I've been sitting on this idea a lot lately, and instead of making a thread for every Toy Fair/NMRA show, I figured it would be better to kill two birds with one stone to just make one thread where fans can share their thoughts or ideas for future product announcements in just one thread. And similar to the Everything Thomas topic, once the thread would be removed due to excess responses someone can start a new one and go from there, kind of like the old days.
Anyway, everyone knows the drill by this point so I'm just going to do a share my list from earlier with a couple of changes after the NMRA announcements last week and everyone else can join in and discuss:
HO:
More DCC and Sound engines - honestly, I hope that the Thomas and Percy models take off and more characters get the upgrade. The rest of the first 7, Emily and Spencer already have sounds for large scale, so expanding DCC and sound with these engines should be a safe way to go if tooling costs are becoming too expensive (especially looking at Ryan's). However, if Bachmann wants to wait and see how the Thomas and Percy models do first then that's completely understandable. I do think adding DCC and sound to the models is a great way to help Thomas fans get into DCC and might bring something new to the table with Thomas modeling too since it's rarely talked about, but that's just my opinion. If not maybe a similar module to the one we got in large scale would be welcome as well.
Normally I'd mention Stepney as the new engine tooling announcement but I have a feeling with Daisy taking a while to get out and Ryan still in production, I could see HO taking a breather for new engine announcements.
James' express coaches:
(https://i.gyazo.com/4fad8efac5c8c6e9434ca9b263c2c5b7.jpg)
For the next set of rolling stock in HO I think it would be wise if Bachmann brought their red express coaches back. Similar to the reintroduction of Gordon's express coaches, the red express coaches would also need an updated paint job. In addition, if Bachmann wants to label them as a new products, then I'm going to vouch for them to be called James' express coach and James' express brake coach since they were not only the names Hornby called them but it may also help these coaches be more marketable. James was often seen pulling these in both the model and CGI series too.
Narrow gauge:
Sir Handel:
(https://i.gyazo.com/23b276406b79fdff6e42072764bd09fc.png)
New open wagon:
(https://i.gyazo.com/adc5d74f89d95887c20089b9a15796f8.png)
I already talked about both of these here, if you want reasons why all I'm for these:
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?PHPSESSID=6q44ums4sruu237ldmnv0p9oc0&topic=37564.msg276101#msg276101
The only new thing I'll say about Sir Handel is that he is really the only new engine tooling I could see happening next year depending on how production is going with Peter Sam. Either way, the narrow gauge range is long overdue for a new engine tooling announcement, and here's hoping that Sir Handel will be picked next. Even if he was the only announcement in narrow gauge next year with no rolling stock included (including the new wagons I suggested), it would still make a lot of people very, very happy.
N scale:
Again, kind of like HO/OO I can see Bachmann taking a breather from giving the N scale range a new engine. That, and I feel the N scale range really needs to focus a lot more on rolling stock before even considering a new engine since S.C. Ruffey was the only piece of N scale rolling stock that was announced this year. I did a post on N scale rolling stock stock earlier, so feel free to take a look at that as well:
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?PHPSESSID=6q44ums4sruu237ldmnv0p9oc0&topic=37564.msg276401#msg276401
Here's hoping we can see some of these find their way into the range next year.
For large scale, it's really hard to say and I don't collect the range so I'll keep it brief. They've been going for recolors as of late in addition to new toolings that offer recolor options. I don't collect the range but my moneys on LBSC Thomas and Origin James models for the next engine announcements. The red coaches got announced this year at the NMRA and we are getting some wagon recolors too, so I can see large scale taking a break from rolling stock announcements next year too.
I think it's a good idea to have all future predictions in one thread, so we don't have to make a new one after every single Toy Fair and NMRA anymore.
It's taking Bachmann two years just to finally get Daisy out there, and it might be the case for Ryan. We may not get a new engine announcement early in the year, but if we do, we could get a recolor like Sidney or Green Salty for HO Scale. As for rolling stock, Bachmann can bring the Explosives Van, Chocolate Syrup and Toffee tankers to HO Scale, as well as reintroducing the Red Express Coaches.
We may or may not get a new engine announcement for N Scale, but if we do, we're hoping the next engine would be Edward. James is getting released sometime soon, and we may see Toby unpainted by the end of this year. For rolling stock, we really need the Milk Tanker, and Henrietta to go with Toby. The latter seems much more likely in N Scale than Large Scale. We should also get the Red Open Wagon, Coal Wagon with Load, and a Brake Van.
I still don't collect Narrow Gauge yet, but they should finally announce Sir Handel, as well as making a new Open Wagon. Maybe the Green Carriage, and a Brown Brake Van.
I don't collect Large Scale either, but if they're wanting to do recolors, LBSC Thomas and Origin James are the way to go.
I definitely support the idea of this thread! I've outlined almost everything that I'd love to see join the Bachmann Thomas line in the coming years below:
HO Scale:
James with DCC Sound & Board
With the announcement of the HO Thomas & Percy with DCC Sound on Board, it would be great to see James added to this exclusive line-up. Yet, as others have stated, if Bachmann wanted to see how Thomas & Percy do with sales first, that's understandable. Either way, this product would be more than welcome!
Stepney the Bluebell Engine
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/2c/BowledOut34.png/revision/latest?cb=20180905191122)
In terms of new toolings, Stepney has consistently been the number one engine who I have wanted to see next in HO Scale for a wide range of reasons. See my post on Stepney here: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,36975.msg272407.html#msg272407
BoCo the Diesel Engine
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/ff/OneGoodTurn55.png/revision/latest?cb=20160713185613)
As expressed in the BoCo or Diesel 10 thread, BoCo would be a natural addition, blending in wonderfully with many of the engines Bachmann had made in the past, especially Gordon, Edward, Bill, Ben and Duck. Along with Stepney, he is one of the few classic engines that Bachmann has not made. Furthermore, seeing that the upcoming Daisy model is retailing for $149, I think that BoCo could be financially feasible.
Diesel 10
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d7/MainDiesel10CGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20200129044806)
If the licensor still wants to push for engines from the computer generated era of the television series, even with the upcoming 2D reboot, then Diesel 10 would be good choice. The claw does raise some concerns in terms of pricing, scaling, and design. However, I'm sure that fans across the board would be happy to see a Diesel 10 model, as a character who appeared in both the model era and computer generated era of the television series.
Harvey the Crane Engine
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/6b/HarveyToTheRescue83.png/revision/latest?cb=20210520201039) (https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/3a/AMostSingularEngine102.png/revision/latest?cb=20180828212734)
The other engine who appeared in both the model era and computer generated era of the television series that I would love to see is Harvey. As a crane engine, he would be a very unique engine. I could see Bachmann constructing him as a small tank engine, and then using the Bachmann Cranky as a reference when constructing the crane. All in all, I would purchase this one in a heartbeat, and I know that many other Thomas fans would too.
Winston
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/5a/BlueMountainMystery82.png/revision/latest?cb=20180918173852)
Although I do not care for most characters from the computer generated era of the television series, I will admit that I would be very interested in an HO Winston, given its unique small size and design. Plus, when seeing what Bachmann has accomplished with very small models in the recent years such as the HO Narrow Gauge Rusty, N Scale Thomas, and N Scale Percy models as well as small models outside the Thomas line such as the Gandy Dancer, I am optimistic that an HO Winston could be a possibility for the future.
As Chaz also stated, I don't expect a newly-tooled HO engine to join the line next year, but those are the five that I would love to see for the future, nonetheless.
Troublesome Truck #7
Ever since the announcement of Troublesome Truck #3 in 2010, there seemed to be a three year trend on the announcements of Troublesome Trucks (#4 in 2013, #5 in 2016, #6 in 2019). Thus, given that next year is 2022, I think that Troublesome Truck #7 could be a possibility!
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/cd/TheSpotlessRecord22.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20091107193357) (https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/tttetrackmaster/images/4/43/MotorizedPercyTroublesomeTruck1.png/revision/latest?cb=20210117195646)
Many fans were displeased with the choice of the last troublesome truck, as an African Tanker is not what was hoped for. For Troublesome Truck #7, fans would be much happier with an angry ventilated van, as seen in "The Spotless Record", or the tanker that was seen in the new motorized "Percy and the Tanker" pack, mainly because it consists of an iconic model series face.
Long Flat Wagon with New Load
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/3d/EdwardTheVeryUsefulEngine76.png/revision/latest?cb=20210513220026)
Considering that the logging flat wagon with logs has done very well with sales, I think that it would make sense to announce at least one more long flat wagon with a new load. Pipes, iron girders, and oil drums would work very nicely, as some examples.
Red Express Coaches
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/9/9d/TheTroublewithMud41.png/revision/latest?cb=20160712032013)
Ever since Gordon's Express Coaches were reintroduced to the line, many fans have wanted to see the red express coaches return with the added yellow stripe. I also agree with those who have stated that it would be extra interesting to see the coaches titled as "James' Composite Coach" & "James' Express Brake Coach."
Gordon's Special Coaches
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/6c/EmilyandtheSpecialCoaches69.png/revision/latest?cb=20150929164057)
On the topic of express coaches, I would also love to see Gordon's Special Coaches, due to the appealing dark blue paint scheme.
Explosives Van
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/b9/BachmannLargeScaleFireWorksVan.png/revision/latest?cb=20160730144947) (http://)
Out of all the large scale rolling stock that has not been made in HO Scale, the Explosives Van is the one I would really like to see brought to the smaller scale, as it reminds me of the vans from "Thomas and the Firework Display." On that note, if Bachmann wanted to change the design somewhat to match the vans from that episode, just as the designs of the HO and Large Scale Water Tankers differ slightly, that would be fascinating to see! Either way, I would definitely pick up more than one of these vans.
The Circus Train
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/7/7e/ThomasAndTheCircus62.png/revision/latest?cb=20210613154228)
Finally, I think that it would be very cool to see Bachman tackle the circus train. Consisting of vans, flat wagons, and a cattle wagon, these colorful wagons would add a nice level of festivity to any HO collection or layout.
HO Narrow Gauge:
Sir Handel
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/6e/Don%27tBotherVictor%2161.png/revision/latest?cb=20160629192959)
I have zero doubt that Sir Handel will be Bachmann's next narrow gauge engine with new tooling. Chaz already made a great in-depth post on him, so be sure to check it out!
Open Wagon (New Tooling)
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/50/DuncanAndTheOldMine73.png/revision/latest?cb=20210603221224)
As far as narrow gauge rolling stock is concerned, I'd love to see a new open wagon tooling. Chaz also expressed thoughts on this that I am completely on board with.
Green Open Carriage
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/ff/TheOldBridge35.png/revision/latest?cb=20210518185842)
Considering that the red and blue narrow gauge coaches turned out to be stunning products, the one other piece of narrow gauge rolling stock that I'd love to see Bachmann tackle in the future is the green open carriage. It is one of my favorites!
Resin Buildings
At this point, I unfortunately consider new resin building additions to be wishful thinking. Even so, I pasted a link to the post stating what buildings I would love to see enter the line for the future, nevertheless: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,34707.0.html
N Scale:
With N Scale still in its early years, there are too many products to list that I'd like to see. Thus, I will stick with what I would love to see for just next year.
Gordon the Big Express Engine
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/9/9c/It%27sGoodtobeGordon38.png/revision/latest?cb=20151103162822)
With four engines currently announced for the N scale line, I think it would be excellent to see Bachmann tackle one of the larger tender engines next, and I could see no better tender engine to announce next than Gordon. He would easily be an extremely hot seller- no doubt about that, and I could see Bachmann scaling down the HO model when making it, with the computer generated face as the one main difference.
Edward the Blue Engine
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/5a/MainEdwardModel.png/revision/latest?cb=20200314072305)
If big tender engines such as Gordon are too expensive or complicated to produce, Edward is definitely the engine I would love to see next, as a Plan B. His HO model is one of the best models in the Thomas line, and it would be wonderful to see how that model translates to N Scale.
Gordon's Express Coaches
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/2a/SqueakRattleAndRoll29.png/revision/latest?cb=20210521181158)
If Gordon were to be announced, it would definitely make sense to announce his express coaches. They are iconic pieces and would look very impressive behind Gordon at this scale.
Coal Wagon w/ Load, Tidmouth Milk Tanker, and Spiteful Brake Van
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/81/BachmannCoalWagon.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150403163854)
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/62/Bachmannlargescalemilktanker.png/revision/latest?cb=20201009221211) (https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/be/BachmannSpitefulBrakevan.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20200920205412)
These are the three pieces I would love to see announced next as a Plan B, with Gordon's Express Coaches as Plan A.
Large Scale:
LBSC 70 Thomas & Origin James
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/f7/TheAdventureBegins82.png/revision/latest?cb=20170315081756)
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/83/TheAdventureBegins345.png/revision/latest?cb=20170315084328)
Ever since the announcement of LBSC-70 Thomas & Origin James in HO, I've seen numerous fans state that they would like to see them made in large scale.
Toby's Museum Coaches
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/2/2b/BachmannToby%27sMuseumCoach.png/revision/latest?cb=20210130215940) (https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/5b/BachmannToby%27sMuseumBrakeCoach.png/revision/latest?cb=20210130220050)
With the red branch line coaches finally announced for large scale, I think that Toby's Museum Coaches are a given for the future, as they are recolors. Yet, they would be welcome additions, nonetheless.
The idea of a central thread for future hopes does sound good, and I'd love to partake in it by sharing a handful of options I personally hope to see in the near future with brief summaries of reasoning attached. Most of the contents are those that have already been frequently demanded by fans in recent years.
HO SCALE:
- Stepney - An iconic engine who has a reasonable size and fair levels of detail, as well as one of the few remaining Season 1-5 engines in HO Scale.
- Glynn - Taking into account Terence's point with Winston about small models being accomplished overtime, I feel that Glynn has at least some chance of being made. He would be cool to see in the future, and he would also be very much complementary with LBSC 70 Thomas and Origins James.
Like the others said, I don't think we will see a new engine introduced next year, but it would be nice to have either of the two mentioned.
- Tar Tanker reintroduction - An iconic tanker and easy recolor which has regularly appeared in past merchandise ranges.
- James'/Red Express Coaches reintroduction - Iconic coaches and easy recolors that can compliment the latest James revision.
- Judy and Jerome - I've always been puzzled as to why the Breakdown Train has never been made in HO Scale. Since Diesel 10 and Harvey have become frequent suggestions, Rocky would likely be too expensive to produce, and Ryan, Daisy and Origin James are being produced, I think Judy and Jerome would be worth looking into at some point. They would both be very profitable and unique options for new HO Scale rolling stock. Like Harvey, Cranky's mechanism could be used as a reference point.
NARROW GAUGE:
- Sir Handel - An iconic engine who is frequently demanded by fans and complementary to all Narrow Gauge engines released so far. I don't own any Narrow Gauge engines yet, but I would love to have Sir Handel by my first since he is my favorite of the bunch.
- Green Open Carriage - Like Terence said, this is an aesthetically pleasing product that would be interesting to see eventually produced.
N SCALE:Much like Terence, there's quite a bit I hope to see for this scale. I'll stick to what feels the most financially likely within the next year's length.
- Edward - A beloved engine who is similar in physique to James and can help make N Scale distinct from Large Scale. He would also be much cheaper to produce in N Scale. If he were announced, I would absolutely reserve him immediately.
- Tidmouth Milk Tanker - An iconic tanker and easy recolor which has regularly appeared in past merchandise ranges.
- Coal Wagon w/Load - With wagons having a lot of potential for recolors, I think this would be the best one to produce after S.C. Ruffey eventually releases.
- Red Coaches - Iconic coaches and fairly easy, profitable retoolings/recolors that have previously appeared in HO and will also be made in Large Scale.
- Henrietta - An iconic coach who would be complementary to Toby and can help make N Scale distinct from Large Scale. She would also cheaper to produce in N Scale. If she were made, I would imagine her having a GCI face unlike the HO Scale version.
- Brake Van (normal) - I personally think it is too early for this particular range to introduce too much gimmicky rolling stock, so it would probably be best to introduce a normal Brake Van before the Spiteful version. Graham Farish's tooling can be reused.
LARGE SCALE:
- LBSC 70 Thomas & Origins James - Probably the likeliest options for a new engine(s) in the foreseeable future. They're both iconic recolors and cost-effective options for a new engine without committing to a new tooling.
- Mavis - I would love to own a Large Scale version of Mavis, as long as they base her off the HO Scale model and avoid using the tacky headlamp from her last appearances. She's probably the most cost-effective option for a new tooling since Toby's chassis can be reused and her geometry is fairly simple.
- Toby's Museum Coaches - Like Terence said, these feel pretty likely and would be welcome additions.
This is a great idea!
I honestly am not sure what direction HO Scale will take from now on, as I don't see much that they haven't done. I would like to see Stepney and BoCo, but, like everyone else, I don't expect them next year.
I've already gone into depth about what I'd like to see in N Scale: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,35036.msg277513.html#msg277513 so my thoughts will be brief. I 100% agree with TerencetheTractor525's ideas on the next rolling stock, those are probably the things the range is missing the most at the moment.
I would like to talk a bit more about narrow gauge, however.
Locomotives
I think that Sir Handel is the best choice for next engine.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XpMqWcxW/Main-Sir-Handel-CGI.png) (https://postimg.cc/XpMqWcxW)
He completes engines 1-5, and has the best render of the two classic characters left. I also really like him from a design standpoint, and think he would sell really well, just like Skarloey and Rheneas.
After Sir Handel, I believe there are two options for the next narrow gauge engine:
(https://i.postimg.cc/sBYWtjtY/LukeCGI.png) (https://postimg.cc/sBYWtjtY)
(https://i.postimg.cc/KKSLqksc/Main-Duncan-CGI.png) (https://postimg.cc/KKSLqksc)
I feel like both Duncan and Luke have a great chance of being after Sir Handel. Duncan is a classic character (and one a lot of people love), but he doesn't really have a great render, and after how Rusty turned out, Duncan could be a turn-off for a lot of people if he matches his render. On the other hand, Luke has a great render, which matches the other engines' renders pretty well as far as detailing. As far as I know, Luke was also one of the more successful newbies as well, especially with Season 17, although I don't know how that would translate to sales, considering he's a CGI only character. He would also go great with Yellow Rheneas. To sum up, I think both are good characters to consider. I know that I would probably buy both, but both are gambles in their own right (Duncan's awful render/Luke's Miller-era debut).
With that, I have a question for you guys. If you knew for certain that Duncan would match his CGI render if he were made, would you prefer him over Luke, or would that be a deal breaker on a Duncan model?
Rolling Stock
As far as rolling stock goes, there are only a few things that I personally would want to see. First off, I think new, more accurate open wagons would be a great choice! I'm hoping that, if they do make new open wagons, they'll do what they did with the carriages, and release two different toolings. One for the Brown Open Wagon, as they were more common in Series 4, and the one that Chaz suggested, because that was also in series 4 (both can be seen in Skarloey's train). I feel like both would be nice as well, because Bachmann has had a fair focus on the classic series stuff alongside CGI stuff.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8fMJY3T0/Home-At-Last47.png) (https://postimg.cc/8fMJY3T0)
(https://i.postimg.cc/FdjhXQJ3/NGTrucks-Model3.png) (https://postimg.cc/FdjhXQJ3)
I also think that, for the Brown Brakevan to really make sense as a future release, having something that would fit with it's colors would make more sense than it by itself.
Another item of rolling stock I would like to see are the Blue Mountain Quarry trucks, fitting the slate theme, and with Yellow Rheneas and Luke (if he's announced).
(https://i.postimg.cc/R6RVnBV9/Main-Blue-Mountain-Quarry-Trucks-CGI.png) (https://postimg.cc/R6RVnBV9)
If they were released, I'd hope that they would be in the darker variants of the green and red liveries. One plus is that they also have a real-life basis!
(https://i.postimg.cc/PCwXQZrS/Quarry-Truckbasis.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/PCwXQZrS)
If all of these rolling stock options were released over the next few years, I would definitely look into purchasing 2-3 of each item.
I think that everyone's suggestions for the large scale stock are great.
It's really nice seeing everyone agree that Sir Handel should be the next narrow gauge engine picked next. Here's hoping he finds his way in the 2022 announcements, since I feel his announcement is long overdue.
Quote from: Kemptown Branch on July 18, 2021, 05:27:23 PM
With that, I have a question for you guys. If you knew for certain that Duncan would match his CGI render if he were made, would you prefer him over Luke, or would that be a deal breaker on a Duncan model?
I feel that from a logical standpoint, Duncan would make a lot more sense than Luke since Bachmann's proven to already have a good track record of giving classic characters priority over newer ones, similar to how Oliver was announced before newer engines like Ryan and Rosie. So on that same level I think it's almost a given that Sir Handel and Duncan would both be announced before Luke or any of the other newer narrow gauge engine characters get considered.
But to answer your question more directly, as much as I like Duncan more as a character, his CG render would be a deal-breaker for me, as I'm sure is the case for many others. While I personally wouldn't be as interested in Luke, I could see him selling better than Duncan since his design looks a lot more appealing for OO9 modelers and Thomas fans and I'd find myself purchasing a model of Luke sooner than a model of Duncan in his CG render.
Duncan would be a major deal-breaker if he was made based on his infamous CGI render, and would not sell well at all. Once Duncan eventually does get announced, Bachmann must base Duncan off his basis, Douglas.
Also for the HO Scale range, I brought up Samson and Bradford in another thread. Samson is a small and simple CGI character who had several episodes dedicated to him. Bachmann UK has the tooling for Bradford, like they did for Toad. It would make sense for Samson and Bradford to be announced together because Bradford is Samson's companion. Other CGI character suggestions I previously mentioned (who aren't too big or detailed) include Timothy, Norman, and Porter. With Ryan currently in the works, I don't expect a new tooling announced for the HO Scale range next year, but we could get a recolor like Sidney or Green Salty. With enough popular demand, Salty could be reintroduced.
I could definitely see Salty being reintroduced next year and Bachmann would just use that as their "new" engine announcement in 2022 (as much of a copout as that sounds). If they go down that route, then I think a shoe-in for the next HO engine tooling the following year would be Porter to go along with Salty similar to why Ryan was picked to go with Daisy.
That and I feel as far as CG era engines go, Porter would make the most sense since he's been used regularly in the CGI series after his introduction and thus would make him all the more iconic making him have decent sales like Ryan. That and admittedly I don't see Samson being nearly as popular or well received as Ryan or Porter if I'm being totally honest.
I can definitely see Bachmann taking a bit of a break new tooling wise for HO in 2022 with both Daisy and Ryan coming out using new tooling and of course Origins James. It would be nice to see Salty reintroduced into the line. As long as there's no more gimmicky recolours like busy bee James. I'd rather have a quite year with a few recolours for rolling stock then more items like that.
The red express coaches would be nice to see again as would the special blue coaches.
I do have alot of detailed thoughts regarding the rest of the range.
Sir Handel
(https://i.gyazo.com/1a75f7f730cb9db032bdf4d514883d4e.png)
I think its safe to say Sir Handel should be the next engine. Personally I still want Duncan (CGI render or not, I don't care) I'm about what I can do with the model not what it looks like. As a story teller there's alot of metirial there for Duncan but either I am fine with. He also would complete the four little engines fleet.
Smudger
(https://i.gyazo.com/530331c144b20c8aff0ee3de1df3060e.png)
If Bachmann want another easy recolour Smudger Is definitely the way to go. Even though I have big plans for Yellow Rheneas I know alot of people don't share that view of the first recolour in the NG engine range. Smudger would add a new character to the fleet and a simple recolour for Bachmann to produce during their bust periods whole working on other items like Sir Handel or Duncan.
Green coaches
(https://i.gyazo.com/b18b1c298ca15e372314fd0d31ebfc7e.png)
The Green coaches would be a welcome edition to the range. They were seen all throughout the model era and would look nice along side the other two coaches in the range.
Troublesome trucks
(https://i.gyazo.com/1060797f50f2f43a20e25e32b5b296e4.jpg)
Now this is something I have wanted for along time. Some Troublesome trucks in the NG range. Theres two designs that stand out to me (both based off series 4) A slate truck and an open wagon. With Bachmann redoing their box vans it would be nice if they redid their open wagon and adding a face just makes it all the more appealing. Same with the slate trucks. I know alot of us were disappointed when Bachmann released their slate trucks (based off the real ones on the Talyllyn railway). While I do appreciate they are accurate to the real life bases, they aren't accurate to the TV series but making a Troublesome slate truck would be the best of both worlds. A new TV series accurate model. The original slate trucks being available for those who want to make layouts based on the RWS or the Talyllyn railway. Plus people would buy multiple units of both Troublesome trucks similar to how we do with the HO Troublesome trucks.
Lastly for NG and this one is a bit out there.
The Refreshment Tea Room
(https://i.gyazo.com/815bc6c5eb2bb3fb105d10abac2a222d.jpg)
This appeared in season 7 in the episode The Refreshment Lady's Tea Shop. Which stars Peter Sam (who is due out very soon). This maybe one of those "gimmicky merchandise items" to some but this is what happens when it's done right. This would be a really fun edition to anyone's layout and collection. It would be prefect to display with Peter Sam and train shows and add a bit variety into the range.
Yes I'd still like the Brown breakvan and maybe a Blue Mountain quarry truck but theres not alot more I can add on those.
I now want to touch upon N scale.
Engine wise. I see either Gordon or Emily being the next engine they make. Both are strong characters in the show and part of the "Steam team" so it makes sense to produce one of these two next. Emily would complete the three scales like Thomas, Percy, Toby and James have being in HO, Large and N Scale however I know she will be a bit harder to make but I do think it's a question of when she's made and not if. I think its inevitable she will make it into the N scale range same a Gordon. As for rolling stock I haven't got anything really to add. Maybe a spiteful breakvan since he has become a popular selling point in both HO and Large scale.
As for Large scale as per Emily I think its a question of when LBSC Thomas gets made and not if. Also I think now Diesel and Paxton have been made in Large Scale its highly likely Iron 'arry and Bert will make their way into the range. If there was some new tooling available to be made, personally I'd love Bill and Ben. A great two for one on tooling. They are small and would be a great addition to the large scale range.
Personally I think the February announcement in 2022 will be fairly small given all the items we are still waiting to be released however I do think 2022 will hold alot of great things for the range as a whole, a few surprises and alot of things to keep us fans happy.
Yeah.
Salty being reintroduced to the HO Scale range would be Bachmann's perfect opportunity to announce Porter. Out of the CGI characters I mentioned, Porter would be the best choice, especially for when Salty does get reintroduced.
If Bachmann does another diesel shunter that isn't a 08, the ones I think would work are Den, Dart, Dennis and Norman.
Since everyone is talking about smaller engines, that made me thinking on how Bachmann can do Den and Dart, as they are a very unique design. Plus Hornby only ever did Dart, and I don't think it was accurate to how he was in the show. Plus that would one way closer to get all of the diesels from "Day of the Diesels" being completed in the line.
The other diesel shunter I would like to see if Dennis, as like most people said, there hasn't been a legit HO/OO model on the BR 11001 so far, and I think Bachmann could take this advantage to make it. As for why I said Dennis instead of Norman is because of the face. Remember when Paxton was made in the line a few years ago? The problem is that he has a smaller face compare to Diesel, and because of it Bachmann kinda had to make the face larger as they only made the tooling for Diesel as Paxton and Sidney didn't existed yet (which is what I fear if they did Sidney next as it be botched like with Paxton). If Bachmann did Norman first instead of Dennis, it would be a repeat of the Paxton problem. The only way they can get around this is if Bachmann made both Norman and Dennis at the same time (like when they made the large scale Diesel and Paxton) and they can figure out how to make the same tooling fit for both engines without making the smaller face being out of scale.
After many months, the Bachmann forum is back! And the layout is completely different!
If we get any recolors for HO Scale, we could get Sidney or Fernando, using Diesel's tooling, or Green Salty. For N Scale, I'm hoping we can get Henry, or the Express Coaches for Gordon.
Beau was a complete wildcard announcement, but his tooling exists. Rebecca will be the first NEW tender engine for HO Scale since Donald and Douglas.
Hello, everyone! First time poster, long time lurker. I was encouraged to join by my good friends, Chaz and TerencetheTractor525.
I have most of the items in the N Scale range, and I was excited at hearing Gordon's announcement.
The next engine for N scale I'd like to see is Henry. He has a few things that pull the odds in his favor:
1. He and Gordon share the same drive wheel chassis. This means they could potentially be worked on in production together, much like the HO models were all the way back in 2005.
2. Henry's announcement will complete the original Tomix quartet.
As for rolling stock, I think with Gordon, some Express coaches seem like a natural fit, and the Graham Farish Maunsell coaches toolings can potentially be recolored into the Green and maybe later Red variants.
I'll be a happy camper if Henry and the Express coaches will be announced.
Well this was definitely a surprise, the forum has been gone for over half a year and over a year's worth of posts have been lost.
I guess here and now is a good time to start over, especially with a rather interesting summer announcement back in August. That being said, it does leave me hopeful for a positive future for upcoming product suggestions. So with that in mind, here are my predictions for N scale, since I think narrow gauge has more than enough to keep them busy for this year and there isn't much to really discuss in HO for future products on my end, aside from more figure packs.
The next engine pick shouldn't be a surprise to many, but is also a top request on any social media regarding future product suggestions - Henry.
(https://i.gyazo.com/67524a86f6654ec336d0ccb2c1b534b5.png)
Now that Gordon is coming, I have zero doubt Henry will be added next. Not only is there a solid market for Henry in N scale, but Gordon and Henry also share the same chassis on the show and Bachmann used the same method in HO scale when producing models of them as well. He seems like a natural and inevitable addition, along with being a hot seller.
Honorable mentions go to Edward, Duck, Oliver and Diesel. Edward seems like another obvious pick after Henry gets announced, since I can't see them adding Henry without Edward not far after him. Duck and Oliver were also very popular sellers in HO and now that Toad is coming with a new tooling, they seem to be like solid possibilities much further into the future after Edward and Henry. Diesel doesn't need much of an explanation since he's basically a shoe-in at any time in the future, especially with how easily Bachmann can add Paxton almost immediately after Diesel for a 2 in one deal.
Now for the thing I wanted to talk about even more, rolling stock:
Since there is a lot more worth talking about with rolling stock I figured I would share the top 5 suggestions I personally would like to see for the future.
(https://i.gyazo.com/feb8a05b12877d1166b5b78484bd7157.png)
Like Henry, express coaches are the most obvious, if not inevitable additions to the range now that Gordon is coming. I would imagine they would introduce Gordon's express coaches first before moving onto the red ones, but either of these would be wholly welcome additions as the lack of express coaches for Gordon is something I feel should take priority.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/77048.jpg)
A close second would be a new tanker tooling. I bring this up because Bachmann has shown with the narrow gauge box vans that they're not afraid to cancel poor selling recolors in favor of a more accurate tooling. The tankers to me are the biggest letdown of the range, but Bachmann has since learned from this as they jumped on making Toad a new tooling instead of the Graham Farish tooling. Even reintroducing the fuel and oil tankers in a newer and more accurate tooling would be acceptable, but instead of the water tanker, the milk tanker would be a much more welcome addition since it's far more iconic and popular than the water tanker.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/Large_Scale/98018.jpg)
I'd also love to see vent vans introduced in N scale as well. Bachmann's introduced quite a variety of liveries/decals for the vans in HO and large scale and it would be nice to see these in large scale as well. The great western van in particular would be a lot of fun.
(https://i.gyazo.com/c6e6f7e0e5fad36e27a835723915e4bf.jpg)
The red coaches would also make nice additions into the range as well, as these look great behind most of the characters on the show, including many engines who haven't been made yet. So making these now before more engines can be introduced is always a smart move.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/77010.jpg)
And finally, despite Toad being a welcome addition, I feel Bachmann's N scale range would still benefit majorly with a new brake van tooling. Whether they go with a standard brake van or spiteful brake van (or even both) would be perfectly acceptable additions to the range.
Honorable mentions go to the mail car, coal wagon with load and Henrietta. Henrietta and the mail car I'm sure will find their way into the range eventually, especially with all the recolor possibilities they offer. The coal wagon with load on the other hand is the only other wagon recolor I'm interested in, and again not newer one with the Sodor Coal Co decals. For now though, they aren't high on my priority list but would still be welcome all the same.
The fact that HO Scale is getting Rebecca, a newly-tooled tender engine, really opens up the possibility for Hiro, or Flying Scotsman, but if another new tooling isn't viable at this time for HO Scale, then recolors would be another way to go, like Sidney, Fernando, or Green Salty. Regarding the Mainland diesels, they may not have much character, with only one being named (Ulli), but it's really hard to paint that livery when modeling. Bachmann has the tooling to make a red Mainland diesel or two. They could be called "Mainland Diesel #1" and "Mainland Diesel #2". Same livery, but different faces. They would make good shunters for a layout. Their faces can be swapped with other characters of this tooling when modding. They're making Beau because they have his tooling, and he was a one-off character. It would be interesting if Fernando, or the Mainland diesels could get their first official pieces of merchandise. One of the latter could even use Fernando's face.
Although there's a fanmade CGI BoCo, it's still not likely Mattel would approve of BoCo because he never officially returned in CGI. Splatter and Dodge were going to return in Day of the Diesels and The Great Race, but both times, they were dropped. Although they'd use Diesel's tooling, they haven't been relevant in two decades.
The next N Scale engine has to be Henry. He would share the same chassis as Gordon, minus the trailing wheels. Graham Farish toolings can be used for the Express Coaches.
Good to be back boys. Just wanted to say hello, will post thoughts later.
Great to see the forum and some familiar people back online! It'll be great to talk about announcements and such again soon!
Beau's upcoming HO Scale model will be his first official piece of merchandise, since both his Thomas Wood models were cancelled. He's also said to be a limited release. Thankfully, I have him on preorder from Trainworld.
Maybe the reason we haven't already gotten the Milk Tanker in N Scale is because when Bachmann chose the Graham Farish tooling for the tankers, people were disappointed. N Scale Toad used a new tooling, and he will be the first brake van in the range. Apart from the Express Coaches, Red Coaches would also be very welcome additions to N Scale rolling stock. Henrietta would be much more likely for N Scale than Large Scale, and she has to be made at some point, since Toby has joined the range. Henrietta would also make Hannah a possible recolor.
Hopefully next month, we could see an unpainted prototype of N Scale Emily, or Sir Handel, as well as N Scale Toad fully painted. Once the 2023 catalog goes up, Beau might be fully painted right off the bat, since they're using an existing tooling for him.
I do think Beau is such a strange choice for an engine, especially for the reason we were given for us not getting Stepney.
I understand why we aren't getting Stepney because it's been a long time since we seen him, I'm guessing it's very unlikely we will be getting characters that have not made it to CGI, so that will rule out BoCo and Duke too. Them two and Stepney are the three models I would love to see too.
But announcements, the next Narrow Gauge no doubt will be Duncan, it looks as though they are planning on bringing out 1-6 of the Narrow Gauge engines. After Duncan, it'll be interesting who they will do next, Victor, Luke, Millie? Those three are very likely, I can't think of any other Narrow Gauge engines that made it to CGI.
Out of the HO/OO models I don't think there is an easy option to pick to be made, I think the following are possible.
Nia: As much as as I don't care so much about the BWBA series, she became a main character and Rebecca has already been announced, bringing her out to finish the second Steam Team (third if you count #1-8 as the orginal team like me), but she is also a bright orange color, something that would stand out to the younger fans if railroads.
Sidney: A easy repaint as he is the same engine as Diesel, Paxton, 'Arry, Bert. Sidney would be cheap to produce as all they need to do I think is repaint and change the face.
Hiro: From what I believe, Hiro is extremely popular in Japan, but I'm unsure if Bachmann sell their models in Japan, or if they do, do they sell well? I'm not sure if Hiro could gey more of an interest in the Japanese Market or even be a selling point to start selling there if they aren't sold.
Charlie: I know alot of people don't like him as a character, but he is a small engine and a unique bright color to interest the younger fans. Maybe children found his jokes funny as actually enjoyed him as a character, so he could be possible.
Porter: Now that Salty is being reintroduced, I think Porter is possible to be announced. Especially as Ryan was announced after Daisy, so it's possible they want to put another duo out after each other.
Stanley: A white and Silver engine, once again another bright stand out color combination, I don't think he is likely as others, but still possible to be announced in the next five or so years.
My most wanted Engine who has made it into CGI I guess would be Whiff, I do like his design, and I do get bored of 0-6-0 Engines, so it would be a nice change. If Whiff did get made it could bring out the possibility of bring Scruff afterwards.
If we got any repaints, I would love to see Scrapped Versions of both Oliver and Toad.The redish Oliver with scrap written on his would look quite cool and interesting in my opinion.
As long as we don't get another James repaint I will be happy, but then again there is the episode where he is pink and the episode where he was in multiple different colors.
Rolling stock I would like to see would maybe be Bradford the breakvan, maybe the Tar Wagon if I remember it just discontinued. Maybe Bachmann could do the Slip Coaches as they are three coaches with the same design maybe with a different face each. I would like to see Henrietta with a face, which I think if she got made, a Hannah could easily be made too, after all repaint are easy ways for Bachmann to make money? An odd choice I would like to see, I think it's name is Lei, the truck that constantly fell off the track.
I don't collect G Scale or N Scale
I do think Henry then Edward would be next in the N Scale line.
Quote from: Zekeism on January 21, 2023, 07:40:53 PMI do think Beau is such a strange choice for an engine, especially for the reason we were given for us not getting Stepney.
Beau will be a repaint of Bachmann's 4-4-0 model with little new toolings. He's just for fun and will most likely be a limited run due to the tooling cost of the 4-4-0's.
For Narrow Gauge, Duncan is inevitable, and would complete engines 1-6 on the Skarloey Railway.
For HO Scale, however:
They might as well announce Nia, since they are making Rebecca. I personally don't care for Nia, or Big World Big Adventures, but given that she's a main character, and Rebecca's joining the range, Nia is inevitable, and would only make sense that she joins too. Nia would also complete the BWBA Steam Team. Also has a very unique livery.
Porter is another good choice, with Salty being reintroduced to HO Scale, but one big issue is his scaling, which is even more problematic than Oliver's.
Hiro is a very popular choice for a CGI character, and is now more likely, since we're getting Rebecca, which means Bachmann is back to making new tender engines for the HO Scale range. Rebecca's wheels (repainted) can be used for Hiro, just like how Oliver's wheels were used as parts for Ryan, but repainted.
Flying Scotsman could also be made possible as a new tender engine. Might use the same chassis as Spencer with Gordon's trailing wheels. The only concern is his second tender, which would make him more expensive, and need a longer package.
Stanley is one who appeared in both model and CGI, and has a unique white livery to make him stand out. He could even use Thomas' chassis with red wheels.
Whiff is also a very good choice, and would be the first ready-to-run model of Aerolite. He would be about as long as Ryan, though his front wheels might have to be powered. Announcing Whiff can make Scruff possible.
For recolors, Diesel's tooling can be used to make Sidney or Fernando. Mainland Diesel #1, Ulli, or any of the other Mainland Diesels can also use that tooling, but one thing is that the Mainland Diesels mostly didn't have names, and didn't show that much character, but it would be interesting if they or Fernando get their first official pieces of merchandise. Fernando is more likely since at least he has a name and character. The only issue with Splatter and Dodge is that they haven't been relevant in two decades. Green Salty is a different recolor I'd be okay with as well.
What I think would be cool for Bachmann, them doing a ballot to decide future models. Super Smash Bros did it a few years ago and most of the popular picks became characters in the next game.
Bachmann wouldn't even need to tell us the results and they wouldn't need to pick the most popular choice, they could the pick the most reasonable and possible choices, for example the top ten were, let's say:
1: Stepney
2: BoCo
3: Diesel 10
4: Hiro
5: Stanley
6: Porter
7: Whiff
8: Nia
9: Glynn
10: Charlie
They would go through the list and think, well we'll see which Engines Mattel would let us make, oh we can't get the materials for Stepney and BoCo. Diesel 10 can't be made because of his claw. Hiro could be a good choice, we'll make him.. Yes, I made the list up as an example.
Ever since Bachmann UK started introducing DCC-ready locos, I have held off buying more (I already had the Famous Eight!). Now with Edward and Henry being available, I am just waiting on Duck so I can upgrade my collection. I am sure at some point the rest of the fleet will be made DCC-ready, with Diesel and Bill & Ben, followed by Donald & Douglas top of my wish list!
I am also hoping the Narrow Gauge engines will be made DCC-ready, but I think that is a long shot given their size and design.
I'm just waiting for the last of the narrow gauge locomotives. Simple plain brown repaints for vans.
I really don't know what else, can't think right now.
Hey everyone! I am ecstatic that the Bachmann Forum is back, and happy to see that many old members are still here as if the hiatus in the past year never occurred. I'm going to be making some new posts here soon, including some final thoughts for 2023's announcement. Looking forward to engaging in conversations again.
After being cancelled for the past two years, the Toy Fair is finally returning, but will be later in the year this time, so we'll most likely just get the 2023 catalog within a few weeks. Maybe this Friday, but no guarantee.
As stated earlier, with the 2023 announcements right around the corner, I wanted to post some thoughts on what I would love to see announced.
HO Scale
The 2022 HO engine announcements were very surprising. In January, we welcomed the reintroduction of Salty, which was very nice, given the number of fans who missed out on this great model before it was discontinued. Then in the summer, Beau and Rebecca were announced. This must be one of the most bizarre and controversial announcements I have ever seen for the Thomas line. Nevertheless, one positive takeaway from it is that the announcement of Rebecca as a new tooling proves that Bachmann can announce tender engines with new tooling for the Thomas line for the future.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Hiro_(T%26F) (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Hiro_(T%26F))
Hence, I think that everyone can agree that Hiro would be an excellent candidate. He has an exquisite design and has been in the show since 2009, the very start of CGI. Given this fact, Mattel would approve Hiro and let's not forget that Japanese Thomas fans, who are a major part of the Thomas market, would eat this up.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Stanley (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Stanley)
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Whiff_(T%26F) (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Whiff_(T%26F))
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Harvey (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Harvey)
However, if Bachmann wanted the next engine to be smaller, but also appeal to fans young and old, Stanley, Whiff, or Harvey would be the way to go. All have been in the show for over decade, so there is surely a nostalgic connection for older fans, and they have appeared in CGI, so young fans would be familiar with them. I'd certainly buy any of these.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Sidney (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Sidney)
For this year though, with Rebecca now at stake, I would more so expect an engine that reuses existing tooling. Sidney is the character that comes right to mind. While he is a Class 08 like Diesel and Paxton, he is dark blue, which is a paint scheme that has not been seen on any of the previously announced HO engines. I would not mind buying Sidney either.
Moving onto rolling stock, the first product suggestion that should be considered is another long flat wagon variant. The long flat wagon with logs has consistently been a hot seller, and most fans are interested in this product because of the flat wagon tooling. Therefore, announcing it with a new load such as pipes or fuel drums, or even reintroducing the original with paint drums would be great way to get this specific flat wagon out more.
Gordon's Special Coaches are pieces that I would love to see produced. I always liked the dark blue paint scheme of these coaches and the episode in which these are featured is a fun one.
Finally, I think that the circus train would be appropriate for the future. These colorful pieces are eye-catching and would add a bit of festivity to anyone's collection. What's more, Bachmann could make several van variants, a cattle wagon, and even an additional exclusive flat wagon with load.
As for non-rail vehicles, I would love to see Sir Topham Hatt's Blue Car. The iconic blue car has been in the show since the very beginning, and it would be a nice piece to go with the upcoming HO Scale Figure Packs too.
Speaking of HO Figure Packs, I would love to see more of these, especially a pack that includes exclusive characters such as Alicia Botti and the Mayor of Sodor.
In terms of buildings, I think it would be a good idea to bring back Knapford Station. Just like Tidmouth Sheds, many Thomas modelers missed out on this before discontinuation, and I have seen some sold for insane prices on eBay.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Duncan_(T%26F) (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Duncan_(T%26F))
As for narrow gauge, all l can really predict for now is Duncan. However, with Sir Handel in the works as well as several new pieces of rolling stock, I wouldn't be surprised if there are no new narrow gauge announcements for 2023.
N Scale
Last summer, there was zero doubt that the best product announced was the N Scale Gordon. It is going to be incredible to see his side rod configuration at that scale, and this confirms that larger engines are feasible in N scale.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Henry_(T%26F) (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Henry_(T%26F))
As a result, I absolutely think that Henry would be the best candidate for the next engine announcement. Sharing the same wheel configuration as Gordon and as another member of the main cast, he would be yet another winner.
To go along with the bigger engines, express coaches would be great, especially Gordon's Green Express Coaches.
For freight, a box van would be excellent as well. The Great Western, Fruit & Vegetable, Explosives, Brendam Bay, Mr. Jolly's, and Ice Cream Vans are all variants that I would love to see join the line in the future.
Large Scale
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/58739.jpg)
I am not sure as to where the Large Scale line will go from here. One product that I could see happening is the LBSC Thomas, given that it is a recolor and seems to be quite a popular request amongst fans.
As for rolling stock, perhaps some circus vans or a new troublesome truck could join the line?
As always. I want to give a huge thank you to Bachmann Industries for producing such wonderful Thomas products and I look forward to reading everyone's thoughts.
Here is My Bachmann Wish list
This List is in Terms of what's actually feasible by Bachmann, so while I would Love to see Stepney, Boco, or the classic Breakdown train, they all probably would be shadowed by modern stuff. It's not to say they're Impossible, I just think including them here would be a little redundant.
I should also point out that this is a wish list, and not a prediction list for 2023.
Harvey
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fttte%2Fimages%2F8%2F88%2FMainHarveyCGI.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20210921072407&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FHarvey&tbnid=lodtDEa2pvEazM&vet=12ahUKEwjDu9zVyeD8AhWftXIEHRXJABkQMygAegUIARDNAQ..i&docid=mv16tJWQiob-XM&w=1301&h=1125&q=harvey%20the%20crane%20engine&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwjDu9zVyeD8AhWftXIEHRXJABkQMygAegUIARDNAQ)
Harvey is a character I have Been Pushing for since last year. He is considered a "Classic series" Character, and has appeared in the CGI series. His design may be hard to work around, Especially if the crane arm will have some sort of functionality, but I feel Bachmann can make anything work. (I would also recommend getting rid of the Moving Eye Mechanism)
Diesel 10
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fttte%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fd7%2FMainDiesel10CGI.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%2Fscale-to-width-down%2F1200%3Fcb%3D20200129044806&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FDiesel_10&tbnid=7D8kSWCY77lGVM&vet=12ahUKEwjU-J-Ry-D8AhXdn3IEHXLTDIMQMygBegUIARDiAQ..i&docid=MgBhRJ1-0QEeOM&w=1200&h=1037&q=diesel%2010&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwjU-J-Ry-D8AhXdn3IEHXLTDIMQMygBegUIARDiAQ)
Again Diesel 10 has appeared in both the model era and the CGI era. He is a very marketable character that always sells well in any range. Again, the claw might bring some Issues, However I just want it to be
pose-able.
Whiff
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fthomas-and-twilight-sparkles-adventures%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fdd%2FMainWhiffCGI.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20190908083508&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fthomas-and-twilight-sparkles-adventures.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FWhiff&tbnid=YM8sQyURKXJB7M&vet=12ahUKEwj3m7-tzeD8AhUEmXIEHUEfDBgQMygKegUIARDGAQ..i&docid=zbSWMSm83uut0M&w=938&h=810&itg=1&q=whiff&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwj3m7-tzeD8AhUEmXIEHUEfDBgQMygKegUIARDGAQ)
Whiff is a Character I would want to see not only because I think he's a fun character, but his Basis has never been produced in HO/OO scale.
Hiro
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fttte%2Fimages%2F6%2F63%2FMainHiroCGI3.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20171025150620&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FHiro_(T%2526F)&tbnid=SBjAYZ70eSJurM&vet=12ahUKEwj785D3y-D8AhUNs3IEHbzXAAUQMygAegUIARDuAQ..i&docid=sR1PUBRaEIz7mM&w=668&h=577&q=hiro%20thomas%20and%20friends&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwj785D3y-D8AhUNs3IEHbzXAAUQMygAegUIARDuAQ)
Hiro is one of the best CGI characters ever, and by Bachmann producing Rebecca soon, that proves that bachmann is capable of doing more large tender engines. Hiro is also still relavent in the reboot surprisingly, And I would pay $200 for Hiro over Rebecca any day.
Merlin
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fpoohadventures%2Fimages%2Fa%2Fa6%2FMerlin.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20170627083410&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpoohadventures.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FMerlin_(Thomas_%2526_Friends)&tbnid=ci5tvfVQNHrfuM&vet=12ahUKEwiy1qrxzOD8AhV3n3IEHbMjCdIQMygBegUIARDEAQ..i&docid=YnfVVmFCq3Z8FM&w=340&h=301&q=merlin%20thomas%20and%20friends&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwiy1qrxzOD8AhV3n3IEHbMjCdIQMygBegUIARDEAQ)
This may be a Questionable Choice. But I love Merlin's character and basis. He's also a very moderate size tender engine, with a simple design that I feel makes him easy to produce.
Moving on to rolling stock,
Rocky
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fttte%2Fimages%2F3%2F3d%2FMainRockyCGI.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20201217135633&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FRocky&tbnid=8Zx1e0mnmTFVcM&vet=12ahUKEwiu_bqSzuD8AhUls3IEHeo_DVgQMygAegUIARC_AQ..i&docid=Exkj8wxVWuhnVM&w=1035&h=894&q=rocky%20ttte&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwiu_bqSzuD8AhUls3IEHeo_DVgQMygAegUIARC_AQ)
Rocky is a Character that I am surprised has not been talked about more. In Fact, I'm surprised Bachmann hasn't tried to produce a break down crane of any sort yet. Rocky has not only appeared in both era's of the show, but he has an appealing color scheme, and would sell very well.
The Works Unit Coach
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fttte%2Fimages%2F3%2F31%2FGreenWorksUnitCoachCGI.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20170527080530&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FBreakdown_Train_(T%2526F)&tbnid=stfFjynb38SARM&vet=12ahUKEwiWitm-1eD8AhVornIEHVw6DKEQMygGegUIARDJAQ..i&docid=ljcxGEv0aoaHXM&w=509&h=291&q=works%20unit%20coach%20thomas&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwiWitm-1eD8AhVornIEHVw6DKEQMygGegUIARDJAQ)
This would be a fun piece of rolling stock to add, and also could come in green and orange.
Tar Tanker Reintroduction (Troublesome truck #7)
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fttte%2Fimages%2F0%2F05%2FTarTankersFace.png%2Frevision%2Flatest%2Fscale-to-width-down%2F250%3Fcb%3D20180716094649&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FTar_Tankers_(T%2526F)&tbnid=yJi39EXeDks1-M&vet=12ahUKEwj61Yrw1eD8AhUfn3IEHY7vA8gQMygEegUIARDRAQ..i&docid=fkYwB82VJimk_M&w=250&h=243&q=tar%20tanker%20thomas&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwj61Yrw1eD8AhUfn3IEHY7vA8gQMygEegUIARDRAQ)
I think lots of people were disappointed with Troublesome Truck #6 being based on the BWBA movie. However, as Bachmann shown with Troublesome Truck #5 and the spiteful breakvan, they are still willing to do rolling stock with classic era faces. Not only would I want to see the Tar Tankers reintroduced, They could also kill two birds in one stone by making it a troublesome tanker. Not only that, the tar tankers have been seen in the CGI series with a face.
Flat car or open Wagon With Pipes
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fpbs.twimg.com%2Fmedia%2FDWFj0rOUMAA82c1.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fthomastankmerch%2Fstatus%2F964161666895183872&tbnid=iOv730ZI4kHWPM&vet=12ahUKEwiI9p7K1-D8AhVhghUDHTpmCmQQMygEegQIARB6..i&docid=YJEUtz0ZoDroBM&w=604&h=453&q=wagon%20with%20pipes%20ttte&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwiI9p7K1-D8AhVhghUDHTpmCmQQMygEegQIARB6)
I do think a Flat car with pipes is more likely (as on the one used for the logging car), however I also thought that the open wagons with pipes (as seen in Edward Strikes Out) would also work quite nicely. (would also go good with Rocky)
1-Plank wagon with Sir Topham Hatt's car
(https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FSir_Topham_Hatt%2527s_Car_%2528T%2526F%2529&psig=AOvVaw1ytLAKFblfjZsEaTkizhJl&ust=1674666510318000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAwQjRxqFwoTCNCEkofZ4PwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD)
Sir Topham Hatt's car is a good Idea on it's own, however I think to Sweeten the deal it should be on a One plank wagon, a reference to Thomas and the Runaway Car, or Charlie and Eddie.
Trevor
(https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic.wikia.nocookie.net%2Fttte%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fd4%2FMainTrevorCGI.jpg%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20180920145045&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fttte.fandom.com%2Fwiki%2FTrevor_(T%2526F)&tbnid=GJSSVAbjVhHbMM&vet=12ahUKEwjJs_LB2eD8AhUKoXIEHc8FC3sQMygDegUIARDNAQ..i&docid=GpS3TAXWGDexOM&w=1053&h=908&q=trevor%20the%20tractor&safe=active&ved=2ahUKEwjJs_LB2eD8AhUKoXIEHc8FC3sQMygDegUIARDNAQ)
Similarly, Can't go Wrong with Trevor.
Now for Large Scale, there's only one thing I want.
Large Scale Edward
Bachmann Haven't done many Characters for G scale, obviously for price reasons. However, Edward is a similar size to James, and is a classic character. He is the last thing Large scale Truly needs.
I think it's safe to say that if a character has not appeared in the CGI episodes/specials, the odds of them being made are basically 0. Any hopes for Stepney and BoCo might as well be dead in the water, lest Mattel change their tune in the near future. Seems strange that they won't give Bachmann any leniency after years, and years, and years of demand from the fans, and guaranteed revenue from how the Hornby Stepney sold both in its living and post-market days.
That said, Rebecca before Hiro is a decision that got a raised brow out of me, especially after years of assumptions that there was a stipulation against large tender engines. I feel like the demand for Hiro has been consistently far greater than Rebecca, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was a decision more pressed by Mattel.
Still shocked we haven't seen Sidney or the Mainland Diesels made yet, those seem like easy ones to crank out.
Besides model-era characters, Hiro, and any diesel shunters, I feel like "what's next" could literally be any engine picked by throwing a dart at a board.
Same with rolling stock; in years past, I've created mock-ups for potential products such as these:
(https://i.imgur.com/gqC2LT0.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/tXMbC99.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/dq8LaH9.png)
And still today, I uphold the belief that if it's not a new tooling, the odds of a piece of rolling stock being made are low. The Mai Coach and Flatbed these days feel like exceptions, rather than the norm, unfortunately. Which at that point, basically any livery or logo is possible on a piece of rolling stock. Skys the limit.
It would be nice to see them make a new tooling based on something unique to Thomas, such as the Lynton and Barnstaple rolling stock or the Works Unit, but my hopes are just too low these days.
For HO Scale recolors, Bachmann could easily make Sidney, Fernando, the Mainland Diesels, or Green Salty because their toolings already exist. For new toolings, they could make Nia, Stanley, Whiff, Harvey, Norman, Diesel 10, or Hiro. For Harvey, one issue is his crane arm, but Bachmann has made rail cranes. Making one that's self-propelled shouldn't be too hard, though they may have to omit the eye mechanism for a rotating crane arm. As for Diesel 10, they could at least make his claw posable, and could still stay in place when not in use. Diesel 10 is the only other good choice for a larger diesel that's appeared in the CGI series. Not a fan of Nia, but since we're getting Rebecca, they might as well complete the BWBA Steam Team. Ashima would be really interesting, but two problems with her are her complex siderod configuration with upper flywheels, and her highly-detailed paint scheme.
We may never get a Bachmann Stepney, no matter how great his demand is, solely because he never appeared in the CGI series. Same for BoCo or Duke, unless Mattel ever warms up to the idea... They probably won't, given that they intentionally made All Engines Go a dumpster fire for the older fans, but that's a different topic.
Hi everyone! I wanted to share my quick predictions before the 2023 catalogue is out!
HO SCALE
I do believe that this year will be a recolor year. With Rebecca and Beau in development, I think Bachmann will take a slight hiatus from new tool announcements. So my prediction for HO locomotive(s) this year:
-Sidney
-Arry and Bert (reintroduction)
Sidney would be a great, new addition, and would be cost effective too. My only fear is the face. Hopefully it wouldn't be completely botched like how Paxton's face was.
As for the Iron Twins, they fetch a very hefty price tag on the secondary market. I think a limited reintroduction would be a great idea so fans who missed out on those two could get them, and it would be extremely cost effective as well.
If there was going to be a new tooled HO loco announcement, I'd have to say it's going to be......
Nia.
Why?
Well, we have Rebecca already announced. I think it just makes sense to have both of these characters together from a marketing standpoint. Another reason being the reintroduction of Tidmouth Sheds. I just have a feeling that bringing back Tidmouth was in preparation for the announcement of Rebecca and then later, Nia. Another reason: Mattel.
However, if Nia isn't announced, another new tooled loco I could see is Philip. He's small, and he's a diesel. I don't think he would be too difficult for Bachmann to develop, and he is from fairly recent media.
Those are my predictions, but my HOPES are for:
-Stepney
-Hiro
-Stanley
-Harvey
-Diesel 10
The demand is THERE. These are what the people WANT. I cannot emphasize enough that any of these characters would basically be printing money. These would be instant sellers. I usually don't preorder, but I would make exceptions for these, and buy multiple. Please, Bachmann!
HO ROLLING STOCK
-CGI Troublesome Truck
I think the days of classic era faces are over. I would be personally be really happy to get a CGI troublesome truck, and buy multiples as well.
NARROW GAUGE
-Duncan
He's the next in line. Simple as that. If not Duncan, then I'd be happy with Victor. Victor can even have a yellow version :)
HO ROAD VEHICLES
Discontinue Jeremy (why was he ever a thing?) and introduce:
-Trevor
He is simple, and the demand is there. Also appeared in recent media (JBS).
I'm not too concerned with N or G scale, but I think a great idea is to do TAB recolors of Thomas and James in both scales. I know I would be very tempted to get them.
That's all I have for now! Hoping we get the new catalogue very soon!
If we finally do get Sidney for HO Scale, I just hope the face won't be botched, like how Paxton's was. However, Paxton's face was a huge improvement on his Large Scale model. Sidney would also need a painted border around his face.
It's been six years since Paxton was first announced for HO Scale, and Sidney still hadn't been on the cards, but we'll see if that changes soon. Fernando and the Mainland Diesels are other good choices that use the same tooling, but it would make sense that Sidney comes before them. Too bad Splatter and Dodge haven't been relevant in two decades.
I definitely agree with the general consensus, that Duncan is the most obvious if not inevitable pick for narrow gauge. However, with how far behind Bachmann is on several projects for narrow gauge, including the brake vans announced back in 2020(!), I think this year Bachmann will take a breather and focus on releasing the vans and starting work on Sir Handel and the new wagons on the way.
As for Nia, if I'm honest, I'm surprised that she wasn't announced before Rebecca since Bachmann hasn't announced a tender engine in over a decade and Nia seems to have a much bigger push by Mattel, especially with marketing. The only possible explanation I can think of why they picked Rebecca first was maybe they thought Rebecca's price would be a better value of money between the two since Nia has a far more detailed and complicated design to work with than Rebecca does despite Rebecca being a tender engine. Granted, I'm sure Rebecca being a "top requested locomotive" were most likely a response to requests coming from Mattel, but it still makes her a very questionable choice since Hiro was very clearly a more popular demand and would have sold far better than Rebecca too. But anyways, I do think unfortunately, Nia isn't that far off from being added in the future. However, like Sidney, Nia just strikes me more as premonition that most fans are dreading to see happen rather than something they're getting excited and hopeful for like they have for Hiro or an N scale Henry.
Here's the weirdest thing with Rebecca:
I'm not sure how much The Reboot influences the Bachmann range, but Rebecca hasn't been in the reboot, so she hasn't appeared in the show since 2020.
Hiro, actually has appeared in the reboot.
I'm not saying I want them to make things purely based off the influence of the reboot, I just think it's a really weird choice, especially when Doug said on a livestream that characters like Stepney would be shadowed by newer characters like Rebecca due to relevancy, and Rebecca hasn't been relevant since the BWBA era, it just seems like an excuse for what seems like a Mattel push. I'm not saying that's fact, but it's personally what I believe.
I shouldn't get upset if Nia is next in line for new toolings in HO Scale, considering we already have Rebecca coming our way. The demand for Hiro is bound to have skyrocketed following Rebecca's announcement, which greenlit new toolings for tender engines. Hiro could even use Rebecca's wheels (repainted) as parts, like how Ryan used Oliver's wheels; just repainted. For smaller engines, Stanley has had high demand for years, and can recycle Thomas' chassis with the wheels painted red. Hiro should be the next tender engine for HO Scale, as he's had consistent demand, and now more-so following Rebecca's announcement. I think Hiro should be considered before Flying Scotsman (whose only concern is the second tender).
As for diesels with new toolings for HO Scale, the best choices are Den, Dart, Philip, Norman, or Diesel 10. Dart would make Natalie a potential recolor (albeit she was a one-off character like Beau). However, Dart's only concern is his small size, and may have to be scaled up slightly to fit the eye mechanism and motor. Frankie could recycle Diesel's chassis, though she was a one-off character, but would make one of the American diesels a potential recolor. Not only would this be Norman's first official piece of merchandise since Mattel's takeover, but he would also be the first ready-to-run model of 11001. Philip would also be a good choice for Large Scale.
I've been asked, so I'll put my predictions in last minute. But first, let's take a bit of a walk on what Bachmann still has on the back-burner for each scale (yeah, I may have been keeping a list).
HO Scale
Ryan (painted sample)
Salty (painted sample)
Beau
Rebecca
DCC Sound Thomas & Percy
Explosives Van (painted sample)
Chocolate Factory Van
Brendam Bay Van
Figure Packs
Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel
Brake Vans (Painted Sample)
Box Vans (Painted Sample)
BMQ High-Side Wagons
Gondolas
N Scale
Toby (painted sample)
Emily
Gordon
Emily's Coaches (unpainted sample)
Toad (unpainted sample)
Large Scale
Chocolate Van (painted sample)
Brendam Bay Van (painted sample)
Toby's Museum Coaches (painted sample)
These lists use information from the TrainWorld "Thomas Tuesdays" and Bachmann's Social Media posts, and I believe the list is up to date (feel free to let me know if I missed anything). I'll be partially basing my predictions off of this list, so here we go:
HO Scale
I'm honestly not sure what to expect here, especially since it has the largest backlog of unreleased products. It would be cool if they could announce a new engine, but I'm not really expecting one, at least for the February announcements. As far as rolling stock goes, I could see the Chocolate Factory Tanker and Toffee Tanker make the jump from Large Scale to HO. Other than that, maybe some more figure packs will be announced?
Narrow Gauge
I could possibly see Duncan getting announced soon, since it's been a year since they announced Sir Handel. As far as rolling stock goes, I'm not really expecting much for these announcements, but a Brown Brake Van & Box Van would be pretty easy recolors for them to do. As far as the future goes, it seems like Bachmann is pretty willing to do any narrow gauge stock (looking at the gondolas), so I'd definitely like to see Bachmann tackle the Brown and Grey Open Wagons from Series 4 in the same sort of style as the Box & Brake Vans at some point, along with some Talyllyn-style tipper wagons.
N Gauge
Henry has to be next; they've got his chassis design, and he's been just as requested as Gordon. I'm surprised they weren't announced together, to be honest. As far as rolling stock goes, I'm hoping for a Milk Tanker, the Red Open Wagon, Coal Wagon w/ Load (original version), maybe a Tar Tanker, and Express Coaches for Gordon. These would really help the range feel complete, and shouldn't be too difficult for them to do (they seem to be very quick with getting physical models in this scale).
Large Scale
Although I don't personally collect Large Scale, I do want to talk about it. Since everything unreleased has painted samples ready, the range is in the perfect spot to announce a new engine. I'm personally hoping for Edward or Mavis. As far as rolling stock goes, I'm not sure what we could see, but Bachmann seem to be good at finding recolors. It would also be cool to see a rerelease of Thomas' Snowplough.
I would like to see the "Naughty or Nice" Brake Van sold separately. I want one of those but I don't want to have to buy a whole set to get it.
So SOME catalog announcements were shown in Bachmann's latest video, but NONE of them were Thomas & Friends products. However, there will soon be a separate video announcing Thomas products within like a few weeks or so. We'll get the full catalog during February. We may not see the new Thomas products until then.
We'll have to hold our breath for just a little longer. There will be Thomas announcements. Just not at this moment. They're being saved for a dedicated video on them.
So I figured before the announcements come out I'll put in my predictions. I'm not really sure what to expect this year, I'm tempted to do a hopes and predictions column. So I will. Lol.
HO SCALE
Engines
PREDICTION
Stanley or Nia
HOPE
Harvey or Stepney
Rolling Stock
PREDICTION
Well Wagon Comeback
Troublesome Truck 7
Gordon's Special Coaches
Circus Train
HOPE
China Clay Truck
Breakdown Crane
Spencer's Express Brake Coach
NARROW GAUGE
ENGINES
DUNCAN (Seems inevitable, just pray they don't use his CGI model as a basis.)
My hope here would be Duke.
ROLLING STOCK
GREEN (CATTLE CAR) COACHES
GUNPOWDER VAN
FLATBED
No hopes here. They are doing pretty well :)
OFF-RAIL
These are all wild cards, I expect we may see another figure pack or two. But beyond that I'd love to see...
TREVOR
GEORGE
BULGY (He's been around recently too)
LORRIES
LARGE SCALE
Here is an interesting scale, I love large scale and feel it's long overdue for a new engine. But I'm not sure what direction they'll go. I propose two for the engine.
Option 1: One Bigger Tooling options I see as,
Edward
Duck
Mavis
Donald and Douglas
It would be a big new tooling. But I think they would get some thing for their buck.
Option 2: The Twin Route
As much as I want some of the engines on that list I put above in large scale, if I were Bachmann what I would do is this.
Bill & Ben
Arry & Bert
Do both sets of twins in one year and get four engines for really the price of one. Use the Class 08 tooling to do Arry and Bert, which most all classic fans would buy. Plus Bill and Ben would be selling like hotcakes. Then Bachmann is able to make a decent amount of money to put into the range for the future. Boom. 8) 8)
As for rolling stock.
More Recolors
Flat Car
Mail Car (Long Overdeue)
Also, I really like the option of a normal brake van.
N Scale
This is the only scale I haven't purchased a single item from yet, I plan to, and I can't wait seeing how much has been introduced so far. Here's what I think is coming next.
Engines
Edward or Henry
Stock
Mail Car
Express Coaches
I'd also love to see Cranky in this scale.
That's about it for me, might come back and edit later or make an additional post. Happy to be back all. ;D
The fact that Trainworld announced that for their next Thomas stream the first unpainted sample of N scale Gordon will be ready definitely gives me the impression that they have to be working on Henry or have plans for him. I can't see any other reason why that's the case, especially since there's no word on Emily and she was announced a few months before Gordon.
Either way, it's very exciting to hear they've made so much progress on Gordon already!
An unpainted prototype of N Scale Gordon is ready much sooner than expected, even before Emily, who was announced before him, which is very weird. Not too long ago, Bachmann did show an unpainted prototype of Emily's coach. I really hope N Scale Henry gets announced soon. He would be the best choice immediately after Gordon's announcement, especially for being the same size as Gordon, as well as sharing Gordon's chassis; minus the trailing wheels. After Henry, Edward will be the only member left of the original Steam Team for N Scale.
Gordon is also the first engine in the N Scale range who doesn't already exist in Large Scale, since N Scale is much more flexible with big engines like him. If Bachmann can make Gordon, they can absolutely make Henry for N Scale. Just recycle the chassis, remove the trailing wheels, change features of the body to match Henry's, paint him green, and make the tender different.
Pardon this double post, but the 2023 catalog is up!
No new engines were announced, but HO Scale is getting an Open Carriage, which is a new tooling for rolling stock, as well as Sir Topham Hatt's car. N Scale is also getting Henrietta to go with Toby (thank goodness) by popular demand, as well as three box vans (Great Western, Fruit & Veg, and Ice Cream), and even a set for Emily. Also nothing new for Narrow Gauge, but there's plenty of stuff there still on the backburner. Also, nothing new for Large Scale...
To be fair to Bachmann, there's still a lot of products yet to come out, so it can't be too surprising that there isn't much this time around. Here are my thoughts;
HO Scale:
The Old Carriage: Out of the rolling stock that could've been announced, I certainly wasn't expecting this one! I'm really looking forward to seeing this. I really like the 1800s Era of trucks and coaches and I reckon these will go down a treat! Who knows, maybe Stephan could be announced further down the line (no pun intended).
Sir Topham Hatt's Car: I'll be honest, the figure announcements last year were the biggest surprise in my opinion. I've personally always wanted a scale figurine of The Fat Controller and now not only are we getting that, but we're getting the "Hatt Blue" car as well! It's so great to see Non-Rail characters/vehicles making a comeback! Hopefully one day we'll see a model of Trevor or maybe Bulgy? Here's hoping!
N Scale (I'll keep my thoughts brief as I'm not particularly bothered by N Scale personally):
Henrietta: It's nice to see Toby's faithful coach getting a release, though I can't help but wish one could be made for G Scale. We've been waiting years for that, so maybe with an N Scale version coming out, the chances of a G Scale model are more promising?
The Ventilated Vans: I mean, yeah... cool. I don't really have much to say regarding these honestly.
Emily's Passenger Set: This sounds like a good one to me. Personally speaking, I wish Bachmann went back to making sets with other characters besides Thomas, nice to see that happening for N Scale. Hopefully in the future the same can be done for HO/OO and G Scale.
Conclusion:
While there isn't a lot announced this time round, these sound like really cool products and besides that we've still got models like Sir Handel, the new NG wagons, Ryan, etc still coming. Nice work Bachmann! Looking forward to seeing the finished results!
Pretty pleased that we are getting Sir Topham Hatt's car, makes sense as it can go with the family figure pack.
What is the open carriage from? I don;t remember seeing it, but I'm guessing it'll look good.
Shame there isn't a new Narrow Gauge engine announced, but it also means I can catch up, seeing as I only started collecting them since Christmas.
I don't collect N Scale, but it's great to see Henrietta to go with Toby, though I do think it would have been the perfect time to put a face on her. At least she makes sense unlike Toad, I do think they should release rolling stock that fits with the character they are releasing.
Like Thomas, Annie & Clarabel
Percy, Mail coach, Break van
James, Red Express Coaches
Toby, Henrietta, an open wagon
Emily, her coaches
Gordon, Green Express Coaches
I do wish starter sets came with a little bit more than a circle/oval, a siding or something would be cool, I find the circle/oval is a little boring.
It's more than understandable why the announcements this year are so small considering all the projects Bachmann is behind on. For what it's worth though, just about everything that got announced this year shows quality over quantity.
A new rolling stock tooling is highly appreciated. The open carriage wagon itself is random, but a new tooling all the same is a welcome addition. Makes me wonder if Stephen will be planned soon. Either way, I feel this is a nice step-up in HO, and I'm interested to see how this will turn out.
Once the figures got announced, I had a feeling Sir Topham Hatt's car would find its way in the range. This will be a very hot seller with the figures and having a new road vehicle is also a welcome addition on its own. Another thumbs up to Bachmann on this one!
It's really nice seeing the box vans make their way into the N scale range. I'll be picking up a few of the great western vans for sure, I'm really glad these are going to be another new tooling. They all look fantastic, and I'm amazed how they got done so quickly! Hopefully it continues to stay this way and the tankers being Graham farish toolings is just a one-off. Either way, I'm amazed how much the N scale range has grown in almost 5 years since the ranges first announcement.
The biggest surprise of all has to be the N scale Henrietta! I'll be honest I wasn't sure if Bachmann would pull this off, given how Henrietta got the short end of the stick in large scale but it's nice knowing Bachmann's willing to go the full mile with Henrietta. I mean, if they're making a new tooling for Toad the brake van of all things, it wouldn't make any sense to not invest in Henrietta after Toby's release.
Emily getting a set in N scale is a little strange, since Bachmann has stated that sets for other characters don't sell well.
Overall I'm really happy with all these. Hopefully in the summer, the N scale range will be able to add Henry and Gordon's express coaches. It's also more than understandable why there's no new narrow gauge announcements, given how Bachmann is behind on several NG products (including the brake vans announced back in 2020!), so I think it's wise for Bachmann to play catch-up with narrow gauge and all the other previously announced products. Looking forward to updates Bachmann, thanks for always thinking of the fans!
Logging onto the forums again for the first time in a while. It's good to be back--
To summarize my thoughts on Bachmann's products and announcements within the past year, they've certainly been providing a lot more than I was expecting. I'm pretty happy that they've been doing as much as they could for each of the ranges, and most of the products have a fair reason for being greenlit despite what the fans may think of them.
The announcements that interest me the most this year are in the N Scale range. Like Chaz said, its growth has been rather impressive and it's great to see that Bachmann has been making some logical and reasonable choices for new products. I cannot wait to pick up Henrietta, and the Box Vans are going to be great too! The Emily set was unexpected, but still a welcome addition and a great way for the casual consumer to purchase both her and the coaches at the same time. If the announcements in this range are anything to go by, they've certainly been taking note of fans' suggestions overtime.
Understandably, not much new offerings for Narrow Gauge are present, and nothing new has been announced for Large/G Scale. Bachmann has a lot of catching up to do across the board and I suspect that there won't be too much announced in the summer as a result. If anything, I would hope for N Scale Henry to be announced since Gordon's production is underway, and maybe the Red Coaches as a stretch since Annie and Clarabel have been around for a while now.
Best wishes to Bachmann as the year continues! Hopefully, it'll be a productive one for them.
Hopefully this summer at the NMRA, Bachmann could announce N Scale Henry, along with the Red Coaches, or even the Express Coaches to go with Gordon, now that we're getting Henrietta to go with Toby. With Toad being the first brake van in the N Scale range, could that indicate plans for Oliver? Henrietta would also make Hannah a possible recolor.
As for HO Scale, could the Open Carriage indicate plans for Stephen joining the range? There's also the Blue Coach, which you see at the end of Stephen's train, and was once pulled by Diesel, which could also get made. If any new engines get announced for HO Scale at the NMRA, it would most likely be recolors, like Sidney, Fernando, a Mainland Diesel or two, or Green Salty. Nia, as much as I don't care for her, is bound to be the next new tooling. Beau will not have moving eyes, but should have a working light instead.
It's perfectly understandable why the announcements were small, considering all the products Bachmann needs catching up on, especially for Narrow Gauge.
The 2023 catalog is up, and I must state that I am quite content with the selection.
The HO Open Carriage was a nice surprise, given that we have not seen a new HO rolling stock tooling for years. That being stated, I do question how well this product will sell, considering that Hornby already made a model that is nearly identical:
https://uk.hornby.com/products/open-carriage-pack-containing-3x-open-carriages-stephensons-rocket-r40102.
I think that the Works Unit Coach would have been a better new tooling investment for HO rolling stock, as it has appeared since the very beginning and in multiple paint schemes:
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/31/GreenWorksUnitCoachCGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20170527080530
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/f1/LoveMeTender78.png/revision/latest?cb=20210509202815
Nevertheless, the open carriage is a welcome addition and I could see some fans placing the upcoming HO figures on it.
The HO Sir Topham Hatt's Car was definitely the highlight for me. It has been a long time since we have seen a new nonrail vehicle for the HO Thomas line, and I have many memories of this prop from the show. It will go beautifully with the upcoming HO figures, and I could see Thomas collectors of lines outside of Bachmann also adding it to their collections.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/4/49/CrankyBugs65.png/revision/latest?cb=20190116223948
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/be/ASurpriseforPercy90.png/revision/latest?cb=20190117055316
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/50/JamesAndTheQueenofSodor31.png/revision/latest?cb=20180803192338
The new N Scale additions are lovely as well. N Scale Henrietta will go wonderfully with Toby and it is great to see a new box van tooling in three different paint schemes. As others have stated, here's hoping that Henry and express coaches will be next!
All in all, I completely concur with Chaz on that this announcement was one of quality over quantity. It is especially important to acknowledge that almost every new product is a new tooling, including HO rolling stock and nonrail, which we have not seen in years. Thank you very much to everyone at Bachmann Industries who have made this possible and I look forward to seeing N Scale Gordon during the next TrainWorld Thomas stream on Monday.
Another idea for a road vehicle is the Post Van, which appeared in Season 24.
I have an image showing recolor suggestions for the HO Scale range. Because their toolings exist, Bachmann might as well announce Sidney, Fernando, Mainland Diesel #1, Mainland Diesel #2 (Ulli), or Green Salty at some point, possibly at the NMRA, since their toolings already exist. All of which appeared in the CGI series. Diesel's tooling still has some good choices for recolors, while Salty's reintroduction can make Green Salty a recolor. As for the Mainland Diesels, Bachmann can't do all of them, but it would be nice just to have two or three of them, especially #1 showing a rather annoyed expression. Only a few have good looks of their faces. It's been six years since Paxton was first announced for HO Scale, and Sidney still isn't on the cards. BWBA introduced Fernando, another character who would use Diesel's tooling. Both he and a few Mainland Diesels could possibly get their first official pieces of merchandise. I wonder if Bachmann could acknowledge Sidney like they did for Stepney.
Hopefully, N Scale Henry and Express Coaches get announced this NMRA. Bachmann should know how much we want Henry, following Gordon, for N Scale.
I didn't noticed that the forum was back up after many months of delays on updating, but I stumble back after the recent announcements for 2023.
Aside from Ryan and Salty, I'm very happy that Bachmann is doing Rebecca as not only a fan of the character, but also the engine class itself. Beau is one I didn't thought they would do, but I'll grab him regardless as I want to expand the roster. The only things being discontinued is the rest of buildings aside from the red water tower and the lighthouse. It's kinda ashame as I thought they would expand more on that after they got Tidmouth Sheds back. Speaking of which, I don't understand why they stopped making the expansion packs just after they got the main one back. One thing Im' surprised they kept is the analog Thomas due to the fact it was out of stock for over a year, but has a new packaging based on the recent style.
The Blue Open Carriage was certainly a surprise for a newly tooled piece of rolling stock. However, I am conflicted due to the fact that I already have four (?) of the Hornby version from their Stephenson's Rocket range. The Hornby version has the very annoying coupling system that only really works with other Hornby Era 1 stock, so with Bachmann doing this carriage in the Thomas range, at least it will have the hook and loop couplers so it can connect with the Thomas stock more easily. Also, extremely unlikely, but I would be over the moon if Bachmann were to make Stephen to go along with this carriage.
I have to agree that the Works Unit Coach would've been a better option. It is a highly requested item, and it is versatile unlike the open carriage. Not to mention it would easily have two color variations, making the tooling very cost effective. Here's hoping it'll be a reality in the future.
It's awesome they're bringing STH's car to the HO range. Hopefully this opens the door to more non-rail characters being produced (Trevor please).
Even though I'm the new guy on the forum, I'm still going to weigh in on the announcements.
HO:
The Open Carriage is the first new rolling stock tooling since the flatbed that is presently being used as the Log Car all the way back in 2009. Really excited about The Fat Controller's Car! Even though I mostly collect Bachmann N Scale and Narrow Gauge, I have little doubt it will scale up nicely with the narrow gauge line and my Bandai TECS collection, just like the figurine packs will. I'm perfectly okay for nothing major like a locomotive as we need to get Ryan, CGI Salty and the various rolling stocks out on the shelves and significant progress is made on Beau and Rebecca before we get any new announcements.
Narrow gauge:
Considering we have projects going back three years, I'm 100% okay with no new announcements.
Large scale:
Perhaps the range should be stagnant for a little while until some resources are gathered to make an announcement that will make everyone happy.
N Scale:
We didn't get Henry or Express coaches, but I'm still holding out hope for them for NMRA at the earliest or at the very least, this time next year. That said, I'm excited about the box vans and will be picking up two Great Western Vans. Even though Gordon is going to be revealed on Thomas Monday tomorrow night, I'm surprised that Emily actually got a ready-to-run set announced! It makes me wonder if Bachmann actually have made more progress on Emily than we realize? And will Gordon get a set if and when the Express Coaches are announced? So many possibilities!
The highlight of the announcements was the surprise announcement of Henrietta! Considering that she never happened in large scale, I'm completely ecstatic that Bachmann saw enough worthwhile to invest in making her. She'll go nicely with Toby for sure and Percy. The question I have is: Will she have a face? Regardless, I'm planning on picking up the model as both a big fan of Seasons 1-7 and the Brenner Era.
Final thoughts:
All in all, Chaz hit the nail on the head: the announcements were quality over quantity, and that is okay by me. Bachmann should play catch up since between all the lines, some projects go back at least three years! Here's to a solid list of announcements and can't wait to see what NMRA will have lined up in August!
Hey everyone. Been a longtime observer of this forum and thought it would be fun to contribute to the discussion.
I was really happy to see Sir Topham Hatt's car get announced, and it gets my hopes up that Bachmann could expand their road vehicle selection for this line. Here's a few characters that I think would be viable.
Classic Series Characters
I think Trevor is the most obvious one here. I have seen him brought up multiple times on here, and for good reason. Bulgy and Butch are also ones I would really like to see. All three of these characters were in CGI so I think there's a good chance they could get made.
CGI
Only one I can think of here is Kevin. Assuming they make Victor some time down the line, I think Kevin would go nicely with that potential release.
The Pack
A number of these guys also made it into CGI, including Jack, Alfie, Oliver, and Max and Monty (can use the same tooling for them). I would buy any of these in a heartbeat.
These are the ones I could come up with off the top of my head. I think expanding the road character selection for the Thomas line would be wise, considering they must sell well since none have been retired since their release. I think the fact that Jeremy is still available says enough. Any thoughts?
Bachmann desperately needs catching up on Narrow Gauge products. At least the Narrow Gauge brake vans and box vans have painted samples, and should be available anytime now. HO Scale Ryan, Explosives Van, N Scale Toby and even the three newly-announced N Scale ventilated vans also have painted samples, and should all be available anytime now, within the next few months, as long as nothing goes wrong. Don't know about the N Scale vans, though. Those might be later this year. Maybe Doug Blaine will give us estimates on when all upcoming fully-painted products are expected to arrive in stock, including the reintroduced Salty and Red Express Coaches. Maybe we'll see HO Scale Ryan and N Scale Toby in their packages, showing they're just about to be available.
Hi 👋 Everyone I'm Tys_Trains_1999 and I was recommended by Terencethetractor525 to join the forum and since this is the predictions for what could possibly see in the line I figured why not just post it here so let's get into it
Standard Gauge Engine's
Murdoch- During Thomas Monday I've noticed a lot of people liked Chris H's custom Murdoch for N scale but mostly I saw Doug interested in the model which I hope we can see a potential HO Murdoch in the future. We definitely need one at some point in time because I unfortunately don't have a Hornby Murdoch in my possession.
Harvey- Harvey would be an amazing model to see in HO scale no one in terms of an official manufacturer has ever tackled his design yet and I figure he would be a stretch because his design would be complex to do but if Bachmann could have the crane arm be moved manually I think that could work just like all of Harvey's other toys ( Also when I said that no manufacturer tackled his design I meant any Model Train company not the manufacturers who made his Trackmaster, Tomy/Plarail, Wooden Railway, and Take Along variants) but, if Bachmann could find a way to make Harvey I'm definitely buying one
Boco- Since the release of Daisy I was really hoping to finally get a Boco HO model at some point because with daisy's tooling exciting I don't think it'll be to hard to make some adjustments to her tooling to make BoCo after all it wouldn't be the first time those two characters share parts. In the model series BoCo and Daisy shared the same faces one has make up the other doesn't, kinda weird how I never noticed that as a kid.
Stepney- Stepney needs a model, I've always loved his design, his story, his character in the show and books, etc. Stepney is definitely my second favorite character my first is Thomas but, if Stepney could get a brand new Bachmann model I assure you there'll be a review uploaded to my channel on YouTube.
Standard Gauge Rolling Stock
Rocky/Breakdown Train- I honestly think we need some sort of railway crane character in terms of being on the rails because if you're engines derail who's going to get them back on the tracks , the hand of God? ( Just Kidding) this is why we desperately need a crane other than Cranky, I can understand if Rocky is to expensive to make but if the the Breakdown Train can be made all Bachmann would to do is make a new tooling for the crane itself and use the tooling from the Chuggington flat car for the crane arm to rest on while not in use.
Flatcar with paint drums- this is a free car that I would love to see return into the Bachmann range because it was discontinued I believe in the early or late 2010s but since bachman brought back the express coaches I would love to see them bring back the flat car with paint drums I understand that it's been only seen I believe in calling all engines but I personally think that it would definitely be a good marketing decision because let's be honest we're all going to buy them.
Flatbed Car with Pipe Load- I personally want to see a flatbed with a pipe load and this is why I want to see the paint drums return as well with the flat car because we already have the log car but I personally want to see a trio of flat cars one with logs one with pipes and the one with paint it would be such a good marketing decision and it would just feel more classic to see those types of loads on these flat cars.
Old Slow Coach- Old Slow Coach was definitely one of my favorite characters introduced in season 5 of Thomas and Friends and I've always wanted to get a proper model of her but the only one available is the Hornby version and it's incredibly sought after and hard to come by I would definitely like to see Bachmann tackle this character I think she would be a great marketing decision to introduce her to the line she's definitely going to be bought out if they make her.
Tar Tanker- another canceled freight car that I want to see come back and that is the tar-taker it's so classic and it has such a unique role in the show in terms of the early model series because we all remember James crashing into the tire tankers and I think it would be really cool to see the tar-tanker come back in HO scale it's just so iconic to where I don't understand why Bachmann canceled the item / discontinued it. It really does mind boggle me on why they canceled it it's so unique but at the same time I hope that they bring it back at some point
HO Narrow Gauge
Duncan- Duncan would be an incredible character to have in the ho narrow Gauge line, because the yellow Rhenaes is throwing me off because I keep thinking it's Duncan LoL. He was one of my personal favorites in the narrow Gauge character lineup just because he was downright funny and just well plain blunt reminds me a lot of myself that and he would also be an incredible marketing decision because he is one of the classics
Duke- Duke is definitely one that I would love to see in the narrow Gauge line besides Bertram he is the only other tender narrow Gauge engine and I would love to see him be made in bachman's narrow Gauge range it would just be so fulfilling to see that character in the lineup to have all the characters from The classic season 4 show because I loved season 4 for the introduction of the narrow Gauge engines and Duke would just complete the roster.
Troublesome Slate trucks- we definitely need to receive at least some form of troublesome truck and the narrow Gauge line and I think if they made troublesome truck 7 a troublesome slate truck that would be a home run I would love to see a narrow Gauge troublesome slate truck. I can see Terrence the tractor 525 using those trucks to recreate the famous crash in season 4 that Peter Sam had in the Slate mines.
Narrow Gauge Coal Trucks- The narrow Gauge cold trucks I would also like to see because they were from the very same season 5 episode Duncan gets spooked which is another reason why I want Duncan to be made in the narrow Gauge range is because of that particular episode but with the coal trucks they would definitely be a good marketing decision for bachman to make then they wouldn't be too hard to produce either all they would have to do is just kind of use the same chassis from the Slate wagons and just make a new molding for the coal truck.
Vehicle Characters
Horrid Lorry's- these characters only appeared in season 5 as well and I would love to see them return in the Bachmann HO range because we need more vehicle road characters we have plenty of Engine characters I would love to see the road vehicles get a little bit more love and they kind of are with the release of Sir Topham hatt's car which is nice but I would have definitely loved to have seen the Lori's or Trevor or Butch the breakdown truck it just would be really nice to see more of the road characters get some love from the Bachmann team.
Trevor the traction engine- Trevor would definitely be another character I would love to see in the vehicle range because he is classic and has returned to the CGI Series in the later years of Thomas and Friends and it would definitely be awesome to see him in HO scale lineup
Bulgy- Bulgy is definitely a major character I would love to see in the ho line because man a double-decker bus would be incredible to see in the HO scale line because a lot of people have to go to either the ertl, Bandi, etc lines to have bulgy on their ho layout and I would love to see Bachmann make bulgy as a ho model for the little Western.
This concludes my hopes to see in the Bachmann range at some point I hope you all enjoy reading this sorry no pictures I'm still trying to figure that part out LOL I'm a little new here so I haven't messed with the forum too much but I hope you guys enjoy this post
After what Doug Blaine said about Stepney, I feel that is very unlikely that any character that wasn't in the CGI era of Thomas will be made.
Quote from: Zekeism on February 13, 2023, 02:58:55 PMAfter what Doug Blaine said about Stepney, I feel that is very unlikely that any character that wasn't in the CGI era of Thomas will be made.
It would be completely doable for Bachmann to make Smudger though considering he's just a repaint of Rheneas. Granted he was featured in one single episode, but a repaint and new face does not cost a lot to produce at all. I don't see duke happening, but KATO makes a 009 Princess which is Duke's basis, making it extremly easy for modellers to make a highly accurate and detailed Duke.
Sadly, given what Doug Blaine said about Stepney, he may never get made, solely because he never appeared in the CGI series. Same goes for any others that never officially appeared in CGI, like Duke and BoCo.
HO Scale possibilities for the NMRA announcements can be Sidney, Fernando, or Green Salty for recolors, or if they have Rebecca unpainted by then, the next new tooling could be Nia, Stanley, Whiff, Hiro, or Stephen because they're making the Open Carriage, which may indicate plans for Stephen. Hopefully by then, we at least see Rebecca in the unpainted stage. For HO Scale rolling stock, they could add the Chocolate Syrup and Toffee Tankers.
In the N Scale thread, I already talked about how Bachmann must announce Henry with the Express Coaches for N Scale at the NMRA this summer. If not the Express Coaches just yet, other very welcome rolling stock possibilities being the Red Coaches, or a trio of open wagons, like Red Open Wagon, Blue Open Wagon and Coal Wagon w/ Load.
I actually did want to talk about Stephen after sitting back on the open carriage announcement from earlier.
The more I'm thinking about it, the more I see this as a stand-alone rolling stock announcement without any sort of hint/plan for Stephen to be announced. The reason being is that the open carriage, while pulled often by Stephen (more than most engines on the show), isn't necessarily assigned specifically to Stephen. In fact it was introduced a year before Stephen did in season 16, which Bachmann did use a photo from in the catalog:
(https://i.gyazo.com/40233afc6b04a6cccae1e0f62ce97db5.png)
I've said it before and I'll say it again, but I think the reason why we are getting the open carriage is because Bachmann wanted to introduce products this year that would be great additions to go along with the upcoming figure packs. The fact that the carriage and Sir Topham Hatt's car of all things were the only new HO announcements in the catalog further solidifies that idea. Hopefully this gives us more ideas on what to expect for figure packs like a Sodor passenger pack or even a brass band figure pack, which the latter has been seen pretty frequently in the open carriage on numerous occasions in the CGI series.
(https://i.gyazo.com/d716169f8b756cf4beac8e6f0745a22e.png)
Either way, more figure packs coming in the future would be really exciting and I would love to see more in the future and hopefully updates on the previously announced packs.
Now I got a better understanding of the Open Carriage. It's not necessarily for Stephen, but rather, it's being made so that the upcoming HO Scale figures would have something to ride in.
That being said, another idea that would make use of the figures would be Samson, which would be another new tooling. Being a cabless tank engine, Samson could be given crew members to put onboard. With Samson, Bradford can also be made as his brake van, using a UK tooling like Toad did in HO Scale. Also being Bradford's first official piece of merchandise, and another good option for a brake van.
An already-released engine like Rosie can also have crew members put inside.
I agree that the Sodor Brass Band would be a terrific addition, as it would appeal to both older and younger fans, go nicely with the upcoming open carriage, and add some festivity to anyone's model railroad.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/c0/TramTrouble70.png/revision/latest?cb=20190520215515)
This may be wishful thinking, but the bandstand would be a very nice bonus that adds to the festivity. I would imagine that it would be made out of plastic like the square water tower in the line. Nevertheless, details like this are what really bring any model railroad to life.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/9/92/PercyandtheBandstand60.png/revision/latest?cb=20210420030957)
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Sodor_Brass_Band (https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Sodor_Brass_Band)
Any word or idea when the Narrow Gauge brake van and vans coming out?
The Bachmann UK Website gives an estimate of April/May, so I'd imagine it would probably be around that time frame for the US as well.
(https://i.postimg.cc/6y5NDFXZ/20230220-215546.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/6y5NDFXZ)
Hi just a quick update to my previous post in terms of the breakdown train I thought of that particular rolling stock could be used as Judy and Jerome from the Adventure Begins movie and the Arrsdale to Hardwick Branch line so they'll go great with the Origin James and Thomas as well Daisy and soon to be Ryan. Judy and Jerome would be fantastic to have because Rocky I believe would cost quite a lot to make for a new tooling he'd probably have to have his own motor to run to help other engines to pull him
I would appreciate Judy and Jerome as rolling stock additions for sure, especially with the two for one deal Bachmann seems to be going for with rolling stock. They could even do a standard breakdown crane without a face and nameplate if they wished, but if they didn't that would be understandable too.
The works unit coach would also make a great addition to go alongside Judy and Jerome. Again, another two in one deal since both an orange and the green one have been used in the CGI series, and technically a blue one used in the background of Percy and the Calliope:
(https://i.gyazo.com/a8d5f0cb30031c079dbc5d89fdad537f.png)
Honestly if I had to choose between another new engine in HO or Judy Jerome and the works unit cars, I would happily choose the latter since having breakdown cranes in the range would offer more diversity in rolling stock and would make a far more welcome addition for pretty much any other engine candidate on the table for HO, except for maybe Hiro.
For a new rolling stock tooling in HO Scale, the Works Unit Coach would be the perfect choice. It can be made in green, blue, and orange. Three different liveries. That would certainly make for a great trio of rolling stock in HO Scale. The Works Unit Coach would be a much simpler new tooling (a basic shape) than Judy and Jerome, which also aren't bad choices, considering Bachmann does make rail cranes. They just haven't bothered making any for the Thomas line.
So, for the next new rolling stock tooling in HO Scale, I'd say the Works Unit Coach is the #1 priority, especially for being a basic shape.
For motive power, Winston may be feasible in HO Scale, considering Bachmann UK makes Wickham trolleys, and Winston literally is a Wickham trolley. He would also make great use of the Sir Topham Hatt figure. Something for him to ride in.
I like the idea of the breakdown crane and the unit coach.
I'm one of those fans that prefer a faceless character like the breakdown cranes.
I grew up with them not having one and suddenly out of no where they have names and faces in the movie.
Add on pieces to apply if you want them is a good choice.
Quote from: Chaz on February 21, 2023, 06:54:23 PMI would appreciate Judy and Jerome as rolling stock additions for sure, especially with the two for one deal Bachmann seems to be going for with rolling stock. They could even do a standard breakdown crane without a face and nameplate if they wished, but if they didn't that would be understandable too.
The works unit coach would also make a great addition to go alongside Judy and Jerome. Again, another two in one deal since both an orange and the green one have been used in the CGI series, and technically a blue one used in the background of Percy and the Calliope:
(https://i.gyazo.com/a8d5f0cb30031c079dbc5d89fdad537f.png)
Honestly if I had to choose between another new engine in HO or Judy Jerome and the works unit cars, I would happily choose the latter since having breakdown cranes in the range would offer more diversity in rolling stock and would make a far more welcome addition for pretty much any other engine candidate on the table for HO, except for maybe Hiro.
Judy and Jerome would be wonderful additions to the line, as would the Works Unit coach. Judy and Jerome would certainly be easier and make more sense to make than Rocky, who I have a hunch his complex design would make him extremely expensive to produce.
At this point, Hiro is the only engine for HO who I think would be received well. Stanley and Whiff would be nice additions, but the fact remains is that they do not seem to be as well-liked as Hiro. Charlie -- while having a very pleasing color palette -- would also be a horrible addition, given how his stint during the Miller era made him one of the many things a lot of people dislike about that time in Thomas. He also hadn't played a major role in the show since Season 18, before permanently being reduced to background appearances and cameos.
In HO Scale, Hiro would be the new tooling for an engine that would be best-received, as he is the most popular CGI-originated character. With Rebecca joining the range, which is bringing tender engines back to HO Scale, Hiro is now more possible. Rebecca's wheels can even be used as parts for Hiro. Just repainted, plus two additional drive wheels.
Judy, Jerome and the Works Unit Coach would be the best choices for new rolling stock toolings. I'd love to see the Works Unit Coach released in green, orange and blue. Like I said about Judy and Jerome, Bachmann has done rail cranes for HO Scale. They just haven't bothered doing any for the Thomas line. Doesn't mean they can't.
Well, here we go. The announcements as mentioned earlier were fairly small as Bachmann is clearly playing catch-up on previously announced products. So I'll be sharing my thoughts on what I think should be introduced next for NMRA and 2024. Got a lot to get through, so here are my thoughts.
(https://i.gyazo.com/aa7ce974322c2ba864342357f07b270f.png)
HO engine wise, the only engine I would be interested in seeing at this point would be Hiro. Many fans, including myself, are still salty Bachmann picked Rebecca over Hiro since Hiro was a much more popular request than Rebecca (long before she was ever a thing for that matter), and would have been a much better seller too. But if Hiro is the next new engine tooling after Rebecca, then all would be forgiven on my end. He might be more expensive than Rebecca, but I can promise you right now fans would be a lot more willing to pay the higher cost for a Hiro model than they would for Rebecca, especially the Japanese fans.
I do want to talk more about rolling stock though, particularly Judy and Jerome and the works unit cars:
(https://i.gyazo.com/716c6c7af9f261925da6c439daff29ba.png)
Judy and Jerome offer major diversity for Bachmann's rolling stock, particularly since there isn't a breakdown crane in the range yet. These seem like an easy two for one cash in just begging to happen. Their different faces make them easily recognizable, their designs are surprisingly simple, (especially compared to Harvey and Rocky), and they go along nicely with several of Bachmann's current offerings including the recently released Daisy and Ryan.
(https://i.gyazo.com/e3fc440d667c0bf4696754ebf6b616fe.png)
And since Bachmann's been on a kick of introducing recolors during slower times, in the future they can even introduce a plain breakdown crane as a recolor option, giving fans an option if they want to go a more classic style route.
(https://i.gyazo.com/48b44cc6fb2e377004f37fb095a3d4d2.webp)
(https://i.gyazo.com/6ec3b7f65568a09c70ca97d377f7967d.webp)
And finally, in order to complete the breakdown train, they will need to introduce a works unit car. This is a relatively easy piece for Bachmann to make despite being a new tooling and they offer different livery choices, orange, green and even blue. All of which have been present in the CGI series.
The only drawback I see to Judy and Jerome would be the high price tag, but if Bachmann is seriously willing to go along with Rebecca with a ridiculously high RRP at $300, then I really don't see what should stop them from adding Judy and Jerome in the range at this point. Again, not as many people will pay a lot of money for Rebecca, but a lot of people will be more likely to spend a similar amount on both Judy and Jerome and the works unit cars.
(https://i.gyazo.com/3f7756400da89db59b3b1675d07842ef.webp)
As for narrow gauge, considering how long it took them to get Peter Sam out and how slow progress has been on Sir Handel, I'm not expecting a Duncan announcement until NMRA 2024 at the earliest. I do think out of the remaining narrow gauge engines in the CGI seasons, Duncan would make the most sense to be introduced despite many fans indifference to the CGI design. That being said, I think many people would still appreciate Duncan being picked next if it meant completing all the classic narrow gauge engines who appeared in CGI, so I think it'd be worth the investment for Bachmann for that reason alone.
(https://i.gyazo.com/cf331de27fd68f7624db8dd52d9d9c5c.png)
I do, however, think that they could benefit from, at least, adding some more rolling stock re-colors. While the new box vans and brake vans turned out great, it would be nice seeing these being available in brown as these were both present in the model and CGI seasons. To add, the brown variants are the only ones used in the CGI seasons and are almost always used in narrow gauge goods trains. Hopefully Bachmann can introduce these in their next lineup!
Also there's one more numbered slate wagon Bachmann has yet to introduce which is #138, but like how they introduced the recent one they can throw that one in the range anytime they'd like.
All right time for my N scale wishlist! Since we are currently waiting on a batch of three engines in the form of Toby, Gordon and Emily, I'd like to suggest my top three engines that I would like to see included in the lineup next:
(https://i.gyazo.com/67524a86f6654ec336d0ccb2c1b534b5.png)
After seeing the engineering sample of Gordon being done so quickly, I have zero doubt that there are plans for Henry in the future, given the shared motor and chassis (minus Gordon's trailing wheels) he and Gordon both share on the show. Henry has always been a popular seller with Bachmann in HO and his Tomix model is still going for high prices online, thus indicating that an N scale Henry model will be a very popular seller. He's been the top request for the n scale range for a reason, and it would be disappointing if they picked any other engine before Henry for their next engine announcement.
(https://i.gyazo.com/2d622af870ae486e88882474f0598d49.png)
After Henry, I feel like Edward is a very natural next step, completing the original main cast of characters in addition to having promising strong sales that would mirror that of Gordon and Henry. His HO model was and still is a very popular seller too. So popular that both his model and Henry's sales were enough to convince Bachmann UK to recently add both him and Henry in their limited lineup of Thomas models. The fact that they picked them before Emily or even Diesel speaks very high volumes.
(https://i.gyazo.com/8b669264235d73b375316609de4ddd66.jpg)
Once Bachmann finishes the original main cast, I think Duck should be one of the first side characters to be introduced in the N scale range. Just like Henry and Edward, Duck's HO model has incredibly strong sales indicating that he should be prioritized over many of the other side characters in N scale. Duck also is very popular with both he older and younger audiences and carries a strong presence in both the model and the CGI series. He's an iconic classic character with a lot going for him, it would be silly for him to not be picked after Henry and Edward, except for maybe Diesel.
Speaking of, honorable mentions for future engine candidates go to Diesel and Oliver. Diesel feels like a shoe-in Bachmann can add to N scale anytime, especially with the multiple recolor choices, while Oliver would go along great with the N scale Toad model.
Now let's talk about rolling stock. Bachmann's introduced a lot of new rolling stock toolings in N scale in such a short amount of time so hopefully these can be considered during the NMRA and 2024. So here are my top three new rolling stock toolings (in addition to an additional recolor):
(https://i.gyazo.com/feb8a05b12877d1166b5b78484bd7157.png)
Gordon's express coaches are such a low-hanging fruit for rolling stock, and I'm surprised these weren't announced alongside Gordon last summer. However, I'd like to think we aren't that far off from seeing them given the progress Bachmann has made on the N scale Gordon. They can also introduce red express coaches at a later date with the same toolings too. It's also worth noting that the market for express coaches in N scale is evident given by how much the red ones go for online, just like Henry.
(https://i.gyazo.com/c6e6f7e0e5fad36e27a835723915e4bf.jpg)
The red coaches would also make very welcome additions too as mentioned before. I feel these however can wait until after the express coaches, but regardless I feel these will find their way in the range eventually. They've always been popular sellers with Bachmann and look great behind most engines on the show. They were popular in HO and they have been flying off shelves for the large scale range, and I have no doubt they would do the same for N. They can also reuse the tooling for these to make Toby's Museum coaches too.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/77029.jpg)
While there aren't really any other wagon recolors I'm interested in personally, I feel like a very natural and welcome addition would be the original coal wagon with load. The dark green livery with black frames was always an iconic livery used in both the model and CGI series and the coal load itself has always been a fun gimmick to swap around with various wagons in the range. It's also been very popular in HO and at one point large scale, still being produced by the former several years later, thus indicating that this will be a recolor that will continue to have strong sales in N scale too.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/77010.jpg)
And last but not least, brake vans! The 20 ton brake van tooling being glossed over in favor of Toad was kind of an odd choice on Bachmann's part, but regardless I feel Bachmann can still introduce this tooling into the range and introduce a brake van in a livery similar to what's been shown in the CGI series in addition to making one for the spiteful brake van, who was also a very popular seller in HO and large scale.
Honorable mentions for future pieces of N scale rolling stock go to the mail car and a new tanker tooling. The mail car has always been popular with Bachmann and there's multiple colors they can work off of. Plus the market for N scale mail cars are there since Tomix made them at one point. As for a new tanker tooling, I feel the benefit to introducing a newer and more accurate N scale tanker tooling would be in Bachmann's best interest since most fans aren't a fan of the current tankers since they're recolors of the Graham farish tooling due to their their inaccuracy to what's in the show. Discontinuing them in favor of introducing a new tanker tooling in the form of milk, oil, and fuel would really win a lot of fans over and make up for lackluster sales with the Graham farish recolors.
So that's pretty much everything, let me know your thoughts and hopefully we will see most of these find their way in either the NMRA and/or 2024.
Have to agree with your post, Chaz! Your comments are spot on.
The only things I can really add are that Judy and Jerome make more sense than Rocky because they have simpler tooling(s). The Works Unit coach has been seen by itself and with the Breakdown Train, so I'd be okay if it was announced by itself first. Henry in N scale also completes the original Tomix quartet. Edward was another one promised by Tomix at one point but never produced so he also makes sense. Diesel is an inevitable addition as well. I'm surprised the Brown narrow gauge brake and box vans have yet to be announced, but I also think they should be announced in the not too distant future.
The best choice for an engine in HO Scale at this time is Hiro, while the best choices for rolling stock are Judy, Jerome, and the Works Unit Coach. All of which require new toolings, but will be well worth it. While Hiro will be the most expensive model in HO Scale, given his sheer size, but many are willing to pay that much for him. There is a market for Hiro. Engine recolors can include Sidney, Fernando, or Green Salty, while rolling stock recolors can include bringing the Chocolate Syrup Tanker and Toffee Tanker to HO Scale.
For Narrow Gauge, the best choices are Duncan, as well as the brown brake van and box van. Although many are iffy on Duncan's CGI render, he will complete the classic Skarloey Railway engines that appeared in CGI. Progress has been slow on Sir Handel, so it may be a while before Duncan gets announced.
For N Scale, the best choice for an engine is Henry. After Henry, it would be most natural to follow with Edward, which will complete the original main cast in N Scale. The best choices for the first side characters would be Diesel, Duck and Oliver. Like Chaz said, Diesel would be a shoe-in with many potential recolors, including Paxton, whose face will look a lot better without the eye mechanism being an issue like it was in HO Scale. For N Scale rolling stock, the best choices would be the Express Coaches, Red Coaches, Mail Car, Coal Wagon w/ Load, Red Open Wagon, and brake vans, including the Spiteful Brake Van.
Great work on the post, Chaz! Reading your suggestions is always a pleasure and this post was no exception.
Starting with HO, with CGI engines considered, I completely agree that Hiro is the number one engine that should be announced. As a character that has been in the show from the very beginning of the CGI era (now over a decade ago!), he would be a very popular seller for fans both young and old. This is a model that I would love to pick up as well.
Moving on to rolling stock, the works unit coach would be a terrific addition, given the recolor possibilities, and the fact that it has appeared in the show since the very first season. As primarily a model era Thomas modeler, I would pick up the green variant, but I could see the orange and blue variants selling well too. The good thing is that all three appeared in the CGI era. As for the breakdown train, I am all for it, given its unique look and function. The original crane, Judy, Jerome, and Rocky are all choices that I am on board with.
For Narrow Gauge, Duncan and the brown brake van definitely feel like logical additions for the future. If possible though, it would be beneficial for Bachmann's Duncan model to have a mix of real-life proportions and a CGI paint scheme. This would be the best of both worlds, just as Skarloey was.
Lastly, for N Scale, as others have stated multiple times, Henry certainly feels like the most logical choice when considering which engine to announce next. As for rolling stock, the express coaches would be excellent, but I would personally love to see the original coal wagon with load too, as mentioned.
Here's hoping most of these suggestions, along with some new HO Figure Packs, will be announced in the next few years!
Rebecca has certainly raised the demand for Hiro in HO Scale. Rebecca's announcement had officially put tender engines back into the picture, considering she is the first newly-tooled tender engine in HO Scale since Donald and Douglas. We may see her unpainted prototype this summer at the earliest.
Did you know that Rebecca was intended to be a Season 21 character? After several episodes got cut, she wasn't introduced until the next season. The start of a short-lived era that killed the original show, but that's a different topic.
Hiro will even be prioritized over the likes of Stanley and Whiff, since he's much more popular, including among the Japanese audience. He's one of those CGI characters that's actually a big fan favorite. Maybe after Hiro, Flying Scotsman could be another good choice for a tender engine, since it's been 100 years since Flying Scotsman first came to service, and he was in CGI. The only issue is his second tender, which will make him more expensive. Hiro has two more drive wheels than Rebecca, but should still be feasible. If we just can't get Stepney, Hiro will be more than welcome.
From what I believe, Hornby owns the licence to the Flying Scotsman, which is why Bachmann haven't made a regular version on the engine.
Bachmann could still make the character Flying Scotsman, though he may not get released in the UK, especially if Hornby does own the exclusive rights to produce models of the real-life counterpart. Bachmann couldn't even sell their HO Scale Thomas products in the UK until Hornby dropped their Thomas license. Marketed there as OO Scale.
For now, our main focus for HO Scale is Hiro. For N Scale, it's Henry.
Quote from: Zekeism on March 03, 2023, 08:25:25 PMFrom what I believe, Hornby owns the licence to the Flying Scotsman, which is why Bachmann haven't made a regular version on the engine.
Hornby does not hold exclusive rights to the Flying Scotsman loco, evident by Dapol making the Flying Scotsman in N Scale and O Scale. From my understanding, a manufacturer has pay a licensing fee to the NRM to make models of it. I believe that is the case with all NRM-owned locos, such as Mallard, City of Truro, etc... Bachmann Europe has made many models with the NRM seal of approval so I assume they would be perfectly capable of doing the Thomas version of Flying Scotsman, if it were a viable venture.
For what its worth, I think a Thomas version of Flying Scotsman would be currently better suited to the N Scale range than HO. Since his model in the 3D animated show is an altered version of Gordon's, they can recycle the chassis from the upcoming N Scale Gordon and just make a new body shell and set of tenders. Meanwhile in HO since HO Gordon is so disproportionate compared to the show, they'd have to make a new chassis from scratch for Flying Scotsman. From that alone the retail price for an HO Flying Scotsman would exceed that of Rebecca or even a prospective Hiro. An HO version could still do well regardless of the pricing, it'd just be a more economic choice in N with what assets currently exist for it to utilize, ha ha ha.
A little late to responding but thanks for the strong feedback on my post earlier everyone! I'm glad to see the general consensus for Hiro and N scale Henry still going as strong as ever. Hopefully they will be considered next when Bachmann looks into more engines for those lines respectively.
I'm also happy to see the positive reception for Judy and Jerome after their recent mention earlier took off. Those along with the works unit cars would make for some very fun additions for rolling stock too. N scale express coaches are still as strong as ever for requests, something tells me we aren't far off from seeing those happen too.
Regarding the Flying Scotsman, I wouldn't mind a model of him, but like Duncan, his CGI render looks really off-putting to me, particularly with the six wheel tenders. That and with Rebecca's RRP at $300, I'd expect Scotsman to be even more expensive which might factor whether or not Scotsman would be a practical addition or not. I'm sure Hiro would be worth more than Rebecca too, but as I said before, Hiro is one of those very few characters fans will happily buy regardless of price. While I can't say the same thing for Rebecca, it might be a different case for Scotsman. He is a nostalgic character with an appropriate following and the right appeal for sure, but his design and personality in the CGI series are so completely different from what was on the books or the cameo of his tenders, that he may as well be a different character at that point (but of course that's just my opinion). I'm sure some fans will jump on it, but I'd personally rather see Hiro first before Bachmann takes on a more ambitious project like the Flying Scotsman.
Flying Scotsman might be better made in N Scale before HO Scale because Gordon's chassis is disproportionate in HO Scale, so Flying Scotsman's tooling would have to be made 100% from scratch. But for N Scale, Flying Scotsman can use Gordon's chassis, like Henry. For Henry, Bachmann just needs to remove the trailing wheels. Could N Scale Spencer also be made using Gordon's chassis? Though his trailing wheels would be done differently. Spencer would also pave the way for the Special Coach to be made in N Scale. Spencer is definitely feasible, though I think we're better off getting Henry and Edward in N Scale first, so we'd have all eight members of the original main cast.
I wouldn't mind seeing Spencer in N scale, as he is a very popular character and his HO model was always a very popular seller. He's admittedly not one who I'm particularly anxious to see, but I wouldn't rule him out from being introduced in the future. I'd prefer seeing him introduced later after a few other characters are introduced first though, besides just Edward and Henry like Duck and Diesel since they have a much bigger fan-following.
I think both Hiro and Flying Scotsman would be excellent choices!
I would prefer to see Hiro first, just because he's such a fan favorite. I have no doubt that he would sell very well. Also, I know Bachmann really likes offering repaints, so perhaps Patchwork Hiro could also be a possibility? He was in this paint scheme for a good portion of "Hero of the Rails," so I think this wouldn't be a terrible idea if Bachmann was looking to get the best usage out of a new tooling.
As for Flying Scotsman, I actually quite like his interpretation in the CGI series. It's very different from the books, but I think they each stand out in their own ways. It would definitely have a high price tag, but I would buy a model of the Flying Scotsman in a heart beat. Although I do think Hiro should be done first.
It's better that Hiro gets made in HO Scale before Flying Scotsman. Bachmann can even do a recolor using Hiro's tooling, which would be his patchwork livery. Hiro is the #1 priority for a new engine in HO Scale, even more than Stanley and Whiff, since he is a big fan favorite, and one of the most popular CGI characters.
While Spencer is another good idea for another big engine in N Scale, but after Edward and Henry, there are other side characters that should join the range first, like Diesel, Duck and Oliver. Diesel's tooling would be highly versatile for recolors like Paxton, Sidney, 'Arry and Bert. The latter two would sell better if their faces were different, with Bert having noticeably more stubble. Duck and Oliver would make sense, as they're both very popular classic characters that appeared in CGI, and sold well in HO Scale, especially with Toad joining the range as the first brake van.
On the topic of new HO tender engines, I agree that Hiro would make the most sense. He is the best of both worlds, given that he appeared in CGI (for younger fans) and has appeared in the show for over a decade, and thus has nostalgic value (for older fans).
I know for a fact that Murdoch would sell incredibly well too, but he would unfortunately not be approved by the licensor for the same reason that Stepney will most likely not happen. With that, I do hope that the licensor understands that most parents would not spend over $180 for an engine that mainly appeals to young fans, but that is a discussion for another time.
As for Flying Scotsman, I would be content with a model of him, as he technically appeared in both the model and CGI eras of the show, plus the Railway Series for that matter. However, other manufacturers have already made Flying Scotsman models that are sold in the US and I could also see retailing for a lower price than a Thomas model. Hence, I would be somewhat concerned about how well this model sells. Nevertheless, he would be a welcome addition.
Just had a thought as I was heading home from work today:
Bachmann is *probably* never going to produce Diesel 10 in HO scale.
But the fact that he is more likely than a Bachmann Stepney- only due to the fact that Diesel 10 appeared in the CGI series is absolutely wild.
Bachmann, please figure out a way to give us this fan-favorite and highly requested little tank engine. It would be the smartest financial move for a newly-tooled loco, no question.
I don't know how others feel about this matter, but I think it would be nice to see non-rail characters such as Bertie, Terence, or Cranky added to the N Scale "Thomas" lineup. If I were modeling in HO I would not feel as strongly since most typical "Thomas" toys roughly fit in that size range, even if they may not be to the same detail standard as say, Bachmann's model of Terence. But since N Scale is smaller than most typical "Thomas" toys, its been difficult identifying and procuring reasonable representations of these characters for the scale. I wouldn't consider it a priority by any means but it would be nice for those of us making dedicated layouts for N Scale "Thomas", especially if they were new tools that reflected the "CGI" design specifications instead of scaled-down versions of the HO vehicles.
Adding non-rail characters like Bertie, Harold and Terence would be great ideas in N scale. It should be worth noting, that Bertie and Harold were recently added to the Bachmann Europe range, alongside Edward and Henry, so I wouldn't rule them out from happening in N scale.
Cranky would also make for a welcome addition too in N scale, as it would help fans recreate scenes from the docks in N scale. He's always been a very popular character from the brand since his introduction in the fifth season, and hopefully cranky in particular will allow Bachmann to add other accessories/buildings in N scale to help recreate more scenes from Sodor in N scale.
I believe Bachmann is going to release in the N Scale range. Everything that originally got released in HO. The same engines, rolling stock and vehicles.
Quote from: really called Thomas on January 22, 2023, 12:47:32 PMEver since Bachmann UK started introducing DCC-ready locos, I have held off buying more (I already had the Famous Eight!). Now with Edward and Henry being available, I am just waiting on Duck so I can upgrade my collection. I am sure at some point the rest of the fleet will be made DCC-ready, with Diesel and Bill & Ben, followed by Donald & Douglas top of my wish list!
So something very interesting I saw today that should give you, and a few others in the UK, some hope about that...
(https://i.gyazo.com/a4b119503f10ac0c6735054f18bb1e0f.jpg)
A friend of mine recently got a Bachmann Oliver for his birthday and very interestingly it seems Oliver received an interesting revision. He's been fitted with a much thicker dummy hook and lampiron similar to that from the UK line. Now this might not mean anything to some, but I remember seeing this with the Edward and Henry models before their announcement from Bachmann Europe came around. And since Duck and Oliver are still really popular sellers with Bachmann and Toad is already in the UK lineup, Oliver receiving this update is a really good sign. Definitely seems likely that both he, and most likely Duck, will most likely join the UK lineup eventually. And if we're lucky enough, once Henry and Edward find their way in the N scale range, Duck and Oliver's popularity can continue even further allowing them to find their way in the N scale range too.
So the latest Trainworld stream did not show N Scale Gordon fully painted, but did reveal HO Scale Beau, who is fully painted. Beau actually turned out really good. He doesn't have buffers, but that makes him more realistic, since American engines don't have buffers, plus being made from an existing tooling, that would've raised the cost. He doesn't have moving eyes, but makes up for it with a working headlamp. We're now getting an American-styled engine in the HO Scale Thomas range. His rear coupler is hook-and-loop, which makes him compatible with Thomas rolling stock, but his front coupler is a knuckle coupler, so that it doesn't create such a large gaping hole.
Beau is currently the only engine in the HO Scale range not to have moving eyes, but does have a working light, at the result of being made from an existing tooling. It may not be until the summer when they're finally ready to show an unpainted prototype of Rebecca. Next month for sure, they should have N Scale Gordon and Emily fully painted.
I am not (quite) interested in N scale (except HOn30) or G scale, but I do have idea for HO and HOn30 scale.
HO engines :
Stepney of course , we have been suggesting it from 2019 even more before , but first it delayed because Ryan ( who have terrible price ) , second because Daisy . Now it's time for Stepney of 40 years Thomas and Friends celebration .
Boco , which usually have chance because of Daisy .
Murdoch and Hiro , too big for Thomas and Friends series but still have chance .
HO rolling stocks :
Re-release of tar tanker ( PS : the nearest hobby store around my home still has goods in stock of it ) , flatbed with paint drums .
Chinese dragon , which can use the flatbed of log or paint durms' .
Gordon's special coach and old slow coach , simply recolour .
HO buildings :
Re-release of Maithwhite , Tidmouth and Knapford Station .
Knapford Shed , perfect home for Salty .
Henry 's Tunnel , we can make video for Henry's sad story now !
HO Non-rails :
Remote Bertie , Harold and more : will let the 30-dollar-plastic-push-thing became more-expensive-but-more-fun-stuff .
Jack and the pack : I mean , just Jack and Alfie .
HOn30 :
Duke , a tiny chance ( of course will be later than Duncan )
Culdee and Culdee Fell Railway coaches , less chance than Duke .
Refreshment coach , just for fun .
Flatbed with logs , steel or puppets , for fun too .
Have been doing research for possible tank car liveries on my layout, and found this Die-Cast toy with a rather cool looking Jet Fuel logo. There aren't many red tank cars on Sodor, the only one I can think of besides this is the Raspberry Syrup Tank, which I do like the look of but seems at risk of being discontinued given its compatriot the Cream Tank has disappeared from both HO and Large Scale. If Bachmann is ever in need of a new red tank car for the Thomas line, I think this is the ticket.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/28e9d6_b4bc4b4b641340a3aa86ade7fd8e158b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_498,h_498,al_c,q_50,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/28e9d6_b4bc4b4b641340a3aa86ade7fd8e158b~mv2.jpg)
Stanley and Level Crossing Gates in HO/OO Scale, Large Scale and N Scale would be cool! I like to get Stanley and Level Crossing Gates in HO/OO Scale at some point in the future! That would be nice!
Recently, the images of HO Scale Ryan and N Scale Toby have been posted.
HO Scale Ryan:
https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=756_772_774&products_id=8037
N Scale Toby:
https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=756_1126_1127&products_id=8592
Should hopefully arrive in stock within the next month. Now that Beau has been shown fully painted, his image needs to get posted, too. I'm sure progress has been made on both Sir Handel and Rebecca. They too should get posted to the store, but with render illustrations for the time being.
I'm not sure if this is a suggestion that Bachmann would consider, especially since they seem to be opposed to making model series exclusive characters at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there.
With the recent release of Beau, it's clear that the main reason this relatively obscure character was made since there was already a preexisting tooling. All they had to do was give it a repaint and slap on a face, and it was clearly quick and cost efficient to make. So, my line of thought is that this could be applied to other obscure characters from the show. For example, bachmann europe has an Ivatt 3mt listed, which I feel most closely resembles the prop used for Arthur. All bachmann would have to do is give it a repaint and a face, and you have Arthur. This could be applied to other preexisting toolings as well for other characters. They could even offer them as limited editions to boost early sales.
I'm not sure if this is something anyone on here would be interested in, but I personally think that it is the best way to get the characters that us older fans would most appreciate.
I also hope that method could be used to create Arthur, and other characters as well. Maybe they could also repaint their 'Arry and Bert models into Splatter and Dodge too. They would be really cheap and easy to make, the only new component needed to be made would be a single face mold, as Splatter and Dodge share the same face in all of their appearances.
I also hope that since Beau is a rather obscure character, I hope Bachmann is willing to do Sonny as well. I know they would have to make a new tooling, but there is barely any merchandise of Sonny, so Bachmann could take the opportunity to capitalize on that and be one of the few ranges that does make Sonny merchandise.
Another point I have mentioned before is that as far as I know, there is no HO/OO model of Sonny's basis Bellerophon at the present time, which is a popular icon for railway fans. Given that many modelers will convert Bachmann Narrow-Gauge Skarloey Railway engines into their Tallylyn Railway counterparts, Bachmann could make Sonny for both Thomas modelers and non-Thomas modelers who wish to convert a Sonny into Bellerophon.
Bachmann could even make their own Bellerophon using a Sonny model as a basis, given that Bachmann is planning releases of non-Thomas Tallylyn.
And Sonny DID have much more roles and appearances that Beau, as far as I know anyway.
Limited Edition Metallic Engines with Moving Eyes would be cool! When I was very sad and disappointed about Stanley with Moving Eyes, Norman with Moving Eyes and Level Crossing Gates is not here for this year! It would be moved to 2024 Product Announcements at some point in the future!
Old Shape Henry with Moving Eyes (Limited Edition) and Sodor Steamworks would be cool!
Does Bachmann's license allow for products of objects not seen on screen?
I'm sure people would buy a Sodor Line bobber caboose to go with their Beau locomotive. Bachmann already produces a painted & unlettered version with the correct colors, all that is required is the "SODOR LINE" block letters.
Quote from: Red Tender 5 on May 22, 2023, 02:17:18 AMDoes Bachmann's license allow for products of objects not seen on screen?
I'm sure people would buy a Sodor Line bobber caboose to go with their Beau locomotive. Bachmann already produces a painted & unlettered version with the correct colors, all that is required is the "SODOR LINE" block letters.
I believe they are allowed to make rolling stock that was not seen on-screen. Many of the more recent rolling stock liveries make use of logos and lettering seen only on toys. "Sodor Scrap Co.", "Brendam Bay Shipping Co.", "Sodor Fruit & Vegetable Co.", etc. I assume putting the Sodor Line Caboose into the lineup would be at the mercy of licensor approval. However I think Mattel would be willing to approve its use, as they did approve the use of the Caboose in some CGI-style books which were published as recently as 2020. Lionel also has a version of the Caboose as a regular feature in their Thomas lineup, which I believe would have also required approval from Mattel.
I'm unsure about how popular it would be among hardcore Sodor modellers since it has never appeared in the TV show, but given Beau's reception has been positive enough to make Bachmann reconsider his 'limited run' status, I believe many would welcome it not only for its synergy with him but as a novelty item in general. And because Bachmann makes Bobber Cabooses in both HO and N Scales, it would also be easy to bring over to N Scale if it ends up being popular in HO. ;D
One rolling stock idea I have for HO Scale that hasn't been talked about is a Sodor Recycling Wagon. The front one, which can use the existing open wagon tooling. It can have a load, or even a face, like shown in the provided image. The load can still be tires, or it can be cans, paper, or bottles. Though, the Sodor Scrap Wagon ended up not having a load. Might need a new mold for the load part if there is one.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Troublesome_Trucks_(T%26F)/Merchandise?file=WoodenRailwayRecyclingCars.jpg
I tried uploading the image as a file, but kept getting the "upload directory is full" error.
Given the limited number of NG characters in Thomas (especially when compared to the number of standard gauge ones), does anyone think there's a fair chance that engines like Smudger, Proteus and even Duke could be manufactured in the future? I personally believe all three would sell ridiculously well. The tooling for Smudger is already available in the form of Rheneas and the same will be said for Proteus once Sir Handel is released. The only new things required for those characters are their respective repaints and faces. As for Duke, KATO/PECO have made NG models of the real locomotive and it makes me wonder if Bachmann would be allowed to take that tooling and make a model of both Granpuff and maybe even Bertram?
I know what's been said regarding Bachmann making characters exclusive to the model series, but given the limited number of narrow gauge engines and the fact that these characters are all fairly popular in their own right, I feel Bachmann would be making a big mistake in not considering this.
What do you guys all think?
As a fan of the older model series, I would absolutely support a model of Duke, Smudger, or Bertram, as I firmly believe that they would be a great opportunity for Bachmann in terms of profit (especially Duke as a narrow gauge tender engine). As stated though, it all comes down to what the licensor prefers, which as of now seems to be the newer CGI characters. However, as we progress further into All Engines Go, it makes me wonder if Mattel could finally allow Bachmann to make those model era characters that fans have cherished for decades, but only time will tell. In the meantime, I could see Stanley, Whiff, and Hiro as good options for standard gauge, and Victor and Luke as good options for narrow gauge.
On the subject of the Sodor Line Caboose, I completely support it. Like Beau, it would be unique novelty item for the Thomas line, and something that I would be interested in adding to my collection. The recycling wagon could be fun as well.
I agree with your choices of characters to be produced in the meantime Terence. Hiro is a character that is popular with both fans old and new and while I'm not a fan of Rebecca being produced, that opens up an opportunity for another large tender engine to be produced in the future. Hiro would also open up opportunities for modellers to make the model into that of the real D51 engine class.
Stanley is also another engine I could see being made and going down well with old and new fans. Stanley is a pretty underused character and I feel that's a shame as he looks cool and debuted in a pretty solid Thomas film. His shiny, silver paint would certainly look nice among the other engines in the range. He could probably also reuse Thomas's chassis.
On the subject of rolling stock; I would like to think there's more possibility of seeing more classic series products like The Spiteful Brakevan (albeit that being a simple repaint). I'd personally love to see the old coaches seen all the way back in Series 1 if possible as I think they'd go nicely with pretty much all the engines and would complement the green express coaches well too.
Rebecca's announcement really skyrocketed the demand for Hiro, now that Bachmann is back to making tender engines in HO Scale. Stanley would also be a good choice for HO Scale, since he has a unique white livery, plus he can reuse Thomas' chassis with red wheels. Whiff would be another good choice for a larger tank engine. He would be about as long as Ryan, though they'd have to make his front wheels powered as well. If we do get Whiff, we could then get Scruff to complete the Waste Dump duo. We already have the Harwick duo in HO Scale. Could we eventually get the Waste Dump duo? The Dieselworks duo would be Den and Dart, which are two diesel engines that require new toolings.
As we get deeper into All Engines Go, once Bachmann runs out of CGI options, especially for Narrow Gauge, could Mattel finally let them produce more classic series characters like Duke, Smudger, Stepney and BoCo? Smudger would be a recolor of Rheneas' tooling, and once we get Sir Handel, Proteus can be made from his tooling. Duke would have Bertram as a potential recolor as well. Bachmann UK also has the tooling for Mighty Mac, but one problem is that Double Fairlies lack buffers, which Mighty Mac has. Freddie could also become possible, although his side rod configuration is complicated.
Season's Greetings Express Coaches would be interested! Knapford Express Coaches, Danger Signs and Wellsworth Station would be cool!
Well, I figured now is as good of a time as any other to talk about something that I don't think I've really brought in discussion for a while now, starter sets. I haven't done a post devoted to starter sets in a really, really long time. Part of the reason why I have been inspired to do this post, comes from a recent meeting I had with a former student and his dad who are looking into the Hobby. The student is nonverbal, but his dad was telling me that he wants to get his son started with HO but said that he would be interested in a starter set that featured another locomotive besides just Thomas. In the past, it's been stated that sets that feature other characters besides Thomas, don't usually sell well, which is why there haven't been sets devoted to other characters in HO for a really long time.
However, the N scale range seems to have broken that boundary. Last year, a Percy was announced, and this year, an Emily set is now being introduced. Maybe Bachmann is being a little more ambitious with the newer range since it's a good way to get people in N scale? Who knows. Because of these newer sets, and the idea of introducing a new generation into the hobby, I figured that Bachmann could really benefit from adding to their starter set diversity. Especially since, for the most part, most of the engines and stock I am about to suggest in these sets are already present so it's not like it will cost much production wise. So, in honor of this, I figured it's time I shed some light on the subject on starter set ideas again, starting with HO.
The first set is technically not new, it's a re-introduction - the Percy and the troublesome trucks set in HO.
(https://i.gyazo.com/9c6b7b09ca0b55d4ebc535e3d4d7e817.jpg)
The Percy set was one of the first train sets announced during the range's launch in 2002 and has been around for a couple of years, only to eventually get discontinued in the late 2000s alongside sets for other characters like Gordon and James. I feel that if Bachmann are reluctant to introducing starter sets in HO to other characters again, I feel doing so with Percy would be the least risky since Percy is still a very popular main character on the show as well as being an icon for the Thomas brand. As per the original, this set would consist of circle of track, Percy, and troublesome trucks #1 and #2.
The second set, I'm about to suggest, is a little bit more ambitious, it is a DCC and sound Thomas and Percy set.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/00501box.png)
Bachmann has introduced DCC sets with more than one locomotive in the past (as shown above), to show modelers how they can operate two different locomotives on the same track at the same time at various speeds. If Bachmann really wants to encourage fans to get into the hobby, or let alone something as niche as DCC, why not make a starter set devoted to DCC and sound? This set would include an oval of track, plus a switch and a couple of additional straights and a bumper to park one of the locomotives while running the other. This set would include both the upcoming DCC and sound Thomas and Percy locomotives, in addition to some rolling stock, whether that is the same troublesome trucks #1 and #2 alone, or including both of the trucks plus Annie and Clarabel. It would definitely be an expensive set for sure, but I feel this would really help people get into this rather niche side of the HO Hobby. Even if they did a set with just the upcoming DCC Thomas, with the two trucks, that could easily take place of the current Thomas and troublesome trucks set. Out of all of the sets I'm mentioning, this one is probably the least likely, but I figured I would throw it out there just for some good measure.
The next set is something that I am genuinely surprised has still never happened yet which is a starter set for narrow gauge.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/58601.jpg)
On a similar point to the DCC set I mentioned earlier, introducing a starter set for the narrow gauge range is a really smart idea and one I'm still surprised Bachmann hasn't considered. OO9/HOn30 is an incredibly niche part of an already incredibly niche hobby that not too many people are going to be familiar with, let alone understand how it works. Heck, even a small number of fans think the Skarloey range is considered N scale and would get the engines and stock mixed up with one another which I feel attributes to why a starter set for the narrow gauge line is a necessity.
The narrow gauge range has been out for almost a decade and still sells really well, but if Bachmann wants to continue to encourage a younger generation to get into the hobby, a good way to get people into this side of the hobby would be to introduce a starter set devoted to Skarloey. This set would include an oval of Bachmann's N scale track, Skarloey, and 3-4 pieces of rolling stock. Personally, I would recommend one of the slate wagons, one of the upcoming box vans and a brake van of a color contrast to the box van included in the set for some further diversity.
The next set I want to talk about is for the already expansive N scale range, which is a set devoted to the upcoming Gordon model.
(https://i.gyazo.com/48c8553ff1da12368b2a35775afedca9.png)
Gordon had a set introduced in HO previously, similar to Percy and Emily. And just like those previous sets, they ended up getting discontinued some time later after introduction. However, I think introducing a set for Gordon in N scale would not only be a smart idea, but also a great way to hype up an exciting model making its way into the range. What a better way to honor a long overdue introduction to an N scale Gordon model than to give him his own set too? The only current drawback is that there are currently no express coaches announced in N scale, but something tells me we may not be that far off from this introduction. This set would include an oval of N scale track, Gordon, Gordon's express composite coach, and Gordon's express brake coach.
And the last thing I want to talk about is another re-introduction which is a Thomas starter set in large scale.
(https://i.gyazo.com/545f4a872cd5b41c5d1a890bd4ae3379.jpg)
In Bachmann's current 2023 catalog there are only three large scale sets in production period. Not one of these sets is dedicated to the Thomas range. On some level, I understand why. Large scale is already a niche and, quite frankly, a dying part of the hobby with the appeal being fairly limited. But on the opposite end of the coin, I truth be told don't really see the harm in re-introducing only the Thomas set in large scale but just leaving it at that. As I've stated earlier, starter sets really help with getting people into the hobby. Bachmann doesn't need to make a few sets for the large scale range (or narrow gauge either for that matter). But, when there are basically no real starting ground to get people started with large scale Thomas, it in some ways alienates their consumers from getting into collecting this range, let alone large scale as a whole. It might be a risky gamble since the price will likely be high, but that's the nature of G scale and I think consumers who want to get into large scale, or get their kids into G scale probably know this in advance already. It's a risk, sure, but it's one that I think will pay off long term. The contents would be the exact same same as the original release in 2009: a circle of G scale track, Thomas , and Annie and Clarabel.
And that's pretty much it! I know that this is a bit of a tangent, but I feel that getting a younger generation into the hobby is so crucial to keeping it alive for both generations to enjoy together. And the fact that a parent told me he was struggling with options, strikes me as a red flag and is something I feel Bachmann needs to take into consideration, or in some cases, re-consideration. The worst thing that could happen with these sets are that don't sell and collect dust on shelves or in storage. The best case scenario though, is getting more people, particularly a new generation, into the hobby which I feel would benefit everyone involved, Bachmann especially.
Anyway, let me know your thoughts. Which sets do you think could work?
I think in HO, what a side-character focused set needs to succeed is to have a better value for money than the standard "Thomas + Annie & Clarabel + Circle of Track" set. Something along the lines of the Salty or Thomas freight set but featuring a more widely-popular character who isn't just Thomas might do the trick. Say, James with a rake of four wagons? They could be either unique color schemes for existing tools or items plucked from the separate-sale range of wagons, preferably the former to get in more appeal to newcomers. Maybe a bit of both would work? Something like S.C. Ruffey and the Spiteful Brake Van coupled with a Box Van and Tank Car in unique schemes would be a pretty enticing draw for newcomers to the hobby. James has traditionally been the 2nd most popular character in Thomas merchandising as a whole, so I think something like this would be a hit.
As for other scales, you're completely right that we're well over-due for an HOn30 starter set. I think Skarloey with a rake of passenger cars (perhaps ones with liveries unique to the set?) with a loop of track would be a popular item. A Gordon set in N Scale sounds reasonable as well. I think the reason Bachmann is doing N Scale versions of all these discontinued HO sets is because they don't plan on keeping them around forever to begin with. But once Gordon's coaches are announced, I think it's pretty safe to assume they'll be making a set with them and Gordon too. Now all we need in N is a Christmas set...
For Large Scale, I think reintroducing the Thomas set would more or less be the only viable avenue for a new set. You basically hit the nail on the head, Large Scale's popularity dying down nowadays. But surely it having a Thomas-branded entry point into the hobby wouldn't make its situation any worse, would it?
Great overview of Bachmann's sets, Charlie.
This talk of a DCC set makes me wonder what manufacturer they will go with for the sound decoder. Bachmann has worked with Soundtrazz, TCS, and made their own decoders.
It would be amazing if Bachmann used Loksound. The function mapping features of loksound are what make it the best decoder system of all time. Likewise its ability to customize random function activations.
I suspect Bachmann won't use Loksound though. The Charger and Sprinter have WowSound which has no functionality for silencing the horn in reverse for push-pull operation. You also cannot buy the locos in DC or silent configurations, which is disappointing.
My suspicion is Bachmann will make their own branded sound decoder for Thomas and Percy.
I am curious about what changes the sound install will bring. If any significant changes to the tooling improve the quality of the model to the level of more recent T&F releases I might have to pick them up, or wait for the DC version so I can put Loksound in.
Regarding a potential Thomas and Percy digital set, the Digital Commander set does seem like a perfect model for a Thomas and Percy set. The two locos, two troublesome trucks and Annie and Claribel or three troublesome trucks and a brakevan, a loop of track with a stub siding, the brand-new European coupler decoupler, the command station, and an instructional DVD would be a neat set for those who want to have fun driving and switching wagons.
I have some concerns. The Digital Commander set goes for $300 on trainworld. Exchanging the two silent locos for Thomas & Percy with Bachmann Sound installed and exchanging the rolling stock for troublesome trucks and a brakevan, my gut says a potential set will wind up between $500-$600 with Trainworld's discount. This price point seems high for a starter set, I wouldn't pay that much.
You make some excellent points here, Chaz. Considering the Percy set is doing quite well in N scale, it does make sense to bring it back for HO. Since the Thomas and the Troublesome Trucks set was introduced for the 75th anniversary, and the 80th almost two years, put the Troublesome Trucks (and the ore loads, just to give people a reason to get the set if nothing else) back with Percy and think of something fun for the 80th. It always baffled me why they ever discontinued it to begin with.
The DCC Thomas and Percy set sounds like a lot of fun. It wouldn't be too far off from and a great throwback to the old Hornby Thomas and Percy set from back in the day. Heck, even have the same rolling stock/consists!
(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/1/1a/HornbyThomasandPercySet2003.jpg)
As much as I question a lot of the things Hornby did in their over 30 year run, this set was one of my favorite things they ever did.
Next is the Narrow Gauge starter set. Again, I'm surprised this wasn't done when the range was first announced! I think if it were to be done, I think Skarloey is an excellent idea, considering that he's the face of the Narrow Gauge engines. Perhaps a small consist of two slate trucks, the new red box van and the red brake van would be perfect. The slate trucks are a no-brainer since Skarloey was primarily stationed at the Blue Mountain Quarry during the CGI series, but the box van and brake van break (see what I did there?) up the monotony of just having three slate tracks and no brake van. My only concern about a NG starter set is the fact that considering these models are specifically aimed at adults, parents who 40 and younger may make the mistake of giving one to their child with a lot of small parts that could be easily broken off or swallowed. Plus, the fact that the NG range is small, this same demographic of parents would buy with the mindset that it "is so tiny and cute".
Moving onto the N scale Gordon set. The HO set was one of my favorites, and I was sad when it was discontinued. I felt a big engine like Gordon and his long coaches would mean more track, fueling inspiration to build a larger layout. Gordon is up there with Thomas, Percy and James as one of the most popular characters and a set with him in it always felt like "deluxe" and "prestigious". Bringing that set idea into N scale, the same principals would apply. I'm all for it!
As for bringing back the large scale Thomas set, I'm quite surprised they ever discontinued the Thomas set to begin with. It seems like a no-brainer to bring it back. I'm not that versed in large scale, so please take what I say with a container of Iodized Sea Salt, but I do think that bringing back as one of the only Bachmann large scale starter sets seems like a perfect way to acknowledge the Thomas line with a large scale starter sets. Plus, I seem to recall Bachmann saying somewhere that starter sets with Thomas seem to do well.
And that's all I have to say about that.
When I started collecting back in 2016, the first three things I obtained was the Thomas/Harold/Bertie set, followed by the Salty set and finally the Emily set. I felt like it was a great way to buy stuff in bulk especially with the track being more difficult to obtain in the UK. But now because I owned nearly everything available, I have no need to buy any more starter sets. I also think that most collectors already own the main three engines, Thomas, Percy and James, so they wouldn't have the need to buy the sets. The concept is great for new collectors, but I always felt the oval/circle of track was a bit dull and would love something extra to make it slightly unique.
Maybe Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Bertie with an oval of track with a crossing so children could relive the Thomas/Bertie race.
A Percy set with either Troublesome Trucks or even a Mail Coach and a Break Van with a helipad and Harold.
Then finally James with the red express coaches with a siding and maybe a platform.
Children would like to relive their favourite moments from the show, a parent could then buy a cheaper bundle set to start the hobby off for then. (:
Gordon's Snow Clearing Express Set with Oval of E-Z Track would be cool! I like browsing 3D Printed HO/OO Scale Thomas from Shapeways sometimes too! I didn't get Bachmann Season's Greetings Express Coaches from Shapeways for last time! I think Season's Greetings Express Coaches would be a great idea!
I don't normally read this forum, but the title intrigued me somewhat.
"Future suggestions/predictions". All of the thoughts brought forth have merit, but from my experience everyone's thoughts on what the future of Modeling whether G, S, HO, TT and N scale will have to come to terms with, is living space.
In terms of what kids today are faced with. Living space is a major culprit. Another culprit is technology itself. It doesn't matter what manufacturer brings forward on train sets. The consumer (the adults with kids) will have to contend with the space for the train set. Something to think about, when (we old folks) were kids, we could have that HO train set on a 4 by 8 piece of wood and slide it in and out from under our beds. Now, think a minute. Today's kids, I believe, would rather sit in front of a LED screen than pull out a train that only moves in a circular or figure eight pattern. Kids today are smarter than we were due to the technology they are exposed to that we (old folks) didn't have. For the fortunate adults that have kids and the living space to have a model train set, then it's only the technology that their kids will decide upon. In Japan, living space is at a premium, so I've been told. Therefore, it's been noticed that the N scale seems to be the most lucrative. (Reference: https://raicho.home.xs4all.nl/model/scales.html (https://raicho.home.xs4all.nl/model/scales.html))
It doesn't matter what train sets the manufacturers bring forward, if the consumer doesn't have the space to implement setting up that train set, then the cost of that train set will be next to ax the purchase.
What I believe everyone is overlooking is that gaming technology is offering more enhanced interaction than the modeling technology. The model manufacturers may not realize that they are in a battle with technology, the kids are into technology and model makers, manufacturers need to get on board with the technology. As a suggestion, to enhancing train sets, adding actual video from the cab of a locomotive to the locomotive controller (LED screen of say, the Bachmann Dynamis wireless controller) would provide some enticement to the user providing that technology boost that kids would be intrigued with. They would see the train go in that circle and would be able to visualize what it looks like from the cab of the locomotive. An example is the gaming technology of flying a plane, the difference is that plane is only on the screen, whereas the train cab on the screen, one can look up from the controller at the actual train in motion, see block signals, and road crossing even see the train enter a tunnel.
So to conclude, it doesn't matter what train set is put forward, it'll have to compete with space and technology. Modeling won't die, since N scale may support the space issue, as for the other scales space will always be a factor. Technology that kids are exposed to will compound the issue and the future.
Such is my opinion....and two cents.
Unrelated, but does anyone know if we're getting announcements for the summer? If so, does anyone know roughly when that may happen and what would y'all want to see announced?
Quote from: RailwayRoundhouse on June 13, 2023, 09:29:27 AMUnrelated, but does anyone know if we're getting announcements for the summer? If so, does anyone know roughly when that may happen and what would y'all want to see announced?
Hi RailwayRoundhouse,
We will be making our new product announcements in late August for the NMRA National Convention. No specifics yet, but this will include new Thomas & Friends products.
Wow, an admin actually confirmed we are indeed getting new product announcements later this summer, with the NMRA being in August.
If Hiro can't be the next newly-tooled engine for HO Scale, other good choices would be Stanley, Whiff, or Nia. The latter only because we're getting Rebecca. Recolors to settle on would be Sidney, Fernando or Green Salty.
With N Scale Gordon and Emily soon to be shown fully painted, it's time another N Scale engine gets announced, which no doubt must be Henry, which would leave Edward as the only member of the original main cast left for N Scale. Then it would really be time to move on to side characters like Diesel.
Wow! Wasn't expecting a reply directly from Bachmann themselves! ;D
With the announcement of Sir Topham Hatt's Car, I'd really love to see off rail-characters be made. I'd personally love to see Trevor and Bulgy. A model of George the Steamroller would be amazing too, though Trevor and Bulgy seem a lot more likely. Maybe even some of the pack characters might have a chance as a good few did in fact return in CGI.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on June 13, 2023, 01:48:55 PMWow, an admin actually confirmed we are indeed getting new product announcements later this summer, with the NMRA being in August.
If Hiro can't be the next newly-tooled engine for HO Scale, other good choices would be Stanley, Whiff, or Nia. The latter only because we're getting Rebecca. Recolors to settle on would be Sidney, Fernando or Green Salty.
With N Scale Gordon and Emily soon to be shown fully painted, it's time another N Scale engine gets announced, which no doubt must be Henry, which would leave Edward as the only member of the original main cast left for N Scale. Then it would really be time to move on to side characters like Diesel.
Also I have to agree with you on Stanley! I personally love The Great Discovery and Stanley's a really cool looking character that I wish the show had done more with in hindsight.
Quote from: RailwayRoundhouse on June 13, 2023, 03:48:38 PMWow! Wasn't expecting a reply directly from Bachmann themselves! ;D
With the announcement of Sir Topham Hatt's Car, I'd really love to see off rail-characters be made. I'd personally love to see Trevor and Bulgy. A model of George the Steamroller would be amazing too, though Trevor and Bulgy seem a lot more likely. Maybe even some of the pack characters might have a chance as a good few did in fact return in CGI.
That's something I would like to see more of now that we have the Hatt Car coming soon. I heard from Doug years ago that they were thinking on doing Trevor, and he would be a good edition if Bachmann plans to do Jem Cole as he's an important character to Trevor as well, and he still shows up in the CGI era as well.
I think Trevor and Bulgy would be great additions! Those two specifically would go great with some of the people packs coming out (Trevor and the farmer packs, Bulgy and the school children).
I'm a bit late (the school year just ended, been busy until then), but thanks everyone for your strong feedback on my earlier post on starter set ideas! It's clear that the set that is most likely going to happen from my post will be a starter set for Gordon in N scale. Here's hoping that will happen once Gordon gets released and some express coaches are announced too. It would be nice if Bachmann can at least re-consider re-introducing the large scale Thomas starter set too, but if pricing is a factor then I guess beggars can't be choosers. Though the points that were shared about why a set for Skarloey and a DCC Thomas might not happen are totally valid, and I agree with the feedback that was shared regarding why, especially with the high price tag on the upcoming DCC Thomas model.
I like the idea of James potentially getting a new set in HO if for some reason they can't re-introduce the Percy set. It's really just a good diversity move to allow other engines besides just Thomas to get a set like how the N scale range is doing. Though as N Scale Sudrian mentioned earlier, the reason for the additional characters getting starter sets in N scale could be that Bachmann isn't planning to keep them around for long term, which again is a fair point since the HO sets for other characters didn't stick around for too long either. I also forgot to bring up a Christmas set in N scale, but I'm confident that they will add one soon since Christmas train sets have always been very popular from Bachmann.
Finally, it's nice seeing confirmation on more Thomas announcements for the NMRA, although it's not surprising given the track record over recent years. I'm still under the impression that this year is still a "catch-up" year for Bachmann since they're releasing lots of previously announced products that have been in production for a long time, in addition to starting on new ones that were announced last year. Hopefully we get an update on Sir Handel soon, even though I'm a little concerned he still has no RRP or is available for pre-order at Trainworld and yet Rebecca (who was announced after Sir Handel) does... Either way, hopefully Bachmann can surprise us again at the NMRA this year. Even if they don't announce much like earlier this year, that's honestly fine by me. As long as we at least get an N scale Henry announcement this summer, in addition to some more rolling stock announcements in HO and N scale, I'll be a happy camper.
As long as N Scale Henry gets announced, I'll be good. Given that steady progress has been made on Gordon and Emily, who will soon be shown fully painted, it's time to announce another N Scale engine. A big green tender engine that can recycle Gordon's chassis minus trailing wheels.
Does anybody here think that a bachmann N scale old shape Henry would just be a cool suggestion? :)
I think old shape Henry in ANY scale would be nice!
I have a suggestion for how Bachmann could release new Bachmann Thomas Characters going forward. Given that the fans want a lot of classic and model series characters and Bachmann seems hesitant to do anything other than CGI characters at this point, maybe a meeting halfway point could be that they develop Model Series characters and CGI Series Characters side-by-side. For example, when they announce new Thomas Characters, they could announce a CGI series character, like Nia and Sonny, alongside a Model series character, like BoCo, Derek, and Arthur.
That way, they can appeal to the longtime fans and current stipulations at the same time. Plus, it would be a great way for newer fans who are only familiar with the CGI characters to see and be introduced to these older Model characters for the first time.
I am not sure if this will actually play out, but it is a suggestion.
I've been seeing this suggestion turn up for a very long time now. "Old Shape" Henry may never happen, as that form of Henry was only in Season 1, and wasn't even in The Adventure Begins. Plus, that would require changing the tooling, which Bachmann can't really do. What even is the appeal of old shape Henry anyway? Is it because of being a form of Henry exclusively seen in Season 1?
Bringing this old post up since we're talking about old shape Henry (again...) only this time in N scale (which is even less likely) but the same logic still applies here too.
Edit: I know some of the things referenced like Paxton and Daisy are outdated since Bachmann's already made both of them and Stepney was ruled out earlier, but again the logic in the old post is referring to why old shape Henry won't ever work for Bachmann.
Quote from: Chaz on December 30, 2015, 04:38:25 PMThe problem I see with Henry's old shape isn't so much the tooling or design of the model, it's the major lack of appeal. It wasn't even used for a full season of the show and the current design of Henry is far more iconic. The sales are not there for the model either, from both younger and older fans. Parents who would buy models for their kids wouldn't even know the difference between the two Henry's, nor would they really care. Henry's old shape might win over some of the older fans, but it probably won't do anywhere near as much justice as one of the remaining classics like Stepney or Daisy. Even Paxton would have better sales than Henry's old shape, and he would take a lot less effort on Bachmann's part to make, and would probably be cheaper too. At the end of the day, Bachmann would much rather invest in making a character they haven't produced yet as the sales for them would be a lot more promising than one of their existing characters with a tooling change. Even if they were to do a "limited edition" run of Henry's old shape, the amount of money and time that would go into production won't make up for the limited sales that would go for the model.
It's not going to happen.
Quote from: MontagueGWR08 on April 07, 2023, 09:17:05 PMI'm not sure if this is a suggestion that Bachmann would consider, especially since they seem to be opposed to making model series exclusive characters at the moment, but I thought I'd throw it out there.
With the recent release of Beau, it's clear that the main reason this relatively obscure character was made since there was already a preexisting tooling. All they had to do was give it a repaint and slap on a face, and it was clearly quick and cost efficient to make. So, my line of thought is that this could be applied to other obscure characters from the show. For example, bachmann europe has an Ivatt 3mt listed, which I feel most closely resembles the prop used for Arthur. All bachmann would have to do is give it a repaint and a face, and you have Arthur. This could be applied to other preexisting toolings as well for other characters. They could even offer them as limited editions to boost early sales.
I'm not sure if this is something anyone on here would be interested in, but I personally think that it is the best way to get the characters that us older fans would most appreciate.
I would like to bring this to the forefront again quick. It was recently revealed by Richard Awdry that a character Christopher Awdry attempted to introduce in the Railway Series books, Barry the Rescue Engine, was going to be an LMS Ivatt Class 2MT, just like Arthur. Arthur has already got a good amount of fans, and given this reveal, I have a sneaking suspicion that Arthur is going to become at least a bit more popular among Thomas Fans, making fan stories that hybridize Arthur and Barry's backstories, and also including modelers who might want to make custom Barry's. Given that Bachmann Europe already has a similar tooling, as mentioned here, this would be a great opportunity to capitalize on this and modify the tooling to make a Bachmann Arthur.
In addition, Arthur has a rather sweet production backstory. Apparently, Arthur was originally going to be called Clarence, but a magazine ran a competition to name him instead. Someone named Luke Sharp won the contest, and he named Arthur after his late grandfather Arthur Sharp. I find it is so sweet that Arthur was named after a competition winner Luke Sharp's late grandfather.
Here is Arthurs Thomas Wiki Pages:
Main Article: https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Arthur
Image Gallery:https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Arthur/Gallery
Behind the Scenes Article: https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Arthur/Behind_the_Scenes
Merchandise Article: https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Arthur/Merchandise
And the Article about Barry: https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Barry
I know that Mattel won't approve Arthur being made due to the CGI mandate, but I'll admit I've always had a very soft spot for Arthur. Easily my favorite non-Awdry character by miles. Even in the earlier years of the forum during the late model era, Arthur was a top request and several members had him on his wishlist (myself included). Over time though, as Arthur became less relevant his requests slowly died down as more Awdry characters were being produced like Bill and Ben and Donald and Douglas, thus making the demand for characters like Duck, Diesel and Oliver practically skyrocketed even higher than ever while lesser known model era character requests like Arthur and even Molly died down. Though, this really wasn't a bad thing at all. If anything, I'm really glad Bachmann stuck with the characters who had a much bigger following and legacy as the demand for them was higher than Arthur, even back then. But it still would have been fun if Arthur found his way in the range too, I would still have it in my collection today if that were the case.
So while the odds are not in his favor, it really is great knowing there's still a fan-following for Arthur all these years later. If we somehow got lucky with Bachmann taking the same approach with Beau by making a model of Arthur with the Bachmann Europe 2MT tooling, I would buy the model day one.
Jay, (DecadesofSun), brought his custom model of Arthur to my apartment once before and it was a lot of fun seeing Arthur on the layout. Might not be a bad idea for another future custom I'd like to look into for myself in the future...
(https://i.gyazo.com/4723d1f97a3ae82699848a0ecc6cff37.jpg)
I had made a suggestion on how to handle the CGI mandate a few weeks ago. Maybe they could reveal or release a CGI series character and a Model Series Character together at the same time? Like have Nia or Sonny be revealed as the CGI character, and Arthur as the Model Series character, especially considering Bachmann Europe already has the 2MT tooling available now. This way, they can appease the CGI mandate and appeal to the older fans at the same time. It could also be used for Bachmann to take the lead and introduce newer fans to older classic characters.
I don't know if this will happen, but I at lease wanted to get the suggestion out there, and at least put it on the table.
Personally I see Murdoch as a more likely "exception" they could make than Arthur, since his previous model from Hornby is notoriously sought after, and his appearance is much closer to the scale 9F than Arthur is to a scale Ivatt Prairie... although given the fair number of realistically-likely "CGI" characters they could make in HO/OO (remind me to post my predictive short-list on the topic someday), I think we're far more likely to see them bring "model-only" characters to the Narrow Gauge range far sooner. Smudger is an obvious choice, but also Proteus would be an easy way to reuse the upcoming Sir Handel tool. According to the fan wiki, he apparently does show up in a "CGI" themed podcast, so perhaps he can make the cut?
I think if they were ever to do a "model-only" locomotive before running out of viable "CGI" locomotives, it would probably be for the sake of an anniversary year, such as the upcoming 80th in 2025. But that is only if Bachmann and/or the licensor decide to re-evaluate their policy on what characters to greenlight. It makes sense to prioritize the characters who were in the modern version of the legacy series, but surely one or two older engines interspersed among the new crowd wouldn't hurt?
One non rail character (kinda) I've been thinking about lately is Skiff. I think Bachmann could really do alot with him in the range, he's a fairly beloved character from the CGI era who appeared along with Ryan in Sodor's Legend of the Lost Tresure and appeared fairly consistently through season 20 and even showed up in BWBA era. He has even appeared in All Engines Go which I know, but surely that only can help his chances of Mattel greenlighting a model. He's definitely a unique character being a rail boat which Bachmann can utilise making his chassis detachable maybe like Terence and his snow plow or even if its fixed on he'll still look amazing. There's a pretty big core group of characters he's associated with in the show who mostly all have models in the range already, Thomas, Ryan, Duck, Oliver, Daisy, Sir Topham. Thus giving us modellers plenty of opportunity to showcase him with those characters on out layouts. The only two issues which I'm sure Bachmann would find a way around is his Chassis and sail (either being detachable like plarail or fixed as per Take n play)
What's your thoughts around Skiff? Could he work?
Talking about off rail characters, I'm very surprised they haven't made Trevor, popular model character, made it into CGI, good friendship with Edward.
Sir Topham Hatt's car being announced earlier does lead to the possibility of more non-rail characters being introduced. Trevor would be one I would be the one I would like to see the most with Bulgy being a very close second since these are both well established classic characters who are in the CGI series. That being said, I wouldn't mind Skiff being introduced next either as not only would he go along really nicely with the recently released Ryan and Daisy but also because he adds to the non-rail vehicle diversity as a boat character. It would be interesting to see if he would just be a boat or if Bachmann would go the full mile and add a set of wheels for him to ride around on. Either of these would be welcome, but for now I think it makes sense to see how Sir Topham Hatt's car sells first before adding more vehicles after that.
Murdoch I wouldn't mind seeing either if he was introduced similarly to how Arthur would, admittedly I like Arthur a lot more than Murdoch but Murdoch undeniably has a much bigger sales market going for him than Arthur does going for the insane prices he goes for on eBay so the sales for Murdoch would be there, no doubt. Either way, like Arthur, Murdoch I'm not so confident with either, again due to the CGI mandate, but would still be a fun addition.
As for the narrow gauge engine repaints, as I said in my earlier post on Yellow Rheneas, Bachmann doing repaints of the narrow gauge engines prematurely really hit the sales on Yellow Rheneas pretty hard, already having him on discount at Trainworld... Smudger might have sold a little better than Yellow Rheneas, but I think it makes a lot more sense for Mattel to allow Bachmann to ignore the CGI mandate for the narrow gauge range since there's only so many narrow gauge engines left in the show, and an even smaller number left in CGI. This is is where I personally feel Mattel would be more likely to overlook the CGI mandate, not with HO/OO but with their narrow gauge line. Though, instead of doing repaints like Smudger or Proteus, they could go the full mile with making a new tooling in the form of Duke. In my opinion, Duke I think would make more sense (despite being a new tooling), because he's the only narrow gauge tender engine (besides Bertram, who would only be a Duke repaint) and with that also adds more diversity for the narrow gauge lineup and Duke has just as big of a following as the six narrow gauge characters who appeared in the CGI series.
(https://i.gyazo.com/7ca8bbb686232c50eb546564ebdf7231.jpg)
Anytime I post my custom Duke model on social media, people go crazy and always ask about it and several other fans went ahead and made their own Duke models too. Plus Duke is an easy 0-4-0 locomotive with a tender so he wouldn't be that much more expensive than one of the current narrow gauge engine offerings. Since the OO9 crowd is usually an older audience who grew up with the books and the earlier television series, I think it's in Bachmann's best interest to do Duke after Duncan (and maybe Luke), before doing more OO9 repaints like Smudger Proteus or even Bertram.
Just like what they did with Beau, Bachmann can also use existing toolings to make Arthur and Murdoch. Both of which would be from their UK line. Although they wouldn't have eye mechanisms, that would not be a dealbreaker. Beau was the first engine in the Thomas line to use an existing tooling that's not from the Thomas line. Arthur and Murdoch would be great choices that would do the same.
Just to add to the Arthur & Murdoch discussion, if Beau was anything to go by as an exclusive repaint of the 4-4-0, it would incredible to see exclusive Bachmann Arthur & Murdoch models, using the UK toolings. Indeed, they would be expensive, but if people are paying over $2,000 for the Hornby Murdoch in recent years and the Bachmann Rebecca is retailing for $300, the price of these would surely be justified, as limited run models or not.
Murdoch:
https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/category/152/br-standard-9f-with-br1f-tender-92184-br-black-%28late-crest%29/32-859b
Arthur:
https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/lms-ivatt-2mt-tank-1205-lms-black-%28revised%29/31-442
As we know, Mattel prefers CGI. Yet, as an older fan, I can't deny that I have a deeper connection with characters such as Arthur and Murdoch than most newer CGI characters. Even as limited run models, these would be incredible and surely do outstanding, based on what we've seen from every Hornby Murdoch bid auction on eBay once again.
(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/6/63/FiveNewEnginesintheShed19.png/revision/latest?cb=20230625154142)
Maybe one of these days :).
I have no idea what to expect for HO Scale this NMRA, whether another engine gets announced or not. Progress has been made on Rebecca, and Doug will hopefully get to show the first unpainted sample of her soon. For new toolings, the most likely choices would be Nia, Stanley, or Whiff. They may not be ready for Hiro just yet. Though, Stanley would reuse Thomas' chassis. For recolors, it could be Sidney, Fernando, or Green Salty. Fernando is one from the Big World Big Adventures era, who, like Sidney, would also recycle Diesel's tooling. The only real issue with Sidney (apart from needing a painted border around his face) is his smaller eyes, which Bachmann would need to alter the eye mechanism, given that HO Scale Paxton ended up being disappointing for his disproportionate face. As for rolling stock, the Chocolate Syrup Tanker and the Toffee Tanker still have yet to be announced for HO Scale. A good new tooling for rolling stock would be the Works Unit Coach.
As for another new tooling for HO Scale, I would love to see Norman, but given that he was a nothing character in the CGI series, it's rather head-scratching. Though there are fan-made stories that shed more light on him. He got virtually no merchandise since Mattel took over. One big thing for Norman is that no ready-to-run model of BR 11001 exists, and he would be the first one.
Narrow Gauge still has plenty of catching up to do, and progress has been terribly slow on all upcoming products, including Sir Handel. Doug still has no significant update on him. It took three years to get the brake vans, which is ridiculous.
I'm probably in the minority, but I rather have Bachmann make a new tooling for either Murdoch or Arthur than using an existing tooling like with Beau. I don't mind Beau being an existing retooling as he only appeared once and at least has a working light rather than the moving eyes. But for Arthur and Murdoch, I'm rather picky for them to look like how they are from the show, considering there are modifications between the real basis and how they're depicted in the show. Sooner or later, Mattel would have to let Bachmann do characters that weren't in the CGI era unless they plan to bring it back later on, but that's a topic for another day.
I don't much have to say for HO/OO, but for N scale, since they already have some of the Steam Team up, I like to see if they can do a Christmas set as it's only been a few years since the range started. I wouldn't mind having a Christmas themed set as my family has those little tabletop trees and it can go well with the table. Though it depends if they can just do a smaller scale version of one of the existing sets or make a new one. If they can go with an existing one, the first set would be good as they already have all the existing toolings for it. They can't do the ones after that as the later ones have a conflat and the other set from 2019 has the first brake van tooling.
For sure, my biggest hope for N Scale is Henry. Would recycle Gordon's chassis minus trailing wheels, and also a very similar tooling with some changes. Also changing the tender from a Fowler to a Stanier. Henry's announcement would leave Edward as the only member of the original main cast left for N Scale, who would most likely be saved for the 2024 catalog at the earliest.
For HO Scale, Daisy's introduction brought larger diesels into the picture. At some point, Mattel would have to start letting Bachmann make model series characters again, like BoCo. The other most popular larger diesel to appear in the CGI series is Diesel 10. The claw on his roof does make everyone scratch their heads, but Bachmann does make rail cranes. Doug Blaine never mentioned anything regarding Diesel 10's likelihood, or said specifically that Diesel 10 is never happening simply because of his claw. He unfortunately did have pessimistic words on Stepney, solely because he never appeared in full CGI. For Diesel 10, they may figure out how to incorporate the claw, and keep it still when in motion, with positions to lock it. He would still fit in Tidmouth Sheds with no problem. The claw would make Diesel 10 the most unique model Bachmann has ever produced. They even considered Diesel 10 at one point.
I really want them to do Duncan a lot (I just started collecting the narrow gauge engines). Peter sam was the first one I bought and 4 of the blue coaches the blue break van and two of the blue box vans. (also I bought all 4 of the slate wagons rusty 4 of the red coaches the red break van and two of the red box vans). and I just ordered rheneas and I hope to buy skarloey when I can. I'm hoping sir Handel will come out and the new rolling stock. I just really want them to say that Duncan is the next one they do with the upcoming announcements. and I also been hoping they'd do duke too (just depending if they can I just really want the original 7 narrow gauge engines a lot and they really did a good job on them). I also mentioned that I'd hope they would do Luke as he was always my favorite of the newer narrow gauge engines. although I would like for them to do Millie and Victor (hope they'd do Kevin to go along with Victor). and I don't know about mighty Mac and fearless Freddie (i sort of liked them when they were introduced but now I'm mixed on them weather I like them or not I still prefer the original 7 and the ones from the cgi series as I feel they're more likable but that'll have to depend on terms).
Hello Everyone, I'm new to the Bachmann forum as I wanted to talk about new announcements and give ideas seeing as the announcements will be made towards the end of this month.
For HO Scale, I'm thinking that the most logical locomotive to make next would probably be Stanley. He was in both the model series as well as the CGI series, and played a major role in a movie. He also stands out from the other characters since he is one of (if not the only) characters in the show panted white, which would mean that he would look significant different from the other models Bachmann has already made. I could also see Sidney and Fernando being made since they would use largely the same tooling as Diesel, Arry, Bert and Paxton. With the announcement of Rebecca, I could also see Nia being made, particularly since she is a character Mattel have been trying really hard to push. As for Whiff, before he was brought up, I had honestly forgot about him as a character. He never really appeared that often, and I know that the last time a toy of him was made was in the Adventures range, and if I remember correctly it really didn't sell that well. So unless I'm the only one that has forgot about him, then I really can't see Whiff getting made. The other character I thought of was Winston, as a G Scale version of him has already been made, although it might be hard to fit a mechanism inside him, while still having an interior.
In Hon3/OO9, the next model I can see being made is Duncan. He is the only one of the Original cast of Narrow Gauge Characters that hasn't been made other than Duke, and seeing as Duke was not in the CGI series I can't really see him being made. I'm also quite surprised that Bachmann haven't done any troublesome slate wagons yet, so that might be something to consider.
In N Scale, I would expect Henry next, same as everyone else, and I would also expect to see some normal open wagons, more troublesome trucks, and possibly another brake van.
For G Scale I honestly don't know if we will get anything big again. Doug already stated that Gordon and Henry would be too expensive to justify, and Edward isn't really a main character anymore. Doug also stated in a livestream with Trainworld that Henrietta would be too much to make since nothing from her tooling could be used on another model, so unfortunately I kinda think that says that it's the end of the line for large scale. If anyone else has opinions on that though, I'd like to hear them, and same goes for everything else I've mentioned!
Regarding Large Scale, I don't know if Edward is necessarily ruled out just because he was demoted from the main cast, and mistreated by Mattel in recent years. Gordon and Henry would be too big and costly, given their sheer size. At least N Scale is getting Henrietta for Toby. Edward seems much more likely for N Scale than Large Scale, especially once N Scale gets Henry, leaving Edward as the only one left of the original main cast. If Large Scale was to get anymore engines, they could make Bill and Ben, which would require only one new tooling. For recolors, they could still do LBSC Thomas and Origin James, maybe even 'Arry and Bert, although the latter two were discontinued in HO Scale. It may not be time for Large Scale modelers to pack it in just yet, but I feel we could be getting there very soon.
For HO Scale, it really seems like the most likely new tooling would be Stanley, since he appeared in both model and CGI, has a unique white livery, and played a major role in a special. He can even recycle Thomas' chassis, but with the wheels painted red. I still would love to see Diesel 10 as the next larger diesel like Daisy, although the claw raises concern, Doug Blaine himself has never said specifically that Diesel 10 can't happen because of it. After all, Bachmann does make rail cranes, and electric engines with pantographs, but they never tried putting a posable claw on a diesel engine before, which would really make Diesel 10 a first, and an ambitious project. Diesel 10 has been a request for quite some time, and it wasn't until we got Daisy when larger diesels came into the picture. The claw would be the only hard part, but there may be ways to get it to work, even if it may not be perfect.
And if HO Scale can't get a new tooling, there's always recolors, including Sidney and Fernando. Although I mention Green Salty, we still haven't gotten the reintroduced Salty in stock yet. Sidney and Fernando would be repaints of Diesel's tooling, but they would have to fix the eye mechanism for Sidney after Paxton's face came out disproportionate. Splatter and Dodge were dropped from the CGI series twice, and it wasn't until less than a year ago when James Lafiteau (EpicLafiteau on YouTube) finally brought Splatter and Dodge to life in full CGI in "You're a Mean One, Diesel 10" although it's unfortunately not official canon.
I haven't really talked too much about large scale so much recently in my posts, mainly because I feel the range is on it's last legs. Granted they've released some fun recolors recently, but the majority of what's been announced in large scale over the last decade has been just that - recolors. I feel like if they introduce any new toolings at all in large scale it would have to be for something they could reuse for additional recolors to justify the tooling cost of the product.
With engines, I think they are pretty much done aside from more Diesel repaints like Sidney or 'Arry and Bert. Maybe an LBSC Thomas and Origin James too for the 80th anniversary, but that's really it.
As for rolling stock, I think it's pretty clear that if we get anything else in the future for large scale it will probably be more recolors. I do, however think there is a lot more going for new rolling stock toolings than engines because of the recolor options out there. The first is Henrietta since not only is she still a popular request after all of these years, but Hannah is a possible recolor option Bachmann can look into for either HO or N scale, they could easily introduce both Henrietta and Hannah either at the same time or a year or so apart from each other and it would be a good way to justify that tooling cost.
Apart from Henrietta, the only other new rolling stock tooling I could potentially see them do in large scale would be 1 plank wagons with the large crate loads that were introduced in HO a few years ago since that seems like a simple enough tooling they could continue to reuse for repaints or different crate loads.
Otherwise aside from those and potentially a new Thomas starter set, I think that's all I can see happening in large scale for the time being.
I agree. Henrietta might be more of a possibility now with the introduction of Hannah, though I would expect to see Hannah made in Ho or N Scale first. Other than that though, I can't see much more being made in Large Scale.
It may not quite be time for Large Scale modelers to pack it in just yet, but it's really getting there.
For sure, will be interesting to see what happens to this line.
On the flip side of a range ending, does anyone think Bachmann will make an On30 line of products. They can't do O Scale, as Lionel own the rights, but would that apply to On30 as well?
I had written that I've started to collect the narrow gauge engines. now that they've done skarloey rheneas rusty peter Sam (the first one I bought) and soon sir Handel. I've been anxiously hoping with the announcements coming soon I've really been hoping that they say that Duncan will be the next one they do (cause I really think he will after they give an update on sir Handel). and with seeing people complaining that they don't want bachmann to do Duncan as he was in the cgi series I really don't mind that they do him as he was in the cgi series. (I really never cared how good many of the characters they returned looked I was just happy with the returns they brought back). also I've been hoping they would do duke too (even though I've seen that Mattel told bachmann they can only do the characters that were in the cgi series duke is really the only character that hasn't appeared in the show I really want them to do at this point). so there are more characters I want to write that I want them to do right now Duncan is really the one I want them to announce really badly. so I hope Duncan will be the next one they say they do.
I'm sure Bachmann will announce Duncan eventually. Considering it took Bachmann almost three years to announce Sir Handel after Peter Sam, I would imagine we will get a Duncan announcement once Bachmann makes significant progress on Sir Handel first. Apart from last year, narrow gauge announcements have been typically very minimal with 1-2 announcements a year since it seemed clear Bachmann really did not want to overdo it with too many announcements for such a niche market. It also doesn't help that there are not too many options left that Bachmann hasn't announced yet in terms of new engines, especially with Mattel's CGI mandate. Last year though was an anomly as Bachmann managed to announce one new locomotive tooling (Sir Handel), two new wagon toolings and a slate wagon with a new road number, which is a lot considering their track record. It's also worth noting, though technically not part of the Thomas range, they also announced Talyllyn models last year in OO9 too. Granted these are just repaints of the Bachmann Skarloey with the face replaced with a new smokebox door, (not sure why we still don't have any updates on those yet), but it still adds to the high pile of OO9 products we are currently waiting on. Taking all of that into consideration, it's clear Bachmann really went above and beyond for OO9 last year! Though, if the 2023 catalog announcements are anything to go off of, it's clear Bachmann really needs to take a breather before announcing anymore major projects for the time being, especially for OO9.
Going back to Duncan, I mentioned this in an earlier post, but I think the very earliest we would see a Bachmann Duncan announcement would be during next years NMRA show. Even that though would really depend on progress on Sir Handel and several other projects first. If Duncan is still not announced by then, then I think the more likely option would be in 2025 during the brand's 80th anniversary. 2025 would also be the 10th anniversary of the narrow gauge line's announcement, and what a better way to celebrate that anniversary than to introduce the sixth and final member of the original Skarloey Railway, (in CGI), in their OO9 range. Kind of poetic, if you ask me.
Either way, I think it's really a matter of when Bachmann will announce Duncan, as opposed to "if". It probably won't happen in the immediate future, but I'm sure it will happen in good time. :)
Thank you for the reply. I think I'm just a little excited that bachmann is almost done with the narrow gauge engines. originally I was going to wait until they did all of them. but I went ahead and started to buy them. the first one I bought was peter Sam (just how great he turned out). and also four of the blue coaches the blue break van and the recent box vans (I bought 1 of the blue version than a second one just cause I really liked the new box vans). i was going buy 6 of the blue coaches but I went with 4 and the break van (my reason is mostly with the characters in the railway series agnus Ruth Jemima Lucy and Beatrice and the blue box van used as a to go along with the others i guess that could be cora from the railway series). and I also bought all 4 of the slate wagons that are out. and I also bought rusty two of the red box vans 4 of the red coaches and the red break van. and just recently I bought rheneas. Skarloey is the only one left I need to buy. still hope sir Handel and the new rolling stock comes soon (I may buy most of them when they come out). I think I'm really excited that they almost got the narrow gauge engines done. I guess I was hoping they'd say they would do Duncan now and he would be done for 2025 (just the way I was thinking). and more rolling stock I thought they should do is the green open air coaches both the brown and grey break vans (and also more of the box vans in the grey and brown paint even though those never existed I just thought they'd be great with the other vans). and I still hope they can do duke (as I said he's the one character I really want them to do who's not been in the show for years). thank you again for the reply I really appreciate it a lot.
I wouldn't be surprised if he gets announced in a year or two. I'm thinking that they will probably wait till Sir Handel is near completion before starting Duncan though.
I just hope they give a progress on Sir Handel soon. than do Duncan when sir Handel is done. also other characters I want them to do in the standard gauge engines is Samson & Bradford (they've been my most wanted items ever since Samson & the fireworks). some are upset that that episode was going to feature Oliver and toad (but I'm glad they changed the role to Samson cause i said that I don't see Oliver afraid of fireworks). i also think Samson is overhated (I looked back at the other Samson episodes and I don't think he wasn't as bad as everyone says but that's just me I'd rather take him over Philip which I thought Philip was okay in season's 19 20 and I guess 21 but season's 22-24 I got annoyed with him). so Samson and Bradford are really what I also wish they'd do also the slip coaches (to go along with duck) and Porter (he was my favorite character of the cgi series until Samson & Bradford surpassed him with that title when Samson and the fireworks came). so I also hope they do them eventually too.
I'd really like to see in the future for
Ho scale engines:
Murdoch
Flying Scotsman (double tenders)
Derek
Boco
Arthur
Wilbert
16
Sidney
Nia
Narrow gauge engines:
Duke
Duncan
Smudger
Mighty Mac
Freddie
HO rolling stock:
Troublesome slate trucks (as seen in journey beyond sodor)
L&b long wagons
China clay wagons
Rocky the crane
Breakdown train set
Old branch line coaches
Orange branch line coaches
Flatbed with paint drums (reintroduced)
Well wagon (reintroduced)
Tar wagon (reintroduced)
Circus train set
Brown mail van (with 2 axels)
Brown cattle wagon (reintroduced)
Narrow gauge rolling stock:
Green open coaches
Gun powder tanker van
Flatbed
Quote from: ModelRailwayFan38 on August 06, 2023, 05:39:23 PMOn the flip side of a range ending, does anyone think Bachmann will make an On30 line of products. They can't do O Scale, as Lionel own the rights, but would that apply to On30 as well?
Forgot to respond to this earlier, sorry about that. I think the same logic applies for On30 that Bachmann would need to acquire the license to produce O gauge Thomas products in order to make On30 products. Since Lionel still has the license to produce O gauge Thomas products and has announced new products as recent as this year, it's unlikely Bachmann will be obtaining that license anytime soon.
Now Bachmann is making Talyllyn models in OO9, so maybe Bachmann can think outside the box and introduce Talyllyn models in On30 too? The On30 crowd would have a major field day over these, and Thomas modelers would happily purchase them and convert them to models of Skarloey and sales would go over the roof! Wishful thinking, I'm sure, but one can dream...
Hopefully they will do Duncan, but I would just want him in either the RWS design or the TV series design before the CGI.
Quote from: JLK2707 on August 10, 2023, 08:01:39 AMHopefully they will do Duncan, but I would just want him in either the RWS design or the TV series design before the CGI.
I agree. I like all the narrow gauge engines better in the model series
I will be to do Unpainted Thomas Rolling Stock with Hook and Loop Coupling System (Hooks Included) at some point in the future! That would be nice! Unpainted Thomas Tank Wagon with Hook and Loop Coupling System (Hooks Included) would be nice.
Quote from: Chaz on August 08, 2023, 12:06:48 AMQuote from: ModelRailwayFan38 on August 06, 2023, 05:39:23 PMOn the flip side of a range ending, does anyone think Bachmann will make an On30 line of products. They can't do O Scale, as Lionel own the rights, but would that apply to On30 as well?
Forgot to respond to this earlier, sorry about that. I think the same logic applies for On30 that Bachmann would need to acquire the license to produce O gauge Thomas products in order to make On30 products. Since Lionel still has the license to produce O gauge Thomas products and has announced new products as recent as this year, it's unlikely Bachmann will be obtaining that license anytime soon.
There is one potential way Bachmann could make 0 gauge thomas range. Gain the world wide rights or rest of world rights for a license and sell through Bachmann Europe. Before the ho range was officially in the UK some shops bought them and stocked them from the US. For years it was our only way of getting them. And since Lionel don't seem to be wanting or making new characters it would be a void that Bachmann could fill. As I understand it Lionel has only the north American rights. But there is also further potential that 0 gauge by Bachmann could be done as at one point both made g scale thomas engines. So there's always potential but who knows what will or could happen
Is it August when we normally get announcements for Thomas stuff, I can never remember?
Yeah, I think we'll get new announcements at the NMRA show this upcoming weekend.
I hope we just get the Old Coaches soon, :)
Well, with the NMRA announcements out of the way, it'll be another several months before we get the 2024 catalog.
With Diesel and Paxton coming to N Scale, that would make Sidney, 'Arry and Bert also possible for N Scale. The former has yet to be announced for HO or Large Scale, while the latter two were discontinued in HO Scale. I'd love for Bachmann to finally make Sidney. If he can't be made in HO Scale because of problems with the eye mechanism, he can still be made in Large Scale and N Scale. They fixed Paxton's eye mechanism for Large Scale, so Sidney shouldn't be a problem for Large Scale, while N Scale is too small for an eye mechanism, so his face would look perfect in N Scale too. If 'Arry and Bert were to be made in N Scale, Bachmann should give them more distinctive and malicious faces, as their faces being too similar is what got their HO Scale models to flop.
The next (partial) new tooling for N Scale has to be Henry, so I'm still hoping he can be in the 2024 catalog. As said many times before, Henry would recycle Gordon's chassis, but without the trailing wheels. Now that we're getting the Express Coaches, for N Scale rolling stock, I'd like to see Red Coaches, Red Open Wagon, Coal Wagon w/ Load, and maybe a generic Brake Van. Other new toolings for N Scale I'd also love to see include Duck and Oliver. The latter because we're getting Toad soon, so I'm also hoping we'll get Oliver at some point. If a new tooling isn't viable in early 2024, maybe we'll get Sidney alongside 'Arry and Bert. Could Sidney become the first character in N Scale that doesn't already exist in HO Scale?
For HO Scale, Bachmann would rather see how well Rebecca sells before tackling Hiro, and with Stanley announced, that's another popular request out of the way. The most possible new toolings could be Whiff or Nia, or recolors like Green Salty or Fernando. Because Fernando's tooling exists, maybe the Brazilian diesel could get his first piece of merchandise. The Works Unit Coach would be a great idea for a new rolling stock tooling.
With Narrow Gauge having a long backlog, with Duncan just being announced, along with the Gunpowder Wagons, I can't imagine the 2024 catalog would get anything for that, but I still hope Mattel would let Bachmann make Smudger using Rheneas' tooling. That way, model series engines can get back into the picture.
2024 bachmann Thomas range suggestions:
HO Scale:
Engines:
Whiff
Nia
Fernando
Sidney
Ulli
Scruff
Flying Scotsman
Rolling Stock:
TAR tanker wagon
Old coaches
Season 1 troublesome truck
Hannah
Toffee tanker wagon
Chocolate syrup tanker wagon
Breakdown train with works unit coach
Standard tanker wagon
Circus flatbed
Road vehicles:
Trevor
Ace
Caroline
Narrow Gauge:
Luke
Millie
Narrow gauge breakdown crane
Troublesome slate cars
N scale:
Edward
Henry
Duck
Oliver
'Arry
Bert
Sidney
Fernando
'Ulli
TAR tanker wagon
Tidmouth Milk tanker wagon
Brake van
Cream tanker wagon
Raspberry syrup tanker wagon
Toffee tanker wagon
Chocolate syrup tanker wagon
Mavis
Hannah
Large scale:
Edward
Mavis
Sidney
Fernando
'Arry and Bert
Henrietta
Hannah
I don't know what to expect from Bachmann given how fruitful these mid-year announcements were. I suppose the 2024 Catalog announcements could be more stripped back much like 2023's, with the more hard-hitting announcements saved for 2024's NMRA show...? But regardless, here's my thoughts on what the next new loco tools for the 'Thomas' lines could be.
I think Nia being the next HO locomotive is more or less guaranteed. Stanley seemed like the only new tool that could come before her, and now that he's out, I can't think of another new character that has a chance of making it in before her. I know everybody wants to see Hiro, but I think his sheer size makes him a long ways away from happening right now...
Since there are currently two Narrow Gauge locos awaiting development, I don't think we'll see a new one announced at least until Sir Handel and Duncan have either had major progress or are close to release. That said, I think Victor and Luke are the obvious next steps. Or rather, the only next steps, given the only other Narrow Gauge loco in the 'CGI' series is Millie. All three would be nice to see in the line, but I think once all three have been made, they are going to need to break into the 'Model Era' lineup in order to have more characters... But that is a problem for much further down the road.
For Large Scale, with the exceptions of potential exclusive characters, I think the best choices for new characters would be Edward, Rosie, and Stanley. Edward is obvious, but Rosie and Stanley are both Thomas-sized locomotives and would likely be received more enthusiastically than another Class 08. (It would likely be for the best if only the Red Rosie is made in LS, though. Putting out both variants would likely be a bad move.) That is, of course, if we can ever see a new character...
Lastly, my niche, N Scale... Henry and Edward are inevitable, and Henry seems more likely to come first given his commonalities with Gordon. I could see him being announced in the 2024 Catalog, but also could see him saved for the 2023 NMRA slate. Not sure.
After Stanley, the next new tooling for HO Scale would have to be Nia. Progress has been made on Rebecca, and will likely soon be shown in the unpainted stage. The next Trainworld stream will likely show HO Scale Rebecca unpainted, and/or N Scale Emily fully painted.
With all six of the original Narrow Gauge engines (that appeared in CGI) announced, it's only a matter of time before Mattel HAS to start letting Bachmann make model series characters like Duke in order to expand the range further, with only Victor, Luke and Millie left from the CGI series. They could easily recycle Rheneas' tooling to make Smudger.
Henry is inevitable for N Scale, and is the most likely to be announced in the 2024 catalog, given his commonalities with Gordon. Would be nice to have Edward as well, so as to complete the original Steam Team in N Scale. It may not take too long for Bachmann to get Diesel and Paxton out there, since they'd most likely just scale down the HO Scale tooling to work in N Scale. Diesel's tooling also has potential recolors like Sidney, 'Arry and Bert. It would be nice if Sidney could become the first character in N Scale that doesn't already exist in HO Scale. Other engines that would recycle Gordon's chassis in N Scale would include Spencer and Flying Scotsman. If Edward can't happen just yet, it would be nice if Henry and Spencer could get announced together, considering they'd both share the same chassis, but with Henry not having trailing wheels, and Spencer's trailing wheels being a bit different from Gordon's. Unlike Gordon and Henry, Spencer's body shape is streamlined, and might be an easier shape for Bachmann to make. Spencer would also bring the Special Coaches to N Scale, with hopefully a brake variant, unlike in HO Scale. For now, Henry is still the #1 priority for N Scale.
Quote from: N Scale Sudrian on August 27, 2023, 02:24:33 PMI think Nia being the next HO locomotive is more or less guaranteed. Stanley seemed like the only new tool that could come before her, and now that he's out, I can't think of another new character that has a chance of making it in before her. I know everybody wants to see Hiro, but I think his sheer size makes him a long ways away from happening right now...
I am going to have to respectfully disagree with you on Hiro being a long way off for Bachmann, considering that Rebecca is in production now, who in hindsight might be a good sign that another tender engine is not off the table from being introduced. I feel like the biggest reasons for Rebecca being introduced before Hiro (besides the obvious Mattel push), come down to her being a main character in the CGI seasons, (during its final years) and Rebecca is less detailed than Hiro thus being the cheaper of the two to produce. That being said, I'd argue Hiro would actually be the perfect follow-up announcement after Rebecca since Rebecca is the first tender engine Bachmann had introduced in the range in a really, really long time and Hiro had a much higher demand and has a much bigger following, especially in Japan. However, I personally think if Rebecca turns out decent and sells well enough, then I see it as a really good opportunity for Bachmann to introduce Hiro as he would sell incredibly well and would have a very wide appeal for both younger and older audiences alike, despite the inevitable higher price the model would have. So if there's one thing I can appreciate about Bachmann introducing Rebecca into the range is that it could mean that we as fans can expect more than just an engine repaint or new toolings going to only tank engines and diesels. Similarly to how Bulgy was just introduced, it also means that Thomas fans can also expect more non-rail characters to join the range depending on how Bulgy's sales go, like Trevor or maybe Butch. ;)
That being said, I don't disagree with you on Nia being an inevitable addition in the range too, but Hiro's had a much stronger demand before both Nia and Rebecca were even a thing, and a lot of people were disappointed that Rebecca was picked before Hiro for that reason alone. So while Nia seems like the most obvious pick for the next HO engine, I personally think the better choice and overall higher seller would be Hiro.
I understand the demand for Hiro, but I also think it would be in Bachmann's best interest to not announce him until after Rebecca is either released or almost released. That said... I believe we're perhaps two or three years out from that? Which is plenty of time during which Bachmann can announce yet another new locomotive or two for the lineup, assuming they're willing to commit to anything during that time while also working on Rebecca and Stanley and whatever else the HO 'Thomas' design team may be cooking up... Announcing products that won't command a $300+ price tag (like they have with Stanley already) will be a comfort to consumers, surely.
(Granted even these smaller engines are commanding outragous prices, what with Stanley and the MIA Salty reissue commanding a higher price than Daisy, and Nia liable to be more expensive than Ryan given she's a medium-sized loco with an intricate set of valve gear that needs to be made from scratch... but even that pales in comparison to a prospective Hiro...)
I'm getting side tracked. The point is, if Bachmann waits until after Rebecca is either released or about to release, the consumer base essentially can get it both ways. That is, if Bachmann is willing to announce Nia while Rebecca/Stanley are in development, then announce Hiro after Rebecca's development is fully settled. Perhaps not an ironclad attack plan, but Bachmann has been overfilling their plate with 'Thomas' projects so frequently in the past few years that I could see them doing it anyway, ha ha.
I think Jack and the Pack in HO/OO Scale would be cool! Wellsworth Sheds and Vicarstown Sheds would be a marvelous idea!
If Sidney can't happen in HO Scale because of the eye mechanism, he could be announced for N Scale and Large Scale instead. It's been several years since Paxton first came to HO Scale, and still no sign of Sidney on the cards for any scale. N Scale would especially be easy for him, since the eye mechanism isn't an issue. With that, Sidney could become the first character in N Scale that doesn't already exist in HO Scale. Hope he could be announced with N Scale Henry in the 2024 catalog. As for 'Arry and Bert in N Scale, they would need distinctive and malicious faces, so they'd sell better in N Scale than they did in HO Scale.
If HO Scale can't get much in the 2024 catalog, due to Rebecca and Stanley, recolors like a Mainland Diesel or two, or Fernando can be possible, using Diesel's tooling. They could get their first pieces of merchandise. Narrow Gauge has Sir Handel and Duncan, with the former having no significant update just yet. If Mattel lets Bachmann do model series characters again, especially for Narrow Gauge, Rheneas' tooling can be used for Smudger, while Sir Handel's can be used for Proteus.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on August 28, 2023, 02:48:47 PMIf Sidney can't happen in HO Scale because of the eye mechanism, he could be announced for N Scale and Large Scale instead. It's been several years since Paxton first came to HO Scale, and still no sign of Sidney on the cards for any scale. N Scale would especially be easy for him, since the eye mechanism isn't an issue. With that, Sidney could become the first character in N Scale that doesn't already exist in HO Scale. Hope he could be announced with N Scale Henry in the 2024 catalog. As for 'Arry and Bert in N Scale, they would need distinctive and malicious faces, so they'd sell better in N Scale than they did in HO Scale.
Honestly, I feel like it would probably be best for the line if they were able to knock out Edward and Henry before adding more Class 08 recolors, and even then, I'd hope for at least one side character who's more unique (like Duck or Mavis) before adding Sidney/Arry & Bert as well.
Thinking about it, the N scale range might be forming a bit of a pattern as well. It started out with 3 complex tooling locomotives (Thomas, Percy, & James) before landing on a simpler project (Toby). Next, they announced Emily & Gordon back to back in a surprisingly short time of 6 months, then announced a simpler tooling Class 08 with two character options (Diesel & Paxton). If the pattern could continue, we might see Henry, who already technically has a chassis design finished (since they'd likely reuse Gordon's), and Edward. Bachmann has seemed to be able to get N Scale stuff out pretty quickly so far (other than James, who had to contend with Covid and the shipping mishap), so assuming Diesel and Paxton are able to progress quickly as well, I think we could potentially see
Edward and
Henry both announced within the next year and a half. Afterwards, Bachmann could look into other side characters, such as
Duck, Sidney, or
Mavis.
Other than that, I think some plain(ish) freight rolling stock options would also help diversify the range. I'm genuinely surprised that we haven't seen a single non-troublesome variant of the 7-Plank Wagon tooling, so I'd suggest adding the
Red Open Wagon and
Green Open Wagon w/ Coal Load. Next, I'd hope that Bachmann could add the
Milk Tanker and
Tar Tanker, since they were the two tankers that have been in the show since Series 1 and have both been in the HO and Large Scale ranges. It would also be nice if we could get the
Grey 12t Box Van that was just announced for HO as well, because that's a nice variant that was seen in the show, especially in the CGI era that the N Scale range is based on.
I think that Edward, Henry, and the rolling stock mentioned above could be pretty reasonable announcements for Bachmann to focus on in the N Scale range over the next 2 years or so, because we'd be able to get the rest of the Steam Team and some much needed freight stock out of it. What do you guys think?
I definitely agree on the general consensus that Henry and Edward would make the most sense to be announced next. I also think Duck would make a pretty solid addition following Henry and Edward, since he has an established rivalry with Diesel and had made somewhat consistent appearances in the CGI series as far as returning characters from the Brenner era are concerned. His HO model was an extremely popular request before he was announced and has remained a top seller in HO ever since it was released back in 2013, 10 years ago (anyone else feel old yet? :P). He's also my favorite character and I personally am most interested in getting engines 1-8 plus Diesel in N scale due to my nostalgia or growing up with the five Ringo tapes when I was a kid. Though, I may get Emily and Paxton depending on how they turn out once fully painted.
Based on the engines that are being worked on now, I'm betting Henry will likely be announced once Gordon is finished, Edward after Emily is finished and lastly Duck after Diesel and Paxton are finished. It would make a really solid lineup of characters if these three are considered to be introduced next in N. I'm sure this will take at least another 2 or so years from now but once Bachmann announces those three, I'm pretty much an open book as far as whatever other engines Bachmann would like to introduce after that.
As for rolling stock, I think once Toad and Emily's coaches are released (since they are both fully painted), I could see brake vans (the standard 20t brake van and the spiteful brake van) and the red coaches most likely joining the range after that. I do agree though that open wagon recolors would make solid additions, the green coal wagon with load and the red open wagon would make perfect additions and I would love to see the gray van find its way in the lineup of N scale box vans. As for the tankers, I think Bachmann still needs to make a new tanker tooling over the Graham farish ones, but while doing so they can announce a new lineup of three tankers including milk, and tar being two of them. The third can be something random for fun like the toffee tanker or even the raspberry syrup tanker if they wish, just as long as we get milk and tar first, especially since those two are in the CGI series.
It would be most wise that once Gordon and Emily are out of the way, Henry and Edward will get announced for N Scale. Once Diesel and Paxton are out of the way, Duck should get announced for N Scale, since he had a rivalry with Diesel in one of the earliest seasons of the show. It's already been a decade since Duck's HO Scale model hit the market, and has consistently been a popular seller since then. He was also the last engine in the HO Scale range to be based on the model series. In N Scale, Duck will be based on his CGI render, but no big deal. With Toad coming soon, Oliver shouldn't be too far off from N Scale, as he too was a popular seller in HO Scale. Since Oliver was based on his CGI render, Bachmann can easily just scale down his HO Scale tooling to work in N Scale.
The best next choices for N Scale engines are Henry, Edward, Duck and Oliver, apart from Diesel recolors like Sidney, 'Arry and Bert. For N Scale rolling stock, I'd be most happy with a generic or Spiteful Brake Van, Red Open Wagon, Coal Wagon w/ Load, Red Coaches, and a Gray Box Van.
Quote from: Chaz on August 28, 2023, 06:59:26 PMAs for the tankers, I think Bachmann still needs to make a new tanker tooling over the Graham farish ones, but while doing so they can announce a new lineup of three tankers including milk, and tar being two of them. The third can be something random for fun like the toffee tanker or even the raspberry syrup tanker if they wish, just as long as we get milk and tar first, especially since those two are in the CGI series.
I can't say I agree with wanting a new tool for the N Scale Tank Cars. I think the 'Thomas'-style Tank Car tool that Bachmann's been using in HO and Large Scale is quite ugly, if I'm being honest. The molded-in wiring looks tacky and makes the logos printed on the wagon's side look bumpy and unnatural. The Large Scale version in particular looks awful with how it simplifies the chassis detail in order to have commonality with the Large Scale Open Wagons and Box Vans... In contrast, the Graham Farish 12-ton Tankers are beautifully detailed on account of being real scale models. Say what you will about the lack of the wiring, I'd rather it not be present at all than mar the entire look of the model by having them extruding from the body. I don't think pricing is a good justification to switch either, it likely wouldn't be that much cheaper and what we have now isn't that far off from most of the wagons of the range to begin with. And that's before considering it'd be a visual downgrade, but I think I've made my view clear regarding that, ha ha. I do definitely agree with the desire for Tar and Milk Tanks in N, though. I think it would be nice to see a new color debut in N Scale alongside them. (Something red, perhaps? Please?)
In terms of other Rolling Stock, I've voiced support before for the Red/Blue/Green+Coal Open Wagons before, and still feel they'd be good to have since we currently only have Troublesome varieties of 7-Planks. The Spiteful Brake Van would also be nice to see in the lineup, too. I know most would rather have plain faceless brakes, but 'Break Van' is one of my favorite stories from the 'Thomas' mythos, so having that old grump in N Scale would be a treat for me, ha ha. Last rolling stock idea for now, but I think the Flatbeds with Crates from HO would be good to adapt for N, if only because the smaller crates could have some cross-play appeal as props for an HO/OO layout. The HO Scale crates are cartoonishly huge, but an N Scale crate could be a reasonable facsimile of a specially shipped crate or package. Just a bit of food for thought...
In the case of locos, Duck would be a nice character to have. I've made my thoughts on who I want most besides Edward and Henry clear (Mavis, ha ha) but I will happily accept him, Donald and Douglas, or Oliver. Spencer and Rosie would be nice as well, especially if they make Rosie in the red livery specifically. (I don't mind the pink, but given the red is the 'current' look for the character it would make more sense to use that. Perhaps the pink could be a later release in the same vein as LBSC Thomas or Black James?) I could make an argument for basically every character already in HO to deserve a spot in the N Scale lineup, as well as for the likely suspects for the next additions to HO, like Nia, Hiro, or Sidney. Rebecca and a potential Nia would round out the main case (especially fitting given N's all-'CGI' aesthetic), Daisy and Ryan are fun characters to have on a layout... Salty and Stanley are nice industrial-feeling picks... Even 'Arry and Bert could be given another shake here if discontinued items like the non-Thomas starter sets and the Ice Cream Box Van are fair game. The only characters I see having difficulty are Bill, Ben, and Beau... With the former two the only real issue is whether or not they can be motorized at that size. Perhaps by the time they're up for consideration, it can be done! Beau more or less relies on Bachmann bringing back their N Scale American-style 4-4-0, either as-is or via a retooling. I'd appreciate a new tool that's less clunky than the old 70s model, and hopefully the upcoming 19th Century 4-6-0 is an indicator Bachmann is willing to bring back some old-time-era steam power to N Scale...? In either case, N Scale is very exciting right now.
...Only just occurred that this is a very long post and only the first chunk is a response to what you were saying. Sorry Chaz!
No worries N Scale Sudrian, posts (regardless of length) for suggestions and ideas are what this thread is all about, no need to apologize!
In response to the tankers, the main reason why I'm indifferent to them using the graham farish tooling with the tankers comes down to two things, the first being the size of the tankers compared to other stock and engines since the tankers on the show are roughly around the same size as the wagons and vans on the show. The other is the additional nozzle that's placed at the back of the tanker, which isn't present on the tankers in the show always made the tankers look a little off in comparison. I do also find it baffling that this was the only time they used the graham farish tooling for the tankers, so I'm not sure if that was meant to be a one-off or not. It's even more baffling when you consider they made a new tooling for Toad the brake van of all things in N scale with no immediate plans for Oliver to come out. A welcome addition for sure, but definitely random on the surface. I do agree with you though on the wiring details, I own a graham farish tanker myself and I appreciate the detail on that model itself. The only major reason why I still bring them up on occasion is that Bachmann has gone back and made new box vans for the narrow gauge range, granted they're just the brake vans with the guard compartments removed which is I'm sure a factor with why they did that, but still a nice improvement all the same.
I also agree on the flatbed with crates with the crates being smaller than the HO ones, I'd buy those in a heartbeat. It'd be interesting to see if they would go for the same crate decals in HO or if they try to go for something that's exclusive to N scale too. Also thanks for reminding me of Mavis, that's actually one I forgot to mention earlier and I would probably pick up a model of her as well since I always liked her design. Still a little bummed she hasn't been announced in large scale, but hopefully she won't be overlooked in N scale in the future.
I believe the second protrusion on the top of the GraFar Tank Car is supposed to be a vent, so that air can escape the tank while its being filled. Tank Cars in real life will have these, though I'm not sure why the 'Thomas' show's Tank Cars lack them... I understand not liking the size of the tool, it's a matter personal taste. Personally, I always found the HO/OO 'Thomas' Tank Car to be a bit small compared to the range's other wagons. So when these proper-scale Tank Cars had the same size dynamic, I assumed it was correct, so it's never bothered me particularly.
I think the reason for using the Graham Farish tool was mostly a measure of convenience. It was announced alongside James in 2020, and there weren't any proper samples of the 2019 N Scale debut lineup at that point, so rather than add yet another new tooling onto their plate they opted to go with one that was already done. And I'd say that did work out in their favor since they managed to get those Tank Cars onto the market more or less alongside the 2019 announcements. I suppose that's another good reason to not switch to a new tool now, it'd complicate the lineup to abandon the tool in favor of a new one that might not have all the same liveries as the first one! I rather like the Water and Oil Tanks, and don't much care for the Fuel Tank, but Fuel feels most likely to get 'first dibs' out of those three liveries if they ever do a new tool... There's more reasons to keep the GraFar tool around than there is to change it, from my perspective.
Honestly I'm not sure either why they didn't opt to use the Graham Farish 'Toad' for their Toad, they really didn't need to re-invent the wheel with that one... Best I can think of is that in general, 2022 was a turning point for the N Scale 'Thomas' range. Everything announced from 2019 to the 2022 catalog had been very 'safe' and 'minimal' for the sake of testing the waters of a new market, and ever since 2022 NMRA they've started splashing out and making more brave moves to expand the line now that they know the water's safe. I suppose in that since, Toad being a new tool could be their version of a power play! Shocking the world by showing off what they're able and willing to do in N Scale 'Thomas'! ...I suppose there may be some other reason such as the GraFar tooling not being available for the 'Toad', but I like the theatrics of my theory better, ha ha!
Here's my top four picks I want bachmann to do (hope they give these a announcement in the new year or the next mid year announcements).
Duke (really want them to do him most of all since they've now done all 6 of the original narrow gauge engines I'd just want them to do duke to finish the group despite the mandate).
The slip coaches (to go along with duck and just to add more coaches to the line).
And of course both Samson and Bradford (again Samson and Bradford are my most wanted products after Samson and the fireworks).
Also I had a honorable mention
Stepeny
And D261
Now since there may not be a chance for these two to come in the range due to the mandate I'd like to see these three made if the mandate ends. (I was thinking stepeny and d261 as they both were done in the hornby range and both were made in the take n play range with the original magnets before the new magnets came in and i think that's what ended the range).
those are probably the most I'd like to see come in the range one day.
Hopefully, if this mandate ever ends, Bachmann eventually will give us Stepney, BoCo and Duke. Class 40 is another good choice for a model series character, and another larger diesel, since he was also made by Hornby. Bachmann could do the Beau move and recycle their UK Class 40 tooling, though he wouldn't have moving eyes.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on September 02, 2023, 01:10:07 AMHopefully, if this mandate ever ends, Bachmann eventually will give us Stepney, BoCo and Duke. Class 40 is another good choice for a model series character, and another larger diesel, since he was also made by Hornby. Bachmann could do the Beau move and recycle their UK Class 40 tooling, though he wouldn't have moving eyes.
If they do reuse the UK tooling for Class 40 like they did with Beau, and it would be nice if they do, I would hope they also do the same with Arthur and Murdoch as well. It would make sense, given that they are quite popular characters, as well as taking advantage of Hornby Murdoch's rarity to introduce their own version of Murdoch at a much cheaper price than the $2000 Hornby Murdoch's on Ebay usually go for.
Something that may help in regards to the mandate: Maybe they could market and release a CGI series character and a Model series character side-by-side. That way, they could meet the mandate as well as appeal to the older fans. I don't know if that would be possible, but I at least wanted to get the suggestion out there.
So this was something I purely decided to do for fun, but also out of curiosity since I've been noticing fans bring up which narrow gauge engine they want to see following Duncan. Since Bachmann have now announced every member of the original Skarloey Railway who found their way in CGI, it begs the question which one is going to be the next big demand. I personally would love to see Duke as I'm sure an overwhelming amount of many other Thomas fans would as well, but with how Mattel has been preventing Bachmann from doing model era only engines like Stepney and BoCo, I have a feeling the same logic will be applied for narrow gauge for now. Which is a real shame, given Duke's massive following from both Thomas fans as well as the OO9 modeling community.
However, there are still some narrow gauge engine choices left that I want to discuss. I asked another fan, Bluebells5529, on Twitter to make a poll while I made a poll in a Thomas modeling group on Facebook asking which of the remaining three narrow gauge engines in CGI should be introduced next. So, I want to discuss the results on here starting from the top request to the least.
Before I begin, I really want to emphasize that I don't think another narrow gauge engine announcement will happen for sometime, now that we have two engines in production with little to no updates on both of them. Again, this is purely just for fun and not much else. Anyways, here are the results:
(https://i.gyazo.com/df166c0c14f2e766ee1f0b7189d8166b.jpg)
(https://i.gyazo.com/d1c4f5113b27ac7dbcb0139a6ac2b2a5.jpg)
While the numbers are different, the results are exactly the same as far as which one has the more popular demand following them. It's quite clear which one is the most liked out of the remaining three and which one should probably be skipped or saved for last. So, let's talk about Luke.
Luke undeniably won first place in both of the polls. This to me makes the most sense, since unlike Victor and Millie, Luke is actually a member of the Skarloey Railway in the CGI series. But more importantly, with all of the Blue Mountain Quarry rolling stock and themes that Bachmann has provided since the launch of the range in 2015, Luke would feel like a very natural addition to the range. He also doesn't require another character he is associated with or even another location to have his presence in the range make sense like how Victor or Millie would. The one major thing that would probably be a problem with Luke would be the design of his chassis, particularly his siderods. It would make the Luke model a little more difficult to produce and probably a little more expensive than some of the other engines. But, I don't think this would rule Luke out entirely since I think Bachmann can still pull it off, it just might mean he may be a little more of a delicate model in the range. Seeing as how the range is usually selling well with adult collectors who take better care of these models and don't run these models on the floor like a toy, I can't imagine it would affect that particular audience all that much anyway.
Second place goes to Victor. The Victor talk I have been seeing lately is what really started to initiate this idea of a poll for me, as Victor was not talked about all that much when the narrow gauge range started or even as more characters kept getting introduced. That being said, Victor has always been a very consistent character with the brand in the CGI series and is easily one of the most iconic non-steam team characters in the brand. He definitely has the most simple design to work with compared to Luke and Millie, but I do think he would look a little too tall as well as too long to fit in with the rest of the narrow gauge lineup. He also would need other additions to make his addition in the range make sense like Kevin or a simplistic attempt at a Steamworks similar to how Bachmann made Tidmouth and Knapford. Either way, Victor has quite the following and appeal going for him. I would personally be fine with Victor and I think he would go great along with Hiro if Bachmann were to consider him in HO in the future as both of them were introduced in the first full CGI production, Hero of the Rails.
And lastly, the character who barely got any votes, (literally only one vote on the Facebook poll), is Millie. I can easily see why Millie is the last out of the remaining three narrow gauge engines because in addition to being an out of place announcement without additions like Stephen and Glynn, Millie is nowhere near as iconic as Victor or Luke. The only reason I could see Millie happen next would be a push from Mattel to introduce a female narrow gauge engine since she is literally the only female narrow gauge engine in the whole show, otherwise I don't really see any other reason Bachmann would go out of their way to make Millie. I'm personally not against the idea of Millie being made and I think there would be some fun OO9 mods and projects that would come from her design, particularly with her chassis. However, the numbers are showing that the demand and following for Millie just isn't there, and it makes perfect sense to save Millie for last out of the remaining three narrow gauge engines in CGI, if Bachmann even decides that it's worth pursuing.
Anyway, polls do a great job at telling us numbers but they don't seem to show as much when it comes to letting voters share their reasons for their choices, so I'll leave the rest of this discussion open for you guys. Which narrow gauge engine left from the CGI series do you want to see introduced next? Do you think there's still potential for any of these characters or do you think Bachmann should quit while they are ahead and focus more on the other Thomas ranges like HO, N and/or possibly large scale? Or should Bachmann even bite the bullet and try to convince Mattel to introduce Duke anyway since it's very clearly the next narrow gauge engine that a lot of fans would love to see next despite the CGI mandate? Either way, let me know your thoughts.
I definitely think Bachmann should continue the 009 range. There's a few different ways the range can go now that the main 6 are announced in my opinion.
Option 1 is obviously Duke which could lead to Bertram and Smudger as then its just a simple repaint of Duke's model and Rheneas.
Option 2 as previously mentioned CGI Luke, Victor and Millie which I think the demand for Millie would increase if Bachmann ever did Stephen or Glynn. Luke already has the established core 6 who he shares the screen with and Victor lives at the steam works so endless potential there, I could even see Kevin being introduced if Victor ever is. Personally out of the 3 Millie is my Favourite.
Option 3 is the Hit Era characters, Freddie, Mighty Mac, Proteus, all three are still pretty marketable and I think I could see at least Freddie being made.
While I do understand that focusing on other ranges is good, but I feel like HO and N are doing great if anything its 009 that always seem to be further down in the priorities which is a bit of a shame
I had recently thought of some more ideas of rolling stock for the narrow gauge line. (Some I already said and some I had thought of recently).
the green open air coaches (already mentioned those)
more of the break vans in the brown and grey paint (already mentioned those)
more of the box vans in the same color as the break vans just mentioned (again these new box vans are really nice) again mentioned those already
another slate wagon with slate (this one numbered 136 I looked at the Wikipedia page for the talyllyn railway equipment and bachmann has done the slate wagons numbered 101 164 and 178 so they should do the one numbered 136 to the slate wagons)
Some flatbeds (the one example I got is the one used to carry the headmaster's organ in faulty whistles)
the well wagon (the one used in the runaway elephant also add the elephant statue)
the narrow gauge crane with a flatbed (the one peter Sam was pushing in peter Sam and the refreshment lady)
and the side dump wagons (the ones used to dump stones out)
this was just some suggestions I thought of lately since bachmann has done the 6 narrow gauge engines I think they can add some more rolling stock to the line and these are a lot I thought.
Also more of the narrow gauge engines real life counterpart locomotives (since they're soon coming out with the real locomotive skarloey's based off I think they should do the rest of them).
so hopefully they do these one day.
Oooh I live a bunch of these ideas . Reusing the existing British molds has been done since day for rolling stock . But I think doing it for engines could get a lot of characters get made faster.
However D261 is very unlikely considering that he only appeared once.
What if Bachmann reused Gordon and Spencer's tenders with serval mods to make flying Scotsman .
Also what about making the ulfstead castle characters to go along with the coach they announced earlier .
Rerelease the well wagon with a jet engine load and replace the logs on the flatbed with a Chinese dragon mold . These are both iconic episodes of the show and the dragon will go in with the fun fair vans .
Also on the topic why not update the graphics on the live lobster to topham circus to fit in .
Maybe in the upcoming years 2024 and after we can see some more troublesome trucks .
Mainly a van a troublesome van would be cool if Bachmann does I hope they give it the iconic face as seen in toad stands by and haunted Henry.
Quote from: Awesometrain77 on September 23, 2023, 11:23:47 PMOooh I live a bunch of these ideas . Reusing the existing British molds has been done since day for rolling stock . But I think doing it for engines could get a lot of characters get made faster.
However D261 is very unlikely considering that he only appeared once.
What if Bachmann reused Gordon and Spencer's tenders with serval mods to make flying Scotsman .
Also what about making the ulfstead castle characters to go along with the coach they announced earlier .
Rerelease the well wagon with a jet engine load and replace the logs on the flatbed with a Chinese dragon mold . These are both iconic episodes of the show and the dragon will go in with the fun fair vans .
Also on the topic why not update the graphics on the live lobster to topham circus to fit in .
Maybe in the upcoming years 2024 and after we can see some more troublesome trucks .
Mainly a van a troublesome van would be cool if Bachmann does I hope they give it the iconic face as seen in toad stands by and haunted Henry.
I've gotta say, both The Jet Engine and The Chinese Dragon sound like awesome ideas for future products. Both are iconic in their own right and also open up more possibilities for newer sets. Despite Emily and Percy receiving their own sets in N Scale, Bachmann seem to prefer producing sets revolving around only Thomas. If this is the case, then why not produce two brand new starter sets with the dragon and jet engine respectively? As stated before, model series rolling stock seems to be something that has a higher likelihood of being made than model series engines for some reason and to be honest, if Bachmann are willing to produce a Gunpowder Wagon that hasn't been seen since Season 4, what's really stopping them from producing wagons like these which you could argue are just as, if not more iconic? Just a thought... ::)
Sounds great!
Tbh Bachmann is making a lot of road characters so they need to bring back the wellwagon and pairing it up with the jet engine will sell very well I will for sure buy one .
The slip coaches are hopeful gonna be very soon because Bachmann makes the British uncoupling track which would be perfect to use the slip coaches on .
They uncouple with out stopping and since we have duck and Oliver we should get the slip coaches .
I really want Bachmann to make the dragon and the jet engine I could not stop thinking about that mainly the well wagon cause we are getting a ton on road vehicles in the show that's what the well wagon mainly carried .
Another idea for the well wagon is it with Mike Rex and Bert loads since Bachmann does not make z scale and they are the only members of there railway that are seen in the TVS .
I've been meaning to do a new prediction post after the announcements. However, even over the last month my thoughts have been continuing to change, at least in terms of engine announcements in HO and narrow gauge. This post will more or less talk about my suggestions 2024 and 2025, to an extent. Not much more left to say, so I'll just get started:
(https://i.gyazo.com/10776cfe42ef294da8211a5a2c722175.webp)
For HO, I'm betting on an engine recolor announcement in 2024 at most since we only just recently got an engineering sample for Rebecca and now we have Stanley on the table. Sidney is kind of an obvious one, if they want to do one, or maybe Bachmann might surprise us and do a new Paxton with a smaller and more accurate face and a small eye mech that can be shared with Sidney? I know that may be a stretch, but clearly Bachmann have listened to feedback on the HO Paxton enough to make a drastic change on the large scale model and the upcoming N scale Paxton wouldn't have an issue with the face at all due to not having a moving eye mechanism. If they can't/won't change the eye mech for Sidney then I personally think it's best to skip an engine in 2024 and wait til 2025 once Rebecca is completed and released. Any other engine repaint like the mainland diesels or green salty would be way too niche and would just be shelf warmers like Yellow Rheneas, which wouldn't be worth it.
For rolling stock I would like to see Bachmann invest in repainted brake vans. I love the spiteful brake van model and if you choose to remove the face off a spare spiteful brake van you pick up, it makes for a smart looking brake van on your layout. However, it would be nice if Bachmann invested in more screen accurate liveries for brake vans. The two I think would make the most sense would be brown and purple with one representing the model era and the other in CGI (I'd mention gray but that may be a little redundant with the spiteful brake van in the range). It's an easy repaint that while it may seem a little odd on the surface, it doesn't seem that unusual considering the gray van that was announced this summer:
(https://i.gyazo.com/d6e34e99779689ff861a879936c16239.webp)
(https://i.gyazo.com/6f6c3906c0335ea9643f1654f3f488ee.webp)
I also think it's a good time to revisit troublesome truck #7. Usually, Bachmann would announce a new troublesome truck once every three years or so, but they hadn't done so in a while due to lack of options in the CGI series for truck options since the double vent van never appeared in CGI. Now that the 12 ton vans are coming in HO, I think now is the perfect time to announce troublesome truck #7 as an upcoming 12 ton van, based on this design from the CGI series:
(https://i.gyazo.com/bb3eeb28f4dff676f2cff3fcf0bb5530.webp)
HOWEVER, while I'm personally not opposed to CGI, it should be worth noting that prior to TT6, Bachmann still went ahead with a model era face for TT5 in 2016. So maybe we might get lucky with a model era face this time around? I do think the model era faces are far more expressive and stand out a lot more than the CGI expressions. If we do I'd like to see an angry face for a nice contrast to the other faces:
(https://i.gyazo.com/46dd8c6c6676e027c85826acd0f41dd4.webp)
Though, I sadly understand why they would more likely go for the former. That being said I will gladly take that over an African van or some other international rolling stock repaint from one of the BWBA episodes no one cares about.
Any other rolling stock in HO at this point I think will be only be recolors until the open carriage gets released first. I don't think we'll get more figure packs until 2025 once the first set of packs are either released/fully painted first.
Moving onto narrow gauge, I think this goes without saying but with how slow production is going for Sir Handel and now we have Duncan in the lineup, it's probably best Bachmann skips making an engine for the time being.
Same goes for rolling stock, though if they announce anything I would love to see them release a brown brake van as a repaint and a slate wagon with another Talyllyn road number. The latter was a nice surprise last year and I'd love to see them do the same in the future. Once they make progress on the new wagons announced last year I'd really like to see them discontinue their Peco open wagon repaint and announce a more accurate open wagon tooling in its place:
(https://i.gyazo.com/056e105780d132c8025a72a88e9c568b.webp)
They can offer these in green, red and gray variants as per the CGI series. If Bachmann can't announce these in 2024, I would be more than happy with this being the only new tooling announcement for narrow gauge in 2025 if it means Sir Handel makes decent progress in 2024 and released the following year. :)
Now we have N scale, with the blatantly obvious answer for the next engine candidate: Henry.
(https://i.gyazo.com/99b812a0c1bde5c86baebbe4a7a954fc.webp)
Regardless if it's either the catalog announcements in January or February or the NMRA announcements next summer, Henry is a clear, if not inevitable pick. I think once Gordon is released either in the spring of 2024 (or maybe earlier if we are lucky), Henry would in no doubt be the perfect follow up to the N scale Gordon announcement. With how slow progress has been on Emily in contrast and now adding Diesel and Paxton to the lineup, I could see Edward and Duck being saved for 2025, but I'll discuss that later.
(https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/images/HO_Scale/77010.jpg)
For rolling stock, seeing as how Toad will most likely be out fairly soon I can see them adding brake vans this year but making a new mold based on the 20 ton brake van that's more iconic in the show. They can even have the spiteful brake van be one of the brake vans, and the purple and brown variants I mentioned earlier being other worthy additions making a solid lineup of three brake vans to choose from.
(https://i.gyazo.com/a09791860747210f5f034acc2fb3a7e9.webp)
I also can see the red coaches getting their inevitable announcement in 2024 as well too. These have proven to very popular in both HO and large scale and even Bachmann's UK lineup so it's only a matter of time until they announce these. I can see these getting announced once Emily's coaches are released.
(https://i.gyazo.com/3cfdf9ac7f7febbde4bc35ce8c9e3f39.jpg)
I also think it would be nice seeing other repaints as well, particularly the original coal wagon with load finding its way into N scale. If it also means getting the blue and red ones as well then by all means I would welcome them as well. As long as we get those and not the wagons with the decals like "Sodor coal company" or whatever, I would be perfectly okay with this.
(https://i.gyazo.com/48c8553ff1da12368b2a35775afedca9.png)
And lastly, I think we will get a Gordon's express set in N scale. Considering Percy and Emily both got sets recently and Gordon's coaches got announced this summer I think this is pretty much a given. It's definitely a good way to get people excited for the upcoming Gordon model release as well.
And finally the large scale range.
(https://i.gyazo.com/86b92c41be7e9b26b875229fdf385981.png)
Taking a breather with large scale makes the most sense considering how slow that particular market is. However I think 2024 would be a good time to announce 'Arry and Bert, but have them as conditional announcements. Bachmann recently announced some Dash 9's in large scale this summer subject to orders received, and I think this would be a good way for Bachmann to handle releasing Arry and Bert in large scale. Why I think this is because of how poorly Arry and Bert did in HO, their sales in large scale would most likely be even smaller. But, if Bachmann can at least make them in smaller quantities and instead of making an excessive amount with a lot of leftover stock sitting on shelves, the they will go to the customers who will want them and will follow through with the preorders and thus not be such a major waste in production.
Apart from Arry and Bert, the only other announcements I see happening in large scale next year are the 12 ton vans that just got announced in HO. Seems like an obvious choice with no further explanation.
I also want to do some quick mentions for 2025. Before I do, it's worth noting that 2025 will be the 80th anniversary of Thomas and Friends and I can only imagine Bachmann would have a lot of fun and exciting announcements for the anniversary. This is when I think we will finally get a model of Hiro in HO since this is the most logical choice after Rebecca and would undoubtedly sell a lot better and be a much more well-received announcement. I also think that if they announce N scale Henry in 2024 and have N scale Emily released in either late 2024/early 2025 that it would be the perfect time to announce Edward in N scale. Edward was the first character introduced in the railway series so announcing him in N scale for the 80th anniversary in 2025 after Henry would be simply poetic. I also think once Diesel and Paxton are released, Bachmann can also announce Duck in N scale in the summer of 2025 so fans can finally have all members of the original 8 engines in N scale. As for large scale in 2025, I think that will be the perfect time to announce the LBSC Thomas. However, like Arry and Bert, I think a large scale LBSC Thomas should be a conditional announcement, or at the very least a limited run. Other big announcements I think should be saved for 2025 would be more figure pack announcements in HO, large scale Henrietta and Hannah as a special new tooling announcement for the range, and -hopefully- now that Bulgy is coming in HO, Trevor can finally get a very long overdue introduction from Bachmann. Either way I think 2025 is gonna be the next big year for Bachmann, so here's hoping these happen at some point in the future.
Anyways that was a mouthful on my end. Let me know your guys' thoughts and hopefully we can continue to see further updates from Bachmann down the road.
I could practically imagine Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert to just be rereleased for 2025.
The cream 12 Ton Van from the show becoming Troublesome Truck #7 would make the most sense. That color of van is more or less treated as the "standard version" in the 3D animated show, so the fact it's not represented in the upcoming HO 12 Ton Van lineup is definitely an indicator of that color variant being planned for Troublesome Truck #7. That said, I wouldn't mind the African or Chinese equivalent of the van being chosen. They look perfectly fine and there's no reason that those wagons couldn't exist on Sodor anyway regardless of where they showed up in the show. It's a very diverse and accepting island, and any arguments to the contrary would be blatantly ignoring the entirety the series' nearly-80-year history, ha ha.
I definitely agree with Henry being the next 'Thomas' loco in N Scale, no reason mulling over why given how obvious he is. It would be nice to see the Spiteful Brake Van and faceless, textless 7-Plank wagons as well. Personally my biggest wish for the next year's product announcements are vehicle accessories such as Bertie, Harold, Cranky, etc. It's very hard to source appropriately-sized versions of those characters for an N Scale layout, so having Bachmann produce some would be much appreciated!
I personally don't see 'Arry and Bert happening in Large Scale, even as a conditional release. Diesel and Paxton are still very recent and following them up with another pair of Class 08s sounds like a recipe for not meeting the release conditions and wasting the time of everybody involved when they could be announcing a new product that would undoubtedly be more popular. Edward, Mavis, and Rosie come to mind as much stronger picks for new tools, perhaps Stanley as well if he proves popular in HO. I could see conditional releases for alternate character liveries such as LBSC Thomas or Busy Bee James (or Pink Rosie if Rosie is picked for Large Scale, given they'd probably do what they did with Grumpy Diesel and release the later HO version as the main/only version in Large Scale), but not 'Arry and Bert, at least not until there's been something that the market for LS finds more compelling first.
Troublesome truck 7 and 8
If they do a troublesome truck
number seven van
I hope they do the very iconic face that looks creepy and toad stands by and says oh look Henrys spooked.
Bring back
Tar tankers - as troublesome truck 8 with a face
Cream tankers
Make a narrow gauge troublesome slate truck using the TT9 face And introduce it to the n scale range with different couplings to be the one from JBS
Quote from: N Scale Sudrian on October 02, 2023, 02:40:41 PMIt's a very diverse and accepting island, and any arguments to the contrary would be blatantly ignoring the entirety the series' nearly-80-year history, ha ha.
A little provocative much?
Not wanting African/Chinese repaints doesn't mean anything regarding "ignoring the entirety series' nearly-80-year history", when those renders were created as cheap rolling stock renders during the production of BWBA. The reference photo that was used at the time for Troublesome truck #6 in the catalog was the first image for troublesome tankers on the Wiki at the time, and it probably wasn't intentional during that time either. Fans eventually brought up to Bachmann that the tanker was one of the African repaints during BWBA, hence why they've casually mentioned the tanker being an "African tanker" on the stream. It wasn't my first choice personally once the final product was revealed, but I had a feeling it was the case once the model was released but that's beside the point.
The point is, your remark on "blatantly ignoring the history" was not only completely unnecessary, but it is also completely false. You could have easily just left it as "I personally like these variants and wouldn't mind them being chosen" and explained why and left it at that and I would have moved on and respected your views (like with the N scale tanker debate earlier). Instead, you decided to throw an ad hominem on a point I made, which I really do not appreciate. As stated by admins and moderators on this forum, you're allowed to agree/disagree with others on their views or points but please be civil about it and do not make passive aggressive remarks like that on the forum. Thank you.
Maybe a season 1 troublesome truck for the nostalgics out there. I could just imagine that this would be popular for nostalgia.
As always, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on new product suggestions for the next few years, Chaz. All the N Scale suggestions along with Troublesome Truck #7 in HO are products that I would be particularly interested in, especially if the latter is a 12 Ton Van with a model era face, but that is a specific post for another time.
Quote from: N Scale Sudrian on October 02, 2023, 02:40:41 PMThat said, I wouldn't mind the African or Chinese equivalent of the van being chosen. They look perfectly fine and there's no reason that those wagons couldn't exist on Sodor anyway regardless of where they showed up in the show. It's a very diverse and accepting island, and any arguments to the contrary would be blatantly ignoring the entirety the series' nearly-80-year history, ha ha.
N Scale Sudrian, I respect your thoughts on this subject and understand that you did not mean to offend anyone. Yet, please review how you word your points before posting, as this was executed the wrong way.
That stated, with the N Scale line growing, I hope to have the opportunity to see a layout or sets in N Scale from you in the future on the forum. It is amazing to see how much has already been produced at that scale, and it is great to see several members show the attention that the N line certainly needs and deserves.
I'm sorry, Chaz, I wasn't trying to be passive-aggressive or trying to launch an "ad-hominem" at your idea. I'll do my best to not post like that in the future. :(
I would like to clarify my stance for the sake of being able to move on from this... When I read the original books, I found they presented the idea of the Island being a safe space that the vulnerable can turn to in times of crisis. It's how characters in mortal peril like the Scottish Twins and Oliver are able to have a happy ending, and later works do often corroborate this with characters like Hiro or Nia. Characters from different walks of life learn to co-operate, and characters who hate and discriminate receive comeuppance... I think Sodor's diversity is very much a part of the 'Thomas' tapestry, and it's a part I find quite comforting.
With all this talk of troublesome trucks I am going to make the ultimate freight wagon wish list for Bachmann Ho scale
M truck - return
Tar tanker - return but with face from season 4
Cream tanker - return model series colors and logo
James's blue truck
Hector
Update live lobster van graphics to say topham Circus
Brown non bogie CCT VAN
Lei
Spooked face troublesome van haunted Henry face
Slag wagon
Calliope
Season 1 troublesome truck
Indian troublesome truck
Chinese dragon on flatbed
Rex on brown well wagon
Bert on gray well wagon
Mike on black well wagon
Jet engine on special well wagon
Hopper wagon
1 plank container fun fair car
Fun fair cattle car
Pipe truck aka flatbed of fear
Bradford
Lynton and Barnstaple Wagons
Poultry Wagons
3 circus cars
After all this they will have made most of the wagons standard gauge in the entire show
Quote from: N Scale Sudrian on October 02, 2023, 11:25:07 PMI'm sorry, Chaz, I wasn't trying to be passive-aggressive or trying to launch an "ad-hominem" at your idea. I'll do my best to not post like that in the future. :(
Thank you, apology accepted. :)
Thank you everyone for your feedback, and I'm really glad to see that we're starting to dive into ideas for troublesome truck #7 design ideas. I'm curious to see what ideas you will be sharing Christian, (or anyone else for that matter), but either way regardless of design there's something always exciting about new troublesome truck releases. Hopefully Bachmann will look into a new troublesome truck at some point in the future.
I'm also very optimistic for the future of the N scale range as well, as noted in my previous post. The fact that we're at eight characters announced already in just under 5 years of the range's first announcement back in 2019 really is amazing. I'm glad a lot of us are on the same page with Henry, as well as Edward. I'm also happy to see some light shining on Duck and Mavis, who the latter is a very close fourth right behind Duck in terms of engines I would like to see in the range. Along with Henry and Edward, Mavis' CGI render was made by Nitrogen, which I thought had a pretty accurate design compared to the original prop used on the show, in addition to being a very easy design to work with. These four engines (and Oliver to go along with Toad), are on my top 5 list for sure with Donald and Douglas and Daisy not far behind.
For HO Scale, recolors like Green Salty or Mainland Diesels would be too niche, like Yellow Rheneas, which ended up being the first real flop for Narrow Gauge. Hope they can fix the eye mechanism for Sidney. They should do a cream 12-ton van as Troublesome Truck #7.
Henry is definitely the most obvious choice for N Scale, and he must be announced for the 2024 catalog. Edward being the close second behind Henry. Duck and Mavis are also two very good choices for N Scale. Toad was made, despite there being no immediate plans for Oliver. The Spiteful Brake Van, as well as some faceless open wagons should also be made, along with the Red Coaches. The Red Express Coaches would also be possible for N Scale. Maybe for next NMRA. Special Coaches would be great for Spencer, once he's brought into the picture.
Non-rail characters would be great introduced to N Scale, including Bertie the Bus, Terence the Tractor, and Harold the Helicopter.
I'd personally really like to see the LBSC Thomas in N scale. It would give me a justification to get an N scale item (I haven't gotten any recolors in HO) and would be perfect for the 80th anniversary.
I also like the idea of break van recolors. It would definitely add more variety to my train consists.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on October 03, 2023, 01:41:52 AMFor HO Scale, recolors like Green Salty or Mainland Diesels would be too niche, like Yellow Rheneas, which ended up being the first real flop for Narrow Gauge. Hope they can fix the eye mechanism for Sidney.
Yes, there's still a percent chance they could fix the eye mechanism for Sidney. I think Bachmann should go back to doing recolors, so that way they can save enough money for the right tooling with their new engine (that is, when they announce Sidney into the range).
Bachmann needs to start offering more HO Scale Christmas rolling stock separately, including the 1-Plank Wagon with Presents, and the red Christmas Brake Van. The first piece of Christmas rolling stock to be sold separately will be the Christmas 12-Ton Van. It would also be appreciated if the 1-Plank Wagon with Santa's Sleigh and the Naughty and Nice Brake Van could also be sold separately. Other ideas include an Egg Nog Tanker, a Christmas Coach, and a Flatbed with a Christmas Tree. It would be a nice and convenient way to set up a Christmas train without having to buy another set.
For engines, they could even make Percy with a snowplow and Santa hat.
Been meaning to respond to some of the posts earlier, sorry I haven't gotten around to it until now!
I'm glad MontagueGWR08 brought up the brake van recolors I mentioned earlier, I feel these would work really well for all the ranges. Large scale hasn't really touched the brake van tooling since spiteful's announcement and it really would add some nice variety, in addition to justifying the N scale range making a new 20 ton brake van tooling and releasing brake van variants, regardless if spiteful is included or not. I wouldn't mind an LBSC Thomas in N scale either, they could probably announce that alongside an Origin James (or even Edward if they announce Henry in 2024) and that would be a really fun way to honor the 80th anniversary.
I also like the idea of Bachmann introducing non-rail characters in the N scale range. I'm personally hoping for Cranky the Crane in particular since it would help fans recreate Brendam Docks in N scale, in addition to being the first piece of scenery in N scale too. I know scenery items from Bachmann, particularly the resin buildings haven't lasted very long in HO, but it would be very nice to see some of these make their way into N scale as well. Heck, part of me wants to see Bachmann's attempt at an N scale Tidmouth sheds at some point in the future, considering the recent reintroduction in HO. Hopefully an N scale Tidmouth sheds would have better proportions than the HO model too, but I won't hold my breath on that one just yet.
But going back to the subject of non-rail characters. I think in addition to Cranky, the only other two I could see being introduced would be Bertie and Harold. It should be worth noting that Bertie and Harold, who were also introduced the same time as Cranky in HO, are both available in Bachmann's UK range proving that they were popular enough to be considered for their lineup. I feel like these three would make for a nice lineup of non-rail characters in N scale, similarly to how HO started. I'd include Terence as well, but I feel like he is a lot less iconic than the three I mentioned earlier, but if these three do well first I wouldn't rule him out from being included in a future lineup.
With regards to the N scale line, I concur that nonrail characters such as Bertie, Terence, Cranky, and possibly even Sir Topham Hatt's Car would be wonderful additions. As a big fan of the resin buildings, it would be nice to see at least a few of those enter the N line too, especially Maithwaite Station and the Brendam Warehouse. The same goes for N scale Human Figure Packs, if the ones in HO do well.
(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/279749499_520254429593026_9114152835604882013_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8cd0a2&_nc_ohc=q4oYVhOs3z8AX-zuTtE&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=03_AdTcZH9zvZR5TpjWQ2GC7fTTL368CC628UEcagVE_MCUYA&oe=65558F3C)
While on the subject, I had to paste this image, featuring an old N scale Sodor layout by Tomix. I believe this layout was approximately 4 feet by 8 feet, and looking at the amount of scenery, elevation, and iconic locations, it is incredible as to how much you can accomplish in that amount of space for N scale. Part of me wishes to see someone recreate this layout, or one similar, while also showcasing the Bachmann N Thomas line of products on it. Maybe in the future ;).
Cool stuff! It is just such a bummer that Tomix never released the TAR tanker wagons, along with the TIDMOUTH MILK tanker wagons, as they would have looked just so cool! :'( who else here agrees?
I had done a rolling stock list here is an engine list .
Diesel 10
Flying Scotsman
Harvey
Nia
Hiro
Glynn
Stephen
Whiff
Scruff
Arry
Bert
Porter
Sidney
Ashima
Merlin
Young boa
Philip
Skiff
Winston
Belle
Gina
Mainland shunter
Some characters that can be repaints
Millie
Victor
Luke
Tamikia- ng Australia characters
MightyMac - use existing basis model
Duke - your running out of narrow gauge engines to make to rule could be exempt
Mid Sodor repaints
No way there making Freddie not even the fans care for him
I hope this opens up a huge discussion here
I feel that a Bachmann n scale Henry is inevitable.
id like to see murdoch be made. itd be nice to have a new bigger engine.
heres my rolling stock wish list
fuel drum flatbed
more open wagons from model series
quarry loaded troublesome trucks (multiple with different faces)
tar wagons to return
break down crane with the ultilty van
cct van
regular flatbed
long open wagon with pipe load
china clay wagon with load
jet engine
pipe loaded flatbed
fish vans both verisons
more rolling stock with loads in general
At this point, I'm praying for Bachmann to do HO Whiff & Rocky.
2024 is just down the corner that means the spring announcements are soon so here are my predictions for HO and NG .
•Winston - we already have him in large scale about time we got him in HO .
•Skiff - unpowered we have the Harwick crew but where is he .
•Troublesome truck 7- we have been talking about this forever it should be a van with the face that says oh look Henry's spooked .
•Well wagon black with Mike load
•Well wagon gray with Bert load
•Well wagon brown with Rex load
•Slip coach - due to a questionable release that can allow carriages uncouple automatically realistically can happen
• Ice cream van - rerelease
• sound wagon that has sounds from the show chuffing , station sounds , etc
Narrow gauge
•Open red coach
•Open blue coach
•Orange V tipper wagon
•Gray V tipper wagon
•Refreshment coach
Trevor
EZE track level crossing
DCC Thomas and Percy set
American to European coupling adaptor.
Updates to existing models
Thomas - new face and back lining
Henrietta - face
The only new engine if you can count it as one is Winston this is due to a back log of products Bachmann open coaches will come in both colors as Bachmann likes making red and blue versions of NG rolling stock . Not to mention they accidentally made blue open coaches NG in S17.
Am I the only person wishing for an HO Whiff & Rocky?
No I think whiff would make a great addition to the range same with Rocky tbh we need some Maintenance stuff for the range .
Rocky is a great ideal start to this . Diesel 10 and Harvey are some other examples they just need to get there attachments done right maybe you can take pinchy on or off .
The works unit coach is another maintence item same with Judy and Jerome .
The only question is how to whiff glasses
The lenses on Whiff's glasses can just be clear plastic, like windows.
Diesel 10 is the only other larger diesel to officially appear in the CGI series that's not international, like the unnamed Chinese diesel and Noor Jehan. The only thing holding him back is the claw. Same thing with Harvey's crane. Bachmann has done non-Thomas rail cranes, so there's nothing holding them back from making Judy and Jerome. The Works Unit Coach would also be a great new tooling for rolling stock in HO Scale. Making Harvey would be combining both a rail crane and an engine together. A self-propelled crane would be a first from Bachmann. As for Diesel 10, Bachmann has never mounted a claw onto a diesel engine before, so it would be a totally new thing for them, but they have done pantographs on electric engines outside the Thomas line. Doug Blaine has never denounced Harvey or Diesel 10 because of their attachments, so they can still be possible unless Blaine says otherwise, though he did denounce Stepney solely for the fact that he never appeared in full CGI. At least Harvey and Diesel 10 both appeared in CGI.
I would just love to see an N scale Edward, Henry, Mavis, Duck, Oliver. Hannah would also be cool.
Happy New Year everyone! Given that we are about a month away from seeing the 2024 catalog, here's a list of the products that I am hoping to see announced for 2024 or 2025.
HO Scale
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/%27Arry_and_Bert
Arry & Bert Reintroduction
In the past several months, the reintroduction of Arry & Bert has been a very popular request amongst fans, both through social media platforms and in-person conversations. Like Salty and other discontinued products, these go for outrageous prices on eBay these days, and would thus be welcome returnees to the line. However, the one change I would make is to alter the facial expression of at least one of the two diesels, just to differentiate them more.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Hiro_(T%26F)
Hiro
As stated last year, I think that everyone can agree that Hiro would be an excellent candidate for the future. His exquisite design and legacy in the show since 2009, the very start of CGI, are two of many factors that support this. Let's not forget that the Japanese Thomas fans would eat this up too.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Whiff_(T%26F)
Whiff
As the final engine appearing in both the model and CGI series that does not feature gimmicks that could potentially breach the NMRA Standards, Whiff would be an awesome candidate for all Thomas fans. While also the only engine to wear glasses, what's most interesting is that there is currently no ready to run model of his basis. Thus, I could see UK modelers purchasing Whiff for conversions.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/e/e9/TheWorld%27sStrongestEngine27.png/revision/latest?cb=20230812004343
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d2/ToadStandsBy19.png/revision/latest?cb=20230312172051
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/cd/TheSpotlessRecord22.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20091107193357
Troublesome Truck #7
As stated in the 12 Ton Vans Thread, with the 12 Ton Van from large scale entering the HO line this year, a seventh troublesome truck with this tooling would be very nice to see. However, for this product to really capture the attention of all fans, I would highly encourage going with a model era face. I have pasted the specific faces I would love to see above, but any model era face would ultimately be appreciated.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Ice_Cream_Vans_(T%26F)
Ice Cream Van Reintroduction
Also as stated in the 12 Ton Van Thread, this would be a very welcome reintroduction, especially considering that the large scale 12 Ton Van tooling is more accurate than the tooling that was used for the initial HO Ice Cream Wagon release.
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Tar_Tankers_(T%26F)
Tar Tanker Reintroduction
This is another popular request that I have seen, and with it appearing in the CGI series, as well as the model series, I am sure that all fans would greatly appreciate it.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/31/GreenWorksUnitCoachCGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20170527080530
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/f1/LoveMeTender78.png/revision/latest?cb=20210509202815
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/88/WorksUnitCoachCGIBlue.png/revision/latest?cb=20171006094504
Works Unit Coach
As far as new toolings are concerned, I think that the works unit coach would be the best option, given that it is an iconic piece that dates all the way back to Season 1. More importantly, several paint schemes have appeared in the CGI era (Olive Green, Orange, Indigo), all of which I'd love to see Bachmann produce.
HO Figure Packs
Without a doubt, I am still most excited about the upcoming HO Figure Packs, and it would be fantastic to see a few more additions to this line. I would specifically love to see a pack of memorable Sodor characters such as Alicia Botti and the Duke & Duchess, as well as a pack of the Sodor Brass Band.
HO Narrow Gauge
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/a/ad/BlueMountainMystery124.png/revision/latest?cb=20180918195226
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Slate_Trucks_(T%26F)
High Side Slate Wagons
While the slate wagons that are currently in the line are perfectly accurate to real-life slate wagons, it would be nice to see some larger ones that appeared in both the model and CGI series. Considering that they appeared in light gray, dark gray, and brown paint schemes in the CGI series (as shown in the pasted image above), I could see Bachmann announcing them in three paint schemes too.
N Scale
Henry
With the highly anticipated announcement of N Scale Gordon, which is currently the top Thomas preorder on TrainWorld, it definitely makes sense to announce Henry next.
Coal Wagon with Load
Red Open Wagon
Blue Open Wagon
Brake Van
For rolling stock, I think that there are currently more than enough coaches on the way. However, the line could certainly use some new freight cars, most notably some new open wagon variants as well as the brake van.
Large Scale
Edward or LBSC Thomas
The large scale line is still a mystery to me. However, looking through social media, the most popular large scale request still seems to be Edward, and I cannot deny that this would be a very eye-catching model for all Thomas fans. However, I am sure that fans would also be very happy with an LBSC Thomas, if it is preferred to produce a new engine without a new tooling at this scale.
Box Van- Funfair Red
Box Van- Funfair Blue
Box Van- Christmas Wreath
All in all, with the summer announcements consisting of much more than initially expected, let alone a newly-tooled engine announcement in every scale, minus large scale, I expect the catalog announcements to be relatively light. Nevertheless, I still have zero doubt that the future of the Bachmann Thomas line altogether is bright.
I do think whiff is a good idea but the only question is how would they do his glasses
Definitely some really solid suggestions, Terencethetractor525. I definitely echo a lot of the same points that have been discussed earlier like 'Arry and Bert's reintroduction to the range and especially an N scale Henry announcement. Hiro and the works unit coach would also be great followups to previously announced projects once released. Hopefully the works unit coach can be considered once the 12 ton vans and the open carriage are released since there are a lot of repaint options for Bachmann to choose from.
The ice cream van being released as a 12 ton van is something I never thought of, but I think it's a really good idea considering how Bachmann did the same approach with the narrow gauge box vans. The tar tanker would also make a nice re-introduction announcement as well. They could even announce it alongside the toffee tanker and the chocolate syrup tanker, which strangely have still not been released in HO scale yet.
Probably the most interesting thing you brought up in your post, in addition to several other users recently, is Whiff. Considering the recent introduction of Stanley into the range, in addition to other frequently used side characters like Rosie and Paxton, I feel like Whiff would be a very natural next step for Bachmann after Stanley. Though, I'm not entirely sure how Bachmann would tackle the glasses on Whiff. I feel like they would either mold the glasses on his face like how some previous merchandise lines have done with Whiff, or they would go the direction the prop from the show did and have the frames of Whiff's glasses attached to Whiff's face.
I don't really have any comment on the large scale range at this point, considering they didn't announce anything last year and the Museum coaches are still not out yet, (strangely). But hopefully they can get around to adding a new tooling again either with Edward, or at the very least Henrietta. If not, I'd be very surprised if none of the 12 ton van liveries from last summer's HO announcements don't find their way in the large scale range this year.
I'm not expecting much (if anything) as far as newly tooled projects in the 2024 catalog. Bachmann certainly have their hands full with newly tooled items as it is already. So, this would be a perfect time to announce a reintroduction of Arry and Bert- seeing as their resale prices are insane. Different faces would be a good idea as well. This would also give a reason for those who already have the older versions to maybe pick up a rerelease.
I would absolutely love an LBSC Thomas and Origins James in large scale, and also N scale! These would be a great announcement for a 2025 release for the 80th anniversary!
If HO Scale doesn't get another new tooling, with Rebecca and Stanley already on the horizon, I'd fully expect recolors like Sidney or Green Salty, though the former is by far the most-requested one, as Sidney has yet to be made in any scale. If he can't happen in HO Scale because of the eye mechanism, he could instead be made for N Scale using the Diesel/Paxton tooling. Fernando is another character that can be recycled from Diesel's tooling. Another hot request for HO Scale as of late is reintroducing 'Arry and Bert, who could also potentially get made in N Scale. As for rolling stock, the Chocolate Syrup and Toffee Tankers still have yet to be made in HO Scale. The Ice Cream Van could also get reintroduced using the 12-Ton Van tooling. Troublesome Truck #7 could also be made using the 12-Ton Van tooling. For a new rolling stock tooling, we need the Works Unit Coach, which can be made in green, orange and blue. One newly-tooled engine for HO Scale that's been asked for lately is Whiff; the last engine that has yet to be announced for HO Scale that appeared in both model and CGI that doesn't feature gimmicks. If Whiff can't be announced in the catalog, he should definitely be announced for the NMRA.
I wouldn't expect anything for Narrow Gauge, considering we still have Sir Handel coming up, hoping we'll finally get a big update on him soon, and Duncan was recently announced.
For N Scale, it's time they announce Henry. His tooling would be very similar to Gordon's, but with some differences, including removing the trailing wheels, as well as a Stanier tender instead of a Fowler. Potential recolors would be LBSC Thomas and Origin James, which would be great for the 80th Anniversary next year, or recolors of Diesel's tooling being Sidney, 'Arry and Bert. It's been almost a year since Emily's unpainted prototype was shown, and she still hasn't been shown fully painted. What's with the delay on her? N Scale rolling stock desperately needs non-troublesome variants of the open wagon, including red, blue, and green coal wagons. Red Coaches would also be very welcome in N Scale.
LBSC Thomas and Origin James could even be made in Large Scale, in honor of the 80th Anniversary.
Nice to see everyone posting their last-minute predictions!
As far as HO goes, I'm not really sure what to expect next. We've got at least 2 new tooling projects for engines, rolling stock, and roadway vehicles already announced. Arry and Bert getting rereleased is an interesting suggestion, and I'm sure that Sidney would also be viable, although hopefully they'll be able to design an eye mechanism around the face, rather than the other way around. A rereleased Ice Cream Van is also something I could see them doing. Also, given the fact that Bachmann seem to be pretty quick with making the 12 ton van tooling (based on how quickly they got both the Large and N scale versions out), I could see them adding another rolling stock project. I agree with everyone else that the Works Unit Coach could be a good addition.
As for Narrow Gauge, I'm not really expecting any new tooling projects getting announced, considering there are 2 engines and 3 rolling stock projects in development. However, I could see them announcing Brown variants of the new Box and Brake Van toolings, since they would be relatively simple projects.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on January 10, 2024, 11:08:58 PMIt's been almost a year since Emily's unpainted prototype was shown, and she still hasn't been shown fully painted. What's with the delay on her?
In the last Thomas Tuesday stream, Doug said (near the end) that Emily's painted sample might be able to be shown in February, although he said it could end up being later than that.
Next, for N and Large Scale, I'll write somewhat more detailed predictions, outlining what I could see them doing for 2024 and 2025. I'll write a list first, then explain my thinking.
N Gauge2024 Winter Announcements:
- Henry
- Red Open Wagon
- Green Open Wagon w/ Coal Load
- Grey 12 Ton Van
2024 Summer Announcements:
- Edward (maybe)
- Milk Tank (New Tooling)
- Tar Tank (Also the new tooling)
2025 Winter Announcements:
- Edward (if not announced in 2024)
- LBSC Thomas (80th Anniversary)
- 12 Ton Van (Christmas Wreath and Mr. Jolly's Chocolate)
- Cream Tanker & Rasberry Syrup Tanker
2025 Summer Announcements:
- Origins James
- Red Coaches or Red Express Coaches
- Brake Van
For the N gauge 2024 Winter Announcements, I fully expect that Henry will be the next new engine. Based on how the range has been released thus far, I think Bachmann might have somewhat of a pattern that they're following. First, they released Thomas, Percy and James, as is normal for every merchandise line. Then, since James was still in development at the time, I think they chose Toby before Emily to have a simpler project for their 4th engine announcement, which helped them catch up after the pandemic. I think they chose Emily next because she is fairly popular in both HO and Large Scale, and she was the first female engine for the range. Afterwards, they went heavy with their announcement of Gordon, showing their commitment to this range, and to diversify it from their large scale offerings. Since they've still been working on these two, they announced Diesel and Paxton as new engine projects that are simple, and diversifies the range by bringing in diesels. Of course, Gordon and Emily still aren't out yet, but I think they could still announce Henry this month because he'll also be a relatively simple project for Bachmann; they only need to make a new bodyshell and tender for the Gordon chassis. As far as rolling stock goes, I'm genuinely suprised we've gone 5 years without any recolor announcements for freight stock, so I think Bachmann will change that with Henry's release; since he does pull freight. I think that doing the Red and Green Open Wagons makes sense, as they seem to be the most popular two 7-plank recolors. I also think that the Grey 12 Ton Van would make a great recolor as well, being a non-gimmicky version of the vans that got released this year. I think Bachmann doing recolors here would give them a chance to work on Henrietta and the Express Coaches without much distraction.
For the 2024 Summer Announcements, I could potentially see them announcing Edward, assuming Gordon's out and they can make good progress on Diesel and Paxton. Since they announced Duncan without showing a Sir Handel prototype, I'm not worried about if we haven't had much news on Henry by this time. However, I did also put Edward in the 2025 list if they do choose to focus on just Henry and the Diesels instead. I could also see them doing a new Tank Wagon tooling, since they never touched the ex-Graham Farish tooling again after the first tanker announcement. A new tooling would also match the rest of the range better. Since the Milk and Tar Tanks are also very popular in the other scales, I believe they would be the first variants with the new tooling.
For the 2025 Winter Announcements, if they have chosen not to announce Edward before, now would be the perfect time. It would be the 80th Anniversary of the Railway Series, and since Edward was the first to get a story, it would be a nice way to celebrate that. I also think that Bachmann would announce LBSC Thomas as the first recolored character, since he would pair nicely with Edward, and he's a good anniversary project. I think they would choose more recolors of existing stock to produce as easy projects, since they'd likely still be working on the new tankers. I could see them bringing the Christmas 12 Ton Van (as the first piece of Christmas stock ) and Mr. Jolly's Chocolate Van into the range (especially since the latter is already proving popular). I could also see them potentially announcing more variants of the new Tanker tooling, to whet our appetites even more. I think they would go with the Cream and Raspberry Syrup Tankers, as they've been made in the other scales.
Finally, for the 2025 Summer Announcements, I think they'd probably go smaller again, and I could see them producing Origins James, since he would also be a nice Anniversary gesture. I could also see them producing either the Red Branchline Coaches or Red Express Coaches, depending on if they're ready to take on a new coach tooling project on or not.
Large Scale2024 Winter:
- Edward
Even if nothing else is announced, I think the Large Scalers deserve to get a new engine tooling after not having much produced the last few years. Edward would likely have no problems getting around Bachmann's tight track radii, and he's also a popular character.
2024 Summer:
- Grey 12 Ton Van
- 12 Ton Circus Vans (Red & Blue)
I would be surprised if these van variants don't get announced at some point.
2025:
- LBSC Thomas
- Origins James
These would both make nice anniversary announcements, similar to N Scale.
Overall, that's my thoughts on what Bachmann might do for these upcoming announcements and beyond. Sorry I didn't go in depth on HO and Narrow Gauge, but I'm honestly not sure where Bachmann might go next with them (since there simultaneously seems to be a lot of options and few options, based on factors you guys have talked about before). I know this was a long post with a lot to read, but I'd be happy to hear your thoughts!
Wow! I can't believe that it's time for the announcements again already. I love that we get two a year now.
I agree with everything you guys said. Christians predictions seem to me to be the most realistic.
HO
I can definitely see them bringing back Arry and Bert, hopefully with new faces too.
If they went crazy and did give us a new tooling for HO, my money would be on Whiff or even Harvey, I know he's an odd choice but I just have a feeling. But I can't wait for Stanley and even Rebecca.
For HO Stock we definitely need the tar tanker and ice cream van back. As for troublesome truck seven I would love something not as colorful, and a bit more reminiscent of the older series.
Also, I would love the China clay Trucks from season 2. I know they're an NG design. But still...
The Works unit coach would be an amazing introduction, but I would also love to see the breakdown crane. Either in its classic fashion, or even as Jerome and Judy. But I would prefer it to be classic.
Can you imagine seeing the classic breakdown crane in a blister pack? It would sell like crazy.
Long shot I know, but I would love to see the old coaches from season one.
N Scale
For N I think Henry is the obvious introduction. Along with the red coaches, a brake van, and probably Henry's log car.
The next engine I'd like to see in N scale is Edward. Or Duck if they go with a tank engine.
Large Scale
Ah the mystery of Large scale. G is expensive to produce and expensive to buy, so the range is always the most random.
Edward would be the most logical introduction, but I think to get a little money going it would be smarter for them to release the two sets of twins. Bill and Ben and Arry & Bert. Bill and Ben with Cell amazingly, and even though the two diesels are recolors, I think they would too. Bachmann could save a little money, only do one tool and make four new engines.
Other than that, it's possible we get origins James or 70th anniversary Thomas as mentioned.
For large scale rollingstock, I'd love to see some express coaches that that probably won't happen. Or a flat car. Something a little bigger than what we're used to.
Narrow Gauge
For the gauge that everybody thought would never happen, we are already pretty much at the end of the line when it comes to normal numbered engines. I would love to see Duke, but I don't think he's coming anytime soon. Maybe for a special occasion like the anniversary.
I don't think anymore engines will be announced this year unless they surprise us with someone like Smudger.
I also agree with Christian, some TV accurate slate vans would be very nice.
Guess we'll have to wait and see!!
Though the 2024 catalog may not be publicized for another month, but we should soon finally see N Scale Emily fully painted next month. Maybe we could also see HO Scale Rebecca fully painted within a few months. Don't know when they'll finally have the first unpainted sample of Sir Handel, but should hopefully be in a few months. Maybe the next stream will show N Scale Gordon in the package, showing he's soon to arrive in stock, and to be simultaneously released alongside HO Scale Beau.
I'm very anxious to see what is announced next month. There are a ton of things I hope to see announced, but I know it won't all come at once. So here's my wishlist for this year
HO scale engines:
Murdoch
Boco
Sidney
Stepney
Flying Scotsman (with smoke deflectors,with longer funnel and dome)
Wilbert
16
Derek
Nia
HO scale rolling stock:
Old coaches
Orange branch line coaches
Brown mail van (2 axels)
White mail van (topham circus)
Troublesome truck #7 (slate truck)
Bradford the brake van
Kipper vans
Topham circus open wagon
Tar wagon (reintroduced)
Ice cream van (reintroduced)
Flying Scotsman water tender (if they sold this separately, it would help not make the flying Scotsman so expensive like it would be if it was sold all together)
Circus flatbed
Rocky
Flatbed elephant wagon
Ho sets:
Breakdown train
Circus train set
Express set
Narrow gauge:
Duke
Smudger
Freddie
Mighty Mac
Narrow gauge rolling stock:
Gunpowder van
Green open coaches
Flatcar
Brown brake van
Tbh Bachmann is very much backlogged so I would be surprised if we got anything new molds this year.
Maybe 2024 can can just be a big re-release year. Here are some products they can rerelease.
Arry
Bert
M wagon
Tar tanker
Well wagon
Ice cream van
Cream tanker
Arry and Bert prob won't happen yet as Doug said salty in on hold .
•The m wagon could come back maybe with a rock load I doubt this would happen this year
•The tar tanker and cream tanker could come back at the same time .
•The wellwagon could come back with miniature engine load .
The ice cream van could be a LNER 12 ton van .
Now as for new products for HO
works unit coach or slip coaches
Troublesome truck 7
Maybe the breakdown train
Narrow gauge I feel we are gonna say goodbye to the L&B wagon which I don't want to happen but it's inevitable Hopefully they reuse the tooling , and make it into a standard gauge version from season 2 for n scale
However for new products Red and blue open top carriages are prob what we can expect
Trevor could also happen this year as they have started doing road vehicles again.
I'm very excited for the upcoming figure packs. Really hoping for more additions in the near future. Some ideas I've had:
"Sodor's Important People"
-Sir Robert Norramby
-The Duke and Duchess of Boxford
-Reverend Wilbert Awdry
-Reverend Teddy Boston
-Alicia Botti
-Mayor of Sodor
"Passengers"
-A variety of different passengers that were seen in the CGI series.
"Sodor's Brass Band"
-Self explanatory.
"Sailor John and Skiff"
-A figure and vehicle combo. Just an added bonus to help sell a Skiff model.
"Captain Joe and Railboat Tours Skiff"
-A simple repaint to help a new tooling for Skiff go further. Would compliment Daisy and Ryan nicely!
(I REALLY want Skiff)
"Construction Workers"
-A variety of construction workers (building the branch line SLOTLT)
Hoping we can get at least some of these, but I'm really hoping for a Sailor John and Skiff!
The catalogue should becoming out in about 2 weeks everyone get ready put your final predictions here
Quote from: Awesometrain77 on January 23, 2024, 03:48:40 PMThe catalogue should becoming out in about 2 weeks everyone get ready put your final predictions here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU3tTU55uO0
The catalog/announcements will be posted this weekend. :)
The 2024 catalog will be publicized this Friday, so it looks like our 2024 catalog announcements will be up sooner than we all realized.
Could we finally get HO Scale Sidney, or N Scale Henry? Those are my biggest hopes, along with N Scale rolling stock like non-troublesome variants of the open wagon tooling, including Red, Blue, and Coal Wagon w/ Load, or a generic brake van. For the 80th Anniversary next year, the N Scale range should get LBSC Thomas and Origin James.
Before the catalog launch tomorrow, I'm going to post not necessarily what I think will happen, but moreso what I'd like to see, and trying to keep expectations in check at the same time.
HO/OO:
'Arry & Bert reissue - reason I say them is because with Rebecca and possibly Stanley in production currently, Bachmann should play catch up on the two new toolings. Reissuing 'Arry & Bert, whose toolings still exist at the production factory, can get a jump. If changing the physical facial expression is too much for them, then here's my suggestion: give 'Arry no stubble on his chin and give it all to Bert. That would be an easy way for people to tell them apart without having to create entirely new face plates
Tar Tanker reissue - the Tar Tanker has been discontinued for at least 15 years. Since it appeared in CGI during Season 23, that'd be an easy way to bring back a fan favorite piece of rolling stock. Yes, there will also be TAR lettering decals on the front/back of the wagon, but since one of the tankers was like that all the way back in Season 1 (40 years ago, mind you!), it'd be a win-win
I personally think James and Gordon with DCC and sound would be fun to see, considering Thomas and Percy were announced two years ago and we've yet to hear anything on them, I'd understand why they wouldn't be too quick to announce James and Gordon just yet.
Narrow Gauge:
SKIP - With Sir Handel appearing to be in production, Duncan yet to have a price determined and two different new toolings for wagons also being worked on (both without prices as far as I know), I'd be okay with them skipping narrow gauge all together to play catch up, if you will.
N Scale:
Gordon set - Chaz brings up a good point here. The only issue I have is that we've yet to see what the Express Coaches look like, and they don't appear to have a price yet, as far as I know
Henry - pretty much explains himself. It'd be great to see him, but at the same time, I understand if they want to wait till August to announce him and focus on getting Gordon on the shelves and making some headway on Emily first
ORIGINAL Coal Wagon with Load and/or Red Open Wagon - now's the time where they can start having some fun with the 7 plank open wagon tooling! These two are favorites of mine that are (as far as I know) still doing well in HO/OO. They can bring back the blue, but considering it's been retired in that scale for a while, I can understand why they wouldn't
Track cleaning brake vans - HEAR ME OUT. The Graham Farish brake van tooling will look fine here, but considering that I know of a healthy amount of Thomas fans who've bought the HO/OO variants, I'm wondering if this should happen in N. Tooling would pretty much be there, and it'd be a fun way to have some normal looking brake vans in the range.
Large Scale
SKIP - maybe they can do one last hurrah and bring out Edward and Henrietta for 2025, the 80th anniversary as a grand finale to that range and keep it stagnant till the end of time
Not that well versed in LS, personally, so don't want to start spouting opinions as facts
...and that's all I got. All will be revealed sooner than we think...
Ok here is my final predictions for the announcements tommorow
G scale
Toad
HO scale
Arry
Bert
Troublesome truck 7
LNER 12 ton ice cream van
slip coach
Trevor
Narrow gauge
Open coach red
Open coach blue
V tipper wagon orange
V tipper wagon gray
N scale
Henry
Red brachline coaches
Museum coaches
Container wagons
Gordon express set
Thomas saves Santa's sleight
Tidmoth sheds
I was wrong. The announcements will be tomorrow. Not tonight. Hope we don't have to wait a few more weeks if it's strictly non-Thomas stuff.
I hope they'll be tomorrow if they don't drop at some point tonight, but I think last year, the video came out on January 28th, then we had to wait until February 3rd to see the Thomas Announcements. Either way, we should see them within the next couple of weeks!
(https://i.postimg.cc/v4K2x1tv/Screenshot-20240126-171650-Facebook.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/v4K2x1tv)
Actually, we might still be able to see the new Thomas Announcements tomorrow if anyone's going to the show. Or maybe they'll put the catalog online at the same time?
Ok I feel like we will see the catalog in full if that's the case or at least the new products for everything like they do at the NMRA. The never seen before samples makes me interested I feel like Sir Handel , narrow gauge rolling stock , and the figures could be seen here maybe even a painted Rebecca .
I don't use the forum much anymore but I do have a few thoughts I wanted to share.
I think this year we will get both Nia and an 08, Idk which one. I do not think we will get the iron twins just yet, their demand has just shot up again recently. So unlikely to happen immediately. Hopefully one would have a grumpy face, since the different weathering they have in CGI is not something Bachmann is likely to do. Idk if they would be in the same catalog but I am expecting both. Mirrors the Beau and Rebecca release, and since both are coming this year, this makes sense. For the same reason I'm expecting Charlie in 2025. Like Stanley serves as a smaller new tool between the complex bigger tools. Then probably Whiff the following year.
For rolling stock, tar tanker reintroduction, easy, makes sense, give it the cgi deco. A troublesome truck #7 using the new vans would be cool, but maybe give it a year between them before doing more vans. We'll see. I'd also like to see recolors of the Bradford type of brakevan. There's a bunch of liveries to justify a new mold + the character. Those are the only specific rolling stock predictions I have right now.
Road vehicles, Butch and Trevor this year hopefully. I could see both frankly. I want both anyway.
N scale: Henry, and some non-faceless 7 planks make the most sense. I have a bit of a pipedream we also get Edward this year to keep the theme of 2 engine per year going. Will that happen? Probably not but I can dream.
Narrow gauge: probably nothing major. Just the grey and brown recolors of the existing van types if anything.
Large Scale: Probably some of the newly announced vans making a jump. But I want to say my bold prediction. I think they are going to announce a new engine this year, and then a recolor next year. But they both release next year to tie into the anniversary. Just like Paxton and Diesel's dual announcement. Because of my prediction I doubt they would do Edward yet. (Plus, he's a bit riskier so they probably want another smaller engine to test the market.) While Rosie is the easier guess, two liveries and all. I'm going to propose something else. Mavis announced this year, and then green Thomas next year. A nice simple engine, plus an anniversary recolor. A smart pair in my opinion. The only reasons I think they might be against this is because they just did a black and green engine last time. So again, Rosie is safer, I think Mavis and green Thomas would be better in my opinion.
These are just my last-minute thoughts, feel free to disagree or share your thoughts as well. Hopefully the catalog gets uploaded digitally this weekend.
Well, Bachmann have responded to enquiries about the catalog. Looks like we won't know all of the announcements until February. I don't think they would put the Thomas announcements in the video tomorrow, because they haven't for the last few years.
(https://i.postimg.cc/1ntnXJJm/Screenshot-20240126-220405-Facebook.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1ntnXJJm)
That's a bit disappointing. The full catalog isn't ready yet. We may not know any Thomas announcements for another week or two.
All we can hope is that unpainted samples of Sir Handel and Narrow Gauge rolling stock could be there, as well as fully painted samples of HO Scale Rebecca and N Scale Emily. It may be a while before we see unpainted samples of HO Scale Stanley, Duncan, N Scale Diesel or the Express Coaches, as those aren't even up for pre-order yet, nor do they have prices.
The video had nothing
Quote from: Awesometrain77 on January 27, 2024, 10:35:08 AMThe video had nothing
Video had nothing but there's a photo on x/twitter of N Scale Emily (fully painted)
It's great to finally see a painted sample of N scale Emily (and her coaches).
I saw a few pics of Bachmann's booth at the show, and once again Salty is nowhere to be seen. Doug said in November's Thomas Tuesday stream that Salty is on "indefinite hold." I remember seeing elsewhere that they were having issues with Salty's drivetrain, but it just doesn't make sense to me since it's a rerelease of an already existing tooling.
Just a bit concerning. Hope the rerelease is still on its way.
N Scale Henrietta was confirmed to have a face. With that, Hannah is possible in N Scale using the same tooling. If that was to happen, that will be Hannah's first ever piece of merchandise. Much needed rolling stock for N Scale are non-troublesome variants of the 7-Plank wagons, especially the Coal Wagon w/ Load. A generic brake van would very much be appreciated. We still don't know if N Scale Henry is coming yet, since we have to wait a little longer before the full catalog becomes available.
They still don't have HO Scale Rebecca fully painted yet, or an unpainted sample of the Open Carriage. Still no sign of Sir Handel either, or any of the Narrow Gauge rolling stock that's been left in the dust. They did announce Talyllyn coaches to go with HOn30 Scale Talyllyn. For HO Scale, the only rolling stock recolors that come to mind are the Chocolate Syrup and Toffee Tankers, which are still exclusive to Large Scale, and Troublesome Truck #7, which can be a 12-Ton Van. The best new tooling for rolling stock would be the Works Unit Coach. For engines, we still have Rebecca and Stanley on the backburner, and the latter isn't even up for pre-order yet. If any new tooling, Whiff would be the best choice, since he's the last that has appeared in both model and CGI that doesn't feature gimmicks. For recolors, Sidney is the best choice, since he had been requested for many years. One thing holding him back is the eye mechanism, unless that can be fixed. One other choice to use Diesel's tooling is Fernando. Salty's reintroduction is still on hold, which doesn't make any sense.
It could be tommorow here is my last call
G scale
Toad
HO scale
Troublesome truck 7
ice cream van
Dexter the classroom coach
Trevor
Narrow gauge
Red open coach
Blue open coach
N scale
Henry
Red branchline coaches
Museum coaches
Sodor scrap wagon
Sodor coal wagon
Blue wagon with coal load
Gordon express set
I guess the catalog won't be available this week either. Looks like next Friday for sure.
I mean the catalog has been uploaded as late as 6 pm est before I wouldn't rule it out today just yet. It's also been uploaded on Saturday and Sunday's before it's not always a Friday thing. It'll happen whenever it's done I guess is the best way of putting it
I guess it will happen literally any day within the next week or so. So far, it's not looking like today either. Last week's video didn't show anything Thomas-related, with the closest thing being the Talyllyn coaches.
Turns out Walthers has the catalog up for purchase with an estimated date of the 14th. Since the catalog usually gets uploaded here before the physical is released, we should have it in the next 10 days at worst. Thomas Tuesday has yet to be announced for this month, I see two possibilities. They're still doing it this week but can't officially announce it unless the catalog goes live, or it's been pushed back waiting for the catalog to drop. Not sure which is more likely and I could be entirely off base but that should be useful. Hopefully it's uploaded soon so I can stop trying to predict when it'll drop lol.
I think at this point, if it's going to take them that long to upload the catalog PDF, a moderator should at the very least make a post now with the new Thomas announcements on these forums, like in the old days... Especially if they're not going to make the bi-annual announcement videos for Thomas anymore... I understand the latter is due to needing Mattel to approve any promotional material they create, but surely just posting a text list of new announcements here wouldn't require any licensor oversight? If Bachmann is willing to list all of their 'main line' releases in a video a month before releasing the catalog, then I'm sure it would be reasonable for them to just say what they're doing here so that we aren't left in suspense for weeks...
When they used to do the text lists, the items were usually announced between the 9th and 17th of February, depending on what day the Friday was. It was only around 2021 that they started revealing the announcements at the end of January. Either way, I think we'll probably see the new announcements on Friday the 9th or Friday the 16th at worst, so we don't have too long to wait now.
I am so tired of waiting can some mod just see this and tell me what we are getting thanks . I am hoping for Sunday which is tommorow if not we are gonna get them Tuesday if not we will have to wait till the weekend
We may be kept in suspense until next weekend at the latest. 2021 was the last time they posted the list of announcements in a special thread. Since then, it's been solely the catalog we get them from once available.
All of us have been waiting for weeks, and the suspense is killing me. The only exciting update we got recently was the painted reveal of N Scale Emily, and before that was the unpainted reveal of N Scale Henrietta. Still no Thomas Tuesday announcement for this month yet either.
For what it's worth, it seems Bachmann is reintroducing their Thomas starter set in large scale, the product number is different from that of the original (90068 was the original, this one is 90089).
https://www.walthers.com/thomas-w-annie-clarabel-160-90089
The price though is pretty steep, but I guess that's expected of large scale especially considering Walthers usually lists products with Bachmann's RRP and not have them around at a lower cost like other shops like Trainworld.
Couldn't find anything else while searching Walthers, so either the things that are getting announced this month still don't have a price yet, or maybe they want to take it slow this year and catch up on previously announced products (which I'm personally okay with if that's the case). It's anyone's guess at this point, honestly.
When you think about how much is still being worked on or not yet released
HO
Beau (fully painted)
Rebecca (sample ready)
Stanley
12 Ton vans
Open carriage
Bulgy
Sir Topham Hatt's car
Figure packs (sample ready)
009
Sir Handel
Duncan
Narrow Gauge Gondolas
Gunpowder vans
Narrow Gauge High-Side Wagons
N
Gordon (fully painted)
Emily (fully painted)
Diesel
Paxton
Henrietta (sample ready)
Express coaches
Emily's Coaches (fully painted)
I mean that's 9 individual items for N Scale outstanding, 16 for HO and 11 for 009
That's quite alot still being worked on.
I'm sure when the catalogue is announced there will be some new products. Maybe nothing groundbreaking but as I say there's alot on the way. Plus lately the February announcements are usually quite small and the bigger (new tooling) announcements are in the summer
Quote from: Mulfred100 on February 04, 2024, 03:22:15 PMWhen you think about how much is still being worked on or not yet released
HO
Beau (fully painted)
Rebecca (sample ready)
Stanley
12 Ton vans
Open carriage
Bulgy
Sir Topham Hatt's car
Figure packs (sample ready)
009
Sir Handel
Duncan
Narrow Gauge Gondolas
Gunpowder vans
Narrow Gauge High-Side Wagons
N
Gordon (fully painted)
Emily (fully painted)
Diesel
Paxton
Henrietta (sample ready)
Express coaches
Emily's Coaches (fully painted)
I mean that's 9 individual items for N Scale outstanding, 16 for HO and 11 for 009
That's quite alot still being worked on.
I'm sure when the catalogue is announced there will be some new products. Maybe nothing groundbreaking but as I say there's alot on the way. Plus lately the February announcements are usually quite small and the bigger (new tooling) announcements are in the summer
I was going to do a list/inventory, but you saved me the trouble. Thanks, Mulfred!
Yes, that seems to be the case.
2019 we saw Red Rosie in February, then out of nowhere, we got Daisy and Peter Sam for that year's NMRA
2020 we saw Busy Bee James in February, and once it was pointed out that it should've been Origin James, Bachmann put things right at NMRA. It's a miracle we got anything announced that summer because pandemic. Meanwhile, N James is announced
2021 we saw Ryan and N Toby both in February. Large Scale finally got their Red Coaches announced at NMRA, which I imagine was a big deal for them
2022 Sir Handel is announced in February and while all had seemed lost for N Gordon when out of nowhere, he's announced for NMRA
2023 didn't have too much of anything in February, then for NMRA Stanley and N Diesel and Paxton are announced
I guess it's anyone's guess at this point. 2022 was the last time a big announcement came in February, but 2019 was the first year we got an exciting announcement at NMRA. All will be revealed soon...
So far, none of the current outstanding Narrow Gauge products have been physically shown yet, but Sir Handel, as well as the High-Side wagons and Gondolas, are up for pre-order with prices.
For HO Scale, Beau is the closest to being released since he's been fully painted for a while. Rebecca is still in the unpainted stage, as well as the figures. All other outstanding HO Scale products are up for pre-order at Trainworld, including those not physically shown yet, like Stanley. DCC Sound-Fitted Thomas and Percy as well as Salty's reintroduction have been on seemingly endless hold. The former two was due to the semiconductor shortage that went on following the pandemic.
As for N Scale, Gordon and Emily have both been shown fully painted, with the former having been for a while, and very close to release, while the latter was only recently shown, and may not arrive in stock until later this year. Emily's Coaches have also been shown fully painted for a while, and seem very close to release, while Henrietta was recently shown in the unpainted stage. Diesel and Paxton are already up for pre-order, but the Express Coaches are not, yet.
This Friday for sure, we should finally know what new products will be in the 2024 catalog.
TrainWorld announced that the February Thomas Tuesday will be next week, since there was a scheduling conflict for today. They didn't have a picture ad like they usually do, but they said it will come in the next couple of days. I think we'll probably know the new announcements by next Tuesday!
For HO rolling stock that would use existing toolings that were actually in the show, the Italian Blue Coaches can be made using the Red Coach toolings. Stephen's blue coach would require a new tooling. An-An and Yin-Long would be recycled from Annie and Clarabel's tooling, and if they were to be made, it would mean Bachmann would have to make Hong-Mei, who can recycle Rosie's chassis, but with a different siderod configuration. One international engine that would completely recycle an existing tooling is Fernando, but if they were to use Diesel's tooling again, we'd rather have Sidney first.
As questionable as Nia is, it's only a matter of time before Bachmann eventually does make her for HO Scale, given that she is still a main character, even in the reboot. Most would rather have Whiff instead, since he's the last engine to appear in both model and CGI to not feature gimmicks, and that no ready-to-run model of Aerolite exists. Philip would be a great choice for a simple new tooling since he's just a small box, and would be a cheaper model. Norman is certainly an honorable mention for a new tooling since even though he was a nothing character in the show, many fan-made stories shed light on him, and that no ready-to-run model of BR 11001 exists. The new tooling everyone wants most of all is Hiro, especially after Rebecca's announcement brought tender engines back into the picture for HO Scale. Although Hiro would inevitably be the most expensive model, but high prices didn't stop the Narrow Gauge range from selling.
Considering Stanley has no unpainted sample ready yet, I don't see a new HO Scale tooling being announced in the catalog. Rebecca's first painted sample will be shown in the next Thomas Tuesday stream, as it has just been teased. It may not be until summer before we get to see Stanley's unpainted sample. Hope it won't be too long before Bachmann gets an unpainted sample of N Scale Diesel.
Any of these engines could be the next new tooling for HO Scale:
-Nia
-Whiff
-Philip
-Norman
-Hiro
-Hong-Mei (chassis recycled with some modification to siderods; don't really see her happening unless they make An-An and Yin-Long)
-Sonny (has a rather complicated siderod configuration, but could be doable, and no model of his basis exists)
-Porter (has rather problematic scaling)
The best choices for HO Scale recolors are Sidney and Fernando because Mainland Diesels and Green Salty are rather too niche.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 06, 2024, 09:43:32 PMFor HO rolling stock that would use existing toolings that were actually in the show, the Italian Blue Coaches can be made using the Red Coach toolings. Stephen's blue coach would require a new tooling. An-An and Yin-Long would be recycled from Annie and Clarabel's tooling, and if they were to be made, it would mean Bachmann would have to make Hong-Mei, who can recycle Rosie's chassis, but with a different siderod configuration. One international engine that would completely recycle an existing tooling is Fernando, but if they were to use Diesel's tooling again, we'd rather have Sidney first.
As questionable as Nia is, it's only a matter of time before Bachmann eventually does make her for HO Scale, given that she is still a main character, even in the reboot. Most would rather have Whiff instead, since he's the last engine to appear in both model and CGI to not feature gimmicks, and that no ready-to-run model of Aerolite exists. Philip would be a great choice for a simple new tooling since he's just a small box, and would be a cheaper model. Norman is certainly an honorable mention for a new tooling since even though he was a nothing character in the show, many fan-made stories shed light on him, and that no ready-to-run model of BR 11001 exists. The new tooling everyone wants most of all is Hiro, especially after Rebecca's announcement brought tender engines back into the picture for HO Scale. Although Hiro would inevitably be the most expensive model, but high prices didn't stop the Narrow Gauge range from selling.
Considering Stanley has no unpainted sample ready yet, I don't see a new HO Scale tooling being announced in the catalog. Rebecca's first painted sample will be shown in the next Thomas Tuesday stream, as it has just been teased. It may not be until summer before we get to see Stanley's unpainted sample. Hope it won't be too long before Bachmann gets an unpainted sample of N Scale Diesel.
Any of these engines could be the next new tooling for HO Scale:
-Nia
-Whiff
-Philip
-Norman
-Hiro
-Hong-Mei (chassis recycled with some modification to siderods; don't really see her happening unless they make An-An and Yin-Long)
-Sonny (has a rather complicated siderod configuration, but could be doable, and no model of his basis exists)
-Porter (has rather problematic scaling)
The best choices for HO Scale recolors are Sidney and Fernando because Mainland Diesels and Green Salty are rather too niche.
I would also like to see these characters, particularly Sonny. As stated above an argument can be made for Whiff, Norman and Sonny that no current regular non-Thomas models of their real-life prototypes:
NER 66 Aerolite for Whiff,
British Rail 11001 for Norman
Haydock Foundry well-tank locomotives like Bellorophon for Sonny.
Thus this could also appeal to non-Thomas Modelers who would wish to convert the Bachmann Thomas engines into their basis.
An additional argument can be made against Mattel's CGI mandate with that in that Norman could easily be recolored into Dennis if Norman ever happens and the CGI mandate is hopefully lifted. Indeed, all it would take would be a potentially recolored Norman mold with a new face. This could also apply to a potential Splatter and Dodge, as all they would need would be a repainted 'Arry and Bert Shell, with one face they could both use, as the two of them are always seen in together wearing identical expressions to the other. This could be an easy way to get new characters out cheaply and quickly, and can be used to potentially demonstrate to Mattel that the CGI Mandate is clogging up potential and easy to make products.
A similar argument can be made for a potential Arthur, Murdoch, Derek, and the Class 40 Diesel, considering that Bachmann already has models of these characters basis in their UK Range:
LMS Ivatt Class 2 2-6-2T for Arthur
BR Standard Class 9F for Murdoch
British Rail Class 17 for Derek
British Rail Class 40 for Class 40
Given that Bachmann is making Beau, a rather minor character, out of their already existing tooling, another argument can be made that the CGI mandate is clogging up potential easy to make products that would indeed be popular fan choices.
It regards to Rolling stock, given the Toby's Museum Composite and Brake Coaches were released, I would like to see the Gordon's Special Composite and Brake coaches from Season 10. All they would have to do would be recolor their Current Gordon's Composite and Brake Express Coaches, and they would have easy products, like the Toby's Museum Coaches. I would hope they would release both Composite and Brake versions of the coaches for more variety and thus more product, preferably with the connecting corridor still in so they could look like they could "connect" and integrate seamlessly to Gordon's already existing Express Coaches.
Given that Bachmann made the Toby's Museum Coaches based on SodorRyModeler's photoshopped Red Coaches into Toby's Museum Coaches, maybe someone could photoshop some Gordon's Composite and Brake Coaches into Gordon's Special Composite and Brake Coaches to give Bachmann an inspiration?
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/f8/Gordon%27sSpecialCoaches.png/revision/latest?cb=20190121070536
I do think that the mandate should be lifted soon because all engines go has taken over so CGI is not even current . It seems Thomas Tuesday has been delayed I wonder if Bachmann even knows what the new Thomas stuff is gonna be this year they prob made the decision later than usual . It could also be troubles with Mattel approval and such maybe it's the CGI only mandate lift that causing it to take long who knows but I do think there is something going on as it caused Thomas Tuesday to be delayed
It really doesn't make sense that the CGI mandate ONLY applies to engines. Mattel is okay with Bachmann making model series rolling stock, but not engines, which is what's holding them back from making characters like Smudger, Splatter and Dodge, who would otherwise easily be made from existing toolings. They were one-off characters, but so is Beau, and Bachmann made him because they had his tooling. Mattel only let Bachmann make Beau because he was a CGI character; from Big World Big Adventures. Unless the CGI mandate gets lifted, the only characters who are still possible to use Diesel's tooling are Sidney and Fernando.
The fact that Doug Blaine deconfirmed Stepney a while back proved the CGI mandate was real, which is the same thing holding them back from making BoCo. Bachmann UK has the toolings for Arthur, Murdoch, Derek and Class 40, but we may never get them all because they never officially appeared in CGI... Although BoCo has a fan-made CGI render, it's not enough to convince Mattel...
Of note that Doug Blaine said they specifically can't reuse the Hudsons for Connor due to face/eye mech issues on Thomas tueaday. Beau was a case of special permissions. While it's not impossible that could be granted again, we shouldn't assume it will be. So even if the model series rule gets lifted, I don't think that makes them likely to reuse bachmann UK toolings for those characters. Especially since they seem stricter on using reference pictures now, those UK toolings would have more detail than most model series characters.
I'm also a big fan of Sonny and would love to see him. However, KR models is making his basis already. They're even considering giving said model a fictious blue livery (which I will buy if they do.)
So how well would Sonny really do considering that market for modelling said engine has already been filled? Seems hard to justify the tooling costs, but I would love to be proven wrong.
I too would love to see a Bachmann Sonny, given how unique his paint scheme and design is. He too would be a great choice for another new tooling in HO Scale. He, along with Nia, Whiff, Norman, Philip and Hiro are among the best choices for new toolings. Like I said about Philip, his tooling would most likely be the easiest and cheapest to make, given that he is a small box. If Bachmann is looking for the simplest new tooling in HO Scale, Philip is the way to go. Hiro is by far the most wanted, since Rebecca marked the return of tender engines in HO Scale. Hiro was one of the first, and most likeable characters to have originated from the CGI series.
Speaking of Rebecca, since her fully painted sample was teased, and will be shown in the next Thomas Tuesday stream, maybe we will see the next new tooling for HO Scale. If not in the 2024 catalog, then maybe the NMRA for sure. By summer, they should have Stanley's unpainted sample ready. Maybe even the Open Carriage and 12-Ton Vans, as well as those Narrow Gauge High-Side wagons and Gondolas. The latter two should have had some progress by now. It shouldn't be too much longer before Bachmann finally shows the unpainted sample of Sir Handel, and N Scale Diesel. In the next stream, Doug might also show us N Scale Gordon in the package, showing he is soon to arrive in stock. For Diesel, Bachmann just simply has to scale down his HO Scale model to work in N Scale. With no eye mechanism to worry about, Paxton's face will look perfect, which had been a turn-off by many on his HO Scale model.
The next new tooling for N Scale has to be Henry, then Edward, then after that, other good choices would be Duck, Oliver and Mavis. Henry wouldn't 100% be a new tooling since his chassis would easily be recycled from Gordon, minus trailing wheels, and his body shape is very similar to Gordon, though his tender is a Stanier instead of a Fowler. Mavis would recycle Toby's chassis, which is also the same as Thomas', and her N Scale model would be the first to actually have siderods. Duck because of his rivalry with Diesel in the earlier seasons of the show, and Oliver because we have Toad. I personally would like to see Ryan and Daisy in N Scale too, though it will be a good while before they're even considered, since they're the most recent models in HO Scale. One other character to recycle Gordon's chassis is Spencer, who has a streamlined body shape, and an even boxier tender with extra wheels. After Henry, the next 'big' engine for N Scale would have to be Spencer.
The CGI engines only mandate just seems silly due to how Thomas and Friends was rebooted.
Quote from: JLK2707 on February 08, 2024, 03:41:30 AMThe CGI engines only mandate just seems silly due to how Thomas and Friends was rebooted.
Exactly. I think we may see the end of that as the years go by, especially with the 80th anniversary coming up.
Tomorrow for sure, we should finally get the 2024 catalog.
Sadly no I check ever day now
I have a feeling it may be more towards the middle of the month. I could be wrong though. There seems to be something that caused a slight delay.
So, yet another week of suspense? Bachmann HAS to get to it eventually...
Bachmann has already said days ago it would drop mid February. Most likely on the 14th alongside the physical that's releasing that day. Unless Doug wants to be based and do a surprise reveal on the 12th, it's unlikely to be discussed at all on Thomas tuesday other than a date confirmation
Quote from: Mulfred100 on February 09, 2024, 12:13:33 PMWell on that subject of Doug and Thomas Tuesday, as of right now there's not been an announcement for a Thomas Tuesday on the 13th. It could very well be on 20th or 27th. Especially if they are holding off to go through the new announcements. At this point people are just jumping to the conclusions without waiting for offical announcements from Bachmann and Trainworld. All that was shown in the "teaser" was Rebecca's NWR and the word soon. In fact Rebecca might be the very thing thats holding the catalogue up if they are wanting her sample model shown in the catalogue as shes now at that stage of production. We'll find out at some point between now and the 28th. ;D
Just have some patience.
No, Thomas Tuesday has already been confirmed for next week on the trainworld twitter account. As was by Christian in my dms when I asked if it would be this week or not.
Quote from: DustyMarie53! on February 09, 2024, 12:25:43 PMQuote from: Mulfred100 on February 09, 2024, 12:13:33 PMWell on that subject of Doug and Thomas Tuesday, as of right now there's not been an announcement for a Thomas Tuesday on the 13th. It could very well be on 20th or 27th. Especially if they are holding off to go through the new announcements. At this point people are just jumping to the conclusions without waiting for offical announcements from Bachmann and Trainworld. All that was shown in the "teaser" was Rebecca's NWR and the word soon. In fact Rebecca might be the very thing thats holding the catalogue up if they are wanting her sample model shown in the catalogue as shes now at that stage of production. We'll find out at some point between now and the 28th. ;D
Just have some patience.
No, Thomas Tuesday has already been confirmed for next week on the trainworld twitter account. As was by Christian in my dms when I asked if it would be this week or not.
Hadn't seen that, deleted original message however the point about Rebecca still stands as a possibility as to catalogue now she's been painted, Bachmann might be trying to get her and possibly/probably other items in the catalogue so it's as up to date as possible before going live. We'll get it when it's ready. Patience
Yeah Valentine's Day will be there release of it shame but whatever
Quote from: DustyMarie53! on February 09, 2024, 11:54:19 AMBachmann has already said days ago it would drop mid February. Most likely on the 14th alongside the physical that's releasing that day. Unless Doug wants to be based and do a surprise reveal on the 12th, it's unlikely to be discussed at all on Thomas tuesday other than a date confirmation
No mention of the new stuff on the ad for Thomas Tuesday
One thing we do know is that we are getting a Thomas Tuesday stream tomorrow, which the big reveal will be HO Scale Rebecca fully painted. It's not likely that we're going to hear anything new from the catalog apart from a date confirmation. At the latest, we should finally have the catalog this Friday.
Hope we hear updates on Stanley, Sir Handel, Narrow Gauge Gondolas and N Scale Diesel, with progress made on those.
Ok 2024 will be a catch up year prob not much we will get .aside from maybe a road vehicle ,1 or 2 HO wagon, the large scale set and maybe N scale Gordon set . Are all we can expect.
Wouldn't count on the Gordon set just yet. They only announced the Emily a year after both announcements so feel like it'll be saved for 2025
So the stream only showed the unpainted N Scale Henrietta and fully painted N Scale Emily, which were previously revealed, but for some reason, Doug didn't show the painted sample HO Scale Rebecca, when it was teased a week ago! Why wasn't Rebecca shown, despite the painted sample being there? That doesn't make sense, and it was a bit disappointing.
In the stream, Doug commented that this year really is going to be the catch-up year for Bachmann, so I probably wouldn't count on much happening in the catalog this year. We're at least getting a large scale Thomas set reintroduction, which is something. As I said earlier, I'm personally okay with them catching up on getting more previously announced projects released first before announcing even more projects.
If anything, I'm more willing to bet that (apart from an N scale Henry announcement at the NMRA this summer), any other announcement this year will probably be either some rolling stock announcements in HO, N and possibly large scale. Then in 2025, during the brand's 80th anniversary, I'd be a lot more willing to bet we will see a higher number of new announcements by then. The only reason why I'm still confident in an N Henry announcement this summer is because it seems fairly likely that N scale Gordon will be out fairly soon and Henry seems like the perfect follow-up to Gordon. After that, Bachmann can then save an N scale Edward announcement for 2025 for the anniversary once Emily gets released, which will hopefully be by the end of this year.
Either way, 2024 being a light year for newly announced products is probably in Bachmann's best interest this year anyway. They announced a lot of projects over the last two years or so with most of them still not being out yet, (or three if you want to include the DCC and sound Thomas and Percy models (which is in its own muddle due to the semiconductor shortage)). So if it means getting those out or allowing us to have more updates on previously announced projects (Sir Handel in particular), then I'm all for this year being the catch-up year for Bachmann.
I'm all for a catch up year for Bachmann. As I said before there's so many items at various stages of production that haven't been completed or even teased with samples yet, especially 009 engines and rolling stock. I'd much rather the backlog be cleared before new things are announced. As for Rebecca not being shown. It was never advertised she would be shown. All posts I've seen were saying N Scale Emily and Henrietta. The post Bachmann put out simply said Soon... it could be that her tender is fully painted but her main body isn't, there could be paint errors that need fixing, she might be fully painted but they wanted to show her in the catalogue first and in March she'll be shown on a stream. I'm just grateful that she's on her way and Bachmann are working hard on her and the other products. N Scale Emily and Henrietta both look amazing. I'm still blown away by how much detail they can put into N Scale models which showcases more as the range continues to evolve and grow.
I shouldn't be surprised if the 2024 catalog doesn't show many new Thomas products. There's still many other products that haven't even been teased with samples yet, especially for Narrow Gauge. It's already been two years without a physical sample of Sir Handel. Bachmann desperately needs to catch up on those products. They've fallen way behind.
I believe Doug has made this comment of a catchup year for either 2022 or 2023 before. (I do not recall which, perhaps both.) so really what this tells me is that it'll follow the same pattern the announcements have for the past 2 years now. Smaller more complimentary to already announced stuff to be in the Spring catalog, and the big announcements saved for NMRA. Since the NMRA announcements are typically slated for the following years. My predictions don't change much actually. Although now think we'll only get a 08 (hopefully Sidney) this year instead of both one and Nia. Nia next year for sure though. I still think it's possible we get both Henry and Edward announced this year for N but I'm not as confident in that now, I'll keep believing until August because I am insane. As for my G scale prediction I'm still confident they'll announce a new engine this year but more likely save that for the NMRA catalog, if they prove me wrong and do it in the spring catalog even better. We shall see. We need a substantial g scale announcement though since the museum coaches are coming out shortly and the comeback of the Thomas set is not substantial enough of a new product for the pipeline.
If this year having no new Thomas products is the case, then I'm all for it. Mulfred kindly took time a few posts back of making a detailed list of everything Bachmann has in the works right now (thanks again, mate!). To boil it down even further, we have a whopping total of 36 products, that begin dating back two years following their announcement(s) and 19 new toolings spreading across three different scales. Not to mention the HO DCC and Sound Thomas & Percy models and the Salty reissue, that's been delayed again, much longer than intended. They need to catch up this year, especially with expectations of products for the 80th anniversary next year.
Hopefully we will get something for the Thomas range this year.
I spotted Knapford Station on a Bachmann facebook post earlier this week, now they posted another where it is rather predominant...
Hi Thomas,
The Knapford Station you saw is part of the Island of Sodor operating layout we have on display at shows. We don't have immediate plans to reintroduce it at this time.
Quote from: DustyMarie53! on February 09, 2024, 11:54:19 AMBachmann has already said days ago it would drop mid February. Most likely on the 14th alongside the physical that's releasing that day. Unless Doug wants to be based and do a surprise reveal on the 12th, it's unlikely to be discussed at all on Thomas tuesday other than a date confirmation
Uhhhh...
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 16, 2024, 04:03:23 PMQuote from: DustyMarie53! on February 09, 2024, 11:54:19 AMBachmann has already said days ago it would drop mid February. Most likely on the 14th alongside the physical that's releasing that day. Unless Doug wants to be based and do a surprise reveal on the 12th, it's unlikely to be discussed at all on Thomas tuesday other than a date confirmation
Uhhhh...
Doug said on Thomas Tuesday that the catalog would drop anywhere from around 10 days to 2 weeks from that day. No clue what's taking so long but it's clear the comments they made on the NMRA video were outdated. Obviously had no way of knowing that but that's how it be.
It's definitely taking longer than usual for the catalog to publicize. Even Doug himself didn't know the exact day and time.
Bachmann, just post the announcements already. They hadn't done that since 2021. The catalog has to be there by the end of the month.
Bachmann is on break till the 21st I feel like it may drop around Feb 22,23,24, or the 25 .
I think Wellsworth Sheds and Vicarstown Sheds would be nice. I think Narrow Gauge Engine Sets would be cool.
The catalog shall be up any day. Something is really holding Bachmann up this time. This will be the latest it's ever been. New record. The fact that even Doug himself didn't know the exact day and time really shows. What's with the seemingly endless wait for the catalog? We're less than a week away from March.
So I'm guessing this weekend for the catalog?
Lol I can't believe there's only six days left in February. :o
Nope. Maybe 2 days from now . It's a leap year this year .
It's really not your place to post that man.
Seeing as you leaked the announcements back in 2021 I would think you'd be more careful.
Unless of course you simply don't care.
Quote from: thomasj219 on February 26, 2024, 05:31:34 PMIt's really not your place to post that man.
Seeing as you leaked the announcements back in 2021 I would think you'd be more careful.
Unless of course you simply don't care.
He doesn't care. He got banned the other day for ranting about other shops doing preorders, yet he unapologetically leaks announcements before Bachmann does themselves? If that's not hypocritical then I don't know what is.
You absolutely did brother. And as a retailer I would think carefully about your immature and flippant attitude.
Quote from: tootallyt on February 26, 2024, 05:35:40 PMThey are in the public domain if you know where to look so i havent leaked anything
While we knew about the G scale Thomas set and Talyllyn coaches, the slate wagons were not public. You leaked that bit of information out to the public. Admit you went with premature information without Bachmann's consent and please move on already. We are all tired of your pompous attitude, and not just on here but in all the various Facebook groups/pages you comment on too.
Bachmann said the catalog would drop mid-February, but they were wrong... It may have been delayed to March, and I have no idea why... Their silence is deafening...
Quote from: TrainFan97 on February 27, 2024, 11:14:14 AMBachmann said the catalog would drop mid-February, but they were wrong... It may have been delayed to March, and I have no idea why... Their silence is deafening...
Any number of reasons as I've said in previous posts. We'll get it when we get it. Clearly Bachmann need time to work on it for whatever the reasons are. As I said before they could be trying to get as many products that have newly painted samples ready into the catalogue as they can, it could be a problem with the printing and they don't want to put up the digital until the physical is ready. Constantly saying the Catalogue isn't helping. I know everyone is eager to see it but please be patient, it's not the end of the world and we already know Bachmann have stated this year will be catch up. Until the catalogue is published I'm firmly sticking to my position of we aren't getting anything new... yet.
Quote from: Mulfred100 on February 27, 2024, 12:10:53 PMQuote from: TrainFan97 on February 27, 2024, 11:14:14 AMBachmann said the catalog would drop mid-February, but they were wrong... It may have been delayed to March, and I have no idea why... Their silence is deafening...
Any number of reasons as I've said in previous posts. We'll get it when we get it. Clearly Bachmann need time to work on it for whatever the reasons are. As I said before they could be trying to get as many products that have newly painted samples ready into the catalogue as they can, it could be a problem with the printing and they don't want to put up the digital until the physical is ready. Constantly saying the Catalogue isn't helping. I know everyone is eager to see it but please be patient, it's not the end of the world and we already know Bachmann have stated this year will be catch up. Until the catalogue is published I'm firmly sticking to my position of we aren't getting anything new... yet. Catalogue could drop today, tomorrow, next week, who knows but agonising over it isn't going to speed things along
Quote from: Mulfred100 on February 27, 2024, 12:10:53 PMQuote from: TrainFan97 on February 27, 2024, 11:14:14 AMBachmann said the catalog would drop mid-February, but they were wrong... It may have been delayed to March, and I have no idea why... Their silence is deafening...
Any number of reasons as I've said in previous posts. We'll get it when we get it. Clearly Bachmann need time to work on it for whatever the reasons are. As I said before they could be trying to get as many products that have newly painted samples ready into the catalogue as they can, it could be a problem with the printing and they don't want to put up the digital until the physical is ready. Constantly saying the Catalogue isn't helping. I know everyone is eager to see it but please be patient, it's not the end of the world and we already know Bachmann have stated this year will be catch up. Until the catalogue is published I'm firmly sticking to my position of we aren't getting anything new... yet.
I agree with this sentiment, but I wish they'd be more honest about what's going on. Just say this instead of leaving us in the dark. Bachmann said it was coming Mid-February, then Doug later says it is delayed to anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks after that Thomas Tuesday stream. The end of that two-week period is today (unless he meant business days I guess.) This is all fine but with no other update in sight and walthers outright saying no info from vendor on the catalog order page I'm wondering what is going on.
I'd be less impatient if they'd just give a clear answer. A "hey. We're trying to get a bunch of samples in, and this is taking longer than we thought. The catalog will be out when that's done. We can't give an estimate" would suffice. No more leaving people in the dark, it's not just Thomas Fans asking about the catalog either after all. It's not the end of the world but it's reeking of unprofessionalism, which feels too harsh to say but I don't really have a better word choice.
nvm it literally dropped as I sent that you can ignore me. I still stand by my points though I wish the communication was better
Speak of the devil, the 2024 catalog did drop today, just as I was starting to think it got delayed to March.
Anyway, there was hardly anything new in terms of Thomas products. Just some repaints of the Narrow Gauge Slate Wagons, and the return of the Large Scale Thomas set. Still no N Scale Henry, most likely because they're still getting Gordon and Emily out there, and they're still working on Diesel and Paxton. NMRA for sure, they can announce N Scale Henry.
I had a feeling this year's announcements would be an all-time small. Because there's so many other products that still have yet to be shown in the unpainted stage. including HO Scale Stanley, Open Carriage and 12-Ton Vans, N Scale Diesel/Paxton and Express Coaches, Narrow Gauge Sir Handel, Duncan, High-Side Wagons, Gondolas and Gunpowder Wagons. This is definitely going to be a catch-up year for Bachmann. So many products they've fallen behind, especially for Narrow Gauge.
I want to say I'm surprised that the announcements in the catalog this year are minimal, or almost non-existent, but I'm actually not. It's been emphasized here a few times earlier by myself, as well as other members on the forum and even from Doug on the Trainworld stream that they're behind on several projects as it is, so taking a breather for the time being is probably wise.
That being said, it's nice seeing that the large scale Thomas set is officially making its reintroduction with the Thomas model coming with DCC and sound. I'll admit, that was a very nice surprise. Killing two birds with one stone in terms of reintroductions by making a new product out of it. If there was any range that got a new announcement this year, I'm genuinely glad it's the large scale range. That range has been getting the short end of the stick as of late, how about getting Henrietta out now Bachmann?
The slate wagons were obvious if they were going to do anything for narrow gauge. I like how they are going for different colors, though I'm personally not crazy about the red one. While I don't mind the slate wagons I would have preferred if they had given the N scale range different wagon repaints instead, but that's just me.
I'm under the impression that based on what was on display at the Amherst show (barring the N scale Emily) that we will most likely get Beau, the large scale museum coaches, N scale Gordon and Emily's coaches out first before we get more new product announcements. I could see the N scale Emily getting released closer to the end of the year, and possibly Rebecca and Salty too depending on how production goes for those two. Either way, if it means that the only announcements in the summer will only be N scale Henry and some rolling stock announcements in HO and N scale then so be it. As I said earlier, if it means Bachmann can focus more on previously announced projects then I'm all for the winter announcements being minimal. Here's hoping the next big reveal will be an unpainted sample of Sir Handel and the other narrow gauge rolling stock.
The only items that are taken out this year are the lobster vans, the McColl figure and the Brendam Bay Conflat. The McColl one is kinda surprising as he was the last large human figure made and the only one that is based on the CGI looks. Also the Brendam Bay Conflat as that was only released just the start of the 2020s, and one of the few that only lasted a few years. I'm gonna buy more of those before they're gone.
The Slate Wagon repaints already have images. Those got done quickly because their tooling already existed. The March Thomas Tuesday for sure should reveal HO Scale Rebecca fully painted. After that, the NEXT big reveal from Bachmann has to be unpainted Sir Handel. There's already three rolling stock toolings for Narrow Gauge that have yet to be shown in the unpainted stage. This year, they should be finally shown. Doug has to confirm if any progress has been made on those, especially the High-Side Wagons and Gondolas. The Gunpowder Wagons were just announced back in August.
No new toolings announced whatsoever, so Bachmann can really catch up on them, instead of letting them pile up even further. Before we see N Scale Henry announced, Bachmann is at least trying to get Gordon and Emily out there first, with good progress on Diesel/Paxton. Before HO Scale gets anything else, they're trying to get Beau and Rebecca out there as well, with Stanley on the backburner.
The NMRA for sure should announce N Scale Henry, and if they want more Diesel repaints, 'Arry and Bert could be made in N Scale (with Bert having much more noticeable stubble than 'Arry) or Sidney, who could be the first character in N Scale that doesn't already exist in HO Scale. Sidney would be an easy one for N Scale, since there's no eye mechanism to worry about. The 2025 catalog should have N Scale LBSC Thomas and Origin James for the 80th Anniversary.
How ironic the catalog released the same day as Pokémon Day, and seems to be getting a similar response to Pokémon's no new games in 2024.
I'm glad to see we Thomas fans would rather Bachmann take their time and produce high quality items than slap together half baked models with poor motors and/or inaccuracies.
I'm not remotely upset about these announcements but I feel like the choice of the slate wagons is, not the correct one. Even if these have a quick turn around time it's taking development away from the already in development hell that is the other rolling stock. I feel open wagons in N or anything in G would have been the better filler rolling stock picks. Not that the slate wagons are bad, just a weird choice in my opinion.
I'm also a bit bummed that Brendam bay conflat is gone already. It was the best of the three and hasn't been out for that long. Is a shame to see it go.
As of right now the only things slated for this year are the museum coaches in March, Gordon, Beau, and Tallylyn in May, and in late 2024 Emily and her coaches, Rebecca, the HO figures, and Sir Handel. Idk if I even truly believe all of these products will be out this year, but the lack of new reveals makes me hopeful. Hopefully we get even more than just them.
To be honest, we can't even be bothered by these announcements. Look at this list of stuff in the works. This is like four years of announcements if we were back in the 2010's. There are so many items coming out that we have yet to see, we can't expect more announcements.
Still in the works
Ho:
Salty (re-introduced)
Beau
Rebecca
Stanley
Open Wagon-Blue
12 Ton Van
Circus Van 1
Circus Van 2
Christmas Van
N Scale:
Emily
Gordon
Paxton
Diesel
Gordon's Coaches
Gordon's Brake Coach
Henrietta
Emily's Coach
Emily's Brake Coach
Emily's Passenger Set
Narrow Gauge:
Sir Handle
Duncan
Slate Wagon 1
Slate Wagon 2
Slate Wagon 3
High Side Wagons
Gondolas
Gunpowder Van
Accessories:
STH's Car
Bulgy
Character Packs 1-6
Personally if they had to announce a new item, I think just bringing back the tar tankers would've been a good idea or how about making a troublesome truck number seven using the LNER 12 ton mold they are introducing.
Quote from: DustyMarie53! on February 27, 2024, 01:19:04 PMI agree with this sentiment, but I wish they'd be more honest about what's going on.
Not being dishonest. Traditionally the catalog was made available for the New York Toy Fair in February and given to distributers and retailers first. There was no show this year, so there was no "Official Release Date" this year.
So now Bachmann comes out and explains why the catalog was so late, but at least it's here. Although I would've loved to see N Scale Henry, which has been asked for a good few years since Gordon was announced, maybe he'll be in the NMRA for sure, especially once N Scale Gordon is officially out there, with Emily possibly arriving in stock later this year. Plus, Diesel and Paxton are still on the backburner, but recolors like Sidney, 'Arry and Bert could easily be made with that tooling. Speaking of recolors, the 2025 catalog needs to have N Scale LBSC Thomas and Origin James for the 80th Anniversary, and for a new tooling, N Scale Edward could also possibly get announced with them. Next year's announcements might be much bigger, especially once Bachmann catches up with a bunch of other previously-announced products.
At least I'm understanding why the announcements were so underwhelming. There's so many other previously-announced products that haven't even been shown unpainted samples yet.
HO Scale:
Beau (fully painted)
Rebecca (fully painted)
Stanley
Open Carriage
12-Ton Vans
Salty Reintroduction (on hold)
DCC Sound Thomas (on hold)
DCC Sound Percy (on hold)
HO Scale Accessories:
Figure Packs (unpainted)
Sir Topham Hatt's Car
Bulgy
Narrow Gauge:
Sir Handel
Duncan
High-Side Wagons
Gondolas
Gunpowder Wagons
N Scale:
Gordon (fully painted)
Emily (fully painted)
Emily's Coaches (fully painted)
Henrietta (unpainted)
Diesel
Paxton
Express Coaches
That's a lot of catching up. Hope we see plenty of new unpainted samples this year.
As soon as I saw that the gray flatbed with Brendam crate was going to be discontinued, I ordered it from Amazon immediately today.
Thomas Tuesday is back this week, including new look at Terencethetractor525's new N Scale layout. Catalogue flip through. First look at Sir Topham Hatts car. No mention of Rebecca so guessing she isn't fully ready yet, after all, all we've seen is her tender with NWR. Looking forward to seeing how Terence's layout has progressed
So, there's one new mold in, with plenty more still to come. If Rebecca won't be shown this month either, then it must mean she's not fully ready yet, since only part of her tender was shown a month ago. The big reveal this month will be the first, unpainted look at Sir Topham Hatt's Car.
Complete list of other products and toolings that still haven't been seen unpainted yet:
HO Scale
Stanley
Open Carriage
12-Ton Van
Bulgy
Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel
Duncan
High-Side Wagon
Gondola
Gunpowder Wagon
N Scale
Diesel/Paxton
Express Coaches
I hope MOST of these products get shown by the end of the year. Especially the Narrow Gauge rolling stock and Sir Handel. Doug needs to give us an update on those products. Possibly during summer, we should see unpainted samples of HO Scale Stanley and N Scale Diesel. I feel the latter will be revealed sooner than summer.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on March 02, 2024, 11:54:55 AMSo, there's one new mold in, with plenty more still to come. If Rebecca won't be shown this month either, then it must mean she's not fully ready yet, since only part of her tender was shown a month ago. The big reveal this month will be the first, unpainted look at Sir Topham Hatt's Car.
Complete list of other products and toolings that still haven't been seen unpainted yet:
HO Scale
Stanley
Open Carriage
12-Ton Van
Bulgy
Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel
Duncan
High-Side Wagon
Gondola
Gunpowder Wagon
N Scale
Diesel/Paxton
Express Coaches
I hope MOST of these products get shown by the end of the year. Especially the Narrow Gauge rolling stock and Sir Handel. Doug needs to give us an update on those products. Possibly during summer, we should see unpainted samples of HO Scale Stanley and N Scale Diesel. I feel the latter will be revealed sooner than summer.
I really wish I hadn't bothered posting that list now because every single post is going to be updating that list. Honestly you don't need to constantly update it. That's the third time it's been updated on this page alone
Quote from: Mulfred100 on March 02, 2024, 12:21:15 PMQuote from: TrainFan97 on March 02, 2024, 11:54:55 AMSo, there's one new mold in, with plenty more still to come. If Rebecca won't be shown this month either, then it must mean she's not fully ready yet, since only part of her tender was shown a month ago. The big reveal this month will be the first, unpainted look at Sir Topham Hatt's Car.
Complete list of other products and toolings that still haven't been seen unpainted yet:
HO Scale
Stanley
Open Carriage
12-Ton Van
Bulgy
Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel
Duncan
High-Side Wagon
Gondola
Gunpowder Wagon
N Scale
Diesel/Paxton
Express Coaches
I hope MOST of these products get shown by the end of the year. Especially the Narrow Gauge rolling stock and Sir Handel. Doug needs to give us an update on those products. Possibly during summer, we should see unpainted samples of HO Scale Stanley and N Scale Diesel. I feel the latter will be revealed sooner than summer.
I really wish I hadn't bothered posting that list now because every single post is going to be updating that list. Honestly you don't need to constantly update it. That's the third time it's been updated on this page alone
Oops. Sorry. I didn't realize how redundant it's been until just before you pointed it out. I guess I should stop.
Maybe a silly question actually. But have the lighthouse, square water tower, and other two large figures ever been repackaged in the new style. I feel like they have had to be by now but I'm not remembering ever seeing them.
I think N Scale Live Lobster Refrigerator Van and Tar Tanker would be a great idea. I think 1 Plank Wagons with Crates Gift Pack would be a great idea. I think Season's Greetings Express Coaches (Recolor of Gordon's Express Coaches) and Hot Cocoa Tanker would be perfect for Christmas Additions at some point in the future.
Hey everyone. Apologies for not posting sooner, but I wanted to share my thoughts on the 2024 catalog and current status of the Bachmann Thomas line altogether.
Firstly, I concur with everyone who stated that it is completely understandable as to why there were not many new additions for the 2024 catalog, especially given last summer's massive NMRA product announcements, let alone several new toolings.
For the new additions, I am glad to see the Large Scale Thomas set back in the line, as I have seen many requests for this, and since large scale was the one scale that did not get any new announcement last summer. The slate wagon variants look very nice too. I am particularly fond of the tan one, reminding me of the tan weathering of the slate wagons from Season 5:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/55/Snow33.png/revision/latest?cb=20180112195630
It is also great to see the final images of HO Beau and N Gordon in the catalog, and I look forward to seeing them arrive at retailers in the near future.
All in all, there is so much to look forward to, with over 10 new toolings under development now, including engines, rolling stock, and non rail accessories. The future is bright, and with the 80th anniversary around the corner, I can only imagine that Bachmann has even more exciting announcements planned for the summer and 2025.
Probably one of my favorite kind of posts to do on the forum are the somewhat annual wishlists the N scale range. This is because the N scale range has come so far since its initial announcement five years ago back in February 2019. We're at a point right now where they have doubled the number of engines Tomix released, have a decent variety of rolling stock to choose from, with no signs of slowing down either. They made significant progress last year in terms of engines and especially rolling stock and my original wishlist has only been getting smaller since then! Now that the 2024 catalog has come and gone, here is my up-to-date wishlist for the N scale Thomas range. And even though we all know CGI will be used as a reference, I figured just for fun I will use model era pictures in honor of the television series's 40th anniversary this year in October.
Engines:
(https://i.gyazo.com/1940bf083a6b1001753fb953a7af609e.webp)
Henry - It's so obvious it's not even worth going in depth over, but for the sake of consistency I'll go over it briefly. Henry is undeniably the top request for the next engine in N scale, with his market shown from the Tomix model, shared motor and chassis as Gordon and his HO model remaining a consistent seller it's no contest. I firmly believe Henry should be the next new engine we get announced in N scale at the NMRA this summer once they get Gordon released.
(https://i.gyazo.com/56826238b5fa83cec5e6c97648682fc7.webp)
Edward - A close second is Edward, a character who I feel would be a very appropriate choice for the following N scale engine either after or alongside Henry (if he doesn't get announced this summer), during the brand's 80th anniversary. Another well established character with a lot of history and a strong following, Edward would feel like a very natural addition in N scale. If Henry gets announced at the NMRA as a follow up to Gordon, then I think Edward would be a solid follow-up announcement to Emily once she is released. Even if Henry isn't announced by the NMRA this summer already, I think both Henry and Edward would make a really great duo announcement for 2025 for the 80th anniversary.
(https://i.gyazo.com/90868dd21759b953a26fffd0e361df1f.webp)
Duck - After Henry and Edward, I think the most natural choice would go to Duck. Duck has always been very popular with the older fan base, especially with Bachmann as his HO model continues to be a top seller many years after its release. In the CGI series, Duck has always had a huge following too, even more than Oliver who you could argue is a shoe in because of Toad. However, Duck has always been more iconic than Oliver, especially in the CGI series and the fact that Duck is even popular with the younger generation as well (as confirmed by a former student!) it's clear that after Henry and Edward, Duck rightfully deserves to be third in line before introducing Oliver to go along with Toad. He would also be a perfect follow-up announcement to Diesel once he is considering their classic rivalry, and the HO line did the exact same thing which was appreciated by fans everywhere at the time.
It may seem like my engine list hasn't changed that much, but my honorable mention in the form of Diesel (plus Paxton) found its way into the range last year which is a definite plus. My new honorable mention now would go to Mavis since she has such a simple design and easy chassis reuse Bachmann can work with. Oliver would be a close second honorable mention to go along with Toad.
Rolling stock on the other hand has gone down a lot more drastically on my wishlist. Last year we got box vans, Henrietta, and Gordon's express coaches. Pretty impressive all of these got announced last year if you ask me!
So going forward, here are the next pieces of rolling stock I would like to see next:
(https://i.gyazo.com/0fe07e5d44b7c79928930f4466b28e96.webp)
Brake vans - Like Henry, this is such an obvious pick. I love the Toad model, but as I've said before the 12 ton brake van is far more iconic and would look a lot better behind goods trains pulled by several other characters in the show. They can go for various different liveries like the NW livery like in large scale or brown and gray in the model series or even purple in CGI. They can even introduce a spiteful brake van model either right after or alongside a standard brake van as an added bonus. Either way, there's a lot they can do with this tooling and it's well worth the investment on Bachmann's end.
(https://i.gyazo.com/1de8b2dda77fa8f74d8fec6b0c94cd6d.png)
Red coaches - Just like the brake van, these are another very obvious choice. They are easy models to make and were hot sellers in HO and large scale - I have zero doubt the same will happen in N scale. They've been pulled by several other characters in the show, including characters that are either currently available or high in demand for the future. I think these make a pretty close second top request behind brake vans.
(https://i.gyazo.com/9ff36f4bc0b55857f4a20772570d6d3c.jpg)
Coal wagon with load (and other repaints) - I think more likely than not, Bachmann will most likely introduce more repaints in N scale either in the summer or next year. While the repaint I'm personally the most hopeful for is the coal wagon with load, I wouldn't mind seeing other wagon repaints or even some of the other box vans receiving repaints as well. I wouldn't even mind Hannah in N scale since we are already getting Henrietta in N scale too. Even if one or two repaints were announced alongside a brake van, I personally don't see the harm in that. If they do though, let's start with the simpler repaints first like the coal wagon with load and the red/blue open wagons like in HO and large scale before we move onto the more gimmicky repaints with various decals printed on.
Honorable mentions go to the mail car and a new tanker mold. The mail car has always been a popular seller in HO and offers several repaint options as well, however I put this one lower than the rest since I feel that brake vans and the red coaches are a much higher priority. The new tanker mold meanwhile is something I really want Bachmann to consider at some point much later in the future since I, and many other fans, would prefer the more screen accurate tooling like what was used for the large scale range and even HO/OO. There's a reason why the N scale tankers don't sell nearly as well in my local hobby shops compared to the rest of the stock and it's not hard to see why. I think revisiting the tankers with a new tooling in mind would be a much better option for Bachmann rather than to repaint the Farish tankers again, especially considering there are several repaint options out there. Even if they go for new liveries that weren't introduced previously like milk, tar and even toffee with a new/improved mold I wouldn't even be opposed to that either.
And despite my talk of my list going down slightly, I think it's time to talk about non-rail characters for N scale. This is something that's been brought up occasionally by fans, and with the HO line announcing more as of last year, I figured why not. So here are the ones I think Bachmann should start with:
(https://i.gyazo.com/1594c5bbc6aff20dc82de3db66a12bd1.webp)
Bertie - There is absolutely no doubt that Bertie should be one of the very first additions in this category. He has always been a popular character and made frequent appearances since season 1. He's got a great simplistic design to work with, and I have zero doubt Bachmann will be able to pull him off nicely in N scale.
(https://i.gyazo.com/189be857e3a896278b0a813981c83ffd.webp)
Harold - Harold has always been a huge icon of the Thomas brand and franchise. A popular character since his debut with regular appearances, I would say both he and Bertie would make welcome additions if announced alongside each other together in N scale like in HO (and Bachmann Europe). Harold would also feel like a very natural addition if Bachmann were to include non-rail characters in N scale too.
My honorable mention goes to Cranky, even though he's more of a scenery item they can add to the range; which I feel warrants a post on its own. But having Cranky -an iconic staple in the show- in N scale would go over very well for the many fans who are collecting N scale, including a former student and his dad, in addition to several other young hobbyists who are just getting into the hobby. I'd mention other characters like Terence too, but I don't want to go too overboard non-rail characters quite yet, so I'll wrap it up here. Let me know any additional thoughts below.
Great suggestions here, Chaz! Adding Henry to the range will also complete the original Tomix quartet alongside Thomas, Percy and James. Edward and Duck are also strong suggestions. Mavis' issue is that she did not appear much in CGI following her episode with Den and Dart. Oliver has appeared more consistently, so that's the second reason I'd choose him over Mavis, the first being that his sidekick Toad is already out there.
Definitely in 100% agreement about the red coaches and original green coal wagon. The red coaches will be great for James and Percy to pull. In addition to the coal wagon, I'd personally also like to see the red and blue open wagons join the range. On the subject of brake vans, I think Bachmann could get away with them being track cleaning like in HO, and not necessarily market them as Thomas products. They're colorful and are generic rolling stock that don't need a face to sell. Same liveries as the HO counterparts, too.
Bertie and Harold would also be fun additions. Both were staples of the show all 24 seasons and appeared consistently. Cranky might be a bit of a stretch due to his size and being delicate at such a small scale.
Either way, solid suggestions, and couldn't have come up with better ones myself!
I fully agree with Chaz. The only other alternative I'd throw in that I'd like to see in N Scale in the near future is a Cattle wagon. There's alot of possibility for what's next in N Scale and given how well the range has evolved from the first models of Thomas and Percy to the latest two (Emily and Gordon) I'm sure that Henry, Edward, Duck or whoever will be brilliant too. The only other engine I'd throw in the mix would be Spencer as he's been a pretty constant feature since season 7 and I can see Bachmann making him at some point. The future is incredibly bright for this range.
The way myself and the modellers in my circle see it, it's easier to sort new locos for N Scale 'Thomas' into tiers of priority rather than a hard numbered ranking... Mostly because the demand for Henry and Edward is so suffocating that it is more or less impossible to talk about any other characters without the proviso of "after Henry and Edward, of course"...
Tier 1 would be Henry and Edward, naturally... They're the final two classic main characters... Both are very popular and frequently requested... Henry specifically has the benefit of sharing a common driving wheels and motion with Gordon, which means that the only requirements to create him are to make a new loco shell, tender, and front wheelset to surround the main chassis... Edward would almost entirely be new tooling (albeit likely using the same wheel pattern as Thomas, James, and Toby) but his development cost would be easily justified by how popular he would be upon release...
Tier 2 and below are more subjective and nebulous... I think these would be a combination of popular secondary loco characters from the HO Scale 'Thomas' line and general popular requests for the N Scale 'Thomas' line specifically... At time of writing, I would put four characters into this category; Duck, Spencer, Mavis, and Oliver... Duck and Oliver fit the bill for both criteria... Mavis has been getting a lot of support for N Scale (including from myself)... and Spencer is rather popular in HO Scale despite that model's shortcomings, so I believe he'll make the jump sooner rather than later...
Tier 3 is every other engine that is currently released in the HO Scale 'Thomas' line. Rosie, Donald and Douglas, Daisy, Ryan, Bill and Ben, and Salty... Salty may be cheating slightly since his reintroduction isn't on the market yet... But he is in the catalog, so I count him among these regardless, ha ha... Not much to say about them, I believe all of them will come to pass in due time...
Tier 4 are the characters that are either extremely new or currently discontinued without a plan to be reintroduce... Beau, Rebecca, Stanley, and Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert... The only characters I can see 'jumping the line' as it were are the Iron Diesels for being based on Paxton and Diesel, or Rebecca solely because she is a main character in the legacy 'Thomas' series... Beau is complicated by Bachmann's Old-Time 4-4-0 being a discontinued tooling, and in all honestly would be better off using an updated model as a base... Meanwhile Stanley feels too recent of an announcement to consider placing any higher... That said in a year or two, he and Rebecca would likely move up to Tier 3 once their HO Scale models make it to market, and their places will be taken by whatever new loco characters are announced...
Rolling Stock is a lot less interesting to make a priority tiering for in the same way, since most of it is just a laundry list of essentials... More 7-Plank Open Wagons, more versions of the Tank Cars, Cattle Vans, the Spiteful Brake Van (or other BR 20 Ton Brake Van recolors, if possible), Red Coaches, Toby's Museum Coaches, Red Express Coaches, et cetera... I may have missed it if somebody has posted it, but I feel the Mail Cars would be a good pick for the line as well. It's another piece that was present in TOMIX's 'Thomas' line that isn't currently represented in Bachmann's N Scale line, and comes in at least three colors... Red, Green, and even Live Lobsters if they want to have some fun...
It is always a pleasure to read your suggestion posts, Chaz, and the model era pics were a nice touch. Altogether, I completely agree with all the engine, rolling stock, and non rail suggestions.
Henry is no-doubt who I am also hoping to see announced next in N scale for all the same reasons stated above. I think that him alongside some open wagon recolors (the coal wagon with load, blue wagon, and red wagon), and the iconic brake van would be very nice to see for the next product announcement specifically. Edward, Duck, and Oliver are definitely logical additions too. As far as non-rail characters are concerned, I concur that Bertie would be a good start, followed by Harold or Terence.
It's hard to believe that the N scale line was already announced five years ago. I recall having mixed feelings about how well the line would do, with HO in the main driver's seat. However, I was very happy to be proven wrong, as the line has continuously sold well. Furthermore, with Gordon almost released, the the best days still seem to be ahead.
This NMRA could finally be the time they announce N Scale Henry. He won't completely be a new tooling since he would just recycle Gordon's chassis minus the trailing wheels. Just a new tender, face and body shell. I've stated that the best recolors for the 2025 catalog would be N Scale LBSC Thomas and Origin James, but would be nice if we can get Edward, all of which would be fitting for the 80th Anniversary. Unlike the former two, Edward would 100% be a new tooling, unless they can just scale down his HO Scale tooling to work in N Scale, since it was near-perfect.
For N Scale rolling stock, we desperately need non-troublesome variants of the open wagons, including the green Coal Wagon with Load, Blue Open Wagon and Red Open Wagon. Other very welcome additions would be the Mail Car (great for Percy), Red Coaches, and 20-ton Brake Vans. Red Express Coaches would also be great. Hannah could easily be made using Henrietta's tooling, and she could be the first rolling stock in N Scale that doesn't already exist in HO Scale.
Other great choices for N Scale engines that would be very much welcome include Mavis, since she would recycle Toby's chassis, Duck because of his past rivalry with Diesel, and Oliver because we have Toad. Even Spencer would be a great choice because he, like Henry, can also recycle Gordon's chassis, with his tender being completely different (box-shaped), different trailing wheel design, and a streamlined body shape. Adding Spencer would mean they'd also have to make Special Coaches for N Scale as well. Unlike HO Scale, the Special Coaches can actually have a brake variant in N Scale.
I'd also like Ryan and Daisy, who are the most recent additions to HO Scale, but characters like them I don't see getting announced in N Scale for a while, since they were too recent for HO Scale. Stanley and Rebecca are still upcoming for HO Scale. 'Arry and Bert are discontinued in HO Scale, but could easily be made in N Scale once they have Diesel's tooling ready. Sidney has yet to be made in any scale, but with Diesel's tooling, he could be the first engine in N Scale who doesn't already exist in HO Scale.
If we start getting non-rail characters in N Scale, we could get Bertie and Harold.
Thanks everyone for the strong feedback! I'm glad everyone seems to be on the same page when it comes to the engine choices and the non-rail characters too. Undeniably, I think those the five I mentioned earlier (and possibly Spencer) are easily the more popular requests that I have seen, hence why I mentioned them. I agree that there's a lot more of an urgency for Henry and Edward due to their classic main character stance, in addition to Duck and Oliver to an extent because of Toad's release. That being said, there are a few things I want to respond to in particular.
Regarding the brake vans, as I mentioned earlier, there are different livery options out there Bachmann could use for the N scale range, or even HO if they really wanted to. I think introducing a set of brake vans in a new tooling and various liveries would be the best way to go. Seeing as how Bachmann has shifted for more industrial colors like gray and brown, I would like to see these find their way to the N scale brake vans once they are announced. If there's any new rolling stock tooling that we get announced this year, I hope this will be the one. Track-cleaning stock wouldn't be a bad idea of usage of the brake van tooling either.
As for Mavis' lack of usage since season 19, I think that's a moot point since while her usage hasn't been as frequent as she used to be, she would be one of the easier choices for a new locomotive design. The class 08 repaints do get tiring after a while, and I think Diesel and Paxton are just the right amount for the time being. Mavis would offer some nice diversity in terms of diesels in N scale, and would reuse the same motor and chassis as Toby which is a win-win of it's own. That already puts Mavis a few steps above the likes of other diesels in the range such as Salty or even Daisy, so I'm all for it.
Spencer on the other hand I think has a higher shot than most of us might give him credit for since he's had a better track record from Bachmann in terms of sales. He was also introduced pretty early in HO (he came even got announced before Edward), so I wouldn't rule him out from being introduced soon too. The only reason why I didn't mention him or the likes of Donald and Douglas or Daisy is because I feel like there is a lot more of an urgency to the characters I mentioned earlier. I think the five engines I mentioned in my last post might make better candidates first based on the reasons I mentioned earlier, but I think it's worthy of an honorable mention too. He definitely fits comfortably in a "tier 2" list as mentioned earlier, so there's that much going for him.
As for the cattle wagon, I'm all for it. Like Spencer though, I left that one out since there's some rolling stock additions I feel have a stronger sense of urgency like brake vans or the red coaches or even the mail car. I think we will see demand for cattle wagons increase once Edward eventually gets introduced in N scale.
I wouldn't mind LBSC Thomas or Origin James in N scale either, but in my opinion I think it's a little too early for Bachmann to be considering those, especially considering Henry and Edward haven't been announced yet. Maybe much later down the road once more characters get introduced. Sidney meanwhile I think could work if they absolutely had to reuse the class 08 tooling anytime soon, but I feel like adding a third so soon after Diesel and Paxton is a little excessive.
In short, the engines for N Scale that are in the highest urgency are Edward and Henry, and to a slightly lesser extent, Mavis, Duck, Oliver and Spencer. Edward and Henry have the absolute highest urgency because they would complete the original Steam Team N Scale. Both must be announced within the next 12 months, with Gordon and Emily arriving in stock this year, and Diesel is soon to start progress.
Tbh N scale roise would be nice to see
With two different liveries, Rosie could also work good in N Scale, but she is not a high-priority like Edward, Henry, Duck and Oliver.
It's unlikely we ever will get N Scale Beau, unless Bachmann brings back the American 4-4-0 in a new tooling for N Scale, just like they did for HO Scale. Given how iconic the American 4-4-0 is, they need to bring back the N Scale one by completely retooling it, so it would look good.
I don't know if Bachmann will announce another newly-tooled engine for HO Scale this NMRA, considering they still don't have Rebecca out there yet, and they're soon to show Stanley unpainted since his 3D design is ready. The best choices for new toolings in HO Scale would be Nia, Whiff, Hiro, or Norman. Maybe even Winston can be made in HO Scale, since Bachmann UK makes Wickham Trollies, and that would give the Sir Topham Hatt figure something to ride on. For recolors, Sidney would make the most sense, and I personally would like to see Mainland Diesel #1 with the annoyed expression he had after James bumped into him, even though recolors like the Mainland Diesels and Green Salty are rather niche.
Bringing back arry and Bert would be cool and perfect for NRMA 2024
Thinking about diesel 10 if they put pinchy in found of his windows he could fit under tunnels .
I think he could be perfect for 2025
2025 catalogue ideas
Diesel 10
Blue Annie and clarabel
Work unit coach
M 4 plank wagon
FFQ 4 plank wagon
SCC 4 plank wagon
I have collected many of the HO T&F engines and rolling stock. I would like to see more on the locos brought out with decoders installed. I also have G Scale equipment and same goes for them. Would save me the time of doing it myself.
I think Sam needs to be Second Limited Release after Beau is done at some point in the future. Topham Circus Train would be a great idea. Season's Greetings Express Coaches and Hot Cocoa Tank Wagon would be perfect for Christmas Traditions at some point in the future.
I think Thomas Cabooses should be made out of Unlettered Cabooses in HO/OO Scale and N Scale at some point in the future. That would be nice!
My little girl would love to have an HO NIA
It's really hard for me to suggest something at this time, with so many products backlogged, Bachmann had to announce almost nothing new in the catalog in order to catch up on everything. The next new tooling for HO Scale could be Nia, Whiff, or Norman to be the best choices, along with Hiro, who's even bigger than Rebecca, and I doubt he'd get announced this NMRA. If Sidney can't happen in HO Scale because of problems with the eye mechanism, he could still happen in N Scale. Sidney doesn't exist in Large Scale, either.
What's needed to be said for N Scale suggestions has already been said many times. We know Henry is top priority, along with Edward.
Quote from: TrainFan97 on April 05, 2024, 04:18:36 PMThe next new tooling for HO Scale could be Nia, Whiff, or Norman to be the best choices,
I'll admit, you lost me at Norman being one of the "best choices" Bachmann would make for the next new tooling. The other choices, including Hiro, I could see happening at some point, but I'm not so sure on Norman to be honest.
I think Bachmann's taking the "catch up year" plan a lot more seriously since they seem to be focusing a lot more on making progress on previously announced products. I'm thinking the NMRA will probably just consist of some rolling stock announcements in HO and N, and once more products are released this year or have made a lot more progress we will probably see a much larger lineup ready for 2025 during the brand's 80th anniversary. When that happens I think that's when we will see the next new HO engine tooling announcement along with N scale Henry and Edward once Gordon and Emily are eventually released.
as i said before Samson and Bradford are the main 2 engine and rolling stock i really want them to do. (along with the slip coaches as 3 4 and 5). my reason is i thought they would make a nice companion with oliver and toad (of course when they announced they would do oliver and toad a decade ago that's when the first time i got excited for anything bachmann and also when daisy would be the third item i got really excited for). i just think samson would be a great move for bachmann to do (as long as if they did bradford to go along with him). even though they're catching up with the products they announced from two years ago and last year. i just think samson and bradford should be the next one's they should do more than ever in my opinion. and i also hope they'll update the ho henrietta. (i've taking a strong consideration of buying the n scale toby as the n scale henrietta will have the face). i've had thought of buying the ho toby just wish they'd update the ho henrietta with the face. but i guess we'll see.
Quote from: Chaz on April 05, 2024, 08:59:57 PMQuote from: TrainFan97 on April 05, 2024, 04:18:36 PMThe next new tooling for HO Scale could be Nia, Whiff, or Norman to be the best choices,
I'll admit, you lost me at Norman being one of the "best choices" Bachmann would make for the next new tooling. The other choices, including Hiro, I could see happening at some point, but I'm not so sure on Norman to be honest.
I think Bachmann's taking the "catch up year" plan a lot more seriously since they seem to be focusing a lot more on making progress on previously announced products. I'm thinking the NMRA will probably just consist of some rolling stock announcements in HO and N, and once more products are released this year or have made a lot more progress we will probably see a much larger lineup ready for 2025 during the brand's 80th anniversary. When that happens I think that's when we will see the next new HO engine tooling announcement along with N scale Henry and Edward once Gordon and Emily are eventually released.
I guess Norman isn't exactly one of the
best choices for a new tooling in HO Scale, largely due to his minimal usage in the actual show, despite having many fan-made stories that actually use him. It's also unlikely he'll return in the reboot. The better choices for the next new HO Scale tooling are Nia, Whiff, Hiro, or even Winston. I say Winston because he'd be something the Sir Topham Hatt figure could ride on, and Bachmann UK makes Wickham Trollies. Samson was also mentioned, and being a cabless engine, he can have crew figures onboard, and Bachmann UK has the tooling for Bradford. Probably the simplest new tooling for HO Scale would be Philip because of his small box shape. Unlike Norman, Philip had several episodes dedicated to him. Even Timothy might be a better choice than Norman because at least he had a few episodes.
The tooling Bachmann would use for Braford:
https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/midland-railway-20t-brake-van-with-duckets-lms-grey/38-552b
Quote from: Chaz on April 05, 2024, 08:59:57 PMQuote from: TrainFan97 on April 05, 2024, 04:18:36 PMThe next new tooling for HO Scale could be Nia, Whiff, or Norman to be the best choices,
I'll admit, you lost me at Norman being one of the "best choices" Bachmann would make for the next new tooling. The other choices, including Hiro, I could see happening at some point, but I'm not so sure on Norman to be honest.
I think Bachmann's taking the "catch up year" plan a lot more seriously since they seem to be focusing a lot more on making progress on previously announced products. I'm thinking the NMRA will probably just consist of some rolling stock announcements in HO and N, and once more products are released this year or have made a lot more progress we will probably see a much larger lineup ready for 2025 during the brand's 80th anniversary. When that happens I think that's when we will see the next new HO engine tooling announcement along with N scale Henry and Edward once Gordon and Emily are eventually released.
I disagree for two reasons. Number 1 the NMRA point. Technically the NMRA announcements are supposed to be reveals for products releasing the following year. It's never really worked out this way but it's supposed to (I think it worked out for origins James and only him lol). So if they wanted say, an N scale engine to tie in with the anniversary or a new G scale engine they'd more likely announce them here than wait for the 2025 catalog, as it would more likely guarantee they make substantial progress or even release during the anniversary year. Then NMRA 2025 would be focused on whatever is coming in 2026. Although this being the case could mean they just announce a green Thomas recolor in N or something like they did with origins James in 2020 lol.
As for Norman, I feel like from a Thomas fan perspective he's a little niche. Not a major character in the show or to fans why would they make him? Well, he has an interesting factor going for him. His basis. Not really present for modelling yet. (I think there may have been a brass kit at one point but idk if it still exists?)
So some general British modelers may want to kitbash him similar to what happened with the Skarloey engines. Granted Norman's basis is still super niche however his smaller size would also make him easier to produce compared to say, Hiro. At least currently I'd argue he's the best candidate for small engine new mold aside from Whiff and Nia we already named. Charlie and Sonny have basis's already existing in OO now, not that this means they shouldn't still be made just makes them lesser candidates cause their fanbase is also nonexistent. Dart, Phillip, Scruff, Stafford, and others are small so therefore the eye mech could be an issue. Den is tied to Dart so he'd be in a weird spot. Frankie could be a fun one because she has a nice basis but same issue as Den of being in a duo or group of 5 and said other characters have factors going against them. The international engines could have the same appeal as Norman but are even more niche I'd argue. A bunch of the others are in model series jail. Heck other tender engines are entirely reliant on how Rebecca sells they've said this on a stream before, so idk if Hiro is really likely at this point. Which sucks because he's one I really want. He'd be the next tender engine for sure. So like, aside from the two we already named, and recolors, who's really left? Timothy and Porter I guess?? Belle and Hurricane since they're not outright big engines maybe but they're both weird as well??? Flynn if they wanted to get really experimental and do a high railer but that brings back the eye mech problem. Ultimately my point is eventually they'll have to start taking more risks and getting more out there and Norman I'd argue is a good one to start with. Whiff and Nia first, and hopefully Hiro as well, after that, it's Norman's time to shine. Sorry for the long ramble, I just wanted to make a case for Norman. Hopefully this was articulated well.
Quote from: DustyMarie53! on April 06, 2024, 08:15:17 AMI disagree for two reasons. Number 1 the NMRA point. Technically the NMRA announcements are supposed to be reveals for products releasing the following year. It's never really worked out this way but it's supposed to (I think it worked out for origins James and only him lol). So if they wanted say, an N scale engine to tie in with the anniversary or a new G scale engine they'd more likely announce them here than wait for the 2025 catalog, as it would more likely guarantee they make substantial progress or even release during the anniversary year. Then NMRA 2025 would be focused on whatever is coming in 2026. Although this being the case could mean they just announce a green Thomas recolor in N or something like they did with origins James in 2020 lol.
The thing is, Bachmann made it perfectly clear on the last few Trainworld streams that this year really is the catchup year and there is a lot that they still haven't released yet. Once more previously announced products are released, that's when they typically announce a lot more. Last year Ryan and N scale Toby got released in the spring, and later that summer we got Stanley and N scale Diesel and Paxton announcements. The year before was Daisy and N scale James and then the NMRA was Rebecca (and Beau) and N scale Gordon. The same applies here, the only difference is that while Beau looks like he will be released in the next month, while Rebecca and N scale Gordon and Emily probably won't. Yeah that probably means the newly announced products won't actually be released on the year they're announced or the year after but that's not really anything new in the grand scheme of things. It's to be expected at this point.
There's also really no stopping them from saving the projects from being "officially announced" until later while being worked on before their official announcement like the N scale box vans for example. The van was a new tooling, and yet they were fully painted and ready to go once they were announced. I doubt that this fully applies to new engines (unless it's a repaint like large scale Paxton), but the point still stands that they could be figuring out/working on other projects behind the scenes for a surprise reveal later. I'm all for an N scale Henry announcement this summer, and would love to be proven wrong, but I'm not under the impression it will happen until next year once Gordon and Emily are hopefully out by the end of the year, and then we would receive a duo announcement in N scale of both Henry and Edward. That to me would be a pretty incredible announcement and very fitting for the 80th anniversary of the brand.
Quote from: DustyMarie53! on April 06, 2024, 08:15:17 AMAs for Norman, I feel like from a Thomas fan perspective he's a little niche. Not a major character in the show or to fans why would they make him? Well, he has an interesting factor going for him. His basis. Not really present for modelling yet. (I think there may have been a brass kit at one point but idk if it still exists?)
The thing is, Bachmann typically goes for characters (with a new tooling) who have a lot more of a wider appeal. Characters aren't really picked so much because of their basis, they're picked because a lot of people like the characters who were used in the show a lot more frequently or have a lot more of substantial following from fans. I agree that Norman's basis and design a fun one, and there are a handful of other characters that would be fun (in either model or CGI) that would be nice for aesthetic purposes. However, from a business perspective like Bachmann (or Mattel), Norman is a borderline "nobody" character. No lead role or much of a supporting role, no official introductory episode, not much of a personality, and not a ton of merchandise of him either. All of these factors lead me to believe that Norman would be a poor seller and Bachmann's typically a lot more mindful about which characters they pick when it comes to new tooling announcements. I think we can all agree on Whiff, Nia, and Hiro (depending on how Rebecca does) being valid possibilities for sure. Depending on when Salty gets released I could see Porter eventually being added since he was also used pretty consistently. Winston in HO would be a fun option too considering he has been in large scale for a while and since Bachmann's adding the figure packs, he would be a pretty natural addition to the range as well at some point. Other characters though, I'm personally not so sure of, but again I think there's a handful of other characters I think Bachmann will be leaning more towards regardless before even thinking about adding Norman anytime soon.
Quote from: Chaz on April 06, 2024, 01:19:07 PMThe thing is, Bachmann made it perfectly clear on the last few Trainworld streams that this year really is the catchup year and there is a lot that they still haven't released yet. Once more previously announced products are released, that's when they typically announce a lot more. Last year Ryan and N scale Toby got released in the spring, and later that summer we got Stanley and N scale Diesel and Paxton announcements. The year before was Daisy and N scale James and then the NMRA was Rebecca (and Beau) and N scale Gordon. The same applies here, the only difference is that while Beau looks like he will be released in the next month, while Rebecca and N scale Gordon and Emily probably won't. Yeah that probably means the newly announced products won't actually be released on the year they're announced or the year after but that's not really anything new in the grand scheme of things. It's to be expected at this point.
There's also really no stopping them from saving the projects from being "officially announced" until later while being worked on before their official announcement like the N scale box vans for example. The van was a new tooling, and yet they were fully painted and ready to go once they were announced. I doubt that this fully applies to new engines (unless it's a repaint like large scale Paxton), but the point still stands that they could be figuring out/working on other projects behind the scenes for a surprise reveal later. I'm all for an N scale Henry announcement this summer, and would love to be proven wrong, but I'm not under the impression it will happen until next year once Gordon and Emily are hopefully out by the end of the year, and then we would receive a duo announcement in N scale of both Henry and Edward. That to me would be a pretty incredible announcement and very fitting for the 80th anniversary of the brand.
I didn't actually consider the fact they could be working on products in the background, that's a fair point. Albeit small correction. The vans weren't new tools. They were scaled down from the g scale ones hence they took less time to produce. This doesn't diminish your point at all since they were still worked on in the background so I could see that happening with Henry for sure. Although of note they made a similar catchup year comment last year and then still had the NMRA show that they did. While the newer catalog seems more seriously abiding by this, I don't really know if the NMRA will as well until we actually see it. Maybe that's too blind optimism but I'm working off the patterns they've given us before. If it's all wagon recolors than oh well, I'm wrong and spring 2025 will be the huge chunk of the announcements. Ultimately this is a wait and see I suppose.
Quote from: Chaz on April 06, 2024, 01:19:07 PMThe thing is, Bachmann typically goes for characters (with a new tooling) who have a lot more of a wider appeal. Characters aren't really picked so much because of their basis, they're picked because a lot of people like the characters who were used in the show a lot more frequently or have a lot more of substantial following from fans. I agree that Norman's basis and design a fun one, and there are a handful of other characters that would be fun (in either model or CGI) that would be nice for aesthetic purposes. However, from a business perspective like Bachmann (or Mattel), Norman is a borderline "nobody" character. No lead role or much of a supporting role, no official introductory episode, not much of a personality, and not a ton of merchandise of him either. All of these factors lead me to believe that Norman would be a poor seller and Bachmann's typically a lot more mindful about which characters they pick when it comes to new tooling announcements. I think we can all agree on Whiff, Nia, and Hiro (depending on how Rebecca does) being valid possibilities for sure. Depending on when Salty gets released I could see Porter eventually being added since he was also used pretty consistently. Winston in HO would be a fun option too considering he has been in large scale for a while and since Bachmann's adding the figure packs, he would be a pretty natural addition to the range as well at some point. Other characters though, I'm personally not so sure of, but again I think there's a handful of other characters I think Bachmann will be leaning more towards regardless before even thinking about adding Norman anytime soon.
I feel like we do have to consider the fact Bachmann seems pretty knowledgeable about the general kitbashers given the Tallylyn line and changes they've made for certain Skarloey models. Norman having a basis not repped in 00 at all may be reason enough to consider him over others. He's also a name I've seen brought up on the forums a few times (along with Charlie and Porter) so once we get passed the next obvious group of characters (Nia, Whiff, maybe Hiro, Sidney, I hope not Fernando) I could see his requests rising up. Of course, if KR models or another company makes his basis by the time he's in consideration than this point becomes moot. So it might not be the strongest to base my argument on. But I'd argue we'll already be on the lower tier of characters by the time we get the 4 most likely ones. Even if the model series contract gets changed, I feel Stepney and BoCo are the only two who are really viable at this given time. Eventually they'll have to make new tools based on less popular characters, or just stop entirely. Plus, while he's dull in the show in his merch Norman is a brighter red orange that is pretty unique to him that would more likely be emulated on a model anyway given Bachmann's gloss. To play devil's advocate to my previous post I do think they would more likely do Charlie first, smaller, more unique color, simplistic. Heck I probably want Charlie more you can see my signature, but I wouldn't count Norman out. He doesn't have that much going against him in the grand scheme compared to a lot of other characters I listed in the previous post. If Rebecca ends up as a smash hit though than more tender engines could become viable and would probably take his likelihood down, but again, we'll have to wait and see. Same with Beau, if he does super well Bachmann may try to get more special permissions to do more limited run characters (He still seems to be limited run since Percy recently got a packaging update that only mentions Rebecca on the back, not Beau) without eye mechs so that could be an in for the likes of Stephen. Maybe that's how they get permission for model series characters as well. I guess the thesis of this post is that things could change rapidly, but as of right now I'd argue Norman is higher up on the likelihood compared to a lot of other cgi characters because a lot of them are just as niche. Either way I think we're all in agreement which 3-4 characters will come first, hopefully Hiro is on that list let's cross our fingers.
Whether or not Bachmann makes Hiro will depend on how well Rebecca sells, so it's going to be a while before they announce him. If Rebecca ends up being a hot seller, then Bachmann can definitely consider making Hiro. It's very clear that the most likely next two newly-tooled engines for HO Scale are Nia and Whiff.
In a nutshell, the biggest thing going against Norman is his minimal usage in the actual show. Charlie is also brought up because of his unique livery, and his simplistic design for a new tooling, although his fanbase is non-existent, and he was rather infamous.
Quote from: DustyMarie53! on April 06, 2024, 02:59:00 PMI feel like we do have to consider the fact Bachmann seems pretty knowledgeable about the general kitbashers given the Tallylyn line and changes they've made for certain Skarloey models. Norman having a basis not repped in 00 at all may be reason enough to consider him over others.
The thing is, the market behind HO/OO and OO9 (narrow gauge) are different from each other because OO9 relies a lot more on kitbashing/custom models because of how it's a lot more of a niche scale and not as many manufactures make OO9 models compared to HO/OO. So it's not exactly a fair comparison to advocate for Norman because of what modelers do for Skarloey or other OO9 models. If the character's basis were one of the factors Bachmann took into consideration, we would have seen Charlie and Whiff announced before Ryan or Rebecca. Again, it's really not so much the basis of the character Bachmann isn't going for when deciding on new engine toolings, it's the character themselves and how appealing they are to a wider range of consumers. The added benefit of the first six SKR engines being loved by both older and younger audiences alike and have a presence in CGI helps expand that point even further.
That being said, I do agree with you that the list of more recurring side characters is only getting smaller and we will -eventually- start jumping into more niche side character territory, or in the case of Nia, characters who were introduced a lot later in the CGI series if Bachmann continues to stick with characters who only appeared in that era of the show. I still don't think it means Norman will happen in the immediate future, but I do think if Bachmann continues this direction, it will eventually lead to the lesser known, more niche characters. I would be on board if model series exclusive characters got their recognition once again since Stepney and Arthur are two other personal favorite characters of mine but my hopes aren't that high at this time. At least I can enjoy my custom Stepney model in the meantime made by Bluebells5529 (will be doing a post on this eventually in another thread).
(https://i.gyazo.com/181d41d6608cb3571d609eb1ec10a8d4.jpg)
Chaz, let me start off by saying I adore your Stepney model. BlueBells5529 also made my Percy and Oliver customs I showcased in the "Custom Models" thread. Small world!
My two cents:
As far as a new engine tooling, outside of Whiff and Nia -- who both appear in AEG, everyone else are forgotten relics of the past. I'm personally leaning more towards Whiff myself. Not because I prefer him as a character to Nia, but also the fact that Nia has a rather intricate design with a lot of small details. If Ryan and now Rebecca are anything to go by, every last tiny detail on Nia would need to be replicated. If Rebecca's RRP is high, then I can only imagine what Nia's would be. And she's only a tank engine! Whiff is much less detailed as a result, and in fact, his CGI render is almost a 1:1 of his Season 11 prop.
Norman literally just existed. Yes, a ready-to-run model of his basis would technically have a market for kitbashing, but even that isn't enough to warrant Bachmann making the tooling for a character who only spoke a handful of times and was mostly relegated to background appearances. As a result of this, a lot of people wouldn't know who Norman is.
Charlie did play a heavy role in the Miller era, but after Season 18 was also relegated to the background. From my memory, Charlie wasn't well liked by fans, and was mostly tolerated in his Season 17 and 18 appearances. While he's got an attractive color palette, it isn't enough to produce a character that wasn't liked, then faded into the background.
Stanley, yes, came and went in terms of appearances, mostly being the station pilot, but he had The Great Discovery to warrant enough demand. That special was well loved and still is 15 years later. I myself already have his model on pre-order at TrainWorld, the first time I preordered an HO engine without flinching.
Philip is divided in the fandom. I personally tolerate him. It could cut either way with a Bachmann model of him, but I don't think it'd be wise.
Out of all of these, I'd prefer Whiff and gladly have Stanley on preorder.
One final thing: I rewatched Tale Of The Brave last night, and while it'd be awesome seeing as I liked him, I think Gator has just as slim of a chance of having a Bachmann model produced as Norman does.
Quote from: JacobSK on April 06, 2024, 06:35:32 PMCharlie did play a heavy role in the Miller era, but after Season 18 was also relegated to the background. From my memory, Charlie wasn't well liked by fans, and was mostly tolerated in his Season 17 and 18 appearances. While he's got an attractive color palette, it isn't enough to produce a character that wasn't liked, then faded into the background.
Charlie is actually an interesting case. Despite being forgotten by the show he continued to thrive in the merch. In fact, he was one of the few characters that survived into the motorized/push along rebrand of 2020/2021. For comparison's sake, Ryan and Victor (as a single anyway, Victor survived in one push along multipack) did not get this luxury. Now idk if the other toy lines are something they would use for reference hence why I didn't mention it before, but it is certainly interesting. Would Bachmann even have this data or the other merch lines sales data? Probably not, but again, is interesting. In theory this would also make the Logging Locos a possibility since they're super popular in merch and MIR did super well financially merch wise, but I think they're far too intricate and unpopular to justify the tooling costs. Maybe if they ever do get that desperate though lol. This argument against them seems funny considering I proposed Norman of all characters but still. He has a lot going for him (plus he's technically in a trio with Pax and Sid so if they ever made the latter that might push him a bit up as well, forgot to mention that earlier) right now that very well could change. Lot of what ifs. If the model series rule, eye mechs, or tender engines prove favorable him, as well as Charlie would go way lower. Frankly hope the rules change though because I'd love the options to be more open. Would love a Molly personally, on top of the obvious terrier. Your model is very lovely Chaz, love how it came out.
Imma be honest the mandate is dumb since the show got rebooted I think that there is no purpose for the CGI mandate
Diesel 10 is a character I think could work if pinchy is flexible like the GG1 pantographs . He has not appeared in the show in a while but again the show is not relevant anyway . He also appeared in CGI and if made would be a best seller . If he could fit under tunnels which they could pull off he could be a perfect addition to the range
Whiff Nia Hiro Philip Norman Sidney Luke Victor Charlie Porter skiff Winston Sonny Belle Flynn are some more CGI characters I think could be made .
Model series stuff is now just as relevant as CGI some model characters they could make are
Hank K4 repaint
Molly
Duke
mighty Mac Bachmann Uk repaint
BoCo Murdoch Stepney proteus smudger Billy Dennis
Just get rid of the stupid CGI engines only mandate Mattel!
Im really sad i cant buy a iron arry and bert. I have just stumbled into the HO model trains of thomas the tank and trying to collect them all and i cant. its super frustrating. cant even find them for a premium price. I think Bachmann should consider releasing the discontinued items at a premeium and let us that did snatch them up pay or do a kickstarter to let us fund a run of trains.
Let's just re-introduce them, the prices are premium enough already.
fair enough. seeing what these things cost less than 10 years ago compared to now is a lot. especially their MSRP on their site compared to actual sites like train world or amazon
Gator is high on my wishlist of characters that I think Bachmann should consider making. I'd say he's probably had the same amount of screen time as Stanley (if not more). All around a great character, and a great design. If Bachmann can produce Stanley, then why not Gator?
Quote from: RailsByRick on April 12, 2024, 05:56:09 PMGator is high on my wishlist of characters that I think Bachmann should consider making. I'd say he's probably had the same amount of screen time as Stanley (if not more). All around a great character, and a great design. If Bachmann can produce Stanley, then why not Gator?
The difference between Stanley and Gator comes down to how often they were used. Gator just came and went after Tale of the Brave/season 18, whereas Stanley was introduced a lot earlier in the Great Discovery and has been used a lot more frequently since then.
Quote from: RailsByRick on April 12, 2024, 05:56:09 PMGator is high on my wishlist of characters that I think Bachmann should consider making. I'd say he's probably had the same amount of screen time as Stanley (if not more). All around a great character, and a great design. If Bachmann can produce Stanley, then why not Gator?
I mean Stanley has had 50 on screen appearances, including cameos, 10 of which include speaking roles. Gator had 4 including Tale of the Brave. I'd absolutely love Gator but Stanley was as mentioned used alot more. He's a Sodor engine compared to Gator being on the main land. Even Samson, Spencer, Connor and Caitln (other main land engines) appears more then Gator. After series 18 he's never even mentioned again
Gator would be cool but idk he really only appeared in a movie and maybe like 3 episodes characters like whiff are better options for another large tank engine
I think Chaz and Mulfred both hit it on the head: Despite Gator being a good character with a relatively good render (and a potential tooling that appears simple enough), he wasn't seen at all after TOTB/S18. Compare that to Stanley, whose only big role was The Great Discovery, he still made frequent appearances, even if most of them were in the background or minor speaking roles. He was seen right up until the final season, which makes sense to produce a model of him.
I liked Gator, but I think his main purpose was to sell toys for 2014. I commend them for still producing merch of him afterwards, but he served his function. TOTB is ten years old now. Gator is more of a forgotten memory than Rebecca (I only used her because her model is currently in production...).
I do think in theory there is something to said about Gator's potential popularity. He's continued to last into the merch, said merch/DOWT events most likely being why the cgi rule exists. It's still A version of Thomas being promoted by Mattel, while model series is basically dead and buried beyond Youtube uploads. I'd still argue the rule is dumb but I get why it exists. I do think Gator is too niche though unless demand here shoots up. Albeit I feel using lack of show appearances since season 18 gets tricky. Norman had supporting roles in 3 BWBA episodes all in the same season. Does that make him more likely than Whiff and Hiro who only had one? Answer is obviously no because of demand from fans here and on other social media platforms but let's just say that isn't a factor. Would that make Norman a better choice because of relevancy? I'm not sure how much the actual show appearances matter truth be told, I imagine the only factor that really matters is what fans at events, here, and so on pitch. Cause like. What Bachmann rep is going to go out of their way to check the episode appearances. If Gator's demand shot up here for whatever reason, I don't think his lack of recent appearances would limit him. Also because the show is over anyway.
TLDR: Gator probably not now, maybe not ever, but I wouldn't rule him out entirely just because he didn't appear more post season 18. I think that's the least important factor when deciding a Bachamnn engine. Fan demand is the big one and I've seen, literally no one request him until this hypothetical so that really speaks for itself now doesn't it.
Personally I think the CGI mandate has been irrelevant since the day all engine go came out . I think it's about time Bachmann looked into making characters like Stepney or BoCo while still making CGI characters like Hiro or Sidney . I do think he changes needed in the contract, especially since I don't think any parent is spending over $100 on Rebecca for there 5 year old son . While I do think some kids get the starter set . This line has clearly been for us fans being marked 8+ which at that age probably have a clue who characters like Stepney and BoCo are . By the time I was eight I knew the likes of Wilbert and Culdee .
So did I but we grew up in different times where there was no CGI mandates on merchandise and other merchandise wasn't afraid to tackle that. Just because we recognised something as an 8 year old doesn't mean 8 year olds today will. We take it for granted just how much Thomas was everywhere growing up, toy sections were full, there was always DVDs and VHS tapes available with older and newer episodes, there was always RWS books available to buy and pretty much every episode was available on YouTube. An 8 year old today would have been born around season 21 and look at the difference. I agree that the CGI mandate is silly but I also get it from a business prospective.
YouTube makes that mandate irrelevant. Especially because the classics always do better. AEG was the final nail in the coffin for defending that mandate imo.
If what we see happening continues, more model stuff being found like from the pilot, if the 80th anniversary leans into the models, then I think that mandate will be a thing of the past.
Quote from: thomasj219 on April 20, 2024, 08:52:40 AMYouTube makes that mandate irrelevant. Especially because the classics always do better. AEG was the final nail in the coffin for defending that mandate imo.
How exactly? Mattel culled most of the episodes that were uploaded to different channels. If anything it's the polar opposite now. It's harder for people to find model series stuff.
Quote from: Mulfred100 on April 20, 2024, 02:48:18 AMAn 8 year old today would have been born around season 21 and look at the difference.
Thanks for making me feel old today.
Mattel still has the classics on the Thomas and friends classic channel and on Amazon prime . So don't worry lol back to the topic on future stuff
what about large scale toad
why don't they have the seasons 7-15 on amazon prime though?
Quote from: Coaltronn on April 25, 2024, 05:13:41 PMwhy don't they have the seasons 7-15 on amazon prime though?
Not sure why Amazon has never added seasons 8-15, but Roku recently added a new live channel called "PBS Retro" and they are currently airing season 7/8 episode programs PBS Kids made back in 2004. Season 9 episodes will be airing there in May.
Quote from: Awesometrain77 on April 22, 2024, 03:56:24 PMwhat about large scale toad
As much fun as that would be, I can't see them doing Toad in large scale before Henrietta considering that she's been in higher demand and her tooling could be reused for Hannah while Toad wouldn't offer any other recolor option.
Hannah is a good idea for HO tbh there are some coaches we could see in HO here are some of my picks
• Blue Annie and clarabel - as seen in the great race
•Slip coaches - three face variants
•Work unit coach - green blue and orange
•Faceless brown coaches- same color as A&C
•Herenttia with face
•Hannah - Henrietta repaint with new face and lamp on side
•Dexter- red brake coach repaint with face
•An Ann - Annie repaint with face
•Yin-Long - Annie repaint with face
•Gordon's special coaches - express coaches repaint
•Green express coach with buffet - green composite coach with buffet lettering on side