Large Scale Central

Why is not Lionel producing die cast 1:29 scale locos?

General Discussion
#1

Hi Guys:

I previously mentioned the pre-buy pricing of the LGB plastic Mikado at 1500.00 with the hinged drive.

Here is the latest Lionel catalog:

[email protected]

The die cast Mikado in “Southern” paint with all the latest electronic features 900.00 MSRP.

The die cast Pacific in “Southern” paint with all the latest electronic features 1100.00 MSRP and “steam” comes out of the whistle when blown!

So what gives here? No one can convince me that a plastic LGB Mikado is worth 1500.00 in comparison to these highly detailed die cast locos which are loaded with the latest electronics.

Are we being overcharged for our large scale plastic locos with none of these electronic features present?

Why is not Lionel producing die cast 1:29 scale locos?

Norman

#2

It’s a numbers game. Selling thousands is cheaper per unit than selling hundreds. There is not nearly the market for the 1/29 version as there is for the “O-scale” one. Whem my company sells our wares we always give considerable discounts for quantity.

Of course Lionel did sell 1/29 scaled “plastic” diesels in several road names, some complete with sounds but as I recall they were pretty much maligned by most. I like them myself for their “toy-like” charm and have examples of all 6 including the dummy units.

Adding to your “why not” question, Why don’t other 1/29 mfgr’s build low cost dummy units?

#3
Mark V said:
...........

Adding to your “why not” question, Why don’t other 1/29 mfgr’s build low cost dummy units?


If memory serves this question was asked of some LS mfgs, together with the “unpainted” proposition. The answer was there wouldn’t be a large enough difference to attract the market.

With tongue firmly in cheek:

It should be easy enough to get dummy units from those guys who have “non-runners” sitting around. Perhaps we could have an “exchange post” for crud that doesn’t run (one step up from the parts box, two steps up from the junk box). :stuck_out_tongue: :stuck_out_tongue:

#4

I think they’re missing the boat HJ, I know I’d buy a dummy with darn near every diesel!

Norman, I would love to see Lionel re-enter the “G” market with the quality of their “O” stuff but I fear it is just so much wishfull thinking.

#5

What obout MTH? Although they are 1/32.

#6
Mark V said:
I think they're missing the boat HJ, I know I'd buy a dummy with darn near every diesel!
Great Trains produced a "dummy" for their F40PH. Three mistakes they made: 1. Same road number as the powered unit. 2. No front coupler 3. $249.50 price tag Ralph
#7

Hi Nico and Mark:

Yes, the MTH Hudson was excellent. Although some folks complained that it was too light on its feet. But the laboured chuff was absolutely amazing. The black satin finish paint made the plastic body appear to be die cast.
USA TRAINS has a die cast Hudson.

I would like a Mikado and a Pacific hopefully in die cast or of the quality of the MTH Hudson in the Southern green paint.

I was totally not impressed with the LGB Mikado. Too toy like in appearance, plastic side rods, drive and side rods hinged at the centre and very poor detail level. The model had solid plastic marker lamps with no lens! But that Southern paint was excellent.

The only fault with the MTH Hudson was the plastic centered drivers would crack at the axle from the stress of the axle insert. But that could be fixed in future runs.

Maybe MTH might re-enter large scale with a 1/29 , not 1/32 , Pacific and also a Mikado?

Norman

#8

Lionel seems determined to only produce (movie tie-in) crap in LS now. Their target market is probably grandmas who vaguely remember the name and just want the new generation of cookie crunchers to have a train… without spending any more than a decent set cost in 1975.

Whether that sales model is actually working, I don’t know. But it seems there is a lot of it being dumped at overstock places.

I’ve talked to several hobby store owners, they say decent LS trains take up way too much space, tie up too much capital, and have too few interested buyers. They only stock the budget sets for just that reason… more folks will buy them. So I guess Lionel and B’mann fill that niche perfectly?

Meanwhile, the “serious” large scalers can’t agree on a few adaptable ‘generic’ models. They all want what they want, and don’t want anything else. So you have a fractured small volume market.

Unfortunately that translates into “crap is king”… once again.

#9

Raising Hand {with a question}!!

Yes Rooster?

If these manufactures would stop making the crap that some complain about and start making the quality product that some demand would the complainer’s complain about the price or would they whip out their wallet and snatch them off the shelves but only to complain about how they aren’t properly manufactured later?

#10

Rooster,
Are you saying that they’re a bunch of grumpy old farts who are going to bitch regardless :smiley:
Ralph

#11

Ralph you know it’s not right to state the obvious :slight_smile: :slight_smile: :wink:

#12
Dave Marconi said:
Ralph you know it's not right to state the obvious :) :) ;)
Who me :rolleyes: All I did was translate "Rooster" to English :P Ralph
#13

The answer Rooster, is we all want a mint Hemi 'Cuda with air for the price of a clapped out base Yugo…

That’s why I buy junkers and fix them into what I want… :wink:

#14
Mik said:
The answer Rooster, is we all want a mint Hemi 'Cuda with air for the price of a clapped out base Yugo....

That’s why I buy junkers and fix them into what I want… :wink:


Why would you want to get a mint Hemi 'Cuda, then choke it with air? Seems kinda foolish to me, but then, it is your railroad… :lol: :smiley: :stuck_out_tongue:

#15
Steve Featherkile said:
Why would you want to get a mint Hemi 'Cuda, then choke it with air? Seems kinda foolish to me, but then, it is your railroad... :lol: :D :P
Rarity... (The hemi tended to scatter A/C compressors - especially with the A833 4 speed.) IIRC they only built 14 or so in 1970, so the fender polishers would pay big bucks for one :D
#16

Wendell: [Sitting next to Rooster and raising his own hand]
"Didn’t Mik clearly identify the problem with dealers trying to sell Large Scale trains when
Mik told us: ‘They only stock the budget sets for just that reason as more folks will buy them. So I guess Lionel and B’mann fill that niche perfectly?’

[Mik smiling knowing another student listened – Rooster nudges Mik to speak]

Mik: “Sure, the problem is there’s little RELIABLE LS entry level products made available for dealers to put on their shelves.”

Rooster: “Now, that is where the action is. Say, how did you get Hanks to write this dumb dialogue?”

Mik: “I didnt. Remember, clarity before agreement.”
[Class applause and clear-thinking axioms are pronounced, such as 'Right on!]

#17

Huh? Wha’d’e say? Oh, wow, I see it, toooooooo.