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Lou,

 

I just want to say thanks!  I'm interested in many of the ideas that have been suggested and appreciate your interest in doing something in S.  I have no problem with joining the LCCA to participate.  I also feel that you are justified in wanting to do something to increase the membership of the LCCA and fail to see how your motivation in doing so compromises anything.

Hi Troy,

 

thanks for your comments.

 

This is the kind of thinking the LCCA is trying to bring to the TRAIN HOBBY.

There is something for everybody at the LCCA, and collectors are always looking for something new and exciting and different.

 

Whether its a Tin Plate set in O gauge or an S gauge set by LIONEL.

 

If nothing else it stirs the blood and gets people thinking.

 

If it is LIONEL then its a part of the LCCA.

 

SAL GAMBINO/GG1GUYY

DIRECTOR LCCA

Originally Posted by jonnyspeed:

I went ahead and joined the LCCA yesterday. Looking forward to an announcement

Jonny,,

 

Welcome to the club!   Please call me at 248 709-4137.  I invite you to attend our 42nd Annual  Convention in Norfolk VA, july 23-28.   Youwill have a lot of fun.

 

Al Kolis

Immediate Past-President 

Lionel Collectors Club of America

I am intrigued that the LCCA is promoting an 'S' gauge offer which can only be purchased if you are a member. As I have mentioned in another post on this subject, I wonder if the LCCA will partition some of the journal each time to promote 'S' gauge, I some how doubt it, which therefore means the membership only has an advantage to buy something as an 'S' gauger. I believe an earlier post somewhere says that the reason for these promotions is to swell the coffers of the club as it is in needs of funds, that same post I believe also says that it hasn't raised subs for a considerable number of years, What I find bizarre is that if the club has a potential finance issue, why doesn't it just raise the subs?

 

Is there something I have missed or not aware of?

 

Regards,

 

Neil

Originally Posted by Bob Bubeck:
Originally Posted by richabr:

A newer Legacy featured hi rail wheeled scale sized hudson with the PT style centipede tender with 3 heavyweights would do nicely. Speaking of an AF styled Hudson, there was one proposed to be offered which as I recall was even pictured in a catalog ( don't remember the year) which was not made due to either high price or lack of some key parts molds from Gilbert.

 

Rich

The very high pricing of the 1988 cataloged 6-48200 Wabash and 6-48201 AT&SF Hudsons relative to the then current prices for Gilbert Hudsons in LN or E condition 'killed' the project.

 

Bob Bubeck 

Maybe now is the time.  I find it quite interesting that when the Northern reissue was announced a few years ago, Flyonel received THREE times the orders estimated.  And the heavyweights have been begging to be done for decades.  If not NYC, perhaps a Wabash "Midnight" like the Lionel release of '95/'96.

Originally Posted by Ukaflyer:

I am intrigued that the LCCA is promoting an 'S' gauge offer which can only be purchased if you are a member. As I have mentioned in another post on this subject, I wonder if the LCCA will partition some of the journal each time to promote 'S' gauge, I some how doubt it, which therefore means the membership only has an advantage to buy something as an 'S' gauger. I believe an earlier post somewhere says that the reason for these promotions is to swell the coffers of the club as it is in needs of funds, that same post I believe also says that it hasn't raised subs for a considerable number of years, What I find bizarre is that if the club has a potential finance issue, why doesn't it just raise the subs?

 

Is there something I have missed or not aware of?

 

Regards,

 

Neil

Neil,

 

Thank you for expressing your concerns  Sometimes, some things you read or hear about in opinion forums are not necessarily true or accurate.  Everyone has their own biases and opinions, including myself.  

 

The LCCA is not broke and is doing quite well financially.  The  all volunteer Board of Directors has made a significant, conscious, commitment to promote and foster an interest in Lionel trains with local Specal events in cities all around the country.  We are trying to reach out to our members, provide them with greater value and more benefits for belonging to the club.   We are all volunteers who have a passion  for Lionel trains, our club and the hobby.  

 

The money of the LCCA belongs to it's members.   We are investing  the club's money and resources to deliver more benefits to our members.  We are trying to offer our members  desirable product in different market segments in an effort to continually  improve our club.   We have invested to update our  website with improved video capabilities and created new Facebook accounts for both  Regular and Junior Members .  We need to evolve with the times.  Our events and activities are moving so fast, our publication schedules can not keep up  with all of our activities.  Our website improvements are intended to improve communication with our members and guests who visit our site.  it is becoming more and more important to communicate more frequently with our members.  We are not taking away anything from the benefit of  our current publications, The Lion Roars or the Interchsnge Track.  We are adding incremental capabilities in an effort to  add more value for each of our members.  

 

People always talk about bringing younger people into our great hobby.  The LCCA is trying to walk the talk, not just talk.  Our all volunteer leadership team is working hard to do this.  Our website updates , Facebook accounts and our Junior membership program, local special events, great conventions, involvement at WGHOT shows  is all intended to introduce the magic of Lionel trains and the hobby in general to a new generation of people.  We even have a special publication dedicated for our young Junior  Members called The Lion Cub.

 

Working with Lionel,the LCCA has invested and is commited to launching a new Fastrack Modular layout at our upcoming convention.  This is intended to be used at future events to promote Lionel trains and the hobby.  This is just the initial phase to this massive project.  Stay tuned for future announcements.  

 

The LCCA has decided that we need to improve our support and emphasis in the S-gauge market.  As you know, Lionel has  owned and produced American Flyer S-gage trains for several years.  We think it is a natural fit and acknowledge the need to improve our club in this area. We need to be more inclusive of the various and diverse interests of our members.  There is no wrong way to enjoy this hobby, it is a matter of taste and preferences.  

 

This year at our 42nd Annual Convention in Norfolk VA, we are offering two layout tours to Paul  Sharp's facility which features two s-gauge layouts and a massive collection of AC Gilbert American Flyer /modern S-gauge trains, autos, toys, arcade games and neon signs.  OGR's Ed Boyle will also be making a presentation pertaining to S-Gauge trains on Saturday morning, July 28.  

 

President Dennis Devito and The Lion Roars (TLR) editor, Mike Mottler have committed a couple of pages of each future issue to be dedicated to S- Gage topics.  Every article in TLR is an original article (not reprints from other publications) written by a volunteer member.  We are actively seeking members who have an interest and expertise with S-gage trains to contribute articles.  If we have more interest and increased participation, we can dedicate more pages in TLR, resources on our website and more Facebook pages to S-Gauge topics.    If you or someone you know has an interest in writing original S- Gauge related articles,  please contact me at 248 709-4137 or via e-mail at agkolis@comcast.net

 

I want to peronally invite you to join the club, get involved and participate in our family oriented,club.   You will have Fun,   Try it for one year.  If you don't like it, then let us know how to improve it.  Get involved.  This club belongs to our members.  The more you contribute, the more you receive.  Then, if you are not satisfied, then you just don't renew your membership the following year.   Please call me if you want to discuss ths matter further.  I welcome your feedback.

 

Thank you

 

Al K.

 

Al, 

 

Thank you for the excellent reply to my earlier post. I agree with you that when people post information that is not factual, it can be confusing for others like myself to have to take it at face value unless someone else at the time makes a correction.

 

I am glad that the LCCA is on a good financial footing and not in the doldrums as indicated and actually looking to utilise funds to a much wider audience which aligns with the product line that Lionel now offers.

 

It is also encouraging that you are proposing to have a dedicated section to support the 'S' fraternity which can only be good news.

 

Regarding membership, the offer is most welcome but being from over the 'pond' I have had to end my subscription to publications from the US due to the prohibitive postal charges as everything has to come by air now.

 

Regards,

 

Neil

Originally Posted by Ukaflyer:

Al, 

 

Thank you for the excellent reply to my earlier post. I agree with you that when people post information that is not factual, it can be confusing for others like myself to have to take it at face value unless someone else at the time makes a correction.

 

I am glad that the LCCA is on a good financial footing and not in the doldrums as indicated and actually looking to utilise funds to a much wider audience which aligns with the product line that Lionel now offers.

 

It is also encouraging that you are proposing to have a dedicated section to support the 'S' fraternity which can only be good news.

 

Regarding membership, the offer is most welcome but being from over the 'pond' I have had to end my subscription to publications from the US due to the prohibitive postal charges as everything has to come by air now.

 

Regards,

 

Neil

Neil,

 

Thank you for you understanding.  We have several members in the  UK and all over the world.  Anytime you change your mind, we welcome you to join the club.  In the meantime make www.lionelcollectors.org one of your favorite sites.  I encourage you to check out the hundreds of exclusive LCCA videos posted in the video gallery section of our website. Keep scrolling down one page at a time by clicking the see more  icon.  let e know what you think of them.

 

Al K. 

And from th 3-rail side:

 

"Folks,

 

The S Gauge Presentation designed for the Convention has been finished and it looks great, to my unbiased eyes anyway.

 

Will make arrangements to put it on the LCCA website after the convention. Maybe we can get someone to video the Q & A session after we screen the video.  Any volunteers?

 

Anyway, the news is good on the S front for LCCA.

 

Ede Boyle"



This is good news for the LCCA members who are unable to attend the convention and those of us ne're-do-wells (Who? Me???) that aren't members of LCCA.

 

(Seriously, I've received a very friendly invite to join and the shiny things that Lou keeps coming up with are making it harder to resist.)

 

Rusty

Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:

And from th 3-rail side:

 

"Folks,

 

The S Gauge Presentation designed for the Convention has been finished and it looks great, to my unbiased eyes anyway.

 

Will make arrangements to put it on the LCCA website after the convention. Maybe we can get someone to video the Q & A session after we screen the video.  Any volunteers?

 

Anyway, the news is good on the S front for LCCA.

 

Ede Boyle"



This is good news for the LCCA members who are unable to attend the convention and those of us ne're-do-wells (Who? Me???) that aren't members of LCCA.

 

(Seriously, I've received a very friendly invite to join and the shiny things that Lou keeps coming up with are making it harder to resist.)

 

Rusty

Rusty,

 

Try it for a year, you may like it.    What have you got to lose?    A one year membership is less expensive than a evening  out on the town,  and you receive an entire year of train information and fun.

 

 

Go to wwwlionelcollectors.org to join on line.  

 

Call me at 248 709-4137 if you have any questions.  

Al

Originally Posted by Al K.:
Originally Posted by Ukaflyer:

Al, 

 

Thank you for the excellent reply to my earlier post. I agree with you that when people post information that is not factual, it can be confusing for others like myself to have to take it at face value unless someone else at the time makes a correction.

 

I am glad that the LCCA is on a good financial footing and not in the doldrums as indicated and actually looking to utilise funds to a much wider audience which aligns with the product line that Lionel now offers.

 

It is also encouraging that you are proposing to have a dedicated section to support the 'S' fraternity which can only be good news.

 

Regarding membership, the offer is most welcome but being from over the 'pond' I have had to end my subscription to publications from the US due to the prohibitive postal charges as everything has to come by air now.

 

Regards,

 

Neil

Neil,

 

Thank you for you understanding.  We have several members in the  UK and all over the world.  Anytime you change your mind, we welcome you to join the club.  In the meantime make www.lionelcollectors.org one of your favorite sites.  I encourage you to check out the hundreds of exclusive LCCA videos posted in the video gallery section of our website. Keep scrolling down one page at a time by clicking the see more  icon.  let e know what you think of them.

 

Al K. 

Neil,

 

Call me at 248 709-4137 if you are interested in joining the club.    We are looking for people such as yourself to establish our s-gauge program.  You have a stake in our success.  I personally ask  that you to use your wonderfully artful wordsmithing to provide a 700 word article on or about S-gauge for our magazine.  Pictures are always a welcome addition.  And while you may have heard otherwise, we train enthusiasts in the US are interested in what other countries do in modeling.  And if you do model in Flyer, our members will be interested in what it takes to collect Flyer in Europe.

 

I am already excited about your article and look forward to seeing it in print.

 

 

Thanks again

 

Al K.

Al,

 

There are two possible articles I can pen together you. One is a conversion I did on a Lionel SF GP20 which I converted so that both original chassis had motors which enabled it to have all eight wheels driven.

 

I actually sent it to Lionel at some point in the 90's to see if they were interested using the idea for future production but they didn't take up the idea and sent it back to me .

 

If this is the sort of thing that may be of interest then I can do something for you.

 

The other article would be on a small range of parts I make and sell through a couple of parts dealers in the US which at the time were badly needed and in fact still needed now by operators.

 

Regards,

 

Neil

Originally Posted by GG1GUYY:

Hi Troy,

 

thanks for your comments.

 

This is the kind of thinking the LCCA is trying to bring to the TRAIN HOBBY.

There is something for everybody at the LCCA, and collectors are always looking for something new and exciting and different.

 

Whether its a Tin Plate set in O gauge or an S gauge set by LIONEL.

 

If nothing else it stirs the blood and gets people thinking.

 

If it is LIONEL then its a part of the LCCA.

 

SAL GAMBINO/GG1GUYY

DIRECTOR LCCA

I don't want to sound stupid but what is LCCA? Never heard of it and it sounds as though its been here for a few years. Maybe I spend too much time playing with trains.

Ray

Originally Posted by Rayin"S":
Originally Posted by GG1GUYY:

Hi Troy,

 

thanks for your comments.

 

This is the kind of thinking the LCCA is trying to bring to the TRAIN HOBBY.

There is something for everybody at the LCCA, and collectors are always looking for something new and exciting and different.

 

Whether its a Tin Plate set in O gauge or an S gauge set by LIONEL.

 

If nothing else it stirs the blood and gets people thinking.

 

If it is LIONEL then its a part of the LCCA.

 

SAL GAMBINO/GG1GUYY

DIRECTOR LCCA

I don't want to sound stupid but what is LCCA? Never heard of it and it sounds as though its been here for a few years. Maybe I spend too much time playing with trains.

Ray

 

Originally Posted by Al K.:

 

Ray,
 
For those of you not familiar with the Lionel Collectors Club of America, the LCCA is a not for profit, volunteer organization with thousands of men, women and children who have an interest in Lionel trains. Founded in 1970 by Jim Gates of Perry IA, LCCA members live all around the world, but predominantly in the United States. The purpose of the club is to promote and foster an interest in Lionel trains specifically and toy trains in general and have fun while doing it. If you have an interest in Lionel Trains, this club is a fun organization to belong to. We provide our members with award winning Publications and Website www.lionelcollectors.org, Facebook accounts  as well as an opportunity to purchase limited edition  LCCA train products made by Lionel exclusively for our members.  
 
Our Premier publication, "The Lion Roars" featuring all original articles written by our fellow members
 is mailed to your home 5 times a year. No matter what era of Lionel Trains or area of interest you have, this publication is well balanced. Our members share their personal stories and experience about the hobby, layouts, human interest stories, prewar, post war and modern toy trains, as well as articles intended for our Junior Members.  Everyone has one good personal story to tell about themselves and their trains. So, join the club and submit your article for possible publication or listing on our website.  
 
We also have a buy/sell/Swap toy train publication, "The Interchange Track" that our members receive 4 times a year in the mail. In addition, our members have private access to the E-track web based buy/sell/trade section in the Members Only Section of our website. Members can buy, sell and trade 24 hours/day, 7days/week, 365 days per year with thousands of members from all over the country. 
 
Our award winning website www.lionelcollectors.org is our best communication tool that keeps our members up to date with the most current club information. Frequent videos regarding toy related topics, news from Lionel and club business are posted regularly on this site. In our video gallery section of our website, we have posted hundreds of original and exclusive LCCA production video clips on YouTube.   Because of our close and special relationship with Lionel, we are able to video record  new Lionel products under development,  and share  them with our members and guests who visit our website throughout the entire year.   We have posted several video interviews with Lionel 's CEO Jerry Calabrese on our website.  We recommend you designate  www.lionelcollectors.org as one of your favorite sites; so you can easily access the most current information regarding club news and announcements. 
 
 
The LCCA host exciting and well attended annual toy train conventions in different cities all around the country every year in July. This year we will be celebrating our 42nd annual convention at the Marriott Waterside Hotel in Norfiolk VA, July 23-28. For specific information regarding our upcoming Norfolk Convention go to our Convention Page in the club's website.  This year, Jerry Calabrese will host an exclusive Q&A session with convention goers.  If you are unable to be at the convention, you can still ask Jerry a question by submitting it to "ask the expert" section on our website.  
 
 
 Lionel fully supports our annual conventions by bringing their expansive 65' long operating layout and display which was designed and built by TW Design  of Dallas TX.  Every year, Lionel representatives attend our Conventions, host a two hour Lionel Seminar, conduct interactive clinics and live demonstrations.   Our members have an opportunity to learn about upcoming product and Lionel's future plans during this seminar.  
 
 
We recognize that every member can not attend our annual conventions every year, so the LCCA Board of Directors have created a Special  Events program with family oriented, fun, toy train related events being held in various cities all around the country throughout the year. This is part of LCCA President Dennis DeVito's plan to reach out and have contact with over 2000 LCCA members and families each year.  Lionel sends representatives to support many of these LCCA Special Events.  For more information about these fun filled, family oriented activities go to our special events page on this website. 
 
In addition, because of our special relationship with Lionel, we are able to provide our members with the opportunity to order and purchase, specially designed, limited edition, and collectible LCCA train products.   Every year, we offer a unique, specially  designed Annual convention car produced by Lionel.  To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the great train chase of the Civil war, the LCCA commissioned Lionel to produce a pair of commemorative General steam locomotive engines and tenders.  In 2012 we introduced the Texas "Tommy" Special train set as well as a desirable Diamond mint car.  Lionel  makes these limited edition, unique products exclusively for LCCA members. For information regarding our most recent product offerings, go to the "LCCA store" section or product development section on our website.
 
Frequently, we offer our members discounted prices on certain select Lionel catalogued items.  In many cases, the savings achieved on the purchase of one train  item will exceed the cost of a one year  membership.   In essence, you can purchase a train and have a free one year  membership.  
 
 
There are so many reasons and membership benefits for belonging to the Lionel Collectors Club of America. So why not treat yourself and join the club.   We have two membership categories, Regular Member and Junior Member.  Regular Members are 18 years old and older and are allowed to vote for our LCCA volunteer elections.  For those of you under the age of 18 years, we have a Junior Membership.   If you have a friend or loved one who has in interest in Lionel Trains, you can even give them a one a one year gift membership into the LCCA?  Try it for a year, we know you will like it. Join the club today and become part of "The Best Toy Train Club on the Planet!".  If you have any questions or need more information please contact me at 248-709-4137 
 
Al K.
 
Originally Posted by Ukaflyer:

Al,

 

There are two possible articles I can pen together you. One is a conversion I did on a Lionel SF GP20 which I converted so that both original chassis had motors which enabled it to have all eight wheels driven.

 

I actually sent it to Lionel at some point in the 90's to see if they were interested using the idea for future production but they didn't take up the idea and sent it back to me .

 

If this is the sort of thing that may be of interest then I can do something for you.

 

The other article would be on a small range of parts I make and sell through a couple of parts dealers in the US which at the time were badly needed and in fact still needed now by operators.

 

Regards,

 

Neil

Neil,

 

Sounds good to me.  You can also share your experiences and about American flyer trains in the UK.  How did you get started?  Do you have an operating layout?  Who influenced you and introduced you to trains etc.   Photos  help too.   You can submit your articles to Mike Mottler at mottlerm@conwaycorp.net or myself at agkolis@comcast.net.  Welcome to our club!

 

 

Al K.

Yes, i'm hoping for any type of postwar 'S'.

Since the LCCA is working on layout modules for their fastrack system,

I recall Gilbert had a layout system called All Aboard.

These were 17" square layout modules complete with track, builidings Etc.

Hopefully either Lionel or LCCA might consider these for future production?

 

Thanks,

 

Phil 

Originally Posted by PHILA:

Yes, i'm hoping for any type of postwar 'S'.

Since the LCCA is working on layout modules for their fastrack system,

I recall Gilbert had a layout system called All Aboard.

These were 17" square layout modules complete with track, builidings Etc.

Hopefully either Lionel or LCCA might consider these for future production?

 

Thanks,

 

Phil 

The All Aboard panels had curves much sharper than the regular Gilbert curves and used the cheap Pikemaster track.  Gilbert had to remove the end steps from the Geep to get it to go around them.

 

You could forget running anything bigger than the 21085 Pacific's around them.

 

http://www.trainweb.org/allaboardsets/

 

Rusty

Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:

The All Aboard panels had curves much sharper than the regular Gilbert curves and used the cheap Pikemaster track.  Gilbert had to remove the end steps from the Geep to get it to go around them.

 

You could forget running anything bigger than the 21085 Pacific's around them.

 

 

Rusty

Here's another problem with growing the S market.  While it's true that you can fit more layout into a reasonably large space, it actually takes more room as a starter outfit than 0/027 and even Lionel Fastrack.  Yet the trains are smaller.

Originally Posted by Gilbert Ives:
Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:

The All Aboard panels had curves much sharper than the regular Gilbert curves and used the cheap Pikemaster track.  Gilbert had to remove the end steps from the Geep to get it to go around them.

 

You could forget running anything bigger than the 21085 Pacific's around them.

 

 

Rusty

Here's another problem with growing the S market.  While it's true that you can fit more layout into a reasonably large space, it actually takes more room as a starter outfit than 0/027 and even Lionel Fastrack.  Yet the trains are smaller.

That's something very few people seem to notice.

 

However, S on 20" radius still looks much better than "traditional O" on O27 or O31.  And, there's nothing between the two rails other than ties!

 

Rusty

Originally Posted by Gilbert Ives:
Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:
Here's another problem with growing the S market.  While it's true that you can fit more layout into a reasonably large space, it actually takes more room as a starter outfit than 0/027 and even Lionel Fastrack.  Yet the trains are smaller.


 

I've found switching much easier with S - smaller trains, wider curves and smoother locomotives.   

Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:

 

However, S on 20" radius still looks much better than "traditional O" on O27 or O31.  And, there's nothing between the two rails other than ties!

 

Rusty

I'm convinced.  But I do wonder what the starter set(s) will be like.  They could do a Northern freight set for $800, but what about a $200 set?  Is there only the Docksider?

Originally Posted by PHILA:

Yes, i'm hoping for any type of postwar 'S'.

Since the LCCA is working on layout modules for their fastrack system,

I recall Gilbert had a layout system called All Aboard.

These were 17" square layout modules complete with track, builidings Etc.

Hopefully either Lionel or LCCA might consider these for future production?

 

Thanks,

 

Phil 

Although I love my All Aboard "Westerner 1200" set, I doubt anyone would want to limit themselves in that way.

030

Attachments

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Originally Posted by Gilbert Ives:
Originally Posted by FlyerRich:
 

Although I love my All Aboard "Westerner 1200" set, I doubt anyone would want to limit themselves in that way.

 

Quite the innovative product, though.

All Aboard was a unique concept, sort of a forebearer of today's modular railroads.  However, I've seen larger All Aboard displays at an S-Fest or two and it gets quite repetetive.  

 

The integrated track/roadbed systems like S-Trax and FasTrak are much more flexible for temporary (even pemanent) layouts.

 

Rusty

Originally Posted by Gilbert Ives:

The Target Audience for All Aboard wasn't model railroaders, it was the 10-year-old and his parents looking for a easy to set up Christmas layout.  S-Trax is very nice, but quite pricey.  Lionel asked them to do a version for Flyer, but SHS couldn't do it for Lionel's price.  Fastrack must be a lot cheaper to make.

S-Trax calculated out to just over a buck a section more vs. FasTrack. (10" straight)

 

FasTrack lacks the embedded removable tie strip, weathered rail and painting of the "ballast" that S-Trax has.

 

A comparison of the two is located here:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...ent/4245430050739874

 

Modifying FasTrack to join with S-Trax is located here:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...ent/4527055137442588

 

Rusty

Originally Posted by Rusty Traque:
 

S-Trax calculated out to just over a buck a section more vs. FasTrack. (10" straight)

 

FasTrack lacks the embedded removable tie strip, weathered rail and painting of the "ballast" that S-Trax has.

 

A comparison of the two is located here:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...ent/4245430050739874

 

Modifying FasTrack to join with S-Trax is located here:

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/d...ent/4527055137442588

 

Rusty

Thanks for the link.  Quite useful.

Post

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