The PopCult Toybox

bach-001The last time we went to Toy Fair, one of the friendliest booths was Bachmann Trains, and this year they showed off a few cool new products and provided images, so we’re passing them along to you. Toy Trains are experiencing a bit of a rebirth by incorporating new technology to make them more appealing to today’s kids.

Bachmann has been in the forefront of this, and they’ve updated their app that allows you to operate a train using any smartphone or tablet. Features of the E-Z App® Touch-Screen Train Control include: Wireless control with any Android™ device (running Android™ 4.3 or later) or any iPhone®, iPad®, or iPod touch® device (running iOS8 or later); Operational range from up to 100 feet away with Bluetooth® Smart technology; Realistic, dynamic engine sound broadcast through your smart device; Compatibility with 16 volt DC or DCC track power for operation; Ready to launch and use instantly after downloading the FREE Bachmann E-Z App® from the Google Play store or Apple App Store and no configuration or additional equipment required.

We got to see a demonstration of this a couple of years ago, when they were still developing the system, and it was really impressive then. It’s cool to see they’re still improving it.

For 2018 Bachmann Trains introduced five new ready-to-run electric train sets in the two most popular scales at Toy Fair 2018

HO Strike Force

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The HO Strike Force honors the tireless efforts of our men and women in uniform. Its GP40 diesel locomotive and three cars all feature a camouflage paint scheme.

HO North Pole Express

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All aboard for a Christmas adventure with the HO North Pole Express, which includes a 2-6-2 locomotive and two passenger cars.

bach-004HO Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

You can join the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus® and ride the rails with The Greatest Show On Earth® Special! This HO set offers a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey F7-A diesel and two Red Unit smooth-side passenger cars.

Chessie Special
The Chessie Special is led by a classic C&O® 0-6-0 steam locomotive that hauls four freight cars.

Merry Christmas Express
Bursting with holiday cheer in N scale, the Merry Christmas Express is decorated for the holidays and is ideal for a table-top display or around a miniature tree.

Bachmann’s sets include everything needed to get started in model railroading in one complete package: locomotive, cars, track, power pack, and speed controller.

bach-006Bachmann also showed off two new battery-operated sets for younger railfans. Both feature a diesel engine with locomotive, whistle, and bell sounds plus an operating headlight. These ready-to-run sets come complete with a 63″ x 45″ oval of snap-together track and include either two passenger cars, station, crossing gates, and signals (United Railways Express) or three freight cars, crossing gates, signals, and trees (Fast Rail Flyer). Just add batteries (no controller or power pack needed) and you are ready for hours of railroading fun!” Each set carries an MSRP of just $29.00, and requires two AA batteries for operation (not included).

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PopCult will wrap up our Toy Fair 2018 coverage Friday, but we’ll be covering cool toys all year long. Stay tuned.