Robart Mfg, 155 Oswald Ave, Batavia, IL 60510, US

CIRCUITRON was formed in late 1977 when Steve Worack picked up a model railroading magazine ( after a break in modeling for his college years ) and thumbing through the pages, he realized that there were precious few ( none ) companies providing state of the art electronics for the industry. Steve had been a modeler from age 4 and had actively pursued the hobby up through high school. This experience, combined with his background in electronics led him to his decision to develop a line of products for the industry. The company was incorporated a few years later.The initial product line was limited to roof-top locomotive strobes, a grade crossing detection unit ( DT-1 ), grade crossing flasher ( FL-2 ) and a hand-held throttle ( later discontinued ). Sales were limited to local hobby shops and flea markets. Revenues were meager, but the work was rewarding, and by the time the line was picked up by Wm. K. Walthers two years later, we had developed about 10 circuits and a dozen and a half accessories. National advertising in Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman magazine s had begun in 1978 and our sales were now nationwide.In 1979, we attended our first national trade show, and although our exhibit was somewhat pathetic, we made up for it in enthusiasm. The line was well received and our orders, sales and recognition grew steadily throughout the early 80's. The SNAPPER twin-coil switch machine power supply, automatic reverse circuits, block detectors and 3 more grade crossing detectors had now been added to the line. We now had six or seven domestic distributors and the letters from happy modelers using our products were now arriving on a regular basis.In 1983, we made the big move out of the basement and into a tiny 1100 square feet of manufacturing space in Berwyn, IL. We purchased our first computer and for the first time, we employed assemblers and packers outside of family members. It was also around this time that the Scale Scenics Division was formed to market white metal kits of construction equipment.