What hasn't been made yet....that would actually sell?

This...

Scale New York Central K5 Pacific.

Scale C&O K3/K3a 2-8-2s

Scale USRA heavy 4-6-2, 2-8-2, and 2-10-2s.

I believe Williams made scale heavy 4-6-2s. 

In thinking about items that have never been made in O gauge, different folks have different areas of interest.  I will limit my comments to motive power. 

I think there is a large group who have a clear preference for steam.  So, they will want those steam engines that have not been made before.  I'm sure there are many, many that haven't been made.  I'm not a steam guy  so I don't know if there are a few that most steam guys could agree on.

There is another group who prefer diesels.  I count myself in this group, and I am sure it is much smaller than the steam fans.  I think there are many diesel fans who would like to see some of the older diesels that haven't yet been made.  Personally, I would like to see Lionel and MTH try to keep up with modern diesel engines.

I'm sure there is another group who are primarily interested in electric engines.  I suspect this is an even smaller group.  I have no idea what their preferences would be.

And, slicing the hobby a different way, there are many folks who are interested in particular railroads.  Whether it is steam, diesel, or electric, they want to see every piece of motive power that that railroad has ever run made in O gauge.

Of course with the small size of O gauge railroading and concerns about it continuing to get smaller, unfortunately, I don't think we will many, if any, new O gauge engines of any type that would involve the investment in new dies.

I'll shut up now.

A re-issue'd Lionel 375 turntable with modern controls....

How about SP 4-6-2 Pacific like 32472 at Niles Canyon,these were the backbone of the Penninsula Comute Runs.

Mikey

My top choice for a steam locomotive that is not currently made and would sell well enough to make a profit is a high-quality scale Baldwin 4-6-0 from the turn of the century era (1890-1910). These engines were ubiquitous on branch lines right up to the end of steam, functioning as dual-purpose power for way freights and commuter locals. There is nothing available in this category now. The current Ten-Wheelers are either too modern (Lionel), made from a PRR prototype with a Belpaire firebox and therefore unsuitable to be decorated for other railroads (MTH Premier), toylike and lacking in detail (MTH Rail King), or a low-priced item that is good value but not satisfactory if you want a nice scale engine (Williams). 

Here's a photo of what I'm talking about. The tall stack, high domes, uneven wheel spacing, skinny boiler and sharply tapered firebox are typical of the era. This picture happens to be a Milwaukee Road engine, but Baldwin and others cranked out hundreds like it. I'd buy one and I think a lot of other steam fans with small layouts would too. 

Oh, boy...I could get tired of typing a long list.....but the only way that can

be proven is to actually offer them in the market place.

I will second the C&O K series...BUT didn't somebody (Lionel or MTH) offer the Pacific

equivalent and very few were sold?  You want a deposit?

The cancelled MTH McKeen car...several people have claimed they wished they had

signed up for one and got it produced.  I did. It wasn't.  Deposit?

Seen that G scale Mack railbus in the Orange Hall?  I'll sign up for a three rail O scale

model (hey, make it in two rail, also). Deposit?

Edwards small gas electrics were once all over the place....I want one.  Deposit?

These may not be much in demand elsewhere, but I want separate sale Vanderbilt

tenders in three lengths.  I'll take mine with coal, SP fans may want oil.  I'll take

at least two of each length, the longest on three axle trucks, but I'd live with it if

the mfr. of the C&O K had sense enough to offer separate sale extras of its tender.

I think that three rail O should get one, at least, scale model of a side door caboose..

how about an ATSF version like was sitting on the ground at Rhyolite ghost town in

Death Valley?  Lotsa people like the Santa Fe.

In the tourist-trap gift shops in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge down in Smoky Mtn.

National Park, you could probably sell out a run of the Little River Logging 2-4-4-2

loco.  Just tell the tourists they are driving on roads that once carried the rails that

loco ran on.

On and on...etc., etc.

I think there is a possibility that new dies will be made even in this economy.  People will get tired of the same old molds all the time and just stop buying.

I do believe that whatever model the manufacturers make in at least the near future will have to be usable for many different roads.  For steam, a new model of a USRA design that was popular with several roads might get traction.  I don't think we will see my most wanted engine, a Lionel Legacy PRR T1, anytime soon because it just has too small a fan base.

Same for diesels.  An engine not yet made in O gauge that was used by many roads could get built.  Something used by the PRR in the late 40s would be nice

For me, I could live without new models for now while the hobby sorts itself out.  I would like to see the re-release of currently produced models in additional road names not yet used.  As a Pennsy fan, how about Lionel producing its Legacy E6 steamer in PRR post war paint, or any manufacturer releasing its latest F3 iteration in the correct PRR freight scheme.   I don't think I ask for too much

The rest of the freight cars that match the diesel-electric locomotives models for the era between 1960-1980. Like the Pullman-Standard 85' intermodal flat cars and the modern Gondolas from Greenville Steel Car, Gunderson, Thrall Car.  

Andrew

Higher definition semi-scale Rail King and Lionmaster steam locomotives.  Smooth side Rail Kimg passenger cars with Budd domes.

With regards Intermodal cars.........................Gunderson Maxi Stack IV.

Regards,

Swafford

OMG. How many times do I have to say it...

This is turning into another wish list of what do you want Lionel (or other manufacturer) to make.  If you really look at the original post, the question is being asked about what would actually sell.  Heck, if anyone knew what the correct, exact answer really was, they would be soon at the top of the manufacturing pyramid.  

I would buy one, seen them at the Reading terminal in Philly a few times

Would love some Rutland Steam but I know that will never happen.  I've been very luck with all the Boston & Albany products over the years but I'm sure the well is dry now.

Less expensive stuff.