What would you like to see Lionel present in 2013?

1. Vintage American Flyer style track. Thay already make straights and wide curves, I want some brand new 21" curves.

 

2. A classic AF styled steam locomotive, similar in quality and detail level with their O gauge Polar Express Berkshire, but in S Scale.

3. A highly detailed small steam locomotive, maybe a 2-8-0 or even a Mogul. Bonus points if it looks close enough to "western styling" to be a credible SP, UP, or Santa Fe locomotive.

 

4. A GP9, RS3, or other smallish road engine with detail level similar to Athearn Genesis, etc. (Yes, I know American Models has done them. I want something with more detail out of the box).

5. Their SD70ACe in the legacy Western Pacific scheme.

 

Cheers,

Ken

A GP30 and GP35 diesel locomotive priced at $250-$300.

 

Pacific Car & Foundry 57' Mechanical Refrigerator Car

 

Greenbrier AUTO-MAX Articulated 2-Unit Auto Carrier

 

Andrew

The Traditional O Gauge Open Bi-Level and Tri-Level Auto Carriers with S Gauge Trucks and 1/64th Scale Automobiles.

 

The traditional O Gauge Thrall Car Oval opening Center-I Beam Flat Car with Lumber is practically S Scale in size, so it just has to have S Gauge trucks & couplers adapted to it for operation on S Gauge tracks.

Andrew

I know I'm in the minority about this, but warmed-over traditional O27 stuff with S Gauge trucks may be expediant, but it is not the way to go to in expanding S.

 

Rusty

I would like the following: 

1) GS4 Southern Pacific Daylight Steam Engine

2) The Auto rack carriers that they issued in 2012 for O scale but in "S" scale

3) An operating Milk car (They have the mechanism from the loading platform

4) More Fast-traks, half curves, Cross overs, Accessory tracks a all important Rail Road Crossing with Operating Gates and Sound.

 

 

GLOCKR,

I too would like to see the AF Classics return.

My wish lists also includes the 21" track, complete with Remote Control Switches.

Hudson style steam locos, and perhaps a transformer in the 100 to 200 watt range.

 

Thanks,

 

Phil  

 

More Road numbers.

 

Occasionally my purchasing is hung up because with my arthritis, I prefer not to have to renumber a car with a eye on operation.

 

And perhaps look into a USA Source for making, and bring the prices down. At the cost of some of these things (Which are very nice by the way) It is getting easier to order from GGD instead.

 

Regarding Engines, I hope maybe Williams can consider a 2-8-2 based on the Lionel's own 2-8-2. Lionel may wish to produce a B&O Big 6 or at least a proper scale heavy USRA 2-10-2.

 

Another candidate that is overlooked is the Cotton Belt L Class 4-8-4 that did very good service back in the day.

 

Considering Lionel to think about a Modular set of building parts perhaps. I have a few new lighted signage and want to build some new industry to go with them.

I don't think Williams by Bachmann has any intention of getting into S at this time.

 

Rusty

I don't think we will see them, but my list of wants remains the same:

 

(All new scale tooling with scale wheel/coupler options)

GP-30

GP-7/9

SD-7/9

SD-40-2

RS-1

SW/NW/MP switchers

 

Pretty much any steam from an 0-4-0 to 4-8-4. Take a pause on the Giant articulated models for a spell.

 

I could go on and on, but those would be high on my list.

 

Most important though is that Lionel should ABSOLUTELY produce scale passenger cars with the nifty spring loaded coupler that they have used in O on the S-3 and the new Autoracks.

Full interior conversion kits for retrofitting Lionel's line of baby madison passenger cars.

Here is an idea...buildings!  Take some of the nice O Gauge pre-built buildings and scale them down, they would sell a ton of them.

 

Otherwise...

 

A read-to-run selection of sets that don't suck.(docksider out!)

 

TMCC equipped UP Alco PA set.  I know its been done before, but with TMCC and better detailing in graphics (like the Texas special set) it would be nice.

 

C&NW Geep.(TMCC)

Scale Big-Boy 

Scale Berkshire

Heavy Weight Pullman cars for a troop train

Yellowstone 2-8-8-4

More modern freight cars (there is so much that needs to be done)

Fastrack everything.  We really need a accessory activation track piece. 

 

I would like to see the Flyonel Northern in more road names.

 

A line of conventional classics would go far too I think.  

I would like to see the milk car re-done

 

I think Lionel is done with the traditional tubular flyer track.

 

 

Ben

 

 

 

 

 

I would second this!  Scale passenger cars with nice interiors and correct diaphrams would be excellent.  I would be interested in either heavyweights and sleepers or possibly streamlined cars, depending on what was offered.  If it were round roof, Harriman style cars or accurate Daylight streamlined cars?  Well, lets just say I would get quite a few .

 

IMO, the new auto racks are the best mass produced rolling stock that Lionel has done and the telescoping coupler is GREAT for anyone who wants to run a long, scale length car on tight radius.  I think it could even be designed to accept either the traditional flyer knuckle or even a kadee if someone needed to go that route.

I'm quite happy with my cheap old train projects and I'm not looking to buy any expensive new trains. I'm afraid modern high-end Lionel products just don't interest me.

 

The hobby might have a better future if there were more starter sets available that are reliable, affordable, interesting, and promoting ongoing creativity in the hobby without relying excessively on expensive problematic gadgetry that will become obsolete.

Amen!

 

Mark in Oregon

Electronic gadgetry doesn't have to become obsolete. It can be made upgradeable. That is what Lionel is doing and I applaud that.

 

For those that want inexpensive basic trains, there is plenty of traditional Flyer and American Models product on the market. I am sure Lionel will still have some basic traditional offerings going forward as well. But the market isn't going to grow by offering traditional models. The only way to gain more market share is to offer more scale Hi-tech offerings. Just look at 3rail O for example. The best model of a GE hybrid that exists in any scale IMHO is the Lionel model. It is choke full of Hi-tech features and is as scale as they come (Except for the obvious couplers/flanges).

 

I do agree with the starter set idea. I expect we will see Lionel (and MTH) address this soon.

I tend to be of two minds when it comest to electronics in trains.  There are attatctions to both conventional and command with sound trains.

 

Let's not assume that yanking out the electronics is going to make a lower priced product.

 

The conventional Lionel O gauge 0-4-0 Shifters MSRP for $449.99.

The DCS MTH O gauge Imperial 0-6-0's MSRP for $399.95.

 

Both locomotives are scale proportioned, but frankly, the MTH 0-6-0 is a much better looking locomotive.

 

Now I now full well "street price" is less, yadaa, yadaa, yadaa...  But the average consumer is most likely going to get his first impression of an item out of a catalog, be it hard copy or on line.

Lionel had indicated the possibility of open stock basic starter sets in S that were also supposed to be made in the US.  I was curious to see how they'd turn out.   Given the problems recently with the contractor going bankrupt, the starter sets seem unlikely for the present time.

 

rusty

 

I'd like to follow up on these 3 points.

 

1. I agree totally with this.

 

2. Why do you suppose this is so? If I am buying a car, I'll expect to pay more for one that has more features, just as I will pay less for one without the extras. Therefore I feel a model that has just the basics should cost less, because I'm buying less.

 

3. I wonder if the price difference may have something to do with the brand. You and I (and most here in the Forum) are no doubt familiar with the "MTH" line, but perhaps Lionel just has a higher base price the same as a "name" brand is usually higher than an "off" brand(?)

 

No argument here, just thinking out loud.

 

Mark in Oregon

What REALLY needs to be offered by Lionel for their 'S' American Flyer Union Pacific "Big Boys" and "Challengers" is an auxiliary water tender in UP Armour Yellow!  My son has a Big Boy and I have a Challenger that really need at least ONE!  I've thought of scratch building one or two, but can't locate any scale plans.  I've got dozens of photos I could possibly make them from, but it would be a LOT of WORK!  Either style would be okay by me!  (See attached photos.)

 

Any other 'buyers' out there?  ;-)

 

Regards, Randy

how about them getting there butts in gear to make a PRR Q2 for once!!!

I am waiting to see who makes turnouts first (Lionel or MTH) So I can build a new layout.

 

Gunny

It is unbelievable that Lionel has gone this long without turnouts. The track system should be priority #1.

 

As far as less feature=less money. That is not necessarily how it works. The term "economies of scale" comes to mind. Manufacturing 101.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Day Lionel,

 

Looks like you have a great list of suggestions to consider from the posts above!

 

S Scale will be the fast growing scale in the 21^st Century.  I look forward to the 2013 American Flyer Catalog!

 

Regards,

Swafford  

 

PS: Thank you to everyone for posting your ideas.  

 

Steam Locomotives

Steam Engines 2-8-0

GS4 Southern Pacific

AF Classics

Hudson Steamer

2-8-2

USRA 2-10-2

B&O Big 6

Cotton Belt L Class 4-8-4

0-4-0

4-8-4

Scale Big Boy

Scale Berkshire

Scale Yellowstone 2-8-8-4

PRR Q2

Polar Express Berkshire

 

Diesel Locomotives

RS3

UP/Western Pacific Heritage SD70ACe

GP7

GP9

GP30

GP35

SD7

SD9

RS1

SD40-2

UP Alco PA Set

SW/NW/MP Switchers

 

Rolling Stock

Pacific Car & Foundry 57' Mechanical Refrigerator Car

Greenbrier Auto-Max Articulated 2Unit Auto Carrier

Open Bi-Level & Tri-level Auto Carriers with 1/64 Trucks & cars

Thrall Open Center I-Beam Flat Car

Milk car with mechanism from the loading platform

Full interior conversion kits for retrofitting Lionel's line of baby Madison passenger cars.

Heavy Weight Pullman cars for a troop train

More modern freight cars

Auxiliary Water Tender in UP Armour Yellow

Scale passenger cars w/ nifty spring loaded couplers liked used in O on the S-3 and the new Autoracks.

 

 

Track and accessories

Transformer 100/200 Watt Range

More Fastraks, half curves, Cross overs, Accessory tracks an all-important Rail Road Crossing with Operating Gates and Sound.

Fastrack everything

21" Curved Track

Modular Buildings for industry’s

Pre-built buildings from the O Gauge line-up

Hello Everyone ! I like all the new items Lionel is creating for us. Its been a slow trek

since 1979. Being an American Flyer die-hard since childhood ;an old school flyer fan.

 

I've been waiting patiently for a remake of the following:

 

980 B&O Time Saver car

981 Central of Georgia car

25019 Operating Milk car

24553 Rocket Transport flatcar

785 Coal Loader  {Not MTH}  I know they considered it awhile back.

4-6-4 Hudson  Scale or AF Style

0-8-0  NKP Switcher   Do original dies exist?

Retry Southern Crescent Set

 

Thanks Everyone ____ Bye

This speculation thread can be the most fun on the forum up till the catalog comes out so I don't want to let it die. U30c's should not be hard to do with the tooling on hand. I need a U boat in C&NW and one in UP. Ben

Scale down the existing standard O cars like the PS-1 boxcar, AAR 2 bay offset hopper, Pfaudler milk car, PS-5 gondola, PS-4 flat car and the short USRA flat car.  

 

Brian

Good Day Gentlemen,

 

U30C would be great! I'd like to add the L&N U30C's to the list.

 

Regards,

Frank

 

 

How about some Santa Fe U Boats in these color schemes?

 

Are these U33C's?

 

Regards,

Frank

Long over due is the scale reading t-1 with all the bells and whisles.

 It has been a long time since one was built. The last one did not have all the detail it could have. It would be nice to have one with legacy.

How about a C&NW 4-4-2 D class or a 4-6-2 E class.  The current 4-4-2 Atlantic might pass but the tender would need to be changed.

I would take the auxiliary tender in yellow! Ben

I have to vote for the starter set idea.  Something akin to the "Lionel Scout" or the M&St. L sets currently being offered in O.  Maybe reissuing one of the classic Flyer sets, like one of the sets with the Reading Atlantic or something.

 

While American Models or someone else may have sets available, they still aren't completely in range of someone who could afford only one of the starter O sets, and if you would want more interest in S gauge, a basic and affordable starter set would really help.

 

Although Lionel has done more with Flyer as time has gone on, I still think they haven't done what can be done to make the brand name better known.

I want a Norfolk & Western J Class steam locomotive.  I also second the request for a SP Daylight steam engine.

 

Mark

4-6-4 Scale Hudson with Legacy.

Fast track the FastTrack system.

Legacy PA's in new road names.

SD-40.

More wishes...

 

A full scale set of California Zephyr cars, along with WP F3 A-B-B, CB&Q F3 A-B-A, and DRGW F3 A-B-B-A.

A "30B-L" transformer (ala the ZW-L)

I have often wondered how hard it would be for Lionel to put an "AF" on their transformer as apposed to the "L". I would love the new ZW-L in the skin of a "AF-L". Ben

If a broad cross section of owners of Lionel rtr starter sets were asked, I'd say among their top concerns is the anemic smoke output from the majority of piston driven puffer smoke units installed in most Lionel RTR starter set engines. So, I'd tell Lionel that for the relatively little extra it would cost to install fan driven smoke units in ALL their locomotives, they should start doing that immediately. MTH does it and so can/SHOULD Lionel.

Kenn

 How about the most modern mechanical reefers? Like on that UP fresh produce express train has?

 

Well, looking at what they've tooled up in O, I'd like the scale 2-6-0, NYC F-12 4-6-0, USRA 0-8-0 and an Alco S-2/4.  Enough with the marquee engines like the J and GS4.  I just want some common small steam and diesels!

 

Brian

How about a Genset switcher? Ben

Not my era, but a Genset makes sense!

 

Brian

Keep producing Strasburg RR cars/engines! Terry

 

Good choices, the 2-6-0 would be a dynamite locomotive in S (particularly with scale wheels) but I think we'll be on the marquee for a while.

 

Rusty

As much as I love small stuff, I wouldn't hold my breath. The size of the electronics will dictate what is made for the next few years at least IMHO.

ES44AC's would be fantastic!

 

Regards,

Swafford

#754 Gilbert AF double track girder bridge

Chessie System C&O/B&O ACF Center Flow Cylindrical 3-Bay Covered Hoppers.

 

Andrew

Valid point.  They've done a USRA light 4-8-2 in O and that has a few roadname options...NYO&W (kind of a foobie, but Bachmann did it with their 4-8-2 in HO) for me!

Even if it were a single motor unit, a Genset would be nice.

 

Greg

Once again for the umpteenth time a Southern Ry heavy Ms-4 Mikado, the road's mainline freight engine for 30 years 1923-53.

And, a 2-10-2 "Hog" or "Big Fifty" as the crews called them,would sell well also--the backside push power of Saluda and the Loops at Black Mountain.

With the great success of the Y3 engine, I'd like to see them use that chassis under an SP Cab Forward (yes, the lead truck will need to be changed, and scale guys would want the drivers diameter changed a little bit.

Hmm, speaking of SP, a GS4 Daylight would be nice too! Maybe built as a "Classical Flyer" one.

And it would be nice if they produced a trailing truck and a tender from the Challenger tooling to put under & behind the Big Boy so they'd clear the ACG action rails.

Gee, if they did a Cab-Forward AND a Daylight that would be two non-coal burner steamers--a FIRST for the AF line!

 

A Cab-Forward would require a new chassis, not a recycled Y3 chassis.  There was 7" difference in driver diameter between the Y3 and an AC12 and almost 10' in length of the locomotive alone, which is significant.

 

I'm no Uber-modeler, but If I'm going to spend a grand on a locomotive, I don't want it to be a cartoon.

 

Lionel's done a good thing with the Challengers and Y3's, I'd hate to see them step backwards.  Any positive feelings they've built up with the scale side (and the Y3 got a lot of scalers looking more seriously at Lionel) would be lost and very difficult to get back.

 

Rusty

Rusty,

  I agree that the model should be scale, but 7" is probably doable within the chassis. (Egads, what does that work out to in S scale? Less than a 1/16" per side? You do realize that that's within turning limits of the driver tire on the Prototype?) As to the extra 10' that's likely firebox area, which is why the leading truck was 4 wheeled, as I mentioned. Not a major change in the chassis, but yes, in the boiler/cab shell.  My point was/is that there would not have to be a complete build from scratch--the Y3 chassis would be a great starting point.

 

Sorry to disagree, but adapting the Y3 chassis to a Cab Forward, if Lionel were to do one, would be a giant leap backwards for the American Flyer line. 

 

Just as plopping a "J" boiler on the traditional Flyer Northern chassis, it would look awkward and destroy any credibility that Lionel is serious about attracting people to S.

 

If Lionel's ever does a Flyer Cab forward, might as well do it right the first time.

 

Rusty

David,

That 7" is per driver times 8.  I think that is part of the 10' difference besides firebox design.  1/16th is 4" also.

 

 It would be like repainting the N&W J 4-8-4 in daylight colors and calling it a GS-4.

 

Greg

UNCLE!! I'm sorry I ever brought up the idea.

DAvid

Let's see...

 

1) ALCO:

 a) C-430 - Demonstrator, NYC, GB&W, PC, Conrail, NYS&W, M&E, WP&NY, SCL (I believe one made it to this scheme)

 b) C-636 - IC, PC, SP&S, Demonstrator, M-K Co., QCM, Conrail, D-L (Conrail blue version and now D-L corporate scheme)

 c) S-2/4 - B&O, Reading, WM, D&H (straight black), etc.

 d) RS-2 - Reading, CNJ, D&H (straight black, black w/safety stripes and of course - Champlain Blue and Gray)

 e) RS(D)-1 - (overseas cab and unique c-c trucks), US Army, TVRM, Alaska RR, etc.

 

2) Baldwin:

 a) RS-12 - CNJ, Milwaukee Road, McCloud River, NYC, PRR, SAL

 b) DR-4-4-1500 'BabyFace' - CNJ, MP, NYC

 c) AS-16 - WM, Reading, Erie, NS, Peabody Coal, PRSL

 d) AS-616 - C&O, Milwaukee Road, SP, Trona, UP

 

3) GE:

 a) 44-ton -

 

4) Lima-Hamilton:

 a) LRS-1200 - NYC(CRI), RI

 b) LS-1000 - B&O, Armco Steel

 c) LS-750 - Chicago Union Terminal

 

Henry J 

Actually, I was thinking of something pretty simple. Maybe Lionel could resurrect the original AF refrigerator car body with the sliding door. Currently, the only reefers available are the ones with the solid doors. The cars they refer to as reefers with opening doors are actually box cars with reefer doors. Unfortunately, since the box car bodies have door nibs, Lionel has added latches to the plug doors, making for a somewhat silly looking combination.

 

Just a thought.

How about putting the AF cars on scale trucks with mounting areas for Kadee couplers.  A second floor/base would be easy to tool up. 

 

Greg Elems

Hi Greg,

 

According to the Lionel catalog and website, the scale hoppers will have mounting holes for scale couplers (not included).  Since there a number of scale coupler choices out there, I can't blame Lionel for not including them.

 

As far as trucks go, the photos make them look nice, but it remains to be seen just HOW nice.  So far, Lionel gets kudos from me for good effort. 

 

Jerry

I guess I should have been clearer on my post.  The old AF cars would look nice with scale floors, trucks and an area for scale couplers to be body mounted.  I have one of the new scale hoppers on order.  I don't expect Lionel to supply scale couplers unless they do a Kadee clone like SHS did.

 

Greg

SHS only supplied scale couplers for the ore cars and F-units, otherwise we were on our own for Kadees.

 

If Lionel has their new line Flyer freight cars prepped for Kadees, so much the better. 

 

I'm also curious about the new catalog contents, but I'm not going to make a laundry list of what I'd personally like to see.

 

However, I expect we'll see the conclusion of the UP Heritage, a few more NS Heritage, maybe a new steam chooch and hopefully more new freight cars and something like the UP CA4 caboose.

 

Rusty

Oh I guess I better get busy on my scratch build UP CA4 caboose so Lionel will bring theirs out.   I have the trucks, and floor done so far.

 

I agree, just having the floor prept for Kadees would be really nice.  SHS couplers were seperate sale items also. 

 

Times are interesting for S scale now......

 

Greg

I think Lionel will slow down on brand new product this year.  Meaning no brand new steam and diesel engine types.  I bet what we will see will be new road names on stuff they have already made.  It takes a lot of cash to develop whole new items especially steam engines.  In the last several years they have done well for us Flyer S gauge people.   

Good Day Bill,

 

I think just the opposite. Lionel will continue to present new diesel locomotives and rolling stock in their 2013 American Flyer Catalog.  Full steam ahead!

 

Respectfully,

Frank  

Good Day,

 

Thinking big today............. How about the Pullman-Standard Double Door 86' Hi-Cube Box Cars!

 

Regards,

Swafford

 

 

Pictures are from Brian Marsh at Overland Hobbies. The cars presented below look great in HO and would be fantastic in S Scale too! 

 

Lionel has a 180 watt transformer in the new R-T-R catalog.

  Hmmmm...... 1) Dreyfus Hudson(scale with match cars)

         2) PRR Duplex

         3) Scale Big Boy

         4) SD40

          5) N&W J

          6) Any Canadian steam(dont think I'll see that in my lifetime!)

          7) FM C Liner ABA 

    What about Newer Stuff?

          1) GE AC4400

          2) SD90

          3) UP Turbine

 

   Al

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

 

For American Flyer, look to the Lionel O gauge catalog for an indication of what could be produced.

 

For MTH, (anything not derived from SHS tooling,) the Premire and HO catalogs.

 

Rusty

Good Day,

 

I'm hoping for a Lionel ES44AC in S Scale. Time will tell!

 

Regards,

Frank 

Lionel should offer down the road Western Maryland Shay #6 in S. They made it in O gauge, so they have the research.

Because it's the most bodacious Shay ever built.

How about a Subway set?

Whatever locomotives they come up with (and some of the pictures in the thread are stunning) I need just a very dependable standard transformer controlled foward-neutral-reverse engine.  No need for Legacy, DCC, Railsounds or other accoutrements which drive up the price and complicate problems!  Guys are paying close to a grand for locomotives that need shims, milled washers and whatever else we're reading about.  This makes no sense to me.

Mark

I agree with Swafford 100% on the 86' box cars. This is what I'd like to see in O gauge.

 

I'd like to see S gauge flex track and some prototypical looking Hi-rail turnouts...

 

Tom Stoltz

in Maine

Hear,hear! That's exactly what I've been thinking for the longest time now...

 

Mark in Oregon

Canadian National and CP Rail Multimark Mechanical Refrigerator Cars, Three-Bay Open-Top Hoppers, and Gondolas.

 

Andrew

They could find the tooling for the ERTL 1/64th scale GP35 diesel made in China in 1994 and use that as the basis for a new diesel starter set series.

 

Andrew

I am the exact opposite.  I do not want any non-Legacy Engines anymore.  I really like the crewtalk, electric couplers, railsounds and digital control.  I will not buy any non Legacy Engines any longer.

 

--Rocco--

I buy for what the locomotive is, not the features. If it has all the "bells and whistles," so be it.  If not, no big deal. 

 

If somebody built an S Scale Frisco 1630 Russian decapod, I wouldn't care if it was powered by clockwork.

 

Plus in S, it looks like we will be fortunate with DCC (and DC) being the common ground between Legacy and DCS.

 

Rusty

Strummer, Poniaj and Others,

The other day I picked up a nice Burlington SD9 for $142.  It looks great, has as much detail as I need AND it runs well--even on my less than perfect track!  I'm not opposed to the other stuff, but some of us really don't need it (especially if we are really limited financially).  I think that American Models has achieved a nice balance of detail, dependability, sounds AND price.  Additionally, AM offers a couple of options--limited sound or full sound; AC or DC; hi-rail or scale--with corresponding prices.  Some of the new Lionel stuff looks really sharp, and like many of us I would like to have it all, BUT . . . . .  Perhaps LTI could be persuaded to give us some options as AM does.

Mark

That's what I've been saying all along. Lionel ( or whomever) could do what Atlas does in HO and N: "Trainman" series ( a good, basic engine), "Classic"( one step up with additional details, etc), and the "Master" series, with all the "bells and whistles".

 

Some of us can't (or don't want) to spend $ on features we don't need...if Atlas can do it, so can Lionel, one would think.

 

Mark in Oregon