2025 Lionel Big Book Discussion - Positive Comments Only

Nice comments. You're going to get some complaints about raining on the parade of those who enjoy raining on other people's parade .  Will have to look it over in detail in a few weeks when I'm at leisure.  I do hope the catalog brings some joy to many as toy trains are too much fun to have them be a source of unhappiness, or worse yet, bile.

WOW....hopefully a breath of fresh air...we shall see

Fair enough.

I will admit to not seeing anything worthy while viewing the new catalog online, but changing my mind after a few days. Especially once I get my hands on the printed version. That should arrive from Charles Ro (or other sources) shortly.

Visually the catalog itself is quite nice and even borders on overwhelming! Hopefully the new Commodore will be a big hit and we'll see them out there on layouts and at shows more often than not. It is significant in RR history as the 1st shrouded Art Deco steamer if memory serves me. The original issue from the late 1990's was initially impressive with the 3D panels of the body sides Lionel used that truly gave the impression of individual plates of sheet metal like the prototype. They seemed to go all out to create an interesting and accurate model of this classic from the NYC. Also that it (the prototype) was our beloved #5344 under all that steel gave it an added mystique for Lionel enthusiasts!

Feature wise it was pretty lackluster and the 'reversed paint scheme' detracted from it somewhat but it was the late 1990s afterall. With new detailing and modern Legacy electronics this should prove to be an excellent model for our fleet!  I only recently sold my original version for a paltry $350 at a local show. It had been upgraded with a wireless tether by a friend but was not a particularly good runner. It DID have one of the absolute BEST whistles Lionel put in a steam locomotive however and let's hope they include a 'reasonable facsimile' in the new one.  :-)

I'm "positive" the best value in the catalog is the battery operated sets. Being they are true O gauge compatible and I have seen some of them first hand locally, again, for value and bringing a low cost and what so far looks to be reasonable mechanical construction, hopefully will bring some some generations into O gauge.

I am being serious- the hobby needed an entry point set, and while it might not be the traditional 027 sets and metal track of the past, this can and does run on our tracks. Water based smoke and remote controls- just part of the times of trying to be that more environmentally friendly and kid safe aspect.

Here's hoping this does bring some families and younger generation into the mix.

A lot of new sound- and feature-rich cars, wish they release videos these in action to help people make decisions.  We've never had a SleeperSounds or LoungeSounds car before.  The autorack one looks fun, albeit a bit too modern for my collection.  Surprised the Freightsounds PS-1s are still not command controlled.  Glad to see the crane sounds work house back, talk about something never seen on the secondary market.  I like seeing an AEC item every catalog, the gondola is not too far into unbelievable territory, so I'll get it.

I’m a fairly new to the hobby. So for me, this catalog looks very cool. I’ve always wanted a 20th Century Limited so this catalog delivered on that. I’m just not sure if I will go for the set with the Vision loco or if I buy a “shinier” Hudson from the prior pages and then buy the 20th Century cars separately. The Hudson with the set looks a bit dull?

And I will probably swing for a commodore. The gold plated looks beautiful but that candy red set also looks stunning. And yes prices are up there but I’m excited these are available. Cheers!

Great thread.   There’s something for everyone in this catalog.   The Peanuts items are a must for me.  Maybe the Heisler.   Of course a 2025 Christmas car.
I’m thinking the Star Wars sets etc are a great way to attract new people to the hobby

• I've been a train collector for over 45 years so there isn't a lot I don't have already.  My biggest want was a Wabash LC+2.0 Trainmaster. Foiled again.
• I thought the catalog had a lot of nice offerings overall.  I will wait for METCA and Mr. Muffin before I make any attempt to order.

I was really hoping for some scale "madison" cars for the VL Hudsons. I'm not worried about realism so I'm probably going to pass on the 20th century cars.

I will order some of the Bob Ross goodies and that will probably be about it.

A conventional set is cool and unexpected. I'd have preferred no track or transformer to have knocked the price down a bit.

All in all it is a mixed bag. I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I get why things cost what they do and I get why things are produced where they are.

When ever my VL Hudson shows up, I will be happy.

@Cheap&NothingWasted posted:

I like seeing an AEC item every catalog, the gondola is not too far into unbelievable territory, so I'll get it.

Yes! My AEC train keeps getting longer and longer, and I love it!

Only the AEC PS-5 gondola with canisters for me to add to my AEC set.  Already ordered my Hudson 5344 from offering a couple of months ago. Not sure what I was expecting, but thought it would have had more unique items.

I spent a few days debating on getting that AEC set. Seeing all the fun add on cars has me both happy and kicking myself for not jumping on that one.

@RamblerDon posted:

I spent a few days debating on getting that AEC set. Seeing all the fun add on cars has me both happy and kicking myself for not jumping on that one.

I missed out on it from the catalog, but I found a new one discounted at the Lionel Retail Store in Concord, along with the b-unit to add to the GP9 from 2001!

Hmmm, the FEC ES44 from Lionel or Atlas?  🧐

I've always loved my original, and mistakenly painted, CV Hudson. The new CV look very interesting. I just need the gold plated cars to go with them

Positive comments... Well, it's bigger than the 2024 Volume 1!

I will likely bite for the S2, I'll be sticking with the prototypical paint scheme.

Positive… sure…

what are the names on the auto racks in the FEC set?

I really like the Commodore Vanderbilt offerings.  The locomotive of the year one is particularly nice looking.  I've been sort of keeping an eye out for a good deal on the latest TMCC one, but I certainly wouldn't mind a slightly visionlined version instead.  I have a while here to decide whether I can swing that price.  Last year was absolutely brutal for for my train budget, so I'm a bit relieved that this catalog doesn't have as many "must haves."

I had pretty modest expectations for the Star Wars offerings, and I was honestly surprised to see a couple of Lionchief sets.  I wasn't terribly hyped until my wife reminded me that our Christmas tree is 100% Star Wars themed, and we look like a bunch of fools running Christmas themed trains under it every year.  We have thee loops, so I think both of those sets are in our future.  The sets may be somewhat plain looking, but I'm betting the sounds are going to be entertaining.

Was it a missed opportunity to do a Darth Vader themed Vanderbilt?  It kind of looks the part no?  I wonder if I would spend $1800 on that...

I wonder if Disney is doing any custom runs this year.  I doubt they'd ever do a legacy locomotive, but they have done Lionchief sets in the past.  50th anniversary of WDW and 100th anniversary of Disney (a berkshire version unique from the 2-4-2 that you could get anywhere).

Also +1 for the AEC gondola.  I'm pretty sure those coke containers are going to be carrying blue glow in the dark pebbles in the future.

Maybe the Southern 0-8-0 as well???

Okay, maybe it is a pretty good catalog.

The Vision CV PolEx steamer keeps staring at me.

@J.Dooley posted:

The S2 #6200 is beautiful, but I have the one from 2014 so not sure I need another one.

Did you like the 2014 version? I'm interested in an S2 but I'm concerned the turbine sound will be outright annoying.

I enjoyed my first couple laps through the catalog. One thing I'm curious about right off the bat: Are those RS3's the old school ones that are plastic with a single motor? They appear to be. Great price point but my old one was never much of a puller haha The last release of RS3s were basic but I have really enjoyed them.

I thought there were a number of nice engines and rolling stock, and it's great to see the battery powered entry sets for the youngsters out there. I love the giant articulated steamers but I appreciate seeing the selection they had in this catalog.

I was impressed with the Star Wars items because I really didn't think anything would catch my attention. I love the Jawa chasing C3PO and R2D2! That's fantastic!

@Patrick Keistler posted:

Was it a missed opportunity to do a Darth Vader themed Vanderbilt?  It kind of looks the part no?  I wonder if I would spend $1800 on that...

It sure does look the part!! That would have been something haha

I'm going to have to go over the catalog a few more times before deciding on anything. I'm enjoying it though! I hope Lionel continues to be successful. I'm also glad to see a thread of constructive discussion instead of the usual.

Some nice different paint schemes. I like the CNJ Trainmaster and the gondolas. The hudsons are also very nice but quite a bit out of my price range. I’m looking forward to seeing the hudsons and CV produced.