Base 3

Here ya go...

Lionel Power and Control

Anyone know if there's the "official" user's manual for the BASE3 & CAB3 yet?  I prefer a Reference Guide format to being spoon fed little bits of information.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Anyone know if there's the "official" user's manual for the BASE3 & CAB3 yet?  I prefer a Reference Guide format to being spoon fed little bits of information.

Other than a quick start guide that will be included in the packaging, which someone posted somewhere here,  I think the website will be the primary guide. I didn't think the current website was too bad considering the Base3 and App haven't been released.

@MartyE posted:

Other than a quick start guide that will be included in the packaging, which someone posted somewhere here,  I think the website will be the primary guide. I didn't think the current website was too bad considering the Base3 and App haven't been released.

It's not bad at all, I just prefer a guide all in one place, not clicking all around and having to sit through videos to get the information.

I'd be happy with a full manual I could print off

The Cab 2 will act pretty much the same except for adding LC engines into it.  Although it's a pretty easy procedure.  The App will be where most folks will need the most help.  I suspect the website will be the most up to date and accurate source for information.  I do understand the need for a manual though.  I still reference back to the Legacy manual at times but I suspect that the Base3 and App 3 manual is going to be the website.

@MartyE posted:

Other than a quick start guide that will be included in the packaging, which someone posted somewhere here,  I think the website will be the primary guide. I didn't think the current website was too bad considering the Base3 and App haven't been released.

Marty?    I recall reading that Lionel will make available the new LCS Utility this month, do you know if this is still true?

@Alabama Joe posted:

Marty?    I recall reading that Lionel will make available the new LCS Utility this month, do you know if this is still true?

I don't know exactly when it will be released. Last I heard was this month as well.

@MartyE posted:

The Cab 2 will act pretty much the same except for adding LC engines into it.  Although it's a pretty easy procedure.  The App will be where most folks will need the most help.  I suspect the website will be the most up to date and accurate source for information.  I do understand the need for a manual though.  I still reference back to the Legacy manual at times but I suspect that the Base3 and App 3 manual is going to be the website.

That will be unfortunate if they don't provide a decent all-in-one manual.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

That will be unfortunate if they don't provide a decent all-in-one manual.

I'm fine with the website as long as it's up to date and thorough.  Your mileage may vary.

@Larry Brown posted:

I believe they will be ready to ship soon from China (if they have not already shipped)?

Lionel store is saying August. Does anyone think we could see them sooner?

@TheRambles posted:

Lionel store is saying August. Does anyone think we could see them sooner?

I doubt it.  The Lionel Store has been fairly accurate.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

That will be unfortunate if they don't provide a decent all-in-one manual.

Sadly it seems manuals are a thing of the past. Even my most recent, super high tech camera only gave me a QR code. But at least a plus is they can update the manual as the make changes via firmware. Also nice I can have it with me on my phone in the field

Good thing my birthday is in August. In fact, it's only 4 days before the release date on Lionel's website. Since I have the Base 3 on order from Trainworld, I will (hopefully) be getting a late birthday present for myself. I can't wait until the Base 3 ships.

As for the website, I agree with Marty about the quality of the site. There are some improvements and new stuff I want to see in the near future. Hopefully soon we will see some new videos, including another Demos With Dave on the Base 3 and all of its awesome features (especially the Cab 3 App). I also want an updated LCS App Guide (with videos, of course) added.

Thanks Marty for the prompt reply although I agree with John in that it will be unfortunate if Lionel does not provide an All In One Manual as much easier to have it all in one place that is relatively easy to look up the information.

There are advantages to a "paper" manual if you will.  You can write notes and such.  Like I said early I often reference the manual for Legacy not because I don't know something but to be sure I am understanding it.

The advantage of a "website" manual is if it's properly maintained and updated the information is readily available to anyone with web access.  When a feature is added, a bug fixed, or functionality changes that information can be quickly distributed.  Hopefully maybe they'll add a change log to keep track of the website updates.  Maybe just for a 3 month span.

Marty,

Yes, I agree there are definitely some advantages, especially around updates.

Thanks again for all the info and input.

Larry Brown

@MartyE posted:

The advantage of a "website" manual is if it's properly maintained and updated the information is readily available to anyone with web access.  When a feature is added, a bug fixed, or functionality changes that information can be quickly distributed.  Hopefully maybe they'll add a change log to keep track of the website updates.  Maybe just for a 3 month span.

There's really nothing to say that they can't do the same updates to an electronic copy of the manual.

Ah uh.