What do people think is next?

[Redimp]

Wonder if they'd do a push-along set, they could still sell a complete train set but it'd help with the biggest complaint about trains these days - the price.

[Lord Insanity]

Wonder if they'd do a push-along set, they could still sell a complete train set but it'd help with the biggest complaint about trains these days - the price.

Well 4 out of 7 train sets sold by LEGO right now are push-along sets straight out of the box.

Personally, I would like to see a remake of 4454/2150 in dark tan "brownstone" with modular building size and detail. The modern color and part pallet could really make that the ultimate train station.

[henryhotspurs]

I would like to see sets that support trains and offer playability for those fans that do not actually own full trains. For example: Issuing a lumber mill with some "logs" to cut, a work crew, a small siding and a lumber car. This could easily be added to town and definitely to train. Likewise, how about a small livestock pen with loading ramp, a couple of cowhands, cows/horses/pigs, a couple of track lengths and a cattle car? Tire manufacturer with boxcar? Grain shipper with hopper? Coal with gondola? Passenger platform with carriage? I know I'd buy them all!

Virtually any industry imaginable could be condensed down to a small playable set. Include a siding or small length of track, and the appropriate rail car, and the set would be a hit. Collect all of the sets and you'd have the basis for a great train setup. Think about it. We'd get new cars, more track pieces, goods to ship, and more playability. Town fans could justify getting into trains and "Junior" now needs Mom and Dad to pay the extra bucks for locos to pull the railcars.

[peterab]

I would like to see sets that support trains and offer playability for those fans that do not actually own full trains. For example: Issuing a lumber mill with some "logs" to cut, a work crew, a small siding and a lumber car. This could easily be added to town and definitely to train. Likewise, how about a small livestock pen with loading ramp, a couple of cowhands, cows/horses/pigs, a couple of track lengths and a cattle car? Tire manufacturer with boxcar? Grain shipper with hopper? Coal with gondola? Passenger platform with carriage? I know I'd buy them all!

Virtually any industry imaginable could be condensed down to a small playable set. Include a siding or small length of track, and the appropriate rail car, and the set would be a hit. Collect all of the sets and you'd have the basis for a great train setup. Think about it. We'd get new cars, more track pieces, goods to ship, and more playability. Town fans could justify getting into trains and "Junior" now needs Mom and Dad to pay the extra bucks for locos to pull the railcars.

I'd love these sort of sets but I cant see them being good sellers. Trains are already a niche. Adding a train carriage to a building means many city builders are going to avoid it because it's a train set not a city set. Adding a building to a train carriage mens previously unsuccessful individual carriages get more expensive, not likely to be any more successful. H aving an individual loco has in the past meant that was the only train set many kids got, stealing sales from the complete trains.

Unless the latest train sets are selling much better than the last few rounds I can't see this as likely at all. If it were just a grain elevator and a truck, which tied into a train set with a grain hopper it might work though. To be worthwhile train add ons would be wise to try and harness the huge sales of normal city sets rather than cater to the niche interests of the train fans. As soon as you add track or carriages, you risk losing the interest of the city buyers.

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I'd like to see rolling stock. Preferably additional Maersk rolling stock. I'm sure TLG could make profit offering individual cars for those wanting a larger train. I'd say the same for the EN but, it is on it's last bend. And like everyone else has mentioned, more trackside features. Better train station for sure but, more importantly a new cargo yard! We have all these cargo trains and nowhere to offload.

Edit: How was the overall success of My Own Train? I know I bought them

Edited August 4, 2011 by Leg Godt Gud

[smith_sam88]

I'd like to see rolling stock. Preferably additional Maersk rolling stock. I'm sure TLG could make profit offering individual cars for those wanting a larger train. I'd say the same for the EN but, it is on it's last bend. And like everyone else has mentioned, more trackside features. Better train station for sure but, more importantly a new cargo yard! We have all these cargo trains and nowhere to offload.

Edit: How was the overall success of My Own Train? I know I bought them

I agree with this. Judging from what I see on eBay and Bricklink these days, there seems to be a growing market for the buying of train sets and the selling of each individual carriage separately. I'm sure Lego could make money from this - a large number of AFOLs would definitely appreciate the opportunity to buy extra rolling stock for the Maersk train, the Emerald Night and even the normal passenger trains.

Of course, Lego can only introduce so many new products each year but I think it would be easy for them to have a section on their website selling additional rolling stock for trains. I think this would be a big hit with AFOLs, and also wouldn't stop parents from buying whole train sets for their children if the additional rolling stock was just sold online.

[LegoSjaak]

I agree with this. Judging from what I see on eBay and Bricklink these days, there seems to be a growing market for the buying of train sets and the selling of each individual carriage separately. I'm sure Lego could make money from this - a large number of AFOLs would definitely appreciate the opportunity to buy extra rolling stock for the Maersk train, the Emerald Night and even the normal passenger trains.

Of course, Lego can only introduce so many new products each year but I think it would be easy for them to have a section on their website selling additional rolling stock for trains. I think this would be a big hit with AFOLs, and also wouldn't stop parents from buying whole train sets for their children if the additional rolling stock was just sold online.

TLG could make more profit in selling only complete sets... i bought 2 extra sets passengertrain 7938 and 1 extra set EN 10194 as well as an additional set Maersk 10219 mainly for the carriages...... or PF-stuff....... Else i would have bought only a few seperate carriages....

I would love to see separate carriages... do not misunderstand me, but i'm afraid it will not happen......

Greetz, LegoSjaak

[sweener]

PF Bluetooth receiver and remote control.

Forgot to mention re-releasing 7996 Train Rail Crossing. The prices on BrickLink and eBay are ridiculous.

Edited August 6, 2011 by sweener

[hoeij]

PF Bluetooth receiver and remote control.

Forgot to mention re-releasing 7996 Train Rail Crossing. The prices on BrickLink and eBay are ridiculous.

Before they re-release this, they should first fix the design flaw.

I think the best thing lego offers are the 3-in-1 sets, especially when the 3 models differ significantly from each other. That's what I hope to see in the train theme too.

The most interesting train set so far has been the 10183, that, with 30 different models, offered a great way to learn new building techniques (this set went on sale for $50, great for us, not so great for the company). Something like this set, with new models and a new color scheme, that would be the ideal train set.

[Pingles]

It's been mentioned before but I think it bears repeating: To be realistic we have to consider mainstream appeal. No matter how many multiple copies of sets AFOLs buy it pales in comparison with a single ToysRUs (or Lego Store) on a busy weekend.

I'd be happy to see small sets with train-themes. Road Crossings, Utility/Support cars, etc.

As far as a full train SET I'd love to see a Steam based one but I don't know if that has mass appeal.

[paul_delahaye]

Before they re-release this, they should first fix the design flaw.

Do tell, I've done a search on 7996 and I cannot find anyone complaining about it? I have 1 which I have to admit I've not used much, but what is so wrong with it?

[ZueriHB]

Do tell, I've done a search on 7996 and I cannot find anyone complaining about it? I have 1 which I have to admit I've not used much, but what is so wrong with it?

It's not possible to run two trains parallel in the same direction and not crash.

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I agree with this. Judging from what I see on eBay and Bricklink these days, there seems to be a growing market for the buying of train sets and the selling of each individual carriage separately. I'm sure Lego could make money from this - a large number of AFOLs would definitely appreciate the opportunity to buy extra rolling stock for the Maersk train, the Emerald Night and even the normal passenger trains.

Of course, Lego can only introduce so many new products each year but I think it would be easy for them to have a section on their website selling additional rolling stock for trains.

TLG could make more profit in selling only complete sets... i bought 2 extra sets passengertrain 7938 and 1 extra set EN 10194 as well as an additional set Maersk 10219 mainly for the carriages...... or PF-stuff....... Else i would have bought only a few seperate carriages.... I would love to see separate carriages.

Greetz, LegoSjaak

Granted it probably won't happen but, who knows. They could sell the h**l out of those Maersk cars. They don't even have to spend much time or money investing in a new train car. Just give them their own box and call it 10220 Maersk Rolling Stock. Half the work is already done . I too, have purchased numerous EN's, Maersks, numerous older 9Vs for the same reason. I'm just not sure if I want to keep the extra engines or resell them...

[brickitect]

My wish list:

1) (much) smaller battery box

2) re-designed Metroliner or Super Chief

3) modular train station

4) train shed

5) train wash

6) turntable

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

It would be great to see an "Y" switch point and crossing track ...but I'm not confident

[drdavewatford]

I'd like to see rolling stock. Preferably additional Maersk rolling stock. I'm sure TLG could make profit offering individual cars for those wanting a larger train. I'd say the same for the EN but, it is on it's last bend.

My understanding is that this isn't likely; there are only so many 'product slots' available, and LEGO were burned in the past by poor sales of additional rolling stock.

That having been said, the unexpected appearance of the Red Cargo Train is evidence that LEGO are taking note of increased sales of trains; likewise, we got the Maersk exclusive earlier in the year, which I believe was as a result of stronger than expected E.N. sales. If the various trains continue to sell well, perhaps LEGO will reconsider the rolling stock question ? They could sell extra coaches on the website only so as not to occupy shelf space in stores, and to keep costs down they could dispense with boxes and sell these like a service pack, with online instructions to further reduce costs. LEGO, if you're reading this thread (!), why not try this as an experiment....?

Dr. D.

Edited August 7, 2011 by drdavewatford

[Tigertamer]

Hello,

you all have good ideas. I would like to see more rolling stuff, especially for Maersk and EN. I hate that you get too less cars for that trains because trains with only one or two cars look barely. They could make different cars for that trains, for the EN cars like for the Super Chief and for the Maersk some different freight cars. I don't want too buy more than one EN or Maersk only for their cars and sell the engine.

Greetings

Andreas

[smith_sam88]

My understanding is that this isn't likely; there are only so many 'product slots' available, and LEGO were burned in the past by poor sales of additional rolling stock.

That having been said, the unexpected appearance of the Red Cargo Train is evidence that LEGO are taking note of increased sales of trains; likewise, we got the Maersk exclusive earlier in the year, which I believe was as a result of stronger than expected E.N. sales. If the various trains continue to sell well, perhaps LEGO will reconsider the rolling stock question ? They could sell extra coaches on the website only so as not to occupy shelf space in stores, and to keep costs down they could dispense with boxes and sell these like a service pack, with online instructions to further reduce costs. LEGO, if you're reading this thread (!), why not try this as an experiment....?

Dr. D.

I completely agree with the idea of selling them as service packs online. From reading this thread and others, it seems that TLG is reluctant to introduce additional coaches because:

a) there is limited store space/limited number of products that can be introduced

b) it may stop parents buying the large sets for their children

c) it may stop AFOLs buying multiple complete sets

Introducing extra coaches online as service packs addresses both a) and b). With point c) I prefer to look at it a different way. Whilst there might be some loss of profit from AFOLs only buying one complete set, the TLG would gain extra profit from AFOLs expanding trains who wouldn't do so otherwise, and TLG would also gain a slice of the eBay and Bricklink markets. This potential profit is difficult to quantify but I think it would more than offset money lost from AFOLs only having to buy one complete set.

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I suppose the main market of individual rolling stock would be solely on AFOL or TFOL who are serious into show and exhibits. Oh, and those like me who just love have a long-a*s train. Overall yes, I do agree that it is not likely, nor cost effective for individual sale. At least plan B still works (buy whole sets for cars). I just didn't know the success of the TTX's or My Own Train's. I know they are sought after now but, where they a bust to the main children's market when available?

[AndyC]

I just didn't know the success of the TTX's or My Own Train's. I know they are sought after now but, where they a bust to the main children's market when available?

Jamie Berard has said in the past that they really didn't sell very well at all and that there is pretty much zero chance of TLG ever selling individual train cars again. Although disappointing, I can kind of see why it's probably not the sort of thing parents are likely to buy for children when shopping for a LEGO set.

It's a shame that Design By Me sets are so much more expensive, because otherwise that would be a great way of AFOLs sharing rolling stock designs. As it is, Bricklinking the required parts or just buying extra sets are probably the best way to go.

[Darth Sutius]

TLG could make more profit in selling only complete sets... i bought 2 extra sets passengertrain 7938 and 1 extra set EN 10194 as well as an additional set Maersk 10219 mainly for the carriages...... or PF-stuff....... Else i would have bought only a few seperate carriages....

I would love to see separate carriages... do not misunderstand me, but i'm afraid it will not happen......

Greetz, LegoSjaak

It's a self fulfilling prophecy though. We buy multiples because they don't offer them separately. Yet regular model train companies don't have any problems at all selling rolling stock separately.

I wonder how many potential Lego Train fans chicken out of joining the hobby once they realise they can't buy additional carriages easily? I certainly almost didn't buy Emerald Night because of it, and jumped at the Maersk train because of the multiple carriages.

Another factor that might weigh into it is that Lego trains can't pull consists as long as standard HO sets (not unmodified at least). 8 - 9 decent wagons is the comfortable limit with standard batteries.

[roamingstop]

Some time ago (about 9 months?) I had posted a question in the Ambassador forum about the ability to have 'bags' or 'service packs' from various models released online, without the need to generate a full product ID. The main reaction is that AFOL's would love it, but from a product management / sourcing perspective it would not work out.

From watching the Megafactories episode, it would seem that each model is put through as a batch process; e.g. collect x of element y, sort into bag z.

Thus although we might want bags 2,3, all the parts for bag 1 would also be collected - so what to do with the unused Locomotives etc? Setting up a new batch just to print bags 2,3 would require a new production run, slots in the manufacturing facilities, and probably too much cost. Something through Pick a Brick might also work, but once again specialist parts / colours needed for some of models may not be available in sufficiently high quantities, and having excess stock would not be productive.

[roamingstop]

What would be really fun (locomotive wise) is a revisit to the Crocodile... like the ones from Franke1970

This may be too much; but using EN wheels it would certainly be iconic... although unlikely to be able to make a price breakpoint with rolling stock.

[Pazoozoo]

Ah yes!

A crocodile train would be awesome!

[legoguy475]

I'd like Lego to do some more GM EMD models. Maybe Norfolk Southern's 4610 (GP59) in Southern Railroad colors?