I have a plan I'll be working on if we can ever get another tech at work. (barely have a life outside of work some weeks).
I contacted the director of activities for both Children's Hospital in Denver area and she also does the Ronald McDonald house about bringing in a portable layout with trains that can be controlled via Wifi DCS and LionChief. She really like the idea and wants to sit down and discuss it.
The idea for the remote control was so kids in wheel chairs that won't roll close to a table or who are stuck in a bed they wheel around, can control the trains. Firs edition will have the switch and operating accessory controls mounted to a board on a long umbilical. Future plans are for adding an AIU.
This just adds one more possibility for the kids. So this is a good thing in my book.
An earlier poster mentioned they would like to see Lionel get their service in order first, but I have another comment. If they are going to release products that make trains more friendly for kids, then stop snubbing kids and parents at train shows.
Two years in a row at the shows in Denver, I watched the MTH layout that was setup with tablets to run trains draw kids and the MTH reps were very friendly and patient with the kids and more than willing to talk to the parents and answer the kids questions. Meanwhile the Lionel reps were only interested if you wanted to talk about legacy and vision line products. They had kids and parents walk up and pick up a Lionchief remote as they tried to puzzle out how it worked and which train it ran. Not once in the hour or more I stood there talking to some of the vendors did I see them walk over to the kids or parents. (the MTH / Lionel displays were about 15 feet apart). And then they seemed irritated about having to answer parent's questions about the Lionchief sets. I was at their booth looking at things and the way they treated older experienced model railroaders and parents was night and day. I was enjoying watching the kids play with the MTH trains so hung around there for a while and helped some kids when the MTH rep asked if I'd keep an eye on things while he ran to the bathroom. While hanging out there, a couple of parents coming over to the MTH display made a comment about how much friendlier and helpful the MTH reps were.
Not good PR or customer relations in my book. With the way I've heard their service acts at times, it may be a company wide attitude.
Before I wear out my computer seraching for the rest of the story about Marx and their 1937 voice control trains, what was the result of this pre-WWII wonder?
Quietman: What were the ages (...give or take a year or two) of the Lionel reps who didn't like kids? Were they so naive not to realize that the kids of today might well become tomorrow's adult toy train operators?
MTH is to be commended for their interest in Century 21 young people. A pity MTH is leaving the scene.
@Trinity River Bottoms Boomer posted:Quietman: What were the ages (...give or take a year or two) of the Lionel reps who didn't like kids? Were they so naive not to realize that the kids of today might well become tomorrow's adult toy train operators?
Put ti this way. You've seen one of them in some of the videos released by Lionel in the last few years.
@Quietman posted:
An earlier poster mentioned they would like to see Lionel get their service in order first, but I have another comment. If they are going to release products that make trains more friendly for kids, then stop snubbing kids and parents at train shows.
Two years in a row at the shows in Denver, I watched the MTH layout that was setup with tablets to run trains draw kids and the MTH reps were very friendly and patient with the kids and more than willing to talk to the parents and answer the kids questions. Meanwhile the Lionel reps were only interested if you wanted to talk about legacy and vision line products. They had kids and parents walk up and pick up a Lionchief remote as they tried to puzzle out how it worked and which train it ran. Not once in the hour or more I stood there talking to some of the vendors did I see them walk over to the kids or parents. (the MTH / Lionel displays were about 15 feet apart). And then they seemed irritated about having to answer parent's questions about the Lionchief sets. I was at their booth looking at things and the way they treated older experienced model railroaders and parents was night and day. I was enjoying watching the kids play with the MTH trains so hung around there for a while and helped some kids when the MTH rep asked if I'd keep an eye on things while he ran to the bathroom. While hanging out there, a couple of parents coming over to the MTH display made a comment about how much friendlier and helpful the MTH reps were.
Not good PR or customer relations in my book. With the way I've heard their service acts at times, it may be a company wide attitude.
That seems to be the exact opposite of my experiences. Typically they have many starter sets up and running with remotes set out. Legacy at least at York takes a back seat because they don't want to "preach to the choir". They know where the bread is buttered and seem to focus on the starter sets. The TCA convention in PIT a few years ago was pretty much the same. A lot of starter sets up and running for the kids and the reps were engaged. Other than the display shelves not much Legacy going on.
I'm not arguing your experience just relating to what I seen.
As far as the voice control I can definitely see some advantages but I'm pretty sure it's not something I would use more than to show folks. It has it's place I'm sure with the techies. I'm glad to see Lionel trying new things to attract customers.
As is usual for the OGR Forum, a cool topic devolves, and goes off track with naysayers, (it's usually the same 5 people) and those who have to get digs in on various things that have nothing to do with the topic at hand. Were you bullied as children?
Anyway, I think this is a fun idea, despite what the usual few curmudgeons here have to say.
Oh, and @Quietman , nice passive/aggressive way of calling out an individual. Either have the guts to say who it is, or live up to your screen name
@MartyE posted:While an app may replace Legacy, it definitely has a long way to go to get all the functionality that the Legacy remote has. It most likely will be a WiFi app that replaces the Legacy remote and not the BT app.
Interesting. Maybe a "Legacy Base module" for the LCS system? ie just buy a Legacy module (instead of the Cab 1 or 2) to connect to the track and the LCS wifi module connects to that, then use the LCS app on your iPad or iPhone.
@Casey_Jones posted:Interesting. Maybe a "Legacy Base module" for the LCS system? ie just buy a Legacy module (instead of the Cab 1 or 2) to connect to the track and the LCS wifi module connects to that, then use the LCS app on your iPad or iPhone.
That would be my guess. Something like the new TIU / WiFi combo MTH has been touting. No remote just a WiFi and Legacy base guts. The one thing that will need to be crucial is a much more evolved app. Who knows, even a Legacy app could have a voice interface as well. While again not sure I want to operate trains with voice command, operating a layout would be cool.
The idea for some individuals be a bit hooky, but for young children, it puts them in control of the trains they are operating via voice command. Similar to in concept being a train dispatcher.
While this system may not be for everyone, it certainty is an innovative (resurrected) feature to garner the interests of our youngest railroaders.
With MTH leaving the scene, we should be happy that Lionel is pushing for adding innovative features into their products.
A rhetorical question would be: Would you be happier if Lionel were to revert back to its pre Kughn days and offer up only regurgitated products due to the lack of competition?
We would be happier if colors matched and trains worked.
The younger folks are the future or death of the hobby. I may tinker with the new feature just to check it out, but if it brings in new folks and keeps the hobby alive, then I'm all for it regardless of whether I will use it.
I can see this. Mofeler named Dave tells the engine HAL 9000 to go forward. Engine responds, "Dave, I cannot allow you to do that..!
@MartyE posted:Who knows, even a Legacy app could have a voice interface as well.
This makes the most sense to me.
Great. More investment in the limited capacity Lionchief app at the expense of Lionel's only full featured Legacy app (iCab), which remains riddled with bugs and hasn't been updated in 3 years.
Howard Hitchcock enjoyed his announcement of Lionel Voice Control on the TrainWorld roundtable.
You cannot stay number one in a hobby if you don't embrace innovation. Wonder when they will tackle the other elephant in the room, battery power.
If the Cab-2 could be upgraded some day to include voice control (Cab-3?), you could have a choice of what you wanted to be each session: engineer / motorman (physical operation of the remote knob and buttons), or dispatcher / towerman (voice control). I think it has possibilities, as long as Lionel continues to support tactile controls.
What's surprising to me is that this wasn't done back when the BT app came out, it's simple gimmick. The phones already have great Voice Interpretation API's installed on them, you just need to program your app to use it and add some specific things to listen for in the voice recognition within your app.
Beings that the Lionchief app can only run one engine at a time, integration should be pretty simple. You don't need to have to worry about controlling multiple engines (this is wear it gets much more complex). Plus, when you think about the primary functions, you don't have that many to control from the BT app home screen: Direction, speed, whistle, bell, and announcements. Should be pretty easy to do.
@BOB WALKER posted:You cannot stay number one in a hobby if you don't embrace innovation. Wonder when they will tackle the other elephant in the room, battery power.
You can if you are the only game in town. They are just using stuff already available on the phone to accomplish this. I am not sure what bluetooth 5 has to do with this. If that were the case, it couldn't be backward compatible.
Brendan
Honestly? What a stupid, nonsensical, frivolous, and useless gimmick.
I'd rather see Lionel spend their limited capital getting color schemes right or upping their manufacturing quality control.
Gimme a break.
George
The Department of Appropriate Rhetoric at Lionel may pre-program the LVC system to ignore certain four-letter words spoken to (or shouted at) locomotives via Bluetooth. Just as states pre-program certain letters/words from custom license plates.
Kids and grandkids will surely enjoy commanding a train by their voice, just like Captain Jon-Luc Picard aboard the starship Enterprise. Perhaps dads and grandads will enjoy "talking" to a train and demonstrating EXECUTIVE COMMAND of the trains on a layout and impressing the youngsters -- until they learn the "secret."
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
@G3750 posted:Honestly? What a stupid, nonsensical, frivolous, and useless gimmick.
I'd rather see Lionel spend their limited capital getting color schemes right or upping their manufacturing quality control.
Gimme a break.
George
So what are your ideas for getting the younger generation involved? The target audience will be the younger folks who embrace the technology and like the gimmicky stuff. I certainly don't necessarily see myself using it but if it can pull in some kids who's faces are stuck to their phones then whats the harm especially since it's an option on the app and you don't have to use it.
I get the whole QC and paint thing, I suffered through it last year, but if Lionel doesn't sell starter sets with gimmicky things we won't have to worry about the color of paint on a $1200 engine because they won't be making them.
There's a place for both.
Am I misreading other threads or are there problems with all the hightech that's already stuffed into today's models?
Makes a guy wonder if toddlers are having the same issues when they're hard at work pushing their wooden toy trains across the floor or in the sand box? Of course they still have to look out for termites...LOL
@G3750 posted:Honestly? What a stupid, nonsensical, frivolous, and useless gimmick.
Unless... Your train takes off toward that open bridge you forgot to close. Instead of fumbling for the all stop button, you just say ALL STOP.
That might be a benefit.
@MartyE posted:I certainly don't necessarily see myself using it but if it can pull in some kids who's faces are stuck to their phones then whats the harm especially since it's an option on the app and you don't have to use it.
Won't they be talking into their phones to use the app?
Rusty
@Rusty Traque posted:Won't they be talking into their phones to use the app?
Rusty
Yes but at least they'll be using it to operate trains rather than gaming which could lead to actually building a layout.
Its not something I may use but I may give it a try. Besides just because its there does not mean you have to use it. One thing is true " technology keeps advancing "
Dave
@MartyE posted:So what are your ideas for getting the younger generation involved? The target audience will be the younger folks who embrace the technology and like the gimmicky stuff. I certainly don't necessarily see myself using it but if it can pull in some kids who's faces are stuck to their phones then whats the harm especially since it's an option on the app and you don't have to use it.
I get the whole QC and paint thing, I suffered through it last year, but if Lionel doesn't sell starter sets with gimmicky things we won't have to worry about the color of paint on a $1200 engine because they won't be making them.
First, I don't have to come up with any ideas for getting the younger generation involved to dispute this stupidity. One isn't necessarily connected to the other.
However, I will humor you. My ideas for involving the younger generation:
- Make your layout open to young children on a regular basis. Host a few open houses, perhaps around the holidays.
- Build your layout to have a kid's loop or set up a loop of track just for them.
- Hand them a LC remote or other remote slaved to a train on that track (item 2 above).
- Lionel should continue to exploit the popular characters and themes for children (Disney, Marvel, Nascar, etc.).
- Encourage them to construct related items. Teach them about railroads. Take them to railroad museums. Have fun with them.
Starter sets that work reliably (LionChief is a grand slam winner there), that engage their imaginations, that promote intelligent play, and that allow them to build related toys and buildings are an excellent introduction to trains.
"But after further review, the call on the ice still stands: Voice control of trains is still stupid."
George
@Ron045 posted:Unless... Your train takes off toward that open bridge you forgot to close. Instead of fumbling for the all stop button, you just say ALL STOP.
That might be a benefit.
"Alexa, stop all trains"
"I'm sorry, I didn't get that."
My money's on the Stop button. 
George
@G3750 posted:First, I don't have to come up with any ideas for getting the younger generation involved to dispute this stupidity. One isn't necessarily connected to the other.
However, I will humor you. My ideas for involving the younger generation:
- Lionel should continue to exploit the popular characters and themes for children (Disney, Marvel, Nascar, etc.).
Starter sets that work reliably (LionChief is a grand slam winner there), that engage their imaginations, that promote intelligent play, and that allow them to build related toys and buildings are an excellent introduction to trains.
"But after further review, the call on the ice still stands: Voice control of trains is still stupid."
George
Only 1 suggestion for Lionel which I agree with BTW. All your other suggestions are things we should be doing which again I'm 100% on board with.
You can call it stupid and gimmicky but the bottom line is Lionel and the other train manufacturers have to get creative to keep kids interested in the product and to sell trains. They are competing against a lot of technology. Don't get me wrong at first I was thinking, why as well? Then I realized they are not doing this to attract me to buy their products, they already have me as a customer. They are looking to attract new blood. While you certainly have your opinion and I respect that, I see this as opening the hobby up to those that might otherwise pass it over for another computer game.
I also think a parent with a child or even an adult with a disability wouldn't think voice command trains are stupid. I bet they may disagree even more so than me. Sometime you have to look beyond your own layout.
The good news is it's all app based and the app is free. As far as someone like you, you'll never even know it's there.
G3750: Like your idea for kids. Don't forget having them join the Boy Scouts of America and earning the Railroad Acheivement Badge.
Oh yes, I almost forgot, how silly of me: Be sure and introduce them to O Gauge Railroading. This is a MUST!
Does the Voice Control App understand curse words?
@MartyE posted:The good news is it's all app based and the app is free. As far as someone like you, you'll never even know it's there.
Don't even think of implying that I am a technological Luddite. I have a MS in Computer Science, a 40 year track record of success and innovation, and teach software engineering. I am a proponent of intelligent use of technology (where it's applicable and useful). Someone with disabilities might benefit from such a technology, but by and large, it's still stupid.
George
@G3750 posted:Don't even think of implying that I am a technological Luddite. I have a MS in Computer Science, a 40 year track record of success and innovation, and teach software engineering. I am a proponent of intelligent use of technology (where it's applicable and useful). Someone with disabilities might benefit from such a technology, but by and large, it's still stupid.
George
I did not imply that you are a technological Luddite. I meant that someone who doesn't want to use it. I will just say to each their own. I think it's a positive move for those who want it and isn't forced upon those who don't. Optional in every sense. Let's not have the thread deleted. Lot's of good discussion here on the pros and cons.
@bigkid posted:Interesting advance, it isn't earthshaking technology (voice recognition is pretty mature at this point), ......
FWIW, I have a serious speech impediment and when I call pharmacy (or other voice input systems) most times I get "I'm sorry I did not understand", then repeats the command again until I give up and call the pharmacy person who asks why I don't use the voice input. So no, voice recognition is not mature it has a LONG way to go to recognize any kinds of voice, dialect, impediment etc.
You may chuckle but believe me its frustrating. I imagine using this Lionel system I would have trains crashing into each other or flying off the track......
@rrman posted:FWIW, I have a serious speech impediment and when I call pharmacy (or other voice input systems) most times I get "I'm sorry I did not understand", then repeats the command again until I give up and call the pharmacy person who asks why I don't use the voice input. So no, voice recognition is not mature it has a LONG way to go to recognize any kinds of voice, dialect, impediment etc.
You may chuckle but believe me its frustrating. I imagine using this Lionel system I would have trains crashing into each other or flying off the track......
I would imagine knowing what you know about yourself, then you probably wouldn't use this technology and just stick with a remote, the app minus the voice control enabled, or transformer control.
Just to reiterate, this is a function of the LC App and not the engines themselves. If you don't use the app there is no voice control and if you do, it can be disabled.
@MartyE posted:I would imagine knowing what you know about yourself, then you probably wouldn't use this technology and just stick with a remote, the app minus the voice control enabled, or transformer control.
Just to reiterate, this is a function of the LC App and not the engines themselves. If you don't use the app there is no voice control and if you do, it can be disabled.
Marty,
Very true. I don't have the Lionel system anyway, but just musing about what might happen if I did have it. 
Anyway don't want this thread to veer off an interesting technology advance, just hoping their system is tolerant of imperfect speakers. 
So just closing this dangler thread.
Anyone who says that this tech is worthless has obviously forgotten how a kid plays with their trains.
Imagine laying on the floor next to the FasTrack... ordering the engineer to back down to your consist... playing the dispatcher or the engineer or the fireman. Now imagine the train actually following your orders!
Now imagine having your friends joining in.
Jon 
One of the great benefits of announcing a new operating method is that it wakes up so many of us modelers regardless of how we view the new development. Lionel is very professional and totally understands this. Look at their recent track record of new concepts including LC, LC+ and LC2.0.
"Dave, I am overriding your command for the Sante Fe Switcher to go forward. I think it is a poor choice. You should know better. . . . Would you like for me to sing you a song? . . . . Daisy . . . Daisy . . . give me your answer true."
It's not really a gimmick. People are using their phones that way today.
Brendan
