Model Trains & Model Railroading

Posts Tagged ‘Bachmann’

My (now sold) G scale Bachmann Porter running around some temporary track in the garage. It’s seen with both passenger and freight trains, along with some on-board views.

A selection of Bachmann G Scale Steam Locomotives available from our virtual shop at www.gscaleonline.com at substantial discounts . Please visit us soon.

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.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-famous-bachmann-model-trains-1387456.html

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.

Source: ArticlesBase
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/guide-to-lighting-effects-for-bachmann-trains-or-any-model-railroad-1331576.html

My red Bachmann Big Hauler running around some temporary track in the garage. This is factory standard Anniversary (or Annie) edition and it’s seen pulling both freight and passenger trains.

My green Bachmann anniversary loco pulling a 54 axle train around 4′ diameter curves in the garage.

My G-scale Bachmann 'Big Hauler' running around some temporary track in the garage.

• 4-6-0 steam locomotive with operating headlight smoke and speed-synchronized sound
• Gondola and bobber caboose with Santa figure
• 5′4″ x 4′3″ oval of track
• Power pack and speed controller
• Illustrated ¿Bach Man¿ instruction manual and DVD format video instructions

Product Description
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…. More >>

Bachmann Trains Night Before Christmas Ready-to-Run Large Scale Train Set

• Though suitable for all scales, the most common size/scale is denoted in the parenthesis after the size description
• 3″-4″ (N scale)
• 9 per box
• Realistic color
• Natural texture

Product Description
Spruce Trees, 3-4″” (9)… More >>

Bachmann Trains 3″- 4″ Spruce Trees – 9 Per Box

• powered EMD F9 diesel locomotive with operating headlight and unpowered EMD F9 unit
• 3 Full-dome passenger cars
• 34″ x 24″ oval of nickel silver E-Z Track
• Power pack and speed controller
• Illustrated instruction manual

Product Description
Treating passengers to breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness in special vista-dome cars is the McKinley Explorer. Operating today from Anchorage to Fairbanks, and running through Denali National Park, this train’s lucky riders might thrill to the sight of bear, moose, sheep and bald eagles…. More >>

Bachmann Trains McKinley Explorer Ready-to-Run N Scale Train Set