Clem. batteries go in the locos. two rail guys are doing it now. most get several hours of operation between charges. no need for a battery car. lots of info on dead rail out there. I would like to see a big reduction of the electronics size in these locos. DCC decoders in the scale world are about 2" X 3" for sound and control on one board. and also need to do something about the very unrealistic cab and radio chatter.
@daylight posted:White smoke would be great
I’m talking about like black smoke fluid the stuff we already have is mainly white
I have two features that I really want to see MTH and Lionel add to their respective command systems: sand fill/application buttons with corresponding sounds on engines, and dynamic brake control simulation with sound on diesel locos so equipped.
Operators could simulate loading sand into the sand compartments on a locomotive and then simulate the application of sand to increase traction. The feature would also have corresponding sound effects.
The dynamic brakes could be used with Lionel's Legacy Train Brake lever, and Legacy operators could switch between normal train brakes and dynamic brakes by pressing the AUX-3 key. I don't know how MTH would make the dynamic brake feature work without an update to the app or a new remote.
Also, a new DCS remote that works with the new WTIU and a new Legacy 2.0 system with some new features (including the ones I mentioned above) could be made.
Engineer micro camera mounted in the cab, that is WiFi / Bluetooth enabled for viewing live. Russ
@ricka1 posted:I use battery powered tools, a battery powered lawn mower, and drive a battery powered car. I think the next big revolution, and it's already taking root, is battery power for our O gauge trains. With the current state of battery technology, and things like Bluetooth control, it's only a matter of time before all the features we enjoy in our Legacy, LionChief+ 2.0, and DCS locos can be integrated into a cohesive battery powered package. Imagine the pleasure of never having to worry about wiring challenges, the tedious task of track cleaning, and all the other related things that plague us today! That's what I'd call the next "great feature".
Battery operation here now in several forms. As technology develops and becomes an option, this will offer even more opportunity of choice. Locos already have multiple ways to control the locomotive. The next step would be to offer options of power delivery. Track power or battery power. Battery technology is getting better, locos can have room for a internal battery, with a charge port. Look how small out cell phones are these days. I've converted several lLC+ locos to battery power on my outdoor layout, and get 3 to 4 hours of run time on a 2200 mAh battery. Yes I do use a trailing car, but I'm looking at other alternatives.
@Slugger posted:A mode that simulates wheel-slip or makes starting a train difficult?
Here I am, talking to myself, but last night I finally got around to unboxing Lionel's latest PRR S1. When I looked through the manual, lo-and-behold there was a command to simulate wheel-slip! 
I haven't tried it out yet, and although it seems it's just a smoke and sound effect, I'm still curious. Still would be nice to add some difficulty with starting a train.
@Slugger posted:Here I am, talking to myself, but last night I finally got around to unboxing Lionel's latest PRR S1. When I looked through the manual, lo-and-behold there was a command to simulate wheel-slip!
Remove the traction tires...
Rusty
Better quality control.
John
@rattler21 posted:About twenty years ago either Lionel or MTH had a passenger platform(under roof) with passengers awaiting the train. When the train departed, all passengers must have boarded as none were on the platform. I have not seen one operate, only saw the catalog listing. Perhaps a Forum member has one. John
Shouldn't be too hard to manage...the train hits a lever (arrows on the side) and the passengers on the platform get dumped into a bin under the platform (out of view behind the train)...something like my crude drawing.
Yes, for now I will not give up my day job to be an engineer...(except a toy train engineer). 
Tom
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@Joe Fermani posted:Lionel has already done this in the Vision Line Niagara. Lionel called it "Force Coupler". They have not released this feature in other locomotives yet.
Also on the GS visionline series
@dkdkrd posted:Just like that farm field featuring festering fertilizer...
Ah, the 'Breadbasket's" bouquet on a summer's day!
Might want to check with the spouse, though, before adding to the layout's ambiance!
(Oh, wow! Hmmmm. Interesting...I just realized the blue and red colors of the manure spreading equipment above! Subliminal? Metaphorical?
)
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BTW...Another vote cast for BATTERY POWER!
Driving through Lancaster, Pa. a few years ago with my two young sons we passed an Amish version of the vehicle in your pictures, the stuff was going everywhere, we all laughed, and the kids named it the Poo-Flinger.
Battery power occurred to me as the biggest innovation to come, then I thought about leaking batteries, and the thought disappeared.
Leaking batteries were a factor of old dry cell and even nicad batteries. Modern Lithium batteries don't leak, and next generation batteries even less likely. There are still issues with lithium batteries and overheating, but leaking isn't one of the problems.
Several postings mentioned battery power locos. I support this but recognize that there is an unresolved issue with a simple recharging configuration. There is a development taking place which could result in a battery which never requires recharging and will supply power indefinitely. If this became available, I could envision that all our future locos would be wireless battery powered.
@Slugger posted:Here I am, talking to myself, but last night I finally got around to unboxing Lionel's latest PRR S1. When I looked through the manual, lo-and-behold there was a command to simulate wheel-slip!
I have a Williams brass N&W J class that I ran the traction tires off of a long time ago. It starts with a little wheel slip before digging in and pulling the train I have assigned to it. Very convincing effect and nicely low tech.
@BOB WALKER posted:Several postings mentioned battery power locos. I support this but recognize that there is an unresolved issue with a simple recharging configuration. There is a development taking place which could result in a battery which never requires recharging and will supply power indefinitely. If this became available, I could envision that all our future locos would be wireless battery powered.
Such a thing would not be a battery,by definition a battery needs recharging. As far as indefinitely goes, you could have some kind of ion based fuel cell that lasts a really long time, but wouldn't be infinite (I realize that when you say infinite, you mean likely not in our lifetime or whatever... An infinite power source doesn't exist, it can't, thermodynamics states that entropy increases to a maximum, even the stars are not infinite in terms of lifetime. I think battery technology is getting there, though, that we will see a battery to fit in trains that can run for several hours and could be recharged 80% in like 10 minutes within the next 5 years or so (assuming it doesn't take an 800kw charger to do that *lol*)>
A completely different paradigm in model railroad control. The most realistic layout control possible with exact replication of ABS (Automatic Block Control) and CTC (Centralized Traffic Control). The most realistic locomotive control using realistic graphic-based controls with a realistic locomotive response based on locomotive tractive effort and simulated train loading. And, the two are tied together with one or both being automatic or semi-automatic, or both being manual.
An example, the operator sets the locomotive to automatic and controls train movement on the CTC Dispatch screen. The train slows for yellow indication on signals, stops for red indications, and proceeds at full track speed on green indications. The CTC Dispatch operator selects turnouts to change the locomotive route. Collisions are avoided on multiple trains since the CTC system includes features like tumble-down to prevent two trains from occupying the same track section and going in opposite directions.
A similar scenario where the CTC Dispatch is set to automatic and the train engineer controls the train using in-cab signaling. Back up safety utilizing a PTC (Positive Train Control) system.
I have a ways to go on development, but these are the things Scaled Automation is working on.
Comments and feedback are appreciated.
Russ says "Engineer micro camera mounted in the cab, that is WiFi / Bluetooth enabled for viewing live." You are on the right track. How about a small camera that is actually three cameras in one.. one for straight ahead and the others for left and right. With the cost of monitors so low, you could set up a chair with three monitors surrounding you and make it appear that you are looking out of the cab. Add a control stand and some gauges and PRESTO! you are actually driving the train. Did you read that, LIONEL/ATLAS? Available in both 2 and 3 rail, of course.
On train Loco wireless battery recharging like iphone & others use, with a charging plate or special track piece,
for near non-stop running without track contract problems or signal loss.
Universal DCC/DCS/TMCC control signal acceptance across all brands.
We can dream....
I can think of something, how about some sort of suppressor field that suppresses complaining endemic in the O gauge world "It is too expensive", "people who run conventional are cave men", "People who run modern stuff are going to regret it","York should be member only", "Kids today, all they care about are cell phones and video games, they aren't interested in doing anything real,they have no attention span and want instant gratification", "Crop dusting is a serious problem at trains shows", "My postwar collection is worth 10c on the dollar from what I paid for them, it isn't fair" "My local hobby store closed, it is terrible how LHS's are going under, where am I going to go to look at engines so I know what to order from a discount place?" *lol*.
Whatever the next great feature, it's nice to be able to buy a lower priced traditional version, with the opportunity to upgrade later. Headlight, E-unit, smoke and whistle are good enough for me. I do like the newer lighting options, remote uncoupling, better slow speed operation, and knowing which direction the loco will move when power is applied. But I'd rather see more of my favorite roadnames (Boston and Albany, AEC) at prices under $500. That said, if someone ever produces an RS-1 in AEC Hanford Works orange with working trashcan triple bulb gyralights, all the electronics imaginable. and a four-pack of cask cars, I'll reconsider!
Non-powered engines that cost 25% of the powered version.
I would love to see some kind of technology that would create a virtual yard master/dispatcher/whatever so I can play better by myself.
In the same digital vein, more details on the locomotive would be cool like water, sand, boiler pressure maybe, fuel, etc. Details on freight would be cool but I know that requires a second sensor to determine when you're at your destination.
Basically I think the digital element interacting with the outside world would be awesome. Some people are into running trains on a loop and that's excellent. I was always more of a purpose-driven operator. I want to do stuff with my trains. I think modern electronics could grow that end of the hobby a lot.
Shrinking electronics would be nice but I assume there must be a limitation here, otherwise it would be done.
I've seen some really great suggestions in this thread. I hope the manufacturers see it and head to the drawing board!
VSR for lionchief plus 2.0
legacy 2.0 - a universal system that can run everything ever made with no additional hardware
locomotive camera- long overdue
a legacy cab 2 jr remote - smaller remote still with the LCD screen but with much simpler controls and a cheaper price and it could also work off bluetooth so a base is optional . I think we were supposed to get a junior version of TMCC in the 90s but it never took off. it would be great for people like me who wants all the features of Lionchief plus 2.0 but is very intimidated by the current cab 1 and cab 2 remote. it could have 3 engine channels like the universal remote but then all the necessary buttons for tower, crew etc.
i swear i need to work at lionel because i might have some really good ideas
Would anyone be interested in a graphic user interface on a tablet or phone connecting to a Legacy base via Bluetooth or WiFi ? I have always envisioned a screen for creating consists (or lashups for the restovus) that replicated what we saw on the back panel of our 1:1 locomotives: a headlight control switch. For each locomotive in the 1:48 consist, set the headlight switch to the proper setting, and this would tell the Base everything it needs to know in regard to locomotive position.
I mean, make it real.
Whether we call it a battery or something else, wouldn't it be nice to have continuously powered locos without the necessity for track power with all its delightful problems.
Your calls for smaller electronics and batteries in "O" gauge engines are already possible. You just need to look outside your Legacy and PS-3 systems paradigm. Here is an MTH GP38 I upgraded to battery power.
More than 3 hours continuous running on a charge, Onboard charging (no removal required), PCB protection from over charge / discharge / short.
Much smaller footprint, provides Loco control, features control, sounds (downloadable and/or custom made).
If interested in more info, just search on this forum for RailPro and ron045 in the advanced search and you will see my two projects.
Ron
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I believe that when most people talk about battery control they mean factory installed batteries with a simple recharging system. Perhaps a manufacturer could develop a recharging track to recharge any engine sitting on it.
Most of my engines sit in the yard or on a siding while I am running a different engine. It would be cool if they could be recharged while waiting for their next run without having to plug in any wires, etc. NH Joe
This is not a great feature and won’t be prototypical but I would like the ability to switch via cab2 to either 4 chuffs or 2 chuffs per rev. Small wheeled locos at 4 chuffs become a constant noise eliminating the chuff sound altogether.
I thought of a feature that I want to see on Lionel, MTH, and Atlas O modern diesels. If you look at a modern diesel, such as a GEVO or SD70ACe, the bearing caps rotate. Lionel, MTH, and Atlas have the rotating bearing caps on freight cars, and the feature is realistic, but I want the feature on locomotives, too. Scaletrains, a company that makes highly detailed HO and N Scale models, has rotating bearing caps on their modern diesel models.
I feel bad saying this but I just assumed O scale diesels had the rotating bearing caps. It seems like a great detail that wouldn't be too much trouble to add. I hope they can add this in the future!
A inexpensive car that can hold your cellphone (with a adjustable mount for viewing). This way you place your cellphone into the holder and run your train around the layout. It wouldn’t easy to make👍😊
What's with the battery obsession? Seriously, who wants to keep buying and replacing batteries, or needing to recharge them constantly??? What a pain in the butt! If batteries become the standard, I won't be buying any new products. Rechargeable batteries are not that reliable and die faster as time goes by. (My cellphone lasted a day and a half when new, but now needs charging 2-3 times per day. It is a year and a half old). Nope, I'll stay with electric.
@RonH posted:A inexpensive car that can hold your cellphone (with a adjustable mount for viewing). This way you place your cellphone into the holder and run your train around the layout. It wouldn’t easy to make👍😊
This is a good idea actually. You can use an old cell phone and a video chat app to see around the layout instead of dedicated wifi video hardware. This would be a cool DIY project.
I'm also not a fan of the battery idea @Brian DeFazio. I would give it a shot if there someone had a train to let me try it but I don't know if there are many benefits to it. I am always open to change though.
BillYo414:
I am going to need some Beta testing on my BPRC locomotives in a month or two. My thought is that I would send you a locomotive ready to run, with a charger and a tablet. You would test (play with) it for a while, then give me comments. Once done testing you would send the hardware back to me at my expense.
If you or others are interested, please send me a PM and I will start a list.
A teaser: realistic Cab Control with Reverser, Throttle, Air Brakes, Auxiliary Brakes, Dynamic Brakes, real-time acceleration/deceleration based on the train being modeled, in-cab fuel level (battery charge indication), and more. I believe the most prototype realistic locomotive operation available.
How about something we've been asking for since Post-War: Operating couplers that don't need a scale 25 mph to close and open. I'd like to have much more realistic coupling in freight yards.
Paul
@bigkid posted:Leaking batteries were a factor of old dry cell and even nicad batteries. Modern Lithium batteries don't leak, and next generation batteries even less likely. There are still issues with lithium batteries and overheating, but leaking isn't one of the problems.
No disrespect meant, if O gauge went to "Dead rail", why use a 3 rail?
Dick
@Railrunnin posted:How about something we've been asking for since Post-War: Operating couplers that don't need a scale 25 mph to close and open. I'd like to have much more realistic coupling in freight yards.
Paul
They're called Kadee couplers...
Rusty
@Rusty Traque posted:They're called Kadee couplers...
Rusty
And they don't come with any car or engine I've ever bought EXCEPT for certain K-Line Plymouths. I'm talking about standard equipment - not retrofits.
Paul
