Has LCT Run Its Course?

Reading the above comments, MTH seems to have two problems.  First, quality seems to have dropped since manufacturing was moved from Korea to China.  Second, the market is largely saturated for the existing models.  Buyers of reproduction trains expect more reliability than vintage trains, not less.  The all important "gotta have it" factor doesn't apply to rehashes of existing models.

 

 

There is a third option MTH has not considered.  Conv. stuff with can motors.

 

Now is the new old Marklin Station  part of the "Lionel Tinplate"?

Vintage technology or contemporary, the pivotal issue is, and remains, somewhat erratic quality control! Later LCT production has had paint and finish issues, as well as some documented mechanical issues.

 

I have experienced fewer such problems with the earlier "Lionel Classics" or "Tinplate Traditions" lines than with the current LCT production. I also abhor traction tires on standard gauge locos and replaced mine on my green P-2 Brute.

 

In the future, I plan to purchase ONLY "Lionel Classics" and earlier "Tinplate Traditions" locos and cars and NO LCT items!

I agree. The MTH Leipzig should have been in 1 gauge. I would have bought that in a flash...but not the smaller 0 gauge version. I would rather invest in a hand made, hand painted replica of one of the earlier stations in 1 or even 2 gauge.

 

Jim

 

The 'old' Lionel Classics in many instances have become great buys. Agreed on that. I snagged a gorgeous new 44E O gauge freight set a few Yorks back at a very favorable price.

 

If I recall, Art, both of us were happy with our LCT No. 214 outfits (the M.S.R.P. aside ). M.T.H. had to do all new tooling (including an all new conventional motor to make the armored car) to offer the set. To my recollection, most buyers found the set to be a nice runner and a creditable reproduction.

 

Bob

 

I can understand the boredom  and disappointment associated with new catalogs filled with the same models just in different colors, but after looking at what's been offered and what was originally made by Lionel, American Flyer, Ives et al, what more can be made?  My only wants are the 390e (which MTH made once), and a Lionel #5 with or without tender.  IMO the original manufacturers never really had that much variety either.

Pretend for a moment, pick a year from the early part of the 20th century,  choose the Lionel catalog from that year, and see if you are bored/ disappointed with that year's offerings.

I have 3 400e's and I really don't want/can't afford any more.  I'm quite content that I was able to find a handful of items (4) in the latest LCT catalog that I wanted enough to order.

I agree with Dominic on MTH third option.

 

What i would like to see is an affordable line similar to the old Marx tin train sets.

There would be lots of choices to remake from Marx tin.

 

Thanks,

Phil.   

This essentially has been my experience as well.  All of the Mike Wolf produced Lionel Classics I have purchased have been flawless while most of the later MTH Tinplate Traditions engines and accessories I have bought have caused me some problems; some minor but also some major league heartburn.  The problems seemed to arise with the transfer of production from Korea to China.  Due to the irritation I experienced with these purchases I have declined to buy anymore Tinplate Traditions or LCT products.  That being said, I fully realize that all of the manufacturers in both O and Standard Gauges have difficulty with quality control and that we all get stung from time to time with this shortcoming so this is not an indictment of MTH.  Some people have more trouble with Lionel while others seem snakebit by MTH.  Perhaps its just bad Karma. 

That's easy. 

 

I'd like a repro of the classic Toonerville Trolley and accessories!  O and/or Standard gauge size, please!

 

Whimsical retro...brings a smile every time!

 

Thanks!

 

(hello?............hello?.........hello?..........)

 

KD