Bachmann Model Trains
Bachmann is a prominent manufacturer of model trains. After all, Bachmann model trains are the largest volume selling model trains in the world, producing over 1.3 million train sets for the US market alone. Today, Bachmann focuses on high quality, low cost model trains for the mass market. Their product line spans a variety of train scales. Bachmann starter train sets are readily available at a variety of retail outlets and thus popular as introductory sets as well as with advanced hobbyists.
While the original company was founded in 1833 in Philadelphia, Bachmann started producing model trains only in the late 1960’s. The company first introduced N scale train products in 1968, gradually adding support for the popular HO, On30, OO, HOn30, and G model train scales. Today, Bachmann Trains are part of the Chinese owned Kader Group which produces the Bachmann product line in China.
Earlier versions of Bachmann Trains prior the early 1990’s tended to appeal more as toys then collectors items for the serious hobbyist. Care must be taken when purchasing older Bachmann trains as many of the earlier trains didn’t have the durability a hobbyist may expect. However, newer, more modern Bachmann trains have improved and are recognized as high quality. For example, in 1988 Bachmann introduced the Spectrum line of trains with improved motors, more realistic paint, and more defined detail. This line of trains for HO scale, N scale, On30 scale, and G scale is considered to be of high quality.
Bachmann Trains® has grown in part through acquisition of brands and as such has a diverse product line of trains and accessories as follows:
Bachmann Trains®: The primary collection of locomotives, rolling stock, accessories, and train sets for a range of popular model train scales.
Bachmann Big Haulers®: A full collection of G scale (also known as LGB scale) model train equipment. Bachmann G scale trains are typically sturdy trains that can stand up to outdoor elements. G scale model trains are typically designed for either indoor or outdoor use. Bachmann is the second largest maker of G scale model trains.
Plasticville® U.S.A.: A collection of accessories for model train scenery, including buildings, train stations, and bridges, available in both HO and O scale.
Williams®: Now owned by Bachmann Trains, Williams Trains includes a diverse line of locomotives, sets, and track designed for O scale on 3-rail track.
Spectrum®: A collection of locomotives, tenders, and sets across several train scales.
E-Z Command®: Digital Command Control (DCC) controllers, decoders, and accessories. DCC systems are used to independently control one or more locomotives on the same section of track. Bachmann DCC systems are National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) compliant.
E-Z Track System®: A track and roadbed system for HO and N scale model trains. The track includes roadbed and is available in nickel silver or steel alloy metals. Note that nickel silver track is more expensive, but has high conductivity plus is rust and corrosion resistant for better performance. Bachmann manufacturers one of the widest variety of track pieces available.
SceneScapes®: A collection of trees, miniature figures, and landscape materials for many train scales.
Bachmann model trains have evolved from toy trains in the late 1960’s to the largest volume manufacturer of model trains today. The company has a worldwide presence with a full line of products ranging from starter sets to high quality stock. As a result, Bachmann model trains can be found at diverse retail and hobby stores.
