Lionel passenger cars

I am not sure if anybody makes extruded aluminum passenger cars any more, it's more expensive then plastic and can be more difficult to manufacture as well.

Lionel made those cars years ago, don't know about Lionel current production.

K-Line had some extruded aluminum passenger cars when they were in business, before the Lionel take-over.

Lee Fritz

With the recent release of its latest 18" passenger cars in four roadnames, Lionel may very well be ending its aluminum car production as we knew it... which is sad because Lionel's aluminum cars were well-known as a standard offering for decades in both 15" and 18" sizes.  GGD/Sunset/3rd-Rail still offers aluminum passenger cars, but only in 21" size and those jewels get pretty expensive very quickly. 

We hear about "difficulties in manufacturing" being the prime reason for the cut-over to plastic passenger cars, but I think the real reason is pure dollars and cents.  The importers can essentially price the ABS plastic cars at the same price-point where their aluminum cars left off -- perhaps slightly less in the first production runs (but count on that price-gap all but disappearing in future production runs).  Yet the internal costs may be significantly less expensive.  So they're looking at a huge gift-horse in the mouth, so to speak... namely built-in profits all the way.  Yes, there will be the inherent costs that come with new tooling and such (which isn't insignificant).  But thereafter it's smooth sailing.  Hopefully.

David

So they're looking at a huge gift-horse in the mouth, so to speak... namely built-in profits all the way.  Yes, there will be the inherent costs that come with new tooling and such (which isn't insignificant).  But thereafter it's smooth sailing.  Hopefully.

David

I don't know abut that. With GGD,  and mfgs switching to cheaper materials for construction,  I think the market is going to demand more than "Cookie Cutter" sets like MTH  and WBB have been producing for two decades.  Lets hope the market is smart to say with the cheaper materials and high prices, they will demand more fidelity to scale in the cars such as correct window and roof details along with correct car interiors. I don't theink the market is foolish to accept the status quoe without some pushback. The market is not stupid to just accept the move to cheaper materials in a take it or leave it situation.

phillyreading posted:

I am not sure if anybody makes extruded aluminum passenger cars any more, it's more expensive then plastic and can be more difficult to manufacture as well.

Lionel made those cars years ago, don't know about Lionel current production.

 

You somehow must have missed the many threads over the past few months about Lionel aluminum passenger cars, current and future production, and aluminum cars generally, and the new line of Lionel plastic passenger cars coming out. Anyone who wants to get educated about this should do a search for those threads.

I know for the longest time Williams did But doubt it after Bachmann took over I have a set of the B&O by Williams. Use to have Santa-Fe ones also. 

But does anybody now not sure. As if they do there out of my wallet range lol

Thanks for the info, I'll search some of the previous threads.

As Bill posted, Williams made them for years, and they are still listed in the 2015 Williams by Bachmann catalog. In the January 2016 issue of OGR, J&R Trains (www.jrtrains.com) has 4 Pk for $279; 2 Pk, for $150. Around 1990, Crown Edition painted sets had color window strips.

Trainworld in Brooklyn (www.trainworld.com) has Williams aluminum streamliners in stock, too.

New and used Williams aluminum streamliners turn up at train meets. But sometimes the moment I'm looking for something it disappears. Patience is required.

Good luck!

For sure, I just investigated the cars made by Williams.  They look just like the ones I have.   Thats really good to know as I would like a few more of those cars to add to the ones I have.

If your interest is 15" cars, every manufacturer made them. Even MTH made a few. K-Line made some with interiors and figures. Lionel may have made some also that way. They all pretty much mix and match if you want to make longer trains. They are readily available on the auction sites. 18" cars, not so much.

Pete