Have you, Passenger Train Collector, purchased a replacement Berk yourself or are you using your original PE set and all the add-on cars only for display rather than running them?
I mean no offense to you or any other collector or hobbyist on this forum, but recalling Lionel's original PE ad campaign and related selling of the PE in department and toy stores, I assume Lionel's marketing strategy for the PE set wasn't to target model railroad hobbyists or the serious collectors of this board but rather to have families purchase the PE as one of their child's Christmas presents.
Considering the price point of the set for a multi-child family to put out for just one of their children's presents, I'd say many families wouldn't agree that it's an inexpensive purchase. Lets us not forget, the PE set and all it's ensuing add-ons is afterall a toy train marketed by Lionel for Children to receive as one of their Christmas presents
Futhermore, how could a scenario from Lionel such as I mentioned in my original post do much to encourage youngsters or their families to become further involved in this hobby?
Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:
I believe POTRZBE makes a very good point. When the set was announced in connection with the release of the movie in 2004, Lionel greatly underestimated the demand for this STARTER SET. Consider the price point and we usually get what we what we pay for. I believe the add-ons were a direct response to market demands for more cars. I purchased the set when it came out and bought all of the additional cars. I am not bitter in the least about the original engine and it's limited abilities. If it were me, I would look for a new or used Berk at a good price and have it re-lettered for the PE and retire the original PE engine as a shelf queen.
