Does anyone have the new Lionel Polar Express 10th anniversary Legacy berkshire yet?

James

 

That is a new twist. More shipments?  Could it be that Ro is getting their entire order?  Could it be that there wasn't a supply issue?  This will be interesting to see how it plays out. 

This whole Ro thing amazes me! What I can't wrap my head around is the fact that Ro, who is Presumably Lionels's biggest authorized dealer, cannot call Lionel and find out what is on the incoming shipments.  Right now they are losing orders to other dealers and some good will/ customer loyalty in the process. They are forum sponsors they know customers are "POed" regarding this matter. Just don't understand why they have not gotten to the bottom of this problem.

Well right now we have conflicting stories both with claims to originate from Ro. One poster says they were shorted and James says more shipments are on the way. Either way it's goota be hurting Ro. 

 

It it seems to me so far they are the only ones that have been rumored to be shorted that we've heard of. Either way I hope again that everyone gets their trains. 

First I want to say that I am sorry everyone is having not so great luck with getting these engines and receiving them damaged. My luck was good for once. I received my PE Black 1225 Wednesday evening. I was lucky because my pilot bearings were not broken and everything else looked great. I just didn't get to run the engine yet because I am away till tomorrow. 

 

Everyone was right about this engine...it really is sharp looking and I am very happy I purchased one of these. I like others canceled my order with charles ro because I didn't want to risk not getting one of these at all...especially when I already had 2 of the passenger cars. I have a feeling the rest of the orders will arrive shortly for everyone else and I really hope they do. 

 

I have a Big Boy order in with charles ro. I just hope that we all have a smooth transaction with the Big Boys and that we do get them around December 10th.

 

I just inquired again with Charles Ro and spoke to the man himself. He has requested that Lionel make another run of these Berks for the customers who pre-ordered and did not get one, with even a possible bonus, but nothing is in writing at this time. As for the time it takes, that's a big variable, it definitely will not be this year.

 

All the scale PE cars are coming in, he said there shouldn't be any shortage with these.

 

As for the Berk, I think Lionel did an excellent job, even though I got the wrong tender with mine (still waiting to hear back from Lionel on this). I got to see another one in operation at a friend's house last night and it was without a doubt the neatest O-gauge train I've ever witnessed. It is a marked improvement over the 2010 scale PE Berk (which was PM model). The sounds are awesome, and I counted at least a dozen sound clips from the movie by pressing 2. The whistle is spot-on to the movie version, and the whistle steam effect adds to the fun. I also noted background sounds of the steam engine playing randomly, like stressing metal, I think that's from the movie, too, not sure. And, of course, it has the correct pilot which IMO makes it "This is the Polar Express." I am still keeping my 2010 version, which is a great model, and will use it to pull all my Polar Railroad freight cars.

 

I noticed Charles Ro and some other dealers have the gold version in stock, so there doesn't appear to be a shortage of these.

 

 

 

Paul

 

thanks for the update. 

I believe!  Lionel will come thru and deliver RO's pre-orders for the black one.  It would be foolish not to. Lionel may not care about the end customer but it sure as heck cares about One of their largest dealers. He did not get to where he is today by being an idiot. He will make it real clear to Lionel. I Might not get my black PE Pre-order for some time but I believe it will come.  Maybe even with fixed trucks. The Gold one is certainly beautiful. My son will love it!

Paul, your update is spot on and consistent with what I was told before Thanksgiving.  At the time, things were still in flux, so I didn't what to divulge too much info.  As you indicated, there are some details of this that are not all signed-and-sealed yet.  But if all of this comes to be, those who pre-ordered with Charlie will not be disappointed. 

 

Charlie truly has our backs on this, and I'm not the least bit surprised he'll go to bat for everyone to make this happen.  

 

 

BTW, great to hear such good news about the model you saw in action!!!  

 

David

"I am still keeping my 2010 version, which is a great model"

 

Thanks Paul for this timely and excellent report. From what you said about Charlie, I would expect nothing less as they are a top notch dealer in very respect.

 

And I agree about the 2010 PE model, I sure am keeping mine to pull the blue & maroon version. It has been a terrific performer in very respect. The new version is just that much better. 

I did receive an email on 11/26 from UPS that a 3.7 lb package was on its way to me and to be delivered by 12/1.  I received, I think, three of the cars already.  My fingers are crossed...

Thanks for the great info. When I called today to cancel an item they told me again the coach cars are not due in till 2/15 but other cars are due in soon. I only need 2 coach cars and a combo car. I have a feeling maybe the person I spoke with was right about the coach cars and that all of the other cars are due in soon but not the coaches. 

IM NOT FEELING THE LOVE FOR CHARLES RO THAT MOST OF YOU ARE FEELING.  I PREORDERED THE BLACK POLAR EXPRESS AS SOON AS I GOT THE CATALOG FOR OUR TRAIN CLUB AND WE STARTED BUILDING A LARGE POLAR EXPRESS LAYOUT FOR OUR CHRISTMAS SHOW WHICH WE COMPLETED IN LATE OCTOBER I CALLED TO CHECK ON MY ORDER 2 WEEKS AGO AND WAS TOLD IT WAS BACKORDERED UNTIL DEC. I WAS TOLD TODAY ABOUT THE SHORTAGE I CALLED AND WAS TOLD IT WILLBE AT LEAST 6 MONTHS. SO ORDERING EARLY FROM RO DIDNT HELP ME AT ALL. 

I ordered and have received the Gold Berk, Coaches and Observation car from Charlie Nassau. My experience was excellent and left me with a positive outlook for the BTO program. I was impressed and, to be honest, also surprised that Lionel delivered this train in time for the holidays. I have no Dog in this Hunt other than the fact that I don’t like seeing so many Forum members twisting in the wind on partial and ever-changing information. It isn’t fair to us as customers to have to figure out what happened. We should be told in clear and certain terms. For that reason and because of a trip to my LHS yesterday I offer new information and my thoughts on the subject.

 

According to my LHS, Charlie Ro has been calling dealers in an attempt to buy their PE stock in order to fulfill customer order obligations. In some cases, offering to pay the retail price. This fact can actually support numerous different conclusions, both good and bad, including the most likely:

 

1. Charlie Ro is willing to go to great lengths and expense to satisfy clients who would otherwise be disappointed by Lionel production shortages. And, the Charlie Ro company is among the best “Customer first” companies you could hope to find: or

 

2. Charlie Ro is scrambling to mitigate the damage caused by an in-house ordering mistake. And has turned a disappointing, but understandable, mistake into a public relations nightmare!

 

Mostly, we’re left with a lot of questions and very few direct answers. I don’t think it’s fair to speculate so I start with what I know and believe to be true. I know, and it has been stated in this thread, that in the past, Lionel production shortages have been spread proportionally among all the dealers. The latest was earlier this Fall. The shipment that included the annual Christmas Boxcar was a “Partial shipment”. All the Dealers received less than the expected quantity of these cars, so No one was at a competitive disadvantage. This has apparently been the practice for years. So my questions are these:

 

Why did Lionel suddenly change their distribution policy by short-shipping only 1 dealer? What would make them decide to throw their biggest dealer under the bus this way? If this wasn’t intentional, then why was Charlie Ro the only one affected and why has Lionel not come to the defense of their biggest dealer?

 

Charlie Ro tells Paul that this is a Lionel issue and that Lionel is going to make it right, including a bonus. That sounds like a “Stand up” move by Lionel. Why aren’t they announcing it themselves?

 

By and large we are a forgiving group. We will be buying from Charlie Ro and Lionel in the future regardless of who made the mistake. We just need somebody…anybody to stand up and say: “ We apologize for our mistake…..” Until then, this Christmas disaster will continue to boil.

 

Emile

I just finished reading this entire post and have to say WOW!! I'm sorry you guys are going thru this and hope everything works out for you,

Wow.  Hopefully folks get locos and set cars before Christmas.  Must be very frustrating.  And it is a huge black eye for Lionel.

 

Even if you don't believe Lionel short-shipped Charlie Ro by now , there's no denying there's a problem -- albeit a minor one, and apparently easily fixable -- with the pilot bushings.  I located a Black Polar Express at another dealer which was shipped to me yesterday... arrived this morning... and yep, you guessed it...  I opened the carton very carefully with baited breathe, and sure enough one of the front truck pilot wheels was ajar due to a cracked bushing.    And the dealer even shipped the locomotive double-boxed, with another carton surrounding Lionel's original outer shipping carton.

 

So I'll be calling Lionel customer service Monday morning for a replacement part.   

 

Beautiful locomotive by the way.  Just wish it didn't arrive with an out-of-box issue that seems to be fairly prevalent in this production batch.  Perhaps the ones that Charlie Ro is working on having produced for arrival next year may have this issue solved by then.  As I mentioned earlier, perhaps it's a blessing in disguise that so many folks ordering this locomotive from Charlie Ro may have to wait a few more months.  Time will tell how this story ultimately unfolds.

 

David

I have ordered a lot of stuff from Charles Ro over the years.  I would be surprised if this is a tall tale.

 

In any event, I don't want to argue.  I am sorry that people's excitement over this product is being dampened by this type of thing. 

Wish I had pre-ordered one (black, PE).  Had a great opportunity last night to pick one up, but had to sleep on it, as it's a lot of cash for me to invest at Christmas.  By the time I made my decision, I was about an hour too late.  Could only pick one engine and didn't pick this one.  Too bad for Lionel, and for me.  They would have gotten a bunch of my cash had they made enough, as I was going to go all-in on about 8 cars, too.  BTO fail IMO, especially with an iconic movie and 10yr anniversary.

 

Hope the Ro "rumor" is true and they will make more; and if they do, one can only hope they open it up to late-comers to the game.  But I highly doubt it - this will be the BTO rock they take their stand upon and teach us all a lesson.

I hope to get to the bottom of this issue. Someone needs to man up and admit they made a mistake. I asked to talk to Charles Ro and he never said it was Lionel or his fault. He told me that he was going to make it up to his customers but he never said what he is going to do . I'm really upset because our local train
club has spent $$$$ an countless hours on a BEAUTIFUL POLAR EXPRESS EXHIBIT using many of the scenes from the movie including the mountain which our train comes off onto the bridge to the north pole. I plan to contact Lionel on Monday does anyone have a suggestion where I can find the engine and tender. Thanks



Sent from my iPad

> On Nov 29, 2014, at 4:56 PM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

Eddie,

MrMuffinsTrains, a forum sponsor, is showing one; but the prices have gone up a bit since last week.

 

Dave

Wow, so sorry for everyone that had an engine on order that wont get it by Christmas, its one thing if none shipped in time, but what a nightmare seeing other people enjoy theirs.

 

im still blown away that hobby shops everywhere didn't stockpile these things...

Thanks so much it took my order so right now I BELIVE !

Sent from my iPad

> On Nov 29, 2014, at 8:06 PM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

If anyone interested I posted a video of my PE 2-8-4 I only have 2 passenger cars as I'm waiting for more to come in. I hope you enjoy this short quick video.

http://youtu.be/Pow874BGYsA

Nice video , Matt and a very nice layout!

 

-Pete

Andy in our club has one nice engine. He has been running it at our Holiday set up at Kennywood.

I have one! Have not pulled it out of its box yet because I also got the NKP 765 and that has been running at Stockyard Express for three days since its arrival. Brought it home today though and now it is under the tree. I'll probably switch out the 765 for the 1225 eventually and I got the matching Polar Express coaches.

 

 

 

Matt:

 

Wonderful video of this fabulous engine. Your rock work is superb. From what I could see in this video, you have the makings of a spectacular layout and a very nice finished train room.

 

Very happy you finally got your engine. Now I hope you get all of the passenger cars to go with it.

Brian, Thanks for the complements on the layout, It's really inspiring. 

 

Thanks to you and the rest of the gang with helping me decide on getting this engine and the matching cars. I'm really happy with my purchase. It's a great engine for anyone's collection especially around the holidays. 

Nice video of your layout, Matt.

 

I am as confused as ever after reading this thread about the shortage of black PE Berks; I encourage everyone who has a stake in this to contact their dealer to inquire where their PE Berk is. If people wait, then the dealers and Lionel might let this fall through the cracks.

I am as confused as ever after reading this thread about the shortage of black PE Berks; I encourage everyone who has a stake in this to contact their dealer to inquire where their PE Berk is. If people wait, then the dealers and Lionel might let this fall through the cracks.

 

Paul, there is no shortage. Lionel shipped to everyone what they ordered. Charlie Ro seems to be the exception. 

Reading all the reviews and watching the videos makes me wish I pre-ordered this version even though I already have the PM 1225 with polar express tender.  Am I  correct that it looks like this new version has more sounds from the actual movie ?  

 

I have stopped by Charles Ro in Boston when I was visiting family last year, it is quite the operation and hopefully they will take care of everyone who has one ordered.  

JPaul, that is correct. It has many more sound clips than the 2010 version, which I recall only had 1 or 2.

 

I am feeling a little aggravated from this ordeal. Conflicting accounts of the shortage notwithstanding, not only did I pay more for the PE Berk from the other dealer, I receive one with the wrong tender and broken axle bushings in locomotive lead truck. The dealer says he can't help, and I've both called and e-mailed Lionel and am still waiting for someone who can provide help. It's not like this is a small-purchase item, we're talking big bucks by any reasonable person's perspective.

 

Update: I just received a return ticket from Lionel.

 

In case anybody is interested I just spoke with Charles Ro and the black PE will be here in May. I bet the pilots will be fixed also. I have developed trust with him over the years. I am happy. If Charles tells me something straight up I believe him. My gold coaches will be here today and the blue ones coming soon. Life is good wallet gets a little relief

 

Mike,

 

That is TERRIFIC news!!!  I knew there must have been some resolution reached when I saw last night that Charlie's website had the Black PE Berk listed again -- as available for pre-order.  I was gonna call to inquire today, but it sounds like you received some definitive information.  I would also hope that the pilot bearings issue is addressed in the next production run as well.

 

By all accounts from what I've seen from recently posted videos, this version of the locomotive is a must-own for Polar Express fans.  It was very frustrating to encounter the two out-of-box front pilot bearings (one black model and one gold model) that I and others have encountered.

 

Another nice side benefit to this follow-up production run is that it should keep the price-point down for those folks who have the patience to wait out the delivery rather than pay premium prices to dealers who have begun to push the price closer to the $1450 MSRP.  Charlie's website is still accepting pre-orders at the $1050 price-point. 

 

I have been purchasing from Charles Ro since the early 1970's.  He has always been and continues to be a class act.  He didn't become one of Lionel's top dealers -- if not #1 -- by accident.

 

Although I did find an alternative model, I haven't cancelled my original pre-order with Charlie... 'cause I'm thinking of creating a long unit train with a string of the scale PE black coal hoppers that were recently announced (but probably will arrive after Christmas).  I was gonna use #1227 to head that up, but maybe I'll just leave my pre-order with Charlie for another black PE Berk since it'll have the Polar Express tender with it... not to mention Charlie's original "very early, early buy" price was  even a bit sweeter than the the regular pre-order pricing on the website now -- which is still less than many other dealers are now charging for the extras they may have left and trying to play games with pricing.

 

David

Dave: I like your idea of using another PE Berk to pull the PE coal cars - that could be really neat running alongside the Berk pulling the passenger cars. 

I am still waiting for someone to step up to the plate and admit they were human and screwed up. I preordered as soon as soon as It the market yet Charles Ro or Lionel has responded to who was at fault!

Sent from my iPad

> On Dec 3, 2014, at 3:16 PM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
>

 

Is that true that they are not  re-shipping these till May??? If so you guys don't seem to be that upset..I would be so disappointed if I had to wait till May. Christmas is in a few weeks and this set is a must have and makes more sense to receive it before Christmas. 

 

 

I sure hope the Big Boys are on time which are due in a week from today.