Lionel Customer Service Open House for 2013

That should not be a problem at all.  If you're there all morning, you'll have ample time to take it all in and do a bit of shopping.

Just like last year, OGR will have a table at the Open House. We will have videos, magazines and Ameri-Towne  buildings available for sale. We will also have a limited supply of past OGR issues for sale as well.

Plus, Allan will be there and will be happy to autograph any single issues you buy.

I will be happy to autograph any issues as well, but remember that probably lowers their value.

Ed Boyle

Rich, I know that your jest was in Fun, But I have convoyed, on Vacation with those not used to driving long distances, I had a former Girlfriend drive probably 10-15 miles asleep at the wheel. Cruise control on, her pick up Rut steering, I can't post what I had to say when I realized what was going. I shut that group down for the night at the next rest area, wasn't in THAT Big of a Hurry to get to the dunes.

 Since that experience, I make SURE that EVERBODY is CLEAR on any body can call for a rest break at any time, and no comments or complaints from anybody, PERIOD.

Doug

Went last year, met Marty F. and some other train friends, great time. The deals are awesome, made several purchases. Also purchased about $360.00 in parts and received 50% off and free shipping to my home, great way to buy parts.

Caution: you will need to know up front as much detail about the part you want as possible. The parts order line gets backed up and advance preparation really helps.

Gee, maybe we could find some large motels and an arena in the area and start a new York, getting out of the present "let me gouge you all I can" mentality of York, PA. LOL

Find me one of those casino kits...  Yes i know you dont have anymore..

Last year was my first time and I am definitely coming again this year.  I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Marty and Dotty and of course Bill was a great host and took me all around the area which I felt very lucky to have meet up with so many fine people and look forward to doing it again.

Of course Big Mike puts on a great venue as I have never known him to do anything halfway and most of all he enjoys his food as much as he enjoys trains and people, so if you have not been before this event gives you a rare opportunity to see a lot of the behind the scenes at Lionel service and all the people who make it happen.

Larry Brown

633 miles and 6.20 hours miles from hicksville VA

That is bit of a ride for this old geezer. that would use up a serous amount of Ben-gay. Icy-hot and humanoid cream. I guess I could fly but restrictions on what I can take. need a rain check. Wish everyone a good time.

Maybe those folks could put up a website with a live chat room and sell some trains to us old birds down south.

Is that like 100 mph?

Gerry

It appears that RiffTrax Live will be shown in theaters on Thursday, August 15th, 2013. That will be another event to attend in the same week. I hope that everything does not get placed in that week.

Andrew

Good luck with that estimate!  Google Maps give me this for me, a more realistic value.

355 mi, 5 hours 47 mins

Still a bit much for a one day trip!

It sounds like an exciting open house.   At only 50 miles or 1 hour 10 minutes drive, I have it on my calendar.  I hope to attend.

I was in HO since the late '60s, but am fairly new to O Gauge.  I have little that needs service or parts.

Does the products for sale, mean new locos and cars?

HELP          I LIVE IN ARLINGTON, VA    D.C./NORTHERN VIRGINIA AREA.

GETTING MY FIRST LIONEL,     ALWAYS WANTED ONE DURING THE WAR YEARS,  FINALLY I AM GETTING ONE,     ENGINES, DIESELS, PASSENGER AND FREIGHT CARS  ETC.

I NEED A TUTOR............SOMEONE I CAN HIRE BY THE HOUR TO HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT I CAN DO WITH THE EQUIPMENT I HAVE  OR   FUTURE ADDITIONS  TO MY SETUP AND GET MORE OF THE SOUNDS I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR.

HELP   HELP        WHERE DO I ADVERTISE

GIL YSAIS       ARLINGTON, VA      D.C. /  NO VA

"I NEED A TUTOR............SOMEONE I CAN HIRE BY THE HOUR TO HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT I CAN DO WITH THE EQUIPMENT I HAVE  OR   FUTURE ADDITIONS  TO MY SETUP AND GET MORE OF THE SOUNDS I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR.

HELP   HELP        WHERE DO I ADVERTISE"

Join LCCA and find members near you.  There is probably a local "club" and/or layout near you. 

If you join LCCA, you have access to names, home addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.  There is an LCCA annual conference in Chattanooga this year by the way.  I am an MTH guy when it comes to engines and operations, but I get a lot of info and good ideas from LCCA. 

How much money would you have to spend on transportation?

If I used an automobile to travel to the Lionel Service Center I would have to spend at least $100 on gasoline. I am not sure if that would be effective. I might have to spend $500 to make the transportation cost look smaller.

How big are the bargins?

Andrew

Finalizing plans for the trip now and was wondering about local hotels that might be recommended?

Thanks in advance,

I am disappointed I won't be able to make it due to work, but I had planned on going.  When I planned on going, I didn't consider the economics from the perspective of "how many more engines that I don't need will I have to buy to make the trip worthwhile?"  Respectfully, I think the way to look at it is as a fun, enjoyable, train-oriented outing where you'll get to meet some of your fellow hobbyists as well as the folks who run Lionel.  If there are some good deals available while you are there, well then that's great but it is doubtful the trip would be worthwhile from a pure cost / benefit perspective.  HTH.

Hampton Inn, Canfield, OH, if you want a nice place to stay.  Also probably closest to the Lionel site.

Thanks Allan!

Just want to confirm the online order time window is from 12:00 a.m. 8/17/2013 to 12:00 a.m. 8/18/2013 for the Eastern Standard Time Zone (actually with daylight savings time)?

If true, being on the west coast, I should be able to place my order anytime after 9:00 p.m. pacific coast time Friday night, 8/16/2013?

It won't be as much fun as attending the event in person, but I'd rather place an order Friday evening (taking advantage of the time difference) so I don't have to remember to try and do it some time Saturday.

Only a hope, skip, and a jump from Columbus, it will be an easy ride up I-71.

Just purchased my Hotel for Friday and Saturday night.

Now got to decide whether I rent a car for the trip or try and make it with one of my older cars.

406 Miles from work to Canfield and then back home again....

Leaning toward using my own car, that would allow me to spend some $ when at the Open House and also save some towards my future membership in a local train club.

Heading east for this great event with OGR Ad man Alan Arnold. Looking forward to meeting everyone. See you all at the Open House.

As Roger said above, We will be arriving a few days early.  There will be a lot to see as I have never been to this event before.  I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible! 

Alan

I'll be there as well. Looking forward to seeing all my friends, ordering a TON of parts, and meeting those who I have only talked with by phone. See you all soon. 

Hey, Guys

I will be there on Saturday and bringing a truck full of friends. I hope that I can control myself and not spend what I spent at the N.C. Lionel open house. I also wanted to extend an invitation to anyone traveling through Wheeling WV to stop at our store on Friday. I would be willing to extend our hours and supply refreshments. I would also like to offer any OGR member stopping on Friday a in-store 10% discount on anything you buy.

Thanks

Pat

PATRICK'S TRAINS

142 29TH STREET

WHEELING WV 26003

304-232-0714

WWW.PATSTRAINS.COM

E-MAIL PATSTRAINS@AOL.COM

Just want to repeat that OGR will have a table at the Open House and we will have videos, magazines and best of all, both Al's there.  Allan Miller, our Editor-in-Chief, and Alan, "The ADMAN" Arnold, our new Advertising Manager. 

We will have a special offer for those folks who buy new subscriptions at the Lionel Open House and you will also be able to view our videos in HD.

As I posted earlier, we will be happy to autograph any copy of OGR that you buy, but you have to understand that it will lower the value.

Looking forward to seeing you there on Saturday, the 17th.

Ed Boyle

I would like to attend the mini-clinics; is there a list of events and times?

Scott Smith

Me too!

Gee Pat, doesn't look like you have anything in stock!

Well the truck performed well so Marty gets to come out and pay!  See y'all there. 

The Fort Pitt Hi-Railers will be set up again this year and we're looking forward to it!  Be sure to stop by and say hello.

Big thanks to the Lionel Guys for inviting us to be a part of this great event.

I would like to go, but I would have had to start driving there by now to be wide awake before the doors open at 8:00.

Andrew

Wont be attending but will get some parts.

Rich, Jim, Ed, Alan (our new ad manager), and I were at the Customer Service Center this evening for a sort of preview of tomorrow's Open House and an on-site cookout.  

Howard Hitchcock, Mike Reagan and a number of Lionel personnel from both North Carolina and Canfield were also on hand, along with OGR forum participants who had signed-up for the previously scheduled Friday night dinner at Stonebridge Grille (which was cancelled at the last minute when this invitation from Mike materialized).  The LCCA was also well represented.

Those able to attend the Open House tomorrow should definitely plan to do so.  In addition to the opportunity to meet and chat with a number of Lionel honchos--including the CEO--you'll find a ton of stuff to add to your layout and you're sure to have a fun time just meeting with folks.

I plan to be there myself tomorrow until about noon (have to be home then to attend to my pooch who is recovering from major surgery), and Ed will be on-hand all day.  I'm lousy at remembering names and faces sometimes, so please come up and introduce yourself.  I look forward to seeing a lot of old friends there, and hope to make some new ones.

Can't wait until tomorrow! Even though the Lionel Gang did a Great job of welcoming us tonight.  I am looking forward hopefully for the tour of the repair and testing facilities. Already met some very interesting Lionel Service Personnel!