Bachmann Thomas & Friends in 2021

[TerencetheTractor525]

I was initially going to wait much longer to start another one of these, but after yesterday's disappointment, I wanted to start this ASAP with the hope that February's announcement will be much better, even though it is after the 75th Anniversary:

HO Scale
Stepney (with moving eyes) #1 Hope
Ventilated Van- Explosives
Red Express Coach
Red Express Brake Coach

Narrow Gauge
Sir Handel
Brake Van- Brown

N Scale
Toby
S.C.Ruffey
Tidmouth Milk Tanker

Large Scale
Red Coach
Red Brake Coach
or
Troublesome Van

[TerencetheTractor525]

I know that it is best to avoid double posting as much as possible, but I decided to repost my Stepney post from the previous thread, given Stepney's massive popularity amongst fans:

I thought that it would be appropriate for me to share my thoughts on the locomotive that I greatly believe should enter the HO Thomas Line next: Stepney the Bluebell Engine!



So, why should Stepney, an engine who has not been present in recent episodes of the television series, plus seem like a generic 0-6-0 tank engine at first glance be introduced next instead of engines such as Nia, Rebecca, Phillip, Stanley, or even Ryan?



Firstly, the demand for him is definitely worth noting. Stepney has constantly been the most popular new engine suggestion by a landslide, not only through the Bachmann Forum, but through other branches of social media as well. Specifically, through the forum, threads such as the Stepney or Ryan Thread, as well as the Bachmann Thomas in 2019 and 2020 Threads have shown Stepney's popularity to a great extent, while multiple Bachmann Forum users have even stated how much they would love to see Stepney made in the signature section of their personal accounts. Through platforms such as Twitter, multiple polls have been conducted on ranking Bachmann's next engine too, and Stepney has constantly been at the top.



In terms of various brands of Thomas merchandise, Stepney has done very well with sales. For instance, when the Take-n-Play model was released in 2014, Stepney's model constantly sold out. In addition, Hornby made an HO/OO scale model of Stepney, which was first discontinued in 2010, but re-released in 2012 for a limited time due to popularity. It really is a shame that the Hornby model is now discontinued, as there has been and still is great demand for him, and the model is incredibly hard to come across for a decent price nowadays.



As someone who was lucky enough to purchase a Hornby Stepney many years ago, two questions that I have been asked numerous times from many Thomas fans are: Where can I find a Hornby Stepney? Do you ever plan on selling your Hornby Stepney? While replying, I always feel guilty for stating that I do not plan on selling my Stepney model, and that eBay is really the only place to find one these days. This just goes to show that a character does not need to be in current CGI episodes to be a popular request. It is crystal clear that fans want an HO Stepney.



Even so, considering that Stepney still may seem like a generic 0-6-0 tank engine, one may then ask: what makes Stepney so popular? For starters, he is one of the last engines introduced in the classic model series that has not been made by Bachmann, plus is an Awdry character. In addition, when looking at past sales, classic engines such as Duck have done very well. It would be no different with Stepney as well as the upcoming Daisy model for the same reason.



Moreover, fans see Stepney as a natural addition to the line, as he would go wonderfully with engines such as Duck, rolling stock such as the red branchline coaches, and most notably, Rusty, since he is the one who saved Stepney from scrap in a fan-favorite episode of all time: Rusty to the Rescue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MbpwBfrrxY. Stepney even goes wonderfully with the newer engines in the line: Rosie and Paxton, since Stepney played a part in an episode with Rosie: Rosie's Carnival Special https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYgTOayoJd8, and Paxton could be utilized as one of the scrap diesels seen in the background of Rusty to the Rescue.



Other episodes that can explain Stepney's popularity are Thomas and Stepney: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-yHoSMEf2M, and Stepney Gets Lost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPGQtz1lvZU. Also, it is interesting to note that Stepney is the only engine mentioned in the classic song, Little Engines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wesCEBy1TE, that Bachmann has not made yet.



In real-life, let's remember that Stepney is even a symbol of railway heritage (The Bluebell Railway), and his real life basis is also called "Stepney". With the Bachmann Thomas line now entering the UK, a Bachmann Stepney could be sold at the Bluebell Railway Giftshop. This would, without a doubt, introduce more people to the Bachmann Thomas line, as well as give children who are already interested in Thomas a gateway to real-world locomotives. In fact, one Thomas fan made an extraordinary documentary on the history of Stepney, which once again, shows how popular of an engine he really is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGmpr52R2FY



As far as Stepney's design is concerned, a new tooling would be needed, but since Stepney is an 0-6-0 tank engine, his small new tooling is something that Bachmann could definitely work with. His goldenrod color scheme is also something worth noting, as there is currently no engine with the same livery, something that the licensor should certainly be on board with. In addition, one specific thing to note is that Stepney's red side rods should actually be plastic, and not metal, which would definitely help Bachmann, considering that many of Bachmann's most recent models such as Rosie and the narrow gauge engines have plastic bits for the side rods to save money.



Finally, some fans refer to Stepney as a ticking clock because the longer that Bachmann waits to announce Stepney, the higher the chance that Mattel will bring back Stepney to the television series. Hence, Bachmann would have to base Stepney on his CGI design. Although there have been some good CGI renders such as Daisy, other CGI renders such as Oliver missed the mark by a long shot. Thus, Stepney may suffer from the same fate if he returns in CGI. Therefore, what would be most ideal for Stepney is what happened with Duck. Bachmann announced him in 2012, right before his CGI render was revealed. Therefore, Bachmann Duck was based on the classic model series design, which fans were ecstatic about. And, just like Duck, Stepney's model era face is extremely nostalgic and has a unique charm of its own that I hope to see on the Bachmann model over any sort of CGI face.



Overall, I have zero doubt that Stepney is the best candidate for Bachmann to announce next as far as new toolings are concerned. To add, because it is the 75th Anniversary, I think that Stepney, a classic engine that has not been in the current show for a while, should take priority over any other new tooling in any scale of the Thomas line including a Narrow Gauge Sir Handel.



I truly hope that someone from Bachmann can pass this message along, as seeing Stepney announced would not only make fans extremely happy, but would greatly help Bachmann with very strong sales.

Now, for some questions:
Would you buy a Bachmann Stepney?
How popular do you think that a Bachmann Stepney would be?
After reading this, is there any other HO engine you could see as a better suggestion than Stepney and why?

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this long post. I look forward to seeing everyone's thoughts, and with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, I hope that everyone is well and stays safe.

[GordonPacific04]

In response to Terrence's questions:

Yes, I would buy A Bachmann Stepney.

I'd think he'd be very popular with the older fans. I know there are some people who say how irrelevant he is and that he wouldn't be as popular with kids. (I used to be one of those people, believe it or not.) Frankly that shouldn't matter so long as we show Bachmann our love for him. Lets not forget that Duck was announced in 2012 before he returned to CGI. And even still, the majority of the people who use Bachmann are older fans of the show.

As for any other character that would be a better fit, I can't think of one. (In HO scale) the amount of support for Stepney has been immeasurable. Bachmann has always been good to us in the past, so let's hope they'll keep it up.

So here's what I want:

HO SCALE:

Stepney
Tar Wagon
Well wagon
Red Express coach
Red brake coach

Narrow gauge:
Sir Handel
Brown brake van

As for the other scales, I don't really know, seeing as I don't use them, but I'm still looking forward to February.

Remember this post by Bachmann's Twitter:

"Our product development team is well aware of the requests for Stepney and is exploring the possibility of producing it in the future."

[Falcon the 2nd]

Here's what I hope to see surface throughout next year. I'm mainly making safe guesses with a few potential long shots.

HO Scale:
Stepney
Red Express Coach
Red Express Brake Coach

Narrow Gauge:
Sir Handel
Green Carriage

N Scale:
Ventilated Van
Milk Tanker
Brake Van

G Scale:
Mavis
Red Coach
Red Brake Coach

To answer the Stepney-related questions:
- Yes, I'd most definitely buy him.
- I can see him selling out almost instantaneously among older fans. If I thought Duck was popular back in 2012/2013, I just might not be ready for Stepney.
- Despite my unfamiliarity with him, I think Ryan feels like the best backup plan since there's just as many good reasons to make him. I'd also suggest Boco, but I'm not so sure with his irrelevance and Daisy's prolonged production in mind.

[Large Scale Champion]

Large Scale:

Well firstly we are delighted by the big reveal of diesel, Well Done Bachmann! but we need more variety!

So let's crack on!

Loco:
Duck
Edward
Oliver

Coaches:
Red or Old Coaches
Henrietta

Wagons:
Troublesome Box Van
Flat Wagon
Toad

Accessories:
Wagon Loads
More Figures (we have the 4 you've done)

[Mulfred100]

In answer to Terence's questions. Yes I would by Bachmann Stepney in a heartbeat without a doubt. My layout is primarily based on series 4 and even has Bluebell Valley situated on the extension board so there's already a Home there for him. In terms of being popular I think he will be extremely popular. Theres clearly a demand there for him and I think once he os released it would be a repeat of Skarloey's release where he sold out everywhere really quickly. In terms of can I name a better fit? No Stepney is my number one choice but more on that next.
So heres my list
HO Scale
Stepney
Need I say more. He is my top pick however failing him I would welcome Ryan as he's been my second choice ever since Daisy was announced. Besides those two I guess Sidney is an obvious  an obvious choice given he's the last 08 shunter besides the magic railroad characters.
Red express coaches
These are another item that there seems to be alot of demand for. They have always been popular in the model series and have been making appearances again since 2016 so it would be nice to have them back for the fans who missed out on them the first time around.
Flatbed with car or lorry
Now this was something me and Terence spoke about a while back on how Bachmann could market non rail characters like Sir Topham Hatts car. Well stick it on a flat bed truck. But if not Sir Topham Hatts car then any car would do. They have been part of the rolling stock scenery since series 2 and its a neat little way to add something extra but not breaking the bank to the range. Same could apply to the horrid lorries. Just put a lorry on a flat the same way Ertl did for Lorry 1.
Explosives van
I must admit I do like the look of the large scale model of this so it would be nice to have a HO scale counter part.

Narrow Guage
Sir Handel
Again Sir Handel seem to be the most logical choice to follow Peter Sam into the Narrow guage line. However I would be happy with Duncan next too.
Brown brake van
Again another obvious choice given this years announcements of the Red and Blue counter parts.
Blue Mountain Quarry Truck
Now I get to be a bit more out there. As someone who collects the Narrow guage engines and rolling stock items I just want some more rolling stock and a little rusty truck even with the Blue Mountain quarry logo on the side will do. Its enebitable it will happen. All the Narrow Guage engines are listed as "works in the blue Mountain quarry" might as well get the gimmick out the way and like I say we are very low on Narrow Guage rolling stock.
D Fusit
Alternatively something that will please alot of classic fans would be the D Fusit trucks from series 4. They are probably one of the most recognised trucks on the narrow guage line besides the slate trucks.

N Scale
Toby
Its pretty obvious Toby will follow next after James either him or.Emily and I think Bachmann would be wise to get Toby out next
Scruffy
Again another enebitable product.
Tidmouth Milk Tanker
Again another obvious choice and is bound to be introduced

Large scale
Paxton
OK hear me out. With Diesel being made and so well I might add it makes sense to do Paxton since they share the same body and chassis. Its financially beneficial to use that especially since alot of us are crying out for new products with new tooling in all other scales. I love the large scale range but I think its foolish jot.to consider Paxton being next in line. I would love to be wrong and for it to be Edward or Mavis or Duck but at the same time its been a rough year so if you can make something new using something you already own why not.
Red coaches or Troublesome truck 3 (van)
The red coaches seem to be another product that will enebitablely make their way to Large Scale same with the next troublesome truck which will probably be a van.

Out there ideas
OK my first idea is for older fans why not sell packs of figures like driver, firemen, station master, ect it could be maybe a pack of 4 or 6 figures and alot of us would buy them. You could even do packs like "Brendem Docks works" or "passengers" just something a bit different that fans will jump on. But make sure they are in scale then eventually they could release a pack with characters like the thin controller and farmer McColl ect.
Second and probably the one everyone is waiting on buildings and non rail. Even just one or two buildings a year or every few years will do just help us fans expand our layouts. As for non rail again its just something to expend our Thomas World and I feel like Bulgy would be perfect for Bachmann to make especially since his come back

[thomasj219]

I don't think there's anything here that people don't already know.

Of course a Bachman Stefanie would be a great seller. And I do believe he is their next model, unfortunately just seems we have to wait a little longer for the certainty of an announcement.

[Chaz]

As always I enjoyed reading your post Terence, naturally Stepney is the top of the list for me as well, and I'll answer your questions too:

1. Yes absolutely.  He's really the only other new HO engine tooling that I think has a legitimate shot of happening that I would buy.
2. He would easily be one of the hottest sellers Bachmann has had since Duck, Oliver, and their upcoming Daisy model.  Not even up for debate.
3. I genuinely don't think any other engine deserves priority over Stepney as far as new toolings are concerned.  Bachmann's done a great job sticking with classics and continuing to avoid Nia and Rebecca and hopefully they will keep that up (especially the latter). 

Pretty much my thoughts are the exact same as earlier with Stepney and Sir Handel being the only engines that I have the most interest in seeing in the future. 

I'm also going to mirror that after how the large scale Diesel turned out that I think Paxton wouldn't be a bad idea for the large scale range at some point in the future, even though I think Arry and Bert are kind of a given due to their "two for one" ordeal despite their poor sales in HO. 

I also wouldn't mind seeing the N scale range introduce Diesel at some point too.  Engine wise for that range, Toby would be on top of the list for me with Edward being a close second followed by Diesel.

[TrainFan97]

It's been a rough year for all of us, and the world's been straight to hell for over four months now, no thanks to the coronavirus, and will likely stay that way for the rest of this year.

Anyways, here's my predictions for February of 2021:

HO Scale:

The product with the highest demand is Stepney, but since Daisy is delayed, it's uncertain whether or not another new tooling in HO Scale is possible just yet. Maybe they will announce Stepney anyway if the fans are getting tired of recolors.

If we have to get yet another engine recolor, the best possible choices are either Sidney, or Silver/Shiny Spencer. I'd be okay with either one. It would be best for Bachmann just to get Sidney out of the way, or release Spencer in his metallic silver livery from Season 10 onwards. For Sidney, they might have to alter his facial features to fit the eye mechanism, and hide the eye mechanism with a painted border around his face.

For rolling stock, the most requested pieces are for the Red Express Coaches, and the Tar Tanker to return, while the Explosives Van, Chocolate Syrup, and Toffee Tankers are still exclusive to Large Scale, and should be made in HO Scale someday.

Narrow Gauge:

Peter Sam is currently delayed, but it still would be nice to get Sir Handel. With the Red and Blue Brake Vans coming soon, we still need to get the Brown Brake Van to go with goods. Another piece of rolling stock Narrow Gauge could use is the Green Carriage. A Skarloey set still would be nice.

N Scale:

The first wave of N Scale models still isn't out yet, but must be out soon, certainly by the end of this year. James and some tankers were announced back in February. The next engine for N Scale, I'd personally be okay with Toby, Diesel, or big engines like Henry and Gordon being next after James. Given the current situation, Bachmann may not be ready to do the big engines just yet, so they'll most likely go with Toby as the fourth N Scale engine.

For rolling stock, it's surprising that the Milk Tanker wasn't announced yet, and the Water Tanker was announced first. Given the placeholder image, it appears the N Scale Water Tanker will be based on the HO Scale model, and not the Large Scale model. Aside from that, the next pieces of rolling stock that should happen for N Scale would be the Milk Tanker, S.C. Ruffey, Red Open Wagon, and possibly a Brake Van or Mail Car.

Large Scale:

Announcements for Large Scale have really been minimal for many years. Diesel was first announced in 2017, then was cancelled a year later, and after a few years of popular demand, Large Scale Diesel is FINALLY seeing the light of day. He is the first actual engine to be made in Large Scale since Toby. The next engine for Large Scale could be Paxton, 'Arry and Bert, or for some highly-requested new toolings, Edward, Mavis, Duck, Rosie, or Bill and Ben.

For rolling stock, the best I can think of are the Red Coaches, using the Annie and Clarabel tooling with a few modifications.

Out there ideas for HO Scale:

Green Salty
Blue Bill and Ben
Glow-in-the-Dark Henry
Orange Branch Line Coaches
Green Branch Line Coaches (using the red coaches' tooling; might look cool with Green Salty)
Flying Kipper Van (ventilated van or mail car tooling)
Mr. Jolly's Van

[Toad139]

In response to TerencetheTractor525's questions:

1. Yes, I would definitely buy a Stepney model.
2. Considering how popular classic characters seem to be, it's safe too assume that Bachmann Stepney would sell well.
3. Stepney is one of the few standard gauge tank engines that I would actually be excited for. I only really care for model series characters, and even popular characters such as Ryan just wouldn't be as interesting to me personally.

My predictions for the HO Thomas ranges in 2021:

Standard Gauge:
Stepney
Well Wagon With Load
Flatbed WIth Paint Drums (Reintroduction)
Red Express Coaches (Reintroduction)

Narrow Gauge:
Sir Handel
Green Coaches

[steakandcake]

man I just want Ryan and Stepney

that is all

[FfarquharStudios]

I Definitely would buy Bachmann Stepney
Stepney is a Very unique Engine and very popular in the series ive always
Wanted Hornby Stepney but a Bachmann version would be even sweeter with moving Eyes and a more accurate TV series look i hope they bring him back

[Zekeism]

Prediction, one of the following:
Pink undercoat James (Tickled Pink)
Tar covered James (Dirty Objects)
Coal covered James (Calling All Engines)
Blue James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Green James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Silver James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Brown James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Purple James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Yellow James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Orange James (An Engine of Many Colours)

[TTL]

Prediction, one of the following:
Pink undercoat James (Tickled Pink)
Tar covered James (Dirty Objects)
Coal covered James (Calling All Engines)
Blue James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Green James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Silver James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Brown James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Purple James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Yellow James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Orange James (An Engine of Many Colours)

Bu-But why

[thomasj219]

Prediction, one of the following:
Pink undercoat James (Tickled Pink)
Tar covered James (Dirty Objects)
Coal covered James (Calling All Engines)
Blue James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Green James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Silver James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Brown James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Purple James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Yellow James (An Engine of Many Colours)
Orange James (An Engine of Many Colours)

I think three versions of James are quite enough. 

You're getting a little ridiculous now my man.