I don't run 3-rail and run DCC on my 2-rail On30 layout. Even that is new ground for me as when I was last in the hobby in the 90s, it was about about split blocks and common track power.
I will never go wireless for the same reason I am currently installing manual 'blue point' turnout controllers; I am trying to keep things as foolproof as possible.
Wireless, for me, is just one more thing which can go wrong.
Brandy, Barry B always states quite clearly that he is NOT employed by MTH nor is on their payroll.
GRJ, functionality aside, sometimes a gadget has value if it presents a challenge to get the @%*)! thing to work.
The model railroad electronic companies will need more programmers to make controlling through the smart phones and electronic pads possible for every device and device configuration.
Andrew
Brandy,
I think this is one reason Lionel and MTH hired Mike Reagan, and Barry B.
You're half right! 
Mike is a Lionel employee. However, I am not employed by MTH - or anyone else!
I think that as long as we have folks that's smart enough to think out of the ole proverbial box, and able to beat the system, non un like our Gunny John who understands electronics as good or better than the "Factory Folk" will engineer us something we can afford to keep our stuff running as we have now.
I think this is one reason Lionel and MTH hired Mike Reagan, and Barry B. They were/are sharper than anybody they have/had on their pay roll....Just one man's opinion............................................Brandy
JonZ is Lionel's man behind the curtain when it comes to Legacy/TMCC.
Also both DCS and the Legacy are still in production, though Mike Wolf has said future development of a new DCS controller is going to be slowed down with the introduction of apps.
Barry, the word "ASSUME" can make an A** out of U and me, this time I guess it was my turn. Now with that said, I purchased the MTH book that you wrote on DCS with MTH all over the cover, this gave me the idea, that MTH was your employer. I guess that a person shouldn't assume anything these days, as you don't know who the heck works for whom! 
.....While I'm at it thanks again for your DCS help..............Brandy
Brandy,
No worries!
Before DCS was released and the remote was not yet made, we ran DCS from a laptop with a picture of the remote on a touch screen. Not fun then.
I cannot understand why anyone would use a "high cost" smart phone (the monthly usage charge measured in minutes, that is), when a DCS or Lionel remote cost is only in batteries. There is something else that may be overlooked.....EVERY TIME that a smart phone or its software changes, there is the good possibility that the DCS or Lionel software would have to be rewritten in order to work on those latest phones. Why would MTH or Lionel rely on an integration plan where the phone software package is owned and controlled by others? Although there are two types of software, the Apple and the Android, I did not fully comprehend that there are several "varieties" of the Android system, and they are dependent on the maker of the phone.
I understand that the "younger generation" highly values their smart phones and what those phones can do. If I were to recommend a course of action to MTH and Lionel, it would be that they should not "put all of their eggs in one basket", but plan the phone capability as an alternative to the basic and well understood handheld based systems.
Before DCS was released and the remote was not yet made, we ran DCS from a laptop with a picture of the remote on a touch screen. Not fun then.
Interesting that MTH didn't hang onto and further develop that software so others COULD use a laptop or tower to run the train, especially someone with a disability who could poke the screen instead of fumbling with small buttons. Oh well....
I cannot understand why anyone would use a "high cost" smart phone (the monthly usage charge measured in minutes, that is), when a DCS or Lionel remote cost is only in batteries. There is something else that may be overlooked
It doesn't cost minutes, or anything else, to operate the app. Further, an app costs far, far less than would a second remote control. Third, an app would run on multiple smart devices for the one-time purchase cost of the app.
plan the phone capability as an alternative to the basic and well understood handheld based systems.
That's exactly what is MTH and Lionel are doing at present.
You've got a good point, Hudson. And there is no cost for batteries if you buy rechargeable NiMHs. I've been running 2 sets of quick recharge Ray-o-Vacs for many years.
Hopefully there is still a dual path being at least considered as Barry and others have alluded to above.
At the TCA Museum presentations in October, when one person asked Mike about any progress on a new remote(I think this person was one who has never really liked the thumb-wheel), Mike pretty much indicated the new apps would make the costly project of engineering new hardware not necessary, so don't count on a new remote any time soon.
Hopefully he is either re-considering or I misunderstood his response.
The big thing will be how long parts are available to make the remotes. Lionel went through it with CAB-1 and TMCC bases a few years ago, if we shift the years of introduction of each system(roughly + 6 years), DCS remotes may have that come up in around 5-6 years. (purely extracting based on year of release there, I do not have any specific knowledge of parts that may or may not become obsolete within the hardware itself)
I myself am in the camp of liking to "feel" standard buttons on the remote while running. I can't do a darn thing with a touch screen without looking at it, but I can easily nudge a red knob or thumb wheel or locate the whistle or horn without looking at the CAB-2 or DCS remote. (for this same reason, I am not fond of the universal entertainment remotes that are touch screen based, as nice as they may be)
-Dave
I have to agree with Dave here.
Not interested in an App on a touchscreen.
I want buttons I can feel while watching the trains.
I am happy with My DCS, TMCC and Lionchief remotes.
I also agree with Russel. I do fairly well with my cab1, still a pet rock with my cab 2 and the new DCS is still in the box with Barrys book. That will be all I will ever want to learn for the time I have left.
Now the young ones in the hobby should and will have fun with all that ipaddsie touch stuff.
Larry
I have no use for any kind of push button device to control my trains. My opinion!
I operate my stuff and switch with it and couple and uncouple and spot cars. I like fine control of the locos speed and behavior. A good large speed contol knob is ideal on whatever kind of controller I use. I have tried some of the push button devices and I find them very cumbersome to use unless one is just runnin a train round and round a loop and tooting the whistle. I do have a wireless control system and I like since it allows walk around without tangling in wires.
So I would never want to change to system using a phone or ipad or such device, or a computer keyboard. I want my wireless throttles!
Dave,
Hopefully he is either re-considering or I misunderstood his response.
Neither. MTH will still continue to market the existing remote, as well as any app.
Thx, AMBASSADOR.....That's just what I wanted to hear!
Gentlemen,
As long as Lionel & MTH are making money producing the remote control units, they are going to be produced, the bottom line for any of this will be how the money is being made. I do not think the remote control units will quit being produced, even the young kids today really prefer running their trains with them, and us old times we dreamed about this stuff as kids, now we can actually purchase and run our old & new trains with them. IMO its going to be a very long time before it changes permanently.
PCRR/Dave
With two Legacy, 2 TMCC, and 9 DCS controllers, I cannot imagine trying to switch to an iPad or phone. I have dedicated controllers per loop (on most handhelds) so that I can use and only effect the engines on a specific loop (same reason I do not use the Super mode in DCS.)
I have the Hikel system which has the capability of doing many things. With so many options and possibilities, I have chosen to re-wire my layout to allow for conventional MTH control (DCS handheld and manual control of uncouplers and switches) plus complete computer control and all the wifi devices you could ever want.
For short operating sessions, I can simply turn the system on using conventional DCS and operate trains immediately. This is good when younger operators are in the room, as the analogue devices are quite robust and easy to use.
When using the computer and wifi devices, I have to boot the computer, set the Ipads to operate (make sure they are connected to the wifi network) and then use either conventional DCS remotes or a handheld device to control the trains. I set 5 local Ipads to operate switches and uncouplers, with a map of each town so that the touch screen can be used operate the switches and uncouplers. You have to select the correct town map at each local ipad, which only takes a moment. You can also switch towns on any ipad, so that you can control the switches without getting in the way of another operator near the closest ipad. This is great for guests, as the map is self explanatory and makes operating the layout quite easy.
In the wifi mode, my plan is to have ipad touch screens to operate the layout, and the DCS handheld to operate the trains. If I change my mind, I can use an ipad mini or a phone or ipod to operate the trains. A consideration is the size of the display on the wifi device and my ability to "hit" the right button with my fingers.
When using wifi, there can be a time lag between hitting the button on the ipad, and the actual operation happening. this delay is not consistent, nor is it always there. Not sure why there is a variation, however when operating switches and uncouplers, it is not that important. My layout is in the attic room of a brick and block house. the wifi router is in the train room, however some layout locations require the signal to go through 2 brick walls.
I have to agree with some of the discussion that states that using phones or tablets allows you to operate trains without purchasing additional DCS handhelds. I use old devices (old ipad 1's are sufficient), that are dedicated to the layout. However, guests that have a phone or Ipad can use them on the layout, simply by connecting to my local network, which only takes a moment. Having your guests "supply" their own operating control hardware could be considered a cost savings.
Just for the record, I don't operate my trains to save money. I want a good operating layout and I don't mind paying extra for additional flexibility and capability. No matter how much I spend in the train room, it costs less than vacations and lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Great discussion with lots of good points.
JoeK
Joe,
When using wifi, there can be a time lag between hitting the button on the ipad, and the actual operation happening. this delay is not consistent, nor is it always there. Not sure why there is a variation, however when operating switches and uncouplers,
Just as an FYI...
I also experienced some random latency when using mobile devices with Hikel's Train Controller-based system, most likely due tot he fact that the WiFi devices talk to the TIUs via Train Controllers web server.
However, when using the DCS app (beta) to talk directly to the TIUs, there was no latency at all. It was as fast, or faster, than using the remote.
I'm guessing the majority of MTH and Lionel train people here are of the older generation and will, as I will, continue to prefer the existing equipment over a "smart phone app" or whatever they are called. I still use a dumb cell phone and will continue to as long as they are available. I was one of the last users of an analog cell "back in those days" until my provider begged me to upgrade and gave me the digital one I have now, at a reduced monthly rate.
"If it works, why change it?"
So I'll probably be on CAB1 and DCS 4.2 with a remote as long as they last. Assuming 4.31 isn't coming out ....
This just in, no more bulky iphone/table or DCS remote:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/9J7GpVQCfms
But before you get too excited for one:
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