What did you learn from the Notch 6 Lionel Catalog Pod Cast?

I learned From Matt Ashba, even though I was a bit disappointed in the LionChief + offerings. There's likely to be an "announcement in the near future" about improvements and expansion to the product line.

Derek's shows on Notch6.com keep getting better and more informative. Much better than reading the catalog threads with all the whining presumptions by the uninformed.

Now I have to figure out what "Notch 6" is in relationship to trains.

 

Marty E; Thank you, I also wondered about the name "Notch 6"

I guess this would be a good time to explain the show title. The show originally was going to be Notch 8, but when I went to register the domain name it was taken. Marty is right that Notch 6 is the position on a diesel locomotive throttle. Notch 6 is roughly about 75% of full power. Growing up and receiving some cab rides in Conrail locomotives I can always remember the little selector window above the throttle that showed what notch the throttle was in. You can see the similarity between our logo with the recessed six and the little window to the upper left of the EMD control panel that would show the notch number. 

 

So there is the history of the show title. It sounded a bit cleaner than The O gauge Toy Train show. 

 

I do want to again say thank you to everyone who has listened and commented over the last two years. Because we have a great group of listeners, you guys have put me in a very unique position that I could have never have imagined. I'm very blessed to do this show and love it today as much as I did the first day. 

 

Boy! That is a really old controller mechanism. It is not the "AAR STANDARD" that was pretty well mandated by the FRA and AAR back in the early 1970s. Note that it still has the "selector lever" (the short stubby handle in the upper right), which selects power and transition step, OFF, and dynamic brake set-up. The throttle handle ids the large one in the middle, and the reverser is at the bottom, with no reverser handle inserted.

What's Notch 6? I knew that.That takes me back to when I ran a N&W GP30 once when I was 16 or 17.

 

What I'm not sure of is the term "podcast" and how that relates to trains. I keep thinking HAL will open a door and let one out. lol

Notch 6 is more fitting these days anyway because most of the time, most of the BNSF trains are restricted from running in notch 8 for fuel conservation  

Poor BNSF.  Nigel Tufnel runs his locomotive in Notch 11.

 

Pete

Thanks for the explanations; always glad when I can learn something new.

Getting back to the original topic...

I've learned a lot more listening to Derek's catalog pod casts as I make my initial perusal of the catalogs than what I read on the threads of the same topic. The interviews from company executives present the facts about the products and the thought process in creating them. The threads often divert into comedic presumptions where rumors falsehoods are created. They're good for entertainment value and there are some good comparisons to past products. But 50% of what you read on them should be taken with a grain of salt.

Perfect combination

The notch six podcast and the online release of the catalog

 

Not all but lots of questions and concerns are immediately answered

It just keeps getting better and better for us train guys 

I have to say Derek is on a roll.  The Christmas show, the Richard Kughn, Mike Wolf, and this catalog casts have been all top notch.  I believe the Mike Wolf and Richard Kughn have been my favorites so far.

I learned that the new Lionel SD40s will have the semi fixed pilots like their ES44ACs, I'm seriously considering one now. I like the GTW one, the fact that it lacks the dynamic brakes would make it more unique for my fleet. 

 

Brad

Since it was the first time I tuned into the podcasts, I learned that I am now interested in an ES44 and an SD40. The interviews generated some excitement here. I also learned that Derek is a good interviewer asking good questions.  Thanks!

I thought notch six was a way of keeping track of the days. Mike Wolf would be an interesting candidate to revisit now that you ran through his bio...and have some more specific questions ready to aim at him as long as you can hold him captive. I see a lot of great questions posed here that go unanswered...that lead to second guessing that goes round and round leading to nowhere in particular.

I also enjoy the Notch 6 podcasts. I think I have listened to all of them so far, including yesterday's edition. If you haven't listened to any of their shows, I would highly recommend that you go to their website and start listening. Good listening and lots of interesting O gauge train information.

I have to echo all the comments so far as well.

 

Derek, great show, as usual.

 

To answer Marty's original question.

 

I think if everyone had taken the time to listen to the podcast many of the 21 inch passenger questions would have been answered.

 

I do have 21 inch cars and for me they really only run at the club layout, too large for my home layout.

 

However... I do feel that the Kinematic (sp?) couplers are the best feature for these cars. This feature alone will allow more people to operate the 21 inch cars on less than optimum curves. Translation, more potential buyers. If you want to add Kadees, then the pads are there.

 

The others features are nice: unique windows, new interiors, (already very good in that department), finish as good/like stainless or polished aluminum (I will have to hold judgment on that one), New 18 inch tooling for the baggage car.

 

Also, new and improved station sounds. (Sounds TBD according to Mike)

 

Honestly, I really did not think the 21 car market was that large. GGD has had problems getting reservations on some offerings that in my opinion were pretty sure things. I credit Lionel for taking this opportunity to really go exactly where a very vocal group of modelers wanted them to go. Meaning, 21 inch, Kadee pads, unique car details, AND at a lower price.

 

Some obviously view this as a Lionel vs. GGD thing, too bad as a fan boy of either will leave you missing out.

 

I view this as a trend that Lionel (as well as K-line, Atlas, and GGD) needed to take advantage of before it was too late.  IF Lionel had not gone down this road I’m sure all we would be hearing about is Lionel, the “same old” offerings bla..bla…bla.

 

Now, if we could get something in Illinois Central that would be fantastic (for me).

 

Charlie

 

 

 

  

Just finished listening to the podcast and learned from Mike that It is doubtful Lionel will be producing any more Aluminum passenger cars........very disappointing since I was hoping to find some with figures, not silhouettes, in the 15 inch shiny variety sometime in the future.

 

-Pete

Hi Marty • Yes, I also enjoy Notch6, with Derek Thomas as the host. It is like sports talk radio, but all about O Gauge Railroading.

     The Name Notch6, as related to the speed of a Diesel Engine is very cool......

 

I detect a pun.

After the Christmas podcast and this latest one I've learned I need to make each one a part of my regular routine.

-Greg