Hello everybody,
was lurking on Ebay and found that Bachmann is building a Chinese version of a Schnabel car. I could not find it on any pages from the Bachmann site, does someone have info on this car, and how prototypical would it be for north america?
Here is a link to the ebay site, unfortunately it was the only place where i could find a picture of it, I would like to apologize to the moderators ahead of time
Frank
Based on the end sticker being written in chineses, My guess is this is produced by the Bachmann China group, which is seperate from Bachman USA. (As far as understand it, it’s like Franchises, someopne can fill in the business lingo)
Bachmann is owned by Kader; which owns all of the factories that produce the Bachmann brands (and many other well known moderl railroad brands too). Bachmann USA contracts for models, Bachmann China contracts for models, Bachmann UK,all are produced in the same factories by the same companies. From time to time, Bachmann’s different entities (USA/UK/China/etc) will see a model that one of the others had produced, and decide that it would do well in thier market, and thus contract a run of that particular model. There are probably also situations where Kader produces a model for another non-Bachmann brand, and as part of the deal gets the rights to sell that model as a Bachmann model in certain markets - which may be the case here.
As to the original poster’s question; you’ll need to compare prototype photos with the model. At a minimum repainting and decalling will probably be required.
I am aware of one model produced for Bachmann China that is being imported by Bachmann US and that is the Spectrum SY 2-8-2. I would imagine if there was enough inquiries Bachmann would consider importing the unit into the USA.
This model is based on a Chinese built version of an ALCO locomotive, which would explain its American appearance.
I have several Spectrum steam locomotives and the running qualities of the SY 2-8-2 are exquisite. To say the least it is my best running locomotive of my entire steam roster which included BLI, Proto, Genesis and Mantua. The quality and amount of detail In the SY is superior to that of the other Spectrum steam engines.
There are at least two threads on this car on the Atlas forum, both I think by the same poster. Plenty of photos of the car on his layout, clearly showing the Chinese lettering on the car. Also posted a video of it on his layout. The car is indeed a model of a Chinese car, looks good though!
But does the lettering say “BNSF” or “B&O” when translated???[(-D]
Hi
Thank you everybody for your replies. Also thank you for mentioning the other forum. It does look like a high quality freight car. It would be great if they were to make a US/Canadian version. I would certainly purchase one.
Frank
I would too. I think it would be fun to watch waltz down a 6% incline
But then, I’m a sick puppy.