thanks for the comments - i have a spare remote and like using it vs the app, it seems to respond faster - i guess MTH will not be shipping/manufacturing the "new" remote - i had ordered one from McMuffin's but guess it will never show up. one of my DCS handhelds backlight doesn't work - but both control my trains with no problems - also have a "spare" WIFI module - had to fix the power connection but works fine
thanks again for the comment