What parts did you use for the backheads on your tender engines?

One thing I noticed about your plan is that even though it is in an 'L' shape, it's only 4'x6'. I would advise that you make the layout larger than that. The reason being that since in some areas you'll be looking at some severely sharp corners. This isn't too much of a problem if you're running small tank engines and 4-wheeled stock, but if you plan on running big engines like Gordon, you'll need to make each "leg" of the layout 4ft wide at least

That is a standard gauge locomotive, and I'm afraid wouldn't be very good for an accurate Sir Handel, although it shares some features. Sir Handel is a narrow gauge engine, and if you want an accurate looking model, you can get a kit to build a model of his basis, Sir Haydn, on the Parkside Dundas website. the kit is only about 25 pounds although you need to build and paint it yourself as well as get a chassis for the kit to roll on

In the most polite way possible, don't you think this could have easily been asked in one thread along with your other question? what's more, your question about Blue Mountain Mystery could have easily been asked in the everything thomas thread. You don't always need to start a new thread to ask one question, especially if you have questions related to each other.

realistically, I can see Oliver being made for the range, but in a way I don't feel like the next release will be him. I feel that Bachmann might throw us a curveball here. One of the engines I think has a very good chance of being made is Whiff. He's a very popular TV character, small in size, and no one's expecting him XD

I'll be honest with you, I don't blame you for not wanting to paint a thomas considering how nicely done the model is, and besides, Thomas and Rosie are quite differently shaped. You may be happy to know that rumors are flying around that a large scale model of Emily may be made soon, her coaches have already been produced for the series and a reliable source has mentioned her release in passing. While Rosie may not be coming out for a while in the large scale range, there is definatley a chance she will be made  considering her popularity and small size. This being said an HO scale rosie model may come sooner for the same reasons but this is just speculation

In TATMR, the viaduct collapsing sequence was done with the viaduct sections being held on by electromagnets. when they needed a section to fall, they would turn the magnet off, causing the section to fall. this is darn near impossible to effectively replicate in ho scale, so I would recommend simply having a nice large viaduct similar to the one in the movie. after all, it had to be repaired at some point

I don't know about it "coming apart" after all you need to look at what your working with. these are ho scale models. they aren't very big, and that seems to me like something that would be more suited to 0 or large scale. however, I suppose if you built your viaduct using hornby viaduct sections, you could leave one removable, however this may cause issues with the reliability of the track in that particular place.

excellent water effects, mulfred! I had to double-take to make sure it was'nt real! congragulations! also, It just so happens I had that crane at one point. In fact, I may still have it. thanks for reminding me of its existance

By "professional" I mean keeping threads on topic, and refraining from pointless posts and threads. I don't want to see the forum become a boring place any more than you do. I'm simply pointing out the things that most other members don't want to see. Things like arguements and discussions way off topic inside threads come to mind. As I said, making jokes and using emoticons is fine as long as things stay on topic. I fully understand that most members on here are under 18, myself included, however, there are forum rules of conduct, and the point of this thread is to remind people of them. As I said, these are guidelines, not orders

Please refrain from pointing out specific forum members. You seem to be missing the whole point of this thread. Please go back and read my original post.

Quote from: thomasj219 on April 19, 2011, 11:01:34 PM
Still the point remains. With no teachers foolishness and immaturity reign supreme.

.   In many ways I agree with this statement. This is the main reason that I started this discussion in the first place; to remind the younger members on here of the fourm conduct and how to productively contribute here. Perhaps we as older members of this forum could assist in teaching this to these certain members and create a happy and productive environment in which information can be shared.

Fair enough, BillingsRR. The main point that I was trying to convery regarding grammar is the excessive use of punctuation and emoticons. The term "going downhill" could have been left out as well. My main point of my little rant was primarily to remind everyone to keep things proffesional, keeping threads on topc, and adressing some of the issues facing the forum at the moment.

Hello all,
       I have been visiting this forum for roughly 5-6 years now, and I feel it neccesary to set the record straight over the state of this section of the ask the bachmann forums, as, over the past year or so, the quality of content being posted on here has plummeted. this is not aimed at anyone in particular, nor is it a series of orders that must be followed. this is a reminder of forum conduct, and some friendly advice on keeping this forum professional, and enjoyable for all involved. firstly, we all need to be reminded on how and when to reply to posts that others put up on any thread. it is not neccesary to include the quote of every person who has posted before you, every time you post. the purpose of the quote function is to adress a specific post or chat. the quote function should be used sparingly, and only when responding to a post that is relatively far back in the thread. secondly, some things are not neccesary to post at all. making a joke relating to the discussion is perfectly fine every once in a while, provided that it is accompanied by some piece of information that positively contributes to the discussion. making posts that are exactly the same as one another member posted is simply unnecessary, especially when it is in a post by itself. it does nothing to contribute to the forum, nor the thread it rests in. as I said, it is simply unnecessary. also relating to posts that people put on threads, excessive use of emoticons, entire posts written in caps, and over use of punctuation, such as exclamation points, are equally unnecessary. expressing excitement, frustration, or any other emotions being conveyed through a post can just as easily be put across using just one piece of puntuation, and emoticons used sparingly. Thirdly, any new threads started must cover a topic that cannot otherwise be discussed in a already existing thread. many threads have been started recently that are simply unnecessary. Finally, I think we need to remember what this forum is about in the first place. this forum exists so that people can discuss the bachmann thomas and friends range, the thomas and friends brand in general, and to share advice and modelling tips. nothing else. all to often threads go far off topic, and the point of the forum is lost. lets all remember why we're here in the first place. As I said, I am not pointing any fingers, and no one person is to blame for the forum going downhill. however, if we all simply try to stick to these guidelines, I think you will all find this forum an enjoyable and fun place to visit on the internet.
Thank you.

thats reasonable, the price is a little steep. 
the reason for posting was to simply introduce a way for a modeller to create their own red coaches with little to no kitbashing required. if one had the funds these would be perfect for just that.