New CTT arrived and I disagree with the editor

[Anonymous]

Quality notwithstanding, you're making a false distinction. They DO listen to their customers BY listening to the bean counters. No matter how much YOU want a piece, unless MANY folks do, they can't make it pay, no matter how much you scream. And the companies are in it to make money, NOT satisfy any one person in particular. For example, I'd love to have a 4-4-0 in Mississippi River and Bonne Terre R.R. livery. Should I complain that the manufacturers are ignoring "us" because there is none? No; there are precious few counted in that "us."

For myself, I just bash one myself.

Now, the quality isses ARE distressing. That's one reason why I refuse to go into Comand Control.

[Anonymous]

Quality notwithstanding, you're making a false distinction. They DO listen to their customers BY listening to the bean counters. No matter how much YOU want a piece, unless MANY folks do, they can't make it pay, no matter how much you scream. And the companies are in it to make money, NOT satisfy any one person in particular. For example, I'd love to have a 4-4-0 in Mississippi River and Bonne Terre R.R. livery. Should I complain that the manufacturers are ignoring "us" because there is none? No; there are precious few counted in that "us."

For myself, I just bash one myself.

Now, the quality isses ARE distressing. That's one reason why I refuse to go into Comand Control.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by prewardude

Have you guys read the product reviews in the latest issue? Pathetic! The K-Line Allegheny had a wheelset that fell out, one of the Lionel FM H-16-44 samples was D.O.A. (among other problems), one of the Lionel Train Robbery set's locomotives had a smoke unit that shorted out, one of the S-4 switcher samples was D.O.A., and the K-Line F-7 diesel set had a bad motor! I respect Neil Besougloff, but it seems his comments were a bit ill-timed for the November issue. No wonder I haven't bought too many new trains lately!

I respect Neil, but I think he has to walk a thin line when talking about the major companies. They'll pull the advertising in a heartbeat! If you guys don't know already, ADVERTISERS run a publication just like commerical sponsers on a TV show. Sure, you can't have advertisers without subscribers (why would anyone want to advertise in a mag with no subscribers), but Neil just has to take the words from the company "execs" and believe them. That, however, does not mean WE have to believe them. No, Neil is just trying to keep his Lionel advertising. And who could blame him?

To update you guys, Lionel is replacing all the circuit boards in in the J3A. I will let you know how that turns out. If only they had done that the first time around.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by prewardude

Have you guys read the product reviews in the latest issue? Pathetic! The K-Line Allegheny had a wheelset that fell out, one of the Lionel FM H-16-44 samples was D.O.A. (among other problems), one of the Lionel Train Robbery set's locomotives had a smoke unit that shorted out, one of the S-4 switcher samples was D.O.A., and the K-Line F-7 diesel set had a bad motor! I respect Neil Besougloff, but it seems his comments were a bit ill-timed for the November issue. No wonder I haven't bought too many new trains lately!

I respect Neil, but I think he has to walk a thin line when talking about the major companies. They'll pull the advertising in a heartbeat! If you guys don't know already, ADVERTISERS run a publication just like commerical sponsers on a TV show. Sure, you can't have advertisers without subscribers (why would anyone want to advertise in a mag with no subscribers), but Neil just has to take the words from the company "execs" and believe them. That, however, does not mean WE have to believe them. No, Neil is just trying to keep his Lionel advertising. And who could blame him?

To update you guys, Lionel is replacing all the circuit boards in in the J3A. I will let you know how that turns out. If only they had done that the first time around.

[prewardude]

Have you guys read the product reviews in the latest issue? Pathetic! The K-Line Allegheny had a wheelset that fell out, one of the Lionel FM H-16-44 samples was D.O.A. (among other problems), one of the Lionel Train Robbery set's locomotives had a smoke unit that shorted out, one of the S-4 switcher samples was D.O.A., and the K-Line F-7 diesel set had a bad motor! I respect Neil Besougloff, but it seems his comments were a bit ill-timed for the November issue. No wonder I haven't bought too many new trains lately!

[prewardude]

Have you guys read the product reviews in the latest issue? Pathetic! The K-Line Allegheny had a wheelset that fell out, one of the Lionel FM H-16-44 samples was D.O.A. (among other problems), one of the Lionel Train Robbery set's locomotives had a smoke unit that shorted out, one of the S-4 switcher samples was D.O.A., and the K-Line F-7 diesel set had a bad motor! I respect Neil Besougloff, but it seems his comments were a bit ill-timed for the November issue. No wonder I haven't bought too many new trains lately!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agree! And believe me, Lionel has heard me. I have a 50th Anniversary J3A Hudson in for repairs for the SECOND TIME with them. We'll see if they fix it this time. I fully believe that they never expected it to be operated. The thing had no movement or railsounds. Just sat there.

Oh, and just to clarify on the FasTrac jazz....I know that Lionel's ads say that more track is coming out in 2004, but why the secrets? Excuse me Mr. Bond. If I tell you that I have 054 radius track coming out, I may have to kill you. Come on!

[Anonymous]

Yes, I agree! And believe me, Lionel has heard me. I have a 50th Anniversary J3A Hudson in for repairs for the SECOND TIME with them. We'll see if they fix it this time. I fully believe that they never expected it to be operated. The thing had no movement or railsounds. Just sat there.

Oh, and just to clarify on the FasTrac jazz....I know that Lionel's ads say that more track is coming out in 2004, but why the secrets? Excuse me Mr. Bond. If I tell you that I have 054 radius track coming out, I may have to kill you. Come on!

[Anonymous]

In this case, don't vote with your feet, Vote with Your Wallets...... BTW, after being out of O-Gauge since 1966, just coming back about five years ago, I'd have to say right now is the best time for Model Trains of all types. Many more engine types,freight cars and accesories, much more choice in manufacturers..... with and without all the bells and whistles. Not for nothing but if any aspect of any hobby is making your life a "mess" I would suggest another form of entertainment. As far as poor QC , fill out the product warranties, and rave like hell if you have to, as I mentioned befor, Vote with your wallet!

[Anonymous]

In this case, don't vote with your feet, Vote with Your Wallets...... BTW, after being out of O-Gauge since 1966, just coming back about five years ago, I'd have to say right now is the best time for Model Trains of all types. Many more engine types,freight cars and accesories, much more choice in manufacturers..... with and without all the bells and whistles. Not for nothing but if any aspect of any hobby is making your life a "mess" I would suggest another form of entertainment. As far as poor QC , fill out the product warranties, and rave like hell if you have to, as I mentioned befor, Vote with your wallet!

[Anonymous]

Have you read the latest CTT Editor's column? I'll make it short----Lionel, MTH, K-Line, Weaver, etc does NOT listen to the consumers. They only tell people they are listening.

They listen to their BEAN COUNTERS. They know that more than 80% of their engines will go to collectors and never be run, so they just deal with the DOA engine returns and make people's lives a mess rather than putting their products through QC checks like they should.

What's all the James Bondish secrets about Lionel? Fastrack in 042, 054 and 072 + with switches in every form like GarGraves is all we ask--Why not just do it. And what about DOUBLE STACK CARS?? That's all we see out here on the real railroad! Will they listen---Don't hold your breath. I've been asking these questions for over a year and have gotton "beat around the bush answers." BLAH!

[Anonymous]

Have you read the latest CTT Editor's column? I'll make it short----Lionel, MTH, K-Line, Weaver, etc does NOT listen to the consumers. They only tell people they are listening.

They listen to their BEAN COUNTERS. They know that more than 80% of their engines will go to collectors and never be run, so they just deal with the DOA engine returns and make people's lives a mess rather than putting their products through QC checks like they should.

What's all the James Bondish secrets about Lionel? Fastrack in 042, 054 and 072 + with switches in every form like GarGraves is all we ask--Why not just do it. And what about DOUBLE STACK CARS?? That's all we see out here on the real railroad! Will they listen---Don't hold your breath. I've been asking these questions for over a year and have gotton "beat around the bush answers." BLAH!