Future suggestions/predictions thread

[Mulfred100]

So I've been thinking of the NG line alot the last few days particularly around rolling stock and trucks more particularly
At the moment this is our range with the two coaches and open wagon which uses the Peco tooling. I know we all agree about needing brown versions of the brake-van and other van. But here's a few new tooling ideas I think would be a real hit for Bachmann
Troublesome Truck NG style

I was torn between the 3 plank Troublesome Trucks or the Slate Troublesome Trucks, I figured this would probably be more likely as Bachmann have 6 versions of the slate wagons on the board currently so I can't see Bachmann breaking away from that tooling to make a model series style slate truck with a face. I mean they might but I think if I were gonna throw my weight behind one I'll go for the 3 plank, it could be produced with maybe 2 different expressions but even just as a singular item it'll sell really well. In fact it'll probably still sell well without a face but I think if Bachmann were gonna make a Troublesome Truck for the Skarloey gang I think this would be a great idea.
4 Plank Wagon

Now these are often used and these have the added bouns of appearing in CGI

I think like the previous would appeal to fans all across the spectrum and could help retire the Peco Open Wagon for something more in line with the brand like the box vans. There's the brilliant season 8 reference photos so there's plenty there to use to create as accurate a model as possible and there's a few colour schemes (including black, dark green, brown, grey and red oxide. Theres also a rusty version) so you can get the most out of the tooling. Who knows further down the line it might be possible to make versions with loads like coal or something.
1 plank wagon with load

Next is the 1 plank wagons. These next two both fall into a similar category but I'll still talk about them separately. The 1 plank wagons have been around since season 6 and are again another thing that's still used in the CGI era. However these being a 1 plank wagon means Bachmann can have fun and include different loads on them. They are used in the steam works so perfect to put some old wheels on or engine parts. They could be used to carry a Christmas tree or if bachmann are feeling extremely generous

Ok That a stretch but none the less it's an item Bachmann can have fun with and market possibilities are endless.
flat bed with load

Again like the previous this is another item Bachmann can have fun with and do something like a cable drum or something for workmen.


Or go crazy and put a Bicycle on there or a bell. It's another item I think regardless of the load will sell very well and there's alot of potential to make some fun products where 1 tooling can lead to several different products

Again all the photos and information are available on the wikia. Including the season 8 ruler photos which I believe all of these items have including the Troublesome tuck which has had ruler photos uploaded by Thomastankmerch who owns the prop of it. I hope there's something in there that people like and can get behind. I'm just trying to throw some ideas out there

[TrainFan97]

Here are my predictions for the 2025 February announcements:

HO Scale:

1. Nia
2. Reintroduced 'Arry and Bert
3. Old Coaches
4. Season 1 Troublesome Truck
5. McColl's Cattle Van
6. Troublesome Truck #7 (TAR tanker wagon with a face)
7. RWS Blue Donald and Douglas
8. RWS Toby with blue side plates
9. Hannah
10. Splatter and Dodge
11. Spencer's brake coach
12. Toffee tanker wagon
13. Chocolate syrup tanker wagon
14. Updated Henrietta
15. CGI Milk Tanker Wagon
16. CGI Fuel Tanker Wagon

Narrow Gauge:

1. Peter Sam with original funnel

Large Scale:

1. Edward
2. RWS Toby
3. Henrietta
4. Hannah
5. Season 1 Troublesome Truck
6. Old Coaches
7. Mavis

N Scale:

1. Edward
2. RWS Toby
3. Duck
4. RWS Blue Donald and Douglas
5. Oliver
6. TAR Tanker Wagon
7. Milk Tanker Wagon
8. Old Coaches
9. BR 20 Ton Brake Van
10. Spiteful Brake Van
11. Black Donald and Douglas
12. Mavis

NMRA:

HO Scale:

1. Diesel 10
2. Duke
3. BoCo
4. Stepney
5. Yellow Open Wagon
6. Breakdown Train
7. Cocoa open wagon

N Scale:

1. Red express coaches
2. Red branch line coaches
3. Red open wagon
4. Light blue open wagon
5. Yellow open wagon
6. Coal wagon with load

That's a rather unrealistic list. You're kind of asking for a lot there. There's no way they're going to announce that many products in one time. Especially when there are still many other products awaiting release. Also, N Scale is certainly not going to get blue Donald and Douglas, especially when they haven't even been made in their show-accurate black liveries yet. I'd get it if it's a list of products you want to see get made as time goes on in the coming years, but announcing that many products in one year is kind of far fetched.

[Chaz]

Really solid post on the narrow gauge rolling stock Mulfred; I agree with most of these choices!

It genuinely amazes me that the Peco open wagon hasn't been discontinued yet.  Hopefully it'll be dropped before too long in favor of one of the more accurate wagon toolings.  I'm surprised Bachmann hasn't looked into the four plank wagon yet for narrow gauge, especially with all the color options justifying the new tooling cost.  Hopefully these along with a tan brake van will be in the next lineup of OO9 announcements.

Troublesome trucks in OO9 would be fun, I'd be very curious to see what faces they would use for a reference.  Hopefully the season 4 ones are the ones picked if Bachmann decides to go that route.

[Awesometrain77]

40 pages insane . Personally I think troublesome slate wagons a good idea compared to 3 plank wagons as they have a huge backlog on NG stuff so a complete new tool is not the best idea right now As for the slate wagons I think we should one shocked truck and another truck that is smerking .


As for the 80th varients for next year I don't think we need another James . But a Thomas is likely.
So for Thomas pink undercoat thomas is something that I think could happen
Percy's chocolate crunch is a classic episode that everyone knowns so a Percy chocolate variant would be super nice .

[TrainFan97]

The Narrow Gauge rolling stock suggestions are pretty good. The Narrow Gauge range could definitely use some 4-plank wagons, troublesome trucks and flatbeds with loads. But for existing toolings, they can easily make the tan brake van and box van. Another new tooling would be the green carriage with the open sides. We haven't seen a sample of the gondola yet, or the gunpowder wagons for that matter, so it may be a while before new toolings are announced for Narrow Gauge.

The next engine for Narrow Gauge after Duncan could be Freddie, Victor, or Luke.

[Mulfred100]

Thanks for the feedback, for clarity these suggestions are more long term ideas. I'm not saying Bachmann needs to make them now. I'm saying maybe within the next four/five years when there's a new tooling spot available. That element seems to have been lost

[JLK2707]

Sorry for so many suggestions for next year, but I just thought that this would be the case since it will be 80 years since the franchise started.

Okay, I also just wished to say that I model only HO/OO Scale and I will do N Scale alongside, so it doesn't really matter to me about the Large Scale stuff. I also don't expect for all that stuff to be announced in one month, but maybe some announcements from my February predictions and the NMRA.

I will probably just buy another Bachmann Toby, Donald and Douglas and do the modifications myself. I will probably buy more than one N Scale Toby for that motive as well. I will also just get 3D printed Thomas and Percy body shells which I will turn into more accurate versions of the locomotives. The same goes for Gordon in HO Scale since I am not quite happy with how the cab looks.

I will also have the numbering and lettering custom printed on waterslide decals or woodlands scenics transfers since I don't own a 3D printer. I will also do some other mods when I have time. I am also just quite busy with life and my job in which I am an artist. I will also most likely end up buying more than one N Scale Bachmann James and modify the moulded whistle on it.

I may also just get 3D printed versions of Duck, Donald, Douglas and Oliver in N Scale so that way I can compromise, or at least get very close to that.

[Chaz]

I may also just get 3D printed versions of Duck, Donald, Douglas and Oliver in N Scale so that way I can compromise, or at least get very close to that.

So funnily enough, at one point a few years ago I was actually going to make a custom N scale Duck which I teased in a post which ended up getting lost after the forum shut down for a couple of months.  During the time when the forum was down (due to server issues), Toad was one of the announcements during the NMRA that summer so I found myself halting that project almost immediately thinking Duck and Oliver would be on the horizon at some point in the coming years.

I feel like now after a few years we're a lot closer to that point since only Edward is left out of the main original cast and Duck and Oliver are some of the top requests for N scale, and their HO models are still popular sellers after all these years.  I imagine Donald and Douglas will probably happen at some point in the future too, especially since they're also going to be in the reboot and they would also be natural additions after Duck and Oliver.  Though despite that, I feel like we will most likely have to wait a much longer while for those two, compared to Edward the both GWR engines...

Point is I think the remaining #8-11 will happen eventually and customizations might not be necessary unless you're in a hurry to get them in your collection.  I frankly wouldn't even be opposed to them introducing Edward and Duck first and then introducing a different character in-between the other three like Mavis or Daisy or maybe even Salty to offer some additional diesel diversity rather than have multiple class 08 repaints. 

There was actually a really great and well done video done by DCC Sodor sharing his thoughts on future releases where he touches on this topic for N scale, which if anyone hasn't checked it out already, you should as he brings up a lot of interesting and great points for all scales.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWkjFU797vU&pp=ygUJRGNjIHNvZG9y

Out of the three, Mavis is the one I want the most personally and is a very close third on my list, right after Edward and Duck.  So while Mavis might not be one of the "top sellers" in HO, I feel there's so much going for an N scale model of Mavis.  She's a popular request on here and would be an easier model to make on Bachmann's end by reusing the Toby chassis to save time (and money) during production so I see it as a win-win for both Bachmann and the fans.

[TerencetheTractor525]

Hey all. As we approach the fall, I wanted to share my annual aspirations for the Bachmann Thomas line, and next year is no exception, given the 80th Anniversary.

Beginning with HO engines, I think that announcing a Gold Metallic Thomas would be a fun way to celebrate the 80th Anniversary. Many merch lines have released this paint scheme of Thomas during anniversaries. Thus, I could see Bachmann giving it a shot too.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Hiro_(T%26F)

As far as new toolings are concerned, I think that everyone agrees that Hiro would be an excellent choice. His exquisite design and legacy in the show since 2009, the very start of CGI, are two of many factors that support this. Let's not forget that the Japanese Thomas fans would eat this up too.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Harvey

If Hiro were to not be possible, due to pricing, I think that Harvey would be an amazing Plan B. While somewhat of a stretch due to his exquisite design, he is one of the final choices as far as classic engines who appeared in CGI.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Whiff_(T%26F)

If Harvey were to also not be possible, I think that Whiff would be a terrific Plan C. He is the last engine, appearing in both the model and CGI series who would not be terribly expensive or involve anything too crazy, minus the glasses. Furthermore, there is no ready to run model of his basis, making him all the more marketable.

Additionally, I know I mentioned this before, but I really believe it would be in Bachmann's best interest to NOT choose Nia next. Nia is a character who alienates many older Thomas fans, and to be considerate to everyone, I think that Hiro, Harvey, and Whiff would be much better options.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Breakdown_Train_(T%26F)?file=WorksUnitCoach.png
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Breakdown_Train_(T%26F)?file=WorksUnitCoachModel.png

Moving onto rolling stock, I would love to see a new tooling added to the line, most notably the iconic Works Unit Coach. What is great about this specific piece is that it appeared in the show from the very first season, and in three paint schemes (Olive Green, Orange, and Indigo).

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/James%27_Trucks
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/James%27_Trucks/Gallery

As far as repaints, James' New Trucks would be fun. Thomas' New Trucks is a childhood favorite of mine, and I could see Bachmann pulling off two of these, namely James' New Truck #1 & James' New Truck #2. Mattel would certainly approve these as well, given that Lionel announced them for their O line not too long ago.

Troublesome Truck #7 using the latest 12 Ton Van tooling would also be terrific. However, I would truthfully only be interested in this if they go with a model era face, such as the following:
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Spotless_Record/Gallery?file=TheSpotlessRecord33.png
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Spotless_Record/Gallery?file=TheSpotlessRecord36.png

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Emily_and_the_Special_Coaches
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Emily_and_the_Special_Coaches/Gallery?file=EmilyandtheSpecialCoaches69.png

Gordon's Special Coaches are pieces that I would love to see produced as well. I always liked the dark blue paint scheme of these coaches, and the episode in which these are featured is a fun one.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/LMS_20_Ton_Brake_Vans

With the 20 Ton Brake Van announced in N Scale, I could see it making its way to HO too. This piece was seen many times throughout the CGI series, and I could see it appealing to many model era fans too.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Chinese_Dragon

This final one may be a long shot, but the Chinese Dragon would be an incredible piece to tackle, consisting of the existing long flat wagon tooling, and a colorful, festive load that would go wonderfully with the upcoming funfair vans. Definitely an eye catching piece for any consumer!

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Trevor_(T%26F)

Moving onto non rail characters, Trevor is the main character I'd love to see, completing all the non rail characters from the first three seasons of the show.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Buffers_(T%26F)
What's more, a designated Thomas Buffer would be nice as a new accessory, considering its small size and need for any train layout.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Allicia_Botti
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/The_Mayor_of_Sodor_(T%26F)
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Sodor_Brass_Band

And as far as figure packs are concerned, a pack dedicated to exclusive characters from the show such as Alicia Botti and the Mayor of Sodor would continue to bring any Sodor collection and layout to life beyond the trains. The same can be stated for The Brass Band.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Duke_(T%26F)
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Victor
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Narrow_Gauge_Trucks_(T%26F)

For narrow gauge, I am not sure where the line will go next. As a model series fan, I would love to see Duke added to the line, and he would be perfect for the 80th Anniversary. Yet, realistically, Victor will most likely be next. As for narrow gauge rolling stock, I love the suggestions Mulfred100 brought up above. Narrow Gauge Troublesome Trucks and the 4 Plank Wagon would be awesome, plus I concur that the flatbeds with loads would be intriguing as well.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Edward_(T%26F)

The N scale line is growing rapidly, and I think it is clear that Edward will be announced next, wrapping up the original seven engines introduced in Season 1. With regards to rolling stock, open wagon variants would be awesome, especially the Coal Wagon with Load. I could see the new China Clay Wagon in HO getting introduced as a red variant as well.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Bill_and_Ben_(T%26F)

Large Scale fans usually get the short end of the stick. Thus, it would be nice to see something announced for the 80th. For new toolings, I would love to see Edward or Bill & Ben, and for a repaint, LBSC Thomas would be satisfying. As far as rolling stock, I could see the Funfair Vans and Christmas Wreath Van getting added to the line.

Altogether, while this is quite a long list of product suggestions, I have zero doubt that there is much to anticipate for the 80th Anniversary and look forward to seeing what materializes for the future.

[JLK2707]

How does nia alienate fans?

[NWRLevi]

Hello, everyone. I've seen a lot of predictions and suggestions for the 80th anniversary. A lot of them are very interesting, so I decided to pitch in my own ideas.

First up, my most unusual idea: Remakes of Thomas, James, and Percy.



This suggestion may seem a bit strange, but let me explain. Thomas, James, and Percy were the first models introduced into the range, and whilst were good, cheap toys for their time, that isn't much the case nowadays. Seeing as the line is more collector focused as of now, the original models of then core 3 are sorely lacking in details. Whilst other earlier models like Edward or Duck still hold up, Thomas, James, and Percy do not. I could see Bachmann going about this in two ways. 1, they keep the originals up until they make these models with a similar or slightly higher budget, then replace the old models with the new ones. 2, these would marketed as "collector grade," where they are more expensive but are more accurate to the models, maybe having poseable eyes and alternative faces, and keeping the old ones for a cheaper option. If they go for the first option, I think beyond the core 3 the others aren't in dire need of updates, maybe aside from new faces and thinning the side rods of Gordon and Henry.

Next Up, the Breakdown Cranes.



The cranes are iconic pieces of rolling stock in the series, serving as helping hands to rescue an engine whenever they crash. Due to their size, I imagine Bachmann would have only one crane per package, maybe being around 50-60 USD (store price, that is.) I could see a Works Coach also being produced to go alongside them for a full breakdown train. Judy and Jerome could also be created instead of them, though I feel the originals are more iconic and would sell better.

Continuing the topic of coaches, my next pick is Gordons Special Coaches

(I couldn't get an image of these, but they're the blue ones from Emily and the Special Coaches)

Bachmann isn't a stranger to doing one off coaches, as they did Toby's museum coaches, so these are decently realistic. They give Gordon some more thematic coaches, and overall sport a nice shade of blue. I imagine a composite and brake variant would be made.

That's all mu suggestions for now, as I'm not well versed in G, N, or Narrow Gauge. If I have more, ill post them later. Let me know what you all think.

[Mulfred100]

In regards to the figure packs. There's a few ideas that's been rolling around in my head.

Sodor VIPs

Alicia Botti, Lord Callen, Sir Robert Noramby, Duke and Dutchess of Boxford and possibly the Thin and Fat Clergyman however I'm unsure if a 7 pack is a bit too ambitious. But what a perfect item for 80 years of Thomas then a Figure of the Rev himself on peoples layouts.
Workers of Sodor

Next is a Workers of Sodor pack, Jem Cole, Sailor John, Captain Joe, Cyril the Fogman, Miss Jenny and A bus driver which would go great with Bertie and Bulgy.
Animal friends

A bit of a fun Animal pack. I can't see this happening however it would be nice, Fuzzy the dog, an elephant, a Bull, a Cow and a Dear (which would be perfect to go along with Luke)
Lastly I wanted to talk about something really outta the box. How would people feel either a 6 pack Fat Controller. We could have one with a hawaiian shirt and an ice cream, a one wearing a scarf for winter, maybe one dressed up for Halloween, one with dirty and torn clothes like the Royal Engine and Lady Hatts Birthday. Or if that's a bust maybe introducing a couple of seasonal packs as limited runs? I'm pretty sure the last ideas are a bit too crazy but I figured I'd throw it out there.

Also note these are just ideas and I'm not saying "these must be made in 2025" its future ideas

[JLK2707]

The Hawaiian one is just cool.

[thomasj219]

How 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.

[Armada Starscream]

Since A lot of people have been suggesting Gordons's Special Coaches, and I would like to see them as well, I would like to reiterate some of the things that I would hope they would include in Gordon's Special Coaches models.

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/SR_Maunsell_Coaches?so=search&file=Gordon%27sSpecialCoaches.png

For one thing, I would hope that Bachmann would make a set of Gordon's Special Composite Coach and Gordon's Special Brake Coach. Bachmann has done this before with the Toby's Museum Coaches, making both a composite and a brake version of these coaches, even though only the brake version appeared. That way, people could make a longer and complete express train for Gordon out of them. And hey, its two new products instead of one!

For another thing, I would hope they would recolor both of these Composite and Brake coaches out of the already existing Gordon's Express Composite Coach and Gordon's Express Brake Coach, with the rubber corridors on each end of them. Therefore, they would be compatible with the already existing Gordon's Express Coaches, as well as the Red Express Coaches. It would be cool to at least have the option for Gordon's Special Coaches to fit in with trains of already existing Express Coaches.