Lionel made in Vietnam

Two reasons Lionel and many other companies are going to Vietnam:

1. Labor is cheaper.
2. The country provides a more favorable business climate over its larger neighbor.

Mike

A surprise ,but I guess the way it's going probably sometime down the road (50+ years) our grand kids  kids will see toys made in Afghanistan.

Unreal

Larry

Not any more unreal than the trains I have stamped on the bottom - "Made in Germany, US Sector".  Probably circa 1946?  I need to track down the history of them.

Not that amazing, I've seen several newer Lionel products made in Vietnam.  I think it's pretty smart to diversify the manufacturing locations.

Finding countries where you aren't restricted to only that country, and don't even own the materials used to make them always makes sense. China is a one way country.

@Grampstrains posted:

There are some Lionel products from the mid 60's that were made in Japan.

And some that were made in the USA.

the 1st mth tin was made in korea i believe

I think "anything but China" might be the stance going forward.  However, with manufacturing a labor-intensive product the Communist countries may be the only choice and almost mandatory to be competitive.  Imagine, Lionel and other train products "made in Vietnam" (already there), but "Made in North Korea"? 

It's all about what WE, the consumers- are willing to pay.  Are we willing to pay +50% for "Made in USA"??  I for one, am.

My Rutland two bay hoppers were made in Vietnam.  They look like they were assembled by a fourth grader and painted by a kindergartener.  I hope the assembly improves and soon.  I can see why Lionel wants out of China or at least spread the eggs around but they shouldn't be letting out product like this until it's right.

Time to come home.

@jim sutter posted:

Time to come home.

What's up with all that Weaver tooling Lionel purchased?  Did a few offerings like the three bay hoppers but nothing since.

The Weaver tooling is the Lionscale line of cars.  They have offered lots of cars through it such as the 50' reefer, the flat car, and some others I can't think off the top of my head.  A lot of custom run products come out of that line as the MOQ is 100 vs. 300 or 500 for other Lionel products.

Products sourced from around the world is just a fact of life.  It ties into the other central theme of this forum, "look at the prices!"

I perceive a very pleasant irony in this thread, coming as it does on the heels of the Running Trains in 1967 thread.

In 1967, many of our compatriots here were in Vietnam but had no time for even thinking much about trains.  Today, those same folks might be running trains made there.  I refuse to stray too near anything political, but I find great satisfaction in seeing that there is cultural rapprochement in the offing which suggests that maybe, just maybe, our time, blood, and treasure were not entirely wasted, that our peoples might be able to find common ground to the betterment of us both.

@palallin posted:

I perceive a very pleasant irony in this thread, coming as it does on the heels of the Running Trains in 1967 thread.

In 1967, many of our compatriots here were in Vietnam but had no time for even thinking much about trains.  Today, those same folks might be running trains made there.  I refuse to stray too near anything political, but I find great satisfaction in seeing that there is cultural rapprochement in the offing which suggests that maybe, just maybe, our time, blood, and treasure were not entirely wasted, that our peoples might be able to find common ground to the betterment of us both.

Very well said.

Mike

Spot on Mellow, thanks Mike!

Most of my items have said made in China but I recently received my LC+ 2.0 Lionmaster Big Boy and it said made in Korea. I have heard from some others that the items made in Korea tend to have fewer quality control issues. Just what I heard.

Brad

@B rad posted:

Most of my items have said made in China but I recently received my LC+ 2.0 Lionmaster Big Boy and it said made in Korea. I have heard from some others that the items made in Korea tend to have fewer quality control issues. Just what I heard.

Brad

Most if not all of the high end/vision line engines are made in Korea.

Picked up a Lionel B&O I12 caboose recently - made in Vietnam - it’s awesome

@superwarp1 posted:

Most if not all of the high end/vision line engines are made in Korea.

Since when? I know the newer ones from the last catalog or 2 are coming from Korea.

@Shawn_Chronister posted:

Since when? I know the newer ones from the last catalog or 2 are coming from Korea.

J3 Hudson from three year ago, all the way back to the N&W class A.  Just to name a few.

My old girl friend tried to convince me to take a vacation in Vietnam.

Telling her about four years of college, worrying about  Uncle Sam giving me a free "vacation" in Vietnam went over her head.

Vietnam has come a very long way to becoming a first world country'.. Many things are being manufactured and imported all over the free world.  For those that have never ventured there, it is indeed a beautiful country.  It is now also a vacation wonderland as well.  The South China sea, never falls below 65 degrees.  Other than the monsoon season, the weather is terrific.  It does get hot and humid, but still nice.  However, technical manufacturing has a ways to go.  That caboose is nice.  Engines are a different story.  Nothing will ever replace our very significant losses But I guess, it is no different then every country the US has rebuilt after the conflict.

After 51 years, I can forgive, but not forget'... I do wish them well... as they continue to go forward'...

Ted

I just can't get around that yet. Probably never will. Sorry , I don't forgive, I don't wish them well and I definitely won't forget. Sorry my opinion.

I'm probably going to guess my oldest son after spending 3 tours flying helicopters in Afghanistan won't feel to much different, lol

Larry

@Larry Sr. posted:

Ted

I just can't get around that yet. Probably never will. Sorry , I don't forgive, I don't wish them well and I definitely won't forget. Sorry my opinion.

I'm probably going to guess my oldest son after spending 3 tours flying helicopters in Afghanistan won't feel to much different, lol

Larry

Larry, I hear you', and completely understand... The North Vietnamese were the problem and of course the VC.  Most Arvin and the SViets were okay.  My son recently retired, CW4. 30 years.  3 tours Iraq, 3 Afghanistan,, 1 Bosnia, 1 Kuwait. 1 South Korea.... I live every day in pain, some days worse than others.  When folks ask me why I'm having trouble walking, and other visible ailments, I tell them.. Some days are diamonds, and some days are jacks..........