Received my On30 Annual yesterday, and spent the good part of a relaxing evening reading it.  Since I finished erecting the benchwork for my new On30 pike just the day before, the timing of this publication's arrival could not have been better.  Definitely a good read!

I'm looking forward to getting my ever-growing inventory of Bachmann locomotives and rolling stock up and running again.  Before that can happen, though, I need to spend a healthy chunk of money on Micro  Engineering On30 track and switches.  I have one of MRC's Control Master 20 power packs available for initial running, but plan to use Bachmann's new DCC system in the future.

Amen, Brianel!  Amen!

I'm fairly confident that the powers-that-be at Bachmann are savvy enough to know that they have acquired a good and solid line that needs little more than an expanded and more aggressive marketing approach.  And if they read the various forums related to O gauge, they already know full well where they had best keep the emphasis, and what areas to avoid.  At least I hope that's the case.

Jack:

Well, I figure that since Bachmann offers complete starter sets in N, HO, On30, and Large Scale, there's no reason to believe that they won't also offer them in O gauge.  After all, the needed components--trains, track, and transformer--were/are, I believe, all available in the Williams line.  It shouldn't take a whole lot to come up with some attractive offerings and appropriate packaging (I'm a big proponent of cube-shaped boxes rather than those slim rectangular ones, although I do understand the purpose for the latter).

We'll just have to see what Bachmann comes up with over time.  I wouldn't expect--or want--them to rush into anything, least of all expanding into unchartered territory, until they have a good idea of what direction they want to go.  I'm confident they'll find and follow the right course in the future.

I just want to congratulate Bachmann on their acquisition of the Williams line of O gauge trains.  I've been a big fan (and consumer) of Williams products for many years, and have greatly appreciated their quality, variety, reliability, and affordability. 

Personally, I would like to see Bachmann continue the Williams product line as it has been for some years--at least for the near future--and trust that at some point we'll see complete starter sets in the "Williams by Bachmann" line.  That, in my opinion, would benefit both Bachmann, with its extensive market reach, and increase public recognition of the Williams line of fine products and O gauge railroading in general.

I look forward to seeing some great things happen as Bachmann assumes custody of a brand that has gained much favor by those in the hobby who desire and appreciate the simplicity and reliability that has long been a part of the Williams tradition.  I can certainly see more of my own hobby dollars going to Bachmann in the future since I'm also actively involved in On30--another favorite of mine.

Happy railroading!

Allan Miller
Editor-in-Chief
O Gauge Railroading magazine

Wow!  There's truly some inspirational stuff on Carl's site!  I visit it frequently, and am in awe at what some folks are able to accomplish.  Sure goes to show that you don't need a lot of space for a creative and fun-filled layout.

I would love to have a how-to-do-it construction feature, complete with a series of photos, of a tiny On30 layout to run in our magazine (O Gauge Railroading).  If any of you folks can provide such an article, please feel free to get in touch with me.  You don't have to be an experienced/published writer (that's what they pay editors for)--just a creative person who can document what he or she did in words and pictures.

I'm an On30 enthusiast myself, so after an absence of some months because I wasn't able to log in, I plan to visit here regularly.  And, in my new post, I'll always be looking for On30 layouts--of all sizes--that we can feature in the magazine.

Allan Miller
Editor-in-Chief
O Gauge Railroading Magazine