Plans for an updated "Command Control for Toy Trains" book?

[Benjamin Maggi]

I am just getting into O scale and have a lot to learn about the various command control systems. I see Kalmbach has a book on the subject, but the more recent 2nd edition is from 2009 which was 11 years ago. Since then, I imagine newer products have come onto the market. Does Kalmbach have plans to update and reissue the book?

Thanks.

[BigAl 956]

Yep, any book published over 10 years ago about Model Train technology is hopelessly out of date. How bout an update Kalmbach? In the meanwhile post your questions, lots of expertise lurking here to help you out.

[bobhwalker]

Any new book on command control should include the proliferation of currently available wireless control systems as well.

[Benjamin Maggi]

I don't have any questions yet. But, I wanted a book I could sit down and read that would bring me up to speed with the current state of command control systems out there.

[smokey1]

My suggestion would be to go to lionel.com and look up "Legacy 990" That is Lionel's command system now. Also, go to MTHtrains.com and look up their system. From what I understand you need to have a phone/tablet etc to operate their newest system. " DCS " 

I come in with a neutral attitude for you, My preference is Lionel's system, But yours may be Lionel or MTH, I leave that for you to decide. I know very little about DCS. 

But believe if you read about their system and what it takes to operate it, you can get an idea of how you wish to go with it. I started out with the original TMCC and right now have all 3 systems, TMCC, LegacyL, and Legacy. I'm presently using the LegacyL system. 

[pennytrains]

Can't forget about the new smartphone apps.  They've come along too since 2009.

[Flintlock76]

This is why I run conventional, and conventional only.

As my man Scotty says:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4WJsp16CpY  

[bobhwalker]

Model railroad control systems have come a long way. In addition to the well known proprietary systems (Legacy & DCS), there are a substantial number of aftermarket systems as well. Over the past few years, I have tested seven of these systems. My conclusions are that they all require about the same installation effort, but more to the point, they all work well and offer some interesting features. Some use conventional hand held controllers and many use smart device apps. Any new publication on model RR control systems that did not include these would be of limited value to modellers.

[pennytrains]

Flintlock76

This is why I run conventional, and conventional only.

As my man Scotty says:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4WJsp16CpY  

 

Flintlock76

This is why I run conventional, and conventional only.

As my man Scotty says:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4WJsp16CpY  

 

And...

https://youtu.be/Ht0eYGzT5KM

[Flintlock76]

Let me light that up for you:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht0eYGzT5KM

Wise man, ol' Scotty!

[Benjamin Maggi]

bobhwalker

... Any new publication on model RR control systems that did not include these would be of limited value to modellers. 

Thanks. That was what I feared, and wondered if an updated book might be forthcoming.

[bobhwalker]

One issue with a new book on all the latest control systems is that the author would have to acquire a considerable number of systems and then test each.

[bobhwalker]

Conventional transformer based control is really neat and I still use it quite often on my layout along with all the new electronic systems. As a EE, I am intrigued by all these new wireless systems. There is a certain amount of appeal to the smart device app based systems which is hard to ignore.