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Post by trainman9 on Aug 27, 2024 11:59:20 GMT
How long do you think these special runs by Lionel, MTH and Atlas will remain popular. These are basically the only things keeping MTH afloat aside from some routine reruns.
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Post by redjimmy1955 on Aug 27, 2024 12:33:58 GMT
Good topic and it's frequently rerun. I often wonder how many special runs are possible in light of how many customers want these? Understandably, there must be enough customers, probably based on a poll...and yet how long can special runs be possible unless there continues to be a market for them?? As in newer hobbyists.
That said, I can understand the pride one feels seeing a special run "hometown" engine pulling boxcars.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Aug 27, 2024 12:52:53 GMT
How long do you think these special runs by Lionel, MTH and Atlas will remain popular. These are basically the only things keeping MTH afloat aside from some routine reruns. Based upon the current level of special/custom runs being announced seemingly every day by more sources (even a Danish bakery in PA!) there is no end in sight. While some may view this as distracting for more than budgetary reasons, IMO it adds a little pizzaz to what otherwise could be a pretty boring black on black world of steam engines and coal drags. For those less prototypically inclined it may be the primary attraction to consider a train layout or a collection of rolling stock.
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Post by rockymountaineer on Aug 27, 2024 15:37:06 GMT
How long do you think these special runs by Lionel, MTH and Atlas will remain popular. These are basically the only things keeping MTH afloat aside from some routine reruns. Custom-runs have actually been around for DECADES in the form of club cars and such. Then when Atlas-O hit the scene with their 40-foot and 36-foot wood reefers, hobby shops got into the act. But they were just subtle offerings, where you needed to be "in the know" or members of online forums to be aware of them. Nonetheless, they all seemed to sell out eventually.
Today, custom-runs are a different story... and they're marketed MUCH more aggressively. Of course, MTH's "special announcement" business model has changed the dynamics of the announcement landscape, since MTH no longer publishes catalogs regularly. So all they do now is produce DAILY "special announcements". To be blunt, I've grown tired of this business model -- largely because it reeks havoc with financial planning. But they don't ask me, so I expect they'll continue the daily announcements as long as it remains successful for them.
Without splitting hairs, I do view MTH's "special announcements" in a subtly different way from "custom-runs". The former is MTH's new business model, whereas the latter are still essentially add-ons to otherwise healthy numbers of products catalog'd by Lionel and Atlas-O. OTOH, from what I understand... MTH is the most flexible of the three importers in terms of minimum production quantities, whereas Lionel reportedly has the highest minimum production quantities.
But at the end of the day, dealers and clubs have a means to keep their name VISIBLE in the marketplace -- regardless of importer, if they're savvy enough to leverage these offerings as EXCLUSIVE to their dealer or club. And that's a good thing -- even if they're all a PITA for customers to manage who's selling what when.
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Post by curtis on Aug 27, 2024 15:50:07 GMT
REMEMBER THIS! We may have the trains they are remaking but newcomers do not!
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Post by rockymountaineer on Aug 27, 2024 15:58:51 GMT
REMEMBER THIS! We may have the trains they are remaking but newcomers do not! 
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Post by superwarp1 on Aug 27, 2024 17:36:36 GMT
Everything new over the last five years that I've purchased has been a special run. So yes, keep them coming. Beth is thinking of doing some special runs of AtlasO two bay hopper in Rutland. I'm a sucker for Rutland. LOL
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Post by david1 on Aug 27, 2024 17:49:44 GMT
I like alot of the special runs being made especially the military themed types. But I don't buy any of them due to budget reasons. But I really do like them and I can see why others do also.
Dave
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Post by lionelllc on Aug 28, 2024 0:22:18 GMT
I would guess the OEM’s are benefiting? It might be the Dealers and clubs who are getting stuck. Decals are abundant now. They wont offer it, I will make my own. Dealers and clubs getting stuck? Might want to educate yourself to the option that dealers and clubs might be benefiting. Make your own? Outstanding! That's one of the great parts about this hobby; making it what you want. Your photos are awesome. The ability to construct something to your vision shows amazing talent. I know I've tried, and I don't have that skill. On top of it all, when you end up with a unique item that no one else has; that's the cherry on top. Looking forward to more photos of your unique creations. Stu
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Post by dlagrua on Aug 29, 2024 13:49:30 GMT
Custom runs probably appeal to a very small segment of the upscale train market. My guess is that is that the senior collector is keeping this sector alive but for how long?
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Post by bluelinec4 on Aug 29, 2024 16:46:40 GMT
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Post by superwarp1 on Aug 29, 2024 17:00:29 GMT
Those are awesome looking cars Ben.
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Post by runamuckchuck on Aug 29, 2024 17:33:52 GMT
The NJ HiRailers have done a number of custom runs All of them have been from New York / New Jersey industries that the train manufacturers ignored We honor businesses that are no longer around but we also honor our members that have passed away We use their birthday and date of passing as road numbers Don't you folks eat any meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy?!
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Post by bluelinec4 on Aug 29, 2024 17:50:26 GMT
The NJ HiRailers have done a number of custom runs All of them have been from New York / New Jersey industries that the train manufacturers ignored We honor businesses that are no longer around but we also honor our members that have passed away We use their birthday and date of passing as road numbers Don't you folks eat any meat, fruits, vegetables, dairy?! Beer, knishes and cake What more do you need Its the breakfast of champions
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Post by josef on Aug 30, 2024 16:46:57 GMT
Here are a few modern MTH trailer names I made on the PC and sold over the years. Some ideas you might like to copy... You did good. Love them.
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