Williams by Bachman B&O E7s

Williams has suspended production of the E-7s. They are going to reintroduce it at a later date with upgrades details and their new sound system.

Was that an announcement at this recent York meeting?

Any new news on a updated WBB E7???

Trainworld still has them in stock:

http://www.trainworldonline.co...-dummy-a-a-set-20502

I have three sets of Williams E7 diesels, including the B&O; and they have not disappointed me.

Thanks Gordon. Do you know how their colors compare to the K-Line 21" Columbian cars? Does the gray match?

I have a set of WbB E-7....very nice units....

We converted these L&Ns to PS2 and really enjoy them...

Those look very nice.

John, I don't have and haven't seen the K-Line Columbian cars, so I can't make a direct comparison; but I bet someone else on this forum has more information.

Gordon thanks. The Williams catalog photo makes me think the colors may match pretty well. Most of the B&O models seem to have white instead of gray.

Hi John.  There is a story as to how the Lionel 2368 B&O F3 came to be painted as it was in bright blue with off-white instead of gray but I don't remember the details. It involved a Lionel employee seeing a photograph of a real B&O diesel and relaying incorrect info back to the plant I think. Perhaps someone can recall this better?

Many of us actually like the early Lionel colors although they are way off from the prototype. No matching cars for them were even produced that I'm aware of. The 1973 reissue in Chris's photo above had a slight Teal or almost blue-green tint to it and appeared washed out to a degree. The PWC model of 2007 is a handsome piece indeed more closely matching the 1950s version in a rich blue color with the added details of a premium F3.

The catalog photos are not to be trusted although they give a pretty good idea of what the engine will look like. The Williams colors tend to be pretty rich and bright and quite attractive overall. This is fine as you can always apply light weathering if desired to tone them down or change a hue.

Although Williams are very strong runners and long-lasting, many of them can look awkward due to being designed to run on 031 track. On most of the diesels (FAs, PAs, and E7s especially) the fuel tanks are noticeably undersized and give a 'high-water' look to what should be a massive locomotive. There is by necessity too much 'air' around the (undersized) trucks to negotiate the tight curves.

Several of us have modified the fuel tanks on some to make the locomotive appear to be 'hunkered down' and more scale-like. Here are some former Santa Fe PAs that I added material to the tanks to make them larger.

The original poster Terrance was asking about the new Lionel E9's as to how they will compare with a Williams E7. It is not a fair comparison. The Williams are very economical (especially if catching a sale or buying used) to purchase and a great value for an operator. Detail pieces can be added to enhance the appearance but the Lionel (and MTH, Weaver, 3rd Rail, etc) will be much better proportioned and detailed as a model.  Apples & Oranges...

I have B&O E7s And the colors are correct. They are a little shorter than scale but look right.I have a weaver E8 B-unit I run behind a Williams E7 A,B combo and you cant notice the different lengths. If you are looking for exact scale, you may be better with a Weaver or K-line E8s if you can find one.

Thanks c.sam and Richard E for the info!  I'll check out the Weaver and also see if I can find a K-Line.

Not to hi-jack this thread, but, I don't see the scale GG1 either. I wonder if they will reintroduce them?