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I posted this in another trend.

 

If MTH does not survive as a whole, I think the best option would be for someone to purchase the Railking line.  Railking produces some very nice semi scale models that are affordable, for people that prefer grater detail then available in some starter sets.  If Railking were to survive and use its current operating system, then DCS would have a sustainable market for its electronics.  Otherwise, I don't see a very long future for DCS.

I don't think there's much value in the premier line, as Lionel and 3rd rail already produce models with detail that is equal to or grater then premier.  This includes rolling stock as both Atlas and Lionel make very detailed cars.  The exception of course are the European models which are still in demand and would fit well with Lionel or 3rd Rail offerings.

IMHO

"A U.S. patent is generally granted for 20 years from the date the patent application is filed; however, periodic fees are required to maintain the enforceability of the patent. A design patent is generally granted protection for 14 years measured from the date the design patent is granted."

If MTH patent scale MPH at the time DCS came out which was April 2002, then it will run out  in April of 2022. 

Could this be one reason MTH is closing down?

 

 

 

Last edited by NYC 428

So patent protection may have already expired.  Interesting 

Could be MTH is working on something completely different as implied below.

"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."

Last edited by NYC 428

Patents run for 20 years after application to the Patent and Trademark Office. It can take 2-3 years to prosecute a patent application so usually you have only 17-18 years after grant. You can go into production during the prosecution stating patent pending on your product. I don't recall if MTH did that or waited until the patent was granted to go into production.

@NYC 428 posted:

So patent protection may have already expired.  Interesting 

Could be MTH is working on something completely different as implied below.

"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."

Well they certainly aren’t going to say “we have nothing”. 

"Not being negative, but you fellows think it is time to divest of MTH engines and DCS in favor of Lionel while there is still somewhat of a market for MTH? "

Obviously an entirely personal decision, but I think that worrying about the market for used MTH locos and DCS would be the wrong reason to divest.  MTH has been a significant factor in the O gauge three rail market for about 25 years and has many ardent customers and enthusiasts.  As an example, K-Line, a smaller player, made many products that have residual significant demand on the used market a decade after they stopped making new product.  I'm sure the market for used MTH and DCS will remain robust for many years.  

Personally, if it was Lionel going into the annals of history, I wouldn't be selling all my Lionel stuff and starting purchasing MTH stuff exclusively. But that's me.  But it makes it easy for me to imagine why someone who was MTH exclusively or mainly would just keep on keeping on with MTH for the foreseeable future.  No reason to make any impetuous decisions about divestment.

On the other hand, if new locos and command control products are important to you, it's seem likely that Lionel would be the way to go in the future, regardless of the details of what happens in the next year with MTH.  But that's not a compelling reason, I'd think,  to divest one's self of MTH engines and DCS if those products are bringing you pleasure and function to your satisfaction.  

Last edited by Landsteiner

I am not planing to sell off any of my MTH collection, however, much of the more popular models and sets they made were reproduced over and over such as the subway sets and Triplex.  

I know that the subway work set and original R32 with both sets of add on's as well as others ,are in high demand, but I think the market is flooded with most of what they produced so resale value will be greatly reduced.

@NYC 428 posted:

I am not planing to sell off any of my MTH collection, however, much of the more popular models and sets they made were reproduced over and over such as the subway sets and Triplex.  

I know that the subway work set and original R32 with both sets of add on's as well as others ,are in high demand, but I think the market is flooded with most of what they produced so resale value will be greatly reduced.

I'm with you.  I'm not going to sell off anything at this time unless I come across someone who really wants something I have and I don't feel bad parting with it.  Down the road, that may change.

@Mark Boyce posted:

I agree.  I've been thinking of how our daughters will dispose of my trains if we don't have grandchildren to leave them to.

Mark, I’m in a similar situation. My children, well adults now, aren’t interested in my train collection so I’ve been selling off a lot of stuff. I don’t want to burden them with having to get rid of it.

Steve

Last edited by RideTheRails

If you look at the description, it appears it is a DC unit.  So, it'll allow DCS operation, and you could use it for O-scale, but it seems clearly targeted for HO.  They are also selling the standard TIU/WiFi combo for O-gauge, probably more along what you're thinking of.  Also, that new unit doesn't support the DCS remote, so if you're looking at it for that use, you're out of luck.

If you look at the description, it appears it is a DC unit.  So, it'll allow DCS operation, and you could use it for O-scale, but it seems clearly targeted for HO.  They are also selling the standard TIU/WiFi combo for O-gauge, probably more along what you're thinking of.  Also, that new unit doesn't support the DCS remote, so if you're looking at it for that use, you're out of luck.

I saw no mention of AC so I was curious if it worked with AC power. I'm surprised they haven't offered this in 3 rail O, but it’s probably because 3 railers really like the remote. 

@Lou1985 posted:

I saw no mention of AC so I was curious if it worked with AC power. I'm surprised they haven't offered this in 3 rail O, but it’s probably because 3 railers really like the remote. 

My observations, in the model railroad world, that if an item has a feature, it is definitely mentioned. So, AC isn’t mentioned, I doubt that it will work with AC. However, that rule isn’t 100%, but it is pretty darn close.

Steve

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