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Just got two Standard O PRR   refrigerated boxcars from the Lionel Store.   They were the first Lionel products I had seen made in Vietnam.  They were $45 + shipping on the Labor Day Sale deal.  I think from the 2019 VII Catalog.

SKUs:                           Roadname                                                         Road Number

2143081PRR19103
2143082PRR19198

They had diecast trucks and wheels,  one had lost its screw holding the truck in place, so I took the car apart and re-installed, no big deal.   They seem to be pretty heavy compared to some,  good (molded)  detailing on the underbody, but no added-on detail parts ( not expected Standard O features) and are O Scale (not  "traditional").  Tuscan color was right.   They seem to run pretty well, too.

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I think "anything but China" might be the stance going forward.  However, with manufacturing a labor-intensive product the Communist countries may be the only choice and almost mandatory to be competitive.  Imagine, Lionel and other train products "made in Vietnam" (already there), but "Made in North Korea"? 



It's all about what WE, the consumers- are willing to pay.  Are we willing to pay +50% for "Made in USA"??  I for one, am.

My Rutland two bay hoppers were made in Vietnam.  They look like they were assembled by a fourth grader and painted by a kindergartener.  I hope the assembly improves and soon.  I can see why Lionel wants out of China or at least spread the eggs around but they shouldn't be letting out product like this until it's right.

The Weaver tooling is the Lionscale line of cars.  They have offered lots of cars through it such as the 50' reefer, the flat car, and some others I can't think off the top of my head.  A lot of custom run products come out of that line as the MOQ is 100 vs. 300 or 500 for other Lionel products.

Products sourced from around the world is just a fact of life.  It ties into the other central theme of this forum, "look at the prices!"

I perceive a very pleasant irony in this thread, coming as it does on the heels of the Running Trains in 1967 thread.

In 1967, many of our compatriots here were in Vietnam but had no time for even thinking much about trains.  Today, those same folks might be running trains made there.  I refuse to stray too near anything political, but I find great satisfaction in seeing that there is cultural rapprochement in the offing which suggests that maybe, just maybe, our time, blood, and treasure were not entirely wasted, that our peoples might be able to find common ground to the betterment of us both.

@palallin posted:

I perceive a very pleasant irony in this thread, coming as it does on the heels of the Running Trains in 1967 thread.

In 1967, many of our compatriots here were in Vietnam but had no time for even thinking much about trains.  Today, those same folks might be running trains made there.  I refuse to stray too near anything political, but I find great satisfaction in seeing that there is cultural rapprochement in the offing which suggests that maybe, just maybe, our time, blood, and treasure were not entirely wasted, that our peoples might be able to find common ground to the betterment of us both.

Very well said.

Mike

Vietnam has come a very long way to becoming a first world country'.. Many things are being manufactured and imported all over the free world.  For those that have never ventured there, it is indeed a beautiful country.  It is now also a vacation wonderland as well.  The South China sea, never falls below 65 degrees.  Other than the monsoon season, the weather is terrific.  It does get hot and humid, but still nice.  However, technical manufacturing has a ways to go.  That caboose is nice.  Engines are a different story.  Nothing will ever replace our very significant losses But I guess, it is no different then every country the US has rebuilt after the conflict.

After 51 years, I can forgive, but not forget'... I do wish them well... as they continue to go forward'...

@Larry Sr. posted:

Ted

I just can't get around that yet. Probably never will. Sorry , I don't forgive, I don't wish them well and I definitely won't forget. Sorry my opinion.

I'm probably going to guess my oldest son after spending 3 tours flying helicopters in Afghanistan won't feel to much different, lol

Larry

Larry, I hear you', and completely understand... The North Vietnamese were the problem and of course the VC.  Most Arvin and the SViets were okay.  My son recently retired, CW4. 30 years.  3 tours Iraq, 3 Afghanistan,, 1 Bosnia, 1 Kuwait. 1 South Korea.... I live every day in pain, some days worse than others.  When folks ask me why I'm having trouble walking, and other visible ailments, I tell them.. Some days are diamonds, and some days are jacks..........

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