Is the understanding LGB products are now made in China? Were made in China and now in__?
I have two reports from owners the chunky steamer 2-4-0, one with and without sound in varied liverys, did not last. Period. Gear problems. It was a Chinese item.
Wendell,
as far as I recall, basically since circa 2002/3 all American prototype locomotives and rolling stock, with the exception of the Sumpter Mallett, were of Chinese origin, including all 2-4-0 steam locomotives. The latest Christmas Forney and Rio Grande forney are most likely Chinese origin as location/ownership(?) of the tooling was uncertain. I suspect all American standard gauge, including most likely the new F-7 diesels and streamliner coaches will be sourced in Asia. The Genesis drive blocks were made in China and are the old F-7 blocks.
Tim-
Thanks.
From the running duration on the giant layout at the Living Desert, Palm Desert, Calif., the Sumpter Mallet is of good quality. Is the assumption accurate that no Sumpters were made in China and instead all mfg’d. in Germany – including those currently available mailorder?
Wendell
Tim-
Thanks.
From the running duration on the giant layout at the Living Desert, Palm Desert, Calif., the Sumpter Mallet is of good quality. Is the assumption accurate that no Sumpters were made in China and instead all mfg’d. in Germany – including those currently available mailorder?
Wendell
Wendell,
both releases of the Sumpter mallett were manufactured in Germany. The initial release #20892 was made around 2002. This was followed by the 2005(?) release #22892. Alas, ‘Made in Germany’ did not guarantee faultless construction and it has been reported numerous times that on the later release model application of grease was forgotten(?)/omitted. A warning was released to ensure unit was serviced prior to use.
Models now on sale through mail order houses could be from either production run. The later (inferior?) release #22892 was fitted with a MTS decoder, unlike the analogue #20892. My preference was for the first release model.Tim-
Now, I know which number to order --I trust I can get that cooperation.
Also…
How right you are re: the lack of grease in new LGB locos – I know as I take them apart at the Living Desert for service. My last LGB loco purchase was the Santa Fe diesel switcher, 0-6-0. Prior to running, I opened it up…dry. All plastic side rods got a drop of Mobil 1 and the internals Mobil 1 grease. Works fine and is plastic compatible. Beats the LGB pricing per tube of “LGB’s” brand grease.
Wendell
OK, back to the initial question.
Prices from my May 15 post:
426-20576 Diesel F7 A Unit Bluebonnet Scheme, Powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #330, yellow,blue,silver G 989.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-20577 Diesel F7 A Unit Blubonnet Scheme Powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #333 blue, yellow, silver G 989.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-20586 Diesel F7 B Unit w/Sound Bluebonnet Scheme, Non-powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, blue, yellow, silver G 799.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-21576 Diesel EMD F7A Powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Warbonnet, silver, red, yellow) G 759.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-21586 Diesel EMD F7B Non-Powered - Sound Equipped – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Warbonnet, silver, red, yellow) G 609.98 N 01-Dec-2010
And today (May 24th, after the 21st):
426-20576 Diesel F7 A Unit Bluebonnet Scheme, Powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #330, yellow,blue,silver G 989.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-20577 Diesel F7 A Unit Blubonnet Scheme Powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe #333 blue, yellow, silver G 989.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-20586 Diesel F7 B Unit w/Sound Bluebonnet Scheme, Non-powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, blue, yellow, silver G 799.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-21576 Diesel EMD F7A Powered – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Warbonnet, silver, red, yellow) G 759.98 N 01-Dec-2010
426-21586 Diesel EMD F7B Non-Powered - Sound Equipped – Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (Warbonnet, silver, red, yellow) G 609.98 N 01-Dec-2010
Yup, NO price increase on these items from WKW, at least before/after 21st…
Wendell,
in 2006, I posted on another site as to the lack of lubrication on a Chinese sourced #251 Rio Grande Forney. A LGBoA 'spokesperson, now with another toy train manufacturer, said that I was mistaken as the grease used was different to previously supplied grease. It was certainly different as it was the new friction free invisible grease. The gearbox was as dry as a bone. After 35 years of international commercial aircraft servicing, I think I can tell if lubrication has been applied or not.
My LHS has obtained for me a couple of LGB catenary related items from Walthers , I am amazed to no end , that the cat wire , was within $2 or 3 dollars , of the couple of years ago price , unbeliveable . Considering all the price increases of raw materials and so on and so forth .
The new cat wire is marked made in Hungary , the previous tubes were made in Germany , they look the same .