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 Posted - January 30 2013 : 8:23:58 PM
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Looking up about the history of Tyco's HO-scale line, and actually using some Tyco products on my layout, I can't help but wonder what it'd be like if Tyco actually continued making model trains past 1993? I know that they stopped because by then, model train interest wasn't as strong as it was back in the 1960s and 1970s, and they were losing out in competition to rivals like Bachmann (Tyco's biggest rival for years), Athearn, Life-Like and others, and by 1993 they did not have as many offerings.
BUT... suppose Tyco continued making model trains after 1993? And that they still had a somewhat wide selection of products in the early '90s. This is what I think they would do...
- They would probably offer some higher-end/hobby-quality line, similar to Bachmann's "Spectrum" and Life-Like's "Proto X000" lines.
- They would probably offer some higher-end/hobby-quality line, similar to Bachmann's "Spectrum" and Life-Like's "Proto X000" lines.
- They would either develop their own roadbed track to compete with Bachmann and Life-Like, or would probably just use Bachmann's E-Z Track like Athearn and Walthers sets did.
- They would probably eventually switch over to mostly (if not all) knuckle couplers on their locomotives and rolling stock.
They'd also probably still keep many of their action accessories, like Life-Like did, and some of Bachmann's stuff. - They would also probably still offer train sets with various accessories, like Life-Like and some of Bachmann's sets do, as another way to get kids started on a model railroad (I always thought train sets coming with accessories was a good idea, because then it could really help if you want to set up a "real" model railroad!)
- They would also possibly start a line of scenic/landscaping accessories, either make their own or rebrand Woodland Scenics products or whatever.
- Some of their existing accessories that use lights in some way would eventually switch to LED.
- If they continue to make their own conventional Code-100 track, they would eventually switch from steel to nickel-silver rails. (NO MORE BRASS!)
- They would eventually come out with a line of DCC locomotives as well.
It's worth thinking about...
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 Posted - January 30 2013 : 8:40:19 PM
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I think what you propose would have been quite possible. Both Bachmann and Life Like made great strides, while keeping some of their toy trains roots.
The good news is that at least a few Tyco items did continue past 1993, in the form of some IHC locomotives and cars. An example would be the 2-8-0 and 0-8-0, which were upgraded with new drives. You could also say that Model Power Mantua classics are in some sense Tyco descendants, now complete with DCC and sound.
- Thomas
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 9:12:26 PM
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I could see Mattel using the tooling, just improving things. In fact, they still use Tyco's 440X2 chassis which is now a 440X3, still the same design and parts. I see the trains being sold at Wal Mart and what not and probaly be just as toyish! Be fun so see what if?!
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 9:24:08 PM
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I don't even think Mattel uses the Tyco name anymore 
The sold off the race sets to Life-Like 
Also I'd not mind finding out IF I could buy out the Tyco name from Mattel
Edited by - microbusss on January 30 2013 9:29:06 PM
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 9:49:16 PM
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Nope, Mattel still has slot car sets and most recently, the Toy Story, Cars and Batman sets.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - January 30 2013 : 10:03:40 PM
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quote:Nope, Mattel still has slot car sets and most recently, the Toy Story, Cars and Batman sets.
Originally posted by Redneck Justin - January 30 2013 : 9:49:16 PM
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True but it's been YEARS since I seen the Tyco name on anything by Mattel 
Thats the reason I want to ask Mattel if they want to sell the Tyco name to me 
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Posted - January 31 2013 : 6:39:38 PM
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In my opinion, with the funny pan-cake motors (like the Kodak disk cameras ahead of their time), I believe that TYCO would continue to build sturdy plastic models. A wee bit bulky, but they were dependable and tuff!
Look at the Roco models... motors originally built for real fighter-plane cable ailerons, they last forever!
And perhaps you didn't know it, but those are Roco motors in Athearn's MP15AC's... the Genesis models.
Bulky but tuff... TYCO could take a beating but still impress model railroaders.
Well, hey... this TYCO Forum would not exist today, if they kept building their Trains... Race Cars, US-1 Trucking, or their line of RC vehicles.
Okay, that's my opinion. I like TYCO... this forum, and thread, only proves the point repeatedly.
John
I don't have a one track mind. It depends on the turn-out.
"I love your catenary!"
Is that a power-trip or just another pick-up line?
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Posted - January 31 2013 : 8:28:03 PM
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if tyco continued on, I believe the motors by now would be different and the "puny torque" would be abandoned in favor for a more "conservative" type of motor and drive.
also, I think they'd probably go with less "promotional cars" an maybe go with unique roads (cotton belt, private road stuff like that) maybe even fantasy road name units (Pacific electric GP-20's anyone?) and go with undec units too
some of the cars would/should be retooled (hopper designed from blueprints fine, but fix the hatches!) lose the three dome tanker, maybe retool it to a propane car or something similar.
definately keep the action accessories, maybe update them some
those are my thoughts, anyway
just me Ray... and just because I have Tyco doesn't mean I am not a model railroader
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Posted - February 03 2013 : 5:45:10 PM
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Tyco would still be in business if they had continued to use the MU2 type motors in their diesels. They would have made improvements across the spectrum of their product line also like Bachmann for instance.
Alco Fan
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Posted - February 04 2013 : 07:39:27 AM
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Tyco went the wrong way with the Power Torque motor, a slot car motor is not quite hefty enough to really pull long trains and last a long time compared to what we see today. It was a cost-saving method, but really wasn't suitable for long-term durability ( as witnessed by their demise, unfortunately ). if they had offered an up-scale line, I would hope they would realize they needed to target the fine-scale modeler and offer a high-end line as well as their toy line. Unfortunately the market was declining back then, and Life-Like and Bachmann were able to survive longer, and Bachmann is still going today. Maybe if Tyco had thought along orginal Mantua quality lines, they might still be around. But it was a tough business in the '70's and '80's to sell toy trains, and I guess they took the cheaper route. I really think they need to update the trains today for more modern looks, the Tomica trains, and now the Power Trains you see at Target, are doing that, although they're not electrical in nature. We'll see how they do. The Power Train looks to be close to TT scale ( 1:100 ), so I have bought a few to check out their usability as TT kitbashes.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - February 04 2013 : 09:43:51 AM
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Actually, the Tyco name IS still used. "Tyco RC" is now the name for Mattel's line of toy RC vehicles:I can't get a link to work, but just Google search for "Tyco RC".
My Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/weekendrailroader?blend=1&ob=video-mustangbase
Edited by - weekendrailroader on February 04 2013 09:46:25 AM
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