What if...and solution?

@CALNNC posted:

could all the electronics be ripped out, a rectifier and filter installed feeding the motors through a simple electronic or relay interlocked E unit, and run like old school Lionel

AKA conventional operation.

Of course, it's just a DC can motor. A rectifier, and if you want lights or LEDs, some additional wiring and considerations but lots of ways to skin that cat. MTH used 6V bulbs in PS2, and then LEDs in PS3.

Point being, MTH made great models with great chassis and motor trucks, made to last a very long time. I've even done a few conversions of MTH engines to ERR for friends who wanted TMCC.

Or you could go with wireless control as that seems to be gaining ground in dc applications. Old  With all the money in this hobby someone would fill the void.

All depends on how much $$$ you want to invest. I've got a few MPC engines that I want to pull the mechanical e-units from and install Dallee reversing boards.
Cheapest option is add a bridge and run forward only. Upgrades on MTH engines can be done with PS3/2 stacker boards (but $$$$).
The newer Blunami, etc boards are an interesting option as well.

Just my $.02

Bob

A rectifier would be required, but it's definitely possible to control DC "can" motors with an electromechanical e-unit.  And solid-state electronic e-units have been available from QSI, Dallee, and even some unknown vendors on e-bay for several years now.  Electronic board failures might cause the loss of sounds or special features, but they will not cause any modern era train to become inoperable.

Mechanical parts are a different story.  In the future it's likely that we'll have to cannibalize.  The general rule is, the more of something that was made, the more likely you'll be able to find another one to steal parts from 40 years from now.  I think MTH has done a better job with the standardization of parts and designs than Lionel in recent years.

I don't lose any sleep over this, because I'll probably want another new train before the ones I have wear out!  And by the time they do, I'll be pretty worn out myself!