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Ben,

"be happy"??  Lionel doesn't make Flyer just to be nice to us S guys/gals; they make it to make MONEY. If they want to sell more, then promote more, and promote so folks can see what a wonderful item they (are going to) make.  The idea that people are going to "line up" to spend money on something they've never really seen is a bit far-fetched, but it does happen! They say the Polar Express is selling well for them, well, of course--you order it and it comes, and many other folks have them and talk about them and show them to their friends. I don't know how much longer it will be so popular, but notice "the ride" it is getting.

I also think their "starter sets" would sell even more if they did a run with the slope-back tender 0-6-0 engines. that is an engine that, priced right, I'll bet many folks would purchase as it can be so many different things, Yard switcher, shortline engine, logging engine and not many of the ACG made ones are around.

traindavid posted:

 

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I also think their "starter sets" would sell even more if they did a run with the slope-back tender 0-6-0 engines. that is an engine that, priced right, I'll bet many folks would purchase as it can be so many different things, Yard switcher, short line engine, logging engine and not many of the ACG made ones are around.

The Gilbert 21004/21005 (0-6-0) is known in the prototypical world as a PRR B6b. Being a pretty accurate toy train derived model complete with a Belpaire firebox, it shouts Pennsylvania. Remaking it has been suggested to folk at Lionel for the last 20 years. I own very nice originals, but a reissue would be nice to have.

However, ... nice Gilbert originals are coming down in price, as is most Flyer. Save your pennies up and buy an original 21004, which has the advantages of being the real item made in New Haven Conn. and not in Red China. And, an operator (or basket case) sample can be restored and painted with whatever road name one's heart desires. There are better ways to spend one's hobby time than standing on one leg and waiting for Lionel to "do" something, which the past indicates one will likely do 'til the End of Time.

Bob

Last edited by Bob Bubeck
Roundhouse Bill posted:

OK, the original was plastic and not cast.  Would you accept plastic now?

A couple of years ago Lionel said that if people would accept plastic steam engines the tooling was a whole lot less.  I did a survey of sorts here and the result was about 50/50.  Lionel is afraid that plastic wouldn't sell.

Opinions??

I personally don’t have a problem with steam locomotives having plastic bodies. If it enabled production of new locomotives to the bland repetitive offerings now, then I can only see it as a bonus. 

I also see an advantage of greater detail which would be a plus for both the hi-railers and the scaly groups, a win win to me.

On the flip side what are the advantages of die-cast bodies for some people, they have heft to them but what else do they offer?  I don’t see extra traction being a real positive for die-cast bodies, look at the plastic bodied PA’s with traction tyres, they will probably pull more than most people need and are lighter for a combined weight of chassis and body. 

At least plastic doesn’t suffer from zinc pest which is always a worry, especially if you have a lot invested financially into a locomotive.

Ukaflyer posted:
Roundhouse Bill posted:

OK, the original was plastic and not cast.  Would you accept plastic now?

A couple of years ago Lionel said that if people would accept plastic steam engines the tooling was a whole lot less.  I did a survey of sorts here and the result was about 50/50.  Lionel is afraid that plastic wouldn't sell.

Opinions??

I personally don’t have a problem with steam locomotives having plastic bodies. If it enabled production of new locomotives to the bland repetitive offerings now, then I can only see it as a bonus. 

I also see an advantage of greater detail which would be a plus for both the hi-railers and the scaly groups, a win win to me.

On the flip side what are the advantages of die-cast bodies for some people, they have heft to them but what else do they offer?  I don’t see extra traction being a real positive for die-cast bodies, look at the plastic bodied PA’s with traction tyres, they will probably pull more than most people need and are lighter for a combined weight of chassis and body. 

At least plastic doesn’t suffer from zinc pest which is always a worry, especially if you have a lot invested financially into a locomotive.

100% agree.  It is not 1950 anymore.  Being built of metal is not an indication of quality.  The die cast locos still had traction tires.  And, one of my standard gripes, get rid of the stamped steel frames; make plastic ones with coupler pads.

Brendan

Yes, it's a PRR prototype, but very close to what the WP had with its 16X  series locomotives (165 will likely be steamed up this year in Portola CA, and 164 is sitting here in Oroville in the park. ) and I'm certain many other railroads had similar engines.  picture from the WPRR Museum Steam facebook page.

Plastic?? NO PROBLEM! Isn't the Docksider still plastic? I would like to see them make slightly longer handrails so they actually go into the cab front wall, and I'd like the crossheads to be flush to the cylinders, I still don't understand how ACG got that wrong. Heck, I've seen some HO plastic engines that look as detailed as brass engines.  I'd even take a plastic boilered GS4!!

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