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Great topic. And many of us train heads have thought of this is several very
similar ways. Some even doing it (train guild, MOC sales...) But to even
partially realize a spin off there would need to be at least a million
upfront. Run the numbers on creating one years new line, 7 sets. It's
staggering to think about the shear number of elements (with different
colors) needed to complete 7 sets, ~800, ~1000? Then multiple that by a bulk
minimum order per element, not to mention LEGO factory loading schedules.
Now packaging, instruction printing. And would we go mail order? If not then
distribution costs... All this and no new element design or tool
manufacturing costs figured in.
BTW count me in if you have some inventors lined up, I'd pony up a bit!
SteveB
BrickWorx International ;D
In lugnet.general, John Neal writes:
>
>
> Todd Lehman wrote:
>
> If TLC were my toy company....
>
> First, I would do the obvious and offer as many kinds of bricks in bulk online as
> I could. That's a no-brainer. After all, you can't build imagination without
> the hardware;-)
>
> Second, I would completely revamp the train line and pursue the model railroading
> market. Although it is said that the NMRA is graying, blah, blah, blah, and that
> model railroading as a hobby is dying, I just see a new, potentially lucrative
> market. I would spin off the trains theme from LEGO in the same way that Scala
> is to System-- still compatible but very different. Still use the minifig, but
> create 100s of new, specialized train parts. Parts such as new couplers (I'd
> license with Kadee®), lots of windows, various truck styles; new track; offer
> DCC; motorized points, crossings, fiber optic lighting systems, and much more.
> Basically, I would try and not reinvent the wheel, but utilize current
> manufacturers as much as I could. This would also help get name recognition
> among model railroaders get my foot in the door of the model railroading market.
>
> I know that it would take a heavy investment, but it would be for the long haul.
> You can't tell me it was cheap to create new themes such as Throwbots, ZNAP,
> Scala, Life on Mars-- and all of that stuff won't even be around in 5 years. My
> trains theme will just be hitting stride in 5 years and all of my heavy
> investments will have been paid off. Actually, I would probably break even
> pretty fast because all current LEGO train owners would upgrade. I might even be
> a little dastardly and change the gauge of my track to match O scale (Ensuring
> upgrades;) and thus making LEGO trains instantly compatible with O scale layouts
> around the world.
>
> Initially, I'd actively foster and sponsor LEGO train clubs who displayed at
> train shows. I'd produce 5 new locos year, and 5 new cars a year, and I'd sell
> to hobby shops who sold model trains. I'd publish a monthly magazine like Model
> Railroader to give train fans a place to advertise and check out what's new
> (Maybe it would be online; I haven't thought enough about that yet). And I'd
> sponsor an international LEGO train convention every year.
>
> You cannot convince me that this idea wouldn't work. Trains are loved and
> recognized around the world; LEGO is a world company-- a trains theme truly would
> have international appeal. Heck, I think it would work even if it were only
> marketed in the US!
>
> So how about it, Brad? I'll just wait for the phone call so you and I can
> discuss my master plan in detail;-)
>
> -John
>
> >
> >
> > What would you do if LEGO were YOUR toy company? What would it BE LIKE to
> > be a customer? What would you do DIFFERENTLY from what they do now?
> >
> > --Todd
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