Bachmann is a world-renowned brand name when it comes to making model trains. The company has been involved in the production of high quality trains for over 150 years. The company is centered in the United Kingdom of Great Britain but they market their trains to collectors all over the world. The collection of trains produced by the company is extremely diverse and it is lauded for having some of the most interesting varieties for hard-core model railroading enthusiasts. Collectors of Bachmann model trains include the young, the old, beginners and professional collectors.
Today you will be able to find Bachmann trains in a five different scales. The HO Scale, N Scale, O Scale, On30 Scale and what they call the Large Scale. They also produce a membership model called "The Williams by Bachmann" which is only available to Platinum Club members. These cars are limited additions and are part of the membership package for the Platinum Club. The limited addition "The Williams by Bachmann" cars come in the affordable O-gauge. The annual membership cost $35 and other benefits include:
o Limited Edition Platinum Club Car
o 2009 Williams by Bachmann catalog
o Quarterly e-mail newsletter
o New product announcements by email
The Large Scale includes the world known "Thomas & Friends" model train collection. The faceplates for all the characters in "Thomas & Friends" are available as an individual purchase or as part of a package set. The "Thomas & Friends" train collection is a great way to get your kids or grand kids involved in model trains. Bachmann has "Thomas & Friends" as their featured product this month. A starter set will run you about $385.00.
The price of acquiring Bachmann model trains varies considerably. The least expensive of these train sets will cost you about $59.00 whereas the more detailed steam engine trains will set you back more than $900.00. The steam engine trains come in every scale except the O. You need to understand that this is just for a basic track, a locomotive and a few basic cars. The real cost of collecting and building a model railroad train collection is in the elaborate detail of your bench work.
Bachmann has been building model trains since before World War II and it is the pre-war lines that are of the highest quality of craftsmanship and therefore of the highest value in collector circles. The postwar lines, although still well built and with nice detailing, pale in comparison to the pre-war line in their value. However, for someone just starting out in collection of model trains the economical value of the post-war line will make a beginners collection much more affordable. Although the older trains have more collector value one is required to put in a considerable amount of time and effort in order to restore their appearance. This is why beginners are advised to stick with the more recent models. Leave the restoration to the more experienced model railroading enthusiasts.
The pre-war model toy trains by Bachmann are considered to be vintage items since they date back to before World War II. In fact World War II is considered to be the turning point when it comes to model train collecting. Experience model train collectors solely seek to acquire pre-war trains. The design material, attention to detail and just the pure age of the items are why experienced collectors seek out these vintage trains. A hardcore collector will tell you that there is no substitute for the look and feel of a vintage train. The sound and spirit of the real-world train is truly captured in the Bachmann pre-war trains.
Although the Bachmann post-war model trains are built with superior technology and are still very authentic in nature they do not hold the sentimental value and the collectible value of the vintage age. However, the new trains are extremely popular with children and new collectors. Either way, Bachmann has been an integral part of model train history and will continue to lead the way in the future. Happy collecting.
Michael Weston is a model train expert. For more great information on Bachmann Model Trains, visit http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com.
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