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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Apr 11, 2024 17:30:47 GMT
I am sure there are new ideas out there. One thought is how could we interface differently with our trains. How could virtual reality, which is becoming more and more capable, become part of our model train experience? How could we feel more like we are part of our miniature worlds? Railroad-style operation is one way to do it. It doesn’t have to be complicated - switching a few cars with the drawing-pin couplers using a skewer to uncouple can be quite satisfying. I think you may be on to something, Dave. One thing that's repeatedly impressed me is the breadth of options available within the "big tent" of toy trains. Personally, I've never been an operations guy, nor have I ever been a collector, nor have I been a command control operator, but I am aware that other model train hobbyists not only do these things, but have made them the centerpiece of their activities. Whenever my current obsessions dim, I know there are a lot of other things to dabble in (and rabbit holes to dive into!), before I give up on our mutual hobby. "All aboard!"
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Post by firewood on Apr 11, 2024 18:41:39 GMT
Trains that respond to voice commands, bet that's coming and with the demise of the remote for the smart devise it would be easier than ever. Sound, while Lionel's sounds are the best there is so much room for improvement. Scale remote couplers, still holding out hope for that one. So much that can be done we haven't even thought of yet. I can see that as a good hook - voice instructions sent to your imaginary switchman and the car couples with a hiss of parting air hoses. I can only imagine the mark-up, lol. Dave
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Post by steveoncattailcreek on Apr 11, 2024 18:50:49 GMT
Trains that respond to voice commands, bet that's coming and with the demise of the remote for the smart devise it would be easier than ever. Sound, while Lionel's sounds are the best there is so much room for improvement. Scale remote couplers, still holding out hope for that one. So much that can be done we haven't even thought of yet. I can see that as a good hook - voice instructions sent to your imaginary switchman and the car couples with a hiss of parting air hoses. I can only imagine the mark-up, lol. Dave Here ya go:
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Post by runamuckchuck on Apr 11, 2024 21:35:40 GMT
Trains that respond to voice commands, bet that's coming and with the demise of the remote for the smart devise it would be easier than ever. Sound, while Lionel's sounds are the best there is so much room for improvement. Scale remote couplers, still holding out hope for that one. So much that can be done we haven't even thought of yet. I can see that as a good hook - voice instructions sent to your imaginary switchman and the car couples with a hiss of parting air hoses. I can only imagine the mark-up, lol. Dave I can only imagine the malfunctions!
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Post by atsda on Apr 12, 2024 1:21:17 GMT
I am going to put on my woolly mamouth coat, get my club, and retreat into my cave to use my post war stuff. Alfred
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Post by david1 on Apr 12, 2024 2:01:21 GMT
I have been less enamoured with all the features in the trains then I was about 25 years ago. I still have some but I'm more interested on how they look and run. I mean I like the sounds of legacy and have a few of them in diesel and steam but I have leaned to conventional locomotives with can motors for the smooth and quiet running. For instance I have two semi scale gg1's from Mth made in 1996 that I bought in 1996 that are conventional and when running you Dont hear a sound.
I think Lionel has gotten away from good model trains that last to the latest and greatest jam packed with all the technology available and priced accordingly. I think the hobby is becoming a hobby of the rich. They (lionel) are forcing others in the hobby to a cheaper alternative be it lower quality O to the other scales.
I could be wrong and maybe the latest and greatest is where the majority of the O gauge is going but its not for me.
Dave
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Post by firewood on Apr 12, 2024 4:13:54 GMT
I can see that as a good hook - voice instructions sent to your imaginary switchman and the car couples with a hiss of parting air hoses. I can only imagine the mark-up, lol. Dave I can only imagine the malfunctions!
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Post by Traindiesel! on Apr 12, 2024 5:12:18 GMT
I can only imagine the malfunctions! That’s perfect! LOL! |
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Post by harborbelt70 on Apr 12, 2024 8:09:51 GMT
Hmmm, I don’t know of anything that doesn’t get more expensive as time goes on.
I’ll be 67 this summer and I love all the bells and whistles! Especially the steaming whistle and cylinders and the swinging bells! I don’t know what else could be added as I’m not a product engineer but if they make it and I like it I might buy it.
Back in the early 1980s I almost switched to N or HO scale or gave up the hobby altogether because I was getting bored with post war/MPC O gauge trains. Then command control arrived in O gauge and it reignited my passion. Plus the closer to prototype engines and rolling stock from K-Line and MTH had me all in.
Im sure there is a chip to be inserted in our heads to operate the trains on the horizon. I wonder if I’ll still be around to see that! Not sure if I’d invest in that technology though. 
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