Interested in M.T.H. ???

[Big_Boy_4005]

Because of the players and the problems involved in this issue, model railroaders from different scales have been reading and responding. All of this has made me curious.

[dragenrider]

If their HO product is worthy of my hard earned dollars, I'll buy it. If not, then I won't. All the rest is inconsequential hoopla. [:D]

[Anonymous]

Personally, I have just about reached the saturation point of engines that I want, so future purchases will be very well thought out. In fact, I am considering pruning the fleet a bit, and becoming more time frame specific in my modeling. However I am a DCC user, and am very concerned about the future of DCC.
I am not a really big fan of sound, as more than a few sound equipped engines running at one time can be an annoyance.
Smoke is just a novelty that I dont need.
Whatever MTH comes out with, (and for the money they will want) I'm sure I would rather have the same engine in plastic or brass.

[CP5415]

I guess it's a good thing I'm not using DCC huh!

Gordon

[Roadtrp]

I'm just interested in knowing what new technology is out there. It doesn't impact me directly because I model 'N'.

I'm a little oblivious to all the legal stuff and hope to stay that way. Frankly, whether or not companies play nice in the sandbox doesn't concern me. It's their problem, not mine.

[8D] (Jerry with his blinders on)

[rexhea]

I am in HO/DCC and have been monitoring the thread by MTH with greater concern over the legal impact to Model Railroading more so than the technical impact. The technical issues can easily be overcome with further development of DCC. From my studies of DCC, the surface has barely been broken. However, the legal impact is another matter. If the fear of litigation is always present , then the already struggling development and implementation of technology will obviously be aggravated.

REX

Edit: To include presently using DCC.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CP5415

I guess it's a good thing I'm not using DCC huh!

Gordon

Well Gordon, I think at this time DCC is the safe bet if you were going to choose a command system. It is well established, and proven, and there is a good selection of equipment on the market. Command is cool !!! Ever tried it?[8D]

[simon1966]

With the choice of locomotives for DCC being superior to DCS, there is no way I would even give DCS a second look for my layout. If MTH releases a locomotive that will run on DCC, that fits my era and location, I would consider it, if the price was in my budget. I don't feel as if I would dismiss an MTH purchase out right.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Karl, congrats on that third star. I see Jerry (roadtrp) is due for another pretty quick here too.

Simon, I think that a lot of people will share your feelings on this. I'm not sure that MTH has read the market very well here. In addition, Bachmann has their new DCC product, which I was just reading about. The price point is perfect for beginners, and makes DCS look insane. Sorry Andy.

[AntonioFP45]

Hello guys!

With all due respect: MTH's has been performing as much "Damage Control" as possible since it's emerging on to the HO market.

The issue from the very beginning was that when MTH's lawsuit was filed..........DCC's advancement, DCC manufacturer's, Dealers and finally customers were affected. Product advancement info that "flowed" to modelers from the manufacturers via e-mails suddenly slammed to a stop. [B)][:0]

As mentioned on the other threads many HO and N modelers actually KEEP INFORMED on developments in the hobby and take the relationship between the NMRA, manufacturers, and customers seriously. Some of the supporters persist into trying to turn this into a "which is the better system" issue when in fact it has been irrelevant. And as for DCS being better, O scalers have chimed in stating that this technology has it's "electrical sensitivity" quirks also, is more expensive, and some of the added features like Xmas music and station announcements might not be "high in demand" with many HO modelers. These types of features can be appealing to the toy market, though. But of course, to each his/her own.[8)]

The perception of MTH attempting to "BUST" its way onto the HO market with its proprietary system is still quite prevalent and not without merit. According to threads posted on other forums, even many O scalers look at MTH's actions with a bitter taste. I was surprised when I found out that one of the customers who's a regular at my LHS, (Happy Hobo Trains), a technical wizard with O Scale products, and DROPS BIG BUCKS on O scale equipment, absolutely refuses to support MTH in any scale sizes. So, as for the TEST that Jerry is allowing MTH to perform on his layout, best wishes.

Whether the locomotive does well or poorly may likely be irrelevant for many HO modelers. For those HO modelers that find the MTH products useful, more power to them.

IMHO, I feel that it is important to remember the ORIGINAL REASON why so many HO and N modelers hold MTH in low regard because of the "strong arm litigation tactics used by this company. This forum has many members from the U.S, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are fully aware of this. They in turn use the old fashioned "Word of mouth" methods to spread the word rapidly.

The feeling among modelers I've spoken to: The best thing that could happen for the benefit of everyone involved is if MTH loses the litigation. [sigh]

Peace out!

[twhite]

I model DC, so it pretty much depends on whether or not MTH decides to head for the DC/DCC compatable market like BLI. I'll be interested to see what they come out with, since I have heard very good reports on their 3-rail line. My LHS carries them, and I'm pretty impressed with what I've seen. Right now, as far as locomotive purchases, I'm at the saturation point, unless MTH comes out with something nobody's done before and some of us REALLY want. Which means, I hope, no more UP Challengers.

[CP5415]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

QUOTE: Originally posted by CP5415

I guess it's a good thing I'm not using DCC huh!

Gordon

Well Gordon, I think at this time DCC is the safe bet if you were going to choose a command system. It is well established, and proven, and there is a good selection of equipment on the market. Command is cool !!! Ever tried it?[8D]

Not yet Elliot, but I want to!!!
I just don't have the funds for all the boards needed to equip 50+ locomotives, most of them Athearn BB.
One day, when my kids have flown the coop & out of college, but that won't be for 20+ years

Gordon

[Anonymous]

MTH should stick with O gauge.

[Anonymous]

SJ said:

"MTH should stick with O gauge."

That's just plain silly. It would be the same as saying that Atlas should stick to HO.

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Because of the players and the problems involved in this issue, model railroaders from different scales have been reading and responding. All of this has made me curious.

BigBoy_4005

Regarding your poll, look at the choices that you put down for replies.

The question asked is if one is interested in MTH. Yet, the poll does not reflect Yes, No, Neutral, agree, disagree, etc. For example: Yes, HO (N or O ) modeler with reasons attached next to the choices.

Would you consider editing it?

Just an observation.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SantaFeJim

SJ said:

"MTH should stick with O gauge."

That's just plain silly. It would be the same as saying that Atlas should stick to HO.

Well, maybe MTH should be better prepared to enter a new market. HO is a different world from what they are used to. For them to think that they can just walk in and set up shop, may not work. Even if there were no hard feelings or preconceived notions, this would not be an easy task.

There is a cynical part of me that sees this entry into HO as a means to justify the patent, and settle a score with BLI, and nothing more.

As for Atlas, their timing was a lot better when they entered different scales. Their plan was to blend in smoothly, not just cra***he gates.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Because of the players and the problems involved in this issue, model railroaders from different scales have been reading and responding. All of this has made me curious.

BigBoy_4005

Regarding your poll, look at the choices that you put down for replies.

The question asked is if one is interested in MTH. Yet, the poll does not reflect Yes, No, Neutral, agree, disagree, etc. For example: Yes, HO (N or O ) modeler with reasons attached next to the choices.

Would you consider editing it?

Just an observation.

Yeah Antonio, this didn't turn out quite the way I had in mind. I think there is a character limit on text on the top part of the poll. I had more typed in there, and it got clipped. I think I got the jist of it across. I was trying to figure out who all was viewing the big topic, and what their background was.

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the few HO modelers who welcomes a new steam manufature. I see it as an opportunity for more never-produced-in-plastic steam to be release. Many of the post I read on that MTH topic were bashing and protesting remarks. Doesn't look good for Mike.

[darth9x9]

MHT has been devising a way to get into the HO market for years. They finally found a way of strongarming their way in. In their eyes they are doing a good thing. In the consumer's eyes, they are only hurting the industry. I will NEVER own a peice of MTH equipment - even if they were it away.

[cjcrescent]

QUOTE: I see it as an opportunity for more never-produced-in-plastic steam to be release.

Well, maybe, but so far all we have seen or heard is ANOTHER K-4. There are as many brass versions as there were/are importers, 1 kit, and 1, soon to be 3, plastic/diecast.

Now if MTH does release SOMETHING that has never been produced in plastic, is highly detailed to a specific RR, without the "Toy Train" effects that are on his Hi-rail and O-scale stuff, or copying what another company has made or announced. Plus he gives us the option as some of the other companies, with DCC Ready, or DCC equipped, or DCC equipped with sound, or lastly with his own DCS installed, then I'll look at it.

But not until.

[bn7026]

At this point in time I'm not interested in MTH.

When a company comes into our sector of the Hobby with all their open ended patents and their threatening ways I am very uninterested in buying any of the products they produce.

I'd rather buy a few locos and freight cars for the money i'd spend on one of their locos. My Yearly hobby budget only goes so far - I like to keep it under A$1000.

Lets support some of the little guys with a lot to offer like Branchline.

Tim

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by timbowa

At this point in time I'm not interested in MTH.

Lets support some of the little guys with a lot to offer like Branchline.

Tim

Just bought a pack of Branchline "36 wheels. Going to try them out on my Rivorossi passenger cars. Ditto on supporting the little guys too![#ditto]