What will be Lionels next control system?

I imagine that beyond the new Cab-1L system and the LionChief system (very basic), you'll likely have to wait a while for anything to replace Legacy, if index anything ever does.  The possible exception might be control via mobile devices and the like, which would basically be an extension of Legacy capabilities.

Allan,  Do you think there will ever be a new system from either of the big guys that will be fully compatible with the other? Like with DCC in HO....

I doubt it.  Each have taken an entirely different approach.  IMO you will still need one system controlled by the other similar to the DCS approach. controlling TMCC.

 

Color screen, drop the charger, network interface.

 

I agree that would be a great idea c. sam. It would be great to have something that is fully compatible like DCC.

With all of the new features coming soon for Legacy, I can't imagine that there are any plans to replace it for many years to come.

 

Yeah, I know legacy wont be replaced for years from now, but I was referring to whenever they do replace it, I didn't mean anytime soon.

That certainly would be very nice--ideal, actually--but I'm sure not holding my breath waiting for it.  DCC is certainly not as "user friendly" as either Legacy or DCS, but I'm still looking forward to playing around with it again once I pull my On30 stuff out of storage.

Legacy can work with DCC... If you are in S scale. Not sure if they will ever put in the O models though. I wish Lionel would follow MTH and offer DCC compatibility with a 2 rail option in O scale.

The creation of the universal MIDI standard was the single most important development in music equipment in the last thirty years. It set the stage for innovation on a common platform for all manufacturers and was a case study for cooperation among competitors for the good of the industry.

I fear our hobby is too small and margins too thin to hope for such a cooperative effort from manufacturers... but the lack of a universal control standard has certainly been a factor in keeping me out of the command arena. I suspect that when it does come, it will be from innovative third parties rather than Lionel or MTH--and will involve voiding warranties to make it work.

a system totally operated by thought control.....

Announcing the TCC (Telepathic Control System) new from Lionel! 

 

You'll be able to control trains using strictly your thoughts.  Our new Thought Stream Technology (C) will make possible a whole new world of operations.

 

Imagine just thinking it and getting your exploding box car to

 

This system will be available the day after tomorrow.

 

Caution:  Not suitable for individuals with personality disorders.

 

 

George 

There is so much more stuff they can add....

 

1. Built in sensors in the front of locs to avoid collision.

2. Ability to assign a engine as "Local" or "Express".  As the engines run around the track, the two engines can communicate to each other as to who gets the right of way.  The lesser engine will automatically stop and let the "Express" pass.

3. Color display on the remote.

4. Engine status on the remote which can show temp of motor, rpms,  and smoke fluid status with indicator of when it needs to be filled. 

5. When controlling a transformer the display will show the amps and volts for the track you are controlling as well the temp of the transformer

6. Have the engines read the railroad signals automatically and stop accordingly until the block is clear.

7. electronics that are so small, they fit into all cars which allows for automatic couplers on all cars.

8. Engines that keep track of water and coal use.  Remote would indicate when the engine needs to stop and simulate refueling.

I think the next step for any train control system would be complete WiFi control through either a phone, tablet, or computer. As devices continue to shrink is size, each train could contain a small WiFi router with memory, a motor driver board, and a speaker. Sound files could be stored on your controlling device and steamed to the train. The routers on each train would form a mesh network and share some basic information with each other. That shared information could include train type, speed, length, and possibly position.

Make it psychokinetic, eliminating the need for electricity.

 

 

 

 

What, me worry? 

 

Rusty

Yep. Cranial implant. Performed at your local Lionel Service Center. Mark my words, it's coming.

Apple has made a deal with MTH, they will have Seri control the trains, you tell Seri what you want done and she will control the trains.

 

Go ahead laugh. She can find where the nearest pizza place is from where your at, you think she can't pull a string of cars from a siding.

 

Siri, go to the refinery and bring me ten tank cars and take them to the hump yard.

I'm looking forward to the day that the sounds are not burned onto a chip, but rather contained on a simcard or microSD card, so that they can be updated or replaced.  I'd esp. like to be able to swap out whistle sounds on steamers (how many different whistles has your favorite excursion engine used?)  I'd also like to see open-source sound files, so that third parties can record and add their own sounds, if they have the equipment to do so.

 

Ive always thought it would be neat if Lionel implemented a device into its engines that can sense that theres something on the track, like a car, other engine, etc. And after you move it out of the way, it would say all clear. Also if you had say, a car on the track on the other side of your layout, just like a real train, the dispatch would say, there is a runaway boxcar 5 miles ahead of you. (in scale miles) And what if it could even detect exactly what the object on the track was?

I'm using jmri with wi throttle for both my dcc and Legacy stuff. Got tired of borrowing a DCC throttle when i had an iPhone.  It works with the legacy remote.

sure hope Jon Z (santa fe fan) is reading these ideas.

We are BORG.  MTH, prepare to be assimulated!

Both technologies already here!!!

I would like to see engines able to record our own sound tracks for the engineer, tower, and yard etc... 

As I recall, the DCC standard was developed and is maintained by a group of model railroaders, not companies.  I think if 'O' gauge were ever to get a common control system, it would require a similar group of 'O' gauge model railroaders to define an 'O' gauge control system standard.  I don't think Lionel or MTH would follow the new standard unless other companies like Bachmann or startup companies adopted the standard and began to have a significant impact on Lionel and MTH sales.

 

Earl

DCC was developed by the NMRA Digital Command Control Working Group consisting of manufacturers AND modelers in the 1990's.  They decided the Lenz Electronic GmbH system showed the greatest promise and worked with Lenz to release the rights for use of the technology outside of Germany.  This then became the basis for the NMRA's DCC Standards and Recommended Practices.

 

Rusty

Something that does't involve radio waves, "fields", and antennas, no offense to Fred Flintstone or Signore Marconi.

GPS/WAAS linked to AI software.

just turn on the power, sit back & watch your trains run themselves.

Without the electromagnetic "fields" that allow electric motors and transformers to work, model trains would be push toys.

Seeing the way that some minds think in this forum, the prospect of thought controlled trains really scares me! 

Next one is going to have a credit card swiper built into it.

Every time you want to do something, you're going to have to swipe your card

...a few safety features would be great:

1) auto shut off on all smoke units when temp exceeds a specified value - would save a few smoke units, and in some cases body shells

2) dead-man switch (if loss of control signal or absolute speed exceeds XX, then the locomotive comes to a stop (might help a lot when you knock your beer over on-top of the command unit --- not that I have done this, as I usually drink Scotch, and heaven forbid that any of it should ever get spilt!

3) I like the idea of a scanner on the point that would stop the train if an object were detected on the track (i.e. empty scotch glass), or in some cases, where there is no track (think drawbridge)

...and of course, the locomotive sound system should berate you profusely if any of these features should be activated

r0d

 

I doubt you'll ever see that happen.

 

For one thing, the O gauge community is has so many factions that they would never be able to get together on a common standard.

 

Second, the manufacturers are not apt to jump on board no matter what a group comes up with.  Their investment is already too great to turn in another direction.  In sort, it's too late in the game for them to be interested.  The closest you're likely to see is what MTH is already doing by offering DCS and DCC capability in the same locomotive, selected by a slide switch.

Good Topic.  I am a great believer in technology. My problem with it is it

takes me sometime to understand it.  This Forum helped me a great deal in

learning the TMCC system.  I have not upgraded to Legacy.  I am very happy

wtih my Cab 1.  It does not mean sometime in the future I will not get the bug and

install Legacy.

 

As far as DCC & TMCC getting together and providing one integrated system, it

would be great for the hobby.  However, it will only happend if the market demands

it.

 

As far as the next control system for O Gauge Trains, I will leave that to the guys on

The Big Bang Theory.  Can you imagine what Sheldon and the guys could come up with?

 

 

Many thanks,

 

Billy C

I am guessing, but I think we are still on the steep upward slope, as far as digital control technology is concerned.  I will bet that there is one more iteration, and that it will make DCS, Legacy, and DCC obsolete.  Battery technology might also enter in the picture.

 

Totally unenlightened opinion.

With todays technology there is no limit. There probably working on new systems to replace the current DCS, Legacy etc. Remember there in business to sell you there product over there competitions. 

For Lionel, I'd like to see them start with a recharger that works properly *THEN* talk about other features.