MishM*A*S*H 45: Bachmann M*A*S*H Supply Train Set

I am not a model railroader, but I have heard of Bachmann. I remember seeing model train sets in the store when I was a kid, and while I liked them, I don’t remember ever having one. That changed in 2024 when I purchased a complete in box Bachmann M*A*S*H Supply Train set. They aren’t cheap, but the train set fits in to the collection rule as it was offered in the 1983 and 1984 Bachmann catalogs, meaning it was technically available during the show’s original run (although very briefly). The other reason I wanted it is because it is a really cool set! Like the Tristar M*A*S*H Military Base, we see a scaled down model of the 4077th. While the buildings aren’t 100% accurate to the camp, it does have to account for the fact that there is a train track circling the camp. In the early 1980s, there were hundreds of M*A*S*H licensed products available for both kids and adults. This Bachmann train set was geared more towards the adult railroaders as there were some more complex building techniques required for the landscape. This is one of the more unique M*A*S*H items, so let’s take a ride on the 4077th’s own model railroad!

Bachmann is well known for making train sets, and it has been producing model railroads since the 1960s. However, the company’s history goes back to the 1830s. It has traded hands over the ensuing decades, but it still exists today and sells train sets in multiple scales. In the early 1980s, Bachmann released annual catalogs with its train sets and slotted race car tracks. I remember having several of the slotted race car tracks as a kid, but I can’t remember whether they were made by Bachmann or another brand. According to MASH4077TV.com, the M*A*S*H 4077th Supply Train first appeared in Bachmann’s catalog in 1983, and it was still available in 1984. I can confirm this as I have purchased copies of both the 1983 and 1984 Bachmann catalogs, but they did not arrive in time for this post.

The M*A*S*H 4077th Supply Train set is HO scale, and it came with not only the locomotive, cars, and track, but also M*A*S*H themed buildings and scenery. There is a cardboard base that measures 45 inches by 36 inches. It’s a good size set, but its footprint is slightly smaller than the Tristar M*A*S*H Military Base. The set includes 89 pieces:

• Power Pack
• Terminal Wire
• Terminal Rerailer (track)
• 18 inch radius train track (11)
• 9 inch straight track (2)
• Engine
• Box Car
• Gondola Car
• Flat Car & Containers
• Caboose
• Helicopter (plastic)
• Jeep (plastic)
• Water tower (plastic)
• M*A*S*H Personnel (48) (plastic)
• M*A*S*H Buildings (2) (cardboard)
• M*A*S*H Tents (7) (cardboard)
• M*A*S*H Signpost
• Helicopter Pad
• Loading Platform
• Printed base (cardboard)
• Mountain paper

There was some assembly required in getting the 4077th built. The hills had to be created using the paper mountains. The tents and metal building, made from card stock, had to be assembled, then, of course, the tracks had to be laid out. Once the set was assembled, it was a fairly decent replica of the 4077th. There are some differences, however. Rosie’s Bar is represented by a tent, the main hospital building is not a single building, and the “M*A*S*H personnel” plastic figures are not specific to any characters. Looking closely at the detail of the figures provided in the set, you can tell there are men, women, and children in plain clothes. The primary focus of the set is the train itself. The locomotive and train cars have a M*A*S*H theme with camouflage and “M*A*S*H 4077” featured on each car, but the set strangely doesn’t feature any red crosses. While there are no mentions of trains in the series, there was a medical train used but the Army in the Korean War (future topic?).

What I really like about this set is that it has never been assembled or removed from its box. I don’t plan on changing that either. While it is very tempting to build the train set, I want to preserve the set as a snapshot in time from the early 1980s. The M*A*S*H 4077th Supply Train is a unique collectable for a set of M*A*S*H fans who also liked model railroads and train sets. Bachmann is probably one of the better known model railroad producers, and the train cars and track do feel like they are decent quality. I cannot find many more details on the M*A*S*H train set, but it would be interesting to know how well the set sold in the 1980s. The M*A*S*H 4077th Supply Train sets do sell on eBay from time to time, but the prices have gone up. It is not unusual to see them sell for over $400, especially one that is complete and in the original box. If you are a M*A*S*H fan and a railroad collector, this is the ultimate set for you collection.