Ride the Empire Builder Bachmann HO scale train set

If you are looking for an interesting and very distinctive ho scale train set, you are in the right place. The Bachmann Empire Builder ho gauge train set fits this description and is the one for you.

For those of you who like to know the history behind your Bachmann Empire Builder ho scale train set, the Empire Builder was the flagship passenger train of the Great Northern railroad and was named after the founder of the Great Northern railroad, James J. Hill. He became known as the Empire Builder because he was very successful in reorganizing several railroads and making them the Great Northern Railway. This railroad extended all the way to the Pacific Northwest in the nineteenth century. Passengers who traveled on the Empire Builder train after World War II were fortunate because they were able to ride on a Great Dome passenger car and take in the wonderous scenery in the Cascade Mountains and the Glacier National Park in the Rocky Mountains of Montana.

On to the Bachmann ho scale train set called the Empire Builder. This train set can be a great way for you to start your model railroading adventure. An f7-a ho locomotive that is orange and brown leads the way and has Empire Builder printed on its side and is equipped with an operating headlight. The set also has a powered f7-b ho locomotive that goes behind the f7-a ho locomotive.

The two cars on the Empire Builder ho scale train set are a full dome passenger car and a smooth side coach. Both of these brown and orange ho scale train cars have yellow trim and Empire Builder printed towards the top of the car. These ho scale train cars are very sharp and really add to a model train layout. The whole train connects to each other with Bachmann e-z mate couplers.

The Empire Builder ho gauge train set travels around a sixty three inch by forty five inch oval of Bachmann snap fit e-z track. There are sixteen pieces of twenty two inch radius curve track, three pieces of straight e-z track and one plug in rerailer. To help you out with the setup of your ho scale train set is a illustrated instruction manual.

The Bachmann Empire Builder ho scale train set is just what you are looking for if you are looking for an ho gauge train set with an interesting history behind it and some very colorful passenger cars. Enjoy your Empire Builder set and happy model railroading.

Learn About the HO Bachmann Diesel EMD GP9

This article will give you some history about the EMD GP9 diesel engines and how the Bachmann diesel ho trains engines are patterned after them.

The EMD GP9 was originally built by General Motors and their Electric Motive division between the years 1954 thru 1963. The EMD GP9 diesel was one of the top sellers of all time. What set this engine apart was a very powerful sixteen cylinder 1750-HSP 567 engine. Now that you know a little about the actual engine, its time to learn about the Bachmann diesel which is patterned after it.

The Bachmann diesel EMD GP9 is dcc-equipped and comes in several roadnames. These ho trains engines are the very recognizable yellow and gray Union Pacific Bachmann diesel, Pennsylvania Railroad, Canadian National, Louisville and Nashville, Baltimore and Ohio Capital Dome, and last but not least is the very interesting looking Santa Fe zebra stripe engine. These Bachmann diesel ho trains engines come with dynamic brakes.

Some of the many features of these Bachmann diesel ho trains engines are described here. The first and very important feature for many model railroaders is the fact these ho trains engines are dcc-equipped for speed, direction, and lighting.

These Bachmann diesel ho trains engines are all wheel drive and are complete with a dual mode NMRA compliant decoder with an eight pin plug. The precision can motor helps power these Bachmann diesel ho trains engines and the flywheels are dual precision balanced.

Your Bachmann diesel has a super quiet drive train and the chassis is die cast. The levers on these ho trains engines are metal cut and you have finescale handrails. You get directional lighting and blackened wheels on all of the EMD GP9 Bachmann diesel ho trains engines. To connect the engine to the train it is pulling are the ez mate Mark II couplers by Bachmann.

If you are looking for a high quality ho gauge diesel engine to pull the train around the tracks, the Bachmann EMD GP9 engine just might be the engine for you.

Explore the Adventuresome Bachmann Royal Gorge HO scale train set

Operating in breathtaking country is the actual Royal Gorge scenic railroad and the Bachmann Royal Gorge ho scale train set. This model train set is made with the adventurer in mind and is waiting for you to explore it.

The Bachmann Royal Gorge ho scale train set is patterned after the Royal Gorge train in Canon City, Colorado. Anyone who has ever been to the Royal Gorge knows it is a wonderous sight that will take your breath away. The Royal Gorge is located forty five minutes from Colorado Springs, Colorado and two hours from Denver, Colorado. The actual Royal Gorge train in Canon City, Colorado is a great scenic railroad that takes you on a two hour ride through the Royal Gorge. The Denver & Rio Grande railroad had access to the Royal Gorge starting in 1879 so this railroad has been around a long time and runs twenty four miles through the one thousand foot deep Royal Gorge. The Arkansas River runs along side this train. If you are a nature lover, there are many species of animals you will be able to observe on your train ride.

You are probably reading this article because you are interested in model trains, so now that you know some of the background of this train, time to learn about this Bachmann Royal Gorge ho scale train set. This set runs on Bachmann ez track and uses ez mate couplers. The layout is a sixty three inch by forty five oval and the train set has sixteen pieces of twenty two inch radius curved track to go along with three pieces of straight track and one plug in terminal rerailer.

Pulling the Royal Gorge passenger train is a brightly colored orange, black and silver f7-a locomotive that has operating headlights. This ho scale train set also has a powered f7-b locomotive and is painted with the bright orange with black and silver trim colors. The f7-a locomotive has Royal Gorge printed on the side of it.

Behind the f7-b locomotive is the smooth side coach which has Royal Gorge Train printed on it. This orange, black and silver smooth side passenger coach is a very sleek looking ho scale train car and will enhance any ho scale train layout.

Last but not least we have a full dome passenger car pulling up the rear of the train. This is a very nice looking car and compliments the smooth side passenger car. The full dome passenger car has Royal Gorge Train printed on it against the orange on the car and it too, has black and silver as trim colors.

To help you learn how to operate your Bachmann Royal Gorge ho scale train set is an illustrated instruction manual that will help the novice model railroader and provide assistance to even an experienced model railroader.

If you are just starting out in model railroading or you are an old pro, the Bachmann Royal Gorge ho scale train set will get you started in the right direction or will be a great adddition to your ho scale model train layout. The possibilities are endless with the landscape you choose to create with this train. Enjoy this Royal Gorge train set and happy model railroading.

Things You Never Knew About Model Trains

Have you ever wondered what the terms "scale" and "gauge" mean to model trains? What the letters mean on a model train set? Which size of model trains is right for you? In the following paragraphs, we will answer for these questions relating to model trains. So sit back and enjoy the ride of your favorite model train!

"Scale" as defined in terms of model trains is the comparative ratio of measurements between a model train and its full size prototype. Large scale model trains are the largest model trains.

In the language of model trains, "gauge" refers to the space between the rails of track. "O" gauge model trains are the largest gauge of model trains followed by "S gauge model trains. About half the size of "O" gauge model trains are "HO" gauge model trains. After "HO" comes "N" gauge model trains followed by the smallest, the "Z" gauge model trains.

So which of the wide variety of model trains is right for you? A big determining factor for most model railroaders is available space, I believe this is what makes "HO" model trains the most popular form of model railroading. "HO" model trains are small enough to be in a small space, but yet are big enough to allow you to work with easily and people can see what they have created. "HO" model trains are over sixty percent of the model trains market. If you don't have much space to work with, "N" model trains might be right for you. For the really adventurous model trains enthusiast, the large scale garden model trains are probably the one for you. You can use your backyard for the landscape of your model trains. What a great deal for you!

Model trains of every different scale and gauge will be perfect for someone. Choose the model train that is right for you and happy railroading.

The Key To A Successful HO Scale Model Train Layout

What is the key to a successful ho scale model train layout? Is it a bunch of expensive ho scale model train engines racing around the train track or possibly the gauge you choose? I believe the key to successful model railroading is creating the model railroad to fit your personal tastes.

There are many types of scenes you can create for your ho scale model train set. Do you like urban scenes? If so, you might want to build an ho scale model train layout with a huge city and have your ho scale model trains running through city buildings and stopping at a large urban model train station. Your ho scale model train could weave its way through downtown on its way to the many houses you construct for the suburb. You could even have more than one ho scale model train station.

Perhaps you like rural settings. You can have your ho scale model train work its way through a country landscape consisting of farms and ranches. Your ho scale model train will have cattle cars to pick up the livestock at each of the ranches where your model train stops. The farms might have an old white farmhouse and a big red barn straight off a picture you would see in a book. The scenery will have many varieties of trees around the farmhouse. As your ho scale model train leaves the farm, it will travel through crop field scenery you have created on its way to the processing plants. The possibilities of a rural ho scale model train layout are endless and only limited by your imagination.

My personal favorite ho scale model train layouts are hills and mountains. There is nothing like seeing that ho scale locomotive coming around the curve out of the tunnel in the mountain you have built from scratch. Another favorite mountain scene is the ho scale model train going over a bridge of a deep gorge through the mountains on its way up the tracks. You can put all kinds of pine trees in these mountain scenes to make them lifelike.

We could go on forever but, hopefully I have spurred on your imagination and possibly even given you some ideas to make your ho scale model train layout special to you and those who get the opportunity to watch your trains in action. Remember, choose the ho scale model train layout that best fits your personality and let your imagination do the rest. Good luck and happy model railroading.

HO SCALE MODEL TRAINS: THE WORLD'S GREATEST HOBBY

The greatest hobby in the world has to be working with ho scale model trains. Having an HO Scale Model Train layout is a great way for kids to learn how to build something from the ground up and allow retirees to keep their minds sharp by always having a hobby they look forward to.

Your ho scale model train journey all starts when you open your first ho scale model train set. How many of you can remember the excitement you felt when you opened up that box containing your first ho scale model train set and then started putting the track together in order to see your ho scale model train coming around the track.

Perhaps the greatest thing about working with your ho scale model train is, it is a lifelong hobby. You can never grow too old to operate your ho scale model train set. Another great element of model railroading is the fact of your ho scale model train layout is an ongoing process, you probably will never finish it. Your imagination can allow you to create any ho scale model train scene possible.

HO Scale Model Trains connect grandfathers, fathers, and their sons in a project that all of them can relate too. So what are you waiting for? Go out and purchase your first ho scale model train set and start on your lifelong model railroading journey.

Model train articles

DISCOVER A GREAT HO SCALE MODEL TRAIN SET

DISCOVER A GREAT HO SCALE MODEL TRAIN SET

Begin your HO Scale Model Train layout with this great Bachmann 501 HO Scale Model Train Set.

The exclusive HO Scale Model Train Bachmann E-Z Command Digital Control System lets you independently control speed, direction, and lighting of two decoder-equipped locomotives. This ho scale model train set features include: two DCC equipped locomotives with operating headlights, plug door boxcar, open quad-hopper, wide vision caboose, E-Z command control center with wall pack and plug-in wiring, boudy mounted E-Z Mate couplers, 56" by 38" oval of E-Z track including twelve pieces of curved track, four pieces of straight track, one terminal rerailer, one manual turnout-left, under track magnet with brakeman figure, one Hayes bumper, illustrated instruction manual, and one DVD format E-Z command instructional video.

This Bachmann Trains 501 will be a great way for you to get started on your HO Scale Model Train adventure! Once you get your HO Scale Model Train set up, you can add additional HO Scale Model Train Steam Locomotives to lead your train and you can continue to add HO Scale Model Train Cars to your HO Scale Model Train layout.

Your HO Scale Model Train layout is only limited by your imagination. You can have mountains, prairies, rivers or any other HO Scale Model Train Scene you would like to create. There are many HO Scale Model Train accessories to help you to create the layout of your dreams.

"At The Throttle"

By Mark Bassett, Executive Diredtor of Nevada Northern Railway Museum

A weekly series of columns originally published in the Ely Times

Mark Bassett is the Executive Director of the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation, operator of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. He can be reached at the museum (775) 289-2085 ext. 7 or e-mail: director@nnry.com

Locomotive 93 Returns to Service
4 January 2009

~Additional photographs~

After eight months of hard work, I'm pleased to announce steam locomotive 93 is back in service! The entire running gear underwent rebuilding. Locomotive 93 had been plagued with her axles running hot. For years, we have measured the axles' temperature at Keystone; they always ran a little on the warm side. Then in July of 2007, the number two axle temperature shot up during an excursion. It was running so hot that we uncoupled the locomotive from the train at Lane City and had a diesel come out and bring the passenger train back in—very embarrassing.

Locomotive 93 stayed at Lane City and after the axle cooled, they limped back into town. The quick fixes that had worked in the past, wouldn't work this time; the axle would not run cool. Locomotive 93 was rolled into the shop and axle 2 was dropped from the locomotive.

Now dropping a steam locomotive axle is no simple task. Luckily for us the machine shop and the engine house had a drop pit for lowering the axles. Over the past several years, we had rehabilitated the drop pit and the pit jack getting ready for the eventuality of needing to use it for dropping axles.

So we had the drop pit and the pit jack all set. The next trick was to remove all the rods from both sides of the locomotive. The rods transfer the power from the steam pistons to the wheels. The rods are on both sides of the locomotive. To remove a wheel set, the rods needed to come off. Again, we're fortunate that we are able to do our repairs in the original railroad machine shop. The shop has the original overhead crane still in service. To take the rods off you run the overhead crane to where you're working and lower the cable. A strap is wrapped around the rod. Then the very large nuts that hold the rods on are removed. The crane operator is signaled to raise the cable and slowly the slack is run out and the strap tightens and this is where the trick comes in. The workers on the ground need to have the crane just remove the weight from the pins that the rod sits on. If the cable goes up too high, the rods bind and can't be removed. If the slack is too great, then when the rod is removed it could hit the ground or swing and injure one of the workers on the ground.

Locomotive 93 with all of the drivers and pistons removed.

What makes this even more interesting is it is obvious that when the crane was installed, labor was cheap. The crane operator rides in a basket with the crane. When the crane is in operation, the operator is in the basket. He or she is about thirty feet up in the air against the south wall of the shop. The locomotive is on the track against the north wall of the shop across from the crane operator. Doing the removal of the rods is like a ballet. The crane operator is closely watching the crew on the ground, waiting for hand signals, and listening for commands. The ground crew is positioning everything just so; at the right moment and at the right tension the nuts are removed and the rod is lifted off and placed on the floor out of the way.

Then the ballet continues. Now in the drop pit, the pit jack is moved into position under the axle. The frame binder is removed from under both sides of the axle. The jack is raised compressing the suspension springs. The rail under the wheel set is on a pivot and is swung out of the way. Now the wheel set is lowered below the locomotive frame. Now you need to move the wheel set out from under the locomotive. The pit jack is on wheels and the axle set is pushed out from under the locomotive. Remember labor being cheap when the machine shop was built? The wheel set is pushed out by brute strength. Once the wheel set is clear of the locomotive, the crane operator will lower the cable, lift the wheel set up out of the pit, and place it where the ground crew wants it. This is a heads-up operation. One false move and someone could be seriously injured; the wheel set weighs in at about 6,000 pounds.

This was in September 2007. Once axle 2 was on shop floor, it could be examined closely and it wasn't a pretty picture. Still on the axles were the drive boxes, which contain the crown brasses. It was very evident that these were completely worn out.

Locomotive 93 is a 2-8-0 locomotive, meaning the locomotive has two pilot wheels and eight driving wheels. The locomotive weighs 187,000 pounds of which 168,000 pounds are on the drivers. So each driver is supporting 21,000 pounds or 10.5 tons.

The driver is on the track supporting the 10.5 tons. This weight is transferred through the tire to the wheel center and from the wheel center to the axle. From the axle, the weight is transferred to the crown brass. The crown brass is in the drive box and the drive box is in the frame with the shoes, wedges, and spring rigging. This combination supports the weight and it allows the locomotive wheel to move up and down as 93 goes down the track.

The key interface is the axle to the crown brass. This simple bearing rotates with a layer of grease separating the two parts through fluid dynamic effects. The axle and bearing are both simple polished cylinders with a lubricant filling the gap between them. Rather than the lubricant just "reducing friction" between the surfaces letting one slide more easily against the other, the lubricant is thick enough that once rotating the surfaces do not come in contact at all. Our problem was that the bearing surfaces on both the axle and the crown brass had imperfections that disrupted the fluid dynamics. Short version, the axle ran hot.

Our initial plan was to just repair axle number two. In December 2007, the axle was sent to a machine shop and put in a lathe to turn the bearing surface. Then another problem arose: in the process of turning the axle, cracks were discovered. All of them could be turned out except one. To turn out this crack would bring the axle down below its condemning limit. This was setback but it was also a wake-up call. It forced us to step-back from the locomotive and evaluate everything.

The axle was stamped 12-30-08 as in 1908. So after ninety-nine years, the axle was worn out and calls to the warranty department went unanswered. Discovering that crack started a chain reaction. First, it was decided to inspect ultrasonically all the axles. Axle 1 was from 1908, axle number 3 had been replaced in 1944, and axle 4 was replaced in 1927. What we found were axles 1 and 3 had cracks and axle 4 needed turning but was close to its condemning limit. In other words, all four axles needed to be replaced—this was a game changer.

Originally, our intention was just get 93 running again and out the door. But it was soon evident that if we were going to do the repairs that way, it would be a fool's errand. Baling wire and bubble gum repairs simply will not sustain locomotive 93 over the long term.

Previous repairs had repaired the symptoms but did not tackle the reality that the locomotive was ninety-nine years old. In addition to the axles, the drive boxes, the crown brasses, the shoes, the wedges, the wheel centers, the tires, the crank pins, the spring rigging, the rod bearings, the cross heads, and the cross head guides all needed either refurbishment or replacement. Everything was worn out; in fact, rust was found on some of the bearing surfaces left there from when locomotive 93 spent thirty years outside in the elements.

The deeper we got into the locomotive the more that we found wrong. The first indication the project would be bigger than anticipated was when we removed the tires from the wheel centers. When the tires came off, it rained shims. This was unexpected. Once all of the tires were off, we had a little mountain of shims to deal with and a new unexpected problem—oversized tires.

Due to how closely all of the pieces of the running gear must work together, repairing one piece meant repairing another. For example, on the spring rigging the holes in the beams are suppose to be circular; they weren't—they were oval. And the pins that held the beams in place looked liked like crankshafts rather than smooth rods.

The drive boxes were the biggest challenge and this is saying a lot because the entire process was a challenge. But the drive boxes are crucial to the entire system. They hold the crown brasses and axles and slide up and down in the locomotive frame. We welded them up and then machined new surfaces. Every surface that needed machining required what is called a set-up. We stopped counting the set-ups per box after we reached thirty-five (remember there are eight drive boxes). It might take hours to do a set-up and then just minutes to do the machining. To say this is labor intensive just doesn't begin to explain it. There are eight individual boxes, but the machining needs to take into account how all of the boxes interface with the frame.

Our commitment to doing it right was expensive. We were taking care of problems there we left over from the 1940's. Rebuilding a steam locomotive in the twenty-first century is a massive undertaking and not for the faint of heart. You just don't go to Auto Zone for parts. Locomotive 93's parts needed to be custom made, machined, fitted, checked, machined again, fitted, and checked. This is craftsmanship on a huge scale; the tolerances are unbelievably precise and the pieces are enormous.

But due to the combined efforts of the Heber Valley Railroad, Bonneville Machine Shop, Gary's Machine Shop, and our staff and volunteers the running gear of locomotive 93 is better today than when she left her builder, the American Locomotive Company, a century ago.

On January 17, 2009 the Governor of the State of Nevada rededicated locomotive 93 at her 100th birthday party. "Engine 93, the fourth locomotive of the monster freight type ordered for ore line service…" and the remaining survivor is now ready for her second century of service.

Thank you to Mark Bassett, Executive Director of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum for allowing us to use this article.

Discover the Perfect HO Scale Train Set

The Bachmann 502 Union Pacific DCC steam digital commander ho scale train set is a great way for you to get started on your model railroading adventure or if you are an experienced model railroader, a nice way to expand your collection of model trains.

If you like the past, this steam locomotive set is the one for you. The ho Union Pacific 0-6-0 steam locomotive that comes with this ho scale train set is dcc-equipped and has operating headlights. The ez command dcc enables the operator of the train to have control over your train's speed, direction, and lighting.

The Bachmann ho scale train cars that are included with this set are a bright red gondola, green boxcar, and a wide vision caboose. You can easily add to your train by acquiring other ho scale train cars of your choice depending on what you want your train's theme to be.

Certainly you will need track to run your train on and this ho scale train set comes equipped witha 56" by 38" oval of nickel silver track with ez mate couplers. Any beginning model railroader will be able to assemble the track in no time at all.

Also, included with your set is a ez command control center for the ho scale train and a dvd format ez command instruction video which shows the viewer everything thing they need to know.

We would recommend getting a nice piece of plywood to anchor your ho train set to and this will also allow you expand your set when you are ready to do so. The size of the plywood is your choice depending on how big you would like your ho layout to be and how much space you have for your train.

Once you have assembled your Bachmann digital commander ho scale tain set on the plywood, you can start adding the types of scenes you want to create, such as hills, mountains, towns, farms, prairies or whatever you want to build. This part of your ho scale layout is only limited by your imagination.

To help build the layout, Bachmann and Woodland Scenics have many fine buildings, people and other accessories for your ho scale railroad layout. For the buildings, you can purchase ones that come in kits and you assemble them or you can purchase built-ups which are already assembled for you. If you are skilled, you can even make your own buildings.

Whether you are new to model railroading or an experienced model railroader, the Bachmann HO 502 Union Pacific DCC steam digital commander set will start you on your way or greatly add to your existing model railroad layout.

Experience Exciting Amtrak HO Gauge Train Sets

Bachmann has introduced a new and exciting ho gauge train sets which include the Amtrak Acela Express set. In the following paragraphs, you will learn of its origins and the specifics of this ho scale train set.

The Acela Express ho gauge train set is patterned after the actual Amtrak passenger train that changed rail travel. This ho scale train set is a dcc-equipped model of the award winning Spectrum line from Bachmann. If you like speed, this is the train for you. The Acela Express features the latest innovations and the two very powerful locomotives that lead this train are capable of reaching scale speeds of one hundred fifty miles per hour.

Pulling this ho gauge set is one powered locomotive which is dcc-equipped for speed, direction, and lighting. This sleek ho locomotive has an interior selector switch that allows for the choice between rail and pantograph operation. There is a precision motor and the gear towers are die cast as well as the chassis. This ho locomotive has directional headlights, ditch lights and markers as well as operating doors. You will find this is an excellent Bachmann diesel to pull the Acela Express passenger cars.

This ho gauge train set has three passenger cars all of which have tilting chassis that allow them to run smoothly around curves at very high speeds. All of these ho scale passenger cars have lighted interiors with flush windows, blackened brass inserts on the air ducts. Perhaps the most impressive feature of these ho scale passenger cars are the finescale interior detail which include passenger seats and tables.

The Bachmann Acela Express ho gauge scale train set operates on an eighty one inch by forty five inch oval of Bachmann ez track. There is a power paack and speed controller along with and dual format video which includes assembly instructions to help you get started with your model train layout.

If you are new to model railroading or an experienced model railroader, the Bachmann Acela Express ho gauge train set will enhance any model railroader's layout. A couple of layout ideas would be to have a layout where this train speeds through the countryside from city to city or choose an urban scene for its travels. Whichever you choose, enjoy this ho scale train set and happy model railroading.

Take a ride on the Bachmann Golden Spike HO Scale train set

If you are looking for the complete ho gauge train set with an interesting history behind it, look no further than the Bachmann Golden Spike ho scale train set. In the following paragraphs, you can gather information about the railroad this ho scale train set is patterned after and the specifics of this model train set.

The Bachmann Golden Spike set is patterned after the first transcontinental railroad which joined the eastern and western United states together and made traveling and the transportation of goods faster and more economical. The term used to describe this ho gauge train set, Golden Spike refers to the final driving of the nail which joined the tracks together and was a historic event in the history of the United States.

The Bachmann Golden Spike ho scale train set is a ready to run set that is easy to assemble and get you started on your model railroad adventure. Before you have a train, you must have railroad tracks for the train to run on and this set contains twelve curved pieces of track, six pieces of straight track, one plug in rerailer, one manual turnout left, one under track magnet with brakeman figure and one Hayes bumper. The Bachmann snap fit ez track makes a sixty three inch by thirty eight inch oval with a turnout and siding.

Now to the part you are probably the most interested in, the ho scale Bachmann diesel and ho scale train cars. Leading the way for this Bachmann ho gauge train set is a very familiar and popular yellow and gray colored Union Pacific EMD GP40 diesel locomotive with operating headlights.

This ho scale train set comes with a wide variety of ho scale train cars. You get a nice blue colored stock car, a white single dome tank car, a red plug door boxcar, a black open quad hopper and the rear of this train has a yellow off center Union Pacific caboose,

One of the best aspects of this ho gauge train set is the amount of ho scale model train accessories that come with it. You get a suburban train station, a very nice signal bridge, thirty six telephone poles to place along the layout, forty eight railroad and street signs to enhance your layout and you also will get forty eight assorted figures to place anywhere you would like to put them on this ho scale train set.

This Bachmann Golden Spike ho gauge train set has a power pack and speed controller with plug in wiring and also an illustrated instruction manual to help you if you have any questions.

If you are looking for a very complete ho gauge train set, the Bachmann Golden Spike set is the one for you and will make your model railroad experience an enjoyable one.

Take a ride on the Williams Bachmann Keystone Express set

If you are an o scale model train enthusiast, the Williams Bachmann Keystone Express o scale train set is the one for you.

Before we take a look at this o scale train set, lets learn some history about Bachmann Williams. Williams was founded in 1971 and manufactured replicas of highly collectable tinplate trains. In 2007, Bachmann trains acquired Williams and today you have Williams by Bachmann. These o scale trains are of the highest quality.

The Williams by Bachmann Keystone o scale train set is patterned after the Pennsylvania Railroad which ran a passenger train from the East Coast to as far west as Chicago, Illinois.

This o scale train set consists of one fa-2 locomotive and three cars. The train has a unique Penny Tuscan red paint scheme which really sets it apart from other trains. It is very distinctive and you know immediately you are looking at a Pennsylvania Railroad train.

The locomotive that leads the Keystone Express o scale train set is a dual motor Alco fa-2 which has an operating headlight and features digital True Blast II horn and bell sounds. It has the Pennsylvania Railroad red logo on the front and gold stripes on the side with Pennsylvania printed on the lower half of the locomotive.

Two Penny Tuscan red streamlined coach cars are behind the locomotive and they have lighted interiors and passenger silhouettes on them. These Williams Bachmann o scale passenger cars have the Pennsylvania is printed above the windows.

There is one streamlined observation car, also in the Penny Tuscan red paint scheme and like the passenger cars, has a lighted interior and passenger silhouettes.

The Williams Bachmann Keystone Express set operates on a sixty inch by forty oval inch that is a Bachmann snap fit track. The train set comes complete with an eighty watt transformer to power the train around the track and the accessories featuring the horn, bell, and, direction buttons. Also included is an illustrated instruction manual to help you set up and operate your model railroad layout.

The Williams by Bachmann Keystone Express o scale train set is an excellent set to add to any to existing o scale model train layout or to get you started with a new o scale model train layout. Your model train layout is only limited by your imagination. Enjoy your train set and happy railroading.

Enjoy Christmas with the Bachmann White Christmas Express g scale train set

If you are ready for Christmas and would like to find a nice train set, look no further than the Bachmann White Christmas Express large scale train set. The Bachmann White Christmas Express set is the perfect set to go around your Christmas tree. This large scale train set is a very colorful train and will add to your holiday enjoyment and get the young and old alike in the Christmas spirit.

Leading the way for this Christmas train is a very colorful 4-6-0 Bachmann steam locomotive that has operating headlights, smoke and speed synchronized sound. This Bachmann large scale steam locomotive is painted in red and green and has the number 1225 on the side of it. The tender on this Christmas train has a wood load and has a green side with White Christmas Express printed on its side.

The two g scale train cars that are included with the White Christmas Express both have White Christmas Express printed above their windows and festive holiday decorations such as a wreath painted on the side. The Bachmann g scale combine car has an operating door and lighted interior and the Bachmann g scale coach car also has a lighted interior.

Your Bachmann White Christmas Express g scale train set travels on a ninety eight inch by fifty one inch oval of which there are twenty pieces of the Bachmann track. To power the White Christmas Express is a power pack which allows you to control the speed of your train and you also get an illustrated Bachmann instruction manual to help you learn about your g scale train set. There is also a dvd format with video instructions.

This White Christmas Express will make a great centerpiece to any holiday decoration or you can make a holiday village in your yard for all to see. Whether you are looking for a train to go around your Christmas tree or just decoration piece for the Christmas season, the Bachmann White Christmas Express large scale train set will fit any of these needs. Merry Christmas and happy holiday model railroading.

Build your HO scale train city with Bachmann Plasticville USA

Bachmann Plasticville USA can make your ho scale model train layout an interesting place to visit. Whether you are looking for kits to assemble your own ho scale model train building or built-ups which are already assembled, Bachmann Plasticville USA is the place to be.

A little bit of background for you on Bachmann Plasticville USA before we explore the various buildings. Bachmann introduced Plasticville USA in 1947 and they have been popular ever since. Some of the original Bachmann Plasticville buildings are produced in the original mold because of their popularity over the years. You can can either get pre-assembled buildings which are called built-ups or easy to assemble kits for the model railroader who likes a more hands on experience.

There are a wide variety of built-ups to help you create your ho model train scene and we will cover some of them here. Perhaps my favorite is the orange dairy barn which is one you would see out in the country somewhere. This dairy barn will definitely add character to any ho gauge train set. There is an old red school house with a white roof and a gas station also to choose from. You can get a split-level house and another very interesting one is a house under construction. There are several more built-ups from Bachmann Plasticville but we have mentioned some of our favorites.

For the person who likes assembling things, Plasticville has easy to assemble kits to help you create your ho scale model train scene. Our favorite kit building is the drive in burger stand which will bring back memories for many ho scale model railroaders. Another building that some might consider nostalgic is the Texaco gas station complete with the old Texaco sign and four gas pumps.

This Texaco sign has the old Texaco star on it. If you are looking for houses, try the split-level house, contemporary house or the two story house under construction. Any of these ho scale model train houses will add character to your ho scale model train layout. There are many other Bachmann Plasticville easy to assemble kits that will enhance your ho scale train layout.

Your ho scale train layout is only limited by your imagination and we believe Bachmann Plasticville ho scale model train structures offer something for all ho scale model railroaders. Good luck with your ho scale train adventure and happy model railroading.

Create the Tastiest Lionel O Scale Freight Train set

If you are the type of model railroader who has a sweet tooth and likes to assemble your own train sets, then Lionel has the ingredients with their candy themed. You can create a very tasty and fascinating freight train set. Learn how in the following paragraphs.

Leading the way for your Lionel o scale freight train could be many of their o scale diesel engines. For our freight train set, we have selected the very familiar looking Burlington Northern Santa Fe dash nine diesel locomotive which has two Pullmor motors, magne traction and ditch lights. The color scheme is the orange side with BNSF printed on the side in yellow letters. The wheels are a silver color. This o scale diesel engine is perfect to pull our delicious freight train.

On to the tasty part of this train. We have something for everyone here starting with a Hersheys Milk Duds hopper that is yellow and has the Hersheys logo on the top left with Milk Duds printed on the side in brown outlined in white and red. Who wouldn't like some Milk Duds?

If you are more of a candy bar person, the second car of your Lionel o scale freight train set is a Mr. Goodbar candy bar. Just looking at this reefer makes you want a candy bar.

To add some real color to this train, we can introduce to tank cars. The first one is a Bubble Yum tank car in a bright pink color with the Bubble Yum logo printed on near the top of the Lionel o scale tank car. Next is a bright blue Jolly Rancher tank car which has several different types of fruits printed on it with Jolly Rancher printed on the side. These two festive cars will spruce up your set considerably.

Who doesn't like York peppermint patties or Hersheys kisses? These are the last two cars of your Lionel o scale freight set. The York Peppermint Patty car is a reefer and it has "Get the Sensation" in white letters with an orange background printed on the side of the car. You also have the Hersheys logo and York logo prominent on this car. The reefer has a blue roof and will definitely add to your train. The Hersheys kiss reefer is an interesting o scale train car as it is brown with a silver roof and both ends are silver too. The Hersheys kiss design is in two places and will make you hungry looking at them.

If you make this o scale train set, you will definitely turn a few heads and probably get many comments. Have fun creating your Lionel o scale freight train set with these various candy cars and happy model railroading.

There are several question to answer when you are wondering what makes a special Christmas tree train set. In the following paragraphs, we will answer these questions and perhaps make you think of some other questions. Also, we will introduce the Christmas tree train set that helps turn your house into more of a good holiday atmosphere.

The first question we ask ourselves and will answer has to do with the amount available to us for Christmas decorations and scenery. If you are fortunate to have a large space available to decorate for the holidays, you might be able to select a large scale Christmas tree train set. If, on the other hand, you have limited space available to you, then you would probably choose an n scale train set. Bachmann n scale train sets will easily fit onto a coffee table or any small surface that you would like to decorate and create a Christmas scene. One idea would be to create a Christmas village with your n scale Christmas tree train set running through it.

If you are in between spaces, an ho scale train set might be the one to complete your holiday decorations. Depending on the amount of space around your Christmas tree or how big your coffee table is, an ho scale Christmas tree train set could be the one for you.

The next question we ask ourselves is do we want an old time theme for our Christmas tree train set. If the answer to this question is yes, the Bachmann large scale White Christmas Express train set is the one for you. This large scale train set has a very festive 4-6-0 steam locomotive and tender leading the way. This steam locomotive has an operating headlight, smoke and speed synchronized sound. The tender has a wood load that makes it interesting to look at. The 4-6-0 steam locomotive and tender are decorated in red and green Christmas colors and are very colorful.

The first g scale train car with the White Christmas Express set is a combine which has an operating door and a lighted interior. The other car is a coach car and it also has a lighted interior. Both of these cars have a red body and green roof and certainly are decorated for Christmas.

If you have a good amount of space around your tree or if you would like an outdoor train, the White Christmas Express set has plenty of track with it. There is an eight feet two inch by four feet three inch oval. You get a power pack and speed controller to run your Christmas tree train set around your tree or outdoors. Also, an instruction manual and dvd format video come with this set.

We believe that whatever scale Christmas train you choose will definitely add to your holiday enjoyment and create a nice Christmas atmosphere inside or outside your home. Happy holidays and have a great time with your model train layout.

Find a Christmas Tree Train set

For those of you looking for a very nice o scale Christmas tree train set to run around your Christmas tree this year and years to come, you have come to the right place. Lionel Christmas trains are very popular and the one we will be discussing here is the, A Christmas Story set.

This Lionel Christmas tree train set is one that pays tribute to the favorite Christmas classic movie, A Christmas Story. Who doesn't remember Ralphie wanting his BB gun for Christmas and being told he would shoot his eye out. This movie is definitely a Christmas classic.

If you are the type of person that likes a steam locomotive pulling your train, then you will certainly like this Lionel Christmas tree train set. A 0-8-0 black steam locomotive leads this train and it has Merry Christmas in white letters against a red background just under the locomotive's window. Running down the side of this o scale steam locomotive is a green stripe and the windows are outlined in red. These accents really dress up the locomotive. Some nice features are an operating headlight, a puffing smoke unit, and Engineer and fireman figures. This o scale steam locomotive is a die cast body with silver metal rims on drive wheels. The tender has "A Christmas Story" printed in red with a green wreath to know you have Christmas model train.

There are four o scale train cars that accompany this Christmas tree train set. Alll of these Christmas model train cars have operating couplers. The first car we will look at is the gondola which is very colorful with a green body and Major Award printed in red across it. The Major Award is in reference to the dad in the movie winning the leg lamp. This was a very funny part of this movie. The gondola has a box load on it and has die cast metal sprng trucks.

There is a brightly colored boxcar and reefer which both have operating doors and die cast metal sprung trucks. Both of these cars have pictures from the movie printed on them that people who watched the movie will recognize. One is a picture of Ralphie with "You'll shoot your eye out" beside it and the other car has the boy sticking his tongue to the flag pole with "I triple dog dare you" printed beside it.

This Christmas tree train set comes with Lionel fas track and a CW-80 transformer. The dimensions of the layout are 40" by 60".

We definitely think you will add to your holiday enjoyment with this Christmas tree train set by Lionel chugging it ways around your Christmas tree. Happy model railroading and Merry Christmas.

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