Friday 29 October 2010

Bachmann Model Trains - History and Success


One of the most prominent manufacturers of model railroads is Bachmann. This only makes sense because Bachmann model trains sell the most model railroads worldwide, providing more than 1.3 million train sets for just the American market. Currently, Bachmann concentrates on quality, low cost model railroads for the general public. A wide range of train scales are available. Numerous retail outlets carry Bachmann beginner sets, and they therefore are quite popular among people just starting out and people who are experienced with the hobby.

Although the first company was established in Philadelphia in 1833, it wasn't until the late 1960's that Bachmann began making the model trains. In 1968, the company introduced N scale train models, and then the train scales HO, On30, OO, HOn30 and G models started getting more popular. Currently, the Chinese owned Kader Group makes Bachmann model trains and manufactures the line of products in China.

The first types of Bachmann model trains before the early 1990's usually were more popular as toys than as collectors items for dedicated hobbyists. You need to be careful when buying older Bachmann trains since lots of the first trains made weren't as sturdy as hobbyists might think. Regardless, Bachmann trains made more recently have improved and are known for being very durable. For instance, Bachmann put the Spectrum type of train on the market in 1988 with better motors, more realistic paint, and an increased attention to detail. This variety of trains is thought to be very good for HO scale, G scale, On30 scale and N scale.

Since Bachmann Trains has partially grown by purchasing other brands, it has developed a wide range of accessories and trains that include the following:

Bachmann Trains: The main group of train sets, accessories, rolling stock and locomotives provide for a variety of model sizes that are very popular.

Bachmann Big Haulers: A complete array of G scale (also referred to as LGB scale) model railroad apparatus. Bachmann G scale trains usually are quite durable and can withstand all types of weather. G scale model trains usually are made for both outdoor and indoor usage. The second biggest manufacturer of G scale model trains is Bachmann.

Plasticville U.S.A.: A range of accessories to make model railroad scenery that includes bridges, train stations and buildings that you can purchase in O and HO sizes.

Williams: It includes a wide range of tracks, sets and locomotives made for O scale on a 3-rail track and is currently owned by Bachmann trains.

Spectrum: A group of sets, tenders and locomotives that is available in many different train sizes.

E-Z Command: Accessories, decoders and Digital Command Control (DCC) controllers. You can independently guide one or more trains on the same part of the track with a DCC system. Bachmann DCC systems are compatible with the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA).

E-Z Track System: A roadbed and track system made for N and HO scale model trains. The track comes with a roadbed and is provided in steel alloy or nickel silver metal. Keep in mind that it costs more to have nickel silver track, but it is very conductive and is also resistant to corrosion and rust to enable superior performance. Bachmann produces one of the largest range of track pieces on the market.

Scene Scapes: A group of landscape materials, miniature figures and trees that are compatible for numerous train scales.

Bachmann model trains have changed from toy trains within the late 1960's to the biggest maker of model trains right now. The company is recognized all over the world and offers a complete line of goods that ranges from beginning sets to very quality items. Therefore, Bachmann model trains can be purchased at numerous hobby and retail shops.








Mike Foster is a model train enthusiast and enjoys helping others learn about this fascinating hobby. For more on Bachmann model trains, visit his website: http://model-train-essentials.com.


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