I'm trying to figure out what decoders will work with the 80 Ton Three Truck Shay.  It has the socket for a decoder but I can't figure out what is the proper one to use?  Specifically, I have the 81909 catalog number Shay.  A little help please.  TIA.

I am assuming that Gordon's coaches are a remake and that the item number was changed due to some minor change in the design or something like that.  I have been collecting all the cars and engines and would hate to miss some but I can't see buying these just because the item number changed. Am I right?

Thanks. Would be nice if Bachmann would put something on that worked the first time.

I guess I'm wondering why they were cancelled and never brought out?  Just hoping that they might re-emerge someday.

Hey Bach Man!  Do you suppose there is any chance that Bachmann will ever come out with Fred the Orange Coal Car or Rickety? They were announced many years ago but as far as I can tell they never went into production. They were item # 77040 and 77044.   

Is there any way to improve on the couplers that come with the NG cars? These are terrible and don't stay coupled. 

The possibilities are endless but one that I would love to see is the Knapford Station.  I was told by Bachmann that it was too big and not feasible and perhaps as a resin building they may be right, however, as a plastic model it might be a possibility.  I fear I will have to build one from styrene or other material.

  I've decided that I will not be able to build the Sodor that I had hoped at one time.  If anyone is interested in a near complete collection of Thomas items to date I have all of them including the NG through the current items yet to arrive.  They have been tested and all run but only one engine, the Christmas Thomas, has actual track time.  The deal would be good but I would really like to do this in one sale and not try to sell it off in pieces, takes too long.  That's about 80 HO cars and engines and 8 NG plus all the buildings and accessories.  Reply if you are seriously interested and I will give you contact information.

I am very disappointed in the offerings but I probably understand the reasons. With the trade war with China the production isn't what it could be.  At least this way they are offering some new items.  There are a lot of new possibilities that would be great to bring out but I suspect we won't see anything really new for a while until the dust settles and the production comes back to the USA.

   I am still waiting for Bachmann to make a 4-4-0 American in PRR with Sound and DCC.  How big of a deal is it for them to add that to their line??  This is going on several years that they have stalled making one.  I am growing increasingly disappointed in Bachmann listening to their customers!

I am trying to find out information about the HO 100 Ton Hopper cars in PRR with the Yellow Dot on the side.  I have a few of them but have no idea about when they were built or a part/catalog number.  The car numbers that I have are 230224, 230338, 230385 and 230481.  I have six total cars and was wondering how many were built by Bachmann of this particular PRR style. I know the details of the last two with part numbers 18714 and 18715.  Any information would be appreciated.

Nice review.  I learned a few details along the way.  I appreciate the time it took to investigate and pass along this info.  Good job! 

I had a very nice chat with the VP today and he explained a lot about who is running the show and why certain items are produced and which are not.  Just wish we had control back in the USA. It was nice to actually have a phone conversation with someone in the know and be able to chat on a very friendly basis. My hats off to the US based folks and I wish them the best.

Ruined? How so? What is your complaint?

Hey Trainfan97!  All good choices also.  With as many Thomas Engines as there are you would think that Bachmann would bring out several each year.  I was told they didn't think something big like the Steamworks would have enough sales to make it worth their investment.  Guess it all comes down to money as it usually does.  The buildings I can probably scratch build but I'm out of luck when it comes to the engines and railcars.  Too bad Bachmann is so spread out that with so many irons in the fire that they can't concentrate a little more on something fun like Thomas..