Its been reported by Dave and Ryan that there are parts available for repair, we can only speculate for how long. Also the current software version will be the last and was written to work with the Cab3.

Pete

 

Also the current software version will be the last and was written to work with the Cab3.

Except for that confirmed bug (legacy crane car) identified in CAB2 version 1.7

Lionel TMCC and Legacy Crane cars with CAB2 update 1.7

I saw this topic and sadly had not tested or run my crane cars (I have both an earlier TMCC version and the later Legacy version along with matching sound crane cars) and just tested since I had updated my CAB2s to 1.7 firmware...

www.modeltrainforum.com

 

Eventually the hand held remotes will become history. How long will they be supported by Lionel, only Lionel knows.

Bill

 

Eventually the hand held remotes will become history. How long will they be supported by Lionel, only Lionel knows.

I think you assume facts not in evidence. While Lionel and MTH may attempt to kill the physical remote, the market place will determine if they become history. FWIW, MTH appears to already have softened their stance on the remote and are talking about a new version of a physical remote.

 

I wonder if some third party may decide to modify their existing remote to work with Lionel’s systems if given access from Lionel. Didn’t Lionel already give access to the Legacy code.

I’m thinking of several DCC systems that have physical remotes. One is in fact very close to the MTH DCS remote in appearance.

Is there a market.

 

Electronics have always had a short shelf life compared to toy trains. As a computer engineer I have made my living moving my customers off of Windows 98, XP, 7, etc., to the latest Microsoft release.
GM car owners are constantly cursing GM as their OnStar systems go obsolete with no upgrade.
At least Legacy and TMCC operators are being offered an alternative as the new systems are all backwards compatible. Not the case with Windows 11 and my 10 year old perfectly good $300 brother printer.
The future is with Bluetooth and remote apps. And be prepared to have to update your phone every 2-4 years as the apps change.
As the Mandalorian say, "This is the way".

 

And be prepared to have to update your phone every 2-4 years as the apps change.
As the Mandalorian say, "This is the way".

FWIW, that's already the case with the Lionel Lionchief app. It runs fine on my Galaxy S21, but won't run on an older but still not that old Galaxy Note 4. The malarkey about using an old phone for a remote is obviously just that, malarkey!

 

So, just pick up an Apple iPhone. Some models are available from companies like MicroCenter refurbished for less than $300. Or pick up a new iPad for $309 from them or $320 from an Apple store.

In fact the Apple stores offer trade in on new merchandise even for other companies products.

 

So, just pick up an Apple iPhone.

Well, that's a non-starter. If I wanted an Apple phone, I would have already bought one.

 

Just what I needed, an Apple commercial.

 

Just what I needed, an Apple commercial.

Similar capabilities with Android/Google. For example: If I view location on my PC in Google maps, that address is at the top of the list if when I open my android phone app for directions. There's lots of other "linked" capabilities I do not use ... (or can explain )

Sounds like they took a page out of Apples book. I think most devices take advantage of the Cloud to both back up systems as well as share information between devices. Frankly, I like the idea of taking a photo with either my iPad or iPhone and have it sent to all my Apple devices.

Why do you think Lionel chose the Apple products for their first introduction to WIFI and controlling their trains with a phone APP. Perhaps they saw it as a more stable platform not to mention safer.

 

If it wasn't for the video capabilities of my iPhone I would still have an android model. In fact, I still do and is kept in reserve for when I get fed up with this iPhone and Apple software.