Lionel Locomotives shipping early

Interesting, Don. I haven't heard them side-by-side, of course, and so can't compare my 2006 version (which sounds excellent), but the 2006 PS-4 version sure should be better, and certainly looks much better as far as the specs go. Not to say the earlier engine doesn't sound better...sometimes older engines just have great sound.

But, as you know, the 2006 issue has R/S 5, vs. R/S 4 on the 2003 Crescent, as well as dual Fatboy speakers rather than the single speaker found on the earlier Crescent version, and they are housed in virtually the same tender. In addition, the 2006 PS-4 has all the following sound features, none of which are found on the 2003 Crescent:

What angst?   I'm wound up so tight I can't think.

There's no angst. We're just discussing the relative considerations involved in the process of deciding to upgrade or not when an engine is re-released. This is going to be a much more common issue, apparently. While it's true that Legacy has been out long enough now for Lionel to start making the same engines they've made before, except adding Legacy features, for some reason known but to Lionel (and this also harkens back a few months to the Santa Fe 3751 surprise re-release as well), they've apparently decided now to do this in earnest.

Clearly they've made a few of the same engines before, but not at the rate demonstrated in the new catalog. I think most everyone was surprised that they would do all these repeat steam engines in one catalog.

I think it's been made very clear in the discussion that it's obviously a personal choice whether to upgrade or not. For heaven's sake, noone thinks there's a "gun pointing to anyone's head and forcing them to buy it" over the choices. But I for one find it of interest what considerations other members are weighing in deciding whether to upgrade or not, especially now considering the rate at which "replacement" engines are being made. I'm interested in their views. And noone's forcing you to read about it. (Just kidding.)

+1

Yes and no, if you go back and look there have been multiple releases of certain locos over the years, especially in the case of mohawks and berks even the two scale js were only a few years apart. I'm patienly (not really) awaiting a legacy j3a hudson (as I've said 100 times before) I'm afraid that even though its been 10 years I still may not if ever see one after the vision hudson and the multitude of hudsons released prior to 2002. I suspect reissues are due in part to the "usability" of the existing tooling and in the case of these "pacifics" they may share the same chassis as the k-4 or vl hudson. Tooling is always the most costly factor in producing trains so being able to reuse existing tooling probably offsets the electronics cost allowing for minimal if any price increases. Reducing the production numbers, which it appears Lionel has been doing, prevents new products from sitting on shelves for years. Mth has reissued the same locos with the exact same electronics and sounds repeatedly
over the years,far mor often than Lionel, and with great sucess as this allows for the pricing to remain the exact same  as well. I'm not saying I agree with it, I think its just the nature of the buisness. In order to get totally new, totally unique trains,one really needs to consider brass,but the trade off is in the electronics and operational capabilities, i.e. minimum radius requrements. MTH and Lionel are the "cookie cutter" train builders.Besides, what if I want a ps4?, theres ONE for sale at TRAINZ,its $800, for $100 more I can get a brand new one with that chip under the tender!

And it's inevitable that it be so. As we all know, there are only so many engines to make, and, to narrow it down much further - and most importantly - only so many that are economically feasible to make. Those of course are the more common engines, which are the ones they can sell the most of, and will be repeated again and again over the years. So, cookie cutters they are, to a large degree, out of necessity.

We all know Hudsons and Daylights and Warbonnets and many, many others will be reproduced regularly as far into the future as anyone can see. Not only can they sell the most of them, they also already have the plans and molds, etc. to maximize efficent production. Maybe we should be glad of it, as this helps the manufacturers - at least to some extent - hold the line on price increases. 

I suspect the current Chinese production issues, now more than ever, are a big driving force behind much of the production decision-making. It sure would be interesting to know who makes these decisions at Lionel, and why they're made.

Besides, what if I want a ps4?, theres ONE for sale at TRAINZ,its $800, for $100 more I can get a brand new one with that chip under the tender!

A wild card is matching passenger car availablility. I sure wish Lionel had also leaked some information on these. About the only way now to get the basic four-car sets is to buy an old complete set with the engine. I'm assuming new cars will be available, but ...........

An apropos comment from another current thread about the 2012 catalog:

Joe, VERY good point that always seems to get lost in the shuffle as folks trample over themselves to get the latest and greatest products released into the marketplace.  There are LOTS of great buys out there right now for the smart shopper.  Mint condition Lionel TMCC (vs. Legacy) and now most recently mint condition MTH PS2 (vs. PS3) locomotives are GREAT examples!!!

David

We got one out and tested it today. The Steam Whistle effect is outstanding. The smoke just comes streaming out when you blow the whistle. Lionel seems to have really improved that feature and it looks great!