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Reply to "THE LCS THREAD - Post LCS Questions, Info and Updates HERE"

Hi All, a shout out to Jon for continuing to reply to questions.

I have not been allowed to have a train layout for more than 10 years.  I have moved from that "not allowed" to 9 by 8 bedroom and attached bathroom.  I can't fit much of a layout under the bed.

Despite this, I have been purchasing LCS and other modules for future use, just can't use them yet.

So to me, the best thing that could happen is for Lionel or a former development person to form a small team to author a book describing all the modules, their specifications, program requirements, address requirements, capabilities, wiring diagrams, typical small medium, large layout diagrams, etc, so they are documented in a format for raw new users to understand, to also include in depth information for people as gifted as gunrunner John, and others.  The command structure, mnemonics, for ALL abbreviations, should be included.  What commands do should be explained.  Glossaries for all the above should exist.  Instruction manuals for ALL the possible modules that could be hooked up to the system should be included as an appendix, so they could be referenced when necessary in the text explaining how to use such devices.  As a former military member, I learned to hate mnemonics. Still do hate unexplained ones.

I would be happy to help in developing the outline structure of such a book, to insure it appeals to all talents levels, raw beginner to seasoned programmers.  I picture this book as a major undertaking, with input from many actual users, to hopefully, one or more members of the development team.  I get the impression that most of these developers have been forced to move onto "greener" pastures.  Howard would do anything to save a penny on any product, enough said about that!  I understand such an undertaking would require a stamp of approval from Lionel for use of copyrighted information, and so forth.

This book would become the bible for TMCC, Legacy, and LCS control of the layout.  I would value such a book with a cost of $50.00 or more, and would pay that in a heartbeat.  It might even be possible to make a beginner version for a lesser cost.  This would be especially true if the 3 ring binder approach were taken.  Spiral binding, or even 3 ring binding would be good.  I like 3 ring binding, so supplement and correction would be easy to do, like a Heathkit manual, or a stamp album.  I know, "What's a stamp album?".

I hope the movers and shakers that are subject experts chime in on this post. so we could find out if it is even possible that we could assemble an internet/zoom meeting based team to begin this project, and get it done.  I can think of 2 California based fellows, and 1 PA based fellow, that I would love to see, say, that they would be happy to contribute to this effort.  I also say non-disclosure/non-participation contracts/pacts be d____d!  I don't know the geographical layout of the development team, but Zoom and the internet can shrink the world.

I've only scratched the surface of where this book could go, and the audiences that might purchase it.  It would mostly be a labor of love.  There are many print to order professional book publishing companies, so publishing and distribution is already in the bag. 

If we were fortunate, perhaps OGR could even act as a fundraiser/contributor/owner?? of such a book.

Like a book, this post could probably use some proof reading!  :-)

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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