What is the future of Lionel 57' mechanical reefers ? (non-Lionscale)

I have both, and prefer the Weaver style...

I also hope they continue these cars, as they were the best!

I asked mth to offer them.

Hopefully MTH will model the Pacific Car & Foundry R-70-20 with the Unique Roof:

SPSF: Yeah that SPFE reefer would look great in O scale!

Super O Bob: Yes I agree they are among the very best rolling stock Lionel has put out. I wish they did or will do more than 1 BN and 2 SF though.

I admit since I haven't seen Lionel release any new ones lately, I've been buying them when I see a good price or one often seen. I just acquired 3 road #'s in Great Northern the #2 Cryotrans reefer.

The people at Lionel and MTH need to make all the variations of the Pacific Car & Foundry and Fruit Growers Express Mechanical Refrigerator Cars in 1:64th, 1:48th, 1:32nd scales, finally now that they are becoming rarer on some railroads. The new Trinity and Greenbrier Mechanical Refrigerator Cars are next to be produced.

Lehigh Valley Railroad posted:

I have both, and prefer the Weaver style...

I have the Weavers (Kadee makes the shock-control draft boxes, now). I looked at the Lionel, but preferred the build of the weaver cars.

If Athearn also made O scale mechanical refrigerator cars they would have made all the types missing for 1:48th scale.

Seems Lionel has limited this model. On the other hand, it looks to me like they priced themselves out of the market on these cars just like some other latest releases. 

AGHRMatt posted:

I have the Weavers (Kadee makes the shock-control draft boxes, now). I looked at the Lionel, but preferred the build of the weaver cars.

Do your Weavers have the sound system Matt?

I also prefer the Weaver cars.

I agree the Weavers are nice but the Lionels have more fine detail. They also have a nice weight to them with the metal frame. The Lionels only fault is missing roof exhaust for the diesel motor. They sure look great behind my SD40's.

SuperChiefer84 posted:

I agree the Weavers are nice but the Lionels have more fine detail. They also have a nice weight to them with the metal frame. The Lionels only fault is missing roof exhaust for the diesel motor. They sure look great behind my SD40's.

Yep. Do you have a roof image of that? I'd be willing to try and add it.

BobbyD posted:

SuperChiefer84 posted:

I agree the Weavers are nice but the Lionels have more fine detail. They also have a nice weight to them with the metal frame. The Lionels only fault is missing roof exhaust for the diesel motor. They sure look great behind my SD40's.

Yep. Do you have a roof image of that? I'd be willing to try and add it.

Yes sir here you go. This is the diesel motor end.

SuperChiefer84 posted:

BobbyD posted:

SuperChiefer84 posted:

I agree the Weavers are nice but the Lionels have more fine detail. They also have a nice weight to them with the metal frame. The Lionels only fault is missing roof exhaust for the diesel motor. They sure look great behind my SD40's.

Yep. Do you have a roof image of that? I'd be willing to try and add it.

Yes sir here you go. This is the diesel motor end.

So all you need are some brass "Sand Fill" hatches and you are done!

So far my search for the prototype image hasn't resulted in any, I'll keep searching.

There has not been an update since they produced more of the imported PC&F 57' mechanical refrigerator cars with opening doors.

I bought two. Santa Fe and Union Pacific.

Did you buy any?

Andrew

I hope they continue to make them.

The ex Weaver tooling is now being made in China per the last catalog video, so Lionscale is no more.

They are not making freight cars in China.

The cars are being produced in Viet Nam or other places.

Andrew

@falconservice posted:

They are not making freight cars in China.

The cars are being produced in Viet Nam or other places.

Andrew

Nope, that's wrong.  Lionel still makes some freight cars in China.  I just got a custom run shipment about 2 weeks ago, and they were made in China; all 3 pallets worth.  Yes, they also make freight cars in Vietnam as you said.  But make no mistake about it, China still produces a lot of Lionel freight cars.

Stu

Less of the imported cars are being produced in China.

Andrew

My point is that they aren't being made in the US, which was the main draw for those products in the Lionscale line which generally aren't all that detailed.