them?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: grandpuff on November 29, 2017, 02:36:10 PM
Yes I would definitely want to add some more of this type car to my collection.
If you look back at some of my photos of Duke around page 7 you will see some of these cars that I have had for many years made by Eggerbahn in the 60's for the HOn30 Minitrains line.


Grandpuff
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on December 02, 2017, 11:13:14 PM

Quote from: Chaz on November 29, 2017, 01:40:51 AM
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/59/Tipper_wagon_on_Talyllyn_Railway_-_2008-03-18.jpg)

Although everyone's preference for the next lineup of narrow gauge rolling stock would be coaches and/or brake vans, (myself included), I've been looking at other rolling stock possibilities for the range from Talyllyn and I feel like tipper wagons would be a very logical choice after the slate wagons if Bachmann wants to keep up with the mining theme in the range.  Plus like the slate wagons there are different road numbers to choose from for the tipper wagons so I could see them do two with different numbers and one without them.  I could also see them coming with a stone load too, which would look really nice on these.

Would anybody else buy tipper wagons too if Bachmann were to make them?

I would be very interested in seeing Bachmann make the tipper wagons at some point. They are unique and are seen in the CGI series quite often. Just out of curiosity what are the different numbers?

On a different note, I pasted the link to the resin buildings poll again for anyone who did not vote yet. For everyone who already did, thank you! The results so far are fascinating.

http://www.strawpoll.me/14346400
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on December 03, 2017, 12:33:44 AM
If you're impatient for tippers, Peco (the same brand Bachmann used to make the vans and open wagon) makes tippers in OO9:
(http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/uploads/monthly_10_2016/post-6750-0-11662200-1475498066.jpg)
They're available on Hattons (which ships to the US at a good price) in both grey and brown.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on December 03, 2017, 12:54:15 AM
I'm fully aware of those, just thought they were worth mentioning because of how the Talyllyn slate wagons were used for the Bachmann ones and how they would do the same thing with the tippers too.  Keep in mind I mentioned them as a possibility and that I never said I was "impatient" for them. :P

Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on December 02, 2017, 11:13:14 PM

I would be very interested in seeing Bachmann make the tipper wagons at some point. They are unique and are seen in the CGI series quite often. Just out of curiosity what are the different numbers?


The numbers on the tipper wagons are 40, 41, 42, 43, 50, 52, 53, 54, and 55.  I imagine like the slate wagons they would do one unnumbered, and one in the 40's and one in the 50's.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on December 03, 2017, 08:35:58 AM
Thank you Chaz and Sparks! That sure is a lot of numbers, and I think that if Bachmann chooses to produce these, the numbers plus adding loads to them will make them stand out. Although, I do believe that Sparks was only openly stating to all of us that if any of us wanted tipper wagons as soon as possible, then the Peco versions would be a quick option. But anyways, I do not mean to escalate that one little issue. Thank you very much both of you  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on December 03, 2017, 11:32:53 AM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on December 03, 2017, 08:35:58 AM
Thank you Chaz and Sparks! That sure is a lot of numbers, and I think that if Bachmann chooses to produce these, the numbers plus adding loads to them will make them stand out. Although, I do believe that Sparks was only openly stating to all of us that if any of us wanted tipper wagons as soon as possible, then the Peco versions would be a quick option. But anyways, I do not mean to escalate that one little issue. Thank you very much both of you  :).
Bingo. Just an open suggestion for anyone who wants them now. A good stocking stuffer, I'd say.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on December 13, 2017, 05:41:23 PM
The 2018 announcements are only two months away.

Will we get the sassy diesel railcar, or the forgetful dark blue Class 08? It could also be a long shot character. That question won't be answered until then. Just two more months. Suspense is building.

Daisy is definitely the most recommended for HO Scale. No need to rehash my reasons again. We know her sales will certainly be on par with Oliver's.

With Paxton coming soon, having Sidney, another Class 08 diesel shunter, wouldn't be a good idea for 2018 at least, especially since he's considerably less popular than Paxton, so his sales wouldn't be that strong. He is definitely inevitable for the near future.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on December 13, 2017, 06:55:20 PM
Here's hoping we don't get Nia or Rebecca.  ::)

It's a fear Mattel will push Bachmann to do them, but who would be the audience? They may be girl engines and a unique color, but nobody in the Thomas fandom (both young fans who are the shows target audience, fans of the classic show like us, and older folks who know Thomas because their children and grandchildren are into it) has any emotional connection to these new characters, and thus no incentive to buy them.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on December 13, 2017, 10:25:20 PM
Next year would be too early for Nia and Rebecca to be made since season 22 hasn't been up on Netflix yet.  I'm sure they will be added in the range at some point, being that they will be main characters, but a lot of that would also come down to the success rates of BWBA/season 22.

A thought I had recently though was considering how almost everything that got announced this year is getting pushed back to next year, it really makes me wonder if next year's announcements will be minimal again, specifically no new engines and only getting rolling stock announcements next year.  Especially since this year's was also fairly small due to the amount of products that got delayed from last year, including Oliver.  

I'm hoping that if this is the case, that we at the very least get some decent rolling stock next year.  I wouldn't be as annoyed if they skipped an engine in HO and large scale next year, but I do think Bachmann should invest in new rolling stock toolings rather than relying on recolors, with the exception of the spiteful brake van in HO.  

Ideas that come to mind are Judy and Jerome, a works unit coach, narrow gauge coaches and a brake van (based on the red ones at Talyllyn), and a large scale mail car.  These would be new toolings and would be a lot more pricy, but right there you have a satisfying variety of rolling stock that would not only win over fans and get a lot of strong sales, but it would also allow Bachmann to catch up on what's delayed from last year's announcements.  Then the odds of making engines fans would prefer to see would be more likely in 2019 instead of recolors of the Diesel tooling in HO and large scale like Daisy, Sir Handel, Peter Sam, and a large scale Mavis.  

Either way, I feel like with how production has been recently some new rolling stock toolings would really be beneficial for Bachmann, regardless of whether or not we get new engines next year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on December 15, 2017, 02:00:31 AM
I'm the same with Nia and Rebecca.

I'm personally don't think the idea of an African Engine is a bad thing, given that cultural diversity has proven to work with the show ever since the start of it's CGI transition. But the problem with Nia is how the concept is being marketed, given that BWBA is politically motivated.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JLK2707 on December 15, 2017, 06:43:48 AM
I agree. I honestly think that they should have just left Edward, Henry and Toby alone. They should also have done this with the narrator too. >:(
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Angelob6660 on December 15, 2017, 01:28:47 PM
I watch the Thomas shows over on YouTube. 

Right now it's hard to predict season 22 without watching it yet.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Trainboy100 on December 27, 2017, 09:23:27 AM
I went over to Star Hobby yesterday and got bachmann Oliver but before bought him the man who was working their said that Rusty might come out some time in the spring of 2018. :)

also for 2018 i think they should make:
Engines:
Ashima
Ryan
Narrow Gauge Sir Handel
Narrow Gauge Peter Sam
Rolling Stock:
Gordon's express coaches (Re-Release CGI style)
Old Slow Coach
Rocky
Non-Rail:
Trevor
Elizabeth
Sodor Search and Rescue center

I'll leave it up to the who want more Large Scale :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Angelob6660 on December 27, 2017, 06:11:45 PM
I would like it if they did remade the Gordon's composition and brake coaches.

Since I have 3 coaches I think the CGI version would be okay. But the only difference would be the yellow stripe between the cream and green.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on December 27, 2017, 08:37:12 PM
Quote from: Trainboy100 on December 27, 2017, 09:23:27 AM
I went over to Star Hobby yesterday and got bachmann Oliver but before bought him the man who was working their said that Rusty might come out some time in the spring of 2018. :)

also for 2018 i think they should make:
Engines:
Ashima
Ryan
Narrow Gauge Sir Handel
Narrow Gauge Peter Sam
Rolling Stock:
Gordon's express coaches (Re-Release CGI style)
Old Slow Coach
Rocky
Non-Rail:
Trevor
Elizabeth
Sodor Search and Rescue center

I'll leave it up to the who want more Large Scale :)

Most of these suggestions seem doable. The only two that I cannot see happening are Ashima and the Sodor Search and Rescue Center. Ashima has a very complex and costly side rod configuration, and the Sodor Search and Rescue Center consists of multiple massive buildings that may be too expensive to make. Even so, Old Slow Coach is an interesting choice as she was only seen in Season 5. However, since Bachmann announced the Spiteful Brake Van in large scale, she may be a possible option, especially if there is a Bachmann UK tooling that could be used (just like Toad and McColl's Cattle Wagon).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on December 28, 2017, 12:06:40 PM
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1zxqe5e.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2ir2dms.jpg)

Well...

See if you can spot the difference on the tender...surely Mattel/FP wouldn't have allowed Bachmann to make this minor change, yet leave the rest of James' flaws untouched, right? Indicates to me that maybe Bachmann just didn't feel any changes were necessary. Sadly, this re-release is far from what I and I assume many others were hoping for.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on December 28, 2017, 06:53:57 PM
That's cute.

(http://i63.tinypic.com/23tqhjo.jpg)

(http://i68.tinypic.com/3346m3d.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/fm6sev.jpg)

Just finished fixing mine up today.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: sean1994rail on December 29, 2017, 06:02:59 AM
Quote from: Griffin on December 28, 2017, 12:06:40 PM
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1zxqe5e.jpg)

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2ir2dms.jpg)

Well...

See if you can spot the difference on the tender...surely Mattel/FP wouldn't have allowed Bachmann to make this minor change, yet leave the rest of James' flaws untouched, right? Indicates to me that maybe Bachmann just didn't feel any changes were necessary. Sadly, this re-release is far from what I and I assume many others were hoping for.
Okay. I admit it is not the perfect re-design for James, but it is better than previous IMO, with the black wheels and tender axles, and the black coupling hooks are a bonus. thank you bachmann.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DrNickRiviera995 on December 29, 2017, 07:36:33 AM
I've been away from the hobby for a while and was intriqued to look back into the site here and see what's new.

I noticed Salty isn't listed and he seems HTF on ebay too.  Was he really discontinued?  Seems like all the other engines that had been released are still available, or am I missing anything?

Anyway, back to the topic of 2018.  I love the idea of the Narrow Guage railway, so I hope we get at least one new engine and some rolling stock in that range.  Hopefully Peter Sam, Sir Handel, Duncan or Rusty are the ones I'm most familiar with.

And in the main HO range I always wanted Diesel 10.  Also Paxton would be great and an easy recolor.  Beyond that I'd love Den and Dart.

I wish we could also get some new cool accessories like a Steamworks or Dieselworks.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on December 29, 2017, 10:02:17 PM
Rusty and Paxton have already been announced.

Salty is the only engine so far that is discontinued.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on December 29, 2017, 11:18:53 PM
Has anyone seen any pics or prototypes of Rusty, by this time we had pics of the other narrow gauge engines, is he gonna take longer?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on December 29, 2017, 11:23:36 PM
If we get pictures of Rusty anytime soon, I would assume probably in February at the Toy Fair or in the 2018 catalog. 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DrNickRiviera995 on December 30, 2017, 04:52:35 AM
Quote from: Chaz on December 29, 2017, 10:02:17 PM
Rusty and Paxton have already been announced.

Salty is the only engine so far that is discontinued.

Thanks, NP, discovered the 2017 announcement list after I posted.  I just assumed at first things that had been announced would be listed in the store section buy saying coming soon or something as I thought they did in the past for new items.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TheJJ on December 30, 2017, 01:19:59 PM
I have not been on the forums in a very very long time, when was Rusty announced?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Kemptown Branch on December 30, 2017, 04:36:20 PM
For 2018, I think they might skip an engine considering Paxton isn't out yet. I think for rolling stock they would do the explosives van and the Spiteful Brakevan.

For Narrow Gauge, i think they should do Peter Sam and the red and green BMQ trucks and a brown brakevan. They could also do a starter set with Skarloey and some wagons.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on December 30, 2017, 09:17:24 PM
Quote from: JJ96 on December 30, 2017, 01:19:59 PM
I have not been on the forums in a very very long time, when was Rusty announced?

Rusty was announced in the Official 2017 Announcements Thread, which was posted in February of this year. Here is the link to it...

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,33240.0.html

Quote from: TrainMan2001 on December 30, 2017, 04:36:20 PM
For 2018, I think they might skip an engine considering Paxton isn't out yet. I think for rolling stock they would do the explosives van and the Spiteful Brakevan.

For Narrow Gauge, i think they should do Peter Sam and the red and green BMQ trucks and a brown brakevan. They could also do a starter set with Skarloey and some wagons.

That's one of the most realistic lists I've seen yet. I'd be all for it. The only things missing are large scale, and at least one new resin building (which is what I love to see in the 2018 Announcements, especially if there is no new HO loco). If anyone who has not been on the forum lately is curious, some folks and I have made a few suggestions for resin buildings in past posts in this thread (specifically pages 15-16). In addition, back in November, Alex generously made a poll that everyone could vote once in. I'll paste the link below for anyone who is interested.

http://www.strawpoll.me/14346400

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Kemptown Branch on December 30, 2017, 11:05:55 PM
I forgot about the resin buildings. I think they should do a narrow gauge engine shed. I don't know what to do for large scale though.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 03, 2018, 10:20:38 PM
Quote from: TrainMan2001 on December 30, 2017, 11:05:55 PM
I forgot about the resin buildings. I think they should do a narrow gauge engine shed. I don't know what to do for large scale though.

Great choice! Is the shed that Peter Sam is in what you are thinking of?

(http://i67.tinypic.com/dbl9o2.png)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: ChaoticCreeper55 on January 03, 2018, 10:57:43 PM
Terence, what do you mean by the Narrow Gauge Sheds from Seasons 4/5? Could you please put a picture? Thanks!

    -CC55
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Kemptown Branch on January 03, 2018, 11:18:52 PM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on January 03, 2018, 10:20:38 PM
Quote from: TrainMan2001 on December 30, 2017, 11:05:55 PM
I forgot about the resin buildings. I think they should do a narrow gauge engine shed. I don't know what to do for large scale though.

Great choice! Is the shed that Peter Sam is in what you are thinking of?

(http://i67.tinypic.com/dbl9o2.png)
I originally couldn't think of one, but seeing as the only location in Thomas & Friends I would want to model is Boulder Quarry (I lost interest in the show after JBS) those sheds are perfect.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 04, 2018, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: ChaoticCreeper55 on January 03, 2018, 10:57:43 PM
Terence, what do you mean by the Narrow Gauge Sheds from Seasons 4/5? Could you please put a picture? Thanks!

    -CC55

The shed that Peter Sam is in above is actually it  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 04, 2018, 09:59:56 PM
Quote from: TrainMan2001 on January 03, 2018, 11:18:52 PM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on January 03, 2018, 10:20:38 PM
Quote from: TrainMan2001 on December 30, 2017, 11:05:55 PM
I forgot about the resin buildings. I think they should do a narrow gauge engine shed. I don't know what to do for large scale though.

Great choice! Is the shed that Peter Sam is in what you are thinking of?

(http://i67.tinypic.com/dbl9o2.png)
I originally couldn't think of one, but seeing as the only location in Thomas & Friends I would want to model is Boulder Quarry (I lost interest in the show after JBS) those sheds are perfect.

That's awesome! Well, when looking at the resin buildings poll, it seems that this narrow gauge shed currently has the most votes. Because of this, hopefully, Bachmann will consider it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: ChaoticCreeper55 on January 04, 2018, 10:15:50 PM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on January 04, 2018, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: ChaoticCreeper55 on January 03, 2018, 10:57:43 PM
Terence, what do you mean by the Narrow Gauge Sheds from Seasons 4/5? Could you please put a picture? Thanks!

    -CC55

The shed that Peter Sam is in above is actually it  :).

Oh ok thanks!!!

   -CC55
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 05, 2018, 05:37:16 PM
Only one more month before we find out whether or not we even get an engine announced this year, considering Paxton is delayed to release possibly in summer. His image should be revealed soon.

The specific day of the announcements might be not long after Valentines day. Usually happens on a Friday.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 05, 2018, 10:39:21 PM
Quote from: ChaoticCreeper55 on January 04, 2018, 10:15:50 PM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on January 04, 2018, 09:56:43 PM
Quote from: ChaoticCreeper55 on January 03, 2018, 10:57:43 PM
Terence, what do you mean by the Narrow Gauge Sheds from Seasons 4/5? Could you please put a picture? Thanks!

    -CC55

The shed that Peter Sam is in above is actually it  :).

Oh ok thanks!!!

   -CC55

You're welcome!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 07, 2018, 12:17:52 PM
Bachmann UK announced more 009 products today which is definitely exciting but once I got a look at their new Talyllyn slate wagons and...

(http://i66.tinypic.com/2hcnr6h.jpg)

They re-used the same tooling as the Thomas range and it's a three pack and they're weathered and a better value for money than the Thomas ones.

Now I have no doubt we will be getting more TR-based stock in the Thomas announcements.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on January 07, 2018, 01:38:46 PM
They are charging almost identical prices for three weathered slate trucks in the UK vs. one un-weathered truck here in the US. Insane!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: BassTbone on January 07, 2018, 04:31:39 PM
Considering we got these a year earlier than the UK did and the fact they are under the Thomas brand is probably why they are $30 a piece. 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DrNickRiviera995 on January 07, 2018, 05:50:00 PM
Wow, I was really shocked when I saw how expensive the NG rolling stock was for the Thomas range!

Are there any other toolings that are reused without the Thomas branding that would make good alternatives to save on cost?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasgleek444 on January 09, 2018, 09:05:30 PM
As to add to this, I would like to see in the large scale the following
starting with the more realistic options such as
-Edward
-Henrietta for toby
-and more other cars

and then the things that will most likely never happen, but im still hoping that one day they do and those would be the bigger engines
-Gordon
-And Henry

though i know everyone says they would need bigger turns.....so what, a lot of model trains call for bigger turns, just do it ^^"
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: douglas on January 10, 2018, 10:20:18 PM
@thomasgleek

Bachmann will never make any engine with more than 8 wheels (not including tenders obviously). They would be prohibitively expensive both produce and purchase, and as you noted they would require wider-radius curves that fans and parents will not want to buy for their children just to make the engines run without buckling and derailing.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 11, 2018, 01:46:06 AM
(https://www.trainworld.com/upload/iblock/78a/98021.jpg)
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/31/FollowThatFlour8.png/revision/latest?cb=20170410134706)

This hasn't been brought up on here but it's interesting to note that the face used on the illustration of the large scale spiteful brake van resembles a late-model era troublesome truck face with one of the large scale models for the narrow gauge episodes.  Hopefully if Bachmann announces one in HO this year we get the face that was actually used in his episode.

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/66/BreakVan9.png/revision/latest?cb=20121018203323)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 11, 2018, 10:39:12 AM
Wow! Good observation Chaz. I find it amazing that Bachmann chose that particular late-model era face of all faces. I also concur with you on that if Bachmann does announce the spiteful brake van in HO, it should have the original face that was actually used in the episode. Nothing will beat that hilarious drowsy expression that the spiteful brake van had in the episode.

In addition, I wonder what livery the HO spiteful brake van would be as I do think that it would be rather peculiar if Bachmann used the same cream livery that was used for the original HO brake van. I personally would love to see it in a mix of grey and brown, as that is the livery the spiteful brake van was in the television series.

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JD417 on January 11, 2018, 12:10:43 PM
This could be applied for both scales (If we get the HO one this year):
If worse comes to worse and Bachmann end up using the wrong face, it's no big deal as there is the 3D one on the Trainz model. (I dunno if that is available to buy right now though) and then you'd be able to pop off the Bachmann one and then put that on another truck. So we'd basically get another troublesome truck and another character at the same time really.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on January 14, 2018, 01:01:14 PM
Something I recently noticed (which is sad considering it's been almost a year since it was announced) is that the Spiteful Brakevan is actually missing the 13 and the 20T along the bottom that the previous Brakevan had.  It kind of leads me to wonder if this is the livery we can expect for the model to be in and if the face Chaz recently showed is the one Bachmann plans to put on the model.  I'll be honest, if the Spiteful Brakevan does infact come with his proper face, I'll defiantly be getting him to go along with my other Brakevan, but if he ends up with the one on the sample image, I think I'll invest my money into a piece of Bachmann Big Haulers rolling stock instead.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on January 14, 2018, 02:25:58 PM
Bachmann used that face for the Spiteful Brake van because the original Spiteful Brake van face is probably no longer among HiT/Mattels assets for Thomas & Friends. As a result, Bachmann would have just looked at Troublesome Truck faces that would fit the bill, probably not even thinking to check the Thomas Wikia.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasgleek444 on January 14, 2018, 03:11:18 PM
Quote from: douglas on January 10, 2018, 10:20:18 PM
@thomasgleek

Bachmann will never make any engine with more than 8 wheels (not including tenders obviously). They would be prohibitively expensive both produce and purchase, and as you noted they would require wider-radius curves that fans and parents will not want to buy for their children just to make the engines run without buckling and derailing.

But then why would they bother programming three bigger engines sounds into their DCC soundboard? (Gordon Henry and Spencer)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 14, 2018, 06:42:35 PM
Quote from: JD417 on January 11, 2018, 12:10:43 PM
This could be applied for both scales (If we get the HO one this year):
If worse comes to worse and Bachmann end up using the wrong face, it's no big deal as there is the 3D one on the Trainz model. (I dunno if that is available to buy right now though) and then you'd be able to pop off the Bachmann one and then put that on another truck. So we'd basically get another troublesome truck and another character at the same time really.

That's one way to look at it.  If they do the same for HO then I wouldn't complain too much, especially when the face on Shapeways is also available too.

Either way, like troublesome truck 5, it's interesting how Bachmann still refers to faces from the model era for their troublesome trucks, or spiteful brake van in this case. Even though I was never a fan of the large scale troublesome truck faces from the show, it's a nice touch and miles better than the CG troublesome truck faces.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on January 14, 2018, 11:52:10 PM
I'm gonna guess it's because the CGI Troublesome Trucks have a less varied facial expression range. Their smiling face doesn't look very different from their angry and shocked faces, which could risk making the trucks look less unique, and thus less of an incentive to buy them.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: JD417 on January 15, 2018, 02:09:56 PM
Chaz asked me what I thought privately, and I thought it was relevant enough to throw in here

What I think will be announced?

HO
-Sidney or Stanley
-Explosives Van
-Spiteful Breakvan

HOn30
-Duncan
-a new Flatbed tooling (Could come in a cheap two pack like the Peco ones) or an Open Wagon which can be recoloured 2+ times (my money's on the open wagon :P)
-Breakvan (Brown (CGI))

LS
-Red Coach
-Red Brake Coach
-Paxton

What I genuinely hope to be announced?

HO
-Daisy
-Express Coaches reintroduction (Hopefully not a new tooling based on the CGI ones, but a tooling that's more accurate)
-Spiteful Breakvan
-Troublesome Truck #6 (Could care less what face and what tooling, and it's probably going to be an odd colour anyway so I'm not that picky)

HOn30
-Sir Handel or Peter Sam
-Red or Blue or Green Coach
-Breakvan (Red, Blue and Brown) Granted all they need to do is make one, and you could paint it yourself. So one's enough to be fair.

LS
-Red Coach
-Red Brake Coach
-Henrietta
-Edward (If Edward honestly doesn't come out this year, the final moments before he's cut from the main cast, his chances from this point onward don't seem good at all then)

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on January 15, 2018, 04:52:06 PM
At this point, Sidney is the engine everyone expects, but nobody wants.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 15, 2018, 05:25:15 PM
Well, in response to Jessie's post, as well as Griffin asking me earlier what I thought I figured I would have another go at sharing my thoughts as well:

Starting off with what I think will happen:

HO:
No engine/Sidney, Charlie or Stanley - Paxton is still delayed, so I'm fairly skeptical on if they will do any engines this year.  Sidney seems like a safe bet but if they do a new engine then my money would be on a new tank engine like Stanley or even Charlie.  Ryan also seems possible too.
Spiteful brake van
1-2 other recolors - Bachmann's rolling stock announcements have been a lot more random in recent years with designs and ideas coming from Mattel.  Not expecting much different from there.

Narrow gauge:
Peter Sam and/or Duncan - if Bachmann continues to stick with the characters they got measurements from then my money is on one of these two.  Personally I'd prefer Peter Sam but if they do Duncan next then they need to stick with the measurements from Talyllyn on this one.
Tippers or coaches - went in depth on both of these earlier, preference obviously goes to coaches.  But if they do tippers I'm just gonna wait for Bachmann UK to release them the following year after they are out in a three pack and weathered, just because like the slate wagons, I wouldn't put it past Bachmann to do something like that again.
Red brake van - my bet is they will stick with the red brake van since it is used for both passenger and freight on Talyllyn.  Plus it was once used in BMQ in full CGI so I think that's the way they will go.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2609/4119991366_99a64f6e43_b.jpg)
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/2c/TalyllynRailwayBrakevanCGI.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/250?cb=20161107131852)

Resin buildings:
Farquhar station
Narrow gauge sheds
The Watermill
Toby's shed

Large scale:
Arry and Bert - These two are a waste but I feel like they're only inevitable in large scale.  Paxton would be a lot more fun, but since it's a 2 for 1 deal with Diesel's tooling available, I feel like these two are guaranteed to be next.
Or:
James, Toby, Diesel, and Emily with DCC and sound - instead of new engines and rolling stock I figured another alternative they could pull off would be focusing on adding DCC and sound to the rest of their engines and save new engines and rolling stock for future years.

And just like Jesse, here is what I would rather see:

HO:
Daisy
Spiteful brake van
Judy and Jerome
Works unit coach - not picky on which livery they would go with

Narrow gauge:
Sir Handel and Peter Sam
Coaches (Talyllyn based)
Brake van (Talyllyn based)

Large scale:
Edward or Mavis
Henrietta
Red coaches
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 15, 2018, 06:47:29 PM
Great thoughts, but what about the resin buildings? We did put a lot of effort into thinking about them after all.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on January 15, 2018, 09:50:11 PM
Personally, I was thinking Bachmann should consider bringing these back.
(http://c-5uwzmx78pmca09x24dqovmbbmx2eeqsqix2evwkwwsqmx2evmb.g00.wikia.com/g00/3_c-5bbbm.eqsqi.kwu_/c-5UWZMXPMCA09x24pbbx78ax3ax2fx2fdqovmbbm.eqsqi.vwkwwsqm.vmbx2fbbbmx2fquiomax2flx2fl1x2fJikpuivvNtibjmleqbpXiqvbLzcua.x78vox2fzmdqaqwvx2ftibmabx3fkjx3d08938381863921_$/$/$/$/$/$/$/$?i10c.ua=1)
But instead of paint drums, they use iron girders
(http://c-5uwzmx78pmca09x24dqovmbbmx2eeqsqix2evwkwwsqmx2evmb.g00.wikia.com/g00/3_c-5bbbm.eqsqi.kwu_/c-5UWZMXPMCA09x24pbbx78ax3ax2fx2fdqovmbbm.eqsqi.vwkwwsqm.vmbx2fbbbmx2fquiomax2f6x2f67x2fPmvzgx2505aPmzw50.x78vox2fzmdqaqwvx2ftibmabx3fkjx3d08929984912312_$/$/$/$/$/$/$/$?i10c.ua=1)
Or Steel Pipes
(http://c-5uwzmx78pmca09x24dqovmbbmx2eeqsqix2evwkwwsqmx2evmb.g00.wikia.com/g00/3_c-5bbbm.eqsqi.kwu_/c-5UWZMXPMCA09x24pbbx78ax3ax2fx2fdqovmbbm.eqsqi.vwkwwsqm.vmbx2fbbbmx2fquiomax2fix2filx2fMuqtgqvbpmUqlltm5.x78vox2fzmdqaqwvx2ftibmabx3fkjx3d08959899892780_$/$/$/$/$/$/$/$?i10c.ua=1)
A prominent piece of rolling stock, I'd happily welcome back.

Thoughts???
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: BassTbone on January 15, 2018, 09:58:35 PM
I hope to see Peter Sam this year.  It is my own personal taste, but having two orange, a scarlet and a yellow engine doesn't bring much color. 
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 16, 2018, 11:13:44 AM
Just like you guys, for HO Scale, I would RATHER see Daisy, but at a realistic standpoint, we may or may not get an engine announced this year, considering Paxton's still not out yet. If we do, Sidney seems like the most possible choice, or for engines with new toolings, we could get Stanley or Ryan. Porter sounds like a long shot because of his scaling issues. Philip seems too small for HO.

For Narrow Gauge, I've got hopes to see Peter Sam get announced. Until the announcements, we've got only Rusty to anticipate. Hopefully, Sir Haydn will be out of overhaul by 2019, so we can eventually get Sir Handel.

For Large Scale, I'd rather see Bill and Ben, but at a realistic standpoint, we'll most likely get 'Arry and Bert (who did poorly in HO) or Paxton. If it has to be a Class 08, Paxton would be a much safer decision. Like we've said a while back, 'Arry and Bert would be suicide for the Large Scale range.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on January 16, 2018, 12:35:32 PM
IIRC, Oliver took a long time to come out, and we still had Rosie announced the next year. I feel like we've had similar instances in the past with engine announcements. Paxton was announced in 2017, and on average, it does take about a year at best, and two years at worst for an engine to come out. This isn't really anything new to the Thomas range.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 17, 2018, 10:10:53 PM
I think that the flat cars that Metal mentioned (found at the bottom of the previous page of this thread) is a fantastic idea. I could imagine them doing very well in the market, especially since there is such a demand for the discontinued flat car with paint drums. Iron girders and steel pipes would be great examples of loads. Timber is another load that I thought of.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/w1cv36.png)

This goes to show that there is so much that can be done with the flat car.

In addition, if I am not mistaken, the announcements are now less than one month away. Becasue of this, I thought that now would be a good time to make my lists of what I think Bachmann will announce and what I truthfully hope that Bachmann announces, just as JD417 and Chaz did.

What I think Bachmann will announce:

HO:
Ryan
Ventilated Van - Explosives
Spiteful Brake Van

Narrow Gauge:
Peter Sam or Duncan
Brake Van (Light Brown)

Resin Buildings:
Ffarquhar Station
Narrow Gauge Double Engine Shed

Large Scale:
Paxton
Red Coach
Red Brake Coach

What I hope Bachmann will announce:

HO:
Daisy
Flat Car (2-3 with different loads)
Spiteful Brake Van

Narrow Gauge:
Peter Sam or Duncan
Brake Van (Light Brown)

Resin Buildings: (In priority order as I do not expect Bachmann to make all of them in one year ;))
Narrow Gauge Double Engine Shed
(http://i66.tinypic.com/zlzqjp.png)

Neptune Refreshments
(http://i68.tinypic.com/amwetc.png)

Castle Ruins (Season 7)
(http://i66.tinypic.com/1zd9g1f.png)

Ffarquhar Station
(http://i68.tinypic.com/ek5btj.png)

Large Scale:
Edward
Red Coach
Red Brake Coach
Lady Hatt

All in all, as long as Daisy and/or at least one new resin building is in the 2018 announcements, that's all that I will need to feel content.  
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: douglas on January 18, 2018, 09:36:14 PM
When is Rusty supposed to be debuting again?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on January 19, 2018, 08:21:58 AM
Here are my wishes and my predictions.

Wishlist:

HO Scale
58818 Stanley (with moving eyes)
77014 Flatbed with Oil Drums
77015 Gordon's Express Coach
77016 Gordon's Brake Coach
Thomas & Friends™ Resin Buildings: Ffarquhar Station (Item No. 35909), Dieselworks Shed (Item No. 35910), Neptune Refreshments (Item No. 35911)

Narrow Gauge
58604 Peter Sam
77304 Narrow Gauge Blue Coach
77305 Narrow Gauge Red Coach
77306 Narrow Gauge Red Brake Van
77307 Narrow Gauge Blue Brake Van

Large Scale
91408 Edward (with moving eyes)
98022 Red Coach
98023 Red Brake Coach


In actuality:

HO Scale
58818 Sidney (with moving eyes)
77014 Box Van- Explosives
77015 Spiteful Brakevan
(No Thomas & Friends™ Resin Buildings Announcements)

Narrow Gauge
58604 Duncan
77304 Narrow Gauge Conflat (with Wire Coil Load #102)
77305 Narrow Gauge Conflat (with Tools Load #102)

Large Scale
91408 Paxton (with moving eyes)
98022 Red Coach
98023 Red Brake Coach

In conclusion, I'm not expecting very much from Bachmann this year. Sad, but true.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 19, 2018, 12:33:55 PM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on January 15, 2018, 06:47:29 PM
Great thoughts, but what about the resin buildings? We did put a lot of effort into thinking about them after all.

I'll update my thoughts on resin buildings in my old post, forgot to add them.

It's also interesting that besides Sidney being expected but not wanted that Duncan is also falling into that same category as well.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on January 19, 2018, 02:49:49 PM
Ok so here's what I'm hoping will be announced. I'm really hoping for some new Resin buildings this year.

HO
Daisy
Stepney
Brakedown Crane
Various Cars
A New Brakevan

Narrow Gauge
Sir Handle
Blue Coach
Red Coach
Brakevans (Various Colors)

Resin Buildings
Farquhar Station
Narrow Guage Shed
Neptune's Refreshments
Double Engine Shed
Signal Box
Wellsworth Station
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Angelob6660 on January 20, 2018, 11:01:29 PM
Quote from: douglas on January 18, 2018, 09:36:14 PM
When is Rusty supposed to be debuting again?

I looked at the Walthers website that he will arriving around on the 29th of this month with other Thomas merchandise.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 21, 2018, 01:16:10 AM
I don't rely on Walthers.

At least Rheneas was released before Christmas.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 21, 2018, 05:43:03 AM
After a while, you really get used to when engines get released after Bachmann announces them.  Typically an engine gets announced one year in February at Toy Fair and gets released during the second half of the following year.  Rarely does it happen sooner, or in the case of Oliver, later than that.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 21, 2018, 08:52:38 AM
Quote from: Chaz on January 19, 2018, 12:33:55 PM

I'll update my thoughts on resin buildings in my old post, forgot to add them.  

Thanks Chaz! I find it interesting that you put the watermill on your list, as there has been barely any discussion regarding it. Would you prefer for it to be an operating watermill? If so, I think that Bachmann will choose to make the model out of plastic, just like the windmill. However, if the model is non-operating, then I could see Bachmann choosing resin. What do you think?

(http://i67.tinypic.com/3150kg8.jpg)

Moreover, if the watermill gets announced, do you think that Bachmann would make the stone bridge behind the watermill that the engines cross? I'm going to guess no for two reasons. The first reason is that I'm not certain on how well it would do in the market. Would Bachmann call it "Watermill Bridge"? I think that this logic can also apply to the small buildings around windmill.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2e34sjb.png)

The second reason is that the people who purchase it would need to build off of the bridge professionally, meaning that it would require skilled modelling such as working with plaster cloth in order to keep the track at that height of the bridge when building off of the sides. In fact, I remember seeing someone suggest Bulgy's Bridge in another thread, and this reasoning would definitely apply to that as well. However, considering the resin building range is aimed towards a more mature audience (ages 14 and above), I could be wrong, and quite frankly hope that I am wrong. Thoughts?

Quote from: thomasj219 on January 19, 2018, 02:49:49 PM
I'm really hoping for some new Resin buildings this year.


I'm right with you  ;).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 21, 2018, 04:19:32 PM
I thought about it, and the last time we had a plastic operational building in the range was the windmill, which was announced in 2011.  I feel like at this point if they do the watermill they would have the building be resin to go along with the recent resin building additions.  Plus the way how it's designed and made out of stone it gives off more of a resin building vibe to me rather than all plastic.  If they were to make it operational like the windmill and lighthouse, then they would have to go with plastic since if they go with a motor and a resin casting it would be way too expensive.  Admittedly I don't see them making a bridge for that particular building since a general consumer would have to find a way to elevate the rail line above the standing height of the waterwheel and mill themselves. It would essentially be two pieces combined into one and a lot of consumers aren't going to want to pay that extra price, especially since most of the people buying Bachmann's Thomas-range buildings for their kids are only doing so for tracks that are level, not elevated.

Plus this is also the range that made a Brendam warehouse but not the Sodor Shipping Company building, so if they were to do other buildings besides the Watermill they would probably look into other options like what we've mentioned in the past for some variety that fans can choose from.  
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on January 21, 2018, 05:34:07 PM
The Round and Square water towers were also plastic, and those were made in 2016.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 21, 2018, 09:19:47 PM
Quote from: Chaz on January 21, 2018, 04:19:32 PM
I thought about it, and the last time we had a plastic operational building in the range was the windmill, which was announced in 2011.  I feel like at this point if they do the watermill they would have the building be resin to go along with the recent resin building additions.  Plus the way how it's designed and made out of stone it gives off more of a resin building vibe to me rather than all plastic.  If they were to make it operational like the windmill and lighthouse, then they would have to go with plastic since if they go with a motor and a resin casting it would be way too expensive.  Admittedly I don't see them making a bridge for that particular building since a general consumer would have to find a way to elevate the rail line above the standing height of the waterwheel and mill themselves. It would essentially be two pieces combined into one and a lot of consumers aren't going to want to pay that extra price, especially since most of the people buying Bachmann's Thomas-range buildings for their kids are only doing so for tracks that are level, not elevated.

Plus this is also the range that made a Brendam warehouse but not the Sodor Shipping Company building, so if they were to do other buildings besides the Watermill they would probably look into other options like what we've mentioned in the past for some variety that fans can choose from.  

I agree with you Chaz. The resin gives the watermill a much more realistic look than plastic, especially with the stone. Regarding the bridge, I also concur with you. I'm sure that the problems with the watermill bridge would apply to all bridges, with the exception of footbridges (if Bachmann were to make stations such as Wellsworth). Even so, I'm sure that none of us are going to want to jump to conclusions since the resin building range really is targeted to an older audience, just like the narrow gauge range. Although, when looking carefully at the watermill again, I noticed that it is actually a very massive building.

Because of this, another idea that I thought of is the watermill seen at Rheneas Station on the narrow gauge railway.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2yyb3np.png)

While observing the size of the narrow gauge watermill next to Peter Sam, it is clear that it is a smaller watermill that would not be as expensive to make as the standard gauge one.

(http://i67.tinypic.com/2yxmyw9.png)

Ultimately, it is a structure that all avid Thomas fans will remember. What do you guys think?

(http://i64.tinypic.com/nxuuj9.png)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 22, 2018, 12:15:32 AM
Didn't mean to come off as hostile, honestly it was more of a joke since these were announced when you were on here and there were discussions on these when they came out.

Moving back on the appropriate subject though, the Watermill from season 4 wouldn't be a bad idea either.  Personally I would be on board with that for an alternative for the larger one.  Having that announced with those sheds announced earlier would make a pretty great combination.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 22, 2018, 11:01:08 PM
Quote from: Chaz on January 22, 2018, 12:15:32 AM

Moving back on the appropriate subject though, the Watermill from season 4 wouldn't be a bad idea either.  Personally I would be on board with that for an alternative for the larger one.  Having that announced with those sheds announced earlier would make a pretty great combination.

That's a good point. I am no expert when it comes to making new resin buildings, but announcing the double narrow gauge engine shed along with the narrow gauge watermill may be another possible option in terms cost since they would both utilize the same stone exterior (For anyone who does not know which shed we are referring to, it is the one that Peter Sam is in, which is in the pic on page 22 of this thread). The same could pertain to the Trackside Station and Toby's Shed.

To conclude, I think that both watermills that were mentioned are alluring in their own ways, and either would be a wonderful addition to the resin building range.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on January 22, 2018, 11:21:29 PM
In my opinion the Watermill would be a great addition to the range. Preferably Resin but I'll take anything. Resin would be better and fairly easy IMO simple design bar the wheel itself.

However I would prefer the bridge be connected to the watermil therefore the piece could be incoptated easily.

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/32/ThomasComestoBreakfast1.png/revision/latest?cb=20121018123523)

This is the version I would love. However I know it's a dream. Just attach the bridge and make it extend to the end of the building to the left.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on January 23, 2018, 08:53:57 PM
Alright we're very close to the announcements. What I'm hoping for goes as follows

HO Scale
Diesel 10
Stephen
Daisy
Stanley
Norman
(I'm hoping at least one engine from this list is announced)
Troublesome truck 6
Water tanker

HO narrow gauge
Sir Handle
Peter Sam
Narrow Gauge coaches
Narrow Gauge open wagons

Large Scale
Edward
Bill and Ben

This is what I'm hoping for. I only expect one from each category. Let me know what you guys think.

Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on January 24, 2018, 10:20:39 AM
I think Diesel 10 is marketable enough but I also think they could just forget NMRA standards and make him. Diesel 10 would be a great addition to the range. I think Bachmann should make him for him being a very marketable character. His sales would go through the roof.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on January 24, 2018, 10:33:22 AM
You can't really forget "NRMA" standards because it's a regulation.

It's also worthy of note that some posts discussing character marketability and whether Bachmann should listen to what fans want or expect have disappeared overnight. I'm not sure what triggered the deletions, but it's possible speaking about Bachmann and Mattel came off as too critical. I don't think anyone means to do so in a spiteful manner though.

Just worthy of note for future discussions.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 24, 2018, 09:22:48 PM
I'm not sure what triggered the deletions either. I guess discussing marketability is too critical. We should probably refrain from discussing the marketability of certain characters or how Mattel treats them. Guess some things were a little "touchy". I didn't mean to be spiteful.

The 2018 announcements are only a few weeks away. Whatever gets announced, we'll find out soon enough. It'll be there before you know it.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on January 24, 2018, 10:43:49 PM
I actually really hope we get Troublesome Truck number 6. I absolutely love the new troublesome trucks we've been getting over the past few years. Who else here really liked the new rolling stock announced in 2016 and 2017? I'm actually leaning towards rolling stock than engine lately. Don't know why that is but I'm just speculating. If troublesome truck 6 is announced, what do you think it will be? A ventilated van, a utility wagon or a tanker? Maybe a whole new tooling. I'm just guessing. I love talking with you guys on this forum about it. I wanna hear what you all have to say about this. Comment away!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 24, 2018, 11:22:45 PM
thomasj219: Ah yes. The watermill from Season 2. I don't know if this version has much of a chance. However, attaching the bridge to the watermill may make the chances of the bridge getting made more likely, but more expensive as well. Combining both the watermill and bridge into one piece would also make one extremely large resin building. Even so, we can never really predict what Bachmann is planning  ;). What are your thoughts on the narrow gauge watermill?

TrainCollector: With taking one from each category into consideration, most of your suggestions look possible. The only three that I cannot see having a chance in the 2018 announcements are Diesel 10, Stephen, and Norman. As others have stated, Diesel 10 would breach the NMRA standards, and Stephen as well as Norman are not in high demand. However, once again, I could be wrong. Regarding Troublesome Truck #6, that is a product that may not be in the 2018 announcements since Bachmann seems to announce a new troublesome truck every three years. Nevertheless, I think that it will be a tanker. By any chance, do you have any resin building ideas?

Also, I was thinking again about what Chaz mentioned regarding how nicely the narrow gauge double engine shed would go with the narrow gauge watermill. Because of this, I thought that the station house to Rheneas Station, which is yet another small building that would go very nicely with the shed and watermill, could be an additional option for the resin building range.

Some modelers would buy two of them in order to recreate Rheneas Station.

(http://i63.tinypic.com/imidyq.png)

Others would use it as a small building that could blend in with any town.

(http://i63.tinypic.com/2hnvrrc.png)

When looking at these photos, it is clear that the building was reused. What do you guys think?

Here is a link to Rheneas Station on the Thomas Wikia:

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Rheneas_(station)/Gallery

Lastly, here is a link to the episode Four Little Engines:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5QYxq9bUmM

I pasted this because the first 30 seconds or so show some beautiful shots of the watermill, Rheneas Station, and the narrow gauge double engine shed in the background. The Trackside Station makes an appearance as well. It is an episode that I am sure that all fans remember. Maybe even some of the moderators of the Bachmann Forum  ;).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 25, 2018, 02:39:31 AM
At this point pretty much any other season 4 narrow gauge resin building suggestions we have made would be a nice addition to have.  Either way, with the right demand and discussions that have been brought on the forums recently, I think it's clear that a new lineup of resin buildings has become a lot more of a popular request for this year so here's hoping.

As for a sixth troublesome truck, I noticed that all of the recent troublesome trucks all use different toolings. The only toolings that they have not used yet in the Thomas range are tankers or both of the vent vans (including the one used for the ice cream wagon). 

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71jt23KnuOL._SX466_.jpg)

Speaking of, I personally think that tooling is the most likely since it was only used for the ice cream wagon.  I'm thinking it will have a design from the Gullane era like how Troublesome truck 5 did, with the facial expression below being used:

(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/40/TheSpotlessRecord35.png/revision/latest?cb=20150210214209&format=original)

Plus all the recent troublesome truck expressions have had different facial expressions besides giggling, and an angry face would also add some diversity for facial expressions.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Angelob6660 on January 25, 2018, 02:51:48 PM
I like the idea of the ventilated van being a troublesome truck #6.

I never like the tankers having faces on it. It's better to leave them blank.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasj219 on January 26, 2018, 11:13:57 PM
Very true Terence, the season 2 version has very little chance. But I can dream ;)

As for the Narrow Gauge watermill, I personally would love it. But honestly I don't think there's a Resin building that could be made that I wouldn't love.

Bachmann really underestimates the potential profit in this line if you ask me. Maybe they're just harder to manufacture. But I wish there were more of them.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 28, 2018, 12:54:11 AM
The announcements will be made on either the 9th or the 16th. I don't know which.

Based on their track record, they're usually made on a Friday.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 28, 2018, 02:03:13 AM
It'll be made right before the Toy Fair so it's going to be the 16th.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 28, 2018, 03:41:17 AM
February 16th will be the most-anticipated day for Bachmann Thomas fans.

It's like Christmas, since it only happens once a year, and the wait feels like an eternity. What gets announced is all we're getting until next February. It takes plenty of patience, since these products have considerably more effort than the toy lines. The models are very complicated to make.

Paxton's image may get revealed at literally any time now. Same for Large Scale Diesel.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Chaz on January 28, 2018, 05:05:49 AM
Personally I'm more hopeful for Rusty, but I'm thinking that if there's no new images posted or anything in the catalog that maybe delayed products from last year's announcements could be on display at the Toy Fair like how Rheneas was last year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on January 28, 2018, 09:03:01 PM
I was recently thinking about troublesome trucks again. Chaz brought up a good point in that all of the recent troublesome trucks utilize different toolings. However, I think that there are two more toolings that could eventually be used for troublesome trucks in addition to the two ventilated vans and tanker, which are the the mail car (utility wagon), and McColl's Cattle Wagon. All five of those plus the five that are currently in the range would add up to 10 troublesome trucks, which I personally think is an extremely appreciable number to go up to. I know it is pretty crazy to think up to Troublesome Truck #10. However, it is a point that I thought would be appropriate to share, especially since the troublesome trucks sell very well. If this actually happens, it would be interesting to discuss livery and facial expressions another time as well.

On a different note, I too am extremely excited for February 16th, which is when we will see the new announcements as well as possibly see the final images of products announced last year. We are less than three weeks away! As I have stated countless times, I am really hoping for Daisy and/or some new resin buildings; and I am overwhelmingly happy to see that many other people are on the same page as me regarding that  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on January 28, 2018, 11:47:05 PM
I'm also hoping for Daisy, and I've stated that countless times too, even more than you. I'm mostly expecting either Ryan, Stanley, or Sidney.

Daisy, Ryan, Sidney, and Stanley seem to be the top four in demand. The demand for Norman just isn't high enough. Same for Porter. Already stated why Norman is a long shot, and Porter's problem is scaling.

Whoever we're getting, only time will tell.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Trainboy100 on February 05, 2018, 12:56:46 PM
If i were apart of bachmann trains i would re-release Gordons express coaches and they would be based off of the cgi series where they would be a little shorter with yellow stripes but there doors could open and close the would also have removable rooves and seats so you could put H.O. scale people inside.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on February 05, 2018, 03:13:35 PM
I'm excited to see what we are gonna get for HO narrow gauge. I wanna get Rusty when he comes out but I'm really hoping for either Peter Sam or Sir Handle to be announced. I'm really excited to see what we're gonna get. As for HO a lot of people have been speculating Ryan, Daisy or Stanley. I wanna see Hiro get released next. But hopefully we get something good. Here's hoping for a good announcement guys.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Kemptown Branch on February 05, 2018, 06:58:48 PM
This is entirely wishful thinking, but I would love to see an ez-app equipped Thomas. I know it probably won't happen, at least for a few years, until they can get the technology to fit in such a small locomotive, but I think it would be really cool and would sell well once it was released.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 12, 2018, 12:03:12 AM
We're now officially less than a week away from the 2018 announcements. I'm getting excited, but also nervous. The Bachmann Thomas announcements are such a big deal, especially since they only happen once a year.

Given her high demand, I guess my money's on Daisy.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on February 12, 2018, 07:14:21 AM
What day do they announce?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: ThomasFan1993 on February 12, 2018, 08:00:10 AM
They announced the 2017 range a day before the New York Toy Fair and since the Toy Fair 2018 starts this Saturday (17th), most likely they'll announce the 2018 range this Friday (16th).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on February 13, 2018, 05:00:48 AM
Not to get off topic but what happened to Plow Bender?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Captain Crutch on February 13, 2018, 07:28:29 AM
He's still here, he just hasn't posted in a while. He probably just doesn't feel the need to post anything right now, so he doesn't. But I'll leave it to him to comment on why. Just know he's not gone, not yet atleast.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on February 13, 2018, 08:15:38 PM
I don't know if you guys realize this but it's been 10 years since Emily got released. I still have the original model of her. She runs beautifully but definitely needs some lubrications
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 14, 2018, 02:11:15 PM
With only two more days before the announcements, I guess Paxton's image will be revealed in the 2018 catalog.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on February 14, 2018, 11:16:33 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 14, 2018, 02:11:15 PM
With only two more days before the announcements, I guess Paxton's image will be revealed in the 2018 catalog.

And an illustration that is similar to this will hopefully be right by it  ;).

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2j0z8td.png)

Also, I thought that it would be appropriate to share this link again  :).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_VG5i27tKM
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 15, 2018, 09:33:34 AM
TOMORROW will be the moment we've all been waiting for!

Since 'Arry and Bert were announced, the demand for Oliver was higher than ever, and we eventually got him.

Now, the exact same case is with Daisy. When Paxton was announced, demand for Daisy has really grown. Only one more day before we find out whether or not it will be her year. If she doesn't get announced, her demand will be higher than ever. If she does, there will be so much hype, it's unreal. Even if it takes two years to release Daisy, it will be more than worth the wait, like Oliver.

Daisy would be the biggest engine they'd make since Donald and Douglas, but her tooling is much more simple, and she doesn't have siderods. She would be the first large diesel in the Bachmann Thomas range. Even if she's expensive, she will still sell like hot cakes. The price didn't stop the Narrow Gauge models.

My money's on Daisy for tomorrow. If we get someone else, I won't be that disappointed, as long as it's a likeable character.

Fingers crossed
Daisy gets announced.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on February 15, 2018, 04:23:31 PM
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 15, 2018, 09:33:34 AM
TOMORROW will be the moment we've all been waiting for!

Since 'Arry and Bert were announced, the demand for Oliver was higher than ever, and we eventually got him.

Now, the exact same case is with Daisy. When Paxton was announced, demand for Daisy has really grown. Only one more day before we find out whether or not it will be her year. If she doesn't get announced, her demand will be higher than ever. If she does, there will be so much hype, it's unreal. Even if it takes two years to release Daisy, it will be more than worth the wait, like Oliver.

Daisy would be the biggest engine they'd make since Donald and Douglas, but her tooling is much more simple, and she doesn't have siderods. She would be the first large diesel in the Bachmann Thomas range. Even if she's expensive, she will still sell like hot cakes. The price didn't stop the Narrow Gauge models.

My money's on Daisy for tomorrow. If we get someone else, I won't be that disappointed, as long as it's a likeable character.

Fingers crossed
Daisy gets announced.

Amen.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainCollector on February 15, 2018, 04:28:26 PM
Funny thing about the large scale range my parents placed a bet with me. If Edward gets announced in Large Scale I owe both my mom and grandma $10.00. If Mavis or someone else gets announced, my mom and grandma both owe me $10.00. Can't wait for tomorrow!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DrNickRiviera995 on February 15, 2018, 06:40:41 PM
Around what time of day Friday should we be looking for information?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 15, 2018, 06:44:33 PM
Possibly middle of the day.

One more thing, If Daisy gets announced, people like me can finally shut up about her. She would be a HUGE request out of the way, just like Oliver.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on February 15, 2018, 07:05:29 PM
Usually it's in the morning
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: thomasgleek444 on February 15, 2018, 08:17:03 PM
wait so tomorrow is when new stuff is gonna be announced? i thought it wasnt till sunday or something?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on February 15, 2018, 08:35:03 PM
It's tomorrow
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Metal on February 15, 2018, 08:46:36 PM
Ok guess I'll post my last call.

HO/OO
-Daisy
-Hiro

Not much for the HO/OO Range, but as long as it's something good.


Rolling Stock
-Flatbeds (Reintroduced)
-Conflats(Reintroduced)
-LMS Brake Van

Narrow Gauge
-Peter Sam
Perhaps the highest anticipated NG Engine, while Duncan is my favorite NG character. There's no doubt that Peter Sam has the best CGI render out of all the Narrow Gauge characters, and it would be impressive to see Bachmann pull him off/

Rolling Stock
Skarloey Coaches or Talyllyn Coaches.

That's my list.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on February 15, 2018, 09:43:48 PM
Quote from: TrainCollector on February 13, 2018, 05:00:48 AM
Not to get off topic but what happened to Plow Bender?

Still around, just been busy with life outside of the Bachmann forum.  Currently getting ready for an upcoming show I'm attending in April and I'm making plans to start my own timbering business come Spring.  I'm still doing large scale projects, but most of my posts lately have been in the Large Scale board.  I haven't done much with any Thomas & Friends projects due to lack of time.  Once you get to be my age work tends to take priority over hobbies.

While I'm on here, I guess I'll take time and throw in my predictions on what this years announcements will be.  I'm not saying I see everything on my list happening, but this is more or less what I feel has a chance at this time.

HO:
Daisy or Sidney (Charlie seems like a likely slap in the face)
Rolling Stock (recolors)
Spiteful Brakevan

Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 15, 2018, 06:44:33 PM
One more thing, If Daisy gets announced, people like me can finally shut up about her.

Yes, please make that happen...

Narrow Gauge:
Peter Sam (seems like he's had the most demand) or Duncan
Tipper Wagons
Coaches (seems like wishful thinking)
Brakevan

Large Scale:
Arry and Bert (inevitable at this point) or Paxton (would be a better choice in my opinion)
Mavis (wishful thinking, but I'd like to see her) or Rosie (I'd take her over Arry and Bert)
Bill and Ben (2 for 1 deal, Bachmann)
Troublesome Truck #3
The Red Coaches
Emily, James, and Toby with DCC Sound
Diesel with DCC Sound
Sound Module for Diesel (amongst other diesel characters that may be announced in the future)

And just real quick on what I see being taken out of the catalogue this year, I'd say Arry and Bert are set to be discontinued in the HO range along with maybe a few older pieces of rolling stock.  Personally I think Bachmann should also consider dropping the Peco wagons in Narrow Gauge considering that they now have the Slate Wagons which are far cheaper.  I'm not really sure the Peco wagons did that great in terms of sales in the first place, but when they were introduced, the range didn't have any other options for rolling stock at the time.  If Bachmann discontinued the Peco stock, I'm sure the Slate Wagons would do for now.

Large Scale may loose Percy (which would make him a set exclusive) or his set may get discontinued considering it's the least popular of the 3 available sets.  Last year Thomas became a set exclusive (with the exception of the DCC version), but Percy on the other hand is kind of iffy being he's not as popular as Thomas.  I'd also say the Tar Tanker, Cream Tanker, and/or the Blue Open Wagon may get dropped considering they're the least popular sellers in the range.  Given the direction the large scale market is going, we may loose far more than that...

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TerencetheTractor525 on February 15, 2018, 10:37:01 PM
Since Plow Bender brought up items that may be discontinued, I thought that I should also mention that I think that the HO Switch Tower will be discontinued as well. The first reason is that it is not in the top 10 best-sellers list in the Accessories subcategory. The second reason is that it is $49.00, which is even more expensive than the resin Signal Box, which is $45.00. And, I am sure that we can all agree that the resin Signal Box is much better quality than the plastic Switch Tower.

Speaking of resin buildings, let's not forget the possibility of a new addition or two in tomorrow's announcements either  :).
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Plow_Bender on February 16, 2018, 01:11:13 AM
Quote from: TerencetheTractor525 on February 15, 2018, 10:37:01 PM
Since Plow Bender brought up items that may be discontinued, I thought that I should also mention that I think that the HO Switch Tower will be discontinued as well. The first reason is that it is not in the top 10 best-sellers list in the Accessories subcategory. The second reason is that it is $49.00, which is even more expensive than the resin Signal Box, which is $45.00. And, I am sure that we can all agree that the resin Signal Box is much better quality than the plastic Switch Tower.

Speaking of resin buildings, let's not forget the possibility of a new addition or two in tomorrow's announcements either  :).

Not to mention the old Switch Tower is the only building leftover from when Bachmann first introduced buildings into the Thomas & Friends range by redecorating the old Plasticville kits.  Personally I'm surprised it even lasted this long considering it's been some time now since the old buildings were discontinued.  Needless to say, Bachmann has come a long way with their buildings ever since they introduced the resin ones.

-Rusty
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on February 16, 2018, 08:49:26 AM
Any last minute predictions? I'm not personally having any high hopes...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on February 16, 2018, 09:25:16 AM
My last minute predictions:
HO Scale:
Daisy or Stepney

Salt wagons and Troublesome Truck #6

Narrow Gauge:
Peter Sam or Sir Handle
Brake vans or coaches

Large Scale:
Edward or Arry And Bert
Red coaches
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on February 16, 2018, 09:54:41 AM
Traditionally the announcements are posted in the afternoon, so anyone lurking around right now might be disappointed.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DrNickRiviera995 on February 16, 2018, 10:14:55 AM
Looks like the stickied thread from last year's announcements were posted around 11:30 am.  Not sure if that was the day of though, or if the topic was made and stickied a few days after.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on February 16, 2018, 10:23:11 AM
The sticky thread is from 2009. The yearly announcements get their own thread.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: DrNickRiviera995 on February 16, 2018, 10:56:35 AM
I was referring to over in the general discussion forum, first post is the 2017 catalog.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on February 16, 2018, 12:26:36 PM
In that case, it'll probably be posted in the next few hours or so.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainFan97 on February 16, 2018, 12:56:07 PM
So much suspense building!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: ThomasFan1993 on February 16, 2018, 01:07:57 PM
My bet is they'll announce it at around 5:30PM, seeing Bachmann announced the range round that time last year and the year before.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on February 16, 2018, 01:14:02 PM
Just made a poll go check it out and vote!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7X2GC8T
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Griffin (TheBlueSnowplow) on February 16, 2018, 02:11:19 PM
Anyone know what the holdup is?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TrainshockeylifE on February 16, 2018, 02:14:18 PM
Usually it's at 5
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: TTTEfan1992 on February 16, 2018, 02:17:29 PM
It's sometime around 4:30 pm. Usually like just a little before, or sometime between 4:30 pm, and 4:45 pm.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in 2018
Post by: Angelob6660 on February 16, 2018, 02:42:46 PM
We're a little over edge. Right!?