LGB 2008 Toy Fair Catalog

[LGBtrains1963]

Here is an update, the 2008 Toy Fair LGB catalog (german toy fair) shows no new usa items, the only usa item to be made is the LGB Club Box Car.. It looks like Marklin has again over looked this market and looks like they have no future item plan at this time for us here in the united states. If you are a LGB collector like myself it is now time to start look to some other company for new products, such as PIKO and others, this looks like it is not going away no time soon... The only thing we might get from LGB this year is track. It is a shame that we are being over looked by a company that had so many fans here in the states of the LGB brand line..  Are we seeing the Delton of the 2000's, Here today, gone tomorrow...  Who Knows????  

[vsmith]

I dont beleive it will go Delton on us, hoefully this is all just teething pains for a new version of LGB, my concern is that LGB will become like Brawa or Kiss, a fairly rare to find and pricey import, but we shall see. ALot of it depends on what, if any, US profile products are the first to be reintroduced.

[kimbrit]

Hi Vic,

What's happening with LGBoA? Are they staying retailers only or have they got plans for production? There was alot of trumpet blowing not to long ago and I seem to remember them hinting at a new loco.

Cheers mate,

Kim

[Capt Bob Johnson]

I have noted that a certain party slightly to the north of Philly has been trying to fly below the radar since the excrement hit the rotating turret!

[altterrain]

I have noted that a certain party slightly to the north of Philly has been trying to fly below the radar since the excrement hit the rotating turret!

Oddly, Jack has been posting over on MLS about a display they are setting up somewhere in Ga. Someone guessed it might be the lobby of a children's hospital and he may be right. Though Jack isn't answering any questions.

It's kinda sad for the LGBoA boys. They had a bit of buzz going for the USRA 0-6-0 last year and  that project seems to have withered on the vine. I did hear over on GscaleMad that Marklin would be producing LGB track within a month.

-Brian 

[vsmith]

Hi Vic,

What's happening with LGBoA? Are they staying retailers only or have they got plans for production? There was alot of trumpet blowing not to long ago and I seem to remember them hinting at a new loco.

Cheers mate,

Kim

I personally dont know and havent read or heard anything new in months. I have read different accounts of where the existing distribition agreement stands, all we know for certain is that LGBoA is importing Piko and has agreements with several other suppliers, and that Marklin has to date decided to not to import into the US for 2008, and has produced a very much "Back to the Roots" catalog. Now 2008 is fairly young, it is possible we could see some importing of new product later this year and we are still awaiting any announcement of just who will be the long term distributor for LGB, I personally hope its not Walthers, mostly because of past issues in my HO days.

The guy to ask is Bucksco.

[Bucksco]

Nobody's "flying below the radar".

I just spent a weekend in Perry Georgia at the Southeast Large Scale Trainshow (in plain sight) explaining the situation to anyone who asked. I'll most likely be at the East Coast Large Scale Show in York PA if you guys would like to come and see me.

I don't seem to be posting much because I don't believe it is prudent to get involved in discussions that are not constructive or based on fact.

LGB of America's representatives were at the  Nurnberg Toyfair negotiating a 2008 distribution agreement with Marklin. We are hoping to have something signed by the end of February. That's it- simple as that. Once an agreement is reached we (LGBoA) can place an order for any US product we would like.

I'm sure the 0-6-0 will be produced by LGB. That is who would have originally produced it.

LGB of America continues to distribute Bridgewerks transformers, Piko products, Just Plain Folk figures, Noch products, Emek products and more to come.

The display I've posted photos of is at DisneyWorld in Florida. LGB of America and the Union Pacific railroad are cosponsoring a display to promote garden and model railroading at the 2008 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival from March 19th through June 1st. Volunteers from the Florida Garden Railway Society will be helping.

I'm sure you all understand the fact that I cannot get involved in the rampant speculation that transpires on public forums. I refuse to endanger the negotiations between LGBoA and Marklin or my job. I have a mortgage and children to feed! It's easy for you guys to voice your opinions - I do not have that luxury.

 

[vsmith]

Thanks Jack, I figured the silence was due to something like negotiations going on.

At least we knows something is moving forward.

Hope that deal comes thru, it would go a long way to ending most of the scuttlebutt.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Hey, at least we know that Jack's still around and hasn't abandoned ship!   OK, they're working on it.  That's better than total silence!

[Anonymous]

LGB price still goes up on one item I wanted. But now I will never get it. Next year this time they will be selling it at $900.00 - LGB Track Cleaner, yeah I am still mad they went up very quickly. You ain't going to pull on my heart strings! I will make one.

 

[Marty Cozad]

YOU WAS IN Perry??????

I was told by someone that Jack could not make it, that an LGB dealer was maning the booth.

So i walked by a number of times with the understanding that you wasn't there....bummmmmmmer..

Did not see anything the caught my eye..

sorry 

 

PS if you would have had a photo of yourself in that little box I would have reconized you . I saw a number of folks before I saw there name tags

[Bucksco]

So who gave you that misinformation? I guess you didn't get your 2008 Piko catalog , eh?

Guess you missed all the new "secret" products I had hidden under the table! Next time stop and introduce yourself Marty! My young helper from the FGRS was waiting for you to stop by but.......

[Cheese]

So,

Forgive my youthful ignorance, but what does this all mean. From what I have read, Marklin has raised prices, Marklin and LGBoA are working out an agreement, and some more.

Will products like the Mogul, Forney, and others be re-introduced? Will things ever be the same? Will Marklin see the light and lower prices? If not I am staying with getting old LGB stock and buying Bachmann, USA, and Aristocraft.

Yours,

Cheese

[Anonymous]

So who gave you that misinformation? I guess you didn't get your 2008 Piko catalog , eh?

Guess you missed all the new "secret" products I had hidden under the table! Next time stop and introduce yourself Marty! My young helper from the FGRS was waiting for you to stop by but.......

So the "secret" products was just for Marty? Why not everyone that does LGB? You where at a show correct? So show them! With statements like this, it is why I still don't think LBGoA or any division there of is given total truth.

Toad

[Bucksco]

Toad,

 Lighten up-It was a joke- I am allowed to joke around aren't I ?

This is why I don't post very much anymore!

[Marty Cozad]

Now I really feel bad, I stood there a couple of times looking things over but don't remember seeing any one but the young dark haired guy. I looked through the LGB dealer in the corners stuff.

dog-gone-it !!!

So close but yet so far.

 I'm still not used to walking around with tags saying I'm "somebody", (which I'm not) I'd rather blend in. 

I'm at the place of having a list of parts for my trains, and only buying items of "need".

I'm simply out of room. 

[Bucksco]

I'm guessing I was the "young dark haired guy".

[Marty Cozad]

Jack

 e-mail me a photo of you,,please..

Did you have a name tag that was not flipped around like many of them? I thought you was my age or older?????

 

wait a minute, if you seen me you could have said something....... works both ways.

I'll see if Bubba has a photo of the booth.

bummed out. I guess theres next year. 

[LGBtrains1963]

Let me say this, with Marklin waiting around to sign with LGB of America for what that was thought to have been signed last year and for what a month of shipping a container load of a few items to the United States, it just does not add up, Marklin is letting others take there market share here in the states with this hold out, people will change brand lines if they can not get the items they want. Plus this looks to be pushing a sell out of LGB items here in the states so that when they do start shipping back here in the states the prices will be much much more.. If anyone here keeps up with the news you would have seen this past christmas from all the people who came to the states from Germany, Italy, and etc was over here for the great deals due to our dollar rate, is this part of the hold out on Marklins part? Marklin was and is a much larger company than Lehmann was and we know they have the backing to go full blast on products to be made. It is time to let us know here in the states, people here in the states will go else where to get what they need.  

[Marty Cozad]

I know nothing about Marklin so i looked up their site.

 saw 1 gauge 1:32 trains, traction tires , unpowered B units.

How long have they been in #1?

 

If they start up LGB American style units that they focus on "model" looking and not so much toy looking.

I love the covered hoppers, 52' flats etc. 

[LGBtrains1963]

I will change brands if it is needed, I have a 99% LGB Collection. I'm no small time LGB collector, 25 engines, 189 cars, LGB track, and etc.. I starting to look at USA Trains and Hartland Locomotive Works for engines and cars, Aristocraft for track.. This is taking to long and I feel we are not getting the truth about what is going on. I want to stay with LGB, But if this keeps on going on for years I will have to go to others for what I need and who will be there when I need it... It is just that way and I'm sure others are feeling the same way as I do...   

[vsmith]

How long have they been in #1?

Marty, I'm pretty sure they actually invented the gauge, way back in turn of the 19th century

[vsmith]

Let me say this, with Marklin waiting around to sign with LGB of America for what that was thought to have been signed last year and for what a month of shipping a container load of a few items to the United States, it just does not add up, Marklin is letting others take there market share here in the states with this hold out, people will change brand lines if they can not get the items they want. Plus this looks to be pushing a sell out of LGB items here in the states so that when they do start shipping back here in the states the prices will be much much more.. If anyone here keeps up with the news you would have seen this past christmas from all the people who came to the states from Germany, Italy, and etc was over here for the great deals due to our dollar rate, is this part of the hold out on Marklins part? Marklin was and is a much larger company than Lehmann was and we know they have the backing to go full blast on products to be made. It is time to let us know here in the states, people here in the states will go else where to get what they need.  

You have to understand some history, Marklin has never been or seemingly ever wanted to be a major player here in the US, they are huge in Europe and elsewhere worldwide, but have always been a remarkably minor player over here. Fleischmann and Roco have a larger profile over here. This is why I have my concerns about the long term direction of LGB over here, only time will tell.

[udo]

Marklin has never been or seemingly ever wanted to be a major player here in the US, they are huge in Europe and elsewhere worldwide, but have always been a remarkably minor player over here. Fleischmann and Roco have a larger profile over here. This is why I have my concerns about the long term direction of LGB over here, only time will tell.

I think you are speaking of the old family owned company. This new investment house owned company has every reason to create a larger market. Without greater sales and profits, they will be unable to bring out their new product ----- Public shares!

[LGBtrains1963]

I also want to know where the LGB club website is? it was to be up and going by the end of Jan 08 and it now near the end of Feb and still no club site... LGB of America still has no post on there site about this matter....

[Anonymous]

Paid your dues, eh? Found this site: http://www.lgb-club.de/ 

Ole Toad

 

[DMUinCT]

 Jack,

  Will LGBoA be at the Big Show, TCA-York?   Aristo-Craft, USA, and MTH/Railking all have large "G" displays as have most "muilti line" dealers.

[Bucksco]

LGBoA will be at the East Coast Large Scale Train show on March 28th and 29th at the York Fairgrounds but not at the TCA meet. We've done the TCA meet in the past but it always seemed that the predominant interest at the TCA event was in O gauge so we've chosen to do the Large Scale show.

[LGBtrains1963]

The website has had the same thing on it for 2 1/2 months, it says under maint.. I'm no computer wiz but it should not take that long to get it up and going......

[Bucksco]

LGB of America's website has never been "down"

www.lgboa.com