American Flyer by Lionel catalog - Pictures !!

Just think...

Scale Heritage SD70ACe's...

Scale Heritage cylindrical hoppers...

Ya know there's gotta be scale cabeese comin' to match.

Rusty

For the first time, that N&W Y3 has me tempted to go back to S.

I place my order this morning for the 2-8-8-2 in Santa Fe, and the SD70 in BNSF. That along with a few cars will make a nice Christmas gift. Hopefully this year but I expect them to come in next year based on past history!

I bet the SD70 doesn't take two years-my guess is they slip the U-33C basic chasiss under the SD70 shell. I hope the final gearing changes to something lower than the U-33C.

Also, does anyone know if the Flyer articulated is a true articulated, or is it a "LionMaster" drive where both engines pivot?

I imagine the Y3a's will be "LionMaster" style, just like the Challenger.  The "Two powerful motors" in the product description should be the give away.

Rusty

OOPSIES!!!

Someone on the Yahoo board pointed out the Heritage units have the wrong numbers!

The MP is 1851, should be 1982.

The SP is 1865, should be 1996.

The D&RGW is 1870, should be 1989.

The C&NW is 1859, should be 1995.

http://www.trainweb.org/richar...age_Photo_Shoot.html

I fired off an email to Lionel asking (politely) to pass this on so the numbers can be corrected before production begins.  I looked up the O Gauge counterparts in the 2010 catalog and they too have the wrong numbers.  We'll see what they say.

Does anyone out there know if the O Gauge versions have the correct numbers???

Rusty

Rusty: The original initial release of Heritage units did have the correct numbers; this last batch had different numbers so they didn't duplicate the originals, thus allowing running two together for those so inclined.

Seeing that this is the first run for Flyer, I would hope they have the correct prototype numbers, not the second run fantasy numbers.

I may not be a rivet counter, but I like things to have at least the right number for what it's supposed to represent. If they decide to do a second run or dummies, then maybe.

Rusty

Good for you Greg! 

Most of us just whine for our "pet engine/car/whatever" to be made and when it appears, we don't follow through with purchases! 

Of course, I have NEVER done that.

Andre

I'm gonna dive in for a Pennsy Y3, 3 SD-70's, a bunch of hoppers, and a slew of Fastrack. There goes the hobby budget for the year :-)

I am gunna get the Milwaukee Road and Santa Fe U33C, SD70 in BNSF,UP and UP/C&NW.  I will get a few of the hoppers, some of the box cars and the add on passenger cars for the Texas Special, Santa Fe and Pennsy sets.  My budget is also shot too!

I know that someone pointed out the SF U33C is not prototypical, but I can not pass up a red war bonnet, looks to good.

Ben

IMO the RTR sets could very well be S Gauge's only real shot at getting new/younger people into S.  Make a Polar Express set and something comparable to the "Pennsylvania Flyer" in O Gauge and get it out sitting next to the starter O gauge sets at Christmas. 

Hi,

 Just looked at the catalog, there's nice stuff in there, the new AF track looks

good but has that HO look to it, guess I got to see it in person to decide.

Tin

Are scales wheels a new option?  I don't recall seeing this before..?/

@VidKidz, scale wheels first appeared on the U33s released last year. They were announced a few years back. Don't recall which catalog that was though.

I posted this question on Lionel's Facebook page, and their response was that the were still reviewing different options so they could not provide and answer yet...

Ben

This was a first for American Flyer by Lionel, beginning with the annoucment of the U33C's a year or two ago.

In the new AF catalog, you have order the locomotive with your choice of either scale wheels OR HiRail wheels.

For the first runs of the U33C's you have to email Lionel for the scale wheels with a copy of your receipt, I believe. 

Rusty 

The new catalog is quite impressive. It represents a big step for Lionel. I hope that these run as well as my Clinchfield Challenger and Southen Pacific U33C. The scale wheels on my U33C look and run great . I imagine the Legacy Mallet and the new Legacy Diesel will have the same or similar running gear developed for the Challenger and the U33C so maybe there will be fewer problems in initial production units.

Tom

Hi folks

you can get the scale wheelsets for the U33C by sending an E-mail to Lionel telling them where the engine was purchased. No receipt is required. I received mine within three days. they are really nicely done.

Regards

Tom

I did notice that the shipping schedule shows the new items as AF 12 V1...maybe there will be two catalogs a year.

Ben

Good Day Gentlemen,

I’m thinking.............. This catalog will be a colossal success. American Flyer 2012 Catalog Volume 2, sure thing!  The new Lionel American Flyer catalog is the start of a new era for S Scale! As I have said, Lionel is on the right track to continue to build the brand and offer more American Flyer engines with the Legacy Control and RailSounds, new rolling stock and track.

On a side note, I think that some of the HO model railroaders that want a little bigger railroad with command control will move to S Scale. On the other hand, some O Scale Modelers want to build a railroad empire in that spare bedroom; S Scale is the perfect scale!   

Regards,

Swafford

There's a lot in the new catalog to like.  Especially in the overall direction and outlook.  It reinforces Lionel's commitment to S that in the decades past was only lip service.

I'm hoping if there is a volume 2, it will be a little lighter on the $$$ locomotives (my wallet needs a breather...) and more in the scale freight car, track, buildings and accessories vein. 

And although I'm not into "Classic Flyer" much anymore, some re-releases wouldn't be bad either.

Rusty

I agree with both Swafford and Rusty. S will be big for Lionel and I think that the popularity of this catalog will lead to another later this year. I would be fine if they just focused on rolling stock, track, and perhaps a new engine if possible. I have a case of 20r curves and a case of 10" straights on the way. Come on Lionel, we need a lot more curves, turnouts, and other pieces to build an effective layout. At least we can plan for the future if you show us what you intend to make.

As a side note, I have been dabbling in HO again because I wasn't sure where S was headed but Lionel has pretty much put an end to that.  Now the long wait until product from this catalog shows up and possibly a second catalog...

You know what is funny? I modeled in 3 rail O for my most of my life, but I honeslty feel more excited right now in S than ever.  I agree Swafford, there is huge potential for S in the coming years. I don't think I ever planned to buy so much from one catalog! I guess I should be thankful that most of the SD-70ACEs have only one road number... I might need a loan to afford everything I want

And to think I got into S 27 years ago because the small selection would "slow me down..." 

Rusty

Support Lionel's efforts, but maintain your objectivity

A while back Lionel announced a series of Made in USA O gauge box cars.  The cars were not ready for the next York meet so Lionel showed the box they will come in.. This makes sense in a world where everyone is happy to drink the kool-aid. 

Signed,

   a recovering kool-aid drinker

I think those cars are now cluttering up the back burner. 

My favorite Kool-aid was lemon-lime...

I like to think I maintain some semblance of objectivity, although I'll admit about 12 years ago I wouldn't have given anyone 2 cents for any new Lionel/Flyer.

Rusty