@NYC 428 posted:First off, without knowing the future status of DCS and its components. And knowing that the Z4000 ad other transformers will no longer be made nor are parts currently available, I would not plan my future layout using them as my main control system.
I also have all three systems on my layout and tend to use DCS to control my MTH/Railking locomotives and Legacy/TMCC on Lionel equipment. That way I have access to all the features offered by both manufactures.
Although DCS can be used to control both TMCC and DCS equipment now, what will happen when replacement parts are no longer available? I would seriously consider at least exploring what equipment would be necessary to operate as much of my existing train gear without DCS.
DCS components (Handheld units, TIU, AIU and transformers) are getting more difficult to come by, and as such, demand a grater price.
It look like you have taken some of this into account already, but until MTH announces what if any future plans they have for the DCS/PS3 line I would not invest any additional resources in there acquisition.
Good luck on your future layout.
@NYC_428 - You should not be so quick to dismiss MTH as a future option.
This is what's been know thus far:
This was posted to the MTH Dealer's network on June 9, 2020:
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DCS/Proto-Sound Lives On.
June 9, 2020 - With the scheduled closing of M.T.H. Electric Trains next year, support for the DCS Digital Command System and the Proto-Sound 3.0 onboard locomotive systems will continue through a new independent company headed up by current M.T.H. staff once direct M.T.H. support for the systems concludes on June 1, 2021.
The new tech company will continue to manufacture and provide support including any necessary software updates to the DCS hardware or DCS WiFi App. In fact, new and exciting product ideas are currently under development.
The DCS System controls any Proto-Sound 2.0 and later equipped locomotives and first debuted 18 years ago. It has been an integral part of the M.T.H. product line family since its inception and its continuation beyond the closing of M.T.H. is an important part of the transition envisioned by retiring M.T.H. president Mike Wolf.
As the retirement transition process moves forward, more details about the new company's creation and ongoing development of M.T.H.'s technology packages will be announced. Stay tuned.
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The following was posted on the O Gauge Railroading On-Line Forum (not a forum on Facebook) on Dec 31 by Steve Nelson of Mr. Muffins Trains. I can't add anything so take it for what feel it's worth:
I talked with Mike about this. He told me:
They were creating a new legal entity to take over DCS development, DCS sales, etc, and had already selected the management team. They would start when MTH wound down - forecasted for the end of April 2021
They were creating a new legal entity to take over parts provisioning, support the authorized service centers, and provide warranty repair for products MTH sells through the shut down. Again, he has already selected the management team
What was unknown was what would happen, going forward, with new product production and their tooling. That is still unknown. IMO, and its just my opinion, their tooling and their manufacturing capability is just too valuable to go away
To have MTH announce uncatalogued diesels like this, in late December, gives me confidence that there's a path forward and these items, like everything else we are receiving now, will receive warranty coverage.
I have been a customer of MTH's for a long time, and a dealer for over five years, and in my humble opinion, I have found them to be competent business people. Very professional.
This was in response to the recently announced NEW BNSF 25th Anniversary locos.
Source: Source: https://www.facebook.com/group...ink/3190712227696931
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Yes, there may be some supply problems, but looks like something will still be available for quite some time.
