@Big Jim posted:This appears to be a much larger version of the same ornament that Hall mark produced years ago. The ornament is pretty neat as the ZW does make the train go forward or reverse.
No ****? That's cool!
I remember thinking that ornament was really cool when it 1st was released. I might snag this new one.
@WBC posted:The MPC inspired H24-66 Train Masters
I don’t understand this. I had to go back and check. Do you say this because of the CNW yellow/green? The CNW and MILW units are supposed to be H-16-66 baby TM’s? The CNJ and SP units don’t match the MPC versions.
everything is nice. some missed opportunities given the 125 year anniversary for road names/ paint schemes. would have been cool to see some more accessories with more tech/electronics. gantry crane looks cool. i won’t comment on prices because it is what it is.
There are some clearance bargains in the "Still Available" part of the catalog. It's loaded with products from slightly more affordable catalogs of the past. There's even a couple models of the limited edition BTO Dreyfuss Hudsons back there.
Since it looks like Lionel is on a 1930's NYC streamlined steam engine kick, we might have to consider getting the Commodore Vanderbilt to add to our Dreyfuss Hudson. Maybe in a few years lionel will make a scale VL Mercury for a 3-peat.
I would be in for the #671Turbine. I still have the original one my dad bought for me many many years ago. It still runs and smokes well. But I have a small layout that doesn’t have the wide radius curves required to operate it. But if I did I would be having a fire sale of engines and rolling stock to pay for it! Now if Lionel came out with the LionChief 2.0 semi scale version of the turbine I would definitely put in a preorder for that one.
For all those people who have been clamouring for Lionel to do shorter 15 inch aluminum passenger cars for quite awhile, I see that the catalog includes them in five different road names (Reading, Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, Florida East Coast and Lionel Lines) and that they include hand painted passenger figures.
I have never seen so much complaining about a new Catalog release. I think there are two concepts that have been missed here.
1. Lionel released in 2024 two mini catalogs of 2025 products. The ET44 and the new Vision-line J1e. Both these offerings are highly detailed and bring a lot of excitement to new trains for 2025. I have ordered engines from both catalogs. But by releasing these announcements early they stole some thunder from the 2025 V1 Catalog.
2. Giving the Vision-line designation to a new engine does allow Lionel to justify the high price point. I agree in the past that new smoke effects are one indicator of justifying this classification but in uncertain times you go with what you have. Lionel if definitely watching the bottom line here.
I am pleased that Lionel is continuing to grow and support our hobby. We desperately need to cultivate younger participants so all the colorful, frivolous offerings is justified. My hope is that as the financial picture stabilizes the investment in innovation and new features for our high-end train engines continues.
Duncan
@third rail posted:Since it looks like Lionel is on a 1930's NYC streamlined steam engine kick, we might have to consider getting the Commodore Vanderbilt to add to our Dreyfuss Hudson. Maybe in a few years lionel will make a scale VL Mercury for a 3-peat.
I beginning to think I need to build a collection here because I already own NYC 5344 with Dreyfuss streamlining. Mr. Muffin's did it as a custom run with Lionel when those were cataloged back in 2023. Now Lionel has 5344 without streamlining and as the Commodore Vanderbilt. (( sigh ))
I think I'm going to get the Commodore Vanderbilt, but the big question is whether or not to get the un-shrouded 5344. 🤔
Decisions ... decisions ... decisions.
I'm not sure how many BASE3 units have shipped from China since this catalog dropped but did you notice that the price went up $100 and did you also notice how many dealers have already increased the price of last years products already in inventory solely based on this catalog. I'd suggest to anyone who was previously on the fence for buying one to get it now from a dealer who hasn't already upped the price and applied their "discount" based on the new Lionel MSRP.
This catalog is wildly confusing, some products (like the S2) have a very little & reasonable price increase since their last appearance and other products have pricing that just blow you away considering what's included (like the conventional set).
I have already ordered a Great Northern GP35 because Great Northern. Plus a 40’ GN Box car. I also want a 125th Bo Car and the Billboard Set. Done.
i think Lionel is trying to cover as many customer bases as possible/feasible. I do like the new battery powered O gauge sets. I think they are onto something there. We shall see. All in all, a pretty impressive catalog despite the hair-raising prices. My guess is that Lionel factored in possible new tariffs on Chinese goods entering the country as Trump has promised when they set these prices. Just a guess, but that would have been prudent for them to do, right? I buy what I can afford, and my emphasis these days is Postwar so the new stuff isn’t of as much interest to me as it once was. That said, I hope Lionel is successful with its new offerings and that so are its dealers.
