Tech, good, bad, indifferent?

[Tyson Rayles]

By that I'm talking mainly about DCC, computer interfacing, Virtual modeling ect.

[Sumpter250]

I chose "indifferent", because for me it's more the model building /the scene creation /and not to forget the train shows, and all the conversations, I get there.
Yeah, I suppose the technology is useful, but I'd rather be doing the research for the next model, and then build it.
When I get the "Tern" done, I will set down the lines drawing, of a Chesapeake Bay "Oyster Buyboat", and then, scratch-build it, as a waterline model for the modules. I've already printed out a large number of photos of the type of craft, and the next step is choosing to build it as a "work boat", or, as a former "work boat", converted to a private yacht. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[MasonJar]

Although I model pre-WW2, I use DCC, and intend to create a network and wireless interface so I can use a throttle on my phone.

So I chose "love it", being the closest to "it's interesting, and I'm looking into it".

Andrew

[ngauger]

I moved the topic to a more appropriate venue
That being said...... I voted against the new technology.

I'm old school, I was taught woodworking by 2 artisans that have now passed on. Their knowledge lost forever.

I'm self taught on most of my modelling, weathering and building. I think the prices are globally way too high for all these high tech DCC ready things and I think that more than a few newcomers can't afford to break in to modeling because there are no entry level modeks left anymore.

The R-T-R engines with sound and DCC are great, don't get me wrong, I just think that there still should be some plain Jane things around to let everyone afford some level of modeling without having to spend an entire paycheck or buy something that won't run correctly.

[Canadian Atlantic Railway]

I voted 1-2-3. I am happy with dcc, go to the train room to get away from reality and I don't know or care what the rest of it was/is.

[faraway]

I make use of high tech in our hobby as long as it serves my desires. I am not interested in the high tech itself.

[Brakie]

I still enjoy switching cars with my Athearn BB GP7 in DC as much as I do my sound equipped SW1500 in DCC.

In short it doesn't matter that's why I have a MRC Tech 6 since it gives me the joy of both worlds.

[ezdays]

Got to agree with Mikey. I'm also old school and prefer the challenges of DC to the versatility of DCC. Being retired and on a fixed income, I'm not in a position to spend hundreds of dollars on a DCC loco, or buy decoders and convert the ones I already have. I guess if I were inclined to do sessions with a bunch of others, then the latest technology becomes essential. When I had my layout, I never ran more than one train at a time anyway even though I had two DC cabs. I enjoy the modeling far more than running trains anyway, so my next layout just might be one big diorama, saving me all that money not having to buy DCC equipped locos with sound decoders and whatever new stuff they can add and charge for.

Yeah, running my trains from my smart phone and seeing them run using cameras does not appeal to me as fun. I do use my computer to design things and print background structures and things. That's about it for me and modeling technology. Fun is building things...

[Tyson Rayles]

Sorry I thought it was in the right place. For future reference how do I move it when I 'm done setting it up?

[MasonJar]

Sorry I thought it was in the right place. For future reference how do I move it when I 'm done setting it up?

"Right place" can be somewhat subjective, although there are differences in the sub-forums at the high level. Usually things get moved because they are obviously in the wrong place, or because perhaps they'll get better traffic in one over the other.

Members can get things moved by PM-ing any mod. You can't do it yourself.

Andrew

[ngauger]

Sorry I thought it was in the right place. For future reference how do I move it when I 'm done setting it up?

No problem

Somehow you placed it in the challenges/contest forum.... I thought it would get more traffic here in the General subjects forum. Judging form all the replies, I think you started a great conversation!!!

[MountainMan]

Depends on the user. From my perspective, the higher the tech, the more chances something will go wrong and the greater the maintenance and operation headaches.

My joy as a young boy was operating trains with an absolute minimum of technology - an electric outlet, a throttle and a train running on some tracks.

That's still more than good enough for me. The real problem with technology is the speed at which it makes itself obsolete and compels you to do it all over again with the next batch of "must have gadgets".

However, I admit that when the day finally comes that I can adapt my N-scale to operate by battery and remote radio control I will do it, because track wiring has become far too complex for something that used to be quite simple, and I had some elaborate layouts put together when I was young with all sorts of turnouts and what-nots, and it always ran flawlessly with simple-plug-and-play.

[Steamtrains]

#1...The more I can get, the better I like it..!!

[Prairie Trains]

I once lost interest in the hobby for a couple of years until I bought a DCC system and I have been at it ever since. The NMRA designed DCC to be able to evolve with technology, and I think they did a great job. If your model railway is just a loop of track and you have no one to operate with, analog is fine. But if you have 6 or more operators, using a transformer and block controls is a wiring and operating night mare. Using DCC has made my dream of a large layout with many friends coming out each week to help operate come true. When we are short of people and have no dispatcher the crews can line the main line switches from their throttles, some thing you could never do with just a transformer. Without technology you would need a lot of wire to walk around your layout with a transformer.

[railohio]

The more, the better. Luddites can always buy secondhand equipment when the early adopters get the latest and greatest.