Question for Dave Olson at Lionel

William 1 posted:

Man, you guys are relentless, and merciless...  I've seen threads hounding this poor guy for stuff as minor as an accessory pack.  There has to be some way to get this information out better so D.O. at Lionel isn't expected to answer every single inquiry about every single product on a public forum.  But what do I know, I used to order stuff and wait for it.  When it showed up, that was fine.  It's not like I didn't have other things to do.

Yeah, the thing is that Lionel so infrequently updates the Shipping Schedule on its website that is is rather unreliable after awhile. If they updated that list every month or so we would not need to ask questions. 

William 1 posted:

Man, you guys are relentless, and merciless...  I've seen threads hounding this poor guy for stuff as minor as an accessory pack.  There has to be some way to get this information out better so D.O. at Lionel isn't expected to answer every single inquiry about every single product on a public forum.  But what do I know, I used to order stuff and wait for it.  When it showed up, that was fine.  It's not like I didn't have other things to do.

Actually, I find it rather humorous in a tongue-in-cheek sorta way.  Because this illustrates what I've been saying for YEARS now.  When a company posts a public-facing document on a website, like Lionel's shipping schedule, it's gotta be an ongoing, living breathing document that needs to be updated with meaningful and accurate information.  Failing that, THIS thread is exactly what happens.

While we applaud your look-at-me discipline to just "order stuff and wait for it" , most folks are also mere mortals.   And it's human nature to inquire about stuff after looking at a stagnant shipping schedule for months... which is why I concluded quite awhile ago that its real nickname should be the "Lionel Online Shipping Schedule... and Other Fairytales and Fantasies". 

I applaud Dave and Ryan for stepping up to the plate to be Lionel's pseudo-forum liaisons here.  If they're up to the task (which they seem to be doing quite well), I'd hate for anyone to discourage them from providing a much-needed jolt to Lionel's typical status-quo approach.  Heck, if Dave and Ryan continue to do such a great job here, I may need to re-adjust my conclusion that nobody at Lionel Stateside truly knows what's going on over in China... and Lionel only really knows what's happening when containers are unpacked in North Carolina.  

Just maybe.  Then again... never mind...  

D500 posted:

"-S2 Tinplate set: will be in same time as regular S2 motors."

Glad to see that I'm not the only one who ordered the S2 Scale Tinplate set (from Legacy Station); they said this week that they expect them soon. This is my first pre-order in years, so it's kind of exciting. 

...

For those interested in this set, I captured a few quick iPhone pics of the "tinplate-inspired" S2 locomotive on display at Lionel's York booth last month.  Here ya go...

Definitely an eye-catching color for sure!!!   Some days, you just can't deny the charm and appeal of those tinplate toy colors.  

And while I didn't pre-order a set, I may be tempted to purchase one of those "BTO extra's" for the right price.  Perhaps a Thanksgiving sale???

David

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

For those interested in this set, I captured a few quick iPhone pics of the "tinplate-inspired" S2 locomotive on display at Lionel's York booth last month.  Here ya go...

Definitely an eye-catching color for sure!!!   Some days, you just can't deny the charm and appeal of those tinplate toy colors.  

And while I didn't pre-order a set, I may be tempted to purchase one of those "BTO extra's" for the right price.  Perhaps a Thanksgiving sale???

David

Not my cup of tea but it's still a nice piece.  Thanks for the photos.

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

William 1 posted:

Man, you guys are relentless, and merciless...  I've seen threads hounding this poor guy for stuff as minor as an accessory pack.  There has to be some way to get this information out better so D.O. at Lionel isn't expected to answer every single inquiry about every single product on a public forum.  But what do I know, I used to order stuff and wait for it.  When it showed up, that was fine.  It's not like I didn't have other things to do.

Actually, I find it rather humorous in a tongue-in-cheek sorta way.  Because this illustrates what I've been saying for YEARS now.  When a company posts a public-facing document on a website, like Lionel's shipping schedule, it's gotta be an ongoing, living breathing document that needs to be updated with meaningful and accurate information.  Failing that, THIS thread is exactly what happens.

While we applaud your look-at-me discipline to just "order stuff and wait for it" , most folks are also mere mortals.   And it's human nature to inquire about stuff after looking at a stagnant shipping schedule for months... which is why I concluded quite awhile ago that its real nickname should be the "Lionel Online Shipping Schedule... and Other Fairytales and Fantasies". 

I applaud Dave and Ryan for stepping up to the plate to be Lionel's pseudo-forum liaisons here.  If they're up to the task (which they seem to be doing quite well), I'd hate for anyone to discourage them from providing a much-needed jolt to Lionel's typical status-quo approach.  Heck, if Dave and Ryan continue to do such a great job here, I may need to re-adjust my conclusion that nobody at Lionel Stateside truly knows what's going on over in China... and Lionel only really knows what's happening when containers are unpacked in North Carolina.  

Just maybe.  Then again... never mind...  

Yes, your comment reflects my assessment perfectly. It seems to me that it would be much more practical for Lionel to update their website shipping schedule regularly than to rely on their reps to handle info requests personally as they arise. 

That said, I do appreciate Dave Olson’s efforts very much. 

Grampstrains posted:

Dave Warburton posted:

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

William 1 posted:

Man, you guys are relentless, and merciless...  I've seen threads hounding this poor guy for stuff as minor as an accessory pack.  There has to be some way to get this information out better so D.O. at Lionel isn't expected to answer every single inquiry about every single product on a public forum.  But what do I know, I used to order stuff and wait for it.  When it showed up, that was fine.  It's not like I didn't have other things to do.

Actually, I find it rather humorous in a tongue-in-cheek sorta way.  Because this illustrates what I've been saying for YEARS now.  When a company posts a public-facing document on a website, like Lionel's shipping schedule, it's gotta be an ongoing, living breathing document that needs to be updated with meaningful and accurate information.  Failing that, THIS thread is exactly what happens.

While we applaud your look-at-me discipline to just "order stuff and wait for it" , most folks are also mere mortals.   And it's human nature to inquire about stuff after looking at a stagnant shipping schedule for months... which is why I concluded quite awhile ago that its real nickname should be the "Lionel Online Shipping Schedule... and Other Fairytales and Fantasies". 

I applaud Dave and Ryan for stepping up to the plate to be Lionel's pseudo-forum liaisons here.  If they're up to the task (which they seem to be doing quite well), I'd hate for anyone to discourage them from providing a much-needed jolt to Lionel's typical status-quo approach.  Heck, if Dave and Ryan continue to do such a great job here, I may need to re-adjust my conclusion that nobody at Lionel Stateside truly knows what's going on over in China... and Lionel only really knows what's happening when containers are unpacked in North Carolina.  

Just maybe.  Then again... never mind...  

Yes, your comment reflects my assessment perfectly. It seems to me that it would be much more practical for Lionel to update their website shipping schedule regularly than to rely on their reps to handle info requests personally as they arise. 

That said, I do appreciate Dave Olson’s efforts very much. 

All things considered, Dave gives out a lot more information than any the shipping schedule.

Yes, he does, and it is very useful. But so as  to not tie him up, keeping the shipping schedule would take some of the weight off his shoulders in that regard.

MartyE posted:

...

Not my cup of tea but it's still a nice piece.  

Marty, I'm not convinced it's my cup of tea either -- that's why I didn't pre-order one.  At $999 MSRP for the engine along with only 2 freight cars and caboose, it's grossly overpriced.  But I guess somebody's gotta pay for Howard's annual bonus.  

Seriously though, I love the concept of tinplate-inspired colors on scale-looking, detailed locos and rolling stock.  I'm just surprised Lionel went with a freight offering first.  I would have preferred the S2 paired with perhaps 15- or 18-inch Madison heavyweights in a paint scheme that screams tinplate charm!

But given the current offering's price vs. value, it'll need to be DEEPLY discounted before I'd even be slightly tempted.

David

Rocky Mountaineer posted:

Seriously though, I love the concept of tinplate-inspired colors on scale-looking, detailed locos and rolling stock.  I'm just surprised Lionel went with a freight offering first.  I would have preferred the S2 paired with perhaps 15- or 18-inch Madison heavyweights in a paint scheme that screams tinplate charm!

 

I think what is being said that Lionel should have made an O-scale replica of the State Set. Perhaps in two-tone brown? 

The 408E was a version of the S2 electric and that 408E pulled heavyweights in the State Set. Obviously Lionel has an O-scale replica of the S2 electric and Lionel has the tooling for O-scale heavyweight passenger cars. Therefore, Lionel has all the makings to make a complete O-scale reproduction of the Standard Gauge State Set. 

Not sure if I like the green color on the S2. The cream doors and windows do not stand out much since the green is so light. I was hoping for a darker shade like on the 381.  However, photos can be deceiving so I will reserve judgement until the set arrives and I see it in my own hands.   Yes, the catalog price is $999, but street prices were as low as $800 at the time of preorder. 

Dave Olson posted:

 

-S2 Tinplate set: will be in same time as regular S2 motors.

I see the NYC S2's in stock at many dealers now, but no S2 tinplate sets. Any updates as to when the S2 Prewar Inspired Set will be in?

"Any updates as to when the S2 Prewar Inspired Set will be in?"

I was told by my dealer last week or so that Lionel received them Nov 7, and that they (the dealer) should be receiving them "soon".

As precise as I can be, I'm afraid.

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"Yes, the catalog price is $999, but street prices were as low as $800 at the time of preorder."

Yes, they were - and I think that they have as much "value" as most anything else in this hobby. 

Dave, thanks for the pictures of the The Tinplate Version of the S2 on display at the Lionel booth at the recent October York TCA meet.  Although the colors are a little darker than the catalog depicts, I think it will be beautiful. For some reason the actual real version normally looks better than what’s pictured in the catalog.  I agree, it would have been neat to have had a 3 car passenger set available for separate sale.  Maybe in the 2018 Lionel Signature Catalog....Very Interesting.....Merry Christmas.....

D500 posted:

"Any updates as to when the S2 Prewar Inspired Set will be in?"

I was told by my dealer last week or so that Lionel received them Nov 7, and that they (the dealer) should be receiving them "soon".

As precise as I can be, I'm afraid.

=========

"Yes, the catalog price is $999, but street prices were as low as $800 at the time of preorder."

Yes, they were - and I think that they have as much "value" as most anything else in this hobby. 

Thanks!