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Check out the latest offerings in MTH’s 2010 Volume One catalog (pdf).  Be patient because it may take a while regardless of the speed of internet connection.  The Premier Line European engines are looking good but my favorite in this catalog is the Turbo Train Passenger Set on page 96.  Learn more about actual Turbo Train here.

Lionel 2009 Volume 2 Catalog is on-line at Lionel.com.  A few things that caught my eye:

Lionel launched a new marketing approach strategy “New Family Traditions”.  There are 2 products presented under this strategy, a Lionel Little Lines plastic kids set that looks very similar to Fisher Price’s Geo-Trax line  and a computer animated DVD Movie entitled Lionelville DVD Destinations: Adventure.  With all the Lionel licensed and branded “toy” quality pieces on the market I’m surprised Lionel is offering such toys in their catalog.  I do like the idea of building a movie featuring Lionel product as part of the story line, it can help introduce more children to Lionel and O Gauge model trains.

Lionel is introducing “A Christmas Story” themed train set.  Fans of the movie will get a kick out of it.  The only thing missing is a flat car with the ladies leg lamp “trophy” as cargo.

Other new fantasy themed items:  Beatles themed box cars; Wizard of Oz themed set;

A new Norfolk Southern Heritage series that looks very nice.

New York Subway R30 set.

Also, Lionel is now offering an HTML index of all the items in the catalog making it easier for bloggers and others to link to their new products on-line.

I received this press release from HSL announcing a new digital archive of Lionel catalogs and other marketing material from 1970 to 1995.  HSL previously released a similiar Lionel digital archive covering the years 1945 to 1969.

HSL is pleased to announce the second release in the Lionel Consumer Catalog Digital Archive Series.  This “modern era” release (representing the MPC/Fundimensions and LTI eras) contains approximately 150 consumer catalogs, flyers, and brochures including many “dealer” catalogs and flyers that were ultimately distributed to consumers.  The archive consists of high quality scans of every page of every catalog woven together with easy-to-use HTML-based software.  A searchable table of contents allows you to search for engine and set names and numbers and other catalog sections.  Noted Lionel historian, Bill Schmeelk, provides another wonderful introduction.  The CD-ROM will work on PC and Mac-based machines.  The LCCDA 1970 - 1995 is available directly from HSL for $50 + $5 s/h (www.hslinc.com or 800-779-2802 or HSL / 200 University Park Dr. — Suite 240 / Edwardsville, IL  62025-3636).

In their new 2009 Signature Catalog Lionel is offering up a limited edition model of New York’s Grand Central Terminal.  It is a great piece (one of my favorites in the new catalog) and has a lofty list price of $1.499.  The firm that designed the piece for Lionel is TW Design of Dallas, TX.  TW Design released a video on YouTube showing an abbreviated look at some behind the scenes action with commentary of how the piece was designed.  Check it out below:

Lionel’s Grand Central Terminal

Check out more of TW Design’s model railroading handy work here.

MTH has released their 2009 Ready-To-Run Catalog.  Check it out here (pdf).

Lionel’s latest catalog is now available on-line.    In his customery Welcome from the CEO letter, Jerry Calabrese explains several new concepts:

1. The new Vision product line which will consist “of the most authentic, technically advanced trains and accessories ever made”.
2. Product offerings will be reduced.  “Every single product we introduce is unique, special, and abolutely necessary”.
3. The Lionel Classics product line will consist of  “the ultimate in populary priced, scale and non-scale, steam and diesel engines, premium sets, rolling stock and accessories”.
4. The days of the Volume 2 catalog containing lots of new products are over.  Almost all of Lionel’s 2009 offerings are included in this catalog.  “From now on, Volume 2 will become a scaled down version of previoius year-end catalogs with a handful of exciting and newsworthy offerings”.

There is also a new Lionel Vision Line Rewards Club that will deliver rebates and discounts, priority service (not explained very well) and special newsletters and sneak peaks.  Other items of note in the catalog:  Cowen’s Corner Hobby Shop ($419.99) - a hobby shop with 3 miniature working layouts, an Amtrak ready to run set ($499.99), Limited Edition Grand Central Terminal ($1,499).  You can view the new catalog here.