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What is missing from this catalog?  A product I'd actually buy  Granted I don't really fit the Lionel demographic often.  I like the Amtrak Acela in the simplified less to break version, but not enough to order it.  The generator car for the Rio Grande Ski Train is a nice car, but I'd prefer it in Amtrak so I can use a GG1 to pull my fleet of GGD Amfleet cars when they arrive.

I would have like to see the 21" cars in new road names.  Specifically for me in Phase III Amtrak.  All but the observation would be appropriate on that era of Amtrak.  I probably would have ordered those.

Goooooooood evening everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend and a Happy Monday.  

Just as a reminder, I'm very happy with the new 2021 catalog, I have no issue with the "Built to Order" business model, when it comes to specific models in certain road names Lionel will build what they believe will sell, so ya you can't always get what ya want, and I honestly can't think of any features or details I would like added to locos or rolling stock.  This is not about quality control and/or pricing.  That said, sounds like Lionel has an opportunity to fill a few gaps.

it appears folks do agree with:

  • Blue Tooth is here to stay, Simultaneous multi-train control with LC App, possible consolidation of control systems (LC, LC2, Legacy), iCab and LCS need some love.  UPDATE* I did watch the Demos with Dave last night and he was asked if voice control would be added to the iCab app, Not gonna comment on that right now, ...but... let's see what the future holds". So...we might see iCab get some updates this year.  I would say the next round of app updates ( or lack of updates) will paint a picture of the direction they are going.
  • More interactive accessories  (bring back the Hobos!) and a signal system like Atlas O
  • A Legacy Base with Wi-Fi (& Bluetooth?) built-i, & Freestanding Legacy Base with Wi-Fi to use with LCS
  • LCS SensoTrack IR in LC2.0 trains, possibly LC as well). Ads to the “play value”
  • Incorporate “Gamification” into LC App. & LCS
  • Larger Radius Command Controlled Switches (ie O84 &O96) & Consider a Legacy Track system, ie something more prototypical to run the amazing Legacy engines and Highly detailed O scale rolling stock on.
  • Command Control for Trolley and other bump-n-go cars.
  • Rechargeable Battery back in battery-powered G scale trains.

Here are some other thoughts

Dead Rail,  I imagine rechargeable battery-powered O gauge trains will be a reality at some point

Two-way communication with our trains,  I know BT has interference issues and distance limitations, maybe we will see a BT repeater/booster for larger layouts.  Hey, you never know

That's all I saw from your comments, and that's not bad at all, some of these items may be in progress, some may be easy to do and some may require more time and work but can be done.

I do appreciate all of the positive and constructive thoughts/comments, thank you for taking the time to post them

Thank you

Last edited by Casey_Jones

I like the idea of LC+2.0 with SensorTrack capabilities. I was disappointed that the sensor wasn't added. It would have been a simple thing to include since LC+2.0 is just TMCC with Bluetooth included. Some updates to the Legacy system would be great. Legacy is amazing, by the way. I use it on my layout, and I love it.

By the way, I love the idea of Wi-Fi built into the Legacy Base. Bluetooth could be great, too. Then operators could run their whole layouts with one truly universal system. The updated Legacy system could run any LC, LC+, or TMCC/Legacy loco, and conventional locos with Legacy Powermasters.

Some more ideas:

-Dynamic brake lever plus sounds in locos so equipped (something I don't think we have in O-Gauge)

-Dialog buttons like the I-Cab App on the phone so operators could access their locos' dialog easier; plus, new, better dialog is a must.

-Legacy and DCS full compatibility (operators could run MTH DCS locos w/ Legacy; DCS will hook up to Legacy already and run Legacy/TMCC locos)

-Operating Tracks/Uncoupling Tracks with built-in command-control

-More operating accessories

-Bring back the Prewar Lionel Tinplate Trains that MTH made, but this time, made by Lionel and include Legacy or TMCC and Bluetooth (and/or conventional versions as well) Lionel needs to get the tooling back from MTH.

-I've never used the DCS App, but I have watched You-Tube videos showing the basic operations. I think that the LCS App and I-Cab App should have a throttle arrangement similar to the DCS App with the plus and minus instead of the slider to increase speed. Then operators could get finer speed control, especially when running Legacy locos. The 200 speed steps on Legacy locos is amazing. I ran my BNSF GP35 at speed step one, and it just crawled. Wow! Very slow.

-Also, the LCS App on the I-Pad needs the quilling whistle and single shot bell.

I like the idea of LC+2.0 with SensorTrack capabilities. I was disappointed that the sensor wasn't added. It would have been a simple thing to include since LC+2.0 is just TMCC with Bluetooth included. Some updates to the Legacy system would be great. Legacy is amazing, by the way. I use it on my layout, and I love it.

By the way, I love the idea of Wi-Fi built into the Legacy Base. Bluetooth could be great, too. Then operators could run their whole layouts with one truly universal system. The updated Legacy system could run any LC, LC+, or TMCC/Legacy loco, and conventional locos with Legacy Powermasters.

Some more ideas:

-Dynamic brake lever plus sounds in locos so equipped (something I don't think we have in O-Gauge)

-Dialog buttons like the I-Cab App on the phone so operators could access their locos' dialog easier; plus, new, better dialog is a must.

-Legacy and DCS full compatibility (operators could run MTH DCS locos w/ Legacy; DCS will hook up to Legacy already and run Legacy/TMCC locos)

-Operating Tracks/Uncoupling Tracks with built-in command-control

-More operating accessories

-Bring back the Prewar Lionel Tinplate Trains that MTH made, but this time, made by Lionel and include Legacy or TMCC and Bluetooth (and/or conventional versions as well) Lionel needs to get the tooling back from MTH.

-I've never used the DCS App, but I have watched You-Tube videos showing the basic operations. I think that the LCS App and I-Cab App should have a throttle arrangement similar to the DCS App with the plus and minus instead of the slider to increase speed. Then operators could get finer speed control, especially when running Legacy locos. The 200 speed steps on Legacy locos is amazing. I ran my BNSF GP35 at speed step one, and it just crawled. Wow! Very slow.

-Also, the LCS App on the I-Pad needs the quilling whistle and single shot bell.

Ha. all i ask for are better quality trucks.....lol

@MartyE posted:

An updated iCab app before any of the LCS and LC stuff gets "merged".  The LCS app is horrible for operating trains.  First off it's only 32 speed steps and second is very limiting.  I love it for layout operation though.  The iCab app is a few steps up but really needs an upgrade.  I wish it was able to mimic the Cab2 a little better.

IMO and I know I will get flack but let LC and LC+ be what it's supposed to be a lower cost, less technical option.  LC+2.0 is already borderline but I get the appeal of those.  It give the Bluetooth crowd some higher end locos and the Legacy/TMCC folks some lower cost, smaller options.  Don't muddy the waters with trying to merge the systems.

I'm actually fine with the LCS WiFi module being discrete from the base.

Accessories that do more!  Bring back the Hobo accessories too!  These are some of the best gems in Lionel's past including the water tower.

So I went back and played with iCab.  I think I was harsh in saying it was few steps up.  It actually works well and is pretty good but does need an upgrade.  I still think it needs to have more of a Cab2 look and feel but I'm not sure how that is done on a small phone screen.  I'm glad we had this thread because it did make me go back and play again.  The iPad app is great for layout control but the train and engine control definitely needs the Legacy treatment.

@Casey_Jones posted:

Thank you @MartyE

I also looked on YouTube for iCab vids and didn't see that many, and most were several years old (and the UI could use a touch of color like the LC App. )  So I have no idea how popular the iCab app is, maybe the suggested changes would increase its usage.  

Thank you Sir

IMO one of the biggest challenges that faced the iCab app was it's initial cost of $50.  For most folks that was unrealistic since they already had the Legacy base and remote.  MTH's pricing of their app was better with 3 levels of entry. Free (limited ability and get yer feet wet), $5 for more ( now we're just teasing you), $25 for the whole shebang.  Lionel had the full app for $50 period.  It's free now.

Last edited by MartyE

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