Hi All.

As many may be aware, I have been working hard on the movie of my model series this year, and finally it is being released!
Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEIikVpxpuw&feature=feedu

Part 2 is up, and part 3 will follow shortly, and the rest most likely tomorrow.

I do hope you will enjoy it- any comments, criticisms, etc will be welcome.

Eyyoikes!
I was running Edward today when I smelt a burning sort of smell from within. Taken him apart, can't see anything wrong, ran the chasis and some smoke came out from within!
I will check it out properly later, but nayone have any suggestions to what it may be and how to deal with it?

I thought it would be nice to see what everyone thinks will be made for next year's Thomas line.

Do be sensible - 3 locos max if you have a twin set predicted, and just a few items of stock - don't go listing everything that appears in the series because it won't happen in one year!
Do give a reason also for why you think.

For me:
Engines:

Duck:   Duck has been in demand for a long time now, and what with engines 1-7, 9+10 and diesel available, it only seems the right move to make to release engine 8, which is garruntead to sell well.
Arry + Bert:   With the model for Diesel now out, these two diesels have a very good chance of being made - a simple repaint and two new faces, and they have two more characters to market. With these two Diesels appearing more in the series these days, they will certainly sell well, and will complete a "Devious" team for many fans to go along with their Diesel model, terrorising the other engines. 

Rolling Stock:
Red Coaches:   Again, another model that has been in demand for a long time, I can see these being added to the range to bring more passenger stock out. These coaches have, again, appeared often in the series, can be coupled to any engine and look right, and have a market ready for them.

Buildings:
Buildings are a tad trickier to predict, I shall post mine soon when I have thought more thoroughly about it.

Large Scale:
Emily (The coaches are out, it's only right she is next.)
Brake van - we have the trucks, now we need a brake van for the end.

So, these are my predictions, what are yours?

I, look a lot of people on this forum, eagerly await the dates when items are expected to be released, and thought maybe it would be easier to have a thread dedicated to the subject that to have to trawl through things the the "Everything Thomas" thread or alike to find posts about when items are expected to be released.

So, to the purpose of the topic. What release dates are known for what items so far?

The only thing I know is that Large Scale James is due in the spring.

Could the Bach-Man give us an estimate as to when other items, such as Donal and Douglas, will be released? It just helps people like me know wether we have time to buy something now and save for them, or wether they are expected to be shipped out soon.

If anyone else knows when things are being released, please do post them here.

For when it is evenutally announced, but also for stuff you find beforehand

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6Cso3QEERQ&NR=1
Small youtube video I uncovered, nothing new seen, but the Thomas range is shown at the start there.

From YouTube, I have seen that the twins are now being despatched! I'm hoping to get these at somepoint soon myself, but would like to hear some reveiws from any of you who may have recieved them!

They do look good!

Having seen threads for Duck, and the scottish twins, I thought it a good idea to do one for my favourite engine of the series

STEPNEY THE BLUEBELL ENGINE

Why make Stepney?

Stepney was introduced in season 4 and instantly became a favourite character, being given a small number of episodes within the season and then again in season 5, with some minor cameos in later series'.

Stepney is based on an LBSC Terrier loco at the Bluebell Railway in Sussex, England, which this year celebrates its 50th Birthday. Although it wouldn't be released until next year earliest if it went ahead, it would also be a great mark for one of the oldest engines and would be a great hit with thomas fans alike.

Another reason is this:
Yes, Hornby have made Stepney, but he is just a terrier with a face and is the price of one too. Bachmann have a knack for modelling to the TV series and being remarkably accurate too. This with the moving eyes would make the model a hit in my opinion!


I hope you really consider making Stepney, and if you do, please model his season 4 face as apposed to his CGI face.