Toy Train Ethics

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
As some of you know I've recently got TMCC and I'm going to get DCS in the near future.

Now the problem I've got is I want to run my Berkshire in command mode. The Berkshire is LN in box should I:
1) Convert it to TMCC
2) Sell it and use the money to buy a command engine
3) Not bother about command control

Regards to all,
Ben

[3railguy]

Which Berkshire do you have?

[spankybird]

And who made it [?]

[Anonymous]

It's a Lionel 736 from about 1960 I think.

Ben

[Anonymous]

When you get DCS, run the Bershire in conventional from one of the Variable Channels on the TIU. You can also run TMCC and PS-2 in Command on the same track as the 736.

Have your proverbial cake and eat it too!

[3railguy]

Ben, you can convert the 736 to TMCC with a Train America Studios 8 amp AC driver (around $80). The link is http://www.tastudios.com/tascmdupgrades.htm

Or you can buy a TPC unit and hook it to your command base and run your 736 or any non command engine in conventional control with Cab 1. The TPC unit also enhances the performance of your 736 because it softens the AC sine wave.

DCS is another alternative but you also need Lionel's command base and cab 1 to run TMCC engines.

I would hesitate to sell the 736 if it's like new in the box to buy a command engine. The 736 is much more desireable.