Lionel Polar Express in HO?

They are not in the HO business anymore.

I guess Lionel could do like they do with tin plate and have MTH make one.

I'd assume that it's likely because:

1) they don't do anything else in HO.

2) they wanted to use it to promote their own brand, which is highly associated with O gauge. 

3) They already have the stuff ready to make PE stuff without major re-tooling. 

Not an expert, just trying to put 2 & 2 together. 

If it were possible from a licensing perspective, I'd LOVE to see a Standard Gauge P/E in this lifetime.  

David

One can make their own.  Bachmann and Proto 2K both made the correct steam locos in both HO & N scale.  Microscale made decals that would work.

That would be an interesting idea.......Hummm  :-)

Manufacturing is a complex business; one does not just "go make some".

I would imagine that Lionel has talked about this, probably involving an arrangement with an established HO marketer (like Bachmann; maybe MTH).

Getting something to the customers involves the establishment all sorts of things - parts inventory, just for starters - and Lionel is not an HO marketer. 

They also wouldn't be able to go the cheap route - we all know how well cheap HO satisfies.

I would imagine if the license was available, (and priced for a decent return on investment) Bachmann would have done it in HO long ago.  They used to have the license for a G gauge set that used the 4-6-0 (and yes, it included the bell.)

I really haven heard HOer's clamoring for a Polar Express.

rusty

Lionel has dipped their pinkies in the tepid waters of HO four times in their history...by my last count...each one of which was (IMHO) a freaking short-lived disaster.  And you would have them do this AGAIN in the iconic, licensed realm of Polar Express????

So,......if I were sitting on the PE side of the licensing table, you would have me believe that Lionel has a track record of success in the HO market sufficient for wearing my colors, carrying my unique features, and bearing my iconic gold words....Polar Express...on their cars/engines???....such that customers could expect a quality, durable, affordable product???

As Mike Slater mentioned above, Bachmann already has a credible model of the 1225 locomotive....now even with sound and DCC!.  They also have the tooling (Spectrum line) for heavyweight passenger cars.  The PE modifications of which....funky pilot on the engine and funky observation car platform, to pick a couple highlights...would be minimal and relatively inexpensive modifications compared with all new tooling Lionel would have to create...were a license available.

I think you're really pushing the 'Believe!' envelope here.

But that's just MHO under the First Amendment.

KD

I looked at online video, and the Bachmann HO Polar is a well detailed model.   A credible effort.

Lionel would need to miniaturize the LC+ remote control system and invest substantial in order to compete.   Does not seem like a good bet financially.   But I would buy one if they made it.