New Lionel GTW 0-8-0: Why No Centered Headlight?

If I remember correctly there was a c&o 0-8-0 with a centered headlight. Perhaps you could order the parts and alter it yourself. 

The problem is cost.  It would be cheaper to have a custom builder reposition your headlight that to have Lionel produce a short run of locomotives with different configurations.

Can someone find a photo?

Andrew

falconservice posted:

Can someone find a photo?

Here go...

Okie dokie?

(....of course, gotta move de bell, too, mon!  And de whistle?  And de coal box height on de tender? And de red/yellow logo....shouldn't it be white? And.....  and.....  and.....? )

The Bellcaptain posted:

If I remember correctly there was a c&o 0-8-0 with a centered headlight. Perhaps you could order the parts and alter it yourself. 

Most recently the Lionelville and Western 0-8-0 had a centered headlight.  That was in 2011, and it was cataloged with the high headlight.

Don't pass judgement until you see the final product.

There have been several occasions where the final product from Lionel is "right" even though the catalog photo is "wrong."

The catalog has promotional photos of products still being designed, so they use "stunt doubles" and digitally enhance them to resemble the product for the catalog. Everything had to be ready for publishing three months ago, and the final product is still several months down the road. A lot can change in that time.

Lionel has been really good at listening to feedback and making changes lately. Im sure this will be one of those cases.

I agree with Greg

Send Lionel an email with your concerns https://www.lionelsupport.com/ContactUs/

As the Empire State Express sets come with the incorrect Observation car and many of the just released ES44AC's have incorrect headlight placement if this is a simple parts change out you may have a chance of successfully getting it corrected.

The bigger question is why so darn expensive.

Imagine how expensive if it were made in the USA?  The smaller the production run, the more expensive the product.

You don't need a "custom builder" to reposition a headlight. A photo, patience, care, simple tools and common sense. Save your money to buy more stuff!

Dave Warburton posted:

The bigger question is why so darn expensive.

30% increase in the list price compared to the 0-8-0's I bought in .... I think .... 2012

cost of going back to the tethered connection between engine and tender?

lionel just going bananas with prices?

i'm looking for my receipts from Nicholas Smith to see how much I actually paid back then

bob2 posted:

Imagine how expensive if it were made in the USA?  The smaller the production run, the more expensive the product.

No, price would be the same, just the profit margin would be lower. The price point of these I believe is being market tested. Hopefully, the dealers will have some wiggle room to give a better street price.

They are only showing pdf illustrations in the online catalog. 

We will not know what the finished model will be.

I was hoping for a NYC or something from a northeast road.  After seeing how well the recent Pennsy 0-6-0 performed with the engine and tender tethered. Unbelievable slow speed with no stalling. I was hoping for an 0-8-0 with the same performance in a roadname I could run. Maybe next catalog. As far as price. I love these engines. The price is getting up there. But I have more fun with these engines switching sidings than running road engines on the main. You get a lot of bang for your buck with these if you enjoy switching moves.

 I'd contact Lionel on your concerns about the headlight. As mentioned the parts already exist. I model the Boston & Albany. They to only had center mounted headlights. I ordered the parts from Lionel. You can reinsert the headlight nos. in the new headlight. A little JB Weld to fill a couple of holes and your ready to go. The one below started out as a Texas and Pacific. It had a correct B&A rd. no. . It just required lettering on the tender.  I installed the new center mounted light and I had something more like the prototype. I realize at this price point they should get the details right. Especially seeing the parts already exist. If you want it bad enough. This may be as close as you get. The parts aren't that expensive if you end up doing the conversion yourself.

Acv

Dave_C posted:

 

 I'd contact Lionel on your concerns about the headlight. As mentioned the parts already exist. I model the Boston & Albany. They to only had center mounted headlights.

Not all, Lionel did B&A#53 with a high mounted headlight and it is correct.

https://sites.google.com/site/...oad/home/0-6-0/0-8-0

Ricko, some great pics on that site. From what I have read all the B&A switchers had center mounted lights. I have the B&A #53. Already switched the headlight. Good thing I still have the original in case I have to go back. Could have sworn I've seen a pic of #53 with a center mount. Wondering if as built they had the high headlight or perhaps the engine came from the parent NYC. 

 Researching this info is like a hobby within a hobby.  Thanks again for the pics

I would like to have TRRA #318, but I'd be much happier buying one of the starter set 0-8-0s and repainting it than paying almost $1000 for a switcher.  Maybe, in 20 years, the guy who buys one this year will kick off, and I can buy it from his estate for what it's really worth.