The Lionel 2023 Volume 2 Catalog is up! Whadaya gettin'?

I’ve got 2 Vision Class A steamers with no recently offered Lionel consists to go with them?? Where is the Legacy N&W auxiliary tender? How long have we asked for that? Was it part of the lawsuit also? Where is the 1950s era N&W caboose? Where are the N&W heavyweight passenger cars? Oh that’s right we didn’t make the 2 pack and diner for the first set back in 2000! If I had a nickel for every UP and Pennsy item that Lionel constantly offers …….  Thanks for saving my pocketbook. One of these days, maybe, then probably not. I’m not asking for the world here. Seriously, what’s with these off the wall entire passenger sets with motive power lately? They can’t be outselling N&W. Aberdeen Carolina & Western really??? Bessemer & Lake Erie, an entire complete set. Whoever got one I’m thrilled for them. Let’s throw together a “40th Anniversary NS Set”with a fictional paint scheme and call it good. There’s not one piece of N&W rolling stock in this catalog.

Big Jim and all you other N&W fans aren’t you a little upset? Or maybe the better description is, don’t you feel uninvited to the party? 😳

I’m hoping @Dave Olson or someone else can tell me the detailed differences between the UP Aux tenders on this 2023 Volume Two vs the Visionline version from the 2018 Volume Two. I can’t really tell the difference when comparing the two catalogs. Sounds seem the same where they might use the same sound boards and they both use electro couplers, and have metal body shells.

I saw the response about the magnetic flag not sure if it was magnetic back then, not a big deal to me. I wasn’t sure what else is different. I’m hoping it’s just an orange vs black box and all the rest is the same. I missed out back in 2018 so I’m going to either get these if it’s essentially the same or keep hunting for the 2018 versions.

nothing.

I've got a lot of pre-orders already, so nothing big stood out as a must have for me in this catalog; however, I did pre-order some rolling stock. I want the SP Friendship Train boxcar, as well as one of those PS-5 gondolas. I got the Reading one. That's really it for me.

If money were no object, I think I'd like to buy that George Washington set. I also like the GP30s. They're .... adorable. LOL

@elementdude195 posted:

I’m hoping @Dave Olson or someone else can tell me the detailed differences between the UP Aux tenders on this 2023 Volume Two vs the Visionline version from the 2018 Volume Two. I can’t really tell the difference when comparing the two catalogs. Sounds seem the same where they might use the same sound boards and they both use electro couplers, and have metal body shells.

I saw the response about the magnetic flag not sure if it was magnetic back then, not a big deal to me. I wasn’t sure what else is different. I’m hoping it’s just an orange vs black box and all the rest is the same. I missed out back in 2018 so I’m going to either get these if it’s essentially the same or keep hunting for the 2018 versions.

They look more like the current modern UP excursion water tenders and are more rectangular. I don't believe they are the same model as the previous vision release although they look like a hybrid between the old water tender and the actual UP tenders.

I think the Ryan and Dave show will be going live NOW. Usually you can ask questions and get a response. Stay tuned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAH3GmC-gNc

Pete

@Norton posted:

I think the Ryan and Dave show will be going live NOW. Usually you can ask questions and get a response. Stay tuned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAH3GmC-gNc

Pete

It was yesterday.

Neat stuff in this catalog. The fantasy F19 Pacifics are very cool and I will do my best to budget for both the Christmas and Halloween versions. BTW: if others feel the same about fantasy engines, try to pre-order them because Lionel has cancelled other fantasy schemes in the past, ostensibly based on lack of pre-orders.

The Empire Builder is great, but the 21" passenger cars are a no-go for my layout. When will Lionel start making smaller streamlined passenger cars?? (They'll be plastic, replacing the aluminum, of course, if they appear.) I'd be very interested in the Great Northern engines by themselves, and would consider them to go with my Lionel 15" aluminum cars (from the 90's), but the unfortunately the chances of a color match is about zero.

I like the Colorado & Southern (Burlington) Consolidation, so that's a real possibility. The small radius operation capability on the Consolidations is nice. Also like the Rio Grande SD50, but given the problem Lionel has had getting the correct orange color on their RG engines over the past years, that's a definite wait-and-see.

I scrolled rapidly to the LionChief portion when initially reviewing the catalog, to see if Lionel was finally offering a LC J and Daylight GS-4. Nope. Disappointed with that again.

(If "money were no object" additional interests: Burlington F7s, Wis. Central GP30, LC Plus2 Santa Fe Berk.)

Well, I was excited about hearing that the Reading & Northern SD50s were in the catalog until I got to page 29 and saw two key phrases:

1) "Kinematic pilots", which in turn leads to 2) "minimum 054 curves". 

Nothing.

Strangely, I am attracted to the PRR M1's. I have always thought that the M1 was considerably better-looking than most of the PRR "standard" locos (the E6 is the best-looking). But, my Mohawks would grumble if he showed up.

Still, though - nothing.

I am new to the hobby and had sworn off of buying any Lionel due to the stories I had heard about poor quality and inflated prices. BUT...

I don't want to cross post, so you'll have to go here to read the rest:  

https://ogrforum.com/...5#176694689163182805

Strasburg & WAG Single Sheath Boxcars

@N&W 1218 posted:

Big Jim and all you other N&W fans aren’t you a little upset? Or maybe the better description is, don’t you feel uninvited to the party? 😳

I have been upset with Lionel's N&W offerings for a very long time, much more and longer than you will ever know!

@Surefire posted:

They look more like the current modern UP excursion water tenders and are more rectangular. I don't believe they are the same model as the previous vision release although they look like a hybrid between the old water tender and the actual UP tenders.

In the Ryan and Dave show they said they will be "switching over and using the Veranda style water tenders" because the are a little closer to the current prototypes.  I guess I don't see how they are closer.  The pictures I have seen of the veranda tenders show the end profiles to be circular and they has some walk way platforms at the top of each ladder.  None of that resembles the current prototype.  What it will mean is that if you have one of the previous tenders and order one of the new ones to go along with it they won't look the same.

@BlueComet400 posted:

Where is NH&I #40 listed for sale?

I'm in for Black River and Western #60!

Already have quite a few preorders from prior catalogs (like Strasburg 90, PRR L1), but the NH&I #40 would be worth adding to my "save up" list.

Anyone know when METCA is going to post #40 it for preorder?

@prr4935 posted:

Already have quite a few preorders from prior catalogs (like Strasburg 90, PRR L1), but the NH&I #40 would be worth adding to my "save up" list.

Anyone know when METCA is going to post #40 it for preorder?

I've sent info to our webmaster.  I'd say it'll take a week.  He's got a day job and a family.

Stu

@Surefire posted:

They look more like the current modern UP excursion water tenders and are more rectangular. I don't believe they are the same model as the previous vision release although they look like a hybrid between the old water tender and the actual UP tenders.

@JFC454 posted:

In the Ryan and Dave show they said they will be "switching over and using the Veranda style water tenders" because the are a little closer to the current prototypes.  I guess I don't see how they are closer.  The pictures I have seen of the veranda tenders show the end profiles to be circular and they has some walk way platforms at the top of each ladder.  None of that resembles the current prototype.  What it will mean is that if you have one of the previous tenders and order one of the new ones to go along with it they won't look the same.

Ah I see good information. I didn't realize it was more square like and actually is a bit more similar to the real versions. I see it now comparing the 2018 vs 2023 models.

Seeing as how I'm due to get that Lionel Army A5 any day now, the Army Patriotsounds boxcar and USATC gondola seem like pretty good options. I'll have to consider it but for now those are the only things that stand out to me

The M1 caught my eye. Variations of Pennsy Power interest me a lot. I like the prewar headlight placement and slat pilot, but the exposed steam delivery pipes is really cool. I also like the versions with the short tenders the most.

The Conrail SD50 are cool since they were always running by my grandparents house as a kid.

It’s a wait and see though for me. I want to see how the L1s and I1sa turn out. I will probably go for some of the double and single sheathed boxcars though.

@rplst8

I'll have to look at the M1's again. I do like the prewar headlight placement as well. I remember Ryan talking about the headlights on the I1's and why they got moved. Still have to figure out which one I would buy.

It's nice to a new version of the Bugs and Daffy handcar.  Perhaps there's hope for a re-issue or new version of the Snoopy and Woodstock handcar.  

Handcars are a good way to introduce the O27/O 3 rail hobby to those who haven't the usual interest in electric trains.  Add a coupler, and it can pull a car or 2.

I’m interested in the NS SD40E. @Dave Olson will they have ditch lights? The catalog doesn’t show them.

@CNtomato posted:

I’m interested in the NS SD40E. @Dave Olson will they have ditch lights? The catalog doesn’t show them.

Nice catch. Those are more modern than the Conrail units and they are shown with ditch lights.

A 2-Pack of Western Pacific 40' trailers in the Bicentennial red, white & blue scheme.

Andrew

3 Days later and this is still calling my name...  They need to get some sound samples up.  @Dave Olson said on the R&D show they have some additional sounds than previously offered.

I'm leaning towards the Lionel Lines 726 Berkshire.

@MartyE posted:

3 Days later and this is still calling my name...  They need to get some sound samples up.  @Dave Olson said on the R&D show they have some additional sounds than previously offered.

The more I see it, the more I like it too.

Went ahead and pulled the trigger on those Army freight cars, just the regular US Army patriotsounds boxcar and the gondola. It'll take a while for the pair to be matched but they'll look great with my US Army 0-4-0 from the 2022 catalog.

@MartyE posted:

3 Days later and this is still calling my name...  They need to get some sound samples up.  @Dave Olson said on the R&D show they have some additional sounds than previously offered.

That loc has my number.  "Gotta" have!

@chessiechick posted:

I am new to the hobby and had sworn off of buying any Lionel due to the stories I had heard about poor quality and inflated prices. BUT...

Well, I'm not sure you should swear off buying any Lionel due to "stories you heard" about poor quality.  Mostly people only post when they have a problem. Rarely do people post with a story about how great everything is going. Like the news - mostly people seem interested in hearing about the things that constitute problems. If you believed that is how normal life is, you'd never leave your house! So it is with these trains. You rarely hear from all the people whose engines run just fine without problems, which no doubt is true for most buyers. Not to mention rolling stock, which rarely exhibits any issues.

@Joe Rampolla posted:

It's nice to a new version of the Bugs and Daffy handcar.  Perhaps there's hope for a re-issue or new version of the Snoopy and Woodstock handcar. 

Handcars are a good way to introduce the O27/O 3 rail hobby to those who haven't the usual interest in electric trains.  Add a coupler, and it can pull a car or 2.

I hadn't noticed that. That's a nice addition. I wonder if they've changed the mechanics of these handcars to use a roller pickup instead of the old sliding shoe. For me the operating performance of these cars, which I think has a lot to do with the sliding shoes, has often been problematic.

If they've improved the operation, it would be tempting to buy one of the new ones and put, for example, my Snoopy and Woodstock figures on it. A reissue of the S & W car would be good, but the hurtle on these things is often to obtain licenses to use the figures.

The AOE cars really caught my eye.
The Colorado and Southern Consolidation is a for sure.
That black Alaska GP30 really is nice change from the blue and yellow. Like the strobe.

the Instruction cars are very interesting  especially that great northern fire prevention

But that Halloween F-19.   It really really is a fantastic looking model.  Every time I see it I get closer and closer to pre ordering it. The price ain’t bad too. 1299. Compared to all the 1599 and 1799 models showing up recently make it that much more attractive

I preordered the Halloween F-19 last night.

NS SD-70s dressed in Jersey Central Lines and Erie. An SD-50, either the Conrail or MoPac. Can’t decide as I think the yellow MoPac will best show the new detailed tooling Lionel has assembled, but the Conrail is tempting.

The new Standard O exterior-braced 50' double-door box cars

BURLINGTON NORTHERN

SOUTHERN PACIFIC

WESTERN PACIFIC

Andrew

On the Black River and Western, the new whistle on the real deal is huge. Here is a picture I took back in 2021.

As long as the finances are on track, I'm thinking of setting my pre-orders on 2 F19's: GW 492 with the C&O donut logo, and the gray boiler 494. Awaiting on 2 engines, 4 cabooses, and the Billups Crossing that I already have on pre-order... just may have to sacrifice 2024 York altogether for recovery.

The F-19 Pacific caught my eye. I love the cluttered face of the smoke box. The air pumps, feedwater heater, bell, lowered headlight, and number board just look irresistible. And the Vanderbilt tender that my railroad so desperately coveted. So, I preordered #492-C. 1929. I liked the lack of C&O name or logo.

I’m definitely ordering the following:

-LV 2-8-0

-LNE 611

-WAG boxcar (at least one)

-PRR Union boxcar

I’m also thinking about a set of those Acme barrels, if they will work with a barrel loader