> Does ANYONE actually pay attention to what is printed in these online
catalogs?
For the Lionel collectors and operators, I believe the catalogs are anxiously
awaited year after year. It is how Lionel makes their new product announcments
known to the public. Based on the catalog, consumers place reservations and
dealers place orders and the Lionel factories swing into action. Eventually
everyone gets what they want (I think). The risk of not placing an order at
this time is that things might be sold out by the time you get around to placing
an order later. I have no idea what the odds are, but that is what motivates
folks to take action.
So YES -- folks place close attention to the Lionel catalog.
If insufficient reservations/orders are received, products do get cancelled at
times. That is why the erroneous information about S scale wheels was so
believable. It fit right in with the established pattern. Maybe Lionel is
taking their cue from Jim King?
> With OBVIOUS things like this little plug about scale wheels in the Lionel
catalog, I find myself wondering why the availability of scale wheels from
Lionel is even being discussed...
> John Degnan
That little plug is only part of the story. If you look farther back in the
catalog, you will see part numbers for each and every Lionel product. Some
numbers state "scale wheels" and others do not. Then there are statements about
what comes with the model and what you have to order separately. YES -- folks
read this info and react appropriately. When it changes for no apparent reason,
folks get upset because their apple cart has just been overturned. It is
annoying, but part of Lionel life.
Actually, I think the potential with Lionel is very great. Greater than most
folks realize. But it is a tricky pathway to success and other new S scale
products. Let's look at the history: First, no AF. Then some AF in the O
catalog. Then a separate AF catalog with even more AF. Then scale wheels on
the U33c only. Then scale wheels on the SD-70 and available for a cylindrical
hopper. Now the term "Scale Flyer" has entered the Lionel lexicon. Each year
seems to offer a bit more than years past. See the trend?
My hope is that all S scale guys will realize this potential opportunity and
help/assist Lionel to do it right and support it with purchases. Which is why I
advocate lots of communication directly with Lionel. I truly believe that steam
locos might be offered by Lionel if the diesels are good sellers. That is my
hope which is right up there with Heaven and 77 virgins. I am not sure which
will happen first, but I pray a lot.
While I am not a modernista, I am mildly interested in the NYC SD-70. This
might be one of those rare purchases that I make in order to stimulate
production of some other future product that better fits into my transition era
layout. Compared to brass, these Lionel products are really cheap. If I strip
out and sell the electronic innards, they are even more cheap. Call me frugal!
While I cannot tell the future, I do see this as a unique opportunity which
should not be taken lightly. Folks who advocate just waiting around to see what
might happen are not helping. The inboxes are not full. Just the opposite --
both MTH and Lionel are asking for suggestions.
And, to finish off this epistle, some existing Lionel products are truly
amazing. You really should go find an O gauge Big Boy and inspect it close up.
It is absolutely phenomenal except for the flanges and couplers. Any of us
would be happy to have something like that in S. So the old vision of AF from
Lionel needs to be replaced with some new visions. Unfortunately, many of us
have not seen or examined the newer stuff and do not realize what they could
have if Lionel swings in our direction.
The Lionel catalog illustrates "traditional AF" which simulate the ACGilbert of
days gone bye. But there is also new stuff as well. The new stuff is what most
of the scale guys will like best. Talk to Doug Peck or someone who has the AF
USRA Mikado. Open your eyes and your minds folks.
Even Bill Lane, Jr. will wet his pants when he sees the Lionel PRR-painted Y3
2-8-8-2 articulated. I'd bet he will make a quick phone call to Fred Rouse to
discuss converting it to scale. I have seen this loco (unpainted pilot model),
and it is mighty fine model -- except for flanges. Kadee coupler backets and
DCC-compatible are already in place.
Whether this Lionel potential turns into kinetic product depends on us to a
large degree. Even the guys who are having a love affair with Sergent couplers
should at least investigate the possibilies.
It would be interesting to hear from Rich G regarding his thoughts on the
potential here. Two heads are always better than one.
Cheers...Ed L.
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