So what if Lionel hired a bunch of creative marketing guru's and/or 3-railers to put together the ULTIMATE Lionel Model trains commercial for the Super Bowl?
And when I say "Ultimate" I mean something with the coolest music, visual style, with the biggest baddest Lionel Steam and Diesel Engine and/or train to WOW the masses and to grab the attention of a Baby Boomer, Teen Agers, Young Adults, and even the most anti-model train, anti man-cave spouse (just kidding).
Moreover, lets say Lionel pulls this off, and the internet goes crazy, the commercial goes viral...the ultimate Best Case Scenario for everyone including Lionel.
Here is what I think would happen in a "Best Case" scenario, and u welcome your thoughts as well:
1) Folks like us on this forum, would think it cool, and enjoy a spurt of enthusiasm, be the target of many questions from those who previously knew we had trains but didnt really care, but now do. And of course, we would make a purchase or 2 that we might not have planned on.
2) A large part of THE MASSES would probably think it cool, bur totally forget about it once the next big play happens during the game.
3) Another part of the masses will not care at all or even blink an eye.
4) Some folks who had trains as kids, but gave them up and never returned would get very very excited, and motivated to get back into the hobby.
Some of these folks would already know that pre-orders, ordering, online shopping are now the norm, but despite this many will seek out a local hobby shop just like the old days and will be disappointed with the selection, but hopefully impressed enough by the potential from "good train store" customer service and make some pre-orders or impulse buys on whatever is in stock.
5) Now here is the sad part....SOME...very few...of those who have never ever been involved in the hobby will immediately run out to Walmart, thinking there is a golden treasure horde of trains in the toy section they have been missing out on for years...only to find the what they saw in the commercial is not there....if they are lucky they MIGHT find some RTR sets that although are not even close to what they saw in the Super Bowl commercial, might still impress enough to warrant a purchase.
Most likely, the majority will soon get distracted by flashing lights, a screaming child, or a flash mob, a phone call or text message and lose total interest.
The remainder, will pick up one of these sets if they are actually in stock, otherwise they will not pursue it further, and the majority will have gotten bored with it in about 30 days or less and end the adventure right there.
For the small majority of the masses, that make it this far, they will realize what they have been missing out on and pursue the hobby...unfortunately, most of these folks once they realize in this day and age of "I WANT IT NOW", that neither Walmart and the train store they drove 100 miles or more to get to, either doesnt have what they want or moreover will have total sticker shock at the prices and give up right then and there.
For the fractional few of the masses, a very small number...very small..will have found a new hobby they will enjoy the rest of their lives.
Thus, the train market for Lionel will be just as it always has...a gem...a diamond in the rough of todays world that only a cherished few will ever pursue and experience via the once in a lifetime wonder of model trains.
This is not a result of anything Lionel did or any other trainmaker, it is a result of the society we live in, which is manipulated by the media...in which life consists of eating, sleeping, watching TV, engaging in endless and mindless network TV, smart phone induced social media, and an obsession with Hollywood, crappy movies, and athletes.
Thankfully, I belong to a community of people (model railroaders) who are above the herd of sheep-like masses, and who exercise their brains above and beyond the norm, thru visualization, engineering, construction, design, planning and operations, all which encompass everything from electrical, electronics, home improvement, carpentry, etc etc etc, and who have a sense of tradition, nostalgia, family, and who enjoy the greatest hobby in the world.
And for all of that, I thank and praise all of you here on this forum!
