Where are the innovative accessories?

I have the MTH gas station,firehouse,car wash and Mels Diner. I was hoping they would continue in that tradition. Instead they focused on DCS with little attention paid to toy train guys. They focused on their perception of where the growth of the business was to be.  The Railking line is still a good engine line for conventional operators. Other than buildings I have not purchased a new MTH item in years.

 

Lionel, I have most all of their accessories and they made a lot. Some reissued and some original. MTH also makes good copies of them,something they do very well. I have a lot of their tin plate building reproductions and lamp posts etc.

 

Dale H

Hi Allegheny,

Your mention of the Backshop is an example of pure Lionel Junk,I never got it to work and got no satisfaction from Lionel,it is a $500 paper weight.

Mikey

Your specific example may hold merit depending on when you bought it and what condition it was in(upgraded vs. not.  Any "Mint in Box" Backshop shipped in the original batch I think is defective by definition without the upgraded boards.).  Many who have the upgraded boards have examples that work with no problems (aside from the structural sheet metal being thinner than it was supposed to be).  I think I read somewhere here over the last year or so that boards may be available again from Lionel, but I did not just go and look for them to confirm.

 

As to Allegheny's original question, it seems that this type innovation is sadly in the past.  I'm a big fan of accessories too, but the pickings have been sparse lately.  I don't really count the re-cataloged "Plug-n-Play" versions as new, as most just add a pigtail and a new more expensive track interface piece for people who can't strip wires.

 

The TMCC/Legacy controlled Gantry Crane holds promise, but it's been the only bright light in this dark tunnel for quite some time.  (and of course it's not out yet, so execution remains to be seen)

 

-Dave

 

I would agree that accessories have been lacking.  With all the innovation they are putting out in new locos and freight cars, you would think a few new accessories would have been developed by now.  Plug and play accessories are just rehashes.  How many switch towers, milk cars, gantry cranes do I need?  The new gantry crane is a nice improvement since its now mobile and gets its power from the outside rails.  I would say the last nice interactive accessory was the coal tipple.  I have it one and its a really neat piece. 

 

As for the backshop, I bought one new from my dealer and it came upgraded from Lionel.  It has worked perfectly for me and its a fun one to watch.  If I were you, I would get the upgrade board and enjoy it.  I added led lighting (bright white) which helped the inside a lot.  It now has that shop look to it and you can easily see the machinery working inside when its on.

I kind of agree actually.

 

Back in the early 90's, Lionel threw out the mi-jack crane, the lift bridge, and the steam and wheel grind shop. The only "innovative new accessory" I can think of in recent years was the smoke fluid loader, and that will finally come out after a 4 year hiatus.

 

But to be fair, a lot of time and effort does go into developing how an accessory is supposed to work, and considering what else Lionel is doing now, it's understandable why they haven't done something "brand new".

Hard to make money on large accessories. I cannot fit them on the layout. I have a MTH Mel's Diner, Lionel Aquarium, and Rail King Greyhound bus station that still just sit under the layout...

 

What I really wish they would re-release at Lionel are some operating scale semaphores, wig-wag signals (definite hit), and cantilever railroad crossing lights.

I run postwar/postwar style trains, so I love operating accessories, but I agree, there's nothing new.  lots of releases and upgrades (if you can call them that).  I still run conventional, I don't care about "plug and play" and command control.  all their efforts are going into bigger and more expensive locos.  it's all geared to the detail modelers, anything for the guys with smaller layouts that want to run traditional is cheap junk.  So i'll keep my eyes towards ebay for now.

I was always hoping for a better container crane.  I'd like one that would work with the scale containers and was wireless.  The Mi-Jack was fun but never really worked well, and when I moved to a  scale layout well it just looked out of place.

 

 

I love accessories and have many smaller ones on the layout.  Years ago I asked Lionel to bring out a guy in a hammock using the technology of the boy in the tire swing.  No response.  I think it would look really neat and not be too big.

I think there's a price limit on accessories that the importers can't go over, and as such that hampers new product development. The trains themselves are more collector items and people buy them to both run and collect. Accessories are strictly for the operator, and to make really neat and innovative ones requires the sales price to be high enough to for the importers to get a satisfactory return on investment, therefore limiting their development.

 

For more than a decade I couldn't understand why Lionel or MTH didn't make a realistic operating coal tipple, with moving parts and figures, sounds, etc. But, after thinking about it the retail price point would have to be $500 to $600 for it to be done right, and I suppose there's just not enough steam-era modelers to buy enough of them at that price to warrant Lionel or MTH to do it.

 

Same thing with buildings with moving figures and animations inside: retail price would probably be >$300 per building, and many operators would baulk at that, although the Lionel Hobby shop was a big hit and sold well as I remember.

I too am interested in a scale working mi-jack container crane. Heck if the heljen one is $700+. I too would purchase an O scale one but it better be close to scale!

Not sure what makes you say that.  There are lots of "NIB" accessories for sale from time to time, people collect them too.

 

I would admit one of the more recent (well 8 or so years ago now, so really not too recent) "BIG" items (swing bridge) was a flop due to it's size.  This was a really nicely done accessory.  I didn't originally order one, but ended up with 2 of them when they were blown out for a fraction of the $400 list price (I think I paid $160 and $100 if I recall).

 

Some of the "Standard" classic accessories' absence boggles my mind. 

 

While Lionel has made probably 4 or 5 variants of the most recent version of the Burning Switch Tower (not counting the original from early 90's), they have not made a standard 445 Switch Tower since 1996(6-12917)!  That's coming up on 20 years now! 

 

The existing BST tooling would seem to be re-usable with just no smoke unit and different figures.

 

-Dave

 

 

I agree size of new accessories would be a problem for you guys with long standing layouts, there are still plenty of us that are in the early stages and would welcome some up to date accessories.  Since my layout (or planned layout) is all about moving freight, I would do whatever it took to get a scale container crane onto it.  I guess it all boils down to money, and the cost vs. the return.

J-Daddy,

   You and me both buddy!

PCRR/Dave

This isn't about new ideas, but I'm still amazed that Lionel hasn't remade the postwar 460 piggyback platform. They have remade all the other postwar accessories, why not this one? Maybe because it's all manual? But that's its play value - the operator has to interact with it, he can't just push a button and watch. It was my favorite accessory as a kid, and I made room for it on the layout I'm building. That's the original my parents gave me in the 50's. It still works and I still have the box and instructions.

 

Many of you probably already have all these in the older format as they are all sort of remakes or upgrades, but I am pretty excited about all the new command control accessories in the latest Lionel catalog. The addition of Legacy control sounds great and is probably the most exciting part for me. I ordered all I could until the budget was completely depleted. I was unable to get them all so hopefully they will continue these until I can get the rest next year.

 

IMO, I think they should make these accessories available on a much more regular basis. It would be nice if new people entering the hobby had the ability to purchase these accessories without having to wait years or look for something in the already used up market. Seems like we are always trying to get new people into the hobby and when they get here there are none of these things available for them to add to their layouts. Also looks like a lot of missed sales opportunities for the manufacturers and LHS's.

 

One other point here is the folks new to the hobby do not already have all this stuff. They need something to be able to add to their new found hobby items. What may seem like old stuff to all that have been in the hobby for many years may be the neatest thing the new hobbyist has ever seen. They may really want one and not be able to get it. They should have these things available to them.

I love all the operating accessories too. But I remember some of the old releases ended up being "blown out" because they were not selling well at their "profitable" prices. The toy train companies are in the business to make money. Apparently they were not making enough on new accessories given the development costs.

 

I believe that for a while we will have to develop and build what we want by ourselves. Unfortunately, many of us are more the "buy and play" type modelers rather than the "scratch build" type. 

 

There are some independent shops that do make some nice accessories. For example OGR advertiser AAA Precision Turntables sells an "Operating Modular Conveyor System" that looks "prototype scale". I am surprised more folks are not talking about it!

 

There are also the Lemax type holiday animations. Many of them work well with O gauge.

 

I have so many animation accessories that I can't fit them all on my layout. But I am still thinking of building more.

 

Paul Goodness

Thanks Guys for replying.  

I thought I was alone in thinking we needed some new accessories.  

I wouldn't say they should be large but something completely different. 

It's been a long while since something completely new was released.

As one member noted, even new signals would be a big plus.   

 

Clever accessories are a big part of why I am into model trains.I agree it has been a while since any new accessories with a new idea have been made by anyone.I guess they don't sell well enough to bother with.Too bad for me.

Dan

Very nice display!

 

And I am with you.  What influenced me was probably the accessories and watching my dad when I was a kid with O Gauge trains.  I was into HO growing up because of the cost factor, but I was always attracted to the interaction of the accessories with the trains.  Even in HO, I sought such things, though they were a) not very prevalent, and b) not very reliable for the few items that did exist.  (Probably because the lighter weight makes it harder to interact with the train without causing derailments and such).

 

To me, all the latest catalogs with gazillions of steam engines are no where near as exciting as a new accessory or 2 might be.  While I've still been buying some select items, the interest has been much lower in most catalogs recently.

 

-Dave

"To me, all the latest catalogs with gazillions of steam engines are no where near as exciting as a new accessory or 2 might be.  While I've still been buying some select items, the interest has been much lower in most catalogs recently."

 

I'm with you Dave!  That's exactly why brought this topic up.  The catalogs lack excitement.  As you stated even one or two new accessories would heighten that interest level! 

I have to agree, I really like nice long passenger trains, but well operating accessories really make a layout much more interesting.

 

As for new accessories, I can't think of anything that has not already been done. 

 

Does anyone have any ideas they would like to share with the board?

 

Charlie

Forum intermission time.

Here is my accessory video from a few years ago for you accessory lovers....

 

TonkaNut, That is one wonderful vidio!!! Great camera work and LOVE the added sounds! Thank you so much for posting it.

 

Paul Goodness

First Class display TonkaNut. An extra Blue Ribbon for the master mechanic who keeps it all working so effectively.

 

I suspect the lack of new accessories is due to priority lists and the high initial investment costs for toolIng and development costs associated with relatively lower annual  volumes.    The LCCA has been looking into making accessories, but the low volume, high tool cost makes it very difficult.  High Tooling costs makes the piece price very expensive.  We in the LCCA are still investigating accessories possibilities that were previously proposed by the Late Honoray LCCA President infinity, Lou Caponi. We will see what we can do.m 

 

I believe Lionel will be launching new accessories within the next couple of years.  I think Lionel has  focused on launching their new operating systems, LionChief, LionChief Plus and Vision line products and the new I pad technology.  I think they developed a product line-up that hits all of the markets and price points, from starter sets up to the highly detailed more realistic Vision Line products.n they have a complete product line-up now.    They focused on their core train products.  

 

There have also been numerous issues with the manufacturing supply base overseas.  i think the manufactureres have been focusing on getting good product out of their supply base.   They need to be able  to supply the orders they already have.  Lionel is also making a concerted effort to bring back manufacturing to the US wherever it makes good business sense ie competitive and viable in the market place.

 

 I love operating accessories and I hope we can see some new ones developed in the near future.  This is is my opnion only, but you know what they say about opinions, everyone has one.  

Al K.

Makes you wonder.  You read the legendary stories of how Frank Pettit and his Lionel crew were churning out new ideas and accessories annually and even took ideas from the general public. I’m guessing that because not many working accessories to imitate real life had been created before, all of those productions in the post war period were a result of advancements in technology allowing for Lionel, American Flyer, etc. to “catch up” with what was already in place in society and build them.

I have a few ideas myself of what I would like to see, some of which would be space eaters.

These first 3 are somewhat related but are not one in the same:

Working Construction Tower Crane – Doesn’t need to be more than 7 stories high, in line with the MTH 6 Story buildings. Such things already exist for toys of other types of genres, just make one O Scale and run from track/accessory power.  This is definitely not a footprint space eater.

6-story modern office building under construction - complete with exposed girders. This idea comes from one of my former N-Scale kits.  Complete it with and a working elevator on the side to transport construction workers

6-story Modern Glass Office Building with interior lighting.

Forklift – One that is not limited to a bakelite (sp?) vibrating base and can move throughout a work site, loading dock delivering goods

Excavator – Like the forklift above, not limited to a specific working area

Modern Light Rail Vehicles (LRV’s) as seen in Europe and some American cities that can run on “Superstreets” or on regular track.  These would not be bump and go vehicles. We don't need yet another pre- or post-war trolley.  I’ve seen some shells on various websites of LRV’s but never any that have made full scale production.

I’m more in tune with buildings from the 1980’s to today and not so much with the post war period architecture.  So these next set wouldn’t be new accessories, but just current versions of items already made, like the diners, drive-thru restaurants, car washes, all with the 1950's style architecture.  Maybe even a drive-thru bank with an ATM.

Bringing some more current buildings and vehicles into play might keep/gain the interest of the younger set.  The LEGO system, which is used by folks of all ages, does have train system and LRV’s , so there is a market out there for such material.


Glad to hear this Al.  I look forward to the future

A while back Lionel made a band shell with a cassette tape player inside. How about a new version that would accept a thumb drive? Supply it with one drive of traditional band music and let the buyer add his own. With the advances that have been made in small sound systems for computers and MP3 players, a redesigned band shell could even offer decent sound (the old one didn't sound all that great). 

 

My parents' home town in Wisconsin had a band shell in a city park right next to the lake. Concerts on summer evenings were still popular in the 50's when we would visit on summer vacation. 

TK, fantastic video in every respect!!!

In a magazine from another scale (N scale), I recently read an article where they were discussing lack of new product in their scale as well. One thing they said about tooling was that any new tooling created in China stays in China and can not be taken out of the country, so that is a deterrent to making new items in their scale. If that is truly the case, I would imagine this would certainly be the same for our O gauge manufacturers and also make them less inclined to develop new tooling? Could also be an incentive and another reason Lionel is trying to get more manufacturing back to the U.S.?

 

Why go through all that trouble?  All you need is connect it to a cheap bluetooth music receiver (about $35 Best Buy) and play music through it off your smart phone or tablet.

Joe. 

Love the video.. I must say...Dubbed in sound elevated it from just a nice job to fantastic..

Joe

       
       


Let me add to the compliments Tonka Nut.

Your video is now part of my rotation of YouTube favorites.

Thank you all for the generous comments!

I was hesitant to add the sound effects because a purist might like only the cool vibra-motor and solenoid buzzes that Lionel PW accessories provide...sorta like a rock band unplugged.

But then I thought the video might be boring to non-railroaders so the effects were used.

It made it more fun for me to edit the video that way also.

TJ

TonkaNut,

Fantastic video tour of all those accessories-- the "accessory sounds" could be a new Lionel term like "Rail Sounds"!!!!--

I personally would love to see a Visionline set of accessories-- including a highly detailed and much longer Bascule Bridge (40") with sounds (double track if possible); with a whole new line of track signals with the long-term dedication to the Visionline; the Forklift with your sounds would be fantastic (we have to get away from the 60+year old "vibrator motors"!!!) Was the newer releases of the Fork Lift having a more silent drive motor?

I don't know if this idea would be an accessory-- but that "train tracking location on your layout" with a large enough screen to have a schematic of my layout showing the loco location (like GPS does now for real railroad cars) would be cool.

I cannot wait for my order of the new Gantry Crane powered thru the rails that will go back & forth on the special GarGraves 5 rail accessory tracks I ordered for the new unit!

Regards,

Carl J

That certainly would be a beast!  Box would probably be twice the size (or more!) of a 12782 Lift Bridge.  It would be really cool though, if they could make one of that size reliable.  (I don't want to think about the cost though! )

 

-Dave

What I’d like to see presented.............

"Smart" 21st Century Diesel Maintenance Facility Building!

Technology and Innovations have always
caught my eye. That said, I would suggest that Lionel produce a "Smart" 21st
Century Diesel Maintenance Facility Building.

Legacy features:
1.
Open and close the doors with Cab-1 or Cab-2.

2. Turn exterior and
interior lights on or off with Cab-1 or Cab-2.

3. Enter Id’s into Legacy
Cab-2 what Diesel or Steam locomotives are assigned to their scheduled
maintenance and have announcements from the Maintenance Facility or Roundhouse
when the engines need to be serviced. “Engine 1988 Scheduled Maintenance today
track one”, kind of like a Locomotive Maintenance Management System. The Service
check could be programmed for 30, 60 or 90 days. This would make for a great
reminder to look your engines over for traction tire issues, lubricate gears,
check for loose wires, and a general maintenance check just like the real deal.
If you wanted to service all your engines in 1 session, then you could enter a
code that would make an announcement of all your engine ids one at a time every
5 or 10 minutes until you have acknowledge the engine has been serviced. At the
end of the day you could enter a code that would check all the engines in
inventory that have been serviced and announce “All engines serviced next
scheduled maintenance in 30 days”.

The Maintenance Facility could even
make announcements for staging your Diesel or Steam locomotives for sand, water
and fueling. “Engine 1982 Track two clear for fueling”. A two stall modern
building would look fantastic. A roundhouse would be colossal too!

Regards,
Swafford

Hiawatha, is that the bandshell in Port Washington by chance? I saw then  President Ronald Reagan give a speech there.