Capparezza

We may be a community of AFOLs. But LEGO is clearly not releasing sets for our target group (not anymore, at least - see MyOwnTrain). In another thread (or was it here?) there has been the statement from 2013 that we, the AFOL community, account only for around 3% to 5% of global revenue. So the only way to get something "in it for us" means that we have to deal with what LEGO deems appropriate for children. And that's what it's all about - LEGO releasing sets for children. Clearly, no small toddler can churn out 120 bucks for a train set from his or her pocket money. Relying only on parents or other relatives to build up future Train AFOL potential seems a bit limiting to me. As long as LEGO doesn't deem smaller sets and addons (not to speak of the comeback of train related Service Packs) appropriate, this potential lies bare. That was the point I tried to make, I hope I didn't loose you on the "tracks"

Very nice and truly a tight fit for all that PF!

Well, a lot of your arguments are totally valid. But I'd like to shed a different light on it. You say that the secondary market is there for us to cater. While this is true, I do think that you look at it completely from an AFOL viewpoint. How many 8 to 12 year olds (which seems to be the age range train sets are built for) do you know who are able to buy over Bricklink, BrickOwl or even directly from TLG to get those train parts? Do they have a credit card already? Do they even know about Bricklink and others? Do they even know that you can get those heavily needed train parts seperately? Let me tell you a little story I have heard yesterday from a friend at work: When he was younger, he got that wonderful 7730 train. Every now and then he ventured into a local toy shop. Back then, LEGO had an extensive catalog of spare parts for their Trains. Small polybags, so called "Service Packs", which you could buy for a couple of "Schillings" (or whatever your currency might be). Even a kid on pocket money could afford a beg once in a while. And this is exactly what he did to complement his train set. On birth- or hollydays he was given smaller train sets to complement the 7730 and over time he built up quite a collection. Fast forward to today: Is there any smaller train related set nowaydays to complement bigger ones? Are there any Service Packs available at local stores or even LEGO brand stores? Anything at the lower to mid 2-digit price range, where parents or grandparents do not have to think twice about value just to buy it? Then there is the topic "Which loco shall it be?", American or European style, Diesel, Electro, Steamer? Well, doesn't matter, at least not if LEGO keeps churning out new sets now and then. If I have the option to buy at least 2 different types for as long as maybe 3 or 4 years until they change their lineup to include other types, it really doesn't matter with which model they start. Everyone will be satisfied in a given amount of time. And as we all know, we AFOLs are a patient folk. But right now we don't even get the chance to choose. It's not quite clear if you are against smaller sets as a starter into the Trains hobby. But anyhow, take a look at how much people are asking for complementary sets from the 9V era. And then tell me that there is no market for such smaller sets...

I don't know, but I think I wouldn't venture out too far if I said: None.

@ShaydDeGrai Sorry for the full quote. But this is so true, every single point you raise. And especially the paragraph about the Classics and how much of a narrative is channeled nowadays (like, you even have comics and TV series going along with Nexo Knights and Ninjago).

It's interesting how often that old "LEGO has been there, it didn't work and will never ever work" argument pops up. Ok, so for all of you aboard that train (haha): Coca Cola was not that big hit in the beginning. Maybe they should have stopped there instead improving their product AND their marketing... Right? I don't see anything wrong with smaller, more affordable sets as a gateway / starter for future train addicts. Who buys a child of 9 something worth around 120 bucks as is asked for current City Train sets??? No one! This is a price range that is becoming common at around 14, when most children nowadays loose interest in toys at all and focus more on tablets, smartphones and the like. It was the marketing (and sometimes also the products) that didn't work out in the past. Either you improve and adapt or you give up. LEGO chose the second option.

Nice one, like it Great idea with the skis and the slope!

Uh oh..... That awful copycat-company from far east has already copied the Ship-in-the-Bottle. And I have to admit that I like the ship better than the one LEGO has downsized so awfully. Thank God, the rest of the build is just crude and nothing much to luck at!

Yeah, I too think that would be the best solution. Even if you have additional costs by adding a middleman, the sheer volume (if someone is going to play that role and buy enough track to distribute) might make up for it. Anyhow, I'm looking forward to it, whether it might be buying from you directly or not, as long as it's 9V

Nice lighting, gives the setting an interesting mood. The walls of that bridge are nicely built, I like that technique. That lady has some eyebrows, they definitely need some trimming... PS: The links in your post are a little bit off, everything leads to your Eurobricks thread.

That prelim loco with those modifications looks great, even if I have to go with @ColletArrow regarding the handrails. The parts for the pantographs are the robot arms in black, right?

@HiFish Err.... for a start: That link is dead. And I sincerely hope you're not urging Coaster to setup a multi-company-construct just to avoid taxes? I don't know how costly it is to set up multiple companies, but it surely is beyond the scope of Coaster's business.

@ust60: Hi Udo! Sorry, bin erst jetzt wieder Heim gekommen. Hast aber sehr gut übersetzt, die Anleitung ist verständlich The instructions are perfectly on spot. But I don't know if I'm brave enough to cut up a 9V switch yet

Thanks man, you're the best! Great looking models, both of the locos, even if I do prefer the prelim version too

Very nice Maybe you can mash-up the release version too? Have you seen the latest pictures?

This.

Wow. Getting a pretty clear view of those sets by your descriptions, thanks a lot @JEB314 (James) !

Hey Udo! Du kannst hier gerne was auf Deutsch posten, ich übersetze dann falls du willst ;) Hey Udo! You can post something in German if you like, I will translate it for you ;)

Uh oh... Thinking about this gives me the willies... But I think you made a valid point there: How much organization do you really need? When is it just enough to not let your creativity be hampered by storage problems?

Ooooh I know that feel... And there is a fresh delivery on it's way, so even more sorting incoming on the weekend I'm going the same route for City / Legoland related stuff, this is all sorted by colour and mostly type, just as you did. Technics stuff and bigger plates are in bins, as well as special parts needed for my Trains. I have a strange feeling that sorting won't be finished until end of summer...

Okay, didn't know... Can you elaborate a bit on "take a huge cut"? What can you expect on expenses flowing directly to Amazon?

Yay! New food for thought! Thanks @Carrera124

Yepp. And Swiss customs officers are very strict. So exporting to Switzerland and "smuggling" to neighbouring EU countries might not be a viable option (Edit: Dang, too late, somebody already mentioned it...) What about selling through Amazon? I do not know the exact untertakings one has to do to sell there, but there is an option for "optimized" import customs and VAT handling. Yes, lots of paperwork. But the market will be much bigger than just the US. Import taxes is lost, but VAT on import can be claimed back, no matter from which European country the final delivery will be done. Here is a short PFD which outlines your possibilities: http://www.fbashipuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Import-to-Amazon-FBA-UK-and-EU-A-Guide-to-Customs-and-VAT.pdf. Still, best way would be to find someone here in Europe helping out with business, someone already having experience with imports and selling. Even if I'm not the right guy for the imports and the selling, I'll be happy to translate into German if you need any assistance

I'd say dump the 2x. If you have 1x straights, there is no immediate need for 2x. Half straights nevertheless would be awesome. I'm already saving money by cutting my beer expenses ...............

The official Ship in a bottle set looks way off compared to the Ideas entry. Not liking it so far... the original Ideas was a big wow, but what LEGO made out of it looks a bit wrong.