OK, so with those two top 10 lists out of the way, I think it's high time I got my thoughts on Bachmann's 2015 range out of the way. Yeah, I know it's rather late, but... eh!
The opinions in this blog post are SOLELY MY OWN. They do not reflect the opinions of the entire Thomas and Friends fanbase.
Bachmann have released quite a few surprises this year, in HO and large scale. They've also released a new scale, which I'll get to in a bit.
HO Scale
Locomotives
Oliver
OK, who else did we expect? Considering he returned in series 18, and he finishes off the original North Western Railway roster, it only makes sense.
As for how he'll look, since his CG promo is seen on his item page, it'll more than likely be based on that. Hopefully though, the scale is similar to his model more than his render, as that's the only thing that truly irks me about Oliver as he is now.
Overall, I'm looking forward to seeing what his model will be like. Will I get it? I don't know; I have the Hornby one, which is brilliant. I'll probably make a final decision once it's released.
Celebration Thomas
Want to see the epitome of laziness?
There you go.
It says a lot when the current Trackmaster range produces a better 70th anniversary Thomas (the green one to coincide with The Adventure Begins) than Bachmann.
Seriously, the only change they've made to this model has just made it worse; they've replaced the white on the running board with the "metallic" blue from the main body. It seriously feels like a Hornby model shrunk down and without the dip at the cab/bunker end!
No Bachmann model has angered me as much as this one. And considering they want $6 more for a model that has a slightly different paint job and a bit of tacked on bunting? Avoid it, seriously.
Rolling Stock
Green Mail Car
Why call it a green mail car? What's wrong with calling it a CCT van? Or just a... well, van? This model is aimed at 8 year olds upwards, it's not like they won't understand that it's not a mail van!
That said though, it does look really nice that we're getting some generic rolling stock like this for, possibly, the main line engines. I actually wouldn't mind if they considered other colours (brown) in the future.
Red Coaches
YES! YES! ALL MY YES!
I've been longing for generic coaches like these for quite a while! And the fantastic detailing is all there. But are they really suggesting an actual guard compartment, black running board and the change from tan to red makes them $10 more than Annie and Clarabel?
It's weird. But they're still brilliant though.
Toad
You can't have Oliver without Toad (on TV at least). My thoughts on him are pretty much the same as Oliver: since his CG promo is on his item listing, he'll probably look like it.
Unlike Oliver though, there's no question that I'd get Toad, as I think he'll be a lot better than Hornby's (here's hoping).
Buildings
Round Water Tower
There's not too much I can say here; it's a very impressive building.
Square Water Tower
Same opinion I have with the round one. Since I have little room for an actual, permanent layout, I don't really look out for the buildings as such, but they still look nice and I'd probably recommend to hose who can make greats sets.
Resin Buildings
Engine Shed
Another really nice build. I can imaging this being used for an engine like Toby (the Bachmann one, obviously; Hornby's is huge).
Trackside Station
Just a generic little building to coincide with a new range, which I'll get to in a bit. It's disappointing they'd pick the easiest building as a starting point, but with what else they're making this year, I can let it slide.
Storage Shed
Another new building for the new range. Not bad, just... there, really. I'd love to see more intricate builds for the new range in the future.
Corrugated Hut
I'm rather glad that these are being made. They feel like a Sodor staple in yards or other busy places, so it's nice they're making them.
Track Tape
...why? No seriously, why are the makers of electric train sets producing something you'd see from some random, unknown company? Unless it's their attempt at making Hornby's track mats more manageable. But even then it won't work as you can't make proper curves with it!
HOe Scale (Narrow Gauge)
Yep, Bachmann are making narrow gauge Thomas models now! It was rather surprising, but it's great that they're branching out again in the same way they did with Large Scale.
Skarloey
And what better engine to start with than Skarloey? Like Oliver and Toad, there aren't any product images yet, but knowing Bachmann he'll look similar to his CG design and he'll look brilliant. But at $149, it wouldn't surprise me if some people would be put off.
Blue and Red Vans
On first glance, I didn't really think much of these. But looking at them properly, they're actually really good depictions of Skarloey Railway vans. Although it does beg the question: why aren't NG vans used in the show any more?
I also really like the "SR" lettering on the blue one. It's a small touch that makes it feel real, in the same way the large scale brake van has "NW" (North Western) on its sides.
Open Wagon
This feels so much more like a China Clay wagon than something you'd see on the Skarloey Railway. That said, it's well built and nicely detailed. While I don't think I'll get any of the narrow gauge stock (too pricey), it's nice that they're there.
Large Scale
Winston
This was another nice surprise. Usually, characters made for large scale started out as HO models, but Winston bucks that trend (on a slight tangent, I really wouldn't mind a HO version).
Unfortunately, there's no product image, but I imagine what you'd see in the CG promotional is what you'd get in model form.
Ice Cream Van
Not much I can say here; just imagine the HO version scaled to Large Scale and you've got the idea.
Final Thoughts
Bachmann always seem to find ways to outdo themselves every year, and this year is no exception. While it's obvious the HO ranges their main focus, it's still nice to see the large scale range get some love and the fact they're tackling narrow gauge is fantastic. Please bring them to the UK, by the way! You managed to bring the large scale range here!
Other than the lazy celebration Thomas and the buildings which I've no real interest in at the moment, Bachmann have produced yet another solid line-up, and here's hoping that some of the new goodies manage to come out by the end of the year!
With Hornby's announcement that they would be reviving their Thomas and Friends range (my thoughts on that here), everyone became rather excited about what was to come. So here are my thoughts on Hornby's most recent announcement: their 2015 range!
In all, Hornby revealed they'd be releasing 6 locomotives, 5 pieces of rolling stock, 5 rolling stock packs and three sets, which is an excellent starting point. But that's only part of the story.
All of the locomotive releases are exactly the same characters that were around in 2008, which has provoked very mixed feelings as it's nothing new. And I can definitely understand why; most older fans probably have each character already. Me though? I'm not that bothered. Yes, to older fans, it may seem pointless, but what about young fans? You know, the main target audience? What if they're only just getting into model railways? Introducing the first six engines is the most ideal way to do this as those six are the most identifiable. Besides, I'm also happy for one reason:
Hornby's rendition of Henry is, in my opinion, the best Thomas model I've never had, so I'm extremely glad that he's part of the launch line-up. However, if the promotional picture will be the final look for the model, I'll be slightly disappointed. There are some green bits there that really should have been repainted.
The biggest disappointment though is Edward. Out of all of Hornby's original models, Edward's was, by far, the most controversial as he was such a contrast to all of his incarnations on TV and in books, so to discover that his new version is exactly the same as his old one is really disheartening. At least back in 2011, his reduced price of £49.99 was enticing, but for £30 more? Nope. You're better off searching eBay for the Bachmann version.
Singular rolling stock (bar one) consists solely of express coaches, which is fair enough. But I never really expected Old Slow Coach to be brought back, at least now. Not to say I'm disappointed, but considering the only time she was seen on screen was in 1998, would kids actually know who she is?
And then there's the rolling stock pack, which include Annie and Clarabel (it's about time, to be honest), the Troublesome Trucks and random wagons including three tankers, red and blue open wagons and S. C. Ruffey. They're a nice starting point, especially since one includes a brake van. Unfortunately, I do have a criticism.
There's a reason fans choose Bachmann's Annie and Clarabel. While they do have their issues (their running boards are mis-coloured and Clarabel's not depicted as a brake coach), but at least the sizes and proportions are correct, something that could never really be said about Hornby's (apart from the clockwork range), so to see them looking the same as they did before is a real shame. I'm secretly hoping they're just stock photos rather than the final products, but I doubt it...
As for sets, there are two including Thomas, one with a generic oval, Annie and Clarabel and the other with the oval and the same coaches, but with additional trucks. Then there's one with Percy and the mail train with the same layout as Thomas' Passenger and Goods set but with the additional mail van exclusive to the set and a red van. I have to admit, it's a really good set, and I'm glad this was one of the first to be brought back. The additional track is nice and the van look brilliant.
Final Thoughts
I've seen a lot of complaints about the announced range. And I can completely see why. This was advertised as a "brand new range", yet it was nothing new. But think of it this way: despite the price, these trains are aimed at kids. And while they're not new to us, they're new to them. The range had to start somewhere, and I think adding the major six characters, as well as the important rolling stock, is a very good starting point. Yes, I'd have loved new characters and rolling stock, but considering the range has been non-existent for a couple of years, they need a solid foundation to build from. And with two waves of models coming next year, we may get new characters very soon.
I quite like the packaging. It's bright, vibrant and looks very appealing, maybe more so than it ever has before. I'm hoping that the boxes for the actual characters and rolling stock keep the viewing window though. While it doesn't give as much as a viewing range as the Bachmann packaging, it still gave you a good idea as to what you were getting and the quality it was in.
Overall, I'm still glad that Hornby have brought their range back to the UK. Once the old stock has been revived, it'll be very interesting to see the new things they produce. The lowered prices (compared to what they used o be and how much discontinued models are going for on eBay) are much more appealing and the quality will, hopefully, still be there. One thing that surprised me was that the faces are still the same as they were before (you'd think they'd be CG inspired these days), but they still look really good. And I'm really excited to get Henry.
Today, Bachmann announced which products they'd be making for 2013. Here are my thoughts on what they've announced. But before I continue:
For the HO Thomas range, Bachmann announced one new set, three new locomotives, one piece of rolling stock and one character. For large scale, they announced one locomotive and two pieces of rolling stock.
I'll start with the large scale first, and Toby sounds like a wonderful addition; he will complete the "little engines" of the Steam Team and he should be a larger version of the HO scale model already available. However, like the other models in the large scale range, expect Toby to have a CGI face.
The two wagons, the blue truck and the raspberry syrup tanker, are rather nice additions. I'd expect them to be larger versions of the HO scale versions with more detail to make them look more realistic.
The Large Scale range is growing slowly but surely. They'll be great additions to any public garden railways, or other large scale displays, so children can happily watch their favourite characters come to life.
Now for the HO scale, and the first "new" addition is Thomas' Christmas Express, which seems like a re-design of an earlier festive set, with a green van replacing the coach, and a crate on a conflat replacing the old striped tanker.
With locomotives, Bachmann decided to immortalise 'Arry and Bert. While I am rather happy that they will be made, it just seems lazy and safe. Just take Diesel, remove the ladders, re-spray them and there you go... I added a CGI picture because they probably will be based on their animated looks, regardless of whether fans want it or not. HiT want their toys to replicate the look of the television series as it is now, not as how fans want them to look. The only reason the Scottish Twins and Duck had model styled faces is because they never made the CGI series (sure they were in Series 12, but they weren't on screen that long).
They're also giving Thomas a bit of a party piece this year. As he rolls around a layout, he will make puffing sounds via a sound chip on his electronics board. To be honest, I'm rather hoping they update his casing a bit as well. He still looks as good as he did when he was first released, but when compared to newer models, he looks rather old. Plus, that face still looks like it came from a comic rather than the TV series.
The rolling stock will be a new Troublesome Truck... and that's it. No other info is available, but it'll probably have a CGI face. Although, I'm rather hoping it looks like this:
The last announcement took everyone by surprise:
Jeremy has pretty much been forgotten about now since the airport last appeared in Series 12. But Bachmann have decided to make him. I'm not sure if I'll get him, but I'm interested to see the finished model.
Finally, we were given, what looks like, a picture of what Duck will look like when he's released in a few weeks' time*.
Apologies for the poor quality
For the final version, they've painted the running plate grey (it was black) and the steam valve has been painted green (it was black, too). The only thing that's been left is the buffer covers, which are still black, but I don't really care. Those few little alterations have made A LOT of difference and I'm really looking forward to its release.
Final Thoughts
Overall, though, it's a rather disappointing line-up. Whether it's because the last few years have been rather big, or because it just seems like there are very few announcememts this year (maybe because they're focusing on their new Chuggington range), it just doesn't seem as good. However, I am looking forward to the released of 'Arry and Bert and I will definitely be getting Duck. But I do think there's a bright side: at least Bachmann are making SOMETHING, which is more than can be said for Hornby.
I really do think the end is nigh for the Hornby Thomas range: the end of their licence is approaching, there's nothing new this year and they're discontinuing more models than they're producing. Why do I bring this up? Simple: this could be a good time to extend Bachmann's licence so the UK has better access to their HO models. They already sell their Large Scale models here, so I don't see why their HO models should be different. Most fans buy their models online anyway, and most choose Bachmann (including me, except for Spencer and his coaches).
Bachmann's Future
The question now is: what's next for Bachmann? Actually, there are still many choices. For locomotives, I'd like to see these two:
Why? Because next year I would like to see Bachmann make characters that have never been made before (which is why I didn't say Oliver, Hornby made him. It's a shame they discontinued him though), and what better ones than Daisy and BoCo? But if Bachmann want to made newer characters instead, then I have alternatives:
Stanley is my favourite character of the HiT era, so he's a natural choice for me. As for Arthur? He's my second favourite character from Series 7, after Murdoch, but since he was made by Hornby - and I want Bachmann to make something completely new new next year - I had to choose Arthur. I definitely would NOT want Billy, Charlie, Flora or the Logging Locos though. Read my series reviews to see why.
Don't worry, I haven't forgotten the rolling stock:
Not every engine pulls Express Coaches, most pull normal coaches like these. I wouldn't be too bothered if there was no Old Coaches - although they do look fantastic in the first series - but they really SHOULD make the red ones. They've been appearing ever since the second series, and it's rather disappointing that none of the Thomas toymaking licences have made them.
I also wouldn't mind seeing these:
OK, this is technically contradicting what I said about Bachmann being original, but while the Hornby Breakdown Crane is good and the Works Unit van is average at best, why don't Bachmann swoop in and make TV accurate alternatives? Or if they don't want to make the old crane, there's always...
Yep, Rocky. Enough said.
A wild card, maybe? While Hector hasn't been in many episodes, he IS only the second named truck after S. C. Ruffey. Bachmann made him (in HO and Large Scale), maybe Hector could be next..?
I wouldn't feel right picking anything for the large scale range as I don't collect them (too large and really expensive to me), but if they ARE continuing a 1 locomotive, two rolling stock pattern, maybe Gordon and the Green Express Coaches? Or Henry and the Red ones?
Whatever Bachmann come up with though, I'm sure they'll dazzle us like they usually do. The best of luck for 2013, Bachmann!
Well, I did it. After months of anticipation and excitement I've FINALLY managed to get my hands on a Hornby Spencer! And here is my review.
First Thoughts
In 2008, Hornby first released Spencer (as well as products to tie in with The Great Discovery). I didn't really think much of it back then as, like most fans, I was so absorbed with the quality of Bachmann's models. Two years later, he was discontinued, and again I wasn't too bothered as I'd set my sights on Bachmann's version.
Then, in 2011, I saw one video that changed my mindset completely:
With Simierski's Hornby vs Bachmann review my eyes were opened, and I saw that the Bachmann version was actually quite poor in quality (but extremely accurate to the TV series model), while Hornby's was absolutely stunning, despite the black wheels. Simon posted a link in the video for fans to ask Hornby to bring it back. Myself, and others, spoke out and they listened.
A few days in to 2012, Hornby announced which models they would release this year. But for their Thomas and Friends range, things were actually quite dull. There were three new truck packs, a set with no real "wow" factor to it and Spencer's coaches. There were only two engines: both re-releases, with only 1,000 being produced. One was Stepney (which I won't be getting as I already have him from when he was first released). I was extemely excited for Spencer - and his coaches - and I couldn't wait to get them. The coaches I'll be getting soon, and Spencer I got on Saturday (August 11th).
What You Get
My own Spencer!
The model comes in the usual blue Thomas and Friends packaging with a
yellow border. The
franchise's logo is in the top corner while next to it is
Hornby's logo. Underneath, there's a yellow "sign" with the word
"Locomotive" on it. Again, I think the model's name should be on that yellow strip, but because of Spencer's bold nameplate it's not much of a problem. The only real difference is on the right side. Placed over the packaging is a special piece of blue card, with the same CG Thomas image on the usual Hornby packaging. Above it are the words "Limited Production, 1000". While this is a good idea, as it shows that the model is more special, I do think the "Limited Production" could be a bit larger, with the age rating on another part of the packaging. There's a lot of room for it. This piece of card DOES come off by removing the piece of sticky tape, but I'd rather keep it there.
The box opens with little flaps at each end of the box. Once out, the
model comes in a robust polystyrene tray and plastic inserts. It also
comes with a set of instructions so that the modeller can keep the model well maintained.
The Model
Spencer shining in the sun
Like Murdoch, when Spencer is out of the box, you can see the stunning amount of detail on this model. The silvery grey livery is crisply applied. The buffers are brilliant and, like Murdoch, front and rear buffers are sprung.
The face on the model is fantastic, as good as Murdoch's and better than Bachmann's, despite the lack of a moving eye mechanism, and despite the fact it sticks out a bit at the top to make the model seem like it's looking ahead rather than looking up to the sky. There's also a vacuum (brake) pipe between the buffers. Strangely, however, there's no front coupling, a first for the Hornby Thomas and Friends range. And since there's no dummy coupling (like the Bachmann models have) on the model, there's no way for Spencer to pull trains backwards. But since many fans usually have tender engines travelling forwards, and the fact that James' coupling made him look odd, I don't really mind this much. And considering other A4 Pacifics in Hornby's ranges have no front coupling either it's not really surprising either.
The valve gear is stunning, as good as Murdoch's and a lot better than Bachmann's. It also puts Percy's, Bill's and Ben's valve gears to shame. The fabulous nameplates also put Murdoch's to shame. And this is from a model that's FOUR YEARS OLD (despite it being brought back this year). Which begs the question: if they could put this much effort into a nameplate in 2007/08, why couldn't they have done it in 2010/11 for Murdoch?
Like the one released previously, the 2012 re-release uses the double chimney (funnel) A4 rather than the single. This doesn't bother me at all, as it just adds to the detail in my opinion. The top of the boiler and the firebox look great as well. One disappointment is the handrail is black, rather than silver. It sticks out against the silvery grey of the boiler, but is camouflaged against the black smokebox.
The cab is absolutely brilliant. Say what you want about Hornby's models, but you CANNOT deny that the detailing in their cabs (whether the models be goood or bad) has always been top notch (except Bill and Ben, who didn't really have one), while the Bachmann counterparts HAVE no cabs as such, just blocks of plain disappointment (even Donald and Douglas' cabs are non-existent). The tender coupling also seems a lot sturdier than Bachmann's if you ask me.
The major drawback that fans have with this model has is the black wheels rather than grey. I, however, don't mind the wheels. Every real A4 Pacific, other than Mallard from what I can recall, have black wheels and they are perfectly fine. What's so wrong with Thomas' A4 having the same trait has his siblings?
The tender is also very detailed, the coal especially. It almost looks real, it's that good. The black lining is applied perfectly, as is the silvery grey livery, although this does not extend to the top of the tender, which is all black. Also painted black is the handrail and the wheels. A pity, but I wasn't really put off by these issues. Other fans might, though.
The front of the tender has fantastic detail as well. Brake handles are present, as is a ladder for the driver/fireman to reach the water tank at the rear.
The rear is great too, but again handrails are painted black, as is the corridor compartment which is also silvery grey on screen. But again, I don't think it looks too bad.
Overall, this model is a stunner, and I really do think any Spencer fans, or any fans of the Hornby Thomas and Friends range will be disappointed if they don't get this model. And with only 1,000 made, and many sold already, you may need to get in quick.
Sadly, as I have no layout, I can't do any speed or strength tests. But since this model is pretty much the same as the one from 2008, I should imagine the results should be pretty similar to those seen in Simierski's review.
R.R.P.
The recommended retail price of this model is £99.99 (€127.15, $156.81)*. Like Murdoch, this seems like a hefty price to pay, and I would agree... because it is. But considering the fact that, in the Thomas and Friends range, this engine is the same price...
Doesn't seem too bad now, does it? :P. Not to mention the fact that, when the 2008 version was discontinued, it was selling for anything up to £300, £100 seems quite reasonable. Not to mention that if you shop around, you could get it for as less as £79.99 (€101.71, $125.45). With all those factors, AND the fact that Spencer is a limited production release, I'd say Spencer is a steal!
Should You Buy One?
Without a doubt, yes! It's a lot better looking than the Bachmann version, and it's the second best model of the two ranges (in my opinion, second only to Murdoch). It's the same price as Edward, but a million times better and for a Hornby model, it's extremely good value for money. The only thing I'd advise is if you CAN afford, and you DO want to buy him, do so NOW. There are only 1,000 available, and no one knows when they'll all be gone.
And while, I'm sure, there are other Hornby A4s available that are cheaper with the same amount of quality, they are a lot easier to buy, which I think gives Spencer even more appeal.
Ratings: PACKAGING: 8/10 MODEL: 9.5/10 PRICE: 7/10 (see the "R.R.P." section as to why I think this is brilliant value)
