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In the beginning, Walthers was both a manufacturer and distributor. They, over the years, purchased lines manufactured by others such as Silver Streak, Train-Miniature and SS Ltd to name a few. After purchase by Walthers, these lines ceased to exist until Walthers spun them off to other individuals/companies. Walthers apparently wants to be a distributor only. The items now bearing the Walthers name are all manufactured by outside firms for sale under the Walthers name. The fact that Horizon has purchased both MDC and Athearn is just their move to increase their business base in the MRR market. I applaud their enthusiasm for entering the field with such decisive energy. I further applaud them for the new infusion of capital that is evident in the newer offerings coming out as either MDC or Athearn. The only firm that will be hurt by this is Walthers. A considerable volume of their business was the distribution of both MDC and Athearn. They will miss having these brands in their catalogue, but I doubt it will put them out of business. Bottom line? Competition is a good thing. Modellers benefit as new and better (closer to scale) products begin to be available. I think we will also benefit as competition between distributors increases and each firm tries to increase the sales of items not under their control. Fewer back order items and a shorter wait for backorder items could well come to pass as distributors work to defend "their" turf. Now I might be totally wrong in my assessment, but I am willing to wait and see what comes of these most recent shifts in the supply area. And who knows, perhaps Horizon will become disenchanted with the MRR business and spin off both MDC and Athearn. These are exciting times, al least for me, and, as stated, I will wait to see how things unfold. <br /> <br />Tom
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