New Lionel/K-lionel catalogs out

[Joe Hohmann]

 

And finally, the #1 thing I want Lionel to do, is to make a TMCC equiped traditional locomotive. The only way you can get them is in expensive sets, they should make some sold seperately like they sell Standard O.

 

 

 

I have 3 Lionel "traditional" semi-scale locos with TMCC, a K4, Mikado, and a GG1. They also make a Berk. Or do you mean "traditional" in terms of postwar re-runs? The GG1 would fit that definition. All of the above were "separate sale" items.

[thor]

Excellent array of great stuff, don't know or understand what all the moaning is about. Not that I can buy any of it but I can drool! The playmat idea is brilliant and we need one of those, I want a Shay even if I can't run it, the Southern livery steam is also what I like.

I can see the point of those not into NY or Pennsy, Lionel does seem biased heavily that way but its only to be expected. I bet most of Lionels sales are in th NE too.

This catalog was well worth waiting for, its a must have and I'll get two as I'll wear the first one out in the 'library' dreaming about all the gorgeous things I can't have!

[casconi]

I got my catalog yesterday too at my local train shop, The Roundhouse. I was told I need to get my orders in by the last week in August so they can make sure I am pre-ordered and to garuantee the items I want. You may want to check your shop when orders need to be placed.

[SchemerBob]

And finally, the #1 thing I want Lionel to do, is to make a TMCC equiped traditional locomotive. The only way you can get them is in expensive sets, they should make some sold seperately like they sell Standard O.

I have 3 Lionel "traditional" semi-scale locos with TMCC, a K4, Mikado, and a GG1. They also make a Berk. Or do you mean "traditional" in terms of postwar re-runs? The GG1 would fit that definition. All of the above were "separate sale" items.

"Traditional" locomotives are locomotives that are not exact scale models. Traditional locomotives work well and look good pulling Traditional freight and passenger cars, which are O27 scale usually. I have a LionMaster SD80MAC semi-scale locomotive that has TMCC, and these locomotives are nice, but, yes, mine did come in a set, but a set that was only a little more than what the engine costs by itself. I figured that, if I wanted a new locomotive, five more freight cars and a little more track at not much extra cost would be worth it.

I agree that they should make more traditional locomotives with RailSounds and TMCC, and I also think Lionel should expand their LionMaster line. For at least one catalog, they had their SD80/90MAC's available in a number of different liveries, and they also had Challenger and Big Boy steam locomotives as well. I really like the LionMaster locomotives, because they are traditional size, but they are so cleverly proportioned that no one would ever know that they wern't Standard O scale. In fact, the scale SD80MAC is only 1 inch longer than the LionMaster version, so there's probably very little difference.

[1688torpedo]

 Lionel will getting my money for the 246E Tinplate Passenger Set & The Standard Gauge Trolley looks like a possibility also as Lionel or Mike has never offered it before & the originals are very,very difficult to obtain at any cost & condition & I bet they would cost at least ten times or more than any reproduction ever would & that makes it worthwhile also. I think that Jim Cohen of Trumbell,CT offered a version of this Trolley some time ago & even they are hard to find anywhere & expensive to boot. I often wonder what the Marketing Managers at Lionel & Mike's think when they see all the dissatisfied comments about what should or should not be made? If I was one of them I would ask "Just what do you guys want??????" We have Modern,Postwar, & now Prewar Trains all in one Catalog with or without command control & Railsounds,Trainsounds,or Whistle or Diesel sounds & you're still not satisfied? "What's the deal here,You're giving us a Blank Check"?  I doubt that any other market is as finiky as Toy Trains. Take Care.

 

[Anonymous]

  My rebuttle to those complaining about the lack of new products is this. Back in the pre war and post war era it was rare to see new items with all new tooling come out every year. Yes, there might have been a new piece of rolling stock in the catologes and new paint scemes, but the fact is they got the most out of the then current toolings. When a new engine came out, it was the biggest news. Now we expect dozens of new engines to be satisfied. The fact of the matter is that Lionel can't afford all this new tooling every year. It was easier back when many parts were shared, but most new engines require all new parts. Also look at it as a blessing on your wallet if you can't find anything you want. Sure enough someone will make the train you want. 

[ChiefEagles]

...The one thing that concerns me is the PE TrainSounds tender.  If this thing sounds like my NYC Flyer or the Lionel Lines tender, I'm gonna flip out!!!  This thing sounds more like a diesel than a steamer and I paid the $90 for the Lionel Lines tender and it just like the NYC!!!  That's my only complaint.  ...

Just my

The Chief and I were in North East Trains back in June. We saw and heard a starter set NYC Trainsounds tender and both of us were very impessed. The one we heard sounded nothing like a deisel. It had a great, deep, strong steam whistle, a bell, brake squeal, and chuffing. I was amazed at how great it sounded.

Jim

Thanks for reminding me.  I want to get one of those.  It sounded great.

[3railguy]

I am bery excited about the Union Pacific FEF. Something I have waited a very long time for Lionel to do. $1,150 MSRP or $950 - $1000 discunt is not a bad price considering Mohawks were the same price in 1991.

[Icemanmike]

I am just glad that there is a real k-line catalog. I like their
accesories, and enjoy the fact that some of the old marx stuf is still
being made. If no one wanted it then they would have stoped making it
years ago. If you cannot tell I am also a slight marx fan

[brianel027]

I really don't understand the thought about "moaning." Different strokes for different folks: depending on your tastes, how many trains you already have and how long you have been in the hobby can make all the difference as to how you view the new catalogs.

A quick check on the other train forums, and you'll find the comments here are albeit smaller in numbers but an overall reflection on similar comments that are being made elsewhere. some are very happy and some are not, and that's just theway it goes. And for those not happy with what's out now, well as Andrew said, there's always the next catalog.

Going by Jerry Calabrese's comments that he would rather double Lionel's rolling stock sales with affordable discounted beginner train set add-on packs rather than expensive scale steam engines says to me he seems to understand Lionel's largest chunk of sales (and profits) are made on starter/beginner and traditionally sized products. A high end product made in a quantity of 1,000 and a starter product made in a quantity of 10,000 says quite clearly where the real market is. And though I haven't checked myself, I've read elsewhere some of these new products aimed at beginners are not scheduled to be available until AFTER the holiday buying season.

Lionel is in a tough spot. They're in bankruptcy (athough Judge Liftland has just made some favorable rulings for Lionel) and trying to please a diverse range of interests. As much as Jerry Calabrese stated he understands Lionel's future lies greatly with new beginning hobbiests (which means "toy" trains), he also understand Lionel is the technology leader and doesn't wish to lose the devoted high end buyers to MTH or Atlas anymore than they can help. Legal fees and new expensive high end tooling that has yet to yield profits must be taking a financial toll on both companies.

It has also been discussed many times in the past as to why Lionel and others put out two catalogs per year. Therec are arguements of both logic and foolishness to reprising the entire first edition catalog in the second edition, only to add a few more new products to the second. I've long felt it made more sense to do a second edition catalog aimed totally at the new beginning customer highlighting the types of products that sell the best during the holiday buying season. But that's my feeling.

If I had just entered the hobby, I'd be much more excited about the new catalogs. But that's not to say they're bad. For example, with the K-Lionel catalog, I happen to already own many of the reissued products being made, so why would I want them again? For a newcomer, it's another story entirely.

And for whatever the two-cents of my personal feelings, the fact that Lionel is making more money now than in previous recent years says people like the products and are buying them. AND THAT'S A GOOD THING for the whole 3-rail hobby. And the report that Jerry Calabrese wishes to purchase Lionel eventually from Wellspring says to me he really believes in future the company.

[yougottawanta]

If you all want to pick up Lionel at a good price there is a hobby shop whose owner is retiring and you can pick up lionel products and he will ship them to you Call Tony at  540-347-9212. He has a large inventory and it is currently forty percent off.

[anjdevil2]

Again, I'm not complaining.  This hobby has far exceeded my expectations with the variety of items available.  I wish that the Trainsounds steam tender would sound different.  Isn't that a soundboard change?  I may change the soundboard with sonething else.  This is just an observation I have, that I thought there would be a few different sounding steam tenders. 

I will send this out:

1) The high line stuff trickles down to the lower stuff eventually and everyone benefits.

2) IF Lionel "goes under" and Mike winds up owning it, I start buying more Williams, Atlas and Weaver stuff.  Mike, your attitude in this hobby is going to ruin it.  Lionel has a history and a following.  Atlas O is getting it right, Williams is finding the PreWar niche and seems to be doing quite well.  I have yet to get to the Weaver stuff, but it looks really good. The MTH stuff is good, but not to get in a fight about it, doesn't seem to fit my wants and needs.  The accessories are great, just don't have a real sense of gotta have it itis...

[LS1Heli]

IF Lionel "goes under" and Mike winds up owning it, I

If that every happens (and I am serious) that would be the worst day of my life. That clown is nothing more than a rip off who is captalizing on something that someone else created a long long time ago.

[Anonymous]

Let's review --->224 pages of product--->absolutely something for everyone--->huge line of steam engines in lots of wheel configurations--->if you can't be happy with this catalog, increase your dosage... 

Agreed, being a economy conscious O-gauger I even found plenty of things in this catalog that caught my eye including but not limited to:

Trainsounds, yippie!!

an ad-on car for those of us who question what the PE needs with a baggage car, tres bien!

I am honestly giving some very serious consideration over adding a G-gauge to my collection, and for this price, wow, can't beat it very nice.  Only problem is that it lacks the last axle.  I admit that when I saw early pics of this I was like, what the heck?  But, now that I see it and see the price, well lets just say that my interest is peaked!  edit: and I just checked Charles Ro, let's just say that the price is WAY reasonable!!!

I also like the locos that are in the Special Locomotives section:

This one here also caught my eye

I also like this, I'm thinking of adding one to my layout, I know its not new but it definitely fits my rurual 1950's theme.

Here's another piece that is interesting, but I'm still debating on whether to go with wooden bridges.

 

[thor]

I really don't understand the thought about "moaning.

Brian, I apologize for the way in which I must have upset you because it was I who used the term 'moaning' though it wasn't directed at anyone and meant naysayers in general, both here and elsewhere.

As you know I tend to agree pretty solidly with you about the importance of the low end toy train market to the well being of the hobby as a whole.

On the AOL Lionel message board I explained my position better as regards complaints about the new catalog but I'll post a more thorouh defense of my viewpoint later on after I've finished taking in the wonders of all the new stuff that Lionel is offering under its own and the K-Line brand name.

However in brief my happiness and amazement is directly related to the fact that I'm new to this aspect of the worlds greatest hobby, that is 3 rail O gauge so therefore everything is 'new' to me and what to some may be the same old, same old to me is "Wow! Gosh! Amazing! Look at THAT I just gotta get me one!"

However I would never wish to give offense and if I did, I apologize. I value your opinions highly.-Mike

[brianel027]

Mike, really - I wasn't upset in the least. Just stating how I viewed it pretty clear and cut dry. And as I viewed comments on other forums about the new catalogs, I found the basic theme was repeated elsewhere. Some are really excited and some aren't.

Hopefully the ones who are really excited about the lineup will support the company and their local retailers and make some purchases.

"However in brief my happiness and amazement is directly related to the fact that I'm new to this aspect of the worlds greatest hobby, that is 3 rail O gauge so therefore everything is 'new' to me and what to some may be the same old, same old to me is "Wow! Gosh! Amazing! Look at THAT I just gotta get me one!"

By the way Mike, glad to have you in the hobby and on this forum. I felt the same way you did when I re-entered the hobby some 17 years ago.

[Bob.M]

How does one get a copy of the new Lionel/K-Line catalog? The last one they sent to me was 2007 Volume 1, back in February. It came with a letter saying "Future catalogs will be mailed directly only to members of the Lionel Railroader Club." (Annual dues $20.00). FWIW, The nearest dealer is about 20 miles away.

[alexweiihman]

How does one get a copy of the new Lionel/K-Line catalog? The last one they sent to me was 2007 Volume 1, back in February. It came with a letter saying "Future catalogs will be mailed directly only to members of the Lionel Railroader Club." (Annual dues $20.00). FWIW, The nearest dealer is about 20 miles away.

 

from the LHS or from the club.  You can also veiw the catolog on the Lionel website at lionel.com

Alex

[PhilaKnight]

Does anyone know when the stuff is going to hit the shelfs? Still waiting to see the stuff from Catalog #1 to come to my dealer. First I heard May then August just got back and they said they heard September. Are they pulling my leg or is this normal.

[alexweiihman]

Does anyone know when the stuff is going to hit the shelfs? Still waiting to see the stuff from Catalog #1 to come to my dealer. First I heard May then August just got back and they said they heard September. Are they pulling my leg or is this normal.

 

It depends on the item, your best bet would be to go on the lionel website to see the shipping scedule

 

alex

[Cheese]

Well,

I was very impressed when I first saw it a few hours ago. I see alot I want, but very little I will get.

The Hogwarts Express will definatly show up on my layout, as well as the Southern 0-8-0. Maybe, just maybe the new K-4, but from the illustration it is way too green for my taste, even though Pennsy steam was Brunswick Green.

The Pennsy TMCC 2-8-2 set caught my eye, as well as the new Shay (which I will never be able to afford), and the traditional diesel offerings for 2008 look promising.

Cheese

[Anonymous]

I rather enjoyed the new catalogue myself. Something for everybody, I think. I mean, Christmas train stuff absolutely leaves me cold - I'd never spend a dime on it. But obviously there's considerable demand for it. So, all good. The LEGACY B-unit is an excellent idea.

I am curious about one thing: Reference the "Special Locomotives Insert" it states that these locomotives were not issued for a while "due to reasons beyond our control." In addition to making me wonder if John Malkevich's character from "Dangerous Liasons" was now working at Lionel, I'm puzzled as to what those reasons were. Bankruptcy? Were these the designs that were supposedly pirated from MTH?

And why is my Southern PS4 that I paid $400 for in 2001 (I was young and foolish and did not know that only a dope pays list) now listed for $300?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[Anonymous]

Well,

I was very impressed when I first saw it a few hours ago. I see alot I want, but very little I will get.

The Hogwarts Express will definatly show up on my layout, as well as the Southern 0-8-0. Maybe, just maybe the new K-4, but from the illustration it is way too green for my taste, even though Pennsy steam was Brunswick Green.

The Pennsy TMCC 2-8-2 set caught my eye, as well as the new Shay (which I will never be able to afford), and the traditional diesel offerings for 2008 look promising.

Cheese

 

Before you buy the Southern 0-8-0, read the thread discussing it on this board. The sound doesn't work properly. Do I speak from personal experience? I wish I did not. Still, I enjoy the locomotive very much, nice details and it's a beautiful engine in general. Just know what you're gettin', and it ain't a good sound system.

[Cheese]

Yes,

I am aware of the sound problem. But its a great looking engine that, I'm sure, performs well and the price can't be beat. Sound problem or not I am a sucker for Southern Steam and this engine will be added to my roster soon.

Thanks for the warning though.

Cheese