Since the old thread has been deleted, I'll share my predictions. It hasn't changed as progress has been made from Bachmann's end.

I agree with Chaz that Hiro is long overdue given his popularity across different eras. He could surpass in terms of sales than Rebecca, which I still don't understand they did her over Hiro in summer '22. Whiff is a character I wouldn't mind should they choose to take on an easier project. One rolling stock Bachmann could consider adding would be the quarry hoppers.

There's not much I can comment about Narrow Gauge as the gunpowder wagons should be in the packaging phase by this point. If Bachmann were to make any additions to the range, Luke may seen as the most likely character to be announced over the summer. I can't think of any unique rolling stock to add to HOn30. 

For N-scale, the consensus is that the potential next engine should be Edward or Duck. Edward's announcement will be met positively by fans and complete the original steam team. If not Edward, then Duck is another highly requested character that will be welcomed by likeminded fans. As all previously announced engines could have their painted samples ready before the NMRA, both are possible. I agree that the rolling stock selection feels lacking and that the variety of new toolings are needed drastically. Mail trucks, coal loaded wagons, and the 20 ton brake vans would be great additions to the lineup. Percy shouldn't have to wait this long do his favorite job of pulling the mail train.

I'm not surprised the older thread was deleted; it had a lot of replies and probably took up a lot of space.

My thoughts haven't changed much. For HO, Hiro is still very overdue, given how popular he is; I think he would outsell Bachmann's recent releases, especially Rebecca. If they go with a tank engine, Whiff seems to be the most likely choice, as he's an iconic character and the last model era engine introduced in that era that made it to CGI, (excluding Harvey or Diesel 10). I don't have a strong opinion on the next HO rolling stock, but I would still love to see Bachmann introduce DCC modules for HO.

For N scale, Edward is the clear next engine, though I wouldn't rule out Duck being next. Both are top requests, and I wouldn't be surprised if one is announced at NMRA this summer. N scale also needs more rolling stock, hopefully a coal wagon with load and a BR 20 ton brake van. Bachmann hasn't introduced a new N scale tanker since their original announcement, so I could easily see them discontinue the Farish repaints and introduce some new tankers with a much nicer and accurate tooling.

Personally I'd like to see Bachmann invest in the narrow gauge line the most after the recent success of their Sir Handel model. Aside from the gunpowder vans, the backlog is empty. A Duncan reintroduction makes sense, but they could also bring in Victor or another CGI exclusive engine. For new rolling stock, I think the 4-plank wagons should be next since they appear in both model and CGI and have many liveries to choose from, making the new tooling investment worthwhile.

The thread got taken down, since it started taking up too much space, full of outdated suggestions from years ago.

Anyway, the next HO Scale engine should be Whiff, Norman, Nia, Merlin, Hiro, or Diesel 10. At least Bachmann does have the wheels for Hiro, which can be sourced from Rebecca, just configured differently. Diesel 10 can be the first engine in the Thomas line to have a moveable attachment, though his claw would make him priced similar to Flying Scotsman. Only his rear bogie would be powered, like Daisy, to cut down on cost. Merlin can be made using Henry's chassis, and would be the first ready-to-run model of the King Arthur Class stealth engine. Whiff would be the first ready-to-run model of Aerolite, and Norman would be the first ready-to-run model of BR 11001. Suggestions for engine repaints include Green Salty and Fernando.

For HO Scale rolling stock, we still need the Chocolate Syrup and Toffee Tankers. The Works Unit Coach should be the next newly-tooled piece of HO Scale rolling stock, which can be made in green, orange and blue. We also need a red or green mining wagon with an ore load, so that we can have the ore load available outside the Deluxe Thomas set, which may get discontinued at some point. We can also get Gordon's Special Coaches. I'd like to see the orange wagon with coal load and dark gray van from the cancelled 80th Anniversary set.

The next Narrow Gauge engine will most likely be Luke, or a repaint of an existing tooling like Smudger and Proteus. Smudger would be made using Rheneas' tooling, while Proteus would be made using Sir Handel's tooling. Rolling stock can include repaints of existing toolings like tan and gray brake vans and box vans. A newly-tooled rolling stock can be a 4-Plank wagon.

The next N Scale engine will most likely either be Edward or Duck. We need Edward to complete the original Steam Team in N Scale. Duck should be the next tank engine for N Scale. The next big tender engine should be Spencer, who can recycle Gordon's chassis. If we get a diesel that's not a Class 08, Mavis can be made using Thomas' chassis. Class 08 repaints we can see N Scale getting in the near future include Sidney, 'Arry and Bert. The latter two are discontinued in HO Scale, while the former is coming soon to HO Scale. For N Scale rolling stock, we desperately need the BR 20-Ton brake van. Other welcome additions include the green Coal Wagon w/ Load, orange Cargo Car, Red Coaches, and Red Express Coaches. The three tankers should get discontinued, and Bachmann can invest in a brand new N Scale tanker tooling to better match the show. We can then get more tanker varieties like milk, tar, raspberry syrup and cream. When we get Spencer on the cards, the Special Coaches can be made for N Scale too. Unlike HO Scale, the N Scale Special Coaches can actually have a brake variant. They would most likely be made based on the model series.

Hi it was my post but I have found the answer so if anyone has the same problem here is the answer. Look at the base of the truck. There are six screws, one in each corner and two between the wheels. If that is all you can see remove them and take the bottom cover off. You will now see two more screws that hold the top cover on. Remove them and the two between the wheels. (Have a look at the videos to find them). In the videos it shows all 8 screws in the bottom plate which is what through me.

Quote from: Ralph S on March 20, 2026, 01:05:04 AMWasn't expecting that video would go viral on this topic, but since its part of my learning experience, I'll add this comment.
J, sorry I hijacked your image and redrew it to show my existing 4x8 layout.  I wanted to have 3 loops but didn't quite make it.  If that video used larger than 4x8 then here's my 4x8 using only EZ Track and Fleischmann 18-degree curve switches.  I'm leaning toward that fact that the raised track area is actually above the existing 4x8.  Therefore, produces the illusion that all of the video's layout is on a 4x8.  If this is true, then my new section I should definitely create a upper and lower level in order to obtain additional space for my layout.  I alluded to that when I suggested I put in a helix type riser to an upper level.
Diagram Note: Below the black line is the second 4x8 which I'm questioning.

The plan is on a 4x8 table. The fact that it has an upper level and hidden trackage does not change the table size. But it allows you to do more with the space you have. I can relate to this having limited space myself. And if you are going to add an upper level in limited space a helix is a bad idea that will eat up half your 4x8. But if you do as the layout in the video did and build a ramp, or as I am doing and build a mountain grade, you can gain elevation in a way that doesn't bury half your railroad.

BTW, I am not trying to hijack your thread. I have alluded to my currently under construction railroad, which will have two seperate and independent decks with a connecting track between them all in a 5 1/2x 10 space. I will post photos of it when construction reaches the point when trains can run. In my own thread, of course.

Here are of my hopes for 2026 and beyond. I'd like to see a large tank engine and a large diesel for HO .
Whiff Nia and Belle could fill this role.
Diesel 10 is our main option for large Diesels .

Nia and Whiff have been suggested and predicted before. Nia is a larger tank engine however and she is a main character.Belle I have not seen much for however she would be nice . If were to say one I'd pick Nia just as she is a main character and would often a large size then whiff.

I'd have Nia for 26 and Diesel 10 for 2027.
 
I'd also like to see the works unit coach in HO scale as we need more coaches.

As for repaints of existing wagons I'd love to see more products using the mail van tooling . Mainly a brown one or circus one  .
I'd also like to see the return of the M wagon . As well as a pink 7 plank wagon or the blue express coaches .

I recently bought a Bachmann On30 Forney at a swapmeet. It has factory fitted DCC sound but is rather a stuttery runner with the sound frequently cutting out. I have got the impression that the trailing truck picks up current as well as the drivers. However I'm not sure how the current gets from the wheels to the 2 small terminals from which are a couple of flimsy looking wires leading into the DCC circuitry because the bogie frame seems to be made of plastic. I feel that if I can get the current from the bogie then the running will be improved.
Does anyone have any ideas to improve the running of this loco?
Has anyone managed to fit a Stay-alive to the factory circuitry or is it a matter of a complete replacement of the chip with another plus a compatible Stay-Alive?

Many thanks

Dave Ellis

Wasn't expecting that video would go viral on this topic, but since its part of my learning experience, I'll add this comment.
J, sorry I hijacked your image and redrew it to show my existing 4x8 layout.  I wanted to have 3 loops but didn't quite make it.  If that video used larger than 4x8 then here's my 4x8 using only EZ Track and Fleischmann 18-degree curve switches.  I'm leaning toward that fact that the raised track area is actually above the existing 4x8.  Therefore, produces the illusion that all of the video's layout is on a 4x8.  If this is true, then my new section I should definitely create a upper and lower level in order to obtain additional space for my layout.  I alluded to that when I suggested I put in a helix type riser to an upper level.
Diagram Note: Below the black line is the second 4x8 which I'm questioning.

Quotefrom wjstix - March 15, 2026, 01:40:16 AM]
As far as the layout, the balance between track and scenery / structures is going to be different for each person. However, in my experience, many folks (me included) have a tendency to try to cram in too much. I think it was John Armstrong who said something like 'put in the amount of track you think is right, then take out 1/3 of it - that will end up being closer to the ideal'. Leaving some room for scenery does a lot to open up a layout, even if it's just a hill or a small pond.

For industries, sometimes it works better to have one larger industry that realistically could receive 3-4-5 cars, then have several small industries that each get one car.

This is one of my favorite actions.  Place track as I see fit, then later on, my mind tells me that there is a better way to place it.  I thought about buying that track software you used, but I like seeing the physical layout rather than viewing it on a computer screen.  When I started out, I wanted 5 cities, and trains passing through each city.  I've gotten down to earth once I started physically placing track on the layout.  Looks like I'll only have maybe 2 cities if I'm lucky. 
One of my biggest quests is to build a highway that is under construction, alongside an operating rail line that is also under construction with a second rail. Somewhere in there have a light industrial area, with a helium plant, mining facility, Nuclear Plant, and since I have too many tractors, cranes and mining equipment, a Caterpillar, or Kenworth, dealership with all the tractors I have on the lot.  Believe me, I do not want my layout to look anything like the video.  I hope to make it look more like Sheldon's.

So the old one is gone time to start a new one . This is for suggestions for new products in the Thomas line line up for any scale as long as Bachmann is making it

I have found the non sound Bachmann decoders do not support CV5 and CV6, the max  and mid voltage settings. But you should be able to adjust those on your FA2. I can't give you any specific values to enter. What I do to speed match is to time each locomotive over a fixed course, then adjust one  of the locomotives to match the other by comparing the times. For example, if at top speed A takes 10 seconds but B takes 12, I'd start by lowering the value of CV5 by 20 percent. That would get you close, and you can make further small adjustments from there. Once you have CV5 done, do the same with CV6 after running both locomotives at half speed over the course. My course is a 6 foot section of track which corresponds to 1/10 of a mile in HO scale, making it easy to estimate the scale mph the locomotives are running.