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I don't know about you, but the last 30 days and the rest of December looks like incoming orders are being filled and shipped out to us at a fast and furious pace. I have not seen anything like this for a long time. With Christmas only 19 days away, this has to be a very good thing for most of us who were expecting arrivals before the end of the year.

 

Even with the Port of Long Beach and their reported handling issues, it looks like our trains are getting through. The ToT literally sailed through Long Beach and has now arrived at the Port of Oakland.

 

Hoe about you. What are you expecting before the end of this year? For me, it is the Daylight Cab Forward and the ToT. This would really be something if both arrived before Christmas.

 

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We have had an issue with two 19 years old men stealing UPS packages off of peoples front porches. The police arrested them yesterday and found over 25 packages in their car. They were both released on a $5000.00 bond each.

    A neighbor caught them in the act with his cell phone camera. The local press showed the photo on TV and in newspapers. 

     So watch out, police report this has been an issue nation wide. 

Last edited by trainroomgary
Originally Posted by ams:

There was only one item I was hoping to get before the holidays, the Polar Express 50-ton twin hopper.  

 ...

That was on my list too, but it's looking like those will be part of next year's Christmas trains.    We hope.  It's a simple enough car, so let's pray it doesn't follow in the footsteps of the CSX Heritage boxcar with the intermodal logo.  2+ years and counting... still not here yet, and I have a string of them on order. 

 

David

Last edited by Rocky Mountaineer

This phenomenon actually occurs quite frequently each year.

 

Historically speaking, Lionel tends to deliver one shipment per month to dealers and distributors -- usually at the end of the month.  But near the end of October / early November, shipping frequencies increase... sometimes to a weekly delivery schedule out through the end of the year.

 

What's markedly different about this year though are the number of big-ticket items all converging simultaneously... Berkshires, Cab Forwards, Big Boys, ES44's, Polar Express coaches, etc.   And MTH not wanting to be left out of the fun is delivering a bunch of much-anticipated Standard Gauge goodies as well.  Check them out HERE.

 

David

 

 

Last edited by Rocky Mountaineer

My model train purchasing was done in October and November.  Lately, it's been about grand kids, and my siblings' grand kids that claim the $$$.

 

Although I have no interest in owning one, the Train of Tomorrow is the most unique product offered in my memory since it never carried a revenue paying passenger, but received huge public attention and achieved historical importance.

Last edited by Pingman

It's been anticlimatical for me this year, having learned my dealer had problems with his built-to-order with Lionel; then receiving 2 defective train sets, and receiving one locomotive with the wrong tender. Then, there were two defective train items I purchased on e-bay. Once again, I am doing the UPS and USPS shuffle, something I am was well versed with when I was more active in the hobby.

 

The hobby to me is not about new train purchases however, it's about releasing a creative and constructive outlet by building something neat.  

Originally Posted by AlanRail:

I just installed  an ADT-Pulse system that included a Free Camera; So now I can get a Clip of the UPS guy arriving with the packages and the another clip of the thief leaving with my packages.

 

Progress . . .

Looks like you're covered. We haven't had any problems, but I have thought about just installing a dummy camera with a 'Smile' sign.  We have an alarm system, but the camera would possibly give a little added deterrent.

Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

 

 The ToT literally sailed through Long Beach and has now arrived at the Port of Oakland. 

 

In another thread Scott Mann reported 2 hours ago...

 

"It's now Sunday Dec. 7th and the container ship with GMTOT has not docked at the Port of Oakland."

 

A GPS Nav-map is attached to his comment showing the ship's position in the middle of the bay...awaiting docking, I presume.

 

(sigh)

 

KD

 

MTH has been shipping product directly into Baltimore Harbor and they have at least four containers coming in this week. In addition to our Monon F3s and passenger cars, I am expecting the DB44s, the SD-40s, the RK J's and lots of other stuff to get on the pallets and head our way. If you haven't checked out their facebook page, get on there. They take terrific photos of newly arrived product on their layout and post them. Almost daily. 

 

We have a few Monon sets left, and preorders for a couple hundred MTH engines coming - you can order from us on our website - I think I have the search function fixed - thanks to those of you that posted about a problem. 

 

From Lionel, I still think we will see the Big Boys and Cab Forwards. The rest of the PE scale cars finally came in. I have one Big Boy left for pre-order. 

 

Mrs Muffin is working out with our landlord an additional warehouse for the next few months - our 800 square feet in back won't cut it! 

 

I have been in this hobby for a long time, and I don't ever recall a December like this. 

 

PS - Have you seen the MTH RK depressed flats with the rocket on a trailer? Terrific. And I just got in the Premier 6-Car Flat sets with the pipe load. The flats cars are terrific models  - I love the decking. 

 

PPS - Mrs Muffin is customizing the Woodland Scenics IGA J.Franks for different stores by changing the billboard and logo. She's charging $20 to do it. On top of our sale price of $94.96, it's still a good deal.

 

We are running trains on Sunday's this month. So if you're in the neighborhood, stop in. And check us out on TM Books and Video Toy Train Revue Four! 

Last edited by MrMuffin'sTrains

I am hopeful for a good December, we've got "Brown Truck Withdraw" around here, having not seen that poor fellow pull up in front of the house since mid Sept... prior to this he's been at the door with goodies at least once a week for over a year.

 

The Train of Tomorrow, should break the dry spell, after that it will largely depend upon listings on the Buy/Sell forum, eBay, and DASH, as I'm clear future forward on new product for the foreseeable future.

 

Looking forward to see everyone posting photos and video of their goodies, wishing everyone happiness with their purchases.

 

Best,

Jason

 

Originally Posted by Passenger Train Collector:

       

... I am getting pretty tired of reading another vendor's comments in their advertising of a "steal of a deal". Gets old fast.


As one of the finest ambassadors of the hobby in this era -- if not the #1 ambassador -- they can market their products any way they see fit.  I think Dorcie's emails are representative of some of the most positive energy out their among vendors today.  Highly refreshing... And they always make me smile.

David

You and I differ substantially on this subject David, as not everything offered in life is a steal-of-a-deal. Many Forum members have told me they are equally turned off by this.

 

In terms of ambassadors, last time I checked, I did not see a Forum ad or advertisement in the OGR magazine by the users of this expression that helps support our Forum that is easy to sometimes just take for granted. It is the advertisers that make this happen for all of us and I support them first and foremost. I know where my bread is buttered. 

I thought about this thread today as I tracked orders and packages.  Furious, but no longer fast . . . 

 

There is one internet supplier I buy from regularly, a good reputable firm that I have never had any problems with.  Normally - say in October, they ship either the afternoon I order, if I ordered in the morning, or the next day.  Two weeks ago I ordered something and it was two days until they shipped.  Then a week and a half ago I ordered something else and it was three days until it shipped.  I just checked and something I ordered four days ago, well, it's still being "processed" - i.e., not yet shipped - hopefully tomorrow, but who knows.  

 

This is normal, I realize, this time of year, and the positive side is that it is a sign of a healthier economy, and nobody will die if I wait a couple of extra days.  

I would hope this is a very good sign, Lee, and their orders are really stacked up. Not unusual for this time of year.

 

As far as your GMToT, the ship has left the Port of Oakland, so there is a very good chance these sets are now on their way to San Ramon. Hmmm, if you have been very good boy this year, maybe just maybe you will have your set by Christmas. I hope so.

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