Posts Tagged ‘bachmann’

Model Railroader Associate Editor Dana Kawala shows how to set up and operate this model train set.

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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 model 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:

? Limited Edition Platinum Club Car
? 2009 Williams by Bachmann catalog
? Quarterly e-mail newsletter
? 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 collectable 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.

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Thinking of adding a new dimension to your model railroad?  Maybe you’ve already designed a spectacular scenario, complete with varying lighting effects and are looking for a new idea to incorporate?  We have ideas that just might light the way when you’re ready to take it to the next level.

Removed or Overhead Lighting – These lights are what you have in your room to showcase your model railroad.  These lighting sources, sometimes referred to as track lighting, should showcase the project in its entirety. One idea is the inclusion of strip lighting with adjustable heads that allow you to shine the light on any particular area.  Consider adding a dimmer switch to the room’s overhead lighting too.  It’s a great way to define the light – if you’re working with small pieces from Bachmann trains, the brighter light will reduce eye strain or if you’re showing off your masterpiece, by dimming the lights, you can change the effect of your presentation.

Why Would I Even Want to Modify the Lighting? There are a few reasons for using adjustable lighting sources:
•    To recreate dawn or dusk scenes – consider using low watt pink or blue bulbs.  They can be found in hobby shops or hardware stores.  Alternatively, electroluminescent cable lighting can be used with the same effect.  This is ideal for placement behind scenery with little height since the cable is easily hidden out of sight.
•    To light billboards, streetlights and even railroad crossing lights
•    Small headlights for automobiles

It’s all about creativity.  You’re limited only by your imagination.  Few things allow us to “write our own rules”, but when it comes to designing Bachmann trains or any model railroad, you, as its owner, are allowed complete creative liberty.  Keep in mind too that nothing’s permanent.  If one method doesn’t create the desired effect, it’s easily changed or moved around.  Too many times, we get tunnel vision and forget the countless other ways to recreate a scene or design a layout for our model railroad.

Lighting that Varies with Your Train’s Speed – Sometimes you may notice your locomotive’s light varies depending on the speed of its motion.  If you’ve run into this, consider incorporating diodes or resistors to ensure its light is consistent.  Although many find a way to insert batteries, keep in mind it can be bulky and awkward trying to fit it into the allocated space. Remember to wear safety goggles and use caution when working with electricity.  And finally, don’t forget to use your creativity.

Technorati Tags: bachmann, Effects, Guide, Lighting, Model, Railroad, Trains

One of the most famous names in model train history are the Bachmann model trains. The history of the company which made Bachmann a household name goes back way before they started making model trains. The company goes as far back as 1833, though they did not start making model trains until 1966 when the N scale model train started to gain popularity in the United States. Having a history of creating plastic products, the company was perfectly suited to create trains and accessories, which were sold in a plastic shell that was their trademark. Plasticville USA was the first model train product, which put the company into the minds of model railroaders.

Plasticville USA was something, which was sold previous to the first Bachmann model train. These were plastic buildings and other accessories, which would fit in with the trains being sold by other companies. While they were not producing any model trains themselves, it did not prevent them from being known in every home as having fine model train products. These products are still sold in conjunction with model train sets by Lionel to this day. While some may argue the pieces are nothing but mere toys, it opened the door to the ornate layouts created to this day.

While the N scale was the original line of Bachmann models, they quickly made changes in order to expand into the HO scale. They could foresee at the time the HO scale would become the most popular scale to date, which it has. Unfortunately for the company, they were not positioned to sell globally and were losing money. Bachmann Bros. sold the company to Kader who was the manufacturer of Bachmann products. From this sale, Bachmann industries was born and the company began selling globally. Even with a dwindling interest in model trains, the company was able to stay profitable.

In order to appeal to a broader market, the Bachmann model train company came out with a new product line called Spectrum. The Spectrum line was kept completely separate from the Bachmann line in order to cement the product as a luxury model train line. They did not want there to be any relation between the luxury Spectrum line and the Bachmann industries toy model trains which had sold up until that point. These trains offered much more detail at a much higher price. Made of metal with plastic gears, the company was able to keep costs down while building revenue from those who were serious about model railroading.

As an effort to reach the middle of the road, Bachmann model trains began selling Bachmann Plus in 1992. These trains had more detail than the regular Bachmann line, but not nearly as much as the Spectrum line. The creation of the line signified the move of production to China. Eventually the Bachmann plus line was dissolved and was replaced by the silver series. This is the middle grade that is sold today by Bachmann industries for those who aspire to have the Spectrum series, but cannot quite afford it yet.

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Cute little clangy trolley that I bought for my HO-Scale train set. Built by Bachmann and PCC model in Philadelphia livery. Set it up in my basement, and YES, that IS my mom’s couch.

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