If you were a child growing up in the 1970s, it is highly likely that one of three things was at the top of your Christmas wishlist: Star Wars figures, an Action Man, or a Mainline Railways train set. What these icons of our childhood had in common was their parent company: the legendary toy giant, Palitoy.
The rise of Mainline
Palitoy’s Mainline Railways range launched in January 1976, offering an exciting alternative to the Hornby-dominated market. They brought a breath of fresh air to the hobby, featuring well-detailed locomotives and authentically liveried steam and diesel engines with a matte finish that remains highly prized by collectors today. Beyond the locos, they offered a fantastic array of private-owner wagons and passenger coaches, often sold in complete train sets that brought many of us into the hobby.
Photo: An original Palitoy Mainline 4MT locomotive
In 1981, Palitoy acquired Airfix GMR (Great Model Railways), integrating the well-known kit manufacturer’s range into their own. However, this golden era was short-lived. In 1983, General Mills (Palitoy’s parent company) made the strategic decision to exit the British toy market, bringing an abrupt end to the production of these models.
The Kader Connection
For those who remember the distinct green boxes of Replica Railways, you might be wondering where they fit in. Replica Railways produced models using the original tooling owned by the Hong Kong-based manufacturer, Kader. Kader had been the "invisible hand" manufacturing for Mainline all along.
Photo: Replica Railways box for a GWR 57xx tank locomotive
When the Mainline brand folded, Kader (who had acquired the Bachmann brand in 1981) took the tooling they already owned and relaunched the range under the Bachmann Branchline banner. Those distinct, colourful Bachmann boxes you see on shelves today were the direct evolution of that transition.
Photo: Bachmann Branchline 4MT with the Palitoy tooling
The Technical Truth
When we purchase collections today, early Mainline models are a common sight. However, as any seasoned railway modeller knows, looks can be deceiving. Even boxed, "mint" examples that haven't been run in 40 years often carry the legacy of the engineering challenges of that era.
These models frequently utilized a "split-chassis" design. Over time, the plastic gears and wheels in these mechanisms are prone to degradation and splitting. It is a harsh reality that roughly 50% of the older Mainline stock we receive is ultimately relegated to the scrap heap to provide spare parts for the survivors.
The Bachmann Evolution
The good news is that the hobby has evolved significantly. Under the Bachmann brand, there has been an enormous, sustained investment in upgraded chassis, motors, and electrical pickups. This evolution has transformed Bachmann into one of the world leaders in British railway modelling. The models produced in the last 30 years are exceptionally reliable and remain highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Photo: Bachmann B1 in the distinctive box design
We want your collection
Whether you have a box of vintage Mainline stock or a modern fleet of Bachmann locomotives, we are interested in what you have. We are always looking to expand our inventory and provide good homes for your unwanted models.
If you are looking to sell, we would love to hear from you. Simply drop us an email with the details (and a few photos if possible) to info@britishrailways.tv. Let’s see what you’ve got!