Enjoyed your review as always, Chaz! The Express coaches look great and as you said, Gordon finally looks complete with them. They hit the spot in the right places, and almost make me want to give N Scale another go. I'm curious to see how they'll look and perform behind James, but as you said, that'll be for another day. Your club also looks like a fun place. Always nice to see any scale of Bachmann Thomas against detailed scenery, British or American.

Either way, sounds like they're recommended. I wonder if the red ones will use the bright white and red livery seen in S2 and with Scotsman in CGI or if they'll have the blood and custard livery of S3-12. If they go with the latter, the upside will be that they'll have the same livery as the Maunsell basis had during BR ownership.

All right, the announcements are out. Here're my thoughts.

HO/OO:

First, we'll address the elephant in the room; I'm extremely pleased and excited for all new toolings of Thomas and Percy after 25 years! This has been requested since I believe Devious Diesel and Donald & Douglas came out all the way back in 2011. With the narrow gauge range and recent HO models like Ryan and Stanley (and Rebecca, even if she isn't one of my favorites), new toolings of the very first models are a more than welcome addition. Can't wait to see how they turn out!

Next up, Diesel 10. As soon as the preorder links, I'm doing what I need to do without flinching. He was my favorite thing about Magic Railroad, and with the director's cut being reconstructed and restored, his announcement is very timely. I think a reissue of 'Arry and Bert will go nicely alongside him, but that's just me.

Onto the rolling stock. The Chocolate Syrup tanker is...fine I guess. It'll go nicely with the Mr Jolly's van, if nothing else, I suppose. Meanwhile, the Stone trucks are something I've been thinking about lately, and I'm genuinely excited they're a reality now! I think they'll go very nicely with Toby, Mavis and especially (the new) Percy. I plan to pick up one of each, maybe two of the brown one. Since we have the red wagon being used for China CLay and especially, a plain green wagon for coal. I'll elaborate more on that one later...

I'm also surprised we're not getting a new engine in OO9, especially now that Sir Handel's out. The tipper wagons are fine, but nothing I'm interested in.

Even though I've said time and time again that Large Scale isn't my thing, I'm happy that after 13-14 years since his release, Toby is FINALLY getting Henrietta. She's been requested for a long time, and I can't wait to see how she turns out. Here lies Chaz's wallet...
Hannah is fine by me since they were able to reuse the tooling. I can also see Henrietta's tooling used for a Christmas coach, too. Much like N Scale.

Onto N Scale:
While I'm sad we didn't get a new engine announced, it's understandable, seeing as Bachmann should probably work on Diesel, Paxton and Henry.

The Red Express Coaches -- much like Henry, the engine they're most associated with -- were an inevitable, but welcome addition.

The funfair vans I'm sure will look great, but I hope the plain gray van happens, too.

Now onto the coal wagons. While I am happy that a coal load will be given to the 7 plank wagon, I'm sad that we're getting the more gimmicky/Trackmaster style Sodor Coal Co and Coal Mining variants rather than the plain green coal wagon. I'm pretty sure that one was a popular seller (despite being retired, for whatever reason) in Large Scale and I'm fairly certain still is a popular seller in HO/OO. It's baffling to me why it wasn't introduced first and then the two gimmicky ones later. The plain green coal wagon is popular because is not only looks natural, but it's also the kind of wagon one can buy multiples of. With the two gimmicky ones, people are only inclined to buy one and call it a day. Probably why more of those variants are consistently available to buy rather than the more popular one. I seriously hope that the plain green coal wagon happens in N scale because it'll look much more natural, selling in multiples. I can even see non-Thomas British N Scale modelers buying multiples. I hope Bachmann will seriously consider the plan green coal wagon for the reasons I stated. It appears I'm not alone, either.

And that's all from me! Looks like the positives definitely outweigh the negatives here in terms of the announcements and I can't wait for the day that these products physically hit the shelves.

I hate using a cliche, but Bachmann is always full of surprises. And for the best!

Thanks for the honest review, Chaz! I was on vacation last year and stopped into TrainLand to find the figure packs waiting. Where I'm going with this is that I pretty much echo everything you said here. And thanks for touching on STH's car. Again, I have that piece and agree with your sentiments.

A passengers pack and the brass band I wouldn't mind seeing. My idea for a Sodor Celebrity pack includes Tom Tipper, Lord Callan, Sir Robert Norramby, Alicia Botti and the Thin and Fat Clergymen would fit the bill for me. All of whom appeared frequently in CGI, no less.

Let's hope that Bachmann makes some more packs. They're doing well as far as I can see.

As always, enjoy your thorough and fair reviews, Chaz! I may end up getting the Ffestinog Railway variants of the high side wagons for the very reasons you mentioned. The bright colors aren't for me. Much like you, the gondolas surprised me. And don't get me started on D Fusit. Funny enough, I've always associated that piece of rolling stock with Duke. Since Bachmann are making the gondolas and gunpowder wagons in muted colors, I agree that the tan brake van is long overdue.

I'm also in favor of the NG coaches with faces. Plus, we can have the red coach finally look like a TV variant. The red coach in the range now looks identical to the Tayllyln variant for my liking.

I personally would rather see the 4 plank wagons over the tippers, but that's just me, I guess.

As far as a new engine, I wouldn't mind Luke. My biggest issue is that he'll be too detailed to warrant a tooling. As we saw with Scotsman's announcement last year, anything is possible, though. You know what they say, "Never say never".

Thanks again for providing your thoughts. I, too, am anxious to see what Bachmann has in store!

You've given some food for thought here, Chaz. Allow me to weigh in, if you will:

Quote from: Chaz on June 15, 2026, 01:36:20 AMHere's my official "list" (haven't done one of these in a while), of what I could see being announced between the rest of this year and 2027.  I think 2027 is most likely going to be the next "big year" for Bachmann and not another "catch-up year" as they've been focusing a lot more on progress on previously announced projects.  That being said, I'm pretty optimistic and I figured after some time here is my official new list post:


HO/OO scale:
Hiro
Whiff
'Arry and Bert reintroduction

All exactly the same as my previous posts, no reason to repeat my reasoning here.

HO/OO scale rolling stock
Troublesome truck #8 (coal wagon)
Slip coaches
Sodor mail car reintroduction
Classic oil tanker reintroduction
Utility van (repaints of the mail car tooling)

Truck 8 was explained earlier in another post.  I like how Bachmann is starting to cater to both model and cgi eras for rolling stock designs. It gives me a reasonable amount of hope that older rolling stock decals can finally make a big reintroduction.  I would especially love a return of the classic oil tanker.  The slip coaches feel like the next obvious new rolling stock tooling. They're an obscure piece of rolling stock in CGI that have been used pretty frequently.  If Bachmann went ahead with a new tooling for a blue open carriage of all things, I can totally see the slip coaches getting introduced soon.  Especially with Duck and Oliver still being top sellers.

While I can see the Yellow Diesels and the rolling stock recolors being announced in January, with a newly tooled engine happening for NMRA.

It'd be awesome to see the Sodor Mail vans make a comeback. The Oil tanker on the other hand, I don't dislike it, but it felt like a knockoff Tar Tanker for the Gullane era, if that makes any sense.

The utility van would be fun, but what I'd like to see is a NW Brakevan. Essentially the Spiteful Brakevan but with no face. Especially now that the track cleaning brake vans are discontinued.

As far as a Troublesome Truck #8, I like the idea of the coal wagon, but how about a stone load? That'd be a new load that would entice buyers to buy the truck, even if just for the load.

QuoteFigure packs:
Sodor Celebrity pack
Brass band

I'm a little surprised they haven't announced any new figure packs yet, but again considering how far behind Bachmann is on previous projects, I can totally see why. I think they're only just going to announce two packs since last time they announced six for their first batch, which seems like a lot in one go.

I like those figure packs! For the celebrity packs, I'd like to see Tom Tipper, Lord Callan, Sir Robert Norramby and Miss Jenny.

QuoteNarrow gauge:
Duncan revival
Luke

While Duncan is self-explanatory, Luke is the only CGI narrow gauge engine I would have any interest in, as I never really felt one way or the other about Victor or Millie.

Narrow gauge rolling stock:
4-Plank wagons
Skarloey Railway carriage - blue
Skarloey Railway carriage - red
Tan brake van

"But Chaz, we already have blue and red narrow gauge carriages!"

We do, but hear me out...


I personally think it would be a very smart idea for Bachmann to look into adding more narrow gauge coaches but this time, adding faces to them. This seems like such an easy win-win for everyone involved. Bachmann would get a lot of sales on these from the older audience with only adding a faceplate to their blue carriage and repainting the red carriage in classic colors with a new faceplate.  Fans win because that's more classic rolling stock that would be appealing for both nostalgic and younger audiences who like the different facial expressions.  If Bachmann went ahead with the spiteful brake fan and something as niche as the D fusit gunpowder van, I can totally see them going this exact same route for narrow gauge coach repaints.  I'm surprised no one else has brought this up or at least hasn't recently.

The 4-plank wagons are the new narrow gauge rolling stock tooling I'd like to see them introduce the most. Tippers wouldn't be a bad idea either considering they have a real life Talyllyn repaint option Bachmann can look into.  The tan brake van is another obvious choice that needs no further explanation

Since Sir Handel's release, I think Bachmann could pull off Duncan to simultaneously announce a Douglas (TR) model as well. I like Luke, but I feel he's too detailed to justify a cost. Honestly? Victor is much more simplified, detail wise. Plus there's the Yellow Victor recolor.

As for the narrow gauge coaches with faces, I'd preorder day one. I personally wanted the red coaches. Now that the Talyllyn coaches are out, it makes the Thomas red NG coaches redundant, so another good opportunity to introduce a new variant of the tooling.

The 4 plank wagons would also make for more rolling stock options. Ever since the gondolas and D Fusit, it's great to know the sky is the limit.

QuoteN scale engines:
Edward
Duck

Absolutely no reason to go over these two again, they are both the most obvious and popular requests, it would be a misfire if Bachmann did not already have one of these planned for the next N scale engine announcement.

N scale rolling stock:
BR brake van/spiteful brake van
Coal wagon with load
Red coaches
Tidmouth milk tanker (new tooling and not a farish tanker repaint)
Tar tanker

All of these I have talked about before, and are pretty self-explanatory so no reason to go crazy in depth over these.

Agreed here.

QuoteLarge scale:
Christmas Thomas (leaked from earlier)

I didn't share my thoughts on this announcement just because we still don't know what the final design of this is going to look like, but I do think this does say something for the future of the large scale range in terms of engines. I think they're just going to stick with repaints going forward in large scale, and announcement choices like this seemed to further prove that.

Large scale rolling stock:
Henrietta and Hannah
Sodor Fuel tank

Seeing as the classic milk tank is getting an introduction in large scale, it only makes sense for the Sodor fuel tanker to get the same level of love here too.

As for Henrietta and Hannah, I think the same could largely be said for large scale rolling stock as it is for engines, with Bachmann likely focusing on repaints from this point forward. However, I believe Henrietta and Hannah are the one exception. Bachmann has already shown through the N scale range that the Henrietta tooling can be reused to create Hannah, making the pair an ideal candidate if they decide to pursue one final new tooling in large scale.

I don't collect large scale, but mark my words, but the moment they announce Henrietta I will start collecting G scale and look into joining a local club.

And... That's all on my end.

Don't have much to say on large scale, but I agree with your thoughts. Henrietta has been needed for about 15 years now. The time is now.

And that's all I have. Hopefully, I've weighed in to generate some discussion, too.

I concur with Chaz and Mulfred. I would gladly purchase the Yellow Diesels if they were reissued.

Here are the prototypes from around early 2014:


If Bachmann saw this through to the end, they'd be a day 1 purchase from me. It keeps the same face plate, but makes them distinguishable from each other to tell them apart.

Great review, Chaz! Sir Handel definitely sounds like he's a clear winner in the range. It's been essentially four years since he was announced, and from your review, it sounds like he was worth the long wait. What also is incredible was how he managed to arrive just in time for the holiday season!

On a different note: You've also got a great collection as well. My favorite picture is definitely the one with the three Mid Sodor fleet!

All in all, Sir Handel is definitely an engine that a lot of people are excited about, and it's easy to see why. It's a celebration; Sir Handel is finally out!

Quote from: Luke22 on August 14, 2025, 10:44:00 PMSo after watching their Thomas Tuesday video, it's interesting to note that they'll reuse Gordon's wheels to use on Flying Scotsman, just like how Stanley reuses Thomas's wheels. How fitting given that they're brothers, but at the same time, Gordon's chunky looking side rods look a little thick.... if it saves money to make it not too expensive, let's see how it turns out....!

From my memory, I think Matt said that Gordon's chassis BLOCK was going to be used. The Wiki states that Scotsman's CGI model reuses Spencer's wheels but Gordon's pistons. If Bachmann did just that (Gordon's main engine chassis block and pistons mated to all of Spencer's wheels), the only real new tooling for the chassis that'd need to be done is to come up with new linkage/valve gear to accomodate this setup.

As the weeks have worn on, I have come around to Scotsman and will more than likely preorder once TrainWorld has the link at the ready.

All right, a little late to the party. That's on me. Been super busy and haven't had the time to give a serious post. Now I do.

Flying Scotsman was definitely an announcement I didn't see coming at all. But it's an announcement I'm happy to see. Unexpected but welcome is the best way to put it. If Ryan, Rebecca and Stanley are anything to go off of, Scotsman will probably be one of Bachmann's best models to date. I know it'll likely be two years before we start to get him in hand, but I can already envision what he looks like, which is a good thing.

As far as packaging goes, I don't know how they'll pull off a blister pack for an engine of that size. It'll be either too tall (maybe just as if not more than Cranky or the old lighthouse) or too wide. So here's my proposal: a Collector's Edition box. In the early 90s to celebrate the real life Scotsman's 70th birthday(?), Hornby made two versions of Scotsman when he had two tenders. What if Bachmann does that for the Thomas Scotsman?



Maybe on the top of the lid is some history about the real-life Scotsman and blurbs about him in both the books and the CGI series?

Either way, I'm happy about this and will more than likely preorder him when TrainWorld drops the links.

Hey, BassTBone, I'm digging that. Can't wait to see where it goes from here!

Man, Chaz, those look awesome! Yes, I have to admit, the Graham Farish tankers in the N Scale line are my least favorite items, and it looks like you took matters into your own hands...with excellent results! Hope to see them behind some of your engines, especially the milk tankers behind Percy or Toby with Henrietta. I'll admit, I'm a little jealous. Well done!

When it rains, it pours! Another nice review, Chaz.

I echo everything you said about Emily. I feel like she and the large scale model might have more in common than people think. I know there were a few people (mostly YouTube) who were critical of Emily's speed and performance, but I personally have no issues with it. I think they did a solid job on her.

As for her coaches, I think they work. Are they perfect? No. Do I think people are too hard on them? Yes, but I can see where they're coming from. That said, when coupled up to Emily, they look great.

Yes, the future is looking bright for this range. We've got more on the way, and hopefully, we can kick it into high gear moving forward!

Great review...erm, reviews, Chaz! Great to see you back in action, too, with fun pictures as per usual.

Before I post my thoughts, may I say, I quite dig your custom model series faces on your N scale models! Lifts the look of them. While Percy and Toby looked decent, Thomas and James had a weird Botox look about them. I applaud your decision to customize them!

I received my N Gordon as a Christmas present to myself and N Henrietta as an early birthday present from a good friend at the start of the year. I echo essentially everything you said about those two. Gordon is one of my favorite characters, so I was particularly excited when he was announced. When I finally got him in my hands, I was all the more excited! According to your review, I get the feeling you were just as excited as I was!

As for Henrietta, I'm glad she exists in N scale. I don't dislike the Brenner era, and that's where I associate her having a face. As I've gotten older, I prefer the model series, but Henrietta with a face is -- for me anyway -- a nice homage to an era of the show where they really did what they could to make it watchable again.

As for Hannah, I didn't and won't get her, but I'm glad Bachmann has decided to put Henrietta's tooling to use. Hopefully Bachmann can reuse the tooling again for a potential Christmas set? There're quite a few homes who do smaller Christmas trees (I know I do), so a N Scale set would be charming and small enough to fit around an elevated table.

The N Scale range has really taken off in the last four and a half years. It's proven to be something worth investing in. I have somewhat high expectations for Henry, Diesel, Paxton and all the rolling stock with dedicated toolings. Here's to the N Scale Thomas line!

Great review, Mulfred! I got my 12T van in last week, but am waiting to open it and various N scale stuff next Wednesday for obvious reasons. I have some Bachmann Mainline UK 12T vans, so I only bought one gray van. It'll go nicely with those and my other rolling stock. Your review has definitely got me pumped!

I also hope we get some more variants with this tooling. I'd personally love to see (although it may be a pipe dream) a plain green van, myself. Same livery as the Fruit and Veg van, but without the logo. I'd snatch that up without flinching. Maybe even the dark blue livery that the Brendam Bay van is in, just again, without the logo? Again, I'd snatch it up in a heartbeat.

Anyway, I'm definitely excited to rip open the package for my 12T van! Merry Christmas, mate!

Great review as always, Chaz! Always enjoy seeing your pictures as well.

I still feel...and cannot believe we're almost ten years out, Skarloey still holds up. I got mine in 2021, and I'll never get over how great and surreal is to have him. He paved the way for OO9 modeling and for the better. Each model, I feel, got better following him...with the exception of Rusty, but that's just me. Took something good and made it better.

Onto Talyllyn. I have no immediate plans to pick the model up at this time. Your review definitely help get my expectations in check. As far as the front portals go, it is disappointing, but if one is handy with customizing, I'm sure they could open them up and bring some life to the model. From what I've been told, apparently waves of Skarloey following Peter Sam had the back trailing wheels powered. Does your Talyllyn model have powered trailing wheels?

Either way, your review was indeed informative and will hopefully help board members decide if they want to add this model to their collections. I know it's been selling out fast here and in the UK and rightfully so. Seems like a fun model indeed.

Can't wait for your review on N Gordon, either. I got my package from TrainWorld, but am waiting to...erm...christen it at Christmas.