Lionel announces limited edition York boxcar.

MartyE posted:

Only 50 being made. Not a bad looking car. 

Looks nice, but at only 50 units, I'm guessing there will be people with sleeping bags at the nearest door on Wednesday night to line up to get one.

I'll just resign myself to the fact that I won't be able to obtain one, unless I buy one in 5-10 years when no one cares about them anymore.

Thanks for posting, though.  I'm not trying to rain on the parade, but only 50 units is nuts for something like this.  Will tick off more people than not, I think.

-Dave

How much to be the first kid in your neighborhood to have one? $$

This would be a excellent idea if all the money for 50 cars goes to charity of some kind.

Sell them for couple hundred or more a pop.

That could be a big deal for York I think.

Larry

PS. They are out of my league but, I'm just saying.

Creating a collectors item. No thanks. Lionel has been good at doing that for years . Some of them collector item you can't give away now. Just like most convention cars.

This would be a excellent idea if all the money for 50 cars goes to charity of some kind.

Like the TCA.

I won't be looking for either but still a nice looking car. No details yet on where or how to obtain one. 

So orange hall is the place...how is still a mystery. 

Maybe hourly give aways  at the meet. If so hope I win one so I can sell it and get something I would want.

It  doesn't look particularly "YORKISH" to me.

Richard

Another Warbonnet and Hudson?

Richard Gonzales posted:

It  doesn't look particularly "YORKISH" to me.

Richard

What does York look like?

Guess they have to raise some capital to pay their York expenses unless they bring their John's bargain store items again to York. I think it was an embarrassment last time selling direct there for such a coveted train manufacturer.

The York boxcar is the opposite and an excellent idea. Looks like a very nicely detailed boxcar.

Would you put it in the collector's category, souvenir category, or both? I suppose it could also be a self-esteem booster for those who have a  sense of "specialness" owning something few others have.

ogaugeguy posted:

Would you put it in the collector's category, souvenir category, or both? I suppose it's a self-esteem booster appealing to those folks who enjoy a sense of "specialness" by having something few others have.

It will be very very Special, until they do another one in the Fall, then two every year. 

Would you put it in the collector's category, souvenir category, or both? I suppose it could also be a self-esteem booster for those who have a  sense of "specialness" owning something few others have.

I don't see it as a Toy Train collector's item.
In my experience, collectors don't go for items that are made in artificially low numbers.
Which is not to say that there aren't people who would enjoy owning one of these boxcars. I bet they will sell out quickly. Enjoy!

MartyE posted:

Richard Gonzales posted:

It  doesn't look particularly "YORKISH" to me.

Richard

What does York look like?

How about the fairgrounds???

I Wouldn't have it even if Lionel sprinkled it with dust from Madison Hardware.

Richard

If I get one. I get one, if not... no big deal.  But I will try. 

IMHO, more a souvenir than a collectible  but then who am I to make that call. Certainly not a knowledgeable collector but rather a guy with too many of the Polar Express Toy Fair boxcars who instead of selling them off a few years back when there was a fair profit to be made from them instead decided to hold on to them hoping the ever increasing popularity of The Polar Express line would boost their value but in reality has seen their $$$ value fall to much less than it was just a few years ago.

I would be willing to. Pay $3.00 for one.  However, two for $5.00 seems more reasonable.

I hope they don't use that corrosive lubricant on these. That will surely kill the resale value.

Don't worry, in sure somebody will get one than put it on his table for 10x the price with a "rare collectables"  sign on it.

Yup. Limited edition,"Built to order" All Lionel"s hype for everyone to run out and buy one before their all gone! Brilliant! 

Maybe they made a mistake and meant 500. I don't even like the car. Back in 1994 at the national in York lionel made 100 Clinchfield hoppers. I won the one at my table. I thought WOW I have a rare car. Now they go for $10.-$20.  

There's an old saying, If it is limited edition it will never be worth anything.

Im thinking these are raffle items...maybe?  50 is a ridiculously low number for York.  Unless they are testing the waters to see how much interest there is.  Nice looking boxcar but I'm not camping out for one.  BigRail

eddie g posted:

Maybe they made a mistake and meant 500. ...

Nope... look very closely at the enlarged box car graphic.  The text on the door reads "1 of 50".

I do give Lionel a ton of credit for having the gumption to continue pumping out these "one off" limited edition products, which they hope will generate a buying frenzy in the marketplace.  Unfortunately, almost everybody here has pretty much walked this road before... and knows the routine by now.  Yes... there will be a buying frenzy, folks will trip over themselves to get one (or two), and there will undoubtedly be a premium associated with the boxcar for a year or two.  Original owners will at least have that satisfaction... however short-lived that may be.

In later years, they won't be able to give this boxcar away... be it 1 of 50, 1 of 500, or 1 of whatever.  When you've traveled this merry-go-round before, ya just know how it's all gonna go down before the first boxcar is even sold, raffled off, or whatever.

David 

Collectable? Not sure. I have 3 of the 125 cars that KLINE made for our AOL online York BBQ's. T@hat was Maury's and Bob Grubba's donation to the 8th semi-annual event which you used to have at York. Allan Miller can attest to our BBQ's. 

One went on ebay years ago for $90 but that was years ago. I tried selling one at a few shows for $50, maybe here on OGR with NO interest.

Collectable? I would not lose sleep over it nor even waste my time at York waiting on a line to buy one of the 50. Lionel has a good idea selling this unique car but that is where it ends.

But yes, I agree with someone here that it will be on someone's table for 10x the price or on the fleebay.

So many people here would complain about be given $1000 in $1 bills.

MartyE posted:

Only 50 being made. Not a bad looking car. 

A train friend of mine from Michigan will be looking for those York cars;  he has three regular customers willing to pay top dollar for these limited editions, let the chase begin.

MartyE posted:

So many people here would complain about be given $1000 in $1 bills.

Welcome to the forum! 

C W Burfle posted:

In my experience, collectors don't go for items made in artificially low numbers.  Which is not to say that there aren't people who would enjoy owning one of these boxcars.

I bet they will sell out quickly.

Quickly?    Sadly, they will be virtually unattainable.

RadioRon posted:

C W Burfle posted:

In my experience, collectors don't go for items made in artificially low numbers.  Which is not to say that there aren't people who would enjoy owning one of these boxcars.

I bet they will sell out quickly.

Quickly?    Sadly, they will be virtually unattainable.

Ron, I guess I'm still a bit puzzled that folks would actually waste their energy fretting over whether they can get one of these 50 cars or not.    I mean really... WHAT is the big deal?  I would have thought by now that most seasoned enthusiasts don't particularly enjoy being played like a fiddle -- and that's putting it kindly.  So while I understand why somebody may want  to own one of these boxcars, I can't quite wrap my head around the disappointment of missing out.  There are FAR more important things in life to be disappointed about, and this one surely doesn't make the short list in my book.

I guess Lionel doesn't have all that much to promote at York this month, if they need to stoop this low to generate a buzz factor!!!    Maybe Atlas-O should take a page out of Lionel's book, and offer something similar to deflect all the spears they're gonna need to catch regarding the continued delay of Santa Fe F7's and CZ F3's.  

David

They just can't do anything right, can they.

Rod Miller

Wow such sinister schemes going on behind the scenes at Lionel. The York Boxcar ruse.  Genius.  Yes I have to say you guys have seen through the plot to get train folks angry, divert attention, and mess with your minds.  And here I thought it was just a nice boxcar.  Then again I don't make it a hobby of analyzing these things to the degree some do. 

I love York but have no interest in this car. I have to admit that I really like the graphics on it but the car itself looks like the car Lionel uses in their starter sets. It appears to be a undersized 6464 pw type of car with no stirrups and a screw in the side of it. At least MTH gives you a Premier boxcar in their Catalog boxcars. If it was a scale car at a reasonable price like the MTH catalog cars I would consider it but knowing Lionel's prices and the low production number I bet this car will not be inexpensive. For the folks that want it, I say go for it and enjoy the chase. I will sit on the sidelines.

All opinion. 

MartyE posted:

Only 50 being made. Not a bad looking car. 

My only question, why so many?  one of ten sounds much better.   A perfect fit behind that worthless chrome Berk from last year.  

joe      

Better watch out for the STAMPEED in the ORANGE HALL come Thursday at high noon?

Get the women and children out of the way!!!!!

laz1957 posted:

Better watch out for the STAMPEED in the ORANGE HALL come Thursday at high noon?

Get the women and children out of the way!!!!!

MY guess is they'll raffle them off one per hour at the booth.....

Joe 

Hudson J1e posted:

I love York but have no interest in this car. I have to admit that I really like the graphics on it but the car itself looks like the car Lionel uses in their starter sets. It appears to be a undersized 6464 pw type of car with no stirrups and a screw in the side of it. At least MTH gives you a Premier boxcar in their Catalog boxcars. If it was a scale car at a reasonable price like the MTH catalog cars I would consider it but knowing Lionel's prices and the low production number I bet this car will not be inexpensive. For the folks that want it, I say go for it and enjoy the chase. I will sit on the sidelines.

All opinion. 

We all have our differing opinions on these type of cars.

For me, I expect nothing more or less than a 6464 type of car for something like this that is obviously not a scale piece.  To me that is the definition of what one of these commemorative or "collector" boxcars should be.  (and by collector, I don't mean worth a lot money necessarily - the now maligned Horde and Hellgate cars were also of this style, as well as most of the Vapor Records, most of the TCA Museum commemorative cars, etc.)

While I am not suggesting the opinion is not valid, I never can understand why some people say they might like it better and be interested in getting one if it was a scale design.  It's obviously not a scale car.  I don't specifically dislike that the MTH cars are more to scale Premier pieces, but I don't see it as a selling point either (aside form at this point it should match all the previous offerings - but Iit didn't need to start as a scale series as far as I am concerned).  For the MTH cars people used to talk about it being a good deal for a potential repaint, since the car used to be offered much cheaper than any other Premier cars.  I can see that aspect for people who were buying them just to repaint them.

I might try to get one.  I won't complain if it's the standard MSRP of $85 if it's a USA assembled piece either (which it probably is).  I'm just not getting my hopes up, and I'm not going to give some guy who got in line before me $200 (or any ridiculous markup) for one on his table.

-Dave

E-UNIT-79 posted:

Don't worry, in sure somebody will get one than put it on his table for 10x the price with a "rare collectables"  sign on it.

YOU KNOW IT! And I am getting my roller skates on and pads to take down anyone in my way!

It will be the next Natty Boh reefer!

Richard Gonzales posted:

It  doesn't look particularly "YORKISH" to me.

Richard

Just another boxcar from Lionel's low-resolution inkjet printer. The same printer that splatters images of kids, dogs, and unreadable text on rolling stock, for a price. Slap a war bonnet on the side and it has to be valuable, right?

A "Yorkish" boxcar would have a Life-Alert logo on the side, with the caption, "Help! I've fallen and cannot get up from under a pile of unopened convention boxcars!"

J Daddy posted:

E-UNIT-79 posted:

Don't worry, in sure somebody will get one than put it on his table for 10x the price with a "rare collectables"  sign on it.

YOU KNOW IT! And I am getting my roller skates on and pads to take down anyone in my way!

It will be the next Natty Boh reefer!

You've got to be kidding right?    Me thinks if if this first in a series is sold and not given away it'll follow along with the hundreds of previous iconic Lionel instant collectable boxcars that initially sold high but soon became near worthless.  It will be popular until the next one comes along..

joe

Nice looking car, but I'll pass on this one. 

They didn't even give the car a number. You guy's run for the Lionel booth, & I will be looking for rare collectibles in the blue hall. What a joke this is. I believe Lionel is trying to pay there  for the trip to York. if they didn't come to York, I wouldn't miss them one bit. I spend about 60 seconds at the Lionel booth.

Lionel is bringing back the 80's with making collectible trains.
Next car will be in a set and you will have to hope someone will open the set and sell items individual.
Go Lionel

If Lionel's strategy for making such a small run for this boxcar was to get folks hyped up and blabbering about it and enticing this month's York goers to make Lionel their first stop, (either to buy the car or for curiosity's sake to see what the hypes about,) then their marketing plan is obviously working brilliantly.

Are some of you guys EVER happy with anything?

I like the car - and usually these kind of cars are not really up my alley. In fact, I like this Lionel car a lot. Am I going to be "first in line" to buy one? No, but if I have the opportunity to purchase one at a reasonable price on Friday when I'm walking the halls, I certainly would consider.

GregR posted:

 

A "Yorkish" boxcar would have a Life-Alert logo on the side, with the caption, "Help! I've fallen and cannot get up from under a pile of unopened convention boxcars!"

When I read this,   my sides started hurting and I had tears in my eyes from laughing so hard.  Good one Greg!

Nick

eddie g posted:

They didn't even give the car a number. You guy's run for the Lionel booth, & I will be looking for rare collectibles in the blue hall. What a joke this is. I believe Lionel is trying to pay there  for the trip to York. if they didn't come to York, I wouldn't miss them one bit. I spend about 60 seconds at the Lionel booth.

Nice attitude.

SJC posted:

Are some of you guys EVER happy with anything?

I like the car - and usually these kind of cars are not really up my alley. In fact, I like this Lionel car a lot. Am I going to be "first in line" to buy one? No, but if I have the opportunity to purchase one at a reasonable price on Friday when I'm walking the halls, I certainly would consider.

Actually, very few folks -- if any -- are really complaining about the car itself.  The design is very nice, and I could see lots of folks would want one.  However, the real issue is we're just all amazed that Lionel's management team who came up with the idea to make a limited run of 50 of these -- for whatever reason -- never ceases to display their incompetence making decisions like this.    Perhaps that's a bit harsh... but like I said earlier, it's their way of generating a buzz-factor I guess.  Not too impressed though.

I'm not sure which is worse... this kind of announcement, or the approach Lionel took with National Train Day boxcars where they led enthusiasts to believe they needed to visit a brick-and-mortar LHS to order one on a specific day of the year... and then we later found out dealers ordered extras anyway and had them for sale months afterward.  Now they can't even give them away. 

David

JC642 posted:

J Daddy posted:

E-UNIT-79 posted:

Don't worry, in sure somebody will get one than put it on his table for 10x the price with a "rare collectables"  sign on it.

YOU KNOW IT! And I am getting my roller skates on and pads to take down anyone in my way!

It will be the next Natty Boh reefer!

You've got to be kidding right?    Me thinks if if this first in a series is sold and not given away it'll follow along with the hundreds of previous iconic Lionel instant collectable boxcars that initially sold high but soon became near worthless.  It will be popular until the next one comes along..

joe

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...

JC642 posted:

laz1957 posted:

Better watch out for the STAMPEED in the ORANGE HALL come Thursday at high noon?

Get the women and children out of the way!!!!!

MY guess is they'll raffle them off one per hour at the booth.....

Joe 

FYI... according to Lionel's Facebook page where this was "announced", they're encouraging folks to stop by their booth to purchase one.

I just have to laugh, because they also emphasize in the same sentence that York will be open to the public on 4/28 and 4/29... as if there might be any of the 50 remaining at their booth by Friday/Saturday after a day of TCA member traffic on Thursday... unless of course they don't offer them for sale until Friday.    Of course, no word on pricing either.  So if the boxcars are priced ridiculously high, Lionel may be hauling a bunch back to North Carolina!   

David

Best part about this thread?

I'll be watching this space later to see which of the forumites griping about the car and/or Lionel post pictures of their new purchase. 

Does anybody know what price Lionel is asking for this car? Maybe they will only make 50 because they intend to ask for a ridiculously high price. I'm still sure they will be able to find 50 guys at York that will throw away good money on an overpriced boxcar. 

I burst out laughing at a couple of postings on this subject.  I won't touch fantasy cars with a vaccinated ten foot pole, BUT if somebody's third grade kid had suggested they do a decent steam era model of a car, different each York,  for the real railroad that went through York, the MA &PA, l would be interested. (MTH, there is your cue)

I just have to laugh, because they also emphasize in the same sentence that York will be open to the public on 4/28 and 4/29... as if there might be any of the 50 remaining at their booth by Friday/Saturday after a day of TCA member traffic on Thursday... unless of course they don't offer them for sale until Friday.    Of course, no word on pricing either.  So if the boxcars are priced ridiculously high, Lionel may be hauling a bunch back to North Carolina!   

I guess we TCA members should be grateful that Lionel mentioned the York Train meet on their facebook page. Maybe they think the boxcar will draw the public. If that was their intent, Hooray for Lionel! But I think they need to up the number available.

By the way, it took me a few tries to even find their Facebook page. Maybe I just don't really know how to use Facebook.

I heard the real number is 5,000 and they will be free to the first 5,000 that come to the booth with a Visionline hat on! I have three hats for sale!

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

I'm not sure which is worse... this kind of announcement, or the approach Lionel took with National Train Day boxcars where they led enthusiasts to believe they needed to visit a brick-and-mortar LHS to order one on a specific day of the year... and then we later found out dealers ordered extras anyway and had them for sale months afterward.  Now they can't even give them away. 

David

For those interested , my LHS still has limited edition aquarium cars with shredded legal briefs from the MTH lawsuit on the shelf. 

joe

Remember, before knocking over the women and children on Thursday to get this boxcar, on Wednesday at the Museum, there will be another limited boxcar available featuring the PRR/museum. There will be only 40 cars available.

"Sarah" from Lionel designed the above York car, she also did a great job on the most recent employee car; she is a hidden gem at Lionel, a wonderful young lady who enjoys trains.

JC642 posted:

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

I'm not sure which is worse... this kind of announcement, or the approach Lionel took with National Train Day boxcars where they led enthusiasts to believe they needed to visit a brick-and-mortar LHS to order one on a specific day of the year... and then we later found out dealers ordered extras anyway and had them for sale months afterward.  Now they can't even give them away. 

David

For those interested , my LHS still has limited edition aquarium cars with shredded legal briefs from the MTH lawsuit on the shelf. 

joe

Joe,

Not everything I told Tom to purchase was a winner, but overall, my track record at Great Lakes was pretty darn good during my tenure at Tom's place. I never did get to rent a tux from you

Regardless of Lionels thinking/plan/strategy behind the cars, the big question is where do you think this boxcar is destined to rank among: toy fair cars; Christmas cars; century club boxcars; dealer appreciation cars from Lionel or MTH; TCA passenger train cars; TCA convention cars; candy reefers; sports team cars; I could list more but I'm tired of typing.

aussteve posted:

Regardless of Lionels thinking/plan/strategy behind the cars, the big question is where do you think this boxcar is destined to rank among: toy fair cars; Christmas cars; dealer appreciation cars from Lionel or MTH; TCA passenger train cars; TCA convention cars; candy reefers; sports team cars; I could list more but I'm tired of typing.

Probably somewhere between Horde and Scrooge McDuck Mint (the original, not the one in the recent RTR catalog).

That's a wide enough range to almost necessitate being correct.

-Dave

I mean who cares. .I would like to see them sell them for $1,000 each and donate the money to the TCAED to help offset the costs of the York show. 

It should be easy to find 50 suckers at the York show, people who think it will become a instant collectible. 

Who cares about collectable. It may simply be fun knowing you own one of fifty pieces. That's not being a sucker.

Rod Miller

C W Burfle posted:

I just have to laugh, because they also emphasize in the same sentence that York will be open to the public on 4/28 and 4/29... as if there might be any of the 50 remaining at their booth by Friday/Saturday after a day of TCA member traffic on Thursday... unless of course they don't offer them for sale until Friday.    Of course, no word on pricing either.  So if the boxcars are priced ridiculously high, Lionel may be hauling a bunch back to North Carolina!   

I guess we TCA members should be grateful that Lionel mentioned the York Train meet on their facebook page. Maybe they think the boxcar will draw the public. If that was their intent, Hooray for Lionel! But I think they need to up the number available.

By the way, it took me a few tries to even find their Facebook page. Maybe I just don't really know how to use Facebook.

Maybe it's a long term strategy to draw the public who might like to purchase such a car to being TCA members.

Imagine:

• The cars sell out on Thursday (easy to imagine)
• The public comes in on Friday and asks Lionel reps about the car (a certainty if it was prominently on their Facebook page)
• Lionel states, oh, we only made a limited number of those, and it was first available on the day that only TCA members are allowed at the meet (plausible, if they offer any explanation other than just "we are out of them")
• The public decides they don't want to miss out on such things in the future, so they join TCA so they can attend on Thursday next time and have a shot at getting a car. (I know this is where it got far-fetched and not likely)

I can dream right?  If it plays out, people can stop saying Lionel didn't do enough to promote the public admittance and encourage future membership in the TCA.

-Dave

Geeeee!

I wish I never had commented on this post!

Please, make it go away!!!

Richard

Might be worth something if signed by Gary Moreau.

• The cars sell out on Thursday (easy to imagine)
• The public comes in on Friday and asks Lionel reps about the car (a certainty if it was prominently on their Facebook page)
• Lionel states, oh, we only made a limited number of those, and it was first available on the day that only TCA members are allowed at the meet (plausible, if they offer any explanation other than just "we are out of them")
• The public decides they don't want to miss out on such things in the future, so they join TCA so they can attend on Thursday next time and have a shot at getting a car. (I know this is where it got far-fetched and not likely)

Or they decide that they were scammed and vow never to have anything to do with trains again. I think this is the more likely scenario.  This will happen even if they hold the cars until Friday.

Brings back memories of a sale that a local department store had in the 1970's. There were a limited number of 8551 Pennsy electrics available at each store.
Folks were crowded around the doors, waiting for the store to open. When the doors were unlocked, people ran to the toy department and fought over the locos. One guy threatened to shoot another who grabbed a whole carton. The store folks brought out cartons of Preamble express locos to quiet the crowd.
I was just a kid, but I got one of each.

C W Burfle posted:

...........Or they decide that they were scammed and vow never to have anything to do with trains again. I think this is the more likely scenario.  This will happen even if they hold the cars until Friday..........

I concur. 

My 1st post in this thread regarding people being upset when they can't get one is more where my true thoughts are. 

If actual new memberships were generated, any that continued past one year would probably be in spite of this, not because of this. 

Slightly off the topic, but in my slightly non-scientific analysis of the number of TCA memberships that have been processed over the years since I joined, it's not getting people to sign up initially that is the problem, it's retaining them (or it's a combination of that and the age demographic  - discussed in many other places).  The number of memberships 20 years ago was somewhere between 45-46,000 (TCA itself was just around 43 years old).  20 years later we are somewhere in the vicinity of 72,000 with the TCA just over 60 years old.  Call that 26,000 new memberships an average of 1300 new memberships per year over 20 years.  Contrasted to 46,000 over 43 years, and it's roughly 1070 per year for the 1st 43 years.

I was just trying to dream up some scenario that could end up as a positive in the long run, but I agree the odds of it playing out that way are very slim.

-Dave

If indeed Lionel is trying to increase TCA membership, and I am not saying that is the case but it is an interesting theory, how about this for an idea: Why produce a special York TCA boxcar and give them away for FREE to anyone who joins the TCA at the meet? Maybe make 25 boxcars and if they don't all go they could always save them for the next meet. The person who just joined would certainly have a good feeling about Lionel, model trains, and the TCA and they would have a Bona Fide collectors item/souvenir. I think it would be a win/win situation in the end. 

Dave45681 posted:

Imagine:

• The cars sell out on Thursday (easy to imagine)
• The public comes in on Friday and asks Lionel reps about the car (a certainty if it was prominently on their Facebook page)
• Lionel states, oh, we only made a limited number of those, and it was first available on the day that only TCA members are allowed at the meet (plausible, if they offer any explanation other than just "we are out of them")
• BUT, if you still want one, you can find them today on member tables at twice the original price in the White or Red halls.
• The public decides they don't want to miss out on such things in the future, so they join TCA so they can attend on Thursday next time and have a shot at getting a car. (I know this is where it got far-fetched and not likely)

 

I can dream right?  If it plays out, people can stop saying Lionel didn't do enough to promote the public admittance and encourage future membership in the TCA.

-Dave

Thought I'd add an additional bullet point .

joe   

And I thought I lived a miserable existence...  all this over a nice box car.  When and if we do a Legacy Users Group car I'll have to remember this thread.

The York boxcar/ show mention on Lionel's facebook page is drifting down as it ages. The emphasis seems to be a drawing to win a Wonder Woman boxcar.

On the positive side: there was also mention of the York meet being open to the public in their posting of information on SD60M pre-production samples.

As an Eastern Division member, I thank Lionel for the mentions.

MartyE posted:

And I thought I lived a miserable existence...  all this over a nice box car.  When and if we do a Legacy Users Group car I'll have to remember this thread.

As long as a potential LUG car isn't made in unrealistically low proportion to the number of interested attendees/purchasers, it would not be a problem.  Assuming something on the order of 40-50 regular participants in the LUG meeting (correct me if I'm way off), we could maybe realistically say only half might be interested based on the collector vs. operator dynamic.  You wouldn't make 2 cars for an estimated demand of maybe 20-25.  That is effectively what Lionel is doing proportionally here.

-Dave

MartyE posted:

And I thought I lived a miserable existence...  all this over a nice box car.  When and if we do a Legacy Users Group car I'll have to remember this thread.

MARTY, if you do it just remember that you will have to sign all those cars.  Might even have to pay TCA for a table or two?

Dave45681 posted:

MartyE posted:

And I thought I lived a miserable existence...  all this over a nice box car.  When and if we do a Legacy Users Group car I'll have to remember this thread.

As long as a potential LUG car isn't made in unrealistically low proportion to the number of interested attendees/purchasers, it would not be a problem.  Assuming something on the order of 40-50 regular participants in the LUG meeting (correct me if I'm way off), we could maybe realistically say only half might be interested based on the collector vs. operator dynamic.  You wouldn't make 2 cars for an estimated demand of maybe 20-25.  That is effectively what Lionel is doing proportionally here.

-Dave

I'll making 4.  Just to see the outcry.  Sell 1 and then put the rest on sale for

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.

They didn't donate the money.  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. 

MartyE posted:

And I thought I lived a miserable existence...  all this over a nice box car.  When and if we do a Legacy Users Group car I'll have to remember this thread.

Yes, and make sure you only release 20 of them... to the first 20 people that show up. Don't list the price, and sell them out 24 hours earlier to dealers only... yep. Oh and charge more for your autograph....

I think I see a set of rare Detroit 3 Railers cars coming out soon maybe 10... with my signature on it.

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. 

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

I have no idea what you're trying to do so for that reason "I'M OUT"

The items or things I need come high noon at the orange hall.

1. pepper spray 2. cattle prod 3. stun gun 4. "the little old lady from Pasadena" 5. some Fred MacMurray  "Flubber"

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.