MY VIEWS ON THE MTH/LIONEL INTERVIEW BY ROUNDHOUSE BILL

Here are my conclusions about the responses of the representatives.

MTH--

1. Is pleased with the response to date of its currently released products.

Good to hear.

2. Plans to issue new versions (paint schemes) of freight cars and engines from original SHS tooling.

To be expected, I don't think anyone wants only previous SHS roadnames released.

3. Will issue a new multi-year catalog after currently catalogued items have been released.

At this point, I think the only thing we're waiting on is the F3's and turnouts.

4. Will offer "scale"  products in quantities proportionate to the % of "scale" operators in the S gauge world.

The best possible action given MTH isn't following the SHS example.

5. Will issue "S"  sized buildings and structures from stocks of those in the "O" product lines if appropriately sized.

The large brick depot and farm houses work pretty well for S.

6. Explained the reason for the delay of delivery of engines catalogued in 2013...r/c coupler problems.

*sigh*  The world was much simpler when the choices were only AC or DC...

7. Understands that layouts built from currently available track stock and anticipated stock (turnouts) are limited in scope. Projects that additional expansion of the track product line is likely.

Can't run trains without track, particularly with the limited options in S.

8. Projects that future expansion of the product line will be based/weighted on customer response (purchases).

I guess that's to be expected, but I think it would be a very positive shake-up if at least one new car was tossed into the mix.

9. Will possibly consider attending "S" events but more likely will continue to display product at multi-gauge events.

Maybe have someone come in disguise and get a feel for the market without the static from the other scales???

10. Plans to attract new customers to "S" with ready to run sets with an included "simple" remote control allowing access to "command mode" without the need to buy the full DCS system. (This is also currently done in many entry level O gauge sets)

I would expect a stripped-down (less detailed and hirail only) F3 would be the key.

11. Will not look solely to other product lines for ideas for possible future "S" releases.

There's a lot of good stuff in their other scale lines that would look awfully nice in S.

LIONEL:

1. Overall it appears that Lionel is heavily weighing future product on the success of the Flyer Chief releases.

That would be my guess given the last catalog.

2. Has scaled back Legacy releases in favor of Flyer Chief releases.

Not surprising.  If it gets more newbies into S, I'm all for it.

3. Was not overtly positive about future "scale" releases but is "considering" possible "modern" car releases.

Maybe start with the 57' mechanical reefer and address that weird bolster on the trucks...

4. Future track offerings will remain in the Fastrack line of track.

Makes sense, as long as delivery isn't scheduled for the 12th of never.

5. Doesn't plan to issue Legacy controlled accessories but will consider "S" accessories similar to "O" Plug 'n Play.

No opinion.

6. Plans to offer the Polar Express set in "S" gauge on a continuing basis.

That will probably only be viable as long as supplementary track  (turnouts, crossings, etc.) and accessories are readily available .

7. Has "discussed" the addition of a smaller steam or switcher engine.

Good idea.

8. Will probably continue to attend "Multi-Gauge" events that allow them to showcase all product lines.

See my MTH response.

9. Will possibly offer future "S" ready to run sets when the track system is fully implemented and available.

Probably also based on #7.

Comparing apples and apples I viewed the MTH responses to Bill's questions as a little more revealing than the Lionel responses. 

Both manufacturers mostly predict future possible product release on customer acceptance of current product.

Part of acceptance is delivering product in a reasonable amount of time.

To me that translates into "If you buy it we will build it".

What I would really like to see is "If we catalogue it will you order it?"

Lack of orders on a product would rightly call for its deletion in the product line.

However lack of orders for a known problematic item (like the proposed scale wheelset/trucks on the Lionel 57' reefers) should not constitute a justification for deletion of the product in total.

If someone is going to cancel something, don't wait until the just before the scheduled delivery date to announce it.  Or possibly extend the cut-off date.

In the case of the 57' reefers had they been catalogued with the revised high rail trucks i believe they would have had a positive response and many preorders.

I fully expected the 57' reefers to come with the revised hirail trucks, which I was going to change out anyway for scalification. 

Conspiracy theory: I can't help but wonder if cancelling the reefers at the 11th hour was an effort to show the rag-tag S market who's boss.

Rusty

Again I suggest you obtain a copy of the interview and form your own conclusions.

All of the above are MY conclusions.

Mark

Ben

   If we have to put up the money to get them built we should get some stock in the company for our trouble.