I don’t know if this was posted before but I just read on Garden Railways site that “Barry Olsen, the proprietor, is retiring after 20 years”. I am happy for Barry (glad some folks still get to retire) but sad to hear this because I am an owner of a connie 2-8-0 that I was hoping to someday put one of Barry’s drive systems in. Lately its seem the whole large scale community is falling apart.
Steve
Barry frequents this site and I’ll wait to read it straight from him.
It was in the product review section on the GR site.
From the site:
Miscellaneous
Barry’s Big Trains, 6822 W. Villa St., Phoenix AZ 85043, has shut its doors. Barry Olsen, the proprietor, is retiring after 20 years. Although Barry will not be producing new products, he intends to serve his existing customers and offer warranty service on his products. Contact him at the above address or online: www.barrysbigtrains.com
But, I to will wait to hear what Barry says cause I’ve been saving my pennies for a 2-8-0 drive…
Wasnt Barry already retired when he started BBT? Seams like he’s earned this and then some. Guess with Bmann coming out with the all metal drive Annie this is as good a time as ever to hang it up and go fishing.
I’m also a little bummed. I’d really like 2 of his Annie drives. If I’d of seen this coming, I would have moved them up on the priority list.
Good luck Barry. Hope you are able to do the things you’d like to do and enjoy your retirement 
Ralph
Barry where are you? We’re talking about you!
I hate to see this news.
Victor Smith said:Victor, there aren't too many fishin holes in the Phoenix area! And even if Bman uses metal gears, they will screw up the ratio ( K-27). Me, I would like to get a new gear box for my K-27!
Wasnt Barry already retired when he started BBT? Seams like he's earned this and then some. Guess with Bmann coming out with the all metal drive Annie this is as good a time as ever to hang it up and go fishing.
Paul
E. Paul Austin said:Victor Smith said:Victor, there aren't too many fishin holes in the Phoenix area! And even if Bman uses metal gears, they will screw up the ratio ( K-27). Me, I would like to get a new gear box for my K-27!
Wasnt Barry already retired when he started BBT? Seams like he's earned this and then some. Guess with Bmann coming out with the all metal drive Annie this is as good a time as ever to hang it up and go fishing.Paul
Steve Mitchell said:
I don't know if this was posted before but I just read on Garden Railways site that "Barry Olsen, the proprietor, is retiring after 20 years". I am happy for Barry (glad some folks still get to retire) but sad to hear this because I am an owner of a connie 2-8-0 that I was hoping to someday put one of Barry's drive systems in. Lately its seem the whole large scale community is falling apart.Steve
I’m sure glad that I got my BBT for my Connie, earlier this year!
Oh no! I have a Connie with split gears that I was planning to order one of Barry’s. Is he not taking any new orders then?
His domain name is expired, so you cant contact him through there anymore.
Seriously, Gary? If you’re 69 years old, you’ve lived through times since 1943. Our taxes are lower than they have been for most of that time, if not all. May I draw your attention to the 1970s?
Don’t fall for the myths.
I have a stock Connie, runs great! No need for a new drive…Until it breaks!
I’ve done some minor business with BBT, a true gentleman. I will be sorry to see him leave the business but I’m also happy for him in his retirement.
Best to you Barry.
I just got my Annie back from Barry with a new drive! I guess I’d better put it together before he goes on a long cruise! Good luck on your “retirement” Barry. Is there someone to pass the business to?
I’ve never dealt with Barry directly but everything I’ve read and heard over the years suggests that he really is a gentleman and a good guy to do business with - I wish him well.
So why is it, or it seems to be true, that the good guys eventually fail but the A_ _ H _ _ _ s continue to prosper.
Before anyone starts throwing rocks - this is just my emotional opinion based on nothing more than past experience.
Gentlemen,
Thank you all for the kind comments. But I need to add, the website is gone, the advertising is gone, the P.O. Box is closed, and the CC processing is gone, but I have produced a lot of units in twenty years and I must remain viable and prepared to support the warranty requirements (or anything else).
Barry Olsen
6822 W. Villa St.
Phoenix, AZ 85043
623-936-6088
[email protected]
Dick,
Is there ever anyone who will put the same level of devotion into ‘your’ business that ‘you’ did? Generally speaking, NO. There are several on this forum whom I think ‘could’ take over the project as far as ability. The bigger question is ‘Would they want to?’.
Barry,
I guess I’ve missed the boat for getting one of your bullet proof drives. My loss. Best of all things in your retirement, your products will be missed.
Bob C.
Barry just wanted to say “thank you” for all the help you have given me over the past couple of years. It was appreciated very much, and hope you will enjoy your retirement and enjoy whatever you pursue after “Barry’s Big Trains” Regal
Barry and others who may know:
Is there any merit to one of our dedicated and skilled large scalers obtaining the means from you to continue producing your adaptive power systems? Not to be misunderstood, I think there is obviously monetary value and I’m not suggesting a gift.
Barry you are missed! Ethics in this hobby is highly valued.
Wendell
When one looks at the amount of expertise and valuable time that Barry has put into his products, this is really a ‘labour of love’ and definately not a profit making venture.
If Barry were to hang up his tools permanently (which I doubt due his moral commitment to honour his lifetime warranty), then would anyone else really have the time to devote to continuing the excellent range of advanced products, without actually charging the real costs in making these items. I think that Barry has been ‘subsidising’ the actual cost of thes items due his love for the hobby and not as a business venture.
Heck, it cost nearly $100.00 just to get a plumber or washing machine mechanic to come to your front door and that does not include any parts. The hobby owes a great debt of gratitude to Barry for his commitment to the hobby and his invaluable assistance on the many forums that he has passed on his knowledge to. Where would the B’mann Annie be today if not for Barry’s technical input?
Tim Brien said:
When one looks at the amount of expertise and valuable time that Barry has put into his products, this is really a 'labour of love' and definately not a profit making venture.If Barry were to hang up his tools permanently (which I doubt due his moral commitment to honour his lifetime warranty), then would anyone else really have the time to devote to continuing the excellent range of advanced products, without actually charging the real costs in making these items. I think that Barry has been ‘subsidising’ the actual cost of thes items due his love for the hobby and not as a business venture.
Heck, it cost nearly $100.00 just to get a plumber or washing machine mechanic to come to your front door and that does not include any parts. The hobby owes a great debt of gratitude to Barry for his commitment to the hobby and his invaluable assistance on the many forums that he has passed on his knowledge to. Where would the B’mann Annie be today if not for Barry’s technical input?