Lionel Posted Catalog On Line!

[MartyE]

Dan

Thanks a lot.  I haven't gotten a good update in a while because of work and summer.  I appreciate the comments.  As for Rob, I haven't seen him since last fall when the last batch of pictures were taken.  He is always working.  He has a pretty impressive setup for sure.

[danrunner]

MartyE,

Off subject: I love your website and have visited it for some time. I recognized your name on your postings here. A former burgh boy, I know Rob Pratte and KDKA, and love his layout. I once googled MTH transformer and your site topped the list. That's how I discovered your photos of Rob's basement. Go figure.

Keep up the good work.

Dan

[Andrew Falconer]

We need more Prewar!

And we need more Postwar!

And more Modern....

And more Standard Gauge,

And more Flyer,

More Traditional.....

And.... what else??

The reason why there is not much more is because Jerry does not like blow-out sales and the less they offer in the catalog the sooner it will be produced.

Andrew

[douellet]

Pretty nice catalog but I don't see much in it that are must have items for me. It's nice to see that Lionel is going to be offering the former K-Line 0-42 switches but the prices are a ripoff. Not going with the K-Line 0-27 switches is a poor decision, but I can just imagine what the prices would be. I bought the last 6 K-Line 0-27 switches a local dealer had for $18 each (regular price). Look what Lionel is asking for their junk 0-27 switches, the K-Lines would have been a good product upgrade.

[Santa Fe Kent]

We need more Prewar!

And we need more Postwar!

And more Modern....

And more Standard Gauge,

And more Flyer,

More Traditional.....

And.... what else??

[njalb1]

Trainz is presently setting up their pre order page. There is a link to it that should work soon. Discounted , no tax (except GA) and as always free shipping....

[tmcc man]

I like the 2007 SD40-2's, in both NS, and CN scheme's. The CP, and Chessie GP30's look nice too. I would addd the cabooses too.

[thatboy37]

im going to put my wish list in from the new catalog well here goes. i think i might beable to get these items if im good to my ole lady:

cp gp30 powered #6-28557 $399.99

cp gp30 non-powered  #6-28558 $149.99

cn sd40-2 powered #6-28259 $429.99

cn sd40-2 non powered #6-28260 $169.99

cn cylindrical hopper #6-27169 $64.99 x's 8

collegiate boxcar #6-39287 $44.99 University of Alabama

tmcc legacy command set #6-14295 $299.99

i hope this list is not to big but we will give it a try anyways.

 

 

[nblum]

"What will happen in 20 years when you need parts/downloads for tmcc-I and they're on TMCC-IV?"

The same thing that always happens. You keep operating your old stuff, or if replacement parts aren't available, you scrounge or update.  If neither, you discard.  Same thing I've done with about five or six or seven generations of Macintosh computers and printers over the last 22 years.  My 1996 TV isn't so hot either, compared with the 2006 models.  Same for cell phones, dishwashers, automobiles, etc.  I don't want to be using 1956's antibiotics either :).

[chuck]

"I just feel for those who put a ton of money into it and now see a shiny, new version that will eventually replace it."

I spent $99 for my original Command Base and Cab-1.  That isn't a "ton of money".  These are the only parts that get replaced.  Everything else stays the same except that components like the TPC get access to additional features.  I can even swap the radio receiver boards on the older engines that have modular boards with the newer TMCC-2 boards.   Command base/Cab-1 and a hanfull of receiver boards.  Sounds pretty good to me.

[Jumijo]

<BLOCKQUOTE><table class="quoteOuterTable"><tr><td class="txt4"><img src="/trccs/Themes/default/images/icon-quote.gif">&nbsp;<strong>jefelectric wrote:</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="quoteTable"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="100%" valign="top" class="txt4"><P>It's nice to see Lionel finaly listened to all the complaints and replaced the CW-80 with something that actually works!&nbsp;</P>
<P>&nbsp;<STRONG><FONT color=#ff1493 size=6>NOT <img src="/trccs/emoticons/icon_smile_sad.gif" alt="Sad [:(]" /></FONT></STRONG></P></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></BLOCKQUOTE>


The copy says it's an all new CW-80. I wonder if that's just old text or if the transformer was de-bugged.

Jim

[danrunner]

nblum,

Sorry for the sarcasm, I realize TMCC-I isn't obsolete, I just feel for those who put a ton of money into it and now see a shiny, new version that will eventually replace it.

Lionel is a good company, and I buy from them proudly, but I'd like a stated vision w/ regard to TMCC and the future.

Technology tends to really make it hard to support older versions of a product, as they push newer ones. EX: Microsoft does not support/help those w/ old versions of windows. I think the oldest version they support now in win97.

What will happen in 20 years when you need parts/downloads for tmcc-I and they're on TMCC-IV?

[pbjwilson]

Wow! The K-Line stuff got expensive! $259 for a starter set Pacific in K-Lionel livery? Uh, no.

I dont understand that one either. Those came in starter sets with cars track and transformer for under $259. I see those at shows in new condition for $100, some with a railsounds tender. Bring back K-line with K-line pricing.

[Jumijo]

Wow! The K-Line stuff got expensive! $259 for a starter set Pacific in K-Lionel livery? Uh, no. The MP-15 might interest me though.

A few tempting things, but not much. Starter sets and add-ons got their usual $20 increase.

Jim

[nblum]

I'd go with DCS if you have PS2 locos, otherwise I'd stick to TMCC, but only if own or plan to own TMCC locos.  If you have both, you'll need both.  Contrary to what is said, DCS cannot control TMCC locos in command mode without the TMCC command base, and the cab-1 is essential as well.

As far as your other comments, TMCC I is not obsolete, it will operate more of the features of TMCC II locos than DCS can, and it can also operate important features of TMCC I locos that DCS cannot access.  It appears it will remain available as an economy version of TMCC II, at least for a while. TMCC II and DCS appear to have very little in common to me except that they're both command systems, and both handhelds have LCD screens. They have completely different approaches in many areas.

[danrunner]

I was hoping to see more K-line stuff, esp the new street/car track system. Does this mean it's dead? I hope they really market some of their stuff. I think K-lines 120 w transformer should replace the cw-80,

I wonder if K-line and their products will resemble Am Flyer in their catalog--an afterthought. If Lionel sold Am Flyer to a third party, I bet that third party could put together one heck of a great and profitable catalog. S-scalers would kill for the attention, and I'd probably be working in S instead of O.


The prices aren't great, but there are some modestly-priced things for us who aren't that scale/detail-conscious.

Glad I didn't buy TMCC-I as it's already become obsolete. Should I go after version II or go with Mth's version which is still robust and almost exactly what the new Lionel version resembles?

[nblum]

Nope, I'm just expressing a hope :).  If the 269 set does well, I'd guess we'll see more tinplate, if not, not.

[chuck]

"I can't believe they actually introduced a new tubular switch with the success of Fastrack."

That's K-Lines O-42 switch.

[okiechoochoo]

For years I wanted a 042 O guage switch, not the 027 they have made for years.  Now they have one in the catalog.  I can't believe they actually introduced a new tubular switch with the success of Fastrack.

[prewardude]

 I, Too was hoping that Lionel would have more Tinplate in this catalog as has been pointed out in this forum before that there are still plenty of prewar trains for Lionel to reproduce, i.e. Flying Yankee, 249E with 600 series freight or passenger cars. 1688,1668,& 1689E with Tin Litho Freight or Passenger Cars. The 224E,225E& 226E.Engine Trio. The 203 Yard Goat with the B-6 Wheels & Siderods.They can also come out with the Tin Prewar # 45 Gateman & the Orange & Cream operating Bell Shack, #154 Highway Flasher with the Hiawatha Orange Base & the Diecast crossbuck in white & Diecast Light Housings with the Large Incadesent Bulbs(Instead of the Miniture ones used now!) This would be a good list for them to start with. Lionel, are you listening? Take Care all.

All excellent suggestions, Keith!

... The Prewar Celebration Series should start in 2007...

Do you know something that we don't, Neil (hopefully)?

 - Clint

P.S. Somebody (Tinplate Art) on another forum pointed out that Lionel, LLC has yet to publicly recognize 2006 as the centennial anniversary of Standard gauge (a Lionel origination). The company also missed 2005 as the 75th anniversary of the introduction of their own Standard gauge Blue Comet. For shame.

[1688torpedo]

 I, Too was hoping that Lionel would have more Tinplate in this catalog as has been pointed out in this forum before that there are still plenty of prewar trains for Lionel to reproduce, i.e. Flying Yankee, 249E with 600 series freight or passenger cars. 1688,1668,& 1689E with Tin Litho Freight or Passenger Cars. The 224E,225E& 226E.Engine Trio. The 203 Yard Goat with the B-6 Wheels & Siderods.They can also come out with the Tin Prewar # 45 Gateman & the Orange & Cream operating Bell Shack, #154 Highway Flasher with the Hiawatha Orange Base & the Diecast crossbuck in white & Diecast Light Housings with the Large Incadesent Bulbs(Instead of the Miniture ones used now!) This would be a good list for them to start with. Lionel, are you listening? Take Care all.

[nblum]

"They definitely need more tinplate in the catalog. ">"

I agree. The Prewar Celebration Series should start in 2007.  One reason I ordered the 269E set, even though I'd have preferred it with TMCC, and it is overpriced, is to encourage them to continue with this approach.  I'd guess the set
is testing the waters for tinplate....

[prewardude]

They definitely need more tinplate in the catalog.

Regards,
Clint

[brianel027]

Well the wait is over with huh? I agree with others that the catalog art cars are nice... maybe they'll continue them into a series that might even honor the MPC era?

The paint scheme changes on the basic starter sets is a good idea, along with the add-on sets. And it's nice to see the single traditional non-command diesel with dual motors and die-cast trucks.

Aside from that, this is the second year that I've seen nothing in a Lionel catalog that interests me. No modern road names on basic starter sets or starter cars. What little K-Line stuff offered is a bit of a joke. Aside from the hefty price hikes, who wants a loco painted in a K-Lionel scheme? I've been a die-hard K-Line buyer from the very beginning because K-Line made what Lionel wouldn't and couldn't at the same price. Even I am not interested in a K-Lionel MP-15... maybe as a drastic super blowout and then I would strip it and repaint into one of the many roadnames Lionel ignores.

But it is a nice looking catalog and there is a lot of variety. I'm certain that many others will find something they like. The figures show most folks don't use TMCC, but the ones that do are more vocal on the train forums, so I'm sure there will be lots of talk on this.

I guess I'll keep my eyes on RMT offerings: they're made in the same place as Lionel and yet much more affordable and low and behold.. don't need to repaint them to find a current operating railroad.... what a novel idea!

[Santa Fe Kent]

Isn't it amazing the way we drool over Lionel catalogs still? Reminds me of my childhood and the late 50's catalogs.... this is most enjoyable!

[Anonymous]

I know the Space-Freight is a carry over from Volume I, but I wonder how many people are going to buy it.  Looks like it will ship in Nov 06 according to their schedule.  I actually drooled a little while looking at the big boy with 'Legacy' TCMII.  I wish I could afford it!

Dan

[Dr. John]

I think Lionel has done a good job of offering a wide variety of items from less expensive traditional (for guys like me) on up to the Big Boy and TMCC II. I'm pleasantly surprised to see the intro of some K-Line equipment this quickly.

Personally, I like the North Pole Central 4-4-0, and the C&O Superfreight set with the Berkshire (Did you notice a LOT of C&O offerings in this catalog?). The Third Avenue Trolley looks pretty good with the more realistic trolley poles.

Oh, yeah. I've GOT to get a University of Alabama boxcar!

[3railguy]

Lots of carry-overs from the last catalog. The UP CA-4 caboose and Fastrack operating grade crossing with gates is way cool! So is the Flyer FEF!!

[thor]

Fabulous! Made my day going through it on dial-up yet, thats why it took a day!  I havent got a snowballs chance in Hades of getting anything from it but I dont buy Wooden Boat to kid myself I can ever be that good or any of my other subject magazines because of any reality attached to checking out whats out there...the Lionel catalog is my twice yearly fantasy about what I would buy if I could and from this one thats just about everything in it.

If you love trains and have a good imagination, Lionels catalogs are banquets for armchair engineers. For a small company - relatively speaking - under threat of bankruptcy, with razor thin profit margins (compared to other products/corporations)  Lionel flies the flag with panache!   What's more if - heaven forbid - this was their last year of production what a high note to go out on that Big Boy is!

Dangeroo boys, I couldnt run one in the space I've got if I had it, but it would hold a place of honor above my bed!  I'd love to be able to leave something like that to my grandson, now THAT'S an inheritance.  Sniff Thanks Lionel and I don't even care if it turns out that half of it is 'fiction' its still the sort of catalog that really gladdens a chaps heart.

Yay America!