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Bachmann Train Set Quality

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Bachmann Train Set Quality
Posted by MJ4562 on Thursday, May 25, 2023 1:44 PM

Do manufacturers like Bachmann have different quality levels that they use for individual products vs train sets?  For example, in N scale I notice they have  different steam locomotives included in certain train sets that they don't list as being sold individually.  They have some sets with a 4-6-0 but they don't sell one individually.  Is this because the train set is a lower quality?

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Posted by snjroy on Thursday, May 25, 2023 3:47 PM

I can't speak for N scale, but for HO, I've seen Bachmann sets with locos made with older tooling, and some with newer tooling. So my answer would be yes, depending on what's compared. But the better lines like Spectrum would not ne found in sets.

Simon 

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Thursday, May 25, 2023 9:54 PM

MJ4562
Do manufacturers like Bachmann have different quality levels that they use for individual products vs train sets?

Yes. You can buy better quality Bachmann models individually than what comes in their train sets.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

Nil
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Posted by Nil on Thursday, May 25, 2023 10:18 PM

When you say "manufacturers like Bachmann," that's a varied universe.  Even Bachmann has several price points in their sets.

The only one I have knowledge of is Kato, and they sell "the good stuff" with their kits.

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, May 26, 2023 5:17 AM

SeeYou190

 

 
MJ4562
Do manufacturers like Bachmann have different quality levels that they use for individual products vs train sets?

 

Yes. You can buy better quality Bachmann models individually than what comes in their train sets.

-Kevin

 

 

I agree with Kevin.   Here in the U.K.  manufacturers  seem to have basic items in train sets.   They tend to aim at 'the beginner'  market.  

As the modeller advances to a bigger layout the manufacturer sells better quality items.

 

David

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Posted by richhotrain on Friday, May 26, 2023 6:09 AM

NorthBrit
 
SeeYou190
MJ4562
Do manufacturers like Bachmann have different quality levels that they use for individual products vs train sets? 

Yes. You can buy better quality Bachmann models individually than what comes in their train sets.

-Kevin 

I agree with Kevin.   Here in the U.K.  manufacturers  seem to have basic items in train sets.   They tend to aim at 'the beginner'  market.  

As the modeller advances to a bigger layout the manufacturer sells better quality items. 

David 

Probably true, but I can't help but wonder if they lose more than they gain by selling inferior products in starter sets.

Back in the 70s, long after my American Flyer was put into storage and long before I got into HO scale modeling, I bought a Bachmann N scale starter set for my young son. We had more problems with power losses, derailments and unintended uncoupling, that we tossed the set out and abandoned model railroading in favor of raising tropical fish.

Rich

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Posted by NorthBrit on Friday, May 26, 2023 7:05 AM

richhotrain

 Probably true, but I can't help but wonder if they lose more than they gain by selling inferior products in starter sets.

 Rich

 

Agree.   Most of the starter sets here  are 'tat'.  Even the ones with 'Flying Scotsman'  as the locomotive.

Having said that,  my first set  (when I came back to MR)   was a Class 52 diesel,  wagons and track plus a cheap controller. Princely sum of £10.00 (around $11.00)  The diesel still runs like a dream.   The store had three sets.   Having bought one and tested it I went to buy the others.  Unfortunately they were sold.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

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  • From: Central Texas
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Posted by MJ4562 on Friday, May 26, 2023 8:28 AM

The reason I'm asking is I like the N scale modern 4-4-0 and 4-6-0 that Bachmann and Model Power made a few years ago and don't currently sell individually, but appear to include in certain sets.  I'm considering getting a set just for the locomotive. 

I'm on the fence though because I have heard that sets usually include lower quality gear. I wonder if there are parts numbers available for the individual items to compare.   

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Posted by bmtrainmaster on Friday, May 26, 2023 10:22 AM

I have a ho bachmann set. It was $100 with everything you needed to run trains. It runs well and for what you get it was a great deal. I have a n scale bachmannn set and everything is great. If you find the set for far less than the MSRP, it is worth it.

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Posted by crossthedog on Friday, May 26, 2023 10:31 AM

richhotrain
Probably true, but I can't help but wonder if they lose more than they gain by selling inferior products in starter sets. Back in the 70s, long after my American Flyer was put into storage and long before I got into HO scale modeling, I bought a Bachmann N scale starter set for my young son. We had more problems with power losses, derailments and unintended uncoupling, that we tossed the set out and abandoned model railroading in favor of raising tropical fish.

But you came back. :)

Returning to model railroading after 40 years and taking unconscionable liberties with the SP&S, Northern Pacific and Great Northern roads in the '40s and '50s.

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Posted by richhotrain on Friday, May 26, 2023 10:55 AM

crossthedog
richhotrain
Probably true, but I can't help but wonder if they lose more than they gain by selling inferior products in starter sets. Back in the 70s, long after my American Flyer was put into storage and long before I got into HO scale modeling, I bought a Bachmann N scale starter set for my young son. We had more problems with power losses, derailments and unintended uncoupling, that we tossed the set out and abandoned model railroading in favor of raising tropical fish.

 

But you came back. :)

 

 

Yeah, but in spite of my experience with that Bachmann train set.

Rich

Alton Junction

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Posted by SeeYou190 on Friday, May 26, 2023 12:27 PM

Nil
The only one I have knowledge of is Kato, and they sell "the good stuff" with their kits.

In N and Z scales there are good-quality train sets available for the beginner.

Not so much in current HO. Athearn tried it a few years back.

I would assume Lionel still makes some good-quality sets in three rail O.

-Kevin

Living the dream.

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Posted by snjroy on Friday, May 26, 2023 7:34 PM

Here is an example of a Bachmann train set with, what appears to be a decent Consolidation engine:

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1796

I don't think Bachmann has a "special line" of engines specifically for their train sets, at least in HO steam. 

Simon

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