It is good to see another manufacturer come into the DCC motor control arena.
As Phoenix make what are possibly considered the best sounding (and very reliable) sound boards, it is great to see them branch out.
Phoenix have stated they are for use with the Bachmann locos and rated at 3 amps, so they are starting with lower capacity less power hungry locos first. Maybe they have done it due to size constraints that they set themselves.
Lets give them all the encouragement that they need to expand the range, as overtly critical reviews have seen a few of well known names either pull out of one or all areas of G scale or even bite the dust completely due to lack of purchasing etc.
Some of us in the rail modelling hobby, can be a pretty sanctimonious, self opinionated bunch and be ready to heavily criticise products which then restricts possible sales and therefore possible investment is also then restricted.
It is important to highlight things that definitely need to be sorted in new products but to also call out the good things in equal measure.
Bad press can crush the acceptance and development of products as mud sticks, even to other products from the same manufacturer. I cite Bachmann and their apparent mistakes or apparent quality issues with some products which were given, what could be construed as an overly critical appraisal. Bachmann are part of a large company that had the chops to possibly come through seeing some products nose dive but after disastrous take up of certain new models (C19, New version of Climax, 2-6-6-2 etc) they have finally said that they are not going to do any more new G scale (especially FN3) ).
I am not saying that constructive criticism is bad but grandstanding outspoken naysaying does more bad than good.
So good on you Phoenix for making a foray into a fairly crowded market and giving us even more of a choice. If your board works well within the 3 amps that you have set then well done..... but you will, inevitably, have to put up with clamours for higher power and the questioning why you have only set it at 3amps.
