Hi guys, I am new to the hobby and I have a question. I like both MTH and Lionel but I am having double thoughts on getting Lionel with Legacy because I was told that it won' t run with DCS like TMCC. Can I still run both? The only thing that I can think of is having 2 independent set of tracks in one table so I can do DCS and Legacy having 2 remote controls. Am I heading into a headache here or is it doable?
Thanks guys
The easy way to do this is to run both. On many layouts, except for very large ones(mutiple rooms), you can run them side-by-side and use the DCS remote for MTH, and Legacy remote for Lionel for best running. Use the TIU in passive mode - no power running THROUGH the TIU(see the manual) and the set up is just a little more than would be necessary for the one-wire TMCC/Legacy alone.
The loops do not need to be independent - the signals will not interfere w/ each other. Because MTH uses the center rail for the DCS signal(Lionel the outside rails), the DCS signal will not survive breaks for blocks or power districts. If your moderately sized layout cam be powered entirely with A TPC 400 & 2 bricks, this is a cinch to keep the blocks all "on".
Rob
My layout is 16x14, I have two mainlines, a figure 8, and various sidings and bypasses. I have been running DCS, TMCC, & Legacy simultaneously for 3 or 4 years. (Prior to Legacy just TMCC and DCS of course.) I have all my switches (25) wired to a conventional type control panel, and also to the DCS system, (2 AIU's). I also have about 12 accessories connected to the AIU. I am powering the tracks with a newer ZW, and all the switches, lights, and accessories with an older ZW. I have the DCS TIU, TMCC Command Base, and Legacy Command Base all connected together.
I can run any engine I have using the DCS Remote, including conventional engines. I can also use the Legacy remote at the same time for the Legacy and TMCC engines. My DCS Remote will also operate all my switches and accessories as well. The only restriction I have is trying to run conventional and ANY command control system engine on the same track at the same time. 11v is a little much for the conventional. I can however run them in parallel by conventional on one main, and command on the other. In playing around with the command systems and their respective "Record/Playback" features, I can run them at the same time as well. I have been able to "Record" sequences of both TMCC,Legacy, and DCS engines using the DCS Record feature. (Have to have the TMCC/Legacy engines "started" prior to initiating the Record or Playback.
Please do not think I'm bragging or anything like that, I just trying to say what "Can" be done. The equipment I have is really simple: 2 ZW xfrmrs, (1 old, 1 new), TMCC Command Base, Legacy Command Base, DCS TIU, and 2 AIU's, that's it.
Hope this helps.
Don
When we ran TMCC, DCS, and Legacy for out video, we had three individual systems plugged into the track (we powered Legacy with the same Z-4000 powering the DCS). We didn't have any problems at all.
Operating TMCC Legacy and DCS diesels.aspx
Bob Keller
Well guys, I guess I am a happy man today. The wifey just ok'd a Lionel and its a legacy. As always, i am always thankful and appreciative of your help and support.
Fife,
What voltage are you running? I have been running 17v, but backed it down to 11v, don't see an appreciable difference.
Unfortunately, i am new to the hobby and I don't have a layout yet. This is the reason why I asked about using both DCS and Legacy. Still planning on where to put the layout and what trains (MTH or Lionel) to use.
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