DVD Review: The Complete Series 16

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THE COMPLETE SERIES 16

Written by

Sharon Miller

Jessica Sandys-Clarke

Andrew Viner

Dan and Nuria Wicksman

Max Allen

Gerard Foster

Jessica Ekdward and Kristy Peart

Andy Bernhardt

Episodes

1. Race to the Rescue

2. Ol' Wheezy Wobbles

3. Express Coming Through

4. Percy and the Monster of Brendam

5. Ho Ho Snowman

6. Flash, Bang Wallop!

7. Thomas and the Rubbish Train

8. Thomas Toots the Crows

9. Bust My Buffers!

10. Percy and the Calliope

11. Thomas and the Sounds of Sodor

12. Salty's Surprise

13. Sodor's Surprise Day

14. Emily's Winter Party Surprise

15. Muddy Matters

16. Whiff's Wish

17. Welcome Stafford

18. The Christmas Tree Express

19. Don't Bother Victor!

20. Happy Birthday Sir!

Special Features

N/A

Directed by

Greg Tiernan

Produced by

Nicole Stinn

Release Date

25/05/15

Distributed by

HIT Entertainment (UK)

In early 2012, fans were shocked to hear that Nitrogen studios were not going to animate Thomas & Friends beyond 2012 and the show's animation was switched to Arc Productions for 2013 - beyond. There last Thomas product to animate was the sixteenth season as well as the DVD special 'Blue Mountain Mystery', which was going to be originally titled as 'The Runaway Engine'. With the 15th series leaving many fans dubbing it as 'the worst' written season in the history of Thomas, Season 16 left many in doubt at the time. Will it hold up three years after the broadcast of these 20 episodes? Or would some fans skip this and await for the complete 17th series? Let's take a look at the final Nitrogen Studios release. Note that I won't be linking the episodes to my views as I like to update my views on them, which will be here:

 EPISODES + OVERALL

I said years ago that I've liked Season 16 but now looking back at it it's bad. I've only seen like three episodes, because as an old saying 'When you've seen one episode, you've seen them all'. They follow the same formula, repetitiveness etc. plus like S13-15, the narrator has too much dialogue and they're same lines going over and over and over again. However I still think it did better then what S15 had provided us, S16 had provided an episode like 'Happy Birthday Sir!' where we see Thomas putting work first. The episode that people love the most from the DVD is 'Percy and the Calliope', I like that episode too because of its vocabulary expansion (Calliope) and that it shows a good moral about recycling and restoring old things and of course Robert Hartshorne's rendition of the original Thomas theme for the Calliope. But I find it to be overrated at times all because of Percy's character and how the way he acted in the episode, especially when he pushed a Calliope up the hill despite that he was pushing it the whole time.

That's another thing about the episodes from the Sam Barlow era they have plot holes and continuity errors everywhere, examples like Toby and Dart not being on Misty Island before despite that they were there in the past season. Or the Duchess of Boxford being at Wellsworth station despite that Thomas will pick her up at Maron and that she could've taken another train. But I have to give the Barlow era some credit here when it comes to the new characters having one-dimensional traits. The logging locos are idiots and share the same persona as Bill and Ben but they're more better characters then say that plot device called Lady but I still don't care about the trio. There are two episodes from this season that I liked and that's 'Welcome Stafford' and 'Percy and the Calliope', I've already said what I liked about the latter despite feeling that it's overrated at times. Stafford's episode was pretty good and it had provided some logic of his basis for running out of batteries. Although it shares some problems with its story and that is of course sharing the same formula.

The weakest episodes in my opinion would have to be 'Whiff's Wish' and 'Bust My Buffers'. Whiff's episode shares the familiarity of 'Dream On' from S11 and 'Bust My Buffers' does share some racial-like undertones. Plus many episode share so many redundant opening dialogue such as 'All the engines on the Island of Sodor like/are/do...' they add nothing to the plot at all! 

Michael Angelis, which this was his last season to narrate, sounds rather bland and slow while narrating. He's not terrible but you can see that he doesn't bring enthusiasm anymore and it was right of HIT Entertainment to hire in Mark Moraghan. Nothing against Angelis here but he was getting rather bland.

The animation is great as usual from Nitrogen. Although in the past there had been some limitations of their camera angles so it was nice to see them doing more of an expansion of them such as Gordon charging with the express and the camera pans out from the wheels. 

So is this the best DVD to get? Probably not considering that the episode still share the same formula as S9-15 but at least they're an improvement over S15. Maybe skip this and await for 'Railway Mischief' or '1st Class Stories' in the coming months or the complete series of the 17th season next year or maybe like me you want to add each season to your collection, buy the cheapest one, Amazon charges 7 GBP (but you have to pay extra due to their new regulations) eBay charges about 6.00 GBP and can also ship internationally. But before you do purchase the DVD if you're from another country I suggest looking up your region code and if it's not the same as the DVD I suggest watching it on your Laptop or computer as you can change codes for an amount of time. I know it's a bit redundant to say that but I've seen many people Amazon over the years complaining that they've bought an American DVD to play on their DVD player in a different country. 

RATING

4/10

Book Reviews: RWS No.42 'Thomas and his Friends'

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THOMAS & HIS FRIENDS

Written by

Christopher Awdry

Illustrated by

Clive Spong

Stories

Thomas and the Swan

Buffer Bashing

Gordon's Fire Service

Centenary

 Release Year

2011

In late 2010, Sodor Island Fansite (SIF) had announced from Egmont that a new Railway Series book is in the works to celebrate the centennial year on what was to be Rev.W.Awdry's 100th birthday in 2011. Rev.W.Awdry had unfortunately passed away in 1997. 

STORIES

The book contains the usual amount, with the exception of 'Henry the Green Engine' having five stories, the usual amount is four stories. Here are my views on each of the story:

THOMAS AND THE SWAN

The story does tend to be adapted from one of Christopher Awdry's early stories used in the 1992 annual, mostly the conflict between Thomas' crew and the swan, with some differences through other parts of the story. We see Pip and Emma once again, after their last appearance in 'Thomas and the Fat Controller's Engines' in 1995, which would've been 16 years ago at the time this book was published. It's bit strange now that Pip and Emma are still in their InterCity livery despite that they could've been owned by a privatisation company by now. The Railway Series books tend to be set in real time. But what I think was a bit surprising was that Gordon became a local engine, hauling trains to each stop, for timetable reasons as the express. The story overall is good and simple and gives kids the message on why animals are important when they're needed in special care and that they can be fragile. 

Rating: 8/10

BUFFER BASHING

To be honest, this has to be the worst Railway Series story I've read. At the time I thought it was the best but after reading over and over again I realised that it sends a poor message to children. You have in the story Donald smashing into the buffers and all the engines, including himself, had a laugh about and just said that it was only an accident. But when Douglas did the same thing, due to his poor brakes, he was scolded at and was left red paint on his nose as reminder, yes liberal parents it's red paint. Look in the picture before you write your poorly researched editorials for click bait. While yes it has been three days working on the buffers at least maybe understand that it's an accident. It's very poor and it sends the wrong message out to kids.

Rating: 1/10

GORDON'S FIRE SERVICE

I find this story to be better then the last two. It definitely shows Gordon's maturity of hauling local trains and it was great to hear the Peel Godred line having a mention. Although I do wish they've shown the electric engines. It shows children that despite electric engines having no need for water and coal, steam engines have their uses too, especially when it comes to fire.

Rating: 9/10

CENTENARY 

With 2011 marking 100 years since Rev.W.Awdry's birth, this story was made by his son in honour of his father. I love how over the years the stories have implemented real people like the late Rev.W.Awdry, the late Teddy Boston etc. to give that real feeling of Sodor despite being fictional. But despite that the story has that feeling of a 'Golden Jubilee' rehash. The only difference is the accident with Henry's tunnel unlike the spider's web incident, although the latter did have reason on what it was going to be used for later. Whereas the one here was out of nowhere. It's not a terrible story but it's not that great either.

Rating: 5/10

ILLUSTRATIONS

The pictures were done once again by Clive Spong, who had illustrated Christopher Awdry's books from 1983-1996 and in 2007 for 'Thomas and Victoria'. I've always liked Spong's illustrations as it gives that friendly feeling of Sodor with some realism and accuracy of the engines. His style feels like C. Reginald Dalby, as what the publishers in 1983 at the time says when it comes to the resurface of the Railway Series. 

THE END?

At the time of its release, the books ends with the words 'The End'. At the time of its release, Series 15 had just aired on the TV and the series went through the worst writing from a production team who were treating Thomas as another kids show. But since it's been nearly five years since then and now that we have a new production team that understands the history of Thomas, I don't think we need more Railway Series books. I don't hate the Railway Series books but we have about 42 books in the series that have lasted for seven decades now! 

The stories in the books are timeless classics filled with simple stories but with strong characters and are being celebrated each time now how the way the television series is progressing with its own stories with influence from the Railway Series, e.g - 'The Adventure Begins'. Plus young children of the target audience aren't missing out on anything. Now with the DVDs and on YouTube we have the new Mr. Perkins segments giving story time to the children of the stories with the original pictures as well as ones made by Lorraine Marshall. 

So I think it's time to let the books have a rest, sure there's Barry but I doubt that book would ever see a light of day. Christopher Awdry is getting old and his son Richard Awdry isn't interested in writing though and plus not many ideas can turn out good. If I give one recommendation though, if you enjoyed the Railway Series I suggest being a member of Sodor Island Forums for their 'Extended Railway Series'. It's fan made but they give the style of the Awdry family's books. 

OVERALL

I do consider this book to be weak compare to the other titles. The title of the book sounds generic and not that catching compare to other titles, but I believe it's to sell. It has some good stories but not the best. 

RATING:

6/10

Book Review: The Thomas the Tank Engine Man (2015 Edition)

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THE THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE MAN

Written by 

Brian Sibley

Published by

Lion Hudson

Release Date

May 15th 2015

Twenty years ago in October 1995 at Charing Cross Railway Station hotel, Brian Sibley's biography of 'The Thomas the Tank Engine Man' was launched with the Awdry family, several editors as well as the late Johnny Morris were all in attendance. Now two decades later the book has new light and is updated with new information between 1996-2015 published in time for the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series that was published on May 12th 1945. 

I do have the original copy of the Thomas the Tank Engine Man biography book by Brian Sibley from a seller from Australia via Amazon I believe around 2013 and it's the same as what is seen in the 2015 edition, although with some less pictures then the previous edition and some pictures from the new series era from episodes such 'Thomas and the Toy Shop' and 'Percy and the Left Luggage'. 

The book provides the many detail on the life of the Rev.W.Awdry's life, his success of the Railway Series books as well as the inspiration behind the stories and characters along with the success of the television series run. With letters written by children over the years giving their praises for the author. The updated version provides us the later years after the book's first publication year with a little help from Railway Consultant Sam Wilkinson, former Thomas artist Owen Bell and creator of the Coffey Reviwer and friend Daniel Coffey.

The cover in my opinion has a lot more attraction then what the former had, It provides familiarity of the characters, I've seen children once excited by seeing a TV series Thomas model at Dryaton Manor despite that they would've been watching the CGI version of the show in 2012. As well as providing pictures of the author from his young years towards his later years as well as pictures and books of his Railway Series. It's a good read if you want to know things about the author himself and the process of the books that have been successful for 70 years. 

Rating: 10/10

BUY A COPY TODAY AT LOCAL BOOKSTORES AND ONLINE. YOU CAN EVEN HAVE ONE SIGNED BY THE RAILWAY CONSULTANT HIMSELF VIA SIF:

AMAZON

LION HUDSON

SIF 

DVD Review: Trouble on The Tracks

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS AND FRIENDS FAN BASE

TROUBLE ON THE TRACKS

Episodes

Thomas the Quarry Engine

Not So Slow Coaches

Flatbeds of Fear

Disappearing Diesels

Toad's Adventure

Duck and the Slip Coaches

Missing Gator

Written by

Andrew Brenner

Paul Larson and Laura Beaumont 

Mark Huckerby and Nick Olster

Special Features

The Earl's Quiz - Percy's New Friends and Slippy Sodor

Calling All Engines! - Salty and Paxton

Mr. Perkins' Storytime - Pop Goes the Diesel and Toby's Tightrope

Mr. Perkins' Postcards - The Dieselworks and Ffarquhar Quarry

Release Date

20/04/15

Distributed by

HIT Entertainment (UK)

EPISODES

I like the episodes they've added even the last two. They fitted them well with the theme of the DVD which I do enjoy rather then what they've done four and five years ago as the DVDs being released now give the recent episodes more of an identity on what they're related too. For my views on these episodes, click the link below the picture of the DVD.

SPECIAL FEATURES

It was a bit of a surprise to see two Mr. Perkins segments this time. For the Railway Series segments we have 'Pop Goes the Diesel' as shown in the American version and 'Toby's Tightrope' with additional illustrations from Lorraine Marshall. I like it how also they're not out of place as it keeps in relation of DVD's theme. I will say that some of Marshall's illustrations in 'Toby's Tightrope' were not good. One of them is the FQC trucks, they look low down and not high enough to meet the same height as Toby's. Not that it's bad or anything. Her illustrations in 'Pop Goes The Diesel' however were good with the trucks' expressions. The stories were narrated well. 

'Calling All Engines!' is the same as usual, we know the characters from the show and understand their purpose and personality. The Earl's Quiz is not good with the choice of episodes. Kids of course will like them though. We also have two postcard segments of The Dieselworks, like in the US copy and Quarries. The Dieselworks postcard segment does tend to talk more about the Dieselworks while the Quarry was pretty much a little bit about the quarry and the engines there as well. It's not bad but I think it need some work such as telling kids on why quarries are important. 

Probably the biggest talk of the DVD is the trailer for the upcoming DVD special 'Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure' which will come out on DVD nearing the latter of 2015. For my opinion on the trailer, please click here.

OVERALL

I think it was a good DVD and much like the US copy with some additional segments that really didn't make it out of place for theme. There are well written stories, while not perfect, had some effort put into to, as well as the presentation, that could at least satisfy kids of the show. 

RATING:

8/10

NWR Editorial: Sodor's Legend of The Lost Treasure Trailer

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND ARE NOT INFLUENCED FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

NWR EDITORIAL: 
SODOR'S LEGEND OF THE LOST TREASURE TRAILER

After months of waiting with the likes of 'The Adventure Begins' released in March along the way, we finally got a glimpse of the next DVD special for 2015. When I first heard of the movie's title I thought to myself how are they going to write a story around a treasure hunt? After all we have the likes of 'Thomas and the Treasure' from Season 10. But after seeing the trailer for the first it looks bigger then a ten minute episode from nine years ago. 

The trailer opens up with Thomas having a race with Bertie most likely on his branch line with Toby coming along the same track. Then we see him at Knapford station, the same set from The Adventure Begins, most likely demoted to shunter? and caused an accident with the express coaches and so he was 'sent away in disgrace' to most likely Arelsburgh Harbour on the Little Western, according to many toys that were released beforehand where he discovered a lost pirate ship. We then meet characters like Ryan (voiced by Eddie Redmayne) along with the comeback of Alfie, Jack and Oliver from 'the pack' as well as Donald and Douglas, the 'game changer' the debut of the Arelsdale Miniature Railway engines as well as Sailor John (voiced by John Hurt) and Skiff (voiced by Jamie Campbell Bower) 

I believe some fans might think that this special could be in the likes of Season 5, explosions and dark themed stories, but the trailer had made me excited for it as I believe it has reason to be there. It looks very action driven and I think it might be better then TOTB. The trailer also gave me that vibe of 'The Great Discovery' as well probably with the amount of characters and the story so far. I have a feeling Thomas might've lost his branch line and his two coaches as was given to by Ryan in the movie while Thomas works at the Little Western. Ryan actually looks good in purple in my opinion and I understand that in reality the GNR N2 class tank engine are painted in apple green. But over the years we have seen many green characters coming into the series and there's a lack of purple engines when you think about it. Plus it adds more outside of the 'gender stereotype' colours like boys love blue and girls love pink.

Some fans may have a problem with Skiff being a 'rail-boat' but the concept of his basis intrigued me as in real life we have 'Spooner's Boat' on Ffestiniog Railway in Wales and the idea of Skiff's face being plastered the boat, which to some may look generic, but we have the likes of TUGS with a midget submarine having a face.

For the first time in over 20 years, we finally see the Arelsdale Miniature Railway being adapted into the series. It's great timing too with the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series books this year and Arc Productions had an extraordinary job on the basis of the engines, even though they've given the likes to Rex and Bert coloured wheels it's fine by me. As for Mike's, well his basis also have red coloured wheels.

It's also great to see more returnees coming into the series such as Oliver and Alfie, first time we saw Oliver (above left) and Alife (middle) since 2008! I have to say Arc Production had done a splendid job on them. They look so much like their model counterparts as well as the faces, although Alfie's face looks similar to his one from S12. 

Probably the returnees I'm looking forward to the most is Donald and Douglas. Ever since the comebacks of old characters such as Duck, Toad, Oliver and all I always look forward to the return of the scottish twins. I love the detailing around the smokebox door of Donald as well as the buffer beam. However since this era of the series is showing continuity of the Railway Series books as well as respecting the original source material, I wish that they were in their Caledonian blue livery. I understand that fans remember them being black since S2 but with the way of the series respecting the Railway Series and its source it would be nice to see that. It is a fact that the colour black, like Donald's paint above, can't sell well on toys as children enjoy bright colours. However I don't worry what colour they are because character is more important. 

Our new human character, Sailor John (voiced by John Hurt) and looking at the detail on him, Arc Productions had created such a realistic looking human being. Fans also think he's like P.T Boomer, although looking at the August 1999 draft script of T&TMRR on SiF. Boomer looks more dark and such an idiotic character anyway but that's a different story. 

Since this location is likely Arelsburgh harbour I am amazed by the amount of work and detail that Arc Productions had put into the location. It has that British look towards it with the pier and township and all. Im looking forward to more of it and I do love the, sunrise as well as the haunting night when Thomas was chasing Skiff and Sailor John.

So far this trailer looks epic and since that many are being hyped up towards it and I'm not surprised by it either, I think people should take it easy for the time being. As I said before in my review for 'The Adventure Begins', expect the unexpected. It might not be like a S5 story or anything like a classic series episode. But I'm looking forward towards July as Hoyts cinemas will be showing this movie and July's really not that far at the moment. I will give my views on the movie once the DVD is out in the UK.

SODOR'S LEGEND OF THE LOST TREASURES

COMES OUT ON DVD IN LATE 2015! 

DVD Review: The Adventure Begins (SPOILERS)

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

With 2015 marking the 70th anniversary celebrations of Thomas the Tank Engine, the Railway Series, a special DVD is released to celebrate the occasion based on the first two Railway Series books by the Rev.W.Awdry, 'The Three Railway Engines' and 'Thomas the Tank Engine', the former which was published 70 years ago. The DVD is released exclusively at Wal*Mart in the US as well as iTunes and it'll be released in summer 2015 only at ASDA stores across the UK. So let's see how, the Adventure Begins. But first let me tell everyone why the definition 'spoilers' is used in some people's cases:

I understand that people can still buy the product even when they see spoilers, I do as well. But over the years I realise that there are people who would like to expect the unexpected because they wait in anticipation and I understand that they expect to see things there way and it ended up being the opposite. But people should know that not everything goes there own way. Plus the people with the days of the internet like Blogs, forums, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, many fans and including myself had posted many screenshots or footage from new Thomas productions before they're even released to other countries. I learned my lesson in the end and sometimes when I review specials I post the words spoilers. The new team had put hard work into these new things, like this for example, and the only way possible for a sequel would be to make this DVD sell well is definitely respect and leaks hurt that unfortunately.  The term 'spoilers' may annoy some people but in my views it's better to expect the unexpected rather then knowing what's going to happen anyway. 

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

Written by

Andrew Brenner

Directed by

Don Spencer

Produced by

Ian McCue

Plot

A little tank engine discovers a big new world when he arrives on the Island of Sodor. Escapades abound as Thomas explores his new home and meets some Really Useful new friends. Finding the true blue meaning of hard work and friendship, Thomas transforms into the Number one engine.

Special Features

Really Useful Engines - Music Video

Troublesome Trucks - Music Video

Old Reliable Edward - Bonus Episode

Distributed

HIT Entertainment (UK/US)

Universal (US)

Release Date

3/03/15 - US (Wal*Mart)

Summer 2015 - UK (ASDA)

OVERVIEW

There'll be purists that will raise their voice such as Thomas not being tuscan, Henry not being in his old shape or not even a direct adaptation of the book. If it were the latter then what is the point of having it as a special despite that people can watch the original Thomas episodes from the first season or read the Railway Series book? Not that I'm saying that there opinion is worthless or anything as they have the right to dislike the special but I'm saying that this is an adaptation and there's bound to be some changes but at least respect the original source which this special clearly does! We see James in his black livery for the first time on screen, some dialogue from the first and second book and there are also some improvements as well that weren't in the books.

The CGI in my opinion is amazing. There is so much shine and glimmer that it makes everything look realistic. A bit like the models from the fifth season, yes despite my hatred for that season I do have to admit the shine they put onto the model to make them look realistic is fantastic. I also realised too that Arc Productions had improved on the lighting of there animation since TOTB. Whereas KOTR had shown pail faces here and there. 

The engines where in great characterisation and yes that will go for Henry too. I know fans say that Henry acted like a wimp, just like he was during the 'new series' era, but his wimpy attitude is good here because he's scared about the rain spoiling his paint and I know at the end of the book he got over the rain but in real life, old habits die hard and Henry wouldn't get over the rain in just a day. In fact even the first picture of Henry in 'The Three Railway Engines' of that story shows his face of worry and seeing Edward like this original character really made me to like him again. His wise but flawed persona was fantastic, with the Fat Controller punishing him for not following his orders as it shows Edward that he's not on top of the world or perfect, and Andrew Brenner had done great work. 

The music by Peter Hartshorne feels very much like an orchestrated piece for a theatrical film and it was also great to hear there version of the original themes and songs with there own pieces. I know I said that using Mike O'Donnell and Junior Campbell's music is pointless and out of date when put it behind modern footage. But what I mean is slapping the original music that can be heard in the first seven seasons and trying to make it like a classic episode and they end up to be horrible. I do like O'Donnell and Campbell's music very much as well as Hartshorne's style as they're both great in their own right. Plus it was great hearing Robert Hartshorne on the mic again singing 'Really Useful Engine' and 'Troublesome Trucks' with a children's choir in the back harking to the days during the classic era where a choir of children is used for the songs. I have to say I really prefer the updated songs more then the original. RUE is rather catchy and it really fits into the purpose of this special, much better then that travesty of a movie called 'Magic Railroad' where RUE was just out of nowhere. TT was fun to listen too as well as it sounds catchy as well but I prefer the former of the two updated songs featured. 

As of the new characters featured such as Glynn, Judy and Jerome. I do like how the two cranes have personality of taking emergencies seriously and as for Glynn. Despite that he was there for a few second I hope they consider using him for future episode or a possible sequel to this special. 

I really do enjoy this special very much and it's equel with TOTB. The story as well as character persona and development are amazing and I do salute to Andrew Brenner and his writing team for the best effort they've made to commemorate the 70th anniversary. I look forward one to see the UK dub coming out in the summer. If a sequel is to be made please buy the DVD now at your local Wal*Mart or iTunes and if you live in the UK buy it at your local ASDA in summer.

RATING:

10/10

NWR Editorial: 2015 Bachmann Range

THESE ARE SOLEY MY OPINIONS AND NOT FROM THE THOMAS & FRIENDS FAN BASE

NWR EDITORIAL:

2015 BACHMANN RANGE

With preparation for the 70th anniversary of the Railway Series well underway for 2015 and that Hornby had announced that they'll be bringing back their Thomas range, Bachmann had announced their release for 2015. Here are my views on the 2015 range.

I think the big surprise for all fans is the announcement of Oliver and Toad . There has been many fan requests for it since the incarnation of Bill, Ben, Donald and Douglas as well as Duck and considering that a Bachmann representative had stated that they had no plans for them on a video from a fan on Facebook sometime last year. However I will say this to some fans. Don't expect them to be like there classic series model since now that he has been rendered into CGI.

Another surprise would have to be Skarloey and it's a first time they're introducing an N gauge range, although I'm really interested in seeing how a HO scale model running on N scale track as it's something that I've never seen before. It'll be interesting, and if I have some money saved up, to start a collection of these and I hope Bachmann creates more of the Skarloey engines.

With the 70th anniversary underway Bachmann has a way to celebrate the anniversary there own and here is the picture of there 'Celebration Thomas'. Personally the metallic blue livery reminds me of the old ERTL toys that they've released in 1995 for the 50th anniversary. I am looking forward to the model, however I hope Bachmann would improve the Thomas and Percy models. I know that they're improving James and I believe they might release him next year.

For the large scale range it was surprising that Winston was announced even though no fan have a demand for him. I know that Winston is not the best character, but he is growing a persona since the new writing staff had entered in 2013. Plus I think it is quite interesting to have character with a unique basis. I'm not a big collector on the large scale models, considering that I don't have the garden size nor the money to spend on the models. I know there are other models such as the red coaches and from the looks on a video from Bachmann on YouTube, the coach looks splendid. 

OVERALL

I think this is a good range of models and to be honest, I'm glad that they're not introducing sets that look cheap like their Christmas set they had a few years back. Bachmann had been doing good models since 2002 and I'm glad that they're open towards fan's wish lists. So let's hope 2015 is good for Bachmann and the 70th anniversary.