Looks like last year’s sets were a success as Target will be carrying about six Lionel sets this year. Jerry Calabrese and his team have brought three rail O gauge trains back into the main stream for the first time after many lean years and deserve some applause, IMO.
I like the Classic Diesel set!
But what is with this?
• Warning: Choking Hazard - Children Under 8 Can Choke on wilted or Broken Balloons, Adult Supervision Required
Lionel trains now come with wilted or broken balloons?
There are no balloons in the photos, but then again the Polar Express set picture only shows the engine without a tender!!! If I were new to trains and was glancing through, I would never know that I got passenger cars too.
Glad that Target is expanding their Lionel offerings. Their on-line descriptions definitely leave a lot to be desired, though. The prices are looking good!
Just starter sets? Or will there be room to carry more Fastrak supplies and or accessories? I can go wither way on this topic but it really seems that the dealer has a chance to survive a little longer as long as the Targets of the world are limited to just starter sets.
Apparently they did OK last year. But if there was at least an operating display(oval), maybe tied in with their artificial tree displays, would their sales be better compared to just a box sitting on a shelf surrounded by hundreds of other toys ?
Running displays would be really cool if they are done right. Just a circle, or small track does nothing for me.
I do wonder how dealers feel about this though. On one hand if it’s only starter sets maybe the customer will go to the LHS for add ons. Or on the other, they buy the sets at target at a price that the LHS can’t match, then start adding the extra items like more track, accessories, etc.
I can agree that some sets will be sold to someone that didn’t even go in Target to buy a train set because they never had trains before. This is the person that wouldn’t have supported the LHS anyway. Now that they purchased a set maybe they will visit the LHS.
Looks like the Red Sox are choking on one of those wilted balloons.
Nice starter sets at better prices than last year. Now let’s see the pissants among us start ripping them.
Nice looking engine if it really is that bright blue, I like it. From my point of view Lionels sets are always the best bang for my buck. I like to have a couple of ‘special’ engines to be kept pristine but for everyday play or customising I’ll take the lower end every time. I hope Lionel does well from this push and that it opens up their market because its good for all of us.
Marty W
A small operating oval of track wouldn’t be targeted at the existing operator, be it a carpet runner or a full fledged hi-railer. The need is to go after the mom/pop/aunt/uncle/grandparents etc who might be walking the aisles trying to find something for little Johnni or Joanna. Just sitting on a shelf they do tend to get lost in a sea of other toys. With an operating “layout” regardless of how small it puts it front and center especially since Target seems to always put their seasonal stuff rite next to the toy aisles. As an operater at a public venue it is amazing as to the number of guests who had Lionel sets as kids and always ask “Lionel still makes trains?” . You never know, it might even bring back some fond childhood memories on the shoppers part and bring them into the hobby as well. [2c]
The regional hardware chain, Menards, has been a pretty good supporter of Lionel, with special racks with extras and a custom run Menards Wisconsin Central set.
I think it was last year or the year before that I recalled seeing a train set up around a tree in the store. And the derailed train stayed in one spot throughout the entire holiday season.
Having a train display only works if the employees keep it running.
I’ve seen the WC special set and expansion in Menards during the holidays. They’re nifty. Usually alone though in a disheveled toy section amid a sea of large-scale diecast cars.
Something that reminded me of the old days- 40’s, was that our local Ace Hardware store had Lionel sets a couple of years ago at Xmas time. Just a basic set much like the old scout set of the 40’s. Did’nt notice them this past year though. Ken
Reminds me of a toy steam loco my mother ordered for me back about 1945. It was made of plastic and a balloon was attached to the smoke stack. You would blow the balloon up and it would scout the loco at high speed across a wood floor about 15 feet, all the time blowwing the shrill whistle built into it. I want to say it was ordered from a cereal box, but not sure.[(-D]
Doug let me explain a little better. I agree with you that any display would be cool (even a circle) But just better that a little and show some growth potential with a small layout. Several trains going opposite directions on two ovals, a light up station, a switch etc. all of course at kid height.
Still looking for how Lionel dealers feel! Will it hurt or help them?
Marty
Welcome. This was discussed a lot last year on OGR forum whether it would help or hurt dealers. It was pretty much a split. Folks like me thought that as long as Target stayed with the sets then the LHS could reap the benifits of additional track and supplies.