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Here is the right way to sell lego trains, these are the sets to have:
1.several train sets, all unpowered, as a starting point (all train sets +
all add-on locomotives would show ways to add motors and in some cases
lights as well). Have perhaps one high-speed passenger train (ala
metroliner) and a freight train (ala Freight Rail Runner or Load & Haul RR)
Box for these would clearly state that they are unpowered and what set to
buy to make them powered.
2.add-on pack with motor + regulator.
3.motor as seperate pack
4.regulator as seperate pack
5.light pack (sutable to add lights to all trains)
6.accessory packs (how about a "train workers" pack or a "train
accessories" pack (with say signage, signals and other things that make a
plain looking oval of track into a railroad) and of course the "train spare
parts packs" with say, the train connecting wire and other such items.
7.add-on cars (freight and passenger, coordinated to match with the sets)
8.locomotives (unpowered), also things like railcars, multiple-unit
passenger trains (as seen on a lot of urban rail & subway systems), MOW
vechicles and whatever else.
9.track buildings, such as level crossings, stations, freight loading
cranes and whatever else.
and 10.add-on track. The existing track, perhaps augmented with new track.
If you think about it, the motor and speed regulator are the most expensive
components of a typical set so removing them and making them "optional
purchases" that can be bought later on makes perfect sense.
If the line was successful, they could make extra stuff like more track
parts, powered accessiroes (ala 12V), sound units for that authentic feel
or whatever.
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In lugnet.trains, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> Here is the right way to sell lego trains, these are the sets to have:
> 1.several train sets, all unpowered, as a starting point (all train sets +
> all add-on locomotives would show ways to add motors and in some cases
> lights as well). Have perhaps one high-speed passenger train (ala
> metroliner) and a freight train (ala Freight Rail Runner or Load & Haul RR)
> Box for these would clearly state that they are unpowered and what set to
> buy to make them powered.
I think it depends on where they are being sold. In retail America (which is
what I consider in most of this post) this probably wouldn't work too well. In
stores like TRU/Walmart/Target/... you need a set that is (a) affordable and
(b) has everything you need in one box to make it work. Chances are you'll get
a slightly better value buying a "starter set" then buying everything
seperately as well. It doesn't matter how obvious it is that the set won't run
without buying other parts, people will miss it (it's like getting your child a
toy for Christmas and forgetting to buy batteries--it happens all the time)
I think that it would be great if there were alternates to all the starter-sets
that came without the motor and regulator--best sold directly by Lego (online
and at their stores). This would bring the cost down for those of us already
in the hobby. I would guess that the majority of people (in the
world--including but not limited to the people in this group) who buy the train
sets in stores do not already own a LEGO train set.
> 2.add-on pack with motor + regulator.
> 3.motor as seperate pack
> 4.regulator as seperate pack
I think this provides too many options and takes up too much shelf space in a
normal store. In a lego store, I think it would be good to sell the motor and
regulator seperately--possibly having a bundle kit that would save the comsumer
money if they purchased both. In retail stores, I don't think they would sell
well enough for the store to keep them in stock--it may work in a hobby store.
At least for the time being, train sets don't sell too well because they are
expensive. You would only buy a motor & regulator if you had already bought a
train.
> 5.light pack (sutable to add lights to all trains)
I wouldn't have a problem with that, but I think it would have to be
marketed/tied-in with other themes as well. You generally only need one light
for one train. They likely wouldn't sell too well. Sticking with your #1-4,
You'd only buy the light pack if you bought a train and the motor and the
regulator. Otherwise that light won't do anything (granted that with just a
motor you could actually generate power for the light.)
> 6.accessory packs (how about a "train workers" pack or a "train
> accessories" pack (with say signage, signals and other things that make a
> plain looking oval of track into a railroad) and of course the "train spare
> parts packs" with say, the train connecting wire and other such items.
> 7.add-on cars (freight and passenger, coordinated to match with the sets)
> 8.locomotives (unpowered), also things like railcars, multiple-unit
> passenger trains (as seen on a lot of urban rail & subway systems), MOW
> vechicles and whatever else.
> 9.track buildings, such as level crossings, stations, freight loading
> cranes and whatever else.
> and 10.add-on track. The existing track, perhaps augmented with new track.
I'd love to see all of these things in stores-although I don't think we'll see
most of them until the train line gets very popular. When TLC brings back the
1980's style town sets, I think a lot of these (especially the buildings) would
fit in very well--even without a powered train.
> If you think about it, the motor and speed regulator are the most expensive
> components of a typical set so removing them and making them "optional
> purchases" that can be bought later on makes perfect sense.
It makes perfect sense to the consumer, but unfortunately not the retailer.
They want all your money now. Otherwise you might buy it somewhere else.
The lack of motor and regulator could easily take $60 off the price of a train
set. An unpowered train still offers a lot of playability. I think the
problem is that the other parts are still expensive. Look at the Metroliner.
It's $150, comes with the motor but not the regulator. Take the motor out of
the equation and add the parts to replace the motor and you might bring the set
down to about $130. It's now $130 and it still won't sell well at TRU because
it's still too expensive. Want to make it run? Add $60.
Even the cheaper trains, say just the Small Engine with tender and an oval of
track would be close to $60. This would be pretty good. You could then add
other cars to you're engine. TLC could sell their trains like the Thomas sets
are sold--everything seperately..with a few starter sets. They make other
lines though..SW/HP/Orient/Soccer/NBA/...which all take up precious space on
the shelf. My TRU has roughly 40 feet of shelfspace devoted to LEGO. Thomas
has about 38 feet. TRU has to divide that LEGO space up into every theme.
Wouldn't be awesome though to walk into a TRU and see 40 feet of LEGO trains!
Retail stores purchase items based on many considerations..like expected
saleability, profit, and shelfspace. I don't think any large retail chain
would carry the regulator or motor pack (at least not for too long becuase they
won't sell in large quantities) I wouldn't think that too many parents would
pay an extra $60 to get their $60 train set to run by itself unless their child
was really into it. Even then the price tag likely put's it at a birthday or
Christmas gift for most.
> If the line was successful, they could make extra stuff like more track
> parts, powered accessiroes (ala 12V), sound units for that authentic feel
> or whatever.
All of which I'd like to see..likely in the catalogs and LEGO stores..maybe
even in retail America one day.
I do like your 10 points. I just wish that retailers and parents of LEGO Kids
did too.
michael
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"Michael Hader" <mhader@hubcap.clemson.edu> wrote in message
news:H7J2AB.5By@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.trains, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> > Here is the right way to sell lego trains, these are the sets to have:
> > 1.several train sets, all unpowered, as a starting point (all train sets • +
> > all add-on locomotives would show ways to add motors and in some cases
> > lights as well). Have perhaps one high-speed passenger train (ala
> > metroliner) and a freight train (ala Freight Rail Runner or Load & Haul • RR)
> > Box for these would clearly state that they are unpowered and what set to
> > buy to make them powered.
>
> I think it depends on where they are being sold. In retail America (which • is
> what I consider in most of this post) this probably wouldn't work too • well. In
> stores like TRU/Walmart/Target/... you need a set that is (a) affordable • and
> (b) has everything you need in one box to make it work. Chances are • you'll get
> a slightly better value buying a "starter set" then buying everything
> seperately as well. It doesn't matter how obvious it is that the set • won't run
> without buying other parts, people will miss it (it's like getting your • child a
> toy for Christmas and forgetting to buy batteries--it happens all the • time)
>
[ ... lots of snippage ... ]
I think LEGO could alleviate this problem by allowing model railroad and
hobby stores to carry the complete line of LEGO trains and some basic
accessories (like track, basic bricks, trees, windows, and such). These
sorts of stores are used to working with customers to ensure they have
everything they need to accomplish their goal.
LEGO could still sell starter train sets through TRU, Target, etc. but for
people who are serious about it they could go to their local model train
store and pick up individual cars, track, etc.
I think one of the reasons that the MOT sets didn't appear to do well at
Target is because you can't buy an engine or track separately. You either
have to already have a train or buy the 4534 (which I believe was over
priced and probably limited its success) in order to see any value in the
three extra cars they had. While most people might want multiple freight
and/or passenger cars, I suspect few people (except those of us buying them
for parts) want more than one caboose.
Mike
--
Mike Walsh - mike_walsh at mindspring.com
http://www.ncltc.cc - North Carolina LEGO Train Club
http://www.carolinatrainbuilders.com - Carolina Train Builders
http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=mpw - CTB/Brick Depot
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<snip>
> [ ... lots of snippage ... ]
>
> I think LEGO could alleviate this problem by allowing model railroad and
> hobby stores to carry the complete line of LEGO trains and some basic
> accessories (like track, basic bricks, trees, windows, and such). These
> sorts of stores are used to working with customers to ensure they have
> everything they need to accomplish their goal.
LegoDirect said at Brickswest 2002 that they are trying to do this. Their
(LEGO) shippment system and order fulfillment is NOT setup to handle small
stores (aka train hobby stores). As such it is a real logistic mess right
now to attempt to bring these types of stores into the LEGO world. They
know this would be a good "train ave" and are wroking on it but as with all
big companies it TAKES TIME!
-AHui
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In lugnet.trains, Jonathan Wilson writes:
> Here is the right way to sell lego trains, these are the sets to have:
> 1.several train sets, all unpowered, as a starting point (all train sets +
> all add-on locomotives would show ways to add motors and in some cases
> lights as well). Have perhaps one high-speed passenger train (ala
> metroliner) and a freight train (ala Freight Rail Runner or Load & Haul RR)
> Box for these would clearly state that they are unpowered and what set to
> buy to make them powered.
> 2.add-on pack with motor + regulator.
> 3.motor as seperate pack
> 4.regulator as seperate pack
> 5.light pack (sutable to add lights to all trains)
> 6.accessory packs (how about a "train workers" pack or a "train
> accessories" pack (with say signage, signals and other things that make a
> plain looking oval of track into a railroad) and of course the "train spare
> parts packs" with say, the train connecting wire and other such items.
> 7.add-on cars (freight and passenger, coordinated to match with the sets)
> 8.locomotives (unpowered), also things like railcars, multiple-unit
> passenger trains (as seen on a lot of urban rail & subway systems), MOW
> vechicles and whatever else.
> 9.track buildings, such as level crossings, stations, freight loading
> cranes and whatever else.
> and 10.add-on track. The existing track, perhaps augmented with new track.
>
> If you think about it, the motor and speed regulator are the most expensive
> components of a typical set so removing them and making them "optional
> purchases" that can be bought later on makes perfect sense.
>
> If the line was successful, they could make extra stuff like more track
> parts, powered accessiroes (ala 12V), sound units for that authentic feel
> or whatever.
Right on, thats the way it was done in the 12v days, and for that matter even
today (the Santa Fe and My Own Train series don't come with motors or lights).
What we need in the shops is affordable train sets. Once little Johnny or Jilly
has the set expansion with motors and lights etc is a great temptation and
another body joins our ranks.
The only thing that is not currently compatable with unpowered trains today is
the rails. There are only powered rails available now, however I think their
inclusion would be cheap and also offer an excellent reason to upgrade to a
fully powered train.
Andrew...
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Jonathan Wilson <jonwil@tpgi.com.au> writes:
> Here is the right way to sell lego trains, these are the sets to have:
> 1.several train sets, all unpowered, as a starting point (all train
> sets + all add-on locomotives would show ways to add motors and in
> some cases lights as well). Have perhaps one high-speed passenger
> train (ala metroliner) and a freight train (ala Freight Rail Runner or
> Load & Haul RR)
> Box for these would clearly state that they are unpowered and what set
> to buy to make them powered.
I think unpowered would be a BIG mistake. All locomotives should come
with a motor.
> 2.add-on pack with motor + regulator.
I don't see this as necessary.
> 3.motor as seperate pack
> 4.regulator as seperate pack
I prefer regulator and track as separate pack, motor bundled with the
locos.
> 5.light pack (sutable to add lights to all trains)
Yes. But some locos should include lights, so the kids see how they
work, and foster demand for more lights.
> 6.accessory packs (how about a "train workers" pack or a "train
> accessories" pack (with say signage, signals and other things that
> make a plain looking oval of track into a railroad) and of course the
> "train spare parts packs" with say, the train connecting wire and
> other such items.
Definitely yes on accessories - level crossings, signals, etc. in
particular. But why spare connecting wire? That just invites
short-circuits.
> 7.add-on cars (freight and passenger, coordinated to match with the sets)
Yes!
> 8.locomotives (unpowered), also things like railcars, multiple-unit
> passenger trains (as seen on a lot of urban rail & subway systems),
> MOW vechicles and whatever else.
As I said before locos should be powered.
> 9.track buildings, such as level crossings, stations, freight loading
> cranes and whatever else.
I see this as combined with #6 above.
> and 10.add-on track. The existing track, perhaps augmented with new track.
Yes.
> If you think about it, the motor and speed regulator are the most
> expensive components of a typical set so removing them and making them
> "optional purchases" that can be bought later on makes perfect sense.
A loco without a motor is much less fun to play with. Little Johnny
shouldn't be forced to remove the motor from his Metroliner to make
his Super Chief loco run.
> If the line was successful, they could make extra stuff like more
> track parts, powered accessiroes (ala 12V), sound units for that
> authentic feel or whatever.
Here's how I'd do it:
1. Basic Oval (2 straights and 16 curves) with power regulator and
connecting wires.
2. Locomotives, including motor.
3. Various freight and passenger cars, all sold individually.
4. Starter Kits consisting of one each of #1 and #2, and an assortment
of #3, like the My Own Train kit currently available.
5. All of the accessory packs you listed.
Also, these should be available through model railroad & hobby shops,
not just big box retailers.
A huge number of LEGO buyers, no matter how much you tell them about
the phone and web ordering for S@H will never use it. There's
something about going to the store and bringing home the box.
The trouble with LEGO's corporate structure is that LEGO Direct is a
separate division from the rest of LEGO, and as such, is in direct
competition with retailers. So there is an incentive for S@H to want
to hoard certain sets for themselves, and not support efforts like
putting LEGO trains in hobby shops.
--Bill.
--
William R Ward bill@wards.net http://www.wards.net/~bill/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consistency is not really a human trait.
--Maude (from the film "Harold & Maude")
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snip
> I think unpowered would be a BIG mistake. All locomotives should come
> with a motor.
snip
I disagree, as a child the only lego train set (as opposed to a single
vehicle) I could ever afford was the unmotorised 7715
http://guide.lugnet.com/set/7715
I had a battery motor from when i was younger so used that, doesn't give you
the remote control I am aware but it was what I had. Much as I would have
liked many of the 12 volt trains there was no way I could get them
Tim
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It is my belief that as long as LEGO® markets trains toward children, we
won't see much progress being made. I too, would like the company to aim
it's train line at fine hobby shops worldwide...then we should see a sharp
rise in interest when the average model railroader sees the potential in The
Brick.
-Harvey
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lots of snipage here:
> From: Jonathan Wilson <jonwil@tpgi.com.au>
> Here is the right way to sell lego trains, these are the sets to have:
> 1.several train sets, all unpowered, as a starting point
> > From: "Michael Hader" <mhader@hubcap.clemson.edu>
> > Even the cheaper trains, say just the Small Engine with tender and an oval of
> > track would be close to $60. This would be pretty good.
I think so too,
Thomas starters run from $25 (basic circle w/1 engine no cars)
its $40 (basic figure 8 w/1 engine 2 cars) they go way up from there
> 2.add-on pack with motor + regulator.
yep
> 3.motor as seperate pack
I think some options here would be good...
9v train motor
9v technic motor set (sold to be compatable with train and non-train sets)
or perhaps something totally different...
wind up or friction motor, not the best idea i admit (but, sold like above)
or a smallish motor that runs off 1 AA battery and pulls two cars
Another option might be to make the basic train motor more "lego" like
along time ago they made a motor block that looked a lot like the train
motor of now but, you could change the wheels, if they made say a hybrid
train motor... one that you could trade out the metal wheels with rubber
ones and power from the top by way of a battery box
this way the same motor could be used for trains or trucks, powered
by a track or not
> 4.regulator as seperate pack
Possibly, but i dunno how well that would work in retain stores unless
you could also use it to power the 9v technic motors,
and i really don't think that someone deciding to get the regulator would
mind having the other motor
> 5.light pack (suitable to add lights to all trains)
Perhaps a general lighting pack? one to work with any set?
i had one when i was a kid, didn't even come with a battery box
just like two little lights and some trans bricks, How much cooler
is anyset with add on lights!
personally the current train light pack seems steep, if one could
get say a set of 3 lights w/wires for $16 ?
> 6.accessory packs (things that make a plain oval track into a railroad)
What ever happened to accessory packs anyway? there arent much for any of
the current lines...
> 7.add-on cars (freight and passenger, coordinated to match with the sets)
> > You could then add other cars to you're engine. TLC could sell their trains
> > like the Thomas sets are everything seperately..with a few starter sets.
I like the idea of selling them like the Thomas sets, in reality its maybe
the best way to sell them...
cars at Target were around $15, Thomas runs $10-$16 per car
(the Hogwarts express would have been vastly better if they had made it with
train wheels and just left it unpowered)
> 8.locomotives (unpowered), also railcars, multiple-unit passenger trains
similar to how Thomas is sold
> 9.track buildings, such as level crossings, stations, and whatever else.
Yes, very cool,
Thomas add-ons are very pricy compared to their starter sets,
they run $25 - $50, it would be way easy for TLC to make train related
add-ons for the same or less, and would help to justify a higher starter
set cost
> 10.add-on track. The existing track, perhaps augmented with new track.
Track packs run $13 for 8 straits/curves, Thomas is $12 for 4 (gee, what's
the better deal here? and it can be powered!)
another thought might be to make a sortof "flex" type section of track one
that could be used to make slight inclines to make cross over tracks as well
as to help when two tracks arent perfectly matched to fit.
> > > From: "Mike Walsh" <mike_walsh@mindspring.com>
> > > I think one of the reasons that the MOT sets didn't appear to do well at
> > > Target is because you can't buy an engine or track separately.
I would agree, but I also think Target purchased these solely for the sales
through the holidays, I work at a TRU and the only time we even have trains
is near Christmas. they pehaps anticipated better sales but without other
set support as you suggest they decided to cut bait early (BTW not all
Target stores have clearanced the sets out, near me only the non-"greatland"
stores have done so.
> > > > From: "Harvey Henkelman" <Ferroequus@webtv.net>
> > > > It is my belief that as long as LEGO® markets trains toward children, we
> > > > won't see much progress being made.
Here I would disagree, even through the current retail channels I think
trains could be successful, i could see almost two lines actually,
one line geared tward a younger kind like Jack Stone and one like it is
now...
Younger kids love trains, that is why Thomas is so popular. If at the Thomas
age they started on a lego train they would have many more years of use,
even if they started with a JackStone type and only still used the track,
the car decks, and wheels. I'm not suggesting to "juniorize" all of trains
just add a few sets that use the same track to get them hooked earlier.
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Before anyone reads...please take note that my comments only pertain to the
US market, as I am unfamiliar with availabilty of particular sets outside
the USA.
Also to consider, some of the larger toy stores aren't really interested in
providing all the lego sets out there. Small items have a tendency to fall
into the "five-finger discount", and if a company doesn't purchase it, the
company doesnt' have to worry about small items disappearing...
The big thing to consider is that as lego enthusiasts, we have a bias, in
that we buy a lot of Lego. A fair amount of parents just buy what their
kids pick up off the shelf, and most kids are too excited when they come
down the Lego aisle as well.
I'm not badmouthing anybody here, but it's important to realize what
customers are the target, and what stores these products would go to, and
what the attitude of the store is... as mentioned on another post here,
something like a small hobby store would take more time to get all the
proper sets and do things nicely, but the focus there is on customer
service, not getting mass sales out the door.
With all that mumbo-jumbo done, my comments:
> 1.several train sets, all unpowered, as a starting point (all train sets +
> all add-on locomotives would show ways to add motors and in some cases
> lights as well). Have perhaps one high-speed passenger train (ala
> metroliner) and a freight train (ala Freight Rail Runner or Load & Haul RR)
> Box for these would clearly state that they are unpowered and what set to
> buy to make them powered.
Well, I don't think you could have several train sets, Maybe 2 sets. Think
about how much product Lego has to shell out beforehand in set
pre-production and advance marketing.
I disagree with the unpowered, because customers would pick up the item, not
read it carefully, put it together, and expect it to run...then we get the
"well, if it's extra to run, then I'm not buying anymore Lego stuff at
all--it's misleading to show that it runs, then it only runs if you spend
extra money" thought process. It's better to have a bundle pack, all in one
box, which actually cuts your packaging cost down, since you don't have to
package the speed regulator as a separate item. The idea of "buy one box,
put it together,and it runs" is popular, especially with parents...at least
in the USA.. however, once you have that main set, then you could purchase
other train stuff (see my Santa Fe comment later)..
2.add-on pack with motor + regulator.
3.motor as seperate pack
4.regulator as seperate pack
I know in the US, the regulator is set #4548, and the motor is #5300. If
the two items are separate, why bother spending extra time and money to make
extra packaging when you can just buy each item? I know the 5300 comes in a
clear plastic bag.
> 5.light pack (sutable to add lights to all trains)
I know that there is a light brick accessory pack you can purchase.
> 6.accessory packs (how about a "train workers" pack or a "train
> accessories" pack (with say signage, signals and other things that make a
> plain looking oval of track into a railroad) and of course the "train spare
> parts packs" with say, the train connecting wire and other such items.
I like that idea...I know there used to be a signage pack that you could do.
I think this merits some good thought here..
> 7.add-on cars (freight and passenger, coordinated to match with the sets)
I thought the MOT cars were add-on cars....
> 8.locomotives (unpowered), also things like railcars, multiple-unit
> passenger trains (as seen on a lot of urban rail & subway systems), MOW
> vechicles and whatever else.
Isn't the Santa Fe done like this? Unpowered Train, with directions for
adding a motor and light brick, and then the Santa Fe Cars I and II sets...
> 9.track buildings, such as level crossings, stations, freight loading
> cranes and whatever else.
10.add-on track. The existing track, perhaps augmented with new track.
good idea, but these boxes aren't overly large, but not too small. The
current boxes in a large department store might be prone to getting opened
and a single piece of track disappearing...which means a returned set, and
extra money in returns, etc...
I'm not sure how you could come up with new track unless you tinker with the
train layout geometry. Maybe some form of bundle kit...
If you check out the trains section on shop-at-home in the US, I think that
they are building a decent blueprint that can be used to help in possible
future sales...but again, it takes time to do this properly...Otherwise, our
favorite toy company goes into the red with a negative bottom line..
> If you think about it, the motor and speed regulator are the most expensive
> components of a typical set so removing them and making them "optional
> purchases" that can be bought later on makes perfect sense.
see my comment on #1 about the "all in one box". However, once you have the
basic starter kit, then these are good ideas--and you can already get the
motor and speed regulator separately.
> If the line was successful, they could make extra stuff like more track
> parts, powered accessiroes (ala 12V), sound units for that authentic feel
> or whatever.
I'm sure that lego is already working on something like this with their
future product teams, but still, not a bad idea to state it here...
Scott Lyttle
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I'm sorry, I disagree.
This might work well for the railroad enthusiast who is already
familiar with such a system, but the average consumer would expect a "take
it out of the box and it works" mentality. This is why we see so many
complete working train sets around Christmas time.
Some combination of the two might work well, but it might just be
better to have the full-operation sets available publicly to draw in the
average family consumer, then include catalogs for the the items you mention
for those who wish to be more serious about the railroading aspects.
Besides, it's Lego...you can make anything you want. If the special
railroading parts are available via catalog, I see no difference from
ordering from a Walthers catalog, and building what you want. In this case,
Lego would be another supplier competing with Walthers, Athearn, and all the
others, an already very competitive and developed market.
But for the average consumer, this won't mean much.
My apologies if you were discussing marketing to the railroad
enthusiast crowd, for which your plan would be more acceptable, though I
still think a tough sell.
Good luck! I hope you have lots of fun!
Peace and Long Life,
Tony Alexander
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In lugnet.trains, Tony Alexander writes:
> I'm sorry, I disagree.
> This might work well for the railroad enthusiast who is already
> familiar with such a system, but the average consumer would expect a "take
> it out of the box and it works" mentality. This is why we see so many
> complete working train sets around Christmas time.
<snip>
It has been my experience that the 'complete working sets around Christmas
time' are just exactly that. And when New Years Day rolls around, the train
ends up in the trash because of it being so cheaply built. (a little golden
oval-shaped sticker on the bottom of the burnt-out engine saying "Made In
Taiwan", for starters)
I don't think LEGO® should bend over backwards to please the mass-consumer
who craves a temporary choo choo fix to get them through the holiday visit
by the family. LEGO® should be treated as a fine hobby, on equal ground with
manufacturers such as Atlas, Kato, LGB, and the like.
Heres hoping that quality (the status quo) wins out in the end.
-Harvey
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In lugnet.trains, Harvey Henkelman writes:
> LEGO® should be treated as a fine hobby, on equal ground with
> manufacturers such as Atlas, Kato, LGB, and the like.
>
> Heres hoping that quality (the status quo) wins out in the end.
Harvey,
I certainly can't argue with that!! You're quite correct. Maybe I was
seeing the situation from the wrong perspective (sales out the door rather
than quality on the hobby table), but when quality is mentioned as a top
priority, as it should be, I have little disagreement. I've recently been
converted in playing with my own bricks to the "clones aren't good enough"
crowd, because there's no comparison between Lego products (manufactured to
a high standard of quality) and clone brand products (which may get more
sales out the door but have inferior quality).
In this respect, after looking once again at what I'd written, I think
I'd have to agree then with Jonathan Wilson about everything except the
unpowered locos. At least some of them, in my opinion, should come with the
necessary parts to get them going right away. A beginning modeler could be
encouraged to jump right into the operation of his/her own railroad, while
an active and more advanced modeler could then reconfigure the engine as
he/she wishes, but would still be able to roll stock over the lines.
I'd love to see Lego trains become a staple in the model railroading
hobby. It's been some time since I played with trains, and I remember how
much excitement I had from putting together model pieces and making them my
own. Lego products fit so perfectly into that kind of niche that it's sure
a delight to see them making such a strong statement in this field.
If they can stay away from the "Jack Stone" mentality and produce
consistently high-quality train models and accessories, then I see them
doing very well worldwide with this genre, and more power to them!
Peace and Long Life,
Tony Alexander
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