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!

While it is a shame that the LMS 20T brake van has been canceled, it actually is a blessing in disguise.

You hit the nail on the head, Chaz. It's no secret that the BR Brake van is iconic. It was used since the very beginning. It was used heavily in both the model series and CGI series. So many toy companies have made it over the years. It was made (albeit from a Mainline tooling, not a bad thing) in OO in standard, Spiteful and track cleaning models and it was made in Large Scale as standard NWR and Spiteful variations. Bringing it in N Scale would be beneficial. Maybe in the future, Bachmann can rethink the LMS Brake Van, but right now, the BR brake van needs to be introduced.

And why not have a field day with the tooling over the next few years? Introduce faceless blue-grey NWR Brake van first (like Large Scale did), then track cleaning and finally Spiteful.

Long story short, the LMS Brake Van getting canceled was probably for the best. The BR brake van is the way to go, and hopefully, we'll see an announcement in January/February.

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.

Quote from: Chaz on July 31, 2025, 12:35:25 AMI always try to make at least one new post after every announcement period, specifically for the N scale range. This is because after each announcement, something new usually checks off that list. You could argue this post is a bit redundant since I'm basically preaching to the choir here and there were no new N announcements this summer. However, I think there's value in approaching this topic now; especially since progress is being made on previously announced projects and Bachmann released two engines along with more rolling stock at the end of last year.

This time, I'm doing something a little different. Instead of a broad wishlist, I'm sharing what I feel is a realistic lineup of products that could be announced between now and the next two years. My goal is to break everything into smaller, practical steps that that fit within a realistic timeline while giving Bachmann a manageable workload for the N scale range.

I'm intentionally avoiding things like starter sets (e.g., Gordon set or Christmas set), since those could be announced anytime without heavily impacting the production schedule. I'm also leaving out smaller non-rail characters like Bertie and Harold for now, as I don't think N scale is ready for that level of ambition yet.  However, I will touch on scenery pieces, especially since the five-bay roundhouse gives us a strong indication of what might be coming.  I'm also leaving out HO, narrow gauge and large scale, for obvious reasons. Anyway, here we go:

2026 Catalog:

• Edward – New engine tooling
• Red Coach – Repaint with modifications
• Red Brake Coach – Repaint with modifications
• BR 20 Ton Brake Van – New tooling

Edward seems like the one announcement that would've truly made the 80th anniversary year special. While the Thomas and James recolors were fine, they don't generate the same level of excitement Edward would have; especially since he was the very first character in the franchise. That said, given everything going on recently, it's understandable why he wasn't announced this year. I think N scale Edward should be the only new engine tooling for 2026 given by the recent HO announcement of the Flying Scotsman this summer.

The red coaches are a near certainty. They're simple enough for Bachmann to do and could easily be announced at any time and have proven to be very popular sellers in multiple scales and markets.

As for the BR 20 Ton Brake Van, I'm still a bit indifferent to the earlier LMS brake van choice. However, introducing the BR 20 Ton version (in purple as seen in CGI) would be a smart move and could mark the first new rolling stock tooling in N since Gordon's coaches back in 2023. Plus there are more repaint options for Bachmann to look into with this tooling, unlike the LMS one.

2026 NMRA:

• Tidmouth Milk Tanker – Repaint
• Tar Tanker - repaint
• Cranky the Crane - New tooling

For NMRA 2026, I predict a relatively quiet period for N scale, aside from one major highlight. The milk and tar tankers feel long overdue, (especially the milk tanker), and should be easy repaints for Bachmann.  I still firmly believe they should invest in a new tanker tooling that's actually accurate to the show and not the Farish tooling, but I digress.  Bonus points if they use the model era decals and introduce CGI ones at a later date or vice-versa.

Cranky, on the other hand, would be a very exciting announcement. Even though he requires a new mold, I think he should be the first major scenery piece and first non-rail character for N scale. Despite his size, Cranky could act as a great test for smaller non-rail characters in the future like Bertie or Harold.  He also represents Brendam Docks, one of the most iconic locations in the brand. Plus, Cranky was one of the first accessories in HO back in 2002, so his inclusion here would feel natural and even nostalgic for long time collectors.

2027 Catalog:

• Coal Wagon w/ Load – Repaint with new coal load
• Mining Wagon w/ Load – Repaint with new coal load
• Spiteful Brake Van – Repaint of BR 20 Ton Brake Van with new face

The coal and mining wagons should finally debut here, introducing new loads and offering variety like previous wagon announcements. Adding contrasting designs (painted vs. unpainted metal bars, decals, etc.) would also create visual diversity Similarly to how the plain red and Sodor Scrap Co. wagons were introduced together earlier this year. These loads could even be reused later for an ore load if Bachmann wants to produce a Thomas and Troublesome Truck set in N.  They even still produce the plasticville coaling station in N too for whatever that's worth.

Finally, the Spiteful Brake Van. This is another reason Bachmann should've introduced the BR 20 Ton Van earlier. Releasing Spiteful while the tooling is active makes perfect sense—similar to how Henrietta and Hannah were handled earlier in N, I could see these two being released together at the same time despite their announcements being at different times.

2027 NMRA:

• Duck - new engine tooling
• Mail Car – New rolling stock tooling
• Tidmouth Sheds – Repaint of five-bay roundhouse

For NMRA 2027, Duck feels like a perfect choice as the next new engine tooling. Like Edward, he's practically a given considering his popularity; especially in recent marketing and merchandise tied to the brand's 80th anniversary. Duck's small size and simple design make him a nice contrast to Edward as well.

The Mail Car would be a great rolling stock addition after the brake van, offering more variety and repaint potential down the line. Again, like the milk tanker, bonus points if they use the model era decal and introduce CGI one at a later date or vice-versa.

Lastly, Tidmouth Sheds feels like the obvious scenery piece, given the introduction of the generic five-bay roundhouse in N scale. Releasing the non-Thomas version first, then the Thomas-branded Tidmouth later, seems like the logical approach.

Final Thoughts:

This was definitely a long post, and some might say I went overboard planning two years of announcements instead of just one. But realistically, this lineup includes only five new toolings spread over two years, which seems manageable for Bachmann. Rolling stock offers multiple repaint opportunities, and the engine requests, Edward and Duck, have proven to be popular in multiple markets making them feel warranted to be the next two engine choices in N scale.

I've also recently been inspired to do another N scale post after looking into joining a club about an hour away from me. Working on new faces for my N Gordon and Emily has definitely been helping. And yes, I'll be adding model-era faces to Henry and Diesel when they're released. I'll do the same with Edward and Duck if they get announced. I'll share progress on the faces in another thread. Either way, let me know what you think!

Great ideas and excellent points, Chaz! I think this is a more realistic way to approach N Scale moving forward. Have broader ideas for the years to come.

January/February 2026: In recent years, new toolings haven't been announced in January/February like they used to. Even so, Edward seems a shoe in for next year, even if he wasn't announced for the 80th. Let's be honest, him not being announced for the 80th may have driven his demand up more!

The Red Coaches are simple enough. It's just a matter of doing what they did with Emily; modify the Annie and Clarabel tooling as see fit. Versatile rolling stock, anyone can pull them. That said, I myself would likely run them behind James, Percy and Edward and Duck if they were to be announced.  However, I'd rather them do like they did with the HO/OO models (one of my personal favorite pieces of rolling stock in that range) and do serious modifications unlike the large scale models. Too much to get into there, but hopefully, you all know where I'm going with this...

As for a brake van, that can cut either way. Let's give an example: Toad in 2022. Even though Graham Farish had an attractive Toad brake van tooling that I (don't know about anyone else, though) wouldn't have been upset about, Bachmann surprised us here by doing a dedicated new tooling for Toad! I see the same thing working for BR 20T brake van. I'm fine with a Graham Farish, but a dedicated tooling will make me happier!

For NMRA '26:

I do believe Tar and Milk Tankers should be announced, too. If for whatever reason they need to use the simplified Graham Farish tanker tooling, they're welcome to, but a new tooling would probably behoove them in the end. I visited TrainLand in New York this summer while on vacation, and I was both surprised and not surprised to see that while there wasn't too much N Scale Thomas stuff, what there was were more of the tankers than anything else. That says something to me.
Cranky: It'd be risky, but his HO model is still doing well to this day. Maybe he would be worth the investment. He's also very popular with parents than we realize. I know the parents I talk to with young children, besides Thomas and Percy, they almost always namedrop Cranky. Even over James and Gordon! Maybe he'll do better than we think?

And there would be a perfect time to introduce Troublesome Truck #3! Essentially a copy/paste job of Troublesome Truck #7 in HO/OO. Seems simple enough.

January/February 2027:

Original Green Coal Wagon with load: I've said my thoughts on pages further back in this thread. Nothing more I can say.
Spiteful Brake Van: His HO/OO model does respectably in sales. As long as a tooling (recycled Graham Farish or new dedicated one) exists, why not?


NMRA 2027:

Duck: Speaks for himself. His HO/OO model is a hot seller. He was brought to the UK sooner than characters like Emily, Rosie and Devious Diesel. Furthermore, he's one of the first characters in the new Motorized range over Toby or Henry! He'd be a fine choice for this range. Plus, he and Toad are Great Western and must stand together!
Mail Van: Gives something for fans to run behind Percy rather than just Troublesome Trucks or the Red Coaches.
Tidmouth Sheds: Surprised this hasn't been announced sooner after the generic roundhouse announcement. Speaks for itself.

And here would be a perfect opportunity to introduce Toby's Museum Coaches ! See Spiteful Brake Van for my reasoning, but it's the Red Coaches this time. I'm essentially echoing what Mulfred said, but I digress...

And there's what I have to say about your post! Well detailed and thought out, indeed.

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.

With the news from the Yardmaster as well as the NMRA getting closer, here's a more...realistic wishlist from me:

Whiff: I'd like to think many are in agreement that Whiff should be the next new engine tooling. He's one of last characters who appeared in both the model and CGI series, and he even appeared in AEG. His tooling can also be used for kitbashes into Aerolyte, as no RTR version exists. A win-win

If Whiff cannot happen, then 'Arry and Bert reissue. The eBay prices kinda speak for themselves, and I've said what I've had to say about them. Yes, I know we're getting Sidney and the Mainland Diesel, so maybe it wouldn't be a good idea to flood the market with Class 08s again.

I don't know what rolling stock I can think of to make recolors out of. I think -- much like the NMRA in 2020 -- we may only be getting one announcement. I'd rather an engine, and I personally want Whiff.

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.

Sir Handel looks amazing! Glad to see that they're making serious headway. With all the little details of Sir Hadyn present, in addition to the fact Bachmann can clearly use the tooling/casting for that loco, it also makes Sir Handel well worth the 3 year wait. Itching to see the painted sample!

With that in mind, I think Rheneas, Peter Sam and Rusty can all be reused in some fashion to make Dolgoch, Edward Thomas and Midlander, but all with some minor retoolings. Rheneas and Peter Sam would both need new die cast casting for their smokeboxes to accommodate more accurate funnels, while Rusty's radiator will need to be replaced altogether for Midlander. I think it can work that way.

Sorry for the slight detour, onto Sir Handel! Expectations are high for his release!

Okay...late to the party, but I concur with Chaz and Mulfred100. The wishlist is meant to be a placeholder and there're other retailers besides TrainWorld. Yes, they're popular (I have extreme loyalty to them myself, as I'm sure many others here do), but a lot of sales come from other online dealers (The Toy Crossing on eBay is one that immediately comes to my mind) as well as local hobby shops -- which where I live in Louisiana, is rare as a hen's tooth. They aren't the only game in town.

As for what I want to see (and maybe I'll be able to gather my thoughts more cohesively as these lists need 100% concentration) next January/February:

HO/OO:

Hiro - a beloved character from the CGI series. He was the first and with Rebecca sharing his wheels, they're technically ready to go. Yes, he'll be expensive, but I'm willing to bet he'll do relatively well. Would seem poetic for the 80th Anniversary

Gold/Silver Thomas - Wooden Railway and Take Along/Take N Play did this. Since we've got the main attractions from The Adventure Begins in this scale, now seems like as good of a time as any to do a fun 80th Anniversary recolor. If I have to choose one, I'd get behind gold for a reason I'm about to list below...

Silver Spencer - This would be a fun one, especially if we get Hiro. Spencer's Season 7/8 bluish gray livery looks outdated. He's one of the only models I don't have because I don't feel he's worth it. If they recolored him and essentially did an inverse of what's on him -- the blue gray for the handrails and silver for the body, I may finally consider picking him up. Reissuing him alongside a Hiro announcement, I can say no more.

'Arry and Bert reissue - Demand is surging for them. If it isn't time for Hiro, then it'd at least be something to get collectors who don't already have them excited about rather than a recolor of something that already exists.

Narrow Gauge:

SKIP - all the attention needs to be on getting Sir Handel out there. Especially with Duncan cancelled, I feel (and please don't take this the wrong way) all hands on deck for Sir Handel!

N Scale:

Edward - the one who started it all 80 years ago. It'd be simply poetic

LBSC Thomas and Origin James - I think we're in a good enough place in N scale to do some engine recolors. What better way to do so than to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of TAB? Alongside Edward and with Henry along the way, seems like a no brainer

7 plank variants - specifically standard green coal wagon and the new red China Clay wagon that was announced in HO. I also wouldn't be angry about a blue open wagon, either.

Large Scale:

Pipe dream, but Edward and Henrietta. Rather than repeating what's been said over the last 10-11 years by various people, please see what they had to say.

Those're all my thoughts. Please take them or leave them.

Quote from: Chaz on October 24, 2024, 05:57:11 PMGreat seeing pictures of each of the figure packs as well!  Anyone have a favorite pack that's coming out soon?

Personally, besides the low-hanging fruit that is the Hatt Family, I'm looking forward to the Railway Staff. That'll liven up anything, be it a layout or static display. Also a fan of the Narrow Gauge Personnel. That was one I was pleasantly surprised by.