Yo: While visiting the West Springfield show last week I had the opportunity to talk to the Lionel representative there. One of the questions I asked was is Lionel really going to manufacture a steam locomotive. His response was "Yes". As an add on I asked, OK what loco? He said "I can not say". One thing he did say is that "it should be in the next Lionel catalog".
We went on and discussed about options on how it will be powered (i.e. AC, TMCC, DC.....). Being that I am a high rail (but using KD couplers) and run DCC I was concerned that the new loco will be TMCC and/or AC only. I do know that most likely the actual motor will be DC. But building in all the extra electronics would be a waste for me. I'd be more in favor of the option of DC and/or DCC. I also mentioned to him that if they do only a AC/TMCC system they will be cutting into the S-gauge market which is already small, but growing. I was wondering if anyone did a poll to find out what percent of the S-gauge population run (AC, DC and DCC). We had a lengthy discussion around what other manufactures are doing, specifically S-Helper and American Models, supplying locomotives with power options. His comment back was that they are looking into this. And by the way, at one point during the conversation he did say that the new steam locomotive would be based on "All New Tooling". The clock is ticking, time will tell. Tommy 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/
