Narrow Gauge Rusty (Item No. 58603) has arrived and is being shipped to dealers. He also will be available through our web store soon.
Enjoy! :) :) :)
Bachmann Trains
Hooray! I'm certain he'll be worth the wait and I hope to pick him up at some point later this year. :)
Hope Trainworld gets him soon! I probably won't be able to share my thoughts until after next weekend if it arrives by then. Either way, very exciting news!
Any updates on the NG coaches? Given they were supposed tos hip at the same time from what I've heard
Quote from: STL on May 02, 2019, 03:37:30 PM
Any updates on the NG coaches? Given they were supposed tos hip at the same time from what I've heard
Later this month, perhaps?
Those probably won't be out for a while since we still don't have pictures of those yet.
Trainworld called - Rusty will be shipping tomorrow. :)
I'm waiting for Walthers for my order.
Quote from: Chaz on May 02, 2019, 04:29:34 PM
Those probably won't be out for a while since we still don't have pictures of those yet.
Trainworld called - Rusty will be shipping tomorrow. :)
I got my call from TrainWorld today too. :) I preordered him yesterday hopping he'd be in stock soon but I didn't realize it would be this soon!
Cool! :)
Finally! Really looking forward to seeing people's thoughts on the model. And with all the changes that are happening to the characters on the show, I hope that Duncan's proportions will be fixed soon. Would love to see Bachmann make him, since Duncan and Rusty go together very nicely. Just desperately hope that the proportions match his basis, just like Rheneas and Skarloey.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/35lhsed.png)
Bottom line is that the model on the left would lead to the best sales, considering that it matches its original basis, the model in the middle would lead to reasonably good sales, as it matches the model that most Thomas fans remember, and the model on the right would lead to the worst sales, since no one is fond of the CGI model of Duncan. The proportions say it all.
Regardless of what basis they use for Duncan he will be a welcome addition in my eyes. I think we should just take a moment to appreciate we are getting Rusty before we get too ahead of our selves with who will join him in the 2020 announcements. Plus we still have the coaches coming out at somepoint.
Cool! :)
(http://i63.tinypic.com/r78wh0.jpg)
You all know the drill by this point, Rusty is here and as you expect, I plan on sharing my thoughts on this model. Let's see if this model holds up to the same quality as the Skarloey and Rheneas models do. So let's jump into it.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/js2fxc.jpg)
Looking back on the 2017 announcements, they were not exactly mind blowing, and it didn't help that two of the announcements from that year ended up getting canceled a year later. Rusty seemed to be the one addition from last year's announcements that I was excited for and clearly so were a majority. Unlike Paxton, Rusty was a little more of a surprise to me, but based on some of Mattel's marketing decisions, it kind of makes sense that they would go for characters that are more marketable rather than go for ones that are in numerical order, or even having frequent roles on the show. It's basically the same case for Freddie despite not having appeared since the model era, but that's besides the point. Either way Rusty works well as a marketable orange engine since he (unlike stupid Nia) actually has a personality and isn't a pathetic marketing stunt while promoting forced diversity.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/34q7blh.jpg)
And while Rusty is not a major character in the CGI series, or even that much of the seasons 9-12 narrow gauge episodes, I would argue that he had a lot more of a prominent role in the classic series. Dare I say, even more than the likes of Skarloey. He was always the good role model for kids and if he wasn't having a lead role, he gave frequent supporting roles throughout the show, so I would argue that Rusty is especially a shoe-in with that considered as well having a simple tooling to work with.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/szyhxl.jpg)
The model itself on the other hand, while not bad by any means, is probably the weakest out of the three engines. It has nothing to do with the design choice itself, but more or less what it is naturally going to be compared to. Skarloey and Rheneas both met and even exceeded my expectations going with accuracy to both the CG render and their Talyllyn counterparts. Rusty on the other hand met my expectations, but didn't exceed them like the Skarloey and Rheneas models did. Despite Bachmann taking measurements at the Talyllyn railway, before Rustys photo was revealed, I came into the model expecting the model to be based on its full CGI appearance. This is why Rusty met my expectations... But unlike the other two engines, didn't unfortunately exceed those expectations.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/71tz5k.jpg)
This does not mean that the model is bad by any means, Rusty naturally had some big shoes to fill and after the previous engines in the range, and while it didn't quite make that high of a cut, that doesn't mean that Rusty is a bad model. In fact, what we did get out of Rusty, I do appreciate. This CG render looks miles better than the large scale model used in seasons 5 through 12, and I especially appreciate the amount of detail put on to Rustys body as well as the accurate chassis. And when you put him alongside Skarloey and Rheneas models, he actually fits along right beside the other engines, despite his size (which we will talk about in a minute). I could make the exact same argument for literally the rest of the other original narrow gauge engines that have appeared in CGI so far too (except for Duncan).
(http://i67.tinypic.com/w9ac7p.jpg)
So again, is the Rusty model incredible? No, but it's definitely a good model all the same and definitely a solid pass in my book. And just like the case with the Oliver model, they hit the nail with a hammer with the CGI render, and it meets the appropriate expectations that fans should expect. And like Oliver, I'm going to review the Rusty model for what it is, rather than what I would have wanted it to be. So all things considered, the Rusty model really does have the right amount of charm like the rest of the models in the range.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/2ih08it.jpg)
Oh yeah, let's talk about the face. All the traits of the CG render found its way into the model. I know not everybody is on board with Rusty's face, but it really does meet the right amount of accuracy for the character. Rusty has had large face for years, ever since season five, and they are not going to change that anytime soon. It's certainly not oversized either like Paxton so Rusty is a definite improvement in that regard.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/vcupl0.jpg)
The only genuine flaw I see in the model, is the design for Rustys cab. Skarloey and Rheneas have open cabs, allowing room for modelers to fit in a crew. Rusty does not, and this is something that I thought Bachmann could have easily incorporated into this model, until it came in the mail today. As you can probably tell from earlier photos, this was likely due to Rusty's small size compared to Skarloey and Rheneas and they had to hide his motor. The size is even accurate to a real midlander and his CG tender as well so I can't say I blame Bachmann for going this route. So an odd choice? Sure. Worth holding against Bachmann over? Not necessarily and certainly not a deal-breaker by any means.
(http://i67.tinypic.com/slp6jo.jpg)
Overall, I say aesthetically the Rusty model looks great, and regardless of design choice, Bachmann did a really great job with this model and a great addition to go alongside Skarloey and Rheneas.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/24pm98i.jpg)
How does the model run? Just like the last two, Rusty was a very smooth runner. Granted it wasn't really a heavy model, but the way how this model ran, he basically glided along the mine track at the club layout with absolutely no issues. I'd even argue he ran better than Skarloey while running over switches on the layout too. He also ran a lot faster than Skarloey and Rheneas while on lower voltage too.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/rv95pt.jpg)
It managed to pull some of my slate wagons and probably could have pulled a lot more rolling stock in the process. It probably can't pull as much as Skarloey and Rheneas because of his weight and size, but really anyone who is running narrow gauge, especially a Rusty model, probably wouldn't be giving him a whole lot of rolling stock anyways. I say Rusty definitely meets reasonable expectations here as well.
(http://i66.tinypic.com/of4hh5.jpg)
So, what are my final thoughts on this model overall? Personally, while it isn't as impressive as the other two, it's still a very good model and is definitely a welcome addition to my collection of narrow gauge engines. Thank you very much Bachmann for finally bringing out this model of Rusty and I look forward to seeing the narrow gauge coaches and hopefully some new announcements for narrow gauge next year.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/65myw0.jpg)
Any chance we can have some brake vans for the narrow gauge range next Bachmann? Something tells me we could use some right now...
Always a pleasure reading your thoughts, Chaz. Very happy to officially see that Rusty is a lighter shade of orange than Rheneas. Yet, I'm surprised to see how small Rusty is compared to Rheneas and Skarloey. However, as you stated, it is probably because Bachmann was trying to go for the size of his basis in real life while keeping the shapes and proportions of the CGI model. Nevertheless, I plan to get this model for Christmas as it still met my expectations. Can't wait to see the narrow gauge coaches next.
Excellent review on Rusty, Chaz.
I'm still waiting for my order to be confirmed and shipped out. Hopefully I'll get that email shortly this week I'm hoping.
I received my Rusty model on Monday as well. I posted a few pics on Twitter (link below) but have not gotten around to sharing my thoughts on Rusty. Chaz really hit the nail on the head with his review of Rusty. I feel basically the same way. I think Bachmann were trying to keep Rusty inline with Midlander. I posted comparison pictures of Midlander to Tallyllyn and Sir Haydn along with Bachmann Skarloey and Rusty comparison.
Out of the box, my initial thought was "wow he's a legit nugget." Rusty is by far the smallest model I've ever owned! He was a lot smaller than I thought which made me appreciate the inner mechanism and the amount of detail incorporated on the body shell. I ran Rusty around the small oval of 009 PECO track I have. He ran very well straight out of the box. Then i picked him up to take a gander at the details. Upon observation I noticed both of his axels were geared so i took a peek at the parts diagram. Not only did I find that both axels actually are geared but our little friend also has a flywheel! I didn't think he would! That would explain the smooth running.
So over all, even though size "may" be an issue, i think he's a very nice model! I say "may" because we're not 100% sure about sizing. I'm very pleased with Rusty! If you look past sizing, I think Rusty is definitely a must have for anyone's Skarloey railway on any Thomas layout, or even just a 009 layout. It's nice to see a R2R 009 diesel loco available for a decent price. I think Rusty was less than $100 with shipping. He's a great runner, he has great details, and is great value for a 009 loco! Granted, the Bachmann Thomas NG locomotives aren't DCC ready like many other 009 models, but are still pretty good value in my book to get started with 009!
If you want to see some pictures I've taken, the link to my posts on twitter are below!
https://mobile.twitter.com/TonyPont12/status/1125516982412042241
Anthony! I mentioned this to you on Twitter, but even though Rusty is based on Mainlander, he seems to be dreadfully out of scale with Skarloey and Rheneas, so much so that if I was collecting the NG line I would probably just purchase the chassis and design a 3-D print for the body, given how simplistic the shape is. I mean...
(http://i63.tinypic.com/1zo86th.jpg)
(I lined them up and got the sizes as accurately as I could, probably not 100% accurate but I couldn't find a single shot from the show that showed them together)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2zqc089.jpg)
I would love if someone (Chaz???) could take a more centered head-on shot comparison of Skarloey and Rusty (and Rheneas and Rusty, since I can make another comparison shot using the head-on promos fairly easily), maybe even on a white background, but for the time being this photo from AnthonyP2 should show how completely inaccurate the scaling is.
Somewhat disappointing, especially after such a long wait. But I suppose that he is based on his real life counterpart.
I probably will not be able to take another picture until next week, since I am leaving for a trip this weekend. Here's another pic I did take at the club:
(http://i68.tinypic.com/fvgqr8.jpg)
His size is a lot smaller than it should be and it is strange that it is the same size as Midlander would be yet it still carries the same size as midlander to the other TR engines.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D57SlsaX4AY7Aai?format=jpg&name=medium)
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/3f/DuncanandtheGrumpyPassenger39.png/revision/latest?cb=20161021195956)
His CG render is small too, almost the same size as Duncan's but the Bachmann model is a lot smaller. If the model was slightly larger, closer to the CGI size, then I'm sure the cab being blocked off would have been a non-issue. It's odd that Bachmann this route with Rusty and didn't go the full mile with either the CG render or the midlander design. If anything it makes Rusty more of a hybrid model which makes the design choice Bachmann went with all the more questionable.
Personally though, I am still pretty happy overall with the model and I am glad that I got it. It does make me wonder what they will do with Duncan though if he ever gets announced. Are they going to go with the same sort of hybrid deal like they did with Rusty? Here's hoping we don't find that one out sooner as I think a lot more people in general would rather have Peter Sam made next.
(http://i68.tinypic.com/35lhsed.png)
A hybrid model of Duncan would probably be the proportions of the model series Duncan with a CGI face, just like the model in the middle of the pic above. If they went this route, then I would not mind it if Duncan gets announced next.
Well I had planned on uploading my rusty review and thoughts ect but the seller I have ordered him off has refused my custom. Failed to tell me this as well until I rang up so I am furious. In the mean time I am loving the review and photos I have seen so far. I think he is a great little model. Not as good as skarloey and rheneas but they obviously are incredible models and hard to top but will be a welcome addition to my narrow gauge engines. I think it's safe to say either Duncan or peter sam are the front runners for 2020.
Quote from: Griffin on May 10, 2019, 11:33:05 AM
Anthony! I mentioned this to you on Twitter, but even though Rusty is based on Mainlander, he seems to be dreadfully out of scale with Skarloey and Rheneas, so much so that if I was collecting the NG line I would probably just purchase the chassis and design a 3-D print for the body, given how simplistic the shape is. I mean...
(http://i63.tinypic.com/1zo86th.jpg)
(I lined them up and got the sizes as accurately as I could, probably not 100% accurate but I couldn't find a single shot from the show that showed them together)
(http://i68.tinypic.com/2zqc089.jpg)
I would love if someone (Chaz???) could take a more centered head-on shot comparison of Skarloey and Rusty (and Rheneas and Rusty, since I can make another comparison shot using the head-on promos fairly easily), maybe even on a white background, but for the time being this photo from AnthonyP2 should show how completely inaccurate the scaling is.
Somewhat disappointing, especially after such a long wait. But I suppose that he is based on his real life counterpart.
Ah yes I remember! I'm even thinking about doing the same, but i might just wind up getting another to make a more accurate Rusty that resembles Midlander more. I think the sizing doesn't bother me much because I'm not really modeling TV series accuracy. The new layout will be an Awdry inspired layout with faceless models being as accurate to their real life basis as much as I can. Like Thomas will most likely be the SCC 3D printed body shell on a Jinty chassis. I'll be modeling the Skarloey Railway too. I'll be adding details to the models and removing the faces from the Bachmann models. I was also thinking about keeping the 009 models as is and just getting another batch to transform into the models I'm aiming for. I'll be posting updates from time to time on progress of their new layout so keep an eye out! ;) But anyway! Back to Rusty! I was wondering if i got a 3D printed shell to fit his chassis, would I be able to have an open cab? Hopefully he can because i want to avoid scratch building a chassis for him
UPDATE= PeterSamsFunnel on twitter posted this this morning: https://mobile.twitter.com/PeterSamsFunnel/status/1127231909174685696
Cool!:)
Definitely a long awaited model and it's good to see Rusty is finally in stock. I will admit I was a little skeptical about the model when we first saw the product image, but after seeing photos others have posted and reading Chaz's extensive post on the model, I've pretty much forgot about the few issues I had with the model and appreciate it for what it is. As others have pointed out already, Rusty didn't exceed expectations, but that the same time he did meet them. Personally I don't see where the model is anything but another great addition to the range.
The only real issue I had with the model was that compared to Skarloey and/or Rheneas, it looked as if Bachmann had taken a shortcut with Rusty considering he didn't have an open cab. I can see now where his size would have made it difficult to fit a motor into just the front portion of the body, and therefore I understand why the cab is not open. The face in the product image was also kind of a nagging issue for me as it just didn't look right, but after seeing photos of the model that worry is gone too. The face may or may not have been photoshopped just to get a product image out sooner, considering Rusty's product image was updated later on. I have to say that I quite like the face on Rusty now, despite the big debate many others have about it.
On the topic of scaling, that's something I didn't realize was an issue until I saw comparisons of Rusty next to Skarloey and Rheneas. I will admit when I first saw photos of the models side by side, I couldn't help but feel like Rusty looked smaller than he should. Maybe he is a little smaller than his CGI counterpart, but still looks to be the same size as Midlander (which would make sense since that's where Bachmann got their measurements) so it doesn't seem that big of an issue. I don't know, personally the size of Rusty is something that still doesn't take away from the overall appeal of the model in my books.
Considering how underwhelming announcements were in 2017 and the fact that only a portion of them actually made it to production, it's nice to see Bachmann has pulled off a gem such as Rusty. Despite the few issues I had with the model at first, again I'm alright with the choices Bachmann made and look forward to adding Rusty to my Narrow Gauge collection, given that I can ever get the funds to start buying more model trains again. In addition to that, the narrow gauge coaches are another thing to look forward to later this year.
By the way Mr. JLK, you really need to quit it with the one word posts. All you're doing is creating unnecessary clutter...
-Rusty
Okay, thanks for telling me. I was just wanting to know if the bachmann Toby would look good painted in chocolate and blue.
I had to reorder my Rusty. I was really close of getting him. They (Walthers) had my order off backorder and placed On Hold for 5 days before canceling. In which I had to reorder him again until gets released in June. Maybe.
I am so just going to get a Rusty model too!:)
My Rusty model has finally arrived
(http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj561/mulfred100/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_121208_zpsxbsxvwqy.jpg) (http://s1268.photobucket.com/user/mulfred100/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_121208_zpsxbsxvwqy.jpg.html)
First impressions
I am very impressed with the detailing on this right down the r8vits and vent detailing. His small size really makes up in the detailing. Speaking of size this is the only slight fault I can see obviously made in scale of his real life counterpart rather then CGI or tv show models. Which makes life a bit difficult to modify his face. Obviously skarloey and rheneas are near enough close in size to swap their faces with their ertl models.
(http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj561/mulfred100/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_115809_zpsgdxtehcj.jpg) (http://s1268.photobucket.com/user/mulfred100/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_115809_zpsgdxtehcj.jpg.html)
Scale wise he fits in rather well with skarloey and rheneas. One nice detail I'm glad bachmann didn't carry over from the HO range, the silver windows. I think his model looks so much better with his cab being blacked out rather then if bachmann made them sliver like arry, bert, paxton, salty ect.
(http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj561/mulfred100/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_120150_zps7dk3d2wp.jpg) (http://s1268.photobucket.com/user/mulfred100/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_120150_zps7dk3d2wp.jpg.html)
Running
Rusty is a very smooth runner and quite fast compared to skarloey and rheneas. He is a bit jittery at slower speeds but that is more then likely my track as i have the same issue with skarloey and rheneas. Also I haven't tested how many trucks he can pull but really why would I want to. He only really needs 3 or 4 trucks or vans.
(http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj561/mulfred100/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_120304_zpskujssp4k.jpg) (http://s1268.photobucket.com/user/mulfred100/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_120304_zpskujssp4k.jpg.html)
He is a very nice addition to the narrow gauge range. Here's hoping we get another addition in 2020. But for now we can all look forward to the narrow gauge coaches
(http://i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj561/mulfred100/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_121241_zpsvcv4sl23.jpg) (http://s1268.photobucket.com/user/mulfred100/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20190529_121241_zpsvcv4sl23.jpg.html)
Your Rusty model just looks excellent! :)
Watched Duncan the Humbug today, along with the episode screenshots from the Thomas wiki, and from the shots with Skarloey, Rheneas and Rusty at the depot, Rusty does indeed seem to be smaller than Skarloey and Rheneas in the CGI Series. Maybe the size of the Bachmann Rusty is also accurate to his CGI render, not just his basis 'Midlander', after all IMO.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/e/ed/DuncantheHumbug37.png/revision/latest?cb=20181220181604)
It is just so tv series accurate! Great model!:)
Quote from: SeanrailAnimations on May 31, 2019, 09:32:06 AM
Watched Duncan the Humbug today, along with the episode screenshots from the Thomas wiki, and from the shots with Skarloey, Rheneas and Rusty at the depot, Rusty does indeed seem to be smaller than Skarloey and Rheneas in the CGI Series. Maybe the size of the Bachmann Rusty is also accurate to his CGI render, not just his basis 'Midlander', after all IMO.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/e/ed/DuncantheHumbug37.png/revision/latest?cb=20181220181604)
Looking at Duncan the Humbug screenshots again after receiving my bachmann Rusty, I can confirm that the scaling of the Bachmann Rusty is as 100% accurate to his CGI Render as his basis Midlander; notably with the roof on the CGI rusty being level to the bottom of Skarloey's front windows, just like the bachmann models.
Actually, the scaling is too the original Midlander, the proportions are that of the CGI model. Cause unlike the rest of the NG engines, bar Duncan, when they went to measure the TR engines to make their CGI models, Midlander had long since been rebuilt from the form that Rusty was based on, so they just based the CGI model off his Large scale model. As a result, Bachmann tried to do their usual thing of just altering the engines dimensions to match the TR engines in 009, but because Rusty was off, they tried to compromise and scaled him to Midlander buuut kept the CGI proportions resulting in an engine not really usable as Midlander or RWS Rusty, still, the chassis IS accurate to Midlander.
But yeah, that's why people are concerned for when it comes time to make Duncan, cause we either get a model that's close enough to Douglas or the S4 model, or we get a mix between irl, S4, and CGI, that can be worked with, or we get one based on that mess of a CGI model and a decent chassis for 009 use at the least.
It's funny because at one point I think a lot of people did want a Bachmann Duncan at some point, but right when the photo of Rusty was revealed almost everybody lost interest in wanting a Duncan model, even going as far as encouraging Bachmann to skip Duncan, or expressed interest in not getting him. Rusty I think got lucky since while the scaling is off, his CG render is miles better than Duncan's with the added details and accurate chassis.
Now that Peter Sam is on the way it seems that the only narrow gauge engine that a lot of fans have interest in Bachmann making at some point is Sir Handel. If we get Sir Handel after Peter Sam Bachmann could probably just stick with those five engines and only focus on adding rolling stock to the range and keep the range stagnant like they are with the large scale range.
Well it also helps that Rusty is good bashing fodder for making a representation of a larger Ruston. Duncan as I said can only really go one of 2 ways, and one of those may give us 009 modelers as nice chassis to use, maybe a body good for bashing, but certainly not good for any sort of proper Duncan, S4, RWS, let alone Douglas and similar Barclay 0-4-0WTs.
Personally I think the road they will go down (if they do make Duncan) would be a lot similar to what you just mentioned. I could see them taking a similar direction like they did for Rusty as his physical appearance would be based on his CG render but it would have the same scaling/proportions as his basis which is noticeably a lot taller than Duncan's CG render. It wouldn't look that good though because, again it would be based on the CG render. Now if Duncan's render got a drastic upgrade and had more details or even had a better resemblance to his season 4 model or his basis, then would be all for a Bachmann Duncan. For now though, I might be better off sticking with my custom Duncan for the time being. :P
I completely understand everyone's concerns on a Bachmann Duncan, as I completely agree that the CGI model is awful. Yet, let's also remember that the models of the red CGI carriages left much to be desired, and after stating how much we were concerned about the Bachmann models suffering from the same problem, Bachmann pleasantly surprised us with coaches based on the ones in real-life. Plus, they even went with two toolings (red and blue coaches) to surprise fans even further.
What's more, let's take into account that the real-life model of Rusty (Midlander) has extremely noticeable differences not only in terms of proportions, but also in terms of shape, unlike Duncan (Douglas) and the narrow gauge carriages. For this reason, I see Duncan in the same boat as the narrow gauge coaches, and not Rusty. Consequently, I think that there is still a good chance that Duncan could be based on his basis (Douglas), and not the terrible CGI render.
As a result, I think that Bachmann should still invest in Duncan to complete the main six narrow gauge engines. We just have to be vocal about the fact that the CGI render is way off so that his model could be based on his basis, just like the narrow gauge coaches. Will even start a new thread on Duncan if he is announced in the future to make sure that this issue is addressed ;).
Quote from: Chaz on December 16, 2019, 01:26:21 AM
Personally I think the road they will go down (if they do make Duncan) would be a lot similar to what you just mentioned. I could see them taking a similar direction like they did for Rusty as his physical appearance would be based on his CG render but it would have the same scaling/proportions as his basis which is noticeably a lot taller than Duncan's CG render. It wouldn't look that good though because, again it would be based on the CG render. Now if Duncan's render got a drastic upgrade and had more details or even had a better resemblance to his season 4 model or his basis, then would be all for a Bachmann Duncan. For now though, I might be better off sticking with my custom Duncan for the time being. :P
Aye. Well a relatively prominent kit maker is planning on a Barclay 0-4-0WT range in the future. It'll be a base standard boiler and other standard parts but with options to make it into different variants seen, going from the more standard "Irish Pete" type, if you get what I mean, to Douglas, who of course appeals to me especially. To start with it'll just be a body kit for fitting on that Kato N scale set with the unpowered 0-4-0 and powered coach, as part of a planned 009 Starter set using said Kato set. It's hoped he'll be able to develop a bespoke chassis for the range, available in either RTR and/or kit form, so here's hoping that happens.
And yeah, I've had the GEM Douglas for years now. I bought it after a scare that they'd sold out for good, course GEM has since started production again on a made to order basis. Never built it though cause the Arnold chassis it uses is hard to find and overpriced when found. When I found a decent one a couple months ago, yeah, stories about it's running were true. Ironically, it had some imbalance in the wheels that made it rock'n'roll, so it was quickly sent back.
See I'll openly admit I'm in the camp of wanting Duncan and I don't really mind them using the CGI render to make him as for me it's just benaficial having Duncan in my CGI line up as there's more material and stories I can work with to recreate or do my own around. I mean in my Skarloey railway series I've already got a Duncan episode wrote out. I just wait and see what Bachmann makes and buy said item. But that's me I'm laid back like that