Churchill8F

I've decided to take a fully fledged look at the latest offering in Bachmann Train's Thomas range, namely "58802 Devious Diesel." Whilst some may look at this review and argue with some points, I feel that all points given are valid and address issues that are apparent on the model. I must also apologise in advance for the quality of the photographs included, I'm afraid my camera is not a fan of the dark nights we are now experiencing. With both Hornby (OO/HO) and Lionel (O) making models of the character, let's see how well Bachmann compares to both, and if it beats them as a model of a character. Diesel comes fresh from Bachmann in the commonplace blister packaging, which is clearly designed to show off as much as the model without having to open it up. Whilst this is good for selling the model, storing it in said packaging can be a pain, but cutting it open carefully will leave you with the plastic inserts which the model will fit straight back in to. Out of the box, the first thing many fans will notice about Diesel is his face. Rather than the classic model-based face, he comes with a modern CGI face which represents him as seen on the show in more recent years. Some may say this detracts from the model, yet I feel it's something that can be looked over. As with the rest of the range, the eyes do move left to right and back again. Upon running the model, you'll realise how the weight of model, much more than earlier Bachmann models, helps with both haulage and adhesion. Given how much room is available in the body, it makes sense to pack as much weight as possible in. The chassis also features proper outside frames, which Hornby opted out of and Lionel moulded on, in order to be as accurate as possible to the prototype. Separately molded parts on Diesel include the coupling hooks, buffers, ladders and face. All of the parts on my review example appear to be crisp and clear, with no sign of flash or damage. A rather nice feature is that Bachmann seem to be shrinking the size of the hook, seen on the bufferbeam, down to a more prototypical size when compared to the earlier items in the range. Not quite scale size, but better than before. Overall, it's a nice model of either Diesel or a generic class 08/09 shunter. Featuring outside frames, moving eyes and detailed parts, it's clear to see that this model puts both Hornby and Lionel models to shame, which was to be expected. With the arrival of Diesel however, it's quite well thought out to guess that two of Sodor's twins, namely Ironworks shunters "'Arry" & "Bert", could be arriving soon. So, do you buy Diesel? My advice is yes. It's a good all-around model and the flaws on said model can easily be overlooked. Jack Source

"Ex-Turkish 2-8-0, now North Western Railway number 26, shown here after rebuild and restoration into British Railways livery, Crovans Gate Works 1985." Yes, I finally got around to it. For what I am wanting to do however, I need two of these, one in this condition and one as a Turkish example. As can be seen, it's the older Hornby model. Reason being the smokebox door easily comes away allowing for a face to be fitted as needed. Jack Source

Okay, so I know that fan series, based around the whole Thomas franchise, are commonplace. I do fancy having a go at one, however if I did it would have to be a high standard, as I have become quite a perfectionist! A few test shots are just below, nothing special but certainly adjusting the camera right in order to film perhaps not whole episodes, but extracts, and with realistic versions of the characters opposed to the toy-like creations of the Television Series. Source

Anyone who has seen the range of wind-up "Thomas & Friends" toys produced by Tomy for the Japanese market will have seen several figures are made to match the engines. Of these, the one I am drawn to is Sir Topham Hatt, also known as the Fat Controller. As you can see, he is a tad bright and glossy, but some work here and there does wonders. One thing to be addressed is the solid base he is cast on. Simply removing it improves the figure quite well, and as such makes for a nice addition to a layout. Shown here with a standard 4mm scale figure, he fits right in. The car he is supplied with, however, does not. I'll be using either a Oxford Diecast or Pocketbond Classix model as his car, but I suppose this could pass on a layout, as long as it is carefully placed. Not shown is the carrier wagon that came with my example, but this is set for a conversion into a generic OO9 wagon. To cap it up, quite a nice figure and worth getting, especially as it's the closest you'll ever get to a ready made HO/OO figure of the main man on Sodor. Jack Source

As promised the other night. Not much of an update, but my camera messed up on the front on shot. Will update this at a later dad to rectify that. I'll add a picture of the real thing so you can compare it. (Attribution: Bluebellnutter at en.wikipedia) Jack Source

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Hornby-TOAD-Thomas-Friends-BRAND-NEW-/160612961468 If you have one of these, it might be worth trying to shift it.

Posts removed, sorry to be a pain in the rump.

Not perfect, but my first attempt.

Looking rather nice for a generic locomotive, I'm sure sure a product will be appreciated. If you are looking at getting it printed, it's worth noting each part has to be a certain thickness in order to be produced. At least with Shapeways anyway, who seem to be quite reliable. I'd imagine it's the same with other companies offering similar services too.

Looking very nice so far, got to be one of the best modelling bashes I had seen.

I see that an earlier comment has described the Bachmann Thomas range as "cheap caricatures with cheap mechanisms" Can I point out that these have been a learning curve for Bachmann. Whilst Thomas, Percy and James (the oldest models in the range) may not be that good, the likes of Salty (07), Mavis (04) and Edward (???) have very good mechanisms. And the price! I picked up a Bachmann Gordon for £45, and it's not a bad loco. In fact, it's a shame Bachmann didn't get the UK liscence, as they produce better products IMO. Hopefully, they could retool T, P & J with new mechanisms and detail for 2011, giving them a nice, well balanced range.

True, but we'll just have to wait and see how they scale up with OO rolling stock. To be honest, they are toys, but I imagine they won't be too bad.

To start with, I'm very happy that Bachmann have decided to model both sets of classic twins. However, i'll lay off pre-ordering them until I can see them lined up with other rolling stock, so I can get an idea on how to scale either set are. If they are to scale, i'll be ordering all 4, as two can be converted to Scottish region locos and two to Industrial ones. Ace. The announcement of Bachmann getting an almost world wide license on their Large Scale items is good too, as it gives them a better leg on the market. With James now on the way, I can see plenty of conversions coming this way I can imagine the unconfirmed rolling stock being covered vans and tankers, with possibly brown and grey versions of the former, and milk/tar versions of the latter. Again, ripe for conversion.

If they make them, Two 812's and a 439 for me

Looking promising. Glad to see another user of the Carmel N chassis

Very stunning locomotive, very envious

Perhaps you could cut'n'shut the Bachmann tender to get a thinner tender?

Liking all of these wagons alot, the brake van is my fave though.