"But I do want to emphasize one point made earlier (by Bill Lane I think). One
of the key drivers behind the development of NMRA DCC was the proprietary
nature of all the systems that came before it. You needed to purchase from a
single manufacturer, were at the beck & call of their development &
manufacturing schedule, no competition to drive down pricing (if that is
important to you) and if they went out of business, you were often left holding
the bag so to speak. So my advice to anyone going into any proprietary command
control solution whether is is S-Cab or one of the others on the market, please
do so with your eyes wide open to the risks that may be down the road".
--------------------------------------------
Good advice that fits many things in life....not just our hobby. I think radio
controlled/battery powered loco technology is further down the track (VBG) than
we all might grasp. Due to the RC car and aircraft hobby a lot of hard work has
already been done that we can borrow heavily on. S-Cab (NWSL) and TAM seem to
be the leaders in the RC battery powered train field right now and I'm sure
they'll be others as it grows. And as long as the RC hobbies in general don't
go away I don't see RC train control evaporating. As with any technology there
will be advances that can obsolete previous products (like everything
electronic today) but if what we are using today works, it will be a choice
whether to upgrade to better technology in the future.
I don't see RC battery control fragmenting the S scale train hobby anymore than
DC, DCC, DCS or Legacy do. In fact, I think RC battery power is on the train
control leading edge which might actually appeal to younger
modelers.......regardless of gauge. RC battery powered trains have come a long
way from the Bachman Hustler of the early 90's.
I'll admit it's not for everyone for too many reasons to list, but if it adds
enthuesiasm to the existing fold and possibly brings new members to the hobby
it's a good thing. I for one will keep a guarded eye on this technology but at
the same time embrace it for all I hope it will be.
Butch Holtgrieve
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