Back in the 70's, Campbells Scale Models used to offer an HO figure called "Flexible Freddy", which had arms and legs that could be repositioned. It wasn't a very good figure. But, with the availability of various flexible rubbers, latexes and plastics today, I'd like to see a line of figures - men, women and children - that are flexible, maybe with wires inside, like Gumby. In a perfect world they might be available in dress of various vintages, too.

My first wish is simple - I'd like to see fluted domes for the 4-4-0, either replacement domes or a fluted base and cap that would fit on the existing domes.

It would also be nice if the 4-4-0 could be offered with a short smoke box, and a firebox that doesn't entirely fill the cab.

Ideally, though, what I'd like to see offered would be small 4-4-0s and 2-6-0s of a proper configuration for 1860s- 1880s vintage, since most early narrow gauge railroads used this sort of motive power, and there is a total lack of these models available. Bachmann's current 4-4-0 is beautiful, but is a bit unique. Their 2-6-0 is too massive and modern for most early narrow gauge lines.

I'd suggest that the Bachmann designers get a copy of Mallory Hope Ferrel's "Rails, Sagebrush and Pine" about the Sumpter Valley Railway. They'd find a wealth of inspiration there, as the SVRR used just about everything narrow gauge they could find, from vintage Americans and Moguls to the Uintah Mallets.