Bachmann Narrow Gauge Train Sets
Complete ‘Ready-to-Run’ Train Sets have always been a popular starting point for entering the world of model railways for over half a century. They come neatly boxed in a variety of scales and gauges, include everything you need to get started, are easy to set up and can become a hobby that the entire family can share and enjoy for a lifetime despite their gender association as a “boys toy”.
Whilst the range of Starter Train Sets in the larger scales are not necessarily quite as prolific as in the smaller scales there is still a large enough selection to fulfill most requirements even if occasional supply problems cause shortages. This is particularly acute before Christmas so don’t leave your purchase too late as you may find the shelves empty.
One major advantage of purchasing a complete starter set is that the manufacture will have put together carefully matched items and almost invariably at a price that is less than acquiring those same items individually.
As you might expect his is not altogether for altruistic reasons and by appealing to the younger fraternity they increase the chances of future growth (or at least avoid a decline in sales). Here is little doubt that in recent years ‘playing with trains’ has been largely overtaken by other hobbies and pursuits, especially pastimes revolving around more advanced consumer electronics. Children are more likely to be given an X-Box or Mobile Phone than a train set. This must be a concern to any model train manufacturer but especially those making larger-scale model trains and have a lower customer base to start with.
Just lately there does seem to have been a noticeable reduction in the range of starter sets available and it can only be hoped that this is a temporary phase and that the market will eventually be rejuvenated but nothing is for certain.
As reputedly the largest model train manufacturer in the world Bachmann have been producing Large Scale trains since the 1980’s and realised that their market would very much depend on attracting a sizeable customer base.
In 1988 Bachmann started to produce large scale (also known as G Scale or garden scale and ostensibly to the same scale as LGB – namely 1:22.5) train sets called the Big Haulers™.
Bachmann were astute enough to realise that LGB trains were predominantly based on European prototype narrow gauge trains and that the North American market would appreciate similar reproductions reflecting the American railroad scene.
The LGB models of the time were rather old-fashioned in appearance with a traditional charm of days gone by and Bachmann adhered to much the same love of nostalgia. They also based their offerings on historic 3’ narrow gauge railroads rather than mainline railways.
Their initial boxed sets were based around the Baldwin 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive and were designed to appeal mainly to younger enthusiasts and those new to the hobby. They were first introduced as starter sets comprising a locomotive, one or two freight cars and a caboose with the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Freight Set (Cat.No.90100) being the first Original Big Hauler™ released and said to be the largest selling G Scale Train Set ever and sold for as little as US$ 66!
History of Bachmann's involvement in Large-Scale Train Sets
This set consisted of the now ubiquitous Baldwin 4-6-0 in ATSF livery, a DRGW # 1638 Gondola, B&O Flat Car #1525 and ATSF Bobber Caboose #425 + 22 feet of track and variable speed and direction controller. Intriguingly the first locomotive was battery powered with rudimentary radio control at 27MHz. We seem to have gone full circle since 1988.
I do recall acquiring just the Baldwin locomotive about 10 years ago and it used up 6 expensive D Cell Alkaline batteries for about 20 minutes of operation - a far cry from the miniature long life rechargeable cells of today.
Right from the outset these sets were primarily sold through toy shops and larger discount chains such as K-Mart outlets and proved to be a huge success - no doubt partly due to their very mass-market appeal, low cost (certainly compared to the competing G scale products available at the time) but also the inclusion of rather “sophisticated” operating features such as synchronised sound and a working headlight.
Although initially the locomotives were battery powered and radio controlled (27 MHz) within a year Bachmann began making train sets using track powered electric locomotives. This entry set was followed by several other similar ready-to-run train sets including a “Holiday Express” special for the Christmas Market which families purchased to run around the Christmas tree – a practice which is still common today. I understand that there may have been other specially commissioned sets used by companies for advertising promotions.
Somewhat surprisingly these early train sets did not feature in Bachmann’s Catalogues even though they were widely advertised at the time.
In 1989 Bachmann also began selling locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars as separate purchase items so that enthusiasts could add to their initial purchase and eventually build up a large collection of Bachmann trains.
Just in case you are a little sceptical regarding Bachmann’s claim to be the largest model train manufacture in the world I should point out that the company have produced at least 100 different G Gauge Train Sets in the period 1989 to 2015 including special releases and non-catalogued sets. This is just in Large-Scale and totally discounts trains sets produced in smaller scales such as N, HO, On30 and O gauge.
If you would like a list you will need to go direct to the “Ask the Bach Mann Forum” (www.bachmanntrains.com) and look for the “Bachmann Sets List 1989 – 2015” which is the copyright of William A. Canelos (aka Loco Bill). I am indebted to Bill for the above information and his contribution in recording the history of these popular sets.
Despite being generally regarded as a toy train manufacturer Bachmann also produced a high-quality line of prototype 1:20.3 narrow gauge locomotives and rolling stock in their Spectrum Line. This range of more sophisticated Large-Scale trains are highly accurate and well detailed models of real narrow-gauge
prototypes that used to operate in North America and still survive today on numerous “Heritage Railroads” across the continent.
Although narrow-gauge trains in the USA ran on tracks of many different gauges Bachmann have concentrated on representing those that travelled on 3’ (914 mm) gauge railroad tracks such as the Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW); Colorado & Southern (C&S); Florence & Cripple Creek; Rio Grande Southern (RGS) and South Pacific Coast (SPC).
I am not aware of Bachmann producing any train sets as such in 1:20.3 scale. This is a shame as their superb locomotives and wagons would benefit from matching 1:20.3 Passenger Cars rather than the limited range available in 1:22.5 which look under-scale.
Several of Bachmann Trains Starter Sets are briefly described below. Unless otherwise stated they all come in a large presentation box with polystyrene inserts and include a basic power pack, speed and direction controller, connecting wires, an illustrated instruction manual (and or DVD) together with an oval of track which varies in size according to the set.
Bachmann make frequent changes to their product range and many of these sets may not currently be available as new (indeed their current 2019 catalogue only lists only four train sets in Large Scale) although many are available on the second-hand (or previously owned) market.
Bachmann “Thomas’ Christmas Delivery Item No: 90087
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Wearing a familiar cap and armed with his trusty snow-plough, Thomas hauls two festively decorated cars to bring BIG holiday cheer to one and all.
The Thomas’ Christmas Delivery ready-to run electric train set includes:
• Thomas the Tank Engine™ (with hat, snow-plow) and moving eyes)
• Open wagon with wrapped presents
• 6 spoked wheel passenger coach
• 5'4" x 4'3" oval of track (14 pieces)
• wall transformer pack and speed controller
• illustrated instruction manual
• DVD-format video instructions
• with international-style hook and loop couplers
Bachmann "Thomas with Annabel & Clarabel Train Set" Product Code: 90068
Thomas and his loyal coaches Annie and Clarabel are carrying a number of very important passengers and you are invited to join in their adventures on the Island of Sodor. A great way to begin your Thomas & Friends™ collection this G Scale ready-to-run electric train set comes complete with a brand new Bachmann G Scale "Thomas the Tank Engine (with moving eyes)", two passenger coaches "Annie" & "Clarabel", a large oval of 14 pieces of track (5'4" x 4'3"), USA style transformer and speed controller, illustrated instruction manual and DVD format video instructions.
These are the first British Outline locomotive and carriages to be produced by Bachmann in G Scale for many a year and are perfect for customising into reproductions of other UK prototypes.
Set Comprises:
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Thomas the Tank Engine 0-6-0 Steam Side Tank Locomotive (with moving eyes) in high-gloss blue finish
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"Annie" Passenger Coach with face, removable roof and large spoked wheels
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"Clarabel" Passenger Coach with face, removable roof and large spoked wheels
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All items are fitted with traditional LGB Style Hook & Loop Couplers
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Power Pack*, Speed Controller & Track Connector
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Illustrated Manual & DVD Format Video Instructions
Supplied in a large manufacturer packing display box for storage.
Prototype
Thomas the Tank Engine first appeared in 1946 in the book Thomas the Tank Engine as a station pilot, whose job was to shunt coaches for the bigger engines. He longed for more important jobs such as pulling the express train like Gordon, but his inexperience prevented this. Eventually he was responsible for rescuing James after an accident, and the Fat Controller (then known as the Fat Director) decided that he was a Really Useful Engine, and ready for his own branch line. He has remained in charge of this line ever since, with his two coaches Annie and Clarabel, and help from Percy the Small Engine and Toby the Tram Engine.
Not only do ANNIE and CLARABEL carry passengers for Thomas, but they also act as advisors and confidantes. On several occasions they have warned him about potential hazards, and Thomas invariably runs into trouble when he ignores their warnings.
Annie and Clarabel are occasionally pulled by other engines when Thomas is busy but Thomas always worries for their safety.
The coaches first appeared in the 1946 book Thomas the Tank Engine, in which they were awarded to Thomas along with his branch line. In this first, brief appearance, they were not even named. In Tank Engine Thomas Again (1949), they were given names and their characters were greatly expanded upon. They appeared in the first season of the television programme Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends and have been in every season since, although they have not had a speaking role since Season 9.
In the Railway Series, they are depicted as bogie coaches (i.e. each coach is supported on a pair of four-wheeled bogies or "trucks"). In the television series they are depicted as four-wheeled coaches – they are built on a rigid chassis, with fixed axles. Annie is generally depicted as having a slightly shocked expression, while Clarabel usually appears smiling. In both series they appear in a plain orangey-brown colour, and in the television series they additionally have their names painted on their body sides. The colour scheme is based on that of the former British LNER railway, which formed the basis for a number of Awdry's early characters, whose carriages were not painted in the normal manner of other railways, but had a teak-wood finish on the outside, which was plain varnished over, the resulting livery being known as "varnished teak". When steel carriages were introduced later a paint scheme was devised by the LNER which closely resembled this colour scheme.
This YouTube Garden Trains video from Large Scale On Line (alas now no more) explains just about everything you need to know about the Thomas set:
Bachmann “Percy and the Troublesome Trucks Set" Product Code: 90069
Percy lives on the Island of Sodor with many other locomotives, including Thomas the Tank Engine, Gordon the Big Engine and Henry the Green Engine. He is the smallest, youngest and probably cheekiest, of the principal steam engine characters. He displays the number 6 on his bunker.
The Fat Controller brought him to Sodor when there was an engine strike due to a shortage of shunting engines. The bigger engines initially tried to bully him, but Percy soon showed that he was more than capable of standing up for himself. After a few years of shunting at the Big Station, the Fat Controller promoted him to goods traffic on Thomas' branch line. When not pulling trucks, he can be seen pulling the post train or even taking Annie and Clarabel when Thomas is busy. Percy's best friends are Thomas and Toby.
He is reasonably experienced, but can still occasionally be a little naive and overconfident. In that sense, he is the perfect foil for Thomas – who can be just as headstrong.
The Troublesome Trucks love to play tricks on the engines who haul them. They will often push, drag and hold engines back while chanting loudly. Their behaviour is sometimes unprovoked, but occasionally they seize an opportunity to cause trouble as retaliation for an engine's abuse. They also don't like over-confident new engines who start giving orders, and will often play tricks on them to put them in their place. The trucks don't seem to care if they get damaged when playing a trick. They have been the cause of many accidents on the railway, and many engines dislike working with them.
Set Comprises:
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Percy the Tank Engine 0-4-0 Steam Side Tank Locomotive (with moving eyes) in high-gloss green and red livery.
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Troublesome Truck No.1 with face, large spoked wheels and traditional LGB style hook and loop couplers.
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Troublesome Truck No.2 with face, large spoked wheels and traditional LGB style hook and loop couplers.
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Large 5'4" x "4'3" Oval of Bachmann Steel Alloy Track (14 Pieces) *
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Power Pack (Transformer), Speed & Direction Controller and Track Connector
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Illustrated Manual & DVD Format Video Instructions
Supplied in a manufacturer large packing/display box for storage.
*Some sets supplied to the UK included brass track sections in lieu of Bachmann’s proprietary steel alloy sections.
This companion video explains everything you need to know about this set and is still to be found on YouTube despite the demise of Large Scale Online.
Bachmann ‘Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’ Circus Set Item No: 90083
While many circuses were able to expand in the 1900s because of the efficiency of rail transportation, it was only the merger of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey in 1919 that created a colossal train of over 90 cars!
The world-famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus® has joined with Bachmann to let you experience all the excitement of The Greatest Show On Earth® as it travels by rail.
This ready-to run electric train set comes complete with:
• a 4-6-0 steam locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke, and speed-synchronized sound)
• coal tender
• performers’ car
• elephant stock car
• flat car with vintage wagons
• circus lion and tiger
• 8'2" x 4'3" oval of track (20 pieces)
• power pack and speed controller
• illustrated “Bach-Man” instruction manual
• DVD-format video instructions
This introductory video from Bachmann shows the train in action - you can expand the basic set with numerous extra cars:
This video features the real thing in action in more recent times before this famous circus ended its days:
“Bachmann Li’l Big Hauler Line” Sets
In addition to their Bachmann Big Haulers the company also make two other product ranges specifically designed to appeal to younger enthusiasts. The first has the rather long-winded title of “Bachmann Li’l Big Hauler Line” and comprises a selection of compact and colourful products which can be purchased separately to add to a train set (originally numbering several but reduced to only one for 2015). The separate-sale items include short-wheel based 0-4-0 locomotives; hoppers; tankers; coaches; baggage cars and bobber cabooses.
The models are robust and brightly gloss painted but lack any external detailing (which could easily be damaged by inexperienced hands) but Bachmann are to be congratulated on this initiative as there are few other G Scale manufacturers producing large scale trains and they are a vital conduit to attract the future generation of garden railway modellers.
Bachmann Li’l Big Top Set Product Code: 90194
Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages will enjoy BIG circus fun with Li’l Big Top! Featuring vintage Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey™ graphics, the Li’l Big Top ready-to-run train set comes complete with a steam locomotive with operating headlight and coal tender, colourful gondola and caboose circus cars, hook-and-loop couplers on locomotive and cars, 4'3" circle of steel alloy track (12 pieces), power pack and speed controller, and illustrated instruction manual.
Bachmann Li’l Big Haulers Short Line Special Set Product Code: 90197
It’s all aboard for an exciting trip ‘round the rails with the Short Line Special. The Short Line Special ready-to-run train set comes complete with a steam locomotive with operating headlight and tender, two colourful passenger cars, hook and-loop couplers on locomotive and all cars, 4'3" circle of steel alloy track (12 pieces), power pack and speed controller, and illustrated instruction manual.
Bachmann North Woods Logger Set Product Code: 90122
Hauling a load of fresh-cut timber from deep in the Northern woods to the blades of a waiting sawmill is the North Woods Logger. The pride of the North Woods Lumber Company, our Logger features an industrial 2-6-0 Mogul with prototypical detailing. The North Woods Logger comes complete with a 2-6-0 Mogul steam locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke and chuff sound), tender with wood load, 20' flat car with logs, logging caboose, 5'4" x 4'3" oval of track (14 pieces), power pack with speed controller, illustrated "Bach Man" instruction manual, and DVD-format video instructions.
Bachmann “The Plainsman” Set Product Code: 90078
The Union Pacific Railroad was actually started during the Civil War, running westward from Iowa, with the hope of connecting with another railroad coming East from California. Eventually it did, and now the UP is the largest railroad in the United States.
Crossing the plains of the American West was a formidable task in the early days of the nation. Making the journey faster and less dangerous, pioneer wagon trains gave way to the Iron Horse in the 1860s.
The Bachmann Plainsman set represents one of these early travellers of the West and features a Union Pacific® 4-6-0 steam locomotives (with operating headlight, smoke and speed synchronized sound), coal tender, stock car, bobber caboose, 5'4" x 4'3" oval of track (14 pieces), engineer and fireman figures, power pack with speed controller, and illustrated "Bach Man" instruction manual.
This 4-6-0 locomotive has the funnel-shaped smokestack of mid-to-late 1800s locomotives which might have to burn wood - the big smokestack was designed to help catch cinders which might otherwise land on the coach roofs and cause a fire. The locomotive has an operating headlight, smoke, speed-synchronized sound, and a coal tender. It pulls a stock car and caboose.
Bachmann White Christmas Express Product Code: 90076
Create a festive scene under your tree with this colourful Yuletide set. With a full head of steam in the boiler, your passengers will be transported on a magical holiday adventure aboard the White Christmas® Express. The White Christmas® Express comes complete with a 4-6-0 steam locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke and speed synchronized sound), tender with wood load, combine with operating door and lighted interior, coach car with lighted interior, 8'2" x 4'3" oval of track (20 pieces), power pack and speed controller, illustrated "Bach Man" instruction manual, and DVD format video instructions.
Bachmann Night Before Christmas Product Code: 90037
Perhaps there is no other gift more fun to find under the Christmas tree than a brand new train. Delivering its promise of magic and delight is the Night Before Christmas train set. The Night Before Christmas comes complete with a 4-6-0 steam locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke and speed-synchronized sound), tender with coal load, gondola, bobber caboose, and Santa figure.
Also included are a 5‘4” x 4‘3” oval of track (14 pieces), power pack, illustrated “Bach Man” instruction manual and DVD format video instructions.
Bachmann Silverado Train Set Product Code: 90050
In the years following the Civil War, the Wild West offered hope to a recovering nation. The Comstock Lode promised much-needed wealth to help fund the reconstruction of the Union, but a railroad was needed to carry passengers and freight from remote silver mines to the boomtowns that sprang up around them.
The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company answered the call with trains like Bachmann’s Silverado. This ready-to-run electric train set comes complete with:
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a 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke, and speed-synchronized sound) and tender with wood load
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Passenger Combine car with operating door and lighted interior
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Passenger Observation car with lighted interior and drumhead light
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Large 8′ 2″ x 4′ 3″ oval of track (20 pieces), power pack and speed controller,
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Illustrated instruction manual, and DVD-format video instructions.
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Bachmann Pennsylvanian Passenger Train Product No: 90082
Recognised as “the standard railroad of America” during the early 20th Century the Pennsylvanian Railroad earned the distinction of being the largest railway in the world for much of its 122-year history. Modeled after a typical passenger train of the early 20th century, the mighty Pennsylvanian serves passengers north, south, east and west of your imagination.
This ‘ready-to-run” electric train set features a detailed Baldwin 4-6-0 ‘Ten-Wheeler” Steam Locomotive & matching Coal Tender finished in an impressive Dark Green livery which comes with operating headlight, smoke (oil supplied) and electronic speed synchronized sound (may need 9v battery not included). The superb Tuscan Red Passenger Cars come with clerestory rooves, lighted interior and metal wheels. Both have lighted interiors and the Observation Car also even has a lighted drumhead.
Set also includes:
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Large 8’2” x 4’3” oval of Bachmann Steel Alloy Track (20 pieces)
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Power pack* and Speed Controller
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Illustrated instruction manual and DVD format video instructions.
Bachmann Tweetsie Railroad Goods Train Set Product Code: 90033
Bachmann item number 90033 G Scale Tweetsie Railroad Set. Originally carrying passengers through the Blue Ridge mountains from Johnson City, Tennessee to Boone, North Carolina was the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC). Operating today and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you'll understand the train's nickname when you hear the "Tweetsie's" whistle echoing across the valleys of the Blue Ridge.
This Tweetsie Railroad train set comes complete with a 4-6-0 steam locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke and speed-synchronized sound), coal tender, flat car with logs, box car, combine with operating door and lighted interior, and engineer and fireman figures. Also included are an 8'2" x 4'3" oval of track (20 pieces), power pack, illustrated "Bach Man" instruction manual and DVD format video instructions.
Contents:
• Baldwin 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive & eight-wheel matching Coal Tender in the green livery of the ET&WNC (with operating headlight, realistic smoke (oil supplied), and speed synchronized sound - needs 9v battery not supplied)
• Tweetsie Railroad Passenger Combine Car with Clerestory Roof and lighted interior
• Flat Car with Logs
• Linville River Box Car No.4
• Large 8’2” x 4’3” oval of Bachmann Steel Alloy Track (20 pieces)
• Power pack* and Speed Controller
• Engineer & Fireman Figures
• Illustrated instruction manual and DVD format video instructions.
Bachmann Mountaineer Passenger Set Product Code: 90048
Beginning construction in the mountains of post-Civil War Tennessee, the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad Company was known locally as the "Eat Taters and Wear No Clothes" railroad. Narrow gauge operations began in 1881, and after nearly 60 years of operation, developing interstate highway systems and torrential rains of 1940 worked to bring about the railroad's demise. Following a series of purchases and acquisitions (singing cowboy Gene Autry once owned an ET & WNC locomotive), the railroad was resurrected in 1956, going on to become one of North Carolina's favourite travel attractions.
This set comes complete with an attractive Baldwin 4-6-0 steam locomotive (with Walschaerts valve gear, operating headlight, smoke, and speed-synchronized sound), matching 8-wheel coal tender, a coach car with operating door and lighted interior, and an observation car with lighted interior and drumhead.
Contents:
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Baldwin 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive & eight-wheel matching coal tender in the attractive green livery of the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (with operating headlight, realistic smoke, and speed synchronised sound - needs 9v battery not supplied)
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Passenger Combine Car with Clerestory Roof, sliding doors and lighted interior in green/ red livery
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Observation Passenger Car with Clerestory Roof , lighted interior and drumhead in green/red livery
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Large 8’2” x 4’3” oval of Bachmann Steel Alloy Track (20 pieces)
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Power pack* and Speed Controller
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Illustrated instruction manual and DVD format video instructions.
Bachmann “Pioneer” Freight Set Product Code: 90055
Exploring the seemingly endless vistas of an expanding country, the steadfast Pioneer hauls the freight to build a nation. The Pioneer includes a 4-6-0 steam locomotive with operating headlight, smoke, and speed-synchronized sound), coal tender, reefer, bobber caboose, 5'4" x 4'3" oval of track (14 pieces), power pack and speed controller, illustrated instruction manual and DVD video instructions.
Bachmann Durango & Silverton Freight Set Product Code: 90057
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This Durango & Silverton Freight set comes complete with a 4-6-0 steam locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke, and speed-synchronized sound), coal tender, box car, bobber caboose, 5’4” x 4’3” oval of track (14 pieces), power pack and speed controller, illustrated “Bach Man” instruction manual, and DVD format video instructions.
Bachmann White Pass & Yukon Passenger Set Product Code: 90059
Born out of the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th Century, the White Pass & Yukon line has ably handled freight and passenger traffic for more than 100 years. Today, the WP & Y thrives as a heritage railway, allowing tourists close-up views of spectacular Alaskan scenery. This Bachmann limited edition ready-to-run electric train set comes complete with an Anniversary Edition 4-6-0 steam locomotive (with operating headlight, smoke, speed-synchronized sound, metal wheels, siderods, and detail parts), coal tender, coach and observation car with metal wheels, 32 running feet of track that can build up to a giant 12´ x 6´ oval, engineer and fireman figures, power pack and speed controller, and illustrated instruction manual.
The Set Comprises:
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Superb brand new Bachmann Special Anniversary Limited Edition G Scale Baldwin 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive No. 14 & matching 8-Wheel Coal Tender in the black and white livery of the popular White Pass & Yukon Railroad Company. This version is far superior to Bachmann’s standard production run of similar locomotives. This Anniversary model upgrade incorporates many of the enhanced features to be found in the manufacturer’s high quality ‘Spectrum’ range with the latest precision drive mechanism, metal side-rods and separate detail parts including piping and all metal handrails.
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Features include:
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See-through die-cast frame construction
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Metal die cast valve gear or slide valve as per prototype
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Precision motor
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All metal wheels
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Operating LED Headlight & Back Up (Reversing) lamp
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Separate Metal Detail Parts including handrails, air tanks, piping, pumps, coupler lift bars, water lines and air tank cooling coils.
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Separately applied dome and smoke-stack
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Operating smoke unit – simply add a few drops of the smoke oil (supplied) and switch on to get authentic smoke
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Highly detailed Coal Tender
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Speed synchronized sound in tender (9-volt battery required - not supplied)
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Even comes with Driver and Fireman.
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Matching Observation Car "Lake Bennett" with viewing platform, clerestory roof, internal detailing, authentic White Pass & Yukon livery and LGB style hook and loop couplers.
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Matching Passenger Car "Lake Spirit" with clerestory roof, detailed interior, authentic livery and LGB style hook and loop couplers
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32 running feet of steel alloy track that can build up to a giant 12' x 6' oval layout! Track is Large Scale (45mm) with steel alloy rails and black moulded ties.
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Quality Bachmann Large Scale Power Pack and Speed Controller with power indicator light, direction control switch and electronic circuit protection (not DCC compatible). Instruction manual & maintenance DVD
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Verdict: I feel that this impressive set is probably one of, or indeed the best value Big Hauler Train Set released by Bachmann to date. The rumour, unsubstantiated as far as I know, was that they had produced 10,000 WP&YR Sets as a special bulk Christmas order for a large USA store but it took several years to dispose of them all. Seems a bit improbable to me but it could just be true. Unfortunately, it now appears to have been discontinued along with the Bachmann Anniversary 4-6-0 Steam Locomotives so look out for them.
Bachmann Durango & Silverton Passenger Set Product Code: 90058
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Built originally as a mining line the scenic value of the “Durango & Silverton” was quickly recognized in passenger service. After surviving natural disasters, wars and financial instability, a determined staff (and several appearances in Hollywood movies) promoted the tourism that that ensured the line’s survival even to this day. Now recognized as both a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Engineering Landmark the Durango & Silverton continues to provide a year-round tourist service (which I have personally travelled on and enjoyed immensely).
DURANGO & SILVERTON RAILROAD
COLORADO- USA- 1882
To transport precious ores from the busy mining town of Silverton, Colorado, the "Silverton Branch" was carved out of the Rockies by the Denver & Rio Grande Western. An amazing right-of-way blasted out of sheer canyon face earned the Silverton Branch the designation of a national Historic Landmark National Civil Engineering Landmark. Inspiring awe to this day, this incredible feat was undertaken in 1882!
The colourful set contains:
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Baldwin 4-6-0 Steam Locomotive No.177 & 8-wheel Coal Tender (with imitation coal pile) both resplendent in the striking Yellow/Black livery of the Durango & Silverton Railroad with operating headlight, smoke and speed synchronised sound
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Matching Observation "Alamosa" and Passenger "North Star" Cars with lighted interiors and metal wheels.
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Large 8’2” x 4’3” Oval of track (20 sections)
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Power Pack & Speed / Direction Controller
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Illustrated instruction manual and DVD format video instructions.
Future Developments
Hard to predict where Bachmann might be going next as far as their Large Scale Train Set Range are concerned. It is noticeable that all their current offerings still rely on Analogue DC current to power and control the locomotive motors. In an increasingly digital world they will have to battle with far more technically sophisticated products if they are to appeal to the younger generation and not be left behind by the likes of Piko who appear to have quickly established a strong presence in Bachmann’s home market.
Yes, this is likely to result in an increase in the price of Starter Sets but if their competitors can produce equivalent sets at much the same price as Bachmann’s currently surely, with their substantial manufacturing facility in China, Bachmann could take up the challenge. The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020 still remains to be seen.
Certainly, they should consider replacing their old proprietary track offering with a more universal brass track – there is nothing wrong with their recent Code 332 brass track other than the price! It is virtually impossible to find in the UK since I stopped importing it and even when available is significantly more expensive than that from competitors.
I had always hoped that Bachmann would build on their 1:20.3 range but they seem to have ‘caught a cold’ and rather than expand the range, seem to have disposed of virtually all their stock at knock-down prices. This is a great pity but does illustrate the difficulties of doing business in the present economic environment.
Although it is always difficult to predict future market scenarios recent research into the Global Train Set Market forecasts that the market could actually see robust growth over the next 5 years or so. Whether the UK will experience this given recent flat or declining sales generally in the Retail Sector and the departure of so many model railway retailer outlets in particular remains to be seen. I believe such an outcome will depend very much on much better promotion and innovation in the future with greater dependence on online sales to attract young and old to the pastime.