The Lionel September release catalog

Usually, Lionel only releases two catalogs a year, with the exception of those for other scales or Christmas. This time around however, Lionel has released a small catalog showing off some September offerings. 

I'll admit, I have heard some mixed things about this catalog, but before we get too ahead of ourselves, why don't we see what this catalog is all about. Like my past catalog reviews, I won't be going over every little thing, but just the things that I feel stand out the most. 

The 0-8-0's might not seem like anything special, but I do like the trains and the fact that they have the swinging bell feature. It's also a smaller engine so for those who want to get their feet wet with Lionel Legacy but don't have large curves, this train is perfect. 

Imagine seeing this bad boy in real life. 

Yes I notice you Area 51 diesel. 

Some of the EA88 diesel's that Lionel is offering look pretty good, with one of my favorites being the Seaboard Airline with it's passenger cars. 

The exhibit cars that Lionel is offering look pretty neat too, and I'm sure they'll be a nice addition for someone who wants to run them, or have them parked on the side of their layout. 

The Bluetooth speaker box cars are where Lionel loses me. Don't get me wrong Lionel, I like the idea of train cars having sound, but this just kind of seems meh, especially when you consider how easy it is to make something like this at home. 

The Cowen Music Emporium building is a nice nod to Lionel's owner, Joshua Lionel Cowen. It also looks like a pretty good detailed building just by the photo. 

Final thoughts: 

While I don't want to bash Lionel too hard for the catalog as it is a mini-catalog as opposed to a volume 1 or 2 of a year, I can understand why people find this underwhelming. I also agree with the fact that prices are a bit too high in this catalog. 

Yes Lionel, I know these are collector trains and I know the tariffs are a thing, but I do feel there is some valid criticism to be made over the high prices. Yes trains have taken a back seat to other hobbies, but raising the prices will just drive people out of the hobby as opposed to buy them into it.