Landsteiner posted:"
Do you need anything else besides that to run trains? (besides a phone/tablet)"
Does the Explorer include a voltage source (wall wart or similar)? I must have missed that when reading the announcement. If not, should be relatively inexpensive.
Looks like it is powered by something akin to a laptop power supply...and then the unit supplies power to the track via red/black leads.
Seems to me MTH just took themselves out of the ready to run set business.
Holy shaving Cream they even copied Lionel's American Flyer.
gunrunnerjohn posted:Texas Pete posted:Swafford posted:My thinking.........................BIG MARKETING MISTAKE!
Just wondering . . . Did you think that "New" Coke was a great idea?
It wasn't Pete, that's why they went back to "Coke Classic".
I've always been a Pepsi man but even I knew that. Just wanted to check on the man's overall marketing savvy, since he thinks that WiFi DCS is such a big mistake. 
Pete
"since he thinks that WiFi DCS is such a big mistake."
I took it that he meant that not having the essential remote control handheld in the package was a mistake. If Android wi-fi communication devices are so cheap at the retail level, as some have pointed out, why not include a simple one in the set? Then the purchasers don't have to devote their own device to the train unless they want to. At the price point of $400-450, another $20-25 isn't going to change your target audience much, or lead to consumer resistance, no?
Landsteiner posted:"since he thinks that WiFi DCS is such a big mistake."
I took it that he meant that not having the essential remote control handheld in the package was a mistake. If Android wi-fi communication devices are so cheap at the retail level, as some have pointed out, why not include a simple one in the set? Then the purchasers don't have to devote their own device to the train unless they want to. At the price point of $400-450, another $20-25 isn't going to change your target audience much, or lead to consumer resistance, no?
That might increase the need for customer support(overhead) needlessly.
And I think the expectation is - you would buy a dedicated device just for Train uses...not re-purpose the phone you use everyday.
Landsteiner posted:"since he thinks that WiFi DCS is such a big mistake."
I took it that he meant that not having the essential remote control handheld in the package was a mistake. If Android wi-fi communication devices are so cheap at the retail level, as some have pointed out, why not include a simple one in the set? Then the purchasers don't have to devote their own device to the train unless they want to. At the price point of $400-450, another $20-25 isn't going to change your target audience much, or lead to consumer resistance, no?
That's what I like about written communication on the internet - the possibilities for misunderstanding are almost infinite.
To me, no control device in these sets is, in this instance, simply not an issue, although there apparently are some who would make it one. I'm betting MTH has a big winner with this strategy.
Pete
I've said this before...I think both Lionel and MTH want out of the hardware base remote control game. It's so much easier for them to make a software update than having to service, produce, and support a remote. The LC Bluetooth and the New MTH WiFi is just the beginning in my opinion.
I think this isn't really a bad deal. Like most other things it will take time for those folks to come around. Personally I prefer a hardware remote but hated the MTH remote that came with the sets primarily because it was so sensitive to line of sight. Sooner than later we'll all have to adapt.
Landsteiner posted:"One of the biggest complaints I have heard on this forum about LionChief products is the lack of compatibility with Legacy. "
I would say a lot of that is a misunderstanding of the capabilities and intentions of LionChief products. They are entirely operationally compatible with Legacy. The only caveat is that you cannot use the Legacy system to control them. You use the entirely compatible LionChief remote that comes with every set or loco. If having an extra remote for anyone to use is incompatible, then it's incompatible.
But mostly, my take, is it's not any material incompatibility but a lack of hands on experience with and understanding of the system.
I don't think we are talking about the same threads. I have seen comments on extra remotes laying around and comments like "Why do I need another remote when I have a Legacy system?"
Additional note on the price, I just looked at several train set prices. The prices of the new MTH sets are MSRP. We don't know what they retail for yet, but the price will probably be not that much different than the Lionel sets with Bluetooth. These MTH sets are truly going to be starter sets. I am also posting a link for several wifi enabled gadgets that you can buy. These all require a "smart" device. This is a trend in toys. I think getting missed in this, is the fact that a device is not included is not really going to matter to the younger generations. We say we want younger people to get involved in O gauge and I think this is something that is going to appeal to younger folks and definitely not be a detriment!
MartyE posted:I've said this before...I think both Lionel and MTH want out of the hardware base remote control game. It's so much easier for them to make a software update than having to service, produce, and support a remote. The LC Bluetooth and the New MTH WiFi is just the beginning in my opinion.
I think this isn't really a bad deal. Like most other things it will take time for those folks to come around. Personally I prefer a hardware remote but hated the MTH remote that came with the sets primarily because it was so sensitive to line of sight. Sooner than later we'll all have to adapt.
Dedicated Handheld remotes like the DCS, Legacy, LionChief, and MTH IR remotes are expensive to produce, and out date quickly. Smart devices can be changed & adapted quickly through software updates that cost nothing to ship (download).
Thinking back, my LC R-T-R set didn't come with electricity or an outlet to plug the power adapter into. So I guess it doesn't have everything you need in the box either.... Wait a minute, I think Lionel implies that these are the basic requirements needed to operate my set and everyone has this before they purchase... Just like a tablet or smart phone, They have been around for more than 10 years and have become a staple in our society. I don't think the Smart Phone / Tablet fad isn't going away anytime soon.
In my years of IT work, I have run into many situation where people (of all income levels) purchase monthly internet service but do not own a computer or laptop, Just smart TV's, Tablets, and phones.
The target buyer here is a younger audience, if you start waving "Old School" remotes in their face, they will walk away. Put it on a smart phone with an app and you'll catch their interest.
H1000
"We don't know what they retail for yet, but the price will probably be not that much different than the Lionel sets with Bluetooth."
Point taken. However MTH sets have in the past almost never been discounted more than about 10%. It's not unusual to see Lionel sets discounted 20 or even occasionally as much as 30-50%. The starting prices for the Bluetooth sets are at half or less ($200 and up) than these higher quality/capability MTH sets ($400 and up). Thus I'm guessing we'll see a substantial price difference at retail hobby shops and on-line.
I bought this set from one our forum sponsors for $350.00. Take a gander at the msrp and tell me how much more expensive the new sets are going to be... This set is MUCH nicer than any $200 Lionel set.
"This set is MUCH nicer than any $200 Lionel set."
And at almost 100% more the price, it ought to be. Lionel is betting that most starter set purchasers are making their last set purchase, and only a small percentage will go on to be life-time hobbyists. And reaching many more people with a $200 versus $400 set ( the new sets list for that and more) is part of the strategy I'd guess.
You got a better than average discount on that MTH set in my experience. The dealer margin is only 20% according to my dealer.
The point being MTH is not doing anything they have not already done. The MTH sets have always been higher quality and more expensive. Their msrps have been upwards of $400 for a while.
LandSteiner, I hope you know I am enjoying this friendly conversation with you. It is not meant to be mean spirited. This sometimes get lost in the computer world and the intent cannot be seen. If we were in person, I hope you would see that!!!
Landsteiner posted:The starting prices for the Bluetooth sets are at half or less ($200 and up) than these higher quality/capability MTH sets ($400 and up).
I would beg to differ on the quality. I have purchased a few of the $200 LC sets, and these things have less metal parts than the MPC (Mostly Plastic C***) era stuff that my dad bought. I think Lionel would make the motors and wheels out of plastic if they could.
My LC R-T-R sets are for kids to run, they crash and frequently get broke and glued back together. The MTH sets have more control features and I use these generally for kids age 6 and older so they can learn how to run the engine more responsibly. I have plenty of kids who never graduate past using an LC set.
MY LC sets are cheap, so cheap that I can tell Lionel didn't even think of quality or longevity when they designed them. When they break, I fix them to the extent of duck tape no longer being able to hold it together anymore, and then throw it away. IMO, the LC sets are a cheap way to flood the market with disposable trains, this fine if you like buying toys for kids who will never appreciate them.
Keep in mind I'm talking about LC only, LionChief PLUS is a completely different beast. LC+ is well engineered, and built with quality in mind. But now we're also talking about spending $350 on just an engine, no set, no track, no power source.
H1000
booker110 posted:I am curious if I will have to buy the DCS Explorer Track Interface Unit to run the train on my fastrack layout?, or does the locomotive respond directly to the app.....I currently run only Lionel but it will be tough to pass on the Canadian Holiday set
It is the same locomotive internally as MTH has been making, the only difference is that complete sets will now come with a new unit allowing for control on a smart device without buying the complete DCS system.
These can still be used with a regular transformer out of the box, said boxes just don't come with transformer. The CP holiday express doesn't even seem to come with track or the wifi unit so you would need to already have track and transformer anyway.
Judging from these kinds of questions MTH needs to make their catalog more clear.
"I would beg to differ on the quality. "
Not sure what you mean. I wrote that MTH sets were higher quality in general. They also cost 50-100% more, which is what you'd expect for the higher quality. Sets are not always designed for a lifetime of year round service, as perhaps 90% of them are used seasonally, once per year for a few years.
The lowest end LionChief sets are designed for small children, not adolescents or adults seeking a lifetime hobby. The audiences are different. MTH sets are, as I've written, the carriage trade, Cadillac level, whatever metaphor you choose. They are priced accordingly. Lionel designs and prices many of their starter sets for the Chevrolet level in general.
The higher priced Lionel sets are similar in quality to the MTH sets, but include less functionality in most instances, and they are still about 50-100 dollars cheaper at street prices.
Lionel figures that if you stick with the hobby, you are more likely to buy additional track (higher quality than what is MTH sets according to many opinions), rolling stock and maybe a LC+ loco. MTH presumably figures that someone buying one of their sets is already committed to the hobby or is simply more willing to spend more initially for higher quality.
is this wifi thing able to run on android devices or is it stuck on just apple?
is the app free and able to be purchased off google play ?
i have a moto e smartphone and RCA Voyager tablet are those compatable?
do i have to buy extra hardware to run the set
At 27 years I'm the younger generation of O gauge. I didn't have electric trains as a kid but had Thomas and being from PA, I liked trains.
I ran my first trains on Christmas 2015, but was reading this forum before that, and researching the best way to get into O gauge. At first, I really thought that the MTH starter set was the way to go and then best value for the dollar. I was thinking 30-4234-1 Pennsy Heritage Es44ac RTR set The reason that I eventually chose a different option was the IR remote commander. Too much bad feedback about needing to point the controller for line of sight. Lionchief communication is more robust and reliable. Plus, the cost to add additional MTH locos as I expand would include $300 for full DCS.
Instead of MTH, I decided to buy Lionchief Plus PRR RS3 and didn't start off with a set. I like the simple command control of the remote and and good features including Electro-couplers. I would say that with the new DCS wifi Explorer, that choice likely would have been different, and I am now looking into the possibility of MTH power again. I am thinking I could add a RTR set with Explorer to my setup and then have cheap command control of multiple MTH locomotives as I grow. I was excited about the addition of Lionchief Bluetooth, but i think this has upped the Ante on that.
Yes, I think Lionel RTR sets will continue to dominate due to the name recognition and the lower price point. But, for someone who understands the higher quality of the MTH set, I think the addition of the new DCS wifi Explorer instead of the Remote Commander is a huge and exciting step forward.
"LandSteiner, I hope you know I am enjoying this friendly conversation with you. It is not meant to be mean spirited. "
Certainly, never thought otherwise. Have a splendid weekend.
Landsteiner posted:"I would beg to differ on the quality. "
Not sure what you mean. I wrote that MTH sets were higher quality in general. They also cost 50-100% more, which is what you'd expect for the higher quality. Sets are not always designed for a lifetime of year round service, as perhaps 90% of them are used seasonally, once per year for a few years.
The lowest end LionChief sets are designed for small children, not adolescents or adults seeking a lifetime hobby. The audiences are different. MTH sets are, as I've written, the carriage trade, Cadillac level, whatever metaphor you choose. They are priced accordingly. Lionel designs and prices many of their starter sets for the Chevrolet level in general.
The higher priced Lionel sets are similar in quality to the MTH sets, but include less functionality in most instances, and they are still about 50-100 dollars cheaper at street prices.
Lionel figures that if you stick with the hobby, you are more likely to buy additional track (higher quality than what is MTH sets according to many opinions), rolling stock and maybe a LC+ loco. MTH presumably figures that someone buying one of their sets is already committed to the hobby or is simply more willing to spend more initially for higher quality.
If Railking is the Cadillac, what does Premier compare to?
It's hard to make an apples to apples comparison when MTH does not offer a Chevrolet grade product. It's very difficult too say my "compact SUV" is better than your "Full Size SUV" because it does all of the same things and is cheaper, but leaves out all of the benefits that the Full size offers above the compact.
To bring the discussion to a par level, I would stop including the cheap LC stuff all together and start comparing MTH R-T-R sets to LC+ R-T-R sets only. This is more level playing field in terms of value and features.
MTH has obviously opted not to produce extremely cheap toys trains, and prefers to have their name associated with quality. I think to do so would go against the very reason Mike Wolfe started manufacturing his own trains in the 90's. Don't get me wrong, the cheap toys have there place, but if you want to leave a lasting impression on somebody and get them interested in the hobby don't hand them the absolute cheapest thing you can find or build. Young adults & even kids can tell the difference. I could back 90's with all of the MPC stuff my dad had and then we got our first MTH PS1 engine, what a difference.
My daughter is 3 and she knows the difference between my smart phone and her cheap toy "beep beep" phone. She knows to be careful with my phone and the toy phone has no value to her. She's pretty smart and easily can tell the difference between a quality product and a cheap one.
In my youth, I had a really cheap toy train set that was "accidentally" discovered to work on O gauge track. It was battery powered and had forward & reverse buttons and a hook that magically worked with O gauge couplers. I think it cost my dad around $15 in 1985. I hope I can find an LC set to beat that price point.
Just because you managed to build cheaper products that run on the same track doesn't mean you are doing credit to this hobby. I would not rather it not revert to the dark MPC era.
H1000
"If Railking is the Cadillac, what does Premier compare to?"
I said the MTH sets were the Cadillac level of sets. And priced accordingly. Premier is the mid-level to lower end of the high end of standalone locomotive sales, with Lionel Legacy locos usually having a few more features, more reliable digital system (in my view), superior sound and better after market service. And the Legacy locos, like the MTH sets compared with LionChief, are priced at a premium compared with Premier MTH locos, like it or not, and agree with my assessment or not.
And MPC wasn't the wasteland you make it out to be. There were some decent quality products, and frankly, they were the only game in town from 1970 to the early 1990s. PS1 were nice locomotives, but the control and sound electronics were inferior to those made by Lionel once TMCC hit the shelves in the mid-1990s. Appearance and mechanical reliability were excellent. PS1 electronics, to be charitable, had many glitches (the infernal internal battery, the mediocre sounds, the tendency to go south under some circumstances). So it's not like MTH locos were revolutionary advances. What they were were economic and scale appearance advances. Much better scale appearance for more reasonable prices.
Not as simple and clearcut as you suggest, but just my take on the 1990s to present, and the MPC era.
Certainly MTH forced Lionel to up their game, but Lionel's production of TMCC forced MTH to up their game and come up with something less kludgey than PS1. So competition was good overall.
I think that Lionel and MTH sets are addressing rather different markets, so I'm not sure it makes a good analogy. I think LC and LC+, and their success did inspire MTH to come up with something better that the Remote Commander, which was mediocre and trailing edge technology at best. The Explorer looks much more functional and good value.
I also think you are unduly critical of LionChief sets. They serve their purpose admirably in most instances and represent good value in the toy market. They also include Fastrack, which is, to the best of my knowledge, a better product and more likely to last a long time than the corresponding MTH product. So not as straightforward as perhaps you are suggesting. You seem to be saying that MTH sets are wonderful and LionChief are crap. Perhaps I am misreading you. But if not, I think you are incorrect in a number of respects.
Then let's stop comparing the the LC (The lowest end LionChief sets are designed for small children, not adolescents or adults seeking a lifetime hobby.) to MTH sets which are not intended for small children and are for adolescents or adults seeking a lifetime in the hobby. Until you move into LC+ do you get those advance Lionel offerings to that of MTH.
To be fair, I own multiple LC sets and one LC+ loco. I use them on the kids layout, most operators are 5 years and younger. (I will also note that we have a wooden Thomas layout that gets played with equally as much as the LC kids layout) I intend to buy more LC sets as my others break down and get tossed, I usually replace about one a year. So in a way, I myself do validate your point that LC fills it's niche market and there is a need for it. MTH apparently isn't vesting into sets that are designed for small children, that market is flooded even with choices other than LC and in other gauges or wooden toys. That's MTH's choice and probable a marketing decision. But to compare a set that costs half as much with 50% of the features and say that it is a better option is not apples to apples.
Another question is Lionel always going to be committed to making the $100 - $150 LC sets? I've always picked mine up on a clearance sale at Menards but I didn't see any this last Christmas. Honestly I hope so.
H1000
A young person that is passionate about the different applications, Wi-Fi Capabilities, DCS Wi-Fi Modules, iPhones, iPads and not passionate and excited about model trains and real railroads...........Well, their interest will last a few months. End of Story! Will these new command technologies keep the interest going to develop a new model railroader............I don’t see it happening!
This hobby is about a passion for trains and railroading. All the bells-and-whistles technology in the world (and that technology is ever-changing) will not do much to create a new hobbyist. That is something that has to come from within, and it is generally not sparked by an iPad or iPhone, or other such gizmo.
Swafford posted:A young person that is passionate about the different applications, Wi-Fi Capabilities, DCS Wi-Fi Modules, iPhones, iPads and not passionate and excited about model trains and real railroads...........Well, their interest will last a few months. End of Story! Will these new command technologies keep the interest going to develop a new model railroader............I don’t see it happening!
Why does it have to be one or the other? People can have multiple passions and hobbies. A smart device and the wifi app are simply the interface for this, which is the modern way for interacting with electronic devices. It's not about "new" command technologies, it's about the interface and being user friendly. I don't know how a lot of you expect the hobby to carry on with attitudes like this.
My dad is 72 and highly active and a quick adopter of technology. If there had been smartphone interface for when we had our large HO layout, he would have been much more engaged in operating than what he was with the very dated DCC remote (even 14 years ago they were dated).
Like or not, smartphone and tablet interface is here to stay, and for many applications is the most user friendly and fluid way to interface. Having all of your interfaces on a single device which is familiar is more appealing to most.
FYI, all the absolutes about who has what are not accurate. Saying everyone has and uses these devices is silly. I go to lunch with 6 other guys every wed. All but one of us is retired. We are all model railroaders and railfans. We build models, we do operations, we host round robin groups. Of the 6 of us, 2 for sure have smart phones. One does a lot of internet stuff on his, the other does not seem to. 2 others may have fairly new cellphones, not sure, since we talk at lunch not sit and stare at our phones. 4 of us for sure have cell phones, and 1 guy does not even have that. So out of 7 people who buy trains, 1 uses a bunch of these app-thingeys or whatever.
By the way none of my 4 grandkids have smart phones either. My son will not let his 3 (4-7-10) have them and my daughter's one has not convinced her mom to give in yet, she is 7.
So my mini-poll seesm to indicate that the universal use of these portable devices is not so universal.
prrjim posted:FYI, all the absolutes about who has what are not accurate. Saying everyone has and uses these devices is silly. I go to lunch with 6 other guys every wed. All but one of us is retired. We are all model railroaders and railfans. We build models, we do operations, we host round robin groups. Of the 6 of us, 2 for sure have smart phones. One does a lot of internet stuff on his, the other does not seem to. 2 others may have fairly new cellphones, not sure, since we talk at lunch not sit and stare at our phones. 4 of us for sure have cell phones, and 1 guy does not even have that. So out of 7 people who buy trains, 1 uses a bunch of these app-thingeys or whatever.
By the way none of my 4 grandkids have smart phones either. My son will not let his 3 (4-7-10) have them and my daughter's one has not convinced her mom to give in yet, she is 7.
So my mini-poll seesm to indicate that the universal use of these portable devices is not so universal.
That would indicate that you retired guys are probably not the target demographic for these starter sets...that's not surprising.
You're not expected to use the phone you use everyday. And - they aren't doing this because "everybody has phones"
Buy a phone/tablet that is dedicated to trains...and use it solely for trains. Other than the size of the screen - these devices are largely, the same.
I don't think you need the latest and greatest phone/tablet to run this - I installed the App on a 6 year old ASUS tablet running a rusty old Android 4.0.3 - and it seems fine.
Our 7 year old grandson loves using the phone with the MTH app. He asks now if he can use that, before having to use the remote.
Does the app alone cause the excitement? I would only guess that it adds to the enjoyment as long as it works correctly. These young children are very tech heavy. We used to go out and play baseball and games. They play it online or on their electronics. Adding the app may help tie the toy trains to modern games.
I would love to be a fly on the wall in Mike Wolfe's office as he sits there reading this thread.
I've already said in other threads that I'm not interested in operating trains with my iPhone. However, I agree with those that suggest this approach is right for bringing younger people into the hobby. And, if MTH were to discontinue their remote, I would adapt (if mine wasn't working). That is, use my iPhone.
Maybe I'm missing something, but here's my take on it, FOR MY SPECIFIC APPLICATION:
I run TMCC. Don't have Legacy system yet, have 1 Legacy engine. Most of my engines are conventional.
I never really considered MTH until a few weeks ago - then I saw a friend's BNSF ES44AC and fell in love with it, so I started seeing what it would take to add DCS (yes, I know it would run just fine conventionally).
So I'm thinking I'm going to have to spend $310-350 for the DCS system, then another $250-400 for my first DCS engine (whether ES44AC or not). Now you're telling me that I can buy an MTH full PS2/3 compatible engine PLUS the control system for (?) $400 or so, and I'm thinkin' I've found my solution. Since I'll probably always have more Lionel than MTH, I don't care if I have to use my phone or tablet to control it.
Now to go read the MTH RTR catalog and start investigating!
I just don't think there is an overlap to those in the market for a starter $350-$400 train set and those who don't have/cannot easily acquire a tablet or smart phone. For the older generations who aren't interested in smart phones running their trains, they most likely already have a layout and other means of controlling the included trains if they didn't want to use the DCS module that comes with it.
The target audience is youth entering the hobby. Everyone in that demographic knows how to download an app and use a tablet or a smartphone. Sure kids who are already interested in trains might not mind a traditional controller. But you buy someone a set with this starter DCS included, and they soon discover the capabilities of the system such as controlling multiple trains on the same track, customizing sounds, etc. , they are a lot more likely to expand their collection and really get interested in the hobby.
Great... Another opportunity to keep people glued to their so-called smart devices.
Are we controlling technology or is technology starting to control us?
Rusty
Allan Miller posted:This hobby is about a passion for trains and railroading. All the bells-and-whistles technology in the world (and that technology is ever-changing) will not do much to create a new hobbyist. That is something that has to come from within, and it is generally not sparked by an iPad or iPhone, or other such gizmo.
Good Day Allan,
I agree 100%. A person has passion for trains on the model layout or the real rail! Passion and interest for technology does not create passion for trains, never has never will!
Best Regards,
Frank
When they come out with a tablet or phone that has a control knob on it THEN I might have some interest in what MTH is offering, until that happens I will continue to enjoy running my trains with the hands on approach. Most families wanting a traditional Christmas train are not gonna buy into this approach and will pick something that's all complete in the box and ready to go. Ahead of their time? maybe, but the toy train buyer isn't ready...Yet.
Jim 1939 posted:When they come out with a tablet or phone that has a control knob on it THEN I might have some interest in what MTH is offering, until that happens I will continue to enjoy running my trains with the hands on approach. Most families wanting a traditional Christmas train are not gonna buy into this approach and will pick something that's all complete in the box and ready to go. Ahead of their time? maybe, but the toy train buyer isn't ready...Yet.
I beg to differ. I am 33yrd old with 3 kids. It is people in my demographic that are going to be buying a Christmas set for their kids. I guaruntee you more people my age will be more inclined to buy a train set if they can control it with their existing phones/tablets.
Swafford posted:Allan Miller posted:This hobby is about a passion for trains and railroading. All the bells-and-whistles technology in the world (and that technology is ever-changing) will not do much to create a new hobbyist. That is something that has to come from within, and it is generally not sparked by an iPad or iPhone, or other such gizmo.
Good Day Allan,
I agree 100%. A person has passion for trains on the model layout or the real rail! Passion and interest for technology does not create passion for trains, never has never will!
Best Regards,
Frank
Using that logic, MTH and Lionel shouldn't be trying at all. Yes of course some people have a passion for trains no matter what, but waiting around for just those people and not advancing the hobby to get new people interested in it is not good for business. Nobody is saying you have to recite by heart the tractive effort of the 611 or memorize the number series for Conrail SD80MACs before you can get into this hobby. Some people just think it's cool so see a train run around a table, especially one they can control from their phone.
I seem to recall that Lionel made many O and Super-O sets that included no transformer! I don't think the world ended.
metsno1fan posted:Some people just think it's cool so see a train run around a table, especially one they can control from their phone.
Or a transformer...
Rusty
I guess I would want to know why kids and even adults are so addicted to their phones and tablets in the first place. To me it's a simple equation of input & output. Kids (and adults) love their Snapchat, Instagram or Facebook because of the feedback you get from posting something and someone else responding through a comment or a like. We want our phone to give us a response and preferably a positive one, whether that comes from a friend online or something connected to it that we can control.
Someone had commented earlier that these new train control apps are going to be another reason to keep kids glued to their phones. I don't quite see it in the same perspective. They will use their phone to control a device and receive feedback from the train which would take the concentration away from the phone and place focus on the device (train) that we are interacting with.
This is almost identical to the phone controlled drone market. Kids & adults want to see their smart device do more than just give positive feedback and how the device can influence the world around them in physical manor. Believe it or not, even teenagers get board with social media but still want to do something else with their phone.
My brother bought his daughters a couple of cheap drones driven by an app on their iPods. He figured they would learn that their iPod can do more than just send pictures and messages to each other. So far it's worked out well for him.
We need to be keeping up with technology. If we stick with old style transformer or dedicated handheld remote control systems, we'll never attract a younger generation to model railroading. These new control systems allow the hobby to stay in competition with other smart device driven hobbies.
H1000
Now, how about a transformer controlled by a cell phone? A cell Power/House-PowerMaster? Then one with older locos can run off the phone without modification?
If one was smart, one could put a "CTC Panel" of the layout in the phone, and pretend she/he is a DS at Omaha or Jacksonville! Does Marklin have such a product?
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