06-15-2016, 12:34 PM
"...we don't have to buy into the latest technology to enjoy the hobby." Oh, but, in many ways, we DO. Most of the locomotives we buy now have decoders - DCC or DC/Dual-mode - those aren't FREE, just 'cause you use DC-only. If they have sound (that you don't use), probably $100.00 ADDED to the cost of one unit - and almost ALL locos are "powered" (so, "chipped") - few or no "dummies" these days. I'm sure DCC compatibility contributed to the demise of some dandy ("Old School") lines of models (Bowser steamers, f'rinstance ?), 'cause theTech/DCC remediation wasn't cost-effective. Tech makes our modeling budget shrink when it removes the non-tech products from the catalogs & shelves...and we pay, whether we use it or not. I'm glad it's there for those who want/need/use it...but I get a little fussed 'cause it limits (financially) my personal "enjoyment". 
Bob C.
Bob C.
James Thurber - "It is better to know some of the questions than all of the answers."