What is your view on the "LOCOMOTIVE OF THE YEAR" that Lionel is releasing online only once a year. This year is the DREYFUSS J3
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I don’t know what “Locomotive of the Year,” is supposed to mean. 🤔
Probably a play on words…..Locomotive of the year 2023,….beings the cab # is 2023…..although y’all be lucky to see it in ‘23….😁
Pat
@Yellowstone Special posted:I don’t know what “Locomotive of the Year,” is supposed to mean. 🤔
The past few years, Lionel has released a blue and orange Lionel Lines version of a steam locomotive from the first catalogue of the year, with the year as the cab number. The thread linked above has this years and some screenshots of previous years. They are only available through Lionel's online store and occasionally the retail store in Concord.
@harmonyards posted:Probably a play on words…..Locomotive of the year 2023,….beings the cab # is 2023…..although y’all be lucky to see it in ‘23….😁
Pat
I dunno..... I think your luckier if you never see it.🤮😆
@RickO posted:I dunno..... I think your luckier if you never see it.🤮😆
I think you’re correct Rick, but if I see one cheap one day, I got a paint gun, and formulas,….we’re good here,…🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 🤮
Pat
I haven't given it a thought. If I'm going to pay that much, I want something a bit less gaudy, not to mention that it should have a 1:1 prototype. 
I ordered one. I think it's cool
@PSM posted:The past few years, Lionel has released a blue and orange Lionel Lines version of a steam locomotive from the first catalogue of the year, with the year as the cab number. The thread linked above has this years and some screenshots of previous years. They are only available through Lionel's online store and occasionally the retail store in Concord.
Thanks, PSM. So, like a marketing gimmick, then. 
Woof.
Well after careful consideration, even though this locomotive will have all of the best features available, I’m having to say it’s just not my cup of tea. I like the J1le (or J1e?) style Hudson’s much better and that’s on the Lionel’s plate for 2024….. So, I’m saving for that model. Like this K-Line model. Happy Railroading Everyone 
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Sorry, not even locomotive of the day.
@leapinlarry posted:I like the J1le (or J1e?) style Hudson’s much better and that’s on the Lionel’s plate for 2024….. So, I’m saving for that model. Like this K-Line model. Happy Railroading Everyone
Wait....what????...... where did you get this information Larry?
@RickO, that’s a great question, last year during the LCCA National Convention in Nashville Tennessee, (2022) at the banquet there was a question time and Lionel was asked about another VisionLine Hudson, this was the answer, possibly for their 125th year, which we took as a Yes….. After all, it’s their Holy Grail. I hope this Hudson comes back with all the bells and whistles….. Happy Railroading Everyone
I'm gonna hold you to that Larry😉
@RickO, I hope this really happens, and this came from the top, and the LCCA Convention will be held in Concord North Carolina next July 2023. Ryan Runkle was on stage and the CEO gave the positive tone, we all clapped….. So, I feel this will really happen. Hang in there with me. Happy Railroading Everyone
Interesting but not my cup of tea. Would prefer one of the regular Dreyfuss locos or perhaps one done in Daylight colors for one of my friends 
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Here are the previous versions as well as this years taken from the Lionel Website that I previously posted HERE on the same subject.
2023
2022
2021
Personally I would like to see a F3 similar to the ones that the Hudson Company produced.
Here is a link to a TCA Article on them.
Or the Spirit of the Century F3s. Do a Google search for those images.
Locomotive of the year should go to the PRR L1s Mikado from the 2022 Vol 2. catalog. A really nicely tooled locomotive of MTH lineage with some never before seen configurations and liveries, only run twice before by MTH, one of which was for dealer appreciation, at a really, really great price. Oh, and it has whistle steam!
@rplst8 posted:Locomotive of the year should go to the PRR L1s Mikado from the 2022 Vol 2. catalog. A really nicely tooled locomotive of MTH lineage with some never before seen configurations and liveries, only run twice before by MTH, one of which was for dealer appreciation, at a really, really great price. Oh, and it has whistle steam!
There's always next year.
Pretty cool! And it's a cool idea. It's not my thing but it's nice for collectors and whatnot. I would probably buy one that was special to me. Let's say they did a little 4-4-2 from the old starter sets in the 90s...I'd probably be in for one just because of the sentimental value of it. I doubt they would do this because it's not a high end item but I'm just trying to say that I appreciate the idea for what it is.
.most likely a Big Boy with be next. Lionel loves remakes. But if they make a Lionel Lines Hudson or VL Hudson don't expect a swinging bell.
@unixunix, hello, I wonder why you say there would be no swinging bell, it’s my thinking it will be the best of the best Hudson ever made, which would include this cool feature. Is there something you know concerning this hudson? The earlier VisionLine hudson had the swinging bell, I can’t imagine Lionel eliminating this fun to see feature. This is the best time ever in O gauge model railroading. Happy Railroading Everyone
To me they are no different than the fantasy paint schemes, so if they make people happy when they take them out of the box, then all good with me. They are toys after all, and should bring joy.
I myself have no interest in them, but then I also have zero interest in the Pennsylvania RR, NYC, etc. Western Roads for the win!
@unixunix posted:.most likely a Big Boy with be next. Lionel loves remakes. But if they make a Lionel Lines Hudson or VL Hudson don't expect a swinging bell.
Pretty easy to add that yourself. Steam effects take a bit more effort.
Pete
@RickO posted:But...next year is the VL Hudson...Larry says so😉
Actually, that would be 2025, not 2024. 125 years from 1900 would be 2025. Plus Ryan had said reruns of VL would be the odd number years as evident with the Big Boy this year. I think Larry would agree with it being 2025, @leapinlarry, correct Larry?
Ok, @Rick O, although I love the post war Steamers, the 2025, 671, 675, 736’s all are fun to run locomotives, but, Hudson, stands so tall among those particular steamers. Theres really no Lionel engines that I do not like, so, I do like the 2025…. (Make them with the new Legacy system electronics). When Lionel offered Century Club 1 and 2, that was so great. Happy Railroading Everyone
