990

Here we go again...

Yep, July 2016.

 

In one of the videos in this thread posted by Legacy Station last week, Mike Reagan says they will be out by the end of the year. I hope he meant this year...

 

The ABC's of Legacy with Lionel's Mike Reagan

 

I watched them all last week, I think the Legacy 990's were mentioned in part 2 if I remember right?

If they show up in July that would be great but if not maybe they have given up the idea of finding a replacement for the obsolete component and are simply going forward with the complete hardware upgrade ala the CAB1L.

 

 

I will post any news as soon as I hear it but for now trust Mike.

Aw come on Charlie.  Isn't the OGR forum all about guessing and rumors.

 

Here is my rumor for the day.  Lionel is dropping the CAB2 all together.  They will supply a base only.  Everyone will be required to use their iPad, tablet or Smartphone as a controller.

 

This in the end will save Lionel on Cab2 manufacturing costs, repairs and make upgrades a snap.  Those who don't have a smart phone will have to buy the "Rotary Bridge".

Marty,

 

Sounds like a plan! However this would mean I would have to throw my "FLIP PHONE" away and buy a Smart Phone!  LOL

 

Fred

This is wonderful news, since I still have my grandfather's rotary phone collection.  Any news on when the bridge will be released?  As soon as I get it, I'm all set with a dozen plus controllers!

 

Does mean I could only control 10 items (0-9)?   

 

And what's the handset for....audio feedback rumbles instead of CAB-2 vibrations?

I heard the Rotary bridge will ship in July!

fred

What year?

I was hoping he was just saying that in case the July date went south like all the previous dates so far?  I would think at this point if things are not resolved, the hardware upgrade would be a viable option. I think in the video he said something like 'they were handling it internally', whatever you can make out of that?  

Glad I cancelled mine. Hey Lionel....... 

The shipping date at the Lionel website has changed from June to July 2014.

 

Fall and Christmas is getting closer and closer.

 

       
       

Lionel site has been saying july 14 since may actually I'm surprised they have not changed it to august or sept maybe hopes are high at lionel

Actually I heard an expert team has been hired and is working on getting the new Legacy remotes here as soon as possible.

 

 

They probably won't change the July date until the end of July/first of August.

 

And get those fellas some bigger oars so they can get them here faster! Maybe they will catch a good tail wind.

 

 

It would be interesting to know if the dates they're using are when it's put on the boat, or when it's taken off.

 

You may as will just say they'll get here when they get here

John, if you look at the Legacy meeting video I believe Mike said that is on the boat. I am quite certain that when they do arrive Lionel will make an announcement

 

I'll believe they're here when they're here.  I don't really have a dog in this fight, I have a Legacy system.

 

GRJ, I am in agreement. If I was waiting for one, I would do what I did last time and print out a list of Lionel dealers state by state and start making phone calls. I found several this way and was able to get mine pretty cheap after selling off the rest of the ones I found

I have one on order, as well as the Vision Line Big Boy.  That BB is my 1st Legacy locomotive.  So, as far as I care, as long as the 990 come before, or with, the BB I'll be happy.  Now if I get the BB but no 990, I'll be grumpy because I won't be able to use all the fancy features I bought the locomotive for.

       
       

I dont blame you id be pretty ****ed if i would spend all that cash on an engine and you dont have access to all the features

This morning I pulled the trigger and PREORDERED a Legacy 990 from Legacy Station's website. They are offering it for $299 (free shipping) and I didn't get charged any sales tax since I live in New York state. Billing will not occur until the unit ships.

 

According to Legacy Station's website, there is no projected ship date provided by Lionel, but they say this item may sell out even before the actual units are shipped to retailer, which is why they suggest preodering the 990 now.

 

It will be interesting to see if the first wave of 990 shipments are indeed limited in supply, and WHEN the 990s actually begin to ship to buyers.

 

I have the 2014 scale Polar Express on preorder from Trainz. I wonder which item will show up first: the Polar Express or the Legacy 990. I suspect it'll be the PolEx, but it would be nice if they both arrive around the same time.

Well... Lionel is still sticking to the July date.

 

Last Updated: 07/02/2014

Product Number	Product Name	Ship Date	Catalog
6-14295	Legacy Command Set	Jul, 14	'06 V2

Probably just another teaser...1st of Aug. they will probably make it another 2 months out. However, I will be extremely happy if they really do make the July date. When I have it in my fat little hands I will believe the date!

 

In a recent Legacy tutorial by Mike Reagan, he said by the end of the year in the video. I believe this was actually posted on youtube by Legacy Station, and a link was posted here also.

Thank you for sharing this information, Gun. I hope the shipping schedule is firm. 

I'm guessing the date is when it's put on the boat in China.  I've never seen any definitive description of what these dates actually mean.

 

      

     
John, in the past, the website shipping dates tend to be when Lionel ships from their domestic warehouse(s) to dealers (which typically imply end-of-month except for year-end when Lionel often ships multiple shipments to dealers in December).

For example, several items listed as July 2014 will show as an ETA of August 10, 2014 on Charlie Ro's website.  That's been pretty consistent when stuff actually ships on schedule.

Regarding the 990's...  I certainly hope Lionel comes through for all those folks waiting on them.  But think about it...  If they're gonna show up in NC by end of July, that implies they're already on a boat enroute here (unless Lionel decides to ship via air).  Either way though, Lionel would "know" their exact whereabouts by now.  And given the debacle surrounding this whole 990 embarassment, you'd think Lionel PR would be all over this -- telling folks they've shipped from the factory and should be on dealer shelves by X date(s).  Instead, zilch... zip... nadda...  which leads me to think the 990 shipment will slip yet again.      I hope I'm wrong.

David

Gotta believe you are on target Mountaineer.  I ain't holdin' my breath.

I hope they are on schedule. 

 

Anybody else think about the possibility the shipment supply will not fill the pre-orders...?

 

Which would mean not everyone is going to get one-even if you pre-ordered.  My Lionel dealer said they have over 30 on pre-order alone!

 

Hopefully, when they do arrive, the 'flow' will be open and more will arrive soon, in case there aren't enough units in the first shipment.  Sure hope that doesn't happen to the unfortunate though. 

 

Not trying to create rumors, just a thought. I've braced myself for it, just in case.

 

Hard to argue with you Dave, the schedule has slipped a number of times.

 

As far as not covering the pre-orders, that would clearly be a possibility, since we have no idea how many systems Lionel actually has coming, or how many pre-orders are out there.

 

For both of those issues, there is really only one entity that actually might know the answers, management at Lionel.  All the rest is pure speculation and guesswork.

here is some wishful thinking maybe Lionel doesn't want to make an announcement because they know their supply will not meet demand so HOPEFULLY it is shipping but only people who pre ordered plus this fourm will know

Watch the LUG meeting video from April York, Mike covers the shipping date calculation. If I remember correctly its the date put on the boat.

 

Like others say, I am thinking once Lionel knows they are good to go and are on their way you will here something direct from them, no sense speculating based on what was heard from the guys at the LHS

3000 on order if I remember correctly

Chris, that covers what's coming in, but there's no way of knowing what pre-orders at various distributers and retailers around the country is.

 

Maybe this guy knows!

 

After this long delay im sure lionel will go thru an extensive quality control and will probaly delay it even more , we wont know what stage the 990 are until the end user stage they can still be in china or on a boat or in a port or being tested by lionel we just wont know until we get the call from our lhs

I'd trust the squirrel.  Squirrels know everything.

 

But didn't I read on this very forum that the new shipment of 990s have some sort of improvement over the previous production run? Perhaps it also has a function that will automatically activate my microwave oven and heat up my lunch.

 

If there is indeed an improvement of some sort, Lionel should release the new Legacy control system as 990D ("D" stands for "Delayed").

 

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but I'm putting my faith in the squirrel!

 

The Squirrel spaketh the truth

I gotta go with the squirrel too, so far everything else has been wrong. Just hope he hasn't lost his nuts and gone mad trying to find them.

I'd say the squirrel knows as much about the schedule and availability as any of us.

 

 

SQUIRREL!!!

 

 

       
       


Hopefully he finds his nuts and the location of 990

I think anyone who trusts the squirrel is squirrely.

John,

I sure hope that doesn't happen!  Many of us have been waiting a long time...

 

As for the second part, you are right.  Everything else is pure guessing....

 

Have a great weekend!

Well if you can't trust a squirrel, who can you trust?

 

 

That's one huge squirrel.

Well, assuming that photo represents products to scale, that's either one huge squirrel or he's holding a miniature version of the CAB-2.   

 

My money is still on another 990 shipping delay (sad to say).  OTOH, MTH has started shipping DCS components again... so that's gotta be a good sign that toy train remote control systems are starting to make their way out of China.  Let's hope!

 

David

Las Vegas odds:

Big Boy Arrives before 990  9-5

 

The squirrel is an oddsmaker, too!

Greetings All,

Why doesn't Lionel monitor this forum and tell us the story on the 990?

Are they afraid people would cancel their preorders.

I just might and hope to get one for Christmas?

Why do you think I should do?

 

Thank You

Lionel does monitor this forum and is probably one of the more responsive companies that participate.

 

Perhaps it's time for an Allan Miller investigative report in the OGR Magazine.

I rather lionel be busy fixing the situation then sitting on the fourm telling everyone the story , the story is they had some issues and are trying to fix them internally like mike regan said on legacy station post about legacy system, all we can do is wait and hope that either lionel or the squirrel will find the missiong 990

Looks like the squirrel has received a Legacy system before the rest of us that are waiting. He must be well connected at Lionel.

 

Or maybe he is testing the latest batch so we don't have any problems when ours arrive!

Lionel certainly monitors what is being posted on this forum but in terms of their responsiveness at least on the issue of Legacy 990 shipping they are as derelict as a sinking WW II tanker.   There have been repeated calls on the forum for Lionel to provide their consumer base with information about the problems surrounding the 990 and its delay in distribution but they have been as silent as a cloistered monk on the subject.  Its hard to believe a corporation would snub their customers this way.

 

This question was answered on the forum back in November 2013:

 

From Jon Z

"The reason for delays are exactly as Lionel explained.  I was involved intimately on this one, the problem was a part obsolescence issue.  We had to approve a substitute which required some adjustment to the design, and test cycles to make sure the product works as expected.  Simple as that, they are in production at this time and will shortly be available." 

 

"Thanks to the folks who are patiently waiting, and sorry for the delay"

I think there has been a few more glitches. Unless production actually takes 8-9 months? Or shortly really meant 'quite a while'?

 

Anyway, I'm sure they are trying as hard as they can to get them out though, whatever has happened since that post.

I also think there has been more glitches or maybe they are producing enough to meet demand all in one shot

Another thing to consider, say they are making 10,000 units, probably high, but a very small amount compared to other companies making cell phone, tablets,etc.  I suspect they get pushed aside quite a bit for a higher paying, higher quantity job.

Well, RickO, according to your post you reference a JonZ posting in November of 2013 stating that the issue is a parts obsolescence problem and that the legacy system is in production at this time and will be shortly available.  Hello? that was eight months ago.  If anyone is willing to accept a statement like that as a litmus test for accuracy regarding a potential date for shipping then he or she is the one in need of a good nights rest.  I would also suggest that it might behoove some to obtain an accurate definition of the word "shortly".  Somehow I don't believe eight months fits into the time parameters of "shortly".  Time to go back and look at Webster's dude.

 

In regards to the ridiculous statement referencing a vast orange and blue conspiracy they are not my words; I think perhaps they are yours so that dog won't hunt fella.   Since communication with the consumer base is often times a normal corporate policy I did question their competence, not their integrity, in failing to provide a clear and definitive corporate explanation as to the problem and at least a corporate estimate as to the date of release.  Myself and others merely requested that if it was to be a year Lionel should say so.  They never did.   How many posted shipping dates have to come and go before some people begin to question corporate competence? 

 

Hope you get a good night's sleep.  I will.

Its a toy train company, not an automobile manufacturer, oil company, or a pharmaceutical ......its a toy train company

 

Its a handfull of folks that come up with this stuff to market and sell to us, the minute fraction of the population that even gives a crap about the dwindling hobby of toy trains.

Then they have to find a small chinese manufacturer capable enough, and willing to bother with a few thousand pieces at a time when they would rather be assembling millions of items for Apple.

 

Lionel simply doesn't know, no different than MTH, Atlas, and while Sunset is able to better handle delays because they only manufacture a couple hundred pieces, they still have delays.

 

How many times do you have to question their "corporate competence" before you simply take your buisness elsewhere?

 

They delay sucks, its a given, but your constant 'axe grinding" here on the forum accomplishes nothing. Why not "grind it" at Lionels email address? It won't change anything, but at least you would be at the source.

I see that you are letting him run your Big Boy too!

 

If you trust him with that, then he must be squeaking the truth. 

Well he's a very loyal squirrel and he has a good job.  But in all honesty, it's his Big Boy.

How many 990 boxes can be put inside a MD-11F cargo plane (main deck volume of 21,096 cu ft)?

 

Let's say the plane makes a stop for refueling before it reaches the US, that's still faster than a boat crossing the big pond, so why doesn't Lionel use FedEx or UPS?

 

So, my query prompted me to figure this out:

 

From what I could find the 990 box is 19"x14"x6" = approx 1600 cu.in.

 

One cubic foot is 1728 cu.in. so let's say one 990 box is 1 cubic foot.

 

That's 21,000 boxes (give or take) full of 990 sets on one plane!!!

 

I thought I saw a guess of no more than 15,000 of these being made so now we have room to spare (for the BigBoys???).

 

My prediction....they should be here any day now

This is beginning to sound like Monty Python and The Holy Grail where they wonder if an African Swallow or an English Swallow could have carried the coconut.

They're being loaded right now. Have your RA# ready!

 

Which is what everyone should be doing, such as I have.  Once a week a take a few seconds and call them about this topic.  The answer is usually the same, but it lets them know people are getting impatient....

 

OH MY.......This sounds like one of those FAA story problems....

I do not think it is the problem of getting the 990 to our shores as much as getting them right. I had the Cab 2 system and have down graded to Cab 1L , less complicated and hopefully less problems going forward. Cab 1L may not take advantage of all Legacy features but I like running trains with friends and having fun doing it with them, not having to tell them not to touch this or that feature. I am not complaining, just my opinion. I might be to old to catch on to all this technology, just let me play.

Ray

 

If Chris is to be believed, it would be 3000.  So, that would indeed be closer to 2000 than 10000.

 

I think I also made this same prediction a while back. That's why I'm now leaving all shipping predictions to MartyE's squirrel. If you'll notice, he already has his 990 and his new Big Boy.

All I know is at the time of the Lionel event in NC they needed 2000 replacement components and only found 1000. Anyway, until they actually show up and get shipped to the individuals that ordered them we won't really know until those that do not get one post on the OGR forum.

 

Simply as that.

 

Let's hope the 990 shipment makes it to the USA safe and sound... not like this:

 

 

Found them...

No kidding?  As I said days ago...

 

As far as not covering the pre-orders, that would clearly be a possibility, since we have no idea how many systems Lionel actually has coming, or how many pre-orders are out there.

 

For both of those issues, there is really only one entity that actually might know the answers, management at Lionel.  All the rest is pure speculation and guesswork.

       
       

I hope that container is water sealed if not is going to take another 2 years for lionel to find parts again

Last time I checked Lionel was a corporation and they do millions of dollars in sales.  I think that qualifies them to be a corporation large enough to stand up to questioning from time to time.  You are quite right when you state if I contact Lionel directly on this issue it wouldn't do any good.  Conversely, if they do in fact monitor this forum and take notice that there are a lot of customers out there who are dissatisfied with their lack of communication on this problem, maybe just maybe, they might respond.   

 

Also, I suggest you go back and review not only this thread but others as well on this issue which clearly shows there are a lot of other people "grinding their axe" with Lionel on this issue.  I don't think I'm alone. 

 

Additionally, this is a give and take forum where people have the capability to freely voice their opinion on train related issues within certain parameters of course.  My suggestion would be if an individual doesn't like a post he or she doesn't have to read it.  But then again, I must admit that there are individuals who must insist that if a person disagrees with them they should take their business elsewhere.  I guess there are some people who expect us all to march to the sound of the same drummer.   Sounds rather like goose-stepping to me RickO.  

Bad news .... Lionel is saying that southeast Asian pirates attacked the container ship and made off with the Legacy units.

 

 

I find this thread entertaining.

So do I, gotta have a little humor in our lives and after all this is only a hobby. You can't take this stuff too seriously or you will be miserable.

 

And as far as Lionel realizing people are not happy about the Legacy situation, I am certain they are aware of the problem and the frustrations of their customers and probably like it a lot less than we do. I think if a solution was found this very minute, they would probably call in their entire staff and get it resolved immediately and they would be shipped tomorrow to get it out of their hair, it's a big thorn in their side too.

 

 

Well, it's good to see they have their safety devices (3 old tires) installed.

 

That must be the CO on top (the bridge?) of the box, I can tell by his hat

Goose-stepping? Really?  My point was, if your dissatisfied with Lionel " take your buisness elsewhere", like MTH or another manufacturer. Having said that, MTH is no stranger to delays without explanation, and they own the overseas manufacturer.

 

When I'm uhappy with a product from a specific manufacturer, I switch brands.

 

You can post your rants on the forum all day long its fine by me. Everyone is frustrated by the delay, you seem to be obsessed with it by the whole "corporate coverup" thing, but good luck.

 

It would seem like a better idea to say, focus on the blessings of the little one in your photo than get all wound up over a toy train company that doesn't care.

 

This is not the first excessively long delay of a product by Lionel, and it likely won't be the last.

 

I waited a over year for the first Legacy Lionmaster bigboy, there was no explanation. As I recall the VL hudsons were pushed back a few times as well, no explanation. My brother has Lionels Pocahontas set on order, it was offered in the 2012 vol2 catalog. It was due in spring and has been pushed back and "guesstimated" for September...no explanation. I'm certain there are many other examples.

I think Rick said a mouthful. Frustrated vs. Obsessed.

 

Not directing that statement to anyone. You have to decide where you fall. 

 

It was being QA tested by Marty's squirrel. (He had to be certain that there were no loose nuts.) 

Over the long haul I have been a loyal customer of Lionel and plan on sticking with them.  That being said, it certainly does not mean one can't offer criticism when it is due and I think in this case it certainly is due.  Criticism often times results in modified policy and/or behavior and I really believe that Lionel needs to communicate with their customers.  Hence, the criticism.  And as I have said, there have been numerous other individuals calling on Lionel to speak on this problem.

 

I will also state that I think you are really way over the top when you classify my postings on this issue as "rants".  They are simply statements to the effect that Lionel should communicate on this problem.  In this particular instance it would seem you  disagree that Lionel should respond on this issue.  That is fine with me because you are certainly entitled to your opinion but so am I. 

 

You state that I can "rant" all day long on this problem if I wish but your behavior belies your words.  From the very outset in response to my posts regarding the 990 you immediately began using inaccurate statements to discredit my opinion.   Using terms like the "orange and blue conspiracy" and my so called obsession with the "corporate cover up" have been distorted characterizations of my statements.  In fact, these are your words, not mine.  Name calling and distortions are an old trick to discredit opinions with which a person disagrees.  I suggest you try a new trick. 

 

Finally, in terms of obsession I think if one goes back and reviews the statements and responses on this thread and others regarding the 990 problem I think one would find that if anything you are obsessed with attempting to muzzle my viewpoint.  All I can say is that periodic postings on this forum criticizing Lionel on their failure to communicate on the 990 certainly does not amount to an "obsession".  Again, that word is yours and not mine. 

 

As I previously stated I sleep fine at night.  Hope you do as well. 

 

 

Nobody likes being told their baby (Lionel or MTH) is ugly

Then they shouldn't have ugly babies

Its all fun n games til somebody comes on the forum wearing their sensitive pants. I got all the Legacy systems I need so fooey on Lionel and the delays. If somebody really needs a Legacy system they should get on the phone and start calling Lionel dealers til they find one. I guarantee there are more than a few sitting on small hobby store shelves just waiting to be purchased. And if you're lucky it will still have the last retail price on it of $350 instead of the new $400. We should all be thankful for the delays, gives us opportunities buy other stuff

Saw one on eBay for $500 and yes idiots were bidding on it.

Matt, that's why I never pre-order.  If I miss out on something or something I want is cancelled because of low pre-orders well, them's the breaks.

I preorder lots of stuff but I never prepay or put deposits down with the exception of the Vision Line Big Boy which I paid a deposit but i want that engine. I guarantee that Lionel will not be cancelling the Legacy systems, that would be like Ford selling cars but cancelling the keys.

I've got one on pre order, as well as the VL BB.  I'm also sure that Lionel won't cancel either.  The timing may not be to my liking, but as long as I get both, and they work, then I'll be satisfied.

       
       



Dont mean to get off topic but does anyone know how often the lionel shipping gets updated , last update was 7/2/14 thank you

there is no rime or reason when it is updated. and no schedule also.

       
       

Oo so they update it when they feel like it ?

It says July of 14.But they did not say 2014 or 3014 !!!

that has been what I have observed for the last five years.

maybe they are voting on how many months they should add to delayed items

Maybe they asked the maker not to ship until after they get relocated in NC, just a thought.  Less "stuff" for them to pack and move around.

stuff has been shipped to NC for about two years.  then to everywhere else.

i just hope they are at least in production

I think they were produced last fall. There was a glitch. They have been trying to fix them since then. That could have involved shipment back to manufacturer? Last comment on them was that they were dealing with the problem in house.

I sure hope that when the 990s finally reach buyers that they work properly. I certainly don't want a $300 lemon.

I imagine the lemons are what they are trying to prevent with all the delays. And I hope they will be successful as well, and sometime soon too!

Gentlemen,

    Man I wish the Pirates would have hijacked our 990 units, I would dispatch our SF & Seal Units to recover them, as it is we have no real intel on exactly where the 990 Legacy Units really are!  Lionel is playing this very close to the vest.

PCRR/Dave

 

Much to their discredit.

Simple fact that I pointed out a while ago.
The black and white LCD used in that thing is obsolete.
Lionel's only real mistake was not anticipation the rapid technology change.
I say it is time to retrofit with a color touch screen.
Meanwhile, I will keep my Cab 1 till then.
Then buy a 990 when everyone is dumping them for the new dangled version.
Lol. 
Come on Lionel. Get with the program. Stop supporting the 990 like you did with the Cab 1.

I have an iPhone 5s.
What do I need to have to do that?
Is it software and hardware.
Only have Cab1s.
Thanks

When released it will be for iPhone. It will need a legacy base and LCS WiFi adapter though. Outside vendors are creating apps for other platforms. 

Some preliminary iCab information cab be found here:

 

http://www.lionel.com/lcs/LCSproducts/icab/index.html

 

 

Though I still need to have a full Legacy system (still on order). Are there any plans of a standalone base for those wishing to run via mobile applications? 

Seems like you could use a CAB1L base which is available separately.

 

This is very interesting Marty - Thanks!

 

Have not been following these developments very well and am curious as to how soon can I use my iPhone5s to run through our Legacy base?

The current instantiation of iCab seems to only really support the Cab-1L functions. Maybe future growth is possible but it's a reasonable starting point.

 

Leveraging other devices for control (iOS or Android devices) may help supply chain economics if you just have to produce a base-like unit. I dunno, just my two cents. 

Yes, the Base-1L also works with iCab or the iPad-based LCS App.

 

 

Stupid Question.  Is the functionality for legacy wrapped up in the controller or the base?  Is the Base-1L the same as the Legacy base minus the charger and module port?  If so, the iCab app could take the place of the Cab2 and be used with a Base-1L base and a wi-fi module just like the 990. 

 

The main features gained by adding the LEGACY base vs. Base-1L are those relating to the "personality" of each engine. Information such as roadname, number lighting options, etc., are shared among all CAB2 and smart devices when a LEGACY base is present. But a smart device can send LEGACY commands beyond those supported by a CAB-1L, regardless of which command base is present.  

Thanks Rudy.

 

Interesting that the Base 1L has that already.

7-30-14

Still July 14 Legacy Command Set 6-14295.

One more day and they'll have to revise the schedule.

This is the Energizer Bunny of threads, keeps going and going

Well Lionel obviously blew the publicized ship date - AGAIN!

 

It's like "The Boy Who Cried Wolf."

 

No one believes Lionel anymore.

 

When UPS delivers my 990 preorder, only then will I believe it. 

I think it might be because the 1L is the basis for the upgrades planned for the 990 system in 2015.

Lionel's continuous shifting of their shipping date on a monthly basis for the Legacy 990 has become laughable. 

In Lionel's defense, they have actually only been updating the shipping date every couple of months, then they move it ahead a couple more months. I will be checking the next few days to see where we end up this time. That is unless my LHS calls this afternoon and reports mine is ready for pick up.

I find this thread amusing.

Hi Everyone who is interested in the "DELIVERY DATE" of the Legacy 990. I can't tell you who, but I heard from a "GOOD SOURCE", the NEW delivery date is: Sometime in OCTOBER. Sorry, I have Three ordered for CLUB MEMBERS!!

 

FREDSTRAINS 

This thread boggles my mind!  Do all you folks throwing rocks at Lionel really think they'd delay this without a good reason?  I guess some folks live perfect lives where nothing goes wrong, and schedules outside of your control never change.

 

Get a grip guys, I'm sure they're working as hard as they can on getting these things to market!

 

You can be absolutely certain that is the case.  Some people REALLY need to become more aware of the realities of today's business world in a global theater.

I do not believe anyone has ever stated anything to the effect that Lionel is delaying shipping without good reason.  There most definitely is a good reason but Lionel has not officially offered any definitive statement as to what that reason might be.  No one here lives a perfect life.  We all have difficulties and have to bear up to them but often times in dealing with them we still undergo some criticism and no doubt from time to time those criticisms are justified.  In this case I believe criticism of Lionel is justified. 

 

I might add that just because an individual chooses to comment on a corporate shortcoming does not mean they have to get a grip on life nor does it mean they are not in tune with the realities of business in the global theater.  Some of us would prefer to deal with the reality of the unavailability of the Legacy 990 rather than ignore it. 

Its a "vast, orange and blue conspiracy".

 

Maybe someone at Lionel could tell ya...........but then they'd have to kill ya.....

You said it, I didn't.

Reading this makes me think a Base-1L and and iPhone, iPad, or Android will make the 990 obsolete. I think that the iPad or iPhone is much more advanced than the 990 and easier to push updates out, seems like a no brainier.  iPad mini is $399 and the LCS is free. MSRP on the 990 is $399. 

 

I'm sure that when TMCC came out people were saying I'm not going to like running my train with a TV remote.  The color screens, processing power, easy updates, and intuitive interface make these devices far superior to what is an old tv remote with a Casio calculator screen. 

Maybe but I want to watch my trains not a tablet looking for controls I can feel.  But to each his own.  Like I said I'm not opposed but certainly don't want to loose a remote either.

Not to worry Marty, soon capacitive touch screens will arrive in the marketplace so you can have your cake and eat it too. 

 

Like many here, I'll operate via Cab-2 then add the Wifi Module at some point. I figure it'll certainly aid use of new accessories planned by Lionel. 

Hmmm, Lionel announces i phone/i pad capability, and releases the protocol. Then the 990's suspiciously never get delivered.

 

I'm with you MartyE. I like the idea of ipad's too, but I also want a 990 remote. I don't have an iphone, just an ipad.  Miken may have a point though, during my wait for a 990 I have wondered about this myself.

I've gotten to play with the LCS app a bit when we had the LUG meeting demo.  I loved it for layout control.  It does ok for train running.  The iCab app Lionel showed at York looks much better to handle running trains from.  I can see folks embracing this technology.

 

I just like to be able to "feel" the controls so I spend less time looking at the iPad/iPhone.  I'll still use the iCab but not as my primary controller.

From the Lionel sensor track thread:

 

Originally posted by Santafefan: 

 

The Legacy 990 systems with issues had only newer versions of the *same* part numbers, which caused some issues and delays to the consumer.  The newer parts should have worked, but did not.  The changes to the code and hardware were such that functionally the Legacy 990 design has not changed, but adjusted to continue to meet specifications.  Engineering was responsible for the direction to make these parts work, and they were very, very, minor adjustments.  It just takes time to research and correct, hence the delays.  We are truly sorry for the delays, we want the product to be right.

Thanks, RickO and Santafefan!  I think that's all a lot of folks wanted to hear as opposed to being left wondering what was going on. Sometimes a little communication means a lot. Also keeps the speculation and rumors down.

 

Since I'm one of the ones with no 990 yet, I haven't been following the LCS threads, I appreciate you posting this here.

 

RickO, could you post a link to the LCS thread you are following above? I have been looking, but haven't found the right one. You have re-kindled my interests here.

 

Never mind the link, just found it after adding the request.

RickO,

        Thanks for posting the above.  I have not been following the LCS thread.  I am glad that someone in a position to know at Lionel finally provided some specificity as to what the problem is with new 990.  All I can say is that if enough people comment on a given issue at some point in time it will be addressed. 

No delivery date given.

 

OKHiker.. This is essentially the same explanation made back in April. We have known the entire time that the delay is being caused by new components  that didn't work like they should have. Sorry if you missed that.

cbojanower, thanks for the info but as best as I can recall the few posts which mentioned that the cause of the 990 delay was due to new components which weren't functioning were only conjecture and speculation on the part of various forum members and not any kind of specific statement from anyone at Lionel. I'm pretty sure if there had been a definitive statement from Lionel all the way back in April someone would have made me aware of it before 8/1/14.  However, I admit it is possible that an official statement was made and that I and others were not aware of it. 

FYI, for what it is worth Mike Reagan explained the component problem at the Saturday Morning Legacy User Groups Breakfast Meeting in April 2014. Not sure if that is the official statement you are looking for, but I for one was there and that is what I remember.

 

Please, if anyone else that was there, and I did not properly convey Mike's Communication, please correct me.

 

 

AND GOING!!!!

 

Word is, they had to redesign the remote due to increase in size of components...here is what the remote looks like now:

 

 

 

A bit large for small room layouts, but you do get the "real life" feel experience