@ChiBoyinLA posted:MTH has redesigned products to address certain electronic parts shortages (see Mike’s recent interview with Trainworld). Lionel could do the same (GR John seems to agree), but instead just uses excuse that components are no longer available.
They decided to discontinue production of CAB2 before the next generation product was ready.
My opinion is that Lionel made a questionable decision, and the longer this goes on, the more questionable it looks. Your opinion may differ.
Baloney.
The main problem with the Cab2 is the unique electronic keyboard. The original manufacturer no longer makes them. Plus, there is no alternate source, and there never has been.
You can blame this problem on a poor choice in design back in 2000 because this kind of keyboard appears to be used nowhere else, but you can't blame it on a recent decision, or lack thereof.
They did not "decide to discontinue production of CAB2 before the next generation product was ready". The parts shortage did that for them. And for many, many, many other electronics manufacturers.
I ask the same question as before: How were they supposed to know that the pandemic, and this parts shortage were coming? What kind of crystal ball were they supposed to have access to?
Mike
