Well I am disappointed with this catalog. I will get some of the Legacy Berkshires. (Would like to know if Lionel will make the matching Passenger cars for the American Railroad Berkshire). But there is nothing exciting about this catalog from the Flyer standpoint. No new tooling. No new engines. No new cars (Yes there is the Aquarium car which is the Mint car with a motor in it and cars previously issued with new road names). I was so certain that Lionel would finally do the SD40 they teased us with years ago. No new track (wider curves, sensor track, railroad crossing, accessory track etc.) No new accessories.
What I find disappointing is that Lionel seems to be one of the few companies that does not listen to what the consumer wants but instead tells us what we want. I get that new tooling costs money but how does American Models make passenger cars with interiors that are so detailed and Lionel can't.
In the recent wish lists and surveys, there were so many great ideas that Lionel could see people really wanted yet other than the Legacy Berkshires (Which were low on the list and frankly Lionel had previously alluded to in past discussions) none of those items are in the catalog. I appreciate that Dave Olson is reading our posts and is very attentive. He seems like a great person and a real addition to Lionel but I would like somebody just once to explain why we are not seeing anyone addressing our asks. How does making 2 and 3 bay hoppers for the hundredth time make a great decision that will create growth and customer interest. Almost any item on the survey list would generate more long term revenue then what they will be getting here.
(Prediction: Next up, Legacy Berkshire Polar Express with the new cars.)
Final thought for Lionel. Please take a look at what your customers are asking for. Yes you can't please everyone but there are some very low tooling cost suggestions that would have a great impact on Flyer growth and customer satisfaction.
Final Final thought: Thank you Dave Olson for the attention you have given this group. You give us all hope that someone is listening at Lionel.
--Rocco--
