Quote from: CandygramforMongo on Today at 08:57:02 AMOf course! I'm a massive fan of DCC Sodor's work as well, and I've done a couple of sound installations of my own (James and Daisy). I hope I didn't come off as saying more DCC sound engines in future isn't happening, I too firmly believe it is. I was just saying I don't know how feasible it'd be to make a universal one size fits all module to be sold separately like in G at this point in time 

Not at all, we're all good! I appreciate you sharing your experience, and it's great to hear you've done installs on James and Daisy. Always nice to have these discussions and hear different perspectives.

Really enjoyed reading this Christian, I appreciate you for giving the resin buildings some long-overdue attention. You made a really strong case for why buildings deserve a closer look alongside the ever-growing engine and rolling stock lineup.

From your list, there are four buildings I'd personally love to see tackled first:

• A new signal box feels like a no-brainer given how well the original sold and how essential it is to any layout.
• The Skarloey Railway engine shed also feels long overdue, especially with the narrow gauge line continuing to grow. I would buy that day one for my OO9 layout.
• Neptune Refreshments is another standout; it's simple, memorable, and instantly recognizable to fans of both the Railway Series and TV series. Another day one purchase for my OO9 layout.
• Toby's shed would be an incredible addition and feels iconic enough to justify the size. Even if it's not for the Skarloey line, I would buy one simply because Toby's one of my favorite characters in the show.

As an honorable mention, Ffarquhar Station would also be fantastic to see down the road. The size would definitely present a challenge to the pricing, but given it's such an iconic location in both the model and CGI seasons, I could actually see it selling better than Maithwaite.

I also really like your point about packaging. Creating special, more visually engaging packaging for new resin buildings would be a great way to spark interest and show buyers what's possible. Seeing a building placed in a fully sceniced Sodor layout with familiar engines nearby helps people imagine how it could fit into their own layouts, rather than viewing it as a standalone piece. That extra flair could go a long way in encouraging scenery-focused purchases.

Hope this thread takes off and helps Bachmann take new resin buildings consideration.

Hey, maybe N scale fans might get lucky and get a resin line of their own one day too...!

Quote from: CandygramforMongo on February 02, 2026, 04:43:30 PMAs much as a sound module for HO scale would be nice, I'm not sure how compatible it would be with much of the HO engines. A bunch of the chassis offer very little room in terms of sound decoder placement, let alone speaker placement. Bachmann Europe even had to go in and modify Edward's chassis just so it could be DCC ready, and even then, just for a barebones non sound Next18 decoder. Taking out the eye mechanism would allow more avenues to be explored, but I don't see that feature leaving anytime. And while you can always go the route of installing the module in the tender with the speaker, you still have to go the extra mile to drill holes and make connections.

G scale isn't as big of an issue since you have so much more added space to work with, even with the eye mechanism. Granted, I've only seen the interiors of Thomas, Percy and Toby, but I assume it's no different for Emily and James. They can make the sound module one size because they know it'll fit in all of their G scale range, but I don't think the same can be said for HO, especially when you look at many of the different shapes and sizes of each of the engines' PCBs. Granted you can make small sound decoders as proven with companies like ESU with their Loksound micro and nano decoders, but the price would be jacked up substantially as a result when compared to the more affordable soundtraxx ones that they currently use.

Im almost positive that this is why G scale made the jump to DCC way earlier than HO.

You raise some valid points regarding space constraints, chassis design, and speaker placement in HO. There's no question that HO presents more challenges than Large Scale, particularly with the eye mechanism still in place and the limited internal volume on many of the engines.

That said, members of the community such as DCC Sodor and redtender5 have already demonstrated that DCC installation in HO Thomas models is achievable through custom work and careful planning. While these installs aren't plug-and-play, they clearly show that sound and DCC can be successfully implemented at this scale, even within the existing design limitations.

I also think it's worth noting that Bachmann has already demonstrated a willingness to adapt chassis designs for DCC, as seen with Edward in the UK range. While that example is non-sound, it shows that internal revisions are not entirely off the table when there is sufficient demand. I wouldn't rule Bachmann out for getting experimental with a hypothetical DCC and sound release for James by allowing the many of the electronics to be in his tender.  Additionally, HO Thomas and Percy have already proven that sound can be successfully implemented at this scale using SoundTraxx hardware, suggesting that similar solutions could be feasible for a majority of the range.

Cost is certainly a consideration, especially when compared to micro and nano decoders such as ESU's. However, even a higher-priced, official sound module would likely find a market among fans who want a character-specific solution without the added complexity of sourcing third-party decoders and custom sound files.

I understand why Large Scale transitioned to DCC sound earlier: it's undeniably easier with the available space. However, with HO DCC sound now firmly established for Thomas and Percy and growing interest from the community, I think it's reasonable to at least explore what options might be feasible, even if they come with clear limitations.

I appreciate you bringing up the technical side of this. It's an important part of the discussion, and it's helpful for Bachmann staff to see both the enthusiasm from fans and the practical considerations being raised.

I recently picked up the DCC Sound Thomas and had the opportunity to test it with Kelson (redtender5) while on a call with DCC Sodor. I can confidently say that Bachmann and SoundTraxx truly delivered on the sound quality of this model. I was impressed enough that I have already purchased Percy online, who is currently on the way.

The CV includes the same sound suites and character options found in the Large Scale DCC Thomas and Percy models, featuring engines 1–7, Emily, and Spencer. While many of these characters were never released in Large Scale, Bachmann addressed this by offering a standalone DCC sound module, allowing fans to add DCC and sound to other models such as James, Toby, and Emily: engines that never received factory-installed DCC and sound.

Unfortunately, this same option does not exist in HO scale. At present, only Thomas and Percy are available with DCC and sound installed. Given that Bachmann already has these character sound suites—both from the Large Scale module and within the HO Thomas and Percy models—it feels limiting that HO fans have no way to access these sounds for other characters. This raises an important question: why can't HO modelers have the same flexibility when all of the characters represented in the sound suites are already available in HO scale? Wouldn't it be ideal to have that same level of choice?


This is why I believe a logical next step, either this year or next, would be to introduce the same DCC sound module used in HO Thomas and Percy as a standalone item. This would allow fans to add DCC and sound to the rest of the HO Thomas range without requiring the purchase of entirely new locomotives. Even owners of non-DCC Thomas and Percy models would benefit from having this option available.

Such an addition would not only expand customization options but also help bring more fans into the DCC side of the hobby. HO Thomas models have been on the market for many years with no signs of slowing down, and the standalone Large Scale sound module continues to sell well. In fact, it outlasted the now-discontinued Large Scale DCC Thomas and Percy engines (with the exception of Thomas in a set). This suggests sustained interest in modular DCC sound solutions, a trend that could easily carry over into HO scale.


A standalone HO DCC sound module would be a strong asset to the hobby. Bachmann is already encouraging DCC adoption through products such as the HO DCC turntable being a required purchase for the reintroduction of Tidmouth Sheds, and Bachmann Europe offers Thomas models that are DCC ready. These developments further support the case for investing in an HO DCC sound module.



Speaking of Bachmann Europe, this also raises another opportunity worth considering. In addition to a module featuring the same sound suites as HO Thomas and Percy, there is room for a second DCC sound module dedicated to other popular characters that currently have no sound options. Engines 1–7, Emily, and Spencer have been proven sellers for nearly two decades, with many expanding across multiple scales. Beyond them, Diesel and Paxton now have a presence in every scale, including Large Scale, making them strong candidates. Duck and Daisy are already available in the UK DCC-ready range and would also be well-justified inclusions. Oliver, who has remained a consistently popular seller for many years, feels like a natural choice as well. Introducing a second module with sound suites for these engines—and potentially other strong sellers—would be an exciting and forward-thinking move.

Ultimately, the fact that HO DCC sound Thomas and Percy have only been available for about a month and fans are already asking for more options speaks volumes. It strongly justifies Bachmann exploring standalone DCC sound modules for the HO Thomas range in the near future. I know I would purchase several for my own collection, and I'm confident many others would as well. I hope Bachmann will consider this, as it would positively impact not only HO Thomas fans, but the model train hobby as a whole.

Thank you to the Bachmann team for taking the time to consider this suggestion, and to fellow forum members for the continued discussion and shared enthusiasm for expanding DCC options within the HO Thomas range. I look forward to hearing future thoughts or updates on this topic.

I appreciate Bachmann taking the time to publicly acknowledge the concern surrounding Knapford, as well as explaining in detail what happened during production and how they plan to avoid the recent pattern moving forward. Considering that all the new and upcoming products, (besides Flying Scotsman), have prices listed, it does check out that Bachmann is including prices first before publicly announcing said products. Hopefully, Flying Scotsman will have his price listed soon too.

Quote from: MrNormalDraws on January 24, 2026, 08:23:34 PMI'm surprised they are being out of stock compared to the original green ones. I guess it shows some people prefer the logoless wagons at times.

The original coal wagon with load continues to sell really well. Christian mentioned to me the other day that it continues to sell out at Trainworld, and they're often ordering more stock. I imagine this is because these are based on actual wagons used in the show, unlike the "Sodor Coal Co." wagons. Based on that and other locations I've seen, I'm not at all surprised the Sodor Coal Co. wagon was discontinued. Hopefully Bachmann takes this into consideration when adding coal wagons in N scale, since the original coal wagon has been a pretty popular request for repaints and will inevitably mirror the same sales the HO model has seen for almost two decades.

Not terribly exciting announcements, to be totally honest, but with everything going on right now, it's understandable.

The highlight for me, easily, is the NW brake van for HO. That was probably the one thing I was especially excited for in the 80th anniversary set, and I'm so glad that at least is making it out as its own release. The Ffarquhar company wagon is also fun; definitely getting both of these. I don't have too much of an opinion on the CGI fuel tank, other than that it was a pretty obvious choice after the milk tank announcement.

Shockingly, the announcements I'm least excited for are in N scale. I don't mind the stock itself, and I had a feeling they'd be repaints. The blue open wagon is fine, and I'm glad to see Mr. Jolly's van in N scale as well, the latter I'll be picking up for sure. Still no BR brake van, but it is what it is, I guess. Hopefully that gets announced this summer along with the coal wagon with load.

Large scale getting some form of love is always welcome. The milk tank reintroduction and the fun fair vans will, I'm sure, make people who model in G scale happy to at least get something.

I love the blue Talyllyn announcement, as well as the gunpowder van repaints. I am a little disappointed that the Thomas narrow gauge line didn't get anything new this year, considering all we're waiting on are the gunpowder vans, and those are already finished. Hopefully that changes at the NMRA this summer, which generally seems to be when the more exciting announcements happen. So here's hoping we get some new engine announcements then.

Apart from the lack of narrow gauge announcements on the Thomas side, I'd say this is a pretty solid lineup rolling-stock-wise. Gordon's coaches look gorgeous in the picture I saw from Christian this morning, and I like how the N scale LBSC Thomas and Origin James models look too. They skipped the tail lamp decal on James and only added the red lining, which I'm really glad they did. I'll be passing on both of these, since I am only collecting model era characters only in N but maybe I'll pick up Origin James at a much later point since the tail lamp decal is not included.  But the N scale express coaches I am buying day 1 and I'm even tempted to get the flat car with diesel fuel loads too.

Either way, can't wait to see and hear more updates on these announcements and more later this year.

Quote from: TrainFan97 on January 17, 2026, 07:14:12 PMSo the 2026 catalog will be up next Friday the 23rd, as it's typically up on Fridays.

Already less than a week before we see what exciting new products will be announced, once the PDF file is available.

As I mentioned in my last post, it's going to be posted Saturday the 24th, not Friday.  Bachmann's mentioned this in their recent livestreams and Yard Master also confirmed it in another thread this morning:

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,40182.msg289147.html#msg289147

Quote from: Yard Master on January 20, 2026, 09:11:56 AMHi Jim,

The digital version of the catalog will be posted to our website this Saturday, January 24th. Print copies will be available for purchase in February.

Won't be too much longer either way.

I've recently joined an N scale club, and I'm able to run some of my Thomas models there once I get decoders installed. I've been toying with the idea of adding some non-rail characters to my collection, at least as placeholders in case Bachmann ever announces them later down the road. Right now, I'm leaning toward Bluebird for Bertie and an ERTL miniature for Trevor. I'm a little stumped on what might work for Terence or Harold. Does anyone have any recommendations in terms of merch or any alternative for those two?

Quote from: TrainFan97 on January 16, 2026, 10:08:30 PMLooks like it will be two more weeks before the catalog drops.

*One week

It'll be up during the Amherst show next weekend on the 24th.

Quote from: harrison05 on January 12, 2026, 08:10:05 PMN Scale (I could see them doing Duck, Oliver or maybe even Daisy before Edward but I think he's is next.)
Edward

I could -sort of- see them introduce Duck in N scale before Edward, since Duck has been promoted more heavily lately in marketing and merchandise, is apparently getting a new diecast tied to the 2026 show, and is another one of Bachmann's top HO sellers. Bachmann also hasn't released a new N scale tank engine tooling in some time, with recent molds focused on tender engines and Diesel/Paxton, plus the Thomas and James repaints. So starting with a smaller, potentially cheaper tank engine would make sense from a production standpoint.

That said, Edward still feels like the most practical and natural choice overall, and despite the fandom often being split on different opinions/views, I haven't seen a single suggestion that doesn't place Edward as the next logical choice in N scale.  I'd be very surprised if the next engine announcement in N scale isn't him or Duck.

Very nice review, Kempton! I like how you mentioned some of the other specific details, like the handrails being different on both sides. I'll admit I didn't catch that in my earlier review; Good eye! I loved the running session, and it's great seeing where we are with the narrow gauge line currently. Great job!

Well, the model I've been eagerly anticipating for years has finally arrived, and here are my thoughts on Bachmann's Sir Handel.



Ten years ago today, Skarloey was released. I still remember the excitement when he was first announced in early 2015. It came out of nowhere and immediately felt like the start of a bright future for narrow gauge modeling. Now, a decade later, we welcome the fifth member of the lineup. Each release, excluding Rusty, has shown clear improvement as the range continues to grow. Skarloey felt like the beginning of something special, giving way for engines such as Rheneas and Peter Sam to follow. Sir Handel, however, doesn't just follow. He exceeds every expectation.



This is, without question, the best model to come from the range so far. It surpasses nearly everything Bachmann has produced across scales. I hardly know where to begin. We are at an all-time high here, and it is genuinely impressive how well Bachmann executed Sir Handel.



Right away, the proportions stand out beautifully. They capture his real-world basis more accurately than the CGI render, for reasons we found out earlier this year with Bachmann's Sir Haydn announcement! No matter how you look at it though, the Bachmann Sir Handel model represents the character incredibly well.



The detailing is superb, from the rivets to the separately fitted whistle and brake pipes at both ends. Even though those pipes were not present in the CGI version, their inclusion enhances the model in a very positive way. If any engine deserved that extra attention, it was Sir Handel.


The cab design is strong as well. It does not share the same amount of blockage as Peter Sam, nor does it have closed off windows like Skarloey/Talyllyn.  Yet Bachmann still managed to add traction to the trailing wheels (or "steamroller wheels"), allowing it to increase traction and improves overall running performance.


The livery is beautiful. The shade of blue is spot-on, and the painted details such as the handrails and nameplate elevate the model visually.


The face is excellent too, perfectly capturing his CGI appearance. For those who prefer the classic model-era expression, replacing the face should be a simple and accessible modification.


As for performance, Sir Handel is appropriately smooth. His "steamroller" wheels provide excellent traction through curves and steeper grades, and he handles any sort of consist with with ease.  This was something Bachmann did with their Peter Sam model, and I'm glad they continued this with Sir Handel.


He performs just as well in reverse and over switches, which speaks to the quality of the wheels and motor. This is an engine that will not derail easily, even if he would prefer to not work with trucks...


The word "perfect" is not one I use lightly, whether for models or anything outside of the hobby. The Bachmann Sir Handel though, in my very honest opinion is just that: perfect. That should emphasize just how exceptional this release truly is. There is not a single flaw I can point to. It may be the best model Bachmann has created, not only in narrow gauge but across every scale in the Thomas ranges. It is remarkable to realize that ten years have passed since Skarloey, and now we have a nearly full and well-rounded fleet to enjoy.


I hope Duncan returns in production someday. But even if he does not, I have complete confidence that future additions will continue to meet this standard of excellence. Thank you, Bachmann, for delivering something this special. Sir Handel was worth every moment of the wait, and I look forward to whatever comes next.

A review on the figure packs are coming soon, I promise!

Quote from: TrainFan97 on November 09, 2025, 02:25:55 PMWhat's holding Bachmann back from doing new scales they haven't done before, like S and Z Scales, is that it would take resources away from what they're already doing. Having to design new track for those scales is already an expense that doesn't even include engines or rolling stock.

The bigger issue is the license to produce models in those scales. Before Bachmann can even think about track resources, they need to secure a license from Mattel to produce Thomas models in another scale. Considering how much we're still waiting on from Bachmann with everything already on their plate, I can promise you the last thing on their mind right now is launching an entirely new Thomas range in a different scale.

Although I wasn't able to attend the event at Trainland, I saw pictures and caught some of the stream earlier and it looked like a lot of fun!

Naturally, I'm most excited for Sir Handel, and I'm thrilled he'll be arriving early next year. The gunpowder vans turned out great too; I might have to grab one (or maybe two) of the D. Fusit ones.

Right behind Sir Handel, I'm especially looking forward to the DCC and sound Thomas and Percy models. These have been nearly five years in the making, but I'm so glad they're finally set to release by the end of the year. I've wanted DCC versions of Thomas and Percy for a long time, and I can't wait to run them at train shows when the time comes.  It's always a pain to run only analog on our modular setup (especially when I want to have multiple engines moving at once to make it feel alive), so I'm glad this will be resolved by our next show in January!

It's great to see the tankers finished and the 80th anniversary vans making it out in time for the end of the year. Hopefully, these releases open the door to more new HO and OO9 rolling stock announcements in the next catalog.  Possibly even a chance for Duncan to be reconsidered too, (though I'm not holding my breath just yet).

I'm a little bummed the N scale Gordon's express coaches didn't make it this time, but hopefully we'll see those soon, along with updates on other previously announced N scale products. I'm doubtful we'll get a new N scale engine announcement in 2026 with so much still in development, but maybe things will change by the NMRA. Fingers crossed for Edward or Duck!  I'm sure we will at least get some more N scale rolling stock if nothing else.