Lionel 2024 Catalog

my guess is before january 20th

Based on last year's release date, my guess is January 11th, 2024.  Last year the catalog dropped during the second week of January.

Anticipating a scale Polar Express Berkshire and possible a LC+ 2.0 version (wanted upgrade for the Christmas Village Layout).

also hoping for a few other goodies (a Legacy Great Northern 4-8-4 would be nice )

I am hoping for a Legacy PRR T-1 4-4-4-4 Duplex and the corresponding passenger car set!

Since 2024 is the 20th anniversary of the Lionel Polar Express, have a feeling can expect some related items.

would love to see a lionchief 2.0 j class

pennsy t1 using mth tooling especially a fantasy congressional silver paintscheme or black penn central scheme

I'm hoping for the Legacy Polar Express but I'd also love to see a Lionmaster / LC+ 2.0 Class A

I'd like to see the #703 set from 1946 and the Great Northern Hudson set from 1970... neither of which were ever produced.

Jon

I'm hoping for some new modern ATSF, BNSF, or UP power for my new layout. I want the following: Tier 4 ET44AC/C4 GEVO, SD70ACe-T4, GP60/M/B (MTH Tooling?), SD75M/I, SD40-2 (BNSF, ATSF, or UP), SD45-2 (ATSF; including Bicentennial version and Blue/Yellow Warbonnet version), and ATSF #3751 4-8-4. I want a modern BNSF, ATSF, or UP freight set with a new loco and 5-6 modern freight cars (including at least one with Freight Sounds)

The scale Polar Express, Pere Marquette #1225, and NKP #765 (along with other Berkshires) are very likely; matching passenger and/or freight cars are needed for these.

Also a possibility: more NS Heritage units (SD70ACes or ES44ACs)

New CSX Heritage ES44AH Units?

Also, the Base 3 is coming sometime later this year (spring or summer). I preordered mine from Trainworld. I'm super excited! Hopefully Lionel will announce when the system will finally arrive.

Dave at Lionel said that the new Lionel Power/Control Website should be coming sometime this month, too. When, Dave?! When?!

Dave also said in the Base 3 Live Stream that the LCS IRV2 modules and sleds could possibly be making their triumphant return. IRV2s/Sleds could be seen in the new catalog. That will make some people happy.

We need updates on the LCS App as well: new track pieces, 4-digit addressing, better control of locomotives, etc.

A Lionel Fastrack Turntable, Legacy Intermodal Crane, and Legacy Gantry Crane are accessories I would like to see.

The return of the Legacy Crane/Boom Car Sets (it's been a long time since these have been made; plus, I want an ATSF set for my layout)

Lionel Phantom Locomotives: LC+2.0 or Legacy; multiple liveries, including some new ones; matching passenger cars; new freight cars; operating freight cars(?); Locos with new lighting features, new sounds, and new Crewtalk/Towercom; LEDs/capacitors in passenger cars

Not that I expect my wish will happen, but I'd like to see some NC&StL freight cars, and maybe a locomotive (preferably a B-B diesel.)

@TM Terry posted:

Not that I expect my wish will happen, but I'd like to see some NC&StL freight cars, and maybe a locomotive (preferably a B-B diesel.)

I too am hoping for NC&STL, as well as L&N items. I take it you're a Nashville local/fan? I'm trying to convince Lionel on my end to do more of that stuff.

For folks asking, there will be Berkshires again, including a scale polar express and a special edition polar express. Expect NS heritage units too. I also know there are more super cool items on the way, but those will have to wait for the catalog release

has the date been confirmed to be the 11th like last year or is it different?

Reruns of the scale Polar Express/Berks were pretty much expected at this point, but I can't really complain since I do need a Pere Marquette 1225 that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg lol

@Sams Trains posted:

I too am hoping for NC&STL, as well as L&N items. I take it you're a Nashville local/fan? I'm trying to convince Lionel on my end to do more of that stuff.

For folks asking, there will be Berkshires again, including a scale polar express and a special edition polar express. Expect NS heritage units too. I also know there are more super cool items on the way, but those will have to wait for the catalog release

how do you know this?

@paigetrain posted:

how do you know this?

It seems given. Ryan did say more heritage units next catolog. As for polar express, its the 20th annaversary so they will run it to make the money.

How about the Postwar 2350 New Haven EP 5 with N in orange and H in black with New Haven spelled out in orange and 2351 Milwaukee Road EP 5 with dual motors in LionChief 2.0.  Lionel could do some other schemes, such as Amtrak, Conrail, New York Central even Norfolk Southern and CSX Heritage schemes. Also, what if schemes in Northeast Railroads such as Vermont Central, Bangor & Aroostook, Boston and Maine and Maine Central.

Also, Postwar style FM Trainmasters in LionChief 2.0, many choices for scheme's.  

How about colorful billboard reefers like Lionel did in the seventies and eighties.

May time for Lionel to have a survey on the website asking what us hobbyist would like to see produced.  I have done this recently with the US Mint.

Time to start thinking outside the box.

Just my thoughts

George

The Judge

@The Judge posted:

How about the Postwar 2350 New Haven EP 5 with N in orange and H in black with New Haven spelled out in orange and 2351 Milwaukee Road EP 5 with dual motors in LionChief 2.0.  Lionel could do some other schemes, such as Amtrak, Conrail, New York Central even Norfolk Southern and CSX Heritage schemes. Also, what if schemes in Northeast Railroads such as Vermont Central, Bangor & Aroostook, Boston and Maine and Maine Central.

Also, Postwar style FM Trainmasters in LionChief 2.0, many choices for scheme's.  

How about colorful billboard reefers like Lionel did in the seventies and eighties.

May time for Lionel to have a survey on the website asking what us hobbyist would like to see produced.  I have done this recently with the US Mint.

Time to start thinking outside the box.

Just my thoughts

George

The Judge

i love these ideas

been wanting a postwar style EP5 forever

@The Judge posted:

Also, Postwar style FM Trainmasters in LionChief 2.0, many choices for scheme's.  

The MPC Trainmasters too.

Was it 10 years ago that Lionel made the nano-chromed 2-8-4?  Maybe something like that in a Polar Express scheme/lettering would get me jazzed up a bit.  https://www.trainz.com/product...il-115th-anniversary

@Tim O'Malley posted:

Was it 10 years ago that Lionel made the nano-chromed 2-8-4?  Maybe something like that in a Polar Express scheme/lettering would get me jazzed up a bit.  https://www.trainz.com/product...il-115th-anniversary

Interestingly enough, the chrome 115th anniversary Berks and the PolEx have a shared history. The original run of scale PolEx Berks from the 2014 v1 catalog was delivered without sufficient numbers to fill dealer pre-orders, including those from a certain very large and respected dealer. To make it right, Lionel did another quick run of them. The chrome anniversary Berk was conceived and cataloged in 2015 v2 to fulfill the minimum requirements to justify the run for the missing PolEx units. That’s why the Berks were cataloged in back-to-back years in 2014 and 2015.

I was one of the 2014 preorders of the PolEx who got delayed until 2016 when the second batch came through, along with the chrome 115th anniversary Berks. At the time I remember thinking “115” was an odd anniversary to celebrate until my dealer explained the story.  

In the Lion chief 2.0 line hoping for: Southern E8's (though I will settle for PRR), 746 tooling N&W J, PRR MP54 MU's, Pacific lettered for A&WP 290, Mikado in any southeastern roadname.

I have to think the Polar Express will be a big presence in a catalog for this year.  1 we're due, and 2 the 20th anniversary. I just hope no more add on passenger cars.  I think we're maxed out.  Maybe a 20th anniversary passenger car because they did a 15th but hopefully we're at the limit.  I'm sure they'll rerun the coaches for the new Berks if they're in there.  A PE Berk would mean that would also equate to more Berks of different road names.  Run the tooling while you can.  This is all a guess but as others have speculated it is the 20th anniversary.  If there is more Polar Express stuff, one thing they will have to absolutely make sure of is the color match.  Some folks will no doubt want to add on to existing trains. 

I'm hoping for more Halloween cars to put behind my pre-ordered F9.  Maybe a couple of passenger cars and some rolling stock.

I would like to see more Transylvania RR engines and passenger cars. Also, some Long Island RR or RF&P..... all in Lionchief 2.0

Sunrise

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results - Albert Einstein.

I must be going insane because I keep asking for Lionel to complete their American Freedom Train as they said they would but they never do.

@MartyE posted:

I have to think the Polar Express will be a big presence in a catalog for this year.  1 we're due, and 2 the 20th anniversary. I just hope no more add on passenger cars.  I think we're maxed out.  Maybe a 20th anniversary passenger car because they did a 15th but hopefully we're at the limit.  I'm sure they'll rerun the coaches for the new Berks if they're in there.  A PE Berk would mean that would also equate to more Berks of different road names.  Run the tooling while you can.  This is all a guess but as others have speculated it is the 20th anniversary.  If there is more Polar Express stuff, one thing they will have to absolutely make sure of is the color match.  Some folks will no doubt want to add on to existing trains.

I'm hoping for more Halloween cars to put behind my pre-ordered F9.  Maybe a couple of passenger cars and some rolling stock.

For years, I’ve waited on a Legacy Polar Express steamer or early diesel to pull all the scale freight that’s been released. I know they did a Bi-Polar (not my thing), but otherwise they have never released a scale PolEx Legacy engine other than #1225.

So, after waiting and waiting, I’m currently having one custom made by a professional painter.  

This, of course, means there will be one in the catalog this time around.  

I'm hoping that if they do rerun the Berks, that they also do a Kanawha detail variation and produce 2716, including in the CSX scheme it wore during its transportation for restoration.

I am banking on a PE berk... wasn't really collecting ( or had the income) when they were first run in Legacy. I would be all in on the loco and cars...

PRR ES44 Heritage unit would be a nice as well.

A Facebook group that I am in, has a member claiming that Berks - particularly a PE version is coming. They haven't posted any proof yet (pictures or etc) but they claim a dealer let them know.

@CAPPilot posted:

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results - Albert Einstein.

...and yet, here we are;

...another January with much speculation over "what might be next"...while there are other threads lamenting the lack of QC on models that were (finally) received just in the past calendar year...like the Decapod, for example.

Seems the never-ending appetite for "all things Lionel" might very well be what keeps them in business.

Mark in Oregon

@Strummer posted:

...and yet, here we are;

...another January with much speculation over "what might be next"...while there are other threads lamenting the lack of QC on models that were (finally) received just in the past calendar year...like the Decapod, for example.

Seems the never-ending appetite for "all things Lionel" might very well be what keeps them in business.

Mark in Oregon

agreed !

@The Judge posted:

May time for Lionel to have a survey on the website asking what us hobbyist would like to see produced.  I have done this recently with the US Mint.

I like the survey idea. There are so many locomotives and other items Lionel should make. Just see my really long list of ideas above. Also, I'm adding Siemens Chargers to my list.

@Strummer posted:

...and yet, here we are;

...another January with much speculation over "what might be next"...while there are other threads lamenting the lack of QC on models that were (finally) received just in the past calendar year...like the Decapod, for example.

Seems the never-ending appetite for "all things Lionel" might very well be what keeps them in business.

Mark in Oregon

It's the "addiction" .

The only cure for the disappointment of a defective new item, is the rush of opening the box of another new item.

I will second or third the survey. Plenty of companies do surveys. Rather odd that Lionel doesn't send one out to folks and see what people think. Though I do worry how much good information they will get back. Because I worry it would just be the cranks complaining about price and QC. Which I do get but at the same time - something about beating a dead horse, ya know?

i remember Ryan saying there will be passenger cars for the halloween triplex plus more halloween stuff

very anxious to see it even though my godparents think halloween is the devil's birthday and forbid me buying halloween stuff

@RamblerDon posted:

A Facebook group that I am in, has a member claiming that Berks - particularly a PE version is coming. They haven't posted any proof yet (pictures or etc) but they claim a dealer let them know.

I would say the PE is a given. I have the Gold PE, but might want a more traditional one since there are so many add on cars for it. And if they are making the PE, you know they are going to do some Berks

Funny how all the OP asked was if anyone knew the release date of the January Lionel catalog. Then responders chime in with their wish lists and what they think should be in the catalog. 🤔