Originally Posted by BigBoy4014:
I think schedule slipping, while annoying, is to be expected from all the toy makers.
Yes, a lot of delays are beyond their control. Also I don't mind a delay if it relates to the proper development of operating features, which is what I understand has happened with the Legacy cranes and VL reefers.
But what I feel is not tolerable is that a spec mistake in a 2010-2014 is NOT corrected. I was looking for a PRR K4S in Tuscon color with whistle smoke, the Lionel catalog does not show this model as having this feature (item #6-11319, Legacy). I missed three great auctions thinking it does not have it. Now I see some dealers advertising that is DOES have the whistle smoke. For some one like me who is fairly new to Lionel's culture, it is very annoying.
That's a real bummer. This engine does have whistle smoke but from the online catalog you'll only know by seeing that there is a whistle smoke addendum to the operating manual. Manuals are not always posted when the model ships. The VL Big Boy was a conspicuous exception as it was available before shipment.
BTW, MTH also has many mistakes on their site....
How difficult is it to task one employee with a single goal: look at the site and the catalogs and fix all the little silly mistakes that deny customers a purchase....I mean they lose money and some of us get annoyed...
I have wondered about this myself and I'd be inclined to agree with tasking someone with what is more than just proofreading bearing in mind the attention the catalogues get from serious O gauge buyers. What I wouldn't agree with (and it's not in your post but earlier ones) is castigating a whole management team for these mistakes. Lionel has delivered a lot over the past several years and as far as I am concerned QC, operating features and a reliable parts and service back-up are a lot more important than what I can get from their advertising/shipping updates.
