Analog Trains in an Digital World

You are not alone.  I run all my trains using DDC, Direct Digital Control (My Digits Directly on the Control Levers of a ZW)

Chris Sheldon

All conventional here too. I'm impressed with the newer offerings from Lionel, MTH, etc but the more I read posts on here about this problem or that problem, the more I will stick with conventional.

I do enjoy running "vintage modern" (older Lionel and MTH PS), in conventional, for the added sound and horn systems.

Nothing beats ozone and smoke pellets though.......

Never heard of that, Chris. Your changing the analog output into a digital signal?

Don, you are not alone.  

Don, no, just my weak attempt at a joke.  I just like the feel of the ZW handles and the power at my command.  All conventional 3 rail indoors.  Did fudge a little on my outdoor layout though, Radio Control of my G gauge in the backyard.  Lets me get on the ground with them like a little kid, or be lazy and sit on the patio and control my two loops remotely while sipping a nice beer on a fine day.  There are no bad days running trains, unless there is a crash, even that is an excuse to work on them or buy new ones.

Did I see Muscle Cars in your profile?

Chris S.

Thanks Chris!

I thought I had mastered all of the new control systems until you mentioned DDC!

Yes, I like muscle cars as well. I've got a modern Mustang GT (the HO version shown below) and an older one as well. I'll bet I'm not the only one on the Forum with an interest in cars.

I also like Marklin HO, as you can see...

Don, I think you are right, many here on the forum have multiple hobbies.  I am always impressed with the members like you with multiple gauges, you have the best of two or even three worlds.  Always go back to my Postwar trains though, built like a brick and easy to work on.

Chris S.

I am all for the modern electronic goodies & control systems for myself, BUT do to there fragile & numerous problems - I have decided that - for the most part - the trains I leave to my children & grand grandchildren will be conventional (pullmore, etc.) stuff.

Maybe some modern electronic stuff that they can run til it poops out, but the non-electronic will run forever so long as they have a soldering iron,  copper wire & they take proper care of those trains.

Wow..l agree with a lot of posters today, and am surprised l have so much company!   

There are things analog that can/will never be replaced. Take your wrist watch or kitchen clock. Do you want to read digits or see a hand indicating the time? Same with your car speedometer.  Analog and digital both have their place and I use both for different reasons. On trains mainly conventional engines run on my layout but for rolling stock and accessories it varies.  Lionel P/W trains and their simplicity were designed for the seldom needed easy repair and seem like they are designed to last forever. It makes a layout easy to run and maintain.  Current Lionel are superior with detail and operating characteristics but with added complexity and perhaps at a cost of less reliability. Point is, both are good and offer advantages for what they do,

Although not in O, my S Scale railroad had the capability to operate with conventional DC or DCC.  I found myself operating the conventional DC locomotives 99% of the time without any loss of enjoyment.

Rusty

Well,

 I have no nostalgia for postwar ozone smell, as my first train was an mpc era can motor 2-4-0.  It had no smoke, just a head light.  It took some time for me as a child to realize that dc wasn't the typical power to 3 rail trains.

That said, I re-worked my original engine long ago.  It still has a can motor but now has a electronic e unit so It can run with the rest of the fleet.  I run dcs but have my track set up so I can use the variable voltage feature.  It's pretty fun to run my pre-war acquisitions through a walk around remote.  I will not reliquish the ability to simply vary the voltage and watch things move.

I prefer modern scale equipment that will crawl at scale speeds, couplers that open anywhere on the layout, sound effects, and multiple trains on the same track.  Most locos I've had for years with no problems.  Years ago, the first time I tried command control, I was hooked.  I sold off all my conventional equipment and never looked back.  To each their own.

Is there a place realistically for the Lionel Celebration Series? I read a couple of threads this week on the benefits of post war and it has piqued my interest for sure.  I didn't grow up in that era but enjoy the looks of the B&O RDC's, New Haven EP-5's, Seaboard Switchers, etc. I like to do switching so thought the Celebration series with TMCC could allow me that middle ground. I guess my question is for the post war fans out there are historic locos with TMCC considered anti-post war?

I've have had several of the reissued sets, GN EP, Burlington passenger, Thunderbird & many , many more.  They were all conventional transformer control. You can really enjoy their Pullmoe motors sound & smell.

The separate engines from that series were TMCC or DCS controllable. I believe they had cam motors, which might explain the availability  of remote control.

I liked them a lot, I don't like old used trains so for me it was a great choice.

I still have the Warhorse set N&W J with weathered cars and it is also remote and run on 036 track.

@Jushavnfun I see one of the Warhorses on Ebay, so its command equipped? Does it come weathered or did you do that on your own?

Not alone, Don.   

We are legion.....IMHO, of course.

KD

BTW...When I can read about today's modern motive power (prototype) being commonly run all the way up to Notch 8 using one's cell phone or a computer's 'QWERTY' keyboard...with the blessing of the FRA..., I'll begin to rethink this.  ()