Lionel announces limited edition York boxcar.

why isn't Lionel announcing this themselves?  I this OGRR forum, Menards has the best marketing approach of any product manufacturer.  Wondering why Lionel and MTH aren't more involved with their devoted fan base

C W Burfle posted:

 

Happily, you are not a moderator. 
It's something to talk about. People are just chatting.

Yep.  Thank goodness.  I'm certainly glad something can make you happy. 

Just because I don't feel it's worthy and understand the strife doesn't mean that I don't think folks can talk about it.  But that's just my opinion.   As you said were just chatting.

The cars will be available to TCA members that are staying atleast 5 nights at the Wyndham Garden Inn. 

I think BURFLE has changed his mind about going to York. He is going to be 1st in line at the orange hall Wednesday night.

Yep.  Thank goodness.  I'm certainly glad something can make you happy. 

Lots of occurrences and things make me happy. 
As far as moderation goes, I think the moderators do a good job.
I don't think I'd make a good moderator, and would not want the job.

As for this boxcar, it's not to my taste.

It would be great if everybody attending the show and wanted one would be able to get it. It's difficult for me to believe that there will only be enough demand to sell fifty pieces (unless the price is crazy high). If that's the case, I don't see how the big train manufacturers and importers will remain in business much longer. 

Garrett76 posted:

why isn't Lionel announcing this themselves?  I this OGRR forum, Menards has the best marketing approach of any product manufacturer.  Wondering why Lionel and MTH aren't more involved with their devoted fan base

They did advertise this on their Facebook page.  A better place to advertise to the public than here especially for someone new.  They are much more likely to come across it on Facebook than here.

"Madison Hardware Dust" comment - GOOD ONE - too funny!

Garrett76 posted:

George Bailey: You know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are? Anchor chains, plane motors, and train whistles!

No, breakfast is served, lunch is served, dinner is served !

Jerry

MartyE posted:

Let's just say they make 250.  They don't sell all of them.  They end up on dealer's shelves and people complain.

They make 50.  They sell them all.  People complain.

They give them away.  "I can't make it York"  People complain.

I'd hate to be any of these companies.  You can't please everyone...problem is those who are pleased are usually the ones that remain silent.

Sure I get it.  It's a low number of cars.  Chances are many will be left without them, many expressed they don't care, it's life.  I just don't see it worthy of soon to be 3 pages of wadded underwear crisis. 

Hey Marty:  As you likely know, MTH has done York cars each meet for the last 20 some years.  Obviously MTH has found a way to make enough cars to suit those typically interested in buying one.  Its not the conundrum that you describe.  If Lionel wants to do this without alienating a LOT of people... it can make them on an "order for later delivery" basis, like it does with the National Lionel Train Day offerings.   What they have decided to do is simply absurd.    

RadioRon posted:

MartyE posted:

Let's just say they make 250.  They don't sell all of them.  They end up on dealer's shelves and people complain.

They make 50.  They sell them all.  People complain.

They give them away.  "I can't make it York"  People complain.

I'd hate to be any of these companies.  You can't please everyone...problem is those who are pleased are usually the ones that remain silent.

Sure I get it.  It's a low number of cars.  Chances are many will be left without them, many expressed they don't care, it's life.  I just don't see it worthy of soon to be 3 pages of wadded underwear crisis. 

Hey Marty:  As you likely know, MTH has done York cars each meet for the last 20 some years.  Obviously MTH has found a way to make enough cars to suit those typically interested in buying one.  Its not the conundrum that you describe.  If Lionel wants to do this without alienating a LOT of people... it can make them on an "order for later delivery" basis, like it does with the National Lionel Train Day offerings.   What they have decided to do is simply absurd.    

Someone would complain about that too. Look at the built to order threads. I do understand but the thing is no matter which way they go someone will complain. That was more my point than whether 50 or 100 was enough.  I'm certainly not defending the number made but it is interesting to see the different folks viewpoint on what is the correct amount or correct way to distribute them.

Would people feel differently if they did a raffle instead of a purchase?  I once won a Toy Fair car by entering my name in the large spinning basket.  Would the 50 be acceptable then?  IDK  just curious.  

MTH always does a wonderful York car. 

Would people feel differently if they did a raffle instead of a purchase?

Doubtful. I remember how upset people were about the first Century Club's early bird boxcar.

They originally were going to raffle off a Berkshire. One big difference, the rest of us would have been able to purchase one. The boxcars came about when a question about the legality of the raffle came up.

Am I correct that we don't know the price and we don't know how they will be distributed?

Should be interesting.

Paul

Railrunnin posted:

Am I correct that we don't know the price and we don't know how they will be distributed?

Should be interesting.

Paul

 

Yes.

Ah, but your thinking in 2-D... now if it is signed and Autographed by some of the Lionel guys and girls there... may even have Mike Reagan sign it for posterity sake. . Then there are some of the greats ; like Rich Melvin, Alex M, GRJ, Mr. Muffins, the list can go on and on...

 Someone posted about Lionel raffling off the cars hourly. That would be the smart approach. If they really wanted to generate some real event status, they could bring Richard Maddox to York and have him sign some cars. I know folks would like to see him attend York, make an appearance with Lionel and bring back one of their best Presidents/COO.

Being friends with him, I always mention to him about coming to York to see his friends and fans. They could really hype their York appearance there.

I hope someone at Lionel read this! It is a viable suggestion Howard!

Now the TCA is jumping on the bandwagon.

Ya; The TCA is still trying to get rid of them! 

With or without a sprinkle of Madison Hardware dust? :-)

Chris Lonero posted:

Ya; The TCA is still trying to get rid of them! 

I liked that set, but was sad to see the potential matching Docksider project not get enough interest to be produced.

-Dave

Here's a thought:  MAYBE those cars aren't meant for you.  MAYBE those cars are aimed at the general public that will be admitted at this April's York.  

Remember - this is the York where the public is invited, although you'd never know it by the lack of publicity that the TCA has put out about this.  Golly!  If the general public attends, maybe they will sign up a new member or two! Maybe young enough that they don't know a world without cell phones! 

It looks to be a really nice car, for those that collect cars, for me, it's not my cup of tea, so to speak.  I did the Century club cars, Whoops, big mistake..I did the LCCA cars, another dust collector...My thoughts are, its very nice but I will spend my $80 on something  more useful for my layout....Thank You Lionel, maybe next time.

BMT-Express posted:

Here's a thought:  MAYBE those cars aren't meant for you.  MAYBE those cars are aimed at the general public that will be admitted at this April's York. 

Remember - this is the York where the public is invited, although you'd never know it by the lack of publicity that the TCA has put out about this. 

I've been seeing quite a bit of promotion on Facebook from both MTH and Lionel as well as from TCA national and EDTCA.

MartyE posted:

"I've been seeing quite a bit of promotion on Facebook from both MTH and Lionel as well as from TCA national and EDTCA."

Those are the converted.  We need new members of the choir - the loft is crowded with walkers.

There are so many "collectible cars" out that it makes all of them COMMON and nothing special.

Club cars and convention cars are only good for making the organizations a few extra bucks.

Ted Bertiger posted:

Collectable? Not sure. I have 3 of the 125 cars that KLINE made for our AOL online York BBQ's.....Allan Miller can attest to our BBQ's.

Best d*** chow-down-and-drink-up train events EVER!

leapinlarry posted:

...  I did the Century club cars, Whoops, big mistake..I did the LCCA cars, another dust collector... 

Exactly, Larry.  But everyone needs to experience these things for themselves.  No matter how "nice" we try to let them down easy (and give them fair warning), I'm sure there will still be a throng of folks who make the Lionel booth their first stop because of this boxcar.  And if it makes them happy, that's good.  But if they're thinking this is gonna be another Polar Express ToyFair 2005 boxcar, then they are setting themselves up for a huge disappointment.  Nobody's gonna give a 2017 York Boxcar a second glance once the buzz-factor wears off.  But while it's "hot", a few sellers will play the usual premium pricing game.  Count on it.

David 

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

leapinlarry posted:

...  I did the Century club cars, Whoops, big mistake..I did the LCCA cars, another dust collector... 

Exactly, Larry.  But everyone needs to experience these things for themselves.  No matter how "nice" we try to let them down easy (and give them fair warning), I'm sure there will still be a throng of folks who make the Lionel booth their first stop because of this boxcar.  And if it makes them happy, that's good.  But if they're thinking this is gonna be another Polar Express ToyFair 2005 boxcar, then they are setting themselves up for a huge disappointment.  Nobody's gonna give a 2017 York Boxcar a second glance once the buzz-factor wears off.  But while it's "hot", a few sellers will play the usual premium pricing game.  Count on it.

David 

I got all the CC1 boxcars at York one year for $15 a piece.  Glad I waited.  I have all the CC engines and wanted the cars but not for the original pricing.  I waited long enough and it paid off.

MartyE posted:

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

leapinlarry posted:

...  I did the Century club cars, Whoops, big mistake..I did the LCCA cars, another dust collector... 

Exactly, Larry.  But everyone needs to experience these things for themselves.  No matter how "nice" we try to let them down easy (and give them fair warning), I'm sure there will still be a throng of folks who make the Lionel booth their first stop because of this boxcar.  And if it makes them happy, that's good.  But if they're thinking this is gonna be another Polar Express ToyFair 2005 boxcar, then they are setting themselves up for a huge disappointment.  Nobody's gonna give a 2017 York Boxcar a second glance once the buzz-factor wears off.  But while it's "hot", a few sellers will play the usual premium pricing game.  Count on it.

David 

I got all the CC1 boxcars at York one year for $15 a piece.  Glad I waited.  I have all the CC engines and wanted the cars but not for the original pricing.  I waited long enough and it paid off.

Sounds about right, Marty.    $15/car... a big drop from what they went for back in the day.  It all happens like clockwork... one big bell-shaped curve... early buyers pay a premium price for the car right out of the chute -- a price they'd never pay here on the forum.  Then the prices push upwards as original buyers try to flip the cars during the short-term bubble when enthusiasts feel like they missed out on something special, blah-blah-blah...  And of course not long thereafter, we're on to the next new buzz, and the bubble bursts on these... and voilla... you're quickly into the $15/car range as the bottom falls out.    Happens EVERY time.

David

Railrunnin posted:

Am I correct that we don't know the price and we don't know how they will be distributed?

Should be interesting.

Paul

 

That is the purpose of this discussion.   To talk about things we don't have all the facts, speculate on the potential problems, and recommend the correct solutions to the world's problems. 

I mean look at how many people took the time and effort out of their busy schedule to post and say " it doesn't matter to me".

It is interesting that this announcement is getting favorable comments on other social media outside of OGR..home of the permanently grumpy 

They can dream, can't they......

I don't know about "favorable outside of OGR" I've seen the same sentiment on Facebook about the same boxcars and it isn't by the same cast of characters either. I've picked up a number of "COLLECTIBLE" cars over the years after the fact for a great price, most less than $20. In fact the only one I've never seen come down in price is the Indian Motorcycle boxcar, that one seems to hold steady around $100. The last one i actually held in my hand was at York a couple years ago and the dealer wanted $135 for it, he still had it at 12 on Saturday.

Jerry

baltimoretrainworks posted:

I don't know about "favorable outside of OGR" I've seen the same sentiment on Facebook about the same boxcars and it isn't by the same cast of characters either. I've picked up a number of "COLLECTIBLE" cars over the years after the fact for a great price, most less than $20. In fact the only one I've never seen come down in price is the Indian Motorcycle boxcar, that one seems to hold steady around $100. The last one i actually held in my hand was at York a couple years ago and the dealer wanted $135 for it, he still had it at 12 on Saturday.

 

Jerry

And the Natty Boh reefers.

And the Scrooge McDuck mint cars.

I've never seen one that is priced less than ~ $150 or so.  I somehow doubt tons of them are selling for $20 regularly.

Now one car I would consider paying up for would be the Christmas Story "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out" boxcar, I have a Red Ryder BB gun mounted on the wall in my home office and would like to hang the boxcar with it. Not really a collectible per se but most sets get stripped for the car and it usually goes for what the rest of the set goes for without the boxcar. I offered a guy on Ebay $75 for one and he turned me down, I think after a year or so he finally got $100 for it.

Jerry

baltimoretrainworks posted:

... I offered a guy on Ebay $75 for one and he turned me down, I think after a year or so he finally got $100 for it.

...

A lot of these sellers on eBay are "scheiksters".    They hold firm on inflated prices hoping guys will eventually think, "OK... If I need to spend over $99 for it, at least I'll have 6 months to spread out the payments".    Almost like the way casinos use chips rather than real money, so folks become oblivious to what they're actually spending.

I've noticed the LCCA NS Support Our Troops boxcar popping up on eBay for a buy-it-now $225 price recently.  But if you visit the LCCA booth at York, they've been selling them for $150 for a couple of years now.

It always pays to know the market.

David

O' Great oniputant and all knowing OGR forum moderator, thou art indeed great and magnificent.

 We come to you with a simple request.

Please rain fire and and brimstone down upon this thread and remove it from your sacred pages. 

We ask this in the name of the Father Cowan, his blessed son Lawrence and the the holy competitor Gilbert.

Amen

Brother Richard 

After 45 years, today it's still near worthless. The  "Gold Standard" for all future Lionel instant collectables.

joe    

Four pages. And counting…

What’s the old saying?

“All publicity is good publicity.”

Game, set, match, Lionel.

I think a nice YORKY car was the o27 kline cars Maury made years back for free. If you were a club member. Anybody remember those? Different colors, different scenes. You'll probably see one of these Lionel cars at YORK under glass for 350 price. What a shame.  Dave

Richard Gonzales posted:

O' Great oniputant and all knowing OGR forum moderator, thou art indeed great and magnificent.

 We come to you with a simple request.

Please rain fire and and brimstone down upon this thread and remove it from your sacred pages. 

We ask this in the name of the Father Cowan, his blessed son Lawrence and the the holy competitor Gilbert.

Amen

Brother Richard 

Maybe just stop reading it?

Dave45681 posted:

And the Scrooge McDuck mint cars.

I've never seen one that is priced less than ~ $150 or so.  I somehow doubt tons of them are selling for $20 regularly.

 

 

Not too many sold for $150 either...

Jerry