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Bachmann Trains - Empire Builder Ready To Run 68 Piece Electric Train Set - N Scale

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 244 ratings

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Purchase options and add-ons

  • Complete Ready To Run 68 Piece Freight Train Set
  • Powered by a Northern 4-8-4 Steam Era Locomotive and Tender with Operating Headlight
  • Includes; Wood Reefer Car, Single Dome Tank Car, Center-Flow Hopper Car, Plug-Door Box Car, Wood Stock Car, Wood Braced Gondola Car, Open Quad Offset Hopper Car, Off-Set Cupola Caboose, Railroad Signs, Street Signs, and Telephone Poles
  • 44" x 24" Oval of Nickel Silver E-Z Track , Power Pack and Speed Controller
  • N Scale 1:160
  • Designed for Use by Experienced Hobbyist – Not Meant for Beginners
  • Small Highly Detailed Components – For Consumers Ages 14 and Up

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WARNING:

CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

Product information

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Bachmann Trains - Empire Builder Ready To Run 68 Piece Electric Train Set - N Scale


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Product Description

Product Description

Empire Builder Ready To Run 68 Piece Electric Train Set - N Scale. American railroads helped build great fortunes and the wealth of the Nation. Doing its part, our Empire Builder train set comes complete with Bachmann‘s exclusive E-Z Track snap-fit track and roadbed system. This set includes; Northern 4-8-4 steam locomotive and tender with operating headlight, wood reefer, single-dome tank car, center-flow hopper, plug-door box car, wood stock car, wood-braced gondola, open quad offset hopper, offset cupola caboose, 44” x 24” oval of nickel silver E-Z Track including 11 pieces curved track, 8 pieces straight track and 1 curved plug-in terminal rerailer, 12 telephone poles, 24 railroad and street signs, power pack and speed controller, illustrated instruction manual.

From the Manufacturer

American railroads helped build great fortunes and the wealth of the Nation.

Important information

Safety Information

Small Parts


From the manufacturer

Bachmann Logo

Discover Everything Bachmann Trains Offers to Get Started in Model Railroading

Since 1833, Bachmann has been known for providing innovative design at a good value. We are now one of the world's largest distributor, by volume, of ready-to-run train sets, locomotives, track, and accessories. Bachmann is also the only train company to offer products in all five of the most popular scales: N, HO, On30, O, and Large Scale.

As a distributor of beloved Thomas & Friends products, Bachmann brings the adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine to life with a growing line of complete train sets, separate sale items, and accessories for children from 8 to 80-just add your imagination. Thomas & Friends is available in both HO and Large Scale.

Bachmann's exclusive snap-together E-Z Track System makes track setup quick, easy, and fun. Plasticville U.S.A. and SceneScapes buildings and accessories let you add the finishing touches for the perfect layout.

Start

Assembly

Power

Train

If You Are Purchasing a Train Set, It Will Include

  1. Locomotive
  2. Cars (Rolling Stock)
  3. E-Z Track – available in either black roadbed with steel alloy rail or gray roadbed with nickel silver rail
  4. Terminal/Rerailer
  5. Terminal Wire
  6. Speed Controller
  7. Power Supply
  8. List of Components

Track Assembly

  1. Decide where to set up your train – a dry, firm, flat surface works best!
  2. To make sure you have enough working room, make a test track layout by loosely placing track in desired configuration.
  3. The terminal/rerailer section will later be connected to a power pack and power supply, so place it near an outlet or power strip.
  4. Install under-track magnet, if your set comes with one. If your set does not come with one, magnets are available separately (HO Item No. 78999; N Scale Item No. 78998).
  5. Assemble the track by pushing together. Make sure the rail and joiners are seated properly. Be careful that the rail joiners do not slip under the rail without properly connecting. This can cause train derailments and electrical circuit interruptions.
  6. After track is assembled, double-check for joint connection and fit by lightly running your fingers over the top of the rails in both directions.
  7. If you detect bumps or distortion on the track surface, recheck the rail joiner fit.

Power Connections

  1. Power supply and speed control are plug and play; no tools are needed.
  2. Power is supplied to the track and the locomotive by the power supply, speed controller, terminal wire, and E-Z Track terminal/rerailer.
  3. First – turn knob on the speed controller counterclockwise until it stops (all the way to the left).
  4. Next – attach terminal wire to the speed controller by plugging it in where it says 'To Track'.
  5. Then – plug terminal wire into the E-Z Track terminal rerailer. Firmly push connector onto the track terminals.
  6. Finally – plug the connecting wire from the power supply into jack on the speed controller labeled 'In'. Then plug power supply into a live wall outlet.
  7. Some sets may come with a speed controller with two push button connectors. These are used to supply AC power to accessories.
  8. To make positive and secure connections to these, push in buttons and insert each of the bare ends of the connection wire from your accessory.
  9. The speed controller is capable of powering one accessory at a time.

Putting the Train on the Track

  1. Put the locomotive on the track and run the wheels back and forth over the terminal rerailer track.
  2. When the wheels glide smoothly over the track, you know the wheels are all on the track. If your set comes with a tender, attach it to the locomotive.
  3. Add the rest of the cars that come with your set by placing them on the track and running them back and forth over the terminal rerailer until they glide smoothly. Then gently push the cars together – they will engage automatically.
  4. Do not try to connect cars when positioned over an under-track magnet.

Couplers

Run

Cl

Clean

How to Use E-Z Mate Couplers (HO and On30 Scale)

  1. Your set may be equipped with E-Z Mate magnetically operated knuckle couplers that let you perform real railroad switching and yard operations.
  2. Coupling two cars with E-Z Mate couplers is as easy as pushing them together when they are not over an under-track magnet.
  3. Uncoupling occurs only when over an under-track magnet and when there is no tension between the cars.
  4. To uncouple E-Z Mate couplers, stop two couplers directly over the under-track magnet. With no tension between the cars, the couplers will open automatically.
  5. If cars will not couple, check to be sure cars are not positioned over the uncoupling magnet or parked on a curve.
  6. If cars will not uncouple, check to be sure the couplers are positioned directly adjacent to the magnet position indicator and that the indicator is placed in line with the center line of the under-track magnet.
  7. Check that the magnet is secured to the underside of the track and fitted with the steel plate provided.

How to Run Your Train

  1. Your set may be equipped with E-Z Mate magnetically operated knuckle couplers that let you perform real railroad switching and yard operations.
  2. Coupling two cars with E-Z Mate couplers is as easy as pushing them together when they are not over an under-track magnet.
  3. Uncoupling occurs only when over an under-track magnet and when there is no tension between the cars.
  4. To uncouple E-Z Mate couplers, stop two couplers directly over the under-track magnet. With no tension between the cars, the couplers will open automatically.
  5. If cars will not couple, check to be sure cars are not positioned over the uncoupling magnet or parked on a curve.
  6. If cars will not uncouple, check to be sure the couplers are positioned directly adjacent to the magnet position indicator and that the indicator is placed in line with the center line of the under-track magnet.
  7. Check that the magnet is secured to the underside of the track and fitted with the steel plate provided.

Action Checklist (Troubleshooting If Your Train Doesn’t Run or Stops Running)

  1. Is the power supply plugged in to a live receptacle?
  2. Are the wheels on the track?
  3. Is the wiring secure?
  4. Is the track properly assembled?
  5. Is the track properly seated in the rail joiner?
  6. If your train stops or fails to start, a short circuit may be indicated. If this is the case, Unplug The Power Supply Immediately.
  7. Common reasons for a short circuit: derailed wheels may cause a short. Check to make sure all wheels are on the track. Also check all connections and make sure there is no metal of any sort across the rails.
  8. After checking everything carefully, resume operation.
  9. Please note, your power supply is protected by a circuit breaker that automatically resets after a short circuit is corrected.
  10. Allow up to 5 minutes for the circuit breaker to reset before resuming operation.

Keep Your Train in Top Operating Condition

  1. Works better after couple hours of break-in time.
  2. Train performs best under clean operating conditions.
  3. Clean wheels and a clean track ensure good electrical contact.
  4. After about every 8 hours of operation, wipe the track rails and exposed wheels with a soft, lint-free cloth.
  5. Removal of black residue is normal.
  6. Do Not Use Steel Wool To Clean Your Track.
  7. Do not use common solvents, they may damage plastics - use track cleaner.
  8. After 24 hours of use, light lubrication is required to keep train in top operating condition. Bachmann E-Z Lube or other hobby-grade lubricants are recommended.

Bachmann hopes you enjoy your train for many years to come!

What's in the box

  • Bachmann Trains - Empire Builder Ready To Run 68 Piece Electric Train Set - N Scale
  • Product guides and documents

    Looking for specific info?

    Customer reviews

    3.8 out of 5 stars
    3.8 out of 5
    244 global ratings

    Customers say

    Customers like the appearance and detail of the toy vehicle set. However, some customers have mixed opinions on value, quality, performance, track, smoothness, and ease of assembly.

    AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

    20 customers mention17 positive3 negative

    Customers like the appearance of the toy vehicle set. They say it's a very nice train set with a good selection of period rolling stock to match. Some say the train cars are nice, but the engine is garbage. Overall, customers find the set to be good and impressive looking.

    "...The rolling stock looks decent and rolls well. The locomotive itself is difficult to get on the track, but that's expected given that it's a 4-8-4...." Read more

    "...The trains have excellent detail, and the transformer quality exceeded my expectations...." Read more

    "...Overall, this is a very nice train. If you have only a straight oval with no switches, the pilot truck assembly problem shouldn't be much trouble...." Read more

    "This is a great intro set for anyone. Its a good looking loco with solid details all the way around. This is not a dcc loco, so no sound...." Read more

    12 customers mention10 positive2 negative

    Customers like the detail of the toy vehicle set. For example, they say the trains are very well detailed, authentically detailed, and the engine is very detailed. Customers also appreciate the short and concise description.

    "...The trains have excellent detail, and the transformer quality exceeded my expectations...." Read more

    "An excellent train set, very well detailed and at a reasonable price. Have had it about a month and have already put a few miles on it...." Read more

    "This is a great intro set for anyone. Its a good looking loco with solid details all the way around. This is not a dcc loco, so no sound...." Read more

    "...The locomotive has detailed drivers and shafts and linkages that all move, and a (admittedly) dim front light...." Read more

    33 customers mention11 positive22 negative

    Customers are mixed about the quality of the toy vehicle set. Some mention that it's a quality product and authentically detailed, while others say that it would derail intermittently when coming off the curves and start falling apart. The engine front and rear trucks would de rail going through switches.

    "...not on the track (which is hard to tell as it's mostly hidden), it will derail a lot...." Read more

    "...Even at high speed the entire set of cars does not derail, just cruises right along...." Read more

    "...A few pieces have bumps on the end of the rail, so it often causes derailments or makes the train simply stop...." Read more

    "...It needs to run at high speed to not stall. The front truck is easy to derail and if you want to keep running it you will do better taking it off...." Read more

    23 customers mention13 positive10 negative

    Customers are mixed about the performance of the toy vehicle set. Some mention that it functions reasonably well, runs great, and has an excellent track record for all over performance. However, others say that the transformer was ok, but the engine didn't work very well and was a pain to work with.

    "...That's the thing with Bachmann, most of the sets are good and everything works, but you're not going to lose yourself in the details...." Read more

    "...The couplers will engage automatically." Not true, they don't engage. You must pinch them together with a long tweezers or pliers...." Read more

    "...On the bright side, the power pack works, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how much detail they are able to put on something this small...." Read more

    "...Rapido couplers work very well but they are somewhat out of style visually so there is a tradeoff in using them...." Read more

    23 customers mention10 positive13 negative

    Customers are mixed about the value of the toy vehicle set. Some mention that the engine alone is worth it, while others say that it was a complete waste of money. The cars and locomotive are cheap, and the quality is not what they expected from a well known company. The 4-8-4 Northern locomotive has a couple of issues.

    "...Locomotive: It looks nice but it is a terrible runner. It needs to run at high speed to not stall...." Read more

    "An excellent train set, very well detailed and at a reasonable price. Have had it about a month and have already put a few miles on it...." Read more

    "...Quality isn't what I expected from a well known company." Read more

    "...and run it once a year around the tree, then this is a very good set for the money...." Read more

    13 customers mention7 positive6 negative

    Customers are mixed about the ease of assembly of the toy vehicle set. Some mention it's quite easy to assemble and a joy to own, while others say that the whole assembly needs some reengineering. Another problem is the couplers, which require careful putting track together properly.

    "...The included EZ-Track was fairly simple to assemble, a few miss alignments but that's going to happen with any track...." Read more

    "...The two axles have far too much play. Seems like the whole assembly needs some reengineering.Another problem is the couplers...." Read more

    "...With light adult supervision the tracks are easy to assemble even for my 4 year old grandson...." Read more

    "...Assembling thetrack sections was painfully difficult -- literally. I needed to slam them..." Read more

    12 customers mention4 positive8 negative

    Customers are mixed about the smoothness of the toy vehicle set. Some mention that the locomotive is smooth running, the stock looks decent, and the cars does not derail. However, others say that the 4-8-4 is not a smooth running engine, they had difficulty with the train staying on track, and that the track pieces were warped and do not allow smooth rolling. The assembly is very loose and floppy, and does not stay on track very well.

    "...four wheel pilot truck assembly is very loose and floppy and doesn't stay on track very well, especially thru the switches...." Read more

    "...The rolling stock looks decent and rolls well. The locomotive itself is difficult to get on the track, but that's expected given that it's a 4-8-4...." Read more

    "...Locomotive: It looks nice but it is a terrible runner. It needs to run at high speed to not stall...." Read more

    "...Even at high speed the entire set of cars does not derail, just cruises right along...." Read more

    9 customers mention3 positive6 negative

    Customers are mixed about the track. Some mention that it's plenty of track for a start, and the EZ-track is good. However, others say that it was miserable, touchy, and tight. The trains can also be finnicky, making it difficult to push them.

    "...These traina can also be finnicky so before you freak out that the train doesnt work check over the track and wire connections. Enjoy!" Read more

    "Track: The EZ-track is good...." Read more

    "...It's really too long and heavy for such a small, tight track...." Read more

    "...The track is very touchy - train would stall easily, but it was because of slight track misalignment. Fixable by hand or with needle-nose pliers...." Read more

    Looking back I should have bought a different set.
    3 Stars
    Looking back I should have bought a different set.
    I purchased this to go around the Christmas tree- and for that it's really good. It's simple to assemble, and (provided the connections are lined up carefully) functions reasonably well. Takes about 10 minutes from the box to functional.The large locomotive and longer cars do cause some issues though- I'll get to that later.I'm glad I went with N scale; the small size is perfect for our small tree. No complaints there.Were I to purchase a Bachmann kit for this purpose again though, I would buy one of the simpler kits. The large 4-8-4 locomotive that comes with the Empire Builder kit (and what drew me to it in the first place), just doesn't work that well. It's really too long and heavy for such a small, tight track. It frequently stalls and needs to be prodded to get it running again, and doesnt function at all at less than half-speed.I picked up a second hand Kato locomotive which works ten times better. (See video)I have to say, there's a wealth of additional track pieces, details and accouterments to purchase to give the setup more realism. I had a hoot building this display out with models from Woodland Scenics. My advice to a first timer would be to start with one of the more basic Bachmann kits *with a smaller, more modern locomotive* and upgrade from there.
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    Top reviews from the United States

    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2015
    28 people found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2013
    12 people found this helpful
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    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2014
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    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2020
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    Top reviews from other countries

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    Jean-Pierre Dorion
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bonne qualité et fonctionne très bien.
    Reviewed in Canada on November 17, 2023
    Luis Montemayor
    5.0 out of 5 stars ¡Excelente producto!
    Reviewed in Mexico on November 22, 2022
    Oleksandr Lysenko
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing set! A steam locomotive is awesome
    Reviewed in Canada on February 19, 2018
    3 people found this helpful
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    hubert
    4.0 out of 5 stars bon kit
    Reviewed in Canada on December 31, 2018
    One person found this helpful
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    Amazon Customer
    1.0 out of 5 stars Very unsatisfied
    Reviewed in Canada on September 5, 2019
    2 people found this helpful
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