Yep, we're back to the old Bachmann catalog overviews. This week it's looking back at the 2006 Bachmann train catalog, which is the prequel to the 2007 one which I have a soft spot for as it's one I remember reading the most when I was a little kid.
So what does the 2006 catalog have in store for us?
Bachmann's DCC controllers and accessories continue to grow, with Bachmann offering EZ command amp power booster and turnout and accessory decoder.
I'm kind of glad Bachmann did offer the amp booster. From what I understand, you do need more power blocks for your layout in order to keep power going. If you've got a small simple loop you should be good, but for those who have larger layouts where the trains travel a longer distance, more power may be required. I'll have to keep that in mind in the future when I'm able to build my decent size train layout.
I also don't want to overlook the auto reverse loop accessory, which changes the switches to allow a reverse loop. It's not much, but it's cool things like this that make me appreciate Bachmann. Yes veteran model railroaders, I know that you can make your own amp power blocks and auto switches in your sleep, but not everyone knows where to start or where to look in terms of making this stuff possible.
Bachmann giving people easier access to this kind of stuff makes it more friendly to those just starting out, and will hopefully keep them around once they learn the ropes and wirings of the whole operation.
Bachmann's Digital commander set being priced at $230 makes me want to cry. Two DCC trains with 4 cars and a switching slide would be straight up robbery in this economy. Thanks for taking that away inflation...
Bachmann continues to expand the Thomas and Friends line with new faces, more cars, and Gordon Express Set.
While I don't want Bachmann to go 3rd party crazy like Lionel, I do long for the return of the Grinch's Whoville special. The yellow EMD diesel looks weird yes, but still has some charm to it, and the grinch's dog Max being on the caboose just fits.
Speaking of Christmas trains, the Yuletide special (or White Christmas Express) is back.
Casey Jones also makes a return, and while I'm well aware that the train is just the Chattanooga set with a green engine, I still have a soft spot for the set, though Bachmann has my permission to change some of the cars it comes with if they ever bring it back.
While I'm not much of a trolley guy, a part of me does want to pick up the reversing trolly cars one day. Their perfect for anyone who wants a train in their village, but doesn't have the space for a full loop.
I really do have a soft spot for the Yard Boss set. Yes it's bare bones, but it's bare bones sets like this that can help those who have a tight budget get into the hobby.
Submit pass is a pretty nice set. The caboose gives off wild west vibes and I wish Bachmann would offer train sets of steam trains with wooden tenders.
Onto the back of the catalog where Bachmann's high end model lay. The 4-4-0 American was just being introduced in this catalog.
The Glenbrook Valley On30 train set looks gorgeous. I love the green colors on the engine and the light brown and red on the gondola, box car, and caboose. Yes it's going on my "wish Bachmann would re-release the set" list.
Final thing of note is that Bachmann was getting ready to introduce more rolling stock for narrow g-scale.
Thoughts:
While not super duper exciting, I do find this catalog a bit fascinating. Looking at the catalogs from 2000 up to 2010 is fascinating to me because you can see Bachmann continue to grow their efforts at going from toyetic to more serious contender for model railroading company.
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