MartyE posted:Landsteiner posted:Important to distinguish that some of the problems (perhaps most) are real (mechanical failures; clearcut discrepancies of color) and some reflect the (sometimes unreasonable) expectations of hobbyists. The latter examples includes the recent insistence that "my view of what stainless steel should look like is right and Lionel's approach is wrong" and "my view of what shade of red is appropriate for the N&W J is different from photos that Lionel used." The former are real problems that everyone can agree on (mechanical failure) and the latter are more matters of opinion (or user error/irrationality).
Sorry I just can't let this one pass without comment. While there can be some opinion of color shades that are slightly off, the color of a lot of Lionel product has been inconsistent and in the case of the J incorrect. I'm a big Lionel fan but there was a definite issue with the stripe. Please don't write off those that had a concern as irrational or color blind. That's all I'm going to say because we've discussed this to death.
Now that I have that say, I am looking forward to the catalog. I am also looking forward to a better year for Lionel. I believe that they will overcome some of the issues, whether perceived or real, from last year and have a great selection for us to purchase. The rumor that I have heard makes me excited for a starter set for the first time...probably ever. While I am definitely not in for a big scales engine, although you never say never, I am looking forward to the catalog to see if there are any sleeper hits like the Santa Shay I purchased. I am also always open for more PE scale cars.
Agreed, definitely looking forward to the catalog as well Marty. I do hope that color issues are a thing of the past, and I do hope that there is a bunch of stuff that satisfies our hunger for trains. I myself don't subscribe to rumors and hardly hear any of them unless someone pops it here. See what comes.
