Miscellaneous ramblings about O27 Conventional

Ahitpy

I started my layout 40 years ago somewhat like you.  Conventional control was the only way to go then.  The layout has two "state of the art" for the times, relayed and blocked loops to allow two trains at time on one loop.  The layout works very well even today and is it too much effort and money to go modern.  All my post war locomotives would be obsolete as well as the layout and a brand new modern locos or two would cost as much or more than all my 50 so mostly vintage post war locos.

I also think operating a modern control system with 31 switches would be harder and more confusing than using my two current Active Touch Track Plan Diagram Control Panels.

One great thing about this hobby is there is room for older traditional toy trains and layouts and the new, high tech, more realistic trains, operating systems and layouts. 

It is all about having enjoyment in collecting, planing, building, sharing and operating trains.

Charlie

Presently, the only high tech I use is my Z-4000.

I tried Legacy/TMCC years ago, and considered DCS, but ultimately went back to and I ran only conventional, and still like it: the only system that runs everything, and the way my Dad taught me to operate a toy train.  

But lately I have bee seduced by the simplicity and dependability of Lionchief Plus, and have bunch of that now.  Still run a lot of conventional though . . . 

That Lionchief Plus is very innovative and user-friendly!

I run TMCC Conv.  The square wave of thevTMCC does help PW motors run smoother.  And it does give a type of remote control.  

But the O22 switches are operated by HAND.  But with the Cab1, I can follow the train and operate the switches.

Now, Lionel needs to take the clicker control of LionChief, and have a clicker controlled transformer.  Or a simplified PowerMaster with a clicker.  Call it Trainmaster LionChief (TMLC)?

@Tinplate Art posted:

Presently, the only high tech I use is my Z-4000.

Me too!

And, that same answer (Me too) also applies to the comments about Lion Chief Plus. User friendliness and relative simplicity is essential for me, enabling me to relax (my "1 priority) running trains. I can also relax running MTH Proto 1, 2 and 3 conventionally using the MTH 4000, a fabulous transformer IMO.