|
Post by josef on Jan 14, 2023 13:48:59 GMT
One thing that has always been odd to me when comparing MSRPs today and back yesterdays and then writing what yesterdays prices were equivalent to todays dollar. What's odd is that I ask myself every time I read this, why could I afford them then, but not in todays world. Back then car payments, mortgages, groceries, entertainment etc. were affordable, but todays toys are outrageously overpriced, many just standard with a change in paint and decals to cover every road. Back then there were dozens of repair technicians withing a short drive, or shipped out. Back then items were tested before being boxed. Today they are boxed with no one checking their quality control. Imagine unpacking an appliance, which is equivalent in cost to a Lionel engine and finding nuts and bolts laying around or plugging it in and it doesn't work. In the model train world, there is no consumer protection that manufacturer has to follow and make replacement part available. There are also no longer update training as there once were and published as they were so repair places and personal can be easily located and contacted. Can I afford todays prices? Yes, but in reality I'm not a collectors who purchases them for display, they have to have a reason in era, and the railroads I have my layout set at. So my needs are small.
|
|
|
Post by david1 on Jan 14, 2023 18:14:51 GMT
Walt you have hit on something that I never thought of. Why could we afford them all those years ago but now we can not. Back then we paid for many other things when raising our family's etc. Back then quality, pride in workmanship were part of a companies Policy not so much today. I was stunned when I saw the prices in the new catalog, its not that most cannot afford to buy them but The worth of the new catalog is just not there. Year after year the quality and reduction of quality components. I have seen it over the years quality was job 1 now I just don't know where it stands.
Dave
|
|
|
Post by Adam on Jan 14, 2023 19:46:22 GMT
Walt you have hit on something that I never thought of. Why could we afford them all those years ago but now we can not. Back then we paid for many other things when raising our family's etc. Back then quality, pride in workmanship were part of a companies Policy not so much today. I was stunned when I saw the prices in the new catalog, its not that most cannot afford to buy them but The worth of the new catalog is just not there. Year after year the quality and reduction of quality components. I have seen it over the years quality was job 1 now I just don't know where it stands. Dave Dave, I think the answer to your question is the rapid inflation we have seen in the last 2 years. Heating fuel, electricity, food and (gulp) the cost of my kid's college are all up significantly for us. I know my job hasn't given me a raise that is equivalent and I know I am not alone. I feel bad for those on a fixed income. Both my parents and my in-laws are feeling the pinch in a big way. That, and I am sure Lionel hasn't done enough to manage their costs. They instead are betting on more feature-rich higher-priced products. I guess they think there are enough buyers out there to pay these prices, but we will see. Significant train purchases are on hold for me.
|
|
|
Post by Charlie on Jan 15, 2023 0:01:03 GMT
Now that I had enough time to really look at the catalog and also look at some of the larger mail order guys for pricing my short list of "I'm still interested, but not necessarily making a commitment just yet" is the 1938 Drayfus set with engine, the ex-MTH northern #2903 since this is now at the Illinois railway museum and the newly tooled PRR N8 caboose in solid red or maroon.
Overall I do think this was a pretty good catalog for a wide range of customers.
I do understand the pricing concerns, but we have been having that conversation since the early 90's so that point carries little to no value in my decision. If you can afford it AND you actually want it, then buy it. If not, pick another hobby, interest or concern that has not shown the same price increases, I think you will be hard pressed to find something as interesting as model railroading.
Are there some things I am still waiting for, yes. Still looking for an Illinois Central "City of Miami" or "City of New Orleans" scale passenger cars. At this point it has to be Lionel or 3rd rail. Both have produced diesel engines with no passenger cars for them to pull.
The one thing that has not really been brought up is all the new tooling in the last few catalogs. Not the MTH tooling, but actually new tooling. In my opinion, this is a big risk Lionel is taking and I am happy someone is willing to invest in themselves for future growth.
In the meantime I have more then enough trains and projects to keep my busy.
Charlie
|
|
|
Post by bobthetrainguy on Jan 15, 2023 13:42:35 GMT
The PRR Decapods caught my eye. They're beautiful (probably MTH Premier tooling from the 2006-7 era)! And I would love one or two or three, but I've already got 2 Sunset / 3rd Rail ones and at $1500 MSRP they are waaay out of the budget.
They got the wrong tender on the long haul I1. The one pictured is from the PRR Q2. I wouldn’t pay half that for the wrong tender.
|
|
|
Post by madockawando on Jan 15, 2023 15:48:06 GMT
No locomotives for me this catalog but I like the idea of offering non prototypical scale rolling stock. I have ordered the Area 51 hot metal car, the Lionel Lines PS-4 flatcar with trailer, the CN PS-4 flatcar with a trailer and also both CN PS-5 gondolas. I am also ordering two sets of the Area 51 glow in the dark barrels and the John Deer 50' flat car.
|
|
|
Post by Joe Saggese on Jan 18, 2023 3:10:08 GMT
I pre ordered the 4-4-0 Gold Mountain set from Trainworld. I’ll give a review when it arrives!!!!
|
|
|
Post by Country Joe on Jan 18, 2023 20:30:54 GMT
I pre ordered the 4-4-0 Gold Mountain set from Trainworld. I’ll give a review when it arrives!!!! Looks like a really nice set, Joe.
|
|
|
Post by Joe Saggese on Jan 18, 2023 22:19:54 GMT
I pre ordered the 4-4-0 Gold Mountain set from Trainworld. I’ll give a review when it arrives!!!! Looks like a really nice set, Joe. Im hoping its as nice as it looks..............
|
|