Here's my predictions for the 2021 announcements:

HO Scale:
Another Engine Varient (Chocolate Crunch Percy, Tar Covered James, etc)
Reintroduced Red Express Coaches
Troublesome Truck 7

Narrow Gauge:
Brown Brakevan

N Scale:
Scruffy
Tidmouth Milk Tanker

Large Scale:
Paxton

That's really it from me. Unfortunately with the ongoing problem that is the coronavirus, I find it unlikely that there will be any new toolings like Stepney or Sir Handel. Fingers crossed that those two engines are made in the future. Despite some not particularly liking the Busy Bee James model, I feel the different engine varients can really sell well if done right. There's many that can be done such as a Silver Spencer or a Dirty Percy or even a Old Shape Henry one day. I also hope we get an update on Daisy and Peter Sam sooner rather then later. It would be great to see some pictures of them, even if they aren't painted yet.

Quote from: TrainMan2001 on July 30, 2020, 11:43:17 AM
I don't know if any of you have heard this, but there's a guy on YouTube called InstrumentManiac and he's been doing instrumental covers of the classic Thomas & Friends themes recently. I highly reccomend checking out his channel. I would post a link, but I can't seem to get one using my phone and I don't have access to a computer right now.

I have to agree, his covers are fantastic! My personal favourite is his cover of Edward's theme.

Interesting points about Stepney you made Terence, all of which I agree with. In response to the questions you posted here are my thoughts:

1: Yes, I would most definitely buy a Bachmann Stepney.
2: Going off his popularity with Thomas Fans and Railway Enthusiasts alike, I see Stepney being extremely popular personally.
3: No, I don't believe there's another tank engine that would be a better suggestion then Stepney. I think this because of the character's popularity and simple yet charming tooling that wouldn't be too hard to make compared with other engines in the show.

I think the face in the above picture provided by thomasj219 would look best on the model. Bachmann tend to give the engines toothy grins, so this face seems likely if Stepney were to hopefully be released

Here's my thoughts.

The new set seems pretty cool in my opinion, I like the fact that the trucks now have loads and that a coal Hopper is included. I really am looking forward to the release of LBSC Thomas. It seems only fitting that this was made to commerate the 75th anniversary. The two brakevans for the narrow gauge range are products that I happily welcome. Really hoping they turn out more like the real life counterparts on the Talyllyn Railway once released. Nice to see James and Diesel joining the N Scale and G Scale ranges respectively, along with the new tankers. Finally, Busy Bee James. Honestly, I kinda like it. It is definitely gimmicky, but I still think it looks nice. I made a post on my twitter account a few days ago where I suggested Bachmann change the face expression to one of anger, shock or sadness as opposed to the usual smile on the model. I feel if they did change the expression, the model might more appealing to people as it would be acurrate to what James looked like in the original story.

Overall, I think the announcements this year have been great! What's everyone else's opinion on the new stuff?

Hey guys, hope all is well. Here's my hopes for the next announcements.

HO/00 Scale:

Stepney the Bluebell Engine (Hoping for this one the most)
Reintroduced Tar Tanker
Reintroduced Red Express Coaches

Narrow Gauge:

Sir Handel

N Scale:
Scruffy
Brakevan

G Scale:

Red Branchline Coaches

Fingers crossed that at least one of the things listed gets announced when the time comes. 

HO Scale:
 
• Stepney - A very popular and beloved character and one which is in very high demand. If Bachmann want to make to make a model that would guarantee great sales, Stepney is the way to go.

• Red Express Coaches - They've got the tooling and I'm sure many people would want to buy them (I certainly would). People seem to really like the return of Gordon's Express Coaches to the range, so I feel this would be an ideal option.

Narrow Gauge:

• Brakevans (Blue, Red, Brown, etc) - With Bachmann releasing both passenger coaches and various wagons, it seems only natural that brakevans would be next. I imagine they'd be modelled after the TVs Versions rather then the Talyllyn/Corris Railway toolings, but I could be wrong. I'd think those who model the Skarloey Engines in particular would want these to announced, especially seeing as they could complete train consists.

N Scale:

Maybe some sort of starter set? I'm not too sure to be honest.

G Scale:

• Red Branchline Coaches - I'm surprised these haven't been announced sooner given the popularity of the HO versions and that you already have the tooling. All you'd need to do is tweek the brake coach a little bit and there you go. Probably would be popular with most of the G Scale modellers I imagine.

Call me Toby, as I'm number 7 

Honestly, I think both engines are great and both would probably do great sales if announced, but I feel Stepney is the direction Bachmann should take. His popularity with Thomas Fans and those at the Bluebell Railway are very high and not to mention in terms of designs, Stepney is pretty simplistic. Ryan however is much more detailed as he's designed a lot more accurately to his real life basis. To be honest, I feel the demand for the Bluebell Engine alone is reason enough to make the model, but that's just me.

Does anyone know the current status of the narrow gauge coaches? Been looking out for any sort of info/pictures and found nothing

Not gonna lie, I wasn't so keen on the idea of N Scale at first. But after seeing all the ideas being mentioned, I'm certainly beginning to warm to the idea I'm definitely interested in seeing where the range goes in any case and as some have previously mentioned, there's a much bigger possibility of producing the bigger engines in N Scale rather then G Scale! Hope I'm not getting too ahead of myself by saying this, but if they ever announced Bill and Ben, I wouldn't hesitate to model the China Clay Pits!

Here are my thoughts.

I think everyone and their grandmother saw Red Rosie coming. Inevitable, but fine by me I guess. The four new wagons seem pretty cool, especially the Scrap Wagon and Log Wagon. Will definitely look into buying these. It's nice to see another set being introduced into the range, but I personally won't be buying this. I hope those who do get a good amount of enjoyment with it.

Nice to see an N Scale range, but I don't really have much to say about it honestly

All in all, what's been announced is okay, but rather lackluster in my opinion. I'm probably just feeling a little bummed out that there's nothing for the 009 and Large Scale ranges this year, but hopefully we'll see some news regarding Rusty and the Coaches sooner then later

I'd kill for a Bachmann Stepney, the sales would undoubtedly be through the roof. But like you said, it's best to keep expectations low. That said, I'm personally rather looking forward to seeing what is announced this year and the general response

Despite keeping my expectations low to avoid disappointment, I cannot wait to see what Bachmann has planned I'm personally hoping for a Narrow Gauge Brakevan and possibly Sir Handel or Peter Sam.

Thank you That definitely puts my mind at ease!