Hooray! Just in time for Christmas! Now other than Rusty and the Express Coaches, Bachmann pretty much all caught up with releases! Hopefully this will continue with the Febuary announcements next year.

I guess people didn't purchase Salty as much cause they thought he'd stick around? Maybe? He is a consistently used character in the series since his inception. So when Salty was discontinued, it caught everyone off guard and they rushed to get him and/or his set before it could go up in price. That's my theory anyways. I don't have Bachmann Salty yet so if his prices on EBay and elsewhere are rising, I definitely want Bachmann to rerelease him.

Honestly, I think Salty deserves to be in the line more than Arry and Bert. While those two were prevalent in the classic series and the new series, they became so underused and worthless once the CGI series hit. Rosie at least has become more prominent in the past two seasons, Arry and Bert haven't had jack. I'd be fine with Bachmann discontinuing Arry and Bert and bringing back Salty, I would just need to get my hands on them before they do.

Also if Salty was brought back, that could lead them to release a Bachmann HO Porter, which would be really cool. There's no way they'd put Porter in without Salty.

If Salty was to eventually reintroduced, would he be remodeled to look like his CGI design. I know I'm one to be pro-CGI but I actually wouldn't want that. Most of Salty's CG promos leave off his buffer weathering for some reason and at that rate they wouldn't add his headlamp he gained from S18 onwards. For now, I'd honestly just rather them rerelease the same Salty from before, not remodel him in his CGI design. If I wanted to, I could do that myself.

Quote from: sean1994rail on December 12, 2018, 05:04:49 PM
My 2019 suggestions.

HO

Engines

Sidney
Reintroduced Salty
Stanley
Hiro
Charlie
Stepney
Daisy

Rolling Stock
Rocky
Redesigned Henrietta (with face)
Hopper Wagon
Troublesome Truck #6
Explosives Van
Flatbed

Vehicles
Trevor
Kevin
Merrick
Owen

Buildings
Sodor Steamworks
Sodor Airport
Motorized Watermill

OO9

Engines
Sir Handel
Peter Sam
Victor
Luke

Rolling Stock
NG Brakevans
NG Blue Mountain Quarry Wagons

Some good suggestions here. Would really like a Reintroduced Salty and especially Stanley. Redesigned Henrietta (with face) would be great too. I hope they'd make Hannah as well. One thing though, I don't think Merrick and Owen would be listed under vehicles if they did get in. Maybe Merrick but definitely not Owen. He'd be a Building. You can see some of my suggestions/predictions earlier in this thread if you want.

Nice, I really like the look of the Water Tanker. The Sodor Diesel Co. Tanker, while a little too similar to the Sodor Fuel Tanker (and I rather hoped it would look like the Trackmaster Dieselworks Tanker), still looks decent and I think I'll by at most 2 or 3 of this and 3 or 4 of the Water Tanker.

Now I just have to hope for HO Toffee Tanker and HO Troublesome Tanker

Quote from: TrainshockeylifE on November 21, 2018, 12:49:03 PM
So this is sort of obvious but I'm not 100% sure, is the large scale Thomas able to go in the snow if I put a snowplow on?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fn6T4CCV8OY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rybQnSMPBjY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCIrajwWCFo

I believe any of these videos could answer your question. Happy to help! 

Rusty... you are a god.

This is one of the best custom models I have ever seen in my whole life. I've already said how the added details were perfect but the paint elevates it tenfold. I have no doubt that whenever you get a Large Scale Toby, this Victoria model will look perfect next to it. Now if only we had a Large Scale Henrietta.

This model is so good that if it was an official product, I would buy it and I don't even collect Large Scale. I honestly hope that maybe Bachmann considers making Victoria for the Large Scale and HO Scale line. But even if they did, I honestly doubt it could measure up to the passion and hard work of this custom right here. Keep up the great work and I hope you make more amazing customs in the future.

I needed this. This looks absolutely stunning! The Thomas fandom Twitter scene is going through another negative phase so it's refreshing to see such genuine craftsmanship and art. If Bachmann was to make a Large Scale Victoria (which could happen someday at this rate), this is exactly how I'd think it would look minus the paint. I'm sure this will look amazing once it's finally completed. Keep up the good work.

P.S. I agree that it's been pretty quiet lately. Anyone got any ideas on how we can change that?

Quote from: jleight on October 24, 2018, 04:56:11 PM
The possibilities are endless but one that I would love to see is the Knapford Station.  I was told by Bachmann that it was too big and not feasible and perhaps as a resin building they may be right, however, as a plastic model it might be a possibility.  I fear I will have to build one from styrene or other material.

Ummmm................

You mean Knapford Station with the canopies and platforms and such. Well, I'ma be real with you, chief. It... kind of already exists.

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=756_772_773&products_id=1742&zenid=cla7ko1tsr3ufagi8i8r7hlss0

If you don't mean that, do you mean the station buildings that go next to the platform. Like Sir Topham Hatt's office, McBunn's Cafe, and the entrance from the parking lot. We don't have that in Bachmann so... I guess they could make that. Possibly? 

After seeing the TCA Fall Show video and since the 2019 announcements are almost 4 months away, I've decided to give my concrete predictions for what I think will be revealed/released next year. My last posts on HO and HOn30 ranges were mainly just bringing up possible projects for Bachmann to make in the future, but this is what I think legitimately has a chance next year. These predictions of mine will be my permanent picks until an new idea comes around during the next four months that I think is possible. With that being said, here's my "final" list.

HO Scale:

Stepney/Daisy- Bachmann need a high selling engine in the Thomas line this year. Stepney and Daisy are not only the most wanted on the forums, but being classic characters they'll sell very well (just as well say Duck and Oliver). I'm pretty sure it'll be one or the other. Could both happen? Yes. Do I think it's likely? Not really so I'll stick with just one of them.

Red Rosie- Let me explain. In 2015, after a rather small year of Class 08 recolor twins, we got two HO Scale engines: Oliver and Celebration Thomas. Now one was a completely unique character while the other was a reskin. I think 2019 might have the same thing. Many people want Rosie in her new livery and it would be an easy thing for them to release alongside Stepney or Daisy. It would be a nice engine to tide us over for 2019 until Stepney/Daisy's release in 2020 (I'd assume Rosie would be released 2019, judging by Celebration Thomas and Grumpy Diesel's releases).

Henrietta w/ Face- I'm going on a limb here. I think this is the year HO scale Henrietta will finally get a face. They could also release Hannah as a recolor too but I think Bachmann would focus on other recolors like...

Toffee/CS/Jam/Dieselworks Fuel Tankers- Now I don't think all four of these will be announced, I just think either of these are possible. I think Toffee and Chocolate Syrup Tankers are most likely and I wouldn't mind. But seeing as they made that Sodor Diesel Co. Tanker in only HO Scale, I think it's possible for them to make the Jam Tanker or the Dieselworks Fuel Tanker as a little unexpected surprise.

Flatbed (w/ New Load)/Red Express Coaches- Like the tankers and Stepney/Daisy, I think it's one or the other with these two pieces. Everyone on the forums have been wanting the flatbed to come back with a new load (don't ask me what it will be), but the red express coaches have just as much chance coming back in my opinion. Since I don't see both happening, it's another either/or situation.

Brown Mail Car- This would be an easy recolor that would sell pretty well. While the Green Mail Car didn't sell well, the Live Lobster Refrigerator Car did better so Bachmann might consider making this.

Troublesome Truck #6- There are three different designs I could see for this. A Ventilated Van (either classic or CGI design), a tanker (probably CGI but either oil or logo-less), and finally, a controversial option, a blue open wagon (basically the same as Troublesome Truck #4 but blue and with a different face).

That's it for HO Scale. I don't think all of these will happen (Henrietta is the least likely out of all of these) but these are the picks I have the most confidence in. Now on to...

HOn30:

Peter Sam/Sir Handel- Again, it's a 50/50 with these two. It could go either way. They're the two likeliest picks out of any other Narrow Gauge engine.

Brake Vans (Red, Blue, and Brown)- These seem the most likely rolling stock for the NG line. This will most likely be another slate trucks situation where there are just three of them, but these will all be different colors. Red and Blue for passenger trains and Brown for goods trains.

Welp, that was easy. That's probably because there isn't much you can do with this line. Part of me wants to predict the Refreshment Lady's Stand Coach from S7 to go along with Peter Sam but I don't think it's likely. Anyways, time for...

Resin Buildings:

Toby's Shed- Classic locale. Works with existing products like Toby and Henrietta. Also if they make Stepney, you could also use it as Stepney's Shed from Stepney Gets Lost. Double usage.

Ffarquhar/Dryaw Station- I think a station is pretty likely but both are equally possible. If I had to choose, I'd think Ffarquhar has a better chance but Dryaw is also pretty likely.

Farmer McColl's Barn- Decent sized building from a prominent and recognizable Sodor location. What more is there to say.

Neptune's Refreshments- This would be a small building that they could easily make and would go well with Peter Sam. It is a little obscure but I see so many people talking about it so I'd say it has a good chance.

I have a gut feeling that there will be new resin buildings next year. I can feel it in my bones. Finally, here are the predictions I'm pretty sure are the least likely to happen...

Large Scale:

Diesel/Rosie/Edward- I don't even know. Diesel got canceled but I have a feeling that they could bring him back from the dead, Rosie is a small easy character that would co-enside with an HO Scale Red Rosie, and Edward (while a tender engine) isn't too big and would sell just as well as Thomas, James, Emily, Percy, and Toby, seeing as he was a main character.

Henrietta (and maybe Hannah)- Again, possible but who knows? I'm gonna take a chance and say she'll finally be made. I know that she'd sell well.

Red Branch Line Coaches- These are also a risky pick. I think these would be a good investment in Large Scale seeing how well they did in HO Scale. Plus, it would give Percy, James, and possibly Edward something to pull.

Troublesome Truck #3- This is more likely than you might think. Just slap a face on the existing Ventilated Van or Tanker models and boom easy Troublesome Truck.

Jam/Dieselworks Fuel Tanker- If HO Scale were to do these, I'd have no doubt they'd probably be made in Large Scale. Who knows? They may make them in Large Scale and not HO. (Also the dieselworks one would look good with Diesel)

"Mr. Percival" figure- This is my least likely pick out of everything on this whole list. The only argument I have for this guy is... well. We have narrow gauge engines. Why not the narrow gauge controller.

And with that, this list is done. The Large Scale section is the one I have the least confidence in. Large Scale is so unpredictable (and is on the verge of death I'm sorry to say). The other sections I have much more confidence in. I think that a lot of this stuff is possible. There are things I couldn't fit in here like Trevor and the Orange Brake Van (and Stanley ), but I think this is a satisfactory list. What do you all think? This has been a very long post so let me just cut it off here. Peace.

Interesting. I forgot that they used a Branchline range brake van for Toad. That brake van in that picture would be perfect. I'd imagine they'd make the orange CG one first (under the name Brake Van or Brake Van - Orange) and then they could release Bradford alongside an HO Samson (which I actually wouldn't be apposed to. Samson's a good character. )

Hannah would be cool. I'd hope they'd revamp Henrietta with a face if they decided to make Hannah. If there's any new RS toolings for Large Scale I can see, it's Henrietta/Hannah, Red Branchline Coaches, and maybe the Mail Van.

Dexter would be cool in my opinion. "School of Duck" was one of the best episodes from S22 and Dexter was a cute little coach. They could simply reuse the Red Brake Coach but with a face. Million dollar question though. Would he stay red or would they paint him in his school colors like at the end of the episode (but with wheels)?

Old Slow Coach and especially Jerome and Judy would be on the expensive side but I think they're possible... maybe. I don't think they'll ever make Rocky. He'd just be too big. And I don't think they'll ever make Fred Pelhay and Rickety after canceling them before.

Skiff's also an oddball pick... but he's just so cute, I really want him. He'd be great with Duck, Oliver, and possibly Ryan if he's made.

Anyways, any rolling stock character would be pretty cool, I think 2019 will probably have Toffee & CS Tankers, rerelease of flatbed, T Truck #6 (classic van, tanker, or blue open wagon), and maybe hopefully red express, brown mail van, or Henrietta w/ face. That's my baseline prediction until someone brings up another possible pick.

Quote from: Chaz on October 20, 2018, 03:40:14 PM
I'm surprised no one else brought up the possibility of the toffee tanker and chocolate syrup tanker being made in HO, but at this point I think it is almost a given.  

I think the only range that will get any new rolling stock toolings would be the narrow gauge range which I expect to either be brake vans or tippers.  The best I can see happening rolling stock wise for the other two ranges would be Troublesome Truck #6 (with a classic design) for HO and the red coaches in large scale.  

I think there is a possibility we may get new HO Scale rolling stock toolings eventually. I think there's still untapped potential there that Bachmann shouldn't sleep on. I would even be fine with different types of brake vans (particularly the orange one that shares Bradford's basis.) Any more rolling stock characters like Bradford, Henrietta (with a face), Old Slow Coach, Dexter, Hannah, Jerome & Judy, or maybe even Skiff the Railboat would be an instant buy from me.

The thing I love about the LS Toffee Tanker is how they didn't try to give it any unnessesary logos and such. It's completely accurate to the "Sticky Toffee Thomas" episode, all the way down to the black cap painted on top. The Toffee Tanker is something that you could just by 4 or 5 of and use them as generic tankers. That's what I love about it and why the Jam Tankers would be so cool for them to make. Even the Chocolate Syrup Tanker is cool. They removed the unrealistic green from the original Trackmaster model, making it look actually presentable. These tankers and the Lobster Refridgerator Van makes me hopeful that Bachmann will make more rolling stock like it (please make the Dieselworks Fuel Tanker from the Trackmaster line, Bachmann). Anxiously waiting for a possible release of the Toffee Tanker, CS Tanker, and that Large Scale Explosion Box Van from 2016 in HO Scale.

Seeing the new Large Scale tankers on display today has really got me thinking about the concept of rolling stock recolors. While I'd like more unique trucks in the future like flatbeds, the "Henry's Forest" plant trucks, ladle trucks, or even Jerome and Judy. I genuinely really like a lot of the rolling stock recolors that Bachmann makes every year. Personally I'd really like the Toffee, Chocolate Syrup, and Jam Tankers made as well as maybe some Chocolate Factory/Circus Vans and a Brown Mail Van.

What do you guys think?

Quote from: shining time on October 18, 2018, 09:50:06 AM
Yes his rebuild was finished back in April/May of this year as i followed some of the progress via twitter

Oh really?  I didn't hear about that. They could totally make Sir Handel now. But many people on this forum want Peter Sam first. Idk. Which ever one Bachmann chooses will be a welcome addition to the range. As long as it's either one of them and not Duncan.

Huh... I guess I can see why some people would say "No". Those people probably have HO scale/Large scale products and wouldn't want to double dip (like you said). I don't have much HO scale stuff in Bachmann yet. If Bachmann released N Scale engines with CGI designs that have the same quality and detail as the HO/HOn30 line, I might consider purchasing both lines or just the N Scale range. I do agree with that one voter that Bachmann should wait till they're back on their feet before trying a new range.

Speaking of the Tomix range, I'm personally wondering where that will go. Will they make the rest of the products from the old line (Henry, mail vans, the express)? Will they make completely new characters that weren't in the old line? It's funny that Tomix is currently one of the only Japanese Thomas merchandise lines that doesn't have Hiro in it.