Lionel electronic archetecture from LionChief+ to $2000 locos

You do realize that since the inception of DCS you could run any MTH loco with the same remote and their app works just as well as Lionel's (rhetorical)?   Both Lionel and MTH are good and many own items from both.  If one chooses one over the other, that's fine.

Sounds like you're trying to start a brand war.  If not, please disregard.  In that case, I agree anything the manufacturers can do to attract new hobbyists is good. 

-Greg

Actually have pre orders in for 2 MTH locos - run them on different layouts. Think MTH runs better in conventional (Z1000) than Lionel.  Example MTH locos smoke as good in conventional as in DCS where Legacy locos don't smoke well for long - I know having tried it.

I run and like both.  I sure wish Lionel would get their QC act together, but the other makers aren't totally immune to QC issues either.  Don't get me started on the lame MTH "wireless" drawbar!

Greg Houser posted:

You do realize that since the inception of DCS you could run any MTH loco with the same remote and their app works just as well as Lionel's (rhetorical)?   Both Lionel and MTH are good and many own items from both.  If one chooses one over the other, that's fine.

Sounds like you're trying to start a brand war.  If not, please disregard.  In that case, I agree anything the manufacturers can do to attract new hobbyists is good. 

-Greg

Nothing sounds remotely like a brand war to me. Just saying that what Lionel did with bluetooth was a good move. Never said a word about MTH.

Greg Houser posted:

Sounds like you're trying to start a brand war.  If not, please disregard.  In that case, I agree anything the manufacturers can do to attract new hobbyists is good. 

-Greg

Really?!  How so?

I suppose if you're looking for that you'll find it.

I agree with NS1001. The feature add is pretty nifty to have more options available to control your engines, and more flexibility. In order to compete with all of the other electronic gizmo toys, the apps from Lionel and MTH offer a new appeal to the younger generations.

I agree that Apps are great, especially for appealing to the young, which may be the greatest long term hope for the hobby.

I guess I'm an "if it ain't broke don't fix it" type of guy, I first used a remote about 10 months ago when I first purchased an LC+ engine. Bought 2 more since then. Love using the remote units for LC+ , perfectly content with them, so since it ain't broke, I have no need to fix it by using the App.

It also occurs to me that I also love using my smart phone to make videos of my trains running on my layout. Can't use the LC+ App while making videos on my smartphone.

Most of my modern trains are MTH. Very pleased with them, especially my Proto 2 Steamer and both of my  Proto 3 Diesels. Arnold