what would you like to see on future engines?

Keep the rubber traction tires. I run mostly 18 and 21 inch car passenger trains and the proper engines to pull these trains would not work without traction tires.

True, real railroads did not have rubber bands for traction, but we don't have sand for our toys to help the little guys get moving.

Charlie

1) steam effects on more engines or the option to purchase an engine with or without steam effects

2) doppler sound effects

3) sand discharge sound effects

4) wheel slip (OK, not a clue how to achieve that)

5) more specific sound effects matched to the engine in contrast to generic sound

6) more "refined" crew talk which actually sounds like the crew knows what they are doing

I agree, Charlie.  As much as I dislike the traction tires, there is no way I would be able to run my K-Line 21" NYC Empire State Express train with just the MTH ESE Hudson, nor my GGD 21" Daylight train with the Sunset/3rd Rail brass SP GS-4, if it were not for the traction tires.

Remember, as Charlie correctly pointed out, our model steam locomotives do NOT have working sanders, nor do they have the added tractive effort of a Franklin Railway Supply Booster Engine on the trailing truck, as the NYC Hudson and SP Daylight locomotives did, for starting heavy passenger trains.

MAGLEV

Toys that are priced for what they are, and not like a 60" LCD widescreen TV with a full stereo system or an expensive Lawn and Garden Tractor. If the price trend keeps going like this, you will be able to buy valuable art and antiques for less money!!!!

Antiques are just old stuff, and art just hangs on the wall, or sits on a pedestal, it doesn't smoke, whistle, light-up, or run on track.

An Elgin, Joliet & Eastern paint job.  

- Mike