Would you buy it?
Need to be compatible with TMCC…
Only if it were an add on/upgrade to TMCC.
I said no too, but would consider it if TMCC could control it directly, and not the other way around like DCS.
i want it simple, and inexpensive. i also want me to have the liberty of buying any brand of loco i want.[^]
It would have to be very inexpensive and work with all manufacturers. I guess that is asking for too much though, and seeing how I don’t own any control system other than my postwar ZW handle…
Dave
If I remember correctly, someone estimated that only about 10% to 15% of the
‘O’ gauge/scale buying public actually use some sort of command control.
Trying to split that pie would be a great challange at best.
Don’t forget, Atlas did try this at one point.
And there are a few who use DCC for ‘O’.
As for me, I’m happy with TMCC and will wait for the next generation.
I agree that there is probably not enough room in the marketplace for yet another command control system. Personally, I have both DCS and TMCC which run all of my trains. Why would I want anything else?
Another command control system is the last thing the hobby needs. There are already enough compatibility issues and complexity with two systems. Lionel does need to get out an upgrade of TMCC.
Keith
If the current issues of cost, obsolescence, compatibility, complexity, reliability, warranty and repair are not enough to curb my enthusiasm, adding a third system increases the variables of the investment required to a point where a guy like me who does limited switching and is uninterested in multiple trains on single track, I must vote no thank you. If there was a category to vote on whether command control helps or hinders the hobby in terms of whether or not it promotes more sales = more hobbyists = decreased cost = more availability- the answer is to date it’s so insignificant as to fly below the radar of this consumer.
No I enjoy DCS/TMCC too much. I can’t imagine a system that would rise above that combo.
TMCC seems to be the choice of most manufacturer’s, I think
that to will be my choice.I have several engine’s with TMCC
and some that I want to upgrade, hopefully with not to much trouble.
All new engines bought will come with TMCC even if it’s just one or two
a year. Lionel needs to come out with a TMCC upgrade.
Keith
when lionel came out with tmcc, that revolutionized the way someone could operate their layout, with wireless walkaround throttle/function control. Seeing this as a possible “standardized” operation platform, much like the “dcc” that ho,n ,z, enjoy, lionel did revolutionize the industry and successfully markets their system with several different train manufacturers. Now, MTH, not to be outdone, introduced the DCS system wich can operate both PS2 and TMCC controlled locomotives. Now, MTH is saying, “here, we have THE standardized operating sustem for virtually ALL 3-rail o-gauge trains.”
I dont think a third control system would do well in that the market is “saturated” enough with remote command systems. Unless whomever brings forth this system could get all the manufacturers on the same page and it brought true ‘standardization’ to the industry.( i guess MTH has that but nobody else is allowed “proto 2”, electronics.)
WHILE COMPETITION IS GOOD FOR OVERALL, ANOTHER COMMAND SYSTEM IN THE MIX, RIGHT NOW, WOULD SEEM TO CREATE MORE PROBLEMS AND CONFUSION TO A SEEMINGLY FRAGILE HOBBY. IMPROVE TMCC AND DCS AND IF AND WHEN THE NEED FOR ANOTHER ONE ARISES, THAT ENCOMPASES ALL, IT WILL JUST UNDOUBTEDLY HAPPEN.
DCS operates most TMCC functions, but not all. Most critically, full reprogramming and ease in trouble shooting problems, setting momentum and lashups are lacking from DCS, so anyone who throws away their cab-1 will be sorry :). Given the politics and personalities (MTH currently has three lawsuits going against various competitors), a transparent cross compatibility solution is very unlikely in the near future. A third system, unless it easily and transparently controlled both PS2 and TMCC locos, would be a bankruptcy waiting to happen, IMO.
Command Control…I’ve never used it.I only use my trusty Lionel ZW transformer. 250 watts is plenty of juice to power my layout.
I do not currently use either TMCC or DCS. Starting out with ZW’s, it would be a large expense to go with either one. compatibility is a large issue. I can’t see another manufacturer getting into the mess. What we need is an agreement between MTYH and Lionel to market a single control system. HA HA do you think that will ever happen!