With the new Thomas & Friends Announcements for Winter 2021 revealed, I think that we can all agree that the line-up is solid. However, the one announcement that has especially received mixed thoughts from fans is the Narrow Gauge Yellow Rheneas. Thus, I wanted to bring up one Thomas product that would be a very pleasant surprise for the NMRA this summer to make up for that, as he also shares the same tooling as Rheneas: Smudger!

This idea first came up when thinking about one product that was announced with mixed thoughts from Winter 2020 (Busy Bee James), and what was announced in the summer afterwards (Origin James), which many more fans were happy with, plus both models utilized the same tooling.



I have zero doubt that a Bachmann Smudger would do much better than a Yellow Rheneas in terms of sales, primarily because he is a classic character from the model era. Hence, there is nostalgic value to him. Announcing Smudger would also provide an additional model that modellers can purchase to make Dolgoch, in case the Rheneas models are out of stock.





While some may argue that Smudger would not make sense without a model of Duke first, take a look at Yellow Rheneas. Rheneas appeared in the yellow paint scheme at the end of a movie for 20 seconds with Victor and Luke, two other engines that Bachmann have not made. Furthermore, while others may argue that Smudger is not relevant anymore, neither is Yellow Rheneas. Plus, take a look at the Spiteful Brake Van or even Toby's Museum Coaches. Those were both only seen briefly, yet the reception for them was positive because they have appealing designs and nostalgic value, which Smudger also has.



All in all, I hope that this suggestion can be passed along for the summer, as I know for a fact that many fans would be ecstatic to see a Bachmann Smudger announced, and make up for Yellow Rheneas' announcement. I, without a doubt, would purchase a Bachmann Smudger, unlike Yellow Rheneas.

As always, here are some follow-up questions for other fans:

1. Would you buy a Bachmann Smudger?
2. Do you think that Smudger would have been a better announcement than Yellow Rheneas?
3. Do you think that an announcement of Smudger for this summer would make up for the mixed reception on Yellow Rheneas?

Thank you very much for reading my post, and I look forward to reading everyone's thoughts!

With the release of the Bachmann Narrow Gauge Peter Sam model postponed to 2021, I thought it would be appropriate to make a new thread on Peter Sam. Hopefully, this thread will provide some interesting suggestions for Bachmann to consider (just as other threads have such as the Daisy Thread: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,35957.0.html, Troublesome Truck #6 Thread: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,35970.0.html, and Narrow Gauge Brake Vans Thread: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,36574.0.html.

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d2/SamsonatYourService91.png/revision/latest?cb=20180713172627

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/7/7f/ABadDayForSirHandel24.png/revision/latest?cb=20170530173032

In terms of overall design, I have zero doubt that Bachmann will base Peter Sam on the CGI render, especially when it comes to the face and rivet detailing. However, one thing that I have recently noticed is that the CGI Peter Sam consists of doors that cover the low window at the rear, which is a square shape, whereas all the Peter Sam props that were utilized throughout the model series consist of a low window that is exposed, without the doors, and in the shape of a circle.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/14581588@N05/15449545996/

https://thetransportlibrary.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=127958

It is also interesting to note that both rear styles have been seen within the real life basis of Peter Sam. As a result, it will be interesting to see which path Bachmann will take, as this is something that only avid fans will notice.

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/e/ec/Trucks31.png/revision/latest?cb=20170531185051

Personally, I like the look of the exposed low window at the rear because none of the other narrow gauge engines had it throughout the model series. I like the circular shape of it too. In fact, as a young child, I saw that window was a defining mark of Peter Sam because of how unique it looks.

https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/b9/PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady33.png/revision/latest?cb=20190717220933

I would love to read everyone else's thoughts as well. What rear style would you prefer? Please feel free to also bring up other factors regarding Peter Sam.

Mattel has done it again. For those who were not yet aware, Mattel is revamping the Thomas brand once more. Thus, there is concern about the direction of new products for the Bachmann Thomas line again, as Bachmann is one of the only companies that still continues to produce Thomas products of high quality to this day.

My hope is that Bachmann can make Stepney and one more long diesel (Boco, Derek, or Diesel 10) for the HO line, as well as Sir Handel, Duncan, and possibly Duke for the Narrow Gauge line. These are the main classics that are still missing, and it is amazing to know that there are not many left.

As for rolling stock, the only piece with a new tooling that I would really like to see is a Narrow Gauge Green Open Carriage. I would be very interested and happy with creative repaints such as the Explosives Van and Circus Train too, as long as they can be announced alongside the missing classic engines.

One more batch of resin buildings would be nice to see as well, especially with the Thomas line now entering markets overseas.

In terms of Large Scale, it would be nice to see the Red Branch Line Coaches finally announced, and while the N Scale line is still new, I would imagine that previously announced products from the HO and Large Scale lines would eventually be announced in N Scale.

Just as we did when Mattel made the controversial change to Big World Big Adventures, it is important that we express our thoughts on the Bachmann Forum. After all, we know that the admins read our posts with great care and consideration. That's why Daisy and Peter Sam were previously announced .

I was initially going to wait much longer to start another one of these, but after yesterday's disappointment, I wanted to start this ASAP with the hope that February's announcement will be much better, even though it is after the 75th Anniversary:

HO Scale
Stepney (with moving eyes) #1 Hope
Ventilated Van- Explosives
Red Express Coach
Red Express Brake Coach

Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel
Brake Van- Brown

N Scale
Toby
S.C.Ruffey
Tidmouth Milk Tanker

Large Scale
Red Coach
Red Brake Coach
or
Troublesome Van

While taking into consideration that Bachmann has confirmed that there will be another New Thomas Product Announcement for the NMRA Convention in July (which is only five months away), and that the Bachmann Thomas & Friends in 2020 thread has already been used for two new product announcements, I thought that it would be a good idea to start on new thread to give Bachmann a very clear idea of what we would like to see next. Below is a list of what I would like, and expect to see this July.

HO Scale
Stepney (with moving eyes) #1 Hope
Red Express Coach
Red Express Brake Coach

Narrow Gauge
Brake Van- Brown

N Scale
S.C.Ruffey
Tidmouth Milk Tanker

Large Scale
Troublesome Van

Really hoping that an announcement of an HO Stepney will be possible for this July. He is still without a doubt the next engine that the majority of Bachmann Thomas Fans would like to see. And with episodes like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-yHoSMEf2M, that is certainly understandable.

With the narrow gauge brake vans now announced, one thing that Thomas fans have already been wondering across social media is what the brake vans will be based on.

For starters, one thing that is great is that only one new tooling will be needed, since the red and blue narrow gauge brake vans are the same tooling on the show, unlike the previously announced narrow gauge red and blue carriages.

Personally, I would prefer to see Bachmann base the narrow gauge brake vans on the television series model.



Television Series Red Brake Van


 
Television Series Blue Brake Van

The narrow gauge brake van in the television series is essentially a hybrid between Talyllyn Brake Van #5 and Talyllyn Brake Van #6, considering that it has the ticket windows of Talyllyn Brake Van #5 (which is the key feature of the narrow gauge brake vans), but is the length of Talyllyn Brake Van #6, which is clearly shorter than Talyllyn Brake Van #5.



Talyllyn Brake Van #5



Talyllyn Brake Van #6

Frankly, Talyllyn Brake Van #5 looks too long in my eyes. This is because narrow gauge brake vans have always been shorter than Talyllyn Brake Van #5 throughout the entire Thomas television series, including the nostalgic model series (with the exception of very minor appearances in the CGI era). Additionally, seeing that Bachmann has done many great hybrids for the Thomas line in the past such as the Spiteful Brake Van, I do not think that doing the same with the narrow gauge brake vans is far fetched at all.

Finally, the shade of red and blue of the brake vans should definitely match the shade of red and blue of the narrow gauge carriages. That light blue of the blue carriage in particular is nostalgic.

Looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts on this.

I thought that it would be nice to start a thread in which we can share our fan-made model series:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTyNxPzgyh1VQ6fXrhZJwCrehNDwyXwap

My series, titled "The Sodor Series", is based on the classic television series by Britt Allcroft and David Mitton that utilized models. I see it as a continuation from Season 7, as most avid fans agree that was the last season of the model era that was very enjoyable, as it did not fall on plots that were considerably basic. The Sodor Series has only seven episodes completed at the moment, many more are getting planned for the future. I want to sincerely thank Bachmann for producing such accurate Thomas models, as my series would have not been possible if it weren't for them . Hope to see other fan-made series utilizing the Bachmann Thomas line in this thread as well!

On Saturday, August 10th, 2019, I experienced one of the most grand events in my life at the Greenberg Train Show in Edison, New Jersey. Displayed in one corner of the expo center were various props from the original Thomas television series that utilized models. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to see these incredible Thomas props as well as having the pleasure to meet Thomas fans from far and wide. This was truly a day that I will never forget. Here are some pics from the show:

















The train show will also be held on Sunday, August 11th, 2019. Would highly recommend it to any avid Thomas fan!

   

Stepney and Ryan are the two most popular engines that Bachmann Thomas fans want to see made after Daisy. Thus, I thought that it would be a good idea to make a new thread discussing these two engines, giving the Bachmann reps a very clear idea of why announcing one of the two for February 2020 would be a very smart idea, even if it seems unlikely at first glance.



Personally, I am on Team Stepney .

The number one reason why I believe that it would be best to announce Stepney in February 2020 (and before Ryan) is that 2020, Thomas' 75th Anniversary, might be the one reason that would allow Bachmann to make an engine who has not appeared in the CGI Series. The 75th Anniversary is a time to glorify golden figures of Thomas' past, and Stepney is no exception. He is such a charming and nostalgic engine who has constantly been a popular suggestion among fans. Additional reasons have been stated by many Bachmann Thomas fans, so I'll leave this link here: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,34526.75.html
The entire page is full of reasons as to why Stepney would be a great candidate.



Ryan, on the other hand, is much bigger, which means that he would be more expensive to make. He also includes more small parts than Stepney, so I think that announcing an engine who would cost more money to make, and is less popular next, does not make sense. Even so, Ryan and Daisy essentially go together. Hence, the profit that would be received from Daisy and Stepney as well as the UK should allow Ryan to get announced in a later year.

Moreover, I firmly believe that an HO Stepney should be even more of a priority than Narrow Gauge Sir Handel or even an N Scale James as far as new toolings are concerned for February 2020. Considering that Sir Handel has appeared in the CGI Series, he could get announced at any other point, just like Ryan. The same can be stated for the N Scale James. The only other new tooling that currently stands in front is the narrow gauge brake van due to the amount of discussion there has been on it, and that the narrow gauge carriages have finally been revealed too.

Even if announcing Stepney in February 2020 means that he would have to be delayed like Oliver, I'm sure fans would be willing to wait. It's much better to have such a sought-after engine who has not appeared in the CGI series get announced, but then delayed because of a special anniversary, than not get made at all.

Now, if the licencor is still against producing Stepney due to the fact that he has not appeared in the CGI series, even if it is the 75th Anniversary, I think that they are forgetting that most parents of young children who are only familiar with the current characters will generally only buy a Bachmann Thomas starter set, and few of the other main engines and rolling stock. The Bachmann Thomas HO line currently has over twenty engines, most of whom have had main roles in the CGI series. And the average parent would not buy all the engines, considering how expensive they are and that there are cheaper alternatives. It is only the serious Thomas fans who will buy all the engines. In fact, one of my friends who grew up watching the late model series on television (seasons 8, 9, 10, 11) did not know who Stepney was as a kid, but because he never lost interest in Thomas, he discovered the older episodes on YouTube that included Stepney and realized how much charm there is to the episodes that involved him. He didn't grow up with the original seasons, yet he still thought they were better. That's why he even wants to see Stepney get made before any newer character, including Ryan. As a result, at this point, it's not about if the engine is currently in the show. It's about the engine itself and how many people there are who would like to see it made. From this thinking, more profit will be received, which means that more exciting products can get made later on, not just for the Thomas line, but Bachmann Trains altogether. 

That's why I think that announcing Stepney for February 2020 would be a very smart move.

Lastly, here are some questions:
Are you on Team Stepney or Team Ryan? Why?
Do you agree that announcing one of the two for February 2020 is a wise move, even if it meant that the completion of the model would be delayed?

I'm very happy to see that Troublesome Truck #6 is a tanker, but I do have two questions to ask fans:



1. Considering that it is an oil tanker, do you think it would be possible if Bachmann could use the old oil tanker logo from the model era for this tanker? If not, would you like it to be a plain tanker or with the CGI logo?



2. Would you prefer if they made the face more of a square shape like the model series?

Personally, I would like to see it with the older oil tanker logo or as plain tanker, and with a square face  .

Thought I should start a new thread on Bachmann Daisy after seeing the amazing news  .

While seeing that many people are desperate to start a new predictions thread on the Bachmann 2020 Thomas range, and that next year is a very special year for Thomas (Thomas' 75th Anniversary), I thought that it would not hurt to start one now. I'm just going to start with a general list of what I would like, and expect to see.

HO Scale
Stepney, Daisy, or LBSC Thomas
Troublesome Truck #6
Flat Wagon with a new load (paint drums, oil drums, pipes, or crates)
Resin Buildings: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,34707.0.html

Narrow Gauge
Peter Sam

N Scale
James
Tankers
Spiteful Brake Van

Large Scale
LBSC Thomas
Red Circus Van
Blue Circus Van

At last, here is my final in-depth post on what I think that Bachmann should really consider for the 2019 announcements: resin buildings. I was originally going to put this in the existing 2019 predictions thread, but after seeing that this topic needs much more attention, I decided to post it in a separate thread.

I'll start with stating a brief history on the resin buildings in the Thomas range. Back in January 2014, Bachmann announced that they were going to be starting a range of resin buildings for the Thomas range. Many fans were ecstatic because it was something that was completely out of the norm and added a new dimension off charm to the range. The 2014 line-up was impressive as it consisted of four highly detailed buildings that each had a unique look and function. Two of the four buildings (Signal Box and Black Loch Folly) were even based off buildings from the model series, which made fans even more excited. Then, in 2015 Bachmann surprised fans again with four other buildings that were, once again, extremely detailed and presented a special look. However, ever since 2015, Bachmann has not announced any new buildings for the Thomas line, which left many fans underwhelmed as there are still many other extraordinary buildings that could glorify the range of resin buildings even more.

So, what are some of the ideas that fans have thought about?

Narrow Gauge Double Engine Shed:



There is absolutely no doubt that the best option for a new resin building would be a narrow gauge engine shed. For years, fans have stated that they would like to see a narrow gauge engine shed so that the narrow gauge locomotives such as Skarloey and Rheneas could be properly stored. Specifically, many fans have stated that they would like to see the stone version from seasons 4-5 (as shown in the pic); however, I believe that any narrow gauge engine shed would be completely acceptable, and be a hot seller in the long run. I would honestly go as far as stating that it would be rather silly if Bachmann pushed this one to the side.

Neptune Refreshments: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Neptune_Refreshments



Neptune Refreshments is my personal favorite. I know that it is along the lines of wishful thinking. However, considering that Bachmann announced the blue narrow gauge carriages from the model series this year, even after the amount of doubts that many of us had, Neptune Refreshments may be a feasible option. It is an iconic and charming building that played a major role a fan-favorite episode of all time: Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady. It is also a town building, which is unlike any of the other buildings that are currently in the range.

The Ruined Castle: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Sodor_Castle



The Ruined Castle is another significant landmark from the Skarloey Railway that I think has a relatively good chance in getting made. I know that some people have stated that they would prefer to see the season 4 version as shown above.



However, I believe that the season 7 version may be the more practical option since it would go wonderfully with the Black Loch Folly. I would personally not mind either version though.

Stone Watermill:



A watermill would certainly add some contrast to the resin building range in terms of functionality. The narrow gauge one would especially be a great option since it is a smaller watermill that would not be too expensive to make. And ultimately, it is a structure that all avid Thomas fans will remember.

Signal Box Gantry: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Kirk_Ronan_Junction



The Signal Box Gantry is another iconic building that has been seen numerous times throughout the Thomas television series. It would look great with the Bachmann Knapford Station, and I certainly agree with others who have stated that the four track version is the one that Bachmann should go for.

Shunting Yard Shed:



When considering the amount of locomotives there are in the Bachmann Thomas range, there can never be too many engine sheds. The great thing about this engine shed is that it could store two engines, and it would look wonderful next to the existing engine shed that was announced in 2015. Moreover, it was seen in many locations on Sodor such as Knapford Station, and the Quarry.

Retaining Walls:



The retaining walls may be a little bit of a peculiar idea to some people. However, I could see these having a good shot because they have been seen constantly throughout the Thomas television series. From Tidmouth Yard, to the mainline, to stations, to dockyards these walls have been present. It would be interesting to see Bachmann tackle these.

Ffarquhar Station: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Ffarquhar



Ffarquhar Station is one of the most recognizable stations on Sodor, and would surely be a good option for Bachmann to make, considering that many people have requested it. The fact that it was showcased in the original Thomas opening from Seasons 1-7, and that it returned to the CGI Series certainly explains it popularity. However, the station is very similar in size and functionality to Maithwaite Station. Consequently, this one issue leads me to the final resin building suggestion that I would like to mention..

Callan Station: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Callan



Many of you are probably very surprised that I listed this one. Yet, when thinking about it, if Bachmann wanted to make another standard gauge station that was unlike Knapford and Maithwaite, then Callan Station would be the way to go. Starting with the station building, its short (in terms of length), but tall (in terms of height) design makes it very different from the rest of the stations. It's also a station with a footbridge, which neither Knapford Station or Maithwaite Station had. Plus, the footbridge is red, which would add more color diversity, and it supplies a clearance for four tracks. Additionally, I could see Bachmann making the station in the way that Hornby has made their Great Waterton Station, which would be to market the station building, platforms, and footbridge separately. On top of that, let's remember that many of Bachmann's bestsellers such as Duck, Oliver, Toad, and S.C. Ruffey have experienced some of their most memorable moments at Callan Station such as in "Toad Stands By", and that there are railway series modellers who may purchase the station building, since the Callan station building of the television series is what the Arlesburgh station building was in the railway series. Surely, Callan Station would be a stretch for Bachmann, even more than Neptune Refreshments. Nevertheless, it is one of a kind, and would be another way to sincerely "wow" fans.

Overall, the resin building range certainly needs more attention, as it added a new dimension of charm to the Bachmann Thomas range by making it look much more like a model train range than a toy range. After all, the quality of these buildings is genuinely remarkable.

Now, here are some questions for fans:

Would you buy any of these resin buildings? If so, which ones?
Do you have any other ideas for the resin building range? If so, what?

I look forward to seeing what you guys have to share .

Alright guys. As it has now been over a month since the 2017 announcements and Bachmann Oliver is FINALLY out, I thought that it would nice to start a 2018 predictions thread. I know that it is still rather early, but I just wanted to get the ball rolling. Anyways, here they are...

HO Scale
Trevor
Ventilated Van- Explosives
Flat Car with Pipes
Flat Car with Logs

Narrow Gauge
Narrow Gauge Duncan
Narrow Gauge Coach (Red)
Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Red)
Narrow Gauge Brake Van (Light Brown)

Resin Buildings
Ffarquar Station
Sodor Cottage

Large Scale
As I mentioned last year, since I do not collect large scale, I will leave that to the large scale people.

Hey guys!

A few months ago, I went to a hobby shop that sells Bachmann Thomas items. I asked the guy behind the counter which products sell best. He told me that the troublesome trucks sell very well. As we all know, Bachmann is currently in the process of making Troublesome Truck #5. I'm sure that we can all agree that he looks magnificent! I mean, he has a classic face! Anyways, the point of this new subject is to come up with other troublesome trucks Bachmann could make in the future. This is could include the kind of truck and the face. Anyways, here are links to the two trucks that I would love to see in the future:

1. http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/b/b1/ToadStandsBy11.png/revision/latest?cb=20150331000644
    (Any of the tankers)
2. http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/38/TheSpotlessRecord32.png/revision/latest?cb=20150210212654
    (This surprised face using the Ice Cream Wagon or Ventilated Van tooling painted in a nice brown color)

I can't wait to hear what you guys think.