The Bachmann brand is the leading seller, by volume, of model trains in the world. The company specializes in inexpensive but high-quality entry-level train sets for the mass market.
Bachmann was founded in 1833 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a manufacturer of vanity products such as parasol handles, combs made of ivory, and handles for walking canes. The company evolved over the years and, after World War II, began to manufacture its Plasticville USA line of kits for making snap-together accessories - such as houses, stores, and other buildings for model train layouts. By the mid-1960s, Bachmann had begun to manufacture N scale (HO scale came a few years later) train products. Soon, the company became known for packaging its cars in jewel cases.
Perceiving a lessening in the demand for model railroading products, the company's owners in 1981 decided to sell the business to the Kader Group (Kader Holdings Co. Ltd.), a Hong Kong-based maker of plastic, electronic, and stuffed Toys, as well as model trains. Kader used the brand to expand worldwide. As of 1992, all of its model train cars are manufactured in China.
In 1990 Bachmann entered the large-scale segment of the model train industry with its G scale train sets named Big Haulers. Its most famous G scale train is the Emmett Kelly Jr. circus train, which first appeared in 1993. The train set, with its special design and animal cage cars, quickly became a collectors' item.
Bachmann introduced its "Spectrum" line of higher quality equipment in 1988. Spectrum equipment has updated motors, more realistic design, and better detail than the company's standard products.
Since 2006, the company has been focusing on implementing a Digital Command Control ("DCC") system in its products. To accomplish this, Bachmann has partnered with the German company Lenz Elektronik, GmbH. All of Bachmann's trains have DCC.
Today the company offers trains in the following scales: HO, N, O, On30, and what they call the Large Scale.
Bachmann is one of the oldest and most respected manufacturers of scale model railway locomotives in the world. Their reputation has continued to increase while many of its competitors have gone out of business. Their well-deserved reputation is based on a steady attention to detail a dedication to high standards. According to all indications, Bachmann is here to stay in model railroading. Whoever wants to center his or her train collection on the Bachmann brand won't go wrong in the long run.
C.W. Crawford is a model train enthusiast. For more great tips on Bachmann model trains, visit http://www.modeltrainupdate.com
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