I am in the process of learning how to operate DCS on my layout. It has at times been a bit tough but thanks to forum members and Barry's book I am getting there.
The other day I had 3 trains running, one of which was a PS2 subway set I bought at York a few years ago. This is the first time I had it out since implementing DCS.
As usual I was in a semi-confused state trying some different things with the remote and somehow I managed to get the Subway set into what I believe is a trolly mode. All of a sudden the train starting announcing station stops and starting and stopping at various intervals. At one point it reversed and starting going in the opposite direction. I was not aware this set and/or DCS had that capability and it blew me away. What was really so neat about it is that I was born and raised in NYC, the Bronx and Queens and I was very familiar with all of the station stops being announced. I had not been on the subways in 50 years so it really was a walk down memory lane and I had the greatest time watching and listening to it.
So the next time I find myself grumbling about a) high tech problems b) price of trains c) complexity, etc ,etc I will remember the day I discovered what my subway set could do and how much fun it is. I can only imagine what my dad would think were he here today to see this. He was an engineer for the Penn. We also never owned a car. If we couldn't get there by subway or bus, we just didn't go. So we were intimately familiar with NYC subway system at a very early age. He was also a hugh Lionel guy and that is where my brothers and I got our love for model trains. He would flip at seeing what they can do today.
Thanks,
Ed
