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One brand that really surprised me was Bachmann’s newer Spectrum line—I used to think of Bachmann as more entry-level, but some of their recent releases have genuinely impressed me. The detail on their steam locomotives, especially, has come a long way. Smooth runners, nice weight, and decent sound right out of the box.
Another hidden gem for me has been Rapido Trains. They might not be “small” anymore, but they still feel like an underdog compared to the big players. Their passenger cars are insanely detailed, and I appreciate how they put real effort into getting Canadian prototypes right, which not many others focus on.
Also worth mentioning: ScaleTrains’ “Rivet Counter” series. Incredible value for the level of detail and performance—easily rivals brands that cost significantly more.
It’s always cool when a lesser-hyped company punches above its weight. Curious to hear what other sleeper brands you all have stumbled on!