“Modeler” is a strange word that brings out several questions, in my mind.
What is an “LGB Modeler” ?
Is that someone, that only purchases LGB products; takes them out of the box and admires them, then adds them to their ever growing collection, in hopes that they grow in financial value ?
Or are they people that purchase LGB products, that contribute to their enjoyment of the hobby of “Large Scale Model Railroading”…?
There are several problems that have always existed in the LGB product line, that should be addressed in order to appeal to the potential WORLD markets.
First; Europe has a great market for European type models, and a rather small market for North American style equipment. The reverse is true for the North American market.
Second; both markets have three distinct interest groups; Model Railroaders, Collectors, and Toy Train people.
All are important to being a successful player in the “Train Model Manufacturing Business”.
From our view, here in North America, we saw the original LGB company, send out a test product of European based equipment, and it saw a good appeal, as a toy train. They then saw the demand for North American styled products. They also saw the “Collector market” suddenly take off.
What happened then, to most observers eyes, was a dwelling on satisfying the collector market, with good quality, and high prices, but failing to realize, that there was an increasing demand in the model railroad market for moderate pricing, and more North American style product. Then competition entered the picture, with B’mann, USTrains, and Aristo. All these offered lower prices, and much more variety to slow, or no response from LGB, other than repaints, and re lettering of existing product. And, of course, only European style starter sets, in a North American market…too slowly, they did add some product, but too late to survive.
Now…today, with new owners, and new financing; LGB is starting up again with quality products, but what products ?
Teddy bears on European style flat cars…I guess research tells them that someone will purchase them, and they do have the old moulds…but there is, with the absence of Aristo, a good market for product from other LGB existing moulds, that would surely be in demand in North America, more so than a European 4 wheeled flar car with teddy bears…but then I’m not in market research…
As far as new product for the North American Market…what do WE, the retail purchasers want, and at what price are we willing to pay ?
I for one have made several modest suggestions to Ron Gibson. All involved modest investments, or no investments in new moulds. Adding to existing equipment lines, that “Modelers” might readily want to acquire.
Then there are the obvious products that some would suggest…that seemed to be in demand when available in the past.
How about everyone that has reasonable ideas, jump on the band wagon, and Email LGB with your suggestions, then be prepared to plunk your dollars down when the products appear…
Actions speak louder than words, guys…move your butts…!!!
Long Live LGB!
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