Large Scale Central

LGB/Marklin avail in the States

General Discussion
#21

This always amuses me…from a Japbike website…

Funny Story from a Rice burners website

Here’s a comment from a UK rice-burner website that made me grin

"I know I ought to be more responsible, but I raced a Harley today and
after some really hard riding I managed to PASS the bloke.

I was riding on one of those really, really twisting Cotswold sections of road with no straight
sections to speak of and where most of the curves have warning signs that
say “Max Speed 15 MPH”.

I knew if I was going to pass one of those monsters with those
big-cubic-inch motors, it would have to be a place like this where
handling and rider skill are more important than horsepower alone.
I saw the H-D up ahead as I exited one of the turns and knew I could
catch him, but it wouldn’t be easy. I concentrated on my braking and cornering.
Three corners later, I was on his mudguard. Catching him was one thing;
passing him would prove to be another.

Two corners later, I pulled up next to him as we sailed down the hill. I
think he was shocked to see me next to him, as I nearly got by him before
he could recover. Next corner, same thing. I’d manage to pull up next to him
as we started to enter the corners but when we came out he’d get on the
throttle and outpower me. His horsepower was almost too much to overcome,
but this only made me more determined than ever.

My only hope was to outbrake him. I held off squeezing the lever until
the last instant. I kept my nerve while he lost his. In an instant I was by
him. Corner after corner, I could hear the roar of his engine as he struggled
to keep up. Three more miles to go before the road straightens
out and he would pass me for good.

But now I was in the lead and he would no longer hold me back. I
stretched out my lead and by the time we reached the bottom of the valley, he was
more than a full corner behind. I could no longer see him in my rear-view
mirror.

Once the road did straighten out, it seemed like it took miles before he
passed me, but it was probably just a few hundred yards. I was no match
for that kind of horsepower, but it was done. In the tightest section of
road, where bravery and skill count for more than horsepower and deep
pockets, I had passed him. though it was not easy, I had won the race to
the bottom of the valley and I had preserved the proud tradition of no holds
barred riding.

I will always remember that moment.
I don’t think I’ve ever pedalled so hard in my life.
And some of the credit must go to Raleigh, as well.

They really make a great bicycle…".

#22
Fred Mills said:
Bloody "NOISE MACHINES" those dammed HD motor bicycles. If they were kept with proper mufflers they might gain more respect, and save a few peoples' hearing from going bad.
Least you know they're coming Fred!
#23

Funny one Troy! Reminded me of one time in Germany. It was 1967 and I had my 65 Mustang fastback racing against Porshes. Jerry

#24

Mine’s so slow I use it as a coathanger …

(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/troybetts/new%20forest/bob%20the%20bike.jpg)

#25

Troy,

That is a sweet looking bike. Is it set up for right hand drive? :stuck_out_tongue:

#26

Take a new fuel injected 1200 Sportster for a ride, or even better yet a new (1584cc) 96ci big twin.
Been there bought them, along with pipes and power commanders. :wink:

#27

1967 BSA “Hornet”, 650 twin, with twin Amals, old flat-tracker…

REALS bikes leak oil…and not synthetics.

#28
Wendell Hanks said:
HJ- I share your conclusions. I also am curious, IF ( I say "IF") a reputable former LGB employee here in the states wished to use the LGB trademark, conjoined with Marklin, and took the financial risk of having starter sets produced -- say the chunky steamer with sound and a few cars -- would there be a market based on a still existing posiive consumer history of the image of cute LGB sets running endless in store windows?

Postscript;
Ah, the saga does continue. My argumentation class next semester may have enough summary history to take on a policy debate on what should Marklin do or not do with LGB?
So easily I remember when Harley Davidson’s customers were only cops and outlaws and they were in the financial tank.
Alas…clear thinking and recognition of image prevailed. Now Harley customers include attorneys and anestheologists raiding the public image on weekends.

Wendell


Wendell,

There would be better choices, other than cute LGB sets around and around and around. :wink: :slight_smile: Remember this is about making money, as mentioned some time ago making special runs for the very highend department stores and catalogue outfits would be just right.

#29

Yes, HJ is correct: Making money.

My analysis is stop trying to milk out money from the current “model train lovers” and go for the homeowner-garden-crazed who want to try something new – such as annimating their yard; having night run reflections of passenger cars in their pool; watching grandkids now with something to do. All of this only requires a simple, EZ to-put-on-the-track locomotive and cars. The evidence for me is clear – I saw it with two of our immediate neighbors who have the interest – and NO, that’s zero, little houses, cars, and any effort to model a railroad. Yes, just track. Lot’s of track among the plants and running in reflection in the pool. Reflections in the pool and true annimation of their plants and garden is the singular feature of the yard. That’s the feature that endures numerous neighbor visits and captures endless anecdotal conversations. NOT because it is a model train, but what it DOES for the yard.

That’s the analysis.
NO interest in this idea verbally expressed to two major CEOs in the industry. None, Zero.
How dense can be the marketing skills be? Think of the 50 plus garden mags that have NO reference to annimation of one’s yard.

Meanwhile, who is kidding whom about large scale BEING THE FASTEST GROWING RAILROAD HOBBY.
Does everyone in the industry have a headwaiter mentality? Just look at a Walthers Catalogue flyer sent out to any living subscriber to Model Railroader. Yep, that’s right, ONE FOURTH, that’s ONE FOURTH page on “G” gauge. That’s all that’s needed to comprehend their interpretation of “fastest growing.”

Try the model Model Railroading photo layout book for 2009 – ooooops! No outdoor layouts.

Ah, yes, the topic was starter sets – marketed to those who could try them…

Selah,

Wendell

#30
Wendell Hanks said:
Yes, HJ is correct: Making money.

My analysis is stop trying to milk out money from the current “model train lovers” and go for the homeowner-garden-crazed who want to try something new – such as annimating their yard; having night run reflections of passenger cars in their pool; watching grandkids now with something to do. All of this only requires a simple, EZ to-put-on-the-track locomotive and cars. The evidence for me is clear – I saw it with two of our immediate neighbors who have the interest – and NO, that’s zero, little houses, cars, and any effort to model a railroad. Yes, just track. Lot’s of track among the plants and running in reflection in the pool. Reflections in the pool and true annimation of their plants and garden is the singular feature of the yard. That’s the feature that endures numerous neighbor visits and captures endless anecdotal conversations. NOT because it is a model train, but what it DOES for the yard.

That’s the analysis.
NO interest in this idea verbally expressed to two major CEOs in the industry. None, Zero.
How dense can be the marketing skills be? Think of the 50 plus garden mags that have NO reference to annimation of one’s yard.

Meanwhile, who is kidding whom about large scale BEING THE FASTEST GROWING RAILROAD HOBBY.
Does everyone in the industry have a headwaiter mentality? Just look at a Walthers Catalogue flyer sent out to any living subscriber to Model Railroader. Yep, that’s right, ONE FOURTH, that’s ONE FOURTH page on “G” gauge. That’s all that’s needed to comprehend their interpretation of “fastest growing.”

Try the model Model Railroading photo layout book for 2009 – ooooops! No outdoor layouts.

Ah, yes, the topic was starter sets – marketed to those who could try them…

Selah,

Wendell


Unfortunately you need money to market to the masses and most of the established large scale model railroaders aren’t spending much now. It must be difficult for any manufacturer of such a niche product to mount a public campaign to get it into the venues you are talking about. I would imagine it would take a huge chunk of change to get one’s product into todays large home improvement chain stores. It also doesn’t help that most consumers these days have a “Walmart” mentality when it comes to the price of the products they buy. They want it as cheaply as possible and we all know that you really can’t get a decent quality G guage set for less that a few hundred dollars (yes I know about Bachmann’s cheapo sets but I think it’s detrimental to sell someone disposable track and discourage them right off the bat).

I believe most of us grossly overestimate the size and budgets of Hobby manufacturers. Were not dealing with Toy companies like Mattel who have large marketing staffs and budgets. Most Garden centers and home improvement stores are more interested in turning a buck than introducing Joe public to the hobby.

#31

Wow what a change of pace, we went from my ‘new’ hobby-LS Trains to my “OLD” hobby-Motorcycles…Back in 01/02, I had 2 New HD’s in a matter of 18 months, the second a bigger disappointment than the first…2001 FXDX Concord Purple Pearl…2002 FLHRCI Pearl White…then finished out my time with a 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan MeanStreak (now that was a Machine!) and a older Ducati Sport Tourer (for only 3 days before my wife made me take it back)…Eli was about 6 months old when I hung up the helmet (actually sold off everything)…that next month (January) I saw my first Garden Train running in Gatlinburg TN…5 years ago this January…Thought it’d be something we could all do together vs. soloing all Saturday while the fam sulked at home. Seems to be working out just as I had planned! cale Sold the FXDX to Bill in CA…he recently sold…here is a photo…he added the FXDWG rear fender and wire wheels (and most of the chrome)

(http://www.chopperexchange.com/productimages/more/41251.jpg)

#32

I keep one of my old Scramblers in the shed, and my “Unlimited” M/C license, even though my back won’t allow me to ride much anymore.

#33

A recent quote from Lewis Polk has it that the new model to be released soon at the end of the year is a make it or break it mentality. Of course, we all know the consolidation will be a market hit, but it exemplifies the true state of the hobby. Every product invested in, has to make a return on the money invested in the project. No manufacturer, these days, is going to ‘wing it’ and see what happens. Manufacturers have to be certain of a return or else the project is dead in the water.

New ideas to promote the hobby will remain stillborn in the current economic climate. Every product is aimed at a specific target audience, us the tried and tested purchaser who will buy just about anything we can get our hands on. The hobbyist, these days is becoming more scale specific. He is not going to buy a little of every scale, as many of us have in the past. The modeller is restricting himself to specifics, such as 1/20.3 scale, or 1/29 scale, with the newcomer or the old hand, sticking to the once popular, 1/22.5 scale. To engender a new interest in the hobby we need something that will joggle our imagination. For the baby boomers among us, we have seen it all. The new market must be weaned away from other ‘interests’.

Travelling hobby shows really do little but cause immediate interest and then the interest wains away. Thousands will view a beautiful railroad and then individually think, “I could not possibly do anything like that.” It is the mini-railroads, like that of Vic Smith, that will inspire the person with minimal interest due its simplicity and ‘I can do that’ factor. Multi-panel railroads really dissuade the hobbyist and are more for operator interest rather than attracting newcomers to the hobby. The usual reaction is “Oh, that is nice.” and then pass on to the next railroad display.

In reality, a true life-long hobbyist is born to be what he is. A survey of hobbyists will show that they had a trainset, from an early age and retained the interest all their life. The ‘hobbyist’ who only expresses an occasional interest is not going to remain in the hobby. It is merely a whim and the interest quickly recedes, as new interests arise. This facet of the market will not sustain future survival of the hobby. The emphasis should be on getting the young involved, before they experience all the electronic imagery that the computer age has thrust into our households. However, simply owning a trainset, at an early age, is no guarantee of keeping the interest alive. The new hobbyist has to find social acceptance in the hobby to enable it to grow to become a lifelong passion. How many youth of today are going to openly express their interest in model railroads, of any scale. Their peer group would embarass them into leaving the hobby. Simply ‘playing trains’ is not enough to sustain social acceptance. We need to show the marketplace that model railroads are a viable, healthy expression of our interests and our talents. One downside of the current industry is that manufacturers have a ‘ready to run’ mentality to attract a greater market base. The scratch build factor experienced in smaller scales is really lost in largescale. Too many inexperienced ‘modellers’ are entering the market and running trains, ‘out of the box’ and very quickly losing interest. An investment in largescale requires a commitment from the whole family as the railroad becomes their ‘social’ outlet. Smaller scales require less commitment, as regards required space and capital and represent less of a burden on the family purse/budget.

#34
Wendell Hanks said:
Yes, HJ is correct: Making money.

My analysis is stop trying to milk out money from the current “model train lovers” and go for the homeowner-garden-crazed who want to try something new – such as annimating their yard; having night run reflections of passenger cars in their pool; watching grandkids now with something to do. All of this only requires a simple, EZ to-put-on-the-track locomotive and cars. The evidence for me is clear – I saw it with two of our immediate neighbors who have the interest – and NO, that’s zero, little houses, cars, and any effort to model a railroad. Yes, just track. Lot’s of track among the plants and running in reflection in the pool. Reflections in the pool and true annimation of their plants and garden is the singular feature of the yard. That’s the feature that endures numerous neighbor visits and captures endless anecdotal conversations. NOT because it is a model train, but what it DOES for the yard.

Selah,

Wendell


Wendell,
I agree with you. Growth in the hobby will not come from us “train nuts”(real or model).
The Garden Railroad needs to be marketed in the Home & Garden shows.
You are 100% correct. What it does for the yard.
But I don’t think the “starter set” is the answer for the Home & Garden crowd. Most people don’t even mow their own lawn anymore.
They would be more interested in professional design and installation.
The biggest hurdle would be getting the “landscape design” approved by the Home Owners Associations of the “country club” crowd.
Ralph

#35

Costs of promotion in Garden magazines?
Ads, yes. Photo stories, no.
Garden mags are dependent upon photo stories.
OK, what’s the disadvantage of USA/Aristo/ B’mann submitting photo stories of current layouts fitting the format of any given garden mag? Photos could be taken of a “starter” set among the plants just as easily as shown in Garden Railways.

Right now, the only photo series depicting garden railroading is seen by those already devoted to the hobby.
Amazing.

Wendell

#36

Wendell,

LGBoA had a wide ad policy including “Southern Living”, gardening magazines and several upscale magazines.

#37
Jack Barton said:
Wendell,

LGBoA had a wide ad policy including “Southern Living”, gardening magazines and several upscale magazines.


Somehow I have a feeling that it takes a bit more than just ads.

#38

Cale Nelson said:
Wow what a change of pace, we went from my ‘new’ hobby-LS Trains to my “OLD” hobby-Motorcycles…Back in 01/02, I had 2 New HD’s in a matter of 18 months, the second a bigger disappointment than the first…2001 FXDX Concord Purple Pearl…2002 FLHRCI Pearl White…then finished out my time with a 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan MeanStreak (now that was a Machine!) and a older Ducati Sport Tourer (for only 3 days before my wife made me take it back)…Eli was about 6 months old when I hung up the helmet (actually sold off everything)…that next month (January) I saw my first Garden Train running in Gatlinburg TN…5 years ago this January…Thought it’d be something we could all do together vs. soloing all Saturday while the fam sulked at home. Seems to be working out just as I had planned! cale Sold the FXDX to Bill in CA…he recently sold…here is a photo…he added the FXDWG rear fender and wire wheels (and most of the chrome)

(http://www.chopperexchange.com/productimages/more/41251.jpg)

Yeah! I like motorcycles also. Here are mine

(http://timothydehan.com/redmondcreekrr/images/web/bikes1.jpg)

(http://timothydehan.com/redmondcreekrr/images/web/bikes2.jpg)

#39

Hey Timmy, imagine what a nice workshop you could get in that garage .:stuck_out_tongue: :smiley:

#40

3 for the price of one…what is that 3rd one, a Kawasaki BUBF Vulcan?..I know the VTX and the Suki