Good luck. My "new" trains this past year were all used - MTH Monon passenger set, 1950 736 set in the original boxes, MPC Amtrak FA passenger set (w 4 engines -2 powered - and 7 cars for 70.00), unopened Virginian rectifier set with 4 hoppers and TMCC, and various cars for 10-20 each (and Weaver and Kusan as available). New Lionel? Errr, no ..
True, at this point I’m starting to encourage purchasing older models made with Tmcc because the prices of steam and diesels are so incredibly cheap. I just can’t recommend these new models anymore because of these prices.
I’m with ya, I’m just very scared for the future of the company due to these prices. If they keep these prices at such extortionate rates, the hobby will see a major decrease in internet.
Some of the pricing jumps are probably due to fear of the upcoming tariffs that have been promised. Lionel has a bit of a risk here, in that these won’t reach the sales shelf for nearly a year… and there is no telling what kind of tariff escalation could happen between now and then. Most of the hikes are actually within reason but there are a few that seem a bit stupid.
Well sure, but that doesn’t really matter. If they hadn’t done it, we would either be looking at even higher prices caused by manufacturing in the US or they would have been out of business long ago (neither of which really benefits us).
Ok, I am new to the model train world and recently started getting into some Kato N scale stuff. Can someone explain why Lionel is priced like this? Again, I am new and relatively ignorant here but I have always thought that they look like cheap plastic toys compared to most other companies. Not trying to knock anyone if its your thing... just genuinely curios.
There is nothing in this book that I'll be getting. The only things I'm getting this year are the new MTH Premier UP FEF-3's and Erie Pacific. Other than that, I'm just focusing on saving my money for a second car. I'd rather have that than something made by Lionel instead.
$700 for a Lionchief Pacific??? *That is a higher price than nearly every TMCC, Legacy and Flyerchief American Flyer S Gauge steam locomotive made.* The Lionchief Pacifics are also the same price as the Legacy S Gauge USRA Pacifics. We have officially reached the point where American Flyer is cheaper than Lionchief. If this is the direction Lionchief is potentially going in, then this is the beginning of then end of Lionchief being cheap.
@@NWCR_1 yes, old Lionel was built with quality. My main issue is that it's so toy like. Probably why I model in HO, with buildings made from wood and brass engines.
Good luck. My "new" trains this past year were all used - MTH Monon passenger set, 1950 736 set in the original boxes, MPC Amtrak FA passenger set (w 4 engines -2 powered - and 7 cars for 70.00), unopened Virginian rectifier set with 4 hoppers and TMCC, and various cars for 10-20 each (and Weaver and Kusan as available). New Lionel? Errr, no ..
It’s just a way better opinion to go with older TMCC engines, Lionel is digging their own grave with this catalog released.
@@NWCR_1 I have several TMCC equipped engines but am still using my ZWs and conventional track power.
They better be plating that with real gold
For which engine?
@@NWCR_1 125 vision Hudson
True, at this point I’m starting to encourage purchasing older models made with Tmcc because the prices of steam and diesels are so incredibly cheap. I just can’t recommend these new models anymore because of these prices.
@@NWCR_1 every price in this catalog scared me they better be putting something in it that makes anything worth it even the train sets areoverpriced
I’m with ya, I’m just very scared for the future of the company due to these prices. If they keep these prices at such extortionate rates, the hobby will see a major decrease in internet.
Some of the pricing jumps are probably due to fear of the upcoming tariffs that have been promised. Lionel has a bit of a risk here, in that these won’t reach the sales shelf for nearly a year… and there is no telling what kind of tariff escalation could happen between now and then.
Most of the hikes are actually within reason but there are a few that seem a bit stupid.
Ohhhh! I never thought of that. Could be a possibly
if thats the case? They did it to them selves
Well sure, but that doesn’t really matter. If they hadn’t done it, we would either be looking at even higher prices caused by manufacturing in the US or they would have been out of business long ago (neither of which really benefits us).
They have a trolley model, why no the Neighborhood Trolley?!?!? Doesn't make sense.
They have the lisence for the brand, why don’t they just make the little red trolly?
I swear Lionel be scamming us they lost me at a $1000
For not much more you can get a Piko G scale 2-10-0 with DCC, smoke generator and sound. or 2 Piko G scale start sets.
@ Fr
Ok, I am new to the model train world and recently started getting into some Kato N scale stuff. Can someone explain why Lionel is priced like this? Again, I am new and relatively ignorant here but I have always thought that they look like cheap plastic toys compared to most other companies. Not trying to knock anyone if its your thing... just genuinely curios.
This is supposed to be fun.
Extremely disappointed in the prices.
There is nothing in this book that I'll be getting. The only things I'm getting this year are the new MTH Premier UP FEF-3's and Erie Pacific. Other than that, I'm just focusing on saving my money for a second car. I'd rather have that than something made by Lionel instead.
As long as it’s cheaper than Lionel go for it
According to what I understand there is no swinging Bell on the Vanderbilts
Great, thanks for the heads up! It still dosent justify $1700
@NWCR_1 nope not at all
$700 for a Lionchief Pacific???
*That is a higher price than nearly every TMCC, Legacy and Flyerchief American Flyer S Gauge steam locomotive made.*
The Lionchief Pacifics are also the same price as the Legacy S Gauge USRA Pacifics.
We have officially reached the point where American Flyer is cheaper than Lionchief.
If this is the direction Lionchief is potentially going in, then this is the beginning of then end of Lionchief being cheap.
I remember a few years ago, that model used to be $500 and now it’s $700, that’s how much the camelback was in a earlier catalog was. So sad 😭.
Still haven't changed my mind... Don't like Lionel
Even though modern Lionel is terrible, older Tmcc products are still amazing. Older Lionel in general is still in my opinion very good.
@@NWCR_1 yes, old Lionel was built with quality. My main issue is that it's so toy like. Probably why I model in HO, with buildings made from wood and brass engines.
@@NWCR_1 that being said, I just want everyone to have fun running trains. That's why we're all here😎