The Everything Thomas Topic

[Luke22]

For me, if that proves to be expensive, I'd at least like to see them update Thomas, Percy, and James' faces. If Diesel was able to get a new face as a new model from a decade ago, then there's no reason they can't do the same with at least the first 3 engines ever released for Bachmann... By this point, from Gordon & Henry onwards, they at least got slightly more accurate faces to their TV series versions, whereas the First 3's facial designs are from the promos released in the early 2000's. So IF they have the time & resources to be able to change up the faces at least on those models (and again, Diesel being the main reason I'm even saying any of this), then perhaps that'll be a change for the better especially Percy, the worst offender of them all. Plus by this point in time, the synergy of the newer products released these days have CGI faces and seeing engines/characters released from 2002 Thomas being alongside 2024 Rebecca models is starting to feel very awkwardly outdated... Large Scale and N Scale even incorporates the CGI faces into their characters, so again, at some point, if that's what Bachmann is willing to do, then I'd say go for it...!

[TrainFan97]

It's too bad Shapeways went under.

The March Trainworld stream should have some exciting reveal. Really hoping for a new unpainted sample of something previously announced. Hope Bachmann's Facebook could tease something soon.

[TRAINSROCK!]

I saw bachmann's live stream on thier youtube channel. and they shared a update on the upcoming china clay wagons. they're supposed to be a call back to the railway series. (honestly this is a good move to put lettering on the wagons than just plan red and a nice way to honor the 80th anniversary). one thing I really wish they'd do is update the ho scale henrietta with the face. (I wrote a post asking if they would ever do the go version with the face since the new n scale version of her has the face). as I shared I want to buy toby (I feel of the main 7 engines he's underappreciated). and everyone knows that you can't buy him without henrietta. (I would like that they would do henrietta with the face for the ho line). the n scale versions of the two of them i'm really leaning on. (i don't do the n scale line but toby and henrietta just really are leaning me towards the line and diesel too. really can't wait to see how diesel wil turn out like). I guess we'll just see when the nmra announcements come later this year.

[Armada Starscream]

Given that they did indeed base the China Clay Wagons on the Railway Series illustrations, maybe in future they WOULD be willing to recolor Bachmann 58807 Donald and 58808 Douglas into Blue Donald and Blue Douglas. Bachmann really respects the Thomas Fans, and they have surprised us in the last few years, with the Toby's Museum Coaches being made because of a fan's artwork, and now both the 80th Anniversary Railway Series set and the Railway Series China Clay wagons.

[DustyMarie53!]

Once again do want to state, the clay wagons are also in learning curve TWR, which we know have been sent to Bachmann for reference before. While did make it more similar to the illustration, it's still in a different category then something like RWS Donald, Douglas, Skarloey, Toby, etc. It doesn't set a precedent just yet, neither does the set as they said on stream even though Thomas was their idea it's design and the trucks came from references sent by Mattel. The specific wording in NMM also makes it clear this was not the original announcement plan, they just spruced it up to boost its sales which was definitely the right call I think.

We haven't got anything yet that isn't taken directly from refs supplied by Mattel. Doesn't hurt to keep suggesting it but I imagine it is in the same category as the model only characters, just not feasible rn.

I also just started watching the NMM stream and they talk about the face suggestions, and how they'll look into it. They mention both the possibility of updating the original 3 and also separate sale face packs. Would love to see if that goes anywhere

[Coaltronn]

Given that they did indeed base the China Clay Wagons on the Railway Series illustrations, maybe in future they WOULD be willing to recolor Bachmann 58807 Donald and 58808 Douglas into Blue Donald and Blue Douglas. Bachmann really respects the Thomas Fans, and they have surprised us in the last few years, with the Toby's Museum Coaches being made because of a fan's artwork, and now both the 80th Anniversary Railway Series set and the Railway Series China Clay wagons.

it would be a no brainer purchase for me. give me all the versions based on RWS or model series.

[JLK2707]

Bachmann rules and Mattel sux!