Lionel Posted Catalog On Line!

[MartyE]

Its Up!

[dougdagrump]

There is some really nice stuff, unfortunately the REALLY nice stuff is out of my price range. The diesels look nice and the pricing ain't to bad when you figure actual selling price will probably be a bit less. General Impression

[jefelectric]

Thanks Marty, I just looked last evening and it wasn't there yet.

[laz 57]

Thanks MARTY,

  Just looked at the LEGACY TMCCII, looks cool.  But WOW the price of it is $299, OUCH!

Might be fun though?

laz57

[jefelectric]

It's nice to see Lionel finaly listened to all the complaints and replaced the CW-80 with something that actually works! 

 NOT

[nblum]

Look at it this way. Who else in this industry even catalogs locomotives that sell for $85 or $109 MSRP? Not Williams. Or sets under $200 (just barely)?

No one, not since K-Line bit the dust. So for starter sets and those with limited budgets, Lionel is pretty much the only game in town now. One needs prices down in these ranges to even hope to do any mass market sales to beginners.

As far as the rest, TMCC II looks quite interesting, and I can only guess what they're going to do with it down the road. But they met the main concerns of having a display, losing the antenna, and allowing four digit loco addressing, which were the most common complaints about TMCC I and its handheld. The new features focus on fine tuning locomotive speed control and sounds, and an alternative to the big red dial for speed control. Interestingly, they're going to continue selling TMCC I for the time being, meaning the cost of entry level stuff is still quite reasonable at $150 MSRP.

Certainly no one but Lionel covers the full range of the three rail market for conventional and command stuff at this point in time. And for track, command control and a few other things, they are actually the low cost provider ;).

[Bob Keller]

MTH guys: I don't want to spend my weekend checking this for your rebuttals to Neil to edit or delete. So let it pass.

[ChiefEagles]

Miss Edna [Todd's Train Depot] said she got hers yesterday.  Guess I'll see it tomorrow. [bribe her with some fresh tomatoes ]

[MartyE]

I like the catalog art boxcars.  As a matter of fact I suggested this on the coil coupler website about 3 or so years ago when they were asking for opinions.  So whoever buys theses you can thanks ME!

Nothing that I have. 

The TMCC is a big interest for me as I like all things electronic.  The "feedback" seems gimmicky.  I guess I'll wait for more before I render final judgement.  I like the new design and I too hope the batteries are "off the shelf".  Hopefully the accessory part of TMCC2 will be more on the lines of MTHs AIU.  I like the fact it's all in one box.  But hey Lionel...make the connection point bigger for us poor sighted guys.

The best part of the system though is the compatability.  They don't mention conventional control so hopefully that will still be done via PM or TPCs I would assume.  It will be interesting to get our hands on one to fully evaluate it.  I believe without actually trying nobody can honestly render an opinion on  TMCC2.

I think FASTTrack is doing better than anyone would ever guess.  Love the new crossing gates!

[nblum]

Just to sound sufficiently critical of Lionel to please some :),  I agree with Marty that the vibration thing sounds a little gimmicky (but kids may like it, they like gimmicks). 

At some point, these devices will mimic a real locomotive cab so closely that the only thing they'll need to add is some wet wipes to get the grease and soot off your face :).

By the way, almost all "custom" rechargeable NiCad, NiMH and Li-Po batteries in consumer devices are likely to be off the shelf items available from multiple sources.  I cannot believe Lionel would go to the expense and inconvenience of custom making a battery pack.  No one does this any more. 

[BMRR]

The only problem I see with the new Lionel catalog................is me, because I want to buy just about everything in it. 

Stan.

[Anonymous]

They took care of me pretty well, in terms of catering to my recent interest in Bethlehem Steel items. A K-Line Plymouth in a slightly different paint scheme (brown-and-yellow) than the black-and-yellow one I now have; some decent looking Bethlehem Steel hoppers; a bobber caboose; a searchlight caboose; and a crane car.  All are definitely items I'll be purchasing over time.

I'll hold off on TMCC-2 until enough guys field-test the system to determine how well it performs in various situations.

In deference to Bob's desire to enjoy his weekend (I have to work both days since we're getting ready to launch a redesigned website on Monday), I'll reserve any comments I might have made on Neil's posts.

[GPJ68]

Well, there's good news and bad news re. K-Line switches:

They've got a K-Line O Guage low profile switch shown for the 42" remote version - although the picture is actually of a manual switch.  The price jumped $27 from K-Line's 2005 cat. ($48) up to $75 from Lionel.  I guess they jacked the price so it would fit $$$-wise between the 31" remote ($63) and the 72" remote ($105).

No sign of any O27 K-Line versions - still the same crappy Lionel ones.  Which probably won't affect me much after all - if Lionel is gonna jack up the prices that much, I won't be buying many (if any).  

As far as TMCC II, not much info (none actually, that I saw) as to how it will work with conventional locos.  Will PowerMasters/TPC's still be needed as with TMCC, or will the base/charger suffice?  Will some of the enhancements (variable whistle, brake/boost, velocity throttle) work in conventional mode, or are they for TMCC II equipped only?  If TPC's are eliminated, then the $300 price tag is easier to swallow, but if TPC's are still required - I guess I'll have to watch for TMCC closeout specials...

Overall though, it's a nice catalog - have to get a hardcopy.  There may be a few things in this one to watch for.

GPJ

[Santa Fe Kent]

Well, I'm happy.... lots of good Traditional and postwar stuff, and even some new items! They even have new Flyer stuff. I like that they are keeping K-line going, and I like the catalog art boxcars too. Now I just need to come up with more train dollars....

 

Good catalog, Lionel!... and a huge thank you for keeping the low price end alive and well.

[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!

[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!!

[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!

[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

[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!

[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!

[prewardude]

They definitely need more tinplate in the catalog.

Regards,
Clint

[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....

[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.

[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.

[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.

[chuck]

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

That's K-Lines O-42 switch.

[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.

[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]

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.

[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