January News column - 2
several hobby magazines, most notably the Narrow Gauge &
Short Line Gazette. He delighted in converting HO mechanisms,
such as Mantua 2-8-2 chassis, into smooth-running On30
Consolidations. He also pioneered converting a variety of HO
diesel chassis into On30 “critters” many of which were featured
in Bob Brown’s Gazette. Gordon’s varied interests included
electronics, which allowed him to build his own sound system
before such things became available commercially. During his
service to the nation in the U.S. Navy, Gordon was a member
of the team that developed the proximity fuse which detonates
the Patriot missile when it closes on an enemy target. Gordon
North will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery…
Wolfgang Richter 1928-2012
Wolfgang Richter, co-inventer of G-scale trains, died November
28, 2012. He was 84 years old. Wolfgang was co-owner and
general manager of German toymaker E. P. Lehmann when he
and his brother Eberhard introduced the LGB brand of G-scale
trains in 1968. LGB equipment utilized weather resistant
materials making it practical for outdoor use which ultimately
led to the popularization of the garden railway hobby. The
Model Railroad Industry Division of the Hobby Manufacturers
Association elected Wolfgang to its Hall of Fame in 2002.
Although Richter continued as the principal spokesperson and
promotional ambassador of LGB, executive management of
the company was passed to his son Rolf (also deceased) who
led Lehmann until the firm was forced into bankruptcy in 2006.
The company has since been acquired by Märklin…
Now for a look at some new model railroad products…
MRH-Jan 2013
