New Lionel Standard Gauge Hiawatha

[Algonquin]

The LOTS website has posted a copy of a Lionel catalog for a new Standard Gauge Hiawatha Passenger Train. It appears that Lionel announced it at the New York Toy Fair today.

The set includes a nice looking Hiawatha steam engine, tender and four cars. The set will include TMCC and Railsounds. List Price $2,200.

This looks like the start of another move into standard gauge for Lionel. From the catalog pictures on the LOTS website, the train looks as detailed as a typical "State Set".

Anyone else heard anything on this train?

[cheapclassics]

I have not heard any other news beside the LOTS web info, but it sure does look nice! Evidently Lionel feels the market is big enough for two players in standard gauge. With all the new types of cars MTH is coming out with, standard gauge operators could have some really long consists. The only downside is that the relatively low price on the MTH 2-6-6-2 could make impossible to make "smaller" engines such as the 384, the 8, and the 10 at a low enough price to make them marketable and still give a profit. In any event, we could be witnessing a new "Golden Age" of standard gauge.

[Algonquin]

Hi Michael,

I don't know the reasons why Lionel slowed down on there "Classics" line of reproduction Standard gauge trains in the late 90's. And likewise, I don't know why they are restarting the line now.

It is tough for most of us to justify sending $2000 plus for a train set. I don't know if I will be able to get this size set, on top of the O gauge I want this year (my main interest is O gauge, Standard is a sideline I would love to get into).

I was thinking of trying to restore an old set. Did you read the article by Ray Plummer in the March 2001 CTT on restoring old Standard gauge trains. Ray makes it sound relatively easy. I may start looking at the next train show for a candidate for fixing up.

Tim P.

[cheapclassics]

Tim,

A reason why Lionel stopped making standard gauge was the breakup between Mike Wolf and Lionel. The Korean firm that made the Lionel Classics would only work through Mike Wolf. No Wolf, no Classics. Perhaps Lionel also thought they had mined all the prime standard reproductions they could make at the time. As MTH has shown recently, there are several non-Lionel standard gauge products that could be re-issued, and there are several takeoffs of original Lionel ideas that could be developed. The car carrier, the ore car, and the 500 series crane car were never originally built in the 20's and 30's, but they blend in well. Adding different names to the state cars is a no-brainer way of expanding rolling stock.

I agree that standard gauge is pricey as my main collecting focus is O-27 cars. With Lionel getting out of that field, I have more funds for standard gauge. Ray did write a good article about restorations, but I have some people that do quality work for a reasonable price. I also have zero handyman skills. I do not want to discourage anyone wanting to try restorations as I admire anyone who can do it. Good luck with your efforts!