Bachmann Model Trains

Bachmann Model Trains

How could you not have heard of Bachmann model trains!  You’ve heard of Lionel trains right?  Well what Lionel trains are to O scale model trains (trains that are 1/48 the size of real world locomotives) Bachmann is to HO scale and N scale (1/87th and 1/160th respectively).  And since these days HO and N are so much more popular than O, there’s no excuse for not knowing their most famous manufacturer, Bachmann Model Trains.  Not only that, but Bachmann has its origins right here in the good old US of A.  In fact, they started right in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—born right there in the cradle of democracy.  This was way back in the 19th century, at about the time that real railroads were just getting started. 

They didn’t get around to making Bachmann model trains until a little less than a century ago, but after WWII when HO really started to take off so did they.  Like most toy makers they’re based in China now (moved there officially in 1999) but the company is still run by descendents of the original Bachmann’s and Carlisle’s who started the company all those years ago.

But that’s all a bunch of historical bunk.  You don’t have to know any of that to appreciate them. 

Here’s what’s to love about Bachmann Model Trains:

  • Bachmann Model Trains practically invented the starter kit:  If you’re just getting going with model training or getting into it as an adult after having left it behind as a child, getting a Bachmann starter kit is practically a must.  These kits are so well designed and so easy to get into that you would be hard pressed to find a better reason why model training has had such a renaissance of popularity in recent years.  The Bachmann model trains kits provide you with everything that you need to get going and all at reasonable prices.
  • Bachmann model trains fit practically any budget and any space requirement:  Bachmann has built a great reputation by offering high quality model trains at inexpensive prices.  Because HO scale trains have become so popular since the 1950’s, Bachmann has managed to create mass produced model trains at lower cost than their competitors.  They maximized their profits by offering start-up kits at reasonable prices as well.  This business model combined with the very flexible space requirements of HO scale and N scale Bachmann model trains has really expanded the custumer base for Bachmann.
  • Bachmann Model Trains is always at the cutting edge of customer preferences:  No company is more in tune with their custumers than Bachmann. You can always count on Bachmann model trains to be there in response to new model train enthusiasms.  For example, a few years ago when the whole Thomas the Tank Engine wave began to break, Bachmann was one of the first companies to offer a Thomas Train starter kit.  I know because this is the kit that I bought for my little Thomas Train loving toddler.
  • Older Bachmann model trains are antiques:  Because Bachmann model trains have been around for so long, many collectors seek out older discontinued models from the 1950’s and 60’s.  Some of the company’s other products are also popular finds.  (Bachmann produced a short-lived remote controlled motorcycle for instance.) 

What’s there to criticize about Bachmann model trains?

  • Bachmann model trains lack the idiosyncrasy that many hobbyists crave:  If you’re the “I don’t like crowds” sort of a hobbyist, then Bachmann model trains might not be for you. Bachmann is so popular that you might prefer to avoid them and go it alone.

Regardless of whether we love Bachmann model trains, they are likely to be one of the stalwarts of the model train industry for some time to come.  So, if you’re really into model training, you’re likely to find that Bachmann model trains will have a lot to do with the sorts of trains we see coming out in the future.