| |
In lugnet.dear-lego, lawrence wilkes wrote:
> > The key lies in TLC commitment to the theme, which I think has been • demonstrated
> > over the past 30 years. We just need to get the word to TLC that the theme • needs
> > to be taken to the next level. By that I mean providing the rudiments of • model
> > railroading-- decent track and prototypical trucks and couplers, DCC, • operating
> > points, crossings, etc., along with specialty elements which can add to the
> > realism of the trains themselves. Elements such as thin railings, stairs,
> > various window sizes, etc. The Trains theme needs to grow up, or another sub
> > theme such as MODEL TRAINS needs to be created. If TLC can produce such a
> > technological theme as Mindstorms, it could do a revamp of Trains.
I think LEGO Trains, as a niche market, would be best served by TLC focusing on
producing good-looking sets, while keeping costs down. If the rumors about a
Trains-meets-Mindstorms product line are true, that will (hopefully) address the
need for operational elements.
> > So we are doing the best we can with what we have, but it could be *so* much
> > better. TLC, take the same energy that you poured into SW and put half of it
> > into Trains and the theme will go bonkers <good thing>
It wouldn't even take half. Set up an independent company, probably operating
on a shoe-string, empower them to design, produce, and sell a line
decent-looking locos, cars, starter sets and accessories, and give them the
freedom to market them to train enthusiasts, both kids and adults.
> For many AFOLs, the problem is that Lego seems still very committed to the
> kids market, and the majority of its toys seem aimed at a younger audience
> than ever.
The adult market has historically been a willful blind-spot for TLC, and they
need to change their attitude. When I say 'need', I mean they could make a lot
of people happy, who are both dedicated to the brick and have big mouths. In
numbers, AFOL may be small, but we tend to be influential. We counsel parents
in toy store aisles on what sets to buy and avoid, we run displays at train
shows, we impress our relatives with cool Middle-Age villages, etc., etc.
TLC just needs to figure out how they can make us happy without taking a
financial bath. I feel this is definitely possible. I'm just waiting for them
to get to it.
Steve
|
|
Message is in Reply To:
27 Messages in This Thread:
   
 
- Entire Thread on One Page:
- Nested:
All | Brief | Compact | Dots
Linear:
All | Brief | Compact
|
|
|
|
