Jerry Williams resisted calls to enter the world of sophisticated electronics. He did not even wish to continue offering "True Sounds." He wanted to keep things simple and affordable. The appeal of Williams was mainly to the postwar Lionel part of the market. Williams was kind of a "post postwar" or "postwar +" product. As far as I am concerned, that worked. For example, the Williams NW2, unlike the original three Lionel PW switchers with diecast frames, has horn and bell, two motors, beautiful paint, and numerous roadnames. I have the original Lionel C&O, but I prefer my Williams in every respect.
I recently purchased a like-new set of powered and unpowered Williams Amtrak metroliners (with True Blast, and pantographs are pristine). Williams stuff is fun for me.
Originally Posted by 56f100:
The orginal Williams appealed to a niche market. It had a loyal following. Simplicity and reliability were it's strong suits. The purchasers of Williams could have cared less if, for example, there was no Protosounds or TMCC.
It seems that when Bachmann acquired Williams, Bachmann seemed to get away from appealing to Williams core market and into Lionel and MTH territory.
The new Ten Wheeler and GP 30 were in my opinion, were great offerings, but something seemed to be missing.
OK, that's my take on this.
