Train Talk with Lionel

TrainMaster Command Set Update

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:19:00 -0400

Since the release of our 2010 Signature Edition catalog, we've gotten questions about our plans for continuing with the original TrainMaster Command Set. These days, it's a fact of life that when it comes to technology, time never stops. Even the most advanced technology of 2001 simply cannot compare with the gadgets available today that can do things never imagined just a decade ago.

And so it goes with our TrainMaster Command Set. When we introduced it in 1995, the system was revolutionary. It allowed operators to control the trains on their layouts like never before, running multiple trains and accessories at the touch of a button on an easy-to-use hand-held controller. Finally, operators were no longer stuck at a stationary control console.

In 2008, we introduced the LEGACY Control System which, by all accounts, dramatically advanced operator control and realism. The new system is completely intuitive to operate and has a bold read-out that allows you to keep track of what's on track. Best of all, the new LEGACY Control System was specifically designed to be "backwards compatible". It operates all of your trains, no matter what era, to their maximum capability. The fact is, the new system gives operators unparalleled, precision-control of both LEGACY-equipped and TMCC-equipped locomotives like never before. You don't lose a thing with the new LEGACY Control system...and what you gain is incredible:

Smoother starting and stopping of Odyssey I equipped locomotives
Expanded route, accessory, and lash up addressing
Nine user-selected remote frequencies for multi-layout operation
Quillable horns and whistles (LEGACY-equipped engines)
Expanded TowerCom and CrewTalk (LEGACY-equipped engines)
200 speed step constant speed control (LEGACY-equipped engines)
Field upgradeable for future expansion of LEGACY control products and locomotive functionality
And that's only the beginning...

In short, to answer the question about our plans for the TrainMaster Command set, like all iterations of ongoing technology, its time has passed. We will continue to sell the few sets that are left in inventory - and there are probably a number still for sale at retailers around the country. But we have no plans to produce any more. (The fact is many of the components are so out-of-date that producing the set is next to impossible.)

So we thank you for the great reception and continued support our LEGACY Control System has received. We believe it's an important step forward and one that train hobbyists everywhere will want to experience.

Lionel 2010 Volume 1 Print Corrections

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:01:00 -0400

The following is a list of corrections to the printed Lionel 2010 Volume 1 Catalog.

Classic Line/ Postwar Scale

Postwar Scale Virginian FM TrainMaster #2331 (6-34581). Minimum curve is O-36. (page 18)

Classic Line/ Standard O Scale

HHP-8 Electric Locomotive (6-38402). Minimum curve is O-36; Length is 15 ½". (page 38)
Penn Central 3-Bay Hopper (6-27424). Car type is a 3-Bay Hopper, not a PS-2. (page 52)

Classic Line/ Premium Traditional Sets

Great Northern Railway Empire Freight Express with Whistle Steam (6-31799). Correct price is $429.99. (page 64)

Classic Line/ Conventional Classics

No. 1619W Santa Fe Alco Freight Set (6-38342). Alco A-units do not have die-cast metal truck side frames. (page 72)

Accessories

Lighted Coaling Tower (6-37912). Correct price is $179.99. (page 102)
Legacy Hotel (6-16847). This product has been dropped. (page 105)
Barrel Shed. Correct product number is 6-16881. (page 106)
Operating Sawmill (6-37919). Reference to sound in introduction is not correct. No sound. (page 110)

Track

45-Degree Crossover (6-12051). Correct price is $23.99. (page 125)
42" Path Remote-Control Switch (6-65168). Correct price is $71.99. (page 128)

K-Line by Lionel

PRR K-4 (6-22402). This item has been dropped. (page 146)

Image Corrections

Classic Line/ Standard O Scale

WP Gondola in the Feather Route Freight Car 3-Pack (6-31796). Prototypical red-orange triangle added to side corner. (page 41)
Santa Fe Warbonnet AC6000 (6-28339). Red radiator wing on roof updated to silver. (page 48)
Penn Central 3-Bay Hopper (6-27424). Body changed from green to black. (page 53)

Classic Line/ LionMaster

U.P. Big Boy (6-11208). Detailing under deck revised. (page 57)

Classic Line/ Traditional

CSX Gondola in the CSX Freight 2-Pack #1 (6-11166). Car does not include load insert. (page 90)
B&O Quad Hopper in the CSX Freight 2-Pack #2 (6-27431). Car has a covered roof with opening hatches, and no coal load. (page 91)

Product Video: Lionel VISION Line Diesel

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:25:00 -0400

Bringing the future to you today, Lionel offers a special version of the Evolution Hybrid decorated in the dramatic red livery of Canadian Pacific. You can read all about it on pages 14-15 of the Lionel 2010 Signature Edition catalog.

Click the "Download" link below to view our video highlighting some of the spectacular features of this Lionel VISION Line product.

Product Video: Traditional Train Sets

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:32:00 -0400

From passenger to freight, steam to diesel, Lionel is proud to offer a wide range of Traditional Train Sets to please everyone. See the Lionel 2010 Ready-to-Run Catalog for a wide selection of products to help you and your family get started in this great hobby.

In our Signature Edition catalog (pages 60-67), you'll see how this year we've taken our premium sets to a whole new level by adding new features, more track, and spectacular paint schemes. And, all cars in these sets are individually boxed.

Click the "Download" link below to view our video highlighting just some of the Traditional Sets from our 2010 Signature Edition and Ready-to-Run catalogs.

Product Video: Lionel VISION Line Challengers - Part 2

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 14:48:00 -0400

Click the "Download" link below to see Part 2 of the video where some members of our Product Development team discuss the VISION Line Challengers.

Five VISION Challengers are available for 2010, all equipped with the highest level of realistic features and state-of-the-art LEGACY technology that's possible. You can learn more about these engines on pages 8-11 of the Lionel 2010 Signature Edition catalog.

Product Video: Lionel VISION Line Challengers - Part 1

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 12:51:00 -0400

Click the "Download" link below to see Part 1 of the video where some members of our Product Development team discuss these amazing engines.

Product Video: Lionel VISION Line 700E Scale Hudson

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:43:00 -0400

This year, Lionel reintroduces the legendary 700E Scale Hudson -- now with incomparable VISION features. Pages 6-7 of the Lionel 2010 Signature Edition catalog has all the details.

Click the "Download" link below to see some members of our Product Development team discuss this amazing product.

Customer Question: Running LEGACY-equipped engines with a Conventional Transformer

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:07:00 -0400

Q: What features are lost if a LEGACY engine, like the LionMaster Pennsylvania T1, is run on a conventional 80-watt transformer?

A: Since you will be limited to the basic buttons on a conventional transformer, you will lose most of the user-controllable sound, light, and running features that can be accessed from a LEGACY CAB-2 controller. With that said, the sound quality will still be wonderfully realistic and the operation of the engine will be fine and smooth.

Product Video: Accessories

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:55:00 -0400

This year, you will see the most detailed accessories we've ever offered. Lionel is making an aggressive new commitment to giving operators highly realistic operating and non-operating accessories to enhance any layout.

Click the "Download" link below to view our video highlighting some of the accessories from our 2010 Signature Edition catalog.

Dynamo Steam Effects in VISION Line Challengers

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:31:00 -0400

Many people have asked, "What exactly is a dynamo?" and "What are the Dynamo Steam Effects?"

The dynamo is a generator for providing the electricity in the locomotive. The dynamo is located on top of the boiler, and when active, has a stream of steam emanating, accompanied with a distinctive whining sound.

For our new VISION Line Challenger locomotives, we will be adding sound and "steam" to this dynamo feature to deliver this effect. When the Loco "starts up" the sounds of a dynamo will be produced (whine) and the smoke will emanate from the dynamo steam exit (stream).

Product Spotlight: Conventional Classics

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 10:53:00 -0400

Why are Lionel's Conventional Classic pieces far superior in value, features, and operation to any other on the market? That's easy.

Only Lionel's sets come equipped with legendary Pullmor motors, Magne-Traction, and traction tires which altogether provide high torque for maximum pulling power and performance
Only Lionel's engines have back drive on the drive wheels for smoother acceleration and stops
Only Lionel's sets boast detailed cab interiors
Only Lionel's steam sets have synchronized puffing smoke units with an on/off switch
Only Lionel's sets have a reversing unit on/off switch
Only Lionel's sets include an on/off switch for sound and enables operators to control the sound volume
Only Lionel can utilize authentic and original tooling
Only Lionel's sets replicate the original wheels and trucks
Only Lionel's sets can duplicate the original packaging from the boxes to the interior wrappings
In other words, only Lionel's sets can truly be called authentic Conventional Classics

This year, Lionel is proud to introduce 3 new Conventional Classics sets:

(6-38339) 2505W Virginian Rectifier Freight Set (1958) (pg. 70-71)
(6-38342) 1619W Santa Fe Alco Freight Set (1959) (pg. 72-73)
(6-38340) 1587 Girls Train Set (1957) (pg. 74-75)

Product Spotlight: The Texan Ready-to-Run Set

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:48:00 -0400

This year we've taken our premium sets to a whole new level by adding new features, more track, and spectacular paint schemes. And, all cars in these sets are individually boxed.

One set that we are very excited about is The Texan Ready-to-Run Set (6-30142) on pages 60-61 of the 2010 Signature Edition catalog. Clear the tracks for a new freight boss in the West -- the big Texan Set led by two FT diesels!

This set features:

Two FT Diesels dressed in the dazzling red scheme of the Texas Special

TrainSounds sound system

5 colorful, star-studded freight cars

Includes giant "Twice-Around" track layout - the biggest layout we've ever offered in a ready to run set (approx. 50 x 98 inches)

Separate sale add-on 2-pack is also available

Amtrak HHP-8 Electric Locomotive (6-38402)

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:25:00 -0400

The following question was asked: "Just how is the new Amtrak HHP-8 different than the one issued with the excellent starter set (6-31779)?"

Last year, we received so much positive feedback on our Amtrak HHP-8 Ready-to-Run Passenger Set (6-31779; pages 60-61 of the Lionel 2009 Signature Edition catalog). But one request kept coming to us for an HHP-8 with RailSounds. Well, here it is on pages 38-39 of the 2010 Signature Edition catalog!

Basically this locomotive gives you more -- more realistic sounds with RailSounds, more power with dual motors, and more operator control with ElectroCouplers.

We also want to note that this locomotive is 15 1/2" in length and has a minimum curve of O-36.

Strasburg Rail Road Steam Passenger Set (6-30133)

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:37:00 -0400

We have received a couple of inquiries about passenger car names in our new Strasburg Rail Road Steam Passenger Set (Ready-to-Run catalog, page 28). The car names in the set are Mill Creek, Grasshopper Level, and Cherry Crest. These are related to actual Strasburg cars.

Product Spotlight: 700E Scale Hudson

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:45:00 -0400

Last year Lionel introduced the VISION Line, the most highly detailed and technically advanced locomotives and rolling stock ever made. This year, we're taking these revolutionary advances and putting them in our most beloved, popular, and iconic pieces.

This Product Spotlight features the VISION 700E #5344. This product utilizes much of the original tooling that built the legendary 700E, but now includes new detailing and state-of-the-art VISION features. Some of the features to take note are:

Swinging bell synchronized to bell sounds

VISION Whistle Steam effects

Best sound features ever offered in a Hudson – TruRail Dialog, TruRail Laboring, and TruRail Chuff

Upgraded lighting features – directional lighting, operating headlight, illuminated classification lights on front, enhanced realistic lighting on the cab interior

Best detailing – opening boiler front with authentic interior detail, opening roof vent, separately applied details including grab irons, piping and valves

LEGACY control

Upgraded high torque motor give this Hudson the finest control at even the lowest speeds

You can read more about this product, as well as our second VISION Scale Hudson available in a 763E-inspired gunmetal grey paint scheme, on pages 6-7 of the Lionel Signature Edition catalog.