Originally Posted by Charlie:
I have to agree, I really like nice long passenger trains, but well operating accessories really make a layout much more interesting.
As for new accessories, I can't think of anything that has not already been done.
Does anyone have any ideas they would like to share with the board?
Charlie
Makes you wonder. You read the legendary stories of how Frank Pettit and his Lionel crew were churning out new ideas and accessories annually and even took ideas from the general public. I’m guessing that because not many working accessories to imitate real life had been created before, all of those productions in the post war period were a result of advancements in technology allowing for Lionel, American Flyer, etc. to “catch up” with what was already in place in society and build them.
I have a few ideas myself of what I would like to see, some of which would be space eaters.
These first 3 are somewhat related but are not one in the same:
Working Construction Tower Crane – Doesn’t need to be more than 7 stories high, in line with the MTH 6 Story buildings. Such things already exist for toys of other types of genres, just make one O Scale and run from track/accessory power. This is definitely not a footprint space eater.
6-story modern office building under construction - complete with exposed girders. This idea comes from one of my former N-Scale kits. Complete it with and a working elevator on the side to transport construction workers
6-story Modern Glass Office Building with interior lighting.
Forklift – One that is not limited to a bakelite (sp?) vibrating base and can move throughout a work site, loading dock delivering goods
Excavator – Like the forklift above, not limited to a specific working area
Modern Light Rail Vehicles (LRV’s) as seen in Europe and some American cities that can run on “Superstreets” or on regular track. These would not be bump and go vehicles. We don't need yet another pre- or post-war trolley. I’ve seen some shells on various websites of LRV’s but never any that have made full scale production.
I’m more in tune with buildings from the 1980’s to today and not so much with the post war period architecture. So these next set wouldn’t be new accessories, but just current versions of items already made, like the diners, drive-thru restaurants, car washes, all with the 1950's style architecture. Maybe even a drive-thru bank with an ATM.
Bringing some more current buildings and vehicles into play might keep/gain the interest of the younger set. The LEGO system, which is used by folks of all ages, does have train system and LRV’s , so there is a market out there for such material.
Originally Posted by Al K.:
I suspect the lack of new accessories is due to priority lists and the high initial investment costs for toolIng and development costs associated with relatively lower annual volumes. The LCCA has been looking into making accessories, but the low volume, high tool cost makes it very difficult. High Tooling costs makes the piece price very expensive. We in the LCCA are still investigating accessories possibilities that were previously proposed by the Late Honoray LCCA President infinity, Lou Caponi. We will see what we can do.m
I believe Lionel will be launching new accessories within the next couple of years. I think Lionel has focused on launching their new operating systems, LionChief, LionChief Plus and Vision line products and the new I pad technology. I think they developed a product line-up that hits all of the markets and price points, from starter sets up to the highly detailed more realistic Vision Line products.n they have a complete product line-up now. They focused on their core train products.
There have also been numerous issues with the manufacturing supply base overseas. i think the manufactureres have been focusing on getting good product out of their supply base. They need to be able to supply the orders they already have. Lionel is also making a concerted effort to bring back manufacturing to the US wherever it makes good business sense ie competitive and viable in the market place.
I love operating accessories and I hope we can see some new ones developed in the near future. This is is my opnion only, but you know what they say about opinions, everyone has one.
Al K.
Glad to hear this Al. I look forward to the future