Carl Swanson stated in his editorial (CTT March 2012):
"For the past two months, the trains have been running off one small transformer and the accessories off another. I've enjoyed this return to 'old school' train control, but pretty soon I'll get around to looking through the command control instructions and have my system up and running once again."
I too enjoy the 'old school' type of train control. I enjoyed each of the command control systems, TMCC, DCS, and Legacy, but my favorite is undoubtedly the simplicity of conventional control. I suspect it has been 3 years or so since I last ran my DCS system and I only run my TMCC or Legacy engines 2 or 3 days a year. All of my MTH engines are in storage with the batteries removed.
I always thought cruise control was a great feature, especially for spotting cars over control magnets. But now I prefer the natural rhythm of conventional operation to the robot-like operation of cruise control.
As Tom McComas said in one of his train videos, "It was a simpler life back then". I like the simpler life of conventional control.
Earl
Amen, Earl!
John Gottcent
I concur 100%. Most of my trains are old like me and I like traditional transformer operation.
EIS2 But now I prefer the natural rhythm of conventional operation to the robot-like operation of cruise control. As Tom McComas said in one of his train videos, "It was a simpler life back then". I like the simpler life of conventional control. Earl
But now I prefer the natural rhythm of conventional operation to the robot-like operation of cruise control.
That just about hits the nail on the head. Couldn't agree more.
I'm with you, Earl.
me too
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
Some time back, the other forum did a survey of conventional vs remote control of trains. I believe around 80% of folks run conventional.
Nothing beats getting down on the floor and moving the throttle lever on an old tranformer! I have MTH engines with proto, but most of them have lost their minds! So they sit and get dusty while "Old school plug and play engines" haul the mail! Well....I did run my standard gauge layout by remote control this year. I had a 95 rheostat on a length of wire!
Becky
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
I will disagree on this one. I really enjoy using command control and I heven designed my layout to use conventional when I cannot run a command engine but still use the command system. Conventional is fun but command really makes it for me.
Founding member of the All Aboard Fastrackers! See us at: www.allaboardfastrackers.com
Add me to the conventional operation list. Conventional operation is simply the best entertainment of the hobby. On each of my three layouts, I have two or more transformers. It takes a little effort for realistic operation, but it is fun and that's why we are in this hobby!
I run my trains 100% conventionally. A close friend of mine has the remote control with sounds systems. I would like to put a sound system in one of my engines and run it conventionally. I like playing engineer.
Captaincog I will disagree on this one. I really enjoy using command control and I heven designed my layout to use conventional when I cannot run a command engine but still use the command system. Conventional is fun but command really makes it for me.
I have an out-of-warranty MTH engine sitting on the shelf now that requires about $200 to return it to full DCS command operation. I doubt that I will ever get it repaired. I may convert it to conventional control.
I wish you all the best with your command control. If you ever decide to change, command control will be waiting for you to return.
EIS2 Captaincog: I will disagree on this one. I really enjoy using command control and I heven designed my layout to use conventional when I cannot run a command engine but still use the command system. Conventional is fun but command really makes it for me. You might be surprised, but I agreed with your statement for the first several years when I got back into 'O'-gauge trains. I had no interest in running conventional any longer. However, after sending several engines back to the manufacturer for warranty repair, chasing DCS signal strength problems and TMCC ground plane issues, I decided I really liked the simpler conventional control operation. I doubt that there is a single person that enjoys sending engines back for repair. By the way, all engines that were returned to the manufacturers were command equipped engines. I have never returned a conventional engine to anyone for repair. I have an out-of-warranty MTH engine sitting on the shelf now that requires about $200 to return it to full DCS command operation. I doubt that I will ever get it repaired. I may convert it to conventional control. I wish you all the best with your command control. If you ever decide to change, command control will be waiting for you to return. Earl
Captaincog: I will disagree on this one. I really enjoy using command control and I heven designed my layout to use conventional when I cannot run a command engine but still use the command system. Conventional is fun but command really makes it for me.
I understand Earl and there are times that I do enjoy running conventional....I just do it with my TMCC or Legacy remote since it allows me to walk around my layout. I have all of my operating accessories wired to pushbuttons around the outside edge of the layout and I run 4 blocks so I can run two conventional trains, or one of each, etc. I really like now that I have SC2s and Command Fastrack switches I can run conventional and still use the remote to operate the switches. I too have had almost every new engine of late back in at least once for warranty repair...including a conventional engine! I just think that I have a real run of bad luck. For instance I had to take one Legacy diesel in and the shop had never seen the newly released paint scheme and then asked if I had painted the engine. Worst yet when the tech opened it up I got another call asking if I had ever been inside. Ummm...no....why? I asked and I just happened to get one that had looked abused. Oh well. I think that sometimes it is just more relaxing to put an old friend on the tracks and enjoy the sound and smells. We all can relate to that! BTW I just finished doing some more wiring on my layout tonight and that was almost as fun for me!
Take care,
Jeff
I like all of the bells and whistles, of the new goods, but nothing beats the 'Conventional Classics!
Ralph'
Earl,
I have never had anything but conventional so I have no idea what I would like better. I am fine with that. It gives me more money for other things on the layout.
Someday I would like to see how the new stuff works just for grins.
Kev
Joined 1-21-2011 TCA 13-68614
Kev, From The North Bluff Above Marseilles IL.
I love passenger trains, and after putting hundreds of figures I hand-painted inside of them, I like the constant interior lighting that TMCC allows when running slow or stopping. Other than that, I'm fine with conventional.
Traditional Postwar Lionel, old tinplate Marx and conventional control fullfil the nostalgia that I've been looking for. It aso holds true for my other hobbies.... non-amplified musical instrumenets and rubber-band powered model airplanes.
I was at a major train club recently that sees as part of its mission introducing youngsters to the joys of O gauge railroading. In a separate area of their facilities they have 3 modest layouts set up for the express purpose of letting youngsters run trains the old fashioned way: hands on a transformer throttle. Should have seen the excitement amongst them and the battles over who had the opportunity to run a modest consist around a loop. Didn't see one kid snub his nose that these layouts were not this or that command control.
What I appreciate most is equipment & accessories that run & run & run and manufactures that stand behind their products. No excuses, no blaming operator error, expired warranties, batteries, or fried/unavailable circuit boards.
I run conventional only because I don't have any of the new stuff. I am running temporary layouts on the floor, and I don't think any of the newer electronics would add anything. I have about 50 conventional locos, so converting to modern electronics would be costly. It probably won't happen until I get a permanent layout.
I run a mix of conventional and Legacy stuff. Seems like most of the time I will run conventional equipment with the hand held through a TPC. I like the freedom to walk around the layout.
On the Polar Express layout I did at the museum before Christmas, I would have appreciated cruise control. With the grades on that layout, I was constantly adjusting the throttle. Not optimal in an extended operating session.
I also operate both TMCC and Conventional with the Cab 1 via TPCs linked to my 180 Power Houses. The TPCs provide smoother start and run on my Conventional engines due to their many additional "speed steps".
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