Lionel commercial question

The commercial is MPC era, because of the Grumman jet, not in service until '70-'71.

But that doesn't help on the plan, because it may be an earlier track plan.

 

The only thing that is a definite is that it's an 8' x 8'.  Similarities to D-132 and D-264, but it's not those. I ran across a 1967 catalog layout for Super O that is close. Perhaps it came from the Rudley's Super O layout booklet.

 

Please post the answer. I couldn't find it.

I have seen this commercial many times before, but it never gets old. Thanks for the post.

Three Super O Dealer Display Layouts, D290, D291, and D-292, are very similar to this one although I don't think they are exact matches.  Many of the military/space accessories are the same.

Actually, it is not MPC era. The top Google results for Grumman Tiger show a small prop plane. But if you look a little further down, you find the F-5 jet fighter. He said he was a test pilot. This commercial was most likely Christmas 1963. That makes more sense given the trains depicted.

Another clue is that it was shot in black & white. Anything for broadcast by the 70's would most likely have been shot in color.

Great commercial......I remember it as a kid.....definitely 60s.

 

Peter

I agree this was well before MPC. Given that Lionel stopped production of Super O in 1966, there is no way MPC would produce a commercial circa 1970 featuring an extinct track system.

Elliot is correct, most definitely not MPC era.  The missile & helicopter cars, Super-O track, etc places this squarely in Lionel's Space & Military era in the late Postwar period.  Early 1960s most likely as he pointed out.

Lionel MPC would have been attempting to sell products they were currently making & offering in the catalogs put out at the time, just like any other toy company always  have & continue to do.   So postwar equipment as shown in that commercial would definitely not be one of them.

Isn't is cool the way things always worked in those commercials?  Rockets launched, hit their targets, GI Joe's were able to swim, jump out of planes, frogmen were able to dive, breath and surface again.  Dump trucks dumped, road graders actually moved dirt, trains stopped, dumped their loads where they needed to be, switches worked flawlessly, and everyone had fun.  Everyone smiled and was happy.  Why was my stuff soooo different, and how come I never experienced the elation of my contemporaries?  

Thank you everyone for the info, and the replies. Someone on the Yahoo Super O users had told me it was an altered D-265 Display layout.

 

Bill

Bill, forum member Charly posted this plan just over a year ago. It looks to be correct (or very close) showing 3 independent loops with sidings and "trolly bumper" tracks.



Here's the original topic.

Interesting that towards the end of the commercial the helicopter was launched from the flat car while the cars looks to have been sitting on a Super O switch. Maybe Lionel added an electromagnet coil to the middle of the switch just for this commercial, but why? Why not just launch it with a regular Super O operating track?

I believe that is known as "the magic of television".

I stand corrected. But nineposts on military history, nostalgia and critique!?

 

All he wanted to know is which layout was used.

 

It is definitely a D-265, unmodified. Here is an auction photo and some snips from the commercial for reference.

 

Thank you Elliot for the plan. I saw that Charly made this based on Jim Barretts fastrak version of the 265. I had forgotten he had built that.

 

Bill

Thank you Moonman for the pictures, especially for the ones from the commercial.

 

Bill

Moonman....that is it!  Good detective work!

 

Peter

I have the Jim Barrett personally built D265 layout in my home delivered by Jim himself!
I am selling my home and hate to give up this special possession but will not have space for it when I move.
The D265 layout and associated rolling stock are therefore up for sale. If you or some one you know would be interested please call me 845-687-2020. Thanks.
Art