first of all, I don't think 3000-4000 engines, " get more people in the hobby ". Most people start out with starter sets, diesels or Lion chief before they go full Legacy and 3000 big steam. These big engines are for people that are already "hooked".
And second... remaking the same engines does not lower the prices for the older versions, it actually makes them go up.
I know the 2nd statement is going to get people's blood pressure up so let me explain. I used to sell 1999 Big Boy models for 1250 new in the box and I was happy to get it. Now I see the same model selling for 1500-1600. part of that is inflation aka all things go up in price over time. But part of that is the "collector mindset" ...
Model railroading is really more about collecting that running trains. (the blood pressure just doubled again!! )
I have travelled the country looking and buying trains collections and I have found 10-15 trains collections for every actual running layout. So these Big Engine get bought mostly by people that already have big engines. I know of a collection that has the finest postwar collection I have ever seen. (stuff never cataloged or know) Some say there is only 1 complete father and son set, but I know for a fact there are at least 3. This collector is very private and a lot of them are, but my point is this...this collector has thousands of post war trains and NO layout, not even a loop of track.
my issue with Lionel remaking and remaking and remaking the same engine, is it is lazy. It is a simple way to lower costs and sell the "same" product o a captive audience. That will keep buying because they are collectors.
I really love Lionel Legacy control, but admire MTH because they constantly push the envelope. I can't see Lionel ever taking a chance and making European steamers like MTH did....they just won't risk it.
I feel that it is just a matter of time before Lionel and MTH combine either in a merger or takeover . I just hope they continue the innovation that still exist at both companies and not the remake everything in the basement .... Keep LionChief, Legacy and Fastrack and dump the remakes and protosound x.x . Move away from brass detail to 3d printed plastic parts and rethink using die-cast in general. instead of making another scale Big Boy that will have the same look as the JLC and VISION MODEL make a LionChief controlled Big Boy and Challenger in the LionMaster line that will run on smaller layouts and be put into starter sets.
Sadly, I can predict what Lionel will release based on what they already have just buy seeing what is selling on eBAY !!! .....for example also make a new 990 that will cost as much as the old ones are selling for on eBay ... look for a "NEW" 990 controller that will be around 1500....coming soon!
out.
