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.

With the summer announcements revealed, I did want to touch upon next year's potential HO engine announcement sooner rather than later. While I understand that there are a handful of Nia fans, I think that it would be in Bachmann's best interest to go for a character who all fans, young and old admire, especially since next year is the 80th Anniversary. Hiro, Harvey, or Diesel 10 are the three that come to mind, as all have appeared in CGI, have interesting designs, and are most importantly well liked amongst all fans.

Very happy with this summer's selection of new products! It is pleasing to finally see Sidney added to the line of class 08s, and while surprising, the Mainland Diesel as well. Both offer new eye-catching paint schemes and are solid choices while Stanley is still under development.

However, I am most excited about the HO rolling stock, particularly the flat wagon with diesel fuel drums, a piece I fondly remember from the model series. The fact that Bachmann put in the extra effort to add text to the drums as well as offer the flat wagon in a darker gray paint scheme like the show really speaks to how much they care.

The reintroduction of the tar tanker is fantastic too, and as others have stated, I'm glad to see the extra text on the sides to match Season 1.

The china clay wagon is a bit odd, and like others, I would have preferred the classic brown ones from Season 2, as shown here: https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d1/TheDiseasel5.png/revision/latest?cb=20230508190117. However, if there will be an exclusive new tooling for the load, I look forward to seeing how that turns out.

N Scale Henry is a given and it is great to see him added to the rapidly expanding line of N engines! One left to go to complete the Original Seven!

As far as rolling stock, I'm glad to see another brake van added, although I am also surprised that they went with the LMS 20 Ton Brake Van before going with the BR one. And Hannah feels like a logical variant of Henrietta's tooling, given that they went the CGI route with Henrietta, adding a face.

Finally, while not a Thomas announcement, it is exciting to see a roundhouse getting added to the N line. As others have stated, I hope that this is foreshadowing an N Tidmouth Sheds. However, the one concern that I do want to point out is that the N Turntable has less tracks leading to it than the HO one. Thus, I would imagine that the angle of the stalls is going to be very sharp. Even so, I look forward to seeing how they tackle this one.

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=258_366_368&products_id=7210

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=265_421&products_id=4909

All in all, a very solid line-up, and with the majority of these as recolors, I have hope that there are even brighter announcements ahead in 2025.

It is always a pleasure to read your suggestion posts, Chaz, and the model era pics were a nice touch. Altogether, I completely agree with all the engine, rolling stock, and non rail suggestions.

Henry is no-doubt who I am also hoping to see announced next in N scale for all the same reasons stated above. I think that him alongside some open wagon recolors (the coal wagon with load, blue wagon, and red wagon), and the iconic brake van would be very nice to see for the next product announcement specifically. Edward, Duck, and Oliver are definitely logical additions too. As far as non-rail characters are concerned, I concur that Bertie would be a good start, followed by Harold or Terence.

It's hard to believe that the N scale line was already announced five years ago. I recall having mixed feelings about how well the line would do, with HO in the main driver's seat. However, I was very happy to be proven wrong, as the line has continuously sold well. Furthermore, with Gordon almost released, the the best days still seem to be ahead.

Hey everyone. Apologies for not posting sooner, but I wanted to share my thoughts on the 2024 catalog and current status of the Bachmann Thomas line altogether.

Firstly, I concur with everyone who stated that it is completely understandable as to why there were not many new additions for the 2024 catalog, especially given last summer's massive NMRA product announcements, let alone several new toolings.

For the new additions, I am glad to see the Large Scale Thomas set back in the line, as I have seen many requests for this, and since large scale was the one scale that did not get any new announcement last summer. The slate wagon variants look very nice too. I am particularly fond of the tan one, reminding me of the tan weathering of the slate wagons from Season 5:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/5/55/Snow33.png/revision/latest?cb=20180112195630

It is also great to see the final images of HO Beau and N Gordon in the catalog, and I look forward to seeing them arrive at retailers in the near future.

All in all, there is so much to look forward to, with over 10 new toolings under development now, including engines, rolling stock, and non rail accessories. The future is bright, and with the 80th anniversary around the corner, I can only imagine that Bachmann has even more exciting announcements planned for the summer and 2025.

Happy New Year everyone! Given that we are about a month away from seeing the 2024 catalog, here's a list of the products that I am hoping to see announced for 2024 or 2025.


HO Scale

https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/%27Arry_and_Bert

Arry & Bert Reintroduction
In the past several months, the reintroduction of Arry & Bert has been a very popular request amongst fans, both through social media platforms and in-person conversations. Like Salty and other discontinued products, these go for outrageous prices on eBay these days, and would thus be welcome returnees to the line. However, the one change I would make is to alter the facial expression of at least one of the two diesels, just to differentiate them more.

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

Hiro
As stated last year, I think that everyone can agree that Hiro would be an excellent candidate for the future. 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/Whiff_(T%26F)

Whiff
As the final engine appearing in both the model and CGI series that does not feature gimmicks that could potentially breach the NMRA Standards, Whiff would be an awesome candidate for all Thomas fans. While also the only engine to wear glasses, what's most interesting is that there is currently no ready to run model of his basis. Thus, I could see UK modelers purchasing Whiff for conversions.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/e/e9/TheWorld%27sStrongestEngine27.png/revision/latest?cb=20230812004343
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/d/d2/ToadStandsBy19.png/revision/latest?cb=20230312172051
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/c/cd/TheSpotlessRecord22.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20091107193357

Troublesome Truck #7
As stated in the 12 Ton Vans Thread, with the 12 Ton Van from large scale entering the HO line this year, a seventh troublesome truck with this tooling would be very nice to see. However, for this product to really capture the attention of all fans, I would highly encourage going with a model era face. I have pasted the specific faces I would love to see above, but any model era face would ultimately be appreciated.

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

Ice Cream Van Reintroduction
Also as stated in the 12 Ton Van Thread, this would be a very welcome reintroduction, especially considering that the large scale 12 Ton Van tooling is more accurate than the tooling that was used for the initial HO Ice Cream Wagon release.

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

Tar Tanker Reintroduction
This is another popular request that I have seen, and with it appearing in the CGI series, as well as the model series, I am sure that all fans would greatly appreciate it.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/3/31/GreenWorksUnitCoachCGI.png/revision/latest?cb=20170527080530
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/f/f1/LoveMeTender78.png/revision/latest?cb=20210509202815
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/8/88/WorksUnitCoachCGIBlue.png/revision/latest?cb=20171006094504

Works Unit Coach
As far as new toolings are concerned, I think that the works unit coach would be the best option, given that it is an iconic piece that dates all the way back to Season 1. More importantly, several paint schemes have appeared in the CGI era (Olive Green, Orange, Indigo), all of which I'd love to see Bachmann produce.

HO Figure Packs
Without a doubt, I am still most excited about the upcoming HO Figure Packs, and it would be fantastic to see a few more additions to this line. I would specifically love to see a pack of memorable Sodor characters such as Alicia Botti and the Duke & Duchess, as well as a pack of the Sodor Brass Band.


HO Narrow Gauge

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/ttte/images/a/ad/BlueMountainMystery124.png/revision/latest?cb=20180918195226
https://ttte.fandom.com/wiki/Slate_Trucks_(T%26F)

High Side Slate Wagons
While the slate wagons that are currently in the line are perfectly accurate to real-life slate wagons, it would be nice to see some larger ones that appeared in both the model and CGI series. Considering that they appeared in light gray, dark gray, and brown paint schemes in the CGI series (as shown in the pasted image above), I could see Bachmann announcing them in three paint schemes too.


N Scale

Henry
With the highly anticipated announcement of N Scale Gordon, which is currently the top Thomas preorder on TrainWorld, it definitely makes sense to announce Henry next.

Coal Wagon with Load
Red Open Wagon
Blue Open Wagon
Brake Van

For rolling stock, I think that there are currently more than enough coaches on the way. However, the line could certainly use some new freight cars, most notably some new open wagon variants as well as the brake van.


Large Scale

Edward or LBSC Thomas

The large scale line is still a mystery to me. However, looking through social media, the most popular large scale request still seems to be Edward, and I cannot deny that this would be a very eye-catching model for all Thomas fans. However, I am sure that fans would also be very happy with an LBSC Thomas, if it is preferred to produce a new engine without a new tooling at this scale.

Box Van- Funfair Red
Box Van- Funfair Blue
Box Van- Christmas Wreath

All in all, with the summer announcements consisting of much more than initially expected, let alone a newly-tooled engine announcement in every scale, minus large scale, I expect the catalog announcements to be relatively light. Nevertheless, I still have zero doubt that the future of the Bachmann Thomas line altogether is bright.

Thanks for taking the time to start this thread, Toad139. The 12 Ton Van tooling from the large scale line entering HO was certainly one of the highlights from this summer's new product announcement, and definitely deserves its own thread. With that, I wanted to take the opportunity to mention some additional product suggestions with this tooling for the future.

One right off the bat is a reintroduction of the Ice Cream Wagon. Just for some context, the original release of the HO Ice Cream Wagon used a single vent tooling. However, the tooling as a whole was inaccurate to what was seen on screen, given its detailing and rather flat roof, verses the rounder roof as seen on the large scale van tooling and prop from the show. Hence, I would love to see a rerelease of this piece of rolling stock, using the more accurate 12 Ton Van tooling that will be used for the upcoming van releases from this past summer.





Another variant of this van I would love to see, which others have already mentioned is another troublesome truck, namely Troublesome Truck #7. Troublesome Vans were often featured during the television series and the new 12 Ton Van would be the perfect tooling to accomplish a Bachmann model. That being stated, for it to be very well received from fans, I highly encourage going with a model era face. As others have stated, the CGI Troublesome Truck faces truthfully aren't as interesting, and I know several fans, including myself, were somewhat disappointed with the outcome of Troublesome Truck #6 for this reason. These are the faces I would highly recommend:




Furthermore, as Chaz mentioned, let's remember that Mattel recently produced a trackmaster pack that included a tanker with model era face, which is baffling, considering one would expect them to use a CGI face for that. Thus, I have zero doubt that a model era face could be a possibility for a Bachmann troublesome truck as well. The most important thing will be to not resort to the first image that pops up on the wiki, as that first image is not technically the most well received from fans.




Lastly, I would not mind seeing additional simple paint schemes of this van. As a matter of fact, I was surprised to see a simple gray variant get announced. Hence, why not announce a red oxide variant to go with it? Simple, yet effective

Altogether, I am very excited about the new 12 Ton Van tooling finally entering the HO line after years of hope, and I look forward to hearing additional thoughts on this new tooling.

With regards to the N scale line, I concur that nonrail characters such as Bertie, Terence, Cranky, and possibly even Sir Topham Hatt's Car would be wonderful additions. As a big fan of the resin buildings, it would be nice to see at least a few of those enter the N line too, especially Maithwaite Station and the Brendam Warehouse. The same goes for N scale Human Figure Packs, if the ones in HO do well.



While on the subject, I had to paste this image, featuring an old N scale Sodor layout by Tomix. I believe this layout was approximately 4 feet by 8 feet, and looking at the amount of scenery, elevation, and iconic locations, it is incredible as to how much you can accomplish in that amount of space for N scale. Part of me wishes to see someone recreate this layout, or one similar, while also showcasing the Bachmann N Thomas line of products on it. Maybe in the future .

As always, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on new product suggestions for the next few years, Chaz. All the N Scale suggestions along with Troublesome Truck #7 in HO are products that I would be particularly interested in, especially if the latter is a 12 Ton Van with a model era face, but that is a specific post for another time.

Quote from: N Scale Sudrian on October 02, 2023, 02:40:41 PMThat said, I wouldn't mind the African or Chinese equivalent of the van being chosen. They look perfectly fine and there's no reason that those wagons couldn't exist on Sodor anyway regardless of where they showed up in the show. It's a very diverse and accepting island, and any arguments to the contrary would be blatantly ignoring the entirety the series' nearly-80-year history, ha ha.

N Scale Sudrian, I respect your thoughts on this subject and understand that you did not mean to offend anyone. Yet, please review how you word your points before posting, as this was executed the wrong way.

That stated, with the N Scale line growing, I hope to have the opportunity to see a layout or sets in N Scale from you in the future on the forum. It is amazing to see how much has already been produced at that scale, and it is great to see several members show the attention that the N line certainly needs and deserves.

Hey everyone! Hard to believe it is already that time again, but the next TrainWorld Thomas Tuesday Livestream is today at 6PM ET. Hope that everyone can tune in!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BxKHu0u5qE

I am overjoyed with this summer's new product announcement! Not only did much more than anticipated get announced, but every single announced product is something that I am very happy with and looking forward to.

Starting off with the new HO engine, Stanley brought a true smile to my face. I, along with most Thomas fans, was convinced that Nia was going to be the next engine after the announcement of Rebecca last summer. Yet, the fact that Bachmann went out of their way to announce a character that appeals to both the older and younger fans, let alone one that also appeared in the model era, really says a lot. All in all, this is the most excited I have felt for new HO engine announcement since Daisy.

Moving on to rolling stock, the new vans were another wonderful surprise. I love the simplicity of the gray vent van, and festivity of the funfair vans. Yet, what really caught me by surprise is that these are not just going to be recolors of the double vent tooling, but single vent. Here's hoping that it will be the box van tooling in Large Scale & N scaled to HO, but I would be completely on board with a Bachmann UK tooling too, so long as it has a single vent.

Now Bulgy REALLY surprised me. I noticed some discussion on nonrail characters after the announcement of Sir Topham Hatt's Car back in the winter, but I was thinking that Bachmann would want to see how well the iconic blue car sells before tackling another nonrail piece such as Bulgy. Nevertheless, I am all for it! He's a classic and completes the list of new characters who were introduced in Season 3 of the television series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQdSQcto_nc

With regards to narrow gauge, as others have stated repeatedly, Duncan was inevitable, and it is great to see the original six narrow gauge engines finally in the line. I just hope that Duncan will not be strictly based on the CGI design, as the render really is not the cup of tea for many fans, including myself. An ideal approach would be to scale the boiler to its real-life basis, and then use the CGI paint scheme and face. Yet, at the same time, I understand that this is most likely wishful thinking, and am still happy to see engine #6 in narrow gauge announced.

The gunpowder wagons are probably what I am most ecstatic about, particularly the D. Fusit one. That is an iconic piece that I remember seeing throughout Season 4 as a little kid, and the fact that Bachmann is making that is nothing short of amazing.

Lastly, for N Scale, I was somewhat surprised to see Diesel & Paxton announced before Henry. Nonetheless, they certainly are welcome additions, and I know that many HO Narrow Gauge modelers will acquire Diesel or Paxton for narrow gauge custom models. As a result, I could see these selling very well, much like the N Scale Percy.

Gordon's Express Coaches were inevitable, with the announcement of Gordon last summer, and I am looking forward to seeing what Bachmann uses for the toolings. I like the idea of scaling down the HO models, as I concur that the CGI renders are too thin and lack the thinner windows on one side of the coach. In any case, it is going to be amazing to see these run behind Gordon in N Scale.

I want to give an enormous thank you to Bachmann Industries for this wonderful surprise. It is clear that a lot of research and acknowledgement of what fandom would love went into this. Altogether, for me, this is one of the most exciting announcements we've ever had, and with that, I believe that the future of the Bachmann Thomas line is bright.

Just to add to the Arthur & Murdoch discussion, if Beau was anything to go by as an exclusive repaint of the 4-4-0, it would incredible to see exclusive Bachmann Arthur & Murdoch models, using the UK toolings. Indeed, they would be expensive, but if people are paying over $2,000 for the Hornby Murdoch in recent years and the Bachmann Rebecca is retailing for $300, the price of these would surely be justified, as limited run models or not.

Murdoch:
https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/category/152/br-standard-9f-with-br1f-tender-92184-br-black-%28late-crest%29/32-859b

Arthur:
https://www.bachmann.co.uk/product/lms-ivatt-2mt-tank-1205-lms-black-%28revised%29/31-442

As we know, Mattel prefers CGI. Yet, as an older fan, I can't deny that I have a deeper connection with characters such as Arthur and Murdoch than most newer CGI characters. Even as limited run models, these would be incredible and surely do outstanding, based on what we've seen from every Hornby Murdoch bid auction on eBay once again.



Maybe one of these days .

Hey everyone! It's official! The next TrainWorld Thomas Tuesday livestream will be on August 1st at 6pm EST, and feature N Scale Gordon fully painted. The ad was posted on Twitter earlier today: https://twitter.com/Trainworld/status/1685428968747409409?s=20

I would definitely prefer Whiff & Scruff. For starters, Whiff is a character I remember from my childhood, and the glasses would be a unique feature, especially with moving eyes. As a medium sized tank engine, I could see Bachmann giving him an open cab too. Most importantly, I think that Whiff would do very well with non-Thomas modelers, as there is no ready to run model of his basis in the market at the moment. Scruff is also one of the more simpler designs, so I could see Bachmann giving that a nod as far as cost is concerned.

As a fan of the older model series, I would absolutely support a model of Duke, Smudger, or Bertram, as I firmly believe that they would be a great opportunity for Bachmann in terms of profit (especially Duke as a narrow gauge tender engine). As stated though, it all comes down to what the licensor prefers, which as of now seems to be the newer CGI characters. However, as we progress further into All Engines Go, it makes me wonder if Mattel could finally allow Bachmann to make those model era characters that fans have cherished for decades, but only time will tell. In the meantime, I could see Stanley, Whiff, and Hiro as good options for standard gauge, and Victor and Luke as good options for narrow gauge.

On the subject of the Sodor Line Caboose, I completely support it. Like Beau, it would be unique novelty item for the Thomas line, and something that I would be interested in adding to my collection. The recycling wagon could be fun as well.