I came across your article on Bill Bowser who had started making trains in Redlands, Ca. Do you know if he is still alive, I would find it fascinating to contact him. I am setting up a blog about model trains and would eventually like to open a shop in Redlands myself. Please let me know any information you can, thank you.
Google is your friend:
http://www.railstop.com/History/Bowser/ ... istory.asp
At the bottom of the page, it has Bill's email address as of 2003, however, being that he was 90 at the time, chances are that he is no longer with us.