Bachmann @ WGH

[MB425]

Attended the WGH show in Chantilly, Va on Saturday with my modular group, the National Capital Trackers. Other than one issue, I had a great time and the Bachmann booth was top notch with the usual gang from Bachmann consisting of Larry Harrington, Jack Lynch and others all talking to visitors and just having a good time.

I really enjoyed their two HO and ON30 operating layouts. Both were very well done and really showed the potential for the smaller scales. They are especially attractive to those with limited space. They sure gave me some ideas (which may be a good thing as well as a bad thing )...

I was quite surprised to see a new Williams layout. This one was small (looked like 4x8 or so) but had plenty of fun packed it. It was a modified "figure 8" with a bridge, two tunnels, two sidings, and plenty of mountains and other scenic features. I got a lot of pictures which will certainly come in handy for me in the future.

I didn't ask at the show but am curious as to when a new Williams catalog will be showing up? Is my guess of the Toy Fair in February correct?

[Hamish K]

Dear Bach Man

Any chance of posting photos of the new Williams layout in the gallery, ideally a "how it was built" folder along the lines of the On30 and Sodor ones in the photo gallery?  I know that many people have been inspried by those, and I am sure that a similar folder on the new latout would also inspire many.

Hamish

[the Bach-man]

Dear Hamish,
I'm in the process of writing a book on all the layouts. It will be published by Carstens, of RMC and On30 Annual fame. Nevertheless, I'll try to get a few shots into the Gallery. The track plan, incidentally, is from their sectional track plan book.
MB, Toy Fair it is!
Have fun!
the Bach-man

[Hamish K]

Dear Bach Man

Thanks for the reply - I am looking forward to the book.

Hamish