Image: Bachmann Trains · source
Bachmann Christmas Streetcar Set
Bachmann Trains · Mid-range
An On30 streetcar set with electronic auto-reversing E-Z Track, built for point-to-point passenger transit on a model layout.
Bachmann Super Chief N Scale Train Set
Bachmann · Mid-range
A ready-to-run N scale starter set led by an EMD F7-A diesel in the Santa Fe red and silver war bonnet scheme, with three freight cars and a 24-inch circle of E-Z Track.
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We have not tested it ourselves: strengths and weaknesses below come from the tests cited.
Why Railfans Carry It
The set is built around the Santa Fe red and silver war bonnet paint scheme. Bachmann says the Super Chief is spearheaded by an F7-A diesel locomotive in the Santa Fe's distinctive red and silver war bonnet paint scheme. The F7-A has an operating headlight and pulls a 40-foot box car, a 40-foot gondola with a removable coal load and an off-set cupola caboose. Bachmann opens its description with the line that, with the pride and power of a born leader, the mighty Super Chief thunders along the rails. Its page for its HO scale streamlined caboose with offset cupola describes the type: the original design was built by the Wabash Railroad, and the most common form had a small windowed projection on the roof, the cupola, where the crew sat in elevated seats to inspect the train while it moved. The caboose also gave the crew a shelter at the rear of the train, and a place to leave it for switching or to protect the rear when stopped.
In the Field
The maker lists a 24-inch circle of nickel silver E-Z Track made of 11 curved pieces and 1 curved plug-in terminal rerailer, a power pack and speed controller, and an illustrated instruction manual. The circle measures 24 by 24 inches and 1.4 inches high; the retail package measures 14 by 3 by 9.2 inches. The scale is N, 1:160. The set has a US-style 110 volt power supply, and the maker says other countries may need adapters or converters. Bachmann lists a shipping weight of 3.5 pounds. Its Getting Started page says that its N, HO, On30 and Williams O scale trains are designed for indoor use only, and that its standard-line models are designed for ages 14 and up but may be used by younger children under direct adult supervision, all containing small parts that can be choking hazards. It adds that E-Z Track conforms to National Model Railroad Association standards and is compatible with most trains of the same scale from any maker, and that its N scale E-Z Mate couplers will couple with knuckle couplers from most other makers of North American models.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- EMD F7-A diesel locomotive with operating headlight
- Santa Fe red and silver war bonnet paint scheme
- Gondola with removable coal load
- E-Z Track snap-fit track and roadbed
- Power pack and speed controller included
- E-Z Track conforms to National Model Railroad Association standards
Weaknesses
- Maker recommends ages 14 and up
- One 24-inch circle of track only
- US-style 110 volt power supply
- Designed for indoor use only
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | 24021 |
| Power | Power pack and speed controller, 110 volt |
| Scale | N 1:160 |
| Track | 24" circle of nickel silver E-Z Track, 11 curved pieces |
| Footprint | 24 x 24 x 1.4 in. |
| Locomotive | EMD F7-A with operating headlight |
| Rolling stock | 40' box car, 40' gondola with removable coal load, off-set cupola caboose |
| Recommended age | 14 & up |
Who It’s For
It suits an adult or teenager who wants a first N scale set with a Santa Fe diesel and has room for a 24-inch circle, as the maker lists it for ages 14 and up. Someone who prefers steam should look at the steam-powered Yard Boss.
Alternatives
Bachmann Yard Boss (24014) is the steam-powered N scale set from the same maker. Bachmann Santa Fe Flyer 00647 is already in this catalogue as an HO scale Santa Fe set.
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Bachmann Echo Valley Express HO Scale DCC Sound Train Set
Bachmann · Mid-range
A ready-to-run HO coal train led by a DCC sound-equipped Alco 2-6-0 steam locomotive, with a digital controller and a larger oval of nickel-silver track.
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Bachmann Night Before Christmas Large Scale Electric Train Set (90037)
Bachmann Trains · Premium
A ready-to-run Large Scale (G) steam train set with a 4-6-0 locomotive, tender, gondola, bobber caboose and a Santa figure, sold with a 14-piece oval of track and a power pack.
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