Maybe they have a lot of conventual engines like me. Maybe they don't want to wind up in the poor house buying command control. Maybe they have read over and over and over of the problems with command control. Maybe they don't want to buy a expensive engine only to have it quit a short time later like I read here over and over.
My guess would be that command control of O gauge engines has brought more people into the O gauge fold than it has "scared" away.
Happy railroading,
Don
Conventional is boring......
the future is Bluetooth 4!
Good luck with that. I don't like the Bluetooth now.
Rusty
Re entering the hobby and I don't need all this fancy stuff and electronic clutter. Turn the throttle I want the train to go...no learning curve needed. I changed my entire O scale planning due to this electronic annoyance. Same as my other hobbies...amateur astronomy I gravitated toward basic no nonsense and built an entire backyard observatory and frame of mind around basic non-computerized operations. It not being a Luddite or Old School; it's just the KISS principle.
And to placate advanced hobbyists, I did purchase several books on DCC systems so I DID look into it. At the end I felt I don't need this sh*t. DCC is where everyone goes...that ain't my speed. To each their own.
Command systems can be a good tool for public layouts. You can increase train frequency with multiple trains on each track, remotes can be used to engage the public to ring a bell or blow the whistle. Having said that engines should be preprogrammed before they are put on the mainline. If it doesn't respond, it should be removed and another engine placed to keep things moving. Waiting for "I'll get this" button pushing is unfair to other members as well as the public that wants to trains run not sit. The layout control system should be configured to run anything without having toggle switches thrown or wires moved. It can be done.
Steve
Maybe they don't want to wind up in the poor house buying command control.
I paid less than $100 for my system, and $40 for an extra throttle. the rest was wiring and solder, which would have had to go in even without DCC if I wanted good electrical contacts.
Maybe they have read over and over and over of the problems with command control.
It's only a problem if you make it so. The more complicated the plumbing, the easier it is to stop the drain, but if you make it foolproof and don't go nuts, it's not that bad. I know of several DCC layouts that never have problems and the only time there's a short or something, it's always operator error or a derailment.
Maybe they don't want to buy a expensive engine only to have it quit a short time later like I read here over and over.
I haven't actually read of that once here.
I spoke earlier about slow speed operation, but high volume operations are also fun with command control. Here's 2 loops, 4 trains, two operators, two controllers, and no collisions. There was one mistaken push of the panic button bringing everything to a halt. (Sorry!)
Waiting for "I'll get this" button pushing is unfair to other members
Wow! You mean some folks actually believe this around here?!?! 
Maybe they don't want to wind up in the poor house buying command control.
I paid less than $100 for my system, and $40 for an extra throttle. the rest was wiring and solder, which would have had to go in even without DCC if I wanted good electrical contacts.
Maybe they have read over and over and over of the problems with command control.
It's only a problem if you make it so. The more complicated the plumbing, the easier it is to stop the drain, but if you make it foolproof and don't go nuts, it's not that bad. I know of several DCC layouts that never have problems and the only time there's a short or something, it's always operator error or a derailment.
Maybe they don't want to buy a expensive engine only to have it quit a short time later like I read here over and over.
I haven't actually read of that once here.
Can get a full blown 3 amp NCE DCC starter set for like $137.00
I think "scare" is the wrong word to use for this topic. Like arguing religion or politics. One thing I do know, there is a huge pool of conventional O gauge engines out there.
For me it was at the TCA convention in San Francisco and I was one lucky person when I went into the Lionel tent and I got to run trains with Neil Young. First thing he said was how about our TMCC? He then said that TMCC will bring more people into running trains and not just collecting them.
It worked for me because I was a collector back then, but after running O gauge trains with a remote I became an operator. When the selling started a few days later I picked up my firs TMCC system and my first set of command engines. Got back to NH and started working on my layout and now I only run command trains.
To use Command, or not Command.... that is the question...........
The better way to view this is ... it IS a matter of choice. Just as anything else
in our lives, what works, does not necessarily work for everyone. Do we not see
this every day reported on the news? Conventional or Command, they both work
just find within their own realm.
Yes, free choice is important but implying that those of us that choose to run conventional are, in someway , less capable, less intelligent and behind the times is not acceptable. The snide comments are there and only good taste and politeness prevents a reply.
Yes, free choice is important but implying that those of us that choose to run conventional are, in someway , less capable, less intelligent and behind the times is not acceptable. The snide comments are there and only good taste and politeness prevents a reply.
I read another poster stated the word "scare" was not the best choice and I fail to see the remarks you reference, but I do apologize for offending you and anyone else. I simply wanted to see how to make everyone reasonably comfortable if not happy to run trains. Nothing more and nothing less. Thank you.
And, I am new to this thread, however, in 1994, when Lionel started TMCC COMMAND CONTROL, meaning a Much Improved Way to Operate Our Model Railroads, This sounded like a Way to actually Operate Our Trains Realistically...Wow. I selected TMCC Equipped Engines, IC CONTROLS, TPC's, 180 Watt Bricks, ASC's, BPC's and did a lot of Reading, Inquiring, calling Companies, and began my present Lionel Layout.....its been a growing Experience, and is Lots of Fun....From TMCC TO LEGACY, The trip has been loads of fun..
MY THOUGHTS, IF YOU CAN NOT EXCEPT CHANGE, YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON A GREAT OPERTUNIYY TO HAVE REALISTIC FUN WITH YOUR TRAINS...Its easy, fun, and your friends can enjoy your Trains Together.....The only Constant in Life is CHANGE....Its time to have fun....Do not be afraid, it's quite easy,,,,,
quote:I read another poster stated the word "scare" was not the best choice and I fail to see the remarks you reference, but I do apologize for offending you and anyone else.
There are plenty of comments in this thread. that could easily be interpreted as being insulting. Many folks advocating for the various electronic control systems don't seem to understand that some of us just aren't interested. We aren't old, stupid, or afraid. And, as I wrote earlier, my trains are for my amusement. While I like kids, I don't have trains for the amusement of children.
I prefer Command for the single reason of ability to easily operate two or more engines in the same power district at the same time. I still use Cab 1 and have 1L stored somewhere in case of remote failure. [pw ZWs reside in my museum in case of total tech outage].
But I still have and run a half-dozen favorite Conventional engines at times and those of my Grand Kids when they come over. They favor the remote for both modes which programming the TPCs easily enables for Conventional mode. Heck, either mode is fun.
I do not know about DCC, DCS or TMCC. Buy when I pickup a DC Lionel cheapo engine I know to install a bridge rectifier and run it on my AC voltage layout with a LW.
Charlie
If nobody ran command, I wouldn't have any business doing upgrades and Super-Chuffers! 
Clearly, I'm a fan of command operation. 
I'm with Pat Kelly on running conventional. I like simple. Others like the array of possibilities that come with DCC. That's why they make chocolate and vanilla. And yes, I am intimidated by DCC.
The extra money and some of the technical challenge puts me off. If I had switch yard instead of just oval movements CC might be more applicable. I am happy for now to run conventionally...
Dennis Rempel said it for me, and, I, too, have seen on here where several somebodies have said my new ultra-electronic engine hiccuped, passed gas, emitted smoke, and has ever since refused to move. About 1957 GM offered fuel injection on some cars. Hardly anybody could tune and keep those systems running, and reliability was not their thing. Now seventy years later, fuel injection is reliable..it was reliable in 1987 on a car I had, thirty years after the customers were guinea pigs. Maybe all it takes is thirty years to get the bugs out? I am willing to wait.
Command had the opposite affect on my layout. In conventional you had to throw block switches to maintain independent control over multiple trains. Since Command people love it! All you have to do is turn the engine on and tell them to NOT run head on into other people! And Im not kidding!
I got back into model trains only a few years before MTH came out with DCS. I didn't know about TMCC. I am a huge Neil Young fan. How did I miss this? Without CC, I would probably be happy owning 3 or 4 locomotives, but with CC many more than that. I've never set up a layout with block control, in the traditional sense, but I have a sense of what others are comfortable with. For me CC is so much easier.
Just as there are different preference on style of layout design, people have their preference of layout control. Some designs lend themselves to conventional control, other work best with command control. Being 30 and having grown-up with a father who was into computers, I am very at home with command control. But, I prefer command control not just because I am comfortable with electronics, but because command control it what will meet my "dream" layout needs. I want to be able to run multiple trains without having to run back to a control station to change speeds, blow whistles, etc. Now I am a long way off from that, but I am building skills and my roster with that goal in mind. Others have their layouts designed to be run from a single point, and that is what suits their goals best. I think conventional control is also what brings back the nostalgia of running trains as kids to people. While the "intimidation" factor of command control may play some part in how people run their trains, I don't believe it to be a sizable number given the resources and information available at present time. I find use of conventional control is mostly a preference based on the operator and their goals.
I can only speak to my own experience in terms of reliability, but I have yet to have one of my MTH locomotives not perform as expected out of the box, with the exception of the first locomotive I ever bought, a MTH NYO&W NW2. This was just a simple case of the battery needing a good charge though. I quick trip back to the store and about 20 min. on a track and I had a fully functional locomotive. There are 12 other locomotives on my roster, mostly new and a couple used. Granted, most have little run time, so again, I can only speak to out of the box and like-new reliability.
I already posted my opinion on preference for command control, but why would CC scare anybody away. ALL locomotives will run conventional.
Command vs. Conventional is a matter of personal preference. I wouldn't presume to tell anybody what to do, but I will point out that wiring a layout for command control (whether it be a bus or star configuration) is much simpler than creating blocks with toggle switches.
No matter what you choose, I wish you much happiness running your trains. 
George
I was afraid with TMCC, DCS and Legacy but that didn't stop me from upgrading.
Another advantage of a command control system is that you can do very precise switching with it. TMCC in conventional mode gives even post-war conventional locomotives a finer granularity (more speed steps) of control. Same deal with Legacy, DCS, and DCC.
George
Never tried command control so I'm not here to review it. When Lionchief came out, it was what I was looking for running trains. I put the train on the track, start the remote, and away it goes. And I can walk around my layout to look at the trains go by, or sit and relax and watch them go by. It had all the features I was looking for and the price was right, too. It was the right decision for me.
Well, I am 66 years old. I was a collector at one time and got out before the big bust of the early '90's. Having said that, a couple of years ago I decided to get back into the Hobby as an Operator and not a collector. I like running my trains.
Having said that, I have to admit, I love technology. The availability of DCS and TMCC/LEGACY, was what attracted me back to O Gauge Railroading. I have no fears about it and find the challenges something that helps keep my mind sharp. I do not begrudge anyone who prefers operating in "Conventional Mode."
I for one prefer the advanced technologies offered. I love being able to run multiple locomotives from one remote at different speeds and locations on my railroad.
That's just me. Either way, I like running over shelf queens any day. Lots more fun and let's my imagination run wild.
TMCC came out the year my oldest daughter was born. She's almost ready to graduate from college. Just how "new" does this technology have to be to be "scary"?
Jon 
Command Control doesn't scare me. It's just above my pay grade! LOL
I embrace Command Control with very few exceptions. MTH DCS MU, easy. TMCC MU, haven't gotten it to work, yet. CAB1_L, piece of cake, CAB2, no thank you.
"Smart Phones" are another matter. Wi-Fi; not until I can figure out how to get an app downloaded onto my flip phone.....
There are still a few of us Luddites still out here......
The price of the control systems scares me but I am not too fond of electronic gadgets. Mechanical, yes, I thoroughly enjoy that and do quite well with it. I use a bare minimum of the electronic stuff in my every day activities plus my layout is too small to truly utilize a system. Run 2 trains on one 12x12 loop ?? I don't think so. If I had a monster layout, I probably would have something but a good signal system would be a better choice, I think.
It doesn't scare me from a technology or operation point of view, but, as an operator, command control generally forces me up to a price point that includes much more detail and "prototypical" stuff than I need. If the Lionchief Plus remote could provide wireless support for Fastrack switches and uncouplers I would have all I need at a price point that would work for me.
Perhaps a better way to explain the opposition to command control is to look at the car collector market. Enthusiasts love to restore and drive 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's cars. You can make the same argument that a 2016 computerized, fuel injected automobile would have far better features, but the car enthusiast wants the operation, feel and the look of the vintage American classic.
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