Toy Trains Cut The Cord

The PopCult Toybox

Bachmann’s new battery-operated trains

After years of holding out as a maker of traditional electric train sets, Bachmann Trains is introducing its first battery-operated trains: the HO scale passenger United Railways Express and freight Fast Rail Flyer. Following the lead of Lionel, who started making battery-operated versions of their popular larger-scale trains, Bachmann will try to broaden the hobby with these simpler and safer versions of their HO scale trains.

Both sets 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).

This is a great new entry-level train set that won’t break your budget, but may well infect your kids with what can be a life-long obsession with model railroading. All you need is two AA batteries and you’re in business. Look for these to hit stores later this year.