Well its on their web site, I can only presume that either they do not want to sell very many, or B'mann were concerned about direct competition with the normal product line.
Either way pretty nasty.
http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=373516
Dont blame Bachmann, this isnt any different from the cheesy On30 sets offers I get regularly in the mail, Oh yes like I would really want a Thomas Kinkade On30 train set or a UCLA train set...
Someone payed Bachmann a good chunk of change to do this, I'm sure Bachmann was happy to do so, after they got their payment, just as they are happy to do any sappy gaudy specialty set for the mailorder companies.
The seasonal Christmas geeks are the likely target audience, not modelers. Judging by the responce by hard core modelers, I just hope Sams Club didnt order too many of them...for their own sakes. How well they sell this year and how many of those sets sold end up on Ebay a week after Christmas will be VERY interesting indeed... ;D
I'll buy one and stick it under the layout. Yes, it's bad but after seeing what the Lionel pink girls set from the 50's is selling for, it may be the same in the future.
I posted this on MLS, but it would be appropriate here too..
Lights on a train. Who would do such a thing? Where would they get an idea for that? ;D
diesel...
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=239148 (http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=239148)
steam...
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=598930 (http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=598930)
hold your lunch...
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=566697 (http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=566697)
http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=600883 (http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=600883)
I do agree with you guys that this set is a little too much...
So..this set is not really all that un-prototypical, for Holiday trains, that is!
Hey, if you're in to collecting sets, this one looks different from most of the ones they've offered in the recent past. The Stock car is a change and the bobber caboose hasn't been used in a while, and the gon is always good for hauling stuff.
I just checked out the 07 Sams set again on line. Almost looks like the caboose has LEDs too. Hey, for me, it might be a good choice with all the lights. My backyard is really dark, and the a lighted train like this might look pretty cool on those dark nights in December. Or around the tree, since I'll be getting up like 3 times a night (if I'm lucky) with 'Junior' arriving late next month! (That's if I have energy to put up a tree and a train!)
Bachmann- could you comment on the LEDs in the caboose? Or is that just mock ups for that photo?
Mark
Dear Mark,
As I recall the caboose has LEDs as well.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
It could have been worse. MUCH worse.
Imagine... the new K-27 arriving just in time for Christmas....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uh4OS1lFUI
Matthew (OV)
Hey, it's not like any of us have run any of the past Sam's sets "as is." What's a few more holes to fill while kitbashing the loco into something else? For the post-Christmas price of $85 (if there are some left), can you really go wrong?
Later,
K
The "RIO GRANDE" passenger christmas train had a very classy look to it, rather than the gaudy look of some of the others.
Oh well, it's all for fun & a good time.
Also for a good reason. I take the Grandkids to the depot to see the
CP Rail christmas train. The train stops, opens a special boxcar door, & has a 45 minute concert. The cost, is a couple items of food for a donation. It all goes to a local food pantry. That as much as the train, captures the Christmas Spirit.
Enjoy,
Barry
Hi Guys,
This set will definitely be one for the collectors, even if the "serious" G scalers turn up their noses on it.
Looks like the gon is the same as the one from the Night before Christmas set, and the reindeer transport set is a rerun car as well. Looking as the valve gear on the loco I would say it is probably NOT an Annie. The candy cane scheme on the caboose looks new, but I am away from home, and cant get a large picture on this tiny computer I am working on.
I want to definitely document this set, so whoever gets one first please post the details, like is it an Annie?, The set number, Loco number, and car numbers including the caboose number if any.
I will eventually get one, but would like to get a close up view in the store first. It is listed by Sams as available online only, so it may neve show up in the stores.
Wade, did you order one yet?
Merry Christmas to all and to all..................
Bill
Hi Bill:
No, not yet. I'm going to check if the stores are getting any.
Wade
Sure we run the Sam's Club Christmas Sets.
Our club, Tidewater Big Train Operators, purchases two sets each year. We display/run one of the sets at our week-long Holiday Show. The Holiday Show is open and free to the public.
Raffle tickets are sold to the public. Ticket sales are always brisk. Most folks seem to think the Sam's Christmas Sets are nice and they would make a great addition to their Holiday decorations. The kids think they are great. The sale of raffle tickets for the sets helps us defray some of the expense connected with this large show.
So, everyone is not a "hard core" train buff. Have yet to hear, after all these years of displaying and selling tickets for these sets, that they are not prototypical.
(http://www.largescaleonline.com/eimages/lsolpics/Team_Member_Pics/jlsrails/2005_TBTO_Holiday_Train_Show/05_Show-Bird_House_Village.jpg)
JD
I'm a hardcore train buff. I only model in 1:20.3 (F) scale. BUT, when Christmas rolls around I enjoy the Christmas themed train under the tree. I usually only buy parts on ebay because I don't need a small army of Christmas locos. But when something new comes out I always pick it up. I have lots of people that come over who could care less about my true to scale prototypical railroad in my backyard that I have worked for years on. But the same people love to look at the Christmas train going round and round under the tree that took me 30 minutes to set up. Go figure.
Does any one know if the leds run off the track or battery power? and of so what kind and how many thanks? KIM
According to the Sam's Club website, the LEDs are track-powered as are the smoke and sound features on the locomotive.
Mike
At a price of $149.95 I would at least hope the set has an Annie in it. It is certainly not the bargain that it has been in the past if it does not. I also wonder what couplers will come with the set, and if the LEDs blink on and off or just stay on. It will be interesting to see what the set breakers on EBay get for the individual parts!
In past years I have bought 2 or three sets, and used at least one for repainting or bashing, while keeping at least one intact. This year I will get only one set. unless they give them away in a fire sale after christmas. The christmas sets are definitely great as a parts supply if nothing else.
Maybe Bach man can answer if it is the Annie as I would like to know this as well.
The set is showing up on Ebay already. 199.99 plus outrageous shipping!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Northern-Lights-Christmas-Train-Set-Large-Scale_W0QQitemZ230174778229QQihZ013QQcategoryZ19152QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Does any one know if these will appear in the stores this year or just be online?
I HATE the fact you have to pay to spend money there though. As I live far enough away I would never use the membership except for this one item. ::)
I just saw the sets in stock at two Sam's locations last week - NV and CO. The loco is NOT an Annie - has gold colored plastic valve gear. Actually the set looks nice and should fulfill the needs of someone looking for a Christmas train set just for the fun of having and running. The box is huge - so maybe that's why the shipping charge on the eBay offering is so high.
Thanks Reainman.
I a;sp it from a secomd source that it is not an Annie, Were there any markings or lettering on the caboose or just the candy canes and leds?
Thanks
Hi Bill:
There's more on E-Bay with pictures they took of the set still on the skid at Sam's Club. I still can't see the couplers good but I'll bet they are hook + loop.
Wade
Any one buy a set yet? I was wondering as I am planning on making the trip tuesday to buy one.(found a way to get a one day pass :) .) . And was interested in a brief review if some one had .
Hard to tell but are the leds on the caboose only on one side?
They only recieved 7 they said so hope there is one left .
Hi Wade,
Thanks I will take a look on Ebay later. Did you see my other post with the set number? If not it is 90061, but I still can't make out the number on the Loco or see any lettering or a number on the caboose. I'm guessing no change on the other two cars except possibly the Blt date.
Boy my weak eyes sure messed up on my last post!!!!
Wade,
Thanks for the tip on the new Ebay listings. I found it very interesting that the gondola in the display is different that the one in the Sam's online listing. It has dual candy canes on the tan & green car rather than the white car with single candy cane. The letterboards on the stock car are also different than the ones on the Sam's site, single letterboard on the left versus two on the Sam's site. Still can't make out any numbers on the cars or if they are NP&S.
From a collectors point of view the loco & Tender with the LEDs the Baloon Stack with the coal tender, the caboose, and the gondola are actually new items, which may never be sold seperately, it will be interesting to see.
Let me know any car numbers or other details you find, I will do the same.
Thanks Wade and all who are providing details.
Wade, all,
The picture of the store display does reveal some interesting details!!
A close look at the locomotive in the store display picture on Ebay reveals that the gold side rods are metal. Also the siderods and valve gear appear to be Walshearts rather than the Sam's site photo which shows a different set of siderods & vale gear. The promo on the display also says metal wheels, siderods, details on the loco. Anyway IT MIGHT BE an ANNIE after all. The loco number is 12 on the display, but looks different on the Sam's site photo. The box would be the first with dual language info on the box. The caboose in the display does not seem to have LEDs on the side of the caboose that is showing. Kennywsp has a good question on the caboose issue!
There is a number on the end of the Gondola but I cannot make it out. I think I see North Pole & Southern in gold on the letterboard of the caboose. I can't see a car number on the Reindeer Transport car.
If the loco is an Annie, it would be perfect for using the Annie Chassis under some of the older Big Haulers with the cheap chassis like the Royal Blue or Liberty Bell.
Quote from: Loco Bill Canelos on October 01, 2007, 08:53:30 PM
Wade, all,
The picture of the store display does reveal some interesting details!!
A close look at the locomotive in the store display picture on Ebay reveals that the gold side rods are metal.
No, sorry, but a close look reveals they are absolutely 100% without the slightest doubt whatsoever that they are gold-painted plastic siderods.
Annies have metal hexagon shaped bolts holding the rods to the drivers,
the Gen-5 (plastic rods) Big Haulers have round press-in "bolts"..
the photo on this auction:
http://tinyurl.com/yvw5o4
very clearly shows plastic side rods and round plastic press-in bolts.
Annies also have larger cylinders and wider cross-head guides, the Sams engine in the photo has the smaller cylinders and narrower crosshead guide of the Gen 5.
Annies have a more detailed air pump and piping on the left side boiler,
the Sams engine has the simplified Gen 5 pumps and piping..
I have an annie in front of me as I type this.
Sorry, but there is absolutely no doubt,
This years Sams club christmas set has Gen-5 Big Haulers, not annies.
2004, 2005 and 2006 Sams Christmas sets had Annies..not this year though.
Scot
Scot.
Are you absolutely sure?
Look at the upper part on the EBay photo of the display. It clearly says right on the display that the side rods are metal. Look at the third picture and supersize it. The Exact wording is "Metal Wheels, Siderods, and detail parts"
http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Northern-Lights-Christmas-Train-Set-Large-Scale_W0QQitemZ230177127107QQihZ013QQcategoryZ19152QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
If you are right and they are plastic, it is at best false promotion!
What is referred to as an "Annie", or "anniversary 4-6-0" indicates trim level.
The drives are Version 5.
That doesn't mean siderods, cylinders and such, rather motor, gears, axles.
I laugh when I see folks report they have just bought a red and silver #49 Santa Fe "Annie".
TOC
Quote from: Loco Bill Canelos on October 01, 2007, 11:19:34 PM
Scot.
Are you absolutely sure?
Look at the upper part on the EBay photo of the display. It clearly says right on the display that the side rods are metal. Look at the third picture and supersize it. The Exact wording is "Metal Wheels, Siderods, and detail parts"
http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Northern-Lights-Christmas-Train-Set-Large-Scale_W0QQitemZ230177127107QQihZ013QQcategoryZ19152QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
If you are right and they are plastic, it is at best false promotion!
I am absolutely sure the engine in that particular photo has plastic siderods and is not an annie.
It also has the thick plastic grab-ring on the front of the nose, which annies have never had, but the Gen-5 does.
It also has the air-tank under the running boards with no piping, which Gen5 big haulers have, but annies do not.
It also has the more crude electric generator, (right in front of the cab) which Gen 5 big haulers have but annies do not..
there are about 10 obvious spotting differences that prove the engine in that photo is a Gen 5.
no question.
Now..since Sam's sets have had annies the last 3 years, absolutely proven and known for a fact,
then there are a few possibilities:
1. The box is old data and says metal siderods, assuming the sam's Christmas sets would always be annies, and for some reason they were switched to Gen 5's this year. not enough annies available? but plenty of Gen5's?
who knows...
2. Perhaps the 2007 set is supposed to have annies, and somehow a few Gen 5's snuck into the early-release sets, perhaps due to shipping deadlines (no annies available when the sets had to ship to make it before Christmas) and maybe some sets will be Gen 5's and some will later be Annies...unlikely IMO, but possible.
I think for some reason they had to slip Gen 5's into the set this year, and the box couldnt be changed in time..
based on the photo in that one ebay auction, the engine is absolutely not an annie, even though the box says "metal siderods"...in that one case, the box is wrong..
A little something I just whipped up..
hopefully this will be anough to convince you all! ;)
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u45/scottychaos/gen5-vs-annie.jpg (http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u45/scottychaos/gen5-vs-annie.jpg)
IMO, none of this is really a big deal..
yes, we had Annies in the Sam's sets the last 3 years, btu not this year..
its Bachman's right to change engines in a new set if they want to..
the Gen 5 is still a fine engine..
and traditionally Gen 5's are always in the other Bachman sets, not annies..
(only Sams and Boscovs Christmas sets have contained Annies in years past..all other Big Hauler sets have never contained annies..)
the only genuine complaint is the wording on the box..it is technically wrong if in fact all the engines end up being Gen 5's..
and we have one more piece of evidence that proves these are not annies..people have already SEEN them in person, posted in this thread, and confirmed, via personal actual observation, that they have plastic side rods! ;)
case closed...Annie myth busted.
Scot
If and when some one on this group gets one, then we will know what is in the set. Trying to prove something from a picture or and ad does no good.
Quote from: Nathan on October 02, 2007, 09:04:05 AM
If and when some one on this group gets one, then we will know what is in the set. Trying to prove something from a picture or and ad does no good.
*sigh*..fine, dont believe it..even though its utterly proven. (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/Smileys/default/rolleyes.gif)
did you click on the link in my post above? there is a comparision between the Sams engine and an annie..I dont see how there can still be any doubt.
here is it again, in case you missed it:
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW! :D
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u45/scottychaos/gen5-vs-annie.jpg (http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u45/scottychaos/gen5-vs-annie.jpg)
(I posted it as a link rather than as a photo in the message because this forum re-sizes photos..with the link, you see it full-size)
and besides the obvious proof in the photo,
people have
seen it!! and
confirmed its plastic!
Check here also:
http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=48729
more first-hand accounts can be read there.
several people have personally seen and touched the engines..
I really dont understand why this is so difficult for people to believe.. ??? :P
Scot
Just small point, that pipe at the back aint a sand line mate, its the water feed from the tender.
Have seen in Sam's , plastic, won't buy
Scot,
Don't get so uptight. I was only trying to reconcile the fact that the display indicates the loco has metal siderods, wheels & detail parts. You are right Bachmann has done some strange things in the past, and this looks like one of them. I am trying to document the set for a book I am writing. Many people have in good faith provided incorrect information to me in the past, so it is important to me to be absolutely sure, and verify everything.
There is often confusion when a new item comes out, and this is no different. I appreciate your input and still need answers to the other questions about the set.
Quote from: Loco Bill Canelos on October 02, 2007, 12:25:06 PM
Scot,
Don't get so uptight.
who is uptight?? 8)
I dont believe I have portrayed the slightest bit of uptightness..
just pointing out the facts..
but thanks for playing. :D
Scot
Just got home from sams. I can safely say the side rods are plastic. But the leds are on both sides of the caboose. But the display has it on only one side. Cost cutting measure on the display I am sure.Caboose is track powered have not checked the set out fully yet to see if the sounds etc are also track powered will post that later.
Thanks Kenny,
Still none in my local store, See if you can get the car number of the gondola if you get the chance. Did you notice if the caboose or stock car have a number? Also was wondering what the lettering is on the caboose letterboards?
Thanks again!
Meant to add this to my last post. For those who want an Annie in a set:
Someone in an earlier post said tha Bachmann never put an Annie in a Big Hauler set except for Sam's & Boscov's. In reality there are actually two such sets.
Set 90059 White Pass & Yukon has an Annie. It is a nice passenger set. MSRP $425
Set 90047 is a Bachmann Big Hauler set Wonderland Flyer which is a remake of the earlier Sam's 2004 set, but the new set has the simpler valve gear. MSRP $450
Details of both sets can be found in the 2007 Bachmann Catalog. They are Limited Editions. I haven't seen a street price on them yet.
Gondola says on ends NP&S 50807. No numbers on stock car or caboose. If I understand what you mean the lettering is the NORTH POLE & SOUTHERN.
Still not sure if the sound etc is run by the track or batteries. I have no track laid anywhere yet to try train out on yet.The instruction Manuel is not clear on it either. But the tender has contact shoes on the wheels and also the battery compartment on tender has the normal hook ups for battery inside. Seems to me if they bypassed the battery compartment for track feed .Why spend the extra parts/money to put the electrical contacts etc in the compartment.
Over all i like the set the only problem I can maybe see, is if the leds are bright that maybe you might have"bleed through "back into the caboose and may not look right. Figure that could be fixed by a quick paint job on the inside of caboose to darken it.
Thanks again Kenny,
Appreciate the help. I will look forward to hearing what you find out about the caboose lighting & track contacts.
While I am not so much a starter set guy, I do like the idea of the lights on the loco, tender and caboose. Kind of different, and while it might not appeal to all, I think it is neat. The way my railroad runs outside, it would certainly look cool all lit up on a dark December night. I'll have to keep an eye out for the after Christmas sale price. If the price is right, it might join the roster, but I would need to repaint the valve gear and side rods immediately!
Did the set come with knuckle or hook and loop couplers?
Mark
Hook and loop
OK I finally put a few straight pieces of track together and hooked up engine, tender and caboose.
The bad the leds are dependent on track voltage, so slow speed = low light output. the good they do get nice and bright plus the caboose light does not bleed through. Plus the engiine sounds etc are still powered through the nine volt so the sams site details are wrong on that point.
Any toher questions feel free to ask.
Thanks Kenny,
For those who might want a lighted caboose, it would be easy to swap shells and add a light or some clear LESs inside inplace of the colored LESs.
Do the LEDs stay lit all the time or do they flash on and off as the train runs?
They are track powered also so depending on the current is how bright they are and if throttle off no lights at all.
Thanks Kenny & enjov the set! I am going into town tomorrow to se if my Sam's finally got any.
all following is just my Opinion, nothing more....
We visited the local club last night....what a Joke....this has got the be ugliest thing I've seen in a while...
It just screams "Cheap!" Compared to the last two years of sets that I have bought and converted/painted...this thing is hideous...
I've been around a few years and until last night I never realized how dramatic the difference (besides the metal gear) of an "Annie" and a regular late model Big Hauler!
Now I know some of you want something flashy under the tree or in the yard for the Holiday(my kids would love it), but if you are considering the set to "Get started" in the LS hobby...I'd save the funds!
FYI: For cheap thrills be there early on the 26th and get you one (or two like I did last year) for half price!
cale
Cale,
While I was toying (no pun intended) with the idea of getting one, for the pure novelty of the lighted engine and caboose, now I am not so sure. My brother in law brought down his 05 Sam's set to run yesterday, and I forgot how nice that train looked and ran. Almost makes me wish I had picked one up for me (but I did OK in 05 with the aristo mikado).
I don't think we can really blame Bachmann, they just make what Sam's orders...
Mark
Hey Mark
On this past 12/26 I went to the Local club early...Had three to choose from, an intended to buy all three ($89.95), but an older gent (about my dads age walked up) said he was interested in a set...I settled for 2 of them, he got the other...gave him the one with the best box for storage...then passed on some websites hoping to encourage him in the hobby..no blame for Sams or Bmann..."If you build it"....they will buy, no matter what it looks like...Ever seen an Edsel?
have a great one!
cale
As i said on the 1st page (1st reply actually) dont blame Bachmann, they're simply producing what the customer wanted, ever see those awfull On30 "Thomas Kinkade" slap ugly sets Hawthorne Village keeps pedaling in the junkmail advertising?
Someone payed B'mann to make them, so they did. And someone must be buying them....
Here, have a heapin' help of hideousness
http://www.btcomm.com/trains/special_offers/hawthorne_trains/hawthorne_trains.htm
Plenty of sets in Torrance California to light up the tree!!!! Get them before they are all gone even though there is lights all over them!!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS, R. RONNE
I just read through the thread, one piece missing (unless I missed it), the price is $164.95 (or .88).
Definitly a poor buy for us.
Barry - BBT