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In lugnet.trains, Jonathan Reynolds wrote:
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I’m no expert on the manufacturing process but I’d like to know if they have
altered all the moulds for the track pieces and the clip-on motor frames. If
these are completely new moulds then it shows there is a future supply
potential for the 9v track-powered range. If not, we will have to rely on
existing stocks until they run out.
Although I welcome the new trains my gripe is similar to Jason’s and I cannot
see why someone starting with the playtrains would be persueded to part with
serious £s to buy a new motor, regulator, metal track etc. in order to
‘upgrade’. In this respect, it is more a one-way compatibility.
Jon
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I did, I started out with 4.5v, and moved to 9v when it came out.
What I don’t understand is the decision to produce a $100+ set whith this new
technology, as a first kit. I thought the whole point was to produce a $50 set
to get into the “birthday gift” segment. Looking at the new sets, the ICE train
looks about right. I would think the green engine is a perfect stand alone item,
or combine it with a single frieght car. The crain rail truck should definitly
be packaged seperately. I’d like to own more then one of the green engine, but
not if I have to buy them in $100+ sets.
Mat
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In lugnet.trains, Mathew Clayson wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Jonathan Reynolds wrote:
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I’m no expert on the manufacturing process but I’d like to know if they have
altered all the moulds for the track pieces and the clip-on motor frames. If
these are completely new moulds then it shows there is a future supply
potential for the 9v track-powered range. If not, we will have to rely on
existing stocks until they run out.
Although I welcome the new trains my gripe is similar to Jason’s and I
cannot see why someone starting with the playtrains would be persueded to
part with serious £s to buy a new motor, regulator, metal track etc. in
order to ‘upgrade’. In this respect, it is more a one-way compatibility.
Jon
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I did, I started out with 4.5v, and moved to 9v when it came out.
What I don’t understand is the decision to produce a $100+ set whith this new
technology, as a first kit. I thought the whole point was to produce a $50
set to get into the “birthday gift” segment. Looking at the new sets, the ICE
train looks about right. I would think the green engine is a perfect stand
alone item, or combine it with a single frieght car. The crain rail truck
should definitly be packaged seperately. I’d like to own more then one of the
green engine, but not if I have to buy them in $100+ sets.
Mat
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But moving to 9v from 4.5v gave you significant advantages and was an upgrade
which added value. The new trains are already good - remote control, sound,
cheap track, reverse loop capabilities, cab control etc. so the change to 9v
rail powered trains is not a total improvement. I could list out the advantages
and disadvantges of each range but that’s not the point - why would a newbie
want to change to the ‘old’ system when all the new Lego releases were the new
system? Am I missing something here?
Jon
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"Mathew Clayson" <mathew_impact1@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Isw0Dr.1qw0@lugnet.com...
> In lugnet.trains, Jonathan Reynolds wrote:
[ ... snipped ... ]
> What I don't understand is the decision to produce a $100+ set whith this
> new
> technology, as a first kit. I thought the whole point was to produce a $50
> set
> to get into the "birthday gift" segment. Looking at the new sets, the ICE
> train
> looks about right. I would think the green engine is a perfect stand alone
> item,
> or combine it with a single frieght car. The crain rail truck should
> definitly
> be packaged seperately. I'd like to own more then one of the green engine,
> but
> not if I have to buy them in $100+ sets.
>
> Mat
I agree completely. LEGO could (should?) take a lesson from the Brio/Thomas
market. The reason it is successful is because you add to it incrementally
and at a low price point. Buying an engine, rolling stock, or other
accessory doesn't have to be a significant investment. TLG's continues to
package their trains as an all inclusive offering which is fine but it
limits their "add on" sales opportunities. Once a parent buys a train for
their child, they will are likely to buy additional cars to go with the
train but are very unlikely to buy another complete train set.
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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Mike Walsh posted a link on the ILTCO list which has a much cleaner image.
http://www.iltco.org/docs/TLC/Train_Calendar_Benelux_High.pdf
It appears that the dummy engine on the ICE train is 6 studs shorter then the
working engine. They used a lt grey curved slope to fill in a gap.
A small detail I hadn’t noticed on the greeen engine, a caution sticker that has
a ligtning bolt and “9v”. Funny.
Mat
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