Questions for Forum MTH product advertisers:
Is this now in production or has production been completed? If completed, are the units now "on the water"? Is there a risk that the dockworkers strike may impact delivery?
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I know this isn't the answer you are looking for. I searched thru prior discussions and someone actually said they heard it was on the water about a year ago! 
I just checked and I had placed an order for one on Oct 2nd 2020. I'm thinking for the first time ever of canceling my order. Times have changed for me and I can make do with the existing DCS system I have.
I believe the last I heard they were taking about delivery this November. Now with the strike, you can kiss that goodbye. I don't expect it to arrive until next year sometime.
I've heard from several sources (that I am confident in) that they're OTW. The strike probably pushed things back a bit, but it is what it is.
Trust me, I completely understand how frustrating it all is.. especially with the lack of availability on the DCS Remote Commander or DCS Explorer... Unless you have an existing TIU, your options are thin short of paying silly money for old TIUs, Explorers, and Remote Commanders. At this stage however, there is almost no point in debating the issue if they've actually hit the water. Whether anyone likes it or not, they'll show up when they show up. We all have choices in the matter of maintaining our orders or jumping ship - pun intended.
If coming back into this hobby from my childhood days has taught me anything, it is that patience is a requirement regardless of if I like it or not.
...still though... horrendously frustrating to say the least. You bring the protest signs and I'll print the T-shirts. :-D
Attending York today, I am able to answer my own question. From MTH:
a) Will be in stores for sale by the 2nd week in November
b) The current DCS hand-held WILL connect by a tether cable that will be made available early in 2025
c) They are looking possibly, very long-term, for a new simplified hand-held remote BUT their DCS design/support department consists of only one person.
d) They are optimistic that their smartphone app user interface will work well and be well received on the initial rollout.
Great news thanks Bruce for passing that along.
I used a tether controller on an HO layout. Super annoying. But you were able unplug it and move it into other jacks on the layout that were wired back to the controller. Hopefully you will be able to do something similar with the DCS remote
In todays email from MTH
M.T.H. Electric Trains will begin shipping the DCS Wi-Fi Interface Unit (WTIU) to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in early November. Designed to revolutionize the way model train enthusiasts interact with their layouts, the DCS WTIU allows users to seamlessly operate their trains using the MTH DCS mobile app, offering convenience and greater control over their model railroad. Whether through the default dedicated MTH Wi-Fi network or integration into an existing home network, the WTIU is an all-in-one system that is easy to set up and begin using.
There are new versions of the iOS and Android apps being released on Friday, November 1, 2024. Users should make sure their devices are upgraded with the new apps when they're released. You must have the new apps to use the WTIU.
Other than the Newsletter the MTH site looks to be down.
