Toy train operating and collecting

lionroar88 wrote:

Also I think they should offer all their engines in a Conventional configuration, but with the option to have TMCC/Legacy installed (at the buyer's discression).

That sounds like a good idea.

I like the TMCC, but I would rather have convintional(?) locomotives for the price.

lionroar88 wrote:

Fewer engines in Pennsy, NYC, Santa Fe, UP... I mean really it gets very tiresome to see the catalog laden with these roadnames and only 1 or 2 offerings in B&O, C&O, and WM. .

 

BL-2 s

more sharknoses (other than NYC)

5 axle c-liners 

lionelfanatic wrote:

lionroar88 wrote: Also I think they should offer all their engines in a Conventional configuration, but with the option to have TMCC/Legacy installed (at the buyer's discression). That sounds like a good idea. I like the TMCC, but I would rather have convintional(?) locomotives for the price.

I agree with this idea.  It permits a much broader market for essentially the same production item, attracting those with a lower purchase price threshhold, those who simply want conventional and don't want the additional features, accomodating those who want TMCC/Legacy, and satisfying those who would some day want to upgrade for whatever reason.  And with limited additional manufacturing cost to Lionel.  This approach has worked for the automobile manufacturers.

Lionel must have thought about it and declined to do so for some reason unknown to us.

Jack 

lionroar88 wrote:

Also, I would like to see then sell the engines in mulitple numbers, and the rolling stock in multiple numbers.

  

How about O27 track in a radius between 27 and 42".

Also steam engines that smoke like an MTH.  Why couldn't they make tmcc engines with a conventional/tmcc switch for conventional operators who buy tmcc engines and want it to smoke out of the box.  Pretty disapointing when you buy a new steamer and it smokes tiny wisps about invisible.

Also more mid-priced sets.  Most sets are either 150-300 dollars or 900-1000 dollars.

And they should put quality first. example: Don't make diesel starter engines with 1 motor/power truck that cant pull anything.  They just turn people away with things like that.

trainsfan wrote:

How about O27 track in a radius between 27 and 42". Also steam engines that smoke like an MTH.  Why couldn't they make tmcc engines with a conventional/tmcc switch for conventional operators who buy tmcc engines and want it to smoke out of the box.  Pretty disapointing when you buy a new steamer and it smokes tiny wisps about invisible. Also more mid-priced sets.  Most sets are either 150-300 dollars or 900-1000 dollars. And they should put quality first. example: Don't make diesel starter engines with 1 motor/power truck that cant pull anything.  They just turn people away with things like that.

The reason they don't have a switch is because TMCC engines are conventional - no need for a switch, TMCC engines run in conventional mode when the Command Base is not present.

Also, most people who want only conventional engines don't want to pay for the TMCC electronics (this adds $$$ to the engine's cost).

What I would do, if I were Jerry, is take the price of the TMCC engine, subtract the cost of the TMCC boards, and sell the engines in conventional only for that price (Say the TMCC board is $150, and the TMCC engine costs $450, sell the conventional only for $300 and the upgrade board for $150) They get greater coverage, more affordable engines, AND potential future revenue from the upgrade kits.

As for the smoke units... MTH sued Lionel over this very thing... there's your answer.

lionroar88 wrote:

trainsfan wrote: How about O27 track in a radius between 27 and 42". Also steam engines that smoke like an MTH.  Why couldn't they make tmcc engines with a conventional/tmcc switch for conventional operators who buy tmcc engines and want it to smoke out of the box.  Pretty disapointing when you buy a new steamer and it smokes tiny wisps about invisible. Also more mid-priced sets.  Most sets are either 150-300 dollars or 900-1000 dollars. And they should put quality first. example: Don't make diesel starter engines with 1 motor/power truck that cant pull anything.  They just turn people away with things like that. The reason they don't have a switch is because TMCC engines are conventional - no need for a switch, TMCC engines run in conventional mode when the Command Base is not present. Also, most people who want only conventional engines don't want to pay for the TMCC electronics (this adds $$$ to the engine's cost). What I would do, if I were Jerry, is take the price of the TMCC engine, subtract the cost of the TMCC boards, and sell the engines in conventional only for that price (Say the TMCC board is $150, and the TMCC engine costs $450, sell the conventional only for $300 and the upgrade board for $150) They get greater coverage, more affordable engines, AND potential future revenue from the upgrade kits. As for the smoke units... MTH sued Lionel over this very thing... there's your answer.

 

Lionroar88:   I know the engines will run without a switch, But it would be nice if they had a switch for conventional and the engine would actually smoke out of the box.  That or they should put on the box:  Puffing smoke unit which makes next to zero smoke with your conventional transformers.  Why not try for 100 percent customer satisfaction?  :)

Well, the CNJ question has been answered, they're making a John Bull, just looking for 1 more thing.....

Tropicana reefers Orange &/or White....mulitple numbers 6 car set...I like them way they come from Florida to Jersey City...and, no, if MTH made them, I just ain't interested.... and I liket the TMCC option...

I haven't seen any FEC containers (I have pictures), though I have seen on occasion, FEC well cars.  Most that I've seen are TTX or CSX (and some CSX containers).  I get to run past the FEC mainline going to & from work (If you mapquest it, Greenland Road near US1 Zip 32257).

Just an observation....

trainsfan,
I have a TMCC C&O Berk that puffs just fine when running in conventional mode, with no modifications. Keep in mind that the TMCC engines are designed to run with the 18v constant supply recommended for TMCC operation.

This is why I feel selling engines that are conventionally equiped, but upgradable to TMCC/Legacy with add-in boards is the better route. Also, the boards should be available through service centers only, if selling to individuals they should be made fully aware that Lionel does not gaurantee the boards unless they are installed by a service center.

Just thought of something else...

A way to upload custom sound sets to the engines.

lionroar88 wrote:

Just thought of something else... A way to upload custom sound sets to the engines.

 Sniff...sniff....Smell like an MTH idea....

anjdevil2 wrote:

lionroar88 wrote: Just thought of something else... A way to upload custom sound sets to the engines.  Sniff...sniff....Smell like an MTH idea....

Yes, but I have a VERY good reason to want to do this... I need a TMCC engine but with custom railsounds...

An F-7 Texas & Pacific.... Not a Missouri Pacific, but a T&P....  There are enough Steamers out there on the market by Lionel and MTH already. 

Hi, just read the post and replies so far. sounds like Lionel should read these forums. I have two angles on this. first most guys here are older guys who had lionel in their childhood. they need to keep catering to us. I like the reissues of postwar stuff and the tin stuff. next angle, lionel made its reputation in making trains for fathers to play with their sons. they need to concentrate on starter sets! and with todays electronics they all need to have railsounds for starter prices. it is ridiculous that MTH can do this but not lionel. electronics are cheap. I can go to the grocery store and get a birthday card with more sophisticated sounds than the lionel starters. if you want to get this generation of nintendo kids you have to make them worth looking at.

as a side note my 5 year old nephew will 10 to 1 go for steam over diesel. it's the action, side rods, smoke, generally more to see.

Scott