Back to the old memory well with Bachmann trains with it's 2004 catalog. Last catalog I went over (the 2002 one), introduced Thomas and friends to the line. This one includes Bachmann's own DCC controller: the E-Z command.
The E-Z command controller came with the benefit of giving those who had DCC trains easy access to use them, while also making it affordable. Bachmann also had some trains come with the DCC controller, which is something I'd like to see them do again.
As I stated in my blog about Analog vs. Digital, while I can't exactly praise Bachmann's DCC controller as I don't have it yet, I do appreciate Bachmann and other companies out there making DCC controllers that are dummy proof/easy to use. Especially in my case as someone who wants to use them mainly to control the sounds of the trains (horn, whistle, bell).
Revisiting the most useful engine in Sodar, Bachmann releases some new Thomas sets with Deluxe Thomas with Annie and Claribel. This set comes with Berdie the bus, Sir Tophamm Hat, and Harold the helicopter.
Unlike the regular Thomas with Annie and Claribel set, this one comes with a 56x38 oval as opposed to a 36' circle.
One set I failed to mention in the 2002 catalog was the Silver Star.
Yes guys, I know me saying "man I wish Bachmann would remake this set" is getting a bit old, but come on now guys. A 6 x 3 8 figure train set? That's something you don't see everyday.
The Special Force and Desert Force set is also on the list of remakes as well, though I do recall Bachmann releasing a camouflage train set recently (around 2022 or 2023).
Old tyme village freight and express were still being offered at this time, and I honestly do wish I could pick both these sets up. I know they wouldn't be in scale but these two sets would look great running in someone's Christmas village set up for the holidays.
The one silver lining is that while Bachmann doesn't offer them in train sets, they do sell 4-4-0 Americans alongside fright cars and passenger cars similar to the ones offered in both sets.
The Irish Railway set is interesting as it's a European train set, even advertised as HO/OO in the catalog.
While Bachmann does have an European branch, it is kind of cool to see them do some European trains for America.
Over in G scale there isn't too much to talk about, but I do like the North Pole Special train set. It's similar to the "Night Before Christmas" set, but with a few more cars to it.
Over into the Spectrum side, Bachmann comes out swinging with "The George Washington."
A DCC ready 4-8-4 J2 carrying 8 well detailed passenger cars.
It does bring a smile to my face to see Bachmann do these types of train sets every now and then. I do recall Lionel did the George Washington before in one of their catalogs or O-scale, so it's nice to see an HO scale version for those who don't have the space or money for the bigger scale one.
The Keystone is a train set I'd like to see Bachmann remake/offer again. I'm more of a smooth sided passenger car type of guy but seeing the K4 carry those heavyweight cars just looks and feels right. If anyone has model railroad set in the transitional era, this set would fit right in.
moving over to On30, we have the Jingle Bell express. I really like this set. The colors of the steam engine and the freight cars really stand out, and I can see this train running around a dimly lit Christmas village.
For those that aren't into Christmas villages though and want an On30 narrow gauge layout, the Ohio River & Western train set would be a great start.
Final thoughts:
While not as much to cover as the 2002 catalog, I do like what Bachmann had to offer here, including the E-Z command. Bachmann making their own controller for DCC trains really shows that their in the market not just for the casual train collector, but the more hardcore hobbyist as well.
What were your thoughts on this catalog and what train sets did you like/would like to see Bachmann start offering again?
No comments:
Post a Comment