I'd like to wish Doug a very happy retirement and personally thank him for all the hard work he's done over the years. I'm so grateful for all the hard work he's done with Bachmann and the fans. It's been so nice the last few years as a fan watch as products go from announced to the final product and the amount of due care and attention they receive. I wish Doug all the happiness and luck that the world can offer in his retirement and a huge thank you for helping shape the line into what it is today. Thank you Doug.

Quote from: Cheeky_ULP on February 15, 2025, 02:55:58 PM

Quote from: Mulfred100 on February 15, 2025, 02:48:36 PMNeither were the blue coaches, D-fusit, blue brake-van, box vans. Didn't stop Bachmann making them... in terms of rolling stock with a face. Well there's non in CGI and no current tooling out there that would have a face, so regardless it's gonna be newly tooled... it's just the fact it doesn't appeal to YOU. You haven't argued people wouldn't buy it. I know I'd prefer a Troublesome slate truck that was model series styled. I'd buy a rake of them. Many other modellers would too.

I feel the main difference is all of those had photo references Bachmann has received over the years. The narrow gauge troublesome trucks never had any sort of reference material taken in any era of the show, so they'd only have photos from the show itself to go by. All they would need is to use a narrow gauge wagon that has a flat, solid surface for one of its sides.

Quote from: Mulfred100 on February 15, 2025, 02:48:36 PMit's just the fact it doesn't appeal to YOU. You haven't argued people wouldn't buy it. I know I'd prefer a Troublesome slate truck that was model series styled. I'd buy a rake of them. Many other modellers would too.

I don't really appreciate you making up assumptions about my stance in the discussion that not only have I made no indication is my opinion, but that you boldly state them as though they were. This was a very aggressive, out of left-field accusation to make, and I don't wish to continue discussing this topic with you if this is how you are going to approach peoples responses.

Yes but there's still reference metaerial for the slate trucks, I can find it on the wiki.

It's not like Troublesome truck 3 or 4 or 5 had ruler photos to work off. And well I apologise but that's the impression I got based on your response. If I'm wrong I'm willing to admit it. I'm not arguing I'm simply saying there's a case to made for them, reference photos are available and how many of us Thomas modellers would eat them up. Sorry if I offended you. I didn't mean to I was just pointing out they aren't redundant.

Quote from: Cheeky_ULP on February 15, 2025, 02:39:13 PM

Quote from: Mulfred100 on February 15, 2025, 02:34:06 PM

Quote from: Cheeky_ULP on February 14, 2025, 05:10:14 PM

Quote from: JLK2707 on February 14, 2025, 03:47:30 PMHow about a model series slate car?

While it would be novel, I can see it being considered redundant in terms of what the range offers. They get more mileage out of the current slate wagons by being able to sell them as non-Thomas products.

Not necessarily. If they market it as a Troublesome slate truck 1 (and 2 if possible) first then I see no reason why a newly tooled model series styled slate truck wouldn't benefit the range. The already existing tooling can still be produced and sold as they are. If they introduced a model series style slate truck with a face us Classic series fans would buy in bulk, 5-10 at a time, even with only one or two faces. Plus it's easier to market a Troublesome Truck then a regular wagon. It adds something newly tooled to the range, something Classic series styled and has that marketable factor of having a NG piece of rolling stock with a face. Something I think we all agree would benefit the range. Adding a face to existing slate trucks wouldn't work as the face would be way too small, due to the real life Basis. I see only benefits.

Narrow gauge troublesome trucks haven't appeared in CGI, so I would be surprised if Bachmann went that far. Even then, there's other wagons that are better-suited to have a face on their side than the slate trucks are, which in the model era were fitted a bit clumsily.

Neither were the blue coaches, D-fusit, blue brake-van, box vans. Didn't stop Bachmann making them... in terms of rolling stock with a face. Well there's non in CGI and no current tooling out there that would have a face, so regardless it's gonna be newly tooled... it's just the fact it doesn't appeal to YOU. You haven't argued people wouldn't buy it. I know I'd prefer a Troublesome slate truck that was model series styled. I'd buy a rake of them. Many other modellers would too.

If Bachmann made a newly tooled model series style slate truck with a face and marketed it as Troublesome slate truck 1, it would sell and it would sell well, just as much as Red oxide slate wagons, or brown, or tan or anything with a number.

Quote from: Cheeky_ULP on February 14, 2025, 05:10:14 PM

Quote from: JLK2707 on February 14, 2025, 03:47:30 PMHow about a model series slate car?

While it would be novel, I can see it being considered redundant in terms of what the range offers. They get more mileage out of the current slate wagons by being able to sell them as non-Thomas products.

Not necessarily. If they market it as a Troublesome slate truck 1 (and 2 if possible) first then I see no reason why a newly tooled model series styled slate truck wouldn't benefit the range. The already existing tooling can still be produced and sold as they are. If they introduced a model series style slate truck with a face us Classic series fans would buy in bulk, 5-10 at a time, even with only one or two faces. Plus it's easier to market a Troublesome Truck then a regular wagon. It adds something newly tooled to the range, something Classic series styled and has that marketable factor of having a NG piece of rolling stock with a face. Something I think we all agree would benefit the range. Adding a face to existing slate trucks wouldn't work as the face would be way too small, due to the real life Basis. I see only benefits.

The trouble with faces is that we'd most likely end up with either CGI exclusive faces or a mixture of both classic and CGI. Which if you made a 5 pack you can garuntee that someone will be unhappy because a certain face isn't included. Then you'll probably end up pushing something else out of the production line. It'll probably cause more trouble than its worth. Plus most people get 3D prints from others in the fandom, where you can pick and choose what you want.

We've got 25 HO engines in the range without including Bertie and Cranky, (who both have removable faces) troublesome trucks and other scales. Plus we've had a few products in recent years where they could have done exclusive faces and didn't. (Origins James, LBSC Thomas and Busy Bee James) if they aren't gonna make a new face for a product they can market as a new loco. I honestly can't see them making them separately.

So now I've had some time to fully take in the recent announcement and all the new products I figured I'd go over my future predictions/ideas and explain my reasoning behind them. There are pieces Chaz has mentioned which i won't mention again too much.
HO
Stephen


Now I do agree with Hiro and Whiff however I do also still think Stephen has a strong case, which seems to be growing stronger since the last time I mentioned him. Firstly the Blue Open Carriage would look incredible being pulled by Stephen around a layout or at trainshows. There's also the 200th anniversary of railways here in the UK too. Alot of model companies are leaning into this and what better way to pay homage to that then Stephen. Hornby already make alot of era 1 stuff including his basis Rocket. Stephen is one of those characters where the real life history plays a major part in his character and it encourages people to dig into that history of Rocket. Lets face it if Rocket was never made we'd probably not have this world we love in Thomas. I know Stephen is a bit more complicated then say Whiff, Charlie or Nia but I honestly think that the reward is there to be had. Out of the current CGI mandate Stephen is one of the few characters I can say hand on heart I'd buy day 1.

Rolling Stock
F.Q.C Truck with load


Since seeing the catalogue and the Sodor China Clay wagon being based on the RWS illustrations I've been thinking about this.

It would be extremely easy to make. Using the brown cargo car/the car used in the 80th Anniversary set. Add the rock load, maybe paint it Grey. Add the lettering and you've got a new product. It'll go great along with Toby, Percy, Mavis and of course Thomas. It's crazy how the most famous branchline still hasn't got any specific rolling stock.
Sodor Mail Car


Now this is abit left field but hear me out. If Bachmann do intend to keeping the Tidmouth Milk Tanker and new CGI Milk Tanker in the range co existing then maybe bringing back the original Sodor Mail Car isn't too far fetched. It's a beloved item by fans and always sells on Ebay so there's still a market there for this item. The Sodor Mail Car wouldn't be replacing the CGI Red Mail Car it would be giving people the option and there's enough of a distinction between the Sodor Mail Car and Mail Car Red. I'm sure many people would jump at the chance to buy this item again. In recent years we've managed to reintroduce the Tar Tanker, Red and Green Express Coaches, the tooling is available so it's not like that's a draw back either.

Topham Circus


Now for 4 in one. The Topham Circus. This is an idea I've had for years. It can span across several toolings, the 7 plank wagon, 12 van, vent van and mail car tooling. It's something that was sold as merchandise and wouldn't be hard to make. It'll be different enough so in a few years If they want to make the other Circus vans they can market both. Having 3 or 4 wagons like this in the range will really make some great trains for engines to pull around layouts or to display at train shows

12 Ton van (Brown)


Since the announcement of TT7 and already having the Grey 12 ton van, I do worry about the possibility the Grey van will be discontinued, however if there was Brown van to replace it then I think it would please alot of fans. The Brown 12 van is a very popular piece of rolling stock and I think would sell very well. The tooling is there so why not use it.

1 plank with car/load


Another one I've had for a while is a 1 plank wagon with a car. If Bachmann just repainted STH's car into another colour and popped it on a wagon essentially you'd have 2 items using already existing tooling for 1 product.

Red Open Carriage


Like most of my picks this uses existing tooling already available. It would be perfect for Christmas and could be added to any Christmas layout or indeed any layout in general. Think how great it'll look with a Figure of Father Christmas inside along with Christmas 12 van or any of the other Christmas Thomas rolling stock.

NG
Millie/Luke

I agree with Luke or Millie being made next in NG. I'm gonna do both in one. I wouldn't mind either of them being made. Both would look great along with the rest of the range. Millie would be perfect to be paired up with Stephen or working with any of the existing Skarloey engines. Luke would look perfect pulling the Gondolas and high sided wagons. I think both would add something New to the range and can't see any reasons against maybe besides how easy they are to be made into their basis or how well their basis would sell since they are both lesser known compared to Talyllyn.

4 plank wagon

The 4 plank wagon is something that was always shown on the SKR, it can be produced in a verious colours and would appeal to many fans old and new. It honestly feels like it's something the NG range needs.

Brown/tan Brake-van
Again echoing Chaz. It's iconic. We have a red and blue version so it's not a new tooling just a simple recolour that would please many fans and sell very well

Non Rail
Skiff

Now Skiff was introduced in Sodor's legend of the lost treasure along with Ryan. He's a very simple railboat who I'm sure would be a massive hit. He is very unique and extremely versatile in that if his base was removable you could have him either in water or on land. He's that perfect bridge between rolling stock and non rail characters. He wouldn't require couplings as he is never pulled by an engine nor is he ever seen pulling anything behind him. Ryan and Daisy are already in the range, along with Oliver and Duck so he has characters he can be paired with at fairs and trainshows.  He's also appears in all engines go so he still has a very broad appeal and lastly like Stephen if there was a figure of Sailor John made he'd look fantastic riding inside Skiff or even if Bachmann made a figure of his new Owner Captain Joe.

N Scale

Again i agree with pretty much everything Chaz has said. I just wanna add a couple of rolling stock pieces.

Bradford

Now my reasoning for this is very simple. Bachmann just introduced the LMS 20 ton Breakvan which is Bradfords basis. It makes sense to utilise the tooling and make Bradford. He sadly is a CGI character with 0 merchandise so if Bachmann made him in N scale I'm sure fans would be thrilled. The tooling is there so why not use it. If Bachmann can make Hannah I see no reason why Bradford can't be made too and this will give the N scale range more of its own identity having things that HO and Large scale don't have which isn't a bad thing. Given we have Hannah and she was worked on along side Henrietta i see no reason why Bradford couldn't be a similar thing. Lastly for Bradford if he is made I'm sure Bachmann can utilise Percy's chassis and make Samson in N scale in the future.

Red express coaches

Since the Green express coaches are being made in N Scale, I see no reason why they can't recycle the tooling for the red express coaches. They were very popular in the classic series and the later CGI series. They are popular in the HO range so that's another thing going in favor of them.

Newly tooled wagon

These last few I've not really got alot to say on. I think the N scale range is desperate for some newly tooled rolling stock, either cattle wagon, Mail cars, salt vans. Just something to put in goods trains.

Tanker/van repaint

Again I've not really got much to say besides pointing out vans and tankers we have in HO or large that aren't available in N. Any would be welcome.

Large scale
80th Anniversary Van/vans
Unfortunately I don't see anything new here besides a repainted van. I'd love to say "Origins James or Edward" but I just don't see a newly tooled engine or even a repainted James being something to bet on. However one of the new HO anniversary vans could be a potential for Large scale, if not those maybe something unique to Large scale.

I'm not saying all this will be announced. Just my ideas. Like I say i agree with most of Chaz's picks, just adding my extras

Quote from: Armada Starscream on January 26, 2025, 12:10:14 AM

Quote from: RailsByRick on January 25, 2025, 11:24:35 PMIt's really cool how the Sodor China Clay wagon is RWS-inspired. Never thought I'd see the day where Bachmann started to pull directly from the pages the RWS. This could open the door for them to finally re-announce their cancelled Rickety and Fred Pelhay from several years ago.

And if they are making sets and rolling stock based on the Railway Series Books, maybe they could also repaint 58807 Donald and 58808 Douglas into Blue Donald and Blue Douglas. A lot of modelers already make Blue Donald and Douglas themselves, sometimes repainting Bachmann models, so it might be a smart idea for Bachmann to cash in on this opportunity.

If they did make Blue Donald and Blue Douglas, I would personally buy multiples of those items each. In part so I can juggles some of the bits around for fun. Like having versions of Blue Donald and Douglas shells over Black Donald and Douglas wheels.

Here's hoping.

I'm sick of saying this but it's NOT GONNA HAPPEN. The 80th anniversary set is just that. An anniversary piece. Just because that's being released doesn't mean all of a sudden RWS styled engines are gonna be made or repaints of existing tooling (which is vastly different to their RWS and real life counterparts) if any engines in the current range were to get RWS engines it'll probably be the Skarloey gang. As I've said before there's better versions available that people use for customs. Plus given the hate online for doing a simple set, can you imagine the RWS purists outrage when Bachmann uses an existing tooling missing added details that's in the RWS. It's not worth it for a few sales. As for Rolling stock, yes Rolling stock is cheaper and easier to produce if it doesn't sell well it ends up discontinued so doing Rolling stock is alot less risky then recolouring an engine and selling that. Don't read into this set being released as it opening up a world of RWS models and definitely don't read into it as any evidence the CGI mandate will be dropped. We're in the 80th anniversary year so anniversary stuff is expected.

My wishlist/predictions hasn't changed really either. I'd still love a Stephen to go with the blue open carriage, I still think the 4 plank wagons in NG would be an incredibly popular seller and edition to the range. I still feel like well end up with a Bradford in N scale/possibly HO. One thing i will add which i don't really see happening however given today's announcements and current catalogue I think it's worth mentioning. A reintroduction of the original Sodor Mail car. Given we now have a CGI milk tanker and the current Tidmouth Milk Tanker is still available (for now) if that proves to be financially successful, I see no reason why a reintroduction of the OG Sodor Mail car wouldn't be a successful announcement too. It's classic series rolling stock, it's one of those sort after pieces now in the fandom. We have the Tar tanker back, so It's not entirely impossible. As said previous posts they can market the CGI as they do now as Mail car red and the OG as Sodor Mail car. Anyway just an idea.
The only other idea I have is a van or truck in memory of Britt (if that's possible) maybe a van with the Britt Allcroft logo written on the side in a limited run, could even maybe have some of the funds donated to a charity Britt was a supporter of?

Quote from: Chaz on January 25, 2025, 10:14:39 AMI don't think I've ever been more excited for a starter set than I am today with the 80th anniversary set especially with the inclusion of exclusive rolling stock and the Thomas model with silver buffers.  This one is a definite winner, and I might just have to pick it up.

The retro rolling stock decals are... intriguing. I've noticed Mattel has been incorporating these logos into much of their apparel this year, and Lionel seems to be following suit with one of their boxcars. However, I like how these decals are applied to the vans; they're a nice touch, and I might consider adding them to my collection.

Troublesome Truck #7 is a welcome addition too. While I'm not surprised they opted for a van with a face, I'll give credit where it's due—at least it's not another international rolling stock repaint like #6. For that reason alone, I can see this one performing better than its predecessor.

I'm a bit surprised it took Bachmann this long to update the HO milk tanker. It's interesting that the fuel tanker didn't receive a similar update at the same time.

The N scale LBSC Thomas and Origin James are fantastic additions, and I'm glad we're getting both rather than just one of them. I was hoping Edward might make an appearance, and while I'm optimistic he'll arrive this summer, it's understandable if that's not the case given the number of items we're still waiting on.

It's great to see some of the wagon repaints making their way into N scale as well. I'm a fan of the red one, not so much the Sodor Scrap Co wagon.  Hopefully, the original coal wagon with load isn't far behind! Maybe they want to wait before making the coal load mold in N first?  Still solid choices though.

Among this year's announcements, the large scale LBSC Thomas was probably the least surprising. This is one release that most people likely saw coming if large scale was going to feature a new engine. Still, credit to them for getting something out, especially given the limited offerings in large scale lately.

Finally, we now have updated images of the narrow-gauge gondolas and the blue open carriage. They look fantastic, and I'll definitely be picking these up. Holding off on new narrow-gauge product announcements this year was probably a smart move, considering Sir Handel and much of the previously announced rolling stock haven't been released yet.

Overall, it's an adequate lineup. While there are no new tooling announcements, there's still plenty to be excited about. It's also great to see the anniversary year being acknowledged across all the scales, barring narrow gauge, and that alone makes this lineup all the more special.  I'm a fan!

I'd just like to echo this really. Very solid line up. Nice to see some product images for the Open Carriage, Sir Handel, the Gondolas as well as the new mock up of the SCC wagon.
I will definitely be grabbing the 80th anniversary vans and set. Very impressed with both.
There's one niggle I have with TT7. It's nothing major it's more of a worry I guess. Given that we have a Grey 12 van and now we are getting another with a face, I do worry in a year or 12 the Grey van maybe discontinued, maybe given hindsight it would have been better to announce a different colour variation originally and save the grey for TT7 but I'm happy to be proven wrong.
Nice to see the new milk tanker. However that does open a door slightly if they are keeping the original tanker around aswell as the new if that would be possible for other items. Maybe a reintroduction of the OG Sodor Mail car called (Sodor Mail car) and the current CGI as Red mail car. Speaking of those I'm noticing the lobster car has gone too.
Glad there's more in N scale. My theory is we might get a wagon with a load at NMRA. Easier to just throw out two 7 plank wagons while they are working on the load.
Lastly HOn30 which no one is talking about. Sir Hayden is officially being made along with 2 FFESTINIOG RAILWAY wagons. Which makes me very happy.
Overall really solid start to 2025.
Very solid announcements and I'm sure more to come with NMRA. Lots to look forward to

Quote from: Awesometrain77 on December 19, 2024, 11:48:40 AMBachmann has done barley anything with o scale so Williams Thomas line is not the most likely thing however I do think it could happen at one point since they did Wilson and Brewster in o scale years ago for the very short lived Chuggington line

I think large scale is pretty much done I do think Edward and the tramway coaches could happen but Aside from that I just see repaints in the lines future maybe Sidney , troublesome cattle vans , etc

O scale won't be as pricy as large scale and could expand to the point where we could get a O scale Gordon

As for Z scale I think it would be easy all they would have to do is make a 0-8-0 chasis that would work for all three of them . Mike and Rex could reuse the same exact chasis design and Bert just lack the front and back wheels . They also reuse tenders so there is that will only one chasis to design that would only need to be modded for Bert

So for HOz
2-8-2 chasis
3 engine shells
1 tender
3 rolling stock

S scale is not popular at all and we already technicaly have a s scale Thomas range diapet

Reusing the chassis for Bert won't really be show accurate

Like I get it that it's "cost saving" but it's a whole new scale. Reusing Mike for Rex is fine but Bert is definitely a whole different chassis. Plus going back to my earlier point introducing a new scale right now only slows down production for other scales and ultimately I don't know if Bachmann would bite the bullet on a brand new scale for 3 engines and 3 rolling stock. We've got 5 NG engines in the range so far, 6 including Rheneas' recolour and possibility of Millie, Luke, Victor. Along with possibly Duncan, Duke, Freddie, Mighty Mac, plus recolours of Sir Handel, Duke and Rheneas for Proteus, Bertrum and Smudger. Without the rolling stock and real world rereleases for Talyllyn locos. It's asking alot for 3 engines especially if people don't support it. We've seen and heard from Bachmann they are always taking the financial cost into account. In an ideal world, yes brilliant but unfortunately we need to consider these things. With NG, N and HO there's still a long list of possible products. Even if you take into account their real life Basis and made those. I genuinely don't know how well they'll sell compared to Talyllyn. As I said before Bachmann have enough to work with doing HO, N, the NG stuff. Adding another in the mix even for a limited time will only add to backlogs or people moaning "well they showed Mike in the stream but still nothing on N scale Henry or Sidney" (that's an example btw). And lastly you are asking for people to buy and set up track. Which is another cost without the price for the engines themselves and rolling stock.

Quote from: TrainFan97 on December 18, 2024, 04:08:43 PMI wish someday that Bachmann could start making Z Scale and T Scale. To this day, N Scale is still the smallest scale Bachmann makes. No American-based model train manufacturer makes Z or T Scale. If Bachmann started doing Z Scale, that would bring the Arlesdale engines into the picture. Another scale they don't do is S Scale, which is the same size as O Scale, but uses two-rail track instead of three-rail. Lionel still holds the license for O Scale Thomas products, which is the only thing holding Bachmann back from doing an O Scale range. T Scale is the smallest scale in all of the model train world, and there would most likely never be a Thomas range for that, as it is simply too tiny, but it would still be neat to see American trains in that scale.

Unless Bachmann starts doing Z Scale to make the Arlesdale engines, N Scale will be the smallest scale to have a Thomas range.

I think it's best to focus on the scales we have. There's already people complaining when there's no updates on a product. Adding another scale into the mix will only create longer backlogs or fewer products in other scales. We've seen how long it's taken for the most recent products to hit the market and alot of the NG products are still being worked on. Now imagine that but with yet another scale and set of announcements for said scale.

This week I was lucky enough to get one of these vans and I'm very impressed with them


Out of the box I was very impressed by the detailing and especially the handles on the door. They add a bit extra to the model which really elevates it for me.
One other thing I did notice which I'll fully admit I only realised today. The G and N Scale 12 ton vans vents are raised and modelled HiT era styled where as these go more classic/cgi with the vents being more standard

Which I think both work well and both variations look great. Nice variety across the scales. I do still wish we got some of the vents vans we have in G scale and N with the 12 ton tooling over the vent van but what's done is done.
It's also got fairly good weight so it rolls along very nicely. Speaking of which it also looks great in a train

I haven't weathered it yet or even given it a matte spray yet however I did try one modification which

Which brings me on to me last point.

There's definitely a future for more products to be made using this tooling. Here's just a handful of ideas without non canon ideas like maybe a steam works van or something. Bakery, Fireworks which we have 2 options for, circus which tbf we have the fun fair vans they just need a logo. The topham circus if you wanna go old school and of course a Troublesome truck. Which I think based on the fact we have a grey van i do believe it will be a brown version unless they do what they did with Troublesome Truck 5 and reintroduce the grey van with a face. However that's way in the future.
Overall this is a brilliant new tooling and I definitely plan on getting more.

So with Sir Handel's model being shown at Trainfest and seeing all that extra detailing I'm currently of the mindset Sir Hayden could be the next Talyllyn loco in that range given Sir Handel has all the extra parts already existing on his model where as, Rheneas, Peter Sam and Rusty (if midlander is ever made) all need work. In fact out of the three Rheneas is the only one I can see happening (at least in the near future) given Peter Sam's funnel will need to be remould to represent Edward Thomas more and have that variety.

So my money is firmly in Sir Hayden's corner for the next Talyllyn loco, which leads me into my idea. Now I honestly don't know where the rights to make someone like this would lie, weather it's Mattel or Talyllyn but what about a Sir Hayden variation wearing Sir Handel's name plates and face to represent either Awdry Extravagansa



Or possibly the eye patch variation



Now ultimately with this idea I honestly don't know where the rights would be weather it's Talyllyn or if there's something in the contract that says any merchandise produced with a named character falls under Mattel or with a likeness to a Thomas character creates a loop hole. Even as a limited run I think this would be a home run with fans and even non fans who just want something that represents Talyllyn history. I mean every fan who has attended Awdry Extravagansa will want to own one no doubt. Who wouldn't want a little representative of a weekend or a day like that, and what better representative then a 009 model of an engine that was there running around your layout. I know it's a very out there idea and probably one that riddled with legal stuff and but I thought I'd throw it out there. Just an idea.

I'm very impressed with how Sir Handel is looking. Can't wait to see a fully painted Sample. I think potentially he could easily become the best in the NG range so far. With the the extra detailing is honestly wouldn't be surprised if he jumps up the que of engines and we get Sir Hayden alot sooner then we expected, it definitely feels like Bachmann have added those extra details with that in mind, which I totally wouldn't be against. Talyllyn seems to be proving quite popular so far, so adding another engine into the fleet will probably be announced in 2025/26.

Yeah once they do a platform they open up so much more possibilities with what they could do and what us modellers could make.
Toby's shed and the barn are both great ideas too.
Another possibility would be to introduce a small wooden platform like this. https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/wooden-platforms-%28x2%29/42-0010
Bachmann scenecraft used to make this in OO along with the ramps so it wouldn't be hard to obtain the tooling for it. Then you could have a little hault to put Farmer McColl or Trotter on with their sheep or pigs, ready to be taken to market.
In fact with Toby's shed, the barn, a little wooden platform and the ability to get the corrugated hut that was in the range you'd have a pretty decent farm set up.