Since LGB is gone (ok so Walthers sells it)…why can’t HLW take their place for those what want Steam Profiles? Why can’t PIKO cover the Diesel end of things? Both appear to make robust trains that run very well…
Discuss, Flame, Vent, etc…
I don’t quite understand where you’re going with this. We already have Bachmann making steam locos, and Aristo/USA making diesel stuff.
As for HLW, they don’t seem to be interested in producing anything new, unless you count their various reiterations of the same old motor block. Also, as much as LGB was knocked for being “gummy scale” and toylike, HLW’s stuff seems IMHO to be even more so.
From what little I’ve seen of Piko, their stuff is pure toy.
you got it Ray, LGB made Expensive Toy Trains, so does HLW…PIKO as well to some extent…can/could these 2 companies make some smart marketing choices and fill the gap?
There are those who want to buy American or German toy trains, there are also those that want to pay more than someone else for a toy train…
I’m just curious/bored?
cale
HLW simply doesn’t have the distribution channels, nor do they seem to want to be bothered with higher volume (Some dealers report long waits on simple stuff). Piko doesn’t even compare with LGB fit and finish wise. They’re average, not superb.
If the HLW was true scaled to our 45mm track, I’d get some. I’ve always liked their little 4-4-0 American.
Same way with the Aristo C-16.
C. Nelson said:Having talked to some people at HLW it comes across as a pretty small operation. Am speculating that the present volume is as big an outfit as they want to deal with.
why can't HLW take their place for those what want Steam Profiles?
I suppose it depends on what standards you set yourself .
I am fortunate in having a large collection of LGB , and I am still adding to it
There is certainly no shortage of it here in the UK , nor the spares should you ever need them .
I also have HLW stuff , not as good as LGB , but I enjoy it . also Bachmann .
The mention of PIKO reminds me that they have recently issued a pretty good mpdel of the Harzkamel .
and another German firm , Rail Line 45 , has issued very good scale length carriages to go with it .
No doubt the usual experts will jump in to point out minor discrepancies such as no paper in the toilets .
no witness marks to show where the standard guage buffers were removed on conversion to metre guage ,
but I like them , and I think some of you may do too .
Mike M
LGB is NOT gone, EPL is gone true, but Marklin LBG is alive and well, and very very expensive! The shops here have started restocking some new LGB offerings but the prices are limiting enthusiasm. kindofa tough sell to raise your prices 40% during a severe recession.
I love HLW stuff, more than the few LGB I have, the trouble is that they are not easy to find, there are very few shops, brick or online, that are selling them, and those that do sell them are often short on stock and are at HLWs mercy for new stock. The parent company of HLW only does the train stuff on the side, when the machines are needed for orders in there primary business, the train stuff has to wait.
As for new stuff, this year they are offering a new beautiful Forney, and a really nice 0-4-0 switcher.
Piko’s 0-6-0T bombed here, I really really dont know why either, I thought it was a great little loco (once the wheel paint was removed) the Germie version has also panned but its still in production and apparently selling very well in Europe and elsewhere ( any spottings of people with paper bags over thier heads leaving hobby shops with one under there arms 
) Like I said Pikos stuff is definetly in the LGB caracature tradition (nice but chunky details) and runs good, I do know that it looks like they are going fully Euro from here on out.
Bachmann is doing what they have been doing for the last couple years irregardless of all the toils and tribulations of EPl and Marklin so they will keep doing what they do. beside I was told by a reliable source what the next offing was going to be, but I is sworn to secrecy, its a good’un and looong anticipated! if its remotely R1 capable even I might even be tempted 
If your LGB prices have gone up by 40% , take it up with the dealer .
The UK and Euro continent prices have certainly not gone up by half that .
The Rail Line 45 is worth a look , it is about 2/3 the price of LGB , and made in Germany . Work that one out .
The quality is better , too .
The little PIKO loco you mention is not bad , but the proportions are not right , the big Harzkamel diesel is huge , looks right , and is 1/25 scale .
Mike M