The Chinese have discovered consumption, there fore the model railroad industry has to compete for labor. That's one possible reason.
Another maybe they their stuff is that good but one other reason, especially for the loco's is that the market is somewhat limited so the cost is spread out over a smaller run.
Stanadard wholesale discounts for Bachmann are about 50% but certain hobby shops will get a better price. The there will be heavy discounting at the wholesale level to move the rest of the runs.
