I do believe that Lionel was bought by Neil Young some years ago. He has a son with Autism that is facinated by trains.
You're right. I think that in addition to the lawsuit, MTH has been kicking their butt; nicer looking trains, and the track was much easier to set up.
Funny, I thought Neil Young abandoned his wife Carrie Snodgrass and his autistic son. Snodgrass sued him for lack of child support. She gave up her acting career to raise the boy by herself. Who knows though.....
At the risk of making fun of mental handicaps, I always thought Neil Young was the one with autism.