First of all a preface. Lionel seems to want to offer us two levels of electronics, the full on Legacy and Flyer Chief. I may be wrong (and usual am) but the FC seems to cost less, and for me, it gives me all the "bells and whistles" I need. So perhaps offerings in the Engines category should give us the option. We (the Southeastern Michigan S Gaugers) recently ran a three locomotive full Legacy consist at the S Spree of more modern units on our layout, and they looked GOOD! However, in the rolling stock category, we get teased and then let down, like with the 52' reefers. So for what it's worth here's my wish list:
1. More modern box or flat cars like the mechanical reefer or center beam flat. Don't foreshorten it like the waffle sided boxcars. But no matter what, no more 40 foot offerings, or things that were made by other companies. The wood sided reefers are nice, but were made by SHS before. Look at what is out there, and do something else like hi-cube boxcars.
2. A full length RDC-1, then RDC-2 and RDC-3 like in their O gauge line, but again not stubby ones. I made one from scratch based on an idea put forth to Gilbert in the early 50s (photo). But PLEASE make sure the electronics will last!
Second in this category would be modern Amtrak motive power with proper passenger cars. American Models made an F40PH and Superliner cars, so how about a set of Horizon cars with a contemporary engine to pull them?
3. Any accessory that can be used in a more realistic environment so that both traditional Flyer and more scale types can use it. This is not high on my list, though.
OK, I realize that Lionel has limited funds to devote to Flyer, but looking at their O gauge offerings, it makes me both jealous and thankful I'm in S. Jealous in the fact that there's so much out there in O compared to S, and thankful in that I'm not tempted to buy more trains than I actually can afford, or need.
