Just curious, how will all these batteries be charged? Using a xfmr on 3 rail track? Or batteries removed and put in a charger? Or a cable plugged into the jack on each engine and car (doesn't sound good for rivet counters) ? In a ABA passenger train, will all the batteries die at the same time? Or will one A unit be trying to pull a dead A or B? Will some of the lights in the passenger cars get dim or go out while others are still lit? Gonna have to think this thru a little bit I think
Even if all new O-gauge production went to battery power, as long as there are fans of the old trains still around there will still be 3 rails!
Think of it this way all you conventional only folks (which I am one of), you run one train on a loop with one transformer. Want to add a second train? Now you need to add insulated track pins, contacts and relays or some other control system to keep the trains from running into each other. With a battery powered R/C loco you can be up and running two trains on the same track in minutes. One on the old transformer and one on batteries. Probably not something you'd use all the time, but could add a little extra fun from time to time. Or let the kids (or grandkids) use it and not have to power up the layout (provided you have a loop that doesn't need to have remote control switches activated).
I don't think batteries or anything else will save this hobby. Why would any kid want to buy an 80.00 dollar car just to make his train one car longer. He can buy a game for his gaming system for that kind of money. He can play with other people. Let him try taking his train to a friend's layout, he's gonna have to travel far to find such a friend. Virtual trains may be the future. The ability to put on a set of 3D glasses and sit in the cab of an engine. Kids nowadays want interaction not just turn it on and watch it go in a circle.
Besides why worry about the future it won't affect us. We aren't going to stop playing just because nobody else wants to play with us.
Bob
