For this thread, I want to get your ideas on what could be the next great feature that hasn't been implemented yet on a locomotive or piece of rolling stock in O scale. For me, I'd really like to see rotating bearing caps become available for the many modern diesels that they are visible on.
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I'm thinking more interactivity between operator, engine, and train. Think a sensor in the locomotive connected to its coupler that can detect the pull on the coupler and appropriately set the throttle response, sounds, etc. A longer train is a heavier train and the locomotive should work harder! Track and report locomotive fuel consumption: perhaps there's a feature to enable so that the locomotive will stop when it depletes its fuel and must be refueled to continue? A mode that simulates wheel-slip or makes starting a train difficult?
@Slugger posted:I'm thinking more interactivity between operator, engine, and train. Think a sensor in the locomotive connected to its coupler that can detect the pull on the coupler and appropriately set the throttle response, sounds, etc. A longer train is a heavier train and the locomotive should work harder! Track and report locomotive fuel consumption: perhaps there's a feature to enable so that the locomotive will stop when it depletes its fuel and must be refueled to continue? A mode that simulates wheel-slip or makes starting a train difficult?
Those are all wonderful ideas, especially the mode to simulate wheelslip
How about aroma loads? Reefers that smell like fresh oranges, or gondolas of manure that smell like xxxx. John
Battery power
Do they ship manure in gons....like old Chinese "honey barges"? Modeling that would REALLY be "rivet counting". My interest is much more mundane...l like the current trend of short runs of less common roadnames, and hope to grab a few, and hope that trend continues.
@colorado hirailer posted:Do they ship manure in gons....like old Chinese "honey barges"?
JT's Megasteam has a scent named Barnyard, and the smell matches. I think that base is covered. 
Not original with me but won’t it be cool that when your passenger train stopped at your station a hologram appeared that showed passengers getting off the train and then different passengers getting on the train with an option to have the passengers dressed for different time periods and
@FJI posted:Not original with me but won’t it be cool that when your passenger train stopped at your station a hologram appeared that showed passengers getting off the train and then different passengers getting on the train with an option to have the passengers dressed for different time periods and
About twenty years ago either Lionel or MTH had a passenger platform(under roof) with passengers awaiting the train. When the train departed, all passengers must have boarded as none were on the platform. I have not seen one operate, only saw the catalog listing. Perhaps a Forum member has one. John
@colorado hirailer posted:Do they ship manure in gons....like old Chinese "honey barges"?
In gondolas from the stock yards and urban collection points to the nearest low area out of town. Today, the EPA would not allow it. John
There are too many gimmicks already. Battery power would be a true advancement.
MELGAR
@rattler21 posted:About twenty years ago either Lionel or MTH had a passenger platform(under roof) with passengers standing awaiting the train. When the train departed, all passengers must have boarded as none were on the platform. I have not seen one operate, only saw the catalog listing. Perhaps a Forum member has one. John
It's a RailKing platform, I have one stored in my boxes waiting for me to start putting stuff on the layout. 
Most changes would be at the margin. The only revolutionary thing I could see happening would be the option of a 2 rail conversion kit, but with the tall 3 rail flanges. Best of both worlds, ability to run on tight curves, but no third rail.
Yep John is correct again. I have one and it is Railking. Pretty cool to see people and wham thy are gone. Most of the time visitors do not see the change ad I have to point it out.
Lash up capability on LC+ locos, also add the option to operate LC+ locos on battery by simply toggling a switch on the loco.
Lower prices!
Hey I'll throw in one initiated by MTH that I feel Lionel should adopt for their whistle steam - actually have the smoke come out of the whistle. I really cannot believe Lionel did not do that from the beginning of whistle steam. Looks SUPER on MTH stuff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Same with the pop off valves. Have actual smoke come out of them in coordination with the blow off sound! Easily implemented, I would think.
I liked cylinder smoke/steam, but I have not seen it offered lately. That effect was way cool!
@gunrunnerjohn posted:JT's Megasteam has a scent named Barnyard, and the smell matches. I think that base is covered.
Just like that farm field featuring festering fertilizer...
Ah, the 'Breadbasket's" bouquet on a summer's day!
Might want to check with the spouse, though, before adding to the layout's ambiance!
(Oh, wow! Hmmmm. Interesting...I just realized the blue and red colors of the manure spreading equipment above! Subliminal? Metaphorical?
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BTW...Another vote cast for BATTERY POWER!
Undecorated engines/rolling stock and a kit that makes making custom decals easy.
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