I met Mike 8 years ago and luckily I can still call him my friend. He has helped me when I was beyond help and has taught this old man more than his brain can consume. I am like the rest of you, I do hope he stays in this hobby. But also I have to say to Mike, may God richly bless you and your family in the future.
Hi all. New member here. WOW! This is a surprise. Best of luck to Mike!
He is a good guy, I wish him a he best.
In all honesty I do not see how it affects me or any of you. People come and go,I think Lionel will still sell us trains and fix the ones that break.
Fred
audi posted:He is a good guy, I wish him a he best.
In all honesty I do not see how it affects me or any of you. People come and go,I think Lionel will still sell us trains and fix the ones that break.
Fred
This is true but when you have someone who cares and goes that extra mile because he loves what he does then it becomes a big loss to the company and more importantly, you, the consumer.
-Pete
Back in 2008 our modular club "The Pittsburgh Independent Hi-Railers" got invited to set up a 16 x40 layout at the LCCA convention in Buffalo NY and we where in the same ball room where Lionel had their display set-up with the latest Lionel offerings, at the end of our first day of operation we where getting ready to leave for the evening and in strolls Mike Reagan and some dude from Texas with a couple of six packs of Corona (I think) and looking at our layout and wanting to run trains the next thing I know Mike goes over to the Lionel display and gets the then new Legacy Union Pacific FEF to run on our layout,this went on till 1:00/2:00 in the morning and we got to run quite a few engines that evening !!! My son who was 14 years old at the time all of a sudden disappeared I found him asleep under one of the modules !! Very cool memories.
audi posted:He is a good guy, I wish him a he best.
In all honesty I do not see how it affects me or any of you. People come and go,I think Lionel will still sell us trains and fix the ones that break.
Fred
Hi Fred, will this change my life? Probably not! What it definitely dose show is that even though we as customers in this hobby can be trying at times we none the less remember the people who made our past time more fun then it would of been if they have not served us.
True, all things must past but it is always wise to remember the good. 
I never meet him but he did a lot at lionel.This is a real shock to the system.He will be missed by many.
I've been out of O since Legacy started so I never had anything to do with Mike Reagan. I do peruse the forum probably every day and may throw in a snide comment now and then, so my participation is minimal. That said, being a forum lurker, I have become aware how much he was involved in the 'Lionel nation', but frankly not to the extent that has been expressed here. Sounds like he needs a break. Go musky fishing. Get a guide. Let him do all the work. I don't know if they sell Corona in Canada, but a Labatts should be around somewhere. The guy has to be charred to a crisp with all that pressure. Answering phone calls and emails at all hours of the day and night from anxious if not testy O gaugers. That sounds like half of it. Sounds like a prince of a man. Hope it's not health related. That said, it's not right to speculate on his reason. Any way about it, I'm quite sure he won't miss the constant pressure from all sides in his many roles he was filling. He probably feels like he's been in combat nonstop for the last three years. Take a break. Have a brew. Best of luck!
I want to thank Mike for all his hard work, dedication and service to Lionel. He changed the landscape of Lionel and truly understands manufacturing, design, development and above all customer service. He responded to the challenge and delivered new CCII Niagara gears after we asked. Not many people would have stepped up to fix an inherited problem. He knows what a Net Promoter Score of +1 means.
Mike, thanks for your professionalism, friendship and best of luck on what ever you do.
All the best.
Kevin
Mike, we go way back to TAS days, you know I love you like the son I never had. But also think of you as a Friend who was also a mentor in the train hobby. I learned a lot from you and I treasure that. I know you and I will stay in touch, but I also know whatever you decide to do, you will do 150 %. Keep your head high and know that you touched the lives of many Toy Train nuts.
Thank you, My Friend
Ernie
bluelinec4 posted:Sorry to see Mike go. Great guy Maybe Mike will make Mike an offer!!!!!!
His knowledge and experience are probably reflected in a "non-compete" clause in an employment contract.
Mike is really lucky--he gets to read his own eulogy.
Seriously, he's a special guy. His contributions to Lionel and to the hobby have been enormous. And, as so many people have said, he has been helpful and friendly to us often persnickety hobbyists above and beyond the call of duty.
Whatever the circumstances of this transition for Mike, it's a big change in his life. Given Mike's talents, I'm sure it will only lead to bigger and better things. I wish him the very best.
Keith
Charlienassau posted:Mike, you will truly be missed by us. You were the face of Lionel and both Chris and I thank you for your dedication to the hobby. I know we will see you again in this great industry! Charlie
I second or third or fourth the above and add
if you are reading this mike and are ever in san diego stop by for a tour of the san diego 3 railers.
Thanks Mike. Back in your TAS days you treated me more as friend in need than just a customer. I wish you all the best in your future.
Odd this happened BEFORE 12-25-16!
Larry3railtrains posted:you treated me more as friend in need than just a customer.
Larry I think you just hit the nail on the head with this.
The timing of this is interesting as well - occurring just after York.
OGR Webmaster posted:Having said that, I also just removed a few posts from this thread that were getting into areas where we don't want to go. There is no sense in speculating about why Mike did this, nor is there a need for the "conspiracy theorists" to form opinions on why Mike did this. The fact is he chose to resign from Lionel on good terms and he is not obligated to tell anyone about details of his decision.Let's leave it at that.
Thank you. Some people need to read your post a few times.
I wish Mike the best and echo everyone's sentiments. As for the why, you might as well stop trying to read to much into it. It could be something simple like Mikes wife wants to move back to Ohio, or something along those lines. Whatever the reason he will be missed at Lionel. BigRail
Mike H Mottler posted:He could be the leader of the successor team at OGR magazine
That is the craziest thing I have heard yet...
Good luck, Mike!
I like Lionel trains, and you made them better!
Hope, maybe in the future ... you'll pop on the forum and say "hi."
EscapeRocks posted:OGR Webmaster posted:Having said that, I also just removed a few posts from this thread that were getting into areas where we don't want to go. There is no sense in speculating about why Mike did this, nor is there a need for the "conspiracy theorists" to form opinions on why Mike did this. The fact is he chose to resign from Lionel on good terms and he is not obligated to tell anyone about details of his decision.Let's leave it at that.
Thank you. Some people need to read your post a few times.
How true. And you can pretty much predict which of the usual suspects here will try to elevate this to the level of international intrigue. 
I talked with Mike last night. He and I go back a bit and we are good friends. I am delighted that he counts me among his many friends.
Rich's post sums it up nicely and I recommend that the "conspiracy folks" read it over a couple of more times until it sinks in.
Mike is taking a needed break and the one thing, among many, that he said lat night is that he is truly humbled by the comments he has been reading on the Forum.
That fits well with the Mike Reagan I know. He is a highly skilled guy who has always really cared about what he does.
Ed Boyle
EscapeRocks posted:OGR Webmaster posted:Having said that, I also just removed a few posts from this thread that were getting into areas where we don't want to go. There is no sense in speculating about why Mike did this, nor is there a need for the "conspiracy theorists" to form opinions on why Mike did this. The fact is he chose to resign from Lionel on good terms and he is not obligated to tell anyone about details of his decision.Let's leave it at that.
Thank you. Some people need to read your post a few times.
I would strongly recommend anyone wanting to speculate as to the underlying story to read the above post a few times. AFTER thoughtful reflection THEN you should ..... go back and read it a few MORE times. And FINALLY post nothing and go play with your trains.
Mike best of luck in your future endeavors. You have been great for Lionel and the hobby. They will have to hire 3 people to fill your position,
Marty
I never met Mr. Reagan or spoke with him. From what I have read on the forum, somebody at Lionel better have a magic wand to find his replacement.
Thank you, Mike!
I had asked Mike one time about converting a TMCC engine to 4 chuffs and if I could buy a Legacy version chassis that already had the lobes on the cam. He said that I could do that and though he would like to sell me a chassis, the more economical way for me would be to buy some JB Weld and apply the remaining two lobes to the cam. That went a very long way with me. He was always great about returning emails and I'm sure he got a TON of them.
This is such a shock because in this hobby we the consumer get to know the top people of the companies that we buy from. Mike certainly has become a friend to all of us. Not many other consumers of product have that privilege. Thanks Mike.
Rod Miller
Mike,
The first time I met you (via phone) was in the TAS Days when I was upgrading an MTH Allegheny. I truly appreciate the help you gave me back then, and I also appreciate how you were able to make the Service and Parts departments at Lionel top notch. Your videos were also great in being able to preview an engine before buying it and seeing all the bells and whistles (so to speak).
You will be missed, but your legacy will endure!! 
Many many years ago a tall young fellow that had a hobby shop called Train America went on a quest to find an electronics engineer that was a train goober. Ultimately he ended up at my house with two boxes in hand, one with TMCC product and one with PS1 product. He clearly explained his plan...make this (TMCC) talk to that (PS1).
After about 2 weeks I was ready to give up and then there was a brain storm. Next thing I know Mike and I have a patent and he created Train America Studios. Mike showed his marketing talent along with his model building skills (Yes he can draw and he can weather among other talents).
His friendships have been portrayed here in this thread. I am delighted to have him as a friend for these many years. I wish him the best and am very excited to see what he comes up with next. Best Regards!
Louis
Alex M posted:Mike indeed has his family with him in NC, I've had the pleasure of seeing his new home and enjoying dinner with his family. This news really hit home for me, and I just can't picture Lionel without Mike. I wish there was something I could do !!!!!!
Alex
What can you do?
Send your resume to Lionel and give all of us as references!
You'll like NC. Lots of ex-New Yorkers live here... 
Mike Reagan was a very intelligent and knowledgeable guy who clearly knew his stuff and did care about us consumers, and that's all we can ask for in any employee.
It's disappointing to see him move on, but he left his mark at Lionel, and hopefully Lionel will find someone to fill in his position.
Mike,
I will miss the late nights on convention floors with you using my tools from my toolbox so that you could fix other customer's trains. I can't remember when I've had such wonderful evenings. I will miss your wonderful wit and humor that always cheers me up.
Don't be away too long,
Tom
You always want the best for folks. Such is certainly the case for mike. Not sure why he's leaving, its not my business. My favorite people I've ever worked with and for, we're great characters. I didn't personally know much about mike at all, other than just what I've heard on notch 6 and reading here. But anytime you loose character like that its a real loss. Mike sure seemed like a real character. I don't see how in any way this isn't a major loss for Lionel, regardless of the reason. But i certainly wish him the best as do us all i'm sure. Bummer for a lot of folks.
Yes Mike is gone and Lionel makes mistakes from time to time but let's give them a little credit. The sky ain't falling. He will be missed but I expect the best O gauge train company will continue to be the best, Mike or not.
Lou N posted:Many many years ago a tall young fellow that had a hobby shop called Train America went on a quest to find an electronics engineer that was a train goober. Ultimately he ended up at my house with two boxes in hand, one with TMCC product and one with PS1 product. He clearly explained his plan...make this (TMCC) talk to that (PS1).
After about 2 weeks I was ready to give up and then there was a brain storm. Next thing I know Mike and I have a patent and he created Train America Studios. Mike showed his marketing talent along with his model building skills (Yes he can draw and he can weather among other talents).
His friendships have been portrayed here in this thread. I am delighted to have him as a friend for these many years. I wish him the best and am very excited to see what he comes up with next. Best Regards!
Louis
There are many insights on this thread for those that are interested but as far as I am concerned this one takes the prize. I remember thinking way back when that TAS was a credit to the hobby and Lionel had been very fortunate to gain its talent. Now it bouys me up to think, as the highlighted words above reflect, that Mike's talent will be deployed in a new (hopefully O gauge) direction.
P.S. I say nothing about the posts above concerning six wheel trucks except that Mike would have given a short and definitive answer whether or not he thought the inquiry was serious.
Best of luck wherever life takes you next. A one-of-a-kind big guy!
I'm getting along in years and need some help on the farm. Mike graciously offered to assist and for just $1 per year in salary!
That's just the kind of guy he is.
Regarding these most recent posts about testing Lionel's post-MR resources, including whether an SD60 has six wheel trucks (a little mischief from a very informed modeler?):
1. Lack of familiarity with a very extensive knowledge base is a concern but for Pete's sake, give them a chance - not least as there might be shell shock after the sudden loss of a key team member.
2. I certainly don't forecast the demise of Lionel with the other resources they have, including Jon Z. who is a frequent poster here, and Ryan and Rudy. I wish them every bit as well as Mike.
Alex,
100% agree!! Mike took a poor quality product and made it better while implementing a manufacturing strategy that used consistent parts in production. Take a look at the number of trucks they used to have, a model number for each truck for each piece of rolling stock. Economies of Scale drives quality + a keen eye.
