@Ted S posted:I agree that it takes broad shoulders and patience to be in this hobby today. I also agree that it takes cubic dollars (and a fair amount of square feet!) to build something complex enough to make things interesting for you and your kids. Compared to video games, touch-screen tablets etc., the entertainment value for the dollar is low. But it's a real, hands-on 3D pursuit. It's your money and you should be satisfied. But before I shipped back $800 worth of merchandise, I would just draw the beard on the fireman with a brown marker!
If you can live without the latest features, Lionel made some very high-quality trains in the early 1950s which are well-adapted to sharp curves. Diesels run better than steam locos, and there's even an inexpensive and straightforward way to run two trains on the same track which can make for real excitement! It comes down to expectations, and how well the various approaches to this hobby fulfill those expectations.
I really don't mind putting in the work. I just wish the folks at Lionel didn't cut from QC and customer service. Take 40 seconds and plug things in and run them. If you are selling a $1000 locomotive run it for 5 minutes and double check all of the screws. Its not an added cost long term. You will gain a lot on the backend with WAY less returns (shipping, man hours, parts) and more customer satisfaction. This feels like GM and Ford in the 1980's. Willing to jeopardize their brand image to save $0.50 on an inferior part.
