Dear Thomas & Friends™ fans,
Below is a list of the new items we are announcing for 2019. This is the COMPLETE list and the ONLY new items that will be announced in 2019. Happy rails!
HO SCALE THOMAS & FRIENDS™
Item No. 58819 ROSIE - RED (with moving eyes)
Item No. 77001 MINING WAGON WITH LOAD – BLUE
Item No. 77002 SODOR COAL CO. WAGON with LOAD
Item No. 77003 SODOR SCRAP CO. WAGON
Item No. 77004 SODOR LOGGING COMPANY FLAT WAGON with LOGS
Item No. 00755 THOMAS' CHRISTMAS DELIVERY (new Christmas set)
N SCALE THOMAS & FRIENDS™
Yes, we are introducing a completely NEW N scale line of Thomas & Friends™!
Item No. 58791 THOMAS the TANK ENGINE™
Item No. 58792 PERCY the SMALL ENGINE
Item No. 76094 ANNIE
Item No. 76095 CLARABEL
Item No. 77096 TROUBLESOME TRUCK #1
Item No. 77097 TROUBLESOME TRUCK #2
Please watch Bachmann's website, www.bachmanntrains.com, for the official announcements of new Thomas & Friends™ product arrivals.
Quote from: InsideTrack on February 15, 2019, 09:32:04 AM
N SCALE THOMAS & FRIENDS™
Yes, we are introducing a completely NEW N scale line of Thomas & Friends™!
Item No. 58791 THOMAS the TANK ENGINE™
Item No. 58792 PERCY the SMALL ENGINE
Item No. 76094 ANNIE
Item No. 76095 CLARABEL
Item No. 77096 TROUBLESOME TRUCK #1
Item No. 77097 TROUBLESOME TRUCK #2
Oh yes :)
Will these be available in the UK?
Nothing new for Narrow Gauge or Large Scale at all. I wonder if the Narrow Gauge Coaches held back from that.
Anyways, we didn't get Sidney, but we are getting Red Rosie. No Explosives Van or Troublesome Truck #6. Shockingly, no new Troublesome Truck because they usually announce them every three years, but the pattern has been broken.
And finally, we're finally getting N Scale Thomas and Percy, along with some rolling stock, which is exciting! They should look much better than their HO models, since they will be based on their CGI designs.
Wow, looks like Bachmann bought the rights to do N scale to the US. This is very exciting and all and I am excited for these new models. There is major potential for this new range and I am ecstatic for the future that this range can give. Curious how the size of the new N scale models will turn out compared to standard British N gauge models, or the Tomix range for that matter.
The lack of large scale and especially narrow gauge announcements are pretty disappointing. Perhaps they really want to wait until Rusty and the coaches are out first for narrow gauge? Either way sounds like we have to wait another year or so for more narrow gauge announcements.
Red Rosie was expected, but at the same time it was a total copout like grumpy Diesel. If anything, Rosie should have been red in the first place. I'm sure the people who passed on Rosie in the first place because of the livery not being up-to-date might be happy with this, but it does feel redundant all the same.
Great to see the flat car is making a comeback with a log load, great to see that happening. Logs were the load I would have preferred in the first place, but I'm sure it will turn out nice. I can see these being a lot more popular than the paint drums considering the nostalgia behind the log cars.
No further comment on the other stock, as well as the new set til the catalog is posted. Though if I'm being honest, this isn't exactly a year where I am as ecstatic as I would hope to be, which if I'm honest my hopes were not that high (aside from hoping that Peter Sam would join in). I might consider getting the N scale range, but otherwise I may pass on all these.
Well, here it is.
Red Rosie wasn't a big surprise and I'm partially glad they're making her so that we can have the most accurate version of her in the line, but yeah. I was hoping maybe we could get another new character/model to go with her like Stepney or even Sidney. But them's the breaks.
The rolling stock looks interesting. As someone who doesn't mind the filler wagons, I'm interested to see the new open wagons and especially the flatbed with logs. Surprised and a little disappointed at no Toffee Tanker, Explosives Van, and T. Truck 6 though.
No Narrow Guage and Large Scale at ALL is pretty crazy. It's really too bad but I'm guessing they set those ranges aside for...
The new N Scale range! The best surprise of the bunch if I'm being honest. I'm very interested to see where this line goes and considering the market for N Scale, this could be a good seller for Bachmann. Anyways, while this year is a bit on the lackluster side of things, I think in the long run the announcement for the N Scale line will turn out to be a really great thing... hopefully.
Very disappointing as this is the second year in a row we haven't gotten a new character for Ho Scale or N Scale. Second year we've had a repaint of an engine, and second year no narrow gauge engine. I do look forward to the n scale but was hoping for Ho Stepney or daisy and either Peter Sam or Sir Handle......
Here are my thoughts.
I think everyone and their grandmother saw Red Rosie coming. Inevitable, but fine by me I guess. The four new wagons seem pretty cool, especially the Scrap Wagon and Log Wagon. Will definitely look into buying these. It's nice to see another set being introduced into the range, but I personally won't be buying this. I hope those who do get a good amount of enjoyment with it.
Nice to see an N Scale range, but I don't really have much to say about it honestly :P
All in all, what's been announced is okay, but rather lackluster in my opinion. I'm probably just feeling a little bummed out that there's nothing for the 009 and Large Scale ranges this year, but hopefully we'll see some news regarding Rusty and the Coaches sooner then later :)
What a disappointing year. Contrary to my statement from last night, I don't think there's a single item here that I am looking forward to. What a shame. I truly thought Bachmann had something special planned. The N scale line feels redundant and unnecessary and I have an awful feeling that just like the large scale line, the N scale will plateau after a few releases and (probably) be canceled or simply put out recolors. I'd love to be proven wrong though.
The time and energy I am assuming that Bachmann put into acquiring this N scale license were probably why the Large Scale and Narrow Gauge lines were neglected, and in my mind, that rationale makes very little sense. I'm sure that they have weighed the positives and negatives though and have decided that it's a worthy trade-off, but it's still sad to see them jumping to the next best market instead of just continuing with the current lines. But that's just business I suppose.
Not sure what else to say. Bring on 2020.
Personally, I'm just happy the flatbed is back. The new open wagons will probably be nice as well considering they have loads. I'm not to interested in Red Rosie all that much; I just hope she doesn't replace the original. I'm assuming she won't however considering Grumpy Diesel didn't replace regular diesel. No G scale or NG items is disappointing. I'm conflicted on N scale though. It will probably be nice, but it will definitely take away resources from other lines, which is disappointing.
Very interesting! I'm excited to see what the rolling stock looks like. Wagons with loads are always nice to have and adds variety. I'm kind of surprised Bachmann hasn't come out with anymore wagons with loads since the coal truck and and flat car with paint drums. Another new Christmas set is nice to have too with different rolling stock. Red Rosie was expected along with Sydney but I definitely would have Red Rosie as a first pick to be introduced. No NG, LS, or accessories this year but oh well! There's always next year! I feel like since Rusty and the coaches are taking longer than expected, Bachmann probably has something in the works so they become available within a shorter span of time. Maybe some new resin buildings for next year? Farquhar station would be neat! Or since Hornby has discontinued their Thomas line, maybe there's a way Bachmann could purchase the old building toolings from them (if that's possible?) and produce Great Wateron buildings? (Not sure if this would be possible but it would be neat if it could happen!)
I actually didn't see an N scale range anytime soon so that was a neat surprise! This is probably one of the main reasons there's nothing else new outside the HO line. Bachmann probably wants to focus on rolling this line out.
Hey InsideTrack, are there any cover pictures for the new ho items, a picture of the Christmas set, or pictures of the Narrow Gauge Coaches?
Quote from: InsideTrack on February 15, 2019, 09:32:04 AM
Dear Thomas & Friends™ fans,
Below is a list of the new items we are announcing for 2019. This is the COMPLETE list and the ONLY new items that will be announced in 2019. Happy rails!
HO SCALE THOMAS & FRIENDS™
Item No. 58819 ROSIE - RED (with moving eyes)
Item No. 77001 MINING WAGON WITH LOAD – BLUE
Item No. 77002 SODOR COAL CO. WAGON with LOAD
Item No. 77003 SODOR SCRAP CO. WAGON
Item No. 77004 SODOR LOGGING COMPANY FLAT WAGON with LOGS
Item No. 00755 THOMAS' CHRISTMAS DELIVERY (new Christmas set)
N SCALE THOMAS & FRIENDS™
Yes, we are introducing a completely NEW N scale line of Thomas & Friends™!
Item No. 58791 THOMAS the TANK ENGINE™
Item No. 58792 PERCY the SMALL ENGINE
Item No. 76094 ANNIE
Item No. 76095 CLARABEL
Item No. 77096 TROUBLESOME TRUCK #1
Item No. 77097 TROUBLESOME TRUCK #2
Please watch Bachmann's website, www.bachmanntrains.com, for the official announcements of new Thomas & Friends™ product arrivals.
My Views: Guess a Red Rosie was inevitable! but the flat beds return is very pleasing in my book, along with wagons with loads. A bit disappointed about no new OO9 products announced this year, at least we've got Rusty and the Skarloey Railway coaches to look forward to, and the new N gauge Thomas range is something I will be interested to see how it will pan out. Overall, an nice array of new products. Thanks Bachmann
Well, here it is. The 2019 Announcements! Honestly, my thoughts on this line up have changed within the past few hours. At first glance, I was very disappointed to see no new resin buildings, no new narrow gauge items, and not even Troublesome Truck #6, considering how much time and effort many of us put into our posts on these. But while looking through the announcements again, I saw that these aren't as bad as people are making them out to be.
For starters, Bachmann is bringing back the flat car! I am very excited to see that it is being reintroduced with a log load and am curious to know if the logs will be made out of plastic or real wood. The other rolling stock looks interesting as well, especially the mining wagon as it comes with a load. I'm also assuming that the scrap wagon will look like the discontinued Hornby model. Overall, I look forward to seeing these in the catalog, as none of them appear to be gimmicky designs.
Moving on to Red Rosie, as many people have already stated, announcing her with the updated paint scheme was inevitable. Nothing more to say there.
N Scale Thomas is something that I have mixed feelings about. Honestly, I'm very surprised that Bachmann decided to start the line now considering the cost of new toolings. I really hope that the cost of the new toolings that will have to go to this line does not cause problems when introducing items with new toolings for the other lines, especially narrow gauge.
As for large scale, I have a feeling that it has reached the end of the line. For next year, I could see Bachmann announcing some circus vans and an LBSC Thomas to celebrate the 75th Anniversary, but nothing more than that.
Lastly, with there being no new toolings for this years line up outside of the new n scale line, I am now really hoping that this means that the red and blue narrow gauge coaches will be made in two different toolings.
I just realized something... since the flatbed has been reintroduced, could the new Thomas' Christmas Delivery Set come with a Flatbed with a Christmas tree load as a reference to Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree from Season 2? If so, then that set may be worth a pickup for me especially if the other rolling stock item is equally as good (like a brake van or the Christmas Van from "Hunt the Truck").
The new Christmas set was confirmed to come with an open wagon with present load, similar to the large scale one.
One other thing I think I am going to do is, apart from Gordon, hold off on all the N scale projects I have planned until I see what the new Bachmann lineup will be like. I'm wondering if the troublesome truck toolings will either be a new tooling or if they are going to reuse the graham farish wagon tooling.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ng9c2s.jpg)
Initial thoughts;
Everyone expected Red Rosie so at least they're getting her out the way first. It seems Bachmann is going to keep milking existing toolings in the HO range for a long time. Maybe someday we'll get a new engine, but it seems less and less likely each year.
The new wagons, I expect will be these, since their designs are in other ranges already;
(https://www.walthers.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/599x400/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/d/i/diesels_steamies_set_thomas_friendstm_wooden_railway_286-4505.gif)
(https://hattonsimages.blob.core.windows.net/products/R9056-U_3156392_Qty1_ruler.jpg)
The mining wagon will likely be one of these;
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41xNQVulznL._SR600%2C315_PIWhiteStrip%2CBottomLeft%2C0%2C35_PIStarRatingFIVE%2CBottomLeft%2C360%2C-6_SR600%2C315_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91yEGOo8qRL._SX355_.jpg)
(https://www.totallythomas.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/5fbd5855c3c60d89a7fc9aa209fc0fb3.jpg)
If they bring the Mainline Hopper into the range, I'd be surprised.
N Scale is unexpected, but honestly not a surprise; there were several discussions made about N scale Thomas being made last year, and a lot of people collected the Tomix Thomas range recently, so Bachmann must see a potential market there. If they end up using the Graham Farish wagons though, I'd be disappointed as they'd be much smaller scale compared to the Tomix toolings.
As for the Flat Wagon w/ Logs; here's hoping it's the former Flatbed w/ Paint Drums tooling, and not the RF Container Wagon or Well Wagon toolings by accident... Logically, it -should- be the former hopefully.
Hopefully when the catalog goes up, we'll know for sure of everything.
Quote from: Chaz on February 15, 2019, 01:04:06 PM
The new Christmas set was confirmed to come with an open wagon with present load, similar to the large scale one.
One other thing I think I am going to do is, apart from Gordon, hold off on all the N scale projects I have planned until I see what the new Bachmann lineup will be like. I'm wondering if the troublesome truck toolings will either be a new tooling or if they are going to reuse the graham farish wagon tooling.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/2ng9c2s.jpg)
Oh ok. That's too bad. Seems like a missed opportunity if you ask me but whatever.
Going by Cheeky ULP's, if those are the designs for the HO wagons then I'd be happy especially because they come with loads. While I think the Mining Car might be the red one from WR, I really hope it's instead based on the green Trackmaster hopper.
Hopefully the N Scale line is all unique toolings.
Does anyone think the Sordor Coal Co. wagon will replace the regular coal truck? I hope not considering the coal truck is the nicest of the available open wagons in my opinion.
Considering they get the fuel tanker and the Sodor Diesel company have been put at the same time, I think it's possible they would keep both.
Personally I would be interested if the mining car was the mainline hopper repainted.
Now I'm more anxious to see the catalog. :P
Does anyone know when the catalogue will be out on digital form?
Alright. Time for my thoughts on this year's announcements.
I think we can all agree that we saw Red Rosie from a MILE away. I'm kinda neutral about it however at least now I have a reason to buy Rosie. I've never liked her pink livery, even as a kid, and I much prefer her cherry red livery. So I'd have to say 8/10
I've seen a lot of people say that we didn't get Troublesome Truck #6 this year, but honestly I can see why. I've noticed that after Truck #4, we've gotten a new piece of rolling stock with a face every two years. So yes. The Spiteful Brakevan counts as a Troublesome Truck. I'm guessing that we get Truck #6 next year. I was betting that we would get a flatbed rerelease and we got one! I'm a very big fan of the flatbed and seeing a new one with a new load excites me. I just hope it's the same grey as the original with Paint Drums, and not some green with logos and stuff. Just plain simple grey. I think it's nice we're getting some more open wagons (considering the last one we got was Truck #4) and I can't wait to see what they look like. I've been wanting a scrap car for a while now. Just so it can go with Arry and Bert. The coal car is another good idea because there was only one coal car up until now. The mining car will be interesting. I don't really have any guesses as to what it will look like. I'm still a bit disappointed we haven't gotten a dynamite car yet. They could just base it off of the large scale version with the ice cream van.
I have no comment on the new Christmas set.
The N scale range was a huge surprise to me, and I'm excited as to how they'll cover that.
Everyone's been saying that this has been the most disappointing year of announcements yet. Personally, I thnk we'll get something good next year. Now we'll wait for 2020.
Rosie as the new engine is a bit disappointing, would much rather have a brand new character, don't even mind Sidney being made.
The Trucks are great choices, quite hard to mess them up, the log flatbed is cool, I really wanted to see Hector and dusty rusty truck.
I guess this could be a cheaper year for me, as I got most my engines since Christmas 2017 (Edward, Henry, James, Percy, Toby, Duck, Donald, Douglas, Oliver, Bill, Ben, Spencer, Rosie, Diesel, Mavis, 'Arry, Bert, Paxton.
Already had the Thomas, Salty and Emily.
Just been waiting for Gordon to come in stock for over a year. ):
Quote from: Zekeism on February 15, 2019, 03:09:24 PM
I guess this could be a cheaper year for me, as I got most my engines since Christmas 2017 (Edward, Henry, James, Percy, Toby, Duck, Donald, Douglas, Oliver, Bill, Ben, Spencer, Rosie, Diesel, Mavis, 'Arry, Bert, Paxton.
Already had the Thomas, Salty and Emily.
Just been waiting for Gordon to come in stock for over a year. ):
Do you plan to get Red Rosie? I plan to get her since I don't have Rosie at all yet so like Grumpy Diesel, I'll just get the new one instead of the old one. I'm interested to see if anyone who already has Pink Rosie will get Red Rosie either to replace it or just to have both. I know that the Rosie fans on Twitter will buy it.
I only hope we'll get an actual character next year in 2020, even if it's another recolor character like Sidney.
Well red rosie I did see coming however I wasn't 100% sure if it was going to be this year or next for her. As someone who doesn't have rosie I will buy the original and red. Wonder if red rosie will have her lamp. That will be intresting to see.
The rolling stock I'm very excited for the sodor logging company flatbed with logs. That sounds great. As does the mining wagon with load. I like loads. Intresting they put (blue) beside it. Maybe foreshadowing for next year. Scrap wagon probably like the hornby one.
N scale I didn't see coming. I do worry that this could be the final nail for large scale which is a shame. I'm Intrested to see what they look like. At least we still have rusty and the coaches to look forward too. Speaking of which the coaches are listed on the website now. No image of the product just the one from 2018 catalogue. But they are there
That's all folks, until 2020, as InsideTrack has spoken, and made clear.
Not a single new announcement for Narrow Gauge, but on the bright side, we still have Rusty and the Narrow Gauge Coaches to look forward to. Theoretically, Peter Sam COULD be in the works, but Bachmann didn't feel it was the right time to announce him yet, so if they finally announce him next year, it's possible he could be well into production already, and released by the end of 2020. Skarloey was worked on since at least 2014, and he was announced in 2015, then released in the holiday season of that year. Once Rusty and the Coaches get released this year, absolutely nothing will be on the backburner for Narrow Gauge, so Bachmann must have big plans regarding Narrow Gauge in 2020.
We knew Red Rosie was inevitable for HO Scale, especially since Bachmann already had the tooling. Out of all the predictions many of us have been rapidly posting throughout the past few months, Red Rosie and the reintroduction of the Flatbed were the ONLY predictions to actually come true. I'm shocked that there's still no HO Explosives Van, but we're getting more open wagons, even a couple loaded. I bet many people are glad Sidney wasn't announced because now, we're not getting a Class 08 on three consecutive years. Bachmann decided to reuse an engine tooling that isn't Diesel's, to help break the monotony. I don't hate Sidney as a character, but I'd still like to see him get announced someday in the future. Next year will be the 75th Anniversary. I think the BEST idea for a recolor to celebrate it would be Green Thomas from The Adventure Begins in HO Scale. For the 70th, we got Celebration Thomas, which nobody cared about, but Thomas in his original LBSC livery would sell better.
It's about time we're getting N Scale Thomas models from Bachmann. I'm glad we're getting at least two engines to start it off, which are of course, Thomas and Percy. I highly doubt N Scale is going to suffer the same fate as Large Scale because N Scale is much smaller, and should definitely be more affordable. It will be an answer to those who wanted better models of Thomas and Percy. They might cost around the same price as HO Scale models. Unlike the first HO Scale models, which were based on cartoon illustrations, the N Scale models will be based on their CGI models, so we'll finally have CGI Thomas and Percy in a tiny size. Next year, James is inevitable, especially if the N Scale range takes off like the Skarloey range did. We should FINALLY get tender engines again. Maybe even N Scale Gordon at last. Bachmann shouldn't have anywhere near as much trouble making the big engines in N Scale as they would in Large Scale. Yes, I'm considering picking up the N Scale models once they're available. As for O Scale, Lionel still holds the license. Bachmann might consider making O Scale Thomas models if Lionel ever surrenders the license. Now that Hornby has dropped their license, Bachmann might eventually release their HO Thomas models in the UK.
I knew things were looking bleak for Large Scale. I'm not surprised nothing was announced there either.
Quote from: Streak on February 15, 2019, 03:21:19 PM
Quote from: Zekeism on February 15, 2019, 03:09:24 PM
I guess this could be a cheaper year for me, as I got most my engines since Christmas 2017 (Edward, Henry, James, Percy, Toby, Duck, Donald, Douglas, Oliver, Bill, Ben, Spencer, Rosie, Diesel, Mavis, 'Arry, Bert, Paxton.
Already had the Thomas, Salty and Emily.
Just been waiting for Gordon to come in stock for over a year. ):
Do you plan to get Red Rosie? I plan to get her since I don't have Rosie at all yet so like Grumpy Diesel, I'll just get the new one instead of the old one. I'm interested to see if anyone who already has Pink Rosie will get Red Rosie either to replace it or just to have both. I know that the Rosie fans on Twitter will buy it.
I only hope we'll get an actual character next year in 2020, even if it's another recolor character like Sidney.
Not sure yet, I didn't even buy the original Rosie my mother did, maybe she will get me red Rosie next Christmas, I also don't own Grumpy Diesel, I have the original one but with the odd painted buffers,
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 15, 2019, 03:52:26 PM
That's all folks, until 2020, as InsideTrack has spoken, and made clear.
It's about time we're getting N Scale Thomas models from Bachmann. I'm glad we're getting at least two engines to start it off, which are of course, Thomas and Percy. I highly doubt N Scale is going to suffer the same fate as Large Scale because N Scale is much smaller, and should definitely be more affordable. It will be an answer to those who wanted better models of Thomas and Percy. They might cost around the same price as HO Scale models. Unlike the first HO Scale models, which were based on cartoon illustrations, the N Scale models will be based on their CGI models, so we'll finally have CGI Thomas and Percy in a tiny size. Next year, James is inevitable, especially if the N Scale range takes off like the Skarloey range did. We should FINALLY get tender engines again. Maybe even N Scale Gordon at last. Bachmann shouldn't have anywhere near as much trouble making the big engines in N Scale as they would in Large Scale. Yes, I'm considering picking up the N Scale models once they're available. As for O Scale, Lionel still holds the license. Bachmann might consider making O Scale Thomas models if Lionel ever surrenders the license. Now that Hornby has dropped their license, Bachmann might eventually release their HO Thomas models in the UK.
I knew things were looking bleak for Large Scale. I'm not surprised nothing was announced there either.
Sorry I'm going to double post here, with the N Scale engines, I guess their eyes will not be moving?
Just like the Narrow Gauge models, the N Scale models will not have moving eyes, since they're too small to have that.
I might be interested in the freight cars. But to be honest I was too disappointed in this years line up. I need to see these truck repaints before considering to buy them.
Although I do model N Scale. It came as a big surprise and disappointing that was no narrow gauge. Last year around November I was thinking of buying those Tomix Thomas freight cars and maybe with Thomas/coaches set. I was told to not get them because it will the same way with the HO ones I have.
Plus the Japanese models didn't have a brake van. I wondered the same idea in my head if Bachmann would make the brake van for their n scale line. Or not make one at all making their goods trains incomplete.
Cool! I am so just gonna get the Red Rosie!:)
I'm sure it will be much easier to make much more of the Thomas cast in N Scale considering there's no moving eye mechanisms or size limits that Bachmann has to really worry about. I'm sure some characters will be complicated to make in the line but for now it looks like it could be smoother sailing with bigger engines like Gordon, Henry, Rebecca, and Spencer.
I guess someone should make a Bachmann in 2020 thread now. :D
Maybe the Narrow Gauge line will be ended here???? Hopefully not!
Quote from: TrainshockeylifE on February 15, 2019, 04:37:46 PM
Maybe the Narrow Gauge line will be ended here???? Hopefully not!
That's a tricky one beciase on the one hand they are probably more expensive to make and mold being diecast and obviously require new tooling. But they do sell very well. Look at how amazing skarloey did right out of the gate. Becuase many non thomas modellers buy these to recreate their real life counter parts. I think that this year with rusty and the coaches bachmann are thinking let's leave these ranges till 2020. I didn't realise that the tankers in large scale haven't been released yet. Again probably why bachmann left things till 2020. I hope none of the Thomas range gets cut, as i do genuinely love each scale they make.
When Bachmann eventually gets to Spencer in N Scale, let's hope he would be much faster than his HO Scale counterpart.
Quote from: TrainshockeylifE on February 15, 2019, 04:37:46 PM
Maybe the Narrow Gauge line will be ended here???? Hopefully not!
I'm sure they'll keep it going. Skarloey and Rheneas sold like hot cakes and I'm sure Rusty will sell well to once he's released. I'm honestly more worried for the Large Scale range. It hasn't gotten a new engine since 2015 (if you'd really call Winston an engine). However, the LS tankers haven't been released yet so maybe they're treating those as the 2019 releases (despite being 2018 announcements) kinda like Rusty and the coaches for the Narrow Guage line.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 15, 2019, 05:06:28 PM
When Bachmann eventually gets to Spencer in N Scale, let's hope he would be much faster than his HO Scale counterpart.
Omg a CGI style Spencer in N Scale would be amazing. Hopefully a literal "silver bullet". ;D
InsideTrack (or The Bach-man), is there any idea of what the N Scale Thomas range is going to be scaled like? Would they be 1:160, 1:148, or oversized similar to the Tomix models?
I'm super excited for the N scale Thomas line! I can't believe Bachmann actually announced it! We all know James is gonna be announced next year for 2020 so I am hoping we get other engines like Gordon or Henry. My gosh if we get Gordon that would be amazing! N scale leaves up so many opportunities for so many characters! Whatever will they think up next?
When we get N Scale James in 2020, who should we get with him, if a second engine gets announced? Hopefully, if we get two engines again next year, we could get Gordon, or Emily to join alongside James. When we get Gordon, it will be a real treat, since the big engines are much more possible in N Scale. Gordon is a character Tomix still has yet to make. Of course, we can't have Gordon without N Scale Express Coaches.
The fact that the N Scale range is finally starting is a big deal. Should be much more successful than Large Scale, and affordable too. Hopefully, not as expensive as Narrow Gauge.
Looking forward to HO Scale Red Rosie. Maybe next year, we can finally get Sidney and/or Green Thomas. Green Thomas would be perfect to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. Much better than how Celebration Thomas celebrated the 70th. We may not have Troublesome Truck #6 coming yet, but we are getting more open wagons. Two of which are loaded, and the Flatbed is coming back, with logs. We got the Spiteful Brake Van just recently.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 15, 2019, 11:40:40 PM
When we get N Scale James in 2020, who should we get with him, if a second engine gets announced? Hopefully, if we get two engines again next year, we could get Gordon, or Emily to join alongside James. When we get Gordon, it will be a real treat, since the big engines are much more possible in N Scale. Gordon is a character Tomix still has yet to make. Of course, we can't have Gordon without N Scale Express Coaches.
While I could see them doing Emily, I think if they were to pair any engine up with James to sell in N Scale, it would be Edward. Gordon would probably be paired up with Henry. Granted we have no idea if they'll do two N Scale engines every year. I truly hope they will as it will help the range to catch up to the Large Scale range and the HO Scale range.
Wow, I'm honestly giddy. The N Scale announcement has gotten me so excited for the future. I just can't wait to see what Bachmann does!
So...some thoughts about this year's announcements:
Everybody saw Red Rosie coming, but I still thought it may be a year away. Not too excited about this one, but slightly happy to see her in red at least, as I prefer that livery to her lavender one. Nice to see the flatbed returning, and I'm curious, however not incredibly excited about the other HO wagons that have been announced.
Kind of disappointing that there are no announcements for Narrow Gauge, but if I recall correctly, previously if rolling stock has been delayed, the next year, we have not received any rolling stock in the announcements. If an engine is delayed, there has not been an engine in the announcements, so maybe this is why nothing was announced for Narrow Gauge. It could also have to do with the Factory issues Bachmann's UK branch has been having, perhaps.
As for the Narrow Gauge coaches, last time I remember a product being delayed for so long without any image (bar maybe Rusty or Rheneas) was with Oliver in HO scale, and since the CGI coaches are over scale, maybe there's an issue here with them trying to fix the scaling in the model, vs what Mattel wants. Considering Bachmann's Oliver is clearly a CG design, but does have the scaling issues of the CGI model a little fixed, it's possible that the reason the model stalled out in production for so long was because Bachmann and Mattel had trouble coming to an agreement on the final model. I sincerely hope this isn't the case, as it would confirm both coaches to have the same tooling, and (like I'm assuming most people are), I'm hoping that we do get two different toolings for the coaches.
It's sad to see nothing coming forth in large scale, it's been obvious that the large scale range has been in a bit of decline for the last few years, but I still feel really bad for Large Scale modelers, and it is sad to see that the range seems to be declining more and more. Maybe we didn't get anything here because there's already last year's tankers on the back-burner...but still, this just seems like confirmation that the range is in a very bad place right now, worse than I imagined, at least.
Finally, the N Gauge models. I'm actually quite surprised by these, in a good way. I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out, I hope they come out looking great, and if they do outshine their HO counterparts, it might show Bachmann that the HO Thomas, Percy and James are due for at least a little re-tooling.
Also, I'd suggest that in 2020, we'd only see James as an engine in the N Gauge range, as he doesn't share any common chassis or body components with other engines, so there isn't much financial incentive to release two different toolings in one year (which can be expensive), past the initial launch year. I'd suggest in 2021 that we may see Gordon and Henry, but that's because their HO models share a common chassis. Henry's wheelbase literally has the hole in it, that is used to screw Gordon's two trailing wheels into Gordon's model, because the two share the same chassis block, valve gear, wheels, and motor. And it's been a long time in HO since we've seen two engines released in one year that don't share common parts - and whilst there is Rosie and Oliver, Oliver had been delayed by about a year at that point already, so I'm electing to ignore that one.
However, so many of us are putting forward predictions for 2020 already. As much as I think it's potentially a little early it for it, maybe we could benefit from having a Bachmann Thomas & Friends in 2020 thread? It seems people are keen to speculate about next year, and maybe the announcements thread for this year isn't the most ideal spot. Not to be rude, just a thought, that's all :)
Have a great day everyone,
~Alex
Wow great to see an N gauge range be announced. Looking forward to seeing how this develops. I'm surprised there's no new Troublesome Truck but the flatbed log carrier will be the perfect accompaniment to Henry. Great news.
I have a hunch that Bachmann has learned their lesson with announcing things too early. LS Diesel was cancelled and people are getting antsy over the upcoming products and how long they're taking, maybe they've set themselves with the idea that they should atleast have a prototype and be prepared to manufacture it before they announce a product, which would explain why we haven't gotten any Narrow Guage stuff the last 2 years, they're waiting because Rusty is taking so long.
Just a thought.
Well now. A new N gauge line, eh? Perhaps they bought the rights and toolings for the Tomix line from Tomy... if so, there's already two other models Bachmann have ready to go (James and Henry) for possible future release. Maybe we'll see that Gordon that Tomix supposedly announced then cancelled. I expect there would at least be re-done faces in CGI style, though.
A bit disappointed with the lack of new narrow-gauge models... I'm thinking (if I didn't sell them on eBay already, I don't remember to be honest) I can bust out my old ERTL Peter Sam and Sir Handel and do up my own NG versions. Others both here and elsewhere have done so iirc, so there's examples to work from.
I can take or leave the upcoming HO scale models. Don't have the space to work with them, not interested in newer characters/repaints of older rolling stock. In the meantime, I still have some HO engines to sell for some extra cash.
Does anyone know when the 2019 catalog will be up? I'm very curious to see what the new HO rolling stock looks like, as well as (possibly) the final images of the narrow gauge coaches. Still hoping the coaches are two different toolings!
Last year it was up on Monday, February 19th. I'm really hoping that it will follow that pattern this year and that there is something about what size the N Scale range is going to be.
Does anyone know when the 2019 catalog will be released? I'm excited to see prototypes for the new HO items.
Quote from: steakandcake on February 18, 2019, 09:38:11 PM
Does anyone know when the 2019 catalog will be released? I'm excited to see prototypes for the new HO items.
That was literally asked 2 post ago. Read the forum before asking questions as you may find the same question may already have been answered
Quote from: Titanic5972 on February 20, 2019, 05:12:24 AM
Quote from: steakandcake on February 18, 2019, 09:38:11 PM
Does anyone know when the 2019 catalog will be released? I'm excited to see prototypes for the new HO items.
That was literally asked 2 post ago. Read the forum before asking questions as you may find the same question may already have been answered
Well to be fair the post before said last year it was on Monday after announcements and this was asked later on Monday. Cut the guy some slack. I think we are all eager to see the catalogue.
Quote from: Titanic5972 on February 20, 2019, 05:12:24 AM
Quote from: steakandcake on February 18, 2019, 09:38:11 PM
Does anyone know when the 2019 catalog will be released? I'm excited to see prototypes for the new HO items.
That was literally asked 2 post ago. Read the forum before asking questions as you may find the same question may already have been answered
Sorry. Must not have seen the last posts.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/Large_Scale/98024.jpg)
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/Large_Scale/98022.jpg)
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/Large_Scale/98023.jpg)
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/00755.jpg)
It seems that Bachmann has been updating their site. There are still no pictures of the Narrow Gauge coaches. A lot of the HO locomotives have jumped up in price by about $10 each. The rolling stock has jumped up in price by about $3 each. The Large Scale prices haven't changed. I also cannot find anything on the store about the N scale Thomas range or any 2019 announcements for the regular Bachmann lines (other than the Transcontinental Train Set). So far it doesn't seem like anything has been discontinued. The catalog still isn't up, either.
The set itself looks pretty incomplete compared to the previous two sets and the design looks like something Mattel clearly came up with. However, I have an even bigger issue I would like to address... Why are we getting a new Christmas set but not a new starter set for the N scale range? A new N scale set would have sold much better than a new Christmas set and would make a lot more sense. It does make me wish that Bachmann considered changing their priorities to giving a starter set to the N scale range instead of another new Christmas set in HO.
Oh yeah, and compared to the last set, this new set, despite having fewer pieces of rolling stock, is four dollars more on retail than the previous set.
I agree about the Christmas set. It just doesn't look like it's up to the standards of the previous Christmas sets. Making an N scale starter set would have been a much better choice. I just wonder if there's going to be anything about the N scale range (other than having something like the "HO models shown for illustrative purposes") in the catalog. I would almost prefer those 2d illustrations over the HO models because we would at least get some basis of what the product will actually be like, sort of like how the McColl's Cattle Wagon clearly used the Branchline tooling, even though it was just an illustration.
I really hope we do eventually get the Explosives Van in HO Scale. I'd also like to see the Toffee and Chocolate Syrup Tankers get made in HO Scale someday. The HO Explosives Van is especially long overdue.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 20, 2019, 05:36:39 PM
I really hope we do eventually get the Explosives Van in HO Scale. I'd also like to see the Toffee and Chocolate Syrup Tankers get made in HO Scale someday. The HO Explosives Van is especially long overdue.
Me too, I really like the explosions van, but I'm tired of the GWR van tooling. I would love to see them bring the G scale design to HO. They used to make the LNER vans as part of the Mainline range, so they already have the tooling.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 20, 2019, 05:36:39 PM
I really hope we do eventually get the Explosives Van in HO Scale. I'd also like to see the Toffee and Chocolate Syrup Tankers get made in HO Scale someday. The HO Explosives Van is especially long overdue.
Me too. I absolutely love the Toffee Tanker and I really hope they make that in HO Scale along with the Chocolate Syrup Tanker and Explosives Van.
As for the Christmas set... eh. I mean it's cool they brought back the conflat (kinda) but I think it would've been much better if they had used the flatbed with a Christmas Tree load to call back to Thomas and the Missing Christmas Tree. Seems like a missed opportunity to me.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 20, 2019, 05:36:39 PM
I really hope we do eventually get the Explosives Van in HO Scale. I'd also like to see the Toffee and Chocolate Syrup Tankers get made in HO Scale someday. The HO Explosives Van is especially long overdue.
Honestly. WHY haven't we gotten an explosives van in HO? It's just the ice cream van repainted! And we all know how much Bachmann loves their repaints, so they wouldn't even have to make a new mold! (And if they do make the explosives van in HO, I really hope they don't use the Ventilated Van Model, as they've already used it for the GWR and Vegetable Vans.)
The Christmas set just looks so incomplete. I agree that this is most likely mattels pulling the strings. There was a charm to the original Christmas set with the candy cane tanker and festive coach. Then the second with the festive van. But this just doesn't scream buy like the others did. The only thing I've really wanted out of these sets is thomas with his plow but the other sets had something I could see the appeal of. Choosing this over an N Scale starter set really baffles me. To be honest I'm not sure why Bachmann has updated this set as the one we had was perfectly fine. The tankers look really nice. I do wish they made the HO water tanker in those colours rather then the darker blue with white writing. That looks so much better in large scale.
The new catalog is up and red Rosie looks pretty good and the rolling stock is cool too.
All right, the 2019 catalog is up, so as per usual, here are further thoughts.
I think it's safe to say that because Rusty and the narrow gauge coaches were held up from the last year or so, Bachmann probably just wanted to focus on getting those two things released before making more narrow gauge products. Another possibility though, is that they also could be focusing on giving the new n scale range a lot more time by investing in new tooling's to match what is similar with the large scale models. Either way, while I am still pretty disappointed that there is nothing new for Narrow gauge this year, I can at least understand why and I am a lot more hopeful for the future of that range as well as the new N scale range.
Speaking of, I think the real highlight here is the new n scale range. It is going to open the doors to more people allowing them to get into the hobby of collecting n scale trains. It does seem odd that there is no starter set for either Thomas and Percy, but maybe we will get lucky next year. Either way, if the range proves to be successful I can see them some more characters, which would be a lot more than large scale's current offering.
I think it is safe to say that the HO range hit the final nail in the coffin in terms of new toolings. They haven't announced one for quite a few years now, and clearly that's telling me that the ship has sailed for HO. Sad, but honestly not unexpected. The same is especially true for large scale, but I think that's a given. At least the range is still active and in the catalog which automatically debunks that Facebook/Twitter rumor about the whole range getting discontinued.
The only new addition in HO that I thought was a smart move was the return of the flat car with a log load. The rest of the HO rolling stock announcements I don't really care for. Our buddies at Mattel had to throw in more colorful wagons for us huh?
Red Rosie is an obvious improvement over the older model with the updated livery and the additional lamp. Doesn't mean I would be interested in the model since I never cared for the character, but I think it's the clear choice for which model people should pick if they want a model of her.
Oh and Arry and Bert are discontinued. Not in the least bit surprised since they were some of the least popular models Bachmann released. I can see the normal Diesel and lavender Rosie getting the boot next.
Overall, really my biggest issues with this year's announcements aren't so much what they announced it this year (apart from the new Christmas set) but more along the lines of what didn't get announced to this year. It just feels very incomplete for reasons I mentioned in earlier posts.
While you could argue that this year's announcements are worse than last year's in regards to how much got announced, I think there are some diamonds in the rough this year like last year's choices so I really can't say I'm that disappointed. All the same, I still plan on remaining fairly optimistic for the new N scale range and narrow gauge but probably not expect anything extravagant quite yet. I don't think I can expect anything exciting for HO and large scale for the time being, but maybe in 2020 we will be in for a pleasant surprise. Until then, I better get around to finishing my Duncan and N scale Gordon projects because regardless of whatever happens next year, we are basically guaranteed a very, very long period of waiting ahead of us.
The regular large scale Thomas is back in the range as well. I hope they are able to release the N scale stuff this year though. That would be really cool.
I wouldn't say that we will NEVER get another new mold in HO. Maybe since next year is the 75th anniversary, we'll get a nice surprise. (Even though I'm only expecting Original Thomas.) I actually predicted that 'Arry and Bert would get discontinued this year. Not surprised really. I'm really excited for the new Flat Car and open wagons. We haven't gotten an open wagon since Troublesome Truck #4 (FIVE YEARS AGO).
I absolutely love the look of the new flat car with logs. The fact the new HO stock already has final images is pretty unusual, but great at the same time, as it means that they may get released sooner than usual.
I'm a little surprised that the narrow gauge carriages are not presented with concept art images too. Still dying to know if the carriages will be made in two different toolings!
Lastly, why is the switch tower in the catalog, but not the resin signal box?
Quote from: steakandcake on February 21, 2019, 07:31:15 PM
I wouldn't say that we will NEVER get another new mold in HO. Maybe since next year is the 75th anniversary, we'll get a nice surprise. (Even though I'm only expecting Original Thomas.) I actually predicted that 'Arry and Bert would get discontinued this year. Not surprised really. I'm really excited for the new Flat Car and open wagons. We haven't gotten an open wagon since Troublesome Truck #4 (FIVE YEARS AGO).
Yeah, saying we'll NEVER getting another new mold in HO is a little extreme. I'm sure someday we'll be able to get more from HO Scale but just right now it just wasn't the right time.
Makes sense for Arry and Bert to get the axe. I would be upset since I haven't gotten them yet but considering as I'm thinking of switching over to the N Scale range, I'm fine with them getting discontinued (I'm just hoping they'll be made in the N Scale range eventually)
I'm fine with most of the HO rolling stock. The Flat Car is cool, Gordon's Coaches will be great, the Coal Co. Wagon and the Scrap Co. Wagon look nice, but honestly I'm not on board with the Mining Wagon. That just looks dumb honestly. Still, it's better than nothing at all. Also, Red Rosie looks cool. Glad she'll have her lamp.
Hopefully we'll see all 4 ranges get new announcements next year but who knows.
Quote from: Streak on February 21, 2019, 07:44:53 PM
Quote from: steakandcake on February 21, 2019, 07:31:15 PM
I wouldn't say that we will NEVER get another new mold in HO. Maybe since next year is the 75th anniversary, we'll get a nice surprise. (Even though I'm only expecting Original Thomas.) I actually predicted that 'Arry and Bert would get discontinued this year. Not surprised really. I'm really excited for the new Flat Car and open wagons. We haven't gotten an open wagon since Troublesome Truck #4 (FIVE YEARS AGO).
Yeah, saying we'll NEVER getting another new mold in HO is a little extreme. I'm sure someday we'll be able to get more from HO Scale but just right now it just wasn't the right time.
Keep in mind that I did also mention in my post that we could be in for a surprise in 2020, but for the last couple of years we have been getting nothing but re-colors, and it doesn't seem that likely to me that we would get new ones anytime soon considering their track record in recent years. Clearly pricing and manufacturing has become more costly and that's going to be more of a factor in what gets announced than anything else.
I am slightly disappointed that there are no pictures of the N scale stuff, but it makes sense because their still determining the sizes. It's probably why there aren't any prices either.
Well Red Rosie looks decent, nice detailing on Bachmann's part with the lamp. The logging wagon looks really nice I will definitely be buying a couple of those. The other open wagons I'm not too excited about really. The scrap wagon is basically a copy and paste off Hornby. I prefer the original coal wagon and can't really tell about the mining wagon until I see a higher resalution image. The Narrow Guage coaches again I'm not too suprised we haven't had an image of these yet. I noticed the other day they were added to the website with no image so yeah. Arry and Bert getting the boot again isn't a surprise to me really. I agree that we will likely see original Diesel and Rosie go next. Lastly N Scale. My prediction is that Bachmann will release the new HO items and Rusty first then work on the N Scale range to at least have something to show by the end of the year. Might even be next year, we have all seen Bachmann likes to take their time to try to get things right so don't be too shocked if we are still waiting next February when we are discussing next year's possible products. We are a year down the line and still not narrow gauge coaches and look how long Oliver took.
It's nice that Red Rosie even has the lamp. Bachmann needs to post her high-resolution image on the website soon. Red Rosie should be shipping this summer.
Paxton still has his prototype image in the catalog, which is really strange. 'Arry and Bert are finally discontinued, since they didn't sell very well. What killed 'Arry and Bert's sales was the fact that their faces were too similar, with the only difference being Bert having slightly more stubble. Now, 'Arry and Bert have joined Salty as the next engines to get discontinued. I expect the NEXT engines that will get axed will be original Diesel and Rosie, now that we have Grumpy Diesel, and Red Rosie is on the horizon.
At least the HO Flatbed with Logs is still gray. The new open wagons are okay, but the mining one looks dumb. The HO Explosives Van still isn't coming this year, and it's long overdue. We really need the Explosives Van in 2020. Maybe even the Chocolate Syrup and Toffee Tankers in HO Scale as well. There's no excuse not to make them, since Bachmann can easily repaint toolings.
The exact scale for the N Scale models hasn't even been determined yet, so we have to wait a bit longer until we get more info. We don't know their prices yet either. Still no images of the Narrow Gauge Coaches.
A few things i wanted to bring up:
1.) Like what Chaz said about new toolings...we might be in for a surprise for 2020! I know I've mentioned it recently with the NG line, Bachmann could have new toolings already in the works so they are able to release things within the year they are announced. Rusty was announced in 2017. still no Rusty and no coaches. I think Bachmann wanted to focus on new products for the NG line and now with the N scale line which is probably why there has been a lack of new tooled items.
2.) I was kind of surprised they kept Rosie in her original livery on the roster, as well as Diesel with his happy face. The rolling stock announced look like nice pieces and I'm kind of surprised this hasn't been done before.
3.) As we've noticed, prices have indeed gone up, but a few things still remain the same price as last year, like the resin buildings, the windmill, and the lighthouse, just to name a few.
4.) Things that were discontinued: (As said previously) Arry and Bert. I wasn't too surprised but i was surprised at the resin signal box being discontinued.
5.) There are also updated pictures of Annie and Clarabel
Maybe next year we"ll see some new toolings in a few of the product lines!
Any one else notice the yellow stripes on the Express Coaches?? I thought I saw them in the video from the Toy Fair but thought I was just seeing things! Fingers crossed that there is the yellow stripe. If so, looks like I am getting another set of 3 coaches and 1 brake coach!
In going through the catalogue I noticed the only large scale set that is still available is the starter set with Percy. Both the Thomas set and Christmas set have also been discontinued. Another blow for large scale.
I am pretty happy with what we got this year. If you can remember, Bachmann said that they have to sell things they know will sell well. It is a time where technology is really ruining kids and keeping them glued to the screen. That being said, Bachmann did say Thomas helps their market for toolings and since the Thomas stuff sells well for them, they got to be careful with what they invest in.
I feel bad for all those people who paid lots of money for Gordon's coaches and the flatbeds. Usually stock images means its done with tooling and decorated sample stage and now its in manufacturing.
Looking forward to n gauge. Tomix has gone down in quality with the recent re-release and Bachmann stuff always runs well. While I know there aren't any sets for n this year, it seems like they are testing the waters and seeing how it sells first. As someone who has dove into HO/OO/N and OO9, N was great because it allowed for longer trains, more track and less space. I remember having a great set up with the KATO track I bought and it was only in a space of 3'x5'. I never wanted a big Thomas layout, but a portable N layout seems fun. ALSO there are companies who make modules strictly to fit n gauge set ups called T-Traks. Model Railroader did them and it looks like it would be a GREAT way for a Thomas model club to start.
Here are some examples:
(https://www.c-trak.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/T-TRAK_3-300x189.jpg)
(https://www.c-trak.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/T-TRAK_5-300x261.jpg)
(https://www.c-trak.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/T-TRAK_1-300x204.jpg)
(https://www.c-trak.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/T-TRAK_2-300x190.jpg)
You can put these together to form layouts too:
(https://www.c-trak.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Layout_2-300x181.png)
Just some food for thought. 8)
Looks like my predictions for the wagon decals turned out to be correct. Shame that none of them are a hopper though, and I'm a little disappointed that both the Mining Wagon and Coal Co. Wagon have the same coal load, a load that has been in the range for awhile, no less. For anyone who missed out on the original coal wagon though, I'm sure these will be worth it.
Pleasantly surprised to see the Log Wagon is the Flatbed, I'll definitely be getting a bunch of those. Might rub off the Logging Co. decal though.
Surprised to see Red Rosie actually has the lamp, so it's good to see Bachmann took an extra effort there.
On the opposite end of surprises, I am not at all surprised to see Arry and Bert discontinued; they really missed the mark with Arry and Bert, and I firmly believe that if they had model era faces instead of identical CGI faces, it would've made a world of a difference in sales from the "hardcore fans." Maybe an idea to consider for the future, Bachmann?
I -am- surprised that the Signal Box is discontinued though. I guess Bachmann decided enough people purchased the last run and that another run might just end up as shelf warmers.
Slightly disappointed that we have no renders of the N Scale Thomas stock yet, but hopefully that'll be rectified in the coming months.
Once again, prices have gone up quite tremendously. It seems year after year Mattel is demanding more money for the Thomas license, and prices continue to rise over 200% than they were just a bit less than a decade ago. There isn't much of a reason for this beyond Mattel, which is a bit of a joke when they're continually losing money.
'Arry and Bert would've had much better sales if they just had the model series faces, but no. They had to have identical CGI faces. Talk about wasted potential. It would really be nice that if 'Arry and Bert do come back someday, or they get made in N Scale, they would at least have different faces from one another. Model series faces seem farfetched at this point, but they can still have CGI faces. Just make them different next time. It would help their sales in the long run. Maybe give them different "naughty" or "grumpy" expressions. If 'Arry and Bert eventually get made in N Scale, they must NOT have the same faces they had in HO Scale, and they should be different from one another. I think 'Arry had a bit too much stubble, or Bert had too less. Bert needs noticeably more stubble.
I was wondering if Bachmann has taken the Tomix Thomas range over for N scale ???
if so lets hope it is re-scaled .
plas man
My views on the new products:
Red Rosie: The vibrant and bright cherry red livery stands out very well, and the headlamp is an added bonus. Huge improvement over the Lavender variant, though the lavender version still looks good in it's own right! Be definitely buying it! 10/10!
Blue Mining Wagon with Load: I was unimpressed with the tooling used for this wagon, that being a 7 plank wagon, not to mention using the same coal load as the two coal wagons! Would consider buying it if it was a hopper wagon with a slate or ballast load. 4/10.
Sodor Coal Co. Wagon with load: Not much to say about it, but nice company banner on the wagon 9/10.
Sodor Scrap Co. Wagon: Bachmann has done wonders making their own version of a product their rival has made, though I would have like to have it include a scrap load since the other new wagons do. Regardless, I would recommend this product, though it's a shame Iron Arry and Iron Bert are discontinued this year as this wagon would be suitable for them and would really boost their sales! 9.5/10.
Sodor Logging Company Flat Wagon with Loads: Kudos to you Bachmann for bringing back a much requested piece of rolling stock! the log loads look amazing! and you kept the flatbed's original grey livery. Well done Bachmann! Be getting a few of these no question! 10/10!
If any of you guys noticed, they took the Narrow gauge coaches off the website....
Quote from: TrainshockeylifE on February 22, 2019, 07:27:55 PM
If any of you guys noticed, they took the Narrow gauge coaches off the website....
They're actually still on it, you just have to go through the HO Scale section to find them rather than the Thomas & Friends section.
They are also in the catalog too. Hopefully they made it on display at Toy Fair.
Here is a link for anyone who is desperate to make their own troublesome trucks with classic faces:
https://www.shapeways.com/shops/the-faces-of-trouble?s=0
Perhaps this could give Bachmann some ideas if Troublesome Truck #6 were to be announced next year.
Yes, Sean has advertised his store on here before, which is technically against the rules. Don't see what much it has to do with the 2019 announcements, either.
Fair point. Just thought that I should spread the word for anyone who missed the post the first time.
I'd love to see how the NG faces would look on tankers.
Quote from: Cheeky_ULP on February 22, 2019, 01:56:11 PM
Once again, prices have gone up quite tremendously. It seems year after year Mattel is demanding more money for the Thomas license, and prices continue to rise over 200% than they were just a bit less than a decade ago. There isn't much of a reason for this beyond Mattel, which is a bit of a joke when they're continually losing money.
If you want to add insult to injury, the HO range only made two new engine toolings in six years since Mattel bought Hit, (Oliver and Rosie). It really doesn't justify the prices behind the current models in the range and the production and licensing behind them. It's ridiculous how the prices manage to go up every year because of Mattel's poor marketing choices.
Large scale is even worse with Toby being the only engine Bachmann added to the range since Mattel bought Hit too (not including Winston). Even though the large scale market is pretty poor in general, it doesn't justify the high prices in that range too. Plus I'm sure Mattel's ridiculous pricing and licensing are why Diesel got cancelled, so there's that going against them too.
Sounds like Mattel's takeover has done far more harm than good. They don't know how to run the franchise properly, and they constantly make poor business decisions.
It doesn't help that (from what I've heard on Twitter) they're forcing certain places that used to sell Thomas toys and DVDS to not sell them anymore.
How do they expect to make money if they don't even sell anything? Plz can Hasbro just buy the franchise or Mattel as a whole already?
A real bummer. I was really hoping for 2 Narrow Guage engines, but we get nothing. Almost makes me want to sell off what I have in NG and forget about it if were never going to get the rest of the core engines.
Quote from: DrNickRiviera995 on February 25, 2019, 09:08:05 AM
A real bummer. I was really hoping for 2 Narrow Guage engines, but we get nothing. Almost makes me want to sell off what I have in NG and forget about it if were never going to get the rest of the core engines.
Personally, I would wait until Rusty and the coaches are out first before selling anything. It seems clear to me that the only reason that range didn't get anything this year is likely because they are waiting to get everything that's been delayed released before announcing more products.
Quote from: Chaz on February 24, 2019, 05:36:07 PM
Quote from: Cheeky_ULP on February 22, 2019, 01:56:11 PM
Once again, prices have gone up quite tremendously. It seems year after year Mattel is demanding more money for the Thomas license, and prices continue to rise over 200% than they were just a bit less than a decade ago. There isn't much of a reason for this beyond Mattel, which is a bit of a joke when they're continually losing money.
If you want to add insult to injury, the HO range only made two new engine toolings in six years since Mattel bought Hit, (Oliver and Rosie). It really doesn't justify the prices behind the current models in the range and the production and licensing behind them. It's ridiculous how the prices manage to go up every year because of Mattel's poor marketing choices.
Large scale is even worse with Toby being the only engine Bachmann added to the range since Mattel bought Hit too (not including Winston). Even though the large scale market is pretty poor in general, it doesn't justify the high prices in that range too. Plus I'm sure Mattel's ridiculous pricing and licensing are why Diesel got cancelled, so there's that going against them too.
The raising of high prices on Thomas HO is one reason I'm not getting the N Scale range. If Thomas trains and cars are going to cost as a normal diesel locomotive and rolling stock. I'll skip thomas and purchase regular engines and cars.
Forcing stores to stop selling your products is literally saying "We don't want to make money!"
I just listened to an interview with Lionel's head of traditional scale product, which includes the Thomas and Friends line. Now although Lionel does more "toy-like" models than Bachmann's more realistic models, she claims that Mattel and they have a great relationship. She added that Mattel has given them suggestions on what to make but did not exactly tell them what to make. Last point here, they are also looking to expand the line past the four main characters now.
Don't assume that everything is Mattel's fault. There are more factors that go into producing Thomas and Friends models than just what Mattel says and its unfair to both Bachmann and Mattel to say such things.
Just because one business has a good relation with Mattel does not mean another business does as well. There's already undeniable evidence that a price increase occured after Mattel acquired the brand. Mattels company is objectively sinking, and this has been publicly disclosed in the news everywhere lately. There's no reason to feel the need to defend a company that can barely hold itself together financially.
Quote from: rjmets41 on February 25, 2019, 08:25:47 PM
I just listened to an interview with Lionel's head of traditional scale product, which includes the Thomas and Friends line. Now although Lionel does more "toy-like" models than Bachmann's more realistic models, she claims that Mattel and they have a great relationship. She added that Mattel has given them suggestions on what to make but did not exactly tell them what to make. Last point here, they are also looking to expand the line past the four main characters now.
Don't assume that everything is Mattel's fault. There are more factors that go into producing Thomas and Friends models than just what Mattel says and its unfair to both Bachmann and Mattel to say such things.
Dude, I made this exact argument a month ago. I didn't know what the heck I was talking about and I got blasted as a result. Just backtrack while you still can. These guys know so much more about this sort of thing than either of us do.
Well before the month is over I wanted to get my thoughts out there on the 2019 announcements. I was kind of holding off till the catalog came out, but everyday life got in the way after that. Anyways, this is my thoughts on what we got this year.
Let's start with the HO range. I'll be honest and say that the fact we didn't get a new tooling this year is in no way a surprise. I'd say the biggest positive here is the fact that the flatcar has made a comeback, and this time with a more desirable load at that. Considering the demand for it, it's nice to see Bachmann has taken into consideration that this was a piece collectors really wanted to see return to the range. It's also nice to see that Rosie's livery was updated, but still doesn't take away from the fact that she's just a recolor (just like everything else the past how many years) and no I don't consider the addition of a lamp to change that fact.
On another note, the Mining Wagon, Sodor Coal Co. Wagon, and Sodor Scrap Co. Wagons are a nonevent in my books. 2 of them just seem like a waste with the already exiting Coal Wagon in the range, and that being the case leaves the scrap wagon as probably the most desirable out of the 3, but not by much. The Mining Wagon's design was obviously a push by Mattel, as it is the same mediocre logo we saw on the Trackmaster rolling stock in later years. Really there we're far better options for rolling stock recolors, but this was the best we could get. I wouldn't go as far as to say Bachmann has overused classic rolling stock, as there's far more simpler and desirable pieces they could do, and if that statement causes backlash then so be it.
Lastly there's the new Thomas' Christmas Delivery set, which in my opinion is a downgrade from what preceded it. I'll agree that the color choices are a turn off in my books, but my biggest complaint is the price you pay for a set which now has 1 less wagon. Personally I would have been fine with this if they went with using the flatbed (now log car) with a Christmas tree, but that's only because it's a larger piece of rolling stock. Yes people want to argue that the set contains the discontinued RF Container Wagon, but who in their right mind would go out and pay $239 for a set just to rob one piece out of it? On second thought, no one answer that...
So overall the only real positive side to the HO announcements is the Sodor Logging Company Flat Wagon with Logs, and Red Rosie comes in at a close second in my books. As for everything else, I'm hanging a white ribbon and calling it a day. New tooling's (especially engine characters) for the range have a slim to none chance at this point and (I've said this once before) that ship has sailed and sank too. I know the whole Stepney and Daisy topic is a must for some of you, but it's time to start thinking realistically. This is the point in my post where I'd say Bachmann should focus their attention on Narrow Gauge instead, but I think you all know why I'm not going to say that... :P
Moving onto the N scale range, I do see potential in this, but not to the extent people are making it out to be, which I'll cover in a bit. The simple addition of just a couple engines and rolling stock is a great way to start the range off, even if some say James should have been in the lineup as well. As others have pointed out though, it is odd to not see a starter set, but at the same time I think this may have to do with the fact that starter sets seem to be a dying trend in the range. I only say this because HO is now down to only a 3 sets, when once it had over twice that amount. Still a simple set with Thomas, Annie, and Clarabel would be something for Bachmann to consider in the future.
As a mentioned earlier, I think some are getting a little too ambitious with the N scale range, when honestly it could end up in the same state as HO. When also considering the range just started, I wouldn't be getting hopes up for characters like Gordon, Henry, Rebecca, Spencer, Hiro, etc just yet. I will say that depending on how the range does (in addition to other factors), I could see Bachmann acquiring the O Gauge rights someday if their competitors ever decide to fork them over. So while it was a range that wasn't in high demand, it does open up the door for people who can't afford and/or don't have the space required for the larger scales, but at the same time is nothing to write home about.
Although Narrow Gauge and Large Scale got the short end of the stick this year, I think some honorable mentions are in order nonetheless. I'm not going to lie, Narrow Gauge was honestly the only range I had hopes for at this point, but after seeing the 2019 announcements, I'm starting to have second thoughts. Maybe the delay on Rusty and the Coaches is what held up new announcements for the range this year, or maybe it was the new N scale range. Regardless I feel Narrow Gauge should have had priority over N scale, considering there was more of a market for that range. I want to remain optimistic and think Narrow Gauge will be redeemed next year, but that little voice in the back of my mind says otherwise.
Sadly I feel Large Scale has reached the end of the line considering the last new engine was Toby back in 2013 and the last new tooling was back in 2015 with Winston and the Ice Cream Wagon. As I mentioned in a previous post, Diesel would have been the saving grace for the range, but we all know what happened there. Over time the announcements have just gotten worse, and I honestly thought at the least we'd get something simple like the Red Coaches or another Troublesome Truck. Considering this is yet another year Large Scale gets nothing/nothing I want, I think I'll focus my attention on converting my James, Emily, and Toby (once I get him) to DCC and purchase a DCC system.
So my final thoughts on announcements this year is this. The Sodor Logging Company Flat Wagon with Logs and Red Rosie are the top 2 announcements for HO and the N Scale range is a welcome addition, but I feel that's attention that should have been focused towards Narrow Gauge instead. All I can say at this point is I'm pretty much done making predictions (or even suggestions) as announcements seem to be all over the place anymore and it's just not worth the time and effort I put into my posts. So while these weren't the worst announcements we've gotten, I wouldn't go as far as to say I'm impressed with them either. That being said, I'll end on that note.
-Rusty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjQWSae9AfE
Closeups of Red Rosie and Rusty!
Thanks Griffin! I was hoping I would get a chance to see Rusty upclose. Hopefully he will be out soon so I can share my thoughts on him too.
Wow, Rusty is really small. Even the slate wagons look kind of big next to him. That does make him slightly more accurate to Midlander (in size, at least), so no complaints from my end.
Wow, the new rolling stock looks very good, red Rosie looks good too, and rusty looks phenomenal but where are the Narrow gauge coaches?
Rusty looks excellent! Can't wait to get my hands on one as well as the new flat car with logs.
And I apologize for sounding like a broken record, but since the narrow gauge coaches are still not ready to be shown, hopefully this means that they will in fact be made in two different toolings :).
Is anybody going to acknowledge the fact the scrap car has coal in it, that doesn't seem right.
Quote from: Ronniethe14xxx on March 22, 2019, 03:16:33 PM
Is anybody going to acknowledge the fact the scrap car has coal in it, that doesn't seem right.
The coal wagon is also missing its coal load, so someone must have accidentally switched it. Just a simple mistake.
Quote from: Toad139 on March 22, 2019, 04:04:55 PM
Quote from: Ronniethe14xxx on March 22, 2019, 03:16:33 PM
Is anybody going to acknowledge the fact the scrap car has coal in it, that doesn't seem right.
The coal wagon is also missing its coal load, so someone must have accidentally switched it. Just a simple mistake.
I didn't realize they were removable, are they?
I can't wait for Rusty to come out since I ordered him two years ago. I wonder what they mean shipping this year. A date would been nice.
Quote from: Ronniethe14xxx on March 22, 2019, 04:09:35 PM
Quote from: Toad139 on March 22, 2019, 04:04:55 PM
Quote from: Ronniethe14xxx on March 22, 2019, 03:16:33 PM
Is anybody going to acknowledge the fact the scrap car has coal in it, that doesn't seem right.
The coal wagon is also missing its coal load, so someone must have accidentally switched it. Just a simple mistake.
I didn't realize they were removable, are they?
Is the green coal wagon's load removable?
Quote from: MoarCrossovers on March 22, 2019, 06:03:05 PM
Quote from: Ronniethe14xxx on March 22, 2019, 04:09:35 PM
Quote from: Toad139 on March 22, 2019, 04:04:55 PM
Quote from: Ronniethe14xxx on March 22, 2019, 03:16:33 PM
Is anybody going to acknowledge the fact the scrap car has coal in it, that doesn't seem right.
The coal wagon is also missing its coal load, so someone must have accidentally switched it. Just a simple mistake.
I didn't realize they were removable, are they?
Is the green coal wagon's load removable?
Yes it is. Safe to say this is the same case, as the new wagons use the same coal load mold that the original coal wagon did.
That is just so cool to know! I also cannot wait to get red Rosie and rusty! :)