Quote from: TrainFan97 on August 14, 2026, 08:30:19 PMHopefully the new Thomas and Percy will be DCC ready. Hope it's possible the same can also be applied to Diesel 10, and all future models in HO Scale, just like how it is in the UK. DCC ready Thomas models shall become stateside. Diesel 10 will most likely still be analog DC.

If we were to get HO Scale Annie and Clarabel to look like their CGI renders, Bachmann can then release an updated HO Scale Thomas set. The first set to use the new Thomas. If they were to release DCC Sound variants of the new Thomas and Percy, they can be released in a set together with Annie and Clarabel, and two Troublesome Trucks; a DCC Sound set.

It would be good to know IF the motors are also counted as the chassis, meaning if that's the case, they could reuse the chassis + motor housing the DCC sounds to make this definitely a possible cost-cutting measure just like the upcoming new models.

Don't worry, I know you didn't mean that.

I remember seeing that post of the 2002 Thomas next to a modern 2023 Ryan and yeah Thomas looked so out of place... Can't wait to see the updated version of Thomas finally synergizing well with the newly released characters.

Matt did mention at one point that if needed, the chassis of Thomas and Percy could be modified a notch, i.e. using the side-rods from Stanley's wheels to Thomas' wheels to be up-to-date/close to the CGI models. I'd imagine they'd also match the synergy of their Large Scale and N Scale model for Thomas at least.

Quote from: Zorran202 on August 14, 2026, 05:35:04 PM

Quote from: harrison05 on August 13, 2026, 09:08:13 PMWill Percy still have counterweights is the question I wanna know?

Based on Matt saying that re-using their chassis will be a cost-saving measure, yes he will keep his counterweights. Granted it's too early to say anything else until then, but just going by what he said is a possibility that'll have them save the chassis of the OG models.

That makes me happy to hear, I'm not a fan of Percy's CGI model don't having counterweights it looks weird to me.

Two other pieces of HO Scale rolling stock that were going to be in the cancelled 80th Anniversary set include the orange coal wagon and the dark gray two-vent van. Maybe those can be released separately, since we are getting the brake van from it. If the coal load was to be white for another wagon, it can be ballast or gravel. It would be great if the next two Troublesome Trucks for HO Scale could have coal and stone loads. Don't know if we'll get anymore Troublesome Trucks with model series faces. Some would like the oil tankers with faces; seen in Journey Beyond Sodor. For some reason, they went with the African tanker for #6, probably to make it distinct from the other tankers in the range. Bachmann can always make more Troublesome Trucks.

Hopefully the new Thomas and Percy will be DCC ready. Hope it's possible the same can also be applied to Diesel 10, and all future models in HO Scale, just like how it is in the UK. DCC ready Thomas models shall become stateside. Diesel 10 will most likely still be analog DC.

If we were to get HO Scale Annie and Clarabel to look like their CGI renders, Bachmann can then release an updated HO Scale Thomas set. The first set to use the new Thomas. If they were to release DCC Sound variants of the new Thomas and Percy, they can be released in a set together with Annie and Clarabel, and two Troublesome Trucks; a DCC Sound set.

Quote from: harrison05 on August 13, 2026, 09:08:13 PMWill Percy still have counterweights is the question I wanna know?

Based on Matt saying that re-using their chassis will be a cost-saving measure, yes he will keep his counterweights. Granted it's too early to say anything else until then, but just going by what he said is a possibility that'll have them save the chassis of the OG models.

Quote from: RailsByRick on August 13, 2026, 08:16:00 PMBesides that, Matt did allude to rear lining for Thomas and possible DCC capability for both so that's pretty neat.

That was easily the highlight of today's stream for me—the possibility that the new Thomas and Percy might be DCC ready. This is something I've discussed before, and I really hope they go this route, as DCC is the usual go-to over analog at almost every club I've been to.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if/when they get to James, I really hope they go this route and, more importantly, introduce James with DCC and sound on board like they did with Thomas and Percy. They already have James's sounds in the DCC module, so I think it would be well worth the investment to make these newly revised models DCC ready and kill two birds with one stone by introducing James as DCC-ready while also giving people another version of James with DCC and sound installed and ready to go.

I didn't say Belle and Flynn were fan favorites by any means, since we have other highly-requested characters like Whiff, Harvey, Norman and Hiro. I knew Winston had a Large Scale model, but if he was possible in HO Scale, he would not have an eye mechanism.

Anyway, the stream showed a few samples. They already have an unpainted sample of N Scale Tidmouth Sheds, and they might release an expansion pack later on so it can have more berths. We also were shown a sample of the HO Scale NW Brake Van, which was from the cancelled 80th Anniversary set. Then we were shown the face sample for HO Scale Flying Scotsman. We got to see something regarding Flying Scotsman, and it won't be much longer before we get shown the first full unpainted sample of him. Same for the fully painted sample of N Scale Henry. Both should be shown in the next stream or two.

The new HO Scale Thomas and Percy will have the same chassis as before, but can have some modifications. It's to cut down on cost and reduce the wait time. They won't look so weird next to Ryan and Stanley. Thomas will also have the red lining behind his bunker. The 8+ age range plays a factor regarding the claw on Diesel 10. It's not certain whether or not the claw will pinch, but the concern is small parts being a choking hazard. The good news is that he will not have the gap beneath his face, and will be properly fitted to his chassis.

There wasn't an N Scale engine announcement because this was a catch-up year for N Scale. At least we have Diesel, Paxton, LBSC Thomas and Origin James arriving in stock by the end of the year, with Henry soon to be shown fully painted. The 2027 catalog should for sure have Edward announced for N Scale. He's the top-requested character for N Scale, along with Duck and Oliver.

Will Percy still have counterweights is the question I wanna know?

After tonight's stream, it sounds like Thomas and Percy's chassis' will be mostly reuse. If it keeps costs down, I guess that's fine by me. The new bodies being designed around these ancient chassis' does bring up a few questions:

-Will Percy's shell remain a split design to fit around the current gearbox?

-Will the weight be improved? The plastic gearboxes make them much too lightweight.

-Will the siderods be retooled for Percy? I think Thomas should reuse the rods from Stanley as they're a perfect match. Hoping Bachmann keeps this in mind.

I think the siderods are a main concern at the moment. I really hope the old ones aren't carried over to the new models.

Besides that, Matt did allude to rear lining for Thomas and possible DCC capability for both so that's pretty neat.