The Williams by Bachmann train SETS (engine,cars,track,transformer) will arrive in early Dec, just in time for Christmas! There are two roads, Santa Fe and PRR.
SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED, according to an email from their Sales Dept.so you may want to contact your FAVORITE Bachmann Dealer ASAP.

Definitely very nice looking sets, and I sure hope Santa receives them in time for his appointed rounds.

The only drawback, IMO, is that they are supplied with yet another track system.

Pete

WBB was making tin plate O-gauge track, why did they change?

Roadbed track is the IN thing, I guess. Maybe they got a good deal from Atlas!

Does anyone have a link to see these sets? The WBB site doesn't seem to mention them.

Pete

Norton,I don't have a link but if you received the current issue of CTT the sets are on the back cover. Very nice,in my opinion.
Brad

quote:

The only drawback, IMO, is that they are supplied with yet another track system.

I can not answer on behalf of Bachmann, but IMO the choice to use the ATLAS track was due to looking more "authentic". The only track available in Bachmann "O" gauge is the 5 rail tubular track.Note: Lionel tubular tin track only has 3 rails.

quote:

WBB was making tin plate O-gauge track, why did they change?

They have not changed. Tin plate O-gauge track is still available. The only "change" was to use ATLAS track in the new sets arriving next month.

Since WBB makes the Tinplate O-Gauge track maybe they would make bigger curves.
I have some loops of K-line track that are 96? and 120? curves. I got them new on the bay

quote:

Originally posted by MA&PA JCT:
The only track available in Bachmann "O" gauge is the 5 rail tubular track. Note: Lionel tubular tin track only has 3 rails.

Marty,

"rails" or "ties"?

Stu
http://www.LionelNation.com/
All Lionel, All The Time

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Pete:
The only drawback, IMO, is that they are supplied with yet another track system.

Pete

I don't see how the supplied track system is a drawback. These are starter sets with a minimal amount of track. Those who are first time buyers are getting Atlas O Industrial Rail track--a readily available track system.

Buyers with established layouts are not purchasing starter sets for the track and transformer.

quote:

Originally posted by DennisB:

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Pete:
The only drawback, IMO, is that they are supplied with yet another track system.

Pete

Buyers with established layouts are not purchasing starter sets for the track and transformer.

So why should they have to pay for them? What you're doing here is putting your own trip on everyone.

Pete

I think Atlas IR track is the nicest looking plastic roadbed track being made for O gauge. I'll bet it's also easier to put together, and stays together better than old-style tubular track. Nice!

Jim

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Pete:
The only drawback, IMO, is that they are supplied with yet another track system.

Pete

The Atlas Industrial Rail track system is compatible with the respected Atlas 21st. Century track system and therefore is a widely available standard. Williams hit a home run with it's choice.

quote:

Originally posted by jaabat:
I think Atlas IR track is the nicest looking plastic roadbed track being made for O gauge. I'll bet it's also easier to put together, and stays together better than old-style tubular track. Nice!

Jim

Since it has snap together roadbed and Atlas rail joiners, I decline to take your bet. This track will PERFORM.

You will also see photos and descriptions of the two sets in Run 240 of OGR, as well as the the Williams by Bachmann ad for the sets on the inside back cover of the December issue, Run 239. The December issue is out now.

Using Atlas O Industrial Rail track and the excellent Atlas O IR 80 watt transformer for these sets makes a lot of sense for both companies. It allows WBB to deliver a quality product at a better price and spares hobby shops from having to stock yet another new O gauge track system.

I have seen both sets and the diesels and passenger cars are beautifully decorated.

Ed Boyle

Remember these are starter sets and the use of Atlas IR track is probably a good choice. I hope WBB doesn't cheapen the locos and rolling stock from what they offer in their regular line. Williams are great trains for the money!

Only thing I can say about the track system is Jaabat is right. It is a great looking track system. It is also great to see these new sets offered. All in all I think they have a home run in the making here with these new sets. Hopefully they will retain the same quality that Williams is known for and not cheapen it.

I have only one request on this though...Steam. We need more steam. Something perhaps with an 027-Hudson, or a full scale Berk?

Can't help it. Just the steam lover in me.

Whoops.

Should have mentioned that the most impressive thing about the diesels is that they have not been cheapened in any way. The materials, mechanicals and electronics are the same as previous versions of the FA-2s. The streamline 2400 series style cars are the same as well. WBB resisted the temptation to cheapen them.

As I said previously, the decoration is first rate.

Ed Boyle

quote:

Originally posted by Ed Boyle:
Whoops.

Should have mentioned that the most impressive thing about the diesels is that they have not been cheapened in any way. The materials, mechanicals and electronics are the same as previous versions of the FA-2s. The streamline 2400 series style cars are the same as well. WBB resisted the temptation to cheapen them.

As I said previously, the decoration is first rate.

Ed Boyle

Hi Ed,

Hope your doing good. This is great to hear. Thanks for letting us know. Sounds like a first-class winner to me.

Great news ED. I believe this line of sets by WBB could grow to be serious competition for Lionel and MTH. My wife got me a Williams N&W J for Christmas, I can't wait to get it!

quote:

Only thing I can say about the track system is Jaabat is right. It is a great looking track system. It is also great to see these new sets offered. All in all I think they have a home run in the making here with these new sets. Hopefully they will retain the same quality that Williams is known for and not cheapen it.

Originally posted by Ed Boyle:
Whoops.

Should have mentioned that the most impressive thing about the diesels is that they have not been cheapened in any way. The materials, mechanicals and electronics are the same as previous versions of the FA-2s. The streamline 2400 series style cars are the same as well. WBB resisted the temptation to cheapen them.

As I said previously, the decoration is first rate.



Maybe I can put one's fears to rest, based on my knowledge of WILLIAMS/Williams by Bachman products, past productions, and asking the right questions, over the years.
1. The ALCO FA2 is the SAME FA2 that has been made since 2003, when the Golden Memories started; has DUAL can motors now. The first run was only a single motor.
2. The 0-27 CARS are the same that have been produced since the Golden memory start up.
3. If the design,height,width of the engine or cars were changed, Bachmann would have to make new casting "molds". Any body have an idea how much they cost PER mold? How about $350,000 to $500,000 per mold.

I back up Ed Boyle's point: top rate. If they are any less, I'll print this page, sprinkle a little salt a pepper over it and eat it. I guess that would give a new meaning to "eating your words".

quote:

Posted November 06, 2009 09:54 AM Hide Post

quote:
Originally posted by MA&PA JCT:
The only track available in Bachmann "O" gauge is the 5 rail tubular track. Note: Lionel tubular tin track only has 3 rails.



Marty,

"rails" or "ties"?

Stu
http://www.LionelNation.com/
All Lionel, All The Time

Sorry about that.....3 "ties".

I'll be looking for a train set for Nephew in a few years. Had good luck with W/WBB. Would keep the PRR set in consideration.

Allen Miller:

Uncle will not test out set before Christmas. Don't want to eat of of the hopper car (Coal)!

Anyone have an idea as to the list price of these sets?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Allan Miller,

quote:

Originally posted by Kirk H:
Anyone have an idea as to the list price of these sets?

MSRP is $299.95. Street price will undoubtedly be less.

Kirk: Your message, above, wasn't actually edited by me. I hit the wrong button.

The O-27 set is a great idea. O-36 is overkill for most entry sets!

quote:

The O-27 set is a great idea. O-36 is overkill for most entry sets!

And why would that be?

Most entry level locomotives, and a good many higher-end locomotives and rolling stock items will negotiate O36 curves, while O27, in this day and age, is pretty limiting. Might just as well start folks out with something that will serve them well if they decide to expand their empire.

I think people are really going to like these sets once they see them up close and personal. We have have a detailed review in the magazine once the sets are available.

At least they did NOT put a dome in the PRR set!

027 is good for 6" Marx cars and Birney trolleys but not much else.

27 does have one advantage. It can fit in a smaller space than 36. Could be a concern for Christmas day. Bur Atlas was smart enough to have its 27 track work with its larger cousins! At least you can mix the track up with this system than Lionel's different profiles between 27 and 31/72 in tubular

quote:

Originally posted by DominicMazoch:
27 does have one advantage. It can fit in a smaller space than 36. Could be a concern for Christmas day. Bur Atlas was smart enough to have its 27 track work with its larger cousins! At least you can mix the track up with this system than Lionel's different profiles between 27 and 31/72 in tubular

Yes, you can buy 027 Atlas 21st. Century track and snap in road bed for an inner loop. Cutting Atlas switches will make you a crossover for a compact 2 train layout.