@MartyE posted:The evolution of LC+2.0...
TMCC...Wow this is cool. What else ya got?
Legacy...Wow even cooler. Great features! Wow this is complicated and pricey. I just wish they'd make something simple and easy to operate.
LC... Wow this is so simple to use it's great! Can they make separate engines! I wanna run more trains from the remote. And I want individual controls for bell and whistle volumes and some of that Legacy stuff.
Universal Remote and Bluetooth...Wow now I can run 3 engines. Can we get it to operate switches and accessories?
LC+... Wow engines sold separately! But I really want to run these on my TMCC layout with a controller i already have.
LC+2.0... Wow TMCC in a LC engine Wow this is cool!.
This is all tongue in cheek but it is sort of the evolution of it. Fact is that LC has provided Legacy with Bluetooth running and variable whistle/bell pitches. I just always found it funny that those who complained that Legacy was too complicated always want to add more complexity to the LC setup that was the answer to keeping it simple.
Marty, you kind of touch on another issue of Marketing & planned obsolescence.
How many Polar Express sets have been made under each of those command systems? One of my nephews is crazy about Polar Express stuff. To finally get one that he can run with the app or on his TMCC layout, I think he had bought three or four different sets over the years starting with conventional and finally ordering one with LC2.0 this year?? He spent a lot of money with Lionel to get the same set with better electronics. Each time getting just a slightly better version of the one previous.
Back in 2012 & 2013, many people (even on this forum) were already screaming at the introduction of the original LionChief to include some type TMCC interface control (among other now included popular features) to allow cross compatibility with their existing Legacy / TMCC layout, and finally 7 years later they did it. Look at how much product was produced in-between with small leaps in the technology to get where we are now. How many of us are looking at replacing older LionChief+ or non-bluetooth or non-TMCC compatible engines with the latest LC2.0 variants just to get the exact same engine with better operating features & electronics?
My personal collection doesn't have any LC, LC+, or LC Bluetooth locomotives because of the lack of control integration with my TMCC system. Lionel may have missed on a bunch of revenue from me because of this, and couple of the folks at my local club felt a little bit of a sucker punch when they heard of the LC2.0 introduction because of the now included TMCC control features. These guys are selling off the stuff they just bought a few years ago and are looking to replace them with LC2.0 counterparts.
Even the dealers with unsold product from the LC+ & non-bluetooth equipped productions are selling their remaining stock at cutthroat prices now. They have to, why would I want to buy last years model that lacks this years features. For some this is great news but now the dealer feels the sting of clearing inventory with reduced profit.
Marketing wise, Lionel has been very smart with all of this. It was an excellent way to extend the product life of the LionChief brand and many of the products sold under that name.
