I received my first train set in 1952. That is 66 years ago. It was a Lionel so through the mid 70's the only thing I was interested was postwar Lionel to the early 60's. In my opinion after that point Lionel, MPC, Fundimensions or whoever the current owner was brought very little to the hobby.
In the mid 70's Williams effectively picked up the mantel from Lionel and began introducing new product via the E60, SD45, Metroliner, longer heavyweights and brass engines.
Finally, Mike Wolf took the hobby to levels not seen since before some of the members here were born. Look at the list of engines and rolling stock he developed. Lionel being far behind even contracted with him to produce those engines that I bought with the Lionel name on them thinking Lionel was finally back in the game. Once Lionel was finally able to actually get suppliers to produce competitive product they pushed MTH out.
Was it a surprise when they reached an agreement on tinplate? Frankly yes. Living down here at the end of the road in south Texas I seldom if ever get to train meets or the Conventions or York(never). I am far away from the conversation that goes on at these shows. What I have been able to glean is that Mike Wolf loves trains especially tinplate and the Lionel legend. I think he went along because it made him part of that story.
Do I think MTH will continue to make tinplate? Absolutely because he loves the product. This break might actually open the door for new and different product. Am I concerned about the Lionel tradition? Absolutely. Lionel had a history of making toy trains for kids that was generational. What I see them doing today is saying, 'for a few of you guys with a lot of disposable income let me make you special by selling you something that costs a lot and no one else has'.
Personally I don't want to feel special. I just want to enjoy my trains.
