Future suggestions/predictions thread

[NWRLevi]

Narrow Gauge:

SKIP - all the attention needs to be on getting Sir Handel out there. Especially with Duncan cancelled, I feel (and please don't take this the wrong way) all hands on deck for Sir Handel!

I agree completely here. Whilst it would be nice to see Luke or Victor or someone else, I feel like making another NG engine so soon is not the right path. I'd much rather see Sir Handel be completed first hand. Afterwards, I think taking Duncan back to the drawing board would be better, but not immediately. This break in new NG engines could also allow the designers to focus on the other lines, such as G scale.

[Mulfred100]

From my perspective on Nia I feel more like she's inevitably going to be made. I feel like she's probably the one character that Mattel will be saying to Bachmann "you need to make this engine." So I don't feel the need to mention her and I push for engines who are brushed aside, like Stephen, Porter, Harvey and Whiff and even maybe Hiro to a degree. As you said Nia is a core part of the marketing so why wouldn't she be made. We all have a voice that's of equal value to the conversation and there's not really any part of the fandom or market that is fully represented anywhere. Every announcement has that ability to annoy someone. It's about being respectful and using your voice without necessarily making others feel like their opinions don't matter. This fourm is a free public place where anyone can join and share ideas, it's not some gatekept part of the Internet. Every suggestion I make I try to look at the boarder appeal, costs, what's already available for marketing and what will get people saying "well x character is out and I could put new character with x character on this part on my layout, pulling these trucks" I have my bias and I'll always say when I do. As I say we all have a voice and it's valuable. Weather it's on here, on Facebook, x, emails, comments on a video or live stream. It all matters and for me, we are all equal and just because someone says I want this engine on here doesn't make them any less important then someone saying it on x, or Facebook. But that's just me and how I see the world I guess

[Awesometrain77]

Okay I get that tbh so no need to mention her here .
Anyway after a recent live stream there is a possiblity buildings can return to the range however there are no plans to.
Winston is someone who I feel is long overdue as we have him in large scale yet no HO Winston .
I am pushing for streamlined Thomas but considering no one else has even suggested him I doubt he will happen .

Trevor is some one I really think should happen next year .

For a varient of Thomas I do think rather then a golden Thomas a pink Thomas would be nice . I think we have a lot of James variants and pink James with the undercoat is not realistic due to the lining so I think we should just get pink Thomas . 

[NWRLevi]

I do like the idea of Winston. He is rather unique and a cool character, though if he was added, it would mean he'd no longer be exclusive to Large Scale, like how Hannah is exclusive to N scale. Streamlined Thomas is also interesting, and I could see it as a sort of exclusive or limited run item, maybe being an opportunity to introduce a new face for Thomas. I am surprised we haven't got Trevor yet, he is one of the most popular road characters next to Bertie and Terrence, and would make a great companion piece for Edward. As for Thomas variants, I think I would prefer gold Thomas. Pink Thomas would certainly be interesting, but I don't think people would really buy it. It differs from LBSC Thomas or other Thomas variants since it's rather obscure and not seen a whole lot. However, nice suggestions overall, Awesometrain77.

[DustyMarie53!]

Perhaps a controversial opinion, but I think Bachmann should be lenient on announcements in the spring. Yes, it's the anniversary, but the backlog is still pretty great. I would rather them make more headway than them announce even more products for scales that have tons unreleased. I don't particularly want to see anything beyond rolling stock within the main 3 scales, recolored engines probably aren't a good call either. I'd much rather them focus on what's already announced, get that done, then in the fall catalog announce more to coincide with the anniversary. I think this will be the best outcome. We have currently six engines in active development in the HO line, even though Stanley is almost on the horizon he is not done yet. N scale likely has 3 in active development. Narrow gauge only has Sir Handel, but has a bunch of rolling stock. like Stanley some is on the horizon but is still being finalized. This isn't even mentioning the plethora of non-engines in both HO and N. I don't think adding much more right now would be smart, unless something substantial changes between now and then. I believe the catalog drops in March this year based on when the toy fair it usually coincides with is so there definitely time for things to change.
With that said. if they were to lean in on any scale. It should be G. It is the only one that only has a single product in the pipeline, which may release even before the next catalog drops. My personal votes would be Mavis and Henrietta. Something simple so they don't have to extend too many resources, while also giving some more life into that scale with two popular characters.

[Mulfred100]

Well usually the winter announcements have mostly been recolours ever since 2019. Maybe the odd new tooling or something but usually we seem to get that in the NMRA announcements in the summer, Daisy, Rebecca, Beau, Stanley have all been summer announcements, Ryan may have been too I can't remember. As for what we have in the pipeline Stanley is fully painted, the two class 08 Diesels already have their tooling so I'm assuming they'll release in 2025. Bulgy and the rolling stick which all the rolling stock in HO has the tooling available. There's only really Bulgy that requires new tooling.
In N scale we have the 2 class 08s and Henry, Henrietta and Hannah have their painted samples and are ready to be packaged and shipped, the express coaches and Break-van need their tooling made
009 Sir Handel needs to be painted, the Gondola and D-fusit wagons need their tooling.
We have a big shipment coming in of alot of new products, 12 ton vans, Rebecca, n scale Gordon and Emily ect.
I agree the winter announcements probably won't be anything mind blowing maybe a big announcement along with recolours.
Lastly I don't think the catalogues timing will be effected by when the toy show is. There was no Toy show in 2024 and we got the catalogue in February and we still got the catalogue in February, so i don't think Bachmann are held up on what the Toy Fair is doing. I wouldn't worry too much. We'll get it when we get it with whatever announcements are inside. But as I say recent history shows that the announcements people get excited about are usually now the NMRA

[DustyMarie53!]

I'm not too worried about when the catalog is for the record, I'm just throwing the disclaimer in here now so that if it doesn't release in Febuary people aren't freaking out for weeks.

Ryan has been the only major new tool announced in the Spring catalog since 2016 for HO I believe. I personally have a theory he was meant for NMRA 2020 but switched places with Origins James due to the elephant in the room of that year. I don't particularly have strong evidence for it other than the patterns of the other NMRA announcements, although of not NMRA Thomas announcements were not a thing until 2019. The 08's were just kind of used as filler in 2017 and 2018 because they had a lot on their plate. Feels like we're seeing something similar with this NMRA announcement now. They even announced a flatbed and tanker alongside them again. N scale and narrow gauge used to have engine announcements in the Spring and sometimes with N also the Fall. But even then that seems to have shifted. I do think assuming the spring catalogs will be lighter from here on out is a pretty safe assumption, one I've personally had myself. The only reason I'm cautious is that next year is the anniversary, I feel like it could be an exception again, I just don't want it to be. I think next year will be a lot stronger if they hold off on big announcements until July so they can make even more headway on the pipeline. I'm obviously not going to complain if we get a lot of news in Spring, but I feel like sticking to the current announcement pattern is a much smarter play.

Also small correction they also need a new tool in HO for the Open Carriage, that's been on the backburner for a while now so hope we get an update soon. There's also the new china clay load which shouldn't be too drastic to develop. Even the recolors do seem to have substantial development time put into them, such as the new vans getting unpainted samples even though they were an existing tooling. Most of the HO stuff is easier but would still be smarter to probably make more headway on it before announcing any more imo

[Mulfred100]

Never once did I say I was responding to anyone else, simply sharing my own thoughts. Don't particularly see what bringing up something from months ago I already owned up to accomplishes here. Nor was I the only one vocally upset at the time, in fact I was specifically one of the people saying to be patient and it will release when it does both on and off the forum. I got upset with lack of clear communication one time at the tail end, more then I should have and apologized for that, then what was going on was swiftly elaborated on, and that was that. Why are you being so rude over someone simply sharing their own thoughts? That's what this forum should be for, no?

And if I've ever come of that way recently, I'd also like to apologize to everyone here, sometimes I can be overtly blunt or statistical and if that's been a problem recently, I'd like to own up to it now as well. I'm also autistic so sometimes what I mean to say as I think it doesn't come across as well over text. So once again. I'm sorry if I myself have ever seemed confrontational as of late or too rude. I am trying very hard to not come off that way because at the end of the day. This is a franchise and line we all care about. Being rude to the fellow fans doesn't get me anywhere

Well firstly I'm not being rude I'm simply stating its not even 2025 yet. As I said there's 16 weeks till the train show which alot can happen in that time in way of where products are, how close they are to releasing and so on. And I'll be honest you do come across blunt and confrontational every time I reply to you. Like the other day that whole high horse act with Nia which simply could have been "well she's a core character to the show. I for one would like to see her" and leave it at that. It turns into a big mission statement of you vs the entire fourm which isn't the case at all. We all have our favourites who we want to see in the range and we all share an equally valuable opinion.

And I am sorry if this is harsh and I truly don't mean it to be but think about the world outside and what's currently happening. I know this is meant to be an escape but honestly arguing over catalogues or what will release when is very silly in the grand scheme of it all. Don't try to think too far ahead. We all know the patterns by now and as I say no one is currently saying "well I want this and this and this announced in the 2025 catalogue and this and this in the NMRA"

[DustyMarie53!]

Well firstly I'm not being rude I'm simply stating its not even 2025 yet. As I said there's 16 weeks till the train show which alot can happen in that time in way of where products are, how close they are to releasing and so on. And I'll be honest you do come across blunt and confrontational every time I reply to you. Like the other day that whole high horse act with Nia which simply could have been "well she's a core character to the show. I for one would like to see her" and leave it at that. It turns into a big mission statement of you vs the entire fourm which isn't the case at all. We all have our favourites who we want to see in the range and we all share an equally valuable opinion.

And I am sorry if this is harsh and I truly don't mean it to be but think about the world outside and what's currently happening. I know this is meant to be an escape but honestly arguing over catalogues or what will release when is very silly in the grand scheme of it all. Don't try to think too far ahead. We all know the patterns by now and as I say no one is currently saying "well I want this and this and this announced in the 2025 catalogue and this and this in the NMRA"

You're right. I need to take a step back. Just took a drive and am a lot calmer now then this morning. Part of my bluntness especially recently is feeling the need to argue and talk on here because I have a lot on my plate I won't delve into here. I'm trying to think super far ahead because when I get stressed that's what I do. And I'll still probably do that just in a notes app instead of here. I wasn't trying to come off as to tell people stop requesting things, but it came off that way I'm realizing on reflection. Even then I have been dismissive of others' ideas before, what did me saying Porter isn't likely to be soon add when you also said that in your original post for example, I was just talking to talk at that point and clogging the board up.

In regard to Nia specifically. I do have a very much "me vs the world" mentality with her because, I've been on here since 2019 and back then even the prospect of suggesting her and Rebecca was shut down aggressively. But it's not like that anymore, and Mulfred your message highlighted that for me really well, regarding Nia I mean. I think that was a really good point about giving attention to less important characters given she is a very likely candidate for a new model and was well phrased. I'll try to not be us vs them with her in future simply because it's not like that anymore. Thank you for pointing that out, I will work on it.

I'm probably going to log out for the time being, and only get active when there's big news like a Thomas tuesday comment regarding characters, or new reveal like the UK stuff. I realize I've been using this more of a crutch then actually being helpful with commentary at present. And at this point, even if unintentional, resulting in negativity and I'd rather that not be my impact on here, and your honesty got that through, so once again I do appreciate it. I did need to hear it. Take care

[JLK2707]

How would you feel about having the N Scale Gordon just pulling freight cars rather than the express coaches?

[Chaz]

How about a more positive subject to talk about:


I wanted to do an N scale post later in the year, or at least after the catalog announcements but after seeing the recent UK announcements I felt inspired to do a new N scale post.  And just for fun in honor of the 40th anniversary of the television series, I'll be using model era photos.  For the record I know they will use CGI references for these, but again these are just for fun.


For engines, I'd say Edward is just about a "given".  Whether that happens next winter during the catalog release or next summer at the NMRA, there is so much going for Edward next year.  He feels like a very natural addition to the N scale range after Henry and completing the original Steam team.  He's been a top seller in HO for a long time now and has no signs of slowing down despite not being a main character.  He's the one character everyone mutually agrees should be next as the next newly tooled engine in N scale.  Many will jump on this one like Gordon, Henry and Emily, myself included.


Duck meanwhile is a very natural addition I would throw in after Edward.  Once Bachmann gets the rest the rest of the tender engines announced, including Edward, I think taking a break from tender engines and even diesel engines would be a good call.  Duck has a very simple design to work with, has a very wide appeal with both older and younger audiences and he continues to be a popular seller in HO over a decade later.  His addition to the UK lineup feels warranted and like Edward, I think Duck makes the most sense to be picked after Edward.


And finally, since her recent introduction in the Bachmann Europe range, I think Daisy is a pretty safe bet to happen at some point too.  I don't think she shares the same level of odds as Edward, Duck and some of the other characters others have mentioned.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Daisy would actually make perfect sense to join the range at some point in the future.  Despite her being released a few years ago, Bachmann UK doesn't add engine additions often and are very careful when making additions to their lineup.  The fact that Daisy has been added alongside Duck and even before Diesel and Emily is really saying something about her popularity.

For rolling stock, my thoughts haven't changed so I'll just go over them briefly without pics:

BR 20 ton brake van/spiteful brake van: Popular in HO and large scale, still shocked it hasn't happened in N yet but will keep advocating for it until they happen.  I also don't mind if they use the Farish tooling or if they go for a new tooling like in large scale.

Coal wagon w/ load, China Clay wagon and cocoa powder wagon: I'm genuinely amazed we haven't gotten more wagon repaints.  As I've said before the original coal wagon with load is a fan favorite with many here and people have been wanting the red and blue wagons as well, and giving them loads I think would be a good way to introduce them.  Please do not do wagons with decals like the Sodor Coal Co. car or mining wagon in N scale first.  Many fans prefer the liveries used on the show and frankly have a much wider appeal all around.

Milk and tar tanker: I'm not wild about the Farish tanker tooling, but if we get any repaints of those I think introducing milk and tar makes the most sense when it comes down to it.

Red coaches:  I think these are the most likely addition to be next, but despite that I'm placing these pretty low since we've had plenty of coach announcements recently and I would rather they focus more on BR brake vans and freight stock.

Honorable mentions go to Bertie, Harold and Terence for accessories to join the line at some point.  They have yet to add non-rail characters in N, but I suspect they'll start with Bertie and Harold first before moving onto Terence.  Cranky also seems like a likely choice along with the inevitable N scale Tidmouth sheds announcement.

[Awesometrain77]

Look, I'm gonna be honest they don't have a big backlog . Look all they have is some  rolling stock toolings and some repaints for HO
N scale has Henry the express coaches which are in the works by the way and class 08s . We do also have bulgy. Which I forgot, but not too much.
However, before any of this, I would really like to see salty have his tool updated so he can actually be released.

I do like Chaz's ideas however we already have a ton of coaches in N scale
If you had Thomas pull Annie and clarabel
Gordon pull his express coaches
Emily pull her coaches
Toby pull Henrietta
James pull Hannah
That leaves Percy  as the only engines on your layout that can pull freight . Until henry and the 08s come out .
So I definitely agree that we do not need the red coaches for a while.
I do think that 2025 would be a perfect year to introduce 7 plank wagons and some more breakvans to line up
Bradford despiteful break van and a normal BR 20 ton van are perfect



 

[Zekeism]

Could Charlie happen in the next few years? A 0-6-0 and a bright purple character that stands out.

[RailsByRick]

Honorable mentions go to Bertie, Harold and Terence for accessories to join the line at some point.  They have yet to add non-rail characters in N, but I suspect they'll start with Bertie and Harold first before moving onto Terence.  Cranky also seems like a likely choice along with the inevitable N scale Tidmouth sheds announcement.

I second this. The N Scale line needs non-rail vehicles. Bulgy could also be viable eventually by essentially scaling down his digital tooling with some adjustments. The N Scale range has been becoming more appealing to me (having limited space, high quality mechanisms, and cohesive designs based all on ONE era) and I hope to see it expand more and more.

[Mulfred100]

I fully agree Chaz, Edward probably next then Duck and Daisy. I think both their chances have had a great boost with the announcements from Bachmann Europe.
I'm shocked there hasn't been more rolling stock repaints of the 7 plank, tankers and 12 ton vans in N. If I had to guess I'd say the Red open wagon, tar and milk tankers and maybe Mr Jolly's chocolate van will be next recolour wise, maybe Bradford too since hes a character with a face.
For new tooling I'd echo the Red Coaches and say maybe a cattle wagon (which they can later make an N scale TT3 if they so wished) or possibly the Mail car
And I fully agree a N scale Harold and Bertie would be amazing.
Last since it's fast approaching it would be nice to have an N scale Christmas set.