Would you guys ever entertain the thought of supporting Lionel Financially? You know, like sending them money to help in their pending lawsuit with Union Pacific?
A topic appeared on the OGR forum with the concept of supporting Lionel Financially.
www.ogaugerr.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=63160042&f=57660482&m=300101019
I personally think the topic is well off base and is not sincere. Here’s my take on it:
I almost fell out of my chair with laughter when I read the ‘put your money where your mouth is’
thread on that other forum. Give me a break. Here’s MTH’s greatest supporter asking us to
contribute financially to Lionel in support of their future legal challenges from the Union Pacific
concerning the UP’s royalty and licensing fees.
Already, an enthusiastic group of the Four Horsemen’s Honchos are lined up check books in hand waiting for the word to write the checks.
Are these the same guys who bitched and moaned and were ready to jump off the Berkshire
when the Four Horsemen first tooted the infamous $18 (pay to play) forum fee?
I think those in support of this post have been taken! What’s going on behind the scenes here is that a few Land Sharks (disguised as good guys) already smell Lionel’s fiscal blood and have begun circling the victim. What remains to be told is how the victim will be divided up and who exactly new players will be.
That’s one of the dumbest threads ever on the OGR forum and Rich allows it to stay. Go figure! I guess it depends on who the author is, if you know what I mean.
As for Lionel, I hope they recover from these recent troubles and continue to be the leading O gauge manufacturer. I’m also sick and tired of reading all of these lawsuit threads.
A legal defense fund run by an independent third party like the NMRA or an industrial trade group is a fine idea. The UP is trying to stick it to the model railroad industry big time, and I like the opportunity of sticking it back a little bit to predatory corporations.
I already do, I buy their products…then again I supported the MTH lawsuit against Lionel too by buying their products…Damn Bill now I don’t know what color underwear to put on…[:D]
Marty:
I hear ya. I buy Lionel too, not as much as I used to. There is just too much tempting stuff being made by other makers today. I spend only a few hundred dollars a year on Lionel, so I guess I am supporting them in that manner.
But hell will freeze over before I would consider sending them a check ‘on account.’ After all Lionel is so money hungry, I understand that one has to pay a fee to have their or their kids picture taken with the “Lionel Lion” at the Visitors Center, In Michigan. And that stinks. But I don’t expect too much in the way of creative customer friendly relationships from a company like Lionel that is run by the dreaded American Corporate “Pointy Headed” men.
If anything, Lionel should have supported us collectors with some kind of nice gesture such as giving us a certificate or some sort of recognition for being long time Lionel Collectors. I mean I can prove that I got my first Lionels in 1949 and have been hooked on them since. Like I said in a previous thread, if Lionel were to shutter their doors tomorrow,I would still have enough trains to keep me happy and busy until the Grime Reaper comes knocking at my door.
Congratulations and kudos for not only stiitng in your armchair, but doing something very pro active and just good!!!
To those few who haven’t been there yet (I, being one before today!), I’m referring to the Model Train Journal Forum! Nice Place!!!
I’m going to quote you, Bill, because it sums it up best…
"Welcome to ModelTrainJournal’s Discussion Forums. Here you can discuss, ask questions or debate anything related to 3-Rail O-Gauge Model Railroading.
Our goal is to offer a source of interactive information you can rely upon to separate hype and fluf from reality.
We are opinionated, and unlike some other sources, we don’t sit on the fence, or exhibit the most annoying habit of being suck-ups to advertisers. So we won’t pull your post or delete a thread just because you did not post a glowing comment on a product. Our allegiance is to you, the visitors to our site. "
Thanks for being part of the solution!!![8D][:D][:)]
Where was Lionel when I needed to buy school supplies and books for college? There was no Lionel fund! And like you guys have already said, I DO support Lionel by buying their products.
Those suckers that support raising money for Lionel must be brain-dead, but then again, look at Allan Miller’s book! It was as useful as sending money to Lionel would be if you get my point. BTW, anyone see the racial slur on the cover of Miller’s book? It’s on a billboard. Take a look.
Good observations guys. Look over that topic in question. Re-read it a couple of times. Something just isn’t right with it. I can’t put my finger on it, but for its poster to come out now in support of Lionel is something to ponder.
But what really is crazy are the guys who immediately came forward ready to drink the Kool-Aid. It’s unbelievable. Like they tripped over one another in support of Lionel ready to send the checks.
Stay tuned, I’m sure we are going to see more of this “let’s send Lionel money” shell game as this story unfolds.
For anyone interested in donating to Lionel might I suggest you look at the latest issue of CTT. In the article about the SD 3-rail layout did you see the name Lionel referenced among the contributors?
Besides I just purchased some upgrades for my existing loco’s, in my opinion that is sufficient contribution on my part. [|(][:-^]
The logic is that if Lionel is really a shell, in that it has no physical assets, then contributions to Lionel would help MTH collect on its lawsuit. I guess that’s what Lash is saying.
Lionel sold most of it’s assets over the past 2 years, (I was told this and have not yet confirmed it) if so, a loan is not going to happen;
Lionel has become a salesforce with overseas design and production of its products that it imports for sale. The many trademarks (the latest catalogue lists 41 trademarks) constitute its only real value; but how do you get a loan using a trademark as collateral? maybe you can I don’t know that you can’t…
Lionel may want to buy some time by entering an appeal, but if that have nothing to protect then why??
If we all contribute then Lash is right Lionel will have something to give to Wolfe.
I went to that site…and I guess I will say this since there seems to be fishing for members here for that site all the time…
The site in question has some that spend more bashing other sites, talking about fictional sexual aid devices along with cross dressing. And some of the people get very abusive with language for adults only. A lot of sexual double entendre also…
??
As far as supporting Lionel? Let UP do what it wants to do. If Lionel choses to ignore UP’s threats - that is there decision. $$ should go to a brand neutral organization like TCA/TOS/NMRA. Support Lionel with the purchase of it’s products - maybe even UP products, for that matter.
While I don’t necessarily agree with your description of the Model Train Journal’s site, I do think its important for MTJ to distingui***hemselves from other forums. The differences are what will draw folks in. If its a bit “racier” than other forums, then so be it. There are times when we want different things, so this shouldn’t be seen as a problem.
So our site gets bashed when I post a serious topic. You may want to go back and read and throughly understand my topic completely before getting off topic and aiming your barbs at us.
In any event, ours is an unique forum because we are not beholding to any advertiser. Keep that in mind when you notice honest and good topics being arbitrarily deleted from OGR.
As for our content, well sometimes a few may get a little carried, but, hey, that’s life. I respect a guy for being honest and sharing what’s on his mind even though I may not agree. I’d rather host a forum with opinionated guys than a bunch of tush kissing yes men.
Thanks for posting your comments. At least you have the conviction to share your thoughts.
Bill - I am not aiming barbs - you advertise the site here - I went there and those are some of the posts I saw. I also saw a great post on the CB&Q too which was a good read. The site has merits but the other stuff gets in the way of some of the posts. Stictly my opinion and I don’t mean to offend you. Also understand I didn’t ba***he site as my post stated that “some” there [meaning individuals] that post there…
The other thing I might add is that your serious post has, what I consider, some personal attacks in it by referencing the 4 Horseman, Land sharks, etc. It’s how you say it and not what you say.
If you ever hang around a train club or hobby shop, you’ll hear much more risque stuff than anything you’ll currently see on www.modeltrainjournal.com Everyone at MTJ gets along and and is respectful of other members opinions. What’s wrong with that?