Bachmann Ready to run Models

Bachmann

In the U.K. the Bachmann Branch-Line brand name covers a wide range of ready to run railway models and includes some tramway items. Models are mostly made in the far east and imported. Bachmann Industries Inc. markets a similar range of items in the U.S. For convenience we have listed them all in one place.

Models have plastic bodies are motorized.

N scale models

These models are susceptible to the pinion gears on the axles splitting parallel to the axle and causing poor running, so it is recommended that you test run the model before purchase.

• U.S.A. Brill bogie car. The Brill bogie car makes an excellent basic for conversion to a wide variety of tram models, such as Lisbon 4 wheel and bogie cars. A central motor powers both bogies via a worm driving down onto gears in the rotating bogies. Many Liveries.

• U.S.A. P.C.C. car. The drive is similar to the Brill car but with a longer spacing between bogie centres. This long P.C.C. car is available in a variety of liveries.

• Peter Witt car. Several American versions introduced for 2010.

• U.S.A. Brill bogie car (circa 1920). The Brill bogie car makes an excellent basis for conversion to a wide variety of tram models.

• U.S.A. P.C.C. car (circa 1945). This car rides rather high on its bogies. The mechanism is very useful for motorizing other models.

• San Francisco cable car (circa 1900). Several versions available. This car is not designed to go round sharp curves.

• Birney Safety car. Several American versions introduced for 2010.

• Peter Witt car. Unpainted and several American versions.

0 gauge models

• A U.S.A. 4-wheel narrow gauge car in 0n30 gauge is made in a number of liveries.

• Peter Witt car. Several American versions introduced for 2010.

• Available in China, a Shanghai 4-wheel narrow gauge car in 0n30 gauge is made in several liveries.

These have recently been fitted with a better running mechanism.

• U.S.A. enclosed 4 wheel car. This tramcar was supplied in a variety of European liveries, such as Hamburg and Munich.

• U.S.A. Stevenson toastrack 4 wheel car car supplied in the livery of 'United Traction Co.'.

Bachmann used to sell a motorized version of the die cast Hong Kong models from Peak Horse, as listed in the Overseas section. For 2011 in China they introduced their own plastic bodied high detail version in several Hong Kong liveries and for 2012 in the UK released red and blue plain versions and two in the current liveries of Birkenhead 69 and 70. None are now in production. Below is the standard Hong Kong green version.

In 2003 Bachmann showed prototypes of a range of British outline models in 00 scale. They were to be powered by a 4-wheel motor unit similar to that used in the Peak Horse Hong Kong trams. They were expected to sell at around £30. Sadly it seems that the project has been dropped due to lack of demand.

2003 Prototypes. Photos by David Voice.

Bachmann models are available at larger model shops.

Bachmann UK website

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