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Thomas & Friends in 2018

Started by TerencetheTractor525, March 26, 2017, 02:15:26 PM

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TerencetheTractor525

Another thing I thought that I should elaborate on is why I put Trevor on my initial predictions list back in late March. I would say that the rest of what I put at the time is pretty self-explanatory. Yet, Trevor may have seemed like the odd one out considering that there has not been that much discussion on him. To start, it has been a while since Bachmann has announced a non-rail character, and Trevor would certainly be the best choice for that sector. Trevor is a very popular character for both young and old fans (very similar to Daisy in that regard).

However, Trevor does require a complex tooling. Because of this, I think that if Trevor is announced for 2018, he would take up the room for a new HO loco. But, at the moment, Daisy seems to be getting many more leading roles on T.V. than Trevor (especially after watching Season 21). That's why Daisy would still be the best pick for 2018. Even so, if Bachmann decided to announce Trevor for 2018, I would still take him with open arms  ;).

All in all, in my opinion, Daisy and Trevor are the two classic characters that are essential to the Bachmann range. Once again, since they both require new toolings, I would only expect one of the two for 2018.
Dreaming of a Bachmann Stepney.

douglas

Does anyone have an inkling that this extended sellout of Percy and James in HO is leading to a redesigned Percy as well as James for the Black Friday/holiday season? Total shot in the dark here, but the timing could make it possible; there's no way Bachmann wouldn't have another production run ready for the holidays at the very least.

TrainFan97

#257
When you said 'inkling' I thought you were talking about the characters from Splatoon. ;) Aside from that, I don't really know if there's going to be a redesign for either Percy or James. That's up to Mattel, not Bachmann. We'll have to wait and see.

There's a very good chance Daisy would have her couplers attached to her bogies, so she and the milk tankers she's pulling can turn tighter. The tender engines have their front couplers attached to their leading wheels. Daisy would have that on both ends. Should work perfectly, since her CGI render has much higher bufferbeams.

As a character, Daisy wouldn't pull, but her Bachmann model would.

For non-rail characters, I think Bulgy has a better chance than Trevor, since he has a more simple shape.
My wishlist for HO Scale: Stepney, BoCo, Sidney, Fernando, Mainland Diesels, Norman, Porter, Samson, Timothy, Whiff, Hiro, Winston, and Green Salty.
My wishlist for N Scale: Henry, Edward, Spencer, Flying Scotsman, Duck, Oliver, Mavis, Sidney, 'Arry and Bert.

TerencetheTractor525

http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Standard_Gauge_and_Narrow_Gauge_Viaduct?file=NightTrain1.png

I can't get over how astonishing this shot is! This is what Thomas was all about! Breathtaking visuals with wonderful background music that would enhance the shot to the highest extent. The Ticket Office from Lakeside (that I mentioned at the very bottom of Page 16 of this thread) is shown as well. I'm sure that we can all agree that any of these town buildings would be welcome additions to the Thomas Resin Building Range.

Simply beautiful.
Dreaming of a Bachmann Stepney.

Falcon

#259
Bulgy would be a pretty nice idea! He's only appeared once in the CGI series so far, but his boxy shape makes him easy to make and he'd complete the list of major Season 3 newcomers (minus Flying Scotsman).

I wouldn't mind waiting a little longer for Trevor. The Bachmann team might need a fair amount of time to give him the perfect tooling.

Part of me hopes that Jack can be made in the lineup of road vehicles, but he might need to come after Bulgy and Trevor are released first.

TrainFan97

#260
On the topic of HO Daisy, I wouldn't say she's inevitable, but she still has a very high chance. I don't know what else new I could say about her, since I've already said many times regarding her high demand, and how popular demand got Bachmann into making Duck and Oliver. The same is possible with Daisy, and I said that many times too. None of Bachmann's competitors have made Daisy, so Bachmann will be the first, which will also greatly increase sales.

As for Sidney, he's better off being saved for at least 2019.
My wishlist for HO Scale: Stepney, BoCo, Sidney, Fernando, Mainland Diesels, Norman, Porter, Samson, Timothy, Whiff, Hiro, Winston, and Green Salty.
My wishlist for N Scale: Henry, Edward, Spencer, Flying Scotsman, Duck, Oliver, Mavis, Sidney, 'Arry and Bert.

AJW98Productions

I feel like this is going to be a long post, but I've been meaning to post a lot of thoughts these last few months, but due to my personal life taking precedence over posting, I've been merely browsing for a while, as I haven't had so much time for structured, well-reasoned, cohesive posts. With that said, here goes:
Resin Buildings:
Ffarquhar Station is probably my favourite idea. Especially in it's Season 1-8 appearance. I don't really think this one needs much elaboration, it appeared in the openings of Seasons 1-7 and is one of the most iconic stations on Thomas's branchline, only really taking a second place (in the TV series, anyway) to Knapford Station. Whilst not my favourite station on Thomas's branchline in the TV Series (I still really like Ffarquhar though), I probably prefer Elsbridge and Dryaw. However, Ffarquhar is the terminus of the line, and to me, it is clearly the best nomination for next station in Bachmann's line-up. Though I think Mattel would prefer Bachmann to produce Ffarquhar in its current appearance, and whilst I really do understand the reasoning for that. I feel like it'd be a cost saving measure for Bachmann to just produce the 1 platform and station. It'd also work great for people with small layouts who don't have much room for a station.

I really like the idea of the Signal Junction Gantry, I particularly like the 4-track version. The 3-track version just looks a little odd to me, but maybe that's just me. I feel like maybe this particular building could have a surprisingly large chance, if you think about it, these featured heavily in the HiT era (for better or for worse) and would go great with Bachmann's Knapford Station (given the way it's laid out in the current television series). I feel like it could be used on a lot of layouts anyway, especially if the 4-track version were released, but that's just my opinion.

The suggestion of the shunting yard shed, whilst not my favourite, does seem like a pretty good idea, I could see Bachmann making one, as it does seem like a versatile shed, and I could possibly even see some using it as a generic engine shed. Even though I personally wouldn't.

I touched on some Narrow Gauge sheds in another post, however I will say here that this is probably my favourite idea for how I'd like to see them designed:
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Duncan_Gets_Spooked/Gallery?file=DuncanGetsSpooked40.png
Now, I understand that all of these aren't possible for next year. That is a given, it is just my thoughts on some really good suggestions I've seen put forward.
Narrow Gauge:
Now, I've touched on my thoughts for HO engines and Large Scale stock briefly in another post, so I'll try not to repeat myself. I don't think I've talked much about Narrow Gauge in a while though, so I figured I'd take some time out to talk about it.
Let's start with engines, we have a prototype image of Rheneas, but no confirmed release date, and no image of Rusty. In my opinion, there's maybe a 50/50 chance we'll get another engine announced next year, but we might not. If we do though, I would like to see Peter Sam.

Peter Sam's usage throughout the series has been highly consistent, his personality has changed little even during the HiT era, he's also had a lot of lead roles, even in the CGI series, which is important to bear in mind. His render resembles his basis well, which is more than can be said for Duncan, and some Thomas modelers may even buy a second model, just so that they can have one model with his original funnel, before he got the Giesel variant.

Duncan may have better usage, but I feel like Peter Sam holds the advantage in how closely he resembles his basis. I don't really see Mattel approving a model of Duncan that doesn't resemble the CGI design for him, but I could be wrong there. And if so, Duncan may prove a better seller, but if he would resemble his CGI model, I think Duncan wouldn't be as good of a choice as Peter Sam is.

Since I'm not expecting much in the way or Narrow Gauge stock next year, I will say that one thing I would like to see, is the Brown Brakevan. Since that will be a new tooling, I don't expect we'd see any other rolling stock announced in the same year as it. I could be wrong though, especially since Rheneas isn't yet available, and we have not seen a prototype photo of Rusty yet.

I will quickly add in here that a while ago, I believe someone asked for thoughts regarding a Bachmann Hiro, and whilst I personally don't think it would happen, not in the current market anyway, I wouldn't be opposed to Bachmann releasing him if it were financially viable. He's one of my favourite characters from the HiT era, and feels like he belongs in the universe of Thomas and Friends, he actually does have character depth unlike many characters from the HiT era, and does seem to satisfy the itch Mattel has for internationalism in the series. I don't see him coming in HO, but if he did, I would welcome him with open arms. I feel like some modelers (if they could afford it) might buy two and create the "patchwork Hiro" that we saw in Hero of the Rails.

Overall I feel like that's really all I can add to this discussion, unless I think up something more, or someone puts forward a suggestion that I feel my thoughts could maybe add something to.

Anyway, have a good day everyone :D and sorry for how long this post was.
~Alex

TerencetheTractor525

#262
Quote from: AJW98Productions on November 05, 2017, 04:21:18 AM
I feel like this is going to be a long post, but I've been meaning to post a lot of thoughts these last few months, but due to my personal life taking precedence over posting, I've been merely browsing for a while, as I haven't had so much time for structured, well-reasoned, cohesive posts. With that said, here goes:
Resin Buildings:
Ffarquhar Station is probably my favourite idea. Especially in it's Season 1-8 appearance. I don't really think this one needs much elaboration, it appeared in the openings of Seasons 1-7 and is one of the most iconic stations on Thomas's branchline, only really taking a second place (in the TV series, anyway) to Knapford Station. Whilst not my favourite station on Thomas's branchline in the TV Series (I still really like Ffarquhar though), I probably prefer Elsbridge and Dryaw. However, Ffarquhar is the terminus of the line, and to me, it is clearly the best nomination for next station in Bachmann's line-up. Though I think Mattel would prefer Bachmann to produce Ffarquhar in its current appearance, and whilst I really do understand the reasoning for that. I feel like it'd be a cost saving measure for Bachmann to just produce the 1 platform and station. It'd also work great for people with small layouts who don't have much room for a station.

I really like the idea of the Signal Junction Gantry, I particularly like the 4-track version. The 3-track version just looks a little odd to me, but maybe that's just me. I feel like maybe this particular building could have a surprisingly large chance, if you think about it, these featured heavily in the HiT era (for better or for worse) and would go great with Bachmann's Knapford Station (given the way it's laid out in the current television series). I feel like it could be used on a lot of layouts anyway, especially if the 4-track version were released, but that's just my opinion.

The suggestion of the shunting yard shed, whilst not my favourite, does seem like a pretty good idea, I could see Bachmann making one, as it does seem like a versatile shed, and I could possibly even see some using it as a generic engine shed. Even though I personally wouldn't.

I touched on some Narrow Gauge sheds in another post, however I will say here that this is probably my favourite idea for how I'd like to see them designed:
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Duncan_Gets_Spooked/Gallery?file=DuncanGetsSpooked40.png
Now, I understand that all of these aren't possible for next year. That is a given, it is just my thoughts on some really good suggestions I've seen put forward.
Narrow Gauge:
Now, I've touched on my thoughts for HO engines and Large Scale stock briefly in another post, so I'll try not to repeat myself. I don't think I've talked much about Narrow Gauge in a while though, so I figured I'd take some time out to talk about it.
Let's start with engines, we have a prototype image of Rheneas, but no confirmed release date, and no image of Rusty. In my opinion, there's maybe a 50/50 chance we'll get another engine announced next year, but we might not. If we do though, I would like to see Peter Sam.

Peter Sam's usage throughout the series has been highly consistent, his personality has changed little even during the HiT era, he's also had a lot of lead roles, even in the CGI series, which is important to bear in mind. His render resembles his basis well, which is more than can be said for Duncan, and some Thomas modelers may even buy a second model, just so that they can have one model with his original funnel, before he got the Giesel variant.

Duncan may have better usage, but I feel like Peter Sam holds the advantage in how closely he resembles his basis. I don't really see Mattel approving a model of Duncan that doesn't resemble the CGI design for him, but I could be wrong there. And if so, Duncan may prove a better seller, but if he would resemble his CGI model, I think Duncan wouldn't be as good of a choice as Peter Sam is.

Since I'm not expecting much in the way or Narrow Gauge stock next year, I will say that one thing I would like to see, is the Brown Brakevan. Since that will be a new tooling, I don't expect we'd see any other rolling stock announced in the same year as it. I could be wrong though, especially since Rheneas isn't yet available, and we have not seen a prototype photo of Rusty yet.

I will quickly add in here that a while ago, I believe someone asked for thoughts regarding a Bachmann Hiro, and whilst I personally don't think it would happen, not in the current market anyway, I wouldn't be opposed to Bachmann releasing him if it were financially viable. He's one of my favourite characters from the HiT era, and feels like he belongs in the universe of Thomas and Friends, he actually does have character depth unlike many characters from the HiT era, and does seem to satisfy the itch Mattel has for internationalism in the series. I don't see him coming in HO, but if he did, I would welcome him with open arms. I feel like some modelers (if they could afford it) might buy two and create the "patchwork Hiro" that we saw in Hero of the Rails.

Overall I feel like that's really all I can add to this discussion, unless I think up something more, or someone puts forward a suggestion that I feel my thoughts could maybe add something to.

Anyway, have a good day everyone :D and sorry for how long this post was.
~Alex

Great suggestions Alex! No worries for how long the post was as I enjoyed reading every bit of it! Although, regarding resin buildings, what is your personal opinion on the ruined castle http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Rheneas_and_the_Roller_Coaster/Gallery?file=RheneasandtheRollerCoasteralternatetitlecard.png
or some town buildings such as Neptune Refreshments and the Ticket Office
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Peter_Sam_and_the_Refreshment_Lady/Gallery?file=PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady27.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Peter_Sam_and_the_Refreshment_Lady/Gallery?file=PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady30.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Peter_Sam_and_the_Refreshment_Lady/Gallery?file=PeterSamandtheRefreshmentLady29.png
I'd love to see what you think  :).

In regards to Bulgy, even though I would personally prefer Trevor, I'd be all for Bulgy due to his, as already mentioned, simple shape  :).
Dreaming of a Bachmann Stepney.

Chaz

Even though just Peter Sam and a brake van wouldn't be a large lineup of announcements, I would be pretty content with getting just those two next year.  Better than just one engine like this year.

The more I think about it in regards to HO, the more I would like to see them do another lineup of resin buildings.  Another I personally would be fond of is Toby's shed for HO.  A standard small shape, but should be fairly easy for Bachmann to make compared to some of the other buildings in the range:

Modeler of HO/OO, OO9 and N scale.  Hoping for N scale Henry, Edward and Duck.

JD417

Since 2 out of 3 wagons for this year are finally finished, I'm very eager to see Paxton now.
I'm even more eager to see if they actually go forth and paint his rods.

Painted rods would be a first for the range. The other Class 08's not having theirs painted has always been a let down for me, but you got the excuse for Diesel that they wanted a "Classic look" for him, bar the face. For Arry and Bert they blackened the metal a bit, so they appeared in the proper black colour, so I guess that one can slide.
But in Paxton's case? Paxton has red-orange rods, so if they let that be plain metal/blackened metal, I'm gonna be calling this the laziest release to date. Reused tooling, and not even fully painted. Sure hope they don't go an even lazier route and make them in the correct colour, but in plastic. Having those low swinging/high speed rods made out of the flimsy plastic that Bachmann uses for crossheads (Skarloey and Rosie) hook on one thing on the trackside, and they're goners.

TerencetheTractor525

#265
Quote from: Chaz on November 05, 2017, 10:51:05 PM
Even though just Peter Sam and a brake van wouldn't be a large lineup of announcements, I would be pretty content with getting just those two next year.  Better than just one engine like this year.

The more I think about it in regards to HO, the more I would like to see them do another lineup of resin buildings.  Another I personally would be fond of is Toby's shed for HO.  A standard small shape, but should be fairly easy for Bachmann to make compared to some of the other buildings in the range:



I feel exactly the same way. Toby's shed is another nice option; and when considering how many locos there are in the range, there could never be too many sheds. Although, I do believe that if they make Toby's shed, it will be the one from Season 1, as seen in the posted photo. When comparing it to the post Season 7 version, the Season 1 version has a simpler design and is smaller overall. In my opinion, it also has more charm. The post Season 7 version comes across as too bulky, in my view, and it would probably retail for an incredibly high price because of that. Additionally, the Season 1 version has a similar "texture" to the Trackside Station which may help with the expense of the tooling. All in all, the shed is Toby's which means that it does not need to be as long as the Engine Shed that is currently in the resin building range. It just needs to be big enough for Toby  :).

On a different note, as I too am thinking of other resin building ideas. One that popped into my head is The Sodor Inn, which was seen at the Fishing Village during Season 5. It's another option for a town building and would add color diversity to the range.
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sodor_Inn?file=MakeSomeoneHappy1.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/The_Sodor_Inn/Gallery?file=SomethingInTheAir1.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Norramby_Fishing_Village/Gallery?file=MakeSomeoneHappy42.png

The other is the Fish and Chips Building. Just like Neptune Refreshments and the Ticket Office, it has been seen in multiple locations...
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Harold_the_Helicopter/Gallery?file=MakeSomeoneHappy41.png
http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Mind_that_Bike/Gallery?file=MindthatBike14.png

What do you guys think?

Lastly, I concur with announcing one narrow gauge loco with only one new rolling stock tooling. It is certainly the most realistic option since many of us would really love to see some new resin buildings for 2018.
Dreaming of a Bachmann Stepney.

AJW98Productions

#266
Well I didn't expect to be posting again here so soon, but hopefully this post may add something to this conversation.

My thoughts on a castle ruins? I love the idea! Granted members who've been around for a while may recall I built a Ruined Castle kit a few years back, painted it and posted photos on here of it sitting on my layout (at the time)...so I'm probably a little bias...as I rather like Castle Ruins as scenery items. Moving on though, we saw one that appeared in the background of shots in the second season (I seem to recall it appearing in background shots of Woolly Bear and Breakvan, possibly more).

Then we one that appeared on the castle causeway in Season 4 - which is the same design as the castle ruins that were in Season 18's Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger, which makes it the most likely candidate. Finally there is the one like in that image from Rheneas and the Roller Coaster you provided, on the same part of the Skarloey line, just a diffrent design. But with that in mind, I would say the most likely one is the one we saw in Seasons 4 and 18, not the one from Seasons 7 - 11.
Here is an image of the fourth season design: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Sodor_Castle/Gallery?file=YouCan%27tWin20.png

Something I find interesting about the image from Rheneas and the Roller Coaster, however, is that it contains a building that looks just like Bachmann's Black Loch Folly (already in the resin range) in the background of it. Which might give this specific design some kind of edge if they were considering a castle ruins...still, I imagine it'd be upscaled a bit, unless the perspective is throwing me. Because I don't imagine it'd look that big next to the standard gauge engines if it weren't. My bets would still be on the earlier/current design, however - if it were to appear.

Also, just in case someone is thinking it, I am aware it is being shot next to the larger scale model of Rheneas used post-season 4, which means it does appear smaller than it would otherwise. However, if it were scaled the same to Bachmann's Rheneas, I feel it would still look a touch too small. So scaling it up a little may be the wisest choice. Again though, the perspective could just be messing with my sense of size.

As for the Sodor Inn, it's always something I forget about as soon as I finish any episode it appears in. It's an odd thing, but I guess it blends into the background really well! Which is good...mostly for people who don't mind a building that doesn't stick out too much. But since the range does also have to appeal to children...I can't say I see this one doing too well with them...especially since I don't remember it appearing in any other episodes besides the ones provided. Also, if my own experience is anything to go off of, the fact it's a little...forgettable (in my opinion anyway), could stifle sales. It's a bit of a shame really, because it fits in well to the background of Thomas and Friends. But since Bachmann is a company that does need to prioritise money above all else, I can't say that I particularly see this one making an appearance in the range, granted I'd be happy to be proven wrong. But if anyone disagrees. Feel free to give me reasons...and (possibly) prove me wrong. (Unsubtle song reference is unsubtle, I know :P)

Now, the Fish and Chips shop does seem like a more natural candidate for the range. But again, I feel it shares a lot of the problems with the Sodor Inn, so I won't repeat myself. I will say that I'd consider this a more likely candidate. As I somehow could see kids (Bachmann does need to satisfy this demographic too) gravitating towards something they'd possibly relate to more, like a fish and chips shop, than an Inn. But again, I'm happy to be wrong, if I see a convincing argument against any of my points.

The Ticket Office has a decent chance, in my opinion, merely because it fits in as a very generic building that probably wouldn't seem too out of place on any kind of layout, but I don't see many people going out of their way to buy this one...

As for Neptune refreshments, this place was the centre of one episode that I've always enjoyed from the Classic Era (Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady), and I do recall in a later season it appeared as well. Unfortunately here's where I think the chances for that building could fall apart: it didn't appear all that much, and it was transferred to a coach in a later season, so I think if we were going to see it, we would see it in the form of the coach. Then again I don't think either the original building or the coach has reappeared since the model era, and since we're so far into the CGI era now, it's hard to see Bachmann releasing Neptune's Refreshments as either a coach or a building. That is, unless they made a surprise reappearance at some point (granted I stopped watching the show for most of seasons 13-16 (couldn't stand the writing) and I've even missed some of seasons 17-21 so I might have missed it if it did reappear).

Now, as for Toby's shed...I think Chaz and TerrencetheTractor55 got all of that spot on. I can't really add anything that you guys haven't to that conversation. Good work guys! :)

I'm really liking the suggestions all you guys have come up with, I honestly wish I'd thought of these myself, but oh well :D

EDIT:
I created a Strawpoll for what building people would like to see next. I think JLK2707 stated Elsbridge as a possibility a few pages ago (just mentioning as it didn't seem to be commented on at the time), so I included it on there, I don't think it's all that likely, but hey, I was trying to include every possibility put forward that I could think of that was suggested here.
http://www.strawpoll.me/14346400
One vote only though guys, so vote for your favourite option, if you choose to vote. :)

~Alex

TerencetheTractor525

#267
Quote from: AJW98Productions on November 07, 2017, 03:56:24 AM
Well I didn't expect to be posting again here so soon, but hopefully this post may add something to this conversation.

My thoughts on a castle ruins? I love the idea! Granted members who've been around for a while may recall I built a Ruined Castle kit a few years back, painted it and posted photos on here of it sitting on my layout (at the time)...so I'm probably a little bias...as I rather like Castle Ruins as scenery items. Moving on though, we saw one that appeared in the background of shots in the second season (I seem to recall it appearing in background shots of Woolly Bear and Breakvan, possibly more).

Then we one that appeared on the castle causeway in Season 4 - which is the same design as the castle ruins that were in Season 18's Duncan and the Grumpy Passenger, which makes it the most likely candidate. Finally there is the one like in that image from Rheneas and the Roller Coaster you provided, on the same part of the Skarloey line, just a diffrent design. But with that in mind, I would say the most likely one is the one we saw in Seasons 4 and 18, not the one from Seasons 7 - 11.
Here is an image of the fourth season design: http://ttte.wikia.com/wiki/Sodor_Castle/Gallery?file=YouCan%27tWin20.png

Something I find interesting about the image from Rheneas and the Roller Coaster, however, is that it contains a building that looks just like Bachmann's Black Loch Folly (already in the resin range) in the background of it. Which might give this specific design some kind of edge if they were considering a castle ruins...still, I imagine it'd be upscaled a bit, unless the perspective is throwing me. Because I don't imagine it'd look that big next to the standard gauge engines if it weren't. My bets would still be on the earlier/current design, however - if it were to appear.

Also, just in case someone is thinking it, I am aware it is being shot next to the larger scale model of Rheneas used post-season 4, which means it does appear smaller than it would otherwise. However, if it were scaled the same to Bachmann's Rheneas, I feel it would still look a touch too small. So scaling it up a little may be the wisest choice. Again though, the perspective could just be messing with my sense of size.

As for the Sodor Inn, it's always something I forget about as soon as I finish any episode it appears in. It's an odd thing, but I guess it blends into the background really well! Which is good...mostly for people who don't mind a building that doesn't stick out too much. But since the range does also have to appeal to children...I can't say I see this one doing too well with them...especially since I don't remember it appearing in any other episodes besides the one provided. Also, if my own experience is anything to go off of, the fact it's a little...forgettable (in my opinion anyway), could stifle sales. It's a bit of a shame really, because it fits in well to the background of Thomas and Friends. But since Bachmann is a company that does need to prioritise money above all else, I can't say that I particularly see this one making an appearance in the range, granted I'd be happy to be proven wrong. But if anyone disagrees. Feel free to give me reasons...and (possibly) prove me wrong. (Unsubtle song reference is unsubtle, I know :P)

Now, the Fish and Chips shop does seem like a more natural candidate for the range. But again, I feel it shares a lot of the problems with the Sodor Inn, so I won't repeat myself. I will say that I'd consider this a more likely candidate. As I somehow could see kids (Bachmann does need to satisfy this demographic too) gravitating towards something they'd possibly relate to more, like a fish and chips shop, than an Inn. But again, I'm happy to be wrong, if I see a convincing argument against any of my points.

The Ticket Office has a decent chance, in my opinion, merely because it fits in as a very generic building that probably wouldn't seem too out of place on any kind of layout, but I don't see many people going out of their way to buy this one...

As for Neptune refreshments, this place was the centre of one episode that I've always enjoyed from the Classic Era (Peter Sam and the Refreshment Lady), and I do recall in a later season it appeared as well. Unfortunately here's where I think the chances for that building could fall apart: it didn't appear all that much, and it was transferred to a coach in a later season, so I think if we were going to see it, we would see it in the form of the coach. Then again I don't think either the original building or the coach has reappeared since the model era, and since we're so far into the CGI era now, it's hard to see Bachmann releasing Neptune's Refreshments as either a coach or a building. That is, unless they made a surprise reappearance at some point (granted I stopped watching the show for most of seasons 13-16 (couldn't stand the writing) and I've even missed some of seasons 17-21 so I might have missed it if it did reappear).

Now, as for Toby's shed...I think Chaz and TerrencetheTractor55 got all of that spot on. I can't really add anything that you guys haven't to that conversation. Good work guys! :)

I'm really liking the suggestions all you guys have come up with, I honestly wish I'd thought of these myself, but oh well :D

EDIT:
I created a Strawpoll for what building people would like to see next. I think JLK2707 stated Elsbridge as a possibility a few pages ago (just mentioning as it didn't seem to be commented on at the time), so I included it on there, I don't think it's all that likely, but hey, I was trying to include every possibility put forward that I could think of that was suggested here.
http://www.strawpoll.me/14346400
One vote only though guys, so vote for your favourite option, if you choose to vote. :)

~Alex

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply Alex! Just two things that I must mention are that the Fish and Chips building is not currently on the poll and that the castle ruins actually had a third version from Season 9 to Season 11. This one would definitely be the least likely. Nevertheless, I thought that it would be important for me to point that out. In addition, what do you mean by a narrow gauge trackside station? There is one currently in the range.

Moreover, I personally still think that the Season 7 version of the castle ruins will be the most likely candidate as it would blend in perfectly with the Black Loch Folly, but that's just me. Regarding town buildings, even though buildings such as Neptune Refreshments were not specifically seen in the current television series, if someone wanted to recreate the Fishing Village, Arlesburgh Harbor, or just simply any town on Sodor, town buildings would of course be essential, and would give more variety to the Bachmann resin building range. I apologize if I sound overly redundant, but anyways, thank you so much again for your thorough analysis Alex!  :)
Dreaming of a Bachmann Stepney.

AJW98Productions

#268
Oh darn, I must've forgotten the fish and chips building when making the poll! I also didn't realise that the castle ruins had a different design in Seasons 9-11. However, I did remember the trackside station, I just didn't phrase myself well at all. I meant a station with a platform designed specifically for Narrow Gauge. Yeah, I mixed up my terminology here, I apologise. I also probably should've put an option on for a centre platform for a station with OO scale on one side and OO9 on the other.

I think Neptune's Refreshments or a Fish and Chips shop aren't bad options, by any means. I just think they're a little less likely. I'd still like to see them though! :)

EDIT: Unfortunately it seems I can't edit that poll now, so the options will stay as they are I guess...my bad. :-[

~Alex

TerencetheTractor525

Quote from: AJW98Productions on November 07, 2017, 09:10:50 AM
Oh darn, I must've forgotten the fish and chips building when making the poll! I also didn't realise that the castle ruins had a different design in Seasons 9-11. However, I did remember the trackside station, I just didn't phrase myself well at all. I meant a station with a platform designed specifically for Narrow Gauge. Yeah, I mixed up my terminology here, I apologise. I also probably should've put an option on for a centre platform for a station with OO scale on one side and OO9 on the other.

I think Neptune's Refreshments or a Fish and Chips shop aren't bad options, by any means. I just think they're a little less likely. I'd still like to see them though! :)

EDIT: Unfortunately it seems I can't edit that poll now, so the options will stay as they are I guess...my bad. :-[

~Alex

No worries! Thank you again Alex  :).
Dreaming of a Bachmann Stepney.