So Lionel’s newest catalog, 2009 Vol. 2, arrived in my mailbox a few days ago. I’ve now had a chance to look it over pretty thoroughly so now I will proceed to put in my 2 cents about it…
First off, I’ll say that they did a good job and it’s definately more in touch with train enthusiasts than their risky 2009 vol. 1 issue was. Some people are calling this new catalog the “Sorry, we screwed up catalog”. I can buy that. Lionel took a huge risk earlier this year by launching an ultra expensive line of trains (Vision Line) in the middle of a recession. Don’t get me wrong, I like the Vision Line products but it’s execution was poorly planned and I certainly wouldn’t have done it they way to did it. The new catalog is much more balanced and has many items that I’m thinking of ordering.
The best item, in my opinion, in the new catalog is the TMCC controlled track mobile. I’ve been waiting so long for someone to put out a command controlled piece of MOW equipment. I would have preferred for MTH to do it first, but it seems Lionel beat them to it. I totally plan on ordering at least one of the track mobiles. I really hope that this is the start of a series of MOW pieces that are command controlled. I also hope that MTH will respond with the DCS powered MOW stuff of their own.
