Thats just it. After looking at lionel's two 2012 catalog's I have noticed no vision line for 2012. Also I have noticed in the 2012 Vol. 2 that there seems to be less engines shown with Whistle Steam Effect. There are some 12-13 hundred dollar steam engines in the catalog without whistle smoke steam effect, Whereas in 2010 Lionel had the effect in some of it's 700.00 engines. Just my observation. (might have to do with tooling).
I don't know whether it is just a blip in their plans or it indicates a shift in marketing strategy, but I like, no - love, what Lionel has offered since 2010 a lot more than before. With only two exceptions (0-8-0, Mikido), I have bought or pre-ordered at least one of every standard scale steam loco Lionel has offered in its 2011 and 2012 catalogs. I think the $1200 range is the sweet spot of price/features - providing enough details and sound, etc., without overdoing it. The Vision Hudson and Challenger are nice locos, but not 50% nicer in my mind.
I was upstairs until a few minutes ago, running the Legacy Berk and Southern Crescent. They are lovely locos . . . . pleasing to the eye and ear, and such sweet runners . . .
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