Large Scale Central

February, 2008, status of Marklin LGB and LGB of America?

General Discussion
#1

From the recent postings on the Dave Watts interview, here is what I have gleaned or deducted. Please add or subtract that which is unsupportable:

  1. Marklin has a new train catalogue in print for 2008
  2. The new Marklin catalogue does not have “G” gauge western-style trains listed.
  3. Marklin will not manufacture or distribute western-style “G” gauge products in the USA or elsewhere at this time.
  4. LGB of America does not have “LGB” western-style locomotive(s) and cars for distribution in the USA or elsewhere.
  5. Marklin, as of this posting, has not declared LGB of America a distribution source for Marklin-LGB products.
  6. LGB of America does not have the right to produce “LGB” labeled products.
  7. LGB of America clearly, legally, without challenge, actually owns the “LGB” trademark as stated in previous ads in Garden RR.
  8. LGB of America “owns” the use of the “LGB” trademark only for their company logo and name of their product distribution company in the U.S.
  9. Marklin is really the sole owner of the LGB trademark and has chosen not to fight that ownership with LGB of America.
  10. Marklin, if they so chose not to use LGB of America as their distribution of LGB trains, will simply remove any reason for LGB of America to use the LGB logo as they no longer will supply them with LGB train products.

Any takers?

Forgive me for remembering those things which may or may not have happened.
(courtesy of Mark Twain)

Wendell

#2

7 and 9 directly conflict. But really, I couldn’t care less :slight_smile:

#3

This is like those old western movies where you can see smoke signals (restless natives) and dust clouds (cavalry to the rescue) but all the action is a long way over the hills and far away. If we knew precisely what was happening it would take all the fun out of speculating.
If I had sight of LGBOA’s financial statements, I’d have enough information to pass comment.
Les

#4

I thought Marklin got the whole enchillada, including the trademark. The lack of US product while understandable, doesn’t bode well if its dragged out for very long due to legal wrangling or other distractions. The fact that LGBoA is now selling defacto LGB parts under the contract mfr name, and not under the LGB banner, says alot to me about who own the trademarks. It is also possible that Marklin may not want to focus on the US, instead making their primary focus the Euro and world markets. If so it may be quite a while before they decide to re-enter the US market.

#5

But really, I couldn’t care less

…agreed

Andre’

#6

Andre,
there are many, like myself, who because we have an interest in the marque, I suppose do actualy care. You have a right to care or not, as you see fit. Similarly, others have the right to care or not, as they see fit. I do not criticise you, nor do I criticise those who care or those who do not. I would like to see this whole scenario at an end, one way or the other, however, until then there will be a lot of speculation and discussion. We have the individual choice to either have an interest in the topic or not. Similarly, if you feel that you, or others who apparently have no interest, but like to make that point clear, but are able to contribute either positively or negatively to the topic, then as in any democracy, you are free to make a response as are we who actually try to contribute to the discussion.

#7

…what?

Andre’

#8

I don’t CARE as much as I’m INTERESTED.

This would have been another ho-hum failure of a family-owned business, being snatched up by a larger conglomerate, IF the shill brigade, AKA The Ventilators, and not been so active in preventing (or attempting to prevent) any and all discussion or publishing of factual data (media reports, court documents, and such).

When anybody screams that much in an obvious attempt to divert atention from what is going on, it DEMANDS a closer look, and gee willickers, there was a LOT of stuff there!

I think there are some who are still waiting at the dock, absolutely certain that the Titanic will sail into the harbour at any minute.

#9

They bought tickets for the return trip.
Wendell

#10
Andrè Schofield said:
But really, I couldn't care less

…agreed

Andre’


I’m confused, if as you say, why even bother to waste the energy to post a reply then? Why not just skip it entirely and move on, or given the clearly indicated subject in the title, why even bother to open the topic in the 1st place?

Interesting…

#11

read TOC’s comment…its shared by many, including me.

#12
Andrè Schofield said:
read TOC's comment...its shared by many, including me.
Ya could have just added "...but it is interesting" clears up the cornfusion ya know ;)
#13
Wendell Hanks said:
From the recent postings on the Dave Watts interview, here is what I have gleaned or deducted. Please add or subtract that which is unsupportable:
  1. Marklin has a new train catalogue in print for 2008
  2. The new Marklin catalogue does not have “G” gauge western-style trains listed.
  3. Marklin will not manufacture or distribute western-style “G” gauge products in the USA or elsewhere at this time.
  4. LGB of America does not have “LGB” western-style locomotive(s) and cars for distribution in the USA or elsewhere.
  5. Marklin, as of this posting, has not declared LGB of America a distribution source for Marklin-LGB products.
  6. LGB of America does not have the right to produce “LGB” labeled products.
  7. LGB of America clearly, legally, without challenge, actually owns the “LGB” trademark as stated in previous ads in Garden RR.
  8. LGB of America “owns” the use of the “LGB” trademark only for their company logo and name of their product distribution company in the U.S.
  9. Marklin is really the sole owner of the LGB trademark and has chosen not to fight that ownership with LGB of America.
  10. Marklin, if they so chose not to use LGB of America as their distribution of LGB trains, will simply remove any reason for LGB of America to use the LGB logo as they no longer will supply them with LGB train products.

Any takers?

Forgive me for remembering those things which may or may not have happened.
(courtesy of Mark Twain)

Wendell


Wendell,

For once: I’m just sitting back with a nice cup of tea and wait what else is coming down the tracks.

We know who owns what, has been clear since last summer, we know who will produce what, we even know when, we know where we can get what we need etc. etc. All the rest is strictly academic, best contemplated while sipping your favourite beverage … in my case: tea! :wink: :slight_smile: :wink:

OTOH yes, it is interesting! :smiley: :wink: :smiley:

PS But I’m more interested in when I get my KISS engines than when LGB® will produce the same models in an adjusted but pleasing “scale”.

PPS Point 9) there are very many ways to achieve one’s goals. As the Germans say “Ve have our veys!”

#14

This issue bugs me. There are two reasons why. On certain other forums any real information was obscured by flame wars. And because it is taking so long for everything to “get back to normal.” In the mean time we don’t know what’s going on.

#15

I am curious, but not yellow. :smiley:

#16
Peter Amling said:
This issue bugs me. There are two reasons why. On certain other forums any real information was obscured by flame wars. And because it is taking so long for everything to "get back to normal." In the mean time we don't know what's going on.
Peter,

There is a lot of info “out there”, but “mum’s the word” until I see something in print. We had the “next week” routine last summer and even I had enough of that hoopla. When it’s in print or quotable with source then I will pass on the info.

Big News in Germany: PIKO is expanding their Chinese production capacity, they are also adding 15 additional employees at Sonneberg/Germany.