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So I thought it would be fun if we did a thread on what we think MTH should make now that the Lionel Corp trademark is up.  

Personally I would like to see a Hiawatha on the 392E frame. It is perfect for it and I would jump at the opportunity to buy the set! 

What would you guys like to see? 

Last edited by JagsandTrains
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RayKay posted:

I would like to see a tinplate RTR set like MTH had in the past. Maybe that would renew some interest if sales for tin plate are slow. 

I found it hard to believe they couldn't sell smaller Christmas sets particularly O-gauge.  I was disappointed that the 318E's and 408E's were cancelled out of the 2016 catalog.  But apparently I was one of the few that wanted them.  I'd like to see the accessories made still.

RayKay posted:

I would like to see a tinplate RTR set like MTH had in the past. Maybe that would renew some interest if sales for tin plate are slow.  

 

When the price of many of the reproduction sets are high than the originals, it's difficult to justify buying them.

I think the model RR industry as a whole has gone a bit out-of-control with their pricing in recent years, marking up not only their high end models but even starter sets. You can't get a basic HO oval set at any hobby store for under $350 now, yet in the 90's you could pick them up as low as $25 at Walmart (including lots of accessories too). I think companies are trying to make up for low sales with higher prices, but the higher prices only lower the sales further and prevent newcomers from entering the hobby. Little kids don't care about Bluetooth controlled trains and that jazz, they just want to see a train set. Sell them a train set.

(Sorry for going off topic)

breezinup posted:

From comments made in an earlier thread, it appears that production was stopped due to lack of sales. Loss of the Lionel trademark certainly isn't going to change that situation; make it worse, if anything. So your question is probably moot.

I had a similar thought when reading the thread title.

There were comments in other threads regarding that the combination of renewing the license and the volume of sales were not a situation that made it beneficial to continue the license.

They did mention maintaining tooling accumulated over the years, so while I suspect it's way too early to suggest Tinplate is done, it would not be surprising if it is slowed down a bit.

Probably not a good idea to get too enthused about a wish list of new things in the immediate future though.

-Dave

I would think that it is a safe guess that given the current lack of market, MTH is not going to invest grand amounts into new tooling. 

However, there are a number of models that have not gotten a lot of attention during the last half of the LTI years. 

The automatic couplers could be put on the smaller electrics and offered for separate sale. Promote multiple unit operation and big consists to get people buying and using more tinplate, not just putting on the shelf. 

JagsandTrains posted:

According to their press release no where does it say they are ceasing production. They only optioned to discontinue with the trademark.  I dont know why all of the sudden everyone is saying they are quitting making trains.  Maybe slowing on production but I do not see anywhere it is mentioned that production is done. 

 

It took two years to get this catalog out, and it is really a rehash of the past two catalogs with a little new paint. It really seems that they are trying to sell down some parts inventory. In fact, they told a few of us the same for the reason they were waiting on a new catalog (that and a China backlog). They have canceled many items in the last two catalogs stating there was a lack of pre-order interest. These expensive trains are now mostly a made to order business. They did not outright say they were stopping production of tinplate, but we can read the tea leaves. It would have been a fun topic to discuss all the tinplate they ignored, but if they can't sell the models they have tooling for, there is no way they will invest in new tooling. I sure would have liked to get an Ives 1122 with a modern motor, but I am under no illusion that will ever happen. I am happy for what they did. I will rely on my own restorations and customizations going forward. If they decide to produce something novel in the future, like the Marklin station, I will definitely consider it but again, not holding my breath.

George

LTC may not be completely over.

From what I have heard, both MTH and Lionel want LTC to continue. The holdup is the licensing fee, what MTH is offering is not good enough for Lionel. Lionel and MTH could still come to terms and agree on a new licensing fee. This “final catalog” business may be a negotiating tactic by MTH, and another effort to get people to snap up unsold inventory.

Why would Lionel want LTC to end? Lionel takes no risk, and gets a fee for doing nothing. MTH takes all the risk and does all the work.

The future is uncertain, eat desert first.

 I am very happy that I got what I wanted, before the end of LTC:

491ECCE6-BF70-4C36-8FC3-7FED61161FB1,

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Last edited by Craignor

I have a Std Gauge Jersey Central No. 384 Steam Passenger Set (11-5010-1) that I take out for Christmas and have it circle a second Christmas tree we have in the living room.  I always get a positive response from guests when they see it. It shines beautiful and the reflection from the tree lights brings a curtain charm only tinplate can do.   Maybe, MTH can promote a similar set or two in there RTR catalog.  Maybe with a loop of 5 rail Std./O gauge track!

RayKay posted:

I have a Std Gauge Jersey Central No. 384 Steam Passenger Set (11-5010-1) that I take out for Christmas and have it circle a second Christmas tree we have in the living room.  I always get a positive response from guests when they see it. It shines beautiful and the reflection from the tree lights brings a curtain charm only tinplate can do.   Maybe, MTH can promote a similar set or two in there RTR catalog.  Maybe with a loop of 5 rail Std./O gauge track!

Unlikely, the last time MTH promoted a (and only one) Tinplate set in the Ready-to-Run catalog was 2016.

Rusty

Last edited by Rusty Traque

Trademarks are NEVER "up". 

Copyrights last  for Works published after 1922, but before 1978 are protected for 95 years from the date of publication . If the work was created, but not published, before 1978, the copyright lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. Unlike copyrights owned by an author, the company's copyright lasts 120 years from creation or 95 years from publication, whichever is shorter.

Any creative work published in the U.S. before 1923 is considered to be in the public domain, meaning it is available for anyone’s use.

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