I am looking to move into O gauge with an 8 x8 layout. I want to use the latest controls, and looking for advise on which system is better: Lionel Legacy or MTH DCS. Durability, reliability and ease of use are important to me. All advise welcomed.
Time to DUCK and RUN FOR COVER!!!!! Which system is "Best" for YOU will depend on on what Locomotives you own, or plan to own in the future. The real answer is, if you want the most flexibility in what you buy, you are going to buy BOTH Legacy and DCS. Many people cry rivers about the "EXPENSE" of buying both systems, but in reality most Diesels are more expensive than either system, and many Steam are more than BOTH systems put together. In MY opinion what a control system, or systems adds to a layout is far greater than what one or two more locomotives would add to the average roster. Most of Us (myself included) have more locomotives than our layouts can handle practically, but what Command Control adds to a layout, increase what the layout can use, and still remain fluid. In Many cases, the addition of a second control system is more cost-effective than the addition of another locomotive. But another locomotive is so much more attractive and Fun to Drool over(Guilty of this myself again)
Unless you really see only Lionel, or only MTH in your future roster, having BOTH systems really is the "BEST" choice. If You do really only see either Lionel or MTH as your sole vender for Locomotives, then the choice is made already, whichever system your prefered vendor uses.
Doug
May your flanges always stay BETWEEN the rails
TCG,
A little more info might be helpful for you, especially seeing it appears you are new to 0-Gauge. 3-Rail 0-Gauge Command Control systems are much more proprietary(Spelling?) than DCC systems. Legacy, and /or TMCC can not control DCS locomotives. DCS can control TMCC locomotives, BUT, you need to have a TMCC command base to be able to do it, so you are basically buying both systems, and have the ability to send command signals to the TMCC base from the DCS remote.
DCS, can control the same functions on a legacy locomotive that TMCC can, well because you are using the DCS remote to tell the TMCC base what signals to send. DCS can NOT control any more Legacy features than TMCC can. To get the full range of LEGACY features, you need a LEGACY system. TMCC/Legacy can not control DCS locomotives.
Legacy is basically the second generation of TMCC, with expanded functions and capabilities. Legacy is completely backwards compatible, and will control all TMCC equipment, without the need to also buy a TMCC system.
In a nutshell, if you want to utilize all of the functions of Legacy and DCS, You need BOTH Legacy and DCS systems.
I came across this post doing a little research for when I finally make the leap. Has anything Doug has said changed here in the last two years as far as compatibility between Legacy and MTH DCS?
Buy them both. DCS is a stuborn system and can be complicated. Legacy is a lot easier to program engines and etc. I use them both. If you run conventional [and especially Post War], Legacy is the better. Engines are easier to control and whistles blow a lot better. I started with DCS and immediately realized I needed TMCC. Then upgraded to Legacy when it came out. If buying one, buy Leagacy and then add DCS. Use both systems in the end.
God bless TCA 05-58541 Benefactor Member of the NRA, Member of the American Legion, Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville , KC&D Qualified
The chief nailed it. Nothings changed. TMCC/Legacy will run all brands of remote engines except MTH. So if you want both to run in remote mode you need both.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
Then you have lots of fun. Then the hardest problem is keeping up with the controlers.
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