Bachmann Trains

Bachmann electric trains are made by Bachmann Industries, a company founded in the United States, and are one of the most popular brands of trains around. Bachmann model trains are made in four scales: Bachmann HO scale, Bachmann N scale, Bachmann On30 scale and Bachmann G scale. When it comes to price, Bachman trains tend to cost a good bit less than European model trains -- though many Bachmann trains (but not all) tend not to be quite as detailed either. The quality of Bachmann trains runs from inexpensive "toy trains" (not based upon an actual real-life prototype) to more detailed "model trains". And speaking of toy trains, Bachmann also makes some fun Christmas train sets ideal for putting under your tree!

HO Scale is the most popular scale of model trains. At 1/87th the size of a real train, these electric trains are big enough to show lots of details, but small enough to have a layout on your dining room table. Bachmann HO trains run in quality from dirt-cheap toy trains for kids to the upscale Bachmann Spectrum model trains, which are more detailed models at a higher price, and Bachmann has train sets for everyone in between those extremes.

Bachmann Thomas the Train HO Sets are the only officially licensed Thomas the Train HO products in the United States. These are sturdy toy trains, with controls that are easy for young children to use (remember, these are electric toys, so adult supervision is requied). Bachmann has sets for the engines: Thomas, Percy, James and Gordon (and maybe others I've missed).

Bachmann Spectrum HO Train Sets are more highly detailed train sets, such as the Bachmann Amtrak Acela train set pictured above. Bachmann also makes some very nice Spectrum steam engine sets modeled after U.S. prototypes.

Bachmann DCC HO Train Sets allow model train engineers to use the latest Digital Command Control. Bachmann DCC trains allow the use of chips that can allow for control of multiple trains at one time with the Bachmann E-Z Command controller, and also allow for many different sound effects and lighting settings. The Bachmann Digital Commander set is a reasonably priced Bachmann DCC starter set with 2 engines, 3 freight cars, an oval of track, power source and DCC controller, all at a very reasonable price.

N scale is the 2nd most popular scale of model trains in the United States. Bachmann N scale trains are produced modeled after a wide variety of prototypes -- from old wood-burning steam engines, to coal, electric and diesel powered prototypes. Again, Bachmann produces these to fit any budget: from inexpensive Bachman N scale starter sets to DCC enabled trains (Digital controls).

On30 is a somewhat unique scale of model trains, less common but certainly appealing to some niches of train modeling. On30 scale uses HO scale track (and wheel sets) but the bodies of the train are O scale.

On30 scale is often used to model narrow-gauge railroads, such as those in the American West (for example, the Denver & Rio Grand set above), which were used in mountainous terrain where it was necessary to use a narrower track. On30 is also used for some Christmas trains and Christmas trolleys -- allowing HO modelers to use their HO track to run big and fun Christmas toy trains.

Bachmann G Scale trains, also called Bachmann Large Scale trains, are made in the largest scale that is widely commercially available. G scale trains are often used in Garden Railroads (or Garden Railways) and are also popular for Christmas trains and Christmas trolleys. While many of the Bachmann G scale trains are less detailed toy trains, Bachmann also makes detailed G-scale model trains that have many of the details of the original prototype trains.