I was at a train show this last weekend and one of the G-Scale vendors mentioned to me that Bachmann is buying Aristo Craft. Has anyone else hear that or can confirm? I will be sure to ask the Bachmann folks at Trainfest next weekend. Andy Tetsu Uma
it really makes sense, Bachmann large scale track is fodder, and the Aristo Craft is as good as LGB's, plus their control system is better than anything Bachmann has.....and they can buy the rights to this tech for pennies on the dollar, and since they already make it...
Anybody ever hear of Williams by Bachmann? Word on the street for months and months is something similar. However: There is no actual value left at Aristo, it seems. Crest is separate from Aristo, not part of any deal it would seem. The "fire sale" has basically emptied the empty warehouse. Today the remaining trinkets go for 50% off. Kader (owner of Bachmann since 1984 or so) is reported to own the Aristo tooling. PRC companies owning the tooling in model railroading manufacturing is certainly more the norm than the exception. So, we have no ownership of tooling. No stock left. Warehouse being sold. Crest spun off 10-12 years ago as a separate company. "Buying" something with little or no physical value is a puzzlement....but I am certain someone in NJ thinks the name is worth something....and that's probably what the sale will be. The name. Even Mister Polk admitted a couple three months ago they had lots of stock in PRC, all paid for, but could not afford to ship it in. Right. Even ignoring that, the "partial" container of old stock they got (Delton 2-8-0's...for a line they quit supporting 4 or 5 years ago, 0-4-0's with a 2011 date stamp) there is seemingly "lots" more stock sitting in PRC. Are the folks at the plant busy changing out the fuel tanks and motor block bottom covers as has been reported elsewhere? To reflect a new name? Are they redesigning the silly tapered axles on the rest of the line, and possibly updating units awaiting shipment? All fits with the total clampdown of information in September...and the 90-day pre announcement that they'd be closing end of December. Gives Kader/Bachmann/Whoever time to get the stock changed, shipped, and advertising started. Oh, and catalogs. If Bachmann LS pricing of late is a harbinger.....wait until you see the new pricing on Aristo.
Bachmann now has a line of brass track. Really pricey. I agree if they get Aristo the prices will skyrocket.
