Series 16: Don't Bother Victor

I don't usually do seperate blog posts for specific episodes of Thomas and Friends.  But this one has really plagued my thoughts for so long I can't ignore them anymore.  As we all know, this episode features the return of the Narrow Gauge engines, and the first time they're seen in full CGI.  But that's pretty much it...

The episode itself is a re-write of The Green Controller from Series 10, as well as Sir Handel in Charge from Series 11... yet it's been voted the 2nd most popular Series 16 episode by fans in two separate polls.  Why?

Simple.  It's the same reason fans like Saved You! and Gordon Takes a Short Cut: the episodes aren't exactly written very well, with the lack of railway knowledge on show perfectly, yet fans like them because old characters returned.  In Gordon Takes a Short Cut Duck, Oliver and Toad appeared, while the pannier tank appeared with Donald and Douglas in Saved You!.

However, I'm not too bothered about the above episodes as they were both quite entertaining and, most of all, they were original.  Don't Bother Victor was never designed to be original.  It was clear even from the description that was provided three weeks before it aired that it was going to be unoriginal!

The whole situation though makes me, above everything else, sad.  The Railway Series had good, entertaining stories throughout its 42 volumes.  Kids could follow the story through really well and fans judged their opinions on the story they read.  Yet now, all they judge opinions on is what they see on screen.  That's fine, but that's around 30% of what makes a good television series.  In Thomas' case, there are three other factors to consider: voices, music and, most importantly, the story.  And it's the story that fans are completely forgetting.

Yes, it was nice to see the narrow gauge engines again.  Yes, it was nice to see Victor work away from the Steamworks rather than be told that he'd gone and, yes, the narrow gauge engines looked stunning.  But with the story so contrived, repetitive and downright boring as it was, I simply could not enjoy their return, and I can't understand its popularity as an episode.

I know fans have the right to their own opinions, but I think they should really take the rose tinted spectacles off now and remember that Thomas only became famous because of its fantastic storytelling.  Without that key component, I fear that Thomas will never be successful as a television show ever again, and will only be successful as a brand to make money from...

If you did like Don't Bother Victor's story though, please do say why in the box below.  It will be very interesting to read any and all responses.

New CGI Change

I promise that my next blog post will be the review of Gordon the Big Engine (if anyone asks when that will be I swear to God I will not be responsible for what I say or do), but this is such important news so I cannot really wait to do this.

For those who don't know, HiT Entertainment have announced that Canadian animation studios Arc Productions will be taking over from Nitrogen Studios to animate Thomas and Friends, starting from Series 17 (read this for further information).  Some, as usual, have criticised HiT for the change, as most had become fond of Nitrogen's animation, despite their disappointingly short tenure.  Me?  I'm open minded, but I also have VERY mixed emotions.

I'm very angry, first and foremost.  Because of what's been read of Greg Tiernan on SIF, you can CLEARLY tell that he is passionate for the sseries, and an extremely kind-hearted, generous man.  He was the perfect person to lead Thomas to the success it deserves.  But he was never really given that chance, due to the poor writing that the series has acquired.  He, and his team, are the people I feel sorry for the most.  80 episodes (100 if you count the CGI elements in Series 12) and 4 specials and they're all just tossed aside without so much as a "thank you".  One theory is that it was stated that Nitrogen would be doing 80 episodes and 4 specials when the CGI switch was announced in 2007/08.  This is true, but even so, the fact there may not have been even an attempt to re-sign Nitrogen is absolutely disgusting to me.

I'm also concerned.  Unlike Greg, who's told of his passion for the TV series and the brand, we have no idea who the new director is - apart from his name - and what he has in store for the series.  We also have no idea whether he knows anything about railways or not, or whether he'll be willing to do the research that is, in my opinion, vital for a show like Thomas and Friends.  For all we know, he could be the Sharon Miller of directors (and God help us if that's the case...)

I'm also quite confused.  It's been reported that Nitrogen may send their render files to Arc.  What's the poinr in that?  It would be just as easy to discuss a new contract with Nitrogen.  If you're going to switch animation companies, we should see what they're able to do themselves rather than use what's already been made.

Overall though, I am quite neutral.  I'll miss Nitrogen's animation, and I wish them all the success in the future, but I do think that this new studio should be given a chance.  When Nitrogen were first announced to create the series taking over the model animation at Shepperton Studios, there was a huge uproar.  But in 4 short years, they've managed to win over the majority of the fanbase and are now sad to see them go!  Who's to say the same thing won't happen in 2016?  We'll have to find what they do.  But good luck Arc, you're going to need it...

2012 Hornby Thomas Range

Before you ask yes, I've discovered the 2012 Thomas range.  Then again, like the 2011 range it's pretty hard not to discover it due to the mass of uploads on YouTube (seriously, guys, one upload is enough, more than three is overkill).  So here are my thoughts on the range, starting with the least talked about first.

Open Wagon Three Pack

On the face of it, this three-pack seems to be based on the old three pack, with the brake van from the 2000's replacing the one from the 1980's.  That was a nice little change as I think this brake van looks a lot better.  The open wagon has also been replaced: by S. C. Ruffey.  This really puts me off this set to be honest.  Not because I think it looks bad - it's probably the best truck they've made for the Thomas range and a hell of a lot better than Bachmann's - it's because I already have him, and I don't really want duplicates of the same character from the same range.  The Sodor Scrap Co. truck is the only surviving truck from the old set.

Would I buy it?

If S. C. Ruffey stays in it, no.  It was a good idea to re-release an old set, but I really think that if the brake van was the only change it would be a lot more appealing to me, and probably those who have a Hornby S. C. Ruffey and don't want to pay for a set to get another one just to get the scrap truck and van.

Tanker Three Pack

This is a brand new three-pack by Hornby, and I think it's a thing of beauty.  In the set you get a Sodor Fuel tanker, a Milk Tanker and a weathered Oil Tanker.  They all look really detailed, despite them looking taller and thinner than their TV counterparts.  But that doesn't really bother me, as this three pack has a jewel in its crown: the designs of the tankers are exactly the same as when they were first released seperately.  And with Bachmann being constantly criticised by fans for changing the designs of their oil tanker, and mail van, to match the CGI counterparts,  this set may lure them to buy maybe their first ever Hornby tankers.

On a side note, I have a feeling that this year, Bachmann may do the same with their milk and fuel tankers as they have with the oil one, so that may push fans to buy this set even more.

Would I buy it?

Definately, maybe three or four if they're the right price.  I really like the Hornby tankers, and if they don't do what Bachmann have done, I think other fans would be interested too.

Closed Van Three Pack

Another brand new truck three-pack.  In it you get the cattle wagon and the red and grey vans.  It is also a very nice little set.  The cattle wagon makes things look a bit strange as it's shorter and longer than the other two vans.  To be honest, I think this would've been the perfect set to re-introduce the old van from the 80's which never got re-released.  It would've matched up size-wise (I know, I often use the old vans in trains with the red and grey ones) and it would've finished this set off beautifully.  But the cattle wagon still looks pretty good and I'm still looking forward to its release.

Would I buy it?

Yeah, definately, maybe three or four (like the tanker three-pack) depending on prices.  The cattle wagon doesn'tt put me off it as such, but I still think that the 80's van would've been a better choice.

Thomas and the Breakdown Train Set

Whether this is accidental, coincidental or intentional, this set is seemingly based on the Railway Series story - and episode - of the same name.  I think this could be classed as a "Greatest Moments" set, and if that's the case, it's a heck of a lot better than all of Trackmaster's "Greatest Moments" sets combined.  Despite this, I'm not really sold on this set to be perfectly honest.  In it, you get Thomas, the Breakdown Crane that was released in December and - rather bizarrely - a blue truck.  The crane is fine, it looks good with all the hazard stripes and when I get the money I'll be getting two of them.

But I REALLY think they should've included the Works Unit coach.  Yes, I was heavily critical in my review of it, but it DOES have the same livery as the crane and it really would've finished the train off nicely.  My other issue is with Thomas.  Not the model itself, I love it and it'll always be one of my favourite Hornby models.  But in a set like this, I think they should've released a special version of him.  That's why I really like Percy's Mail set and The Great Discovery set: they both have unique selling points.  The mail set included a brand new, BR-styled mail van with a Sodor livery, while Thomas and the rolling stock were weathered in the Great Discovery set - not to mention the fact that Thomas had a surprised, almost tired out expression on his face.   Even ModelZone in the UK released a special, unweathered stand-alone Thomas with the same surprised face as the one in the Great Discovery set.  But here, there's nothing.  Quite disappointing in my view.

Would I buy it?

Definately not.  The only thing in this set that I actually want is the crane, and by the time it's released I'll probably have bought it.  If this set had something unique in it, I'd be more tempted.  However, if you're looking for a first ever Hornby set for your kids, this might be the one for you.

Stepney

This is the first of two re-released engines this year (I think we all know the second :P, but I'll get onto him later).  It doesn't really look any different than the one they released in 2005, which is a bit of a shame as I feel the water filler caps on the wheel arches (I think that's what they are.  If you know feel free to correct me) shouldn't be there.  If they weren't he'd be perfect, but I don't think they detract from his looks that much, if at all.  The only thing different this time is that only 1,000 will be released.  I don't think many fans will be happy about that, but I think it's a smart move on Hornby's part.  If all the stock is sold, they may think that it's a really popular model and release more.  If there are some left, they may think it was a good idea to discontinue him and just pull the remaining stock from shelves.

Would I buy him?

No, I already have him.  But I would recommend him to other Hornby Thomas fans who don't have him as he is a fantastic runner and superbly detailed.

Spencer's Coaches

I've decided to do these together, but I must stress they will be sold seperately.

Since 2008, the only brand that had made a HO/OO scale model of Spencer's coaches was Bachmann... until now!  Hornby have seen Bachmann's coach and raised them a brake coach (if you don't know about poker you won't get that reference).  The detailing from the roof to the wheels is absolutely sublime.  But I think these coaches have the same problem as Bachmann's coach does: the base designs are very lazy - they're Gordon and James' coaches in Spencer's coaches livery.  However, this doesn't bother me as much with these coaches as the Bachmann coach did, as I've always preferred Hornby's: they're the ideal height and length, and the detailing is stunning.  Being honest, I was tempted to get Bachmann's since it was the only one on the market.  But with these joining the fray, I'm so glad I didn't give into those temptations.

Would I buy them?

They're already on my Christmas list (I know, seems WAY too soon, but by adding them now my dad has more time to get them.  He's quite forgetful you see :P), so whether I get them or not I don't know.  I'll definately make a blog post around this time next year updating you on what - if anything - I get (before you say it, I'm still the kind of guy who loves family Christmases, and if I do get these, I won't be running them until a few days after).  If I don't get them for Christmas, I'll definately be buying them.

Spencer

2008 Spencer, taken by eHattons

In 2008, Hornby released, at the time, their best ever model in Spencer.  But I didn't realise HOW brilliant it was until it was discontinued and Simierski posted his review between Hornby's and Bachmann's streamlined silver engine.  Since that review, fans have been sending their messages to Hornby to bring him back.  And, thankfully, they listened and this year, he's back!

The re-release of this model proves that positive people power DOES work.  The people wanted Bachmann to make Donald and Douglas, they did.  Fans wanted Spencer back, now they have.  Fans have also wanted a Bachmann Duck.  Time will tell if the people's voice will be heard again...

However, there are two differences between the old Spencer and the new one.  Chief among which: the new one will be DCC ready!  Yep, Spencer will be the second model - after Murdoch - to be DCC ready.  The second is that only 1,000 will be made.  I think this is smart on Hornby's part (see Stepney as to why).

Being honest, I hope there'll be a third difference: the wheels.  I hope they re-paint his wheels grey like the rest of his body.  I don't really think the black ones detract from the sheer quality of the 2008 version, but it would make it a bit more TV accurate.  Simierski also pointed out that they used a double chimney A4 as a basis rather than a single.  Like him, that doesn't bother me, but if they changed the wheel colour, he'd definately be my all time favourite HO/OO model, leapfrogging Murdoch.

Will I buy him?

He's on my Christmas list too.  But if I don't get him then, and he's still being sold. I would save up for however long it takes to get him.  THAT is how much I want this model.  And I would be willing to pay that little bit extra (although anything over £100 - like he's been going for on eBay - is farcical :P) for the sheer quality of the model than settling with the cheaper, crappier Bachmann alternative that I've been doing since I started being interested in model railways in 06.

Overall Opinion

I'm pleasantly surprised that Hornby have announced more Thomas models.  Yes, there aren't any new engines, but with Hornby making models for their other ranges, not to mention the merchandise for the (yawn) London Olympics and making models for their new licence Olly the Little White Van (it's like Chuggington with cars), I wasn't really expecting any.  But the ones they're releasing look quite promising, but I'm especially looking forward to Spencer and his coaches.

Here's a little message to Mattel.  I know you're really wanting to expand the wooden railway range in your own image when Learning Curve's license runs out, but PLEASE renew Hornby's!  Despite the constant bashing by Bachmann obsessives, many people love Hornby's Thomas range, and it would be an absolute travesty if their models were taken away from us.

So, those are my thoughts on Hornby's 2012 range.  Bachmann will be announcing their range in their catalogue at the New York Toyfair next month.  When their announced I'll make another post like this one.  Hopefully Bachmann will release pictures of their new models.  If not, then hey ho :P.

Hornby's Works Unit Van

Last week, I managed to get the new Hornby Thomas lime wagons and the works unit van.  So, for those who are thinking about buying it, I decided to give the model a once over to see if what you get is worth the money you pay for it.

First Thoughts

I first heard about the release of the Works Unit Van on Christmas Day last year.  Then again, you couldn't exactly miss it with so many people uploading the pictures to YouTube...  Anyway, I was quite excited by it, as it would've been the perfect accompanyment to the breakdown crane which, as it turns out, was being re-released for this year (so for those hoping for a new and improved Spencer can look at the crane and think "if they re-tooled that, they could also be re-tooling Spencer).  But the pictures told a different story.  It looked quite plain on the picture that Hornby released, but I had hope that, during the 12 months between the announcement and the release that something would've been changed to make it look better.

What You Get

Picture from eHattons

The model is boxed in Thomas and Friends packaging, which has been re-designed since 2008.  There is a CGI promo picture of Thomas on the right, the Thomas and Friends logo in the top left corner, and Hornby's logo next to it in the centre of the packaging.  Underneath is the strange addition of the term "Rolling Stock".  I say this because the Hornby Thomas train sets have had this sort of layout (minus the CGI Thomas promo until 2010) since Thomas and the Great Discovery in 2008.  Inside the yellow plaque is the name of the set rather than just "Train Set".  Which got me thinking: why didn't they put the name of the rolling stock on this plaque as well as on the yellow bar code label on the side?

That aside, the box opens with flaps at either end to reveal a plastic tray and many plastic inserts to keep the product safe.  It is very robust, and it will keep the model safe very well.

The Model

Photo from eHattons

This model really is very disappointing.  For a company that bought us great rolling stock like S. C. Ruffey, the circus vans and the green and red express coaches, they really have failed as far as this is concerned.  It's basically a re-paint of the old Sodor Mail and Cream Utility vans.  The colouring isn't right either, although it is crisply painted.  But the biggest problem with it, apart from the price which I'll get to later, is that it doesn't know what it is.  I think it would've been better if they'd have included the words "WORKS UNIT" on the sides like the television series alternative.

However, it does have some good qualities.  Unlike the two vans before it, the brown livery of the works unit van is applied on all four sides.  The Sodor Mail and Cream Utility vans have a black livery on the front and back.  Also, the detailing on the undercarriage and the bodywork is brilliant.

R.R.P

The recommended retail price (R.R.P. ) of this model is a staggering £15.25 (€18.04, $23.79).  This left me absolutely flabbergasted.  When the Sodor Mail was released, I paid £7 for it - but I bought 2 so it was £14 for both), while I bought the cream utility van a week before I got the works unit van for £11.75 (from what I can remember).  But since it's rare I was expecting it to be more than it was when it was first released.  But to pay £15.25 for a brand new piece of rolling stock, which is also quite flawed in design, is absolutely farcical.  Luckily I shopped around and found it here for £12.25 - with free UK postage and packaging.  But even this is quite expensive for what it is.

Should you buy one?

In my opinion, not in a million years.  If I'd have known then what I know now I wouldn't have even thought about getting it.  It is a flawed model in design and colour, and is never worth the massive price tag that it's been given.  To be honest, there are three things I can suggest:

1. If you REALLY want this model, wait until the new year and hope the price goes down
2. Write to Bachmann US and request that they make a Works Unit van
3. If all else fails, make your own.

Ratings:
PACKAGING: 8/10
MODEL: 4/10
PRICE: 1/10

SIF

Alright, I didn't really want to do this, but this recent wave of butthurt users concerning SIF's actions over the Wikia Answers filth made me think enough is enough.  It's time for someone to actually speak out over this.  And who better than me?  Not to toot my own horn you must understand..!

In September 2005, I joined the world wide web.  It was all pretty new to me back then so I had no idea what YouTube or SIF were, and I didn't know that there were many (grown up) people that liked Thomas and Friends.  I joined YouTube in 2006 and have spent 5 years (on many different accounts :P) on there.  And a lot of issues on there are the amount of trolls on there and the impact that SIF has on the fanbase.  For three years, I was at loggerheads with Ryan for one reason: I was influenced by the YouTube Thomas fans.

When I realised that what I was doing was counterproductive and immature, I tried to reconcile with him, and he gladly obliged.  Once it was settled, I asked to join SIF, to which he accepted.  I was surprised at this.  A lot of heated things were said and he just put that all aside to allow me a spot on the biggest Thomas forum on the internet.  From that day onward, I have respected Ryan and SIF to the utmost.

Then, I see on YouTube people moaning and bitching that they got kicked out of SIF.  To them, I say this: you probably deserved it.  SIF is run like clockwork.  The owners do not ask for much, only that you treat each member of the forum the same way you wish to be treated, and swearing and namecalling is not tolerated.  We are talking about a children's show here people.  A CHILDREN'S show.  Grown ups should act like role model to kids, and that doesn't mean swearing on videos that are aimed at them, or swearing at other people!  I know I'm not the best advocate for this, as I've been known to swear like a sailor.  But I KNOW that it's wrong and I am doing my best to not do it anymore, and being on SIF is helping immensely.  The members aren't doing anything personally, but their rules remind me that there are other things that can be said rather than just constant swear words.

There's another thing that I like about SIF, and it's something I mentioned earlier: respect.  If people are treated with respect, they will get that respect in return.  The only reason Ryan responds to him the way he does is because they constantly run his name through the mud and, to be honest I'm sick of it.  If YOUR name was dragged through the mud in the same fashion as you lot do with Ryan's, I bet you'd act the same wat as he did.  And if you say otherwise you're just lying to yourselves.  From what I know, Ryan has a full time career.  To do that, and run a succesful fansite, an even more successful forum AND a blog, not to mention everything else he does, definately deserves respect.

Not only that though, I feel SAFE on SIF.  I don't have to worry about trolls and bullies like I do on Blogger, YouTube, DeviantART or the Thomas Wikia Answers, because I know that SIF is run properly and they will not tolerate bullying, threatening or disgusting behaviour.  And that gets a round of applause from me.  I love Thomas and Friends, and to have a safe haven to talk about something I love is something of a godsend.

As for what they said about that Answers page, I applaud them for that too.  The messages on there are absolutely disgusting and downright abhorant.  There is no place for filth like that, ESPECIALLY when children are concerned!  They didn't want to run the Answers page, they wanted to bring the problems that page has to the forefront of the administrators of that page.  And it worked, as the admin are acting on questions that promote bullying, or anything that doesn't concern Thomas and Friends.

Overall, if the entire internet, especially YouTube, was run as well as Sodor Island Forums is, the internet would be a much safer place to interact.  And those who have a problem with it have probably been able to get away with a lot of things in their lives because they've had no proper discipline.  You have to learn that life is not like modern day Thomas and Friends, every action has a consequence.  If you do something positive, you get something good in return.  If not, you get negative consequences.  SIF doesn't ruin anything for anyone.  They just have the intelligence to realise that a lot of Thomas and Friends sites need to be run better than they are doing!

UK DVD Prices

Some people are moaning that I am constantly complaining that the UK keeps getting these 4 episode per DVD release US imports.  Well I think it's high time I actually set the whole record straight and explained WHY I think these new DVDs are such rip-offs. 

This is not just an issue that I have.  A lot of parents, and grown up fans on SIF, are sick of paying so much money for these DVDs that are worth £2 if that.  Here is a review from Amazon (from 2010) about 2010 release "Thomas and the Runaway Kite"

"In this day and age, there is really no excuse for this kind of shoddiness. A flimsy four episodes. Not even an hour. When I was young, I had no problem sitting through over 2 hours of Thomas.

These new animated episodes lack the charm and vitality of the live action version, and its sad to see this once great institution reduced to this.

Only the other week, they released a DVD with 28 episodes on. 28!! But this - 4! A total rip-off, Hit entertainmnet should hang their head in shame."

That user rated the DVD 1 star and 26 people (out of 28) found it helpful.  And if you think that was the only one, you're wrong.  This review is for the 2010 release Splish Splash Splosh:

"Perhaps I should've read the small print or something but I actually feel like a a mug for buying this DVD. I ordered it so I could free up some space on my Sky Plus. However, I was pretty shocked to find only four episodes which followed a long advert for Drayton Manor Thomas Land that can't be fast forwarded. What a cheek!!! Please avoid if you don't want to be fleeced."

13 out of 13 found it helpful, and the WHOLE DVD is rated an average of 1.5 stars.  7 people rated it, 4 voted 1 star and 3 voted 2.  While yes, some of these DVDs have been given positive reviews, not one has said the DVDs are value for money, only saying that their children love Thomas and Friends.  That's it.  However the Series 9 release had this review in 2009:

" This DVD is very good value. My friends little boy who is 2 and a half loves to watch this. He is Catalan and can understand and speak very good English and really enjoys Thomas and friends."

That customer rated it 5 stars.  Here's another review, this time for Series 10:

"My 3&1/2 year-old son is a Thomas freak (as are many others out there!) and this Series 10 was an addition is his 20-odd DVD collection. The 28 episodes were a welcome length compared to some more shoddy ones (i.e. Splish Splash Splosh with 4 episodes)by HiT entertainment. Michael Angelis' commentary remains the same and is more welcome than Ringo Starr..."

That was another 5 star rating.  Finally, this was for Series 12:

"As ever, the complete series releases of Thomas are great value. Series 12 is a nice mixture of old-fashioned live action model trains, mixed with some computer animation (trains' faces, for example) and - most importantly - this is the last series where the regular narrator supplied all the voices. So grown-up fans of the 'old' Thomas will still have plenty to enjoy. Personally, I don't plan to buy any later Thomas on DVD, but with 12 series to fall back on, our family certainly has plenty to choose from."

This was a 4 star rating, as she thought there were two issues: one with picture quality when it's played on a TV (it's not a blu-ray, that's all I can say) and the the other is trawling through menus to get to favourite episodes.

Yes, a lot of reviews don't mention value for money, but there are a lot more positive reviews for the Complete Series DVDs than the recent 4 episode per DVD releases.  Why?  Here's the maths:

All Thomas and Friends DVDs are £8 (if you shop around) when they're newly released.  Complete Collection DVDs hold every episode of each series (Series 1-9 and 11 have 26, S10 has 28 and S12 and 13 have 20, as will, if they're made, Series 14 and 15).  The Series 1-9 and 11 DVDs cost 31p per episode.  Series 10 cost 29p per episode while Series 12 onwards (will) cost 40p per episode.  The 4 episode per DVD releases cost £2 per episode.  TWO POUNDS for a DVD that lasts just over 40 minutes and has poor quality episodes!  You can draw your own conclusions but the facts are the facts.

Overall Opinions

I feel like an absolute mug.  Every time I heard that a new DVD with new episodes was being released I got really excited over it.  Now?  I would never go anywhere near them!  I'd rather just buy 25 blank DVDs and record them on Channel 5.  The quality is as good as it is on home release DVDs at a fraction of the cost.  It's even worse in the US as their DVDs are all in fullscreen when the episodes are widescreen on TV.  HiT really should get their act together and release more DVDs that are actually value for money.  They owe it to their fans to produce good quality episodes and value for money merchandise.  If they're going to release episodes on DVD, they should at least include more so that we can feel we're geting much better value for money than we're getting now.

Too Much Thomas

Not really many people talk about this, probably because there are more important issues with Thomas and Friends at the moment :P.  But I was reading a post on SIF's blog concerning whether there should be a "Steam Team" anymore and one of the topics they talked about about is whether there was too much of Thomas on our screens.  And that got me thinking: why IS there so much Thomas?

Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends have always been fond of classic episodes because, in every episode, there would be a different engine having a different adventure on different parts of the island.  In fact, many fan favourite episodes don't have Thomas as the star - or even in the episode/story at all.  Yet during the reboot of the show in 2004, more emphasis was put on the main 7 characters - plus Emily - while other characters were shunted into the sidings.  But most of the emphasis was put onto Thomas.  I've been doing the sums, and here's what I've found.  There have been 186 episodes since HIT's revamp, and only 7 of them haven't included Thomas in any way, shape or form.  While there are some negatives, there ARE, from HIT's point of view, some positives.

PROS

• Sadly, the Thomas and Friends that we know now is not the same show that many people grew up with.  It's no longer a show about talking locomotives, it's not even the brain child of an Anglican clergy anymore.  It is a brand, a franchise if you will.  This means that, basically, success is determined by the amount of profit that is made rather than the popularity of the show (hence the change to CG animation, since the cost of the model series was so high).  By including Thomas in the majority of episodes, the brand will flourish and the toys and merchandise will fly off the shelves - as long as parents can afford it.
• As Thomas is the star of the show, the more episodes he appears in, the more that kids are going to learn from an episode.  Unfortunately, this can also be a curse, especially with some of the "morals" that are being spewed out these days: always listen and talk to strangers (Misty Island Rescue), you're only successful if you're "normal" (MIR, Thomas and Scruff, James to the Rescue, Diesel's Special Delivery) and playing in workshops is OK (Day of the Diesels, Kevin the Steamie) to name a few.

CONS

• Let's face it, the more Thomas appears, the more people get sick of the sight of him.  It's getting even worse in the CG series as most of his appearances are pointless.  But it's not really that bad (really :P).  While he's only missed 7 episodes since 2004 (and many more besides from Series 1-7), he HAS missed episodes.  Stars of other kids shows like Pingu, Fireman Sam, SpongeBob, even shows like the Simpsons haven't missed one episode since their debut episodes.
• It means that, after a while, episodes ideas involving episodes starring Thomas are going to run dry and plots are going to be really similar - or even identical - to each other (e.g. Thomas and Skarloey's Big Day Out and Stop That Bus, Creaky Cranky and Stuck on You and The Lion of Sodor and Thomas and the Pigs).  But then again, even those episodes that Thomas doesn't star in are similar - or identical - due to the annoying three strikes formula.  Trust me, I've been thinking of stories to write about where Thomas is the star and I've only come up with one.  THAT'S how overused he is.
• This, for me, is the biggest drawback, and it concerns the new characters.  In all but one (Whiff's) of the new characters' introductory episodes, Thomas has been the star, or majorly involved.  Because of this, their personalities hardly develop, they're pretty much the same as most existing characters.  Dennis was like Daisy used to be, Billy was like Gordon and even Stanley's a bit like Thomas.  Also, none HIT's characters have ever made an impact, and I think that's because of the Thomas emphasis.  The only character that had a REAL back story was Hiro.  Near enough every other new character just came out of nowhere.

Let me give you some examples of what I mean by that.  In Duck Takes Charge, Duck only appeared in half the episode, but he made such an impact in such little time that he became an instant favourite and you just knew that he's an engine not to be messed with, yet he can be one that you can really get on with.  In Escape (the story rather than the episode) you followed Oliver's journey from certain doom to preservation on Sodor.  You could even connect to Donald and Douglas as you wouldn't have wanted EITHER to leave in The Twin Engines and you felt their despair whenever they did anything wrong and you felt their joy at the end of the book.  Now though you can't feel that way about ANY characters as they have the same personality as everyone else.  And the root cause, for me, is Thomas' involvement.  Because of him, no one else has time to shine.

Overall Opinions

From HIT's perspective, having Thomas in every episode and on every package for merchandise (even Hornby) it is a good move as it boosts sales and profits.  For me?  It's called Thomas and FRIENDS for a reason.  The series is about Thomas AND ALL his friends rather than Thomas on his own with his seven henchmen and other lackeys that are introduced just for the merchandise.  By all means, include new characters, but more thought should go into them and Thomas should stay well away so that the newbies can have a time to shine.

To quote SIF's blog post, I want less of Thomas, more of his friends.

Mattel's Takeover of HIT

I must admit, I wasn't expecting to make a blog post on this until at least next year.  But the sudden news yesterday concerning the takeover allowed me to make it now.  Here is what I think of the whole situation.

THE COMPETITION

Apax Partners, HIT Entertainment, announced in 2010 that they were in debt and the only way to get out of it was to sell Thomas and Friends and HIT Entertainment.  From the outset, Chorion, producers of The Mr Men Show and Peppa Pig, showed their interest, but soon after THEY fell in to financial problems and they may be the next company to be sold off.  Disney and Viacom were also linked with the bidding process.  While it was unpopular with the majority of fans (including myself), it was seen by many as the inevitable new home of HIT and Thomas for the simple fact that they could afford it easily.

Saban Brands, who had just bought Power Rangers from Disney after an unsuccessful tenure, were also incolved with the bidding, and they were a popular choice for owners like Chorion.  But after an 18-month long struggle, Mattel were announced as the surprising owners of HIT, Thomas and their other brands.

MY OPINIONS

To be honest, I'm on the fence.  The only thing I can be sure of is that, with Mattel being one of the world's biggest toy makers - not to mention the fact they own Fisher Price - the revenue from merchandise will be exceptional.  But the TV Series, I have my concerns about.  Knowing Mattel the way I think I do, the only reason they make a Barbie DVD is when they're releasing more Barbie dolls.  And I have this fear that Thomas and Friends will go furthur down that track...  However, if they allow more creative freedom for the writers and the animators, they may be on with a winner.

Another concern I have is the future for Hornby and Bachmann.  Since, as I said, Mattel are known as one of the world's biggest toy makers, they would want to make their own merchandise, mainly expand on the Trackmaster and Take-n-Play ranges, as well as work with the Wooden Railway system.  But what about the HO/OO system?  Will Mattel extend the deals with the two?  Or will those two ranges hit the buffers when the contract ends?  I'm not sure, but I have my doubts.

I'm very disheartened that Thomas has left Britain, but with so many foreign companies bidding for HIT, it was pretty much an inevitabality that the show would leave British shores.  But my major disappointment is that EVERYTHING (I'm not just on about the takeover now) revolves around money, NO ONE cares about the legacy and history of brands, first with Cadbury's buy out by Kraft and now Mattel buying HIT.  It's sad that a lot of things that were created on this little island of Great Britain and Ireland have been sold internationally.  But then, some may argue that the world loves British exports.

Anyway, I'm rambling on a bit :P.  Bottom line is that I have my doubts, but if it is treated with the dignity it deserves, and this promise of better writing is delivered, then Thomas and Friends, and their fans, can look forward to an extremely bright future.

Hornby vs Bachmann (3/3)

It's been one of the biggest merchandising talking points that I've ever seen.  Which brand makes the better models: Hornby or Bachmann?  This blog post will analyse the pros and cons (from my point of view) of each brand and it will, definatively, conclude which brand I would buy.

THE FINAL VERDICT

Hornby have made a lot of models that Bachmann haven't and vice versa.  Hornby have made Duck, Oliver, Toad, Stepney, Flying Scotsman, Bear, Dart, a breakdown crane and, soon, Murdoch.  While Bachmann have made Salty, Mavis, Henrietta, Cranky, Terence, Harold and, of course, Donald and Douglas.  While I think Bachmann have steadily made better models year on year, Hornby are near enough left in the dust, as they don't make as many models as they used to (this year being their biggest for about 6 years while Bachmann have made many models FOR 6 years straight).  However, there is something lacking from both ranges: generic coaches.  Sure there's the express coaches, but as we've seen in the TV series there are old green and cream coaches from Series 1 or the red coaches seen from Series 2 onwards.  Fans don't really say it, because they have other ideas, but the sheer amount of wagons and vans created from BOTH ranges compared to their coaches is rather unfortunate.

Bachmann are better value for money.  In some instances you can get 2 Bachmann engines for the same price as one Hornby engine.  An example I have personally is that I bought Bachmann Donald and Douglas for £80 (on eBay), whereas Murdoch will be retailing at £92.  The sheer price difference is incredible (and not in a good way).  Sure, you could TRY and shop around for a cheaper price for Murdoch, but the cheapest I found is in the £70 mark.  You could probably get Bachmann Spencer and one of his coaches for about that!  Yes, the Hornby models are finely detailed, but if they just lowered the price a bit they'd be more enticing.  Trust me, people would want to buy more of something that's cheap than one thing that's expensive.  So drop the price, watch the models fly off the shelves and watch as the profits skyrocket.

Bachmann make their models from scratch, so they can be built with precision and be made to look exactly like they should in the TV Series.  Hornby use pre-existing models from their vast catalogue of models to try and make the engines look the way they should in reality (only Percy's body is scratch built).  That's fine for Thomas, Henry, Duck, Spencer and Murdoch as they are perfect representations of their prototypes.  But for engines like Emily, Edward and Dart, they should have planned them better, even made completely new models if they had to.  Emily's face looks downright ugly and Edward just looks... wrong, despite the correct livery and wheel configuration.  If Hornby don't think outside the box and try making characters from scratch, Bachmann will just pull even further ahead and that would be sad, especially for company that has such an illustrious history like Hornby.  Then again, with the amount of models they've discontinued this year, it seems like it could be the beginning of the end for them anyway.

So the brand I would turn to first would be Bachmann.  Ever since they burst onto the American market in 2002, their models have improved year on year, while Hornby's range has sadly been dying a slow death.  But what the Bachmann range shows more than anything else it's that the voice of the people CAN be heard.  We asked for Edward, and we got him.  We asked for Donald and Douglas, and they were soon made.  Maybe if we ask for Duck and Oliver, they'll be made too...?  The main reason I would buy Bachmann is the most important one for me: value for money.  I guarantee you that if a Bachmann salesman showed a Thomas model (for this example, Edward) to a random guy in the street and said "Here's Edward, your kids will love it and he's all yours for £40), would he say no if he had the cash?

I just want to say for the record that I adore Hornby and near enough every model looks great.  But for me the models are just too overpriced for what they are, especially when compared to Bachmann.

Hornby vs Bachmann (2/3)

It's been one of the biggest merchandising talking points that I've ever seen.  Which brand makes the better models: Hornby or Bachmann?  This blog post will analyse the pros and cons (from my point of view) of each brand and it will, definatively, conclude which brand I would buy.

BACHMANN (HO Only)

Bachmann Industries have been making HO scale models since 1970, but only started making Thomas and Friends models in 2002, one of - I'm guessing - HIT Entertainment's first acts in charge of the brand.  Their first three models were, naturally, the show's biggest characters: Thomas, Percy and James.  Unlike the Hornby models, the Bachmann versions were handbuilt to the specifications of the TV series.  Also, each engine was given a nifty moving eye mechanism, to bring more life into their faces.  Sadly, they weren't really up to scratch.  Thomas was the best looking of the three, only let down by the face, which looked like one he had in a magazine (as did Percy's and James', although his looked a bit like his usual face).  Another problem with Thomas was the gap that is usually seen between his tanks and his splashers was filled in.  The Hornby model didn't have this problem.  In fact, the ERTL toy didn't have that problem and it is A LOT smaller.  Also, neither of the first three models had a coupling on the front.  With James, that wasn't much of an issue, with Thomas and Percy, who are designed to go backwards and forwards with no trouble, it was a bit confusing for me.

Percy was very detailed, especially the valve gear.  That is a thing of beauty.  It's just a shame that the stepladder leading to his cab is on the outside of his valance rather than under it.  But the biggest problem was that the bunker was far too big - mostly due to the coal.  What was worse was the bunker itself was grey rather than black.  But the worst one was James.  While I admit that the shapes are all there, the colours are not.  The wheels and axle boxes are grey rather than black and the part under the smoke box is red, rather than black. To buy a model that needs a lot of work to get it looking right is ridiculous, bordering on criminal.  The main disappointment though is the cabs of the tender engines.  There is absolutely no detail in them, and it's a shame.  Hornby extracted a lot of detail from their cabs so there was nothing stopping Bachmann doing the same.

Annie, Clarabel and the Troublesome Trucks were released this year too.  These look a lot better than Hornby's versions, but the issue I have with Clarabel is she's styled as a composite coach, like Annie, when she should have a little compartment for the guard.  The grey running plate is a bit disappointing as well, but not unexpected cosidering Percy and James.  Bertie, Harold, Cranky and Sir Topham Hatt were also made this year, as were sets including Thomas (with Annie and Clarabel) and Percy (with the Troublesome Trucks).

In 2005, the range was enlarged by Gordon and Henry, as well as a shedload of rolling stock including Red Express Coaches, tankers, Scruffey, red, blue and bright brown trucks as well as a brake van.  From Gordon and Henry onwards, all engines were fitted with front couplings as well as the rear ones, but the lack of cab detail was still evident.  The faces also matched the TV characters a lot more, but they were no longer fitted with the lamps that Thomas, Percy and James were given.  I didn't have a big problem with Gordon, he's a great model.  Sadly, Henry's tender was too short, which made it look longer than it actually was.  I would have loved to have bought the Hornby alternative, but its high price tag put me off.

The tankers were better designed than the Hornby ones too as they are the perfect size and shape, but the Hornby ones had much more visible detail.  The brake van looked good, but it seemed like the grey was too bright.  But the worst one was Scruffey.  Yes, the face was spot on, but there is no orange lining to be seen at all.  The Hornby one is a lot better.  Another set was introduced, featuring James, a blue truck, fuel tanker and a brake van

In 2006, Toby and Spencer were added to the group.  Toby looks a lot like his TV counterpart and is a better design overall compared to Hornby's.  He isn't very fast, nor is he very strong, but then he's neither of these things in the TV Series as well.  The only disappointment was that the cowcatchers were seemed to be fitted around the coupling, whereas with the Hornby version, the coupling was cleverly moulded into the cowcatcher and there was no hole to be seen.  Spencer's design is rather disappointing.  He looks rather tall and square, which makes the tender look too tall at the cab end.  Whether this be down to lack of attention to detail, or the motor and eye mechanism, it is Bachmann's poorest looking model since James.  Sadly, this is the only one available as Hornby's equivalent has been discontinued.

Emily's Coaches were also released, which was strange as there was no Emily at the time.  Green Express Coaches were added to the line for Gordon, and the inevitable set with them and the Express Engine was released too, but discontinued soon after.

In 2007, the Bachmann range welcomed its first female engine: Emily.  She was, in my opinion, the best Bachmann model at the time.  Strangely though, one of her front bogies was used, as well as the drive wheel, to power her.  But then it may've been because it would be too complex to wire up just one pair of wheels.  She was joined by a cattle truck, a well wagon, a pedestrian bridge, water tower, salt wagon, signal gantry, an RF Container wagon, a 6 ton wagon, a station, coal wagon (with load), coaling station and signal gantry.  More tankers were released with more detailing than the first few and, yes, Emily and her coaches were included in a set.

In 2008, Bachmann released two models that fans had been longing for: Henrietta and a better looking Edward.  In fact, I think that Edward is still my all time favourite HO/OO loco I have (even though I had to buy two as the dome fell off the first).  Spencer's Coach (an express coach with the red livery) was introduced for Spencer and a mail van was released for Percy.  I love the mail van, that's probably my favourite piece of rolling stock.  A conductor was made this year, and so was Mavis, Bachmann's first diesel.  Fans were a bit shocked with the first picture they saw as she was grey, the same colou grey as James' wheels and Percy's bunker.  Happily, this was fixed when the final picture (and model) was released.  But the couplings left a gaping hole in the cowcatchers, like Toby.  Two new sets were also released: Thomas "Holiday Special" set which included Thomas with Christmas hat and snowplough, (Emily's) coach with Christmas decoration, (red) truck with Christmas tree and a candy cane tanker and also Thomas' "Fun with Freight" set which included Thomas, S. C. Ruffey, red open wagon, cream tanker, cattle van and a conductor

2009 saw the release of Bachmannn's second diesel, Salty.  He looks really good, but he looks too clean as, in the TV Series, he has a weathered look about him.  I also thought the wheels were quite small and, like Mavis and Toby, a gaping hole was seen in the bufferbeam where the coupling was.  But overall, he looks really accurate.  Bachmann also released Terence the Tractor with a detachable snowplough (or plow in America), a flatbed full of paint drums (ala Calling All Engines!), a ventilated van and a signalbox.

2010 was a quiet year, with only Tidmouth Sheds (with an add-on pack so more berths could be added), Farmer McColl, a third Troublesome Truck (a green cattle truck with a face and Salty's Dockside Delivery set (featuring Salty, 6 Ton wagon, Raspberry Syrup tanker, Salt Wagon and a custom conductor) were released.  Sadly though, the 6 ton wagon, the RF Container Wagon and the Red Express Coaches were discontinued this year.  Well, I say "sadly" I've always preferred Hornby's express coaches and always will.

This year has probably been the biggest year for Bachmann's Thomas range, with FIVE engines being released, more than any other year.  Bill and Ben early in the year, Donald and Douglas last month and Diesel about two weeks ago.  I've managed to get Bill, Donald and Douglas and I plan to get Diesel and Ben next week.  Bill and the Scottish Twins look absolutely exquisite, epecially Bill's valve gear.  I shall review them once I get the other two.  Also released were Knapford Station and the Lighthouse.  The lighthouse looks good, but Knapford is disappointing, as it only allows one track per platform rather than two in the TV Series.  There also aren't any buildings to go with it.

PROS

Compared to Hornby, they're cheap and much better in the "value for money" stakes.  And these days, with the recession, you want value for money when you buy anything, especially luxuries like model trains.

They're based on their TV Series counterparts, so they are easily recognisable to children compared to Hornby's

They CAN run on Hornby track using Hornby transformers (controllers), so for those who are mad on Hornby but fancy a change, you can safely choose Bachmann and know that you won't need to buy new track.

The moving eyes, a big win for me.  They bring the face to life more (those who enjoy the model series will get what I mean).

CONS

They are only really available in America and Canada.  Brits that want to buy them can only do so online.  As I said before, why don't HIT allow both companies to sell their models to everyone and let people make their own choices?

The range has been around for 9 years now and Thomas, Percy and James still look the same.  Considering the high standard models they're producing nowadays, I think they should go back to the drawing board with those three (and possibly Spencer) to improve them.

That's the two brands fully scoped when it comes to what the two brands have produced.  Next time, you shall see my final verdict!