Bachmann Industries

Bachmann Industries

Company type	Private
Industry	Model railroading
Founded	1833 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Headquarters	Hong Kong , China
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Model trains and accessories (HO scale, N scale, On30, 00 gauge, HOn30, G scale), Williams brand trains, Plasticville kits, E-Z Track
Owner	Kader Group
Parent	Kader Group

Bachmann Industries (also known as Bachmann Brothers, Inc.) is a Chinese-owned enterprise registered in Bermuda, with its main office situated in Hong Kong, focusing on the model railroad industry.

Originally established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—where its North American headquarters are still located—Bachmann operates under the umbrella of the Kader Group. Its manufacturing takes place at a joint-venture facility in Dongguan, China, which is partly owned by the Chinese Government. While the company initially concentrated on entry-level train sets, it launched the more sophisticated Spectrum series in 1988 to appeal to advanced model railroad enthusiasts. In recent years, Bachmann has enhanced its core product range and discontinued most Spectrum models, merging many of their features into the upgraded standard lineup. The company offers models in various scales including HO, N scale (both 1:160 and 1:148), On30, 00 gauge, HOn30, and G scale. Additionally, Bachmann owns the Williams brand, known for tinplate O gauge trains. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006, Bachmann reported revenues near $146.87 million, marking a 3.36% growth compared to 2005.

History

Bachmann’s origins date back to 1833 when Henry Carlisle founded a company specializing in ivory and tortoise shell vanity items aimed at the Southern American elite. In 1899, Carlisle’s business merged with a rival firm led by Henry G. Bachmann to create Bachmann Bros.. By 1902, the company was at the forefront of celluloid product development and had introduced plastic optical frames by 1912. In 1927, Bachmann became the first U.S. manufacturer of sunglasses through its successful "Solarex" brand, which was later adopted by the U.S. Army and Army Air Forces during World War II. The company earned the prestigious Army-Navy "E" Award for its wartime production efforts.

Other significant products included Birds of the World model kits, Plasticville USA kits, shooting glasses made for Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and ski goggles endorsed by Stein Eriksen.

Model railroading products

Bachmann entered the model train market in June 1968 by introducing N scale trains amid rising demand. Early manufacturing challenges prompted a retooling effort in 1969; this was followed by an expansion into HO scale trains in 1970 and another retooling phase around 1973. Packaging styles evolved from white boxes to black and then blue jewel cases, accompanied by a logo redesign in 1978. Bachmann Bros. obtained exclusive rights to produce models replicating Budd Company passenger trains as well as United Aircraft’s high-speed train.

Prominent product lines include:

Spectrum

Launched in 1988, the Spectrum series was designed as Bachmann’s top-tier offering featuring upgraded motors, realistic paint finishes, and enhanced detailing. Initially treated as a distinct brand, Spectrum debuted with a GE 44 Ton Diesel model and expanded to include locomotives such as the Pennsylvania Railroad K-4 Pacific and EMD GP30. The Spectrum H0 scale 2-8-0 Consolidation model released in 1998 was voted "Model of the Year" by readers of Model Railroader. By the year 2000, Spectrum became integrated within Bachmann’s main catalog as one of its product lines. More recently, Bachmann has retired much of the Spectrum branding by incorporating most models into its Standard Line with slight updates.

Big Haulers and Spectrum large scale models

In 1988, Bachmann launched the Big Haulers series of large-scale (G Scale/garden scale) train sets, initially featuring battery power and radio control, starting with Set 90100. By the following year, electric locomotives powered by track were introduced, alongside individual offerings of locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars. The Spectrum collection further includes finely detailed prototype locomotives and rolling stock at a 1:20.3 scale, bolstering Bachmann’s strong position in the large-scale model railroading market.

Williams

Bachmann expanded into the O scale segment by acquiring Williams Electric Trains in 2007. Williams provides nostalgic train sets reminiscent of the 1950s era, including diesel locomotives and rolling stock that echo classic Lionel Trains O gauge products. Their steam locomotive lineup features both semi-scale and fully scaled models. In 2015, Williams by Bachmann introduced a new 44-ton switcher model and continues to offer excellent value within the O gauge category, enhancing Bachmann’s product range and market presence.

Today and DCC

To close the quality gap between its Spectrum brand and standard offerings, Bachmann introduced the mid-tier "Bachmann Plus" series in 1992 after relocating production to China. By 1997, this quality enhancement was applied across the entire standard line, leading to the Plus series being succeeded by the current Silver Series. This upgrade resulted in a doubling of MSRP and incorporated clear plastic display packaging, improving both brand image and retail attractiveness.

Bachmann broadened its lineup with On30 scale trains in 2001 and debuted its Thomas and Friends H0 scale collection in 2002, followed by new structural models in 2007. Garden Scale Thomas & Friends figures were introduced in 2010, with N scale versions announced for 2020, diversifying target audiences and strengthening licensing relationships.

Since 2006, Bachmann has concentrated on Digital Command Control (DCC) technology through collaboration with German company Lenz Elektronik GmbH. The launch of the Dynamis DCC system in 2007 enabled Bachmann to compete effectively with other DCC providers. Presently, HO Spectrum models come equipped with DCC out-of-the-box, while most N Spectrum models are DCC-ready, demonstrating leadership in technological innovation.

Plasticville

Following World War II, Bachmann became well-known among consumers for "Plasticville USA," a do-it-yourself kit featuring houses, shops, and buildings designed to complement model train layouts. Initially manufactured in Philadelphia and later Hong Kong, Plasticville expanded from O scale into HO and N scales. Since 1999, production has been exclusively managed by China’s Kader Holdings Company Limited. The brand’s enduring popularity led to the establishment of the Plasticville Collectors Association in 1999, highlighting its lasting impact and cultural importance within the hobbyist community.

E-Z Track

In 1994, Bachmann transformed the North American HO train market with E-Z Track, which integrates HO track mounted on a molded plastic roadbed for straightforward assembly and reliable performance on various surfaces. Originally available in steel rails, the product line expanded to nickel-silver rails by 1996, offering multiple track lengths and turnouts—including E-Z Command DCC-compatible turnouts. Following its success in HO scale, E-Z Track was extended to N scale as well. This innovation strengthened Bachmann’s competitive edge by resolving common layout difficulties and expanding its customer base.

Athearn train sets also feature E-Z Track since Athearn does not produce their own HO track systems.

Other product lines

During the 1960s, Bachmann expanded its offerings to include plastic animal figures under the Nature Craft Kits label, Mini-planes, slot cars, military replicas developed in collaboration with Fujimi Mokei, and toy robots marketed as "Toys of Tomorrow" in partnership with Tomy. Following the acquisition by Kader, Bachmann refined its business focus, discontinuing slot cars, Mini-planes, and military models by 1987 to concentrate primarily on model trains and related accessories. Additionally, the company ventured into radio-controlled devices, briefly releasing a radio-controlled motorcycle in 1998.

The Mini-planes collection featured models of commercial airliners such as Boeing 707s representing airlines like American Airlines, Pan Am, and TWA; Convair CV880 models for Delta and TWA; Boeing 727s for Delta and Eastern Airlines; Douglas DC-9s for Delta, Eastern, and TWA; Douglas DC-8s for United and Japan Airlines; Boeing 747s for Japan Airlines, Pan Am, and Lufthansa; Douglas DC-10 for American Airlines; Ford Tri-motor for TWA; and Douglas DC-3 for American Airlines. This assortment demonstrated Bachmann’s strategic intent to broaden its presence within adjacent sectors of the modeling industry.

Acquisition by Kader

Amid waning enthusiasm for model railroading, the Crowther brothers sold Bachmann to the Kader Group in 1981. Kader rebranded the company as Bachmann Industries and leveraged this entity to pursue international expansion with a particular emphasis on the European market. Their approach involved acquiring underperforming European firms and integrating them under the Bachmann brand umbrella. Packaging evolved from plastic jewel cases to white paper boxes featuring cellophane windows. Starting in 1982, product lines underwent gradual modifications, such as substituting metal gears with plastic components in diesel locomotives. By 1992, all manufacturing operations were shifted to China.

International growth

Under Kader’s leadership, Bachmann emerged as the highest-volume seller of model railways worldwide by acquiring struggling companies across various regions and utilizing the Bachmann brand to counteract any negative perceptions associated with Hong Kong-based manufacturing quality.

By 1985, Bachmann had established agencies in Corcieux, France, and Bologna, Italy. In 1989, it formed a European division that utilized molds from Palitoy Mainline products to introduce the Bachmann Branchline range. The company assumed control of Palitoy’s facility and designated Barwell in Leicestershire, England as its European headquarters—a location that continues to serve as Bachmann UK’s base.

In 1991, a sales office was opened in Ontario, Canada but was closed five years later in 1996. The acquisition of Austria’s Liliput in 1992 led to the establishment of Continental Europe headquarters initially in Fürth, Germany; this was relocated in 1997 to Altdorf near Nürnberg where Liliput maintained its German operations. The year 2000 saw the purchase of Graham Farish by Bachmann.

Starting in 1999, Bachmann collaborated with Chinese National Railway and launched its inaugural model "East Wind 11 Diesel" in 2000. Operating from Shanghai under the name Bachmann China, it inaugurated the world’s first specialty retail outlet there in 2005.

Kader’s corporate strategy focuses on acquiring reputable local brands to increase market penetration while closing regional production sites. Quality is enhanced through redesign efforts conducted in Hong Kong, while manufacturing costs are lowered by producing goods at its Dongguan facility using state-of-the-art machinery and AutoCAD technology.

International

Bachmann distributes model trains worldwide, covering a variety of scales such as HO scale, N scale (1:160 and 1:148), On30, 00 gauge, HOn30 (HO scale running on N gauge tracks), and G scale, along with related buildings and accessories. Their principal regional divisions include:

• North America – Bachmann Industries supplies products in HO, N (1:160), On30, and G scales, in addition to Plasticville offerings (O and S scales) and Williams Electric Trains (O scale).
• United Kingdom – Bachmann Europe Plc markets 00 gauge models under the Branchline label and British N gauge (1:148) models through Graham Farish.
• Europe – Liliput specializes in HOn30 and HO scale items.
• China – Bachmann China concentrates on HO scale model trains.
• Bachmann UK and Europe are responsible for distributing Aristo-Craft G scale trains.

This extensive global presence plays a crucial role in expanding Bachmann's market penetration and supporting its growth in significant international markets.

References

• "About Us." Bachmann China. <http://www.bachmannchina.com.cn/aboutus/aboutus.html>.
• Bachmann Brothers Catalogue 1968–1978
• Bachmann Industries Catalogue 1982–2006
• Bachmann Industries European Catalogue 1985
• Bachmann Industries Spectrum Catalogue 1997–1999
• Bachmann-Liliput. <http://www.liliput.de>.
• Greenberg's Price Guide to N Scale Trains. 1981.
• Kader Holdings Limited. <http://www.kader.com.hk/>.
• Kader Holdings Limited. 1999 Annual Report, 2000 Annual Report.
• Model Railroader. June 1968.

External links

• Official Bachmann Trains website
• Bachmann HO-Scale Trains Resource History and catalog of Bachmann's HO and N-Scale products (1970–1990).
• Kader Industrial Company Limited website
• Improving Bachmann FT locomotives