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 Posted - February 20 2015 : 1:33:56 PM
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Anyone heard of these yet?
Co-produced by Bachmann and Blue Rail Trains, these are Bluetooth-equipped HO locomotives that can be controlled from a mobile device! Currently an iOS app will soon be out for controlling them, but an Android version will soon follow. The locomotive will transmit its sounds to your device, and it can be used on existing DC and DCC systems without any conflict, according to Bachmann. So far, only the FT locomotive model is being offered.
I might actually get this for my layout! (the Santa Fe version, of course)
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Posted - February 20 2015 : 1:58:30 PM
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I really hope they eventually develop this to a point where the loco comes with a wireless video camera that transmits live back to the phone screen. Drive my train first person from my smart phone? Yes please! 
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Posted - February 20 2015 : 4:21:32 PM
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After seeing monsterrailroads Amherst interview with bachmann I won't buy any new products from them.
just me Ray... and just because I have Tyco doesn't mean I am not a model railroader
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Posted - February 20 2015 : 7:35:42 PM
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quote:After seeing monsterrailroads Amherst interview with bachmann I won't buy any new products from them.
Originally posted by rgcw5Â -Â February 20 2015Â :Â 4:21:32 PM
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I was looking for this interview on youtube ... I'm unable to find it. What's it all about?
~ Dave
They're ALL toys
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Posted - February 20 2015 : 7:41:33 PM
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I have never been a big fan of Bachmann trains or rolling stock.. I do have some Bachmann pieces though. I do like their line of "SceneScape" Trees...
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Posted - February 20 2015 : 8:23:47 PM
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I think that's a fairly neat idea. Bluetooth trains being controlled with cell phones, that's actually kinda neat and would definitely help get more people into the hobby.Well, maybe.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 22 2015 : 3:55:06 PM
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I have 2 issues with this system:
1. Currently it is new and only Bachmann has announced it. Could this be the betamaxx of model railroading?
2. This relies on a phone / tablet. The OSes on these are upgraded far faster than I upgrade the systems running my railroad. Will I need to buy new software when my phone is replaced in a few years?
This said I like the concept of this.
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Posted - February 22 2015 : 10:33:22 PM
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I like the concept of totally wireless control. It's a step toward battery power and freedom from all concerns about electrical contact.
The concern about the phone upgrade of the month club could be corrected with a dedicated controller. That might be necessary for this to really catch on.
I don't know whether it'll catch on, but it would probably eventually dethrone DCC if it does.
Carpe Manana!
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Posted - February 23 2015 : 1:20:10 PM
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quote:I have 2 issues with this system:
1. Currently it is new and only Bachmann has announced it. Could this be the betamaxx of model railroading?
2. This relies on a phone / tablet. The OSes on these are upgraded far faster than I upgrade the systems running my railroad. Will I need to buy new software when my phone is replaced in a few years?
This said I like the concept of this.
Originally posted by tkruger - February 22 2015 : 3:55:06 PM
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If they make the software free and simply charge for the engine it would make good sense. Even if someone downloads the software without buying an engine, it's not like Bachmann is losing any money, nor would the software be any use without the engine. Bachmann would also need to support the app so it runs on the newest phones. A system that only runs on phones 2+ years old is virtually useless.
I guess we'll have to see how B-mann handles it. 
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Posted - February 23 2015 : 8:10:43 PM
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quote: quote:I have 2 issues with this system:
1. Currently it is new and only Bachmann has announced it. Could this be the betamaxx of model railroading?
2. This relies on a phone / tablet. The OSes on these are upgraded far faster than I upgrade the systems running my railroad. Will I need to buy new software when my phone is replaced in a few years?
This said I like the concept of this.
Originally posted by tkruger - February 22 2015 : 3:55:06 PM
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If they make the software free and simply charge for the engine it would make good sense. Even if someone downloads the software without buying an engine, it's not like Bachmann is losing any money, nor would the software be any use without the engine. Bachmann would also need to support the app so it runs on the newest phones. A system that only runs on phones 2+ years old is virtually useless.
I guess we'll have to see how B-mann handles it.
Originally posted by DaCheez - February 23 2015 : 1:20:10 PM
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 Keep in mind though, this is the same company that made those cruddy cracked axle locos in the 80's and 90's. Beautiful locos but they're ruined by those dang cracked axle issues. But then again, they've transformed quite a bit since then. You never really know with these guys.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 26 2015 : 6:51:24 PM
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Big Al "Monster Railroad" interview with the Bachmann guys for a real opinion of how crappy trains are marketed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0kTTb4Joyk
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Posted - February 26 2015 : 7:27:37 PM
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quote:Big Al "Monster Railroad" interview with the Bachmann guys for a real opinion of how crappy trains are marketed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0kTTb4Joyk
Originally posted by Parts323Â -Â February 26 2015Â :Â 6:51:24 PM
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That guy definitely helps with summing up the current industry. What he says about it, I mean.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
Edited by - kovacste000 on February 26 2015 7:27:48 PM
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Posted - March 04 2015 : 11:55:29 AM
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quote:Anyone heard of these yet?
Co-produced by Bachmann and Blue Rail Trains, these are Bluetooth-equipped HO locomotives that can be controlled from a mobile device! Currently an iOS app will soon be out for controlling them, but an Android version will soon follow. The locomotive will transmit its sounds to your device, and it can be used on existing DC and DCC systems without any conflict, according to Bachmann. So far, only the FT locomotive model is being offered.
I might actually get this for my layout! (the Santa Fe version, of course)
Originally posted by wiley209Â -Â February 20 2015Â :Â 1:33:56 PM
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Actually it isn't all that new...sort of. Their is an app that allows you to control your Dcc trains via your smart phone. It's been around a few years now and some clubs utilize it at shows now. Really neat stuff.
If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.
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Posted - March 04 2015 : 12:02:54 PM
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quote:After seeing monsterrailroads Amherst interview with bachmann I won't buy any new products from them.
Originally posted by rgcw5Â -Â February 20 2015Â :Â 4:21:32 PM
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I can't belive folks at Bachmann think that their product is on par with everyone else. That was the funniest part. Not knocking their stuff as some of it does perform well but for 300 bucks? Heck no. I bought one of those locos for 120. It's nice, lacking some detail and the sound isn't all that great. That said it runs great for the 120 I paid for it. If I had 300 I would much rather get a Genesis, MTH Kato or Atlas even if it didn't have sound.
If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.
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Posted - March 04 2015 : 6:13:42 PM
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quote: quote:After seeing monsterrailroads Amherst interview with bachmann I won't buy any new products from them.
Originally posted by rgcw5Â -Â February 20 2015Â :Â 4:21:32 PM
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I can't belive folks at Bachmann think that their product is on par with everyone else. That was the funniest part. Not knocking their stuff as some of it does perform well but for 300 bucks? Heck no. I bought one of those locos for 120. It's nice, lacking some detail and the sound isn't all that great. That said it runs great for the 120 I paid for it. If I had 300 I would much rather get a Genesis, MTH Kato or Atlas even if it didn't have sound.
Originally posted by raysouthernpac - March 04 2015 : 12:02:54 PM
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Or a Broadway limited, too. Some of their stuff goes for that much.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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