The fact remains that all TMCC locos ever made by Lionel, K-Line, Weaver, 3rd Rail and Atlas will continue to be operable by the newer Legacy system. It is totally backwards and forwards compatible. If any of these vendors wants to upgrade their TMCC locos in the future they can spend the money to do so on their own dime. Lionel is amortizing the development expense of Legacy. I’m guessing Lionel will continue to license their TMCC technology to others while they are not selling it themselves. Since the boards are made by a third party, as long as the third party is willing to make them, Atlas, Weaver, etc. will probably have access to them. It’s in Lionel’s best interest to allow this as it will lead to additional sales of Legacy command sets/equipment. It’s certainly possible that Lionel will discontinue their licenses for TMCC/RS to other importers, but I think it’s unlikely and not in their best interest long term. None of us know the terms of those licenses, and Lionel may not be able to deny such licensing, or may be vulnerable to legal action should they do so. I don’t think Lionel loses many sales to Weaver, 3rd Rail and Atlas in any case as those makers are focused on scale model railroading, and Lionel is still largely a toy train company.
One additional issue. Those with DCS who want to operate TMCC locos in the future will not be able to purchase a 50-60 dollar TMCC command base. They will need to purchase a $300 Legacy system. Lionel does not and will not sell the command base for Legacy separately. So this will work strongly against MTH convincing buyers that DCS is in any way a “universal system” which it, of course never was. But it was possible to cheaply access TMCC locos because Lionel’s equipment was so much less expensive than a TIU/DCS handheld. That set of illusions is now gone with the disappearance of the separate sale TMCC command base from the catalog.
I certainly respect your opinion, and your perspective on possible Lionel strategies and their command systems seems well thought out, and quite reasonable.
If I were to share similar experiences as you, I might feel the same way regarding MTH and the DCS systems. (Meaning, having a continuous involvement with the Hobby from post war thru the advent and development to today’s products. I did have a 15 year hiatius where I missed a lot of that. After my involvement with the conventional products, then renewed involvement AFTER the introduction of TMCC and PS2.) I have had the advantage of being able to evaluate the command systems with a much less biased opinion.
Of course the primary difference IMO, is “bidirectional vs single direction communication”. Comparing TMCC and PS2 is an unfair comparison IMO. Its more like comparing a vehicle produced in the 40’s or 50’s to one of the 70’s or 80’s. Not a real comparison. TMCC is simple and effective, a definite breakthrough in technology. Hugely advantageous to conventional. But, not of the same generation as PS2. (DCS having a LCD display, (biggest advantage), and a multitude of additional features afforded by the “bidirectional communication”, but you know all that.
The biggest advantage of Legacy (again IMO) was the visual display, TMCC without blinders! The other features made possible are very important as well, (upgradable via a chip, much greater engine control, and possible future enhancements that havn’t been revealed.) It is unfortunate that “bidirectional” wasn’t achievable. (Patent and legal issues?) But, that capability would have even afforded more options.
I still enjoy the benefits of each, but don’t feel MTH has “painted themselves in a corner” quite the opposite.
As many people do, the tendency of incorporating the “Business Strategy” in the command system evaluation of the system itself, real
I’m a newbee here and also into the hobby (One of those guys furfiling their childhood dreams). Having done a little reading in the owner’s manuals, they say that TMCC runs on 27.255 Mhz. Legacy, on the other hand runs on 2.4 Ghz. (Correct me if I’m wrong) That difference in operating frequencies would make them incompatible. Lionel made them compatible by creating a frequency modulator (Power Master Bridge), in order for the two to communicate. I have both TMCC and Legacy locomotives and they work exceptionally well with the “Bridge” installed.
I can understand why some guys prefer “Conventional” operation - it either works or it does’nt. The electronics have allowed us to multi-task the layouts and make them seem more realistic - and also more problematic (Like chewing gum and walking straight at the same time). Wireless technology is a great concept, but there are too many factors that make it unpredictable (Interference from other electronic signals, magnetic bleed from strong sources, weather, ect.).
Lionel, in their infinite wisdom; added a switch to the locos that would revert them back to were they came from - Conventional operation, in case of electronic melt-down. If there are no repair parts available in the future, you will be able to run your $500.00 investment as a $150.00 conventional.
Don’t get me wrong - I love technology! I would have to plow the fields with Oxen, if we did not have it.