Lionel Catalog

2012 has been an interesting year for Lionel and its catalogs -- starting with the fact that locomotives arrived on the scene at dealers and train shops back in March just days BEFORE the 2012 Vol 1 catalog was actually released.  Can't recall when that has happened recently (if ever).

And now it would seem that 2012 Vol 2 is likely to arrive just in time for York.  Not a bad thing for sure, but admittedly it's not Lionel's "typical" timeframe for Vol 2.  Then again, we were warned earlier this year that stuff in vol 2 would pretty much -- if not entirely -- be delivered well into 2013.  

So whenever vol 2 DOES finally see the light of day, it's like gonna be more for future "budget planning" purposes rather than actually giving you something you can go out and buy immediately.  If you've got money burning a hole in your pocket, there's PLENTY of stuff in the market right now!!! 

David

Lionel's Facebook correspondent has posted a few sneak previews of Vol 2 items recently, and it sounds like the NS Heritage units will be phased in over the next few catalogs -- similar to the way MTH is doing it.  Definitely a good strategy for that will satisfy the small number of folks who want one of each.

As for scale passenger cars? Your guess is as good as anybody's.  Pickings have been slim lately, with noted delays in aluminum 18" cars (I.e., Milwaukee road catlg'd since 2010 Vol 2).  And those that have been delivered (I.e., CP, SP Shasta, and Santa Fe) are missing their StationSounds brethren.  

David

Good Day,

I look at the delay of the Lionel catalog as marketing strategy.   I think the catalog will have several items with the “WOW” factor! Time will tell.

Regards,

Swafford

I think you must be correct Swafford.  It is the only explanation for such a delay... 

Can someone please post the preview pics here from facebook?

No matter who's catalog it is, the catalog has little meaning when products are cancelled or release dates continuously pushed back.

Rusty

I am still hoping they will offer the modern water tower/tank in Norfolk Southern.  CSX has been done, as well as many historical road names such as PRR. 

You obviously have not been watching the quick to market the Lionel folks have done lately.  It was a big change.  However I do wish the NW2 was not cancelled.

And then there is the continual delay of the "round-roof/round roof" cars!

Then why all the threads about rescheduling of already cataloged products like the ZW-L, Milwaukee passenger cars, American Flyer locomotives...

For every product bumped to the head of the line, something else gets pushed back.

Now, I have a reasonable explanation in my mind about pushbacks and cancellations, and a reasonable understanding of the issues involved with  manufacturing today in general, but it doesn't relieve the frustration much of seeing items not arrive "on time."

Frankly, I think the hobby would be better served with thinner catalogs allowing for more realistic production scheduling.

Rusty

AMEN!

thin? no way!  I prefer the encylopedic catalogs.  I read them for 6 months! 

Those are examples where push backs are to get the product right I think.  I was impressed with the rapid availability of the last few catalogs of most product in general.  I'm sure someone will mention the rotary coal tipple!

Lionel's facebook page is public and can be seen here;

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lionel-LLC/135645573344

page down until you see the Norfolk Southern Heritage caboose that was posted on sept 19th.  the next picture is the engine.

very nice.

Having just added Legacy control and my first Lionel engine to my stable of MTH stuff, I'm finally going to be interested in what Lionel has for sale!

Can't please everybody, but it will be a good catalog for some.

I prefer a big, fat catalog with an accurate and trustworthy shipping schedule.  If it's years from now so what.  Just be honest.

Don't give me a catalog that relies on pre-orders to decide production.  Believe in yourselves and your company.  Play some  hunches.  Put up, or shut up.  Take a chance.  Gamble.  Live a little!

Pete

Don't give me a catalog that relies on pre-orders to decide production.  Believe in yourselves and your company.  Play some  hunches.  Put up, or shut up.  Take a chance.  Gamble.  Live a little!

AMEN!!!

Larry

A big, fat catalog and an accurate and trustworthy shipping schedule are a contradiction in the current manufacturing environment in the Mysterious East.

Rusty

I think its more of a voting ballot than a catalog.

Wow this turned into quite the b$%#h fest.

ya, I don't like it when that happens.
kind of takes away from the intent of the post.

And this surprises you Marty? I'm sure it doesn't. Its no wonder that there are alot of " used to be regular posters" who seldom if ever visit the forum. "Worlds Greatest Hobby"...........who came up with that one?

I have plenty of Lionel, K-line, MTH and more catalogs. I just like to sit and look through them from time to time. I don't get too excited about wanting something in the new catalogs. There is so much to buy all the time already. I am sure I will but some new Lionel items when they come out regardless if I see them in a catalog or not. 

Never been in manufacturing overseas eh!  I have never seen so much whining over a catalog in all my life. 

Too thin, too thick, why oh why are there pre orders, why is it late, cars that are late. Oh Boo Hoo, grow up and enjoy what you have. 

Yes the catalog will be here soon and yes some of the items in the catalog will be cancelled at some point, live with it. There are more important things to worry about then these trains, be thankful that you can buy them.

I sure hope Lionel rethinks the NW2's. I think maybe they put out to many road names at once, maybe a few to get the Ball rolling ATSF, PRR, Alaska, SP, Then a few more on the next catalog, also I think it would be helpful to run some items from past catalogs say these are still in stock, get them while they last.

Some of us do not have the molla to get everything at once like Matt Jackson....

John

They might have dropped the NW2 diesels to make the new GE ES44AC diesels for the Norfolk Southern heritage series.

Andrew

 It is so interesting to read some of the comments about what I thought to be a simple topic. I find the waiting, pre-order routine with Lionel catalogs suits me just fine.  Instant gratification is everywhere today, especially with the internet. You can get so many things so quickly. The Lionel ordering process reminds me of reading the Montgomery Ward catalog in my youth. After a complete perusal of the catalog, a fishing reel or whatever would become a must have.  Saving up for it, my parents ordering it, then waiting for it to arrive at their store could seem like forever. Only then would a trip would be planned to the 'North Dock' at their store to pick it up.  It just seemed I got a lot more entertainment value out of the process than many purchases made  today.  Lionel shopping seems much the same. Fred

I think the comments that somehow irked some others, has to do with how you define a catalog. Very simple. I cannot think of another catalog from any seller that has such variability as to have a customer: A. Question whether the item is "real" or not as far as actually existing and available. B. When it is available. That some do not think that this defines a catalog in the classic sense is in the eyes of the beholder. It is not a case of whining or cheer leading. It's the definition of what constitutes a catalog. Secondly, a catalog based on preorders is similar to a voting process. How this could not be viewed this way defies logic.  Take the emotions out of it, and look at the context this is not either a simple subject as it is a consumer issue. Either you buy into this definition of a catalog or you dont. No right or wrong. I don't think that a reasonable certainty that turns out to be questionable, is a case of whining. Like a lot of other issues, what used to be simple is now overly complicated regardless if the reasons are justifiable or not. It's what side of the coin you accept. Some accept it some don't. I think more importantly, it simply reflects how model railroading runs on a thin line or profit margin these days. Back in the day, a catalog was a catalog. It was what it was reported to be. The products in it were available and there was a reasonable expectation they would represent that years production..not next years. I think we live in an age of diminished expectations and Lionel catalogs reflect this whether it is likable or not.  

It really doesn't matter how good the catalog(s) are. Some will find fault just to be seen. I always love the one: I canceled my order because..........It's my favorite.

No likee, no clickee.  Adios.

Pete

Not to be too Pollyanna-ish about it, but overall I love the whole "catalog experience."  

So far, to me, the biggest issue is the inexactness of descriptions.  For example, the 

 Berk in the most recent Signature catalog was about two inches shorter than advertised and a big disappointment to me.  But, stuff happens, and so does the opposite: the Atlantic in the previous year's was better than advertised.  Makes it sort fun to wait and wonder.

I enjoy the anticipation of waiting months, too - fun in a way.  For example, the small little steam "shifter" that is listed in the current Signature catalog was shipped last week and ought to have arrived in my LHS today.  I am really looking forward to it, as I need a really small, good quality steamer.   Normally I would pick it up tomorrow but we will be on a train headed for DC for some needed R&D.  So I have something nice to look forward to when I get back.

As to the delays, some of my stuff ways, but I have enough trains now so a delay won't kill me.  And the possibility some things will be cancelled, well, it hasn't hurt me so far that badly.  Again, stuff happens. 

I also like the printed catalogs, and don't worry too much about delayed or cancelled items. It's just a hobby.

Since my wife passed away on Labor day, I keep a "library" of magazines and catalogs in the bathroom. So, I'm really looking forward to MTH and Lionel's new catalogs. In case there's any question: they're for reading!

Lionels latest;

"It looks like mid-October for a release date. We will post the date here on Facebook first!"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lionel-LLC/135645573344

Mike. 

Very sorry to read this about your wife. I send my condolences.