Is Lionel no longer going to make dummy units

Hi Neal,  You are right, I didn't see any either. Their were dummy units with the GP35's in Volume 1,  seems strange to me.

I know! With all of the defective units that have been made those are now counted as the "dummy" units.....which I think most of my recent purchases would now qualify as 'dummy" units.....

I would laugh but I am too busy being disappointed about the number if defects I have had.

I know! With all of the defective units that have been made those are now counted as the "dummy" units.....which I think most of my recent purchases would now qualify as 'dummy" units.....

I would laugh but I am too busy being disappointed about the number if defects I have had.

Man, you are right about that Jeff!

I think they all have given up making Dummy units. I don't know why when they sell out. They say they listen, But they don't.

The biggest issue IMO is the dummy units they usually make are too dummied down.  No lights, no smoke, and no coupler control.  Sure it helps cost but give is the basics.

Well, they offer both powered and unpowered B unit Baldwin Sharks in the new catalog.  That surprised me, frankly, and I am still pondering which I want . . . 

Just use a Williams Dummy Unit!

Agreed. You are getting essentially a boxcar with windows and all that for 200 bucks.

Pete

Not to hijack this thread, but the NDB (No Dummy B) issue for me is more pointed...and re a different manufacturer.

I am very disappointed that Atlas didn't offer a dummy B for their Burlington F3 units released several years ago.  I think I know why they chose to do this; The total tractive effort required to pull the complete CZ train they were simultaneously embarking into (eternal) production would ultimately require two powered units.

Fair enough.  But I'm not pulling their 12-car CZ train.  I wanted their engines to pull a shorter version (train AND car lengths) of the CZ....for which a dummy B would be entirely adequate for my layout needs. 

Well, I found a pair of A's at a decent price, but I've spurned the powered B's...almost to the point where they're now extinct on the market. 

I suppose I could fall into deeper sin and try a Lionel Legacy dummy B of this engine betwixt my Atlas A's, but the engine number would be wrong (anal, I know), and, sure-as-shootin', the cosmetic match would be yet another disapppointment. 

So, meanwhile, back at the ranch, the dispatcher will have to work without the extra 'power' on the point.

Come on, Atlas.....after all those other F releases offering a dummy B choice....WHY SHORT ME ON THIS ONE??????

Poopy!!   (sigh)

Norton- I have spent $200 on a box car. $500 for a passenger car.

That's is not the point. Many like Dummy ES44AC,AC600 etc. When Dummy units for these are offered they sell out.  The early units did not have lights etc. The ones that I have picked up lately have lights . The last Lionel NS Dash 9 dummy has lights smoke directional lighting operating couplers. All Legacy controlled.

There is a market for dummy engines the manufactures just want you to buy 2 powered units. I do most of the time but some I would also like a dummy unit.  AS do others.

IT's a possibility. Afterall, Mike, Andy and Rich at MTH clearly stated it's no longer cost effective to sell dummy units at prices that will move. The removal of electronics and motors does NOT add up to a huge savings.

BTW Neal I have to ask what is your PRR diesel roster at now?

It's interesting, coming full circle.  I have the Legacy Lionmaster Conrail SD-80 and the dummy.  The dummy is full featured with smoke, directional lights, and electrocouplers.  Then I started seeing real dummies, no lights, nothing!  I hope they come back to something a bit more useful.

I agree with both Marty and Pete on this one.  I love non-powered units and I do believe there is a market for them.  I just think you should get more bang for your buck.  Lights and electro-couplers at a minimum...and maybe even smoke, too.

I'm a huge MTH fan, and own a LOT of their products.  However, I sure can't comprehend how this statement can be true.  If there's not a significant cost difference to build a powered unit (with two motors, all the DCS electronics and additional sound-related features) and a non-powered unit (basically just a diesel shell/frame/trucks), then why do they charge so much $$ for a PS-2 (not even PS-3!) upgrade kit??  And you don't even get the two motors with that...you would have to factor in the cost of those, too.  If the statement above was true, then MTH should be able to sell us these upgrade kits for a lot less...and still make a decent profit!!

They don't make them because they don't sell. As simple as that. People pay the extra for a second powered unit. 

The dummy units are TOO HEAVY - you need a third unit powered just to pull the dummy and the rest of the train around.

More power to you.

No engineers either.  Just has a stripped down feel to them with the most recent ones.  The ones from a few years ago feel more solid.

I have a lot of dummy units because I like to run multiple unit consists, but don't need all of them powered. If they are a middle unit, they don't need lights, crew figures, smoke, or operating couplers anyway. I really hope they have not discontinued non powered units. More of my money they will lose with this new catalog! 

There are a few dummy units I wish I had a few more of. For one the MTH Steelers try and find one I have three . They sell well they just want to sell more powered units. If they don' have light it is a easy fix Coupler they could put dummy couplers on them I either tie them shut or super glue them shut. can't stand long trains coming apart.

WBB quit making dummy units too!!

You will have to really look for a dummy unit anymore.

Lee Fritz

Neil: its great to see you posting here again.i thought we had lost ya!can you give a brief update in pictures of the layout progress.?-jim

Mr. Muffin hit the nail on the head: check out all the dealers blowing out unsold dummy units for half price. Just picked up one myself from Charlie Nassau. There was no way I was going to pay the original inflated price for it but when it came down to less than $100, I picked it up.   Dummy units just don't sell very well in most instances.

Neil: its great to see you posting here again.i thought we had lost ya!can you give a brief update in pictures of the layout progress.?-jim