Quote from: JLK2707 on September 23, 2024, 01:31:09 AMHow does nia alienate fans?

Well, I would say she comes from an era of the show that is very problematic. Even if she's a nice character on her own, she will always be judged harshly because of that.

Completely agree. Their chances are less likely, but I'd love to see Arthur, Murdoch, BoCo or Stepney

Quote from: Armada Starscream on August 09, 2024, 10:38:54 PMAnd another thing that I like from the non-Thomas announcements is the Two-Stall Steam Era Engine House. It looks like a building a lot of Thomas Modelers would like. I hope it is compatible with the Thomas Range.

I totally missed that! So nice. 

Wow, must say I am incredibly happy with these announcements. It proves to me that Bachmann is revving up for the anniversary, getting repaints out of the way, amazing rolling stock announcements, And N scale Henry.

I wish the China clay truck was the original design, but what are you going to do? The oil drum car I am very excited for. I'm definitely going to be getting quite a few of them. The Tar tanker is a brilliant re-introduction especially with that added decal.

Overall I can't tell you how happy I am with what I saw, and what I didn't see. It proves to me that the future for Bachmann Thomas is very bright and the anniversary year will be something to look forward to.

You're right they do continually miss the Mark. And trust me it's not as complicated as you think. At least it won't be very soon.

The reason that the lines are getting Discontinued is because Mattel thought they could ride the name of Thomas well slowly decreasing the quality. It finally caught up to them. There really is nothing more to it than that.

Even the revamped wood was bad.

I'm sorry, but looking at Mattel's sales I think you guys are vastly overestimating those "demographics".

Of course not all are turned off. But most are, and when cost is the issue that's what matters.


As for the UK line, they have a harder time putting things out over there because those products are technically for three and up, so many of the models have to be changed.

Also, you have to look at the reason Mattel revitalized the show to begin with. Those who grew up with the later series of Thomas. The CGI series, fell out of the hobby and didn't hold onto it as we did. Their sales dropped, and they needed to cater to older fans to make money. The same thing is happening here just in a different and slightly more cautious way.   

And it's a conversation guys. No ones miserable or mad. It's good to have them.

It's not about disproving, it's about understanding. The show is literally gauged at kids who are 5 and below. 

Bachmann is leaning more into the modeling side of Thomas. It's obvious.

I am aware. I was a guest on that Thomas Tuesday 

And just so you know. It's "cut and dried" not cut or dry. I am not trying to be rude when I say that just informative.

Not only does the history prove you wrong, (Narrow Gauge) the packaging also proves you're wrong. 8 and up. When the shows target audience is nowhere near that age anymore, I don't get how what you're saying even has a shot. I'm sorry dude, but we're right to dismiss those products because they will no chance have the longevity of the classic characters. We're not dismissing the children's market, just acknowledging the reality. Especially with the show where it is. Beau Is an interesting American model with a Thomas fave. I guess I have to spell everything out very clearly here.

There is the odd character that will sell well from the CGI series, but once you move past that it's just not going to work. Add on the price point, The fact that Bachmann is literally doing a Thomas Tuesday with more experienced modelers, you can't see which way the wind is blowing?

Or you just like to be contrary?

Quote from: N Scale Sudrian on August 02, 2024, 12:13:32 AMI'm sorry... This is just an absurd thing to say. Just because you dislike Bachmann's model-making choices or what Mattel is or isn't willing to green-light doesn't mean they're trying to scam anybody.

If you want to talk unpopular choices for models, let's consider that Beau (maligned by many as being an odd pick, since he was only in a few minutes of one special and nowhere else in the series) was the third-most pre-ordered 'Thomas' item on Trainworld in the run-up to his release... Die-hard nostalgic adults aren't the target demographic for 'Thomas', and we aren't the only ones interested in buying model trains based on 'Thomas'. To say that we're the only ones who Bachmann or, more chiefly, Mattel should cater toward comes off to me as very childish and entitled...

Except we actually are. We are the ones who buy the Bachmann Thomas products in the majority especially today. The reason Beau  was bought Is the same reason the narrow gauge models do so well. Other modelers buy them because they're cheaper options I'm assuming or the only options available of certain engines. The American model he is based on seems to be very popular it's not really character.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see won't we

And I disagree with that too. She may be the highest priority for the owning company, but not for Bachmann. Not only is her basis incredibly complicated when it comes to side rods, which will make it very difficult for kids not to break as well as expensive, she's not as popular as people would like you to believe. I don't dislike her, but she's sort of character and believe me Bachmann knows this. They'll make her if they have to, but it will be an if they have to

Quote from: N Scale Sudrian on July 27, 2024, 09:27:55 PM"Higher Billing" is entertainment industry lingo, clearly I need to watch my language... What it means is that she is a higher profile character, being one of the ten main cast characters from the 3D-animated show. Since nine of the ten are either already in the HO 'Thomas' line-up, it gives her a leg up on the various secondary characters and troves of tertiary characters that aren't in the series yet, at least in terms of demand and relevance of choice... Budget is clearly another matter given Stanley's announcement last year. But with the amount of obscure picks we all want to see introduced to the line, having Nia be greenlit before any of them will give them better odds in the years to come. It's easier to convince executives to greenlight a side-character once you've exhausted all your leads...

I work in the entertainment industry, which is why I took note of that phrase. That makes no sense in this context as it's an Inanimate object. Not an actor who is billed. If you mean the most profitable character, there's a difference there. But I would also disagree with that.

The "highest Billed Character"

Brilliant! I'll do just that. Thanks so much man.

Awesome! But wouldn't it have to be a slight gloss to match the paint work of the coaches?