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Bachmann Trains has announced the retirement of H. Lee Riley, Vice President of Product Development, effective March 31, 2016.
A distinguished member of the hobby industry for nearly 50 years, Riley started in the industry in 1967 as one of the original staff members for Pro Custom Hobbies in Catonsville, Md. He served in the Maryland Army National Guard during this time.
Riley went on to work for Associated Hobby Manufacturers in Philadelphia from 1974 until coming to Bachmann in the early 1980s as Director of Product Development. He was named Bachmann’s VP of Product Development in 2006.
During his long career, Riley also worked or consulted for GSB, Lionel, Life-Like Products, MDC, Model Power, TYCO, Westside Models, and others. Riley is a longtime active member of the National Model Railroad Association, including serving in the Digital Command Control Working Group.
Besides being awarded the NMRA Pioneer Award, Riley was honored with induction into the Model Railroad Industry’s Hall of Fame in 2004.
Riley wants to be best remembered as an innovator. "Anybody can copy," he said. "But real progress is only made by adapting new technology for totally original products."
He created Bachmann’s E-Z Track system, developed Bachmann's Big Haulers large-scale line, and was behind the company's high-end Spectrum line. Riley also helped to popularize On30 narrow gauge railroading, for which he was inducted into the Narrow Gauge Hall of Fame and honored by the United Kingdom's 7mm Narrow Gauge Association.
Riley is eager to spend more time with his family, although he promised "no dust will gather under me after retirement." He intends to stay active in the industry and the NMRA. He also plans to continue traveling both nationally and internationally to run and ride trains plus visit with friends.
"We are truly thankful for the many years of service that Lee has given not only to our company, but to all of model railroading," said Rich Janyszek, Bachmann’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "He will be missed by his coworkers and the countless friends he has made throughout the industry and around the world."
Friday, March 4th, Lee passed away at work. His retirement notice does not say what a great Friend he was to all in the Model railroad manufacturing industry and his willingness to share his tremendous knowledge with all in developing models of a very high standard. This man will be truly missed.
Original Fred
Lee Riley: Rest in peace, thank you for designing and producing great models!
Ultima modifica di crosshead il martedì 8 marzo 2016, 20:16, modificato 1 volta in totale.
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