quote:Originally posted by Tommys_Trains:
If Lionel really wants to foster interest in the younger generation, then they need to start sponsoring programs like this. Lego knows what it takes to make their product a vibrant learning toy for kids by participating in the FIRST Robotics community. The future is your for the asking Lionel:
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/...ntion-170000772.html
Main difference is that Lego's product isn't limited to just being able to assemble trains. Legos are popular because you can build almost anything your mind imagines with them. Lionel trains are, well... Lionel trains. The engine, rolling stock, accessories are already built and frozen in final form. Sure, you can still create your own little world and change around track configurations and rearrange the trains, telephone poles and structures, but the end products themselves are permanent fixtures and a layout or even a simple loop of track on the floor takes up a lot of real estate in the average home. And the average Lego set is much easier to break down and more compact & lighter, making it easier to set up, transport, or stow away than the average toy train set.
The zenith of O gauge toy trains has come and gone a long, long time ago, and as long as prototype trains in the real world doesn't capture the imagination and fascination of the public as it used to, model and toy trains will never be re-established as one of the top hobbies and toys of choice to the mass consumers anymore, no matter how 21st-century they make their trains and operating accessories. And because Lionel and the entire model/toy train market is so small compared to the other mass-consumer products, there is no way that Lionel is going to be able to afford to sponsor major non-related attractions like the robotics learning program you referenced on a nationwide basis. They sure as heck can't afford national TV commercial slots either. The risk of over-extending themselves is just too great.
Venues like WGH and similar shows and meets around the country is really the only financially feasible way Lionel and the rest can reach out to the consumers, that plus the existing public displays put on by local clubs.
