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New Williams catalog

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New Williams catalog
Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, November 6, 2006 9:13 PM
Much to my surprise, I got a big 'ol full blown color catalog from Williams in today's mail. Not a mailer or brochure, but with pages even. Did anyone else get one? What do you think of it?

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by njalb1 on Monday, November 6, 2006 9:53 PM
Is this the Fall 2006 catalog from York?
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, November 6, 2006 10:43 PM
Got mine Saturday.  Sure was surprised as usually only fliers.  Looked it over.  Interesting if running conventionals.

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Posted by Jumijo on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 5:25 AM
I'm looking forward to seeing their catalog. Alas, as of last night, I have not received one.

Jim

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Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 9:11 AM
I don't know if its the same as they handed out at York. Makes sense to me.  They have a few 'new' sets engine/tender, four cars, caboose: N&W Blue Ridge Hauler; B&O Time Saver Fast Freight; Virginian Tidewater Express. Also, it features their transformer, power units to retrofit into dummies, track, smoke fluid, sound and reverse boards and box 'o lights in addition to the usual engines and rolling stock.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 7:12 PM

I got mine today. They have some new hopper cars. New reefers.

Nice catalog. And, it was free.  Marked $5.00.

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by Jumijo on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 5:27 AM
Still no catalog in my mailbox. Skunked again . . .

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by dwiemer on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 4:59 PM

No catalog yet, but then again, it takes on average an extra week for me to get the CTT.  Guess the USPS needs another hike in stamp rates.  I did get a two page flyer from Williams with some S2s on it.

Dennis

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Posted by mpzpw3 on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 5:18 PM
I'm just wondering if I'm mistaken. For those of you who have the Williams Catalog, have you read page 2 carefully? I was somewhat amazed at what I saw there. It states that Williams comes with a 1 year warranty. Has something changed, or was I mistaken that the warranty was lifetime?
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Posted by BMRR on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 7:10 PM

I got my Williams catalog today........Nice.   Smile [:)]

mpzpw3- On page two I'm reading, lifetime limited warranty and 30 day money back guarantee.

Stan.

 

 

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 8:19 PM

Thanks Doug,

 

cordially,

 

Dino Wink [;)]

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Posted by jimhaleyscomet on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 10:53 PM
I finally recieved my new Williams catalog today November 15.  I must be on the bottom of the mailing list!  However, it should really help when I want to order something. 

Jim H
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Posted by Jumijo on Thursday, November 16, 2006 5:14 AM
Still have not received mine.

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by Jumijo on Thursday, November 16, 2006 7:56 AM
I'm starting to wonder if my wife chucked it in the trash so that I wouldn't order any more from them.

Modeling the Baltimore waterfront in HO scale

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Posted by Train Memories on Thursday, November 16, 2006 4:24 PM
jaabat.......The trick is to (eventhough it's a loss to you) do what I do, and that's buy her something of equal value evertime you buy something in trains. Example.... you buy an engine then turn around and buy her a coat or something of the same value, etc..It hurts but what are we going to do......these trains is serious bussiness.
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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 16, 2006 7:49 PM

Got mine last week.  Different from the usual foldouts.  I have tons of Williams and have converted several using Digital Dynamics setup. They run forever and pull fantastic. Just dont have the level of detail we all love.

Tim

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Posted by Dr. John on Thursday, November 16, 2006 8:18 PM
My Williams catalog arrived today. I'm somewhat surprised as my club membership expired about a month ago. Since they were nice enough to send me their catalog, I guess I'll re-subscribe and order the GM&O boxcar. Smile [:)]
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Posted by jefelectric on Thursday, November 16, 2006 9:51 PM

Dr. John,  I think they send the catalog to everyone who sends in a warranty card.  I have only bought one item direct from them and that was several years ago.  I buy most from dealers as they will give you a better price than you can get buying direct.

I think that was a smart marketing move on their part as the LHS has been selling quite a bit of Williams since the catalog came out.  I'm told that the bulk of the customers are running conventional.

John Fullerton Home of the BUBB&A  http://www.jeanandjohn.net/trains.html
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Posted by brianel027 on Friday, November 17, 2006 4:19 AM

"Just dont have the level of detail we all love."

You have to speak for yourself pigseyes... their detail level is absolutely perfect just as is.

And according to Lionel's own published statements, the bulk of their sales are in the starter set area and traditional starter rolling stock/items areas. And given that Lionel has the bulk figure (approx $60M) of the $100M 3-rail market, it is actually quite easy to conclude that there are a good many folks out there who do not like or cannot afford items of higher detail. And one has to also consider that out of that $100M, in addition to companies offering the higher detail level trains, there is (was) also K-Line, Williams, and now RMT. Even the kings of high detail, Atlas O, have seen the economic light of re-introducing the Industrial Rail line. High end stuff gets all the attention, but I have a strong sense it is the low end stuff that pays the bills. Truth be told, Lionel would go out of business immediately we it not for the majority of buyers like me who likes non-scale, less detailed trains.

And again, in accordance with Lionel's own statements of command control usage being at around 25%, and since it is the higher end, more detail locos that come with command control, it would be pretty safe to assume that interest in the more detailed trains hovers at a little more than that figure, taking into account MTH and their recent emphasis towards scale higher end trains.

Not to mention that I have heard it directly spoken from those in charge of two train companies that the low end products make the most profit. The high end products make the least amount of profit due to all the excessive engineering and tooling costs, combined with the low production runs due to lack of sales. Recall all those nice scale K-Line locos being blown out at 50% off retail. Any first year economics college student knows that's not a good formula for staying in business, but K-Line had to learn the hard way.

So the "level of detail we all love" should more accurately be stated as "the detail level the minority of train buyers love."

brianel, Agent 027

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Posted by Jumijo on Friday, November 17, 2006 5:29 AM
I finally got my catalog in yesterday's mail. I thought it was going to be something new. But all it is is the same old stuff from the flyers put into catalog form. The entire Golden Memory section was just artwork. Nice catalog, but I guess I was expecting something different.

Jim

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Posted by Deputy on Friday, November 17, 2006 11:21 AM
 brianel027 wrote:

"Just dont have the level of detail we all love."

You have to speak for yourself pigseyes... their detail level is absolutely perfect just as is.

And according to Lionel's own published statements, the bulk of their sales are in the starter set area and traditional starter rolling stock/items areas. And given that Lionel has the bulk figure (approx $60M) of the $100M 3-rail market, it is actually quite easy to conclude that there are a good many folks out there who do not like or cannot afford items of higher detail. And one has to also consider that out of that $100M, in addition to companies offering the higher detail level trains, there is (was) also K-Line, Williams, and now RMT. Even the kings of high detail, Atlas O, have seen the economic light of re-introducing the Industrial Rail line. High end stuff gets all the attention, but I have a strong sense it is the low end stuff that pays the bills. Truth be told, Lionel would go out of business immediately we it not for the majority of buyers like me who likes non-scale, less detailed trains.

And again, in accordance with Lionel's own statements of command control usage being at around 25%, and since it is the higher end, more detail locos that come with command control, it would be pretty safe to assume that interest in the more detailed trains hovers at a little more than that figure, taking into account MTH and their recent emphasis towards scale higher end trains.

Not to mention that I have heard it directly spoken from those in charge of two train companies that the low end products make the most profit. The high end products make the least amount of profit due to all the excessive engineering and tooling costs, combined with the low production runs due to lack of sales. Recall all those nice scale K-Line locos being blown out at 50% off retail. Any first year economics college student knows that's not a good formula for staying in business, but K-Line had to learn the hard way.

So the "level of detail we all love" should more accurately be stated as "the detail level the minority of train buyers love."

Lionel's published statements can be interpreted in different ways...

Hmmmm....using the above train of thought (pardon the pun), it would seem most folks would be happy to see a black brick on wheels with some train emblems painted on it rather than a nice detailed Hudson or Berkshire. I'm glad I'm in the minority that craves details Big Smile [:D] Actually, I don't see much "cheap stuff" being produced by MTH. Even their Rail King line is some pretty nice stuff at not really cheap prices. I wonder how many of those folks that initially buy cheap sets and then move up to nicer locos are out there? Lionel's strategy is fairly transparent. Sell inexpensive sets for people (and their kids) who aren't sure they want to get deeply into trains and for those that can't afford or are too impatient to SAVE UP for higher quality trains, and sell the higher end stuff for those (like me) that are into the trains that are high end, or wish to have something better than a cheapy trainset running around their Christmas tree. Makes sense to me. Guess it's all in HOW you interpret the available "published statements".

As to K-Line...seems like Lionel took an active part in their undermining. I wonder why Lionel felt so threatened? And then, when they had no choice but to sell or go under, Lionel scarfed up the remains. Now K-Line is making nothing but cheap crap for Lionel. A shame. Sad [:(]

Dep

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Posted by Jumijo on Friday, November 17, 2006 11:52 AM
I don't see it quite that way, Dep.

We run O27 only and do so willingly. And while others may deride that part of the hobby by calling it cheap, I would have to disagree. Compared to a 4- digit priced locomotive, I suppose it is certainly less expensive. But cheap? These sets start at $150.00. Many of us are fortunate enough to have that kind of disposable income, but even more of us are not.

As I already mentioned, we like running the less expensive stuff. There's a more toy-like, more carefree look to it that appeals to me and my kids. The details aren't there, but we don't care. There's enough detail to represent the train it's modeled after, and for us to enjoy it. Cheap is in the eyes of the beholder. The expensive stuff breaks and fails just as much as the inexpensive stuff. The only difference is, the guy who paid $1000.00+ for that new paperweight broken engine is out a lot more.

K-Line wasn't murdered either. It was suicide, pure and simple.

Jim

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Friday, November 17, 2006 11:57 AM

I want to thank my good OTTS buddy, Blueberry Hill, aka Chuck of I found my thrills on Blueberry Hill, for my first Williams Catalog.  Due to the catalog, Williams is in my future. 

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

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Posted by Jumijo on Friday, November 17, 2006 12:05 PM
What did you see that caught your Buck-eye?

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Posted by Deputy on Friday, November 17, 2006 12:08 PM

Jim: I understand your situation and I agree with it. I suppose I should say "comparitively speaking" they are cheap. I bought a Williams (which is pretty inexpensive compared to Lionel-MTH) NW-2 Switcher that cost $149.95. That's pretty "cheap" as far as I'm concenred. Only loco I have lower than that is a NYC Docksider for $104.95. Don't mistake "cheap" with poorly constructed. That's not what I meant. And I'm glad you are able to get in the 0-Gauge fraternity by buying those inexpensive (there...is that more PC?) trainsets. Perhaps at a later date your kids will ask (demand?) that you invest in higher grade rolling stock. Or maybe they'll get a job and buy their own higher level trains (one can only hope). I'm not sure I agree with the "expensive stuff breaks as much as the inexpensive stuff". I think expensive stuff has more that can go wrong with it, and if the operator is treating expensive stuff like the cheap stuff...well...yes it will break quickly. For example...I don't foresee EVER "maxing out" the speed control on any of my trains. #1 I like them moving slow...they look better and I didn't pay $1000+ to see a blur going down the tracks. #2 Slower generally means SAFER. Less chance of a Gomez Addams collision than if they are flying down the track at full speed.

As to K-Line...from what I read online, Lionel took a pretty active part in attacking it. Makes financial business sense...drive them close to bankruptcy and then buy them out dirt cheap. Hello hostile takeover.

Dep

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Friday, November 17, 2006 2:30 PM

 jaabat wrote:
What did you see that caught your Buck-eye?

F and E units with passenger cars

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Friday, November 17, 2006 3:10 PM
 Buckeye Riveter wrote:

I want to thank my good OTTS buddy, Blueberry Hill, aka Chuck of I found my thrills on Blueberry Hill, for my first Williams Catalog.  Due to the catalog, Williams is in my future. 

You are welcome Buckeye of Roger's Corners. I have found a lot of thrills from Williams and am not sorry for any. Those E's are really nice. I have a F-7 AA that looks and runs great. Also a Seaboard NW-2 switcher.

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by Dr. John on Friday, November 17, 2006 3:18 PM
The new catalog must be helping business at Williams. I've been trying to call to renew my Platinum membership and I continue to receive an "All our operators are helping other customers" recording. Guess I'll try again later.
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Posted by brianel027 on Friday, November 17, 2006 4:11 PM

Dep, don't know what you read, but the short version is K-Line thought they could take a short cut by taking advantage of a Lionel employee and borrow Lionel technology and engineering. I'm sure K-Line thought they weren't stealing, but rather analyzing and then improving on. But K-Line was caught with email correspondence that implicated Bob Grubba and Maury Klein himself. Grubba had also been at Lionel at one time. Lionel obtained a cease and desist on the sales of the K-Line products using the Lionel technology. K-LIne was allowed to be in business. But then K-Line published their take on the agreement as a vicotry for them in a "shared technology agreement." And that's when Lionel retailiated.

K-Line put millions into tooling and engineering on high end products that weren't selling at K-Line's already attractive list, and ended blowing out many at up to half off. I could see the writing on the wall 3 years ago and accurately predicted K-Line would go under because of their excessive development of high end products.

And what you have read on line about Lionel and K-Line is also wrong. Lionel has a marketing agreement with the Asian vendor Sanda Kan (who makes everyone's trains except MTH now, who had their own facility built for at least some of their production). Lionel does not OWN K-Line, but simply has permission to have K-Line products made and then marketed under the Lionel banner.... quite different from ownership.

As I have said countless times before, the high end products in and of themselves are not bad - and many do like them. BUT it is also obviously a minority of buyers. Yet the train companies have gone out on a limb to cater to every whim of these customers.

Williams may not please everyone, but they have a good plan... make a limited range of products in a wide variety of roadnames and sell them affordably, or at a competive value price as compared to the others. The Williams catalog may be heavy on previously issued products, but I doubt Willilams is in the money troubles that both Lionel and MTH are in. Don't kid yourself... MTH is a privately owned company so internal info is less forthcoming, but I'm certain money is tight and that MW has borrowed heavily to keep himself going. MTH may have the most catalog introductions, but they also have the most cancellations if anything fails even remotely to garnish enough preorders... even on products that normally do not sell from preorders.

brianel, Agent 027

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Posted by Andrew Falconer on Friday, November 17, 2006 4:31 PM

It is an easier to read version of all the previous Williams Trains mailers.

One surprise is the Dummy Units for all the GP38 Loco roadnames.

They are slow, or, careful in adding Canadian National and Grand Trunk Western items.

Andrew

Andrew

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