Bachmann's 1978 Golden Spike train set included a Union Pacific GP40 pulling what was listed as a 51' Mechanical Box Car-Golden Spike, however the American Heritage Series cars like the Golden Spike was done using the 51' Plug Door Box Car.  The set also included a 57' Covered Coil Car; Open Quad-Hopper; 62' 3-Dome Tank Car; and Caboose.  The Caboose model displayed in 1978 was Bachmann's 36' Steel Caboose with Off-Center Cupola; 1979's set shows a Wide Vision UP Caboose..  The track plan built a large 87" x 40" Figure 8, that included a 33 pc. Bridge and Trestle Set.  The Golden Spike also included a set of Signs and Telephone Poles; Power Pack and Instructions.

For 1980, Bachmann's Golden Spike train set is revised with the inclusion of the Blinking Bridge accessory and an altered freight car collection.  The Union Pacific GP40 remains pulling the set, no other roadname is ever known to have been offered for this set, pulling a 200-ton Flat Car with Logs; 3-Dome 42' Tank Car; 51' Plug Door Box Car; Gondola; and Wide Vision Caboose.  The track plan remains the 87" x 40" Figure 8, but includes the 34 pc. Blinking Bridge and Trestle Set.  Additionally, the Golden Spike included a 36 pc. Railroad and Street Signs and Telephone Poles Set; Power Pack and Instructions.  The set is listed as NEW in Bachmann's 1980 catalog.