----ORIGINAL MESSAGE (snip)----- <<<<<But, looking back to 1998, I have to wonder if that stuff will ever show up. If a dealer has 50 orders, will he need to order 100 in order to get enough to fill his 50 customers orders? Will a customer need to place orders at two dealers in order to have a chance one will be able to have one for him? Will they perhaps build only enough to fill advance orders?
They have been doing better at building what they say they will, late perhaps, but they do build it, but still sometimes not as many as a dealer had ask for. So, when I place an order, I have to wonder if I'll get one, even if they do come in.>>>>> This was a valid concern a few years ago. As most of us know, Lionel had a reputation of under-producing the AF line, and both distributors and dealers were short-shipped their orders routinely. In my experience, this has not been the case the past 3-4 years. I believe, especially with the move to China, that they try to produce to meet all dealer advance orders. They don't OVER-produce, since I have never been able to obtain additional stock after-the-fact from Lionel. But at least they seem to meet the initial demand. Also from my own experience, I can say that only ONCE have I ever been short-shipped. With that one exception, I have always received, every year, 100% of the items I advance-ordered for my customers. (Knock on wood !!!!). I can also state, from personal knowledge, that at least in part, it has something to do with distributors and dealers who pay Lionel in full, and on time, vs. those who do not! (INSERT BLATANT AD----- As soon as we have images to post, we will have pricing and pre-ordering information on our website......Hopefully within a week or so.) I have yet to see an actual catalog, and it is not yet on the Lionel website...... Carl, my understanding was that there is mention within the catalog of a steam engine next fall, although no identification of what it is. Did you find that????? Doug Peck Port Lines Hobby Supply 6 Storeybrooke Drive Newburyport, MA 01950-3408 Shop Hours - Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays: 2-5 PM (EST), and 7-9 PM. Saturdays: 2-5 PM. 978-465-8798 1-888-708-0782 (Toll-free; Orders only, please.) Website: www.portlines.com E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] VISA--MASTERCARD--DISCOVER--AMEX--PAYPAL Accepted. S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
