After hearing that Lionel has filed for bankrupcy, I was flabergasted (wow, dodn’t know I knew that word [:D] [:D] [:D]).
There are many Lionel items that I could never do without. I am planning to build an L-shaped layout like the one featured in “Garfeild, the movie”, and that requires their trestle sets, there 0-27 tubular track and switches, the 133 station and iluminated platforms, some of their accesories (I think there was a Wtaer Tower…E-Bay, a sawmill, and I am not sure, so I will add what I want).
I would also like one of their NYC Flyer Sets, as well as the Polar Express, and a few other locos and cars.
Is it Lioenls time to die, or has the 100 year old company been holding onto life with every ounce of strenght imaginable?
No one can predict the future, particularly in a changing environment like today’s three rail O gauge industry. But Lionel’s future seems reasonably secure, and I have no doubt you’ll be able to obtain the materials you want, either from Lionel or a successor company, or used items on eBay or train shows. I wouldn’t worry a whole lot at this point in time.
It seems truly unfortunate that almost all of the flame throwers are behaving on the O gauge board and are now over here under different names.
Maybe the Board needs to get strict like ogr.
Trolling comments should be deleted then they would stop.
Dave.
I think we will have to wait and see whether or not Lionel survives and, if it does, in what form. If they aren’t around to make the things you want, someone will be as long as there is a demand.
No one knows, but many companies continue to survive after bankruptcy.
Roxin and AlanRail do make some good points. We can agree or disagree with each other, but let’s do it with civility instead of turning on the acetylene torches!
This is what I was suggesting before Ogaugeoverlord deleted the Mike Wolf thread.
It seems to me that you’re the one stirring the pot! I’ve noticed you do the same thing on the MR forum. There’s a definite pattern and you’re not fooling anyone.
Actually Doug if you take the time to read all of my past posts, (1000 plus) you will see that I usually encourage people not to be flamers! I’ve been complimented several times for trying to “Keep the Peace”. My asking the moderator straight honest questions about the issues. That, to you, constitutes stirring the pot? It’s your opinion and I’m not going to bother wasting time trying to change your mind.
But as for “fooling anyone”? I’m a big believer in “Keeping it Real” guy and I sure can’t find it where my asking straight questions “RESPECTFULLY” constitutes stirring the pot! The only folks that, IMHO, have stirred the pot here and on the MR forum have been Bill Conner and Teddybear. In fact, Mr. Conner’s last post on the MTH thread over on the MR Forum was quite unfriendly. To Keep the Peace I suggested to them in “a Friendly manner” that they keep their responses “cool”. I don’t know what else you are expecting
My overall attitude, as I stated on the MR Forum, is that we should foster a positive relationship with our neighbors on CTT. If you bother to read my post over on the MR Forum, you’ll see that I referred to the guys here on CTT as “brethren” since trains are what bind all of us together. If you’ll note your comment to me “you’re not fooling anyone” is an example of what I’ve been repeatedly suggesting that we not do!
I certainly would not do it to you or even the two posters I just mentioned. Stuff like this is what fans flames, but I won’t be
Lionel is essentially just a brand name these days as they stopped manufacturing thier own product long ago. Lionel is simply a reseller. Putting thier name on patented/licensed goods which are all manufactured overseas now.
Williams, MTH or any other toy/model train company could buy the Lionel name and any Lionel licenses/patents and no one would know the difference one bit.
In my opinion this “Lionel” that many seem to be “loyal to the bone” for died years ago when they outsourced thier manufacturing to overseas concerns.
Actually, there is no Lionel. All these companies are actually owned by Dr. Evil who intends to carry out his nefarious plot to destroy the world by controlling all the trains that run on TMCC/DCS.
[:)]Howdy,howdy. I like KJWEST’s comments on Lionel being a reseller.But I would like to add,they all are.Besides Weaver making a handfull of their items in shop,and the new Marx making the tinplates,everybody outsourses their products to overseas manufacturers.It’s right sickening how this once great country of ours have lost all our pride in the workforce.The greed of the American companies is unbelievable.There are many of Americans that would work for a basic minimum wage job,just to have a job.And when companies sue each other forcing bankrupcty it’s just another strike against the American worker.Lionel will I’m sure continue business as always.If you need an example look at Kmart.We as hobbist have to support the hobby,and support who you like.[^]
I’ve been sitting here on the sidelines reading all the doom/gloom/etc. from both sides, and I keep thinking- is this a hobby i want to remain in if this[lawsuit talk,etc] is what i’m going to keep reading every day? Lionel lost, the jury awarded a sum to the injured party(too much IMHO), the judge certified the verdict, Lionel owes MTH millons. I do NOT want Lionel to go under, competition is good for the hobby.
I do think that Lionel will recover, but it’s going to be a long hard trek— and the company will be a changed entity-- for better or worse, only time will tell—[2c]