Toy train operating and collecting

This may be a fairly common thread, but I noticed that in the recent months the forum has really turned around, sorta been "reborn", and we have 100s of posts each week.

But, back to the main point, what do you think Lionel needs to come out with? I personally have about 1 major thing.

From an exception of possibly the current catalog, more "Modern" engines. How are you going to get kids in the hobby when they cant relate to the GP9 or the Berkshire in their set? Lionel needs to produce more modern engines like MTH does. Such as Dash 9s, GEVOs, AC4400s, ect. (Yes, they have produced many new locos this year) One other thing is, that if they do produce more modern engines, make them in more paint schemes. They all need to be in major paint schemes. UP, CSX, NS, and BNSF.

So, what do you think?

LionMaster AC4400CW

Traditional DASH 8 or 40B-8

Minimum Features: 2-Motors, Die-Cast Trucks, Metal Frame, Horn & Bell, LED Lights. 

Traditional Trinity High-Sided 3-Bay Covered Hopper

Traditional ACF Center Flow 4600 Cu. Ft. 3-Bay Covered Hopper

Traditional Fruit Grower's Express 50' Mechanical Refrigerator Car

The traditional line needs a Mechanical Refrigerator Car.

Traditional version of the Pacific Car & Foundry Plate C Clearance 50' Flat Roofed Boxcars around since the 1970's. Southern Pacific & Cotton Belt had the largest fleets of these 50' Flat Roofed Boxcars. They look similar to longer PC&F Boxcars and Refrigerator Cars so can have those paint schemes applied as well.

Make the Trinity ARC-5 Spine Flatcars, also known as the TTUX Cars, as actual 5-Unit Articulated Flat Cars in one box. The ARC-5  5-Unit Flat Cars must be completely authentically factory painted for Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, Conrail, BN, Trailer Train UTTX, and others. 

Modern roadnames include roads like KCS, CN, CP, not just CSX, NS, BNSF, UP.

The Kansas City Southern Maxi-Stacks and Husky-Stacks have to be made by Lionel.

Production Runs of 3-Unit Maxi-Stacks for BN, BNSF, and  BNSF post-2005.

Andrew

magicman710 wrote:

What do you think needs to be produced by Lionel?

More tinplate.

 - Clint 

magicman710 wrote:

This may be a fairly common thread, but I noticed that in the recent months the forum has really turned around, sorta been "reborn", and we have 100s of posts each week. But, back to the main point, what do you think Lionel needs to come out with? I personally have about 1 major thing. So, what do you think?

I feel exactly the opposite regarding the forum. I think traffic here has been somewhat slow of late. Nowhere near as active as it was in past winters. I'm glad to see a number of new members.

As for what Lionel should make - G O R D O N !   

More Prewar reproductions, although I'd like to see them made so they could readily be converted to command control for those who like TMCC/Legacy.

Tinplate in general.

More accessories that operate. 

fifedog wrote:

Jobs back in the US...

 Affordable good quality starter sets with the older TMCC technology and a modern seen everyday diesel thats built with molded on details and is a proven durable runner. Would come with a Cab 1 and remote base. Even if they don't make a dime on them. Everything today seems to involve a handheld remote with kids. If you can catch their interest enough. Then they will continue to add to that starter set. Eventually moving up to something like Legacy. Unless a child is exposed from either family or friends to trains most parents are dealing with starter sets and I don't believe they offer enough in the way of features to hold a kids attention. You can buy trains and a system that will but most parents aren't going to invest heavilly on an initial purchase.

 Right now I have more than enough trains to keep my interest for the opperatting scheme I have in mind. In my early 50's and I don't buy much of anything anymore unless it fits what I have in mind. I believe Lionel must address the newer hobbiest starting out.

jmkk wrote:

fifedog wrote: Jobs back in the US...

And more lost smaller railways trains like L&N , NJC, Rock Island, Virginian, Southern, FEC, ect .

Suoosely they moved to overseas to keep prices down you can't prove it to me the prices still just keep going up as far as I can see. It was supose to be somuch cheaper there yeah for them not us.

Grayson glad to see you posting again

Less items.  I think all the companys are coming out with to much stuff...I am surprised that they make a profit on items that they only will produce once.  Its great for the hobbyists in the short term, but might not be benificial in the long run.

Alex

An ILBM

Thats an Inter Layout Ballistic Missile. Its a heat seeking missile that searches out MTH engines unique heat signature.  

rtraincollector wrote:

Suoosely they moved to overseas to keep prices down you can't prove it to me the prices still just keep going up as far as I can see. It was supose to be somuch cheaper there yeah for them not us.

It is cheaper for them to produce overseas.  Only now, with their costs down, they might be able to operate profitably so that they can stay in business.  We seem to forget that companies do not operate out of benevolence for the customers but rather to get a return on capital.  Many on these boards wistfully desire for American made goods while they head out to Wal-Mart because they have the cheapest prices.  You can't have it both ways.  The American consumer has spoken.  Give it to us cheaper, not better.

As an aside, in Lionel's 2007 Volume 2 catalog the company had a special steam series and they compared today's prices to prices from years past.  Today's prices were much less.  Unless they were not truthful, it appeared that Lionel is selling trains for less money today than they did a decade ago. 

Regards,

John