will Lionel make the scale polar express trains once more and when?
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Since all the tooling is there (unless they attempt to make the rounded observation end) and the royalty charges do not get too high it is always a possibility if there is a demand for it. Curious as to how the royalty fees are broken out by Scale O, O27, and HO sales.
When they did a run for Charles Ro they used the rest of the required order to make the 115th Anniversary Berks. IMO they could of made all Polar Express Berks and sold out immediately. You can still find those 115 Anniversary Berks.
I would imagine that if enough people expressed interest to Lionel, they would consider doing another run the next time they do a run of Berks, but that probably won't be any time soon. Maybe for the 15th or 20th anniversary of the film, but that wouldn't be until 2019 or 2024.
Andy
Considering people still snatch at the chance for a regular PM 1225 to use on there Christmas layout I'd imagine they'd do a run more often.
I think they should make a full legacy set that comes with a remote, track, and 3 scale cars and the engine to sell as a lump sum.
MartyE posted:When they did a run for Charles Ro they used the rest of the required order to make the 115th Anniversary Berks. IMO they could of made all Polar Express Berks and sold out immediately. You can still find those 115 Anniversary Berks.
Good hunch, Marty. Building those 115th Anniversary Berks was a poor decision. Unfortunately, the dealers are holding the inventory now -- not Lionel. And the dealers can't seem to get rid of them. Whereas had Lionel made more black Berks, they'd probably all be gone by now.
David
Rocky Mountaineer posted:Whereas had Lionel made more black Berks, they'd probably all be gone by now.
David
Not probably...definitely. There are still folks looking for a scale Polar myself included. I haven't seen anyone looking for a 115 Berk.
I'll just wait for the next re-release.
Both scale Polar Express Berks are still in considerable demand, especially the whistle steam rerelease version. Heck, there are more people who want more NKP 765's than chrome anniversary Berks.
Maybe in a few years when they figure out a new fancy gadget, they'll rerelease these a 4th time.
And I am still waiting for the reissue of the combo car!
I have a combo car I can sell for $250
The TMCC and Legacy 779, 765 and 1225 are great models. I pulled out the TMCC 779 a few weeks ago and am still impressed with how smooth it runs. Bumping up the smoke volume and using Mega Steam sure beats the 10 drops of Lionel smoke fluid I was originally using back in 2004.
That said, the 115th Anniversary Berkshire was about as smart of an idea as starting a land war in Asia. It's just awful....IMHO.
Through in the price point they were attempting to sell those for and someone is clearly out of touch with the Hobby and Lionel's costumer base. Big time. It's one step short of insanity, in my book.
Matt Makens posted:I have a combo car I can sell for $250
I will take your combo car if you still have it.
I'm sitting on a brand new Scale black 1225 Polar Express Berk along with 4 Scale PE passenger cars (The last run of the black Berks) Haven't run any of it yet. Still going back and forth on whether to sell it or not.
jdstucks posted:I'm sitting on a brand new Scale black 1225 Polar Express Berk along with 4 Scale PE passenger cars (The last run of the black Berks) Haven't run any of it yet. Still going back and forth on whether to sell it or not.
I'm not in the market for these and have no horse in the race.....but what I've found is that if you're not immediately in love with a model, sell it. You'll find something else to fill up the space on your walls or layout. that floats your boat more.
The "tricky" part about deciding when to sell any Polar Express items is their seasonality. They are in demand now....but won't be in two months....or in June.
Just my two cents........
My scale Polar Express is always a big hit when I run it at shows. I hope Lionel runs it again so I can get a few more coaches to add to mine. 
Andy
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Working on putting one of these trains together myself currently. Should have started sooner. Now its really going to cost me. Passenger cars are relatively easy to find. Minus the 2 pack . Here's a good starter if your credit card or bank account isn't strapped
Jim911,
If you are looking to get a scale Polar engine quickly take a look at Mr. Muffin's train store. I got an email this morning from them saying if you purchased a Lionel Legacy Steam engine from them that is in stock they would take another $100 off their already discounted price. Now to the point. One of the steam engines in stock is the Lionel Legacy Polar K4 #25 their price is $564 so for $464 you get a Legacy Scale Steam Engine with whistle smoke.
I purchased a Polar K4 about two years ago and painted it over to PRR colors. It is a great running engine with great sounds and smokes like a chimney and the whistle steam is a great thing too.
The K4 may hold you over until Lionel re-does the Polar Express Berkshire engine.
JohnB
