I don't mean to sound harsh, but I think that some of what has been said here tends to underestimate the gumption that a lot of the folks in this hobby possess. Perhaps I don't know the "market" as well as some of you. But from what I've seen and read on this forum, these people are driven to achieve their own made-up goals and you'd better not stand in their way to get there.
While it is true that certain aspects of the technologies involved are over our collective heads, that just points out an explanation discrepancy where expertise fails to put things in a more practical, step-by-step approach to assist those with even a modest level of understanding.
On the other hand, I've read and seen some excellent material and witnessed gallant efforts made by folks with nothing to gain from their work but satisfaction in knowing that they've helped out someone with a passion similar to their own. Sorry John Galt, but selflessness is it's own reward and is offered as an act of will. (Oh right! No politics!) And so I salute the people who offer their advice and their concern in the quest to make model trains do what we want them to.
Yikes! Where did that come from? Oh yeah. So, in my own opinion, I think that given the proper instruction, most of the people who work on model railroads can achieve more than we give them credit for. Programming is not for everyone. But just look around at what people do now that they never thought they could do just a few short years ago. It's truly amazing!
The Arduino project has made computer electronics as easy as it's ever going to be. The people involved in model railroading have the kind of spirit that lends itself to test the boundaries of their skills and knowledge. I don't do much in the way of glue and ballasting track but I've been a programmer all of my adult life and am willing to take on the task of helping out where I can. It can be made simple. Computer electronics are a part of the model railroad game and should not be kept out of the hands of those willing to try. It's time to climb aboard.
Oh Stan, I always wanted the see-through V8 engine.
