Here we go with Lionel AGAIN!

I guess this is one of the pitfalls of trying to deal with the "high tech" Lionel stuff. I decided a long time ago to keep it simple, reliable and build a scenic layout. I turn on the power to the layout using two ZW's and a 1033 for lighting; the trains start to run and the layout comes alive. As a minimalist operating layout my trains have whistles,bells, horns and some effects but that's about it. I can fix/repair everyone right here.Never needed much else and if you see any exhibition layout like one at the Choo Choo Barn or one at a museum that's all that they do. Nothing against modern remote operation as we have it in the home for other things, but for trains I enjoy having reliable basic operation.

Yes, it's an inconvenient truth that apps that operate anything are slow to catch up with new software in new hardware.  I had a conversation with the person at York who at the time was in the early stages of creating WiFi control for MTH's DCS system.  He mentioned one of the issues with apps was that they need to be upgraded, updated or made backwards compatible every time there is a new device operating system.  Most times both the apps and the device are different companies that need to talk to each other.  But as usual it's the customer that receives the frustration.

Even now the MTH WiFi app is undergoing a review and update after some bugs were found in the newest release ahead of the new WTIU release.  They say it will be available "soon".

With that said, I still prefer command control to operate my trains.  It's just more fun for me.  Having to be tethered to a transformer to run the trains almost knocked me out of the hobby except for a Christmas set up. Nothing wrong at all with conventional operation, but with command control I found myself playing with the trains a lot longer each time.

It seems to me that as train importers seek to make their products more 'realistic' sound and performance wise and consequently more complex the more user issues we hear about. However from the perspective of the train importers since they are recycling pretty much the same engines/rolling stock over and over again, what gimmick can you use to sell these 'new' products other than a new paint scheme; custom runs, new so-called tooling, new Legacy/Blu Tooth features?

Yawn fest.

Here are some new feature ideas that have real value.

It works right out of the box, and thereafter.

There are no broken or missing parts.

The paint color/shade is correct.

The gear box doesn't self destruct.

Someone in preproduction uses spell check.

You have a customer service/repair department that actually serves and repairs.

Fortunately in my relative immediate area we have at least two train stores dealers that are boiler plate solid when to comes to customer service and knowledge.

Quality only begins when you take responsibility for the outcome of your responsibilities rather than depending on so-called QC programs and procedures to catch problems/issues.

Stand and deliver train importers.

All of that tech is way overpriced.  Do it yourself for a fraction of the cost.  Do it yourself camera

I want the NS theater car but not at $250.  Wish they'd come out with one that does not have a camera at a lower cost.

I am not a new tech guy but am a computer tech. I had to purchase new phone not my choice. When your old stuff goes and you need a phone asap you are stuck with new.

 You know, as a new guy to O scale, I am blown away by some of it's failures. You (Lionel and MTH) sale locomotives with features that you have NO available operating system for? WTH? It takes years to get so called new systems to market, but you keep spitting out new locos daily? RIDICULOUS! There are NO excuses for this. We don't have this problem in HO thanks to NMRA standards. I love O scale for the bigger size, but I am starting to question my decision to get involved.